This Man

This man.

Gosh, I love him.

Somedays I realize just how much I take him for granted.

He is loving and kind.

Absolutely hilarious.  I don't think a day goes by where he doesn't have me laughing.

He's thoughtful in the little ways.

If he stops by the grocery store he'll be sure to bring me home a Kit Kat Bar.

If he picks up movies he grabs some Bunch'a'Crunch.

Apparently candy is my love language.

He never brings home a bad attitude from work, no matter how hard his day was.

He willingly listens to me talk on end about subjects that don't interest him at all like blogging and organizing.

He loves me the most when I'm in my bootcut blue jeans and a t-shirt which of course makes me think of this (how did it not win Video of the Year, I'll never know).

He gives me nightly footrubs when we lay on the couch.

He is a phenomenal father.
He never complains about having to do a diaper change (although he gets surprisingly grossed out by them...compared to what he sees at work they are nothing!)

He loves his gals so much.

You know when you just know something deep in your heart?

That's how I feel about how much he loves us.

He would do anything for us.

Anyway, we are so lucky and blessed.

I've just been thinking about this a lot this week, so I thought I'd put it down in writing.

You know, just a little something to look back on for when I'm picking up his dirty socks. ;o)

xoxo,
Kelly Jo

PS - To show him how much we care I tracked down some Pancakes on a Stick (he's been in remourse ever since Sonic discontinued them).  That's right...food on a stick is his love language.

Lately

Greetings from the couch of the World's Worst Blogger!

I know, I know...I've been terrible about blogging lately.  Up until my Mother's Day post I think it had been about three weeks.  I've got a good reason though...

"Really, Mom? You're taking ANOTHER picture?"

Yup, this little lady right here.  She keeps me busy.  She is awake a lot more now during the day and she is just so much fun.  And if anyone knows me they know how I love my sleep, so as soon as she is down for the night I'm off to bed instead of hitting the blog like I used to.
Plus, I think I needed a bit of a blogging break.  It was starting to feel more like homework to get a post up which is no fun.  But, now that I'm feeling refreshed after my little hiatus you should be seeing a bit more of me on the ole www.  Maybe not everyday.  In fact, I can almost guarantee that.  But at least more than once every few weeks.
So, with that being said, it's time to play catch up real quick...

Lately around these parts...

:: Ben started a rather hellish not-the-most-fun rotation this month, so the rest of May and June should be interesting.

:: I bought my first avocado.  Then I went back to the store and bought 10.  How I have gone this many years without purchasing avocados I'll never know.  Which brings me to this question:  Does anyone have an amazing guacamole recipe they'd like to share?

:: McCartney has joined me in my love for Dancing With the Stars.  We're rooting for Team Val and Zendaya.  We're also pushing ABC to start a show called "Dancing With the Stay-At-Home Moms."  I think it'd be a hit.

:: Trudy turned the big 2  earlier this month and celebrated with fried eggs for breakfast, hamburgers for dinner, lots of new toys, and an extra car ride.

Spoiled much?

:: Ben's truck broke down which left me as chauffeur for a week.  Two out of the three trips I took he forgot something at home which meant that me and the girls had to make another trip out to the hospital.  Trudy loved it though.  Thankfully we got to pick up his truck last weekend!

::  This past week we also started watching "Lost."  Big mistake.  We're hooked.  Totally addicted.

:: Speaking of good watches, we also rented "Silver Linings Playbook."  It was awesome.  Go rent it now!

::  A few Sundays ago we dedicated McCartney to God and publicly committed ourselves as parents to raising her to know, love, and serve the Lord.  More on that amazing day later.

::  Ben is usually a last minute gift-giver, but he was on his game for Mother's Day.  He received a package a couple weeks before the big day and told me not to look in the top corner of the closet.  Um, that's like telling someone not to think about puppies.  What do they do?  That's right, they immediately think about puppies.  So, I had him at least cover it up with a blanket to help my wondering eyes.  Then the day before Mother's Day he asked me where the wrapping paper is.  I think I'm rubbing off on him. ;o)
(Sidenote:  I think I need to give him a tour of the house so he can find things.  Maybe I should schedule an orientation soon.)

::  McCartney has been a little rolling machine.  The second you lay her on her back she rolls over.  Now she's pushing up and really trying to move those little legs.  She'll be crawling before we know it.  Slow down lil lady!

