Snowy Weekend

Over the course of Friday night and all day Saturday we received about 8 inches of snow and around an inch of ice. We are snowed in because of the ice. My husband does not have a problem driving in snow and I have done it once (yes it took me over 2 hours to get home from work last year but at least I drove safely in 5 inches of snow). However, ice is a different story.

Yesterday we spent to day inside watching movies and the Duke basketball game. Since it was Colton's first snow we wanted a few pics of him in it. We spent about a half hour getting him dressed in about 6 layers. We then dressed ourselves and headed out. We were outside with him for all of 30 seconds but we got some pictures.





Needless to say it will be another day of movies and staying inside with the fireplace on full blaze.

One Month

Dear Colton,

One month ago today you entered our lives with a quiet cry and small smile. We fell in love instantly.

In the short amount of time you have been with us you have managed to fill our hearts. I watch you develop into a little man more and more everyday. You can smile and do it all the time when you are being held. You love to be held so that you can stare at peoples faces. You makes small little cooing sounds while you sleep (you get that from your mom) and sometimes you snore (that is definitely a trait you got from your father). You love bath time; it quites you down immediately. However, you do not like to be naked for long periods of time (a trait I hope stays with you). You make noises that resemble the "Count" from Seseme Street. It is super cute. You love to eat but hate to be burped. You can hold your head up well for being so young. You love to hear Daddy's voice and even smile at him when he sings to you his silly songs. You like when I sing you the "ABCs". You only sleep for brief periods but its okay because you are totally worth the exhaustion.

I love watching you grow everyday but I tear up all the time knowing you won't be this tiny forever. For now though you are our "lil man".

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Dreaming of spring

A winter storm is upon us and it has ruined my weekend plans for my parents to come visit. BOO!

So I jumped the gun a little bit and put a spring wreath up on my front door. I hope the neighbors don't complain. I blame it on boredom. I needed an activity to keep me occupied so I made this wreath. Super cute and only $20.




Problem is: it only took me an hour to make.

Boredom continues!

In other news my lil man is able to look super cute in his Bumbo now. He loves this thing and it helps with his neck strength.

Monday Musings

~I really need to cut down on my shopping. Once daycare starts my shopping budget will be depleted :(

~My kid can out fart the best of them. I am serious! Put him next to a grown adult who just had an All-you-can-eat chili buffet and he will blow him away. Is there a way for him to make money with his toots???

~I really hope the web browser window I "accidentally" left open on the computer caught my hubby's eye. This is what was pictured



Can we say "Valentine's Day present Please" :)

~I am excited my parents are coming Saturday for the night. Shopping and going out to dinner are in the works!

~I need to get to cleaning since my parents are coming.

~My wardrobe is on the verge of "leaving" me since it is constantly covered in spit up, pee and poop.

~60 degrees in January is great but I just bought a really cute winter coat and would love to wear it. Can a cold front come just long enough for me to wear the coat a few good times?

~Colton has a Dr. appointment Wednesday. I have to take him by myself. Normally when there are two of us we are still running behind. I wonder how late I will be since it will be me by myself with him. Also have you ever tried carrying a diaper bag, purse (I carry a large purse) and car seat. NOT EASY!

~I need to go make dinner. General Tso's chicken tonight with brown rice. YUM-O!

In need of a babysitter

Because on Feb. 5th I want to go to the movies and see my boyfriend




Loved the book and the movie can stink as long as my boyfriend takes his shirt off!

Hidden Treasures

Every so often I venture into the bottomless pit known as my wallet to clean it out. This time around I found a bunch of old gift cards. Little did I know that most of them still had a good amount of money on them. It was like a second Christmas!

Here are my scores with my gift cards:

I got these two sweaters from Victoria's Secret

>

Cost 0.62 cents total!

I found an Aeropostle Card in my wallet. I am not a fan of this store but free money is a plus

I spent nothing for these two items



And finally Express:





About $6 for these two items.


