{Practice}

Serious face

 

Embracing the Camera with my little lady. We are killing time at her cousin's soccer practice. It's amazing what this child will do for a little Icee. Crazy things such as giving her mama a kiss (sister is usually too busy for loves).  

Don't forget to get IN FRONT of the camera this week. Believe me, it's not as scary as you think. 

Adoption Update:

I promise to not leave you out of the loop on our life story. Lot's of stuff is going on around here with our adoption and we just left one of the most depressing meetings I have ever been a part of.
Today, Mr. T and I went downtown to meet with out sweet adoption worker to look through a book of children that were up for adoption this month through the Department of Human Services (DHS). Each name comes with a sweet picture and a short history of that child's likes, dislikes, siblings, and why they were taken into DHS custody.
Every kid is adorable and every kid is "normal".
But we did not see our child.
I looked at the beautiful faces and heard the tragic life stories and I just wanted to scream. I wish I could give every one of them the home that they needed, but I can't. I am constantly praying for clarity to "know" which child is mine and I have not had that yet.
I am not patient.
I know that this process will teach me to be patient and also teach me about the brokenness of the world.
I know that our child will most likely need counseling or special doctor's visits, but I want to be the one to hold their hand during that process.
I know that this is going to be a long process and I told myself to brace for that, but every time I see a smiling face in one of those books, it gets harder. It gets harder to wait for my child.
We are also thinking about going through a Crisis Pregnancy group, where pregnant mothers would choose us to be the parents of their unborn child. I don't know if that is the road we are going to take, but it is now on the table.
So we will continue to wait and pray for clarity and guidance throughout this process.
But as of right now, we have no news.

Thank you again for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
They really do mean the world.

Catching up

Let me catch you up on a little shin dig we had over here. If you hate looking at kids having a blast at birthday parties, then you don't have to look. Just don't kick a puppy before you leave...grouch.

Last weekend we celebrated Isabelle's second birthday party (hence why I only blogged a couple times last week...sugar hangover). This year was a lot of fun, because she actually knew what was going on and we actually knew what to do to make her day special.

All her family came in town and gave her lots of extra attention, which made her really happy but really demanding (We let her slide with it since it was her birthday and all).

We started the morning off with some bagels and chocolate milk before we headed to get some pedicures.

Sister, loves her some painted nails and finger nails.

However, she does not love random nail ladies picking her up and taking her away to get her nails painted.

We settled with doing her nails on mommy's lap while aunt Kelli held her other hand.

 My child in a nutshell: perfectly manicured nails with skinned up knees.

Just the way I like it.

This year, we decided to keep the party pretty low key and just invite family and grill out. It turned out to be the perfect plan since our family has gotten so big over the days. Plus, she got a TON of presents and she LOVED every single one of them. I think if we had invited friends over, a lot of the presents would have gotten pitched to the side and that always makes an awkward moment for the parents of the ungrateful child...never the child.
Isabelle had a blast at the party, but she also brought me down back down to earth after I realized that her favorite things about the party were the cheap 10 cent bracelets, ice and her cousins.

 But then again, cousins hit.

 And steal your "favorite" chair (even if you haven't sat in it in months).

But in true family parties, there are always tears followed by hugs and kisses.

 Her baby cousin came all the way up from Texas to celebrate Isabelle's big day...she's super happy because he doesn't steal toys. And he let's her pinch his cheeks.

 Very natural family poses.

 

We let Isabelle decide her theme of her party and in true Isabelle form, she chose Dora, Thomas the Train and jewelry. I was lucky enough to be able to choose her cake for her and I got a little sentimental as I passed down the "Barbie Cake" tradition to her. Since my first birthday, my mother has gotten me a very special Barbie Cake from a little bakery here in Tulsa. Every year I looked forward to playing with my new doll as soon as all my friends and I ate her cake dress. When I graduated college, my mom even surprised me with a Barbie cake in a cap and gown in Jayhawk colors. After having a child, I thought it was finally time to pass the tradition down and I couldn't have ever imagined that my daughter would love it just as much as I did.

Our wild, little family (don't worry...Mr. T doesn't always smile like that. Isabelle on the other hand, usually does).

We had a great time celebrating and I am excited for all that this year has in store for my little lady as she continues to love and learn all that is around her.

 

And now a picture to share at her high school graduation:

 

 You're welcome.

 

 

SO What!

