// Park Dates







Yesterday we decided to take advantage of the bright blue skies and the nice breeze by heading over to the park after Toby came home from school. I was experiencing some major cabin fever and wanted some fresh air, and this gave Mike an opportunity to read part of a book for school. Toby ran around the playground and made all sorts of new friends in the 45 minutes we were there. Seriously, the picture above of Toby's back is the only (non-blurry) one I was able to snap. He was running around non-stop. I tried swinging with him for a little while but he totally dismissed the idea as soon as three older boys showed up to the park. Guess I should get used to the ol' parental shaft, right? Linden was a total angel and slept the whole time. He's slowly but surely warming up to his stroller bassinet. At first he hated to lay on his back but lately he's been eating it up. 

Watching Toby play with the older kids made me both excited and nervous. He's grown so much in the short 2.5 years he's been with us. From this timid little 3 year old who needed us for everything, to an almost 6 year old who is so incredibly independent and free spirited. I know it's just part of the growing process, but part of me misses when he couldn't do anything without us. I guess it's a blessing though, because I'm not sure what I'd do juggling 2 dependent children haha Seeing him interact with the boys at the park was just a small glimpse into what life will be like when he's 8, or 10, or 15. I can't imagine him being that "grown up" but I guess I should prepare myself... It is coming, after all.

Right now I just want to soak up the snoozing baby in the stroller, and the 5 year old who can't quite hop into the "big kid" swings on his own. They can't stay little forever, can they?

// Things I Love Thursday v.198

This week's selection of links is probably one of my all time favorites... I know I'm biased, but there are some really great reads down there! Be sure to check them out! And you know, enjoy these fun photos, too! xo
this sweet mama and baby hippo ♥
this is breathtaking ♥
♥ this is why bill murray wins at life ♥
♥ this is a cute puppy ♥
this dress from Ashish #AW14 is !!!! ♥
this homer simpson street art ♥
this! i want to go here. ♥
these adorable wedding photos ♥

// 17 people who got brilliantly shamed for parking like an a-hole. I'm going to start carrying chalk in my car!


// Ariana Grande, girl, what are you even talking about? I died laughing at the lyric interpretations at the bottom!


// If you're born in the sky, what is your nationality? An airplane puzzler. I totally asked Mike this question a few weeks ago, so I was elated to see this article on NPR!













What are you loving this week?

// Linden Atlas - One Month







Linden turned one month old on Saturday... wow. It's so hard to believe the first month has come and gone. I'm constantly saying to myself "The days are long, but the years are short" because it's so very true. Time really flew by with Toby these past 2.5 years, but I think it feels so much faster with a baby so much smaller. I should probably apologize for the insane amount of photos included in this post, but I'm not going to. I could stare at these photos all day and never grow tired of them.

The first couple of weeks were incredibly hard, but I think we're finally starting to find our groove. I feel more confident being at home with him by myself each day, and we've managed to toggle around Toby's transportation to and from school to help. Last week I caught a nasty little cold that Toby brought home from school. Of course it didn't take long for Linden to get it, too. The poor little guy was coughing and sneezing like crazy. Luckily it's almost completely gone. It was stressful, but I'm glad to have the first cold out of the way. Those snuggles sure were sweet though.

This month Linden:
+ is still too small for most of his newborn clothing.
+ is starting to become so alert during the day!
+ loves to be worn all around the house and out in public.
+ spent his first mama-less day with grandma and pawpaw.
+ experienced his first sickness.
+ gained 1 pounds and 13 ounces (8lb 12oz now!)
+ grew 2.5 inches (currently 21.5")

I can't wait to see what Month Two holds for us! xo


// Instagram Favorites: August

Here is my third installation of my monthly Instagram favorites. Each month I choose 5 accounts to highlight and I share a few of their most recent snaps that I've enjoyed. Some are highly curated, some include more "real" moments, and some are just really nice to look at. Hopefully you find a few new favorites to follow! As always, you're welcome to share your favorite accounts, or even links to your own, in the comments below! xo

Laura's feed is full of her wedding stationery works and gorgeous penmanship. A quick glance at her Instagram and you'll see exactly why I enjoy it so much. The color palette is absolutely stunning! I really love the top two photos.


Billy's feed is gorgeous. It's dark and moody, but also light and sweet at the same time. Recently he and his wife experienced the loss of their unborn daughter and he has shared some truly beautiful photos that allow his audience to mourn their sweet Willa Rose with them. So many of his photos seem to say so much more than you'd expect at first glance.


Ashley's feed is the perfect mix of bright and happy! Every time I look at her feed I end up wanting to make a million different projects. Her DIYs are unique but easily tackled by the average person. I really love that DIY art in the lower right corner above!


Kirsten's feed is full of inspiring interior spaces and I love to lurk through her photos and daydream about furniture. She also manages to throw in just enough personal/family/real life to make everything seem attainable.


Amanda's feed is perfect, and part of that is probably due to the fact that she's one of the sweetest gals around. I love to pop in and see what life is like on the other side of the world. Since she's always in the opposite season from me, it's a fun glimpse at what I seem to be missing at the moment.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

And those are my August favorites! I'll be back next month to share another round of lovely Instagrammers. Feel like sharing your own or tossing your hat into the ring? Leave your links below! xo 

See other monthly favorites HERE!

// Shake It Off



I am 110% obsessed with this song and this video. I just can't get over how adorable Taylor Swift is in this. Plus it's a pretty good message, don't you think? (I know there has been a lot of discussion over whether or not it's racist...) I've caught myself replaying it over and over again, dancing with Linden around the house. I think he likes it, too.

// Things I Love Thursday v.197

I am currently suffering from a gnarly cold and it has been no fun at all. That's why you haven't heard from me much this week. I just know I'm going to pass it Linden's way. (If you have any tips or tricks on how to keep the cold away from him, I'm all ears! I know about the breastfeeding benefits already!) This week's TiLT is short but sweet... seriously though, it's a good one! Enjoy! xo
♥ this. because i love me some costanza. ♥
this opossum pattern is amazing ♥
this guy repainted all of his childhood drawings (!!!) ♥
this series is so great - donut doubles! ♥
♥ i'm not really a ke$ha fan but i'm loving this hair! ♥
this is way too cute ♥
this (and everything) by katie vernon ♥
♥ this cake is gorgeous ♥









What are you loving this week?