seriously...

Joining in with one of my favorite mommas...Becky over at "From Mrs. to Mama" for "Seriously?!" Thursdays to spill everything that's got me saying "seriously?!" this week!

SERIOUSLY...chicken wings for breakfast???  I kid you not...yesterday while waiting for the train at approximately 8:15am, the dude next to me was eating chicken wings...from none other than good ole' 7-11. 

SERIOUSLY...why do people make empty promises?  I'm very grateful for all of the wonderful favors my friends and family do for me...and I feel like for the most part I'm pretty good at returning the favor.  But offering to do something and then not following through and not even acknowledging that you offered to do it and now you're not is really disheartning.

SERIOUSLY...is Addie really going to be 1 next week...I swear I just had her 6 months ago - where has the time gone?!

SERIOUSLY...could I be any happier that Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at Starbucks.  I've had several over the last few weeks and they were so worth the wait!!!

SERIOUSLY...is the high here really only going to be 63 on Sunday...and I totally mean that in a "Oh fall, I'm so glad you are finally winning the battle over Mrs. Summer who has worn out her welcome in these parts of the world."

Hope y'all are having a wonderful Thursday...but if not, no worries - tomorrow is Friday!!!!

J

Now walk it out...

Looks like we might have a walker on our hands...

Please excuse the hideous brick laminate flooring...I'm in a desperate search for an "ugliest kitchen" competition where the winner gets a free kitchen remodel...if you know of any - do tell and help a sister out!

And major thanks to my girls Natalie over at "From Corporate to Domestic" and Samantha over at "Adventures with Gwen" for the music inspiration (I always love watching videos of their wees ones and hearing the fun music they pair with it!)!!

Looking within...

Source: gracelipscomb.tumblr.com via the workaholic momma on Pinterest

As Addie's first birthday approaches I've been doing a lot of thinking about what I can do to be a better mom, a better wife, a better daughter, a better friend, a better person.  All of this thinking has led me to reach several conclusions...the most important of which is spending each day being me and the person I was raised to be and not the person I think people want me to be.  My life needs some simplifying and no one can do that for me.  I've found so much joy in my life and have truly been so lucky with the life I've been able to live, which makes it easy pretty easy to pick out those things that I need to change.  I've set my expectations for myself higher and here are the hight points (with a few quotes thrown in because someone else is always better at saying what I want to):

on being a better mom and wife - I've got to do a better job of leaving my stresses at the door and focusing all of my energy on my beautiful family that are the lights of my life.  They deserve 100% of me...not the crazy woman that walks through the door at 6pm.

Source: theo.theodorealexander.com via the workaholic momma on Pinterest

on being a better daughter - Somewhere along the way I feel like I've lost my ability to show just how appreciative I am for everything my parents do for me....which is way more than any child could ever ask of their parents.

Source: be-the-change.tumblr.com via the workaholic momma on Pinterest

on being a better friend - I have some amazing and very special women in my life that deserve more from me than just a random phone call or a late return to a heartfelt email.  I often find myself giving more of myself to bad friends than those that are always there for me...that I take for granted.  My mom always told me that friendships are about "gives and takes" and "emotional deposits."  I've got to let go of those that continue to take and never return...and give more of me to those that are always there.

Source: None via the workaholic momma on Pinterest

on being a better person - I find myself sometimes judging people for what they do....which is totally out of synch with my "live and let live" motto.   It's not my business to judge how someone else chooses to live their life...whats it to me, anyways?!

Source: granvillehouse.blogspot.com via the workaholic momma on Pinterest

And at the end of the day...this is really what matters:

Source: itsirrational.com via the workaholic momma on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday

Good to the last drop...

It's been two months and I don't know why I've been putting off this post but I have....and now that Addie is almost turning one I'm realizing writing it is now or never...so here it is...and as a warning - it is about BREASTFEEDING...so stop now if thats TMI...don't say I didn't warn you!!

If you read my post here all about our breastfeeding journey several months ago you might remember that I mentioned that Addie was from time to time receiving some formula to supplement what my body wasn't making.  Emotions ran high around our house at first but gradually I accepted it and over the course of a few months I realized that Addie was getting more and more of it.  I'm not a formula hater...I wanted to breastfeed for as long as I could and was secretly hoping that we could make it to a year.  What I didn't realize was how quickly these kids grow (yep, I had no idea...a year ago I would have told you that Addie might be crawling by a year but certainly would not have any teeth...naive and clueless, I know!)  Anyhow...I'll put it out there...as Addie got older things started to get weird for me (its personal, i know - i don't think its weird for anyone else to breastfeed past 9 months so I'm not trying to be offensive or insensitive here).  I know its natural...I know its healthy...I get that...but when she was grabbing at my shirt and nuzzling her head in my cleavage I just started to feel like we were ready to move to just a bottle.  And then it happened...she chomped down....and thought it was funny...2 days in a row...yes, that was it - we would be nursing no more.  I planned to continue pumping for as long as I could but shortly after stopping nursing I noticed a steep decline in my supply.  Like...I pumped for 20 minutes...both sides....and only got an ounce.  I'd be lying if I didn't say there was some relief in putting away the pump and making the switch to all formula...enough to overshadow the disappointment I felt for not making it to the year mark...or 2 year mark as my Addie's pediatrician encouraged me to do (the hubs quickly nixed that idea).  We were lucky...Addie made the transition to formula with ease and my girls dried up with a quickness (not once after my marathon pump session to only get an ounce did I ever even feel full)...and I'm EXTREMELY thankful for that.  Now we're approaching the next transition to cow's milk and I'm VERY excited about that.  Like I said above...I'm not a formula hater but I couldn't drink the stuff so I'm looking forward to introducing Addie to the good stuff....whole milk..yum!!


