A New Start

Source: weheartit.com via Joy on Pinterest

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I'm doing with this little blogspot. Obviously, I haven't been here much at all over the last few months and I was curious as to why I was avoiding this space. Writing is really enjoyable for me, but for some reason(s), I wasn't taking the time to fill any pages with anything. I've missed it.

Here's what I figured out:

A) Admittedly, I probably started HappyCandido for the wrong reasons. You know, to post photos, write funny stuff, and get a following of thousands. Okay, not probably but definitely for the wrong reasons. With this popularity contest mindset, of course I got burnt out!

B) During a busy week, if there were a couple days where I didn't have the time/inspiration/ambition to post, I felt guilty about not doing so. Like I owed somebody a daily post and if I didn't write anything on Tuesday, I didn't have the right to come back on Wednesday. Uh, kinda weird. I know.

C) Then there was the me, myself, and I problem. I was tired of my content because my content was always about...me. And I got kind of annoyed about that. This wasn't supposed to be a selfish place and I might have thought that's what it had turned into.

So I just backed out for a while.

{insert almost 6 month hiatus HERE}


Well, now I'm feeling a stirring in me to get back to the pen and paper/keyboard. It probably has something to do with this baby in my belly, or the spring that's finally in the air. Whatever it is, I want to come back for the right reasons, with the right mindset and game plan.

How to do that?


Whatdya know, at the same time I was feeling confused about how to start over again, I found this helpful post from Elsie. She even linked back to this older post (just for me?!) that was also a great starting point. I'm excited to start brainstorming new ideas for fresh, inspiring content - things you'll enjoy reading and that I'll enjoy writing! There are so many ways I could be expressing my creativity through this blog, and I'm going to take some special care in making this a place I love.

I've got a lot of techy stuff I'll have to teach myself. I don't want to rush into it again this time so bare with me as the next couple months might be mostly about Baby Candido (ya know, so we can have these memories documented).

I'm ready for a fresh start! Now where is my pen and journal...

xoxo
Joy

Tan lines and diamond rings

Man, oh man. This weather is totally rockin'! It's been sunny since I can remember (granted, there are some days my memory doesn't go farther than what I had for breakfast but still...) and I've been sure to get out to enjoy it!

Paige is a great trip-to-the-park-companion and we've spent a couple days in the grass on our picnic blanket. Yesterday we went to Greenlake for a lunch and got a nice dose of vitamin D. In two days I'm almost caught up to Camillo's brown skin!! And ya know what I think is fun? Having a tan line where my wedding ring sits on my finger! Haha, just sayin'. Today Shelby (big sis) is home with us so we're making a list of things to pack because, you guessed it, it's definitely another picnic at the playground kind of day. 

I hope it's sunny where you are and that you get to enjoy it! 

xoxo

Joy

6 months and Mother's Day

An August 13th due date made this baby boy 6 months big on Mother's Day! While I didn't expect any recognition, it still made my heart happy to know I'm already his mama. He's getting big enough that I can feel most of his little wiggles, not just his soccer kicks. We love him so much and can hardly wait to meet him!

After a pedicure with my mom and grandma, we spent Sunday afternoon at the park with lots of family. Aunts and Uncles and cousins and grandparents - some of whom I haven't seen for a few years. It was so great. They all got to meet this baby bump and he loved all the tummy rubs! The sun was shining super hot and, even though I'd hoped to get a little tan, had to sit in the shade most of the day. It was beautiful, a day I'll remember for a long time!!

I hope all you mamas and someday mamas had a great weekend with the ones you love! 

xoxo

Joy + Baby