Friday Favorites

This is Cakes, wearing Noe's hair band, with lots of energy, and playing with his car carrier. He has quite an expansive vocabulary for 21 months. He repeats everything you say and talks to you in full sentences. He is quite mischievous and since he can understand what is going on, he jokes and laughs at himself and you. He is a joy at every age but this age is fascinating to see. 

// Web Favorites //

This is absolutely terrifying. Oh my baby girl..please stay a baby FOREVER.

The etiquette of visiting a new mom.

Do you eat cereal? I do. Josh does. This was a bit of an eye opener. Woah! (big eyed emoji)

The 10 Best Restaurants In The World. I'd love to try it just to see what that means.

Who knew? 

"2% - the portion of humans who can multitask without getting worse at each task."

Google's nod to the Class of 2014. Really great.

The Future, Now.

Look!



Josh, "I hope we never have to teach our kids how to drive."

Emerson is going to live in an insane world.

The full article here.

Open Sesame

At the very tip top of our street there's a gated neighborhood and I've always been curious what was behind it. Last week my friendly mother struck up a conversation with the guard and he let us in! (My mom is so good at that.) I snuck a few photos so you could see too. :)

Open sesame!

This house left a bad taste in our mouths. I mean, "service people" really? -_-

Yea, it was peaceful. Yea, the houses were huge. But we both agreed, if given the choice, we'd rather live outside the gate. I guess it worked out that we don't have all that kind of money at our disposal. :p

Hope you are having a wonderfully long and relaxed weekend!

3 In Review: Part II

3 in Review: Part I

Today is our 3rd anniversary. Yay! And can I say, what a year? Here's a quickie recap of our big moments. 

And later today, I'll post my annual summation of our year.

If you're interested:

1 in Review, 1 Year in Review Thoughts

2 in Review Part 1, 2 in Review Part 2

, check.

If you aren't a parent, people just don't get the effort it takes to do things. I'm not ratting on non-moms. I'm saying this because those people? Yea, that used to be me.

'Wait, why wasn't she on time? She had all morning!'

I roll my eyes at my former self. But now I get it.

Today my cousin, Noah, graduated from college and I was determined to be there. He's like the little brother Aimee and I never had. Besides, I've already missed two important graduations this year (both my sil and bil) so I wasn't about to miss another. My obstacles for this giganto event was an early feeding time, a long drive with the potential for a crying baby, the heat, finding some place to nurse, and some place cool and quiet to watch the ceremony.

A non mom would have no problemo with this scenario. My old self might have even complained about the time it took to find a parking spot. bah!

But the baby and I made it. She woke up a little later than normal, 4:30 hungry as ever - and that worked perfectly because she was able to sleep a bit longer after her appetite was satisfied so I could get myself and her stuff ready. bottles, check. diaper bag, check, restock diapers, check. light blanket for sun coverage, check. heavy blanket in case of chill, check. stroller, check. carrier in case the stroller doesn't work, check. paci, check. three outfit changes just in case, check. check, check, check.

And the good Lord (please say that in your best southern preacher voice) took care of us. Well, Him and my mom, and my dad, and Noah's friend, Ryan. Yea. It took all of us to take care of two babies.

Of course, it was absolutely worth it. My cousin is worth it. And I can honestly say it was the most fun graduation I've been to. After the ceremony we went to my Aunties for lunch and I laughed harder and longer than I have in months. So I was blessed too.

Sure it takes 80% more effort to do things. But you gain 80% more appreciation for the small moments, 10% more thankfulness for loved ones who go the distance with you, and 10% more strength for the next time. Sounds like a decent investment to me. 

Announcements

I've been trying to get around to taking, selecting, formatting, ordering, addressing, stamping, and sending birth announcements out for weeks now. So far we've gotten through stage 1. It's amazing how hard it is to get anything done when you have a 10 lb babe on your arm. :) Not complain', just say'in.

Some of the options. The second picture kills me.

Coming soon to a mailbox near you!

Forever

I've learned this year that moms are moms forever.

I can't even talk to you about what my mom and Josh's mom mean to me without tearing up. Since I can't, I won't go all out but I just want it to be on record that these two have done more for Josh and I in these last 7 weeks than I ever thought possible. I mean, I am functioning because of them.

I have learned a great deal about sacrificial love. It takes a lot to give that much and oftentimes the return never equals the output. But I think there's an upswelling that happens in a mom when it comes to their own child. You do what you have to do. No matter the cost. Our moms have been doing just that for us these last two months, their grown children.

A mom is a mom forever.

I whispered to Emerson late one night that I too will be a forever mom for her. No matter the cost.

Friday Favorites

I think I've missed a few Friday Favorites so here's some bonus pics to make up for it. Story time at the library, playing at church with his best friend, "say cheese", and with Noe. I love Cakes and I love Noe Girl. 

// Web Finds //

#5, #10, #12 

I KNEW you could get cancer from those things!

I think this is more frightening than a potential world war.

I try to resist but it's so hard..

Who is going to buy the clippers?!  I would. :p

Ok. I blinked and a week went by.

My bedroom and my inbox are a hot mess so I'm feeling a little chaotic. So little free time but so much precious baby time! As the fog of newborness slowly begins to dissipate, I have begun to see what our little family is and what it will be, and everyday my joy increases.

This weekend we did a little amateur photo shoot with the babes in an attempt to get some birth announcements out. Although don't hold your breath - it may be Christmas by the time some of you see anything in the mail from us. :p

I literally have fifteen different posts in my head. I'm dying to tell you about my new bedtime routine, this discovery of the Momma Club, and my thoughts on post baby body. And I will. But not all this week. Free time is a commodity and right now I'd rather sleep than open up my computer. :) Soon though, soon.

Have a wonderful Tuesday friends.

xoxo, J