Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Shots or NO Shots? - That is the Question!!!

My Journey to answer this question began long before giving birth to the most precious little creature I have ever met! In fact, I was intrigued with the controversy years ago after falling in love with one of the little girls I used to care for that had a special need. I continue my search for an answer to my question. In the meantime, I am writing my Master's Thesis, My Practicum, on Autism and how to teach it. Now before I begin this blog, you must understand two things, I am expressing my opinion to its fullest based on all of the information I have gained from professionals, books, and articles. Additionally, I am not claiming that there is only a connection to vaccines and Autism, rather vaccines lead to much more than just this mysterious disability.

Recently, I ran into this interesting video about what is included in the FLU vaccine, we've all heard it, but have you ever really thought about it? It's extremely gross! I am going to share this video with you simply because I believe that many of us are tainted by the fears that the media/govt tries to force upon us. You need to see this, especially if you are a mother and considering getting one! WHATS IN A FLU SHOT

It's no surprise we all run around like a chicken with our heads cut off to go get the vaccine, especially the new H1N1. But come on people, do you realize just how much Pharma is getting from us? It's political, face it. 130 children die of the flu each year in America, that is much less than cancer (which has also successfully been linked to childhood vaccines). Did you know that just fifteen years ago there was only seven vaccines recommended (my numbers may be a bit off, forgive me for my estimating)? Now our children, our precious babies, are supposed to be able to handle over fifty?! WHAT!!! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME.

We're really required to play Russian roulette. When is the last time Polio was in your area, let alone in America? And diphtheria and the MMR diseases, come one, we haven't seen an outbreak in years, and did you know that if those diseases became an issue, you could go get vaccinated. What we're doing to these little bodies is overwhelming them so much that we gave them things like brain damage, and other childhood problems. Now, I am not a doctor, but I know some that would back me up (plus I am only two years away, te he!)

I have to admit, I was dooped into the "political fears" myself. After all the time I spent researching both ends of this spectrum, I went into my daughters two month appointment, when I was convinced that she could die if she did not get two vaccines. Granted, if she ever did catch either, yes, she could die, but what the docs and Pharma don't tell ya is that those diseases are EXTREMELY RARE! And a lot of those diseases are in areas of uncleanliness.

There is an alternative. Instead of inundating these precious little bodies with things that are RIDICULOUS, lets go the more natural route, the route that the Good Lord blessed us with. Breast is best, right? Did you know that breast milk serves as a stronger antibody for the rest of your babies life than a vaccine!? There are VERY strong antibodies in a mothers breast milk that protect our beloved babies from many harmful things. That's easy.

Let me also tell you about a little miracle medicine I was introduced to about two years ago. I am not going to go into a long story, but I used to suffer EXCRUCIATING migraines after a car accident. Doctors could not find anything wrong with my neck, and resorted to narcotics that would take off the edge. Not exactly how I wanted to spend the rest of my life; on drugs, addictive drugs. Sooo... I found, Erin Elster, D.C., she is a cervical chiropractor, the only practicing one in Colorado. She was also my miracle. She found a vertebrae outa place in my neck and adjusted my body to it's natural alignment (the way God designed me) and I have been healed of frequent migraines. The one thing I did not know until recently about Erin's medicine is that she has healed all types of diseases by positioning the body back to its original form. Now, don't confuse Erin with any normal chiropractor. Her medicine is distinct in that it is only cervical. She has proven that many of childhood diseases, disorders and problems can be prevented by adjusting little bodies back to their proper alignment. Proper nutrition and this type of medicine can keep our little precious babies from experiencing severe brain damage or other things caused from RIDICULOUS and UNNECESSARY vaccines. Please check her out if you are in doubt. Erin Elster

You should know, I am NOT saying that if you get your child vaccinated he/she will end up with a problem somewhere down the road. However, I believe that there is some type of effect that these vaccines have on babies bodies that could potentially harm them. That reaction and the risk we take is just a game of Russian roulette. Some bodies are just simply weaker than others.

With the recent controversy of Autism and vaccines, many doctors and the CDC are warning parents that there could be an outbreak of any of the diseases. The truth is, you as a parent of an innocent fragile child have the right to make an informed decision. I have a lot of information and resources, I would love to share with you if you are considering vaccinations. PLEASE, PLEASE, be careful.

