Thoughts on social networking, p.s. I love my Friends. A lot. :)

This will probably be a jumbled mess of random thoughts but these thoughts have been on my mind for awhile and I need to write them out...

Let me just start off by saying I LOVE x10000 this blogging, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, digital world so much. I have "met" so many amazing people through Instagram and blogging especially, that I consider to be some of my closest friends. To some it might sound crazy; how could you be "friends" with someone you don't even "know"? But to Me, I feel like I "know" you or parts of you, and somehow I have a connection with these "friends" through one main very important job we have, being a Mom. We have other very similar interests too such as baby fashions, momma fashions, crafting, eating, sharing deals, Target obsessions, blogging similarities, etc. It really is (for the most part) a wonderful world of these amazing ladies who all have some sort of friendship through sharing all these wonderful moments and things in our life, and somehow we all connect and are a part of each others life in a way. I don't know if others feel this way but I know I do. I'm constantly mentioning "one of my IG friends" to my family daily either because of a cute pic, advice or experience. (My boyfriend always jokes and says I'm being catfished but I think hes just maybe a little jealous that I talk to you guys more than him during the day... haha). 

Anyways... Lately I have been feeling a little down about things related to this world.

Sometimes I feel like we are in a popularity contest. Who has the cutest outfits on their kids? Who has the cutest outfit for themselves? Who has the most followers? Who has the most comments or likes? Why do some people follow some people and not others? I hate that I even have these feeling and thoughts sometimes but I am human and have very human and WOMAN emotions. I sometimes get down on myself about these very first world problems but when this community is a big part of your life and day its hard not to at times. I also take things very personal (too personal sometimes) and am hurt easily. I wonder why someone I thought was my IG "friend" who wrote sweet comments about Harper and vice versa would just suddenly disappear from my feed... I wondered if something happened to her, I was actually worried for her and her family because she was someone I thought was my friend, than to see her comment on another persons feed to realize she had a new account, which made me so relieved that she was back but than to feel rejected in a sense when she would not accept my follow... What did I do? Did I hurt her feelings? Did I say something? Did I not say enough? I was genuinely hurt and confused. May seem silly but its the truth... My sweet friend Danielle who I have also found through blogging and have watched her sweet girl grow up in a sense through IG unfollowed me the other day and I literally could have shed a tear. I also had the same questions in my head, like omg, what happened, but it was just a mistake and my heart was healed ;). (Love you girl!!!) I wonder why when I post certain pics on IG why some I gain a ton of followers, and why some I lose a ton... Does anyone else ever have these thoughts? Please tell me I'm not the only one.... :/ I will say I am very selective and follow and unfollow people a lot too so I do understand in a way. I check every account that follows me and if they look the slightest way creepy they get blocked. I understand I have a "public" blog and my IG is not private, but it makes me feel better so whatever, lol.

I feel a lot of pressure to have the latest and greatest, Pinterest worthy everything because of social media. I don't live in that world. I wish I did but its not my reality. My reality is that we live at my parents house. My boyfriend works extremely hard for me to be able to stay at home with Harper and so that I can work on my photography business so that someday I can contribute greatly financially. My kid is in her pj's or a diaper 75% of the time even though she HAD to have the newest gap shirt or headband or whatever. I'm sitting here writing this in my pj's, not showered, hair a disaster, in glasses that are taped together literally because Harps broke them a couple weeks ago and I don't want to spend our limited budget on new glasses when I'd rather spend that on something for her. That's my reality. And now my bagel is probably burnt because I'm trying to write this while Harper is napping and I totally forgot about it. Awesome. I also should be doing twenty other things like cleaning, taking a shower.. ha, doing things for my business, finish Harper's pumpkin, yada yada. but no I'm blogging my feelings because I need to get this off my chest. 

