tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72796268931367042102024-02-08T00:26:07.671-06:00Happily, Beckihappily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.comBlogger464125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-60274823468201502012014-07-21T16:33:00.002-05:002014-07-21T16:33:16.485-05:00New Blog!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
New blog can be found here:<br />
<a href="http://www.happilybecki.com/">www.happilybecki.com</a></div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-33462691344650869282013-11-18T21:14:00.000-06:002013-11-18T21:43:42.024-06:00Oliver's Story.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3hU9Y6Ch3PJYR2N4ziCXxwM3KbQfS9-RZ4IeDd3qOzFALoHFdK00fihGTkjfVJ8QpPPdNBYdW0gI7_VQZ4N290bMiz2vDfG9pZkFeBIwDkXTsRTIHl7tSAmsLFj8p9bJdxcPdwH9w3LU/s1600/1273923_591384301218_1612560516_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3hU9Y6Ch3PJYR2N4ziCXxwM3KbQfS9-RZ4IeDd3qOzFALoHFdK00fihGTkjfVJ8QpPPdNBYdW0gI7_VQZ4N290bMiz2vDfG9pZkFeBIwDkXTsRTIHl7tSAmsLFj8p9bJdxcPdwH9w3LU/s640/1273923_591384301218_1612560516_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I cannot remember all the details of your birth, but I do
remember the feeling that <br />surrounded your arrival. It was so very fast,
so very sweet, and the closest I have been <br />to heaven. It was the
beginning of life and the moment I became a mother to a son. </span></span>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the night you were born, I went to bed wondering, and I
awoke knowing. <br />You were coming fast. <br />So quickly I could hardly grasp
what was happening. A light was turned on, <br />but I do not remember doing
it. Our house filled with hurried bodies, but I can't <br />recall when they
arrived. I know that I was begging you to just come, while wishing <br />for a
break and a breath. The labor happened quickly, full of long moments
that seemed <br />unending and continuous. <i>"Slow down"</i> my mind whispered as my heart screamed <i>"Hurry up!!"</i></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Prayers were fervently and furiously spoken, the
intensity of each drawn out second was overwhelming. And God was there,
sweet one. On the night you were born, His presence <br />was so very near and
He was with me. He was with you, too, whispering one last dream <br />into
your heart before you entered this world. </span></span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, in less than two hours, there you were. A boy child, all
small <br />and chubby and quietly staring. You felt at home on my chest as I
stared back <br />at my son. I already knew you by heart. There is no greater
moment. I could relive <br />it unendingly in my mind, and each detail is
purely precious. Your lake blue eyes <br />reflected a similar feeling I
shared with your sister, and my heart will never forget. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your
father named you Oliver Steven. Because we had a promise from <br />God that
you would be peaceful. And because your Grandpa Steve is one of the
<br />greatest men to ever live and there is no one we would rather you be
like.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the night you were born my world shifted and
my heart grew even bigger. <br />I had known you were coming, but I never
realized what I was missing <br />until I could not imagine my world without
you in it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dear little Oliver, you are a promise and a
prayer that was answered. <br />On the night you were born, our family became
one step closer to complete.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Note: It's been quite a while since I posted last, and it will probably be a while before I do again. <br />This is like a journal of my life, and I wanted to record it here before I forgot.</span></i></span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-4767121405724269792013-05-02T21:05:00.001-05:002013-05-02T21:05:11.711-05:00Round Two: Seventeen Weeks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg246f1wyZq-btzYOExHNE_W0tufsDYPnRsXnR_LYruro3GGzXFqIysNs0dse_VqTG3p61j2A7DmbPkdlBUAzybSAvBe1BW02Vk7RrMr4FpcYNqmr30bb5foA_k7QeCCVCaynXilk8hBDlc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg246f1wyZq-btzYOExHNE_W0tufsDYPnRsXnR_LYruro3GGzXFqIysNs0dse_VqTG3p61j2A7DmbPkdlBUAzybSAvBe1BW02Vk7RrMr4FpcYNqmr30bb5foA_k7QeCCVCaynXilk8hBDlc/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"One of these days, I'm going to <span style="font-size: small;">wake up feeling great." I keep telling myself that. One of these days, it will happen.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>how far along<span style="font-size: small;"> //</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">17 weeks!</span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>maternity clothes //</b><span style="font-size: small;"> a little<span style="font-size: small;">. maternity leggings have <span style="font-size: small;">got to <span style="font-size: small;">be the most comfy ar<span style="font-size: small;">ticle of clothing ever invented.</span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>movement //</b> <span style="font-size: small;">nothing too notic<span style="font-size: small;">eable yet.</span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>sleep<span style="font-size: small;"> //</span></b> when Rosemary sleeps, I sleep<span style="font-size: small;">. s<span style="font-size: small;">oundly, solidly, without waking u<span style="font-size: small;">p <span style="font-size: small;">at all.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>what I miss<span style="font-size: small;"> //</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">enjoy<span style="font-size: small;">ing food.</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>cravings<span style="font-size: small;"> //</span></b> nothi<span style="font-size: small;">ng. I feel too sick to think about food that way. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="line-height: 20.8px;"><b>symptoms<span style="font-size: small;"> //</span></b> morning sickness (still!), migraines (not fun!) </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.8px;"><b>favorite <span style="font-size: small;">m</span>oment this week</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b> //</b> <span style="font-size: small;">timmy and <span style="font-size: small;">I, for the first time ever, agreed on a <span style="font-size: small;">boy name. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So f<span style="font-size: small;">ar, this pregnancy has left me <span style="font-size: small;">reeling. Throwing up, gagging, dragging.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">I'm <span style="font-size: small;">hoping that a happy stomach will arrive with <span style="font-size: small;">some warm springtime weather.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aaand, just for fun, <a href="http://happilybecki.blogspot.com/2011/03/seventeen.html">here's me at 17 weeks with Rosemary<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-63684515496786215842013-03-25T18:27:00.003-05:002013-03-25T18:27:25.670-05:00Our Love Story - Part Four<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJA8CJAgpHQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Hooray!)</span></b></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-78501597022119194732013-03-02T21:09:00.004-06:002013-03-02T21:09:47.938-06:00A CONVERSATION: ABOUT CHARACTERS.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafYedyTWMcuEpWGkqYnqureLZI48OpmJGNjb-qjzn6plrvx8PyqgqtH7LtY6st6Kamf15-h_h7wuWBb4vD47id6Lgsab_a4TFXccNFacoXRuNaudoej3hzTaOgkgoNlR_kCy-OsZsdUke/s1600/season2_characters_slideshow_matthew_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafYedyTWMcuEpWGkqYnqureLZI48OpmJGNjb-qjzn6plrvx8PyqgqtH7LtY6st6Kamf15-h_h7wuWBb4vD47id6Lgsab_a4TFXccNFacoXRuNaudoej3hzTaOgkgoNlR_kCy-OsZsdUke/s400/season2_characters_slideshow_matthew_06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.pbs.org/">via </a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">*while watching our favorite TV series*</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b>Timmy:</b> I think my favorite character is Michael.