...its off to work we go

Until a few months ago Benjamin has worked in the same office, with many of the same people, for the past 8 years. Now he has switched offices and my fun lunchtime visits have ended.

This past Tuesday, we took a trip back so we could of course show off our new addition.

Here's Natty (Bo) with her Uncle Lap. (if you know Lap, how perfect is this first picture?)

And Aunty Karen

See you soon!

just a look, that's all it takes

We love to go see Benjamin's brother, Andrew, play soccer. He is really very good, and we've been watching his team for a few years now.

Carol (my mil) is all but the official team photographer. She IS Natalie's official photographer...and we love it!

This is the look she gave the boys at half when they were down 5-0

She didn't even have to say anything...the look says it all. The boys were shamed, but made her proud by scoring 2 goals in the 2nd half.

as a sidenote, that scowl sometimes gets even deeper. her brow furrows so much I think she for sure knows what she's doing and is very disapointed in my actions (mainly when I'm shoveling the cookie dough in my mouth).

i SO got tagged.....finally

I love my sister...and she totally tagged me (which I've been secretly been hoping for since I started my blog, who doesn't love a specific reason to blog?) Also, don't forget to check her tagged post, as well, because you might have been tagged and not even known it (we're stalkers...and have no shame)

#1 My sink

I'm not that embarrassed by this, but only because the dishwasher is currently being run, and if the picture were to pan to the left (which it can't, obviously) there is a huge sheet of wax paper with cookie dough balls, ready to be baked.

#2 Inside Fridge

For someone who hates condiments (which I LOATHE) I sure have a lot. Not much else though....commissary soon?

#3 Favorite Shoes

They're new, and I haven't even worn them yet. They're so cute!

#4 Closet

I am so spoiled. I have 2 closets, neither of which I share with Benjamin. How lovely...and I don't even have that much to put in them, I'm just obsessively anal about organization.

#5 Laundry Pile

Not bad...not bad at all.

#6 What the kids are doing right now

Action shot!

#7 Favorite Room

This is Natalie's room, and basically I just love that chair. I spend most of my day in this room because it is also where the computer is, but that chair is the highlight.

#8 The Toilet

It's my very own...and I promise it's clean.

#9 Fantasy Vacation - honestly, I have absolutely no idea where to even start with this.

#10 Self Portrait

I'm hot, in every sense of the word. I had just gotten back from the gym and for whatever reason told Benjamin to take a picture...I just thought it would fit.

And I tag Katie, Cari, Natalie, and Janssen....have fun!

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.