Myrtle Beach Trip

Friday we packed up the car, picked up my mom, and headed to Myrtle Beach for the weekend. It was a pretty uneventful car ride other then hitting hail just outside of Jacksonville, causing a minor heart attack for me. (Luckily we haven't found any damage) We made it there in just about 8 hours.

We arrived at Memom and Pop's (Olivia's Great Grandparents) at about 10PM and boy was Olivia glad to get out of the car seat. She played and played until almost 12AM and then it was sleepy time. My cousin Sarah planned our day Saturday beginning with a big family breakfast. Olivia made a new friend, Sammy who is extended family. They were so cute playing together at the restaurant.

After breakfast we headed back to my Aunt's house to change and while we were there Ben got to meet Pepper (the littlest attack dog) he thought he was so funny. Poor Pepper has to be locked up when people are there because he doesn't like strangers. So Olivia and Ben were watching him through the cage. All she did was laugh. Finally it was off to the pool for a few hours, to let the Little's play. Olivia was in the water for 2 hours and I'm sure she didn't want to get out. If this kid could live in the water she would.

Nope it wasn't over yet, Sarah was taking us to Broadway at the Beach that night which is a huge outdoor shopping and dinning area. Before that we had some rest time with Memom and Pop. Then I got my Margarita from Jimmy Buffet's and that made me happy. We spent hours there walking through the shops and had dinner. It was great.



The Big Race...Ben, Me, Katie, Debbie, Tony, and Joe!

 Sunday we enjoyed a lovely lunch on the beach, it was such a beautiful day. Of course we had to take Memom and Mommy back to Jimmy Buffet's for another Margarita before we headed to Aunt Bev's for dinner. Yes!!! Then it was the family cookout where the kids got to feed the swans and just play!

Bye Bye...Until Next Time

All in all it was a great weekend and we can't wait to go back the end of the year. Hopefully the whole family will be going up.

A Mommy Milestone

I don't want to be presumptuous and say that I have many readers, but those of you who do read this maybe you will able to understand my plight.

I know that after we have a child we spend our days watching them grow and marking each of their milestones not only with a blurb in their book, but also with praise. But I now have to wonder why this ends when we get older? Where was my praise when I hit what to me is a MAJOR milestone in my life, one that before Olivia I never would have thought would happen to me.

Let me give you a little background: I found out that I was pregnant a week after our wedding and I was in the best shape of my life. 9 month's later I had gained 45lbs. Good News: I have lost 30 lbs but still have 15 to go.

Now since our honeymoon I have not been brave enough to wear a bikini. However in the next few month's we have a lot of time planned in the sand. So after all my hard work I have been putting in at the gym and some new workouts, I have decided that I should show my belly some love...the SUN! Today I ordered 2 bikinis from Victoria Secret and bought one from Target. So I felt as if I should get some of what we give Olivia when she began scooting, then crawling, and then walking, and for that matter any time she does something new...applause, "Great Job's", and lots of hugs!

I still don't feel like I should be wearing one but I am sick and tired of my tankini's. So they will be put away until baby #2. If you see me on the beach be kind and don't make fun. If I was really brave I would put up the pick of me in the one, but I am not! For all of you who are going through something similar I leave you with Applause, Great Job, and a virtual hug! Keep up the good work, I know I will.




Here's to that last 15lbs!



Family Photos

We are very lucky that we have 2 people who take such great photo's and don't mind taking time out of their Saturday morning to do so. Last Saturday my Mother-in-Law Darla and our dear friend Jack-Lee came with us to take some family photo's. Those of you who know me know that the more photos I can have the better. They turned out amazing! I have posted some below for you to enjoy.

Our favorite. Her face is priceless.

My Baby Is ONE

Today was HER day!

How she woke up!

It was also the anniversary of the most blissful moment in my life and we could not have celebrated in a better way. Ben and I decided on a Luau as her theme, we liked the idea of weaving in a piece Hawaii because it means so much to the beginning of our story. It is where we were when we discovered our little miracle was on the way.