Back on the subject though, I just wanted to say home much I really do love this community and world and I appreciate every friendship I have been blessed with throughout these outlets!! I look forward to waking up and seeing all my favorite Momma's and babies everyday, reading my friends blogs, getting a glimpse into their life, and getting ideas and info on all the cutest newest stuff! I'M ADDICTED. ;)  I hope this doesn't offend anyone because that is NOT my meaning at all. I love seeing every one's fashions, projects, dinners, lives, EVERYTHING!!!! You inspire and motivate me everyday to go a little above and beyond and I want to thank everyone for that, truly!  

Sorry about this mess of thoughts but I just wanted to be real and share my anxieties, joy, love/hate, relationship about this amazing place I care about so much! Thanks for reading if you did... :)

Also, I switched my commenting to DISQUES because I wanted to be able to connect to everyone a little better. You can still use your google account to comment and we can see each others comments. I hate knowing if someone asks a question that they will not see a reply or know that I didn't love and appreciate every comment because I do. You all know how to make a girl feel like a true princess! Sorry had to add some cheese and pun intended for the theme of my blog duh. hahah 

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Hello October// weekend recap

I've been waiting for you October.

So many exciting things this month. My BFF from California Kate and her son Brady (Harper's future husband) are coming to town and we get to finally "meet" them!!!!! :) :) :) Also, pumpkin patch trips, concerts, lots of photo sessions booked, cooler weather, and of course Halloween, where you might just see the cutest Disney Princess grace your presence ;)

But first, a little weekend recap. It was a goodie.

Friday:

Of course a little shopping and lunch to kick off the weekend is always essential. So we did just that and had a little fun before Mommy and Daddy headed out for the night. (Second Friday in a row. OMG. Is this really me? No judgies... I already feel like a bad Momma as it is.... #mommyguilt).

Guess what peeps, I officially feel like a human being/real person/not just a mom/cool kid.

Nick and I went to a BASSNECTAR show (watch this for a glimpse of the insanity/amazingness) and it was the best thing ever!!!! Confession, hours before I didn't want to go at all. I was having anxiety about going to a Dub step show where people are dancing crazy, drinking, maybe even doing some other stuff I don't even want to think about (eeek), needless to say I was a nervous wreck. I only wanted to go to make my man happy and do it for him because he always does so many things for me that I owe it to him, but I actually had the most amazing time ever. We drank a little, danced A LOT x100000, hung out with great friends and just had an incredible night. I have caught this fun bug now and I can't wait to go to another show with Nick. I love hanging out with him and I think it makes us both better parents being able to step away and have some fun. Happy parents, happy baby and vice versa. But lets not forget how much we missed our sweet babe, but we do feel at ease when we know she is just sleeping and in good hands with my parents.  Thank you Grandma and Grandpa ;)

Von Maur is the best department store with a kiddie area by the kid shoe section!! winning.

My big girl at Panera. Shes obsessed with taking the straws out of cups. crazy.
Headband | Ooh la la Bodysuit | Shorts (similar) | Sandals

Love this guy!!

Saturday:

Lazy bums. All day.

love those days. 

Sunday:

Daddy had to go back to work so we went to our local apple farm with the grandparents for a fun day because it was gorgeous outside and we could not stay inside and waste the day away. We had so much walking through this amazing nature walk with fun interactive features and a little play area complete with a big spiderweb thing that Harps was in love with and would not get off. She also ate so many apples I thought she was going to turn into an apple, but whatevs. She also accidentally stole an apple from one of the bags oops, sorry arbor day, we bought a bag though ;/ quick hands... 

my girl.

I'm putting together a apple day post with big camera pics but in true Taylor nature, its late. 

Also a weaning update and we're off to Harper's 15 month appointment in the morning so a little update on the main star!!

Love you all!!!!

Weaning | Part One

After 15 months of exclusively breastfeeding, Harper and I have officially started the weaning process...

I feel so extremely blessed to have had such an amazing breastfeeding experience from day one.  We never really had any problems, it was smooth sailing from day one which I know is extremely rare so I am very thankful.

