Monday, October 14, 2013

My Sassy Pants

This blog has seriously take a back seat to...well...life. But this week I randomly had two people ask me where I have been! After FIVE months of being away, I hate to tell you all that I've been right here. Silently stalking your blogs, raising a TWO YEAR OLD, Junior League-ing and moving into my new home. 

Yup. That's all folks. I haven't gotten more interesting, I haven't jet-setted around the globe. I've been right here all along. 

My sweet girl turned two last week and she is quite consuming, I must say. Hilarious as all get out, smart, sassy and too much to keep up with. And when I say sassy...y'all, I mean SAS-SY! She's a mess and I'm certain I'm going to have my hands full for a long time with this one.

Just last week, I asked her lay in my bed while I started my bedtime routine of washing my face and all that mess, when I was in my closet and I hear banging coming from my room.

I called from my closet "Are you being a good girl or a bad girl, Lainey?"
She said, "I being a bad girl mommy!"
"Why?!" I asked.
"Because it's much fun!"

Yikes. Like I said...Hands. Full. 

Here are a few pics from her two year pictures I took. 







But the girl is cute. What can I say?! 

We are also settled into our new home that we signed contracts on at the end of last winter and I can post some pics another day (maybe five months from now, I promise nothing). It was a process though, let me tell ya. Moving and building a house are no joke. I'm so happy to be home and settled though!

So, there is my update...I shall return to stalk you all...

Friday, May 24, 2013

NYC Vacation

My favorite place is New York. I have been six times and can't get enough. We went this past month to visit my best friend from college and just hang out. We had such a good trip and Lainey did SO well.

Here is the story of this trip: We randomly stumbled upon the flagship American Girl Place -- the American Girl store, in other words. It's amazing. Four stories of babies and accessories. So, we decided to go in. We had our hearts set to buy lainey a new American Girl doll so we strolled up to the fourth floor where the Bitty Babies are to pick out a new one. Well, as soon as we got up there, she found "her" baby. She has the Bitty Baby with blue eyes and light brown hair. So she proceeded to grab "her" baby off the shelf and play with the stroller they had set out. In all of this, I realized I stupidly left her Bitty Baby at the apartment where we were staying. We decided to get an outfit and the stroller and in the process, went to take the doll she had claimed away from her....and that's when it happened. My child, for the first time ever, threw herself on the ground in a fit of desperation.
Here is what I try to explain to B...She was not crying because she wanted us to buy her anything. She was perfectly content with "her" baby and didn't care to even get a new toy. She was heartbroken, and it was gut wrenching to watch, because she had to leave "her" baby with the store clerk. For the first time ever, we carried her out of the store kicking and screaming "No, my baby, my baby! Please, my baby, daddy, please!"

It was one of the saddest things I've seen. How do you eplain to a 19 month old that that wasn't "her" baby. It looked the same and even had on the same clothes. It was horrible!

So, as of course I would, we went back to the apartment and I called American Girl, made a reservation for lunch and we went back the next day, this time, with her baby, named Chloe, in hand. We had an amazing time! We shopped, had lunch, and dressed the Lainey to match her Bitty Baby. It was a perfect day and exactly the experience I had hoped she would have. She loves her baby, stroller and new pup, Coconut.


Here is Lainey and Bitty Baby Chloe after lunch, ready to hit the NYC streets!

The rest of our trip was pretty relaxing, and we took Chloe with us everywhere we went, just in case.
 

This is on the ferris wheel in Toys R Us. She couldn't take her eyes off the sights long enough to get a picture but she LOVED it.


Trying to enjoy the cab ride! This was about 3 minutes before our cab drive flipped off a cop and we got pulled over. We got a free cab ride in exchange for his "aggressive behavior in the presence of a baby".


We figured she was on vacation, too. Doughnuts and chocolate milk for breakfast!




Another highlight, the Naked Cowboy. My kid liked him waaay too much. Waaaaay too much!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Time Passes....

Time passes so quickly. Having this little baby girl makes it go even quicker! So much has happend in the last couple of months since I've been on here.

