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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Recipe Blog

Hey Ya'll!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Just wanted to let ya'll know that we have a new blog for recipes now. We are down in NC visiting and Jason's family has a family recipe book and we decided to put it all in blog form so it would be easier to update and keep up with. Hope you guys follow and enjoy :)

Thursday, November 3, 2011

The Name Game

Ya'll, naming this second baby has been a pain in my @$$!!!!! We cannot agree on anything, and the few we can agree on, I'm not in LOVE with. Jason wants to keep the "Lee" sound in the name. I need some opinions:

1. Keely Reese
2. Analise
3. Analee

Jason doesn't like the spelling in 2 & 3 because of 'Anal'. Really? Do ya'll think people will REALLY make fun of her for that???? I don't want to spell it Annalise because I feel like people will be more inclined to shorten it to Anna, and I don't want it shortened to Anna. If WE decided to call her something shorter at home, like we call Paislee "Paise"--(Pays)--we would call her "Lise" (Lease).

Our other option is Keely--(Key-lee). I like Keely. Don't necessarily want to spell it that way, but it seems like every other spelling looks weird, or can be mispronounced. I've even seen people think it's Kelly. Weird, but whatever.

We had Brynlee on the list-but I'm not crazy about Bryn, and it's getting too popular. We also had Britlee, a name Jason chose a loooong time ago--before Paislee was born, and I HATED it, but over the last couple of years it has grown on me. Everyone seems to think it's super weird though, maybe it will take a couple of years for it to grow on them too? :)

If we have to go with another "lee" name, I don't want it to be too 'out there' and like we are just trying too hard to find another lee name. I think it could get tacky and with Analise and Keely it's not too out there and they also go well with Paislee.

Jason, Ashley, Paislee and Keely
Jason, Ashley, Paislee and Analise

What do ya'll think?? And if you think Analise--any middle name suggestions??

Thank you bloggy friends!!
XOXO,
Ashley

Friday, October 7, 2011

Lindsay's Visit to Maine

Lindsay got here last Saturday around noon and leaves Sunday. We only have one more day to adventure out and explore Maine. And of course, tomorrow it is supposed to be 75 degrees out and B-E-A-utiful! All week it has been cold--in the 50's, and the first 3 days she was here it rained :( Here is a summary of her trip so far in pictures :)

After we picked Lindsay up from the airport, we took her downtown for a 'Welcome to Maine' meal at 'Portland Lobster Co.'. None of us had Lobster though ;)

Sunday it rained a llllll day. We sat around for a while, then me and Lindsay went out shopping for a little while. Monday it cleared up for a little while so Lindsay, Paislee and I drove up to Freeport to the outlets. While there we shopped, ate lunch at Johnny Rocket's and had to get Whoopie Pies, the official dessert of Maine, at the famous 'Wicked Whoopies'. Lindsay meant to get the chocolate chip Whoopie, but got the vanilla bean instead, and I got the peanut butter. Yum!

Then we went to L.L. Bean--just because you have to go to L.L. Bean when you come to Maine. Lindsay made some friends while we were there....she fits right in!

Tuesday we had yet another lazy day because it rained alllllll dayyyyy. Wednesday we got a super early start but not because we wanted to :) Jason was presented an award at work so we got up to watch him get that, then his boat left--with him on it :( So we headed to Ft. Williams to see the Portland Headlight. 

Love this picture that Lindsay snapped!

After the lighthouse we headed to The Lobster Shack so Lindsay could get her some Lobster. She ended up with Lobster stew...

...and then climbed down the rocky Maine coastline for some pictures.

Yesterday we were going to drive up the Maine coast to a small coastal community. Then we changed our minds and decided to drive to the mountains to do some leaf peeping. Then we changed our minds again, and decided to have yet another lazy day...do you see a pattern here? We LOVE lazy days :)  This is Lindsay and her favorite member of the Mozingo family...

and the yummy dinner we cooked--Ranch House Porkchops, with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and green bean casserole--YUM-O!

Today we had lunch at the Portland Pie Co...


It was DELISH!

Then we ventured over to downtown Portland and walked around and checked out shops and food. Mostly food. We stopped here...

and had some of these. Lindsay had the vanilla with blueberry icing and I had the red velvet with cream cheese...

Less than 10 minutes later we stopped here for ice cream :)


Then we finished our walk with a stop in front of the harbor to see all of the yachts and sailboats. We headed home, had a very light supper--since we ate ALL day, ha! Now we are going to bed so we can get up early and head to the beach for our last day--this will be a Maine first for me too :):)

XOXO,
Ashley

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Since I can't be there....

I'll just pretend..

Happy Labor Day Weekend, ya'll!

