tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86817207550137791292024-03-05T03:55:20.896-06:00Hinton HappeningsSara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.comBlogger488125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-8913955754949034952016-03-16T10:02:00.001-05:002016-03-16T10:02:44.345-05:00Finding Out It's a Girl + Her NameLet's face it, I'm just not good at keeping my own secrets. If you confide in me and ask me to keep your secret, I'm good. I believe that's your info to share - not mine - and I'm all ears for you. But when it comes to keeping my own secrets, good news, etc., you can almost always guarantee I'll spill the beans before I actually wanted to!<br />
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With Barrett, we found out he was a boy at our 17 week appointment when we talked my doctor into doing a quick ultrasound right there in the room. We kept the secret between the two of us for just a couple of short days until our gender reveal that weekend. That same weekend, we also shared his name with family and friends. <br />
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With Baby Girl Hinton, we just couldn't wait that long to find out the gender. This pregnancy has been very different than the first and we both just had a gut feeling that it was a girl. So, we opted for the genetic testing this time around (we opted out with B) and these tests can tell you the gender of your baby with 99% accuracy. After 11 agonizing days of waiting for the results in the mail, that white envelope with big, red lettering that said, "GENDER RESULTS," finally arrived. Luke let me open it. The first page was a letter from my doctor saying that all genetic testing came back negative for any abnormalities and that the gender results were stapled to this letter. I took a deep breath and flipped page 1 over. Page 2 was a plain white piece of paper with bold, black lettering in the middle of the page that read, "Congrats!! You're having a GIRL!!!" I smiled really big and laughed. Luke said, "Girl??" and I said, "Barrett, you're going to have a little sister!" We were cheering and laughing and poor B started to tear up. He didn't understand what was going on or why mom and dad were being so loud. Someday, it'll be funny that Barrett cried when he found out he was having a sister. :)<br />
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So of course, we've decided to share Baby Girl Hinton's name too. Her name has actually been picked out since before we had decided on Barrett's name, around 9 weeks into our pregnancy with B. But it wasn't hard, considering that Luke and I have been together so long. Of course, baby names have come up over the years. But once we paired her first and middle name together, we knew it was the name God has chosen for our little girl, whenever He was to give her to us. <br />
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So without any further delay, the name we've chosen for our sweet little girl is...</div>
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Riley is my husband's middle name. How my all my kiddos keep getting named after their daddy is beyond me. I must like him or something. ;) But seriously, I've always loved the name Riley and think it's so sweet that she'll get to share this with her dad. And Scout is the name of the protagonist in the book <em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em>, one of my favorite books of all time. Since I was a sophomore in high school, I've known that I would name a little girl Scout. In this book, Scout is smart, has a strong faith, and believes in the goodness of people. She loves to ask questions because she truly wants to understand and is more of a tomboy than a girly girl. She's always reminded me a lot of myself as a young girl and has many of the characteristics I've always envisioned my own daughter having. </div>
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We can't wait to snuggle and kiss and hold our Riley Scout!</div>
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17wks 5days</div>
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<em>But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."</em></div>
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<em>Isaiah 43:1 ESV</em></div>
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<em>Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.</em></div>
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<em>Jeremiah 1:5a NIV</em></div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-91292810670935728922016-03-15T10:29:00.000-05:002016-03-15T11:02:04.591-05:00Back At It!I can't even begin to tell you all how excited I was to click on the "create new post" button this morning! I haven't written a new blog post in just over a year and I've really missed it. Once Barrett was born (3.12.15), blogging became one of the lowest to-dos on my list and eventually just fell off. I took advantage of every last second of my 3-month maternity leave and then jumped right back into my fulltime marketing job. But once I was back at work + had a baby in MDO/daycare, Luke started a new job, I started a side business, we took on leadership roles in our Sunday school class, life just...<em>happened</em>. <br />
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But a couple of months ago, I started to realize that I'd done exactly what I told myself I wouldn't do. I forgot to make time for me. I got wrapped up in being a wife/a mom/a marketing manager and a restlessness began to stir in my heart. I had no outlet. My life was diapers and cooking dinner and email marketing campaigns on repeat. And then one day, my sweet husband said, "Babe, why aren't you writing anymore?" Y'all, this is why God gave me Luke. He just gets me! So, here I am. Back to writing and putting all of my thoughts and stories on virtual paper so that they don't stay all cooped up inside. I'm so excited I can barely stand it!!<br />
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I can't wait to document more of pregnancy #2 (YES! For those of you who haven't heard, baby #2 is on HER way! We couldn't be more excited!!), recap Barrett's first year, and loop everyone in on all of the Hinton happenings these days. Thanks so much for following along! <br />
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Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-56211535220111543422015-03-03T12:45:00.000-06:002015-03-03T12:49:27.483-06:00Baby H: Weeks 25-28<u>Week 25</u><br />
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This week was Thanksgiving! We had a weird Thanksgiving holiday this year because my parents decided to pack up just the two of them and drive up to New Mexico to tour a ranch they were looking at buying. Because of this, my sisters and I all spent Thanksgiving day apart - either with our significant others and their families or with friends. On Saturday, we did all get together for a second round of Thanksgiving at my aunt's house in Katy.<br />
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{Thanksgiving, round 1 - @ Luke's grandpa's house in Portland, TX}</div>
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{Snapped a couple of Christmas card pics in front of our house before heading to Katy for Thanksgiving, round 2}</div>
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{And one with our first two babies!}</div>
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Unfortunately, I got food poisoning after Thanksgiving, round 2, but it only lasted one day. It was rough, but I could handle one day. I was thankful it wasn't any worse! I do also remember that week 25 brought with it my first experience with uncomfortable pregnant sleep. I started tossing and turning more and waking up to use the bathroom became more frequent. And I realized that the tightening I'd been feeling in my stomach for the last few weeks was actually Braxton Hick contractions, ha! I blame it on being a first timer. :)</div>
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<u>Week 26</u></div>
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I had an uneventful dr. appointment during week 26. I was in and out quickly - everything looked great! Barrett decided during this week that he was going to become a fan of kicking and rolling around pretty much 24/7. At work, my stomach would start going crazy in the middle of meetings. In the evening, he would roll/punch/kick like a little ninja, especially when I laid on my side. I also experienced my first swollen ankles this week. Lucky, I learned that I could get rid of these fairly easily by adding a little more activity/walking to my day and putting my feet up in the evenings. </div>
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That weekend, I drove up to Waco for the last football game of the season, which also happened to be the Big 12 Championship game. It was an especially sweet weekend with my girlfriends/college roomies because I knew it'd be my last weekend in Waco with them before I became a mom. </div>
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<u>Week 27</u></div>
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Luke got home from being gone for about a week or so for work - and it was perfect timing! We got to go pick up Barrett's baby furniture and Luke put it together in his room. I originally had a tough time deciding what furniture to buy, but I'm so glad we went with the set we did. It includes a crib, dresser, and bookshelf and it's a beautiful chocolate brown color. We also bought a crib mattress even tough we were registered for one because dad just couldn't help himself. Once he'd put the crib together, he had to have a mattress for his boy! #toocute</div>
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{Bentley is always supervising!}</div>
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We also went to the Houston Zoo to experience their Zoo Lights Christmas event with our friends, Sarah and Andrew, and their little girl, Peyton. </div>
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{It's always so fun hanging out with this little one!}</div>
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Barrett and I also decided that week 27 meant we were in the third trimester (Ok, maybe just I decided, ha!). I know that different websites say different weeks count as the beginning of the third trimester, but think about it - 40/3 = 13.2x2 = 26.6. Yup, 27 weeks sounds like the third trimester to me! In honor of our last trimester, I took a bump selfie. </div>
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<u>Week 28</u></div>
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I had another doctor appointment this week and again, nothing new to report! Measuring exactly on time, blood pressure was good, and baby's heartbeat was strong as always. This week, Luke and I got a taste of parenthood when we babysat Peyton. Sarah and Andrew had just bought a new house and needed a kid-free day to get some moving and house prep done. So Luke and I took Peyton for the day and it was so fun! </div>
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{These two were fans of each other}</div>
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I was given diaper duty, while Luke handled all the feedings. We took Peyton to Target (and bought her stuff like good babysitters do, ha!) and when people told us how cute our kid was, we just said, "Thanks!" It was fun pretending to be parents and I'm not going to lie, I think we were both sad when we had to give her back. I can't wait for Peyton and Barrett to be buds. :)</div>
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Week 28 was also spent finishing our Christmas shopping and I remember specifically that about this time, Barrett's movements were getting crazy! I could feel him moving all the time. He was kicking me much harder, he was rolling around a lot at night, and when he stretched out head to toe, I could feel him down in my pelvic area as well as up in my ribs. It was about this time I knew we were having ourselves a big boy!</div>
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Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-73978179161028669702015-02-16T10:58:00.000-06:002015-02-16T10:58:01.305-06:00The greatest thing everBaahh!! I've fallen so behind again! Baby H: Weeks 25-28, Weeks, 29-32, and Weeks 33-36 coming soon, especially since Baby H himself could be arriving any day now and I may not get another chance to write these. Lord have mercy! But of course, instead of playing catch up, I've decided to write a blog post about something that has surprised me these last few weeks of pregnancy. :)<br />
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At about 32-33 weeks, the people who see me on a regular basis (husband, church friends, co-workers, etc.) started to notice a change in my bump a.k.a. "Whoa that thing came out of no where! It's like overnight you just popped!" Yes, people, there is quite a large baby boy in there *written with a sarcastic tone and rolled eyes.* And around the same time, poor baby started getting knocked around a little more. I felt like I was running into everything! Baby has gotten hit by the car door as I've climbed out of my car in tight parking spaces, I've run into open filing cabinets at work, and the list goes on. I swear, he's going to come out with a dent in his head! But this isn't the surprising part of pregnancy I'm talking about. <br />
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{bump}</div>
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This morning (mind you, I'm almost 37 weeks), I stopped to get to get gas and a cup of coffee on my way to work. As I was pouring my coffee, a gentleman walked up next to me to reach for a stir stick on the counter and in trying to make room for him, I accidently ran my baby bump into the counter. I quickly apologized. "I'm sorry sir. There's a lot going on right here," I said with a smile and a rub of the belly. He looked sweetly at me and said, "Oh no worries! It's the greatest thing ever." <br />
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<em>The greatest thing ever</em>. I've heard many versions of this phrase over and over again the last few weeks. I expected to hear it from women, but surprisingly, it's the men who keep saying this to me. And they don't just spat it off nonchalantly. It's always said in such an endearing way that almost makes me tear up. It's like all these dads see my big ol' belly and take a couple of seconds to reminisce on the joy of fatherhood and the blessing it truly is. <br />
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My boss does this to me all the time. We'll be talking or joking about something related to parenthood and he'll get into this serious mood for just a couple of seconds and say, "It's the best job I've ever had." And on Friday night, Luke and I went to dinner at Lupe Tortilla and ended up having about a 30 minute conversation with a guy named Jonathan who has two little girls, 3 and 7. He kept telling Luke, "It changes you man. I'm not the same guy I was before my girls. It's the best thing that could ever happen to you. I'm so excited for you guys!" Seriously? I don't know why this shocks me so much, but I can't even count the number of dads that have gushed over having children to us. <br />
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I guess I just wanted to remember this aspect of pregnancy. Their sweet dad faces that look off just slightly into the distance and reflect fondly over the life-changing experience Luke and I are about to go through, their sweet words and the grace they give this momma-to-be for the way her bump runs into just about everything these days, and the last few days before Luke becomes a dad that I pray will think back fondly over this adventure called fatherhood. Thanks to all you sweet dads out there. You warm this momma's heart. <br />
