I have a new nephew, his name is Chase.  I think I love him, even if he does chew on my fingers and toes from time to time…

makes me melt

When Jamie and I went on our trip we were blessed with the opportunity to visit a lot of family; something we don’t always get the pleasure of doing as often as we would like.  One of our destinations included visiting with Jamie’s youngest Uncle (on his Dad’s side) and his family in Charleston, SC.  My camera was on over drive when we were there;  not only was the city beautiful but these two little girls can melt your heart in just the blink of an eye.  We will be seeing them again for Thanksgiving in just a few days (yippee for family get togethers) so you may see a few more of them pop up soon.

Until then these are a few of my favorites- there was so many to choose from!

E enjoying the beautiful evening at the beach

the water was deeper than she thought, but definitely more fun than she thought!

more fun to be had, the dirtier the better

priceless face from little L

sisterly love at it's finest

talk about baby blues will ya- it's she gorgeous?

This little one is growing right before my eyes!  Today I received a text from his proud Mama (and my best friend) saying that he has taken his first steps!!  It seems like just yesterday that I was anxiously awaiting his arrival at the hospital- where does the time go??

These are a few pics that I took of little L at the pumpkin patch before we left for our trip.  He is a sweet, sweet boy and I cannot wait to see him dressed up in all of his Lobster greatness tomorrow…

my favorite from the day- snagged by my hubby :-)

I don't wanna work, I just wanna drum on my pumpkin all day...

fascinated with the pumpkins

beautiful day, beautiful family

with this guy :-)

Jamie and I are hitting the road for the next two weeks, woohoo baby-moon here we come!!!  Check back for updates…

I have been on a huge baking kick lately, which has included decorating sugar cookies.  I am not sure if this is just a part of the nesting phase of pregnancy or if the hobby will last, either way I am having a blast.  Check out some of my latest creations below, this week I am going to try and make some chiefs for the FSU game that we will be attending this weekend in Tallahassee.  By the way, if you have any interesting recipes send them my way!

some FSU cookies for the game this past weekend

cookie supplies from my most recent adventure

an attempt at cute and silly faces- the bright colors were so much fun!

Jamie and I had confirmation almost a month ago that the little butter bean I am carrying is going to be a boy!  We are so excited and can’t wait until his arrival.  Even more immediately, I am really excited about being able to call it a “he” and not an “it” anymore.  In preparation for our little man we have begun working on the his room.  We aren’t going with a theme, but have rather chosen a modern fish pattern for the bedding (this kid will love to fish, by the way) and are going to decorate with colors.  Check out the progress that we are making and all of the steps in between; by which I mean all of the furniture that we had to put together.

the many, many pieces of the dresser- there was a gazillion, I swear

finishing the dresser drawers with help from Piper- probably at least two hours later

all of the many parts for the crib, are you sensing a "many pieces theme" yet?

crib construction phase 1

the bambino and me with the crib, check out the finished dresser behind me

the finished room thus far

I have a secret to share… lean in closely since I don’t want to say this too loudly and jinx it.  I have an orchid in my kitchen near the sink by the window and it looks so great!  Big deal you’re thinking, I am sure.  Let me say now that I have a “black thumb” really, I am not exaggerating at all.  I have the gift for killing all things green that enter my home- except for this orchid!  It has been living here with us for two plus weeks and it still looks great, and it even opened another bloom since being here with me.  I know it’s crazy, even I don’t understand it but this flower is thriving and it makes me happy every day when I see it!

Where did I get this amazing orchid you ask?  From Ginny’s Orchids no less!  Ginny’s Orchids is a Winter Park Farmers Market regular and when Jamie and I were at the market a few weeks ago (check out the pictures here) we had the great opportunity to photograph these flowers.  They have the most beautiful orchids imaginable in all sorts of cool and interesting arrangements!  Really if you want an amazing gift check them out…

proof that there is a living plant in my home!

More of Ginny’s Orchids:

the flowers and adorable sign

some very pretty yellow orchids

a dancing lady orchid- so unique and so pretty

one word- wow!

A few weekends ago, yes I am behind on posting, Jamie and I headed to the WP Farmers Market with our friend Bryan.  We love going to the market, since there is always numerous things to see- flowers, yummy food, dogs and my favorite, people!  I could sit and watch the people all day, and I almost did.  Bryan came along and borrowed some of our equipment and got some really great shots.  I must say that it is pretty funny how three people can go tot the same place, stay for the same amount of time and come home with three different sets of images- perspective is great!!

Check out some the images but consider yourself warned- after viewing you may try frantically to find a farmers market near you…

Bryan’s Images:

one of the market in full swing

couldn't resist posting one of my hubby doing his thing

yes, "pinch your cheeks cute" is the description you are looking for

Jamie’s Images:

"come on Mom, I want to go...please!"

I love the face on this man- joy, pure joy!

this little girl was so cute passing out balloons with her Dad

My Images:

one of Bryan- I caught you :-)

what I wish my front garden looked like

tell me that doesn't look yummy?

adorable, curious little girl- check out those blue eyes

Yesterday Jamie and I took our dog, Piper, over to swim in my in-laws pool.  Let me explain something before posting these pictures, the pool (any pool or place with lots of water for that matter) is Piper’s Happy Place.  We all have a said “Happy Place”, the place that we day dream about when we cannot escape reality, well the pool is hers.

Swimming wears Piper out big time!!  She will literally go and go until we force her to leave; at which point she normally gives us puppy dog eyes and we stay for a little while longer.  I cave easily, what can I say…  She swims and chases two water toys most of the time that we are at the pool; she will retrieve either of them regardless of how many times we throw it and if she is really lucky Jamie will “race” her to them.  It is really entertaining to watch, and Jaime is usually a good sport letting her win.

the Happy Place

"racing"

Jamie stepping it up a level. Have I told you how much fun this makes it??

resting

one pooped- pup after an afternoon of swimming

Sunday afternoon, Jamie and I went to my dear friends house for lunch, to hang out and as a bonus we got to play with her adorable son, L.  He is almost 8 months old and irresistible!!  I could watch this kid ALL day, no joke.  Right now he is making all kinds of faces, which are so cute, and he is giving kisses.  The kisses are a little wet but could you resist this little one?

smiling at mommy

funny, funny faces

being sweet with me

beautiful boy

pucker up

I told you he was cute didn’t I?