Tuesday randoms...

1 - We have been working on the finishing touches in Baker's nursery, where we currently have atleast 5 different shades of paint on the wall. And have we made a decision on the color? Not yet. But I think we are getting close. Finding the "lightest-shade-of-blue-in-the-world-that-almost-looks-white," not as easy as I thought. It is still a work in progress!

2 - The weather has been so nasty and rainy this week and hasn't helped with the extremely long days. Saylor and I do much better (and are much happier) when we can get outside, even if only for a little while. We've resorted to pulling every riding toy we own into the house, as well as pulling out anything I can think of to keep her entertained. 

3 - I started Beth Moore's new Bible study last week on the book of James, and I am loving it! The book of James has only 5 books, but man, it is packed full of goodness. I am soaking it all in and really enjoying it. 

4 - This past Friday night, we took Chloe and her buddy from school to the circus for her birthday. Talk about 2 little girls having a great time! They enjoyed pizza at Mellow Mushroom, cotton candy, snow cones and lots of laughter. 

5 - I am quite certain Baby Baker is a ninja baby. Sean and I laugh often as I get kicked and punched from the little fella. I went to the doctor last week for a checkup and am currently measuring 2 weeks ahead. Everything is looking great and seems to be right on track! I can't wait to meet him! 

Happy Tuesday, sweet friends. Hope your week is filled with laughter and extra hugs. xoxo

shine on.

found via

Proof as to why God invented nail salons...

Thursday funny (and truth!), found via. 

Catch up and Phone dump.

It's Friday and another week has flown by. We are gearing up for the holidays and lots of travels coming up. We'll be spending Thanksgiving in Charleston with family then flying to St. Lucia the next week for a dear friend's wedding. As soon as we return, I imagine we will jump in to Christmas full steam ahead.

Saylor has been sick as a dog the past few weeks and the cough got so bad this past weekend, we ended up at the pediatrician Monday morning. They sent us home with a nebulizer and we were told to do treatments twice a day. The first few rounds of treatments were hard, pitiful and heartbreaking for this momma. Saylor just didn't quite understand what was going on. It has gotten much better throughout the week, though, and we went back in to see the doctor this morning. He said she looks and sounds much better, to move the treatments to once a day, and hopefully we should be good to go. Praying baby girl is on the mend.

Sean and I started watching the Friday Night Lights series about 6 weeks ago and finished the series last night. Best. Show Ever. Hands down. Today, I am mourning the loss of it being over. Texas forever.

I've been doing some Christmas shopping and am feeling pretty good not to be stressed out about it. I've gotten quite a few things here and there, which puts us about half way done with shopping. Love that.

Baby Branch is growing and as of this week, my belly has officially popped out (see recent bump photo here). I feel the little fella move around quite a bit more, especially in the evenings when we lay down to relax. Sean hasn't felt him yet, but I am sure it will be soon. His twists and kicks are getting stronger. Momma is also hungrier these days! I seem to be starving all the time. Oink.

I am so excited about all the new babies joining us in 2012! I have many sweet friends all having babies right around the same time as me, as well as my brother and sister-in-law welcoming their first in May. I heard from one of my dearest friends yesterday that our little boy will be having a girlfriend come April. I am SO excited for them and can't wait to meet their little angel.

And because it's been a little while since I have done one, here is my iphone photo dump friday:

Happy weekend, yall. 

If...

This is going around the blog world :)

Fill in the blanks....

If I were to get pregnant again...I am pregnant again! 

If I could have any job in the world...I am doing exactly what I love. I love being at stay at home mom. Would love to plan weddings on the side, if time allowed with littles. 

If I had a day to myself... I would read a book in the sunshine. Get a pedicure. Who knows what else. 

If I could get married all over again...I wouldn't change a thing. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect.

If I could live anywhere in the US... I wouldn't live in Columbia! This is the hottest place ever, ha!

If my girl would have been boy they would have been named... Baker. We'll find out in a few weeks if baby #2 is a girl or boy, and if it's a boy, Baker it will be. 

If I could have any talent in the world...I would sing!

If you met me in real life... Most of you know me in real life :)! 

If I could go back to school and get a different degree... Considering I don't use my degree, I'm not really sure.

If money was no object... I have no idea!

If I could meet one celebrity, it would be... Carrie Underwood

If I could shop at only one store the rest of my life...Nordstrom

If we were to get another pet it would be... NO more pets at the Branch household for awhile. We are currently at capacity with 2 dogs and a cat!