Hoping and Helping to Protect God's precious little angels, Autumn-Rose



Aniela Ysabel Titone
2 1/2 months old
Healthily thriving
without vaccinations
ALL SMILES!!!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

My Angel



Please forgive me for my lack of staying up to date on here! Motherhood is so rewarding! I just said yesterday how all my dreams are coming true. If my little girl only knew how much I look foward to waking up each morning to her, and those of you who know me well know that I have NEVER been a morning person. Her smile takes my breath away. Her smile melts me.

So she is almost three months old; a total of 11 weeks this Saturday! WOW... its amazing. Some of the things we've experienced:

Cradle cap - YUCK!!!
Blue eyes - YES THANK YOU DADDY!
Long blackish hair - GoD, I hope she gets to keep it!
Smiles, Smiles and more Smiles
Scoots - yeah that's right she is already using those strong arms!
Swimming - Aniela loves her baths, she's gunna be a swimmer!
Shots - Daddy and I are not following the reg CDC schedule
I HATE SHOTS!!!

That is just a little bit of the adventures we are experiencing...
Oh yes... I forgot one... We are up to 10 and 1/2 hours sleeping straight through the night!

THANK YOU JESUS!

I love my little Angel!



Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Tainted


Did you know that according to Miriam Webster dictionary, "to taint" means to become weak. Well let me just say... I am weak! My little girl has officially tainted me. They said this would happen. They said you would spend hours, days, etc. admiring her. I sorta believed it, but not like this. The minute my little "Auni" starts crying, mommy is instantly comforting her. And its not like she cries all the time, in fact it's almost the opposite. So much that I can officially say God has tainted me with a very beautiful, healthy, good baby girl. I am tainted so much that I can't imagine my life before the moment I held her in my arms. When they tell you, you will do anything for her, they weren't kidding. I liken it to the way Christ died for me on the cross... yup... I would die on a cross for her. "To Taint" means to make weak... yet... I consider my "weakness" my strength. This little girl has made me so much stronger.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Aniela Ysabel Titone

Welcome...

ANIELA YSABEL TITONE

"Angel Consecrated to God"

Born Saturday, July 18, 2009 @ 8:38 am

7lbs 6ozs


Aniela graced this world on such a beautiful day! Despite the last h
our of labor, mommy did great! Aniela is sleeping through the night for the most part... that is if you consider 5 hours straight "sleeping through the night." Mommy and Daddy are adjusting to this "parenthood." It is quite challenging and often very hard, but always a TRUE BLESSING! God has blessed us with the most beautiful little girl we could have asked for.


Mommy is praying that God sends friends (mommy friends) for sanity. Daddy is praying God sends sanity on mommy's behalf. And Gracey is praying Aniela grows up so fast so she can eat all the yummy food that drops on the floor! There is not a day that goes by that mommy is not up looking like a person and out trying to stay busy. Mommy even started a job tutoring because she needed a nice break... but don't let these words deceive you... Every minute mommy is away from Aniela, she misses her!




Just today mommy found he
rself asking God, "why?" Sometimes it's "why me?" "Why did you bless me?" and other times it is "why?" "Why does this have to be soooooo stinkin' hard!?" The good Lord starting playing mommy a song "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns. And it reminded me that there is no giant bigger than God. (i.e. there is nothing that God can't beat!) I just wanted to copy the lyrics because this is exactly how I feel each morning when I wake up and realize each day is a new challenge.



Oh what I would do to have
The kind
of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat and then
on to the crashing waves


To step out of my com
fort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed

The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you never win!"
"You never win!"



Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do
not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes

to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And h
e laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"



Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
On top of them lookin' down
I soar with the wings of EAGLES
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me


Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe-

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you, you are

My Aniela is true beauty and a gift...
we will figure this out...
we will figure this out...


With Love...

Autumn-Rose







Thursday, July 9, 2009

Take a deep breath... is this really happening?

Earlier this week I wrote about all the many things I am thankful for. I hope you got a chance to read it. Here it is Thursday and I am so overwhelmed with my blessings I have to shout out!

I know some of you have only been following my blogs for a little bit, so you may have missed out on some of the really good ones that I had hoped were encouraging. I am going to refer back to a couple of those today, as I think its necessary.

