20 WEEKS! AND WE'RE OFF!

Oh my goodness, I can't believe i'm here at 20 weeks! halfway! I guess this whole pregnancy thing really is going by fairly quick.  February still seems so far off but knowing we're halfway there makes it seem like it will be here before we know it.  I've been feeling really, really good.  I almost can't believe how good I feel.  For the most part, I feel like I did pre pregnancy.  Sure I have minor aches and random, odd pain in my belly from time but for the most part the journey so far has been truly wonderful.  I so hope it stays this way. Oh and just 3 days ago I felt baby kicks! Real, sure as sure baby kicks! Since then I've been feeling them on and off throughout the day and my heart has officially exploded into a million tiny pieces. I'm constantly in awe of how amazing this all is.  

In exactly 7 days we will know the gender of our baby and waiting for that is painfully hard.  I think associating a gender with this sweet babe will make it all seem so much more real.  Gosh, we can't wait to know.  On another note, Nick and I are headed to LA for the weekend! We're super excited to visit old friends, dip our toes in the sand and ocean water and eat at some of our favorite restaurants. Be back soon! (I'm sure i'll be posting like crazy over on instagram while we're away, so if you're interested you can find me @littleonelove ) Have a great weekend! 

MONTESSORI LETTER WORK BOOK

The lovely folks from the Baan Dek school and Abrams Appleseed publishing sent me these amazing montessori books. Pictured is the letter work book- I also have the number work book and my little students are absolutely loving them! The books are beautifully illustrated and are perfectly in line with the montessori writing and number recognition philosophy.  Never once in the letter book does it say, this is E, instead, this is "ehh", and so on.  Associating the sound before the actual letter name is key when developing reading readiness.  I'm thrilled with these little books and am so glad they are now a part of my classroom. I can't thank Bobby and June from Baan Dek and Abrams Appleseed enough for sending them my way! 

HER CINCINNATI PHOTO SHOOT

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of styling this photo shoot for Her Cincinnati.  I found 4 adorable little models, an old time diner, some fun accessories and some cute looks from The Spotted Goose.  I got to work with Gina, one of my most favorite photographers and boy did we have fun.  The shots turned out so good, the kids had fun and so did we.  It's always so fun seeing the end result of a project you worked on planning for several weeks.  

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

V. 12

Birds of a Feather is a mini series of home design images paired with complimentary children's fashion photos. Aesthetic, colors, textures and similar feel are all taken into consideration when creating these little posts. Birds of a Feather....go together. 

Image 1 / Image 2

OVER THE WEEKEND

Much of this past weekend was spent resting, napping, sipping hot tea, and laying low.  This is the first time I've fought a cold sans any medication what so ever and I'm finding rest and fluids are the best medicine in this situation.  Aside from lazy afternoons and a runny nose, the weekend really was lovely. The first official day of Fall did not disappoint - the cool, fresh breeze was incredibly refreshing and we were able to allow the coolness of the new season come through the open windows all weekend long.  We absolutely love this time of year.  

HEY FRIDAY

Sweet, sweet Friday. Here you are, which means another week has passed.  Today marks 19 weeks of pregnancy. I can't beleive I'm almost half way through.  On the one hand you are dragging on for what feels like an eternity, and on the other- I can't believe we're halfway there! Just this past week I think I may have felt the tiny little movements of that baby nestled inside.  I can't be sure but it seems likely.  I waited and waited, still like a statue to feel those flutters again, but they never came.  Soon, I know.  

This weekend we will take it easy.  I'm a tad under the weather and need to rest up as much as I can so this cold does not turn into full fledged sickness.  Not being able to take medication is making this cold utterly miserable.  Anyone have any natural remedies they can recommend? So far I've been told ginger and garlic.

ps. how amazing are these gorgeous moccasins? Gifted from some sweet friends of ours in Brooklyn.  The baby moccasin obsession is strong- this gift is just perfect.

LOVELY LIVING CAPTURED

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

WHY WE CHOSE NOT TO TEST

I realize this has the potential to be an extremely controversial topic.  My intention is not to start an I'm right, you're wrong debate.  Merely to share why Nick and I chose not to go through with any genetic testing for our baby.  I know lots of mothers who have, and I think it was the right choice for them.  Nick and I talked in great length about whether or not we wanted to find out if there are any genetic "problems" with our baby and ultimately we decided no.  Here's why: First off, there is nothing that would make Nick and I want to terminate a pregnancy.  Nothing. It's a personal belief of ours and it is what we feel most comfortable with.  If this baby happens to have a genetic disorder then we believe that is what is meant for our family.  That it's Gods plan for us and that's the way it will be.  It will not change the amount of love we will have for our child or the opportunities and experiences we will try to give our child.  I'm not saying it would be easy or that we wouldn't feel devastated to some degree but either way, this is our child.  When we decided it was time for us to bring a human life into the world we didn't do it on the terms that our child be physically and mentally "perfect."  

There was also the risk.  When talking about odds and procedures with our doctor we were assured that the risk was low but that anytime a procedure takes place, risk is involved.  We couldn't bear the thought of potentially losing the baby over testing that won't affect the outcome for us either way.  This was definitely a hard decision to make.  Every mother and father want to be assured that their child is okay and that everything with their development is right on par.  Like I said previously, this was just the choice that was what we felt most comfortable with.  We do not think you are wrong if you choose to do genetic testing.  Every family has to decide what is best for them.  We all want the same things for our children and the way we go about making major decisions and parenting is part of what makes every view point valid and worthy.  

