Thursday, August 29, 2013

Our kids battle with Reflux

Reflux is a nasty, nasty thing and I guess it is very common in babies. A lot of people confuse reflux with colic, but they are 2 very different things and lucky us with our little girl we got to experience both. Colic is where they cry for hours straight around the same time each day and they are unconsolable. Every night for about 6 weeks our daughter would cry between 8/9-12 and there was NOTHING we could do to make her stop...except walk on the treadmill with her, which was exhausting (for the husband). Reflux is intestinal and much more common than colic with babies sensitive systems.

Our daughter had reflux that began to be very noticeable around 2 weeks. She started throwing up a lot of her milk and by throwing up I mean projectile vomiting. She would literally puke across the room and sometimes it would be almost everything she just took down. It was intense. She had at least 30 bibs, because there was not a moment where she was not wearing one due to the constant spit up. She took baby zantac and it was helpful definitely, but really it never went away until she started sitting up on her own.

Our son was only spitting up a little bit which all babies do, so we thought we may be in the reflux free zone, but he had a lot of congestion in his chest that you could hear while he was eating and then milk would come out of his nose...so to the doc we went and what do you know- another baby with reflux. His is "silent reflux", which basically means he doesn't throw up, but still has the other symptoms. We suspected he may have reflux when he was arching his back while taking his bottle. This is one of the major signs of reflux in babies. He would also cry and be super gassy when taking his bottle.

Our doctor prescribed him with baby Prilosec, which is a compounded medicine so can only be picked up at certain pharmacies, but I have got to say it is really working well. He isn't having hardly any milk come out of his nose and is arching his back much less. He still has a lot of gas that causes him discomfort, but our doctor has said that this is super common in babies and if you want to spend hundreds switching formula, bottles, etc you can, but you really just have to push through and get to that 6/7 month point where they can sit up on their own- which is what we did with our daughter and walah!! Bye bye reflux and hello major improvement to the gassy's. If you have a baby with reflux, hang in there it does get better, if you don't, lucky you, if you have been through it, kudos to you!!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Cara Box Reveal

I decided to participate in my first blogger gift exchange and linked up with Kaitlyn to do her Cara Box exchange. I met some amazing girls. First Kayleigh, who sent me my Cara Box (details below). Kayleigh is a momma just like me and has an adorable little girl. She is new to blogging like myself, loves fitness and reality TV so we have a lot in common. She is also going through some health obstacles right now, so please keep her in your prayers. I also had a chance to talk with Ms Mess who is a mommy to 2 little ones and going back to work, just like me, so needless to say I met some great ladies and am now following 2 new mommy blogs.




Cara Box




Below is the fun box I received from Kayleigh. She sent me an adorable little wooden "Give Thanks" pumpkin to celebrate Fall and all the amazing blessings I have in my life. She also sent the cutest colorful bracelet with a cross on it- again to show the beautiful blessings in my life right now. She sent the most yummy smelling red velvet candle, because I love sweets and my favorite color is red. It smells so good I want to eat it! Then, being the thoughtful mommy she is she sent some fun books for my sweet little girl and a blue rattle ball for my brand new baby boy! I am so glad I participated in this exchange and got to meet these great ladies.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

To my main man,

Today our son is 10 weeks old and our daughter 22 months and I have been so beyond blessed to have taken this time off work to not only spend with our brand new baby boy, but also our amazing little girl who is learning new things each and every day and really coming into her own. These have been some of the greatest weeks of my life and as they are coming to an end and I am preparing to go back to work I am just soaking in all the goodness. Over the past 10 weeks on my days at the park and in the gym I have come across mainly 2 types of people. 1- The stay at home moms and 2- the older, retired couples. On our morning walks Gianna and I continuously see the same 3 couples and it amazes me. They are probably late 60's. One couple is strolling with their grand daughter and enjoying each others company just laughing and smiling. The other couple are seriously walking fast, doing squats and lapping us, lol. The other is walking with their dog. In spin class, there is one couple I am guessing mid to late 60s as well who must come to spin class every day and they sit next to each other in the front row, at the end of class they always high five each other. It is seriously awesome!

