Playing and Just Being CUTE!

Langley has really started to be interested in toys. I brought her favorite one with us today to WM and she played with it the entire time. I may have the best baby ever.

From the pictures above, apparently I've dressed her in green a lot this week. I took the last picture before we headed to lunch today. We met Nanny, Robert, and the bus travelers at Marketplace. L was so good, and the everyone loved her! It was our second trip to Marketplace this week. We met David and Vicki, aka Pawpaw and Nanna there Sunday for lunch after church!

The girl can entertain herself pretty well, which I'm thankful for. The playmat or a toy can always buy me a few more minutes - which I've really needed this week because I've been working on my home office/guest room everyday. It has taken forever, but maybe it's almost done, that is if I survive the massive picture hanging project I've started in there.

Father's Day (was a few weeks ago)

Josh's first Father's Day included me making him blueberry muffins, Langley waking him up wearing her "I love my daddy" attire, church, getting a new under armor polo, and lunch at Fuji. I think he had a good day - I hope so, because Langley has the best daddy ever and I want him to know how much he is loved and appreciated!

This should be a very long post

We've done a lot of fun things the past week, but unfortunately I had a headache which began Thursday evening and did not end until lunch time today - SUNDAY. It's a miracle I didn't overdose on Excedrin Migraine, Aleve, or Tylenol PM. Not sure what caused it, I think it's hormonal. I've struggled with headaches before, but the my regular doctor couldn't find anything wrong and my OB/GYN did not think it had anything to do with taking birth control. Sorry if this is becoming TMI. I had no migraines during pregnancy - thank you Jesus! But, now that I'm getting all regulated, I really do think hormones have something to do with my headaches. Anyway, it's gone, and some good times were had in the 3 days my head was throbbing. I am sad I had to miss a girls night with my life group Friday, but I just knew I wouldnt be very good company.

The past week we saw Nanny, Sharon, Lawson, and Cole. Josh decided to sell something on Craigslist and is now obsessed. He has also decided to start bow hunting. We made a flying trip to NWA Thursday afternoon so Josh could attend the All Star game. In the 20 hours we were there I got a haircut, hung out with my dad, Heather, and Brooke, and Langley went swimming in a big pool for the first time.

After I got Langley from the nursery this morning and got to the car, I realized the headache was gone, so I'm praying for a productive week ahead! I feel like I've been just existing the past few days while everyone else was living. I have grand plans of catching up on blogging, too!

Outside Pics

When I downloaded pictures the other day I noticed I had several outside pictures that turned out cute. But, when I saw the following pictures, I nearly died.

Sweeter Than Sweet!

Just wanted to share...

something from my devotional this morning. Sheila Walsh wrote, "...what He is doing IN me is more important that what He is doing FOR me."

Maybe this is a little spiritual "kick in the butt" for you like it is for me.

epitome

I feel like I've really only done 2 things today; 1) go to Walmart, 2) remain on hold with my health insurance company. Sounds super fun, huh?

Langley and I had a good trip to WM. She was quiet and alert until she gave it up and took a nap. Tuesday morning is a good time to go...there were few people but the shelves were stocked. As I was checking out, I man in a motorized cart got in line behind me. I kind of get nervous around those carts. Remember my traumatic Kroger experience? Anyway, he was a talker, you know the type, had a comment about what you purchase, or just won't stop talking in general. I'm not a big talker in Walmart. Period. Unless I know you well. Otherwise, I just do a polite "hello," "fine, thanks," or "have a good day." So, the talkative gentleman in the motorized cart proceeded to comment about all the Great Value products I purchased, he has "never found one that he didn't like" and we "must save thousands of dollars a year" buying generic. Well, then I proceeded to blow his mind by presenting my coupons to the checker. The man's response to me: "you are the epitome of smart."

I laughed all the way to the car. I replayed my whole situation and got tickled because of what I said before pushing my cart full of groceries and a baby away, "you do whatcha got to do." Seriously? Do I think I'm on a Madea movie? I guess I just panicked and needed to say something before getting the heck out of the store without him following me :-)

I wonder how many years it will be until Langley thinks I am the "epitome of uncool" moms? Until then, I shall remain the "epitome of smart" by buying some generic products and using coupons. Who knew it was so easy?

