What to do on a hot day? He says/ She says

Old Navy Swimsuit: Gifted from Tara

She says: Let's get out and have fun. We can cool off in the pool.

He says: No, let's stay in and watch a movie.

She says: Ok, then can we cuddle while we watch the movie?

He says: It's too hot.

It's never too hot to cuddle. What say you on a hot day?

365 Love Letters Week 32

My internet went out (non-storm related) and it delayed me posting these. I hope all of my readers around the country and your families are doing ok after the storm. My prayers are going out to all of you and yours.

It's insane how it's flooding some places yet here we're in a terrible drought with record-breaking heat of 112 degrees! As you'll see in these photos, we did our best to stay cool in all this heat. Lil' J loves playing outside but I've gotta keep water nearby and keep our play time short.

I hope some of you had fun with the love letters. Link up below so I can see!

Tutus and bows: Doodledee Boutique

Knot Dress: Lollibug Boutique; Bow: Little Star Sweeper

She's never really shown interest in TV much before but all of a sudden she loves this one single episode of Yo Gaba Gaba. My husband and I have the show and the songs memorized.

Dress: Dapple Gray Designs; Bow: White Suggar Creations; Shoes: Robeez

Old Navy bathing suit gifted

Love shirt: See Baby Grow; Jean shorts: Old Navy

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Mini Mod #1: Introduce me to your tiny trendsetter

If you haven't noticed, I'm a tiny bit obsessed with children's clothing. Rarely does a day goes by where I don't browse for something cute for Lil' J, whether a pair of shoes, a new accessory, or a dress. I rarely get something from the department store, most things are from boutiques, or second hand things from seasons ago, so it's not often we see others wearing what she's sporting.

I love sharing that with you too. Out of habit I take photos of her and what she's wearing daily. I don't consider myself a style blogger but I think I can see children's style in my future. I couldn't ever keep up with posting what I'm wearing on a daily basis, but I could post what Lil' J was wearing if I want. Heck, I'm almost there already. Also, I know some of you have found new favorite shops and finds from me, and I've found some from you, this new link up idea can be a way to keep that going.

As if I haven't had enough failed attempts to incorporate a blog meme, I thought I'd give it another try.

How about every week we show off our kiddos' fashion? That's simple enough right? I'm not sure if I'll keep doing Fridays. While Mini Mod Monday sounds cool, Mondays are suppose to be What I'm Makin' Monday... Lord knows I'm not making much these days now though... Aside from PB and Js for lunch and an occasional tutu. I guess Tuesday is an option too. What day do you like? Do you care?

No need to write a novel or anything, just upload some pictures, let us know where you got the outfit (if you remember) and link up here so we can blog hop. Visit the link before or after yours and comment on it. I'll comment on any Mini Mod posts that are linked up. And with all that said, here's my first post! I hope you'll join in! I'll feature one of the blogs that links up in next week's post!

I take pictures of Lil' J daily. Sometimes we just go out and play in the grass, and other times we take toys outside and play as the sun is setting. Our neighbor's cat Queso usually trots over because he knows we'll pet him and give him lots of love. I'm trying to teach Lil' J to be gentle with him. She's used to smacking and riding Snoop like a horse.

I sat back and watched her play before snapping a few shots. She's so fearless, getting up in his face, and trying to give him kisses.

Queso eventually got sick of us and we plopped down and played with her piggy bank. I showed her how to stick the coins it and she sings. In a matter of minutes she had it down pat and was just over the moon excited about her new talent.

Daddy was inside studying so I took some pictures of the action so he could see how it all went down.

She's wearing a dress and headband from one of my favorite Etsy shops: Sumo's Sweet Stuff. I got the tiered dress and headband for $15. This was one of the first of many dresses like I ordered from this shop. It's getting small, and it's long sleeved so I rolled up the sleeves to make it more weather-appropriate. The length still works as a dress, and soon, once she's too tall I can put leggings on her and she can wear it as a shirt.

