The Arrival Of Our Baby Girl

Our precious daughter was born on St. Patrick's Day, arriving exactly how she was supposed to! We are in love with her beyond words. JD is in love with her beyond words. JD is NOT in love with his mommy and daddy right now. :) We are still working that out!

Here are her stats:

March 17, 2011

7lbs 4oz

20 1/2 inches

Born at: 7:38am (random factoid: her brother was born at 7:37am)

Granbecks (also known as Gaga) holding Julia for the first time

Papa President holding Julia for the first time

Aunt Ricki holding Julia

Aunt Ricki and Uncle Badgeman

Grandpa Menard and Grandma Principal

Godmom holding Julia for the first time

Aimee holding Julia for the first time

Uncle VP, our first visitor at home!

I sure am hormonal so Lord knows in the coming weeks I will have lots to write about. :) And Julia will have a secret name like JD but thought the only peeps reading this blog were those that know me so you get the inside scoop! :)

Hugs

Today I had one of those funny moments in life when you are talking with one of your greatest friends and you realize that what you just said only that friend understands. Or better yet, that friend knows you so well that what you just said they GET it and they LIKEY, they might even laugh out loud(ey).



Sometimes I take that for granted. you know the whole getting to be myself around my true friends. Because lets be honest folks, you aren't your 100% self at work, or in those oh so fun situations where you are the new person of a group...you know what I am talking about.

And I can be high maintenance as a friend. I can be loud, or talk way too much, or be WAYYYYY to opinoinated. So today was one of those fun Oprah "ah-ha" moments where you realize how obnoxious you are as a person (or can be...or maybe that's just me...don't be jealous) and that there are actually great people in this world that love you in spite of all of that. Besides your husband or your parents? These people chose to be your friend. Thank them people, they deserve it.


And yes in case you care I do consider myself a good friend to those who are good to me. I love and admire the people I surround myself with, and they know this. I still don't think I could tell them enough though...


It takes a lot of years to build a history with a person, the good, the great, the happy, the sad, the tears, the fears and the cheers. I cherish that. All of it. I want to hug it and all of my friends today! I wish this for JD...everyone deserves this family of friends! Have you hugged a friend today?

You Give Me Fever

We sure have Spring Fever around these here parts. It was one busy week and I have to say I loved every second of it! We went from the dog days of winter (pretty sure that's not a real phrase but I am going to stick with it), being sick with the oh so fun stomach flu as a family (note: I do not recommend) to bright sunny skies, the mounds of snow still in our driveway officially melting, and lots of activities to enjoy...all in a weeks time! So...FEVER it is!



Because I am apparently so proud of all that was accomplished in this week (and maybe just a little bit hoping that the weeks ahead we be just as full, and blogging about it will ensure that right? :) I thought I would spell it out here. Read on if you wish...stalk pictures if you must. :)



Sunday kicked things off for me with a girls only Oscars get together. I have to say, this was so fun I could just (insert something funny right here...like pee myself or something). I haven't watched the Oscars with women in too long to even think about. Its just not the same with the hubs. He doesn't understand why I HATED Charlize Theron's dress, or SJP's hair...but they sure did. And we all judged together. And it was super fun. Totally doing this every year now.

Monday we went to the park in our neighborhood and then to Chick-Fil-A for dinner because Mr. JD was being a bit of a pickle (probably because he caught the FEVER too and I think its a bit overwhelming for a 2 year old) and they have an indoor playground. Funny story: everyone else had this idea too. Funnier story: a grandmother (who happened to have no teeth) decided to be super excited about our son. I am normally cool with this but she crossed the line and ended up making P-Daddy and I SUPER uncomfortable. She started with just wanting a hug from JD, then wanted him to say he loved her, then started tickling him...and then we left. I felt all yucky.

Tuesday JD had school while Aimee and I went to lunch at the hospital to visit Godmom. We never do this and it was so much fun! Jimmy Johns and good conversation in the middle of the day, love it.

