Top Misconceptions About Me

If you have been around these or these parts for any time, you probably know a thing or two about me.

But do you really know me?  Here are a few things that people think about me that are totally wrong!

• Oh you were in pageant, you must love bling! Heck to the now. I mean I love a good evening gown, but nothing, I mean nothing I won is blinged out. People I am lucky to put on my wedding ring the morning. This includes my child. No her DocBand was not clad in rhinestones. She's a baby!
• Which leads me to #2. My sweet baby girl. I get it, I did pageants, you think I am a glorified obsessed pageant mom. WRONG. I am lucky if my baby girl has pants on let alone  a complete outfit with a bow. She is crawling around all day (ok rolling) slobbering all over herself, why dress her up when .2 seconds later that bow will be gone and her dress will have spit up on it.
• You're from Texas, you must own boots. Nope, nada. I do not in fact own cowboy boots. yet.
• You're a Lawyer, you make lots of money. In my dreams. Yes, I do well, but we are by no means rolling in dough. Lest you remember the $100k+ in loans I have from said law degree.
• You look so good after the baby, you must starve yourself. Nope. I eat, I promise I eat. I also workout. And I eat foods that are good for me.
• When will you put E in pageants? I won't until she is old enough to decide for herself. I may put her baton twirling, soccer, dance, t-ball or whatever else we come up with, but little girl pageants... NO. And whether my child wants to twirl is up to her at the point she tells me as well.
• And I do not know how this one came about, but my best friend from law school, I love her, said she thought I would be an overbearing mom.  Could not be further from the truth. My dogs lick the baby, I put pacis back in after they hit the floor (in my own house), she rolled off the bed, I told her she was fine, and see above, girl is rarely dressed to the 9's.
• I live in Fort Worth, not Dallas... totally different, I promise

Anything else you think you know about me?

What's Hap"pinning" Wednesday

It's Wednesday and I'm linking up with Jenn and Jess and this is what's happening!

I did it! I chopped off the hair (again) and went for the color change. This was my inspiration:

This is what I did last time.

And voila!

Darker, shorter, sassier... well Ok I am sassier because of the hair!

I tend to go darker in the Fall because well, my face is white, my legs are white and I think it makes me look not so ghostly. This is a tad darker than I wanted, but because my hair is so naturally blonde it will fade quickly so we go darker ands let it lighten on its own.  I wanted a little more of the blonde, but I am pretty happy. I also learned from my stylist, that the "new" curl is to just curl the shaft and leave the end straight... I am still mastering that one,

What is else is happening? The house is getting some showings, but I am one protective house mama. Getting the feedback is mixed for me. 1. It helps me if there is something I can change, but 2. it makes me protective. I put a lot of work (and money) into that house, so when people comment on things that I KNOW are not wrong I get a tad upset. Like, do not tell me my floors are sloped or dipped. Dude the floors are new. No one has lived on them.  They are perfect! Find something else to complain about like I dunno, the closet door is old. I know it will sell soon enough, I just need to Let It Go! (now you're singing it right Jess?)

And lastly, a work update. I do not talk about work much because most people find it boring and I can't really divulge too much. But let me tell you....I review medical records a lot. And I am pretty well versed in back issues, give me all the radiculopathy and spondylolisthesis you want. But right now I am going through some hospital records that involve hernias. And people do you want comes with some hernias? Yeah words that start with R and P and involve blood. I will leave you with that.

Oh, wait I lied, one more thing. I have had a couple of you ask me about body after baby. I know I was a self-proclaimed workout-aholic before E. Well, I promise a post is in the works about what my life and workout life looks like after baby. I will post some before and afters and give all of you new moms some hints tips, and well reality of it all.

I Can't Even

Ok ya'll. Today I need to rant. Have any of you seen this little gem on the interwebs? Well, its everywhere. It has been on Huffington Post, Bitter Lawyer, local  news affiliates.... and the worst part? I know this kid. Kid, yes I called him a kid,

Bryan Wilson is 27. He went to law school with me. I am not sure if I should be embarrassed or impressed with his marketing skills. But honestly, I just can't even!

This is not what the practice of law is. This is not what a Texas Tech alumni is. This is not what Fort Worth is about. This is a mockery, of a travesty IMHO.

Sure, Bryan is a smart guy. Truly. Top of his class, super personable and could sell ice to an Eskimo. But I just somehow feel that commercials like these are what give lawyers a bad name, and do nothing for his reputation amongst peers and the judiciary, or Texas for that matter. I like Bryan. I had the occasion to watch him in trial, and he is likeable. I judged him in moot court competition in law school, not bad. I just want more from him and our profession. I get that his commercials are memorable, and yes they actually contain lessons on how to deal with everyday criminal issues, but personally, that's not how I want people to remember me.

