It's Friday!

*It's been kind of a crazy week...but honestly I'm thinking that may begin to be our new normal.  Zumba 2x a week, dinners with family, dinners with friends...our nights seem to fill up fast but I honestly enjoy it!  As long as we have 1-2 nights a week to just veg for a bit I'll take all the socializing! 

*I bought a bottle of coral Pure Ice nail polish from Walmart and paid less than $2 for the bottle. I painted my nails on Tuesday...it's now Friday & my nails are still looking awesome, which doesn't happen! Cheap springy nail polish...I'll take it!

*I became a hypochondriac on Wednesday after I felt a swollen lymph node in my neck above my collarbone.  I did the absolute worst thing you can ever do when you notice something sort of medically wrong...I googled it.  BAD IDEA!!  I literally sent myself into panic attack for 24 hours as some extremely horrible thoughts ran through my brain.  Thankfully Hubby was incredibly supportive, encouraged me to make an appointment at the doctor (they got me in yesterday morning at 8 am), went with me to the doctor, and then didn't call me crazy when the doctor simply prescribed some antibiotics to hopefully clear up any internal infection.  I also had some blood work done which all came back completely normal. I'm going to watch the lump, but it's practically gone this morning.  Silly emotional momma...no reason to get all worked up like that! 

*Another positive from my dr's visit yesterday was stepping on the scale...I weighed almost 3 lbs less than I thought I did!  I've also joined myFitnessPal just to have some accountability of my calorie intake & working out...it definitely makes you think about what you put in your mouth when you actually have to write it down! 

*Elyse has a cold or teeth or just something that has allowed the liquids to start pouring out of her again...mucus, drool, even watery eyes...my poor baby girl's face looks like a sopping wet mess! 

*I use exclamation points entirely too much, I don't think I should even count how many I've already used in this post...maybe I should start ending my sentences with a semi-colon; or maybe an accent sign`...thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*It's supposed to be gorgeous this weekend and Elyse is spending tomorrow with Papa & Gigi.  Hubby & I are going to do some long-overdue yard work & then have an official dinner & a movie date night!  I'm pretty stinkin' excited! 

*Before tomorrow's fun, tonight I have an 80s Zumba Party, which is probably going to be a pretty crazy 2 hours! I'm sure we won't all be dressed like this, but it should be fun nonetheless!

*I'm a little jealous of all my teacher friends who are going on Spring Break...desk jobs don't provide for actual Spring Break!  Of course I shouldn't be complaining since we leave for the Dominican Republic in t-minus 7 weeks! 

*Since joining the iPhone world, I've been taking more self-portraits of my daily outfits.  It's a nice reminder when I do actually feel cute!  ha!  Like today when I broke out the leopard flats, black bubble necklace, & skinny jeans which all perfectly compliment my hair in a pony because I didn't have time for anything else before work! 

Happy Weekend everyone, don't forget to change your clocks on Saturday night! 

Elyse Ann Lately...

So we officially have a toddler...and I offically LOVE this age.  I'm sure I'm going to say that from now on, but I am having SO much fun watching here as she is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! 

A few Elyse happenings in the recent weeks & past few months...

*Lots of Sleepovers! Mamaw & Pappy invited Elyse & her two cousins, Hunter & Jackson over for a sleepover on NYE and I think we might have a new tradition. She's also had several more sleepovers with the grandparents' so that Momma & Daddy can have some nights out...THANK GOODNESS for nearby grandparents!

*Performing...Elyse is a performer!!!  She even gave us a concert the other night that was absolutely beautiful!

*Chattering up a storm!  She still isn't saying a TON of words that we can understand, but she is speaking in sentences and paragraphs in her own little Elyse language.  The noises and phrases that come out of her mouth never cease to amaze me.  She also seems to say a word one time and then won't say it again.  I know that one of these days she's going to wake up and be speaking in sentences that we can fully understand...I'm so excited to carry on a conversation with her! 

*Walking everywhere...almost running!  Elyse caught on to walking so fast...she is now walking everywhere and has even navigated her first step by holding on to the wall.  Needless to say she is into anything & everything! 

