tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344180894367818422024-03-12T23:49:28.238-04:00home is where the heart isChrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-37191785673258439512015-08-04T11:46:00.000-04:002015-08-04T11:46:03.220-04:00the worst day of my lifeWhere have I been?! Who knows.... probably busy chasing a toddler and a very mobile infant. Whew, parenthood is no joke. Lots of laughs, and tons of joy, but it's not for the faint of heart! Between the boys and working full-time, things have been a little, well, busy. So much has happened, I couldn't even try to fit it into a recap post; it's just too much. Regardless, I wanted to get back into blogging for one big reason - allergies. Food allergies, to be exact.<br />
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In the last four-ish months, our family has been greatly affected by the crazy world of food allergies. I never thought much about food allergies in kids, primarily because I was blissfully unaware of how hard life could be when affected by them, but also simply because they didn't affect me. Not my family. Not my kids.<br />
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On Saturday, April 25 I came home from a work trip...exhausted. We grabbed a quick late lunch on our way home from the airport and I told BL I was going to do a simple dinner and put the kids to bed right after dinner. Did I mention I was <strike>lazy</strike> tired?!<br />
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Haynes was old enough to try eggs, and Max loves his "cheesy eggys" so that's what I whipped up for dinner. Knowing this was a highly allergenic food, I stripped him down to his diaper so I could see his skin. At the very worst, I thought he would get a little rash if the eggs didn't agree with him. I was tired and not thinking things through, because I have always followed the "new things in the morning" rule in case of a reaction. Remember, my plan was to put them to bed right after dinner... {I still shutter a bit thinking of what would have happened if his reaction didn't come on quick}<br />
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Haynes loved the eggs, gobbled them all right up and smiled the whole way! About 15 minutes after he started eating, he was done and ready for his bottle. I grabbed him out of his seat and noticed some splotchy areas on his chest and neck, so I asked BL to come in and verify that it wasn't my eyes. He agreed, and I said "well, I guess he has a little allergy or something?" so I grabbed my phone and called the most knowledgeable person I know...my mom :) I remember asking about what an allergic reaction to eggs could look like, and as I was talking I noticed his lymph nodes behind his ears were growing, and already the size of a small blueberry. I abruptly got off the phone with my mom and called urgent care to make sure they would stay open for us, and I packed up the baby to head out the door. I had just been gone for 6 days and my 2 year old was screaming bloody murder that I was leaving him again. I was crying, he was crying, baby was swelling and BL was praying. <br />
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I want to stop here and say that I now know I should have called 9-1-1 and let help come to us. I had no clue. If you're child is having a bad reaction and swelling quickly, don't hesitate, call 9-1-1.<br />
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The baby and I made our 15-minute drive to urgent care and I was checking to make sure he was breathing every chance I got. Thinking "why in the hell am I driving and not calling 9-1-1?!" but honestly didn't think they could get me there any faster. <br />
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Children's Healthcare Urgent Care was super fast to get us in and so helpful in my panicked state. They informed me that his airways looked clear and they would give him Benedryl and a shot of epineperine to counteract the reaction, and then we would ride in an ambulance to Children's Healthcare down in Atlanta so he could be monitored for a few hours. This was standard for them and they saw no reason to worry. <br />
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About 10 minutes after the first shot of EPI, I told the nurse he wasn't improving and I would like to see the doctor again. She came in and checked him out...his ears, his hands, his face...all swelling more. He couldn't keep a paci in either, which made me think his tongue was swelling as well. They gave him another shot of epinephrine and put in an IV. <br />
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I remember this moment so vividly, and will never be able to erase it from my memory. My tiny little nugget, swollen and miserable, screaming his head off on that huge hospital bed. Then, in one moment, he stopped crying and looked up at me {I am sobbing thinking about that look}, and his eyes rolled back in his head and his heart rate monitor went crazy. My poor sweet baby. I couldn't do anything but watch the doctor and nurses get him stable and breathing normally, and it was honestly the most terrifying moment of my life. I pled with God not to take my baby, and I remember saying "This isn't what is supposed to happen, God! Not like this!" <br />
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As they were continuing to work on Haynes and keep him stable, a sweet nurse came up to me, trembling herself, and said they had changed our mode of transportation from ambulance to a helicopter, and we would be leaving as soon as they could get the helicopter there. "It's really that bad?" I said. "It's really that bad." she replied. I just sobbed. I made the call to BL, who was at home with our toddler, and to my mom so she could come meet me while he arranged childcare for Max. <br />
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What happened next was a blur; I vaguely remember the two paramedics from the original ambulance who came in to get Haynes ready for his journey to the children's hospital. Soon after, I heard the helicopter come in and land, and in walk three men in flight suits who took Haynes and explained to me what was about to happen. When we walked outside, I realized how many people went into making this whole thing possible, and then my appreciation for our public service members grew even more!! You see, there isn't a helipad at the Urgent Care. There was the one ambulance I mentioned, but then also two fire trucks and one police car there to block off the road so the helicopter could land, and then take off again. All for my baby. I am a very fortunate and rare parent who was able to ride along with my child; I have learned since then that it is few and far between when parents are allowed to take that journey. Thank you Jesus for that sweet gift. As I told the pilot, it wasn't the way I wanted my first arial tour of Atlanta, but I was so glad to be there with my boy. <br />
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When we landed, everyone was ready for us, the team at Egleston was phenomenal! I am so thankful for their role in Haynes' recovery. He was stable and the swelling was finally starting to decrease. Long story short (ha!), they kept us over night and monitored Haynes closely to be sure he would not have a second flare up once the EPI wore off. My mom was there for most of the night, and BL arrived once we got him off to my brother and sister-in-law (THANK YOU!!!). It was an exhausting night, to say the least. We were trained on an epi pen, given a prescription and sent home with instructions to "try nothing new" until we saw an allergist.<br />
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So now what? Well, I will write another post about our trip to the allergist and what else we discovered... Pretty sure this is enough for one day. For now, I will say it's good to be back on the blog, and I hope and pray this will become a place where I can share knowledge and tips people have shared with me. A place were mommas (or dads or friends) can read and not feel alone; not feel the isolation of food allergies. <br />
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Until next time, make it a great day. Choose happiness.<br />
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<a href="http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/?action=view&current=blog_button-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-43632806487266933022014-02-04T14:23:00.001-05:002014-02-04T14:23:32.266-05:00"even if hate has a bullhorn, love is louder"<br />
One of my favorite lines from one of Kid President's newest videos. This kid makes the world such a better place... I hope Max enjoys him as much as his parents do, because I have a feeling we will be watching his videos for a long time to come! <br />
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Enjoy this one below, and remember to make it a great day, and tell people they are AWESOME and you're glad they are here! We could learn a lot from this kiddo... <br />
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In case you missed it on my social media pages, we had a BIG announcement...</div>
