Favorite Things Friday: I LOVE to...

TASTE: Dr. Pepper!! Since I gave up sodas for the new year I have really been missing this!! It is especially hard when we eat certain things like pizza. I mean pizza and Dr. Pepper just go together!! Oh well...I will survive and be thinner because of it!!

HEAR: Maddox's laugh. Baby laughs are just about the sweetest noise in the world!! But I am of course particularly fond of my baby's laugh :D. (Below is a voice memo I took with my phone that I put a picture with so it isn't actually a video just sound :D).

SEE: These two boys!! They are my 2 fav people on the planet and just brighten my day!!!

SMELL: Baking desserts. I really doesn't matter what kind I just think they always smell yummy. Desserts are the other thing we gave up this year and there have been a few tough moments but we are still staying strong!! I have one of those Scentsy's in my entry way and right now it has Sugar Cookie scent in it right now and it just fills my house with the wonderful smell of baking cookies!!

TOUCH: Maddox's baby soft skin!! One of his favorite things is when you rub his nose and cheeks. If he is tired it was ALWAYS put him to sleep. I just love how soft all of his sweet skin is and can only wish mine was that soft :D.

Next weeks theme is favorite websites!! Happy Friday!!

Jury Duty

BUMMER!!! I got my first jury summons since moving to Colorado in the mail today. I have gotten several of these since I have been 18 but this is the first one that I can't get out of. Big BUMMER!! I have always been a student except for the last on I got in Abilene which I was able to get out of because my bosses worked at the courthouse a lot and were able to get me out of it. So, on March 15th I am supposed to report to the courthouse for what will be my first official jury duty. Hopefully I won't get called and if I do maybe I'll be dismissed because I am a minister's wife which will make them think I can't be subjective. Who know. I guess the good thing is that you get paid lol but regardless of that I am not looking forward to it!! Let me know if you have any good tricks for getting out of it ;D.

Gag

I just think this is so funny. Maddox has learned to fake gag when I feed him something he doesn't particularly like. Usually it is when I give him green veggies. He will gag, spit the food out and then look at me and smile really big. I know I shouldn't laugh because it encourages the bad behavior but sometimes I just can't help it because it is just too funny. Sometime, I'll try to get it on video so I can show yall!!

I just LOVE how his personality is coming out more and more as he is getting a little older!! It is so much fun!!

Favorite Things Friday: Valentines

This week for Favorite Things Friday we are supposed to post about our favorite Valentines stuff...decor, foods, traditions etc. I'll have to be honest and say that Valentines day isn't really my favorite holiday so I don't do any special decorating or anything but here are a couple of my favorite Valentine's things.

1. Necco Heart Candies - The white ones are my favorite of these candies. Unfortunately, this year we won't be having any of these yummy little candies because we have given up desserts (sweets) for the year.

2. Wendy's Tradition - OK, so this may sound crazy to some of you but every year since Collin and I have been together we have gone to Wendy's on Valentine's Day. It all started because on the first Valentine's day that we were together was just about a month after we had started dating and Collin wanted to make it perfect. He came over to my house and picked me up and we headed towards a restaurant. When we got there we found out the wait was like 2 hours as it was at like 4 other places too. So, after opening our gifts in the car in a Hooters parking lot we decided to just grab Wendy's and head to his house to watch a movie. After that first year we decided to make it a tradition and this year will be the 10th year that we have done it!! I just feel like we can go out to eat somewhere anytime and not have to wait 2 hours like you do on Valentine's Day. I think Collin feels bad that we do that every year and don't do something nice but I honestly prefer it over going and waiting somewhere for hours!!

So those are my 2 favorite Valentine's things.

Next week's theme is based on Love...post about your favorite things you love to TASTE, SEE, SMELL, HEAR, and TOUCH!!

4 hour schedule

So, today I have decided to start trying to move Maddox from a 3 hour eating schedule to a 4 hour eating schedule. I'm not exactly sure how to know when a baby is ready to make that move but from what I have read it seems like most people make the move around 6-8 months and Maddox is 7 months. So far it has gone ok (we've only been at it for half a day though) but I can tell that extra hour between feedings will be a tough transition. Hopefully, he gets the hang of it quickly and once he does it will be nice to have only 4 feedings a day instead of 5.

Any moms out there who have gone through this and have advice to share feel free to do so!! Thanks!!! :D

7 Months Old

Well, here is the post you have all been waiting for today. My sweet baby is 7 months old. I say this every month but I really can't believe how fast the time has gone by. He is so much fun these days and his personality is coming through more and more!! He has the most precious little smile I have ever seen and my favorite new thing he is doing is give kisses. I have been working on this for a while but he has just started doing it. I will say "give momma kisses" and he will lean in with his mouth wide open for a kiss. It is absolutely adorable!! Of course he won't do it every time I ask (particularly when I'm trying to show someone...lol) but it is so sweet when he does do it.

