The Vintage Apple

Weekend at the Lake

2013-05-20T09:49:00.000-05:00

This weekend my little family packed up and headed to our home town for some quality family time. The husband loves to play golf so he was in a tournament on Saturday and Sunday. The baby and I decided to head over to my dad and step mom's lake house Saturday and Sunday. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to do it again next weekend!!

Sleeps so soundly on long car rides

Baby Apple's precious cousins

Sunday fun

After the lake on Sunday, the baby and I headed back to pick up my husband...when his golf tournament ended a tad bit later than scheduled, I picked up Baby Apple's other cousin and we had a dessert date :)

Chocolate Mousse Crunch

Chocolate Malt Heaven!! After our dessert date, she fed baby Apple his lunch!

This weekend was perfect and I am so sad that it is over with already. Hope you had a wonderful weekend with your friends and families!

Feel the Vibrations...Come on Come On :)

2013-05-17T07:52:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited that it's Friday I'm dancing like all of these people (be sure to click the music player so you can see them dance to the music):

Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch on Grooveshark

Have a happy weekend! Go dancing!

From One Mom to Another: Chronicles of KT

2013-05-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!! Thank you so much for checking out today's From One Mom to Another post....today's featured guest is the GORGEOUS Katie from Chronicles of KT! Katie is a mommy to a precious little boy who is 2 years old and also just announced that she's expecting a little one (watch the video!)!!! I am SO SO SO happy for you, Katie!!!! You can follow along on Katie's adventures in mommy-land on twitter and on Instagram!

Hi ya'll I'm Katie and I blog over at Chronicles of KT. I was so excited and honored when Michelle asked me to be a part of this series. I have one precious little boy "L"who will be 2 in May. He is the light of our life and it's hard to imagine life before him. I work night shift as a nurse which makes our life even more interesting! I'm no pro but I love being a mommy and think we can all learn from each others experiences. I love the community and support that blogging provides especially as I navigate this mommy thing. I blog a lot about our daily adventures, I also like to share my favorite recipes and other fun products or finds Ive tried and love!

Something you wish you knew before having the baby:

I wish I knew how rough the postpartum period really would be. I was a bit shocked to find it so miserable. Nobody ever talks about it because why talk about that when you have a sweet baby to talk about! I loved being pregnant my pregnancy was pretty easy and I really did not have any of the horrible pregnancy symptoms so to have to deal with all this stuff I really was not expecting was awful. It was way more painful, and gross, and my body just did not feel like my own. Your hair falls out the horrible night sweats on top of no sleep. I would be pregnant ten times over if I could just skip that phase of it all!

Most surprising mommy moment:

I think the thing that most surprised me was how relatively normal my life was able to remain and how much easier being a new mom was. I guess I just had this idea that we would no longer be going out to eat, I would never sleep again, no more outings with friends, and how on earth was I supposed to keep this little person happy forever?? It was so surprising to me how everything naturally fell into place. I tried so hard in the beginning to set a schedule and eat-sleep-play yadda yadda. L and I were frustrated and it just wasn’t happening. I decided I would go with the flow. When he was hungry he would let me know and when he was tired he would sleep. We still went out to dinner and L was always a dream! I still was able to hangout with friends just at different venues that previously. Once he turned 6 months we did a little sleep training and some serious nap bootcamp around 8 months and he has been a dream sleeper ever since (I know I am in for it when baby 2 comes along though). I think mommy instinct is a true and powerful thing and if you go with it and listen to it, it will make things a lot smoother.

How has motherhood impacted your life all around?

I never realized how much I could love another human. You always hear it but I will never forget that flood of emotions the moment I first laid eyes on my sweet boy. I find myself worrying about things I never thought I would. My priorities have changed too, I would much rather spend the evening playing trucks with my little guy than be out on the town. Essentially every thought circles back to L and how will it effect him. For example when I make my work schedule I have to think of how many days I am working in a row and is it a day my babysitter is available, is it a day the hubby generally has to work late? So many thoughts for onething that used to be so quick and simple to decide.

Best piece of advice:

My best piece of advice is to listen to your mommy instinct and your baby’s ques. You know what is best for you and your baby. What works for some does not work for others and you should not allow anyone to make you bad for a decision you have made that is best for your family.

