Whatever Wednesday

Having a baby makes time go by ridiculously fast. Having a blog and a baby makes time go so ridiculously fast. I feel like I am constantly playing catch up. If I can even catch up! I still need to do a 6 month recap and a post about my friend's wedding.

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Last night I had a little heartburn and it's lingering a bit today. I haven't had that since I was pregnant. It's not nearly as bad as then- not even close, but I can't say that I've missed it one bit! And no, I am most definitely not pregnant.

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Yesterday my sister made some eggless cookie dough for us to eat {recipe somewhere on pinterest}. And we went.to.town. 

I got a little carried away with the idea that I could eat as much as I wanted since it didn't have eggs in it. 

Although I wouldn't get sick from the egg, it didn't take long for the butter, sugar and chocolate chips to catch up with me and make me want to hurl. 

It was really good though and I may or may not be having more today.

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This makes me laugh. 

I mean, really?? 

I will admit that I was a fan.

 And I will admit that I have said in the past month how much I appreciate boy bands and their songs....

but this is now a "man band" and I'm just not sure I'm ready for that.

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I took about 50 pictures of her eating corn last night. 

It was so cute, her eyes looked pretty and it sums up a summer night.

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She also started doing this new smile that makes me laugh.

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I was laughing yesterday as I perused my Facebook for pictures of high school and college. 

My caption for this photo was "Booooobies".

Did I really post that?? 

At least it's clear that I have matured in some ways over the years. 

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I really need to have a cleaning day and deep clean everything of Adalyn's. 

But it will have to be on a day I am filled with energy and motivation. 

Which is not today. 

And may not be tomorrow.

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I also realized I never posted our Father's Day gift pictures. So put that on the catch-up list. But thankfully, that's an easy one!

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Happy Hump Day!

Blogger 411: about ME

I'm linking up with Becky in the Blogger 411. I don't think I have done one of these get to know me things before and I always love reading them so I thought I'd join in!

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?

 I started blogging in January of 2010. 
I had been a blog stalker for years and was finally encouraged to start my own. 
I was going to wait until we had kids, but bit the bullet and blogged about our married life in Florida instead. I am so thankful I started when I did, I was able to connect with so many awesome women. I had no idea it would take us as long as it did to conceive and I was so thankful for an outlet, support, prayers and encourage from everyone- including others who were struggling. 
Of course, my blog has changed since having Adalyn....a lot.
 I used to write with some humor and these days I'm lucky if I can get my brain to form words to even write a post! 
I'm thankful to have the blog in each season of my life and I look forward to going back and reading it one day! 

2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?

I went to college for two years. And I got nothing but debt and great friends. 

I started out at the community college taking gen. eds, paying my way through and staying close to Mr. B {he was still a senior in High School}. After crying for months about having no friends and seeing all my others friends having fun, the college search was on for me and Mr. B. We decided on a small school in PA. We loved it. And then we hated it. My major was Communication Disorders. I had an awesome group of girls that I really connected with and loved. {Still love!} 

But we didn't feel the school was helping us grow spiritually and we really wanted to be surrounded by an uplifting/challenging environment. So we only lasted a semester. And said a tearful good-bye.

 We made our way down to FL. We went to Southeastern University. How can you not love a school in Florida?! {It's pretty easy actually- you live there and realize how hot it is.} We loved their chapels and it really seemed like everyone was there to learn and grow.

 My major was Elementary Education.

 At this school Mr. B connected with a good group of friends and I didn't like I did before. Some of my credits didn't transfer because I was dumb and took core classes for each major so I was about a year behind. I was always a good student, graduated HS with High honors, and got all A's and a few B's in college, but I was really just going to college for the experience and because I felt like I had to. I didn't like elementary education. I never felt the desire to be a teacher, I didn't enjoy lesson planning and hated speaking in front of the class. I only did it because I knew I wanted to work with kids. After much consideration and prayer, Mr. B and I decided that I would stop going to school and pursue my dream of being a nanny. Something I loved to do, I was gifted in doing and a way to make money rather than continue to put myself in debt.

 And that's what I did! 

I am thankful for each experience along the way! We always wonder what life would have been like had we stayed in PA the whole time- I don't think we would be where we are today.

 And I love where we are today, so that's okay!
 I do live the grass is greener life though and I seem to forget about all the bad times and only remember the good so I always wonder why we left and what we were thinking. Which is good and bad, I guess! 

But God knew.

Oh yeah and I only went away to school for one year and I still have $11,000 in debt. 

Paying the minimum doesn't get you very far.

3. Where have you traveled?

Outside of the US I've been to Canada, Mexico, Romania and the Ukraine

4. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?

I have a lot of pet peeves, it depends on the day. 

Sometimes it could be someone breathing.

Seriously.

But if to think of my three biggest...

1. Mouth noises. 

2. Heavy breathing

3. Whistling

I know, I have problems.

