Matt and Kara: Pink or Blue?

What can I say? I loooooooove video stories, announcements, surprises...you name it! Eeee! Many of you know my beautiful friend, Kara from her BLOG,"Matt and Kara Adopt" right? Well, if you haven't seen this video already, you need to take a minute and watch! Last Friday we all squealed and screamed as we found out if their sweet baby was going to be a boy or a girl! Kara is due the first week of August. Our babies are going to be summer friends!!!  SO dang exciting! She is a total glow of loveliness and is going to be THE BEST, most amazing mommy ever! Love you Kara and beyond thrilled about this baby sweetness of yours!!!!! 

Stop on by her blog and blow a kiss or two her way! It's going to be a beautiful, wondrous journey to follow!

Enjoy beauties!!!  

Pink or Blue? from Kara on Vimeo.

Letters Of Love: Ink

Another amazing video my guy, Samuel created for us. 

For quite a long time, Sam and I had been throwing around the idea of one day getting matching tattoos that said, "i love him" and "i love her." Neither one of us had ever gotten a tattoo before, so it was kind of a big decision. We thought about it for a couple of years and finally decided we really wanted to do it. The style had to be unique, simple and romantic. Being a girl who has a secret passion for certain styles of tattoo art, I knew what I liked and what I didn't like. I was super attracted to script tattoos that weren't your standard font, but handwritten and a tad messy. I constantly was writing our idea out on paper, on our arms and our wrists with sharpie or ink pens, trying to narrow down placement and size. I was thinking maybe my own handwriting might work? But, I'm pretty critical of anything I sketch or create and knew I wouldn't want to look down at my arm and see my  own penmanship permanently inked there. Once it's there, it's there baby. I'd find something about my handwriting that I'd want to change. When I settled into this realization, the hunt began. 

I've admired the work of  wedding calligrapher Mara, from Neither Snow for a couple of years. She's been featured on all the big wedding blogs. She is seriously just so AMAZING and inspiring.  So, when I found out that she occasionally designs tattoos for clients, I got really excited. Her style was exactly what I had in my mind. It is light and breezy and very unique. I can be on any blog and know when I see Mara's work. Her style makes me feel like Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice who just finished a quickly written love letter or something.  I presented the idea to Sam and he agreed that her style was perfect for us. I contacted Mara and set up a tattoo appointment around the time of our anniversary! Which was the fall of last year. 

We couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out! My left arm now has "i love him" imprinted on it and Sam's has "i love her." We were originally going to have them much smaller but realized the calligraphy wouldn't be as dramatic on a tiny scale. So, Sam decided at the tattoo parlor that we should go big or go home. ha.

My heart is so happy when I look down at my arm. I get little flutters of romantic artsy-ness. We did this because we're crazy and in love. It's one of my favorite things that we've ever done together and will always be a sweet memory of our friendship and the heart romance I share with this guy named Samuel. ;) 

To see a ton more of Mara's calligraphy go to her website, CLICK HERE! 

You know, a couple of weeks after we got these, we found out we were pregnant with baby Windland, who we lost in November. There were moments when I would be grasping for goodness in the middle of confusion. The simple nothing of a tattoo with the words, "i love him" permanently scribbled on my arm would in a small way remind me of love. The love that Sam and I have, even in hard times. I'm always amazed at how things effect my heart in moments when I don't expect them to. Who would have thought a tattoo of all things could do something like that? 

North Carolina Meet Up

Hey beauties, fellow bloggers and loves!

Bekah, over at "My Little Loves" approached me last week about  helping set up a mini blogger meet up on the weekend of March 24 and I LOVE this idea!  It will be held here in the Charlotte area! She already has a sponsor that will be providing treats and such! Yay! I know this is short notice, but for those of you interested, we would love to hear from you! It would be a fun chance to meet, talk about the blogging world and just develop new face-to-face friendships! So, if you are in the North/South Carolina area and want to hang and have some fun, leave a comment or drop one of us a line!

We are finalizing a lot of details, most of which will depend on the feedback we get back from you girls!

Let us know if you want to join! You can RSVP by emailing me at bohobabybump@gmail.com OR on our RSVP page on Facebook click HERE.)

Lots of love!