Anything else you would like to share?

Be present in the moment. Take time to spend uninterrupted time with your baby. On that same note, its ok for your baby to play independently. L loves to play by himself sometimes and I take advantage of that time to read or watch one of my shows or clean the kitchen. I think it is so important for babies to learn to play independently without mommy or daddy or whoever in their face trying to entertain them.

My last thing would be just to enjoy being a mommy. It is so easy to get caught up in what we are “supposed” to be doing that we forget to just enjoy being a mom. The days of our kiddos being little babies goes so fast I am thankful I took those afternoons to just cuddle on the couch with my boy while he would let me and forget about all the “chores”. These days the moments are few when he actually cuddles with me and falling asleep on my chest…forget it!!

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!

2013-05-15T04:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!!!

A couple of weeks ago I posted a tutorial on how to embed your fabulous pins for today's linkup...make sure you check it out here or click the button below!!!! Pinterest has changed the way we embed code now, and I just want to make sure everyone is aware of what to do!!!!

Let's link up for:

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!

Let's get started!!!!

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is the place where you can catalog everything lovely!

Let's start pinning!!!

I can't wait to see what you guys pin this week!!!!!!
Grab the code above and link up below!!!

An iPhone Case for a Cause

2013-05-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am horrible HORRIBLE horrible with my iPhone. I drop it all the time and there have been times I know it should have shattered but luckily it didn't...all thanks to putting protective cases on it!!!

A couple of weeks ago, a company called Mrked contacted me and asked if I was interested in reviewing a cell phone case from their company...of course I said YES! I love changing my cell phone cases and I am always on the lookout for a super protective one that will protect my device from my clumsiness!

I love my case!!!! It is black, white, and my new favorite color green!!!!

To say that I'm in love with my new case is an understatement. I am seriously LOVING this case...it covers the iPhone entirely which is one feature that I can't live without when it comes to the perfect iPhone case. Another great feature is that it is very durable. I have dropped it twice (once Sunday on Mother's Day trying to get a picture of the baby in church!) and the case doesn't even have a scratch on it! Plus, if my four month old baby can grab it out of my hands and throw it around and the phone stays intact- we have a winner.

Not only are these cell phone cases stylish and durable, but part of the proceeds from the purchase of the case goes towards an AMAZING cause:

Each founding member [of Mrked] grew up in an unique environment that shaped our personal lives. But one common feature is that our parents migrated from South Asia in order to provide us with a proper education. The stories of the struggles our parents went through to make it in America has motivated us to excel in our studies and do something to make them proud. This idea became the foundation and driving force of Mrked: we wanted to provide an opportunity for people, like you, to change a young girl’s life in an Asian or African country.

At Mrked, our mission is to not only give our customers high quality products, but want to give them an opportunity to "Leave A Mrk" on the world. Our vision is to create a business model that would bring positive change. We chose to educate, as it is a vital part in making sustainable improvements in the developing world. We have created a profit-sharing model with Room to Read to help provide education to girls in Asian and African countries. Together we are working towards alleviating the lack of education within these countries.

The tech accessories maintain a contemporary, chic appeal while proving to serve it's protective purpose. We sought to keep the design slender as not to make your phone too bulky and really push the opportunity to provide girl's with access to education through our "Leave A Mrk" initiative.

As an educator, I know that this is a cell phone company that I just want to absolutely promote on every level. To get books into the hands of any child is amazing and I am so happy to be a part of such a wonderful cause!!!!!

Please please please visit the Mrked website and order a cell phone case...you will not regret it. And, just for y'all, they are offering all of my readers 10% off their purchase. Just enter vintageapple at checkout.

Website: www.mrked.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrkedbrand
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mrkedbrand
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrkedbrand

Happy Tuesday!!!!!!

*I was provided a cell phone case from Mrked to review. The review I give this post is honest and something I truly would purchase on my own.

Mother's Day and Baptism

2013-05-13T08:18:00.004-05:00

Mother's Day was amazing. Just amazing. We had a super busy weekend planned, including going to three birthday parties and then Baby Apple's baptism on Sunday.Saturday morning came and went like normal, and we were just about to start packing up the car and heading to birthday party #1 when Daddy and baby came out with my Mother's Day present!!

