NEW BLOG!!!

SO, I've run out of space for pictures in Picasa. For a lot of you that might not make sense, but since MOST everything I do is through Google, including my pictures, I have used up all of my free space. I have a created a new blog so that it will be easier for me to share pictures and videos. SO... mark your pages now and move over to follow the adventures!

www.hartleyadventures.blogspot.com

My baby is 5 months!

Isn't she a doll? She's developing quite a funny little personality. She is starting to giggle and laugh. She LOVES to play in her exersaucer and on her play mat. She sits well in her Bumbo seat. She rolls over with ease and moves around quite a bit. I noticed the other day that her feet finally touched completely (flat foot) in the exersaucer. Nancy Carolyn is a joy and I fall more in love with her each and every day.

No stats since we didn't go to the doctor this month. I'm guessing she's around 13 lbs. She's moved into 6 month clothing (or 3-6 months clothes). Just getting so big. We'll be starting solids soon!

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lots on my mind

I have a lot on my mind today, so I'm not sure where to start. I guess I'll tell you what we've been doing. Working full time and being a mommy keeps on very busy. I'm definitely enjoying my summer break, thus far. Once school was out, Chris's parents were here for the weekend. His dad went on a mission trip to Honduras, so they came up so we could take him to the airport...well, that and I know they wanted to see Nancy Carolyn.

On Memorial Day, we went to the Renaissance Festival. It was Chris's first time there. We had a good time. Later that week, we headed to the beach. Chris has family in Panama City Beach, so we stayed with them. We were only there for a couple of days. We visited the pool and went to the beach briefly. It's hard with a 4 1/2 month old, since they really can't be in the sun too much. It was a nice visit, however brief.

Last week was spent trying to get NC back on her schedule. The week before was a nightmare for her schedule. It did not help last week that she had a cold. :( So naps were taken in the swing and I was a little more lenient than I should have been.

This week, we have NOTHING! YAY! Yesterday, NC took 3 naps and we just played all day. She's getting to be so much fun (see the post to come later today... because she's 5 months today!!!)

now, thoughts on my mind... first, I need some good reading material for the summer. I LOVE to read and have found myself lately reading the same things over and over (Harry Potter... I reread him EVERY summer... already done). I just reread Twilight. Now... need something else. Here's the thing... I don't want anything sad, disturbing or scary. I've had enough sadness in my life that I don't need to read about it. (so no Jodi Piccoult or Nicholas Sparks). any suggestions?

I'm trying to figure out working out with a baby ... in the summer... NC woke up early this morning so I was able to go for a walk before Chris left and I didn't have to take her with me. So that was nice.

and... I've set a goal... well, two goals. One to lose 40 lbs (i'll keep you updated). I've lost all the "baby" weight.. now to lose all that was gained (plus a little more) in the "honeymoon" phase, that in my case lasted 3 years. :) Goal two... I'm GOING to do a half marathon in November (and hopefully again in February). I'd really like to get to the point of liking to run and maybe by February ... run most of that one. I want to do the Disney Princess half in Feb (doesn't it sound like fun?) I'm going to join Team In Training to do the one in November. I figure that's the only way I'll get off my lazy bum and be motivated enough to train... and I know they will train me properly.

So... that's what's been going on and what's on my mind this morning as I drink my coffee and wait for NC to wake up from nap 1. Be on the lookout for her 5 month post later today or tomorrow!

Four Months

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So, I'm a little behind! We've been busy though. We spent Nancy Carolyn's four month birthday at St. Simons. We were cheering Chris on through the Turtle Crawl Triathlon. Nancy Carolyn is getting so big. Her stats were 12 lb 7 oz, 23 7/8" and I can't remember what her head measured, but she was all in the 25-50%. The doctor was pleased with her growth and said she was perfect (of course WE already knew that!). Her personality is starting to show and she is quite the funny girl. She's happy most all of the time and I just love every second with her. Nancy Carolyn can hold her head up really well and sits nicely in the Bumbo seat. She can also sit with the help of the boppy. Her hobbies include rolling over (both ways), reaching for and putting toys in her mouth (as well as her fists). She also enjoys "standing and dancing." Nancy Carolyn's most favorite thing is bathtime. She enjoys splashing Mommy and playing with her rubber duckie. Did I mention how much I love this girl? :)

A New Endeavor

This weekend, I took a step towards a new endeavor. I had been thinking and praying a lot about it and thought it sounded like a lot of fun. Then about a week ago, I was reading about it and got totally pumped about it. What is it I'm talking about?