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Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-89826665707773005402015-01-07T13:52:00.001-06:002015-01-07T13:59:08.880-06:00Dear BarrettDear Barrett,<br />
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I've been sporadically writing pregnancy updates for this blog so that I can help myself retain the many memories from my first pregnancy and our time together with you in my tummy. But I wanted to write a letter specifically to you to tell you what I've loved most about carrying you with me for the first few months of your existence and what I'll miss about this crazy experience.<br />
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I love the way you squirm around at night. As you've grown bigger, I've felt you more and more throughout the day. But there is something about the evening and right before bed that gets you so excited about punching, kicking, hiccupping, and rolling around. I hope this doesn't mean you'll want to stay up <em>all</em> night, every night after you're born. :) When I lay on my side, I can feel your whole body twist and turn and it makes me believe that I'm already learning about your personality. Maybe you'll be a cross country runner like your daddy or maybe you'll always be on the move like your momma. Feeling your little body inside my stomach like this makes my heart leap and it's my prayer that someday you'll dedicate every move you make to seeking and doing God's will. <br />
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I love how now when I'm alone, I'm never really alone. You dad works out of town sometimes and he can be gone for many days at a time. It gets a little lonely without him, but with you, I'm not alone. We can sing songs in the car (and you kick along!) and I can tell you all about my day. That may sound silly, but I love that you can hear my voice and that it's becoming recognizable to you. This aspect of our relationship also draws me closer to God because it reminds me that no matter where I am, I'm never alone because God is always with me too.<br />
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Thanks for already being such a loving little boy. When I get angry or I cry, you start to squirm. I'm sure this is mostly because my heart rate goes up and you can feel it, but feeling you move when I'm upset calms me down and reminds me of how blessed I am to have you. Because of you, I let go of frustrations a little quicker and remind myself that I want to be the best example of how to handle oneself in tough situations for you. <br />
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You've been good for my pocket book! :) I used to be the kind of person who bought what I wanted when I wanted because, why not? I've always been good at budgeting and being aware of money, but with you, I've become a bargain shopper. I'm always keeping an eye out for diaper coupons and saying no to things I don't truly need. You've already taken precedence over my wants and this makes me happy. What a gift it's going to be to love someone so much that I sacrifice what I want for what you want. I've experienced this with your dad to a certain extent, but it's different with you. I already want to give you the world. <br />
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I already worry like crazy about you. What if I wake up and I've been sleeping on my back too long? What if the little bit of caffeine I'm allowed is hurting you? What if I ate too much sugar today? What if I forget to take my pre-natal vitamins one day? What if this or that happens during delivery? I know this worrying will never stop. Someday, I'll be worrying that a kid at school said something mean to you and hurt your feelings or you'll drive off in a car for the first time and I'll worry about crazy drivers on the road. As a momma, this worrying will never end. But you're teaching me to put even more faith in our God who will always be able to take better care of you than I can. Knowing He's holding you in His hands gives me peace, but boy don't you ever doubt - you're always on your momma's mind.<br />
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I'm already praying for your future spouse. I'm praying for a little girl I may or may not know. She might not be born yet, or maybe she isn't even a thought in her mom and dad's minds. Maybe she's 3 or 4 and running around enjoying her toddler years. But either way, I pray for her heart and her mind. I pray that she would be a women who seeks after God and loves Him first and foremost. I pray for her parents, that they would be Godly examples to her, both in life and in marriage. When I hear the song, "God Made Girls," by ReaLynn, I tear up a little. God is creating or will create a girl who will someday become your wife. And for her you will open doors, get dressed up, learn to dance, and show a vulnerable side that you don't share with others. She'll make you want to be a better man and add value to your life in a way that only she can. And I already love her so much for this. I can't wait to meet her and tell her that I've been praying for her her whole life.<br />
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I love how you've already turned your dad into the best dad ever. He was so scared when he first found out we'd made you. I've always known he'd make a great dad, but he didn't. He's still worried he won't know what to do or be good enough. But I have no doubt he will be the best dad to you. Your pack-n-play and duo swing/bouncer have already been put together because your dad just can't help himself. He keeps saying how ready he is to hold you and watch Scooby Doo together (his childhood favorite). He wants to teach you to shoot your first gun and how to be super clean/organized like him (and mom appreciate this!). And he even fell asleep in your nursery the other day while laying on one of your blankets. He may not think so, but your momma knows he's ready. <br />
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And I'm already sad that there will come a point in time (and sooner than later) that you won't be in my tummy anymore. Right now, I breath for you and my immune system fights for you. In a few short weeks, you will make your appearance and you will immediately become 10x more self sufficient than you are now. And yes, you will still need me for so much, but every day as you grow you'll need me less and less. I'm going to miss feeling you squirm around inside my belly and someday when you're at your first swim meet (because dad and I are convinced you'll be a swimmer like him with those big feet we saw at your 3D sonogram!), I'm going to tear up watching you flip turn in the pool as I remember what it was like when you first started practicing those flip turns in my stomach.<br />
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Barrett, you have already changed my life in so many ways and I haven't even held you in my arms yet. We have a loooong way to go, you and me. We both have so much to teach each other. But do me a favor, ok? Remember that this is my first time to be a momma and I'll remember it's your first time to be a baby. We'll get through this together, I know it. We've already been through so much and if you ask me, we're rockin' it out. :)<br />
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9 more weeks (or less) to go, little Bear. I can't wait to meet you.<br />
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Mom<br />
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<br />Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-89932356075892994362014-12-15T16:33:00.000-06:002014-12-17T08:57:21.956-06:00Baby H: Weeks 21-24Pregnancy became a whole new level of fun during weeks 21-24. :) I realized I was settling into that "honeymoon stage" of pregnancy everyone talks about. I was feeling great, finally looking pregnant (and not just like I'd eaten a second cheeseburger for lunch), and the overall concept of growing our child was becoming more real to me as his movement increased.<br />
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Week 21 brought with it Baylor Homecoming. Luke wanted so badly to go with me, but he was in a wedding that weekend. I was torn because I wanted to attend the wedding with him, but I just couldn't give up my last Baylor Homecoming without kiddos. I really wanted that sweet time with my college friends. There is just nothing like going back to Waco for homecoming!<br />
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{Bonfire}</div>
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{So glad I got to see my little sister and fellow Baylor alum, Claire, at homecoming!}</div>
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{At the homecoming parade}</div>
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{Homecoming game}</div>
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{Barrett got a couple of goodies at homecoming this year. I can't wait to see my little bear in his Baylor baby gear!}</div>
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I walked a TON that weekend - all over campus, to the football game, etc. - and on Saturday night I was shocked to see slightly swollen ankles for the first time. I'm not going to lie, I was freaked out, ha! But my ankles returned to normal the next day, so I wasn't too concerned. <br />
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During week 22, Luke started a new job. He's still in a similar role, just with a new company. This new job couldn't have come at a more perfect time. He's really liking the people he works with, his travel schedule, etc. God's timing is always perfect y'all! <br />
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We also were blessed to attend the wedding of my cousin Bryan, and his wife, Haley. Bryan is the cousin I'm closest in age to, so he's been more of the brother I never had than a cousin. He and Haley love the Lord deeply and this was evident in their lovely Brenham wedding. Plus, it was so nice to spend some time with my dad's side of the family at this wedding since it'd been a while since we'd last seen them. <br />
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{At B&H's wedding}</div>
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{Love these sillies}</div>
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I had a nice, quick visit with my doctor at 22 weeks and she said everything was looking great! At the end of 22 weeks, I had gained approximately 8 pounds with this pregnancy. I'm not being super strict on weight gain; Barrett and my body are telling me what I need. But I definitely like keeping track because a health pregnancy is very important to me (and baby!). So far, so good!</div>
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Week 23 was a busy one! On the actual day I turned 23 weeks, Barrett decided to give his momma a gift and kicked me about 6 times so hard that I could actually see and feel the kicks on the outside of my stomach! I didn't think it would overwhelm me so much, but my heart was so full that afternoon. Luke was out of town for work that day, so I tried to take a video of it, but our stubborn little boy wasn't having it. I told Luke that he just wanted to share his first big kicks with mom. :) But towards the end of the week once Luke returned home, Barrett did eventually give dad a couple of good punches to the hand.<br />
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That weekend, we bought baby furniture and bedding for Barrett's room. We found a really great deal at <a href="http://babys1stfurniture.com/">Baby's 1st Furniture</a> on a crib, dresser, and bookshelf set. It was recently delivered to the store's warehouse and we picked it up this past weekend. Pictures to come! <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/milo-nursery/?pkey=bboys-nursery-bedding&">This</a> is the nursery bedding we went with. I've recently fallen in love with Pottery Barn Kids. I love their quality of bedding and their colors/styles aren't too loud and crazy (there is some <em>interesting</em> baby bedding out there!). And as much as I fought and still fight against having a true "theme" for Barrett's room, I do love the animals on this bedding. Luke and I both love our dogs like they are our children and Luke was a big animal lover as a child (and still is). We have no doubt that Barrett is going to love all animals like his dad and will love learning animal words and sounds.<br />
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Week 23 wrapped up with a trip to the Nutcracker Market with my mom and our first fire in the fireplace of our new house. It was a busy week, for sure!<br />
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{Christmas-ness at the Nutcracker Market}</div>
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{I bought the sign on the left for Barrett's room at the Nutcracker Market for like $15! It was my best find, by far}</div>
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{First fire in the new house}</div>
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Week 24 slowed down a bit and I was grateful for this. I'd been working on my company's 2015 customer conference and this was consuming my mind at work. Leaves were falling all over the place and I busted out the Christmas decorations just a little ahead of Thanksgiving (I can't ever wait 100% until after Thanksgiving!). From a pregnancy perspective, I had a big boost of energy that week. I think I worked out at 3-4 times and felt great!</div>
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{Puppies in leaves are the cutest}</div>
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{Walking the bump around our fall neighborhood}</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-32147099583010000652014-11-25T09:16:00.000-06:002014-11-25T09:16:36.641-06:00Baby H: Weeks 17-20I'm almost caught up! I'm determined to push through and get these last few updates written so that I can start blogging on a regular basis in real-time. I think I can, I think I can!<br />
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Week 17 was a big one for Luke and me because it was the week we found out the gender of our baby! Being a first-time mom, I actually didn't know that gender is normally determined during the anatomy sonogram somewhere between weeks 18 and 22. I just assumed that at my 17-week appointment, our baby should be developed enough for the doctor to tell me if it was a girl or boy. So when we got there with our long list of questions in hand (remember <a href="http://saraandluke.blogspot.com/2014/11/baby-h-weeks-13-16.html">last time</a>, when I wasn't prepared with questions? <i>That</i> wasn't happening again!), I asked if we could find out the gender. My doctor explained that I'd need to go to the actual hospital for my anatomy sonogram and I was SUPER bummed. I explained to her that Luke was about to have to leave town for work for a little while and that there was a good chance he'd miss this. So my doctor, being as awesome as she is, said that if we could wait for her to see her last two patients of the day, she'd come back with her sonogram machine and see if she could determine the gender. Of course we said yes! About an hour later, we had confirmation that I was 17 weeks pregnant with a sweet baby BOY!!! I've never seen Luke look more proud of anything in his entire life. He walked out of the doctor's office with the cheesiest grin and was holding up the sonogram pics for all to see, ha! We've felt like from day 1, our baby was going to be a boy, but it was a really cool feeling finally knowing that he was truly a he and that we could call him by name.<br />