I have made it to my goal to nurse for a year and now it has been 15 months and we are still going strong but at this point in her life, I feel like she just nurses out of habit more than the eating part of it. She eats everything you put in front of her, and drinks cows milk perfectly now. Shes pretty much a big girl ;) 

On Sunday I decided to only let her eat from me in the morning right after she wakes up and at night right before she goes to bed. I am going to try this for the whole week (which has been going great and she doesn't even seem to really want me at all which is a great sign). She also usually comes up to me throughout the day and leans her head into my chest or tries to pull my shirt down telling me she wants to eat but this week she hasn't done that once so maybe she fully ready to wean too...? In my head, I imagined this process to be hellish but it is going well so far.  Next week we will take out the morning feeding, and the week after that take out the night feeding.

I wasn't feeling sad about not nursing anymore until I just wrote this... All of a sudden I feel so emotional and bad for taking this away from her and both of us really. We have always been very attached (no pun intended lol) and I think BF'ing is a huge part of that so I am so scared she wont need me as much, or love me the same way. :( wahhh. I'm sad now.

I will update every week until we are completely done. I have so many concerns though, like what is going to happen to me if you know what I mean... Lol, help me someone who has already done this... 

My 23rd Birthday // Weekend Recap

My Birthday Weekend Was A Success!!!!!

On Friday I turned 23 and it was one of the best ones yet.

Lets get to it.

Friday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, I'M 23. ;)

Of course it started off with a little trip to Starbucks where I actually got something new and ordered a salter caramel mocha which was amazing and headed to the nail salon to get a pedicure.

Coffee Sleeve

I then went home to pick up my babes and go on a little Target run. Leave it to me to wait till the last minute to go get an outfit to wear that night but I was eyeing THIS 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Dress but they didn't have it in my size. Boo. We still got some random stuff and we headed home to put miss fancy down for a nap. 

Crown
Could you just die of the cuteness of this Juicy Couture tracksuit!!! I'm pretty much obsessed and she will be wearing this at least once a week. I have an obsession with my JC tracksuits and wear them frequently so my life is pretty much complete with her owning her very own!!

While boo bear napped Momma got to go on a little shopping trip to find a birthday outfit all by herself. I scored a dress for $19 a necklace for $13 and THIS BCBG wristlet for $12. Winning!!!

The only picture I got the whole night. Fail. But I love my Layne!!!! xoxo

After all that shopping it was time for my birthday dinner with some close friends at new super cool new restaurant in town. If you live in Omaha, you have to check out Salt 88. The had the best drinks! And at the end of dinner you get cotton candy!! I mean, how could you not love that!!

#carrideselfie ;) I love the way my lip color matches my new necklace.

The cutest drinks at Salt 88 in mason jars. And the bloody mary that sunk my sober ship. holy!!

First. my boyfriend really needs a class on iPhone photography because HE SUCKS!! All I wanted was a pic of me and my cute cotton candy, and this is what I got.. Second, it was grape flavored and delicious!

We had a great night out after that! We went downtown to some fun bars and met up with more friends and drank way too much and somehow ended up in the tattoo shop setting up an appointment and giving them a down payment.. ughhh. Spontaneity at its best perhaps?? Whatever, it was fun, and momma had a ridiculous bad hangover the next day and I am so thankful that Nick took the next day off because he took care of Harper all day while I laid on the couch and couldn't move... ayy. Bad.

Saturday

Terrible effing day of a hangover.... never. drinking. again.

I eventually felt better and I had a photo shoot that night so I had to put my big girl professional pants on and get the eff over it. I also had my highly anticipated tattoo appointment that night at 10 p.m. so we put Harper to bed and headed back downtown only to be turned away while filling out my info card because I'm still a nursing momma and they told me it was state law that I couldn't get it done... I'm not gonna lie, I was super disappointed but I will just have to wait until Harps has officially weaned which is in the process but I will have to write another post on that.

To add to the annoyance of driving 20 minutes downtown, we had a terrible night of sleeplessness for all of us, so we were miserable...

This babe fell on the driveway face first on Friday and got her first real boo boo, a bruised and scratched nose and forehead. :(

Sunday

We capped off the weekend with a little shopping trip. Pretty much our usual Sunday.