She LOVES wearing shoes. I thought for sure she'd hate them since I barely put them on her for the last year. When she was first born I had socks or soft shoes on her daily. But it got hard to find the perfect socks to match ever single outfit, so I ditched them. We're finally getting back in the habit now that she has to wear them for school, and she LOVES them! She's either laughing and trying to pull them off, or bringing them to me, begging me to put them on. The ones she's wearing here are Robeez. I bought these before she was born at a consignment sale. I love these shoes. They are the easiest to get on and of and nice and soft on her feet. I'm in the process of getting more like these, but with some boutique-style. Hopefully I'll have them for another upcoming Mini Mod post!

Ever since she's been wearing them she's ventured with walking more. Maybe her feet feel tougher to her now or something, but she prefers to stand up and try to walk than crawl now. It could be a coincidence though. I'm not sure, but I thought shoes were suppose to have the opposite effect. Either way, I think I can officially call her a WALKER now! Yay Lil' J! This should make picture-taking interesting from now on. But I'm excited for the challenge.

Feel free to link up and show off your stylin' Mod Mini and let others know they can join in. Come on, what better excuse to show off your cutie and your style on them?





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PS: A commenter just informed me there is something similar in the bloggyland (who woulda thought I wasn't the first? ;) ) Called Small Style. I'm linking up there too and you should too to get more bank for your blog!

How far apart to space the kiddos?

Ok, so remember how a a month ago I said I was just gonna go with the flow and not worry about future stuff? Well, I'm going to take a break from that for a moment and freak out about a dilemma. Come with me?

"Happiness" shirt from See Baby Grow; Jean Shorts from Old Navy via eBay; Pink Shoes: Thrifted

You know those cute little shirts that say "big sister" or "little brother"? Adorable right? I passed a rack of them at the store the other day but had to tell myself to just keep walking. Lil' J ain't going to be a big sister anytime (relatively) soon so I shouldn't even get that thought process going. It's dangerous grounds.

For now, when she occasionally does wear a t-shirt, the words on it have nothing to do with having more siblings. They're simple. Peace. Love. Happiness. No hidden messages on these. Well, the back does say "see baby grow" but that has nothing to do with a baby in utero and everything to do with my first child growing.

I'm not sure you can understand the love you'll have for a child until you have a child. I mean, I knew I loved my daughter long before she was born. That love grew as she grew in my belly but when I first saw her--Gosh, I loved her more than I knew was possible. I felt like my heart could burst. All I wanted to do was stare at her, hold her. I couldn't comprehend this love until I experienced it for myself. I think the same thing goes for having a second child.

Pink Bandanna via Walmart

Now I know how it feels to love a child SO MUCH, but I can't imagine splitting that love with another. I've heard people say the love it multiplied, not divided--Or maybe I'm just thinking of Sister Wives--Either way, won't my TIME be divided? My daughter clings to me like white on rice. And seeing as I slept through half of my pregnancy last time, it will be impossible to do that next time around.

When I had Lil' J I mentally prepared to have another as soon as possible. Of course, my husband had other plans. As time has gone on I've really enjoyed this one-on-one time with the daughter I've always dreamed of and it's so hard to imagine adding another to the mix.

I thought I wanted them to be super close in age so they could be super tight but that's not always the case with siblings. I've asked the spacing question numerous times, and I always get a slew of responses which lead me to realize one thing--Everyone seems to be happy with what they have.

Love shirt via See Baby Grow

It took me a while to realize this because I didn't want to see it. Instead I noted there are rare cases where the mom wishes she didn't have a 7-year gap, and ignored instances where the mom wished she had more alone time with her baby before having another. I was seeing what I wanted to see. But in reality, overall, most people seem to like the way they have it.

I can't imagine not being able to give my daughter all of my attention but at the same time I crave the feeling of holding a newborn. I want to start over with my daughter is what I want. Can't I go back? Relive those moments? I know now more than ever to cherish those moments because oh man, they go fast. Even when she throws one of her hilarious little temper tantrums. Instead of getting upset, I can't help but laugh at how silly she looks flopping and whining because she's not getting what she wants. How in the world do they learn these things?!

Anyway, why did I whine when she was so tiny? She's fun now, but I can't go back.