5. What is your favorite movie?

I think I'll have to go with Now & Then. 

I haven't seen it in a long time, but it was always one of my favs.

I do love the Notebook, too!

And A Walk to Remember { I couldn't listen to the soundtrack for months, because it would make me cry}

And I love Wild Hogs too.

6. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?

I don't drink any alcohol, but I do love me Diet Dr. Pepper or Root Beer.

It switches up every couple months between the two.

I'm currently in a Diet Dr. Pepper phase.

I also love water and I am particular about what kind.

I love smart water, but it's not always feasible.

I am fine with Poland Springs and Dasani.

Really don't like Nestle Pure Life.

Aquafina hurts my stomach.

I know, I have problems.

7. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?

I enjoy watching TV, blogging/reading blogs, editing pictures and various DIY projects

8. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?

I think I'd have to go with Target. I can never walk out of there with only what I went in to buy. 

They pretty much have everything I would need and I know that $10,000 would go way too quickly!!

9. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.

Way too many to share. 

I suppose my most current would be the amount of...ahem..gas I passed through the whole laboring process.

I'm not sure that was normal. 

I laugh about it almost every day.

I had no control.

10. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?

In high school I worked at a grocery store {Mr. B worked there too}. I was a cashier and sometimes bagger and I hated working on express and that is where I seemed to be the most.

I worked there for 3 years. 

Then I worked with kids- daycare, nanny, live-in nanny and  in-home daycare until I was 8 months pregnant. 

11. Show us a picture from high school or college.

"The Event" {aka Christian school prom- Senior Year}

College:

12. Show us the most current picture of you or you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you. 

{6 Month family pics that I still need to post!}

13. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?

Happily married to my best friend, living in our own home with a sibling {or two!} for Adalyn.

But I know the Lord holds our future and we can only do so much- it's in His hands! 

But these are my dreams and desires.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday

I was packing up our bags for the lake, I peeked around the corner to check on Adalyn to find her climbing the stairs! Of course, I had to take a few pictures of her climbing them before telling her no. 

She was so nonchalant about this.

Stairs? Pshh, what stairs??

We celebrated a belated end of the school year lunch with Uncle CJ. I can't believe in a month he will be starting Junior High!!

After lunch, Mr. B got home early and we headed up to the lake.

We took a little boat ride before dinner.

Papa had a work call while we were out so we killed some time in a fun bookstore with Nana.

Nana took care of the bedtime bottle and stories.

Adalyn loves books.

Saturday

It was a beautiful morning and we headed to the boat after breakfast

This picture is actually more typical of what she looks like in her life vest. She's not really a fan and I can't say I blame her!

Roxie on the other hand...

 This is pretty much her heaven on earth.

Later that afternoon we met up with my family to have a little celebration for my aunt and uncle's 50th.

We went out for dinner and headed back to our family campground for gifts and dessert.

This was Adalyn's first time at camp!

We finished the night with the usual tubby and some crazy post-pony hair!

Sunday

We went to church, then out for lunch with my family and grandparents.

Adalyn loved watching the fan above our table.

And I love that picture of her and her Great-Grandpa.

We've been in a heat wave the past few days so we've been keeping busy in the water.

After lunch we spent the day at the farm and went swimming.

I love this picture of my dad and Adalyn. 

It makes my heart happy every time I look at it.

She had a lot of fun swimming with Papa G!

Sweet memories will be made in that pool.

We love our busy weekends with family.

And we love the good sleep that follows.

Strong Like Baby

The strength of a baby is something I don't think I will ever understand.

You don't realize until you are in certain situations....

such as cutting their nails.

How is she stronger than me in this moment?

How can she pull her hand out of my mama lobster claw grip?

Shouldn't I be able to hold her still??

You would think.

Summer Goals: Hobby Style

I have a list of personal goals I'd like to achieve before the end of the summer, but I also have a list of "me time" goals that I'd like to accomplish before the end of the summer.

I am hoping that if I put an end date to it then maybe I'll actually do it.

But if it's anything like how my exercise and diets go....

well, let's just say I don't have the best track record.

I've never {a whole 7.5 months} been one of those moms who needs to work in order to feel independent, good about themselves or any other personal reasons {other than money}, that people go back to work for. A majority of those feelings, I am sure, have to do with the fact that I have always been a nanny or worked with kids. In a way, this is all I know. It's all I've ever wanted and I am truly doing my dream job every day. {Thank you, Lord and Mr. B!} In saying that, I do think it is still important to have hobbies. To have something outside of being mommy and wife that make you feel good. For me that is DIY stuff and I'd really like to get back into it! I also enjoy taking/editing pictures and I do make time that, but I'd also like to start some other projects.

So my list that I'd like to accomplish before the summer ends:

::Learn how to use my camera::

I have a few tutorials pinned and bookmarked.

 I know my camera can do so much more than what I do with it, so I'd really like to figure that out and learn how to take good pictures in manual mode.

