Picnic Breakfast at Centennial Park

Hello sunshine, I love you.

Lola learns to play fetch. Well, besides the whole bring it back part. She just wants to eat the stick after she gets it.

And, she's tired! Been curled up on my lap napping while we enjoy the patio, magazines, and fresh pineapple.

Since spring has arrived, my feelings for Nashville have done a complete 180. I actually remember why we moved here (besides grad school of course). It is so pretty here! I had no idea all of these dead looking trees would be blossoming with white and pink petals.

Josh has this Friday off. Let me state that again...JOSH HAS FRIDAY OFF! This has not happened in MONTHS, probably not even since we moved here. We are so excited we might make a day trip out of it. Memphis? Lexington? Chattanooga? Atlanta? All within about a 3 hour drive. I can't wait to spend an entire day together!

I love spring!

Did I Mention....

... I am expecting

10 weeks 4 days

Weekend Bliss

Mom came to town this weekend and we had so much fun relaxing, eating, exploring, shopping and enjoying the gorgeous weather. After our first appointment with our Midwife on Friday we headed to breakfast and then picked up the cities BEST cupcakes at Cupcake Collection for celebration. My mom took a couple of pictures of us outside and in both of them I have this weird white fuzzy light over my head...pregnancy glow? ghost? halo? guardian angel? It has been giving me the willies ever since. Mind you this picture has been edited to lessen the effect of the creepy blur.

On Friday my mom and I did more of said eating, shopping, exploring and headed to downtown Franklin to walk around the quaint brick streets, browse independent shops, and of course eat more yummy food. Saturday brought us more of the above and since the weather was so wonderful I was on a mission to find patio furniture. I literally had not stepped foot on our patio in months, but with forecasters predicting the 70's all week I was on the hunt. I ended up going with these chairs from Target, they are so comfortable! Now, if I could just get over the fear of Lola falling through the railing!

So that sums up the weekend pretty much. I took mom to the airport this morning before the sun came up. The house is a little lonelier today, so I made brownies to keep myself occupied. *See Grandma Irene, I even used the brownie pan you sent me!* And you can bet that I will smother these lovelies in Nutella!

Just because she is the cutest dog ever, and Josh's head is in the picture even though he attempted to cover it. It is just too big I guess. Well, I wasn't so sure about corn beef, but I figured homemade corn bread with chili in a green bowl would suffice for St. Patty's day. Homemade biscuits on Monday. (That is NOT a bug on the biscuit, it is rosemary!)

I have been on a bread making extravaganza this week. I promise we also eat protein, veggies and salads with dinner not just bread! I took a break from cooking for about 2-3 weeks, I just couldn't stomach it. This week I am back in the kitchen full force and Josh is not complaining.

"This one goes out to the birthday girl..."

Me playing DJ at Chelsea's party in high school.

Happy Birthday Chelsea, I hope you know just how much I look up to you as my little sister! Even with all of the sibling drama, we had so much fun together growing up and I can't imagine my life without you!

Eat sweets, drink legally, and have a glorious birthday!

Neighborhood Breakfast Spot

Josh took me to Sky Blue Cafe yesterday morning for a belated birthday brunch. I had pancakes and he had the breakfast bowl with eggs, gravy, biscuits, sausage and potatoes all mixed up and covered in melted cheese. We have been there once before, I had the chai last time and it was sooo yummy. I think you can always gauge how good a coffee shop is based on the quality of their chai. I mean seriously, nothing is worse than ordering a chai only to find out that the barista doesn't know what a chai tea latte is! The best part about this place is that it is literally down the street from our house, right behind a 100 year old three story brick elementary school (that I just happen to work at).

It was the perfect day to have a late breakfast, watching runners, dog walkers and stroller pushers enjoying the sunshine. When we left there was a little old man sitting at the table on the street playing chess. It reminded me of a Bug's Life. So cute.

Thank you hubby for the delish brunch!

image from here

Birthday Blooms

My dad and step mom sent me these beautiful flowers for my birthday. They weren't quite open when they arrived, but have since bloomed and they look so pretty in the sunshine.

They keep reminding me that spring is on its way!

March 4

Chelsea and me last year on my birthday!

My very first birthday!

Yesterday was my birthday! Only the days events didn't actually warrant an exclamation point. Whatever the opposite of an exclamation point is, was my 23rd birthday.

March is the best month of the year, hands down. So many birthdays, perfect weather, spring break, and a holiday dedicated to green beer and leprechauns! It doesn't get much better than that. So even with the disappointment of my birthday, I am still stoked to be in this glorious month.

I have a strong feeling this year is going to be the craziest year of my life so far.

So, I accept my lame, boring, unspecial birthday as the beginning of a year that will be anything but.