Our Miracle Life

Kelly Korner Book Club

2014-05-01T07:35:00.000-06:00

I absolutely adore Kelly's Korner so when she suggested The Antelope in the Living Room I knew it had to be good. But let's be honest as a SAHM to two little ones I dismissed the idea of ever being able to read a book. That was until last night I read her feedback on Chapter 4 and laughed out loud several times. One thing I have in common with Kelly...our husbands love to hunt so when I realized this book was sympathetic to widows of hunters (insert humor I am not a widow only a single mom during hunting season)vi figured I'd take the plunge. I downloaded the book and on a night where hubby still has not returned from a 27+ hour work day I made myself comfortable on the couch and caught up to Kelly's post from last week on Chapter 4. So here's my feedback.....

(This is my first week so I'm not sure if I copy her questions or do my own for sake of time I'll copy hers.)

1. Have you ever made a list of qualities you want in your future spouse? What things did you include that ended up not being as important as you originally thought?

I don't believe I had a physical list but I'm sure at some point as a young woman I had my vision of the perfect husband. He would look something like this....tall or short just not shorter than me, brown hair (I had this crazy idea brown hair turned grey later in life), loved sports and shopping. I knew I wanted a man who would lead our family spiritually I just didn't know how or where I could meet that person. Jeff was the opposite of all that. Except the brown hair. But it took years to get him to attend church and when he did he loved it so I got almost exactly what I thought was the perfect man for me. P.s. He LOVES sports, hunting and anything outdoors. He also loves shopping....mostly for the kids clothes so it's even more attractive.

2. What are some things in your life that you feel like you’re waiting on right now? Do you agree that we’re all waiting on something, no matter where we are in life?

This question I found particularly hilarious because while I read it Jeff was at work waiting for nearly 8 hours to get on a plane and jump out of it...only to land safely and wait another 15 hours while a missing piece of equipment is located...as I type this he's going on a 27 hour work day...waiting.

As for me, I am really struggling with this part of our life. Recently the army has made it very difficult for us to feel secure and "home". With major changes in Jeff's career on the horizon we are waiting to find out if we will stay, go, change, progress or remain stable. That's my biggest challenge right now is waiting and one thing I'm struggling with is making good friends here and I'm a people person...I need my people.

3. In Chapter 4, Melanie mentions a list of celebrities she’d be friends with if they ever met. Do you have a list?

This question is hilarious! I'd love to be friends with Reese Witherspoon but only because I imagine her personality being similar to her character in Sweet a Home Alabama. I'd also love to have Miranda Lambert on my favorites list, I'd also add a few Yankee players to that list.

Overall, this book so far has kept me entertained and giggling a lot. Mainly because I can relate to a lot of her stories. I love her story about how she wishes she kept the expectations for cooking low from the beginning. I could only cook spaghetti and Mac n cheese so that was all we ate our entire first year of marriage. But once Jeff returned from his first deployment I had somehow learned to com all these great meals and I spoiled him the first few weeks at home only to disappoint him with many burned meals and overlooked chicken dinners to follow. I look forward to putting the kids to bed tonight so I can read a few more chapters.

Welcome Baby Brother

2013-12-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

After 4 days of contractions, 3 hospital visits, including an overnight stay, and lots of patience....

Baby brother has arrived!

Brett Charles

November 11, 2013

6:07 pm via repeat c section

9 pounds 2 ounces

22 inches long

and big sister adores him! She kisses him, tells him it's ok when he cries, and says good morning and good night to him every night.

We are so blessed and absolutely in love with our new addition. Our family is complete!

2013-08-26T05:54:00.000-06:00

This weekend I had a little help from my folks who came to visit and take PJ away for a few hours so I could get some major sewing done! I made a new outfit for the shop!! It's just ADORABLE!!

You can see it HERE!!!

My mom took some adorable pictures of my clothes too so I could have a $10 sample sale on my facebook page! I still have a few dresses left is anyone is interested! All items are $10 and only one per dress. Size is displayed.

To see the sale, go LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE!!! These are two of the 5 outfits still remaining up for sale!

I have so many orders to keep me busy between now and when Brett comes, but I couldn't feel more blessed to have this gift and dress lots of cute kiddos! I have an exciting new item being added today that literally has me grinning from ear to ear!!