What gives me something more to think about is the fact that next time may be the last time I have a baby. My last pregnancy, last time to experience all those firsts. I'm afraid to miss #2's firsts because I'm watching Lil' J's firsts or vice versa. I'm not sure when kids become more independent... 2? 5? 18? Never? I guess it depends on the kid.

I guess there's no perfect answer, or it's different for everyone, but for now, I'm thinking two and a half years would be a nice not-too-close not-too-far gap for me. Hopefully that'll mean needing no new diapers, as Lil' J will hopefully be growing out as #2 gets in them. She'll hopefully be talking more and able to communicate some of her thoughts, but they'll only be two grades apart in school. If we have a boy next, I don't think they'll really be best friends anyway, and the whole age gap dilemma won't even matter. If we have a girl, I assume they will be BFFs, but because I think that, they'll probably not get along at all.

The good thing is I'm not freaking out like last time where I was like "HOLY HECK WHEN AM I GONNA HAVE A KID? I CAN'T DECIDE!!" This time it's like "Eh. I already have a one, I guess I'll have another when I have another." Especially because people tell me it's 152,000Xs harder. So I ain't rushing that. My husband says if I want, we can just stop with Lil' J, but Eff that!

Another, selfish thing on my mind is thinking that my independence will be like 100% gone once another is born. Between work, a husband, taking a billion pictures, and enjoying writing about it all here during my free time, I can't imagine accomplishing everything with another in the mix.

I'm finally beginning to feel like I have a handle on it all, and I'm thinking about taking a cooking class, or a creative writing class. Maybe even a photography class. But with time being split between two children I feel like time to myself will just be wrong. I mean, I know it's not, but in order to give enough time to each child I'll have to give up some more "me time" I imagine. And while kids change your life and are the BEST thing in the world, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for all of this times two.

Hopefully that will change eventually. But for now, we're keeping those "big sister" shirts out of her closet and making more room for dresses!

Decisions decisions. ... But no rush! Just thinking about it all for a moment.

How far apart did you space your kiddos? Curious.

New Car: He Says/ She Says

 She says: "We should get a Hybrid Highlander. They have seven seats and get good gas mileage. 

He says: "We don't need seven seats. We're just having one more kid."

She says: "Well, what about soccer games, when they want to bring their friends and all their stuff?"

He says: "Soccer games? She just turned one! And she's not going to play soccer."

I'm just thinking ahead people! What say you?

And I thought life was challenging BEFORE this week?--HA HA HA!

The eve of her first day at her new school I munched on some salad before bed. I had a few croutons left over, and knowing how much my daughter loves croutons, I set them aside for her daddy to give them to her in the morning. ... But then I remembered he wouldn't give them to her in the morning. Because he'd already be gone at work.

My stomach churned as I let this reality set it. This is really happening.

I opened the fridge and scanned over our lunches packed for the next day one last time; making sure everything was in place. Then headed up to bed.

I dozed off to memories of the last year. Remembering when my daughter was just a newborn sleeping in her bassinet beside me. How tiny, yet round and chubby she was. I remembered the first time I left for work after my maternity leave and being so scared to have my husband watch over her. But he did great, we survived, and we will get through this next stage too.
 
My husband woke up first, extra early, partly because of nerves, but mostly to make sure he was ready for his first day. He couldn't find something, so I got up and tried to help. Our daughter woke up amongst all of the commotion so I went in her room and laid down with her. I gave the hubs a kiss goodbye (after he found what he was looking for) and wished him good luck, then snuggled with my little girl a couple more hours before my alarm went off.

I can't quite describe the incredible difference it is to have to get up, get ready, get my child ready, and get us both to where we need to be in time. I prepared as much as I could the night before but it's still was a rude awakening. I never realized just how easy I had it, being able to play with my daughter til' the last possible moment before leaving her in her pajamas with her daddy when I left for work.

Now here I am, rushing to get us both dressed, grab her bag, my bag and get out the door before I'm late to work.

I know millions of other people around the world do this every day. I'm not the only one. But holy cow, people need to have more respect for people who do this. I now have more sympathy for my mom, who did this with FIVE kids, and for every parent around the world who's challenged with this extra task.

