New Week, New ME!

I stole this image & quote board from www.biggirllittlegirl.com...such a gifted blogger and wonderful person who shares my love for quotes, pictures of our babies, and, of course, pinterest!

Wish me luck!!! I am starting a new exercise and eating program tomorrow. I am super excited but scared of failure too! I will write more once I get into it, but I thought you could keep me accountable too!
We had a great weekend full of odd jobs around the house and lots of errands. See Chad using the snowblower for the first time below.
Davis continues to amaze us! He is still a dancing machine, but is starting to talk more. It is so exciting for us, especially me, because I was getting a little worried. Anyway, he totally gets what we are saying and is now starting to talk back!
Sorry for the short post, but I have a bunch to do to get prepped for my new program and a big week of work.
Have a happy week!
Mere

A time to reflect...

I am sure if you read a bunch of blogs, that you know, occasionally, everyone takes a post or two to look back, reflect, and take a sec just to breathe. That is what I am doing.
I am not sure why I am in the mood to do so...it could be that I am traveling for work and have a bit of time to myself, it could be that I am missing my boys, who knows. Anyway, let the reflection begin.
First things first...DAVIS. You are our universe. Before you came, I knew I would love you, but I never knew this feeling. I really don't think you know until you become a parent. Overwhelming LOVE. The feeling of wanting to hug you, learn from you, teach you, and just watch you overwhelms me. I cannot believe how big you are. At 16 months, you are so not a baby. You are losing those baby looks too. When your daddy and I look at pictures now, we can see glimpses of little boy and are starting to see what you may look like on your first day of kindergarten and beyond. I am so sad to wave goodbye to babyhood, but I love you at this age. You are hilarious...there is no doubt about it. You got your daddy and your uncle TJ's showmanship and love the audience. You can be difficult, of course, as you want for independence. This comes at mealtime usually. We are getting through it, with a lot of tips from friends. You love green beans one day, and hate them the next...but if I have anything to do with it, YOU WILL BE A VEGGIE LOVER.
Food is a hot-button issue at our house. We both want Davis to grow up appreciating good food, the feeling of an exquisite meal, but with the will-power to not be glutteonous. We know he will inherit our sweet teeth, and our trying desparately to curb it (YOu may find us sneaking M&Ms in rooms that Davis is not in). We want him to be willing to try anything but to know limits. We know we have an up-hill battle as we are headed to the land of kids menus consisting of chicken tenders and french fries. Davis hasn't had a chicken tender or french fry up until this point, but I know the moment it touches his lips, we are in trouble.
Anyway, back to reflection...to sum it up, Davis, even in your most difficult times ahead, we love you, more than you will know...until you are a daddy.

So, Chad and I do have lives outside of Davis. Surprise, I know. We are both busy with work...me being at Smucker's for about 9 months and Chad at MTG for about 6 months. I think we are still learning the ropes. The companies have good cultures, just very different from what we were used to. It will take some time to fully adapt of course. We are so blessed to have found good, meaningful work that we believe in (and that pays the bills, of course).

That being said, looking back to the time in April when we were hit with THE BIG DECISION.

We made the right one.

What a good feeling! We did. We made the decision to move for OUR FAMILY...for Chad, Me, Davis, and the pups. I love our family, and we are home.

Davis gets to see his grandparents often. We love his teachers and his school. He has a big backyard to play in this summer. We have room to grow in our house. Our community is beautiful and friendly.

...Not everything is peachy though....

We both have commutes-not traffic, but miles, we miss the restaurants in ATL, we miss our friends in ATL, the cold sucks, no one knows where Medina is, Atlanta sounds a lot cooler than Cleveland, the Browns suck, and Whole Foods is 40 minutes away.

BUT, we are home, and it's not really because of the positives or the negatives listed up there. It is because we are together...and as much as we love Davis, we love eachother more to, and there is no one I would rather spend this journey with!

Thank you to all who have touched our life through this year and in the past.

Thank you for helping us find home.

Here's a picture of me in a breakfast joint in Nashville that I love! It's called Fido if you want to check it out. Chad and I discovered it the last time we were here when I was a couple of months pregnant for the boy.