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> … Michael? Do you mean Matthew??</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Timmy:</b> Oh, is that his name?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> He's your favorite character <br />and you don't even know his name??</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Timmy:</b> I guess I just go by feelings, not names.</span></span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-35075296171186193632013-03-01T13:25:00.004-06:002013-03-01T13:25:51.355-06:00The Best Apps for a Toddler.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-997Corv8f6ruBWsy0lOEjA9I3NCgfhjEkig9q-T_-HnuHlogi49s3C2ODoZViGLH62cxj-tyRo1nIOFGSZe15mwQm51u0Ll-sLWDem5v60mQ2tTdpEOIm2YLFrSXZAEKaTAga2KQHQQ/s1600/BestAppsForToddlers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-997Corv8f6ruBWsy0lOEjA9I3NCgfhjEkig9q-T_-HnuHlogi49s3C2ODoZViGLH62cxj-tyRo1nIOFGSZe15mwQm51u0Ll-sLWDem5v60mQ2tTdpEOIm2YLFrSXZAEKaTAga2KQHQQ/s1600/BestAppsForToddlers.png" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We try to use the iPad sparingly at our house, but it is a favorite toy of Rosemary's. She loves it, of course. And when I just want a minute of stillness, I really really love it too. We have a folder of "Rosemary's Apps" and I'm always on the lookout for a good one. I tend to prefer ones with good design and some sort of educational value. And so, we have a few favorites that I thought I would pass along to any fellow iPad parents out there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here they are, in no specific order.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(ONE) Squiggles, by Lazoo</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This app is geared toward older children, but Rosemary LOVES it. Basically, you draw "squiggles" on different animated coloring pages. The squiggles you draw activate the animation, so it's a good lesson in cause and effect. Also, the illustrations are pretty cute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(TWO) Interactive Alphabet, by Pi'ikea Street</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one may be my very favorite. The overall design is eye-catching and I even enjoy playing with it. Every letter of the alphabet has an interactive animation. It teaches uppercase and lowercase letters, letter sounds, and a variety of great words. I actually love all the apps by the company, Pi'ikea Street, and my love for it has NOTHING to do with the fact that it's based in Hawaii…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(THREE) Peekaboo Barn, by Night and Day Studios</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This app is very simple, but very entertaining. The barn opens and closes to reveal a variety of barn animals. You then hear the animal sound and the name of the animal. Rose especially loves this one because her current obsession is learning animal noises. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><b>(FOUR) Peekaboo Forest, by Night and Day Studios</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This app is the same concept as Peekaboo Barn, only it's set in the forest with different seasons. I actually prefer this one because the illustrations are so captivating. Both are favorites and she never seems to tire of discovering the same animals over and over again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(FIVE) Endless Alphabet, by Callaway Digital Arts</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a new one, but it has quickly become a favorite. There are many different alphabet cards, all with a different word on it. When you choose the card, it scrambles the letters of the word and you match them back up. After matching, you are rewarded with a short animation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There you have it. 18-month-old approved apps. Have fun!</div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-28259647298223100512013-02-21T12:41:00.000-06:002013-02-21T12:41:22.355-06:00House Mouse.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDEmuyBSqIABYDd2hf4J4O2R_hKCuK8rRJHJCiqYH58fObWaW-I3Z6qsZ-kBoJaZCyiMFlRzOM-60EOgdjen4S3X_b5xeLIni4RD2vYzypQLEekFUozrgYK_efBa4g8Rd_Y4xOZlomu4B/s1600/WallArt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDEmuyBSqIABYDd2hf4J4O2R_hKCuK8rRJHJCiqYH58fObWaW-I3Z6qsZ-kBoJaZCyiMFlRzOM-60EOgdjen4S3X_b5xeLIni4RD2vYzypQLEekFUozrgYK_efBa4g8Rd_Y4xOZlomu4B/s400/WallArt.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> (some new wall art in my art studio)</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My house-mouse preferences are taking over more and more of our days. I feel like I have a very short list of somewhat valid reasons as to why I feel like my hermitage is justified. But I am nearly positive that listing them would end in a yawn on your end, so let's move on to the important stuff.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I found a new brand of makeup that I love. <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/">Tarte Cosmetics.</a> It's all natural, it doesn't have lead or formaldehyde in it, and it increases both my beauty and confidence. I bought pretty much the entire line, so I can confidently recommend almost any product on their site. I love it all. It's beautiful. You should go buy yourself some as a late Valentine's Day present.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm still nursing Rosemary. Nursing a 17 month old is like wrangling a crocodile and hosting a three ring circus at the same time. The other day I questioned her, "Can't you be pleasant while you're eating?" and she responded by pulling away and doing her most impressive lion "ROAR" to date. Apparently not.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm not ashamed to admit that I found three gray hairs on my head this morning, and they were all named Rosemary. And since she has now discovered how to climb on the dining room chairs, and from the chairs to the table, and from the table to almost-the-counter-if-i-take-a-running-jump, I am anticipating many more gray hairs to come.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today we are leaving the house. When I told Timmy he was clearly wowed and commented "You're leaving the hobbit hole?!" Yes. There are some things you can't buy online. </span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-14120609859827771252013-02-19T20:55:00.002-06:002013-02-19T20:55:50.092-06:00A Conversation: About Chicken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"></span><b>Tim:</b> What are we having for dinner sweetie? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"> <b>Me: </b>Chicken tacos.<br /> <b>Tim: </b>Oh. I've never had a chicken taco before.<br /> <b>Me:</b> You had one last night. That's what you always get at Chipotle....<br /> <b>Tim: </b>You make a strong case.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent">I've had several people ask me why I started eating chicken again, and it is a fair question that deserves an explanation. I had been vegan for ten years! So here it is, in summary.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent">I became vegan for health reasons – I wanted to be healthier. There are many many benefits to being vegan, and I still believe it to be a very nutritious lifestyle. But, I've never believed it to be the only healthy way of eating, and I truly believe that it's more about the quality of the foods you do eat. Such as, eating fresh, organic, locally grown, non-gmo, etc. I think that we sometimes make it too hard and want people to fit into our idea of what exactly they should be eating (gluten-free, raw, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, etc.), instead of focusing on good, solid nutrition. Let's eat vegetables, people! And say NO to McDonald's!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent">So, when Tim and I discuss what we want our future family to look like, the topic of food comes up often. We want our whole family to be united and to eat the same healthy meals. It just made sense for me to start eating chicken occasionally. Chicken wasn't something he was willing to give up, and I couldn't really see a reason to not start incorporating it into our family diet. Honestly, I've been enjoying it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent">And Rosie ate an egg tonight. Let's add that to the list of three things she is willing to eat and rejoice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"><br /></span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-2865252793795328962013-02-17T20:47:00.002-06:002013-02-17T20:47:33.931-06:00Unplanned Traditions.