tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66436587816480244532024-02-23T03:16:48.987-07:00The Power of the Pink LinesLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-51286901960106071172015-01-22T11:37:00.000-07:002015-01-22T11:37:02.522-07:00Reflecting- 1 Year Later.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello, there! It's been exactly one year to the day since my last post, and I thought it would be cool to sit down, reflect and update everyone about how in the world we're all doing. Even if no one reads this, I want to have this for myself. I just read the last post I wrote with knots in my stomach recalling everything, and I just cannot believe how far we've come in a year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let's begin...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whew. 2014 was a whirlwind. Looking back at this past year, my head just spins when I think about everything that happened. I vowed to make 2014 the year of "New Beginnings". And, well, while the first half of 2014 was rocky, we certainly made up for it the second half of the year. From January-late May/June, things were rough. Not nearly as bad as they had been, when I hit my all time low, but they was still really rough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continued with my bi-weekly counseling sessions, and even began attending meetings through a group my counselor started. While they were so very good for me, I was still feeling a huge void in my life. I tried to brush it off and act like it wasn't there, but it was literally a little demon, always following me around saying <em>"you cannot live life to the fullest without alcohol! You are never going to be happy, now that you can't drink!"</em> I listened to that little voice everyday. It brought me down, I felt so heavy and sad 95% of the time. Here I was with an amazing life, but I couldn't see the reality of it or even enjoy it because of that stupid voice in my head. I honestly never, ever realized how much my life revolved around alcohol until I quit. And unfortunately, because of this, I fell back into my old ways a few times in attempt to fill said hole. Just for the record, it never worked. Even when I did slip up and drink, it made absolutely nothing better. Only worse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first half of the year was for sure my learning period. I made lots of mistakes and stupid decisions during that time, thinking no one would notice. But I was only fooling myself. I was making things so much more difficult and learning the hard way. Looking back though, as much as I didn't realize it, I <em>was</em> learning & making progress everyday, and bettering my life. Albeit in teeny, tiny baby steps, but still. It was progress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had my "aha moment" in what I believe was late June, after one of my counseling sessions. My counselor said to me "Lauren, I want you to make a video journal entry on your phone. In it, I want you to talk to alcohol like it was a person, and tell it how you feel about it." I think I rolled my eyes at the thought of the assignment, but I agreed and left that appointment feeling annoyed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A week passed and while I was sitting at work one day, I wrote down the word "CONTENT" randomly in my notebook. Something came over me, and just told me to write it down. For the first time since my miscarriages and all the shit we've gone through, I felt content, and at peace with where my life was sitting. I wasn't waiting for the next big thing to happen. I didn't feel anxious or worried. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, with that, I picked up my phone and recorded a raw 5 minute video of me telling myself how I felt in that moment. I described my relationship with alcohol as "the other man" in my life. I was having an affair with it and pushing my own husband out. At times, it took priority above all else, and I was DONE. Though my tears and choked up voice, I told myself this this is where it stops. I told myself to watch this video when I feel the need to take a drink. I talked to my husband in the video and told him how sorry I was, how much I love him, and how lucky I am to have him by my side unconditionally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I told my counselor about the video in my next session, and he asked if I'd be willing to let him see it. He watched it through teary eyes, and when it was done, he was speechless. He could not believe what he just saw. He said it was nothing he did, or said, but everything to do with me. I had to decide when enough was enough, that was it. My husband happened to be at the appointment, waiting in the hall. My counselor told him to join us and asked if I would show him the video. I of course said yes. I cried at my husband tearing up watching my video. When it was over, he couldn't believe was he just saw. It solidified everything for him. That I really was ready to move on and make our life better, for real this time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will keep that video forever and ever. And watch it no less than 300 times, I'm sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That, my friends, was the turning point in my life. Things have only gone up from there. In August, on our 6th wedding anniversary, we put our house up for sale. So romantic, right? We needed a fresh start, and wipe the slate clean. There were too many dark memories in that house. I lost 2 pregnancies in that house, I spent too much time in my closet hiding & drinking, the living room was the place where too many arguments were held and tears were shed. We needed to move. The house was too big for us anyway, and we never really <em>loved </em>it to begin with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the actual process of selling and buying a house can be quite a pain in the ass, it was the BEST DECISION WE HAVE EVER MADE. On October 22nd, we moved into an adorable ranch style home to the city north of us. And I'm telling you, if you could marry a house, I so would. We are in love with it. It's cozy, cute, full of character, and most importantly, it's a fresh start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is oh so amazing and sweet these days. My husband and I have never been more happy, or closer. Work is great for both of us. Claire is flourishing into the most incredible little human, and I am so (excuse my language) fucking thankful I am sober to witness it. Even my mom said the other day how extra happy and in love my husband & I seem. Our families can all see it. And that makes it even more worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I truly never thought I could be this happy and fulfilled WITHOUT alcohol. I am just amazed how far I've come in a year. I never thought it could happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have made it this far, BLESS YOU. I didn't expect this post to be so long, but I needed to go into detail about this journey. To look back at where I started, and where I am. And I am so excited to see where things will go from here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2015, LET'S DO THIS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lauren</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-10323179025022651562014-01-22T18:22:00.001-07:002014-01-22T18:22:47.859-07:00Pouring My Heart Out & Putting it on My Sleeve.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I almost don't even know where to begin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**Warning. These are incredibly raw & honest words. I don't know why I always turn to this blog in times of hardship, but it helps blurting them out**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been 6 months since my last blog post & since then I feel like so much has happened. Another miscarriage in August, after seeing two babies at my first ultrasound in July. Claire turned 3 and started pre-school & dance class. We went on a Disney cruise and visited Disney World in October. Spent Thanksgiving in beautiful San Diego & Christmas & New Year's at home, here in Salt Lake. I turned 26 on 1/11. & Oh yeah, I came to the realization that I have drinking problem, hit rock bottom, put my marriage in jeopardy and started seeing a counselor & quit drinking two weeks ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not going to call myself an alcoholic, as hard as it is not to. That word seems so permanent, and I am not going to live with that label for the rest of my life. Why? Because I am choosing to overcome this. Sure, I will always struggle with it. I have an addictive personality. I come from a bloodline of addictive personalities, I'm genetically pre-disposed. But I am NOT using that as an excuse for my drinking problem. And don't want to walk around with the label on my forehead for the rest of my life. I'm sure after this, people will think what they will & refer to me as such, but I am not going to let <em>myself </em>refer to me as an alcoholic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always enjoyed drinking. Wine in particular. I'd have a few glasses at social gatherings, I liked having a glass while I cooked dinner, while I ate dinner & while I sat on the couch after dinner. Wine became my third arm, if you will. If it was 5 o'clock, I had a glass poured. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would always justify drinking to myself to make sure I never thought I had a problem. "Oh, all the ladies on InstaGram have their cocktails now! Time for mine!" -"I had a hard, stressful day at work, I need this." -"Claire was a little demon today, I need to unwind from this." -"I will just have a couple of glasses while I'm making dinner to relax." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then, after the second miscarriage in August, I turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. I drank to feel happy, and to numb my pain from not only losing 3 babies in a span of 3 months, but to mentally & emotionally check out from life. I pretended everything was great! But on the inside, I was crumbling. And I didn't know how to deal. My husband was reeling from the losses just as much as I was. I didn't want to whine to him about how sad & depressed I was. He needed to grieve for himself, not for the both of us. I didn't want to put that burden on him. So, alcohol pretty much became my BFF, or so I thought. In reality, it was my enemy. Causing my life to fall apart right before my eyes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It didn't take long for my husband to realize I was drinking more and more & the problems were still there. I didn't want to see it of course, because I didn't want to give up drinking. I couldn't stand the thought of not having alcohol in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, in September, we had a talk. Well, it was more of an argument. About my drinking. That's what all of our arguments had stemmed from lately, so I wasn't surprised. He basically told me he was scared about what this "habit" was becoming, and he thought I needed to quit. He didn't know where our marriage & family would end up if I continued down this path. It was either my husband & Claire OR alcohol. I couldn't have both. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was pissed. Not at Dallas, but about the fact that I had to give up the only thing that guaranteed me "happiness". Wine had been my steadiness in all of the heartbreak we had gone through with the losses. HOW was I supposed to quit, just like that? I admit, I resented my husband a bit at the time for taking this away from me. Now? I couldn't be more grateful that he did so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward to today. Without going into every single intimate detail (let's just say I was drinking in private & keeping it all to myself) I hit rock bottom on Monday, January 6th. Everything was brought to light to my family & I am proud & happy to say that with their support, I have been sober for 2 weeks. Now, that may not seem like a very long time in the grand scheme of things, but I am totally fist bumping myself right now. The past 14 days have been the most eye-opening, sobering (pun intended) days of my life. With the help of counseling, early morning gym classes, the support & love of my family & most importantly, the undying support & love of my husband, I am on this amazing path to a better, healthier, happier life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all of this happening, I <em>had </em>to take a break from InstaGram & Facebook. Between the posts of booze & pregnancy announcements (not together, of course!) every third picture, I just couldn't do it. They make me a green-eyed monster. "Why can she have a few glasses of wine without having a drinking problem & I can't?"-"Why can she carry subsequent babies to term, give her oldest child a sibling & I can't?" It was just a big ol' pity party every time I opened social media &it was so unhealthy for my mental state. I think it will take a while to not feel a pang of jealousy when I see these things. It's just a part of the process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a good thing though, taking a little break from social media. I've been intentional with my time with Claire and Dallas, instead of being half there mentally. And it has been so awesome. That, and not having my mind foggy from drinking every night while I am with them makes things even more awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This whole sobriety isn't going to be easy, but it sure as hell is going to be worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, here's to 2014. A year of New Beginnings. A new me. A <em>helluva</em> better me & wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, aunt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">(Thought I should throw in a recent picture of my little family. They are my everything, and the reason I am doing this. This was taken in San Diego over Thanksgiving. I didn't have a drop of alcohol on this trip, which was a huge challenge for me. But I ended up being one of the best vacations ever)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a long, long road ahead. But, I can to this!! Just keep swimming, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">{I want to add that I never once put my family in danger because of my addiction. i.e. driving while drunk. But, it could have gotten to that point had I not decided to do something about this problem. And I am so thankful that I am deciding to change before something like that could have happened.}</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-77430431155584615212013-07-23T14:22:00.000-06:002013-07-23T14:22:43.433-06:00So, hi.Wow. I honestly forgot for a while that this thing still existed. I seriously cannot believe it has been almost two years since I sat down and wrote a blog post on our lives. I totally regret it. I have loved going back through here the last few weeks and seeing how much our lives have changed over the years, and how itty bitty Claire used to be! I have to make this somewhat of a priority from now on, at least a couple of times a month! For my benefit, at least.<br />
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And holy shit- I need to update my header. And the overall layout. Ha!<br />
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Anyway, yes, we are still alive and well. Claire will be 3(!) in a month and I am in denial that she's starting pre-school this fall. <br />
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Honestly, I am not going to bore you with mundane details of our lives from the past year and nine months. But I do want to document an event that will always remain close to our hearts. An incredibly sad, life-changing (for us) event that occurred in May of this year. <br />
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<em>(This is so difficult to write, let alone publish. So please, bare with me. Ok, here goes.)</em><br />
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Let me back up a bit. My sister-in-law and her husband welcomed their first baby into the world this past December. I had been wanting to try for a second baby for a few months prior to their son being born. Claire was getting older, and I was getting the itch for another squishy baby to be in the house. Dallas (my husband) was so not on board quite yet. So, clearly, there was nothing I could to about the baby fever that had kicked in. But, I kid you not, the second my husband laid eyes on his nephew on that sunny December afternoon in 2012, he looked at me and said "OK. I'm ready. I'm ready to start trying for Baby # 2."<br />