Our house is coming along and I am thrilled! We have our electircal walk through on Friday and I am so excited to see the house. The rent house is really starting to bum me out. It's so small, the neighbors are horrible and I am sick of living out of boxes and not feeling like I'm at "home". Just a few more months!!!

My due date for Baby #2 has come and gone and the day seemed to be a slap in the face. Two weeks before my due date I found out I was pregnant again. On April 13, I went to the ER because I started bleeding very heavily. I lost Baby #3 on what should have been my due date with Baby #2.

I'm still numb. I don't understand why or how this could happen to us. It's frustrating, angering and stressful. We are now undergoing some tests to find out what's going with me and why by body is not cooperating. We have found a few things that are "leads" but nothing that is a definitive answer. I'm ready for it to all be over. At the moment we are no longer trying for another and, honestly, I don't know when or if I'll be ready again. I guess I get too attached too easily and I don't know if I can lose another and keep my sanity. I feel like I should be thankful for what I have and leave it alone.

We registered the little one for "school" in the fall. She will be attending Mother's Day Out. I am so nervous but I think she will really love it.

We also recently took a trip to New York to visit my best friend from college and meet her new boyfriend. It was SUCH a good time and the vacation came at the perfect time!


Me and my sweet girl on Mother's Day!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Lucky in Love

Last Friday my sweet husband and I celebrated five years of marriage! I feel like our time together has flown by. I am so lucky to be married to the sweetest man.

Since we are buying a house, we didn't go all out this year. In a way, maybe our house is our anniversary gift! Thursday, the day before our anniversary, we spent the entire day at the design center picking out our final decisions for every aspect of the house. On our way home, we decided to stop in Houston for dinner with the munchkin.

If I look exhausted, it's because I was! Completely worn out.

 In five years we have lived in three states, purchased our first home and are currently building our second home, we've traveled, we've seen whales breech in Hawaii and monkeys in Costa Rica, experienced the birth of our perfect little angle, experienced the loss of what should have been baby #2. We've lost loved ones, become an aunt and uncle and godparents.

I was so young when I met my husband I was so young. I feel like I've grown up with him. I love my life and I am so happy that I chose to follow God's plan rather than my own. For all I know, I could be sitting in a NY apartment lonely and wishing for hubby and baby girl!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Working Moms

I feel like there is this constant battle between being a working mom or a stay at home mom; at least for me. Should I go back to work or should I stay home with Lainey? Should I make money and contribute to the household income? Or should I spend every second with my girl?

I love being home with Lainey and I feel so blessed that my sweet and amazing husband works so hard that I am able to do so. But it is always a question that comes and goes. I feel like whoever you talk to has a differing view.

Well, I've been offered the chance the interview for an amazing opporutnity. Amazing and FUN!

I feel like it's the best of both worlds. It would  only be as-needed and they are willing to work around my schedule. The job would be working with my former boss, who I loved working for.

I don't want to give too much away, I am very nervous about it. It's in a bit of a different arena than I've worked before so I am also terrified!

But, I am going to the meeting and we will see what happens. Wish me luck!

Monday, March 11, 2013

For the mommies

I shared this on Facebook a few days back and it still haunts me. So beautifully written and so true.

This is for all the mother's (including pregnant ones and those who desire to be) in the world, this one is for you!

Author Unknown

We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"


"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

 

"I know," s...he says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her.

That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moments hesitation.

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.


I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.


However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.


Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself.

 

That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.


I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks.


I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child.

I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.
I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike.
I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.
I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.


My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

May you always have in your arms the one who is in your heart.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Loss

It happened. My aunt passed away today.

She is no longer in pain and no longer suffering. Its so surreal. You think you have prepared yourself and you know that the pain is finally gone but it is still so hard. My grandma is a mess.

Please pray for our family. The visition and funeral will be Wednesday and Thursday.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the His saints."
Psalm 116:15

Monday, March 4, 2013

It's getting close

The day I've been dreading for almost 8 months is right around the corner. My due date.

Baby number 2 should be making his or her grand entrance into this world in just five weeks. But he/she isn't. And I am still not expecting.

While it's been tough, I can say, I think I am reaching a place of peace with the whole thing. I'm ok. I've reached a place where even if I don't have more babies, I think I will be just fine with the perfect little girl that I do have.

