The Most Adorable Moccs (& a Freshly Picked Giveaway!)

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Long before I saw those two pink lines show up on that pregnancy test (yes, the one that I STILL have on my nightstand … gross), I imagined having a baby.

More specifically, I imagined a baby girl. Pink. Frilly. Pretty. I couldn’t wait for all the fun clothes, shoes, purses, baby dolls and all things sweet that come with raising a little lady.

But most of all, the shoes. Shoes, people, are a staple even in a baby’s life.

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I’m kind of ashamed to admit there are at least 11 pairs of Charlotte’s shoes not pictured here.

And by “kind of ashamed,” I mean super sad that I didn’t round them all up and include them in the photo.

We love shoes at this house, and I’m positive Charlotte has the best collection of us all.

So, when the sweet people over at Freshly Picked offered to send Charlotte a pair of their baby moccasins for me to review, I peed my pants a little just about freaked out and sent the fastest confirmation email I’ve ever sent in my life.

Because let me tell you something. The first time I saw Kourtney Kardashian’s kids in FP moccs (that’s how you say it if you want to be cool), I knew I … I mean, Charlotte … had to have a pair.

I chose the Heirloom Limited Edition moccs, because the gold-studded leather spoke to me. (Something like, “You need to choose me or else what is the point in life?”) I was worried that they might not go with very many outfits, but I’ve made it work. Basically, I plan her outfits around these shoes. Totally not kidding.

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However, I’m thinking she’s going to need the Platinum ones, too. And the Neon Pink. And the Birch. Basically, she needs all the colors of the rainbow.

But here’s the thing. I have several pairs of shoes for baby that are some of the cutest things on the planet, but they’re so impractical because they will. not. stay. on. her. feet. (I’m looking at you, baby flip flops.)

Well, Freshly Picked knew what they were doing. The elastic in these moccs keep her shoes on her feet, even through her incessant pulling and attempting to eat them. (True story, right there.) However, they aren’t tight and don’t leave indentions on her chubby little feet. I even ordered them about a size too big so she could wear them longer, and they still stayed on. We all win here.

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And look – if that leather can withstand those adorable little inverted-bunny teeth (two on the bottom), it’s all worth it in my book. Quality is scarce these days, but these – these are legit.

I’m also super excited about having these shoes for when Charlotte starts walking (which will seriously be any day now). They’re soft and comfortable, and they don’t get all wonky when she takes steps, and she won’t trip over a hard sole. Basically: awesome.

I’m so in love with these shoes, and we get so many compliments on them every time she wears them.

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But they aren’t just for girls! No, sir. There are so many colors that would be stinkin’ cute for a boy. But these – they are my favorite. Now I need a little baby Jack.

You’re welcome for introducing you to your next obsession.

Now, if only they made them in my size.

They don’t, sadly. But you know what they do make? Bags. I’m pretty sure I need this one in my life. I wonder if they need someone to review it? Pick me, pick me!

Fortunately for you, my dear friends, you could win your very own pair of Freshly Picked moccasins for that little one in your life! Or, maybe there isn’t a little one in your life – enter the giveaway anyway. You’ll inevitably be invited to a baby shower in the near future, and if that Momma opens a pair of these moccs from you, you’ll be the envy of all the guests. I’m just saying.

So, enter the giveaway below, and tell all your friends! Tell your enemies, too, I don’t care! I love these shoes so much, and I know you will, too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The merchandise featured in this blog post was provided by Freshly Picked, but all opinions and reviews are my own and were not influenced by any outside party or individual.

Terms and Conditions: Winner may not have won any other giveaway including a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins within the last 60 days. Winner will be chosen at random following the close of the giveaway, Sunday, June 8th at 9 p.m. EST. The winner will be notified within 24 hours of giveaway closing.

Some Sunny-Morning Thoughts on Getting Things Done

baby laughing at puppyOne of my favorite Charlotte photos ever. She looks like she’s cracking up at Daysie. Love.

I’ve lost count of the number of blog posts I’ve written with the collective theme of, “I feel like I’m doing all things wrong, and I can’t get everything done, and how does everyone else do it?!?!” It’s a constant flow of thought through my mind.

