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."

Launching Apollo

I opened up my business location last week, very excited! I have taken care of our rental properties in the past from home.  So it will be great to have an actual location, tenants can visit.  It's been a long process repairing our business location, setting up our processes, and developing into a larger operation.  It took a little bit longer than originally anticipated for everything to come together.

 

 

Sometimes it can be a little scary to step out of one's "comfort zone" and begin a new venture.  I am so excited I think it may outweigh my fears.  I'm looking forward to networking in the community.  I am also excited about being able to serve our tenants in a greater capacity in our new location. 

 

 

I think the next few weeks will be an adjustment, learning what flows well and what doesn't.  However all change has a transition period which can lead to a remarkable transformation in the end.  So I'm ready for the challenges, struggles, and successes waiting around the corner! 

New York, New York

 

To infinity and beyond......This is the first time we visited Manhattan in the fall. We had such a great time! I did miss Lincoln like crazy, but I think he enjoyed hanging out with his Nene and Papa.  I think my picture above speaks to the lighthearted trip we had.  It was wonderful to have couple time. 

 

We saw some wonderful on and off Broadway shows.  Breakfast at the Russian Tea Room was wonderful, always wanted to visit.  I enjoyed shopping as usual (my suitcase is never big enough to transport stuff back).  We met some really nice people on the trip.  Also spent time looking for investment property.  There are some really great options out there.  Looking forward to possibly making a move on an apartment in the future. 

 

I think I've mentioned before how much Jeremy and I  like the city.  Since we live in a very small town, the energy in Manhattan is a great change of pace!

Baby's First Zoo Trip

Okay....So I am a sucker for zoos, love them! It doesn't matter how many times I have been to one; I still enjoy it.  I have been to a lot of them from San Diego to Tulsa to Fort Worth to the Bronx.  The one closet to where we live is the Little Rock Zoo.  I have fond memories of this place. I've went since I was a kid.  We used to take a trip with my grandma and cousins and have a picnic after the visit.  They have made many changes over the years, but it still holds a sense of nostalgia every time I visit. 

I took our son Lincoln to the zoo back in September (on his 6 months birthday) to visit.  It was a great time.  We went with my mom, sister Jessica, and niece Ryleigh.  I know he will probably not remember, but it was still fun to share the special time with him that day.  We enjoyed looking at all the animals, lions, tigers, and bears, oh my..... Great food in the cafe! A great girls and Lincoln day for the books. 

I'm excited about going again when he is a little bigger.  I know he is going to love seeing the animals, riding the carousel and train, and running around like a typical little boy.  The next time we will bring daddy along to share in the memories!

Forever Friends

 

My little sister just turned 29, what?  It seems like just yesterday, I was five and a half waiting for my baby sister to arrive.  I was so excited! Jessica was like my living doll.  It was great to have a kid sister around.  Sure we argued some, but what siblings don't.  Fast forward several years later, when I entered my pre-teen/teen years our age gap began to be noticed.  I was growing up and she was just to young to be around. 

 

There were several years that we were simply sisters.  Then one day the age gap finally closed.  The day everyone had spoken about finally arrived.  My little sister became not only a wonderful sister, but a great friend.  I am so thankful to have her in my life.  We are very different, but so much a like too.  It's wonderful to have another human being that understands the inside family jokes, cheers you on no matter what, and believes you can do anything.  There is truly nothing like having a forever friend.  We are there for each other, through thick and thin, come hell or high water.  She has my back and I have hers. 

 

I have shared with my four nieces to embrace their sisterhood.  One day having sisters will mean so much to each of them.  A future time, not long from now they will discover they are forever friends.

 

 

Mommy Time

Mondays are mommy and Lincoln time.  It is wonderful!  I'm so glad I chose to devote one day for the sole purpose of quality time.  No errands or busy tasks.  We simply spend the whole day, just being together.  Since he has been born, the weeks have been passing so quickly.  Lincoln is constantly changing and growing.  It's great to be able to capture every single moment. 

I know I will look back on these days years from now and cherish them so much.  I'm thankful to have the opportunity to take extra time out of my week for us to be together.  I know there are many other daily routine activities that can encroach on the free day, but my goal is to keep our day truly free.  Currently it's great just to cuddle, play, read, etc.  I know in a few years it will be a great day to explore and charge off to our next adventure. 

