Everybody's Doing It.

Ok, so over the weekend we got another bill for Little's birth. This coming after we'd paid our part and received the invoice showing we'd paid in full and had a zero balance. Well, I don't know why (except that it is Christmas and I just had to pay for a root canal), but talking to the very short, almost rude customer service agent, was enough to be the catalyst for tears. It was funny to me, though, because I had called when both boys were asleep and by the time I was finished, both boys had awakened and were crying.... and then I cried. It made me laugh because everybody in my house was crying... Mr. Favorite was probably really glad he was at work. :)

I Miss You.

Ok, you sweet bloggy friends. I miss you. I miss blogging. I'm SO enjoying my sweet little world and I'm loving being the momma to two (you wouldn't believe just how) sweet little boys. I'm crazy about both of them and totally get now why women lose themselves through the process we call motherhood. I find that days go by where I'm really pretty proud if I do more than take a shower and brush my teeth (in addition of course to taking very good care of my children). (I have "children" now... PLURAL!) It's a crazy little world I'm living in, but I love it.

I'm just saying that I miss sitting here typing out my thoughts and thinking I'm funny and hoping you think I'm funny, too.

Ready or Not.

So the week is here... I'm talking just 4 more days (I don't count the day we have to show up at the hospital at 5 a.m. - That doesn't count as a full day to me.) Anyway, my big girl panties are wearing a little thin - and you all know I'm talking about my metaphorical panties, right? Not real panties... but I digress. I told Mr. Favorite today that I feel like I've been a good sport about some pretty big deal kinds of things lately and I've not complained or been irritable. I'm proud of myself. I think a lesser woman would have thrown a fit, but I'm staying true to my belief that sometimes the only thing I get to control is my response... and as my dear friend, K, shared a few weeks ago, we wives are either building our houses up or tearing them down. I choose to make my home a peaceful place. It certainly helps that none of it is Mr. Favorite's choice nor can he make any other arrangements on these things. It just feels like I've been such a good sport for so long and I'm growing a little weary. So, as we count down the next four days, be praying for me. Ask the Lord for grace as I get ready to welcome this sweet little one to my peaceful world. I love my sweet little life.

Do I?

Last week a dear family who is a part of the missions organization that I spent that year with back in my twenties experienced the loss of their 10 year old little girl. My heart breaks over and over when I think of it. Because of their involvement in so many nations all over the earth, the memorial service was streamed live over the internet. I watched as John & Jane spoke of their sweet, sweet Olivia and felt physical pain at the thought of their loss. Jane shared that in the moments at the hospital that her cry out to God was "I love your will. I love your will. I'm scared, Lord, but I love your will." That was my breaking point. I heard those words and felt the deep in those words. Those words don't come out of a passing acquaintance with God or a flirtation with his Son. Those words come out of deep, deep moments of true relationship with loving, gracious, faithful Father God and his Son who came to seek (yes, he looked for you) and save the lost. Even having experienced the loss of Joshua, my brother, when he was 11 was different than the thought of the loss of Big or Little. The loss of a child... the loss of a child. My parents know what that is... I cannot fathom. What I'm challenged in this moment by is still Jane's words... "I love your will." So, Lord, make that true of my heart. I trust you in it all - that in every moment, that I can lean into your faithfulness and trust that though I may be scared, that I may be frightened by what is in front of me - that I can trust that you are almighty and see the end from the beginning. My heart knows fully that I can trust. I can trust you. I can trust you... and I love your will.

Overheard Conversations.

Yesterday, as Mr. Favorite was feeding Big his breakfast, I was in another room but could hear Mr. Favorite talking to Big. It was very, very sweet.... and then I heard this:

Mr. Favorite: Ok, Big. There's another baby coming and when there are two babies, you're going to be my baby because you're easier.

I'm thinking that doesn't sound like too bad of a deal for me. Little won't be mobile for a long time and Big has taken to running at full speed. I'm honestly not just real sure that I could catch him even if I wasn't 17 days from delivering this next sweet baby boy. I am really looking forward to having Little in my arms. I thought I was ready for Big, but having almost 16 months of parenting experience behind me makes me all the more confident for Little's arrival. Truth is that it is the most precious experience I've had outside of my relationship with Jesus... and I believe they're actually connected. My relationship with my Savior has created a person who is capable of truly loving - and of exhibiting patience... Without the work God has done in my heart, I know I would be a lesser mom. Without being too prideful, I am actually proud of myself in this role. I believe what James 4:6 states - that God gives grace to the humble. I have many times found that humility on my part has opened the door for God to shower his grace - his ability to continue - on me. And, as I've mentioned before, my fave verse (right now anyway) is also in James... Where in the very beginning we're encouraged that if we don't know what we're doing (and really, who honestly does?) that we can ask God for help - and not only does he help, but he doesn't condescend to us for asking. How precious to have a Father God looking out for us - willing - willing - willing to help. Love that.

