My Baby is in Heaven.

"Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans." I had heard this quote before, but never paid it any mind. Until now. Why now? Because now marks seven months that we have been trying for baby number two, with no results. I have decided to share my story of baby loss and infertility to remind other women going through the same issues, that they are not alone.

I had it all planned out. I got married at 23, and I was going to have 4 children, all before I was 32. Well, I quickly learned that not all things go as planned.

It all started last October when me and the hubby decided it was time to start trying again. We got pregnant with our first on our honeymoon. It happened so quick the first time, so why wouldn't it be that way again? And we were right! Within a few weeks we had found out we were pregnant. We told our immediate family on both sides, and our son, Miles. He was so excited about becoming a big brother, although I was certain he had no idea what that really meant. About a week and a half passed, and that Tuesday came the hardest day of my life. I had lost my father the June before, so I kept calling this baby my little miracle. It was a sign from God that everything was going to be okay. But that morning everything wasn't okay. I had a bad feeling. I was crampy and felt horrible. I didn't even want to think about going to the bathroom, for I knew I could not handle what I was going to see. But eventually, I had to. I sat down and my heart was broken. I knew it was the end. I kept screaming the word "NO" at the top of my lungs. But no matter how much I yelled and cried, it wasn't going to stop it. Me and my husband got to the hospital and they told us what we already knew: I had lost that little miracle baby. I was crushed. Internally and externally, mentally and physically, spiritually and emotionally, crushed.

A few months later we got the go ahead to start trying again. Piece of cake, right? The other two were, why wouldn't this one be? Boy, were we wrong. Seven months, a run of progesterone, two doctors visits, three ovulation kits, and four different cycle tracking apps later, still nothing. Every month when I see that negative test, that horrible day that I lost my little one replays in my mind. I relive every moment of it. And all the emotions and questions come surging back. What's wrong? Why is this happening to me? But the other two were so easy, why isn't this one? What if I can never have another one? Why was my baby taken from me? And now, I think about how I could be holding a baby in my arms, if I hadn't lost mine last year.

It's hard. It gets easier with time, just like anything else, but it's hard. It's especially hard because no one wants to talk about it. If you say anything about your infertility, you are downgrading someone else's happiness. You aren't allowed to be sad, you have to go about your life like nothing is happening. You have to be strong in the face of adversity. You can't get too stressed because that will make things harder. And how do you bring it up? And what do you do when someone asks, "When are you going to try for another one"? I finally got to a point where I was comfortable with talking about it. And I'm glad. It's nice to be able to share the little sliver of happiness you got with someone else. I have two children. One of them is in heaven. And I like for people to know about my angel baby too.

After I started mentioning it to other people, I learned I wasn't alone. I felt like I was the only person who ever had a miscarriage, because no one else had ever really mentioned having one. Until I brought it up. I realized I wasn't alone. It was so nice to connect with people who understood what I was going through. It was so hard, and it lifted my spirits just knowing that I wasn't the only one.

I would never wish it on anyone, not even my worst enemy. A piece of me is forever lost. But not forever. One day in heaven we will meet again. I can't wait to hold that beautiful baby in my arms.

The days will pass whether I dwell on the situation or not. I thought I had it all planned out, but I was wrong, and that's okay. I will learn to live in the now and soak up every moment of happiness I can with my gorgeous boy Miles. After all, life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.

Nûby Parent Blogger Product Review - Tub Time Turtle ™

Hi there! Today is my first blog review as a Nûby Parent Blogger! I'm so excited to be working with such an amazing company! This will be the first review of many, as I LOVE their products! And so does Miles!

So let's get to it, shall we?!

The first item up for review is the Tub Time Turtle ™. This item is labeled for ages 18 months +. It's a super fun and interactive bath toy. Miles was so excited to open this one up. The bright colors got him so excited to play with his new bath toy! And my boy loves turtles. So this was the perfect bath time toy for him.

What I loved most about this toy was that it floats! No getting lost in the bathtub while your little one is bathing. It was always right there in Miles's reach, floating alongside of him.

This toy is totally interactive and promotes cause-and-effect play. When you lift Tub Time Turtle ™ out of the tub, you can create a waterfall! He has small openings in his back where the water can flow through! Miles was holding him up and catching the water in his hand. He had a great time playing with his new turtle toy!

All in all, this was another fantastic product produced by Nûby. Shop for the Tub Time Turtle ™ here. Get one for your little and it's sure to make a splash!

Amanda xx

*I received this product for a review, but all opinions are my own. 

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A Little Style With Miles

I'm not sure if I have cordially introduced the baby behind this mama! His name is Miles and he is 2 years old. His favorite food is Mac n' Cheese and he loves him some apple juice. When he's not watching Mickey Mouse you can find him running around the house pretending to be a Ninja Turtle. He likes to pose for pictures just as much as I like taking them. He has long hair, and he loves it! He's seriously the coolest kiddo ever and I love him to pieces. (Okay, so I'm a little biased.)

Today I'm going to share one of his recent looks with you! This one was seriously so cute and we got a million and one compliments on it during the day!