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{Right before we found out that our baby is a boy!} </div>
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<u>Pregnancy side notes (more for me so that I remember)</u>: Week 17 was when I really started to feel our baby boy move. Yes, I'd felt movement prior, but these were definitive turns/kicks/punches. Also, week 17 was when I noticed my belly button looked different. Our boy was finally getting to the size where momma's organs were being shifted around and my belly button was starting to get pushed out a little (no outie yet, but it could happen!). And at my 17 week appointment, I still hadn't gained but a pound or two. My doctor actually asked me, "Are you eating? Feeling ok?" and Luke blurted out, "Umm, yeah she is!" Rude Lukey! Haha! This had me a little worried, but I totally shouldn't have been. Be careful what you wish for, because little did I know, that weight gain was coming. ;)</div>
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That weekend, we drove to Hallettsville for a quick gender reveal party with my family, who could not wait any longer to find out if Baby Hinton was a boy or girl. Since Luke and I already knew the gender, we wore white, but we asked everyone to wear either pink or blue based on what their guess was. Becca's boyfriend, Braden, did a great job of BBQing and my mom did a wonderful job of decorating for the party. After dinner, we passed out cupcakes with white icing and yellow baby shoes on them. On the count of three, everyone bit into their cupcakes, which revealed blue icing on the inside for our baby boy, <strong>Luke Barrett Hinton</strong>!</div>
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{Poor sisters, they were really pulling for a girl, ha!}</div>
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{Social media announcement}<br />
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Week 18 was fairly chill; not much to report here. I went for a couple of runs, but I remember that around this time my workouts started to slow down a little bit. I'd been running since before I was pregnant, so it wasn't hard to continue throughout the first trimester and into the second. But it was around weeks 18/19 that I really started to feel the baby as I ran (or rather, my bladder did). So I switched from mostly running to a little running, walking, and elliptical at the gym. We also bought Luke a new lawnmower and weed eater this week so that he could get to work on our new yard. Haveto make sure that those new dads are still feeling the love. ;)</div>
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{New toys for dad} </div>
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{18 weeks}</div>
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Week 19 was the week I scheduled our anatomy sonogram. We were very blessed that Luke got to be there for this sonogram after all. I really didn't know what to expect here, but this experience was so much more than I'd even imagined! Our sonogram tech was so smart and kind. She answered all of my questions and was so patient with us (I had to pee twice during the appointment - I mean, come on - they made me drink 24-30 oz. of water before hand!). We got to see all of Barrett's body parts, including all four chambers of his heart and the way his brain was coming together. It's amazing how far medicine has come. By the end of his photoshoot, he was covering up his face with his hands (no more pics mom!), but we did get a good profile pic of him right at the end. If you ask me, he has daddy's nose. :)</div>
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{Our (almost) family of three}<br />
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{Luke Barrett Hinton...we're in love!}<br />
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That weekend, an overwhelming desire to be super productive came over me. You see, when Luke and I bought this house, we had enough furniture to fill an apartment (a.k.a. not enough to fill a house). I have to constantly remind myself that filling and decorating a house takes time and love. This isn't going to happen overnight, nor do I want it to. I really want to buy furniture and decor that I love and want to have for a while. But for some reason, that weekend (and my preggo hormones) brought a strong desire to get the ball rolling. </div>
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So, I decided to wake Luke up early on Saturday and make him go to Buy Buy Baby to begin a registry with me. Y'all, I can't even begin to start typing this paragraph without laughing. This trip was a MESS! I guess there are couples out there that can do this type of thing together, but Luke and I are not one of those couples. Luke had no desire to compare baby bottles and bassinets, but my emotional, pregnant self had this glorified idea of this perfect day of baby registering with my cute husband. Let's just say our trip to Buy Buy Baby ended with me overwhelmed and crying in the baby furniture section on the phone with my mother (goodness gracious!). My poor, sweet husband. I'm still apologizing for that trip!</div>
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Sunday was better. We made a quick trip to Lowe's to buy paint for Barrett's room and Luke got to work painting over the pink that was there from the previous owners. We decided on a shade of navy (Luke's choice) and it turned out SO good! A light tan/taupe color was already on the top half of the walls and we decided to leave it. I'm really loving the two-tone look here. </div>
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{Bye pink!}</div>
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{Barrett's room}</div>
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20 weeks sort of snuck up on me! It was so weird to think that we were half way through this pregnancy already. It was around this time that I started noticing a difference on the scale. And in conjunction with this, I got a terrible back ache/spasm for about 3-4 days. I thought it was sciatic nerve pain, but it was in the upper left part of my back by my shoulder blade, so I'm not sure what the reason for this pain was. One morning, I actually had to have Luke lift me out of bed because I couldn't lift myself. It was the craziest thing!</div>
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That weekend, my mom drove up to Houston to help me with round 2 of baby registering (no husbands allowed!). There were no tears this go-around and I felt pretty good about the start of Barrett's registries. P.S. Umm, why are there so many options/brands/colors of baby stuff?? I'd seriously be happy with one or two options of everything, not 25-30!! I also bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Snoogle-Total-Pillow-White/dp/B0000635WI">Snoogle</a> that weekend. If you're pregnant and you haven't bought a pregnancy pillow, listen to all of the pregnant mommas out there and GO BUY ONE! I've slept with mine every night since I bought it and these pillows are seriously life changing! </div>
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{Jolly is the best! And it's her birthday today. Happy birthday mom!!}</div>
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Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-14116702526246126152014-11-09T19:18:00.000-06:002014-11-09T20:46:28.371-06:00Baby H: Weeks 13-16As I'm starting to write this blog post, I'm kicking myself thinking, "This is why you should have stayed on top of blogging!" I'm looking through Facebook and Instagram, trying to spark memories of what all went down weeks 13-16, ha! Poor kid, momma is already failing at keeping up with your life. Maybe this is that "pregnancy brain" thing that people are always talking about. ;)<br />
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So, here are the highlights:<br />
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Weeks 13-16 were great! The second trimester sort of came out of nowhere. I remember counting the weeks and looking at online pregnancy websites to confirm I'd actually made it. I felt great! The morning sickness portion of my pregnancy was over and, although most people still thought I'd just eaten one too many cheeseburgers for lunch, I was starting to <i>feel</i> pregnant. It would still be some time before I felt recognizable kicks, but I definitely could feel life/movement and it was a pretty incredible thing.<br />
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I had my second doctor visit during week 13. Luke got to go to this one and since he didn't get to see our baby on the sonogram when my pregnancy was confirmed (week 9), my doctor was so sweet to do another sonogram for us so that Luke could see our little peanut in action! I also felt sort of dumb at this appointment because my doctor asked me if I had any questions for her and honestly, I hadn't thought about it, so my answer was no. After the fact, I felt so dumb. Of course I had questions! I just wasn't prepared. That set me on track to have plenty of quality questions for my 17-week appointment. I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to ask questions again!<br />
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During week 14, we closed on our house!! It was the best feeling to know that this whole ordeal was finally over and <i>maybe</i> I'm being sarcastic, but if we don't move for another 20 years, I'm cool with that. The only downside was that we still had another two weeks before we could move in because the sellers were renting back from us while moving their family to El Paso. But we did the best we could to get ready for the move and then waited <strike>im</strike>patiently to get our little family up to the northeast part of Houston.<br />
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{Officially official homeowners}</div>
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During this two week moving wait, I was blessed with the opportunity to help host a shower for my cousin's fiancee, Haley. These lovebirds had a country, shabby chic wedding this weekend in Brenham, so that was the theme we went with for her shower. It was so nice getting to see and catch up with so many of the women from my dad's side of the family that drove up for the shower. Mom and I were in charge of decor, shower games, and cake. Mom rocked the decor and flowers like a champ! I got Haley's shower cake from <a href="http://www.memorialbakery.com/">Memorial Bakery</a> and it turned out SO good! It was marble cake with a butter cream frosting in the middle and butter cream icing. Yum!! Shower games went great and we all had a really nice time catching up.<br />
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{At Haley's shower}</div>
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{Awesome cake!}</div>
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This must have been the month of wedding showers, because the following weekend, Luke and I drove down to Corpus Christi for a couples shower for one of his best friends, Jake, and his fiancee, Holly. They had a really cute nautical theme for this shower and Holly's family cooked a fabulous meal. I'm really glad Luke and I got to make their shower because a few weeks down the road at their wedding, Luke would be a groomsman, while I'd be in Waco for Baylor homecoming. I'm thankful I got to celebrate this sweet couple when I did.<br />
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{Jake and Holly at their couple's shower}</div>
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By week 16, we were moving into our home (praise Jesus!). Luke drove down to Hallettsville the night before the move (this is where all of our big stuff was in storage) and loaded up the trailer. That Thursday morning, September 25th, I met mom at the house where the cleaning crew was already working on getting the house ready for Luke's arrival. Mom and I made a quick trip to Wal-Mart for a few extra cleaning supplies and then we ran to HomeGoods to look for a few items that were on my to-buy-for-the-new-house-immediately list, like new bath towels, bathroom mats, etc.<br />
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Once Luke arrived and the cleaning ladies had left, the real work began. We unloaded everything into the garage so that from there, we could clean/dust everything before it got moved into the clean house. Also throughout the day, our cable was set up and both our new mattress and washer/dryer set were delivered. It was like Christmas in September and I loved every minute of it! Mostly, it just felt so good to have a home base again. A place that when we said, "I'm coming home," to each other, home really meant <i>home</i>. This was something that Luke and I had been praying about for over a year now and in God's perfect timing, it was happening.<br />
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{New washer and dryer from mom and dad = early Christmas present!}</div>
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{New yard tools for a man with his very own yard]</div>
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As for my actual pregnancy and the baby? Well, here's a little look at the ol' bump during weeks 13-16. :) I still hadn't gained any weight at this point, but I will say that I noticed a new level of exhaustion during these months. It wasn't the same as in the first trimester when I slept all of the time though. It more like every day was enough. After waking up early, working a full day, coming home, and making/eating dinner, I was done. I noticed a decrease in my workouts about this time too (up until this point, I was running/walking/using the elliptical 3-4 times/week) and honestly, I regret not pushing through this. But since day 1 of my pregnancy, I've really wanted to listen to my body. So I was confident there was a reason for the rest I was getting. I was also really enjoying no more nausea and food starting to smell normal again! During these weeks, I craved meat, cheese, and eggs. This is Luke's kid to the extreme!<br />
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{Left to right: Working out at the gym at my office around 13 weeks, 14 weeks at work, and a comparison of 4.5 weeks to 15.5 weeks}</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-54616412248711881952014-10-23T11:40:00.000-05:002014-10-23T11:40:36.329-05:00Baby H: Weeks 9-12<u>Week 9</u><br />
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At nine weeks, I had my first doctor appointment. Unfortunately, Luke had been out of town for work (remember <a href="http://saraandluke.blogspot.com/2014/10/baby-h-weeks-5-8.html">here</a>?) and we tried so hard to get him back to Houston for this appointment, but he ended up getting back either that night or early the next day (my preggo brain can't exactly remember). So, off I went to my first appointment! I wasn't really nervous or excited; I honestly had no idea what to expect. This was also my very first time to see any doctor in Houston, so there was a lot of general paperwork to be filled out and questions to answer. I didn't even end up meeting my Obgyn at this appointment; I saw her PA instead. Whitney (the PA) was super sweet and let me ask as many questions as I wanted. Once all of the initial steps (weighing in, family medical history forms, etc.) were out of the way, it was time to confirm my pregnancy.<br />
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{Baby H's first picture}</div>
