Little Man Turns 1!!!!!

One year ago today, we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our son Lincoln. After almost two weeks of bed rest in the hospital, but still three and a half weeks early we were full of nervous excitement. At 8:36 am, our baby boy came out screaming. It was music to my ears. He has added so incredibly to our journey over the last year. Lincoln has taught us some things over the last few months: the true meaning of parenthood, there is not a limit to how much coffee one human can consume in a 24 hour period, all consuming love, how to be circus performers to hold off a meltdown, the crazy amount of diapers you receive at your baby showers will run out, kids tunes can reoccur in your dreams, floors are never as clean as you think they are (little ones can find the littlest things), code words for a quick exit with a crying baby, your outfit is not complete without spit up or baby food, the thrill of an afternoon nap or a few hours of consecutive sleep, the holidays never used to be this fun, we've never been this busy, this flexible, worried this much, laughed this hard, challenged ourselves to be better people, been completely captivated watching someone grow. We are truly blessed to be his parents. What a privilege to be entrusted with his care. Happy 1^st Birthday to our little man!!!!!!!! (REPOSTED FROM FACEBOOK PAGE, FRIDAY, 3/28/2014)

Me, Myself, and I.....

 

I'm definitely unpredictable,  the two photos were taken one weekend apart.  We had a wonderful time at both events.  The lower photo was taken at our Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball this year.  The theme was "A Night with Gatsby", fantastic.  We had a terrific time as usual. Being a provisional JA member this year, I had the opportunity to assist with the event.  The top photo was taken at a local paintball course for my belated birthday celebration.  I have always wanted to play.  It was a blast!!!! I definitely got into it; I think my guests did too. 

 

I am so thankful in my mid thirties I am truly allowing myself to be me (hints the title).  I like so many different things.  Some of which are completely opposite.  I love The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit stories, but also love being a girly girl.  I love living in the country, but truly enjoy visiting Manhattan.  I love hanging out on our sailboat wearing boat shoes one weekend. I love getting all dressed up and going out for an event the next weekend.  I have Beethoven and Linkin Park on my playlist.  I love acting silly with my son, then cuddling with him the next.  I enjoy spending time on the beach and in the woods in the same week. 

 

I hope I continue to be able to evolve as life goes along.  I always want to be open to new challenges and change.  You never know what's around the next corner.  Life is beautiful, messy, unpredictable, and precious.  Here's to enjoying every second, as me, myself, and I.....

Taking It In....

 

I think 2014 can be summed up for me as "taking it in".  I have been trying to just be in the moment more.  There are so many things in life that I almost miss, simply being to busy to notice.  This picture was taken on one of our date nights.  We spent time enjoying our local bookstore.  We've been there a bunch of times, but that night we discovered some great titles on sailing(one of our favorite pastimes).  I'm sure the books have been there for a long while, simply missed because of our busyness. 

 

I think my need to slow down is driven by our son Lincoln.  He's almost 1, so full of life and energy.  He is always changing.  I'm afraid sometimes, if we don't slow down and take it in, we'll miss some remarkable event in Lincoln's life.  There are days I have to pinch myself.  Is this incredible life truly mine.  I'm blessed beyond words to be this little boy's mom and be married to my lifetime love. 

 

My hope is to make "taking it in" my life pursuit.  Continually learning....admiring....striving.....growing.....changing....loving.....

being.....

 

 

 

Traveling Light.....

Last weekend we headed to Chicago for a sail boat trade show/conference.  We had a blast(minus this mama worrying about a sick baby at home with my parents)! It was our first time to visit the city outside of the airport.  We did realize very quickly that Chicago in January may have not been the wisest idea for one who isn't crazy about cold weather, burr... 

 

This trip was little different than any of our other travels, because we spent the entire time without our luggage.  Crazy travel switches, long story.short, we arrived in Chicago while our luggage was in Dallas.  It arrived at the airport after we had already traveled into the city.  We decided since we would only be there 48 hours, we could pick our luggage up on the return home.  So we made due with what we had in our carry on luggage, picked up necessary toiletries at the airport gift shop, and decided to buy essential garments at a clothing retail shop in the city. 

 

This type of behavior was completely atypical for me.  However, I found it quite liberating.  I truly enjoyed the trip, rather than toting so much stuff around.  We have condensed our luggage greatly over the past few years, but this was another level.  I decided I actually really prefer it.  It's amazing the experiences you can have when you open your mind and just "travel light".

Goodbye 2013

 

2013!!!!! What a year!  Our family of 2 became 3.  We welcomed our son Lincoln.  He has added so much to our already beautiful life.  We feel so blessed to be his parents.  He is an amazing little boy.  I am so excited to continue to watch him grow, love him like crazy!!!!

 

I also opened our business at our new location.  It has definitely been a learning curve.  We have been very busy this fall.  I love working with my mom (our office manager).  She has done an amazing job!!!  I'm looking forward to the challenges and changes that 2014 will bring with our business.

 

We purchased livestock for our farm.  Our lives switched to resemble a real life version of Green Acres.  The stories from this adventure alone, too many to name.  What a blast!

 

Most of all I am looking forward to the continued family adventures that we have on a day to day basis!  There's never a dull moment around our home, love it. 

 

2014!!!!!  Here We Come!!!!!!

The Holidays

I must say the holiday season was wonderful this year.  It went by way too fast.  It was our first year as parents which made it incredible.  It was a season of firsts.  It was Lincoln's first time to see snow (well actually ice).  His first time to see Christmas lights, presents, hear Christmas carols, etc.  So exciting! 

I had been told that when you have children it is so much fun to have experiences again with them. It definitely was amazing.  We loved watching Lincoln rip into presents, play with the wrapping paper, tissue paper, and bags. 

Most of all it was so special spending time with our little family together on Christmas morning.  The Three Musketeers!!!!!  We both feel so blessed to have amazing parents, siblings, and close friends to celebrate the holiday season with each year.  Too many blessings to count, ever thankful!!!!

No Place Like Home.....

 

"No Place Like Home."  This phrase has always been true to our hearts.  Jeremy and I love traveling, but spending time at our home together can't be equaled.  I captured the sunset from our window a few nights ago.  We both decided that the sunset we are blessed to enjoy everyday couldn't be rivaled by some of the world famous locales. 

 

We moved into our home the summer before last.  Since we have moved several times in our married life, I couldn't wait to find a forever home.  I think we both agree, this home is just that.  We are both so happy to have a place to raise Lincoln where we can "roam the land" so to speak. 

 

It's a wonderful home.  The house fits our needs perfectly.  We love the space, not too big nor too small.  Life in the country, now on a farm with the added livestock, has been incredible.  Our homestead helps make our crazy little life a bit simpler.  I'm so excited about the years of memories to come and the ones already made.  Our time enjoying "no place like home."