Silence

A few days after Gwen was born and we brought her home, I began to value and adore silence.  Silence meant baby is happy, full, clean, and/or asleep {which usually meant that I was headed to sleep as well}.

Well, my friends...

that is NO LONGER the case.

Silence {other than when she is actually in her crib} now brings fear and panic... because if it is silent now, it usually means she is totally doing something she shouldn't be.

How did this happen so quickly?!?!

Example.

I had to pee {sorry if TMI}.  PEE, people.  Which means that I was gone like 2 minutes, tops.  At the 60 second mark, I hear it, that damn silence.  Now I am panicking, and still using the rest room... and now rushing to get the hell out of the bathroom and see what in the world she is up to. 

2 freakin minutes.

What was she doing?

Trying to tear up two $20s... which I have NO idea how she got a hold of them.

No, it's not THAT bad, right?  But I was only gone a total of 120 seconds, so I can only imagine what else she can get in to.

Can't we just live in a rubber room until she's like 5?

Here's some baby lovin' for ya

She likes to wear her sunglasses like her Daddy





Happy Friday! xoxo.

Holy Mol(ar)y!!!

See this guy?

Yes, him right there.  He is Gwen's 1st molar.

And I hate him.

Loathe him.

Look at what he turns my sweet, innocent, usually happy baby into...

I know, it breaks your heart, right?

Talk about exhausting.

We are using all possible tricks to ease the pain for lil mama.

I just want my smiling Gwen back.

A-S-A-P!

Guess who's having some wine this evening?!?! 

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 24

Day 24 - Your favorite movie and what it is about.

The Princess Bride

Considered a "cult classic"

From IMDb

 A kindly grandfather sits down with his ill grandson and reads him a story. The story is one that has been passed down from father to son for generations. As the grandfather reads the story, the action comes alive. The story is a classic tale of love and adventure as the beautiful Buttercup, engaged to the odious Prince Humperdinck, is kidnapped and held against her will in order to start a war, It is up to Westley (her childhood beau, now returned as the Dread Pirate Roberts) to save her. On the way he meets a thief and his hired helpers, an accomplished swordsman and a huge, super strong giant, both of whom become Westley's companions in his quest.

I literally rented this movie every week from our local movie store when I was a little girl.  AND I had a T-shirt with the logo on it that I wore almost EVERY single night.

I can recite the whole movie.

word. for. word.

Still love it, and can watch it whenever it is on.

Hopefully, one day, Gwen will love it too!

xoxo.

Stuffed Animal Hell

Yesterday, while stuck in the house waiting for the ADT man to come service our alarm, I decided that since I had plenty of time {because they never give you an exact time when they will arrive, just a "window" of like 5 hours!} that I would do some "Fall Cleaning" in Gwen's room.  You know, the changing of clothes, deep cleaning, move everything higher because she is getting into everything type stuff.

Little did I know, I was going to HELL.

Stuffed.  Animal.  Hell.

Seriously.

Girlfriend has a bazillion {ok, maybe not that many, but A LOT!}, and they are INVADING all previously unoccupied space.

{Let me say, they are all ADORABLE.  We love them all, and are grateful to all who gave them to us}

BUT, I felt like I was in a horror movie, surrounded by stuffing, buttons, and sewn on smiles... and they were just waiting to attack.

What do I do with them all?!?!?!

Gwen LIKES them.  But, they aren't everyday items.

I need our shelf space.  So, that it out of the question.

And if I put them all in her toy box... there's no room for the toys she does play with.

They ARE NOT going in my bedroom/closet/under my bed.

No way.

I refuse.

I need a solution... so I guess I'll have to do some MORE rearranging, but until then, they are all gathered in Gwen's toy box.  Plotting their revenge on me.

ugh.

OH, and guess what time the service man came??!?!  4pm... right in the middle of Gwen's nap {which therefore was abruptly ended}.  Thanks, fella.  You rock.

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 23

Day 23 - Post 5 pictures of famous people that you find attractive.