XOXO,
Ashley

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hello Fall

I welcome you with open arms! I thought I would never want to see summer come to an end by the time I FINALLY got down to NC to real summer weather, but after 2 months of that--It's easy to say that I am happy to see fall coming :)

We are already enjoying perfect days here in the mid 70's and cool, crisp nights--the ones you want to leave your windows open on--when your husband is home and you're not too scared :)
I'm looking forward to my good bud Lindsay coming up in October! I'm going to show her as much of Maine as possible and she is coming during the perfect time! This is Acadia National Park--one of the places we plan to visit while she is here!
 This is the fall wreath I am working on :) This isn't 'mine' but one I am using as inspiration--isn't it cute? Minus the ugly owl ;)
 This is what comes up when you google "Fall in Maine". I wasn't here last October, when all of the leaves changed so I am super excited to see it this year--isn't it BEAUTIFUL??
 And this, my friends, is who my darling baby is dressing up as for Halloween. No, not Minnie the Witch, just Minnie Mouse :) Ordered part of her costume yesterday ;)
Is it too early to start putting up Fall decorations? Too bad, mine are half way up! You can do that when no one ever comes to your house :)
Fall also brings easy cooking. Jason is a huge fan of soups--Vegetable, 15 bean soup and chili are usually served weekly or every other week in our house through fall and winter!


We officially have less than a year left here in Maine, and I want to make the best of our time left here, and also the few months I have left as the mother of just one little angel :) So we have lots planned, to make the most and best of our time together as a family of three :) :)

What are your favorite fall traditions? Foods? Decorations? Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Can I vent?

I know, to have not blogged for a while and then come on here to vent is kinda annoying but I gotta vent to someone :)

So as most of you know, I post about my couponing on facebook. Sometimes I post pictures, sometimes I just post a status update. Numerous times I have had someone post a negative comment about couponing. Can I ask, WHY?? I don't think any of my followers have ever posted anything negative (although you may be thinking it :)), but let me just clarify on here.

First of all, sure, I may be a loser for cutting coupons every week, and saving tons every week--I get it. I know most people have jobs and can't "sit around couponing all day long". I can't either. I don't go to work every day but trust me, my job is very tiring and I never get off work. When I do get a break it's right now (naptime) or around 11 p.m.--after Paislee is in bed and everything is picked up and I am ready for bed. THAT is when I cut my coupons and plan my trips. I got in bed at 11 p.m. last night and sat up until 12:30 planning today's shopping trip. And, I take Paislee with me, so coupon shopping isn't an easy or very pleasant experience ever, but it's worth it :) So no, I don't have all day every day to sit around and coupon. Third, if ya haven't noticed, I'm buying NON FOOD ITEMS. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry detergent, body wash, shampoo, razors, cleaning supplies, etc. These things DO NOT EXPIRE!  

People have made comments like: "Why do you need so much toothpaste or toothbrushes?" ---Because I will use them FOREVER--really? Can you ever have enough? Do you really need to ask me that stupid idiotic question??? Especially when I am getting these things for FREE? And no, I am not going in and buying 50 items at a time and clearing the shelves, ruining it for every one else.

So what is it with people? Why do they get SO pissed when you post something like this on Facebook? Can anyone tell me? Probably not, because none of you have been the ones asking this question and you are probably thinking--why is she ranting about this crap? I just don't understand why people are so mean and negative about every thing you do, especially if it's something you work hard at and get excited about? Again, none of you have done anything that I have talked about, I just wanted to vent about other 'stupid's' out there :)

Since I started couponing on June 6, I have spent $213.75 on $723.87 worth of products that we will absolutely always use, and will not go to waste. We are stocked up on almost all of our personal hygiene and cleaning products for 1 maybe even 2 years.

Have a happy 4th of July! My husband will be home in the morning and I am off to NC--see you soon!!

XOXO,
Ashley

Thursday, June 23, 2011

15 Months

I felt like the monthly updates were getting to be too much, especially since (hopefully) Paislee is probably going to stop growing and changing so much so quick this second year of her life--SO, I decided to do an update every three months for her second year :) So here goes!

