Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Farewell 2013

When 2013 began, I wasn't sure what the year would hold. We had just suffered a major loss and living day to day (sometimes hour to hour) was all I could handle. And my blogging certainly reflected what I was feeling and how little words I had to share:

January - I started the year writing down a few of my 2013 goals {that I actually accomplished}; I shared the gift we were given through Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep; began posting Friday bullets; and talked about Charlotte - one month after meeting her, never forgetting her, and the reminders of her all around me.

February - I continued posting Friday bullets {an easy way to get my thoughts out}; I shared a story my husband posted on Facebook about Charlotte & having hope; on what would have been C's two month birthday, I talked about anniversaries have helped me heel & meeting with the genetic counselor; and posted the video we shared at Charlotte's memorial.

March - I received {& blogged about} my first Stitch Fix and fell in love the company's concept; the month was filled Friday bullets/thoughts; I joined the Influence Network & attended my first classes; and I shared about a series about life after Charlotte.

April - after sharing about the desire to talk about life after Charlotte in March, I posted about the holidays, being a mother without a child, and questions I've received; I updated my blog with a new design & address; and I ran walked a 5k with my sister-in-law.

May - 2012 was the year of the photo-a-day and in May I shared the book that I made to compile all of my photos in one place; I saw Sara Bareillis again, up close & personal; I celebrated my first Mother's Day without Charlotte, which was bittersweet; and I ended the month visiting Austin & the Heater family.

June - another Stitch Fix box arrived and yet again I was exctied to see what my stylist picked out for me; due to an Influence Network prompt, I shared what home means to me; I couldn't believe six months had already passed since meeting & saying goodbye to Charlotte; and we celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary.

July - my Friday bullets transformed into '5 on Friday', where I shared five of my favorites from the week; I was offered a chance to review a Float Wrap from Printography; I featured five blogs that have helped me through the grieving process; and Sam & I got away for a peaceful weekend.

August - more & more 5 on Fridays {apparently that's the way I got myself to post throughout most of the year}; and Sam built me a headboard.

September - this is the month where my posting drastically slowed down... but not before I posted about my excitement about the Influence Conference & my 2013 scarfs swap.

October - I could barely find the words to describe my time at the Influence Conference {because it was amazing!}; and we finally announced our new addition coming in April.

November - after announcing my pregnancy, I reflected on how different this one feels in comparison to the one with Charlotte; and we found out we would be welcoming a baby boy {and announced it on Instagram}!

December - we honored Charlotte's first birthday; I reviewed Stitch Fix while being pregnant; and rounded out the year reflecting on one year after Charlotte.


As I reflect on the year behind us, I'm grateful God gave me hope, especially in the darker times.  And next year already holds a lot of hope, which I'm also thankful for, but what I am really hoping for in 2014 is that I find my online voice again. Between remembering our baby girl, preparing for our new little guy and continuing to be involved with the Influence Network, my mind is swirling with inspiration & posts; I just need to to take the time to write about it all, for you, my readers, and myself.

So until then... Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

One Year #babycharlotterene





365 days...
12 months...
One year...

No matter how you say, it's all the same --- one year ago today, we said goodbye to our precious baby girl after nine days of life.

It's still hard to believe this actually happened to us. I've spent the last year trying to understand why and yet I still have no idea. It's not fair, but then again life isn't fair, right?

To all who have prayed for us, sent us messages, or simply sat & let us cry on your shoulder - thank you! This year hasn't been easy, but we couldn't have gotten through the last year without all the love & support.

We love you Charlotte René! We miss you with every fiber of our being and I hope you never forget that!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Stitch Fix Review: Pregnant Edition


When I scheduled my latest Stitch Fix, I knew I was going to be in the middle of my second pregnancy, so it felt like sort of gamble, but I really wanted to see if I could find some unique items for now & later.  I anticipated this fix going one of two ways: I could either receive items that would magically fit me at 20 weeks pregnant and transition after pregnancy, or the items would just not work now {and therefore not be what I'm looking for}.



Unfortunately, I felt like the latter ended up being true, but I'm still glad I scheduled this fix.  Because I specficially asked for looser items, I ended up getting items that might fit my bump, but were too big elsewhere or items that fit everywhere else, but were too tight on my bump.


BUT... this experience certainly isn't going to keep me away from trying another one after the baby is here. {It's already scheduled!}  And I definitely have to give my stylist credit for trying to dress my bump sight unseen.

If you've been thinking about trying Stitch Fix, but you still have questions, let me know.  I'm no expert, just a fan of the concept!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Happy Birthday Charlotte!


Everything I wrote in this post {eleven months ago} still rings true today.

Happy birthday baby girl!  
We love & miss you more than words can ever say!