We belong in the ZOO!

With the weather cooling off, we saw that as the perfect opportunity to visit the zoo. One of my dear friends (and former boss/coworker) joined us with her sweet girls. They were such good helpers and we all enjoyed each others company. I love seeing Emmie trying to be one of the "big girls". They all behaved pretty well and we didn't lose anyone! And, thanks to Groupon, our whole group only paid $40 to get in! Add a picnic lunch to that and you have a cheap day of fun for a group of 6!

 

 

Emmie, Regan and Lilly. They told us which animals we're stinkier than others. Pink Flamingos were definitely one!

I was completely fascinated by this armadillo. I have never seen one alive, only dead on the side of the road. Did you know they are the only animals that can completely pull themselves inside their protective shells? Not even a turtle can do that!

Emmie and Lilly holding hands. They were so sweet together. And props to Zach who braved this trip with all of us girls. He pushed the stroller, held hands when needed and toted "the bag" all day. He is such a good dad, even to other people's kids. I love seeing that.

This made me want a new purse. Seriously, how gorgeous are those giraffes? (sorry Peta, not a purse made out of REAL giraffe. Don't get your underwear in a knot)

My sweet girl, taking it all in! She talked non-stop about all the animals!

Happy Birthday Emmie!

Photo: Southern Sisters Photography

I can't believe my "baby" is 2 years old! It really does seem like yesterday when we came home from the hospital and had absolutely no clue what to do with a baby. We held each other a little tigher tonight while I rocked you, my sweet baby. You're growing up too fast and we both know it.

Happy Happy Birthday! I can't wait to celebrate with you this weekend!

Emmie-isms

My girl is growing up waaaaayyyyyy too fast. She will turn 2 on Friday. Oh gosh, where did that baby go? She is becoming such a little person. She is funny and silly, loves to dance and thinks she is grown! Here are a few Emmie-isms from around our house this weekend:

Last night, we were having a family movie night, watching Mr Poppers Penguins (very cute by the way). Emmie watched most of it, but when she got bored she would run laps around the house. Each time she got to us, she would shake our hands and say Hello. Then quickly a goodbye and off she went. She was like a little politician!

She sat down on the edge of the fireplace yesterday and asked for presents. We told her she could open some on her birthday. She then launched into her own language...something about presents, mommy and daddy too, bouncy house, shoes, Caleb, and more presents. I think she gets that she is having a birthday/party.

While having her 2 year old photo shoot, we had to take "Purple" her favorite babydoll of the moment with us. Emmie wanted a couple of pictures with her, then wanted her to sit in the wagon and said "No Reesey Peicey Purple". We were giving her reese peices here and there to get good smiles. She wanted to make sure her "friend" wasn't going to eat them all while watching her from the wagon!

Last, but not least... the closing credits to the movie last night played "Ice Ice Baby" as it rolled. She immediately wanted to dance. Then she demanded we all dance. I tried to teach her the running man, boy I wish I had my camera!!! We only had to hit repeat 4 times so we could dance to the song over and over.

She is so much fun and such a joy to be around!

A big fat update!

Ok, I have to apologize right out of the gate. I started this new blog about balancing everything - motherhood, working, household chores, being a wife...then I up and lost my balance. It truly is a balancing act every second of the day. So, in a valiant effort to make it right...here's a little bit of what we've been up to!

Early in August, I spent a weekend at the beach with some of my favorite girls. We celebrated a bachelorette party and enjoyed each others company. We stayed up too late, laid on the beach until the rain forced us off and ate as much seafood as humanly possible in 3 days. It was fabulous!

A couple of weeks later, we packed up the minivan with the whole family in tow and headed back down to the beach for a mini vacation ending with the wedding celebration of the bachelorette mentioned above. It was great! We took the inlaws (which I highly recommend for a little cheap babysitting :) )We played at the pool, dug in the sand and walked on the beach. Emmie did great eating out so much and really took to the beach lifestyle! She even decided that she didn't want to sleep in the pack-n-play,giving me a slight heartattack. Thankfully, we barricaded her in with every pillow in the condo and kept a close eye on her through the video monitor (praise sweet baby Jesus for that invention!)

