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Our Christmas Bucket List

We're calling today's blogging session "bougie blogger's lunch" i.e. I'm blogging, and Scarlett is enjoying her Angus Barn stuffed potatoes (for those not local to the Triangle, Angus Barn, to me, is the pinnacle birthday / Christmas decor restaurant). Leighton didn't like purees, neither does Scarlett, but Scarlett has been most smitten with these potatoes and the famous Angus Barn appetizer cheeses which consists of cheddar and blue cheese. I'm enjoying would-be-cold coffee, because it's noon, but my fave Cyber Monday purchase arrived from Amazon, and it has changed my morning to noon coffee game. It's this carafe but was just $19 over the weekend. All that to say, we're mission accomplished on laying out our December days via Our Christmas Bucket List. Order subject to change, but here's a rundown of 25 ways we'll be making this month merry. I started this last year in an effort to make every day count instead of running around asking myself what now? I hope it helps give you some ideas, too.

1. Make homemade ornaments. Could be anything, a kit from Michael's or the Dollar Tree. I got a set of two plastic clear ball ornaments from the Dollar Tree for you guessed it, $1. I painted the girl's hands white and stamped them on the ornament, Sharpie-ing and painting on little eyes, buttons, noses, hats, scarves and arms for a little snowman crew. Leighton did hers all on her own. Here we go!

2. Go see free Christmas lights. I feel like every town has a someone who goes all out. We're heading to Christmas Lights on Holt Road in Apex which can be best described as a mansion that literally stops traffic with its all lit up beauty. Details.

3. Eat a candy cane. Added a bag of teeny tiny ones to our grocery order this week. Easy as that. 

4. Pizza party and a Christmas movie. The pizza is frozen, our fave is Screamin' Sicilian Supreme, and the movie will be whatever Leighton picks. We eat the pizza at the coffee table is the treat, barricading off our little party area from our dog, Bentley. Once the girls are fast asleep, Hank and I will watch Christmas Vacation and split a bottle of wine. 

5. Festive ice cream. The Christmas flavors are here, and the search is on for the candy cane ice cream that has the tiny crunchy candy cane bits in it. I’m going to check out our local shop Fresh in Apex who rolled out their whole crew of very merry flavors including candy cane, holiday sugar cookie, gingerbread and frozen hot chocolate.  

6. Santa brunch. A tradition our clubhouse puts on. Santa in a mask and cranberry crusted chicken with champagne sauce, we're here for it. 

7. Write THE Christmas list and mail it. This one is not edible haha. Our town has a real cute Santa's mailbox they put outside of Town Hall. Leighton will write her list out, and we'll cruise on over to make the drop. I already got a sneak peek as the other night she saw Santa and told him she would like a Barbie Dream ... and he interrupted her and said ... House, and Leighton said, no a Barbie Dream Plane, and Santa replied, "because when the house isn't good enough." I was dying ... Still am as I type this ... Scarlett is eyeing the Little People Disney Princess Parade.

8. Cut out paper snowflakes. Hang in window. Instant never-gets-old charm. 

9. Cart and cocoa. I'm going to make hot chocolate in the above mentioned carafe, a tiny traveling cocoa bar too with cups and mini marshmallows, grab the blankets, see the neighborhood lights by way of golf cart, stop midway in a cute garden to pour the cocoa, then finish out the light tour with warm hands and warm hearts. This one could totally transfer to a car or just a hot cocoa night. 

10. Mail holiday cards. Leighton helps with the stuffing and stamps thus a holiday activity was born.

11. Make snow. Ariel did this at Leighton's birthday party this year (my guess is Elsa taught her how), and it was simply baking soda, super cold water and a little magic followed by an outdoor snow fight.

12 - 13. Surprises. Holding two spots for surprises. Last year I did a CHARM IT necklace and a few charms, this year I'm thinking some Dollar Tree fun, because I saw so many cute things there like light-up necklaces, plastic nutcrackers, solar-powered Santa and the likes. 

