Life Glances

* I went out last night. No children. No husband. I met up with two moms at a coffee shop. We laughed. We talked. We closed the place down. Which, by the way, I haven't closed anything down for years. Mission accomplished.

* This will probably sound weird--but it is weird. Around a month ago I noticed one of Madelyn's ears smelled...and not in a good way. She goes to the doctor today--and I may or may not have giggled when explaining what the problem was when I booked said appointment.

* Making Christmas cookies and cinnamon rolls this weekend. I love this time of year. My weight, though? Yeah...not so much.

* I did the 30 Day Shred yesterday. My body is in some pain today. Yikes.

* Reading another awesome book--I'll be writing about it next week. I can't put it down.

* I have really went overboard this year on presents. Every year Leo and I are all no going overboard this year, Chelle!  And then it's always an excuse to why the overboardness has happened. I love buying presents for people. It's too much fun!

* Brynlie is a real life crawler. She crawls around the entire house. No more worm crawling, either. This is full on I'm super baby crawling like a pro, Momma! This is going by WAY too fast.

* I turned my air conditioner back on. It's in the 70's. I hate this. I want cool weather, please.

A Catch Up

* Time is really getting away from me right now. Can I blame it on the holidays? I have been making lists of gifts, searching online for gifts, planning holiday meals, trying to get decorations organized--you name it, I am doing it.

* This year's Thanksgiving is already a much, much happier time for me in my life. Last year Leo was deployed. I was pregnant. My girls were wondering where their Daddy went. I am positive that this year will be amazing--just to have my husband next to me and my baby girl here is such a blessing. I am blessed for sure.

* So, I am really hooked on a book--as in I am up late every. single. night. reading it. It's SO good--I promise I am not just saying that. It is called Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank. It starts with the main character, Rose, who has a vision of herself dead on her living room sofa. When in actuality it is her mom who is the one who gets murdered. I'm not giving anything away (this info is all on the book jacket). I have probably 20 pages or so and I am determined to finish it. I love it!

* Did I tell you that I finally got my hair done and LOVE it? I found my hair girl! Finally after living here for FOUR years I have found an amazing hair stylist. I already have my next appointment scheduled--that is how I know I love her to pieces.

* I have been a selling machine. Let me explain that. I've been selling a ton of my movies on eBay and the base that we are stationed at has a Facebook group to sell items--like a yard sale. I have been decluttering and finding new homes for so many awesome things that we don't use any more. I love it--plus the extra money doesn't hurt either!

* Brynlie turns 6 months old on Monday. Seriously--6 months. I am in awe with how quickly time has flown by with baby number three. I remember with Isabella I felt like she would be a baby for so long. Not true--time will fly by and I am definitely soaking it all in.

* Speaking of 6 months, as of Monday I will mark my 6 month breastfeeding anniversary. I am SO happy with the success of breastfeeding Brynlie. It does make me sad that I didn't try harder with my other two girls, but they both turned out wonderful, so I know that it's fine. I just love the bonding experience that I get with Brynlie. Being the little one and the youngest of three I think it allows her to have extra mommy time which we both adore.

* Have you heard of Lalaloopsy dolls? Holy cow. These things are definitely an "it" factor toy this year. They are sold out everywhere--and of course both Isabella and Madelyn want one. They're pretty cute and I found a few available online. I am going to be buying them now before I can't find them anywhere.


* I hate it when I have dreams that are so real that I get real life mixed up with them. Or when they just feel so real that I keep thinking about them all of the time. The other night I dreamed of knitting a scarf. Mind you I have no freaking clue how to knit. Anyway, I woke up and now for 48 hours I have an urge to knit a scarf. Weird, right?

Yep, it's a Post! Crazy Right?

*Still feeling the morning sickness...I am SO over being sick. I told Leo this is our last little one--boy, girl,  whatever. This? Is it. Ha! Thank God I'm over 10 weeks today. Just a little bit longer until the "magical" second trimester...come on normal feeling magic fairy--come spread your dust over here, please?


*I had my appointment with my midwife. LOVE her. She gave me an ultrasound so I could see the little one--my little teddy bear! If you know anything about the military they don't do ultrasounds just because. Hence why I love her.


*I bought the girls a few Christmas gifts. I'm trying to cut back on the amount of toys we have. I took a ton out to the storage room last nite...the house looks so much better!


*Last nite after my hard work of cleaning and picking up I popped (um, totally almost left "pooped" ha!) some popcorn. Bella wanted some so I got her a bowl. A little bit later I heard Macy barking at her...I went into the kitchen and Bella had made MOUNTAINS of salt all over the freshly swept kitchen floor. Awesome.


*Madelyn has been teething like mad. Poor babe is getting all of her molars in at the same time. Totally makes my heart break to see her so miserable.