In the middle of all these exciting beach trips, we continued our gymnastics classes every Thursday night. Emmie (and I) love the class and the teachers. She learns something new each time and the teachers have made comments like "She's strong." "You need to keep her in gymnastics" and "She's a natural".

The medical school I work at started the new school year, kicking off with a busy and exciting orientaiton week. I loved seeing students come back that I already knew, seeing some starting on their way to becoming a doctor and welcoming back old work study students that I loved working with. Busy busy busy, but wonderful!

I also celebrated a birthday...the 3rd anniversary of my 29th birthday! Not an exciting one, but my family, friends, coworkers and students made it a great one. I thought at one point my hubby had forgotten, but then he up and planned a trip for us to Washington DC (tacked on one end of a business trip). I am really looking forward to that trip in October!

Up next is Emmie's birthday. I can't believe she'll be 2!!!! We're planning a "Very Hungry Caterpillar" party, complete with bouncy house. Hopefully it wont rain!

I love this time of year. When the weather gets crisp, the fall festivals are plentiful and all the fun holidays that follow. I am so over this heat. Come on fall!!!!

Rio 2016?

I called last week and signed Emmie up for a trial class at a local gymnastics facility. She is constantly jumping off of things in our house and wanting to flip upside down. I figure this might be a great time to get her in with some folks who can help her do all this, but safely!

We showed up at the appointed time, paperwork in hand, workout clothes on. We were both a little nervous. It's a little hard walking in to a place where you know no one and everyone else seems to already be BFF's. Emmie clung to me and wouldn't let me put her down. All the while, she was soaking it all in. We were in the "watching" area outside the gym and she couldn't take her eyes off the girls practicing inside. I kept telling her we would get to go in soon and she just nodded her head and said "k k" (her version of OK).

They called our little "Mommy and Me" class in and off we went. She followed directions wonderfully on where to walk and how to get to the spot where we would all start. I made small talk with a few of the other moms and Emmie was pretty quiet, still taking it all in. Over the course of the next 45 minutes, she gradually came out of her shell and really enjoyed herself. Once she understood that she was going to get to do all of her favorite things on this fun equipment, she was all in! A little boy named Logan took a liking to my sweet Emmie. He followed her around, always trying to show off for her. His mom was really nice and we ended up in the same group for most of the class. We jumped, rolled, hopped like a bunny on a trampoline, and played under a parachute. All in all, we both had a great time!

More than anything, I was so proud of my girl. Proud of the way she listened to the teacher and waited her turn, even when all the other kids jumped in front of her. Proud of her sweet smiles, waves and kisses towards the other kids. Proud of the fun that we had together. Proud of her sweet "Tank tu" at the end of the class as she blew the teacher a kiss. As we were getting in the car, she asked "One more?" and I said, "Many more, but we have to wait til next Thursday!" Emmie simply replied, "K K".

Checking in...

I just realized it has been a while since I blogged…whoops! We’ve been busy with life in general. I’m trying to enjoy the last of summer, but to be totally honest – I’m over it. I am ready for fall! This month is jam packed….2 trips, baby showers, babies being born, orientation and the beginning of school where I work, and the beginning of our family birthdays. Mine is up first, then Emmie, with Zach bringing up the rear. Whew, it’s making my head spin just thinking about it! Here's what we've been up to:

Swimming in any kind of pool we can find!

Taking care of our babies

Eating fresh veggies!

"Daddy, Rock rock!"

Any time Zach walks through our foyer, Emmie is right behind him asking for "Rock rock". She wants him to do the "rocket" he does when we're in the pool. Except in our foyer, she can go REALLY high. I love the looks she gives him - complete trust, pure joy, sheer excitement. I love looking at life through the eyes of a child!

One...

Two...

THREEE!!!

MY summer must-haves

Sperry Topsiders
These sandals are amazing! They are a bit pricey, but definitely worth the money. Hands down, they are the most comfortable flip flops I've ever worn!