14. Welcome an elf. It’s not a day you can predict. And never say never! That’s all I’ll say about that. 

15. Be in a Christmas program. Leighton’s class puts together a Christmas program at school that we’ll get a link to enjoy. Featuring songs like “Up on the Housetop,” “I’m a Little Santa,” “Away in a Manger,” “Jesus is Savior” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” there’s sure to be a good at-home dress rehearsal. 

16. Nights of Lights at Dix Park. We usually bounce around the Triangle going to this and that, this year we'll still be bouncing but in our car for this drive-thru light show. Details.

17. Chick-fil-A and the Nutcracker. A tradition with Leighton and her cousin Millie where in pre-COVID times they would dine fancy and then head to the high school ballet. For year three of this tradition, we're grabbing Chic-fil-A take in, watching the Nutcracker on TV and snacking on popcorn - still in our red matching All She Wrote Notes "Merry Christmas Y'all" long sleeves.

18. Popcorn party and a Christmas movie. The same as number four but with popcorn, and the movie will be whatever Leighton picks, again. We eat the popcorn at the coffee table is the treat, barricading off our little party area from our dog, Bentley. Once the girls are fast asleep, Hank and I will watch Four Christmases this time (loveee some Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon in this one, Hank likes it too; Scored the DVD on Amazon for $3.99, because I was paying to rent it every year) and split a bottle of wine. 

19. Get a cute gingerbread man cookie. Love scouting out a cute bakery that bakes up actual gingerbread man cookies. Some options I'm going to look into Monuts in Durham (where I got a peep of their gingerbread cookies wearing masks). 

20. Crafts with dad. Hank always googles up something cute like a handprint wreath or tree craft that's been on a mug, canvas or ornament, and that I surely cherish. This year it's sure to be double the fun with two little girlies. I get out of the house for a bit while they make it happen.

21. A Very Bestie Christmas + Christmas Golf Cart Parade. Double header! It's year 16 of A Very Bestie Christmas with my bestie May, a tradition we've been up to since we were roommates in college. It's all fun, part Mexican fiesta, part gift exchange. This year we're pairing it with my neighborhood's Christmas golf cart parade. 

22. Fieldstream Farm Festival of Lights. We usually bounce around the Triangle going to this and that, this year we'll still be bouncing but in our car for this second drive-thru light show. Details.

23. Make cookies for Santa. Because, gotta have them.

24. Dipmas + Read The Night Before Christmas. Another double header ... Dipmas answers what's for dinner on Christmas Eve, dips! And the best bedtime story of all on this eve, The Night Before Christmas. Goal is to definitely enjoy church service on this day too, from home with candles (!) I'm thinking.

25. HBD Jesus. Be sure to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus at some point today. 

And that's a wrap! Each of these are written on a piece of paper and placed in the above advent calendar drawers, from Hobby Lobby, decorated at home. Every morning Leighton gets so excited to open a drawer, and see what the day will bring. DM me on Instagram @sayecheese with your ideas, I'd love to hear them. Merry, merry.

Other ideas: 

Build a gingerbread house. You can find a kit pretty darn cheap, and it's easy entertainment. 

Christmas book marathon. Pretty simple, read as many Christmas books to the girls as they can stand outside of the usual bedtime story time. My dad got the girls this book that's too much of a party for bedtime, has the words with all the most popular Christmas carol music to go with it, so this would be a good time to sing it.

Welcome Back Self

Wow. Since I last posted Leighton turned four, we've experienced a global pandemic and had our second little girlie, Scarlett Love. You can catch up on the last four years - oh my goodness - over on Instagram, I'm @sayecheese. I always loved this little space, feels nice to be back ... ish, I think mostly for times when my Instagram caption would be so long it'd flow into the comments, but we will see.