I am blessed and I know that. Finally. It has taken me since Septemeber to get here, but here I am.



Look at this face!
Despite it all, things are great. I am happy. Really, life couldn't get better unless another little one did join our family.

Things are moving along with our new house and we should be in at the end of summer. I am so excited about this I can hardly wait!

Finally permitting our lot! Ready to see some concrete!
Things with my headbands are going amazingly well! I'm actually stocking merchandise in a boutique now! It's crazy how things work out. Be sure to take a look at my Facebook page. I am annoucinging a giveaway tomorrow!   I will soon play catch up on my blog reading! My google reader is out.of.control!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Strength

Today was an emotional day. We went down to Galveston to visit my great aunt who is plagued with cancer. It's such a horrible thing.

 She has cervical cancer that just seems to be taking her over. She looked beautiful as ever, but so frail and small at the same time.


I have been putting off going to visit because I was scared. I was scared to see someone I love suffer. I was afraid that I would bring in something that would make her sicker. I was afraid that she would be in too much pain to want visitors and that I would be a bother.

And honestly, I was afraid because I felt like if I went to see her, I was admitting that this could be the thing that kills her. (Wow. To say (or write) that is heart wrenching.)

You see, I haven't had to see anyone suffer before. I have lost a few people here and there over the years, most of when I was much younger and then, of course, the loss of my pregnancy, but I've never had to sit there while someone I love fights for their life.

But I went. I went because when someone is in a state like that, you suck it up. I took Lainey with me. My aunt is so kind and love us all so much. She often asks about Lainey and wants pictures of her so I took her. I know that there is nothing sweeter than a child and I knew seeing her would make my aunt happy.

And it did. I overheard her talking to the nurse about how she was so happy to have her great niece and her great-great niece come visit.

Seeing her in the hospital bed in the middle of her own bedroom under the care of hospice was definitely a reality check. It makes me realize how short life is. And how important family is.

We are so lucky that Lainey not only has grandparents around but great-grandparents to spare! We are so blessed to be surrounded but such an incredible family who is so loving. How can you take that for granted? How can you sit idly by and not play an active role in fostering and nurturing those relationships?

I love my aunt. I love her because she always sent me homemade carrot cakes and because she makes the best gumbo I've ever had. I love her because she is my grandma's best friend and their relationship is inspiring, they are the definition of soul mates. I love her because she is a strong woman who spent the entire hour telling me that she will be fine and to quit worrying. I love her because she has the kindest heart and would take in any stray that came to her door. I love her because she has the confidence and the spirit to believe she will be ok.

And while my heart is so sadden that she has to endure such hell, it has also found strength in hers.

I have hope and I have faith. Please, please pray, friends.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Sick and Tired!

Do you ever get so tired you feel sick? Like you literally cannot go on? 

Y'all, I get like this all.the.time. It's been horrific. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and found out that I'm borderline anemic. 

What is that anyway? Who cares if your borderline, you are or you aren't, right? I can't tell you how frustrating it is to feel so drained your entire existence and the to almost have an answer. I've always been the type to be tired all of the time but as I've gotten older, it's gotten worse. And it's not being a mommy. My kid sleeps 12 hours at night and 2-3 hours during the day. (Blessed!!)

Well, since I'm "borderline", they won't give me anything to help. I've started taking vitamins but I am pretty sure I found something to help. I purchased Advocare from another blogger several months ago but I stopped taking it because I found out I was pregnant with my second baby (read about that here). Well, I decided to dig it out and give it a shot after, get this, my OBGYN recommended I do so. She said it would help with fatigue and lack of energy and I wouldn't have to worry about learning about the science behind it because it's all planned for you. 

Well, let me tell you, I think it's working. I feel so much better during the day. I can make it past 3 p.m. without feeling this insanely sick feeling. 

It's incredible. I don't do a full program but I do a meal replacement shake for breakfast, vitamins and a Spark around lunch time. I feel amazing. I was nervous because I have a pretty low tolerance for stuff like this, I once took Hydroxycut and thought I was going to die. Seriously. You know the labels that say "If you experience these symptoms, please call your doctor immediately,"? Well, I had every single symptom. So I was hesitant to try it, to say the least. 