Okay... so as some of you may recall from my "When You Believe" Blog... posted back in March... I spoke about a recent miracle (of many) that Toby and I were being blessed with. Since that blessing, Toby and I have continued to live out God's direction for our lives. We have faithfully started tithing again, and we have faithfully continued our prayers, and we have faithfully found a church to call home once again. In the midst of our faithfulness the Lord has continued to bless us abundantly. I am not referring to only material things either. The Lord has greatly blessed our marriage as well (not that Toby and I ever had a problem) - but we are learning to communicate on such a deeper intimate level. Might I recommend some books: The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman, Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs and The Unexpected Adventure by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg. Toby and I are currently reading the later of the three. Anyhoot... it is through these devotionals and intimate reading times that Toby and I have really connected to each other and our marriage. I never thought I would say this, but Toby is my world. He is my soul mate and so much more. He has blessed me beyond belief and I could not have asked God for a better partner to go through life with.

The Lord is also blessing us in so much other areas of our lives. As seen in the "When you believe" blog - Toby and I have been working deligently to get out of the massive debt we accumulated. March seems so long ago from what we have accomplished since then. We have saved so much money since then, not only that, but we have been faithful coupon users! AH! I admit its a fun, very fun, addiction, believe it or not. To see some of those savings check out our "I can teach you to save money" blog (you won't be disappointed)! Well in addition to our diligent work and faithfulness, we were given another gift to pay off more of our debt. Toby and I can now say that we have exactly 7,000.00$ left in credit card debt to pay off (also saying we will be almost completely debt free after we pay that off!). Oh this is so exciting, I can't even begin to tell you how freeing it is to know that everything we own is ours and in less than a year we will have our final card paid completely. This is not to say that Toby and I are still asking God for guidance in paying back my student loans, but we are at peace knowing even those loans are in his hands.

Additionally, because we are loved by the GREATEST of all, He continues to bless us. Toby and I just found out today that he was promoted! Toby is now a level 2 instead of the level 1 that he has been for years. Now Toby is NO LONGER at the bottom of the totem pole! You have to understand how much we count this accomplishment as a blessing from our Heavenly Father. In these tough economic times, and knowing we have two more weeks left until our daughter graces our hearts and arms, we can't help but know this was God's way of showing us just how much He has us!

We are saddened by some of the things that are going on around us personally and non- personally, but we have so much to be thankful for. We have so much to live for... we have so much to give our daughter and teach her... we have so much! We are thankful for those of you have bent over backwards to make our wishes for our daughter come true. You know who you are... we know the Lord is going to bless you guys just as he is blessing our family. But because I can't help myself... and because I said I want to shout it all out... here our just a few thanks we owe (I will try to remember everyone!)...

Thank you Jesus!!!
FOR EVERYTHING
Thank you Rachy and Mikey...
for agreeing to be our daughter's God Parents...
Thank you Roger and Marvel...
for what you've done for us there are no words...
Thank you Mommy...
for the many hours we know you are going to commit to our little girl...
Thank you Aunt Lori and Uncle Bill...
for your blessings...
Thank you ULA...
for promoting my hubby and keeping him humble...
(hes the most humble man I know)
Thank you to all of you who came and participated in our baby's shower
And if I missed anyone... thank you for what you will do!

Toby and I are celebrating our one year anniversary this year... we know that the baby will be somewhere between a week to three weeks old... so keep us in your prayers that she latches on a bottle so that mommy (that'd be me) can breast pump so Toby and I can enjoy our anniversary alone! WE are so thankful for the time we get to be together as we know we could not have started such a more beautiful journey without each other.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Blessings Abundant

Dear Faithful Readers...

I have not been keeping this thing updated... in fact... I really haven't felt lately like doing much other than sleeping and dreaming of the day I hold our baby girl in my hands! But... there comes a time when peps begin to wonder whats going on... so here goes...


I am than
kful for:
My husband - who has been one of my greatest sources of comfort
My Pregnancy - not much to complain about, it's been pretty good!
My Gracey - the Lord blessed me with the greatest "best friend" anyone could have asked for
My baby girl - so many people can not have children, and we have a healthy one... thank you Jesus!
My Home - we love it here in Castle R
ock, we'll be here for a while
My Education - I love being challenged to use my mind and talents
My Doctor (OB) - I could not have asked for someone with a better "bed side manner"
My husband's Job - let's just say
we are VERY blessed in that area
My debt-free mentality - It's just NOT the American Way (debt, that is)
My baby girl's room - So many people have contributed to making sure she has everything she needs.
My Mom - let's just say "what would I do without her!"
My cousin Jac-lyn - she is such an inspiration to me
My church - so what if we meet in a movie theater?
My heart for the Lord - ho
w do people make it without him?
My 4th of July this year - what a great show it was!
My pain threshold - according to my dermatologist (who freezes off my wart every two weeks) says I have a great pain threshold!
My life - it is consumed with so much positive thing
s, be it the mistakes I have learned from, or the road less traveled I have chosen to walk down many times, or the people that come and go and leave a print, or the many experiences I have yet to look forward to...