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaw2DAmgeWBUp-ujGiLbIuSI4lwBmxlzbmYLctq-gTXZdpAt9VPYRCfqW4eJDKP7JKN0Om7quLDGUcwseN-EGABlaBJuJKAOfaYPSEHudqtpnXDjuA__memOXvNJUbk06_F424e7JhSZX/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaw2DAmgeWBUp-ujGiLbIuSI4lwBmxlzbmYLctq-gTXZdpAt9VPYRCfqW4eJDKP7JKN0Om7quLDGUcwseN-EGABlaBJuJKAOfaYPSEHudqtpnXDjuA__memOXvNJUbk06_F424e7JhSZX/s320/photo(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tim rocks Rosemary to sleep every night. While he rocks, he sings "Amazing Grace" and gazes into her eyes. He has told me that nothing is sweeter than keeping eye contact with her as she falls asleep. Every now and then she will peep an eye open to see if he's still looking. <b>He always is.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can't be certain of when this tradition started. It definitely wasn't intentional, but somewhere along the way, bedtime became something special between the two of them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every day, after Rosemary's afternoon nap, we have ice cream. "Do you want some ice cream?" I ask, and she smiles and nods her head excitedly in response. We sit at the table, eating ice cream and watching for people and puppies walking by outside the window. Our version of "ice cream" happens to be little more than frozen coconut milk, but it's special and she knows it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's a tradition that started without forethought,<b> but continues with intentionality.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Unplanned traditions. They happen spontaneously. And they're extra sweet.</span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-83032069316111050062013-02-16T12:39:00.004-06:002013-02-16T12:39:59.378-06:00Valentines.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYg2NwNrID-EVdY3OqxkHVnOUsxSEqh1CnWGxhf00qdy5gBsuTeIau6P_hOD-aVZfAALjwQ_K7bl61lqh47PVTvlTNT5oM4CkNUGg3nByknNuypERHmAw5KKYiIBCh660mq_FNxEJegab/s1600/Valentine01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYg2NwNrID-EVdY3OqxkHVnOUsxSEqh1CnWGxhf00qdy5gBsuTeIau6P_hOD-aVZfAALjwQ_K7bl61lqh47PVTvlTNT5oM4CkNUGg3nByknNuypERHmAw5KKYiIBCh660mq_FNxEJegab/s320/Valentine01.png" width="319" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My Valentine surprise from Mr. Valentine included a babysitter, a festively decorated hotel room, a yummy meal, vegan chocolates, sparkling juice, roses, candles… and a two hour nap.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BHD7zRJ_YnFn_aya0zWe-bwm6zJ_5Ig3aLjONVHhxghYNorWO1GD8BJR0Q0T4lJt_qT6qzmLXHI5SgTJCuOUQ3qVbHNCTQJfgqx59h1faIbvpkt9oUnnbY4bDMoscpm1hfHbADsDDowP/s1600/Valentine02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BHD7zRJ_YnFn_aya0zWe-bwm6zJ_5Ig3aLjONVHhxghYNorWO1GD8BJR0Q0T4lJt_qT6qzmLXHI5SgTJCuOUQ3qVbHNCTQJfgqx59h1faIbvpkt9oUnnbY4bDMoscpm1hfHbADsDDowP/s320/Valentine02.png" width="319" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The nap was the best part. Really.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We had the hotel room and the babysitter for about six hours. And while I have never heard of anyone renting a hotel room for just half of a day, I must say that it was a perfect idea. I've been feeling a little sick these past days and Rosemary hasn't been sleeping well. A cozy little space to curl up in, snuggle, and sleep was just exactly the very best way to spend Valentine's Day 2013.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOfHXaypB1pbLU4wPMUKSd1s-W53o9qghyphenhyphenmNtm05-NW7Ze_dziY1njULFmYRjC_r6qHMHZSi8Uh1lFqxM_MOht97RURybgpTpHpq2Vxn8BYfcIHWCdg-ZpjzKPaGesGPo6yIhdrc5qnNo/s1600/Valentine03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOfHXaypB1pbLU4wPMUKSd1s-W53o9qghyphenhyphenmNtm05-NW7Ze_dziY1njULFmYRjC_r6qHMHZSi8Uh1lFqxM_MOht97RURybgpTpHpq2Vxn8BYfcIHWCdg-ZpjzKPaGesGPo6yIhdrc5qnNo/s320/Valentine03.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-78841370543553251022013-02-11T14:37:00.002-06:002013-02-11T20:33:30.079-06:00Five Things on a Monday.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1qYns2Zapu6nekWtYvZfdnXe4Z6_-qP6A0foOcNTG7kXAXxwSIPGqBzw3Xo3nwFv1njDoFBzQLvKoKa6bjmLYuihvF2pQ1fKaJHfnTPFkDuRQECD-m8bEAkqV4yz1c_IfNDpIId0nV1g/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1qYns2Zapu6nekWtYvZfdnXe4Z6_-qP6A0foOcNTG7kXAXxwSIPGqBzw3Xo3nwFv1njDoFBzQLvKoKa6bjmLYuihvF2pQ1fKaJHfnTPFkDuRQECD-m8bEAkqV4yz1c_IfNDpIId0nV1g/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. I recently started teaching Rosemary sign language, and I've been amazed at how quickly she catches on. This morning she made the sign for "food" and then the sign for "more". This is doubly fantastic, as she typically doesn't express the desire to eat "more" of anything except breastmilk. Progress? I hope so.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. I really love my husband. He's so cool and funny. Valentine's Day may be my favorite holiday, and I know he has something planned… </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Rosemary has been sleeping with us a lot lately. She's getting four teeth right now, and nights have been hard. When she has woken up for the third time and it's only midnight, co-sleeping looks like a desirable option to no sleeping. And, while it's definitely not my ideal scenario for a restful nights sleep, I kind of love to feel her warm little body nuzzled close to mine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. My life has been pretty boring lately. What have we been up to? Rosie and I camp out in our jammies all day, reading books and playing with baby dolls. The weather here has been less than pleasant, and the thought of leaving the house in an ice storm or a blizzard is even less pleasant. So I have been ordering things online and making the delivery people bring me things in this less than pleasant weather. Online shopping is great.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Rosemary pooped on the floor last night during naked time. Nobody noticed until I almost laid down in it. Then she walked in it and got it all over her feet and the floor. Potty training is off to a roaring start.</span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-89050109145731327942013-02-07T13:20:00.002-06:002013-02-07T13:20:20.341-06:00Exercising. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyssED2GFZQoEskFtDGb3uGs41DhKPThTLL5ir1KkxiOl3s_FJfSfcxx-Vfb4FZVOwPtp5BJbsBt0GzN_iiQCP8XYMTv12naNT-i3yo3c7OQJ8-WaiHjLhhnYvu5BIfuc41D4AXU8PZsJq/s1600/51QlqI3yaOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyssED2GFZQoEskFtDGb3uGs41DhKPThTLL5ir1KkxiOl3s_FJfSfcxx-Vfb4FZVOwPtp5BJbsBt0GzN_iiQCP8XYMTv12naNT-i3yo3c7OQJ8-WaiHjLhhnYvu5BIfuc41D4AXU8PZsJq/s1600/51QlqI3yaOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I really love Jillian Michaels and her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359688794&sr=8-1&keywords=30+day+shred">30 Day Shred</a>. I really dislike Jillian Michaels and her 30 Day Shred. Somehow it is possible to feel both emotions strongly at the same time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Crazy J kicks my butt every single day. I have been panting my way through the "Level One" workout for months now and only just recently worked up the courage to try "Level Two". After twenty minutes of what could only be described as breathless TORTURE… I decided that "Level One" is a great place to be. And stay.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No matter the level, this workout works and so I love it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rosemary likes to help out by making things a little more difficult for me. She especially loves to sit on my back while I do push-ups. I can now do thirty push-ups in a row with a baby on my back. Is that impressive? I'm not sure, but I feel like it must be.