Check it out later!

My Etsy Shop

2013-08-23T15:12:00.000-06:00

Life is finally back to "normal" and I've opened my shop again! Wow it's been going strong the last week and I have been so blessed to have plenty of new clients and new "likes" on my Facebook page. I recently added a few cute fall items and have many more in mind. HERE is my shop if you're on the hunt for cute things for your little ones.

I love shopping for myself online as well. It's seems to be a lot easier lately. Recently I ordered myself THIS sweater from Southern Fried Chics. If you haven't seen this site, you'll love it! I just got my package today and LOVE the sweater. They have adorable clothes and at affordable prices!!

Southern Fried Chics

I also love Blue Door Boutique. I have ordered a few things from them and have been pretty happy with the items. I did have to return a few things because they just did not fit me like they did the model (don't we all have that problem). But overall, I love their stuff and for the price you usually get great stuff.

The Blue Door Boutique

I can't wait to look at where everyone else looks I need more ideas so I can find cute stuff once this baby comes out.

Major Catch-up

2013-07-15T11:11:00.003-06:00

It's been several months since my last update. LOTS has happened!

First, we moved back to NC and are currently waiting to move into our new place. It's been a crazy journey to say the least, but we're blessed to be together and healthy so we're just praying things will work out in the end.

We've been staying between my parents in Myrtle Beach and a family friend in NC. So it's been a hectic time for all of us, but we are so lucky to friends and family who allow us to "squat" at their homes. hahaha

Our home in Colorado still has not sold nor rented, but we're optimistic that it will soon. Until then, we are making the best of our lives with tight finances. We could feel sorry for ourselves, be angry, or stressed but we realize that we are blessed beyond what we deserve. Some people do not have a home, yet we have two. Some do not have money because they do not have bills to pay, yet so we have so much to pay for so we are feeling blessed and know that God is always providing.

I have tons of photos to share, but they are all on my phone so I will upload soon.

Peighton is doing well. She's growing like a weed....I cannot believe she's 22 months already! Little Brother is growing as well. I'm 22.5 weeks and he's moving all over inside. We look forward to seeing him next week on ultrasound and hoping for a healthy check up.

Since we arrived in our transition states we have had one obstacle after another, but we're facing them with God at our side. Slowly things are getting better and we know our lives will reach a point of less ciaos....eventually. Until then, we will praise Him in the storm.

I will have a ton of photos to share once we are settled into our new place and have internet ;)

Catch-up

2013-04-16T09:16:00.000-06:00

Lots to catch-up on. Unfortunately, my computer crashed a while ago and once repaired I lost all my pictures so they are all on hubby's computer. So soon I will share photos. Here's what is new around here....

1. House is still for sale :( not going well, but now spring is here and we're hoping some recent changes with our listing will help!

2. Peighton is growing so big! She's talking up a storm these days. Some of the cute things she says:
"I'm stuck"....anytime she can't get up, get down, or get out of my arms she says this! SUPER CUTE!
"Do do do do do do" to the tune of Mickey Mouse...just love it!
"Hey girl!" (in the most southern way ever!) when she plays on her phone she pretends to say hey to someone...usually her friend Ellie.

3. We shared a few weeks ago on Facebook....Peighton is going to be a BIG SISTER! Complete surprise, shock, and unexpected....but, we're happy and excited. God felt we didn't need to try so hard for the next one I suppose.

4. My sister....having triplet identical girls!.....is 29 weeks today! That's HUGE considering just 8 weeks ago they were saying she needed to deliver, her life was at risk, and her health was declining. God healed her and today she is still pregnant with three beautiful girls happily growing day by day.

5. Finally, my etsy shop has been doing so well lately. I had a small break, but back to work I go. I love every minute of it. I enjoy creating one of a kind items for people, party items, and much more. It's so much fun and I take pride in everything I make.

I promise to share photos soon! So so much more to catch up on with you all. Come back soon!

Baptism

2013-01-27T09:58:00.004-07:00

I have been asked by a sweet friend to make her (absolute miracle) daughter's baptism dress. I feel so honored to be doing this for her. She has requested a simple dress so I've been researching ideas to start with.

