...on the wedding of the century

Ok Kate and Wills, you guys had a pretty good wedding and I can't say that I blame you for planning your big day on the five year anniversary of MY wedding, but this post is not about you guys.  Today Adam and I celebrate five years of wedded bliss.  Right, my dear?  Instead of gushing about how great the past five years have been and blah, blah, blah...I have decided to let these pictures speak for themselves.

the engagement

the engagement photos

the bride

the groom

the happy couple

the cake

the exit

More on this later...I am experiencing some technical difficulties and by technical difficulties I mean user error.  Here is what you have to look forward to..  1) our wedding slideshow  2) how we celebrated 5 years  3) my gift to adam  

Baca-town...I just love you and look forward to many more adventures with you in the years to come.  Cheers to five years of marriage!

...on a splendid little article

While I was at the Doctor's office this morning I picked up an old Parent's magazine and landed on this hilarious article!  I was able to find it online and pasted it here.  Seriously, I nearly peed my pants laughing while reading this.  It is called, "Regrets, I Have a Few" by Merrin Dungey.  I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did.  




Since I had my first child three months ago I've dealt with an endless string of sleepless nights, the relentless cycle of feeding and pumping and changing and comforting, and the slow realization that my life will never be the same again. Now that I've emerged from the fog of being a new mommy, I have a few things I need to say.
I want to start by apologizing to my vagina. I just... I just didn't know what was going to happen. I thought it would be easy. All my life I'd been told I have "child-birthing hips." That turned out to be a dirty lie. I pushed for three hours, and I put you, dear vagina, through hell. I did my best to protect you, and I apologize. I can only hope that the bad feelings between us can be healed. This relationship has gotten really painful, and it's been weeks now. Please let the healing begin.
I'd also like to say I'm sorry to my husband for all my inappropriate name-calling in the delivery room and the resentment I felt because I had to carry our child for nine months and you didn't.I will have sex with you again someday, don't hold your breath or anything, but we'll get there. I'll wear attractive lingerie again as well. These grandma underpants aren't forever!
And honey... about my boobs. While I appreciate your attempts to touch them, try to understand that they are not for you at this time. These are working breasts, they are under construction at the moment, and we appreciate your patience. It's funny: I can see a mixture of fear and delight in your eyes at the size of them. And trust me, they are something to fear. I never thought a boob could dwarf the size of my baby's head, but it is true. Little Emma's bravery in attacking them day after day is impressive. I must apologize to her as well. I had no idea they would operate in a sprinkler fashion, and I have sprayed her in the face many, many times. But the way she fights through it is quite something.
I apologize to every woman whose baby shower I attended before I became a mom. All those useless stuffed animals and baby booties I bought... well, I'm sure they might have come in handy at some point, but I should have stuck to the registry and gotten things you truly needed.
I apologize once again to my husband, this time for criticizing you about the way you dress our daughter. I know she's my very own personal doll come to life, and I like to play dress-up. But you make such weird choices. Why would you put her in a sweater when it is 85 degrees outside? It's the middle of the day-a night-gown really? It's bedtime, sweetheart, why is she wearing a hat? I recognize this is not America's Next Top Model, but I do ask you to think about what makes sense sometimes. That's all.
I must apologize to every new mom ever bumped into before I had a baby for judging your appearance. I mentally criticized your old sweatpants, your over sized T-shirts, and your haphazard ponytails. I figured you just hadn't taken the time to get ready before you went out or were in dire need of a makeover. Now I understand those precious minutes you savor when the baby goes down for a nap- the desperation to make the most of them. I could shower! I could eat! I could sleep! Check my e-mail! Work-out! Do laundry! Have sex! (Well, maybe not just yet, but...) I could do so much if she would just sleep a little longer. Then, inevitably, there's that sound through the baby monitor. (Stop.Wait.Listen.) Was it for real?... That was just a sneeze, right? ... She's not up,right?... Oh, please, I'm almost done eating, the coffee's finally ready, I thought I could shower. Just five more minutes please. Just... nope. She's up. She's hungry. She's wet. She's something. And once you've got her fed and changed and played with her, you're on the clock to get that errand done before it all unravels again. I get it now: There is absolutely no time for a blowout or blusher, I was a complete jerk, and I am sorry.
I see how people look at me- with that mixture of pity and disgust- in my old nursing tank covered in spit-up and the same maternity shorts I wear every day. I'm like the Elephant Man. I put my daughter in fancy clothes to compensate for the monster pushing her around. I see the stares. I know what you're saying. Well to heck with you, you small-pants wearing Miley Cyrus fan. I just had a baby. I am not always this fat!
I guess I should apologize for my anger but in solidarity with new moms everywhere, I'm not going to.
But I would definitely like to apologize to my former self, I always thought I had a few pounds to lose and could look better. I never knew how great I had it. What I wouldn't give to fit into my old clothes again! I look at them longingly day after day. Hi, jeans. Hello, Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. You were all so good to me. (sniff)
I should have slowed down and enjoyed my freedom more when I had the chance. I used to beat myself up if I slept past eight or stayed out too late. I was a fool. A fool. What did I know? Oh, to do anything at all at a leisurely pace- shop, eat, read a newspaper- and anything without having to wear a monitor. Waiting. Listening. For her.
While I'm sending regrets I should apologize to my pre-baby boobs for not appreciating them enough. They were a great pair of boobs- not to big, just enough decolletage. And now... sigh... who knows what will be left of them once I stop nursing? I'm sorry, former boobs. I truly am.
I'll never be sorry about deciding to become a mother, though. There may be no going back to my old body or my old lifestyle, but having Emma is worth everything I've had to give up and then some. But you already know that. 

