And we're back early

We were planning to stay at the beach until Wednesday but after family left by Monday, we were thinking we just want to get home to relax, regroup and save those other vacation days for the next trip in June/July when we go again but with the entire family. I never dreamed I would say I want to leave the beach, but with our busy week ahead and after four full nights, we had our beach fill and wanted to get back to our routine. Considering we will be moving in a few months, we have more to-dos on our plate to get the house ready to sell.

We had a blast...strolling, hanging out in the house, going out to dinner every night and Denson was showered with lots of extra love between my mom, sister and meeting his great grandmother. This trip was special, being our first with Denson, but it is going to be a completely different experience in a few months when he is more mobile. Jonathan kayaked in the ocean with uncle Eric and got to hangout with the dolphins.  Jonathan and I took a walk on the beach together while mom stayed with Denson and it was refreshing...we haven't had anyone babysit while we go out yet but Lacy keeps telling me, whenever ya'll need a babysitter we are ready! I think we will take her up on that offer :)

We have begun house hunting and actually have found a couple of different homes that are reasonable in regard to looks and price. There are moments I'm ready for an adventure and to pack our bags and other times, I think about the fun lunch dates we have with my mom and sister and not being able to do those things as often. I am putting the move in God's hands and going to have faith that He will provide exactly what we need.

Denson's little personality has blossomed and he is smiling now, reaching out to us and chewing on his fingers. His sleep has been interrupted for the past week or so and we're not sure if it's because he is teething or just a phase or both. We are going to try and be better about the nighttime routine so maybe it will help him sleep more soundly. He usually wakes up 3-5 times and we give him his paci but we also wonder if he may fall back asleep if we wait a little longer.

The first night we went to Acme Oyster House for dinner. It was unexpectedly freezing! Glad I had his hat in the diaper bag.

Uncle Eric and my hubby :)

My sweet mama 

Their chargrilled oysters are amazing! 

Denson meeting Great Grammy for the first time. He cuddled with her after his nap.

Mom showing Denson the canal...

and the BIG boats

Denson 'coloring' at dinner. We thought it was so funny the server gave us a crayon and coloring page for him. 

Daddy dressed Denson for his first day on the beach. He wasn't happy at first but then loved it once we got outside. 

Aunt Lacy and Denson on the beach

We attempted to lay him on a towel and just use an umbrella but the wind was so strong we just took his car seat on the beach to keep him shaded. It worked but we had sand everywhere by the end of the afternoon.

Bath time 

My handsome husband getting ready to kayak. I definitely don't give him enough credit and I am thankful for his incredible patience and understanding even in the moments I don't deserve it. He is always calm and faithful no matter what the situation and takes care of our family in such a Godly way. You are an amazing husband and dad!

Beach vacation

We made it to the beach last night and in great timing, might I add! I didn't know how Denson would do with a 5 hour drive but we didn't have to stop at all. We are so thankful to spend a week in Destin relaxing and watching Denson grow right before our eyes. Fun pictures and posts to come when we get back :)

Weekend happenings

So this past weekend was packed full of activities and fun as well as some major prayer and decision making. Jonathan's company is reorganizing and we were aware that a large number of people were going to be relocated in the future...we didn't know when or where. Last week, Jonathan found out they want him at one of the plants in Georgia and the earliest date we will move is August. This seems to have been such a long, confusing process...we discussed where we would like to go, although we were aware that God made lead us somewhere else. And He has. When they told Jonathan where he would be relocating, he was rather shocked (it was his last choice) but after discussing it further, he realized this is an excellent career opportunity and God will provide. He knows he has my full support and confidence that we will make the most of small town life with Denson. I am so thankful to be able to stay at home with Denson and we are fortunate that the transition will be smooth thanks to the relocation assistance the company provides. It's easy to set our eyes and hearts on what we think will be our path and then God changes that in a big way. Although we will not be as close to family and friends, the three of us are in for an adventure and will make frequent trips to visit!

It was a great relief after Jonathan accepted the offer and the deal was done, we were ready to enjoy the weekend. Friday was family sushi date night, my favorite. Denson had warm sake milk, of course. Saturday was the kick-off of Pepper Place Farmers Market and we bought some tomatoes, tomato plants, rosemary and honey. Saturday afternoon, I got to make a trip to the spa. Woo hoo! My sweet brother-in-law gave me a gift certificate for Christmas. Loved it. Jonathan and Denson napped and watched the Masters. Perfect weekend for momma to treat herself to a spa day.

That evening we were going to the Barons' game with three other couples and two babies. That turned out to be a bust. One couple didn't communicate with each other about actually going, so they cancelled. Another couple's sweet six month old was running a fever. Thankfully my sister and brother-in-law were able to make it so it wasn't completely doomed. Jonathan, Denson and I arrived first, got our stroller situated behind the seats, his bottle was ready and we were set. We both got a beer and I was beginning to relax just as Jonathan mentioned that we did not grab the insert pieces for the bottle...therefore, the milk would pour out if we tried to feed him. GREAT. I stopped drinking my beer after two delicious sips, and we headed to find a family/nursing room. The ones on the bottom floor were not finished, so I was escorted upstairs to the one family room. While I'm nursing him, he has a complete blow out. I sit and laugh as I think about how his extra set of clothes are in the car. [This is why I look nuts when I carry around a suit case-sized diaper bag. You need to have multiple back-ups of everything] I quickly change him to prevent further leakage and we came out with only a small spot on the back of his shorts. I continued nursing as I received texts from hubby and my sister. I told them I may make it out before the game ends but if not, i'll meet them at the gate.