:: I hosted Book Club last week at my house for the resident spouses.  We read "The Happiness Project" and I LOVED it.  It was one of those books that was just what I needed to read.  Of course, we ended up not even talking about the book, but we could have cared less.  Spending three hours with these girls laughing our butts off and eating good food what exactly what the book called for.

:: I've also been reading "The Good Wife's Guide."  Highly recommend.

:: And speaking of reading, I scored a Nook for only $19!  It was some crazy sale at Radio Shack.  I saw it on a Facebook deals group I follow and I called every store.  Finally, the last store I called had one left!  I only recently discovered that I like reading books on tablets, so to score this deal felt pretty good.  Which brings me to my next point, any good book recommendations. :o)

:: I'm getting ready to start a ruthless declutter mission.  Clutter beware.

::  Lately I've been cooking lots of dinners that I just whip up without any recipe (fancy schmancy, I know) and have been having lots of success.  Maybe I'll share a few on here soon. Mayyyybe.

:: The winter that felt like it would never end has finally come to an end...I hope.  We're looking forward to warm weather, grilling out, and trips to the zoo.  Not looking forward to allergy season though which I got a taste of this past weekend.


So, that's basically what's been going on around here.
Nothing too exciting.  But that's the way we like it.

Now I'm off to run errands with a little cutie!

Over and Out,
Kelly Jo

My First Mother's Day

My first Mother's Day was absolutely perfect.

How could it not be when this little one is the reason why I get to celebrate?

Ben was wonderful and took opportunities the entire weekend to make me feel special.

On Saturday night, we went out to eat at On the Border.
(Side note: avocado fries may be one of the most amazing foods ever invented!)

Before we gave up on the shoes altogether.

Dinner was absolutely delicious!  Little Miss slept through almost the entire thing which I couldn't believe since the place was jam-packed and playing loud Mexican music.  But, she didn't seem to mind and snoozed away until I just had one taco left.

Mamarazzi had to sneak a photo of her under her car seat cover.

Of course, the night just wouldn't we complete without ice cream, so after dinner we headed over to the Marble Slab Creamery.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous so we decided to take the opportunity to enjoy the fountain area and lake right by the ice cream store.  We set up camp on a park bench and just soaked in the beautiful scenery.  McCartney even got to try a bit of ice cream (I know...we're bad...just a taste on our fingertips though!).  Ben was for certain that she'd like his butter pecan better.  Wrong!  She spit it out.  Turns out she's a chocolate girl just like her mama.

Yum! Yum! Yum!

Afterwards we came home and watched "Lost" until 2:30 in the morning because we are the coolest people in the world. 

The next morning, Ben got up early to make me breakfast only to find that we were out of eggs (whoops!).  So, I enjoyed a delicious prepared-with-love bowl of cereal.  It's the thought that counts after all!. 

After breakfast we went to church.  I think I've said this about a hundred times, but I just love our church.  The service was wonderful!  The choir was made up of only the men to sing for the moms and our pastor gave the most inspirational sermon about being parents and prodigal children.  His sermons are always amazing, but this one I was especially trying to soak up every word.   Little McCartney was an angel and slept through the entire service.

After church, we were starving and in the mood for a hearty breakfast.  We debated going to the grocery  store to get the ingredients that we lacked that morning, but our laziness and impatience won and we got carry-out from IHOP.  After breakfast, Ben couldn't wait to give me the gifts that he and McCartney had picked out.  After reading the most thoughtful cards (I'll save them forever), I got to unwrap my presents.  I was so excited to find out that they had gotten me a cupcake pan and a cookie cooling rack - two items that I have been wanting for a long time!  I had mentioned how I needed them awhile back and he took note.  What a man!  He even picked out a cupcake pan that came with a lid so I could "take it when I hung out with my girl friends." Smart thinking, Mr.!  I was already feeling really spoiled when he said that he had one more thing and surprised me with a gift certificate for a spa day complete with foot soak, a one hour massage, and a facial.  I've never had any of those things before!  Not gonna lie, I cried.  I was so happy with just my new cookware.  He didn't need to get me anything else and I felt so guilty that he had spent money on something like that.  For some reason I felt selfish receiving a gift like that and know it shouldn't make me feel that way.  But, now I'm super excited about it.  He better be careful spoiling me that way.  I might get used to it ;o)


Anyway, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect first Mother's Day!  Just getting to spend that time celebrating with my little family, uninterrupted with pages and with no agenda, was absolutely wonderful.
I am so incredibly blessed to have both of them!

