Summer....

I love the water - being in it, skiing, boating, you name it!  Thankfully, Emma does too.....

We joined my parents out at Jordan Lake one night last week for some skiing.

My dad is always super silly with Emma...I love it:)

Saturday, we headed to Beaufort for a long weekend.  Before we went, Emma had to potty.  She hasn't actually done anything in the potty yet, but she is excited about sitting there, and pretends to wipe herself.  I plan on tackling the whole potty training thing later this summer:)

Emma napped for most of the trip, but when she wasn't sleeping...she was super happy.  She loves to dance to music, and is OBSESSED with her puzzles.  (Puzzles in the car is somewhat of a challenge...)

While walking aroung downtown Beaufort, Emma spotted this little pooch.  She was in heaven.

I was really excited to check out Southern Frock's this store, and it did not disappoint.  They have really cute things there, and the owner was working this past weekend too, so I got the chance to meet her (and she is super sweet as well!).  I picked up this adorable romper, but in the navy and white print.  Her clothes are really versatile and comfortable - 2 things that are key when making purchases.

And can we just talk about how cute this jumpsuit is????????  It was all I could do not to buy it every color.

After strolling around downtown, we dodged the rain showers at dinner....and were just happy to be together.

Sunday morning, we headed to Shackleford Banks, bright and early! I'm super proud of my "mom" skills - pulling Emma's hair into pig-tails.  Don't laugh...doing a toddler's hair is much more of a challenge that you might think....

Emma was ready with her beach toys!  She had an absolute blast out there, and finally napped on the way in....So we took our time and cruised the waterfront so she could continue sleeping (on me...with her head on my chest and arms and legs wrapped around me..it was heaven because I know she won't do that for much longer)

It was really windy that day, but we had a great time anyway.  I did, however, spend too much time worrying about Emma getting too much sun and forget to put sunscreen on myself.  My back feels like sandpaper today...

Sunday night, we tried a new place in Morehead..Red Fish Grille..which was really tasty.  Then let Emma get some more energy out at the park nearby.

On our way out Monday, I had to stop at my favorite store...Haley and the Hound.  Sadly, I didn't buy anything (much to my husband's credit), but was able to try on their new dress line.  They do daily specials, so I have my eye on a few:)

We stopped at The Friendly Market and picked up some fresh corn and tomatoes for dinner that night.  It was hard to be back home (and in reality), but at least we had some fresh corn on the cob!  Let summer begin!!!

A new start....

Today marks a new beginning for me and our family.  

I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity to start working part-time.  It has been a dream of mine ever since Emma was born.  I truly enjoy working and what I do, but I increasingly realized how much time that was consuming me away from Emma and Brent, and I just couldn't live with that any longer.  I officially start working part-time today, July 1.  I will work 3 days a week, and I couldn't be more happy.  I have sooooo many things I want to do with Emma and in my time at home.  I also think, professionally, this will be a good time for me to reflect and back away from work for a few days a week.  Oftentimes, I get too wrapped up in work life and it was starting to consume me emotionally.  I was stressed, worried, anxious, and even angry at times with the "drama" that comes along with office life.  I think stepping back will help me remove myself from this, and also help me to really focus on my work (and not the other things that I cannot control).  

On my list for this summer..............

1. Spend more time with this girl.  Hands down, I CANNOT WAIT to hang out with her.  She is so much fun to be around, and is so sweet.  She loves to do things with me, and is a good listener.  I am planning on taking her to the lake a lot....and on several other outings (KidZu Museum, playdates, etc...)  It will be so nice not to rush out the door every morning and finally spend quality time with her.

2. Be a housewife.  I am super excited about cooking, and keeping my house clean.  I know it will be a challenge with a 2 year old pulling out everything I JUST put away, but I won't be locked into a weeknight and weekend get-it-all done time frame.  

3. Take care of me.  I need more balance - more time to do things I love, like ski, workout, read, hang out with friends.  I now have some flexibility to do these things.  It sounds silly, but when you work outside of the home all week long, you don't want to leave your child at home with a babysitter and go out.  Most of my weekends are spent trying to be a housewife and good mom.  There's little time for anything else.  Don't get me wrong, I know being a stay-at-home mom is SUPER tough, so I know how good I have it working part-time. 

I really do feel blessed for this new phase in my life, and I am super excited to see what the summer and beyond holds for me.  I think some gratitude for the things I have in my life is very long overdue, and I plan on being grateful every day for what God has given me.

A TWO year old!

Sweet Emma turned 2 yesterday.....and I couldn't be more proud of this little girl.  She is growing to be the most caring, loving, and thoughtful girl.  I love her so much that my heart aches sometimes.  It is truly amazing that God has made this little girl just for Brent and I.

We both took the day off...it is something I did last year for her birthday and it is a tradition that we will carry out from now on.  I think since we are working, it is really important that we spend this ONE day with her.  I want her to feel loved and special everyday...but especially on this day.

My parents used to hang streamers from the doorway in my house, so I wanted to continue this tradition for Emma's birthday.

I had gotten her a crib for her stuffed animals (all a ploy to get her to tuck them in at night and NOT have them in her crib so she can focus on sleeping), and also a LeapFrog kids laptop.  I saw a woman shopping with one last week and her child was as content as can be in the stroller playing with this thing.  I stopped her and had to know what it was, where she got it, how much it was, the whole story!  Luckily, it is no expensive and I know Emma will love it.  I'm not judging here...but I refuse to let my 2 year old play with my $500 ipad...if only because it actually belongs to work!

 Sweet Virginia, who works with Brent, also had some presents for her to open - and she loved them!!

After opening, we went outside to play.....

The we showered, got dressed, and headed to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast!

Our plan that day was to take her to Build-A-Bear.  Of course, we walked into Southpoint to the spot where the store USED to be and found out if had closed there.  Seriously?  Good thing Crabtree had one and it was only a 25 minute drive.

Of course, Emma picked a dog...a beautiful golden retriever.  Brent and I are in trouble when she realizes that real dogs are options....

Fluffing her new dog!!

Walking out with her loot....

I don't know if she was more excited about the new dog or the box...

Afterwards, we headed home for a nap.  Then had a very small party at Chikfila because it was kids night!  Emma's still a little afraid of the cow...she loves to be near him...but won't hug or high five him yet.  She will "moo" at him though....I think that's a good sign!

No luck getting a good family photo...but not for lack of trying!!

Elsa from Frozen was one of the face paint/balloon art gals.....

Emma was not a fan of the balloon art...she wouldn't hold the flower at all.  

We had a blast spending this special day with her - I'm already wishing her birthday was more often!!!  Happy Birthday, Emma!!!