There are some days I wish I knew more children's songs. I remember a few lines of plenty, but can't recite too many in their entirety. When I was pregnant with Ella, I would daydream about those days and nights I'd sing her to sleep or calm her cries. Then I would panic...I don't know that many lullabies! haha. However, I can sing the popular songs, 80's hits, classic rock, show tunes, country, anything Mariah Carey, all those boy band songs I was obsessed with as a teenager, etc. Pretty much anything except the lullabies. ;) I stopped worrying about it and just decided I'd sing whatever my heart desired in the moment when the time came. Most days, I was singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to my baby girl. It always worked. She'd just gaze at me intently with her beautiful blue eyes. I told Brent how I'd sing it to her and then he started playing the song for her on the piano and with his clarinet. One of my favorite memories is sitting...

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'...

November 11, 2011: Ella and I were at Target doing a little shopping when I started to feel dizzy. As soon as I walked by Starbucks, I felt like I would vomit because of the horrible stench my nose encountered. I normally love the smell of coffee as I walk by Starbucks. At that moment, I had an inkling I could be pregnant. We went and picked up a pregnancy test while at Target and I sent Brent a text to let him know what was going on. I'd planned on waiting until Brent got home from work to take the test, but couldn't follow through. I decided if I was pregnant, I wanted to surprise him. Sure enough, in the middle of the afternoon, the test was positive. I smiled, I cried, I laughed, I told Ella how she was going to have a sibling (like she knew what I was talking about). I knew Brent would call or text me to find out the outcome. With Ella being extra fussy lately, I knew I could tell him I hadn't gotten around to it yet and he might buy it. Yes, I lied to my husband. I t...

Last year, I spent an entire evening devoted to carving two pumpkins and making pumpkin seeds while Brent did some things for grad school. The pumpkin seeds turned out extremely bland and I wasn't sure if I'd end up trying again since it's such a tedious job. However, Brent gutted the pumpkins this year and I ended up trying again. It was a major success! :) Here's the recipe: You'll need 2 Cups Raw Pumpkin Seeds, 2 Tablespoons of Butter, 1/2 Cup Sugar (Divided), 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon (Divided). -Remove pulp and strings from seeds, then wash and dry the seeds. I soaked mine in a bowl of water and rinsed before laying them out to dry. -Preheat oven to 350 degrees. -Place butter in a bowl and melt, toss in seeds and stir until coated. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon over and stir. Spread seeds into single layer on baking sheet. -Bake for 5 minutes. -Remove seeds from oven and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar and t teaspoon cinnamon, mi...

Two posts in one day?? Crazy right? Well, Brent has gone to bed, Ella is now asleep for the night and I'm wide awake because I had a cup of coffee this evening that I shouldn't have indulged. Why not do another post? You know how I mentioned that I'd been so motivated and kept the apartment clean while Brent was in Pennsylvania on his business trip? Well, I seriously felt like superwoman those five days. I cleaned, I took care of Ella completely on my own, I cooked, I ate healthy, I went to the grocery store, I took Ella to the park, etc.  I also made several batches of haystacks to take to my MOPS gathering. I thought it was a good "fall-ish" dessert to share. Not to mention how much I LOVE how tasty they always turn out. It's a simple recipe and oh so yummy! You need 2-3 cans of Chow Mein Noodles (you can find these in the Chinese food section), 2 Packages of Nestle Butterscotch Morsels, Roasted Peanuts or Cashews (or you can opt out of the nuts if you...