Lately

Processed with VSCO with c1 presetHi, hi! I’m sending my sincerest apologies to my dear sweet Coffee & Tacos, this amazing outlet and space for creativity, for not gracing its presence in far too long, but I am back! I think after I wrote this exciting post I wanted to let everything sink in for awhile. It is so surreal and amazing that we are going to be parents!

IMG_3412 IMG_3425Since my last post, James & I traveled to both Seattle and Florida as part of a whirlwind, just-what-we-needed anniversary trip. We had originally scheduled a trip to Puerto Rico that got thwarted by the Zika virus, but God knew that we’d have a much better time eating and exploring our way through Seattle with our bffs (seriously, there is nothing cooler than being pregnant at the same time as your bestie) and then spending a relaxing week in Florida sans plans, agendas, and to-do lists. Baby girl made an appearance in some beach photos and James & I had so much quality time together during our lazy days spent swimming in the gulf, eating at the beach bar, reading good books, walking through the mangroves, and watching the sunset. The whole adventure was good for the soul.

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset Processed with VSCO with c1 preset Processed with VSCO with c1 preset Processed with VSCO with f2 preset Processed with VSCO with g3 preset Processed with VSCO with c1 presetLaura got married in the most gorgeous wedding ceremony of the year at such a cool local venue. She was a knockout bride who was so calm, cool, and collected. She and her husband, Curtis, are the perfect match, and I felt so honored to be a part of their special day. James got to play in a band during the reception and he had way too much fun – he’s such an amazing performer. I blame it on the pregnancy hormones but I got a little emotional when he whipped out his violin for a cover of Wagon Wheel – he’s so dang talented! The band wore rust-colored tuxes that nearly stole the show.

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We’re trying to pack a few more trips into our calendar before I can’t fly anymore, so we’re heading to Palm Springs to spend this weekend with my family – I am beyond excited. I haven’t been to Palm Springs since this amazing girls trip a few years ago, and I can’t wait to go back. We rented a super cool house and we actually haven’t made any real plans, so I know the weekend will be a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. Plus, I can’t wait to celebrate Mother’s Day with my mama and my baby girl!

The following weekend we’ll be spending time in Chicago while our dear friend, Patrick, shoots a legacy video that will feature my incredible great-uncle and his twin brother, my grandfather, who passed away when I was very young. It’s a project our family has wanted to work on for such a long time so I’m grateful it’s coming together now. My great-uncle John is nearly 95 years old but doesn’t act a day over 30 – he is truly a rock star with so many incredible stories to tell.

I had a lovely case of strep throat that I battled last week but thank goodness preggos can take Zpack and the unseasonably cool Dallas weather was conducive to spending hours in bed reading good books and waiting for James to bring me tacos (naturally). I finally started feeling like myself again on Monday, so I’m grateful I feel better in time for our fun trip.

There’s so much more to catch up on so stay tuned. It feels so good to hop back into a writing rhythm. Happy (almost) weekend!

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The Cure for Anything

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen

We got back from Florida on Wednesday and I am still having major ocean-related withdrawals. Kyla, Lauren, Mom, and I had the perfect trip to Naples, full of beach time, sunset happy hours, dolphin & alligator sightings, delicious food, morning strolls, afternoon naps, and every other good thing under the sun. I read this book that Kyla lent me and by read, I mean devoured – it was so gripping, descriptive, tender, and moving. I felt so relaxed each day as we sat on the beach and watched the waves crash on the shore. I would read and nap and walk along the sand and giggle with the girls, and time passed in an instant, if it even existed at all. We all agreed that the ocean was soothing our souls, and we spent every possible second outdoors. It was the perfect trip.

Florida-Bound

IMG_5471I am so excited because tomorrow morning I will be on a plane headed to one of my favorite spots in the world: my parents’s home in Florida! Kyla and Lauren are coming with me as part of an adult spring break of sorts, and I can’t wait to introduce them to my family’s place near the beach. We’ll soak up the sun, take yoga classes, go on long walks, cook delicious meals, drink lots of wine & beachy cocktails, watch the sunset, go kayaking, and search for alligators. The forecast is dreamy and Mom has already set up shop at the condo in preparation for arrival. I am counting down the minutes…eeeeep!

For fun, here are some of my favorite photos from our adventures to Florida over the years!

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