Wells is 11 Months!

Here we are again.. Do I start every month post like this? Because I certainly feel like I do. The new month is always a reality check that time doesn't slow no matter what. I've always found that looking forward old man time seems so slow and advanced, but we look backward at the same number of days/weeks/months/years, and time has absolutely flown. All the more reason to be still, my friends. 

Wells, 

You are 11 months old TODAY. Stop it. I can't believe it. This month has been yet another time frame allotted to witness and document your growth and personality. Even the loss of your first tooth. Gasp. It has happened. Keep reading for the details...

This month you started pulling up on almost everything. You've not let go, but we are in no hurry. I know what happens after than step, buddy. Your temperament is still pretty calm, but you've started this straightening of your arms and legs and a loud grunt when you're not happy. You, mister, are letting us know when something isn't okay with you. Today you wore hard sole Keds (Mac's first pair) to church, and you grunted and kicked the whole way to church. You're in between shoe sizes in the soft sole shoes so we don't have a pair. The weather keeps playing tricks on me, and this morning I spent 30 minutes in the attic trying to find your size in a collared shirt for church. You ended up in a 2T that was hanging in the closet. 

I finally captured the nose crinkle you do! Ahhh!

This month you clap your hands and siiiiing, boy, you sing! We've gotten a piece of your tune on video, but there is so much more where it comes from. 

You're in 12-18 month sizes, sleep and eat like a champ, and melt hearts everywhere. I've failed to write about your church buddy, Mr. Terry, but he's rocked you during church since your first time in the nursery. You love him, and I'm pretty sure it makes his morning to snuggle you. :o) Now he has to sit on the floor because you're ready to go, but I know he gets a few cuddles still. 

You watch your brother and sisters every.single.minute. When we wake up M and P from nap, you kick and squeal from excitement. It's so cute to see you watch and follow after them. The older you get, the more they'll play with you, I promise. You always get 1:1 time in the bath with Mac. You both love the water, and Paisley is too busy trying to get out so she can see what everyone else is doing.

We went to the beach this month. In your short 11 months you've been to Disney World and the beach twice. I'm glad Jesus gave you an adaptable spirit since we are a busy family on the go!

On the last month post, I wrote about the tumble you took. I was more concerned about the bump on your head, but your tooth took more of a beating than I realized. At first I noted it was pushed up, then as it came back down I saw it was chipped. Last weekend it started to turn gray. I am overwhelmed with guilt even as I write this... We went to the dentist last week, and the x ray showed your tooth was dying from the inside out. So within 20 hours we went back to have that tiny piece of your babyhood removed. I was a mess about it, but God has given me such a peace in our decision to follow Dr. Jason's advice.

 

The night before the procedure you wouldn't sleep. You woke up about every hour and just cried. I kept you beside me all night for my heart and yours. Dad took a picture of us snoozing.

Our appointment at 7:30 the next morning...

 You were such a trooper, and I rubbed your foot and talked to you the entire time. After the 473954th time of my saying your name and reminding you that I loved you, I realized the dental staff probably wanted to put tape over my mouth. Oh well. You knew I was there even when you couldn't see me, and that is all that mattered.
A huge part of the peace we feel is that you've not woken in the middle of the night since the tooth was removed. That is an answered prayer to know that you're not in pain, sweet babe. 

We love you, Wellsy!

-mom and dad

Closet Tune Up for Fall 2014

Clothes... Shoes... Accessories. I'm a girl, I love clothes, but I'm pretty much a comfort stickler with my shoes. I love jewelry, and scarves are fun once we get over the hurdle of feeling silly because we aren't quite sure if it's being worn correctly {If this is you, get comfortable with an infinity scarf first- less pressure.}

This week I've actually enjoyed some me time in reading what is in store for Fall 2014. It's about time, right? I mean it is October. Is it safe to be fashionably late in this sense? Haha, well it'll have to be. I've been busy, Michael Kors.

Let me first say that I am by NO means going to step out in high heels or straight off the runway attire, and I don't own a size 2 bod either. I mostly sport yoga pants from being at the gym or just wanting to feel like I've just been to the gym. It's true. So if you see me and I'm not decked out in 'my word, you look great!', well, it just hasn't happened that day. I'm okay with that.  Only one way to go from there.

