Year in Review - Photo Style

So here we are on New Year's Eve, getting ready to say good bye to 2010 and hello to 2011. Everyone is doing recaps and lists and I wanted to join in the fun. So I stole this idea from All Things Fadra. I hope she doesn't mind. I put together a few of my favorite snapshots from this past year.

Hubby went back and forth about selling this mustang. Turns out Spencer LOVES it. So much that a ride up the street knocks him out. Well, it did back in January. Now? Now he climbs in and tells his Daddy "fast, Daddy, fast!" Can't sell it now, can we?

Spencer and his Grammy K. I love how into the reading he is and hope he enjoys books as much as I do as he gets older.

Spencer's first birthday! A face that everyone loves.

Spencer and his godparents, my brother and his wife.

Coach potato and at such a young age!


Who doesn't love a baby in a bathtub?


Just an all around great shot. I so wanted to win a chance from Modern Bird Studios to re-create. Maybe next year?


Spencer and his cousin get tips from Daddy on how to drive.


Spencer and I in the yard on a nice spring day. He loves the outdoors!

Happy Fourth of July!


At the airport, looking at the airplanes.


Spencer and his Grammy Gigi. His expression is priceless.


The day we shared our news with our families.

This is my favorite shot of the year. We took this on vacation and it just makes me smile every time I look at it.

It is amazing to see my little baby grow into a toddler. *sigh* How fast the time goes when you have a child. And now with a second on the way it will move even faster. I resolve to not wish any time away with either of them.


Happy New Year and may 2011 be your best year yet.

30 weeks 5 days

Dear baby girl,

So here we are at week 30, almost week 31. Today I found out the official day you will be born, March 1, 2011. Spencer will be 2 years and 23 days older than you and you can bet he won't let you forget it when you guys become teenagers!

It's been a rough week here as your brother has been sick and Christmas waits for no one. But we are surviving and I look forward to finding your first Christmas ornament next year. And taking family pictures around the tree.

Well, we are still measuring ahead and so the doctor has scheduled an ultrasound to go along with our normal every 2 week appointment. She didn't seem worried and I think you are just a longer than usual baby. I mean, look at your dad!

You are still moving like crazy, especially at night. I hope you aren't thinking about coming out and having your days and nights mixed up. I don't think I will survive!

We will be painting your room this week and setting up the crib. I can't believe it just a few weeks we will be holding you and bringing you home.

Love,
Mommy

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday - Rockstar Mommy

If you are a regualr around here you've read my Fashionable Friday post. You haven't? Well what are you waiting for?

Anyhoo, I knew as a first time mom I needed to reclaim a bit of the b.c. me. That is the before child me and I was on my way. And then I got pregnant again and it's been hard. Mainly because I just want to be lazy.

But yesterday I decided to shuze myself up to see the doctor and then for dinner later. Here I am...I am pregnant and I AM A ROCKSTAR!

My Monday Musings - Christmas Edition

No real musings today, instead I am going to leave you with a few of our Christmas pictures. Seems that is the thing to do, as just about everyone in the blogosphere has done some sort of Christmas recap.

Our Christmas was just the three of us and we were lucky that all the 'bad' weather made for a great day...because Hubby was able to stay and enjoy Christmas. He had originally been scheduled to work. I consider that our very own Christmas miracle. Anyhoo, without further ado a few shots of our day.

Stream of Consciousness Sunday: Stillness At Dawn

It's that time again...Stream of Consciousness Sunday! Every Sunday, Fadra hosts a day where we can write for 5 minutes and not worry about topic or typos. She's taking a break this week but head over to her blog to see past weeks and visit an all around cool person and blog.

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There is a quietness to the morning that isn't present any other time of the day or night. Well, maybe night but lately I haven't really been a night person and while I am not a moring person, I am slowly becoming somewhat of one.

I don't get amny of these quiet mornings. They begin with a toss and the realization that dawn is almost upon us. I lie there and am either listening to Hubby breath or listening to Spencer. Both have the same deep breath pattern. I look to the window trying to determine what time it is and if I am still tired enough to fall back asleep. Many times at that very moment I don't feel tired but will just lay and think of how our day will go. What will we do? Will I have to face any tantrums? Will I be tired before we are halfway through the day?