Happy Monday

I have not gotten much done today. I think I need a baby bjorn. I just don't have many moments to do chores especially now that she stays awake longer. Her daytime naps are still pretty short and I usually waste most of nap time reading blogs or checking facebook - I'm just being honest. Maybe I could save myself $100 (or however much the bjorn thing costs) and use my time more wisely....there's a thought.




Tonight I got the opportunity to go out to our church's childrens camp for a little while. They had a short worship service. Langley was not too sure about all the noise. All the little girl squeals and high-pitched screams kind of scared her. But, she liked the music and smiled at her daddy and all the kids she saw. Speaking of Josh, he has worked hard today. He was soaking wet with sweat, dirty, and very sunburnt. I am proud of him. He is good with kids that age and he is very handy to have around for physical labor jobs :-)


Our church has a great staff . They all worked very hard planning this camp and being able to offer it free of charge to any kid who signed up. A good percentage of the kids at camp don't go to our church or any church at all. Some may not be able to have "summer camp" experience again. I am grateful for my church family and our leaders. When I was getting in the car to leave, our Children's Minister came over to say hi and see Langley and told us she had just gotten to pray with a little girl to ask Jesus into her heart. Isn't that awesome?! As Josh said, "that makes all the sweat worth it."


All the sweat, sun burns, and ticks. Oh the ticks, I have a story about a tick - but I have to get permission to share with the blog world. Rest assured, it is hilarious.

three

Three years ago today Josh and I got married. Here's how I remember it all....
I remember waking up that Saturday at my mom's house. I got up early. My dad stopped by, then my Nanny came and got me. Everyone was forcing me to eat so I wouldn't pass out during the ceremony. I remember eating peanut butter and crackers at like 9:00 am.

I remember meeting my girls to get our hair done. Fun times were had at the Hairitage salon :-) I really had no concept of time the entire day. I went to the church, I remember seeing the flower arrangements right away and thinking how perfectly they had turned out.

We got dressed upstairs. The guys were downstairs in room "AK," which is where many of us had survived a tornado. I remember snacking and getting my dress on, and not really caring about anything at that point. In fact, several days earlier, I had told my mom to stop asking me questions. I didn't care anymore, I just wanted to get married.

One of my favorite memories is watching all the guests arrive from our dressing room! I would get so excited and comment about how nice everyone looked.

I remember pictures. I remember getting off the elevator and waiting for Josh so we could have our "moment." We were giddy. I felt beautiful. Josh looked great. Pictures went fine, no drama that I knew of.

Time for the ceremony. I teared up as my aunt sang. It was time to walk down the aisle. Mom, Dad and I were on our way. My dang dress made us too big to all three fit comfortably down the ailse. Dad was stepping on my dress. I say outloud, "it's ripping." I look at Josh, he has tears.

The ceremony seemed to take forever. Maybe Steve Patterson was a little long winded :-) Time for the kiss, I hear one of the groomsmen make a remark, as a result, kiss was akward. We start laughing.

It was done! We were married! Off to the limo and to the Walker Center. We certainly didn't have a "party," but the reception was fun for me. Cut the cake, drink the punch, hug a million people, take some pictures, change clothes, the end!

I remember how great everyone looked. All my friends. My family. I felt very very satisfied, and hungry, and exhausted. It was a special day. So many people had worked and prayed to ensure I was happy and calm through the entire process. It worked.

There are special people in my life that I haven't seen since my wedding. Man, a lot has changed in three years. Marriage has been hard work, but very rewarding. I would say this past year has been the best, God's blessings have been overflowing.

I am so thankful for a husband that is so patient, loving, and trustworthy. A husband who loves me through all situations, and who is my #1 fan. A husband who has proven to be an awesome father.

Josh, I love you more today than I did 3 years ago.
Here's to many many more years together! More love, more laughter, more babies, and a national championship.