To top it all off, I found $7 on a Starbucks card. Score! I seriously need to clean my wallet more often.

Valentine's Top 10 ideas

I have never really been a huge Valentine's Day fan but for some reason this year I am in the "love" zone.

I went exploring the Internet for ideas on how to celebrate/decorate. I found a lot of great things.

I present my "Top 10 Valentine's Day Celebration Ideas"

Hope you enjoy!

1. These Valentines are adorable for school or work. I like to bring something in for my work that is small but thoughtful. I work with over 30 nurses so inexpensive things are key!

2. I always buy dish towels for each holiday. You can find them cheap in the Target dollar section; my fav section of Target. I put them in my kitchen and downstairs bathroom. Super cute and cheap.


3. A cute wreath for you front door and doors in your house. This one is from Lillian Vernon.



4. Chocolate covered strawberries! I make these year round but Valentine's Day is the best time to devour these beauties. The tuxedo ones are simple to make.

~Melt bag of semi sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips in two separate bowls in microwave.
~Dip strawberries in white chocolate first, then dip sides of strawberries in regular chocolate to make look like tuxedo
~Fill small sandwich bag with some of the semi sweet chocolate and decorate strawberry with bow tie and buttons.

I also decorate strawberries in different ways. I dye some of the white chocolate pink and make pink strawberries and then drizzle white chocolate on top. I also scatter slivered almonds on top of strawberries right after they have been "dipped" so the almonds stick. Coconut is great too. The possibilities are endless!

5. Dressing up in a Valentine's Day outfit can be fun! Last year I worked and I wore a cute scrub outfit.

This year I will be at home and I found some cute options.

HAHAHA, just kidding! Though I am sure hubby would love this look :)

This set of panties is adorable because each one says "I love you" in a different language.


This dress is from Target and is super cheap. I like the color and the fact I would never have to iron it.


If I was going to go out to dinner then this is a great dress to wear from one of my fav stores, BCBG


6. Even if you don't coordinate your outfit with the holiday you can wear cute heart jewelry to celebrate.

found here

These pieces are from sammoon.com which is a costume jewelry site I adore.


7. Decorate a Valentine's Day tree. I found these cute ornaments at Lillian Vernon and it made me realize that I can reuse my pink Christmas tree. These will compliment it perfectly.

8. A nice meal is a great way to celebrate.

Martha Stewart has some great Valentine inspired recipes. My personal fav is the fillet mignon with herb crusted potatoes. A great bottle of champagne is amazing as well. I personally love to add pineapple juice and grenadine to a glass of champagne. Its called a Venetian Sunset and it is delicious!

9. I love to watch movies. What better way to celebrate "Love" day then viewing a few romantic movies.

How about The Notebook:

Amazing love story!

Gone with the Wind:

I watch this movie at least once a year.

Armageddon:



Go ahead, laugh at me! I don't care. I heart this movie and I ball my eyes out every time I watch it.

10. Hand make a gift for someone you love. A few years ago my hubby (then boyfriend) and I made gifts for each other since we were broke college students. I made hubby a keepsake gift box. I glued pictures of us all over the box and placed little mementos of our dating history in the box. He made me a binder filled with poems, songs, pictures and stories that reminded him of our relationship. It is definitely the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day in my opinion.

I think this year I am going to get Colton to make him a sweet handmade present. Oh, all right, I am going to make it and say its from Colton since he still can not grasp objects or focus a few inches in front of his face :)

Hot mess!

I came down this morning to find my son in a hot mess as I call it. I removed the blanket that was covering him and found this picture.



Now, you may say what is wrong with this? Let me explain.

He is wearing a Pooh Bear onsie and has on a Spiderman sock. Pooh Bear and Spiderman do not play together in the cartoon world. In fact I think Pooh Bear would run away if he encountered Spiderman in the 100 Acre Woods.

He only has one sock on too. When I asked hubby about it he said that he spit up on the other one. Okay??? So take the other sock off and get him a new pair or let him not wear any. Daddy said at least his one foot was staying warm.