Seeing these older couples makes me so happy and hopeful inside. By no means am I rushing to grow old, but I do look forward to that time in our life and more than anything I look forward to the years in between. I imagine some of their lives and I just hope and pray we continue to love one another and grow old together. I imagine family vacations to the beach and taking our kids on trips around the world. I imagine soccer games, dance recitals, school performances, family movie nights, proms, graduations, weddings, grandkids- oh my!! I love our blessed lives so much and I love you so much! I love the way our family does everything together. I love how we are a fit family. How we go to the grocery store together, the way we keep our kids involved in different activities. The way we took our 1 week old baby boy out to our daughters swimming lessons and people were shocked, because that is what we do. We don't want to miss these amazing moments. How we enjoy pizza and ice cream and get up and get active so we are able to enjoy these things and stay healthy. I imagine us being that couple in the front row of spin class high fiving and that couple walking our grandchildren and laughing. I pray to God that we are that couple and not the one sleeping in separate rooms, watching TV in separate rooms, or the ones that are divorced and not seeing each other at all. 

You are my best friend and such an amazing father to our children. I know sometimes we fight and sometimes we get annoyed with each other, but God, I love you and I love our family so much. I pray God blesses us and keeps us all healthy and alive to enjoy this beautiful life. I want to grow old with you, to watch our children grow up and to be in the front row of spin class high fiving when we retire. I want everything and anything that life throws our way to be together. 



Monday, August 26, 2013

I said I would never do

This week I am linking up again with Becky to talk about things I said I would never do as a mom.

1. Let my kids leave the house looking a hot mess. I try not to do this and really feel like I do a pretty good job, but sometimes Gianna messes her hair up like crazy or gets her clothes all dirty and it just is what it is.

2. Let my kids go out in their Pajamas. Sometimes it is fun going to the grocery store or going to breakfast in your PJ's.

3. Watch TV at an early age. Sometimes mommy just needs a minute and sometimes it helps Gianna wind down before bed so hey, a little TV doesn't hurt. It is actually pretty educational at times.

4. Have "that" kid. You know the one who yells, doesn't share well, throws tantrums. Overall, Gianna is a great kid, an amazing kid, but she has done all of these things at moments, and while I most definitely correct her, sometimes she just doesn't care what mommy is saying, she is going to misbehave. Then, we leave and go home!

These are just a few of the things I said I would never do as a mommy and boy have I learned my lesson on placing judgement on other moms. Of course there are things I have said I would never do and I stick to them, but kids will be kids.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Sunday Social

Today I am linking up for the Sunday Social. Here are this week's questions.

<center><a href="http://ashleyscarnivalride.blogspot.com/" title="Sunday Social"><img width="195px" src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/BlogDesigns/Buttons/SocialSundayButton4.png" alt="Sunday Social" /></a></center>


1. What do you miss most about being a kid? 
Being care free. Not seeing the evil in the world, not worrying about bills, work, etc. Just being naive and seeing the good in everything.
2. Dd you have a nickname growing up? What was it?
Glo by friends. Glor by the parents.
3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess? 
Swings. I wasn't very daring so things like monkey bars did not excite me.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
Ballerine, Tap Dancer on Broadway, obviously those things didn't work out, lol, but good thing I was good in Math!
5. Did you participate in any school activities? 
Program Challenge in Elementary/Middle School (smart kids), Volleyball, Track, Basketball manager, Beta Club, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) President, Beta Club- to name a few.

6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about?

Well my parents probably didn't think it was funny, but when I was 14 I took the car for a ride with my friends and didn't make it out of the driveway. I ran over my mailbox and couldn't get the car off. The wheels would just spin. So, when my parents came home, the car was sitting on top of the mailbox and I was hiding  under my bed.  I can laugh now...

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Why I am going back to work

As my maternity leave winds down, I am thinking about all the reasons why I am going back to work. Could I stay home? Yes, I could. I am very fortunate that both my husband and I have great careers. His would allow me to stay home and make some slight adjustments to our lifestyle, but for me, it is important to go back to work. It is important for many reasons. I love spending time with my kids, I have especially loved being at home with them the past 2.5 months and I am going to miss these moments with all of my heart and it will be hard at first, but I am going back and here are some of the reasons.

