"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Collosians 1:16-17
So, on Tuesday, Matt and I needed to head to Juniata County for our car inspections. Most of the time, we go everywhere together- all the while carrying on conversations. I think this is why my drive up, early in the morning, was so profound that I felt God compelling me to blog about it.
So our drive started around 8:15 in the morning, while the fog was still out. As I drove out of our neighborhood, following Matt, I plug in the IPod and search for my Christian Playlist. I had downloaded a few new songs a couple days earlier and was itching to hear them (on repeat of course since they are new ;) ). I took a look at the trees in our neighborhood and smiled. The trees were gorgeous reds, oranges, yellows- PEAK FALL FOLIAGE has arrived in Central PA!!!!
As we get on the road, I looked across the Susquehanna River and just smiled. The suns rays were starting to burn off the fog and streams, like a crown, were shining down onto the river, the water glistening in the light. I thought how God has graced us with beauty all around us.
As we drove further north, the trees became even more vividly colored than they were in Harrisburg. The fog was swirling around the low range mountains, weaving in and out of the trees, and all I could think was how beautiful the trees were and how life was meant to experience this!
I was so amazed that God would give us something so beautiful to look a EVERY single day (on drives to and from work, on the way to a Penn State football game...). He works in simplistic, yet enormous ways!
The further I drove, the more God was really speaking to me. Seeing these beautiful trees, knowing that God's hand was on each tree, making it beautiful, touching so many lives that revel in the beauty of his creation- it was REALLY weighing on my heart. I am so blessed in my life, with family, friends, my beautiful, healthy baby- it seems like it makes it "easy" to follow God. I'm amazed in all of those people that truly live through struggles (beyond what most people can imagine) and they live it without complaining- all the while having faith in God. God ALWAYS provides. That is something that my husband and I have learned with Isabella's entrance into our lives. He always provides.
So, when you are riding around, you see beauty in nature- remember that God is all around you, touching and molding all you see and those you don't.
Be Blessed. :)
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Bella Vita Photography Blog is up and running!!
Wow. I am amazed at how quickly Bella Vita Photography has taken hold and God's hands are truly all over this project and venture in our lives! When you get a moment, take a look at the site and leave us some feedback- geeze, even become a "follower"!!! :) Thank you again, to everyone that has encouraged us, reassured us, and prayed for us in this new venture- your support is invaluable to us, so thank you! :)
Here it is: Bella Vita Photography Blog
Enjoy!!! Be Blessed!
Here it is: Bella Vita Photography Blog
Enjoy!!! Be Blessed!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pumpkin Rolls
Well, my post on Facebook about making Pumpkin Rolls really created a stir, so here is the recipe and please send me your recipe if it is different! These desserts are super easy to make and they are great goodies to take to fall parties, get togethers, or family functions!!
Pumpkin Rolls
Ingredients
3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
1 Cup white sugar
1 Teaspoon baking soda
2 Teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 Cup pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1 Teaspon lemon juice
2 Tablespoons confectioners' sugar
Icing
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened (I use light)
1/4 Cup butter
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Cup confectioners' sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 9x13 jelly roll pan.
2. mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and pumpkin spice in mixer.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree, eggs, and lemon juice.
4. Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.
6. Lay long piece of wax paper (foot and 1/2) on cooling rack.
7. Remove cake from pan onto wax paper.
8. Let cake cool for 10 minutes, then roll into roll, careful not to damage cake. Ensure the wax paper is rolled between the cake.
9. Let cake cool another 30 minutes.
10. Make the Icing: blend cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sugar in mixer.
11. Unroll roll (after 30 minutes) carefully and spread Icing on cake. Make sure Icing is generously applied (where you can't see the cake).
12. Carefully roll cake back up, this time without the wax paper inside of roll. As you roll, tug gently on wax paper on outside of roll to ensure it is not stuck to the cake.
Cake can be wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to ensure freshness. You can also freeze the roll for a couple of weeks.
All mixing directions are according to a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, so adjust accordingly if you use a hand mixer.
(Recipe used this time from www.allrecipes.com-Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll- modified to my specifications)
Enjoy these yummy, easy Fall treats and let me know how they turn out!! :)
Pumpkin Rolls
Ingredients
3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
1 Cup white sugar
1 Teaspoon baking soda
2 Teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 Cup pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1 Teaspon lemon juice
2 Tablespoons confectioners' sugar
Icing
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened (I use light)
1/4 Cup butter
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Cup confectioners' sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 9x13 jelly roll pan.
2. mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and pumpkin spice in mixer.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree, eggs, and lemon juice.
4. Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.
6. Lay long piece of wax paper (foot and 1/2) on cooling rack.
7. Remove cake from pan onto wax paper.
8. Let cake cool for 10 minutes, then roll into roll, careful not to damage cake. Ensure the wax paper is rolled between the cake.
9. Let cake cool another 30 minutes.
10. Make the Icing: blend cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sugar in mixer.
11. Unroll roll (after 30 minutes) carefully and spread Icing on cake. Make sure Icing is generously applied (where you can't see the cake).
12. Carefully roll cake back up, this time without the wax paper inside of roll. As you roll, tug gently on wax paper on outside of roll to ensure it is not stuck to the cake.
Cake can be wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to ensure freshness. You can also freeze the roll for a couple of weeks.
All mixing directions are according to a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, so adjust accordingly if you use a hand mixer.
(Recipe used this time from www.allrecipes.com-Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll- modified to my specifications)
Enjoy these yummy, easy Fall treats and let me know how they turn out!! :)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Pennsboro Pumpkin Fest
Every year we attend Pumpkin Fest in Adams-Ricci Park. This festival has several special meanings for us- 1. I loooove fall and pumpkins and festivals (all wrapped into one at this one, its fabulous!) and 2. The festival takes place in Adams-Ricci Park. The park is built on Ricci land, and you would be correct if that was Matt's family. His aunt and several cousins live across the street from the part, his Aunt Toots volunteers her time at the festival and everyone in the family always heads to the park to meet up for Dressler/Ricci fun times!!
I had to proctor the SAT early Saturday morning, so after I came home, we headed over to the festival. When we arrived we made a quick pit-stop at Toots' house so Dan could meet Isabella- he was doting on her for sure!! :)
Then we spent the next 30-40 minutes at the information stand hanging out with Toots. Bella loves her!!! She was smiling and cooing at Aunt Toots, it was ADORABLE! Matt ran into a friend from high school, so we spent some more time socializing before heading off to see the stands.
We missed the car show, since we went later than we normally do, but shhhh...I was okay with that ;)
There are GREAT arts and crafts booths at the festival, so we spent the rest of our time walking around browsing the neat, creative, crafts that the vendors had created. We were nearing the end of our walk around the booths when Linn came running up!! YAY, she made it! We were sad, because we thought at first she wasn't going to make it.
She of course wanted little Bella right away! So we finished our walk, Toots bought a home-made Apple Pie and we headed back to Toots' house. We spent the next few hours having good talks, reminiscing about Dottie, Linn had a fabulous time feeding the sweetie, and just enjoying each others' company!
Isabella was great-, she didn't scream, cry, or fuss (thank goodness!!), but I really can't wait until next year when she can toddle around to the booths and pick our her favorite things and carry on one of our favorite family traditions!
All in all, baby Isabella's first trip to Pumpkinfest was a success, she had a great time, and many. many family members got to meet her for the first time!!!! :)
I had to proctor the SAT early Saturday morning, so after I came home, we headed over to the festival. When we arrived we made a quick pit-stop at Toots' house so Dan could meet Isabella- he was doting on her for sure!! :)
Then we spent the next 30-40 minutes at the information stand hanging out with Toots. Bella loves her!!! She was smiling and cooing at Aunt Toots, it was ADORABLE! Matt ran into a friend from high school, so we spent some more time socializing before heading off to see the stands.
We missed the car show, since we went later than we normally do, but shhhh...I was okay with that ;)
There are GREAT arts and crafts booths at the festival, so we spent the rest of our time walking around browsing the neat, creative, crafts that the vendors had created. We were nearing the end of our walk around the booths when Linn came running up!! YAY, she made it! We were sad, because we thought at first she wasn't going to make it.
She of course wanted little Bella right away! So we finished our walk, Toots bought a home-made Apple Pie and we headed back to Toots' house. We spent the next few hours having good talks, reminiscing about Dottie, Linn had a fabulous time feeding the sweetie, and just enjoying each others' company!
Isabella was great-, she didn't scream, cry, or fuss (thank goodness!!), but I really can't wait until next year when she can toddle around to the booths and pick our her favorite things and carry on one of our favorite family traditions!
All in all, baby Isabella's first trip to Pumpkinfest was a success, she had a great time, and many. many family members got to meet her for the first time!!!! :)
The Basement....oh boy.