So far I am really happy with the results. If you're looking for way to get more energy, drop a few pounds or just get healthier, I've decided to become a distributor so you can visit my site

I know this is a terrible post but I am so happy with the results, I had to share my story! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Up and Running!

We are finally settled into the rent house and have cable and internet! I think I realized how addicted I am to all of that when I was without it. I don't watch much tv during the day but when Lainey naps or goes to bed at night, I am pretty sure I turn into a zombie. So bad...

We've been so busy getting adjusted, we moved into a much smaller space!, getting things going on our new house that we are building and building my little business. Check it out at www.facebook.com/hudsonlaneboutique. I'm actually working on a few custom orders now and an order for a local boutique. I'm so excited it's been going so well, just need YOUR help to spread the word.

Lainey is still at The Little Gym (look it to find one near you, it's amazing!!!) and she's doing so well. I can't believe how far she's come. She has so much confidence in her personality and skills. Her teacher is so amazing at helping them develop that. Here is her latest achievement! She used to scream bloody murder at the bars when we first started at The Little Gym now, she's a little champ...or monkey!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Update Quickie!

It's crazy how time seems to get away from you. Maybe it's having a little one, maybe it's the process of moving, or maybe it's just life. Whatever it is, I cannot believe how quickly the last few weeks have flown by and how much we have going on!

If you've been reading my few and far between posts, we have sold our house. We close on Friday! Yikes! We have also signed papers to begin construction on our new home! Yippee! I'm so excited. It's a bit overwhelming, I mean, what if it comes out not like I imagined. Thank goodness for Pinterst!

We signed papers on Saturday and 6 hours later, we had a lot! We are actually moving across the street from a very good friend of mine. So, that I am really excited about!

Lainey has been sick with a cold that won't quit. Now that she's getting better I think she has a combination of cabin fever and the dreary weather blues. And...I kind of think the boxes and change in normality are starting to get to her. She has been up crying at night and she goes on and off of fussy throughout the day. I feel so bad for her. I know this is such a big change. Tomorrow will be Mommy and Lainey day though! I plan to take her to the rent house (since our house sold, we are moving into a rent house for the next 6 months or so while our home is being built) to let her unpack some of her toys, then gymnastics, lunch and maybe even the Rainforest. I just really need to spend some time with her doing what SHE wants. It's been so much about the move lately!

I've also really started to get going on my little facebook page. Be sure to check it out, once I hit 50 Likes, I'm hosting a giveaway! I'm actually very excited because I will be selling some of my headbands in a local store. Eekk!!!

Two Valentine's Headbands I made for some sweet girls!

Cheesing it up at her Uncle Jason's birthday! This is one of my favorites!

My birthday brunch at the Hotel Galvez. Please do this if you are ever in Galveston. Please. You will thank me.

My sweet girl at Little Gym

girl talk with her bestie Khloe

And this is how she fixes herself up to tour schools! It starts so early...
Helping mommy pack!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Making Friends

Here in my part of Texas the weather has been less than desirable. It's been almost consistently below 40 with rain and wind, but not cold enough for snow; obviously making days for a toddler and stay at home mommy quite long. 

We've resorted to "swimming" in the tub, dress up and yes, even a movie. Thank you, PBS for raising my kid when this uncreative mommy can think of nothing better to do on a cold, rainy day. I would suck it up as a mom if I lived in Seattle. 

dress up before bed

Luckily, today we had gymnastics. I am so happy that she has something like this to do every week. It has been such an amazing thing to watch her form her own little friendships. She has a group of little girls and one special little boy in her class who she loves to play with. And she did that, not me. 

As a mom it makes me so happy to see that my sweet girl has the confidence to "talk" to other kids her age and to engage them in play. Because I stay home with her I've sort of harbored this fear that she would be very shy and not make friends easily. Now, she has her times where she is very, very shy, but that is usually reserved for adults. 

