A little more than a week ago, Brent called me to let me know that he'd won tickets to a Memphis Redbirds (a local baseball team for those of you not in this area) game. As soon as he told me, my heart began racing as I thought about trying to find someone to watch our two little ones. We've only had close friends or family watch our kids when we've gone on a date. And the amount of times we've been on a date by ourselves since having kids can be tallied on one hand. In October 2011, Brent's parents stayed with Ella for a short while so we could walk over to the library while they were visiting us at our apartment in Collierville; in February 2012, my mom watched Ella while she was visiting us so we could see a movie; in March 2012, the Linsenbiglers watched Ella while we went to a Brad Paisley concert in Knoxville; and in May 2013, Brent's parents and sister stayed with Ella and Owen so we could go on a date to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We've had our k...

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 ...

*Started writing on October 13th and finished today: I've neglected to blog lately. For the past several days, we've been without internet. We're sitting at Starbucks right now. Brent is sitting in on his class via web and our baby girl is sleeping next to us while I update. :) Cute right? First, here are some Ella-facts: -Toward the end of August, Ella started to burrow her head in my chest or my shoulder after she'd nurse. It's so cute....she just rubs her head back and forth while she's still sleeping. -She also began "talking" a bit around the same time. She'd smile and jabber to us. It took us the longest time to catch it on video. It sounded like she was saying, "gee-gee." We like to think it was an effort to say Gigi. haha. -She's been sleeping through the night since she was a little over 6 weeks. -Ella likes to gnaw on her hands. -She smiles just about all the time-as long as she doesn't have gas. -She started to...