Well, after many, many, many months of planning, talking, debating, and saving, we are on a HUGE journey....to finish our basement!! Yikes, yes, I know, you may be thinking that we both should check ourselves into the nearest looney bin, however, let me explain a little...
Dottie always wanted us to finish it, we just didn't find the right timing, and again, now that we have a baby (this seems to be a theme lately don't you think??) we need space for family to stay, have holidays at, office space for photography fun, and better storage. All the more reason to get our butts in gear!!
Matt did a phenomenal job planning it out- he used software, did a 3D diagram of the room, made a million lists, and found great deals for us!! All of this means that my prayers for this to be completed without a lot of stress are that much closer to being realized!!
Over the past 3 days we have been to Home Depot and Lowe's more than I care to admit. I will say, I looooooove shopping- I mean serious, retail therapy should be a real form of therapy for folks ;) - however, having said this...I was definitely "shopped" out. We had three giant loads (I'm talkin' trailer loads full of goodies) of supplies to get started with. I have to give a BIG shout out to Meg, Billy Bob, Bill, and Jason for helping carry all this to the basement-- hopefully their full tummies were payment enough for all their hard work!!! :)
Our first step (ok, serious, who am I kidding...MATT'S first step) is to frame out the wall for the storage/organizational closet, hang the drywall in there and get the storage cabinets set up (I don't think I have mentioned yet how EXCITING it is to have this room!!! whooo hooo!!). With this room, all of my decorations for the house will be stored away nicely (okay, OCD organized, but it will be AWAY!) and thanks to our builders- we don't have a lot to do to complete this portion of the room. They studded all of the walls (except 1), insulated them all, and ran some wiring....so all we have to do is build 2 walls, hang drywall, and finish the floor and ceiling. YAY!
Our plan is to have a special bed for those guests that come to visit us (okay, again, who am I kidding??? They are coming to visit the sweetest baby on the planet- Isabella!), plus an awesome Library area- Yippeeee!! We are going to have our TV down there, plus our office space.
When we are finished, we do have a surprise for all of those that come to see it first, so keep up with our progress and find out what the surprise is!!!
Please pray for us...for Matt's safety as he builds this, Isabella's cooperation during the build, and my sanity. We are on a timeline to be finished before the end of November, so we need God's hand to be on this project as we attempt to complete it all, safely, properly, and that it becomes what God wants it to be for our family!!! :)
Dottie always wanted us to finish it, we just didn't find the right timing, and again, now that we have a baby (this seems to be a theme lately don't you think??) we need space for family to stay, have holidays at, office space for photography fun, and better storage. All the more reason to get our butts in gear!!
Matt did a phenomenal job planning it out- he used software, did a 3D diagram of the room, made a million lists, and found great deals for us!! All of this means that my prayers for this to be completed without a lot of stress are that much closer to being realized!!
Over the past 3 days we have been to Home Depot and Lowe's more than I care to admit. I will say, I looooooove shopping- I mean serious, retail therapy should be a real form of therapy for folks ;) - however, having said this...I was definitely "shopped" out. We had three giant loads (I'm talkin' trailer loads full of goodies) of supplies to get started with. I have to give a BIG shout out to Meg, Billy Bob, Bill, and Jason for helping carry all this to the basement-- hopefully their full tummies were payment enough for all their hard work!!! :)
Our first step (ok, serious, who am I kidding...MATT'S first step) is to frame out the wall for the storage/organizational closet, hang the drywall in there and get the storage cabinets set up (I don't think I have mentioned yet how EXCITING it is to have this room!!! whooo hooo!!). With this room, all of my decorations for the house will be stored away nicely (okay, OCD organized, but it will be AWAY!) and thanks to our builders- we don't have a lot to do to complete this portion of the room. They studded all of the walls (except 1), insulated them all, and ran some wiring....so all we have to do is build 2 walls, hang drywall, and finish the floor and ceiling. YAY!
Our plan is to have a special bed for those guests that come to visit us (okay, again, who am I kidding??? They are coming to visit the sweetest baby on the planet- Isabella!), plus an awesome Library area- Yippeeee!! We are going to have our TV down there, plus our office space.
When we are finished, we do have a surprise for all of those that come to see it first, so keep up with our progress and find out what the surprise is!!!
Please pray for us...for Matt's safety as he builds this, Isabella's cooperation during the build, and my sanity. We are on a timeline to be finished before the end of November, so we need God's hand to be on this project as we attempt to complete it all, safely, properly, and that it becomes what God wants it to be for our family!!! :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Miss Isabella is Three Months Old!!!