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So, from then on, we threw all caution to the wind, and began officially trying to expand our family. It didn't happen right away, which is to totally be expected. But the morning of May 1st was a totally <em>unexpected </em>event. <br />
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I had been feeling pms-y about a week prior to this day. Definitely knew my period was about to show. Marking month 5 in the Baby #2 Production books. That week passed and I still never had my period show.<br />
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I woke up on a snowy (blech) Wednesday morning, May 1st to a little girl trying to escape her room (we're the mean parents that have a child lock on the inside of her door. If we didn't, she'd be exploring the house at 2am without us knowing, doing God knows what). I got up to go to the bathroom and decided to take a cheapy Internet pregnancy test for the hell of it, since I still hadn't seen my period. I dipped the test, laid it on the counter and went to go get Claire from her room. I didn't really have much hope or great expectations of the results. Once I got her changed, I just peeked into the bathroom before going downstairs. And to my surprise, an incredibly dark line was next to the control line. Positive. I was freaking pregnant. Shocked, nervous, excited, all of the emotions you could possibly have, I had. I was just standing there laughing. Claire asked "What's that mommy?" pointing to the test in my hand. "It's a test that told mommy she has a baby in her tummy! You're going to be a Big Sister, baby!" "OH! A Big Stister (as she calls it)?! I want a baby!" Ha. She was obviously confused, poor thing. <br />
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After the initial shock wore off and I called my sister & sister-in-law to tell them, I called to make my first pre-natal appointment. May 23rd at 9am. Wow. So surreal and exciting. That date could NOT come quick enough. (In case you're wondering, I went out and bought Claire a Big Sister shirt that day and a First Response test. I had her wear that and hold the test when Dallas came home from work to tell him about our incredible news. It was the longest day ever! not telling him over the phone was the hardest! But I filmed the whole thing and it was perfect, so it was well worth the wait)<br />
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The month of May seemed to drag on, and on, and on. I had the typical early pregnancy symptoms. Sore boobs, exhausted, bone deep hungry all the time, slight nausea and incredible bloat. Nothing out of the ordinary. <br />
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Finally, Thursday, May 23rd arrived. I woke up in a great mood, albeit incredibly anxious. I had never been to this OB-GYN before, and had never met him, so I didn't quite know what to expect (i.e, if he would do an ultrasound, or what the actual appointment would entail). After was seemed like hours, we finally got called back into the room. The nurse took my blood pressure, asked me a variety of questions, and based on my last menstrual period, (LMP) my due date was December 26th (which I knew was not accurate considering I ovulate later in my cycle, putting me at the beginning of January to be due. I hate that doctors always go by your LMP, assuming every woman has a 28 cycle. Anyway). After the nurse left, I stripped down & put on that oh-so-comfy paper gown. The doctor came in, talked to us. The normal stuff. Then he decided to do an ultrasound to measure the baby. Based on the doctor's records, I was 9 weeks. Based on my cycle, I was about 7 weeks. I told him this, so when he couldn't see anything on the screen during the abdominal ultrasound, he was not surprised, and neither were my husband and I.<br />
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The dr. sent me downstairs for a viability scan (an awful term in my opinion). The ultrasound tech was the absolute sweetest ever. It took her a minute, but she immediately found the sac. Zooming in verrrry closely, she saw the tiniest of heartbeats. 95 beats per minute, and measuring at 6 weeks 1 day. Looking back now, this was a huge red flag for the pregnancy. There was <em>no way </em>I was only 6 weeks along. But, I went with it. The doctor said that it was a slower heartbeat, but probably nothing to worry about, BUT that my chances of miscarriage were raised a bit because of it and that he wanted to see me for a follow-up ultrasound in a week.<br />
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We left there feeling optimistic but nervous. I had a meltdown in my mom's arms in the parking lot, but quickly got over it. Everything was going to be fine. It had to be.<br />
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The day of May 30th was the slowest day ever. My ultrasound was at 3:15pm, and I was a ball of worry the whole day. I met my husband at the hospital and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, the doctor came in, put the wand on my belly, looked around and still could not see anything. This is where my anxiety turned to panic. My hands got really sweaty & I was fighting back the tears. "Hm. I'm not seeing much, so I'm going to send you downstairs again for a vaginal ultrasound." He didn't sound concerned. "Before you go down, set up your 12 week appointment so that you don't have to come back up after the ultrasound if all is well." That eased my panic a bit. I set up my next appointment and went downstairs for the ultrasound. <br />
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As soon as that wand went inside and the image of my uterus popped up on that screen, I knew. I knew that it was not all OK. "Oh you guys, there's no heartbeat." The ultrasound tech said, in the sweetest, consoling voice. I immediately started crying, and my husband just put his hand on mine, but didn't say anything. "Damn it. Why does this always happen to the cute couples?!" The tech yelled. That made me smile a bit ;)<br />
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The baby was only measuring 6 weeks 2 days. Only 1 day more than when we had seen him/her a week prior. I had been walking around for 6 days thinking I am happily pregnant, when my baby really was no longer alive. <br />
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My biggest nightmare as a pregnant woman had become my reality. I was the <em>ONE</em> of the 1 in 4 statistic. I had had a miscarriage. Technically, a missed-miscarriage (no signs of losing the baby. No cramping. No bleeding). I lost my baby. So not FAIR.<br />
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We had JUST seen a heartbeat last week!! This wasn't supposed to happen. How were we going to tell our family? How was I going to move on? I literally felt broken. Like a piece of me was gone. <br />
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I had a D&C the following morning. I opted for the surgery to remove everything rather than waiting around to pass the baby on my own. I wouldn't be able to mentally handle that- just waiting and wondering when my no- longer- living baby would leave my body. It's so morbid. Not something I could handle.<br />
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I am doing better now. Those first few weeks were so rough, obviously. And I definitely do still have my random moments of feeling sorry for myself. Or crying from getting that e-mail from TheBump telling me I'd be ___ amount of weeks along in my pregnancy now (I un-subscribed the moment I got that first email, for the record). <br />
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It absolutely sucks how common miscarriage is. And even though it is so common, it doesn't make it any easier to deal with. I wish I could say that this would have been a bit easier to handle if I never saw that little flicker of a heartbeat in the first place, but I can't say that. Because I don't know if it would have made this any easier. All I do know is that I am loving on my little family extra tight, and not taking a single moment with my daughter for granted. We are <em>so </em>lucky to have her, and she has definitely made this hard time a bit easier for everyone. <br />
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I am so sorry for this novel of a post. And so sorry that it's such an emotionally heavy post after such a long hiatus here. I just needed to document this part of our lives. I'm never going to forget it. I don't want to, honestly. It was our second baby that we lost. That baby will always be part of our family. We are moving on with our lives, but it doesn't mean we will ever forget the month of May, 2013. <br />
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...May 1st I was pregnant. And by June 1st I wasn't. That just plain sucks. <br />
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I am t<em>otally </em>not fishing for pity by posting this. Let's make that clear. That is not my intention AT ALL. I wanted to post this, like I said, to put the events on "paper". So I wouldn't forget. And I just thought, why the heck not put it on my blog? so, ya.<br />
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I really am going to be posting more than once every two years. ha! I miss this blogging community and sharing our lives with the friends I've made from it! <br />
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<em>xo,</em><br />
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LaurenLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-16720108475885037532011-10-18T07:30:00.000-06:002011-10-18T07:32:54.039-06:00a WHOLE bunch of random. & a thought...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* I am in complete & utter shock that a year has passed since we visited the pumpkin patch.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claire was just about 7 weeks old when we went last year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the difference. Sorry for the shitty quality of the photos.</span><br />
<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-88-1.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="264" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-88-1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-87-1.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="264" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-87-1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She has a BLAST at the pumpkin patch on Friday. They had goats this year. She was OBSESSED. So cute. She kept saying "hi!" To the goats, and they couldn't care less about her. Sweet girl.</span><br />
<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-89.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-89.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Claire is 13.5 months old. And more fun & crazy than ever. Period. She is crawling at a lightening speed, into everything & all over the place. I honestly wouldn't have it any other way.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=climber.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/climber.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*She has completed all of her first set of "goals" in Early Intervention!! Her therapist & I are so proud of her. We made a set of new goals, which include cruising along furniture &... WALKING! Eee!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*She does headstands now. See below.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=headstand.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="298" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/headstand.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I am still pumping. 2x a day. Morning and night. As my ignorant co-worker would say "You're like addicted to burning calories". Riggght. That's EXACLY why I do what I do. Bitch. ha.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Rather than blogging lately, I have been turning to crafting & baking as my therapy outlet. It's an amazing thing. Wine + crafting after a long day= blisssss. I have consumed more pumpking chocolate chip loaf in the past 2 weeks than I would care to admit. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-85.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="640" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-85.jpg" width="476" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I can't WAIT to carve the pumpkins we bought & roast the seeds. FAVORITE part of this season!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I bought my first pair of TOMS a couple of weeks ago, a half size smaller than I wear in other shoes, since the sales woman said they stretch a lot..... I am STILL waiting for them to stretch out. Owwww. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I think Claire is a vegetarian. She WILL not eat meat. Any meat that I cut up for her, she immediately veto's it. I don't get it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Speaking of meat, I love this time of year, specifically for SOUP season. I make the best/yummiest/fattiest <a href="http://www.theglamlifehousewife.com/search/label/Recipes?updated-max=2010-02-05T00%3A20%3A00-06%3A00&max-results=20">chicken noodle soup</a>, thanks to this <a href="http://www.theglamlifehousewife.com/">momma</a>. I have been following her blog since before I started my own, and she posted this recipe forever ago. I've been hooked ever since. SO DAMN GOOD.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I have a ton I want to blog about. But there are two big reasons I haven't: 1) I'm busy being a mom, wife & employee & 2) People I know in real life read this blog. And I want to write about things that are going on in my life that may offend said people. Which takes me to my next bullet...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* I think I may make my blog private. I know, I know, SO BORING, right?! Who goes private after this long?! I'm just toying with the idea. I just want to be able to write/word vomit whatever the HELL I WANT without people I actually KNOW reading about it. I hardly blog anymore anyway, so do I even have that big of an audience?! Doubtful .I am just so full of all kinds of emotions, that I think this may be the best option. I'm sick of trying to be all full of rainbows & unicorn shit when I blog these days. I feel so fake.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YES, I have an absolutely AMAZING life/family, don't get me wrong. There are so, so many things in my life that are GREAT. but I want to be raw & real without being judged by those that truly know me, and be able to share with my e-friends at the same time. I want the best of both worlds :) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to be real. I have not been real here in a while, and that's so not me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But trust me, if I do go private, I will be sure to let you know. I am fairly certain I've already made the decision, but I will sleep on it a little while longer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you're all having a great week!</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-77839340714709259592011-10-06T08:00:00.000-06:002011-10-06T08:00:08.517-06:00Canvas4Life {A Review}<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am & have always LOVED canvas prints. I think they are a very classy, simple way to add to a room while having a little piece of your family/loved ones present.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom has a big ole' canvas in her house from our wedding & I have wanted to get one of Claire just like it for OUR house. So, when Michael from <a href="http://www.canvas4life.com/">Canvas4Life</a> contacted me about doing a review on one of their products, I jumped at the chance. Of course.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-82.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-82.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.canvas4life.com/">Canvas4Life</a> is an online canvas printing retailer. They specialize in printing special pieces for you. And? It is SO incredibly easy & reasonable. There are 3 steps to completing your order and that's it. You're done. And I'm all about easy, simple & reasonable.