I want to be a role model for my children. I want my daughter to know you can have career and family. You can be an amazing mommy while still achieving your personal goals. You can do it all! I want my son to know the same thing, a woman can work and be an amazing mommy. It should be her choice and you should support, encourage and assist her in whatever decision she makes.

I worked too hard to stop working. I went to college, I got my MBA, I worked my butt off to get where I am and while I am now a little comfortable at work, I am still working on moving forward in my career. I do not want anyone to take my education and experience away from me.

I want my kids to have it all. I want them to have a college savings plan with enough money in it to allow them to go off to school if they chose. I want to take them on amazing vacations. I want them to live in a nice, comfortable home. I want them to always have a roof over their head, food to eat, and never have to struggle to provide them with things in life. We are not rich by any means, but yes, I want my kids to have nice things and to be able to provide these things for them.

I want to continue to allow my mom the opportunity to spend all of this time with her grandkids as their nanny. We have to pay her to be able to do this since she retired early so this is both an amazing gift to her and my kids that my husband and I are providing.

These are some of the reasons why in 2 weeks I am going back to work.



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

My first time making a wreath!


Ok, so I am so excited to be posting this, because I recently finished my first pinterest project and will be actually pinning my own pin rather than just pinning other's to my boards. I started with the supplies below. I started with an XL metal wreath frame, now keep in mind we have a huge 9 ft wood front door so I made a really big wreath, you can easily make a smaller one. I also bought 5 rolls of 4 inch burlap, some decorative burlap for fun (1 roll) and some fun orange ribbon to make a bow.

Fold the burlap in half and start weaving it through the metal wreath. You don't have to follow a pattern, but if it makes it easier just go top to bottom, then start over, top to bottom, keep it going. I used safety pins to hold the start and ends of the burlap rolls b/c that is what I had. Keep doing this until wreath is complete.
I added a small wooden C for our last name to my wreath and bought some paint and a cheap brush to paint it.
Keep weaving the burlap- after you are done you should fluff it.  I started fluffing early to see how it looks, but it is best to wait until you are done so it is easier to weave your decorative ribbon through.
Then, weave your decorative ribbon through. Going back I probably would have done green or red for more of a pop of color...next time!

Leave space for bow at top and fluff!

Make Bow and secure to wreath. I also bought a few sparkly sunflowers for fun, but you could add whatever to yours. And wala! Hang and enjoy!!!

Monday, August 19, 2013

2nd Month Baby Must Haves


My sweet baby boy is 2 months old already. This month he has been smiling like crazy and started cooing. He is also sleeping through the night! 5 nights in a row as of his 2 month birthday. He is still a small guy 9.8lbs and 21.5 inches, but catching up and strong! He is the sweetest guy in the world and I love him to pieces.

This month some of the must haves along with the 1st month items are:


 


1. Swing- this is the particular one we have used for both kids and we love it!
2. Little noses- they get stuffy noses and they can't take anything so this works wonders!
3. Cool Mist Humidifier- this is the one we have, it is filterless and easy to clean, plus it is cute!
4. A bath tub, they can lay in this one while infant and can sit up in it later.
5. Tummy Time Mat- a must for tummy and back time
6. A diaper bag. I am in LOVE with my petunia pickle bottom back pack. It is an investment, but a really great bag. Super roomy, can go on your back, it is just great!!
7. A wedge for their bed. Both my kids have had reflux so this is a small investment to make them feel better while sleeping.
8. Baby washcloths- for bath time.
9. Hooded baby towels- again for bath time.
10. Video Monitor- once you move them into their bed I promise this will be worth every penny! It is amazing to be able to wake up in the middle of the night and look at them sleeping. So Sweet!!!

10 Survival Tips for Expecting Moms

Today, I am linking up again with Becky to talk about survival tips/advice for expecting mommies.

