It’s human name to want to help in times of crisis-

help those hurting

help those in need

help those less fortunate

help those who can not help themselves

THIS is your time to help.

On May 2, 1999, sirens went off and the most powerful tornado ever recorded plowed into Moore killing 36 and leaving thousands homeless.

May 20,2013 was a nightmare for Moore because it happen again- and this was unbelievable, much worse.  If you’re like me and overcome with the frantic urge to help, I would ask you to take time to do so right now -donate to the Red Cross.They are in the best position to to deliver direst, immediate aid on the ground - including food, shelter, and comfort for the thousands of homeless and afflicted  as well as support for first responders.  Plus, your donations will help ensure that the organization is well-position for future disasters. 

Click here to make a donation: http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations  or text “REDCROSS” to 90999 for an instant $10 donation. 

And to my Dallas folks, keep your eyes on the weather today- it’s a high risk day in North Texas. 

When you spend four years in Stillwater, Oklahoma it’s impossible for the state not to become home.

I cannot convey enough the sadness I feel for those affected in today’s tragedy or understate how my thoughts are with them.

It’s a wonderful place, full of real, strong, genuine, beautiful, and kind people. Keep them all in your hearts today.

This day is crap.

I tried to have a better attitude about it, but nope, didn’t work. 

It all started when a very grump baby woke up three times in one night therefore causing this momma to be exhausted. 

Then the donut shop was out of blueberry donuts.

And then our nanny decided to take vacation NEXT WEEK for the entire week. How’s that for notice??

And then work blew more than usual. Oh Monday. 

And then I split breast milk on my skirt… at work. Awesome. 

Please please let this day redeem itself with no traffic on my commute home and a smiley,cuddly baby that sleeps through the night.

(rant over)

The weather in Dallas was ah-maze-ing this weekend, but as you can see, it was REALLY windy. 

Also, yes we match and I desperately needed my sunnies on. 

I follow several bloggers who have been doing a “post a day” challenge in May. It’s been interesting to see the different topics, ideas, and interpretations. I’ve thought about piggy-backing and doing them, but quickly realized I would have probably fallen off the wagon on day two. I’m not good with the whole scheduled post thing That being said, there are a few I like so I’ll post about them in the next few days.

Yesterday’s was: favorite picture of myself and why. 

This was back in August on our “babymoon”… it’s not some super glamorous shot by any stretch of the imagination, but I remember being so content, so happy, that nothing could wipe the smile off of my face. I was spending time with my man, basking in the sun, reading, dreaming about my little baby girl, and drinking “mocktails”. (Note: the only thing that could make it better was if they would have been real cocktails.)

Little did I know that just a mere 3-ish months later, my world would be completely changed with Perry’s arrival. I mean, I knew she was coming, but I didn’t realize just how much it would change… for the better.  

Funny how grand I thought our life was then…but it compares nothing to what life is like now for our little family. This is me at a time when I knew the best was yet to come, I just didn’t realize how wonderful the Good Lords plans were!

(and as a bonus- another one of my favorite pictures taken that same day. Just look at that baby in my belly!)

Dear Perry, 

Happy Half Birthday! Starting today, our family will be celebrating half birthdays. I mean, why not celebrate half birthdays? It’s a milestone after all! This age is my favorite by far! You are so sweet and cuddly, yet showing signs of independence and a personality that is vibrant and easy going. In my (very) bias opinion, you are the greatest little tyke I’ve ever met. 

This month you started rolling back to front and front to back. You make this really funny grunting noise while you do it and I can’t help but laugh.  You have taken an interest in the DART train that goes right by our house - you get excited when it comes and watch it until it disappears  So observant!  

Being outdoors is still one of your favorite things. It brings a sense of calm when you are upset and you love laying on the blanket while playing with toys. Every Tuesday, we go to concerts at the Arboretum and you are the perfect concert attendee.   It’s really the perfect setup for us to ensure we get out and have a family date every week. 

In big news, you spent your first night (April 13) away from mom and dad!  We attended a wedding while you stayed with Uncle Rob and Aunt D.  They tell me you were perfect, but I don’t think they’d ever tell me otherwise.  You got to cheer on Lincoln at this soccer game, play with cousin Alexa, and wake Uncle Rob up nice and early.  I’m proud that we both did so well, but I certainly won’t make a habit of these sleepovers because I miss you too much. While you were with Aunt D, she snapped some super cute pictures of you…

Today, you had your first meal (aside from breastmilk) and you ate like a champ. I’m so proud of you! You helped spoon feed yourself 1/4 cup of oatmeal and you loved it!  This should come as no shock since you’ve been eyeing our food for a couple weeks now. I see many messy meals in our future. 

This month you:

- had a special visit from Grandbob and Grandpa Rob

- had your first sleepover

- hosted (errr helped host) a baby shower for the Dalhiems

- had a girls night at the Arboretum

- celebrated Mother’s Day

Bathtime is a delight and now days, your favorite thing to do is suck on the rag. I have to pry it from your tiny fingers when it’s time to put on your pjs!

Perry, you’re still waking up in the middle of the night and let me just tell you, this momma needs some sleep! You typically wake up once a night, eat, and then fall right back asleep.  I really shouldn’t complain but you teased me sleeping through the night for a few months so I got accustomed to it. Shame on me!

Perry, you have turned my world upside down and it’s hard to imagine what life was like before you. I love your sweet cuddles, grants and giggles, and gummy smiles. You have shown me how to love more deeply and cherish every moment. Happy half birthday baby angel!

XO- your momma

Weight: 15 lbs 11 oz (50th percentile)

Height: 26 3/4 inches (80th percentile)

Head: 17 5/8 inches (95th percentile… your brain must be big)

Cloth Diapers: 2 snaps open in the middle and one open snap in the crotch

Diet: nursing a couple times a day,2 bottles with 8 oz of pumped milk, and as of today, oatmeal at dinner

Clothes: 3 and 6 month onesies, 3-6 month pants/dresses/pjs

Sleep: 8 - 6ish, but waking up once a night to be fed

Truth be told, it’s pretty easy to get me to cry these days. Thinking about motherhood and how it’s changed me. Although I’m only 6 (SIX!) months in, I get it now….what it means to be a momma.

The unbelievable joy. The sacrifice. The late nights and early mornings. The worry. The unconditional love.

And I’m starting to understand the depth of the love my mom has for me. After all, her heart is forever walking around inside my body…just as mine is currently rolling around in footie pajamas.

All of my accomplishments pale in comparison to mothering my little girl. And I know my mom feels the same way about my brothers and me.

With the joy, there is fear. The fear that one day you won’t be the center of that precious baby’s universe. That one day, they won’t need you anymore.

I find comfort in the fact that I still need my mom.

I needed her when I moved to college and felt homesick.  

I needed her when I had a broken heart. I needed her to help put together my perfect wedding day when my prince charming came along.  

I needed her when I couldn’t decide if the six pregnancy tests I took really said positive, and as soon as she said yes there are two lines, I wanted nothing more than to squeal about it with her.