*Eating...Elyse is still a big eater...when she wants to be.  She eats 3 meals a day, 2 snacks, and still takes a bottle of milk before bedtime.  She is my carb-loving, dairy-inhaling, fruit-shoveling, baby...when it comes to veggies or meat she could really just do without but we're still offering them at each meal.  I really think it's just a texture thing so we'll keep offering them & I think eventually she'll enjoy them.  Thankfully we've got peanut butter, cheese, & yogurt to take care of the protein issue. 

*All Done!  I have been a bad momma when it comes to teaching Elyse to sign, but we have taught her the sign for "all done" so we know when she's done and ready to get down.  This prevents a lot of messy cleanup when she starts dropping her food in the floor and smearing it all over her tray.  She doesn't use it every single time...but does pretty well & will even do it without prompting every now & then. 

*Bathtime & Poop. Do NOT Mix.  Enough Said.  Our tub was offically defiled during a pre-church bath on February 24, definitely a day for the baby book.  Nick & I are considering ourselves lucky that we made it 14 months before this happened the first time. 

*Reading!!!  Elyse still absolutely loves to read, and apparently she either has to sit in a chair or back herself up to your lap and plop down.  It's absolutely adorable as she walks her little booty up to my legs and once she thinks she's close enough she just sits down...she's only missed once so far! ha!

As you can see, we've been having an absolute blast with our sweet girl!  Can't imagine what we did with all of our time before her!

Elyse's 1st Snow--Sort of...

Well I failed to capture of Elyse's first actual SNOW, which officially happened last year...but until today we honestly haven't had enough snow for Elyse to actually play in.  So...I'm dubbing this her first unofficial snow!   It wasn't enough snow to keep Hubby & I home from work and I really wanted to be able to snap some photos of her first experience with the cold, fluffy, white stuff.  We got around early, ate a quick breakfast and headed out the door before we had to be at work.

She wasn't really quite sure of all that cold white stuff, and it probably didn't help that she didn't have any gloves.  Yeah...we're those bad parents who had their 14 month old out in the snow without any gloves!  Don't worry we stopped at Walgreens on the way to work to pick some up for her...too bad they were "girls'" sized which were only 14 sizes too big!  Regardless, I think she enjoyed it and we were able to snap some fun photos of her first official snow experience!

I can't wait for many more snow days in her future...next year, a snowman for sure!

Turning 30...It Only Happens Once!

So, I'm finally getting around to posting about my fantabulous (yes, that's a word) 30th birthday celebration!!!  I'm getting it done on the next to the last day of my birthday month...which I figure is still "on-time."

A little background info...we have always tried to celebrate birthdays in our family.  It might just be a casual gathering with cake & ice cream, but for the most part there's always some sort of celebration.  And...since 9/11 when the SuperBowl was moved back one week, my birthday has normally fallen on or near SuperBowl Sunday.  So, my family & close friends would gather together at my parents' house to celebrate watch the SuperBowl, while eating some yummy birthday cake, candles, singing & present opening being crammed in somewhere right before the National Anthem. 

Last year, on my 29th birthday I informed my mom & husband that I DID NOT want to share my birthday with the SuperBowl seeing as my next birthday was the big 3-0.  The weekend before my birthday I thought something might be going on, but the weekend came and went and NOTHING.   Then throughout the week I thought maybe something was going on, we even had tickets to see West Side Story at our local theater and I thought those tickets might just have been a ploy to mask the plans that were going on behind the scenes, but NOTHING.  Friday night was actually fairly open for us, but my parents were busy...maybe they had changed their plans?!?  Still NOTHING. 

And so, we still went to my parents' house for SuperBowl Sunday on February 3, and I was really kind of expecting some kind of cake or singing or candles...but again, NOTHING.  The next day, on my actual birthday...my grandparents brought my birthday card filled with a little cash by our office & my aunt also dropped off a card & a cute little orchid plant. And surely a Monday night wasn't when a big party was being planned...I mean all my friends are teachers or coaches or have other lives with their own plans & Elyse is normally a 7:30-8:00 bedtime girl...which doesn't leave much time for a big party.  Plus, Monday is Zumba night...which meant most of my girlfriends couldn't come! 