A new favorite fruit perhaps?

We promise...he really did love it!

Despite the looks on his face in most of the shots you see below of Davis in the snow, he did not want to come inside! This is the first time little man has actually set foot in snow. I am sure there is a lot more snow to come so we are on the look out for a little hill for dude to sled down. He will LOVE it!

...and winter begins

I woke up this morning & instantly turned on the TV expecting: Medina County- Schools closed, or at least a 2 hour delay. I got nothing. These people are tough up here.
In Atlanta, emails would have been flying, schools would be closed for the week, and we would be snuggling in front of the fire.
We are back to Ohio, and we better get used to it.
Oh...Mother Nature.
Maybe you'll get a picture of a little Snow Baby this weekend though.
Happy Winter & Stay Warm!

Our son, the dancing man.

He may not always use mama and dada the right way...and he may wave backwards from time to time, but the kid can dance...

I am back, and I have alot of excuses...

So....first off, I am sorry...if you are out there. I missed you so, but I just couldn't find the energy...until now.
I am back, and I am going to try to get Chad to blog too.
There is so much to talk about, and some days there will be less, and some more, but I really really want to start to blog more.
So, here goes...and I am really sorry for the absence.

Anyway, it has been 8 months since my last blog entry. UGH...and so much has happened!

We moved, both got new jobs, Davis started two new schools, sold a house (if you can call it that), bought a house (you can definitely call it that), and are just starting to settle now.

and Davis-

you are HUGE! 15.5 months, 26.6 lbs, and 30 some inches (sorry, I forget!!)

You are so loved by EVERYONE. Most of the time, you have the funniest personality, lately, at dinnertime, it is not so funny though. I'll take the good with the bad though. You are a dancing fool, can say dog, mama, da, and that. You grab your head when we ask you to, and spend most of your time opening the pantry doors, chasing the dogs, and obsessing over the fireplace.

Your school is fantastic. When we moved to Ohio, we started you in one school, and didn't care for it, but by the time we decided we didn't like the first school, there was a spot in the new...best thing that has ever happened!! You love your teachers and they love you!! You have had some bitting incidents, but not in a awhile, and play and learn all day long.

To sum it up. We have had the most dynamic year yet, and you are a dream. You are flexible and go with the flow, and your daddy and I appreciate that SO MUCH.

Thank you for being the little boy that you have become. We love you so.

Oh how I love the weekend!

So...has spring sprung in your neighborhood? It has here. And with Spring, comes spring cleaning and that is what the Aossey Posse plans to do this weekend. I am even considering putting the little one to work. Have a great weekend!

Ahhhh....Memories.

While going through pictures, videos, and old files on our hard drive, Chad came across this one. I remember this weekend like it was yesterday. What a lucky girl I was and still am.

Enjoy!

Time Flies

Now...

...and Then

A picture is worth a thousand words

Thank goodness it's Saturday! What a busy week for us.
Davis is all in when it comes to table foods, at least purees, but he is still doing great! He is loving cereal & peas so far. Tomorrow, we add Sweet Potatoes to our menu.

Today I want to write about our experience this past Sunday. Chad, Davis, and I took a little trip up to Marietta, GA to have some photos taken for Davis's 6 month birthday. We were lucky enough to fit into Mrs. Deb Layden's busy schedule. What a delight!
I met Deb through some other Newell mommies. I took a "mamarazzi" photo class from her and instantly fell in love with her style of child & family photography.
The whole family had a blast shooting with her, and the pictures prove it! Deb and I spent some time together choosing pictures that I wanted to use in the house. My only complaint- there were too many amazing ones to choose from!!! Yes, I think that has something to do with my big-eyed boy wonder, but it has a lot to do with how talented Deb is. Davis was a champ...smiling through it all. I am ecstatic with the results and cannot wait to decorate with these absolutely beautiful snapshots.
If capturing memories via photograph is as important to you as it is to me...check out Deb's website at www.laydenphotography.com and schedule an appointment with her! You will be so happy that you did.
One more note about Deb. It is SO refreshing to me to watch someone totally IN LOVE with her craft. I saw her intensely capturing these beautiful images of my sweet boy and was so lucky to spend time with her while she prepares to edit our pictures.
Here is a sneak peak at one of my favorites!