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part? It didn't take long at all. {least patient person on the planet} I got my order in less than a week from placing it. But that doesn't take away from the quality of their product. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The canvas itself if very well made. I really was/am so impressed!! Of course it is best to use a high resolution picture when having something like this printed, or it won't turn out that great-but, this turned out beautifully! The folds of the canvas are so precise & not bulky like some can be. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm love, you guys. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-84.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-84.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit their website, familiarize yourself with it & order one yourself! <a href="http://www.canvas4life.com/">Canvas4Life</a> agreed to give my readers 10% off of your order. Just use the code "babydmakes3" at the checkout.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you, <a href="http://www.canvas4life.com/">Canvas4Life</a> for allowing me to review such an awesome company & amazing product!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Required Disclaimer: As a part of doing this review, I was provided with a 16 x 20 canvas free of charge.</i></span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-63788211990180437402011-09-23T10:36:00.003-06:002011-09-23T10:39:43.596-06:00You know what's REALLY weird?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting your period for the first time after <em>22</em> months & remembering where you keep your tampons. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh ya. YOU DON'T HAVE ANY. oops.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't had "it"since November, 2009. The last cycle before I got pregnant. How weird is that?!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I <em>so</em> didn't miss it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome back, old friend. Notttt. </span></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aren't you glad you opened this post? ;)</span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-9265828689723813512011-09-20T10:44:00.002-06:002011-09-20T10:46:16.027-06:00MY, oh MY!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have some big news to report...</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">no, i'm not pregnant. sillies.</span></em><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">claire is CRAWLING.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yep. Full on movin' all over the place. </span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">if you're new here, you're probably thinking "uuhh, she's a year old. shouldn't she be close to walking by now?" ya. She's ONLY crawling..... nothing is wrong with her. promise. </span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Last Monday, I was sitting in her room while she played. I look up & she's on all four's rocking back & forth & before you know it, she took a couple of little crawls!! I silently squealed while Tweeting "SHE JUST CRAWLED". Then? She didn't do it for the rest of the day, so I thought for sure it was a fluke & hubbs thought I was making up stories :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But sure enough, the days passed & she got more and more confident & faster. & I am now growing grey hair ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I fully attribute this progress to the Early Intervention program. I am SO beyond thankful & impressed at how well Claire has taken to her therapist & excersises. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">She's also sitting up on her own from laying down. Something she wasn't doing a few weeks ago. We JUST lowered her mattress because she is able to kneel up to he rails now. This is also, HUGE progress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I just love walking into her room in the morning and seeing this sweet face sitting up all by herself.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=lula.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/lula.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's the proof: sorry about the absolutely awful quality. Filmed on my iPhone. also? she's crawling towards music playing on hubbs' iPad. Kids these days & their technology. ha.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyqkt1ANF1EyemdvO4lrhJhQOZXGmU6jDNNMFb2rH7UU3slQnfVe6UY7i1luQ1Z6dJUrhx5Aii8X-9mZpbSCw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I'm off to "baby" proof this house. I've been waiting so long to say that. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claire, you rock, little girl.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy Tuesday :)</span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-41839076873675902502011-09-12T09:00:00.003-06:002011-09-12T09:00:02.755-06:00{As Promised} The Party Deets.The Party was held at our home last Sunday, September 4th, and it was awesome.<br />
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It was the first time I had ever put on a party since moving to this house a year ago. I honestly had a blast planning everything, but I'm very relieved it is over with. Shit is stressful! I told myself I wouldn't go all out for this, but I ended up going overboard {to my standards! I am SO not a party planner!} & I am glad I did. Even though she won't remember it, I have pictures & memories for a lifetime!<br />
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The theme was "Our Little Sunshine" & I incorporated yellows, light pinks & white in the decor.<br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-78-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="152" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-78-2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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When I first started thinking about themes a while back, I was absolutely inspired by <a href="http://katieballa.blogspot.com/">this</a> awesome 1st birthday party thrown by one of my favorite blog momma's &even though I don't "know" her, I felt inclined to ask her permission to go off of her idea. She said yes :) THANKS, KATIE!<br />
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I also got A LOT of inspiration <a href="http://www.babylifestyles.com/2011/05/real-party-my-little-sunshine-birthday-party/">here</a>.<br />
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All of the cutouts {except for the pennant banners, which I made} you see are from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovetheday?ref=seller_info">Love the Day Designs</a>. Lindi was so great. I just ordered & paid for the pdf file, she e-mailed it to me & I printed them off & cut everything out.<br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=IMG_1301-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="211" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1301-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b>Food</b>: We went pretty casual & served lunch<br />
Turkey, ham, cheese{s} & rolls for sammiches<br />
My mom's famous salad {I'll post the recipe sometime. Foodgasmic.}<br />
Homemade mac' n' cheese {ya. I cooked. pick up your jaws from the ground}<br />
Chips/dip<br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=IMG_1392-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="337" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1392-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b>Drinks</b>:<br />
Mellow Yellow {I had to be cheesy with the theme}<br />
Chick-fil-a Iced Tea Lemonade {mmmm}<br />
Water<br />
Beer<br />
Chardonnay {duh}<br />
Mimosas {were a total hit, since the party was held at noon :)}<br />
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<b>Dessert:</b><br />
Local Bakery cupcakes. YUMMM!<br />
Gooey butter cookies. Sister made those. OMG. To die for.<br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=IMG_1319-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1319-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b>Party Favors:</b><br />
"1" Sugar cookies from Local Bakery wrapped in cellophane bags w/ribbon.<br />
<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-81.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-81.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
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<b>Sunflower Smash Cake:</b><br />
White cake made by my amazing little sister.<br />
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<b>Party Attire: {pre-smash cake}</b><br />
Light Pink, yellow & white dress from Target {$6} that I randomly bought when I was 18wks pregnant. How perfect! She wore a party hat while opening gifts, but that stayed on all of 5 minutes.<br />
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Also, these tiny pink ballet flats, that we picked up at a little boutique a few weeks ago.<br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=photo-80.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-80.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
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Everything went so smoothly! Claire woke up from her morning nap right as the guests were arriving, so she was in a great mood. She totally knew the party was for her. Such a little diva ;)<br />
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The Guests helped themselves to drinks and we had a slide show of C's first year playing on our t.v. in the background for people to watch while Momma & I were putting the finishing touches on lunch.<br />
{I would put it on here, but it's 20 minutes long, ha!}.<br />
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We did the normal party routine: ate, & socialized, did gifts and THEN, it was time for the Smash Cake.<br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=IMG_1322-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="264" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1322-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Oh, the Smash Cake. We sang Happy Birthday while Claire just stared at all of us, then I presented her with the cake. I was TOTALLY convinced she would have nothing to do with it. Boy, was I wrong. Good thing I stripped her down to her dipe beforehand! She was ALL OVER IT.<br />
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Promptly following the cake, the guest of honor was escorted up to the bathtub to get cleaned up & to take a nap. She was beat from all of the festivities. She didn't even get to say goodbye to most of the guests!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=IMG_1336-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1336-1.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Following her nap? A post Birthday Party photo shoot. After everyone was gone. We found out that day that she LOVES balloons. So cute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See the picture of the three of us? That is only the second picture we have EVER taken as a family. And? the angle absolutely sucks. Boo, hiss.</div><br />
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<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=IMG_1375-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1375-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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And then we tried out our new toys while momma finally got to sit down. and eat.<br />
<a href="http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/?action=view&current=IMG_1397.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1397.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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All in all, it was a fabulous day. Next time, maybe I won't put so much time into the decorations. I don't know why I expected people to actually <i>notice </i>them. I mean, I practically got arthritis from cutting out everything & NO ONE EVEN APPRECIATED THEM. HAHA!<br />
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Hopefully you enjoyed the Party re-cap ;)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Also, check out my AMAZING </b></span><a href="http://lovellabowtique.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>sponsor's website</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>. She's CONSTANTLY adding the most adorable things!! </b></span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-90071566154581372672011-09-09T08:00:00.013-06:002011-09-09T08:00:11.199-06:00Back by popular demand :)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, since so many from Twitter wanted me to update, I figured I'd get my lazy ass on my laptop & do it. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hehe.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here's what's up:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Claire is ONE. 12 months. Over 365 days old. {wearing 6mo pants, 9mo tops, 12 mo jams} Ha!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Still going strong with the E.I. {Early Intervention}. She's making SO much progress! SHE PULLED UP TO STANDING ON HER OWN THE OTHER NIGHT! AND, she's actually getting into the crawl position on a regular basis. HUGE PROGRESS. You may think this is nothing for a 1 year old, but for her, it's big! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*We have her 12mo check up on monday. No clue how much she weighs or how long she is. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Since she's 1 now, she thinks it's ok to throw temper tantrums and refuse fruits & veggies & eat only crackers, cheese & bread.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Speaking of Claire, she has had *the* nastiest diapers lately. Teething? The cow's milk? Whatever it is, it's naaaasttyyyy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*We are one day THREE of no bottle! She's drinking a mix of breast milk & cow's milk out of sippys now. YAY! It was a hell of a lot easier to cut the bottle than I thought it'd be. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Fall is just around the corner, and I am SO not ready for it. I normally crave the autumn weather, scents & comfort food, but this year? I'm not. I honestly think it's because I was in such a hard place this time last year {dealing with the post partum}, that I want summer to stay forever. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Her birthday party was this past Sunday. And, it was AMAZING. Just how I thought it would be! But one thing I learned? I much prefer being a guest over being a hostess. That shit is stressful. Also? My kitchen isn't big enough for 20+ people. You know, since that's where everyone hangs out ;)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I've been suffering from a weird stomach thing since Saturday. NO, I'm NOT pregnant. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I haven't really been able to drink or eat anything for 4 days. EVERY TIME I take a bite of anything, I feel like I'm going to explode. I am SO hungry, but can't eat. I had blood work & an ultrasound done yesterday, so I'm hoping I get some answers today. I wouldn't be surprised it's ulcers. I have been SO stressed about everything lately. Don't ask why. Just very high strung. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I'm so over my blog design. It's super outdated & boring. But? I don't have the time or money to make it cute. So, I guess I'll deal with it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I *will* have a Birthday Party Post up by Monday. Swear. Hold me to it.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plenty of pictures for all.</span></div><div><br />
