New pics

What a cute spider butt that is, LOL!
Looks like she has a thing or two to teach someone. I love how her little finger is pointed up.
Before her first trip to the beach. I forgot to put my card in the camera to get pics there. Not cool :(
She has such a strong grip. I love when she grabs my finger.
How cute is this? I love it because they are both looking at the camera.

Kisses from mommy!
Playing in her crib. I think this may have been the first smile pic I have gotten and it's not even a huge smile. I love this little onesie on her. It says love me, which fits her. She loves attention. If you hold her and don't talk to her she will fuss at you.

She has a habit of playing like she is asleep. She will look at you and then close her eyes really quick and act like she's asleep. I know better.
Proud sister, Maddy. We did a little photo shoot in her room. I love Maddy's hair this short.

Her new friend Spiderman. She loves him. I know it's probably because he's red. They say babies are attracted to bold colors, but I would rather think it's just cause he's so cute.

I love when she makes funny faces like this.
I couldn't resist getting this picture. How sweet is that? They fell asleep on the couch together after he got off work one day.
I hate to say it but she looks just like a little monkey in this one. But you must know I think monkeys are adorable.
This is her preferred way to sleep, on her side with her hands by her face. Almost looks like she's praying. CUTE!!

Finally....

So I finally finished my 200th post, go below to find it. I did it on 200 wishes for Kara's life. Sure I probably have 1000 wishes for her life, but it was tough to write them down. Thinking about how her life is going to be was weird. I don't want to think about her growing up. She will be 6 weeks tomorrow and I can't believe it. I have to go to my 6 week postpartum appointment tomorrow, wish me luck!! My mom is here visiting so I don't know how often I will be able to post. I will try to post some new pics tomorrow. Thank you for all your nice comments. Have a nice weekend.

Monkey hair

For a while now I have been saying that Kara has "monkey hair". People always look at me crazy when I say that. Just a few minutes ago I turn on my computer and on Yahoo is the pic of this cute little baby monkey with almost the same hair as my little girl. I thought it was too funny and I had to share it. Now don't you agree that she too has monkey hair??? Oh and please don't pay attention to my messy house in the background of these pics, I've been slacking on my housework. :)

PS I have been blogging on my 200th post this last week or so but am STILL working on it. So come check back soon and see what I have posted for it....

200 wishes

Well since it is my 200th post I thought I would dedicate it to my little princess. I know all of my latest blog entries have been for her, but I am just so mesmerized right now I can't help myself. So for my 200th post I am going to write 200 wishes I have for my daughter. Kara, these are some of my wishes for your life:

