weekly Surf: Mothers day edition

Mothers Day is quickly approaching. Have you thought about what mom would like this year? This will be my "third" mothers day. I was pregnant for my first Mothers Day, Conrad was just a Lil' guy last Mothers Day, and now he's a violent kisser who digs his teeth into my chin to show his love.....

Exhibit A:

{photo credit: my sweet friend Nicky}

How will you show your mama some love this year, and what would make you feel appreciated on Mothers day? If you are dying to know (dustin), I would really like to have a night without baby, a hot bath alone with my boyfriend Edward (I'm reading New Moon right now....I know, someone shoot me right?!), a nice bottle of wine and a hot date with this really hot guy I know (Dustin!)! That would make me super happy....

Here are some ideas I came across:

A pretty mama-to-be

For the mom who likes a good run and doesn't like predators

The perfect sentiment: your child's fingerprint made into a necklace

a reminder of your little one to wear on your finger

this is quite cute

I wouldn't mind owning one of these bad boys (crossing fingers for this one!)

a pretty suit and a pretty hat, for that pretty mom in your life?! (hint hint, Dustin)

pop art of your little one

Food Baby:

Baggy tunics are just the thing a girl wears when she goes to Casa Don Juan's and knows she's gunna put a hurtin' on a burrito and isn't expecting to button those jeans afterwards. 

With everyone and their moms and grandma's getting pregnant recently, you would think that I would have the baby itch, but I don't. The itch comes in small spurts when i hold a new born but then it quickly passes. I haven't really thought about how many years apart I want my kids to be, or when we should start "trying" to get pregnant! Is that a bad thing? We're so happy with our ONE baby, it's hard to imagine what life would be like with two. We were talking the other night when we were cooking and I kept asking Dustin "Is it selfish of us to not want a baby right now??! Is it bad to not care if there are 3,4,5 years between our kids? I feel like we should care more, or should put a date on when we want to try!" Dustin reassured me that it's not selfish at all for us to want to enjoy our son and give him all of our attention. He will eventually have a sibling at some point (god willing) but we're really content with just one child right now. And if Conrad were a little older when we had an infant, He would be a big help to me! 

It's a fine line though. You can't really put ten years between your kids. I don't want to not have another baby just because having ONE baby is easy for us and we've got this thing down now.... 

The pressures have gotten to be a little much from the in laws as well. My mother in law asked me if I needed her to babysit last night so Dustin and I could get crackin' on giving her more grand babies! "Maybe twins this time! They run in the family you know!" She says... 

Wow. 

I just keep imagining taking 2 kids on trips, 

and putting 2 kids to bed,

and saving for 2 college funds,

and on and on and on.

This whole building a family thing IS overwhelming. 

Update on Mr. loosey Goosey:

We went to Conrad's 12 month check up last week and were giving bad news. My pediatrician wasn't comfortable with the progress Conrad's hips have made and wanted me to go back to my Orthopedic doctor right away. She said lots of phrases like "He's going to have to go back into his brace FOR SURE, and if the brace doesn't correct his hip dysplacia, he will most likely have to have corrective surgery!" And, "This is why he hasn't walked yet!" and "Your son is going to have a limp if this isn't fixed!" etc. You can understand how this might upset Dustin & I.

My pediatrician making such crazy statements is like a dentist trying to diagnose a skin problem without having the knowledge and education of a dermatologist. It was just really outrageous.

I've learned a few things this week:
1. Don't over react. Don't let a doctor try and diagnose bone issues when they AREN'T a bone doctor & DON'T have an x-ray in front of their face to really know what's going on.
2. I need to keep my perspective in check. Going into his appointment with the bone doc, I was nervous and expecting that we were going to leave the appointment with our kid in some kind of contraption. God comforted me and made me realize that no matter what happens, It's going to be OK.

Yesterday we saw the orthopedic doctor and he took some x rays of Conrad's hips. He had 3 sets of x rays to compare how he has progressed from when he was born, and at six months and how they look currently to show us exactly what percent the right hip was different from the left and from that assessment, he could tell us if he was growing properly, and if he needed to go back into his hip harness. He said that right now there is a 20 percent difference and one of the hips seems a little looser than the other. He would really like that percent to be in the 10-15% but he's right in the middle at 20% and the doctor isn't the least bit worried. He would be worried in the hips were 30-50% different. He would have had us do some therapy with the orthopedic therapist guy if he was worried about how Conrad was walking, but at this time he doesn't think it's necessary. He explained to Dustin and I that Conrad is just built this way and not to worry. We are going to continue to see the doctor and monitor his growth for the next year and see how he does. But right now, Conrad is looking great. He's just got loosey goosey joints.

