RAISING THE LITTLE BARR'S

Our Unique Guestbook {from GuestbookStore.com}

Charlene3 Comments
When planning our wedding, I had so many visions in my head of what I wanted and how I was expecting everything to look. And then when I realized I hadn't thought of some of the smaller details, like the guestbook, cake topper, etc., I had to jump on those to cross them off of my last-minute to-do list. With that being the case, it didn't leave me much time to come up with something creative and unique for our guestbook. I had seen these personalized books being talked about on Wedding Bee, but since I waited until the last minute, I didn't get around to it {Insert sad face here!} And since much of my traffic comes from the Wedding Bee site, I thought I'd offer the wise suggestion to order a personalized guestbook from the Guestbook Store.

guestbook store guestbook review
How adorable is this?

We used this guestbook for our baby shower, and absolutely love that we now have it to look back on, and share with our baby girl one day. So I can't imagine how great it would be to have this to look back on from our wedding day, as opposed to the traditional 'sign your name here' guestbook approach.

unique guestbook ideas

personalized wedding or special occasion guestbook from guestbookstore.com

The pages were set out on the table that guests were greeted by as they arrived. The pages were set out individually, so each person could fill it out as they felt like it. Some did it right away and some waited until the end.

personalized guestbook ideas

And the Guestbook Store pens? They were a hit. Some people just get overly excited about 4 different colors on one pen! But who can blame them?! My cousin even came over after the shower and caught glimpse of the pens, and took home about 4 or 5 to use for Fantasy Football notes or something of the like... :) They definitely gave the guests a reason to make each page CUTE!

how to set up guestbook store guestbook

guests loved the guestbookstore.com guestbook

As each guest finished sporadically, they would insert their page into the super cute album. {Which, by the way, you get to choose the album cover from a wide range of options -- I chose 'Baby Talk', but equally loved 'Zoo Critters'} And throughout the entire shower, I'd catch people sneaking a peek at the book and checking out what advice others had to offer us.

the guestbook store personalized guestbooks

What I love about this guestbook is the idea that it encourages guests to offer special and unique wishes, words of wisdom, and even fun little predictions. I don't know how many times I've stared at a blank page and wondered, "Hmm..what should I write?"
This gives guests ample opportunity to fork out their best advice in a nice or funny way. They can choose which way to go with it :)

i.e., the 'Drive your parents crazy' piece of advice...not necessarily the 'nice' approach!
unique wedding or shower guestbook ideas

And perhaps one of my favoriteee additions to this unique guestbook? The page for the invitation, AND several pages to list your gifts!! Not quite sure why these excite me so much..but, before even receiving this book, I had the intention of adhering the invitation to the inside front cover of the book. Then, to my surprise, a special little page, just for that :)

the guestbookstore wedding guestbook ideas; baby shower guestbook ideas

And this way baby girl can always look back to see who got her those favorite attachment items! And well, helllllo helpfulness for writing thank-you notes!!

creative guestbook ideas
Thank you, Aruanda, for filling this part out :)

As you can tell, I've been thrilled about this guestbook and I'm excited to always have it! Baby girl will have fun one day looking back on these special messages, and it will always bring me back to the special day and memories that this shower brought.

the guestbook store reviews; guestbookstore.com reviews

You can order one of these sweet little books for all sorts of occasions {weddings, wedding showers, baby showers, anniversaries, birthdays, lodging, memorials, graduations, retirements, reunions, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc.} so if you're looking for a way for your guests to have this much fun while signing your guestbook, head on over to the Guestbook Store {www.guestbookstore.com}, and then toss in a bottle of champagne, wine, or cocktails, and they're bound to throw some fun messages your way!

33 weeks!

