A Relaxing Christmas :)

Christmas has come and gone. It went by too fast as usual, but it was great.  Probably one of my favorite holidays yet.

We had a big delicious Christmas Eve dinner with lots of family. Followed by an evening at home opening Christmas pajama's and watching a Christmas movie.

Christmas morning was spent with Vince's immediate family eating breakfast and exchanging gifts.

Around noon we went home and spent the rest of the day just the three of us.

We wanted to be able to start our own Christmas traditions as a family. We opened our gifts, played with Kaylee's toys, made Christmas dinner together, and ended the night with a movie and warm drinks. No driving all over the place all day long like normal. Just simple, sweet, quality family time.

It was a perfect Christmas.

Our families spoiled us more than we deserve, we both felt so loved and blessed.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends.

For those of you who have off this week enjoy it! I'm jealous. For anyone else who is working like me, I hope the week goes by quickly so you get to enjoy another long holiday weekend coming up :)

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Also, I had to share this picture. The day after Christmas we went shopping and before we left I couldn't help but notice how much older Kaylee is starting look.

Seriously, where did my baby go??

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

As I mentioned last week I had a few things to do to finish getting ready for the holidays, but I was looking around my house last night before going to bed and I think everything is finally ready. It's definitely looking like Christmas :)

The stockings are up and presents are wrapped and under the tree.

Christmas cards have been mailed and received :)

The decorations are out and the cookies have been made.



The lights are all up and Ty has been bathed.

(he was all white until he decided to get into the plant by the front door)

Now all that is left to do is finish this week of work and then relax and enjoy the holiday.

Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday week with all of your loved one!

*Thank you Shutterfly for the Christmas cards! And sorry for all the crappy iphone pictures, I was way too lazy to get out my real camera last night.

Who needs sleep anyways?

A couple of the guys at work have become new dads recently and yesterday we were all talking about the craziness of being a parent to an infant.

One of the guys has a 3 month old that has been sleeping through the night since he was 10 days old. Seriously. Yes, I'm jealous. But his son is also very colicky, so he said he cries all day long. He said he wouldn't mind if his son woke up during the night if it meant that he was happy throughout day.

The other dad was the exact opposite. His daughter is 4 months old and is happy as can be all day long, but is waking up multiple times every night. He was saying he would do anything to have just one night of sleep even if it meant his daughter was cranky during the day.

This made me think about if I was given the choice which is better?

 I have had the joy (ha) of experiencing both sides of this with Kaylee.

When she was a couple months old she was a colicky, fussy baby all day.. BUT she slept 10 hours straight every single night. After she hit about 16 weeks old she turned into such a sweet, happy, content baby. But at night? She absolutely refuses to sleep. She goes to bed fine, but after that every night is different. Most often she is up just once, but we do have nights where she is up twice, and then there are those very rare random nights that she decides to give me a break and doesn't get up at all. (I would like those nights to happen more often. Please, Kaylee?!)

We have tried everything and she just won't sleep.

I miss my nights of peaceful sleep like crazy. There are times at 3am that I think like the 2nd dad and would deal with anything during the day just to have her sleep at night. But then once I'm up for the day and not in my middle of the night zombie mode, I know that's not true. I 100% percent would rather have her happy during the day. If I have to wake-up I might complain some, but I'll get over it.

Besides at this point I am getting used to functioning on no sleep.

I figure at some point she will sort it all out and realize she does in fact like sleeping. (with my luck, as soon as that happens I will be starting the whole process over again with another little one..) For now I will just enjoy all the smiles and laughs I get during the day (and maybe buy more concealer to cover up the dark circles under my eyes) and try to stop focusing on the stress of the long nights. Who needs sleep anyways?

12 Things About Me :)

There are only 12 days until Christmas! Can you believe it? I can't.

I still have some last minute gifts to get and cookies to bake. Ty needs to be groomed so that he looks all cute and clean for the holidays (just called and thankfully they had an opening for this weekend). I am making Christmas dinner this year so I need to decide what I am cooking and pick up groceries. But really, other than that I am pretty much all set and I am SO looking forward to our first holiday as a family of 3. ( 4 if you count Ty ;) )

Ever since I woke up today and realized there were only 12 days left I have had the song 12 Days of Christmas playing on repeat in my head. So, because of that I have decided to write down 12 (completely random) things you may not already know about me :)

1. I have a ridiculous obsession with hot peppers. Random, but true.

2. I am can be a neat freak. I don't like to clean, but I love a clean house. So, I clean a lot. I think it drives Vince crazy at times. I am constantly putting things away that he needs out just because I can't stand stuff just sitting around. It will be interesting to see how I handle all of Kaylee's toys once she is walking and all over the place haha.  

3. I am a total Mama's girl. I very rarely make any decisions big or small without first consulting my mom.

4. I am scared of cats. No offense to people who have cats, but they freak me out. I had 2 growing up and they were both crazy.

5. I used to be a dancer. I danced from the time I was 5 until I quit right before senior year in high school. At one point I was dancing 20-25 hours a week. I miss it a ton now, and regret quitting when I did.