Go Go Gadget

The other day I had to do something I didn't want to do... and I had to be a big girl about it... but that didn't make me want to do it. I thought I was pretty funny because I sent my mom a text and all it said was, "Go Go Gadget Big Girl Panties." I can remember at about this same time in my pregnancy with Big, that I got to the point where I was kind of tired about being a big girl about stuff and was tired of having a good attitude and not complaining about anything. Not that complaining would actually help - I've found it only makes me more miserable (not to mention all those around me)... but I think it would be fantastic if I could just say, "Go Go Gadget Big Girl Panties" and they'd poof out of thin air and help me be a good sport for just a little while longer (38 days to be exact).

We Have a Winner!

Welcome sweet JL's little sis, Bekah! She's kindly offered up her prize to her big sis... and I'm guessing (because I know how she loves books) that she might be a little sad that she did. It's a $15 (for the 15th follower) Amazon.com gift card. Won't that be fun?!? I LOVE Amazon.com. I order all sorts of stuff from there not to mention keep my book collection growing! I love that it usually arrives at my house the next day... and because I keep forgetting to cancel my Amazon Prime, I get "free" shipping. I say "free" because I pay once a year for the membership, but I order so much (including two Britax car seats which were delivered with that "free" shipping and actually would have cost me in shipping the same as my membership). Anyway! I'm so glad to have that little spot filled over there. Thanks Bekah!!

Just One More.

Ok... So, I feel like I've been a total blog-slacker, but I need a favor... I've been told, "Oh, I read your blog all the time" and I don't see it... anyway, the favor is this: let's all take a look over there to the right where my friends who read me are listed in their cute little thumbnail photos. See? There's this lonely spot there where the 15th reader belongs. Now, usually something like an empty spot wouldn't really bother me, but it has been like that for a loooonnnnngggg time. I'm thinking there might be something in it for that 15th follower. So, if you've been out there lurking and reading anonymously, this is your time to shine. Be brave and step forward. It's my first giveaway. (And, be sure to leave a comment - otherwise, I'm not sure how to tell that you were my 15th follower.)

Up a Creek.

I think I just feel the need to vent... but it isn't something one should necessarily blog about... so maybe I'll just post a few random sentences/thoughts... and overuse my ellipses... you know - these fun little sets of three periods at the end of every thought... for sure my favorite punctuation... I like that it shows I'm not quite finished with what I'm saying or that I'm at least thinking...

So, what upsets me most is that I'm upset. The person who made me upset is not even a part of my life, but when that person doesn't do what she is supposed to do, it is upsetting to me. But, like I said, it upsets me more that I let it upset me. ... See? Now I feel better.

No Way!

I just saw a name for a baby I've never heard before...

Wae. That's it.

Wae.

I am just thinking how funny it will be when this baby is just a little older and about to touch something she shouldn't. It goes like this: "Wae... No, Wae.... Wae! No, Wae!!!

Sounds like a scene from either Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure or Wayne's World.

Either way, that baby girl better grow into a pretty little girl and from there into a hottie... otherwise this journey may be painful. Way.

Because We Need The Reminder.

All the stages of my life
were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.

Psalm 139:13-16 (New International Version)

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Conversations With Feedback.

One thing I've discovered only recently about myself is that when given opportunity to have conversations in which there is feedback in adult English, I just soak it up and go ninety-to-nothing. Last night was no exception. Several of us from my small group from church got together and went to the cheese & chocolate ladies night at Melting Pot. So yum...

I'll Take It.

Ok. So this has been a sad few days...

Friday night after leaving here, my mom and dad went home and - as is their usual - drove onto their property and went toward the barn to put our dog, Boomer - a very large black lab - up for the night... As they were coming around, two rabbits followed by a very focused Boomer ran in front of their car. Boomer took a direct hit and rolled under their small SUV. Boomer ran off and my dad searched for him for a very long time before calling Mr. Favorite and asking him to come help look for Boom (we live about 20 minutes away). Big had already gone to bed (it was around 10 p.m.), but I wanted to go, too, so I got the poor, sleepy boy back out of bed and we went to Mom and Dad's. It took them a while, but they did find him and were able to get him to the barn. Boomer had no external injuries and was able to walk slowly. I was so relieved they had found him... Just before we left that night, I just bent down and stroked his head for just a minute. I wanted that moment.