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</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-56988382520342960962011-08-30T07:00:00.012-06:002011-08-30T07:00:11.872-06:00Looking back. {One Year Later}<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> </tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Claire Lula,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My little angel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Lu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My buddy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My <i>daughter.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where has this past year gone?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was only yesterday that I was <s>waddling </s>walking around our new neighborhood at 39w3d pregnant trying to get you to move out of my belly. I wanted to meet you, baby. Daddy & I couldn't wait.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My water broke at 12:10am that same night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You wanted to meet us, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">16 hours of labor & 1 c-section later, you were here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4:01 pm, August 30th 2010- our lives were forever changed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't even tell you how stunned I am at how quickly this year has passed us by. So many emotions run through my head thinking about everything we've been through together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great. Good. Bad. Ugly. High. Low. You name it-we've been through it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, I wouldn't change a second of it for anything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy First Birthday, Lu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love you my sweet, sweet baby girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No matter how old you get, you'll ALWAYS be my baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love, Your Momma.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">A year later...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3F0DePfl1jZ1a_Po6VeX26SqnYF55zIiJIcecZK_3p2ot_e_9Km1jwUbz5WDoqi0kl_Pvvq_4eIE4Y9ry_oM1o-3MGd00X0FtHpbo7ljV3c-yU2TTViBPM3PJUSyFSDIE6t533jf8tEL/s1600/photo-77.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3F0DePfl1jZ1a_Po6VeX26SqnYF55zIiJIcecZK_3p2ot_e_9Km1jwUbz5WDoqi0kl_Pvvq_4eIE4Y9ry_oM1o-3MGd00X0FtHpbo7ljV3c-yU2TTViBPM3PJUSyFSDIE6t533jf8tEL/s400/photo-77.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="298" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">taken yesterday.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">August 29, 2011</div></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">::wipes tears from keyboard:: Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a ONE year old to go cuddle & love on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{If you want to re-live this awesome day with us, go read </span><a href="http://babydmakes3.blogspot.com/2010/09/birth-story-long.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Birth Story</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><br />
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-28925985500781556092011-08-23T08:00:00.001-06:002011-08-23T08:00:13.019-06:00My baby is turning 1, you say?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9dUitZaosFQgzwa0fnWV8LiVvDLvmYfHtd_2JUWq5icLbqPWRY7DsjnG7pr2uv9Prt5mKsaHNcucNZlbLSsn2RonwoPK0NjdWwOVu5hwliBlB8JqiUW6yMg2UO-bmkMl2G04alOd5gSa/s1600/286928_898924800563_23206380_41790965_5400050_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9dUitZaosFQgzwa0fnWV8LiVvDLvmYfHtd_2JUWq5icLbqPWRY7DsjnG7pr2uv9Prt5mKsaHNcucNZlbLSsn2RonwoPK0NjdWwOVu5hwliBlB8JqiUW6yMg2UO-bmkMl2G04alOd5gSa/s640/286928_898924800563_23206380_41790965_5400050_o.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photos by </span><a href="http://www.astheforestegrows.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mrs. F</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still can't believe I am telling people, "she will be one next week", when they ask how old she is.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeZJM9F4CVt5PeCcpOT_Y2JJunox7XyuVUt455y0nV2jc9BCeOxfedimFNA98HntRmat6O4SSB-WAdPGFlTje0nGJ_MlwDsjUQR3wlJhGrE8jl4B8S57skdgVayP0wW6x2PbZjXIfDXqz/s1600/287420_898924825513_23206380_41790966_8341577_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeZJM9F4CVt5PeCcpOT_Y2JJunox7XyuVUt455y0nV2jc9BCeOxfedimFNA98HntRmat6O4SSB-WAdPGFlTje0nGJ_MlwDsjUQR3wlJhGrE8jl4B8S57skdgVayP0wW6x2PbZjXIfDXqz/s400/287420_898924825513_23206380_41790966_8341577_o.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There just aren't words to describe my shock in how quickly this year went. Denial is the way I've been dealing with it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But you know that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, </span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the past 4 days,</span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have been planning Claire's first birthday party. Those of you that know me, know that I am a procrastinator in every sense of the word. Hell, I am the epitome of Procrastination.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, me having Claire's party planned more than a week in advance? Unheard of.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And the fact that I've been CRAFTING?? History itself has been made!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoiQAMmqLtfg8B5xTCuw7Yr8B2qTOJAPlCwVZ5GypwzfbW8GE5eWJbeBVplbFceBgrvXvZY-TC7XCgv-jbmQKLU-bFNMJ_rpRmvlpXnkoRQO4dnXSpSY1vBUwSnBQ56xCHySFfIr-LAy9/s1600/photo-76.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoiQAMmqLtfg8B5xTCuw7Yr8B2qTOJAPlCwVZ5GypwzfbW8GE5eWJbeBVplbFceBgrvXvZY-TC7XCgv-jbmQKLU-bFNMJ_rpRmvlpXnkoRQO4dnXSpSY1vBUwSnBQ56xCHySFfIr-LAy9/s400/photo-76.JPG" width="297" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">totally made this cupcake stand.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am no party planner. Let's face it, I'm no planner. Period. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had ideas. I've had </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lots</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of thoughts. But had I planned anything prior to last Thursday? Hell no.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her party is in a week & a half.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have the invites done (I said done. not mailed), the decor done(ish), and the desserts planned. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepDK_JHZqYJhtgXevo7D7FjkoJznySPj8o44eGH4pJNioFNjyEx4Pz3T58Eqpq6l18pJSfwftBH9N7ugbOHTFrQb-9fbNYi1mMyS8TIVbWfC_taUlPn3eB7czsl-x37JE2ODE2xSmZNL0/s1600/photo-74.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepDK_JHZqYJhtgXevo7D7FjkoJznySPj8o44eGH4pJNioFNjyEx4Pz3T58Eqpq6l18pJSfwftBH9N7ugbOHTFrQb-9fbNYi1mMyS8TIVbWfC_taUlPn3eB7czsl-x37JE2ODE2xSmZNL0/s400/photo-74.JPG" width="297" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"decor"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZKQXnpbLe-MlXZV1-Xbo7RriXfjexdKc-YjAVupQ29jPyR2xgTe260L5ghge8f2gvwkQmn0pxwN05P_MtRmnePvoYt8LPV7IwnFbkVfacLRYDHWlNX4fnTQQX0xBOijxkIsa0kcIq3Vq/s1600/photo-75.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZKQXnpbLe-MlXZV1-Xbo7RriXfjexdKc-YjAVupQ29jPyR2xgTe260L5ghge8f2gvwkQmn0pxwN05P_MtRmnePvoYt8LPV7IwnFbkVfacLRYDHWlNX4fnTQQX0xBOijxkIsa0kcIq3Vq/s400/photo-75.JPG" width="296" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sister is baking. My mom is cooking. & me? I'll supply the drinks. Wine/beer/mimosas, anyone?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-62570981357278429772011-08-18T09:20:00.001-06:002011-08-18T09:20:16.954-06:00Thursday Randoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I royally suck at composing posts lately, I'm going to just put a bunch of random thoughts/updates all into one!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Claire is going to be 1 in less than 2 weeks. Can someone </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">please </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">explain to me where the last year went? I've been all sorts of nostalgic as of late, with "this time last year" comments every other day</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Speaking of the girl, she still isn't mobile. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we are making progress in the Early Intervention. Her therapist is awesome & is teaching me great exercises to do with her. She actually bears weight on her arms while on her stomach now. I have no doubt she will catch on quickly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GIzKjjDk81Wiu1Kk9PknrDGBjuvsuI2bL5R0hvjOM4XHYeP2FNeiXfcHXXdAKqXRNbbs_e4NV78N8shbCq7db4xyQiOTeHy_T8g3jqS1dwyE1ketJyXZhmtl3Gwyo5pC_equwEQVHVqn/s1600/photo-73.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GIzKjjDk81Wiu1Kk9PknrDGBjuvsuI2bL5R0hvjOM4XHYeP2FNeiXfcHXXdAKqXRNbbs_e4NV78N8shbCq7db4xyQiOTeHy_T8g3jqS1dwyE1ketJyXZhmtl3Gwyo5pC_equwEQVHVqn/s400/photo-73.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* I am still pumping. I figured I've made it this far, why not go 'til the river runs dry? Unfortunately, my body is all sorts of confused. First I take Sudafed to dry up, now I'm popping fenugreek every 2 hours. Sadly, I'm not getting </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nearly</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as much milk as I had before, but I'm getting enough to satisfy Claire.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*In preparation for her turning ONE, we've cut out 2 bottles during the day. She now only has her morning & evening bottle & drinking from the greatest </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/NUK-Silicone-Spout-Single-Colors/dp/B002UXQRLQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1312651115&sr=8-6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">transition sippy cup</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> EVAR in between, thanks to </span><a href="http://katieballa.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this lady</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for the suggestion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfu17l87nWzLhQfnMvMYoD-Yx0qeSQgCMLF8S_ZeT2UMfjmel10BnEzMdriFCt749wIxVMYeYrv0Rcsk9JU9JuSklVzooS8KTMpBWlB-PaiIgQyidyG7dA_yUzYjWSvEERIAnbtTZZ30m_/s1600/photo-68.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfu17l87nWzLhQfnMvMYoD-Yx0qeSQgCMLF8S_ZeT2UMfjmel10BnEzMdriFCt749wIxVMYeYrv0Rcsk9JU9JuSklVzooS8KTMpBWlB-PaiIgQyidyG7dA_yUzYjWSvEERIAnbtTZZ30m_/s400/photo-68.JPG" width="298" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Party planning is well underway. & I have no choice but to be creative & frugal. Would you expect anything less from me? HAHA!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The party is set for September 4th. I was originally going to have it August 27th, but, your's truly couldn't get her act together & plan a party in a week & a half. I am the epitome of procrastination. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A preview of what I've been up to:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcuDppstlY1xsL5hgrjc7WZQS2pWwFwzuULJK5It5cEmelf0SWh4RBmt1b0AYsWyITPuuvFbHFsLMOB252VOkdLHKKb4_He0fosKlf9gIYK5tJfZ1F9XKCwFywlGV6kce04n-CoxMEVHs/s1600/26202780c88b42e492cec192d08a296d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcuDppstlY1xsL5hgrjc7WZQS2pWwFwzuULJK5It5cEmelf0SWh4RBmt1b0AYsWyITPuuvFbHFsLMOB252VOkdLHKKb4_He0fosKlf9gIYK5tJfZ1F9XKCwFywlGV6kce04n-CoxMEVHs/s400/26202780c88b42e492cec192d08a296d_7.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I took this picture Tuesday afternoon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doesn't she look like she's 3?! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BABY?!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu3JqxKhrkxFaIlsL3O1D7cJckgINQyAOpdQvyGiHdP6aDwFo3BQiQYghoxh2DB4Sqc0O3zlowS7nd8Opc7zp1sCB09iMR64fEk1GFy8vUrZpzYJFPATOb-VMSi1hhl9qSv01I93Crk2A/s1600/photo-71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu3JqxKhrkxFaIlsL3O1D7cJckgINQyAOpdQvyGiHdP6aDwFo3BQiQYghoxh2DB4Sqc0O3zlowS7nd8Opc7zp1sCB09iMR64fEk1GFy8vUrZpzYJFPATOb-VMSi1hhl9qSv01I93Crk2A/s400/photo-71.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Speaking of being frugal, while I was nosing around Target last week, I stumbled upon E.L.F {eyes. lips. face} brand make-up. Everything is less than $4.00. So, I picked up a liquid eye-liner pen & some rosy lip gloss. 2 things that I have been needing, but not wanting to spend the $$. Both things cost me $4.00. FOR BOTH OF THEM. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would totally recommend!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAd_27ynx3e9w5E_3lQohhTCdyw15KJGGUUThyQTd89FpRe6h2A7b-LmWDccsTOywprtbgnLRItnB1e0MKjnqV6hyphenhyphenBYH5tZhyphenhyphen7dMKk4lhaYPjY1z0YL9iFENpVgVTuSD4uOgC1FjNntma/s1600/photo-69.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAd_27ynx3e9w5E_3lQohhTCdyw15KJGGUUThyQTd89FpRe6h2A7b-LmWDccsTOywprtbgnLRItnB1e0MKjnqV6hyphenhyphenBYH5tZhyphenhyphen7dMKk4lhaYPjY1z0YL9iFENpVgVTuSD4uOgC1FjNntma/s400/photo-69.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Last Thursday night, Hubs & I did something we have never done before. We put Lu to bed, packed up the car, had my momma stay at our house & we went to St. George/Vegas for the weekend {spent one night in Vegas & 2 nights in St. George}. It was fun. But holy cow. I didn't know I could </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ever </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">miss Claire as much as I did. By the second day, I was totally ready to be home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was taken at the Paris Hotel. We went & saw a hypnotist. No, we didn't participate. It was HILARIOUS, but I'm still trying to figure out how that shit is NOT fake. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQJ1W3HExBZ9HTJsPoRh2Sb5CGwIryRbHiQLl5Eb8lCP-2IR0r0j3AHSYCaMtzx0bSKY1XSbshYkJXk8iO_ugLTnA7QaY2YD5M5vDQgGh2TyiEGW96VColq7EnMZYS1R8EifkNY-xI1S0/s1600/photo-72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQJ1W3HExBZ9HTJsPoRh2Sb5CGwIryRbHiQLl5Eb8lCP-2IR0r0j3AHSYCaMtzx0bSKY1XSbshYkJXk8iO_ugLTnA7QaY2YD5M5vDQgGh2TyiEGW96VColq7EnMZYS1R8EifkNY-xI1S0/s400/photo-72.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Since July, I've been working from home for my dad about 30hrs a week. SUCH a blessing. Granted, it's difficult at times with Claire, but I couldn't ask for a better set up. Yesterday, she was very whiny after her nap, so we passed some time with good ol' Photobooth.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Err, at least </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">looks cute!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40TELWwW7WhDGxkMAjG6HVSsdM1jTepMiTulwUZy65RyQ8dX1YCbnVN6vgXQm2GDSz4K2lGJmSBy4XZMZBsjZkivN545Ym3sm9riGh7Z-SG4vqu3jXOBR5R3Na4Suk8bFUdEf3QzrpmeL/s1600/Photo+on+2011-08-17+at+13.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40TELWwW7WhDGxkMAjG6HVSsdM1jTepMiTulwUZy65RyQ8dX1YCbnVN6vgXQm2GDSz4K2lGJmSBy4XZMZBsjZkivN545Ym3sm9riGh7Z-SG4vqu3jXOBR5R3Na4Suk8bFUdEf3QzrpmeL/s400/Photo+on+2011-08-17+at+13.16.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Oops! She found her clip!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40HvjedhP7bJSgSzugHOnWGWo5TnxQX8XHoMstX8CPLW5MY_xl9QZzrqDXoSjgN8lgg23uAXAtLAN1qEb5pbS5H2t-T6pH1ywA38oiFcd8yOdigMjIhiXswMt4K27k1BhT0ebi4c8DN1R/s1600/Photo+on+2011-08-17+at+13.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40HvjedhP7bJSgSzugHOnWGWo5TnxQX8XHoMstX8CPLW5MY_xl9QZzrqDXoSjgN8lgg23uAXAtLAN1qEb5pbS5H2t-T6pH1ywA38oiFcd8yOdigMjIhiXswMt4K27k1BhT0ebi4c8DN1R/s400/Photo+on+2011-08-17+at+13.18.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Look what I have, ma'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxlT52AOUy2ayLbYHfLYO5_vD5OrQSSjhAoUEtNnk7IqnMttbVVAQzMADd2TEzIT6IwIld0yG8d4Vl21roBPtodx_DlB02Sevm2T7UqrrHomSQY8DUTxJP5G763y6lQO74BM2w10C_Q2r/s1600/Photo+on+2011-08-17+at+13.18+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxlT52AOUy2ayLbYHfLYO5_vD5OrQSSjhAoUEtNnk7IqnMttbVVAQzMADd2TEzIT6IwIld0yG8d4Vl21roBPtodx_DlB02Sevm2T7UqrrHomSQY8DUTxJP5G763y6lQO74BM2w10C_Q2r/s400/Photo+on+2011-08-17+at+13.18+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, that's all I got. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope your Thursday is off to a great start!!</span></b></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-72874428701116692522011-08-08T08:54:00.000-06:002011-08-08T08:54:22.839-06:003 Years Ago...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On 8-8-08, I walked down this aisle.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZKB_shtYhfmiYcXcgBZCd4-kf008Lty0m66TWhPlmABhS6w4q-pvJjXHrqMCxrQpW7Az0a7A8nfW8zM9q-WcpAmmbYwWAQpFIYkHnODPDzF4StFdqjJz9-j8nlYx76htYmQvSTHJfYGN/s1600/n1272235365_249835_5195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZKB_shtYhfmiYcXcgBZCd4-kf008Lty0m66TWhPlmABhS6w4q-pvJjXHrqMCxrQpW7Az0a7A8nfW8zM9q-WcpAmmbYwWAQpFIYkHnODPDzF4StFdqjJz9-j8nlYx76htYmQvSTHJfYGN/s400/n1272235365_249835_5195.