It's My Birthday

             Today is my 26th birthday. I know that this is going to be the best year yet. I have a wonderful husband whom I love and adore, and I have a perfect little one that I could not be more thankful for. Last night we went to Paisley's bed, admired her, and then picked her up so that we could love on her. As I was holding her in the rocking chair, I felt overwhelmed with emotion- love, hope, joy. She is so sweet and such a blessing. I can't imagine life without her. When I finally gave Zach a turn, he swooped her up, she looked at him, and rested her little head on his shoulder, slowly blinking as her eyes closed. I hope I never forget that image in my head. The two things I love most in this world, cuddling so very sweetly together. I realized that I really and truly have all I could ask for, and I couldn't wait until this morning when Paisley would be awake and ready to play. She does so many wonderful things now like singing and mimicking sounds. We want to think she'll be an amazing musician so of course, we think that her singing is a testament of things to come. For a while now, her favorite word has been "dada". She had "mama" down for months and then decided to start using it sparingly- just when she really really wants me to rescue her from the crib, but Saturday she started saying it over and over again and has been doing it ever since. Zach says she's making up for lost time; I say that its her birthday gift to me. There is not a better gift I could receive- I love hearing her sweet voice say it repeatedly, and I had missed it so much!
            I do have a few goals for this year. I think a birthday (and a Monday) is a great time to start working toward new things. Here's the list:

• Read the Word every day and come closer to the Lord
• Spend quality time with Zach and Paisley daily
• Run in a 5k
• Spend more time outdoors
• Spend more time volunteering
• Make a difference in people's lives
• Start to become the godly mom I hope to be

They are in no particular order, other than the first one needing to be my main priority. 

Here's to another year!

Weight Loss Update

Despite my best efforts, ok, maybe not best because I have yet to work out, I am still sitting at the same weight that I was in August. I don't eat sugar, and we are trying to eat whole foods, but I am stuck. I have lost 15 pounds since the first post, which is good. But you know how it is- I weigh 165, I want to way 150 or 155. With my birthday coming up, I think it's a perfect time to try something new. I have a jogging stroller and the weather is getting cooler so I'm hoping to train to run a 5k. I think getting active is going to change my results, and I want to have Paisley outside more often now that it's not quite so blazing hot. Hope it works because I love boots and skinny jeans in the fall and would like to look decent in them both!! 

This picture is obviously not me: 

...but it could be!

Sewing

I have decided that I love sewing. It's my new favorite thing. I ordered a pattern from the Tie Dye Diva (Etsy) in June, made Paisley an adorable romper, and have loved sewing since. I have now successfully made matching Red Sox dresses for the girls, baby blankets for Jen's triplets, a crib bumper for Paisley, and crib skirts for the triplets. In addition, I've taken in some of my clothes that were too big and thrown together quick headbands for Paisley. I'll try and post some pictures as soon as I can. In the mean time, here is a list of what I want to sew next:

• Fall dresses for Paisley
• Pillow covers for the living room
• Curtains for the bedroom
• Bibs
• Burp Cloths
• Baby Shoes
• Outfits for the Triplets

  I can't wait- that's all I want to do all the time. It's relaxing, gives me a sense of accomplishment, and it's a relatively inexpensive new hobby! I feel rather domestic- you should try it!!  Ready. Set. SEW.

Pictures to come! 

Swing Sets and Sliding Boards

     Today was another, "I hope I don't forget this," kind of day. We had accelerate (the newcomers class) at church, and while Zach was in talking with people, Paisley and I went out to the playground. Paisley LOVED the swing and the slide. She giggled and laughed the whole time on the swing. As for the slide, she gets so excited at the top, but during the actual sliding down, she closes her eyes as tightly as she possibly can, only to open them, smile, and lunge toward the slide when it's all over. It is the funniest and cutest thing I've seen. I love love love this baby!!
    On another note, 56 people joined the church. I'm so excited for what God is doing at COTES. It's great to feel excited for the future and to feel the excitement in those around you at the church! Thank goodness for fresh starts!