3 tires and a spare

At nine months old, Austin can now say babble that he's ridden in the back of a police car. Ridden, pitched a fit, begged for mercy- typical back of the cop car business I suppose. 

Let's rewind to Thursday around three in the afternoon- we finally finished packing and hurried out the door for a weekend visit to Fort Pierce to see grandmommy and grandpa. 

Austin and I had gotten halfway between Jacksonville and Fort Pierce. Literally, smack dab in the middle. My cell phone was dead and my car charger had just bit the dust that morning. Go figure. Basically, we're cruising down the coast going about '99 with one bottle, one diaper, and a dead cell phone on three tires and a spare. My knowledge of automobile "can's and cannot's" is apparently very limited- because, no you cannot make a 3 hour road trip on a spare tire.

We sat on the side of 95 for over an hour, and would you believe that not one police man drove by in that hour. What would you have done? I considered hiking along the side of the interstate, baby in tow, to the next exit. I tried to hack into someone's blocked wifi from my laptop, password was not  their password. I flashed my brights at north-bounders, hoping someone would call for help. Nada.

We made ourselves comfortable and thanked our lucky stars for the Mickey Mouse DVD in the laptop, then quickly cursed my bad luck for Austin's wet diaper and the one lone diaper left in our bag. And wouldn't you know it, my kid decides he's going to relieve a day's worth of stress into his fresh diaper, leaving me no choice but to put the pee one back on. That also left me with no choice but to dump out the rest of my coffee so that I could stick his dirty diaper in the cup to avoid the stink bomb that was slowly building around us. Nasty? I call it convenient and brilliant. TMI? Try living this. With no coffee. 

Eventually, someone stopped and I called Juan, my parents, and a tow truck. In that order. Which then led to great grandma calling 911 from Fort Pierce, my husband calling Triple A, and the tow truck coming to the rescue (without an additional vehicle to transport Austin and myself, despite my request). Car seat laws, people. A highway patrol man was sent out to us, we kind of weighed options and oogled over Austin's bulging diaper flirty smiles until finally deciding he'd give us a ride to Walmart where we would wait for my mom.

We stayed at the world's friendliest Walmart in a small town in Florida for a solid hour and a half before being rescued. You wouldn't believe the brave folk casually carting their kids around Walmart at 9:30 on a school night. Maybe you would. Colonel Sanders asked us if this whole trip would be worth it- all the mishaps we went through. I think it was.

We joined grandma at the weekend Farmer's Market.

We read Halloween stories at great grandma's.

And someone even made a friend.

This weekend was well worth it.
And Austins never allowed in another police car.

MIA

Not as much action as absence-  I'm sure you've figured it out, Fall Photo Challenge as of lately has been a total bust. Either out of order, half assed, or straight up didn't happen. These past two weeks of school have really kicked my butt- this is by far my busiest semester. Thank God for Starbucks on campus, that's all I have to say about that! Consequently my Fall Fashion challenge was put wayyyy back on the burner- pictures of every sort were scarce last week. Enjoy the silly glimpses into my weak attempt at our challenge!

Day 10 | Neck Party

Didn't happen. I'm pretty sure Austin and I didn't even leave the house this day- what day was it? Seems like forever ago. I'm sure chocolate milk, jammies, and Mickey Mouse won us over. It's never much of a battle. Milk and chocolate syrup in the fridge? It's going down.

These are a couple of my favorite necklaces, perfect for the fall season.

One | Two | Three

Day 12 | Baby Leggings

We skipped day 11 and then switched day 12 to baby leggings- great idea, right? I can't get enough. It's hard to find leggings without sparkles or lace, but when I do I snatch them up! 

Day 13 | Purple
By the way, these beauts came and went in the blink of an eye. They were not the same color I expected them to be... a pink pair should be on the way ;) So yeah, you guessed it, I put these things on for the picture and took them off just as quickly. Wham bam thank you ma'am.





Day 14 | Plaid

Day 15 | Cozy

Cozy is my middle name. Which is why I am completely at a loss as to what I can say for myself for skipping this day. I don't even have an excuse. Let's pretend we stayed in our jammies all day, which in all honesty is probably the truth. Who can blame me? Wouldn't we all wear comfy cozies all day every day if we weren't at risk of a million glares. No? Just me? Fine.
Ladies, do yourself a favor and snag a pair of these amazingly comfy jams.

Stay tuned for some adorable daddy&son matching outfits- days 16 through 24 coming soon! I promise I've been doing much better at sticking to it!

TGIF! 

nine months old

Nine months old. 39 weeks. I cannot believe it- I just can't. The first year is almost behind us. It's completely surreal.

I couldn't have asked for a sweeter or easier baby. Austin's dimpled smile just lights up the room and melts my heart. His laughs are few and far between, a little stingy if you ask me- but when he does let out a little giggle or full belly laugh, I just can't help but laugh, too.

A baby's smile and laugh is the most genuine thing. Austin doesn't smile just for pictures, or to make me happy- when he smiles, it's complete bliss and happiness. When he does laugh, it's because he is sincerely humored. There is no sucking up, no laughing along just so that I can justify my endless hours of silly faces and noises. He laughs because he can't help it, and that's when I know I'm doing it right. When that baby lets out a carefree and joyous little laugh, I could just gobble him up right there. Yum.

