Managing May

Hey guys! It's been a while since I've made a "things that are making me happy" list. This could be a combination of business and laziness (you should probably believe it's laziness) but I think it's about time to do one again.
This week has been pretty rough between Parker being sick and me passing kidney stones... then there's the pregnancy exhaustion mixed with Parker's work exhaustion. So I think it's time to take a moment to talk about happy things and remember that I have a LOT to be grateful for.

1) ANNIVERSARY! It's crazy to think that it's been a whole year and almost a month since our delightful wedding day. I feel like I can finally think about it without left over angst and stress... which is a minor miracle. Not only has our anniversary given me a chance to do that, it's also let me reflect on the year. Everything has changed so much! Not only that but everything is 10 times happier than I could have imagined it being. If you would have told me last year that at this time I would be pregnant, we'd be in Indiana of all places, I would have laughed at you. Anyways, back to our anniversary.

Parker is always the champion of surprises. He LOVES surprising me... and he hates being surprised. Needless to say he went "all out" for our anniversary. He was nervous about planning anything because we weren't sure how I'd be feeling but luckily for us the morning sickness dissipated just in time. We stayed at the Grand America in Salt Lake City (which is definitely in my top 5 favorite places EVER). It was so beautiful. There's something about staying there that makes you feel as if you've been transported to a different life, where you may not be a princess but you are definitely some form of lesser royalty. We ate gelato and explored the hotel. That night we went to Desert Star Theater to see Provo Cop... which was hilarious!

The next morning we woke up to breakfast in bed and then we went to the ZOO!! I know there's those anti zoo people. I'm not one of them. I love being able to see the monkeys and elephants and roar at the lions. Parker and I got to squeal at all the cute baby animals. It was perfect!

2) Sour Cream and Onion Chips. This seems to be my most consistent pregnancy symptom besides medium rare hamburgers and enchiladas. There's something about the way they crunch in my mouth... just thinking about it makes me hungry but that could just be that I'm always hungry.

3) Target Baby Registry. I had no idea that deciding what you wanted/needed for an upcoming baby would be so time consuming and frustrating! There is SO much stuff. Target's online registry though, is wonderful. They have it divided into categories. It makes it way easier to not lose track of what you've already looked at. Their reviews are generally helpful and they even have a "mom's choice" section that has a group of mommies' top choices in any price range. It's been great and useful and stress relieving.

4) DeBrand Fine Chocolates. This place is right here in Fort Wayne... about 5 minutes away from our apartment. I've yet to go BUT they do tours and I have the boys talked into it for next week. Just thinking about going is making me salivate. Click the link to check out some gorgeous chocolate porn. Be warned though, it's going to make you hungry for the rest of the day.

5) The Paradise. I'm almost a fan of period pieces done by the BBC. This is no exception. For those that watch Mr. Selfridge on Masterpiece, this will remind you a lot of it. However, I never got into Mr. Selfridge. Anyways, back to the Paradise. The show is set in 1875 and is centered around an English department store. If you like accents, beautiful clothes and some romance, look into it. There are only going to be 2 seasons. The first is on Netflix.

and finally 6) Chasing Grace- Run and Ed Sheeran- Small Bump. Both have been playing in my head all month. Listen in and let me know what you think.

Much love from my home to yours!
-Sydney L