Last night, as I was lying in bed, relishing in the space I had around me because baby actually went down in her crib (it lasted all of an hour), I couldn’t shut off my brain and, naturally, it circled back around to this train of thought.

Actually, I started thinking about business ventures, which I do often and typically have no less than twenty-four ideas brewing at a time. Which turned into thinking about how many Freshly Picked moccasins I could buy with all that extra income, which turned into “How do other families with SAHMs do it?,” which eventually turned into a whole bunch of snoring.

But somewhere in there, I thought about all the things I want to be doing, but I’m not: working out, reading books, devotions, a garden, a clean not-entirely-disheveled house. It was a bit depressing.

I was talking to Evan yesterday in the car about wanting a workout schedule so I can have a plan, instead of thinking I’ll go to Pilates today or Cross-Fit tomorrow, and then letting it fall by the wayside. I told him it’s hard to make a plan when he’s going to be traveling for work this summer. He gave me his typical Evan-look (which translates into something similar to, “You’re horribly wrong.”).

Initially, I chalked that little conversation up to him having no idea what it’s like to be a nursing Mom (i.e. literal baby attachment), and brushed the thought of it off.

But later, as I was feeling oh-so-sorry for myself, that conversation came up in my thoughts again. And, as much as it pains me, his signature eyebrow furl that he aimed right at my excuses was quite deserved.

I’m totally justifying being lazy, and letting everything else take the blame.

Why can’t I go to the gym when Evan’s out of town? If I want to go badly enough (although, I’m not sure I ever have), the 15-minute drive to my parents to drop off Charlotte isn’t really that terrible.

And why don’t I have a garden? Because on these gorgeous days that are perfect for raised-bed constructing and seed-planting, I’ve been lathering up my legs and arms with tanning oil beside the pool.

And who says I don’t have time for morning devotions? I certainly found time to finish that last Gillian Flynn novel with about 784 too many f-words in it this past week.

It’s all about choice, and in the seven months since Charlotte was born, I’ve chosen lazy a whole lot.

Granted, by the time I get her put down at night, sometimes three freaking hours after we start, all I want to do is sit on the couch and watch some trashy reality TV (which usually ends up being ESPN or Buying Alaska or one of the billion Bourne movies for the 800th time because I have zero control of the remote). Still – that’s a choice I make.

Sometimes, I’m still going to make the choice to sit on the couch and watch TV. Definitely every Sunday night (Mad Men) and Monday nights (Bachelorette). Some days I’m not going to make my bed (rainy days where I keep crawling back under the covers.). I may not even get flowers in the ground this Spring (because holy expensive – and baby needs at least seven more bikinis).

But maybe some daily wins. Better, albeit small, decisions.

Like, this morning. As soon as I finish this post, I’m going to put real clothes on.

It’s going to be a good day, people.

Disclaimer: I’m probably only so optimistic this morning because the sun is shining through my window, I’m drinking coffee from my Hamptons mug, and I had a homemade waffle with lots of butter and syrup this morning. I’ll take it.

So, here’s to a good, productive day. Follow me on Instagram (@jenifromtherock) – I think I’ll document today! (I can take pictures on my phone now because I finally, finally started deleting baby photos. I didn’t say it wasn’t difficult.)

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P.S. If you’re handing out advice on how to get a seven-month-old baby to sleep through the night, I’m finally ready to listen. #IDontWantToCoSleepWithATeenageCharlotte

Confessions

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Look, y’all. I’m not perfect. (You’re shocked, I know.) I mess stuff up all the time. I do things the wrong way. And sometimes (okay, a lot of times) I’m just plain weird.

Like yesterday, when I was picking up our takeout calzone from Giovannis (because it was BOGO Monday AND The Bachelorette premiere, so we couldn’t NOT have a calzone), a girl at the bar said, “Ooh, I love your purse. I’m so jealous,” and I smiled awkwardly and said thanks. Then the greasy old man next to her said, “I like your sunglasses. And your shirt. But I’m just a people person.” To which I, not-awkwardly-at-all, said, “Yeah, I’m not.”