Paislee, you are 15 months old today! You are 31.5 inches tall, and weigh 21 lbs. 12 oz. You are wearing size 4 diapers, size 5 shoes, and 18 month clothes. You have 5 teeth, soon to be six! Two on the bottom, three on top, and your fourth one on top about to cut through any day now. You have been drooling terribly with this tooth. I have never noticed much drool with your other teeth, but this one has brought on a slobber fest! I don't mind, you are happy and it doesn't seem to be bothering you too much :)

In the past three months you have gone from a baby to a toddler, and the many changes in you are unbelievable! You are now sleeping in your crib every single night! You go to bed around 10 p.m. and wake up between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m....I know, that's a pretty big gap in your wake up time--I prefer closer to the 8 a.m. ;) You are completely weaned and taking it very well! You love cows milk now, and seem to have forgotten about mama's milk :) I am so so SO happy this was such an easy transition for you, I couldn't have asked for anything better! You are also eating much much much better now that you are weaned. You won't touch veggies with a 10-foot pole, but you will eat any fruit I put in front of you! Your favorites are strawberries, blueberries, kiwi and bananas :) You also eat chicken nuggets, hot dogs and grilled cheese numerous times a week. I know, bad mama! But I give you what you will eat! You also LOVE raisins, the yogurt covered ones! Sometimes you eat the whole thing, sometimes you suck the yogurt off and spit the raisin out. It drives me nuts because I find raisins EVERYWHERE! Little stinker! You only drink cows milk and water, and love them both! You also love strawberry yogurt and usually eat it every morning for breakfast.

You are becoming less and less attached to mama, which is good because I get a little more free time to myself--just don't take it too far! I am enjoying a little more freedom and being able to leave you with friends to go on a date with daddy every once in a while, but I want you to always be my sweet sweet girl!

You LOVE your big kitty sister. You call her all day long---"Sesssssiiiiiiiii!!!". Anytime you get a snack or something to eat you call her and find her so you can share with (tease) her! Ha! She is starting to love you more too! I hope you two will be BFF's!

Mornings are hit or miss around here. Some mornings you wake up ILL as a SNAKE and I can't hardly stand to be around you, other mornings you wake up and we go lay in my bed and you talk to me for a while. You say "walk?" "Sesi!!!" "Mama" "Dada" "Milk" etc. etc.....makes me wonder what you dreamed about because you are still half asleep :)

You are into EVERYTHING! I thought I had it bad when you were a baby--boy was I wrong! I am exhausted by the end of the day from chasing you alllllll day long! You LOVE to go outside so we do that numerous times a day!

Your talking skills blow my mind! You are so smart and your doctor agreed at your 15 month checkup. You can name more than 20 animals and make all of their sounds. You recognize 3-4 colors and can say them. Your vocabulary is out of this world, you can pretty much say anything I tell you to say. I can't believe you are mine!.....yes I can ;) Where else would you get those brains? ha!

I love you so much little girl and can't wait to watch you grow--slowly---over this next year (and for many more to come!). You bring so much joy to my life and you are one of my best friends--I hope that lasts forever and only grows stronger every day!

XOXO,
Mama

Friday, June 10, 2011

Not Quite (but almost!) Extreme Couponing

As some of you may know, I have a new addiction hobby! Who knew that couponing was SO much fun and didn't inform me?? I have been collecting coupons for 2 weeks now and already have a ton, and I can't wait to use them all! I'm not that great yet, I still spend more money than I would like, BUT I save more than I spend, EVERY TIME--so I'm happy! Here are the deals I have gotten this week!

This was my first couponing trip. I spent $40.97 and saved $87.61! The total would have been $128.35 without any coupons or my RITE AID savings card. I know it doesn't look like a lot of stuff, but it's expensive stuff and it's stuff you use everyday! Those razors are $10 razors! The infant Motrin (which we go through like toothpaste in this house) is normally $6 a bottle--both bottles cost me $0.00! I bought enough body wash this trip to last Jason the rest of the year :) I am not picky when it comes to razors so this should be enough razors (with what we already have) to last BOTH of us the rest of the year! I plan to stock up on things like this anytime I find a good deal. I read somewhere that you should never pay for toothpaste or toothbrushes because it's really easy to get them both for FREE, so that's what I'm going to try to do from now on :)



This is from my second shopping trip and I totaled it up and lost the paper with my calculations on it so I will go from memory for this one :) The 2 bottles of dish soap were .5 a piece :) 3 of the toothpaste's were FREE. The 2 boxes of Excedrine were FREE :) The Tide spray was $1.99, the 2 big mustards were .98 for both of them. The M & M's were FREE. I paid ~3.00 for the razors (originally $6.99) and got the two packs of diapers, two Crest toothpaste's and 2 bottles of shampoo/conditioner for ~$15.00. I was satisfied :) :) I usually don't use Pantene because everyone who has ever cut my hair has warned me of how bad it is for your hair, but I couldn't pass up such a great deal (AND I made some extra money off of it, otherwise I probably wouldn't have bought it). We will see if I like it when I use it :) So anyways, approximately $21.00 for all of this stuff! And diapers ain't cheap, honey!