1. Family to always be around you.
2. To be unselfish in love
3. Beauty, but as I can see you've already got that!
4. Brains
5. True friendships
6. Good fashion sense
7. The love of animals
8. Charm
9. Friendliness
10. A good sense of humor
11. To be athletic
12. True happiness always
13. To have a shy side
14. To like school
15. To enjoy being a child
16. A barbie doll lover
17. Manageable hair
18. To love God
19. Good complexion
20. To be close to your grandparents
21. To love little children
22. A beautiful singing voice
23. The love of pictures
24. To know the joy of sitting on a quite beach
25. Drawn to men that will treat you nice
26. Good sleep patterns
27. To love chocolate
28. Common sense
29. Love of the arts
30. The gift of drawing
31. To know that just because you are a girl doesn't mean you can't do whatever you want.
32. To be playful
33. To be book smart
34. To not judge people by their looks
35. To know your parents are always there for you no matter what.
36. To know when to keep your thoughts to yourself
37. Sweetness
38. Pleasantness
39. Enjoy rain
40. Forgive easily
41. Stand up for yourself
42. Give to people who need it
43. Smile often
44. Get to know your cousins
45. Be honest
46. Remember to use your manners
47. Treat elders with respect
48. Do onto others as you want to be treated
49. Sing as if no one is listening
50. Dance as if no one were watching
51. Live each day as if it were your last
52. Enjoy hugs
53. Be close to your siblings
54. Appreciate gifts given to you
55. Always say thank you
56. Write thank you cards or emails
57. Always send out Christmas cards
58. The love of Christmas
59. To enjoy Christmas carols
60. To like Christmas movies
61. To be organized
62. To like a clean house
63. To watch out for children younger than you
64. Enjoy dressing up
65. To like scrapbooking
66. Be a cuddle bug
67. Remember when God closes a door he opens a window
68. To have healthy children
69. To have a husband that treats you like a queen
70. Know that you can do any job you choose
71. A college education
72. To be able to keep secrets (unless they will hurt someone)
73. Enjoy the sunset
74. Enjoy the sunrise
75. Write love letters
76. Be unpredictable
77. Love with your whole heart
78. Remember you have a guardian angel (your brother)
79. Always have one close friend to confide in
80. Keep things important to you like notes, pictures, and mementos
81. Remember how special you are
82. Keep in touch with old friends
83. Climb trees
84. Build forts
85. Make mud pies
86. Confidence
87. Strong both mentally and physically.
88. Not afraid to take risk
89. Health
90. Wealth
91. Good work ethic
92. Able to laugh at yourself
93. Able to see beauty in simple things
94. Enjoy nature
95. Seek adventure
96. Enjoy time to yourself
97. Be independent
98. Write in a journal
99. Befriend someone who has no friends
100. Know that prayer works!
101. Realize how much your parents wanted you and how long it took for us to get you.
102. You are a miracle.
103. Be creative
104. Use your imagination
105. Don't settle for less than you deserve.
106. Realize how beautiful you are.
107. Wish on falling stars, birthday candles, the first star you see....
108. Dream
109. Enjoy music
110. Love yourself
111. Put your family first
112. Enjoy your vegetables, LOL
113. Read books that you enjoy
114. Challenge yourself
115. Restraint
116. Empathy for others
117. Peace within yourself
118. A soulmate
119. Success in all you do
120. Curiosity
121. Skin that tans well.
122. Integrity
123. Understanding
124. Happy memories
125. A happy childhood
126. Safety
127. Gratitude
128. Responsibility for your actions
129. Motivation
130. Tolerance
131. Trust
132. Justice
133. Determination to achieve your goals
134. Consideration for others
135. Travel the world
136. Patience
137. Goals
138. Loyalty
139. Sensitivity
140. Satisfaction
141. Devotion to your family and friends
142. Knowledge
143. Courage
144. Organization
145. Make silly faces
146. Flexibility
147. Amazing teachers
148. Make homemade pizza
149. A good camera
150. Lay in a hammock on a windy day.
151. Fly a kite
152. Be proud to be an American
153. Support our military
154. Remember where you came from
155. Learn about your family
156. Make holiday traditions
157. Enjoy a new recipe
158. Watch cartoons (the good ones)
159. Take good care of your teeth
160. Take care of your body
161. Get pedicures
162. Take naps while you can
163. Good cooking skills
164. A green thumb
165. Be a bookworm
166. Enjoy your life
167. Enjoy comedies
168. Watch romance movies
169. Enjoy bubble baths
170. Plant a tree
171. Help the environment in some way
172. Mix popcorn and M&Ms, yum!
173. Good table manners
174. Take pride in your work
175. Enjoy surprises
176. Take walks
177. Relax when you can
178. Have fun
179. Show your emotions
180. Enjoy cuddling
181. Believe in yourself
182. Stand up for your beliefs
183. Eat healthy foods
184. Drink water
185. Make your house a home
186. Enjoy spending time with your father.
187. Read a comic or two
188. A good cook
189. Enjoy company
190. Enjoy playing outside
191. Good relationships
192. Enjoy Christmas decor
193. Be a mommy's girl
194. Like Carebears
195. Keep your promises
196. Laugh
197. Be truthful
198. Good judgement
199. Love, love, and more love
200. A younger sibling

For my mother....

glitter-graphics.com

Mom,

How do I express my love and thanks? You have done so much for me throughout my life that I appreciate so much. Becoming a mother, myself, has given me a new found admiration for you. Yes I get it now, how no matter how old your baby gets they are still your baby (but lets not mention it again, you know I'm not one for sappy talks). Thinking of Kara getting older makes me feel sad. I am trying to enjoy every minute that I have with her. Having lost Conner, I know that every day is a blessing. I have had to learn how to let Conner go as you did Jeremy,but it doesn't mean it doesn't still hurt. If only we could have had the opportunity to watch our sons grow. Thinking of Kara growing older and moving out on her own scares me. I know I have a long time to go before that happens but the last three weeks have flown by. I want it to slow down already. Did my life go by fast for you? Is it weird looking at me, your grown child and remember me as a baby? I can't imagine how odd it must be. You were always a selfless mother, putting me first before all else. Being a mother now myself, I realize that was never a burden to you but a blessing. I want only the best for her and I know you did for me. Thank you for all the times we had and for being there no matter what. I know I don't express my feelings very often (probably get that from dad) but I hope you never forget how much you mean to me. I am so glad that we have formed a friendship these past few years. It has been wonderful getting to know each other and sharing our lives as not only mother and daughter but as friends. It's comforting to know I can call you up no matter what time to talk. I know sometimes I have talked your ear off, but I know you wouldn't trade that time for the world. I can't wait for you to come meet baby Kara. She is such a sweet, darling little child. I never knew having a daughter would be so rewarding. I pray that one day when she's older she will look at me as I do you. Thank you mom, for EVERYTHING. I have no words to express the depth of my love for you. I hope you have a good day, I wish we could be together. It's just two weeks to go now.

