Thursday, August 23

Inside Room 133

 {Pinterest Project}\


 {Word Wall}


 {Bee Kind....etc another Pinterest Project}



 {Because everyone needs some Words of Wisdom from time to time}

 {My tree. Makes me smile :) Their AR owls will be on it once we get started.}
 {TpT printable}


 {View from my desk}

And there you have it, my friends!

Monday, August 20

Today's The Day

My first day with my new students. Wish me luck....I'll need it!

Happy 'First Day' to all my fellow teachers!

Wednesday, August 15

Look-A-Like

Everyone who meets Mary Grace mentions how she looks just like her Daddy-O.

I thought I'd prove, once and for all, that she does in fact look a little like her Mommy!

{Me around 3-4 months old}

{Mary Grace at 3 months}

You be the judge!

Tuesday, August 14

Inspiring Katie


The book,  Kisses from Katie, was brought up in my Sunday school class and it has really peaked my interest. I ventured over to check out the blog {of course} and was quickly hooked. I cannot wait to get started on the book.

I would encourage you to head over and read about this incredible young lady and her awe-inspiring journey to be the hands and feet of Christ. I also would encourage you to check out her website Amazima {the button is located on the sidebar of my blog} and, if the Lord urges you to do so, donate to this wonderful ministry.

I fell in love with this Mosaic necklace. You can find it here in the store section of her website.

What an amazing young lady.

What an amazing journey.

What an amazing God we serve!

Monday, August 13

Life As Of Late

Not Just The Sniffles
Poor Mary Grace has been battling her first little cold for over a week. We paid Dr. E another visit today and discovered she has an ear infection in both ears. Absolutely no fun. The timing could not be worse. This was already going to be a busy week due to school starting, but throw in a sick wee one and it's plum crazy.

Shark Bites
I hated to see the Olympics come to an end. Shark Week is now our nightly entertainment!

It's A Family Thing
Saturday the James' ventured out of town to visit my grandparents, the Grimes'. I love seeing MG with them! She had so much fun visiting her Poppy John and Marlene!



Farewell Summer....Until Next Year
Today is officially my last day of Summer. I had envisioned one last lazy day- it didn't quite turn out that way, but oh well. It feels like forever since I've been  a part of the world of work. I went back for just three weeks right at the end of the school year, and so much was going on that it really didn't feel much like work. I ready to get things going. Although I will be needing mucho coffee to actually get me going.

Happy Monday!

Tuesday, August 7

My Favorite Things: The Sniffles Edition

Poor Mary Grace has her very first cold. She has a stuffy nose and slight cough. Nothing a little saline mist and the oh-so fun bulb syringe can't fix.

Breaks my heart!

We went in for her four month check up- she weighed 12.12 lbs and was 23.75 inches long. She's right in the 30th percentile range for weight, length, and head circumference. Looks like she will be a petite little thing! 

Anywho, I thought I'd post a favorite things list to outline our must-haves while Miss Marry Grace is under the weather. Here are my six must have necessity items for times when our wee-one is sick.


Temporal Thermometer
When my darling is feeling under the weather, the last thing I could do to her is insert a thermometer...well, you know where. With the temporal thermometer, I just swipe it across her forehead and over her temple. No unpleasantness necessary. Plus, I can check her temp during the night without ever waking my sleeping beauty. They are a bit pricey, ranging from $50-$70 depending, but well worth the investment. My friend, Chickadee {who is also a nurse} recommended it while helping me register for baby items. I'm so glad she did!


Little Noses Saline Nasal Spray
Helps unclog things so my sweet can breathe easier. Pair this with a nasal aspirator to really help clear that stuffy nose. Not to be confused with the decongesting drops.

Infant Tylenol
A must with any sick baby to help tame fevers.