I Wuf These

From a visit to my favorite coffee shop, Thanks a Latte, to a wedding in downtown Raleigh, this weekend was brimming with a few of my faves. My mom came to visit too, and after church on Sunday, I said mom, we HAVE to swing by the Waggin' Tails pop up in Raleigh. She was so down. The owner, Caroline, and I met last year through our Carolina roots. She actually (!!!) covered my maternity leave and by covered I mean she gave me the best. gift. ever. (i.e. uninterrupted time getting to know Leighton). And!? We became friends. Oh life, you are too sweet.

Waggin' Tails radiates happy - ask Bentley (Hey, B!). It's really nicely made bandanas and bowties. I love supporting fellow entrepreneurs, local delights and Carolina alumni - Waggin' Tails is all of that. You know it's a good thing when you have some of something and love it so much, you're still wanting more. Bentley ohhhs and ahhhs over his Stars, Stripes and Shades (pictured above), Donut Worry, Bark Happy, Pinata Pawty and Beggin' for Brunch bandanas (pictured below).

He's still begging for Sprinkled With Love (pictured above), In My Mind and all of them really. How cute are the names, too!? Go get lost on the Waggin' Tails site for a bit because you (and your pup!) won't regret it.

Recipe: Chicken in the Garden

Someone made a rendition of this casserole during our first few weeks of life with Leighton. It was memorable and easy enough to make again so here we are. We switched up the recipe a bit and made it our own. This can easily be made vegetarian if that's your thing, too. It's a weekday goodie and is leftover worthy if you're in need of some next-day lunch.

Ingredients 

2 yellow squash, sliced (no need to peel)
2 bunches broccoli (cut off and use the florets, minimal stems)
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 sweet onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 rotisserie chicken, cleaned and chopped
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
20 ritz crackers, crushed (about 3/4 cup)

Directions

In a small skillet, add one tablespoon of butter over medium heat until melted. Add the chopped sweet onion. Saute for 10 minutes or so until slightly browned and soft - caramelized onions are the goal. In a separate large skillet, add the squash, broccoli and carrots. Fill the pan a quarter of the way with water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes or until tender (stab with a fork test). Drain well. Remove skillet from heat. Add the caramelized onions to this large skillet of garden vegetables. Chicken too. Stir in cheese and next three ingredients. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 11 x 7 baking dish. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate bowl. Stir together melted butter and crushed crackers. Sprinkle evenly over top of casserole. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Enjoy!

... And time keeps flying.

Sweet long story short, we had Leighton Hope on July 30, 2016. Now she's a month and a week shy from turning one. That's a crazy reality to type. She's everything we prayed for and every joy we never knew existed. If you're in a season of waiting, the wait is worth it. Catch up with Leighton on my Instagram, @sayecheese, or via #LeightonSaye to see all the adventures in between this post and the last one, as it has surely been awhile.

Seven Months

Whew! It's been awhile. Seven months to be exact. It's crazy how quickly time has flown - the fastest in my life. I guess it's because every minute of every day is filled with taking care of this little babe or thinking of taking care of this little babe. Leighton Hope was born at 12:07 a.m. on Saturday, July 30. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 inches long. It was quite the journey to have her and quite the journey to welcome her to the world. Our birth story isn't what I thought it would be, but I went into it not being set on a certain path. I was open to whatever our birth story would entail as long as we all survived. Our due date was July 20 and that day passed and some more days passed and so we set an induction date of July 29. My last day of work prior to maternity leave was July 28. I worked right up to the date, because I felt great, and it made the days fly by instead of it being a waiting game from sun up to sun down. On July 29 we got our games faces on, packed our bags, of which we needed hardly any of it.

Pregnancy Survey: 41 Weeks

1. How far along are you? 41 weeks. Leighton and I have been hanging out for 287 days.

2. What fruit/veggie is your baby? Pumpkin

3. Symptoms: Nada. Feeling great!! 

4. Total weight gain/loss: 29 pounds

5. Sleep: All of it. As soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out. And thank goodness for that.

6. Cravings: Izze Sparkling Clementine 

7. Aversions: Nada

8. Best Moment of the Week: Knowing that Leighton will be here TOMORROW. Looking back on being pregnant and just loving it and feeling so grateful / thankful / lucky for it. 