We took great comfort in being able to sit down and look at exactly how he has grown. I have a deep respect for our orthopedic doctor and trust his educated decision. It was a relief to us that we were able to gain some knowledge on what's going on with our son, and what these Doc's can do to help kids with bone issues. We got to see a display of baby casts of a baby who had a club foot and how over time, the foot got straighter and straighter until it was totally fixed! I just think that's incredible.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.

This Old Chair....

Needed a face lift

Before:

After:

Chair: 9$ (thrifted)

Material: 3$ (thrifted)

Spray paint: 6$ 

Weekend In Photos:

His squinty eyed smile with his chin raised up high

seems to melt the stress away from overwhelming circumstances.

I've needed these smiles lately.

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life! ps. 119

This weekend we ate at Casa Don Juan, the place Dustin and I ate at

the night he proposed almost 4 years ago.

From the photos above, you can tell that Conrad loves him some

carne asada & rice!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

Weekly Surf:

My little Ace Ventura:

Weekly Surf:

The best way for a husband to love his wife and children

Rules to live by

My fav. look book to follow. She has impecable fashion

pretty decor

this necklace totally makes me want to get back to

my jewelry making!

a photo swap

A must see this moive

I wasn't intending on sharing this photo.

Some moments are just too precious and intimate for the world to see, but given the week that we've had, this photo puts a smile on my face. It reminds me that even when I'm tired or we've both been crying in each other's arms and have had a tough day, these hugs are more payment than I would ever ask for or expect to receive.

While getting him dressed one night this week, he was throwing a fit and not happy about teething, and I was trying to be a good mom and hold it together but threw that out the window and said "SCREW IT! I'm crying too!"

And we both balled together as loud and dramatic as possible.

This week we experienced a lot of exhaustion, sleepless nights and to top it off, we got news that our son's hips have taken a turn for the worst and need to be fixed immediately. This news is sometimes too much for a little mommy to grasp. (I will post more about this subject when I know more and meet with the orthopedic surgeon.) We're just taking comfort in the truth that our God is the ultimate healer and his promises can be trusted, He is good to us and abundant in His love for us.

It's hard to put my mind around the fact that he loves Conrad even more than I do and wants the best for him. We're clinging onto the Lord and we don't for one minute say "Poor baby."There is no reason to have pity on Conrad when we are so blessed to have doctors who are educated and can help correct this issue. Especially when our God is the top dog of surgeons. We're just surprised it's gotten worse and your prayers would be great. My hope is that we can correct his hip issues with another harness and won't have to have surgery.

That's why these photo are treasures.

Have a blessed weekend.

Spring Fashion: Daisy Dukes

What's the deal with this crazy, cold, rainy Vegas weather?

It's freaking me out!

Is it strange that I never liked my legs until after I had a baby? How does that work!?

Aren't you supposed to be an old hag after baby?
I feel more comfortable and better about myself than Ever before....
(side note: I hate how fat I used to think I was before I got pregnant.
and then I got pregnant and HUGE and had something to bitch about.
I appreciate and love my body more now.)

I NEVER wore shorts, let alone SHORT shorts. I draw the line when the cheeks start to hang out or dimples and (stretchies) become exposed..... (LET'S NOT GET CRAZY GIRLS..... MODESTY ALL THE WAY. I believe that true sex appeal or sexiness is when a girl doesn't have to plop her jugs & booty out on the table for the world to know she's got it goin' on. Gotta keep it classy!)

BUT ALAS LADIES.... I have a super sexy solution for your short-short woes..... TIGHTS!

(Even LONG shorts would look super cute with tights.....)

I am SO obsessed with tights, youdontevenknow. I have always stayed away from the dukes, But I'm exploring them and making friends with them, and trying to take more risks with what I wear, because after all (no one really cares if I wear shorts) and (I'm the only one who thinks my legs are fat, or sees stretch marks.....) So I might as well embrace what my mama gave me and wear dem' dukes, even if I'm not perfectly toned. Who is?!

{And If I get EVEN ONE comment telling me that my jacket looks like something a lion tamer would wear, I'm going to be totally pissed, I will totally agree with you!

Dude, Lion tamer jacket for sure. I couldn't agree more. }

I am wearing:

Lion tamers jacket: Anthropology

white button up: Target

Shorts: hand me downs

from Heather's closet

tights: gap

shoes: doll house

And the winner is....

Conrad helped me pick the winner of my tea and cozy give a way, out of a hat-

and then he did a little jig, dancing around with the number and eventually tried to eat the number

(which resulted in me trying to take the number away from him, then he cried

and threw himself on the floor, and then I knew it was bed time!)

What a sweet little helper he is!

NUMBER NINETEEN is the winner!

The lovely Candice won.

She is my ridiculously-good looking {Zoolander voice} running buddy & friend

who would give you the shirt off of her back

and walk around naked if she had to

(she prefers it actually. Can't keep clothes ON that girl...No I'm kidding. She's a lady....)

