uhm sir, I'm pregnant...

I could have titled this post so many other things, but imagining what my family is thinking while clicking on that made me go with that one.

Family- if you really think I would announce to the world that I was pregnant via my blog before I ever told you, ya cray. No baby is in this belly.

Moving on.

In May of 2011, A and I drove to Austin with my mom for my little sister's (then) boyfriend's graduation from UT. We like to travel, love Austin, love Cory and wanted to spend the weekend with my mom for her birthday. Wins all around.

We got there in time for lunch on Saturday and met Cory's family and my sister at the salt lick for some scrumptious BBQ. Finger lickin good, y'all. There was a break between lunch and graduation, so we did what every girl does when in Austin, went to the domain and shopped our little hearts out. What does this have to do with me being pregnant? Getting there, I promise. I have to properly set the scene.

If you've never been to the commencement ceremony at UT, I suggest you find a reason to go to one. I absolutely hate UT, but I was amazed by the ceremony. Pictures don't do it justice!

After the ceremony we met Cory's parents at their hotel for some drinks and to observe the bats. (Go on the bat tour in Austin!) And then, like the rest of the city, we went to 6th to properly celebrate.

It was packed. I've been plenty of times and even at the biker rally I had never seen that many people out. We got tired of standing around in packed bars, so we went to the iron cactus and someone had the genius idea to order these neon blue frozen concoctions. Except they were mango flavored. And made with everclear.

At one point a bartender came up to me and told me he would have to kick me out if I couldn't sit up. But sir, I was just resting because your stupid drink made my tummy hurt! I remember, clear as day, right when I sat up, I looked to my right and some girl ran into the kitchen and heaved right into the trash can. Did they kick her out? Of course not. Humph.

2 am rolls around and we venture out to find a cab. Along with the rest of the entire city.

3 am rolls around and we are still waiting on a cab. By this point all of us have to pee. That's no problem for the guys...find an alley and do your thing. A bit more complicated for the girls.

It got so bad that I knew I had to find someway to get into a bathroom. I clearly didn't think this out, but it worked. I grabbed my sisters silver ring and put it on my ring finger. Then I ran into this extremely swanky hotel (think Ritz Carlton) where I was, of course, stopped by the door guy.

Door guy: ma'am, only hotel guests are allowed in here.
Me: I'm so sorry, sir. I'm pregnant and my bladder is the size of a pea and my baby could be in danger if I don't pee.

He let me in. I mean, I poofed my stomach out and rubbed my belly and everything! I even planed out what I would say if he asked what in the hell a pregnant lady would be doing out on 6th street at 3 am. I was just being a super nice and supportive sister, sir! What I would have said if he asked me why my toungue was blue and why I reeked of alcohol, I have no clue. Maybe he just thought I was a really mad mother.

This memory resurfaced brought to you by this. Saw it on groupon yesterday. Kid. You. Not.

How do I use it?

GoGirl is easy to use, but standing to go to the bathroom is a new concept for most women. Here are a couple of tips to help you use GoGirl effectively. I suggest trying GoGirl at home, in the shower if possible, to master your technique. With a little practice you can simply unzip your fly and go to the bathroom without having to remove your pants.

How To Hold GoGirl

Correct

The best way to hold GoGirl is by using your thumb and middle finger, stretching from front to back. Because it's made of a medical-grade silicone, it's flexible and works with any body shape. Maintaining a seal on the back-end is key. It's best not to hold GoGirl from side-to-side.
Applying too much pressure on the sides can cause it to collapse, which can break the seal in the back.

shenaniganless

I would write a post about what I did this weekend, but I don't really remember. I feel like I was stuffed inside a box the whole weekend, just drowning in bubble wrap. pop, pop. Plus, A was gone and I lose track of time when it's just me there. Me and 347896 boxes.

I did venture out some. I'm not a complete loser shut-in.

