As Mother's Day approaches, I can't help but think about how this will be my 1st time to be "celebrated" on this day. A little selfish of me, I know. (ok, more than a little). ;) With it being more personal after carrying a child, giving birth and taking care of a little one, it's much easier to ponder on such an upcoming holiday. I've always had my mom to think of in May, but now it's a little different being a mommy myself. I remember how I'd make things in elementary school for my mom for Mother's Day and how I now look forward to seeing my own children's artwork one day. One memory in particular that sticks out to me-- I was in Kindergarten and we had a special lunch planned for our Mommies. We made placemats with our pictures, a special picture frame, and painted flower pots to give to our moms. I didn't think my mom would be able to come to the lunch because of work, but she came! I was able to serve her lunch and give the gifts to ...

Last Saturday, we went to the Midsouth Baby Expo. Ella was scheduled to model an outfit in the children's fashion show for a local children's store, Chocolate Soup . Later that afternoon, I modeled a couple outfits for the maternity fashion show for Summer Kids . We entered lots of contests that day, but didn't end up winning anything. We did get some free formula which is quite helpful since it costs so much! While they were drawing the name for the grand prize at the end of the day, I thought we may have won because the name started with a "Br." However, we didn't win the complete nursery and $500.00 gift card. Oh well. :) Brent competed in the Daddy Diaper Dash where he had to quickly put a cloth diaper on a baby doll. He did this in an effort to win newborn diapers. Even though we didn't win, it was fun to watch! Some of the pics are a little blurry, but here's a taste of what we did all day. Ella in her adorable outfit. She wore a multi-c...

We're nearing the two week mark of a mile stone that I now reluctantly share with you. After a long (and all to short) 6 month journey, my baby girl has weaned from my breast. The 6 month journey being the amount of time I breastfed while also pregnant. Ella nursed at my breast for the last time on April 4th, the day she turned 9 months. She'd started waking just once in the night for a few weeks prior, and she'd nurse and then I'd make her a bottle of formula before putting her back in her crib to sleep. About 3 days before she weaned, she'd nurse a few times during the day, but not for long. I began to feel as though I was more and more dry as each day passed. I gave her the last of my pumped milk last Tuesday, marking the official end to her receiving any breastmilk (for now). I look back on the time I've had with Ella as she nursed and my heart warms and my eyes fill with tears. I will forever cherish these memories. Yes, there are things I wish could'...