Hiya 2014 ... Happy New Year!!!

I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 

—Philippians 3:12

Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!!! May this be your best year yet!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy New Year's Eve!!!

One of us will make it till midnight ... the other one won't (fingers crossed)!!!

My best girl was sooo cute before we left for our big fancy NYE partay.

Our wedding band was playing and we ALWAYS love an excuse to see them.

My SIL and BIL came too ... it's their wedding band also!!!

I had so much fun with my husband! He is such a riot.

Case in point: he realizes the ball is dropping and SPRINTS, dropping drinks, 

to get back to me for that midnight smooch.

Above was my best imitation of blurred lines. Funnies!!!

Chin chin to 2013, what a fun year.

I still hope the best is yet to come!!!

Xoxo-BLC

2013: Oh What A Year ...

In looking back over the past year, 2013 has been ... 

Best because ... We welcomed Squeak home!!!

Worst because ...  We don't have much to complain about here in TCSK land, although we did walk through some valleys with dear friends. :(

Colorful because ... Miss Squeak adds the MOST color to our lives. Stewart keeps it FUN too.

Adventurous because ... We traveled to ...

Telluride, Colorado

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Edisto Island, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Palm Beach, Florida

Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Weiss Lake, Alabama   

Rome, Georgia

Highlands, North Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina

Unexpected because ...  I did not expect to be preggo in 2013. I had a weird number thing about having a baby in an odd year ... that is clearly gone wayside now.

Fashionable because ... We made a trip to Palm Beach ... Land of ALL THINGS LILLY!!

Sporty because ... Stewart lives to run/walk/wog ... and that was about the only exercise I encountered will preggo. Also, Duke AND Clemson were invited to bowl games. OH MY!!!

Educational because ... I learned a TON professionally. I am loving being a working mom but it is a lot to juggle. So, again, working as an attorney has taught me more law and Bible Study taught me more grace.

Unforgettable because ... I did not anticipate being MORE in love with my husband and loving Squeak THIS much. Stewbaby still holds a special place in my heart too. My heart has grown so much. I have an a-m-a-z-i-n-g family and very step of this year I walked with my husband, the love of my life, by my side. :)

Many thanks visiting TCSK, now and throughout the last year. Wishing you a yours a memorable 2013 and all the best in 2014!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen this. If not, shame on you - follow along at thecompanyshekeeps and here is what you missed of 2013:

Happy FOUR Months!!!

Say it ain't so ... Squeak is FOUR months!?! Time is FULL speed FLYING by. It's unreal and I am loving every blink and every minute. I didn't think it was possible, but she is even MORE fun than before. My baby book said month four is the "golden age" because the baby is still stationary but so interactive. Squeak has better control of her head. She can lift her feet up and touch them. She coos, squeals, and LAUGHS --- heartmelter!!! Her smile gets me every time. She can roll but still is not a fan of tummy time. We still have a tiny bald spot but hear that clears up soon. Ha! I nursed while on maternity leave, pumped some when I returned to work, and we have fiiinally transitioned complete to 100% formula. She did just fine and is getting the cutest chunky monkey rolls. We are beyond thankful that she is our baby girl and we LOVE her more than words. Xoxo-BLC #thesqueakmonthly

Little Prayers for My Little

A few verses that I pray for sweet baby Squeak:

For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lordlooks at the heart. —1 Samuel 16:7

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. —3 John 4

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. —2 Peter 3:18

Puleaze share: do you have a favorite verse you pray for your sweet baby?!?

Xoxo-BLC

Merry Christmas!!!

Today is magical because I believe, 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (KJV).

I am wishing you and yours a happy, happy and a very merry, merry Christmas!!! Enjoy this day. Xoxo-BLC

Merriment

This is our first Christmas at home and what FUN. 

We attended OUR church's Christmas Eve Service.

 Followed by a cozy night waiting for Santa Baby ...

