tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88840897009138237112024-03-05T00:08:35.873-08:00Thornton Writes a BlogMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-32072722167719524032011-08-26T03:54:00.000-07:002011-08-26T05:14:54.665-07:00Who am I???<div align="left">I saw this on a friends blog that I follow ( <a href="http://kellyfereday.blogspot.com/">http://kellyfereday.blogspot.com/</a> ) and of course thought it would be SO much fun. How many of these questions did you already know my answers to???
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<br /><strong>1. Favorite Color:</strong> </div>
<br /><div align="center">Probably <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>blue</strong></span><span style="color:#000000;"> except during football and basketball season, and then it's a VERY strong, deep, and dark </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>R-E-D!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645130361649934802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWw64RI7bZMZNoldCswTzRPZEya1LwYnqLqAuGzfFNuFsn6zxnUhYitE_vtRuenTv8TOuLG5r9tR_lJeVNaLItbP73g0OlP5PJQrmGp_zruJLNs1x15KD-wNemUbk0OktsDe-qi-jda1C/s320/leftcardinal.jpg" border="0" /> (GO CARDS)</strong></span><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></strong> </div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>2. Favorite food that you make:</strong>
<br />Hmmm....my husband would probably say chicken casserole, it's quick and easy and delicious...but I think my favorite would be baked ziti. I LOVE pasta's. :)</div>
<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645130579832575490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTU9FLPECzFE29xTfF-AbuoeEIwHhq83-9mZcWJd9aDbXO56Pg7EEIWCi2O757oqh6mhOqZwPqLr74dEwiASYywPJkTxama-QOhLGJkSzXQBVoGLYw-xpNHszh5BU_kqGUZ2hngbnA1Mz/s320/baked-ziti.jpg" border="0" />
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>3. Favorite Food Network Chef:</strong> </div>
<br /><div align="center">Um...I don't really watch Food Network that often, but I do enjoy watching Curtis Stone on Biggest Loser. :) such a hottie!!</div>
<br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645130785181476290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_xYOTE-H1s5wztLnmV1OCe3MZzh7DOktzsaOLp3NQMDXh5Yg6C7EqB7-OWXrfugcnvSklXR3A7J2I9fmHFn9cZxgWreTmO-0Zq_DncVrB7RXl8l_M69hlzjX9hhgPVTWt0E4kTPngrwL/s320/Curtis-Stone.jpg" border="0" /> </p>
<br /><p align="center"><strong>4. What is the last beauty product you bought, and are you liking it?:</strong>
<br />Uh....well, my brother-in-law just left his job at Sephora, so I haven't bought any beauty products in quite some time. But the last one I got from him is Sephora brand under eye cream. It's supposed to help with eye wrinkles (which I'm not even sure if I have yet), and I have no idea if it is working, but I ADORE the smoothness of it, and how soft it makes around my eyes feel.
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<br /><strong>5. What are your top 3 beauty products:</strong> </p>
<br /><p align="center">Wow....um...if I could only leave the house with 3 products on it would most likely be my foundation, blush, and mascara! I don't typically wear a lot of make-up for my day-to-day stuff...I definitely do it up for special occasions....but something I definitely do NOT leave the house without is my Dove frizz control! Especially in this Kentucky Humidity!
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<br /><strong>7. Essie or OPI?</strong>
<br />OPI...I just adore the names of their polish! HA! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645131571937270034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyu2XudjJ4V6g6p9qmiqo6-rid0Pk3awcgJbJ0guVGHsI_oLXb_DnsKv4BUZWTHrSiYqf8NpxmH5Y-KTXn9mqCd6vh-CedTkmtrvMEqYYmZ7sack7KZhKw-V-lYtCJWYl-t7MxUvXyQBx/s320/OPI_Nail_Colour.jpg" border="0" />
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>8. How often do you workout?</strong>
<br />Well that is just hilarious....if you count carrying around a chunk of a 1 year old then all day every day! But if you don't then that's gonna be a once in a blue moon. I coach cheerleading, so I do stretch and warm up and cool down with the girls...so I guess in the fall I'm up to a whopping 2 days a week? LOL</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnURgyZO_UEs5umqzB1aoMk-t39ZQzTVfdVhlYWsAb49k73C8jm7Z1py-vh87lgR3mMUPb3Qt2151keFo-4zpWoW0eVwdmoDMg1bh3Rrmc3MZ2St_rKQRacIRQejDZvPQeg2OIweBEEqXe/s1600/iced_coffee_starbucks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645132278978531618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnURgyZO_UEs5umqzB1aoMk-t39ZQzTVfdVhlYWsAb49k73C8jm7Z1py-vh87lgR3mMUPb3Qt2151keFo-4zpWoW0eVwdmoDMg1bh3Rrmc3MZ2St_rKQRacIRQejDZvPQeg2OIweBEEqXe/s320/iced_coffee_starbucks.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYYDrkLjg1pARE1b_Zpo42Orhb4el6ou_oJy6stBVIb_f1q8O8yJbILqCl06CjLU-MAL3Zp5fgsuyFkM8HIxApnDZbP6bodsQwKrqq5YjgNOT88FLfMqksdEPoxnOuq9Np9YASj9EO3H/s1600/starbuckswinterdrink.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645132500458151362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYYDrkLjg1pARE1b_Zpo42Orhb4el6ou_oJy6stBVIb_f1q8O8yJbILqCl06CjLU-MAL3Zp5fgsuyFkM8HIxApnDZbP6bodsQwKrqq5YjgNOT88FLfMqksdEPoxnOuq9Np9YASj9EO3H/s320/starbuckswinterdrink.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>9. Iced or hot coffee?</strong>
<br />Depends....in the mornings there is nothing better than sitting on a screened in porch or on our back deck with a nice hot cup of coffee (2 splenda's & a little milk)...but when it's hot a muggy out I love an iced coffee in the afternoon. Gives me a jolt to get through the rest of my day, and they're just so darn tasty!
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<br /><p align="center"><strong>10. Favorite celebrity couple:</strong>
<br />Oh....I don't know how I'm going to pick just 1....I guess I have to go with Will & Jada Smith. And by the way, I am DEVASTATED that there are rumors going around that they're separated. I just adore them and their family. I always try to watch any interview that they are in because I love hearing them talk about not only their love for each other, but also their family. And even on Oprah they came and brought not only Will & Jada's mom's, but also Will's ex-wife! I mean the love that is in that family just astounds me. </p>
<br /><p align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEPsIVOPVTJrHR0CivfDuh9FVzaqUf3NmlbjRz0Cq6N99SlenswA-bCsR3CEk9cK7WOPih_yV0wUuuPiD7y2j5fEifCXeJ-t3wqj3oBHMOyYf_yJV0QJSYMSg9mBdQVOg895rIZ1albAq/s1600/jessica.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645124510551365810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5e7ObYOTuFonj4XXzf-WWSmNtQnNcD2AAv9W6UeymWbfhsEutxnpiHrHCXqqfWpgURU_JTQOuOhzIsuwa0wnRHTV4tuzsaI0nMsyZfqHaSqCb3rfzTiTwxK-ySbRp8uVfFzQ2RRuGENLS/s320/Will-Smith-And-Family-3.jpg" border="0" />
<br /><strong>12. Place you have never been but would like to go:</strong>
<br />Australia!