Normally I get to pick the restaurant for my birthday dinner with my immediate family, but this year I just couldn't decide.  Hubby & I had just eaten at a nice restaurant on Friday night, and I just wasn't feeling any of my typical favorites.  Hubby & my mom both mentioned an Italian restaurant downtown...which it's good, but definitely not my favorite.  However, they kept mentioning it so I had finally just given in.  On our way to pick up Elyse after work, Hubby asked me what my favorite meal was in Springfield...to which I said...you know an Ultimate Sergio & a Mango margarita from Maria's (my favorite local Mexican restaurant) sounds pretty good!  Nick says...well we can go there then.  But Maria's isn't fancy...and birthday dinners are normally fancy. 

My parents convinced me to open my presents from them before we headed home to change & we also went ahead and fed Elyse since we weren't planning on my meeting my brother & his wife for dinner until 6:30.  We again had finally decided on the Italian restaurant Bruno's for dinner...which just so happens to be like 3 doors down from Maria's.

My dad parked the car (quite a long ways away now that I think about it) and we headed towards Bruno's.  As we got to the door my mom says...well I don't see your brother & Millie...let's keep going.  As we come to Maria's, I notice that the shades on their big side-room are pulled, but we walk to the front door...and mom says we should go in.  As I walk into the room I could not have been more surprised. 

Almost 60 of my closest friends & family were all seated, munching on chips, queso, & guacamole...all there to celebrate me.  I was in shock.  Personalized photo invitations had been sent out to everyone on my Christmas card list by Nick.  The tables had all been decorated with help from my mom, aunt, & mother-in-law.  A huge cake had been ordered decorated complete with pearls, in honor of my 30th.  A photo book with a ridiculous amount of embarrassing photos had been created to use as a guest book.  A table was filled with cards & gifts from all those in attendance.  Pinatas had been purchased to keep with the Mexican theme.  And my favorite meal was waiting for me when I arrived...not an Ultimate Sergio, but Fish Tacos which is another one of my favorites!

I knew that there was most likely some sort of party in the works...but this went above & beyond what I had ever expected.  & Nick did it all--with a little bit of help from my mom & MIL. 

And now...for a few pictures from my big night as a new 30 year old!

As the night ended all I could think about was how 57 people, 57! had taken time out of there busy schedules to celebrate me.  People from all sorts of different circles...from high school, from college, from church, from work, family, and neighbors, and old friends & new...they were all there.  And we were even missing several of my bestest people...for sickness, or scheduling changes, or just life.  I was practically in tears that Nick had gone to so much work to throw such a big bash for me.  It was definitely a night that I won't soon forget!

My wish of a non-SuperBowl birthday definitely came true!

Life Lately....

Life lately has been pretty status quo...minus the joyous family bonding time we've had by all sharing a sickness, it's been pretty fantastic.  Lots of things that are worth mentioning, just nothing that necessarily deserves a post all on its own.

*Hubby & I booked a trip.  It's in April.  We're going to the Dominican Republic.  By ourselves. Adults Only.  Elyse will be fine.  Elyse will be fine.  Elyse will be fine.  7 nights.  Elyse will be fine.

*In reference to the above post...I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT!!!  I am such a beach girl and Bavaro Beach is supposed to be incredible--5 glorious days in the sun & the sand with my Hubby. Yes please!

*I already bought my Easter dress, and my mom & I went today to purchase material to make Elyse's Easter dress.  I can't believe I already have those things checked off the list 6 weeks before Easter!

*After returning a few things I received for my birthday from Hubby, I had enough cash to treat myself to a new Coach purse.  My first purse since this time last year, I think I deserved it!  

A shoulder strap. Check.  Smallish, but big enough for a few little girl extras.  Check.  Springy & fun.  Check.  

*I still need to blog about my 30th birthday...if I do it within the month of my birthday then it's still on time right?!?

*We're having friends over for dinner tonight & we've been trying to get together for the past month but schedules & sickness & other happenings keep getting in the way.  I'm looking forward to some fun conversation!

*I've got to get better about meal planning.  It's really one of those things that saves our grocery budget & with sickness and other occasions I've been failing miserably.  We may be eating grilled cheese & PB&J for the rest of the month just because it's all my grocery budget can handle.  I'm kidding.  Sort of.