Stewbaby is such a good guard dog but even he didn't hear Santa!

Wink wink, and I hope Santa is good to YOU this year.

Xoxo-BLC

Merry Merry

Wishing you and yours ...

... loads of merriment and happiness this Christmas.

Much love from my best girl and boy to you and yours!!! Xoxo-BLC

The Best Gift

"To your friend, the gift of loyalty; to your enemy, the gift of forgiveness; to your child, the gift of good example; to your parents, the gift of gratitude and devotion; to your mate, the gift of love and faithfulness; to all men and women, the gift of love; to God, the gift of your life."

Three years ago today I lost my stepdad to cancer. The space in time as given me more strength to talk about it. The one thing I wish most is just one more day with him. He was so funny and fun to be with. He had a way with people - he could make a baby giggle or a timid animal come near. My stepdad did give me the best gift: the gift of a good example. I hope to be the same to Squeak. This loss makes me focus on being better: a better friend, more grateful, more devoted, a better wife, and giving my life fully to the Lord. I miss my stepdad more than I ever anticipated - and I hate that. It makes me more grateful and value the company in my life. I am so thankful for the peace, joy, and comfort that comes from the Lord. I am beyond thankful for my stepdads unconditional love and the time we did have and I sooo look forward to seeing him again in heaven. If you have lost a loved one this year or recently, know that I am lifting you up in my prayers. Peace to you and yours!!! Xoxo-BLC

#SADface

If you have read The Company She Keeps for any amount of time, you will know this: Sheridan French is one of my favorite designers!!! I am so sad, yet proud of her, for closing up shop. I think one reason I loved her line so much is that she was following her dream and passion. And I think that is why I am so proud of her: that dream and passion has shifted ... shifted to her sweet babies and family. I totally understand ALL of that and wish her ALL the best. Work can wait. Wishing her loads of fun in this next chapter!!! Xoxo-BLC

Shake it Up

Squeak has the chubbiest, cutiest tight fists. She looooves rattles and can grip them and shake shake shake.

Xoxo-BLC

Celebration of the Nativity

Squeak was in her first ever Christmas Celebration!!! All the kiddos were beyond precious and it was so much fun to see. The four year olds shouting the songs had me in stitches. This holiday season is so short and it feels like a whirlwind. I am so thankful for this moment to sit still and enter into the holiday cheer. It is certain to be the best Christmas yet and we are so excited to share Jesus's birth with sweet baby Squeak!!! Xoxo-BLC

Babyface

I just love this babyface!!!

Squeak has the BIGGEST, wide, open mouth smile that melts my heart. 

She laughed for the first time and oh-my-word there isn't anything cuter.

Xoxo-BLC

Squeak + Stewart = ♥

 Just a little Squeak + Stewart photolove!!! Xoxo-BLC

Follow the Son

I flipped my Lilly Pulitzer day planner to December and just look at the misprint!!! It's not follow the sun ... it's follow the Son of Man. :)

Xoxo-BLC

Dear Santa Claus ...

"Dear Santa,

I've heard a lot about you and it's great to fiiiinally meet you.

Thanks for reading me that sweet Christmas book. 

All I really want for Christmas ... is everything.

Xoxo, Baby Squeak"

DYIIIIING of cute overload from her Santa Claus pictures from school!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Thumb Down

I hate to be a spoilsport, but I can't believe we lost. AGAIN! I have never ever been to the Clemson v. South Carolina game in all my years. This year my sister encouraged us to go and I am so glad she did. Squeak stayed with my sister and youngest nephew while my oldest nephew, BIL, and husband went to the game. It was a lot of fun - despite the BIG loss. And, I'm still bitter that my nephews are South Carolina fans ... there is still hope to turn them into Tigers, right!?! Xoxo-BLC

Thank + FULL ♥ ♥ ♥

We spent Thanksgiving at my in-law's casa this year.