I am now a consultant for Thirty One. YAY!!! If you're not familiar with the company, they sell really cute bags and various other things. The thing that REALLY sold me on the company is the fact that it is a Christian based company that promotes and encourages women. In fact, Thirty One comes from Proverbs 31 which is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It describes the virtuous woman.

I am SO excited about this step I have taken. I'm not looking to become one of those women that makes a career out of selling Thirty One. I'm just going to enjoy the fun products and hopefully make a little extra pocket change. Feel free to browse my website listed below. Let me know if you are interested in ordering something... or better yet, if you're interested in hosting a party!

Meredith's Thirty-One website

Happy Mother's Day!

One year ago today, I woke up very early to take a pregnancy test. I could hardly wait the few minutes to see the word PREGNANT appear. We found out about Sprout one year ago today. We were so excited to meet her. We were already in love with her. Now a year later, we have the most beautiful almost four month old in the world. She lights up the room with her smile and makes me chuckle with her voice. Nancy Carolyn is our pride and joy! One year ago today, I loved the baby I was carrying but had NO IDEA of the love I would have for her now.

It's been a wonderful Mother's day despite Chris and Nancy Carolyn feeling rather poorly. They treated me to tulips and chocolate covered strawberries. Becoming a mother was the best thing I ever did! I love you Nancy Carolyn and I Love you Chris for being my partner in life!

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I made it!

I survived my first week back at work. It wasn't fun and I now admire all of my friends who have kids and work full time. Not that I didn't admire them before or that I don't admire SAHMs but wow... There's really no time for anything during the week. I struggled to get dinner cooked every night (in fact, we went out Thursday and had take out on Friday). Not to mention the fact that I was exhausted from getting up before the rooster.

I am VERY lucky in that my very good friend, Lonebutterfly, is keeping Nancy Carolyn while I go to school each day. She texted me during the day and let me know how my love was doing and on occasion, I got a picture :) There are 23 days of school left (25 counting post planning)... I CAN DO IT!!!

Oh and say some prayers for me, I'm hoping that it will work out for me to work part time next year.

3 months

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Nancy Carolyn is 3 months today. She's getting so big. I don't have official stats since we don't have a doctor's appointment this month, BUT I'm assuming she weighs about 12 lbs and well, no idea how long she is. She's cooing and talking to us a lot more. I can't remember if I've said but she's also found her thumb. She sucks on it (or her fingers or her hand or her fingers and her thumb) to help her fall asleep. She also sleeps on her side and we never know how we'll find her in her crib. She definitely moves a lot. She can hold her head up pretty good and sits in the Bumbo seat some. She loves to sit up and look around. I love going in her room in the morning and getting a big gummy smile. She's a happy baby (for the most part...) and we just love her more and more each day!

M.I.A.

So sorry to be MIA lately. We had a busy Easter weekend (pictures to come), slightly busy week last week, ending with loss of internet and a busy weekend this past weekend. Internet is back up and running but I need to go get a new router so we can once again enjoy our wifi.

Easter weekend was a wonderful time. My cousin's baby turned one and she hosted a birthday party/egg hunt for Sam's birthday. It was wonderful to see my family and hang out a bit. AND of course, show off Princess Nancy Carolyn. Easter Sunday was a lot of fun too. We took Nancy Carolyn to church. We decided to go to church with grandaddy (my dad) and Nana (Sue) because they were having an Easter musical. After church, we headed to lunch and by the time we got home, Nancy Carolyn was EXHAUSTED. She took like a 4 hour nap! She woke up and was excited to discover her BFF, GO was here visiting.