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<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645126800335361826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c4tnvTmyvYup8XBd0cHXD0lqUtMo8v8nUx5A0KFwULuWHRDvkRRtwYglcN2eOEyhmGXsVDmE43S7sQMtjwVM7CXODXCvS4mWVeofLkNc1xY-hBXqh0M-5afEQnn6a_mqLP5VbUBQ5qLp/s320/australia-sydney-opera-house.jpg" border="0" />Ever since I was a little girl and watched that one cartoon with the Koala Bears....I have always wanted to go. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645127012443761890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjjfhCqwMRY6NuF3YUE5q68kvJct-rxL5uHJKfhu0Mg93KjuORmYCwJoT5DMaRFUL3ARihtq4mmrQSYIo6UWN_45_PRehA85cfvdWC-Rg_v57BlMMAseUN7h3rJ6ReSmp2b1wLp164U3i/s320/Noozles.jpg" border="0" /> </p>
<br /><p><strong>13. What gift did you get from your wedding registry that you get the most use out of?:</strong> </p>
<br /><p>While we obviously use our sheets and towels daily, something that we received that is fun that we get the most use from is probably our iced tea maker. LOL! It is SO freakin easy. Just pour in some water, fill the thing with ice, add a tea bag, and viola in 5 minutes you have some iced tea.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645124637578228962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdQawJiFWqs9a_Wem2WTvPfaIobFdLGHkKm9ua-a6826BhdVsfVA7xGrBL7N-jcmKR8Azw8Tn4vWpSwTmc6l9m4FLqlhNQTYygsnmyKF1cO4tv8yX3ZHYBEjDIc4fgvELKtDX2eYUDhRt/s320/icedteamaker.jpg" border="0" /> </p>
<br /><p align="center"><strong>14. Biggest pet peeve?</strong> </p>
<br /><p align="center">Hmmm...liars...or people who hear lies or false statements about someone and don't have the gall to stand up for the truth. Talk about irritating. </p>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>15. Best guilty pleasure:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645134940734095010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JSF36vY-VbiD0rG2MsEO3DIvZeucgLbIDgp_b33JjGDXy8UPdbb6thme5hhQf8aED9rhTqqack51b279UN8R4M6gkg408K4au_sDwWKPY3Hrp7bz7lyD-uqM7iGnUKFk8dbP1afp4C2V/s320/lifetime-movie-network.gif" border="0" /></strong>
<br />Lifetime Movie Network. Sucks me in every time...I also love SoapNet!</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY8lb5H73QIT5xoIIdQaVM_WRmhAxNBYtsR9xQTzIyJZvzw2RMTcXZJt9weW_1RrawuPlbhIEoP_QO7nbsvl6vRqaK3fDhmrR5XEBBpF88UMBo12o_PpDhYcCbO_kac8uqr6OSWuBb_Hd/s1600/NOTEBOOKcover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645135182102912354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY8lb5H73QIT5xoIIdQaVM_WRmhAxNBYtsR9xQTzIyJZvzw2RMTcXZJt9weW_1RrawuPlbhIEoP_QO7nbsvl6vRqaK3fDhmrR5XEBBpF88UMBo12o_PpDhYcCbO_kac8uqr6OSWuBb_Hd/s320/NOTEBOOKcover.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQedow7WeksNZ2rFowmvdKsmmRAgFgOYDFpj_YYuGirD9H2Wz9aIkmi6u_7vda5gSp5LzlWH7x60BQY_gcWnt44_BLRcMQLUN4Vu4YoLLa_AIDasYGmuqM-U633mx2_VclArHn_xWPSvW/s1600/harry%252Bpotter%252Bbooks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645135402014796562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQedow7WeksNZ2rFowmvdKsmmRAgFgOYDFpj_YYuGirD9H2Wz9aIkmi6u_7vda5gSp5LzlWH7x60BQY_gcWnt44_BLRcMQLUN4Vu4YoLLa_AIDasYGmuqM-U633mx2_VclArHn_xWPSvW/s320/harry%252Bpotter%252Bbooks.jpg" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>16. Favorite book:</strong>
<br />The Notebook. No matter how many times I read it, and know the outcome I still love it oh so much. I am also a big (HUGE) fan of the Harry Potter series. :)</div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>17. Do you subscribe to any magazines?:</strong>
<br />Not on purpose...somehow I seem to receive Southern Living. I'm wondering if someone is subtly calling me out on my lack of cooking at home. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645135639446056050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVHtRZ-Mgs7DgUP2JynO9Nr-SGOS2zqMQwXMeNL9OIcgVwA4pFznt20fj3tCoPir631kIWP6SOQR5yGBHXSu63gamG-5HIJ6DDWjpr9d7C_Fro1TPsqVU_n4yLYS1-KbV0OVWWXeRpfgz/s320/SouthernLiving.jpg" border="0" />
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>18. Favorite Halloween costume?:</strong> </div>
<br /><div align="center">Hmm...for me it would probably be the year I dressed up as a little devil. I was like a sophomore in college I think. I was still teeny tiny, and had some fabulous red pumps, red tights, and some teeny tiny red outfit thing...something I would NEVER let my own daughter wear! The dogs dress up as Mickey and Minnie Mouse...that's pretty cute. And Benny was just about the cutest pumpkin you ever did see last year. :)
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<br /><strong>19. Drink of choice?:</strong>
<br />H2O baby....H2O</div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>20. What advice would you give your 17 year old self?</strong>
<br />Don't follow the crowd. Be a leader, stand up for what you believe in, pray...not just to God, but with God...daily. </div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-72197804011997885362011-08-15T06:01:00.000-07:002011-08-15T06:09:41.340-07:00Fun Surprises!!!<div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Okay.....
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<br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">I've got a secret......</span></div>
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<br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">And I'm ready to spill the beans!</span></div>
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<br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">My husband turned 30! I know...he's SO old. :) WELL...I have been planning a BIG surprise for him for OVER 1 year.....</span></div>
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<br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">On Wednesday we leave for......</span></div>
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<br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641067518222885442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWDQX280csKWPAaEehwAAoUZj5PfxVko5OSydbQR89erlKk-w-sLVEUVaucL7Zsbf9ph9bVND6E3q-6uU1ZhOX5MOxim0znV3tjbpzuHltW95qZ8Kf2IUVHmEumVpItJhaBrH5-mFdJgZ/s320/New-York-City-Free-Trip.jpg" border="0" /></span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-size:180%;">NEW YORK CITY!!!!!</span>
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<br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!! He has NO idea he's even going to be on vacation!!! I honest to goodness cannot believe that I have pulled this off. :) I'm going to video him on Wednesday morning receiving the good news that he is not only on vacation the rest of the week, but that he has 2 hours to pack a bag for an undisclosed destination. HAHA!! I'll be sure to post the video when we get back. I just absolutely cannot wait!!!!!</span></div>
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<br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Have you been to NYC?? Any places we need to check out??? I have already done Groupon NYC so we got some really AMAZING dinner deals. I swear to goodness....I am so anxious!!!!!</span></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">YEEEHAWWW!!!!!</span></div>
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<br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641068320993489746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcURVeKBBZJ7LjDE6Ckqm8V1Ec21bjpcmi5OdiZbjVJ7K1uiO7OOzCuLKIVbJrRX-03Eb5HxALt3uDNCIguoMbk4iDnz_8w119tAVOz1fkkxbEhpk7X6XC5cYpd1V7Ce-i3cFrVaZ0xYv3/s320/newyorkcabs.jpg" border="0" />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-42449326373786697242011-07-13T07:25:00.001-07:002011-07-13T07:25:25.315-07:00I'm old...and feeling VERY depressed about it.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-48537472573015230442011-07-10T07:55:00.000-07:002011-07-10T08:04:55.297-07:00YOWZA!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh249qpeqKlSnlVU4ZAJa-IWesmhFP3gM37gYKsni5K7VHd5fwFdkEluH195WIJwqE7bsZotl74qDrcdHMGYz4oTeiAL38WnBvOwAWrDoGom3jCMlvzDgpbp21mulrRa4OMr_34RfK1lfGm/s1600/New+Image.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627739618569298546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh249qpeqKlSnlVU4ZAJa-IWesmhFP3gM37gYKsni5K7VHd5fwFdkEluH195WIJwqE7bsZotl74qDrcdHMGYz4oTeiAL38WnBvOwAWrDoGom3jCMlvzDgpbp21mulrRa4OMr_34RfK1lfGm/s320/New+Image.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">I can't believe it's been almost two months since I've posted!! It seems like just yesterday I was posting weekly and coming to the end of my pregnancy...and now here I sit about to celebrate my son's first birthday in two weeks. The time just absolutely flies by. It makes me sad. Benny has started walking. He walks more and more everyday. He is beginning to understand the things that we say. Although he doesn't listen...every time we say "No NO!" all he does is smile and give a big belly laugh. I love my life more and more each day. My husband is the absolute best, and my son gives me a joy in life that I never knew existed. :) May each of you be blessed with such happiness in your life!