Left: Baby A giving me my present! Right: All ready to go birthday partying!

My lil guy gave me the most beautiful Tiffany's necklace with his initial on it! I love it and can't wait to wear it! Sunday morning we woke up early and went to church as a family. It was so nice sitting in my hometown church with my husband and son...it felt so surreal and just perfect. It was the perfect start to my Mother's Day and Baby Apple's baptism day.

The baby wore the same gown that his aunts and his daddy wore when they were all baptized. It was so special to see him in the same outfit that his daddy wore...it brought tears to my eyes.

After the baptism, we headed to my husband's parents house for lunch...poor baby had too much Baptism fun and was ready for a nap!!!

Me with my two nieces and nephew trying to break husband's lap!

It was a beautiful weekend and I am so sad to see it over so soon!!! I hope all of you mommies had a fantastic Mother's Day!!!!
Have a good Monday!

From One Mom to Another: Mackey Madness

2013-05-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!! Thank you so much for checking out today's From One Mom to Another post....today's featured guest is Megan from Mackey Madness! I've known Megan through the blogging world from the start- she was one of the first bloggers who befriended me!! She is just gorgeous and recently just had a little girl named Emory. She is such a little cutie!!! You can read her birth story here!! Also, go visit her on Instagram and Twitter!! Thank you so much Megan for taking part of this series!

via

Something you wish you knew before having the baby:

The two things that I remember thinking I wish I had known about beforehand were how emotional those first few weeks were and how hard breastfeeding was to get started. Although in reality, I kinda did know that. Everyone says it. But I didn't really "get" it until I went through it. I think that you can't really understand it completely until you've been there. Also, I wish I had known to trust my gut more. Even though I am a new mom, I know my baby more than anyone else. We get each other.

Most surprising mommy moment:

The amount of love that I felt as soon as she was born. I thought that I already loved her so much when she was in my belly, but wow, it intensified times a million when I saw her and held her in my arms. On that same note, I also was surprised how little patience I had sometimes. Being a mom is definitely growing me in that department!

How has motherhood impacted your life all around?

Being a mommy has changed my life so much. From the deep love I have for her, to the way it's positively affected my marriage. I look at my husband and I just love him even more because I see how much he loves her. A man and a baby together is just heart melting goodness. I have also stopped working except for once a week at night so that I can stay at home and keep Emory. I was worried that I might miss work more, but I haven't at all. I love spending my days with my little girl.

Best piece of advice:

Don't compare your baby to others!! All babies do things at different rates. Don't stress about having a set schedule, especially the first few months. It'll just make your life hectic. Don't listen to everything everyone says - take it all with a grain of salt and a smile. You know your baby best!!

Anything else you would like to share?

Just the typical - try to cherish every day. They really do grow SO fast. I already miss my little snuggly newborn baby, even though I love watching her grow and change.

-photos via

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!

2013-05-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

Let's link up for:

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!

Let's get started!!!!

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is the place where you can catalog everything lovely!

Let's start pinning!!!

I can't wait to see what you guys pin this week!!!!!!
Grab the code above and link up below!!!

My Best Piece of Advice

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

My best piece of advice for you: Life isn't always perfect, but if you do what makes you happy, nothing else matters.

It isn't really advice, but more of a motto. This is something I truly live by each and every single day. Is it a struggle to continue to do things that just make me happy? Yes. Do I have to appease others as well and sacrifice my own happiness? Sometimes.

What advice do you have to share?

Participating in Story of My Life's Blog Every Day in May challenge! Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

Catch up here:

The Thing I am Most Afraid Of.

2013-05-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to go this route with today's post. I've been back and forth about writing it, but I think it is time.

I don't know my birth mother.

My dad married young and divorced young. He remarried the woman I now call my mother. I thank God every day for this because I would have never met my husband or have the life that I have now if it weren't for this happening. I could never imagine my life without my mom or the family that I gained when my father remarried.