Dropping her off at her school was the worst part. Not because I don't like it or that I don't trust her teachers--I am so very happy with where she is.--But because seeing her face when she realizes I'm leaving her is gut wrenching. It was bad before, when I left her with her dad, but this magnifies the situation.

I work weekends and have Mondays and Tuesdays off. Monday last week I went to her school with her. We played with the toys together, and she got acclimated with the place. Tuesday I went to a movie and dropped her off for a few hours. So by Wednesday, her first day, she knew I wasn't staying this time, and she didn't want me to put her down.

Her teachers pulled out some toys and tried to distract her while I said goodbye and snuck out, but she realized I was gone before I had time to get down the hall, and I heard that.

I cried because she cried.

That day at work felt like the longest day ever. I kept watching the clock waiting for my time to be up so I could pick her up and see her face light up when her mom entered the room. The best part of my day was seeing an email pop up in my inbox with the subject line "Hi mom!" and seeing this photo.

Ruffle Bib by Smitten Heart

I imagined how she'd react when she saw me again. I thought she'd run to me, or do her super fast crawl the way she did when I'd come home from work and see her after she spent the day with daddy.

Sadly, the scene didn't play out as I imagined. I arrived and she whined for me while raising her hands as if she was saying "Pick me up NOW!" No smiles, no laughs.

She hit me over and over in the chest. Her signal for me to feed her when she doesn't feel like signing the word. Every day until today I'd hug and kiss her when I got home then immediately nurse her. It's kind of our way to reconnect. But I told her to wait until we got home.

She had a good day at school. She played with paint and they gave me her hand prints on paper, along with a report for how she ate, played and slept that day. I was relieved to have her in my arms again.

Now the funny thing is I can't seem to understand why now that she's at school, I feel worse for leaving her. She would cry sometimes when I'd leave her with her dad. I'd get sad but not to this extent. I know here she's learning and playing with other kids, and loved by her teachers. She's probably having more fun than she ever did before. But the guilt still gets to me.

Mudpie Dress via Lollipop Moon; Robeez Shoes via Consignment

At night I want to hold her a little longer before setting her down. And if she cries for a moment or two before falling asleep I feel 10Xs worse, as if she's telling me how mad she is about leaving her someplace else that day.

Thursday I dropped her off and we both cried harder than the day before. I hugged her and told her I'd pick her up after work, then tried to leave before anyone noticed my tears. How am I going to do this every day? I thought. Other working mothers tell me it doesn't really get easier. Great. And I don't have my husband to call and console me during the day because he's busy getting his butt whipped at his job. No outside communication the whole day.

There was a glimmer of hope though. Thursday, when I picked her up, she smacked my chest again and I told her I'd feed her when we got home. Her teachers asked me if she was still nursing and when I told them I was, they invited me to sit and feed her in the recliner in her room. It was such a relief.

When she was done she perked up and jumped off my lap, ready to show me around her classroom and introduce me to her new friends. She was a different little girl. I made note of this and decided I'll nurse her from now on when I pick her up.

This new adventure of ours is really hard. But it's just one of many new adventures we'll have to endure as a family. Things aren't going to be the exact same forever, and as much as I'd love to freeze our lives in place at times, I can't. I can only make best of the situation we're in and work toward the even better.

I know many women who read my blog mentioned they have been through this or will be going through this. I can now tell you myself that it's hard. Really hard. But it's not the end of the world. Children are resilient and whether they spend all day every day with you; Or most of the day most days, they will still love you, and always know you're mommy.

365 Love Letters Week 31

I pulled an all-nighter and am ready to crash. If you did a Love Letter photo this week put your link in the comments and I'll add it to the linky when I wake up in a bit. I love most all of the letters this week, but my favorite is probably easy to pick out...

Dress from Sumos

Bow from Peyton's Blossom

Knot Dress from Lollibug Boutique

Bow from Izzy Diane's Bowtique; Pants via Walmart

Angel Costume from Sammi Cole Couture

Bow from Izzy Diane's Bowtique

 Which is your favorite?