I AM SOOOOO BLESSED!
I do not take advantage of the many gifts the Lord has given me.


BTW - I am dedicating this Blog to the GREAT LATE M
ichael Jackson. He was one of my greatest idols (aside from Celine Dion) from the time I can remember. I do not judge his mistakes, nor the things that people spoke of him, because I know there is only one Judge. And I pray that MJ's soul made it to Heaven, as he was a believer of the GREAT ALMIGHTY! He will be remembered forever and truly missed by me and I will teach my little girl about the king (of talents) he really was!


PS... I have noticed if you try to view our blog using "Internet Explorer" - the blog does not come in right... you either have to use Mozilla to view it correctly... or let me know if you see a black top in my titles name and nothing to the left side of this blog!


Friday, June 26, 2009

Happy Birthday RACHY!!!

This is a...
BIG BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT
to Rachy!
--- I hope you have the best birthday ever ---
I miss you and love you so damn much!
Love Always,
Autumn-Rose


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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

We can't wait to meet our baby girl!!!

Life's Precious Moments



Thanks to Megan Jarrett


I am so Thankful I married such a handsome man!!!


We are so looking forward to meeting our baby girl.



















I never knew two people could create such a beautiful thing...
(and I haven't ev
en met her yet!)



God is giving us such a gift...



















Love conquers
all evil...



Thanks Megan Jarrett for your beautiful work!

If you would like to see more of
these photos please click here.

Check out more of Megan's work at www.meganjarrettphotography.com





Monday, June 15, 2009

NOT ME!!!

I am going to try something new today. And I am going to PRAY that I do it right! Most of you DON'T know about "Not Me Monday's" - well I am not sure I really know either, but I am going to give it try. My friend does this on her blog almost every Monday which she picked up from this website MckMama.

You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. Or you can continue to read about my "NOT ME, Monday!"






BTW - My "Not Me Monday" is really a reflection of the last two weeks.

On June 2 (two weeks ago) after Toby and I returned from our trip to Iowa and Wisconsin, I did not have to go to the OB by myself. My husband knows I can't stand doing this stuff by myself. So when "I" got to the doc's office, I did not start crying when the receptionist told me that my doctor was no longer there. I promise I didn't start freaking out and even maybe black out for a little bit when the Nurse Practioner that they made me see told me I was overweight and measuring at 38 weeks along when I was only 32 weeks along. And I assure you I did not tell the staff that I would not do an "emergency" ultra sound without my husband by my side. NO NOT ME! I would never freak out!

I did not spend the day debating whether or not to go to yoga that night because my emotions were too outta' wack! However, I did decide that it was the best thing for me. Ironically, on my way outta' the hospital I ran into my doctor. And though she was on the phone and I was soooooooo extremely excited to see her, I did not write her cell number all over my hand. I promise when I called her, I didn't sound anxious with adrenaline because I had had the worst day ever. No! I wouldn't do that! (BTW - my doctor started her own practice!)

Long story short, I did not spend the next couple days of my life wondering what the heck was going on with me. I promise I was not thinking 24/7 that this baby was coming any minute. And I do promise you that I was not texting my doctor back and forth because I was so unsure about everything. I would never worry that much...

Fortunately, an ultra sound on June 4 proved that I was NOT 38 weeks along. However, I assure you that I wasn't still worried enough to request another ultra sound to make sure details were secured. A week later, June 11, I did not get butterflies in my tummy and maybe even a little tear in my eye as the ultra sound tech told me that our baby was the livliest baby she has ever seen. Nor did I cry when our baby girl started playing peek a boo with the camera! Oh, and let me assure I did not cry when I got to actually see her eye ball move across her eye cavity! And I am sure I didn't tear up even when I told mom about our experience. Not me.