39 weeks into my pregnancy, almost 41 weeks ago, I was ready to pop. I was entirely too uncomfortable and when my belly hit capacity stretch, everything else decided it needed to compensate. I'm talking nose, ankles, hands, arms, legs- everything. I basically looked like blueberry girl from Willy Wonka. 

In the past 9 months, Austin has learned to roll over, sit up, scoot, crawl, and stand. He is very curious and opinionated- he talks, a lot. Chatterbox. He is our most precious treasure.

We love you more than life, sweet angel!

Toothless Trick or Treating

The weekend came and left in the blink of an eye. Weekends used to be just another two days for us- Juan would work through the weekend and I only had class 2 days a week. But lately Juan has been home with us on Sundays and I've added a full day of classroom observation during the week. Needless to say, we now treasure our weekends. This weekend we finally got a few shelves up in Austin's room and bathroom, checked a few scary movies off our list, and locked in Austin's Halloween costume. He will be the cutest little guy on the block come October 31st! Do infants even go trick or treating? I can't help but feel like I'm going to look like a damn fool asking for treats for my toothless kid who is still small enough to be strapped to my belly. In his defense, he has two teeth- but you get the point. What about you ladies- have you taken your infant trick or treating? Obviously Austin wouldn't be able to eat his goodies, and I'm sure Juan and I would end up eating the whole plastic pumpkin full- in one sitting. Probably just a bad idea all around. We are thinking about just heading to the Jacksonville Zoo for the annual Spooktacular event. 

Per the usual, more pumpkins. 

There's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, there it is.

I can't believe how big he is getting! I just love nibbling his squishy cheeks and raspberrying his round belly. I hope he still lets me munch on him in 5 years. I'm sure I won't be picking out his Halloween costume in 5 years! By the way, I'm sewing it. How thrifty of me, right?! I think I've sewn about 10 stitches in my life- so this is a great excitement over here. This time I'm using a machine- cheers to having awesome friends with great tools ;) Here's to hoping his costume turns out wonderfully and my fingers stay stitch free. Fingers crossed! 

Five on Friday: Fall Edition

We're back for Five on Friday! Miss us? It's been a while since we joined the ladies for the link up, but we're back and ready to share some Fall funsies!

One.

ONE | TWO |  THREE | FOUR | FIVE |  Six Similar HERE | SEVEN |  EIGHT

We all know the struggle that is picking out baby boy clothes. Okay, mothers of little girls, you have no idea. 

You. Have. No. Idea. Baby boy mamas, is it not impossible to keep your eyes from wandering to the pinks and frills just radiating from the neighboring section of the store? One day, one day.  I am very picky when it comes to picking out clothes for Austin- I'm taking complete advantage of being able to dress him my way, it's only a matter of time before he starts choosing his own outfits.  I have found that my style for him, for the most part, consists of unisex clothes with a hint of baby boy. That "hint" of baby boy apparently is not enough. My baby was mistaken for a little girl last week. Twice. In his defense, he was wearing a light green seersucker one piece. It was green! You're just too beautiful, baby boy. 

Our favorite store for baby clothes is hands down Baby Gap. Baby Gap is the only store thus far that I have found it actually hard to choose which outfits to buy. The little boys' choices are too cute.

Two.

Fall Photo Challenge Day 9 | Mustard

Duke tail whipped the container of Puffs, sending them across the room in every direction. My photo shoot quickly turned into a free for all.

Three.

 I bought this festive Tassel Garland last week to spice up the entertainment center for the season. I can't wait for it to come in! Check out Studio Mucci's Etsy shop- the garland comes in tons of colors. I'm also getting antsy to decorate and carve some pumpkins! If it's not open already, I'm hoping our local pumpkin patch will open this weekend- my mind is racing with pumpkin photo ops and ideas for Austin's first pumpkin. 

Oh, and obviously this is going to happen at some point. 

Four.

I joined a mom club! You know, a club with real mamas with real babies?! It's so cleverly called MOMS, and apparently it's nationwide. There are three or four chapters just here in Jacksonville! I'm so excited to get started and meet some awesome new ladies (and babes!)

Five.

Fall Television. 

Walking Dead and Once Upon a Time are finally back! Score! We also picked up two new shows- Sleepy Hollow and The Blacklist. On Demand, I love thee. 

Check them out, they're great!

Have a lovely weekend!

I Wore a Scarf!

Yesterday, I wore a sweater. And Jeans. And closed flats with a scarf. It was mar-ve-lous!

Welcome, Fall weather, only a couple of weeks late to the party! Sadly enough, it was only a one day cool front. Really toying with my emotions, Jacksonville. I think I can speak for the majority of us when I say we are SO READY for it to be cool! The "I'm wearing boots!" and "Love this weather" Facebook statuses and Instagram pictures were out of control yesterday morning. 

