Book Club - Bloom

Bloom by Kelle Hampton

Summary:

Love me. Love me. I'm not what you expected, but oh, please love me.

That was the most defining moment of my life. That was the beginning of my story.

From the outside looking in, Kelle Hampton had the perfect life: a beautiful two-year-old daughter, a loving husband, a thriving photography career, and great friends. When she learned she was pregnant with her second child, she and her husband, Brett, were ecstatic. Her pregnancy went smoothly and the ultrasounds showed a beautiful, healthy, high-kicking baby girl.

But when her new daughter was placed in her arms in the delivery room, Kelle knew instantly that something was wrong. Nella looked different than her two-year-old sister, Lainey, had at birth. As she watched friends and family celebrate with champagne toasts and endless photographs, a terrified Kelle was certain that Nella had Down syndrome—a fear her pediatrician soon confirmed. Yet gradually Kelle's fear and pain were vanquished by joy, as she embraced the realization that she had been chosen to experience an extraordinary and special gift.

Review:

This was a really good book. I have never read Kelle's Blog before but am now following it. I cried so hard for the first 70ish pages. Like heart wrenching sobs. But what I ultimately got out of this book was not about the daughter/mother relationship, it was about the girlfriends in her life. I am very grateful to have a large group of friends and this book made me appreciate it a million times over. Honestly, I expected this book to be about raising a down syndrome daughter, but in my opinion it was not. It was still an excellent read with beautiful pictures throughout and it strengthened my opinion that girlfriends are so important.

I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Linking up here:

Wordless Wednesday - Our Fav Thing to Do

My Girly Girl

My little gal can be so girly.

She loves to paint her fingers.

(And was over the moon about her new Princess pj's she got today)

I painted her toenails dark purple.

Yes, it is crazy that I let her paint her own finger nails.

But I think she does a pretty darn good job!

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I forgot to mention in our weekend recap post, but we also made a visit to the Minute Clinic at Walgreens. Abby had been barking and I didn't want to spend a 3 day weekend with a sick kiddo. She ended up just having a slight ear infection and is perfectly fine now.

What was most interesting was her height/weight.

She ended up just having a slight ear infection and is perfectly fine now.

What was most interesting was her height/weight.

At her 3 year appointment, she weighed 29 lbs, 6 ozs and 36 inches. Of course, that was a best guess as she threw a major tantrum and barely let them touch her.

At this appointment, she weighed 36 pounds and was 39 inches tall.

Either she grew ALOT or those 3 year stats were wrong :).

Memorial Day Weekend

What another busy weekend!

Get ready for lots of pictures!

This one is actually from Thursday morning.

Abby insisted on taking her purse. She is so stinking cute.

Saturday after running errands, we went swimming in the kiddie pool!

Abby loved it and I am so glad that we bought one.

After swimming, I cooked dinner while Abby "read" in her room.

Yea, this is what I walked into.

And she insisted on reading every one before she put them up.

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Sunday....it was off to the zoo!

Looking at turtles.

A giant snake.

Last time we went to the zoo, Abby was terrified in the reptile house. She refused to look at anything but the butterflies. This time though, she ran from window to window so excited to "find" the creature in each one.

I was so proud of her.

Look at that excitement in her face!

Stu and Abby petting the goat.

One of her favorites was the alligator.

But hands down, her favorite thing is the train.

We got to see zebras while on the train and she was overjoyed.

We did end up getting a year's membership, so I know we will be back soon. Although definitely when it gets cooler, it was way too hot to be out there.

They also have a Dinosaur exhibit going on right now. It was all that Abby could talk about the whole time. The second she saw the first dinosaur - she LOST it. Total meltdown and made me carry her through the whole thing.  

After it was over (we practically ran through it), she said that she NEVER wants to go back.

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Today we went to a pool party. Abby was nuts so I didn't get any pictures.

But we did manage to get a group shot of the girls.

These are the best girls and I love having them all as my friends.

And one of them announced a baby on the way.....our group just never stops growing!

Book Club - Winter Garden

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Summary:

Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time—and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya’s life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother’s life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.

