10 things on a Friday

1. I caved in and have been listening to Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" over and over again.  Nathan agrees with this song 110% as evidenced by his huge grin when we have a mini dance party in the kitchen to keep him entertained.

2. As much as I swoon over fall, seeing pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks just didn't feel right...it's still 90 degrees and I feel like summer is never going to end!

3. Last night Nathan was introduced to tupperware as toys, and it immediately felt like all was right in the world.

4. I've decided that I need to start driving with a nice smile on my face to combat all the dirty looks everyone gives.  Deep breaths people, you will get to where you need to go.

5. I'm counting down the hours...no minutes...until my hair appointment this afternoon.  The "gray haired" fairy must have decided to bless me since becoming a mom.  Plus, a little self-care sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

6. Fall TV is almost back, and all I need in my life is Modern Family and Scandal.

7. This weekend we have no plans and it feels like a breath of fresh air, although it also makes me feel uneasy inside and I have a feeling we will quickly fill up that space.

8. My grandma was in town this past weekend, and it was so good to be with family.  We found that wine corks are a beautiful teething toy, while under very close supervision.  Gigi brought out all the laughs in Nathan!

9. Family portraits are booked for the fall!  How has this year flown by that quickly?  Now I feel like I need to get my act together and plan a first birthday party...but even just typing that is making me hyperventilate a bit.

10. I'm still on cloud nine from Andrea and Joey's visit last weekend.  Our favorite breakfast spot, relaxing on the beach, it was splendid!

a flood of change

I'm fairly certain that we are in a winter.  Although the degrees keep climbing upwards, and I've worn every skirt and dress in my closet too many times while giving my boots in the corner a longing glance.  Summer ended abruptly, and winter took over our lives without even giving fall a chance.  So many things have changed over the course of these last three weeks, and I keep wondering when we are going to get a breather, a break, a chance to sit back for a moment and take inventory on what is going on.  

I recently changed jobs, and this rocked my world.  I've always wanted to be a reading specialist, and ended up landing the job I so desired for.  After hitting a couple bouts of disappointment I was floored when I got the call.  This meant leaving my small school that I've taught at for the last five years behind.  My heart wished I could do both, but the truth was that I knew the reading specialist position would be a better choice for my family and relieve some stress that comes with teaching.  Everything happened so fast so in a matter of three days, I packed up one room and set up a new one with a new career.  There's been a number of challenges, but along the way there have been bits and pieces of beautiful moments in my new job that help me see this is where God wants me.

Now, let's not forget that we have a baby!  When I went back to work after having Nathan I was able to work three days, and now I'm full-time.  Holy moly!  How on earth do families do it?  My schedule basically involves pumping, cleaning, showering, pumping, driving, more driving, more pumping, emails, diaper changes, pumping, tummy time, nursing, and let's squeeze some sleep in at the end.  I'm quickly learning that I can't do everything I was able to do before, and I'm squeezing in time to cook dinner at night because that's my release.  But I'm desperately in need of some quick and easy recipes that don't make a huge pile of dishes in my sink!  Nighttimes involve putting Nathan to bed and then tackling dishes, packing lunches, preparing bottles and a diaper bag, and figuring out when I'll ever have time to do emails.   Or date my husband!  

Now would also be the perfect time for our little Nathan to be fussy and needy as well, and it just breaks my heart.  Coming home from work to a crying baby sends me into huge "mama guilt" where I think "If I was just home with him then this wouldn't happen".  That is, of course, irrational.  Nevertheless, he's changing and teething and giving us quite a scare along the way.  The other night he woke up with a terrible cry that he had never made before, was grunting, and his breathing was labored.  I cried, Daniel paced back and forth as we called both moms to get opinions, and after much thought we decided to take him to the ER since his breathing was just not right.  Fortunately, his breathing improved while we were there and his fever subsided as well.  They didn't find anything wrong with him, and even though he's returning to his happy self, there's still something that isn't quite right with him and it's been a challenge.  I will mention, though, that his neediness is something I'm soaking in because it isn't very often that he slows down and just lays his head on your chest.  

One day Nathan will be a bit easier, changes will subside, I'll figure out the magic potion to getting everything done while spending time with my family, and we'll go on a date.  Until that day comes, I'm trying to laugh off the little things! 

a song, a smile, and a baby

Happy Tuesday!  Life has been a roller coaster lately, filled with ups and downs and crazy scenes that I wasn't quite prepared for.  Needless to say, I've been quite the mess.  So I'm trying as hard as I can to focus on the happiness and laughter-filled moments that are splattered across this beautiful life we live.  

The other day while driving (which I do a ton of), this song came on the radio and I immediately was finger-tap-dancing on the steering wheel, bobbing my head back and forth, and wishing I was in my kitchen dancing along.  When I played it for Daniel, I jumped up and started dancing..it's just catchy and leaves you with those warm fuzzy feelings inside.  So I'm sharing this lil' diddy with you today.  I dare you to listen to without wanting to sing or dance along....

There needs to be a warning sign for working mamas on their phone when they go to randomly look at photos.  It should either read, "TEARS AHEAD" or come with a box of tissue.  When you want to remind yourself of that sweet lil' nugget waiting for you at home, don't look back at how tiny they used to be, or at that adorable photo of him smiling back at you for the first time.  While I did exactly what I'm telling you not to do, I found this gem, which immediately brought the tear train!  Why?!?!  How did I get so lucky to have such a sweet baby with the biggest smile ever?  I mean, you're having a rough day just look at this kid! 

And here are some other totally random, smile-inducing photos that brightened my day...