Basement is ready for a tenant!!!

Although we didn't intend to spend the entire Memorial Day weekend working on the basement, we are so glad that it's pretty much over. When we first bought the house, the basement looked like a shot out of the early 80's with wood grain walls and blue carpet.

I should have taken a before picture, but here are a few pictures of our handy work. We have a few things left like carpet on the stair, fixing the drop ceiling in a room that will be used for storage, and also finishing up the room that will become a kitchen. We sheet rocked the kitchen and wired the electrical, but it still needs cabinets, appliances, and floors.

Nothing like adding value to our home, although I must say it was hard to remember that when our neighboors were dancing poolside to Lady Gaga. Glad this is behind us.

Five Year Anniversary

It's hard to believe that five years ago today Tim and I said our marriage vows to one another. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a warm windy evening in Corpus Christi, Texas with lots of family and friends, Tim and I both anxiously waiting to start our life together. How it's gotten started!!!! We now find ourselves in a new home, with a 21 month old, and another baby on the way.

Since we had just been to Hilton Head the weekend before, we celebrated with a low key dinner at Stoney River Legendary Steaks. We ate entirely too much which speaks to the quality of food. Nevertheless, it was a nice opportunity to reconnect and figure out where we want to be in the next five years.

Thank you Tim for the past five years of marriage, here's to many more 5th celebrations.

Last Day & Lessons Learned while at Hilton Head

Sunday was our last full day at Hilton Head. It started much the same around 7:30am, big breakfast, and headed toward the beach. Isabella warmed up considerably to the water, made close friends with a Westi and a little girl named Katie, and carried her little plastic purse all over the beach.



There were several moments of mommy guilt, but now realizing that every lesson is an opportunity for me to learn but also to help others avoid similar mistakes while at the beach.

We had so much fun that in the 4 hours that we were there we totally forgot to change her diaper. Lesson #1: When in and out of water make sure to change diapers frequently. The alternative is massive diaper chaffing. Lesson #2: Don't be so concerned with hydration that you feed your toddler too much juice and watch how much sand they are actually eating. The result: major diarrhea. Lesson #3: Cute bathing suites are for indoor pools, when your at the beach get the shirts/shorts. No matter how hard you try, it's almost impossible to keep them from getting a tan.

Needless to say after the above we were all ready to retire to our room for nap time. We resolved to lay low on our last evening with a short walk on the beach and a fish/turtle feeding session on the resort.

The ride back took just as long if not longer than the ride there, reaffirming our decision to vacation in Hilton Head rather than St. Augustine.

First Day and a Half of Baby Moon

Our first babymoon we went to Amsterdam, Prague, and Vienna (courtesy of Delta Airlines). This time around we opted for Hilton Head, SC largely due to the fact that we have a toddler, this pregnancy being little more difficult, and oh yes we don't work for Delta anymore. So vacation isn't as easy as it once was, but we couldn't ask for more.



This slide show is of our first two day's on vacation. Tim and I decided it would be best to make the longest stretch of the trip on Thursday night. So we packed Isabella into the car and took off around 4:30 pm, between the rush hour traffic and our frequent stooping, the trip took about twice as long as it needed to. Nevertheless we ended up in Savannah safe and sound at about 10pm. Isabella's normal bedtime is around 7:30ish, so I was a bit worried about being in the car with her this late; however, she continues to surprise us. Yes, she wasn't exactly the Happiest Toddler on the Block, but when she did fuss, it would often be followed by moments of sheer delirium where she would laugh and babble to herself. A baby's babble is the sweetest thing. I know this too shall pass but I caught myself wishing I had a voice recorder so I could listen to her time and time again.

The next morning, after Tim did a little Stevie B's work we went down to the Historic District. We walked around the much improved Forsyth Park and played around a few random squares. Isabella made fast friends with dogs, squirrels, and anyone else who would give her the time of day. To avoid an uncomfortable restaurant experience, Tim and I grabbed Lady & Sons to-go (a nice way to avoid the crazy line and over eating). Isabella was a big fan of the red beans and rice. Afterword we played a little in the modern water structure nearby, and then set out to check into our hotel in Hilton Head.

The beach did not receive that warm of a reception from Isabella the first time around. Isabella doesn't like anything in her shoes: mulch, gravel, and much less sand. It was also a bit chilly at the beach so our time at the beach ended quickly that afternoon.

Our little baby had a much better beach experience the second time around. She's still not like a fish in water, but she did enjoy walking around, running after dogs, and blowing bubbles. After lunch we retired to our room for her nap, where she was so tired that she tried to climb into her pack and play.

Immediately after she woke up we went to Harbor Town for the evening. We walked up 120+ steps to the lighthouse and caught a beautiful view of the harbor. Isabella enjoyed running around the lighthouse.

Dinner was again another mess, but this time God took mercy upon us and sent us two little angles. There was a nice couple sitting near the window (and the table next to us) that offered to watch her while we had our meal. We were reluctant to to ruin someone else's meal, but Isabella went to her with out an ounce of hesitation. The lady was a retired 1st grade teacher, and had a special gift with children. They passed the time with Isabella in her lap people watching outside the window. We were so overwhelmed with her generosity, that we promised to return the favor if we ever saw a need for it.

After dinner we walked along the Harbor, where Isabella hit the lotto with a sweet miniature Yorkie and owner. His response to "Can she touch your dog?" was "She can do anything she wants to it". Needless to say she grabbed him with all her love. She is absolutely fearless when it comes to pets!!! We're trying to teach her how to respect them and their owners.