Here are a few ideas I have so far...

This one I just absolutely love. Of course I would change a few things. Maybe add a ruffle at the bottom, do it in white of course, and take off the bow and put a pink one or a flower. But this is right along with the style dresses I have in my etsy shop.

Here's the second. Very simple and sweet. I could add a removable bow for photos. I would probably add a row of ruffle or lace at the bottom to add some character.

I know my friends little girl will look stunning in anything and I am feeling a little pressure to make sure it's perfect for her special day. I can't wait to get started! Thank you C for this wonderful opportunity!

Absent

2013-01-25T13:08:00.002-07:00

I have been so absent from blogging lately. The only valid excuse is that hubby has been home for a month and just recently went back to work so it's been nice just relaxing with him and spending quality family time together.

We visited my parents in Myrtle Beach in December and my in-laws in PA for Christmas. It was a much needed vacation and visit with our loved ones.

We welcomed home another friend from Afghanistan. Praise the Lord!

I've also been busy with this little cutie...

AND doing alot of sewing... I have filled MY ETSY SHOP full of cute and fun girly things!!

My etsy shop has been kind of busy lately and I've had a lot of facebook orders so it's going well. Soon my shop will be a triple threat. My MOM is adding some of her jewelry to the shop soon! We will have color coordinating jewelry to go with some mommy dresses I have coming soon. I'll also have mommy and me outfits as well. This is going to be an exciting year for my sewing machine.

Oh and we still have our move coming up. Our home has officially been on the market 6 weeks. It's a very slow time for home buying so we've had a few good showings and received some great feedback so now we just wait for the right family to purchase our home :)

In Peighton news....

She will be 15 months this month! She had her check up today and she's growing perfectly :) She's a little above average for height and kind of petite on weight. She didn't get her shots because she has a small cold so next week she won't be as happy with me :(

I still look at her and can't believe she's mine. God has truly blessed our lives with her and we are so grateful that He gave us the opportunity to be her parents.

She is loving having her daddy home! They have tea parties, chase one another, play cars, and share a lot of giggles together. She's a totally different baby when daddy is around. She seems more secure and social. I guess she loves having us both together ;)

Other than that, nothing to report. I will try to update more often....and especially more than just once every few months.

God bless

More Christmas pictures

2012-12-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Peighton truly makes taking picture such an easy task. I guess all those pictures I took for daddy while he was gone has paid off. She posed, smiled, giggled, and enjoyed taking our family pictures.

During this picture she kept looking back saying "oooh" and laughing it was so cute!

I am so blessed to have a God-fearing hubby. He truly makes our family complete. I'm looking forward to the near future where deployments are no longer our life so I can enjoy him every single day.

We have a little over a week before we leave for our 2 week Christmas vacation. We are so excited to be visiting both our parents' houses. The grandparents are equally excited to see Peighton. She is going to be very spoiled these few weeks.

In other news, I think I mentioned this before but we finally put our house on the market and it's only been a week, but we are confident it will sell quickly. We have the upper hand in the market with a few extra things that other homes do not have in our area. So, let's pray someone needs a 3 car garage and 4th bedroom :)

Peighton has been changing so much since Jeff came home. She is like a social butterfly. Perhaps she can feel my relief and that I'm not stressed anymore. She waves to everyone, allows others to hold her, talks to people, and is way more open to others talking to me now too. I guess all she really needed was her daddy.

Here's a few things she's doing these days: (13.5 months)

Sleeps all night (10-11.5 hours)

No longer nursing/only whole milk

Walking full-time

Says "Ellie" (her bff) and "Elmo" her favorite book

She still dances with her booty...I'll have to get a video one day she has rhythm!

Says "Thanks" and "No" alot

Loves reading and will "read" 5-8 book to herself

Touched snow yesterday for the first time and then whined because her hand was cold.

Attempted to say "GiGi" (her grandma) instead we now call her "Cha Cha"

Some other changes we've had around here are with our doggy, Chloe.

