A Few of my Favorite Things

While there are many perks to being a teacher, none of the least of which is the time off at the holidays. I have been able to give my little girl as much attention as I possibly have the patience for and I have really enjoyed her this break. Thus fore, creating a monster. But that's a whole other blog.....

What I did love this break was getting to spend some time with some of my favorite people. On Monday, when I came back to the city, I brought my niece, Maggie, and my sister-in-law, Halee with me. They were so full of giggles that I thought my sides were going to split open before they left. I can't say enough how glad I am that Reese has two female role models like these girls, she will always have an excellent example of strong women and I am so thankful for that.

While they were here we visited Chuck E. Cheese where I kicked every one's butt in skee ball. We ate pizza, slid in some slides and left with a pile of junk that makes kids so happy. I didn't get any pictures but I did get a video of the girls doing the Chuck E Shuffle. It was too long to download but it was very cute. I was very proud of them for having the courage to get out there.

The next day we went shopping at Oak Park Mall. Really this was just an excuse for me to go to the American Girl Doll store. But while we were there the girls made Build A Bear dolls for themselves. It was fun to watch them pick out dolls and name them and eventually settle on an outfit. They both had so much fun.

The girls and I had a great couple of days and I really can't say enough about how sweet they are.

After that, I got the privilege to spend some time in Marceline with my favorite little guy in the world, Deakan. My sister had to work most of the week so I asked if I could kidnap him one day and spend the afternoon with him. He and Reese and I hung out Thursday and we really enjoyed tickling him. Several times I caught Reese sucking her thumb with her head in his lap. He is one giggly little boy and not much phases him. He rolled with the punches and the endless attempts at snatching his pacifier and I think he had a fun day with us too. I accidentally left my camera in the car that day so I didn't get any good pictures to put on here but I promise he was as adorable as he could be.

So, when I make a list of all the things that I love, I have to count great vacation time. It makes me so happy that I can spend my break with all my favorite kiddos. Especially since they are going to get old so fast, I want to just bottle them up right now so I can remember the sweet giggles!

The Highlights

This is the first time I've been on a computer since Christmas morning. I haven't missed it much but I have missed the downtime it takes to sit and relax and blog. So, I apologize for missing Wordless Wednesday but I have lots to share to make up for it.

Christmas morning we wholly expected little to no reaction from our little pumpkin head. In fact, we were thinking of letting her eat breakfast first before even introducing presents. We brought her out and her eyes were like magnets to the beauty of Santa Claus. Her words exactly were, "eh?" This I translated to, "Holy Shit, Mama, is this for me?" It couldn't have been more perfect and I can't even describe how great Dustin and I felt at that moment.

After that we loaded up the car and made the trek home, arriving in Meadville first. Watching her, Halee and Maggie get so excited over there gifts was priceless. She adored her tricycle and we are really looking forward to some nice days outside so she can shoot some hoops with her new basketball goal. But Mama's favorite gift was the cheerleading outfit. She's just a few short years away from shaking it with some pom poms!

We spent the night there and got up the next day to head to my grandma's house for lunch at noon which has been the tradition for years upon years. We made a glorious mess in her living room of wrapping paper and tissue and ribbons. Having two babies to buy for made everyone's list a little more exciting. Reese got a bean bag and just loved rolling around on it. She also got a little play table that will be promptly removed from her room because she loves to climb up on it and fall off. We are DONE with that.

Next we convened at my mom's to have our Christmas with Terry's kids and grandkids. Here Reese got some amazing books, seriously, The Monster at the End of the Book really is the best one written ever. She got some cute clothes and (wait for it....) AN AMERICAN GIRL DOLL!!!!! I'm not sure if that was more for her or more for me but I almost peed my pants! That was the best! Dustin informed me tonight that we should keep it in the box for the time being and that we really should let Reese be the first one to play with it. I pouted for awhile before agreeing.

There were a few downers about Christmas, nothing I'm going to get in to especially because they come at great personal embarrassment to me (can we say learn when enough is enough Lindsay?). But overall this was the very best Christmas I've had in years. I enjoyed each and every moment and I know the joy and magic is going to keep getting better. I feel so thankful for everything and I hope everyone had a very merry holiday!

Wordless Wednesday

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Break

This week has already been a blast. I am going to have a hard time going back to work in 2 weeks. Today we didn't do much out of the ordinary, got up, played some peekaboo, went to Wal-Mart, and ate a lot. I did probably say "no" 13 million times. But I have a pretty obedient child for the most part.