Laziness, shopping, eating, FUN. Love Sunday's. The only thing that would make it better is if Daddy was off but the next three weeks he is off all weekend long so were super excited!!

I'm already planning, pumpkin patch, apple orchard, shopping, fun, and more fun! 

EXHAUSTION

Our weekly shopping at our favorite place.

I love bath time with her. She plays, I laugh, and fill with joy. :)

Amazing cheese fries my parents brought home from dinner. They tasted like a BLT. yummmy.

I hope you all had a great weekend!!!!!! 

And thank you all so much for the birthday love on Facebook and IG. I appreciate every comment and wish so much!!!!! xoxoxoxo

Momma's New Hair//Randomness//Weekend Recap

Bad blogger alert.

Seriously, how do you people blog, work, be a mom, be a wife/partner and be a person?

I suck at this balancing act. I have been so busy with my new business that I feel like sometimes I cant catch my breathe. Who knew their was so much that went into a being a photographer (business wise.) Yikes. I wont bore you with all those details but I do want to try to make more time for blogging. (I think I say that in every post). Sorry if this is just a jumbled mess of randomness.

 First, Lets just talk about how I am LOVING my Hunter Boots! They just make me so giddy. #isthatweird?

Except, I wore them last weekend to my photo shoot and it was at least a hundred degrees. Total buzz kill, but I wear them to protect my feet and legs when I am stomping through brush and tall grass ya know and they don't get hot, but, sweat and rubbing skin does not mix because I have the worst blisters on my heels and the back of my calves from them rubbing... OUCH. IDC. I still love you booties.

Oh Hey haircut and color that is wayyyyy overdue. I am pretty much obsessed with my new hair. Don't get me wrong, I really miss my long locks but this is a really good change and I feel more "up to date" with shorter hair. Its totes in peeps. ;) Short hair, don't care. Haha. I'm a loser I know.

A little duck face never hurt nobody ;)

Straight hair, scrunchy awkward selfie face and a PSL = awesomeness

And now for a Harper flood and a weekend recap...

Grandpa's girl right here!
Dress | Headband | Sandals

Little girl, Big chair. lololol.

Hi Miss Harper J!

Just a little bath time feeding. TOO MUCH CUTENESS.

Breakfast date with Daddy. p.s.- This shirt says big cousin!!! (not big sister. eek) :0

We drove Grandpa's truck for the weekend so I decided to let her sit forward facing and she was so amazed and loved it. We were also so high up that she could see everything and was just taking it all in. I love watching them see new things for the first time, like mommy driving. So cool. No judgey's on the forward facing. I am actually the biggest advocate for rear facing under 2 and I NEVER thought I would let her forward face until than, but I felt safe in a HUGE pickup truck and now that she seemed so much happier I kind of want it to become permanent... Thoughts ?? I also love our car seat and think it is one of the safest ones out there. I'm torn...

Go Huskers!! Even though we lost... boo. At least this babe looked darling.
Headband | Moccs | Leggings (walmart last year) 

Dancing with the beautiful bride Sheena!
Dress | Headband

She loved being by the dance floor just watching everyone dance. She also got a couple moves in. :)

The very end of the night and only picture I got of the two of us. I love my little mini.

Thank you Gap, Old Navy, and Target for the amazing sales this week. Snagged all of this for about $80. I love me some sales!!!
Cargo Zip Vest | Yellow Peplum Bodysuit | Tank | Bear Sweater Hat | Camera Tee | Ooh La La Bodysuit | Gold Heart Sweater Dress | Peplum Tee | Purple Long Sleeve Tee | Black Heart Sweatshirt

Happy Labor Day!!

I hope everyone had an amazing Labor Day!!!!

We did absolutely nothing except eat and relax and it was perfect!! Daddy also got off work super early so we got to hangout with him so it was an extra great day. 

I wanted a watermelon to do a little mini end of summer photo shoot with Harper but when I cut it open, it wasn't red, it was yellow?!?!? I have never heard or seen this ever! It's crazy or im crazy, I dont know, but it taste the exact same and was super yummy!