She's got a heart of gold and I love her!

{I'll be giving you your yummy tea and flower cozy

the next time we meet for breakfast and a run!

Can't wait! SAN DIEGO WOOOOOOOOO! It's so on.}

Weekend In Photos:

First things first-

{Enter my give a way}

This weekend was very busy with me working all day Saturday (which was such a treat photographing a gorgeous mama to be, and a super enthusiastic husband & wife to be...pics to come shortly).

After a long day, I NEEDED a date so we dumped the rug rat off with his grandparents and went to enjoy some sushi together. I got to bust out my lil' black skirt (which I paid $1.50 for at the thrift store!) It's always fun to get all dressed up and go out

WITHOUT THE BABY!

The shoes:

I painted and re-upholstered this chair (pics to come)

I needed a new prop for photos.

Conrad has started to do this thing where he looks up at the light when you say

"Wheres the light!?"

We went to town square and walked around Sunday.

We grabbed a few treats at Whole Foods....

They weren't the treats I wanted, they were too teeny.

I wanted the huge cupcake with crap loads of icing on top

BUT my husband said I need to STOP feeding Conrad so many sweets...

what does he know!

Conrad enjoyed a cannoli, and I had a mini cheese cake.

I would have liked about 13 more though.

How was your weekend?

Don't forget to enter the give a way....

Weekly Surf & a give a way:

I am giving away this flower-drink koozie from Liz's etsy shop.....

(Never again will the temperature of my cup effect how I enjoy my tea! My life will never be the same).....

I'm also giving away my favorite tea! Orange Roobios Tazo tea.

The winner will receive both items plus a secret surprise from Liz's shop.

Just visit Liz's shop and leave a comment below to enter.

The winner will be chosen at random next Wednesday!

Weekly Surf:

a delish mac & cheese recipe

totally digging these engagement photos

a good word

what a beautiful way to decorate a wall

I've been on the prowl for a cute running skirt

completely considering it....thoughts?

this was dinner last night....

{Have a blessed weekend}

I've been replaced by Mr. Cup-hand Man

I've let it slide for a few weeks now,

but the last few days have really driven me over the edge....

From the time he was born up until he was about 11 months, I was his world. Now, he doesn't even know I exist. Every time I try to rock him to sleep, feed him, sit next to him while he eats his dinner, change his diaper, you name it HE CRIES. But once I hand him off to Dustin, he's as quiet as can be.

At first I thought it was cute and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy,

and now It just pisses me off.

who carried you for nine months?

who went through 24 hours of labor to bring your alien shaped head into this world?

who blended fresh fruits and veggies to your liking for your belly to enjoy?

Who gave you breast milk for 6 months?!

NOT DADDY!

ME! I did!

and this is what I get? A baby who lunges out of my arms towards your father, kicking and screaming, clawing and scratching me to get away anytime he's in the room.

You seem to always want your Dad INSTEAD of me! It's just rude!

I get that you and your dad have these magical, father-son times together when you think I'm not watching.....but I'm watching, and it's not cute- IT'S RUDE!

Why can't Mommy have warm-fuzzies with you?

I know your Dad does "Mr. Cup-hand man" voice in the bath tub and throws foam letters at the wall like throwing stars, but I can do those things too!

I'm cool like Daddy! I can do Mr. Cup-hand Man voice too!

I know you and Dad have your little "make out" sessions, and you think he's the coolest guy in town, But I like getting snuggles and kisses too!

Where's Mommy's slobbery kisses?!

I really don't know what to make of this preference thing. It's sweet, but it's kind of frustrating in the middle of the night when he's had a fever and he's crying and throwing his body off of my lap in every direction, red faced and covered in tears, drool and slobber.....until I finally call Dustin into the room. Right when he goes to Dad, he's calm as can be.

Literally, the instant that he falls into his Dad's arms,

he sighs and closes his eyes. WTF?!?!

He's also started crying when Dustin goes to work in the morning.

Which is totally awesome by the way.

I've been traded for Mr. Cup-hand Man.

It's super depressing actually.

I don't get it!

weekly Surf:

So this week, I was standing at the checkout at Trader Joe's when a peculiar scent seeped in from outside. I tried to figure out where It was coming from, or who in Gods name would have the balls to get high right outside the front door of Trader Joe's. I pushed my fat baby and groceries over to my car (which was parked in one of the front parking spots-RIGHT in front of the building), and to my disbelief, I see a kid who didn't look a day over twelve, blatantly smoking his weed right out of a soda can. I get my kid out of the cart when suddenly my little pot smoking buddy looks up at me.

Pot smoking buddy: Whatttt?!

Me: Really? You're just gunna sit here

and smoke your weed RIGHT INFRONT OF TRADER Joe's?!