I love you,

Jodie

God's greatest gift

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful women out there. I went yesterday to Angie's blog (it's in my blogs I read) and found myself feeling so thankful for my daughter. If you haven't read her blog, you should (but bring some tissues). She lost her daughter a little over a month ago and has written all about her experience with the loss. I feel connected to her since I too have lost a child. Every time I go to her blog I am covered in tears, it touches my heart so much. I find her very uplifting in that she's still so close to God and still gives him thanks for everything. I didn't ever go away from God in my experience, but I do admit I had a time of being angry with him. So anyway, after reading some of her recent entries, I found myself feeling so thankful. As I read her blog, Kara was in my arms sleeping so peaceful. I looked down at her and felt overwhelmingly grateful to have her here with me. I do believe that my experience has made her more precious to me. Sometimes things happen that make you realize how lucky you are, and Angie's blog does that for me. I remember the feeling of emptiness as my stomach went back to size after Conner. I longed to feel his kicks again, or to just be able to hold him once more. Now my arms are full with a beautiful baby girl and I couldn't be happier. She is God's greatest gift and I will never allow myself to forget that. So to all of you mother's out there, cherish your babies, toddlers, elementary age, teenagers, and even adult children. God has blessed us all with the greatest gift he has to give. I pray tonight for the women out there that want a child. I believe if you want a child and have a means to support them with that you should be given one, however life isn't always that fair. I know several women that are wanting a child but are having a hard time getting one. I have been there and know how hard that can be. So for all those women, I am going to say a special prayer that you will be given the gift of a child. Be thankful for what you have and have a wonderful day.





PS Here's some pics of my family today. We went to brunch at the NCO club for Mother's Day. Afterwards Kara and I took a long nap on the couch. It doesn't get any better than that!! Maddy wrote me some sweet little poems. Here's one: The grass is green, the sky is blue, roses are violet, just as lovely as you. And another: You're as loving and kind as an angel. You're as pretty as a rose. Now isn't that sweet?

Look at her cute little barrette.

All of us together

I love this pic, but Kara was mad in it.

Maddy, Kara, and me on Mother's Day. How sweet?

My 27th birthday

Our Family
I was contracting in this pic!

It was my 27th birthday (April 15) and I was in labor. All we did that day was go the hospital, go
walk, go back, repeat. I was so ready to have her and tired. I had to get some really uncomfortable things done that day. I was 4 centimeters dilated and contracting every 4-6 minutes. I got my cervix checked 5 times (which is always very painful for me) and it was terrible. Nick didn't have time to get me a cake or anything. We did manage to eat dinner at Chili's, which was nice. I will admit it was my worst birthday ever, but it just wasn't meant for her to come that day. She wanted her own birthday (my cousin's is the 16th) so she waited until the 17th to make her appearance. It's already hard to remember what my life was like before she was here. I know that I wouldn't go back to that life for anything in this world. I adore being a mother full time. I get to hold her whenever I want to and that is the most amazing thing in the world. I never got that with my sweet Conner and I am enjoying every minute I get with my daughter. I feel in some way that I am honoring Conner by trying to cherish every moment with Kara. I know he's looking down on us and feels happy. She will have a guardian angel for her whole life, her big brother.

Mommy's girl

I love looking at her.
I can't get enough of her like this.
Kisses from mommy.
Amazed by this little girl, that's me.
See her cute bracelet with her name on it. My BFF got that made for her.

Her many faces...

I love this face, it's how she looks when she's staring in my eyes. Melts my heart.
Look it's almost a smile.
This is her throwing a fit. She's screaming in this pic.

Silly face!

One of my favorite faces she makes. It's like she's saying "Oh"
This is the face she makes when she's cooing.
Sucking in that bottom lip.
Sleeping beauty!
Making the "Oh" face at daddy.

She's a bouncer!

Look at that hair, monkey hair is what I call it!
Sound asleep!
Pretty in pink!

My MIL (Kari- Just Livin' Large) sent this pretty bouncer to Kara a week after she was born. It has helped so much because before that she slept in her car seat when we were down stairs. Her swing wasn't quite small enough for her to keep her head upright.

My mom also bought a bouncer that she is bringing with her when she comes to visit on the 25th. So now I will have one for upstairs and one for down. What a blessing those things are. Kara loves being in hers. It plays music and vibrates. So thanks to both my MIL and my mother for the bouncers.

Her blanket

WHOOPS! I wrote this on Saturday but forgot to push publish post so it was just saved.

So for show and tell Friday (althought it's Saturday here) I wanted to share something special with you. At my baby shower everyone put messages to Kara on washclothes and my neighbor (Meredith) sewed them together to make a blanket. It was my other neighbor, Tangela's idea. It turned out really cute, as you can see. The blank one in the corner is for me to put something. I am probably going to do her birthdate, weight, and inches. Speaking of inches, turns out she's only 20 inches long. They told us wrong at her birth. I had a paper that said 20 inches and then when she got measured at her appointment it turned out to be 20 rather than 21. So anyway, I wanted to share this lovely peice of work with you. I am going to hang it on her wall whenever I do the nursery. Whenever I do that I will post pics.

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom -I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom -I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom -I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

What a wonderful joy it is to be a mother!