She's only 3 and a few weeks ago I took her to the vet because I noticed something was wrong with her eyes. She was squinting and scratching them. So the vet suggested we remove two teeth in the back that were infected and that would solve the problem. She specifically said "your dog does not have diabetes, cataracts, or glaucoma" after a very expensive surgery I brought her home and over the weekend she went blind...completely! I brought her back to the vet where I was told she had glaucoma and if they had treated her immediately we could have spared her eyesight. So now, thanks to a crappy vet Chloe now has to take pain medicine everyday, eye drops 3 times a day, and cannot see at all. No more walks, no more playing with her toys, and a lifetime of blindness and pain. We struggled with a decision whether to put her down or see if she would adapt to the blindness well. She has adapted quite well even going in/out of the dog door, climbing the stairs in our house, and making her way around furniture. The hard part now is the financial burden of her medicine and medical treatments. But, she's such a happy lovable puppy that we decided to make the best of her life now and give her a good life despite her blindness. She still wags her tail, gets excited when we come home, and cuddles like before so she deserves to stick around. We also got some good news last week. The vet said the drops are working and the next refill will hopefully be her last so she will only be on pain meds which is a huge relief financially.

So, that's all that is new in our lives. I feel so blessed to have my hubby home this Christmas and to be spending our Christmas holiday with our families.

God Bless!

Catching up....Photo versions

2012-12-08T20:38:00.002-07:00

Well...lots has happened....first....

Daddy came home!!!!!!!!

She is so in love with her daddy! It was like he never left. What a blessing. I was worried she wouldn't remember him, but she did!

We are ready for Christmas cards to be sent out!! We had our Christmas family photos taken by a dear friend who is so talented and will go very far with her new hobby :)

I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas! We are going to be traveling lots and I probably won't update again for a while.

We also put our house on the market this week so we are praying for a fast sale so we can prepare for yet again another move thanks to the Army! But, we feel blessed to be moving closer to our families!

Have a blessed Holiday everyone !!

More party pics

2012-10-28T13:56:00.004-06:00

Here are a few more pictures from Peighton's party last night. Thanks to my friend Amanda for taking so many great pictures for us.

Smash cake time and daddy was able to watch us and sing Happy Birthday with us as well.

She was very interested in my friend's baby who was in her car seat. Peighton loved playing with her and later I put her toy in the carseat for her to play with. She got a kick out of that.

Each child got a personalized mickey/minnie cup from Peighton :)

She was quite the social butterfly yesterday and enjoyed all of her friends :)

Picture of the party favor table. Personalized cups, Mickey ears, and bubbles.

I couldn't decide which pictures to print so I made a collage instead

She was so excited Mickey came to the party

We had a sweets bar for people to fill a bag and take home. We had marshmallows, cupcakes, cookies, whoppers, and lolli pops.

She did enjoy her cake....very much!

Once again, it was the greatest party I could have ever dreamed of for our little girl. I don't know how I will top it next year, but it will already be better because her daddy will be home:) Hope you enjoyed the pics. I will share more soon. God Bless

Minnie Mouse Party

2012-10-27T21:44:00.002-06:00

Today was Peighton's birthday party! It was fabulous and everything I could have hoped for her. Daddy was even able to skype with us and sing happy birthday, watch her blow out her candle, eat her cake and watch her open her gifts. So many great friends came to celebrate our baby girl's 1st birthday. I am so thankful for the friendships we have been able to make when we are so far from our families. They truly make being 1500 miles from home easier.

First I have to share this picture. It makes me laugh so hard. Her daddy always did this one pose when he was young that we affectionately call "the jeff" and here she is in a very candid moment doing the same pose. Just cracks me up.

I have many many pictures to share, but unfortunately only a few of them came from my camera so I'm waiting for others to share. For now, here's a few from the smash cake moment! (she really didn't smash it like I expected her...more like eat the polka dots and with a little ~~help from mom smashing her hand in the cake~~ encouragement she did get to enjoy more of the cake.

For now, I'm going to rest my head on my very comfy pillow and hopefully get a full night of sleep. This was an exhausting, eventful, and FUN day. Goodnight and God Bless.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEIGHTON JOY

2012-10-25T23:04:00.002-06:00

When you were 1 month old....

You smiled at us for the first time.

At 2 months old....

we celebrated your first Christmas!

At 3 months old....

You began giggling.

At 4 months old....

You rolled over!

At 5 months old....

You started sitting up by yourself.

At 6 months old...