There are times the wind is blowing and I can hear the chime in the backyward making its tinkling sound and I try to let it lull me back to sleep. But sleep won't come and so I slowly toss to one side or the other. Still listening to the quiet breathes beside me.

You know when I finally do fall back asleeo? When Spencer decides he has seen enough light creep through the shades in his window to determine it is time to start the day. How am I going to survuive him AND a newborn?

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Want to join in on the fun? Head over to Fadra's blog and check it out.

From our family to yours...

~Merry Christmas~

P.S. This was the final winning shot that went on one of the cards I sent out. The other card had shots from our summer vacation. Thanks again to Shutterfly for making the card process so smooth and easy! I hope family and friends liked our cards as much as I enjoyed making them.

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday - Fun w/ Photobooth

Last night as I was sitting on the computer before heading up for bath and bed, Spencer came to me and asked me to hold him. I obliged and I decided we would have some fun with Photobooth. This was one of our outtakes.

A Few of My Favorite Things - 2010

I have a love/relationship with Oprah. Most days I love watching her and her over the top screaming, etc. I don't think her word is gospel but I have learned a few things and that's never a bad thing. The times when I hate her? When she does her Oprah's Favorite Things episode. People are crying and passing out and she's giving away diamond earrings and closet makeovers and I'm sitting there jealous.

That's right, I admit it, I am jealous when I watch the show. I always dreamed about taking two months off and sitting in her audience praying one day it would be MY turn to get all of her favorite things. I mean think of all the money we would save if all my Christmas gifts came from Oprah? My Hubby would be in heaven cause if she gives you a car, how can that be outdone?

And don't get me wrong when she tells you the audience is filled with deserving individuals, I feel a little better. But not much. And then I thought about it and realized I have favorite things and while I can't afford to send them to all my friends and followers I can tell you about them. And if any of the wonderful companies would care to donate a few products for me to giveaway? Well, I won't say no.

Melisa's Favorite Things 2010

Bubble and Bee Body Butter

I first discovered Bubble and Bee when I got pregnant with Spencer. I was looking for organic products, as the more I read the more I was disturbed with all the garbage in the products I was using. Enter Bubble and Bee. This year they came out with this scent of heaven. I am sensitive to scents and was wary about ordering but am glad I did. It goes on easy and the scent stays with you all day! It smells a bit sweet and a but sultry but not overpowering in the least. I can't get enough of it. Anytime I have it on, someone always comments. Bubble and Bee has not let me down yet and I highly recommend them. Stephanie is always helpful and had a blog about the chemical you should avoid. She doesn't do it to pimp her site but to inform YOU as a consumer. That is the type of business I can get behind.

Uggs

There is a reason Oprah has picked Ugg boots as a favorite thing more than once...they are comfy. Yes, many people thing they are hideous but that doesn't stop me from loving them. I wear have an old pair I wear as slippers, even though they make slippers. I have a new pair that I throw on to complete my winter outfit and they never let me down. My hands can be cold but my feet? Never. They are fuzzy and warm and I look forward to getting a pair of slippers or clogs.

Chanel

Going green with makeup had been very hard and while I have lotions, lip balms, soaps and shampoos, it has taken me a while to find a foundation. So I stopped looking and figured if everything else was green, I would be okay with my foundation. I've used Bobbi Brown, Mac and now Chanel. I am not a big makeup person. I don't wear it every day and am not into the over-the-top makeup look. I prefer subtle...as in is she or isn't she wearing any? This fall my sister introduced me to Chanel's Innocence Compact! It is just the right amount of coverage and isn't too think or oily. That is the one thing I hate about most makeup, it makes my skin oily. I can honestly say I don't have an issue with this compact.

Blackberry

I didn't know what I was missing until I got my Blackberry. It will be two years old and I'm probably due for an upgrade but I love my Curve! Before this I had a flip phone and while I could text and surf the net, it was like a Commodore 64 compared to my BB. I love being able to get my email, surf the web, check Facebook and Tweet. All away from home! When the iPhone came out, I just didn't get the big deal over a smartphone. But I do now. I'd like to say I'm BB for life and many times do. But Hubbs really wants me to love the HTC Evo, which is similar to an iPhone. He may have me...he just recently began playing Angry Birds on that thing. I'm a gamer at heart and that's the only thing I can't really enjoy on the BB. But for now? I am BB for live and don't care who knows!