It is hard to believe it has already been 3 months since she first graced us with her beautiful face at 4:15 am (bright and early....or really late- however you want to look at it! ;) ) at the Hershey Medical Center!!
I can't believe she has grown so much! God has blessed us with a beautiful, smart, and active baby girl! I just hope I can keep up with her so we don't miss any of those important life moments! ;)
She was a great subject during the shoot: laying around, cooing, giggling, huge smiles when Matt walked in the door, showing off her super-baby skills (ha, ha) and just a load of fun to photograph!!!
She had a lot of fun and absolutely adored wearing her tutu!!! As you can see, it was too much fun for her! :)
I hope everyone enjoys these pictures of her. :)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A dash of Life and a pinch of Photography on the side...
As many of you have already read, I am starting up photography on the side! How exciting, right? Well, I have been so busy the past couple of days that I haven't been able to post on here.
However, the exciting time has come!!!! I can announce that::: I also have a Facebook Photography Page!! YAY!!
Bella Vita Photography is in full swing now! I have several October Specials and I am really excited to get out there and shoot a lot of great pictures this fall!!
Here are the current specials for October:
Fall Family Full Session
Hey Families out there- are you looking for great Fall Family Fun Photos!?! If so, look no further than our Fall Family Package! Have your entire family shots taken, on location, for just $30!!! Let me know if you are interested.
Breast Cancer Awareness Mother-Daughter Mini-Session
Attention ladies (and gentlemen!)!! Bella Vita is having an October Special!! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so, in honor of all those survivors and in memory of all our loved ones, get a mini-session with your mother or daughter for just $15!!! Book your time quick- the slots are filling! :)
Halloween Costume Mini-Session
Bella Vita is also having a Halloween Costume special!!!! $10 mini-session for children!! 4 or 5 on location shots just in time for Halloween! Capture the 2010 Halloween spirit with this quick, inexpensive package, but hurry, the slots will book-up quickly!
Please take a look at the page and "like" Bella Vita Photography so you can get a running feed of our specials!!! And don't forget to keep Bella Vita in mind for all of your upcoming holiday photo needs!!
YAY! I am so excited, Matt and I have talked a lot about this venture and we really feel (like this blog) this is the direction in which God is directing us. Please continue to pray for us that God will have his hand on this venture and it will all be for his glory!! =)
However, the exciting time has come!!!! I can announce that::: I also have a Facebook Photography Page!! YAY!!
Bella Vita Photography is in full swing now! I have several October Specials and I am really excited to get out there and shoot a lot of great pictures this fall!!
Here are the current specials for October:
Fall Family Full Session
Hey Families out there- are you looking for great Fall Family Fun Photos!?! If so, look no further than our Fall Family Package! Have your entire family shots taken, on location, for just $30!!! Let me know if you are interested.
Breast Cancer Awareness Mother-Daughter Mini-Session
Attention ladies (and gentlemen!)!! Bella Vita is having an October Special!! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so, in honor of all those survivors and in memory of all our loved ones, get a mini-session with your mother or daughter for just $15!!! Book your time quick- the slots are filling! :)
Halloween Costume Mini-Session
Bella Vita is also having a Halloween Costume special!!!! $10 mini-session for children!! 4 or 5 on location shots just in time for Halloween! Capture the 2010 Halloween spirit with this quick, inexpensive package, but hurry, the slots will book-up quickly!
Please take a look at the page and "like" Bella Vita Photography so you can get a running feed of our specials!!! And don't forget to keep Bella Vita in mind for all of your upcoming holiday photo needs!!
YAY! I am so excited, Matt and I have talked a lot about this venture and we really feel (like this blog) this is the direction in which God is directing us. Please continue to pray for us that God will have his hand on this venture and it will all be for his glory!! =)
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Working Off that Baby Chub
Well, I was released for physical activity at 5 weeks, so since then I have been running, although I have struggled to keep a regular routine with having a small newborn. Matt has been great to watch Isabella while I go out...but I find myself lonely running (I never was before!) and it is getting dark earlier.
Matt and I regularly went to LA. Fitness prior to getting pregnant and I continued to go through my second trimester. We did a rotating routine of lifting, legs, and running and cycling (I did pool work during the pregnancy).
I like going there, they have great classes, they have free childcare (or else it is only like $5.00 a month), they have a pool I can do laps in, and the equipment and locker rooms are always spotlessly clean (I am not a fan of germies from other random strangers).