When are you going to stop breastfeeding?: He Says/ She Says

He says: "So when are you going to stop breastfeeding her?"

She says: "I dunno, when I get pregnant I guess."

He says: "You're going to keep nursing her for another 8 months??!"

And that, ladies, is how you get your man to tell you when he wants another.

Bracing myself for her first day

I took Lil' J to her school today and stayed and played with her for an hour. I have Mondays and Tuesdays off so this was a nice way to warm her up to the place. I watched as she explored the blocks, a floor piano, and a plethora of her favorite toy--books. She's gonna be like her mama.

Her two other classmates scooted and toddled around. I grinned as I watched her share a toy ball she found with one of them.


Her teachers were as nice as can be. And didn't seem to mind me hanging out in the slightest bit.

Tuesday I'm going to take her again for a few hours so she's ready for her first full day Wednesday. I'm not sure I could drop her off and just go home, so I made plans to go see The Help at a matinee showing with a friend. It's water day at lil' J's school and she loves water, so I think it'll really help sell her on the place. I, however, am already sold.

As far as the hubs goes... Hearing his account of his first day made me realize how exhausting the next eight months will be for him. I will need to pick up the slack at home. I wanted to ask him if it was harder than being a stay at home dad, but I'm pretty sure I already know the answer to that question.

In other news my reading escape arrived. I'm not sure when I'll have time to read this but I hear it's good.


If I disappear for some time it's because I got sucked in. It's been a while since I've dived into a fun book. Have ya read it?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

365 Love Letters Week 30

Sorry I'm posting these late. I have to make it quick because we're going on another quick trip to Lil' J's school to drop things off and let her play for a little bit before her first full day Wednesday. Please link yours up! I love seeing the photos you take and letters you write! Some of you don't even have your kids yet and I think it's just as beautiful! Check those links out. They rock.

Bow and dress from LillyBug Boutique

I love this shot. I took it as the sun was setting in the field by my house.

Bow from White Suggar Creations

Sweet reader Elizabeth suggested this advice and I thought this photo was perfect for it this week. Thank you!

This is my journal from my first year at BYU and through the first year or two of marriage. It's hilarious to go back and read.

Dress from Tea Collection

Love her eyes.

This as one of many things I made for her while I waited for her to arrive.

Dress from Dapple Gray Designs

We played with chalk and water guns this hot afternoon. She found it cold double as a sippy.

I sometimes see this sweet face and look when I come home from work. She's saying something like: "Come here!! Pick me up!!"

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Prayers Please

It's Sunday so I'm hoping perhaps more people are focused on prayer today. If you are, and can spare some room, please include us! This week is going to be a doozy with the hubs starting his new job tomorrow and Lil' J starting school (daycare/whatever, I like calling it a school and by definition it works) Wednesday, and I'm going to be a wreck.

Thank you so much!

Blog funk

I think the title says it all.

I'm in a weird blog funk. I'm still here, blogging, adding my thoughts and photos. Getting better at the photos. But I can't help but feel like there's something missing.

I'm not sure what that something is but I'm thinking it could be my spunk. Has blogging about my daughter made me boring? Ordinary? I would say I have other better things to blog about but I kind of don't.

I'm not in the mess of birth and baby drama and controversy like I felt like I was stuck in for a while. My baby is sleeping just fine in her own room, I'm not organic obsessed and we're still breastfeeding, but no one elses' opinions on those things are going to change what I'm doing. And I don't really feel like arguing to get people to believe what I believe about those things because really?--There are more important things in life.

It used to be that I'd blog about random things. Wanting a kid, not wanting a kid. Humorous things involving my decision whether or not to have a kid. And now I've got one. And some things are funny, but most things are "you had to have been there" kind of things. And, you know how when you don't have kids, when moms stat talking about their kids and what they're doing you kinda nod and go "aaah" but really you're thinking "so what?" well, I'm beginning to wonder if that's what's happening here.

If I blog and say "OMG!! I told her to kiss her teddy bear and guess what? SHE DID IT!!" Are yall gonna be like "so? .... Tell me the story about how you flooded the bathroom again."

