Friday Favorites!

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! But more importantly, it's my last day of work! Oh yes, summer has officially arrived. And it is welcomed with a big ole bear hug from this gal. Here are my Friday Favorites for this week!

Sleeping In
I usually have to wake Wells up when I head to work and to drop him off with my mom. But this week we didn't have to come in until 9am, so we got to sleep in a little more. It has felt great to catch a little bit more shut-eye, and I hope that this will continue into summer!

Parenting Adventures
I seriously have learned so much since becoming a parent - with one of the most important lessons being that you have to just laugh at the crazy situations that your sweet little ones put you in. Case in point: While out to dinner with my parents Monday night, Wells had a little...ahem...mishap. You know the kind. The up-the-back, all-over-the-outfit kind of mishap. Since he was already wearing his "spare" outfit, we had no choice but to bring him out of the restroom in only his diaper (luckily this all happened at the end of dinner, so we were already about to leave). Here he is doing the walk of shame, covered only with a dinner napkin. Fellow Longhorn Steakhouse patrons may have been confused as to a) why my son was naked, and b) why it appeared we were stealing a cloth napkin (don't worry, we gave it to the hostess at the door).

Oh, the shame :)

A Sun-kissed Glow

Due to our daily walks as well as our frequent (albeit usually short, at least when it's just Wells and me by ourselves), trips to the neighborhood pool, my skin has gotten some much needed color. I always put sunscreen on Wells, but I only put it on me if we are going to be out for a while. I have slowly worked up a pretty nice little glow without even trying. Score.

Kiddie Pool

I have mentioned that we love going to the neighborhood pool, but we also purchased a plastic kiddie pool the other day for the little ones to use at the Memorial Day cookout we hosted at our house. It was a hit with all the sweet babies! I filled it up Wednesday afternoon for Wells to play in, and he was pretty content to sit and play for about 30-45 minutes. Winning! This will be really nice to have on summer days when I don't feel like leaving the house. $10 well spent I'd say! 

Baby Pool Partayyy!

Father's Day

I know Father's Day is still a few weeks off, but I am really excited! Last year, Wells was two days old (the day we were discharged from the hospital, actually) on Father's Day. Honestly we were so busy and in love with our new little guy that it didn't feel much like Father's Day in the traditional sense. So, I am excited to get Eric a present and celebrate him being such a great Daddy to our boy. PS, I might have to make one of these bow tie cards, because seriously. How cute?

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci!

What's Up Wednesday

Linking up with The Larson Lingo, Pinterest Told Me To, and Mix and Match Family for What's Up Wednesdsay!

What we're eating this week:
This week's meals have so far included delicious hamburgers & hot dogs (Memorial Day cookout), this sweet garlic chicken, and tacos. I am planning to make a crockpot pasta dish tomorrow, and one of our family favorites - Shay's Sausage & Corn Chowder - on Friday night. Saturday we will be eating at some of our friends' house.

What I'm reminiscing about:
Being pregnant. Haha! We are not trying for another baby quite yet, but whenever I see a pregnant woman, I always wish I was pregnant too :) I had a very easy pregnancy (other than kidney stones!), which I am very thankful for, and I truly just LOVED being pregnant.

I do miss that bump!

What I'm loving:
That it's summer!!!!! ...well sort of. I have to finish out this week of Professional Development (at the beach tomorrow & Friday, so can't complain there), and then I am free!

What we've been up to:
We had a really busy weekend, with Eric's family in town Saturday and Sunday, and then we hosted a cookout on Memorial Day. Lots of fun, for sure. But I was happy to relax afterward :)

What I'm dreading:
More teething (for Wells, of course)! Wells has cut 8 teeth in like 6 weeks! Like. whoa. He has two molars left to go, and I know they'll be making their appearance soon. He really is a champ for having cut SO MANY teeth in such a short time, but it is obviously painful for him. No fun to see your baby not feeling well.

What I'm working on:
Still in major party planning mode. Wells' 1st Birthday Fiesta is 17 days away, people! I have so much left to do. So. Stinking. Much.

What I'm excited about:
Our summer vacation! We are going to the beach for a week with Eric's family in July. With this being Eric's first summer not being a teacher, he is obviously not off for the summer like we have grown accustomed to :( I am really looking forward to a whole week of spending some quality time with that handsome guy. Last year, Wells was only a month old when we went on the family beach trip...my, how time flies!

At the beach last year. Look at that tiny fella!

What I'm watching:
One of my favorite shows to watch lately (although, I watch it online, not on TV - I can't stay up that late anymore!) is The Tonight Show. I just love Jimmy Fallon.