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It still doesn't quite seem real that baby #2 is on the way! We are excited about what is ahead and really look forward to seeing Max as a big brother! </div>
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Some people have been asking about the story behind the video, so I thought I would answer those questions and give you a breakdown of the big surprise! </div>
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Unlike with Max, we were not trying to get pregnant...in fact, we had said we would 'think' about baby #2 after Max turned one in mid-December. However, when I went to bed one Friday night in early December, I thought to myself 'I am pregnant'. I just felt it. I didn't feel sick, I didn't feel sore, I just felt pregnant {yes, that feels just as odd to say as it is to read}. Knowing I wouldn't be far along if I was, I decided to wait until Saturday morning to take a test because a morning test is more accurate in this stage {TMI for those no where near TTC}. So Saturday morning, BL went off to work and I took the test...two lines formed a perfect cross on the screen. Baby #2 was on the way. </div>
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So many emotions ran through my head and I was having a hard time believing it was real. I sat on our bed wondering how I would tell BL when he got home and then it hit me...use our photo shoot this afternoon. This would be perfect! Our <a href="http://www.lesleykerrphotography.com/">photographer extraordinaire</a> {and my adorable, sweet and beautiful cousin Lesley} could aid in my big reveal and it would be captured on camera to show this sweet baby someday...perfect! So I made the phone call to Les and we started to craft the plans for the day. </div>
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As we walked through the High Museum taking pictures I couldn't believe the bomb I was about to drop on my husband...he was blissfully unaware of what was yet to come! </div>
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We finished up pictures inside and went outside to capture some different shots, and that was when Lesley did it....we posed in front of this huge white wall and all smiled at the camera. </div>
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Then Lesley said, "everyone look at the camera and say 'Chrissi's pregnant!'" To which BL obeyed and then looked at me and said "wait...really?"</div>
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YES! Really! </div>
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Hooray! Then he said "Max you're going to be a BIG BROTHER!"</div>
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{more excitment}</div>
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...and complete joy.</div>
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Baby #2, we are excited to meet you later this year......</div>
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Do you shop online? If so, do yourself a BIG favor and go sign up for <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pKGK2k6XRXxfOH1AI8YGbQ%3D%3D">EBATES</a>! Seriously, it's free money in return for shopping online. <br />
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Now, I am not going to lie... Originally I thought it was a scam. Why would you get money to shop online? I thought it was too good to be true. Then I tried it. I did a lot of my Christmas shopping online and scored some really great cash back deals. Bought a new pair of Toms, received $4.20 back. Purchased a few new items at Old Navy, got $5.60. No joke, straight into my bank account.<br />
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Here's how it works...<br />
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When you want to shop online, go to the <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pKGK2k6XRXxfOH1AI8YGbQ%3D%3D">EBATES</a> website first, in the upper right corner you simply type in the name of the place you want to shop {trust me, there are a LOT of shops!}, and then click the name when your merchant shows up. On that next page is where you can see how much you will get back, as well as any extra deals the site is running {like free shipping, or $5 off, etc.}; it's basically a storehouse of all available deals! Then you click any of the orange 'SHOP NOW' buttons and you're immediately transferred over to the actual site you're shopping and you {you guess it...} SHOP! That is it, seriously. Check back on your <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pKGK2k6XRXxfOH1AI8YGbQ%3D%3D">EBATES</a> account page the next day and you'll see your money in the 'Cash Pending' portion of the account summary. Then once a quarter, <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pKGK2k6XRXxfOH1AI8YGbQ%3D%3D">EBATES</a> dumps that money straight into your bank or PayPal account. Seriously. What is <i>even better</i> than that?! They have an awesome referral program for bloggers like you & me to make extra money just for telling people about their site. No shame in my game, I want you guys to sign up! <br />
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Ok, ok, ok... enough website selling for me. Seriously though, go <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pKGK2k6XRXxfOH1AI8YGbQ%3D%3D">SIGN UP</a>! And don't forget to make it a great day!<br />
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XO!<br />
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Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-18190501416818622212014-01-09T13:47:00.001-05:002014-01-09T13:47:56.705-05:00Welcome to the world, 2014! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Happy New Year, friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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Does anyone still read this blog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a bore it’s become, I wouldn’t blame you
for moving on… I keep hoping to come back, but alas never seem to quite make
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day I sit at my computer for
work, and stare at the screen, and type the little keyboard, and use the
{awesome} cordless mouse… All. Day. Long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I go home and spend time with my little man, whom I have missed so
terribly during the day, and I try to find some time to unwind, all while doing
a bazillion chores that didn’t get done during the day because I was, you
guessed it, at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Luckily for me, I really enjoy what I do and the people I
work with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad often told us growing up
that if we like what we do, we will never work a day in our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I do feel like this is true, but I also
know a lot of days I am working, even if I do love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The end of the day can’t come soon enough,
not because I dislike what I am doing, but because I want to get my arms,
hands, kisses all over that sweet boy of ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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What does that have to do with this blog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, quite frankly this is my venting
session to make myself feel better about having no blog posts lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I doubt any readers have made it this far
anyways…</div>
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<br /></div>
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There is so much to catch up on, really… Max turned one; we
celebrated both Thanksgiving and Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And New Year’s too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So maybe not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> much, but it’s a lot to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally treated myself to a new camera (a
“starter” DSLR, if you will) and I have loads of pictures to post!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So while I am nowhere near promising to post
again soon, or to actually cover all of the above mentioned events in our lives,
I do want to stop by this place of mine more often.</div>
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What I will leave you with today is something that made me
melt into a puddle yesterday – Max can blow kisses now!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, can’t stop asking him to do
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melts. Me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being a momma. </div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eoA3vXT2-YA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Make it a great day friends! </div>
