Quick Takes

 

1. I made my first trip EVER to Hobby Lobby on Tuesday.  I didn't think we had any down here but I was wrong.  There is one about 30 minutes away.  I know that sounds far but I have to drive into the next town to go to Joann's or Michaels and that's also 30 minutes away.  Where I live you just get used to driving everywhere.  Anyway, it's the opposite direction of where I usually go - but whatever.  I was so worried that it wouldn't live up to what I built it up to in my mind.  Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!  I had to seriously restrain myself in there.  So much awesomeness in one place.  I'll be going back very, very soon!

2.  After spending a ridiculous amount of time in HL, Mary-Grace was telling me how hungry she was.  Well, telling me in toddler speak which involves signing more rapidly while saying "eat!" over and over again.  So I decided what the heck!  I took her to Chick- Fil-A and figured we'd just round out our day supporting Christian businesses.

3.  We also made a pit stop at Target where I successfully chased down my toddler who took her shoes off and ran while I simultaneously nursed Hannah in her ring sling.  This probably wouldn't have been so hard with an infant.  But an almost 18 pound, 29 inch, 9 month old...um not so simple.  I may have pulled a muscle.

4.  Well of course the above trip to HL resulted in some crafting (duh!).  I have been searching all over creation for burlap ribbon and I finally found it!  And to make it even better, it was 1/2 off!  So, that with a wire wreath form, some silk flowers, and an "M" I already had, I created this wreath for our front door. Please excuse the crappy iPhone pictures. :)

 

 

 

The only think that would make it better is cotton bols rather than the hydrangeas.  But maybe a certain blogger buddy who also happens to love cotton will stick a few in the mail for me.  Hint! Hint! ;)

I also did these...

I actually got the frames from Ikea for $2 a piece.  I got the paper and the "M" from HL and decided not to put the glass on the frames.  Right now they are on our TV stand, but once we finish painting they will be hanging on the wall.

5.  Speaking of painting.  The color of the inside of my house was driving me nuts.  It was a very pale green and I was just sick of it.  I decided awhile back I wanted to paint (like before I was pregnant with Mary-Grace).  Well, I finally got Kevin on board with it.  It took FOREVER for me to pick a color.  We had sample paint spots all over our walls for the longest time.  A few weeks ago we finally made a decision and I have been very, very slowly working on getting this place painted.  Let me just say, painting your house when you have to very young babes is insanity at it's finest.  I'm not sure we're ever going to finish.

6.  The pictures from above are from a family photo session we got on groupon and had taken back in November.  It was our first professional pictures since our wedding.  We were so pleased with how they turned out!  Here's a sampling onslaught...

 

 

 

 

7.  That's all she wrote folks! I'll leave you with this picture of my baby girl acting like a big girl.

Why is she standing? Where is my baby? Waaaaa!

Why I Love My Husband

* I can't get the cute picture to load so just pretend it's right here.  And go visit Kaitlin for more "Why I Love My Husband!

 

 

 

 

He tells me I'm beautiful and that he thinks I'm sexy every.single.day.  I know this sounds like it's no big deal, but to me it really is.  I've always had self-esteem issues.  Even when I was scary small and very underweight.  Well, hormone issues and two babies in 12 months have not helped that at all.  I'm far above a weight I'm comfortable with and it's not coming off.  It doesn't seem to matter what I eat.  Super healthy?  Doesn't budge.  Not so healthy?  Doesn't budge.  I'm assuming breastfeeding has a bit to do with it.  Or so I keep reading.

 

He listens to me complain about it regularly and just reminds me that I am beautiful and that he thinks I'm sexy.  Sexier than I was when I was skinny.

 

And to make it sweeter, he told me to go get the gym membership I've been wanting.  I'm super excited to drop the girls off at the gym daycare for an hour a few days a week and get my heart pumping a bit.  Even if I don't lose a single pound, I know I'll be stronger and healthier.  Woot!

New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

 

Am I the only one happy to see 2012 go?  Don't get me wrong, they year wasn't all bad.  We did welcome our sweet Hannah.  But man, oh man, was it a tough year!  I'm praying 2013 goes a little smoother.

 

I'm not usually one to make resolutions.  I feel like no matter what, I break them a week into it.  Well this year I've decided to change that.  I'm making several resolutions because I've got some serious work to do here.

 

1. Keep my resolutions. :)

2. Get organized!  Our life needs some serious organization.  I'm working on filing important papers, cleaning out closets, rooms, the garage, etc.  It's much needed and it feels so good to de-clutter.

3. Revamp the budget and stick with it.

4. Get out of debt!  We were able to refinance our house at a much lower interest rate in December and K got a pretty dang good Christmas bonus (much to our surprise!) so we are going to pay off my car.  This will free up some much needed money.  We're going to try to beef up our savings as well as pay off that pesky credit card from when we were younger and not so smart.