Neutrogena suncare products
I love Neutrogena sun products because they are gentle on all types of skin, from babies to mommies, and they don't make you break out. These are especially good if you go to the pool or are in the sun a lot. 

Smoothies!

I have always loved smoothies, but I finally introduced Emmie to them. She shares my sentiments! We make ours at home, but I love to stop in and try new flavors!

Miraclesuit
This brand of bathingsuits is amazing for mommies who may not be as firm as they once were. It has a real bra in it and lycra in ALL the right places. Plus, it's very flattering. I've had this one for 2 years now and it has held up nicely to beach trips and frequent visits to the pool!

OPI - Strawberry Margarita

I go back to this color every summer. It's SO pink, but not neon. It really is the color of a strawberry margarita. 

Mommy Guilt

We all have it at one time or another. Working moms have it. Stay at home moms have it. We get it when we are with our children but want to be somewhere else. We get it when we are somewhere else and want to be with our children. It’s always there, so now what do we DO about it?

I know I have struggled with this from day 1 of being a mom. Right after I had a baby, my husband encouraged me to take time for myself, go shopping for new non-maternity clothes, get a pedicure. I would get out the door and be away from the house for 30 minutes before I would get this strong urge to run home and be with my family. I felt guilty spending money on myself, when I could be spending it on something for my family or my baby.

And then I hit a wall. I was going nuts. I was neglecting myself, my interests, my health. I was cranky and crabby and not a very nice mommy. That’s when I realized that to be a good mom and wife, I NEED that time to myself. I still feel the need to be with my family, but it’s not because of guilt. It’s because I WANT to be around them.  I try to go out to dinner with a friend once a week, go grocery shopping by myself (heaven!) and do a little clothes shopping when I have the money. I need that time away, that time to do whatever I want. I try to enjoy the moment that I am in, knowing it will pass and another moment will move in. That’s the best I can do at this time. How do you deal with the guilt?

You be YOU

"Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else" ~Judy Garland

When I was growing up, my mom always encouraged me with whatever I wanted to do. She let me pierce my ears all kinds of ways, dye my hair and experiment with many different styles. She let me be me! Yes, I went through some extremely awkward phases. Like 6th grade, when I had glasses, braces and my ears pierced a couple of times. That was alot of metal. Or a few years in high school when I wore guy-ish clothes and no makeup. It wasn't until I got to college that I found my "style" and really felt comfortable being me.

Now, raising my own sweet girl, I see how important this is. When Emmie wants to wear crazy clothes and get a weird haircut, I will remember the grace and love that my mom showed me through all my "phases"...and be sure to take pictures!

There is not an award ceremony

This topic has been on my mind and heart alot lately. Our culture is riddled with competition. I do think some healthy competition is good, like when you're playing a game. But when it comes to being a mom, there should not be competition with other moms. Every one is different. Every family is different. Every child is different. We all have different ways of dong things. One is no better than the other. It's just that, different. Instead of tearing others down, we should be encouraging others and lifting them up for even trying to be a good person, a good mom, a good anything. I was talking with my husband last night about this and I realized that I was not feeling very encouraged from other moms. I know I am doing the best I can and I feel like I am doing a good job, but sometimes we just need to hear it from another mom. Just a little confirmation, just a little pat on the back. I realized that I don't always encourage others either. It's easier to sit back and pass judgement. The right thing to do is not always the easiest.

I read a book when I first had my daughter that really helped put things in perspective. I may have to go back and re-read, it was just that good. Here's the link: Meg Meeker - Habits of Happy Mothers

We all need to stop with the negativity and judging. Try today to give a compliment to someone you see working hard, no matter what that may be.

Happy 4th of July! (Then and now)

It amazes me to see the difference....

2011

2012

It's official, I am totally a mom.

