Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love the Fall!! It is by far my favorite season. There are so many things to love about it that I'm not quite sure why others don't share in my same joy. Here's a list of just a few of the reasons I love this season: college football, scarves, crisp air, mums, bonfires, and changing of the leaves. With the changing of the leaves then comes leaves falling off the trees and then dreaded winter. However, I will choose to live in the moment and enjoy every moment of this beautiful season that is beginning. And, I might add, it's even more beautiful here in the mountains of Asheville.
With the seasons changing and leaves changing colors only brings about more changes in my life. I am learning to fall into the role of a stay at home mom. I truly feel this is a season in my life that God has called me to. I look at this as my job. I desire to be the best mom to Connor and best wife to Keith. I want the house to be clean and dinner to be ready for Keith when he gets home so he can relax. This doesn't always get done and he is so understanding if it isn't; however, I feel a true conviction in my heart if I can't create a relaxing environment for my husband when he comes home from a hard day at work. Through all of this God is teaching me so many things and I absolutely love it!
Some other changes going on involve our house and particularly my closet. Keith and I have been living in this house for a little over a year now and since we have finished fixing up everything it is time to decorate. Now, this is my absolute LEAST favorite thing to do. I just feel so overwhelmed with everything. Even when I try to concentrate on one room at a time I can't figure out what I want to do with that room or if I do have an idea, I can't afford it (well, in reality I just don't want to spend the money). This is bringing me to other changes...I'm working on being more crafty. I'll keep you posted on things I try. Now, when it comes to my closet...I'm working on becoming a minimalist. I have so many clothes that I never wear. I found a pin on pinterest that had 13 different articles of clothing turned into 31 different outfits!! This is my goal...to get rid of clothes that I haven't worn in a year or doesn't fit anymore.
Oh! Another change is that I've started back to work (event planning) since having Connor. But that's a whole other blog entry. Time to go clean the bathrooms!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
A lot of celebrating
This past weekend was full of celebration. Saturday was my birthday and Sunday was Hilary's wedding. It was a very fun and tiring weekend. Keith and I woke up Saturday and ran around like crazy trying to get everything packed, in the car, and on the road by 9am. Things definitely take a little longer when you have to pack for a baby AND a dog. Well, we finally made it out the door by 9:30 and dropped Norah off at our friends' house and made our way to Gatlinburg, TN.
Now, birthdays have always been a big thing in my life. My parents and friends have always made a big deal out of them. Keith did such a good job in helping make my birthday special despite the weekend's main focus truly being on the bride and groom. He repeatedly told me Happy Birthday as we drove 2 hours to our destination. He also gave me a Bible and journal. (I've been wanting a smaller Bible like he has.) And after the rehearsal dinner, we walked around Gatlinburg and got ice cream to celebrate. The best birthday present I received was from Connor - he slept through the night!! He slept 7 straight hours that night (10:30 - 5:30). Sweet, glorious sleep!
Now on to the main focus of the weekend - my best friend's wedding! Saturday afternoon we had a women's ceremony for Hilary. She started out at one cabin and began walking to her family's cabin. Along the way, she would come upon a woman in her life with a card to give her (growing up, going to school, traveling, college, etc) in order for her to reflect on her life and she ended with Josh's mom to focus on her future as a Preston woman. We then all went inside and we each wrote a letter to Hilary to encourage her in her new journey as a military wife. It was so sweet! After the ceremony the guys joined us to watch the UT v. Florida game, eat, drink and then have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Sunday, Keith and I woke up early and had breakfast at the Pancake Pantry and then had a little photo shoot with Connor posing with all the Fall decorations in the little Gatlinburg village. It was so much fun! Keith and I don't go out to eat much, especially by ourselves, so it was nice to have adult conversation over pancakes and coffee. (Connor slept the whole time). Here's a couple pictures of our little photo shoot.
After out picture adventure, we got ready for the wedding and were on our way up the mountain! The ceremony was beautiful! It was really nice to catch up with old friends during the reception. The only downside was driving back afterwards. We didn't get home, unpacked, and in bed until midnight. Needless to say, today I have definitely taken naps while Connor has napped.