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If I hadn't believed I was pregnant up until this point, I did now! Wow - I can't even fully put into words the overwhelming feeling that came over me once I saw that teeny tiny little thing on the screen for the first time. At 9 weeks, my baby wasn't just a little blob, but a little sour patch kid baby with a head, body, and little arms and legs that wiggled. I didn't quite cry, but I think my giggly laughter sort of sounded like it, ha! It was an unbelievably cool experience. I found out then that my official due date is March 11, 2015. Luke got back to Houston shortly after and it was so fun showing him the video of our wiggle worm I took during that first sonogram.<br />
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<u>Week 10</u><br />
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That next weekend, Luke and I drove down to Corpus Christi. While there, our dear friend Jade, who also took our engagement pics, my bridal pics, and our wedding pics, met us in town for a quick photoshoot so that we'd have some fun pictures to share with the world once we let our little secret out. I'm SO glad we did this! I know it's vain, but I'm glad I got a few nice pictures of Luke and I before I got big and preggo. ;) They turned out great and I can't thank Jade enough for always capturing the best moments of our lives.<br />
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While in Corpus, I also did a super preggo thing and bought a pickadilly snow cone. Now - if you're from South Texas - this is not uncommon. But anyone else would have looked at me and been like, "Seriously, girl? A pickle snow cone with pickle chunks?? Where's the ice cream that goes with it??" Ha! Yes, pickles and ice cream may be an old joke during pregnancy, but this girl has always loved pickles and with summer wrapping up, this was a perfect treat. My child will definitely love pickles from day one!<br />
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<u>Week 11</u><br />
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Week eleven was fairly chill. We were in escrow on our house and signing new papers left and right. We learned during this part of the house buying process that you really shouldn't make any large purchases. So instead of buying anything, Luke and I had a few dates nights that included dinner and a lot of browsing at furniture stores. <br />
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{Love these girls!}</div>
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That weekend, I rode with my friend and college roommate, Cat, up to her lake house in the hill country to meet up with the rest of our college roomies for a girls' weekend. It was a really nice getaway and a chance for all of us to catch up as the summer was winding down. This was also a really special weekend for me because it was the first time we were all together since I'd told them about Baby H. We've all been through so much together (sharing a house, Baylor football games, too many Tri Delta functions to count, engagements, weddings...the list goes on!) and it felt so good being able to share this next chapter of my life with them too. I can't wait for more husbands and babies to be added to this group! :)<br />
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Another highlight of week eleven was that at about this time, my morning sickness/gagging/overall bleh-ness began to subside. I know so many girls that deal with this for much longer, so you can guarantee I was counting my blessings!<br />
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<u>Week 12</u><br />
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Week twelve started out a little rough, but honestly, I don't remember why (probably house stress!). What I do remember was having a package delivered to my office that totally cheered me up. My poor momma was dying to know if Baby H was a girl or boy and since she couldn't buy clothes for the baby yet, she bought maternity clothes for me and had them sent to my office. <em>Subtle, mom.</em> <em>;)</em><br />
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{Jolly is the best! Jolly = my mom's grandmother name}</div>
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And the weekend of week twelve, Luke and I drove up to Waco for the first football game in the new McLane stadium. Y'all - it's GORGEOUS! The new stadium was even more than I expected. It was a super hot day, which was a little miserable until about 7pm, but I survived. I just drank a ton of water and $5 lemonade (yikes!). We have season tickets and <strong><em>love</em></strong> our new seats! I'm so happy that we have season tickets with all of my best friends from college. It's a tradition I hope we continue every year.<br />
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Baylor ended up with their first win on the season and in the new stadium. It was really fun to be a part of such a monumental day in Baylor history. Oh, and guess who else showed up to the game?? Baby H's little bump made it's first appearance that weekend, which was also really cool. It sort of freaked me out, ha! But hey - it was bound to happen sooner than later. :)<br />
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-47918644104555886942014-10-16T11:03:00.000-05:002014-11-09T19:31:51.070-06:00Baby H: Weeks 5-8<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, it's catch up time! I've decided to recap the first half of my pregnancy (can you believe we're almost half way there??) in increments of 4 weeks. Without further ado, here's weeks 5-8.</div>
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Finding out we were pregnant was <a href="http://saraandluke.blogspot.com/2014/10/finding-out-i-was-pregnant.html">overwhelming</a>. We both felt very early on that this pregnancy should stay our little secret until we could better wrap our heads around the next steps. The day after we found out, I scheduled an appointment with an Obgyn in Houston who was recommended to me by a close friend. I was originally going to see the doctor around 7 weeks, but I ended up having to push this first appointment to 9 weeks for one reason or another. That story will make it into my next post. :)<br />
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<b>House hunting.</b> Luke and I called our realtor immediately after finding out about Baby H and let her know that we were <em>very</em> serious about finding a house sooner than later (we'd done a little looking here and there, but nothing too intense). That weekend, we saw about 10 or so houses. We actually found one that we really liked and made an offer. But within the next day or two, Luke was called out on a 3-week stint for work south of San Antonio and I was left in Houston to finish house negotiations and get the ball rolling on paperwork. We settled on a number and were in the last couple days of our option period when an unsettled feeling came over me and I called Luke to tell him that I wasn't 100% sure this was our house. Luke has always been so great about reading me; he can call my bluff in an instant. This time, he could tell I was truly unsettled about this decision. With his blessing, we backed out of our offer. And looking back now - I'm so glad we did! We'd settled on a price close to 20k over what the house should have been selling for (we learned later). Love when the Holy Spirit leads us!<br />
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We were back to square one and, unfortunately, my husband was still out of town for work. So about a week and a half later, my mom and baby sister drove up to Houston for round #2 of house hunting with me. At this point, I was about 6-7 weeks pregnant and whoa - was I starting to feel it! I would lay down in the back seat of my mom's, car nauseous and gagging (and trying to hide it!), while she drove house to house. If you read <a href="http://saraandluke.blogspot.com/2014/09/im-back-6-month-recap.html">this post</a>, then you know we did end up finding a second house that I loved even more than the first (all while Luke was gone - he hadn't even seen it at this point!), made an offer, were turned down, and then received a call about 10 days later saying that the buyers backed out and asking if we wanted back in. Talk about an emotional roller coaster ride! At 8 weeks preggers, my husband still wasn't back in Houston, I'd fallen in love with and had my heart broken over house #2, and was then was put into a position to make a quick, very serious house-buying decision while in the early stages of pregnancy hormone overload. Thank goodness, Luke came back to Houston before our option period on house #2 was up and got to walk through the house. *Proud wife moment because he loved the house I found!* We now had a home picked out for Baby H and this time, we were 100% ready to commit.<br />
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{House #2 - we love it so!}</div>
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<b>Letting the cat out of the bag. </b>When my mom and little sister drove up to Houston to help me house hunt, they stayed at my aunt's house where Luke and I were also living temporarily. Being the nauseous, tired, emotional wreck that I was, I went to lay down in my bed after we'd wrapped up house hunting. My mom came in the room to check on me and I was crying. She asked me what was wrong and I told her I was just really stressed. But obviously, that wasn't all the info. At 7 weeks pregnant, I was missing Luke and stressing out so much about finding our sweet baby a house that I couldn't hold it in anymore. I whispered, "There's more. I'm pregnant." And then the tears really started to flow! It was the first time that I'd been able to say out loud to someone other than Luke the scariest fact I'd ever faced. My mom hugged me, teared up, and laughed. "Sara, this is amazing. You're going to be just fine! You're not too young or haven't gotten your life figured out yet. This is the next step and you and Luke have got this!" It was so good to tell my mom and poor thing - I swore her to secrecy. I know it sounds silly, but we had our reasons and we really needed her to keep our secret just a couple weeks longer. Once Luke was home from being gone for work, we were able to tell my dad, sisters, Luke's parents, and close friends (side note: although he <em>acted</em> surprised, I'm pretty sure a little birdy told my father before we did...<em>ahhemm</em> <i>mom)</i>.<br />
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{Mom made me chicken parm the night I told her about Baby H. Mmmm comfort food!}</div>
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{Also - random fact - I drank a lot of smoothies at the beginning of this pregnancy}</div>
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<b>Telling work. </b>I had no clue how to tell my boss that I was pregnant. I had just started my new job and was so scared that he'd be upset. Ironically enough, work actually found out I was pregnant right after my mom did. It just so happened that I was having a conversation with my boss where telling him fit right in, so I went for it. Of course, I teared up (seeing a theme here people?) and before I knew it, I was apologizing. "I'm pregnant and I'm so, so sorry. It wasn't planned - really. I really hope you aren't mad." His response? "Sara - CONGRATS! This is amazing news!! Seriously, did you think I'd hired a 27-year-old married woman with no kids thinking that something like this couldn't happen? Of course I knew it could and I'm thrilled for you and Luke!" #mindblown<br />
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I couldn't believe how wonderful his response was! And over the next few weeks as different people on my team found out, their responses were as equally wonderful. I could have waited at least another 5 weeks or so before telling them, but I'm so glad I told everyone as early as I did. We talk each week about how big the baby is getting. My co-workers ask to see sonogram pictures and take me to lunch on a regular basis (whatever "the baby" wants). I couldn't have asked for a better work family to support Luke and I in this next chapter of our lives!<br />
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{Somewhere in between all of the house stress and baby secrets, I managed to get my new office decorated}</div>
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<b>Working out and weight gain. </b>I continued my normal workout routine during weeks 5-8 (running or run/walking 2-3 miles, 2-3x/week) and although I didn't lose any weight, I didn't gain either. I've known many people with terrible morning sickness and I absolutely count myself as one of the lucky ones. By week 9, my nausea and gagging was subsiding and would only got better as I progressed. I also craved a lot of veggies these first few weeks as well as sour chewy candy (although I tried to refrain as much as I could!).<br />
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{I decided not to take pics every single week, but here's the very first one taken just before the 5 week mark}</div>
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{Working out about 6 weeks preggers}<br />
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{No real bump yet at 7 weeks)<br />
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{Skyping with the guy while he was away. No words can describe how much I miss my husband while he's gone!}<br />
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Up next - weeks 9 through 12. :)</div>
<br />Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-33126818618353773592014-10-02T22:21:00.000-05:002014-10-03T09:09:17.936-05:00How We Found Out I Was PregnantI've done a terrible job of documenting this first pregnancy so far (sorry Baby H #1!), but I've promised myself that I'll catch up. So let's begin with the story of how I found out I was pregnant...<br />
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I found out I was pregnant on July 3rd. I had started my new job about two weeks prior and Luke and I had just temporarily moved into my aunt and uncle's house in Katy while house hunting. I woke up that morning planning to stop by CVS to pick up some drano for the kitchen sink at our office because it was draining slow and realized on my way over that I was about three days late. "Guess I'll pick up a pregnancy test while I'm at it," I thought to myself and I giggled out loud. Not because I truly thought I could be pregnant; I actually thought the exact opposite. Luke and I were about to reach our 3rd anniversary and over the last three years, I'd taken a handful of pregnancy tests. We'd never been "trying," but I'd definitely had those "OMG, could I be pregnant??" moments. And each time, as sure as the grass is green, Aunt Flow showed up either right below or right after I had bought/taken a pregnancy test. I knew this time would be no different.<br />
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I strolled into work that morning, handed to drano to the boys so that they could snake the sink, and I sat down at my desk. About 30 minutes into my day I thought, "Eh, now's as good a time as any." I stuck the test into my pocket and headed towards the restroom. I took the test, sat it on top of the toilet paper dispenser, and just hung out. After about three minutes, I picked up the test, knowing that it would say, "Not Pregnant." Was I in for the biggest shock of my life! "PREGNANT." As clear as day. My blood turned cold and I felt like I was going to faint (super sweet, right?). What the whaaatt?! No. Way. I had just started a new job. We had just moved to Houston and into a very temporary living situation. We hadn't found a house yet. How the heck was I going to tell Luke about this?? That was the slowest walk back to my desk. I'm pretty sure I was shaking; I couldn't feel my legs. I'd smile this sly little smile to myself and then panic all over again. Don't get me wrong - deep down, I was excited. But God's timing and our timing were off by a few months. Luke and I had had many discussions about starting a family sooner rather than later, but Miss Type A had a few more ducks she needed to get in a row before something this life changing happened and instead, she had just discovered a little ducky swimming around in her womb. About an hour later, I took a second test (yay for two-packs). Same response. The rest of the day was a blur.<br />