1. The birthing process is not easy and yes it is painful, but it goes by so fast and you forget all about the pain when your precious cargo arrives. It is truly amazing what women go through and it is a beautiful experience so try to enjoy the whole process of giving birth- even the rough, painful, not so pretty moments, because like everything else it goes by so fast.

2. Stay Positive. Yes, you will sleep again. If you are a good napper and are blessed with a baby that naps, then by all means nap. If you aren't great at napping on demand, like me, then just take that time to relax. Watch TV, walk on the treadmill, take a bath, do whatever makes you happy. Just remember that the rough times of the baby waking up will pass, so push through and try your hardest to enjoy all the moments with your tiny little baby.

3. Sure, listen to people's advice, but trust your gut and raise your child the way you want to. There are a million and one opinions out there. Your mom's, your mother-in-law, your pediatrician, all your friends, your neighbor, Dr. Google, I mean it never ends. Everyone has an opinion and that's fine, you can listen to what other people have to say, but ultimately, no one knows your baby better than you and it is your decision who and what to listen to. Don't feel bad for doing things differently than other moms.

4. Take the pressure off, don't compare your baby or yourself. For me, with my first I so desperately wanted to breastfeed, I tried and tried and it didn't work out. The first few weeks from trying to breastfeed and trying to pump and being unsuccessful I felt miserable, defeated, sad! Then, I realized how much happier my baby was and how much she was growing and thriving from having formula and that she wasn't missing out on anything and I immediately started to feel better once I took that pressure off of myself. It is the same thing with milestones, all kids are different, as long as your baby is healthy, let them take their time.

5. Take pictures and  notes. Try to write in their baby books, take pictures of them, enjoy them! They only stay little for so long and then they grow up right before your eyes, so write down your special memories and take tons of pictures. It is fun looking back and reading and seeing those tiny little moments that just make you smile. 

6. Stock your diaper bag and always remember to check it before you leave the house. You will forget things sometimes, it happens to the best of us. I have recently had an experience out with my son that I had all the pieces of the bottle except the ring that goes around the nipple. Well, he had to eat, so painters tape to the rescue. Thank goodness we were at my dads, but we were sitting down for dinner and I didn't want to have to go to the store and buy a new bottle, so we made do and it all worked out. 

7. If you want your baby to sleep and in their crib, put them on a schedule asap. Again, to each is own, but as a working mommy these were things that were very important to me and now that my son is 9 weeks old he is already sleeping through the nigh and hasn't even hit 10 pounds yet. I am one proud momma! Schedule is key, wake them at scheduled feedings, they will go back to sleep if they are tired. Put them in their crib by around 8 weeks so they can get used to it- again only if this is something that is important for your baby to master. If co-sleeping works for you- that is great too!

8. It takes a viillage. Don't be afraid to ask for help. From your hubby, from your mom, from a babysitter for a night out. Do what makes you happy. Remember, don't neglect yourself, your baby or your marriage. Ask for help!

9. Relax (as much as you can) and enjoy! Again, they only stay small for so long and each stage is an amazing one. The way they stick their arms out while burping as an infant or how my daughter used to cover her eyes while napping. Every stage they go through is so amazing, enjoy them all. You will make mistakes, you will ask yourself how you let that happen. They will fall, they will get sick, none of this means your a bad mother, enjoy everything and take it easy on yourself!

10. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your new little family! Love on your baby, yes life will change, your husband and your relationship will change. Everything changes, but all for the better. You will never look at your husband the same again, you will look at him in such a more profound way! You will never love someone as deep as you love your child. Enjoy your life as this new little family. Focus on the LOVE!




Thursday, August 15, 2013

Pets and Babies

To some people, pets are just that, pets. To some people, pets are their everything. To us, our pets are family and prior to having children, they were spoiled rotten and still are, but it is true that now that we have kids, especially now that we have 2 kids, they are a bit neglected. So this post is dedicated to my dogs...