Who does that? Why am I socially awkward?

Anyway. I have a few other confessions, too.

I confess…

>> When liking or posting a comment on someone’s Facebook or Instagram post, I always check to see how long ago it was posted. If it was within the last couple minutes, I’ll probably give it a few more minutes before I leave my mark. I don’t want to seem like a creeper. (Except now you know my secret, and every time I like something, you’ll be all, “She totally has been sitting around waiting to hit the ‘like’ button.”)

>> I hate letting the microwave beep. I’ll lunge across the kitchen for the Stop button with one second remaining, just to keep it from beeping.

>> It takes me all morning to drink one cup of coffee. And you know how much I love coffee.

>> While cleaning out my car the other day, I found about 15 thank-you cards from my baby shower (August 2013, y’all) that I wrote but, clearly, never sent. Martha Stewart would be disappointed (and remember, we’re like this).

>> I had Chipotle three times in the last week. (Okay, it’s not weird, but it’s certainly fattening. And holy expensive.)

>> It took me about 4 months to read my latest book, but I probably read 75% of it in the last day (maybe even in the dark with my phone’s flashlight while I was putting Charlotte to sleep. Not ashamed.) But, seriously, read all of Gillian Flynn’s books. She’s a genius.

>> I will happily spend $22 on a statement necklace for my infant child, but think twice about that box of cereal that is $4.99. #GirlsGottaLookPretty

>> I haven’t washed the baseboards in my house since before Charlotte was born. It’s probably going to be a while before I get to that…

>> Sometimes, I talk to myself when I’m in the car alone. But when someone pulls up beside me, I’ll pick up my phone and pretend I’m talking on it because, well, that’s kind of embarrassing. (It’s going to be really embarrassing when I get pulled over for being on the phone while driving. “Hi, Officer. Yeah, I was just pretending to talk on my phone so the other drivers wouldn’t think I’m crazy for talking to myself. Swear it.”)

>> I still hold my nose when I go under water. Because I’m seven.

>> When sitting up high in a stadium (or anywhere, really), I can’t look up because I’m so terrified of heights. My stomach will bottom out, my feet will start tingling and I’ll have to death-grip the seat to make sure I don’t fall to my death down the stairs. You know, because people sometimes fall out of their seat. Down the stairs. To their death. Totally rational.

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P.S. Who watched The Bachelorette premiere last night? I kept waiting for the cute-guy contestants to step out of the limo, and suddenly we were on the final dude. Andi was probably all, That’s the best you could do, ABC? Also, my husband decided to let me know Andi isn’t pretty. At which point I laughed and called him a liar.

Dear Charlotte | Seven Months (& a couple weeks)

7 month old baby

Dear Charlotte Ever,

I know I say every new age is my favorite so far, but honestly, you are so much fun right now. You’re learning new things so rapidly that it’s just been exciting to take it all in.

You’ve been standing up in your crib (or whenever you can hold onto something) for a while now. It was so fun to walk into the bedroom and catch you standing for the first time. And you? Well, you thought you were big stuff. You smiled so big! (Of course, that could have just been your reaction to my ridiculous happy face!)

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You’ve been trying so hard to stand up on your own. You’ll get in the crawl position, quickly go to Downward Facing Dog, and move your little butt around in the air trying to get your balance. Mamaw said you were twerking, but you’re never allowed to do that, so, ya know.

But yesterday morning, while you were playing in the floor of our bedroom before church, you learned to crawl! You just took off, and there has been no stopping you since. I was sure you would bypass crawling and go straight to walking, but I was wrong. And I’m so glad you didn’t, because watching your little legs and arms go across the floor is the best thing.

All of those things are wonderful and fun and exciting, but the very, very best thing that has happened so far is your very first intentional word:

Momma.

Or, as you like to say it, Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma.

Either way, it’s the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. Oh, how long I’ve waited to hear that.

I would say you were just babbling (like you do da-da-da all the time), but you started saying ma-ma-ma the other day when you were reaching and crying for me. And, of course, I had to immediately come pick you up because, hello.

