8/10

Each week, I'm able to fit into one more article of clothing (for my bottom half), post Doodlebug. I really didn't want to have to buy new clothes and it doesn't look like I'll have to.

LaVor bought me this skirt for Mother's Day last year and I've been itching to get back into it. I tried it on last night and my hips finally fit in it again...wo hoo!

I hate taking pictures by myself...so uncomfortable 

I have four plain white t-shirts but they get so dingy that I'm feeling the need for another one (after I get rid of some...clearly I don't need five!). I wore this one because it was one of the least dingy but I have to wear a tank top underneath and multiple layers is not conducive for nursing. I changed as soon as I got home from church.

My shoes...I love these shoes! I'd love them even more if they were a 1/2 size bigger but an 8.5 was all there was so I suck it up each time I wear them. And that's usually only to church, so I don't have to walk around in them too much. Or else my toes get scrunched and skin gets rubbed raw and then I can't wear them again until the toes heal. What a process.

Do you know how hard it is to take a timed photo of your outfit (today's subject) without someone running into the shot? And it wasn't just the 4 year old...

Oh yeah, I'm letting my bangs grow in anticipation of my hair falling out. Hoping to stay ahead of the game!

8/9

I didn't take a picture of my feet in them because my feet are huge and my ankles aren't.  I end up looking like a duck.

Today's subject: transportation.
 
My primary mode of transportation was being used by LaVor and The Lime today, for their special outing with LaVor's co-workers.  After I got my first load of laundry started, and Doodlebug was fed, I decided to utilize another form of transportation - my feet.

My feet have served me well in the 30 years I've had them.  They've walked marathons and touched down in different countries.  They may not be the cutest, but they're irreplaceable.

I've been wanting to get back into walking (mainly to lose these last 8 pounds) but it's been so gosh darn hot.  Today we experienced a significant cool down and so Doodlebug and I set out for a little walk.  I managed to pass an older gentleman, and then pass him again.  I also witnessed a city employee taking down yard sale signs (I knew there were laws about posting them but I didn't realize they were THAT serious about it).  I would have liked to walk longer but my hat was giving me a massive headache and Doodlebug didn't fall asleep like I was hoping.

This week is supposed to cool down even more so I'll have additional opportunities to take advantage of my second form of transportation.

8/8

Last Saturday night, we got to attend the River Cats game with LaVor's co-workers and their families.  It was the first baseball game we've been to this year and quite the exciting one.

We were sitting there, enjoying the game, I was nursing Doodlebug, when a foul ball all of a sudden came right at us.  Everyone ducked down, I rolled my body over the baby, and the ball hit the leg of the lady behind me.  Note: her right leg was broken and it hit her left leg.  Upon impact, she managed to throw her beer all over herself.  She went ballistic, blaming everyone around her for not catching the ball and letting it hit her.  The paramedic came to check her out and the waterworks started.  I'm pretty sure she was drunk and it was probably a good thing she didn't have her beer to drink anymore.  After her constant complaining, her daughter finally said, "Mom!  Shut up!  At least the ball didn't hit the baby!"  She didn't say much after that.

Today's subject is an activity I love.

I love going to and watching baseball games.  The game itself is enjoyable but there's always an interesting person that adds to the experience. 

8/7

Before Doodlebug was born, I found a really cute diaper bag that fit my style (and obsession with polka dots). It worked out fine but was a little cramped with all of his stuff and my purse items.

Then we went to the Mommy & Me Day and I couldn't bring the stroller. Since I'd have to carry Doodlebug in the Björn, I decided to transfer all the diaper bag items into a backpack, so all the weight would be evenly distributed and not resting on one shoulder.

That was several weeks ago and I still haven't switched back to the diaper bag. Hence why my picture for today (a photo of my bag) looks like this:

8/6

LaVor and I are approaching the 6th anniversary of our trip to Europe. My my, how time does fly!

While I loved a majority of our trip (far too quick and Frankfurt was a flop), one of my favorite places ended up being Berlin.

And that's the subject for today: a favorite place.

There were so many things to love about Berlin. The people were especially friendly, the city had a combination of old and new, there was tons to see, but I think what encompassed me the most was the fact that 20 years prior, it was a completely different city (and Germany a different country).

