Blog Challenge Day 1

1. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

Wow, this one just makes you think...

How old would I be if I didn't know how old I really was?

The way my back hurts and my knees ache--- 86?

The way my heart feels alive and full of happiness--- a newborn.

Seriously.

My life is blessed and amazing. I feel YOUNG. My daughter being born changed my whole world... she gave me even more bounce in my step.... (and not just because she keeps me on my toes, haha!)

I just feel younger since I had her....

but I guess I feel older too.

My life isn't about me anymore. I feel sacrificial.. the way my parents were. I worry more (about her.. the healthy kind of worrying, folks ;))

So, I guess I didn't really answer that question..

If you're interested in reading anyone else's, here is some ladies I know that are also participating! :)

Emily

Brittany

Taryn

Enjoy!

New Blog Challenge: Who's Joining Me?

So, lets be honest here... I did TERRIBLE on the last blog challenge, but in all fairness.... I did have a baby, which caused me to start slacking, haha! And then the slacking led to me never catching up. With being in the hospital for 5 days and adjusting to life with a newborn.. I was behind almost 2 weeks... and the blog challenge ended during the time.

Having said all of that, I have decided to start a new blog challenge... and this one looks FUN.

I was stumbling around on http://www.stumbleupon.com/ (do it!) and I came across a page that stated:

"50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind"

and I thought... HEY HEY HEY. Why not join in the fun and answer these questions on my blog?

I'm a mommy blogger, but it'd be nice to have a little variety thrown in there too!

So who's joining me??? I'd love to have some others so I can visit your page and see what you answer each day! Comment me or let me know if you're linking up to do this too!

Here are the 50 questions. Can you make it 50 days? I'm sure going to try! GOOD LUCK!

1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

2.Which is worse, failing or never trying?

3.If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

4.When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

5.What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

6.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

7.Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

8.If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

9.To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

10.Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

11.You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?

12.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

13.Would you break the law to save a loved one?

14.Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

15.What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

16.How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

17.What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?

18.Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

19.If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

20.Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

21.Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

22.Why are you, you?

23.Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

24.Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

25.What are you most grateful for?

26.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

27.Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

28.Has your greatest fear ever come true?

29.Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?

30.What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?

31.At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

32.If not now, then when?

33.If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

34.Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

35.Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

36.Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

37.If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

38.Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

39.Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?

40.When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

41.If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

42.Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

43.What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

44.When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

45.If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

46.What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

47.When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

48.What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

49.In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?

50.Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

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If you're interested in reading anyone else's, here is some ladies I know that are also participating! :)

Emily
Brittany
Taryn

Enjoy!

Thank You Jesus!

It's storming outside... I'm sitting here listening to the rain fall and the thunder rumble... and all I can do is cry. Nope, these aren't sad tears. These are tears of joy.. of blessings. I sit here staring at my beautiful baby girl sleeping so peacefully and I just get so overwhelmed.

I remember when I first got pregnant, I worried constantly about having a miscarriage. I was careful about everything. I stopped vacuuming because I was scared of pushing too much. I stopped using bleach and other cleaning products so I wouldn't 'sniff' too many chemicals. I started taking vitamins. I reduced the stress as much as possible. I refused to take baths because I read that babies couldn't regulate their temperature in your stomach. And I know... this all might seem extreme. I understand that, but my point is--- I was SUPER careful about everything that I did. Getting pregnant was a complete surprise, but once I saw those two blue lines---- all I wanted was that little baby to be born.

I read stories about mother's who miscarried their babies and it breaks my heart. I know God has a reason for every single that He does (although I know those words aren't comforting at times...), but I know it still is a heartbreaking thing for any woman to hear. When I read/hear these stories, my heart feels bittersweet. I am thankful for my miracle laying next to me, but I also find myself asking God 'Why me?' Why did You chose to bless me with this precious gift? Why did everything go beautifully during my pregnancy (despite the chloroplexus cysts scare...)? And these are not questions which require answers.... because regardless, all I can say is...

thank You, Jesus.

Thank You for keeping Your hand upon my sweet baby girl during those 39 weeks she was in my womb. Thank You for keeping me safe while she was growing. Thank You for blessing my labor. (Of course, You could have made it a little shorter, hahahaha! Just kidding!) Thank You for taking care of us.