What I'm listening to:
The last couple of days I have been listening to the Glee station on Pandora. Listen to it and try not to sing along. Spoiler alert: you can't do it.

What I'm wearing:
A little as I can legally get away with. Haha! Just kidding, but the Savannah heat (and humidity) is in full swing, folks!

What I'm doing this weekend:
I don't think we have plans Friday night, which I am soooo fine with! We have a birthday party on Saturday and are then eating with some friends that night. Sunday looks like the usual: church, lunch with my parents, relaxing at home, and then small group.

What I'm looking forward to next month:
While I am excited for Wells to hit the milestone of 1 year (and to celebrate with our favorite people), at the same time, I am sooooo sad! My sweet boy is not a little baby anymore :(

How will this little camera-snatcher be a whole year old next month?!

What else is new:
My job situation. I will be writing a post about it soon to give all the details. We had to make a major decision that was not an easy one, but I am overall really excited about it.


 

Show & Tell Tuesday: Momfessional Moments

I am linking up with Andrea for Show & Tell Tuesday. This week's edition is all about sharing your "momfessional" moments. Basically, it's a time to confess the shameless/embarrassing/crazy things you do or have experienced as a mother.  Yeah, I think it's safe to say I've got a few to contribute in the 11 months I've been a mama...but, before you read on, you better go ahead and promise not to judge!!! ;)

1. Anyone who has known me for half a second knows that I am perpetually late. I don't even like being on time or early somewhere; it just feels weird. Anyway, since having Wells, I now always blame being late on him...even though I'm still usually the reason for said tardiness. Poor guy. 

2. I try my absolute hardest to get Wells in bed no later than 8:15 on Wednesday nights (even though that is earlier than his usual bedtime) because that is the one night of the week I watch TV. No shame in this game. 

3. I have no qualms about changing a diaper in public. Disney World, the zoo, the outdoor bench in front of Cracker Barrel? Check, check, and check. Now look, if it's a stinky diaper, I don't usually do it out in the open. But if he needs a quick change-a-roo, you better believe I am doing it then and there on the spot. Ain't nobody got time to lug the baby and the supplies all the way to the nearest bathroom. That's why the stroller leans back anyway, right?

4. I was that mom who said my child would not watch TV at a young age. Guess who has a DVD player in the car now? I still do limit the time that Wells watches stuff, but I mainly use it for longer trips in the car, when he is just done. And boy LOVES him some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Doc McStuffins.

5. If Wells was not such a good eater (as in, he will eat anything you put in front of him), I would be concerned that last night, he was in such a weird, sleepy mood from missing his nap that he would not eat anything but baby cheese curls for dinner. 'Tis the dinner of champions, my friends.

6. On the same note as #5, Wells has been known to drink sweet tea on occasion and eat a bite (or 5) of our desserts. Who am I to deny him of the yummy stuff in life?? As long as he eats his real food, I don't mind at all.

7. Wells sleeps with a pillow and blanket in his crib. I am such a smothery, hovering kind of mother that I really can't believe I budged on this one. But Wells likes cushion when he sleeps. He has always slept like a champ in our bed for naps, so I have always recreated that setting in his crib. There are one or two blankets underneath the fitted sheet to give him some squishyness. And he sleeps with his head on his pillow clutching his little muslin blanket. 

8. On more than one occasion, I have forgotten to re-hook my nursing bra after a feed or pumping session. One of these times might have been in front of the church during Wells' dedication. Don't worry, no one noticed (and it isn't obvious in pictures, either. Ha!).

9. If Wells is being a crazy person on an evening when Eric is working the night-shift (leaving me without a partner to wrangle/entertain/distract the child), we get in the car and head to McDonald's. Wells calms down by watching the aforementioned car DVD player, and mama gets a large sweet tea....and I may drive reallllllly slowly on the way back. We both feel better afterwards and are about 30 minutes closer to bedtime. Win/win. Some nights are just like that.

10. I will leave you with this fine motherhood moment...Last week as we were walking out the door to head to work (and drop-off to Grandma), someone had a diaper explosion. After changing his diaper and clothes, we were all set to go. Fast forward about 3 hours. While looking in the bathroom mirror at work, I realized that there were some, ahem, remains of the explosion on my WHITE shirt. Like a large, very noticeable stain...obviously where I had been holding Wells on my hip. Luckily, I had a sweater in my office, which I promptly threw on (although it was approx. 90 degrees outside that day).

