Ornament Swap fun!!!

Hi Lovies!

I can't believe the most magical time of the year is here again. I also can't believe this is the 5th year of this amazing swap that has brought so many friends together. It's a swap dear to my heart and I hope (if you've participated in the past) it's been one of your favorites too.

Since I'll be having baby Noel (our second daughter) this December, my lovely friend Erin will be hosting this year's swap over on her blog Pugh's News. Not only is she the perfect hostess but it's pretty amazing that our friendship happened through this very swap five years ago. Erin was who I sent to that very first ornament exchange I hosted. She is such a close friend and it always makes me smile to think of how we "met."

For details on how to join this year's ornament swap, head over to Erin's blog post here. {Sign-ups start today and close on the 12th of November} 

Getting to spread Christmas joy while connecting with another blogger is my favorite. I hope you'll join and welcome our new hostess while you're at it. If you don't know her, you'll instantly fall in love with her like I did, I just know it. 

Erin, thank-you again for always being such a wonderful friend! love you xo

I will forever cherish these.

While I was home in Wichita Falls, I met up with my sweet friend Rebecca. Rebecca and I have known each other since junior high and now we're both Mamas to beautiful girls. She is also the incredible photographer behind Rebecca Cain Photography.

We met up before I left in late July for portraits of Felix. It was a generous and perfect gift from my twinkie (and Felix's Mama Two) Marianne. We asked my parents to be in them and it's a decision I will forever be thankful for. 

It was so hot out and Felix was fussy. And yet you'd never guess it the way Rebecca captured the sweetest moments. It was so hard to narrow down a few favorites. I'd love to share some with you!

^candid moments are my most favorite!

^A sweet little old lady named Winnie from church gave Felix this book on our first Sunday home. I am so glad my Papa thought to bring it along. Reading is something that is special to Felix and I. I pray she grows up knowing that Jesus does love her so. 

^I hadn't planned on being in any photos but I'm glad Rebecca knew better :) Knowing my love of toys from my childhood, she brought along a magnetic writer. We used it to announce my second pregnancy and Noel. 

^hands down, my absolute favorite photo #swoon

You can see the rest of the photos in my facebook album. 

Rebecca, thank-you for taking these precious photographs. There's nothing like seeing your parents love on your baby. I will forever cherish these xo

If you're in the North Texas area, I highly recommend R Cain Photography. You can also check out her facebook page for more information.

Happy Birthday Felix!

Dear Sweet Felix,

We are so lucky God chose us to be your parents. Happy 1st Birthday to you, our dream girl! You make the world more beautiful Felix Lechuga Maxham. 

We love you so very much,
Mama & Papa xo

Littlest Baby Girl Maxham.

With Felix, I had her name picked out for awhile. With baby girl number two, we knew we wanted to stick with a family name. We ordered vintage blocks of Felix's baby sister's name.

She'll be named after my husband's Uncle Noel (spelt the same way) but pronounced "Noelle." I wish our Noel and I could have met him. 

Ultrasound photos from 3 weeks ago of our littlest when we found out we were having another beautiful girl.

I love that she looks like she's already smiling in the first one and her leg makes me giggle in the second one.

I love that our girls are both named after family (coincidentally, male family members too!). I think it's even more romantic that my husband named her. It's a fitting name for a December baby, don't you think?

Noel Lechuga Maxham, we can't wait to meet you! 

(Lechuga is my maiden name)

*custom name blocks from Vintage by Alex Keller on etsy. I love Alex and ordered Felix's name with her too. She will take photos of different styles until you choose the perfect blocks. Perfect for nurseries/baby shower gifts.

catching up.

Last month I said good-bye to the home we made a family in and to all the life long friends I made in El Paso.

Since it would take awhile for the movers to bring our stuff to upstate NY, Husband suggested Felix and I stay with my family in Wichita Falls. For nearly a month, we enjoyed much needed family time while my sweet husband worked and found us our new home. 

I LOVED being home. There really is nothing like seeing your parents and siblings love on your daughter. Felix loved it! and I loved all the sleep ;) It makes me sick not being close to family. Sigh. 

Oh and THIS finally happened!!! It just so happened that Phoenix was in town visiting her brother who happens to live near my parent's. It was so late when we finally met up that all we managed to take was this grainy selfie. Take my word on it, she is so beautiful and just as nice in person. Bunny, I can't wait to hug you again!

We sure missed Chip all that time. It was the sweetest reunion at the end of the month. 

Saying bye to all my friends and family never gets easier. Felix with my twinkie, her Mama Two. I am so thankful for all the time we got to spend together. 

You guys... traveling with a baby by car across country -- I don't even know how we did it! Felix was pretty great considering but there were parts were she was downright miserable (that 3rd photo in particular cracks me up!) To drive from Wichita Falls to Elmira is 21 hours. We made it in three days, stopping two nights. Lots of snacks and changing her in the car while she drank her bottle were saving graces. I am glad I didn't bother with changing tables at gas stations! 

Somehow, thank God (and my husband's great driving!) we made it to our new home. Here's to new adventures!

And of course, our biggest news... if you're a follower on instagram (@dolcemicaela) you already know this: 

 Felix's baby sister will be here in December!!! 

More on that later... 

For now, I feel like unpacking will never get done!

Doo Nanny Flower Crown - I'm in love! + GIVEAWAY

One of my favorite people in the world is Kitty of Fritzi Marie. Yours, too? The day I get to hug her and Felix gets to hug Roscoe, my heart would be complete. 

I have the most talented friends. Kitty makes custom sock monkeys with vintage trim, she made Felix this sweet dollie, and most recently-- Kitty has created Doo Nanny flower crowns. The floral crowns/headband was, "inspired by Frida Kahlo, burlesque dancers, circus performers and pin up girls." I just love that! the perfect touch of bohemian whimsy, romantic and if Sex and the City was still running, couldn't you just see Carrie Bradshaw loving in one?

Kitty is giving away a red Doo Nanny flower crown to one lucky reader. Take a look at her etsy shop and leave a comment below-- tell us what made you happy recently. 

{the tag is even cute!}

The winner and I will be twins! Kitty sent me one for my birthday and I couldn't have asked for a better gift! I love mine. Love. It's so wonderfully made. 

Felix loves it too!

Update: Phoenix, you are the beautiful winner!!! Thank-you to all who played along and thank-you Kitty for hosting xo

mixed tapes are my favorite.

especially when they include songs, perfect for late nights when it's windy outside and you want to remember.