 
Vick's Starry Night Cool Mist Humidifier
I love that we can insert the Vick's vapor pads. The aroma helps open up airways and makes breathing a bit easier. Plus, the nightlight is a bonus!

sick-baby-must-haves
Bulb Syringe
Yes, the beloved nose sucker {or snot sucker as we affectionately call it}. We kept the one given to us at the hospital- and thank heavens we did! The hospital type is the best in my opinion. We have four other brands and they are all junk. We considered purchasing one of the battery powered aspirators, but have heard more bad reviews than good from fellow Mommies.



Little Colds Chest Rub
I despise the smell, but if it works, it works! This really seemed to help Mary Grace breathe easier.



There you have it! Our must-haves when our little peanut is battling the sniffles.

What are your go-to items to help get your little one on the up-and-up?

Sunday, August 5

Living The Life You Dream Of

After posting MG's 4 month update, I started thinking about this day one year ago.

So much has changed since that day.

I had reached a point in my life where I had no choice but to surrender my plans, my timing, to the Lord and wait for Him. I was tired of my arms longing to hold a baby- my baby. I hated how I felt when I found out someone was expecting.


Then came Aug. 5, 2011. The day we found out our prayers had been answered.

Looking back, I'm so glad things happened when they did, how they did. Though I had wanted a sweet bundle much sooner, I know wholeheartedly that the Lord's timing was the right timing.

Even still, one year ago I had a completely different view on how I wanted my life to be. Little did I know that pregnancy complications, bedrest, and even job loss were just around the corner. Little did I know, events were on the horizon that would change my plans.


My life today is almost unrecognizable compared to my life one year ago . The longing of my arms to hold my child has disappeared. Most days, my arms are hurting from holding my sweet baby girl way more than I probably should. Career wise I am at a very different place and can wholeheartedly say there is absolutely no where else I'd rather be. I have seen with my own eyes the mighty, healing hand of God. He has brought us through so much, and though it wasn't always easy, my faith in Him is much deeper because of it all.
 
I have been blessed beyond anything I'd ever dreamed- beyond anything I deserve. I thought I was living a full life- but it was full of frivolous, meaningless things. I didn't realize how empty it really was until it was filled to the point of overflowing with things that truly make a life.
 

I am living the life I'd always dreamed of..... I'm living my own happily ever after. The path to reaching this place was not what I'd planned. But in the end, the destination is the same.





Four Months and One Year

Our darling Mary Grace,

Yet another month has passed and we're now celebrating four fabulous months with you in our lives. Today also marks one year since we found out a sweet little gift from above was on the way. It hardly seems like it's been a year since that wonderful day. Then again, it feels as if you've always been right here.

 

 Let's catch up on all your latest happenings....
{Right after you rolled over back-front for the first time}
Yesterday was a big day for you-- you rolled over from back to front for the first time {17.2 weeks}. Mommy, Daddy, and Granny were all cheering you on! I couldn't have been more happy if you had won Olympic gold. You were oh-so close to then rolling from front to back, but you gave up and decided to giggle and play instead. I think you realized Mommy needs a little time between these milestones ;)

 {Your cabinet shelf looks different! Check out all that yummy food}
While stocking up on baby supplies yesterday, Daddy and I picked up size 2 diapers. That's right, you are now in size 2's! We also picked up stage 1 baby foods. Mommy had to try her hardest not to cry in the checkout line. I cannot believe it's time to start you on solid foods! You are going to love those yummy sweet potatoes and I cannot wait to see what a mess you will make with the green beans.


Moments like these- seeing you roll over and watching you taste real food for the first time- are so bittersweet. Knowing that each day you are growing closer to no longer being my little baby makes me sad. At the same time though, I cannot put into words the joy I feel when you accomplish new things! You've helped me see that moments like these are what make a life.


We have had to retire most of your 0-3 month clothes and moved up to 3-6 months this past week...and poor Mommy had a meltdown when I started packing away some of the adorable outfits you were only able to wear once or twice. You're growing way too quickly...can I make time slow down just a little bit please? No worries though, we've got some adorable new frocks in the new lineup so I better get you in them ASAP.