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're looking for a somewhat painful but really rewarding workout, this one is for you. I recommend hitting "mute" once you have the moves down. I can only listen to Jillian yell "Come on buddy!" so many times… </span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-56401345329855868462013-02-02T19:35:00.001-06:002013-02-02T19:35:32.061-06:00A CONVERSATION: ABOUT HEDGEHOGS.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4rE3ygBMlLpAkxacAP5KZcputLIR3tFn-h64u6uC83o0k0yCBq1RMvp13KMm7spG_uplNgyew33uFXWABmHNxcOrKbQI5zHOMNAtPomQWOHvdjGTx7aBmjtnO8wnB0NhUoFXGjWqJL8j/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4rE3ygBMlLpAkxacAP5KZcputLIR3tFn-h64u6uC83o0k0yCBq1RMvp13KMm7spG_uplNgyew33uFXWABmHNxcOrKbQI5zHOMNAtPomQWOHvdjGTx7aBmjtnO8wnB0NhUoFXGjWqJL8j/s320/photo(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><b>Me:</b> I guess we're going to have an early Spring!<br /> <b>Timmy:</b> Oh? Did the hedgehog see its wings?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><b>Happy Groundhog Day! </b></span></span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-32009266019309147932013-02-01T12:22:00.004-06:002013-02-01T12:22:55.058-06:00Inside.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5ITjQKdOyjZ0t7_Mu7mbd0rBo75yygxKtJILn8TzNJe6Iyr8FpSN3Ueo4xYYuFd6TohQytBCA1ZvahqjoQmv8tjydhr35nyS-NQwaXn-r41mXW4MX7yLNAOjuX_AK_4qOi4dxxBWcwF4/s1600/RoseMom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5ITjQKdOyjZ0t7_Mu7mbd0rBo75yygxKtJILn8TzNJe6Iyr8FpSN3Ueo4xYYuFd6TohQytBCA1ZvahqjoQmv8tjydhr35nyS-NQwaXn-r41mXW4MX7yLNAOjuX_AK_4qOi4dxxBWcwF4/s320/RoseMom.png" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> We left the house today. It was the first time in, quite literally, weeks. Rosemary and I changed out of our pajamas and into real clothes. We went to Target and bought diapers and juice and a shower curtain. Then we stopped to visit Tim at work and he commented "Wow, you look hot! Is this the first time you straightened your hair in a while?" Yes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's been a sick winter for us. Rosemary caught the stomach flu at the beginning of December and she threw up for weeks. Not kidding. It was awful and she lost two pounds in one month. I had high hopes for January. But then we all caught the worst cold imaginable and much misery followed. Three weeks later, we're not quite certain if we're better or not. Coughing is still happening and also a sneaky little fever that keeps coming back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So we've been inside. Inside where it's warm and cozy and where pajamas are encouraged. And, for the most part, the hermit in me does not care to leave. And after shivering our way through -5 degree weather this morning, we may just decide to stay here until Spring. </span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-4780532461541016722013-01-30T21:36:00.002-06:002013-01-30T21:36:51.664-06:00HEALTHY COCONUT BALLS.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These
coconut balls are incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy. They
are gluten-free, dairy free, sugar free, egg free, and completely raw! Yum!</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Everyone who tries them ends up asking for the recipe. So here's the recipe, even though you didn't ask. You'll thank me later…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRh8QDAIdRFeIlL4Cl-TOffq1Rzl357jzn3hmgHsUi1388zqN61uNCi6nokhmHJ_oX1DlaOrfBRqYjo1NdCQkAC1jitQWjucx7dxhphkDA7g48NX-lf7Nd7TJER6qXvNASMMSa6udVDY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-08-30+at+1.47.52+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRh8QDAIdRFeIlL4Cl-TOffq1Rzl357jzn3hmgHsUi1388zqN61uNCi6nokhmHJ_oX1DlaOrfBRqYjo1NdCQkAC1jitQWjucx7dxhphkDA7g48NX-lf7Nd7TJER6qXvNASMMSa6udVDY/s400/Screen+shot+2012-08-30+at+1.47.52+PM.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">HEALTHY COCONUT BALLS</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 cups raw cashews</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 cup gluten-free oats</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10 pitted medjool dates</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 1/2 TB coconut oil </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/4 cup maple syrup</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Combine all the ingredients
except the maple syrup in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is
coarsely chopped and mixed together. Turn the processor on low and pour
in the maple syrup. The consistency should be a little sticky. If it
appears too dry, add more maple syrup as needed. Once the maple syrup is
added, let the processor run on a medium speed for about a minute,
until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Scoop out and roll into
balls. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Variation: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate version! </span></div>
</div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-79231808064078198932013-01-28T13:16:00.002-06:002013-01-28T13:16:20.635-06:00Five Things on a Monday.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjFPpD2FANNkRSqVuWwo0mO3ckpYP7L7Hgj0cRoeHTTONwf2yEdd6kMx2BneFhljJuIHGXkvsxHBYVnpWRcmtCQC8uFtPo80gG5G7GFXEp7hz_hveCCx3N1tFPjNupto2m6xhIEU0eFnJ/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjFPpD2FANNkRSqVuWwo0mO3ckpYP7L7Hgj0cRoeHTTONwf2yEdd6kMx2BneFhljJuIHGXkvsxHBYVnpWRcmtCQC8uFtPo80gG5G7GFXEp7hz_hveCCx3N1tFPjNupto2m6xhIEU0eFnJ/s320/IMG_2394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> 1. We have all been so sick. So sick. After two weeks, I still feel awful. Rosemary is still coughing and not sleeping. Tim took over at 2AM last night, to get her back to sleep (for the third time that night). I woke up at 3:30AM and noticed Tim wasn't in bed, and I couldn't hear the baby crying. I tiptoed into the nursery to find the two of them snuggled on a blanket together… on the floor. After considering the situation, I decided to go back to bed, and the next thing I knew, it was 7AM. I'm pretty sure I made a good decision.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. I'm eating chicken now. I feel like, in reality, this makes me an ex-vegan. But I like to think of myself as a vegan who eats chicken on a semi-regular basis. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. "Doodle-loodle-loodle-loo" is Rosemary's new little saying. She says it when she is happy, she says it when she is crying, and (my favorite) she whispers it as she is falling asleep. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. I just bought myself a "swim dress" online. This makes me sound like an old lady, but I think it's surprisingly cute and appropriately modest. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAhAW37uLN5D9FehznjVPZYHvOxx17OT2_g-3G0qMrOTHNtp_wanZgcUAnkTWF2jN_hmrqoL4JNVh2oXN8Uh_Trv8sRZG7U8yptTvWb4hdpggj2EOcoSmzao_IzKk8X5AIXiqdsHgLghr/s1600/SwimDress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAhAW37uLN5D9FehznjVPZYHvOxx17OT2_g-3G0qMrOTHNtp_wanZgcUAnkTWF2jN_hmrqoL4JNVh2oXN8Uh_Trv8sRZG7U8yptTvWb4hdpggj2EOcoSmzao_IzKk8X5AIXiqdsHgLghr/s320/SwimDress.png" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Timmy and I don't really celebrate Lent, but we do love the idea of fasting for a long stretch of days once a year. We typically do it at the same time as Lent, because that makes it easy to remember. This year, we decided to do it earlier. So our 40-day fast starts tomorrow. I'm giving up gluten, all refined sugar, and Netflix. Timmy is giving up coffee! Rosemary is giving up Baby Einstein. It should be a fun filled 40 days…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. But at the end of the 40 days – and we timed this perfectly on purpose – we have <a href="http://www.turtlebayresort.com/">Hawaii.</a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.turtlebayresort.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></a></span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-53193685677070912932013-01-23T20:02:00.003-06:002013-01-23T20:09:07.583-06:00A CONVERSATION: ABOUT THE TIME.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>*after being awakened by Rosemary crying at some wee hour of the night*</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xEnYySO_z1D1YwvU7kgy_dqgW3zyRIbdg7By-6OWURIvHqcR1NBgvTKT00iE6spuuo35MKDMedlsQldR1nf-pJZw146geBmv4iY3Zbuf7x1V05cEiFJ6xCRdo1xZO9U_vy2WKCgdomkx/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xEnYySO_z1D1YwvU7kgy_dqgW3zyRIbdg7By-6OWURIvHqcR1NBgvTKT00iE6spuuo35MKDMedlsQldR1nf-pJZw146geBmv4iY3Zbuf7x1V05cEiFJ6xCRdo1xZO9U_vy2WKCgdomkx/s320/IMG_2119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> Uhgggggggg. What time is it?