Starting over

I've decided to start a new blog. Something new and fresh. Come and see!

http://thesidewalkends.wordpress.com

(I'm keeping this blog live so I (or you!) can view older posts.)

To my sweet boy, on his 3rd birthday!

Jacob,

Before you came along, I never knew just how much I could love someone. You truly were love at first sight.

Though I’ve only know you for three years, you have completely changed me forever. I love you more than you will ever know. That is, until you have children of your own one day.

You are full of so much energy! At times I have no idea how on Earth I keep up with you.

You have the cutest most contagious little laugh. And you are the most ticklish person I have ever met! You have such a great sense of humor. Not a day goes by without you making me laugh—whether you mean to or not.

You are so smart. You’re constantly learning new things and you pick up on them so quickly. You have such an amazing imagination and I hope it stays with you forever.

Some of your favorite things right now are soldiers, robots, trains, and cars. You are 100% all BOY! You love anything that has to do with being outside. I swear if you could live outside, you would. You love playing soldiers with Daddy and having him draw tanks and trucks on your magna-doodle. You love dancing and singing with Mommy during the day and snuggling at night. (I’m not sure who likes it more, me or you!)

To me you are, and will always be, perfect in every way.

I love you so much little boy!

Forever Yours,
Mommy, Daddy, & Emma

* * * * *

This year for Jacob's 3rd birthday party he wanted a soldier cake. So we went with all things soldiers! I wish I got close up pictures of the cake and cupcakes we made. But you know how things go when you're rushing around. Things just get forgotten!

Mandi made him his awesome military style shirt! She also bought him a pilot bomber jacket which I will get photos of him in later. I think we might incorporate it in his Halloween costume ;)

The party turned out great. Everyone who was invited showed up and some of Jacob's best buds were there to celebrate.

Jacob got everything (and much more!) than he little heart could desire for his birthday. He is one spoiled little boy. Someones room will be raided here in the next few days once I feel up to it. It's most definitely time to purge some toys.

I'd like to thank everyone for all the cards and gifts sent through the mail too! I really plan on getting around to some thank you cards this year. So be expecting them in the coming weeks!

Pity party

This pregnancy has been very rough on me so far. When I first found out I was pregnant I told myself that I was going to try and enjoy every minute of it since this will be our last.

So far I have failed miserably at that attempt. It's so hard to be optimistic when I'm feeling the way that I do. I've been horribly sick, extremely tired, and very irritable. I can hardly keep up with the most simplest of tasks: waking up, feeding my kids, feeding myself, laundry, and dishes.

In fact, we've eaten out more than ever. Mike has been doing ALL of the dishes. The kids are in disposable diapers. The only meal the kids have sat down at the table to eat is dinner--when I do cook it. My house is a MESS.

I really want to feel better. I want to feel like me again. My midwife prescribed me with Zofran which has really been helping take the ease off of my "morning" (or should I say all day) sickness. But I still just don't feel right.

I really hope this all ends with the first trimester.

On a good note, Jacob just celebrated his 3rd birthday! We had a great time with a couple of good friends, family, and neighbors. Jacob had a blast. I'll be sure to post all about it soon!

A day out with Thomas

Sorry for the lack of updates. As you can see from the post below, Mike and I are expecting again. My pregnancies seem to be getting worse with each one. I'm finding it hard to function on the most basic levels.

I'm 7 weeks pregnant now which puts this little peanut's due date right around May 8, 2011-- just before Emma's second birthday! Yes, my hands will be full :)

Speaking of birthday's, Jacob's is right around the corner. As an early birthday gift Mike and I took him to A Day Out With Thomas along with Mike's mom and grandma. We had a good time and believe it or not, no meltdowns! Yeah!

This Moment

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Giveaway!

I'm hosting a giveaway for my shop The Art of Valerie. So if you or someone you know is pregnant or just had a baby and you'd like to participate, please go to: http://facebook.com/artofvalerie.

Remember, The Art of Valerie is now marketed towards newborn-1 year. I will soon be hosting another giveaway for Emmylou & Jake which inclues hats from 0-Adult!

Good luck!

Recently listed

Here are some new hats that I've recently listed in my shop, Emmylou & Jake. Modeled by none other than Emmylou and Jake themselves!












I have been super, super busy. It's crazy how many orders I have been getting lately, especially since it is still August. I guess people are getting ready for Fall. I myself cannot wait!