MAKAILA LYNN - Distinctly M

London for President

2016-11-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

Just sayin', when you look at your choices.. it's not a bad choice. :P I came across this little onesie on Instagram from Royal + Reese during the middle of a sleepless pregnant night earlier this year and knew it was a must have. And it was. London for President?

Life with London: w2d0

2016-10-25T23:27:00.003-07:00

London is 14 days old today. Insert the crying emoji. These two weeks have gone by so fast. With no warning at all, all his scaly skin is gone. Just this subtle change in his appearance seems to have taken him from newborn to baby, in a blink of an eye. He had THAT appointment today. It started with a prick to his foot that sent mama into tears. There was no way I could have stayed for what was to come, but daddy did. When we got home we had lots of cuddles and looked at London's Art Cards (btw, completely fascinating to watch him actively look at the cards!) before heading out for a fall walk. This is my third day in a row of walking 30+ minutes. We've been lucky to have no rain. I feel stronger and stronger every day but admit my body shows some signs that maybe I need to rein it in a bit. I just feel SO GOOD, compared to that last month of pregnancy and I am ready to get on the move. But, all in due time I suppose. More than anything, I'm trying to keep concentrated on relaxing, to stop worrying about being 'productive', and just be in every moment. The days are going quickly.

For the Record Book:

9.3 lbs (up almost a whole pound since birth!)
14.25 head circumference
21.25 inches long

London had a rough last couple days.. just fussy and up for hours on end and wouldn't get to sleep till midnightish. It reached a point where I broke the cardinal rule and brought him into bed with us and a DockaTot is now on it's way. But today, our London of the first week is back. He's calm. Mellow. Hasn't fussed hardly at all. He's relaxed. He's sleeping in his bed, and even put himself to sleep tonight. Such a drastic change. We'll see if it carries through out the night.

Other News: Tonight I took Tristen to the soccer game and daddy and London stayed home by themselves and London took a bottle for the very first time - an entire 4 ounces - like a champ. I've been a little resistant to starting the bottle but it is 1000% necessary that he take a bottle once I return to work and it'll be take some pressure off of me if Rhett to be able to feed him from time to time.

On tomorrow's agenda.... a Halloween costume for London, what oh what should he be??

He's a Sophomore

2016-09-01T21:04:00.001-07:00

Weekend at Allison Inn

2016-07-31T20:04:00.001-07:00

Baby has a crib

2016-07-26T22:15:00.001-07:00

After much much MUCH agonizing, we (which means me) finally choose the crib.

Prime Rib and Chocolate Cake

2016-07-24T20:50:00.001-07:00

27 weeks, 4 days, 91 days to go

2016-07-21T14:56:00.001-07:00

Not his first time...

2016-07-20T20:06:00.001-07:00

... But figured we might as well start documenting the sure to be many trips he will take to Home Depot.

Sunday Shenanigans

2016-07-18T20:25:00.001-07:00

Breakfast at Mother's and a drop into Hippo Hardware made for a nice lovely Sunday morning.

Three Things Today

2016-07-16T23:33:00.001-07:00

1. We FINALLY got a new bed. Not a forever bed, but a nice - fingers-crossed - soft, 5 year bed that is going to aid with sleep. Lately I feel like the point of the last couple months of pregnancy and the lack of sleep and uncomfortableness must just be to prepare you for the baby's arrival and the impending sleepless nights ahead. And It Sucks! I feel like I should have a couple months left before my year of no sleep begiins and I want to sleep!! Maybe the new bed will do the trick. Wishful thinking?

2. This past week I had to take off my wedding ring and bands. My fingers have been swelling on the regular and the time came to take the rings off now, or risk the nessicity of a metal cutter for removal. And it's been a naked feeling, all week. I flashed my naked wedding finger to Rhett. He said TMZ was all over it and speculation was running rampant. I told him today that as much as I despise TMZ, I was staring to believe the rumors. And so he took me to Kay's and I choose a Aqua gemstone ring to bling my wedding finger for the duration of the pregnancy. I am so happy to be visibly pregnant AND married again.

3. Tonight, on a "hey, how about let's let the car drive us to Target" whim, ended with a completed Target baby registry. Whoohooo!! It was this sort of looming thing we haven't even put on the to-do list because it just seemed overwhelming. But now, it's done! And it was actually fun. Although, I am not the read and research products kinda girl so there were several completely non educated eeeny meeeeny moo choices between pampers and all those other brands. And guess what else? When you register, they give you this cute little reusable gray and white chevron bag full of goodies. How sweet is that.

My Birdie

2016-07-15T15:18:00.001-07:00

My Birdie is leaving us again today. It was a special treat just to have him here over a few summer days. I miss him so when he's gone.