</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">xoxo</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-1750930326041089732011-05-15T04:45:00.001-07:002011-05-15T05:03:40.557-07:00I like to move it move it.....<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">YOWZA! My boy can M-O-V-E!! No walking yet, so my last prediction of him walking by his 9 month was wrong...but he is SO close. He walks all around holding onto furniture, and the Easter Bunny brought him a walking toy that he LOVES. We also got our very first tooth. We were watching the Royal Wedding, and I saw something glimmer in his mouth...at first I thought he had found something on the floor and then I realized it was a tooth! It's absolutely adorable...and I'm pretty sure we are currently working on more. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Hung out with some friends of ours last night who have a little boy just two weeks younger than Benny....he is working on his MOLARS! He already has 7 teeth. Talk about crazy! Ben got moved into the creeper room at daycare. Now it's him and a bunch of girls. LOL. It's pretty funny to go and pick him up...before he was in a room with little babies who just look at you when you go in, but now he's in a room with all these kiddos that can move and you walk in and they like swarm you. Hilarious. But my poor little Benny boo gets picked on by all those girls. One day he got sat on and poked in the eye. :( Oh well...only make him stronger right???</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Other than having a lot of moving going on nothing else of note is happening in our house. Hope things are going well with you and yours!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">xoxo</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-90952706480344420242011-04-12T06:22:00.000-07:002011-04-12T06:45:00.489-07:00MOVIN' MAN!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAXEqIHzNd2x8NK-NSlJEXeBv2wRrzA-dgrB2osflu3UXcxylqPh5AeK8V6x_odnGEdpTtJGS7XV1ZGl9oGXtZuBmuQZJDD5Jhh_8jn_CxutlcPvCFbeV1RxwG11IKhNiSjpjt6cRM58x/s1600/benleaning.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594692360920585058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAXEqIHzNd2x8NK-NSlJEXeBv2wRrzA-dgrB2osflu3UXcxylqPh5AeK8V6x_odnGEdpTtJGS7XV1ZGl9oGXtZuBmuQZJDD5Jhh_8jn_CxutlcPvCFbeV1RxwG11IKhNiSjpjt6cRM58x/s320/benleaning.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3366ff;">IT'S OFFICIAL!!! MY BABY BOY IS ON THE MOVE!!! He has been "rockin" up on his hands and knees for quite a few weeks....although he will walk himself around the ottoman, he couldn't stand up on his own. All of that has changed in one weekend! He started officially pulling himself up this past weekend. It's hysterical! Although...that being said...bedtime has gotten a bit tougher because while he can pull himself up, he can't get back down, SO when he gets tired of standing in his bed he just cries and cries. Then we go in and open the door he immediately stops and gets a huge grin on his face like "hey guys! glad you're here!" Makes me laugh. He also started crawling last night. Talk about AMAZING....although I have a feeling we're in trouble now. I don't think it will be that much longer before he is walking....I'm going to guess that before his 9 month day (April 25) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLI3fY1pjMwOAohszuByEgosBnTqFeGdBFITXYfk6sn3C9P_MGqaPNEWzSuGh-0zMaz5HTzjDRia0gm30arZfTgkASdRiyhIyXZk0W7K548Vit8DwdBCaGQ1wsFdy9b2SbPavSt_zdegk/s1600/benstanding.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594692459221594210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLI3fY1pjMwOAohszuByEgosBnTqFeGdBFITXYfk6sn3C9P_MGqaPNEWzSuGh-0zMaz5HTzjDRia0gm30arZfTgkASdRiyhIyXZk0W7K548Vit8DwdBCaGQ1wsFdy9b2SbPavSt_zdegk/s320/benstanding.jpg" border="0" /></a>he'll be walking. I mean seriously...he is THAT close. When he plays with his toys on the floor, he is now making himself stand up and then just leans down to the toys....I'd say a matter of days before he realizes if he just straightens up he can stand. S-C-A-R-Y!!! Hubby and I were talking last night about how we've got to really get to baby-proofing the house. Make sure all the outlets are covered, and cabinets "locked". We already keep the doors to the bedrooms and bathrooms closed because one of our dogs is a chewer....so that won't be any different...we probably also should invest in a gate for the stairs, but at this point I don't know if he'll even go over in that direction. Only time will tell I suppose. :) Talk to you soon!! xox</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-41271226766330430612011-03-25T09:38:00.001-07:002011-03-25T09:41:06.768-07:00Benny's First Day<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Well, needless to say, my son's first day at day care clearly was harder on me than it was him!! On his note from the teacher it showed all that he had eaten (like a little piggy) and how well he had slept (2 2 hour naps!). When I went and picked him up he was jumping in a stationary jumper. I walked in and I swear to goodness his entire face lit up and he started bouncing like crazy...I scooped him up and got just the absolute biggest little hug. :) Made this momma's day. Especially after having such a long day wondering how he was doing every two seconds. :) Today is going much easier....still can't wait to go and get my sweet boy, but I feel so much better knowing he did so well yesterday. Hopefully we get another great report this afternoon!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">xoxo</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-15519508672488341002011-03-24T05:16:00.000-07:002011-03-24T05:22:27.825-07:00Sad day for mommy....Well, today was a sad first for me....Benny's first day at daycare. He'll be there two days a week, which all in all is not a bad gig. I still am home with him the other days, and this is more like a playgroup than being enrolled in daycare. Geoff dropped him off this morning and said he was all smiles and sat playing with some toys next to a little girl who is his age (she is 2 days older to be exact) ;) I was doing fine with everything...I toured the facility, I met the teacher, the director, and assistant director. I chose where he would be going...the assistant directors name looked SO familiar to me...and after she gave me the tour I just couldn't place where I knew her from. Well, then we met some friends at our church fish fry last Friday, and lo and behold there she was working in the kitchen serving up fish! That made my decision a no brainer. If that wasn't a sign from God I don't know what is! It definitely makes me feel better knowing my son is at a facility where they know us outside of daycare....they know us through Church. Not to say that he'll get extra attention or anything like that, but even just for him to be able to see them outside of an environment where mommy & daddy leave him makes me feel better. Although regardless of feeling better, last night I bawled. I was finishing up getting his things ready for his first day, and I just absolutely lost it in the kitchen. I cried again when I left the house this morning. Hopefully the day goes by quickly and I can go and scoop up my precious angel. :) I'll make an 8 MONTH OLD post tomorrow and be sure to tell you all about his first day. :) Pray for me friends....I need some extras today.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-91015637432571082422011-03-15T04:46:00.000-07:002011-03-15T05:32:02.758-07:00Travelling with Benny Boo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC5zhXauYUsr7uv0H_0kWZM7tXvq8k3jn1RuixRyLeRQhPXlaJUvN22DCHJm_CKCSiNsGB-r9q0WWgRTRgICHu2imbAqjkfQNK5b_z0QYVRH29SfDQxOiNMN9nM3Me6UFXzrzz163HCBQ/s1600/WelcomeTN.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584283118134509378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC5zhXauYUsr7uv0H_0kWZM7tXvq8k3jn1RuixRyLeRQhPXlaJUvN22DCHJm_CKCSiNsGB-r9q0WWgRTRgICHu2imbAqjkfQNK5b_z0QYVRH29SfDQxOiNMN9nM3Me6UFXzrzz163HCBQ/s320/WelcomeTN.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Well, we took our very first family road trip! We had SO much fun...at the beginning......