Petite Bebe

The title speaks for itself (in French) and has it's origins (in my mind) from The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, in which they refer to loved ones as such. In this case, however, it really is about a sweet precious little one who I cannot wait to meet, but will for the sake of his health.

{Me, Em, and Mom on Saturday}

This weekend made it feel really real, as if Em's growing bebe bump (in all its precious goodness) didn't. On Friday night, her fabulous work friends from Le Bonheur threw her a shower, and on Saturday a few of her friends (myself included) threw her another one. Needless to say we're all feeling pretty loved, Ben, Emily, and Bebe T, especially. 

{The hostesses: me, Shannon, Courtney, Em, Kelley, Danielle, and Lauren}

Along with my hostessing duties (thankfully I had five awesome ladies to share it with), I got to go home with Em and mom after the showers to help unload the "loot" and attempt to organize the mass quantities of petite items to their designated cubby. I will say, I'm not a cleaner, and this type of organizing was the most fun ever. I found myself asking for more things to help with (Em, you better take advantage of this). 

{Me, Em, and Ash}

{refueling between shower and unloading/organizing loot = giant coke zero}

Here's a look at some of the progress in said nursery. As some of you know, Emily and Ben did find out they're having a boy, but are keeping the name a secret from everyone (family included) until the little nugget is born. 

{in progress closet}

They do, however, already have a name and have been surprisingly great at keeping it a secret while still monogramming everything they can (he'll have a block wooden monogram above his bed, his "coming home from the hospital outfit" is already sporting his moniker, as well as other items like his church bag and Easter outfit). Funny thing is, we don't get to see the monogram until he's born either. No hints. No nothing. Emily will show us the items and cover up the letters with her hand or various other means. It's quite cute. 

{in progress nursery}

Whatever his name is, I cannot wait to meet him. If he comes on his due date, we have T-minus 56 days. And many more experiences like the photo below as a new auntie.

A few gifts got shoved in my purse to make room for larger ones in the car Saturday, and while reaching for my keys after church Sunday, I found this little surprise waiting for me. He's not even born yet, and this is happening. And I love it.

Festive Weekend Recap

As if I wasn't already excited about Christmas, this weekend sent me over the edge. Work holiday party, cocktails at the Peabody, family dinner at Majestic, Advent, and our annual family cookie bake all in one weekend? Couldn't have asked for a better way to usher in the holiday season. Here's a few snapshots of our festivities:

{JT and me in front of the massive Peabody Hotel Christmas tree.}

{There were no seats in the lobby, so my ever-resourceful boyfriend spotted a friendly couple who let us share a table with them. We ended up chatting with them for a few hours while we waited for our reservations, and plan to keep in touch. Pleasant twist on the evening.}

{the cookie baking gals. an art 

our family has perfected for generations}

{JT getting excited for his second annual cookie bake}

{my lovely sissy and bebe T's first cookie bake. 

can't wait for him to play in the icing and flour next year.}

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Happy Friday

Thank goodness it's Friday! There's so much to look forward to -- not only is Christmas time in full swing, but my weekend calendar is turning out to look pretty darn festive.

{Peabody Hotel Christmas tree lighting, 2012 via here}

For starters, the CMi company Christmas party is tonight complete with drinks and appetizers. Tomorrow (after my not-so-festive oil change in the morning) JT and I are going to the Peabody Hotel to grab a cocktail and enjoy the fabulous tree (Memphis' equivalent of the Rockafeller Center behemoth) and atmosphere of the lobby while we wait for our reservation at Majestic Grille on Main Street with my whole fam jam. I'm so excited my aunt put the family dinner together, a great reason for everyone to get together and enjoy a yummy meal downtown. Another bonus is that (for those that don't know) the Majestic used to be a movie theatre and kept it's charm by leaving a giant movie screen up on the far end of the restaurant. During the holidays, they play Christmas classics (without sound) to enjoy while you nosh on the deliciousness. As if all that wasn't festive enough, we're having our annual cookie baking session (2010 session seen here) on Sunday after church (3rd Sunday of Advent). Oh how I love this time of year!

{baking Christmas Cookies circa 2010}

Happy Friday, my little elves!

HBD Brother Ben

You'll always hold a special place in our family... you volunteered.

Happiest of Birthdays to my one-and-only brother, Robert Benjamin Todd. You made the "core 4" the "fab 5," and you are the ideal match for our Emmy Lu. 

For all the laughs, sporting events, and advice... I'm thankful you've been in my life for 6 years.

 

{BT: "Carrie Underwood just waved at me. Yep. Uh huh. Me!"}