November 2013 | Dearest Lou

Two Adorable & Serious Little Babes

I seriously can't get enough of these two babes. These pictures were taken shortly before Rey and Monica headed back to California. For some odd reason these little guys got so serious once they saw the dead leaves on the ground. I couldn't get a smile out of either of them. Oh well, they are still darling (; 

I also got some mama and baby pictures of Monica and Rey. I should get around to editing and posting those sometime tomorrow.

PS: Had to include some solos of the many faces of Rey. I mean how could I not (;

Zaden and Rey

Zaden- "Look at my toes Rey."
Zaden- "Hello, I love you!!"
Rey- "I love you too."
Zaden- "Hi, Yita. I love you too!"
Zaden- "Why did you suggest we switch hats?"
Rey- "Sup Baby Z."
Zaden- "Rey, seriously look at my toes."

These two are seriously the sweetest of second cousins. My cousin Monica and her darling baby boy Rey came and visited us for two short days for Zaden's birthday weekend. The house feels lonesome without them and we wished they didn't live so far away. Hopefully we can make a trip over to California to visit them sometime early next year.

Black Friday and Shop Said Kelley

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving yesterday. Ours was very low key and spent at home in comfortable clothes, filled with delicious food, laughter, cuddles, and naps; my favorite way to spend any holiday (; We also did a bit of Black Friday shopping last night, Daryl found an amazing deal on the Nintendo 3DS XL with Zelda (limited edition bundle)! We got it for only $150 at Target which is unheard of and in my opinion, ten times cooler than the original. I personally love the gold and black look. Daryl did a bit of research (on reddit, ha) and the deal isn't even being advertised, so there might even be a few left in stock if you run over to your local Target!

Anyway, back when Daryl and I got married I found this adorable blue poncho at a cute Native American store in Washington but we decided not to get it. Fast forward almost two years later and this awesome new online vintage thrift shop (Shop Said Kelley) contacts me about featuring a piece of clothing from her shop. As I was scrolling through all of her awesome vintage items I came across this adorable poncho. It's almost identical to the one in Washington so I figured I was meant to have an awesome poncho one way or another.

Kelley Larson, the talented lady behind Shop Said Kelley, is a mother by day and a musician by night. In my package she included her CD and this lady's vocals are incredible. It turns out we also have a lot in common. We both had a baby in our first year of marriage, have a thing for thrifting, and have a love for all things vintage. While you are browsing online for Black Friday deals, be sure to check out Shop Said Kelley. She always offers free shipping to the US which is always a bonus in my book (;

PS: Isn't Zaden just the cutest little guy in beanies? I can't get enough.. MUST. OWN. ALL. THE. BABY. BEANIES!!

Outfit details:
Poncho: c/o Shop Said Kelley
Leggings: Nordstrom
Flats: Charlotte Russe
Headband: Forever 21 

Z's outfit details:
Sweater: Genuine OshKosh 
Jeans: OshKosh
Beanie: Walmart
Shoes: Baby Gap

Happy Thanksgiving

This is Zaden's last "first" holiday. Zaden was born the day after Thanksgiving last year and missed it by about 18 hours. I'm sure he just wanted to consume a few extra Thanksgiving calories before being born the next day (;

I just wanted to write down a few things I'm thankful for in no particular order...

I'm thankful for Zaden and for having the opportunity to be his mama. He makes me so incredibly happy and he brings so much joy into my life. 

I'm thankful for my sweet and loving husband and all that he does for our family. He is such a hard worker and is always so loving towards Zaden and I. I have loved watching him become a dad and seeing the special bond he has created with Zaden. I couldn't have picked a better eternal companion <3

I'm thankful for my family, both immediate and extended. They are always there for me and love me no matter what. It has especially been fun to see my parents, sister, and grandfather bond with Zaden. His first year of life wouldn't have been the same without you guys.

I'm thankful for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I'm grateful that I can pray wherever and whenever I need to and that Heavenly Father always listens and answers my prayers. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ and all that he did for me.

I'm grateful for the trials I've had in my life. They have helped me become the woman I am today and have made my testimony stronger.

I thankful for friendship. All of my special relationships with each of my friends and family means the world to me. 

I'm thankful for those of you who read my blog and take interest in my ramblings and daily life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stripes and Polka Dots

Stripes and polka dots are easily two of my favorite patterns to mix. I recently bought this striped cardigan from Nordstrom and love it. It was only $14.49 and it doubles as a great nursing cover. I also finally bought my first pair of high rise skinny jeans and decided that these are made for new mamas. They keep the pooch in place and are stylish at the same time (; 

Happy Thanksgiving eve.

Outfit details
Cardigan: Nordstrom
Shirt: Gap 
Necklace: Urban Outfitters
Jeans: Forever 21 (sold out online, similar)
Combat Boots: Forever 21
Bag: c/o Lulu*s (loving this and this)
Lipstick: Mix of MAC Candy Yum Yum & MAC Rebel


*Linking up with Fashionably Modest*

Zaden's First Year Video

I made this video for my special little guy.
I still can't believe he is a toddler now.

