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11.30.2011

greening my routine and Novena Maternal Skin Care {from Maternitique: REVIEW}

So when I wrote out my 2nd 101 in 1001 (check it out, I just updated it! actually got some stuff done!), my #52 was to switch 2 of my personal hygiene products to organic/eco-friendly options. The first thing I switched was my shampoo, since that was easy enough... my short hair is so much less picky. I briefly mentioned it HERE, but I tried the Burts shampoo and liked it, but decided to give the Organix shampoo a shot too and am in love with it! So a big check mark there, I'm not giving up my Organix (I love the mint and tea tree oil one).

Next I tackled my skin (face), which is definitely a lot more finicky. During the summer I switched my face lotion to Burts Bee's Acne Solutions Daily Lotion, and their spot treatment as needed. That seemed fine, things didn't really get better or worse from my non-natural stuff, so that was good with me. For the cleaning part: In the evening I started using Burts Cleansing Cloths, and am hooked... they are easy and they work. Perfect for someone like me who is lazy lazy at night. In the mornings, I love scrubs and used to use them daily, but after reading that using them too frequently can damage your skin, I cut down to 2x a week. I used to love Kiss My Face, but I think they changed their formula, so while I still like it a lot, I don't LOVE it... so I'm still looking for the "perfect" gritty scrub (without that annoying residue feeling from glycerin based products).

Which leads me to face washes. Once I stopped using scrubs daily, I needed a good wash to use instead (the other 5 days a week). I had previously used Maternitique's Acne Clearing Facial Wash by Belli, and liked it; but I'm the first to admit that I'm not very good at remaining faithful to one face wash! Its like I get bored of them, and I feel like my face doesn't respond as well over time, so inevitably when I ran out of one, I would move on to something else. But a lot of the other ones I tried were not organic in nature... so I wanted to find more options that were natural. That way even if I kept up my product hopping, at least I was still sticking to my greener hygiene goal.

Enter Maternitique, and a WONDERFUL mailbox surprise just over a month ago.


Tara had sent me the Organic Fruit Face Wash from the Novena Maternal Skin Care line. You may remember that this was the line featured in my Go Green Giveaway event... and that I was specifically lusting over this face wash, so lovely surprise indeed! And this certainly fit the bill in every way... using organic ingredients, it is vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free and phthalate-free! Plus, the bottle is made from recyclable plastic (I'll either recycle locally, or mail it back to Maternitique to be recycled if my local place won't take it). 

The first thing I noticed when I opened the bottle was the smell... oh my, is it yummy! It smells like something I would happily mix into my morning yogurt or oatmeal. Also, it comes out fast, but a little goes a long way... so I only need a dime sized amount, which you add a little water too and lather up, then all over the face and neck it goes.

(Before)



I've been using it for 4 weeks now and I'm happy to say that I've seen some improvement in my breakouts. But even before that, after just a week or so of use, my skin just felt softer and lusher. I'm excited to see how my skin will look after another month.

(After)



I'm sure I'll go back to my product hopping ways... that's just how I roll. But I will definitely use this until the last drop is gone (which, with my 1x a day use, should be about 5 - 6 months or so!); and I'm sure I'll buy it to use again. Between this and the Belli wash, clearly I'm a big fan of Maternitique's products!


And with that, I think I can check #52 off my list!



Disclaimer:  This product was provided to me free of charge in exchange for my review. I was not compensated in any other way for my review and all options expressed here are my own (really and truly!).

11.28.2011

jumping back in

Mondays after a long weekend are always a little rough... so much to do, so little drive to do it!! I want to be back at home with my loves, snuggling and playing.

But alas, no can do. So here I am, being might productive actually.


Besides the obvious/normal work stuff, so far I've managed to:
- switch my calendar to December ::gulp::
- mailed off my Cold Hands, Warm Hearts package to my swap partner
- printed Christmas card labels so Trav and I can start filling out cards
- bought 90% of my Christmas gifts! (Just waiting for some sizing confirmation for the last stuff.)
- balanced the checkbooks


I also pulled some pictures from my phone...

