Oh. Em. Gee. My sister is prego!!!!!

I am writing this post about seven months prior to you reading this, as tonight is the evening that my sister called to share the amazing news!!!! I wanted my emotions to just spill out onto this page and be as fresh as can be to share with y’all!

Wow. This is such a milestone for my family. I can’t even tell you the amount of times we have talked out this non-existent baby. Today marks one of the best days of my life.

It is such an indescribable feeling, knowing that you no longer are kids growing up, but you are now sharing these unforgettable moments together, as sisters. I remember like it was yesterday, her now husband, telling me that he was going to purpose, back in July of 2014….

October 24, 2015, they were married, and standing right beside her, only brought tears of joy, never thinking any moment would be so mixed with emotions…. I was wrong.

Now expecting their first child and me finally becoming Aunty Mandy this coming September, I think I can say that this will be my favorite year.

I wanted to collect these emotions running through me to always be able to cherish this day, this moment in time, and to always be able to look back and remember.

Here are my 4 emotions I had when I found out my sister is pregnant:

1. SHEER EXCITEMENT

This was the most pure feeling of happiness I think I’ve ever felt from a phone call. I felt an instant warm feeling in my heart of pure joy. Everything stopped, and in that moment I realized that this is what life’s all about. My sister is going to be a MOM and I cannot wait to watch her grow as a person with her new tittle!!

2. HOLY CRAP IT’S HAPPENING

Yup, my mind went there. Like how did this happen? Well duh, I know that… When did this happen? I don’t think I want to know that… and certainly not where it happened, but the fact it is happening and NOW is just craziness!!!

3. NERVOUS WRECK

I literally googled “what can I do for my sister while she’s pregnant.” I want to be able to help in any way possible. Whether it’s going to appointments, maternity shopping (can’t freakin’ wait), or eating weird cravings with her, I want to be there for her. Help her make her life a little less stressful and overwhelming.

4. COMPLETE HAPPINESS

I’m happy for my sister and her husband. I’m happy for my parents, who have been waiting for this moment since I think they had her. And I’m just happy that we are a growing and healthy family that have such blessings to have this happen. It truly is a blessing, bringing a life into the world. It’s a tad more special when it’s your family that gets to grow and I can now say I am going to be an aunt!!!

I am so incredibly happy for my sister, her husband and our families, I am smiling cheek to cheek as I write this.

XOXO

Amanda Rae

I did it. I have achieved the impossible. At 25, I am proud to say that I live on my own! Never in a million years did I ever think that I’d live alone… but times have changed and so have I!

I am so fortunate and lucky to have a support system that has brought me to this point in my life. Living on my own was always a thought but never a reality. For one, I didn’t ever see myself living alone. I thought I’d feel lonely, scared, and like an outcast. Second, never did I think it would be financially possible, especially in a location of my choice. But not every situation is perfect. Embracing that, I came to a realization that the pros column was a lot longer than the cons. Aside from having two amazing parents always in my corner, I needed to mentally be in the right state of mind and accept being on my own. I have now learned that you are never REALLY alone…

After a big life change, I finally became at peace with the idea, and stopped looking for a roommate. The thought of accommodating what I wanted, vs. what reality was going to be: live with a stranger, in a crappy old apartment, at triple the amount I could ideally afford. Wasn’t at all appealing anymore.

Like I said before, not every situation is perfect. No I do not live that close to friends, or family, but I do feel comfortable in my apartment, which was and is my number one priority. As a woman, I needed to feel safe and secure, and that goes for wherever I am. I knew that from the last few years of some experiences, I was finally ready to do what made ME happy. Not getting caught up in what other people were doing, or living, or experiencing. I knew that this was the best decision for ME.

With that being said, I’ve been living in my new apartment for about three weeks now. Already having all of the furniture from my previous living situation, I didn’t need to purchase much. Everything in my apartment is from my parents old house, as they replaced all of their furniture a year ago. Granted, not everything I have is my taste, but I am very happy with how my apartment came out. It is home, and with pride, my home!

Thank you to my family and friends for always keeping my best interest at heart and giving me the advise I always need to hear. ❤

Special thanks to my parents. XOXO

Leave some love and share with me your thoughts on living alone. Have you ever wanted to? Regret not? Would love to hear!!!

Yours truly,

Amanda Rae