I do, however, remember my birth mother. I searched her out in college. I sought after her. I needed to know who she was. I needed to know where I came from. I found her and had so many questions...Why did she walk away from being a mother? How could she just give up her daughters and not care about their welfare or where they are at in life? I found her and asked those questions. I remember clearly never really getting any answers. I never contacted her again.

Now I have even more questions, maybe because I am a mother myself. I just can not FATHOM giving birth to my child and then NEVER having a relationship. Never having the desire. Never having the want to be a part of a life that you gave birth to.

I will never give her the satisfaction of knowing my successes in my life. I will never seek her out again. I am selfish. She doesn't deserve to know that I am happily married with an amazing husband. She doesn't deserve to know that I am teacher and that I love my job. She doesn't deserve to know that I have a son that means everything and more to me.

I could go on and on about this, but I won't. Everything happens for a reason.

The thing I am most afraid of? Writing this post and hitting publish.

Participating in Story of My Life's Blog Every Day in May challenge! Prompt: Day , Tuesday: The thing(s) you're most afraid of.

Catch up here:

What Do I Do?

2013-05-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am going to tell you today what I do without actually telling you my job title....because as most of you know, what I do is not just what I do....

I'm a(n):

actress
artist
babysitter
boss
counselor
concierge
chapperone
disciplinarian
director
data coordinator
educator
enemy
friend
family
giver
guider
hall monitor
instructor
joker
judge
jury
knowledge manager
letter writer
mom
motivator

mind-reader

narrator
narcotics officer
negotiator
novelist
nurse
nutritionist
operator
professional
peace-keeper
peace-maker
photographer
psychic
public speaker
questioner
quiz maker
reader
receptionist
recreation coordinator
recruiter
recycle specialist
referee
registrar
renovator
repair woman
reporter
researcher
saver
social worker
tamer
usher
videographer
warrior
warden
writer
xerox operator
youth director
zookeeper

I'm sure there are many more nouns to replace my title, but it should be known that I have never felt more complete, more whole, more needed, more loved than I do now. My job is amazing. I can not do anything else. I refuse. I am passionate and know that whatever it is I am doing, I am changing lives.
I.Love.My.Job.

“Teachers don't just teach; they can be vital personalities who help young people to mature, to understand the world, and to understand themselves. A good education consists of much more than useful facts and marketable skills.”- Charles Platt

Participating in Story of My Life's Blog Every Day in May challenge! Prompt: Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

Catch up here:

Love, Professed

2013-05-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today I would like to publicly profess my love to SEVERAL bloggers (Sorry, Jenni! I know you said only one...but I just couldn't do it!)

Back when I started this blog, I never expected to meet anyone in real life through blogging. I don't know why, I just never even really thought about it. Then one day I received an email from a girl named Tara inviting me to have a bloggers lunch with a couple of other local bloggers. I agreed and the rest is history!!!!

This is a picture taken the first day we all met...Myra, Me, Heather, Tara and Meg. We are just missing Katie!! You can read about our first meet up here! (Ironically as I type this, I have another red eye. Ha!)

Now these girls have become my best friends. We all talk several times a day and just are so supportive of one another. I love these girls very much and without blogging, I would have never met them. Crazy.

Participating in Story of My Life's Blog Every Day in May challenge! Prompt: Day 5, Sunday: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them?

Catch up here:

Day 1

Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

Words.

2013-05-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love this quote---I love it for what it means, what it represents, how it fits in with my life at this moment. Laughter is key to happiness. Laughter can make anyone feel better if only for just a moment. Humor can turn a frown into the biggest of grins and make your heart feel such a way that only an expression on your face can describe. On this Saturday, find the humor in your life.

Participating in Story of My Life's Blog Every Day in May challenge! Prompt: Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it

Catch up here:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Uncomfortable

2013-05-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

via

Something that makes me extremely uncomfortable (scary almost) is when someone unexpected knocks on my front door. Realistically, one should never open the door for anyone they don't know. Then...there is me. I'm not an idiot (last time I checked) but I have opened the door recently to someone I do not know. They had on a reputable company's button down shirt and had the company vehicle parked outside my door. They also had on a badge that clearly stated who the man was, a photo image, and who he worked for. We have double doors...one wood door and a glass door. I always keep the glass door locked, so when I open the regular door I can see through the glass door at the person on the other side.