He is so good to me and I know I don't deserve it, but boy oh boy, am I glad He is!

The Easter Bunny!

Since Easter is Sunday... and since we live about 10 minutes from the mall... and since it's Tayler's first holiday... we thought it was only fitting for her to get her picture taken with the Easter bunny.

And guess who came along? You guessed it! Gigi and Papaw! I swear, my siblings and I no longer exist to them. (Well, okay.. I still exist, but that's only because if I don't go somewhere, neither does Tayler. We're a package deal... and since we're a package deal... well, they have to still pay SOME attention to me, hahaha!) Anyways...

Tayler fell asleep in the car on the way there. (I know, right? How does a car ride do that? I swaddle her, cuddle her, bounce her, rock her..... for 45 minutes here at the house and she's still awake, but make her uncomfortable by strapping her into a car seat and the girl is asleep in 4.523432 minutes. I don't get it either. I'd much rather be cuddled in my mommy's arms [even at 24] than be thrown into a small seat with straps across my chest.. but I digress, haha!) And she didn't wake up once... not even when we put her in that strange brown bunny's arms. So, this is how her picture turned out:



Still adorable. And she had that little foot in the air the entire time. I think she just wanted everyone to know she's a 'sweetie.' ;) (That's what the bottom of her sockie said, haha!)

Such good memories :)

Of course, more pictures will come on Easter because she has an adorable outfit her Gigi bought her to wear! :) I can't wait to take more pictures... stay tuned, y'all!

3 Weeks Old and an American Idol Recap (Project 52)

April 21st, 2011 marked Tayler being 3 weeks old! :)

And since she turned 3 weeks old (and is still a newborn) we had her get some pictures done yesterday! :) They are absolutely adorable!! If you live in Ohio and are looking for someone to take your family pictures, maternity pictures, newborn pictures, senior pictures, etc. check out Jessica Barber Photography! (She's on Facebook... look her up!)

If you all remember correctly, she did our maternity pictures. You can see an example HERE.

And now, she's taking pictures of our sweetheart. Here is a sneak peek of those:

Isn't she just precious? And once again-- you can say it-- I'm biased... but no really, it's true ;)

And what's our 3 week old doing?

She's finally understanding the use of her hands! She's pushing her pacifier back up into her mouth and holding it. It's not perfect yet and it still falls out from time to time, but she is comprehending! I love it!

She's finding her voice. She's making a lot more "coos" and what not :) One of my favorite sounds!

She's "seeing" things better. She's making great eye contact and showing that she sees things in front of her (like the little birdie on her playmat)

Her neck is getting stronger. She's doing so much better at tummy time! Makes this mommy proud :)

We couldn't be more in love with this little girl. I love watching her grow, I love seeing her do new things. She's such a big girl already, it's un-real. Oh and should I note that at 3 weeks old she's now 7lbs and 8oz. (She was 6lbs 13oz at her 2 week check up... she's a growin girl!!)

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And now for that lovely American Idol recap!

Can I first brag a little bit??

I WAS RIGHT!! ABOUT EVERYTHING!

That was a first, I'll admit it!

I predicted Haley, Jacob, and Stefano to comprise the bottom 3 (and they did) and I predicted Stefano going home.. and well guess what? We said bye, bye, bye to this guy last night:

Now, don't get me wrong. He can sing, but he doesn't have the strength (or stage performance) like the other contestants. Sorry Langone.

As for the performances last night-- David Cook performed a song off of his new album. LOOOVE. And Katy Perry/Kanye West performed their new song "E.T" which I absolutely love as well. It was a great performance! :)

I'm already anxious for American Idol next week!

Weight Loss

Thought I'd also start documenting my weight loss since having Tayler. Here is a photo at me 1 week after having Tayler (April 7th, 2011). I was approximately 160lbs here (14lbs lighter than when I left the hospital.)

And here I am 3 weeks after having Tayler (April 21st, 2011) at 150lbs. (10lbs lighter than 2 weeks ago and 24 lbs lighter than when I left the hospital.)