When we got back home I am sure I did not hear on the news (a breaking report) that there was a TORNADO WARNING for Castle Rock. I didn't spend a half hour on the back porch of my condo squeezing my husbands hand as I watched the clouds. And I am pretty sure I never shed a tear in fear after hearing three funnel clouds were spotted. NO, I PROMISE, Tornados are NOT my greatest fear and I WOULD NEVER freak out about one! NEVER!

A half hour later at my OB visit for the week, I don't think I heard that my blood pressure was ASTRONOMICAL. (Gee... I wonder why!?) I am pretty sure that my doctor did not start explaining to me the possibility of having Preeclampsia. And I know for a fact that I DID NOT have to go to the hospital for "stress test" because my doctor was worried about me and the baby. And as surprising as it sounds, there wasn't any "inkling" in me that actually wanted the doctor to send this mama into labor. NOPE, I was perfectly happy being all hooked up and even pricked (let alone being in a hospital) even if I wasn't going into labor.

Oh' Yeah and I assure you that two days later I did not end up back in there at the hospital for ANOTHER "stress test." I promise it wasn't because I was craving cupcakes and made my husband take me to Wal-Mart, which then I did not proceed to insist I check my blood pressure because I was worried. I wouldn't worry, remember I said that before? Nope, I sure didn't freak out yet agian if I found out that my blood pressure was 146/94 (or something like that!). And even though I know those stupid cuffs at Wal-Mart don't work, I promise you I did not text my doctor because I was worried. Again, I don't worry. So the doc really didn't make me come to the hospital again, that would be pointless. Oh' yeah and one more thing, the nurse at the hospital surely would not have told me to stay away from those "imitation blood pressure cuffs" because we all know they are ALWAYS right. Oh' whoops one more thing... I did not tell my doctor as I was leaving the hospital that the next time she makes me come, she better deliver my baby! LOL.

Okay so thats about it of the "NOT ME's!"


Really quick, I just wanted to say how happy I was that some of you are using my tips from the last blog "I can teach you to save money!" I want to hear about your success stories!

Also, some of you have been wondering where Toby and I are registered. Please don't go over-board and I can't express the importance of practicallity. There are some things we already have too much of... so if you stick to the registry, the better you'll be at getting us something we'll use! Check out our registry here at Baby's R Us and here at Target.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I can teach YOU to shop smart!

The receipt you are looking at is Toby and I's last shopping bill for this month. Some of you may think it's quite odd to blog about grocery shopping, but let me tell you... I can save you so much money if you just follow a few tips!

Okay so when you look at the amount we spent you might be set off a bit and think, "I don't even spend that much!" The trick to our shopping is, yes, though we spent over 100$, you would not believe how long we can stretch it! So instead of having to shop every week, we wait for the deals and the "right" coupons. I DO NOT take full credit for the methods I use, as I have been "influenced" by Dave Ramsey and "The Grocery Game".

BUY IN BULK and
BUY ON SALE!!!


The important thing to remember is this took a little time to "bulk" up on things, so that is why we were able to spend a chunked amount like this! Once you get yourself to the point of having enough, then you can spend your budget on things you need (such as eggs and milk etc.). Because the truth is Toby and I HONESTLY do not need this much food at once. But you would be utterly amazed at how nice it is to have what you need and know you got it for cheap! Plus Wal-mart always has great deals on H&B products (and there are even coupons for those things too!)

Okay so the grocery bill from Wal-mart says we initially spent 150.00$. After, no longer than an hour of clipping coupons (from the Sunday newspaper and The Grocery Game) I was able to save us over forty dollars JUST IN COUPONS! If you know Wal-mart well then you know that is an accomplishment, because their prices are already so cheap. However, Toby and I hate buying produce at Wal-mart because it always goes bad on us... so we look to King Soopers and Safeway for deals. Safeway is infamous for deals on paper products. So we wait for their deals to come around and we really stock up (as you can tell from the pictures below). King Soopers (or Kroger) also always have GREAT deals on fresh fruit and veggies!