Anyway...I open the door like no big deal and nicely tell the man that I am not interested in his product. He continues to talk to me. I again nicely ask him to leave because I am not interested in his product. He CONTINUES to talk to me through my door. I'm starting to regret opening the door in the first place. I start to get a very uncomfortable feeling and I immediately shut the door and lock it. He stands there for a moment (I'm watching through my blinds) and then when he walks away, he slams his fist against the side of my house, making a loud noise.

Seriously??????

I should have called the company he worked for to report his sorry and childish behavior, but I didn't. But sitting here typing this out, I realize I should have never opened the door in the first place. Especially since I was home alone with the baby.

Lesson learned- do not open the door to anyone I don't know. That way I don't piss them off and they don't hit my house with their fist! Seriously, though...the world we live in is scary, and as sad as it is, we really have to judge everyone that approaches us in this manner as someone that could do harm. I hate that I live in a world like that.

What makes you uncomfortable?

Participating in Story of My Life's Blog Every Day in May challenge! Prompt: Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable.

Catch up here:
Day 1
Day 2

My Favorite Photo Apps (Day 2-Blog Every Day Challenge)

2013-05-02T08:03:00.001-05:00

I get asked a lot about the apps I use to edit my photos, so today I am going to show them all to you! I've also included the link to the app's location on iTunes or on the web so you can find out more information about them.

First, here is the original photo I used to display all the apps...it's from my own camera roll.

So, in no particular order, my favorite iPhone photography apps!!!

1. VSCO Cam- The website describes it as: AN EASY-TO-USE IPHONE CAMERA APP WITH ELEGANT, MINIMAL PROCESSING OPTIONS. THE SLEEK INTERFACE AND STREAMLINED WORKFLOW ENABLE YOU TO QUICKLY CREATE BEAUTIFUL IMAGES TO SHARE VIA MAJOR SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS AND (COMING SOON) YOUR VSCO SITE.

This is one of my favorite photo editing apps, and at only .99 cents it is quite a steal!

2. Labelbox- I love this app because you can add labels to any photo, creating a really fun effect! And...it's free!

3. Lenslight- I love adding bokeh effects, lensflares, and other optical effects and this app is perfect for just that! This app is .99 cents and worth every penny.

4. SigNote- By far one of the COOLEST apps out there for your iPhone...you can layer anything you write on top of any photograph! It's awesome! This is my absolute favorite app of all time...sadly I have not used it as much as I would like, but I promise to use it more often. It's also .99 cents.

5. SquareReady- This app allows you to resize any of your images so that they are ready for Instagram publishing!!! Keeps you from having to cut parts of your pics out of the IG crop! This app is free!

6. AfterLight- Another one of my go-to photo editing apps, this one has some very unique filters that allow you to adjust the filter as you go. It's quick and easy to use! This app is .99 cents.

Participating in Story of My Life's Blog Every Day in May challenge! Prompt: Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)

I don't think that I am particularly good at educating anyone besides my 8th graders in literature, reading, and writing, and I am guessing that you all don't want lessons on that! So...I'm going to share with you all my favorite iPhone photography apps! I think I'm pretty good at using them and want to share them with you all today!

Catch up here:
Day 1

From One Mom to Another: The Nerdy Katie

2013-05-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!! Thank you so much for checking out today's From One Mom to Another post....today's featured guest is Katie from The Nerdy Katie! Katie is a mommy to a pretty much amazing lil guy who I've had the great pleasure of meeting! He's such a cutie and SO SMART!!!!!! Katie is my go-to when it comes to baby questions, and I am so lucky to be able to call her one of my best friends. Go visit her on Instagram and Twitter!!

Something you wish you knew before having the baby:

All babies are different, don't get caught up in the "mommy wars" on who's kid is walking, talking, whatever first or when. Your kid will get there eventually; there are bigger things in life to stress about. In that same thought though, trust your "mommy gut" mine has never lead me wrong, if your gut is telling you something is off, it probably is. Don't be afraid to call the pedi at 3am. Remember, you're your child's advocate.

