My 'I Heart Michigan' Mix

I love Michigan and I can't imagine living in any other state. Yes, it gets cold. But not extremely cold. Yes, it can be humid, but it doesn't generally get past 100 degrees.

We have very few killer tornadoes. We don't get hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis.

We have all four seasons. We have grass, trees, cultural institutions, award-winning restaurants and wine. We have National Coney Island, Faygo, Better Made, Garden Fresh, GM, Ford and my fave ice cream - Hudsonville. And the best part - we have lakes upon lakes covering our beautiful state.

Michigan has gotten a bad rap due to our reliance on the auto industry and high unemployment rates. But nowhere is perfect. Michigan is my perfect.

After being on the lake today, I've felt inspired to make a mix for Michigan. For a day on the lake, cruising the shore, tubing/skiing, watching a Michigan sunset - these are some of my fave jams to listen to that remind me of my fair state.

Especially in Michigan - Red Hot Chili Peppers

All Summer Long - Kid Rock

Free - Zac Brown Band

The Life - Kenny Chesney (just imagine Michigan, not Mexico!)

We're Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes

All This Beauty - The Weepies

Put Your Hands Up For Detroit - Fedde Le Grand

The Lighthouse's Tale - Nickel Creek

Lucky Man - Montgomery Gentry

One Piece At A Time - Johnny Cash

Boat Drinks - Jimmy Buffet

Northern Michigan - Jill Jack

Half Acre - Hem

Lie In Our Graves - Dave Matthews Band

If this weekend is a barometer for the summer ahead, we're in for a wonderful one. Cheers to the only state where you can use your hand to show where you live!

Introducing #BabyWeber, Kinley Marie

Before you were conceived, I wanted you.

Before you were born, I loved you.

Before you were here an hour, I would die for you.

This is the miracle of life.

- Maureen Hawkins

Yes, it's been awhile since I last posted.

Let me just say my brain has been occupied with something new going on in my life: pregnancy! I am not in any way finished blogging just because I am anticipating MAJOR changes in my life, but obviously it's not going to be as consistent. Regardless, I will try my darnest.

I have never been so happy in my entire life. Sounds corny, but ever since I was a little girl I've wanted to be a mom. I'm a nurturer by nature and just have always known it's my lot in life to take care of a wee human being. Coupled with my amazing husband, I have no doubt that it's going to be the most exciting adventure of our lives.

My time lately has been spent sleeping (esp. at the beginning) and reading stacks of books on pregnancy, baby bargains, breastfeeding and infant care. I know nothing in the books can prepare me for what's ahead, but having a bit more working knowledge for what I'm in for has been a sigh of relief.

I'm 21 weeks along already - just over halfway there! And we know it's a girl - Kinley (prncd. kin-lee) Marie to be exact.

There's logic behind the name:

- Kinley is the road Jason grew up on and where his family's homestead is. With his grandpa passing away last fall, it seemed fitting to have the name be a part of him in some way.

- Upon researching the name, we discovered it's Irish (brings my heritage in a bit!) and means "Fair Warrior." With a meaning like that, she's bound to be a bad a$$.

- It starts with the letter K. Since we're Jason & Lauren, it seems only fitting that we utilize the letter that is in between us.

Marie, yes, the cliche middle name for a girl. Well, not to us.

- Marie is my middle name, my mom's middle name, my grandma's middle name and my great-grandma's middle name.

- Marie is Jason's mom's middle name as well. And it's his amazing grandma's first name.

Winner winner chicken dinner! Glad it's a girl just for the sheer fact we knew her name even before she was conceived and we were lost when it came to boy names.

I have gobs of posts stored in my mind ranging from education to art and the top things I want to show Kinley about Detroit that will take time to write. Be patient and know I will be back again soon!