Happy New Year

I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful, blessed and Happy New Year! One cool thing about blogging is getting to meet some great people and make some fantastic friends along the way, and that's how I feel about you all.

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Here's looking forward to a great 2010 ahead!

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Keeping it Real

I'm all about keepin' it real, and so I'll just go ahead and get it out there...

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This is the head of hair we wake up to every morning with my daughter. She's a good, hard sleeper. And you know what? On those days when we get to stay home and the only people that will see us are the UPS man or the neighbors as we check the mail, I don't do a thing to it. Sometimes I'll run a comb through, or my fingers. But other than that, I just leave it be. After a few hours and a nap, we'll be right back to this look anyway. And if we need to run a few errands, I'll just throw a hat on her head and we'll head out the door. After all, it is winter.

I'm just keeping it real... and wondering what I'll do when I have two little heads of hair to take care of.

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33 Weeks

33 weeks

To my sweet Brayden,
Week 33 took us right through Christmas and I'm sure you loved all the delicious treats just as much as I did. We had a few days with a busy schedule, but I still tried to take it easy as much as I could. You're now about the size of a honeydew, and you've dropped quite a bit! You've also given me the gift of lots of kicks and wiggles... and contractions. At least I'll have lots of practice for the big day. And quite unexpectedly, you gave your Nana a good kick, although I'm sure she enjoyed feeling you move. When she was giving me a big hug, you gave a big kick, and she really felt it. We announced your name on our Christmas card, and everyone loved it! We can't wait to bring our little Brayden Christopher into the world. I'm making all my lists, and crossing off as much as I can. I feel like the time is coming all too soon, and we have more preparation to do... but really, no matter when you arrive, we'll be ready!

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It's time to share a quote or two... a favorite, a new find, a laugh inducing or tear inducing quote you love this week! Welcome to Sunday Citar!

Join us whenever you'd like, and remember to visit your fellow participants. Let's get quotin'.

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“Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life."
~William Congreve


Sitting at my keyboard, legs propped up after a long day, back is tired but my heart is full. Nephew's wedding/photoshoot went well, love is in the air. Belly growing, baby moving, smile beaming, mind thinking.

Am I ready?

Uncertain of what's to come, expectation of my heart being stretched. Fear of the unknown, joy in the approaching change.

Am I ready?

My thoughts wander to a time to come, a time that is nearing with quick approach, a time where I'll have to be brave and strong. The future always brings with it the unpredictable. I take a deep breath. Breathe in the peace, the calm, the love. And now I'm sitting at my keyboard, legs propped up after a long day, back is tired but my heart is full.

I am ready.


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I would love to have you join the Sunday Citar inspiration and have all of us come to your blog to read what quotes inspire you! Simply write your own post on your blog, link within your post to my blog, and sign up with Mr. Linky below, leaving your name and the link directly to your Sunday Citar post. Just click here if any of that sounds confusing. There you'll be able to get the complete rundown, as well as learn how to link back to my blog if you don't already know how. Take a moment a visit a few participants... you'll be glad you did!




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The Secret's Out!

This year's Christmas card has a very big announcement... the name of our soon-to-arrive Baby Boy Blue! So, now that the cards have been sent and friends and family have been informed, here's our Merry Christmas card from us to you :) We are truly blessed by all of those who follow us on our blog and twitter, have become friends on facebook, those we know in person and those we don't, those who have hired us, comforted us, and laughed with us. We love you all, you're all a part of our story. Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours!

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Almost There

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I hope all your Christmas shopping, wrapping, cleaning and cooking are getting wrapped up while you enjoy time with your families! Have yourself a merry little Christmas Eve!

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32 Weeks

32 weeks

To My Little Growing Miracle,
Week 32 was busy, busy, busy, but you handled it like a champ, and didn't take it out on your mama too much. Between traveling, work, Christmas recitals and Christmas parties, we've been staying on our feet quite a bit, but I'm hoping this next week brings with it some time to relax. We had our appointment with the midwife this week, and you are doing well... you're already in the right position, you've just got to wait a little bit longer. We'll be scheduling one more ultrasound before the big day, and I'm just looking forward to seeing you move around again while the technician tries to take a picture of you. You're daddy was excited to hear that he'll be able to help deliver you, that's something that he can't wait for. At this point, I'm sure you're getting cramped in there, because all I can feel is pushing, rolling and moving. I'm certain you're constantly trying to get comfortable. I'm starting to develop a linea nigra, the little "black line", that runs up to my belly button, it's not that dark, but it's there and for some reason made me excited. Maybe it's just the fact that I'm excited to be pregnant with you! Only a few more weeks to go!