One of Gwen's favorite pass-times:



With her Uncle Epie:


Thanksgiving... riding on Papa's back!:

Sunday, giving GG hugs:

I love watching those girls interact... they are going to be such good friends! Here's a vid too...




For now though, off to a meeting with my boss and coworkers!

11.26.2011

Thanksgiving, and a four day weekend. So lovely.

Pictures to share when I connect my phone to the computer... but that will probably come Monday. For now lets just say that Thanksgiving was wonderful. With so much food and family. Loved seeing my cousins, my Aunt and Uncle, my Gram, my parents, and my brother. Loved watching them all interact with Gwen. Made everyone write down what they were thankful for, and everyone pulled one to read. Everyone grumbled when I handed them the paper... but they all smiled and laughed or got teary when reading them out. It was good.

The rest of the days have been relaxing. Walks in the mild weather. Naps. Tickle and gigglefests. Puppy snuggles.

Tomorrow, lunch with Ro, Pat, and the girls. Next weekend meeting my cousin's baby, and my best Babs flying in from Cali.

I'm a lucky girl.

11.24.2011

my thankfuls

From the first of November, through Thanksgiving, I updated my facebook status everyday to something I was thankful for. 

Day 1: Can't believe it is November! Lets start with the "thanks!" Today I am thankful for antibiotics that make my baby better! :-) What are you thankful for?

Day 2: Today I'm thankful for amazing coworkers. While this might not be my dream job, its a good job, and I get to work with really wonderful people.

Day 3: After hearing some sad news about a friends pup, I have to say that today I am thankful for the crazy, ridiculous, humorous, love-muffin of a pup, Daisy. She's sweet, loving, and always puts a smile on my face. I'm so lucky to have her! (And an early Happy Birthday to her... she's 3 on Sunday!) What are you thankful for today?

Day 4: Today I'm thankful for a husband who picks up the slack when I've feeling yucky.

Day 5: is thankful for fun days with my family. And a daughter who loves football! Go Lehigh!

Day 6: Today I'm thankful for my beautiful little girl... who is sometimes trying, but always amazing and is always my heartsong.

Day 7: I'm thankful for peppermint hot chocolate. Mmmmm....

Day 8: Election Day. I'm thankful that I have a voice and a say in the politic process. I'm thankful that in the kick ass US of A my right to vote is protected.

Day 9: Today I'm thankful for the unseasonably warm weather. A really nice break in the middle of the gathering cold.

Day 10: I'm thankful for how blessed Trav and I are... in many, many ways, but for today: with two cars, a roof over our heads, good healthy food on the table and the ability to send our daughter to a daycare that really cares for her.

Day 11: Today I'm thankful for all those who have served in the past, are currently serving, and those who will serve in the future. Thank you for protecting my freedoms. Thank you for putting yourself on the line for all of us. (Including, but not limited to: my dad's dad, both of my mom's parents, and countless friends.) Happy Veteran's Day.

Day 12: Today I'm thankful for the opportunity to watch my daughter interact with her grandparents and great grandmother. I adore watching her love them and them love her.

Day 13: Today I'm thankful for those occasional days when Gwen decides to sleep until 8am!! Yes!!!!!!!

Day 14: Today I'm grateful for 20 minutes of my own to get my nails done. Pretty nails for our big event tomorrow!

Day 15: Today I'm thankful for pretty dresses (white tea dress style with a black lace overlay), carefully done make up, and great pushup bras!! ;-)

Day 16: Getting into the home stretch! Today I am thankful for all of my amazing friends. Ones I've known forever like my Babs, high school friends like Cas and Sebz, the amazing friends I gained in college like Ro, Hoser, and Hannah, or my newest friends from work. Thank you for being there and being wonderful.