As far as eating, you still never miss a meal. You are now eating 5-6 ounces at every feeding. You are  gulping down an impressive 8 ounces {with cereal} for your bedtime bottle! You still prefer the taste of oatmeal cereal over rice. We plan to introduce you to the world of real food {well, baby food} in the next few days. I cannot wait to see your reaction! I hope you are not going to be a picky eater like your Daddy :) Daddy and I plan to videotape these firsts so we can make sure to capture your first impressions of "real" food.

{Sporting one of your oh-so-cute outfits from Dubai. Thanks Uncle John!}

You definitely take after Mommy in that you love your sleep. We lay you in your bassinet around 8:00 and you fall asleep on your own in just a few minutes {thanks to Sleep Sheep and "lovie bunny"}. I love that you can put yourself to sleep. You have been sleeping through the night for some time now. You usually wake between 6:30-7:30 each morning. Our original plan was to place you in your big girl crib for the first time tonight. You're a little congested and seem to be coming down with your very first cold, so we agreed to let you stay with us in your bassinet a couple more nights. Although I loathe seeing you sick, I'm relieved that I'm able to postpone putting you in the nursery at night. When that night finally comes though, you can bet it will be a hard one for Mommy.

{Another adorable little Dubai dress from Uncle John}
 

Yet another milestone is approaching- your first teeth! You've been quite the little drool factory as of late, and you want to chew on everything! My intuition was correct- big girl, you're already in the early stages of cutting teeth! We've helped combat the discomfort with Orajel, Tylenol, and all the best teething rings and toys we could buy which seems to be helping.


You still love your play mat and could spend all day just chatting away with your "friends". You've started blowing raspberries. Your swing is still your favorite place to nap during the day. Your favorite toys at the moment are your silver rattles and tea time toys with Daddy. You are also hooked on your "lovies". You've never been a paci baby until recently when Granny brought you "lovie bunny". Having your paci attached to a lovie is the only way you'll take it. Even still, it's only for a minute or two. You're thumb is still your favorite. When you start to get fussy or upset, all we have to do is give you a "lovie" and things instantly get better. Bless Granny, she brought you two more lovies {a cow and a puppy} just in case something happens to lovie bunny.



Thank you for being such a remarkable baby and the bestest companion we could ever ask for! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt you know how much you are loved and I hope you know how you complete our lives more than we could've ever imagined. I never could have dreamed it would be this amazing. Our days are better with you in them and I can't seem to wipe off the everlasting smile on my face because we are just so in love with you.


Happy four months, Mary Grace!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Friday, August 3

This and That

Birthday Celebration
We want to wish Nannie a very happy birthday! We are having a little family get together for her this evening and MG is looking forward to seeing her cousins. Bob's mom {aka Granny} is also coming in this evening. She was down last weekend too, but wasn't feeling to well so we didn't get to see much of her. We have missed her and MG is looking forward to some time alone with her Granny tomorrow! 

Wedding Weekend
Last weekend I had the honor of seeing my best friend, Chickadee, marry the absolute perfect man for her! It was such a fun weekend with friends. I cannot wait to have a lunch date with the new Mrs once she returns from her honeymoon.

 

All the bridesmaids
{ We might have had a little too much fun with the photo booth :) }

The Lady in Red
Mary Grace has been her usual happy self! I cannot believe she will be four months on Sunday. She has outgrown almost all of her 0-3 month attire. You won't find this Mommy complaining though- it gives me an excuse to do some shopping. Speaking of shopping, I had a little to much fun in Gymboree last weekend!
 


 
{Tummy time must have worn her out}

Olympic Fever
We have been glued to the Olympics all week. I have even stayed up until 11 every night just to watch the events. I've tried to steer away from news sources since they sometimes spoil the fun by broadcasting the winners before the events air here in the states. Swimming, diving, gymnastics, and track are my faves!
 
 {I'm pretty sure my neighbors could here me cheering for these ladies!}


 


Happy Friday!