Even though carving out an entire day during the week may not be reasonable for some families, I say take any little piece you can.  It's all about relationships in the end.  Making the time to connect with your child is truly one of life's great pleasures!

Time Flies....

Where do the years go?  It seems like my niece Ryleigh was born yesterday.  She will be 2 in a few months.  Wow!  She was the first grand baby on my side of the family.  We loved watching her grow.  It was amazing to see all the new things she could do, from cooing to crawling, then walking.  I feel so blessed to have been able to be there to see these moments.  My sis and I are very close, so watching her baby become a little girl has been such a joy!

I'm so glad Lincoln will have an older cousin as a playmate in a few years.  I have such wonderful memories of time with my cousins.  I remember begging our parents to stay the night at one another's house.  We played together and made a lifetime of memories. I know that Ryleigh and Lincoln and anymore grand kids that come along will also have a special connection.  My hope is that our kids are close throughout their childhood and keep that connection into adulthood. 


It's incredible that we will be able to watch as new generation of relationships unfold through our kids over the next decades.  I hope they find the same unbridled joy and sense of adventure that we did while growing up.  To many nights of catching lightening bugs, whispering, laughing, dreaming, riding bikes, counting stars, silly dancing and faces, etc......

Making it Count!

Making it Count! Our son makes both of us want to do this.  Everyone told me how quickly time would pass with your children.  I believe it. Lincoln will be 15 weeks old this Thursday. He has grown so much in that time period.  I could spend all day just hanging out with him.  He does so many cute things, smiling, cooing, laughing, etc... Jeremy and I can't get enough of him!

So we are faced with what most parents struggle with the balance of  work and family. Jeremy and I are learning to "make it count".  Sometimes it's not the amount of time, but the quality of that time.  Families can spend hours together without really connecting.  We are learning how important it is to seize the moment, live in the present.  Today is all we have.  Cherish every moment! Make every moment count!

It Takes A Village!

It takes a village.... I remember hearing this phrase years ago. I think it was coined by Hillary Clinton.  I didn't realize it's significance until my son was born.  I love this little man so much (always have to throw that in there)!  The first few weeks after Lincoln was born I remember being so tired and basically out of sorts from my typical organized self.  I truly appreciated my mom, Jeremy's mom, and step mom for being there with love and support.  Also my sister, dad, Jeremy's siblings and step siblings, his future step dad, his dad, our dear friends the Devores, and countless others who checked on me, called, sent texts and gifts.  I really felt very secure in a time I was adjusting to the new world of mommyhood. 

As the weeks have progressed, I realize help and support will always be appreciated.  I'm more in a groove now, but I realize this groove will continue to evolve as my son grows.  I am so thankful to have a strong support system of both family and friends.  I love this circle of connection not just for Jeremy and I, but for Lincoln as well.  It's reassuring to know in this life you're not alone.  Each of us feel so blessed to have our group, "our people".  This circle is here for us no matter what, thick and then, better or worse, and so on.... 

Our little village may never be recognized with a nobel prize or other prestigious awards.  No one else may ever recognize the impact they have on our daily lives, but we do.  Jeremy, Lincoln, and I are the better for knowing all of the people in our village.  Our lives are enriched daily by their unconditional love!  Our world would be a lesser place without each of them in it.  So take time to count your blessings in all shapes and sizes.  Take time to say thanks to your "village".

Me and my dad.....

The two guys above are my life! I love them so much!!! It has been an amazing experience watching my husband Jeremy with our son Lincoln.  Sometimes I am walking through the house, look over an see the two of them together.  It melts this momma's heart, the connection between them is wonderful.  Lincoln is definitely his "mini me" in appearance, but I can tell they are kindred spirits in other ways too. 

I'm looking so forward to seeing this relationship evolve over the next few years, decades, and lifetime.  I can't wait to see all the things Jeremy will teach our son, things I can't.  Of course, he can help him learn the typical stuff, to ride a bike, swim, read, and fish...... There are so many other things I know he will impart to Lincoln:  good natured habits, patience, kindness, love, an adventurous spirit, humor, self confidence, zeal for life, selflessness, a giving heart, a sense of wonder, bravery, courage, self reliance, fearlessness, the list goes on and on...... 