Well, there you have it. Motherhood. It is seriously the best, funniest, hardest, most exhausting, but hands-down most rewarding job on the planet. It is nice to remember that none of us have it all together, though! I know I need that reminder on the regular. 

The cute face behind every "momfessional" moment.

Hope to hear all your momfessional moments - head to the link-up now!

Friday Favorites

Linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci!

Birthday Planning

Well, this is actually a love/hate thing. I hate that my baby will be one in less than a month (Wells' 11 month update here). But I am loving planning his fiesta-themed party. Finally got all of the invites made! They are little tacos (here is the inspiration)!!!! The pictures are horrible quality, but you get the idea. They took me forever to cut and write, but overall, me gusta!

Summer Lovin'

It feels like summer, y'all! It's H-O-T outside. The pools are open. School is almost out. It just feels like summer is here. I am ready for popsicles and beach trips and tan lines. But, with a more relaxed summer work schedule (I work at a school), comes this...

This View

This sight was a favorite from this week. I was cooking dinner, and when I looked through the kitchen window, I saw my sweet boy reading quietly. This week he has been obsessed with his books. He sits and points at the pictures and talks ("reads"). It is too much for me to handle.

Well, we are off to another busy weekend. My sister's boyfriend's birthday dinner tonight, a birthday party tomorrow night, maybe a trip to a large children's consignment sale, and the usual church events on Sunday (oh, and piles of laundry, obvs). 

Hope you have a great weekend! 

Wells is ELEVEN Months!

There is no way in this world that the next monthly update I do will be for a ONE YEAR OLD. Wells, please let this last month of your first year go by sloooooooowly. Better yet, could you just stay my little baby for maybe, well, forever? Sigh...

Well, this was hands-down the toughest monthly photo shoot we've done. This kid would not be still! Climbing up the chair, turning around, grabbing the curtains, you name it! Here's the best I could do! Haha.

Weighs: We haven't been to the doctor this month (HALLELUJAH! No more ear infections!!), so I am not sure. If I had to make a guess, I'd say about 23 lbs.

Sleeps: I wish I could say that this month  has brought about full nights of sleep...but that would be a big fat lie. Wells still wakes up at least once a night (but usually twice). In fact, if he wakes up only once, I consider it a good night. Quite a few times this month, he has woken up and been ready to party. Like, talking and smiling and playing...at 3 or 4am. Excuse me, child? Please.Just.No.

Eats: Yeah, not slowing down on the eating front. This child can put a hurtin' on some food. He chows down at meal time. Let me sum it up with this: The other day we had to order an extra pack of nuggets for him at Chic-fil-a. Yes, you read that right. He has reached the point that he eats so much of mine or Eric's meals at restaurants that we usually have to get something extra for him. I am starting to be able to tell what his real favorites are now when it comes to food. He really likes yogurt. And boy LOVES meat...he is his father's child.

Wears: Wells wears anywhere from 9mo to 18mo clothes. He is still in a size 3 diaper, but I think we'll be moving into a 4 soon.

Plays: With each passing month, he gets more and more fun when it comes to playing. He is such a busy body! He is pulling up on everything and crawling all over the place. He has started going into the church nursery this month because he can't sit still (and stay quiet!) for that long anymore. He likes to throw a ball. He LOVES the pool! We have been a couple of times since our neighborhood pool opened, and he goes all over in his little whale float. He now points at everything! It is something that he just started doing about a week or so ago, and it is too cute!

Milestones: Wells has done so many new things this month that I think I need to use bullet points! :)

• In one month, Wells has gotten SIX new teeth! At his 10-month update, he had only his 2 bottom teeth. Now he has 8! Insane.
• Crawling!!!!! Finally! I was convinced that Wells would skip crawling and go straight to walking, but he surprised me a few weeks ago, He started off slow and only really moving when he wanted something far away. Now he crawls lightning fast and all over the place!
• He is now a high five-ing machine! 
• Not really a milestone, but he does the funniest and cutest thing at church now. Eric usually raises his hand during worship, and Wells does the same when Eric holds him while we are singing. It is so stinking funny. 
• He is observing soooooo much! He put my keys up to the doorknob the other day as if to unlock it. He held his cup up to the refrigerator like he was getting an ice and water refill like he sees me do. And he now puts my debit card up to the card reader machine when we are checking out at the store. 