{In no particular order}

Derek Jeter

David Beckham

 

Bradley Cooper

Alexander Skarsgard

Ryan Reynolds

Honorable Mentions
{I can't leave them out!}

Charlie Hunnam {aka Jax Teller of Sons Of Anarchy}

Ryan Kwanten {aka Jason Stackhouse of True Blood}

Aren't they yummy? :)

That was easy.

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 22

Day 22 - How have you changed in the past 2 years?

Seriously?!?! How HAVEN'T I changed? Lol.

Well, let's see... 2 years ago I was unmarried {engaged}, planning our fabulous wedding, going out whenever we wanted, having a blast and figuring out our future.

Now?

I'm a wife to the most amazing man that I know.

I'm a Mommy to the most beautiful baby girl in the world.

My priorities have changed.  Nothing is more important than the happiness, health, and safety of my family.

I would rather...

be snuggling in bed all together than out at a bar.

shop for adorable Gwen stuff than stuff for myself {most of the time, hehe}

make dinner with my hubby and share some wine, than spend $100s on something at a restaurant {although a night out is fun every now and then}

laugh and dance with Gwen to some silly kids' show than watch the news... dancing is so much more fun! :)

be with them than ANYONE else is the world.

They don't make me who I am, they are just now a HUGE part of me.  Yes, I am still the same fun-loving Sam I have always been, just with an added little bonus!

It's been a great 2 years.  I can only imagine how wonderful the next 2 will be.

xoxo.

Poor Kid

If Gwen thought that my taking pictures was OBSESSIVE before, then she has nooooooooo idea what is in store for her now!

Because...

That's right, Mama got her camera!!!

My absolutely amazing and giving husband gave me an early Anniversary {October 10th} present, and I can't thank him enough!!!  It is so perfect.  I love you, babe.

Oh, it feels so good!

But poor Gwen.  Actually poor ANYONE who is in my presence in the near future.  BEWARE.  You are warned.  I will be snapping my little heart away.

Without having edited at all yet, here are some pics...



Messy breakfast face.




Her new winter hat... how freakin cute, right?



Gwen was sleeping and I needed a subject, so Wiley got involved, lol.

 

Haha.





My beauty.




:)



Now, I just need to figure it all out... there is SO much to learn!!

We are going apple picking this weekend, and I CAN'T WAIT to take tooooooons of pictures!!

I am one happy, lucky, blessed girl!

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 21

Day 21 - One of your favorite TV shows.

Just one?!?

Then it has to be...

Sex & The City

I watched from episode one, religiously, and through both movies.  I can watch reruns anytime, anywhere.

There was just SO much to love about it.

The clothes

The SHOES!!! {hello, looover}

The hot men {Aiden & Smith amongst many others}

The City

The Girls {I loved the unique friendships between them}

I was so sad to see it go, but like most shows, I was glad that it went out on a high note.  And happily welcomed it back as a movie {although I didn't think it was as good as the show}.

What's your fav?

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 20

Day 20 - How important you think education is.

Very.  Who doesn't? BUT, I also believe that an education is not just what is taught in the classroom, out of a book, and told to you by others.  Some of the best learning experiences are just that...  experiences.  I think that "book smart" can only take you so far.  That "street smart" is almost more important, because without common sense, we are lost.

I also believe that it should not be forced.  That you need to know what you want to do with your life.  You can't pursue education just because it's "what you are supposed to do" you have to want it.

When thinking about Gwen and what I will say to her about education, I think that I will tell her to strive to find an occupation that she LOVES.  That no matter the commute, hassle, hustle or bustle she will still be able to say she enjoys it.

Ugh... the things that parents have to think of, lol!

If You Are REALLY My Friend

...Then I can count on you to help me out.  Right?!?!

About 2 weeks ago, we had a Photo Shoot with our family friend and absolutely AMAZING photographer, Angie.  Angie owns Creative Eye Photography, and her work is just the SHIZ-NIT!  {A few days before our shoot she was busy shooting a party for the Real Housewives of New Jersey!!!!  I am totally going with her the next time, lol!}  She is also going to be shooting my brother Michael & Megan's wedding this upcoming August.

Well, the pics are all done... and they are so great!  She put together a video of our pics on her blog that you can see here.

Pretty awesome, right?

So, what do I need your help with???