You’ve also been saying bye-bye-bye and giving a slight wave, and I just don’t know if my heart can handle all of these new things at once.

You are still refusing to eat baby food, but you love anything that anyone else is eating. Mamaw and Papaw like to give you ice cream and cheetos when Mommy isn’t looking (I think that’s why you love them so, so much!).

But your most favorite thing is avocado, and you’ll eat it by the spoonful.

You have a bit of a temper, and are still so attached to me (I kind of love it). You’re still not sleeping through the night, but naps are getting a little better.

You love Cousin Sadie and want to play with her so badly, but she just tells you no and takes your toys. You don’t mind, though, as long as she’s near you.

baby in freshly picked mocs

Seven months ago, I couldn’t even imagine you being this big. Now, it’s hard to imagine you being so small.

But, it doesn’t matter how tall you get, how old, how loud, how silly, how too-cool-for-Momma you become, you will always, always be my baby girl.

Ooh, I love you, Button.

Love, Mommy

A Few Things I Learned Yesterday

IMG_4523While going about my day yesterday, I learned that…

>> The best photos are the ones that just happen (like that Daysie photobomb up there).

>> You shouldn’t put hot coffee in the Starbucks cold cups, because it makes the cup very flimsy, and when you put the lid on it, it will smash down and hot coffee will go all over you and the microwave and the toaster, and your husband will look at you like you’re an idiot and say, “I don’t think you’re supposed to put hot coffee in those cups.”

>> When you wear your retainer and drink coffee, the coffee will puddle in your retainer. Which will defeat the whole purpose of your drinking coffee from a straw, which you do to keep it from staining your teeth.

>> When your hair stylist changes your appointment from 11am to 11:30am, you should go ahead and aim for 11 anyway. This way, you aren’t 5 minutes late and sweaty. Also, if you’re early, you can always run by Starbucks’ drive-thru and won’t have to worry about putting hot coffee in a cold Starbucks cup.

>> You should never, ever bring your sleepy baby to a 2-1/2 hour hair-color appointment.

>> Moms really do always come to the rescue.

>> When you go to your hair stylist, make sure your face looks pretty. Because when your hair is wet and matted to your head, you’ll look like a drowned rat. And when your hair stylist is super adorable and she’s right beside your reflection in the mirror, you’ll wish you didn’t look like a drowned rat.

>> You should avoid, at all costs, having conversations with people when you have a head cold and sound like a man.

>> Drinking Perrier Lime as a Sprite substitute is really not a great choice. It doesn’t taste like Sprite. It tastes like carbonated water with lime in it. Basically, it’s water that makes you burp.

>> You should never, ever, ever ever ever let your baby try cake-batter ice cream 10 minutes before bedtime.

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For This Child, I Prayed

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There was a time in my life, not too long ago, actually, that I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get to celebrate Mother’s Day. I didn’t know if I’d ever get to watch and feel my body grow, making room for a little human inside me. I wasn’t sure if anyone would ever call me Mama, but I prayed constantly that, somehow, it would happen. That longing for a child is exhausting, painful and sad.

I literally thank the Lord every day for providing a way, showing me mercy, and allowing me to be a mother. It’s an honor that I don’t deserve, and one that I certainly was not guaranteed.

During the time that we were unable to conceive, it seemed like every single woman I knew was revealing their pregnancies. (No, seriously. All of them.) I was bitter and angry, and I took it out on these innocent Mamas-to-be, even if they didn’t know it.

So, I know how it feels to be in those shoes – to see everyone else bear children, knowing it could possibly never be in the cards for me.

But in hindsight, I’m so glad that I had to go through that season of not-knowing. It has made me so much more appreciative of not only my baby girl, but even the possibility of her. I know too many personal stories that haven’t turned out like mine, and I know I was only a hair away from experiencing that ending. It’s only by the grace of God that I get to hold her in my arms every night, kiss her soft cheeks, hear her giggle.