*Tonite I wanted Chick-Fil-A. We went to this pos mall by our house--where they've had it forever. There are really no stores in said mall and I've always been so happy that they have that there so we don't have to drive forever. Anyway, get to where it should have been. It's closed down. I was so sad--and annoyed. No yummy chicken for me tonite...


*On another note I totally want Panera. Yum! It's in Mobile--around an hour away. I am so tempted to go there soon...


*Totally want to watch Paranormal Activity 2. I don't really want to go alone though...I'd be the one screaming and grabbing a stranger's arm. *uncomfortable...*


*Considering I'm feeling a little bit better I hope to be back to reading you all soon! I miss y'all--seriously. If anything big is going on with you feel free to email me. I love getting emails from my bloggy friends even if I'm not reading that much. Heart you, friends. xo

Tuesday Randomness...

~I'm not sure how Isabella can be so bright eyed and bushy tailed before 6 in the morning, but it happens. I'm exhausted. And really hoping that my coffee will work it's magic!

~Remember how I was supposed to see my hair stylist before she moved away? Yeah, didn't happen. I have an appointment with one of the other girls on Saturday morning--thank God! I'm going darker. Can't wait. And I'm thinking of keeping it long and just growing it out. We'll see...

~Some of you may be wondering about my Texas trip. It wasn't a great time...it was actually a very, very sad trip. My sister in law's father got killed--along with his best friend--in a horrible accident. I know the other driver that hit them is being held due to driving while intoxicated. It's such a tragedy and my heart is still broken for my sister in law and her family. They are wonderful, wonderful people and I still can't believe that they are having to go through this nightmare.

~So that's why I haven't talked a lot about the Texas trip. It was a sad week...although my little butterball did turn ONE!

~Is it okay that I still haven't accepted Madelyn's turning ONE? Seriously...still in shock over here.

~I watched Bachelor Pad last nite...um...wow?! It's so ridiculous, but so much so that I love it.

~I'm a little addicted to eBay right now. Can you believe that I was an eBay virgin until last week? Now I'm selling things, buying things...it's kinda fun....

~I'm totally ready for cooler temps. Open windows. Jeans. This hot weather with temps being as high as 118? It's seriously for the birds. Come on fall!

~Isabella checked out her first two books at the library. Her picks? Not I {just like The Little Red Hen} and Walter the Farting Dog. I laughed hysterically all through Walter. It was hilarious! Ha!

Randoms...

Isabella is watching Dora...so I thought that this? Would be the perfect time for some randomness....

*note...it's now after 7 pm. She is no longer watching Dora...it's been a L-O-N-G week around here...

~Madelyn got sick. Again. Fever 102+ and raspy voice. Took her to the ped yesterday and he *thinks* it's a nasty virus going around. Ugh. My poor baby girl has been sick at least once a month now. Ridiculous. This year the virus season has been brutal to us!

~We're going to Texas on Friday! Yay! First to go and see my sister, her husband and their new baby. I'm SO excited to meet my new niece!! Then we go down to Houston to see my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and their new baby girl. I can't wait! The girls and I will be spending the week down there at Leo's parents house--Bella is so excited!

~I went to the Gap Outlet a couple of nites ago. Just me, nobody else. It felt wonderful to go shopping alone, not having to threaten anyone with a timeout to the car...wow! I really need to go shopping alone more often. Anyway, I bought a ton of cute clothes for less than a $100. I love sales! And the Gap Outlet.

~I'm down to a weight that is 2 lbs lower than what I was when I found out that I was pregnant with Madelyn. I'm so happy! Now I just need to lose the weight from when I was pregnant with Isabella....

Image from here

~Guess who agreed to get a Golden Retriever puppy after we're done with our summer trips in July...!! I cannot WAIT. I told Leo I was starting to get baby fever. Which happened around the same time that Isabella was Madelyn's age {9 1/2 months}. He quickly brought up the puppy...which I've been hinting at for the past few weeks, hehe!

Image from here

~I finished reading Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick...I loved it! It was an easy read and I finished it in a couple of weeks. Light and easy read for the summer. I know, I know, I always say that, but it's true!

Image from here

~I'm now reading The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I love it--I just started it on Sunday and I'm halfway done. I hope to finish it while I'm in Texas...

~I've had so many reviews and giveaways lately...it's a little insane. I think I am all caught up except for one which I'll work on while in Texas or back here in Mississippi once I get back home...

~Loving Wednesday nite TV. The Middle, Modern Family, Cougar Town, Fresh Meat...Don't judge on that last one--Leo and I love Real World and all of their challenge shows on MTV...haha!

~Um...not sure if anything else is blog worthy. My brain has been sizzled out lately...not sure what's going on. I blame extreme tiredness....