One of A's friend's fiance's birthday was Friday (that's a mouthful!) so I met up with them at a Mexican place downtown to celebrate. He's not the smartest tool in the shed...also downtown this weekend was Fetival International. Which meant that I drove around for 30 minutes trying to find somewhere to park. I finally settled on some guy's yard for $10. Safe, right?

Most restaurants do a dessert for the birthday girl. Not this one. This one handed out shots for everyone at the table (14 people!) and it was free. All free. It made up for the food sucking. And the worst margarita I've ever had in my life.

And then I went home and pretended to pack. Except I had no boxes. So I watched Say Yes to the Dress.

Saturday I woke up determined to get. shit. done. But 7am is too early for that so I went back to sleep until 11 and then got up to conquor the world. That started with me picking up the boxes and bubble wrap from uhaul. And I know I went to Target for something, but all I remember right now is looking at the pretty clothes and being sad that I couldn't buy any. Oh wait! I remember. Strawberries and watermelon. I was feasting AND conquoring the world.

I packed two boxes and called it a win and took a break to go to festival. Not much to report there - saw some bands and felt guilty that I wasn't packing so I went home.

Armed with some wine and Lifetime movies, I got shit done. And yes, I was drinking the wine out of the bottle because I was packing all of the 83758534 wine glasses we own, and I couldn't leave one out just to drink wine. Bottle it was. I also decided that the people who write those movies HAVE to be messed up in the head. But of course I couldn't stop watching.

Sunday I woke up and was packed out. I didn't want to do anything.

But I also didn't want A to think that I sat at home all weekend like a loser and still couldn't manage to get anything done. So I tackled the guest room.

I felt like a champ. Just like JT. (And yes, that is the most amazing gif known to man kind. I can't stop watching it. Slash him. Joey and JC are in the background?)

But now that has all worn off and I'm already stressing out about how much we have left to pack. Mostly the kitchen. HOW DO WE HAVE SO MUCH STUFF? Does one really need a margarita blender and a regular blender? The answer is yes, just not when you are moving. I packed two kitchen boxes and you can't even tell. We better find a really nice house because I'm not doing this again. Well, next time I'll just pay someone to do that actual packing for me, maybe. That sounds nice.

He told me to tell everyone hi. He did not like not getting any attention this weekend, so leave him some love to make him feel better.



mullet tossing

So, Grooveshark recommended that for me this morning. Maybe I've been listening to too much teeny bopper music? Hilary Duff was also on there. I have such great taste in music if you can't tell.
I'm not quite sure how it's already the weekend, but I'm not complaining. Well, maybe I am a bit in my head because I want to spend it crafting but I have to spend it packing. It will be worth it, though!

A left yesterday for Mullet Toss in Gulf Shores, AL. A mullet is a fish and there's a tossing competition - so not the mullet you were thinking of, I am guessing. He's there for a bachelor part and they are taking the mullet literal. When I dropped him off at his friends yesterday, the friend was wearing an American flag shirt, denim vest, flag bandana and had a mustache that went down the sides of his chin. Whatever that is called. I guess we don't have to worry about the ladies wanting our men. Who would want that stache? NOT ME. 
I googled "mullet toss" and I found these little gems. 

And one of a group of women in thong bikinis that should not have been wearing thong bikinis, but your poor eyes don't need to see that. I wanted to find the most ridiculous photos I could so that I can stop being so jealous that is is AT THE BEACH. I hate him.

I'll just be over here throwing things into boxes all weekend long and making my Chi-O quilt. I started the sewing last night and (I may be biased) but it. looks. so. good. I've already told my sister and sister-in-law that I would do theirs next. And then I think I may add t-shirt quilts to my etsy shop! On a scale of 1-10, how much of a nerd does it make me that I want to sit at home and sew all weekend long? Ok maybe you shouldn't answer that.
I am venturing out tonight for a surprise birthday dinner for one of A's friend's fiancé. Can't turn down Mexican food now can I?

wedding wednesday

I waited a while to post this because I wasn't really sure how I could top last week's post. I decided that I couldn't. So I'm keeping it boring this week and showing you the reception details. I'm probably the only person who cares about things like that. Next week will be back to the regular "fun" editions of this.

