I have a one-year-old 😳

April 4, 2018 Lizabeth Anne

Somehow I’m the mama of a one-year-old. Some of the days of the past year have felt so long, and yet somehow the year has flown by, and my baby boy is one. He has the most amazing little personality full of giggles and teasing. He laughs at burps and even says “ooooooo” at the big ones (this is completely my fault). He has a love affair with balls and cars. He is best buds with his Daddy. He makes a ton of animal noises, with “meow” being the cutest. He loves Sesame Street, dancing, and being chased. He’s never met an orange food that he didn’t love. And he gives the sweetest hugs and kisses.

Our adoption journey

February 20, 2018 Lizabeth Anne

This is the story of our adoption journey.

There were two families: one family in Michigan and one family in Texas. Both families found out that they were pregnant, and both would soon find out that they were having boys. They were due 2 days apart.

Intention

February 15, 2018 Lizabeth Anne

Okay... So I wanted to take a moment and talk about my post the other day about coffee creamer. I’m afraid that it came across looking like I was complaining about the realities of being a mother. And that was certainly not my intention. I love being a mother. I am grateful and privileged to be the mom to an amazing little boy. I do need more sleep. Every parent needs more sleep. But I know that won’t always be the case. I am enjoying every day with this precious child whose birth family misses him every day.

Becoming a mom at 37 truly has made motherhood so much sweeter...

My new favorite jeans from Old Navy

February 9, 2018 Lizabeth Anne

So I recently stumbled upon my new favorite thing: Old Navy Rockstar Jeans in super soft denim. Ladies have been talking about Rockstar jeans for years, and I've tried them on with no success in the past. But this super soft denim actually feels good when you put it on! I'm not saying they are going to give your favorite joggers a run for their money, but for jeans, and especially for the price, you need to at least try them on.

A few of my favorite things (from last week)

February 5, 2018 Lizabeth Anne

In 2010, Hubs (then boyfriend) and I went to Pittsburgh to see the Cardinals play the Pirates. We didn’t really expect much from the steel town city; we thought we were just checking a stadium off of our list.

But we fell in love with the city! The people were so genuinely welcoming to us.

Intro!

February 2, 2018 Lizabeth Anne

Hello, and thanks for stopping by and/or subscribing! I have been thinking about creating a blog for at least 5 years. I actually started and abandoned one a few years ago. But hopefully this time around it sticks! I’m learning as I go that there are many behind-the-scene tasks involved with blogging, and I’m still in design mode of my pages. If you are good at that kind of stuff, and see something and think "oh man, she really should have done something else here. How embarrassing for her...," please let me know!!!!

I've been married to my awesome hubster for 6 years. We love to do projects at home, travel, try new restaurants and breweries. We also looooove to be lazy on the couch and binge watch something like Game of Thrones. And we like to cook together! I’m not much of a cook alone (unless Jack’s frozen pizzas count) but I love to play sous chef while Hubs takes the lead. So I’ll blog about food we attempt, and for food we have already attempted you can check out my Pinterest board - Recipes - Tried and True.

One of my favorite pictures of us from our wedding. Image by Light Source Photography.

I'm a first time mama in my late thirties. We became parents through adoption, and I'll be sharing some of the less-private moments of that journey here. I'm not a huge fan of people telling their entire adoption story for the whole world. I feel like that is our son's story, and he can tell it when he wants to. I also put a pause in my career to stay at home with our little dude, which has been pretty awesome and rewarding. There are a lot less showers, but sleep is starting to improve! And every day I get sweet cuddles and kisses.

We live in the St. Louis area. Love the Cards. Eat our raviolis fried. And if YOU’RE from St. Louis, I did not go to high school here - I’m a transplant. 😘

I’m a cancer survivor. Have experienced infertility. Those experiences certainly have shaped me, but don’t define me. I do believe that people change - I really don’t believe there is much point in living if you’re not trying to create a better version of yourself. Brandi Carlile sings one of my favorite song lyrics: “Do I make myself a blessing to everyone I meet?” I’m sure that I don’t meet that definition, but that’s my goal! At the same time, I also believe in loving yourself for who you are TODAY, and forgiving yourself for all those things that I lovingly tell myself are "learning moments."

Misc:

I like saving money. Couponing. Shopping sales. If I find a good deal, I’ll share it!

My favorite places to shop for clothes are Target and Old Navy so you won’t find any haute couture here! However I do love the occasional splurge at Nordstrom... 😬

I have rosacea so I’m always trying new products for sensitive skin.

We love all inclusive resorts (Mimosas and eggs benny for breakfast at the ocean? Don’t mind if I do!). Winter definitely has me dreaming of piña coladas at the beach!

Favorite musicians: Avett Brothers and Ben Folds. I just learned about Leon Bridges from this Sesame Street song. It can be in your head, too, now. You’re welcome.

Our first visit to Red Rocks in 2016 to see the Avett Brothers

I don’t plan to post everyday or do projects just to have something to post about, but I’m looking forward to sharing here and having a creative outlet! If you’re still reading... thanks and talk soon!