But then part of me is like "who cares... It's MY BLOG!" but when several hundred of you get this blog delivered to your email every morning, and even more than that subscribe, I don't want to let you down! Is that lame?

Truth is, I'm not SUPER good at any one thing. I'm ok at a lot of things. I'm ok at writing, I'm ok at taking pictures, I'm a sucky cook (but I'm learning), so I can't really post cute recipes because I can hardly follow them, much less make them up myself.

I'm not very stylish and I don't feel like posting pictures of myself or my un-stylish home every day. I think I'm a good mom, but bad at knowing all the rules about being healthy and what not. I'm a good lover. NOT in a "I shouldn't be blogging about this" kind of way, I mean I shower my family and friends with lots of love. I love loving!! I'm a loving person. Got it?

Anyway, I hope I'm not boring anyone to death blogging about Lil' J all the time. I figure it'll be hers to read some day. I would blog about my journey to #2 but I'm trying not to think about that right now (but things like this video makes that hard). This could change soon, but I'm just enjoying my #1 right now. And my cute hubby who starts his new job MONDAY!

And chilaxing.

And laughing at Toddlers and Tiaras.

And Teen Mom.

And attempting to get Lil' J to be the next Baby GAP model.

And devising a plan to rule the world.

I'm a busy woman.

Anyway (again) forgive my slight funkiness (I'm not talking about my smell). I'm feeling a little lost (blog wise... and sorta life wise, but not as much) but hopefully I'll find my way soon. Don't leave me k? I need company out here in Crazyland. I'll be back.

Too Many Accessories?: He Says/ She Says- (and $50 to Amazon Happy Crawlers Contest Announcement!)

She Says: "Have you seen her bow that--"

He Says: "HA HA."

Then she says: "What?"

Then he says: "She has a billion bows. How can I tell them apart?"

Then she says: "Well, I wasn't done!"

Then he says: "Ok..."

Then she says: "Have you seen her bow that looks like this but is pink?"

Then he says: "Oh, in that case... No."

A girl can never have too many accessories. 

What say you?
Guess how many bows and headbands she has! I'll send one to the commenter who guesses the closest! *hint* those pictured at the top are only a fraction!

****

Caption Contest Giveaway Greatness!

A lot of you are really good at captioning photos, and Happy Crawlers, Lil' J and I are teaming up for you to use that hidden talent to win some moolah and accessories yourself.

Many opportunities to win multiple prizes when you enter this Caption Contest with Baby Makin(g) Machine and HappyCrawlers! You can win a $50 Amazon gift card and/or HappyCrawlers prize packs!

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry 1 (worth 5 entries): Like (if you don’t already) the HappyCrawlers’ Facebook page and then write a cute caption for 1 of the photos I took in the album Lil J for HappyCrawlers on the HappyCrawlers’ Facebook page.

Mandatory Entry 2 (worth 5 entries): Like (if you don’t already) Baby Makin(g)Machine on Facebook

Optional Entry 3 (worth 5 entries): Tell your friends to “like” your caption. Friends can also create captions of their own at this time.

Optional Entry 4 (worth 1 entry): Follow HappyCrawlers on Twitter.

Optional Entry 5 (worth 1 entry): Follow Baby Makin(g) Mama on Twitter.

Optional Entry 6 (worth 1 entry daily): Tweet daily about the giveaway with the hashtags: #HappyCrawlers #BabyMakingMama #giveaway #contest #win

Goodies!
Prize 1: 3 pack of HappyCrawlers’ leg warmers of your choice to winner who is selected to have the cutest caption. I will choose this winner. (Sorry, no bribes taken).
Prize 2: 3 pack of HappyCrawlers’ leg warmers of your choice to person selected in random drawing based on all the additional chances for entry into contest.
Prize 3: $50 Amazon gift card to 1 winner. The 10 captions with the most “likes” will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. It will be a random drawing of the 10 people whose comments have the most “likes”.