I have recently discovered Zumba with my 'sister' Lindsay. It is TOOOOO fun! ha ha ha. Now, I am athletic by nature-I always have been- from dance to running to basketball. Zumba however is a challenge for me and I like that it is a NEW challenge, as I find myself getting bored with the 'same ol' thing'.
I'm happy with my weight loss progress- I have lost 32 pounds since having baby Isabella, now I am ready to work on toning and my health. Since she was born I have been eating muuuuch better. It is funny how you don't crave the junky foods any more :). I would like to continue to loose a few more pounds and tone up again- it was kinda scary how flabby my stomach was after giving birth (Ok, I get I just had a baby, but please respect that it is something I am not used to).
I'm not sure exactly what I want my routine to look like, but I think that with the success we have had following our cleaning schedule as a team, I am thinking that I need to create a workout schedule, so I can have another list to "check things off on." And so I can add another calendar to the fridge. ;) I want my schedule to be varied and fun- not like a job. I have had several suggestions on what to incorporate, but more suggestions would definitely be welcome! :)
I will continue to post about my progress- maybe having my plan out there will be even more motivation for achieving my goals. :)
Keep asking me how my workout schedule is going. I have set a definite goal so far- to start running road races again. I miss them, they are fun, and its a good environment to be in, plus the health benefits are superb.
Matt and I regularly went to LA. Fitness prior to getting pregnant and I continued to go through my second trimester. We did a rotating routine of lifting, legs, and running and cycling (I did pool work during the pregnancy).
I like going there, they have great classes, they have free childcare (or else it is only like $5.00 a month), they have a pool I can do laps in, and the equipment and locker rooms are always spotlessly clean (I am not a fan of germies from other random strangers).
I have recently discovered Zumba with my 'sister' Lindsay. It is TOOOOO fun! ha ha ha. Now, I am athletic by nature-I always have been- from dance to running to basketball. Zumba however is a challenge for me and I like that it is a NEW challenge, as I find myself getting bored with the 'same ol' thing'.
I'm happy with my weight loss progress- I have lost 32 pounds since having baby Isabella, now I am ready to work on toning and my health. Since she was born I have been eating muuuuch better. It is funny how you don't crave the junky foods any more :). I would like to continue to loose a few more pounds and tone up again- it was kinda scary how flabby my stomach was after giving birth (Ok, I get I just had a baby, but please respect that it is something I am not used to).
I'm not sure exactly what I want my routine to look like, but I think that with the success we have had following our cleaning schedule as a team, I am thinking that I need to create a workout schedule, so I can have another list to "check things off on." And so I can add another calendar to the fridge. ;) I want my schedule to be varied and fun- not like a job. I have had several suggestions on what to incorporate, but more suggestions would definitely be welcome! :)
I will continue to post about my progress- maybe having my plan out there will be even more motivation for achieving my goals. :)
Keep asking me how my workout schedule is going. I have set a definite goal so far- to start running road races again. I miss them, they are fun, and its a good environment to be in, plus the health benefits are superb.
Sing-A-Ma-Jigs
Now that I am a mother, I find myself (many more times than not) awake early enough to watch the duration of the morning news. I have been watching Good Morning America a lot more than The Today Show, as of recent--their stories just seem to 'mean' more to me for some reason. I've not quit watching The Today Show...just perhaps a hiatus.
Well, the other day I was watching to hear what the "Hot" toys are for this Christmas. I have always watching/listened/researched this topic, since I worked for Target for several years and fourth quarter is our big time. I needed to know for staffing, replenishment, etc. Anyhow, in tradition, I heard they were going to talk about toys, so I was definitely within ear-shot until the story came through. They talked about the usual Nerf guns (yippee- sarcasm as this is ALWAYS on the list), the Buzz Lightyear doll that costs $80.00 (yikes!), and these cute little plush dolls called Sing-A-Ma-Jigs!
Sing-A-Ma-Jigs are adorable. That is all there is to it. They come in a variety of colors and they sing in harmony (and in tune). They sing various songs when you squeeze their bellies along with some gibberish sounds.
They had all of the different colors on the segment I was watching. VERY COOL. They were playing them in harmony, so as to create your own song. Even better!
