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.