9. Gender: Girl

10. Belly Button In or Out? In (but it really wants to be out!)

11. What I Miss: What I will miss... Being pregnant! And once again, time, just how darn fast those 287 days went by. 

12. What I am Looking Forward to: Same as last time... Meeting Leighton!! And soaking in this sweet time with Hank and family and friends.

13. Milestones: Flying right by that due date. And being ready.

14. Exercise: Long walks catching Pokemon (seriously!). 

15. Maternity clothes: Same flow-y goodness as before. I found a gem of a dress in a forgotten drawer so that was a win.

Pregnancy Survey: 37 Weeks

1. How far along are you? 37 Weeks. (38 weeks tomorrow!)

2. What fruit/veggie is your baby? Swiss chard... I have no idea. BUT, tomorrow the milestone sticker set we have marks 38 weeks with a pineapple. 

3. Symptoms: Swollen feet and fingers. All the pee breaks in the night. Overall feeling big. People often say, oh to be pregnant in the summer, but that part, the season part, hasn't been that bad. I get to wear flowy dresses, sandals and swim outdoors in the sunshine. I'm good with that. 

4. Total weight gain/loss: 25 pounds

5. Sleep: With having to sleep on your side, you're putting all the new weight on that one side. So it eventually feels like pins and needles on your right side. So you flip. And then it happens to your left side. So you flip. So just dealing with flipping like a pancake a few times in the night. 

6. Cravings: All the sweets. 

7. Aversions: All the vegetables. Except broccoli, I can get really excited for some broccoli. 

8. Best Moment of the Week: Feeling ready because at this point it's ready or not. Having all the small to dos off the checklist. Swimming laps before work with Hank is always fun. I feel happy and accomplished and most of all - weightless. Oh, and my very Carolina shower at work was super fun, and we were gifted and loved well. 

9. Gender: Girl.

10. Belly Button In or Out? In. 

11. What I Miss: Fitting in a good pair of distressed jeans. 

12. What I am Looking Forward to: Meeting Leighton!!

13. Milestones: Making it to 37 weeks which is full term. Yay!

14. Exercise: Swimming laps tomorrow morning with Hank. Last week I did 22 so that felt pretty great. 

15. Maternity clothes: I rocked some of my best friend Kathleen's white maternity shorts over the fourth, and they were great but other than that, carrying on with all my boho flowy-ness. 

A Down by the Sea Nursery

My husband Hank and I are college sweethearts from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We were engaged in Charleston a couple years after we graduated and fell in love with that sweet city down by the sea. After a year and a half trying to get pregnant, we were so excited when it became a reality for us with baby girl Leighton Hope on the way this July. In creating a nursery, I knew I wanted it to be a space that would grow with Leighton while also having a nod to Charleston charm with a side of our alma mater.

We started with a fresh coat of toasty gray paint and sailed to it. Hank and I had a blast curating each and every item throughout these past few months. Hank is a talent at hanging frames so our gallery wall was the anchor for the rest of the nursery. Among the sailboats and pineapple on the gallery wall lives the happiest merman you'll ever see. It's my favorite art piece because Hank created the watercolor when he was just a little guy in elementary school.

Each month throughout our journey to having a baby, we put all that we could into Hope. Hope is Leighton's middle name and can also be found in a print on the gallery wall, a reminder to 'Let Hope Anchor Your Soul.' You'll see that the nod to our alma mater, with a ram as our mascot, is subtle but found in the felt ram head on the gallery wall - complete with a pink flower crown, of course - and the mobile above the crib.

I delight in estate sales, vintage shops and fields upon fields of antiques. I could not be more excited when I moved around a few things in an antique field to discover a wooden pineapple that we later set upon the dresser. As for the vintage books, Peter Pan and Fifty Fairy Tales, that was one of those u-turn when you see an amazing estate sale kind of moments. I love any piece in a space that is unique and tells a story.



