A gift for Gigi

As a small token of thanks to my mom for ALL she's done to help with Barrett! I ask Erin at The Vintage Pearl to make a special necklace for her! I loved this teardrop design with the pearl, and I think it turned out perfectly for my mom. We gave it to her Friday night and she loved it! I hope she thinks of how much we LOVE her every time she wears it!

She's been so wonderful since Barrett was born....I always knew I was lucky to live in the same town as my parents, but now that I have a child, it's even more important and special to me. I sometimes take for granted that my mom is just a 5 minute car ride away. Some people aren't so fortunate and I know that I am blessed in that regard.

My mom was right by my side those first few months of my pregnancy...when I was so sick I couldn't get out of bed; when I couldn't drive myself to the doctor; when I was so dehydrated and nauseous that they checked me into the hospital overnight; when I was too weak to make the trip to Wal-Mart to buy class supplies for work every week during the summer of '07; when the musty smell of my house made me sick and she & my sis-in-law cleaned for two days straight to make it perfect for me; when I could no longer bear walking into my house, and I moved out to her house for 3 weeks...she was always there.

She was by my side again in the hospital when they told me Baby Barrett's heart wasn't reacting they way they'd like to the pitocin, and I needed to consider a C-section...I felt like I'd failed and I couldn't control the tears when I realized the birth I'd imagined wasn't going happen. She was there the day after we got home from the hospital, doing laundry, bringing food, and watching Barrett while Justin and I retreated to the bedroom for a much needed nap! She was there for Barrett's first bath at home...when we didn't have a clue what we were doing, and we needed those extra two hands to get the things we'd forgotten in the nursery. And then when Barrett was so relaxed from the water running on his little head that he pooped right in my hands!

Now she's there, just a phone call or a short drive away, when I need anything. She's a teacher, so she's home during the summer, and she's been keeping Barrett when I have to go to work. He loves going to Gigi's and is always such a good boy for her. She's there when I have questions about feeding, and sleeping. My little brother makes fun of me because I call my mom so much... but I know she'll always be there to answer my silly questions, celebrate my little victories, and make me feel at ease.

I'm so blessed to have the relationship I do with my mom...she IS the best and I love her so much! She's a wonderful mom and a wonderful Gigi!

buried in paper & ribbons...

...that's where I'll be for the next few days :)

So, if you're wondering WHERE I am and WHY I might not have any new posts till next week...this is why! I'm working on a wedding and I've got to get 150 custom layered invitations done by Sunday! Every night after I put Barrett to bed, I plant myself in front of the tv and work away. I'm pretty proud of the way these are turning out. These aren't the best pictures (I'm not a fan of close-ups with my camera inside), but they're so crisp & clean looking.

Letters to my Little Bear-Tenth Edition

Happy Tuesday Little Bear!
So, you might have noticed that the title of my letters to you is now "Letters to my Little Bear," and no longer "Monday's Letters to my Little Bear." I LOVE writing these to you, and I will continue to write one a week...usually on Monday or Tuesday. But, since it seems to get harder and harder to get them done on Mondays, why not change the title?!?! I must confess...I should have been writing you a letter last night. I had some spare time after I gave you a bath and put you to bed...but I spent it on the couch with Daddy watching the finale of The Bachelorette. AND yes, I cried my eyes out ;)

This past weekend was busy celebrating the Fourth of July with all our friends and family. Friday afternoon we went swimming at Gigi's. Jenn had gotten Uncle Bobby this fun fishing chair for graduation, and he was trying it out in the pool. He took you for a ride and you loved it.

You got all dressed up in your red, white and blue that evening, and we went out to Lydia's house for dinner and to watch the fireworks. Uncle Bobby and Jenn came out to visit and meet Mommy's friends. That's when you got your first "grab" of the beer can. A Kodak moment, for sure.

Gotta have your Bud Light!

You didn't get your afternoon nap at Gigi's house that day, so you were a bit fussy, but you finally conked out around 9:00. Mommy & Daddy sat outside with our friends and watched fireworks from North to South, all across the horizon. It was a beautiful night.

On Saturday and Sunday, it was more time with family by the pool. We took pictures with your cousins, Emma and Lauren; visited with Mamo; made homemade ice cream; and lots more!

With Lauren and Emma

Playin' around with Uncle Bobby

Sunday evening we went out to Grandma and Grandpa's for supper and fireworks. We went outside to watch Kylie and Emily slip-n-slide, and you were being such a happy boy, I couldn't quit taking pictures of you!!

Look at those LONG eyelashes!

'Ol Uncle Emily was cracking you up in this picture! She dances like a wild woman and always makes you laugh!

Still watching Emily...with one finger in your mouth! I love those little thighs!!! Umm...I wanna smooch 'em!

With Daddy! He got a little burnt playing golf this weekend ;)

Grandma and Grandpa put up this new whale swing just for you. At first, you weren't too sure about it, but the second time we put you in you were grinning from ear to ear!

Last night was your first Aqua Babies swimming class. Mommy was exhausted afterwards, but it was fun. You have so many friends in the class with you...Norah, Lydia, Grant and Kennedy. You were pretty serious the whole time. Not really expressive either way. You got a little fussy at the very end of the class, but it might have been because you had poopy pants on when I changed you out of your suit! I told Daddy you pooped in the pool! We are going to have so much fun at our swimming class this month!

Have a great week, Little Bear...only 17 more days of work for Mommy!
I love you!