The whole wedding party rode from the ceremony to the reception in the trolley and our parents went in the limo. We had some champagne in there - looking back I wish I would have had some coolers filled with beer for everyone. Especially because I kept them waiting in the trolley while I was a brat about my train. But everyone got drunk enough at the reception, so we were fine. Also - I look so happy in that first photo, right? No lie - it started POURING two seconds after that picture, so I was annoyed for good reason. Thankfully we were under the walkway right as the rain started. And it's apparently good luck if it rains on your wedding day. Who knew?

As the guests walked in, this was on the right side. They are photos of everyone in our family on their wedding day. Except A's sister because I left the photo in my purse. I still feel so bad about that!! 

It's hard to tell, but in the foyer when the guests first entered the building, there was an archway with leaves. (Vines? I don't know. Something GREEN.) On the left side was a large photo from our engagements and on the right there was a large bridal portrait. But I can't seem to find a photo of that. 

This was to the left when guests walked in. I posted way back when about the platters I made. The "thank you" one was next to the card box and the area to put presents. The other one says "pick your side and sign in" - referring to the sign in books. We found the cutest children's books for UL and LSU about being a future tiger/cajun. We plan on giving them to our kids later on. cue the awwww moment. Right now they are on our bookcase in the living room as decoration. 

The cutest little area where A and I sat and took it all in.

Our toasting glasses. My sweet mom bought them for us when we first got engaged. She knows my love for bows, clearly.

Shoes? Who needs shoes? This shows how much fun we had dancing :)

Whoops, that table runner was a tad on the shorter side. #handsewnprobs

His: The Cajun: tito's vodka + sprite with a cute little pepper in it

Hers: The Texan: Margaritas

These were at each place setting. Copied straight off Pinterest, I'll admit it.

And now my favorite - our cakes. I did not care what anyone told me, I was not going to go all traditional with my cake. I saw this on Pinterest right when we got engaged and I knew it was the cake for me. #sorryimnotsorry, but fondant is DISGUSTING, so I wanted none of that. It was the most delicious almond flavored cake with almond buttercream frosting and cream cheese filling. I cannot wait to dive into that top layer in August. I didn't want a traditional topper, clearly, so I got a wooden monogram and spray painted it silver. For Christmas the year prior, A's parents had given me the salt and pepper shakers. They are mini doxie's in wedding clothing and they kiss. I knew immediately that they HAD to be the bride & groom on our cake.

A's cake is a cooler with some Abita Strawberry. How we found a 6 pack of it in August in Texas, I have no clue. Luck was on our side! The fake ice looked super real, right? He is a crazy UL freak fan, so that's the big logo, and then the fleur de lis are the three most important teams to him - UL, Saints and LSU (it probably killed him to have that on there, but it's important to him because I graduated from LSU.) His cake was carrot cake as that's his favorite - and I heard it was amazing.

We had SO much leftover cake that my parents had to take them to youth group the next night. Lucky kids!

This is just a sneak peak photo for the FUN reception posts. It was the last picture taken before the guests left and I think it shows that we all had a little too much fun. Clearly, since eating leaves isn't a normal thing. 

stress ball city

Remember how I was so excited about moving to Houston? 

I'm still excited, but now that I actually THINK about it...I'm a crazy stressed mess. As in, I may lose my mind. 

Let's examine the months of April/May, shall we?

• April 25-28: A is going on a bachelor party trip to Mullet Toss in Gulf Shores, AL. So that means little ole me has to pack up the whole apartment by myself. Deja vu, my brain says. Why? That's because I had to do this last year, too. A was on a rig and I packed everything up by my lonesome. And this time we have an extra room. Yayyyy!
• May 3-5: I have to go to Jazz Fest. Ok, when I say it like that I bet you don't feel bad for me, huh? It's just not great timing. And I can't cancel because it's a work trip and I have clients coming in. 
• May 9-12: I have my best friend's bachelorette party in Dallas.
• May 13: A's anticipated start date.