Future Foodie!

It wasn't all this bad!

It took a little practice, but I have the hang of it now. Bring on the veggies!

1 Little Post, Many Updates!

Davis was 6 months yesterday. Can you believe it? Time flies.
Some quick updates...
Along with turning 6 months old yesterday, Davis completed his second round trip flight last week. He had a chance to meet one of my best friends (Jenny and Pat) and visit a bunch of family in Chicago. I am sure this is one of the first of many trips to the Windy City. He was an absolute angel on the flight. Let's cross our fingers this is a good sign because Chad and I LOVE to travel and are hoping for a little guy who shares this passion.

As of last week, Davis is sitting unassisted and seems to be more inquisitive than ever.

Little man is teething and EXTREMELY emotional. I am really hoping this goes fast because I feel really bad for him. The homeopathic teething strips do work wonders though.

Davis has 2 best friends...Manny & Coco. He loves to stare at them, pull their little ears (they don't appreciate that so much), and smile and laugh at them. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I am sure the pups will agree once little man starts throwing food down from his high chair.

Last, but not least, as many of you know, tomorrow is the big day! Dude is moving on up to Rice Cereal. As a mom, I am nervous, excited, a little sad too. My boy is growing up:(

Happy 6 months Davis! You have changed our lives in so many ways. Thank you for being you.

I miss my baby daddy.

Dear Newell Rubbermaid,
I understand better than most the reason for travel and busy weeks...but quite honestly, you are killing us. I miss my husband,my husband misses me, and our baby misses both of us.
Sincerely,
The Aossey Posse

...Please notice the lack of smile here. He is pissed that his daddy had to leave today.

We are back... 6 months later!

My dear Davis,
You are approaching 6 months this week, and I am a little ashamed to say that the last time I blogged was before you had even come face to face with the real world. Well, to make a looooooong story short, you are here now and your dad and I are head over heels for you.
I look back now at your pictures from the day you were born and that first month, and can't believe how little you were! You were so fragile, and now seem like such a a little boy...no longer a featherweight infant, you can hold your head up, almost sit all by yourself, and roll over.
We haven't quite started solids yet. Not for lack of trying on your part, but more so because your mama is a bit scared. I guess I am scared of the mess, the possible complications with your reflux, allergy worries, and probably the main reason....I don't want you to grow up! I always have been a bit on the inpatient side, move on to the next step, kind of girl, but not with you, little man. Not with you. I treasure every single second with you, my boy, and it is going way to fast already! I can't imagine how I will feel when you go to school, your first sporting event, a dance, or even off to college.
We struck gold with you Davis! With a bit of scheduling work, you have been sleeping through the night since 2-3 months. You know your bedtime schedule and seem to like it. Napping can be tough but you are starting to transition to two long naps daily from the many short naps of your younger days. You truly might be the most smiley baby I have seen. I am not saying that just because I am your mother. You are quite the flirt and tend to distract people with those bright eyes and glorious grin. Your daddy has even nicknamed you Smiley Cyrus. :) What you don't give out too often is that giggle. When you do though, ahhh, it is like a breath of fresh air. I absolutely love your giggle. Your daddy does too, and he can make you laugh like no one else.
You started daycare at about 4 months. You seem to like it. I have my days. You seem to be thriving there though, you like your teachers and are starting to interact with the other kids as well. The daycare sniffle, cough, and stuffy nose is what I HATE about daycare. I HATE that you were sick for the ENTIRE month of January and February. You were a trooper though. It is mommy and daddy who can't handle it.
I hope I can get around to blogging more often now that we have survived the first 6 months. This has been the most trying, yet most amazing experience your daddy and I have been through as people, and specifically as a team. Trying due to lack of sleep, lack of knowledge & experience, but those smiles that you give us a the perfect time or when you nuzzle your perfect little head into our chests, we melt. You are truly a gift...and God is good, and you are proof.
Thank you for these 6 months.
I love you,
Mommy.

