rock on

Hampton got a new toy that he loves! I can put him down anywhere in the living room, and he gravitates to it! He "plays" all the instruments and "sings" into the microphone. He especially loves it when mommy sings into the microphone and laughs and laughs. (It's alright. I know I wasn't blessed with a good singing voice!)

Rock on, little man. Rock on!

Ask me anything!

I thought it would be fun to have a little Q&A sesh. So...leave a comment with a question you'd like answered!

and we're back-our trip in pictures

We arrived at the beach early Sunday afternoon. The second we drove into the condo parking lot, this happened:

Once it calmed down, we went to the beach. (Except this was blowing in--and I mean BLOWING! Holy windiness, batman!)

No pictures of our night #1 activities: dinner, walk on the beach, and Monopoly. My sweet husband did pull this out of his pocket on . (And earrings. bonus!)

Day 2 was perfect. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing jsut enough, and we had nothing on our agenda but to lay there.

Dinner date, walk around town, and back to the condo for a movie, and our quick-but relaxing-trip to the beach was coming to an end.

We did get to stop at some outlets on our way home! I got a new prize for "Hampton"--a Coach baby bag that I've wanted since before he was born. It was on clearance, 50% off, and we were handed a 20% off coupon when we walked in. How could I not buy it?!

Although we had a good time, I could not get home to this guy fast enough. I missed him terribly, and when I got home (and he woke up from his nap), he greeted me with a huge grin, and a hug and slobbery kiss! Thank goodness he didn't forget me. Yes, that was a huge fear of mine!

I can't wait to take him to the beach at the end of July!!

5 years

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Cor. 2:9

Five years ago today, I married Jordan. My best friend. My soul mate. Jordan is such a great husband and daddy. He is a Godly husband, he makes me laugh, and he works hard to support our family. I couldn't have asked for more!

It's hard to even believe that five years have come and gone. We've been on quite the journey, considering 4 months after we got married, we started trying to have a baby. I never could have imagined what a test of patience and love that it would truly be. Jordan was my rock through it all, and, though he was hurting, he stayed so strong. When he lost his job and was bouncing around from job to job and in and out of the unemployment office, he kept his head high. He guided our family as he has been instructed to by our Lord. Because we have kept our eyes on Him, walked together toward Him, and kept Him as our number one, even before each other, God has blessed our marriage immensely, and has kept his promises to us. Such a blessed family we are!

We went out to dinner last night to celebrate at Olive Garden, as is our tradition (except last year, when I had.to.have. Outback's Bloomin' Onion. ha!). He surprised me with a trip to the beach this weekend-we leave Sunday and will be back Tuesday evening!! With NO baby. I'm a little nervous about this since we've never left him before, but I know he'll be in good hands-my parents & his Aunt Ashley Sunday and Monday and with Jordan's parents Monday night until we get back. I'll be back next week to let you know if we all (read: if I) make it!

Have a great weekend!

published

Remember about a month ago when I told you about the call for submissions for Write for Charity? Did any of you submit a piece? I did. I sent in this blog entry, and I am so excited that it was picked to go in the book! Something I wrote! This anthology of 101 short stories and poems centered around the topic of parenting is now in the process of being printed, but you have the opportunity to purchase it at the public pre-sale price if interested. In order to raise more money for Children’s Hospital and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Foundation, I hope you will consider getting one!

Visit http://www.writeforcharity.com/ and click on “The Book” for more details.

cutesy crochet and paper crafts: giveaway winner!

And the winner is...

Comment #15! (Chosen by random.org. And if anyone knows how to get the random # generator to show up on my post, any tips would be great!)

Congrats to Josefine! Send me an email at toinfertilityandbeyond@gmail.com with what item you would like and your address, and I will get it out to you! If I don't hear from you by the end of the day Friday, I'll have to pick a new winner.

Thanks to everyone for participating. Stay tuned for more free stuff!

lots of cuddles

The holiday weekend started out perfect--sun, pool time, little brother & girlfriend in town--lots of fun! Even though it stinks that he has to work on holidays, Jordan had a great weekend at the store! (insert huge smile and sigh of relief here) Unfortunately, the nice weather only stuck around for Saturday, and rain clouds (and thunder and lightning) took over. It was okay though because with the rain clouds came one heckuva summer cold for the monkey. It hit him like a brick wall Sunday afternoon. He is pitiful-coughing, sneezing, nose running like a faucet...poor baby. This made for lots of cuddle time for me and the little guy (and his Mimi when I needed a break). Sunday night he started off sleeping in his carseat, then he moved to my chest, but he still couldn't breathe, so we moved into the glider. Ugh, what a long night! And he wouldn't nap unless being held. He did sleep well last night, though, and is currently napping in his crib. I hope that means it's getting out of his system. He has been stuffed up several times before, but this is the first time he has had such a bad runny nose. I was always so grossed out when I saw little kids with snot on their faces, thinking, "why doesn't their mother wipe it off??" Now I see that it is impossible to keep up with a little one's runny nose. I wipe as much as I can, but it would have to be constant in order to keep snot off of his face at all times! Oh, and though they may seem like a huge waste of money, I'm so happy that I picked up a pack of Boogie Wipes a few months back. They have come in quite handy!

Don't forget, today is the last day for the Cutesy Crochet and Paper Crafts giveaway! Get your entries in before the end of the day!