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Married the perfect man for me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXXpvBPlnb4RgY7Pj9wY47uacgKZugw59bMTKgoBqXniAroZz34tTOcYkkUglc1YzRO5DGPxdMf1cGLO5pL5Gu0-jkkViwNKOFdKucBmbEy-VihjweeLmruldnATJkMLGWPEO3YopyEaS/s1600/n1272235365_249841_6820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXXpvBPlnb4RgY7Pj9wY47uacgKZugw59bMTKgoBqXniAroZz34tTOcYkkUglc1YzRO5DGPxdMf1cGLO5pL5Gu0-jkkViwNKOFdKucBmbEy-VihjweeLmruldnATJkMLGWPEO3YopyEaS/s400/n1272235365_249841_6820.jpg" width="263" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And began our {young} life together.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXFDr6Rpk5kuSNPP3o5NzJXw4Ee4Vnkpe_DUMvY0XemqRA6bD51aeKZ4GV9Dk7FOJxXqqUXw1SHsPsljcQfu18vPe5TyaGnrGwJhQrZuR7MQb8BdLuvpylLiYRU19PuvBLvDvlU2XJGQX/s1600/n1272235365_249843_7459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXFDr6Rpk5kuSNPP3o5NzJXw4Ee4Vnkpe_DUMvY0XemqRA6bD51aeKZ4GV9Dk7FOJxXqqUXw1SHsPsljcQfu18vPe5TyaGnrGwJhQrZuR7MQb8BdLuvpylLiYRU19PuvBLvDvlU2XJGQX/s400/n1272235365_249843_7459.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH7ZdJaV38tabiopfMQRQ2xAwn-I3XPOGo55SRSTGvb7m2E52xdrkIUNMWYjQFEcP407GXWGqw8054sqkkMux_gSOAnhogqN71pMnxsM1SU-8tP9dvS2L5u7lW-naRnknp5hGZrziLpnD/s1600/n1272235365_249849_9285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH7ZdJaV38tabiopfMQRQ2xAwn-I3XPOGo55SRSTGvb7m2E52xdrkIUNMWYjQFEcP407GXWGqw8054sqkkMux_gSOAnhogqN71pMnxsM1SU-8tP9dvS2L5u7lW-naRnknp5hGZrziLpnD/s400/n1272235365_249849_9285.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaScwLCs8KrLVG_Nf-kQA5LR788N3G5-3H4cdF_qA31hQLmUQ5iRkxEtJgJZYFzFEs0qOXsPB8tW9bge5a8VVqudOT9jMAYIEgiu605rwBURScRrFMmu7FcLVcuKTB29Wu82vMk4VN9-W3/s1600/n1272235365_249863_3951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaScwLCs8KrLVG_Nf-kQA5LR788N3G5-3H4cdF_qA31hQLmUQ5iRkxEtJgJZYFzFEs0qOXsPB8tW9bge5a8VVqudOT9jMAYIEgiu605rwBURScRrFMmu7FcLVcuKTB29Wu82vMk4VN9-W3/s400/n1272235365_249863_3951.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> & yes, we totally had a "secret dance"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkADIE1tUGjBdsF0psKiMBdnDuJEWRP6xeyIlQIDhDlg8hSZdRlGa31ivUeI6DBZSHUK2adDh0GyMrY93hbA314yohb0cOPGtF6ho7N-Re6naKEyj84NNYeXmfxj-du62bC_4I6Qkgxno/s1600/n1272235365_275304_7882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkADIE1tUGjBdsF0psKiMBdnDuJEWRP6xeyIlQIDhDlg8hSZdRlGa31ivUeI6DBZSHUK2adDh0GyMrY93hbA314yohb0cOPGtF6ho7N-Re6naKEyj84NNYeXmfxj-du62bC_4I6Qkgxno/s400/n1272235365_275304_7882.jpg" width="263" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDI_lsUbt1wwBCTRfOavQiYWCYvcR63nDTJb0HCodNWagolgTPqYy7Zb8zTrs9X-1yhUt4SHOWzZtIhjumxR839RijxqD0J4uOt14WpqtdsIVr0tUd4vVdrF21gFL9goAI4aQDRUXOTMh/s1600/n1272235365_275327_3607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDI_lsUbt1wwBCTRfOavQiYWCYvcR63nDTJb0HCodNWagolgTPqYy7Zb8zTrs9X-1yhUt4SHOWzZtIhjumxR839RijxqD0J4uOt14WpqtdsIVr0tUd4vVdrF21gFL9goAI4aQDRUXOTMh/s400/n1272235365_275327_3607.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpVcAt6FrlQ2bDmO4t0p-DCZ_7Dhj8kpKi1MFctms1cmtqsDdt0smRtSnwPshITm8hyphenhyphenpIttyfxX1b3DjtCDTMNGb-qCqNlgemMe4Ptn8uLaqX7T8m5G7-PMwdO4hDliqo10rcjFl3tMKZ/s1600/n1272235365_275364_6698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpVcAt6FrlQ2bDmO4t0p-DCZ_7Dhj8kpKi1MFctms1cmtqsDdt0smRtSnwPshITm8hyphenhyphenpIttyfxX1b3DjtCDTMNGb-qCqNlgemMe4Ptn8uLaqX7T8m5G7-PMwdO4hDliqo10rcjFl3tMKZ/s400/n1272235365_275364_6698.jpg" width="263" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Last year, for our 2nd anniversary, we visited the place where it all began. & I was a big, 37 week pregnant girl. WITH pregnant face & all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGE2T5BB6R6OvPjhygxI2dwEkoYxi0TkrAiPFdkzG0RT6l6rZDwqBadGJj95C2lMxj02i3iv4vjwGfFJXqQsX6FlycLe9s1-azgUY3hYJXkc_Iiw0gHmD4dS-_6k3Fqc7uq_aNuXibmI6/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGE2T5BB6R6OvPjhygxI2dwEkoYxi0TkrAiPFdkzG0RT6l6rZDwqBadGJj95C2lMxj02i3iv4vjwGfFJXqQsX6FlycLe9s1-azgUY3hYJXkc_Iiw0gHmD4dS-_6k3Fqc7uq_aNuXibmI6/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My, what a difference 3 years makes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I am not only married to the man of my dreams, but we have a beautiful {ALMOST 1 YEAR OLD} baby girl to add to the fun.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYauZEujHgfFW7rDULtrQRc9S-3DHoO8GQJ8p5g8dgEw5Xm2ScH2d1Uhx07dQTJxj2NDiFND1TeIF9iwrxO_Lnzay-Oc4OiOQuCIZW7tYwkOOrxOdQII9nJ4Zpx5p6EkPszTTr24uNLmk/s1600/271288_898924770623_23206380_41790963_8094502_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYauZEujHgfFW7rDULtrQRc9S-3DHoO8GQJ8p5g8dgEw5Xm2ScH2d1Uhx07dQTJxj2NDiFND1TeIF9iwrxO_Lnzay-Oc4OiOQuCIZW7tYwkOOrxOdQII9nJ4Zpx5p6EkPszTTr24uNLmk/s400/271288_898924770623_23206380_41790963_8094502_o.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a little sneak to her 1 year pics</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my life.</span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-6194354150355896562011-07-28T07:00:00.002-06:002011-07-28T07:00:17.959-06:00Mixed Feelings.<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all, I want to thank you all for the sweet & encouraging comments on my post about Early Intervention for Claire! A therapist is coming out to our house starting next Wednesday to work with her on her motor development (still no crawling) & I am really looking forward to it. I have high hopes that she will catch on quickly & will be moving in no time.</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, onto the real reason for this post...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm weaning from the pump. And I have </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so many</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mixed feelings about it. I mean, that damn pump has been physically closer to me for the past 11 months than my husband has. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claire will be 11 months old this Saturday {holy shit. hold me}. And as of last week, I was still pumping every 6 hours. On the hour. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have read everything there is to read on weaning from the pump & at this point? I'm pumping way more than I need to for how old my baby is. I have poured out so many "half-drunk" {is that grammatically correct??} bottles in the past month, it's disgusting. So, last week I began "weaning" myself. Basically, going one more hour in between sessions & not pumping more than Claire drank from a bottle at one time {6 oz}. Let me tell you, IT WAS HELL. I was </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">extremely </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">engorged. Mainly on my left side. So, so painful. Even more painful than when my milk came in 11 months ago. OUCH.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was in tears last week, you guys. Mainly because of the discomfort & full on PAIN I was experiencing, but also having SO many different feelings about what I was doing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I'm SO done with this. STUPID F-ING PUMP. WHY ARE YOU NOT WORKING?? AGAIN??" I say this to myself every day. But am I really ready to quit??!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After some research, I began taking Sudafed on Sunday. Supposedly, it is supposed to help "dry you up, because of a certain ingredient in it. And? It's working. Like, really working. As I type this, however, I have a clogged duct in my left boob. {GOOOD TIMES}. But, I have not been able to pump any more than 4 oz at a time each session today. You'd think I would be jumping up and down & happy that the Sudafed/weaning is working, but? I'm not.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a big ball of mixed emotions.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is SO bittersweet. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes. I want to have my body back to myself, and not have to watch the clock for when I pump next or worry if I'm leaking through my bra & shirt at work. And to be able to go out from time to time & enjoy myself without having to sneak away and pump. BUT, at the same time, I've pumped for 11 months already, WHAT'S ONE MORE MONTH?! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT, every time I pump, I say to myself "OMG, I CAN'T WAIT TO PUT YOU AWAY, STUPID PUMP!!". </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are these feelings normal? My educated guess is, YES. But does it make it any easier? HELL NO.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm battling with myself whether to continue pumping for another month, or to just dry up. Knowing myself, I will probably pump until Claire is a year, but then what? I just start giving her cow's milk? I'M NOT READY FOR THAT.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Damn. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've got issues.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And she's not even a year old. Yet. </span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-83813932601042219122011-07-25T15:41:00.005-06:002011-07-26T15:27:38.613-06:00Because I could use extra cash for my baby's FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What is this? Installment 3 of Raid My Closet? Am I desperate, or what?! Ha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is just more STUFF that's taking up room in my closet, that I don't use/wear, and I could definitely use this money to put towards CLAIRE'S FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ZOMG. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">e-mail me if you see something you just can't live without! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">laur8153@gmail.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Prices are negotiable*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*I ship anywhere in the U.S & Canada*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">****************************************</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{click on picture to make bigger}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Sunrise Shoulder Bag"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With tag still on it, but does have a tear inside the bag</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purchased for $89</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Selling for $25.00 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc24yAtd56fd6YhgDBwtGz8yJhPwjea2xbk66A3OkoRC5KO2vCQhiT3_gmXXPUwbWwEV7woV5oAm6-PcrqXf5to3z17IQwLh1Y7ZdKvk_gntY-Cg9evrCrcblkXW0ddfMVn127eBQUDPg3/s1600/photo-41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc24yAtd56fd6YhgDBwtGz8yJhPwjea2xbk66A3OkoRC5KO2vCQhiT3_gmXXPUwbWwEV7woV5oAm6-PcrqXf5to3z17IQwLh1Y7ZdKvk_gntY-Cg9evrCrcblkXW0ddfMVn127eBQUDPg3/s320/photo-41.JPG" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x1pedD1fipFclxVhU6_4VdHwufzGWDEmEZSTnwHWA8Y8I6s0DHLbTv_ErQc-P__fEWWcwLaXuAmfiejwQwk8uo1xbFdrq2s3iu87iOxgRnIVxPGocSD90sOzXM4BGCX7ZOwv3WK7XBaF/s1600/photo-42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x1pedD1fipFclxVhU6_4VdHwufzGWDEmEZSTnwHWA8Y8I6s0DHLbTv_ErQc-P__fEWWcwLaXuAmfiejwQwk8uo1xbFdrq2s3iu87iOxgRnIVxPGocSD90sOzXM4BGCX7ZOwv3WK7XBaF/s320/photo-42.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pewter Purse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> New With Tag</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purchased for $40.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$15.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvpxcdldH7vrgy90ogQHeFGXUkK2XCwqNrgrakqQpdvj__beslsh0grw0nCEVDehdpMMJAp6vsL9VB79TEgPLn6tqRsoyyQHca2y_Bu4RtDqCywEnTA-9DSqpnXdpDJbRswbsi-2l-ZeI/s1600/photo-40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvpxcdldH7vrgy90ogQHeFGXUkK2XCwqNrgrakqQpdvj__beslsh0grw0nCEVDehdpMMJAp6vsL9VB79TEgPLn6tqRsoyyQHca2y_Bu4RtDqCywEnTA-9DSqpnXdpDJbRswbsi-2l-ZeI/s320/photo-40.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Red kitten heels</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: 7.5</div><div style="text-align: center;">$18.00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>SOLD</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevA2knYxL2umGNRRupTisLX17gf7J0J9p9hlW7Vf9qjhqdO5sP5AiUiui8H7dzPOq4BvFBExRvg3T_CehFWPp_iYMxUpAC6SaYOPQjUfuGsg7DUMmXytWvVJHV9_oz6ofyd42DFIaHeoN/s1600/photo-43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevA2knYxL2umGNRRupTisLX17gf7J0J9p9hlW7Vf9qjhqdO5sP5AiUiui8H7dzPOq4BvFBExRvg3T_CehFWPp_iYMxUpAC6SaYOPQjUfuGsg7DUMmXytWvVJHV9_oz6ofyd42DFIaHeoN/s320/photo-43.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n3MZLbC7L3nQNV2PHbocC6_OQINFPCBZk_dMk1LH0fE8gKHHQwptjEgRtJ08adrMCoiVsy0a9Y0RYsRE5_FvEz4fgg3fkcJIthfOvvMdGB6gbZ9qXZQLuAF1pOuS0bUAXyz7bMxIlbUP/s1600/photo-44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n3MZLbC7L3nQNV2PHbocC6_OQINFPCBZk_dMk1LH0fE8gKHHQwptjEgRtJ08adrMCoiVsy0a9Y0RYsRE5_FvEz4fgg3fkcJIthfOvvMdGB6gbZ9qXZQLuAF1pOuS0bUAXyz7bMxIlbUP/s320/photo-44.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Cream & Brown UGG Boots</div><div style="text-align: center;">Practically brand new</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: 8 (very snug fit!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Purchased for $185.00</div><div style="text-align: center;">Selling for: $75.00</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU6wyT9h12ray4U00xx4-TOOiRIJNg9uCXTLxzin32R8IFn69M44kKvpgZfTSErXhHd8RXcMu3VHCBqs7mzYP-fc8mbz0ggHpw7d0JjgOfBK4LKZmy5GMAWt-xjjduSlAbdDZfgJQFTjV/s1600/photo-45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU6wyT9h12ray4U00xx4-TOOiRIJNg9uCXTLxzin32R8IFn69M44kKvpgZfTSErXhHd8RXcMu3VHCBqs7mzYP-fc8mbz0ggHpw7d0JjgOfBK4LKZmy5GMAWt-xjjduSlAbdDZfgJQFTjV/s320/photo-45.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRaB2Wp67QCYf_yMvipi0HAF3nCP_PMDVZSKTYaBB6ByhRTFijw3pvlQjkoxOC5vb1ZmFcbIaIP_FZxU8-ES9otQKGVc2UPwEvvniuuQqRbX3ztTO2sNHxoubtacjLC9vH-TS40J6eV2j/s1600/photo-46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRaB2Wp67QCYf_yMvipi0HAF3nCP_PMDVZSKTYaBB6ByhRTFijw3pvlQjkoxOC5vb1ZmFcbIaIP_FZxU8-ES9otQKGVc2UPwEvvniuuQqRbX3ztTO2sNHxoubtacjLC9vH-TS40J6eV2j/s320/photo-46.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Red Abercrombie & Fitch Sweatshirt</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Small</div><div style="text-align: center;">$9.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsGMfGnYkMeXWAS_O7qCbmvRRf4ZNaEwKIjd_tBONLn4-_Gt69XTpPw13eoULh-hIwkfCvFvIIOSUvHXGpmjJuUerI29ONVqFYABDyZfkX1WV1tZ4F131Fnf93WZ3slqqIENLwnl-ApR9/s1600/photo-48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsGMfGnYkMeXWAS_O7qCbmvRRf4ZNaEwKIjd_tBONLn4-_Gt69XTpPw13eoULh-hIwkfCvFvIIOSUvHXGpmjJuUerI29ONVqFYABDyZfkX1WV1tZ4F131Fnf93WZ3slqqIENLwnl-ApR9/s320/photo-48.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">American Eagle Capris</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: 4</div><div style="text-align: center;">$10.00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>SOLD</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhnT2fTYiB_tjBMflsj4_d6WtC-eR9-rz-j9lM1d3pdyC_buT-8nyq9bpwAp1eMyyJco8TLLMZqfdI-DQWm34w1bDrkdM0ki0p6YcwJJmoqmfUnFo0vP4m5zwOsh2vqy0FCYIoD1yz-kC/s1600/photo-49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhnT2fTYiB_tjBMflsj4_d6WtC-eR9-rz-j9lM1d3pdyC_buT-8nyq9bpwAp1eMyyJco8TLLMZqfdI-DQWm34w1bDrkdM0ki0p6YcwJJmoqmfUnFo0vP4m5zwOsh2vqy0FCYIoD1yz-kC/s320/photo-49.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">New in box Juicy Couture "teardrop" earrings </div><div style="text-align: center;">$18.00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>SOLD</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFvmJYvkAL5FcqFjkUg_O33Mt0C2uxuJ5q0zc1FDc2xeGTqKEzBLfbwlQ33ywO9b7GskVKGnIPEExmie7Ng5yETduqnBZ0DLw_sKaIACo0omTaB601WdSqI6td2GthxIzJ9Cc237HOWRh/s1600/photo-50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFvmJYvkAL5FcqFjkUg_O33Mt0C2uxuJ5q0zc1FDc2xeGTqKEzBLfbwlQ33ywO9b7GskVKGnIPEExmie7Ng5yETduqnBZ0DLw_sKaIACo0omTaB601WdSqI6td2GthxIzJ9Cc237HOWRh/s320/photo-50.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">New In Box Juicy Couture Heart shaped Earrings</div><div style="text-align: center;">$18.00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>SOLD</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9NiiZqZ_Viffr63R56ydiYE-aZiAamQ8uH0jMQpEh6CAnOJz62mM2QzhfD59okPHEQYebWO1QshRdx27MjGAd98QJu3Lf2Qm-Qbjrz-VbIsTWnSj6P00GI7d0xIjTYize8jt2K5iBuDw/s1600/photo-51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9NiiZqZ_Viffr63R56ydiYE-aZiAamQ8uH0jMQpEh6CAnOJz62mM2QzhfD59okPHEQYebWO1QshRdx27MjGAd98QJu3Lf2Qm-Qbjrz-VbIsTWnSj6P00GI7d0xIjTYize8jt2K5iBuDw/s320/photo-51.