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Holiday Gift Guide:: Last Minute Shopping for Him

I came home last week after a few busy weeks of traveling, and I had no presents purchased! So today I'll be running out to finish up my shopping. If any of you are like me, then you may enjoy this last minute list of ideas for men, you know, the guys in your life that take out the garbage. They deserve to open more than just a giftcard. Here are a few items that you should be able to run out and get, since shipping options right now can get a little questionable... and pricey.

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(Or any other funny series that your man can enjoy watching over and over, we love watching a TV series during our time off.)



(I've heard that guys love having these necessities gifted to them at Christmas.)

4. R/C Bumper Cars $39.95

(Ok, so you may not be able to just run out and buy this one, but if you find something like it, your guy will love it... whether he has kids or not.)

5. Hemp Hand Protector $10-18.50

(Whether they like to admit it or not, guys like to take care of themselves, and The Body Shop has a great men's line. He'll love that you thought of his skin.)


(With this, your man can leave this mat on his nightstand, and he can charge all his electronics at one time. Note: If he uses an iPhone, you'll need a compatible case to charge it.)



Have fun with all your last minute shopping. I'm off to get lost in a few stores so my family has something under the tree from me.

Goodbye forever.
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It's time to share a quote or two... a favorite, a new find, a laugh inducing or tear inducing quote you love this week! Sunday Citar is here again!

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"Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow, Filling the sky and earth below, Over the housetops, over the street, Over the heads of the people you meet. Dancing, Flirting, Skimming along."
~J.W. (Joseph Warren) Watson

Yesterday was a day of flirting with the snow, the beautiful snow. Running Christmas-time errands with the flakes grazing our faces and coming home to a good covering of snow is what makes the season fun.

The sight of all the snow in our yard made our daughter excited to get out her sled. Chris pulled her around the yard, running and tipping the sled over, which produced mountains of giggles from my girl. I stayed in and made hot chocolate for us all. It's winter!

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I would love to have you join the Sunday Citar inspiration and have all of us come to your blog to read what quotes inspire you! Simply write your own post on your blog, link within your post to my blog, and sign up with Mr. Linky below, leaving your name and the link directly to your Sunday Citar post. Just click here if any of that sounds confusing. There you'll be able to get the complete rundown, as well as learn how to link back to my blog if you don't already know how. Take a moment a visit a few participants... you'll be glad you did!


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Whippersnappers

Last night was my daughter's Christmas recital hosted at her daycare. And I walked away with a firm belief that anyone who doesn't like little whippersnappers should attend a recital where each cast member is under the age of 5, most of which are 3 and under.

It's just too entertaining.

They would either laugh so hard, they'd forget about their predisposition towards children, or they'd suffer a mild to severe ulcer from all the cuteness they just couldn't stand.

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Here's an opening scene for the shepherds. My daughter is the little sheep on the left, there were two, but the other sheep walked her way right to center stage and plopped herself down. The rest of the cast were waiting to make the journey.

I guess they had to wait to long, because one of the shepherds on the right became a little bored and decided to pick his nose.

And look at that chubby little cherub!

Good Lord, someone help me. It's a good thing I'm already pregnant, or...

Well, it's a good thing I'm already pregnant.

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Here's my daughter finally able to make her way to the main stage. It's a tough journey, just look at that tongue.

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One thing's for certain, she's a singer. Or, at least a screamer. Everyone in the back of the room heard her singing. She was ready to be heard.

I couldn't have been more proud.

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At some point, the sheep's 'wool' began to shed. I thought we'd lost her.

She tried to re-attach it to her costume and it just stuck to her finger. She began to vigorously shake her hand to free the stuck cotton. After a few failed attempts, she went right back to the singing.

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I can't say the same for that cute little wise man with his head attached to the floor. He tried everything in his might, even beating his own head, to remove that head-dress, and it just wouldn't budge.

Good job wardrobe.

If I'd tied it on, it probably would've fallen off on it's own while he walked out.

There really is just so much going on.

The other little sheep is counting her fingers, Joseph has a crush on Mary, and the wise man with the crown in the front...

Umm...

I'm not really sure. I think he might just be in awe at all of the people that came to see him. Or he forgot where he was.

It all was just a little too cute.

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And I love my sweet little sheep.

My favorite kid interviews shown that night:

"What's your favorite tradition?"

"Umm.... soap."


"What do you want for Christmas?"

"Pineapple." (His answer to all the questions)


"Where did Jesus come from?"

"His mommy's tummy... and he came out right there." (As she point's to... that place babies come out. And, yes, this one was my daughter.)