It's a short trip and his WHOLE family was there. It was SOOO much fun. 

 I've never been so thankful, grateful, and just plain FULL in all my life.

This little family has my heart and I so appreciative for ALL our blessings.

Xoxo-BLC

PS: Real Simple had this quote by Henry David Thoreau: "I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite - only a sense of existence."
PSS: My lovely pop collar top is from Devon Baer!!!
It's so comfy and easy peasy to wear - fancified or causal. :)

Three Months

 Little Miss Squeak is THREE months and I can hardly believe it. She is beyond precious and SOOO much fun. I wake her up on the weekdays and she has the BIGGEST smile each morning. It just makes my day everrry day. She is sleeping through the night consistently. Squeak survived her first baby cold (booo day care germs). She has more control of her head but hates that tummy time. She has rolled over twice ... maybe more by Christmas!!! Time is just flying and we love our peanut to the moon and back. Xoxo-BLC #thesqueakmonthly

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I think Lilly says it best above ... wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving Day!!! It is time to give thanks and be glad it in. I am very thankful for a wonderful family, entertaining friends, good times, and YOU, friends of TCSK!!!  

Our family celebration requires tryptophan hangovers and breaking out the fat pants. I had my cake (and turkey, and pie, and stuffing) and ate it too!!! Time to run in a Turkey Trot, watch the Macy's Parade, and, of course eat, drink, and be merry. What are you thankful for today??? Enjoy!!! Xoxo-BLC

Thanksgiving Thinspiration

Over-indulge at Thanksgiving? Me? I would never ... 

Just as a precautionary measure, a little pre-Thanksmas thinspiration is in order.

I think I can manage Mary Phillips balanced diet!!! 

I am going to keep the fat pants close by, just in case. :)
Xoxo-BLC

Miss Squeak's FORMAL Baby Announcement!!!

I just love love love Miss Squeak's formal baby announcement!!! Believe it or not, my husband snapped this picture with our rebel camera and we just knew it was THE perfect picture of her. She was three weeks old and had just smiled for the first time!!! I've never fretted over a card so much, but I love the way it turned out ... it's very Miss Squeak!!! She is the BIGGEST blessing to us and our lives. We are sooo thrilled to announce Miss Squeak. Xoxo-BLC

Happy Monday

It's play time ...

 ... and it wouldn't be complete without a photo-bomb-kiss from Stewbaby!!!

Happy Monday Ya'll!!! Xoxo-BLC

Wedding Bells

A childhood friend of my husband had a wedding in their hometown and we just couldn't miss it.

Our first dogsitter watched Squeak at my in-law's casa and I knew she was in good hands for the night.

We had such a fun time dressing up, getting out, seeing old friendly faces, spending time with my SIL/BIL/in-laws, and just cutting loose. Cheers to the newlyweds love, laughter, and happily ever after!!! Xoxo-BLC

TCSK II S-A-L-E

I'm tired of looking at these pretties that still don't fit post-baby ...

It's the most epic closet clean out on TCSK II.

Mostly Lilly and sizes range from XS-12.

Happy Shopping!!!

Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you need the link to jump to TCSK II, click ------->

or paste this link: http://theclothesshekept.blogspot.com

Matchy-Matchy

Sometimes I can't help it and we just coordinate our outfits ...

 ... feel free to stop me when we sport matching jumpers ...

... until then, we may or may not be matchy-matchy!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Sleeping Through the Night ...

It's official, Miss Squeak found her thumb and it has been wonderful.

Her thumb trumps a pacifier and has helped with sleeping through the night!!!

 As we transitioned from an early-morning feeding to sleeping through the night,

her thumb was the perfect snack to tide her over and soothe her.

Look at the BIG smile and wild hair!!! I couldn't help snapping this picture. 

She is the BEST wake up call every morning. 

Week 9ish was our magic week of sleeping through the night.

Fingers crossed it continues!!! Xoxo-BLC