Jess

Boho Style: 15 Weeks

15 weeks. Wow. The day I marked 12 weeks off my calendar, I was ready to soar to the moon. But, as every week passes, my heart keeps throwing bigger and bigger parties! Now, 15 WEEKS! AH! This is starting to feel real! 

My morning sickness has kinda gotten worse, the past couple of weeks. But, I have tons more energy for the most part. Which, is fabulous. (Not the throwing up part. haha.) I finally am able to get my booty off the couch and do some Pilates, a bit of Yoga and have power walking days with friends at the park. Last week, I got my first sunburn of the year, while soaking up the sun at the park! Do you know how happy that made me!? Ah! Spring/Summer is around the corner! Yay! Those 3 months of laying on the couch from fatigue and morning sickness haven't been too kind on my thighs. Eeek. I've got a couple of months before I head to the beach. Which means, I'm pretty motivated to walk and Yoga away that cellulite before the waves and the sunshine see my bare legs. haha. Lord help me. 

My belly is starting to look more like there's a baby in there instead of too many pints of Ben & Jerry's ice-cream. Especially in the evening, there's no denying I'm a mini human incubator. ;) . haha. I can't wait to really look pregnant, to feel my little sweetness dancing around inside! (It won't be long!) I have felt a few flutters, but no real strong movements yet. Just a couple more weeks until we find out if we are having a boy or  a girl! Eeee! Until then, here's my 15 week self  having a date with my boys in Noda. Noda is the artsy district in my beautiful Charlotte, the Queen City.   

Sweater and Feather Earrings: Urban Outfitters
Top: Free People
Belt: Vintage, Thrifted
Maxi Tank Dress: Target
Boots: Minnetonka 

I lived in my Minnetonka moccasins during my pregnancy with Forest boy-I'm sure this round will be the same. They are the best! I'm hoping to add some ankle Moccasins to my collection this spring!

I have worn this particular outfit several times already in different variations and combinations. It's been so comfortable and flattering on my slowing swelling belly and widening hips. ;) Yay for comfy dresses right!? 

Bracelets are from Israel, my necklace is an old french clock key that I put on a leather cord. 

I'm really excited to see how my bohemian flavored style emerges and evolves with this pregnancy! Chasing around a toddler all day and every day, while puking, definitely puts a set back in my world. Especially when it comes to the priority of getting out of my yoga pants. I'll admit that on most days the yoga pants have won out. But, as the energy and motivation returns to my body and soul, so does the eagerness for my wardrobe. haha. 

Have a great day full of goodness! 

-Jess

Boho Home: Pop of Color

My home, for the most part, has a very light, airy and rustic feel. Lately, I've been craving subtle pops of color. I love simplicity and don't want my peaceful spaces to become cluttered and busy with too many patterns (which is VERY easy for me to do). My living room used to be crammed full of vintage nick knacs, antique books, rich, deep colors and old instruments. I LOVED it that way, but when Káel started to crawl, I decided to change it up, lighten my color palette and simplify. Now, almost 2 years later, I want to compromise and bring a touch of texture and splash of bold color in. I've been gathering inspiration and trying to form some sort of clear direction so that I can start collecting pieces to satisfy my crazy boho soul. 

I have a huge, distressed leather sofa similar to this and am thinking I might love a littler cultured texture like this.
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love those pillows. I need to take a trip to Jerusalem again.
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the colors of my decor in my house, for the most part, looks like this picture and the one below, but without the sea foam green or mustard yellow. I'm thinking I could pick a bold, but semi muted color and paint my dining room chairs for some extra personality.
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This is a tad on the busy side...leaning more toward how I used to decorate, but I just love that crazy patchwork looking curtain used as a room divider. <3
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Friend Week

Today is promising to be a lovely day. On days like this, where my window are open and the outside breezes and sounds fill my house, they are my favorite. I'm more inspired to clean, create and just think. Of course, add to that mix, fuzzy curls on a little hearty boy, running around, conquering the world in just his diaper...my perfection.

I'm 13 weeks pregnant now and starting to feel a bit more energy, which I am so thankful for. My cravings have ranged from Chinese food, a grapefruit obsession, and a desire for bbq that consumed my soul until I stopped and bought the fixings to satisfy it. haha. I feel like I've been way more ravenous with this pregnancy than I was with Káel.