Well I went in search of these cuties at Target and I found them. Good part: they had all the different colors so I could play around with them and test them out. Better part: each doll only costs approximately $12.00- yay! Best part: Isabella smiled and giggled when I held the doll out and made it sing to her. She LOVED it! =)
So, I have officially bought my first Christmas gift for this season!!! I got the pretty little purple one (pictured) for Isabella. Let the shopping commence! :)
Well, the other day I was watching to hear what the "Hot" toys are for this Christmas. I have always watching/listened/researched this topic, since I worked for Target for several years and fourth quarter is our big time. I needed to know for staffing, replenishment, etc. Anyhow, in tradition, I heard they were going to talk about toys, so I was definitely within ear-shot until the story came through. They talked about the usual Nerf guns (yippee- sarcasm as this is ALWAYS on the list), the Buzz Lightyear doll that costs $80.00 (yikes!), and these cute little plush dolls called Sing-A-Ma-Jigs!
Sing-A-Ma-Jigs are adorable. That is all there is to it. They come in a variety of colors and they sing in harmony (and in tune). They sing various songs when you squeeze their bellies along with some gibberish sounds.
They had all of the different colors on the segment I was watching. VERY COOL. They were playing them in harmony, so as to create your own song. Even better!
Well I went in search of these cuties at Target and I found them. Good part: they had all the different colors so I could play around with them and test them out. Better part: each doll only costs approximately $12.00- yay! Best part: Isabella smiled and giggled when I held the doll out and made it sing to her. She LOVED it! =)
So, I have officially bought my first Christmas gift for this season!!! I got the pretty little purple one (pictured) for Isabella. Let the shopping commence! :)
Isabella Marie is 12 weeks old
Growin' Babe Details:
Everyone is always asking about how much she is sleeping at night- so I have a shout out for our little baby!!
Sleeping: at least 8 hours, but I have to give her props- she slept last night from 8pm-9am (with little dream feed around 11!!!) She rocked it out!
This week Isabella and I also went shopping with the family sisters. It was our first outing without Matt- God love him- he is great. He has been so helpful to me that I can honestly say that I never felt overwhelmed or alone! Well, the big girls were ready to head out alone =) Isabella was great, she slept all the way through her 'hang out time' with the heartbreaker also known as Alec! She chilled, she ate, she vocalized when she didn't like the outfit Aunt Meggie was looking at- haha, she had a great time! Aunt Meggie is already coaching her on the way of curly hair (I wonder if she will have beautiful curly hair like Meg???) and how to build an outfit around the shoes....ahh the sister I never had ;) Its perfect.
On The Parental Unit Front:
You know, it is interesting, there are those parents that are obsessive about what everyone else's kids are doing, how big they are, when they smile, sat up, crawled, walked- its mind-boggling really. And there are those parents that are just happy in the moment.
Now, as for myself and Matt, I am really proud to say that Matt and I both fall into the "just happy in the moment" category (yep, that's right, I am tooting my own horn in this post!!). I wondered before she arrived whether or not I would constantly want to know 'what's next' and whether or not I would be a good mother, but I have felt an surreal calmness with her. I just know,... you know? I do like to ask a couple of my good girl friends (that I trust) about what to expect, especially my pal Julie- she's done this 5 times already...and is about to do it for the 6th time (yay for baby Avery!), and the one thing she has already shown me is that every baby is different, and precious. She told me about a book-The Baby Whisperer- that I have been reading on occasion about routines with the babe, but really Isabella has made it easy for me. Sure, she has her crying moments, but I haven't heard of a baby that doesn't cry, so I think all is good =). I also have a couple of girl friends at work that give GREAT stories and "what not to dos", so I have been blessed to be surrounded with strong women.
Matt has been preparing to finish the basement. Exciting times, yes, I know. We gotta have somewhere for Nana to stay!! =) It will be nice to have the office space and library we have always wanted plus a place for each of us to work on our hobbies. Not to mention a fab place to put a BIG OLE CHRISTMAS TREE!! =) One that the pugs WON'T snort all over! He is patiently waiting on me to purge more clothes...ahh the clothes. That is another post in and of itself. He's a good man for waiting patiently on me to finish the declutter of old clothing.
It just dawned on me that as of today, October 1st, I only have 2 months left with my little butter bean!! Oh My! I'm happy she is growing so fast, but sad my time will eventually end...at least for a couple weeks, then I will be back for another few days! ;)
I am also happy to report that baby Avery joined Julie's family 9/30/2010! Yay! :) She has a full head of hair just like Isabella- it brought a sweet smile to my face to see how beautiful the little girl is!!! I enjoyed putting things in Isabella's hair and knowing it was obvious it was in her hair and not taped to her head- ha ha ha- and I know Julie is going to have a blast doing the same!! Congratulations Julie!!!
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