SO WHAT! :

That I slammed my pinkie toe into the side of the door and fell to the ground in pain like a child. Izzy saw me in pain and asked to "kiss it", then when she kissed my toe she said, "eww stinky". Either she's really honest, or a tad rude. Either way, I love it and it made me laugh.

I love our new house, but I didn't realize that when you buy a bigger house, there are more things to clean. Call me an idiot, but it's a lot harder to keep a bigger house clean than a smaller house. One of these days I'll hire help...or just have more kids and make them clean up for me. That's what kids are for, right?

Izzy started "Little Gym" this week and I already think she's more coordinated then the other kids. Of course it's motherly bias, but I'm not going to tell her that. Sure her dad is 6'1" and I'm 5'10" and can barely stretch enough to reach my toes, but if she thinks she wants to be a gymnast, who am I to tell her that its probably not in her genes? Gabby Douglas here we come!

That the back seat of my car has milk stains and crumbs all over it. I promised myself that I would never be "that mom", but then I actually had a kid. On a positive note, the front seats look amazing. So, when you come to visit me and want to sit in the backseat, just sit on top of all the naked dolls and cheerios. They won't kill you.

That lately I have been in bed, asleep, at 9:30. Call me lame, but the Olympics are over so there is no reason for me to stay up late and I have been getting up around 5:15 to go run with my sister. Early to bed, early to rise, right? Or is that just what grandma's and grandpa's say?


Okay, now time for you to link up with Shannon and get some of the randoms off your chest.

Randomness

I'll be honest. I have quite a few ideas for posts and things to talk about, but the weather is perfect and I am still exhausted from a fun filled weekend of birthday partyin' (more of that awesomeness later) and we have just been soakin up the outdoors and the last few days we have with Isabelle's cousins before they head back to school.

I can't believe fall is in the air. It's so dry here that the leaves have already fallen and the grass is already yellow. I can't say that I'm sad to see the extreme heat leaving, but I can hardly contain my excitement for everything fall! All the cute outfits on Pinterest are making me want to light the autumn candles, put on a scarf and watch college football.

Aren't these accessories amazing!?

Get all geared up for fall and check out the new line from my Noonday Collection.

 Handmade? Check.

Humanitarian? Check.

Gorgeous? Check, check, check.

www.melissatruitt.noondaycollection.com/

Read a little more about Noonday and the story behind it.

If you are in the Tulsa area and want to get some free stuff, send me a message and we can have a party together!

I mean, HELLO! Emily Maynard even loves Noonday's stuff!

 She's Barbie's version of Mother Teresa I tell ya.

P.s. Jef with one F does not come with your Noonday Purchase.



Isabelle Mae

Before I became pregnant , I was completely selfish and self centered without ever really knowing it. I was never forced to think that my actions directly effected anyone else until I got married, and I really never thought that my own well being also meant the well being of my child. As soon I as saw the "positive" words on the pregnancy test, my world came screeching to a halt. The things I ate and drank immediately changed. My sleeping habits were changed without me doing anything (holy exhaustion), but most of all my thoughts changed.  My mind was constantly contemplating what MY child would be like, look like, act like, etc.  It became all I could think about and talk about so when I was about 8 months pregnant, a dear friend of mine told me to write a note to Isabelle before I met her and for each of her birthdays documenting my hopes and dreams for her and how she had changed that year. I told myself that I would put it in all in her baby book and give them all to her on her 18th birthday. 

This year I am sharing the first letter I wrote to her, before I even saw her face.  

Dear Isabelle,

As I sit here reflecting on the last 8 months, I realize how much I actually have to think about. I never could truly comprehend carrying a human being in my belly, but now that you are in there the thought being separated from you is terrifying. I have prayed more in the past 8 months than I have in my entire life...and those prayers weren't for myself or anyone that I have ever met. They have all been for this little life that God gave me. This little girl that God blessed me with. He chose me to be YOUR mom. My eyes often fill up with tears and I feel overwhelmed with thinking "God can I do this?" or "Am I going to be good enough for her?" She deserves so much and I pray that God helps me to be exactly what she needs.

These are some of my prayers for you my sweet baby girl.


-Lord I believe you created Isabelle specifically for Dustin and I. You already know her before I have even seen her. You love her more than even I can imagine. I pray that you will show me how to love her the way you love her and the way I need to love her.

-I pray that you know that your outward image is beautiful. God created you just the way you are. May you strive to be as beautiful on the inside as Christ has made you on the outside in His image.