Most surprising mommy moment:

Besides the overwhelming love that I felt, and all the other cheesy stuff? That my kid is an excellent poo artist. Really, thank God that stage is over.

How has motherhood impacted your life all around?

Obviously hugely. I was never really sure that I wanted kids, and if I did have them I wanted to still keep my career. Then I had my little surprise & that all changed, I gave up the career to become a stay at home mom. Do I miss working at times? YES! But it was a decision that my partner and I felt was best for our family, we made major sacrifices to do so. Now, I love me some working moms, I have been one myself, for the first 6 months I was the sole breadwinner in our family and my partner was a stay at home dad (he was laid off two weeks after I had our kid). Once it was time for him to go back to work we crunched the numbers and realized I would be bringing home less than $100 a week after day care, commute, insurance and such. So that's how I changed, I went from the corporate world of meetings and conference calls to Lego Star Wars and endless PB&J's.

Best piece of advice:

Try not to stress, everything will be okay. Don't get caught up in the mommy wars, find our community, be it through blogging, a message board (I recommend the bump for newbies) or a local meet up group. It's great to have group of like minded individuals who are going or have gone through any illness, colic, or grumps that you are going through now.

Anything else you would like to share?

Enjoy this time, it really does fly by. I have to stop myself when I'm getting annoyed & don't want to be touched, that he won't be a little guy forever, he's going to get to the point where he doesn't want to cuddle, sit in my lap & hold my hand. So I try to soak up every second of that. Sure, the clothes might not come out of the dryer asap, or dinner might be late. That I can deal with, and really who cares? But it's those little moments where you got the most amazing thing in your lap and he just needs to be tickled.

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!

2013-05-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

Let's link up for:

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!

Let's get started!!!!

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is the place where you can catalog everything lovely!

Let's start pinning!!!

I can't wait to see what you guys pin this week!!!!!!
Grab the code above and link up below!!!

250 Words or Less

2013-05-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday all!!! I'm starting something new this month and I hope that I can do it all 31 days...I'm writing along with Story of My Life and hoping to get back to my writing roots. I think it is something that I will genuinely enjoy doing and hope you do to! I won't be discontinuing any of my regularly scheduled posts...just adding these to the mix. Enjoy!

Day 1 of Blog Every Day in May

Prompt: Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less

I was born on October 6^th, 1981. I am from El Paso, TX and moved to central Texas in my 5^th grade year. I graduated in 2000 from a small Texas high school with around 32 students. I went to college for around a year and a half, made a few stupid mistakes that led me to move back home with my parents, and met the love of my life. I then moved to Houston (where I currently reside) and finished college, landed the job of my dreams (teaching!!), married my husband in 2011, had a beautiful baby boy, and now I am enrolled to get my Masters. I am currently on track to become an Assistant Principal very soon and hopefully one day have my own school. In this life I hope to learn something new every day and become the woman/wife/mother I have always dreamed I could be.

4 Months!!!

2013-04-30T08:24:00.002-05:00

Happy 4 Months, baby boy!!!! You have grown so much it seems! You now weigh a little over 16 pounds and are 26 inches long. You are technically ready for rice cereal and some purees, but mommy is holding out for a little bit longer for that. You are drinking anywhere from 6 to 7.5 ozs of milk per feeding, now. You are grabbing your feet and trying to eat them, and basically putting anything and everything in your mouth. You are a drooling-machine! You are starting to mimic sounds, and you really like to "talk" and hear your own voice. You also love to see your reflection in the mirror! You are capable of rolling over, but choose not too. You have also become quite the wiggle worm...I have to hold you extra tight so that you don't wiggle out of my arms! You are also sitting up for very short periods of time on your own and just trying to grow up way too fast. STOP! And...for the past 3 nights....you have slept all through the night. I hope this pattern continues! You continue to be one of the happiest babies I have ever seen...never without a smile on your face, you are developing such a bright personality and I can tell that you are going to be a big talker!

We love you!!!!! Thank you, Lord, for my many blessings. This little man is my everything!!!!!

Lipgloss, Crayons, Sephora...LOVE!

2013-04-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's Monday already?!?!! Where does our weekend go, seriously?

I want to help you get over that Monday funk by introducing you to Carly!!!! She has something special for you today, too!!!!!