There's a sweet mother and daughter duo in my area that finds the cutest pieces. I almost fell out of my chair when they posted a 'rockin' boat' they scored. It was bright red, yellow and blue, and I saw the potential right away. Hank brought it to life with mint, light blue and gold spray paint. For now it will hold Leighton's stuffed animals but soon she'll be rocking away in this playful find.



Children's books are really important to me so I wanted to be sure I tucked them into every nook and cranny I could. I cherish creativity and imagination so really enjoyed picking favorites that we can read to Leighton as soon as she arrives. I think that's one of the little moments I am most excited about.



When I was little, my room was entirely pink. For the nursery, we wanted to create a more neutral and serene space but definitely could not leave pink behind. We brought in a hint of pink with a felt flamingo head - who wanted to wear a flower crown just like the aforementioned felt ram head - and an art print featuring pink flamingos. Where can you go wrong with flamingos, pineapples and a day by the sea?





Hank's grandma completed our nursery look for us at our baby shower when she gifted us a painting of a beach she did. Grandmother art could not be more special. It was the last item we placed upon the shelf and not only reminds me of our favorite beach days in Charleston's neighboring Sullivan's Island but of the love found in family. We can't wait for this space to come alive as soon as Leighton arrives. Until then, we'll be soaking in the last few days down by the sea (and pool) that we can.

See the full 'A Down by the Sea' nursery gallery.

Duck, Duck, Itinerary

Hey, OBX. Here's what we were up to in Duck, North Carolina. My favorite part was beach walks every single morning and collecting all the seashells.

Destination: Sanderling Resort

DAY 1 

Four-hour drive from Raleigh, N.C. 

Lunch: Cruise right into town by lunchtime and stop at Coastal Cravings (Guy Fieri via Food Network; Get the crab cake sandwich.) 

Check in and explore resort (4 p.m. check in but our ocean view room in North Building was ready early!)

Beach 

Dinner: Paper Canoe at 7:30 p.m. (Right near hotel - you can walk. My favorite spot of the whole trip.) 

S'mores at the fire pit!!

DAY 2

Breakfast: Duck's Cottage for Coffee (coconut-crunch coffee is all the yum!) and Donutz on a Stick for breakfast. The cottage has some cute little shopping like their wood-crafted Christmas ornaments. Donutz is on the boardwalk with benches, a nice little spot to eat your donuts outside. 

Walk some of the boardwalk. 

Beach

Lunch: Red Sky Cafe (Get the fish tacos.) 

Beach (or outdoor pools, indoor pool, spa tubs, etc.)

Dinner: The Blue Point at 7:30 p.m. (Pricey, romantic spot. Get the fresh catch.) 

S'mores at the fire pit!!

DAY 3 

Breakfast: Treehouse Coffee (Get your coffee and breakfast sandwich or bagel with cream cheese all in one stop. Love their vibe so much.)

Beach

Lunch: Roadside Bar and Grill (My favorite lunch spot of the whole trip. I'll say it 38362883 more times but get the fish tacos. AND they have an awesome bar called Backside Bar that wasn't open for the season yet when we were there but definitely set aside a chill time and grab some beers there.) 

After lunch stroll at Duck Village and Scarborough Shops

Get ready for the night then head to Seagreen Gallery in Kill Devil Hills. My favorite of favorite shops. Super cool feel, awesome vintage postcards, glassware and locally poured soy candles (jasmine rose scent!). 

Stop by Forbes to grab the tastiest salt water taffy to eat later (when your home dreaming about OBX). 

Jockey's Ridge for climbing epic sand dunes. And I mean epic.

Outer Banks Brewing Station for local beers. 

Dinner: Tortuga's Lie (Guy Fieri via Food Network; We just grabbed burgers - cheap and tasty). 