Saturday, Dad and Mom tried giving him water and he was not able to keep it down, so Dad took him to see our good friend and veterinarian. They came back home with the news there were no broken bones. Well... Sunday sometime, Boomer went and laid in the shaded mud near the pond and was not interested in moving. Mom was increasingly worried about him and so Monday when he still hadn't moved much, she asked Dad to take him back to see the vet. When Dad got home to get Boomer, he had moved from the pond to the neighbor's barn and had died just minutes before. I was so sad. I still am. He was so stinkin' good to us and protective of Big. He was just a good ol' dog. Dad called Mr. Fave to ask him to tell me when he got home and we went out there to help bury him. It makes total sense, but I was just surprised that it surprised me how lifeless he was. That seems silly to say, but he seemed so much smaller to me.

The point to my title is that yes, it sucks to hurt. It sucks to be sad - and especially over a dog, but I have come to the place in my life and in my understanding, that I would rather love and enjoy life and the things that come with it in spite of knowing there's a chance that there would be hurt attached, than to not let myself be vulnerable to it in the first place. It is weird, but I can remember telling Mr. Favorite at one time that I knew someday Boomer would die and I was sad about it then. Now, here I am several years later sitting at my desk crying over that same dog... but despite that it sucks right now and that tears flow and block vision while I'm trying to type... I will take it... because I know that I can't live life avoiding hurt.

Early Lessons Learned.

Last night we were sitting in our front yard enjoying the almost tolerable weather when we heard the strained sounds of a toddler vehicle...Big watched as the two (very cute) little girls just drove right on by...When the driver (the blond chick) turned around to go back, Big was still mesmerized and only after they had passed began to wave and try to be friends...Breaking his momma's heart at how badly he was trying to be friendly as they just coldly drove away...It appears he then realizes how futile the efforts of chasing down hot chicks in pink jeeps are...
Only to have them come back again...And, again he is mesmerized...This time, on her way back, she is especially cruel and stops right in front of our house...And then leaves him there again...His momma is going to have to grow thicker skin by the time this kind of treatment from girls really happens. My heart was so sad watching him try so hard to be friendly to those girls as they snubbed him. (I should note that I'm fully congnizant of the fact that I'm over-judging this situation, but it certainly made me realize that I'm not going to like it one bit when some chick breaks my boy's heart... Lordamercy!)

Here I sit.

Happy 3:48 in the morning. I can usually go back to sleep pretty easily, but tonight I woke up and haven't been able to go back to sleep. I finally got up and checked on Big. Just imagine the sweetest one-year-old boy in the whole wide world and then multiply that because he's sleeping so soundly. That's my Big. My cat wonders what the heck is going on. He was very concerned and pawed at the door to my office until I just let him in. In his own cat-like way I think he's telling me to go try to sleep again. I'm not sure that it isn't pregnancy hormones or just the fact that I'm already swelling like it is up to me to float to save my (entire) family from some water-related calamity. Anyway, my eyes are starting to disappear. I don't notice so much when I see myself in the mirror, but it is becoming very obvious in pictures... and the fact that my rings don't fit and my fingers rebel against my desire to bend them and actually use them. It is a miracle that I'm able to type.

Last night, my (let's insert here that my cat just jumped up on my desk and is now sitting between my swollen self and the keyboard. He must really be concerned.) ok... last night my dad came over to watch Big while Joe and I went to a birthday party (so fun). My dad took Big out to eat and then for a walk around our neighborhood... which by the way is a very walker-friendly neighborhood - a couple ponds, playgrounds, walking trails, etc. But the point is here that he took this picture and I think it is remarkable. (I'm also thinking the only thing that can really redeem a post written at now 4:00 a.m. is a picture.)
Ok... so if I was reading my own blog, I would think, "Man, this is random and she should have at least tried to go back to sleep."

True Words.

Conversation with Mr. Favorite:

Me: Wonder if having two babies is hard.

Mr. Favorite: Well, it can't be any easier.

The end.

A Journey's Beginning.