Last week, we took a trip to visit and meet Aunt Jennifer and cousin Ellis. The girls were so cute (and oblivious to each other).

My new KodakZi8 camera arrived last week and all I can say is beware because the videos will be posting soon :)

Grandma and Pop (Chris's parents) came to visit us this past weekend. Pop and Chris installed ceiling fans in 3 rooms. AND Nancy Carolyn slept through her "second" wedding. (second because she was in the womb at her Uncle Zach's wedding back in August)

Coming soon... new pics and videos!

Happy Easter from the Hartleys

Photo collage created with Smilebox

Going Ons...

We've been fairly busy the last week around the Hartley House. I celebrated my 34th birthday last Wednesday, which was my first birthday as a momma! I loved every minute of it. I woke up to a lovely message written on the mirror from Chris (and Nancy Carolyn). I spent the day mainly hanging out with the new love of my life. Thursday night was spent celebrating with the rest of the family (all except for my "evil step sister" and her hubby, as they are not permitted to travel because Ellis was due on Saturday, March 20). I am anxiously awaiting my gift from Chris. He ordered me the Kodak Zi8 camera (Kodak's version of the flip). My brother, Zach, helped me do research on the two and I opted for the Kodak. It's due to arrive on March 31 and I cannot wait to capture moments with my sweet girl!

My dad and Sue gave me two new Wii games. EA Active and Wii Sports Resort- both are a lot of fun and I'm enjoying the Active game especially. It's giving me a good workout, that's for sure!

On Monday, I acquired the new title of Aunt Meredith... My "evil" step sister gave birth to Ellis Ruth at 1 something Monday morning. I'm looking forward to meeting her and putting the cousins together tomorrow.

On Tuesday, I spent my first evening out. It wasn't the first time leaving NC, but it was my first being away during a "meal" and bedtime. I survived... had a TON of fun at Kristin's. Kristin hosted a coupon workshop, where I learned a ton and I am SO excited to jump on the couponing bandwagon this weekend! Also, I'm sure most of you saw my status on facebook... I'm hoping to host a workshop of my own. Let me know if you're interested. Now when I say host one, I won't be teaching... Amy, of Saavy Savers (who also works for Southern Savers) will be doing the teaching.

Nancy Carolyn is growing bigger each day and doing so many things. I love just sitting and watching her. She's "discovered" her hands and feet. She will sit and kick and just watch her feet. It makes me giggle. She's also finding her voice and loves to "talk" to me. Which I just ADORE! :)

2 months

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Nancy Carolyn turned 2 months on Monday, March 15. We just got home from the doctor (and the dreaded shots). She did really well. She's growing so big and her little personality is developing. She smiles a lot and talks to me a lot. She is very alert and loves looking around. She's gotten really strong at holding her head up. We have put her in her Bumbo seat a few times (for a short time because she does start slumping forwards).

Here are her stats:

Weight- 11 lb 0.5 oz
Length- 22 1/2"
Head- 15 1/4"
All in the 50%tile.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Personalize a digital greeting

Just a hello from us!

Slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Nothing much

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We are loving our time with our precious, sweet girl. She is currently 7 weeks and a few days old and getting so big. She is definitely interacting a lot more with us, including the occasional smile, which I LOVE! Hopefully one day I'll catch it on camera. We went to Stone Mountain yesterday and walked around a bit. We tossed around the idea of riding the train and the sky lift, but ended up walking around crossroads and watching the people sled down the lawn. We also went out to dinner on our own last night. Left her for about an hour with Grandaddy and Nana (my dad and Sue). They, of course, were in heaven. The picture is from a few weeks ago. I haven't downloaded new pics yet.

A Lot of Firsts!

First Playmat time
Originally uploaded by merehartley

We have had a lot of firsts lately. The picture is her first time on the playmat. She seems to love it more and more each time I put her on it. We had our first night out to a restaurant...first trip to pop's and grandma's house... So many things I have forgotten them all.

