Love Bugs

Happy Halloween!!!

Top 5 Reasons Why I Love Target

1) I never have nothing to do- I think the babe quite enjoys her rides in the shopping cart on our outings.
2) It caters to my every need- wardrobe, snacks, home decor, gift wrap, baby junk, etc., etc,.

3) The sale racks rock.4) They have the cutest baby girl clothes.
5) I spend close to $100 every time I step into that store, but I don't ever really feel guilty about it. (Necessities, right?)

New outfit: Courtesy of Target.

New trick: Figured that one out on her own.

Life in the 95th Percentile

This girl loves to eat. Every meal is an experience for her. She prefers to feed herself.

She has to examine every morsel before it goes in her mouth. (She gets that from me).

This is her "cute" face. Don't know where it came from.
Sometimes she's not sure about the texture.

Sometimes she just doesn't like the taste.

Sometimes it's so bad it makes her gag.

But as long as she can wash it down with her beloved sippy cup, she's a happy girl.

Autumn

I absolutely love this time of year. October always brings with it a certain crispness in the air, and a smell that I think I only started recognizing when living in Utah. Fall there is so beautiful and vibrant. I came to love the changing leaves and chilly weather. I think I'm really going to miss that. But the other day while walking out to my car I caught a whiff of Fall, and realized I'll still get a milder California version. Plus I don't have to dread scraping my windshield and feeling claustrophobic all winter. Visiting the snow will be much better for me than living in it.

I was so excited to put Maddie in this outfit from Janie and Jack. I thought it looked fitting for the season. When I'm rich and famous, I'm buying one of everything they sell. Now every time I go to the mall I just wander into the store and stare longingly at all the intricate little details. Then I browse the sale rack, occasionally buy one thing, and walk out convincing myself that silk and cashmere don't stand a chance against blueberries and green beans.

I'm afraid I have a really bad case of the "new mom syndrome." I'm starting to realize that I really don't talk about anything but my baby. When I shop, I gravitate towards itty bitty shoes and sweatsuits instead of much needed clothes for me. It's probably a natural thing every mom goes through, being that your focus turns entirely to this new little person, but I'm sure it gets annoying. She is the most exciting thing going on in my life right now, as I marvel at how she changes every day. Plus, I've gotten used to being looked passed as she's become the center of the universe. But I'll try to talk about some other aspects of my identity for a sec.

I've been in a crafty mood lately. All I want to do is make cute Halloween stuff to give to other people: Spooky Cookies in a Jar, Frankenstein Rice Krispy Treats, Dresses with "Boo" fabric. Why? So weird. Anyways, I don't really have time to do all the things floating around my brain. Work takes up 24+ hours a week, but it has really been such a perfect job. I love working in the ER, I love having a skill that I can help others and help save money, I love that it's 5 minutes away, and I love being able to leave Maddie with the best sitters in the world! (Her Grammies).

Every day I feel so happy and blessed to be in the situation we are in. I know we are right where we need to be. (Although I'm not sure my parents realized this is what they'd get when they wanted so desperately to be closer to kids and grandkids :). We now live very close, right down the hall as a matter of fact. We are grateful that they've let baby stuff take over their house. But I know they love waking up to see this face every morning. Who wouldn't? Happy Fall.