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Blue Tattoo Burmuda Shorts</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: 28</div><div style="text-align: center;">$20.00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>SOLD</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7hHhWF6PzNFXbfHC7f0HdnnpwXII8JTCgS1eDCQrflecNr7jipHLpCWKUf7C8IVXRGhLXcPvEKOs5PIeEAnJ8K9DOJloID3piQoLhHh_tVCun0Z7zc_LPRwHoUzOYhTDK4hfuFmnrrvN/s1600/photo-52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7hHhWF6PzNFXbfHC7f0HdnnpwXII8JTCgS1eDCQrflecNr7jipHLpCWKUf7C8IVXRGhLXcPvEKOs5PIeEAnJ8K9DOJloID3piQoLhHh_tVCun0Z7zc_LPRwHoUzOYhTDK4hfuFmnrrvN/s320/photo-52.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPJo-WoO7HKgcQFlrkG8F_D6muQacltKbXpSDxRFHshLN3u6FTAl-6yyI7fq3qU0haD0dLE2Zdpt_U5xm4wxfhXxkROWox5hxzxyYdOC8xw3kYL7H50l5IJNnLhYmF6HMCLseFWwOX5Wp/s1600/photo-53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPJo-WoO7HKgcQFlrkG8F_D6muQacltKbXpSDxRFHshLN3u6FTAl-6yyI7fq3qU0haD0dLE2Zdpt_U5xm4wxfhXxkROWox5hxzxyYdOC8xw3kYL7H50l5IJNnLhYmF6HMCLseFWwOX5Wp/s320/photo-53.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sage Green Sundress </div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">$14.00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>SOLD</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71OfUp16UNm00__J_d9GU3eY_Yo8Zz22EFab1mgzC1kOloTCRosYLHk-puXq9s7K3hk8e2TWzKeY_G9ipZDYGU6TUPzaKcO99udNYaPXr199vr8sb7LGadlOSMdg58_w_6MtVCYyM2-To/s1600/photo-54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71OfUp16UNm00__J_d9GU3eY_Yo8Zz22EFab1mgzC1kOloTCRosYLHk-puXq9s7K3hk8e2TWzKeY_G9ipZDYGU6TUPzaKcO99udNYaPXr199vr8sb7LGadlOSMdg58_w_6MtVCYyM2-To/s320/photo-54.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Floral Tank</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">$8.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gSPi68FtMLEcu73B0c1HPR7fnFOiIyD6dSB-EAL5hA0sY2u9oFrKJdVkaOEMBvvcjnLravW1yqUMnXkErvTdiZbk7w7UzaOHFDs4aFu0h37-SHdS6HDfxVZvA3Kipn530wxzQcnFhRUZ/s1600/photo-55.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gSPi68FtMLEcu73B0c1HPR7fnFOiIyD6dSB-EAL5hA0sY2u9oFrKJdVkaOEMBvvcjnLravW1yqUMnXkErvTdiZbk7w7UzaOHFDs4aFu0h37-SHdS6HDfxVZvA3Kipn530wxzQcnFhRUZ/s320/photo-55.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Red Vans</div><div style="text-align: center;">Men size 4.5</div><div style="text-align: center;">Women size 6</div><div style="text-align: center;">$15.00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>SOLD</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4di1IjniZfpcvDhZVqDtu7bu3u4MvAvvtiw3WbDBLHTSAeX_BaRLSVCUIZtTMGfpvqkL3bdcs6VUD-2DIC4_CaFXFkyU5FCblAviy4lTB7XVhNVfzgHu_Saxnp1bpZGa5YLFJ4Fev45y/s1600/photo-56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4di1IjniZfpcvDhZVqDtu7bu3u4MvAvvtiw3WbDBLHTSAeX_BaRLSVCUIZtTMGfpvqkL3bdcs6VUD-2DIC4_CaFXFkyU5FCblAviy4lTB7XVhNVfzgHu_Saxnp1bpZGa5YLFJ4Fev45y/s320/photo-56.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Denim Shorts</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: 5</div><div style="text-align: center;">$9.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZjuYCAatVOOxvd2mRMizglawu0jc-kTrUKyOJZinfRLfSf0xLxutjccSbLKsU82rDGu1PNTuw9-Cj005rP9wlgWRMxKI4U5ybDtoTwRxz9ehj8M7BXd3Fo4DmdVWUSQ6fsbSop8bU7kn/s1600/photo-57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZjuYCAatVOOxvd2mRMizglawu0jc-kTrUKyOJZinfRLfSf0xLxutjccSbLKsU82rDGu1PNTuw9-Cj005rP9wlgWRMxKI4U5ybDtoTwRxz9ehj8M7BXd3Fo4DmdVWUSQ6fsbSop8bU7kn/s320/photo-57.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-KspBMOZppM9bltf1HUd0k_Edo_xhU9X0JMmYa95H2K9Lz2PZXVZTaq02jKaW9DIqlqAj5ymQJAz-an0tnkzKPBttcVI8E7jdVsi7FkRRnZS0sL6LNWh8448ikj7iuNsY-WdaqzKk_R8/s1600/photo-58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-KspBMOZppM9bltf1HUd0k_Edo_xhU9X0JMmYa95H2K9Lz2PZXVZTaq02jKaW9DIqlqAj5ymQJAz-an0tnkzKPBttcVI8E7jdVsi7FkRRnZS0sL6LNWh8448ikj7iuNsY-WdaqzKk_R8/s320/photo-58.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Zebra Print Wallet</div><div style="text-align: center;">$5.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTXxEF9GTPaPRerPFZSZKPTwP5bLz-dQoLzEAqltozoGMwwG9zI-FcpUv4OpBgWN30QFkNcWIZUHueEJHKhRarOVfa79BeI2-jEyfhY2IZ2yZI5rq1JJSCDJDkQukl4u4N3d3uG09jcLx/s1600/photo-59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTXxEF9GTPaPRerPFZSZKPTwP5bLz-dQoLzEAqltozoGMwwG9zI-FcpUv4OpBgWN30QFkNcWIZUHueEJHKhRarOVfa79BeI2-jEyfhY2IZ2yZI5rq1JJSCDJDkQukl4u4N3d3uG09jcLx/s320/photo-59.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Juicy Couture Dog Carrier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purchased for $300.00 (i know, right?! I used to be a priss)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Selling for $70.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkVmT5mpKWd9dnxdeki34EogXhJzu4oj7jmlm0c5ytjTSB1Frq03XCPJ4qhbplUwiFxR2z2yzsxfPsA5nYBvc2K72oIokqI_i2VhDWw8LvH-y2SbteJc1cjEKivkwImubL50ET8jlp95_/s1600/photo-62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkVmT5mpKWd9dnxdeki34EogXhJzu4oj7jmlm0c5ytjTSB1Frq03XCPJ4qhbplUwiFxR2z2yzsxfPsA5nYBvc2K72oIokqI_i2VhDWw8LvH-y2SbteJc1cjEKivkwImubL50ET8jlp95_/s320/photo-62.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU5IGcrjzBVr8FK438qduWi56LBr9ise516UlxoIoJYcseRyXoqztNMYawvcF2gmVMoDRtYZgKBkP0s7X_CuPrK4KPJMUU2WCEjUhFjUF0I3rO_Zjgiz4qe8aZMUn9RpUcK5H4zMQQFbD/s1600/photo-60.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU5IGcrjzBVr8FK438qduWi56LBr9ise516UlxoIoJYcseRyXoqztNMYawvcF2gmVMoDRtYZgKBkP0s7X_CuPrK4KPJMUU2WCEjUhFjUF0I3rO_Zjgiz4qe8aZMUn9RpUcK5H4zMQQFbD/s320/photo-60.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BnKUzHtlQCqSz5p3cOl2YBWsk9yeuCXHBo5btgczL1uVpOW9GMobGrUYkhMBOIsdMY9kxVk68Jm-OymP6mFL198ZT1Y07ECZd4-bbYmrUXrrl7-8xdEWKO4P54ojjd2Hrww0mv6xC6Ax/s1600/photo-61.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BnKUzHtlQCqSz5p3cOl2YBWsk9yeuCXHBo5btgczL1uVpOW9GMobGrUYkhMBOIsdMY9kxVk68Jm-OymP6mFL198ZT1Y07ECZd4-bbYmrUXrrl7-8xdEWKO4P54ojjd2Hrww0mv6xC6Ax/s320/photo-61.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Lucky Brand Zip up Hoodie</div><div style="text-align: center;">$9.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4jcLyVLBASOC6xzSRdhW03k60nk1OhFK-QEDMpeim1j6IhKgfMrI8hFQ0lQHsweX2QQQJwZ5dOTiYx7a1mLGiJ1j1Wvj5LPJ8j5yA6dWI4kCyc_bMKXUju2ROpYNJODrKA6Kt2SGVGEv/s1600/photo-63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4jcLyVLBASOC6xzSRdhW03k60nk1OhFK-QEDMpeim1j6IhKgfMrI8hFQ0lQHsweX2QQQJwZ5dOTiYx7a1mLGiJ1j1Wvj5LPJ8j5yA6dWI4kCyc_bMKXUju2ROpYNJODrKA6Kt2SGVGEv/s320/photo-63.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Navy Blue American Eagle Hoodie</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">$9.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0nNzdj1nFQcpJeeZjmMXdMWWPiqKy_bp_KB2jORIuGaKc5NnE_ok6jjCo6hvuZoGE_JoRXu5e_fWbC30VOlv-GB7lWEBl1zNyHszsoS41_VrXo0_FZzBVsBi6HZHaCBaj27vc3qRIKk8/s1600/photo-64.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0nNzdj1nFQcpJeeZjmMXdMWWPiqKy_bp_KB2jORIuGaKc5NnE_ok6jjCo6hvuZoGE_JoRXu5e_fWbC30VOlv-GB7lWEBl1zNyHszsoS41_VrXo0_FZzBVsBi6HZHaCBaj27vc3qRIKk8/s320/photo-64.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Cream Colored GUESS Purse</div><div style="text-align: center;">(has a small tear on the inside)</div><div style="text-align: center;">$15.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMsqySfZFhIduBV32AB8Isp26vseH_PrK_3ZzAda7bvKQnlBBp3sMv2GZVXmeJKqLi3W_66fd5jLQD9BxUUS3TfwJxnx-adQoZXkFer9WpsKP6kHb2vnHTAnimU98bJXXoxzIXkbZ99WR/s1600/photo-65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMsqySfZFhIduBV32AB8Isp26vseH_PrK_3ZzAda7bvKQnlBBp3sMv2GZVXmeJKqLi3W_66fd5jLQD9BxUUS3TfwJxnx-adQoZXkFer9WpsKP6kHb2vnHTAnimU98bJXXoxzIXkbZ99WR/s320/photo-65.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl5r0-SQLhpzu1ZD7T2g7v65wmzK_caUUesO_5zPuQtKsX0W-FTOJZPvTkoo0uJFVo_RwwPXfFmtgPO_DGEFtxrNOQHs1qdgD7mosqVy0rA9fBfyrxnJmjJvPef68q_1SiuydNlm7gR9i/s1600/photo-66.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl5r0-SQLhpzu1ZD7T2g7v65wmzK_caUUesO_5zPuQtKsX0W-FTOJZPvTkoo0uJFVo_RwwPXfFmtgPO_DGEFtxrNOQHs1qdgD7mosqVy0rA9fBfyrxnJmjJvPef68q_1SiuydNlm7gR9i/s320/photo-66.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-61121422775008694192011-07-12T10:42:00.001-06:002011-07-12T10:42:42.126-06:0010 months old. Early Intervention. & Other Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey, remember me? No? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, well, I'm that one mom with a </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 month old daughter </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who rarely blogs nowadays. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now do you remember? Good.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So ya. Needless to say, I've been missing in action when it comes to this thing. I say that in every post I've done in the last month, but it's true! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suck. I'm sorry. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my own </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">memory, I NEED to keep this up. I love blogging & chronicling events & milestones & updates in our busy lives & then going back months from now re-living everything. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we go.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For starters, like I said, I HAVE A 10 MONTH OLD BABY LIVING IN THIS HOUSE. Wasn't she </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">just </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this little nugget?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wahhh.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfGbAtZr2ilUvwr-1UlUv8I-ofP_54yhmZJQhkwa_yZEiM6Dj5HmDZgRLhiAejws4sH_ao6tLHALsV7ssKkurZLExnkpJOftQISPpcl-JEZIcKNMSKvTe2-NPpOU-Pc0ZrJYz5W-OjSFa/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfGbAtZr2ilUvwr-1UlUv8I-ofP_54yhmZJQhkwa_yZEiM6Dj5HmDZgRLhiAejws4sH_ao6tLHALsV7ssKkurZLExnkpJOftQISPpcl-JEZIcKNMSKvTe2-NPpOU-Pc0ZrJYz5W-OjSFa/s400/IMG_0436.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now she's this little {non-crawling} spitfire. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQMT7XsnqncNcK-nkW4xC0GCnr0dKgLQBLxkZXENZRst1nkmLCSOyYOM77N-lncqNHEDHPRz2qhOEyxFgLEhzGuaBwiqhfIfAUCF1ATY_ij4H2KkudsWWwYolc7y4-DogNYoxjFLeMIWl/s1600/photo-38.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQMT7XsnqncNcK-nkW4xC0GCnr0dKgLQBLxkZXENZRst1nkmLCSOyYOM77N-lncqNHEDHPRz2qhOEyxFgLEhzGuaBwiqhfIfAUCF1ATY_ij4H2KkudsWWwYolc7y4-DogNYoxjFLeMIWl/s400/photo-38.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my dad in Kansas City</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my memory, let me just take a minute & update with what she's up to:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Wearing size 3 dipes</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Still in 6 month clothing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Weighs about 16lbs {5th %tile}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*27" {ish} long. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Saying dada, yaya, baba, hi, and the occasional mama.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-vwWS23gg6oIvTFGXG41M1gIuS8OTxi8JOyLoiuqcDgk9PPWdE8WTVv3K6ZAdgbFj6eii4UE53PsDZ9w4JdWnqsv4rJABb1dzfFN0AAaBucDiIxkUu1nEBH-r9XqzGB4lnhq1uKCSrzF/s1600/268860_10150249402637840_502232839_7487690_529041_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-vwWS23gg6oIvTFGXG41M1gIuS8OTxi8JOyLoiuqcDgk9PPWdE8WTVv3K6ZAdgbFj6eii4UE53PsDZ9w4JdWnqsv4rJABb1dzfFN0AAaBucDiIxkUu1nEBH-r9XqzGB4lnhq1uKCSrzF/s400/268860_10150249402637840_502232839_7487690_529041_n.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> *Goes to bed no later than 7pm & wakes up between 7:30-8am</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*DEEPEST FREAKING SLEEPER IN HISTORY. She slept through the loudest, most obnoxious fireworks our neighbors set off last week. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Has 2 bottom teeth & one top tooth poking through.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Had her first {high} fever on Father's Day followed by Roseola.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poor baby!</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1_sb_fUSbqAUVqPpt4Qei4LQ8j4ROeyAE9DvLU_hPUavEX93KIbkrjUcknnrMBNIJA2r0BRv5IpXg6qUEfvmhJUS-LcA0iBV0RP2PrHLSOPp9xY3g3UfvYyMhIRg1NUzVe3CzVxrSJiV/s1600/photo-39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1_sb_fUSbqAUVqPpt4Qei4LQ8j4ROeyAE9DvLU_hPUavEX93KIbkrjUcknnrMBNIJA2r0BRv5IpXg6qUEfvmhJUS-LcA0iBV0RP2PrHLSOPp9xY3g3UfvYyMhIRg1NUzVe3CzVxrSJiV/s400/photo-39.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stupid Rash!<br />
</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHSA5Z1jv1cMaahYlX2IASrUSlKNKqFHvpJs-nQEa8M3oBfk81q9c8zhUFFZ5dTBSGzQ_17UbpoXLF5Vh8xzo1xQ0K5LZnsLlsMyrMHsLSTMWKWJ2wQxlx5Az3YLhLZCT-aIG8nz1RQ3I/s1600/270463_10150250278417840_502232839_7496605_3695247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHSA5Z1jv1cMaahYlX2IASrUSlKNKqFHvpJs-nQEa8M3oBfk81q9c8zhUFFZ5dTBSGzQ_17UbpoXLF5Vh8xzo1xQ0K5LZnsLlsMyrMHsLSTMWKWJ2wQxlx5Az3YLhLZCT-aIG8nz1RQ3I/s400/270463_10150250278417840_502232839_7496605_3695247_n.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Claps, dances, and loves to share her toys & food.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Still not crawling {more on that in a minute}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*LOVES TO EAT. I swear she eats all the time. And she will only feed herself. She absolutely will not allow me to feed her. Miss independent, much?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Drinking about 4 {5oz} bottles of breast milk a day</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy2jkgtOadqNVh057N3EOGFlJQB7DHM7XPN5bvVj8zgBrTJfWrL5OI4CmoJ4sIfGhZum0PcpKxrtOfBbhfnfuJ-5ovS7zcbVlTWLx7QLin40XTVADE5-Fs7l_NbApFcBXWabZEOBV9VBO/s1600/IMG_1265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy2jkgtOadqNVh057N3EOGFlJQB7DHM7XPN5bvVj8zgBrTJfWrL5OI4CmoJ4sIfGhZum0PcpKxrtOfBbhfnfuJ-5ovS7zcbVlTWLx7QLin40XTVADE5-Fs7l_NbApFcBXWabZEOBV9VBO/s400/IMG_1265.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think those are the the biggest things that have happened this past month. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">************************************</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our trip to Kansas City went off without a freakin' hitch. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claire did absolutely amazing on the plane ride there & back. She sat on my lap & played the entire time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She never fails to exceed my expectations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a blast at the wedding, but OHMYGOD it was disgustingly hot. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living in such a dry state, it's a rude awakening when you go to the Midwest & try to stay outside for longer than 2 minutes without being drenched with sweat. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So of course the wedding was outdoors & we were in a park taking pictures for at least 2 hours. My hair looked amazing, let me tell ya. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But overall, it was such a fun, much needed getaway!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo5P4YVyuouVFQsGSASyJpPudxqG36OmowLzFOROGTE6BO1m38ifIj9RFoM5HvQGIQQQomhFPkXhFTAtc7Qkntanpqsw7Oa-IMUOGk5u5VNZgW5s6s-EHdgNCTOp7XHTz3ouWh5fvViRy/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo5P4YVyuouVFQsGSASyJpPudxqG36OmowLzFOROGTE6BO1m38ifIj9RFoM5HvQGIQQQomhFPkXhFTAtc7Qkntanpqsw7Oa-IMUOGk5u5VNZgW5s6s-EHdgNCTOp7XHTz3ouWh5fvViRy/s400/IMG_1286.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our little fam after the ceremony.</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOda_em0Swzs53-K6RGZN5tAuT13wGNcuQrt3YyZ3aPSy3b7ZIHY2Ph6A4AeP2ziv34whU7Fw8aa6HjV-s3SeMVIjyJmqqy190Lyjpj2wXNZsmWyNzILypTIKpV0Rc-zD25i9U7y8APWC_/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOda_em0Swzs53-K6RGZN5tAuT13wGNcuQrt3YyZ3aPSy3b7ZIHY2Ph6A4AeP2ziv34whU7Fw8aa6HjV-s3SeMVIjyJmqqy190Lyjpj2wXNZsmWyNzILypTIKpV0Rc-zD25i9U7y8APWC_/s400/IMG_1285.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-DJPZPMmkFFRBIY2LvNPteqzxI9TTTTIL3r6Gf3SsIZREe7EFupdrUHXTS1CsJuogpnQcZGsdiXB6KHPjkHP5ypdAgIV4J2zetITIe7YcGK9AMvbTicK4EKpyKg9S6GG7cCKbPt9yElv/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-DJPZPMmkFFRBIY2LvNPteqzxI9TTTTIL3r6Gf3SsIZREe7EFupdrUHXTS1CsJuogpnQcZGsdiXB6KHPjkHP5ypdAgIV4J2zetITIe7YcGK9AMvbTicK4EKpyKg9S6GG7cCKbPt9yElv/s400/IMG_1276.