Happy New...July?

Do you ever have those moments of resolution where things just seem like they have to fall into place?? Like there's no way tomorrow is going to be bad...no chance, no how!

Today, is one of those moments. Steven is texting me with smiles interlaced in his words. Our Bug is behaving herself today and not being a terror of a 6 week old. (Okay, really Mom how much of a terror can a 6 week old be?? She doesn't ask for much!) And I'm here at work feeling fairly confident about my self-image (always a plus).

Today has become like my New Years. I want to throw my hands up and scream HAPPY NEW YEAR to whomever graces my presence. But, alas, I'll keep that to myself...don't need people thinking I'm crazier than they already do!

So, that being said, it's time for New Year's resolutions!! (Maybe it being July, I can actually stick with them...less pressure, right?)

1. I must remember that life really isn't that bad despite the onslaught of drama that we keep running into!
2. I will take happy photographs every day (I really have this passion that I have no idea how to capture right now...too much creative juice flowing)
3. I plan to begin my exercise regimen once I see the doctor on Thursday (Yes, cliche...I know)

Three...three's enough (for now)! I don't need to overwhelm myself...

I suppose I should elaborate a little for good measure.

One comes from the fact that I'm going to have to find a way to afford my license and interlock because Steven will surely be losing his very, very soon. (Why? I know you're asking that!) Because he sadly recieved a DUI on Thursday! Court is August 31st...and I guess we'll see how that goes!

Two stems from my genetic make-up. Okay, so I "blame" it on that, but in all honesty, I just love photographs. My grandpa and uncle are both professionals..and I love their work (see paulmoloney.net and kevinmoloney.com) but it's time to have my own out there!

Three is there for obvious reasons. Having just had my Little Miss (the newest name I've been calling her), I have about an extra 12 lbs before my pre-pregnancy weight to go and then I would like to just lose a bit more. I want to focus on a number but in the same respect, I don't. I think it would just make it worse for me! Sooo...I'm going to focus on a healthy lifestyle. (That's the key isn't it?) And maybe I should bombard my own blog with daily updates on my progress...I promise it won't turn into a weight-loss blog, but it'll rather be incorporated into my daily life! (Like it should be anyways).

Soooo..all said and done, let DAY 1 be today and let time only tell if July is a better time to make New Year's resolutions or not!

Birthdays...

Today is my dear Steven's 32nd birthday. (Also, my 24 1/2 birthday...yes we're 7 1/2 years apart to the day)

I'm not sure how he really feels about it. The days leading up he kept talking like he was willing to forget he's 32 years old, but then this morning he seemed rather happy. He left to lend a hand to a friend giving me sweet kisses, Marlee-bug a kiss on the forehead, and, because he was in a goofy mood and she was eating, a kiss on my bare boob saying "give me some boob too" to Marlee! (Yes, I know that's what you really wanted to know..ha)

Alas, since December 2008 I have loved this "old man". He's honestly one of my favorite people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Steven is brilliant but doesn't let too many people know that. He's strong; both physically and emotionally. (Which helps balance out my emotional distraught most days.) He's handsome in that rugged but refined way. He's my best friend, my lover, my number one fan, and the absolute best father to my daughter! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!

Smiles...

Who doesn't love a big, toothless, utterly-can't-believe-life-is-so-good smile?!

I love Marlee's grins! No matter how bad of a day you'd been having, she smiles at me and I'm transformed! I'm shot into a world where nothing is wrong, where colors are brighter, and songs are prettier! I can't imagine a place so perfect like being in front of her face while she smiles!

There's open-wide smiles where her mouth opens wide and she gets a sparkle in her eye...

There's simple grins that make you wonder if she has a happy thought or just a little gas...

Then, there's my favorite! When Marlee is starting to fall asleep and it's like she's reached a state of zen. Her calm, comfortable expression is broken by a sudden curl of the side of her mouth; a perfect smirk. Watching her fall asleep is my favorite...I should count the smiles!

