5 Tips For Your First Pregnancy

1. Be a yes person- Pretty soon life will very much change. It is in such a great way but things might be more challenging than before. Go see a movie, get a pedicure, see your friends and go on date nights. Be a Yes person because life will halt for a bit after your baby.

2. Sleep-Sleep-Sleep- I remember my sister in law giving me this advice when I was pregnant. She said sleep while you can. Let me add to this--sleep while you can and don't feel lazy about it! Seriously- your body will appreciate all the extra rest.

3. Workout- You will never regret working out. It will prepare your body for delivery but you will totally thank yourself after you have your sweet baby. I tried to workout all the way through my pregnancy and I really feel that's part of the reason my weight came off so quickly.

4. Ignore the Haters- Everyone has their own unique birth/baby story and some of them aren't so good. Don't let someone scare you or get you down about your baby. This is YOUR story. This is YOUR baby. This is YOUR family. You can make it what you want. I encourage you to stay optimistic.

5. Mentally Prepare- With that being said I do think it is best to mentally prepare for the hardships ahead. Having a baby for the first time really is such a game changer. My husband would always say how nervous he was about life with a baby. I always blew him off. The problem is nothing is perfect and I had a huge adjustment to overcome.  Accepting the fact that yes there will be alot of sleepless nights and yes it will be challenging will help you not loose it in the process.


Having a baby is the best thing I have ever done. I love my son and can't imagine not experiencing this love and wholeness. The baby stage lasts for such a short time. Cherish everyday.Congratulations on your first pregnancy it is such a beautiful crazy ride!

Any other moms have advice to share?

Friday Favorites- Feeding Edition

Starting your baby on solids? I have made so many awesome mom friends since having Hayden. On top of the support, play dates and knowledge I gain from them-- we also share our love for products. So I have decided to do a Friday Favs and post some of these items that we are all loving.

1. Aden and Anais Burpy Bib- as if the blankets weren't awesome enough these bibs are fantastic. As any new mom knows babies get food Everywhere. I try my hardest to keep him clean but it is impossible. These totally help with that. They are so big that they cover the majority of him-- so we can narrow down 10 outfit changes to 3--give or take. Also super soft and work as great burp clothes.

2. Fresh Food Feeder- these allow the lit toot to feed himself. I can just chop a banana and voila. Also great for teething as you can freeze breast milk or fruit and they can chew on it.

3. Boon Highchair- this sucker is awesome. Super cute-obviously but very easy to clean. Which again babies get food everywhere. Also easy to move around and doesn't take up a ton of space. Which is great since you have so much baby crap everywhere.

4. Munchkin Sippy Cup- the straw is super easy for him to use and it is weighted. This means that he can topple this sucker anywhere and nothing will fall out--including the straw.

5. Freezer food tray set- this is great to freeze homemade baby food in. They are easily stackable so they don't take up a ton of room in your freezer, come with labels and are microwave/dishwasher safe.

6. 201 baby purees- this book is awesome. Has a great introduction that describes how to pick healthy wholesome food for you baby. Great recipes and instructions.

It's a Texas thang yall- Bluebonnet pics

Bluebonnet Pics-- obviously we have to do these every year. The last one is one of my favs haha

Mother's Day Gifts

Hey hubby look over here! I have made it easy for ya. Just buy me any/all of these.

1. DessiDesigns phone case- this is so cute! and since having my son I drop my phone about 100 times a day--I definitely could use a new cover.

2. Jcrew sweater- love the spring color and all of their comfy sweaters.

3. Lush Cosmetics Rose Bomb- anything lush is great by me. All natural, healthy and the rose scent is so nice.

4. Alari Design stacking rings- these are so feminine, dainty and personal.

5. Pottery Barn slippers- my mom got these for Christmas and they are seriously the most comfortable slippers ever.

6. Voluspa Candle- these candles just flat out smell wonderful.

Healthy Meal Monday- Homemade oat/cereal bars

Looking for a healthy easy homemade oat bar? This recipe is just too good not to share. I make these  when I need a snack or something sweet. They are seriously so good and are so easy to make!

Combine all ingredients listed below and press into bars or balls. Then refrigerate. They last about a week but I dare you to try and let them last that long. Enjoy!

You are 6 months old?!

People always say it will go by so fast. While yes there are some days I feel this way most days no. I think time is just so sweet and precious and I know that one day I will wake up wishing I could go back.

When you were 2 months old my dad introduced you at his church. My mom wanted to take you to the oldest women's Bible Study class. It was the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed and will never forget. The joy and light that you brought to these ladies eyes was amazing. They just wanted to touch your foot and just stare at you. So tender so much love and they didn't even know you.

I have to think that they were once mothers and you somehow brought back those emotions to them. It made me appreciate you so much more and remember this is such a precious fleeting time.

So I decided to cherish everyday (some days it's simply impossible ;)) You didn't sleep through the night (well you actually still wake up once) until here recently. I started from when you were little singing Amazing Grace to help you go to sleep. I realized what a precious time it is to be the only one that can really soothe and comfort you. I hold you a little longer and tighter when you are in my arms during those late night feedings.

I love to just stare at you, watching you learn and play. I love your little fat rolls and sweet soft skin. I love to rub lotion on you and see you move your little pop belly around before putting you in your jammies. I love when I am breastfeeding and you look right into my eyes and smile with so much love.

I so cherish you Hayden and am so blessed to have loved on you for 6 months. I love being your mom and just want to remind myself to cherish these precious moments. So when I am in the "oldest" women's Bible Study class I can have the same light in my eyes for a baby remembering you and our sweet times.

I love you my precious angel!

Newborn Photos

My sweet boy Hayden Davis Franks was born 9/19/14 weighing 5 lbs 1.6 ounces and 18 inches. He had to come a month early via c-section due to growth restriction but luckily didn't have to spend any time in the niccu. I took his newborn pics myself and while they may not be professional quality I love them.

Maternity Photos

So in case your'e not from Texas. It gets HOT. I mean really dang hot and in houston it's sinfully humid so it is aweful. Taking pregnancy photos--ewww so gross. So I talked my husband into waking up super early and taking these photos with me. Luckily the photographer-- Juliana was awesome, so fun and she was actually really pregnant too. We ended up having a great time and got some shots that I will cherish forever. Here are just a few. Don't worry I will only post one of my big ole belly.

So if your in the Houston area, want someone really well price who will make you very comfortable and will become your best friend.... here is her info: http://www.julianaevansphotography.com/

Baby Shower in Dallas

This was my second shower and it was so special to me. All of my longtime friends and family were there. It was at the coolest place called The Gather in downtown Mckinney. The sweetest little location. If you haven't been there you should go check it out. There was so many unique things to this shower from the games to the decor.

My friends came up with 20 questions about babies. They called Taylor and had him answer all the questions. They then had me answer on the spot in front of people. Under 20 chairs were taped Taylor's answer. They would have the guest read his answers out loud. And then the guests would say who they think got it right. I guess it helps that my husband is ridiculous and really funny!

The decor was awesome! She incorporated deer heads into everything because she knew I was using that in the nursery. She also had these cardboard pictures of Taylor and I as kids made to show what our baby could look like!

The take aways were candy apples and custom scented candles. Man these people made out good.

Baby Shower in Houston

Ok first off my friends rocked it.. I mean my showers were seriously amazing. I was so blown away! My first shower was in Houston with about 20 ladies all who I adore. It was at one of my friends homes in the Heights and she killed it! It doesn't hurt that her home is absolutely gorgeous. I want to steal it.. Here are a few pics.

Some of my favorites-- the mimosa bar, guests made baby block section and candy take-
aways!