Day 17: Today I'm grateful for my amazing in-laws. I really won the in-law lottery... they are funny, loving, and just the right amount of crazy! I'm so lucky to have them in my life; and Gwen is so lucky to have them too.

Day 18: Today I'm grateful for my amazing extended family... my cousins, aunts, and uncles. They are amazing and fun and I can't imagine my life without them.

Day 19: Today I'm thankful for my alma mater Lehigh University. I'm thankful for the education it provided for me, the amazing friends it blessed me with, and the community I get to keep going back to. Go Lehigh!! Beat Lafayette!!

Day 20: Today I'm thankful for Jacob's abs... J/K. Today I'm thankful for great girlfriends, supportive husbands, and silly movies: all the things that go into a mama's day out. Recharging to be a better mama to my ball of energy.

Day 21: Today I'm thankful for my amazing parents, Drew and Maggie, and my awesome bro, Ethan. They have always given me more support, love, and help then I could have imagined... and now they do the same for Gwen. I love them so much and I don't know what I would do without them. xoxox

Day 22: Today I'm thankful for my husband. My partner-in-crime for over 11 years now, I know I wouldn't be where I am now, or who I am now without him. He is supportive and loving, and I'm lucky to have him in my life.

Day 23: On this grey, rainy day I'm so thankful for my little sunshine, Gwenivere. I never knew how much I could love someone until she showed me how full my heart could feel. I only hope that I can be the Mama she deserves, because she is the best daughter anyone could have.

Day 24: Today (my last day of thankfuls) I'm so grateful that this month, and specifically this day, have given me the opportunity to reflect on how blessed I am. I am blessed, lucky, and so thankful for all the people/things I have in this life. And its good to spend a few weeks every year recognizing that. Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope your day, and your lives, are as blessed as I feel mine to be.



Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

11.23.2011

Things that make me grateful Gwen doesn't watch TV yet... (3 words) Barney Christmas Special

Not in my house, you big purple jack-hole.   :-)

11.21.2011

mish mash to catch up.

Thanksgiving this Thursday... how?! I'm so excited for it. Lots of family all meeting at my Gram's, its going to be great. I love this time of year.

Speaking of: And thus starts the season of me crying randomly over everything. Stupid things, like two different commercials this morning, and then actually lovely things, like this post by my friend E, which killed me. Something about the holidays just makes me a pile of mush.

This weekend was lovely though...

Lehigh vs. Lafayette football game on Saturday. The big rivalry. We headed up to Trav's old fraternity house for an alumni meeting first. Gwen and I looked at old composites... here's Trav's dad, when he was at Lehigh:


Then we went for a walk and I took a picture of "my brick" (for completing my class gift):


Then we took pictures on the front lawn:


This one was my attempt to recreate last years:


Though the sun angle was not working with me this year!

We headed to tailgates after that to see friends and eat lots of yummy food. My mom came to pick up Gwen before the actual game though, so she went off with Nonnie, and we watched Lehigh kick Lafayette's ass!  :-)


It was crowded and cold and so much fun.

Sunday was Ro & my Mama's Date Day.  :-)  We headed to the movies where we watched Breaking Dawn (Twilight) while sipping fruity drinks and eating a great lunch.


Movie Tavern is amazing! Full Breaking Dawn report, with spoilers, below the break.
Since I'm posting all these pics, lets show off a few more:


Dressed up for my work event last week.


Last weeks recipe:

Chicken Pot Pie/Chicken and Biscuits

I had a roll of biscuits to use up, so I made a chicken pot pie filling, then topped it with flattened biscuits and baked until delicious. It was lovely:





Tonight I'm working late... hence why this post is coming at you now. I don't mind working late occationally, but I'm a little sad to be here tonight. Last week, this week, and next week all have a day where I'm working late... and between Nonnie & Papa babysitting Saturday, and Trav taking full duty while I headed to the movies Sunday... well, I sort of miss my girl!! I won't see her before bed tonight, so I'm already looking forward to tomorrow morning's snuggles.