</span> </span><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">We left on a Wednesday morning...woke up early, and planned to leave the house by 6am! So, when we left at 6:45 I handled things surprisingly well. I'm not one who likes to be late places, and when it comes to travelling my husband is even worse! He is NOT a stop and get a magazine and coffee type of person before getting on an airplane. LOL! I had woken Benny up at like 5:15 so that we could time our departure with him being ready to go down for a nap. Worked like a charm! He slept almost all the way to Tennessee....definitely all the way through Lexington and London, KY. We made our first pit stop at the Welcome Center in Tennessee. We let Ben get out and stretch his legs, and we stayed for like 15-20 minutes...of which I could NOT get Ben to eat. I had used some bottled water that we had in the car...not in a cooler, just room temperature. The kid refused to eat it. So we were getting antsy to leave so I just filled up a bottle with some hotter water from the faucet at the Welcome Center (it was really clean...trust me I checked it out) and I sat in the back with him and fed him in the car. Our next stop was for lunch at Arby's. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">And then we arrived in Charlotte! We stayed with Geoffy's Aunt Mary & Uncle Ken. We had an absolutely fabulous time. We played games, and pretty much just relaxed. The funniest part to me was that the second we got there, Aunt Mary took Ben from me, and within a few minutes Ben was hugging and kissing all over her. It was the absolute cutest thing! We stayed there for a few days and then headed up to Richmond,VA. Now there is where things begin to go terribly wrong......</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">We got to Richmond about 5:30 on Friday evening. My cousin who we were staying with called and told us that he had to go and pick his twins up from daycare early because one of them had thrown up. But, he said that sometimes if they eat too quickly then they throw up all of their bottle....which Ben has done before when he was smaller. So, we didn't think anything of it. We stayed, and Saturday went for a walk and just hung out. It was great...and then as the night turned to morning things took a turn for the worse......</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Around 12:30am I woke up and started to get sick to my stomach....this happened every hour until 7:30am. Then Geoff started....and he was throwing up every hour....and then like 8 hours later poor Benny started. We were quite a sight. Needless to say, our trip to DC and to the Picasso exhibit got cancelled. We were still able to make the last leg of our trip which was driving to Geoff's Uncle Pat & Aunt Mary Jane's house before coming home. We played some video games, and had a nice dinner. Then on Tuesday we got up and headed home. Even though he still wasn't feeling very well, Ben did amazing once again in the car. He just started to get upset the very last leg, and pretty much fussed the entire way home from Lexington. It took us a while to get back into a routine and schedule, and eating food other than bland and tasteless. HA!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">All in all it was a good trip, and we were able to spend some quality time with family. I think we're going to go back again...but this time in two long weekends. It means more driving, but I think it will work out better. :) Hope all is well with you, and have a Happy St. Patty's Day!!!</span></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-50054522200533169602011-02-28T11:42:00.000-08:002011-02-28T11:51:52.077-08:007 months old!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI4FdCg2xzRQRc1ybl9XwqilF_5YgwLEmYcbzKj9qqo0WWUvh04svQ4v0ncbUoswKmBDYWAFsYGYyygtz6ijW8iTJhX3U9-KufP963l64XSNiVRRJ8gHie7x2K_O0pqOA4E7ZRtpmvYeG/s1600/photo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578830413485742850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI4FdCg2xzRQRc1ybl9XwqilF_5YgwLEmYcbzKj9qqo0WWUvh04svQ4v0ncbUoswKmBDYWAFsYGYyygtz6ijW8iTJhX3U9-KufP963l64XSNiVRRJ8gHie7x2K_O0pqOA4E7ZRtpmvYeG/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Goodness gracious....I have a 7 month old little boy. It is completely insane. I get teary-eyed just thinking about how fast the time has gone. I feel like if I close my eyes for too long I'll be sending him off to college. Makes me sad to think about. I need more time. I need more hugs, more sloppy "kisses", more grins, more twinkling blue eyes. He is such a sweet sweet boy. He really is one of the happiest if not most happiest baby I have ever known. He smiles all the time....and he's started giving hugs to go along with the kisses. :) Hubby went to the lake this past weekend with my dad, and when he got home on Sunday afternoon all Ben could do was stare at him. And then he leaned in and gave him the biggest squeeze his little seven month old body could give. And then he pulled away, stared at him some more with a big grin, and went back in for another hug. Talk about sweet. My husbands heart just absolutely melted. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Ben has gotten to the point now that he definitely recognizes people and places. Well...as much as you can at 7 months old I guess. :) If he is in a new environment, or around new people and he can't see me....M-E-L-T-D-O-W-N. He like turns into a complete spaz. Which is so unusual because he is such a happy boy. Definitely a mama's boy though. :) Can't say I dislike that part of mommyhood. HA! </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">We're getting ready to take our first "family vacation" other than a weekend getaway to the lake. We're going on a road trip! I'm SO excited...but of course feeling nervous and wracked with anxiety too. Seeing as how we've never traveled in the car longer than Ben takes a nap. I'm curious to see how that will go. I'll have to post pictures from our trip when we get back! We're going to Charlotte,NC and then to Richmond,VA and Washington DC! I've never been to any of those places and am VERY VERY excited. We still have a TON to do...I have yet to pack hubby or myself. Fortunately, I've been making lists of things we need to make sure to pack, and I've gotten Ben mostly taken care of. Except for things like diapers, and formula, which obviously we are currently using at home. We're leaving bright and early on Wednesday morning. AAAHHH!!! Please keep us in your prayers that we arrive safely, and with a happy boy in the backseat. :)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Talk to you soon!!!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Me</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-82046098811541196202011-01-22T04:27:00.000-08:002011-01-22T05:09:40.619-08:00<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><em>Paging Mr Personality! There he is, smiling, waving, talking, and entertaining anyone in his orbit. Your baby is also ready to explore a bit more, so beware his impulse to touch(and taste) everything and anything within his reach (including dog biscuits and poop!). He's probably able to bear weight on his legs when you hold him upright and may even be ready to hit the road, albeit at a crawl. Some little acrobats can pull themselves into a standing position or get into a sitting position when placed on their tummies. Stimulating your now-older baby requires new activities that'll help boost large and small motor skills as well as social, intellectual, and language skills. Get ready for the third round of immunizations at the 6-month checkup.</em><br /></span></span><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">In other news, plenty of babies (really, not just yours) are still not sleeping through the night -- so this may be a good time to consider some sleep strategies. Your growing baby may also be ready to make the move to the big bathtub: Start slowly (a dry run in the empty big tub c an ease the way), and always practice safe tub-time. Nursing moms who have yet to offer a bottle might be in for a bit of a battle once you do, but there are ways to win over your picky guy. If your baby's got teeth, it's not too soon to start brushing baby's teeth (with a baby toothbrush only, please). And speaking of teeth, the best way to keep your baby's choppers (and gums) in good shape is to avoid baby-bottle mouth (the result of falling asleep regularly with a bottle -- or breast -- in his mouth). What else is up? Perhaps your baby's appetite -- so now's the time to consider dietary dos and dont's, such as introducing new foods one at a time and avoiding certain foods altogether (steer clear of citrus fruits until the eighth month and honey until after his first birthday).</span></em></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">YIKES! NURSING WHILE BABY HAS TEETH?!?!?! Luckily, the nursing ship sailed 12 weeks ago...and even if it hadn't, still no teeth. LOL. I swear they'll be coming in any day now, but nothing just yet. My little man is just absolutely perfect. He has been sleeping through the night for a little over a month now...only not sleeping through on very rare occasions. I have also noticed that when we follow the bed time routine, bath at 7, rocking with bottle at 7:30, he will sleep until 7:30am! However, if we put him in bed later than between 7:30-8ish, he gets up between 6 and 6:30! CRAZINESS!! </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Every single day he is learning new things. He knows if he pushes certain buttons on certain toys music or a sound will occur...he still loves the ceiling fans....and is really starting to get into tags on things. Which is hysterical. He also LOVES the dogs. Sadly, that love is not exactly mutual...Brady does enjoy the baby more so than Lexie, which of course means that all Ben wants is for Lexie to love him. LOL!