</span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Timmy:</b> … I don't know… Don't be mad at me.</span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> Huh? What TIME is it?</span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Timmy:</b> Don't be mad.</span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> I asked you what TIME IT IS?</span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Timmy:</b> I'm sorry. I'm trying so hard…</span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> … </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think it's obvious that a clock on my side of the bed is a good idea.</span></span></b></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-67131940343444299362013-01-22T13:25:00.001-06:002013-01-23T20:12:33.881-06:00NATURAL REMEDY: FOR A COUGH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's been a sad week at our house. Rosemary caught the flu, which then turned into the croup. Her coughing, coughing, coughing was unbearable. I held her for hours in the middle of the night, listening to her shuddering breaths and counting the minutes between another gasping, coughing attack. There was usually only about two to five minutes of rest before another one hit. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She was awake, literally, for days on end because she could not fall asleep. My poor, poor baby.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Of course, after being coughed on for days and days, Timmy and I caught the same flu. So we have all been coughing ourselves silly. Not much can truly help an awful cough. But we did find something soothing, and I'm sharing it with you - in case you find yourself awake at midnight in a similarly unfortunate situation. </span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJv5hlHf02CmmSNM8Fl9r-1T-Dw0WYRbbAVZiBlMRZsrrfD2QwBh0yk2hTFuwLXHkUYoCuZt-_yQHg_Q29EVbRaxRPCiE22FeXpFyqqvaCTQaSZ6Y9Dw-v1i5KMeO3yg-9rLVRl8FJUyY/s1600/naturalcoughremedy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJv5hlHf02CmmSNM8Fl9r-1T-Dw0WYRbbAVZiBlMRZsrrfD2QwBh0yk2hTFuwLXHkUYoCuZt-_yQHg_Q29EVbRaxRPCiE22FeXpFyqqvaCTQaSZ6Y9Dw-v1i5KMeO3yg-9rLVRl8FJUyY/s640/naturalcoughremedy.png" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bring a large saucepan of water to boil. Once boiling, add one generous tablespoon of oregano, thyme, and sage. Stir in and let steep for 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FOR ADULTS:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pour the hot liquid into a large bowl. Put a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale deeply. Try to keep it up for about ten minutes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FOR BABIES:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This requires two adults. Pour the hot liquid into a large bowl. Put the bowl on the floor. Have one adult hold the baby in their lap, being very (VERY!) careful not to let the baby touch the boiling hot water. Have the other adult hold a large blanket over their heads and the bowl, making a "tent". All the steam will stay under the blanket. The baby will probably cry (mine sure did) but that's actually good because that makes them inhale more deeply. Try to keep them under for about ten minutes. The longer the better.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">These herbs are antibacterial and antiviral and will immediately start working to clear up the cold in your throat and lungs. Cold viruses are sensitive to heat and the warm air will help to loosen congestion. We did this every night and saw a definite difference.</span></span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-26422122841621815432013-01-15T19:41:00.004-06:002013-01-15T19:41:47.553-06:00WILD ONES.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp1Ay79Kg9PwLK6r9bpSclu7TDxVZlOQOgaG9GhB6OiLicgdC2fimUXFjMyX5RlbyBnQ-3CAAIfAhwNRn8CRqPknE4nYUmb57jOoiTbm4ZvppAi3sEdN5AQa6PduomNHaS9vsUSiehAbd/s1600/131150_564737925768_1592385150_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp1Ay79Kg9PwLK6r9bpSclu7TDxVZlOQOgaG9GhB6OiLicgdC2fimUXFjMyX5RlbyBnQ-3CAAIfAhwNRn8CRqPknE4nYUmb57jOoiTbm4ZvppAi3sEdN5AQa6PduomNHaS9vsUSiehAbd/s640/131150_564737925768_1592385150_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I met Timmy, he was wild. Marvelously so. He dreamed of climbing mountains and jumping off cliffs. He was loud and intense and passionate and unstoppable. I said <i><b>"Oh no! Please don't climb that!"</b></i> and I said <i><b>"That's dangerous!"</b></i> and I said <i><b>"You're going to hurt yourself!"</b></i> many, many times. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I look into my daughter's eyes, I see Timmy. She is wild. Beautifully so. She dreams of climbing the piano and jumping off chairs. She is loud and dramatic and passionate and stubborn. I say <i><b>"Don't climb that!"</b></i> and I say <i><b>"That's danger!"</b></i> and I say <i><b>"You're going to get hurt."</b></i> many, many times.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgxavjEffMr-AjVvCnZ-yj4SsrxWviiq1uyRIxQ87jh-5p8tZt_0uSRIzDtGyPYePrfW17eRreXJ0crU8TSrPDyoYM9Q_3AJAyQ3QbYbiKeJeKh3ok5-JUgPl2vW8YdogayLScBdztne-/s1600/665791_564737870878_841586440_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgxavjEffMr-AjVvCnZ-yj4SsrxWviiq1uyRIxQ87jh-5p8tZt_0uSRIzDtGyPYePrfW17eRreXJ0crU8TSrPDyoYM9Q_3AJAyQ3QbYbiKeJeKh3ok5-JUgPl2vW8YdogayLScBdztne-/s640/665791_564737870878_841586440_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They still climb. And when one obstacle is conquered, they look ever higher to the next. And the next. When they are together all I hear is squeals and screams and giggling. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And tears, of course, because I'm usually right with my admonitions. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But even still, I'm glad that our daughter was born with the heart of her father. <b>She is brave and she is sweet and she is mine.</b></span></span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-56085047260791947972013-01-12T15:39:00.001-06:002013-01-12T15:39:09.568-06:00TODDLER BEACH FASHION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5wd7K9x9LyswVLpZYY5tqQ1AlzNih_EWdLKu7X9i2Cri2t6csehzE5pg2o_gskxeV7DJkvGJQCZjaEhGXukuoJcMDR-5VkwY9L37jn9I8IVLQwmM2ws7D8J8ZrKp0bcF2fD_FHP_S3-K/s1600/BeachBabe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5wd7K9x9LyswVLpZYY5tqQ1AlzNih_EWdLKu7X9i2Cri2t6csehzE5pg2o_gskxeV7DJkvGJQCZjaEhGXukuoJcMDR-5VkwY9L37jn9I8IVLQwmM2ws7D8J8ZrKp0bcF2fD_FHP_S3-K/s640/BeachBabe.png" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hawaii is two months away, but I'm already planning and packing. Partly because being organized is the only thing that makes sense when you're embarking on a long journey with a toddler. And partly because it's just really very fun.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So here is what Rosemary will be wearing on the sunny beaches of Hawaii. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50786&vid=1&pid=300500002"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ONE: Swim Cap</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I shudder to think of how unhappy a baby with a sunburned scalp would be. <br />A sweet and snugly fitting swim cap is the perfect answer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.target.com/p/circo-infant-toddler-girls-hot-air-balloon-1-piece-swimsuit/-/A-14382139#prodSlot=large_2_26"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">TWO: Cute Suit</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A super cute – but ladylike – swimsuit. Perfect.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.target.com/p/paul-frank-for-target-double-high-five-sunglasses-black/-/A-13698106#prodSlot=large_1_11"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">THREE: Cool Shades</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Baby aviators? Not much could be cuter – or cooler.