Also, he ate like 2 hours ago and I think that Daddy could have safely removed the bib from him without the prospect of Colt spitting up all over himself.

I think I will start laying my kids clothes out for Daddy. (I pick out hubby's clothes most of the time anyway for him!)

Hello old friend...

Oh how I have missed you...



Note: I worked hard over last two weeks to pump enough breast milk in order to have a beer. My baby will have nourishment and I get to enjoy a beer. I hate to "dump" breast milk but one night is OK in my opinion. I think I deserve one.

Realizations

Saw this on a lot of other blogs and thought I give it a whirl.

I’ve come to realize that my job. . .is extremely stressful, busy and hectic but totally worth it. Being a nurse was definitely my calling.

I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . .I speed way to much. I have yet to get a ticket but with baby on board now I might need to slow down.

I’ve come to realize that I need. . .to go back to school to get my Nurse Practitioners degree. When? Who knows!

I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . .the ability to go wherever at the drop of a hat. Now I have to pack a diaper bag, get a baby dressed and fed, loaded in car, etc. Seriously it takes an extra hour or two to get anywhere now.

I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . .the weather gets really cold and it does not snow. I want a good snow storm!

I’ve come to realize that money. . .is now for the essentials. No more shopping sprees.

I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . will always be there for me. My family, Jason, Colton and all our close friends.

I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . .love my husband and my son. They are my everything.

I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . .rocks! DROID (scary voice from commercial)

I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .I had only slept for three hours.

I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I knew I was going to be up all night because Colton is a night owl.

I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . .how long it is going to take for Jason to go and get me some Starbucks.

I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . .I will forget to update my status.

I’ve come to realize that today. . .will be spent at home again with baby, hubby, cleaning, and movies.

I’ve come to realize that tonight. . .Duke will be playing :)

I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . .will be spent just like today. That is what happens when you have a new baby and can't leave the house just yet.

I’ve come to realize that I really want to . . .be a great mom.

I’ve come to realize that life. . .is short and every minute needs to be cherished.

I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . .my little sister is visiting.

I’ve come to realize that this year. . .started off with a bang of giving birth and hopefully will continue to be a great one!

I’ve come to realize that my husband. . .is my best friend and my one and only.

I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . .get around to working on some scrap books and Colton's baby book.

I’ve come to realize that I love. . .winter but only when there is snow.

I’ve come to realize my past. . .is my past and I can not change it.

I’ve come to realize that parties. . .are a lot of fun and I have been to many and hopefully many more to come.

I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . .of something terrible happening to my family.

I’ve come to realize that my life. . is blessed~

Looking back...

Today I was thinking about the being pregnant. It has only been 2 weeks and it is really weird not being pregnant. It encompassed almost 10 months of my life. It physically and mentally changed me. Towards the end all I wanted was for it to be over but looking back now I wish I had cherished it a little bit more.

When I was pregnant I could protect Colton entirely because he was inside of me. Now that he is on the outside I am in constant protection mode a.k.a. Mama Bear.


When I was pregnant I could justify eating that extra dessert. Now, I look like a fat butt if I want an extra large piece of pie. UGH!

When I was pregnant I got to wear the most comfortable stretchy jeans. I am back into some of my pre-preggo jeans and they totally are not comfortable on my stomach. I want the spandex back which is so sad to say :(

When I was pregnant I was complimented on how well I was holding up and how I looked good. My stomach now looks like a sad deflated balloon and people ask if I slept because I look exhausted.


When I was pregnant it was just Colton and I. I had him all to myself. I love seeing him with his daddy and other family and friends but some days I want him all to myself. I know it is selfish; I blame my hormones.

I will not be pregnant again for awhile (knock on wood) so looking back and remembering all the good things is all I have right now. I am thrilled to have a happy and healthy baby. In all honesty, I am glad that I am not pregnant anymore but sometimes just for a split second I still think I am. I guess it will take awhile to get used to not being pregnant anymore.