Saturday Randomness...

*I love weekends! Especially when I get to bed at a decent time on a Friday because I'm a loser... I came down with another cold. I'm feeling better today...except for the left side of my neck and throat. I am just thankful that our weather is getting warmer...yay!

*I lost a follower the other day. I'm thinking it was a) my dancing or b) the occasional language slip up. I'm thinking it was b--and thank goodness they don't talk to me in real life...haha!  

*Mi familia is coming down to Florida and then to visit us here in Mississippi. Isabella has planned out their stay--Just Dance, Annie and Hotel for Dogs. Hope they're ready!

*Leo tested for Master {the next rank in the Air Force that he can be} yesterday. I have all of my fingers and toes crossed for him. He works his butt off and seriously deserves it. Good luck honey!

*Due to my feeling like crap last nite I have a brand new bottle of Pinot Gris waiting for me...yum...

*Getting my hair done next weekend. Keeping the length, but the real question is go lighter? Go darker? I change my mind ALL of the time about my hair. And now I'm really not sure which to do. The only part about going lighter is that by the time 8 weeks rolls around? My roots. So maybe I'll get some chocolate and caramel colors. {Oh--I always compare the color of my hair to food. Anyone else do that, too?}

*Madelyn said mama mamama! So adorable. And me? Totally floating on air happy.

*I'm wondering if I have a margarita tonite it will kill whatever yucky sick I have? Or make me feel worse? I'm hoping it's the first...

*Not sure what just made me think of this, but now Leo and I are laughing our asses off. So, when I was in middle school CK One was realllly popular. I was shopping with my mom one day @ Famous Barr. We were walking by the fragrance section and I told my mom how much I wanted CK One for Christmas. She asked what it was or something and I told her it was the new bisexual fragrance--for a guy or a girl. Yeah, the word I was looking for was unisex. Even trying to tell Leo this story I couldn't think of the word unisex to save my life. Thank God for Google!

*Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend! Heart you all...

My Hump? So Over it.

So the decorations are down.  Everything is packed away, stored in the attic until next year.

And it feels so good.  For reals.  Once the tree was bare of all ornaments I felt the gloomy cloud that had been looming over me for the past week was gone.

Thank God!

Anyway, let me start my first post back with some randoms.  You ready for this?

*We may or may not have went to my fave Mexican restaurant both Thursday and Saturday nite.  And those nites may or may not be the $1 margarita nite...

*I took Isabella to see the new Alvin & the Chipmunks movie--hello angel child!  She did really, really well.  I couldn't believe it. 

*I have a ton of pics from the holiays...be prepared to see an abundance of photos within the next few days.

*I missed y'all SO much!  Seriously--although I really, really needed this break.  Thanks for being patient!

*We got a Wii Fit Plus for Christmas.  Oh yeah!  It's on.  I'll keep y'all updated if/when I start losing weight.  I'm sure the movie today just ruined any hopes of eating healthy today...

*Went to Ulta on Saturday...um, I may have spent a small fortune on Benefit, Urban Decay and Opi products...

*I'm now in love with Bumble and Bumble products.  I love their name and their Syling Creme.  I swear by this stuff!!  I put it on my wet hair, blow dry and flat iron.  No other products needed.  I have thick/wavy hair that is so hard to style--and this stuff is my miracle in a bottle.  LOVE it!!  {disclaimer--bought this on my own.  Was not paid/compensated in any way to write this review}.

*Madelyn is eating baby cereal/stage one foods now.  Wow.  Time has flown by.  I cannot believe she's almost 6 months old already.  *sniff sniff*

*Madelyn can flip over from back to tummy like a pro.  Before it was an occassional thing--now?  Holy flipping baby!  I also have to give a shout out to Lamaze toys.  Ohmygoodness.  All of Maddie's favorite toys are by them--they crinkle, they're bright, they're awesome.  {again, bought these on my own.  we just love them around here}

*Isabella is our little singer--watch out world!  Her favorite dvd {besides Tom & Jerry} is the Laurie Berkner band.  That's all she wants to watch in the Jeep and she sings every.single.song. 


Okay, friends, that's all I have.  Any randoms you want to share with me?  I love randomness--just leave it in a comment if you want!

xoxo to you all!!

Du.du.duuuun...It's Random Time!

*I honestly have no clue how to spell what I was saying for the title of this post.  But it caught your eye, no?

*Went shopping tonite.  BY.MY.SELF.  {I realize that myself is one word, but the effect of breaking it up worked better}.  Seriously, friends.  It was a miracle--in fact, Isabella?  Shoved me out of the door.  No good-byes.  Just a door slammed in my face.  I'll take it.