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Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-24430046543778420162013-11-01T16:19:00.000-04:002013-11-01T16:19:45.174-04:00Ch-Ch-Ch- ChangesChange is both good and tough. My work for example, is full of change; each new event I coordinate is just that, NEW! Changes every single time and I love it! I want new challenges and adventures...ever <i>changing</i> experiences. That is "work Chrissi". Let's talk about "non-work Chrissi", perhaps we could even call her "real Chrissi". Real Chrissi, she hates change. <strike>Why is Chrissi talking in third person? </strike>Large shifts in the way my life is "supposed" to go can really throw me off mentally, emotionally and sometimes even physically. If we have plans, I keep them. Changing them will make me feel off balance. It's strange I know; to want change and excitement but then to allow change to knock me into a new state of crazy is, well, stupid.<br />
<br />
Anyways. On to the changes. Or really change. One. Many of my readers know this news already, but some may not.... My sister is moving to Austin, TX. I realize you may be thinking, <i>how is your sister moving really going to change your life?</i> To that I would quickly answer: drastically. You can <a href="http://jandeburfitt.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-life-update.html">hop over to her blog</a> to read all of her updates and changes but I wanted to document it here too. Our lives are about to change in a big way! I am nervous, but I am excited for her! This is a huge opportunity and I am so proud to watch her (and her hubs) trust in God's plan for their lives! It's hard to say anything bad about it, really, because it is so wonderful! However {gulp}, it's going to be one of the hardest things I have had to do... Go to Texas in a few weeks, help them unload the boxes and get settled, and then get in the car and drive back home. Back to Georgia. Without them.<br />
<br />
{excuse me while I go grab some more tissues}<br />
<br />
Where were we? Oh yes...change.<br />
<br />
I am learning more and more this year that change is really a chance to cling to Jesus and renew your faith in His plan. Being a momma is nothing short of fabulous, but it brings with it a LOT of change. Schedule (big one for me!), money, friendships, marriage; it changes them all! Walking by faith is the only way I will make it through! I know God has a beautiful plan written out (hello, Romans 8:28), but it's not <i>my </i>plan. It is <i>HIS </i>plan. Just like this move with my sister; it's not mine (I would live with her forever in the same house if I could! <strike>Our husbands would die.</strike>); He planned it! So my prayer for this new change is that our family would see it all as a blessing to be a part of God's work, and that we would be humbled he chose our sister/daughter/aunt/friend to walk in His will and bring more glory to Him. It will be hard, we will cry and cry <strike>and cry and cry and cry,</strike> but we have phones, we have internet, we have week-long vacations to hang out, and on top of it all, we have a bond that miles can't separate.<br />
<br />
Do you live away from family? How do you do it?!<br />
<br />
Make it a great day friends, and choose to trust in God's great plan!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-21361143872326926822013-09-13T12:29:00.001-04:002013-09-13T12:29:46.580-04:00Single Babies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have such a wonderful Father-in-law! He watches Max while I work 4 or 5 days a week and really takes such great care of him! Max loves his Papa and so do BL & I! This week he created a baby version of "single ladies" .... Single Babies! Thanks Daddy Lyons, you're awesome!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzp5NhwWgpTdNl9rTWnyoL5PwDm8ke7PYlUxc9EEXElnfVswTxqsKRfieXBP_F8hTaaYJMhKwF2pd2TXbRt_A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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TGIF... SO excited about the weekend ahead! Choose happiness and make it a great one, friends!</div>
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<a href="http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/?action=view&current=blog_button-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-74822445749261140042013-09-11T09:50:00.001-04:002013-09-11T10:01:06.074-04:00Fall Bucket List & RememberingDoes anyone else L-O-V-E fall? I love the colors, the food, the smells, the change in weather. I just love fall! Not too hot, not too cold; a great season! Another thing I love...lists! I love making lists and checking items off. <strike><a href="http://chrissiwithani.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-countdown-is-onand-why-i-failed.html">Except when I fail,</a> but that is another story for another day.</strike> The upcoming Fall holidays will be the first where Max will actually {kind of} enjoy...previous holidays he just slept right through! Now he can scoot around a pumpkin patch and be mesmerized by the campfire {although not yet enjoying the best part, S'MORES!}. I am so excited to share this fun season with our cutie! So, combining my love for fall and my love for lists, I have decided we're going to have a fall bucket list this year! It will be so much fun to cross these items off and enjoy the season as a family. Any friends want to join us?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mUk5j-1hxw/UjB0aRcQlfI/AAAAAAAACFM/sZaHOMJLuRc/s1600/fall+bucket+list+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mUk5j-1hxw/UjB0aRcQlfI/AAAAAAAACFM/sZaHOMJLuRc/s640/fall+bucket+list+2013.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kleinworthco.com/freebies">via</a></span></div>
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<br />
Lastly, on a far more serious note... I cried on the way in to work today listening to the news recaps from this day, 12 years ago. What a tragedy. I will never forget walking through the halls of our high school, in shock. Sitting in my AP Gov class crying, not sure how to react to such evil. Now 12 years later I still feel that shock, still hurt over such evil. I will never forget how that day changed my life, and changed the country I live in. I will also never forget the sacrifices made by many to keep us free and keep things like this from happening again.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHv-Jd6uQg8/UjB2_urLGjI/AAAAAAAACFg/86cIVHdeKAg/s1600/DSCN1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHv-Jd6uQg8/UjB2_urLGjI/AAAAAAAACFg/86cIVHdeKAg/s320/DSCN1034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">taken last year at the 9/11 memorial</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmDhRJxSH08/UjB3e5f4MSI/AAAAAAAACFw/Ft4Ctw8D1sQ/s1600/9111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmDhRJxSH08/UjB3e5f4MSI/AAAAAAAACFw/Ft4Ctw8D1sQ/s400/9111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://m.crosscards.com/cards/holidays/patriot-day/9-11-lincoln-quote.html">via</a></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-47658863863622897812013-09-03T12:49:00.000-04:002013-09-03T12:49:35.595-04:00Dear 15-year-old Chrissi<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is my 30th birthday. The big 3-0, what a milestone! In honor of this occasion, I have written a letter to myself, at the age of 15. If only I had known what I know now...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Emv4T2XrW3Y/UiYQsrdfbHI/AAAAAAAACE4/k-FnoXYyeak/s1600/8th+grade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Emv4T2XrW3Y/UiYQsrdfbHI/AAAAAAAACE4/k-FnoXYyeak/s1600/8th+grade.jpg" /></a></div>
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Dear 15-year-old Chrissi,</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sweet girl, as I sit here today on your 30<sup>th</sup>
birthday, there is so much I want to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So much I have learned over the last 15 years that I wish you would
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I wouldn’t go back and
change any of it, because it shaped who I am today, there are things which
could have made life easier, and certainly saved some heartache. </div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For starters, being popular doesn’t really matter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, it’s nice to be liked, but what is more
important is how you treat people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
girl in your math class with no friends, she needs you to sit with her at lunch
more than you need to be at the cool table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Go out of your way to be kind to others and show them the love God calls
you to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be hard to believe me
now, but the “cool kids” don’t always stay the cool kids, and what is really
important is how you treat the people who aren’t seemingly “cool”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t stress over prom so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have fun with your girlfriends and don’t
worry about the boy who asks (or doesn’t ask) you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
though he may be wonderful, unless you’re like a few select friends, your prom
date isn’t going make any bit of difference in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dance the night away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have fun! </div>
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<br /></div>
