Corie's Blog

Our Little Songwriter

2011-01-12T08:57:00.002-05:00

Chloe has discovered Toy Story.
The first two movies were on tv over Christmas break, so I dvr-ed them, thinking someday she will want to see them. She hasn't had any interest in movies up to this point.

Well, she LOVES Toy Story! All of a sudden it is the only thing she wants to watch. Over and over and over.

She got a plush Woody doll for Christmas, who MUST sleep with her in her crib at night.
Keith and I heard her singing a song over the monitor one evening. We couldn't believe what we heard, so we turned the volume up a notch. Sure enough, Chloe was singing, "Everbody's got a Woody!" again and again and again.

Oh boy. Let's hope that song doesn't go public. I have a feeling some people just wouldn't understand.

Back In The Swing of Things

2011-01-07T09:02:00.002-05:00

I don't even remember when my last post was. I'm not going to look. I know that it has been a loooong time.

So, quick update.

I'm still stay home with our 2.5 year old daughter. That in itself should give me plenty of blogging material!

I still love love love reading, coffee, and long conversations with my friends.

I am still trying to figure out how to be the wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend that God created me to be. Some days I feel like I am beginning to grasp it and other days I have never felt so confused. On those days, I try to just rest in the fact that He loves me.

I'm excited about rejoining the blogging world! Here's to plentiful posts in 2011!

Shame, Shame

2009-07-11T20:44:00.008-04:00

I cannot believe my last post was almost 2 months ago!

Talk about blog neglect. Wow. Shame on me.

I have developed another internet addiction, Facebook. (Thanks Val)
I haven't figured out how to juggle blogging and Facebook. If anyone knows how, please let me know! :)

Chloe turned one! Well, a month ago. I cannot believe out little girl is one year old. Some people call her a toddler now. I am still gonna refer to her as my baby because she isn't walking yet and is still relatively bald. I want to hang on to her "baby-ness" for as long as I can. It's already gone by too quickly.

Other than that, we've just been enjoying summer. Trips to the pool, walks outside, playing at the park, yardwork, and all the stuff that comes with summer.

Here are a few pictures.... I haven't posted pictures in ages either. Again, shame on me.

Away... Round 2

2009-05-15T08:02:00.002-04:00

So, this is the second time we have left Chloe. The first time was overnight in February for a marriage retreat with our church. This time, it is for 4 nights. Yeah, you read that right... 4 long nights. Over 96 hours, over 5760 minutes... you get the picture.

Keith's best friend and old college roommate is getting married. Outside Detroit. So, I am posting this from our hotel room in Michigan. It wasn't feasible for Chloe to make the trip with us, so we took her to my mom's on Wednesday and left after we put her to bed.

It.was.so.hard.

SO HARD.

I have fought back tears on more than one occasion.

Keith and I went to dinner last night, just the two of us. A rarity since becoming parents. We decided to go to one of our favorite restaurants, The Melting Pot. We looked through all the pictures of Chloe on our phone.

When we got back to the hotel, my mom had emailed pictures of their day.
Surprisingly, my daughter was smiling and playing. I guess she does ok without us!

Actually, I know she is fine. I'm sure she misses us, but I know she is fine. My mom and I are soooo similar, so Chloe is with the next best thing. She ate and napped and slept just like she always does.

That puts a mommy's mind at ease.

I thought it would get harder each day we were away, but today is a little easier so far. Maybe its because I am enjoying a cup of Starbucks. Don't get me wrong... I will be more excited than anything to get back to her on Sunday, pick her up and give her 10,000 kisses.

(Momma, if you are reading this, give her hugs and kisses from me!)

Hello, Old Friend

2009-05-08T14:17:00.002-04:00

On Sunday I got reacquainted with an old friend....

my morning cup of coffee.

Oh, friend, how I missed you. We haven't spent time together since October 2007, when I found out I was pregnant. I couldn't spend time with you until I was done nursing Chloe.

Now I'm done breastfeeding. And, while I am still sad about that part of my life being done, I am looking forward to spending more time with you.
I have to admit, I tried to replace you with decaf, but decaf just wasn't the same.

I expect our friendship to pick up right where we left off.
So far, from what I can see, you haven't changed a bit.

My Little Hiatus

2009-04-28T15:19:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it's been more than 2 weeks since I last posted.
It was nice, actually. One less thing I felt like I had to do. That is what blogging had become- a to-do. I needed the break. I felt pressure to post, to read, to comment.

And now, after these 2 weeks.... I miss my blogging friends. I miss reading your blogs and knowing what is going on in your lives. Funny, isn't it? How you can miss someone you have never even met.

So, I don't think I am ready to give up on my blog, but I do think that I won't be posting as frequently.

Alot has happened this month. Just a rundown of whats been going on while I've been MIA....

I am weaning Chloe. We are down to one nursing session a day and that is the one right before bed. I've switched her to goat's milk. It was a very big decision. I was struggling between organic formula and goat's milk and in the end, decided to go the goat milk route.

Why am I weaning her before 1 year? Because we are going to be away from her for 4 days in a couple of weeks. We have a wedding out of town and my mom will be watching her while we are gone. I didn't want to pump while we were gone, plus, I didn't want to leave her while I was still nursing. 4 days... I can't even think about being away from her for that long without panic starting to settle in.

Keith turned 31. My mom and dad both had birthdays too. I didn't even give them their proper birthday posts. Sigh.

Chloe had her first Easter. It was great. I cannot wait until she is old enough to understand the importance of Easter. It is one of the most exciting days to a Christian.

I am starting to plan for her first birthday. Is it really just over one month away?

We have decided to go to NC this summer to visit our friends, Bart and Tracy and their two little girls. Another panic- a 12 hour car ride. But, I still have months to figure that out...

Just a few updates from my life.
I can't wait to catch up on all of yours.

???

2009-04-13T10:50:00.002-04:00

So, I've been feeling ho-hum lately, especially when it comes to blogging.

I've been contemplating if it is time to end the blog. For more than one reason.

We started a new series at church yesterday. 30 Days to Live.

How would you spend your last 30 days? I don't think I would spend mine blogging. Actually, I know I wouldn't.
And, I should spend each day as if it could be my last.

So, I'm going to pause for a bit. Stop and consider why I am blogging and if I should continue. Along with re-evaluating many other areas of my life.

I'll miss alot of you, especially if blogging is the only form of communication we have. I think I am going to try to give it a week, at first. I may extend it after a week. We'll see.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday.

Leave of Absence

2009-03-30T10:50:00.002-04:00

I took one.... this past week. I couldn't help myself.

I was drawn into the Twilight world.

Yup, that's right. I got sucked into the world of vampires and wolves. I can't believe it myself. I had no intention of reading the series, at all. One of Keith's co workers asked if I would like to read the books, knowing that I love to read. I said, no thanks. She sent the first book, Twilight, home with Keith anyway... just in case I changed my mind. And, I did.

I finished my book from the library and was in a reading frenzy. I get in those every once in awhile. I don't want to watch tv or be online, I just want to read. So, I had to feed the frenzy. I picked up Twilight.

That was all it took. I couldn't put it down. I read the first book in about a day and a half. These are long books too! I knew I needed to read the second book. I had to find out what happened to the characters. Over the next 5 days, I read the entire series. LOVED IT. During Chloe's naps, I read. After I put her to sleep for the night, I read. While I made dinner, I read. In the bathroom, I read. For almost an entire week, I had my nose in a book, every spare second that I had.

I was shocked at how good the books are. I don't ever read that type of book. I usually stick to Christian fiction for my leisurely reading. So, imagine my surprise when I joined the thousands of teenage girls, engaged in this vampire-human love story.

My only regret.... I have no more books in the series to look forward too. I wish I wouldn't have read them so quickly.

We rented the movie last night. Watched it. It was alright. Doesn't come close to touching the books. Waaaaay too much detail is left out. I recommend the books instead.

Have you read the series? What did you think?

I Love A Party!

2009-03-20T14:50:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my blog! Thanks for stopping by.

What better day to start the Ultimate Blog Party than the first day of spring? I love this time of year.

At a typical "girly" get-together, I would offer you a cup of coffee and some scones or muffins. You can kick off your shoes and pull up a chair. I want you to make yourself right at home here.

I suppose, as your hostess, I should introduce myself.
My name is Corie. I'm a 30 year old Christian, wife, stay at home mom, daughter, friend, book lover (and Book happens to be my last name), ice cream eater, and blogger.

I have an amazing family. My husband and I have been together for 12 years now, married for almost 4 of them. We met in college and dated for 8 years before we tied the knot. He's simply awesome. He recently switched jobs to become a High School teacher. And, he does personal training on the side... for a lil extra income since he fully supports me staying home with our daughter.

Last June, we welcomed our first child into the world. A perfect little girl, Chloe. She is 9 months old and an absolute joy to be around (most of the time). She is the reason I decided to quit my job and stay home. It is the hardest job I've ever had, but the most rewarding. I wouldn't change it for anything (on most days!). I love watching her learn and experience life every day. Right now, she is pulling herself up on EVERYTHING, learning to clap and wave hi, and babbling away. Did I say how much fun I am having being a mom?

As for me, I am just trying to do the best I can in life. I'm striving daily for a closer relationship with God. I'm trying to adjust to mommyhood and staying home. I did not expect to still be adjusting after 9 months, but I am. I am working on being a better wife and serving my husband in the ways God intended. I'm ready to be done breastfeeding so I can have some caffiene! Oh, and I'm still trying to unpack. We moved into our first house in October and my office is still filled with boxes. I don't think I will be getting any of that done this week. I'll be too busy meeting you! (smiles)

I'm so excited for this week of bloggin' fun. I hope to meet lots of new bloggin' friends. If you stop by, I hope you'll leave me a comment. I can't wait to stop by your party too!

*Oh, the prizes I would choose...
It was too hard to pick my top three, so I picked my top 6.
USC 11 — See Kai Run baby/toddler shoes provided by Traveling with Baby and See Kai Run
58 – Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer
USC 73 — Go baby OutMat provided by Go Baby
89 — $100 gift card to HomeGoods provided by HG Openhouse
16 — $20 gift certificate to Ladybug Limited
USC 58 — Handmade Retro Apron of your choice provided by Kati @ Country Girl, City Life and BoojiBoo!!

Or, any of the Target gift cards. Who couldn't use those?! :)

Welcome Landon Henry!

2009-03-18T16:28:00.003-04:00

Our little nephew, Landon Henry, was born on Monday.

He is so precious. He was 22 1/4 inches long and weighed 8 lbs. 14oz. While is is a big baby, he feels so tiny compared to Chloe.

I have a thing for baby feet... and Landon's are no exception. He has such long feet and toes. The nurses said that they had a hard time fitting his feet on the ink stamp for his footprints. I think they are longer than Chloe's feet!

We can't wait to see him again.

Welcome to the world Landon Henry!

Father's Hands

2009-03-10T17:05:00.005-04:00

This weekend, I watched my husband catch our daughter in his hands before she fell down.

It made me think about my Heavenly Father and how his hands are ALWAYS there to catch me when I fall in life.
And, I know I can trust Him to do just that.

Isn't it amazing that no matter how many times Chloe stumbles, Keith will be there to pick her up? The same way it is amazing that no matter how many times I stumble, God is right there, lending His hand.

I don't deserve His willingness, His grace, but he extends it to me each minute of each day.

I find such comfort in knowing that while Keith won't be there to pick up Chloe every single time she falls, God will.
What greater comfort is there than that?

A Heavy Post, Part II

2009-03-04T13:57:00.002-05:00

I haven't been posting about my weight loss endeavors.

Oops!

Well, after my first Heavy Post, I did really well for the week. Then, our Marriage Retreat happened. I indulged that weekend, to say the least. And, pretty much kept indulging after that.

This Monday, I started Weight Watchers again. I did the point system before our wedding and lost about 30 lbs. So, obviously, it works for me. I decided to do WW again because it is a structured program, but still gives me some freedom to choose what I eat and how I "spend" my points. I need the structure. I do very well with boundaries.

I've already lost 3 lbs. It is the desserts. I know it. I have such a sweet tooth. I would usually have something sweet after lunch and dinner. Now, after lunch I have fruit and after dinner I still have something sweet, but in moderation.

My goal is still attainable. Even if it takes me a couple more weeks than originally planned.
And, the weather is starting to cooperate so I can get outside for walks with Chloe, which will help.

I just wanted to update, especially for those who are my accountability partners. :)
Hope it is going well for you too!!!

PARTY!

2009-03-04T10:28:00.002-05:00

It's almost time for the Ultimate Blog Party. 5 Minutes For Moms hosts the party annually. This year it runs from March 20-27.