*Went to the Gap and Baby Gap. I got so many cute clothes for both me and my girls.  Cute Long & Lean jeans, tons of camis, shirts, boyfriend cardigan.  For the girls? Thing all-in-one long john outfit with pink patches on the elbows {Madelyn}, sweaters, jeans with hearts and flowers stitched on them, the coolest snowman slippers ever and a jacket for Madelyn.  I am in looove with it all and am planning another trip back there next week.  You know, to stock up on winter clothes for our Missouri/Indiana trip!

*Leo got Madelyn sick.  And me {yes, again}.  I swear, this year has been brutal.  This is my 2nd or 3rd cold.  I still blame this all on the swine flu.  I haven't been the same since.

*I'm trying to catch up on all of the SITSmas posts and the comments left on my post.  I had SO much fun!  Seriously--if you are wanting some comment love and are wanting to add even more amazing blogs to your Reader {I realize you do need more than just my blog to read} head over to SITS!

*Isabella is still awake playing.  I think I hear some jumping going on in there--I may need to go regulate in a moment...

*Did anyone else just say "Regulators...mount up!"?  No?   Nevermind me....just had a 90's flashback to Warren G....

*I've changed what I'll be having at my Christmas party.  The wine is still on my list.  But my food?  I'm adding a cheeseball.  God, I love those things.  I may make those pinwheel sandwiches, too.  Yum. 

*Madelyn rolled over from back to tummy today!  Love her and how big she's getting--I'll be taking some new pics soon.  Y'all must be dying without any pictures for a week or so.

*And Madelyn is always laughing at me.  Seriously--I just say hi to her and I hear the cutest baby giggles.  She's adorable, that butterball of mine.

*Speaking of butterball, I'm postponing my 30 Day Shred "Ikickass" regime.  I'm waiting until after the holidays.  I've been trying to watch the girls, catch up on housework, clean, shop {and grocery shop}, plan our trip--not to mention my party and Christmas.  It's too much for me.  BUT the Monday after New Years I am starting again...woohoo!!

*Apparently Starbucks is no longer making pumpkin spiced lattes.  I went there the other day after the Chuck E. Cheese fiasco and 1) was told there were no more psl's.  2) after I regained my composure I ordered a caramel brulee latte.  Disliked it.  Ew.  3) and I didn't even get a red cup.  

*I was devastated after that Starbucks trip.  Just topped off the whole crawling through nastyville at C.E.C earlier. 

*Isabella is quiet now...guess no need for me regulate.

*And before I sign off...Regulators!  Mount up.

*You're welcome for getting Warren G stuck in your head for Thursday.  xoxo

Randoms and My Fave Thanksgiving Pics

*Thank you for the prayers and thoughts for my wonderful Grandpa.  That means so much to me and my family!

*Isabella has made me rewind this video a countless amount of times...super adorable!



*Here are a couple of my favorite Thanksgiving pictures of the girls:

*I'm so stressed right now.  I think am declaring tonite a wine nite...vino take me away...

*Madelyn had her 4 month well baby {4 months?! Where is the time going??} appointment today.  She's 14 lbs 4 oz and 25 in long.  Awww!  The ped told us to start her on cereal now, too.  She eats every 2-3 hours...and she is starving each time.  I can't believe how quickly she's growing up...wow.

*I hate PMS.  Hate it.  With a passion.  The end.

*How is your week going so far?  And why are Mondays always the worst day of the week??

Randoms...That's What I Got....

*I'm so excited for Halloween! I LOVE watching scary movies, trick or treating w/the girls and handing out yummy candy. Seriously fun--and Isabella has been saying "tricktreat" all. day. long! I love it!

*Speaking of Halloween, she was going to wear the tutu that she wore on her birthday as part of her Halloween costume. Um, yeah...she is now refusing to wear it. I panicked. Freaked out. There are no costumes left! Thankfully my mom came to my rescue. She mailed {2} of the cutest costumes ever--and I've decided that Bella will be Minnie Mouse. Awww!

*For Isabella's birthday and Madelyn's birth this sweetheart mailed the girls each these cute gifts.  Isn't she amazing?!  She is SO talented and I'm hoping to meet her one of these days--we live a few hours away from one another.  How exciting!


*Is it sad that we still have to run our air conditioner?  Because I'm so bummed out.  I am really ready for cooler days and cooler nites.


*My new blog name 'The Winey Mommy' is based on the fact that I *heart* wine. Not that I'm a whiney mommy, hehe!  Although you will find me whining occassionally....


*Do any of you get random emails from PR companies writing a long email and expecting you to write about their product?  Without a review available?  Because I've been flooded with them lately--and I'm sorry, but I'm not going to write something if I know nothing about the product.  I would hate to be told about a product and go buy one and really not like it at all.  Am I right on this one?