And today, I bought 4 6-packs of Bounty paper towels, and got them all for $6.36 TOTAL! A 6 pack of Bounty paper towels up here run about $6.99 per pack. That's $28! I got 2 of the packs for $2.09 a piece (with a $3 off coupon) and then I had 2 1.00 off coupons in addition to my $3 off coupon, so the other 2 packs were only $1.09! That makes me a happy girl!

Sorry if this post bored you to death, but everyone wants to know more more more about couponing so there you go. If I can do it, YOU can do it. UNLESS you are like I USED to be and want the coupons handed to you. You gotta go get the Sunday paper and clip the coupons and do a little work. They ain't gonna fall in your lap, drag you to the store, fill your cart up for you, and pay for you. It takes a little work but the end result is DEFINITELY worth it!

Happy Couponing!

XOXO,
Ashley

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Diets. Blah!

I know everyone feels the same way as I do about dieting. It sucks! But it is time for me to make a lifestyle change, not just go on a diet. I am worried that now I have had my thyroid surgery, I am going to have problems with my weight, so I need to go ahead and get it under control, along with my HORRIBLE eating habits. I have ALWAYS eaten WHATEVER I want, WHEN I want--and not eaten healthy. I don't really know of many healthy recipes besides just grilled chicken or plain veggies so I need your help!

I am open to anything really, diet shakes, snack ideas, recipes, workout regimes, meal plans, etc. I don't want to spend a TON of money, and don't want to make recipes with 1,000 ingredients, especially weird things I've never heard of. I will replace meals with smoothies or shakes if I need to, but I need something quick and easy to do--not something that takes a lot of time to make, or time to keep up with. Like I said, I am open to anything!...haha..I just re-read that paragraph and I guess I am ALMOST open to anything :)

Just shoot me some ideas--what you do, what has worked for you in the past. I am even open to taking diet pills--here's my hand, smack it and tell me no no and move right along--I've taken them before and they worked wonders for me! And I am done breastfeeding, so it's my body I can do what I want to! hehe :)

Thanks in advance for all of your awesome tips that are going to give me my high school body back!

XOXO,
Ashley

Leaving on a Jet Plane

I know, I know. What an original title.

Mama is leaving us today to go back to North Carolina. She has been here since the Saturday before my surgery and I may have cooked 3 meals since she's been here. I usually cook every night. I have folded ZERO loads of laundry, changed MAYBE 5 diapers. Let's just say that the woman will be missed and things will go back to normal around here :( Unless of course I can milk Jason for a couple more days :) It hasn't been 2 weeks since my surgery yet, therefore I am still not allowed to pick Paislee up. Doctor's orders! I know, that sounds terrible coming from a mom. I should enjoy bath time, and putting her in her car seat...and I do! But I also do it ALL the time, and am enjoying this nice little semi-vacation :) I will be glad when I can pick her up and carry her around and rock her when she's tired...I do miss that :)

Just blogging since Paislee is asleep on the floor and not in my arms, trying to pick up good habits even if what I blog about is boring!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! Jason and I are thinking about driving about 3 hours north to a town called Bar Harbor, and visiting Acadia National Park for the weekend. We will see if that or lounging around the house taking turns napping wins!

XOXO,
Ashley

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

A day I never thought would come

Paislee has now been sleeping in her crib for over a week and is fully weaned. She had her very last feeding last Monday night, and went in her crib last Sunday night. The first night in the crib was rough--she cried for 45 minutes, then finally gave up and went to sleep. We sat in front of her crib the whole time. She woke up twice that night, and pretty much every night the first week. Saturday night she slept the whole night without waking up, and has ever since. She has not asked to nurse, I think she thinks about it every so often and gets a little antsy, but other than that she acts like she doesn't even know what a boobie is! Well I won't go that far, we don't say the 'B' word in this house anymore, ha! And she definitely isn't allowed to see them!

I never thought this day would come! I am SO proud of her, and how easy she handled this big transition! Easier than me! I still am up most of the night going in and checking on her, but we have ordered a security system with TWO cameras so soon I will be able to lay in bed and watch her every move :)

Just a little motivational post on how me, Jason and everyone else NEVER thought this day would come, especially without blood, sweat and tears, but we did it and with no blood, no sweat, and very few tears--just how I wanted to do it!