Charlene1 Comment
Happy, Happy Fall!! It's beginning to truly feel like Fall around these parts -- with a high of around 80 and a low of 49 yesterday, it was officially our first 'windows-open' kind of day.  And let me tell you, it was beautiful! We got a lot done around the house and are starting to get a bit more prepared for baby girl's arrival. We still have a few things to buy, which hopefully will happen within the next week! Aside from that, I'm excited to take advantage of this beautiful weather by getting outside more, making crock-pot meals, and just getting excited for all the festivities that come along with Fall. Woohoooo!

33 weeks!
33 weeks littlebabygarvin inspired chalkboard tracker; 33 weeks pregnancy chalkboard
  • How far along?: 33 weeks, 4 days
  • Baby is the size of a: Durian....{whatever that is}

  • Total weight gain/loss: +21/22 ..it goes back and forth the past few days
  • The Bump: The bump is making it a bit more uncomfortable to roll over in bed! Or get out of bed/off the couch for that matter. And it's only going to get worse from here ;)
  • Symptoms: Frequent urination. Just like the 1st trimester days. Things are getting a bit cramped in there! So I'm up multiple times throughout the night.
  • Food Cravings: Nothing in particular, but I do feel like I've been hungrier. But then I get full real quick.
  • Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: If I get too full from eating, I feel veryyy uncomfortable for the next hour or two.
  • Sleep: Sleep has not been happening too well this past week! The other night, I woke up at 3:30 am to go to the bathroom, and that was that. I was up for the rest of the day, no matter how much I tried to go back to sleep. Most other days, I wake up around 5:30 when J leaves and I'm up for good.
  • What I miss: I guess nothing in particular!
  • Weddings Rings On or Off: They are off :( My semi-swollen fingers can't fit my size 4 rings! Boo.
  • Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes, actually, this came very easy for us contrary to what everyone told us about picking out names...but you'll just have to wait ;)
  • Gender: Baby Barr is a girl! :)
  • Movement: She's been very active this past week and I've loved it. And she has had lots of episodes of hiccups!
  • Maternity Clothes: I pretty much wear the same things every few days! The wardrobe may begin changing as the weather does, though.
  • Labor Signs: N/A
  • Best Moment of the Week: Unpacking all of baby girl's new stuff. We are starting to picture what it'll be like to really have a baby in there!
  • What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Meeting her in 3 1/2 to 6 1/2 weeks!! Crazy. {3 1/2 weeks until full-term}

Hope you are enjoying the start of Fall!! Time to bust out the pumpkin scented candles and soak up the start of the season {my favorite season} -- Enjoy!



    My "Ready to Pop" Themed Baby Shower!

    Charlene6 Comments
    Why yes, I am 'ready to pop'!....in about 6 1/2 weeks :) My sister knows just how much of a popcorn enthusiast I am, which is why she was inspired to go with a "Ready to Pop" baby shower theme for me. How appropriate! And well, I loved it! Check out these creative ideas... (from someone who swears she doesn't have a creative bone in her body..)

    {the details}

    Ready to pop baby shower theme; baby shower theme ideas
    Loved this table of goodies, all "pop" related, decorated beautifully


    ready to pop shower
    To the right was the table guests were greeted by when they walked in. {A memory plate to sign, game gifts, a 'ready to pop' photo of me, individual pages for each guest to fill out for my super cute guestbook from The Guestbook Store ((more on this to come)), and a photo book filled with photos from my blog of my pregnancy!}

    pregnancy chalkboard tracker book
    Photo book filled with my chalkboard photos :) Get to see page by page how the belly has grown each week.  I love that my sister put this together for me!

    the guestbook store guestbook review; diy baby girl diaper cake
    The Guestbook Store book on the left and the diaper cake on the right. (How cute is that guestbook cover and how cute are those shoes on top?!)

    baby shower table ideas



    baby shower favor ideas
    The favors! I absolutely love these chocolate bar wrappers -- check out the ultrasound photo on the front! And that poem on the back...awwww!


    things that pop baby shower goodies
    Johnson's Popcorn! Traveled all the way from the boardwalk of Ocean City, NJ. :) Guests also got to bring a piece of the shore home by filling the popcorn bags with some Johnson's :)  "Things that POP" goodies included Ring Pops, Blow Pops, Pop Rocks, and more!