After diner we returned to the hotel, where Isabella proceeded to eat the dinner she should have eaten at the restaurant. We did somersaults on the bed, played on the balcony, and read books for what seemed liked forever. It was around 9pm before she went to sleep, but what are vacations for if not to stay up past our bedtimes.

Bunco Baby Shower

I know many people forgo a baby shower for their second child; however I personally felt that a second baby was just as deserving of a welcoming as Isabella. To each their own, but I am so glad I had an opportunity to share this special moment with some of my closest friends.



Prior to several of my friends having babies we use to play Bunco once a month. It basically was an excuse to just get together and chat about what’s been going on in each others lives. So when the shower came around, I thought it would be a great idea to incorporate the two.

My sister and one of my closest friends Amy Sewell hosted the shower at our house. Although it was a lot of work leading up to the shower, we are so happy with how well the house looks. Now it’s a matter of keeping it clean. The ladies put together a great spread with humus, spinach dip, fruit salad, quiche, chicken salad bites, and strawberry cupcakes. Aimee (my sister) designed the most adorable diaper cake with fresh flowers.

Baby number two came into some great loot primarily diapers, wipes, and gift cards. We also got a really fun monogrammed cooler baggie, fun burp cloths, and an awesome handmade breastfeeding cover up.

It’s times like these that we are reminded of how much people care for us. Our family is truly blessed!!! Thank you to all of you who were there in presence and in spirit.

Mother's Day

Today I was blessed to celebrate my second official (third unofficial including my first pregnancy) Mother's Day. I was surprised in bed by my two favorite people with my gift and card (see video below).

We quickly got ready and headed out to J Christopher's for breakfast. After our dining disaster in Fort Wayne, we were a little nervous. This time I made an effort to not feed her much before arriving, and entertained her with just a few raisins until our food arrived. It worked!!! She ate her breakfast, and we got out of there with very little drama. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOMMY!!!! We came home and tried to watch church on the Internet, but for some reason Isabella was not all that interested in our pastor.

During nap time, Tim indulged me by helping me nest. We finally put up some of our picture frames that have been sitting in boxes since November. It's not perfect, but I am so happy to see my family, friends, and memories on the walls.

The rest of the afternoon was spent with quality family time. Play time in the park, walks along our suburban nature trails, and dinner. I couldn't ask for anything more on this day. Thank you God for all that you have blessed me with, please help me glorify you in all I do.

Diaper Cakes

Since my first Baby Shower, I've taken and interest in making diaper cakes for friends and family. It's a great gift to welcome any baby, and can be tailored to meet the taste of any mom. Most of my recent ones all have a similar theme, but will soon venture out. Everything in the cake (with the exception of the ribbon) is something the baby needs: wash cloths, bibs, socks, lovey and you can't forget diapers.


If you know anyone that needs one let me know, it a bit therapeutic for me and who knows where it might lead!!!!

Trip to Fort Wayne, IN

As I mentioned in my earlier posting, we visited Tim's Grandma Dorton in Fort Wayne. In years past, we've flown direct; however flights into FW are cost prohibitive which forced us to fly into Indianapolis and drive 2.5 hours. The flight and ride were manageable getting us in Fort Wayne at 3pm. Isabella warmed right up to Grandma and her telephone. We picked up take out and played cards that evening. Grandma's game of choice these days is Yukor, which I would describe as a take on Spades. It's amazing that even at 92 she can still hold a candle to her grandkids.

The following morning we had breakfast with Dawn and Dan Shirk, Tim's cousins. It was so great to meet and chat with them and their gorgeous daughter Gabriella. Immediately after breakfast we picked up Grandma Dorton and went to the Children's Zoo. She was not a big fan of the seals, but loved watching the ducks and peacocks roam about the zoo. I had a good time in the petting zoo with Isabella, as did the goat that would not stop eating my shirt and hair. Our favorite were the little penguins that got up close and personal with the zoo's patrons.




During Isabella's nap I set out to Home Depot for flowers to plant in Grandma's outdoor space. Upon arrival and Isabella's awakening we had lunch outdoors, as we didn't have a high chair and wanted to keep the pasta sauce off the carpet.

Isabella and I went for a nature walk that is behind the development. It's amazing the transformation she makes when she's outdoors. She's like a little cave baby, who was born to be outside. No fussing, no tantrums, so agreeable makes me want to spend the majority of our days outside.

After Tim diligently planted over 30 plants, we set off to dinner at Don Hall's The Factory. Isabella learned to snap herself out of her high chair and in protest stood up and started yelling. Rather than ruin our and every one's dinner we took Isabella outside and took turns eating our dinner. The food was fantastic, but Isabella certainly ruined our dinning experience. So much so that we have deiced not to take her out to eat until we fix a few discipline issues. We ended another night playing cards, where I won TWICE!!!!!! I never beat those two at cards, and victory was sweet!!!!

The following morning we took Grandma to breakfast and spent some with her at her place. After a few pictures and hugs we began the torturous trip back to Atlanta. We boarded our plane an hour after her nap time, and it was not fun once we hit the skys. After one hour of fighting to get her to sleep, she finally fell asleep during the last 10 minutes of the flight. Our trip back started at 9:30 am and ended at 6pm, but for that sweet lady we would do it again in a heart beat. I can't express how special it is each and every time I get to interact with Grandma. She really is one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. Always giving people the benefit of the doubt and seeing the best in them...two attributes we all can stand to exhibit more often. We are so lucky to have her in our lives!