the happy....and the sad

The happy. Today, it has been 3 years. Time has flown, and I can't believe it. It has been filled with 4 moves, 1 trip to Charleston, South Carolina, 1 trip to New York, 2 trips to Florida, 4 (that doesn't seem like enough) trips to Utah, and countless DC United games. Happy Anniversary Benjamin! I love you.

The sad is that my little baby had her 2 month check up today and had to get shots. Poor little thing.....She is in the 50th percentile in weight though at almost 11 pounds! Our little hambone!!!

Oh yeah.....and my beautiful present from my thoughtful hubby.

housewarming

Thank you Reeahn and Micah. Nothing brightens a kitchen like some pretty flowers.

my new toy

A few weeks ago I started baking. I really enjoyed it. Much more than I ever remember before, so I've kept going. This last week was a lonely one for me, since Benjamin was out of the house and working hard, so I decided if I'm going to keep baking this much, I would need the proper tools.

For 3 years I've wanted to buy my new toy, but have never felt justified. However, now I feel I owe it to the integrity of my molasses, and my chocolate chocolate peanut butter cookies. Presenting....my new toy!

I love her already....I think I'll name her Ruby. Ruby and I will be spending lots of time together, which is bad for my physical well-being, so everyone (especially if you comment) will be receiving the fruits of our labor (of love). Ok, maybe only if you live in my state, but everyone else should know that I would share my goodies with you if I could.

and, as always

for real for real?

So, I hate to make dinner. My wonderful sister does a dinner exchange with a bunch of her friends, and I really really really want to do that. I told her this, and she told me I had to order this book...so I did.

It came yesterday......like this

Yes, the whole box is full of paper. Did they need to send the BOOK in a BOX? Seriously.

Bytheway...the book is so excellent and I'm getting ready to start my group. If you'd like to join, let me know!

And of course, I can't blog without a picture update.

what number are you?

So my hair yesterday looked a little bit like I was one of about 6 or 7 wives. You know the look...poofy in the front and the braid down the back. I wasn't really doing that on purpose, but I had done my hair the day before when it was wet, so there's only so much you can do the next day...unless of course you wash it, and we all know that's not happening.

Despite the pathetic look of her mother though, my baby still managed to be super cute. Pardon the double chin and spiked hair....I love this dress.

p.s. SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE IS ONLY 3 DAYS AWAY!!!!!

at 7 weeks...

I hesitate, because I know I'll jinx it, but the last two nights have been some of the happiest of my life. Two nights ago Natalie slept for 5 and 1/2 hours, and last night she did 6 hours....so fantastic.
Wednesday night she woke up at 410 and was awake until about 5. At 5 I went back into my room to go back to sleep, and I laid there for 40 minutes. Who knew that you could be so rested after just a little over 5 hours of sleep? I wasn't tired in the slightest, so I got up and took my first trip back to the gym.
The gym was wonderful. After the treadmill, I stretched and then did 25 sit ups. I forget sometimes that I did have my stomach muscles sliced in two, so doing sit ups are nearly impossible at this point. I used to do 200 a day (my stomach looked the best its ever looked when I did that for 4 straight months), but I'm super sore today, from just doing the 25. I guess its back to the drawing board.
Anyway, after the gym, I came home, took out all the trash, showered, made Benjamin lunch, AND breakfast!!!! I am such a morning person. I get so much done, even if its just those little things. Showering, since Natalie came, has been passed by more than once, so to be able to do it when I know Benjamin can get her if she wakes up, is so much easier.
Last night I was falling asleep, watching the basketball game, and was so afraid that her night of great sleep would be a fluke, and I'd be hating life, but no, she did a full 6. I had no problem going back to sleep this morning, so I guess the gym will just have to wait until tomorrow.

I would make this post worthwhile, with a picture of my little angel, but I have no batteries, so stay tuned for later.

the many faces of Natalie Jan...on a rainy Mother's Day

pardon me for posting the photo shoot.....

I absolutely love this dress.....even if more than one person thought she was a boy.

so long, farewell

My parents were back here, in Virginia, for the first time (together) in 7 years. It was so wonderful for them to be here, and I know that all of their friends were so happy to see them. With the new house there was plenty of space, and with a new baby there was plenty of entertainment. Please come again....we love you!

HAM AND POTATO CASEROLE!!!!!

i'm a big girl now....

At 315 this morning I was holding Natalie up on my shoulder to burp, and well....she didn't exactly burp, she threw up. And as its running down my back I thought 1. I'm so tired, is this seriously happening? 2. I'm not showering at 315 in the morning, so I guess I'll just smell like sour milk until morning 3. My big girl is 6 weeks today...who knew I'd be the one getting the present?

happy 6 weeks (as a side note I will not be celebrating every month she's been alive, or anything like that...but I happened to have this video, so it just worked out)

blessing day!

Benjamin gave Natalie a beautiful blessing on Sunday, at church, and we're so glad that many of our friends could be there. Sorry we don't have pictures of those friends.....we do love you.

holding on for dear life

My mom and dad are here visiting this week, so life has been busy and wonderful. I gave Natty a bath this morning before our day got started and in the middle, I noticed this... In this picture her grip is loosened a little, but at one point she was full on death grip.

We're starting to get some good smiles!

never in a million years....

There is no chance that I ever thought I would miss my friends treadmill and free weights. Maybe free weights, because she and I hit it off right away, and she makes my arms look fantastic, but definitely never treadmill. He's rude, and is always trying to make me cry....but I miss him so. You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Now I must clean my house before my mother comes, because the house must be spotless when mother comes!

And for good measure...here is my zit covered little one.