Taking a Stand

Poor Emory was so exhausted today, but not feeling the nap thing.  So after a complete meltdown I pulled out my trusty "always go outside" card.  I thought a quick walk would work.  Normally, we take Mason on a walk with us.  However, I didn't feel like playing tug of war with him for 5 minutes just to enjoy the last 25 minutes of the walk, so I left him at home.  He decided to let me know what he thought about my kind gesture.

Mason is never ever bad, but why'd it have to be the toilet paper?

The one good thing I can say about this is that I didn't have to clean up the paper.  What you see is all that's left.  That's right.  Mason ATE the rest of the roll.

BAD DOGGIE!  

Oh well!  Emory fell asleep IN HIS STROLLER during the walk.  This is a complete miracle.  This child refuses to sleep anywhere but his crib.  Granted as soon as I stopped he woke up, but still!  A little progress is progress nonetheless, so I'll take it!

Hope you are enjoying your day!

P.S. - I don't think I can adequately relay my depth of excitement for this weekend's cold weather.  Did someone say a low of 40?  I'm breaking out my blanket, book, and apple cider!  Happy Fall!

Project 52 for Marriage: Week 1

Everyone knows that babies change everything.  Our marriage has changed in SO many ways over the past 5+ months.  Some good aspects and some...let's call them "weaknesses" have emerged, but we're learning to be parents and spouses.  It's an adjustment for everyone.

I am still not okay with leaving Emory.  I know, he's almost 6 months old (trust me, I'm trying to get better about this).  Phillip is probably beyond frustrated but is gracious enough to not say anything to me.  However, I am realizing that our marriage will never flourish if we only focus on the baby all the time.

That being said, I was reading the Prayer of Hannah blog the other week and saw a post about Project 52.  (I know, I'm starting lots of "Projects" this month.)  However, this one is focused on marriages.  The rules they had set forth may not function for us, but the idea is to have at least one date a week for an entire year.  We can do this, right?  RIGHT!  It had been so long since we have actually dated.  Between the stress of fertility drugs, not feeling well on the drugs or during the pregnancy, having Emory, having surgery, adjusting to life with a baby, etc. we have honestly totally neglected the relational aspect of our marriage.  

Phillip and I made our own "guidelines" to follow:

     1) Phillip has to plan one date a month.

     2) No two dates can be repeated in the same month.

     3) No cell phones, internet, etc. during said date.

     4) There must be at least 2 hours spent together.

     5) Emory can come on dates as long as the focus of the date is still our relationship.

Now we're having to be creative because we are still working on the one salary so there is definitely no dining at the nicest places in town, but we're not really the type of people that need that kind of outing to enjoy ourselves.  Our relationship has always functioned well as a simple one.  I'd like to see it remain that way.  

Last week on LivingSocial there was a deal for dance lessons.  You read that right: DANCE LESSONS.  Phillip and I are admittedly two of the least coordinated people in the world.  I fall off of my front porch at least once a year (and this year I am still recovering from the bone bruise this fall inflicted on my shin).  WE DO NOT DANCE.  

Anyway, I thought that $25 dollars for 5 private dance lessons was a steal!  I enjoyed dancing in college and high school, so I figured that I'd suck Phillip into this one and both of us could be out of our element together.  Ya'll!  I wish I had a video from this session.  All I can say is that our instructor is so precious and kind.  Lord, bless her heart for having to deal with us.  We all laughed...A LOT.  At the end of the day, that's all we really wanted.  Plus we learned the basics for a lot of ballroom dances, some shag moves, and how very short I am compared to my husband. 

The best news is...

I left Emory!  

Granted, it was only for two hours and he was at our house with my mom.  Rome wasn't built in a day!  This is progress.  I didn't even cry!  He seemed to have fun too.  We got home and he was playing with his Nana on the front porch. 

We survived!  Emory wasn't nearly as amused as we were.

We are due to go back next week as long as our schedules work out.  So our first few dates will repeat, but that's ok they still count for spending time together. 