I can't wait. I've met some great bloggy friends from the party. I'm sure this year will be no different.

Hope to see you all there!

Two Thumbs Up!

2009-03-03T10:50:00.006-05:00

If you have any free time this week, you must rent this movie. So good.
So so so so good.

It's a film, from the same pastors who wrote Facing the Giants (another film I recommend). It was completely filmed with the help of volunteers, with the exception of a discounted film crew, I think. I can't emphasis enough how great this film is.

If you are married, or want to be married someday, this film is for you! Trust me.
I don't want to tell you what it's about, cause I don't want to give anything away. So, I will just tell you that my husband and I watched the movie yesterday and we both loved it! It is truly inspirational.

We watched it yesterday morning while Chloe was down for her nap. I don't think I have stopped thinking about it. It has challenged me to be the best wife I can be.

Who doesn't want to see a movie like that?

Here is the link to the movie's trailer... just in case you need a lil more convincing.

Tagged

2009-02-27T13:38:00.002-05:00

I haven't been tagged in awhile. And, considering the lack of posts I've had lately, I figured I better do something before the 3 of you who read my blog, quit checking it altogether.

Tales of AJU5 tagged me to share 10 scraps of information about myself.

1. I love children's books. Not just love them, but am oh so passionate about them. So much so that I have considered going back to school to get a library science degree so I can be an elementary school librarian. I could spend hours in the bookstore wandering around in the children's section. I CANNOT wait until Chloe is old enough to want to do this with me. I hope hope hope she shares me love of books.

2. I can watch my favorite tv shows and movies over and over and over again. This tends to drive my husband crazy.

3. I could eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every day.

4. I wish I could run. I would love to be able to go for long, leisurely jogs. I am just not a runner. I might be able to run a mile... might.

5. I have a very hard time with body image. I want to be able to be happy with the way I look and love myself for the woman God created me to be. Something is holding me back. It's hard.

6. I say "crap" way too much. If I don't watch it, Chloe's first words will be "mama" "dada" and "crap".

7. Fall is my favorite time of year. I love to see the leaves turning colors, to wear jeans and sweaters, to sit outside near a fire and drink hot cocoa. But, right now, I will happily settle for spring. Just no more winter!

8. My mom is my hero. Especially now that I am a mom. She was a single mom and did it all by herself and I can't imagine how. I struggle being a stay at home mom, with a husband and only one daughter. I think about the hardships she must have endured and it makes me love her even more.

9. I have amazing friends. Enough said.

10. I am left handed. So is my husband. I hope Chloe grows up to be a leftie too.

I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you do list 10 things about yourself on your blog, leave me a comment and let me know so I can check it out!

We survived!

2009-02-19T09:51:00.002-05:00

Yes we did. All 3 of us.

Keith and I went on a marriage retreat with our church last Friday and Saturday. It was our first night away from Chloe. Well, Keith has spent a few nights away from her, but I have always been with her.

And, we survived.

Even better, we actually all did really well.

It was hard to walk out the door on Friday morning. I kept wondering if she would cry. I wanted her to know that we would be back. I resisted the temptation to call.

It was SO SO nice to have time alone with my husband. We had lots of "breaks" at the retreat, so we really got to spend some quality time together. Much needed quality time.

I do remember at one point asking Keith if he thought she missed us. He said, very matter of factly, that she probably didn't. As long as her basic needs were being met, she would be fine. My response, HMPH. I think she misses us.

We met a couple at dinner. They told us that on their first night away from their firstborn, they got pregnant with child #2. I immediately broke out into a cold sweat. Not ready for that. Even typing it makes my hands clammy.

We got home Saturday afternoon. It was Chloe's naptime, so of course, she was sleeping. Our friend, Julie was with her Friday night and Saturday. She told us that Chloe did perfectly. She slept all night (which was my biggest fear) and was just wonderful. I was so relieved to hear that.

So, I now know that if we leave her overnight, everything will be ok.
And, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.

Nervous Nelly

2009-02-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

That's me... because Friday will be my first night away from my daughter.

Keith and I are attending a marriage retreat with our church at a hotel in St. Louis. The guest speakers are Cliff and Joyce Penner. The entire weekend is going to be spent discussing intimacy and SEX! How fun will that be?!?!

The retreat starts at 1:00 on Friday and goes until 12:00 Saturday. My sister in law is coming over Friday morning to watch Chloe. Another friend of ours is staying the night with Chloe and will be with her until we get back on Saturday.

I am so excited for the time alone with my hubby. But, I am nervous about being away from Chloe. I hope to have everything laid out to make the least amount of work for the sitters as possible. I am such an organization freak and Chloe is on a schedule, so I need to type out my notes for them before Friday. My fear is that she will be unbelievable fussy for some reason or not sleep through the night (which she has been doing for over 6 months).

I know that everything will be fine, but I am still nervous.

A "Heavy" Post

2009-02-10T14:14:00.003-05:00

Ok, I'm putting this out there in hopes that I feel some accountability.

I lost my pregnancy weight quickly and without any effort. (Don't kill me yet, keep reading)
Well, Chloe is 8 months old and I have put 14 lbs back on. I usually don't divulge my weight, but again, I am doing this in order to feel more accountable. At my 6 week checkup I weighed 142 lbs. Last week, I weighed 156 lbs.

I think it all went to my stomach. Needless to say, I am not happy about what I have allowed to happen.

I can make a million excuses. It's winter and we can't get outside to exercise. I baked ALOT during the holidays and ate whatever I wanted. It is easy for me to go to the fridge or pantry since I became a SAHM. Blah, blah, blah.

I feel yucky and unattractive. My clothes look awful on me. It just affects so many areas of my life. Not only that, it isn't healthy. And, I want to be healthy.

So, as of yesterday, I am changing my eating habits. I am watching my calories and portion sizes. I am making sure I get my fruits and veggies. I am not letting my snacks be the delicious, sugary kinds. I haven't decided if I am going to go back on Weight Watchers (I did this before our wedding and had great success). I am going to the gym at least 3 days a week. I have got to get the extra weight off.

My goal is to lose 20 lbs. I would like to lose at least 12 lbs by April 4 and another 8 or so by mid-May.

Feel free to be my accountability partners in this.

Makes Me Sick

2009-02-06T11:01:00.002-05:00

My mom showed me an article in Newsweek and I just cannot stop thinking about a quote from Nancy Pelosi.

It sickens me.

Nancy Pelosi said, "States are in terrible fiscal budget crises," partly because of all they do for children's health and education. Therefore, contraception, by reducing the number of wee parasites, "will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government."

How can she refer to children as "wee parasites"? And this is the Speaker of the Senate. Wonderful.

Just Call Me Grossy Grosserman

2009-02-01T18:01:00.003-05:00

I'm warning you- what you are about to read is disgusting.

It was 5:30pm on Friday evening. I realized I hadn't brushed my teeth yet.
Then I realized that it was not the first time since I became a SAHM that I had gone all day with nasty teeth.

And to think I kiss my daughter all day long with that mouth.

Oh, gross.

Not So Love-ly

2009-01-22T08:49:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've been feeling convicted.

I'm not showing God's definition of love.
We've all heard the verse a thousand times. If you are like me, you can recite the verse, but you may not have ever dissected it. Really gotten to the meaning of it.

God is showing me that I need to.

I Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.

As I read this and focus on each and every word, all I can say is....
OH BOY.
I have a long way to go.

I am ashamed to admit that I have been the exact opposite of all these things to a loved one recently. I have been impatient, unkind, envious, proud, rude, angry, holding grudges.

Isn't that sad? I haven't been showing love at all. To a person I say I love you to every day. It saddens my heart. I'm sure it saddens God's heart. And then, I wondered.... if I am not showing love, than am I truly loving? Sadly, I think the answer is no. How can I truly be loving someone when I am being impatient, unkind, rude, and angry? Sigh. A very sad sigh.

I don't know why I am this way. I do know that I want to change. I don't know why I try to change on my own. I do know that I can't do it on my own.

So, I am, with God's help, going to change.

I think the best way is to really internalize this verse. I'm going to take each description of love, one at a time, and pray on it. I'm going to make a conscious effort each day to live out that definition of love.

So, today, I will start from the beginning. Patience.

My prayer is that not only will I live out God's definition of love, but that my loved ones see and feel a difference in me.

More than anything, I want my family and friends to know, undoubtedly, that I have loved them the best that I can. So far, I don't think that I have been.

That is going to change. Starting now.

A Nice Surprise

2009-01-14T17:07:00.001-05:00

Keith's school was already cancelled for tomorrow!

I'm so excited. I think "snow days" are more exciting to me now, as a teacher's wife, then they were when I was a student.

Yay for cold weather!!! (quite the change from my earlier post, huh?)

My Oops of the Day

2009-01-14T12:44:00.001-05:00

Since we are stuck in the house due to the frigid weather, I thought I would take the opportunity to catch up on laundry.

Mental note to self- ALWAYS check husband's pockets before I put his pants in the washer.

I washed his pedometer. The pedometer that the school gave him as part of a contest. The pedometer that he has been wearing for months, tracking his steps. The pedometer that, in April, potentially could have won him some money.

Maybe my mental note should be- Don't do laundry.

Just another day

2009-01-13T17:49:00.002-05:00

I'm here.

We are here, stuck in the house. It is too cold to get Chloe out. Not that I have anything that absolutely must be done.

We usually get out of the house to break up our days, especially Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those are the days when I am with her by myself all day. Like today.

I'm ready for spring. Ready to play outside and go for walks in the park.

I think winter is beginning to get to me. I've just been blah.

This post is even blah.

I'll stop now before I bore you to death.

My Pity Party, Part Two

2009-01-09T12:40:00.002-05:00

Revision.

I am not done nursing Chloe.
My decision, not hers.

It's been a long week. The whole issue has been weighing on me. I felt broken, mind, body and spirit.
I wasn't really at peace with my decision to exclusively pump. It wasn't until a few people mentioned "nursing strike" that I decided to reconsider.

The past few days I've been devouring info on nursing strikes. I have come to the conclusion that is exactly what we were experiencing, especially because I believe she is teething again.

Pumping was wearing me down. Yesterday I was to the point of looking up the cost of formula and calculating how much we would need to budget for it. That's how bad it had gotten. I had an emotional breakdown when Keith got home last night.

And then I watched an episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8.

Yup, you read correctly. A TV show helped me make my decision. (See how beneficial TV can be?)

If you've seen the show, you may have noticed a t-shirt Jon wears, reading Isaiah 40:31. I've often wondered what verse that was, but never remembered to look it up.
Until last night.

"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Duh.
I was doing all of this on my own strength. I wasn't asking God to renew my strength each day.

Last night I was thinking about that verse as it applied to pumping.
Today, I was thinking about that verse as it applied to nursing.

I am just not ready to be done. And, actually, I don't think Chloe is either.
We successfully nursed at 11:00 today! It was so sweet. She even pulled off at one point, looked up at me and smiled.

So, I will hope in the Lord. That His plans are for us to continue.
And, when we are done, I will know that I did all I could.

My Pity Party

2009-01-05T13:51:00.003-05:00

I think I am done nursing Chloe.
Her decision. Not mine.

It started a few days after Christmas. I was getting ready to nurse her before bedtime and she would not latch on. There had been times before when she was fussy or disinterested, but this was different. She would not even turn to me and she was screaming bloody murder. She was so upset that she had tears flowing, which of course, made my own tears flow.
I had never experienced such a problem with nursing her. After about 20 minutes of attempting to calm her down and get her to nurse, Keith ended up feeding her a bottle. She took the bottle with no hesitation.

The next morning was a repeat of that night. A little less dramatic on her end, but refusal nonetheless. The past two weeks have been more of the same.

I didn't know what to do. I was so very upset. I still am a little bit. I felt like I had done something wrong. I couldn't understand why my baby suddenly didn't want to nurse.

So, after a lot of thinking, talking and praying, I think I am done nursing. I am still going to pump and continue to feed her breast milk for as long as my body will provide it. It is so much more of a pain though. Instead of just plopping her on, I now have to pump, clean the pump stuff, store the milk properly, prepare the bottle, clean the bottle. I completely respect women who choose to exclusively pump because believe me, it is WAY more work than breastfeeding. Plus, you don't get the same bond.

I am thankful that I was able to bf for 7 months though. I remember those first few days when I never thought I would make it for 2 weeks. A friend (who understands what I am going through and was trying to find a positive for me) told me that maybe it was good Chloe decided to wean herself. That probably is a good thing, I just had always imagined that I would know the last time I would nurse her and I could just cherish that time. But, I have many other times to cherish. I know that. It's still hard.