How fun, right? The next three weekends we won't have both of us here together to move. We planned these weekends MONTHS ago, so we can't really cancel them now (what am I supposed to do? just NOT go to the bachelorette party as the matron of honor? UHH NO) even if we wanted to. Which we don't. So I'm just going to complain about it. 

Then I called PODS this morning because that's the easiest option. I hung up on the guy when he quoted me $1584.69. THAT INCLUDES NO STORAGE. To store that it would be $250 a month. A swore that I needed to call back because SURELY he meant $150.69, but no, that first number is correct.

The plan now? We are picking up a UHAUL on May 7. Then movers are coming on May 8 to put it all in the UHAUL. Then we are driving it to Houston last night (I'm going to have a panic attack just thinking about A driving that while towing his car) and loading it into a storage unit on May 9. And then I leave that night for Dallas. 

I wish you could all see how many deep breaths I am having to take right now. 

And this all leads to my new series. I'm going to call it:

Adventures in Moving in with Your Parents.

Hi, Mom. You know I love you, but you have to admit that it's going to make for some great blog posts. Now let's all think some positive thoughts and say some prayers that we find a house fast. The market in the area we want to be in is SUPER hot right now, so I'm worried. But I worry about everything sooooo yea.

And that's this week's edition of how much can Kaitlyn complain about something she's actually really excited about? We all know that answer is a lot. A LOT.

at least we aren't the marlins

This weekend was all sorts of fabulous. Mainly because we woke up on Friday with the news that we were moving to Houston. And so I did a happy dance all weekend long. And got home to this text from my sister. (I probably annoy you all with how much I talk about her. She just needs to get her own blog. When she becomes a stay at home mom I will make her.)

Reid gives the sweetest kisses.



After we got the good news (oh and thanks to you all for the congrats and good wishes! we are so excited) we decided we needed to celebrate.

We met my friend Haylie and her boytoy (that sounds more fun than boyfriend) at BJs. We hadn't been in a while and it's always fun to get a pizookie!

Above:

1. Mac and cheese. At Jus Mac. Lifechanging, people. Go to the heights and get some, like yesterday.

2. Started my Chi-O t-shirt quilt! It's taking way longer than I thought but I am so excited :)

3. Hands down the BEST skinny-rita I have ever had in my entire life. Who knew? At BJs! Seriously - I could have had 10. A would have loved that, tequila makes me insane. Ha.

4. Said pizookie. Oreo. GIMMIE.

On Saturday we drove around Houston to see where we wanted to buy. As soon as we drove out to the burbs we knocked that off the list. We will for sure move out there once we have kids, but it's just too far right now. So inside the loop we will go! Wish us luck through this process, I hear it's no fun. When we finished that, we decided to be super aunt and uncle and make super bubbles with Reid - the kid is obsessed. Unfortunately they didn't work out...but Reid still had a BLAST. We got back from the park and he smelled so fresh and clean from all the soap. next time we will achieve greatness! I promise.

And then it was time for the much anticipated blate! But it is no lobger a blate, it's just a fun time out with a great friend :) Right, Ashley?

We may have left the game early while we were down 19-6...but we had TOO MUCH FUN.

1. Roof open. The perfect weather!

2. We were on the big screen and didn't realize because we were so caught up in conversation! It was really depressing. Next time we will document this!!

3. Home run train! Odd that we got to see this twice for such a crappy game.

4. Orbit! But I miss the rabit.

5. No, YOU ate that foot long hot dog...

6. The MOST awkward proposal I have ever seen in my entire life. He put the ring on the wrong hand...that poor girl.

7. Passed out pat! He sat there for the entire game like that. And the little kid behind him kept trying to wake him up.

8. I lied when I said the whole game. He woke up! ALSO - it was nighttime, AKA no sunglasses needed you idiot.

9. I don't like the clear one so I am showing you the blurry one. :) We had SO much fun and I am so happy that I will be super close to her now. Yay Houston!!

