It’s hard to believe that today we officially celebrate Harper’s 3rd birthday. I can still remember the night before I went into labor (it started for me around 2am)…. it was cold + rainy, I had made a vegetable stew, and I was very emotional…. worried about if I was actually cut out to be a mom. Would I have the patience necessary? Would I instinctually know what to do? Would I be able to handle to sleeplessness? Basically, the unknown terrified me….
Being a mom has taught me more about myself than any other life transition has, and I’m so thankful for it all. I saw a quote the other week that resonated with me….
“Dear daughter- you are my greatest gift + my greatest challenge, but no one said raising the future would be easy.”
#Truth. The role of “mother” has been my biggest challenge, ever. It has required me to make necessary changes, reflect on myself continually, and have the needs of another’s ahead of mine. It tests my patience, daily… and has me questioning myself more often than not. Yet, it also brings with it so many beautiful joys…. delight in the simplest things, toddler kisses, snuggles, + hugs… watching her develop new skills and the pride she exudes…. and seeing her little personality develop daily makes all the challenges worth it. Knowing that it’s my (well, alongside TJ) responsibility to raise a part of the future puts the role of motherhood into perspective…. to nurture her needs, cultivate a genuine sense of compassion, tolerance, and understanding, to set limits when necessary so she will know how to do the same in her life, and to allow her to stumble along the way… all while being there to pick her up (if necessary)….. all to raise a beautiful young lady, fully prepared to take on life.
Buuuut in the meantime, here’s to a day spent celebrating the fiestiest little threenager around!
(Finally got ourselves back to a SoulCycle class + our favorite avocado toast spot…. leggings (more Beyond Yoga favorites), tank, sports bra, shoes)
(Keepin’ it casual for Friday… henley, maternity jeans)
(Celebrated little miss’ birthday Saturday with extended family… a little bowling + BBQ… and the only two photos we have of the day!)
(Homemade pizza night on a rainy Saturday evening….)
(Post church Sunday treats from Morning Lavender….)
(Someone has become quite insistent on picking out their clothing…. my cardigan, thermal, booties, Harper’s dress, pants, booties)
(Neutral comfies…. joggers, pullover)
_________
A few requests I’ve received recently are my Trader Joe’s favorites as well as more easy weeknight meals… I have lots of easy meal plans saved here as well. We also made this hearty vegetarian chili last night, always an easy favorite in our house.
I know it’s the dead middle of winter, but if you have a sunny vacation planned, check out this Resort Shop…. so many beautiful pieces like these woven slides, rattan bag, beautiful white dress, and this low back one piece.
I’ve been loving vintage graphic sweatshirts, and a few current favorites include this wild flower white one, oversized band sweatshirt, MARFA graphic sweatshirt, Annine Bing faded black option, and this Radiate Love pullover.
Lou & Grey has a few new arrivals that I’m currently eyeing including this casual jumpsuit (wear it with a leather jacket, beanie, scarf, and sneakers to make it winter appropriate), pocket pullover, cocoon pocket shirt dress (make it winter appropriate the same way as the jumpsuit), and this camo faux fur sweatshirt.
I recently purchased this super soft oversized chambray shirt to layer for basic outfits… this beautiful black blouse for dressier night out…. and these white mules (the perfect Gucci look a-likes).
Two Free People pieces that I think are absolutely beautiful include this embroidered dress, and this knit dress + long cardigan combo. I also think this tunic would be gorgeous, especially with a growing bump.