*I have a hair appointment in two weeks and I've decided that I am going short again--bob short.  I cannot stand my hair long!  And all I do is throw it up in a ponytail.  So boring and lazy of me.  I want hair that I love and can fix and be happy about.


*What are y'all getting your husbands for Christmas?  I have no clue what to get Leo.  Like zero clue.  He loves grilling out, video games, running, a good beer occassionally.  But he has things for these already.  Help!


*A neighbor's dog came over the other day when Leo was installing Madelyn's new carseat.  It sorta-kinda found its way into our laundry room.  And Isabella may or may not have given it a doggie biscuit.  When Leo made it go home Isabella was in tears about the dog.  I told her the doggie went ni-night (thank you, Mom, for the suggestion) and now she always tells me that the doggie is sleeping.  Oh--and she now wants her own dog.  Um, no.  Not now.  Maybe in a few years.  Maybe.

Because Randoms Make Me Happy...

~Isabella had her appt this morning with her ped. The ped said she looked and acted great {as Bellie was jumping around the office saying "jumpy! jumpy! jumpy!"}. However...due to her having a seizure she has an appt with a Neurologist on Monday morning @ 9:30. Praying that she is okay and that the seizure was a one time thing.

~I can't wait for Bellie's Dora party! She may also be sporting a tutu...an embroidered shirt...and a Dora cap....can you guess what part of the outfit she picked out?

~I have been reading blogs, but I've gotten so far behind! If I don't comment, I promise I'll start soon! We have appointments galore this week with Bellie's ped visit today, Maddie's 2 month tomorrow, my eye appt on Thursday followed by Bellie's 2 year on Thursday afternoon. Add to that planning this birthday party? It's a little crazy!

~We're thinking of taking Bellie to a movie on Friday for her birthday before our company arrives. After our last movie trip...I'm still debating it...hehe!

~Olive Garden opened up today! Katrina took out the only one we had in our area....and they finally put another one up! It's in the same shopping center as my love, Target, will be opening!

~Speaking of Target...it opens next Tuesday! The girls and I are already planning our day. I see a Starbucks for me and popcorn for Bellie. I'm so excited it'll be open in time for Christmas shopping! I've waited forever for this day...haha!

~I have so many fall shows in my DVR begging to be watched. I did manage to watch The Good Wife--loved it! I wasn't sure about it from the previews, but I really liked it. A lot.

~Hope everyone has a wonderful week filled with happy days, happy loved ones and as many blessings as we've been blessed with lately. I'm still thankful for your prayers. I heart every single one of you....more than you'll ever possibly know.

Name Changes, New Laptop, Etc...Basically Just Some A Lot of Randoms

***I have decided I couldn't see this little one in my belly kicking around and making my bladder go ca-razy as an Addison. It just wasn't vibing with me....you know? We have now decided on name number three. Which is Madalyn. I'm not sure of the spelling yet...but at least I have a name that won't have me up at nite wondering if it is the name. I think I have officially lost my mind....

***My laptop...yes...that was a lot of fun today. Isabella wanted some strawberries. I think this was bowl, oh, number two? I get up and as I am slicing them I hear a loud noise. I call out to her and she comes into the kitchen with a look of panic. "Uh-oh" is what she tells me. Hmmm...this can't be good. I go and see my beloved laptop on the ground. The screen is ruined. Leo is going to get all the photo's off (thank goodness!! we should have done that a looong time ago) and he went and bought me a new one. I love that man! And I love my new laptop!

***This week has been crazy. Insane. Remember I told you our dog ran away when Leo was in Orlando? I decided earlier this week to go on Craigslist...I wasn't looking for anything, really. I see the lost and found tab thinking maybe? Maybe Chewy will be on there? And wouldn't ya know...there he was. The woman that found him took him in and really liked him. He is a pretty good dog. Oh--she even groomed him! He was due for a haircut....too. funny!

***I am really tired lately. Like exhausted. I think with Isabella's tantrums this week and the early waking up and the crying at nite have pushed to my point of exhaustion. And the fact that I can't fall asleep at nite no matter how exhausted I am. I need my sleep...I'll be 32 weeks on Sat and I have been stressing enough about all we have to do in the upcoming weeks. It's Leo's three day weekend this weekend, so I'm really hoping to sleep. And sleep. And sleep.

***Isabella has now started saying "hhhmmmm" when looking for her things. If I ask her, for example, "Baby, where's your paci?". She'll look at me, puts her finger up to her lips and says, "hhhmmmm"! It cracks me up!! Cutie little girl!

***She can count to ten now!! I am so proud of her. She still wants nothing to do with the abc's. Anytime we start to sing them she screams this piercing scream--but you can tell it's a joking one. It's really funny! I guess those will have to wait until she's a little older....

