Words can't express what this memorial means to us. It was so thoughtful. Every time our baby girl's existence is acknowledged, we are humbled. She was so loved.
We are looking forward to visiting Penelope's trees in the forest one day.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Arbor Day Memorium
Dustin and I wanted to thank Grandma Lucy for the most beautiful gift. We received the following card in the mail from the Arbor Day Foundation:
Words can't express what this memorial means to us. It was so thoughtful. Every time our baby girl's existence is acknowledged, we are humbled. She was so loved.
We are looking forward to visiting Penelope's trees in the forest one day.
Words can't express what this memorial means to us. It was so thoughtful. Every time our baby girl's existence is acknowledged, we are humbled. She was so loved.
We are looking forward to visiting Penelope's trees in the forest one day.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Beanie's New Daycare
Bryan leaving meant it was time for Beanie's new daycare. I was dreading it all weekend but when the morning arrived, I was surprisingly calm. This was probably because Dustin is in charge of drop off and I get to pick up but nonetheless it was unsettling.
This daycare is in a church setting. There is an academic curriculum as well as a biblical one. I was nervous for Beanie to begin such a structured program but it was ultimately the best choice with our limited time frame.
I texted dust all morning for updates and made him describe in detail how the drop off went. Supposedly, it went off without a hitch.
When it was time to pick him up, I raced to the church. Everyone was very nice and Xavier was thrilled to see me...until he realized that me picking him up meant he had to go home. He loves playing on their playground. That night (and every other night) was difficult as he is getting used to their schedule. He isn't napping well there yet so our evenings have been a challenge. We are confident that he will get into a routine soon and we will all be comfortable again :)
We are officially 2 weeks in and so far so good. Xavier seems to really like it. When Dustin dresses him in the mornings, he gets super excited and can't wait to be dropped off at "school." I hope this continues :)
Praying that we adjust to this new setting with lots of kids and lots of teachers soon. I think Beanie is there...Mama is working on it.
This daycare is in a church setting. There is an academic curriculum as well as a biblical one. I was nervous for Beanie to begin such a structured program but it was ultimately the best choice with our limited time frame.
I texted dust all morning for updates and made him describe in detail how the drop off went. Supposedly, it went off without a hitch.
When it was time to pick him up, I raced to the church. Everyone was very nice and Xavier was thrilled to see me...until he realized that me picking him up meant he had to go home. He loves playing on their playground. That night (and every other night) was difficult as he is getting used to their schedule. He isn't napping well there yet so our evenings have been a challenge. We are confident that he will get into a routine soon and we will all be comfortable again :)
We are officially 2 weeks in and so far so good. Xavier seems to really like it. When Dustin dresses him in the mornings, he gets super excited and can't wait to be dropped off at "school." I hope this continues :)
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| Holding Mama's hand after his first day at daycare |
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| Silly baby |
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| Let's go! |
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| Didn't want to leave... |
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| This is what he does when he gets home... |
Praying that we adjust to this new setting with lots of kids and lots of teachers soon. I think Beanie is there...Mama is working on it.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Breakfast Date :)
Xavier and I had a Saturday morning to ourselves last weekend so we decided to do a "first" for us-- go on a breakfast date :)
We were out and about shopping and exploring Tallahassee and decided that we wanted some Cracker Barrel. I have never taken him on my own and he picked up on this very quickly. He kept giggling and acting silly the whole time. He flirted with everyone that walked by. And he enjoyed his juice and eggs even more than usual!
After I shared this with Dust he suggested that we start taking Xavier on "dates" with just he and Xavier or Me and Xavier. We are both looking forward to this special time with him. :)
Love him!
We were out and about shopping and exploring Tallahassee and decided that we wanted some Cracker Barrel. I have never taken him on my own and he picked up on this very quickly. He kept giggling and acting silly the whole time. He flirted with everyone that walked by. And he enjoyed his juice and eggs even more than usual!
After I shared this with Dust he suggested that we start taking Xavier on "dates" with just he and Xavier or Me and Xavier. We are both looking forward to this special time with him. :)
Love him!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Getting Settled
Moving into our new home was a challenge. We went from a home with three big bedrooms and a garage to a home with three small bedrooms and no garage...Needless to say, we had to donate a lot of things that we no longer use. When the movers left, we had our work cut out for us...
It took us a while, but we got through all of the boxes and made our house a home. Pics of our new home soon to come!
The day after Xavier and I arrived, my parents came to town. Because Xavier couldn't start at his new daycare until February 1st, we needed a babysitter for the last two weeks of January. My parents were covering the first week.
Also, my grandparents came down for a quick visit. They winter in Florida and decided to head down the same weekend so that they could follow my parents to our house. It was so nice to see them :)
Before I knew it, the weekend was over and it was time for me to head to my first day of work. Luckily, my parents were there so it wasn't difficult saying bye to Beanie. As the week progressed, I got into the swing of my new (and much better) schedule, Dust continued working, and my parents spent their time with the bean. Every day I came home to new decor being hung, or new furniture placed. My mom and I had a lot of fun decorating and it was a much needed distraction as my first week of work was utterly overwhelming. We went to dinners, shopped and hung around the house. Beanie had the time of his life with his Mimi and Papa. Unfortunately, I was so out of my element that I totally spaced pictures all week...I think I took like 3.
On Friday night, we had dinner and said good bye. My parents were heading out to get a head start on the drive home. Saying goodbye was more difficult this time than it had been in a long time. After a tear-filled fest, however, my parents left and life resumed per usual.
We woke up on Saturday and actually headed back to Tampa. Dustin competed in his third weightlifting competition. More details on that to come...
We returned Sunday evening and before long, Bryan arrived. He was on baby duty for the second shift. This week was much more relaxed because I wasn't crazy overwhelmed with work. It was a great week. We got to hang out and even try some new restaurants together. Again...I got very few pictures...but at least I caught a few cute moments :)
I know I say it all the time, but we truly are SO VERY THANKFUL for our amazing parents!!!!
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| Stuff.. |
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| More Stuff... |
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| .... |
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| ... |
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| umm... |
It took us a while, but we got through all of the boxes and made our house a home. Pics of our new home soon to come!
The day after Xavier and I arrived, my parents came to town. Because Xavier couldn't start at his new daycare until February 1st, we needed a babysitter for the last two weeks of January. My parents were covering the first week.
Also, my grandparents came down for a quick visit. They winter in Florida and decided to head down the same weekend so that they could follow my parents to our house. It was so nice to see them :)
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| Melts my heart :) |
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| <3 |
Before I knew it, the weekend was over and it was time for me to head to my first day of work. Luckily, my parents were there so it wasn't difficult saying bye to Beanie. As the week progressed, I got into the swing of my new (and much better) schedule, Dust continued working, and my parents spent their time with the bean. Every day I came home to new decor being hung, or new furniture placed. My mom and I had a lot of fun decorating and it was a much needed distraction as my first week of work was utterly overwhelming. We went to dinners, shopped and hung around the house. Beanie had the time of his life with his Mimi and Papa. Unfortunately, I was so out of my element that I totally spaced pictures all week...I think I took like 3.
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| Beanie and Papa! |
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| <3 |
On Friday night, we had dinner and said good bye. My parents were heading out to get a head start on the drive home. Saying goodbye was more difficult this time than it had been in a long time. After a tear-filled fest, however, my parents left and life resumed per usual.
We woke up on Saturday and actually headed back to Tampa. Dustin competed in his third weightlifting competition. More details on that to come...
We returned Sunday evening and before long, Bryan arrived. He was on baby duty for the second shift. This week was much more relaxed because I wasn't crazy overwhelmed with work. It was a great week. We got to hang out and even try some new restaurants together. Again...I got very few pictures...but at least I caught a few cute moments :)
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| Playing :) |
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| Dinner outside at Vertigo Burger |
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| :) |
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| Crazy Hair... |
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| Xavier fell asleep on a walk with grandpa! |
I know I say it all the time, but we truly are SO VERY THANKFUL for our amazing parents!!!!
Friday, February 7, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
We're Still Here!!!
Posting has been super slow this month due to the CRAZINESS that is our lives right now! But we are alive and kickin' and I'll be sharing lots of new posts soon-- I promise :)
In the meantime, here is a cute pic to hold you over!
In the meantime, here is a cute pic to hold you over!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
See Ya' Later Tampa Bay!
In early January, January 3rd to be exact, the three of us headed to Tallahassee--Xavier and I for the weekend,and Dustin permanently. We packed both cars as full as we could and hit the road. We spent the weekend in our new place. Dustin worked that Friday so that he would be up to speed on his first day (the following Monday).
We spent the weekend trying to make our home as homey as possible. On Sunday afternoon, Xavier and I packed up our stuff and made the 5 hour drive back to Seminole. Saying goodbye was awful :( We knew we were going to have to live apart for two weeks, but it was much easier to talk about then to actually do.
Xavier and I survived, however, and before we knew it, it was Thursday night and we were heading back to Tallahassee. I took Friday off at my old school so that I could get some business done in Tally. I spent Friday at my new school and at the district offices. I got to meet my administrators, team, and even my kiddos! Xavier came along with me and everyone thought he was too cute :)
Once again, Sunday came too quickly and we had to say goodbye for one more week. I will be honest and say that we were all three pathetic. We are not good at being apart! On the days that I struggled, however, Dustin knew all the right things to help me get over myself and vice versa.