It seems like everything with motherhood has been this way so far. There have been things big and small that have came along that I thought "how will we ever get through this?" or "I will be stuck living like this for the rest of my life!"...ya'll know, you have been reading and encouraging me through it all! It's a hard job, the hardest one I've ever had (I know, I haven't had many!) but it is SO worth it at the end of the day and all throughout :) I never thought of the little things that make a Mama SO happy and proud. Here are a few we have been experiencing lately:
--When Paislee wants something she says "Peeeeeaaaasssee!!!"
--When you give it to her she says "Dank dew" (Thank you)
--She welcomes medicine with open arms!
--She eats RAISINS--and enjoys them! YUCK!
--She is a bedtime hoarder. Seriously. She grabs anything she can fit in her arms and wants to take them ALL up to her crib. She wants milk AND water. She wants 3 baby dolls, a kitten, and Minnie Mouse, a regular sized pillow (mine) and one of those pillow pals. Her crib is stuffed and it is hilarious. But it makes her happy so I am all for it :)

*Thanks Ann, for talking me out of my hiatus. I do want to document all of this stuff that goes on, I just don't get to do it as often as I would like. This post took 3 days to write ;) So I will write when I can :)*

XOXO,
Ashley

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Blogging Hiatus

What? You mean I wasn't already on a blogging hiatus?? Yeah, I was. But now I am making it official--makes me feel less guilty for not blogging on a regular basis.

I don't know how other moms blog on a daily basis, much less moms to more than one child, but I just can't find the time to do it! Paislee is down for her nap and I am catching up on my shows--this is the only time of the day I can get on the computer without her screaming and wanting to climb all over me to get to the computer to destroy it. And honestly, I don't have anything exciting to blog about. I post all of my pictures on facebook because it's easier, and all of you are on facebook so there is no reason for posting them here too. So bye bye bloggy, at least for a while. I will still log on to read all of the blogs I follow, because sadly, other people's lives are WAY more exciting then mine :) I will probably post from time to time when I have extra time in my day, or when something exciting comes my way, but other than that--don't expect to see any posts from me for a while :)

For those of you who don't know, I have decided against doing the radiation treatment for my Grave's Disease, and am having surgery instead. I meet with the surgeon tomorrow, and will probably have surgery the second week in June. Thank you to everyone who has sent thoughts and prayers my way--I really appreciate it :):)

XOXO,

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Paislee's Birthday

A little late, but here are more pictures from Paislee's party. I know most of you have seen them on Facebook, but I have some bloggy friends who aren't on Facebook, so enjoy :)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Two weeks?!

So, my doctor called yesterday with my lab results and told me that I have something called Grave's Disease. There are 3 treatment options, ALL of which require immediate weaning. I thought I had some time to wean, because from what I read I could take one of the medications while breastfeeding, but my doctor said I should only be nursing once a day if that, and if I was still nursing, Paislee would have to have routine blood tests because there are chances of liver failure for her (and I) if I am nursing while taking this medication. I just can't take that chance so my only other option is to wean her. That would be okay, if I could take it slowly for her and I and give her time to adjust, but my doctor wants her weaned in TWO WEEKS so I can get started with treatment ASAP. Does she know how hard that is? I don't even know where to start. Prayers appreciated :)

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Here we go....

Baby days are gone. Today we went to have Paislee's 1 year pictures taken and as soon as we put her down on the backdrop she FREAKED. And she wouldn't stop. She clung to me and Jason, buried her face in our legs and wouldn't cooperate for NOTHING.

Is this what 'toddler' means? God help me.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Paislee's First Birthday

Paislee's birthday party was a huge success! It couldn't have gone any better, in my opinion. Everything turned out beautiful!

Here are a few pictures from our special day! When I say 'our' I really mean it. Having your child's birthday is like having a party for yourself, it's so much fun! Enjoy :)







We are all POOPED! I will add more later :)

XOXO,
Ashley--yep, being lazy and not even adding the signature!

Friday, March 25, 2011

1 Year

**This was supposed to post yesterday on 'Automatic Post' but didn't. Stupid blogger!**

Dear Paislee,

I can't believe you are one whole year old today! It seems like just yesterday I was scribbling down baby names, wondering if I would ever be a mom. Then, sooner than later, I found out that I would be a mom, and to a precious little girl! I can't imagine life without you, and I am so SO glad that you were a girl, because you are MY little girl, and what a sweet and smart and beautiful little girl you are! You bring so much light and happiness to my world. You make me laugh every day, and some days you make me want to cry! You are a handful, and you have been since the day you were born. You are strong willed and stubborn, like me! I love that you are strong willed and stubborn though, because I don't ever want anyone to take advantage of you and I want you to go after anything that you want!

You weigh ~22 lbs and are around 30 inches tall. We will find out definite weight and measurements April 4th at your 1 year appointment! You are wearing mostly 18m clothes, and size 4 diapers. Your shoe size is a size 4.

Your sleep schedule is still pretty dependable--you go to sleep between 8-10 p.m., and are usually up by 7:30, but sometimes sleep until 8:30 or 9. Those are my favorite mornings ;). Lately when you wake up, I turn the t.v to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and throw a few toys your way and you lay in the bed and watch t.v and play, and I snooze a little longer watch you :) Lately you have been waking up crying in the middle of the night some nights, I am wondering if you are having nightmares? Nothing will calm you down, and eventually you just go back to sleep.