First "REAL" Food

GREEN BEANS!  Emory has officially mastered eating rice cereal, so as a reward we decided it's time to usher in the real food.  Oh man!  This was some kind of funny!  I have a video that I'll post later, but for now here's a sneak peak!

YUM!

Meeting Olivia

This past weekend, Phillip and I loaded Emory into the car and headed to Raleigh.  Yes, Emory met the Triangle area!  I hope to take him to my alma mater, Meredith College, the next time we are up.  I know he's a boy, but it's important to me that he sees the place that shaped so much of who his mama is today.

My friend, Jenni, had her baby July 21st.  I've been so excited to meet this little one.  She makes me miss Emory being so little.  She is also SUCH a good sleeper.  Lord knows, I love me some Little Man, but for some reason I have a child that detests his car seat.  He refuses to sleep anywhere other than his crib or pack 'n play.  Saturday, I left Emory with Phillip while Jenni and I went out with Olivia.  Guess who slept the entire time?  Yup, Miss Fabulous!  She's a social butterfly too.  Smiles all the time.  Love it!

LOVE that smile!

Such a precious little face.

She does what my son refuses to do: cuddle.

We had great conversations.  Can't you tell?

Clemson played on Saturday, so Phillip wanted to watch the game.  Emory was more than happy to have Daddy time!  Jenni even dressed Olivia in her finest orange for the day, although she herself is a diehard Wolfpack fan.  Talk about a gracious hostess!  ;-)

I tell Phillip to smile and this is what I get.  Olivia was trying to show him how it's done.

Yes, my child is wearing overalls...without a shirt.  Just count yourself lucky that he's not naked (as it is his preferred wardrobe staple as of late).

I'm not sure what is going on here with Emory, but I laughed like crazy when I saw this picture.  He either REALLY wants my wine or he REALLY wants me to not have it. 

We had so much fun hanging out with precious little Olivia!  We can't wait to see her again!  Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

Our Busy, Lazy Weekend

It's funny how fast things change.  One day you come home with this tiny little jaundiced baby and the next day you have a lanky little boy cackling beside you in his car seat as you are driving down the road.  I have to say this age is awesome.  Emory really is coming into that fun stage where he is starting to interact a lot.

Emory has been smiling at us for a while.  He even gave me the occasional squeal, but on the way home from church this past Sunday he did it.  HE MADE MY LIFE!  I was in the back seat making kissing noises at him when all of the sudden a laughter of sheer delight came out of his precious little body.  I try to catch everything on camera.  EVERYTHING!  I was so sad that I missed this.  I don't think my mind's eye will soon forget though.  Hopefully, I will catch him again soon. 

Happy little buddy AFTER church.  This was not the case during Sunday school.

Sunday was a big day for our little guy.  He's tried holding his bottle before, but it never really lasted.  Granted, he is a breastfed baby so it's not like he gets a lot of practice.  Phillip and I were working in the yard after lunch, so he got a bottle from Daddy while I finished planting some flowers.  Check this out:

I always thought it was so weird when parents got excited about the tiny stuff.  I totally understand why now.  Ever since this day, he takes bottles all by himself with no problems!  Score 1 for the home team!

Phillip and I bought this reel mower from Lowe's the other week and we LOVE it.  I don't mow grass, mainly because I am scared of motorized blades.  I'm clumsy enough so factoring in sharp blades that are propelled by a motor with me operating the machine = ONE BIG, FAT, BAD IDEA!  This is awesome though.  I've gotten out and mowed twice already just for the heck of it.  Great workout too!  Here's the outcome from this weekend.  Since I missed my spring sprucing up thanks to being sick during pregnancy, having Emory, following that up with the surgery, I decided our yard deserved some TLC for the fall!

Not too shabby for one afternoon's work!

We must give a big fat shout out to Clemson for their win over Auburn this past weekend.  Emory was kind of under the weather this weekend, but we're not sure why.  A little fever and a LOT of sleeping.  Saturday we hunkered down in the house for the game and some rest. 

Daddy had to learn how to cheer on his team quietly while holding a feverish baby.

Emory was dressed for the occasion even if he slept through the game.