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At lunch, I decided that this was my chance to figure out how I was going to tell Luke. I wanted it to be special, but I was freaking out and I knew he would too. Telling him I was pregnant wasn't going to be hugging and kissing and tears (sorry to all you romantics out there, ha!). So, I got in the car and began to drive. At this point in time, I was still very new to the northeast part of Houson, but I knew of a fairly big shopping area. I found a Carter's and walked in. "What could I buy him to tell him the news?" I thought. I looked all over the store and settled on a little girl onesie and a little boy onesie.<br />
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Lucky for me, I got to leave work early that Thursday and we had Friday off for 4th of July, so my work day was fairly short. That night, Luke and I were going to meet a friend at church for a young adult worship service, but a traffic accident had I-10 shut down and we ended up having dinner at Rainforest Cafe instead. I thought about telling Luke at dinner, but I hadn't brought my present for him and a public setting wasn't a great idea. I waited until we got home and settled into bed. We were going to watch a movie, but before we started, I whispered to Luke that I had something to tell him and that I was scared. That worried him and he demanded that I tell him what was wrong. I reached into a box where I was storing his gift, grabbed the onesies with positive pregnancy tests wrapped up inside, and handed them to him. "What's this?" he asked. But it didn't take long for him to understand. He was shocked. I teared up. After a few minutes of "What? OMG? How? (well duh) We aren't ready yet! What do we do now??", we just laid there in bed cuddled up to one another taking it all in. Of course, we'd be ok. We knew that. And we knew that God was already writing His story for this child's life. But we were still overwhelmed. Luke laid the onesies on his chest. We prayed and fell into anxious sleep.<br />
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{Ahhhhhh!!!!!}</div>
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Isn't that a sort of a terrible story? Ha! Someday, we're going to have to convince our oldest child that we did, in fact, want and love him/her. We laugh at our initial reaction now. Of course, it took all of about two weeks for us to start thinking of baby names and planning where our kid would go to college. It's so amazing the way parental instinct kicks in almost instantly. Luke began making me power smoothies each morning so that Baby H was getting all the best nutrients and I was being extra particular about my caffeine intake and workouts. For many reasons, we decided to keep this little secret between the two of us for a few weeks before telling family and I'm so glad we did. It was a special few weeks of leaning solely on each other and God and praying over this new creation.<br />
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And now? Are you kidding...we are THRILLED! Luke keeps saying, "I can't wait until you're THIS BIG!" and he makes a round shape around his stomach with his arms. I roll my eyes at him. Not sure I want to get <i>that</i> big, babe. ;) We had our most recent doctor appointment today and everything looks great. We are proud parents, no doubt! Guess you could say we got over our initial shock fairly quickly and fell head over heals for our little nugget even faster.<br />
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{17wks 1day}</div>
<br />Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-50508070578325571592014-09-18T22:59:00.000-05:002014-09-19T09:24:33.929-05:00I'm Back! + 6 Month Recap<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello blogosphere! It's been 6 whole months since I last posted to this dusty ol' blog - <i>wowzer</i>. Some days I can't believe I've stayed away this long and then other days, I can. So much life has happened in the last six months and really, that's been my biggest reason for staying away. Instead of writing about all that's been going on in our lives, we've been working through it. But don't hear me wrong - we're good! Ultimately, the last six months has been a time of God growing Luke and me. In our relationships with Him, in our marriage, and in our faith. It's good stuff, y'all. </div>
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Let's start back in March, shall we?</div>
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<b>March/April. </b>March was great. I turned 27 on the 26th and I was nearing the end of my second tax season working in marketing for a tax prep company. Early April brought a new job for Luke - which was a huge blessing in disguise - because about a week after the tax season ended, my company was restructured and our entire team was cut (plus many others). I can't say that I didn't expect this at all. Hindsight is always 20/20 and looking back, the writing was on the wall. But the best part was that I had complete peace about it. I was confident in God's greater plan and immediately jumped into job hunting.</div>
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<b>May. </b>In May, my family took a week-long beach vacation to Port Aransas and the timing couldn't have been better. I was still job hunting and could relax 100% on vacation knowing that work wasn't going to be calling me. At the end of the week, Becca and I ran in the 2014 Beach To Bay Relay Marathon in Corpus Christi. We ran each others' legs too, so we put in right at 9 miles each. It was a great way to end our vacation!</div>
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{Our little family}</div>
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{Becca and I after Beach To Bay}</div>
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At the same time, Luke and I had found a house in Corpus Christi that we wanted to rent and put a deposit down. I was a few rounds into a job interview that I was confident would end in a job offer and Luke's new job was going well. We got approved for the house, packed up a trailer full of furniture and boxes we'd had in storage in Hallettsville (where my parents live), pulled out of the driveway to head towards Corpus Christi with our things, looked at each other, and both said..."No." It hit us immediately. This wasn't the plan; it didn't feel right. God wasn't calling us to Corpus. I called and backed out of the interview process and we lost our $800 deposit on the house (ouch). But it was the right decision. And in the next few days, we drove to Houston to visit my friend, Sarah, who had just had a baby, and it was on that trip we felt God moving us to Houston. </div>
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<b>June. </b>In less than a month, I had a job offer in Houston, TX. When God speaks, He speaks! We were and are still very blessed that Luke's job has him traveling around (mostly) South Texas, so his home base can be anywhere he is accessible to work. On June 19th, I started my new job as the business development manager for a software company in Houston that works mainly with the major players in the refining/chemical space. It was a career move I never expected to make, but I can't even begin to tell you guys what a blessing this job has been for me and Luke. The work culture, my colleagues, the way every day on the job looks a little different...God hand-picked this job for me and I'm humbled every day that this is the direction He's taking my career!</div>
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<b>July. </b>Now, here's the fun part. On July 3rd, Luke and I found out that not only were we in a new city with new jobs, but a new creation was also being formed in my belly. I was just over 4 weeks pregnant! Shocked is probably the best way to describe our reactions. We knew that a baby was in the nearer future, but we weren't expecting for this to happen quite as soon as it did. It took a couple of wide-eyed weeks, but we eventually settled into the idea of becoming parents. And where were we living, you ask? Ahhh, yes. The answer would be with my aunt and uncle temporarily while house hunting. Again, signs that this little peanut wasn't 100% planned, ha! Our casual house hunting turned into house hunting in OVERDRIVE. New city, new jobs, new baby...let's just add a new house on top of it!</div>
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{Photo by Journey Tree Studio}</div>
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<b>August. </b>You know how when people buy new houses, they post these super cute pictures to social media of themselves signing papers or standing in front of said house? It always looks soooo easy. Umm, NO! That wasn't the case for us <u>at all</u>. I'll spare you the details, but after having a contract on one house, backing out, competing for a second house, being outbid by other buyers, and then being asked if we still wanted the second house because the other buyers backed out, I literally had a panic attack. Seriously. Hysterically crying, driving down Beltway 8, approximately 9 weeks pregnant or so. Can anyone say hormones?? Beyond that, we had loan changes, special conditions, etc. that about put this first-time preggo chick over the edge. We closed on our house on September 9th and to say it was a glorious day would be the understatement of the century. Can't believe we survived!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE46k16Y_G_gv_KniMAHQ1qZVm0W4mBUqGKnHhyASRFJSHyj0cg8pa0kw_fyVJ4GD_9AgWsLo7kVXiuIdiWK0ySsaKwy6bzLhKAWtCRRfX8ow5ExEf15D-c8j05bfvTppgAGFgss3dZc8e/s1600/1622779_10101678501067293_928280077106837671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE46k16Y_G_gv_KniMAHQ1qZVm0W4mBUqGKnHhyASRFJSHyj0cg8pa0kw_fyVJ4GD_9AgWsLo7kVXiuIdiWK0ySsaKwy6bzLhKAWtCRRfX8ow5ExEf15D-c8j05bfvTppgAGFgss3dZc8e/s1600/1622779_10101678501067293_928280077106837671_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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{Casa de Hinton}</div>
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And now it's September. I'm just over 15 weeks pregnant and we're homeowners. Moving commences next Thursday and we couldn't be more excited! After all that's been going on these last few months, I couldn't help but start to feel like I was missing the chance to document this next chapter of our lives: baby, living in the burbs, and being grown-ups (is that what we are??). So, I'm back! I can't wait to give you guys more detailed updates on this little barnacle that's attached himself/herself to my stomach and to keep you posted on moving/house decorating! </div>
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{Forgive my weird face; it's serious business taking selfies of baby bumps}</div>
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The last six months have had their share of ups and downs, but Luke and I cling to the fact that our God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. For every disappointment we've felt, there has been a greater, ever better solution that we didn't see coming. God has opened all of the right doors and closed the wrong ones. It hasn't always been easy, but we've felt His peace. This is the song that was playing on KSBJ as we were driving home from closing on the house and I was rubbing my tummy. We are overwhelmed, grateful, and blessed.<br />
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Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-48150438807251322892014-03-18T18:40:00.001-05:002014-03-18T18:40:50.978-05:00My Favorite Online Boutique: Hazel & Olive<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever heard of <a href="http://www.hazelandolive.com/">Hazel & Olive</a>? Well if not, today is your lucky day! I LOVE this boutique! They have some of the cutest clothes/shoes/accessories and prices range from $20-$50. The best part? They post new items on their website almost every day at 8 p.m. CT, so new items are constantly available!</div>
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Hazel & Olive has a store in Rockwall, TX, but they also ship all over the U.S. and internationally. And shipping is always free in the U.S. (score!). If I order something on a Monday, I usually have it by Friday and sometimes even by Thursday. This is great when I'm looking for something cute to wear for last minute weekend plans. Here are a few of the items I've ordered recently:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4427U-jlozc8PccnFArdQWkuJ4qNYCCTEGNRwDKmwON4VnnTv_BY7-Vy5n3kW6V3XG7pHWLuK_hMQJ0V3HX1cTYlCnuBsNl-GIuWmTFSb07Aex3-aaRNIb0gCZvipbo-sGIFw5q3ZkfA/s1600/116438a0ab3f11e39fcc122a722cd06c_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4427U-jlozc8PccnFArdQWkuJ4qNYCCTEGNRwDKmwON4VnnTv_BY7-Vy5n3kW6V3XG7pHWLuK_hMQJ0V3HX1cTYlCnuBsNl-GIuWmTFSb07Aex3-aaRNIb0gCZvipbo-sGIFw5q3ZkfA/s1600/116438a0ab3f11e39fcc122a722cd06c_8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Although they sell tops, shorts, shoes, etc., I'm a big fan of H&O's dresses! They always have cute dresses, both for casual days and nights out on the town. </div>
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Check out Hazel & Olive on their <a href="http://www.hazelandolive.com/">website</a>, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HazelandOliveBoutique">Facebook</a>, and on <a href="http://followgram.me/hazelandoliveboutique">Instagram</a>. But be careful - they post previews of new items on their social media sites that will be available later that day. These teasers make you want to shop constantly. ;)</div>
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Happy browsing!</div>
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<i>*This blog post is my personal opinion that I simply wanted to share with all of my blog friends. I was not paid by anyone to write a review or opinion piece*</i></div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-30410517296506821522014-03-17T22:49:00.000-05:002014-03-17T22:51:02.847-05:00Small town wedding weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfZ3rgs8btYoZ4svtK6RkF-hp00vR5VNVWn8kDBD2tsGOl-x6bCRRxo6uwiNb_7dQ6QFbuTGe-oDZvpyJdPo8d6XR7SVMgZDXQKkxVXMcU1Tn3csy19HWIH1btqaQQHXZfoW9mxLzXdgF/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfZ3rgs8btYoZ4svtK6RkF-hp00vR5VNVWn8kDBD2tsGOl-x6bCRRxo6uwiNb_7dQ6QFbuTGe-oDZvpyJdPo8d6XR7SVMgZDXQKkxVXMcU1Tn3csy19HWIH1btqaQQHXZfoW9mxLzXdgF/s1600/wedding.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakFFl9IRKfL7xaOjGKEmDaOcGNPxlK-ArmKJmA1CCQMe43BG2jjVueH-UVEetNA-fcurfmixiR-0-pv4o2l4X0GK1jH7y3WPKv9okxQctakvx02JqP1KTBIzuj2zE6M9WtyovYrADCrKa/s1600/wedding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakFFl9IRKfL7xaOjGKEmDaOcGNPxlK-ArmKJmA1CCQMe43BG2jjVueH-UVEetNA-fcurfmixiR-0-pv4o2l4X0GK1jH7y3WPKv9okxQctakvx02JqP1KTBIzuj2zE6M9WtyovYrADCrKa/s1600/wedding2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLCNPJAbOjm2fDRAhtgG_MA2uHv5yBUIP0wDsf6bDebpsloO-pBPa1Lt9LoA_3KHDY_N4M-GMJ4iq1og6P_pgKdHI6P6d31iWurUbWzlrpf5X4l0sZHpbm8yv1sux04Sw1BdOAy_ef7R_/s1600/wedding4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLCNPJAbOjm2fDRAhtgG_MA2uHv5yBUIP0wDsf6bDebpsloO-pBPa1Lt9LoA_3KHDY_N4M-GMJ4iq1og6P_pgKdHI6P6d31iWurUbWzlrpf5X4l0sZHpbm8yv1sux04Sw1BdOAy_ef7R_/s1600/wedding4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This past weekend, my family, husband, and I attended a beautiful wedding for sweet friend whose family goes to our church. I also went to high school with her little sister. It was so fun dressing up, reconnecting with a bunch of old friends, eating fantastic food, and doing some good-ol' two-steppin'! There is just nothing like a small town country wedding!</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-13443726519383469332014-03-14T00:25:00.000-05:002014-04-29T13:20:22.690-05:00Self-Help Lists + Goals for 27I read waayyy too many self-help lists. I'm that girl that scrolls through her Facebook newsfeed and clicks on all of the "20 Things I Wish I'd Known in My Late Twenties" and "11 Cures For Your Quarter Life Crisis" articles. Terrible, I know.<br />