    things that pop baby shower ideas
    Other goodies having to do with the "POP" theme included Oreo Truffle Pops and Rice Crispy treats (snap, crackle, pop!) In addition to the Chik-Fil-A popcorn chicken :) Mmm...

    baby shower punch recipe; baby shower drink table
    It's not a shower in our family without Auntie's punch recipe. Alcoholic for most, non-alcoholic for meee! :)

    breast cancer napkins for shower event
    Remembering Auntie in other ways too. Like these very cute and powerful "Stomp out breast cancer" napkins. And the platter that she got Heather for Christmas.  What a beautiful keepsake we will always remember her by at each event and holiday. {Tear....}

    create memories platter gift
    Thank you, Aunt Katthy! We will always create memories and know you will be there to celebrate with us in spirit.

    With details like this, how could we NOT create fabulous memories and celebrate the life we are about to bring onto Earth? Baby girl and I are very lucky to be surrounded by people who love us so much! :) These details created a beautiful backdrop for memories to be made by our closest family and friends.

    ~~~~

    Cue the photo memories:

    {the moments}

    sisters at baby shower
    Sisters on the left and sisters on the right! This will be them in 25 years :)   {Had to have the FSU game on}

    baby shower guess the belly size game
    Played games....{Momma knows best! while Vanessa knows, well, not-so-best}

    baby shower fun games
    Hung out..played more games..laughed a bunch :)

    baby shower candid photography
    Caught up with old friends...

    baby shower punch cheers
    Toasted with glasses of Auntie's yummy punch...

    baby shower pink champagne toast
    And toasted with glasses of pink champagne thanks to Aunt Marylu :) Cheers to baby love!!

    babies playing at baby shower
    Little ones played...

    friends touching baby belly baby shower photography
    And friends adored our little one to come.

    husband at baby shower
    Husband came for a visit..{AFTER the FSU win}

    4 generation photos; baby shower family picture
    Took some '4 generation' photos :) Love these.

    opening gifts at baby shower
    And opened wonderful gifts thanks to all of our family and friends! Check out the baby scrubs, embroidered with her name :) I'll have to bring her to the hospital in those to have lunch with J!

    friends drinking at baby shower
    Yay for catching up with friends! Love our Florida friends and missed our Georgia friends!

    family baby shower photography
    And I really, really, love hanging with these cousin sisters :) This will be our babies in 25 years! Note to self: Do something with you hair! You barely fit in with the family anymore...

    baby shower gift for husband; baby poem from baby girl to daddy
    Gave my husband a poem from baby girl. Figured I was pampered all day so he deserved something, too.
    Poem read: 

    You can't see me yet
    But I can't wait to be there.
    I hear you always, Daddy,
    From inside Mommy's belly -- you know where.

    Your voice excites me
    As I grow big and strong.
    Soon I'll be in your arms,
    And you can teach me right from wrong.

    While I wait, I really wonder what you're all about.
    Do I have your eyes, mouth, laugh, or big toe?
    Daddy, please teach me about letters, sports,
    and all I need to know.

    You are needed oh so much
    To make my life complete.
    So, please always be there for mommy and me,
    As I sing from the backseat.

    We will be together soon,
    For us 3 to love each other more than anything in the world.
    And sometimes, you and me will cuddle --
    Just Daddy and his girl.
     
    baby shower hostess gift ideas
    And the gift for the hostesses. Filled with shower gel, lotion, body sprays, loofa, and candy. Tag read:
    Thank you for making my shower so wonderful --
    Hope this can make yours wonderful, too!     
    baby shower group photography It was truly a day to remember. I absolutely loved every moment of the day, from being surrounded by love to catching up with friends in South Florida -- I couldn't have imagined the day without all of you :) We were certainly showered with love, and baby girl will be so lucky to meet each and every one of you who contributed to making our day so special.
    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

    32 weeks!

