Our biggest challenge to the new baby has been our warrior 4 year old, Gideon. He hits baby, pulls his nose, and shakes baby's seat which is pretty horrifying. Our pediatrician told us to make everything about Gideon, giving him as much attention as possible! I'm hoping that the newness and excitement of the baby wears off for him soon because its pretty unnerving! My genius sister came up with a perfect beat-the-heat summer indoor game to divert his attention. Let me introduce you to toilet paper bowling! It was a major hit and you couldn't hear a pin drop!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Me and honeybee
Bo's breath smells just like honey, I literally sniff it all day!!! Thus the nickname honeybee, plus I have to nickname everything!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Favorites Friday: Baby bliss
image via
This week I spent many countless quiet hours staring at my precious newborn, he's a lil dreamboat I tell you! Big thanks to my husband, sister, and dear friends who've manned Gideon for me and dropped off such beautiful meals and gifts. I'm humbled and grateful.
Some fun links for your weekend:
Maxi skirt turned dress
Linda's drawings plus matching outfits are darling
My mom will be here next week so posting may be sporadic and I promise to answer all those email questions this weekend, so sorry!
Next week Ill be sharing those sweet newborn photos, have a happy weekend!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
I really like these
See that basket in the corner under the window? I've loved it for a long while now, but not so much the price point! They are perfect for hiding toys, clutter, or any other rogue items in your house!
Now, west elm offers a very close look-a-like at a pretty good price and furbish offers a pretty yellow one as well, score.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A bug and a boy
The adventures of Gideon and the grasshopper....man does this kid love bugs and dirt! Can anyone else with boys relate?
p.s little camera tip with kiddos.....follow them around first before you ask for any posed photos, makes them a little more cooperative and truth be told I LOVE candids best everytime!
Monday, July 25, 2011
In the delivery room: Boaz's birth story
Thank you again for all the wonderful emails I've received and continue to get, I'm working my way through them and promise to respond soon! Without further adieu, on Tuesday July 19th at 0645 am we were induced and Boaz arrived (finally) at 1050pm that night! Yep, none of my kiddos wanna come out even when forced! Essentially I was on pitocin, which is one evil mad dog drug. I tolerated those contractions on a fitness ball for a good couple hours then threw in the towel when I learned I was only at 4cm and coudn't breathe through them or make much progress. They brought in the epidural and I asked for the smallest dose possible and was thrilled when I could still feel my legs and actually move around, best of both world my friends!
After the epidural (4pm) I labored on without feeling pain but just pressure which was truly a joy! Being present in the room and of my sound mind was such a gift! When it came time to push the nurse discovered he was sunny side up, so in order to turn him she had me get on all fours in the bed for a half an hour and with the light epidural, I could do it! Yippee! And guess what? It worked!
I pushed for a half hour and out he came, tears of joy and laughter all around. I appreciated how nurse-driven the whole thing was, the doctor came in to catch in the last 5 minutes.
Aside from the standard lack of sleep, we stare and coo at our honeybee all day long and thank the Lord for his perfect bill of health!