This past week has been friend week for my little Forest friend. Two of his buddies, Oliver and Dash came over to play while their momma, Lauren and I got to talk over a treat of mango sherbet. Then yesterday, we got to go spend the morning with Ndi, Salem and their Momma, Hannah at Discovery Place! It was SO much fun! It's amazing to me, the beautiful conversations you can squeeze in while your kids are running around like little explorers. <3 After that adventure, we hopped on over to Sparrow's house to hang out with her while her Momma, Jessie taught art. We played, had snacks and read countless amounts of books. To top it off, two more of my girl friends stopped by with their little baby girls to play!  So, yes, when I say it was friend week for us...it truly was and is. Today, we are going to the park to have yet ANOTHER amazing day of swing sets, slides and sandboxes with a huge handful of littles and their mommas.

Oliver, Dash and Forest

Sparrow and the Forest boy, chillaxing 

Tillie and Kael

I'm really trying to soak up and enjoy these days with Káel, before our next sweetness joins our family to make it all that much brighter. I know park days will become a little more challenging. And going out for play times will have to be figured out all over again once little boho baby #2 comes. So, as much as I can right now, I'm trying to take advantage of these last months of time with my boy alone. Not in a sad way, but in a seizing the moment kind of a way. :)

And as I say that, the first peek of the sun is making it's way from behind the clouds and I am going to close my computer, do a little sweeping and tidying up before we head out for a day of fun. I hope your day is wonderful.

-Jess

Move Baby, Move

What do you do when you hear that some of your bestest friends on EARTH are moving across the country just to be closer to you? You freak out and have a party right? Well, this happened last week you guys! My parents officially moved from Dallas, Texas to the Carolinas! Permanently! Full time! AH!

Some of you might remember when they lived up here part time when Káel was born. But, they ended up moving back to our native state of Texas after a few months. When they got the news of boho baby #2...it was over. Less than a week later my mom calls me and asks me if we'd be ok with them moving here. (ARE YOU KIDDING!?) She went on about not wanting to butt to much into my life etc....PLEASE!?  My folks are some of my favorite people on this planet and they are truly some of my closest, most bestest friends. I simply couldn't believe it or be more excited at the thought of them moving here for good. When I assured her that it would be the biggest treat ever, she forwarded me several houses she had lined up for me to look at! Haha! My favorite surprise!!!! A few weeks later they decided on a house they loved, packed up their stuff and started the road trip from Dallas to Charlotte!

We met them at their new house as they pulled into town Friday night. Saturday, several of our closest friends, along with Sam and myself helped unload their moving pods and had a fabulous time laughing and welcoming my folks to town. It was so wonderful. I've been over there over the last couple days helping my mom unpack her kitchen etc...it's like a dream. Unpacking plans are on hold now, both my poor folks have had a hard knock of a Charlotte initiation with the nasty stomach bug that has been plaguing the Queen City. Bleh. At least we're close so we can help out a little. :( Soon, everyone will be healthy, and settled and more adventures will unfold! 

They're here!!!!!!!! Yaaaaaay!!!!  

First night in their sweet English Cottage 

Our friends the Webbs and Philip used their muscle to get all the boxes and furniture out of the Pods. :) 

day #2 of unpacking. I was in a Punky Brewster mood. ;) 

Cheers to having those you love close by to enjoy and celebrate the simple moments in life on a daily basis!

-Jess

Links and Such...

Well it sure has been a fun week lovelies! So many sweet comments have been sent our way from faithful followers to new friends and "faces!" Thanks again!

I always enjoy the blog posts that have links and new little corners of the internet for me to explore!  So, I thought I'd link up some blogs and articles I've been enjoying lately. Enjoy!

• Baby style at it's finest! Check out little miss Isabel's first style post! click HERE

• I'm sure you've already seen this, but Miss James' and Aubrey's wedding is one of the most magical weddings I've ever seen! part 1 and part 2 

• Kind of excited about trying some of these maternity threads from Hatch. click HERE

• Exciting new find! Love her jewelry! click HERE

• A fun valentine garland DIY!  click HERE.

• SUPER sweet way to announce if you are having a boy or a girl! The sweetest. Click HERE

• Fun style post on wearing color! click HERE.

• One of my FAVORITE blogs. I think she is so cool. click HERE.