Anyone else have a similar experience....or not??

Almost Wordless Wednesday...

Lightroom 3 is changing my life...I LOVE what a difference I can make with my pics!!

I wish I was on vacation...

but...sadly, I'm not!!!  However, my great bloggy friend Natalie over at From Corporate to Domestic IS!!!! And...it just so happens that I'm filling in for her today while she's gone.  You can find me on her blog this morning with a little humor about the the three things they don't tell you about having a baby!!  I'd love for you to visit me over there and check out Natalie's wonderful blog!!  She was one of the first blog friends I made and I LOVE LOVE LOVE reading all about her adventures and her beautiful baby boy, Nolan...who just might be my future son-in-law...arranged marriages are still ok, right?!

Bye-Bye Baby Weight - Week 8

I've missed a few weeks of updates due to vacations, hurricanes, and overall life craziness...I'm back on the wagon and figured this would be a good opportunity to start with a clean slate.  I've been hiding a bit behind "weight lost" and "weight to go" but I'm starting anew and putting what my current weight is...and where I hope to be.  I've got plans to run a 10k at the end of October and my running plan has fallen a bit by the way side so I'm also getting back in "run" mode too.

Current weight: 165 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Weight to go: 20 pounds

Goals for the week:

1. Complete Week 6 of Couch to 5k
2. Eat breakfast every morning
3. Complete 35 sit-ups three times this week
4. Only eat dessert once this week

The countdown has begun...

I simply cannot believe that in 3 week short weeks, we will be celebrating Addie's first birthday...I'm not at all emotional about it....partly because I'm in full party planning mode and partly because I don't think it's even really hit me that it's been year since my life changed for the better in so many ways.  My weekend was almost completely consumed with doing "test-runs" of crafts and cupcakes.  We missed having a sensible dinner last night because the kitchen was out of commission for anything other than the "made from scratch" cupcakes I was trying so hard to make and time just got away from me.  And yes...those cupcakes were what we had for dinner (yea, I'll be back later this afternoon with "Bye-bye baby weight" because I've gotten WAY off track lately).  So...anyhow, just thought I'd share some pics of how things are evolving...

I ordered the invitations and thanks to Tiny Prints they are totally helping me out (because I somehow lost track of time and was a little late ordering...oopps!) and shipping the invites directly to my guests and all I have to pay for is the stamp!  I'm pretty sure thats how they work which is wonderful...and saves me some time too!  Here's a proof...with all of the personal info omitted:

the front

the back

And the cupcakes...which I have decided to take on the task of making - it's well worth it for the difference in flavor than the box made...and while I can sometimes be guilty of spending money on silly things...$90+ for 2 dozen cupcakes is where I draw the line.

I'll be adding some small pearl white ball sprinkles and a silver tin wrapper to give the whole "bath" effect...along with a topper with some duckiness on it!

Addie's party outfit also arrived in the mail this week and I was SO excited to receive it....I went back and forth trying to decide whether to get her something smocked or go with something a little more casual and fun and ultimately ended up deciding that casual and fun matched best with her spunky little personality.  Jennifer over at Brayla Bees took my ideas and ran with them and did an awesome job of incorporating the party colors and theme - I LOVE it and Addie looks adorable all dressed up in it!

the shirt is actually a pink - this pic does not do this justice!

And lastly...here is some the craftiness from this weekend that was going on in my house.  I made my first tissue paper pom-pom and almost finished my first balloon wreath (thanks to AP over at ILYMTC - her lovely tutorial helped me make this happen!!).  

the pom pom

the balloon wreath

I still feel like I have SO much to do...but things are getting there and I'm slowly marking things off the list...I'm trying to take it all in and enjoy everything going on...so far so good!!!

we will NEVER forget...

In honor of all of those lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and all of those that continue to fight for and serve our country today...

This commercial really hit home with me today...

It's the simple things...

I've missed this post the last few weeks...literally and figuratively...so I'm back with some of the little things I'm appreciating this week.  Inspired??  join in with jesslyn amber, the wonderful host of this fabulous link-up and share what you're appreciating this week!!

I'm appreciating...my pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks...welcome back dear friend, i've missed you.

I'm appreciating...the memories from our wonderful trip to South Carolina...nothing like getting away from it all for a little clarity in life.

