Road Trip

We did it.  We survived our first road trip as a family of three.  (We did have some passengers that were along for the ride...my mom and brother.  They definitely helped us out.)  Of course, we were not without some battle scars...bags under our eyes, stained clothing and one tired baby.

And this wasn't just a short road trip.  Oh no, we decided Mason's very first road trip would be none other than Chicago.  Normally, a six hour drive which turned into a seven to eight hour drive due to potty and feeding breaks.  Despite the diaper blow outs and spit up, Mason was a champ.  He managed to sleep most of the time.   We did have a few unhappy noises and faces at times, but once he found his thumb, all was right in his world. 

The reason for this road trip...celebrating my best friend's wedding.  Laura and I have been friends since high school.  So many wonderful memories of adventures that we have been through together over the years.  No matter the time that passes we can always catch up right where we left off.  I admire her so much.  She found her way to Chicago after college, not really knowing anyone and made her place there...she has made it her home. 

I was so excited to be able to stand by her side this weekend, so excited when I received her invitation asking me to be a part of her special day.  So relieved that the timing worked out where I would be able to make it and not be too pregnant or that Mason would be too young.   

But, this trip wasn't without its challenges.  Trying to coordinate a long trip with a baby is tough.  Making sure I packed enough. Coordinating times to nurse and times to pump.  Having your baby take a bottle which has been a struggle.  Making sure baby gets some sleep so as not to disrupt all the events. The long drive.  I was worn out even before we left just thinking about everything.  But despite all this, I knew I didn't want to miss this.  She had stood by my side two years ago and I wanted to be there for her, to witness her special time. 

I'm so glad that despite all my worrying and struggles, we made it and survived with flying colors. 

And the wedding was absolutely stunning.  Like out of a magazine stunning.  Laura was beautiful.  Her dress was perfect. The colors and how all the details were thought out and meshed flawlessly. Laura did an amazing job planning it all, but I knew she would...she's my creative friend :)  

Our sweet Mason, he did great.  He had his breakdown moments, but for the most part, he went with the flow and was a huge hit with everyone.  He did get to spend quality time with his Grandma during the wedding and later that evening which he enjoyed. 

Here are some snapshots from the day:

[Me and the Bride]

[The whole family]

[Bridal party table at reception]

[Dessert Bar which consisted of about 4-5 round tables.  Amazing!]

[Groom had Superdawg brought in later in the evening.  We really enjoyed these famous hot dogs!]

[Mason saving his energy for the reception.]

[The next morning at breakfast]

To Laura:  You are beautiful, inside and out.  Thank you for always being there for me, for being a constant in my life, for the many laughs that we have shared and even for the shoulder to cry on at times.  I am so happy that you have found "your lobster" (sorry, just had to include the Friends reference). I wish you and Joe a lifetime of happiness.  Seeing the two of you yesterday, seeing the joy and love radiating on your faces not just during the ceremony but the entire evening, I was content.  Content that you are happy, that your love story is strong. Marriage is not always easy, but just remember this day, the moment of your vows and hang on for the ride because it is a ride.  Sometimes exhilarating, sometimes bumpy but knowing that you have a partner by your side makes it all worthwhile in the end.  And Joe will be right there by your side.  Walking along with you.  Hand in hand. Hold on tight Laura, it's a wonderful ride.  

With all my love,  Jayme 

 

[At the salon]

  

Fall. Favorite Season.

Living in Kentucky, I'm able to experience my favorite season...fall. The landscape, comfort food, the clothing.  I just adore everything about it. At our new home, I am really getting to experience the changing landscape.  We live just about 15 minutes from town and have quite a bit of land now.  Trees galore and they have all started changing colors.  Absolutely breathtaking. It's a blessing to be surrounded by God's creation.  It helps me to stop and take the time to appreciate the details. 

Being intentional.

We went yesterday to check out the daycare where Mason will be while I'm at work.  It is a great facility and highly recommended.  Everyone was extremely friendly and they knew the children.  The lady watching the infants is experienced.  But...the bottom line is that she is not me. 

Even though I still have a couple of weeks before I head back to work, I wanted to cry yesterday at the thought of leaving him.  Morning time is our time.  It's a time when we have our best talks.  When he loves to play on his mat. It hurts me to think about losing these times. 