You began "talking" to me.

At 7 months old...

You started to crawl!!

At 8 months old....

You started to clap, sing, and stand up by yourself.

At 9 months old....

You finally got two teeth!

At 10 months old....

You talk my ear off and sing like an angel!

At 11 months old...

You finally use the sign language we've been working on...(you asked for "more", "juice", and "milk")

At 12 months old....

WE CELEBRATED YOUR BIRTHDAY!

(pictures to come on Saturday after her party)

ONE

2012-10-25T22:53:00.000-06:00

1 year ago today my sweet baby girl was born at 4:31 pm and our lives changed forever. I can't even remember life before her.....

Daddy's girl from the moment she was born. She has him wrapped around her tiny finger....

She's growing into a beautiful toddler right before our eyes. I love you Peighton Joy. What a blessing you are to us!

Our final summer fun...

2012-10-24T21:35:00.002-06:00

This summer Peighton and I spent several months traveling and visiting family. We drove all the way to South Carolina to visit my parents, my grandma, a few of my cousins, a few great friends, and the BEACH! Here are a few photos....

My parents recently moved back to the beach so we visited several times, but here are a few pics from the last visit.

She had a great time playing with her bath toys in the sand :)

I managed to get one or two good pictures while we were there. But, she was not a fan of the cold sand in the morning.

We got to see my Godmother Sue, Erin (my "sister"/bridesmaid), her daughter Ruthie, and my "aunt" Lorraine- it was so nice visiting and catching up with so many people.

We ended our summer vacation with a trip to Howe's Cavern, NY (before a 3 day road trip, ER trip, sick baby, and lots of issues-that's for a later post) with my favorite Uncle's wedding. It was so much fun and a beautiful mini-vacation before returning to Colorado. Here are those pics.....

Peighton and I before the rehearsal dinner

My aunt and uncle were married at a beautiful location Howe's Cavern, NY. Everything was gorgeous and specially detailed for their personalities. My uncle is a "ghost hunter" and during the ceremony they lit a candle for several people (including my grandfather) who passed away. While they were doing this the wind blew and the candle would not light...the weather was gorgeous and no wind the rest of the ceremony...hmm

My new Aunt Krissy is a writer. At each table setting was a copy of her newest book and a very detailed program with stories about each wedding party member and stories about the couple. It was very refreshing to read about each person rather than wonder who they are or how they know your family.

The wedding location had so much for guests to do including zip lining, rock climbing, bat cave tours, and a restaurant and delicious fudge shop on location. There was plenty for everyone to do.

I got such a kick out of this phone. I did have to try it...no dial tone :(

My wonderful parents before the wedding

My daddy walking my grandmother down the aisle

The beautiful bride...my new Aunt Krissy

Ok if you read my blog enough you know we're HUGE Yankee fans...so this one for my hubby. My second cousin Tim has a Yankee 2009 World Series Ring....I got to wear it :) :)

This picture was just for hubby. Put it on right near my wedding rings....as close as it can get to my heart :) (obviously not as close as hubby and Peighton)

4 Generations Photo Me, Peighton, My grandmother, My daddy

Peighton was pooped....all these people, all this fresh air she was exhausted. This is my oldest sister and I. It was great to spend time with her and catch up and of course to introduce her to our miracle baby.

I have tons of more pictures to share from our adventurous summer, but with a party to finish putting together for a certain special one year old I have to stop here for now. I'll share tons more in a few days.

Goodnight and God bless

Smash Cake Session

2012-10-23T23:08:00.000-06:00

I wish I could post the video of this session...when we put the cake in front of her the best reaction ever was when she screamed "CAKE"!! Yes, my kid knows what cake is...don't judge.

Birthday Week

2012-10-22T20:46:00.001-06:00

IT'S PEIGHTON'S BIRTHDAY WEEK! Yes, week...in my family we celebrate the entire week (except my dad he seems to get the entire month)!

We had her 1 year pictures done this weekend, but she refused to smile so I decided to take a few myself today at a local park...she still wouldn't smile. Normally this girl is full of smiles, but lately when the camera comes out she gets this "duuuhhh" look on her face. But, I tried..... Hubby told me "just let her be a one year old" so I guess this is how we will document her turning one :)

I will share the others on Friday!