Emory also visited his Maw-Maw (my mom's mom).  We went last Friday when it was chilly.  We had a great trip down without any crying (trust me, this is quite the accomplishment for our child)!  She played the piano for him and brought out a few toys I played with when I was a baby.  It was so cute to watch him play with things I remember so well from my childhood.

Lastly, Mommy is trying to convince Emory that reading is more fun than watching football (seriously, he will watch a game with Phillip...ALREADY).  So we've been practicing our reading skills a lot lately.  Heavens help my broken heart if my child doesn't like books as much as I do!

Sorry this post is a little scattered.  Hope you enjoyed catching up with us!!!  What did you do this weekend?

Project 31 During October

 I was catching up on a blog that I LOVE to follow.  She challenged her readers to complete Project 31.  Obviously the premise of this venture is based on Proverbs 31.

I have always found myself, like most other women, wanting to have give this infamous woman a stern tongue lashing for setting the bar so daggum high.  Somewhere between this Proverbs 31 lady and June Cleaver, I find myself wanting to throw in the towel (and secretly hoping I hit them with it in the process).

So, dear readers, I'll propose the same challenge to you.  Why not take a stab at Project 31 with me?  Starting October 1st, I will be posting daily following the criteria below:
Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.  
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

I hope you enjoy the next month of posts.  I'll continue with our regular posts, but I hope to be REAL and edifying to other women.  You don't have to begin on the first of October, but I am still suffering from preggo/new mommy brain so I know I won't keep up with the days unless I begin with the number 1.  :-)  Won't you join me?

5 Months Old

I realize that I didn't update the blog to include Emory's 4 month stats.  His doctor's appointment had to be rescheduled, so we didn't actually make it in until he was 4.5 months.  Regardless the doctor was able to confirm that we do indeed have a very long, very skinny baby.  Emory measured 27 inches (95th percentile) and weighed in at 14 pounds 11 ounces (50th percentile).  (This means clothing is impossible.)  We got a few more shots and called it a day.  He is a completely healthy, happy baby.  We are so blessed!

Here are some pictures from the 16th of this month:

It also happened to be the first really cool day marking the onset of fall!

Lately, Little Man and his feet are the best of friends.  I covered them up.  He was none too pleased.

This kid's faces crack me up. 

Emory has been on a teething streak lately.  He now reaches for us, laughs at conversations and noises, and LOVES watching football with Daddy.  Mommy is quickly realizing she's swimming in a sea of testosterone, but this little guy makes it all worth every second.  Plus, Emory loves to sing with me.  Every morning after he eats we spend at least 30 minutes singing and talking about the adventures he went on in his dreams the night before.  He doesn't care that I sing off key, so I don't mine serenading him with expansive arsenal of the best children's songs (such as Drop It Low by Will.I.Am). 

Wine isn't the only thing that gets better with age...SO DOES EMORY!

Time is precious (and so is family)!

I think I have always been aware of how truly blessed I am to have grown up around my family.  Phillip and I were both raised this way, so it's imperative to us that Emory is exposed to the same lifestyle.  Since Emory's birth I have realized how very precious life is, and how privileged I am to have three out of my four grandparents still alive (and close by).  I always saw my grandparents frequently before, but I want to make sure that Emory is around them as much as possible.  Luckily, my dad's parents live only five minutes away.  Usually, I will wait for Emory to have one really long, solid nap, pack a bottle, and head over to find the folks!

Emory L.O.V.E.S. his Granddaddy!

I love this kid's faces.

Riding the horsie!  Thanks Grandmother!

Here's a video of the fabulous conversations Emory shares with his great grands!

Untitled from Kristin Harris on Vimeo.

We visited Florence this past weekend.  Emory and I headed down on Thursday.  He got to spend most of the day on Friday playing with Aunt Diane.  This was a working weekend for mama and daddy!  Between Friday and Saturday, I painted for almost 24 hours.  Phillip painted with me on Saturday for 14 of those hours.  We attempted to continue the painting on Sunday, but everything from Saturday hadn't cured long enough so we pressure washed Aunt Diane's house instead.  I have to say this was probably more fun for us than anything.  I pressure washed a lot of bugs...and Phillip.  Mason kept trying to attack the water (common occurrence with this pup).

