Ramblings

So this is some serious random thoughts but why else do I have this blog but just to ramble. I finally went to the grocery store today. First time in like 10 weeks. Poor Nick has been carrying that load. Since he has been the doing the shopping my couponing has gone out the window. That and the thought of clipping coupons left me feeling like death. I about died going to the store and seeing all the deals I am missing. Couponing must begin again! Anyway, right when we walked into the store Scarlett jumped into one of those carts with a car attached. She had the biggest smile turing the wheel and pushing the horn. She sat content and happy with her free cookie and "driving" around the store for the whole hour...miracle. Seeing her so happy made me think of a memory of her birth. Nick was pushing me out of the hospital and I was holding Scarlett when one of the nurses came up to me and said "you take good care of her." This feeling of dread washed over me, a feeling I was not prepared to feel. I had been around babies my whole life. I knew all about changing diapers, nursing, how to put them on a schedule, and the lack of sleep. I was prepared. Right? I felt too young and unwise. My sisters had seemed so old and put together when they had kids. I looked up at Nick and said " Nick we are taking this baby home and everybody is okay with it. Either us or them are insane." He just laughed and left to pull up the car. Time passes as it always it does and her I am with a beautiful toddler. I kept her alive! That is a miracle. Even more of a miracle is that she is happy, well adjusted, full of energy, and runs around our house screaming "roach" (we have not figured out what it means yet) She loves her life and we love her. I am a great mom, far from perfect but pretty great. I am often afraid to tell that to myself in fear it is prideful or that is sounds "snobbish". But I have been hard on myself lately and I need to recognize my greatness. I left the store with a rejuvenated sense of accomplishment. Raising a good human being is a great accomplishment.

Why Scarlett loves her life...

We let her paint the paper, floor, and herself in finger paint

Nick planned this for FHE. Scarlett was in dirty baby heaven

When I found her hiding and covered in vaseline I just let her play

It might have been the best day of her life!

Okay so she actually hated this moment but I sure loved it. She looked hilarious.

New Port 2011

A couple weeks ago we as a big family (except Brady's family) we went to New Port beach and stayed at the lovely New Port Coast Villas. I came down a couple days after the rest of my family. Mainly because Nick could not come and it that was during my "deps of despair" phase of pregnancy. I did not want to do a whole week without Nick. It ended up being the prefect get-a-way and best of all I actually felt pretty good. We did all the good stuff like the beach, good food, beach pier, hikes, bbq on the beach and swimming at the pools. It was just fabulous!

Day 1: We went to the BeachComer for breakfast and then stayed right their at Crystal Cove beach. It was the perfect beach day with tons of sun, ocean breeze and one happy little girl

(the best breakfast and right on the beach)

(truth of it's goodness)

Day 2: We went on this great hike/walk around the New Port bay (or whatever it was). Lots of great nature sites and we stopped by this kids museum. Scarlett loved their play room that had real animals, puppets, blocks, and art projects. That night we did the best thing ever... a bbq right on the beach. It was one of those perfect moments you wish could last and last.

Day 3: Spent all day playing in the pools and taking walks around the resort. That night we all really wanted "true" balboa bars. Of course you can only get those on the pier so away we went. It was one of those grimy/dirty/sketchy piers with tons of junk food and games. It was the perfect way to end the trip.

I could not have done it without my family, who pretty much parented Scarlett.

Thanks Clarah!

There's a reason...

There's a reason why I have not posted much. There's a reason why I have been sleeping in and going to bed too early. A reason why laundry is piled in our bedroom and the house needs vacuuming (desperately). There's been no cooking and barely any grocery shopping but a lot of nap taking. The reason... I am PREGNANT! We are all very excited, even if it is hard for me to show. I am just finishing up my first trimester and am due end of February. I am finally coming back to life and it feels so amazing. Six weeks of the stomach flu is plenty thank you. It's a good thing I know it is all worth is. So here is to round 2!

And we are hoping for one that's just like her... cause she is awesome!