So there you have it, a few of my favorite things. This post was inspired by Carolyn over at This Talk Ain't Cheap. She got it right when she said Oprah doesn't have a lock on Favorite Things...she just has the clout to give it all away for free!

How about you? What are your favorite things?

28 weeks 5 days

Dear Baby Girl,

I can now really tell you are getting bigger! Some of your kicks and jabs are quite powerful and startling when I'm not paying attention. Some of them even take my breath away, which as big as my belly looks, is pretty easy to do.

This week the doctor asked if I felt bigger. Apparently we are measuring 30 weeks instead of the 28 that we are...I'm not worried. I actually think she measured wrong as she had a hard time finding my pubic bone. And just two weeks before we were right on target. I don't think the 3 pounds we gained make that much of a difference. Guess we will see what happens in two weeks.

We are starting to get your room ready! I can't wait until everything is in place and I can sit in there with Spencer and think about our little family and how it will finally be complete.

Love,
Mommy

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday - Family Portrait

While a picture may speak a thousand words, sometimes you just have to add to it. I get Wordless Wednesday and I even get Wordful Wednesday, so I'm combining it. I like posting pictures and I like adding a caption or back story. Cause in the end, is there really a wrong way to update your blog? Nope, didn't think so.

Here is a nice collage of several bad shots we took before getting a final one to put on Christmas cards. And this year I had THREE different cards that went out. I've never done that before but I thank Shutterfly. I was very happy with their cards and the turn around time on them. I will post the final outcome on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Until then, this will have to do!

My Monday Musings

Today's musing is brought to you by the holiday season. We are in it now and there is no turning back...and yet for many it's a time of stress and running around and trying to accomplish a list a mile long before the big day.



I hear and read about how many people enjoy this time of year and all the trimmings that go along with it and yet I also hear an earful from those that can't wait for it to be over. When did we get so preoccupied with so many things that it keeps us from truly enjoying the reason for the season?

Even if you aren't a Christian, there are so many things to celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice. It's a time of good cheer and kindness and yet when you go out many are so stressed you can't feel the cheer. From people being rude in stores, to stores not being able to say Merry Christmas.

I understand not everyone celebrates Christmas and I enjoy seeing how other cultures and families celebrate this time of year but is it really offensive to have someone tell you Merry Christmas? They aren't do it to know your beliefs or even get you to convert. People truly need to lighten up. I'm tired of everyone being so politically correct.

I want to enjoy the season. I want to see people smiling and holdings doors open for their fellow man. Even when I am in a funk, I turn on the Christmas music station and sing along. Nothing breaks the mood or road rage like belting out Frosty the Snowman,off key.

How about you? Do you love the season? Do you take time to slow down and enjoy it?

27 weeks 5 days

Dear Baby Girl,

This week has been rough. I'm sure you have been able to feel my emotions as they ran the gamut from high to low, making all the stops in between. I'd like to say that everything is related to the amount of hormones coursing through my body. But I'm afraid that isn't true. The hormones only make things more apparent.

I've had to come to terms with some things as of late and they scare me. I want to make sure I truly can be ready to welcome you home. The time is flying by and I don't know where it is going. Your brother is learning words by leaps and bounds and picking up what I can only call big boy behavior. It's all amazing and at the same time disheartening. He won't be my baby soon. You will fill that role. I only hope I can be as good to you as I have been to him.

Things are in motion to make sure I am ready to take on the world as a mom with two kids, instead of as a mom with two kids who isn't sure of herself. Be patient with me.

Love,
Mommy

Wordless Wednesday - Young Love

What can I say about this photo? This is my brother and his wife...they are young, married and in love. And you can tell.

My Monday Musings

This week's muse is brought to you by grandparents. I usually don't talk about family, especially if it may appear to be negative but this week I am going to go out on a limb and just do it.

I don't really remember my grandparents at a young age or as a small child. It seems I just remember them as I was a bit older. I remember it wasn't my favorite thing to go visit, because truth be told? There wasn't anything fun to do at grandma and grandpa's house. The only time it was fun? If a few of my cousins were going to be there.