11 months

2012-10-18T08:30:00.000-06:00

Wow to say it's been a while....that's an understatement. Not even sure if anyone still reads this. I have been unable to access blogger for several months. I couldn't even comment on some of my favorite blogs :( so I'm glad to be back on the radar reading and blogging. Here's what Peighton is up to these days....

SHE'S 11 MONTHS!

If you follow me on Facebook then you know we have been gone on an extended vacation while daddy is away. We are back home and preparing for his return from Afghanistan :)

Here's her 11 month stats.
Weight: 20 lbs.
Height: 27.5 inches (a little on the short side, you're welcome honey)
Favorite food: Spaghetti

Completely on table food...feeds herself and loves whatever I have on my plate
Size 4 diapers; Size 4 shoes; clothes 12-18 months
Has several words in her vocabulary, here are few of her favorite: "No dog dog", "apple juice", "bye bye", "again"....and many others that I can't remember right now. She will basically repeat any word you tell her to say.

She's still nursing (about 5-6 times a day) and is finally sleeping in her own crib in her own room! She was probably ready a few months ago, but mama was not :) I still have a hard time with it so when she wakes up around 2-3 am I bring her back in our bed to cuddle.

She is so smart. This little girl thinks she's ready for makeup already. She watches me get ready every day and has taken it upon herself to get ready like mama :)

Next week Peighton will be ONE YEAR OLD! How did this happen? I feel like I blinked and she grew up :( We just had had her one year pictures done and I nearly cried looking at them just remembering the moment I saw her for the first time and how overwhelmed with love I felt for such a tiny person.

I am excited to celebrate with her friends next weekend and enjoy a minnie mouse birthday!

If anyone is still out there, stay tuned for birthday party pictures next week! I promise to blog more than once a week too :) (ok I may not keep that promise, but I will do my best.)

ETSY

2012-07-27T09:19:00.002-06:00

I have always purchased items from etsy even before Peighton was born, but since then I've found myself going there for many things. So when I realized I could put some of my craftiness to use I opened an etsy store. Hopefully it'll be worth my time and money, but if not it sure is a fun way to spend my free time (free time? hahahaha)

Anyway, take a look here. I only have a few items listed but in a few weeks there will be many new items added.

Hope everyone has a blessed day!

2012-07-03T13:07:00.004-06:00

I just can't believe my little girl is 8 months old and learning so much!

I never knew I could love a little person so much!!!!

BAD BLOGGER

2012-06-09T21:59:00.000-06:00

I have been a horrible blogger. I apologize. Life has been super busy lately. I'm visiting my parents for a few months to give Peighton the time she deserves with her grandparents and help them get their house ready to sell. I plenty of pictures to share and stories to tell, but its midnight and my teething baby has not been allowing mommy to sleep much so I'm going to sleep rather than blog. But, trust me I have plenty to share and say.

Here are few things that Ms. PJ is doing these days:

1. Says mama anytime she's crying.
2. Says dada when she's tired or talking to someone.
3. Has two teeth now!!!
4. Has eaten: bananas, blueberries and apples, squash, carrots...those are the pureed foods....
5. Has eaten (thanks to grandparents): donut, pizza sauce, whipped cream, lots of other sweets as well and pickels (thats from me). She has never made a funny face or spit anything out. We have a great eater on our hands.
6. Lately her bedtime routine has been difficult. My normal 9 hour sleeper has been keeping me on a random schedule and refusing to sleep some nights and sleeping the night away on others. I'm exhausted to say the least....I keep thinking it has to be her teeth...2 down....
7. Is not crawling yet, but getting verrrrry close. Any day now...
8. Oh, another first....she has been to the Atlantic Ocean! She loved the sand and ate as much as she could before mommy ruined the moment. She also loved the water.
9. Still fighting the car seat deal, but I keep reminding myself...someday it will pass...even if she's 4 and still screaming....it will pass....eventually.
10. 3 months of this deployment has passed......we are 1/3 of the way to the welcome home banners go up!!

Ok that's enough for now. I'll post pictures of our adorable 7 MONTH OLD very soon!!

God bless

2012-05-17T14:08:00.000-06:00

I've been so behind on blogging. I'll explain why soon but for now her's our sweet 6 month old...almost 7 months now!