Our last week in Tampa was a whirlwind. My school had a going away party for me Monday evening and it was so incredibly generous. I have made life long friends in Tampa and I am very thankful for that.
On Tuesday, I thought that after running a hundred errands I was going to be able to go home and pack...but then I discovered a nail in my tire so Xavier and I pretended that we were daddy and spent the evening at the tire shop. There is nothing like living apart from your husband to make you realize how much he does for you :)
Wednesday evening, Xavier and I had dinner with my very first Florida friend. I've blogged about her before, in fact, right here. She and I have been through some really tough stuff at the same time and she will always be very special to me :) Needless to say after this dinner, I was spent and got NO packing done.
Thursday and Friday were spent teaching my babies, saying goodbye to my friends and Susie, Xavier's homecare provider (it was all awful and sad and I refuse to go into it...) and packing, packing, packing! Packing up a three bedroom house alone is very difficult. Add a toddler to the mix and it is nearly impossible! Dustin couldn't miss work (He just started, duh!) so a few of my girlfriends came over to help me with taking apart the big stuff. I put in some late nights, but somehow, Beanie and I managed to get it all done!
It wasn't always easy-- but we made it!
Saturday morning, Xavier and I woke up bright and early, just in time for the movers to arrive. Once they finished, I checked the house and packed up the car. Before we left though, I took a few pictures.
It was so hard saying goodbye to this house. This house was our home. It is where we found out we were going to become parents...twice. It was where we had two babies. It was where Xavier's first nursery was. It was safe and comfortable. In this house we experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. It is hard moving on.
We are very blessed to have both found jobs and a new home and a new daycare. It has all just fallen into place and God has promised us a bright future. It may take some time but I am hopeful that soon Tallahassee will feel like home, too.
So long Tampa Bay :)
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| Tallahassee Residents |
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| Eating Chicken on the Floor :) |
We spent the weekend trying to make our home as homey as possible. On Sunday afternoon, Xavier and I packed up our stuff and made the 5 hour drive back to Seminole. Saying goodbye was awful :( We knew we were going to have to live apart for two weeks, but it was much easier to talk about then to actually do.
Xavier and I survived, however, and before we knew it, it was Thursday night and we were heading back to Tallahassee. I took Friday off at my old school so that I could get some business done in Tally. I spent Friday at my new school and at the district offices. I got to meet my administrators, team, and even my kiddos! Xavier came along with me and everyone thought he was too cute :)
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| Celebrating Dr. Daddy's First Week of Work! |
Once again, Sunday came too quickly and we had to say goodbye for one more week. I will be honest and say that we were all three pathetic. We are not good at being apart! On the days that I struggled, however, Dustin knew all the right things to help me get over myself and vice versa.
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| Just Mama and Beanie |
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| Stinker! |
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| <3 |
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| Parking Lot! |
Our last week in Tampa was a whirlwind. My school had a going away party for me Monday evening and it was so incredibly generous. I have made life long friends in Tampa and I am very thankful for that.
On Tuesday, I thought that after running a hundred errands I was going to be able to go home and pack...but then I discovered a nail in my tire so Xavier and I pretended that we were daddy and spent the evening at the tire shop. There is nothing like living apart from your husband to make you realize how much he does for you :)
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| Hangin' at the Tire Store |
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| Our son the hoarder......... |
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| He's obsessed |
Wednesday evening, Xavier and I had dinner with my very first Florida friend. I've blogged about her before, in fact, right here. She and I have been through some really tough stuff at the same time and she will always be very special to me :) Needless to say after this dinner, I was spent and got NO packing done.
Thursday and Friday were spent teaching my babies, saying goodbye to my friends and Susie, Xavier's homecare provider (it was all awful and sad and I refuse to go into it...) and packing, packing, packing! Packing up a three bedroom house alone is very difficult. Add a toddler to the mix and it is nearly impossible! Dustin couldn't miss work (He just started, duh!) so a few of my girlfriends came over to help me with taking apart the big stuff. I put in some late nights, but somehow, Beanie and I managed to get it all done!
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| A gift Susie got Xavier :( |
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| Helping Mama! |
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| Crazy! |
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| Pony Tail! |
Saturday morning, Xavier and I woke up bright and early, just in time for the movers to arrive. Once they finished, I checked the house and packed up the car. Before we left though, I took a few pictures.
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| Playing in his playroom one last time |
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| Home |
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| Beanie's first home <3 |
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| Silly Bean |
It was so hard saying goodbye to this house. This house was our home. It is where we found out we were going to become parents...twice. It was where we had two babies. It was where Xavier's first nursery was. It was safe and comfortable. In this house we experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. It is hard moving on.
We are very blessed to have both found jobs and a new home and a new daycare. It has all just fallen into place and God has promised us a bright future. It may take some time but I am hopeful that soon Tallahassee will feel like home, too.
So long Tampa Bay :)
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