One of my favorite things to do is take pictures of Everly and her cousin Elizabeth. Is that obvious yet? I'm only slightly biased, but these are two of the cutest girls that ever existed. Shelly and I are very lucky! With the autumn leaves changing and the beauty all around us I knew I had to capture our girls exploring it all. Everly was fascinated by the pumpkins and wanted to keep them all for herself. I have loved seeing the world through her eyes. Leaves and pumpkins are beautiful. Everything is beautiful. If you don't believe me watch the world as a child watches it. You'll see how everyday things we take for granted become completely extraordinary. 

PS I made Everly's (and our whole family's) Halloween costume this year. I can't wait to put her in it today and take a thousand pictures! I'll be sharing it tomorrow and you don't want to miss it!

xo Sue

I want to tell you a secret (okay, not a secret): I am not a fashion blogger. So why am I doing a wear post? I still love fashion and more importantly, I love feeling comfortable in my clothes and still looking good. Several months ago I gave birth to my darling daughter, Everly. Since then it's been a new challenge to find clothes that look good and feel good for my post-baby body. Most of my worldly possessions are still in boxes from our move and I have almost no time in the day to spend on myself. So I end up wearing the same things over and over. 

To keep things interesting I try and style them differently each time I wear them (because who wants the same boring outfit over and over?). And so I give you a favorite piece of mine, the chambray button up, styled three ways. I like to call it mom fashion. Easy, comfortable, cute.

I think maxi skirts are a must for easy fashion. They're like wearing pajamas in public. This is my new favorite. I love the asymmetrical stripes to give it a different feel than most maxi skirts. I also feel like a legit blogger now since I have a red floppy hat. I love to wear it in the evening when I take Everly on walks.

chambray top//target - maxi skirt//charlotte russe - hat//target (similar) - necklace//thrifted via the sandy closet

I love the pink shorts in this outfit. They're linen and so comfy/casual. Perfect for summer/early fall! These accessories are some of my favorites. Especially the headband- I made it myself! Don't you love wearing DIY items? 

chambray top//target - tshirt/forever21 - shorts//japanese boutique - shoes//bobs - sunnies//forever 21 - bracelet//h&m - headband//made by me

This last outfit is just a little more dressy. I wear things like this on date night (if it ever happens!) or out with friends. I'm a big fan of the high-low trend. I feel like it adds length to my 5'3" body and that's always a good thing. 

chambray top//target - dress//japanese boutique - necklace//marolsha - shoes//toms (not pictured)

I realize that perhaps I need to learn a few new poses but like I said, I'm no fashion blogger! Those ladies have my respect because it's not easy putting this sort of awesome together all the time! I hope you enjoyed my nonsensical ramblings over clothes. I like to show my shallow side off occasionally.

xo Sue

Today my lover turns 28. I am so lucky to have him as my partner in this life. I mean really, really lucky. He is the best dad I know and loves our little girl with all his heart. He's a hard worker and so smart and creative. Right now he's knee deep in writing his novel that he's wanted to write for years. He finally took the leap and just started writing. For my birthday he drew me a beautiful mommy daughter picture. He's got talent and skills that I can only dream of. He's funny and charming and so much fun to be around. I absolutely love this man, the father of our darling daughter, the love of my life, and my best friend. 

xo Sue

"You tell them that they really oughta meet your mother." 

This TED talk by Sarah Kay is one of my absolute favorites. She does spoken word poetry that is beautiful and interesting and entertaining all at the same time. There are so many amazing lines from this talk that I had a hard time choosing my favorite. The talk is called "If I Should Have a Daughter" and it's precious. I want Everly to know all these things. She is going to grow up to be spectacular and I'm just lucky enough to have a front row seat. 

The first time she realized that Wonder Woman isn't coming I'll make sure she knows she doesn't have to wear the cape all by herself. Cause no matter how wide you stretch your fingers your hands will always be too small to catch all the pain you want to heal. Believe me. I've tried. 

Those are the very days when you have all the more reason to say thank you. Cause there's nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it's sent away. 

Your mama is a worrier and your papa is a warrior and you are the girl with small hands and big eyes who never stops asking for more. 

Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air. 

Always apologize when you've done something wrong but don't you ever apologize for the way your eyes refuse to shop shining.

That last quote is in contest with the first for my favorite. Watch it. Just watch it. It's amazing. 

xo Sue

Eight beautiful months. How am I so lucky to spend them with this darling girl? She is an absolute joy to be around! I accidentally started planning her first birthday party a few days ago. It was accidental because I happened upon a picture of a cake that caused an explosion of ideas in my mind. I had so much fun planning until I realized that it's really not that far away. Then I had a good little cry. Is this how my mom has felt for the last 27+ years?

So many things have happened this month, I hardly know where to begin.