At this point, I have 14lbs left to lose to get back to my pre-preggo weight and A LOT of toning to do to get this tummy and these legs and this butt to look like it used to, haha! My 6 week check-up is May 13th... and after I get the clearance, GYM HERE I COME. I walk as much as I can right now, but it doesn't seem to be doing the damage that I want it to!

I also need help controlling my portions and controlling my eating habits. It's hard to transition from eating as a preggo to eating as a 'regular person.'

Wish me luck!

Stay At Home Moms

I've been struggling this week with self-worth.

I love being a mommy. I love being a stay-at-home-mommy. I literally cannot imagine my life being any other way. I LOVE being with Tayler all day long. I love making dinner for my husband and having it ready when he gets home from work. I love being able to clean the house. I love having free time to relax and rest. I feel like it keeps me sane in this crazy world. I love making grocery lists. I love clipping coupons. I love grocery shopping. I love being a mommy and wife. It's simple.

But what is so frustrating about today's world is that most families HAVE to be a 2-income. (That is if you want all the luxuries-- cable, internet, shopping extravaganzas, vehicles...) It's just the way the world works anymore. Sometimes I wish times were simpler... like back in the day where the man worked, the woman cared for the home... and they survived without being terribly stressed.

I worry myself sick sometimes wondering if we will get the bills paid each week. I feel like I don't contribute enough. Sure, I clean our house, cook our dinners, and care for our daughter every day, but unfortunately that doesn't make a car payment or the rent. It's wonderful and it's the life I've always wanted to live, but it won't pay our bills.

Maybe we need to cut back? Maybe we need to let go of some of our luxuries? Should we become a 1-car family? Should we get rid of the cable? Should we cut down our dinners to the basics-- mac and cheese, hamburger helper, etc. instead of stuffed peppers, lasagna, etc.?

I wish I could find a job online where I could be at home with Tayler, yet still pull in a good pay check every week. I find myself praying for that every single day.... that God would somehow open a door for us. I don't feel direction, but I pray that He shows me some.... We need it. We need a miracle.

American Idol Recap, Can Openers, and Upside Down Chicken Pot Pie!

Who all watched 'American Idol' last night? This mommy did! I thought it was a GREAT night (from what I could hear...... We had a couple of friends over so I was a bit distracted during parts of it, haha!) I can't believe we're already down to the final 7. It's getting tougher and tougher to predict who is going home... Eek! (Oh, and can I just add how UNHAPPY I was to see the rest of the top 13? I know... that's terrible of me. But honestly-- I can't stand Naima. Grrrr. I wouldn't purchase Idol Tour tickets JUST BECAUSE of that. I just think she's so conceited.. so full of herself.. okay, I'll digress now...)

So, here's my Idol recap, who I think is safe, who I think is in the bottom 3, and who I think is GONE.

First, Scotty-- they say they're getting bored with the same ol' same ol' but guess what? That's who Scotty is and I don't think we should expect anything else from him. The judges told Pia to change it up and stop singing her slow ballads... the one week she does, she's voted off. Coincidence? I think not. I think the contestants should do what they know to do. Scotty is country. I don't think we should expect him to be singing R&B or anything else, you know? And after that rant, I think he's safe!

James Durbin- Safe. Safe. Safe. The Adam Lambert sound alike does what he does best! He rocks out! And that's perfectly fine with me!

Haley- As much as my husband adores her, I think her run in the bottom 3 will happen yet again tonight. You don't get in the bottom 3 countless numbers of times without eventually going home without the title of 'American Idol'....

Jacob- Also in the bottom 3. As emotional as his performance was last night, I don't think it was enough to keep him in the competition.

Casey- Should still be safe. He tore up that Maroon 5 song last... has amazing stage performance.. and that JLo kiss... well, lets just say I think that definitely secured him a spot in the top 6!

Lauren- Sweetheart with such a voice. She's safe. Without a doubt.

Stefano- Uhm, can he pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease finally go home? I know, I'm terrible yet again, but just the way he sings drives me bonkers (with the eyes closed... grrr!)

So that makes the bottom 3: Stefano, Haley, and Jacob.

Going home? Stefano. Please?

----------------------

And that's it for the AI recap. On to more news.

So, when my mom came to visit last week, she made dinners and realized two things: A) We don't have a mixer and B) We don't have an electric can opener. (We have one of those old school ones that you twist...) So, guess what she purchased us?? A mixer and electric can opener!