Well, with that I'm caught up and off to get more work done.



Twilight - Breaking Dawn SPOILER

11.18.2011

at 21 months... {for my memory}

At 21 months Gwen:

- wears size 3 diapers, still!
- is in 18 month clothes
- size 5 shoes
- close to 21 lbs
- walks up the stairs holding just one of my hands
- repeats most words we say
- can identify all main parts of her body
- loves ducks, footballs, forks and books
- loves saying the word yellow and will call all things yellow
- counts 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3 when presented with multiples of things (lol)
- nursing twice a day during the week (first thing in the morning, last thing before bed) and three times on the weekend (same, plus before nap)
- does all the animal sounds from Moo, Baa, La-la-la
- eats her yogurt with a spoon, and uses a fork on pasta and veggies (when she feels like it)
- loves yogurt, peas, pasta, and crackers
- had juice for the first time this past month
- loves playing "call and response" where one of us makes a noise, and she repeats it; especially when you vary the length and speed of the noise
- is still rear facing in the car
- love holding hands while riding in the car

- is the light of my life!  :-)

11.17.2011

the great sibling question

"So, when are you guys going to try for another?"

It seems like once your baby turns 1, that's the question on everyone's mind. Frankly, I couldn't even fathom creating another baby at that point, since Gwen was still so much my baby. But the fact of the matter is, I don't know that I can fathom it at all.

Before having kids I was always so sure that two would be our perfect number. Now that number 1 is actually here though, I think our family might be complete. I feel no need for a second child, no desire to upset our balance, no longing to go through the baby stages again. I feel content with Gwen, complete as our unit.

But in the back of my mind there is a little voice that whispers of the relationship I have with Ethan. That reminds me how much I love and treasure that special bond I have with my brother. And that little part of me feels badly "denying" Gwen that experience. Would I be forcing her to miss out on a great relationship and a ton of memories? Am I denying her future kids the pleasure of Aunts and Uncles? Would I be making things harder for her when Trav and I get old and she has to deal with us on her own?

To be sure, if we did have another, I'm positive the love would be there. But would we be able to do less of certain things? Less of the traveling we want to do with Gwen? Less one-on-one? And its silly, but I worry what if I don't love the second one as much? Or worse, what if (I can't even imagine this) I love it more?



We aren't deciding anything now. We're young, my brother and I are close as can be at 7 years apart, and there is no need to make a final decision anytime soon. But at some point our "not deciding" will be a decision.


How many kids do you have? If you have one, will you have more? Why or why not? If you have more then one, how did you know having number two (etc) was what was right for you? 

11.16.2011

21 months


Dear Gwenivere,
Another 1/4 of a year has passed and you are that much closer to turning 2. I can see it already, the fun and the craziness, because girl you have such a strong will!! I love that about you. While it can be frustrating at times now, I hope you hold on to that because it will serve you well when you grow up.

You are just the sweetest thing. In the past few months you've started saying "I Love You," not just when someone else says it, but on your own as well... you melt my heart! There is nothing better then getting you into your carseat in the morning and having you look at me and say, "I Love You!" Or watching you say it to your daddy when you tell him good night. You also love giving hugs and kisses, and will spontaneously kiss peoples boo-boos to make them better.

Of course, there are also the evening crankies... the times when nothing is exactly as you want it, so everything is WRONG and BAD. Those times can be rather trying... though I still crack up a little (when you aren't looking!) when you look at your Daddy, point your index finger at him, and give an emphatic, "NO Daddy, No."

Thankfully the good far outweighs the bad. And dealing with anything you throw at us is at least partially easier because of how much better sleep has gotten in the last three months. You went from needing constant attention to fall asleep, then waking once or twice a night, before coming to bed with us at 5 am -- to falling asleep on your own in your crib without needing me there, sleeping straight to 5 am, then coming to bed with us for another hour plus of sleep. And the best part, you did it on your own, when you were ready. That is exactly what I wanted.