Postives: 1) it was fun despite the mishaps 2) we got to ride the elevator with the mascot, Babe Ruff
Reminders: 1) being a parent means you're no longer enabled to be as selfish 2) ALWAYS carry the diaper bag

Sunday was church and lunch with my MIL and SIL. It was rainy and again, Denson and Jonathan watched the masters while I headed over to a Stella Dot jewelry party at my sisters. It was strange being away from my husband and baby this weekend. I missed them so much after only a couple of hours. I do treasure alone time and it is important to take that time for myself every once in a while. Becoming a mom  has added a different dimension to who I am but it's important to maintain my identity as an individual and as a wife. I'm learning how to do that each day and pray that I can fill all of those roles to my greatest potential.

Friday favorites

 Here are a few items I'm loving lately...

PHILOSOPHY'S FACIAL CLEANSER

I have sensitive, dry skin and it is amazing! My skin feels so soft & moisturized. 

AVEENO'S NOURISH & MOISTURIZE SHAMPOO

It's only $6.99 and truly moisturizes unlike most shampoos that promise that.

YANKEE CANDLE'S WAX TARTS

BEACHWALK FRAGRANCE

Our house is smelling divine! 

TO HEAVEN AND BACK

MARY C. NEAL

Mom recommended this book & so thankful she did. An incredibly inspiring true story of a medical doctor who experiences heaven in a near death kayaking accident. Quick, easy read that reminds us God performs miracles every day. Perfect timing for me to read this & how I've been able to apply it to the lessons we've discussed in our small group. 

PEPPER PLACE FARMERS MARKET

So excited the farmers market kicks off tomorrow morning. Can't wait to get our fresh produce & local honey. 

Today was Denson's two month appointment and he received his first round of shots. Although Jonathan had planned to be at the appointment all month, he had a last minute [very important] meeting at work and wasn't able to make it. Thank goodness my mom is flexible and was able to come over last minute to go to the appointment with me. Denson did great and has been a trooper this afternoon. He weighs 12 lbs 8oz and is 23 inches. We love you sweet pea! We're looking forward to a beautiful weekend with family and friends. Hope you enjoy this beautiful weather too!

Respectable Sins

Jonathan and I are so thankful for our church, Redstone, and our small group that meets each week. We are blessed to share life with five incredible couples. When we moved back to Birmingham from Florida, we were on a mission to find a church to dive into through service and dedication. Both being from Homewood, we have our churches we grew up going to but felt compelled to reach outside those comforting doors of traditional church that we used to show up to only on Sundays. God brought us to this church and these people quickly and for great purposes, which some we have all experienced this year. Parenthood. Four of the six couples had babies within five months. It was surreal when we heard from the first couple that they were expecting. Then a few weeks later, two more couples would reveal their exciting news. And then Jonathan and I shared our news! Only one couple was actively 'trying' for they had been struggling with fertility for two years. God works in mysterious ways and we all rejoiced when they shared the news that they were pregnant and had made it past that initial six weeks where they had lost the baby previously.

I celebrate with thanksgiving that we have other new parents to pray with and experience life together. It's okay to admit you're tired, worried and that you had an incredibly challenging day. But it's pure joy when you get six hours of sleep for the first time and see your precious child smile and laugh...and when nursing finally becomes comfortable and easy! Lately, our weekly meeting has been interrupted with crying babies who need feeding or diaper changes...oftentimes we spend the majority of group swapping stories and advice, rushing to fit in our bible study. Many weeks, some of us can't make it and sometimes we cancel, but we are committed to each other and God rewards us for being intentional and faithful to Him.

We are reading Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges and we started the book right after Denson was born. I was thinking, we're not going to be able to read at all and we won't see anyone for months to discuss it anyway. Well, thanks to the Iphone, I downloaded the book and have been able to keep up with the chapters via reading while nursing and during Denson's naptime. [Jonathan, bless his heart, reads whenever he can which is typically late at night] Jerry Bridges shares truth and insight that with prayer, has humbled me and exposed many of my 'respectable sins'. Reading this while beginning the parenting journey has been incredible. God has perfect timing. I could go on and on about how great this book is but I will say, I had never heard of the term 'respectable sins' nor did I believe that these characteristics, such as anxiety, were sins. My eyes and heart have been opened.

In other exciting things...Denson turned two months old last week! Pictures of that to come from the camera, whenever I get around to it. We go to our two month appointment on Friday and he will be getting his first set of shots. He is growing strong and healthy and I am one thankful mommy. Here are a few pictures from my phone. I'm so in love with my precious family :)