If I could go on a trip right now... I would go to the mountains and enjoy a lovely fall weekend. 

If I had to choose between a house cleaner and a personal chef...  I enjoy cooking more than cleaning, so i'd go with house cleaner. 

If I had the option of plastic surgery.. yes please! Body changes post baby are no joke!

Lately...

We have been so busy! So busy, in fact, I can't remember the last time I posted. We are nearing the end of summer and I have been burning up the highway the past few weeks.

Saylor turned 9 months last Wednesday (post coming this Wednesday, after her doctor's appt) and I had my birthday this past weekend. My sweet hubs surprised me with a trip to Bald Head Island the end of September for my birthday, and I am beyond thrilled! We spent last week at my parent's house, then I hit the road this past weekend for my friend's bachelorette party in Atlanta.

Chloe starts kindergarten this week, so we are spending these last few days running errands and getting organized before she heads to school (and boy, is she excited!)

Saylor is saying "mama," "uh-oh," and "dada" and it might be the cutest thing ever.

Just a quick catch up... Happy Monday, friends!

Just some thoughts...

• This summer is flying by. I cannot believe it is already almost the end of June. The weather in Cola has been ridiculously hot and the gnats and mosquitos are out of control. We have spent many days in the pool or having play dates inside. It is just too hot to be outside without water nearby. 
• We are heading out of town on Thursday for a very special weekend. My sweet brother is getting married on Saturday! We are looking forward to the festivities and celebrating with the newlyweds!
•  After the wedding weekend, me and the girls will be spending a few days at the lake before heading to the beach for the 4th. Sean's birthday is July 4th, so we always spend that week as a family beachin' it. This year, some sweet friends will be joining us for a few days to ring in the holiday. I'm looking forward to the sunshine, the salt air and some relaxation. 
• Speaking of needing some relaxation, I am officially exhausted. I was chatting with my mom the other day, telling her that I wasn't feeling quite right, and I think it's due to just pure exhaustion. We have been some serious road warriors this summer, and all the driving and traveling has really worn me out. 
• My sweet husband brought these home for me yesterday. What a nice surprise. I am loving sunflowers this summer.

• We spent the past weekend planting at our house and I love how it is turning out. Our yard makes me smile when I pull up :).
• My dear friend from college lost her mom to a 2 year battle with cancer a few weeks back. Please remember her in your prayers. 
• Anyone loving Pinterest as much as I am? I love having a place for great style and design ideas!
• Saylor has officially moved to her room 100% of the time. She is sleeping like a charm in her crib, both at naps and at night time (praying I'm not speaking too soon, ha!). She has a little snuggie she likes to hold when she goes to sleep. Too cute. Here she is after her nap yesterday. Love her. 

happy tuesday, friends, from our house to yours. 

Lots of randoms!

- My little angel is growing up so fast. I can't believe we are a few weeks shy of her being 6 months old. Makes this momma want to sob and smile at the same time. I already miss her being so tiny. It went by too fast, but I love each new moment I have with her. She is starting to try to sit up on her own and loves to talk and giggle. She has no interest in crawling (which I find quite hilarious!) and would rather me just tote her around on my hip all day. Tough life, huh? :)

- In an effort to lose the remaining baby weight (argh!), my friend and I are training for a mini-triathlon in July. I think I drank some crazy juice. We are following a 13 week training guide, with 1-2 days off per week. Lots of swimming, biking and running are in my future. I, personally, am not aiming for a time. My goal is just to finish the thing! Ha!

- We have been traveling a lot lately and will continue to do so over the next few months. My brother is getting married in June and we have various showers and events throughout the next 8 weeks. I love having a reason to visit Greensboro!

- I am in my 3rd week of my newest Bible study, Jonah - Navigating a Life Interrupted. I have found it so interesting how the Lord is using the story of Jonah to remind us that even though we think God is interrupting our perfect plans (or so we think!), it is really a divine intervention on God's part, as He has something so much greater in store for us. Our God is always faithful to His promises. 

- I went to a coupon class the other night, and wow, I am so overwhelmed. Has anyone watched Extreme Couponing? That show just blows my mind. I'm looking for ways to lower our grocery bill and am thinking of trying this coupon thing out. Any tips? I sure need all the help I can get. 

I am sure I have more random things floating around my head, but I just looked up and realized it's time to wake the girls from their naps and head to the Little Gym. Adios, friends. Hope you're having a great week!