This Little Life of Mine

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The past week has been nothing short of amazing, wonderful, awesome and exhausting. (And maybe a wee bit unproductive on the design front!) I can't help but think the stars really aligned on this one and our life just seems to be falling into place. I'm going to abide by my friend Marissa's advice and just ride it out. Take it for everything it's worth and really really enjoy it. I have a feeling that fridge up there in the 8th row is going to become completely covered in StickyGrams of my two boys... they really are the most perfect things in my world (can't forget my little fluffy-butts too!)

Yesterday I went and had my left shin tattooed. Finally finished with the traditional portraits on the front of my legs... time to move onto another spot! Afterward I came home to do some work and bake some yummy chocolate chip cookie dough pies for Marissa and Kayce, who came over last night with some champagne and St. Germaine (How I've never had St. Germaine I will never know, but it was delicious!) So sweet of them to bring us housewarming cocktails and to sit out on the front porch for a couple of hours chatting. They're new moms (7 months and 5 months respectively) of sweet lil' boys and it felt so surreal to be talking about parent-things! haha They are total gems though. So thankful for them!

Last night Toby opened the front door long enough for Enid to slip out in a scurry. She's still missing and it's breaking my heart. She was a stray before our friend Rhonda took her in, and she hasn't been outside since we got her (mid-December). I was terrified she'd get out and run off but of course I never put her tags on her. I left food and treats on the front porch in hopes she'd come home. It came a pretty ridiculous storm this morning (full on mega hail and all!) around 5:30am and I was so worried she might be scared. Her treats were gone and a little bit of food eaten, so I'm slightly hopeful she might come back. I'm putting up posts on Craigslist, the East Nashville ListServ and all that jazz in hopes that we find her! She's become such a huge part of this household. 

Today they're calling for "the storm of the century" in Nashville. I think the meteorologists like to tack exaggerated names to fronts that move through but if this morning was any indication of what's to come, we better be prepared. It seems like all of the city is in a tizzy. The worst part is supposed to move through exactly when I get on the road for my hour long drive to work (and also on the hour long drive home!) so I haven't exactly worked out how that's going to go down yet. 

Mike has been wanting to pick up his blog again, so he's entertaining the thought of having a "life + style" blog, too, including Toby + Dad outfit posts! How cute would that be?! I really hope he goes through with it because it just sounds fantastic. (He may need some encouraging though!)

Anywhoo -- I guess that about does it for my little life update! The sweet comments, emails, tweets, etc are still pouring in in regards to Toby, so thank you thank you thank you! It means the world to us!

What are y'all getting into this weekend?

PS; You can still get my PR + Marketing Ebook on sale with the code CUTOUT! There's another promotion running via thanks to the gals at Cut Out + Keep so snag it up if you'd like! xo

54 comments:

  1. love this post, love all the pics. :)
    Much love, Gabriele. xx

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  2. I am so happy this is all falling into place for you! It looks like you are soaking it all in and taking nothing for granted. That's the way life should be. I really, really hope that your little girl comes home. My pets are my children and I now how rough it must be not knowing where she may be. *sending good vibes your way*

    Be safe, tornadoes are everywhere today it seems. I'm hunkering down in Alabama. ox

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  3. Ohh, I hope Enid makes it home! As a cat-momma of two indoor-only boys, that's one of my greatest fears! I'll be crossing my fingers for her! Stay safe in the storm!

    and PS- I think it would be so awesome for Mike to do style posts with Toby!

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  4. Aw! What a sweet update! I'm glad you life is falling into place so well. I know it's going to be amazing with that lil' tot in it. <3

    I'm praying for Enid. I have a kitty myself so I can imagine just how hard this must be for you. But just remember: she was a stray once, so she knows how to take care of herself. And you'd be surprised how smart cats are. My cat once got out for a whole day (sad part: I never even noticed *facepalm*) and managed to find her way home. She was probably seven at the time and had never been outside for more than five minutes before! So if she could find her way home, I'm sure Enid will. Hang in there. :)

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  5. Lovely photos. That tattoo looks awesome from what I can see. Congrats! And I really REALLY hope Toby comes back. That's so sad. :(

    I just finished moving to San Diego, so this weekend I just want to RELAX. :D

    xx Jessica

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    1. congratulations on your move! i hope it's a restful one for you!