Weekend Wrap-Up

It's been a good weekend! Josh got to go on his "guys only 4 wheelin' on the Cossatot River" trip, but he was back Saturday night. My mom came to visit and she kept Langley while I ran several errands. My first errand was going to the eye doctor for my yearly check-up. I am very nearsighted, but for the first year EVER, my perscription did not get worse!

We grilled some awesome honey mustard chicken last night - seriously, it was better than the Burger Barn for all you Arkadelphia residents :-) And we've also enjoyed some fresh-from-the-garden green beans and new potatos. Not my garden, but the "family" garden. Mom brought them up, and they were so so good!

We've been on "The Office"kick lately. My friend Robin has all the seasons on DVD and we've been borrowing them. I have to say season 3 is my favorite so far! We have watched the office all afternoon, literally since we got home from church.

Josh had to be an usher and do the offering this morning and I got so tickled because he had never done the offering and was worried about messing up. Well, he did - but I'm probably the only one who noticed! He totally took a plate from his right side and instead of passing it to the next row, he handed the plate to the row on his left side, thus leaving the right side with no offering plate at all. His face was too funy!

This afternoon I went to Babies R Us for larger swaddling blankets. I bought the large 14-22 pounds. Surely it will be a few months before Langley can break free from this one! She sleeps so good and so long swaddled! I had to go to Little Rock, because Target doesnt carry the brand of swaddler that works for us - plus I had a $10 gift card! I also got Langley some shades, they are precious!

We are ending our weekend with a game of Dominos! This is my last week at work - the countdown has begun. It is still so surreal that I will be a stay-at-home mom starting Friday! I feel an overwhelming urge to make a list of everything I want to get accomplished this summer, before class starts in August.

Classic

Humorous moments in the Austin household...

Hands

Langley has recently discovered her hands. Every time she eats, there is a hand on her head. Josh says she claws his arms when he feeds her. I guess his arms are hairy enough that she gets confused :-)

Her hands are often clasped together and she studies them.

She also has her hands in her mouth a lot, which makes me a little bit of a germaphobe. Every time someone touches her hands (which then immediatley go in her mouth) I wonder what they've been touching or if they've washed their hands. So, please have clean hands if you play with my daughter, if you're not sure how clean they are, then try to avoid touching her hands or face. Thanks and have a nice day!

Anyway, we laugh every time she eats and "assumes the position" with her left hand on her head. I've also caught her napping a few times with both hands behind her head. Hilarious.

3 Months Old

My baby girl is 3 months old! The above picture was the best we could get from her little photo shoot...drool and all. Today she is 13 weeks old. Last week, we really started noticing a personality! In the past month she has smiled alot, and laughs out loud! It is precious!


She started drooling a lot and likes to have her fists in her mouth.

She eats 5 times a day. Each feeding is 5 ounces, except for the last feeding of the day which is 6 ounces before bedtime. Speaking of bedtime, she sleeps all night. We know we are blessed. She has always been a good sleeper.



She weighs somewhere around 13 pounds. I weighed her at home the other day by weighing myself and then getting back on the scale holding her. It said 13.4 lbs, but she had clothes and a diaper on.

I've put all of her tiny clothes away, even though she can wear newborn sized pants. She is wearing mostly 3-6 months, but just plain onesies are 6-9 months. She is growing so fast!

Also in her 3rd month she has gone to church several times and does great in the nursery. She made her first trip to NWA for Brooke's graduation, played with the Parker girls, and met Mackenzie.



She throws a mini-fit each time we burp her during a feeding; and plays with her hair while she's eating.

Langley has started to notice Henry alot more, but she is not interested in being friends with him. I think Henry is over it.

My heart feels like it is going to just explode with love for this little girl. Seriously, I love her more each day! I think this may be the perfect age because she has a personality, sleeps great, is fun to play with, but can't get away from me! We are still working on rolling over :-)

I thank the Lord every day for Langley. She is such a gift and a blessing. I am so looking forward to the rest of the summer as I begin my new journey staying home full time with her!

The Big 5-0!

Happy Birthday "Papa!"

Love, Langley