If, we get 40+ comments/likes on our blog post or on Creative Eye's FB page, we get an upgrade of our package!!!!!  If we get to 75+ we get an even bigger upgrade!!!! How cool?!

Here's how you help:

1) "Like" Creative Eye Photography on FB and leave a comment {or like} any of the pics of us.

-or-

2) Go to My Wall {if we are FB friends} and leave some love on the photos and/or post from Angie's Website!

The contest ends October 3rd @ midnight.

I really want this!  I don't ever ask much of you guys, but it would mean a lot to me.

Thanks!  You rock!

Now GO.

NOW.

WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE??!!?!

Kidding. {not really, lol}

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 19

Day 19 - Your biggest regret in life.

I truly believe that I try to live life without any regrets.  That everything has its purpose.  But, for the sake of this challenge, I am going to come up with something.

So...

I would have to say being in a long term relationship {obviously before Jason} that wasn't one that allowed me to be myself.  I'm not saying that I changed who I was, but I conformed to what I thought would make the relationship work.  I was the only one sacrificing and although it didn't necessarily HURT me, I definitely think that I lost out some amazing experiences. 

But, if I had not had been a part of that, I would not have found Jason.  I would not appreciate the way that he loves me for being me.  The way that he compromises like partners in a relationship should... because they are equal.

I would say that my biggest regret, helped me find my greatest happiness.
So, maybe it isn't a regret?

xoxo. 

30 Day Challenge - Day 18

Day 18 - A book you could read over and over again and never get sick of.

This is a toughie.

I don't know that there is a book that I could just keep reading over and over.  But there is a "genre" that I NEVER get tired of...

Memoirs.

The thrill of know that all that I am reading has actually happened to someone, keeps me engrossed.  Most memoirs are all about a life with struggle and challenge, which makes them so easy to relate to and makes me love them even more.

If anyone knows of a great one for me to dive into {if I ever get the time}, please do share.

xoxo.

Stats - One Year

I can't believe that one year whole year has came and gone so quickly.
Good thing I take a ridiculous amount of pictures! :)

I know that this is about a week late, but we didn't have Gwen's 1 year appointment until Wednesday, and I wanted to be accurate for her Stats.

Gwen, you are 1 year old...
...and this is what you are up to.

Height: 30 inches. Which means that I was wrong last month when I said 31 inches.  {Oops} Hey, it's hard measuring a wiggly baby all by yourself. haha.

Weight: 22 lbs. Right on track, girl. 

Diapers: I really think that you are bordering 4 more and more each day, Mommy isn't ready to give it yet, lol. 

Clothes: 12 months and up.  And you are FULLY RESTOCKED in the clothing department, thanks to all the adorable gifts you were given.  Can't wait to dress you in them all!!!!

Food: You are allowed to eat everything except peanut butter.  You are particular in what you like, but you're a pretty good eater.  You looove mac-n-cheese, who doesn't?!!?

Sleep: Like an angel.  AND, you have started to sleep in a little more in the mornings, which is greatly appreciated!!!

Naps: You vary. Some days 2{somewhat smaller} naps.  And some days 1 looong nap.  Seriously, the other day, you were going 3 hours... and instead of enjoying the free time, I was worried that you were ok.  {Oh the joys of being a mom! lol.}

Teeth: Your 7th tooth just broke through the other day, which only means that the 8th should be right behind it... I knew teething was on it's way back.

*Your vocabulary is growing all the time. You are like a little mimicking parrot, and it's adorable!

*You are now RUNNING everywhere! It's exciting AND exhausting! lol.

*We celebrated your first birthday with 2 parties, lots of presents. cake {which you really weren't into} and all our family and friends. It was the best.

This is one of the pics from our photo shoot with Angie @ Creative Eye Photography.  I am working on a post for tomorrow about it, that I am going to need your help with!

Stay tuned...

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 17

Day 17 - Your highs and lows of this past year.

Let's start with lows.  And end with the highs!

Lows

• Finding out that a family (now ex-member) whom I, actually we, truly trusted, wasn't who we thought they were.
• Our basement flooding :(  Wasn't a HUGE low, but a HUGE pain in the ass.
• The anxiety spell I had after leaving Gwen for the weekend... thank goodness it's all figured out, I hated feeling that way.