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564996476447672738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNM0z0qCDqMp43o_8WxserfjKuDNSsLWkc6pNNySuoF5ci0jPBRyaZZQXKrBdFx8ofZPAdNheqNZlz2JhHdvD-T7FyW2yo8gC-T7IILzASZRywvkkF8RKU9f0ABVEvY-5ts1LuapsczqY/s320/BENFOOD.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Something else new is we have started food! So far he has tried and LOVED Sweet Potatoes and Peas (EW) and we're going to start Carrots tonight I think. He still wants absolutely NOTHING to do with his rice cereal. I'm hopeful that once we start him on some fruit that maybe he'll enjoy it more. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Well, I guess that is all I have today...hope all is well with you and yours!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">xoxo</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-11146566747799527832010-12-30T11:58:00.000-08:002010-12-30T12:34:01.271-08:0022 Weeks<span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em><strong>YOUR BABY IS 22 WEEKS OLD!</strong></em><br /><em>Baby will soon be able to grip his own bottle, but he's still not ready to drink from it unsupervised. Falling asleep with milk pooled around his mouth can lead to an ear infection, and he also could choke on the milk. Better safe than sorry, especially when baby is learning a new skill.</em><br /><em>Blocks are a great toy for him--they're big enough for him to grab and encourage the thumb-and-forefinger grip that he'll continue to develop over the coming months. He's also learning the fun (for him) game of dropping things. Though it might feel as though he's just trying to torture you, he actually likes hearing the sound objects make when they hit the ground.</em><br /><em></em><br />WOW....22 weeks old. To think when I was 22 weeks pregnant, he had no name, and we had JUST found out he was a he. :) Hard to believe the time has just flown by. It really is crazy to think of how fast a human baby grows. I mean in one year they go from the womb to walking talking little beings. It's just so crazy....<br /><br />This week some pretty amazing things have happened. First off...Ben actually enjoyed taking a bath....TWICE! So insane....it was definitely a nice and MUCH appreciated change from the red in the face screaming that usually ensues upon bath time. He is still smiling all the time, and honestly just such a good boy. He goes down for naps great, and he is SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!! SO nice...and again...MUCH appreciated. :)<br /><br />January is just a mere 38 hours away...which brings with it a brand spankin new year. I know I have already said this before...and I'm sure I'll say it again, but this year has just flown by. It's amazing to think that one year ago, we had just found out we were having a baby. I remember the looks on the faces of my family and friends as we told them we were pregnant, I remember each persons response....good and bad....they are forever etched in my brain. I'll never forget the day I got a positive test. :) I'm anxious to know what 2011 will bring...I have friends and family who are expecting babies, some we know what they're having, and others we don't know yet. I just hope whatever the new year brings for my family it includes happiness, healthfulness, and loads of wonderful memories. :)<br /><br />xoxo<br /><br />Melanie</span> </span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-66202299111230407982010-12-17T12:27:00.000-08:002010-12-17T12:36:07.795-08:00Happy Holidays!<div><span style="font-family:georgia;">Okay, so clearly I need to get "back in the groove" of writing on my blog. But I swear to goodness, between laundry, dishes, watching baby...and let's not even discuss cleaning of the bottles, I don't know where my day goes! And if that wasn't enough going on, I decided to find something part time to do outside of the house as well! I am currently working two days a week at the new Kosair Children's Medical Center in the east end of Louisville. It is a fabulous facility, and gets me out of the house a little bit, and the benefits are AMAZING...so basically I work for the health insurance. :) </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;">The holiday's have come upon me so quickly I can't even see straight! My sister-in-law and her family got into town yesterday for the Holiday's....so hard to believe. I feel like just yesterday I was hott as heck and HUGELY pregnant. I honest to goodness don't know where the time has gone....</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;">Tomorrow is my beautiful boy's Baptism. :) I am so excited I can hardly see straight. Geoff and I both got new clothes....a rarity here lately, and Ben's "gown" is pressed and looking absolutely fantastic. We are having a "private" Baptism...I put "private" in quotes for a reason, and here it is.....the reason we aren't having the Baptism at a mass is because due to Advent our church doesn't perform them in December. Well, my sister-in-law is the Godmother, so we needed to have it around a time when she would be home....so December it is. So not at a mass....but not very private either. There are...wait for it....8-0 people coming. And no that is not a joke. 80....I still find myself having a hard time wrapping my brain around it. Went grocery shopping today for all of the supplies....I won't even get into how much this is going to cost! LOL!! But in the end it will be a day to celebrate my sweet boy, and who can put a price on that???</span></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551752618842432546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-j_Sg6hwJ0CRyWKCtFRBWS3yUlMHE6kR4xW-eEveT0CEYI8mSwlyP9Hf2USKJRd0MR1XVesQl7qyubZl1u0UZXFuVBnT1ccfe6GB1aPQ8SVIzqh5k-93Qzon5ohlpKs3qF2BSgrQf-V12/s320/120210.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-86974497082680986582010-11-19T05:57:00.000-08:002010-11-23T11:50:43.720-08:00Shutterfly's New Holiday Cards<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541261440853320578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuQAbfEzRd-8QaU4umgcX6gNwf-mO_bjOVzP5HQAtc2JuDI0f_X-P64KzgG-KMWdPc49qvoPH1JgKLMgr0AntGL53w6cCmOA3Suj2RjxgZuobpqDVwWDtURQqMmTxYkcr4vg2oVRLGUzw/s320/Family+Wall+Red.jpg" border="0" />OH MY GOSH! So naturally, I have already started shopping for Holiday Cards. To be perfectly honest, I feel like I'm behind! I am currently obsessed with Shutterfly, I saw their cards on their site and HOLY MOLY! They have really kicked it up a notch this year! They have all these different kinds, and if you, like me, have kiddo's then I'm sure you'll be interested in all of the photo montage options! There were SO many that I loved that I don't know what I'm going to do yet. But I will DEFINITELY be getting my cards from there again this year. The thing I love about Shutterfly is it's not just a place to get prints, or CHRISTmas cards...they seriously have EVERYTHING.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnBtUkiNk-QM7UM7Ebaf9UbR5ppeWgGxY2617Du9p8NFLeTZbsAeD6YJG4HuiQhh7bwfNhKZwRFgWXQkCcXqvBuzeYaQp0ITXBDImRncB3ZOyREijmTtJeOiQApYZNLSHgXNnAh47wdUE/s1600/O+Mod+Tannenbaum.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541261593232773810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnBtUkiNk-QM7UM7Ebaf9UbR5ppeWgGxY2617Du9p8NFLeTZbsAeD6YJG4HuiQhh7bwfNhKZwRFgWXQkCcXqvBuzeYaQp0ITXBDImRncB3ZOyREijmTtJeOiQApYZNLSHgXNnAh47wdUE/s320/O+Mod+Tannenbaum.jpg" border="0" /></a> You can personalize t-shirts and sweatshirts, mugs, calendars....pretty much anything for anyone for the Holidays. Although, I'm sure their cards are one of their most popular items. I use Shutterfly for my photo books. I made my nephew one for his first birthday that had photos from his entire first year in it. I am currently working on one for my baby and also my niece, and just started one yesterday for my newest nephew arriving in April. So be sure to check them out if you need any holiday shopping ideas! Throughout the blog are some of my favorites photo cards....to find your own simply try their website <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards">http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards</a><br /><div><div>xoxo<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541261800405036194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhElXNywMkBVAgLs2WzGV-cHZM83ZxqnTCfh8GV9-Lnx7TairTXgg8M-kcKp85zPO8kd5Ga6-e67hgt3Y_ighefOpllG1eKq0WcU5WzSf-0fR4wjsxBlA524NJ_5xxsmk4Q5cIqaV3FuA/s320/Joy+Love+Story.