What do you think?

Call the Arc

Well we did not float away here after all the torrential rains. And the hubs returned in one piece from New Orleans. But here is what I did this weekend....

Friday the rain did cometh. And my house went on the market... well except the concrete guy never came back to take the support beams off!

So.... at about 6pm Friday in the pouring rain, I schlept out in rain boots with a saw and shovel to take off the beams. I'm sure I was a sight. But when the hubs is away, you improvise.

Voila! Sans beams!

Saturday, Little one and I headed to Little Gym. I noticed my child is the only one who refuses to stand. She will dance her little feet, but has no desire to hold herself up or "stand." And all we did the whole time... assisted standing... Yup we were the ones just sitting there.

After LG we headed home for a nap before we needed to get to D'ville for the baby shower I was co-hosting for my best friend.

Well, about 5 minutes before we needed to leave, I called the pups to go outside and no Chloe. I  mean nowhere to be found. I looked under every bed, in every closet, every nook and cranny of the house and then panicked. So I began to  canvas the neighborhood. In.the.pouring.rain. Yes, there I was grey swing dress from Pearl & Monroe Boutique calling for Chloe. Ya'll, I died a little right there. Chloe is my baby. My first baby. She has been with me through law school, the bar exam, a divorce, several moves,... you get it. I called J in tears not able to speak.

And then.... voila she appears. Well, my mom sat down on the couch with the baby and put up the leg rest and she crawled out from under it. She was in the couch people. I called her name for an hour and she did not make a peep. She Chlo-dini'd!

So, I rushed to get myself together and off we went to the shower.

This tiny tot was the hit of the party! Well, until she zonked out 1/2 way through.

It was golf themed and so cute!

And yes, his name is going to be John Wayne.

We then headed home and all napped! My brother met us for dinner and E had her first dinner in a high-chair experience.

Sunday we napped and mastered the baby selfie.

And hit up the major sale at Baby Gap! Ya'll 60% off sale stuff.... E banked some serious baby stuff.

She was exhausted by the time daddy came home and went to bed early and even slept in. I also blame the weather and her ever present cough and mucus, but hey she slept!

How was your weekend?

Gloomy Friday

It's Friday, albeit a tad gloomy... ok its monsoon central outside, but its Friday!

J is out of town in Nola for a bachelor party, so its just the baby girl and I this weekend and its jam packed!

First, the rent house goes on the market today! Three cheers! I spent last night (in the rain) sprucing up the front porch with some flowers, cleaning all the windows (inside and out), touching up a few spots of trim and some patchwork in the drywall. I felt very HGTV with my curb appeal upgrades.

This is how the house looked when I bought it

Tomorrow I am co-hosting my best friend's babyshower along with two of her mother's friends. It's golf themed and I am so excited!

And I plan on some fun mommy-daughter time, ya know maybe some shopping and a playdate.

Until send the arc, I may float away!

Fall About Me

Jumped online this morning and saw this lovely idea from Miss Jenn, who saw it from Miss Kristin and so on and so forth... but had to join in the fun!

Favorite Candle Scent - I admit we have no fall scented candles at home! And who has time for candles? But... I do love me some Flannel by Bath & Body Works. I am just not into super sweet scents, but this one is like a warm blanket by the fire.

Flannel

Best Fragrance for Fall - Yeah so I don't switch by season, I swear by my Burberry and this random one from Avon that my mom got me, yes Avon.... go figure

Coffee, Tea or Hot Cocoa? - Tea! Currently sipping a chai latte and have been for a week. When I  had to quit coffee for my pregnancy I just never got back into it and I just can't handle too much sweetness from hot cocoa.

Favorite Thanksgiving Food - So, Thanksgiving is legit. We go to the country club with V&D and have a huge buffet. My favorite piece of food on that table? Seriously, its the green beans. They are steamed to perfection with an almond shaving... yum! Oh yeah and turkey and pie.

Best Fall Memory - Eh, well I didn't grow up going to the pumpkin patch etc.. or apple picking because well its Texas and Fall lasts a hot second, aka its still 80+ degrees here. But Fall means football and any Saturday twirling on the field in college was awesome!

Favorite Type of Pie - pumpkin followed closely by chocolate silk.

Favorite worn sweater - Can we say sweatshirt? I borrowed stole this oversized Ohio State sweatshirt from J and well let's just say its my fav, so comfy, so warm, so oversized.