Salmon & Pie

2016-07-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

We had salmon and pie on the patio last night. Oh! AND Tillamook Cinnamon Horchata Ice Cream. 👌🏼

Jam & Pies with Grandma

2016-07-13T06:59:00.001-07:00

Summer Nights in the Park

2016-07-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

We took in our first summer concert in the park last night. I forgot how fabulous it is to throw a Mexican blanket and some Tommy Bahama backpack lawn chairs in the back of the car and go plant yourself in some green grass in the middle of a park. A park with a music stage and being surrounded by food trucks is certainly the cherry on top. Especially on a Monday. Starting the week off with an out-of-the-grind event is the best.

More is More? Our small patio herb garden

2016-07-11T11:34:00.001-07:00

The

A Glider for baby's daddy

2016-07-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

It glides,
it reclines,
it swivels,
it's perfect for baby holding,
it's what baby daddy has been wanting in his life for For-Ever.
It's coming home with us!

The Gender Reveal! Baby is a......

2016-07-08T15:32:00.001-07:00

My dear friends, Heidi and Tiffany, threw us the most beautiful gender reveal party. What.An.Emotional.Day. Even though I (completely unanticipated by me, which kinda made it even more teary!) was a hot mess ball of nerves, it was so very, very special to be surrounded by friends and family as we learned whether baby was a he or she. Anddddd, baby is a He!!!!

Announcement!! (Be it a tardy one)

2016-07-06T18:24:00.001-07:00

Another magic moment at The Skyway Bar and Grill

2016-01-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

Skyway Bar and Grill, Zig Zag Oregon

The Skyway Bar and Grill in Zig Zag, Oregon, nestled at the bottom of Mt. Hood, has always held magic for us. We met at the Skyway, that completely random, life changing night of October 10, 2009. It was at the Skyway on August 9, 2013 that we announced to our families: surprise! We're getting married.. tomorrow!! And it was Valentine's Day 2014 that I gifted Rhett a star in the sky, a star named "Skyway's Encounter" in honor of our saying since our chance encounter: "Our stars aligned at the Skyway".

And it was on January 1, 2016 that we walked into the Skyway to enjoy a New Year's dinner in the eclectic magic of the place that holds so many dear memories for us.

Let me Rewind.

Ten years ago I bought Tristen and I gorgeous, sheep wool, handmade Christmas Stockings from a little boutique in Bend, Oregon. When Rhett entered our lives, I found him a simple red stocking to hang along side ours. I've always wished I could find one like ours, or something similar for Rhett. I'd resigned to find something that was at least unique and handmade, but never came across one that 'fit'. So the red stocking has hung for 6 years now.

Back to January 1, 2016 ..

As we entered the restaurant, Tracie, the owner, put us on the table list and Rhett told her we had met there 6 years ago. She was a doll, and loved to hear our story. When we were sat - and the place was packed, and has two completely separate dining rooms - we were sat at a little table in a far corner in our favorite area of the restaurant, and hanging on the wall, directly next to our table was the EXACT SAME CHRISTMAS STOCKING that Tristen and I have. I almost DIED. I could not believe it. Without a doubt. It wasn't just similar - it was the SAME, made by the same person, with the same material, in the same size, with the same red wool accents.

Rhett found Tracie and asked if we could buy it from her and she told him she would think about it. At the end of our meal, when they brought the check, Tracie came by our table and told us she was GIVING it to us. All the cartwheel, heart eyes, explosions, and happy faces!!! I could not have been more thrilled! She went on to tell us that a woman right there in ZigZag makes them from sheep wool (I'm like, I knoooooow, I have two!!), and where we could find them if we every need another, or replacements.

So now, Rhett has the same exact handmade stocking as Tristen and I have; given to him at the same place we met, 6 years later. Magic. Pure magic. And the story continues. The aligning of our stars that always happens at a magical little place called the Skyway.

Us. At the Skyway, January 1, 2016

Thank you, Tracie!!!!!

DIY Mini Edison Bulb + Recycled Wood Light Fixture

2015-04-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

This was a super duper easy project. Took about 30 minutes from start to finish. I'm mildly obsessed with Edison light bulbs in every single size there is. And there are a lot of sizes out there currently, I'm sure Edison himself would be shining bright with pride to know his light bulb is all the rage these days.

When I saw this string of 10 mini Edison's at our local hardware store (but yes, available everywhere) I swooped them up. I had a dream to drill holes in wood and push these little suckers through (I'm sure the dream was triggered by something I saw on Pinterest, most of my dreams are) and create myself my very own Mini Edison Bulb + Recycled Wood Light Fixture. And so I did. We did. I couldn't do this stuff without Rhett.