So I have this dear friend whom I've known all of my life (our parents were friends in college before we were even born) and I've always thought it was cool that we've been a part of each other's lives for so long and now our babies are growing up together. Well, I decided before Lifelong Friend had her (3rd) little girl this week that we should have a prego pic taken together. (On a side-note here, I've GOT to do something with my hair. Even from this distance you can see just how badly my color is growing out. It may be time to let my hair be its natural color.)This little girl is Lifelong's middle daughter. She is so very sweet. Lifelong's oldest daughter is such a fun kid - way smart and oh-so-funny and so very not into coming outside with us for the photo session.
And here is Miss I Was Just Born Today And I Already Have Great Hair. (My Big will be so jealous!)
And, just so you can see more of that fantastic hair (and really is just one new baby photo enough? I didn't think so...)

Follow Up.

For those of you who were concerned for me and about to plan an intervention because of the state of my house... You can chill. I've cleaned my kitchen and put a new roll of toilet paper on the holder. Just so you know, I thought I was funny... and I sure thought I would get comments... But maybe you refrained from commenting because you didn't want to encourage my behavior. :)

Confession.

Here's the ugly truth...

In the last week or so, I've had several things I've thought to blog about, but given just a minute to think it through I realized that it probably is best that I don't post my honest thoughts. A wise teacher once gave me a bit of wisdom that has stuck with me through all of my years of adolescent journaling and now in my blog days it is relevant again: Don't write down anything you wouldn't want the whole world to see. Well, it wasn't as much of a threat that the world would see my little journals, but posting things on the Internet makes the whole world accessible (even though I have only 14 followers, I know there are at least two more readers out there). Anyway... what I've thought to blog about didn't need to be out there for just every reader, so I'm being censored - by myself.

So, today I have some confessions of the not-so-it-might-get-me-in-trouble kind...

I'm avoiding.

I'm avoiding design projects for people who don't know what they want... just want to jazz things up a little... I need more from you, please! Like something in the not so abstract kind of direction...

I'm avoiding cleaning my kitchen (and should also confess that my cleaning lady was just here Friday and it was spotless. Why can't I keep my kitchen picked up for 48 hours??)I'm avoiding folding and putting away laundry. (I mean really?! How does this stuff accumulate like this?!)And, remember that tutorial I did for you a week or so ago? Here's the truth about the progress in my own home. I thought I'd just see what would happen when I didn't step up. :)I wouldn't say there was absolutely NO progress on this, though... look, we're getting closer:
So, instead of doing those things that needed to be done around my house, I've taken more photographs of toilet paper and toilet paper rolls. I'm just thinking in the amount of time I've given to writing and illustrating this blog, I could have at least loaded the dishwasher. But where is the fun in that?!?

History Repeats. Right?

I'm reading a novel that is set in and around Rome around (I'm totally guessing here) 70 A.D.I'm reading it - thoroughly enjoying the story, but at the same time seeing more in it than possibly the author meant to reveal. The thing that keeps coming to me is that the Romans were so sure that their nation would never be less than what it was at that time. They were so arrogant. They gave themselves to all manner of self-absorbed and otherwise disturbing entertainment - through to the arenas and gladiators. Now, the truth is that the movie Gladiator is one of my favorites, but that is beside the point (Favorite line from that movie: "What we do here today will echo through eternity"). I'm just saying as I read about the violence that was entertainment for the mob, I'm struck with the realization that violence has a huge place in the market of entertainment in our nation... and I'm struck with the arrogance that Americans have in believing that our nation can continue on this course and remain a strong force in the world. I think there may be something to learn from the Romans and their history. I did try to go read the history, but it got really boring really quickly... So, I'll go back to reading my novel (the true reason you've not had many blog posts from me lately) and try not to read too much into what the author wrote.

Does the fact that I added pics to this random little post help you forgive me for my blog slackering (Yes, I just made up a word.)?

Edited to add: Hey, look! I've got a new follower! Welcome, Angela! Your family is beautiful! I've stumbled your way via Mrs. Funny's blog before and by the way, I am totally copying your 4th of July t-shirts next year. Welcome to my little place on the web!

