3 Months and Growing!

It's hard to believe Baby Girl is already 3 months old.  I love that she is able to be awake for longer periods of time so we can play and talk more.  She is able to entertain herself and loves her stuffed animal friends.  She can even fall asleep on her own sometimes when we lay her down for nap time.  I think my favorite "new" thing is that she not only smiles but also laughs when you talk to her.  That melts my heart. 

Empty Nester

I have had a strange group of friends visit our flower beds this summer. I assume they're partially closer to the house due to the drought and searching for food. We had a deer eat our hostas, a toad living in the courtyard and several humming birds busy at the feeder all summer. Oh, and there was a mallard couple that waddled through our yard several times this spring, which I loved.  I miss the ducks.

But the timing of the sparrow couldn't have been better. She came and built her nest in my hanging basket, which I got for Mother's Day.

At first, I was a little annoyed because well, "How am I supposed to water my flowers?" But then, I noticed the nest had eggs, and it wasn't long before they hatched. Once there were baby birds living in the basket, I quit watering the plant in hopes it and the birdies would survive.

I have tried to take a picture several times without disturbing the baby birdies, but I could never get close enough. The flowers truly were good coverage.

It was amazing how quickly, they went from hatched babelets to little birds hopping about in the hanging basket. To my surprise, they had already moved out by today.  They were so active and fun to watch for that short period.  And now there is just a nest left, and the momma bird doesn't chirp at me to go away whenever I walk by the flower basket.

There is no amazing morale to the story. Just that, as a new mom, it turns out, I was proud to watch out for them for a little bit.

Only 88 degrees

You know it's been an extremely hot summer when you say, "only 88 degrees." I can tell I've been inside a little too much last month. I found myself saying that the weather was so nice on July 4th! I guess I had just gotten out of the pool, but still, the words were already out before I realized it.
All of that to say that baby girl and I got out for a walk today. What a blessing. We are loving going out with her stroller around the block. Bring on more of this "cool" weather. :)

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.