Wednesday we had a scheduled Playdate with our group but only two of us could make it. So...we decided to go to a spin class together (we belong to the same gym) and then go to Chick-Fil-A with our kiddos and let them run out some energy (whats funny about Chick-Fil-A coming up twice in one week is that, well its just funny. We aren't really eater-outers) No creepy people were at Chick-Fil-A. Victory.

Wednesday night I went to the mall and bought more skinny jeans (and later wore them with flats...gasp I know...I already broke my "I won't wear skinny jeans with anything but boots that go over them" rule. I liked it though. I liked it a lot. I'm gonna do it again). I also had dinner with Gdub and JBU, sans children. Good wine, good food, great conversation. Lots of laughs. Don't be jealous.

Thursday morning I tried to go to this "body works" class that I adore at my gym (its weight lifting) but unfortunately because I didn't get there an hour early I was not able to attend (if you don't sense my annoyance with this please allow me to let you know right here and right now, this annoys me) so I did my own thang. Never the same though, never the same. Then JD and I drove to Dvegas (my hometown) to have lunch with Papa President and Uncle VP. So fun. Need to do that more often.

Friday P-Daddy took the day off and we took JD to the Children's Museum. Always a great time, always a great nap day. P-Daddy had never been with us so this was super fun for me to watch my boys enjoy this together!

Saturday we braved Walmart in the AM (and I have to say it wasn't bad at all) as we were trying to get some errands out of the way for our big trip we have coming up (more on that later). Nothing was really accomplished but we did detour to Marshalls and I found the perfect chair for my vanity in our bathroom. Uncle VP came over last night and we made homemade ribs, fried cauliflower and mushrooms. P-Daddy rocked it out with the ribs ("I had ribs for lunch, that's why I'm doing this"), they were DELICIOUS!

Today, well, if you don't know what today is then you are weird. Its Selection Sunday! We are throwing a little last minute party in honor of this event. Some pizza, some beer and the beginning of the best tournament there is. Go Bulldogs. I mean GO BULLDOGS!!

Happy Week. Happy Girl. Happy Spring!

Friday Favorites

Thought that today, last Friday in February, would be a fun day to pass along some fun, interesting, exciting blogs I stalk on a regular basis! Aren't we all always looking for more ways to waste time? :) Well...even if you aren't these are noteworthy (or click worthy) for sure!

In no particular order...

My BFF has Addy and Lilly: A Whole New World where she blogs about her two, TWO year olds...but CLICK HERE to read about something near and dear to her heart. Worth it, promise.

Want to read lots of interesting funny stuff from an expectant father (who happens to be the hubby of one of my dearest friends)...look no further because Sullidad Chicago has it all.

Reasonably Swanky doesn't even know I stalk her blog but I just think she is the cutest with all her shopping and decorating and such. She also lives in the south, a place in the US of A I just think is quite special.

Confessions of an Ex-girlfriend is as great as its title...and not just because she talks about her ex, she has lots of interesting things to say!!

Jules vs. Nuts is a current fav because she is just herself (I say that like I really know her) and translates that life into witty writing that is interesting to read. THIS POST is what got me hooked.

Would love to know your current favs too! TGIF everyone! We have date night this weekend...seeing a cheesy movie in an actual theater (translates to, we never do this) and going to a meal of food where neither of us is cooking it...or cleaning up the dishes! Cannot wait!

We are BIG KIDS now (how did this happen?)! {22}

I recently spoke here about Aimee and how we have had some pretty phenomenal times throughout our friendship. Still having them. Had one today actually. P-Daddy, JD and I packed up the family truckster this afternoon to head over to the Ash household for a nice Sunday playdate and dinner! I have to say this gets more and more fun (and interesting) each and every time we do this.

I must go back in time though to a moment where Aimee, Jeremy, P-Daddy and I did weekly dinners. This came to a screeching halt when we both found out we were prego...we both had just recently moved to our homes we reside in now and that happened to put us 30 minutes (on a good day) a part and we were some tired beaatches after long days at work and the fact that we were growing babies (she was growing TWO). Regardless of our many excuses I think I speak for the group when I say we were truly sad to see this tradition go. Truly. I think I may have even shed a tear about it. If you, as a couple get the opportunity to do this with another couple that you enjoy spending time with, I would encourage it big time!