Jeremy and I have joked in the past about: "I know you didn't learn that from your mother....or from your father...." In reality, I am so glad there are things that I can say "you didn't learn that from your mother".  It's been an amazing journey over the last few weeks becoming parents together.  I have loved every minute of it! I'm so blessed to have such an amazing husband and super hero dad for Lincoln!!!!

Let Summer Begin....

Summer will actually begin in June, but it always feels like Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of summer to me.  Typically summer is not one of my favorite seasons, mainly because of the heat.  I do not like being hot.  I do enjoy the relaxed schedules, outdoor cooking, longer daylight hours, and vacation. 

I decided this year to try to enjoy summer for all it has to offer.  I plan to take full advantage of each day while finding ways to stay as cool as I can.  Realizing that one fourth of the year is summer, so to discount the whole season based on the heat might not be fair.

Last weekend was Memorial Day Weekend.  First I want to mention how thankful I am for the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces!!! Their sacrifice has made the freedom we enjoy each day possible.  The weekend was a wonderful start to the summer season.  We enjoyed time visiting and eating great food with our family.  It was nice relaxing in homes and pool side with our loved ones.  I also took my maiden sail on our new sailboat.  We've had two other sailboats in the past, neither as big a this one.  I absolutely loved it! It was so relaxing.  The wind was perfect and it was nice to be out on the water.  I think even Lincoln enjoyed it.  He slept for hours in the cabin. He was fed and held by family on board (two of his favorite hobbies). 

So this year I'm looking forward to the days ahead hot and all.  Let summer begin....

Celebrating The Moments.....

It seems like we just met yesterday, but instead we were celebrating 15 years of marriage.  We've talked about how at this time we have been together half of our lives (dated 2 years before getting married).  It has been an amazing adventure so far.  Not just the adventurous days like the one above white river rafting in Alaska, but the lazy days at home.  People we've known with loving relationships have shared how your relationship just gets better as the years go on.  They are right.  Our love has continued to grow and deepen over the years. 

I still get the excitement and butterflies in my stomach when I'm talking to Jeremy.  However, now we have some quests we have conquered in life.  We know after making it through illnesses, times of plenty and want, education, jobs, family crisis moments, and latest becoming parents; we're there for each other.  It's an incredible feeling to have a companion who you can spend every moment in this life. 

Tonight I'm feeling so blessed to be matched so perfectly with the love of my life.  Our differences compliment each other.  Jeremy truly completes me in every way.  I'm looking forward to years of living life to the fullest!

Welcome to Motherhood!!!

Motherhood. A word that meant so many things to me a month ago. However, a word I didn't fully understand until a month ago.  Our son Lincoln was born March 28th. An incredible day to say the least.  A day Jeremy and I will remember always, our precious baby boy being handed to us, dark hair, but otherwise a spilt image of my husband. 

In the last month, I have just began to understand what motherhood means.  It means crazy love, excitement, fear, cuddling, connection, sweet baby smiles, lots of bottles, lots of diapers, sleepless nights, coffee cups that stay full for hours (didn't quite get around to it), busy days, overwhelming happiness, dreams of the future, living in the present, new challenges, new contentment......Just a few of my new found meanings for motherhood of which I'm sure many more will be added over a lifetime. 

So excited to be experiencing this part of the journey.  I consider it a true honor to be parenting with Jeremy.  I am so blessed to be a mother to my son.

Let the Countdown Begin....

It's only a month from today until our son will arrive.  We are so very excited!  I'm continuing to make sure I'm as ready as possible.  I know life is definitely going to be different, but we are both ready for the next phase in our journey. 

Family and Friends have given us great advice over the years, especially over the last few months.  I think my favorite piece of advice thus far is "enjoy every moment, it goes by so fast".  I remember my mom telling me a few years ago something that has stuck with me.  She said when you have a little one, you love that child so much.  Sometimes you do feel overwhelmed and exhausted during the baby/toddler phase.  It's easy to say:  "I will love it when you are just a little older".  Mom reminded me that happens so fast.  She told me to enjoy picking up leaves in the fall, reading stories, and making cookies.  The present is all we have.  Don't miss wonderful because your too busy with the day to day grind. 

So as the next month passes by I will try to start that philosophy now.  I'll try to slow down and enjoy this last month I have being pregnant.  Savor the day so to speak.