We have 2 awesome dogs, boston terriers. Oreo, the alpha and 8 year old female that has been through so many changes I don't even know how she has survived. First Allan, then Otis, then Gianna and now Miles, what happen to just mommy and me is what I know she is thinking. She is very protective, sometimes a B!, very sweet, doesn't like big dogs (long story), is very maternal and instinctive, very smart, and beautiful! We had a bit of a hard time with Oreo once we decided to bring Otis into the picture. He has had several cuts and they still have their fair share of fights, but now they are lovable brother and sister about 90% of the time. The other 10 she would like nothing to do with him. 

Oreo holds a very special place in my heart. Several years ago, when I was about 20 years old I had just moved into my own apartment and was very scheduled. School, work, gym, home, bed by 10:30. Well apparently, there was a man watching my schedule and while I was walking her before bed, he came into my apartment through my front door and onto my balcony into the water heater closet right by my bedroom wall where he waited for me to turn off my TV and go to sleep and 10 minutes later proceeded into my apartment. This particular night was unlike any other. Oreo was very on guard and would not lay down, she was pacing and acting very strange, so I proceeded to turn my alarm on which I never did, because she was making me nervous. Thank God for her instincts, she saved my life! When the guy came in my alarm went off and he ran straight out. The police came and would not take finger prints, because "nothing happened to me." We later found out there was a rape in the building 2 weeks prior. Wow! 

Before we had Gianna I was very nervous how Oreo would handle a baby being in the house. Sometimes, I am still nervous. She has tried to snip at other children and has now had 2 scares with Gianna, but has never bitten her or hurt her thank god. To me, she is family and so whatever we need to do to figure out how to get this family to co-exist is what we will do. That means sometimes gating her off into the other side of the house or letting her relax upstairs on her own, that is what we do and yes, she is now on doggy prozac in hopes it will ease some of her anxiety. 

Otis, the most loving little guy you will ever meet, timid, active, loves everyone and everything. He can be somewhat careless, jumping on the couch barely missing baby, but he means no harm EVER! He is the greatest dog to have around children and wouldn't hurt a fly. When he was a year old, he had 3 leg surgeries and $8,000 yes 8 THOUSAND dollars later he is running around like a mad man! It was a rough patch, but again, he is family!

The point of this post is that while yes, we don't take our dogs to the park like we used to and sometimes their nails may be a little too long, we still love them like family after having children. They still sleep with us, they still have Christmas stockings, they still get birthday celebrations and now they are just loved by 2 additional people whose love will only continue to grow for them! I wish we would do a better job of bathing them and taking them out, but it is hard, it is hard just getting out the door with 2 kids, let alone 2 kids and 2 dogs. 





Wednesday, August 14, 2013

So What Wednesday

This week I am saying so what if...

- I went way overboard shopping for Gianna's school clothes even if she is only going 1 half day a week

- I am more excited than she is about her starting ballet class

- I have major fever to re-vamp some things in the house including the office, new living room furniture, a new mattress and new carpet upstairs. Yes, not all at once, but over the next year.

- I am obsessed with how cute my kids are!

- I am sick, I have got to continuing training for this half marathon or else I will never finish it. I have been to the doctor twice.

- I am looking forward to getting Miles 2 month stats on Monday, so excited to see my little guy grow. But, I am not looking forward to seeing him get his first shots.


So What Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday...Miles baby bits collage


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Fitness after baby

As a mommy of an 8 week old and a 21 month old, I am struggling to get back into shape. I gained about 43 pounds with my daughter and by the time she was a year old I had lost almost all of them through consistent exercise, but still had about 3 to go. Then...Pregnant again! On purpose yes, but my goal this time was not to gain as much weight. With Miles, I tried to jog a little more and stay on my workout routine. I was so scared to jog when I was pregnant with Gianna, because she was my first and we had worked so hard through IVF to get pregnant, but even though we worked just as hard for Miles, I was more relaxed on myself and just listened to the doctors orders. So, while still thoroughly enjoying my pregnancy with many, many french fries and deserts I managed to only gain about 32 pounds, which was more than I wanted, but still reasonable in my mind.