Friday, July 22, 2011
The it list

- gs lillian uses two men's neckties as a belt - this is so cute and fun idea for raiding your guys closet! Or the mens section in your favorite store or thrift shop! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
- a spot of whimsy brings you gorgeous beach photos... does the beach ever get old? Never. That's what I say! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
- johns journal had her handsome, handsome baby boy this week... bop on over and give her some sweet words! (find johns journal on twitter!)
- alisha of alisha and brandon gives tips to style bloggers on how to do your own photos... especially helpful when your live-in photographer (or otherwise) isn't available! Check out her tips! (find alisha and brandon on twitter!)
- sweetie pie style devotes a whole week of her blog to her kitchen... stop by to see the "befores" and give your two cents on her selections. She has a very fun project in the works! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
- little tin soldier mixes yellow and leopard print. I suddenly wish I had more of both in my closet - gorgeous! (find little tin soldier on twitter!)
- simply stylish mom is giving away one of these adorable wall flags... stop by to check them out and enter to win! (find simply stylish mom on twitter!)
- verbal melange is going on a Financial Diet and she's encouraging you to join her - stop by to see what it's all about! (find verbal melange on twitter!)
- the style dossier takes three sisters who each style up the same dress... see how they do it! This is so fun! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
- fabulously average calls this outfit "corporate chic" - I love that! I remember working in a business office in the summers and finding it difficult to look profession and keep cool She does it! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
- take me for a twirl shows off this awesome thrifted skirt in bold red! What a fun color for summer. (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
- good life for less contemplates what's appropriate wear for summer outdoor activities... check it out! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less, for more information on how to be involved... click here!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
He is here!
Boaz dominick Johns born July 19, 2011! 7lbs 10 oz 20 inches long and perfectly healthy, praise the Lord!
More photos and birth story to come, we are in total love with him!
Thank you for all your prayers, felt every single one!
Xoxo, Maria
More photos and birth story to come, we are in total love with him!
Thank you for all your prayers, felt every single one!
Xoxo, Maria
Gearing up for Gideon's birthday party
Its been two years since I've really thrown gideon a sufficient birthday party, so for his fifth were gonna go fishing! I'm thinking photobooth, fabric fishing game, owl pinata, smores on a stick....the whole nine yards; plus real live fishing off the pier too! Here's some of my inspiration:
via pinterest
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Earthy crunchy nursery
So many of my dear friends are expecting too, so I can't stop thinking about nurseries!! This is a gender neutral nursery filled with many of my favorite things, definitely has an ethnic vibe. I started with the ikat stencil inspired from this amazing dining room, perfect for an accent wall or the entire room and the feel of the room took off from there!
sources: crib and abc print-landofnod, rug, giraffe, and light fixture-anthropologie, butterfly print-urbanoutfitters, sengalese baskets-serenaandlily, pillows-westelm, ikat stencil-oliveleafstencils
Monday, July 18, 2011
This is what overdue looks like!
Well, here we are still waiting, but only a day longer! Tomorrow is induction day, which I have mixed feelings about, while I can't wait to meet this guy I'd rather have it on my own terms! Since we went this route with our first I know what to expect in general (evil pitocin!) Nonetheless, I'm praying God's peace will abound in my heart and mind and things will go as smoothly as possible! Thank you so much for waiting patiently with us, what a joy it is to hear your stories and words of encouragement. We will post pictures asap, until then I have some posts scheduled so stay tuned, sweet friends!
I'm clinging to this verse, "My presence will go with you and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14
p.s Sweet husband took these pictures (isn't he good?!) after he treated me to dinner which was finished off with limoncello bread pudding...seriously best dessert ever. Go check it out at Carrabbas italian grill!
Friday, July 15, 2011
The it list
Happy weekend, I'm gonna be soaking up my last days with just Gideon before Bo arrives (maybe this weekend?) Also planning on finishing a house project, relaxing at the pool, and well trying to have a baby!
Have a lovely one, dearies!

- johns journal is still pregnant and looking fabulous! Head on over and see how she totally rocks maternity style and give her some good mojo for her upcoming delivery! (find johns journal on twitter!)
- alisha of alisha & brandon is slowly making her way through the 30/30 Challenge - nothing wrong with that! I love the layered tops she wears here! (find alisha on twitter!)
- gs lillian seriously hit the ball out the park with this military green/pink/clutch/bracelet combo! Just gorgeous! And she sells that gorgeous bracelet in her shop... you MUST check it out! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
- verbal melange marches through her 30/30 Challenge and is almost done... I love this simple outfit with ruffles and flats! (find verbal melange on twitter!)
- one hundred inspirations has this perfect summer to fall Kim Kardashian look for less! I would love to recreate this look!
- sweetie pie style rounded up fun pieces from Asos... I'm totally in love with these tasseled sandals! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
- simply stylish mom found a gem of a working farm in Vancouver complete with a farmers market and I am a such a sucker for a good farmers market! (find simply stylish mom on twitter!)
- a spot of whimsy is knitting up this adorable scarf to wear the the Harry Potter movie this weekend - how fun! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
- little tin soldier illustrates the fabulous outfits that she wears - it's hard to decide which I like better, the illustrations or the real life photos. Check them both out! (find little tin soldier on twitter!)
- take me for a twirl pairs two absolute summer staples - a pencil skirt and stripes!
- good tots features one simple black maternity dress and two ways to wear it! Check it out!
- good life for less is styling a simple white t-shirt in three fabulous ways! Here's to wardrobe staples! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved, click here!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Featured!
Big huge thanks to Nester over at the Nester.com where she featured my home, I'm so humbled and delighted! Check out her amazing site and some pictures of her drool-worthy home:
And to Ohdeedoh for featuring Boaz's nursery (who by the way is still cooking!) Ohdeedoh is a great site for kid finds from rooms, to diy, and creative ideas:
Girl room that grows with her!
Numbered toy baskets
Lemonade stand made from crates!
p.s Loved meeting and hearing from so many new faces yesterday, just the pick me up I needed while waiting for this baby to come!















