What is fall weather like where you live - see above and also see ice storms, rain storms or well whatever mother nature throws at ya!

Football Games or jumping in leaf piles - Football. again see above!

What song gets you in the fall spirit -  TCU

Pumpkin Spice worth the Hype? - No. Just no.

Favorite Fall TV Show - It used to be Grey's, but sadly its not. So I just find something new each year and hope its good!

Currently watching Nashville, Manhattan, Gotham & Dancing with the Stars

Skinny Jeans or Leggings - Both.

Halloween, Yay or Nay? - Yay!!! I get to dress up this cute pie!

How Do You Feel about Black Friday? Sleep in. Stay far away from the store.

Happy Fall ya'll!

What's Happening Wednesday

Linking up with My girl Jenn for today's What's Hap"Pinning" Wednesday.

If you have been around for a bit, you may remember that le-ex husband was a member of the Steeplechase Club. A la southern debutante ball club. Yes, we still have debuts here in the south. Well, I have not been in 3 years, but this year I am introducing J to all things Fort Worth society and we are joining V&D as their guests. You know what this means?!!! Dress Up time! Formal dress time!!! So, of course I have to look my best, but we are on a baby budget, so no new dress for me. So, enter Rent The Runway!

So, here are a few of the dresses I am looking at renting.

BCBG Before Midnight Gown

Sachin & Babi Studio Gown

Badgley Mischka Flourish

Nicole Miller Jewel Block Dress



Thoughts? Which did you think I ended up renting? Hint, I ordered two!

Spoiled

Happy Monday all! I say this as Monday has kicked my booty already. I managed to wake up with a headache, forget about Evie's DocBand appointment and leave my laptop at home all before 8am. But I hit restart, grabbed a pumpkin scone and am ready to recap my wonderful spoiled weekend.

My birthday was Tuesday. I hit the big 33. I told Hubs all I wanted was one night of uninterrupted sleep. He went above and beyond!

Friday night we had dinner with V&D and Aunt K. Aunt K the gourmet whipped up duck sirloin and the most amazing flourless chocolate cake.

Saturday morning Hubs headed to work for a bit while I took Evie to Little Gym.  She loves going, especially when its bubble time. She isn't crawling, but still loves to play all over the equipment.

Grandma arrived about 12:30 and Hubs and I left at 1pm.  I had no clue what or where we were going, I was just told to dress up.

I quickly learned we were headed to Bass Hall. We saw Dracula the ballet, and it was so much fun!  I love Bass Hall and love the ballet, plus it was fun to have a Halloween twist!  After the ballet we checked into The Omni Fort Worth for a little staycation.

Champagne and chocolate, yes please!  Then we hit up a nap.. .a much needed nap.

Around 6pm, we turned on the TCU game and watched until it was time for dinner. We headed to Bob's Steak and Chop House and pigged out on everything, including the wine.

The meal ended with the hugest carrot cake ever, no pics, we downed it.

Then we headed back upstairs for bed. Yes bed. At 9pm. I slept. The most gorgeous sleep ever. That last until almost 9 am. We then hit up the breakfast buffet and decided to play tourist in our own city. Here we are at the Water Gardens.

Then, I had an 80 minute massage. Yes, 80 minutes of pure bliss.

My husband is the best. He spoiled me to the moon and back and I love him so.  But then we got to come home to this muffin.

Just practicing her twirling moves.

Happy Monday all!

Lost In The Moment

No Friday Favs here today. No, instead I need to be honest and real.

Have you ever been standing somewhere, driving, etc.. and a song comes on. You know that song that stops you in your tracks, takes you back somewhere, to another time and place, one that you get lost it? I had that moment this morning. Right there in the line to order my breakfast taco a song hit the radio and I was lost. I sang the lyrics softly to myself and never heard the man ask me if I wants sausage or bacon. It wasn't until the lady next to me asked If I was ok that I realized a single tear streamed down my face.

It was as if instantly in that moment of the song I was transported to 3 years ago. I was married to M, just turned 30 and realized my life was slowly falling apart.  This moment was a mix of anger and hate, love and joy and total sadness.

I was outwardly happy and people were envious of the life I had built up in their minds. Inside, I was angry, bitter and sad.

Honestly, I have had these moments more lately. I admit I have often wondered what it would have been like if M and I had gotten pregnant and had a baby. What if we had been able to work through all the issues? What if, what if, what if...  I have found myself mad at him for getting engaged and doing all the things I wanted him to do for me. Boy do I hate that giant green envy monster.