Highs

• All that is GWEN. Need I say more?
• My brother getting engaged!
• Surviving this first year, on one income, remaining sane, hapy, and still very much in love.
• That all the highs OUTWEIGH the lows, by a ton!

I'm going to stop there.

I think those are pretty good lists.

xoxo.

It's The Simple Things... Last Edition :(

This is the last "It's The Simple Things" link up that Jesslyn Amber is hosting... :( 

That means:

1) It has to be a good one.

2) You should head over and check it out.

For the last time...

I appreciate...

the amazingness that was Gwen's 1st birthday weekend. We couldn't have asked for a better time!

all of the time we got to spend with my grandparents while they were here. Especially Gwen! Miss them already.

chilly mornings. wrapped in sweaters. and boots. with a delish cup of pumpkin coffee in my hand. perfect-o!

all of the generous and thoughtful gifts Gwen was given. {Now, I just need to find the room to put them all. lol}

the nice, quiet, uneventful weekend that lies ahead for us. It is much needed.

our amazing family and friends. You make our lives THAT much better.

this adorable little toddler {it just hurt my fingers to type that!}

Well, that's it. The last time. But I promise to continue to enjoy all those little things that make life just a whole lot better.

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 16

Day 16 - Your views on mainstream music.

This is dumb.

Don't you agree?

Do you REALLY care about my opinion on this matter?

No, you don't.  Not really.

Truth is, I don't care.  Do I like mainstream music?  Yes, some.  Do I like music that is not mainstream?  Yes, some.

I think "mainstream" is just another label to create another debate.

Just enjoy the music, people.

Sorry, guys, I don't care enough to blabber on about this topic.
I'm working on another post for later today :)

xoxo.

P.S.  Tomorrow's "prompt" better be better than this!

Birthday Bliss

It is safe to say that I we are PARTIED OUT!  But, it was an AH-mazing weekend!

We are seriously blessed.  We have such great family and friends, who are incredibly helpful and giving... making Gwen's 1st birthday a HUGE success.   The party was perfect and Gwen got enough gifts to last until next year.  Lol.  There was actually SO much stuff, that we weren't able to bring it all home in one trip {it will probably take 3!}. 

Here are some highlights:

Friday {her actual birthday}, we went for some pizza with all of our parents.



The birthday princess!

Singing "happy birthday" at 6:39pm {exactly when she was born}



The sign I made for Gwen :)





Ready to party :)





All dressed up!





Gwen's fabulous cake!!!!





Not such a big fan of Mickey :(





Singing again...





Love her...

Now, just trying to catch up, unpack, decompress... oh, and not be sick anymore.  Yup, since Sunday I have been sick.... grrr.  Not fun.

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 15

Day 15 - Write 15 interesting facts about yourself.

I believe that I have done a post like this before, so I hope I don't repeat, can keep it interesting, and don't scare you away :)

1.  I should, without a doubt, be on "Wheel Of Fortune"... because I would kick ass and take names.  Seriously, I'm THAT good!  If only they would give me a chance!

2.  I can't clean out the drain stopper in our kitchen sink, ever.  Weird, I know, but it is the ONE household chore that I simply CANNOT do.  I will wait hours for the hubs to get home for help. :)

3.  I can put ketchup on almost anything {within reason of course}

4.  I hate Mini-Coopers and Smart Cars... well, it's their size that bothers me actually. HOW IN THE WORLD can you feel safe in those tiny things?? And it always seems like they are the cause of SOME traffic issue.

5.  Even though I haven't had too much time for reading lately, I LOVE memoirs.  True stories are way better than fictitious ones.

6.  I loved the Twilight books, but hated the movies... I read the books first, so I think that had something to do with it.

7.  I can't eat anything burnt or blackened... even grilled chicken with some grilled marks... the thought grosses me out. big time.

8.  I hate taking medicine.  Unless I am SUPER sick and REALLY need it.  {this probably isn't a good trait for a hypochondriac to have. haha}

9.  I can only drink DIET things, soda, iced tea, etc.  I just don't like the taste of regular stuff.

10. I can't be in the same room house as cats.  I am sooo allergic, my eyes puff, start sneezing, itching, the works.  Therefore, I am not the biggest fan of felines.