I had to borrow these words that so eloquently put how she was feeling about her oldest daughter's birthday. Since I was not able to put my feelings into words as beautifully as she did I will share her's:

If there is a heaven, then someday when I cross over there, I'd like to think my moment of entrance will be experiencing again those precious minutes when I became a mother. To do it again--to transform from wanting, hoping, and trying to imagine what it's going to be like to actually experiencing it--reaching out my arms to cradle her perfect body, pulling her in to kiss newborn skin, feeling this guttural lurch of a new love I couldn't quite explain--I'd go back a trillion times to feel it again if I could. I'd take the pain, the pushing, all of it just to remember again what it was like to be changed so instantly. To be overwhelmed by love in that way.

---Kelly Hampton

On Saturday night instead of a traditional bedtime story we read her the Shutterfly albums of her pregnancy and birth that I made for her. I wanted to start this tradition to ensure she knows just how special she is. Sunday morning when we heard her wake up Ben and I grabbed the video camera and camera and went in to sing to her. 

Her Luau began at 12 and she enjoyed every minute. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come, support us, and celebrate our little princess' big day. It was more perfect then I dreamed it would be!



12 Month's

Oh my sweet angel, look at how you have changed over the last year!

Weight: 17.8lbs

Height: 28inches

It seems like just yesterday we were heading to the hospital to meet you, now I am sitting here writing about your 12 month. It's unbelievable how fast the time has gone. You are no longer a baby, you don't even look like it anymore. As you walk around the house your Daddy and I can't help but think of what a big girl you are and how you have changed.

This last month has been so busy and you have kept up with us so well. And in just this month you have gone from unsteadily taking a few steps to walking like you are on a mission. Which is usually to climb on the fireplace or take the outlet cover out. Yes, the childproof outlet cover in the kitchen is no challenge to you. I love that you show the fearlessness of your Daddy as you climb on and try to get down from just about anything. But, you also show some of my cautiousness when you walk, because when you are unsteady you take slow careful steps.

Your vocabulary is growing by the day and I can't help but think how smart you are. What other 1 year old can say flower, apple, and I love you. Along with those you can also say doggie (your favorite word and animal), wa wa (we are working on this one...water), duck and your newest one nigh nigh (night night). The greatest thing is that not only can you say these words, but you know exactly what they are.

We seem to be coming to an end of you hitting phase and have moved into a very loving and cuddly phase. You love to lay your head down on us or your stuffed animals and cuddle. Your Daddy and I love this and can not get enough. You have gone from doing ahh, baby (where you lovingly lay your head on...) to objects to doing it to Mommy, Daddy, Oakley, and anyone else. Your even getting friendlier with Oakley, you pet him (in your own way, which is a little rougher then I am sure he likes) and you have even figured out that if you hold your puffs over the side of your highchair he will take them out of your hand.

Just the other day you were trying to multitask by walking and drinking your bottle, when you slipped and fell. When you began to cry I picked you and up and said that you were OK and after a minute Gigi saw that you had your first bloody nose. One that I am sure will not be the last. But this is you, the one who does not want to miss anything. Not that I blame you, I am pretty sure that this comes from me.

1st Birthday Photo's

Last week Ben and I took Olivia to Casa Feliz to take her 1st Birthday pictures. She did great and they turned out amazing. I also took some of her at the house. All of these will be displayed at her party.

Olivia's Guest Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Olivia Got Her Ear's Pirced

Whew, that's over! It was pretty smooth sailing too. We played in the waiting room until we were called, and then she was weighed, measured, and numbing cream was applied. That is why in some of the photos she has band aids on her ears. The nurse also gave her one to play with and she put it on her finger. She had a pretty good time until the nurse and the doctor came in. They dotted her holes and I ok'd them, my job was over so I could go pace in the hall. I heard her screaming (which Ben assured me was before they even started because she was being restrained) and then Dr. P said she had the pirate look. Good one more and it would be all over. Done, I could come back in to rescue my little. She looked beautiful with gold studs in her ears and tears rolling down her cheeks. I told her how beautiful she looked as I cuddled her and as fast as it started she was calm.

There will be no more mistaking her for a boy!!!



While Daddy's Away...

...the girls will play!

Well, another weekend has come to a close and it sure has been a busy one. Ben left Thursday to spend the weekend in Key West for our friend's bachelor party and left Olivia and I to have some bonding time.