I also know it’s only by the grace of God that I get to experience terrible sleeping habits, separation-anxiety tantrums and a refusal to eat solid foods. As much as I complain about these things on a daily basis, I’m so incredibly thankful that I get to deal with them. It means God answered my prayers.

I sometimes feel guilty for posting so much about Charlotte on social media and my blog, because I know there are others watching my posts (some close friends, even) who are feeling like I once did. Who want a child so badly, and just can’t. I don’t ever want to make anyone feel as hopeless and sad as I once did.

But, at the same time, this little girl has turned my world upside down (in a fabulous way!), and I so enjoy sharing her with everyone. I know now that nobody ever intended to make me feel the way I did – it was bitterness and envy, and totally a heart problem on my end.

And now I feel awful for those terrible emotions. I know those Mommas were elated, just like I was when we randomly took a pregnancy test one Saturday morning. It’s a high like no other. (I mean, I’ve never been high on anything but life, but I’m sure this is still better than any of that.)

I’m not really sure where I was going with this. I’m just a bit emotional. And very grateful. I know Mother’s Day is just another holiday that has been commercialized, but I’m so happy to have been able to celebrate yesterday, finally, as a mother.

For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.
– 1 Samuel 1:27

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A Few Things on Friday / 02

IMG_4496So, standing up is happening, apparently. #crazyhairdontcare

>> Would you believe I didn’t take a single picture on my birthday? Well, I take that back. I did take that photo of Charlotte up there, but that was it. I lugged my fancy pants camera around with me all day, but felt really obnoxious taking pictures, so I didn’t. Like, at Starbucks, when I was redeeming my free birthday reward of a Venti Decaf Iced Caramel Macchiato (because you care what I ordered), I had my camera in hand ready to take a photo of the girl scanning my phone for payment. Then she just looked at me weird, and I slowly lowered it down to my lap, pretending like I was just looking at the screen. Awkward.

>> Speaking of Starbucks, they started following me on Twitter yesterday. I’m kind of a big deal.

>> Speaking of taking pictures (maybe this should have all been one thought?), I can’t use my iPhone for photo-taking anymore. My little 16GB of storage is all taken up, and even though I’ve uploaded all my pictures to my iMac, AND I’ve started uploading them to DropBox, I’m still super anxious about deleting pictures of baby from my phone. What if somehow they get deleted from ALL THREE places and I lose all Charlotte’s baby pictures ever?

>> #ihaveissues

>> My husband made it home last night in time to spend the last two hours of my birthday with me! His boss made him leave for a dumb work trip knowing it was my birthday (Hi, Evan’s boss. I’m currently mad at you.). Why don’t people understand the importance of birthdays, adult or not? On my birthday, I want balloons and candles and banners and everyone to tell me Happy Birthday. I feel like that’s not a lot to ask.

>> #narcissistic

>> Twenty-seven was seriously awesome. I’m not sure how 28 can top that. Well, maybe with Baby Worrell #2? Evan? No? I’m not getting any younger here…

 

The 27th Year

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IMG_4393Twenty seven. I had a baby, traveled much, lost a great-grandmother, mowed the yard (for the first time), ate too many calzones, fell in love with the Duggars, made new friends, loved whole-heartedly.

It was a fabulous year, and I’m so looking forward to what 28 has in store.

Happy Birthday to me, y’all!

28 Ways to Stay Fun

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I met Evan in college when I was 21 and in my prime, if I’ve ever been. I was several dress-sizes smaller, had fewer wrinkles and wore clothes you’d never catch me in these days (mainly because it was anything other than leggings and a sweatshirt).

And I was fun. Man, was I fun. I don’t even know how I was fun, but I had a ton of friends from so many different groups, so that means I had to be fun, right? Exactly. I was fun.

But since I’ve grown older these past few (or seven) years, things have slowly changed. Evan told me the other day that I’m not as fun as I used to be. I told him he wasn’t as not-in-his-thirties as he used to be, either, and I won that argument real quick.

Unfortunately, he was right.

My life is totally different these days, and it’s certainly not a bad thing. I go to PTO meetings instead of parties. I drive an SUV with Hi-C stains on the carpet instead of my little BMW. I go to playdates instead of Girls Nights Out.