Now, birthdays have always been a big thing in my life. My parents and friends have always made a big deal out of them. Keith did such a good job in helping make my birthday special despite the weekend's main focus truly being on the bride and groom. He repeatedly told me Happy Birthday as we drove 2 hours to our destination. He also gave me a Bible and journal. (I've been wanting a smaller Bible like he has.) And after the rehearsal dinner, we walked around Gatlinburg and got ice cream to celebrate. The best birthday present I received was from Connor - he slept through the night!! He slept 7 straight hours that night (10:30 - 5:30). Sweet, glorious sleep!
Now on to the main focus of the weekend - my best friend's wedding! Saturday afternoon we had a women's ceremony for Hilary. She started out at one cabin and began walking to her family's cabin. Along the way, she would come upon a woman in her life with a card to give her (growing up, going to school, traveling, college, etc) in order for her to reflect on her life and she ended with Josh's mom to focus on her future as a Preston woman. We then all went inside and we each wrote a letter to Hilary to encourage her in her new journey as a military wife. It was so sweet! After the ceremony the guys joined us to watch the UT v. Florida game, eat, drink and then have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Sunday, Keith and I woke up early and had breakfast at the Pancake Pantry and then had a little photo shoot with Connor posing with all the Fall decorations in the little Gatlinburg village. It was so much fun! Keith and I don't go out to eat much, especially by ourselves, so it was nice to have adult conversation over pancakes and coffee. (Connor slept the whole time). Here's a couple pictures of our little photo shoot.
After out picture adventure, we got ready for the wedding and were on our way up the mountain! The ceremony was beautiful! It was really nice to catch up with old friends during the reception. The only downside was driving back afterwards. We didn't get home, unpacked, and in bed until midnight. Needless to say, today I have definitely taken naps while Connor has napped.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Brave Little Man
Connor had his first set of vaccines today. He was such a brave little guy! He didn't squirm or anything. I mean, he did cry some, but as soon as it was over and I picked him up he calmed down. His legs are a little sore, but that's about it. I'm still praying he doesn't develop a fever - Not sure if Mommy could handle that :( Oh! He was also measured and weighed today. He's now 22.5" long and 10 lbs 15.5 oz. I thought he may be 9 lbs...MAYBE. Imagine my surprise when I saw that he is .5 oz away from being 11 lbs!!! He's getting so big! I love it though. Helps me to know that he's eating enough and that it's quality hindmilk that he's getting. That was one of my biggest prayer requests while I was pregnant - that I'd be able to breastfeed and that it would go well. God is good!
Well, I've been meeting with one of my old college friends once a week to go walking/running with our little ones. I only have a regular stroller but the front wheels will lock so they won't swivel but they'll still roll. I've jogged with it a little bit, but the tires aren't all terrain which makes it hard here in the mountains. Well, my parents have so graciously bought me a jogging stroller for my birthday! It should be here this week and I can't wait to use it! I'll post pics once it gets here.
Well, I've been meeting with one of my old college friends once a week to go walking/running with our little ones. I only have a regular stroller but the front wheels will lock so they won't swivel but they'll still roll. I've jogged with it a little bit, but the tires aren't all terrain which makes it hard here in the mountains. Well, my parents have so graciously bought me a jogging stroller for my birthday! It should be here this week and I can't wait to use it! I'll post pics once it gets here.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Birthday Bash
So, my birthday is next Saturday (the 17th) but I have the honor of being in my best friend's wedding that weekend. So, I decided to celebrate this weekend. Since it was such short notice I didn't really expect many people which was totally fine with me. A few of our friends from Asheville came and Lori (my college roommate) showed up for a few minutes! We grilled out, watched football, played cornhole and shuffle board. It was a lot of fun!