This break has been good for us though. We are always so cranky and worn out and hungry when we hang out. Sometimes we read a lot, sometimes we read a little. But this week Reese is taking great naps and she never goes hungry so we've both been in wonderful moods. It is so much fun to watch her play, it seems like she's learned so many new tricks.

For starters, the girl is going to take a step any day now. And the best part is, I think she's going to do it during this break. (Please say a little prayer that she does, it will kill me if I'm not there!) She scoots around on her dinosaur and is really standing on her own with confidence. Another fun thing to watch is her language development. She was kind of a late talker and well she definitely is not in any hurry about much of anything but her talking has exploded lately. She is starting to name things and I try to get her to say "up" before I pick her up. She's doing great with this and I really love to hear her say it.

Her smiles and giggles are plentiful and she has taken to curling up in my lap with a book or to play with some thing. It's fun to cuddle up with her and have no place to go. She is one wonderful little girl and I am really glad I'll be able to think back to this break with a thousand smiles to remember.

Sneak Peek

Here is a little sneak peek of what Reese and I whipped up for our baking tradition. Cake pops! After a friend brought me one last week, I've been hooked ever since!

Another Christmas Tradition

Today I did something pretty brave. I took my stranger-anxiety-ridden daughter to see Santa. I knew she wasn't going to like it. And I was right.

Something in my wanted to go see Santa really bad though. It kind of feels like a kid HAS to go see Santa before Christmas. I don't really have any need to get a big fancy picture I just thought she should go see what it was all about and I really like the thought of starting another tradition.



But anyway, back to today. We got to Zona Rosa and we were behind another little family in line. It was a little boy so I strapped Reese in since she has been having a little trouble with keeping her lips to herself around boys these days. They had a little set back so they let us go on ahead in line, giving us the #1 spot. We walked in to two cute little elves and I made sure to give them a head's up that we had a screamer here. No one seemed at all surprised (they indicated that it happens a lot) and they tried to make Reese feel at ease.


I walked my dear daughter on over to the big fat guy and her grip grew tighter and tighter. And when I sat her down and walked away the screams rang through the air. It simultaneously broke my heart and made me laugh out loud. But they quickly snapped two hilarious pictures of a screaming baby and we were done. One candy cane, an elf stuffed animal and a priceless keepsake later, and we were out the door. It happened so fast I couldn't hardly believe it myself.



Now we have our first Santa picture and we can say we went. And I will forever look back at this day and laugh at that beautifully frightened face!

Christmas Tradition

Reese and I are going to start a new Christmas treat tradition next week. We are going to create a Christmas treat that is all ours. Not a hand-me-down recipe or an old favorite but a new favorite of our creation. I'm not sure yet what that will be, but I am looking forward to trying something new and starting out on our first big Christmas adventure.

While we are at it, we are also going to make a big pan of Chex Mix like my Aunt Shirley makes. I called my grandma tonight and asked her if she would call Shirley and ask for the recipe. She was just certain Shirley wasn't going to give it up but she said she'd give it a shot anyway. Grandma called just a few minutes ago, chuckling, saying that the recipe was on the box! Ha!! As if it were some secret family recipe! But I can handle that and I know my dad used to make it the same way. It just sounds like Christmas to me!

If you have a little something special that you think is worth a try, leave a comment, I'm definitely up for suggestions! I am just hoping to find a just-right recipe that people will be able to expect from our family each year.

Wordless Wednesday

Two Things to Share

First things first, a good, good friend of mine, Amy, had a housefire over the weekend. It was completely devastating to her and her fiance and they are in need of many things. They lost many clothes and personal belongings and are having a really hard time right now. I wanted to pass a link on of a place to donate to their cause if you know her and would like to help or if you just have a Christmas donation that needs a home. Please keep her and her fiance in your prayers.

Chip in for Amy and Mel

Secondly, West Englewood had a Talent Show on Friday. Some of the teachers danced in it and it is now on YouTube. Lucky me! Anyway, here is the link to that as well if you'd like to watch us shake it on stage to Men in Black. Enjoy!!

WE Teachers in Black

Sick Day

My life has been wrought with sick days lately. I myself had 2 last week and today, Reese decided to call in sick as well. Maybe she didn't get the memo that I have been gone from school 4 days in 2 weeks, maybe she just didn't care. But I did.

Not to mention that taking a day when you have a sick baby feels a lot like playing hookie. Even more so than when taking one for yourself. It's bad enough thinking all day, "am I really sick enough to stay home?" "Could I have just sucked it up and went?" But when it is a sick kid and Mommy feels just fine the guilt just oozes from the pores.