Monday we went down to the St. Augustine outlets for the day and found some awesome deals. We bought Austin more Christmas jammies, pretending he didn't already have enough. Twenty Five Days of Christmas Challenge- Baby Jammie Edition? That might have to happen. Juan shamed us into buying a moose sweater for Austin in Polo Ralph Lauren- he literally threw a tantrum. A full on grown man with a beard tantrum. It could have been lime green with black pom poms on it, so long as there is a moose, Juan has to have it. Ridiculous. 

It really is cute- I like it. Was it worth the price? That's a different story.

 Like I said, full on temper tantrum, folks.

Fall Photo Challenge Day 7 | Stripes

See the Moose Crunch that I'm holding? Had it been bear or lion crunch we would NOT have three bags in our cupboard.We had a great day and Austin slept the whole way home. Johnny Cash singalong for two.

Day 8 | Black and Orange

I switched Tuesday from belt day to black and orange. Before I had even left the bedroom on Tuesday morning, Juan had Austin fed and dressed for our morning walk. This was too sweet of an outfit to not incorporate into the Fall Challenge. I'm sure the belted look will be added in later in the month,  so for now can we just oogle over this face?! And his Pumpkin pants?? And baby Northface!?!

Boy after my own heart.

Days Four Five Six

This Fall Photo Challenge has been just that, a complete challenge. When you're used to wearing comfy cozies the majority of the week, it really kicks you in the rear getting yourself up and dressed every morning. But we're doing it (for the most part) and it's been fun!

Find days one through three here.

Day Four | Outfit of the Day

A simple and cool Fall outfit. Austin's outfit of the day was Osh Kosh Fall overalls with cowboy boots.
Headband | Ulta    Shoes | Old Navy

Day Five | Fall Nail Polish
Latest Favorites: Bahama Mama | Sandie Tropez | Bobbing for Baubles

Day Six | Latest Style Splurge
Let me preface this by saying I'm not a huge eye makeup person. I don't splurge on eyeshadows or eyeliners- on the contrary. My makeup bag consists of tiny sample eyeshadows from Clinique's free gifts. In my opinion, I look like a big ol' witch with eye makeup. Very fitting for the season. I've been Pinterest inspired lately (famous last words, right?) and decided to have a little fun with some fall eyeshadows. This palette is without a doubt my latest style splurge. Usually, I would never even think about spending so much on eye makeup.
So now, uhh, how does this stuff work? ;)

Today the family is headed to St. Augustine in our stripes and Fall fancies!
Mondays have never looked this good!

Sundays

October has been crazy for us. School is entirely too demanding, as are all of the Martinez men. These guys don't function without their lady. (Dusting off my horn's dust, and toot toot!) My parents came to visit, so Juan and I got away for an hour Friday afternoon. Even if it was for just an hour, right up the road- a quick trip to Target feels like a damn vacation these days.

My camera has been collecting dust on my mom's computer desk. It's alive! Amen! No more iPhone pictures. One marriage and kid ago I would have tried to convince you that your life was pointless without this camera. A hot pink Canon Powershot. What more would a college girl need?? Add a husband and baby- the college girl needs a lot more. A lot more.

 Hi mommy, my birthday is in two months.

Fall decor has begun transforming our home. Pumpkin here, pumpkin there, pumpkins in the bathroom. Basically we are running a small pumpkin patch. And folks, let me tell you, its all fun and pumpkins until you've got a gooey, half eaten mess all over your new floors and kid.

Duke. The dog ate my pumpkin. And he didn't just eat it, he slung it, rolled in it, then licked his brother. I'm not sure if he was hungry, bored, or wanted to taste Fall like the rest of us, but I do know that I am one pumpkin down. Hardly a dent, but still, my dog ate my pumpkin. And I will never forget it. 

Austin's compassion got the best of him. He couldn't stand to see his brother the object of our ridicule, sweet angel.

We have yet to leave the house today- we are still in our jammies (or completely naked in Austin's case), and there is Pumpkin Spice burning in the kitchen (and stuck to our floors). It's a wonderful Sunday and I am feeling incredibly blessed with my Martinez men. Even the greedy dog. 

Denim, Bling, and a Party!

As all of you lovelies are well aware, Tuesday kicked off the first day of my Fall Photo Challenge. No? Haven't heard? Read all about it here. #amateurbloggerproblems

Austin so kindly volunteered to get us started. And did he nail it or what!? Denim overalls, complete with a homemade denim backdrop. You go, sweet thang.

Day numero dos called for bling! Now that I can do!


 It was my girlfriend Martha Stewart's birthday, so we celebrated downtown at Art Walk. Yes, that's her name. Not even kidding. Little more youth, lot less jail time.

Matching flower headbands were obviously a must.

taken from Jacksonville Times Website

Today we may or may not have stayed in our jammies all day. Pumpkin jammies are an appropriate substitute for navy day, right? And who can resist this little pumpkin pie?!

We are pretty pleased with Austin's hair growth, it's coming in quite nicely ;) We had too much fun playing today, so homework and housework took the back burner. It's going to be a late night playing catch up.

 Ready for the weekend? Get your Fall polish ready and join in on the challenge! Cheers!