Merry Christmas

From My Family to Yours

Our Christmas Card

Mr and I have never had two Christmases alike and this year was no exception.  However, worshiping the birth of our Savior remains constant.

My favorite is the candle light service on Christmas Eve.  Seeing the light in the dark from each person's hands reminds me that we all have hope!

Mr barely made it both Sunday morning as our family lit the 4th 'Joy' candle in the advent wreath and  Sunday night as he had to work (the ER never closes) but we sat in the same pew we've been in for over 8 years now hand in hand giving thanks for our undeserved blessings.

Christmas Eve night was quiet, until we decided to bust into our presents! Of all the pretty new shiny gifts the precious gift of our baby girl is the greatest.  Her due date is in one month and I can honestly say I've never wanted something so much!!! (mostly because I'm still throwing up and uncomfortable as ever)

Christmas Day has been even more quiet as Mr was back treating patients in the ER.  I'm no stranger to missing him on holidays as his service heart called him to military that included a deployment to the Middle East and a career practicing medicine.  I took today to reflect and have gratitude for all that I do have.  And I enjoyed watching Hallmark movies undisturbed :)

Baby girl had me sick as a dog this evening and as frustrated as I am it's a small price to pay.  PS how in the world does this belly keep growing when I can barely keep food down?! sigh

Even Scragley enjoyed the day sleeping away in the left over gift boxes.

This year truly has been merry & bright!

May Your Christmas Be Dressed Beautifully Surrounded By Those You Love

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bolder the Better

The bolder the better!  Leopard and red are two bold prints and colors that personally I find striking together.  It's complimentary.  If you're not into the bold on bold combo I also find that leopard and red both pair well with pastels - highly unexpected contrast.

Gals, I'm 30 weeks with baby girl tomorrow and I'm feeling it!

Confession:  so sick last night I cried! I know this is a blessing but I literally almost threw up on the cat when I got home from work and thank goodness I made it to the kitchen sink because the idea of having to bathe my cat in my own vomit is traumatizing! And poor Mr, he comes home from long days in the ER to a sad case for a wife.  Not to mention 4th quarter pressures at work with my pending maternity leave is about to break me.  To say I'm counting down is an understatement. 
Sorry to rant but it's my reality - are there any other Mammas out there hanging by a thread like me??!!
I'll spare you my other complaints of largeness, ankle swelling, limited mobility and the struggle to put on my tights!

Again, counting down! I do find that going into her nursery and holding her things adds a glimmer of light to the darkness.  but then I just dash to the bathroom and ...

Tomorrow I'll write a joyful post :)

But hey I'm dressing my belly beautifully!

Leopard Dress - Non-Maternity  ||  Red Jacket  ||  Pumps  ||  Handbag - Similar  ||

Earrings  ||  Cuff Bracelet  || 

Dress Beautifully in Leopard & Red

XOXO Sarah Louise 

And then there was 3 ...

Where have you been??

Well gals, I've been growing a baby!
Mr and I have been praying for a healthy baby for quite some time and we are beyond grateful to God for this great blessing!!

Despite our hopes it's still the greatest surprise when those dreams become reality.
I had just earned a new career position that I had been working very hard towards and knew its responsibilities and travel were going to have my plate full. But God knows better than we do and just 2 weeks after my first day I saw double lines on the test!

After the surprise, shock and joy came the struggle.  The struggle of 24/7 sickness.  I expected fatigue but the extreme nausea and throwing up around the clock (it will wake me up in a dead sleep) was something no one prepared me for.  My doc prescribed me medicine to help.  And while it has helped me endure I still find myself sick as a dog almost everyday.  Taking it isn't an option - it's a matter of survival. I find that no place nor time is off limits - I carry bags with me at all times.
And I'm so glad I have my own office so that I can shut the door when needed.

With all that said, beyond doing my best in the office everything else has been neglected.  I'm most grateful to Mr as he has picked up my slack, my gal pals for encouraging me and for my sweet sister who when over at our house cleans my room because I'm too sick and tired.

My focus has been taking care of myself and health.  I sleep, eat what I can (boiled noodles, potatoes and crackers mostly) and exercise as much as my body will let me.

So after taking the Summer off (unexpectedly) I'm coming back!

I miss writing to you gals! I miss sharing my outfits!

I'm going to be 20 weeks this Thursday, half way! and I'm having to accept that this sickness doesn't seem to be easing up any so I'm going to try and get back to the things I love.

When it comes to fashion these days I haven't been hitting the racks as I see no need to purchase when I know my body is inevitably going to expand. But no worries I'm staying up to speed on trends. And while a huge part of me wants to have a visible bump to show off I'm still not there yet.  I tell myself to embrace it as the time will come when I will be forced into maternity pieces.

Thank you for sticking around and having patience.  I have a ton of posts lined up!

I'm already learning that motherhood requires strength and that grace is more important than perfection!

Dress Beautifully When Growing a Baby!

XOXO Sarah Louise