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-73080145913149446532010-11-04T05:42:00.000-07:002010-11-04T05:58:52.186-07:00November....14 1/2 weeks!<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Wow....where has the time gone?!?!?! It is so hard to believe that Summer has come and gone, Fall is almost over, and we're knocking on the door of the Holiday season!! Ben is growing and changing every single day. His smile just absolutely lights up my world. :) He is so into his his fish bouncey chair. He sits there in the mornings sometimes for over an hour. Kicking his feet, talking to his fisheys....but the second I open my mouth and start talking to him he turns to me and gets this HUGE grin on his sweet face. :) I love that I am able to stay home with him. Nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family....now if only we could win the lottery so Geoffy could stay home too. :) ha! We'd drive each other insane I'm sure. LOL!!<br /></span><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Ben had his first ear infection last week. :( We had to take him to the Pediatric Acute Care center on Friday night. He was up all night Thursday night, and by the time Geoff got home on Friday his eye was really gunky and he was SO fussy. So we called the doctors office and they suggested we head on over. He weighs 14lbs 14oz!! My little peanut has doubled in size since being born! Of course as we're sitting in the waiting room he is grinning and just the happiest little clam. I swear...boys....then we get back into the room, the doctor comes in and checks his chest, sounds all clear, checks his left ear, looks great, touches the right ear and Benny starts SCREAMING. Yup...ear infection. Luckily, she said we had caught it early, so just some antibiotics and we were good to go! He is MUCH better this week....and has started a pretty decent sleep schedule....goes down for bed at 7:30, wakes up for a bottle at 3:30, and then up for the day at 8! Pretty fantastic.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Sunday was Ben's first Halloween. He was The Great Pumpkin charlie brown. :) Had we gone to a Halloween Party we were going to be Linus and Sally with the Great Pumpkin. :) haha! But no parties this year...just passing out candy at home. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Well, I guess that's all of an update I have. I'll end with a photo of my sweet boy in his pumpkin costume. He was such a trooper...wore it almost all day! xoxo<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535677759444134210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixelOUWpV03Ej8eES8QrP09q7ofM1DzZrnuxI9zD7BMsMoXbkvv6rIVLouIsvfn9rTBMitegQl9d2RlvMQT0BX3v7GNtWzSb6TkdzOV5qTDGzN4d9u1w209N6qKubWwpw7cQeEiQJ6xqvq/s320/halloweenpumpkin.JPG" /></span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-85251233550584487362010-10-07T14:16:00.000-07:002010-10-07T14:28:46.400-07:00Oh How Time Flies...<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Wow...I feel like I haven't blogged in FOREVER. My goal was to blog EVERY Monday while on my maternity leave. Now I suddenly find my leave coming to an end, and can't quite remember the last time I sat down with my computer to type out my thoughts. As I sit here I am watching my almost 11 (yes 11) week old baby boy sleeping in his swing....I am constantly wondering where the time has gone. I have never had 3 months fly by so quickly...where was this speed when I was hot and uncomfortably pregnant???<br /></span><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">So many things have happened while on maternity leave. First off...obviously...I'm a mommy now. I always knew I was put on this earth to be a mother....I never knew just how much I would love it. There's nothing better in this world to me than being a mother to my Benjamin. He has his days of being upset and crying more often than not, but for the most part he is an absolute joy. He is such an easy going baby, and I just LOVE being home with him. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3k8RyAr3jnvMFQQ9535rWg_RMncluUiu-R4060GqYYQj6QLaI7Knr9V-oehEa2OO2G_UhszcqZbE3velKYAHr4q9hm5PexNHw5S1uVq0A_TZgyuRIPYP4-XltJv4FScMk7rOU6oQYzh0/s1600/watching+ellen.JPG"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525418858525824770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3k8RyAr3jnvMFQQ9535rWg_RMncluUiu-R4060GqYYQj6QLaI7Knr9V-oehEa2OO2G_UhszcqZbE3velKYAHr4q9hm5PexNHw5S1uVq0A_TZgyuRIPYP4-XltJv4FScMk7rOU6oQYzh0/s320/watching+ellen.JPG" /></span></a>Ben is quite the chunker now. :) At his last doctors appointment he weighed 12lbs! Quite a difference from the 7lb 4oz baby I gave birth to on July 25. He is hovering between 50% & 75% in weight, and between 25% and 50% for his height and size of his head. LOL. :)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Well, my sweet angel is starting to wake up. Guess I had better put my mommy hat back on. Hope all is well with you, and hope to talk to you soon!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">xoxo</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-11048383227238997942010-08-23T09:43:00.000-07:002010-08-23T09:59:06.231-07:004 Weeks Old!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlTAsiAzydYN6emUct7N8H12_l-ve_UkNWc8fGbO-nGlfljKbOApHeSnvadJsygCKpoojI_YLhO_CxV6hH5DUeVv05-QoK6B45W6BQRARoPsFj62YlDHsL_vLU4YriW_JTS0F131dx6lO/s1600/36820_681262991724_38300919_37894067_7587280_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508648473295219314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlTAsiAzydYN6emUct7N8H12_l-ve_UkNWc8fGbO-nGlfljKbOApHeSnvadJsygCKpoojI_YLhO_CxV6hH5DUeVv05-QoK6B45W6BQRARoPsFj62YlDHsL_vLU4YriW_JTS0F131dx6lO/s320/36820_681262991724_38300919_37894067_7587280_n.jpg" /></a><em>Are you talking to me? Yes, he is and your baby wants you to talk back!</em><br /><br /><div></div><div>Those adorable grunts, gurgles, and coos are his way of chatting about what's going on in his world, and the best way to encourage more communication is to keep the conversation going. (Don't be surprised if you hear plenty of sneezes and hiccups as well -- both very common in infants.) At this age, your baby is ready for supervised tummy time, a position that'll allow him to practice important motor skills (like lifting that big noggin, even for a few seconds at a time). He'll also discover his best built-in toys about now -- his fingers and toes, which are not only entertaining but potentially comforting as well (thumbsuckers, rejoice!). Also worth rejoicing over: You're an old pro by now at this baby-care thing -- who knew it would happen to quickly?!?!</div><br /><div>WOW....it's so hard to believe my sweet boy is 4 weeks old already! I just feel like this time is <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXxOyUCUMukjp9WggvfC7TmNQ_OhNuLw_EEfFT1Rd8eLJ47TIhSR5458GTR5WohOwwDDGNaGaFcW1RYvF7bTyWyOq9m8qqsWlhf-pIkXYt1xKMHW2CB8UyrsiZkcQJ9xiRRGJzWOKGOD_/s1600/45471_680890403394_38300919_37882862_4692930_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508650617182626434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXxOyUCUMukjp9WggvfC7TmNQ_OhNuLw_EEfFT1Rd8eLJ47TIhSR5458GTR5WohOwwDDGNaGaFcW1RYvF7bTyWyOq9m8qqsWlhf-pIkXYt1xKMHW2CB8UyrsiZkcQJ9xiRRGJzWOKGOD_/s320/45471_680890403394_38300919_37882862_4692930_n.jpg" /></a>flying by. I was definitely glad to read about hiccups being so common....I feel like Ben has them ALL the time. It completely cracks me up. I am definitely staying busy here at home....between caring for baby, laundry, and washing all those darn bottles and pumping supplies...SHOO...I'M POOPED! I will say that I am so incredibly happy with my little family. Watching my husband with my baby boy absolutely makes my heart melt...in the middle of the night when we have a screaming starving poopy baby and I get a hand on the small of my back and a whisper in my ear that he loves me so much, and loves how we're raising our son....it just fills my heart with joy. </div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-69672634857556489232010-08-16T08:06:00.000-07:002010-08-16T08:17:04.533-07:003 Weeks!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4mhi4Agm5tIQtPDzxZjNl04GUvum3p0hXlXrqK6bbz_Q3jpFtcquHWCAQTfMNMmYlBEUVZz2LsCeLmwbjHeMe-hsHSgngr0vzqXCoPU5Veh89QqpMhaEXihQWIqI0JIXCkNq_roRQovM/s1600/P7303001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506025219250096498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4mhi4Agm5tIQtPDzxZjNl04GUvum3p0hXlXrqK6bbz_Q3jpFtcquHWCAQTfMNMmYlBEUVZz2LsCeLmwbjHeMe-hsHSgngr0vzqXCoPU5Veh89QqpMhaEXihQWIqI0JIXCkNq_roRQovM/s320/P7303001.