I absolutely love my life. I mean, sure, I could stand a few improvements here and there (sleep training, anyone?), but overall, life is pretty swell.

But what is it about growing up that coincides with becoming a bore? I’ve had a lot of excitement and plenty of fun in my short almost-28 years, but that doesn’t mean it has to stop now because I’m a Mom or because I’m getting older.

No. I’m not going to let Evan win this one. I’m fun, dang it, and I’m going to stay fun.

So, while I’m 28, I’m going to work on being fun. Because we only get one life here, people.

28 Ways to Stay Fun When You’re 28

1. Do cannonballs off a diving board.
2. Drive with the windows down (& don’t complain about your hair)
3. Take a hike.
4. Turn dinner into an impromptu picnic outside.
5. Run in the rain.
6. Plan a day trip to a nearby city & just explore.
7. Go barefoot.
8. Play Scrabble. On the actual board. (instead of being glued to your phone).
9. Turn the music up loud.
10. Host a theme night. (Guac & chips, enchiladas, sopapilla, sing feliz navidad. Anyone?)
11. Dance.
12. Raise the roof. (& don’t be embarrassed.)
13. Do a three-movie-in-a-row-er.
14. Go out for ice cream. (& don’t bring it home.)
15. Take a selfie. In public. (you can be embarrassed … but don’t apologize.)
16. Get muddy.
17. Get dressed up & go somewhere. Or nowhere.
18. Change your hair color. (& change it back, if you must. But just do it.)
19. Go camping.
20. Laugh freely.
21. Drink morning coffee somewhere other than at home or a restaurant.
22. Hold hands in public.
23. Run with the dogs.
24. Take a bike ride around town.
25. Do something the Husband likes to do (without him planning!).
26. Belt it out to the radio in the car.
27. Host a friend night.
28. Smile. A lot.

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Also, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my best lady friend (since 1st grade) and SIL, Cassie! Love you, and sorry you’re older than me. ;)

Birthday Wishlist (& Gift Guide for You!)

bdaywishlistY’all: IT’S BIRTHDAY WEEK!

If you’ve known me for longer than three seconds, you’ll know that I’m narcissistic crazy about my birthday! I mean, turning 28 isn’t exactly heart-warming, but it’s my day, so we’ll just have to make the best of it.

In case you were wondering what to gift me this year (you’re too kind!), I’ve made it super easy for you.

You are welcome.

{Clockwise from top left}

Lowe’s Gift Card. What am I, 40? Nope. Just really excited about having a mini-garden this year! Every green thumb needs some dirt, seeds, and … well, I’m not really sure what else I need. That’s what the Google is for.

Waffle maker. Because some mornings I just want a waffle.

2015 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ. Look. I have, like, 700 kids (three) and 35 dogs (two). Plus, I’m always lugging around a carload of stuff, so I need the room. And the heated leather seats. And the sunroof. And the navigation system. I’m just saying.

MAC makeup brushes. All of them. I want them all. Yes, it will cost a small fortune, but I’m worth it.

Adobe Photoshop. I’m tired of using pixlr.com like a seventh grader for my blog. If I’m going to be a big-time blogger (and, let’s be honest, that will most likely not happen), I’m going to need some serious software. Why does this have to be so expensive? Wah.

Michael Kors Selma. She’s a beaut. I love her. I need her.

Gray TOMs. For those days when I don’t feel like getting dressed, and I need something to go with my yoga pants and v-neck t-shirt. Also known as: EVERYDAY.

MacBook Air. Because my current MacBook is old and slow, never charges, and isn’t a MacBook Air. I mean, I love my MacBook, and I’m super thankful for it (because I don’t have to use Windows, thank the Lord!). And I super-love my 27″ iMac, but ain’t nobody got time to walk into the office to use a computer when the Kardashians are on TV and I’m sitting on the couch. Hashtag lazy.

There you have it. Now you don’t have to stress about my gift! Just leave all the stressing to me because OMGOSH I’M TURNING 28! Just two more years ’til 30, y’all. Life is getting real.