***She calls Leo Daddy now. And she called me Mommy for the first time today. *sniff* My munchkin is getting older. The next thing I'll know she'll be in kindergarten....

***She's terrified of bugs. Even when they are on tv. She was watching Oswald and there was a fly buzzing around the penguins head. She freaked out. I had to change the channel! We try to show her that bugs aren't bad--even me, who is terrified of anything creepy, crawly, flying and buzzy. I hope it's just a phase...

***My sister is going camping this weekend. Well, it's camping to her...she has a cabin, electricity and water. Oh--and a bed! I keep teasing her about it bc if you know her you know she is NOT the camping type. Today I text her: "Are you in the wilderness yet? Don't be turning all Man vs Wild on me now....". To which she wrote back that they were waiting at her friends' house and she was scared. I hope she has fun--even though it's a work thing that is lasting for a few days. I love you, sis!!

Not Much, Really

Just a bit of randomness today...I'm so tired and just don't feel like using my brain much today *smile*

* We went to Houston on Thursday and came back yesterday--we had a so much fun! We met our newest niece, Emma, who is 2 weeks old. She.is.adorable! It was great practice for Isabella, too--and she did great! She loved giving Emma kisses and touching her little arms. I think my heart melted just watching her be so loving towards baby Emma.

* Isabella had her 18 month old check up last week and did great! She didn't cry at all during the exam which is a first for us. (She gets her shots this week, though, so I know there will be some tears). The ped couldn't believe how much she has changed and how tall she is. She's tall and thin--what a lucky girl!

* I'm pretty sure there aren't any more car trips in my near future if Leo has any say in it...I can't even count how many time we stopped on the way home yesterday. Lets just say it was a lot and I never want to see another public restroom again.

* While in Houston we went to my favorite store...that's right....Target! (Oh--quick side note--our Target here is being built, finally! The shopping center should be open October'ish....yeah!). I found a cute purse there, but didn't buy it...I'm really kicking myself for not getting it. I may be looking it up online and ordering it.

* All of Isabella's toddler furniture and blankets arrived last week. We now need to paint her room (yay!) and put it all together. I'm so excited for her to see it all together--and I'm really hoping she'll do okay with it...

Little of This, Little of That.

* It has been so nice here lately--in the 70's! Isabella and I played outside for quite awhile today. We pulled weeds, played chase, threw around a ball and she collected quite a collection of acorns. I saw the cutest outdoor shovels and watering cans--I think we will go back this weekend to pick it up for her.

* I am now over 15 weeks pregnant! Wow. Time is FLYING by. With Isabella each week seemed to last forever...not this time! I am starting to feel better and better. My latest cravings? Fruit, lots of fruit. Especially strawberries, blueberries, plums...yum!

* I'll be posting a "baby bump" pic this week. I am already showing! I haven't gained any weight thus far, but am sure that will change since I am eating more and keeping everything down.

* Isabella's latest vocab words: "ewwww? (this means hello)", "cooka" (cookie, cracker, anything you cook in the oven is a cooka), "go", "get down", "sat?" (what's that), "cheeee" (chewy our dog), "tee" (tree). I'm sure there are a few more, but her vocab has literally exploded in the past few weeks. LOVE my little girl!

* Isabella has a book called Feelings. Today I probably read it, oh...20 times? At least? I try to act out each feeling. She loves all of them....except the following: sad, mad, frustrated, scared. When I read her those she whimpers and hugs me. *sigh* She. is. adorable! And sweet, right?

* Leo tested for his next rank today...E-7 (Master Seargent). He doesn't feel very hopeful, but I do! He's so smart and knows so much about his job and the military. We won't find out until June, so I will be doing a lot of praying until then.

* I am addicted to Dum Dums. Guess it's better than chocolate, right??

LONG Overdue....

Just thought I would do a quick update on us.

Isabella is doing great! I know she is wondering what's wrong with her Momma. She's constantly hugging me and giving me kisses--what a sweetheart. She can say no and yeah now--and it's adorable! She actually says no long and drawn out, so it's more like noooo--but ends with a smile. We'll see how long I think "no" is cute *wink* She had an amazing Christmas--Santa must have known how good she was. When we took down our tree long ago today, she was sad. She kept shaking her head and pointing at her Daddy. She loved everything Christmas--I can't wait for next year!

I'm doing okay. Morning sickness has made me incredibly miserable. I'm lucky to even get dressed in the morning. I am now 11 weeks pregnant--we have our first ultrasound on Tuesday! I can't wait to see this little one who has been making me oh-so-sick these past weeks. I haven't gained any weight, I think I've lost some weight actually. So things are going good there. My first official doctor's appt is on Thursday. It's actually starting to feel like I'm pregnant instead of sick....yay!