We had her 6 months photos and I am in love with them! These are the two I can share until daddy sees the rest.

Shes getting better in church. Learning to be quiet and hopefully soon to share her toys.

So far, two bottom teeth have come through the skin!

We took our first trip to the local zoo,

We started homemade puree foods. Shes had carrots and sweet potatoes.

She also loves mum-mums!!

ok thats all for now!

Welcome Spring

2012-03-20T13:40:00.002-06:00

So since today is the first official day of spring I decided to be ambitious and create a spring cleaning list. I don't have a time table since I have PJ to take care of in between cleaning so I imagine once I get to scratch things off I will have to start over and redo those items, but I am looking forward to the house being clean and hopefully clutter-free. Maybe I should have just written "de-clutter" on my list and stuck to that one chore.

I'm a little nervous I won't get all of this finished and will feel a little overwhelmed. I'm allowing myself about a week to get it all down, but I'm hoping I'll have it all done in 3 days. The biggest obstacle will be the windows and upstairs. I only go upstairs at bedtime so motivating myself to get up there and get the work done will be hard.

I just realized I completely forgot to include the LOFT on my list. Ugh, even more to do now. Anyway, good luck with your Spring Cleaning! Here's to many clean houses in the next few weeks.

Almost 5 months

2012-03-19T22:25:00.003-06:00

Dear Peighton,

You are almost 5 months old! I cannot believe how much you have grown and changed in the last month. I'm doing this post a little early because you have learned so many new things I want to remember them all. So, I'm going to talk about some of my favorites and then next week I'll talk about the others.

You are finally slightly getting used to the carseat. You still scream and cry...but it's much better than before. You at least wait until we are out of the garage to cry and I have learned that if I hold your hand and slightly caress it you will find your thumb and fall asleep. I look forward to many days like this when I can talk/sing to you and you are not screaming...but listening ;)

Your daddy has your addicted to sports. Before he left, we all dressed in New York Yankee shirts and spent the day together and that evening watched the Yankees on tv for spring training. Someday, your daddy will take you to NY for a Yankee game. We can't wait!

A new favorite thing to do is grab your toes...it even interrupts your sleep. This particular day you played with your toes for about an hour. You were trying to put them in your mouth, but I guess you could not bend that way in your bed.
You were able to get them in your mouth though! You have the most accomplished look on your face. I love seeing how excited you get when you achieve new milestones.
On Friday, we did our first 5k together. When mommy & daddy lived in Hawaii I loved to run...maybe because of the great weather and the free feeling running there. I wish I could say it was a great experience, but it was stressful. We did finish it, but not without obstacles. First, you screamed from the moment we got on the path and then you continued to scream. Along the way I had to pick you up several times, clean up your spit up (it was a bumpy drive), and to make it worse I had horrible hip pain that left me unable to run the last half. You and I crossed the finish line together...with you in my arms because you wanted to me held and out of that stroller!

You will someday understand the sacrifice that your daddy is making for us. He loves us so much that he's willing to leave for a long time to keep us safe and help people in another country find freedom. I know you are too little to understand now, but this is something that you can be proud of and thankful for. Daddy is definitely our hero :)

Your first St. Patrick's day you wanted to be a big girl and sit in the cart. I don't blame you, it's hard to see when you're in the buggie. You look like such a big girl here. I'm not ready for you to grow up so fast.
This particular day we mailed off our first packages to daddy. He will love all the goodies we got him and the special drawing you did for him :) I love when you are smiling...especially when you smile in your car seat.
Peighton you really are a Joy to everyone who loves you. Please slow down and do not be in any hurry to grow up. Take your time.....I'll always be here to hold you when you want to be a baby.

I thank God every night for blessing us with you. I pray your life is filled with love and you understand God's love for us.

First on Camera

2012-03-13T21:57:00.002-06:00

This was the first time I ever caught a "first" on camera. I was taking a picture of her playing with her feet for hubby and she stuck her toes in her mouth!

I was super excited and she instantly looked at me and cried...maybe I squealed or something. haha!

Anyway, this picture will go straight to her baby book and be shown to "boy" friends for many years to come ;) Love you Peighton Joy.