-I pray that as you grow, you will always stand up for what you believe in. Never let others sway who you are or how you believe. Be strong enough to be different. Difference is what makes you extraordinary..

-I pray that your focus is never on material or worldly things. If you have a lot then know you are blessed. If you have little then know you are still blessed.

-I pray that as you grow, you will strive to be a lady. May you always keep your legs crossed, your cleavage covered, your clothes breathable, and your mouth clean. (Otherwise, I will wash it out with soap).

-I pray that you will have a big heart that loves and shows love to everyone. May you always be willing to help others and give to others.

-I pray that you use all the gifts that God will bless you with for His glory.

-I pray that whenever you make a mistake, you will be quick to realize what you have done and ask for forgiveness. Even when you don't want to admit you are wrong, may you put your pride aside and be humble enough to say you are sorry.

-I pray that you never pick on or ridicule others. Always remember to put yourself in their shoes. If you are the one being picked on then pray for that person or those people no matter how hard it is. Most of the time when someone picks on you, they need a friend the most (Or just tell mommy, and I will take care of it....kidding).

-I pray that you will cherish your virginity. Once it's gone... it's gone. You will NEVER get that gift back. May you know how special it is and how special you are.

-I pray that you will be a hard worker in whatever you do. God has already got a special purpose for you. Once you find that purpose, may you never be lazy, but instead have energy and passion.

-I pray that you will be joyful. Don't be afraid to laugh, dance or be silly. Don't worry about who is watching. Have fun!

-I pray that whatever struggles you go through in your life, may you know that God will NEVER leave your side. May you learn from each struggle and become a stronger woman because of it.

-I pray that when you look for happiness, you don't turn to boys, friends, family or anything of this world. May you always turn to yourself and your relationship with God. People WILL ALWAYS disappoint you Isabelle. We are all sinners and no one is perfect. Be happy in Him.

-I pray that you will have friends that God places in your life that uplift you and are "true" friends.

-I pray that when the time comes for you to be interested with boys... that you will choose wisely and who is everything God desires for you in a partner. May you pray faithfully for a partner and NEVER settle for less...no matter how long it takes for him to find you.

-I pray that you will be able to count your blessings each night and never take one of them for granted.

-I pray that you will know unconditional love.

-I pray that you will show respect to people older and wiser than you.

-I pray that you plant your roots on solid ground and know where you came from. No matter how far you are from home or family.

-I pray that you will always know the importance of family. Your dad and I love you more than ANYONE in this world. We always will.

-I pray that you will always strive to grow in your relationship with Jesus and that you will allow Him to constantly mold and shape you into the woman He desires you to be.

-I pray that you will know just how special you are to me. No matter how much I mess up and how discouraged you become with me... I promise to always try to be my best for you. I pray that you will be able to forgive me ahead of time for my mistakes and failures as a Mother but may you know that I would give my life for you and I haven't even met you yet.May you know that I already love you and over these past 8 months, not a day has gone by where I don't thank God for what He has given me. I thank God for you Isabelle.

I love you and can't wait to meet you and hold you and live the rest of my life with you.

All my love forever and always,

Mommy

{Embrace the Camera} 8.16.12

Today, I am linking up with Emily and getting in front of the camera with the Birthday girl.

She's already dodging pictures with me.

And has to bring a friend with her (kitty cat). 

Instead of preparing for the birthday weekend...

I am looking at old pictures and videos that I have accumulated over the past two years of Isabelle's life. Birthday week is underway and I couldn't be more excited to celebrate this big day. I am by no means a "birthday" kinda gal. I usually let mine slip by and have never felt that the day was all that special. My mom always made my "big day" a big deal, but I always felt it was pretty insignificant. After having a baby, I now realize why. I think our children's birthdays should really celebrate the mothers, because after all, the mothers are the ones doing all the work on that "special day". The more kids you have the more "special days" you should get! And all God's mothers said, "Amen!"

Anyways, I am setting aside my selfish beliefs and making this day a good time for our little gal.
Lots of balloons will be blown, lots of Dora will appear and tons of cake and ice cream will be eaten. How could this day not be awesome?

My, oh my, how our lives have changed in this past two years. Two years ago I was a beached whale, today I have a drama queen daughter who loves to practice her facial expressions:

I see an Oscar in her near future.

It's Happening...

My baby is growing up. This Saturday will mark the day that she made her dramatic appearance into the world. The day that my heart exploded with love. The day that prematurely aged me. The day that made me a mother.