Hello Vintage Apple readers! I'm Carly and I blog over at Lipgloss and Crayons. I'm an elementary school teacher, who loves fashion and beauty products. I started my blog on a whim over summer vacation….and it's turned into a total passion project! I love writing about fun outfits, great products and sharing some of my favorite recipes. My husband is a professional musician, so I get to experiment with both professional wear and fun rock and roll attire!"

A few of the trends I'm loving lately.........

~Bold Shoes~

~Vintage Silhouettes~

~Black and White~

~Lace~

What fashion trend are you playing with these days??? Stop by Lipgloss & Crayons and let me know! I love being inspired by my newest friends! Also---I'm giving away a $20.00 giftcard to Sephora! Enter below!!! Good luck!!!

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Office Space in a Closet Space

2013-04-26T10:00:00.001-05:00

When we knew we were having a baby, the room that we called our office had to go. We have a three bedroom home so I placed the computer and all of my office stuff in the guest bedroom. After I had the baby, the computer migrated from the guest bedroom to the dining room table so that I could blog while still being in the same room as the baby. So, now I have a dining room slash office.

To be honest, I am feeling so unmotivated and just so blah about writing now. I have no inspiration for blog posts and I feel my creativity being sucked out of me like a vacuum.

I finally figured it out, though. I know why my creativity and desire to blog is gone....I need my own personal space to write! And here is my remedy....

I am going to turn my hall closet into an office. Yup. I'm very excited about it. It is very deep and is the PERFECT spot to place my iMac and all of the things that go along with it. I really feel like this will bring back my blogging mojo! And of course I will be documenting each and every step to share with you all here!!!

I'm gonna let you peek into my Office Space board on Pinterest....it is harboring all of my ideas!

This is the pin that inspired me to begin the renovation process on the hall closet:

Hubs is going to install a glass desk for me. I'm also thinking about painting the back wall and stenciling a quatrefoil pattern on it...not sure yet. The possibilities are endless! Here are some other inspiring pins from my office space board:

I want to add some box shelves to the top, similar to the shelves in this pin:

And I may even want to hang something like this up in there, too!

I can't wait to get started! We are cleaning out the closet this weekend and going to call an electrician to come in next week to install the power outlets!!! I am so excited and can't wait to show you the finished product!!!

From One Mom to Another: Counting Blessings

2013-04-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!! Thank you so much for checking out today's From One Mom to Another post....today's featured guest is Breanna from Counting Blessings! Breanna is a mom to an adorable little boy named Jonah and let me tell y'all...he is SUCH A DOLL!!! You need to follow her on Instagram and Twitter...this kid seriously makes the best faces and will put anyone's eyelashes to SHAME!

Something you wish you knew before having the baby:

I really wish I didn't believe all the women that told me I would feel instant relief as soon as I pushed Jonah out. Everyone I talked to told me how much better I would feel as soon as he was out and in my arms. Now, maybe I'm an exception - but this wasn't the case for me. I was still in excruciating pain after I delivered him. I had an epidural, but it wore off about 45 minutes before I started pushing. Don't get me wrong, seeing our baby for this first time was definitely the most AMAZING moment in my entire life. I just wish I hadn't kept telling myself that I'd feel better once he was out, because unfortunately that just didn't happen for me.

On a happier note...no one ever told me that your heart would stop the first time your baby smiles at you :)

Most surprising Mommy moment:

My most surprising Mommy moment to date would have to be the day I learned just how far a little boy can 'shoot', if you catch my drift. Peeing on Mommy was most definitely inevitable. I had him lying on his changing pad while I was changing his diaper, when the next thing I know it was shooting across the room and hitting the wall on the other side. I wish I was joking, but not really - because boy did I laugh. I was literally in shock! My mouth hit the floor and I watched his pee fountain for a good minute or so. Then? I screamed for my husband. I wish someone were in the room to capture the look on my face!

How has motherhood impacted your life all around?