Hopefully I still have one...or two...readers! I promise to start reading your blogs again. Before you know it I'll be commenting y'all like crazy *smile*

Monday Madness

*****Remember to enter my giveaway here!*****

* Our friends came down on Saturday...we had so. much. fun! I hated the day coming to an end--but the good news? They made an offer on a house 2 hours away! I'm so happy to have good friends close by again. I can't wait for them to move closer!

* Leo more than likely won't be getting deployed yet. Yay! But he may have to go this summer which will mean he won't be here for Bella's second birthday. It's still a long way away, so I'm just enjoying him being here with us.

* I got my hair done on Saturday (my friend got hers done, too!) and I love it! I got a few highlights and a new shorter do. Longer in front but shorter in back--I told her I do not want to be able to throw it up in a pony tail and she made it happen. I also have been wearing my bangs to the side now...I love it!

* Isabella is such a cutie...she now loves to do this fake laugh thing--out of nowhere! It cracks me up! She'll be walking and just start doing the fakest laugh which cracks me up so she keeps doing it...I love her so much!

* We went to Chili's this weekend and Isabella kept turning around to share her chips with some people sitting by our table. They were cracking up! I told ya--she just loves to share!

* I bought the warmest, cuddliest sweater from The Gap this weekend. I. Love. It! It's so warm--perfect for taking with me to Missouri and Indiana during Thanksgiving!

Ramblings and...an Award!

* When Isabella is tired she will now give us a wave, pop in her paci and walk to her crib. No screaming, no fighting it....the girl just wants to sleep!

* She says "teddy" now. Her lovie is a pink teddy bear that her Great Grandma gave her when they picked us up at the airport in Tulsa awhile back. She must have teddy to sleep. Occassionally she will throw teddy over so she can cry and have me go in the room so she can give me a hug...and, of course, rescue teddy.

* Some of our friends that we met in Turkey got orders to Florida--which isn't too far away from our house! Yay! They flew in (they are currently living in Turkey) to Florida today and they are coming by our house on Saturday. I am so excited!

* Last nite I got out all of our Christmas movies...I have also hung up Christmas handtowels, filled up a snowman lotion dispenser and bought a snowman sponge. This weekend I am going to ask Leo to get down our Christmas decorations. I love Christmas and cannot wait for the marathon movies on Lifetime and ABC Family! Please tell me you watch these movies, too?

And now for the good stuff....

One of my favorite bloggers, Leslie from Got Kids, Need Valium gave me an award!

Leslie has two of the cutest kids ever, is currently living in Chile and she will soon be flying home to the US for a much needed vacay to her family and Target therapy (so I just made up the Target therapy...but I bet she will be stopping by there...a time or two).

If you've never stopped by her blog--do it--you will love her and her funny stories!

As with any award, there are rules. The rules of this award are:

1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous blogs in a post.

2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.

3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.

Instructions:On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them. When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well. To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" it in your post as a picture so your winners can save it as well. To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gidget.Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are 5 of my favorite addictions:

1. Target. I love Target more than any other store. They have great things, cute things and going there makes me feel good!

2. Diet Coke. Love it, must have it. Leo has learned that in order for me to function I must have my DC. We'll just leave it at that....

3. Okay, this one may be weird to some of you...but I love pregnancy tests. No joke. I have bought so many of those sticks when trying to conceive Isabella I should have been a VP of the company. And now that we are trying for #2? You may want to buy stock in those companies. But seriously, I love those things. When I *finally* got pregnant with Isabella I used at least 9 tests. You may say after those years of seeing negatives I was in a sort of denial....

4. Chocolate. Chocolate has never let me down. It comforts me, tides me over and makes me happy. The only downside? It has prohibited in not letting me lose anymore weight....

5. Reading. I love reading. Books, magazines, blogs, you name it. I am picky on what I read, though. I won't read something just to read...it has to capture my attention and make me want more.

So, there you have it. My list. Weird? Possibly? All me? Totally.

Here are the 5 fabulous bloggers that I am going to hand this out to:

1. The Nice One over at Even the Nice Ones.

2. Kelli at "Writing"the Waves of Motherhood.

3. Clare at Diapers to Designs.

4. Tyne at The White House.

5. KD at A Bit Squirrelly.

Go check out all their fabulous blogs....they are funny, creative and always make me smile. Those are just a few of the reasons that I stalk love their blogs.

Miscellaneous Monday

* This weekend we went to McDonalds. We consider this McD's to be the newer, nicer one around. Nice coffee bar, it's clean, practically brand new. What's not to like, right? Oh, wait. Maybe the used needle and syringe in the parking lot next to our car. Or could it have been the group of teenage boys yelling and cursing. Hm....don't think we'll be taking Isabella there. Ever again.