Also, we FINALLY got to take Emory to church.  I realize this makes us look like horrible parents, but we have tried previously (on numerous occasions) to accomplish this task...to no avail.  We had actually made a date on Sunday mornings with Elevation Church on Channel 3 at 11 AM.  We didn't have to worry about who heard Emory scream.

Anyway, we were up on Sunday with a happy baby.  I had packed just in case we had a Sunday morning success.  We went to Liberty UMC.  This is the church Phillip grew up attending.  His Grandma Taylor was a member for well over 50 years.  Everyone at Liberty is like an extension of their family.  Emory made it through most of the service being held by Jackie, his best friend's sister.  Since he didn't want to quiet down for the last few minutes of the service, he and I went on a walk.  Most of Phillip's family is buried in the church's cemetery.  His grandma passed away almost a year ago, so Emory and I went out to the grave site for her and Papa.  I was 9 weeks pregnant with Emory when she passed away.  Something in my heart broke for Phillip as I was standing there.  Anyone that knows him can attest to his complete adoration for his Grandma and Papa Taylor.  They aren't here to see this.  Phillip joined us after the service and talked to Emory about them.  It was one of the most touching moments I've witnessed while watching Phillip and Emory interact.

After our first quasi-successful church experience. 

When Phillip and I finished pressure washing the house, Grammy Harris was still watching Emory for us so we decided to go pick some grapes before heading home.  The vines are loaded right now!  As usual with us, opposites attract.  He loves scuppernongs and I love muscadines.  We both looked horrible, probably smelled worse, and were getting eaten by sand gnats and mosquitoes, but we had so much fun!

My muscadine grapes!  Yum!

Aunt Kandice stopped by this week to play with Little Man.  Aunt Kasey and soon-to-be Uncle Matt invited us over to play for a little bit last night.  Rascal was a gracious host.

Rascal is the oldest grandboy in our family.  He has no idea that he's a dog.  Matt orders for him at the drive thru.

Good news: Rascal doesn't bite when a baby pulls his fur!

We hope you have had some quality time with the people you love lately!

Wordless Wednesday (My boys)

Dieting

Today (ok yesterday, but I'm up late doing laundry), I decided to treat myself to a piece of cake because I had been really good all day.  I had a fabulous organic salad with feta cheese, craisins, cucumbers, a piece of chicken, and water all day. 

The weather was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!  I opened the door this morning and got slapped in the face...with fall!  I love fall!  The leaves, the cool air, apples and pumpkins, everything!  Emory's teething has been the bane of my existence for the past week.  Today was no different.  In lieu of this nap, we took Mason for a long walk.  Loved every second!

We came back because it was time for Emory to eat.  He finished, I put him in his bumbo which is on our kitchen table (I know, I know, but it's where he eats and I don't leave him unattended), grabbed a piece of cake that I had been craving like crazy all day and some milk to wash it down.  I sat down, grabbed my fork, and right as I was looking up Emory spit up all over my piece of cake.  To be honest, I sat there wondering how I could cut off the parts that had been tainted.  Upon realizing there was no salvaging my delicious treat I grabbed my milk, had a good laugh, and thanked Emory for helping me stick to a diet. 

I love this life!

Christmas Preparations

Fall is here (ok well not technically but in this house we consider the beginning of college football season the beginning of fall).  I love this time of year!  It means cooler weather (thank the Lord), fresh apples at the produce stand, Muscadine and Scuppernog grapes on Aunt Diane's vines, Saturdays full of football, sweaters coming out, and holidays just around the corner!

Staying at home with Emory has many perks, one of which is being a better steward with the money we do have and making it stretch to work for our family.  I seldom buy anything unless it's on sale or unless I've shopped around and found the best possible price for the item.  I'm SO excited about Emory's first Christmas.  I can't wait to start new traditions as a family (I REALLY want to read Treasuring God in Our Traditions but the library doesn't have it and I know I'll only read it once so I hate to buy it).  I want to make sure Emory knows that Christmas is about Jesus and celebrating his birth.