So...now that I am done with babies I want to regain myself and my fitness and lose the 32 and 3 from left from baby #1. First thing you should know is I have never in my life been on a diet. I suck at diets, I like fast food and I have a sweet tooth. That being said, I am moderately active and enjoy the gym. Through my activity and trying to eat slightly healthier I am on the right track with about 10/11 pounds left. We all know those last 10 are the hardest so I decided to challenge myself by signing up for a half marathon...yay!!!

So proud to say the husband and I are officially signed up for the Allstate Atlanta Half Marathon on Oct. 6th and so far we are on track with our training schedule and kicking butt! This weekend I ran my furthest yet, 7.35 miles and although I was slow, I am fighting a nasty cold and was just happy to finish without passing out. I am hoping this will  be a personal challenge I will conquer and also hold me accountable to lose this baby weight. 8 is our goal for this weekend!


accountability  

Web definitions
responsibility to someone or for some activity.


Monday, August 12, 2013

Goals For Motherhood

Today I am linking up with Becky again to talk about my goals for motherhood, which is by far the most important role I will ever have in my life. I have so many, so I will just list some of the ones I think are the most important to me.

1. To show my children what a strong, healthy, loving marriage is all about. I pray each and every day that Allan and I stay together forever, that we show our children what a healthy relationship looks like. I want them to know that arguements are ok as long as there is always love and they are handled appropriately. I want my daughter to know that a man should always treat a women with respect and value her. That men should open doors for women, do anything for their family, encourage her and stand by her through thick and thin. I want my son to know how to treat women, but also know that love should be reciprocated. I want him to find a strong woman, like his mommy, independent but so loving and one that will always put her family first. We plan to take both of our children on mommy/son and daddy/daughter date nights starting at young ages to instill these values along with showing them through our relationship.

2. I want to learn to live in the moment and hope they do the same.  As a mommy and a working one at that, there is never enough time. I hear people say this over and over and it is one of my biggest pet peeves. We are all busy, we all have responsibilities and for me I want to try and remember that it is ok to slow down and just enjoy the little moments in life.

3. To be a role model for them. Not just as a mommy and wife, but also as a friend, sister and just in general. I want my daughter to know she can have career and family. I want them to treat others with respect. I want them to appreciate what they have and work hard. I want them to live healthy and fit lives. I want them to encourage each other and believe in themselves. I want them to have confidence and stand up for others and for what is right. These are things I know I have to show them for them to pick up.

4. To be a mommy and a friend. I do not want to be that mom who lets my kids do bad things, but I want them to know that if they do, they can come to me. They can call me if they screwed up and need help. I want to have open communication. For them to know what I expect of them, but for them to know that mom and dad are always here.

5. To never give up and to follow their dreams. I want them to believe in themselves. I want them to dream big and to follow their dreams always. They WILL have hard times, life will not always be easy, but as long as they face challenges head on, they will come out on top.


Friday, August 9, 2013

Five on Friday!

Linking up with Darci, April, Christina,  and Natasha for Five on Friday.

1. Love, Love, Loving my Nutribullet. It makes great smoothies and is super easy to clean up. 
2. We officially decided what we are doing for Halloween. Gianna is super into Princess Sofia and while searching on Zulily, I saw an infant bunny costume, so low and behold Gianna and Miles will be Princess Gianna & Clover this Halloween. OMG they are going to be so stinking cute.
3. UGH, my whole family has caught this nasty summer cold, I wish it would go away, it is disgusting and TMI, but I do not know how it is humanly possible to have this much mucus in your nose.

4. Gianna starts mothers morning out at the Catholic school at the end of this month, so we have been shopping for new fall clothes and man I am having fun with her clothes this year. She loves it too. Her feet recently grew, so she has gotten a bunch of new shoes as well. Thank you Nordstrom semi-annual sale.


5. I have 4 weeks of maternity leave left and I am thoroughly enjoying my time with my kiddos. I feel so amazingly blessed to be living this beautiful life. I grow more and more in love with my little spit fire girl and my sweet cuddly boy every day and have I said I feel so lucky to have both a boy and a girl, because I do, man I do!