Tutorial Tuesday

I've noticed that there is a need for training in an area and I thought I'd offer a quick and easy tutorial on something I think at least half of my 13 blog followers can appreciate - maybe even more. Anyway, here goes with my first Tutorial Tuesday:

How To Change An Empty Toilet Paper Roll
1. Recognize that the roll is in fact completely empty.
2. Push lightly against the roll holder to release it.
3. Allow the empty roll to slide into the trash (or recycle in some earth-friendly way. Really the point here is to get rid of it. Let your conscience be your guide.)
4. Slide the new, fully-loaded, and oh-so-bountiful roll onto the holder.
5. Locate the empty wall holder. It's been at least ten seconds since you last paid any attention to this part of the holder. You may need to take this slowly and appreciate that it is still right where you left it.
6. Push one end of the holder into the little slot.
7. Secure the other end of the roll holder into the holder attached to the wall.
See!? Now, doesn't that feel good?

The truth is that it doesn't bother me that much, but I have run into a streak of empty TP rolls lately... at my church and even today at the place where I got a pedicure. I just think it is funny and wonder if there isn't some God-lesson in this for me. Is this a ministry that I have to help others? It's just so stinkin' ironic that nearly everywhere I go, that this is an issue. We have three bathrooms at my house and it rarely fails that I happen to be the one who manages to show up just as the roll needs changing... no matter which room I choose. Anyway... any requests for next week's Tutorial Tuesday? I'm thinking this could be funny!

More Than Just a Good Idea.

Before Big was born, I read a photographer's article on showing time through photographs. One of the most precious examples was of a father and son's hands, the photos taken on each birthday, showing the progression. Of course, in the beginning the father's hands were large and appeared young, but as the son's hands grew into a man's hands, the father's showed aging and eventually it was the son's strong, younger hands that supported the father's aged hands. In just a few photos, a story was told. I decided I wanted to do that, too. On the day Big was born, I had Mr. Favorite put Big's hand on his - I was too out of it to realize it was WAY overexposed, but you can still see well enough. Then, just this last week, as Big turned one year old, we took the photo of Big's hand on Mr. Favorite's. I like that already there is a representation of relationship there. Do any of you have traditions big or small that you do each year to show time? I'm not above stealing your ideas.

Where There's A Need.

Just came across a website offering cards for moms to send to other moms when kids do what kids do.I'm hoping (hoping, hoping, hoping) that I don't need a set of these. :)

The Big One.

Yesterday was Little One's big birthday number 1! We are so blessed to have a community of friends and family who love us and love Little One. We celebrated big - Mr. Favorite got to use his oh-so-cool grill and had his friend, we'll call him Mr. Earthy-Biz until I can think of something better (He's very in-the-know on organic foods, etc. and has an incredibly sharp mind for business.), was able to bring his matching grill over to help with the food. We had steaks and chicken, grilled corn-on-the-cob, squash, and potatoes. So, so good! For the sweet I had cupcakes.

Here's a note-to-self regarding the danger of cupcakes vs. cake: If you have a cake, you're not as tempted to partake of the sweet before the party. With cupcakes, who will know if you eat one? There's little to no evidence! I wouldn't even let myself un-tape the box the cupcakes came in until just before the party. They smelled SO good even through the cardboard of the box!
On with the story... We gave everyone a chance to eat and then let Little One have his first real taste of sugar. He was too funny - he kind of acted like he wasn't sure it was ok and was very hesitant at first. Didn't take him long, though, before the whole thing disappeared.
Mom & Joy Lin (I told them it looked like Mom was resisting!)
Joe's neice, CurlyQ. So cute!
What joy to have my home filled with people I love.
Layla (Spanish for Granny) was loving the cupcake time just as much as Little One!
By this time, Little One was through! He was so stinkin' tired!
And, he rarely just sits in a lap. This was a super tired Little One.
But, he must have gotten a second wind! He LOVED the balloons! (and, yes, this is the third wardrobe change! - a fourth to come)
This was too fun...
His face was too cute watching the balloons go. So sweet.
So, I think it may be appropriate now for Little One to be Big. He'll always be my sweet little boy, but as a mom, I know that he will only continue to grow and change. So, from here forward... (this is a little bit sad) Little One will be Big.

At Exactly the Right Time.

I just left Little One's room where he is still sleeping soundly. His little hands are tucked up under his chin and I am melted on the inside. The thought whipped through my mind that if I had known how sweet, how precious this motherhood thing was, that I would have done it years ago - and immediately I realized how untrue that was. You see, I am not the same person even that Mr. Favorite married six years ago. My heart has been transformed over and over into a generous and kind one that wears the cloak of motherhood well. Years ago, this person would not have made as good of a mother and would not have been so patient and would not have understood just how powerful peace is in the making of a home. I love my sweet little life and understand that God gave me this gift of motherhood through the birth of Little One at exactly the right time.