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/toddler-girls-mary-jane-water-shoes~232283_-1.html?source=pla&cm_mmc=128660126&applyPromo=0&promoState=SWING-_-VALID">FOUR: Itty Bitty Water Shoes</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There will be plenty of beach walking and beach running, <br />so very small water shoes are a very good idea.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-74033691739904468762013-01-10T12:17:00.000-06:002013-01-12T15:39:24.623-06:00THE PROGRESSION OF A SMILE.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYw3W_viMQLWzbavnHE8HUPN2wrE5zbih5iP6qi1gFyqs1VPEDhuevDluCTIaMbpIV1sbSFyMR1-KIe8rLV8ED8upBYy1xTrI6CkDoTc4p1gBGSUZsYFfmq5YPY-8JMGuouiBgqA2nb-QI/s1600/SmileProgression.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYw3W_viMQLWzbavnHE8HUPN2wrE5zbih5iP6qi1gFyqs1VPEDhuevDluCTIaMbpIV1sbSFyMR1-KIe8rLV8ED8upBYy1xTrI6CkDoTc4p1gBGSUZsYFfmq5YPY-8JMGuouiBgqA2nb-QI/s640/SmileProgression.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What makes Rosemary smile?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Daddy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET6RDwRXanQ"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This song.</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bathtime.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Puppies. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Books.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tickles.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Movies of herself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mirrors.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Coconut milk.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-16089734247846770312013-01-08T08:34:00.005-06:002013-01-08T08:34:55.813-06:00A CONVERSATION: ABOUT METEORS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsUIhfdAd-IyowEIOBGNLiHfMyj-iRdFXNQmLsqyMhPK91VZbMyrpxdJ7JfPjrdOPdjhrwTorlqbRkwaZ5tunUXeWmpNoc29WOLn3_0LDjQKdDZH6kvG_j_l7JaBTC4IhLjYs46PE668J/s1600/483525_545705706488_1672921585_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsUIhfdAd-IyowEIOBGNLiHfMyj-iRdFXNQmLsqyMhPK91VZbMyrpxdJ7JfPjrdOPdjhrwTorlqbRkwaZ5tunUXeWmpNoc29WOLn3_0LDjQKdDZH6kvG_j_l7JaBTC4IhLjYs46PE668J/s400/483525_545705706488_1672921585_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>*While discussing the pros and cons of a potential road trip.*</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> </i><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Me:</b> I don't know babe. Maybe we shouldn't go. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We could get in a car accident and die.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Timmy:</b> Yes. But what if we do go and our house gets hit </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">by a meteor while we're gone?<i>?</i> We'll be <b>so </b>glad we went!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-2296965414660671532013-01-07T10:58:00.001-06:002013-01-07T10:58:12.603-06:00MEANWHILE.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg601MT6xAPedumV4nqFSjgYyZ4GCSQFGoTO5T_P_TdIRTzCpIr3Whjw4-ah6VJxSk_QEcP0AgkKkV_Bh2gX0W4vjqpxXy2fo3jfhEPJ70HCRcItwCSfhEiGPzjTnKozRvFZV6RQep049KK/s1600/314233_560632997078_1511187232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg601MT6xAPedumV4nqFSjgYyZ4GCSQFGoTO5T_P_TdIRTzCpIr3Whjw4-ah6VJxSk_QEcP0AgkKkV_Bh2gX0W4vjqpxXy2fo3jfhEPJ70HCRcItwCSfhEiGPzjTnKozRvFZV6RQep049KK/s400/314233_560632997078_1511187232_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the meanwhile</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and in the betweens, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">we've lost count of smiles </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and fallen into a very beautiful</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">place.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR8BscHgMXYP-puYEHFMeydr0npKO_Y0aFkvtPwGWfoQ5OD4oyJhkPpx7IW0TeRltOrdKKC-Ryu1xAKjJIpqZHpA6pZkXqqyIT4DZEIyaehiki6C8WqHPYNac2y_sUhi2Mw6kpWrmlXt3/s1600/377187_560633056958_557927800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR8BscHgMXYP-puYEHFMeydr0npKO_Y0aFkvtPwGWfoQ5OD4oyJhkPpx7IW0TeRltOrdKKC-Ryu1xAKjJIpqZHpA6pZkXqqyIT4DZEIyaehiki6C8WqHPYNac2y_sUhi2Mw6kpWrmlXt3/s400/377187_560633056958_557927800_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the meanwhile,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and in the paused spaces,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">we've caught our breath</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and found ourselves to be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">happy.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWCvRnPKlWOQrjU0LmL7QMoJHMJFAUi4T_qNGgJOtH7MTx7XNKHz31ZkQNyE1dRPtmO8bvQ9IDBl0FKSlL7NCdAs2G50-wIlf9AMKMDqS0le3rgi7dK7qcmpyQP1nCHVDwAs8p3s69gAs/s1600/289743_560632732608_531059369_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWCvRnPKlWOQrjU0LmL7QMoJHMJFAUi4T_qNGgJOtH7MTx7XNKHz31ZkQNyE1dRPtmO8bvQ9IDBl0FKSlL7NCdAs2G50-wIlf9AMKMDqS0le3rgi7dK7qcmpyQP1nCHVDwAs8p3s69gAs/s400/289743_560632732608_531059369_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the meanwhile,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and in the unsaid phrases,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">we've whispered with our eyes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and deeper still we've fallen</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>in love. </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-72405618144440836762013-01-04T13:12:00.003-06:002013-01-04T13:36:04.050-06:00ROSEMARY: 16 MONTHS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK7L-uqUd9RNUGfr7v5ZWKoE8No_ADvgx65LvwSXuOcvasLcv7jZZLEsWTD8KKs3Wt_XAUCjoE7nvVise9LoJh9sspeIKmPB000b8G_X3SrW-6OH7i4xWhvmfGy8LiWY0tTyuDATO7iFf/s1600/16Months04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK7L-uqUd9RNUGfr7v5ZWKoE8No_ADvgx65LvwSXuOcvasLcv7jZZLEsWTD8KKs3Wt_XAUCjoE7nvVise9LoJh9sspeIKmPB000b8G_X3SrW-6OH7i4xWhvmfGy8LiWY0tTyuDATO7iFf/s400/16Months04.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg96IakgClFMsGO4RZx-LzKDBm1fg-8TOoXT_Qvv4fsF27O3cLRGEKKecxhfUgL_LEtvNs3Z9IVlxIYSFS1fQ1NDFKtMSBgJLUq6Ad5eKzpHghLzsz6oPsAXBRInBW9NdjbslDn84Mx8W/s1600/16Months03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg96IakgClFMsGO4RZx-LzKDBm1fg-8TOoXT_Qvv4fsF27O3cLRGEKKecxhfUgL_LEtvNs3Z9IVlxIYSFS1fQ1NDFKtMSBgJLUq6Ad5eKzpHghLzsz6oPsAXBRInBW9NdjbslDn84Mx8W/s400/16Months03.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>weight //</b> 20 pounds</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>height //</b> 29.5 inches</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>wearing //</b> 12 month size clothes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>saying // </b>mama, dada, guh (grandpa), uh-oh, dut (duck)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">she can also roar like a lion, moo like a cow, woof like a puppy, and scrunch her nose like a bunny. <i>Tim plans to teach her to "scream like an eagle" next…</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BFVlwAZUJOPMyeSMlKHWVBjJT1ffSGaFwcIaX81U7hvka1jkd0hPokdfbTbCR3NZ3rGGQ2km9q_WWtx2bWL74jJHMmOIe_Ae_gSQgutz1OsasucUnK_ZQ-pfseYAry48ulG1vWXazFqV/s1600/16Months05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BFVlwAZUJOPMyeSMlKHWVBjJT1ffSGaFwcIaX81U7hvka1jkd0hPokdfbTbCR3NZ3rGGQ2km9q_WWtx2bWL74jJHMmOIe_Ae_gSQgutz1OsasucUnK_ZQ-pfseYAry48ulG1vWXazFqV/s400/16Months05.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> tricks //</b> she knows where her nose, eyes, ears, tongue and belly button are. she also dances, waves, and blows kisses. she will pretty much mimic anything we say or do. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>eating //</b> her favorite foods are applesauce and sweet potatoes, we are also still nursing several times a day </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje5IXVxIAXOppmKlx15XwdaTtnpNOyWMtVdGYbaohUkvgI6w0rvmVTmL1M-Z5R6ZRVietpRu6orijKrfrb5mEBkzNHcAjS8Gc8VocQHWlk_vSTbBQJ-ujJeL0smL1dkfk81LZKhbhleF-/s1600/16Months07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje5IXVxIAXOppmKlx15XwdaTtnpNOyWMtVdGYbaohUkvgI6w0rvmVTmL1M-Z5R6ZRVietpRu6orijKrfrb5mEBkzNHcAjS8Gc8VocQHWlk_vSTbBQJ-ujJeL0smL1dkfk81LZKhbhleF-/s400/16Months07.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>sleeping
//</b> rose takes one daytime nap from 11-2 every day. her bedtime is at 8.