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You’re making a lot of money babysitting…Save. It.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
don’t have to spend it all just because you have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is expensive as an adult, and you will
wish you kept your savings account as a savings account and had more money when
you get out of college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Your sisters are amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seriously, like the best friends you could ever imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop picking on them, let them borrow
whatever clothes they want, and good grief don’t kick them out of the car on
the way to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These two will be
your best girlfriends and you will regret how you treated them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy every moment you have together, because
when you grow up, you don’t get to live in the same house and share two or
three meals together each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Savor
this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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You may think right now that not having your first kiss when
you turn 15 is the end of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trust me, it isn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Save that
kiss for someone who really matters, not a boy with whom you’ve “gone out” for
three weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will barely remember
his name in a few years; he does not matter, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Value
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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You have no idea what love really is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, you know love from your parents, family
and friends, but what you think is “love” between you and the guy you’ll soon be
in a relationship with, is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Save
your heart, don’t fall so fast, and like I said earlier, value yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are worth waiting for, worth fighting for
and worth more than some boys will make you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are so special, and you need to remember that
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you matter</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will meet your husband in about 10 years,
and he will look nothing like you imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will love you like you never could have thought possible, and you
will build a family more perfect that your wildest dreams could have
planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop trying to write your own story
and wait for the perfect one God is writing for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those parents who you think are “driving you nuts” right now
are the best two people you could possibly know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are wiser and more thoughtful than you
give them credit for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These two are sacrificing a lot to make sure
you have what you need, when you need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hug them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Show them respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember they are always, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i>, making decisions to better your
life and not make it worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a few years, you will regret the sour looks
you give your mom and the doors you slammed in your dad’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really don’t need to listen to your music
so loud (as dad says), and you should behave (just as mom told you).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be repeating Dad’s words of “happiness
is a choice, choose happiness” nearly every day of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t roll your eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These two are a gift, and you should value
you them more!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, you should remember that no matter what happens,
life does get better… Tough times will come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tears will fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may feel
like the world is going to end, but alas, it will not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will smile more than you could hope, your
reality will be better than your dreams and your life will be blessed beyond
measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take care of yourself and make
those who come in contact with you see something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With love,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
30-year-old Chrissi <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" />Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-12968768238463592342013-08-09T13:15:00.000-04:002013-08-09T13:15:10.990-04:00the countdown is on....and why i failed.<br />
Failure:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fail·ure</span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> n.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or
ends: the failure of an experiment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One that fails: a failure at one's career.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The condition or fact of being insufficient or falling
short: a crop failure.</span></div>
<br />
Do you remember <a href="http://chrissiwithani.blogspot.com/p/30-before-30.html">this</a>? That is my 30 By 30 list that I have failed miserably at! How is it <i>less than</i> one month before my big 3-0 and I have only crossed off 14 of them?! Yikes. That's less than 50% {yes I am <i>that good</i> at math}!<br />
<br />
So where does this leave me? Well, besides feeling like a failure, this leaves me with hope...I have so much fun stuff yet to do! Maybe it should be 35 before 35?! Or maybe I should just change it to a bucket list. Who knows, I just wanted to admit publicly that I have failed at this task that I was ever-so-excited to begin. Alas, such is life. I think I underestimated how much time #6 would actually take up <i>after </i>I accomplished it. <br />
<br />
On another note, it's FRIDAY! I am hopeful I will get a new phone today so I can take pictures again <strike>because apparently I forgot how to use a real camera</strike>. Now that is something to smile about. Want something else to smile about? Watch these... you'll thank me!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I03UmJbK0lA" width="560"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/m1yir-p68xM" width="560"></iframe>
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Until next time, make it a great day friends!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-1808192935858780842013-07-31T10:45:00.000-04:002013-07-31T10:46:17.436-04:00So What Wednesday!<center><a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/search/label/So%20What" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m504/diamonddolldesign/sowhatidew_zps90902df1.png" alt="So What Wednesday" /></a></center>
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So What! If....<br />
<ul>
<li>My son is tiny and everyone thinks he is 2 months younger than he is....tiny is adorable too! </li>
<li>I got up, got ready then got back into bed to nurse Max this morning. The weather was so yucky this morning when I let the pups out that it totally made me want to get cozy again! </li>
<li>I could {and often do} watch videos of Max laughing way too many times a day. He is just too cute! </li>
<li>I ate KFC last night for dinner. Seriously...it's been years...but that crispy fried mess was really yummy :) </li>
<li>{nice follow-up to the KFC announcement} I am running a 5K this weekend and I am so not ready for it! Good thing it's a Run or Dye race, because they are a lot more laid back & way less difficult! </li>
<li>I want to play this commercial every Wednesday morning. It's hilarious!</li>
</ul>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kWBhP0EQ1lA" width="480"></iframe>
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Make it a great day friends!! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-18778926108336286792013-07-29T01:00:00.000-04:002013-07-29T01:00:07.625-04:00The Collective | Blog Hop <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the weekly blog hop party, THE Collective.</div>
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This is a link up for bloggers who want to gain followers and meet awesome people.</div>
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<b>Not sure if this is the blog hop for you? Listen to what other bloggers have to say...</b>
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<i>"Just to let you know, your blog hop is the best I've participated in for gaining new friends!!! I couldn't believe the results!! Thank you!"</i></div>