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friendly girl waving at the guests. </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got back into town late July 3rd, so on the 4th, we were tired. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was rainy the whole day, so we did nothing. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We attempted setting off a couple of "silent" {I use quotes because we were told they had no noise, but they did in fact scream when hubs lit them} fireworks at our house before Claire went to bed, but she didn't enjoy that very much. She clung to my shoulder for dear life. Poor thing! HA!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQIPyhm-GjYxEd6X9eV6v2R_hNtsJ5S4cUdkp2QsA9Lx2tA6X6oLd9awTDobnF_cog4rbD3AxdQZ8YLfHRdurlX6vlUjcCtZNuGlfNtoWsOifaqoCYhbkSJsZeetnEnC7ZpcdIpxCLEXH/s1600/photo-33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQIPyhm-GjYxEd6X9eV6v2R_hNtsJ5S4cUdkp2QsA9Lx2tA6X6oLd9awTDobnF_cog4rbD3AxdQZ8YLfHRdurlX6vlUjcCtZNuGlfNtoWsOifaqoCYhbkSJsZeetnEnC7ZpcdIpxCLEXH/s400/photo-33.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a few other random pictures to throw in:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeD4o1e6XR-pwY00SvWfSjkf9mlPuD-MvngaL-2aWnFKXocdDtoGa1_dMN-rW9jXXlCzSNKWo2IaIrT0uAQSeGOsGcqx3i_gei0-jufWKHExzbw45vRqHgSN8UbTh1XkP45Ql7UZ-kzcX/s1600/photo-31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeD4o1e6XR-pwY00SvWfSjkf9mlPuD-MvngaL-2aWnFKXocdDtoGa1_dMN-rW9jXXlCzSNKWo2IaIrT0uAQSeGOsGcqx3i_gei0-jufWKHExzbw45vRqHgSN8UbTh1XkP45Ql7UZ-kzcX/s400/photo-31.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only picture I captured on Father's Day. Claire was sick. And it was approximately 40 degrees that day.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8uie1qR0RkiLftPOIb2_YizyJy0EMaDBFHWh0lQYsgW0Ss0wZY0iqzvsN3qm0gsFIbGUverAjMNNPFTb3a5j9TuDswF1Wu7oV20RdFvezQiM91re4BNLmCksD09haF3v_tj__ZxMMNY7/s1600/photo-26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8uie1qR0RkiLftPOIb2_YizyJy0EMaDBFHWh0lQYsgW0Ss0wZY0iqzvsN3qm0gsFIbGUverAjMNNPFTb3a5j9TuDswF1Wu7oV20RdFvezQiM91re4BNLmCksD09haF3v_tj__ZxMMNY7/s400/photo-26.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hanging by the pool with momma.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***********************************************</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, onto a more serious topic.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I took Claire for her 9 month Well Baby check-up a few weeks ago, her pediatrician asked me if she was crawling, cruising along furniture, rolling over, pushing up on her arms when on her stomach.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I told her "no" for all of the above. She wasn't surprised that she wasn't cruising along furniture yet, but she was slightly concerned that she wasn't doing any of the other things. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I told her that I had been a little concerned for a while & that's when the topic of Early Intervention came up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Early Intervention is a program funded by the state that provides children {that qualify} services to help them "catch up" if you will, to where they need to be by Kindergarten. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A FREE SERVICE TO HELP MY BABY CATCH UP & GET MOVIN?!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Hell ya, I was on board.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, last week, someone came out to our house to evaluate Claire to see if she would qualify for the help.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He performed an array of tests on Claire's motor development & fine motor skills, along with asking me a whole bunch of questions about her.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When completed, he told me that Claire has the Fine Motor Skills of a 12 month old {yay smarty baby!}, but that she has the Motor Development of a 7 month old {not surprised}, and that she would qualify for help from them to get back on track.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basically all they are going to help us with is strengthening her muscle tone in her tummy, arms & back so that we can get her caught up to where she needs to be in that area. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still with me?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, starting on August 4th, a therapist will come out to our home twice a month & work with Claire.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In between visits, they will provide hubs & I exercises to help strengthen her little body & practice, practice, practice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would absolutely not be doing this if there was no need for it. Or if I didn't think Claire was ready to get moving. But? She IS! She gets so frustrated when she cant push up on her little arms & support her weight. It sucks, because I want to do it for her, but alas, I cannot. So, Early Intervention it is.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know there may be many different views on this, but please, no snarky comments, k? Thanks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're still reading after this 9 hour post, you rock. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday, loves! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-80498740564438928122011-06-29T19:32:00.000-06:002011-06-29T19:32:57.666-06:00She did it.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night, Claire officially said "Mama". </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After much encouragement & practicing on our part, she went from "bbbba bbbba" to "bbmmmaa ma". </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YAY!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">course </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't get it on video or anything like that. Which totally bums me out because we got her saying "dada" on video. Oh well.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight, she also figured out that if she shoves a cracker in the doggy's face, the doggy will eat it. So that was a fun little game they played. Not. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least she likes sharing, no? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last but DEFINITELY not least, Claire is finally showing some interest & motivation in wanting to crawl!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PRAISE, GOD!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the longest time, she'd just sit and whine & fuss and move her hands because that's all she knew how to do.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But tonight, out of nowhere, she went from sitting to moving her hands to one side & went onto her tummy. That's about as far as she got before getting frustrated & crying, but she's making progress! I'm only this excited about wanting her to crawl because I KNOW she wants to get moving so bad & I KNOW she will be much more content once she figures it out. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had a post full of updates sitting in my drafts for over a week with lots of pictures. I just need to finish writing it so I can post it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, thank you SO much for all of you that gave me amazing suggestions on our upcoming trip! I've calmed down a bit & know it will all be ok! We leave tomorrow! AH!</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-912216033446568272011-06-24T08:00:00.002-06:002011-06-24T08:00:21.046-06:00Now, I need your help.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm glad that I was able to help a lot of you in my "pumping 101" posts! I have gotten so many e-mails telling me how educational those posts were to a lot of you! SO GLAD!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But now, I need YOUR help.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next week, we are flying to Kansas City, MO for a wedding{any of you live there & want to meet up??}. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saying that I am terrified is an understatement. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claire will be 10 months old on the day we leave. & I have the most extreme anxiety of how she is going to do on the plane, how she is going to act & how she will sleep. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I should just chill the f*&% out & have fun, but I want my baby to be comfortable on this "vacation". </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ANY TIPS ON HOW TO TRAVEL WITH A 10 MONTH OLD??!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I have not the slightest clue. </span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-74535740996402390462011-06-23T07:00:00.000-06:002011-06-23T07:00:04.688-06:00More answers to your questions!<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25469558?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-47600986920733352372011-06-20T13:30:00.001-06:002011-06-20T13:32:19.237-06:00Finally.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry this took me FOREVER. But, here is the pumping vlog I promised you. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am by no means an expert on pumping. These are just tips of what works for me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I filmed the stupid thing about 34983403948 times before I was "pleased" with it. I look like a farmer, but whatev.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So anyway, watch if you are interested & comment if you have ANY other questions.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25364803?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-35595673668506565432011-06-15T00:03:00.002-06:002011-06-15T12:04:30.523-06:00Stay Tuned, Please!<div style="text-align: center;">I have gotten an overwhelming amount of e-mails lately about my pumping regimen & I am making a Vlog addressing all of those questions!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't been ignoring you, I promise!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(if you have ANY questions for me regarding pumping, e-mail me today & I will answer them in my vlog for sure!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll hopefully have it up tomorrow. Followed by "regular" blogging CHALK FULL of updates. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Because, I haven't blogged in, you know, 2 WEEKS.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks so much for your patience, loves.</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-15891680131326558742011-05-31T09:53:00.000-06:002011-05-31T09:53:28.230-06:0039 weeks in. 39 weeks out. {LONG}<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH MY DEAR LORD. Claire has been here with us on the outside world as long as she was in my womb.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is just mind blowing.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1150-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1150-1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She does weird things with her hands...ha!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naturally, 39 weeks carrying her inside of me completely </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">draggged.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHN_ao2lOqIsWA8BFc51wj_oFEhi7vt3UTvC9ORp_eb53rz0I56-Cyg0LJ8b6CeIlbC4slobCznoOkLks6HM25CXWsTUTX9q-VzLur02CCjy_cWi4hB-aWLWj49oEe9ZK-U_qeraYRUxk/s1600/bbbf84ba8ef64f4f88a405f2f29e59ee_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHN_ao2lOqIsWA8BFc51wj_oFEhi7vt3UTvC9ORp_eb53rz0I56-Cyg0LJ8b6CeIlbC4slobCznoOkLks6HM25CXWsTUTX9q-VzLur02CCjy_cWi4hB-aWLWj49oEe9ZK-U_qeraYRUxk/s400/bbbf84ba8ef64f4f88a405f2f29e59ee_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random pictures taken on my iPhone. Ya, I got an iPhone for MOTHER'S DAY! I guess I really have sucked at blogging.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rNVmSPmg2mB2FSFHqj7Evpcq4VsqdtfrgKB7ZZSK_vIOkqBacOS9FypVSszQCksiAyabVw0fk8NGRGIkkifbzuWZXl2159AIvb8mpjwMhHSIEQicT10dlUYpET9sqqBp4oh3EaJYfXga/s1600/1dc3f7812d5247a9bd0b6a734170ebe8_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rNVmSPmg2mB2FSFHqj7Evpcq4VsqdtfrgKB7ZZSK_vIOkqBacOS9FypVSszQCksiAyabVw0fk8NGRGIkkifbzuWZXl2159AIvb8mpjwMhHSIEQicT10dlUYpET9sqqBp4oh3EaJYfXga/s400/1dc3f7812d5247a9bd0b6a734170ebe8_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But 39 weeks with her here with us? HAS FLOWN. I absolutely cannot express that feeling. Obviously all of you moms feel the same way, I'm sure.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, our Claire Lula is NINE months old yesterday. Like </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/LindseyB34"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lindsey</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> stated on Twitter, "too close to being a year old for comfort". So true. I can't even stand the fact that she will be a year old in 3 short months. Oy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though I just did her 8 month update like two weeks ago, </span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because I was lazy & neglected to update. </span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will jot down a few of the things she is up to as of late:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Weighs approixmately 16 pounds. Give or take a few ounces</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Just barely in size 3 dipes. They are a tad big, but more comfy on her than 2's.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Wearing 6 month clothing & size 1 shoe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Eating 3 solid meals & drinking four 5-6oz bottles a day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Will not eat purees anymore. She's 100% into feeding herself. Miss independant.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Takes 2 naps. At 10 & 2. Always an hour or less.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Loves to mock us. WE ARE IN FOR IT.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Still sporting just her two bottom teeth.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Sleeps 12-14 hrs a night. Always in bed by 6:30-7:00. We have </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tried</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to push back her bedtime, but she always dictates that she MUST be in bed by then. Or else...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Still no interest in crawling, but we can tell she WANTS to get moving. She just isn't quite sure how.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Enjoys standing while holding onto something. She feels very big.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Says "dada" and can smack her lips & makes the "B" sound. That's about it. Ha!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She poops in the tub at least 4x a week. GOOD FREAKIN' TIMES.</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Taught herself to play peek-a-boo. MOST ADORABLE THING!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1161-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1161-1.jpg" width="217" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing we've realized in the past month, is that Claire MUST have her naps & MUST be in bed by at least 7pm. There have been a few instances lately that we've been out & about at her naptime/bedtime, and she is just a complete GREMLIN. And the sad thing is, she refuses to nap or go to bed anywhere BUT her crib. So, sleeping in her stroller? Not an option. I really hope this changes in the next month, or else the trip we are going on is going to be a nightmare! She's by no means an easy going baby, & that worries me. HAHA!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1158.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's about all of the updates I have on the baby front. She brings so much joy, and laughter to our family. It's just amazing to see her little personality continue to come out every day. She's so sensitive & sweet. I love her.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/IMG_1159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">********************************************************************************</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, since Claire has offcially been out as long as she was in, I thought it would be fun to do a comparison of how momma looks now & then.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9 months ago, I was huge, swollen & miserable with 3 chins & cankles:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yHoGwHsR-3jarRPEAT1375qiWji_JRlrAw9uICTXbkLWpnKizniTaALdRKjqUiKfbEeHw6_3tLPk15KaOQ5dYe4Y233XbjQYkrRDS0LiuuxxKz-MdX_XCuSaNB-pFakdCP663oW-G81r/s1600/IMAG0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yHoGwHsR-3jarRPEAT1375qiWji_JRlrAw9uICTXbkLWpnKizniTaALdRKjqUiKfbEeHw6_3tLPk15KaOQ5dYe4Y233XbjQYkrRDS0LiuuxxKz-MdX_XCuSaNB-pFakdCP663oW-G81r/s400/IMAG0040.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now? I'm about 57 pounds lighter & much more comfortable & happy {duh}.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all honesty, I have never been as small as I am now. {not bragging, or complaining} Granted, it has taken about 7 months to get here, and I attribute most {if not all} of that to this:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFETz7eQ0obCzFIPS0Jx4rINZpzYilFSj28X3A6RRLG60I6ra5rPA2d-UTqJDbx2Ngby9sp5657OO4Fm1oMos_KQiyH5VtIhcilWER-FojJj14sPsMGKQPFgcDZvVHTZst_rcpwufW6Qv/s1600/SWING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFETz7eQ0obCzFIPS0Jx4rINZpzYilFSj28X3A6RRLG60I6ra5rPA2d-UTqJDbx2Ngby9sp5657OO4Fm1oMos_KQiyH5VtIhcilWER-FojJj14sPsMGKQPFgcDZvVHTZst_rcpwufW6Qv/s1600/SWING.jpg" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never realized how much of a "workout" pumping is. I'm enjoying my body now & eating whatever the hell I want, because let's face it, when Claire hits a year old & I retire my old friend, I'll be sure to gain some weight back. Shoot. I've been slowly weaning myself from the pump. Going every 5-6hrs between sessions. It feels so weird to have that much free time!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray that my metabolism stays as speedy as it is now when I quit pumping. I know, it's wishful thinking. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, here I am 9 months post partum. I look pissed. But, I'm not. Promise.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-16-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l579/Laur53/photo-16-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So ya, that's where we're at on this 9 month update. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're still following along, bless you. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's all I've got! </span><br />
