Friday's Fancies + Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year, bloggie friends!  It's hard to believe 2013 is here and well underway but I am very much looking forward to it.  Since the start of the year, we've had some good and relaxing times that I think will reflect our year to come.  The word "low key" rings true to our lifestyle and even after baby comes, I imagine we'll maintain that phrase, even with a wailing newborn in the background.  

Today's Friday's Fancies is an ode to the new year and an ode to my outlook of the year ahead.  Pregnancy may keep me in yoga pants and oversized sweaters but I've still found ways to reflect my personal style and stay true to myself.  I might have to change my favorite purse out for a stylish backpack/diaper bag, and I might have to switch out cute strappy sandals for easy slip-ons, but there are ways of doing so that keep me happy.  Plus, if I could live in soft cashmere, I think I'd be all set.  If only.

What are you up to this weekend?  Tonight we'll be hanging out with some fave people and tomorrow we're adventuring to Cincinnati to spend the afternoon day at Ikea.  I haven't been to Ikea in a hot minute so I'm both anxiously awaiting it and dreading the trip at the same time.  Hopefully we'll score some good nursery finds and load up on picture frames to fill the house without any spats or meltdowns :)

Whatever you get up to this weekend, I hope you enjoy yourselves!  Oh, and last but not least ::

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNA-MARIA!

2012

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2012 was a pretty great year for us, but even so, I'm rather glad to see it go.  2013 will be a BIG year for our family, and quite frankly, I can't wait.  

I did not intend to slip away from this blog.  I did not intend to desert my blog friends or shy away from sharing amazing internet finds.  It just sort of feels right to spend less and less time in this corner of the internet of mine.  For that I apologize, and for that I thank you for understanding.

2012 brought a lot of pretty cool things.  We got a doggie! And as of tomorrow, we've officially had her for an entire year!  She has changed our lives (maybe not Gus) for the better, even if her breath smells like the garbage.  We had so many awesome visitors!  We traveled to Jamaica where I celebrated my 29th birthday!  We gardened! We replaced our expired septic system.  Please note, that one does not deserve an exclamation point, but I am relieved that it a) works properly and b) won't need replacing for a long, long time.  And last but not least of the highlights of 2012 - we got PREGNANT!  

And for your curiosity...

We found out two weeks ago, but honestly, we already knew.  I had a feeling from the moment I knew I was pregnant - and so did a majority of our friends and family.  My mom wouldn't even step foot in the girls section and bought us plenty of boy stuff long before the ultrasound confirmed it.  We're very excited, needless to say, and have started to go a little bonkers with the registry and setting up the nursery.  Christmas was good to our son, so project organizethenurseryasapbeforethecatgetstrappedundercopiousamountsofclothes needs to start now.

We have no big plans for NYE this year.  I'm okay with that.  Being pregnant for me means I can't enjoy things the way I used to.  However, I found some alcohol-removed champagne and I may paint my nails something festive.  It'll have to do :)

I'm happy, healthy and ready for the new year.  So welcome, 2013!