Every. Single. Day. She makes me laugh and teaches me something new.
Right now she is in this hilarious stage where all she wants to do is sing, dance and listen to music. Since I listen to country music, most of her favorite songs are country and a tad bit inappropriate for someone her age. Her all time favorite song is Eric Church's Springsteen, which if you've missed her rendition, then click HERE. The other songs that she (honestly) knows just about every word to is Dierks Bentley's "5150", and Little Big Town's "Pontoon" (even though she only loves the part where they say..."Mmmm motorboatin'." Seriously, please don't judge me. Kid music gives me a headache, but I am now trying to switch).  Just be glad it's not gangsta rap.

She is a mimic bird, which can be very dangerous territory for an ol' sinner like me. I am trying hard to watch what I say, but those little ears seem to pick up on all the juicy stuff!

She has a strong love for people. She gets alarmed when someone is in distress and the best way to get some cuddles out of her is to act like you're sad. She's a sucker for sadness. She wants to bring a smile to your face and make you feel loved.
I hope that never changes.

She is a lover of all creatures. This is also scary to me, because she wants to pick up and pet all sorts of things that are disgusting to me. Cicadas, turtles, frogs and worst of all....cats. I try not to push my weird fears on her, but it's hard to act like cicadas are cute. It's actually impossible for me.
She has no fear of dogs, especially big dogs. Since she has two HUGE dogs that she loves to boss around (and they love to be bossed around by her) she assumes all big dogs are gentle giants. I am trying to teach her to hesitate a little before running up to strange dogs yelling, "ooohhh soo cute!" but I usually am also practicing not doing the same thing.

She is adventurous, yet cautious. She loves to try new things (without any help...help her and she WILL yell at you to "go back!") yet she understands danger and won't push her boundaries. Many times this leaves me looking like the idiot mom at the park that isn't paying attention to their child, but I assure the pushy moms that indeed I am paying attention. My child is just really independent (and their child is just really lame. I don't say that, but often times I feel that...and if I did say that, Mr. T would be super mad at me so I practice keeping my mouth closed).

My little future olympian.

She understands danger and doesn't want ANYONE to get into it. That includes our house painter. While he was on a tall ladder, she told him he was "high in the sky" and to "be careful or you'll fall and hurt your head". He didn't understand TONS of English, let alone toddler-english or else he would have thought it was cute. He just thought I had a bossy child.

She is my little buddy and I can't believe I am fortunate enough to call her my daughter. She brightens my world and I can't believe she has already been here for almost two years! I feel like my parents when I say, "Time flies", but it does. And it's really true that time flies when you're having fun (and not sleeping much).

So Happy Birthday week Isabelle! I love you!

{We are Family}

This week we got to hang with my neice all week while my brother and his wife were out of the country and we had such a blast.
Isabelle and her cousin are only two and a half months apart, but are complete and total opposites. Because of their differences, they are hysterical to watch together and remind me so much of Lucy and Ethel.
Isabelle showed her the ropes in our new house, and also taught her how to let her hair down a little (so to speak. They both have tiny mullets, so letting their "hair down" is impossible).
My niece is the youngest child of 5, so she is used to just going with the flow and she doesn't really EVER throw a fit for ANYTHING.
Isabelle is a tad bit different.
She is used to talking like a little adult and getting her way whenever possible. She doesn't have to share toys or time. She runs the ship.
This week they both learned a little bit about each others personalities and how to get along with someone that is a little different then you.
There is no better person to teach you that little lesson than a family member, right?

They taught one another to take turns and how to make the toy that they were on look cooler than the toy that the other one was on.

(and also how to make their boy friends drive little pink cars).

  Izzy taught her cousin how much fun it is to sprint from room to room and race anything that was up for the challenge (daddy was out of town, so our goldendoodle and I were left with the races).

We took them to a pizza place/ arcade to let them watch their boy cousins lose their minds over all the amazing games to play.

 Izzy watched the go-carts at the arcade for about 10 minutes while screaming and cheering at the top of her lungs. She finally got quiet and just stared at the cars...I thought she was mesmerized by their speed....and then I smelled a terrible smell.

Potty training is coming soon my friends.

I also got a little more practice on having another young one around. Since we are adopting from the state, the chance that we get a baby are pretty slim. We will most likely get a child around Isabelle's age. It's a lot harder to load TWO car seats, pack two lunches, two diaper bags, clean two poopy diapers, two nap times and just deal with two separate personalities, but the girls loved having one another.

