THE Dress

I have a thing for clothes. Especially special occasion clothing. I think a dress can make an event. 

Baby Squeak's Baptism was quite an event. I have never been so excited.

I knew THE dress needed to be perfect. Baptism at our church are so sweet and gorgeous.

A sweet friend gifted us the day gown above. 

Squeak sported this en route to the church and to her brunch afterwards.

For her sweet baptism, she sported this precious gown by Embroidered Heirlooms.

I had the TOUGHEST time picking out just one. Jane was beyond helpful picking THE dress.

Picking between batiste and silk was my first battle. I finally decided on silk. It's winter! And it reminded me of my wedding dress. It's formal yet simplistic and chic. The lace just wasn't sitting right with me and this gown sold me with the PINK ribbon. And the ribbon is changeable. I was tempted to put a pink cross (or monogram!) on the front chest, but I resisted. I had Janet put a white ribbon in just in case we wanted to use this for a boy one day. THE dress fit Baby Squeak perrrrfectly and she could not have been any cuter!!! Xoxo-BLC

Fruits and Veggies

Did someone say BANANAS!?!?!

 At our four month check up, the doctor gave us the green light to introduce fruits and veggies. Squeak isn't a BIG eater, but she is a pretty good eater. She has consistently gained weight and been a healthy baby - we are so thankful and blessed about this. She isn't so sure about the spoon and the colorful food, but we are still trying. We started with sweet potatoes and then bananas. Sweet potatoes were sort of a bust, but bananas bring a lot of excitement! The video shows Gigi feeding her ... and the boys are watching football - ha! Squeak LOVES the TV (we aren't even in the running for parents of the year). Any tricks of the trade to get your baby to eat those yummy fruits and veggies!?! I'm all ears!!! Xoxo-BLC

A Day Well Spent

A college best friend of mine lives in Pennsylvania and we just don't see enough of each other. When she had work plans two hours away, I knew we had to take the day off and visit her. My husband said it best when I told him my plans: "That sounds like a day well spent." I couldn't agree more.

Below is a picture I snapped with I told Squeak our plans. Her expression is TOO cute!!! She is pumped. And poor Stewart. He looks as if he would say: "Wait a minute, I don't get to go!?!"

 This was my first solo-mini-road-trip with Squeak and she did great. She slept most of the way there and back. My parents were en route to visit us and we caught up with them on the interstate. A little family caravan. :) I would definitely take another girls-only-mini-vaca with Squeak and I am so glad this one was our first of many.

 Above is Stella snapping pictures of Squeak. Why didn't we get a group shot!?!

I am just terrible these days at getting pictures.

I think I earned a mom-fail. This was Miss Squeak's first visit to the mothership, i.e. a Lilly Pulitzer storefront, and she wasn't wearing a stitch of Lilly. I KNOW!!! Total mom-fail. I promise she wears her fair share of Lilly!!! :) We had so much fun spending a couple of hours with my college bess fran. We lunched, laughed, hugged, shopped, and made plans to meet up again this Spring. It was definitely a day well spent. Xoxo-BLC

A GOOD day in the life ...

A good day in the life includes:

 ... a walk through the neighborhood.

 A selfie. DUH!!! :)

And a snoozefest. Miss Squeak isn't too much into chores just yet.

Can you blame her!?! Chin chin to a good day every day.

Xoxo-BLC

Impossolutions

Imposs'o'lu-tions: (n.) New Year's Resolutions. Love 'em, hate 'em, and I still make 'em and, sticking with tradition, I am committing to them. I didn't feel "up to impossolutions" in 2013 ... my only goal was to have a baby. :) Drum roll ... here are my 2013 resolutions:

1. Increase my faith. I want to grow closer to God and share my faith more with others. I want to be purposeful about my faith. I also want to be a Godly example for Squeak.

2. Stop eating chocolate every single day.  I blame my 2012 impossolutions for this one. I want to kick my sugar obsession. I don't want to give up sugar ALL together, but I don't want to be a diabetic before I see my 30th birthday. I believe in a healthy balance. 

3. Say I love you more. It never goes out of style when said to the ones we love.

4. Slow down. Life has picked up it's pace quite a bit so I want to slow down, appreciate life, and really enjoy every bit of it. I want to spend as much time as possible with my husband, Squeak, and Stewart.

5. Laugh at more funnies. Bahahahaha!!! Belly laughs are good for the soul. And I'm addicted to Jimmy Fallon so this shouldn't be a problem.

6. Work hard at work and at home. I want to work efficiently, effectively, and give this year my all.
7. Have better posture. If I don't accomplish this soon, I will have to go as the Hunchback of Notre TCSK in circa 2020 for Halloween.

8. Live by example. I want to be a living example of a Godly women, confident inside and out, and living colorfully for baby Squeak.
9. Give more. More of my time, money, and energy to the things that really matter. I want to give up more of what doesn't matter (I'm looking at you RHOwhatever).
10. Travel to ... I want my husband and I to take a trip just because. :)
Xoxo-BLC

Dates, Playdates, and Day Care BFFs

Miss Squeak has had quite the busy social life recently.

From family visiting throughout the holidays, to dates, playdates, 

birthday parties, and day care besties, she is one busy chick.

Above: first date! She must have been a bore because he slept the whole date. :)

 Next: our THIRD playdate!!!

We hosted at our house and it was loads of fun.

I always learn so much from my mom friends ... I don't know what we would do without them!

 Stewart was sooo funny. He sensed something fun was happening and was super excited. Only, he wasn't invited to our playdate (bless his heart), so I put him up and he missed all the festivities. Stewart knew something fun happened and was highly confused the rest of the day!

Lastly, above is Squeak with her day care bestie. Everyone needs a BFF to gossip with, trade secrets, and just plain girl talk. These two peanuts met before they were born and are only a week apart. I hope they always remain friends!!! Xoxo-BLC

Merry New Year!?!

 I love love love Christmas cards. My husband laughs as I r-u-n to the mailbox starting December 1st to retrieve the mail. It's the best way to spread cheer and catch up with our company. 

Just look at these faces littering our fridge --- they make my MONTH!!! 

 I'm a little off my game this year. 

We didn't snap our "card picture" until December 12th (oopsie daisy).

Then the ultimate fail: I didn't order a proof, I just ordered 250.

This is what I ordered:

But they arrived WITHOUT the "merry" and half the verse. WHAT!?!

Minted refunded our mulla but there was no way for them to correct the error before Christmas.

Bah-hum-bug. Soooo our Merry-Christmas-Card is now spreading New-Year-Cheer:

I'm sticking with Tiny Prints next Christmas and I can assure you ...

... our Christmas picture will be snapped WELL in advance. 

Our 2014 cards might even be the first ones you receive. 

Wishing you and yours the BEST new year!!! Xoxo-BLC

♥ Happy Anniversary ♥

It's our fourth wedding anniversary!!!

On this day four years ago, we promised to love, honor, and cherish one another forever.

Our celebration plans: a babysitter for Squeak and dindin just US. What a treat!

I also might-have-sort-of-migggght put on my wedding gown just for kicks ...

I am beyond blessed to have met, fallen in love, and married the love of my life.

He is a Godly example, leader, and lover. I love him more than words.

Cheers to our love, laughter, and happily ever after!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Update ...

I

totally

slipped

on my dress!

And Miss Squeak

LOVED

my veil.

It's hers already. :)

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