We don't go back to the doctor for a well check until he is 9 months old so I won't have his growth stats until then. I do try and weigh him on our scale by weighing myself and then weighing myself while holding him. Right now I think he weighs around 20.5 lbs and let me tell you he feels like ALL of 20 lbs when you are holding him!!

Here are a few other things he is up to at 7 months...

*He wears size 2-3 diapers.
*He wears 6-9 month clothes.
*He wears size 2 shoes (when he wears them...usually we still just do socks)
*He has an 8 oz. bottle when he first wakes up and one right before bed and then 3 - 6 oz. bottles in between.
*He has had several different kinds of baby food and has loved them all. However the only fruits he has had are bananas, apple sauce and prunes and the first 2 gave him terrible diaper rash so we are taking the fruits slow. (He does LOVE prunes though...eww).
*He also eats puffs and bitter biscuits, as well as a few table foods like french fries, mashed potatoes, and crackers. He pretty much loves anything you put in his mouth.
*He typically goes to bed around 7:30-8 pm and wakes up around 6:45-7. I usually leave him in his room until 7:15-7:30.
* He takes 3-4 naps a day still. Usually one long one (1-2 hours) and then 2-3 shorter ones (30 min). He still will not nap in his crib though and insists on being on the couch with me. Hopefully, he will grow out of that.
*She still doesn't seem anywhere near crawling because he won't even push himself up when he is laying on his tummy. But we are trying to do more tummy time each day to help that.
*He has 2 teeth, both bottom middle ones.
*He has started going to the nursery during church and does great!! It's a nice break for mommy too :D.
*He isn't saying any words yet but he has the "D" sound down so I'm thinking he will be saying "Dada" before too long!!
*He loves playing with toys.
*He can sit pretty much unassisted but still topples over sometimes so he has to be watched.
*He enjoys jumping in his bouncer.
*One of his favorite things is taking a bath. I always know that if he is super fussy I can put him in the bath and he will calm right down!!
*He has started sitting in a high chair when we go out to eat and in the shopping cart when I am out and loves being able to look around!!

That's all I can think of right now but I'm sure there is more. He is such a happy baby and I just love it. He loves being out and about and is such a trooper when I drag him all over the place!! So, I know you all are really just here for the pictures so I won't make you wait any longer. Here is Mr. Maddox at 7 months old...(you can see one of his teeth in some of the pics...its on the bottom left side. I think the 2nd one shows it the best and it will get bigger if you click on it!! :D)

Favorite Things Friday: Craft Products

I can't believe it is already Friday again. I guess since I need to do my favorite things Friday post today as well as Maddox's 7 month post you will get 2 posts today. Get excited!! However, you will have to wait on the 7 month post because I haven't taken Maddox's pics yet and Collin and I are keeping my friends kid, Kolby for a few hours this morning.

Ok...so on to my favorite craft products!!

1. Xyron Sticker Maker - One of my scrapbooking friends told me about this when I started Maddox's first year book and I just love it!! It is perfect for small letters because it basically turns them into stickers to that you can easily stick them on your page!! Plus, it's not expensive so that is always good!! I have the pink one and use it often when scrapbooking!!

2. Fiskers Paper Cutter - This little device makes cutting paper so much easier!! It is big enough for a 12x12 piece of scrapbook paper to fit in it too so that makes cutting a big piece of paper a snap. It also has changeable blades so that you can have nice designed edges if you choose!!

3. Cricut Die-Cutting Machine - OK so this is obviously my favorite crafting product. I got this for Christmas for my grandparents and it is FABULOUS!!! It has made scrapbooking so much easier and so much more fun. Plus, my book looks so much more professional ;). The only problem is that the cartridges are kind of pricey so I don't have very many to choose from at this point. Hopefully, I can get some as gifts as we go along to increase my library!!

There are many more crafty things that I enjoy but I'll leave it at 3 today. I can't wait to see other people's favs and just might have to try some of them out!!

Next weeks theme is inspired by Valentines day. Post about any Valentines Ideas, Crafts, Recipes, Decorating Ideas, Books or Traditions...the possibilities are endless!!

