Moving in so many ways

I'll be the first to admit that this whole mom thing is still very new to me. You're correct, I do have a five-year-old. However, I believe some people are just naturally born with more of a motherly bone so to speak, and I sometimes wonder if I am one of these people. While I adore my babies beyond words, I am always envious of what I consider to be the elite club composed of what I believe are really good moms. To me, these are the kinds of moms who have infinite patience (which I don't), are content to sit and play tea party for hours on end while having a sink full of dishes (which I'm not), and, oh wait, don't have a sink full of dirty dishes because despite playing tea party for hours on end their houses don't even look lived in--much less messy (never gonna happen here). However, the one thing I think all moms share is that first moment, the moment when you first lay eyes on your little one, the one whose flutters you've felt from the inside out, whose name God wrote on your heart before you were even conceived, and the one HE chose and designed especially for you. I've many wonderful, unforgettable moments in my life, but these are the tip top of the list. And I had one of these life-shaking moments not too long ago, remember?

Well, thanks to my friend Erin at Puddin Sugar, I've now read about one of the most amazing birth moments I've ever encountered. This story truly spoke to my heart, made me cry, and I would be very selfish not to share it with you. However, great moments don't come without great sacrifice, emotions, and expectations. This story embraces all of the above and so much more. I hope you are as blessed in reading it as I have been.

But remember: bring tissue and don't say I didn't warn you-- it will do more than just tug on your heartstrings.

My week in a nutshell

Well, it's only Wednesday, and already things aren't looking so good...in more ways than one.
I tell ya, nothin' beats a good ole' bacterial eye infection.
Good thing I can still see out of it, because how can I resist looking at this little face every chance I get?

Bye bye infected contacts; hello almosthereweekend.

Spring break has sprung

Although this week seems to have flown by at the speed of light, it has been much needed, very relaxing, and has hopefully given me a snuggling time supply that will last me these last nine weeks of school until summer FINALLY arrives.
So, this week we spent a good deal of time drooling:
(ok, so that was mostly Hollyn, but Lee and I each spent our fair share of time wiping her little, adorable, drooly face)

We also had a GREAT visit with some of our favorite people. I would trade my pinky toe to have eyelashes like Miss Meredith here has.

Thanks to Coach Eddie's cooking antics, we ate some of the best boiled shrimp I have ever tasted.

And Libby and Analynn got their fill of dress-up and hide-and-go-seek.

And, although it was too short indeed and is almost over, it was filled with an abundance of Hollyn's super sweet smiles. I just don't ever think I'll get enough of this little face I love so very much. :)

Ever since I had this baby...

all I've wanted to do is make things. In fact, I've made two super cute Easter gifts for each of the girls (blog to come on that one...can't post pre-Easter b/c the Libster reads my blog, and I'd hate to ruin her much-anticipated surprise).
Anyway, I've been trying out a few new things, and I've found one I really enjoy: applique. I was a little sceptical at first, but after my first attempt turned out well, I realized that this was a completly do-able task for me. AND- get this: I DON'T OWN A SEWING MACHINE! Surprised? So was I....so was my husband....and based on the face below, so was Hollyn.

Attempt numero uno: for little miss Hollyn :)

After that worked out well, I wasted no time in making these birthday gifts for our friends John and Janelle's little girls- Meredith and Analynn.

And of course, my own precious two needed something.....especially since Libby is a firm believer in the notion that sisters must match at all times.

And then this morning I made this baby gift.

Stay tuned-- more craftiness is headed your way. :)

p.s.) I'm hoping if I keep this up, maybe the hubby will buy me a mongram machine. HINT, HINT, HINT..... ;)

Turn and run and take your kiddos with you!

Moms, beware. There's an evil thing lurking around every corner. It's name, you ask? Time. It will make your baby go from this:
And this:

(Pay no mind to the fact that my child was eating a stick and my initial response was to take a picture. That's irrelevant right now. We have much more important things to discuss at the moment than my child eating bark.)

And, before you know it and faster than you can pull a rabbit out of your hat, your little baby will morph into this:

A girl who, in a matter of months, will be in KINDERGARTEN and will turn six. Six. Oh my gracious. No more toddler section shopping. No more naps at school. No more baby. What is a mom to do in this time of crisis?

I guess it's a good thing I have an eight-week-old in my den at this very moment, huh?

Note: I'd love to post more about the evil enemy o'mine named time. However, I feel the need to go coupon clipping to save for a car, college, and a wedding. At the rate things are going these days, these events will also be here in the mere blink of an eye. *sigh*

HIghlight of my week

Seriously......is this not one of the most precious things you've ever seen? Despite the drama, chaos, and adjustment that has hung like a big, black cloud over my first week back at work with two kiddos, THIS has kept a smile on my face. Only ten more weeks of work until summer...the countdown is on and in full force. Let's just hope Hollie Ollie doesn't get any cuter...I don't think I can take any more. ;)

First day in photos

So, before you begin to worry, let me ease your fears; Hollyn DID SURVIVE her first day of daycare. In fact, she seems to be adjusting quite well I'd say, based on the following photo:
However, I wish I could say the same for me. Unfortunately, this adjustment seems to have been much worse for mom than for Hollyn. I mean, who WOULDN'T want to stay home and stare at this little face all day every day?????

Not surprising in the least, Libby was thrilled to have Hollyn at 'school' with her all day and could not wait to show off not only her new baby sister but also her new mad big sister skills (she even has the t-shirt to prove it).
Now, if only I could get this excited about this whole daycare thing, my world would be a better place.