My Review:

I have read this author's books before and while none really stick out, I still like her. I found this book at a library sale for 25 cents and figured I had nothing to lose (other than a quarter). I think this book started out a little slow, but once it picked up it was so good. I think I read the last third in one sitting. And the last chapter, I read over and over crying. I rarely cry reading books! It is a pretty light read over all and well worth it to get to the end.

Linking up Here:

Summer Nights

We have had such beautiful weather. So nice, that dinner has been outside for 2 nights.

Abby loves it as well as the ice cream if she has a happy (clean) plate.

Bubbles are usually part of the plan as well.

So bedtime has been pushed back to 8 PM which makes for a very fun 5:45 morning!

She is so happy that she even let me take a smiling picture of her! 

Oh So Fun Weekend

This was yet another busy, fun weekend that seemed to just fly by.  

Abby had her last soccer game and this picture just about sums up the season.

She played (by herself) for about 15 minutes and then was done. They had a scrimmage, she was having none of it. They also handed out certificates, but hers is behind her back as she refused to let me take her picture with it.

Here is her "official" soccer picture. I honestly can't look at this picture without laughing until I have tears. I framed it, so I can take it to work. I'll never have a bad day again!

She was so upset about getting her picture taken.

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I spent a wonderful Saturday night with these gals.....

Watching this.....

From the highest seats I have ever sat in.

We had an absolute blast at Miranda Lambert. It reminds me that I live so close to Nashville and don't take advantage of it.

And a girls night is always a good time!!!!

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Today was hot. After lounging around for a bit, I decided to get Abby a new swimsuit and spend some time outside.

She wanted Puppy to take a picture first. Puppy goes almost everywhere with Abby, because in her words, "Puppy is my best friend!"

Shot from the back (her request).

The swimsuit model shot.

I bought her a 3T, but will be getting her another one that is larger - she is just so tall!

We also battled for about 10 minutes that you do NOT need underwear with a swimsuit. She was so upset that she wasn't wearing underwear as well.

We also bought a sprinkler, but Abby was terrified. So I filled up the water table instead. She loves that thing.

I kept trying to tell her that she could get the swimsuit wet. But she was too scared to get it wet.

Finally! A little bit of water on the suit.

Book Club - Defending Jacob

Defending Jacob by William Landay

Summary:

Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: His fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.

Every parental instinct Andy has rallies to protect his boy. Jacob insists that he is innocent, and Andy believes him. Andy must. He’s his father. But as damning facts and shocking revelations surface, as a marriage threatens to crumble and the trial intensifies, as the crisis reveals how little a father knows about his son, Andy will face a trial of his own—between loyalty and justice, between truth and allegation, between a past he’s tried to bury and a future he cannot conceive.

Review:

I have been wanting to read this book for awhile. It struck me as a cross between John Grisham (law) and Jodi Picoult (controversy). Boy, was I right. This book was soooooo good. It is a really long book, but I read it pretty quick as it kept my interest the whole time. It is very well written and you aren't sure what the "answer" is the whole book. The last few chapters were completely unexpected and oh.my.god the ending completely blew my mind (do not read ahead). I loved this book and will be looking up other books by this author.

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Overdue Random Post

I haven't done a random post in awhile and thought it was long overdue...so stick with me!

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I am loving all the season finale's so far this week. Although I am so sad that Desperate Housewives is over. I have watched that show every Sunday night since it aired. Yes, it got silly and over dramatic, but I LOVED it. I am so sad that it is over. But the ending was fantastic.

Might I also add that I am not a Grey's Anatomy fan - but I ALWAYS watch the season finale's - they are awesome!

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We have been watching Dancing with the Stars before Abby goes to bed. At first it was, "Let's watch the dancing ladies, Mommy." Then one night, William Levy was on there with his shirt open, now it is "Let's watch the boys bellies, Mommy". Stu is so not happy about this.

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Sunday, I noticed that the tiles behind the master toilet looked wet. Last night, I noticed that they were really wet, like splashable wet.

Stu took the toilet apart and I had to get a new flush valve today. I am hoping that fixes it.

The joys of being a home owner!

