Happy Easter weekend

Arise, My love.
The grave no longer has a hold on you

No more death's sting

No more suffering

Arise...Arise...my love

and so it is...

just like you said it would be. (shout out to Damien? Anyone?)

Well, friends, it has started.

With just three weeks until Jones' predicted arrival, we have come to the realization that Sophie is, in fact, a dog.

(sophie in her pre-baby talk days. Life was easier for her then)

Tonight was just the proof this little malte-poo needed to confirm her worst fears: her life is about to change, and the room we have so lovingly decorated is 100% for sure not for her.

It wasn't too long ago that Sophie had "me time" at doggie camp where she received massages, belly rubs and extra cuddle time. (re: here and here)

But tonight was different. Tonight the 9 lb fluff's worst nightmare came true. Tonight we gave her an at-home hair do. And let me tell you, it is something.

She was very fluffy and with summer fast approaching we knew she needed a more weather appropriate do. But with all that is going on (you know, having a baby) we are trying to make a better effort at saving every penny we can, as I am sure you all can appreciate.

So we didn't want to spend the 60 bucks to give her a legit, professional hair cut as usual. And I think Sophie knows we would rather use that 60 bucks for something fun for Jones. And she doesn't like it.

Trey and I spent hours this afternoon in his shed working on it. And we are still not done. I only wish she would cooperate for a full body picture. It is a sight. But no such cooperation, for she is pretty ticked at us at the present time.

But while her days at doggie camp may have come to a sudden stop, she will still wear Christmas PJs during the holidays and her pink parka in the cold months. She is, after all, our first born.

(looking dashing in her pink parka a few winters ago)

Sophie, this afternoon, blissfully unaware of her fate that was sure to come.

Tonight after the hack job. And after her bath. Refusing to look at the camera, completely embarrassedAll that is left of her once beautiful fluffy coat now lies in ruins on her daddy's work shed table.

happy

whenever I need a smile, I take a look at these two:

Henry and his best friend, Colton, at their soccer game.

So proud of themselves. Pure joy.

I love those boys.

spring fling help

I love this weather. 70's with a coastal breeze. Yesterday Sophie and I took an amazing nap outside in the sun. I gained a few freckles. It was just fabulous.

However, I have about 2 outfits that are both weather appropriate and fit my ever growing belly. I have started going through my sad wardrobe. And it is just that, sad. I am not working for the first time in a long time, so my current business casual wardrobe does me little good. Not to mention my body has taken a slight change for the round. And I don't expect to have a rockin' bikini bod by the end of the summer, either. I need to work with what I got.

So I need clothes.

Practical, spring and summer attire. Post baby-belly, yet I am sure not flat belly just yet. Clothes I can wear out with Jones. Comfortable. Casual. Hot coast weather appropriate. And most importantly - affordable.

A couple of no's - No mini dresses/skirts. Is this trend almost over? Maybe it already is. Here's hoping.

And I heard that denim leggings are in style this spring. I just don't think I can, for more than a few reasons.

For starters, I am afraid I would look less like this:


And more like this:

And neon colors are also in, according to the Today Show. I am just not convinced. Prove me wrong, friends, but from where I sit, I am not buying. I did the neon thing in the 80's. And I am sure on Derby Days.

I like to think at one point in my life I was somewhat stylish. I don't know. Maybe not. But I can assure you, I am no such thing anymore. So I need help.

Don't leave out the much needed sandals and handbags. Those are needed as well.

So, do you have any...

Websites?
Stores?
Ideas or inspirations?

I am really out of the loop. Please send any and all my way.
And did I mention it must be affordable? They will, after all, be spit up on.

Thanks, bloggers.

It hit me today that I am officially over being pregnant. I have loved almost every minute of it, but I am getting impatient now. The room is ready, the car seat, stroller, swing, bouncy seat are all put together; all we need is a baby. there are times when I think I will miss being pregnant - now is not one of them.

And if I can complain for a moment, my back recently started hurting daily and I now waddle as opposed to walk. I am ready to eat and exercise like a normal person.

In short, I am ready to meet and hold this little man. But I will be patient and wait.

And can I just mention that strangers say the weirdest thing to pregnant women? No, mister at CVS, I promise I am not having a girl, though I believe you when you say you can tell by the shape of the belly. Stop touching it now. He must be related to the full moon lady from wal-mart.

Thanks for letting me vent. I am going to bed now.

yaya, it's your day!

Happy Birthday to my favorite middle sister, Laura!

The sweetest of the Tomlinson girls, Yaya is a lover of all things maroon and white; can be found weekly enjoying Mexican food and gritas with her friends; is the favorite of many family members, (many of whom have informed me that Laura is, in fact, the only normal member of our family.)

And with that curly hair and cute dimple, who is to blame them? I see no fault in loving this fun-loving 2nd grade teacher.

Though you may have seen her running the streets of Starkville on a daily basis, Yaya can now be found getting slim and trim with the help of Tony and P90X. Not scared of a challenge, this birthday girl has completed marathon running like a champ. Devotion, friends. That's what she's made of.

And once a friend of this chocolate-lover, always a friend. With a friendship base that more than doubles the number of the average girl's posse, LT has girlfriends that span the country. And she knows the birthday of each one. Every single one. She has good friends because she is a good friend, which is unfortunately more than I often can say about this little sister.

So here's to you, Yaya, on the day of your birth. Eat Cake.