I had no idea when I started to bf that it would become what it did. It was such a bonding time for Chloe and I. It was something that only we shared. I'll miss that. I'm still struggling a little bit with the whole situation, but every day gets better.

Speaking of, I need to quit blogging and go pump.

Santa Baby

2008-12-23T22:31:00.004-05:00

We took Chloe to see Santa on Saturday.
We were wondering what her reaction would be. It wasn't bad. At first I thought I saw her bottom lip quiver. Thank goodness she realized she could grab his beard. I think that stopped any meltdown she may have had.
I can't believe it is her first Christmas already.

Merry Christmas to you and your families. I wish you all a joyful holiday and a wonderful New Year.

Baking Like There's No Tomorrow

2008-12-17T22:42:00.007-05:00

I love to bake.

There is something soothing about putting on my apron and mixing and measuring and rolling and spooning. Not to mention that one of my favorite smells is freshly baked cookies or bread. Mmmmmmm....

I especially love to bake Christmas cookies.

This year I baked chocolate chip cookies, gooey butter cookies, snickers surprise cookies, peanut butter blossoms and holiday pretzel treats.

This year, instead of giving out gift certificates, I decided to give cookies. I think a homemade gift is more thoughtful. So, our neighbors, mail carrier, playgroup instructors and some of Keith's students got cookies in these adorable boxes I found.

I had a great time last weekend, baking my lil heart out. If only I didn't have to clean up after myself.

Do you bake for the holiday? What are your favorite things to make?

Our Week in Pictures

2008-12-10T10:50:00.010-05:00

Playing in the leaves

My first attempt at homemade baby food... peas and sweet potatoes

Chloe's first bite of peas

Our Christmas tree

Our first outside Christmas lights

Little stocking stuffer

Just us

Just Another Day

2008-12-08T15:50:00.002-05:00

Time is a funny thing.

I feel like my days go so quickly and so slowly all at the same time. It's weird.
When I am living my days, it feels like bedtime can't come quick enough. But, when Friday rolls around, I can't believe my week is almost over.

Does this make sense? Is it just me? Anyway.....

We are STILL in the midst of boxes. That's right. We've been living here for almost 2 months and I still have unpacked boxes. We don't have a single thing hung on the walls.

We have managed to put up our Christmas tree and Keith hung our outside lights this weekend. This is the first time we have had a home to hang outside lights! Very exciting! My mom always hung lights outside when we were little and there is just something magical about seeing your house lit up with Christmas lights.

Chloe is 6 months old. That means time for solids. I spent yesterday making baby food for her. I am going to start with peas and sweet potatoes. She has been having rice cereal since for about 3 weeks now. Yesterday she was introduced to peas. She took them really, really well. I was surprised. So, we'll eat peas for a week or so and then try sweet potatoes. I also found frozen squash that I plan on making soon.

I wanted to make Chloe's food since I am home and have the time. I learned yesterday that it is actually really simple to make the food. I would do it even if I was working, I think. AND, so much cheaper. The cheapest jar of baby food I have found around here is 38 cents per jar. I bought a bag of frozen peas for $1 and it yielded 26 servings of baby food! So, Keith and I figured we saved about $6-$7. The sweet potatoes cost a bit more since I bought fresh, but still a savings of about $3-$4. Plus, I have to admit it was kinda fun to make the food. It took me about an hour or so and I won't have to make any more for over a month.

Oh, did I mention that Chloe is 26.5 inches and weighs 17 lbs 5 oz? I am so thankful every time we go to the doctor and I learn that she is still growing so well. She is such a healthy little girl. And, she had 4 shots at her well baby visit and she didn't even cry for the first two! I'm not even that brave when I have shots. It was a proud moment for me.

I promise, promise, promise to try to post some pictures soon. I know I have been saying that for months now.
But, for now, I am going to enjoy the rest of Chloe's nap and treat myself to a hot cocoa.......

Smart Poo?

2008-12-03T10:16:00.003-05:00

I swear my daughter has the smartest poo ever.

They always seem to know when she is wearing a white onesie. They take the opportunity to shoot up the back of her diaper and adhere to said white onesie.

Oh the joys of parenthood.

Mix and Match

2008-11-14T08:54:00.003-05:00

Where does the time go?
I have had zero time for posting and reading my favorite blogs. I miss my bloggin' buddies.

Things are still hectic around here.

We are slowly but surely getting things unpacked and situated. Keith is going to work on putting up our bathroom cabinet this weekend. We have a pedistal sink, which looks nice, but not so nice for storage. Hence, the cabinet. I need to get our overwhelming pile of mail under control. I also need to go through Chloe's closet and box up the summer clothes and the items she has outgrown.

My MIL had back surgery on Tuesday. She is at home, recovering for the next 4 weeks. We are anxious to see her, so we are planning a trip on Sunday. We are praying for a quick, easy recovery for her. She isn't the type to sit around much, so the upcoming weeks are gonna be rough for her.

I have decided to get crafty. I'm going to attempt to paint a couple of canvases for Chloe's room. I'm also going to attempt to make a birthday present and a couple of Christmas presents. I'll show the finished products in a later post.

I'm also applying to be a breast milk donor. My friend, Beth, told me about this. She has donated her milk. I am in the middle of the application process right now. I really really really hope that I am able to do this. Breastmilk can be the difference between life and death in some cases.

I know that there are about 1,000 more things to post about.... another time. Right now, I am watching my daughter play and blow raspberries and I am just dying to join her.

Have a great weekend all!!!!

A few of my favorites....

2008-11-07T09:22:00.011-05:00

These are a few of my latest favorite pictures of Chloe... taken over the last month or so....

Seems like I have only been taking pictures of Chloe, none of the house. Of course, that could be because we are still living out of boxes, after 3 weeks. I am completely slacking. But, with a daughter this sweet around, I just can't bring myself to work on unpacking all day.

I promise, pictures of the house to come.... I just won't promise when.

Birthday Girl

2008-11-06T20:01:00.003-05:00

My dear friend Amanda is having a birthday today.

I've known Amanda for about 8 years now. (Is that right Amanda? Has it been that long already?!?!)
We met while working together at a salon. I'm so thankful that God had a plan for us to become co-workers, then friends, and fellow wives and mothers.

Amanda is in one word, fantastic.
Seriously.
I don't know what I would do without her. She is one of the most kind, compassionate and helpful people I know. She goes above and beyond the call of friendship. And, I don't even believe she even thinks twice about it. I am so thankful to be able to call her my friend.

Amanda, this post doesn't do you justice. I just wanted you to know that I love you and am honored to have you in my life.

I hope you have the best birthday ever!!!

Finally....

2008-11-01T20:56:00.002-05:00

After almost two weeks, we finally have internet!

We are all moved into our new house. It is so nice. We are still living out of some boxes and have a lot of situating to do. I'm trying not to stress about it since I know that we aren't going anywhere anytime soon. The boxes will always be here, time with my family is more important.

And, as if moving weren't enough.. we had our first yard sale today. We needed to get rid of some things. We had a successful sale and only had to drop off a few bags at Goodwill afterwards.

I can't wait to catch up on everyone's blogs. I feel like I have been detached from the world. But, since I've been up since 5 am, tonight is not the night for blog reading.....

I just wanted you all to know that we are alive and well and have not been devored by boxes.

A Little Bit of Chaos

2008-10-10T15:01:00.002-04:00

Such is my life right now.

If you know me, you might know that I DO NOT like chaos.
I prefer order.
Hard to have order when you live amongst boxes. Packed boxed, empty boxes.... boxes, boxes everywhere. Takes all I have to not let the boxes drive me insane. The good news is, we are planning on being in our new house next Saturday.

So, I just need to keep my sanity for one more week.

Then the madness that comes with unpacking......

Other news- Chloe had her 4 month checkup on Monday. She is growing like a lil weed. She's 25 3/4 inches long and weighs 15.5 lbs. I look at her and can't believe she isn't my little newborn anymore. People are not lying when they say it goes quickly. I'm afraid if I blink she will be crawling.

We have to pick out our appliances. We need a fridge and a gas range. I'm going back and forth on the fridge. At first, we wanted a side by side fridge. Now, with the economy the way it is, I wonder if we should get just a regular refridgerator because it would save us around $400-$500. Keith and I have to talk about it tonight. The economy scares me, but that is a whole other post.

I've been looking forward to this weekend forever. Keith is off on Monday for Columbus Day, so 3 day weekend for us!!! We'll be working for most of it, but it won't matter cause we'll all be together! And, my mom is coming down on Tuesday to see the house and to watch Chloe for me while I pack and get things done around the house. So excited to see her too!!!

I may not be around much this week, but once our internet is hooked up at the new house, next Monday, I will be back!!! I do hope to post some pics of the house this week though, so check back soon.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

One Year Ago......

2008-10-03T22:40:00.002-04:00

It was one year ago, today, that our lives changed forever.

One year ago today that Keith and I learned we were going to be parents.

One year ago today that I rubbed my stomach for the first time, knowing there was a little life inside me.

One year ago today that I started praying for our baby.

One year ago today I never could have imagined the love that you feel for your children, or your husband after you share the birth of a child.

One year ago today I had no idea the many joys that parenthood brings.

One year ago today I had no idea that my whole life would be turned upside down in ways I never could have comprehended.

One year ago today I started dreaming about our baby's future.

One year ago today, our lives were changed forever... in the most wonderful way.

To Nap or Not to Nap

2008-10-01T08:05:00.000-04:00

Ok, I have a confession.

So far, I have held Chloe for her morning and afternoon naps.

Every day I hold her.

I'm regretting that decision now.

At first, I did it because she would fall asleep in my arms and I would just love looking at her, watching her precious face as she slept. Then, I did it because she would wake up if I laid her down. She got a longer nap if I held her. Now, I know that this may have been a mistake.

I should have been putting her in her crib for naps. Crap.

We have a major habit to break now. I feel badly for her because she is going to have to make the change because of poor decision on my part.

So, yesterday I decided to put her in her crib when I would normally hold her. I laid her down in the morning. The crying started about 5 minutes later. I told myself to let her cry, eventually she would fall asleep. Well, she cried for 15 minutes. I went to check on her. She cried for 15 more. I went to check on her. She continued to cry. I got in the shower and she was whimpering when I got out. She finally fell asleep after 45 minutes of crying/whimpering.

She slept for 15 minutes.

The afternoon came. Time for another nap. I laid her down. She was silent for about 5 minutes. Then she "talked" to herself for 5 minutes. Then she started to cry. She cried for 15 minutes before she fell asleep.

She slept for 17 minutes.

It is so hard to listen to my child cry. I feel so badly, but I'm afraid that if I go in to get her, she will eventually learn that if she cries long enough, Mommy will come to me. Breaks my heart that she didn't get the sleep she needs yesterday. I know she was so exhausted last night. We started her bath about 15 minutes early because she was so tired.

How did all the Moms out there handle this? Did your child cry when you put them down for naps? Am I the only one who held them at first and then had to make this transition? If you went through this, how long before they started sleeping without so much fight?

Help! I need advice! I'm already dreading naptimes today.

A Million Miles Before I Sleep......

2008-09-30T07:56:00.002-04:00

That's what I feel like right now.

So much to do. How do I find time?

We are closing on our house tomorrow at 4:00. I can't believe it's really happening. We plan on going over to the house afterwards, taking dinner, and eating it on the floor. While we are there, we hope to have time to measure the rooms and start taping so we are ready to paint on Saturday.

We have some family and friends willing to help us paint this weekend. We are hoping to paint all three bedrooms, the hall and the living room. I think we will leave the kitchen and bathroom their current colors for now.

Our landlords want to show our apartment Wednesday while we are closing on the house. I feel like I need to clean, even though they told us not to worry about it. Yeah, right. Don't worry about it. How can I not? I have to admit, I have slacked in the cleaning department since I have known we will be moving. The floors have not been mopped. I quit dusting. Only the necessities are getting done. I'm a lil embarrassed to let people walk through.

Oh, and I am trying to implement a new "naptime routine" with Chloe. Started yesterday. I should have been doing this weeks ago. I plan on posting about it in the next few days, but lets just say that she had about 1 hour of nap yesterday, total. Poor thing was so tired, she fell asleep at 8:30 last night and is still zonked.

So much to do, so little time.
Overwhelmed does not even begin to describe me right now.
As I look over this post, it is even all over the map... just ramble and random. I'm going to leave it though cause my head is all jumbled and therefore, so is my post.

Closing

2008-09-28T08:22:00.001-04:00

We get our house!!!

Remember that? We were trying to buy a house..... I know, I had practically forgotten too.

We had to switch banks, but it ended up being a huge blessing because everything is less expensive for us. Closing costs, insurance, our monthly payments.