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But I came across one the other day on Huffington Post's 'Women' page that, in particular, caught my eye. With my 27th birthday just mere days away, this article has been on my mind on and off since I first read it a little over a month ago. The article was titled, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ada-polla/things-to-have-by-30_b_4746640.html">"25 Things a Woman Should Have By Her Thirties."</a> No, I'm not 30 yet, but 27 feels close enough some days and the items listed were very interesting to me. As I read through the list, I found myself counting how many of these items I can confidently say that I have. 11.5 out of 25, if you care to know. :)<br />
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<i>Side note: This list is a very worldly idea of what women should have by their thirties written by one woman. Do I think every woman should have every single item on this list by 30? No. But I did find the list thought-provoking in my own situation? Yes.</i><br />
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Which items can I cross off this list? I'll never tell! Some of them are a little too personal for the blogosphere. But there were a couple that made me think, "Hmm, I could work on/be better at that." Like this one for instance:<br />
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<b>16. The ability to forgive (others, but yourself first). </b><br />
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<b>19. The confidence to say no. At work. In bed. And everywhere in between. </b><br />
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At first glance, I'd say that I'm good at both forgiving and saying no. But if I were to really did deep, I'm not so sure if my answer could honestly stay the same. I am my own worst critic, I do tend to hold grudges deep in my heart that surface in the most sensitive situations and (as much as my sassiness hates to admit it), I tend to be a people pleaser. Sometimes, I'm not confident enough to say no, so I say yes and take on the added pressure to keep everyone happy. </div>
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My goal for 27 is to adapt parts of this list into my own life. Every single item? Nah. Ain't nobody got time for that! But I will say that this self-help list has given me some perspective. Sometimes I worry that young woman Sara still falls back into old teenage Sara habits. Maybe 27 is a good year to start setting some big girl goals and really working on being the best version on me possible. Hell, I'm not getting any younger! </div>
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Now, I'll go ahead and leave you with a few of the items on this list that I DO have and that I'm pretty proud of.</div>
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<b>1. A passport (the more stamps the better).</b></div>
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<b>6. A form of physical exercise you are passionate about. </b></div>
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<b>13. The ability to write the perfect thank-you note (and the stationery that goes with it).</b></div>
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<b>14. Eye cream that you use religiously twice a day.</b></div>
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<b>17. A family you love.</b></div>
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<b>20. A savings account and a retirement fund.</b></div>
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How many of the things on this list do you have? Count them up, just for fun!</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-90218930760228156212014-01-05T18:08:00.000-06:002014-01-05T18:09:36.858-06:00The traditional New Year's post, 4 days late. :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{Last night, I got to dress up for a bit with my favorite guy. Pretty cute, huh?}</div>
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At the end of each year, I get very pensive as I reflect over all that I've been through and accomplished. I felt like 2012 was a big year for us. First full year married, a big cross-country move, new jobs. It was crazy in the best way. 2013, on the other hand, threw us for a loop. It was a tough year, if I'm being completely honest. Living far away from friends and family, financial stress from the cost of living in NJ, packing up to move back to Texas only 10 short months later, and readjusting to life in Texas. The growing pains were real, y'all.</div>
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So as we (thankfully) neared the end of 2013, Luke and I did some talking about goals for 2014. A fresh slate; our chance to start over. I love new beginnings and praise the Lord that His mercies are new every morning.</div>
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<i>Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. Thet are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24</i></div>
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Here are a few of our goals for 2014. As you can tell, we plan on making it a great year!</div>
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*Sara: Complete 16-17 MBA hours</div>
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*Sara: Run 2nd half marathon (registered for the Bearathon in Waco in March!)</div>
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*Luke: Run 2nd Tough Mudder</div>
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*Luke & Sara: Family vacation this summer (<i>almost</i> booked)</div>
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*Luke & Sara: Pay off remaining debt (we're starting year 3 of this goal!)</div>
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* Luke & Sara: Really commit to saving money towards a down payment for our first house</div>
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*Health/weight goals and career goals are a must too, but we won't get in to the nitty gritty ;)</div>
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So there you go friends and family. Now hold us to it!</div>
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2014 begins for me with 6 straight weeks of Tuesday through Thursday travel for work; it's a bittersweet feeling. It's no secret that I love my job, but it's also hard being away from Luke and the pups that much. But the best part is that I work with an awesome team of people who are all on the same schedule and it's definitely helps us bond/make it through the craziness. If you get the chance, please say a prayer for traveling mercies for me, as I'll be putting a lot of miles on a few rental cars and airplanes this Jan/Feb.<br />
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Cheers to a great 2014!</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-76947725227711479232013-12-18T22:31:00.002-06:002013-12-18T22:34:28.310-06:00Lately.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Let's not talk about how I haven't blogged in for.eh.ver. It's bad enough that I feel two months behind without you pointing it out ok? Let's just pick back up right where we left off...;)</em></div>
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The last couple of months have been a whirlwind for The Hinton's! The last time I blogged, my busy season at work was just starting to pick up and Luke and I were trying to settle back in to life in Texas. As much as I would have loved to blog about all that's been going on these last 8 weeks or so, I just simply have not had the time. So, here is a brief recap...</div>
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-We're currently living in Hallettsville in a rent house my parents own while saving to buy a house. </div>
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-I just finished a two-week traveling spree in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas for work.</div>
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-Luke is working for my dad right now while we get through the tax season (Mom, Dad, Luke, and I all currently work for the same company. Something I NEVER thought I'd say/type, ha!).</div>
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-We took a trip back up to New Jersey in early November for a little work and a little play. It was so great to see our friends and to take in some real fall weather. </div>
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-Luke and I ate 5 Thanksgiving meals this year to make up for not being home for the holidays last year (at least, that is my excuse for eating that much green bean casserole). </div>
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-I just wrapped up my first semester of grad school, thought it would be a great idea to take a 4-week wintermester class, and then dropped the class 2 days in. What was I thinking?! Momentary lapse of judgment via lack of sleep.</div>
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-Luke and I froze our tails off in Waco at the Big 12 Championship game, but it was so worth it to be at the last football game at The Case. Can't wait for next season in the new stadium!</div>
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-Instead of Christmas presents this year, my family has decided to go on a family vacation this summer. I know it's a cruise (<a href="http://saraandluke.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-before-baby-bucket-list.html">before baby bucket list</a> anyone? yay!), but I'm not sure if we're headed to Jamaica or the Bahamas. Either way, I'm stoked!! </div>
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-The pups are good and are enjoying the Texas sunshine, but they are in desperate need of haircuts. As soon as we get this taken care of, I'll post some pics for you. </div>
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-The Hinton's 2014 Christmas Card = Fail. Who wants a Happy New Year card? *womp, womp*</div>
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-I've decided to start taking classes at the local health & fitness center and today's bootcamp class just might put this grandma into the nursing home. Can't.move.</div>
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So as you can see, we're still here. Just a little sleep deprived. :) Here's to hoping I get to start blogging more regularly again. I've definitely missed it!</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-4851532828681093742013-10-28T10:00:00.000-05:002013-10-28T10:00:07.654-05:00World (aka Texas and New Jersey) Traveler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy0Rv7MP5mUxrkiRuo3fl0IOar35z-fY1iZ_JRss10zOMTz1fkGPacNLbxREm8bkJxnQRRECoEMUYmzi-yzEWE7sOqKD8iR01SpE_2w0iHjsIEnisyD4GiUkCXYTjwTdA1v0sFPKpHncO/s1600/Travels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy0Rv7MP5mUxrkiRuo3fl0IOar35z-fY1iZ_JRss10zOMTz1fkGPacNLbxREm8bkJxnQRRECoEMUYmzi-yzEWE7sOqKD8iR01SpE_2w0iHjsIEnisyD4GiUkCXYTjwTdA1v0sFPKpHncO/s640/Travels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Starting in the top left corner and moving clockwise: Houston sunset, fall in New Jersey, Corpus Christi sunset on my way to the Valley, and the Mexico border in the Valley}<br />
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The last month, I've been doing a lot of traveling for both work and personal reasons. My travels began in Houston, then took me to the Rio Grande Valley, New Jersey, Waco, San Antonio, and Austin. October has been a crazy travel month! Traveling alone tends to produce some goofy selfie pics and pretty amazing karaoke sessions (oh, to be a fly inside my car...), but working in Texas also means that I can sometimes squeeze in a quick dinner with friends. Work perks!<br />
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A couple weeks back, I had to fly back up to New Jersey for a week. It was super weird being back in Jersey, especially without Luke. At times, it felt like I'd never left and at others, I felt like a complete stranger. I also had to turn in our apartment keys, which was our last permanent connection to Jersey. We are now officially no longer connected to the Garden State except for that I'll continue to travel to Jersey for work. Crazy! That week in Jersey consisted of long work days, great food (as always!), and my first grad school mid-term. Talk about an adjustment! Taking a mid-term while traveling was not the easiest thing I'd ever done, but I guess it's time to get used to this since I've got another 2.5 years of grad school to go!<br />
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Once I got home from Jersey, it was time to study for a final exam, take my test, and then head up to Waco for the second half of Baylor homecoming! I was bummed to have missed the bonfire Friday night and the parade Saturday morning, but it I wanted to have my cake and eat it to (grad school + having a social life), it was a sacrifice I had to make! I'm so glad Luke went with me, even though it was a crazy fast trip up and back. I got to see my sweet sisters/friends, watch Baylor kick some butt in football, drive around the campus that has forever stolen my heart, grab a drink from Common Grounds, eat a little Bush's Chicken, and then we headed home. Baylor, you are always worth the trip. :)<br />
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Day trips to San Antonio and Austin were on the agenda last week and I'm in Abilene this week (and then back to Jersey the following week!). I think we should start a new game called, "Where in the world is Sara Sandiego?" What do you think? ;)<br />
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So that's my world (a.k.a. TX & NJ) traveler update! On a more serious note, if you ever think about it, please keep my crazy, traveling self in your prayers. I always covet prayers for safety and traveling mercies. Thanks!!<br />
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Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-20114157313315851222013-10-27T13:36:00.000-05:002013-10-27T13:43:18.564-05:00The best kind of weekend. <div style="text-align: center;">
I honestly can't remember the last weekend we had that included very little, if any, set plans. We might have still been in New Jersey the last time a weekend like this occurred. That is, until this weekend. And it was fabulous!</div>
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On Saturday morning, Luke and I randomly decided to go with my parents and Becca (the baby sister) to Chapel Hill, TX to check out a bull and heifer auction. Although we didn't buy anything (my dad owns ranch land, cattle, etc.), we ate a great BBQ lunch and watched some pretty intense auctioneering happen. I would be so scared to try and buy a bull or heifer at an auction! Once those auctioneers started yelling, I had no idea where the price was. I thought bulls were selling for a couple thousand dollars when they were being sold for $8k or more. Yikes! </div>