If you choose leave a comment discussing this post, please remember that everyone does not have to agree and that this space is meant to be encouraging and supportive.  With that said, i'd love to start a conversation...

OVER THE WEEKEND / THE CITY FLEA

This past weekend we held the last summer Flea and what a great turnout we had.  There's really nothing better for Nick and I then spending the entire day with some of our closest friends, enjoying the many talented folks in our city.  So blessed this is home.  It seemed the Flea was packed full this weekend with puppies and kids. We loved seeing so many families around and boy were there some unbelievably cute little ones around too.

After a long day at the Flea I got together with my two best gals for thai takeout and girl talk in our sweat pants.  Pretty much the perfect night after a long day.  Hope your weekends were wonderful too! 

FRIDAY LINKS!

Happy Friday! Here we are again, another week gone.  We've got a busy busy weekend ahead.  How about you guys? Tomorrow is another City Flea for Nick and I which means we'll be at the market setting vendors up, making sure things are running smoothly and tearing things down at the end of the day.  We absolutely love it so no complaints but boy they are long days.  This market will be our most crowded vendor wise, and we're excited about a jammed packed market with some of the city's most talented folks.  In your downtime this weekend, enjoy these links.  I've loved reading them throughout the course of the week.  Have a great weekend!

Oliva's Charleston, I Love you features / I need a visit to Charleston asap

This article on Babble about how to get a good nights sleep while pregnant / boy do I need it

Allison's tools for running a small business / always good to find new resources

Brandy's mini style back to school posts / hits it on the head

Elizabeth's post about preparing for baby #2 / so beautiful and inspiring 

OVERLOAD

Oh boy. Since becoming a mama to be my pinterest boards have moved a bit away from design and pretty things to mostly all things baby.  I'm not neglecting my other boards but my mind is so consumed with finding the cutest itty things and how can I not swoon every time I see a super sweet Mama with her baby photo? My favorite boards at the moment are these two: ^BABY^ and vBABY MAMA LOVEv Feel free to join in and follow! I'm always on the hunt for the cutest things :) 

OH, BABY

Last week, my cousin asked if I could photograph her newborn baby boy- I was flattered and super excited that I would be capturing this precious time in their lives.  It's amazing- being around a new baby.  Their every action, sound and coo melts my heart.  I could not help but think about how I'll have one of my own so soon.  My heart just might explode. How flipping adorable is this little guy!? I could eat him up!

WEEKEND GETAWAY

This past weekend Nick, Clyde and I spontaneously headed down to Louisville KY for the day to check a few things out we've been dying to.  Louisville is about an hour and half south of Cincinnati which is the perfect amount of time for a quick Saturday trip.  First we headed to the Flea Off Market which is a similar market to ours so that was definitely fun to see.  Then we took a quick coffee break at Please and Thank you and I swear I could live in this little coffee / record shop.  We checked out the river front park (Clyde loved the water fountains!) then finished our day with the amazing pizza from Garage bar.  I'd highly recommend a visit to Louisville if you've never been.  Lots of coolness happening down in those parts. 

ps. Clyde looks like a flippin' giant!

DEAR LITTLE ONE / 17 WEEKS

Well little one, here we are at 17 weeks. You've been growing a ton lately and just two days ago I was able to hear your sweet little beating heart for the third time.  How is it that each time gets sweeter and sweeter?  We find out in just 4 short weeks whether you are a little guy or a little lady.  I can barely contain my excitement.  I have always imagined you to be a little boy but now that we've been together for 4 months, I just don't know.  You'd think us being together would have given me a clearer sense or that "feeling" of what you are but It really hasn't.  These past few days I've been convinced you are a sweet little lady. Soon enough we will know and then I can prepare my heart for the arrival of my precious baby ____ .  Eeek! 4 more weeks!  Until then, I will cherish the mystery of not knowing - of always referring to you as "he or she" - of spending hours dreaming of what our relationship will be like as you grow into a man or woman...... I can't believe how in love I am with you already.  

FIRST DAY BACK

Welp, I made it through the first full day back teaching my Montessori class.  I do however feel like I could sleep for the next 3 days straight. Thank goodness (with this pregnancy) that I'm only teaching on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I really don't know how I'd do it 5 days a week - I would, but I'm sure you'd hear grunts and moans.  Props to all the 9-5 working pregnant women. Seriously, this shiz is tiring and hard!  

I have 10 little ones in my class, 6 of which are new students, 4 of which just turned 3, so needless to say, these first few weeks will be all about figuring out routines, following classroom rules and getting acquainted with one another (and me constantly reminding little ones to put their work away and roll up their work mats.) We'll get there though and soon when the days start to run on their own in a seamless sort of way, it's magic.  Until then, I'll be loving these littles and teaching them the ways of the classroom as best I can.... and also taking naps after school every week!

photo.

BIRTHDAY GOODIES

Just a quick little post to say hello and to thank my husband and friends for a wonderful birthday celebration last night.  Nick got balloons for our front porch and we celebrated my 28th year with great food, good conversation and a lot of laughing. Having good friends to share special days with is such a blessing and I truly can not imagine my life without the people I'm surrounded by.  

Nick also got me that beautiful quilt I've been lusting after for the past few months.  Our bedroom is oh so beautiful with it gracing our bed. Birthday's are so much fun, right!? Can't believe I'll have a baby on my hip when I celebrate my next one!