You still aren't eating worth a crap and it drives me crazy! I think you know it too! I have tried EVERYTHING. You nibble on some things, some things you won't even touch. I have worried myself so much over it, but am starting to realize that you are fine, you are growing and you will eat when you are ready! Until then...I will buy and cook food for you to waste!

You are ALL over the place. Your crawling days are gone, in fact, I haven't seen you crawl any lately and it makes me sad :( You aren't really running much yet, I would say it's more speed walking :) You climb on EVERYTHING and it drives me crazy! If you see something you want and it is out of your reach, you will pull anything you can find to stand on so you can get it.

You are still talking up a storm. I can't even remember all of the words you are saying now, you pretty much repeat anything I say more than once to you. You point to things you know you aren't supposed to be in and say "No no". If I tell you to go get me something you do it, as long as you know what it is I am asking for. You like to go outside to check the mail, and when I say "Let's go check the mail" you go stand at the door and wait for me. The best thing I have heard you do lately is say "Oh toodles!" You watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse a lot, and now when they are about to say "Oh Toodles!" you know it and you say it before they do on the show. HOW you know they are about to say it, I have no clue? But it is so funny, I LOVE it. You also ask to watch Mickey by saying "Toodles!".

We are home in NC right now for your Birthday party which is tomorrow. I can't WAIT to see you dig into your cake. You have a major sweet tooth (from your daddy's side of the family ;) ), and you are going to go CRAZY over that cake!

I love you little girl, SO much! You have made my life complete and I couldn't have asked for a better child and BFF (besides your daddy) :). I hope we have made you as happy this year as you have made us. We love love love you Princess Paislee!

XOXO,

Monday, March 21, 2011

Personal Issues

Hi everyone :)

Just wanted to do a quick post on some things going on in my life right now and ask for some prayers. A few weeks ago I went to the doctor for a routine physical, and had high blood pressure, so my doctor ordered blood work. It came back that I had hyperthyroidism, so she referred me to an endocrinologist. I went to the endocrinologist today and had more blood work done, and talked about my options.

She basically told me that I could have 1) hyperthyroidism,  2) something called Grave's disease--which is too much to explain, and honestly I really don't understand it and won't really bother with researching 'too' much until I find out whether or not I have it, or 3) I could have just had thyroiditis, which caused the blood work to read 'hyperthyroidism' and everything be okay now. I am praying praying praying that it is the last of the three I just mentioned, and there won't be any treatment needed. The treatment is pretty easy but not for the time being because for treatment #1, I can't take while breastfeeding, and who knows how long it will take to wean little diva? treatment #2 is radioactive iodine treatment which requires me to quit breastfeeding and to also be AWAY from my diva for a whole week because of the radiation and not wanting to expose her to it, and treatment #3 is surgery.

So please just pray that it is nothing, and if anything it was just thyroiditis and it's okay and gone now. I know hyperthyroidism isn't a serious condition and if treated shouldn't cause any problems, I just don't really want to deal with the options that I have right now (I will if I have to), but I don't want to have to be away from her for that long, but if my health depends on it I will :) Thanks for reading! We are off to NC in 2 DAYS!!!! Will update when I get my results--could take 2 days to a week :)

XOXO,
Ashley

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy 1st St. Patty's Day to my sweet Paislee! And happy "one week from now we will be in NC Woot Woot!" day too! ;)

Friday, March 11, 2011

A Princess Party!

Well, the invites have been sent out, and I think everyone has received theirs, so it's safe to post it here! I had it made here, by the same lady that made her birth announcement, and I love it! I wish all of my far away friends could come, but I will make sure to take TONS of pictures so you feel like you were there :) I am having a burst of birthday party energy now at the last minute, and am making lots of decorations--and loving them! Can't wait for you guys to see all of it put together!



XOXO,

Thursday, March 10, 2011

No make up?!?!

I NEVER go anywhere without make up. Not to the grocery store, the gas station, rarely even the drive through unless I HAVE to. I will take it off here though, since everyone else is doing it ;)

1. I have a love hate relationship with the military life. I LOVE the fact that Jason 'earns' 30 days off a year, even if he doesn't use them all and they get antsy if you even try (am I allowed to say that?). I HATE that he is gone all the time. I hate that I have spent 3 weeks with him this year so far. I hate that he has to leave me and Paislee all the time, even if its for 6 hours on work days during the weeks he is home. I know I 'signed up' for this lifestyle, but I had to. If I had a choice we would get all of the benefits of being in the military, but we would be able to live at HOME,  he would be able to be home EVERY SINGLE night, and we would never have to move. Can't I just have my cake and eat it too??