*I can't believe February is almost over.  Seriously, I've got crocus blooming & I feel like I should be getting all of my Spring decor out.

*A few weeks ago we decided pretty rapidly to buy a new washer/dryer because our dryer had started making a funny noise.  We bought a bright red front load set by Samsung.  I think I'm in love!

Yeah, I should probably get rid of that rug, who has a rug in the laundry room anyway?!?

*We're supposed to get a fairly significant Winter Storm in the next twenty-four hours...and I'm super excited.  We haven't had a good snow in a few years & we're due!  Here's to praying we get more snow than freezing rain/sleet!

*Hubby & I both had Presidents' Day off but instead of spending it together we all went separate ways.  Hubby headed out with his Dad on a quick golf outing, Elyse stayed with my MIL, & I spent the day with my bestie having a makeover at Sephora, eating some yummy lunch, and running errands.  It was a pretty great day!

And as a complete blogger failure, I didn't take any good before & after photos...so enjoy this nice, non-artistic shot of the brushes the lady used on my face!  

So this was all about US, and not about Elyse...but an Elyse lately update is coming soon...as soon as I can type out everything that she's been up to lately!

Valentine's Day 2013--Do-over Please?!?

Well this Valentine's Day was one that truly deserves a do-over.  While Hubby & I aren't over the top Valentine's Day revelers, we do like to appreciate the day & go the extra mile to express our love & appreciate for each other.  However, the first wrinkle in the plans was Elyse being sick over the weekend and continuing into the week...which meant we had a lot of times that looked like this...

No, I'm certainly not complaining...when she feels good I think she's decided she's outgrown the cuddle stage!  ;o( 

So...instead of Elyse & Momma running to Springfield for some last-minute Valentine's Day errands, or making Valentine's Day crafts for Daddy, or even buying Elyse a Valentine's Day present...we stayed at home, cuddled, and Hubby & I proceeded to also catch whatever virus Elyse is fighting off.  YIPPEE!!!!!

 

Hubby did come in the door on Wednesday night armed with a vase full of tulips, but ate a quick dinner and basically went to bed at the same time Elyse did...7:30 p.m.   

 

Thankfully Elyse & I were feeling enough better on the actual day of love to have lunch with Daddy, Papa & Gigi.  And let me just say...I ALMOST had my first official "my baby's growing up" really big sob cry when I realized that Elyse's hair is now long enough to clip a flower/bow/whatever in it without using a headband.  Cue the big fat, ugly alligator tears! 

 

Of course we had to go to lunch so Elyse could get a Valentine's Day present from someone...Papa & Gigi got her a big RED wagon to stroll around the neighborhood in! 

 

Elyse also had a special visit from Mamaw, who brough another bag full of Valentine's Day goodies...several fun new books, a Piggy Bank just for her "shoe fund," and a knee pad for Daddy to use when he gives Elyse baths.  Something he's only been requesting for going on a year!  ha!  I think she made out ok even if her parents managed to not have A. SINGLE. THING. for her on Valentine's Day.  Don't worry, I plan to fix that problem this weekend when we pick something up for her! 

Instead of fixing a fancy dinner at home, we instead opted for quick & easy carryout sandwiches from a local restaurant...finished off with my one homemade Valentine's Day attempt for the year...iced sugar cookies!  They were delicious and well worth the effort! 

 Maybe next week we'll attempt a Valentine's Day re-do...or maybe that will just make next year's festivities even bigger & better! If we're not sick again next year of course! 

The Perfect Blend

So I still have lots to share from my 30th birthday, since I really haven't shared anything...but from that we started looking at some of my baby pictures & it dawned on me that we'd never really compared who Elyse looked like from the photos.  Sure, everyone has an opinion of whether she looks just like her Momma or she looks just like her daddy...but in all honesty, I think the pictures will reveal the truth!

Crinkly grin...

Elyse...

Momma...

Daddy...

And then her serious, contemplative look...

Elyse...

Momma...

Daddy...

I honestly think that if you look at the last two pictures of Hubby & I, that we could easily pass for siblings...now that's a little scary!   I've always thought Elyse was just a perfect blend of both of us...which is exactly how it should be!