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{On our way to the auction. Wearing my Baylor hat in support of my Bears kicking some KU butt!}</div>
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{Lunch at the auction with our Becca Boo}</div>
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Unfortunately, the rest of my Saturday was spent in bed with a pretty bad sinus pressure headache, but I just assumed this headache (which had carried over from Friday evening) was a result of too much staring at my work laptop and lack of sleep. That is, until I woke up this morning to some pretty heavy rain. I swear, I can tell when it's going to rain days out because of the way I get headaches! I'm feeling much better today and thoroughly enjoying lounging around with my extra snuggly pups, NCIS re-runs, and hazelnut coffee. Rainy Sundays, you bring out the lazy in me! The rest of today will include a nap, doing a little laundry, prepping for work this next week, and watching Scandal tonight! Does this weekend <i>have</i> to end??</div>
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I've been so bad at blogging the last couple of months, but this afternoon I plan on catching up! You can look forward to the following blog posts this week:</div>
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+All of my travels the last couple of months</div>
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+My first ever <a href="http://stitchfix.com/">StitchFix</a> review (non-sponsored; just my own, fun review!)</div>
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+Updates on The Hintons' living situation, job situation, etc. </div>
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+And more!</div>
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Hope you have had a relaxing weekend wherever you are. :)</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-47377822340782634892013-10-05T20:59:00.001-05:002013-10-05T20:59:53.545-05:00Exhaustion (with a little bit of a rant).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi there long-lost <strike>friend</strike> enemy. I forgot about you. I had forgotten for a brief moment the way the fall brings with it long work hours, big projects, and less sleep. This is the time of year when I tend to forget what day of the week it is because truly, does it matter? Every day looks the same. At the computer by 8am (or earlier depending upon what time my first meeting starts) and in bed no earlier than midnight.</div>
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I counted the number of hours I slept last Tuesday-Thursday. 17 y'all. 17 out of 72. Pure <u>exhaustion</u>.</div>
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And at least last year, I had my weekends to recoup. This year? I have lectures to endure and quizzes to prep for. I have a midterm and a final exam in two weeks, which also happens to be the week I'm in New Jersey for probably some of the longest works days I'll have all year. Stellar. </div>
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I'm at the point where my head continuously hurts, my eating patterns have turned all kinds of funky, and I run from anyone that barely coughs because I'm scared my immune system is so weak I'll catch the flu. Let me tell you, I'm having a good time over here.</div>
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I hate to complain. Let's chalk my rant up to my lack of sleep, shall we? I was in Houston last week and my co-worker asked me if I like my job and I almost screamed, "Yes!! I LOVE IT!" in the middle of Pappasitos. He was impressed I reacted that way and said it's great to hear someone my age say that. And yes, I chose school. I chose (back in the summer when life was slow, dammit) to start my MBA program this fall. But if I'm completely honest with myself, I have no regrets. I'm just having a couple of "those" weeks, you know?</div>
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If you think about it, please say a quick prayer for me. I have a quiz tomorrow that could very well determine if I make and A or B in one of my classes and I'm also driving to the Rio Grande Valley tomorrow evening for work this next week. Please pray for traveling mercies, sleep, and good health. </div>
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This over-achiever is a little overwhelmed. :)</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-9715979457648339752013-09-29T17:18:00.000-05:002013-09-29T17:18:56.384-05:00Where do you even begin an "update" post when you haven't blogged in 6 weeks??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Are you wondering if I'm still alive? Maybe not, since I'm sure there are all of about two people that even keep up with my blog anymore. I've been a terrible blogger the last few weeks (six and a half, to be exact!) and I feel terrible about this. Mostly, I feel like I've neglected myself. SO much life has happened since I last posted on my blog and I love the way writing allows me to sort through my thoughts and write about life experiences that I always want to remember. I've missed my blog!</div>
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Ok, it's time to catch you all up! Where to begin...</div>
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Well, the last time you heard from me, Luke and I were still in New Jersey. This is no longer the case! Over Labor Day weekend, Luke, I, and the pups packed up our apartment and car and drove 1700 miles from New Jersey back to Texas. It was crazy y'all, but waaay better of a trip than either of us expected. The pups did great and we were even able to stay the first night with friends in North Carolina, which was a HUGE blessing. We made it to Texas just in time for a Labor Day BBQ with my parents on Monday evening and it was the best welcome home possible!</div>
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After our first night in Texas, we got back in the car and headed down to Corpus Christi for a few days to catch up with family and friends. We had many lunch, dinner, and coffee dates with friends and family over those four days and it felt so good to be back in South Texas! I don't think I had realized how much I'd really missed my old stomping grounds until we were back. Luke, on the other hand, kept saying, "I love it here. I'm never leaving again. Why did we leave Texas in the first place?" Ha! Saying this Texas boy is happy to be home would be an understatement. :)</div>
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As if life hadn't been enough of a whirlwind up to this point, that next Saturday I hopped on a plane to Vegas for my company's annual convention. I spent almost an entire week in Vegas attending general sessions, meetings, break out sessions, and a trade show, although the pictures below don't quite depict this, ha! Lucky for me, I work with an amazing group of people that know how to both work and play hard. We had a great convention and I just know this next year of work is going to be the best yet!</div>
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(P.S. Luke stayed in Texas while I was in Vegas and helped my dad get a few things done around the house and ranch. He's the best son-in-law!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYKwUtInbw3_AcSM0_USCR0LBb_WNpxCvabUGf-oE_Ox7kwj45ZE_TeNDFX3XYi8KKs2BX8iaK5HQy7RjvqSfmvGb91icqzkSq04ES0YN2FK-kY35VD2aoTEtuzXZN-4XpE639N0eKPWr/s1600/Convention.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYKwUtInbw3_AcSM0_USCR0LBb_WNpxCvabUGf-oE_Ox7kwj45ZE_TeNDFX3XYi8KKs2BX8iaK5HQy7RjvqSfmvGb91icqzkSq04ES0YN2FK-kY35VD2aoTEtuzXZN-4XpE639N0eKPWr/s640/Convention.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since I've gotten home from Vegas (about two weeks ago), work and school have both picked up like crazy! Between my job and taking two courses this semester, I feel like I'm talking marketing and information systems 24/7. Over the next six weeks, I'll travel to Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Austin, West Texas, and New Jersey (twice!). Throw a couple of quizzes and mid-terms in there and this girl has a full plate! But I must confess that I'm loving it and I'm so glad that I decided to go back to school for my MBA when I did. As stressful as some days can be, I know that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXzWTtn0bb_IU3cX8sQIlq13ioC6h3zSXouYGq0pyIAJm7Ir1Rl7j2dnUXu_nsIKciA7OEd_hhRgmSvXTdReo6Bnk1snuLWJE3wpNcaJvtXyDhCZUZetrm2ShWpa0PUSGqRYfa53pduir/s1600/school-work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXzWTtn0bb_IU3cX8sQIlq13ioC6h3zSXouYGq0pyIAJm7Ir1Rl7j2dnUXu_nsIKciA7OEd_hhRgmSvXTdReo6Bnk1snuLWJE3wpNcaJvtXyDhCZUZetrm2ShWpa0PUSGqRYfa53pduir/s640/school-work.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Left to right: homework, working from my parents' house while the baby sister studies, my 1 year appreciation gift from my company}</div>
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So, I think that's about the best recap/update I can give you guys at this time. There are quite a few questions I haven't answered, such as, "Where are you and Luke living?" and "What's Luke up to these days?" But answers to these questions will have to wait for a later date. Let's just say both are a work in progress and that God is good. Once I have more updates, I'll share, I promise. :)</div>
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Hope you had a great weekend!</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-35214279158770527562013-08-15T23:00:00.000-05:002013-08-15T23:13:40.322-05:00My week via Instagram + I just might have to buy these<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whew! Is anyone else happy this week is coming to a close? Don't get me wrong, it's been a <b><u>great</u></b> week. I had some awesome colleagues in town and got the chance to work out of our corporate office, but we were slammed with big projects and transitions all week and I think the ol' brain is a little fried. This weekend, I'm looking forward to sleeping in, running some errands, catching up on my TV shows, and just relaxing. Here's a little look at what's gone on over the last 7ish days...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAv4ai4Wk1icnr66ArWXHLK2gQMRNAWQgXNUCUHmxyuHApIx3G7msn4mGEAcM-lcapbIfFKTtRXyHDDPzViTEQptvOhe7vO6sHg_eCXJt1UURMaQEDz2pnKvsMgkx60vF52HjrwRmHJma/s1600/Lately.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAv4ai4Wk1icnr66ArWXHLK2gQMRNAWQgXNUCUHmxyuHApIx3G7msn4mGEAcM-lcapbIfFKTtRXyHDDPzViTEQptvOhe7vO6sHg_eCXJt1UURMaQEDz2pnKvsMgkx60vF52HjrwRmHJma/s640/Lately.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. A triple grande, non-fat no whip white mocha. My go-to 'I need to get shit done' drink. BAM.</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.pointpleasantbeach.org/">Point Pleasant Beach</a> last Saturday.</div>
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3. Crab legs at the shore. The best I've ever had. They didn't stand a chance.</div>
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4. Luke and I have been cleaning and packing. I married a clean freak, PTL. Isn't he adorable cleaning in his shorty shorts! :)</div>
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5. Dinner at <a href="http://www.arthurstavern.com/">Arthur's Tavern</a> in Morris Plains, NJ on Tuesday night. Love the lights!</div>
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6. Why is lemon cayenne juice so popular in the clean eating/cleanse world right now? I almost <strike>died drinking this thing</strike> couldn't finish it.</div>
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7. Luke surprised me on Monday and came home early + brought flowers. So glad I get to keep him forever.</div>
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8. I was so tired after all my meetings this week.</div>
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9. Work hard, play hard. Drinks with the girls Wednesday night at <a href="http://nicolesten.com/">Caitlin's Ten</a>. </div>
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And on a random side note, did anyone else get the new <a href="http://michaelkors.com/">Michael Kors</a> catalog in the mail the week? I'm OBSESSED with all the MK fall shoes!! Pumps, booties, flats...they are all so cute!! Looks like it's time for my to start saving my pennies. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJANUaz9WF-V0go0bDkm4JXPaHE9xMpLeh7j_DJTQI1ieuNNau8Ofd-4-inc3d0cjqHmDmbu3P06oXP6L8pBvhb5SZTICQZ4dWcYACnnHbC5z9R96MdS33PD3MNdFsNzvr4kBT4evGOl6/s1600/MK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJANUaz9WF-V0go0bDkm4JXPaHE9xMpLeh7j_DJTQI1ieuNNau8Ofd-4-inc3d0cjqHmDmbu3P06oXP6L8pBvhb5SZTICQZ4dWcYACnnHbC5z9R96MdS33PD3MNdFsNzvr4kBT4evGOl6/s640/MK.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a great weekend y'all!! </div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-66429255216086999362013-08-13T23:00:00.000-05:002013-08-13T23:00:06.707-05:00The perks of moving to Houston...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1) These people live in Houston...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rP11cXzTBJOQhlOe38kp0U_USfqLiSyC9hsybhH2xPhd1WOVXTN_tUfVcLzaKnV8KTj97RBsO_wZz2UmEe2sIo4D4THbD3GJ93Kp_6bjASUuiQdrjXein4kElL_dk2DJtmDzuVHvnzJi/s1600/HoustonPeeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rP11cXzTBJOQhlOe38kp0U_USfqLiSyC9hsybhH2xPhd1WOVXTN_tUfVcLzaKnV8KTj97RBsO_wZz2UmEe2sIo4D4THbD3GJ93Kp_6bjASUuiQdrjXein4kElL_dk2DJtmDzuVHvnzJi/s400/HoustonPeeps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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{From top to bottom and left to right: Emily (sister), Claire (sister), Cat (friend), Amy (aunt/big sister}</div>
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2) These two visit Houston ALL the time...</div>
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{Becca (sister) and Mom}</div>
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3) Houston means I live close enough to Waco to justify buying season tickets for...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqltzHNJHxj7J7ZA612rnSOi_BxWvWtpRa2XYV8q_RHObqvFKUtCjT8G1vagpqJxfYybMUGGpqPJcuY2c7Y74CTR_eUlmkBd-4WCf_2ff8qB7kVda3zKnbFP1dSh8FyrCFobmNEs2Gavk/s1600/1024X768-FootballWallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqltzHNJHxj7J7ZA612rnSOi_BxWvWtpRa2XYV8q_RHObqvFKUtCjT8G1vagpqJxfYybMUGGpqPJcuY2c7Y74CTR_eUlmkBd-4WCf_2ff8qB7kVda3zKnbFP1dSh8FyrCFobmNEs2Gavk/s400/1024X768-FootballWallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4) Luke and I don't have to give up the "city" life...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TILRDwuQjkfdQ-InXndHWSpqbEimiDRd-_RM6kxhxWOFj3j75mOuiehVKn3_COqDu83zpPOZ74ngUhwMnqWDEeJYhdw-AfEt4iIUXQ6MQNDvN_Q7r8TKIaxA-lWGq5Ezq811mSZsdnD5/s1600/art_517e85e901dfb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TILRDwuQjkfdQ-InXndHWSpqbEimiDRd-_RM6kxhxWOFj3j75mOuiehVKn3_COqDu83zpPOZ74ngUhwMnqWDEeJYhdw-AfEt4iIUXQ6MQNDvN_Q7r8TKIaxA-lWGq5Ezq811mSZsdnD5/s400/art_517e85e901dfb.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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5) I get to do research on <a href="http://www.har.com/">this</a> website and dream of buying/building a home in the somewhat near future...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1OS71HzLV5OKB74OIHqLMNQkXzg3Pp0c9ywrqe-daUE5qnE4sU7NVYso-32YIhyKL2iLDmnngyonpLrYZiyLlAbI3zA6B1b-NyPFQ5nznqy-Z8155CwgneohBmdMzcWz8U0YgbSobMje/s1600/ipad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1OS71HzLV5OKB74OIHqLMNQkXzg3Pp0c9ywrqe-daUE5qnE4sU7NVYso-32YIhyKL2iLDmnngyonpLrYZiyLlAbI3zA6B1b-NyPFQ5nznqy-Z8155CwgneohBmdMzcWz8U0YgbSobMje/s400/ipad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And of course, there are many other reasons (being just a couple of hours from family and friends, amazing shopping, some of the best shows/concerts/sporting events, etc.), but these are just a few off the top of my head and especially on my heart right now. </div>