Blogs are great to read for sooo many reasons, and this week I've been into what to have and what to purge from my closet. I love a good purge, but there's always that doubt of 'what if...?' Sing with me, sisters, Let it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore. Let the bubble necklaces go. Toss the camis that are stretched or the underarms that have yellowed {we all have that favorite cami that has seen waaaay too many summers, right?}. I read a quote the other day: If it cups, it's too small. Let that and anything you haven't worn in a year bring joy to another closet. Rid yourself of the 'what ifs' because chances are if it hasn't been used in 365 days, it doesn't need to take up precious space in your closet.

One friend's blog I read is Natasha's called Hello!Happiness. She has been a great resource to pilot my search for other fashionista tips like Tina Adams Consulting blog. She has a blog for men also. I have to take baby steps for my guy. {The same one who embraces every chance to wear one of his 18 hooded sweatshirts.}

Natasha wrote for Tina Adams about her closet purge, and straight from her blog, here is my summary:
1. Get a full length mirror.
2. Camisoles are a hidden gem. {My freshman year college roomie is way on top of this, she always sported a cami in 2003.} Vanilla, black, and nude are all the colors we need. Look for finished seams because they hide under clothes better.
3. Matching hangers. I have always been OCD about nothing hanging on a hanger if it doesn't match. So I stick with the white plastic hangers. Somehow over the years maroon and hunter green (barf) have made their way into our closet, and those are being weeded out as I can. The wire hangers get tossed every time I see them. They are so sloppy looking and deserve to be recycled ASAP.
4. Dry cleaning plastic bags = recycle. They damage clothing fibers and seriously look like saran wrap in the closet. We don't buy clothes that need dry cleaned so this isn't a problem for us. Maybe I'll get brave one day and splurge for that top with the symbol that nixes the washer and dryer.

Once the purge happens, here are great resources for piecing together a closet with fashion minded {not to be confused with the word trendy... moms don't need to be 'trendy'} sense...

Jewelry: dainty is the word. Toss the heavy, bulky bubble necklaces of 2013 facebook sales, and adorn the gold and silver jewelry. Layer the lengths to add dimension and personality to an outfit. I have added a gold bar to my wish list. If you know me, I wear the coin necklace with each of my kids initials on it, and that's my favorite go to for a gold touch.

Pants: I'm so glad to see that bootcut isn't always flared. Bootcut just covers the shoes where flare is a statement from the 70s. Bootcut flatters more legs, and who doesn't want that?! This being said, skinny pants are still in as well as leggings. Let's be clear in saying that leggings are NOT pants, however. Personal rule: leggings only worn if the top covers the rear plus a few {or several... depending on how many lunges one has achieved} inches.

Zella leggings are my favorite. Nordstrom.com ships both ways for free.

Shoes: This was news to me, but pictures don't lie: pointed toe versus rounded toe... points for the win. Not witch hat points, but more almond shape toe than rounded.

Plaid: scarves, shoes, shirts- do it. Plaid doesn't have to be stapled with western boots, although that's fun too. Just don't go for the Little House on the Prairie plaid. Lauren Scrugg's magazine did a great post on a scarf that is next to impossible to find now, but it's at Target!

Tees: V and scoop necks versus crewneck... go for open necklines to create proportion and balance with the rest of the body.

Native inspiration: go for the arrows, native stitching, and accessories with fringe.

Cognac: Named after a town in France, it's a type of brandy... Cognac goes with black and brown... anything but red. Say it with me 'con-yak'. Think boots and purses.

After working at JCrew in college, I saw the same shirt purchased by 25 girls. I started to cringe at the thought of people knowing exactly where and when an item was bought, so I've sought unique places to buy from whenever I can. I still value the JCrew/Gap staple, but I have to be careful not to fill my space with one store, especially if it's 'safe' for me. Here are some shops I like:

Amazon.com is great for accessories. Personally, I don't trust ordering a main outfit component from Amazon unless I know the brand and fit.

The Red Dress Boutique

In Bloom Boutique

Sole Society for shoes and purses

Heart and Home Collection for accessories

I'll add more as I think of them. Since I was pregnant last fall, I'm in definite need of a tune up. I'm still adjusting to this post twins and singleton frame, and it's an adventure to find what does and doesn't work. After coordinating the kiddos, it's okay for us to spend time making ourselves feel put together also. So grab a couple wardrobe staples and toss in a fun accessory or two.

Any shops or tips you care to share???

-ashley