The Top ten things I will miss about Summer....

10. Playdates with friends and Sam

9. Sleeping in (well sorta, not really)



8. Cuddling with Sam

7. Not having to get ready or do my hair in the morning, Sam doesn't care what I look like

6.Taking naps with Sam

5. Stroller Strides with Sam. I love you girls, what great friends you are! I need to get a picture of the group

4. Getting to see my mom and dad, I am so glad that they moved closer

3. Spending some QT with my hubby and Sam, I love our little family

2. Not having a care or worry in the world unless it's about Sam

1. SAM, Of course this little guy is my biggest reason- Gotta love that smile

Vince Connealy, RN

He did it! My brilliant, talented, wonderful, amazing, smart husband did it! Vince completed his bachelor of science in nursing today and I couldn't be more proud of him. For the past three years Vince has put forth his blood, sweat, and tears into his school!

When we first met almost six years ago, Vince and I made small talk about our families and work. I remember Vince saying his job was just a job. Vince worked for ten years as a banker and never felt fulfilled. He was always looking for something more or a different job.

Right after we were married in 2007, Vince was on the job hunt for something better. He switched from a bank to a credit union but it did nothing for him. In fact, it was worse. As newlyweds, we decided (I decided) that he needed to find something different and go back to school. Life is too precious to spend it doing something you hate! After much prodding from and me and family, Vince started to think about switching careers, but what?

If you know Vince, he's very health conscious. Nursing seemed like the perfect fit. So for the last three years, Vince has been studying at JCCC and Research College of Nursing. What an experience it's been! He's had highs and lows, days where he wanted to quit but his didn't.

The hardest time was when our son, Sam came five weeks early. I don't know how he survived let alone studied and went to school on no sleep.

Again I couldn't have been more proud of him!

Vince, I can't wait to watch you walk across that stage! You are an amazing role model for our son and I love you very much!

Samuel Joseph 4 months

photo by Bethany Good
The little man is now 4 months old and so much fun! It's hard to believe how much I love him more and more each day!

stats:
Sam is a whopping 15 pounds and 14 ounces! Almost 16 pounds, no wonder my arms are sore after carrying him in his carseat. He is now 25 inches long! Sam is caught up to other babies his age. He is in the 61st percentile for weight and 49th for height.

likes:
loves to talk to mommy and daddy!
to smile (Serious Sam still comes out when we are somewhere new, but most of the time he is Smiley Sammy!)
He is learning to laugh! I can't wait to hear it each day
to DROOL! boy, can he! The dr. said he is starting to teeth and to watch out! This means that everything is starting to go in our mouth!!!
his new toy, the dinner maker (exercise saucer) as his Uncle Alan calls it!
storytime, Sam loves to be read to

Dislikes:
bedtime is still tough for us some nights! Sam is a pretty chill baby otherwise.

I heart Stroller Strides!

Oh Stroller Strides how I love thee!

My poor husband hears all the time how much I love Stroller Strides, so does anyone who talks to me. It has been a lifesaver to this new mommy! Stroller Strides is an exercise group for new mommies, but it is much more than that. It's a community of women that are all doing the most wonderful and hardest job there is, being a mom. Wendy, who runs stroller strides is an incredible woman and a great resource on any topic dealing with motherhood. I have made wonderful friends through Stroller Strides. One of the reasons I am dreading going back to work is that I will miss these women!

Stroller Strides meets 4 times a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 9:30. For more info check out strollerstrides.com

4 years already?!?!

Last week, Vince and I celebrated our four year anniversary. I can't believe it's already been four years! We celebrated our life changing year with a much needed date on the town! Our goal is to go on a trip every year around our anniversary. Well this year that was not going to happen! Not with a new baby and Vince finishing up nursing school! We managed to still have a good time in downtown KC!

We went down to the Nelson Atkins Art Museum, one of our favorite places. It is probably my favorite place in KC. Vince and I went there for one of our first dates. The Nelson has on display now until the beginning of August, Monet's Waterlilies Triptych. If you haven't been, it is a must!
http://www.nelson-atkins.org/art/Exhibitions/monet/index.cfm

Happy Anniversary Vince! I love you and can't wait to celebrate many more together!

Sam's new buddy...Hootie!

Here is what I have been working on, a little buddy for Sammy! Sam's room has an owl theme so this little guy fits in perfect!

The pattern is from Amy Gaines on etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmyGaines

Here are a few other pictures of Sammy's nursery. My husband teases me about all the owls!

my favorite part of the room!