My Boy

My baby seems to be quickly turning into a little boy... full of life, joy and energy. We played outside a lot today. He loves the outdoors. He is getting closer and closer to walking. On Sunday, he took his first step. I just can't believe how fast he's growing. Ryan and I are absolutely crazy about him. And I just melt every time he says, "Mamma." I know we have a lot of adventures ahead of us... and I look forward to all of them. 

Little Black Dress Attack

OK, friends (preferably FEMALE friends), I need help. So, my sister-in-law is getting married in November, which we are SO pumped about! She's going to be a beautiful bride. I feel so honored, because she has asked me to be one of her attendants. She is trying to keep things simple, so as attendants, she wants us to wear black dresses of our choice. Easy, right? WRONG! SO WRONG! Do you know how many "little black dresses" there are out there?? Millions! All shapes and sizes. We did like a 6 hour shopping marathon, and I don't know how many dresses I tried on, but I was having the absolute hardest time making a decision. Several things came into play during this difficult decision-making process: 1. I'm an indecisive person anyway. 2. Once I became a mom, I realized that I find it much easier to buy clothes for other people than for myself. 3. I feel so 'out of style'. I mean, really, what is fashionable nowadays anyway??!!

Well, after short, long, strapless, halter and everything in-between, I finally, just bit the bullet and brought one home. I got the family's approval, but I need you guys to instill more confidence in me. Do you like this dress? I wanted something that was unique but that I would still be able to wear to other events, parties, etc. So what do you think?? Did I make a good choice? Is it flattering? Is it in-style? Do you have a better idea for me? :)  Please try to look past the awkward pictures that I was trying to take of myself in the mirror... and try to just see the beauty of the dress. :) It's called a razor-cut dress (I think), it has spaghetti straps and it came with a mesh shawl. What do you think? Is it timeless? Or should I continue the search?

Next on the list: SHOES.

Hat Days

So, Graham's uncle Zach and aunt Christa gave him two new adorable hats for fall and winter. They're from a company in Canada. (Christa is always finding very cool, unique gifts for all of us). The only problem is, Graham is not so much in the "loving hats stage" right now. But I love the hats on my son! Anyway, the other day we were on one of our morning walks, and I managed to distract him long enough to keep one of the hats on him for a few snap shots. These have become some of our favorite pics, so I wanted to share them with you! Hopefully we'll have more Happy Hat days in the future.

Picture Perfect

If ever there was a picture perfect day it is TODAY. Seriously, it couldn't be more beautiful outside. It's 65 degrees and sunny. I feel like I'm on vacation. After going on a nice morning walk with a friend, I came home and put Graham down for a nap... which he was fighting for a little bit. Then, I  brewed myself some coffee, grabbed my Bible and sat out on my front porch and read through some words from Luke. So relaxing... and refreshing - two words I often like to use, but more importantly, like to find myself engulfed in.  Gripping my coffee cup, I couldn't help but  notice the bold orange logo on it that reads, "Mauna Kea Beach Hotel." Ahhhh yes, it took me back to our time in Hawaii a couple of years ago. My favorite thing on that trip was to get up early in the morning, go down for the enormously fresh breakfast buffet, and find a chair outside that overlooked the ocean. And of course, it wasn't quite complete until they came and poured me a cup of that fresh Hawaiian coffee. So, this morning I wasn't quite overlooking the ocean, but rather a nice, quiet neighborhood street - one that I love so much... with a mug of freshly brewed Starbucks coffee, straight from the Smith's kitchen. It's not Hawaii, but I would be perfectly satisfied to have a morning like this every day. 

Rainy Days, Sleepy Eyes and Stray Cats

So it's been raining for about 48 hours now...I think. I'm loving it. There is something about rainy weather that inspires me. Honestly, I think it's easier for me to write when it's raining outside. Don't get me wrong, I love hot weather and being out in the sunshine. However, when you haven't seen rain in a while, it's so nice when it finally begins to fall. We have a huge window in our living room that faces our street. I LOVE that window on rainy days. So does Graham. Seeing him stare out the window is like watching a kid peering into a snow globe. It's a whole new world for him. 
Just yesterday, a strange smokey-colored kitten wondered onto our front porch. I think the poor thing is homeless. Unfortunately, I am not what you call a lover of cats, by any means. But I have to admit, it's pretty darn cute seeing Graham play with this cat through the window. He loves it! So needless to say, it has become his biggest means of entertainment. Today I discovered that the little kitten is living in one of our shrubs. But he doesn't stay in there for long. If he hears or sees us, he jumps up on our window seal as if he's putting on a show. Cheap entertainment at the Smith home!
Along with the rain comes sleepy eyes, and boy has Graham had them the last couple of days. Last night he slept from 7:45 PM to 8:45 AM, and he still had two naps today. I think the rain helps everyone sleep better. I love going to sleep hearing the rain drops pounding the window. It's sweet music.
Well, now I'm praying that the rain can inspire me to cook. Hmmm...what will it be tonight? Chicken? I'm ready for my "creativity" to infiltrate the space between my oven and stove. :) I'm sure Ryan is too. Hope you can enjoy the rainy weather wherever you are tonight.

Photoshoot with Mom

Graham is now 1 year and 1 month old. Amazing! He is becoming more and more active by the minute. He's not walking yet, but I have a feeling it may not be too far off. He loves to pull up to the coffee table and make his way all around it, while throwing everything in sight onto the floor. Lovely. It makes keeping the living room clean just a little more challenging! I figured it was time for another round of good photos. Check out my blue-eyed baby boy!

Recent Random Happenings #1

So, I thought I'd share a few random things that have recently occurred in my daily happenings...

1. Ice-Cream Man at Night? Ryan and I were in the house playing on the computers the other night, when suddenly we heard the sweet sounds of the ice cream truck coming down our street. Now, on a typical day that would seem quite normal. But, we glanced at the clock and saw that it was 9 PM!! How creepy is that?? I mean seriously, aren't all the kids in bed by then, and if they're not, I'm sure their parents really don't want them having sweets right before bedtime, let alone going out to meet the ice cream man when it's dark outside. I just think it's creepy. The ice cream man himself, is scary enough to me.

2. I actually paid $4.01/gallon for gasoline yesterday.  Did I fill up my tank? No. Absolutely not.

3. The other day I was at the grocery store and couldn't help but notice that a certain brand of Buttermilk was going for $5.09. I mean, are you serious? What is the world coming to?

4. Yesterday, Graham and I were on our morning walk and we saw a one legged bird hopping through a puddle. One leg, and yet he was still enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Just beautiful.

5. Man, have you guys ever had a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino from Starbucks? Delicious! If you're needing a cool, afternoon treat, I highly recommend it.

Ok, that's enough randomness for now. Have you guys experience any random happenings lately that you'd like to share?