Then on top of that, sub plans. Arrangements have to be made before a teacher can just walk away. Something is always forgotten or left off and then the guilt cycle repeats. So the baby's sick day just made me about sick to my stomach all day.

On a positive note, because she didn't feel the best, Reese was as cuddly as a teddy bear today. Her fever spiked pretty high at one point and all she felt like doing was laying her head on my chest. I was able to sit on the couch and enjoy my baby all afternoon. Definitely the only bonus of the day, but it was a good one.

Don't forget about me

I promise to start blogging regularly again soon. I have really felt like the days are running together and I'm having a hard time getting to all those things I want to do before I collapse in bed. I've been running a One Woman Show these days and let's just say that I've seen better performances.

Just now I took a look at a pile of laundry to the ceiling because the spin cycle on my washer went out and it takes 2 hours or more to dry a load and it's not really all that worth it to me to worry about it. I saw 3 remotes in the middle of the floor which may or may not have batteries in them. I chased a beagle down with a wooden spoon, cleaned up after a lab with an attitude and a leg to hike, found spaghetti hanging from the back door and applesauce all over the back of my shirt. I have 2 unfinished books going right now, piles and piles of Christmas presents to wrap and it probably wouldn't hurt to shave my legs one of these days.

And I'm not even going to tell you what my toilet looks like.....

But anyway, back to my point, please don't forget about me. I promise to get back in a routine soon. I'm adjusting and getting my bearings and I will be back in the habit of writing before you know it. Thanks for giving me a hard time about Wordless Wednesday too, it helps me remember because I am pretty sure I had no idea what day it was when I woke up today. What am I saying? I didn't know what day it was after I worked all day and got home tonight! Thanks for being loyal readers, I hope not to disappoint you!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Sorry for the delay and for the break last week.

Things that make you go Hmmmm

ed in to complete chaos. I got home today and walked in to complete chaos. I was frustrated and stressed out and it made me really wonder about a few things. For example:

Why does every need have to be met upon immediately walking in the door? Because dogs need to go out and eat, babies need to be held, dishes must be unloaded from the dishwasher and dinner must be made, but it seems as though Mommies could use a beer, when does that get to happen?

Why do toys come without batteries?

Why do Pepsis roll under the seat of a car far enough so the owner forgets abut it and doesn't get it along with the rest of the groceries?

Why do the cutest things in the Target discount aisle always sell for $2.50 instead of $1.00?

Why do replacement debit cards take weeks to arrive? And why can't those who lose their debit cards remember this fact BEFORE pulling into the Wendy's drive-thru?

Why is fleece a magnet for dog hair?

Why does Lucy always yank the football out from underneath Charlie Brown?

Why? Why? WHY?

I guess maybe some questions will always be left unanswered. But tonight as I watched a happy baby pet her doggies and finished up the last few pages of my page-turner, I realized that I'm okay with that. It may have been utter mayhem when I walked in but the peace will come and there is always something good to find in the day.

Thanksgiving Food

I love Thanksgiving just for the food alone. I love, love, love dressing, stuffing, whatever you may call it, I love it. I'm not a stuffing snob, I like it right out of the box, but also doctored up with apples or corn or whatever. Last year, with Reese being so little and with it being cold and flu season, we decided to stay home and celebrate with anyone who wanted to join us. It was nice not to travel. But it was not nice missing my Grandma's stuffing.

This year I am excited to help her make it. I am hoping that she just lets me do it so I can know EXACTLY what she does. Then I am hoping to know what to do to make it from now on. I have tried and failed in the past so maybe just maybe this will be my year. I can't wait.

There are many other foods I enjoy at Thanksgiving. Creamed peas, mashed potatoes, frozen cranberry salad, the topping on my mom's sweet potatoes. I could go on all day. I can hardly contain my excitement of eating all the yummy stuff. And if she's anything like me, Reese is going to be pretty excited too. If she's one thing, it's an eater. But the apple doesn't fall far from the tree on that one.

Pre-Holiday Weekend

The holidays haven't quite started yet, but you wouldn't know that by looking at our house. We took advantage of the opportunity of being home with no plans to clean the house and get our Christmas decorations down from the attic.

For the last 2 years, I haven't even put up a tree. I just didn't have it in me. So this year getting everything out made Dustin and me feel very festive. We did some shopping and I even tried to wrap a couple of things, but that was like blowing leaves from a yard during a tornado. And speaking of tornadoes, getting the decorations put up proved to be a challenge. We had to put everything higher up than a baby can reach or a dog jump. I think we've managed though.