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- Danavee, <a href="http://eevanad.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">This Vintage Grove</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;"><i>"I'm dropping by to let you know that I love being a part of your blog hop! </i></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;"><i> I have been meeting really nice bloggers. Bloggers who are actually friendly and want to connect! </i></span></b><b style="color: #555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>I'm putting the blog hop button on my side bar, like, permanently! Everyone should know about it. </i></b></span><b style="color: #555555; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;"><i>Just thought I'd share with you. </i></span></b><b style="color: #555555; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;"><i>Thank you."</i></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">-Vickie, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://ohabbyday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh Abby Day</a></span><br />
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">"Hi BreAnna, just want to say that your blog is beautiful, creative, and fun. The GFC collective is one of my favorite parts of the blogging week. Love meeting new friends and fellow bloggers. We just started our blog and were amazed at how helpful the GFC collective is! Keep up the amazing work."</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">-Alea and Rachael, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://sparkle-your-life.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sparkle Your Life</a></span><br />
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">"This GFC Collective Hop is seriously one of the best link ups out there! Through this hop I have found so many great blogs & friends that I wouldn't have otherwise found! Thank you so much for hosting such a fun link up! Please take the time to link up & join along! You won't be sorry that you did!"</i></div>
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">-</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Amy @ </span><span id="goog_578522216" style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"></span><a href="http://lukeandamysmith.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Keepin' Up With the Smith's</a><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I'm so excited I found your blog and this wonderful link up! I have met so many new people and found so many wonderful blogs this way. This is a great idea and I'm glad to be a part of it!"</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">xo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Taylor @ <a href="http://www.nothingbutapigeon.com/" target="_blank">Nothing But a Pigeon</a></span></div>
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Bre @ <a href="http://www.peacoatsandplaid.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Peacoats and Plaid</a></div>
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and my lovely co-hosts for the week</div>
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Chelsea @ <a href="http://www.mypinkscribbles.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Pink Scribbles</a></div>
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Chrissi @ <a href="http://www.chrissiwithani.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home Is Where the Heart Is</a></div>
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Kali @ <a href="http://kalitalks.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kaliwood</a></div>
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<a href="http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/?action=view&current=blog_button-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-60530032398098475582013-07-26T10:50:00.003-04:002013-07-26T10:53:56.020-04:00High Five for Friday {3}<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">*sigh* </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's finally Friday! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This last week has been total vacation hangover! We were gone all last week with my family at St. Simons Island and now back to reality this week. Bleh. Can't we just live at the beach forever? Alas, real world called and back we went. At least I have beautiful pictures to look back on.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6RIa0NThfo/UfKKdI1JrfI/AAAAAAAACD0/2iQgP8mVQR0/s1600/beach+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6RIa0NThfo/UfKKdI1JrfI/AAAAAAAACD0/2iQgP8mVQR0/s640/beach+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> {1} Our crazy, HUGE family!! Only missing one brother-in-law. Yes, that is all my siblings and their kiddos with our parents. I love it!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZWMX22nUnk/UfKKxGFACHI/AAAAAAAACD8/EZBTSc2AH0o/s1600/beach+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZWMX22nUnk/UfKKxGFACHI/AAAAAAAACD8/EZBTSc2AH0o/s400/beach+3.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{2} My bug, he is so sweet. How did I live before him? He is my heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92OfymRv3Q8/UfKLB2hVQNI/AAAAAAAACEE/Y8eynDwOW3E/s1600/beach+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92OfymRv3Q8/UfKLB2hVQNI/AAAAAAAACEE/Y8eynDwOW3E/s400/beach+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{3} Boys and their boys. This is one of my brothers, who had a son just 30 hours before Max was born...in the same hospital! How fun is that?! These two are going to be good buddies, just like their daddy's.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYdXKmDJ-sE/UfKLXPiQ0hI/AAAAAAAACEM/T6Ybr3pKAUg/s1600/beach+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYdXKmDJ-sE/UfKLXPiQ0hI/AAAAAAAACEM/T6Ybr3pKAUg/s400/beach+2.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{4} This man. He is so patient, forgiving, kind, and funny. We have been through a lot....still in a lot....and I look forward to growing old with him and raising a few more kiddos. Also glad he loves the beach as much as I do, otherwise we'd be in trouble! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{5} I'm sorry...does it get much cuter?! He melts me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Linking up with: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make it a great day, friends!!</span></div>
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<br />Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-41072051129220279152013-07-09T10:28:00.002-04:002013-07-09T10:28:53.548-04:00Happy 4th of July! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We had a pretty uneventful 4th, because it would not stop raining. Like, ever. At least we got to spend a lot of time with family, and most importantly, I had 4 straight days with my mini boo Max. What could be better?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This was our cute little family on Max's first 4th of July. No fireworks for us, thanks to the rain! Almost all of Atlanta cancelled their shows, so hopefully we will find another one in the coming weeks so Max can experience it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UN4_bs4Nkxw/UdwcItuMtWI/AAAAAAAACC4/CPV8XEB3A6E/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UN4_bs4Nkxw/UdwcItuMtWI/AAAAAAAACC4/CPV8XEB3A6E/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are all of the boy cousins under a year in our family. From L-R, Asher 6.5mo, Judson 2wks, Max 6.5mo, Benjamin 3.5mo. These four are going to be T-R-O-U-B-L-E when they can walk and talk. I cannot wait to watch them grow up together! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2ncC-Wg44o/UdwchHBLIUI/AAAAAAAACDA/KZVepb5RPfU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2ncC-Wg44o/UdwchHBLIUI/AAAAAAAACDA/KZVepb5RPfU/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Little man crossed the twenty-nine week threshold. Where does time go?! Oh, and he started eating puffs, which sometimes make him look like he has fake teeth in ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6_fwD7RzX8/UdwczUHL8yI/AAAAAAAACDI/z88ZSBG04gg/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6_fwD7RzX8/UdwczUHL8yI/AAAAAAAACDI/z88ZSBG04gg/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We spent a lot of time doing this; I love my little snuggles with my tiny guy! Being his momma is my favorite thing in the whole world....I don't deserve it. So blessed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNRdsl5iWas/UdwdKhQFzGI/AAAAAAAACDQ/cj1Z7wbfCS4/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNRdsl5iWas/UdwdKhQFzGI/AAAAAAAACDQ/cj1Z7wbfCS4/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Max man also started sitting straight up over the weekend (for longer than 1 second!)! No more lean, and our time up is increasing daily. Yay! Proud momma! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyb1GFrUmE-UEWLn4OWf0mk5poL6Uqqe07-_5pdtdgm3v8qXdjQgxA9yl0nZUNpAb_8PkrQMuwz4iyalFJGbA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And lastly, Max made this noise all weekend long, which pretty much sounds like he is trying to make a fart noise. You could say he is obsessed with this sound! All boy already, I suppose :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That just about wraps up our weekend... Hope you all enjoyed some downtime with family and friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make it a great day!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-65927419417988207382013-07-02T09:52:00.005-04:002013-07-02T09:52:36.139-04:00Happy Birthday, Daddy!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Birthday to the greatest father a girl could hope for! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A man who loves to travel and explore with his family. Never afraid of a new adventure on the road or in everyday life. Always looking ahead at the great things to come and reminding those around him that no matter what, God is in control.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa1GQcq2fEw/TMhY0rXxEoI/AAAAAAAAA-U/dymMbgtMYeo/s1600/C+Gernatt+0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa1GQcq2fEw/TMhY0rXxEoI/AAAAAAAAA-U/dymMbgtMYeo/s320/C+Gernatt+0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A man who always held his kiddos tight, but knew when it was time to let go. Wise beyond measure, he always has the right thing to say, <i>even if you don't want to hear it</i>... Digging into God's word, this man is filled with the knowledge only the Lord can bestow and uses it to better his life, and the lives of those around him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A man who loves his children and cares deeply for their well-being in life, even as adults. Selflessly giving of his time and energy to care for his family, and always finding time to assist others in need, regardless of whether he knows them or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzuBYVTmz_c/TM7D2J_6pQI/AAAAAAAAA_E/vobn0FXMVfs/s1600/C+Gernatt+1577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzuBYVTmz_c/TM7D2J_6pQI/AAAAAAAAA_E/vobn0FXMVfs/s320/C+Gernatt+1577.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And finally, a man who loves my mother with all of his heart, showing each of his children and their spouses what a real, healthy marriage should look like. Loving her was one of the best thing he did for us, as it set us up to know how to love and care for others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Birthday, Daddy!! </b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No matter how old I get, I will always be your little girl, and will always look up to the man you are. Thanks for being you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Love you!!! </span></div>
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<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-35148622250297338022013-06-26T11:38:00.000-04:002013-06-26T11:38:30.711-04:00Confessions of a Working Momma {2} <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Remember my <a href="http://chrissiwithani.blogspot.com/2013/03/confessions-of-working-momma-1.html">last confession</a> where I talked about finding balance? Yeah, neither do I. Turns out this is a daily battle I will fight for the better part of, well, forever. Or, more like that kid in the Sandlot... Forrrrrrrrr. Evvvvvvvvvv. Errrrrrrrrr. Seriously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Balance is a tricky thing. Just ask <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/24/us-usa-highwire-grandcanyon-idUSBRE95K15Z20130624">Nik Wallenda</a>... <i><br /></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydi5M5v11so/UciMr_OJdzI/AAAAAAAACB0/L_GkJI6ZAq8/s1600/skywire-nik-wallenda-1.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydi5M5v11so/UciMr_OJdzI/AAAAAAAACB0/L_GkJI6ZAq8/s320/skywire-nik-wallenda-1.png.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> </i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/a-man-is-about-to-tight-rope-walk-across-the-grand-canyon-without-any-wires-2013-6">source </a></span><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>No, I did not watch his walk because it would have given me a heart attack</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am super impressed with his ability to hop on a two-inch wire and trust in God and in his God-given talents to get him across a 1,400 foot canyon. SERIOUSLY. That is over 4 football fields. On. A. Wire. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="articleText">"It took every bit of me to stay focused that entire time..." Wallenda said.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="articleText">What a reminder to all of us who are walking a "wire" of our own. No wonder I am falling off, I am not using every bit of me to stay focused. I allow myself to get distracted, or worse yet, to convince myself that I can't ever stay on in the first place. Walking through life takes focus, and being a working momma requires a lot of it. At the end of the day however, it's really not about working, it's not about laundry, it's not about grocery shopping {and being the perfect couponer}, and it's not about having a good baby. At the end of the day, it's about staying focused on the One who made me and bringing glory to HIS name alone. Whew, that is freeing to say. It's not about ME. It will be a lot easier to walk my wire knowing I have a huge safety net of grace around me. I am going to make mistakes, my balance is going to be off some days, but if I receive God's grace I will get right back up on that wire and continue moving forward towards the finish line. In the end of it all...at the end of my wire here on Earth...I just want to know that I did everything I could to do everything I do for His glory. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="articleText">On that note, it's time to go flip some laundry; this working momma has a few loads to catch up on.</span></span><br />
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<span id="articleText"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make it a great day, friends!! </span></span><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" />Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-62924444555192599312013-06-19T17:00:00.000-04:002013-06-19T17:00:01.192-04:00Month SIX! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbLMHS4hGxo/UcH5O-Nqh3I/AAAAAAAACBg/gy0zPNT0TsM/s1600/photo(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbLMHS4hGxo/UcH5O-Nqh3I/AAAAAAAACBg/gy0zPNT0TsM/s320/photo(18).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DIAPERS: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wearing
size 2 diapers and wearing a variety of brands. Our favorites are Pampers, Huggies and Target brand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>CLOTHES: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You're a small guy... still wearing mostly 3 month clothing. We've had to put you in 6 month jammies now, but they are big on you. You're just starting to
squirm around when you're being changed, making it a good adventure to get dressed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>MEASUREMENTS:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Weighing
in at 13lbs event and 25in long, you're staying pretty small for your age. The "official" percentiles given have changed a bit in the weight department since last month: 2% weight, 10% height and 75% head.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>EATING:</b></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You've just starting eat foods and you LOVE it! We started you on rice cereal last week and now you've tried (and loved!) peas. It's so fun to watch you learn things, like how to eat and how things taste. I am making your baby food so far, and it's proving to be an easy and cheaper process than purchasing jars from the store. Also, you are so interested in watching people eat around you. You'll often study them putting the food in their mouth and sometimes even reach for it yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>ACCOMPLISHMENTS:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You
are doing a great job of sitting up when supported. Dr. Royal continues to tell us you have
"incredible tone" and you're strength is great... You're great at standing up either in our laps or against something you can hold onto. We are so proud of how well you're growing, even if you are a tiny guy ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>LIKES:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Toys that you can chew on....ok, pretty much ANYTHING you can put in your mouth. Cuddles, grabbing mouths (you are fascinated!), playing peek-a-boo & bath time...you love bath time!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DISLIKES:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Your tummy still does not like the milk protein that