In other news, Connor is growing so fast! He's getting used to wearing cloth diapers all the time (still not at night though). I've officially put all of his newborn clothes away and got out his 3-6 and 6-9 month clothes. It wasn't nearly as an emotional experience as people told me it would be. I am actually glad I had to put them away; it means he's growing and healthy! I take him to the doctor tomorrow for his first set of vaccines. I'm really hoping he doesn't get a fever. I am, however, excited to find out how much he weighs now. Last time he was weighed (minus the time I attempted to weigh him in the produce scale at the grocery store...yes, I am that mom), he was 7lbs 3oz and was 2 weeks old. Now he's 7 weeks and sure is plumping up!
In other news, Connor is growing so fast! He's getting used to wearing cloth diapers all the time (still not at night though). I've officially put all of his newborn clothes away and got out his 3-6 and 6-9 month clothes. It wasn't nearly as an emotional experience as people told me it would be. I am actually glad I had to put them away; it means he's growing and healthy! I take him to the doctor tomorrow for his first set of vaccines. I'm really hoping he doesn't get a fever. I am, however, excited to find out how much he weighs now. Last time he was weighed (minus the time I attempted to weigh him in the produce scale at the grocery store...yes, I am that mom), he was 7lbs 3oz and was 2 weeks old. Now he's 7 weeks and sure is plumping up!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Smiles and Coos
Connor has been smiling for quite some time. Maybe it was gas at first, but now it is most definitely smiles!! During his play time that is all he wants to do. And lately he has been cooing up a storm. I absolutely love it! My favorite time of day with him is the morning. We wake up at 7 for his first feeding and then we play for an hour or so. He just talks and talks (coos) and then smiles. It is the most precious thing! I love seeing his personality come to life every day.
On another note, it seems as though once I have things figured out, Connor does the complete opposite completely throwing me off! If you know me at all, you know how much I LOVE schedules and sticking to them. I also make lists like it's my job; I'd be lost without them (and my calendar). Well, once I think Connor is on a schedule of eating every 3 hours, he throws me for a loop by wanting to eat 2 hours after a feeding! Another thing that is not really helping this consistent schedule is cloth diapers. I have just recently starting using them full time (except for at night - we still use disposables). See, with cloth diapers the baby feels wet much sooner than with disposables. Connor (as with most babies) HATES to feel wet! So, as soon as he pees he cries and won't stop until he's been changed. This includes waking up 30 minutes into nap time in order to be changed. I'm not giving up though!
On another note, it seems as though once I have things figured out, Connor does the complete opposite completely throwing me off! If you know me at all, you know how much I LOVE schedules and sticking to them. I also make lists like it's my job; I'd be lost without them (and my calendar). Well, once I think Connor is on a schedule of eating every 3 hours, he throws me for a loop by wanting to eat 2 hours after a feeding! Another thing that is not really helping this consistent schedule is cloth diapers. I have just recently starting using them full time (except for at night - we still use disposables). See, with cloth diapers the baby feels wet much sooner than with disposables. Connor (as with most babies) HATES to feel wet! So, as soon as he pees he cries and won't stop until he's been changed. This includes waking up 30 minutes into nap time in order to be changed. I'm not giving up though!
Connor's Birthday!
Okay, I have once again slacked on the blogging so I will try to catch you up on the past month...
The biggest change in our lives is our adorable son was born July 25! Let me just say my birth story was almost the complete opposite of what I said I wanted to do. Let me start from the beginning. It was a Sunday (two days before my due date) and I went to cheer on Keith at his soccer game and afterwards I went with him and a few of the guys to eat some Mexican. We came back home like every other Sunday night and just went to bed not thinking anything. I, of course, couldn't sleep so I decided to google some stuff related to pregnancy (my vice at nights). As I laid in bed staring at the computer screen I realized I had googled pretty much everything at least twice...all except breaking of the water. Well, after reading a few posts I realized I had to pee (again...something that happened all the time when pregnant). Ironically, as I was sitting there, my water broke!! Despite just reading the posts about what it is like, I wasn't 100% sure so I called one of my friends, Jennifer (who is a nurse). She assured me that yes, my water had broke. So, I waited and counted contractions before going into the hospital (allowing Keith to sleep a little bit longer). About 4:00 AM we arrived at the hospital. I was wanting to have an all-natural labor, but, well, that didn't happen. I was only 3 cm and literally having contractions 1-2 minutes apart with no break between them. So, I opted for the epidural after a few hours in labor. Things began to progress quickly after that and my sweet baby boy was born at 5:35 PM! Connor Lincoln Edwards 6lbs 13oz 21.25 inches long.