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</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-41733699762273252002011-05-24T08:00:00.005-06:002011-06-01T10:20:53.956-06:00I have entirely too many clothes Here I am, again, with yet another blog post with more clothes that I don't wear anymore.<br />
<br />
You know the drill:<br />
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E-mail me if you see something you like {laur8153@gmail.com}Prices are negotiable. All sales final. I'll send you an invoice via PayPal. $2.00 shipping in the U.S. $5.00 to Canada.<br />
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I still have oodles of things on the <a href="http://babydmakes3.blogspot.com/p/raid-my-closet.html">Raid My Closet Page</a> also.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">DKNY Scrunchy Tunic</div><div style="text-align: center;">Color: Peach</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Small {but stretches!}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $15</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNgqf_1gElVfOw21tW368YGkza9OirFCqpVSIBm7WidNLJYQAHvU6E_JtZX4RQrr60Y44guPQJ-DtL1PLxT1NDY9vK1ROmw29UDhtNiXpb6W4afAd7zqkyoiKJ8cTBt-ajjnMqrOZv25g/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNgqf_1gElVfOw21tW368YGkza9OirFCqpVSIBm7WidNLJYQAHvU6E_JtZX4RQrr60Y44guPQJ-DtL1PLxT1NDY9vK1ROmw29UDhtNiXpb6W4afAd7zqkyoiKJ8cTBt-ajjnMqrOZv25g/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Forever 21 Tunic with tie around the waist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Color: Navy Blue</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Price: $9.00 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp67FtvAnTR8e9hRVcocJBy2zST8k8wzeYpCWtKhzvPynAZ2ddmo9hAlo-GT5f7qWtBEncvT9jzXuaSKbnUGqHSvW9LbmrpT0ZbwlGOBjDH7nkiH4mI8lVXC1GBGRmTxFq-bx0VuP_q30Y/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp67FtvAnTR8e9hRVcocJBy2zST8k8wzeYpCWtKhzvPynAZ2ddmo9hAlo-GT5f7qWtBEncvT9jzXuaSKbnUGqHSvW9LbmrpT0ZbwlGOBjDH7nkiH4mI8lVXC1GBGRmTxFq-bx0VuP_q30Y/s400/photo-2.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Forever 21 Floral Top with lace</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Small {elastic waist, fits like a medium}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $6.00 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVW1GmgoOdWqVxrqz7Na_ngrKDo1l4N3PnB8h0Av8lOpn4j0_T4a1FozkuHly_aZZL3O2cmpV5N4ErVLk2DMvM4bZq2O39ASyoYuEmXDiEqFokf0O3SAVue16gpsS_904HeYphcykulwe/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVW1GmgoOdWqVxrqz7Na_ngrKDo1l4N3PnB8h0Av8lOpn4j0_T4a1FozkuHly_aZZL3O2cmpV5N4ErVLk2DMvM4bZq2O39ASyoYuEmXDiEqFokf0O3SAVue16gpsS_904HeYphcykulwe/s400/photo-4.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Tunic </div><div style="text-align: center;">Color: Grey</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Small {Fits like a medium}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $9.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV06Bz2Pp0UInw5A7kE-oXBs2nsHkhSz1csEqD7LU8p5z5dVTu0vl_fCp13q7FDa8ej07ESBus1N4PTXDCZoK_KsgImqlbLOQ55XExvKwet6Vg4pa7cdbNmkBBoFha1ho87Xh8jFPkBSxH/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV06Bz2Pp0UInw5A7kE-oXBs2nsHkhSz1csEqD7LU8p5z5dVTu0vl_fCp13q7FDa8ej07ESBus1N4PTXDCZoK_KsgImqlbLOQ55XExvKwet6Vg4pa7cdbNmkBBoFha1ho87Xh8jFPkBSxH/s400/photo-5.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 3/4 Sleeved Dress</div><div style="text-align: center;">Color: Grey w/black tie around waist</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $12.00 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoMYwMT-GW3XxgoKmnpHI3rZd5__0izvy3Xj4oklQYgb35ECBHKKyrufQPtr7r5WLKRl6dYMf8O6GV_RoRqlzIoeLxBV4OvmVoS8CMRhg9pEzOV77tV8qteZbfB6N4WQl3Ozhpnzzsy6W/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoMYwMT-GW3XxgoKmnpHI3rZd5__0izvy3Xj4oklQYgb35ECBHKKyrufQPtr7r5WLKRl6dYMf8O6GV_RoRqlzIoeLxBV4OvmVoS8CMRhg9pEzOV77tV8qteZbfB6N4WQl3Ozhpnzzsy6W/s400/photo-6.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwtb8LWRjpS-AQ0irWSQEaxWLKvyNkUsNHgtULSYtSBeyFmTqtoqJmLy6aBAWrwdxSu4Mpqzgml20oFaxSkFnKzoXvxJ5ncrXEhUJOmFXcc_8e0Arrx55lKjKdVz6-QDh7UYgnifApcSO/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwtb8LWRjpS-AQ0irWSQEaxWLKvyNkUsNHgtULSYtSBeyFmTqtoqJmLy6aBAWrwdxSu4Mpqzgml20oFaxSkFnKzoXvxJ5ncrXEhUJOmFXcc_8e0Arrx55lKjKdVz6-QDh7UYgnifApcSO/s400/photo-7.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Juicy Couture Terry Cloth Sweat Jacket</div><div style="text-align: center;">Color: Black</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $25.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxPpD7Zn4_R9x1lXJtriYY9L4h0PbVBgAuY1IYRx1FBrrcMbkCGQGU4iYPk-YJqFP9_ZU_SAi8dzDoYr-qTZe2eINyGbGpKgwDI9LFkWSbtIy5DveF7x_c1ifv7RdrqNQa_Ui7Xm_dM-p/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxPpD7Zn4_R9x1lXJtriYY9L4h0PbVBgAuY1IYRx1FBrrcMbkCGQGU4iYPk-YJqFP9_ZU_SAi8dzDoYr-qTZe2eINyGbGpKgwDI9LFkWSbtIy5DveF7x_c1ifv7RdrqNQa_Ui7Xm_dM-p/s400/photo-8.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lush Black & White Tank {Nordstrom}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $9.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rN7v0V_N3w0tHVO6EvYEMSvZoTPAed712xdhFupittlm2AJJXMqkpQcdT_JvOvqsgevYASwcGCIyPglzgpD0q8Y_GQP6KGSVv-libYAnD56mv2lR9rGeRk5YRpmaER7Y3npNI98xgmQ0/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rN7v0V_N3w0tHVO6EvYEMSvZoTPAed712xdhFupittlm2AJJXMqkpQcdT_JvOvqsgevYASwcGCIyPglzgpD0q8Y_GQP6KGSVv-libYAnD56mv2lR9rGeRk5YRpmaER7Y3npNI98xgmQ0/s400/photo-9.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">H.I.P. Tribal Top w/elastic waist {Nordstrom}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $10.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yWNUrsaZSSalPe2hxGXJ5XwTs-sj7m3yhX8gsS70EhnTleCUyjTy9Yf5zU2R1ENiqniEHRxV52hPWaZFdn41JBuis4OnJCoppbPp0-K-j_jeek7UojoAl6VV9iKpzV5DZQT115pCfqyv/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yWNUrsaZSSalPe2hxGXJ5XwTs-sj7m3yhX8gsS70EhnTleCUyjTy9Yf5zU2R1ENiqniEHRxV52hPWaZFdn41JBuis4OnJCoppbPp0-K-j_jeek7UojoAl6VV9iKpzV5DZQT115pCfqyv/s400/photo-10.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">H.I.P. Flowy top w/elastic waist {Nordstrom}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $10.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28HjZARmln2UM7h-bJVFfMneE35baSd8H8Pmb5xU79EkSom4Ir0fxeW3tTKNpXwILZ7VVN54cRBgwHO4bWrKS0BJXEnBD0n6dGjgEh1F04bc3-XrvQUjjF9bmD5Wx2BPLiPk3Eqb5jx2W/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28HjZARmln2UM7h-bJVFfMneE35baSd8H8Pmb5xU79EkSom4Ir0fxeW3tTKNpXwILZ7VVN54cRBgwHO4bWrKS0BJXEnBD0n6dGjgEh1F04bc3-XrvQUjjF9bmD5Wx2BPLiPk3Eqb5jx2W/s400/photo-11.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Forever 21 of the shoulder top {looks wide, but fits cute!}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Size: Small</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Price: $9.00 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreAmML92i9YtQD5z_Xs4ID0VZFEaZjUfXm8iRAyCxyjggindhMFiSAv-6JqSPtJwFmamy92wV7i4swPy74EzGHoxr2HpX4zwyumjQj2xS4sWVe_z4AjoCOuiucVLzNg1Tz0-R05fjZ1vp/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreAmML92i9YtQD5z_Xs4ID0VZFEaZjUfXm8iRAyCxyjggindhMFiSAv-6JqSPtJwFmamy92wV7i4swPy74EzGHoxr2HpX4zwyumjQj2xS4sWVe_z4AjoCOuiucVLzNg1Tz0-R05fjZ1vp/s400/photo-12.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Merona Ruffled Top {Target}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Small</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $12.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggC7492ZWH3cw4G7Lsuxh7WEmrE5UrV7BdTGUB32SeUsIAliOyoPz0FHeWgaMIuHIFaAL3hk-PU5F99jGKVZ9kPfl9asbM8UsC6T6B1G-rKI1Z0s2Fq_hml02zetniPD5pf0AqPdOQkk0B/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggC7492ZWH3cw4G7Lsuxh7WEmrE5UrV7BdTGUB32SeUsIAliOyoPz0FHeWgaMIuHIFaAL3hk-PU5F99jGKVZ9kPfl9asbM8UsC6T6B1G-rKI1Z0s2Fq_hml02zetniPD5pf0AqPdOQkk0B/s400/photo-15.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Merona Green Blouse {Target}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size: Medium</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price: $10.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1UA4T0NgAugfQmG9U3lVNwE4owNKkBL-MzrCn_5cc5j0QCFULDvcHEyQgAvKSMOprlh0nIZGemSKJpBvXnHoosnTPADQItqDeXCbi1KfWrnlA6x6nYEezStCDd1gPpPYD-jwOh1613_w/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1UA4T0NgAugfQmG9U3lVNwE4owNKkBL-MzrCn_5cc5j0QCFULDvcHEyQgAvKSMOprlh0nIZGemSKJpBvXnHoosnTPADQItqDeXCbi1KfWrnlA6x6nYEezStCDd1gPpPYD-jwOh1613_w/s320/photo-14.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-88188286866610909102011-05-20T08:00:00.000-06:002011-05-20T08:00:08.718-06:00You want to know how to torture my child?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blow bubbles in her direction.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I am serious.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought her </span><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Summer-Infant-Garanimals-Bath-Time-Bubble-Maker/15443719"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> friendly little gadget at Wal- Mart yesterday, thinking it would be so fun for bath time, since she's getting bored of her usual rubber ducky type toys.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, last night, I ripped that sucker out of its package, had hubs get it all set up, plopped Claire in the tub, turned the bubble machine on, and.... she frowned, then she cried, then she </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">screamed. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She screamed like I have never heard in my life. It was like we were chopping her leg off.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">uh... ok.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I scooped her little body out of the tub & hubs I looked at each other & just started laughing hysterically.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our child is afraid of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bubbles?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Wow. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took the bubbles out of the machine to see if it was the noise of it that scared her. We blew the bubbles & </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">more blood curdling screams. </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fine. We'll try again tonight.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I kid. Kinda. </span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643658781648024453.post-20898452278457998142011-05-18T08:53:00.005-06:002011-05-18T09:01:21.756-06:00I'm here. & getting all spiritual on you.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, hi. It's only been a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">week </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">since I blogged last, which has been my routine lately, so that's nothing new. Anyway, it's been a ROUGH past few days. Emotionally, mentally exhausting.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why, you ask?</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sweet, 13 year old family Bichon Frise almost died this weekend. On Friday, my mom & dad noticed he wasn't quite acting himself. He had this awful cough, he wasn't eating or drinking & the biggest red flag was that he wasn't eating his treats. The boy loves his treats. So obviously, something was wrong.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long story short, they took him to the vet on Saturday, they immediately sent them to an animal hospital where they put him in an oxygen chamber, did tests & kept him there for the weekend.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The doctor ended up concluding that he has a heart disease. Told my parents on Saturday that he gives our pup a 50/50 chance of making it until Monday. We thought for sure we would have to put him down. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hoped for the best. But prepared for the worst.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, that was two days ago and? HE'S BACK HOME!!!! Thriving on his own. Without oxygen. Granted, he's on about 10 different medications & he will never be able to run & frolic around again, but HE'S ALIVE. And HOME. Where he is supposed to be.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">not a religious person. I was raised Catholic & technically still am, but I haven't gone to church since I was 18. It's never meant anything to me. {that's a WHOLE other post} But, that doesn't mean that I can't be spiritual. I believe in God & talk to Him quite often, actually. We're pretty close, God & me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't prayed so hard this past weekend since I was pregnant. & I truly believe in the Power of Prayer. God wasn't ready to take our sweet boy. In fact, in 2 days, he did a complete 180 in his health. A serious miracle. Thank you for all who sent your thoughts and prayers, as I was blowing up Twitter with my requests.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our prayers were answered. & I am forever grateful. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJTDsKB8MP-b67jOZUlE6fIhn6KWrY_T2JfrVQrhlPyfi-NVSspQ6yAqfwxFtBSbXypPGf_GkcymHAIEFFyQY4q4J4KnIaek8YEoImcKYU40Oq944tCSVAQTvVxqY2QYvhxGIP9m-Z29B/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJTDsKB8MP-b67jOZUlE6fIhn6KWrY_T2JfrVQrhlPyfi-NVSspQ6yAqfwxFtBSbXypPGf_GkcymHAIEFFyQY4q4J4KnIaek8YEoImcKYU40Oq944tCSVAQTvVxqY2QYvhxGIP9m-Z29B/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was taken last night. Pal looks a million times better than he did. According to my mom.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a lighter note, my kid pooped in the tub last night.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Complete with the straining of the face & clenching of the fists. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank God for husbands that have no problem cleaning crap up. I laughed & gagged while he did so.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such a good wife, I am.</span></div><span id="goog_763256626"></span><span id="goog_763256627"></span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14181324875620228813noreply@blogger.com9