:: Refinish the island::

We put our old little kitchen island in Adalyn's room and I planned on refinishing it to match. I'd like to start and finish that.

::Cover the living room pillows to add more color::

 ::Finish the kitchen curtains::

::Re-do/organize sewing room::

I was so excited to have a sewing room in our new place and I have yet to really use it. It kills me! I've only done the kitchen curtains in there and I didn't even finish that project! Everything was just put in there when we moved and I'd like to organize/make it fun and use it!!

::I'd really love to get Adalyn's monthly books completed started or at the very least her birth!::

:: Make at least 5 new meals and 5 new projects that I've pinned!::

I am not sure where this is from, but I saw it on Pinterest one day.

How true is that?! Ha!

Catching Up. Again.

I can not believe it has been weeks since I have lost blogged. 

But... I can.

Time has been flying and we have been enjoying our summer and the warm weather!

A lot has happened in the 3 weeks that I last updated!

She is officially closer to being a one year old than a newborn.

I know this is obviously the case for every month that goes by, but I feel like we've officially hit the big girl mark. 

She's a restless little firecracker these days!

There's been lots of this

And this

{the mattress has since been lowered!}

And this

And this

And more teeth

And celebrating the 4th

the parade and swimming during the day 

and early bedtime for her and Friday Night Lights for us at night

Who needs fireworks?!

And a first road trip

And a waterpark

And a wedding

And yesterday, her first real pony tail

And today, pushing the stroller in her room

So....I think that's enough growing up in 3 weeks, don't ya think?!

A Moment

On Sunday when I went to pick up Adalyn from the nursery I had a moment.

The kind that you can so vividly picture in your mind.

The kind you don't want to forget.

The kind that changes your view on things.

Because Adalyn is Little Miss Restless, she is now an official member of Noah's Ark Nursery at church.

I am still trying to focus on the sermon instead of wondering how or what she is doing in there, but Adalyn is totally enjoying herself and loves watching all the other babies.

Because of the surplus of babies in the nursery they've asked for some volunteers just to be "Baby Holders".

This made me happy because currently the nursery is for 6 months-2 years- developmentally they are so different and I thought this would be a great way to make sure both age groups are being provided for. 

When I picked her up the first time she was happily playing  in the exersaucer and when I got her the second time she was content with a "baby holder".

So after the sermon on Sunday I rush head over to the nursery to get my sweet girl.

I look around the room and see a bunch of little ones playing, I see the empty exersaucers, some babies being rocked and then...

I see Adalyn.

And I pretty much do a quadruple check.

My little baby who was supposed to be being rocked or playing in baby toy, was standing up by the toy box.
 Just hanging out and looking at the toys.
No big deal.

Ummm what?!?!

Is that seriously my baby?!?

There was no one around her.

The volunteers were busy cleaning up and saying goodbye to the other kids.

{Which is totally fine, I don't expect them to be able to watch her every minute!}

But how did she get there??

There she was.

My big girl.

I so wish I got a picture of her.

I know it is an image in my mind that I will always remember.

Holding onto the side of the toy box with her chubby little hands, with her sweet little pink plaid OshK'Gosh dress, thick legs supporting her up in her pink leggings, her cute flower headband and her name tag on her back.

Standing alone in her own proud little world.

My "mama worry" was too high for me to capture it with my phone {and I am still so bummed that I didn't get it}. I was too worried she was going to fall back and hit her head since she is still new to standing while holding onto a toy by herself.

So I go over and say hi and she was so excited to see me and I still couldn't help but wonder how she got there??

Did someone put her up there? 
We recently started doing that, but why would they just leave her after doing that?

Did she pull herself up? 
She's never done that before, can she really do that already??

There was a BBQ after church and I asked a family friend who was working in the nursery if someone had put her there and she said she didn't know, but she knows that she didn't.

So it remained a mystery.

Until.....
 the next day we were at my parents' house and I could see her trying to pull herself up with the ottoman.

I could see that if she had a grip she would be able to.

So I moved her to a little ottoman with a tray-something for her to hold onto.

And she did it.

Mystery solved.

Our not-so-little baby is reaching new milestones every day.

I get a little sad that I missed her first time doing it, and that she did it on her own with no one watching and she was probably so proud of herself and I so wish I could've been there.

But it's bound to happen that I will miss milestones throughout her life.

And every time she does it now she is still so proud.

And so am I.

This was a moment where I realized I can't be in denial anymore that she is still a baby.

My baby is growing.

And she's growing fast.

She's reached lots of big milestones this month, personally I think it's too many for one month, but that's just my opinion.....

It was a very bittersweet moment.

I've been saying over and over that it goes so fast, but it was in this moment that it really hit me.
She is going to be 7 months tomorrow!!
How is that possible?!

I am thankful for moments like this to truly remind me how fleeting each stage is.

A wonderful reminder to not take any of it for granted.