She's the only gift I need!

And of course, before I wrap this up, I have to give a big shout-out to the woman who gave me the best example of what being a mom truly means.

I couldn't ask for a more loving mom and a more perfect grandma for McCartney.  She truly is the best!

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all of the beautiful mama's out there!

xoxo,
Kelly Jo

McCartney: 3 Months

Oh, McCartney, I can't believe that you are already three months old.

You bring us so much joy.  All day. Every day.

Even when you are cranky (which is very rare), you are the cutest cranky baby that there ever was.  

So, without further ado, it's time to put on my Proud Mama hat and tell you all about the wonderful little bundle of smiles that you are at 3 months old.

:: If there is one thing that we can say for sure it is that you are a chatterbox! You LOVE to talk!  It doesn't matter the time of day or where you're out, you're bound to be talking up a storm in your own little language.  What makes it even sweeter is that you really do have conversations with us.  We love to ask you questions about your day and listen to your response.  Then you'll pause and wait for us to respond and back and forth we go.  Plus, your little voice is so sweet!  Anyone who hears it has their heart melt instantly.

::  You made me and your Daddy very proud parents when you rolled over a week and a half ago.  We had just been to the pediatrician that Wednesday and I asked him when we should expect it (you'd been getting pretty close!) and he said that it would be more around the 4 or 5 month mark.  Well, you are just a little overachiever.  I was with my Aunt Marilyn and we had you laying on the table at the ranch, watching you try so hard.  She had just said something along the lines of "Don't worry, you'll be able to do it someday" when you just did it!  You rolled from your back to your stomach like a pro.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  But wait, get this!  I helped you get adjusted on your tummy and you decided that you might as well knock out two milestones in one day and rolled from your tummy to your back! You're our little Super Baby!

::  This month you also gave us your first laugh which was music to our ears.  You were being dramatically fussy (sometimes we think you fake it), so I set you on my lap and shook your favorite rattle by your ear.  You let out the sweetest chuckle I've ever heard.  Of course, your Daddy and I started laughing which made you chuckle even more.  You still laugh at that rattle when I shake it by you.  It must be hilarious!

:: It is so neat watching you discover you.  This month you learned how to rub your eyes which you always do when you get tired.  It's a sure sign that it is time for a nap.  You've also discovered your tongue this week and love to chew on it and stick it out at strangers.  Lately you have become interested in your feet when I hold them up during your diaper change.  Maybe those are next?

::  At your pediatrician's appointment this month you weighed 11.4 oz and were 22.5 inches long.  Your doctor said that you were "perfect."  Of course, I agree ;o)  You were so cute when he was checking you.  He bent over and gave you a smile which you returned with a HUGE grin.  Then, when he put his stethoscope on you you put your little feet high in the air which made him laugh and remark "Oh, you are absolutely adorable!"  And it's true - you're a charmer!  You just love giving smiles and talking to people.  A little social butterfly!

:: Speaking of your smile, your smile is so big that it makes your whole face light up.  Even around to the back of your head which becomes all wrinkled.  It's just the best!

::  Everyone always asks how you are sleeping.  Well, you are a fantastic sleeper once you finally fall asleep, lol :o)  Just like your mama was when she was your age, you are a night owl.  It can be 1am and you are up, just looking around at the world.  Thankfully, we're night owls too so it works with our schedule.  You love your morning naps which mama loves too because that means I can sleep in with you.  We're just two peas in a pod.

::  You're still a great eater.  I love our time together when we are nursing.  You are so cozy and snuggly.  Plus, you love to have what I call a "casual dining chat."  You'll be nursing away and then will suddenly pull away and give me the biggest smile.  Then you'll start talking up a storm, like you have a story that just can't wait any longer.  Then you'll go back to nursing for a bit and then talk some more.  You'll do this until you're done eating.  You have no idea how much it melts my heart and makes me feel so special.  You especially like to do this in the early morning when your Daddy is getting ready to leave for work and at night right before you go to sleep.