However as Christmas tends to go, I want our little guy to wake up to presents too (even if he will never remember it).  That being said, I have done a lot of research and narrowed down what I'd like for us to get him.  I've made sure these toys (most of them) are age appropriate, have a purpose developmentally, and will stand up to the test of time.  Longevity is a key with toys.  I hope we're able to have more kids, so I'd like to be able to pass down toys instead of just tossing them to the side. I've been able to research where the products we're looking for are most affordable and cost effective.  Here's our list:

• Some sort of keepsake (I know he won't care about this now, but I'd like to have it for him later in life).  If you have ideas for great keepsakes for little boys, please let me know!
• Radio Flyer All Terrain Steel & Wood Wagon - This will be the big "splurge" item.  So far, Target has the best buy on it...by a lot!  Which is surprising based on the other retailers that carry it.
• Melissa & Doug website/A.C. Moore/Toys & Co.
• Soft Rainbow Stacker
• High Sea Symphony
• Safari Chunky Puzzle
• Vehicle Touch & Feel Puzzle
• Diapers.com
• Sophie the Giraffe Bath Toy
• This is mainly to enhance bath time for Emory.  The kid LOVES bath time.  He will stay in there for hours.  I'm hoping he'll be a little more stable by Christmas and that he'll be able to play with toys in the tub.
• Baby Einstein Octoplush
• I like that there are so many components to this toy, but the big selling point for me was the foreign language.  It's suggested that you begin teaching foreign languages to your child prior to the age of 5 and they will retain more of the language later in life. 
• Put and Peek Birdhouse by Manhattan Toy 
• This is a maybe gift because of the gift pictured below (Play & Fill Bug Jar). They both serve the same purpose.  Just a little different.
• Amazon is the best buy for most books/DVDs
• The Polar Express
• Water Water Everywhere Bath Time Book
• God Made Me (Baby Faith DVD)
• Veggie Tales: Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving (DVD)
• I am not sure how we are going to approach the Santa topic.  I don't know that I want him believing in Santa since the holiday should focus on the birth of Christ.  Either way, I think it's great for him to know about Saint Nicholas.

Here's the reason I am going with some these retailers (maybe you can find some comparable deals that will work for you):

• AC Moore - I accidentally discovered that they carry quite a few Melissa & Doug products.  I have their rewards card, so I get coupons emailed to me AND there is ALWAYS a coupon or two on their website if you just click and print before heading out.  I recently purchased two Christmas gifts for him and took a total that would have cost almost $40 elsewhere down to less than $20 (including tax).  
• Diapers.com - Usually they have great buys.  Plus since I have yet to purchase anything from the website, I get $10 off my first purchase of $50 or more AND they offer free shipping on orders over $50!  No gas + great deals + money off = WIN WIN WIN!
• Amazon.com - It's no secret that this is a great place to do some one-stop shopping.  I compared the cost of the books and DVDs we are getting and couldn't find a better option.

Recently, I found a few things and crossed them off my list!

Everything but the Munchkin Sea Bath Toys were purchased at A.C.Moore.  Bath toys are from Target.  Melissa & Doug Play & Fill Bug Jar and Farmhouse Chunky Knob Puzzle.  The name train was bought by Sandra and painted by us on her trip, but I had to put it in the pic because it's cute (not a Christmas gift though).

Outfits from Target.  Poor Emory has got to have some winter clothes.  I picked these up because they come with 3 different items, so I can mix and match with other clothes he already has.  The Velveteen Rabbit was purchased several weeks ago at Borders.  Sadly, they are on their way out of business (hate it when bookstores close) but if you are looking for a deal check them out why they are still around.

I LOATHE camo.  As in hate.  However, this outfit was pretty cute.  Plus, Daddy likes camo...and it's not always about me.  ;-)

If you have traditions with your family please share!  I'm really excited about instill some in our holiday season and always looking for new ideas!