I found out I passed my glucose test!! So had a massive craving to celebrate with DQ. Although, I think they told the Oreos to evacuate before my blizzard was made.

DAY 4

Breakfast: Stack 'Em High (Back out towards Kill Devil Hills; owner is hilarious; order up pancakes with bananas, chocolate chips and pecans.)

This was my favorite day!! We had time to kill so of course stopped by Seagreen Gallery again. Then I dropped Hank off at Crossfit OBX, and he worked out while I shopped away at... TJ Maxx! Seriously - it was a good one where I found cheap beach dresses and cute Rifle Paper Co. for LeSportSac pieces. 

Lunch: We grabbed a bag of Coastal Cantina (Mexican!) to go and picnicked on the beach. 

Beach 

Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla (So pretty! Climb all 220 steps at $10 each, cash. It's gusty at the top.)

Drinks on the water at super touristy Sunset Grill. I wouldn't go here to eat but for a a drink, okay. I had a Shirley Temple, my favorite.

Beach / Resort Chill 

Dinner: We ordered in pizza from Pizzazz - delivered right to your door. We sat on our cute little balcony complete with screened door and enjoyed away. 

No fire pits when storm is brewing so no s'mores this night. Carry on...

DAY 5 

Breakfast: Lifesaving Station (at resort; built in 1899) 

Massages at Sanderling Spa at 10 a.m. (The best massage we each have ever had.)

Lunch: The Black Pelican, Kitty Hawk (Guy Fieri via Food Network; Get the she-crab soup and shrimp platter.) 

Beach 

Back to Coastal Cravings for drinks (original plan was beers at Sweet T's but they closed early that night). 

Dinner: Eastside at 7:30 p.m. (Seriously ah-mazing and such a breath of fresh air for a beach spot. Just wow. Second favorite dinner spot - and it's surely almost tied with Paper Canoe.)

S'mores at the fire pit!!

DAY 6 

Breakfast: Coffee at Sweet T's and Duck Donuts for breakfast

Check out at 11 a.m.; Soak in last beach views

Home

Notes for next time: Beach chairs and umbrella included each day; S'mores kit in room upon arrival; Cutest rubber duck in shower; Duck Boardwalk for a stroll; Yoga on the beach would be a great idea; Dune gliding; Pack kite; Outer Banks Popcorn Shoppe; Sunset cruise; Rent bikes; Sanderling beach picnic basket as a lunch option.

Maternity Session Sneak Peek

Photos via Blue Barn Photography

Pregnancy Survey: 33 Weeks

1. How far along are you? 33 Weeks. (Only 49 more days!?)

2. What fruit/veggie is your baby? Pineapple!!!! I've been waiting for this moment. But seriously, 17 inches and 4.25 pounds.

3. Symptoms: Swollen feet. Officially removed my stand-up desk today. Swollen fingers. Lots of pee breaks. Nothing I'd complain about though - feeling like me / great. 

4. Total weight gain/loss: 21 pounds. I went from start to 31 weeks gaining 13 pounds. Then I went crazy and gained eight in just three weeks. The doctor asked what I would attribute it to, and I said all the cake. But seriously, between anniversary trip, 30th birthday and 'Birthday Baby Q' - I had a little too much fun. My total weight gain is suppose to be in the 20-25 pound range so only 3/4 pound per week for me here on out.

5. Sleep: Sleeping better than a couple weeks ago. I'm out so cold Hank is like a ninja in the morning... I don't even know he's up showering and all that. Hope I keep it up.

6. Cravings: Nada

7. Aversions: Nada

8. Best Moment of the Week: Well, of two weeks ago was definitely our 'Birthday Baby Q.' It was a gorgeous day for a lawn party in the company of my favorites. We photo boothed, saw who could chug beer out of a bottle the fastest and judged a cutest baby contest (crafted with Play-Doh). We ate barbecue and all the fixins,' enjoyed all the cake, were surrounded by pretty decor and opened delightful gifts. It was a great day celebrating 30 years + Leighton Hope. Also, my totally ah-mazing temporary employee that started today. It's a good feeling knowing that someone is as excited to do my job as I am each day. Oh, and having the nursery finished. Tour coming soon.