When I slid behind the wheel of the 2007 Honda Odyssey, I knew it was meant for me. I loved this van from the moment I drove it. I always thought I was a "Tahoe" kind of girl. But when you're barely 5'1" and have tiny T-rex arms, a large SUV just really won't work logistically. I love driving my van and so does the Hubby. It's so convenient with it's automatic sliding doors. She's even got a pretty monogrammed name tag on the front, of course! It makes me want to load it up and head out on a road trip, every single time I drive it! Now I know it's not the popular choice amongst my friends. Believe me, they shared their opposing opinions, loudly. But it fits me. It really does. I'm making it cool again to own a minivan. I've even got a few friends who have converted and want to start a posse. ( I think that definietly makes us un-cool but I don't really care).

So, who's up for a road trip?!?

10 things you didn't know about me

In no particular order....

1. I love ziplock bags. If I could, I would contain everything in my life in the appropriate size bags if it wouldn't make me look completely crazy.

2. I want my hot foods hot and my cold foods cold. Period.

3. If I had to pick a new career, I would probably go back to school and become a kindergarten teacher.

4. I get up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. My family likes to GO so I like to make sure I am showered and ready!

5. I am so ready to have another baby. I love kids and I want to grow our family. Financially, we're not quite there. The cost of 2 kids in daycare is, well, more than our mortgage!

6. In college, I worked as the Chick-fil-a cow. Yep, that was me. Standing on the side of the road waving, attending children's birthday parties and even visiting schools. Hey, it wasn't a bad gig! It paid $7/hr and free Chick-fil-a when I worked.

7. My husband and I were friends for about 4 years before we even had our first date. Even then, most of our friends didn't believe we were really dating. We even lived in the same apartment in college, just not at the same time. (Sidenote: We're celebrating 5 years of marriage in December. So THERE to all the people who doubted!)

8. I love being up before everyone else. There is nothing like a hot cup of coffee enjoyed in the quiet moments of the morning.

9. My favorite movie of all time is "The Wizard of Oz". I use to play it on repeat while I studied or did homework in college.

10. I love buying presents for people. I love the thrill of finding just the right thing that will make them smile.

A day in the life...

I love being with my child, but I also love having a job and adult conversation on a daily basis. I don't think working moms are better than stay at home moms or vice versa - I've done both. They both have their difficulties and rewards. I don't say any of this to get sympathy. This is what works for my family right now.

Here's a typical "working mom" day:

5:45am - Get up, showered, breakfast, take the dog out, wake the husband up

7:15am - Wake up Emmie, get her changed/dressed, quick breakfast snack and milk, shoes on, ponytail up

7:30am - Out the door, drop off Emmie at "school", head to work

8:00am - Clock in, work work work

12:00pm - Lunch break - Rush home, fix lunch, let dog out, do load of laundry, empty dishwasher, clean up

1:00pm - Back to work...work work work

4:00pm - Clock out, head to "school" to get Emmie, quick stop at Publix (On a good day, I stay at work and do 30 minutes on the elliptical, but that's rare)

5:00pm - Get home, let the dog out, change clothes, start attempting to make dinner & entertain Emmie at the same time. 

6:30pm - Daddy's home! Hopefully we all sit down and eat together, maybe someone will even feed the dog.

7:00pm - Bathtime! followed by jammies, reading stories and night night for Emmie.

7:30pm - clean up tornado Emmie downstairs, make a to-do list for tomorrow, sit down and COLLAPSE

Do it all again tomorrow :) The weekdays make the weekends much sweeter. We try and cram in all kinds of fun things on the weekend - which is why I don't mind running hard all week. 

How does your family balance life???

Begin again, Finnagin!

So this is it. A fresh new start! I've blogged in the past and really enjoyed it. I think it's time to get back into the swing of things. Just so you know up front, this blog will definitely be about a lot of different topics/subjects. It won't be ALL pictures of my adorable child, but I will probably talk about her, alot. I do love fashion/shoes, so you can expect a little of that as well. I know a lot of moms out there that are trying to find that "balance" that we are all looking for. I'll share insight from my journey - the good and the bad. And maybe, just maybe you can find something relevant to take away from it. So....WELCOME!