The Haps Lately

We have had a lot going on lately! Thus, the blog absence :) In case you're just dying to know what we've been up to, here's the haps (do I sound super cool when I say that?) with the Hankins lately:

Pool

Our neighborhood pool just opened up a couple of weeks ago so we took Wells on Friday He had so much fun! He has been in a pool on a couple of occasions (at Disney World and at a hotel), but this was his first time in a kiddie pool. It was PERFECT for him! The depth (1 foot) was just right - he walked all over the pool in his new whale float. We brought a couple of balls for him to chase around, and he had a blast. It seriously was just the cutest, and it got me so excited for all of the pool trips we will be taking this summer! 

Birthday Planning

Oh man. I firstly cannot believe that my baby is even old enough for 1st birthday planning to be happening. But secondly, I am starting to stress! I have so much to do to get ready for the party - which is a month from tomorrow! What??? Needless to day, I am going to be consumed with birthday planning for the next 30ish days :)

Being an Adult

Being an adult seriously can be the worst sometimes. Without getting into detail, Eric and I will be in lots of prayer concerning a couple of decisions we need to make in the near future.

Mother's Day

I had a great first Mother's Day! My hubby got me such a thoughtful gift - a picture framed personalized with mine and Wells' names on it that says "First Mother's Day." Inside he put a sweet picture of me and Wells after his first bath at the hospital. I love it. I don't know if Wells has made Eric more sentimental or what, but he has been hitting it out of the park when it comes to heartfelt gifts lately! (On my birthday this year, he wrote me a letter from Wells. I have never read something so sweet, and I cried and cried while reading it.)

Mother's Day 2015

More to Come...

We are at a busy time in life right now! The school where I work is almost out! Woohoo! But there are lots of events and things to do in the short week and a half left. My in-laws are coming in town next weekend, which will be a blast. And then all of the birthday festivities and planning! I am tired just thinking about all of it :)

Weekending

Linking up with Biana and Meghan!

Friday

Eric and I were both home pretty early Friday afternoon. After Wells' nap, we decided to head to the new outlets that just opened up two weeks ago near our house (like, 2 exits from our house close. can you say dan.ger.ous?). This was our 3rd trip since they've been open, but the deals, y'all! They are so good. I got these shorts from Banana Republic for like $12. Don't mind if I do.

And I also got a bathing suit for this summer. I hopped on the high-waisted bikini bandwagon. I decided to try one on just on a whim, and I was a fan! Excited to wear it soon!

Saturday

Our neighborhood HOA hosted a cookout for the opening of the pool on Saturday. We spent a little while down at the clubhouse, mostly eating free food :) Wells enjoyed a couple of bites of Eric's snowcone. We didn't get in the pool Saturday but I know we will be frequenting it a lot this summer! I spent Saturday afternoon & evening getting my sister ready for her high school's Spring Formal. I did her makeup and took pictures of her and her date. She looked so beautiful and so grown up. Tear.

 Sunday

We had a pretty typical Sunday: church in the morning, out to eat with my parents for lunch, down time at home during the afternoon, and then small group at night.

>>><<<

Another weekend down...only 2 more weekends of the school year left!! Woohoo! So ready for a relaxed summer work schedule and more time at home with my sweet boy. Bring. it. on.

Friday Favorites!

(Linking up with Narci, Andrea, and Erika for Friday Favorites)

First of all, yayyyyy! that it is Friday. Second of all, how in the WORLD is it already May? Honestly. 

Favorite #1 - F21 Floral Print Monokini 

So this swimsuit is from Forever 21 (don't judge), is super cute, and is...wait for it...$24.90. Get in my closet right now.

Favorite #2 - Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup

Okay, this is my favorite because it is Wells' favorite :) Hey, happy baby = happy mama!

My boy loves drinking from a regular cup as opposed to a standard sippy cup. However, due to the fact that he is only 10.5 months, he can't exactly hold a regular cup and drink without pouring an insane amount into his mouth and also spilling the contents all over the place. Enter, this miracle. Seriously, he loves this cup and does so good with it. The liquid comes out slowly and does not spill when it drops. Get your baby - or toddler, or really messy older child :) - one today! And it is way too much cuteness to see a tiny little tot holding onto it with both chubby hands and sipping happily. Buy them here!

Favorite #3 - The Current Weather

Look, I live in Savannah, GA...aka a literal sauna. The humidity here is unreal (which is so awesome by the way for my huge, frizz-prone hair - not), and the summer heat is suffocating. But right now? Oh man, the last couple of days have been bliss! We are talking high 70s. I am excited for summer weather so that we can go to the pool and beach, but I am really enjoying strolling Wells around the neighborhood without sweating 8lbs by the time we get home.

Well, those are my favorites on this Friday - short, sweet, to the point. Now, let's get to enjoying the weekend!