6. I was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota. My father was in the air force at the time so we lived on base.

7. Since Kaylee was born I have never gone a single day without showering. Before Kaylee I would usually shower twice a day. I sometimes wish I could skip a day here or there, but for some reason I just can't. I need that 10 minutes of me time.

8. I was president of my sorority in college. Having to be the one to set and enforce rules for 140 other girls wasn't always the easiest or the most fun job in the world, but I do truly love my sisters :)

9. Speaking of sisters, I typically only refer to my sister Samantha, but I do have other siblings. I have another half sister Brittnee who just turned 20 yesterday and a step brother Sean who will be 27 in January. I was raised with Sam so we are super close and she is one of my best friends. Brittnee and Sean both lived with my father in Florida before he passed away so I don't see them nearly as often as I would like, but we do still talk and keep in touch.

10. Scary movies are my favorite. Given the choice between watching a romantic comedy or a scary movie, I always go with the scary one.

11. When I was really little I wrote with my left hand. Then I started at a private school when I was 5 and they made me switch to writing with my right hand. For awhile I could still write with both, but now I only use my right hand.

12. When Vince and I first got engaged we both agreed we never wanted kids. We were serious about it at the time. Sometime after actually getting married and buying a house we changed our minds and decided we wanted just one. Now, 7 months after having Kaylee? We want 3. Preferably sooner rather than later. It's funny how things change ;)

A Parade, Ear Piercings, and Meeting Santa :)

Last week was a very long week at work, plus pretty stressful with all of Kaylee's doctors appointments, so I was really looking forward to spending the weekend just relaxingand starting to celebrate the holidays.

Saturday morning while Vince was working Kaylee and I did a little Christmas shopping. Then that afternoon when he was done there was a Christmas parade right down the street from our house so we bundled Kaylee up and walked down to watch it with Vince's family.

She didn't seem overly excited about it, but she watched the whole thing and smiled at anyone that stopped to say hello.

Afterwards we ran a few errands, came home put Kaylee to bed and then curled up on the couch with a bottle of wine and watched a movie. (we watched The Help.. I'm sure most of you have seen it by now, but if not it's SO good so make sure you check it out!)

We continued with the Christmas fun on Sunday morning when we took Kaylee to see Santa. We got there early so we wouldn't have to wait too long and thankfully the Miss Kay kept herself entertained with smiling at everyone else in line (she definitely has her daddy's outgoing personality and will talk to anyone haha). Vince put her on Santa's lap, she looked up and starred at him for a few seconds, then turned smiled and that was that.

I have to say the picture turned out pretty cute :)

We had all intentions of heading home right after her picture and putting her down for her nap, but as we were walking out I saw a sign for ear piercings. I have been debating doing it for awhile now and decided if I was going to I might as well do it now.

I was definitely nervous. I knew it would make her cry, but I also knew it would look so cute. So she sat on my lap and in less than 30 seconds they were done. She cried and practically jumped out of my arms into Vince's as soon as they finished. But I had her bottle ready and fed her as soon as I stood up and within a minute she was fine again.

(this was right after they were done... she obviously wasn't too happy, but not screaming either)

They don't seem to bother her at all and she hasn't pulled on them once. I honestly don't even think she knows they are there (which is probably for the best). So now my little lady has earrings like a big girl :)

Meeting Santa and getting her ears pierced was a pretty big day for a little girl. So the rest of the day we just lounged around the house, wrapped presents, watched football and finished the night with Vince's family coming to our house for Sunday family dinner.

I love laid back family weekends like this. There really isn't anything better.

A little bit of everything

Saying I am tired today would be an understatement. The Little Miss decided 4am was a good time to get up to play today. That was a first. We have had early mornings before, but never this early. Plus I had stayed up till almost 12 talking with mom, and let me tell you I do not function well off of only 4 hours of sleep.

I am crossing my fingers today is busy at work so I don't have time to just sit, otherwise I might pass out at my desk.

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On a more positive note, I had a really good weekend. Friday I got done work a little early and Vince watched Kaylee so my mom and I could go out shopping. Saturday Vince and I had a wedding in the city, which was GORGEOUS and a lot of fun. It was kind of like a mini high school reunion, so it was nice getting to catch up with everyone. Unfortunately Saturday I woke up not feeling so great and by the end of the wedding I was pretty sick, so I didn't get to enjoy it quite as much as I would have liked, but we still had a really good time.

Sunday I still wasn't feeling good, but a little better. So my mom, mother-in-law, Kaylee and I went to a big craft show in Harrisburg, then on the way back we stopped and did some shopping at the outlets. Then last night Vince and I celebrated Christmas early with my mom since we won't be seeing my family then. We saved some of the gifts from my parents to actually open on Christmas, but it's always nice getting to see people open the gifts you get them. (Vince got a Bose system and was like a little kid playing with a new toy the rest of the night haha) 

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It's amazing to me how the moment I get sick everyone starts asking if I am pregnant. I swear I could have a cold and that is the first thing people start wondering about. I understood this more before I had Kaylee, because people knew we were trying. But, now I don't get it. I mean I have 6 month old, do people really think I would be pregnant already? And of course I know that it's always a possibility and I would be ok if it happened, but seriously I swear I'm not pregnant and I'm not trying to be. 