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  6. I found myself smiling through the whole of this post! I'm so so happy for you guys! Toby looks totally adorable in his little shirts! I'm so glad that this situation has worked out perfectly for you guys, it can go horribly wrong and it is so horrible to see, but it is so exciting when everything works out for people! It rebuilds my faith in karma, you know?

    And yes! mike should totally start his blog back up! There is a huge space for guy bloggers and I think it would be so interesting to hear how a guy would blog! X

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  7. your pretty perfect life is inspiring. Y'alls journey is so unique & I hope the ride is amazing. He sure does have some loving people in his life :)

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  8. Aw, you & your little family are so cute :) So happy for y'all!

    I'm so sorry that Enid is missing :( If it makes you feel any better, I had a cat who did the same thing about a week after I moved to East Nashville - and his owners (I was just on extended cat-watch for like a year lol) had him declawed front AND back! Wtf! So he couldn't protect himself or even climb a tree and he was a total n00b to the neighborhood, let alone that whole side of the river. I was worried sick :( Thankfully, he reappeared on my porch after a week - I think he heard me laughing hysterically and followed the sound! He was skinny and skittish and had a little cut from what I'm guessing was a cat fight, but we took him to the vet & he was ok :) Hopefully your girl will be ok too - and I'll keep my eye out for her as well :)

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    1. I'm really hopeful that she'll miss a nice warm bed and regular feedings! So many people have said things along the same line -- cats being gone for days/weeks at a time, so I'm trying to keep positive! Thanks mama!

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  9. i'd love to see mike's lifestyle blog... that would be so cute!!

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  10. Mike should definitely start up his own blog again, I'd love to see some Toby+Dad outfits!

    I hope you find Enid soon, I guess the fact that a few of the treats were gone is promising, so I hope she comes back soon! :) xx

    www.almostdelightful.com

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  11. Prayers for that fluff ball Enid! I know what it's like having missing pets, it's like they want to give you a heart attack no?!

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  12. Oh no..poor Enid! Signs really work around here so if you haven't put up signs inside of plastic binder sleeves and tape the bottoms completely shut. That way they'll not get affected by rain and dew. Also, if you think that she's coming back when things are quiet, contact Chris at the Cat Shoppe in Berry Hill to see if you can borrow a trap. You might be able to put some stinky food in there and nab her. Sometimes East CAN can loan traps too if they have one available. Of course, you'll need to watch it as we have possums and raccoons too around here. Please keep us updated and let me know if you need any help.

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    1. These are great suggestions, thank you so much! I'll definitely try these!

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  13. i'm so happy for you guys!

    and i think toby should totally start blogging, i know i would love the son/dad outfit posts! hoping enid comes home to you soon...i know how hard it is when a pet runs away :(

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  14. I'm so glad life is falling into place! But I'm sorry your cat got out! Hopefully she come back soon! Maybe with the weather changing she'll come back ASAP! <3 I hope she comes back safe and sound!

    -Madeline Grace
    Just Let the Sparrows Fly

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  15. 1: your son is adorable. 2: where did you get that pink phone? 3: gimme that kitteh cat.

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    1. I had the front and back glass/LCD on my iphone 4 replaced with pink ones where they used to be white!