I vowed things would be different for Spencer (and eventually baby girl). His grandparents are young enough to want to have fun with him and spoil him rotten. He doesn't have to sit still and behave or not be heard (children should be seen and not heard mentality). He can run and jump and scream. It's great, even if I do spend time trying to make sure he doesn't break anything. But it's a big change from how I remember visits went for me as a kid.

What hasn't changed? This need for grandparents to demand kissed and hugs from the little ones. The urge to want to just eat them up as soon as they walk through the door, honestly? Bugs the crap out of me.

I remember having to be told to make sure I kiss and hug grandma/grandpa, etc. I hated it. I grew to resent visits even more because of it. I didn't want to smell the perfume or feel the scratchy whiskers. I wanted to hug and kiss them because I wanted to, not because I was told to.




It is this reason that I will never force my kids to kiss or hug their grandparents if they don't feel like it. Be it that they are in a cranky mood or just a mood period. I want them to be excited to see their grandparents and want to love on them. I don't want to see crying faces as grandma comes in for a kiss or forces one to be given. Cajoling him into it by pretending your sad or your feelings are hurt? That's manipulation and it isn't fair to him.

And shouldn't grandparents want the same? I understand loving your grandchildren to pieces but making them do something they don't feel like? How is that helpful? It's one thing to make them mind when they are doing something dangerous, but avoiding kisses and hugs? It isn't hurting anyone.

Maybe I am weird in thinking like this? Anyone else feel the same?

Stream of Conciousness Sunday: Out of Focus

Focus. It's a small enough word but can pack a lot of punch, especially if you have it. This week in accordance with my belly update post picture I realized I am feeling quite out of focus. Even on a good day, things can be blurry around the edges.

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I remember after college being focused. Or so I thought. I sort of knew what I wanted but Iw as never one to look at the big picture. I really didn't have to and bought into the theory of living for today, working for today and the rest would fall into place.

But now that I am a mom of one and about to be a mom of two...I realized all along I've lacked a bit of focus. I was so sure things would fall into place and I would be able to handle it, that now I look around and realize things are slightly blurred. Out of focus, so to speak.

With a second child on the way I can't help but feel like I am a parody of myself as a mom. Am I doing it right? Am I caring too much? Am I not caring enough? Why does it seem everyone else is somewhere that I am not?

Truth be told I am scared. I am scared that baby girl will arrive and I will have a meltdown. I am scared that Hubby will leave for work for 4 days and will come back to his wife in an hot mess. A bigger hot mess than usual.

I want to be in focus. I want the edges to not be blurred and my mind to clear of the thoughts that are causing it to remain out of focus. I want to be okay with things that are coming.


Want to join in the fun? Head on over to All Things Fadra and link up. It's a great way to write without worry. Except for that 5 minute time limit.

Fashionable Friday

So the time has come for me to put Fashionable Friday on hold. I know so many of you will miss it (not really, but amuse me) but I promise to bring it back. I think I need to brainstorm a bunch of ideas and get them rolling before I bring it back. It's hard work to think of a fashion topic and then run with it. Mainly because I do all my writing at one time with no drafts or outlines.

I appreciate those of you that read and commented on Friday's. I put a lot of work into those articles I did post and hope it showed. If you have a fashion topic you'd like my POV on, please drop me an email.

Thanks,
The Management

26 weeks 5 days

The bump picture for this week pretty much indicates how I've been feeling lately. It's out of focus...I feel out of focus. *sigh*



Dear baby girl,

Each week we are closer to your arrival and each work I grow more worried about how I will handle it all. I really hope you are a quiet baby, who loves to sleep. Even better maybe one that loves to sleep in her crib. Your brother liked to sleep...but in my arms or on my chest. With him and you...well, I will have quite the battle on my hands.

You are always quite active! Trying to throw your weight around in my belly makes for some uncomfortable afternoons and nights. Are you having a party? You didn't ask permission. But I'll let it slide because you did seem to help with the heartburn this week.

Names...we think we found one we may like. Only we aren't telling...not yet. I'm still trying it out to see if I truly like it.

Spencer can't get enough of kissing and hugging you. Can you hear him? Can you feel him? I think he's going to be a great helper. As long as he isn't throwing a tantrum.

Love,
Mommy

Wordless Wednesday: Playing in the leaves

These are the moments that I love capturing. These are the pictures that I will look at when the house is empty and Spencer has a family of his own. These are the pictures I love.