• Everly had her first two teeth pop through! She's a little bit of a late teether but I can promise you I wasn't upset about that. Now when she gives me a big grin those two little teeth poking out of her lower gums smile up at me too. It's absolutely precious.
• I spent my first nighttime away from Ever this month. I've never spent the night away from her, but one night this month Aaron and I went out to a late dinner with friends and our baby stayed with her grandma. They laughed and played and she had someone other than her mama put her to sleep at night for the first time. I'm sure it was a lot harder for me than for her because she was sound asleep when I got back. 
• Ever has started standing all on her own (see the pic above). She's getting her balance and loves to show it off. She's taken a few accidental steps without holding anything but for now her walking usually happens while holding on to something. 
• A few days ago she was sitting in the middle of the room and just stood up. She didn't walk or move in any direction, she just stood up without holding on to anything. I think she was showing off for me because she had a big grin that said "Look what I can do mama!" 
• She's absolutely loving table food and she's getting really good at feeding herself. If I try and help she pushes my hand away, takes the food out of my hand, and does it herself. We've got a very independent little lady here. 
• Everly still breastfeeds for most of her nutrients. I can't explain how happy this makes me. I love that my little girl gets everything she needs from me. I love that she loves to nurse. I love that she wants to nurse. I'll be just a little heartbroken when she decides she's done with her nursing days. Hopefully that day is pretty far off. 
• She's going through her very first "mommy phase" and it's been just a little bit exhausting. Luckily she's already starting to come out of it, but there were a few days that I couldn't even put her down for 30 seconds without causing an absolute meltdown. On those days I just whispered how much I love her and reminded myself that it would pass. 
• And my favorite new thing this month: Everly has learned to give kisses. If I ask for a kiss and lean in towards her she'll lean in too and press her slobbery lips onto mine. They are the most beautiful, magical kisses in the world. 

My sweet baby girl, you are amazing. Every single day you teach me something new about being a mother, about being your mother, and about being myself in a whole new way. I adore you and every moment that I get to be your mom. My Ever Bug, you are the most intelligent, creative, curious, exhausting, beautiful, mischievous, stunning person I know. 

xo Sue

I sort of have a big family. I mean, I don't think it's big but other people tell me it is. I'm the oldest of 6. I don't talk about them much on here but honestly they mean the world to me. I love being a part of this crazy group of people. We always laugh and play when we're together and they can always cheer me up on a bad day. We haven't taken family pictures since we added Lizzie and Ever to the mix. As you can probably see, there will be another addition soon! I'm so blessed to have so many favorite people in my life.

Hello my bloggy loves! Today I'm sharing an exciting link-up with you. It's an Instagram Blog Hop! If you're anything like me you're slightly addicted to social media. My favorite social media of all time is Instagram and I'm thrilled to be a part of this hop today. Be sure to check it out and make some new friends!

xo Sue

Welcome to the Instagram Blog Hop! If you're new around here, the Instagram Blog Hop is a party where you link up your Instagram account, find and follow new Instagram friends, and be continually inspired by what you see in your Instagram feed! No need to have a blog, just an Instagram account!

The Rules are Simple:

1. Follow your HOSTS:

Kimberly of A Night Owl | Instagram: @anightowlblog 
Emily of The Pink Elephant | Instagram: @mrsemshhh
Angie of Little Inspiration| Instagram: @blogali

2. Follow your CO-HOSTS:

Sue | Instagram: @lovefromesue

You can find Sue here:
Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest

***

Jaime | Instagram: @momstestkitchen

You can find Jaime here:
Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest

3. Link up your Instagram Web Profile:

Just link up your new Instagram Web Profile (http://instagram.com/username) -OR- your web viewer of choice in the linky below!

4. Check out and follow a few fellow Instagram friends.

Tell folks you follow that you found them through the IGBH!

5. SHARE THE IGBH LOVE!

Before you link and run, we'd love for you to SHARE THE IGBH LOVE! We'd love to grow this lovely community, so we're asking you to share - with your friends, on your social media! Tweet about it, share it on G+ and Facebook or post about it on Instagram!

Tweet

My favorite thing about babywearing (with any carrier, sling, or wrap) is the freedom it gives us both. My arms don't get tired from holding Everly up. She's sitting comfortably instead of balancing on my hip bone. And we're free to enjoy each other's company without distraction. If I'm wearing a necklace she'll pull it and play with it to entertain herself. She can reach out and try to help me with whatever task I'm doing. She especially likes to help throw laundry in the washer, although she usually misses. 

