Hot Mama

The Hubs and I went on our first DATE since becoming parents.  This is huge since I have barely breathed the air outside of my house in the past couple of months.  It was great being out just the two of us.

While on our outing, we came across a fun place that I think will become a new love for me.  It's a boutique at the Keystone Fashion Mall called "Hot Mama."  It might even take the place of Ann Taylor LOFT.... seriously.

The salesperson was uber nice, and the clothes were exactly the style I wish I was. My hope is to one day, piece by piece, get there.  Anyway, it seemed like the perfect place to tell my stylish friends about. The reason it's called Hot Mama is because they help moms discover what fits their body best after pregnancy. There are toys for the tots to play with while you shop, and they have drinks to enjoy.

Plus, they host Girls' Time Out parties. They supply the treats and drinks. You bring your friends. It's an after hours party, and everyone gets a 15% discount on purchases that night.  It sounds like the perfect blend of hosting a party (without having to stress over snacks and house cleaning) and girls shopping (except you have the store to yourself!).  So, someday, you may see an invite to a fun gals night to Hot Mama from me.  It might not be for a little bit, but still, be on the look out.

What a big girl!

Today is a big day in our baby girl's world. She turned over from her back to her front side! We are so proud of her and happy for her.  After a tough week, we can use a little encouragement.  It's even more exciting knowing that she's growing and thriving. It took her three tries, and then she did it!

Play time on the floor.

Attempting to roll over.  Almost there...

Not sure what to do with that left arm...

Trying to pull her left arm out from under her body...

Got to get it...

Success!! ... but now what?

I am not so sure she was so happy with the results 

seeing as she doesn't like to be on her tummy. 

She started crying, "Come and get me! Now!" 

ahh!!!  right where she wanted to be... so happy to be in mommy's arms.

the many faces of baby girl

Baby girl makes us laugh all the time. already.

There are times when she makes the cutest, craziest, funniest faces as she's waking up. 

And she has no idea that she's just so darn cute.

Aunt Jer caught these during her newborn photo shoot, and I'm so glad she did. 

I want to be able to remember how baby girl would wake up as a newborn.

Baby news

I know this is old news, but I can't not write a post about one of the biggest events in my life...our brand new baby girl.

When she was born, two things that went through my mind:

1.  This must be someone else's life. It was all so surreal the moment I met her.

2.  She's so beautiful.

It has taken time for us all to adjust to each other.  But just the other night, I found myself wanting to go in the bedroom where she was napping just to be near her.

One of the greatest things about being a mom is all that you learn about this little person.  You know her better than anyone. Looking to the future, I can see that being such an amazing feeling... to know her so well as she's growing up. And, yet, it also helps me to see why it will be so hard to let go in the future too.

We recently received a card from the Hub's aunt that read:


Don't condemn yourself for your parenting mistakes, or your child's mistakes.


Don't credit yourself for your parenting successes, or your child's successes.

Instead, humbly take one day at a time and trust in Him -- who is in control. He loves your little family!


p.s. Thank you to Aunt Jer for these beautiful moments captured on film.