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  16. awwww!! Toby + Dad outfit posts would be ADORABLE!!!
    PS I LOVE your pink kitchen aid mixer!!! That is just too cute for words!!! and your pets are so darn adoable!! I hope that your little one comes back!! Losing a pet is the absolute worst and it's one of my biggest fears!!! Keeping you in my thoughts!! xo

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  17. Glad to see a life update :) Is there any way you can skip work because of the weather? Would the bar even be open during the storm of the century? Glad you guys are settling in well and hope you find your keeter soon. Remember that if she was a stray before she will be a very accomplished adapter. Our cats were outdoor cats and we lived in the woods...during the snow if they forgot to come inside they hid under the house or somewhere else warm and comfy. I'm sure she'll come home, but for the time being I'm sure she'll find cover!

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    1. I'm thinking that I'll call ahead and see what the game plan is and if it's even busy. If it's not busy then I probably won't even bother going. It's such a long long drive and it's exhausting to show up for no business/tips!

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  18. I sure am happy for you and yours.

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  19. OMG...Enid! I am praying that she comes home safe, sound & soon!! It's never a good feeling when furry loves get out but it does happen, little kids or not. Hopefully she'll have a bit of an adventure and get it out of her system so when she comes home she won't run off again.

    I think the idea of Mike's blog sounds amazing! I don't see many men whose blogs are interesting enough for me to follow (or maybe they're not relatable enough) but if Mike goes through with his I will definitely check it out.

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  20. I hope you find Enid! That would break my heart :(

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  21. A tip for keeping cats safe outdoor.s
    Until we finally fenced of the entire back yard enough for our old lady cat not to get out (though neighbor cats still manage to get ín) my father got some iron wire and attached it to the shed wall and the other end to the wall of the house.
    Then my mother bought of of those lightweight cat harnesses (much like the ones people use to walk their rabbits) and got a dog's leash, the kind that extends and unrolls when your dog walks further away from you and hung it from the wire. She attached the clip ot the harness and my dad hung the other end from the wire, cause it was so light she could freely walk all along the length and width of our backyard. They used to snatch fancy cats around here (they get stolen and sold to unsuspecting people wanting to buy breed-cats) so we had to resort to this to be able to let our cat enjoy the sun and not be at risk of being stolen, or (because she's a tad bit daft and has no sense of direction) get lost.
    She did not mind the harness at all and actually walked around it meowing because it meant she could go outside, eventually she would even run out in the yard and just sit there waiting for it to be put on, she had all the freedom to walk around and lay down (rolling not so much though) and the only problem we ever had was her walking around chair-legs.

    I really do hope Enid comes back, have a good look around the neighborhood! Our cat hid in a garden till little kids found and recognize her from the signs we put up on all the street-lanterns. Don't underestimate simple paper signs, kids tend to remember cats they see on the streets and just really want to save the day!

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  22. Ah I hope I haven't worried you further! x.x I wish you the very best of luck with finding Enid back. Maybe you could provide shelter in your yard so she can hide there during the night if she comes back when you sleep.

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  23. I have totally been hoping you all would do some sort of little man fashion posts. I thought it would be silly to say in the midst of all the changes but I know that little man will be the best dressed and would love to see it!

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  24. That picture of Toby playing guitar is absolutely adorable! And Mike should definitely blog about Toby and fathership, including beautiful pictures :)

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  25. Your little life is sounding really splendid right now :) Though I'm really sorry to hear about your kitty :( Cats tend to be great at finding "home" again though, so I hope that she finds her way back safe and sound!

    I think a Mike + Toby outfit post filled blog would be the most adorable thing EVER. He should DO it :3
    xo
    http://kittysnooks.blogspot.com/

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  26. It is better to let cats out for a few mins or hours on a daily basis. This way they explore the neighborhood and memorize the streets. You can always go out with them, or let them sit outside while you do too. Each time they come back you can give them treats, so you reinforce the coming back. If you don't ever let cats be free this way, you are limiting them. It's like with kids, you know? If you never let them go to a party in 20 years, the first time they sneak out they do stupid things. I hope your cat comes back.

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  27. Fingers and toes crossed Enid makes it home safe and sound. We're having a "weather bomb" down here in new zealand too this weekend.. nothing dramatic yet though.
    Cmon mike! style blog woo!
    xx

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  28. That father/son guitar picture is precious. Please be careful during the storm. I know we are getting them too down here in Alabama.