This is my current favorite buckle carrier, or soft structured carrier, the ERGObaby Original. I love almost everything about this carrier. I love the waist band because is supports Everly's weight without putting pressure on my back. I have a bad back so this is huge for me. I love the padded shoulder straps. They're comfortable to me and they give Everly something to chew on when she's having a particularly hard time teething. I love the wide seat the material gives to her bum and legs. It fully supports her in the ergonomically correct way so she doesn't have future hip problems. I love that Everly is so comfortable in this carrier that she often falls asleep. I love the little hood that I use to cover her head when she falls asleep. It keeps the light from getting in her eyes and helps her sleep longer, plus it's lightweight so she doesn't get all sweaty! And I love the zipper pocket this carrier has just for moms. I can slip my keys, wallet, and cell phone in there while we're running errands and leave the bulky purse/diaper bag in the car. I love the different positions of this carrier. It easily switches from front to back and when we go on walks Everly rides like a backpack. Most of all, I love that this carrier will support my baby as she grows. Just to show it off, I put my five year old neighbor in this carrier on my back and walked around with her. I could still feel her weight a little, but not at all like I was carrying her with my arms. She really enjoyed herself and has since asked me to put her back in and carry her around just like Everly. 

There is one thing I don't love about this carrier. The back buckle. The waist buckle is easy to do myself. The back one is not. I can do it myself, but it takes a lot of ninja-like skills to stretch my arms to that spot on my back. Usually I ask someone else to do it up for me and if Everly and I are out running errands alone we manage it, but it's not easy. 

Overall the ERGObaby Original is an amazing carrier. The benefits to both mom and baby are definitely worth the price and the use I've gotten out of it has been wonderful. Even if I stopped using it tomorrow I'd feel like I'd gotten my money's worth out of it and my baby isn't even 8 months old yet. That being said, there's no way I'm stopping tomorrow! This is our easiest go-to carrier when we're out running errands or we want to go on a walk. We use it at least 4 times a week, if not every single day.

Do you have an ERGObaby carrier? Or do you prefer a different brand? I'd love to hear your stories! PS This is not a sponsored post. I just really love babywearing and I want to share info about carriers with all my fellow mamas. Be sure to keep an eye out for more carrier reviews in the future!

xo Sue

Everly and I are big fans of babywearing. It started 2 days after she was born. We used our very first ring sling (this wonderful Maya) and we both loved it. We've been babywearing ever since. I wear her every single day. When she was tiny and hated to be put down it was the only way I got anything done. If I needed to cook dinner she'd chill in the Maya or our fabulous Beco Gemini (a soft structured carrier or SSC). Nothing calmed her faster than being right next to her mama. 

Now that she's bigger she still loves a good carry. She's independent and explores the world around her but at the end of the excitement she always climbs back into my arms for some comfort and love. In honor of International Babywearing Week I had my sister take some photos of the two of us enjoying our favorite activity. These are our three favorite babywearing tools (in no particular order). The first is our SBP linen ring sling. The second, our Storchenwiege woven wrap (I have the Albert and we LOVE to wrap). Woven wraps offer so many different carries for mom and baby. They're amazing. And our third is the wonderful ERGObaby original carrier. It's comfy and easy and always gets the job done. 

I definitely don't consider myself a babywearing expert (though perhaps an enthusiast) but I've become the go-to girl for my pregnant friends looking for carriers. I'm going to do a few fun posts on different types of carriers and the benefits of babywearing so if you have any specific questions, please leave them in the comments below! Happy Babywearing!

xo Sue

If you remember, in August I went the entire month with no sugar and no flour. It wasn't quiet a paleo thing but it was similar. I meant to write more about it immediately after but lets be honest, life just got crazy. But since I've finished my month of no sugar and no flour I have some thoughts to share.

Most important first: if you're a breastfeeding mother you probably shouldn't do this diet. It affected my milk supply. I drank a cup of mother's milk tea every day for the month and it boosted my supply back to normal but for a few days it was kind of rough. It's a tricky time, breastfeeding, because you want to diet and get your pre-baby body back and at the same time you need those calories to keep the milk flowing freely. Conundrum. But back to the point. If you are a breastfeeding mama and you want to lose weight while keeping your supply up, definitely talk to your doctor about a healthy eating plan. This was perfectly healthy (I didn't restrict quantity, just type of food) but any major changes in your diet while breastfeeding can affect your supply.

The other thing I learned is this. I love food. Okay, I already knew that. But more than just enjoying food, I really love to cook and share food with the people I love. I will go into the kitchen and make anything my husband or dad request, all I need is a recipe. So to have such a restriction on my diet was difficult. Food became really boring for me. And I started not to want to cook or eat much. I had to eat because as I said before, Everly needs her food, but seriously. Boring. I tried to get creative with the restrictions but near then end I was eating the same thing every day, just waiting for the end of the month to come. I was bored of the diet but I'd made a commitment.

The thing I truly learned (or I suppose remembered) is to pay attention to everything I eat. Not just the main meals, but the snacks in between too. It's all about moderation, healthy choices, and sometimes saying no. I don't need a treat every day. I don't need to eat bread with every meal. Mostly, I just need to remember to take care of this body of mine. It's the only one I get.

What do you think about dieting? Or do you just call it healthy eating?

xo Sue