Button Swap

Would love to swamp some buttons. Please contact me or comment here if interested :)
gchangar@gmail.com

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Throwback Thursday Post..When I knew he was the one

My husband and I moved pretty fast. We started dating, became exclusive, moved in together and got engaged within 10 months, but after about 3.5 I already knew he was the one.

When we met I had been going through gastrointestinal issues (stomach) for several years and was to a bad point. Through a series of referrals and after several tests and failed medications I was referred to an amazing surgeon who said "we can either remove your colon or keep trying new medications as they come on the market". Basically, my colon was not working...so after soul searching I decided to go through with this very risky surgery that is comparable to open heart surgery and could leave me with life changing results like having to empty a bag when I go to the bathroom.

On December 8th, 2008 I had my entire large intestines removed and spent a week in the hospital. After only 3 months of dating, Allan spent day and night by my side. Seeing me puke all over myself, poop all over (yes that happened), smelly and gross he stood by my side and encouraged me through the lengthy recovery. He helped me push blood clots through the incisions in my stomach and was there through all of it. This is when I knew what an amazing man God had brought into my life and that I wanted to spend forever with him.


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

I was nominated for the Liebster Award

Kayleigh from Life of Ry's nominated me for the Liebster award, how much fun! Like her, I had never heard of it, but of course I will participate. 

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
So, what is a Liebster?
The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.
Blogging is about building a community and it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and help spread the word about newer bloggers/blogs.


Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who nominated you.
2. Answer the 11 Liebster questions given to you by the nominee before you
3. Pick up to 11 bloggers with under 200 followers to nominate
4. Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer
5. Notify your nominees.


Here are the questions Kayleigh asked me:

1. Where are you from?- Believe this or not, I was born and raised in Georgia, about 20 minutes west of Atlanta and now I live about 30 minutes north of Atlanta

2. What is your favorite color?- Red, always have loved it!

3. Which season do you prefer?- I love, love Fall! I love jeans and boots and hoodies and Sunday Football with the family, I love everything about Fall!


4. How would you describe your style? Casual and classic. I love a good pair of jeans and a nice t shirt. I am a Gap/Loft kind of girl!


5. What do you do for a living?- I am a Senior Financial Analyst, I crunch numbers.


6. Favorite reality show?- Oh man, this is tough, I am a reality TV junkie. I would probably say the Kardashians, whatever you think is fine, but they crack me up! Also love the Real Housewives.


7. Favorite product for hair?- Not a big product person, so...Conditioner, LOL!


8. What item could you not live with out?- my car. Atlanta is not a good place to get around without one!


9. Favorite actress/actor?- Right now I am really into Channing- I mean who isn't?!! Magic Mike, come on ladies! I like how he is playing so many different roles and he seems like a really down to earth guy.


10. Favorite store?- Loft. Love their jeans, dresses, sweaters, etc. oh and Amazon! I am a big online shopper.


11. Favorite sport?- Football. I like how it brings people together too!


I nominate:
Our Perfect Mess
A Three Grows in Brooklyn

My questions for you:
1. What is one thing you want to do before the end of the year?
2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
3. Where is your favorite vacation spot?
4. What is your favorite TV show?
5. Sweet, Sour or Salty?
6. Favorite item in your closet?
7. How many kids do you want and why?
8. What are your top 2 favorite baby products?
9. Your favorite type of music?
10. Where do you live?
11. Stay at home mom or working mom?

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Trendy Tot Tuesday

Today I am linking up again with Kelly, Megan, and Lindsay to talk about Fall Fashion for the Tots in our lives.



Last year fall for Gianna was all about fun leggings, leopard print, fun hats, and cute tops. This year I am so excited to dress her, because she is a little older, her hair is longer, she is going to school 1 day a week and is in activities so she gets to show off her style more. Even more so I am also excited, because this is the first year I get to dress a boy and a girl!! We will enjoy the leggings, tights, animal prints, fun hats & bows again this year while also enjoying cargos, sweaters,

Here are just a few of my favorite looks from one of my very favorite stores Gap. We will definitely be going fall shopping this weekend and be hitting up the baby Gap as GA has their back to school tax free extravaganza.