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  29. I must ask, is that a gypsy tattoo, by chance? ;)

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  30. Mike looks so dapper in the 3rd row, I wish I could get my man to wear that stuff but he sticks to t-shirts. Your week looks amazing, I hope there are more like it in the future.

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  31. Aw I'm so sorry about Enid, I hope your kitty comes home! These photos of Toby are the sweetest things ever, he is a total doll. I bet you're all having the best time together, it looks so right for the three of you to be together if I might say. c:

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  32. Encouragement for Mike: I know that my hubby has been looking for some style blogs to check out and we (he) has two boys. So I know it sounds right up his alley! Plus, who can resist Dad + Toby? You know the answer. No one.
    http://one-girl-vs-world.blogspot.com

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  33. oh no! i hope you find enid! when she comes home, you should take her and get her microchipped! it is really cheap at happy tales in franklin.

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  34. I love the idea of Mike having a blog and a feature with Dad and Toby outfits. SO CUTE!!

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  35. I hope your kitty comes home soon! My cat is always trying to dart outside and I'm always so afraid he'll wander far from home if he gets out.

    <3

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  36. Hi there,

    Just wanted to say hello and that I'm glad to see you guys are getting settled in to the home, and also your new dynamic. Best wishes.

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  37. I hope your kitty makes it home! That sucks, I'm sorry :(
    Toby + Dad outfit posts would be the cutest thing ever!! Make your mister start that asap!
    xo Heather
    http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

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  38. Love the photos! You seem like such a wonderful mom already! Little Toby is so lucky! You three are a cute fam! Best wishes for your new journey Kaelah!

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  39. Ah, I hope Enid comes back! I had something similar happen to me once and it was awful. I'm crossing my fingers that the kitty comes home. Congrats on the new family developments, how exciting and scary at the same time. I would love an excuse to go to Chuck E Cheese but alas no children... :( Nutella to go, nutella in general, yummm!!!!

    <3Honeysuckelle

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  40. Okay, I know I already said this on IG, but that photo of Toby and Mike playing the guitar/uke.... heart is in a puddle! I can't even take it.

    I'm thinking about Enid and hope she comes home soon! And I hope y'all stay safe through the storm!

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  41. love the kitty and the guitar pics! happy weekend <3

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  42. Oh, my kitty has gone missing before, but he eventually came back after a week. I really hope she finds her way home safely. Best wishes!

    And Mike, we would love your blog! Please do it! :)

    -Lindsey

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  43. What an amazing week! It looks like Toby is settling in wonderfully. I really hope Enid comes home soon... One of our kitties has run away a couple of times, but thankfully always come back. It is so horrible and stressful and sad though! Oh and Mike, YES! PLEASE start blogging! Reubs would LOVE that!

    Katie x

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  44. i'm sorry about enid, hope she comes back soon!
    the rest of your little life sounds pretty fantastic, i must say :)
    xo, cheyenne

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  45. Gah! The shark & ukulele pictures are too cute for words!

    Don't worry - I'm sure she'll come back! I once had a cat gone for 3 months, but she returned. :) Hamsters, on the other hand....

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  46. Tell Mike to restart his blog! He already has a fan!
    Love to read all about the father/son adventures. Keep up the good work. Your blogg sure brightens up my day!

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  47. I've been in vegas for a cousins wedding, so I just got caught up on my blog reading! Cray cray! Your life just got even sweeter! What an adorable little boy, I send your little family all the blessings possible. I think you are the best step mother in all of existence! So awesome, congrats to you and Mike! Hearts, Janna Lynn

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  48. even though I know Enid has come home, it still broke my heart reading this post as I know the emotions you must have been going through!

    love love love this post and all the pics of your family life!! what an amazing life you are living right now Kaelah! Enjoy every single bit of it.!

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB