A Sweet Surprise

Last night when Mike and I came home from our date we had a package waiting for us. It was just a couple of things I had ordered for the babies but who doesn't love getting a package in the mail?

The package was from Avannabel Baby. About a year ago I won one of their online contests and the prize was a little pair of flowered bloomers (perfect for my son, I know). I've ordered from there one other time but what I like about the store is that it's run by a mom and she always includes a thank-you note or seems genuinely grateful for the business.

I love this little store, though, and I'll tell you why. The last order I received included a coupon for 10% off my next order and so I was able to use it to buy the babies a few special things:

I ordered a Moses Basket for Carolina (which has to come from the manufacturer in a couple of weeks),

a little outfit for Carolina,



and a cute bib that I thought both babies could use (since it's pretty gender neutral).

FYI: There's not a huge selection for boys so Clay didn't really get much on this shopping trip.

But here's the best part:
In my package was the bib and the outfit AND a matching burp cloth for the bib with a sweet note from the boutique owner:
"Brittany,
I sincerely appreciate my loyal customers- I added the Cuddlebee burpie as a gift. Thank you!"

So here's my gift:


AND I also got a coupon for 20% off my next purchase! I was SO excited because even though I thought the burp cloth was cute, I'm still a stay-at-home mom on a budget and I was trying to get just a few things so I didn't want to splurge on the whole set.
I love it when companies go out of their way to say thanks and make you feel special. Thanks Avannabel Baby!

Sleepy and Sluggish

I have to admit that I have been feeling in a funk lately. The little things frustrate me and I just feel SO sluggish. Carolina is getting bigger by the day (she's currently measuring 2 weeks ahead) and Clay is getting faster. I've reached the point where I get up to go the bathroom at least 5-6 times a night but usually more like 8-10. I don't sleep anymore and I am tired. Very tired. Carolina is sitting so much lower than Clay ever did therefore we spend a lot of time in the little girls' room.

The night before last I was at my wit's end with the no sleeping thing. I decided to take a warm bath with one of those relaxing scrubs you get at Bath & Body Works and I knew it would be the answer to my problems. Not really.

After I woke up the sixth or seventh time and STILL smelled that stuff, I was ready to go take another bath just to get it off me. The best was when I came back to bed one time and Mike was coughing. In his sleep daze, all I could understand was something about how strong that stuff was and it was waking him up, too. So much for a relaxing product...

So after another sleepless night, I was talking to Mike yesterday morning about how I've been feeling. You know, somehow he always has a way of making it better. We just had a simple conversation while Clay was napping and Mike was driving around but it felt good to have someone listen and be empathetic. We talked about totally unimportant things but it was time well spent. Even though it was just a conversation and not a nap I still felt more relaxed and refreshed.

Later at lunch, Mike was making some notes on the little pad he carries in his pocket (he was on-duty but home for lunch) and he gave the little note to Clay to hand to me. I had to wrestle Clay a little to get the paper but it had three choices of activities for the evening. Mike had asked Rebecca to watch Clay so we could have a date night.

Since there weren't any good movies playing at the times we needed I chose a nice dinner out. The only restaurant choice Mike had given me was Ruth's Chris so that's where we went. We'd never been there together before but it was so nice. The steaks were really good and the company was even better. Such a relaxing evening!

I didn't have high hopes for the day to start with but I'm grateful to have a husband who listens and thinks about my needs. Sometimes it's just the little things.

A Day Away

I had a great opportunity for some time for "Mama Pampering" on Tuesday with my BFF Rebecca. Mike kept Clay at home while Rebecca and I went and finalized fabrics for Carolina's bedding and had a spa day.

We started out at a cute little tearoom called The Wonderful World of Cooking. We had never been there but I had always wanted to try it. It was really nice to have a relaxing atmosphere and adult conversation for a change! Their food was different and gave us a chance to try out some new stuff (broccoli salad?!). We found some new stuff we liked and I think we will definitely go back.

After lunch, we went to the spa which was right next door. So convenient! Carrollton Salon and Spa was a great spa. I picked it for the location (right next to the restaurant) and the great specials they were having. I was a little nervous because there were no pictures on their website but it was totally clean, professional and fun. They were even nice enough to substitute a prenatal massage instead of the Swedish massage that normally comes with the package at no extra charge.

The spa is also in a great location because it is surrounded by shops. Lunch in the tearoom and massages and facials at the spa- who could ask for anything more?? I would absolutely recommend both places.

After my day away I was ready to get home to see what my boys had been up to. My amazing husband had taken Clay to lunch, taken him swimming, put him down for a nap, vacuumed and mopped, done several loads of laundry, folded and hung the clothes AND cooked dinner - lamb! Way to put my days at home to shame! Some days I feel lucky to get my teeth brushed before he comes home!

It was a great day and much needed. A little R&R was wonderful!

A Visit from Nana and Papa

Clay's Nana and Papa (Mike's parents) have been frequent visitors since Clay was born. Clay being their only grandchild (for a couple more months) means he gets all their love and spoiling to himself. He LOVES it!
We love it when they come to visit, too, because they are such a big help. They don't hesitate to change diapers, give baths, take the dog out or anything else that needs to be done. It's always a blessing to have them here because Mike and I are able to take it a little easier and we know Clay gets loved on.
They came to visit this weekend and saw Clay walking confidently and running for the first time. So exciting! He adores them and we love to watch them interact. I never end up taking enough pictures but here's one of Clay and Papa from their visit:

Papa and his baseball boy

Thanks for coming to visit Nana and Papa!

Busy Boy

Now that Clay is walking, he is into EVERYTHING! He keeps me constantly busy. It's so funny to watch what he will do next.

Looking for the kitties in the bathroom
Stealing the dog's bed and making her sleep on the floor
This is where I found him when he got too quiet


This one cracked me up. He put this blanket over his head and I KNOW he thought I couldn't see him at all because he had that blanket on him. He crawled all over "hiding" from me! He ended up "hiding" behind the armoire.

"Catch me if you can!"
"You can't see me!"




And since he's such a big boy now, he is always doing things to "help".

All the things I cleaned out of his clothes hamper. What a great cleaner!


My little dishwasher

He cleans EVERYTHING...
...even the dog!

After all of that playing and cleaning, though, a boy's gotta get some zzzz's.

Brush, brush, brush your teeth

We have been working on Clay brushing his teeth (with a little help) and he LOVES it. He is the cutest thing when I say, "Let's go brush your teeth" and he toddles down the hall to his bathroom. He is very good about letting us help him but he really loves to do it himself.

Cousins Come to Visit

Recently my sister and her husband went on vacation so we had the pleasure of keeping two of their little ones. A pregnant mommy, a 13 month old, an 8 month old and a 7 year old- oh what fun!
We all had a good time and Clay got some baby girl practice in. We didn't get many pics in (wonder why!) but here's a few of the cuties:


Clay and Brittan having some tub time

Baby Bible Class


Kaelen blowing out his "Chocolate Explosion"