Plaid, Pearls, and Polka Dots | Mom and Daughter Style

My Outfit Deatails (similar items): 

Blouse | Skirt | Necklace | Booties 

Baby Girl's Outfit Details (similar items): 

Dress | Headband | Tights | Shoes 

Mixing prints is a popular trend right now, thus Klair and I proudly present a plaid and polka dot combo... with some pearls for good measure. The necklace also doubles as a toy/baby distraction (as do the bracelets seen in the photo above) which is kind of awesome. Because, when you're a mom trying to get your toddler through a church meeting (or any other social function for that matter) you have to think of these things. Fashion AND function... the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. For instance, take this eShakti skirt I scored for $5 at a fashion blogger consignment sale. It has pockets! These days, having pockets is not only nice, it's necessary. And, with the fullness of the skirt, the possibility of mom goods I can stash away makes for one happy mama.

This photo shoot was actually done a few Sundays back on a cool, rainy day. And, although our outfit colors aren't exactly "springy" in the traditional sense, I do think that Klair's little red dress really pops against the just after rain greenness of our yard, don't you? I love that little dress. In fact, I think red might be my very favorite color on Klair... something I  believe has rubbed off on her. She is obsessed with her little red Mary Jane shoes, and wants to wear them all the time, every time. They're actually the first shoes she successfully put on by herself--and on the correct feet too! Since that accomplishment she has found a new passion for putting shoes on, taking them off, and putting them on again. Her footwear obsession is both exciting and a little scary. Have I created a shoe lover/monster already? Kids really are impressionable, aren't they?

I hope you have a happy Thursday! I for one am excited for the rest of the week. Sam has been out of town since Friday and is finally home. So yes, he missed out on Mother's Day. Luckily I had the cutest girl in the world to keep me company, but I definitely missed him (he did spoil me with presents though, so I can't complain). Sam got in late last night, but was pretty tired. I can't wait to have him home and hang out with him tonight after work. Although Klair keeps me very busy while he is away, I always miss him terribly. That's the problem with fiercely loving your husband. Being apart sucks. Although, I suppose it's a good problem to have...

Mother's Day | "MOMories"

"Mama."

This is who I am--my identity. Later it will likely change to "Mommy" then "Mom" and, on occasion during those lovely teen years "MO-OM!" (pronounced "mah-ahm" with an evident bit of annoyance).

I'm a MOM. !!! 

Wow. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around that one. I'm not sure I ever will. I brought a life into this world. My body housed and nourished a child for 9 months, and fed her for another 14 after that. I know I did these things. I remember them, I have photographic evidence... but it still seems so surreal. The whole pregnancy process is mysterious, amazing, and beautiful. All of motherhood is.  I continue to feed, nurture, teach, and love her, but she teaches me more. She is my daughter. She looks to me for comfort, safety, love, assurance, guidance, and fun. We have so much fun! I turn to her for everything. She and her dad are my world, and every moment I spend with either of them strengthens the love I have for both. I have spent more time with that little girl than anyone else in my life. We know each other so intimately, yet... there's still so much to learn. And, I wouldn't have it any other way.

My Klair Marie has captured my heart. She has taught me to love in a way I didn't know was possible until that blue eyed, mischievous little blonde came along. She showed me what it means to truly live. She is the embodiment of the love that Sam and I share. Before her we were happy, but now... now our happiness is at a level that we could never have dreamed of. She is everything good, beautiful, and pure in this world, and I am humbled to be able to call her mine.

With Mother's Day approaching, I can't help but think of all the beautiful moments that I've been able to experience in the past couple of years. I was recently approached by Dropcam for a "MOMory" campaign that they are doing in honor of Mother's Day. Thus, with this cute little pun in mind, here's a link-up with a few of my fondest "MOMories" with Klair:

 The moment we discovered I was pregnant--when we found out she was in fact a she. The first kick. The ultrasounds. The magnificently beautiful, transcendent moment Klair was born. All of her firsts--her first cry, her first smile, her first laugh, her first word ("mama"), her first scoot (she was a scooter) her first step. I even remember some of the harder moments with a bittersweet sense of fondness. When she has been sick or sad, she clings to me for comfort, and in those moments I am able to calm the storm within her--not because of me, but because of what she inspires within me. 

Additionally, as Mother's Day approaches, I can't help but think of my own mom. She went through so much, struggled so terribly at times to keep it all together in a family that was constantly being barraged by the fierce winds of opposition. Yet, through all of the pains in our family, addiction, illness of every variety, the death of my dad--she somehow made it through. And, although there were hard times, I always knew that I was loved. I had a sense of security. I had a home. I knew I could go to my mom, and she would let me lay my head in her lap while she played with my hair. I have many fun, beautiful, and tender "MOMories" of my own mom. And, now that she's a grandma, I'm able to see her in a whole new light that only adds appreciation for the mother that she is.

Lastly, with Mother's Day just a few days away, I can't help but think of all the strong, loving, nurturing female figures in my life who have "mothered" me in some way or another. I don't think that motherhood is reserved only for those who have children. There are some women who give birth that never mother a day in their lives. While there are others without children of their own who mother every day of their life. I believe when we, as women, accept and embrace the divine potential within us to love, to nurture, to inspire, to lift the hearts that hang heavy, then in those moments we truly embody the essence of what it means to be a mother. There have been many women, too many to count, who have extended love and true charity to me in a way that only those with a mother heart really can.

Motherhood. In a world where the role of a mom is viewed as less than--is constantly diminished and relegated to the sidelines in terms of what is important, or worthy of a modern woman's time--I'm grateful to know how important moms and mothers of every variety really are. I'm thrilled to be part of a church that honors, even reveres the sacred work of women--of mothers. Because of Him, I have strength, guidance, and perspective. Because of Him, I have true purpose and joy.

 “Motherhood, is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels." 

-The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 
...

Our Matching Outfits.
Yep, I'm one of those moms.

Mine (similar items): 

Chambray Shirt | Midi Skirt | Pumps | Necklace 

Klair's (similar items): 

Chambray Shirt | Dress | Necklace (vintage) | Shoes | Bow (homemade--tutorial here) 

Fancy Work Holiday Party

I'm aware that the holidays are over, but Sam's company decided to throw their annual party last Friday. I suppose they were trying to avoid all of the hype and jam-packed calendars in the weeks preceding Christmas. And honestly, I don't mind. It's nice to have something to look forward to in January, and I won't complain about any occasion that gives me the opportunity to dress up!

My best friend offered to babysit, and after going through my neurotic-mom list of everything I could think of that she might need, we were off on our little adventure. But, not before taking a few photos of course. How could I resist getting a few pictures of this guy in a bow-tie? Handsome, handsome husband.

The party was held downtown in a nice hotel. The theme was Casino Night and they gave us all chips to play that we could later exchange for raffle tickets. I've never gambled before so I was pretty clueless. After wandering around for a bit Sam and I found ourselves at a blackjack table, and we ended up spending the majority of our time there. It was easy to learn, and even though Sam didn't do too well I cleaned up quite nicely to even us out. We also found ourselves on the dancing, which was a very pleasant surprise. My husband isn't usually too keen on dancing, but he was such a good sport. And, I must say, he really worked that dance floor. It was hilarious and so much fun!

Ahh a much needed night out with the husband! I love being able to get out and go on dates. Any opportunity to feel less mom-like, pretty, relaxed, and maybe even a little silly is very appreciated.