The Blog Challenge and Assignment 1

I have taken on a challenge that I am actually pretty excited about! A group of fabulous women are writing to a topic/prompt each week by Sunday. Since I am a new mom, I am way behind on assignment #1 so I will make it short and sweet. The others will be more thought out and a lot more interesting....promise! For those of you who are addicted or enjoy blogging, feel free to join in. You know how I love to read about others....not that i'm nosey, but more that I just want to know you. Anyway, for assignment #1 we were to write about our dream vacation. Anyone who even remotely knows me knows that I am in love with the ocean, so for my first stop I would go to Austrailia!

Australia has such a laid back atmosphere....it's full of wildlife that I love and of course is surrounded by ocean.

 I would snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef,
and enjoy the cuisine and wine taste every night. Heck I may even hang with the koalas and box a kangaroo!

Next stop would be a bit East to New Zealand. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It has beautiful mountains and incredible beaches. Who could want more? I would tour the countryside, check out the beaches, and do some hiking.

    



The last place in my adventure vacation would be my all time favorite stop. I would have to be dragged home by my hair. I'm afraid to visit, because I may never come back. Where am I talking about? That would be the beautiful Islands of Fiji. What would I do there? Absolutely nothing! I want to stay in a hut that extends out on the water with complete privacy. I want it to be so private that if I felt like swimming in my birthday suit it would be completely acceptable...who likes tan lines anyway? I am even having difficulty picking out pictures to share as I type, because they are all so breathtaking.....but, I guess all good things must come to an end. I would end my dream vaca with lots of memories, adventures to tell, and no tan lines ;) Guess I need to apply for my passport huh?

Therapy and Insight

Blogging is like therapy.. Some read blogs because they relate. Some read blogs because they are nosy. Some read blogs because they have nothing to do. I would like to believe that most read blogs because they genuinely like the person writing them. Whoever and however you are, I hope these 25 facts about me help you find something we have in common, feeds your curiosity (I knew it!), passes your time, or reinforces why you and I are friends in the first place.This has nothing to do with my sweet angel. I thought it would be fun to do something about me. A little self reflection...So my therapy begins...

1. I am extremely hot tempered and stubborn, but hide it extremely well
2. I hate competition, but I CAN"T STAND people who thrive on competition even more
3. I love pirates
4. I have an alter ego that I hide inside me. I love tattoos, art, and attitude
5. I don't judge anyone right off the bat, which has developed in me as I have grown into adulthood. I give everyone a chance no matter their looks, race, color, sexual orientation, etc. I do, however, judge if you have given me a reason to.
6. Once my trust is broken it is almost impossible to fully repair it
7. I'm horrible at keeping in touch with people, but would cross the U.S. for an old friend in need
8. My family is about as diverse as they come and to the outside world we look a bit crazy. I love each and every one of them just the way they are
9. I am an ultimate secret keeper
10. I dig old guys
11.I'm not a "pat myself on the back" kind of girl. I analyze everything and wonder how I could have done it better
12. I co-sleep with my child (uh-oh), breastfeed, and don't believe in "crying it out" Call me a hippie if you must
13. I don't go to church that often, but know what I believe and will back it 100%. I am strong in my belief.
14. I expect dedication in my relationships with people because I give dedication to them
15. I look back 10 years ago and don't even recognize myself
16.  I have horrible road rage
17. Family will always come first...I don't care how much money you offer me
18. I cuss...a lot, but I am working on it
19. I used to lack a backbone. That stage is over now
20. I love my job, even on the days when I think I don't. The kids need me and I need them. Loving them may be the only love they see each day. They fill my heart with joy
21. I hate medicine and often refuse to take it.
22. I love antiques and digging for treasures
23. Arrogance is disgusting to me. No one cares how much you make, who you know, how you are better than everyone else. Trust me, NO ONE wants to hear it
24.  I love with my whole heart and have been heartbroken many times before (no, not just by boys)
25. Today I am more me than I have ever been and happier with that than I have ever been. Could I be thinner? Yes....Could I make more money? Yes.....Could I move up in the world? Yes...but I am happy just where I am. I love my family and my diverse set of friends. I love my job. I love my husband and daughter. Life is good :)

I took this from a book that sits on my coffee table. "The Dash" by Linda Ellis talks to my heart every time I read it. I hope it finds a meaning in your heart too. Enjoy!

The Dash  by Linda Ellis Copyright 1998 I read of a reverend who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on her tombstone From the beginning to the end. He noted that first came the date of her birth And spoke of the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved her Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own; The cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard, Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real And always try to understand The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile? Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy's being read With your life's actions to rehash, Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash?

It's been a minute...

Actually it's been 2 months. Crazy how fast time flies when you have a baby and how little amount of down time you actually have.A lot has gone on since my last blog. From acid reflux, to colic, to explosive diapers...we have had our hands full to say the least! I just wanted to give friends and family a little update on Kinley's growth. Kinley will be 3 months old on July 19th. She is growing up so fast. When we took her for her 2 month checkup she was a healthy 10 lbs 13 oz (50% in weight), and 23 1/2 inches (80% in length). She also has a very small head (20%). The doctor said it was nothing to be concerned about. I myself have to buy kids hats...she got the small head from me ;) I am continuing to breastfeed, although we have been down a rough road with this. Kinley was diagnosed with reflux at 6 weeks old and spent 2 whole weeks screaming (especially during feedings) until the meds kicked in. She slept in her bouncer sitting up until this week. We have finally transitioned her to her little cot and the bed. YAY! So far Kinley is smiling, cooing, swatting at her toys on the play mat, baring weight on her legs when held in the standing position, holding her head up, and using a wide range of vowel sounds. We have conversations, however I think she is speaking French. Kinley has been sleeping 6+ hours a night straight and going 3-4 hours between feedings during the day (3-5 oz).
She just recently began her stubborn streak. She screams in her carseat until she falls asleep and lets you know when she is unhappy. I am hoping this passes quickly. Ike and I cannot wait to hear her laugh for the first time....just waiting any day now! I will post some videos soon so you can see her talking. It's pretty darn cute!