she will typically sleep until 6 or 7 the next morning, but does wake
up a couple times in between. when she does wake up, a good back scratch is all she needs to fall back asleep.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIECnHdSBOxaXTMgJbYJwWWgGTig4vudWQ_hmhPrPoQrin6-Z1xJ2i-7jZCqBnN_zIaZ6ximLZqkm9T3z_dmHqL5GEDtqIo3LmQGhepTpbOPqyFgtEQDneuHQPqsEEhMrbHYqMWFQNW3r/s1600/16Months08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIECnHdSBOxaXTMgJbYJwWWgGTig4vudWQ_hmhPrPoQrin6-Z1xJ2i-7jZCqBnN_zIaZ6ximLZqkm9T3z_dmHqL5GEDtqIo3LmQGhepTpbOPqyFgtEQDneuHQPqsEEhMrbHYqMWFQNW3r/s400/16Months08.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>playing //</b> she loves books, tents, stuffed animals, and boxes. she screams with sheer joy whenever we go outside, and her absolute favorite activity is to dance around the living room naked. she likes to play peek-a-boo in the living room curtains. she LOVES to put on my shoes and shuffle around the house in them. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65PwURU7mMBZ292nl-0mG1cRINjuE4DF9-ru_27267U9Hf1TPggTqLv7vyjRkR7qscCaKjDDPJyDchnA1_xiZS_FR0_58ScVY34_e_bR1FuANeWcC86X1sCKwG9xx3mIG-S5pDNRz_orj/s1600/16Months01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65PwURU7mMBZ292nl-0mG1cRINjuE4DF9-ru_27267U9Hf1TPggTqLv7vyjRkR7qscCaKjDDPJyDchnA1_xiZS_FR0_58ScVY34_e_bR1FuANeWcC86X1sCKwG9xx3mIG-S5pDNRz_orj/s400/16Months01.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0X3V2RLVjS-Gh3Z9bJ3IPsfynISzoCqzreeoFMOOuPWfIqV7O4LNzPo7OyeOPt6e1blmgIJINYRyQLShccFTFCBM0VOaErcs2z80MWuwS9VPgptI3WBAFFdY8tTSAx_7IBisfpE2Oeh4/s1600/16Months02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0X3V2RLVjS-Gh3Z9bJ3IPsfynISzoCqzreeoFMOOuPWfIqV7O4LNzPo7OyeOPt6e1blmgIJINYRyQLShccFTFCBM0VOaErcs2z80MWuwS9VPgptI3WBAFFdY8tTSAx_7IBisfpE2Oeh4/s400/16Months02.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>teething // </b>she has ten teeth and is currently getting three molars and an eye tooth. which means we are currently getting not much sleep.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>potty training //</b> we are working on potty training and hope to have her completely trained by 18 months. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh6Ezw8a6AdY6V0jpQCePd-3y83L-3y3NGeMCaaxC4BnWOHZZvRABRisVFKeWduHevKYdbZqN1TQn5KLnwEMbCJ7Q0_dOO3yVDJYZVYf7uQYBjsM63cPE83vT4gNDoOLilGqKV8a7KY8t/s1600/16Months06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh6Ezw8a6AdY6V0jpQCePd-3y83L-3y3NGeMCaaxC4BnWOHZZvRABRisVFKeWduHevKYdbZqN1TQn5KLnwEMbCJ7Q0_dOO3yVDJYZVYf7uQYBjsM63cPE83vT4gNDoOLilGqKV8a7KY8t/s400/16Months06.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This girl. She makes every day an adventure.</span></b></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279626893136704210.post-183614384086674992013-01-03T17:38:00.003-06:002013-01-03T21:48:03.820-06:00BEST OF 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWE_sow2L2qtn2rXb49SoUltC6sF-WLlfWQx8EfNF56QWh2wmua0vwdNYnOz4xmM6Z-XyO1tmsEdQZofUwNxfX9Zp4o94KdVtZmd8_ybx3L2FtNVj115_DeevlpqOmoAYHuXdt_YKW55y/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWE_sow2L2qtn2rXb49SoUltC6sF-WLlfWQx8EfNF56QWh2wmua0vwdNYnOz4xmM6Z-XyO1tmsEdQZofUwNxfX9Zp4o94KdVtZmd8_ybx3L2FtNVj115_DeevlpqOmoAYHuXdt_YKW55y/s320/IMG_2174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ONE. Rosemary</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This little flower had just turned four months old at the beginning of 2012, and by the end of it she was nearly sixteen months - with a lot of growing done in between. She got her first tooth in April, she started crawling on Mother's Day, she took her first steps just a couple weeks later, and she's been running ever since. Her first word was "mama" but her favorite word is "daDA". She is adorable, hilarious, and contagiously happy. When she smiles she crinkles her nose. She is perfectly ours and the very best of the best. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0i_kTyr-87Gq8mWBScUhWR6CvI2nbhAkBn7R8Jwmms7GA5DzZo9TlrfAZ-AP0SdA04A-bIhbDhN3NN92N5o9qMQ0DQYcPN2Z1CdYTj63TnF7Of5vU1-I-V_hxAlOyxb9X2AjFXJzoR1vP/s1600/Hawaii02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0i_kTyr-87Gq8mWBScUhWR6CvI2nbhAkBn7R8Jwmms7GA5DzZo9TlrfAZ-AP0SdA04A-bIhbDhN3NN92N5o9qMQ0DQYcPN2Z1CdYTj63TnF7Of5vU1-I-V_hxAlOyxb9X2AjFXJzoR1vP/s400/Hawaii02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">TWO. Hawaii</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> In March we took a family trip to Hawaii with Mom and Dad. In case you were wondering if my complete obsession with this island paradise has dimmed in the past year - rest assured that I love it more than ever. Hawaii has my perfect combination of sunlight, beauty, and an overwhelming aura of relaxation. Bliss. We had a blast, and we're planning a second trip for this coming March…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-tAPPLpolNKPU_mlDeME-H1r-EhjRgsoZLLo4VjCz_52j-S2oLszQc7z8oCxg7dvOZue64VXjgZEfRcMSrvO-1FDdeomBThnZY_08IXezr0L9YUNYq4nxpnCLwDp_CG0Ci2hgIUFwqCi/s1600/White.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-tAPPLpolNKPU_mlDeME-H1r-EhjRgsoZLLo4VjCz_52j-S2oLszQc7z8oCxg7dvOZue64VXjgZEfRcMSrvO-1FDdeomBThnZY_08IXezr0L9YUNYq4nxpnCLwDp_CG0Ci2hgIUFwqCi/s320/White.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">THREE. Painting</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This summer I painted the oak cabinets in my kitchen white. And then I started painting ALL the trim in my house white. And all the doors. If I had realized what a big project this would turn out to be, I may not have started it. And once you start this sort of thing, you simply can not stop. But it's amazing how much lighter and brighter our home feels with all the white white white, so continue on I shall. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jv1ehOIkekf5MmIqeZTiWTw9hIkqXayJZQAgiqCGKK4TxmQMSmnS3L8ZzrTPHvjOTpXZX_oi5DBw-ljePLFl42j1xXeRQW7hfI43SihOlMDIH0xSEldTg5CcyrE6TK-pVc_0IUBwyK7I/s1600/California02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jv1ehOIkekf5MmIqeZTiWTw9hIkqXayJZQAgiqCGKK4TxmQMSmnS3L8ZzrTPHvjOTpXZX_oi5DBw-ljePLFl42j1xXeRQW7hfI43SihOlMDIH0xSEldTg5CcyrE6TK-pVc_0IUBwyK7I/s400/California02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FOUR. California</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In November the three of us took a little vacation to sunny Newport Beach, California. We visited several dear friends and spent a lot of time chasing seagulls, which was Rosemary's favorite part. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7F3sn-pQzt5dCtYAsGi1c5vzDGs-JXaSTHymeNsBMTWJguTiaM55YtoUZb1KRt5xqyi0TwKapPSyfQLqfgtXnU-xuKNpreiQXi7rxfJJ3oTQzAP7uEpQoYEOKCSnxTgwa1oAoEglTib_/s1600/Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7F3sn-pQzt5dCtYAsGi1c5vzDGs-JXaSTHymeNsBMTWJguTiaM55YtoUZb1KRt5xqyi0TwKapPSyfQLqfgtXnU-xuKNpreiQXi7rxfJJ3oTQzAP7uEpQoYEOKCSnxTgwa1oAoEglTib_/s400/Birthday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FIVE. <span style="font-size: small;">Rose<span style="font-size: small;">mary's First Birthday</span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> She turned one year old in September. Time flies when you're having fun, and we were having a lot of fun. So her birthday just kind of whizzed up on us, arrived with a burst of PINK, and disappeared into a beautiful and mysterious realm called "toddlerhood". We did manage to have a really great celebration in honor of our quickly blossoming Rose, and it was a very festive occasion. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">SIX. Marriage Conference</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Timmy and I attended a marriage conference in Indianapolis with our favorite little Rynn and Caleb.<span style="font-size: small;"> It was part of the <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://marshill.com/media/real-marriage">Real Marriage tour done by </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://marshill.com/media/real-marriage">Mark Dr</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://marshill.com/media/real-marriage">iscoll</a>, and <span style="font-size: small;">it <span style="font-size: small;">was amazing. Mark<span style="font-size: small;"> Driscoll is</span> even cooler in person, and it was an all-arou<span style="font-size: small;">nd happ<span style="font-size: small;">y happening.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwY0g2EqgvbmCE9kHxXLmev0h-wOgtsszUIGxL1c9FLMSnoTxA4d_SaJddT8IaPDQLjW9szlsCZMLEKzL6aFngjOp8yGflTor_5Druyrv0r5O3dmfwY6k8t6DZVBSujPj7GDY00Nq2S2A/s1600/FamilyTime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwY0g2EqgvbmCE9kHxXLmev0h-wOgtsszUIGxL1c9FLMSnoTxA4d_SaJddT8IaPDQLjW9szlsCZMLEKzL6aFngjOp8yGflTor_5Druyrv0r5O3dmfwY6k8t6DZVBSujPj7GDY00Nq2S2A/s400/FamilyTime.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">SEVEN</span>. Family Time</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I asked Timmy what his favorite part of 2012 was, "family time" was his answer.<span style="font-size: small;"> We really learned how to be a family this last year, and our life is so much sweeter<span style="font-size: small;"> as<span style="font-size: small;"> three. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span> </span></b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">EIGHT. My Birthday Celebration</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I turned
26 on the 26th of November and Timmy took me to Chicago to celebrate my
long-awaited Golden Birthday. <span style="font-size: small;">(My parents watched Rosemary and she had a great time with them!) </span>We went to IKEA, ate yummy food, and
stayed in a luxurious hotel. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm2VFs0W6M8h49JVOAia3Jhdy8UQBSD-EpTDn62ThUSVJwTSj7t-82zkQuuO5sqpK4OWnzlNFcT8RQi4Ks-wAS3GEeRY4Q8V7PolkiIzayxzMDyorDjBhF4KGWgkT3_fkRl-mRV_132h-/s1600/Camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm2VFs0W6M8h49JVOAia3Jhdy8UQBSD-EpTDn62ThUSVJwTSj7t-82zkQuuO5sqpK4OWnzlNFcT8RQi4Ks-wAS3GEeRY4Q8V7PolkiIzayxzMDyorDjBhF4KGWgkT3_fkRl-mRV_132h-/s320/Camera.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span> <b>NINE. New Camera</b><br />Timmy bought me a new camera for Rosemary's birthday. I can't quite explain how that makes sense, so I'll quote him saying it was "for keeping Rose alive for a whole year!" I'd say, when you look at it that way, my new camera was well-deserved. I love it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUpEcGQClWhbfEb9qoPg4Kvux7_quHo3AkwS2ZFOHqIaKRIydkG9XkBb1M1sHb6ZzCaSpg-LFiBW_pDTL01xAt_pdH2UOADakV69ksFH6f_WNK9salpq33LrZXFoW0ELox9xXUyc_LUAt/s1600/photo-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUpEcGQClWhbfEb9qoPg4Kvux7_quHo3AkwS2ZFOHqIaKRIydkG9XkBb1M1sHb6ZzCaSpg-LFiBW_pDTL01xAt_pdH2UOADakV69ksFH6f_WNK9salpq33LrZXFoW0ELox9xXUyc_LUAt/s400/photo-41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo credit: Laura Zastrow Photography, www.laurazastrow.com) </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>TEN. <span style="font-size: small;">God</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best <span style="font-size: small;">part of anything is always God, and <span style="font-size: small;">this past year </span>He has really shown himself to be faithful, l<span style="font-size: small;">oving, and very patie<span style="font-size: small;">nt. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b> </b></div>
</div>
happily, Beckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550648355710764733noreply@blogger.com1