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Wow...my baby boy is 3 weeks old! It's so hard to believe. These last three weeks have been completely crazy. Although I don't have to go back to work until mid-October, I already DREAD it. The thought of having to leave him for 10 hours a day 5 days a week makes me want to vomit. Although I love my home and all of my nice things....so I guess back to work I'll go. :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">We had our first family outing yesterday. We went to Huber's Farm for my hubby's company picnic. Ben did great. Although at only three weeks old I can't say I was expecting him to act out. :) He mostly slept the entire day away. Ah the life of an infant.....</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-22703795809435761772010-08-04T10:32:00.000-07:002010-08-04T10:41:37.674-07:00Long Time Gone....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-espl5Or84X37mAidJuHH9j9ROf7_EQx1uTYnDY4HkfLp1wx4-lCjyaZN-Nhsu5G37be243C8QsQxbnFqZA14sGXZhjXTYmhD2L3Or2BbdT4PpwnffDxVTqYFq4Jy61CxDdlE_EQp6cfk/s1600/dsc_2254_0.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501611199588829618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-espl5Or84X37mAidJuHH9j9ROf7_EQx1uTYnDY4HkfLp1wx4-lCjyaZN-Nhsu5G37be243C8QsQxbnFqZA14sGXZhjXTYmhD2L3Or2BbdT4PpwnffDxVTqYFq4Jy61CxDdlE_EQp6cfk/s320/dsc_2254_0.jpg" /></a>WOW!! It's been SO long since I've posted....and SO much has changed!! First of all, I HAD THE BABY!! He came 3 weeks early!! 7lbs 4oz, and absolute perfect. I'm going to do a longer post later...I just wanted to give an update. ;) But when a newborn sleeps....so should mama! So I'm off to take a nap. Hope all is well with you!!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Talk soon!</div><br /><div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-56737190318775013952010-07-16T05:54:00.000-07:002010-07-16T05:58:52.565-07:00WEEK 36!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6Q1cVTYxPM3sXgmjdS5-jcyeUfn_z9DkYfNfpaEhndn2WJMPxETBCX0d7xJowIjbZDRlCWPjmOYbKvEYft3SfFf-1c6REnILlk-qFhDEKLXxlC-Ndipbv9wKOzQ37KKUacDWfbEObDIA/s1600/36+Week.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494487710496763090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6Q1cVTYxPM3sXgmjdS5-jcyeUfn_z9DkYfNfpaEhndn2WJMPxETBCX0d7xJowIjbZDRlCWPjmOYbKvEYft3SfFf-1c6REnILlk-qFhDEKLXxlC-Ndipbv9wKOzQ37KKUacDWfbEObDIA/s320/36+Week.bmp" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"><strong>WEEK 36 OF PREGNANCY</strong></span><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Your baby's bones may be ready to rock and roll, but yours may be aching something awful right now.</span></em></div><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Forget your aching back (and everything else!) by trying to focus on your baby, who is now about six pounds and 20 inches long, with soft bones and cartilage to allow a safer journey through the exit door. Most of his systems (from circulatory to musculoskeletal) are ready for rime time, though his digestion system - which has done only practice runs so far - will kick into gear as he takes his first suckle at the breast or bottle.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">YOWZA! Sounds like baby boy is just about finished cookin. :) Makes me very VERY excited. I have been having TONS AND TONS of contractions this week. Seriously...its crazy. And really annoying. I wouldn't be half as annoyed if the contractions were putting me into labor....but not the case. I go back to the doctor next Wednesday, so hopefully they'll check me and something will be happening. We'll just have to wait and see! That's really all I have for today. Hope you have a great weekend!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">xoxo</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-31267640273553324142010-07-14T09:49:00.001-07:002010-07-14T09:52:38.581-07:00Thirty-One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdoBt3-ZDepF_OKJQFk4RP6bT5acFPgo76y-qNN7veLOad0wnA3gi5uYyA7qNjO48dv2wudgzYFhtoU2rTrAToB3g9nFNI2fksrFGNV5DKumV3uh_zefm8YkMm-ZaInuyRXhe11ZobzzR/s1600/22222.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493805231159375922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdoBt3-ZDepF_OKJQFk4RP6bT5acFPgo76y-qNN7veLOad0wnA3gi5uYyA7qNjO48dv2wudgzYFhtoU2rTrAToB3g9nFNI2fksrFGNV5DKumV3uh_zefm8YkMm-ZaInuyRXhe11ZobzzR/s320/22222.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">SO...I am having my FIRST open house to show off Thirty-One and their FABULOUS products. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, go to my website and browse. I'm sure you'll find something that you LOVE LOVE LOVE. </span><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">The open house is tomorrow night, and I know not everyone can make it, BUT, if you'd like to place an order and BE ENTERED TO WIN all the hostess benefits from the party, you can do that from my website too! Thanks and good luck!!</span></div><div><a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/melanies31"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">www.mythirtyone.com/melanies31</span></a></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-27866125505494323432010-07-09T04:51:00.000-07:002010-07-09T05:04:33.166-07:0035 WEEKS!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPsOHbxaR7pI7voEEMD5fjb-SdXPdRKdtsq9oOUclWSlro0TXuKapNvkFb0DuKCnMoPeU9wNsSuzMoZEqp-I2XdYq-10ifuMIV7EyMXC1E-73WIGdFCCK5onirbvb2Wu3Hb6r1n-dHN4n/s1600/35+Week.bmp"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491873418706025842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPsOHbxaR7pI7voEEMD5fjb-SdXPdRKdtsq9oOUclWSlro0TXuKapNvkFb0DuKCnMoPeU9wNsSuzMoZEqp-I2XdYq-10ifuMIV7EyMXC1E-73WIGdFCCK5onirbvb2Wu3Hb6r1n-dHN4n/s320/35+Week.bmp" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#3333ff;"> <strong><u>WEEK 35 OF PREGNANCY</u></strong></span></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">A rapidly growing brain makes your baby's head weigh more and that means more pressure on Mommy's bladder.</span></em><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Your baby is standing tall (so to speak) this week at about 20 inches and continues his steady weight gain (he's about 5.5 pounds). While he won't get much longer, he will continue to pack on the pounds - including large amounts of baby fat - right up 'til delivery day. Something else that's moving at a mind-boggling pace these day: fetal brain development! There's a lot going on inside that tiny head, which is, by the way, still soft to allow an easier exit through the birth canal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Another fantastic week of being pregnant....NOT! I am really REALLY getting miserable at this point. The heat is KILLING me...and on top of that, I am now having contractions every single day. Tuesday I thought FOR SURE he would be her sooner rather than later. I seriously had contractions all morning. I was so sore by the time I made it to my doctors appointment. I had her check me....NOTHING! Talk about disappointment. Everything else was good news though. Didn't gain too much weight the last two weeks, blood pressure was great, and we're back to measuring a week early. I'm hoping when I go again in two weeks I can convince them to schedule me another ultrasound. :) I'd just like to be able to see his sweet face again before D-DAY. Speaking of D-DAY I have a new game plan if he isn't here by the date of my last currently scheduled appointment....which is Wednesday August 4. I am going to BEG my doctor to induce me Monday August 9th. Which is NOT that early...considering I'm due the 14th...but I would really really like that. Then we'll go to the hospital Sunday night...probably late...and they'll get me all hooked up and started on drugs, tell me to get some sleep, and then break my water at some point I guess. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">Even though I"m SUPER excited for him to get here, it makes me a little bit nervous too. We have just about everything set up for him to come home. Pack N Play is in our room and ready to go...bouncy seat is set up in the family room....swing is set up and currently in his room, but I'll probably move it into the family room too. I want to get everything where it's going to be when we bring him home so the dogs have time to get used to all the new stuff. I just keep reading about how it is better for your animals if you get everything positioned how you want it BEFORE baby comes home so they can adjust to the new pieces of furniture, and THEN adjust to the newest member of the family. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">This weekend my goal is to finish up Ben's laundry, get the house organized, and car seat bases installed in both cars. Quite a lofty list....but I'm hopeful that I can make it all work. :) I hope you have a fantastic weekend, and I'll talk to you soon! xoxo</span></p>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-51668616024183624642010-07-02T05:37:00.000-07:002010-07-02T06:04:53.270-07:00Week 34!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf2-nVLBb-tU1DP-qtx8t6S6o3dstzOM5sF1kvymuckUL2GAo9uQ161shY1ryRWOcz3uh4A0qOJER7TZh6iI5Ah3VwemTE21KJVLJOU0Z4JyM3okZ9V8mqrhd9s-uNCDnM-TmSkdm3kfZ/s1600/34+Week.