While I can relate to most of these things, I just need to end this post by saying that I love having Jack around and would not trade him for anything!  

...on birth announcements

I just got to thinking, what is the etiquette on sending out birth announcements for a child who is 5 1/2 months old?  Too late?  All you prim and proper Texas ladies, I want to know what you think.  I had a really cute one picked out and everything but we just never quite got around to getting them printed.  What to do?

...on spring cleaning

I just got home and was looking around my house thinking, "man, I wish I was more organized."  I seriously did not get the organization bone or the good decorator bone.  I have gotten much better over the years at keeping things neat and tidy as well as getting things organized but it is not one of my strengths.  I think it's safe to say that I am still in my nesting mode.  I have spent the last hour cleaning up my kitchen and trying to make it all look more organized.  If anyone has any tips for me I would truly appreciate it!  Also, if anyone wants to come over and help me decorate my house...that would be awesome!

Crossfit update:  I have officially started the process of joining the crossfit gym.  Yikes!  I'm extremely nervous but also excited about getting stronger...which leads me to this...

Can you read it?  It says, "my mom has a 6 pack"  I'll save you the mystery....I don't.  This is a 6 month onesie which doesn't give me much time to put this on Jack and not make a liar out of him.  My plan...Crossfit, Hot Yoga, and Jogging.  My weakness....anything chocolate.  

...on sweet saturdays with Dad

I am looking forward to many more saturdays like this in the weeks and months to come.  So long busy season...

...on bargain hunting

One of the last times I was in Phoenix I saw and article in the paper on scoping out good finds at thrift stores.  Ever since then I have had this urge to go down to goodwill and see what treasures I could find.  This morning, after taking chloe to the vet, I drove myself down to goodwill.  I had all these ideas in my mind that I would come out with hundreds of treasures from clothes to purses to books.  After all, I consider bargain shopping to be one of my best talents!  Well, turns out I couldn't bring myself to really dig around in the clothes and things.  Marshalls is one thing but apparently I don't have what it takes to shop goodwill.  I did come out with a book, Les Miserables.  I have been wanting to read this for a while so I was glad to find a copy for cheap.  Funny thing is, it was a library book from APS!  The guy said that they get a lot of "donations" from APS and the public library.  Very generous of them, huh?

...on Jess, the artist?