Our closing date is Wednesday, October 1. Oh, how exciting.

I did have one minute when I freaked out- thinking about the economy. I wondered if we were absolutely crazy for going down to one income and purchasing a house. But, the thought was gone because we have prayed about both situations and we feel that this is where God wants us now.

Now we have to pick out paint colors......

Our Songs

2008-09-27T08:19:00.002-04:00

My daughter is subjected to my singing all day long.

I sing, alot. I am not claiming to sing well, just often.

We have our morning song, songs for play, our evening songs and my personal favorite, our diaper changing song.

(sung to the tune of TLC's No Scrub)
"I don't want no pee. Pee isn't going to get any love from me. Sittin' in my
diap-y, waitin' for Mom to come and change me".

I hope I am not scarring her for life.

Wordless Wednesday- Me and My Girl

2008-09-24T08:24:00.002-04:00

So Far To Go.....

2008-09-22T07:21:00.002-04:00

Lately, I've been convicted about my growth as a Christian.

I'm not putting the time and effort into my relationship with God and my walk as a Christian.

I'm going to change that. Starting today.

God has really been speaking to me lately. Showing me little ways of change. I haven't been listening. The most amazing thing is, I know He forgives me. I know He is waiting for me and will continue to wait for me. I know no matter how many times I screw up, He will always be right there.

So, I am really ready to give Him the time, love and honor He deserves. It is the least I can do.

I've decided to wake up a little early so I can have morning devotional time. Keith and I will try to read a chapter from the Bible at night, but I don't make time to read on my own. I know that it is imperative that I be in the Word every day. I find time to do so many other things that aren't nearly as important. And, what better way to start my day than with time alone with God?

So, today's devotional was Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control"

Um, yeah.....it's a good thing I am going to work on this. I lack in so many of those areas. It has been glaring evident to me lately.

So, today I will pray that the Spirit continue to fill me with those fruits. I pray that I will show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control in all I say and do.

I know that I won't magically transform over just one day, but I also know that if I am diligent and obedient in this, God will renew me. I'm just thankful that He gives me the chance.

That's How I Roll

2008-09-18T23:22:00.003-04:00

Chloe turned 15 weeks on Wednesday.

Today, she turned over.

She has been close to her first roll over for a couple of weeks now. She would start off laying on her back and get to her side, but she just couldn't figure out how to get that top leg over or her bottom arm out from underneath her.

She finally figured it out.

She was laying on the living room floor, playing with some toys and cooing at herself. I walked into the kitchen to get my glass of water. I made it back to the living room just in time to see her get to her side, then go all the way over to her belly and push herself up on her arms!

Talk about a moment! I swear I clapped and cheered louder than Debbie Phelps when Michael won his 8th Olympic Gold.

While she was on her belly, she decided to take the opportunity to throw up.

I put her on her back and she went right back to her belly. She rolled over 3 times in a row for me and showed off her new moves for her Daddy once when he got home from work.

I'm still on a roll-over high.......

(I tried to post the short video clip I took, but my format wasn't recognized. Darn.)

Oh What a Night

2008-09-16T08:17:00.002-04:00

Oh what a night it was.... but not in a good way.

We have been SO fortunate with Chloe. She started sleeping for 6 hours at a time around 4 weeks. She was sleeping through the night by the time she was 6 weeks.
There hadn't been one single night when we had to get up with her.....

Until last night.

She ate at 8:00 and I laid her in her crib around 8:30. Keith had to go back in and rock her around 8:45 and then again just after 9:00. All was good until 12:45, when she woke up crying. Keith got up with her, laid her back down around 1:00. She was crying again, so I got up. I ended up nursing her and laid her back down around
1:30. Chloe woke us up again, crying, at 4:00.

I don't know what was wrong. It could have just been an "off" night. It sure made me grateful for all of the good nights we have had, especially so early on.

I wasn't sure if I should have nursed her at 1:00. What do you think? I know that she can go all night without a feeding. She has been for quite some time now. I will admit that I nursed her more for the comforting aspect than for hunger signs. Would you have nursed or tried to comfort in other ways?

Oh, I should probably tell you that she only ate 5 times yesterday, instead of her normal 6. That was another reason I decided to nurse in the middle of the night.

So, today will be a long day. We are all tired. Well, except for Chloe, who seems to be wide awake. I hope that we don't have a repeat tonight.

Junkie

2008-09-12T23:46:00.002-04:00

I have a love/hate relationship with my Tivo.

I love Tivo because I never miss a show, never watch commercials and can pause tv for a quick bathroom break.

I hate Tivo because it seems since I got it, I watch way too much tv.

A few years ago, I decided to phase out tv. I thought this would be accomplished with my "no new shows" rule. I would continue to watch the shows I was already committed to, but I would not add any new shows to my tv line up.

This lasted for about three years. Then I added Lost, Grey's Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother... and a few more shows.

Now that I am home 7 days a week, all day long, the no new show rule is completely out the window. I am actually embarrassed to admit all the shows I watch. I think I have added three new shows this fall alone. Plus, Rachael Ray and Ellen, which I Tivo daily just in case they have someone interesting on for the day.

So, if I am not blogging as much lately it is probably because I am sitting on the couch, deciding whether to watch 90210, Kitchen Nightmares, Priviledged or setting up my Season Passes for the upcoming season.

I try to justify it by rationalizing that I am not actually watching the same amount of tv since I can fast forward through any boring parts and the commercials. It's sad, very sad. Feel free to comment on how pathetic I am.

My couch is going to have a permanent indentation from my lazy bottom sitting on it.

This and That.....

2008-09-10T22:45:00.004-04:00

We've got alot going on right now.... I'm behind on blogging, so this post is just a "catch all" post, trying to touch on everything that's happening.

First, we are still trying to buy our first home. Long story short, we ended up switching banks. This made our closing date later than we had originally anticipated, but it is going to save us money all around- in closing costs and in our monthly mortgage payment. So, switching banks turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise. We just have to wait for the appraisal and if all looks good, we will be homeowners!

I also have two "Congratulations".... one to my sister in law, Amy, and her husband, Brian. They are expecting their second child. Amy is due at the end of March, so Keith and I will be blessed with another neice or nephew!
The second Congrats goes to our friends Deepak and Lynn, who just got engaged last Friday. We are so thrilled for them!

I just ordered something for Chloe online. I can't wait to get these in the mail.

They are called BabyLegs. Aren't they so cute?!?! Love them!

My mom and Jim sold their house! They will be moving into the house they bought some time ago and have been "redoing". They close on September 25, so we'll be going to Decatur next weekend to help them get ready for the big move. I'll need to see my childhood home one more time. I've never known another home. It'll be a little sad for me to say goodbye, but I know that this move is such a great move for Mom and Jim.

And, Chloe is 14 weeks old today. Wow. Time is going so quickly. She is growing up right before our eyes.

She's starting to "bat" at toys and has a mean grasp. Lets just say that my hair is always pulled back now and I try to get my nipples covered as quickly as possible after I nurse her. (Sorry if that was TMI...)
She is trying so hard to roll over, but she isn't quite ready yet.

Ok, that's enough for now.... Just a few tidbits on what's going on with us.

Wordless Wednesday- Up, Up and Away

2008-09-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday- Sunflowers

2008-09-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

Another Day Older......

2008-09-02T07:34:00.010-04:00

I turned 30 yesterday.

I haven't been looking forward to this birthday, but it wasn't so bad.
I don't feel any different. But, I haven't actually had to answer the question
"How old are you?" with the dreaded answer, "Thirty".
That might be weird for the first few times.

My husband brought me this beautiful bouquet on Friday night, to kick off my birthday weekend.

I also got a package in the mail from my dear friend, Tracy (whom I wish would start a blog, hint, hint!)

When I opened the box, there were 30 individually wrapped gifts inside. One for each year of my life.

I had such a wonderful time sitting down and opening each and every thoughtful gift.

We drove up to Decatur for the weekend, to visit my family. We went out to eat on Sunday night with my mom. Of course, we got the obligitory free birthday dessert, but without the embarrasing staff birthday song! (THANK YOU!)

Once we got back to my mom's house, after dinner, Keith gave me my birthday present!

Oh, wait, I posted the wrong picture there.... :)
Here is my birthday present-

A new camera! And, that is the color- a pretty, pale pink. Keith said it isn't "girly pink", so he'll still be able to use the camera.

We came home yesterday and just spent the afternoon hanging out at home. Keith made me birthday brownies last night and sang Happy Birthday to me while I blew out my candles.
All my wishes have already come true.

I'm a very fortunate 30 year old.

Transition....

2008-08-28T22:50:00.002-04:00

A few days ago I posted about being an official SAHM.

I know that many of my fellow bloggers are SAHM. I have to give you the credit and respect you deserve.

In twelve weeks, it has been harder than any other job I've held.
Don't get me wrong, in twelve weeks, it has also been more rewarding than any other job I've held.
But, that doesn't make the difficult times disappear. It does, however, make them more bearable.

Today was a particularly difficult day. Chloe was just "off". She wasn't eating well, wasn't napping well and she was fussy in the morning and early afternoon. Typically she is fussy in the evening. Of course, this happened on what I call "Keith's long day", which means he leaves for work at 7:00am and gets home from work around 7:30pm. 7:30pm couldn't come fast enough today.

I have to admit, today I wondered if I was crazy for quitting my job and deciding to stay home with Chloe. But, once the cries stopped and the smiles appeared, I knew I made the right decision.
My husband only confirmed that for me when he got home. He is unbelievably supportive and said he was proud of me and what I chose to do for our family. He told me that Chloe will appreciate me being home with her so much and he appreciates it too.

I know those things, deep down. They were just buried a lil bit deeper today.....
Tomorrow is a new day and I'm looking forward to spending it at home, with my daughter.

Wordless Wednesday- "CHEESE"

2008-08-27T07:05:00.001-04:00

It's Official......

2008-08-26T07:54:00.002-04:00

.....I'm a stay at home mom.

Wow. How weird to even type that.

You know when you are young and you have this plan for your life? My plan was always to get married, have children, but keep my career. It was very important to me to remain independent, financially. Once I got old enough to start thinking about having children, the idea of staying home appealled to me, but I was pretty sure we weren't going to be in the position that would allow me to stay home. After I got pregnant, I knew that I was not going to be able to leave our baby with someone else all day long, week after week.

God truly had a plan for us. If I would have gotten pregnant even 8 months earlier, staying at home would not have been an option. Now, I'm able to stay home with our daughter AND we are getting ready to purchase our first home! I'm so thankful.

Friday was my official last day of work. It's strange, knowing that I am done. It's strange knowing that my days are now filled with diaper changes, feedings, lullabies and pat-a-cake instead of drawing blood and giving people HIV results. It's strange that I can wear my t-shirts and yoga pants and not skirts and slacks.
It's just strange.....

I won't miss my job, but I will miss my boss, Dale and my buddy, Karen. I feel so bad sometimes, leaving Karen "alone" at work. If she would have left me there, I would have been just devastated. She was my rock, my sounding board. Make sense? I will miss seeing her every day and our conversations. She must have been all part of God's plan for me at that job.

I need to bring this post to an end... gotta say goodbye to my husband, who has to go off to work in order to bring home the bacon.

Swaddle No More

2008-08-23T22:43:00.003-04:00

I've been dreading this day...

The day we decide to stop swaddling Chloe.

That day came yesterday.

Chloe has a nighttime routine. She gets a bath about 30 minutes before her last feeding of the night. Then we do baby massage with lavender scented baby lotion, read her a book, nurse her, then swaddle her in a miracle blanket and lay her in her crib. This routine works very well for all of us and Chloe goes right to sleep on her own.

Well, we woke up Friday morning and she had done a complete 180 in her crib. I don't know how she managed this, especially while she is all swaddled up. That was enough to make me consider giving up the swaddle. (I was going to stop around 12 weeks anyways, so I guess we are just a week early)
I've read that when they start to roll over or move around, you need to keep their arms free so they can move their head if they get flipped over to their belly.

I was so scared. She sleeps so well all snug as a bug in a rug.

I was going to mess up her routine. I was just hoping that the bath, lotion, story and nursing would be enough for her to realize it was bedtime. Oh, the thought of those flailing arms and legs scared the crap out of me. They wake her up every time.

Everything was going fine (except for the puddle of pee that occurred while she was diaper-less on her way to the bath). I finished nursing her and got her all zipped up in her sleep sac.

Oh, I decided to use a sleep sac for the swaddle transition. Figure that way at least her legs don't have full range of motion.