Coming later today...Maddox's 7 month post!! HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Tooth # 2

CHECK. Mr. Maddox woke up this morning with 2 teeth instead of just one!! I knew that second tooth was getting close to coming in but for some reason didn't expect to see it just yet but here it is!! I really can't believe he already has 2 teeth. It just makes him seem so "grown up." But even more than not believing him having 2 teeth is the fact that he will be 7 months old tomorrow. That just seems nuts to me. I will post about that tomorrow and hopefully be able to get some good pics in his monthly photo shoot!! :D

Brush that tooth

I let Maddox play with my electric toothbrush the other day and here is what happened...

Favorite Things Friday: Small Kitchen Appliances

It Friday again so here goes my Favorite Things Friday post. This week's theme is Small Kitchen Appliances.

1. Kitchedaid Mixer - I got my mixer for Christmas 2 years ago and just love it!! It makes baking so much easier. It's also fun that they come in so many different colors (I just got black thought to go with the rest of my kitchen appliances!!)


2. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker - I don't particularly like this appliance because it is a crock pot but because it has a spill-proof lid. We have a potluck type dinner at church every week and after one week of taking chili in my other crock pot I knew something had to be done (we ended up having to go home so I could change clothes because chili spilled all over me.) Anyways, this spill-proof lid is fabulous!!


3. Keurig Single Cup Coffee Maker - Ok so I don't actually have one of these but my mother-in-law does and it is fabulous!! I got to use it a lot while we were back in Texas for Christmas and it was great!! It is so easy and offers so many choices of coffee flavors as wells as teas and hot chocolates. It is also great for a family where only one member drinks coffee. (So if anyone is feeling generous I wouldn't mind having one of these ;D).



So those are my favs in the small kitchen appliances category!! Next weeks theme is favorite craft products (not projects :D).

iPhone

Well people, we have finally done it. We have officially joined the iPhone world and we love it!! It is so convenient, since we are Mac people, to be able to sync everything together!! The only down side was that we had to get new phone numbers!!

So, let me know if you need my new number and I will get it to you!!

Hope you are having a blessed weekend!!

Favorite Things Friday: Bath & Body Products

One of my fellow blogger friends, Ashley, has started a weekly post called "Favorite Things Friday." She has been doing it for a while and I have finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and do this fun post each week. This week she has decided to start giving a theme for the next week so that those involved can have a little direction on what to post about. This weeks theme is bath and body products. So, here goes my first "Favorite Things Friday" post...

1. Moisture Surge by Clinique: This face moisturizer is fabulous!! It is so light and goes great under makeup. I especially love it up here in the dry Denver air!!

2. Head and Shoulders: Smooth & Silky Shampoo and Conditioner: I know Head and Shoulders is typically for dandruff but this new Smooth & Silky line is great for anyone. I found out about it from my sister and just love it. It leaves my hair feeling soft and looking shiney!! I typically rotate between 3 different kinds of shampoo and conditioner and this is my favorite of the 3 I have right now!!

3. Peppermint Chapstick: Ok, I'll admit it...I am ADDICTED to chapstick!! I have to have it with me at all times and put it on compulsively. So, when I find a kind that I like I generally stock up on it. My brand of choice right now is Chapstick in Peppermint flavor!! It has that fabulous tingly sensation and leaves my lips feeling nice and smooth!! The bad thing is that I haven't been able to find it lately!! Bummer!!! I have only looked at Target and the grocery store so I guess I need to check Walgreens and maybe Walmart to see if I can find it there but if not I guess I will have to try and find something new!! (I have already gone through Burt's and Natural Ice phases ;D).

So, those are my favorite things in the bath and body theme for Favorite Things Friday!! Feel free to jump on the bandwagon as well and start posting about your favorite things!! I look forward to reading about some of your favorites and who knows maybe some of yours will become some of mine ;D.

Next weeks theme is Small Kitchen Appliances!! ;D (I already have a couple in mind!!)

Happy Friday!!

First Tooth...almost

Maddox is getting so close to cutting his first tooth (teeth)!! I can actually see both of the bottom middle teeth just under the skin but the one on the left is closer to coming in. Sweet baby has taken it like a champ!! He has been a little fussy but I have just been using Orajel and homeopathic teething drops and they seem to be helping. Thankfully, it hasn't been effecting his sleep at all.

Once that little tooth comes in I will try to get some pictures to post!!

Haiti Earthquake

Why? Is one of the only questions that popped in my mind when I heard about this devastating 7.0 earthquake in the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The people there have lost everything. I have been watching CNN this morning and they have been saying that 80% of the population lives under the poverty line and every 4th child is malnourished. I just can't understand why something like this has to happen to people who are already struggling so greatly!!