momma gives you, so you're still on a no-dairy diet {which really means momma is on a no-dairy diet!}. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">NOTABLE EXPERIENCES:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You had your first trip to urgent care on your 6month birthday. Poor baby, you were so congested and choking on any mucus you coughed up. Luckily we caught the sinus and ear infection early :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/?action=view&current=blog_button-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-58881591994377573842013-06-14T11:42:00.001-04:002013-06-14T11:42:31.056-04:00High Five for Friday {2}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4UfPdJLi-M/Ubs4KhzUvaI/AAAAAAAACBM/yQp6EjratJ0/s1600/High+Five+June+14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4UfPdJLi-M/Ubs4KhzUvaI/AAAAAAAACBM/yQp6EjratJ0/s640/High+Five+June+14.png" width="440" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{1} Weekend in Savannah without the baby...hard to be away, so thankful for time together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{2} Feasting on Paula Deen's finest while in Savannah. Yummmm :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{3} A hard-working husband who loves me so well</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{4} Mimi lovin' from my boy. He loves her as much as I do...she is amazing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{5} Señor Max. Doesn't get much cuter than a tike with a 'stache. <i>Man, I love being this boy's momma!</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.thelaurenelizabeth.com/search/label/high%20five%20for%20friday"><img alt=" photo H54Fbutton-1_zpsa7aaa665.png" border="0" src="http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd361/lauren_FMGD/H54Fbutton-1_zpsa7aaa665.png" /></a>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.thelaurenelizabeth.com/2013/06/high-five-for-friday_14.html">From my Grey Desk</a> for HF4F!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Friday friends!! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/?action=view&current=blog_button-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-79712471095737865672013-06-12T17:00:00.000-04:002013-06-12T17:00:02.179-04:00Why Blog? <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is safe to say I have forgotten how to blog. No, I have not forgotten how to type out words and add pictures to text. I have somehow forgotten how to create something that will be a creative outlet for me, and a fun way to document Max and our lives as he grows. I have forgotten that this blog thing is fun. I think at times I was doing it for the wrong reasons, and that got to me. I wanted to be cool, have people read my posts and think I was funny, or creative or that my baby was cute. <i>He is, but I digress</i>. Over the last few weeks I have struggled with whether or not I should even continue this blog at all. I hate to do something halfway, and this blog was being completed just that way...<i>half </i>way. So, after a bit of internal soul searching, I have decided to come back, if you will. I need this blog and truthfully miss my blog friends {although I still connect with many via <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrissiG">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/chrissilyons">Instagram</a> or Facebook}, and I miss documenting this crazy life I love so much. Will I post everyday? <i>Doubtful.</i> Will all my posts be meaningful deep? <i>Way doubtful. </i> Will I look forward to sharing what's going on in hopes that it will make at least one person smile, or feel good, or be encouraged? <i>Absolutely. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A lot has happened since my last post.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My baby is growing fast {but not fast enough according to the docs}...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWySs3pUjwI/Ubi-mJHhZvI/AAAAAAAAB90/hrfefnHjKb8/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWySs3pUjwI/Ubi-mJHhZvI/AAAAAAAAB90/hrfefnHjKb8/s320/photo+2+(3).JPG" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He has found his toes, and boy are they yummy.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGYVX-ZBrAk/Ubi-mBLqbVI/AAAAAAAAB98/QYEElfTPQHo/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGYVX-ZBrAk/Ubi-mBLqbVI/AAAAAAAAB98/QYEElfTPQHo/s320/photo+3+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Max is learning new things every week. This is such a fun stage. He is starting to mimic what you do, and sticking his tongue out seems to be a new favorite. He is now eating rice cereal and should start veggies this weekend. Crazy. Where has time gone? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spring sprung. Which, by Georgia's standards, meant summer was here fast, and it's hot and humid already...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnM0i0rLLoE/Ubi-nen2FTI/AAAAAAAAB-c/9PdPW1QoQJQ/s1600/swim+suit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnM0i0rLLoE/Ubi-nen2FTI/AAAAAAAAB-c/9PdPW1QoQJQ/s320/swim+suit.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I mean how cute is my Max bug in those swim trunks?! Too much.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, here we go... more pictures to come, more stories to be told. Welcome back to me :) </span></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" />Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-35927955716488203792013-03-12T12:05:00.002-04:002013-03-12T12:18:36.746-04:00Confessions of a Working Momma {1}<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Before you read this I would just like to leave a disclaimer... I don't know what it is like to be a stay at home mom ("SAHM") and I am in </i>NO <i>way implying that working is harder than staying at home. Staying at home is work too. Being a mom is tough, and no one has it 'worse' than the other...we all have our own version of "hard" and this is NOT about the comparison game. It's about where I am right now... That said, you've been warned...read on if you so choose...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being a working momma can be tough. If there is one word that makes any of it easier, it's BALANCE. I have to remind myself every day to keep things in balance. The burning question is how do you balance the career-driven side when the baby-lovin' side just wants to take over?! Followed by the other questions in my mind... how do you balance family life with friends and how do you balance rest with getting housework done? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Very</i> carefully, that's how. I have to let go of the expectation I place on myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One pitfall I (all too often) fall victim to is trying to be Super-Mom! I want to be perfect. I want to have a successful day in the office and come home to my <strike>perfectly</strike> well behaved child, <strike>who never has spit-up on him, </strike>and prepare a <strike>gourmet</strike> decent meal for BL in a <strike>spotless</strike> moderately clean kitchen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Reality is that sometimes work is tough and I don't get it all done. Reality is that sometimes my baby has gas and is really fussy. Reality is that sometimes frozen waffles will do for dinner (as long as I add some protein for my calorie-hungry husband). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes I feel like my house will never be clean again. Dust bunnies in the corner, mail on the table, dishes in the sink. They all pile up and they all drive me crazy! There will never, <i><b>ever</b></i>, be enough hours in the day to complete a full day at the office and then a full day in my home. I am exhausted, I am cranky, and I am sad. I want perfection, and yet, I realize it's just not possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spending time with my son is way more important than those dishes, and I keep it in perspective. I have set a goal for myself to do <i>one thing</i> each day. Monday I may vacuum, Tuesday I may sort the coupons strewn on the table, Wednesday I may clean the bathrooms. Not <i>everything</i> has to be done in one night. <b>BALANCE</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like I said, being a momma is tough business and not for the faint of heart. I am so blessed with my growing family and at the end of the day I just want to lay my head on my pillow and give thanks to the One who has given me way more than I will ever deserve. He alone can sustain me to keep the <b>balance</b>...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In closing {for now} I want to share a little joy with you. Little man Max loves tummy time {most days} and has awesome neck strength {isn't it amazing what moms get excited about?!}...Enjoy {the baby, not my "mom voice"}.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make it a great day friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">XO</span><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" />Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-27748644195104493592013-02-22T13:44:00.000-05:002013-02-22T13:44:12.799-05:00High Five for Friday {1}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{1} One of my best girlfriends from childhood had a baby girl! Loved meeting sweet Caroline on the day of her birth! In love with her already...