:: Your Daddy and I like to joke around that you've already said your first word.  In fact, we have witnesses who will attest to it.  We were at Bible study when you woke up from your nap and your Daddy stood you up on his lap.  He kept saying, "Hi! Hi McCartney! Hi!" You hadn't said a peep yet when all of a sudden you responded with the clearest, most perfect, "HI!"  Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at you!  "Oh my gosh! She just said hi!" and "That was amazing!" were just some of the things our friends exclaimed.  You even did it again later that night.  Now, we know it was probably just an unbelievable coincidence, but we were still pretty impressed.  We have a feeling that it won't be too long though until you're saying it for real.

::  Did you know that you LOVE getting your diaper changed?  Maybe love is an understatement.  Seriously though, that changing pad is one of your favorite places in the world.  The second we put you on it, you start smiling and talking and kicking your little legs.  It doesn't matter what mood you were in before.  That changing table brings out pure joy in you!  There have been several times when you are acting like you're gassy and I just lay you down on it and everything in the world is good again.

::  You are a traveling pro (and we're hoping it stays that way).  You've made two trips to Kansas City and have slept the entire three hour drive there and back both times.  You actually do really well in your carseat (you had us a little nervous when we left the hospital to bring you home...that was a different story).  When you're in it, you either fall asleep or will sit contently looking in your mirror.  You're just such a good baby.  I think I've already told you about 100 times that we're going to get you a pony later on as a thank you.

::  You really enjoy your tummy time.  You can push up pretty well on your arms now which is exciting.  You'll be crawling before we know it!  We got you this fun little playmat this month which converts into a tummy time pad.  You love laying on it and looking in the mirror.  Plus, when you kick your feet they hit a piano which plays music.  You're just our little Beethoven! 

:: We still can't figure out who you look like.  We're pretty sure that you're going to be a hybrid of the two of us.  I've heard several times that you have my eyes and expressions and your Daddy's face, so we'll just have to see as time goes on.

So, in case you can't tell, we are completely and totally in love with you.

You are my little best friend.  My partner in crime.  My sidekick every day.

And I love it.

I love spending my days with you, whether we are snowed in (which we have been with this crazy "Spring" weather) or out and about running errands.  You make every ordinary task seem special and fun.  And even more than that, you make me appreciate everything so much more.  You make me appreciate time and the little things.

You are such a blessing sweet girl.  We just love you so much!

xoxo,

Your Mama

PS - I'm linking up over at one of my favorite blogs, Bean in Love, with some other proud mama's!

5 of My Favorite Favorites

Linking up with Hallie and the gang for my 5 Favorites this week!

1.  My New Diaper Bag

I had purchased a diaper bag last November, but ended up returning it because I thought it was too big.  Since then I have been on the lookout for the perfect one.  Let me just tell ya, it wasn't easy to find.  I searched high and low for a large purse that would do the job, but the ones I found either didn't have enough pockets or were way too expensive and most of the diaper bags that I came across were just too plain ugly and bulky.  Then I came across this bag on one of my favorite blogs.  I ordered it off Amazon and am absolutely crazy about it!  It met all of my requirements:

- Looks like a purse more than a diaper bag

- Has a shoulder strap so I can wear it cross body

- Has a TON of storage on the inside

- Isn't too large where I feel like it overpowers me, but is big enough to carry everything I need

- Was priced reasonably.

Plus, it came with a changing pad and has insulted pockets on the side for her bottles later on.  It's just awesome.  So, if you're in the market for a diaper bag I highly recommend it.

2.  Speaking of Bags, This One

Weekend Duffel

Okay, so I don't technically own one of these weekend duffels, but I think that they are absolutlely beautiful!  My amazing and extremely talented friend Tielor (who I've been friends with since 6th grade) makes these from his shop in Brooklyn, New York.  I remember when he used to make us wallets back in high school out of old comic books and cereal boxes and now he has an entire line of handmade, beautiful bags.  I am so incredibly proud of him and all that he has accomplished.  So, if you have a minute or two, click on over to his store and check out his beautiful work.