We started with a new tee from Mason Blake Apparel. It's a super soft, grey, tri-blend tee printed with the perfect message for Miles, "Messy Hair Don't Care". Next up, our favorite favorite FAVORITE black skinny jeans from Farm Fresh Denim. Their distressed jeans and shorts are seriously to die for!

We finished up with our favorite Freshly Picked moccasins in "Ebony", and a neon beanie from NOXXaz.

Miles was super comfy all day and just the cutest little cutie pie! I hope you all love this outfit as much as I do. Click any of the links to the shops above to get this look for your little one!

Amanda and Miles xx

"Your college degree is a waste of time."

"Oh, so I guess your college degree is just a waste of time."

Yes, someone actually said this to me. Those words came out of someone's mouth and were addressed to me. I was the lucky recipient of this oh so graceful sentence. With the recent quick success of my new business, I have had several people make remarks like this to me. For those of you who do not know me, I am a senior Biology major with a concentration in Ecological, Environmental, and Evolutionary sciences. That's right, I want to be a scientist. I also however, am the founder and owner of Tiny Tribe Apparel. A quickly growing apparel line for kids and adults; we offer a little something for everyone in your tiny tribe. (Catchy, huh?) So here I am, stuck between the world of fashion, and the world of science. And now, people are telling me my degree is a waste.

Here's a little bit of background on my college education:
I have taken 2 years off, changed my major once and my concentration once, moved more than 5 times,  purchased my first house, I fell in love, got engaged, got married, got pregnant, delivered a baby, got pregnant again, had a miscarriage, lost my father, and started a business ALL while I was in school. To say the least, my path has been ANYTHING but conventional, and I am NOT your average college student. In the midst of all of this, I also had a couple of semesters where I didn't do too hot, due to having just a little too much fun. (I was 18, give me a break.)

And now, I'm in my senior year and people keep asking me what I want to do after I graduate. And to be completely 1000% honest - I have no idea. I have options. I have plans. But no, I don't know what I want to do. And I am totally okay with that. 1010% okay with it actually.

See here's the thing, I've always been a lover of fashion and trends, but I have fallen in love with it all over again since having a little one. I have never been more driven and passionate about something in my life than I am with my own business. I never thought this was something I could do as a career, but now I am seeing that it is! Did you know that there are less 20-something year old entrepreneurs in the United States now than ever before? I'm part of a dying breed. And I love it.

Tiny Tribe Apparel at New Orleans Fashion Week. 

I've always been a lover of nature. My father was too. He knew just about everything about everything. I don't even know how he fit all that knowledge in his brain. So I've always been science driven. I know, what a nerd?! The world is just such a fascinating place!

Okay, so where am I going with this? Basically the point I'm trying to make is my college education and degree is definitely not a waste, whether I do anything with it or not. What's wrong with setting a goal and completing it? No one can ever take my degree away, and it will never expire. As my amazingly wise best friend once told me, "I have the rest of my life to do what my degree allows me to do." Those words stuck with me ever since they came out of her mouth. That's so true. We live in this society that expects you to go to college, get your degree, and do whatever it is that you got your degree in for the rest of your life. And maybe that's the path you chose. Good for you. You get a gold star. I'm so glad you figured out life and all the secrets to everything ever. And maybe you're like me, and you're a late bloomer. Maybe you want more out of life. Maybe you found yourself a little later. Maybe you just changed your mind. You too, get a gold star. It doesn't matter what you do with your life, what matters is the manner in which you live it.

I've learned so many things just from obtaining my degree. Time management, how to prioritize, how to write professionally, how to be organized, self-determination and motivation, and how to network. These are all life skills that will help me no matter what field I go into. So, if you're in college and you are just kind of wandering around wondering where the free coffee is, don't sweat it. You have the rest of forever to figure it out. It's going to be okay. Just live with love and positivity. The rest will sort itself out. I promise. Your degree is most certainly not a waste of time. And as always, good luck.

Me and the hubs after his undergrad graduation in 2012. He is currently working on his masters. 

My Tiny Tribe Life - Shopping Small

Good ole American entrepreneurship. It makes my heart full. To hear of people: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, just like me and you, fulfilling their dreams from their kitchen table. Started on hard work and heart. Made not for a profit, but for love. Watching an idea come to life. All of these things are a part of being a small shop owner. It's so much more than running a business.

I want to tell you a story about my friend Susan Petersen over at Freshly Picked Moccasins. Susan had ordered shoes for her little one, but was unsatisfied with they way they fit. So she sought to create her own. Little did she know that it would take her where it has today. Her brother was working on windows, and she was collecting the aluminum from their frames and saving it for an entire summer. When the season ended, she took the aluminum and cashed it in for a total of $200. And Freshly Picked was born. And I guess you can say, the rest is history.

There is something so inspiring about a person pouring their soul into what they do. Art is born when the artist puts profit aside, and focuses on bringing light through their craft.

Miles and I have become somewhat of a face for small shops. We love supporting our friends and collaborating with other shops to bring goodies to people all over! We have built relationships and connections I never new imaginable. Although I own my very own small shop, Tiny Tribe Apparel, I am forever promoting those who do the same. I now know what it takes. It's hard work, but its also the most fun you'll ever have.