11. I. Don't. Do. Bugs.  No ifs, ands, or buts, about it.  If I see it, I run {and usually scream too}

12. I feel naked if I leave my house without my phone. I will turn around {no matter how far} and head back home to pick it up before I go a full day without it.

13. I cannot read while in the car.  I am instantly nauseous.

14. Being a mom is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me.

15. I am completely in love with two people in this world.  Jason and Gwen. 

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 14

Day 14 - Your earliest memory.

Not really sure about this.  I mean, there are THINGS that I remember, but not SO vividly that it sticks out as my 1st memory.

I remember...

*Pre-school {the awful cookies they gave out as snack, the fun furniture, my teacher who I adored}

*Sitting in my grandparents unfilled pool while my Pop worked on it.

*My other grandparents house, and my grandma's "masks" she had on her wall.

*Being in the hospital at the age of 5, for pneumonia.  It was TRAUMATIZING, to say the least, AND the reason that I am currently still a hypochondriac.  :(

*Disney World and the THRILL of all the rides, that really aren't so thrilling when you are a grown-up.

That's all I really have.  I guess that's why they make video cameras!

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 13

Yes, I slacked.  Shoot me.  I was partying/celebrating with Gwen all weekend... so my absence was for a good cause.

I'll make it up to you... tomorrow.  ;)

Day 13 - Somewhere you'd like to move or visit.

I'm going to go with visit for this one and there are tons!

Ireland - hopefully we will be there next year, if all goes as planned.  we want to see where our families are from and maybe check out a bar, or two, or three... ;)

Greece - everything about it is appealing to me.

Italy - amazing culture, great food, even better wine, and oh the shopping!

Amsterdam - Just to see what it's all about... just once.

Hawaii - DO I NEED A REASON?

That resort from the movie Couples Retreat - Who wouldn't want to go there?!?!?

I am sure that there is a few more, but that's a good start.
Where would you go?
xoxo.



A Gift For My Daughter

Today is BEYOND bittersweet...

Our baby is no longer a baby {technically}.

We now have a toddler. ::sniffle::

Where did this year go???

Didn't we just bring home this tiny 7lb gorgeous baby girl, like yesterday?

I could cry.

But I wont.  Instead, I am here to celebrate what has been the most amazing, life changing, absolutely perfect gift that I have been ever given...

Gwen.

Of course we will be  having a birthday party, showering her with gifts, and eating tons of cake, but I wanted to make something for her that she could keep forever and maybe show her children some day. 

So... Please turn up your sound, view in full screen, and celebrate with us!

{If you are having trouble viewing full screen click here.}

Happy 1st Birthday, Gwenyth Cynthia!

Mommy & Daddy love you so much!

xoxo.

Dear Gwen

I'm letting Jason take over my blog for the night...

...get out your tissues.

Dear Gwen,

     It’s the eve of your first birthday and I just put you to sleep. As I write this I am watching twist and turn in your crib falling asleep. I can’t even begin to tell you how much you have changed your daddy’s life. Going back a year to the delivery room the moment you came out of Mommy’s belly a feeling came through my body that I cannot explain to anyone. Seeing you for the first time, hearing your first cry and seeing you take your first breathe in this world was the most amazing thing to occur in my life.


     I love you Gwen, this first year has been amazing from hearing your first laugh to seeing you now walking and talking, you are the most amazing little girl in the world and I cannot believe how precious you are. Your smile not only melts me, it melts everyone that meets you. You are truly going to become a beautiful woman. But please do not grow up too quick. I feel as if this year has flown by, in the beginning I would come home from work and you would be sleeping. This has gone from sleeping to swing, to jumper, to you now walking around and saying “hey Da Da” when I walk through the door. No matter how tough my day when I hear your voice it chases every trouble away.


     We have a beautiful family, your Mommy is the best and she takes such good care of you. My love for you is equaled only by your Mommy. I believe this love has made you the happy baby you are and believe me there is always a smile on your face. You have touched the lives of so many people, your grandparents and great grandparents walk on water every time they see you. Your Aunts and Uncles cannot wait to get their hands on you and give you great big hugs and kisses. The love you have created within our family is truly amazing and I assure you that your family's support will help you grow up in the most positive and successful way.