• Really interesting article on French parenting. click HERE

Have a great weekend! I have a FUN and EXCITING surprise to tell you about either later today or tomorrow! Eeee! Until then... ;)

Another Adventure: 11 Weeks

11 week bump. I was going to hold off on posting pics until we got the cute, 'bump photo shoot sessions' that we are planning for the blog. But, what the heck, are you kidding? What's wrong with a little insta-gram action, hmmm? So, I waited until the evening, when my bump is the biggest and clicked that little button. Bam! There it is ladies and gentlemen. (excuse the odd glasses and leaf earrings in my candle holder. I have a toddler who likes to "help" me reorganize my precious belongings. haha) 

Another adventure begins! Can you believe it!? The responses we have received from so many of you have blown us away and literally brought me to happy tears. Thank you SO much for celebrating with us! You have no idea what the simplest shared excitement has done for my heart. This has been an amazing and unique journey for us!

Our new little baby is due around August 25. That puts me around 11 weeks! Does that sound familiar? Yeah....Forest boy's birthday is August 29th! haha! Can you see some mega joint birthday parties in our future!? Oh lord. It'll be fun! I'll just have to up my party planning a bit.  I've been suuuuuuuper sick, throwing up, all day nausea...food is my friend one moment and my enemy the next. Bleh. But, when I feel super gross, I just remind myself this means the baby is doing it's thing, shaking things up and growing good and strong.

Several of our closest friends have known for a few weeks and have been a DREAM of love, joy and support! (I love you guys so much.)  But, I was afraid and hesitant to tell everyone publicly about our news since we lost our baby, Windland, in November. It's been a constant struggle with me. And, in the back of my mind, no matter how excited I get, I'm almost always met with a twinge of fear and a little sadness.  Samuel has helped me realize that my heart begins to let go of fear and starts to flourish when our friends celebrate with us over the addition of a new, happy little soul into our sweet community. Every squeal, or every time one of my girlfriends would bend down and start whispering sweet things to my baby, my heart would lay back and I would allow myself to feel real joy. Sometimes, the best way to protect your heart is to open it to the love of others. For me, this has been the case.  The past 3 weeks my heart has turned around in such a wonderful way. I think it's called healing...   My face is constantly in a smile. (When I'm not puking that is. haha. ) It's time to share! Time to celebrate and party! WE'RE HAVING ANOTHER BAAAABY!!!  I can't wait to meet my new little love and kiss his or her face. Sigh.

I'm working on a post right now that goes into a good amount of detail about the unexpected journey my heart has been on the past 3 months. The challenges, the fears, the anger, the grieving and then throw into that mix the joy of our new baby. I have learned more about my soul, my heart and just myself in general in the last 3 months... more than I ever have in my entire life.

I'm SUPER excited to share our journey with all of you! Thank you so much for following along. So many of you have smiled with me, laughed, cried sad tears and happy tears with me...thank you. I'm expecting so much more of the laughing and happy tears this year!

Let's do this again y'all!!!

-Jess

I had to throw this picture in that Lorean took last week from a day at the park. Myself,  Lorean, Lauren and our little munchkins had a day in the sun. Yes, that is Forest boy at the top of the stairs. My little fearless boy.  I love our babies.


Thank you so much for taking the time to vote for us on Top Baby Blogs last week! We've gotten lots of extra traffic and met many new friends from being on page 1!

"New Morning" (Just a little bit of news) ;)

So much newness going on over here at the Gatlyn bungalow! The past couple of months have been some of the hardest and most wonderful. Out of every hard and dark, stormy night, always comes sunshine and the promise of a new morning. I have to say, this is my absolute FAVORITE video my man Samuel has ever created. :) Here's a peek into our day!

AAAAAAHHH!!!  Yeah, nothing much, just a normal, typical day in our little world. ;) haha! Eeee!!! I look forward to sharing more of my mornings and days ahead with all of you beauties! This journey has been so life changing and heart changing. Let's go on another adventure together shall we!? This August is going to be a busy, exciting baby filled time let me tell ya! 

xox

Jess

....weeping may last through the night but joy always comes in the morning. psalm 30:5

Hey! If you get a chance, it would be so fabulous if you could click the brown box below and send in a vote for our blog! Thanks Loves!