I loved watching their interactions and even though there was more "stuff", it was the good stuff.

Two different laughs, two different squeals of happiness and two separate girls loving on one another.

I am thrilled to welcome a new child into my home.

This week only got me even more excited.

Side bar: Today, the adoption workers of our state go into staff meetings to "choose" adoptive families for children in Oklahoma that need forever homes. Please pray for the families to find their children and the children to find their families (and that we are one of those families soon).

He's a keeper

After reading this post, Mr. T got to feeling sorry for me and got all cute and sweet on me. He's usually very thoughtful, and this day was no exception. Flowers, a Coke Zero and a date to the mall for me to pick out a new outfit and get a Dairy Queen Blizzard!

He knows the way to my heart.

 This is how they kill time while I shop.

My favorite part of the day?
When Mr. T got a tiny little glimpse of what it's like to take Isabelle shopping.
It made me laugh.

So, today I am Embracing the camera with Mr. T because we don't get pictures together very often..... since one of us has to be the photographer.
He sure does make our picture look good :)

So What! Wednesday

It's time to continue the theme of this week of keeping it real (f.y.i. while we are "keeping it real" I must tell you that I don't think I've ever actually said the phrase Keep it real. So please don't judge me.) and join Shannon with a little So What! Wednesday

This week I am saying So what!

If Isabelle said her first bad word. It rhymes with Whit and it's a natural "naughty" word for me. I could be surrounded by the Pope, my pastor and Billy Graham in the middle of church and if I stub my toe, you can bet that word is coming out. Isabelle dropped a crayon and said it. I asked her if she said, "sit" and she said no and then repeated the bad word. I turned my head and called my mom. My mom's the one that passed that terrible gene on to me and now I have done the same.

Yikes.

That I had ANOTHER reminder that I'm getting old and boring when I realized that I hate the music that is out nowadays. This disco/ techno/ terrible music trend is awful. Remember the cool days of Nelly, Ludacris, and a good Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera rivalry? What happened to those days?

Beiber's pretty good though. So I guess there's hope in the Pop world.

That I can't imagine the excitement the mom's of the Olympians feel...Isabelle TRIES sitting on the potty and you would have thought she just won a gold in the 100 meter dash.

I am trying my hardest to not be a stage mom.

That I might shed a few tears when the Olympics end. I love them and I love all the stories of the athletes. I guess I will just drown my sorrows in Big Brother drama.

I used to get my butt kicked run against a few MEDAL winners at the Olympics. Jealous of them? Heck no. I'd much rather drink wine in front of the TV with my hot husband then sign my life away to Track and Field. Plus did you know they tax those medals $9000.

What a country, right?

That I just found out that duet synchronized swimming is an Olympic sport. You're kidding me right? If I would have known that when I was 12 I would have dominated! Do you know how many hours my sister and I choreographed routines in the pool?

The Russian swimmers dressed like dolls while synchronized swimming....super creepy.

That I am SUPER excited for fall to get here. I love fall smells, fall colors, fall clothes, even though the thought of putting on warm clothes makes me feel suffocated.

It's hotter than Haiti here right now.



The stuff no one says

I'm an honest person. I don't sugar coat anything. Sometimes that bites me in the butt and sometimes people appreciate that trait about me.  I try not to cover the truth up and I am a realist, but that doesn't mean I'm a negative person.
I tell it like I see it, but I usually look for the best in situations.

When I started this blog, I said that I wanted to share ALL of life's details. I put pretty pictures up of our smiling family, doing fun activities and that is our life a lot of the time. We are a happy family. I don't take any of it for granted and sometimes I sit back and reflect on how in the world God blessed me with such a wonderful life that I don't deserve.
I am thankful that I have a few readers that enjoy reading about my everyday life.

That being said, I don't want to portray a life that isn't realistic.

Some days are really hard. Some days I forget to brush my teeth because the morning starts with a bang. Some days I forget to each lunch because I am running around doing laundry, praying that a crying toddler will take a nap, preparing dinner and running errands. I can't tell you the last time I have gone to the bathroom alone during the middle of the week. I can't tell you the last time I went shopping alone. You can bet that any "new" shirt I have is from Target and I grabbed it off the clearance section while not stopping the cart, because stopping the cart means a small tantrum from a tiny lady in my cart. When I used to actually go to an office to work and I got a paycheck, I could spend money a little more how I pleased. Now, I have this thing called "mom guilt" that even when I do buy something, I feel guilty about it.