I thought I was home free. She went to bed. Or so I thought. She gave me enough time to wash my face and go to the bathroom before she started whimpering. I waited. The whimper turned to crying. I went to her crib, picked her up and rocked her for 5 minutes. She went right to sleep. Laid her back down in her crib. About 10 minutes later she was fussing again. I can't stand to let her fuss, so I rocked her again, this time for about 10 minutes. When I laid her down this time, she stayed down (and asleep!) until 7:00 this morning!

Tonight is the second night in her sleep sac. So far, she hasn't woken up.
Keeping my fingers crossed on my way to bed.......

America's Got Talent....and we've seen it!

2008-08-22T07:00:00.001-04:00

Sunday night we took Chloe to her first live music experience.

My boss' (well, ex-boss) partner, Dwayne, is a pianist. He has a band and they were going to be playing outside at Bobby's Custard in Maryville.

If you've been watching American's Got Talent, you may have seen a man who wears a hat, singing opera. We saw him in person Sunday night. He's the original singer for Dwayne's band! (you can see him in the picture on the right)

Pretty cool.

Olympic Gold

2008-08-21T07:54:00.004-04:00

My husband used to train a high school track star named Dawn Harper. Some of you may know her as the Gold Medalist for the women's 100M hurdles!

How exciting is that?!?

What a Weekend

2008-08-16T22:11:00.005-04:00

This has been an unusual week for us, weather-wise. Its been mild and sunny, in other words, perfect.
We took advantage of the day and went to Forest Park.

Like I've said before, I love the weekends.

It's the small things.....

2008-08-16T10:35:00.002-04:00

Ok, I'm embarrassed to even admit this.

Notice my new "picture" in the about me section. I just now figured out how to upload a picture to that spot.

I've been blogging for almost 2 years and I finally figured it out. I haven't been wasting hours a day on this task or anything, but still.....

Its just a picture of a sculpture from an exhibit at the Botanical Garden because all the pictures of me have been moved to our external hard drive and I don't want to hook it up right now....

So, for those of you who have never seen me in real life, I am not a yellow mosiac woman.

Time Flies.....

2008-08-13T22:30:00.006-04:00

Chloe is 10 weeks old today!

10 WEEKS!

Can you believe it? I can't.

We are trying so hard to cherish and enjoy every second with her. I live for the weekends, when the three of us get our time together. The weather has been beautiful lately, so we've been able to get outside.

Chloe is gonna be an outdoor girl, I can tell. She loves to go outside. I'm so glad! Hopefully soon we will have our own yard to play in.

She had her pediatrician visit today. I have been dreading this day for over a month. She got 4 shots today and had to take an oral vaccine. Keith had to leave work early to meet me at the doctor's office. I told him I couldn't do it alone. I had to turn my back while they administered the shots. I couldn't bear to watch my little girl get stuck with needles. Keith held her and rubbed her head during the awful experience. Chloe was a trooper though. I kept telling her how brave she was and how proud we are of her.
Here are a couple of after pics (see her band aids).

She has grown so much. She is now 24 inches long and weighs 13 lbs 2oz!!! Doctor says she is in the 95th percentile for height and weight. She's grown over an inch and a half and gained almost 3 lbs since her one month visit! She's gonna take after her 6 foot 5 inch Daddy!

10 weeks... I still cannot believe it.

House Update

2008-08-08T22:37:00.002-04:00

After praying, looking at more houses and many, many conversations, my husband and I decided to make an offer on the first home we looked at.

Keith called the owners, made them an offer a few thousand dollars under what they are asking. They said they would consider it and call us back. About an hour later, they called. They said they would meet us halfaway between our offer and their asking price. The halfway amount is exactly what Keith and I both felt we would pay for the house.

So, we are on our way to becoming homeowners.

We have to discuss things with the owners, get the paperwork and loan info lined up, get a home inspection... all the things that go with purchasing a house.
It's very exciting and scary all at once.

I dread the thought of moving. We haven't even lived in our apartment for a year. We decided that we are hiring movers this time. It will be totally worth the cost. Plus, I'm pretty sure our family and friends are not going to help us move again. We've moved a combination of 10 times over the last 10 years.

I can already picture Keith and I sitting on our front porch this fall, after Chloe has gone to bed, watching the stars, sipping a cup of coffee (still decaf for me).... I can hardly wait.

There's No Place Like Home....

2008-08-03T08:17:00.003-04:00

We are house hunting.

After 12 years of renting, we are ready to purchase a home.
It'll have to be small and inexpensive, but I'm actually excited about that. I want our first home to leave us with something to look forward to in our next home. Does that make sense? I really want a cute lil starter home, not my dream home right off the bat.

We looked at 5 homes on Wednesday. I liked one. I am the picky one of the two of us. Keith liked the same house, which is amazing. He said he could "see our family" in this house.
But, how could we possibly have found "the" house for us on the first try, right?
Its a good lil house- perfect for us right now. And, the price is perfect for us right now.

We're praying about it. Praying that God give us wisdom in making such a big decision. Praying that we make the decision based on His will for us and our family, not just our wants and desires. Praying that we find the house He has planned for us and that the price is right. Praying that once we do have a house, we use it for His glory. Praying that we have peace and know in our hearts that this is the house we are going to start raising our little girl in.

It's a big, scary decision. But exciting.

Duty-Free

2008-07-28T09:14:00.001-04:00

Another benefit of breastfeeding....

Gets you out of jury duty.

TGIF

2008-07-25T06:53:00.002-04:00

I love Fridays. They have always been my favorite day of the week. It used to be beacause I knew I would be off work for two days. Now it is because my husband will be off work for two days and Chloe and I get to spend two days with him.

We've had a good week. I had my OB/GYN check-up on Wednesday. Everything is good. I've lost my pregnancy weight (actually, I had lost 30 lbs at my 3 week check-up), my blood pressure is good, my uterus has shrunk to it's original size and the incision is healing beautifully.

Yesterday we met my friend Amanda and her little boy, Ryan, at the St. Louis Mills Mall. I think Amanda might post some pictures, so you'll have to go to her blog (Life In the Morrow Household) to check 'em out. We had a great time walking around and spending time with them. Amanda is fantastic and I love having her in my life. She's a mommy friend, so she "gets" all the things I'm going through. And, she is super-helpful to me. Being Mommies together, in my opinion, has taken our friendship to a new level.

Today, after Keith gets off work, we are heading to Decatur to see my family. My sister will be in town with her two kids. Chloe gets to meet her cousins, Riley and Tucker, for the first time! I can't wait for them to meet!!! My mom has a three day weekend, so we'll get lots of time with her too! And, we are managing to squeeze in a family reunion on Saturday.

So, that's been our last couple of days...

And, what's a post without one picture of our girl...

Oh, can I just mention that Chloe nursed at 9:20pm last night, was in bed by 10:00pm and is still sleeping?!?! Bless her lil heart.

My little (or not so little) wishlist

2008-07-18T13:35:00.015-04:00

Just a few of the things I am daydreaming about....
A book I want for Chloe, but didn't find during our trip to Border's this week... will just have to order it online I guess...

A couple of the books I want for myself

Real coffee, not the decaf stuff I've been drinking... I know I can have a cup while breastfeeding, but I am choosing not to.

I desperately need a foil and pedicure. My feet and hair have been neglected for weeks now....

And, properly pedicured feet would deserve a pair of new shoes.. too bad these are Manolo Blahniks and cost over $600.. but still, a girl can dream, can't she?

I rented this movie a couple of weeks ago and watched it twice before I returned it. I would love to have it added to my DVD collection. So cute. I highly recommend it if you are in the mood for a great romantic comedy.

I love the water. I haven't got to swim once this summer. Oh, what I would give to be laying on this beach with my newly pedicured toes, reading one of the books I want.

A night out with my husband, at one of our favorite restaurants...

Like I said, just a few of the things I am daydreaming about.....

Lessons Learned

2008-07-16T10:56:00.004-04:00

Just a few of the things I have learned or realized over the past 6 weeks~

1. Love at first sight is absolutely possible.

2. Nothing can prepare you for the sleep deprivation you are going to encounter as a new parent. (not even getting up to pee 3 times a night during pregnancy, although I think that is a nice "warm-up") AND, we have a really good sleeper but still.....

3. You rely on your other "mommy friends" much more than you did in the past. AND, you don't hear from the "non-parent" friends as much, which is difficult to get used to. I believe that mommy and me groups are going to be a necessity!

4. It is possible to fall asleep on the toilet.

5. It is possible to go through 10 burp cloths in one day... which also makes for many loads of laundry.

6. Babies, at least our baby, likes to poop immediately after we change her diaper.

7. It is hard transitioning into motherhood. I feel like I lost myself a little bit, the old me, that is. I have a new me, which I am loving, but I do miss the old me a little bit.

8. Hormones can be evil things. I cried and cried for no reason at all. They caused me to doubt my abilities as a mother. They made me sad, angry, overwhelmed, impatient, and selfish. Thankfully, I think the hormones have leveled out now.

9. After birth, you can have 6 weeks of spotting. To me, spotting is worse than just having a regular period.

10. I appreciate things I used to take for granted- a shower, time to watch a tv show all the way through, being able to read a chapter in a book, reading blogs, going out to eat with my husband, sleeping in....

11. I have to "time" trips, even small trips to the grocery store or gas station. Everything right now depends on Chloe's nursing schedule.

12. It really is different when it is your child's dirty diaper or vomit.

13. Not all babies enjoy car rides... unfortunately.

14. I appreciate my own mom in a whole new way!
15. I never get tired of watching my beautiful daughter.

Wordless Wednesday- Chloe and her new friend, Anna

2008-07-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

A Devotional for Today

2008-07-11T07:19:00.002-04:00

My Mom sent me this devotional and it started my day off in just the right way. I hope that it does the same for you.....
___________________________________________________________________
2008/07/11
May God Smile on You
by Jon Walker

May the Lord smile on you. Numbers 6:25 (NLT)

*** *** *** ***

The smile of God is the goal of life.

Since pleasing God is the first purpose of your life, your most important task is to discover how to do that. The Bible says, “Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it” (Ephesians 5:10 MSG).

Fortunately, the Bible gives us a clear example of a life that gives pleasure to God. The man’s name was Noah.

In Noah’s day, the entire world had become morally bankrupt. Everyone lived for their own pleasure, not God’s. God couldn’t find anyone on earth interested in pleasing him, so he was grieved and regretted making man. God became so disgusted with the human race that he considered wiping it out.

But there was one man who made God smile. The Bible says, “Noah was a pleasure to the Lord” (Genesis 6:8 LB).

God said, “This guy brings me pleasure. He makes me smile. I’ll start over with his family.” Because Noah brought pleasure to God, you and I are alive today.

Over the next few days, we will learn from Noah’s life the five acts of worship that make God smile.

God smiles when we love him supremely. Noah loved God more than anything else in the world, even when no one else did! The Bible tells us Noah “consistently followed God’s will and enjoyed a close relationship with him” (Genesis 6:9 NLT).

This is what God wants most from you: a relationship! It’s the most astounding truth in the universe: our Creator wants to fellowship with us. God made you to love you, and he longs for you to love him back. He says, “I don’t want your sacrifices – I want your love; I don’t want your offerings – I want you to know me” (Hosea 6:6 LB).

Can you sense God’s passion for you in this verse? God deeply loves you and desires your love in return. He longs for you to know him and spend time with him. This is why learning to love God and to be loved by him should be the greatest objective of your life.

Nothing else comes close in importance. Jesus called it the greatest commandment. He said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38 NIV).

A Peak Into Our World.....

2008-07-08T10:10:00.007-04:00

I can't help but post a few more pictures of Chloe.

She will be 5 weeks tomorrow! 5 weeks! Where does the time go?
I can't believe how much I love her. It truly is amazing- to be a parent and watch this little miracle grow right before your eyes. I'm thankful to say that my hormones are returning to normal and I'm really able to enjoy my time with my daughter. Not that I didn't enjoy it before, but somehow it's different. Maybe it is that I am becoming more comfortable in my new role.

I LOVE watching Keith with her. Melts my heart. He is an amazing Daddy, I always knew he would be. He is so good with her and she loves him right back. As my love for her grows, so does my love for my husband. Becoming parents, sharing a new bond with him, has taken our relationship to a new level. God has blessed me with such a wonderful little family. I am so thankful.

Oh, and this last picture is Chloe's first workout. We went to visit Keith at the gym last week and we couldn't help but start her exercise routine. Since her Daddy is a personal trainer, she'll be no stranger to the gym!!!

Oh, we had her one month check up yesterday. She got her second dose of Hep B shot (I think it was worse for me than it was for her) and weighed in at 10 lbs 4 oz and is 22 1/4 inches long! We have a very healthy, growing girl on our hands!