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{2} Evening snuggles with my baby boy have become my favorite time of the day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{3} Throw back Thursday was in honor of my Granddaddy, whom <a href="http://chrissiwithani.blogspot.com/2011/02/tough-weekremembering-my-granddaddy.html">we lost two years ago this week. </a>Miss that man every single day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{4} Took little Max to meet his new buddy, miss Caroline! Loved having a little baby swap time with our kiddos! Hard to believe we played with our dolls and now we're playing with <i>real </i>babies...and they are ours! HA! Our 10 year selves would be so happy to know this is what the future holds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">{5} Someone has decided that his thumb is better than a paci. Let's see how long this lasts...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.frommygreydeskblog.com/2013/02/high-five-for-friday_22.html">From my Grey Desk</a> for HF4F!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Enjoy your Friday, friends! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">XO</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-35370223373922857332013-02-20T12:58:00.000-05:002013-02-20T12:58:07.252-05:00Obsessed with, or Depressed by, Downton<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyone else obsessed with Downton Abbey?! This show came to us from across the pond and has been a huge success! Something about the dramatic family/staff dynamic<i>,</i> set in a fascinating time period {WWI} combined with fabulous outfits and British accents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Love. This. Show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They have, however, managed to make me cry harder this season that any other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>SPOILER ALERT</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Killing off two of the main characters?! {one in an incredibly real and dramatic fashion} It's just been a tough season to swallow! Never-the-less, Downton has been saved from destruction, Bates is home with Anna and Mary has a sweet new baby boy, so I guess you can't say it was a bad season at all. My friend Allison posted these two gems on Facebook this week and I just had to share with any fellow Downton fans...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PG_UA0zAcpM/USUNyiIM3KI/AAAAAAAAB8w/3e8kbvZ4aU4/s1600/539417_10100585768297663_1583880351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PG_UA0zAcpM/USUNyiIM3KI/AAAAAAAAB8w/3e8kbvZ4aU4/s320/539417_10100585768297663_1583880351_n.jpg" width="219" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And this is my favorite...especially if you the always-sticks-in-your-head tune by One Direction....</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0TegWM9Z8Jc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since season three has just ended, I will be drowning my sorrows by watching every episode {on DVR} again<strike>, and maybe again</strike>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Wednesday, Friends! </span></div>
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<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-27313944542557138442013-02-18T10:19:00.000-05:002013-02-18T10:19:09.126-05:00Month TWO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This month....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DIAPERS: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wearing size 1 diapers and, until this week, you had no blowouts. You were so kind to your Papa and your Mimi and gave them both your first two blowouts in this size diaper :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>CLOTHES: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wearing
all 0-3 month clothing now. Many of your pants are still too long, but your belly sure does fill up the tops! Thankfully, you're not too squirmy when you're being changed, but I am sure that will change! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>MEASUREMENTS:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Weighing
in at 10lbs 10oz and 21 3/4in long, Max has certainly been eating well
& growing strong! The "official" percentiles given have only changed a bit since last month: 20% weight, 10% height and 75% head.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>ACCOMPLISHMENTS:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You are holding your head up SO well! Dr. Royal told us you have "incredible tone" and you're strength is great...you can thank you Daddy for those genes! You're also now starting to stand in our laps when we hold you up. You're getting so strong and growing so well! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>LIKES:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cuddles
with anyone (but especially mom & dad), playtime on the mat under the music and lights, KSU Choir rehearsal with your Papa, eye contact & bath time...you love bath time!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DISLIKES:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We found out this month that your tummy does not like milk protein that momma gives you, so for now, you don't like diary {unless it's momma's milk!}. You also don't like being alone for very long or when you're hungry</span>!<br />
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<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634418089436781842.post-68866943368657546502013-02-12T13:56:00.001-05:002013-02-12T13:56:30.552-05:00First Day Jitters<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To say I was nervous about going back to work would be a HUGE understatement! I was not nervous about seeing people at work, or getting back into my projects, or even fitting into my clothes (ok, maybe a little); I was nervous about leaving this adorable fella' all day long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are so blessed to have family watching him all 5 days during the week, but even still, I knew I was going to miss him like crazy and feel guilty for getting back to the {work} grind. About 3 weeks before I headed back I started to panic. <i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>How was I going to do this?</i> Getting up early and leaving him somewhere else, with <i>someone</i> else! <i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>What if he forgets who I am?</i> We have formed such a great bond, what if this breaks it? <i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Is this really worth it? </i>Can't we just go live in a tent on the beach somewhere and call it a day?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each day led to new thoughts and new reasons to get upset and worry about the future. Luckily for me, I was {and still am} surrounded by encouragement. Family members and friends alike who prayed for me, encouraged me and talked me off the ledge. What I am doing right now is exactly what I should be doing. Where I am right now is exactly where I should be. How we're choosing to look after Max is exactly how we should be....regardless of what anyone else thinks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So this past Sunday night, as I packed Max's bag, my lunch, my work bag and my pump {a whole other post of it's own...}, I knew what I was doing was right. I held my sweet boy extra tight all evening, and gave him even more kisses than usual. He reassured me that the bond we have could not be broken, not even by 8 hours spent by him at someone else's home while I worked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I woke up Monday morning, I knew I was covered in prayer, and I felt it. I cried a little on our way to my sister's and then again after leaving her home, and that was it. He was beyond happy to be with his Aunt Ash & cousins all day, and we are SO blessed to have them to watch him!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I arrived at work and was warmly welcomed by my friends...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And was provided awesome updates by Aunt Ash throughout the day...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1yr4_fFe_8/URqPpVOMY3I/AAAAAAAAB74/RI7sjgG-tWY/s1600/307315_10151253545457691_468539963_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1yr4_fFe_8/URqPpVOMY3I/AAAAAAAAB74/RI7sjgG-tWY/s320/307315_10151253545457691_468539963_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When 4:30 rolled around, my awesome husband brought my sweet little man to me at work so I could show him around to my colleagues, and I was in heaven. <i>We can do this, </i>I thought. This is our new normal, and we can {and will} make it through! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTDPz6QjVkA/URqGVm7T0wI/AAAAAAAAB7k/bySmb17-wyk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTDPz6QjVkA/URqGVm7T0wI/AAAAAAAAB7k/bySmb17-wyk/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And at the end of the night, all we did was snuggle on the sofa. This is a bond that can never be broken.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/chrissilyons/blog_button-1.jpg" /></a>Chrissihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867031215622575809noreply@blogger.com4