I FINALLY used the can opener this morning! It's a beauty!

I was in heaven, haha! Thanks mom!! :)

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And guess what was for dinner last night? Upside down chicken pot pie! Succccccccccch a good recipe! Thought I'd share the link. Hope you all enjoy it as much as we did.

Upside Down Chicken Pot Pie

Becoming a Parent: Top 10 List

3 Weeks ago today (at 845AM) my water broke. And since that point, my whole life has changed. Of course, it changed when I saw those 2 blue lines as well. I went to bed early, woke up even earlier to eat breakfast, ate healthier, followed cravings, took vitamins... But when that little girl was put on my chest for the first time, my world changed even more. And since I've had 3 weeks of this 'mom' thing, I figured I'd make a top ten list. Top ten what? Top ten things I've learned from this beautiful little girl! 1. There's no manual. I know, shocker, right? When we left the hospital, I started freaking out. They sent me home with a 4 day old baby AND NO INSTRUCTIONS!!! What the heck? Who does that? Whenever you get something new, there's always a manual with it, right? Why isn't it the same with a new baby? How was I going to figure this out? What did she need? What happened when she cried and there was nothing wrong? What should our schedule look like? How do you figure out how much to feed her? What if she's sick? These were the questions that plagued my mind day in and day out.... and guess what? I had to figure it all out by trial and error. It's a learning process when you bring a baby home... for both of you. He/she is used to life inside of your uterus. For the past 37-40 weeks, he/she has called the shots. They ate whenever they wanted, peed whenever they felt like it, slept whenever it was needed... they had the perfect temperature.. life was good. Now, he/she is thrust into a world where they have to cry when they are hungry, cry when they need their diaper changed, they get cold, they get hot... Life has changed drastically! And of course, life has changed drastically for you! You are waking up 3-4 times a night for feedings, you are changing diapers, you are packing a bag every time you leave the house... which leads me to #2... 2. It's not about YOU anymore. Yes, for the past 18+ years, life has been about what you want and need at a certain point in time, but when that beautiful baby comes into your life...... it's all about THEM. Yes, when you wake up in the morning you might be STARVING, but if they're starving too, guess who gets fed first? You guessed it! And there isn't anything wrong with that. It should be all about them, but trust me-- it's quite the adjustment! When you get out of the shower and your hair is dripping wet, but the baby is crying because it needs a diaper change-- guess what you are doing? You guessed it! Changing a dirty diaper! :) You no longer care AS MUCH about how you look.... you sometimes throw on a shirt, a pair of jeans and you're set to go, but you better be sure that that baby will look adorable at all times! Life becomes ALL ABOUT THEM.. and that's how it should be! :) 3. Would you sit and watch a wall for 20 minutes? Probably not. It won't do anything... why would you, right? Well guess what-- when that baby is sleeping, chances are it won't be doing anything either, but you'll find this irresistable urge to just sit and watch them! They're going to lay there with their eyes closed so peacefully, but it doesn't matter. You're going to think it's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen! Trust me on that. (And you'll probably take tons of pictures of he/she even though they aren't doing anything... that's okay too!) 4. Spit up, throw up, poop, pee... it doesn't seem to gross you out anymore. (Well, as long as it's coming from YOUR baby.) Take it from someone that GAGGED when other people's children threw up, spit up, or pooped. Yes, I couldn't handle it. Now? I don't hesitate to wipe spit up away from her mouth even when I don't have a blanket. (Yes, your hand comes in handy!) I don't hesitate to wipe her behind, even when there are fumes radiating from the diaper! I don't hesitate to smile and laugh when I look down and my shirt has spit up dripping down it. I simply take it off and put on another! When it's your child... all of that changes! :) 5. Picture taking is taken to a whole new level. Where you once took pictures of your day to day activities (such as my Project 365).... all pictures are taken of your sweet baby from this point on! I can't tell you the last time I took a picture of Ethan, our house, our day to day life.... it's all about Tayler now, haha! (And that's okay!) 