Til next time....

Summer Days

2008-07-01T09:29:00.005-04:00

Like everyone else, we've been keeping busy this summer! Leaves little time for blogging.

We took our first road trip with Chloe this past weekend. We packed up the car and went to Decatur to visit my family. It was a very quick trip, just a little over 24 hours, but worth it. My grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and even some cousins got to meet Chloe.

While we were home my friend, Beth, gave us 3 Miracle Blankets to use. If you aren't familiar, they are these fantastic swaddling blankets. And, MIRACLE is the appropriate word! We have used the blanket for the past 2 nights and Chloe has had the longest stretches of sleep yet. Sunday night she slept from 7:00pm til midnight, and last night she slept from 8:30 til 2:45am! It was amazing! We got more than 4 hours of sleep at a time! I don't know if it is the blanket, but I am thankful for the last two nights!!!

My fantastic, wonderful friend Tracy is coming today!!! She lives in NC and is in IL visiting family. She is taking the time to drive down to STL today and staying the night. I am so excited to see her! She got to meet Chloe while we were in Decatur this weekend, but only for a few minutes. So, she'll really get some quality time with us today. Tracy has two little girls of her own, Emma and Abby, whom I adore. I know that our daughters will be lifelong friends, just like their Mommas!
I think we are going to try to take a trip to the mall. I haven't been to the mall in quite some time. It will have to be a quick trip, but a trip nonetheless!

Just one more picture to close out the post....

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!!

To let sleep or not to sleep.....

2008-06-21T16:41:00.002-04:00

Quick question for those moms who breastfed and may be reading my blog.....

Did you wake up your child from a nap to feed them?
Chloe wakes up on her own during the night to eat, but she does not seem to wake up from her naps. I am trying to make sure I feed her every 2.5-3 hours, but sometimes she is sleeping so soundly, I hate to wake her.

I'm afraid that if I don't wake her, we won't get the recommended 8-12 feedings in every day. Sometimes we are barely getting in 8 feedings as it is.

I tried to call the lactation consultant today, but think I waited too long and they are gone for the weekend.

So, let me know what you did. Please?!?!?!

Don't Give Up On Me....

2008-06-17T18:11:00.002-04:00

I am so behind in the world of blogging. I try to get to your blogs, I promise, I do. But, as you know, life with a 2 week old is completely unpredictable and sleep deprived and full of feedings and changings. So, I hope that in the weeks to come, we get on a schedule and I can spend a little more time hearing about your lives.

I am still breastfeeding. It's going pretty well. At least, I think it is. From the look of Chloe's diaper output, its going pretty well for her too. I still get nervous that she isn't getting enough every feeding. She is a very sleepy eater and I have a hard time keeping her awake sometimes. I kept waiting and waiting for the painful engorgement to come... it never did. Sure, I feel heavier, but the pain that I expected just never happened. Thank God! I was so worried about that part of breastfeeding. Sometimes I think... oh, just wait, you are going to be a late bloomer in the engorgement department, but I just don't think so... I mean, tomorrow will be two weeks since she was born. My milk is in. For those of you who have breastfed- I'm past the engorgement, right? Right?!?!

One of my good friends, has joined the blogging world! I love new blogs to read. (even though my time is limited right now)... so, if you have spare time, go on over to Life In The Morrow Household (you can access the link on my sidebar- my link option isn't working right now and I just don't have the time to figure it out). I know she would love the visitors!

Hope everyone's summer is going well! I promise to get to your blogs soon- or at least as soon as I can!

A nice little surprise.......

2008-06-15T17:08:00.006-04:00

My mom was staying with us, helping out for almost a week.
Yesterday, she was holding Chloe, while sitting on the couch. We heard Chloe fart and we knew that she had pooped too. After a second, my mom said "Oh, my finger feels kind of wet".

So, I got up and went to look at Chloe's backside. This is what I saw......

Wow! Isn't it amazing that these little miracles are capable of producing such a mess. I'm glad my Mom was here to help clean up! :)

Our Big Girl

2008-06-12T17:18:00.003-04:00

Today was Chloe's first pediatrician appointment. I gotta tell ya, so much more planning goes into getting ready with a newborn, even with the help of my mom. WOW!

Her doctor didn't need to see her for 2 weeks, but the nervous first time mom that I am, scheduled her appointment for 1 week. I wanted to be reassured that she is growing and getting plenty of food. It is so hard for me to tell, since I've chosen to breastfeed.

Great news! She is healthy and thriving. She has grown half an inch, so up to 21.5 inches now. Her birth weight was 8 lbs 4 oz, discharge weight was 7 lbs 9 oz (that was Sunday) and today our daughter weighed in at 8 lbs 8 oz! That was great news for us- TONS of weight taken off my shoulders.

Healthy baby, healthy baby, healthy baby! I just feel like singing it!

The Long Awaited Arrival of Chloe Lynne

2008-06-11T11:52:00.002-04:00

Ok, so, here is the birth story.... the story I had waited so long to be able to tell. Hang in there, it could get lengthy.

As you know, Chloe's due date was June 2, which came and went. It seemed like every minute would drag by as I waited for each contraction or the feeling of my water breaking. Early in the morning on June 4, I got out of bed and went to the couch. I was having contractions, but nothing consistent. They were making me uncomfortable though and I wasn't able to sleep through them. I got in the shower around 2:00am. The warm water helped calm me and made me feel better for the time being. (Later, I would be very thankful that I took this last minute shower!) The contractions were seeming a bit stronger than before but still not coming consistently. I woke Keith around 4:30am and we started timing the contractions at 5:00. By 6:00 we realized that I was having contractions that were about 5 minutes apart, 1 minute long. This was the magic number!!!

You would think that I would have started to panic at this point, but the opposite happened. I became very calm. We packed the last minute things we needed for the hospital, Keith took a quick shower, we made the phone calls to our parents to let them know we were heading to the hospital and Keith got me down the stairs into the car. Thank goodness we left when we did because we just missed the morning traffic on the interstate. I started to get nervous on the way because it seemed like the contractions were not coming as regularly. I was SO hoping that I wasn't in false labor. I would have hated to get to the hospital, be examined and sent home.

Of course, that was not the case.

They admitted me right away, before my exam since I was post due date. During the first exam, around 7:30am, I was 3 cm dilated and approximately 70% effaced. I was happy with this and still fairly comfortable. The contractions were regular again, but not unbearable. At this point I was still unsure of what decision I was going to make regarding pain management. (Have I mentioned that I was deathly afraid of an epidural?)

They got me into my labor and delivery room and I met my nurses. We had a FANTASTIC nurse. She was so kind and unbelievably supportive. I adored her and she made my experience so much easier. She hated to see me in pain though. She asked if I wanted an epidural and as time went on and the contractions increased in length and intensity, I figured I might need to attempt the epidural. She went to get the anesthesiologist.

Well, then the shaking started. My arms and upper body just started shaking and I could not stop! I was so nervous. They had Keith sit in front of me, but not close enough for me to hold his hand. The nurse held me against her body and talked me through it. Of course, the epidural did hurt a little bit, but nothing as bad as I had conjured up in my mind. I could feel the effects of the medication almost immediately. Talk about a strange feeling. My legs were so heavy and they told me I had a pretty intense contraction, which of course, I did not feel at all.
R-E-L-I-E-F! There was no way I could have made it through labor with out medication. I would have been too exhausted to do anything.

Next came the catheter- another procedure I was nervous about. Naturally, since I was numb from the waist down, I didn't feel a thing. And, how great is it to pee while laying in bed?!?! For the first time in months, I wasn't running to the bathroom every hour.

The next time they checked me I was 5 cm and 80% effaced. My water broke on its own around 1:30, not long after they gave me the epidural. It was really strange. Keith was on the phone with my mom, I was laying in bed. I felt a "pop" inside of me and then warm liquid all between my legs. I gasped and then realized what happened and told Keith "I think my water just broke". He lifted up the sheets and said "Whoa! Yeah, I'd say that's what happened".

I was so excited! Everything seemed to be moving right along and I was able to get some rest.

The next exam was around 3:30pm. I was dilated 7cm and 90% effaced. The nurse said that I had a really soft cervix and the baby's head was in perfect position. This was the last time I got good news about my progression.

Nothing changed over the next couple of hours and exams. Actually, my cervix started to swell and Chloe's head turned a bit so she was in a less favorable position for delivering. At 7:00 (and a nurse shift change), they told me that they were going to insert an internal monitor to monitor my contractions. They wanted to make sure they were strong enough to progress my labor. They were. Still, my body was not progressing. At 8:00 they told me that if I hadn't dilated any further, by 9:00 they would need to prep me for a c-section. They were concerned with the fact that my water had been broken for hours, infection was a possibility, and the fact that my cervix was still swollen, which led them to believe that her head may be too big for delivery. The nurse spoke with my OB and came back in at 8:15pm to tell me they needed to prep me for a c-section, that they were about to make me a mommy.

Instantly, the nerves kicked in. The shakes started and fear just poured over my body. I have never had any medical procedures! That day was even the first IV I had ever had! I've never broken a bone, had a black eye, or even been admitted to the hospital before, so to hear that I was about to have a major surgery was extremely frightening. They gave Keith his protective gown, hat and footies, told him to get dressed and wheeled me off to surgery.

I won't go into the entire prep process, just that I shook the ENTIRE time. Well, my upper body shook, my lower body was pretty much immobile. Keith sat beside me and even watched the procedure from around my curtain. I cannot believe he was able to watch it, but he has a very strong stomach. After a few minutes, I heard Keith say "they are pulling her out" and then I heard her little cry for the first time. I was groggy and kind of out of it, but so thankful that she had arrived.

I was able to watch the nurses carry her over to the clean up station. Keith was able to cut the umbilical cord. They wheeled the scale over so I could see her weighed- 8 lbs. 4 oz of just pure beauty. They brought her over to me after all that and I was able to see her up close and just take in the fact that our daughter was here and healthy.

The longest part was putting me back together and sewing me up. I went back to the labor and delivery room and watched them give Chloe her first bath and was able to nurse her for the first time. It is really indescribable. To know that this little girl, this perfect gift from God, had finally arrived- emotions were running high, even highly medicated.

I was exhausted though and still having some shaking. I was thankful that Chloe was here and healthy, but still unhappy with the fact that I had to have a c-section. Not that I feel like I went through any less than a vaginal birth, but because I knew the rocky road of recovery I would have ahead of me. Because I knew that I wouldn't be able to do the things I would be able to do had I delivered her vaginally. I am still struggling with this.

So, that is pretty much the entire story.
We stayed in the hospital until Sunday morning. It is great to have her here, with us, at home. She is just the most precious thing. I still can't get over the fact that we have a child, a daughter. I just adore watching her, nursing her, seeing Keith and my Mom enjoy her. It is the most amazing blessing.

Recovery is slow and will be a process. I am trying to take it easy, but that isn't really my personality, so it is very difficult for me to do.
Keith went back to work today, since my mom is here with us through the weekend. I know he hated to leave her for the first time.

We have our first pediatrician appointment tomorrow. I'm anxious to see how much weight she has put on since we left the hospital. She was down to 7 lbs, 9 oz. It is so hard to tell how much milk she is getting since I am breastfeeding. I can only try to measure by her diaper output, which seems to be quite healthy. (smiles)

There will be many more posts and pictures to come!

Thanks for all of your encouragement and support over the past months!

Chloe Lynne

2008-06-09T09:04:00.003-04:00

She's here! Our daughter finally decided to join us.

Chloe was born on June 4 at 8:49pm. She weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz and is 21 inches. She is just perfect.

I ended up needing a c-section (more on the birth story in a later post). We are just thankful that she is here and healthy.

We came home yesterday and are still figuring out our new lives together and schedules and when to sleep, but I promise the birth story post will be coming. My mom is coming to sty with us tomorrow, so maybe I'll have time to post while she is here this week.

Still Pregnant

2008-06-03T15:52:00.002-04:00

She's officially late. Yesterday was my due date. I know that statistically most first babies are not early or on time, but I was still hoping. It is so hard to go past that date that has been on your mind for 40 weeks.

I'm doing a lot of praying. I don't have the strength to wait on my own, so I am asking God for His strength. I know there is a reason He isn't bringing her into the world yet. It's just hard, very hard, for me to wait for His timing.

Today hasn't been that great. Last night I started having contractions. At least I thought they were contractions. Now, I'm pretty sure they were just Braxton Hicks. Why do we have to have fake contractions? Doesn't make sense to me. I didn't sleep well last night. I was awake about every 30 minutes or so.