I don't think I'd go that far.  I suppose you could put me in the category of I want to have my house decorated but I don't want to pay a million dollars to do it.  I have this really bad habit of seeing something at a store and then thinking, "I could totally make that!"  Sometimes I could, most of the time there is no way.  This painting came out of me seeing a few different things that I liked and trying to copy them in this abstract-y piece of art, I guess.  For all of you true artist out there, kudos to you for your real talent!

The white stripey part on the right is actually lyrics to a song that I LOVE.  I wrote them out and slapped them on the side then painted over with some different colors.  There are some things I would change about this but over all I am pretty pleased.  Plus...the whole project only cost me about $25.  Not too shabby.  

So...thoughts?  I'm almost afraid to ask.  

One last thing.  Remember several posts ago when I asked for opinions on toms shoes?  Well I went out and bought me a pair and it turns out I love them!  They are seriously the most comfy shoe I have ever put on my feet!  I want to get another pair in red.  Trendy, hipster-y, or not, I love 'em!  You should go out and get you some.  

...on crafty things

As promised, here is an update on some of my recent crafty projects.  I have still been sewing and have been trying to make about one thing a week..sometimes more.  Last week I was able to get these done...

I actually made two little outfits just like this.  One for my good friend, Lisa, who is expecting a baby boy at the end of the month and one for Adam's sister, Jen, who is expecting a baby boy this summer!  The picture is not great but I think you can get the idea.  

I also made these and am in the process of finishing up the matching onesies.

I am also finishing up another wreath for our front door, probably my last one, and a "painting" to put over the piano.  I am no artist but I am fairly creative and have found that I operate best in the area of abstract art.  I'll post that soon and am curious to hear what people think of it.  I think that I am nesting now to make up for not being able to nest towards the end of my pregnancy.

Crossfit Mom:  I think I might change this to Active Mama as I am not officially doing crossfit yet.  Two miles down today and I think I'll have another go of hot yoga tomorrow.  I think I liked it!  Trying hard not to make a liar out of my kid!  More on that later...

...on five months of cuteness

April 12th..our baby boy is five months old today!  Seriously, where has the time gone?  He is already getting a tooth which makes me feel like he isn't a baby anymore.  We are so proud of our little bean-town and just feel like he is the coolest thing ever.  I couldn't choose just one picture so here are a few from our five month photo shoot this morning.  Yes, we are those parents who style their baby's hair.  I can't decide how I feel about this.  On the one hand he has the perfect tuft of hair on the top of his head to create a mohawk (and that's about it) but on the other hand, he is five months old.  Mohawk or not, he is still a pretty handsome little guy.

...on recent happenings

I know I said my goal for last week was to get back on track with blogging.  I think it is safe to say that I officially did not meet that goal.  Let's see how it goes this week instead, shall we?  This is the last official week of busy season!  Let's hear a big hip-hooray for that!!  Also, if someone could please explain to me this "holiday" that makes busy season last until the 18th this year, I would really appreciate it.  I am in the process of planning a quick trip to Santa Fe shortly after the 18th and and open to any suggestions.  I have only spent a couple of days up there and am not too familiar with what there is to do...aside from shopping.

Here is a brief summary of recent happenings:

-Aunt Mae and Sue came for a quick visit.  We had a great time chatting with them, we always do!  I had Aunt Mae critique some of my sewing projects as she is an expert at all things sewing.

-My Cousin Sarah and her Husband Matt welcomed their new baby girl, Lily into their family!  I am so happy for them and can't wait to meet her!

-Jack and I went to the botanical gardens with some friends...

I realize that I have not had a crafty update in a while but I have been working on a few different projects.  I'll post on those later on this week when I have a chance.  

...on applesauce

Our fridge overfloweth with apples!  Thanks to LPO, we have a plethora of apples and oranges all over our kitchen.  Adam and I don't really eat a lot of apples but I didn't want them to go to waste.  So I figured, when life hands you apples, make applesauce!  Jack is not eating solids yet but I figure that he will soon enough so why not make some applesauce for him to try.  I looked up a few recipes and all of them called for sugar which I did not add.  After referencing a few different recipes I just kinda went for it.  So here is what I did.  

First I peeled, cored, and sliced my apples.  I have one of those apple cutters which made the slicing and coring really easy.  As one who has never been able to peel an apple with a knife, I used a potato peeler.  Worked like a charm!