* I made us homemade banana bread last nite. Yum. Absolutely delish. Something so comforting about the smells drifting through our home and then eating eat fresh out of the oven. All while watching Amazing Race. Totally reminds me of being at home with my parents.



* I have absolutely no idea what to get Leo for Christmas. Is anyone else having that same problem? I am trying to get a majority of my lists together and I have no clue what to get the guy. Help!



* I am SO happy the election is Tuesday. I think if I see ONE more political ad or news story I will vomit. I have had it!! I understand it's the election but I really think the media is out.of.control with this one.



* We just found out that Leo may be getting deployed for six months. I am on pins and needles waiting to see if he will for sure be going. Once it is determined 100% I will go from there. At this moment I am not getting too worried. If it is going to happen I have to remain strong for Isabella. It was different before Isabella was here. I was so sad when Leo was gone the last time. I didn't know what to do. Now with Isabella here I a) won't be as lonely b) I have to remain strong for her. It will be a long, hard six months if he does go. Another day as a military wife....

Fall is Here! And More Ramblings....

* Yes, you read the title right....fall has arrived! In full, blustery force (whenever I say blustery I think of Winnie the Pooh.....). It's wonderful. I am baking pumpkin bread (one loaf for us and the other for my brother at college), pumpkin pie candle is lit, long sleeves on, jackets on when we are outside. I. Love. This.

* We watched The Strangers last nite. We were scared. Very scared. I am still spooked. Anytime a car drives by I peek out the window. The wind has been blowing so hard it blew off my fall sign hanging up. Lets just say that freaked me out. If you are in the mood for a scary movie this Halloween week--watch it! And then let me know how scared you are....

* I went to the doctor on Friday. I have a sinus infection. Which explains the fever for 2 weeks. And the horrible headaches. Hopefully my meds will clear this up fast! Thank you ALL for the well wishes--you touched my heart.

* Isabella is all better. I think she may have had a cold or something. Either way she is fever free now which makes me feel even better that she feels back to her old self.

* Have you tried the new Puffs with the Vicks in them? Ohmygoodness. I love Vicks. And these are my new favorite--- just in time for sick season. Thank you, Puffs!

From the Top of My Head

* Woke up this morning, made Bella breakfast. It was BEAUTIFUL outside so I opened all of the windows. Wiping up breakfast when I hear the LOUDEST barking of my life. Went to the front window where our cat looks like she had a mini stroke....she was frozen in shear terror....and saw it. A bassett hound. I called my sister (I was so stoked by the way--I love bassett hounds) and she told me that I must take a picture of him. Except then she told me not to--we figured that if his owners came looking for him and we were all outside taking family pictures with their dog....well....that would be a little awkward....(he has left our house, by the way. After a few naps on our front porch furniture....it looks like he got some energy to find his way home....)

* I bought some mums yesterday. So excited! They are gorgeous and it feels even fall-ier around here.

* Speaking of fall, it is now only in the high 70's. Gorgeous weather....finally! I made a pot of homemade chili last nite. Bella loved it and said, "Mmmmmm....mmmmm....mom-mom". She was a little um, gassy, last nite in her sleep though. Is it bad that I was giggling each time she did it?

* Isabella now calls her dada "daddy". So sweet.

* She still calls me mom. Or mom-mom.

* Short story time: we have a satellite provider. We live somewhat in the country. When we moved here a year ago no cable networks would come out this far--that is why we have crappy satellite. Anyhow, due to our location we couldn't receive any local channels. We rigged some oh-so-fabulous 1980's rabbit ears in order to get ABC and FOX. We applied for a waiver last year for CBS and NBC. The networks denied them. We reapplied this past week. We now have East Coast CBS--however we have to pay a monthly fee to have it. NBC's is still pending. How ridiculous is it that in the year 2008 this type of crap is still going on?! We have one more year until our contract is up. Then we will be getting rid of our satellite for tv and our satellite for the internet (which is so. freaking. slow. I hate it!!). Just wanted to gripe a little bit about that....

* We are driving up to Indiana to see my Grandpa in a few days. So glad we can go and see him--plus (bonus time) my Mom, Dad and my little sisters will be there as well. Be on the lookout for some majorly cute pictures of Isabella with her fun aunts!

*Once again I am behind on my blog reading and commenting. I promise I will be all caught up. Again. I was just in a funk last week....I was sick for a few days and the weather was rainy. Yuck.

* Due to my bumminess, Leo surprised me with a trip to Barnes and Noble last Friday. It was exactly what the doctor ordered, let me tell ya. I bought Nicholas Sparks' new book, The Lucky One, and then finished out my trip with a pumpkin spice latte. Pure bliss.