We followed what used to be the wall for a majority of the day. I kept trying to imagine what it would be like to be on the east side, so stinkin' close to freedom yet trapped by concrete and barbed wire. I remember my mom telling me a story of when she visited East Berlin and how she had never been as scared as she was crossing Checkpoint Charlie.

While we were never that scared, we did have our brief moments of uneasiness. But it wasn't enough to turn me off to such a great city. One full of history, that I'd love to visit again someday.

Dreams Come True

About a month ago, The Lime had asked me where all of the fire stations were in our city. We looked the map up online and in the process, came across the invitation to the open house of station 1. Station 1 is across the street from the post office so whenever we mail something, The Lime asks if we can drop in and say hi. We did back in December but haven't been back. I knew the open house would be a real treat for The Lime, especially since that's where one of the city's hook & ladders is (his favorite truck).

The Lime practically ran out of his bedroom Saturday morning, he was so excited. We got to the station a little after it started and The Lime was a bit reserved. We were welcomed by the chief and invited to take a look around.

Our first stop was the obstacle course out back. Kevin greeted us and asked if The Lime wanted a turn. He said no but I told him he was doing it, no matter what. Kevin offered to do it with The Lime, as long as he took his hands out of his pockets.

He got to run through some cones, drag a dummy across the ground, screw a hose together, lift some weights from the ground up, and finally put a pretend fire out with a hose (the best part!).

After that, The Lime wanted to check everything out. We left nothing untouched!

Jeff was a nice guy who was helping kids onto the truck, where the controls were for the ladder. The Lime went on this part a few times. The second turn, he asked Jeff what kind of car he drove when he left the station. "A truck," Jeff said. "What kind?" The Lime asked. Jeff got a smirk on his face and said, "This could be debatable...a Ford." "Alright!" exclaimed The Lime, while giving a thumbs up. It was hilarious.

A fireman overheard The Lime say he wanted to take a tour of the firehouse so he happily showed us around. The fireman emphasized how clean they have to keep their spaces and encouraged The Lime to keep his room clean.

We learned that this station is one of the few left with a pole, which they still use. I wanted to take a picture of The Lime with it but he got scared that we were going to make him slide down. LaVor had to hold his hand and the fireman blocked the doorway with his leg, then The Lime was confident he was safe. The fireman zipped down the pole and met us at the bottom (we took the stairs).

We ran into a fireman demonstrating the air tank to some boys and The Lime asked if he could try it on. That sucker was heavy and The Lime almost fell backward. The fireman said with all their gear on and the tank, they're carrying around at least 100 extra pounds. I told The Lime that's like me riding on his back and he better start working out. He thought that was silly.

We ran back into the chief and The Lime asked him what he drove. He took us out front to his Suburban and opened up the back, showing us all the cool stuff he gets to use.

The Lime asked the chief where the captain was and he directed us back to the hook & ladder. We had met the captain at our local fire station back in December when we dropped cookies off for them. The captain was manning the tiller, which The Lime could hardly wait to sit in. If there weren't other kids waiting, he would have stayed there the entire time.

We walked around the truck for the 100th time, only this time, The Lime wanted to try on the headphones. Nobody else was doing it so I wasn't sure we'd be allowed to. Before I knew it, The Lime was asking Jeff if he could get in the cab and put them on. He was so sweet to let him and it ended up being another highlight of the visit.

The open house was just about over, and we had seen everything imaginable. Before we left, The Lime had to do the obstacle course four more times. We finally had to tell him if he wanted to stay, he'd have to clean the floors and toilets. That was reason enough to leave but it wasn't without thanking everyone for the wonderful morning and allowing a little 4 year old to live out his dream.

8/5

I originally thought of posting a picture of my boys for today, since they're dang cute, but then I realized I have pictures from 4 months ago that I never posted.

Today's subject is something I made.

Come April, it's a given that I'm going to make my niece's birthday cake.  And I love it!  I love being able to contribute to her special day and bringing a smile to her face.

This year's theme was Tangled and my sister gave me a couple photos for inspiration but always lets me make the ultimate decision.  I was drawn to one in particular and decided to try my hand at recreating it.

I've determined noses and lips are not my strongpoint. I've never been good at drawing them and clearly that rolls over into cakes. And I need to ease up on the blush. I do love how the braid turned out, wrapped around the entire cake.

But my niece loved it and it tasted great. Just hoping I can redeem myself next year.