We've started to take the kids out to lunch after gym and before we all head home for naps and it's seriously amazing to see how they've fostered friendships and want to be together. I'm a little sad because most of her "friends" are a few months older and will be moving up to the next class this summer. Her teacher has said that she is social enough and has been in the class long enough that we can consider a trial period with her in the class above hers. I really want to keep her with her friends because I feel like she does so well with them and that she'd be starting over when they leave and the babies move into her class. We'll see.





after gym fun with friends!


Listen closely for our new word!

How do your kids do with other babies? Any tips for the mommy of a shy girl?

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

SOLD!

I am so excited (and ridiculously busy!) because we finally sold our house! Whew. We accepted an offer last week, inspections were done yesterday and we close in February! I feel like it kind of snuck up on me so I've been crazed with house stuff. We will be moving to a rent house while our new house is being built so it will be a tad uncomfortable and about 9 months of living out of boxes but, hey, it's all about the end game, right?

January is always busy for us because we are coming off of Christmas, New Year's, my birthday and hubby going back to work. 

I am a big believer is celebrating every birthday. I probably tend to drive people crazy with my constant birthday parties but whatever. I love it!

This year we kept it pretty low key and I had a great time! B, Lainey and I had had brunch at the Hotel Galvez, one of my favorite hotels in Galveston. If you are ever down on Galveston Island on a Sunday, I highly recommend it; and reservations. 


me and the little at Brunch
I also got a chance to celebrate with some of my wonderful friends. Joining Junior League is one of the best decisions I've made. I love it and the girls I've met have turned out to be even better friends than some I've had for 15 years!

They are such a blessing.

We went out for sushi and left baby with daddy...which means COCKTAILS! 

Me and Kim...This girl is crazy and I love her to pieces!

This card cracks me up.

Me, Kim, Katie and Sandra. My loves!

January is also my brother's birthday. My grandma, who has quite a bit of land, built what she calls Granny's Playhouse for us to have family get togethers. So, last Sunday, we all went to Granny's Playhouse for a yummy lunch and some football. We had fun, unfortunately, B had to work so he didn't get join in on the fun.

Lainey and my baby brother...who will be 17 this month! Seriously, where does the time go?
Hope everyone is well. We are drowning in house stuff, hopefully I can pull my head above water for another update soon!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Be Blessed

I feel like my posts have been so negative and that's why I haven't been posting lately. I'm so frustrated with the fact that we are still not pregnant, that I still have some pain from my surgery and that I now PMS like a B.

I thought that I was pregnant this month. I really did. I got a little excited when I felt nauseous so I took a test. It was negative and I was sad.

Why is it so hard to just be happy? I have the most amazing child in the world. She is beautiful, perfect, smart, loving, hysterical...a complete and absolute joy. But I get so caught up in wanting more babies just like her.

All of this has, luckily, not taken away from her. I think it makes me enjoy her more. I've started rocking her again before bed, I don't want to miss a moment with her because what if she is my only little one? I couldn't bear not giving her everything I've got.

I know that being a mom is the most important thing to me, it has been since the day started trying to get pregnant with Lainey. I will be the best mom I can to however many babies I have.

In reality, it hasn't been that long since we started trying, just now reaching 6 months. But with Lainey and the second baby, it happened so quickly, I just knew this time would happen as quickly. I've come to trust my body rather than trust God and his timing. Maybe I'm not getting pregnant because it's not the right time. Maybe I'm not getting pregnant because something is wrong. Either way, I'm working on my patience and my trust.

I am concentrating on loving the child I do have, who is the biggest blessing I could ever imagine (I mean seriously, how did I get so lucky to be HER mom?! I seriously have the best kid!).

I am concentrating on being the best wife I can be. I have a kind, loving husband who would give me the world if he could.

From today on, I will trust in God and I will wake up each day to not try to understand why it hasn't happened yet. I will focus on what I have, not what I don't have. THAT will be my New Year's Resolution (even though I think NYRs are kinda crap).

So, here's to living one day at a time and enjoying the life we all have! After all, we are blessed to have life at all.


The Rest Is Still Unwritten

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Freelance Writer. Online Boutique Owner. Mommy of a boy and a girl. Always stir crazy. A schedule hater and free time lover.

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