Edited to add: Oh! I just noticed that I have a new follower! Welcome AvonLady! I think you're my first follower who I don't actually know in real life! I feel honored to have you along for the ride. And to those of you who have said, "Oh, I read your blog all the time" and are still not following, why not click a few links and make my day?! I'm SO not about manipulation, though, so if you're feeling that way, don't. It certainly isn't intended!

And It Became a Blog Post

I was responding to my friend, Mel's, blog when I realized I had just about typed enough for a respectable post. I didn't think I wanted to share this oh-so-disgusting story, but since I've been a major blog-slacker lately, I thought anything was better than nothing... So here is my response to her post in it's original form...

I was just about to blog about the "pet" frog who had taken up residence in our newly-landscaped front yard. He would be out on our porch every evening. He was huge.

Well, Mr. & I got home from Mom and Dad's one night and I said to Mr., "Wonder where Frog is?" and looked over just in time to see the back half of a frog squished and his little head bobbed up and down in complete agony. In my very prego state, I thought I was going to lose it. I'm feeling sick to my stomach just typing this out. Well, I obviously don't want to blog about the almost pet we had before I ran over his back half. I can't get the image of his little head bobbing up and down... Oh, and Mr., when he went to get the shovel to get the frog off my driveway, thwacked him in the head twice to put him out of his misery. I was so disturbed. I know that was a merciful thing to do, but I was thinking that maybe Mr. could have waited until the frog was over in the field rather than further squishing him on my driveway. Ew.

Anyway, point is here that I don't think we're a good match for random pets either. I maintain my cat because he really doesn't need me.

Where Are We?

A quote from a movie I watched. What truth...

All the world's great civilizations
have followed the same path:

from bondage to liberty

from liberty to abundance

from abundance to complacency

from complacency to apathy

from apathy back to bondage.

Where would you say the United States stands?

A Name for Little, Too.

This whole pregnancy, I've just been undone over not having a name for this precious life. On here, he is Little, Too because just like Little One, he is also little... Not sure what I'll do when the next little life comes along... Maybe Little Also. :) Just kidding... Anyway, Mr. Favorite and I've been thinking of a certain name for a while and it seems to be sticking. (Funny - Pandora is playing the song Name by the Goo Goo Dolls as I compose this blog post.) In fact, I've been calling him by this name for a week or so and even when I talk to Little One about his baby brother, I use that name. I'm pleased. It isn't a traditional name, but it isn't so weird that he'll be made fun of in elementary school (for that anyway). It's meaning is "church official" which is cool with me - given my bloodline and all. And his middle name will be my father's name. I am honored to use his name...

I'm still sad sometimes that I can't (or won't) use my brother's name. Mr. Favorite just happens to have a brother by the same name and I imagine having to explain to my baby that no, he's not named after that Joshua, but after my deceased brother - who was so great. Anyway... just another sad little spot in this journey of family.

My Arms are Fat, Too.

I knew I had you with that title. I've been thinking about writing a post about this for a while and I would always smile to myself (like the crazy woman I believe we all know) when I thought of that title. You see, I'm not a wispy, petite little thing. I don't mind it so much, I'm really pretty comfortable with who I am, but lately - and maybe it is pregnancy-hormone induced - I would really like to have two, maybe three, tops that are not long sleeved or three-quarter length sleeved (Is that really too much to ask?). The problem is not just that I'm a plus-size... or that I'm pregnant... It is that some mean-spirited person keeps putting out clothes for us that are missing sleeves. I imagine a little whippet of a person sitting at a crafty drawing table just laughing at how ridiculous our poochy arms are going to look puffing out of those shoulder holes. Now, I wear clothes for more than just modesty's sake. I put on clothes every day for the sake of covering the parts of me that are most suitable for a run on a reality tv show we all love to watch while eating ice cream out of the carton while sitting on our couch. The thing is - when they forget the sleeves, they are leaving a part of me uncovered that desperately does not want to share its true state with the world. I'm just saying... I don't think anyone wants that.

A Little Momentum.

Little One started walking at 9 1/2 months. He's now 11 months and thinks he can run. It's just fun watching him explore and be all boy. I'm going to let my lazy self off the hook on writing today and just post cute pics of Little One. It is my blog and all.
He has great taste in movies:
Gotta go: