Our Baby

This morning we had our big ultrasound. I have been really distracted with other things the last week or so and was not really excited about it until last night. I'm glad the excitement was short because waiting is so hard! For the last three weeks B and I, along with many of you, our family and friends, have been praying for my placenta to move away from the cervix. I was mentally preparing myself for a high risk pregnancy, bed rest and an early c-section. While all that was premature, I had to have my emotions in check for me to maintain any sanity about the entire situation. I know way too much about the condition and gave everything I knew up to God because I had no control. There was nothing we could do and so I settled with the worst case scenario. In a way, I believe this worked in my favor. I was less emotional and more accepting about it the last week or so, not to mention Christmas and time off from work is a huge distraction.

We arrived and waited for our tech. She has been a sonographer for 30 years so I knew she would tell us everything. Our practice has their own techs so, unlike in a hospital, they can give us details right away. I asked her if my care would be transferred and she said no, not for a previa. So that was a relief. I really was bumming on missing out on my experience with a midwife, even if I did end up with a c-section.

Baby looks amazing! So healthy and very happy. He/she is measuring a week behind, just like their older brother had been. Baby is also very low so we were unable to get the good profile shots. I go back in two weeks so she can check the head, face, brain and heart out in more detail.

Lastly, we finished up with a TV ultrasound to check on the placenta's placement. Right away it was obvious: my placenta was no longer covering the cervix! And not only that, but was a good 2.4cm away from the opening meaning I don't even have a marginal previa. I am no longer high risk and can carry on with a normal, vaginal birth if all else works out that way!! We are elated! I cannot even tell you how it felt to hear B's sigh of relief. We had both been really careful about my carrying things, etc for the last few weeks and while I will still be careful, we have a lot less to worry about.

Our year could not have ended any better! Tonight we are celebrating by a quiet dinner at home, sipping on sparkling cider, and watching the ball drop.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2012 Year in Review

This year has been amazing. I will let the photos and captions speak for themselves. Cheers and Happy New Year!!

January

• We started to potty train Logan.


• I was struggling with a lot of depression and anxiety, mostly due to my stomach issues.


• B brewed his first batch of beer.


• I got a promotion and my very own office.

February

• Logan turned two!


• B and I celebrated 4 years together.


• I started some new medication and counseling to help get my health back on track.

March

• We were all sick for most of the month :(


• Celebrated St. Patty's Day downtown Denver with family.


• Logan's verbal language exploded!

April

• I got really sick  (AGAIN!)


• Made some fancy deviled eggs for Easter


• Logan flew a kite!

May

• Celebrated Mother's Day with my parents


• I decided to make a ton of frozen meals.


• My health really started to come under control

June





 

 

• We took our 2nd family vacation together and headed to the Jersey Shore.


• We had a terrible fire rip through our woods not too far away.


• We closed on our first house!

July

• We settled into our new home.


• One of the hottest summers, nearly 100* days everyday in July!


• We dealt with a terrible, local tragedy, the Aurora theater shooting.


• I went to a Dashboard show where I saw someone propose to his girlfriend!

August

• B and I celebrated 4 years of marriage and I turned 28.


• I started up college again!


• We prepared for my cousin to move in with us.

September

•  We learned about baby bean on September 17th!


• My cousin moved in with her kids.

October

• I announced my pregnancy on social networks.


• 1st prenatal appointment


• Got food poisoning on our trip to Black Hawk and lost a bunch of money.


• We had our first snow of the season.


• Hurricane Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore and displaced my extended family.

November

• Pregnancy migraines started up (NO FUN!).


• I attended my first live birth of twins via c-section.


• I only had one class left to finish this month.

December

• Found out I have a complete placenta previa with this baby.


• Celebrated Christmas three times; once in Denver with B's family, once on Christmas Day with B, Logan and his mom, and once in Steamboat with my parents and extended family. (post to come)


• Baby bean started moving around a ton!

thank you isn't enough

I'm sure some of you are wondering how in the world we are handling all the expenses that Tulo's accident has incurred. It's not pretty people. But what IS pretty are the people who have helped us out along this rough road.

We have never been on the receiving end of a charity and I honestly thought we never would. Tulo's initial visit to the incredible e-vets in town is our financial responsibility. That includes his surgery, the e-collar he's never used, meds, sedation, wound care, etc...just take a guess as to how much that costs. It's not pretty, like I said.

I remember sitting in the courtyard of the hospital listening to the tech tell me all about Tulo's injuries and just sobbing. He would have to visit our regular vet every week for several weeks until the cast comes off and then he'll need physical therapy which is a pretty penny. I had no idea how our little family was going to handle such a huge financial burden. Tulo may "just be a dog" but in no way is he less of a family member. There was no question we would allow the vet and her team to treat Tulo however they saw fit.

Three days after the accident we had his dressings changed and assessed by our regular vet. Near the end of our appointment I mentioned that there was no way we would be able to pay for every service "at the time of service" as they requested and even went into further detail about our financial status. We both work hard, full-time hours, pay for daycare, rent, bills, etc...so I simply asked for us to set up a payment plan. Our vet is a saint. She listen deeply and began to tell me about The Gracie Fund. It's a charity-based fund through Friendship Vet Hospital for families like us who have a pet going through something traumatic, both financially and emotionally, and need some help. We were instantly given $250 by someone in town. Her only request was that we write her (the person who made the donation) a thank you note. DONE AND DONE! I was in tears! This amount covered 2-3 more visits which we continued to have every 4-5 days.

There was a visit in there somewhere when Tulo ate through the bottom of his cast. I was livid! I thought for sure they would have to recast him but no...our vet simply covered the area extra good so there was still some air getting into the wound (a good thing) but still protecting his toes. We sprayed it down with chew guard and before leaving she said that quick visit was on her. Wow. Are people really this nice? Am I really THAT blessed?? I called and told B. We were floored by her kindness, compassion, and generosity.

Once that fund was drained, the hospital applied for the Lady Bug grant. This one is a little different in that the hospital has to request a grant for us based on our situation. Once qualified, the Lady Bug grant is $150 with the promise from the hospital to match that amount for the family. You do the math. That's another $300 right there. This grant came to us when Tulo developed the infection prior to this past Thursday's visit regarding the drain in his leg.

THEN, on Thursday even more came to us. The hospital had applied for two more grants for us and that vist alone was over $800. With the grant ($300) and even more support and assistance from my father-in-law (B's dad) and his fiancee for the balance, we did not have to pay for anything.

We will be paying B's dad back. But how do we pay the hospital back? How do we pay the people back who contribute to The Gracie Fund? B and I talked about this on Thursday evening. So much has been given to us in a way we never thought possible. It's true, bad things do happen to good people and then what? Well, this is exactly why these charities exist. We are going to offer our time to help around the hospital, if they'll accept us. Volunteering our time only seems right considering the circumstances.

Every month for almost two years our family has made a $15 donation to the Children's Hospital in Denver. March of Dimes and the Alzheimer's Association are two other charities we have made contributions to. $10 comes out of my paycheck every month for the cancer foundation through the hospital. We believe in giving. When other smaller avenues come up, we do what we can (change for local fire fighters...). We are without a doubt humbled by the events and results of those events over the last month. It has been one of the most trying for our family but in no way to we doubt that we are being taken care of. I urge everyone to give to a charity that is close to your heart. I remember calling my mom to tell her about the $250 from The Gracie Fund and she was so happy for us, stating "Wow, I guess pets need a charity too". It's not something that everyone is fully aware of. Pet insurance is still a new thing that most pet owners do not participate in. Regardless, giving just feels good and I can honestly say that while it feels uncomfortable, at first anyway, to be on the receiving end that I'm not sure what we would have done without the amazing people (vets, techs, donations, and family) helping us keep our heads above water. You know who you are. You're amazing and we love you.

18 months old-lotsa pictures!

oh.my.stars.



(playing with Butte-kid has an arm on him)

Logan turned 18 months old on Monday. Is this for real?? My squishy little newborn baby is now a toddling, tail-pulling, tantrum-throwing, hug-giving, self-feeding, nearly-talking little boy who just so happens to have the most heart-melting smile in the world.

Notice anything different? Why yes, Logan got a hair cut by none other than yours truly. I just buzzed it and he did great! Didn't cry and was very patient with me. Shorter hair makes him look even OLDER and more like a toddler. What a little ham, though. His eyes just pop and OMG he has the longest eyelashes. Yes, I am totally bragging about my kid.

(lovies with mama)

Life with a toddler only gets better, really. I know that it *may*get worse (hear the optimism in my voice here people) and that's okay. He's learning how to be a person and that is such an amazing thing to witness, even if it means thrashing and hitting and constantly pulling him off the TV stand. He'll get it.

(water color painting-very artistic just like daddy!)

The last month has been a little chaiotic but we are settling into our new home nicely and we know Logan loves his back yard. He takes chalk and marks it all over himself, the dogs, the chairs, the siding of the house, and of course the sidewalk. He throws sticks at the dogs and thinks squirting Butte in the face with a squirt gun is the funniest thing known to man. His belly laugh just about kills me. I love it.



(monkey shots)

Daycare is going great. He rarely ever cries when we drop him off. A few things we've noticed that help this transition is to let him walk into the classroom holding our hand. He feels like he has more control of the situation and welcomes it more easily. Also if the kids are sitting down for breakfast I'm pretty much forgotten. He immediatly sits in his chair and waits patiently for the teachers to bring him his food. When we pick him up he RUNS to us, giggling the whole way into our arms. The excitement makes our hearts burst. We missed him just as much as he missed us. Logan has been going 3 days a week which has worked out well for us financially and we LOVE the social, creative, and developmental things he is learning as well.

Sleep has been wonderful. He sleeps 10-12 hours a night and even in the mix of cutting his very last 1 year molar he has only cried out once or twice and soothes himself back to sleep quickly.

Things we're working on:

• The Paci: We had been doing really well there for awhile and then I got sick and it just wiggled it's way out of the drawer. Dang it.


• The Bottle: We have not been very pushy about this with Logan. He only gets it for his am and pm milk and uses a sippy for the rest of the day. However, I noticed that at night he is still picky about having his milk in a bottle, not the sippy.


• The Potty: Ever so slowly am I starting to introduce the idea to Logan. I have been sitting him on the toilet for a minute, or as long as he will sit there, before and after his bath. It does not seem to scare him which is great and all I am trying to do is get him used to the idea. We don't expect anything yet and know it's going to be a long process.


• Talking: Logan has really started to say more, even through signing. He can sign more than he can say but new words this month were "duck" and "out" for outside. Go figure.

(exactly 1 year ago)

Most recently we have started to let Logan feed the dogs in the morning and evening. He LOVES having a job. The kid practly jumps out of his skin he is so excited to help mama out. I fill the cup and he carries it over to the bowl. If he spills a little he picks them up and puts the pieces in the bowl, rather than eating it (which he was doing). Then he puts the cup away and claps for a job well done. I love it.



(1 year old with monkey)

I've decided that after this month I will no longer refer to his age in months. I will say "he's a year and a half" or "almost two". Saying in this manner makes him seem so much older, as if referring to months actually makes it still seem like he's a baby. It's a growing process for both of us. I cannot believe that he is more than half way to two now.

This age is so fun. SO FUN!

New Home Tour: Kitchen & Bathroom

It's taken a few days but I finally snapped a few photos of these two rooms. I love our kitchen. I've always wanted a kitchen sink that looked out into the back yard so that I could keep an eye on our babe playing. He is OBSESSED with being "ou-tah" and since the entire yard is fenced and safe I am okay with letting him play while I do some dishes.



Ahh, dishes. We don't have a dishwasher. GASP! I know. I swore up and down we'd never ever live in a home without a dishwasher and lo and behold the yard won me over. Actually, funny story. I had no idea that there was no dishwasher until the day we moved in. B actually said "hey, s, you know there's no dishwasher, right?" and I was like "omg-how could I not have noticed?!" At that point it was too late. We'd already signed our lease and honestly, it's fine. I got the big deep bathtub and the large fenced yard my heart has longed for and for that I am okay with washing dishes 96 times a day, give or take.



Our stackable HE laundry is in the corner of the kitchen and it works out nicely. Now, I know you're noticing the open cabinets. There are covers of a sort and they slide and they stick and after doing lots of sliding and sticking for the first few days I nearly ripped them out. Actually I did rip them out, gently. I actually like the open look and this is not the final look we're going for. I want to get some pretty wallpaper to line the bottoms and paint the back some fun color. This will all have to wait.



Also, the blue antique cabinet needs new shelving in it and once we get that then all the food will go there acting as our pantry. All of our appliances work great and I've enjoyed cooking meals, that is, when I'm actually home to cook. The only other downside is the lack of counter space, something which was a deal breaker when we were house hunting. The good thing is that the total space is actually more than what we had at the apartment and I feel like it works out fine.

This is our tiny bathroom. Small, but it just happens to be the most updated part of the entire 66 year old house. Lovely tile outlines the inside of the shower and half of the walls around the room. I've always wanted a pedestal sink, but with such a cute sink you get very little storage. We've had these metal storage units since we first got married and they've worked out great everywhere we've lived.

See that window? Yeah, next to the deep tub it's my most favorite part of the bathroom. It's been open since the day we moved in a month ago and I love being able to look outside (into our yard-not at neighbors!). I also love our original medicine cabinet mirror which has a small dent in it.

Next up: Logan's room! :)

New Home Reveal: The Living Room

Our living room has finally taken the shape and desire that we have been hoping for and I am very excited to share this special room with everyone. Over the years we have collected pictures and mementos, things which I was no sure how I was going to fit into the small space of our 1000 square foot home. Then I discovered Pinterest and with that learned that the new, fun, hip, designer thing to do is a wall photo collage. I showed B a few of the collages I had found on Pinterest and he was totally into it. So a few nights ago after Logan went to bed we poured some wine, turned up The Strokes and began putting our wall together. Our house has a bit of an odd shape, one which is rather difficult to fill certain spaces and I am positive that without this awesome idea this wall would be super boring.

This room is our be-all room. We are in this room 98% of our day and I really wanted it to be something that was comfortable. I am not crazy about the TV on the coffee table but we have to work with what we have for now. Also, the curtains came with the house and we have every intention of personalizing those as well. Our landlord as given us free-rain on what we chose to do as far as decorating and painting goes. Since the collage wall is up I have no plans on painting it, although I do have plans of painting a few of the brown frames random colors to make them pop more.

Our couch is our newest addition, one of our biggest purchases since we married almost 3 years ago. We had lived on college and hand-me-down furniture since then and could not way to literally put our feet up. The couch is a chocolate brown microfiber which is super easy to clean (my biggest concern), comfortable AND reclines on both ends. We love it.

There are some quirky things about the house especially being that it is 66 years old. The first day we were here I pulled the metal latch on the window up to open it and it broke off in my hands. The screen on the back door has nearly come all the way off due to high traffic from the dogs and Logan. If the big door is open then Logan will throw toys inside or outside. Silly man! There are a few cracks in the ceiling from water damage and we are really hoping that once winter hits that there won't be any roofing issues. So far with all the rain we have had that has not been an issue. The carpet is super old and at the seems, like where it meets the kitchen linoleum you can feel the staples. That is annoying. The one and only light fixture in this room is inside the ceiling and was so dim that B put in a better energy efficient bulb and even still we need lamps.

I love that I can open the windows on both ends of the house and feel a wonderful cross breeze, especially in the mornings. We don't have AC so it's super important to keep things as cool as possible.

Next up: the kitchen and bathroom! Stay tuned. :)

Home Sweet Home!

That's right friends! With the help of my brother, hubby and mom (who took Logan to the park) we are totally moved into our new home! It's a little overwhelming seeing all the boxes that need to be unpacked, the pictures that need to be hung, the clothes that need to be put away....I just keep telling myself it's a process! So as soon as we have everything in order I will post photos and get back to blogging daily. We have super sketchy internet for now until we get ours hooked up next week. Until then would anyone like to guest blog? I'd love to show you off!

Please, in the mean time, have a wonderful, safe and family-filled holiday weekend! Happy 4th!

A Day at the Farm

In between packing, working, and sleeping B and I took Logan to a local farm in town. It was so fun! Logan is at a perfect age now where he notices animals and the sounds they make. The weather was hot and beautiful. Logan started out in a sour mood but the licks and kisses from goats and cows quickly had him tickled.

After the farm we headed to American Furniture Warehouse to purchase our very first couch! We pick it up on Sunday! And today we have spent the morning moving into our new home. Pictures to come! Have a wonderful Thursday!

Nothing Short of a Miracle

Imagine the day you found out you were going to become a mother for the first time, or the second or third. Imagine the butterflies you felt, the smile you saw spread across your husbands face and the joy you felt every time your babe rolled around, telling you in his most special way that "I'm here". Thinking of these priceless moments brings tears to my eyes. Pregnancy was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced, no matter how achy or huge I felt, it was all worth it.

On Saturday morning I arrived at the hospital promptly at 0655am (everything is in military time!). Moments later I received a call that a woman came into the hospital and delivered a baby so quickly we had no time to register her. A few hours later I was went up to have mom sign a few things and get on my way. In the mean time we had been hearing how crazy this labor was, but no details. As the nurse was giving me her room number I asked what had been so crazy about it. This mama had come into the hospital fully expecting to deliver a baby without a heartbeat. Two months earlier she was told her baby had no fetal heart tones. Imagine the pain she must have been feeling from the second she heard those words. You can't. I can't. I cannot even fathom how the blood must have drained from her head and how she probably cried every single day up until she felt the first pain of labor. You can only wrap your head around something like that so much without actually having experiencing and no one should ever have to experience something like that.

My heart sank. For a split second I felt faint and considered sending someone else in to have her sign the forms. But that was not the case. No, this mama, by the grace of God, delivered a HEALTHY, THRIVING, baby girl. She had perfect APGARS and did not even need attention in the NICU. I quite literally gasped. And then I laughed. Joy, relief. I don't know which had me in a fit of tearful excitement that this tragedy turned into the most incredible miracle I have ever heard of. Amazement. I knocked on her door, entered the room and smiled at her. Glanced at her mother holding her granddaughter and smiled again. Mama was beside herself.

And that is why I want to be a midwife.

To the Best Fathers I Know

 

 

 

On this Father's Day, it is only appropriate to share photos of the most incredible fathers I know, starting with my own. I cannot find words to describe how amazing my dad is. Being his only daughter is such an honor. My most favorite memories with him include getting up early on a Saturday morning, loading up our fishing gear, driving down to the tackle store, picking out night-crawlers, and snagging a bag of reese's pieces. Or camping in the woods and setting up a baseball field with rocks and tree stumps and playing ball. My dad has always been there for me and my brother. I could not be more thankful to have him in my life.
(August 8, 2008) On the best day of my life, my dad gave me away to my best friend and father to my son.

The first time B held Logan in the NICU.One of my most favorite photos on Ash Wednesday.My dad and his first grandson. Giddy.B's dad and Logan.Rock star-to-be.Such an amazing father, husband and friend.Snuggles with Grandpa on Mackinac Island!Walking the river.Dancing with Daddy.Getting Logan Love.Silly silly silly!

Happy Father's Day. I love you all so much!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEST MOTHERS DAY EVER!

>Okay, I know this is only my 2nd Mother's Day but it was amazing! Sadly, I have no pictures to share, HOWEVER there is an amazing video I am trying to post from my phone and it's just not happening so I will do that as soon as I can. In the mean time, I must share how joyful yesterday was.

1. LOGAN WALKED!! He was walking across the room at my MIL's house and I was a blubbering mess!! It was so amazing and I am so proud of him! On Mother's Day AND his 15 month birthday no less!
2. He is cutting FOUR teeth! Two of which are his top 1 year molars so on top of having an ear infection last week, he was cutting those monsters. Sure does explain a lot! And yesterday he showed us all those lovely teeth! Soon to be 6 on top and 3 on the bottom (maybe 4...I think there is another one popping through...)
3. B bought me TOMS shoes for Mother's Day! They are black glitter so I can wear them to work. They arrived today and are too small! Monster feet here! I hate having to return things but I know these shoes are well worth the wait.
4. AND we are thisclose to a closing date on our house! SO EXCITED!!

As you can see it was a great weekend. I hope all you mamas and mamas-to-be had a great weekend with your little ones.

Now, excuse me while I go sort through the storage closet and get to packing!

Happy Easter

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(Logan, one year ago on Easter)

We're not big fans of the bunny in our house. In fact, I did not even decorate this year. Not because I didn't want to, but because everything is packed. Next year, in our new home, will be wayyyy different. But still, we're not fans of the Easter bunny. That is not at all what Easter is about to us. Jesus is Easter. And this year, as every year past, we celebrate his resurrection. I pray blessings to you and your families.

Happy Easter! He IS Risen!!

More Changes

>I keep saying how amazing 2011 has been for us this year and gosh darn it things just keep getting better with each passing day! Still no news on the house for a closing date, but we will for sure be moving out of our apartment in May no matter what.YAY! The thing I've been keeping from you? Whelp...

I GOT A NEW JOB!

This is HUGE. If you know me at all you know that just happen to be one of the most loyal people around (annoyingly so-I'm sure!) and keeping a job is no different. I have been at my current job for nearly 3 years and I work with seniors. I never could have imagined how much love I could have for the old folks. This is so bittersweet. I am not just leaving behind friendships in employees but also 140 grandparents. I did not come to this decision lightly. It was time for me to move on and find a way to integrate teaching into my work life. I am very close to getting my substitute teaching license and my schedule at my new job should allow me to sub at least once a week. Obviously school is coming to a close so I may not sub before the end of May but I will be ready to go come August. Out of protection for myself and my family I will not be sharing where my new job is. Just know that this is a VERY good thing. I could not be happier. :)

Of fires, houses and debt.

>

A regular update is long overdue. I find that I am not too fond of the moment by moment type of writing that most of you are so good at. I just think it's boring (for me! not you) and I want fun things to write about. Whelp...I waited long enough so in honor of this crazy-ass week I have here a list for you. Enjoy!

1. House hunting: Since we cancelled on contract with the first house three weeks ago we have been anxiously and fervernly looking for THE house. Let me tell you that is no easy feat, especially when we are limited by our financial qualifications and location. We desperately wanted to stay in the town we live in because our jobs are here and, well, we love it! But we were willing to look in the small towns that surround our college town. Within a week we were back out with our broker and the day concluded with a house that was a mile from our work in a newer neighborhood. The very fact that there was a house we could afford in this neighborhood was surprising. And once we saw the house, we knew it was THE ONE. When we got there, another couple arrived not five minutes later to see the house. Their broker was not with them and they started to walk around the house. Our broker kindly kicked them out until we were done and I did not feel bad about them waiting in the brisk wind outside! We came home and slept on it, but it was very obvious how smittin we were with the house. First thing the next morning we put an offer on the table and waited. We learned that there was another competing offer and so we upped ours. The seller accepted! We were then waiting to hear from the bank, being that this is a short sale, and we knew it might be awhile. Well, little did we know the sellers were trying to get a loan modification so they didn't have to sell the house the whole time we were waiting! Finally, yesterday morning they signed all the paperwork and we are officially under-contract! This feels so much better and different than the first house!! Can't wait to share more!
2. Fire: Two nights ago I was running a load of laundry in our ghetto dryer. It usually takes two cycles to dry clothes and before the first round was over I started to smell burning. I was not cooking anything and checked the laundry. The dryer was over-heating!! The clothes were so hot I could not even touch them!! I called maintenance and being that there was no fire it was not considered an emergency. So I had to let the wet clothes that were in the wash stay wet. I was so mad! I don't have a drying rack and no where near enough space to spread things out to dry. Maintenance came by yesterday afternoon (which they had told me would have been first thing in the morning!!!) and cleaned out or vent. It was pretty backed up. THEN I had been home with Logan for about a half hour making myself some pizza in the toaster oven. Logan was asleep and I was catching up on emails. I went to check on the pizza and IT WAS ON FIRE!! The whole toaster oven on the inside was on fire! Flames and they just kept sparking and making more!! I was fa-reaking out so the first thing I thought to do was throw  water on it. While it was still on. While it was still plugged into the wall. Yeah...not my brightest moment but THANK THE GOOD LORD ABOVE I did not start an electrical fire and the flames ceased. However, the fire of anxiety and mild heart attack I was having did not cease. Not for the entire day. Oy.
3. Debt: I am happy and oh-so-proud to announce that we are 100% DEBT FREE!! Not one penny do we owe to anyone!! Thanks to our tax return we have paid all our credit cards and still have enough left over for savings, necessities and fun. B and I are going on a date on Friday and I CANNOT WAIT!!!
4. I know there is more...I just need to put it into a new post. :)

Become a Miracle Maker

>Words cannot express how thankful I am to have a healthy child. It's one of those things and can sometimes be taken for granted. You don't think about how blessed you are to have a child to sing with, dance with, smile with, read to, rock, nurse, take to the zoo....the list is endless. Of course you feel it every time you look into their eyes and watch them sleep. But sometimes, we don't think about it. Today, I'm asking you to think about it. Think about how your child rests his head on your shoulder to give you a hug, think about how your child can walk and run without abandon, think about the smile they get on their face when you tickle them or sing a silly song.

I became a Miracle Maker for the Denver Children's Hospital Network. Denver Children's is quickly becoming one of the best children's hospitals in the country. Logan has been there, way back in September when his fevers would not subside. Little did we know that was one of his little quirky traits, having a higher basal body temp. But having been a concerned parent, fearing the worst for my sweet baby boy I know the power of this hospital, of the people who work there and the children who don't get to come home. We were lucky. We got to come home. However, I know that if anything happened to Logan, big or small, and he needed a hospital that Denver Children's would not be a second thought.

So today I made a pledge to donate $15 a month to the miracle network and I could not be happier. I could not be happier to help the next child who is not lucky enough to get to go home right away, the child who needs multiple surgeries and blood transfusions. It's so hard to think about anything happening to your baby. But that is why there are these amazing facilities with doctors and specialists who will do everything they possibly can to heal your child. Want to help? Follow THIS link.

If you make a donation today, whether it is a one time or monthly, please leave me a comment. THANK YOU!!

Thank you, Colorado Belle!

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**A birthday post will be coming soon, I promise!**

See this handsome ONE YEAR OLD???

That big 'ol smile is possibly because he just had a bottle, or maybe it's because he is looking super fly in his new tie!

Miss Jen over at Colorado Belle had a small giveaway a few weeks ago and guess who won?? ME!! I have never won anything from blog land, though I will admit I am pretty picky with the giveaways I do enter. Anyway, Jen MADE THIS ONESIE!! Well, not the whole thing, but she did sew the adorable Valentine's tie onto it. I am SO IMPRESSED! I wish I had a sewing machine because I am pretty sure that she and I would make a great team making cute baby things! Go check her out! She also has a deep love for cupcakes, as do I so Jen, are you there? We seriously need to meet up and get our little guys together! Thanks so much!!