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Houston, I'm getting excited to call you home soon. :)</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-4694739642947850252013-08-11T23:13:00.000-05:002013-08-11T23:25:54.099-05:00If it was easy, everyone would do it.<div style="text-align: center;">
When I decided this past spring that it was time to take the GRE and apply for grad school, I had no idea the headache that this process (at times) would be. Although it had been a few years since I'd last applied to college, I knew enough to expect a bit of studying for the GRE, requesting recommendations letters from employers and colleagues, and writing application essays. What I wasn't expecting was to have conversations that included,"I sent you my official transcripts WEEKS ago! What do you <i><b>mean</b></i> you can't FIND them?!"and "What do you <b><i>mean</i></b> I have to pay out of state tuition? I'm a TEXAS resident!!" And so, the first stresses of earning my MBA began.</div>
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A couple weeks ago, I called my mom and explained to her that my account balance for this upcoming semester was about $2k more than it should be because I was being charged out-of-state tuition [long story, but my NJ address ended up on my application and made my Texas college think I was a permanent resident of NJ even though I've never forfeited my Texas residency], which of course freaked me out. MBA programs are expensive enough without being hit with out-of-state tuition! I <strike>complained to</strike> told my mom that I was going to have to petition for Texas residency after all of the work I'd already put in to being accepted to grad school. At this point, I was just so tired of the paperwork! And in true Julie fashion, she said, "Sara, remember, if it was easy, everyone would do it. You've already come this far, what's a little more paperwork to fill out?" Got to love moms. Always telling you exactly what you need to hear.</div>
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So, back to the paperwork I went. Petition documents? Check. A letter from my boss confirming my employment? Check. Bank statements from the past six months? Check. Although, they only asked for one month, but hey--two can play this game. Have fun sifting through with six months of bank statements registar's office. Muahahah! Pay back. :)</div>
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And then on Wednesday, I got this saweeet email...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpQqkj_KlL-fWgxPPqocgUorI_SYM0-8EiDoAQLPNNlSADuut17FEBNoQmLvjIYtt4TvLo-RbYAV_vH2CinEDFHiDbMrx1l7mx3eL6PWO4JhviapnVgkVtkPp7KNyBW76cIrTsj9GPmK5/s1600/ef32a5ccffc311e2ab9622000a9f1423_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpQqkj_KlL-fWgxPPqocgUorI_SYM0-8EiDoAQLPNNlSADuut17FEBNoQmLvjIYtt4TvLo-RbYAV_vH2CinEDFHiDbMrx1l7mx3eL6PWO4JhviapnVgkVtkPp7KNyBW76cIrTsj9GPmK5/s400/ef32a5ccffc311e2ab9622000a9f1423_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't even begin to tell you how pumped I was to receive this email!! First of all, I didn't think I'd hear back so fast. Second of all, my tuition payment deadline is quickly approaching and I was nervous my request wouldn't be processed in time. And lastly, I was considering deferring a semester if all of this hadn't worked out because I'm definitely not paying an additional $2k just because people do not believe me when I say I hold a permanent Texas residence, was born and raised in Texas, went to high school and college in Texas, and I own cattle (that makes me Texan, right? Jk!).</div>
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All in all, mom's reminder was spot on. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. And I'm so glad that I've made the decision to go for it; GRE, applications, and residency petition forms included. With <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-01-14/women-in-business-school-why-so-few">women still being significantly out-numbered in the world of MBA candidates</a> and a desire to always be learning and challenging myself, I know that the day I walk across that stage with my MBA will be one of the proudest days of my life (and I probably won't even remember these early stresses!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OjOorK6C-yEOkB_z8bdzEa3xTsqCO6xRNrGdil_WKro6cuDyzf3drjF-TQjBzWgASp_NgNgXtuThLeF_fkg_TVYE0DhrWUi4rYLfEgGMIttx7dae14PAi_Ay5lGXjNliF0kIf4VldKQE/s1600/ccfa6d5a257d61f18a67ecbbde45cf58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OjOorK6C-yEOkB_z8bdzEa3xTsqCO6xRNrGdil_WKro6cuDyzf3drjF-TQjBzWgASp_NgNgXtuThLeF_fkg_TVYE0DhrWUi4rYLfEgGMIttx7dae14PAi_Ay5lGXjNliF0kIf4VldKQE/s400/ccfa6d5a257d61f18a67ecbbde45cf58.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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{I love this movie! <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/9851692907069760/">via</a>}</div>
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Now, if only I can keep this quote in mind while I train for my half marathon and take Business Calculus, bleh!<br />
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Linking up over <a href="http://mybeautifulcrazylifex33.blogspot.com/2013/08/hop-till-you-drop-3.html">here</a>.</div>
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Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681720755013779129.post-33352610993617296602013-08-05T23:10:00.002-05:002013-08-05T23:16:07.868-05:00My Before Baby Bucket List<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's get real, I'm pretty sure I'm the <b><u>only</u></b> person in the world not pregnant right now. At least, that's how it <i>feels</i> anyway. Hey--I'm not complaining. I'm purposely not pregnant now. Luke and I are just starting year three of our five year plan and a baby just isn't on the agenda quite yet (sorry Nana!). So when I came across <a href="http://ideas.thenest.com/love-and-sex-advice/dealing-with-relationship-issues/slideshows/15-to-dos-before-baby.aspx">this</a> article on <a href="http://www.thenest.com/">The Nest</a>, I about screamed, "Thank GOD! An article for people in the same club as me!!"</div>
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<i>Side note: This blog post is in no way meant to offend my friends and other bloggers that are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are moms now. God's timing is perfect and someday I'll be thrilled to announce that we're expecting. We just aren't ready quite yet and until then, I'm happy to play with and love on your precious babies until my own arrive. :)</i></div>
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{And just a little proof that someday, we'll totally rock this whole baby thing out!}</div>
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If you know me, then you know I'm a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_A_and_Type_B_personality_theory">Type A</a> goal setter and a list maker, so this list of 41 things to do before having a baby definitely intrigued me. I read through it and, although I'm indifferent about a couple of the things listed, for the most part I really liked this list! If you don't want to click through all 41 to-dos within the article, I've re-listed them all below, plus added my own notes and checked off the items Luke and I have already done. I'm definitely going to keep this list top of mind over the next couple of years to make sure I get as many of these things crossed off as possible. Is it a lofty goal? Sure. But to you hit goals by not setting them? Nope! </div>
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<u><b><a href="http://www.thenest.com/">The Nest'</a>s 41 Things to do Before You Have a Baby:</b></u></div>
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<b>1. <strike>Purchase your dream car.</strike></b> I'm not a car snob, so I'm good with my 2012 Toyota Camry for now. However, Luke's Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R counts. Especially since he's on #2!</div>
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<b>2. Buy a home. </b>We are actually in the very, <i>very</i> early stages of building a house. This is a goal for 2014.</div>
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<b>3. Take at least one dream vacation. </b>I've always wanted to go on a cruise to the Caribbean and now that Luke and I will be living so close to a port (Galveston), we're planning a 2014 summer vacay!</div>
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<strike><b>4. Take a cross-country trip.</b></strike> Aug/Sept 2013! New Jersey back to Texas!</div>
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<strike><b>5. Go to Disneyland and act like kids.</b></strike> We honeymooned at Disneyworld, so I say that counts.</div>
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<b><strike>6. Establish yo</strike>ur career.</b> Me = check. Luke = still working on this a little bit. We're close to checking this one off completely and God has opened some big doors, but our move back to Texas is changing things up a bit for Luke. He's adapting really well though and God is good!</div>
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<b>7. Decide whether you want to be a SAHM.</b> I'm nowhere near thinking about this one right now.</div>
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<b><strike>8. Have crazy, carefree sex.</strike></b> And we'll continue to. ;)</div>
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<b><strike>9. Address any problems in your relationship.</strike></b> </div>
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<b>10. Discuss how you want to raise your child. </b>I mean, I guess we have done this a little, but there is probably more we can do here.</div>
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<b>11. Be spontaneous. </b>I want to mark this one off, but I'm not. We make last-minute decisions, but we aren't crazy spontaneous. We could vamp it up. </div>
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<b><strike>12. Enjoy an all-nighter.</strike> </b>The Nest says to stay out until 4 a.m. and then sleep late the next day. Thanks to NYC, we're good here. :)</div>
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<b>13. Invite a friend's child to spend the night.</b> Umm...ok? I keep my dogs alive, does that count?</div>
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<b><strike>14. Enjoy Saturday afternoon movie marathons--at the movie theater.</strike></b> I have no desire to do this, but Luke and I have definitely had Saturday afternoon Netflix TV show marathons, so I consider this one done and done.</div>
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<b>15. Start and finish any major home renovation projects.</b> See #2. Not going to be needed, yay!</div>
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<b>16. Get rid of the clutter. </b>We could benefit from this.</div>
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<b><strike>17. Enjoy weekly nights out with your friends.</strike></b> And we'll continue to do so.</div>
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<b><strike>18. Relocate to your dream city.</strike></b> NYC! I got as close as I possibly could. And I've worked in my dream city. I'm smiling ear-to-ear that I've accomplished this!</div>
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<b>19. Make a list of the books you want to read--and then read them.</b></div>
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<b>20. Have at least one big adventure. </b>This may not be "big" to some, but I really want to go scuba diving. Hoping to knock this out on the Caribbean cruise! And moving to NJ could totally count too.</div>
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<b>21. Spend an entire day with each set of your grandparents. </b>Unfortunately, this isn't entirely possible because we've each lost grandparents. But we will love on the ones we've got!</div>
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<b><strike>22. Enjoy a splurge.</strike></b> We do this too often, whoops!</div>
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<b><strike>23. Become a yogi, master kickboxing, or run a half-marathon.</strike> </b>April 2012, Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Nashville (and two more coming up this fall!).</div>
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<b>24. Spend time alone on a boat (or just take a cruise together).</b> Yay!! See #3.</div>
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<b style="text-decoration: line-through;">25. Perform a random act of kindness.</b> Guess you'll have to trust me on this one. :)</div>
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<b>26. Plan and host a surprise party. </b></div>
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<b>27. Save a 12-month emergency fund.</b> People, be real with me. Have YOU ever done this? SO hard! I'll try, but I'm not hopeful... *fingers crossed* </div>
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<b>28. Kiss under a waterfall.</b> I'm knocking this one out on the cruise too. </div>
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<b>29. Go camping.</b></div>
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<b>30. Take a cooking class together.</b> This is sooo never going to happen, ha!</div>
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<b>31. Go to at least one major sporting event.</b> I'm thinking Rio 2016!!! This may be after baby #1 though... </div>
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<b>32. Wear your most expensive clothing as often as possible. </b>I think you have to own expensive clothing to do this.</div>
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<b><strike>33. Take a career risk.</strike></b> Check! </div>
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<b><strike>34. Develop a hobby. </strike></b></div>
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<b>35. Turn your extra bedroom into something fun...before it becomes a nursery.</b> We will plan for both of these items when #2 commences. </div>
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<b>36. Do something outrageously nice for your parents.</b> Isn't giving them grandkids enough? JK Mom!!</div>
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<b>37. Make a list of all of the restaurants and bars you've been meaning to check out--and go.</b> Working on this now.</div>
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<b><strike>38. Savor every minute of alone time. </strike></b>We already do this. For some reason, Luke and I are both hyper sensitive to this time in our lives and are truly loving it being just the two of us. </div>
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<b><strike>39. Enjoy leisurely, boozy Sunday brunches. </strike></b></div>
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<b>40. Fly first class.</b> Bleh, whatev.</div>
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<b>41. Be the last ones to leave the party or the restaurant.</b> This one is hard. Luke and I are old farts sometimes, ha! But we'll try.</div>
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So, that's the list! And I guess it's now my adopted "before baby" bucket list. We've already completed approximately 41% of the list, and I'm thinking that's not bad! Will we check off every to-do before Baby H numero uno? Maybe/maybe not. But I'm excited to try! You know me, Type A, list-making, goal-setting crazy girl over here. :)</div>
Sara Hintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285471576444058309noreply@blogger.com12