July Roundup

I have been a terrible blogger this month. Summertime, what can I say?

Some pretty big news is that we've decided to put our house on the market. We won't be moving far, but we'll be getting a new home and we're excited to be able to pick out our own flooring, counter tops, etc. We spent a couple weekends looking around and Carter was a trooper! We've already started fixing the house up a bit to sell and we're hoping to have it on the market by the end of August/beginning of September.

Carter got a haircut!

We went to a new water park by our house

And of course we had to see the new "Planes" movie

We had a family dinner at the beach complete with smores. It was Carter's first time roasting marshmallows and he was hooked!

A self portrait by my artist

And my last bit of news is that I had my first IUI (interuterine insemination). This pic is us in the elevator on our way to the car following the procedure. We are both very hopeful for this cycle, but also trying to prepare ourselves should it not work. The success rate is about 10-20% for a woman under 35. Sometimes it's still hard to believe that we're at this place, but this journey has showed me parts of myself I didn't know existed (or maybe they didn't until now). And I'm so blessed to have such an amazing partner by my side. Russ is my rock. So at this point we've done all we can this cycle and now we wait. Please send prayers and positive energy our way.

This week we wrap up July and prepare for all that August has in store. My birthday, Russ' birthday, a trip to Vegas and hopefully a positive pregnancy test!

BaubleBar Dupe?!?

Hi Guys! It's Madison! Happy Fashion Friday!

 So recently I have been on a jewelry kick. I just felt that my wardrobe needed some sprucing up and I knew that accessories are always there to help. I decided to jump online and go to BaubleBar.com where they are known for their statement jewelry, custom pieces, and dainty elegant accessories that are unique. I love everything on that site but the prices are a little out of my range.

But no worries for the ladies who are on a budget (aka me) I went to Wal-Mart and there, standing right in front of me was a display of about 20 necklaces that looked like they could have been sold right off BaubleBar. The best part is instead of them being $50 these were $10!!

Now you're probably thinking well are they cheap feeling? Are they not as nice looking? Do they look like little kids jewelry? My answer: No! I went up to look at them and was very surprised that the quality was not “cheap” seeming at all. They have a pretty good amount of weight to them, they are not child sized and when looking through them I honestly did not see any stones coming off any of the pieces. So if you are a jewelry addict like myself I say it is definitely worth your time to go down to your local Wal-Mart and take a look at them! I have bought three and I want to go back and get more! Happy Shopping!!

                                                                               Top:$56
                                                                               Bottom Left:$46
                                                                               Bottom Right: $44

Happy 4th of July

Our day was packed from morning until night. We headed to the parade bright and early (but still hot) to watch my dad walk in it with his church organization! Carter's favorite part was watching the planes fly overhead to signal the start.

We then came back to our house for a bbq and swimming at our friends pool

Russ made some chocolate chip cookies from scratch! Yum!!

And we finished the day off with fireworks and this beautiful view! 

Carter almost fell asleep, but he was a trooper and hung in there!

It was a day of family and being thankful for all of the blessings and opportunities made available to us because we live in the USA!

June Wrap Up/ July Warm Up

I feel like I've been a little MIA lately, so this would be the perfect time for a June wrap up/July warm up. A couple weeks ago we went to the beach for the first time this summer. As always, it was beautiful and relaxing.

Carter went to a birthday party for the son of Russ' work friend. He was one of the youngest there, but that didn't stop him!

I started July off with a new haircut! As Coco Chanel says, "A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life." That feels incredibly true right now because...

...I'm in my two week wait (meaning the two weeks before I can take a pregnancy test). Shockingly, at my CD 11 ultrasound I had two mature follicles! I couldn't believe it! I actually responded to the Letrozole! That night for the first time I took Ovidrel (trigger shot) which forces ovulation within approximately 36 hours. The days are going by slowly, but thankfully I have Carter to keep me distracted.

Plus, when she's not working at Old Navy, Madison has been hanging out with us, helping to keep my mind busy. Yesterday we went to a beach in Corona del Mar called "Little Corona." It has tide pools and small/medium size waves. This was our first time going here and the three of us thought it was pretty cool. 

 And here we already are with July 4th tomorrow! I can't believe how fast time has flown by! I feel like we were just in San Diego celebrating last year! I hope that everyone has a happy and safe Independence Day!