Next I put all of my apples in a pot, covered them with water and brought them to a boil.  I let them cook for about 20 minutes.  

Once the Apples were cooked I transferred them to the food processor using a slotted spoon.  

I blended the apples until they looked like this...

I made it a little chunky but with more or less blending you could make any consistency that you like.  I wanted to freeze it in ice cube trays but I couldn't find any at the store that I went to so guess what?  I used muffin tins!  Man, I thought that was so clever of me!  I froze the sauce in the muffin tins and then transferred them to a baggie to be enjoyed at a later date.  Mom, Dad, if you are reading this, yes I did mark the date on the bag with a sharpie!  

If you have done this before and have some advice, please don't hesitate to share!

...on LPO

As part of our efforts to maintain a healthier lifestyle, Adam and I recently signed up for Los Poblanos Organics.  LPO is a local farm that grows organic veggies and delivers them weekly do your door.  This has been such a fun thing for us and has forced us to eat things that we wouldn't normally try.  It is fairly cost effective and has really reduced the frequency of my trips to the store.  I usually just use whatever we get each week in our meals and I have been very surprised at how little goes to waste.  This past week we got green onions, artichokes, apples, oranges, bok choi, lettuce, turnips, sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas, tangerines, and greens.  It seems little little farmers markets, coops, and organic farms are everywhere these days.  I would highly recommend looking for one in your neighborhood.  The price is great, the quality is great, and it is delivered right to our door!

 I feel as thought I have fallen off the wagon as far as blog posts.  One of my goals for the week is to get back to it!

Crossfit Mom update:  Adam made an executive family decision that I should join the crossfit gym.  I'm nervous and excited-the exact joining date is still TBD.  Also, it turns out that I don't hate running as much as I once thought I did.  I have found myself a nice little two mile trail by our house that Jack and I enjoy.  I use the word running loosely.  What I do is more jogging or yogging...it might be a soft j...

Plug:  If you are a runner with a kid I highly recommend the bob stroller.  It maneuvers like a dream!  

...on Jack Jack

Ok, so...Jack grows hair in the front of his head and in the very back but everywhere in between is slow growin'.  Adam got a new faux hawk-y type hair cut this week so I decided to "style" Jack's hair for the first time today.  Everyone says Jack looks exactly like Adam so I thought I'd give him a matching hairstyle.  What I ended up with was this...

After I styled his hair I kept on thinking that he looked like someone.  I couldn't quite put my finger on it and then It came to me.  He looked JUST like the baby from The Incredibles!!  So, being the extremely dorky person that I am I googled a picture of the baby from that movie and came up with this....

turns out the baby's name is Jack Jack.  

...on getting things done

One of my biggest problems since becoming a mom is finding the time to get things done.  Our little buddy sleeps pretty well at night but during the day prefers to take short 30-40 minute naps.  Occasionally he throws a 2-3 hour nap in there but those are few and far between and highly unpredictable.  I have found that when he does take long naps I get really overwhelmed!  I think to myself, "ok, he's asleep...what do I need to get done?"  So what ends up happening?  NOTHING!  I find myself starting about five different projects and finishing none of them.  I remember a few weeks ago I told Adam that Jack had taken a long nap.  Adam said something like, "oh, so you got to get some stuff done, huh?"  My response..you guessed it!  NO!  So here is my new plan...maybe some of you are already doing something like this but if you aren't and are feeling this way, here's what I have been doing this week.  Each day I pick one task to get done around the house.  For example, yesterday my task was to clean the floors (sweep, mop, vacuum.)  Jack went down for a nap so I started working on getting these things done.  By the time I finished Jack was still sleeping so guess what I did.  I got to sew!  I kept on thinking that I needed to do something more productive and I felt guilty for sitting down and sewing but then I thought to myself, hey, the floors are clean and that was my goal for today!  I was so proud!  On monday my goal was to to a general pick up around the house with a focus on cleaning the kitchen.  I was able to get that done, too!  Ah, it's the little things in life, isn't it?