I LOVE being home with her. She is so much fun even though she still doesn't "do" a whole lot. She is starting to smile at me and I love her little noises and cooings that she makes. Ah, be still my heart!!!

one month old

one month old 2
Originally uploaded by merehartley

My sweet baby girl is one month today. Her stats are as follows:
weight 9 lb 9.5 oz -50%
length 21 3/8" - 50%
head 14 3/4" - 50%
The doctor said she looked GREAT!

Happy Valentine's Day

Make a Smilebox greeting

Snuggle Bunny

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Nancy Carolyn is a total snuggle bunny. I LOVE it. This is her favorite position to sleep in when we're holding her. So sweet! I am totally in love with her, can you tell? :) She recently has started getting a little confused about day and night. Nights aren't horrible but there are a few times she would rather be wide awake than sleep. She needs help falling asleep still too... my favorite is to hold her like this and she fights for a little while to hold her head up but then lays her head on my shoulder and snuggles closer. AHHHHH... so sweet!

We are doing quite well. I LOVE being home with her. I love it so much that I've been racking my brain trying to figure out a way for me to work from home. Not easy to do when you're a teacher. Any ideas out there?

First Day

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Today is our first day being home alone. Last week, I was blessed to have Chris's mom here for the first half of the week and Sue come over the end of the week to help out while Chris went to work. So, that brings us to today being our first day home alone. I must say, it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. :)

I'm totally LOVING mummyhood and my sweet girl. She's so fun to just snuggle with, especially on these cold, winter days. I'm just totally in awe of her. I love to watch her sleep, make funny faces, eat, etc...

Oh and by the way, if you haven't checked out Sarah's photos yet, I added her link in the post below.

Newborn pictures

I am so lucky to have two wonderful friends that are starting out in the photography world. Carrie came last Friday and snapped some wonderful shots of our sweet little girl! Check them out...

CDavisPhotography

Sarah came today and also got many beautiful pictures of our princess. You can see them here...

SCW Photography

I'm so blessed to have such creative and talented friends :)

Baby Girl

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Our Sweet Baby Girl

is finally here!!! Most of you know that Nancy Carolyn was born last Friday, January 15 at 4:50 pm. She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and was 19" long. We are so in love with her!!!

Snowy Day

Normally I would go outside and take some pictures, but today I haven't set foot outside. Nor do I plan on setting foot outside. First of all, not a fan of snow. I hate the cold (it has to be cold for Christmas and then I would love for it to just jump to spring). Don't get me wrong, it's pretty... just not a fan. And believe it or not, not a fan when school is canceled. Mainly because I ABSOLUTELY HATE make up days. It is nice to get a surprise morning to sleep in (though I know those days are very numbered)... but still.

Alas, I have no picture to post of our snowy yard. I have spent the day on the couch watching tv and wrapped in a blanket.

Question for you bloggers... does anyone else have problems with it loading sometimes? Some blogger sites tend to throw me off line completely (including my own at times). Anyone else have problems?

No Resolutions this year

I'm boycotting resolutions and goals. I figure the life change that Chris and I are about to embark on, is enough for 2010. :) I mean, don't get me wrong... I hope that after the baby I will continue to eat healthy (most of you know I have the dreaded gestational diabetes and am having to be super careful about what I eat). I guess I was wrong in that I do have a goal. Before I got pregnant, I was planning on walk/running a half marathon. The Disney Princess Half Marathon to be exact. Since the race is at the beginning of the year, I am obviously not going to be doing it THIS year, but I do have a goal to complete it next year in 2011 with my very good friend, Lonebutterfly. I am hoping to be in shape enough to possibly do one in Atlanta this upcoming fall. I also would like to improve my relationship with my God, which means spend more time with Him on a daily basis.

I do have a personal goal that I will share with you (if you email me). I just feel it's too personal to post on my blog that anyone can see.