The weekends don't exist. I don't "escape" my workplace with vacations. I don't get sick days. Last week I had a 101 temperature and slept about 4 hours that night, but I still went to "work". Who else is going to?
I don't do lunch outings with girlfriends or coworkers. If I'm lucky enough to squeeze a lunch in, it's between nap time and cleaning around the house.
This JULY, I thought back to the last time I had my hair cut....it had been 8 months. Hair cuts for me means finding a sitter and planning in advance. Planning in advance with a toddler is an art that I just don't have down yet. So please excuse my split ends....you won't notice them when my hair is in a tangled mess at the top of my head.

The stay at home moms that dress in cute yoga outfits with Starbucks in their hands with their hair perfectly in place?
They don't exist. And if they do, it's because they have nannies.

Do you know what is considered "a little break for mommy"?
Painting my daughters room.
The adult conversation is rare most of the day. The only quiet time I have is in the early morning before anyone is up and I'm running while I'm doing it. Literally.
The water cooler talk at the office? Well, that's what the blog has been good for.

When people say, "So what are you going to do tomorrow? Just hang out. Play all day?" I laugh in my head. Clearly, they have no idea what they are talking about.
Staying at home is hard. It's a challenge everyday and I will never get any glory for it. The pay is terrible and most of the time I feel like I am looked down on because I do it.
I will never get an accolade for it, but I don't want one.
I don't want glory.
I don't want awards.
I want a well rounded, healthy, happy, loving, God fearing daughter. I pray for that daily.
 I pray that I am being a good teacher, mother, wife and child of God.
But I know that a lot of times, I fall short.
I don't go to bed every night with a smile on my face. I know that I should because I am undeservingly blessed, but sometimes I fall asleep faster than I can even finish my prayer.
And some times I just go to bed in a bad mood.

I am happy staying at home. It is hard, but I have learned that anything worth while is worth working hard for. I wouldn't change anything in my life (except for maybe dogs that don't shed).
Please don't hear me saying I want pity or that I don't love and appreciate my life.
I just want to be real.
Please, don't look at my life and think it's perfect because that doesn't exist.
Don't compare your life to other blogs.
Don't compare your life to anyone elses.
Live your life and encourage others in their journey.

So, thank you for reading. Thank you for following. Thank you for being support because everyone does need some support every now and then.

One to write home about.

We had our first weekend in our new house and it was glorious. No boxes, no moving, just us. Hanging out. Doing family time. Amazing I tell ya. We had a great time, but then tragedy struck.

The state of Oklahoma has been hot, which is not surprising since we are in Oklahoma and it is August. But we have been REALLY hot, like fire hot with little to NO rain. That equals a disaster for folks around here.

Many people lost their homes to wildfires over the weekend due to the drought and some idiot (yes, I can call people idiots...especially when they do idiotic things) threw a cigarette out their car window which caught the dry grass on fire.
Our town was not effected, but the eerie smoke did cover our state's sky. It was the creepiest thing I have seen in quite some time.

The view from our back yard at 3:00 pm on a day that should have been cloudless

So we did about all that we could do and said a prayer for the families affected and for the brave men and women who were fighting the fires and then we headed out for some sushi and a milkshake.

I am proud to say that I did convert my meat eating, gun slinging, Texas husband into eating "fancy" sushi. 

This little lady enjoyed sharing our milkshake the most. Yes, that's a milkshake in her hands. I won't tell you the calorie count. My belly will balloon if it hears how many are actually in it.

But all you healthy mama's out there don't you be worried! We get our exercise too! Izzy's Neena, my mom, is the fittest 60 year old you will ever meet. She's tiny and energetic like a little, loud, squirrel on crack and she bought my ALMOST 2 year old her first bike....correct, I said bike. For a two year old.

My little lady loves her new bike. Have you seen these KaZAM bikes? If not, research it, then go buy it. They're the cutest things I've ever seen, plus they're so great for coordination, body control and balance. And they come in bright pink.

She loves the bike because it means that we can spend even MORE time outside! Sister  seems to be immune to the insane heat. She can be dripping in sweat and I will STILL have to beg for her to come inside to cool off.

It is so nice to have our little family back together in OUR home. I am embracing this amazing phase of our life and soaking up every minute of my "baby" before she becomes a kid. On August 18th, I will no longer tell people how old my "baby" is in months, but in years.

Where did the time go?

What can I do to slow it down?