     On your first birthday, I want to make a couple of promises to you. One, I will work as hard as I have to, to ensure every dream you have in life comes true. Two, I will protect you and make sure no harm in the world comes to you. Three, you will be raised in a loving family and taught right from wrong. I want you to know how in love your Mommy and Daddy are and I want to say I love you, Sam.


     Well, I just checked the monitor again and you are still rolling around in your crib, go to sleep so you get a good night sleep for your birthday.


      Lastly Gwen, and your Daddy is crying now, I love you baby girl, you are the most amazing gift in the whole world. Sleep tight and Happy First Birthday!!!

Love you, Daddy.

Isn't he adorable?!?!  I'll be back in the morning for some special postings.

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 12

Day 12 - Bullet your whole day.

Please remember that I am a Mommy, and that some days this is the particular order and others... well others, look like a tornado hit my house/hair/clothing/child :)

• {anywhere between 5:30am - 7:30am} Gwen wakes up. Takes bottle, hangs out in bed with us.
• Gwen goes back to sleep
• I shower
• Get dressed
• Hair and Makeup for the day
• Let Wiley out
• Gwen wakes up
• Feed Wiley
• Breakfast
• Dress Gwen
• Playtime :)
• Run errands
• Some more playtime
• Lunch
• More playtime
• Gwen naps
• Housework
• Check emails/news/blogs/FB
• Gwen wakes up
• Gwen has bottle
• Start making dinner
• Jason comes home
• Dinner
• Dishes
• Gwen's bath
• Storytime
• Gwen's Bedtime {between 7pm - 8pm}
• Relaxation time
• Watch a little TV with Jason
• Bedtime for us

Then it alllllll starts again :)

It was tiring just writing that. Lol.

I am skipping my "It's The Simple Things" link up this week, and saving up for next week {which is the last week of the link up}.  But, there are a few things that I am loving this week, that NEED to be shared.

• Gwen's last week of her first year. it feels like the longest week, and I don't mind it... I am soaking up every minute of it. 
• The 2 sets of amazing pics that we took this week.  1)We went to a portrait studio to take her "1st bday pics" 2)We had a family portrait session done with my mom, brother, and future sis-in-law... cannot wait to see them all!!!
• How Gwen's birthday party plans are starting to really fall into place! {Thank God!}
• The beautiful night that we had Sunday night as a family.
• The time I have gotten to share with my Grandparents... I may never let them leave :)
• That adorable, almost one year old little girl of mine.

Well, tomorrow is the big day. ::gulp::  I hope I can hold it together, lol.  I can't wait for a weekend full of celebrating, family, friends, and of course, Gwen.

A preview from the shoot.  Gwen and her Wela.

xoxo.

30 Day Challenge - Day 11

Day 11 - Put your iPod on shuffle and write the first 10 songs that pop up.

I have to tell you that I have not updated my iPod since right before I became pregnant with Gwen... so I hope that this isn't embarrassing.

1. Rihanna - Please Don't Stop The Music {ok, not a bad start, it's a song that can always make me, and Jason, dance!}
2. Cheap Trick - I Want You To Want Me
3. Akon ft. Eminem - Smack That {this made me laugh out loud}
4. Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me {who DOESN'T love this song?!?}
5. Journey (my favorite!) - Don't Stop Believing
6. The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name {loooooooove this song! I can SO jam out to it... anytime. anywhere.}
7. Baltimore Club Music - It's Time For The Perculator {hahaha! this is sort of a joke amongst friends... but you know you get down to it too}
8. Bruce Springsteen - Badlands {my husband is OBSESSED with this song. I love Bruce Springsteen too, it's a Jersey thing}
9. Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire {good tune}
10. Fergie - Fergalicious {was trendy at the time of downloading it, but not that into it now.}

Truth be told, I wiped out my iPod last December and uploaded only dance-ish songs for our New Year's Eve Party here, so there is a lot that isn't on there that I do love listening to.

But, all in all, not bad.  No?

xoxo.