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When I first started at my job I was the youngest one. I was 24 and the person closest to me was 37. Over the past few years we have gotten 3 other girls all in their 20's. I never minded before about not having people my age at work, but now that I do I love it. I like having them to hangout with at work and after sometimes too. It really does make getting up and coming to work so much easier.

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I am taking an early lunch today so I can drop my mom off for her flight home. She hasn't even technically left yet and I am still sad about it. I haven't seen my sister since August (now that she is in college it's harder to schedule things together) and I have only seen my dad one day since then. This summer will be 4 years since they moved and I swear it hasn't gotten any easier. I miss them a ton, but I am grateful that my mom is so great about coming to visit us whenever she can. My family has a place in Vermont so I think we are going to all try to meet up there in January to go skiing. I am already counting the days.

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I need to find a new series to watch. Over the past couple of years I have watched 24, LOST, One Tree Hill, and Friday Night Lights. All from start to finish. (well OTH is actually still on, but I watched the 1st 6 seasons last year and just caught up with it in season 7) I love getting them and watching them all at once like that. I don't know why, but I do. So, anyways does anyone have any good suggestions on what my next show should be??

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It still amazes me every single day how much Kaylee has changed my life. In a good way. I seriously feel like a different person. I love her more than words can describe and literally just seeing her smile can make my whole day. On Wednesday we have some important doctors appointments at DuPont Children's Hospital. I haven't talked about it all, because I am hoping it turns out to not be a big deal and it's nothing that needs to be addressed online right now. But if you could please keep her in your prayers for me I would greatly apprecaite it.

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Hope you all have a great week! Happy Monday!

December, Already?!

Thanksgiving is over and today starts the last month of the year. Which means? Work is CRAZY. I hate end of the year time (just at work, I love it at home because it means Christmas time!). So I apologize in advance for my lack of posts, but with work and just the normal holiday business I have a feeling I won't get to blog too much.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving with your friends and families. We had a good very low key and relaxing holiday with Vince's family. Even though I missed my family a lot it was kind of nice to just stay home and not travel this year. (plus my mom is actually flying here today and staying till Monday so knowing I would see her soon helped!)

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I saw this little questionnaire over at Katie's blog a few weeks ago and decided to copy :)

Guilty pleasure?

All of the Kardashian shows... KUWTK, KKTNY, Khloe and Lamar, etc. I watch every episode and love it.

Recent splurge?

Honestly? I can't think of much. I bought a dress for a wedding this weekend that was a little more than I normally would spend on myself... but other than that I have been pretty good lately. (I have also actually stuck to the budget I set for Christmas gifts, which never happens! So, yay me!)

In bulk, I buy?

Only 4 things.. paper towels, toilet paper, diapers and wipes. We get large quantities at BJ's every few months rather than have to go buy them all of the time.

My go-to flower?

I'm not picky, I like them all. It's not unusual to find multiple vases of fresh flowers around my house on any given day.

Comfort food?

I actually don't really have a comfort food. Weird, I know. But I do love a cup of hot tea at night after a long day (or a glass of wine of course).

Now, if the question had been hangover food? The answer would have definitely been Chick-fil-a ;)

For breakfast?

I usually grab a water (again, weird I know... but I don't drink coffee or much juice either) and thing of yogurt to eat on my way to work.

For dinner?

Since Kaylee, we don't go out as often so I cook Monday through Friday. This is could be anything.. something in a crockpot, a casserole, pasta, I love anything mexican, and or course there's always chicken... whatever I feel like making really.

Saturday we either go out early for dinner or just order something in.

And Sunday we have family dinner at Vince's house which is usually some kind of homemade Pasta (they are Italian after all lol)

Love/hate relationship with?

Work. Some days it's great and I can picture myself here for a long time, and some days I want to quit. I also love the extra money, but I hate missing Kaylee during the day. Work really is something I change my mind about every.single.day.

Can't stop watching?

Umm, where do I begin?

Ringer, Heart of Dixie, Gossip Girl, Secret Circle, Grey's are the 5 shows that are always filling my dvr.

Then there's all of my reality show addictions whenever they are on... dance moms, bachelor/bachelorette, Kardashians, project runway. Yes, I know I have a problem.

Dreaming about?

Lots of things. Christmas, vacations, babies (not anytime too soon, but eventually), etc.

Every girl should have?

A best friend. Don't know what I would do without mine :)

My style in five words?

I don't really have one set style. For work I dress up. At home I wear yoga pants/leggings constantly. And when I'm out I usually try to dress in something in between the two. I typically go for stylish, yet still comfortable. So yeah, not quite 5 words and no real "style" per say.

I love wearing?

Uggs, leggings, and scarfs are absolute must in the winter. I am too embarrassed to admit how many pairs of uggs I have, but I seriously live in them all winter long.

Dream job?

I honestly have no idea. I like what I do so maybe if I can figure out a way to continue this, but only work part time I would consider that my dream job. I am working on sorting all that out now.

Happy December :)