6. Date nights are ALRIGHT and they are NEEDED. When I first had Tayler, I would feel terrible if we laid her down in her bassinet and spent time talking. I'd feel terrible if we left her alone to cook dinner. I don't know why, but I had in mind that that made me a bad parent... like I was neglecting her. So, you can imagine how difficult it was for me to actually leave her alone for a night out with Ethan. I struggled so bad. I cried prior to my parents arriving (they were her babysitters for the night!) I cried when we got in the car to leave. I texted about 20 times prior to our shopping trip... but after spending the evening with Ethan, I realized that it was needed. After having her, life seemed to get away from us. We didn't have time to just sit down and talk. We needed to reconnect.. and guess what? That's okay! Mommies and Daddies need that. And you aren't a bad parent if you take a night for just you and your significant other! In fact, I think that makes you a BETTER parent. You will be more stable and united if you do that. So, don't be like me-- don't feel like you're abandoning your child. Enjoy it! It's okay! 7. You won't mind losing sleep. This is crazy... especially for me (someone who LOVES LOVES LOVESSSSSSS their sleep!) I thought the first few nights that I was going to be a terrible mommy because at first, I dreaded losing my sleep. She was waking up every 2 hours... I was exhausted, but guess what? I've learned to LOVE waking up with her. I had an attitude change. I know, I sound terrible, but I needed an attitude adjustment at first. Remember what I said in #2? It's not all about you anymore? Yes, I had to LEARN that. I had to learn that SO WHAT you're losing some sleep... look at the blessing you have before you. I don't want to upset anyone, but I had to think about it like this--- there are women who DESIRE a child and cannot have one.... I had the immense blessing of giving birth to a healthy baby. I should be THANKFUL for the opportunity to spend so much time with her.... even if it is at 2AM! (That's what coffee is for!!) Speaking of coffee.... 8. I once swore I'd NEVER be a coffee drinker. That was for OLD people. (Ooops, sorry for anyone out there that doesn't consider themselves OLD and still drinks coffee!) In my head, that's who coffee was for. But guess what? When you (are blessed enough to spend time with a 3 week old at 11:30PM, 2AM, 4AM, and 6AM) only get about 4-5 hours of sleep...... coffee soon becomes your best friend. Now, I'm going to be honest. I don't drink it black (and for those of you that do, mad props, bro!) I use some french vanilla creamer and sugar (is 1 cup bad for you??) And it tastes great and keeps me going! Wait til you have kids... you'll need it, I promise, haha!! 9. You see your parents in a whole new light. Now, don't get me wrong. I LOVE my parents and they have been amazing to my siblings and myself, but when you have a child--- they take on a whole new role and you fall more in love with them. Seeing my parents become grandparents was breathtaking. (And no, it wasn't because I was completely out of breath from pushing a 6lb 3oz child out of my... uhm.. body) It was because my parents fell in love with this little person and saw this little person in a whole new perspective. They weren't "raising" a child anymore, but they were getting the privilege to SPOIL a child. (Although I told them spoiling was not allowed ;)) They get to watch our sweet baby girl and then when she's fussy or needs a diaper change, well they hand her back to her parents, haha! They get to buy the fun stuff-- new clothes, easter baskets, etc. I love seeing them interact with her and talk to her!  10. And speaking of seeing someone in a whole new light---- you will see your significant other in a whole new light as well. During labor, I saw a complete different side of Ethan... and after labor, I saw a different side of Ethan. This tiny baby girl stole his heart and it was obvious. When I watched him hold her for the first time, I fell even more in love with him. (I know, that sounds corny... and you've probably heard a thousand people say it, but trust me-- it's true!!) Watching him change her diaper, put her to sleep..... when I see him kiss her forehead or walk through the door and immediately pick her up because he missed her... my heart beats a little faster! Seeing your significant other as more than just your boyfriend, fiance, or husband... seeing them as a DADDY will change your life... it's true! That's my top 10 list. I'm sure I'll have more things I've learned down the line, but those are at the top of the list for now :) What have you learned since becoming a parent??  