A lot of people have seen this quote:
Nobody will ever know the strength of my love for you, after all you’re the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside.


But my friend E took it further, and I couldn't agree with her sentiments more:
I’m pretty sure my angel is very familiar with the sound of my heart... as she should be, since it beats her name.

Gwenie, you are my heartbeat. You make me want to do more and be better, so that I can be a good example, show you all you can be, and give you the best chance at life. You're going to have to fight for it on your own, my love, I can't do that for you. But I want to give you all the tools you need to be prepared for the fight. Lord knows you already seem to be developing the tenacity and strong will.


I can't wait to see where you go in life, Gwenivere, and what you chose to do. No matter what though, I'll always be here with open arms and an open heart for you.

Love you forever and ever,
Mama



11.14.2011

this that and the other thing

Super busy here today, tomorrow is our BIG EVENT, so we're getting ready. I blinked and its already 4 pm, yipes! So no time for a long post, but I want to get something down since I probably won't get here at all tomorrow.

Had a nice weekend. Friday was hectic, but good. Gwen got a clean bill of health from the doc and I got to swing by to drop off some clothes for Trav's cousin's daughter who just had a baby. Yeah for teeny, tiny (serious 6lbs something at 10 days!) baby snuggles. Then it was home to work, and done early to pick up Gwen from daycare. Our girls night together was nice.

Saturday was a hair appointment, so we saw my parents and my Gram. Its always great seeing Gwen with her grandparents... I love it. I love how she loves them and how they love her. And its extra wonderful seeing the little lift it gives to my Gram. Cannot wait for Thanksgiving next week... so much family all in the same place.

Sunday was relaxing until the "great cous-cous debacle." We all slept until 8am (!!), then relaxed and played for a while, went grocery shopping (where I couldn't find Israeli cous-cous), then came home for lunch. Unfortunately I then spent 1.5 hours fight Gwen to get her to go down for a nap.. ugh. We were heading to a friend's place for an early dinner thing with three other couples, and I had a few things I needed/wanted to do during nap, which pretty much all got thrown out the window. This apparently put my in a um, fragile, state of mind. I called three stores, but couldn't find the cous-cous I needed to make the dish I was bringing, ended up going to a fourth and finding something that worked, but it took too long and we were running late, and I had to throw out half of it in the end (which pissed off my scroogie husband to no end), and we didn't leave until 15 minutes after we were supposed to be there. So I, of course, cried in the car.

LOL. Its funny now.

Thankfully we had a great time once we were there, and the night ended nicely. Freakin ridiculous though.


Today, things are busy, but brighter. I stole 20 minutes away to get my nails done (lovely!) for tomorrow, and I'm feeling happy and excited for it.

Gwen is 21 months on Wednesday (for real this time), and hopefully I'll have her letter up then.

For now though, time to keep plugging along.



Ps. 5 weeks and 6 days until Christmas... hol.eee.sheet.

11.11.2011

Just for fun I got this screen shot of my phone today:


Then I unlocked my phone and saw this (and had to take another screen shot):


Its the silly little things, right?!

Ironically after what I wrote yesterday, but Gwen slept straight through until 5 this morning. It was wonderful and I hope she keeps it up.

Two weeks until Thanksgiving, and then a month after that to Christmas. Are you ahead of the game with your shopping mostly done? Or have you not even started? The end of this year really snuck up on me! So I have much Christmas shopping left to do.

And so much to fit in these last few weeks of the year. Including some real blog posts, with more then just a few crappy sentences and a picture or two (really, who am I kidding, more like a picture or twenty...). 

But for now I have to run to pick up Gwen from daycare, since Trav is off at a wedding. Have a great weekend!

11.10.2011

words on a page

Today has been quite busy. Big event fast approaching, there is always so much last minute stuff. I will be SO glad when its over. I enjoy it the day of, but the few days prior are hectic and frantic and overwhelming.