I'm appreciating...Addie's smile, temper tantrums, babbling, and "kisses."

I'm appreciating...all of the madness that comes with planning the big first birthday party...this only happens once!

I'm appreciating...my husband and everything he does for our little family.

Wordless Wednesday

Our vacation recap...

Despite a one day departure delay due to Hurricane Irene...we were still able to enjoy 4 glorious days in one of my favorite states...South Carolina.  We actually stayed about 45 minutes outside of Charleston in a lovely log cabin on some stocked fishing lakes with my parents.  It's very peaceful there and with Charleston close by we had plenty to do!  I won't bore you with the details but I'm hoping to hit the highlights by sharing our day by day with some pictures and a few words thrown in!

Sunday

After arriving Sunday evening and unpacking everything it was bath time for Addie. After finishing her bath - I started getting her ready for bed and then let her crawl around as the hubs and I discussed what we wanted to do the next day. She was out of our sight for no more than 15 seconds when we heard a splash...apparently Addie wasn't done with her bath! I embraced the moment by grabbing the camera:)

Monday

My parents didn't arrive until Monday afternoon so we spent most of Monday hanging around the cabin and checking out all of the ponds, trails, and activities. After my parents arrived, the guys enjoyed some time fishing the ponds and catching catfish!!

Tuesday

Addie met her first horse on Tuesday as we took a covered wagon ride around the property and learned alot about the history of the property and the current conservation efforts the property has in place. The guys also did some more fishing and catching!!

Wednesday

Wednesday was the day we ventured into Charleston but not before spending the morning in Summerville, SC at the Middleton Place plantation. I'm a huge dork when it comes to history so I loved touring the plantation and learning all about the Middleton family (no relation to Kate Middleton...yep, I asked!) and the antebellum era in South Carolina. We spent the afternoon and evening in Charleston walking the battery and drooling over all of the beautiful million dollar homes.

Thursday

This has to be one of my favorite pictures...EVER! Nothing sweeter than watching the special bond my dad and Addie are developing!! This picture was taken steps from our cabin door!!  The guys golfed on Thursday and my mom and I strolled with Addie in tow around the property before departing in the afternoon.

This was certainly one of the best vacations we have ever been on and are really looking forward to making it annual thing.

J

Happy 11 months, Addie!

I know I've been a deadbeat blogger the last few weeks and I apologize for that but with Hurricane Irene a distant memory and my vacation almost over, I'm hoping to resume a normal blogging schedule and catch-up with all the goings-on of my blog friends!  

I actually had to go back and check to make sure I'd written a 10 month update for Addie because I feel like she has grown SO much since I last blogged for a monthly update.  I also cannot believe we are less than one month away from her 1st birthday!!!  Long gone is the baby I brought home from the hospital eleven months ago...this little girl is blossoming and growing by leaps and bounds and I couldn't be prouder!

What she's wearing - Addie is wearing all 6-12, 9 month, and/or 12 month outfits - I know once the cooler weather hits she will likely be in all 12 month clothing as so many of her summer outfits are dresses or tops and shorts so her long skinny legs fit.  Her cloth diapers are still on the second set of snaps and she is still doing well without extra liners at night.

Eats - Addie is still drinking about five 5oz bottles a day and eating everything in sight. We share alot of what we eat with her with the exception of anything with nuts, strawberries, and exotic fruits (not that we generally sit around eating papayas and mangoes anyhow).  I'm also giving Addie her food in bite-size pieces instead of mashing everything up.  She really enjoys feeding herself and LOVES to eat!!!

Moves - Addie took her first step last week while we were on vacation and I think we scared her with all of the clapping and praise.  She looked a bit shell-shocked but she is still taking one step from time to time before dropping to her knees to crawl.  She has gotten SO fast with her crawling that we are constantly on the move trying to keep up with her!!  I can only imagine what its going to be like once she starts walking and chooses that as her preferable method of transportation.

Teeth coming in and more to say - We now have two top teeth in addition to the two on the bottom.  Her top two teeth broke through last week and she really struggled with it.  I hate seeing her in pain and not being able to do anything so I'm really hoping we'll have another break before any more start trying to break through.  Addie is still my little "chatty cathy" but she's been that way since we brought her home from the hospital and I love hearing all of her little sweet sounds.  She has added "poppa" to her words this month which puts a smile on my dad's face because that's what he is hoping Addie will call him!!

Out and about - This was a big month for Addie as she took her first vacation to the Outer Banks and South Carolina.  She really seemed to enjoy both get-aways and I just love her expressions and envisioning what's going through her mind when we get to new places!!  While in South Carolina she went on her first wagon ride and got to see horses, chickens, water buffalo, turkeys, peacocks, and lambs!  She was fine as long as the wagon was moving along but she didn't approve of the stops so that the guide could share information and tell stories.  She also survived her first hurricane and attended her first birthday party to celebrate Trey turning one!

Counting sheep - Addie is still sleeping great at night but her naps are all over the place! We usually put her down around 8:30pm and she usually gets up around 6:30ish.