9. Gender: Girl.

10. Belly Button In or Out? In. I asked the doctor if he thought my belly button would stick out, and he said he hadn't gotten that question before (!?!) but that I have a deep belly button so I should be good (but of course added not that it could never happen). There's always a but - just to be safe.

11. What I Miss: Margaritas and queso. And Jimmy John's. Same things different day. I'll go back to that time thing to... Having all the time in the world to "get ready" but can't even believe we're under 50 days. 

12. What I am Looking Forward to: Checking off the rest of our to dos. Putting all the baby swag together. The hilariousness that is a birthing class. A very Carolina work shower. 

13. Milestones: Being noticeably pregnant. You can't miss it. Someone asked me the other day when I was due, and I said, I'm not pregnant. I'm trying to get someone on that (so bad I know), but he said, someone already told me that you're pregnant... So ,that "joke" didn't work that time.

14. Exercise: Swimming laps. This week. For real. 

15. Maternity clothes: No. I can't wait to where my 'Birthday Baby Q' dress to a wedding next weekend though. Seriously so excited. I love that thing in all its flow-y, maxi, neon glory.

Last Post in My 20s

I seriously can't even believe it. I specifically remember going to hang out with some people a couple years ago and someone told me they were 30. I was like OMG - they're so old. And now that's me. Looking back on my 20s, it was filled with so much... Celebrating 21, graduating from my favorite place on Earth (Carolina), landing my first job, getting married, getting Bentley, traveling to favorites Paris, Rome, Barcelona and London, trying to get pregnant, getting pregnant and on and on. It was transitioning from college life to young professional, and I think that's certainly figuring out who you are and who you want to be. I think it's sad to say goodbye so perhaps it's see you later, but 20s, I won't be seeing you later. I'm not sad about leaving my 20s. I'm not sad because there's so much to look forward to. And I'm lucky that I even get to see my 30s - some people weren't even promised that. I truly believe age is just a number and it's about how much life you inject into your years. I plan to inject a whole lot into this next decade. And doing more of the same. As much of the same as can be with one big change, kicking my 30s off raising Leighton. So here's to the big 3-0. A decade of worrying less and living more. Being the best me I can be. And being positively grateful that I get to be 30.

Pregnancy Survey: 29 Weeks

1. How far along are you? 29 Weeks. I think I'm having a Golden (Pregnant) Birthday this year. Yep, that's what we'll call it, because what are the odds that I'm 29 today and 29 weeks and tomorrow I wake up 30 and 30 weeks pregnant. 

2. What fruit/veggie is your baby? Butternut Squash

3. Symptoms: Sometimes swollen feet, depends on the day, but I come home and kick my feet up, and it's all good.

4. Total weight gain/loss: 13 pounds

5. Sleep: I still sleep pretty good with the exception of: You have to sleep on your side so then all your weight is on one hip, you notice it starts to hurt a bit and flip. I probably wake up twice in the a.m. hours to tinkle. 

6. Cravings: While at the Outer Banks I had to have an Oreo Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Just had to. It was good but I'm just saying, it was if they had all the Oreos evacuate prior to the making of that Blizzard because there were none in there.

7. Aversions: Everything I should be eating. Fish and hardcore vegetables. I like broccoli though. Broccoli is a go. 

8. Best Moment of the Week: Our fifth anni / babymoon in the OBX. So. much. fun. But even more than that... On Friday of our vacation, I got my gestational diabetes test results back. Now back tracking on that for a second... They said they would call if I had gestational diabetes or needed to come in for additional testing OR I would receive an email to my portal where I would read that I passed. When I checked my phone, I had a missed called from my doctor's office. I was like oh great - first day on vaycay and I'm finding out I have it. BUT it was just a call to let me know to check the portal!? So I checked, and I don't have it, and I'm just so happy. 