Confessions of a SAHM

Something happen the other day that made me sit back and shake my head...at myself.  So much changes when you bring a little one home.  Joyful changes, rough changes, ugly changes, but changes nonetheless.  Here's an insight into some of the "adjusting" we have had to do and truths I've discovered:

1. You leave your brain at the hospital.  Seriously!  I have a double major and minor.  I'm a liberal arts junkie.  I CAN'T SPELL SIMPLE WORDS ANYMORE.  I'll write something down, step back, look at the words, and promise that something is askew. Memory?  You can forget about that.  I've never been late paying a bill.  Ever.  I walked around a month ago with one in my purse for a week simply because I forgot to drop it off by the post office. 

2.  You will do things you thought only your grandmother would do.  Case in point, the other night I left my keys in the ignition of my car, left it unlocked parked in our driveway, and didn't realize it until almost 24 hours later.  Luckily, my car is ancient and no one wants it, but still only I'm 27.  Who does that?

3.  Showering and primping only go so far.  Actually, I should probably say IF you get a chance to shower or primp.  Let's be honest, there have been days when I don't shower until Emory goes down for the night between 9 and 10 PM.  Even if it does happen and I remotely resemble the woman I looked like prior to baby-life, it doesn't last long.  My hair almost always has to be up thanks to come grabby hands (see below, found a new and very easy way to keep my hair up and out of the way).  My clothes typically get changed multiple times a day since I'm usually covered in spit up at various points throughout the day.  Nothing covers the smell of spit up.  Nothing!  As Murphy and his lovely law would have it, inevitably as soon as you have completed a somewhat decent look for the day you will be covered.  It's reminds me of getting slimed on Nickelodeon when we were kids.  Except it's not green...yet.

Bohemian twist.  Front view.  This was definitely taken at 3 AM, so please excuse the au naturale face.

Back view.  I had to run to the produce stand and Harris Teeter this morning.  Fast, easy, and doesn't have to be perfect.  LOVE!

4.  Sleep is a distant memory.  This isn't so much the case for Phillip.  He's a sound sleeper.  I, on the other hand, am not.  I have always been a light sleeper.  I worry and stress which in turn keeps me up until I become so delirious that I pass out...often times this doesn't happen at all.  Emory, as it happens, is a very noisy sleeper.  He talks, grunts, sucks on a pacifier louder than I've ever heard any child, etc.  This is one of the reasons he was transitioned to his own room at 4 weeks.  He is a wonderful sleeper (usually going 10 to 12 hours at night) and has been since he was about 7 weeks old.  Regardless, I usually get up about 50 million times a night just to check on our little grunter.  I only wish that were more of an exaggeration.  It's not.  My brain never turns off.  Ever.  I can't remember the last time I fell asleep before 4 AM.  Most nights it isn't until 5 or 6 AM.  When he begins to wake up at 7 something (insert more pointless noises) and doesn't actually wake up until 9ish, it doesn't make for a whole lot of sleep.  I've seen the impact of no sleep too.  My eyes have huge circles under them (see sans make-up picture above) and almost always burn.  Headaches galore and nothing you take will ever get rid of them.  I never knew this was possible but most days I have several dizzy spells for no reason at all other than sleep deprivation.  Zero energy!  I make myself take Emory and Mason on walks several times a week, but that's seriously all I can do.  Luckily, Emory is a pretty cute fella so he makes it worth the cost.

5.  Mealtime?  What mealtime?  I realize this is terrible, but there are MANY days that I do not eat a thing until Emory goes to bed.  WAY too late to be eating folks!  I don't know how it happens, but an entire day slips by and it's only when I stop that I realize how hungry I am.  I do the same thing with drinking.  Initially when nursing, I was thirsty all the time and subsequently drank like a fish!  I'm trying to get better about this because it has caused some problems with production.  It's just hard when you are trying to keep up with laundry (oh the laundry), chores, play with a baby that doesn't like napping during the day (feel free to give pointers on making this happen), and maintain the every day balance of your family life.

As I've said before and will continue to stand by, it's all worth every bit of the sacrifice!  I wouldn't trade my stinky clothes, messy hair, and sleepy eyes life for all the money in the world.  There's one thing that makes me COMPLETELY FORGET that I look and feel like something the cat drug in...

...and here he is!