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489294069767353314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf2-nVLBb-tU1DP-qtx8t6S6o3dstzOM5sF1kvymuckUL2GAo9uQ161shY1ryRWOcz3uh4A0qOJER7TZh6iI5Ah3VwemTE21KJVLJOU0Z4JyM3okZ9V8mqrhd9s-uNCDnM-TmSkdm3kfZ/s320/34+Week.bmp" /></a><strong><u><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Week 34 of Pregnancy</span></u></strong><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">A boy baby's testicles descend this week (whoopee!), but Mom should also look out below - and above - as her vision becomes less sharp.</span></em></div><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></em></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">What's new this week? Your baby is clocking in at five pounds and could be as tall as 20 inches by now, and the vernix (the white coating protecting your baby's skin) is getting thicker. This week, a boy's testicles start making their way down from his abdomen to their final destination: his scrotum (look out below!). While about three to four percent of boys are born with undescended testicles, it's nothing to worry about - they usually head downtown before junior turns a year old. In other baby-related developments, those tiny fingernails have probably reached the tips of his fingers by now - and getting ready for that first postpartum manicure.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Once again....AMAZED at the progress my Ben will make this week. I can't believe he's five pounds. That just seems insane. AND IT'S JULY!!! COMPLETELY RIDICULOUSLY INSANE!!! I mean my son could be here in 4 weeks. That is craziness. I mean don't get me wrong....I am so past the "isn't pregnancy fun" stage....and now I feel like a big fat cow, I'm uncomfortable, and hott as all get out...therefore ready for him to be here. It just seems surreal. I think I might talk to my doctor next week about her thoughts on inducing....just to see what she thinks. Hubby wants to just "be surprised" as to when Ben will get here....but I dunno....I need a light at the end of my tunnel....one that says if he isn't here by x, he will be by y. We shall see. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Hope everyone has a FANTASTIC 4th of July weekend....we're headed to the Lake for my family festivities. Could go REALLY well, or REALLY not well. LOL...I'll have to let you know which. xoxo</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-20095087313404998822010-06-25T05:31:00.001-07:002010-06-25T05:51:32.378-07:0033 Weeks!!<img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 205px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486688137799649986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfHTfGuHLIXSuZEIWXQVxD8E-4D5SuxJdLjVMqn4_AGx6hP3FWzA7QTcvkHvbd1KD4Cg1eeph7cvrXTRXomP35AG3qS1k0kBILjajyjLmFKRlbTiDhRjmI19q0JLE1k94AflWrHbC8Vme/s320/Month+8.jpg" /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>YOUR BABY: MONTH 8<br /></strong></span><div><span style="color:#000099;">Baby's senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs...time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descent into your pelvis at the end of this month!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>WEEK 33 OF PREGNANCY</strong></span></div><br /><div><em><span style="color:#000099;">Your baby's immune system gets a boost, while his sleepless mommy could use a boost of energy!</span></em></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Your baby is still gaining weight (about half a pound a week), and he could grow up to another full inch this week! With that much baby inside your uterus, your amniotic-fluid level has maxed out, which explains why some of his pokes and kicks feel pretty sharp these days. (There's less fluid to cushion the blows.) Antibodies are being passed from you to your little one as he continues to develop his own fetal immune system, which will come in handy once he's outside the womb and fending off all sorts of germs.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqBxYIVwDUcZkdLmGITnKxIdYdgvEImi_bLVOC16Cn3Ixq_55pMg4SgARPHWdm589VgvCJjN-h2-kw_m50AK2Audfv5IOXIA8COOalmcfe0KO3a1NopWmS0XZ8U65Vvz_DItsJEOOfE8g/s1600/33+Week.bmp"><span style="color:#000099;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486689195031303810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqBxYIVwDUcZkdLmGITnKxIdYdgvEImi_bLVOC16Cn3Ixq_55pMg4SgARPHWdm589VgvCJjN-h2-kw_m50AK2Audfv5IOXIA8COOalmcfe0KO3a1NopWmS0XZ8U65Vvz_DItsJEOOfE8g/s320/33+Week.bmp" /></span></a></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;">WOW! Once again I am completely amazed at all that is going on inside my body! I still say it's completely bizarre and weird. Quite frankly, Ben's movement has gotten so crazy I'm back to feeling like there is a little alien trying to escape my belly! At the doctors this week she felt around and said he is definitely head down! So hopefully he won't flip back around before the BIG DAY. :) Whenever that may be....I keep meaning to ask how my doctor feels about inducing...so that way I can have a "goal date" in mind. Of course hubby wants to "let nature take it's course". If looks could kill he would've dropped dead in that waiting room. ha! Well, I guess that's all I have for now...stats are below!</span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>HOW FAR ALONG:</strong> 33 Weeks!</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN/LOSS:</strong> 6lbs....again....</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>MATERNITY CLOTHES:</strong> Yup, still in 'em. I actually got some new ones thank goodness!</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>STRETCH MARKS:</strong> Oh yeah. Not really liking them, but there's little I can do about it at this point. :p</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>SLEEP:</strong> I'm not sleeping well. By the time I get comfortable and fall asleep....I have to get up to pee...and then the whole entire process starts all over. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>BEST MOMENTS LAST WEEK:</strong> We can now not only feel Ben move, but you can see my stomach moving. It is so incredibly bizarre. So that is really neat. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>MOVEMENT:</strong> All the time. Well, there were a few days this week when he wasn't AS active as he usually is, but I think he must have just worn himself out because he was still hitting his 10 movements in an hour really easily.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>FOOD CRAVINGS:</strong> Donuts....and now oreos. Why I can't seem to crave salads or broccoli or something healthy I don't know....</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>GENDER:</strong> BOY OH BOY!!</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>LABOR SIGNS:</strong> I have started having Braxton Hicks contractions. NOT a good time. I have only had two close together once...and by close together I mean within two hours. Other than that I have like one in the morning, and then maybe not another one until the following day in the afternoon. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>BELLY BUTTON IN OR OUT:</strong> Still in....very flat looking....but in...OH...and where my belly button used to be pierced looks absolutely bizarre. Really regretting that high school decision at this point. LOL!</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>WHAT I MISS:</strong> My regular bathing suits. :p I hate looking like a beached whale in my maternity suit. BLAH!</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO:</strong> Why having this baby of course!! 7 MORE WEEKS!</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>MILESTONES:</strong> Started Braxton Hicks contractions, and am officially in my 8th month!!!</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Have a great weekend!! xoxo</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8884089700913823711.post-29219537853973224512010-06-24T08:00:00.001-07:002010-06-24T08:02:50.192-07:003 Days Only!<span style="font-family:georgia;">Okay, so long story short I am now a consultant for Thirty-One Gifts. YAY! I am telling you this because for three days only Today, Tomorrow, and Saturday (June 24-26) there is a HUGE sale on Thermal Totes. There are 3 different designs, and they are ONLY <strong>$5</strong>! AND embroidery is $1 off and only <strong>$6</strong>! Talk about some AMAZING Christmas gifts!! If you're interested, check out my site, and you can order direct and have them shipped to you!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/melanies31"><span style="font-family:georgia;">www.mythirtyone.com/melanies31</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Happy Shopping Bloggy Friends!!</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06122148969707814929noreply@blogger.com0