Pot smoking buddy: This ISN'T weed!

Me (In a loud-annoyed tone): GO find somewhere ELSE to smoke your pot!!!!!

Then I walked away shaking my head, baby in one arm, bag of groceries in the other. I bucked my baby securely into his car seat and sat there thinking "Oh my gawd, I'm THAT lady!" I paused, sitting there longer wondering if calling the little dweeb out was totally lame of me to do, and then realizing that I've totally turned into a square since having a child, Then I got even more pissed wondering where this kid gets off smoking pot so shamelessly IN FRONT of a public place. I was infuriated driving away cursing to myself-at the little nerd boy.

I'm really OK with being a square.

The latest on the photo blog

check out cadence revolution for a free running mix

flaunt your imperfections

adorable wedding cake toppers

fear not

go purchase one of my friend Lizzy's fabulous knitted treasures

{I'm giving away something she knitted next week!}

what are your thoughts on high waisted swim suits?

Have a blessed weekend!

(and don't think you can smoke your pot out in the open

while I'm trying to buy my groceries because chances are,

I'll get all ghetto on your ass!)

Readers show off spring fashions: Jenny

Levi knows a pretty mama when he sees one!

{Her purple skinny's are my fav.}

I asked my friend Jenny (who is currently serving the Lord in Africa) to send me some pics showcasing a few of her favorite spring fashions. She has some killer taste in clothes-and I wanted her to share a bit about what she and her husband do. I love her!

"My take on fashion is pretty simple. I'm not into labels and I don't keep up with the latest runway trends. I LOVE street fashion and subscribe to over a dozen blogs from around the world featuring photos of people wearing everyday outfits. This is truly where I get my inspiration. I love people that think outside the box when it comes to fashion. I love mixing vintage with new, trendy with weird. I rarely match colors in my outfit...I like colors to pop, not to align with something else. I'm a HUGE thrifter, and that is definitely how I get 90% of my clothes. If I'm going to shop anywhere, it will be H & M, Urban Outfitters (where I used to work, whoop whoop), Target, and Forever 21.

My husband and I currently live in Senegal, West Africa, where we have been for the last three years. We take care of 15 high school girls, whose parents are missionaries all over West Africa. They come to boarding school because it's the best option for them to get an American education, as well as have a normal high school experience with friends, sports, etc. We love what we do most of the time, but taking care of 15 teenage girls has its challenges for sure. Add onto that our 10 month old son, Levi, and you've practically got yourself a reality show. =0) Being over here also seriously limits my options for shopping. We literally have no stores here. I shop at a used clothing market almost every Saturday, with clothes sent over from Goodwill, Savers, and other charity shops. It's not the most ideal set up, but it's my life and I know without a doubt that God has us hear to do his work."

Jen

Easter, fish balls, and a blind man kicking my butt at an egg hunt!

"The dirty egg needs a bath....he is smarter than you, at least by half....

you'll look till your head begins to spin....then look some more, the fun begins!"

There's the egg! In the washing machine! WHAT??!

He's a tricky one, my Dad.

My sister finding an egg.

My parents.

My bro and huz finding eggs.

My brother is 75% blind and destroyed us at the egg hung.

The fam.

(Everyone is squinting because I had them faced towards the sun like an idiot.)

We had a great Easter doing an Easter egg hunt at my parents house and getting fat off of my Dad's amazing cooking. My dad writes up 13 riddles each year and has us GROWN kids running around the house trying to find eggs! We've been doing this tradition for years. It's actually really fun.

We feel like retards when our old man (who had brain surgery) out smarts us.

Saturday we went to church (who goes to church on their date night?!) lame asses. It was a wonderful time of worship and reflection of what Jesus did, taking on death so I could be reconciled to God etc etc. Afterwards, we ate at a Vietnamese restaurant and I ordered a sea food plate. I was too tired to look and see what was in it, and Dustin already ordered, So I just pointed at the picture and that's what I got. But before the adorable-teen aged waitress walked away, I quickly asked what the dish consisted of.

Me: What's actually in it?

Cute Asian girl (with cute Asian accent): Um, squid, shrimp, vegetables, fish balls, noodles.....

Me: FISH BALLS? Like, FISHES BALLS????

Embarrassed, cute, turning red, Asian girl (with cute Asian accent): NO! Not "fish's BALLS!" Like, pieces of fish, cut up and rolled into balls, then deep fried!

Me: Oh yes, of course. Fish balls. Duh! That's what I meant! Fish balls!!!! (Insert nervous laughter)

wow. I'm a damn idiot.

It's OK.

It's Easter.

Give a white girl a break!

Jesus is risen!

Praise the Lord.

Fish balls.....

I'm sure I'm not the ONLY one

who has ever asked that question.

Whatever.