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So sorry about the lack of posts lately-  I truly think about my blog constantly, but LIFE has taken a turn towards Busytown...  My hubby and I recieved a wonderful foster placement two days ago and we have been working hard in our home to make her feel comfortable, while making sure our Johnny is also comfy with the situation.  Things are very much in the air right now with our new little one, but she is doing great and I think really enjoying her time here.

Anywhoo... please forgive my sporadic style and know that I will have much more to say once my  mommy schedule is back in place!!  :)

Craziness! Pure Craziness!

What a week!  It's been one of those "sit and read a parenting book, go for a run, take deep breaths, worry worry worry, everyone's totally off-schedule" kind of weeks, you know the ones!

Luckily, I have a stack of motivating and positive books, an amazing husband, and an although sick and exhausted, still hilarious and animated child.

Books piled next to me RIGHT NOW:

  

Although I haven't been able to frequent the gym like I had planned, I have been found rollin' down the road with my Johnnny in the stroller.  The weather has been amazing and I always feel great when I stay active.  Here are some pics from the week so far:

Yes! That IS a "J!" and YES Johnny wrote it!!! 

A reminder for me to slow down and enjoy life's little pleasures.  While on a run, I paused and let Johnny out to romp and climb around... perfect photo op.

I just love the old homes and barns scattered around Humboldt.

Although crazy and a little off-schedule, looking at these pictures and thinking about all of the great moments we've had... the week wasn't all that bad.  I hope everyone else is enjoying their family, community, and environment as well  :)

The Potty Pirate!

I believe The Potty Pirate may be showing up to my house in the next couple of weeks...

Check this out!!! Had to post about it!

We'll see how this pans out... stay tuned for a report!

Potty trained or not... I am in love  :)

Adventures in Babysitter Hunting

So, after having Johnny in our home for almost 10 months now, Terry and I are feeling like a babysitter is a great idea. Also many adult activities have come up in our near future.

So, why does getting a babysitter stress me out?

I had babysitters as a child, heck! I WAS a babysitter! I was a GREAT babysitter.

I know a few things about my relationship with Johnny and my "mama bear" attitude around him...
1.  Trust issues... who is this new person in my home and do I let her close to me?
2.  Abandonment issues... where are my parents going, will they come back?
3.  Unpredictable behaviors... like I said, we've been lucky enough to have Johnny for 10 months, but that's ONLY 10 months! We are brand new parents! Sometimes I have no clue how he will react to things.

I want Johnny to be happy.  I DON'T want him to worry about wether we are coming back, or to imagine we would let strangers in our home to care for him. I want him to know he is loved and that we will ALWAYS return.  

What I can say with confidence however, is that Terry and I need to "date." We need to flirt, we need to talk about adult subjects, watch adult movies, and just take a break from the oh-so-different world of parenting we have recently entered.

A happy couple are happy parents, and this is the base of a happy family.

And so the hunt continues.  Do I call the couple of girls who have offered as friends? Or do we interview and find a couple sitters that are strictly babysitters- I think I could keep more of a professional attitude towards this group. Hmmmm... any thoughts?  First babysitter stories? Please share!

Hey, it's not hurting anyone!

Snow gloves at the nursery today? Sure!

Book we're reading now:

Babies on the brain!

Not only can I think of little other than pregnancy, childbirth, and babies because of my own TTC journey, but I have many friends and family members who are expecting and delivering.  As I mentioned in my last post, I recently returned from a long trip to So Cal.  During that time, I was lucky enough to celebrate these amazing pregnant women through throwing both my best bud and cousin showers!

Here are some pics from the parties:

Favors for Emily's shower:  Salt water taffy in 4oz jars tied with ribbon

Coconut Lime cupcakes yum!!! 

tea sandwiches with a quinoa salad

Casey's mom brought some amazing cupcakes!!

Casey's favors-  I love the colors, they're so Casey!

baking buns  :)

I have to finish with the latest news!  Emily (above on left) gave birth yesterday to twins: Keegan and Emma!  Both healthy but early  :)  They were just too excited to meet their family!  

Home Sweet Home

We are finally home after a wonderful trip down to Southern California.  It was so great to see so many of my family and friends.  Although I'll be missing them, I am so happy to be back home and in my more northern climate.  I just can't handle that heat anymore!

Here are some snapshots from the trip:

Playing with the hose in Mema's back yard!

My Girls  :)

At the Ports O' Call in Long Beach


It was a great end to summer.  We're officially ready for fall!

Our favorite book lately:  A Cat and a Dog (bilingual)