Well, my two week vacation is over and I'm officially back at work. #coffeeme #andhandmethetissues

The only positive I can see about this is that I actually changed out of pj's and put some makeup on before noon. If that's even a positive, really, because what I wouldn't do to be back home right now with my people. It was honestly the best two weeks ever. We stayed up late, slept in, did whatever we wanted whether that was stay cozy at home all day, play outside, go shopping - whatever. we. wanted. Just having that time to relax and not having one impending deadline looming over me, a bajillion e-mails stressing me out, NOTHING - and it was everything that I thought it could be.

The best part was being able to see the changes in Violet every day, first hand. Sure I see her every day but I don't have full days with her so having that time was truly wonderful and I did a lot of crying and feeling sorry for myself last night because I didn't want it to end. She's growing so. so. fast and I just wish I could be with her as it all happens. My practical side knows that's impossible but my emotional side (probably a good 85% of me) knows that this was my last holiday with my "baby". The baby/toddler that we still can't understand clearly, the one who giggles at eeeeverything we do to make her laugh, the one who's obsessed with animals and making animal sounds - she'll be completely different next year at this time. She'll be going on 3 and yes, she'll still be as cute as ever to us but no longer a baby. I know I'm jumping the gun here...I mean girlfriend still hasn't even turned 2! But I'm so crazy and overly sentimental that I can't help but think of these things. 

I totally slacked on blogging while I was on vacation and I'm ok with that. At some point I might try and post some Christmas pictures and maybe even some of my Christmas decor (because it's still up and might be for another week or so.)...or I may never get around to doing that at all. Lezbihonest. So this mish mash may be the best you get of our life from the past two weeks :) 

1) first teeny bun // her old lady walk // christmas eve love // christmas morning

2) christmas at grammy's // fender bender on christmas evening. ugh. // cutest jam jams ever // first "snow" at sea world

3) coloring's a new fave // sushi with a friend and V // nye nails // "caaaar"

4) bubble necklace wearing // friends to keep a sick girl company // bakery treats // #idontwannatakedownchristmas

a roller coaster week

I haven't talked about it much on social media but last Friday, my uncle (my mom's oldest sibling) passed away. He was her much older half brother and was 85 years old. He had Alzheimer's and dementia and had been in failing health for a couple years now. I think we knew he might go soon but not this soon so it was a bit of a shock. I wasn't super close with him but as a kid we spent many holidays at his and my Aunt's house and I have many fond memories of him. My aunt only wanted his life celebrated and for that reason, I chose not to splash the news of his passing everywhere, to garner sympathy and what not. But thank you for any prayers and thoughts - we are at peace and I believe he is too; that's all we could want for our loved ones.  

Because of his passing and the funeral falling during the work week, I had to cancel attending an important conference in Houston with the rest of my team. It was for unfortunate circumstances but I was almost relieved to not have to go. I figured I'd get to work in a really quiet office and possibly have some flexibility to my schedule all week and I was good with that. But I got the best surprise e-v-e-r when my boss called me Saturday night and said because I'd be the only one in the office, to not worry about coming in and to just work from home as needed. ALL WEEK. Seriously? I couldn't believe it and could have peed my pants from excitement, y'all.

I really have made sure to take advantage of this unexpected week off, too. We've done a ton of sleeping in, started our Christmas shopping and of course spent a lot of time being silly with and loving on V (when she wasn't throwing yet another tantrum, that is. Oy.) I bought some paint samples to try in the kitchen, a guy's coming today to refinish our counter tops and the tree trimmers will be here shortly, too so lots of progress at the house! It's just amazing what a week it's been. Bad news early on but we're ending on a high note, thanks to so much extra time with my little family. I hope y'all have had a great week too. HAPPY Friday! (the 13th! Whoa.)

she might finally be liking her hat and it's the cutest ever.

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terrible twos and public tantrums require wine. 

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my new $3.99 mug from marshalls. I sure do love a good deal.

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big girl ready to shop with her parentals.

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being embarrassing is a requirement of momhood, right?

Christmas Break

I hope y'all had an amazing Holiday weekend with your loved ones!! We had 5 different things to be at this past weekend and despite it all being so freaking tiring, I'm just grateful that we even have our families to spend time with...and that they all live in town! I'm also SO happy to be on vacation all this week. We slept in yesterday and today and that's probably my best present ever!

Speaking of presents, baby girl is already a spoiled little mess! I guess that's what happens when she has two obsessed grandmas and a total of four spoiling aunts! Ronnie and I really enjoyed our last Christmas just the two of us and we just feel lucky that our girl is already so loved!!

Check out her loot!

My fave out of these is the "I Heart Dad" onesie because the back says "I Heart Mom".

She got some winter outfits, a swaddler, her first doll and her first Easter outfit too. Cute!

Yet another Christmas outfit (she can never have too many! :), some adorable shoesies and more cute outfits! My mom (and tons of my family) work for Southwest Airlines hence the SWA onesies ;)

Now we begin the cleanup because it looks like wrapping paper and gift bags have thrown up all over our house. Ronnie's making us waffles in his new fancy waffle maker my parents gave him (yum!!) and we're off to enjoy the beautiful sunny day! Have a great week, y'all!!