Sunday we had lunch at my parent's house for my dad's birthday and my sister and brother's birthday. (twins!) Reid had to blow out everyone's cupcakes himself. And then light my dad's five more times and blow it out again. And then he had a mini-meltdown because he's approaching two and that's what they do at that age. Good thing he's adorable! And ADD. He can be crying but if you ask him what sound a rooster makes he will laugh and say "cockadooooo!" Oh how I love that kid!

Now I'm going back online to continue my house search. I might be a TAD obsessed.

happy news

Happy news on here, that is. On the real news (which we can't turn off), it's not happy. A town on lockdown. Police officers down. A small tight-knit town in Texas recovering from a deadly explosion. But as I said on Tuesday, I am choosing to remain happy. I won't let these events get me down and depressed. 

Throwing it back here y'all. I remember walking down the aisle at a dance recital to this song when I was 5. So yea, OLD SCHOOL. For two reasons:
1. It's fitting this week, I think. We're all proud. And we all should be. 
2. There's a line in the song: "from Detroit down to Houston..." Why Houston? Well if you've been reading this long enough, you know that I was born and raised in Houston and moved to Baton Rouge for college. A and I currently live in Lafayette. This is where the real happy news comes in. This morning A was offered a job in Houston. How excited are we?

That excited. I've talked to my close bloggy friends about this a TON recently and they know how huge this is for us. 
I LOVE Lafayette, don't get me wrong. If A got an offer there we would have been excited to be able to buy a house and make a home. His family is there and it's a great city. The culture and people are amazing! If we end up back there one day, we would not be sad about it.
But Houston has always been on the radar because he's in the petroleum engineering field and most of the big oil companies are either HQ'd in Houston or have major offices here. And of course, I am from Houston. My entire family is here. My cute little precious nephew is here. There's a good chance that A's brother and his sister and her husband might end up here one day, too. 
We will find out this afternoon when his official start date is, but it will likely be a fast move. As in, putting everything we own into a pod and then moving in with my parents for a while. It's a good thing my parents are really fun people! There will be lots of driving around during rush hour to see what areas aren't as bad of a commute to find out where we want to live. Oh yea - and starting the house hunting process ALL over again. Just when we found the neighborhood we wanted live in Lafayette! But it's all worth it. All of it.
If I catch myself complaining about any of this, I'm going to come back and read this post. We are so blessed! Thanks to those who knew of the interview for the prayers. They worked!! 

brought to you by screenshot

Sometimes I get ideas for these fantastic posts but I'm too ADD to remember them 5 minutes later. Which is a problem on days like today when I have nothing to write about. BUT then I remembered that sometimes I take screenshots on my phone of interesting things to talk about. So today I bring you 5 of those little gems for your enjoyment. 

Also - if you read yesterday's post, go back and read my sister's comment. It's golden. And if you didn't read it, do read them both. Duh.

OK so this one isn't a screen shot, but I totally forgot it was on my phone. This is genius and I'm making them for every party I throw in the future. 

You know when you get on instagram and end up on a photo of a friend of a friend of a friend's sister? And have no clue how you got there? This is one of those. Holy diamond, right? From what I deduced, this girl is a junior in college. Homeboy's daddy has got some monayyyy. And now is where I hope and pray that none of you know this girl.

I could entertain myself for HOURS with the comments on the celeb's accounts. WELL OKAY THERE corn_hat, tell us how you really feel. 

I just can't even believe that this exists. I could not think of anything more disgusting if I tried.

First off, yes. I follow Sophia Lucia. And all the Dance Mom's girls. This picture made me (almost) unfollow her. She's like 8 years old. She got a $500 purse and her response? #finally. IS THAT A JOKE? Please tell me that is a joke. The closest I ever got to an LV was the $20 one I bartered down to $5 in Greece. He even lit it on fire to show me that it was "real." HA. 

And for your viewing pleasure, here's a video of my nephew playing baseball. Kids got talent. And he told me he loved me this morning. I'm not going to be able to stop talking about that for a few days. #sorryimnotsorry