2. I do enjoy getting to see different places, but after I see them I want to go back home and be close to my family. I also enjoy meeting new people. That is the good thing about the military life. BUT meeting people isn't coming easy for me. I used to be SO outgoing and crazy and never had trouble talking to strangers. The older I get the harder it is though. I feel like I am still immature, especially when it comes to other moms, and I can't be myself around new people. If I could just act like my stupid, immature self--everything would be easier. So for now, I will sit in my house alone with my sweet baby girl and she will be my best friend, because she doesn't care how silly I act :) Or how immature I am :)

3. Paislee still wakes up to eat at night (don't feel alone, Paige. I will be thinking of you when I am also up for that 2 am feeding ;)). In fact, she wants to eat ALL NIGHT. Just lately, she still sleeps with me so it isn't too big of a deal but she wants to nurse ALL NIGHT LONG. Maybe it's a growth spurt.

4. I feel like my child is one of a kind. Doesn't every one feel that way about their kids though? I think Paislee was a diva the day she was born. And she hasn't given me a break ever since. She is needy, she wants me to hold her for her naps (and I do, a lot.), she doesn't want to eat food, she wants milk and only mine. She doesn't want a bottle. She will NOT fall asleep unless you are rocking her. She has never once laid down and fallen asleep on her own. And a lot of times I think to myself "WHAT am I going to do with this child? I will never have time for myself, EVER again" But then I think about how SMART she is, and how BEAUTIFUL she is, and how HEALTHY she is and how LUCKY I am.....and it can't be THAT bad. She isn't sick, she grows and she learns and that's all I care about. Even if I have to rock her to sleep for the rest of her life, and even if she wants to sleep with me and Jason forever--it could be so much worse. In fact, it isn't even bad, it's wonderful and I love her and life couldn't be better :)

4. But a night out with a few strong drinks would be great ;)

5. Even a weekend, but I can't even think about leaving her for that long yet :)

6. I LOVE to sing, but I can't sing good. I love to sing at the top of my lungs like I am performing at the Grammy's. But only when the neighbors aren't home :)

7. I can't wait to be pregnant again. I don't know when we will start trying for another one because there are a lot of things to think about before having another one but I feel like I will never have enough kids. I think I will always want another one. I'm sure I will change my mind after the next one though :)

8. I am a paranoid psycho too, Andrea. I am scared at night when Jason is gone and that is part of the reason Paislee still sleeps with us. I'm scared someone is going to break in and try to steal her or try to kill us. I do sleep with a gun beside the bed and yes it will be put somewhere safer when Paislee gets a little taller. So if you are a psycho killer and you're reading this--don't even think about coming in my house. Just kidding. Not really. I will aim for the head :) I think I have watched too many Lifetime movies. I was never like this before, I felt totally safe at home and my mom kept our doors unlocked all the time, even at night, even when we were not there. I think I'm a protective mama bear.

9. I LOVE to cook and I LOVE to eat! This is becoming a problem and I need to slow down :)

10. After reading this I think I need a therapist and you probably do too, ha!!!

XOXO,

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Funny things Paislee says....

Now that Paislee is talking quite a bit and doing and saying funny things, I thought it would be fun to write them down here so 

1. I can remember them.
2. You can laugh.

These may be things that aren't funny to you. These may be things that are a little embarrassing to me. That's why I am not putting them on Facebook, and here instead. If you read my blog, you love me for who I am--right? HeHe :) I just have one for today, and it's short and sweet but totally woke me up and cracked me up first thing this morning....

As you know, Paislee sleeps with us still. I just sleep in a sports bra because it's comfortable and let's face it: I don't like clothes all that much. Paislee always wakes up talking in the middle of the night and first thing in the morning. I like it because it tells me what she dreamt about ;) She has sat up dead asleep, eyes closed and said "Mow!" (Meow!). She woke up once saying and signing "Bath!". This morning, she rolled over, pointed to my boobies and said "What's that? Ball?!". 

Not that my boobs are perfectly shaped "balls". I gave up on that dream mid-pregnancy. EVERYTHING is a ball. Balls are balls, balloons are balls, cameras on the ceilings at Sam's Club are balls--they are, peas are balls--that's how I get her to eat them. You get the idea. Anything shaped like a ball IS a ball. We have a BALL (haha) in the produce section at the grocery store. Cantaloupes, oranges, lemons, limes, avocados, tomatoes, onions, apples, etc. Ball! Ball! Ball! Needless to say, Paislee loves grocery shopping! 