I digress though...back to today. So our kids are big kids now. They hug, they laugh at each other, they laugh with each other, Addy and Lilly know JD's name and say it frequently. He thinks they are the neatest girls he has ever seen. And the parents...well we laugh, referee when needed and try to have some adult conversation in there some where. We used to joke that they would go to prom together, or be boyfriend and girlfriend, or just be friends. But that was then...

Lilly, JD, Addy

Addy, JD, Lilly

The start of the baby conspiracy to become BIG KIDS

And now...well I see this all as a possibility. That our friendship will give our children the potential to have life long friendships together too. Sure they will most likely go to different schools and have their own neighborhood friends...but these girls will be the ones that JD literally grows up with. I didn't have that and am so glad he will.

Addy, JD, Lilly

Their first lunch date...awwww

Probably not the only time JD will make Lilly cry...JD will get his though, I am sure of it!



First trip to the Children's Museum together

First hug with Addy

And finally...the reason this blog was written today...the little (BIG) ones eating together at table, with plates! Time flies when you are having fun!

JD, Addy, Lilly

Thank you Aimee, Jeremy Addy and Lilly! We always have a great time with you...all of us!!

Almost Famous {26}

LAST year about this time Aimee and I took our children down to our good old alma mater to snap some photos, take a walk as our old campus is beautiful (if I do say so myself) and just enjoy some mommy time! :)

Yes we TOTALLY were trying to make our kids "Butler Famous" (hence the "almost famous" title above) with this picture as we dropped by the bookstore right before so they would be wearing some Butler gear. I am not ashamed to admit this for a few reasons...

1. Its fun to get the Butler magazine and seeing pictures of people I knew back when's wedding, children, etc. So I am thinking it would be the same for others?! :)

2. I was and will never be that girl that submits my information in that same magazine to be published in the "Class Acts" section, namely the "brag on yourself" section. Yes my friends I just totally called you out if you have ever submitted yourself. But you can point the finger back at me for submitting my child, so we are even. :)

3. Aimee and I were best friends through college, post college, currently (you get the point) maids of honors in each others weddings, found out we were prego on the same day, and I am sure more crazy-weird-fun stuff that I am forgetting. So it really was rather important that Butler publish this photo as our whole friendship is pretty cool and its cool that our kids will probably (at least consider) going to Butler and they would be there
together...awwwwwwwwww! We are so cute aren't we?! :)

So here is our "almost famous" children making their Butler debut!

My Belated Mother's Day Post...

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all you hot, amazing, and oh so talented momma's out there in blogger world! I have no good excuses at all why I didn't post this yesterday other than I was enjoying my own Mother's Day! It was finally nice here in good old Indiana so we were able to enjoy some outside time! I am crossing my fingers that we will be able to do this on a regular basis now and that the RAIN is OVER! :)

Some pics of Mother's Day 2009 (a rare occasion that Mommy and JD get a photo shoot...a perk of the day!) :)

I first off want to thank my own mother, we call her Granbecks :) (she too has a blog and posted a lovely mother's day post which includes some very embarrassing photos of yours truly...if you get a chance, click on her name and give her some blogger love) for being such a wonderful momma to me! My mother, if you don't know her, is one of the most caring, thoughtful and amazing individuals you will ever meet. She is also very kind. I am so glad and proud to call her my MOM and hope to instill in my children the kindness and love for others as she has done for me! I LOVE YOU mom, and Happy Mother's Day.