Now that Olivia is just about over her cold we thought she would be back to normal and in all but one way she is. Her sleeping pattern is way out of whack, we can't get through one night with her in her crib. She falls asleep and goes into her crib around 7:30-8PM and by the time 12AM rolls around she is screaming. So we have been comforting her and getting her back to sleep, but just as she reaches the mattress of the crib she magically wakes back up. After a week of this going on and her ending up sleeping in our bed, I am so over it. Don't get me wrong I love having her so close, but we can't sleep with her kicking and rolling even in a king size bed, there is no room for 3!!! How do I fix this?

On the other hand Friday night I was able to have a little girl time while Olivia stayed with my mom. My friend Kristen, my sister-in-law Vicky, and I went to dinner and then to see Bridesmaids. Let me tell you that was one of the funniest movies I have seen in awhile. I is a must see in my eyes! We finished off the night with dessert and champagne at Urban Flats. Yum!

Saturday there was no time to sleep in as we left early to head to Gainsville for Myles Bridal Shower. Thankfully I did not have to drive, my mother-in-law Darla did, and on the way home I was very grateful for that. It was a beautiful shower at a country club even though the weather was terrible, as some nasty storms were coming through. We had a delish lunch and dessert, and Myles received some great things for their new home. We are so excited for their wedding in just a couple of weeks.

Like I said the ride home from Gainsville was a adrenaline rush, as we were trying to out run a horrible storm that seemed to be chasing us down 75. There were several times where we thought at any moment a tornado was going to drop out of the sky right onto us. As long as I have lived here I don't think I have seen conditions quite like that. Those of you who live in Ocala probably see it more often.

Finally a day to rest but only for Olivia, as I planned on getting as many of her decorations finished up for her party, that is now only 6 days away. Mom and Kristen came to help and I am so happy they did. We got a lot done and I only have a little more to do. But the Ribbon Topiary is complete, the centerpieces are just about done, and the pom-pom's are finished. By the way what do people put in goodie bags now a days? By the time we were done with our craft's for the day it was time to pick up Daddy! Yea, he is finally home.

Ok so that ties up our weekend and we are already on to another one. Today Olivia is getting her ears pierced and there will be more on that tonight, if she cooperates.

Happy Mother's Day

One year ago today, I was 2 weeks away from giving birth to our daughter. As we celebrated Mother's Day with our families, I could only wonder what this title would add to my life. I read the books and took in all the advise that was offered (wanted or not), but nothing could prepare me for the new chapter that we were about to write. I already saw myself as a mother, yet technically I was only a mother-to-be.




Last Mother's Day with my Mommy


Today is my first real Mother's Day, one I get to enjoy with my daughter! As I sit back to look on the last year and how this new role has changed me, along with my perspective for Mother's, I feel honored. Honored to be trusted with this amazing gift! I am not the perfect Mom, but every day Olivia teaches me more about myself. I have gained more patience and understanding then I thought was possible. My love for her has grown larger and deeper with every passing day.

I love my new role and will forever be grateful to the one who made me a Mommy! Olivia I love you more then you will ever know! Thank you for everything that you have brought to my life.

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing Mommy, who without I would not be half the mother I am today. To my Mother-In-Law Darla who has helped me stand up for myself. To my grandmothers who I could never say enough about. To all of my Mommy family, friends, and especially those who I share this beautiful 1st Mother's Day with.  

What A Difference A Year Makes (Photo Recap)

16 Day's Until Olivia's 1st Birthday!

As I sit back to reflect on the amazing journey this year has led us on, I thought what better way to share our memories then through photos. There is no better way to tell this story.

It used to be so easy...

...to get ready with a baby. All I had to do was put her in the bouncy seat outside the shower curtain and happily she would play or sleep. Unfortunately not that long ago she out grew the under appreciated bouncy seat. Maybe I shouldn't say out grew as much as got to smart for, just like why the swing is now packed away. She learned how to get out of them and oh what a sad day that was to see the swing just sitting there with no motion and sweet lullabies.

Ahh the good ole days!

Now if I have to get ready and I am the only one home, what am I to do? Well, I just put her toys on the floor and keep a close eye on the curious one. Thankfully this doesn't happen all that often, but when it does she is pretty content to play with her toys, my brushes, and travel bag. So far she hasn't tried to open the doors to under the sink. Oh yes I know that day is right around the corner, along with learning to unzip my travel bag!