I know I'm not the only mom out there that goes through this.  It's hard no doubt and I sent a text to one of my best friends here who has been in my shoes already.  She pointed out that taking him to daycare while I work will make the time that we spend together that much more special.  I appreciated her response and it made me think about how our time is spent.  I know I want to be more intentional with my time.  It goes by too quickly otherwise (I've especially noticed this with having a child).  With limited time with Mason, I want the time that I do have to really mean something.  I want us to build upon those special moments.  This should be the case not only with Mason, but with Hubby.  With both of us working, our time together is in the evenings and weekend.  We need to put down our cell phones, limit the television time.  I know I'm really guilty of this.  That way we can solely focus on each other.  We can build and strengthen our family, on what's really important.

 

It's the little things...

Like sweet little feet.

in handmade loafers.  Love.

Doctor Visit

Yesterday was Mason's two month doctor's visit, which means our first vaccinations.  I held him while he was given the shots and let's just say that this was one sad momma.  As soon as the nurse poked his cubby little thigh, he started wailing and I had to look away as tears welled up.  Three pokes and then came two bright blue crayon band aids.  His wailing didn't last too long thankfully, Hubby and I cuddled him, quickly dressed him and got the heck out of there. 

Hubby went on to work so Mason and I headed back home.  Normally, Mason doesn't really make much noise in the car but this time he had plenty to say.  No, he didn't cry.  He "talked".  I can only imagine what he was really telling me...then he feel asleep. And that is how we spent the majority of our day. Plenty of sleep and cuddles.

As to his doctor's report...excellent.  He is 12 pounds 1 ounce and 24 and 1/2 inches.  We have one long and lean little man!

2 Months

Our sweet Mason has reached his 2 month birthday!  It's amazing to see how each week brings more development.  He is such a joy in our lives.  Don't get me wrong, we have our times where we have no clue what we are doing and he certainly can't tell us what is wrong, but despite that he's such a light in our lives. 

You are growing up so quickly, Mason!  Now, you are able to actually focus your bright blue eyes on mommy and daddy and even follow us around the room occasionally.  Your grip is getting even stronger and you like to hold onto our fingers, clothing and even mommy's hair when it is down.  You love to lay on your playmat and look at the flashing lights and toys while listening to the music, and you especially love to kick those legs and swing your arms to hit the toys.  Most of the time you would rather be up and about, checking out this all new world around you.  You definitely don't want to miss out on anything!!  You are struggling with taking a bottle from daddy in the evenings since you would much rather have mommy, but we'll keep working on that. 

You are also working really hard to strengthen that little neck of yours and you are doing such a great job!  You don't mind tummy time at all and sometimes you even fall asleep but not before you raise your head up several times.  It is so amazing to see you hold your head up when we are holding you.  I just can't get over how much you are growing.

One of the sweetest moments is every morning when you wake up.  You are such a morning person!  We wake up to your eyes wide open and your sweet grin.  You just love to "talk" to us too.  We just can't get enough of your sweet conversations. 

Mason, you have definitely changed our lives.  Our dynamics as a family have shifted.  Things might not come as easily to us as before, but we would not have it any other way.  You are such a blessing and a joy for us.  To see characteristics of both of us in you is such a gift.  An amazing gift.  We take our job seriously to raise you to be a child of God, to make your mark on this world, to be loving and compassionate to all.  

Always remember that you are loved, by so many people, especially by God.  You will never be alone, my sweet Mason!

We love you to the moon and back!  

Happy Anniversary

On Tuesday, the 2nd of October, Hubby and I celebrated two years of marriage.  Seems like we have had a busy two years, particularly this last year.  New house with land.  New baby.  Trying to sell old house. 

I couldn't imagine life with anyone else.  Hubby is definitely my match from God.  Definitely worth the wait.  I feel like he balances me out and even challenges me to strive harder for what I want.  He loves me for who I am and shows that to me on a daily basis in even the smallest gesture.  

Now seeing him as a dad, just reaffirms my love for him and that God's plan is bigger than mine at times.  He is such a wonderful dad to Mason and when I see him talking to Mason and Mason starting to grin at him, I'm flooded with an overwhelming amount of love.  He's such a strong role model for our son and I hope that Mason will understand this and follow in his daddy's footsteps. 

That day two years ago, we knew we were at the beginning of an adventure.  We had no idea what it would look like, only that we were in it together and it was going to be one heck of a ride.  Looking back so far, it has definitely been that!  I'm excited to see what the next years hold for us, what God has planned.