So with that said, what do I tell her my boobies are? Balls? Boobies? The dreaded word "Breasts"? That word is way too mature for me. Boobies are fine with me, I just worry she will say it in the middle of church or somewhere else important. She is still breast feeding (Yes, I realize she is almost one, yes we are trying to wean her, no it is not easy taking what she loves away from her. Please don't judge me.) So I'm not sure if I want her saying "Boobies" when she wants to eat.......have I mentioned lately that this parenting thing is SUPER hard? 

Any advice is welcome! Happy Hump Day! Paislee's birthday invitations are here and they are super cute, I am waiting to send them out and then I will post a picture here :)

XOXO,

Friday, February 25, 2011

11 Months

You are 11 months old today, Paislee. That means in one short month I will be the owner of a TODDLER!  I can't believe how fast this year has gone by, sweet baby girl. It makes me so sad that you are getting so big, but so glad that you are healthy and beautiful and sweet as can be!

You are on your last box of size 3 diapers, they are not fitting so well anymore :( You are growing much faster than I anticipated and I am worried that all of the summer clothes I have bought you are not going to fit you by the time summer rolls around. If we lived in NC where summer comes sooner--they would. Maybe we should spend the summer in NC? :) You are wearing size 12m and 18m clothes right now, and your shoe size is a 4.

Since my last monthly update you have gone from taking zero steps to WALKING ALL OVER THE PLACE! You took your first steps on January 28th, 3 days after you turned 10 months old, and you were walking all over the place by Valentine's Day. Crawling will soon be a memory, as your primary way of getting around is walking, you only crawl when you can't fit into tight spaces ;)


You are such a talker! Let's see if I can remember all of the words you are saying: Hey, Bye Bye, MaMa, DaDa, MeMe, Kitty, Meow, Baby, Ball, Banana (Nana), Mooooooooo! (Cow), Wow!, Bubbles, Dog, Duck, Bath.....I think that's it? You are getting to the point where you can repeat almost anything we say--you little Parrot! My mom says this is payback because I was a big talker and told everything to everyone when I was little, but I like it :)

You still aren't a great eater, but you are getting better! We discovered that you LOVE macaroni and cheese and for a few days you ate it up, then you realized how to suck the cheese off the noodles and spit the noodles out. Ugh! You still eat your vegetables pretty good, but not great.

In the beginning of February you went to the grocery store with me and daddy and daddy showed you the bananas. By the time we left all you could say was "Nana! Nana!". You kept saying it after we got home so the next time I went to the store I got you some Nana's to see if you would eat them. Of course you wouldn't but you did carry it around with you alllll day long until it was brown and mushy! Finally I threw it away when you weren't looking, but I felt terrible because every time we walked through the kitchen you looked for it and ask for it. So, I went to Walmart and bought you a plastic Nana. You were SO happy and carried it around for days. You don't carry it around with you as much now, but you still ask for it and point it out when you see it.

Your fake banana....

Your real banana :)

Your sleep schedule is pretty dependable, but you aren't sleeping as well as I would like. You nap 2 times a day, morning and late afternoon, and you are usually ready for bed by 10, which is fine with me. You aren't sleeping well at night though. And I know this because, YES, you are still sleeping with us. Well me, because daddy has been away a lot this month with work. You wake up all through the night and sit up and start talking then you fall back down because you are SO tired. HA! It is pretty funny but not when I am trying to sleep :) You are usually awake by 7:30 most mornings, but SOMETIMES you let me sleep till' 8 or so ;) I am being told by numerous people that I HAVE to get you into your crib. Daddy really isn't pushing it much, although I know he wants to have his space at night, but he knows it is hard for me. You keep me company when he is gone, and I like having you in my bed because I know you are safe. Hopefully soon though I can get tough and get you in your crib :( :).

You are into EVERYTHING and you get SO mad when I pull you away from something you are not supposed to be into. You're goal every day is to get into the laundry room, where the cat food and litter box is. I close the door when I see you head that way and you throw a FIT! You also love to go into cabinets and have recently started gaining interest in the toilet. Daddy caught you about a second before you stuck your hands in the toilet a few weeks ago :) You like to play with electrical outlets that are being used and you like to push your luck and see how far we will let you stick your hands in the trash can, too. While you are doing these things you are saying "No no!". It's so hard to get on someone SO cute but tough love is best, baby!

We love you so much and are savoring these last moments with you as our 'baby' girl! Although you will soon be 'Miss Independent' you will always be my baby girl--no matter how old you get! Happy 11 Month Birthday, sweet baby girl!

XOXO,

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Pretty Girl


Here are a few photos I snapped for Paislee's birthday invitations. I have a few more that I like but I don't know which ones I want to use yet, so some of you might be seeing these again ;)



XOXO,