3.  Hatfields and McCoys

via

Ben and I watched this entire three part series on Netflix over the course of two-nights this week.  We could have watched it all in one sitting if we hadn't started it so late.  Anyway, you know that feeling when you get disappointed that a show is over and there isn't more to watch?  That's how we both felt about this one.   The acting was phenomenal!  Plus, if you're at all into history it is especially interesting.  After we watched it we read up on the two families and the show really stuck to the history books.  So, grab your hubby and a tub of popcorn and make a movie night out of this. 

4.  Downton Abbey the Musical

If you know me at all, you know that two things I really love are Downton Abbey and Broadway.  So, when I saw my two loves combined in this hilarious and brilliant sketch, my day was absolutely made!   So many quotable, laugh-out-loud moments.  Plus, the casting is perfection.  Enjoy!

5.  This Hilarious Article
A friend posted this article on Facebook and I chuckled one too many times.  For all of the mama's with little bambinos out there, take a second to read this because it is hilario.

Now head on over and check out the rest of the favs!

Over and Out,
Kelly Jo

Girl Talk

In case you haven't caught on from my multiple posts on our little cutie,
I am absolutely in love with her.

She's just the best.
She's not only my little baby girl, but I feel like we're actually best friends.
We enjoy each other, laugh a lot together, and instantly smile when see each other first thing in the morning.
Plus, we LOVE to talk to each other.
I can't tell you how many times she'll be nursing away, only to pull back and start rambling.
I just love it!
I have an inkling that she's going to be a little chatterbox like her mama...

(click here to see this video)

(click here to see this video)

Poor Ben will never be able to get a word in again.

xoxo,
Kelly Jo

The World We Live In (Through a Mother's Eyes)

I wasn't going to comment on the recent happenings of the world on this blog.

I like to be optimistic and to be honest, watching the news this week just had me bummed.

But the more I thought about it the more I felt the need to put my thoughts and feelings into words.  After all, this blog is a reflection of our lives, the good and the bad.  Also, one of the main reasons that I write now is so that McCartney can one day have these journals to look back on.

When I heard about the news of the Boston bombings I was at my parents' house.  I was checking my phone and saw several Facebook statuses saying that they were praying for Boston.  I checked one of the news apps on my phone and when I saw what had happened, I immediately told my dad to turn on the TV.  My parents and I spent the next several hours parked in front of the television watching the coverage come in.  It was eerily reminiscent of 9/11.  Charles Krauthammer called it a "historical echo" which I think described in perfectly.
So there we sat, with the rest of the world, watching the story unfold.  That feeling of uncertainty, not knowing why, is what really got to me.
Is this an isolated incident?  Is it going to start happening in other places today? Maybe this is just the beginning of something bigger?
When they said that these were terrorists we were dealing with my stomach began to knot up.
With each report, it began to seem more and more like that horrible day in 2001.
But there was something different about this experience.
This time, as I was watching the news, I was holding my baby in my arms.

There is something about having a baby that changes you deeper than you can imagine.  It changes how you react, how you see things.  It changes your instincts.  My first instinct was to protect her.  To shelter her.  Even thought she is just a little shy of three months old, I didn't want her to see the images on the screen.  I look at her and I see just how pure she is.  She knows nothing of evil or of hatred.  Her world is joy and love and laughter.
I wish that it could stay that way forever.
I wish that she could only see the beauty and love and compassion in the world, not the terror and heartache.
Watching the news was scary and I don't want her to be scared.

I see the world now through a mother's eyes and through my daughter's eyes.
I know that no matter how hard I try I can never shield her completely from the heartache in the world.  There are moments this week that thinking about that has made me feel completely helpless.  Thankfully, I do know that I can teach her to see the good and to be a part of that good.

Needless to say, this week I have held her tighter than ever.  I've counted my blessings and thanked God that we feel safe in our little home.
My heart cries for those who don't have those same feelings of comfort and safety right now.
I thought a lot about the mothers in other countries who deal with situations like the bombing on a daily basis.

I've thought about the family that lost their beautiful son and the unbearable heartache, anger, and guilt that the must be feeling now.
And as we watched the manhunt yesterday, I couldn't help but think of all of the mamas in that town holding their own little babies and how scared they must be.  I could feel their sighs of relief from here.

This week was heartbreaking.  But it was also a reminder that in the end good overcomes evil and that we must be thankful for the blessings that we take for granted.  Hopefully, when McCartney reads this years from now, she'll already know that.

Have a blessed weekend everyone!