Do not get me wrong, I love my husband, love my baby and love my life. I am infinitely happier. But, M was my first. My first real true love, my first husband and my first real heartbreak.  He will reside in  a place in my heart forever.  I know the memories will fade as time goes on and my heart and head and filled with new memories, but today, right there in the breakfast line I was lost in our moments.

Thursday Musings

• Evie had her 6 month well visit yesterday: 19 lbs 4 oz., 27 inches long! Yes we are a 90th percentile baby
• Evie has RSV... again and this time we are on breathing treatments 3x a day.
• But... the machine looks like a penguin!
• I went to City Group last night only because they were celebrating my birthday. It was girls take the kids day, but I left E at home. I arrived and they said aren't you missing something... I replied "its at home." Mom-fail.
• Nashville... I have bawled every episode this season.
• Rent house update: Brick is fixed from the foundation fix. Porch is being redone this weekend and guest bathroom is being patch Monday. Then... on the market!
• J is taking me somewhere overnight this weekend... so excited to sleep. How said is that.

Happy Thursday all!

Blank Space

I have literally stared at this blank space of a post for 20 +  minutes. I have so many thoughts, yet nothing to really write.

I have no earth-shattering news to share, no exciting birthday photos, no baby milestones. In fact, right now, life is pretty ho-hum. Its the daily grind and monotony of life.

That it all.

They Say Its Your Birthday

One of these people turns 33 today.... I'll give you a hint, its not one of the sleeping puppies.

 

Today you will find me celebrating my birthday in court... defending an unsafe lane change ticket.

 

But before that... pumpkin scone for the birthday win!

1/2 a Year

Yes, you heard me, half a year. Our little Evie Ray hit the half mark on Saturday. Where did the time go?

 

Evelyn Ray you are 6 months old!! I am not sure your exact weight, but two weeks ago you were 18 1/2 pounds and well over 27 inches so we will see what the ole scale says on Wednesday.

This month you got your first two teeth!  You are not quite sure how you feel about them, but its fun to watch you lick them and stick out your tongue.

This month you went to two TCU Games and slept through most of the first half. You met your Aunt Holly and Uncle Mike.  You have discovered the puppies and would like to make Sophie your best friend (chloe is still not sure about you).

You are rolling over and over and over the place.  You are getting better at sitting up, but only last a couple seconds before you face plant.

Although you like your exersaucer, you have no interest in jumping in or putting weight on your feet.  Oh well.

You did try chicken for the first time last night and loved every single bite.  We love her to the moon.

And here is a sneak peak of her 6 month photo shoot and some outtakes.

look at those feet go

and this was the next photo.... 0 to pout

TGIF

It's Friday!! I am so close to the weekend!!! Let's all shout yeah!

This weekend....

Evie turns 6 months old! Whew, where did the time go? So, we are taking her 6 month photos today as well as some family photos for ya know, Christmas cards and posterity's sake. Heck, I even curled my hair! Whahoo!

As you all know Evie has been sporting a DocBand to fix her flat spot and asymmetrical features.  Today marks 8 weeks of it. I.am.over.it.... Yes  I know its to fix her flat, but momma is tired of the sweat, the smell, and the complete inability to put a bow on her! So at today's appointment I was told we are looking at 3-4 more weeks. Ugh. It looks fine to me. But they want more rounding on some area where honestly it look round to me. All I cared about was the flat, and her ear and jaw asymmetry and that has all been fixed.

Spray tan. Yup, I got myself a little spray tan yesterday. My gams were in desperate need of some color and I did not want to look like a ghost before Halloween. So, when the paralegal from my old firm said she was having a lunch spray party, I hopped on board.

Feels so good to have some color!!! I realized I did not break even a small base tan all summer due to baby, and well it rained most of May.

I also realized I need to better about taking photos. I mean I know I do not see my baby most of the day, but I  have nothing to photo dump or even cute little here and there's of her just being cute on a daily basis.

This is also my last weekend of being 32... Yup the big 33 is next week and well I am told that J is taking me somewhere overnight next weekend! I cannot wait to sleep al night and well into the morning, heck I may stay in bed til noon! But this weekend is all about E and her 6 months of life.

Happy Friday ya'll!

Essence of Fall

Fall is trying its darndest to come to Texas.  We have been having some cooler mornings at 65-70 degrees, although its still a tad humid.  I like that at least there is a cooler  breeze in the am. So that means chai lattes and pumpkin scones, right?

But for real, Fall in Texas is a hard one.  All the stores are carrying sweaters, leggings, scarves and its still getting to the 90's here, so wardrobe is hard....

I still need my tanks, cotton dresses and shorts, yet I feel weird sporting that on October 8th... So, I'm trying to mix and mingle.