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Holiday Gift Guide:: Stocking Stuffers for Her

Wow. Ok, so Christmas is quite literally right around the corner. So here are some items that are easy enough to get in time, and would be appreciated by any woman on your list. Great as stocking stuffers for your wife, a sweet gift for your mom, appreciated by your daughter. You know. For anyone that can be referred to as 'she.'

women's christmas




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31 Weeks

31 weeks

Hello my little love,
Week 31 has been a week of growing! I can't see my feet now when I look straight down... just belly. You are definitely getting heavier and could weigh over 3lbs now. This week has also included lots of standing and walking, so that could have some effect on how heavy you feel to me. I've noticed my stride has begun to turn into a waddle, but I don't mind it one bit, it's for a good reason.
You and I had our last trip out of town with you in utero, as mommy needs to stay close to home now until you are born. Daddy also came out and visited, and we had a wonderfully sweet time together, adult time together before you arrive. Before he joined me on my trip, we talked often on iChat and whenever you'd hear your daddy or your sisters voice, you'd start kicking. They loved watching my belly move and Aliyah enjoyed singing to you through the screen. I hope you know how much you are truly loved, cared for, and you're such a part of this family already.

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Sunday Citar

Have you come across a quote that inspired you? Or made you think? Maybe it made you smile. Or reminded you of someone special? Or maybe none of the above, but you just liked it. Well, share it! It's time for Sunday Citar!

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"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."
~Aaron Siskind

Lately I've found myself trying to remember what it's like to have a baby in the house, especially a newborn. There are times where its hard for me to even remember what my daughter looked like as such a little baby. Time seems to go by so fast, and I'm thankful for the memories, for all the little things that were caught on camera, because I just can't remember them all. It makes me want to photograph more.

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I would love to have you join the Sunday Citar inspiration and have all of us come to your blog to read what quotes inspire you! Simply write your own post on your blog, link within your post to my blog, and sign up with Mr. Linky below, leaving your name and the link directly to your Sunday Citar post. Just click here if any of that sounds confusing. There you'll be able to get the complete rundown, as well as learn how to link back to my blog if you don't already know how. Take a moment a visit a few participants... you'll be glad you did!



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The Surprise

My phone vibrated gently in my pocket. I almost missed it, being surrounded by people, I almost didn't notice.

"What time are you going to be done working today?" I could hear his silky smooth voice in my head as I read his text. A little smile began to creep across my face. It didn't matter what the message was, my heart always skipped a beat when I saw his name on my screen.

I didn't think anything of his question. I just answered. It was completely normal for us to talk all day long, about anything. About everything.

We continued moving into playful banter for a few minutes. My mood was slightly elevated. Work was busy, but I kept feeling myself being pulled to him. Every second mattered.

More than anything at that moment I wanted to talk to him. More than anything I wanted to see him again, to feel the warmth of his lips against mine.

What was it that made this electrical current between us hum? Why was our conversation so elevated, so excited? Was it the fact that he was getting ready to come see me, that it would only be one more day that we'd be apart?

My anticipation for his arrival made my heart accelerate and soon the noisy room became quiet, like I was the only one there.

But for now, I would wait.

Unknown to me, he had different plans. Wait for him I would, but not idly. Soon the mystery would be revealed to me with another message.

Another message that made me stop short and made my lips curl up at the corners bringing on a warm smile, "You have a massage waiting for you at your hotel spa tonight."

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Baby on the Brain

Well, that, and on my bladder.

But what I really want to say is that I'm really enjoying watching Baby Boy Blue's nursery come together. The room is still a little sparse, but it's now completely ready for all the fun little additions like bedding and accessories.

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I just love this beautiful canvas we have to work with now.


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So far we've cleaned out and gutted the room. You may remember this before mess of a picture.


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My husband valiantly tackled the walls and added wainscoting.


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Then it was time for some fresh paint (thanks to some wonderful help). The room just feels larger with the brilliant white set against the light chocolate background.

Mmmm, chocolate.

Really though, the silky brown conveys a sense of reliability, stability, simplicity, and comfort.

Brown gives a feeling of relaxation and makes you feel cozy, safe and warm.

While the fresh white space will help soothe and symbolizes purity, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, innocence, and birth.

And, I just like the way it looks.

We're almost there... the carpets have been cleaned and the crib and changing table re-finished.


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It's just about time to spread around these soft, baby-friendly and colorful accessories we've been saving. These colors are really going to pop against the clean lines and oh-so-calming nursery background.


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And we can't forget that we've slowing been stocking the closet with the most adorable, and
utterly necessary finds.

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