It's up and looks great and now I can just enjoy watching Reese look at the lights in awe.

Miranda

Thursday night we went to see Miranda Lambert. We both really love her so when Dustin had the opportunity to get tickets to see her for our anniversary we just couldn't pass it up. And my goodness are we glad we went!

We had a great time, right down to every last detail. Our tickets were general admission so we were standing only a few feet from the stage. Eric Church was just great. He sings a lot of songs we love too so it was kind of a two for one deal. But the best thing of all was Miranda. She was just fabulous. Her microphone stand was a shotgun, which was pretty cute and she had a pink guitar. She threw out her guitar pick one time and guess who got it? US!! A girl right by us almost kicked Dustin, she was sooo mad!

Overall, it was a fun night. We enjoyed having some time to ourselves, especially seeing such a great show. And if you ever get the chance, go see her, she is like phenomenal!

Wordless Wednesday

Caution: Nerd Alert

Guess what is on my agenda for the weekend? Just guess.

You'll never guess.

What? What's that you say? Harry Potter? Hermione? Voldemort? Well, then, yes, you are right. I'm going to see Harry Potter. And I am so excited!!

As I have stated before, I have a strong love for all things Potter. I am so happy that the final movie is on its way to theaters probably as we speak. The best part is that I have blackmailed my husband into going on the condition I won't tell anyone. So don't tell, okay? I wonder if he would mind wearing that Griffindor robe I bought him?

I Guess she Could do Worse

Today, my very dear friend, Nova and I had one of our little mini-chats that we do so often. We have a 6th sense when the other needs a couple of minutes with a listening ear. We talk about doctor's appointments and baby haircuts. We talk about discipline and our girls' friendship and we share books that are excellent reads. We gave each other support when our babies wouldn't sleep and when things weren't perfect in our job. We have quite a wide-range of discussion topics and we usually end up talking longer than we probably should being the busy teachers we are but all the same, we enjoy our chats.

Back to today. As I was leaving she said something along the lines of; it's okay to be nice to your baby, being nice shows them how to be nice and they're going to be good girls.

Hmmm, I thought, I guess Reese could do worse....

So then I thought more about that. She really could do worse. There are worse people in this world than those who hold their baby too much or comfort them when they are sad. There are worse people than those who walk quicker to the milk cup when their baby screams. Or than those who would let their baby have 3 fruit cups for dinner because she loves them so much.

It's easy to end up loving your child too much and wanting to give them everything. It's easy to want to dry every tear and fix every hurt. And it's easy to be the shelter in a storm a little too often. When I do a mirror check, I see a mom who wants to show her daughter love and support. Someone who wants to inspire empathy and a giving heart. So I guess she really could do a lot worse.

Wordless Wednesday

The Birthday Party

As you may know, Reese's first birthday party was this weekend! We had a big time celebrating with our family. Reese really loved the little things about the party; balloons, tissue paper, cards, you know the stuff people really spent a lot of time picking out.

She really had a great time tearing in to her cake. I wanted to make it for her, there's nothing like a cake that someone who loves you really took their time to make, so I gave it a try. It was nothing for an Ace of Cakes episode but it could've been a lot worse.

It was a wonderful day and we are so thankful for the fun toys and cute clothes/shoes that Reese got. And for the amazing food my Aunt Sharon made.

Reese's Birthday Week: The Big Day!!

How do you measure a year?

Sleepless nights, checks with cell phone lights

Cheerios and applesauce, Millions of bottles to wash

Swings and rocking, waiting for talking

Runny nose, tiny toes

Giggles, peekaboo, and nose scrunches too

Eyes just like a doe, and raspberries to blow

A baby who growls, pulling dog jowls

Little yellow pool, throwing crosswords in the stool

Any food you’ll try, pacis, diapers, and bottles, Oh My!

Tears with a whine, sometimes yours sometimes mine

Carrots and fruit, little ugg boots

Peekaboo and board books, always bring a second look

Gap jeans and drama queens

Rolling over, sitting up, and then, a sippy cup

Wet kisses and sweet hugs, little heartstring tugs

Early by 6 weeks, still had chubby cheeks

Baby Girl, you’re such a dear, I can’t believe it’s been a year

A baby you’ll always be, you mean so much to me

This year and many more, happiness is in store

So smile it’s your big day, and we just hope to say…

Happy Birthday, Baby Reese!

