You may have missed it, what with all the warm sunny days we've had, but it's finally Fall! I'm so happy - this is my favorite time of year. There's something in the air that makes me feel extra creative and crafty. Everything is a little more cozy and sweet. I'm looking forward to pumpkin bread and apple pie. Cinnamon scents and hot tea. Oh, so glad!

What's your favorite parts of Fall?

xoxo

Joy

My Five Words

Let's go back for a second, to even just 3 months ago...July. I was 8 months pregnant, working between 45 and 50 hours a week. Most evenings I was home by about 6pm and would fix a quick dinner, watch a show or two on the couch with Camillo, and then head to bed around 9pm. I was away from home for so much of the day, that I was excited to get back and those 3 hours every evening felt relaxing. I didn't think much about what filled our home or how it made me feel. 

Back to present time.

I'm suddenly spending almost 24 hours a day at home. In my 2 bedroom apartment. Let me say, I am so so SO thankful to be able to have this time at home with Ollie, and we're super blessed to have found a great deal on a two bedroom place. I'm most definitely NOT complaining. But let me get to my point...

It's just becoming very apparent, in an annoying sort of way, that our home doesn't really reflect who Camillo and I are as a couple, and now a family. By spending more than a couple hours a day at home (awake), I have time to notice that our home doesn't feel the way I wish it did. At first, I felt that maybe I was being ungrateful and prayed that my heart would change. That I'd be thankful for what we have. With everything we've been blessed with, why did I feel so discontent? 

Then somehow, I saw my 'discontent' in a different light and realized it wasn't due to ungratefulness. I'm just entering a new season of life and slowly figuring out what that will look like. As a new mama and a homemaker, it's my responsibility to make our home into a place that we enjoy. One that reflects us and can be a safe haven where we can find peace. It's okay to want a home like that. Yearning for such a place isn't being unthankful, it's just realizing that I have this amazing responsibility and opportunity to serve my family in a new way. 

Now how do I figure out how to create an enjoyable, peaceful home? I felt like I didn't know how to make an apartment our home. But when I found a few posts from Fieldstone Hill, I was immediately encouraged and got excited to narrow down our style, and how to work towards that by keeping a few descriptive words in mind. 

Knowing this is how I want our home to feel, I can focus on how to decorate and organize in a way that we can appreciate. My next plan of action is to go through our house and choose what stays. And what goes. It will all have to pass through my list. I want to be brutal! Wish me luck. I'm looking forward to recreating our space.

What would your style words be? Do you think your home reflects those words? Tell us in the comments below!

This is one of my favorite photos of his first 8 weeks...look how he's reaching out to hold my thumb. Oh my gosh, I die.

Poor little buddy. As hard as we tried, we couldn't keep Ollie from getting Camillo's cold this week. My teeny tiny baby bear has been sneezing and sniffling since last Monday and it breaks my heart! We spent a lot of time snuggling, that's for sure. Good thing he loves his k'tan. Mama loves it, too, because it let's me hold him close but keeps my hands free to do little odds and ends around the house. Even small chores like making the bed, doing the dishes, or folding the load of laundry make me feel good and productive. 

Hopefully all will be well within the next couple days. Camillo's almost back to 100% so I'm sure Ollie is close behind. Until then, it's snot suckers and snuggle time. Yay.

Our days and nights have all been a bit blurred together over the last 6 weeks but today we've got a big case of The Mondays. It's Camillo's first day back to class after taking the summer off to prep for the MCAT and we're sure gonna miss having him around! Thankfully we got a little practice at being home alone last week when he went back to his 5 hour shifts at the bank (again, after a leave of absence to prep for the test/take paternity time). With school in session, it's gonna be just me and Ollie everyday from 8-6. I realize that's totally normal and maybe even a piece of cake for most baby mamas so I'm in no way trying to be whiney. I only mean to point out that we're beginning yet another transition and adjustment period. The house will be a disaster and I'll be behind on laundry and dishes but I'm learning that that's okay for now. There's more on that for another post...

Anyways, let's talk about the weather. I'm ecstatic that it's officially Fall and can't wait for the cooler days! The sun is still shining bright and it makes for beautiful days. Wow, it's the end of September, you guys! Can you believe it? 

xoxo

Joy

Who slept from midnight to 7am??

THIS happy one month old!! 

Seven hours of sleep?! Of course he woke up in a good mood! It made daddy's day, probably his week, to have his little guy so smiley. Oh my, how I love these boys!!

My theory is that Oliver slept so well because we partied it up for his one month birthday on Saturday. We drove down to my family's town to watch Uncle Josiah play football (GO KINGS!) and spend the day with Gpa. I guess the day wore Ollie out because he slept all the way home, woke up for about an hour to eat once we got here, and then fell asleep again for 7 hours straight!

It was a great day for a quick little road trip and we all enjoyed our time together as a family of 3. The two hour drive was perfect for talking about some goals and making some plans for the next season and it felt great to sort some thoughts out together as a team. 

Oh, Ollie 

Mama can't believe you've already been here for a whole month! Everyone said it would go by quick and they weren't kidding! You're sleeping really well at night, usually 5 hours at a time. You smile more and more everyday and I'm convinced it has nothing to do with a gassy tummy...you're just our happy baby! At your one month check up you weighed 11lbs (!!) and already stretched out another 1 1/2 inches! We've had so much fun learning more about you everyday. I want these first weeks to last forever but I'm excited to see who you grow into. 

We love you so very much!!

love,

Mama and Daddy

Family Walks

Camillo and I have been taking Oliver out for evening walks. The weather has been gorgeous and by 6:30pm, the breeze is just perfect! I still can't walk too far, and the 2ish miles we go are a bit slow but that just means more time to hold Camillo's hand and talk about good stuff. Plus, it feels so great to be out and a little active. My goodness, I can't wait to get back to the gym. I've got strict orders to not overdo it for at least 6 weeks, maybe more. 3 weeks down, hopefully only 3 more to go. These legs are ready for a run!! We'll get there..slow but sure. 

Sidenote: It's September! I'm so happy, so excited for autumn! I get super nostalgic this time of year. I mean, the colors, the weather, the cozy clothes, the apples and pumpkins, and the holidays coming! My heart is glad and I can't wait for this next season with our new little family.

xoxo

21 Days

My baby bear is THREE WEEKS old today! He's changing everyday and we're definitely trying to hold on to these sweet moments that will be gone before we know it. In the last 3 weeks we've had many long nights, first baths, lots of naps, a good amount of snuggling, a couple family walks at sunset,  lunch dates, visits with friends, and lots of learning! It's been so very fulfilling and, at the same time, a trying transition. But we're all doing well and loving being a family!!