Tomorrow I work from home since Gwen's follow up appointment is in the a.m. and I have to leave early to pick her up from daycare in the p.m. since Trav is heading out to a wedding. The timing didn't work for me to attend too, I'm bummed, but c'est la vie. I'm looking forward to our evening together.

It feels really late right now (though its not even 4 yet) because its so dark and grey outside. I'm having a little trouble adjusting to daylight savings time. Gwen is doing okay, except her 5:00 a.m. wake up became a 4:00 a.m. wake up... though its moved to 4:30 since, and I'm hoping by the end of next week it will be back to 5 (or later!). She goes back to sleep afterwards, but I don't sleep as soundly, and having that extra hour in my big block of sleep is important. I think its important for her too... she's been a little crabby in the evenings.

I have a post swirling around in my head that I've been working on a bit all about "the sibling question." I really want to post it because I'm interested in what others think. Not that I want you guys to make our decision for us, but I'm always interested in feedback. Need to find the time to actually sit and hash it all out though! That's the problem. Hopefully soon.

Sorry for not having more for you today, but I have to be off.

11.09.2011

(semi-)wordless wednesday {silly monkey}



You are my I love you
by Maryann K. Cusimano

I am your parent;
you are my child.
I am your quiet place;
you are my wild.

I am your calm face;
you are my giggle.
I am your wait;
you are my wiggle.

I am your carriage ride;
you are my king.
I am your push;
you are my swing.

I am your audience;
you are my clown.
I am your London Bridge;
you are my falling down.

I am your carrot sticks;
you are my licorice.
I am your dandelion;
you are my first wish.

I am your water wings;
you are my deep.
I am your open arms;
you are my running leap.

I am your way home;
you are my new path.
I am your dry towel;
you are my wet bath.

I am your dinner;
you are my chocolate cake.
I am your bedtime;
you are my wide awake.

I am your finish line;
you are my race.
I am your praying hands;
you are my saying grace.

I am your favorite book;
you are my new lines.
I am your night-light;
you are my starshine.

I am your lullaby;
you are my peekaboo.
I am your goodnight kiss;
you are my I love you.

11.07.2011

are you ready for some football?

We had a footballesque weekend.

Dropping back for a pass...
First, Gwen dressed in her Steelers best on Friday, to get herself in the spirit.


It was actually really cute to see Trav's reaction, since I picked it out for her to wear (surprise!).

Unrelated, but it was a beautiful morning:


Saturday we headed up to Lehigh for the football game. It was a great day for it... a little cool, but with a nice warm sun and gorgeous clear blue skies. Instead of sitting on the bleachers this time, we decided to plant our buns on the grassy hill overlooking the one end zone.


The vantage point was great, and it gave Gwen more room to move while actually staying closer to us.


Plus, no concrete to face plant on.  :-\
Gwen had a great time, we all did, only getting a little punchy towards the end because of lack of nap.


Sunday Trav let me sleep in until 9am (ahem, I guess really 10 before the time change)! It was great. Gwen was a bit off because of that damn hour. She didn't nap great and was a bit crabby, but hopefully she'll be adjusted soon.

There was more football to be watched on TV, but we also took a trip to the grocery store... where Gwen was happy to help with the cart.


Gah, how is it that she can seem so much bigger each day?!

Today I have a huge case of the Mondays. I think the time change has thrown me off too, because concentration is fleeting today! November is busy though, so I need to get on the ball.


Something else that I need to get on the ball about... food! After doing so good since I asked you for your breakfast suggestions back in August, I've majorly fallen off the bandwagon lately. Halloween candy, definitely my undoing. I need to ramp it back up and start eating well again. I'm sure its contributing to my tiredness lately, my skin going crazy, and my general feeling of "yuck." So I have a fridge full of greek yogurt, a cabinet full of organic oatmeal, and a few cans of tuna in my work drawer. I'm going to hold myself to one piece of candy or other small treat a day (to totally deny is a recipe for disaster!), and I'm hoping that will help get me feeling up to snuff again soon.

Wish me luck!