Reese's Birthday Week: Day 5

Reese is so affectionate. She loves laying her head on our shoulders. She crawls all over us and wants to be held a lot. It's so nice to have a baby who lovingly interacts with Mommy and Daddy. Last night we read a story and she kept getting so excited every time a new animal would come on the page. As she got so excited, I told her to give the piggy a kiss. I couldn't tear her away after that. She kept kissing and kissing each page. Tonight when we read it the pages were even stuck together because of her wet kisses! She kisses baby dolls and stuffed animals. It is the sweetest thing I've ever seen. My affectionate and sweet baby makes a Mama feel loved.

Wordless Wednesday

Reese's Birthday Week: Day 4

Reese is a hell of an eater. I love that about her. It is so much fun to be creative and pick out different vegetables for her to try. She will eat just about anything. I have given her anything from beets to ice cream to 4 cheese tortellini. And she is pretty proficient at feeding herself. She can shovel that food in as fast as her little fingers can scoop it up. I am looking forward to the day when she can help me make dinner and bake cookies. But as for now, I am definitely enjoying my little foodie!

Reese's Birthday Week: Day 3

Something I adore about Reese is her love for dogs. Now this love can be a little arbitrary, there are times when those dogs really piss her off, but mostly she loves her brothers and all other dogs she comes in to contact with. She loves to drop food on the floor just for them and she loves to grab ahold of their jowls and really give them a squeeze. She is learning how to make the sign for doggie and how to pet "nicely." This morning she reached out to give Elisha's dogs and little pat on the nose. She doesn't seem to mind all the dog hair she eats or the howling at all hours of her sleep cycle. What she DOES mind though is getting kicked in the face from a sneezing dog gone out of control and she doesn't much care for a lick in the face. But in all honesty, who does?

Reese's Birthday Week: Day 2

Last night I asked Dustin what his favorite thing was about Reese. He thought and thought about it. He finally decided that his favorite thing about her was definitely her cutie little smile. She gets so excited and wrinkles up her nose. Its adorable. If the two of us are sitting close to one another we always glance at the other to make sure we saw all the cuteness. In that one look we sum up how we feel; we do good work.

Reese's Birthday Week: Day 1

In honor of Reese's birthday on Friday, I will be posting a picture of her each day with something I love about her. Feel free to comment about her too!!

One of the best things about Reese is that she is cuddly. She loves to snuggle up with me on the couch and play or she lays her head on our shoulder when she is feeling shy. She conks out in our lap while she rests her hand on our chest (similar to the picture). She could sleep for hours just cuddled right up to us. Sometimes she will halfway wake up and look around and see that she is being held and cuddled tight. She always meets my eye and lays her head back down. I like to think she is thinking, "oh, it's Mom, thank goodness, I can go back to sleep now." Our cuddle time is one of the best things about her, I just LOVE it!

Wordless Wednesday

My Baby

In a few short days my baby will be one! One! I can hardly believe it myself. A whole year of this crazy kid has gone by and I can't believe it happened so fast.

In this short time I have learned a few things. Maybe I should say a LOT of things but a few that stand out the most. Mostly I just learned that my baby will always be a baby in my eyes.
She will always be my baby born 6 weeks early who ate from a feeding tube for 10 days. I just can't help it she will always be.

I have also learned that the work really doesn't lessen but it most definitely increases. Wrestling a baby into a pair of tights and Mary Janes while avoiding knocking all the items on the changing table is no small feat. Keeping her from standing up in a slippery tub or drinking the water that she probably peed in is like an act of God.

I have learned that if we make a mess there is a compass inside her brain that leads her directly to it. Pumpkin goo, overflow from a backed up drain, paint, it all finds it's way on to her hands, feet, and clothes. A bathtub with two inches of water in it, can still pack a pretty good splash. And don't even think about food with sauce on it, white or red every inch of baby will be covered in it...don't forget the ears!

I know now that fingers smash, lips bust, and heads bonk faster than anyone can grab an arm shield the fall. That thinking, "oh there's nothing in there she can get to" is a sure-fire way of making something messy appear from out of thin air. And that even the sturdiest things can tip over with surprisingly little force.

I also know that watching my baby kiss her bunny because she loves it so much is beautiful. That the maddest you can absolutely be will ultimately provoke the cutest grin and chuckle which in turn causes Daddies to melt like butter. Watching a little girl clap her excitement or point to something that makes her happy is like a small present each time. Witnessing a first moment of discovery is priceless.