Today its a cotton tank dress from Gap layered with my jean jacket and cranberry booties (yes Jenn I have cranberry booties).

It also means shorts on the weekends adorned with long sleeve cotton tops and flip flops and sandals are still in the rotation.

But I know that the cooler temps have to be just around the corner and knowing Texas an ice storm is brewing.

But until then I will dream of Fall and all its wardrobe possibilities... like...

This black quilted vest from Banana Republic hanging in my closet.

via

This gorgeous green plaid I've been drying to wear

via

Or how about all the cuteness that going on at my lovely friend Jessica's boutique Pearl & Monroe!

If you have not stopped by or shopped her boutique well get your booty over there! I will be sharing some of my favorite items next week!

But until then, send Fall my way!

Real Life Doesn't Have Time for Photos

I knew this day was bound to come. I  had been actually just waiting for it patiently. I have read about other stories from women who have experienced it and let me tell you nothing can prepare you.

It was a normal evening in our house. Picked up E from daycare, headed home. We played for a bit and giggled and laughed and attempted to drink my our new sippy cup. Ya know nothing out of the ordinary.

So, as per our normal routine we started to prepare for bathtime. I grabbed E's sleepsack and overnight diaper and laid her on our bed.  J started the bath and the pups meandered in to join in the family fun.  So, when the water was ready, I stripped her down and picked her up. And then it happened.  That warm wet feeling all down my body.  Yup, she peed. Right there all over my sweater, jeans, bra and floor.  And this was no piddle people. This was I just drank an ounce of water flow.

I squealed, she squealed and J stood in amazement.  Pretty sure Sophie may have gotten caught in the flow.

There was nothing I could do but laugh, strip off my clothes and hose down the dog.

It was about this time that my wonderful husband confessed.... Yes he informed me that at least I was on me and not all over our bed like a few weeks ago when he bathed her himself. Gee thanks honey for not telling me I may have slept in pee! Lol.

Yes people real life doesn't wait for the perfect photo of the sweet baby girl who just peed all over mommy.

Tuesday Recap

So I missed the weekend wrap up yesterday because well, E started her new school and I was still recovering from the weekend.

This weekend my husband's brother, his wife and their best friend arrived at our home as the men were taking part in the Tough Mudder race in Dallas. So, we had a house full of guests. This was also TCU Homecoming Weekend. So... suffice it to say, this weekend was a mess!

Thursday, my brother stayed with Evie and man they had a blast! They went shopping and to lunch and E learned the art of the selfie. E also came to work with Mommy for a couple of hours (wearing her new shoes and onsie from Uncle Bubby).

We stayed up (way too late) Thursday night catching up, eating cheese and well , drinking wine.  Holly was catching me up on all the visits with J and his brother's parents and it may have gotten a  little TMI for the boys (there may have been talk of a little blue pill involved).  Oh, hey there is part of my house!

Friday I headed to work for a bit while the rest of the bunch recovered from the wine.  Evie was also spoiled rotten! She got present from her Aunt and Uncle and her grandparents. Including her own Florida beach house and lots of books!

puppy photo bomb!

Saturday was the mess.... Literally. The TCU game was at 11am, which meant a 7am rehearsal for the alumni band. Well, that part went fine.  E and I along with my mom were up and at 'em while the rest of the bunch got up to head to the Tough Mudder.

But then... my brother was supposed to pick my mom, E and I up from my house at 930 am so I could make it in time for 10am march in. Well, 930 am came and went.... and the brother arrived around 10am.... so we raced to the stadium!

I missed the march in and part of pre game, but managed to run onto the field in time for the fight song... So... one song is better than none.  Here are three of the alumni twirlers. These two ladies graduated in 2012. My, the old fart, celebrated her 10 year college reunion. Yup, I graduated from college 10 years ago!

 

 

Since it was an 11am game, it was hot! It was sunny and I had one sleepy baby.

 



She may have slept through almost the entire 1st half.  And with the whooping we gave Texas, we departed a little before half time.  We retreated to the A/C and all took a nap.

My brother arrived a little later and hung out with E.

Finally, around 5:30pm my tough mudders arrived home.

This was post tear gas obstacle.

They all showered and we headed to World of Beer for some food and well for them, liquid pain killers.  They were bruised, beaten and well all had a hitch in their giddy ups.

Sunday was football but a lazy dayish around the house.  Evie was a tad fussy as she is cutting (as in popped through) her two bottom teeth.  She is not a fan of said teeth right now. So, any great teething remedies are much appreciated.

So, Sunday when we finally got all the guests to the airport and the baby down, we were pooped.

So, Happy Tuesday all!