Second...some of you may have figured out that a lot of my REAL LIFE friends also have children around JD's age. Aimee, Brooke, Laura, Ashley, Brooke, Talia, Jessica, Jaimie, and Tara to be exact. Aimee is my closest of all of those real/blogger friends and between our really close group of friendies 3 of us were prego together (not planned because lets be honest folks...that would be creepy). Through the blogger world I have had the opportunity to "reconnect" with some of the ladies above and see their grown up mommy selves. I have to say that I am so proud of the women that are in my life! You are ALL phenomenal women and wonderful mommies! I think it is so fun that we all have children around the same age...we need to get together for some playdates so these children know each other! :)

Last but not least...yesterday in church our pastor had an interesting spin on a Mother's Day sermon. He read out of Mark Chapter 10:1-16. That chapter actually talks about divorce...so when I looked it up and saw that I was confused. But as usual he did a wonderful job of bringing God's grace into the message. A couple of things that stuck with me dealt with the priority order of family. Meaning most of us put our children FIRST, and ourselves last. But God teaches us:

GOD
FAMILY

CHILDREN

...and that really got to me. Mostly because JD has been the "center" of our world since he was born. And that sometimes (as you even know as I have blogged about it) I have lost myself, and admittingly P-Daddy and I have had to find each other (through the poop and bath time and spit up). I always knew God should be first and we strive to make him that way, but I thought it was more like...

GOD

CHILDREN

HUSBAND

ME

...or maybe that is how I LIVE most of the time?! Well anyway, its nice to regain God's intention on our lives. The second and last thing that he said that I loved is: " HOME is where God is at center stage...when God is there we can all find our proper place."-Pastor Greg McGarvey

I am certainly not trying to preach to you, at you, NOTHING like that dear readers! This blog has always been about me sharing my thoughts on life...and I found this refreshing and powerful. :)

Before he went into his sermon, Pastor Greg read the below. Something many of the mothers out there have received as a forward I am sure...but I couldn't resist posting this because I think it is perfectly said and very witty! :)

POSITION: Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Ma

JOB DESCRIPTION:Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills! and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities.Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair,mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls,maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

I hope each and every Mom out there had a wonderful Mother's Day!

February Fun Fotos!

February is normally the month in the winter that I dread. I know, I know its the shortest month of the year BUT it always feels like the longest. It typically brings lots of snow, short days (meaning it is dark when you wake up and dark by the time P-Daddy gets home), and bitter cold temperatures. February is the reason I wanted to join a gym last fall...one with "daycare" so that JD and I could get out of the house on those days where we would have normally been all cooped up! February is the reason that I started a play group last fall. So, as you can tell I don't like winter...and February is the "spokesmonth" of winter in my eyes.

That whole paragraph was depressing, so I will cheer you up with this next one. This February we were freaking busy!! I don't know why but it just literally FLEW by...and I don't even think we had much snow to speak of! I didn't really even blog that much because we were so busy. We had the norms, like the gym and play group to attend, but we didn't stop there.

Here is some highlights of our FUN FEBRUARY! We hope every year is as great as this one! We also hope your February flew by as fast as ours did! March is here and we are crossing our fingers that means more nice weather and days we can at least walk outside!!


We traveled to Ohio to play with our friend Max...

Max: "JD this is the "baby Nelson hold"...I will teach you in a minute!"

Mommy and Daddy had a fun night out with friends (and our camera died so we only got one picture, which is the below but SAD that we didn't get one together, in a bar, without baby and having adult beverages...P-Daddy was there and having a blast, he took this picture!)

L to R: Aimee, Godmom, JBU, me

We went to the Children's Museum with Addy, Lilly and Mallory...

L to R: Mallory, JD, Addy, Lilly

Addy: "I think I am going to take a fist full of this stuff and eat it up"

JD: "Addy I tried it and I promise its not good, but it is kind of fun to put in your mouth so go for it"

Dad needs to learn a few tricks from me...TWO lawnmowers! This is awesome!

I couldn't resist...look at how he is holding them? HA! He is all boy for sure...just one holding baby dolls (or swinging them around) :)

We got JD's haircut (again...and it already needs cut AGAIN)...

This...AGAIN?? C'mon mom and dad, seriously??

Combs are fun to chew on...we should look into some for my toy box okay?? :)

And last but not least...we met our friend Leo for the first time!

L to R: Anne with Baby Leo, Me with JD

We are so excited for the what blessings March will bring us! We already know one...GranBeck is COMING!! She will be here for a WHOLE month beginning this Friday and we are sooo excited! Happy Spring!