MY TIPS:
  1. Actually watch the weeks adds and circle what you could use.
  2. Save every coupon you can, even if you think you may not use it down the road. I ended up switching from a "professional" shampoo/conditioner to WHATEVER is on sale and I have a coupon for.
  3. While you are watching the adds, pull the saved coupons for ONLY the items that are on sale. (HINT!!! Wal-mart matches typical grocery adds)
  4. Make a list - do not count on just "shopping" - and stick to the list!
  5. If you find a deal, bulk up! (For instance: Safeway typically does a deal on a 24 pack of Charmin TP for 9.99 if you buy two packs. You CAN NOT buy good TP at Wal-mart for cheaper than that!)
  6. Don't be afraid to have "extras" right now... it WILL save you down the road. (Toby and I have FIVE Mayos in our cabinet because we buy when its on sale and end up getting it free after the coupons!)
  7. Don't be afraid to make trips to mulitple stores. If the stores are close by you can do the running around (NOTE: Wal-mart does not match manufactors deals, for instance, if Safeway is giving away free 24pack of water if you buy two 12 packs of soda, Wal-mart WILL NOT match it!)
  8. DO NOT pay for coupons! The Grocery Game is a paid membership, BUT you can download the coupons for free, and you can keep going back to get more! Plus what they teach you through your membership on The Grocery Game I am teaching you here!
  9. Stock up on BOGO Deals!
Because Toby and I have faithfully been following this plan, we have been able to save more money for occasions when we eat out (which is usually at least once a week). Our budget is 70$ a week on groceries/food/H&B products/dog food etc. We hardly ever go over because of the system we use. I know 70$ a week is alot, but I promise you, you can do this on much less a week even! We save on Dog Food, shavers, toothpaste, food, YOU NAME IT! YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO Play the Game. And hey, once you figure it out, its amazing how natural it becomes.

Check out our cabinets, we are going to be able to save so much more money for the baby!




Thursday, June 4, 2009

Friends make life better...

Toby, Autumn-Rose, Mike, and Jenny
N.E.W. Zoo in Greenbay, WI

(If anyone knows why my pictures are coming in soooooo blurry will you comment?)



Autumn-Rose and Mikey
(Best Friends Forever)
Comparing Bellies... Mike's is definitely bigger!



Mikey and Autumn-Rose
Check out those stretch marks!
(If you can't see them click on the pic to enlarge it!)



Jenny, Mikey, Autumn-Rose and Toby
Miniature Golf Course, Greenbay, WI



True Love!!!


Sebastian (Bash), Jenny, Mikey, Gracey, Autumn-Rose, and Toby
Sad to Leave :(

Toby and I recently took a mini-vacation (the last one of it's kind - that is without a baby tagging along!). We drove for 20 hours (non-stop) up to Greenbay, WI to visit my best friend for many years, Mike. Upon our visit we found out that he had asked his girlfriend, Jenny to marry him! We were so excited to celebrate such an occasion with them. They asked us to be in their wedding which is such an honor!

Mike will our baby girl's God-Father. This is quite the honor as choosing a God parents can be complicated. While he is so much of brother to me, he will make not only a GREAT God parent, but a marvelous uncle.

We are sad that Mike and Jenny live so far away from us! We wish they were closer because they truly are our closest friends. We enjoy playing hours of board games! Cranium, especially! However, the most exciting of our trip to Wisconsin was Mike and I comparing our bellies! I could not believe Mike had stretch marks, what a HOOT! Who do you think is bigger, me or him? Careful!

Friends have the power to bring ones soul such joy. Without friends I think we would be totally incomplete. We are so blessed to have friends to share life with. We can't wait to welcome such joyful friendships into our baby girl's life.

Stay tuned... more about this trip to come...

Monday, May 18, 2009

Decorating is a BLAST!


So this is the semi-finished product of "Mommy's Project!" I am loving this whole decorating thing! This weekend mom came over for an "us" day and we decided to spoil the baby by giving her a room that is BEAUTIFUL as her. I think it is so much fun to paint. Can't wait to finish.

Still left to do:
  • Buy window shades
  • Finish crib setup
  • Buy wall decoration
  • Fill dresser Drawers
  • Wait for bookshelves (when will they get here?)
  • Put baby in CRIB! YEAH!





BEFORE: Excuse the mess (We just put crib and dresser together)




Mommy was a GREAT painting partner...




What is she doing to poor Toby!?




Toby had to touch places up!




But he was so happy to do so!




I was finishing up the wall outlets while Toby worked on curtains.




What do you think?


BOTTOM LINE: It's purple and that's all that matters. We have much to still do, but ah' the joy I have resorting to the baby's room. Toby asked me last night, "You gunna make it yours?" LOL. I just might have to! LOL.

STAY TUNED... more to come...

BTW - if you're interested Toby and I are registered at Baby's R' US and Target. Click the link to go directly to our registries!