Oh my gosh. Being a Mommy is the single most important job in my life...now and forever more. The moment the doctor laid him on my chest, my world changed forever in the most beautiful way. Becoming a Mommy has been so amazing because my world revolves around this new little life that we brought into the world. I feel like I appreciate time even more than I did before. I've already watched this little guy grow for 8 weeks and I stare at him in awe with each new change and development I witness. Becoming a Mommy has impacted my life in the most positive way, and I thank God every single day for answering our prayers! The love that you feel for your child is so intense, it's almost magical.

Best piece of advice:

The best piece of advice that I have received is to sleep when the baby sleeps. This is so true (and important) especially during those first few weeks, which I like to describe as pure survival mode. Haha! Honestly though, it is great advice! It's so funny how when you become a Mommy, 5 or 6 uninterrupted hours of sleep feels like 15 hours of sleep! :)

Anything else you would like to share?

Please, please, please...I beg of you...TAKE PICTURES. Tons of them. I find myself already looking back at these past 8 weeks and seeing so many changes. I have been taking weekly pictures (and monthly ones, too) because it's so nice to document his every milestone. I've already made some photo books online. I'm doing my best to keep on top of pictures! I'm notorious for storing pictures on my computer, yet never printing them. I'm trying so hard to document his life in the best way I can for him to look back on someday.

Also, it's okay to make mistakes. When you become a first time Mommy, everything is so new - you have to find what works for you and your baby. It's okay to not be perfect. Perfection doesn't exist anyway :)

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!

2013-04-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!!!!!

A couple of weeks ago I posted a tutorial on how to embed your fabulous pins for today's linkup...make sure you check it out here or click the button below!!!! Pinterest has changed the way we embed code now, and I just want to make sure everyone is aware of what to do!!!!

Let's link up for:

Oh, How Pinteresting!!!

Let's get started!!!!

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is the place where you can catalog everything lovely!

Let's start pinning!!!

I can't wait to see what you guys pin this week!!!!!!
Grab the code above and link up below!!!

Sigh.

2013-04-23T08:20:00.000-05:00

I'm dreading today after work...Baby Apple is going to the doctor to get his FOUR month shots!!! Thank goodness that my husband is going with me...I had to do this by myself last time and I swear I cried louder than the baby did.

I will officially have his four month update next week, but I just had to share these pictures. I am telling y'all...he is seriously the SMILIEST, HAPPIEST baby! I'm knocking on wood as I type this, but really he only cries when he is hungry or not feeling too well. Other than that, it is smile-city in our house.

Sucking his thumb

Wishing daddy a very happy birthday

Taking a selfie- truly a blogger's son

I saw something on Instagram the other day and it really brought tears to my eyes. I want to share it with you all---

I hope you have a fantastic Tuesday!!!!
xoxo

It's All Good!

2013-04-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!!!!! I hope you had a wonderful weekend!!!!

I have to take a moment today to wish THE LOVE OF MY LIFE a VERY VERY happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, baby!!!! You are so loved!!! You are an amazing husband and wonderful father! I am so blessed to have you in my life and can't wait to celebrate!!!!! I love you!!!!!!

I also want to introduce you all to one of my favorite bloggers ever...she is just so sweet and we have become very good blogging friends over the past few months! Her blog is adorable and so is she!!!! I'll let her do the talking now!

Hi Vintage Apple Readers! I am Helene from the blog, Helene in Between!

I absolutely love Michelle and her blog and hopefully you will love me too!

Since we all know and love Michelle for her link up: Oh, How Pinteresting! I thought I would show you my most popular pins from my blog...

My Sock Bun Tutorial.

I don't have the best hair, but I sure have a lot of it.

This is by far my most repinned pin.

The bad thing about it? I didn't link it up correctly, because I suck at life. But look at that hair, it was a good hair day. But most of the time, it's not.

The Blogger Drinking Game.

This was designed for Friday posts. You know as bloggers, sometimes we have some common themes.

Take a sip when...

And lastly my favorite thing to talk about...

My Trip to Tomorrowland.

This is my most favorite pin. This is me and my husband at a music festival in Belgium.

We traveled 3,000 miles for the largest electronic Dance Music festival in the world.

You could say I like to party.

I post about things more than sock buns, drinking and music festivals. Sometimes I can be funny (I think...) I like to talk about life love and... everything in Between!
Stop by and say hi sometime!