Strangely enough, Collin is actually going to Haiti on a mission trip a week from Friday. Our church helps support a missionary there and Collin is going to check out the work there. They are actually going to a city called Cap Haitian which is on the far north side of the island. Our missionary there sent an e-mail out yesterday saying that they felt the quake but didn't sustain much if any damage, so we are thankful for that.

Please keep the Haitian people in your prayers as their city and homes are in shambles and as many lives have been lost and many have been injured. Also, be praying about Collin's (and the rest of the group) trip next week. That it will be productive, helpful and that they will return to us safely!!

What a Testimony...

Well, if you watched the game last night then you know it didn't got at all as planned for the Longhorns. They came out strong and were looking GREAT but on the first drive of the game their super-star senior quarterback, Colt McCoy, received a game ending hit that injured his right throwing shoulder. The Longhorns brought in their freshman backup, Garrett Gillbert, to try and get the job done. He did a great job and gave it a valiant effort but just couldn't pull it out against a great Alabama team. It was very disappointing to go out that way for the Texas players, coaches, and fans everywhere but they fought hard until the very end and gave it their best shot.

I think for me and probably many others it was harder to watch Colt have to miss out on his last college game ever than it was to actually see the Longhorns lose the game (don't get me wrong that was devastating as well). It is just so heartbreaking to see a guy work so hard to have it taken away at the very end because of an injury. However, if you watched the postgame you were able to see Colt give a speech that was one of the greatest testimonies I've ever seen an athlete give in a post game speech. I have posted his speech below. It's only about a minute and a half long.



It is one thing to praise God in an interview after a victory but it is far another to praise Him after an injury and heartbreaking loss. And doing so on national television and in front of millions of viewers gains major points in my book. I honestly think God could have cared less who won that football game last night but I do think he was definitely pleased with Colt's response to a very unfortunate event!!

In the end, win or lose...we are still Texas fans through and through. HOOK 'EM!!!

6 Month Pics

I have finally gotten around to taking Maddox's 6 month pics!! In honor of tonight's big game I took them in his Texas gear!! We are super excited about the game and really hope that Texas can pull out a victory!! Hook 'Em Horns!!!

6 Month Check-up

Mr. Maddox had his 6 month check-up at the pediatrician's office today. He did great!! He was happy and smiley the entire appointment and only cried for a second when he got his 4 shots!! Yep that's right...the poor thing had to get 4 shots today. Two were his normal vaccines and the other two were his seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. He took it like a champ and was smiling again before we even left the exam room.

We saw the PA, Chris, today and she said he is a perfectly healthy baby!! I am so thankful for that!! Now for his stats. He has definitely grown since his last appointment!! He now weighs 18 lbs. 7 oz. which is the 70th percentile, he is 27 inches long which is also the 70th percentile, and his head is 44.8 cm around, which is 75 percentile!! So he is pretty proportionate :D. She also said she was seeing the beginning phases of teeth on the bottom so he will probably be getting those sometime in the near future.

Again, I am so thankful for a good report and can't believe my buddy is getting so big!! He doesn't have his next appointment until 9 months so we have to wait a while to go back!!

I know I still need to post 6 month pics so I will get on that and post them soon!!

Christmas Pics

Finally here are some pics from Maddox's first Christmas!! I just love all his new facial expressions!!

New Year's Resolutions

So, I know a lot of people choose not to make resolutions because they are typically just broken but this year I have decided that some goals are necessary!! At this point Collin and I have 3 specific goals set out for us as a couple and are determined to accomplish them!! I would ask that you all help us out and hold us accountable to these goals!!

1. Drink only water. Let me just say that I LOVE Dr. Pepper. I love that sweet taste and the feel of the bubbles going down. I think this goal will be extremely difficult because there are certain foods that I feel like you need to have a coke with. But I am going to try VERY hard to stick to this and cut out all those empty calories that I consume on a daily basis!!

2. Cut out all Desserts. I think this will be the easiest of the three. I do like dessert but I will typically lean towards salty foods so I think giving up desserts will be easier than giving up my beloved Dr. Pepper!!

3. Run the White Rock Marathon on 12/12/2010. I love the show The Biggest Loser and this past season as I was watching I saw the final 4 contestants run a marathon. I thought to myself...If those 400+ lb. people can run a marathon then I can certainly do that. I also feel like it would be such an accomplishment. I know this is going to be a hard task and will take a lot of work and dedication but I think with the encouragement of Collin and some friends that we are doing this with we will be able to accomplish it.

I write this post because I want people to know about these goals so that all of you can hold me accountable and help encourage me as I work towards these 3 things!! So, if you see me around ask me how it's going.

Have any of you set resolutions or goals as we start out this new decade??

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hope you are blessed as we ender into this new decade!! Happy 2010!!