The other day I was home alone with her and needing some happiness. I popped in a Nora Jones CD to listen and sing to. Marlee and I were sitting on the bed and I was singing #4 on the CD (apparently her new favorite cause this happened later when I showed Steven)...and she cracked this look, just for me:




It's a mobile photo....so sorry for the quality!

First Holiday...

Marlee slept through a majority of her first holiday weekend events! July 3rd we enjoyed a rodeo at the Greeley Stampede. At the beginning she was awake...



Some quality bullriding...Note: it has been 8 seconds...he can get off the bull already!!! HA!

Some crazy bronc-riding... Regardless of the fact the rider looks as though he's barely hanging on, he did continue to ride.

The world famous rodeo personality (of course I don't remember his name), did a skit involving a horse and a little cowboy!!! I couldn't help but fall in love with it! :)

I wish I would have taken some shots of the mutton-bustin'! Believe me, in 5 years Marlee will be hanging on for dear life to the back of a sheep as it runs across the arena!!! It's not child abuse, I promise...just good, ole-fashioned country entertainment!!! Not to mention, she could win some really cool Justin boots! :)

On July 4th, Marlee's one month birthday and her very first holiday, we ended up sleeping most of the day but when we did head to my parent's and then to a friend's house, she wore this cute little number from her Great-aunt Jackie! I just dig the tongue action! She's such a dork!

Adventures...

I'm still failing to post pictures and what not from the holiday weekend...SORRY...

Reading my dear friend Ruby's blog: http://ruby-rubymusings.blogspot.com/ , her and her husband like to take pleasure in small adventures on his days off. I'm envious.

There are very few places around here that I haven't seen. Growing up, my mother loved to go for drives and we always took family vacations. Also, living in a small town, we were always keen on the other small towns in our area too. So, again, there are few places I haven't seen.

I wish we would take small adventures like she does. Even if we took a trip out to the edge of the prarie and played in the tall grass and wind... Hmmm..sounds like a few photo-ops to me!!!

Anyways...I guess maybe one day we will...

In the meantime, check out Ruby's blog and enjoy her adventures! :)

Lack-o-sleep...

I do have a plethora of pictures to post from the holiday weekend...but I'm slacking! I'll get to it!

In the meantime, I just want to vent...

Last night was terrible! Sure, I'm used to the waking up at Marlee's cries and feeding her and then going back to sleep. No big deal. But last night, a whole other story!!!

I'd hear her cry...wake up...feed her...then have her wiggle and fuss while I was trying to get her to sleep. I'd attempt for at least 45 minutes and then wake up Steven. He, of course, is not a happy-camper when woken up! So, I've got a fussy baby and a fussy boyfriend!!! UGH!

This happened twice...

The real kicker: once Marlee was in Steven's arms, she went right to sleep... Seriously, are you kidding me?!

Nothing like making your mom feel like she doesn't matter...already...poo...

Happy 4 weeks Marlee!

Today, Marlee is 4 weeks old! Doesn't seem like much to me! I feel like she's been in our lives for much, much longer!

She's the most amazing person that has ever entered into my life. I can't thank God enough for granting me the chance to be a mother!

I love the way Marlee stares at pictures and lights like they're the most magnificent creations imaginable! I love the way she gets so mad that she just makes a slight scream instead of yelling at the top of her lungs. I love the way she lets her arm dangle above her head when she's eating and just twirls her hair in her hands. I love her little red button nose, her curious eyes, her long monkey toes, everything...

Come July 4th, it will be her official 1-month birthday and what a day to have it! I'm so excited to see her dressed in RED WHITE AND BLUE with her wiggling arms and legs enjoying the holiday with us!

Tomorrow, we're going to introduce Marlee to the wonders of Stampede Rodeo! I have a feeling she'll sleep through the whole darn thing but you better believe I'll have my camera with me! :)