First, we measured our board,

[the board lived in our neighbors garage

5 minutes prior to the photo you see above]

counted the light bulbs (10)

and did math in our head that took longer than it should have

and made marks where the holes should go

I have no idea what size bit Rhett used.

it was a trial and error thing.

Take the bit in one hand and the bulb base in the other.

Get as close to same size as possible.

Then drill.

Take that little hook on the bulb base and snap it off

push all those bulb bases into the holes in the wood

this is what the backed looked like,

until we stapled..

eeeeeek! It worked!

and it was love at first sight.

Rhett's anal and makes sure things are level.

It's wearing off on me,

but most of the time I am way to anxious to take the time to level

screw the bulbs in,

annnnnd...

bask in the joy of your own work!

super cool, right!

I'm not 100% committed to the placement on the wall,

but art is pending placement, soo.. we'll see what happens after that!

| project considerations I hope you figure out for me |

it's too bad the extension cord has to hang off the side of the fixture,

in order to plug it in. Design change for next time, if there's a next time.

It's coming. It's almost here.

2015-04-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Last night Rhett and I took Tristen to our neighborhood high schools' 8th graders/incoming freshman open house. Talk about an in-your-face-reality-check. High school. Is NEXT YEAR. Next. Year!

There is so much to consider. Core classes, electives, credits, proof of efficiency tests, AP programs, college prep classes, and much much, MUCH more. All of the sudden the realization that I have just 4 years left to help guide and direct him, while slowly releasing my side of the rope that dictates his choices and decisions, simultaneously balancing my sanity and his opportunity for future life success by giving him all I can to equip him to be a well rounded, strong, confident person ready to take life by the bull horns and run. Eeeeeeeeek. Leaves me with a very long run on sentence and an overwhelming sense that this is it. This is the time. Whatever it takes. These next four years are going to be precious. I'm scared to death.

[this post has been sitting, apparently I forgot to hit publish. And even though this particular night happened months ago, every single thought is still valid and the truth of my Now]

Trash the Dress - Maui Edition

2014-10-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

Gahhhh!!! I just looove these photos so, so, so much. Rhett, Tristen and I went to Maui last week. The day prior to leaving I went to my sisters wedding dress fitting and came home talking about, for the three hundred and third time, how my dress was sitting in a box in the garage and dangit! I really wish we could do a trash the dress shoot and give my dress a proper goodbye. Cause sentiments aside, all this dress is ever gonna do is take up space in the garage. About 12 hours before we were to leave to Maui Rhett said "why don't you bring your dress to Maui. Let's do this trash shoot your always talking about." I was undecided, it was such a last minute idea, but when we woke up at 2am to catch our early morning flight, the decision was made to check an extra bag and throw the dress in. And I am SO.GLAD.WE.DID. Gosh, I just love these photos. Love Them! This one above is probably going to be the one printed and framed, but look at all of them!!! I love them all. And I love Rhett the mostest. This guy is always making my dreams and ideas come true. Thanks babe. You're the BEST.

Deverie of DC Maui Photography did the shoot. I just love the moments she captured. If you're ever in Maui and need a photographer, hit this girl up! She's awesome.

DIY Faux Brick Wall from Lowes

2014-10-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

And with this, another DIY faux wall was born! I love, love, love me a brick wall. I mean, who doesn't, right. Right? They are amazing. The tens of minutes that turn into hours upon hours of searching industrial spaces on Pinterest inevitably include dozens upon dozens of delicious, textured, distressed, exposed brick walls. And I want one. But. I don't have the time or space or dolla-dolla bills for one. Enter the "faux brick" search, and up popped these panels from Lowes.

And at this price tag, we were in business!!

my honey-does-it-best took all the measurements and concluded we needed 5 panels to do the job.

seriously. Rhett's expressions kill me. :D

... it was love!

the tape outlines are where the couch/sofa bed will go

with a mask and a kiss,

we got started.

Room changer!

Without a doubt.

Up Next.. white washing/distressing, otherwise known as second-guessing,

send a million and one texts to my DIY'er Queen of a SIL, we can always paint over it, torture!

Mexi for life

2014-10-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

even though I have NO BUSINESS consuming gluten and dairy, a sister + a good 'ol almost as good as the mexi food I grew up with Mexi Hole in the Wall eatery made me throw out all the no gluten/dairy, I'm going to feel like crap for the next three days out the window last night. Cause it is soooo.dang.gooooood. So good. Nothing, NOTHING, does it for me like a genuine hole in the wall mexi spot. Nothing.

Stripping

2014-09-30T21:43:00.001-07:00

This stripping furniture biznass is the shniz! Wow. Can't believe I've never tried it before. Sooo much easier then sanding. Will probably run a quick sand over it tomorrow just to catch any spots we might of missed and then the staining is on!