Yesterday felt like the longest day of my life... until today. Today feels longer. Every pain I feel makes me wonder, "could this be it?".
I have my non stress test tomorrow morning and my ob weekly check up tomorrow afternoon. Last week, I honestly didn't think that I would be keeping these appointments. (sigh)

So, if you could, say a prayer for me. I don't really feel like talking to anyone, but I've been getting your phone calls and messages. Thank you for thinking of me. I've been thanking God for such wonderful friends and family. Please pray that I have strength, patience and peace.

Here's to hoping the next post is post-pregnancy......

2008-06-01T16:56:00.002-04:00

No Baby yet....

Tomorrow is my due date.

I was hoping she would get my tendency to be early for appointments/dates, not her father's tendency to run late.

Looks like she just might take after her daddy.

Darn.

Waiting Game

2008-05-27T14:33:00.002-04:00

No Baby yet....

I am due in 6 days. A week from yesterday.

I'm starting to have nightmares that the doctor has miscalculated my due date and I'm not actually due until late June. Worst nightmare ever....

Last week I wasn't really ready for her to come. I was still preparing and running last minute errands and things.
This week is a different story. I'm ready for her to come. I'm not exactly ready for labor (are you ever?!?!), but I want to meet her so badly. I want to hold her and see her and kiss her and stroke her lil hands.

My friend, Beth, had her daughter on Saturday. Congratulations Beth and Rodrigo! She had a lovely little girl and they named her Anna. Beth was due about 4 days before me. She isn't playing the waiting game anymore. Another friend's brother and his wife had their son on Saturday too. She was due two week AFTER me. When Keith told me that her water had broke and they were on the way to the hospital, I actually cried. Real tears. I don't know what came over me, but I just sobbed "when is OUR baby going to come"? Poor Keith had no idea that was going to be my reaction and for a second he just stood there and looked at me in disbelief. I was shocked at the emotional outburst myself. But, as usual, he did the perfect thing and hugged me and smoothed my hair and told me that God has the most perfect plan for our daughter and she will come in His timing. How can I be upset after hearing those truth-filled words?

On an up note, my husband and I were able to have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend together. The weather was horrible. It rained and thunderstormed every day, but it didn't matter. We went out to eat twice, watched a few movies, read together, cooked and just enjoyed our last Memorial Day weekend as "just us". It was perfect.

She can come anytime now.
I'm ready.... I think.

My Incredible Feat (or Feet)

2008-05-24T08:02:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I managed to paint my own toenails! Talk about an accomplishment. I haven't been able to see my feet for some time now, so I figured reaching them was out of the question.

My feet look kinda funny and swollen in this picture, but my toenails are painted. They will be "California Raspberry" for our daughter's arrival!

Don't ask me why I didn't just get dressed and splurge for a pedicure.......

Leisurely Day

2008-05-22T16:18:00.008-04:00

Yesterday I took full advantage of my time off work. I decided to go to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, by myself. It was a beautiful day outside, sunny, but not too warm. They have a sculputre exhibit, Niki, on display and city residents get in FREE on Wednesdays.

So, I filled my water bottle, grabbed my camera and some grapes and went to the Garden.

The exhibit was really cool to look at. The artist creates these mosaic tile sculptures. Here are a few of the pieces....

I had such a relaxing time, walking around (until I started to get a little tired). Let me tell you though, a 38.5 week pregnant woman walking around by herself sure does get a lot of stares! I think people were looking at me, scared I was going to blow at any moment.

Maternity Leave

2008-05-20T13:40:00.002-04:00

Friday was my last day at work. So, today is my second day of "official maternity leave". I am so glad that I decided to take off before Baby arrives. It's only been two days, but SO NICE!

Yesterday I napped for two hours and managed to squeeze in one more highlight and haircut before she comes. Thankfully my friend Annie was able to schedule me beforehand, because who knows when I will have time to schedule that after Baby comes. Today I napped again! Yes, I did! (If you know me, you know that BP, before pregnancy, I was not a fan of naps- felt like they were unproductive), went to pick up my prenatal vitamin prescription, rented 4 movies from Blockbuster and checked out 3 books from the library. I plan on relaxing as much as possible and doing all the things that will probably be hard for me to do in a couple of weeks (or less!).

I have my two doctor appointments tomorrow, my non stress test at 7:30 and my weekly OB check up at 4:45. If I feel up to it, I think I will go to the Botanical Gardens. City residents get in free on Wednesday mornings. I also need to go buy a Baby Book. I can't believe I don't have one yet. I saw one I really liked early on in my pregnancy, but haven't been able to find it again.

So, that's my life in a nutshell.
Hope you all are doing well and enjoying this beautiful spring weather!!!!

Motherly Advice

2008-05-15T14:03:00.002-04:00

So, I am at the point where I am thinking about starting to make my "to-pack" list for the hospital. I've looked online at suggested lists of items to pack. What I would like is your advice.....

What items were absolutely a necessity to you? What things did you pack that you didn't need?

Most of the lists suggest bringing a robe. The robe that I have is not really appropriate for a hospital stay. Do you think that a robe is necessary? I'll have to go buy a cotton robe if so.....

Tomorrow is my last day of work. I finished most of my work today. I'm not quite sure what I will do in the office tomorrow. I just know that I am pretty excited!

Finding Happiness

2008-05-13T12:37:00.002-04:00

Oh, how I've struggled with this and continue to struggle with this.

I don't know what gave me the notion that "things" would ever bring me happiness, but somewhere in my 29 years, I've picked up that idea. I know in my heart that things will not bring me contentment, but for some reason, I still live as though they will/do.

Why do I do this!?!?! If my heart knows the truth, why can't my head catch up?

I know that the only thing that will bring me true happiness is God. I know that. So, you can imagine how frustrating it is to realize that I am not living my life demonstrating that truth. Oh so frustrating.

I just need to pray. I need to ask God to change me and my outlook. I need to spend more time with Him, in prayer and in His word. I just need to immerse myself in His truths.

Since Friday is my last day of work before Baby comes, I plan on spending a lot of time with God before her arrival. I know that I will change this way of living with His help. I am going to ask Him to help me with my earthly desires and materialistic wants.
This has been a struggle for me for quite a few years now so I'm not expecting a change overnight, but still.... I'm ready to start.

36 Week Update

2008-05-08T18:12:00.008-04:00

(this picture was taken last week, 35 weeks)

Ok, so I had one post that was not baby-related. I can't help it- it is all that seems to be going on in my life right now.

We've been really busy. We got our bedroom rearranged and made space for Baby's crib and dresser. We only have a one bedroom apartment and Baby will be sharing our room for awhile.

We contemplated moving our bedroom into the living room and turning the dining room into the living room, but this just made the most sense. We have a feeling that we will be moving to back to Illinois soon anyway.....

We interviewed and picked a pediatrician. I'm really happy with the one we picked. He is close to home, very personable, and even has Saturday hours!!! Keith and I both liked him a lot and we had no questions about using him. One more thing checked off our list.....

I told my boss today that my last day of work will be next Friday, May 16. I had originally planned on working up until my due date, but that is turning out to be unrealistic. I'm tired. I ache. I decided to take the two weeks off before my due date. I'm going to use that time to finish preparing the place for Baby, take naps, and read a few books. If she comes earlier than my due date, then I'll already be off work. My boss was really great about it. He even asked if I wanted this week to be my last week, but I still have some work to finish before my last day.

I had my OB appointment yesterday. My first weekly appointment. Everything still looks good. Blood pressure is good, baby's heartbeat sounds strong and I am dialated 1 cm. Whoo Hoo! I had a growth ultrasound and they estimate that she weighs 6 lb. 12 oz. With three more weeks to go, she's gonna be a good size little girl.

So, that's my update.
Sorry for yet another post dedicated to impending motherhood! One of these days I hope that my mind will be more than one-track again......

Robin Red Breast

2008-05-05T21:17:00.007-04:00

(Note: Please forgive the following pictures. They were all taken through the window and screen and at a horrible angle, but I wasn't about to open up the screen!)

About a month ago, we realized that we had a robin's nest right outside one of our bedroom windows. Just sitting right there on the brick ledge.

The nest had 4 eggs in it. We watched the robin sit on that nest and protect the eggs day in and day out....

The night of my Girls Night Out at church, Keith left me a voice mail that we had baby robins! The eggs had hatched! I'm not sure what happened to the fourth egg, but there were three baby robins just sitting in that nest.

I was told that it is the Daddy robin that takes care of the babies. Well, he did a very good job! Every time we pulled up those blinds, if the Dad wasn't already sitting on those babies, he soon would be! He must have constantly been on watch, because seriously, within 15 seconds of us pulling up the blinds, he was there, protecting his babies. He did such a good job of bringing worms to the hungry lil birds.

Every day the birds grew. They soon started to lose their "baby" feathers and kept getting bigger and bigger. After awhile, they would flap their wings, but I never say them fly. I started to wonder how on earth the three birds were fitting in that little nest.

Friday morning, the baby robins were there. When I checked on them Friday night, they were gone. The nest was empty. I guess the birds decided it was time for them to start their little lives. It was kind of sad. We didn't even get to say goodbye.

Hope they have found another cozy home by now.
I wonder if we'll have another robin's nest next year......

May!

2008-05-01T09:53:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe that it is May 1! Baby is due next month, so I have one month (or less than one month if she decides to come early). Wow.

In spite of the sickness (and more sickness) and diabetes and loads of testing, pregnancy hasn't been that bad. It could have been much worse. I am thankful that I didn't have to go on bed rest, although lately it sounds pretty nice. I am thankful that she seems to be doing really well in there and growing and maturing just as she should.

Lately though, it has been getting harder. My body is tired. My back hurts, my feet are starting to swell and I've felt my first contractions today! Kind of feels like cramps, which I had pleasantly forgotten about. I'm constantly hot and the moodiness is setting in. Take yesterday for example- I was just sad. No reason, nothing happened. I was just sad and I couldn't shake it. I apologized to my husband, tried to let him know that he had done nothing wrong and I wasn't really sure what is wrong with me. Luckily, he is very understanding.

I know part of it is hormones. Part of it is being mentally and physically exhausted. Part of it is something else I can't quite put my finger on. I think I feel like my world is revolving around Baby right now- packing bags, making checklists, doctor appointments, preparing her space, reading books... which leaves little to no time for me. In a way, I feel like I have lost part of myself recently. I need to make time for just me. Read a book, get a pedicure, have some tea with friends, just do something for me.... no baby talk or preparations allowed.
Plus, I'm starting to get a little nervous about when she actually arrives. Will I be a good mom? Will I know how to calm her? How to make her happy? Will I be able to breastfeed? So many unknowns.... I realize that I cannot worry about all of these things, that eventually they will fall into place. Still, they are there, in the back of my mind.

On a positive note, I think that Keith and I have decided on a name for Baby! We aren't sharing it though, so you will have to wait. I still can't call her by her name because I know that once I start, I will slip and use it and our little secret will be out.

So, my next post will have nothing to do about babies or pregnancy. That is my promise to myself. One way for a little bit of "me" time.....

A few of my favorites...

2008-04-29T20:04:00.012-04:00

Remember the maternity session we had with Val a couple of weeks ago?

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our session. Val took SO many wonderful pictures, it was difficult to pick which ones to post....

Like I said, Val took hundreds of pictures... some showed ALOT more skin, so those cannot be included in the post. I am SO SO SO glad that we were able to have our first pregnancy captured, and by such an amazing person, friend, and photographer!!
Thanks again Val!!!

Another Busy Weekend

2008-04-21T22:06:00.009-04:00

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.....
These first two are my 33 week pictures (well, 33.5 weeks).

We had a women's event at church on Friday night- Girls Night Out. Two members from the church offer to host a table of 8 women. Each table is responsible for decorating their table, bringing the place settings, and giving each guest a favor. It is such a fun event, we have it every other spring. I wish I would have taken pictures of the other 40 tables, but I just have a picture of the table I
co-hosted. The tables range from fine china and candles to decorative paper plates and pinatas. We chose a "springy" theme and gave our guests a homemade bookmark with Galatians 5:22 on it and a small potted flower.

My MIL and SIL hosted my third and final baby shower on Saturday. They did an open house style shower, when everyone can just come and go as they please within the alloted time. Keith went with me and helped me open the gifts.

My friend Beth (the one I have rubbed bellies with) came down for the shower with her mom, so that was extra special too.

Linda and Amy did a great job with the shower and I loved the sweets they made especially for the occasion.

Keith and Amy put our new travel system together. Keith gave it a trial run around his parents house.

I spent most of Sunday on the floor of our dining room, trying to seperate all of the baby gifts we have gotten. I only have a few returns to make and a few purchases of necessities that we haven't received yet.