I love you!

showered with love, Hairspray, and full moons

Jones is a very blessed little man already. Saturday some of Trey's mom's friends threw a wonderful shower for him. My mom, dad, both sisters, brother-in-law and Henry all came down for the weekend. The boys watched basketball during the shower, a game I wish not to talk about.

The sisters with the mama dear

My mother-in-law and my mama

My sweet great-aunt Madelyn who lives on the coastMe (with bad hair), my friend Lisa (with Jones' future BFF, Shaw, in her belly) and her precious little girl.

35 weeks and growing. I now waddle.

Last night my mother-in-law treated me to a night out to see Hairspray at the Beau Rivage. Trey's aunt, cousin, mother, and I all went and had the best time. It was fabulous and made me want to dance and sing. I think in a different life I would have loved to have been on Broadway. Or a ballerina.

Thanks, Peggy, for a fun night!

At Wal-mart today as I was minding my own business sniffing every laundry detergent on the aisle, as I do every trip to the store, when a lady came up to me and asked when I was due. I told her, to which she quickly responded with a firm shake of the head in disapproval. She then, without hesitation, told me that I would not be delivering on that date. Instead, be prepared to deliver on the eve of the next full moon.

Well, ok then.

she makes us look good!

It is so fabulous having such talented friends! My dear friend since elementary school has a photography business and is ah-mazing. She shoots weddings weekend after weekend and is constantly booked to take precious pictures of children and families.

We were able to go on Sunday to Fairhope and Daphne, AL so she could work her magic on us. I am only her second maternity shoot, and let me tell you, she is good! We had the best time and Trey and I felt completely at ease. No point and click here, she is a true artist and just captured us in conversation. If you are anywhere close to Mobile (though distance does not really matter, this girl has traveled for weddings!) and in the market for some picture, you must call Tricia at Betty Donne Photography. I am so proud of Treeesh!

Here are just some of the shots - I can't wait to see the whole disk.

THANK YOU, tricia! We can't wait for you to take pictures of Jones!

i love them

My fabulous sisters hosted a shower for me and Jones in Jackson. They do way too much for me. I am a lucky, lucky gal.

My favorite two people and me (33 weeks)

The sisters with Nana. My mom was sick with pneumonia. Boo!

Check out just some of the precious decorations.

It was fabulous. EVERYTHING was fabulous. Trey and I will never be able to express how grateful we are to everyone.

In belly news, I am feeling good - about 34 weeks now. I have been going to the dr. once a week for the past 2 weeks due to contractions. He needs to stay put. Feeling big and my back hurts from the basketball that has taken possesion of my stomach, but other than that, I am great. Energy level is down big time. Miss the 2nd trimester energy. Luckily I have a fabulous husband who volunteers to go to the grocery store for me.

Starkville shower and nursery pictures

Some of my sweet high school friends threw a fabulous shower for me and Jones last Saturday. It was so perfect - I was able to see people I haven't seen in forever and Jones and I were showered with precious gifts and loves of love! It is so wonderful to have such precious people in our lives that celebrate exciting times right there along with us - Trey and I feel very blessed!

Here are some pictures. I have a ton - many are on facebook, I just don't have the patience to upload them all on here.

The hostesses with me - Ashley, Morgan, me (31 weeks preg.) and Jo some of the sweet guestsme and my cute mama


three sisters (in an awkward pose)

Gorgeous and mighty delicious

Amy and me - she is now a Starkville resident, and lovin' it!
My mom came to my house on the Thursday before the Starkville to help sew the window treatments and help organize the nursery. And by help, I mean I watched. She is wonder woman! And then this past weekend, Kristen, Laura and Henry came to help organize more and decorate the nursery. What in the world would I do without my sisters and mom? They helped me wash all of his clothes (Which I was terrified to do!), organize his closet, hang pictures, fold towels, get all his changing table necessities organized, etc. etc. Wonderful!

There are still a few things left to do - chandelier needs to be hung, a few more things on the wall, and the window treatments need to be finalized, but here are some pictures.

I was really nervous about how we were going to fit all of the furniture that I wanted to use in his small room, but it ended up working perfectly.

I love the way it turned out!

The crib and bedding.

And that sweet lamb hanging on the crib. It is a noise maker - mommy's heartbead, rain, ocean. I love it.

This was Trey's chest of drawers.

Please look at the canvas Trey's parents gave Jones. It says "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Do you know how loved you are?" Then it has his full name. Precious.

And that turtle? It's an awesome nightlight that shines the stars and moon on the ceiling. I want one for my room.
(ignore the painter's tape on the curtain. I said they weren't 100% completed)

His closet

Originally it had two glass sliding doors. My mom made these silk panels. And notice the sweet bird and verse on the wall above. Love it!

I have since changed one of the gowns with the gown he will come home in - it's the same one trey came home in back in 1980. No fear. I have the picture of baby trey in said gown. Will share soon.

comfy chair
the pillow matches the panels on the closet doors
fabulous roman shades that my mom made
I love this spot - I sit in it daily

This was my Nana's mama (Jones' great-great grandmama) buffet. My fabulous mother-in-law painted it and put the original hardware back on. I am still needing a changing bad cover and a few more things, but I LOVE the changing table. Cute place to change a cute stinky diaper.

This was Trey's great-grandmother (again, Jones' great-great. Awesome!) china cabinet. My mom put the silk curtains behind the glass doors and voila. A china cabinet fit for a prince's nursery.

Final nursery picture with light fixture and final touches will come eventually.

I can't thank my sisters, my mom and my mother-in-law enough. They helped in so many ways I can't even begin to explain it all.