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I am such a sucker for telemarketers. I have been getting phone calls from a random number for a few days. Usually at work, so I don't answer. But they called tonight, so I picked it up. It was the nicest man and he said he was from the Gallup people. After talking to him for about 10 minutes answering a survey, Abby was very curious about him.

Abs: Who was that?

Me: A man asking questions.

Abs: What was his name?

Me: Lloyd (He had told me right before the call was over, so I remembered).

Abs: Hmm, well what color was his hair?

Me: (Uh??) Brown

Abs: Ohhh, brown like you?

Me: yes

Abs: (After thinking for a minute) And what was his name again?

Me: Lloyd

Abs: Oh, ok. (Apparently satisfied with my answer).

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We have two very random holes in our ceiling. I actually never noticed them before, but Abby sure did. She is convinced they are eyes that watch her. Normally, she forgets about them, but every once in a while she will glance up and screech, "Oh, the eyes are there and watching me!".

I haven't talked about her creepiness in awhile, so there was a little tidbit :)

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A year ago in May:

She looks so different to me now!

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A year ago, my best friend lost her husband. I am praying so hard for her this week.

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Abby is a super early riser on the weekends (think 6 AM, no nap, bed at 8 PM). I heard her Saturday morning about 5 AM, but knew that she would fall back asleep for a few minutes. As did I. About 5:30, I heard her again. Then I heard a loud "thunk" and she came running in our room crying.

"Mommy, I got locked in my room".

I remember when we were looking at this house, the two other bedrooms, the doors really stuck. It went away a few weeks after we moved in, but I have noticed that it is back. Maybe the hot weather?? Apparently, she got "stuck" in her room.

So I have been cracking her door every night. Most week days, I get her up, but occasionally she scares the crap out of me in the morning. She has more energy than anyone I know.

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Me and 6 of my bestie's are headed to see Miranda Lambert this weekend. Girl's Night!!!

And I have a dress! Crazy town.

We Love Puppies!

 We have had a very puppy-filled past few days. Abby adores dogs which I am very grateful for, I praise Ali for that!  

Saturday morning was See Spot Run. This is me with my cousin and her bf, as well as my bestie Amanda.

And yes, my overweight little puggle made it the whole 5K.

Abby came home today with puppy ears.

She has to be the cutest puppy that I know!

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I really have the worse luck with snakes.

Remember this? The snake at the apartment.

Or this? The snake that terrifed me in NC.

Well tonight, I saw this lovely guy on my walk with Ali.

It is dead, but oh.my.god it is huge. And not far from my house. Just thinking about something that lived this close to me gives me goosebumps.

Mother's Day

I am so proud to be the Momma of this sweet little girl. She literally lights up my world.

 
This morning laying in bed.

Goofing around in the bathroom.

She is just the sweetest thing in the world and I am so grateful for every minute that I get to spend with her!!!

Book Club - Mockingjay

Book Club - Mockingjay

Summary:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

Review:

I loved the first book. Thought about it constantly, and can't wait to see the movie (Redbox, of course). But I was a little bored by the second book, to the point that I can barely tell you what happened. So by the time I made it to the 3rd, I was over.it. I blame it on reading them all in fast succession. If I had to do it over again, I would space them out. And the last few pages, I read in 1 second. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was very anti-climatic. Kinda reminded me of Harry Potter. And although it was quick reads, I am ready to get back to "adult" books (stay tuned for my review next week....it is a book I owe the library a ton of moola on since I have been hoarding it to read)

Cupcakes and Pinkalicious

This week is teacher appreciation week at Abby's school.

We decided to make cupcakes last night to take today.

 

For reasons known only to her, the Minnie Mouse headband had to be worn for this event.

She put it on herself :)

She was so excited to help put all the liners in the pan.

I just had to share this text message I sent Stu that night after making them (ignore the drawing, we are obsessed with Draw Something).

We had debated back and forth whether we had vegetable oil. I wanted him to go home and check before I went to the store.

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I totally love the people I work with. They are always giving me stuff for Abby.

 

We love the Pinkalicious series in our house (and get the spin-offs at the library).

Apparently one of the fast food places has her in the kids meals. 

Abby was so excited when I pulled her out of my purse.