Watch in High Definition for best quality and enjoy (;
So I know things have been a little dead here for the last couple of weeks. I've been working on planning and preparing for Zaden's first birthday party this Saturday. Things should be picking up again next week. Just wanted to give you guys a heads up in case you were wondering.

I seriously can't believe it has almost been a whole year since Zaden joined our family.

PS: I'm guest posting over at Love the Skinny's on How Fashion Fits Everyone.

Winter Items from Persun Mall

Have you heard of Persun Mall? They are a new online shop that has incredibly adorable items at affordable prices. I have been looking around their site and there are so many things that I would like to add to my winter wardrobe. 

Here are a few of my favorite items that I'm contemplating on getting:

Have you shopped at Persun Mall? What is on your wishlist? 

Personalized Long Johns

Now that Zaden is mobile he sure loves to get into all sorts of mischief. I can't keep my eyes off of him for one second before he is getting into something. Our bedroom is never clean, even though I clean it at least 3 times a day. The minute I'm done cleaning something up Zaden gets into it and makes another mess. The bright side is that he keeps me on my feet and he is extra playful.

I normally don't put Zaden into a fancy button up and jeans unless we are going out, so most of the time he is in pajamas or comfy clothes. These long johns from Personal Creations are absolutely adorable and simple. I love watching him crawl all over the place in them and the quality is outstanding. I know they look kind of like capri's in the pictures but I promise it's just from all of the crawling around (;

Make sure and check out other fun holiday gift ideas in their baby & kids collection!

Z's outfit: Long Johns, c/o Personal Creations

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Wish List

Nordstrom is having their Half-Yearly Sale for women & kids. Nordstrom is one of my favorite places to online shop since they always offer free shipping. I've already bought a few items but these are some other items I'm tempted to buy for Zaden and I.

All items are under $50 (;

What items are on your Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale wish list?

Z at 11 months

Zaden's new thing is pointing at anything and everything with his entire fist. He lets you know what he wants and when he wants it. Whenever he wants something he just raises his fist and grunts, indicating that he wants to see this or he wants you to pick him up. His favorite things to point at are lights that are way to high to reach, the fans on the ceiling, and things he shouldn't be getting into.

Zaden has 4 teeth and no new ones in sight. We were having a bit of trouble with him biting me while nursing at the end of October and into November but I think I finally found a solution (thank goodness). He eats a variety of foods but this baby definitely has not just 1 but 4 sweet teeth(; His favorite foods are anything that has chocolate, his dad also let him try mini coconut donuts and he loves those too. Whenever Zaden is with me I try to serve him mostly vegetables, whole grains, and fruits so that he gets all of the nutrients his body needs. He is also nursing 3-4 times a day and "snacking" in between meals.

Z loves to climb and get into trouble. He has gotten super quick at climbing the stairs and whenever a door opens he rushes to it. He likes to do somersaults off our bed or go head first.. this boy is wild!

Zaden LOVES hats. He likes wearing them, taking them off and putting on another one, and if you so happen to be wearing a hat he will make a game out of it. Whenever I put the hats away he does his little fist point up towards my hats indicating to put them on the ground so he can play with them. If you happen to be over here during playtime Zaden will be wearing one of my hats.

My favorite quality about Zaden at this age is how sweet, loving, and helpful he is. He loves to help me fold the laundry, it's the cutest thing I have ever seen and makes my heart melt every time. He will crawl into the laundry bin, grab an item of clothing, and hand it to me. He will continue to do this over and over again until all the laundry is folded. He likes to share his food and toys with me and isn't the slightest bit selfish with anyone. He will randomly crawl over to me, stand up, and start giving me the biggest open mouth kisses all over my face. Sometimes he will even grab me by the ears and put our faces together as close as they can possibly be. I can't believe he will be one here in the next couple of weeks. This year has flown by and I will treasure these last couple of weeks of babyhood <3

Zaden's outfit: Shirt, Vest, Pants, & Shoes, Baby Gap// Beanie, Walmart (sold out online, similar)

My Little Monster

I know Halloween was almost a week ago but I couldn't help but share my adorable little monster. He had an absolute blast trick-or-treating the other night and seeing all of the other kids and babies in their Halloween costumes. Daddy helped him finish all of his Halloween candy.. we will make sure and hide it from him in the years to come (;

44/52

"A portrait of Zaden, once a week, every week, in 2013."
My mischievous little guy

22

Today I turned 22. These boys and my family spoiled me so much. Daryl had a fun date planned everyday this weekend and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Something that I love about Sunday birthdays is that they are so relaxing and stress free. I spent a majority of my birthday in bed with these two and was bombarded with extra snuggles, hugs, and kisses. My mom prepared a delicious homemade dinner and we devoured most of this Oreo ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. Throughout the entire day I have had phone calls, texts, emails, and social media birthday wishes from friends and family. I'm feeling extremely grateful and blessed for my wonderful family and amazing friends.
Tiana wrote my name on my birthday cake since the girl at Baskin Robbins didn't know how to. I think she did a great job (;

PS: On another note, it blows my mind how much Zaden has grown in the last 10 months!