11.04.2011

inspire

(Real post next week, when I'm not feeling crappy... in the meantime)
Recent things that made me proud of humanity:

This article about someone learning the error of their ways, and the lengths they had to go to change their life. Amazing.

This video:


What's inspired you lately?



Ps. I'm sharing one thing I'm thankful for everyday this month over on facebook... I'd love if you'd comment and share what you are thankful for too!

11.03.2011

house tour!

Finally got around to taking pictures before our party the other weekend... probably the best time to do it since the house was clean and put together (though obviously its now taken me another week to put them into an actual post!). Sorry if some of the pictures are blurry, I was running around a bit and most of the time had a toddler pulling on my leg.

Welcome to my house! Click on my front door to come on in and take the tour.




11.02.2011

wordless wednesday {my heart}

I wore this sweater as a baby, then my brother did too. Now my baby is wearing it.  <3



Ps. Check out this post on Parenthood... funny and pretty spot on.

11.01.2011

halloween parade and Casey's Christening

This is what I wrote yesterday: 
I quicky since I'm home with a sick babe. First ear infection... boo.  :-(  Last night was rough, we were up pretty much hourly. Thankfully the doc says the antibiotic should kick in quickly, so hopefully she'll be feeling better soon. She's finishing a nap now, and I'm running through some work emails, but I wanted to pop on briefly.

It was a long, full weekend... fun, but tiring!

And that's as far as I got before the babe woke! Lol. So here I am on Tuesday, finally posting what I meant to go up Sunday night... 

My weekend started a little early on Friday. I worked from home, then headed to Trav's work at 3:30 for their Halloween parade: 

No bath is complete without a rubber duck!


Gwen's best friend, Dominic, the dragon.

They are so cute together.

Saturday we hopped in the car for a not-so-quick jaunt to Pat's hometown in upstate PA (on the NY border). We also got a freak Nor'easter!!

It started off small enough...

But it built...

And built...
And built...

Until everything was firmly covered!!
My parents ended up getting about 10", and lost power (not expected back until THURSDAY!). We had a scary, "oh no, oh no, oh no!" moment involving a bump in the road and a sliding car... but thankfully we made it to our destination in one piece.

And arrived to find beautiful autumn weather.



Go figure!

4 hours North of us, and they got barely a dusting that night.

So we settled into our hotel, then headed out to dinner with some of Pat and Ro's family.



We had fun. It was also fun to let Gwen catch some snowflakes when we left.

I'm apparently VERY excited about the prospect.

Sunday, I became the GodMama of this beautiful baby:


I'm pretty proud. We all got pretty for the occasion:



With both her Godparents.
After the Christening, we hopped in the car to head home. Gwen was pretty wiped, so she fell asleep pretty quickly and napped until right before we stopped for lunch. Trav napped a bit too, so I had a quiet ride. And it was a beautiful day for a ride too!

Leaving Sayre.

Scenery looking a bit different, 2 hours south!


We got home with plenty of time to relax and watch some football, which Trav and Gwen did while I picked up Daisy and stopped at the grocery store. It was a nice end to the weekend.

Then Sunday night happened. Oh boy... poor girl was miserable, up every hour or so. Even in bed with us, she was just miserable and uncomfortable. So I was home Monday, for a run to the doctor.

Thank goodness for my new sling... which arrived with perfect timing apparently.
(Since I'm talking about it... I wanted to share a close up of the shoulder pleating too, since its so pretty!:

)

First ear infection was NOT a milestone I was looking forward to. However, a dose of antibiotics, some snuggling, and a good nap did wonders. Thankfully, she was feeling much better by Monday night! Well enough that I stuck her in her costume to visit quickly with two neighbors. (She doesn't know about trick-or-treating yet, and I wanted to get her to bed early, so two neighbors was enough!)  She enjoyed it!


We still have 9 more days of antibiotics, but shes certainly on the mend.

And that brings us to today, which is busy and full... so off I go!!