Yep, I've learned a lot this year. And thank goodness I have a lot more ahead of me. But boy, they better slow down, this first one went a little quick for my taste, that's for sure!

In Summary

I finally got the chance to sit down and upload all of my pictures from my trip to New Orleans. I tried to summarize what I thought of as New Orleans. It was a lot of boozing, a lot of great seafood, and a lot of beads, masks and t-shirts. I couldn't be happier to have had the opportunity to go to this conference, especially in such cool city. It was a learning experience on a lot of different levels.

Who Dat?

These Nawlin's people, they lead a different life then little ole me. I saw a billboard that read: "You can call mama'n'em for less." For real. They put "Who Dat?" on every T-shirt that comes out of this place. There are billions of Saints jerseys, beads, signs, really anything in your wildest imagination there. This place is just unreal.

And I highly recommend a visit if you like the smell of B.O. and urine.....just sayin'.....

But in all honesty, this has been an amazing week. I've never been to such an eye opening conference. I've learned so much from the work of Richard and Becky Dufour on Professional Learning Committees that I'm incredibly excited to get back to school to share all my good stuff with my friends there. We had a really good team meeting to discuss how we want to go forth with our information and I really think that we will be making some good changes at our school.

At night we were able to go eat and see the sights of Nawlins. There are tons of great places to eat that are not chains. We dined on shrimp, fish, po-boys and tons of chicken. We were able to walk the river walk, ride their trolley, eat some pralines, and buy a couple t-shirts. But most of all we sucked up the culture of the French Quarter.

I fully plan to get some pictures uploaded and make a synopsis of my trip for you but right now I am sitting on the floor of the airport so I will just share a snapshot of my trip. I tried more, but the signal is pretty shoddy. I would also like to add here that of all the places one goes, and all the things a person can see, there is nothing like the feel of a bed from home, and there is nothing better than the face of a beautiful baby.

Conference Day 1

Last night we arrived in New Orleans. We got in late after a layover in Memphis and a shoe checkpoint for me because I had on two different black flip flops by mistake. I was on their radar because of it and I felt like a complete idiot. We were super tired when we got here. But, the minute we walked through the door we were energized. This place is amazing! I've never seen anything quite so fancy.

Here is the view of our room. There's even a TV in our bathroom!

For lunch we went to a really cool place on Bourbon Street and I ate fried green tomatoes for the first time in my life! I thought that was pretty cool!

Tonight we are going to walk around and look at the sights. I'll post some more pictures later.

***And for those of you who are wondering, we are doing a lot of working. I've been to 3 different speaker sessions and done some great work that I'm excited to bring back to school.

Wordless Wednesday: New Orleans Style

The Big Easy

Tomorrow I leave for New Orleans for a Professional Learning Community conference. I have some mixed emotions about the trip.

To start with, stressed. That's my first and foremost emotion that is for sure. There is a lot of work to be done to leave a family, a home, and a classroom for 4 days. I can't even tell you how many trys it has taken to get a deep breath today.... I had such a bad day that one kid in my class asked if I had a rough day, I told her yes it had been. She asked me if I was going to go home and have some wine. Kids are hilarious sometimes.

I am feeling sad also. I might have the cutest baby girl on earth and I really hate to leave her for a few days. She is so funny right now, she just screeches and gets so excited about everything. She bangs on pots and pans and trys to stand up when she gets really excited. I just wish I could stow her away in my carry on.

With that being said, I am also feeling very excited. I'm not a big traveler and I've never been to New Orleans. We are staying at a really cool hotel and right by Bourbon Street. Everything is in walking distance and I'm looking forward to seeing some cool stuff. I'm also looking forward to learning some cool stuff. There are some cool breakout sessions during the conference that I can't wait to attend. I have a feeling I am going to learn a lot.

So it's off to New Orleans tomorrow. And don't worry, I'm not planning on missing Wordless Wednesday. And tune in for details on my trip; hopefully I won't disappoint you!!

Wordless Thursday

Two Years

Yesterday was our 2 year anniversary. 2 years, I can't believe it! We have so much fun together that 2 years has gone by very fast. Okay, okay some times it goes by very slow, like when it's bedtime and he suddenly remembers the "gift" he got me that day, usually a goose or a tickle which totally defeats the purpose of quiet time before we get in bed. Anyway, we have come a long way in 2 years. Here are a few of our highlights.

Dating

Engaged

Our wedding day

Newlyweds

Pregnant

Meeting Reese

And our greatest highlight of all