5. Get in shape!  I've given up the goal of being as thin as I was when K and I met.  It's ridiculous to think that I could get back there.  Especially considering that I was underweight.  My new goal is to be healthy and just accept whatever size that may be.  I have a number in mind, but if I'm toned and healthy I'm flexible with that.

6.  Cook home cooked meals every day with the exception of twice a month.  We have fallen into the habit of eating out far too much.  It's not good for our wallets or our waistline.

7.  Go to confession once a month.

8.  Get dressed daily.  Staying at home makes it easy to be frumpy.  I want to purposefully make myself look presentable everyday.  This includes make up and hair.  He would never say anything, but I know my hubby can't possibly enjoy coming home to me still in my pj's.

9.  Write down in a journal a positive memory for each day.

10.  Blog at least once a week.  I'm actually working on a major revamp that may include a new name.  I need a change and hopefully this will help keep up with this goal.

 

As a family we are also going to work on a family rosary each evening (we're beginning with just a decade with the girls).

 

I really pray I can keep up with this!  I know I can do it.  Maybe one of my resolutions should have been to not be so lazy and to not procrastinate. :)

For all of those still waiting...

 

 

 

 

I haven't forgotten the pain of waiting. I haven't forgotten how difficult this time of year can be. I have been praying for you. Please know, I haven't forgotten.

She's Fine

Hannah's pediatrician called and said her x-ray came back normal. He said that although ER soft spot is on the small side, you can clearly see the spaces between plates. We are going to keep an eye on it but for now she is fine. He said some kids just have lumpy, funny shaped heads. :)

This sweet girls says thank you for all your prayers!!!


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Quick Takes - What's your favorite?

1. What's your favorite jeans? Winter is coming and I need jeans! I don't want "mom" jeans, but I have hips and a butt...oh and a fabulous little pooch thanks to my beautiful little girls. ;) I'd also like something that doesn't stretch 2 sizes bigger an hour after I put them on. I'm willing to spend a bit of money on them of they are awesome!

2. I need eye cream! I'm getting dark circles and I look tired all the time (probably because I am). I'm going to be 30 in less than 2 months (yikes!). I guess it's probably time to admit that I need something anti-aging too.

3. What kind of body lotion do you like? My skin is much drier as I get older and after having kids. I can't seem to find one I like.

4. What's your favorite foundation? Again, kids have changes my skin. I have combination skin. There are dry spots but it gets very oil as the day goes on...especially in Florida heat.

5. What's your favorite lipstick. I've gotten out of the habit of putting it on. I wear gloss but it rubs off in 20 minutes. I've noticed hubs compliments me every time I wear lipstick so may e I should do it more often. The problem is I'm super indecisive.

6. Favorite face moisturizer? I've tried coconut oil...didn't work for me. Again, I have combination skin. I'd prefer something on the more natural side.

7. What are you doing this weekend? We are leaving Mary-Grace with K's parents (first time! Ack!) and he, Hannah and I are going clothes shopping for me. His parents are taking her with them to some sort of reunion picnic. The thought of someone else driving her in a car makes my stomach turn and is enough to induce some serious anxiety. But I can do this! I can do it!


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Prayers for Hannah

Today I had both girls at the pediatrician for their 18 month and 6 month well visits (although they are actually 19 and 7 months...oops). Mary-Grace is my tall skinny girl at 33 3/4 inches and 24.9 pounds. Hannah is my tank at 27 3/4 inches and 17.2 pounds. Both girls looked healthy and are doing well developmentally. However, he did notice an issues with Hannah's skull. He believes that she may (well, more than likely) have craniosynostosis. Basically this is where the different plates in the skull fuse too early causing an odd shaped head and preventing brain growth. It is possible for this to cause neurological problems, however, Hannah doesn't seem to be exhibiting any of that. It is something that must be corrected. And unfortunately the only way to do that is through surgery. I can tell you that Dr. Google is not my friend and after reading about the surgery I am terrified. Friday morning I take her in for an x-ray. That will more than likely be followed by a CT scan and then a trip to a specialist. If my pediatrician is right ( after reading more I believe he is) we will have to do surgery sooner rather than later due to her age.
I'm trying very hard not to get ahead of myself but this is hard. My momma heart is broken and afraid. Any prayers you can spare for my baby girl are very much appreciated. And of you could also pray for the doctors we come in contact with. I have a very strong distrust of doctors in general. Thank you so much...I'll keep you updated.
Oh, and on a completely different, and much happier note...I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW!!!
Ryker Kai




He could use a few prayers too if you have them. He had a bit of a dramatic entrance into the world and although he will be fine, he's been spending some time in the NICU. He sure is a cutie though. :)
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