Contest Dates: Aug. 10th at midnight- Sept. 12th at midnight (Eastern standard time)

Note: The winners will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond via email to hello@HappyCrawlers.com. Must be 18 years old by contest dates to enter. Contest open to all residents of the United States and Canada. Mandatory entries must be completed in order to qualify for any additional entries. This promotion isn’t being sponsored by, or associated, with Facebook. Good luck and have fun with it! BIG thanks to Happy Crawlers for sponsoring this contest!

Perfectly Mixed

When I pictured what our daughter would look like I hoped she would have my eye shape and my husband's eye color. He has very wide, stunning blue eyes. They were the first thing I noticed when I saw him, and still one of my favorite physical qualities of his.

Yours

I like the almond shape of my eyes though, and thought they'd look striking in a lighter color on our little girl.

But what do you know, she got the exact opposite. And they couldn't be cuter.

Last week I was in a hair shop buying some rollers when another black woman walked in and asked the man behind the counter if they sold color contacts. I stood by and watched as he pulled the case of display contacts out from their hiding space under the register, and watched as the woman looked them over.

She was beautiful. When she looked up I noticed she had lighter eyes than mine. Very light. And based on her purchase inquiry, they were most likely colored contacts. It reminded me of a phase I went through. Starting in high school, and through most of college I wore gray colored contacts. Grey sounds weird but they looked a pretty hazel when I wore them. I didn't wear glasses, and I didn't need contacts. My vision is perfect. They were strictly cosmetic.

I liked the way they made me look--Different. I stood out, and got compliments almost daily on my "beautiful" eyes.

I wore them when I met my husband, on television, even at our wedding. He preferred I didn't wear them, but I liked them so I kept the habit. It wasn't until I did an internship in Atlanta the summer before I graduated college that I decided to toss them.

There was a reporter I looked up to who took me under his wing. He was the youngest reporter at this powerhouse station, and he also happened to be black. He always told me what he thought straight up, and was never afraid to hold back with me.

I'll never forget what he asked me:

"Why don't you do you?"

"What?" The question caught me off guard. I had no idea what he was talking about.

"Why are you pretending to be someone you're not? You don't need to change the color of your eyes."

I pointed out another reporter at the station who was doing the same thing but he didn't take that as an excuse, and told me I should get rid of them.

So I did.

Mine

The next day I went in for the first time in a long time, with the eyes I was born with.

"See, you have beautiful brown eyes," he told me. "Dark brown eyes, the ones you were given."

Thankfully, we've remained friends over the years and he continues to be a mentor of mine and give me advice when I need it.

That conversation has stuck with me a long time and I often have to check myself and remember to just "do me."

I'm glad I learned this lesson and came to love myself, and my eyes before my daughter was born. Her eyes were light gray for a day, but turned as black as mine by day two.

Ours

They're big and wide like her daddy's and dark like mine. They're mine and his. They're beautiful, and perfectly mixed

Love Letters, From Mom: 365 Love Letters Week 29

This week was one of my favorite weeks for these so far. I especially love Day 219, which I wrote yesterday. I told my husband the little saying I adapted and he laughed at my excitement.

"You're saying it as if you're the next Shakespeare" he told me. Oh yea? well maybe it will become famous someday. Then he told me Britney Spears and Rihanna already beat me to revising the sticks and stones saying. You know what? Whatever, I like it, and I'll continue to tell it to Lil' J as she grows up. One day when everyone at her school is saying it she can tell them I started it all.

Some of these photos may loo familiar this week since last week I did a good job of updating my blog. Let's hope I can keep it up.

Did you write a love letter this week? Link up below! All I ask is that you link back to this page so others can play along please. I'll visit and comment on them all, as others will too I'm sure!

*Commenter #1 Seana won the hair clip giveaway from last week! Congrats! I'll email you so you can claim your prize!

Whatcha think? Not bad eh? Start telling your kids so we can get this spreading like wild fire!

This beautiful branch was in my neighborhood in a cool spot under some trees. Had to take a picture.

Dress from Sweet Emma

She looked like she was trying to get somewhere. And fast.

Mudpie dress from BNB.

Our trip to the candy store.

Shirt from MoRiginal Designs.

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