Full Day as MOM

 Since Tayler was born, I haven't had a full day alone with her. Fortunately, Ethan had the week after she was born off and then my mom came and stayed the week after that, since Ethan had to go back to work. So, that meant yesterday, Monday, April 18th, was my first full day alone with Tayler (from 5AM to about 5PM)... I know that doesn't sound like a lot to you super moms out there, but I was really nervous. I wanted to still be that housewife/mommy that had the house cleaned, laundry done, and dinner on the table when Ethan came home from work AND still take care of Tayler... And you all will be happy to know that it was a success! :) During her first nap (about 9AM), I cleaned/sterilized her bottles, did the dishes, and cooked the bacon for the BLTs later. I figured that I could do it while she was asleep as opposed to hoping and praying she was napping when it was time to make dinner. :) I also got 2 loads of laundry done, scrubbed the bath rub, straightened up.. and Tayler and I had time to sit on the porch swing. She LOVES the outdoors... she was basking in the sunlight: 

We enjoyed it! :)

Once we came inside, I made BLTs for dinner. Well, since Ethan doesn't like tomatos, I guess they were BLs haha! And we had salads with them. Nothing like some healthy eating, right?

And I had a little photoshoot with my sweetheart. Here are some pictures of our little lady:

Her daddy bought her that onesie-- he calls her "squirmy" so it fit perfectly, haha!

On another note-- have you ever heard about babies at about 2 weeks old getting extremely fussy in the evening? According to some information I was reading:

"Most babies have a fussy period in the evening. After a day of taking in the sights, sounds and physical handling he may dissolve into a good cry."

Tayler has seemed to become fussy in the evenings. It starts at about 6:30PM and doesn't end until she finally cries herself to sleep. I don't believe it's colic because she isn't inconsolable. She just needs comforted. If I'm holding her or swaddling her, she is alright. I have been praying for peace to compass her because she isn't typically a fussy baby. I hate seeing her like that :( Someone also mentioned that her fussiness right now could be because of a growth spurt which I suppose is possible.

If you are going through something similar, check out this link: http://www.bosombuddies.com/SupportPagesFolder/FussyBaby.html

It has helped us :)

All in all, it was a wonderful day! I am so in love with that little girl and I'm so thankful I have the privilege of being at home with her.

Our Date Night

Saturday, April 16th, Ethan and I went on our first date night. Since having Tayler, we haven't had a lot of alone time. Obviously, that's going to happen when you have a baby, hehe! :) We love spending time as a family. We love taking care of her and we love love love having her in our lives. But we also know that it's necessary to have some couple time as well. It makes for a good mommy or daddy (or so I'm told :)) I was a little nervous and unsure about the whole ordeal, but my parents encouraged us to go have some fun, so we decided to give it a try. Fortunately, I knew Tayler was in great hands since my parents were coming up to baby sit her. So, Ethan and I got ready and we headed out for a great adventure, hehe! Ethan asked me where I wanted to go eat and you know what my answer was? WENDYS. haha! Yes, a night out-- alone and I want Wendys! I wanted their fries soooooooo bad, haha! So, we went and enjoyed some hamburgers, fries, cheese sauce and YES-- for the first time in 10 months I had a pop other than Sprite: Dr. Pepper!  

  Then we went shopping! Ethan said I could get some new clothes (since you know, I just had a baby and all of my clothes are entirely too stretched out now haha!) So, first we went to Walmart, then we went to Kohls, then TJ Maxx, and then the mall! :) Of course, we bought Tayler a pair of newborn jeans while we were out ;) haha! She didn't have a newborn pair and NEEDED them. :)  We bought new shirts, I bought new capris, and we both bought new shorts :) I think we're getting pretty prepared for summer time! Now, I just need to lose this weight (and inches on my waist) so I can buy a few more pair of shorts! I'm NOT happy about the size I'm currently wearing and no, I don't want to talk about it, haha! :) We missed our baby girl soooo much though! But it appears she had a great time with Papaw and Gigi! Here's Papaw feeding Tayler-Bug: 

And here's Tayler in her boppy pillow "talking" to Pap, hehe! Too cute!

Isn't it adorable how she's holding his finger? *sigh* I love it!

And here's Tayler and her Gigi!

And between you and me.... Papaw won't be babysitting alone ;) HAHA!!

Just kidding Papaw, LOL!! :)

All in all, we had a great night! It was fun to just go out and enjoy each other's company! I'd really missed my husband! :)