    Charlene2 Comments
    Well, just a little behind...32 weeks, 6 days! It seems as though I like to wait until the last minute with these posts, but I'm just happy I get to them! I'll be 33 weeks on Thursday -- let's see if that post comes a little earlier than this one. If you'd like an excuse, I was out of town this weekend, and last -- does that work?! ;)

    ~~~~

    Baby girl was showered with love this past weekend. All of those close to us surrounded us with laughs, love, and baby gifts galore. Everyone did such an amazing job and I am so thankful for all the love that was put into my baby shower! {Sneak peek at the end}

    32 weeks!
    32 week littlebabygarvin chalkboard inspired; 32 weeks pregnancy chalkboard tracker; 32 weeks pregnant belly; cute pregnancy tracker

    • How far along?: 32 weeks, 6 days
    • Baby is the size of a: Squash (again..?)
    • Total weight gain/loss: +19ish? At my appointment last Tuesday, I had only gained 1 lb in the past month and doctor said as long as baby is measuring okay, I should be fine. But since this weekend (my shower with delicious food, treats, and goodies + road trip junk food), I've gained 3 lbs since my appt last week. Eesh! Back to eating better now, although I'm sure the doctor will be happy with the weight gain..? (as long as she doesn't know what it's actually from)
    • The Bump: The bump has been moving like crazy and it's so weird/cool to watch!
    • Symptoms: Leg cramps! I swear my cousin Carolyn jinxed me on that, because ever since she asked if I've been getting them, they've entered my life! Boooo Charlie Horses! (and yes, I've had plenty of bananas & water) -- doc says try magnesium with calcium. I'll probably pass on that.
    • Food Cravings: I was so lucky to eat all that I did this weekend at the shower! Mmm..thanks to sister for the oreo truffle pops and rice crispy treats (and everything else!), thanks to my mother-in-law for the penne a la vodka and Johnson's popcorn, thanks to Auntie for the punch recipe we've used at all showers over the years (and to Heather for actually making it), thanks to Aunt Marylu for the pink champagne (and non-alcoholic version as well!), thanks to Reg for the meatballs, Carolyn for the Brie, Grandma for the cake, my momma for helping seester, and everyoneee else for contributing to making this preggo eat some delicioussss food this weekend! You guys are THE BEST!
    • Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Don't believe so.
    • Sleep: Trying to get lots of it these days (or should I say, nights?)
    • What I miss: Missed out on the spiked punch at the shower..luckily they made a virgin kind as well! Yumm
    • Weddings Rings On or Off: It's official......they are off....and I am sad about this! Currently wearing the ring my husband and I picked out for me on our honeymoon. It has his birthstone on it, as well as baby girl's birthstone (if she is actually born in November...we shall see!)
    • Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes, actually, this came very easy for us contrary to what everyone told us about picking out names...but you'll just have to wait ;)
    • Gender: Baby Barr is a girl! :)
    • Movement: Oh yes..she moved the entire birthing class and I was watching that more than the labor video at times ;)
    • Maternity Clothes: Same as last week..I wear a few maternity things but still squeezing into some of my non-maternity clothes. Shower dress was non-maternity.
    • Labor Signs: N/A
    • Best Moment of the Week: Receiving a gift in the mail today from "A.K." -- Aunt Kathy is still thinking of me :) and seeing all our family and friends (missed a few though) to celebrate the shower with them. I had such a great weekend overall and was sad to leave of course. The drive was my least favorite, but I ended up sitting in back for parts of it to stretch out my leggies and hang with the pup.
    • dog in backseat of car dog in backseat of car
    • What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Unpacking baby's beautiful gifts and finding a home in her room for all of her stuff :)
    ~~~~
    And now the sneak peak of the wonderful baby shower -- appropriately themed "Ready to Pop!" as I am one popcorn obsessed individual :)
    ready to pop baby shower theme table ideas
    baby shower photo friends touching belly