And, exciting news.... Val emailed and she is working on getting our maternity pictures uploaded. So, pictures to come- SOON!

What a Wake Up Call

2008-04-18T08:51:00.003-04:00

We had an earthquake. They say it registered 5.2 on the Richter Scale. It wasn't on the New Madrid Fault Line.

Keith and I both shot up out of bed this morning around 4:35. It sounded like someone was trying to break into our apartment. Our doors were shaking, the walls were shaking, our entire bedroom was moving. (We live on the second floor of a 4 family flat that is easily over 100 years old) We have a back porch off of our bedroom and that door flew open.

It only took us a few seconds to realize that we were experiencing an earthquake.

Keith told me to get up and stand in the doorway (grade school drills must have been coming back to him!). It only lasted about 30 seconds or so, but still freaked us out. I just kept thinking, "Oh man, don't let this last and then throw me into labor!"

I used the opportunity to take a quick pee break and attempted to go back to bed. I think I maybe dozed off for about 20 minutes before getting up for work.

It's hard to go back to sleep after an earthquake.

** We had "after shock" around 10:15 this morning. I was sitting at my desk at work and my chair started shaking, then my desk and computer screen. They say it was a 4.5.**

They Say It's Your Birthday.....

2008-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Today is a very special woman's birthday.....

My MOM'S!!!

I hope she takes time for herself today. She is such a generous person, always thinking of and doing for others. I could go on and on about her wonderful qualities... I'll just keep it simple and say that she is the greatest woman I know (seriously, I'm not just saying that cause she is my mom).

Mom, I know you'll read this and I want you to know that we are thinking of you today. We wish you the happiest birthday ever.

XOXOX,
Keith, Corie and Baby

Our Weekend

2008-04-15T07:12:00.000-04:00

We had a pretty eventful weekend.

Friday night I had a get together with the girls in my small group. What I didn't know was that it was a surprise Baby Shower for me! I walked in and the house was decorated in pink, green and brown and everyone was sitting there just smiling.

It was a great surprise. Baby got even more wonderful gifts and they also did the thing where you ask the guests to sign a children's book instead of a card (they did this at my family shower too), so her library is growing!

Saturday we went to Decatur to spend time with my family. That was our last trip home until after Baby is here. It was bittersweet. My mom and I both got a little emotional when we left on Sunday, knowing that it may be the last time I see her before I am a mommy.

AND, Sunday morning we had our long awaited maternity session with Val! She had coffee ready for us when we got to her house. :) It was so much fun to take these pictures. Plus, Val is awesome- she puts you totally at ease and gives you these amazing compliments, so you can't help but feel beautiful. You can check out a few sneak peak pictures from our session at her blog.

I've been feeling sort of sick lately. Friday night I started having a weird sensation/pain in my lower left abdomen. Felt like something was stretching or almost ripping. It didn't hurt when I sat down, but hurt when I stood up. That lasted through Saturday night. I woke up Sunday feeling good though. But, then Sunday night came around and my stomach was so upset. I took an anti nausea med, but it didn't help. I hardly slept at all Sunday night, going back and forth from the bed to the couch. I was still upset Monday morning and had a lovely morning hovering over the toilet. It was one of the worst rounds of morning sickness I have had since I got pregnant. Bless my husband's heart, he stood by me the entire time and brought me water, wiped the toilet down and gave me damp washcloths. He is so good to me. I felt a little better after getting rid of every last thing in my stomach, but still not completely normal.

Today is my appointment with the specialist and my third ultrasound. I am hoping they will look at my sugar level records and tell me I can quit sticking 4 times a day, maybe go down to twice. I'm anxious to see Baby again. I bet she has changed so much since our last ultrasound. I'll post pictures tonight.

So, that's been our weekend. Hope you had a good one!

Mental Health Day

2008-04-11T08:00:00.003-04:00

Just a lil note about yesterday's post...
Today I decided to take a mental health day from work. My hubby just left for work (and interview for a teaching position this fall!) and I am going to take advantage of my time to get some things done today!

List of to-do's for today:
- laundry: getting our outfits clean and picked out for our maternity session with
Val on Sunday!
- post office: to mail my baby shower thank you's and another thank you package
- pick up a gift card for a friend
- get my mom and dad's birthday cards
- pay a few bills that are coming up
- drop off recycling
- call recommended pediatricians
- mani/pedi: for the maternity session, if I have time
- general cleaning of the apartment
- get together with the girls tonight
- pack for our trip to Decatur tomorrow

So, that should keep me pretty busy today. Hope it doesn't rain all day.
Oh, and if I have any "leftover" time, I'd like to catch up on some of the shows we have tivo'd. I'm about 2 weeks behind.

Hope everyone has a Happy Friday!

Needing a Breather

2008-04-10T11:39:00.003-04:00

Overwhelming busy- that is how I describe my life right now. It is a HUGE change for me, since I have really been taking easy for most of my pregnancy.

On top of my full-time job, I am still trying to find time for the extra doctor appointments, cleaning, cooking, getting the apartment ready for Baby, laundry and other day to day activities. I know, I know, Einstein had the same 24 hours a day that I have.... I hope this doesn't come across as a "poor me" post, I just needed to vent a bit.

So, tonight I am meeting a friend to do some shopping for a women's event we have at church next weekend, then we have small group tonight. Tomorrow we are having a girl's night for the girls who come to our small group. Saturday we will be making the trip to my mom's for the weekend. Sunday are our maternity pictures with Val, along with spending time with my family while we are home, since this will be the last trip we make until after Baby arrives. Again, I know that most of these to-do's are not necessary and I could have not planned them, but I WANT to do them.

I have my appt. with the specialist at the hospital next Tuesday and next weekend is even busier than this one. I keep wondering when I am going to find time to clean the apartment like I want to and make room in closets and storage. I think we are going to have to lock ourselves in our apartment for the first weekend in May and just work our tails off. Plus, I want to get all of this done while I am still comfortable and able.

WHEW! I've just over-booked myself and feeling the stretch... that's all.
If you made it to the end of this complain-y post- I congratulate you.
_______________________________________________________________________________
** Oh geez, I am almost embarrassed to post this... I re-read what I had written and I am complaining about such trivial things. Shame on me. I am going to post anyway because after reading what I wrote, my outlook is already different (for the better). I will do what I can do and be joyful while doing it. After all, I won't have ANY time after Baby comes! :)

Rubbin' Bellies

2008-04-07T16:04:00.003-04:00

My friend Beth and I are pregnant, at the same time... she is due May 29th and I'm due June 2. It's really exciting to be able to share my pregnancy with one of my best friends.

Keith thinks that pregnant women see each other and rub their bellies together. Do not ask me why he thinks this is what we do. But, when he knows I am going to see a pregnant friend, in this case, Beth, he says, "Are you guys gonna rub bellies?".

So, Beth and I did rub bellies last weekend. This picture was proof for Keith.

Cute picture, isn't it?

I was home for Emma's birthday party and my first baby shower! My friends Beth, Nicole and Tracy threw me an amazing shower last Sunday. I didn't take any pictures with my camera, but am patiently waiting for the three of them to email me their pictures so I can post. So, more about the shower when I get pictures....

In the meantime, I'll have to stick to posts about bellies.

Celebrating 3 Decades!!!

2008-04-07T15:49:00.005-04:00

My wonderfully, amazing husband turned 30 on Friday! I think he was a little anxious about leaving his 20s behind, but he transitioned into the 30s with grace and ease.

Here are just a couple of pictures from his birthday weekend.....

This is Keith with his 6 feet, 5 inches of lotto scratch offs (who knew that 30 scratch off tickets would be as tall as he is?!?)

Us, getting ready to go to Maggiano's on Friday night...

Keith, opening his new Nike driver, on Sunday. I figured he wouldn't be buying a new driver for some time after the baby comes, so had to splurge on him for his 30th!

Oh, we had massages on Saturday morning too (no pictures of that). Keith had a swedish massage and I had my first prenatal massage. Let's just say that I hope I can squeeze another one into our budget before my due date!

Happy 30th Birthday sweetie!
Hope you had a great weekend!!
XOXOX

Lancets, Test Strips, Glucometers... OH MY!

2008-04-02T08:34:00.002-04:00

I have to go to the hospital today for a diabetes class.....
Yep, my 1 hour GTT test came back with high blood sugar levels, so I took the dreaded 3 hour GTT. My fasting blood sugar level came back high for some reason, so my OB referred me to a perinatologist, who asked that I come in for a diabetes class today.

So, I got a prescription for lancets and test strips. I have to prick my finger FOUR TIMES a day and check my blood sugar levels. Can you believe that?!?! FOUR TIMES A DAY! And, they aren't the safety lancets, which are the ones I am used to using at work. (Sigh).

My class is today at 11:30. They told me to expect to be there for a few hours. This means even more time off from work. I'm going to use all of my time before the baby even gets here.

So, I'll check my levels every day and in two weeks, go back to meet with the maternal health specialist, to go over my numbers and to have another ultrasound. They want to monitor the baby's growth, to make sure she isn't getting too big. I don't think she is. Our last ultrasound showed that she was in the 40th percentile and I lost a lb. at my last OB appt. But, on the upside- I get to see our baby girl for a 3rd time! (Smiles) The only bummer is that Keith can't be at this ultrasound with me.

So, I am bracing myself for the fact that they are probably going to tell me no more sweets. No more ice cream, no more cupcakes, no more cookies, no more chocolate and peanut butter! How will I ever survive the next 8 weeks?!?!?!

A Meme.....

2008-03-27T17:03:00.003-04:00

Val tagged me for a meme... I usually forget to do them, but I promised myself that this time I would follow through....

So, here goes.

1. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
2. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment letting them know they've been tagged and to ask them to play along and to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago - 1998

- I was attending SIUE and probably hadn't changed my major from nursing to health ed, so I was still taking tons of biology classes that I didn't need.
- I was dating Keith and we were celebrating our one year anniversary.
- I was living with three other girls in an apartment on campus.

Five things on my to-do list today -

1) Watch Keith put the baby's crib together
2) Get maternity clothes packed to return to Tracy this weekend
3) Go to Bible Study tonight
4) Put away laundry that has been sitting in a basket for two weeks
5) Call dietician to schedule my appointment (more on this in a post to come)

Snacks I enjoy -

1) Ice Cream!!!
2) Grapes
3) String Cheese
4) Granola Bars
5) Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Things I would do if I were a billionaire -

1) Pay off our student loans and other debts
2) Buy a house (or build)
3) Pay my family's mortgages/debts off
4) Save for our little girl's college and for our nieces/nephews college
5) Tithe and give a huge chunk to charity
Oh, and if I could pick a 6th one, it would be travel! :)

Five of my bad habits -

1) Pushing the snooze button
2) Interrupting others while they are speaking
3) Not putting away clean laundry (I'm with ya on this one Val!)
4) Reading a good book too quickly- trying to find out what happens next, instead of savoring it!
5) Comparing myself to others, instead of being happy with who I am

Five places I have lived -

1) Fort Campbell, KY
2) Decatur, IL
3) Edwardsville, IL
4) Collinsville, IL
5) St. Louis, MO

Five jobs I've had -

1) bagger at Kroger
2) lifeguard
3) salesperson at Bath and Body Works
4) manager of a salon/spa
5) public health counselor

Five bloggers I tag -

1) Greta
2) Alexis
3) Erin
4) Nicole (where are all those new posts you promised?!?!)
5) Lily Pad Mom

It's time for spring....

2008-03-26T17:30:00.003-04:00

I saw this quiz over at I Throw Like a Girl. (ARGH! What is up with my link creator?!? Still not working...)
Thought it was appropriate for springtime!

I am a
Daffodil

What Flower
Are You?

Almost 30 Weeks

2008-03-26T09:50:00.003-04:00

Baring My Belly

2008-03-24T17:40:00.003-04:00

My amazingly talented friend, Val, has offered to do my maternity pictures!!!

I am so excited! She recommended that I be about 32 weeks or so.... which worked out perfectly because we've scheduled the sitting for Sunday April 13. I've seen some of the maternity pictures that she has taken in the past and they are absolutely beautiful! I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to have this time in our life captured on film- and captured by such a creative photographer!!!

I'm hoping that I am courageous enough to show a lil skin (tastefully, of course). I've always been pretty modest, but I am trying to get past that for this sitting and allow her to capture the essence of a pregnant woman's body. Keith told me he would go topless if I did! (Smiles)

I want to link to her professional website, but for some reason I'm unable to create links right now...
So, to check out her maternity pictures (or any of her pictures) go to her website-
www.vwcphotography.com. You can click on portfolio and then choose maternity.

Thanks Val, for finding time to take these pictures for us!!!
I can't wait!