9. Gender: Girl.

10. Belly Button In or Out? Still in!! It's still in! For now.

11. What I Miss: Margaritas. 

12. What I am Looking Forward to: Celebrating my 30th tomorrow - and the fact that I'm happily 30 and pregnant. And this weekend! Partying away with all of my faves at our 'Birthday Baby Q.' 

13. Milestones: Maternity photos! I was worried my bump wouldn't be showing enough for the photos but oh was it ever so we are good there. I can't even wait to get the photos back. We went to Falls Lake in Raleigh and played around in a field and down by the water. It was the prettiest day and right before sunset. I wore an ivory dress with a touch of lace and ruffle and had a flower crown made by Flowers and Flour. It was so fun. 

14. Exercise: Hmmm... I have the cutest pink bike with a basket. Must. hop. on. it. And our pool opens on May 16 for some laps. So there's that goal. 

15. Maternity clothes: No! Went to the Maxxer while at the beach and picked up some super fun summer dresses that are not maternity but are perfect for being pregnant, and I'll be able to where them after. 

Photo above is of Leighton's sweet little nursery gallery wall - all hung by her dad.

Pregnancy Survey: 27 Weeks

1. How far along are you? 27 Weeks

2. What fruit/veggie is your baby? Cauliflower (14.5 inches)

3. Symptoms: It takes more effort to get out of bed these days. Not waking up - literally getting out of the bed. It feels like I've got a watermelon I've got to haul up with me (even thought it's a cauliflower; don't eat the watermelon seeds). Oh, and feeling lucky, and thankful. 

4. Total weight gain/loss: 12 pounds

5. Sleep: I've been waking up earlier. But mostly that's because Hank's had to get to work at 6 a.m., and Bentley doesn't like to go back to sleep - he's ready to party. Besides that continuing to feel great. 

6. Cravings: Mexican (but that's nothing new)

7. Aversions: Asparagus. I put it on my plate often at lunch and then just look at it like, "what are you doing here!?"

8. Best Moment of the Week: Hearing Maura is flying in for our shower!! I have a vision of recreating my favorite bridesmaids photo now (bride now bump!). And that so many other sweet New York (and of course N.C.) family and friends will be driving in. Just warms my heart. Also, having the dresser delivered. And switching out the dresser's stocky silver knobs for these super handcrafted looking gold ones. And then getting the nursery painted Behr's toasty gray. The painter is here as I type. That's after the other painter canceled when I texted him - said he was out of town - you could have let me know as I'm on the edge of my seat with playing nursery over here. And heading off to our fifth anniversary trip / babymoon next week. We'll be kicking it five nights at the Sanderling Resort in Duck, N.C. 

9. Gender: Girl.

10. Belly Button In or Out? In.

11. What I Miss: Time. It's crazy how it flies. I walk Bentley, and I'm like man - just you and me bud. Just being sure I soak it all in and remember to live in the present moment - not wishing or waiting for that next moment. 

12. What I am Looking Forward to: Today. This moment. Tonight, when Hank gets home. Just getting to be. And of course moving the nursery furniture into the freshly painted nursery. 

13. Milestones: Having a maternity leave plan. I love my job so much and will be back. A lot of people asked me that question - if I'd be going back to work - and for whatever reason it caught me by surprise, but yes, yes I will. 

14. Exercise: No movement here. Literally. OMG it's horrible. 

15. Maternity clothes: Continuing to rock my sweet friend's maternity maxis. 

16. What I am Nervous About: My gestational diabetes test next week. Diabetes runs in my family and that's certainly a risk factor. Hoping I pass! Hank is ever the optimist though and said even if I do have it - I only have to manage it for 12 weeks. So that's not too bad, and really, people say there's not much you can control in regards to getting it - you're either going to have it, or you won't (5-7 percent get it). Prayers, please!

Photo above is nursery before. Bare bones, unpainted and ready for its makeover.