Well, it's been a month since we welcomed Connor into our lives and it has been a whirlwind! First, let me just say that I have always been an emotional person (literally crying at pretty much anything). However, when I was pregnant I cried maybe twice the whole nine months! All of that ended when I came home from the hospital. The floodgates were opened at full force! It was as if my tear ducts were unloading nine months worth of tears in about 2 weeks. The worst part...I was crying for absolutely NO reason! Thankfully, that's over now and I'm back to normal.
We have been keeping busy since we brought him home. If you know me, you know that's nothing to be surprised about since it kills me to just sit still. I love being busy and active. 5 days after Connor was born we were taking him out and about. Keith and I have always said that we don't want to be the couple that sits at home because we have a kid now. We have pretty much been able to do most of what we did before...it just takes a little more effort. The hardest thing is finding things active that we can do together and that we enjoy now that we have a kid. For instance, we love mountain biking, but we can't do that with an infant. We did, however, go rock climbing a few weeks ago and took Connor with us. It makes it harder too since we don't live close to family. We are loving our new adventure!!
The biggest change in our lives is our adorable son was born July 25! Let me just say my birth story was almost the complete opposite of what I said I wanted to do. Let me start from the beginning. It was a Sunday (two days before my due date) and I went to cheer on Keith at his soccer game and afterwards I went with him and a few of the guys to eat some Mexican. We came back home like every other Sunday night and just went to bed not thinking anything. I, of course, couldn't sleep so I decided to google some stuff related to pregnancy (my vice at nights). As I laid in bed staring at the computer screen I realized I had googled pretty much everything at least twice...all except breaking of the water. Well, after reading a few posts I realized I had to pee (again...something that happened all the time when pregnant). Ironically, as I was sitting there, my water broke!! Despite just reading the posts about what it is like, I wasn't 100% sure so I called one of my friends, Jennifer (who is a nurse). She assured me that yes, my water had broke. So, I waited and counted contractions before going into the hospital (allowing Keith to sleep a little bit longer). About 4:00 AM we arrived at the hospital. I was wanting to have an all-natural labor, but, well, that didn't happen. I was only 3 cm and literally having contractions 1-2 minutes apart with no break between them. So, I opted for the epidural after a few hours in labor. Things began to progress quickly after that and my sweet baby boy was born at 5:35 PM! Connor Lincoln Edwards 6lbs 13oz 21.25 inches long.
Well, it's been a month since we welcomed Connor into our lives and it has been a whirlwind! First, let me just say that I have always been an emotional person (literally crying at pretty much anything). However, when I was pregnant I cried maybe twice the whole nine months! All of that ended when I came home from the hospital. The floodgates were opened at full force! It was as if my tear ducts were unloading nine months worth of tears in about 2 weeks. The worst part...I was crying for absolutely NO reason! Thankfully, that's over now and I'm back to normal.
We have been keeping busy since we brought him home. If you know me, you know that's nothing to be surprised about since it kills me to just sit still. I love being busy and active. 5 days after Connor was born we were taking him out and about. Keith and I have always said that we don't want to be the couple that sits at home because we have a kid now. We have pretty much been able to do most of what we did before...it just takes a little more effort. The hardest thing is finding things active that we can do together and that we enjoy now that we have a kid. For instance, we love mountain biking, but we can't do that with an infant. We did, however, go rock climbing a few weeks ago and took Connor with us. It makes it harder too since we don't live close to family. We are loving our new adventure!!
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