I am beyond humbled by the support from people all over the world who are interested in my products. I am even more humbled to know that my very own friends and family are supporting my little dream. In just a little over a month, we have grown more than I ever expected. And we have plenty more in store! So exciting!

I guess where I'm going with this is, well, you should shop small people. I'm not saying you can't ever go to Target again (my God that would be a sin - and if you know me I would probably cry if I couldn't go to Target), but shop around. There's a vast network of local stores right here in your backyard! Owned by people just like us!

Heres a few tips, considering I always have people ask me where I find these shops:
- social media is key! (This is the most important rule.)
- follow them on Instagram for updates and sales.
- take a picture of your little in their clothes and tag them, they love that stuff!
- like their page on Facebook.
- shop locally, check out the Kid's directory for more shops in your area.
- go check out our Insta! Tap on any picture of Miles for outfit details.

Now happy shopping! I know you'll find some amazing stuff. You can thank me later.

Amanda xx

Here are a few of our fave small shop looks!

Tee: Electric Collective

Tee: Henry + Claire, Beanie: Playground Posse, Jeans: Farm Fresh Denim

Beanie: Playground Posse, Tee: Rusterior Design

Tee: Wild Cub Co., Beanie: Noxxaz

Tee: Wire and Honey

Tee: Mason Blake Apparel, Snapback: Wild Cub Co.

Beanie: Noxxaz, Romper: Baby Bandits

Beanie: Noxxaz, Tee: Rusterior Design

Tee: Tiny Tribe Apparel

Tee: Wild Cub, Co.

Tee: Hello Jude Clothing, Leggings: Rusterior Design, Scarf Bib: Drooly Scrumptious

My tiny little life - Lauren's Bridal Shower

I met Lauren just seven years ago, but part of me feels as if I've known her for a lifetime. She is the eldest of my husband's four younger sisters, and on May 30th, she will become Mrs. Wells. We spent this past Sunday celebrating her soon to be marriage. With a little southern flair and style, we spent the afternoon smiling and spreading love. 

Hung from balloons were moments captured throughout Lauren and JD's journey as a couple. They created a magical place in the room, where their love could be shared with family and friends. 

The masterminds behind the decorations were our Aunts, Christina and Darlene, and Lauren's maid of honor, her sister Jennifer. With tones of gold and teal, a pretty little flair filled the room. 

Lauren wore a beautiful coral, floral patterned, Ann Taylor dress. She looked so pretty, as always, and she radiated with joy. The shower was the happiest of places to be that afternoon, and her smile was certainly evidence of this! 

I styled myself in a Marc New York | Andrew Marc dress in a gorgeous taupe color. I finished the look in my favorite black tights and bootie wedges. However, my favorite part of my outfit was my one of kind necklace.

I took the most beautiful stopwatch my father was repairing before he passed, and I attached it to a chain I already owned. Pictured on the watch are a doe and her fawn. My father was a lover of nature, so I felt so connected to him by wearing this most simple necklace. It made the day that much more special to me. 

I have enjoyed watching Lauren grow into the woman she has become. She has already accomplished greatness, and her journey is not done yet. 

Congratulations on Lauren and JD! Cheers!

Tiny Trends - Freshly Picked Moccasins

Sitting on top of Miles's dresser are the most adorable little pair of baby shoes he has ever owned. Handmade with love and started by one of my own personal inspirations, Susan Petersen, Freshly Picked is one of the best baby clothing companies I have ever come across.

Freshly Picked, as seen on ABC's "Shark Tank", was started in Susan's kitchen on a dream and good old fashion American entrepreneurship. This dream of Susan's went from kitchen table project to established company in no time.

I remember sitting on the couch, newborn baby laying on the Boppy, phone in my hand and lurking Instagram. I came across the most gorgeous shoes I had ever seen. I remember thinking that Miles HAD to have those. Months passed, and as Miles grew I kept my sights set on those beautiful moccs. Finally, I pulled the trigger and ordered Miles his first pair of baby moccasins. When they arrived in the mail they were in the most beautiful little bag and packaging. I knew what I was about to unfold was a quality product. I put those babies on my little man's feet and swooned over the cuteness.

Here are a few of my favorite things about Freshly Picked moccasins:
They are durable. Made of genuine leather or suede, they can withstand the rough and tumble that any little boy, or tomboy, will put them through.

They are easy to slip on and slip off. At not even 2 years of age, Miles can actually get his on by himself. They are shaped well enough to stay on those little chubby baby feet, but they are stretchy which makes slipping them on and heading out the door a breeze.

They are stylish. They are trendy, fashionable, different, and beautiful. I love the look they give any outfit. Wear them with shorts or jeans. Leggings or a dress. They are the perfect fit for just about any outfit.

At the end of March, Tiny Tribe Apparel will be doing a giveaway partnering with Freshly Picked, so keep your eyes peeled. I am so blessed to collaborate with such an amazing company.

All in all, if you are looking for some amazing shoes for your little one, be sure to grab a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins. They do not disappoint. I know, because we love FP.