Patience

I am trying really hard to be patient, but Davis, if you are listening, I really wouldn't mind you coming this weekend. I bet your dad would even give up the OSU/ Miami game (or watch it at the hospital:)).

Regardless- I am planning on making some of my favorite Fall/ Winter treats this weekend. I am hoping you will like them as much as me and daddy! Go Bucks!

Catholic guilt for not blogging??? Ugh.

So, I am back after a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG hiatus. My excuse starts with a bit of busy, mostly lazy, and hey- I am 38 weeks pregnant, so I can do whatever I want! Anyway, blogs are not supposed to make you feel guilty. If you have one- you know- they do. The worst is when someone tells you that they have checked it, and basically they are disappointed because you haven't updated. Well, all 2 of you readers...I apologize & I will try to do better...for me, for Chad, for you, and of course for the little dude.

So, where were we...well the last time you saw a pic I was at the 25/26 week mark. WOW! If you haven't seen me since then, wide load coming through! I am full on pregnant at 38 weeks today. I wouldn't describe myself as cute pregnant either. My ankles are swollen, my face is a bit puffy, I am incredibly sore, and my belly has swelled more than I thought was humanly possible. Sometimes I think that I am the largest preggo alive. I know (or at least I hope) that this isn't true, but I am not in the warm & fuzzy stage. That happened awhile ago, and unfortunately, blogging obviously wasn't priority then. I do believe this is all a part of His plan though, He wants you to start to feel a bit uncomfortable, out of your comfort zone, so that when baby comes, that world of uncomfort isn't too off. It is all a ride, and if this is what it takes for me to meet my boy- sign me up.

We have had a super eventful summer. We made a trip to Paris. It was fantastic. Going pregnant had its ups and downs.
Up- Parisians love pregnant women. Allowing us to cut in line every so often was a direct correlation. The food was AMAZING- unfortunately, two of my favorites, wine & cheese, were no nos due to the bun in the oven. Don't worry, I made up for it in chocolate croissant, french fries, and gelato (I know, Gelato is italian, but it is irresistable.
Down- it was unseasonably hot during this visit. I have told many that it was like summer camp. You know when you wake up in a cabin and you are sweating, you take your shower, and you are sweating, and it just doesn't matter what you do...you just sweat. Well...no cabin here. A 4 star hotel + me in Paris= sweat. Pics aren't beautiful, but we were blessed to be able to take the trip.

Our other big trip was an annual Davis family trip to Outerbanks. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. Lots of R& R with the fam. Everytime we leave there we start planning next year, that is how you know it is a good trip. I love a nice tropical vacay, but you really can't beat the Outerbanks...there is something about it.

Scattered around those two big trips, I was showered with love over four showers. I don't even think you could call it "showered", more like poured on. The generousity of my hosts, family, and friends still leaves me speechless. The showers were all unique, and just perfect. Both Chad and I are so blessed by the people in our lives, and can't wait for Davis to meet them.

That brings me to the last few weeks, no travel allowed, which meant no going to a best friend's bachelorette party; wedding. Super-duper bummer there. I live vicariously through the pictures and her descriptions. Jenny-I wish so much I could have seen you walk down that aisle in person. You are such a dear friend and you have picked someone to walk beside you in life who adores you. I know that your pictures don't do your beauty on that special day justice.
I wish you and him a wonderful new start!

Three of my besties looking beatiful!

Anyway, fast forward to TODAY- Labor Day. While the boy is ruling my body right now, Chad and I are counting contractions ALL of the time waiting for the big day. Wouldn't it be funny if I went into labor on labor day? Chances are slim, I know.

Speaking of the little squirt, he is doing just fine. Last time he was checked, he measured in the 41st percentile. All systems are a go, and according to the doc, he is ready whenever he wants to make his grand entrance.

Those of you who have been pregnant know that the images of the gush of water & the rush to the hospital really don't happen with most women. It's more like this...
"I think that was one...let's time it...ok it's over...15 seconds, that's it...or was that gas?...or was that a cramp?...wait if I sit down, it goes away...oh brother...will I know when it's for real?"

From what I hear from my new mommy friends is that I will know, so now we wait for little dude.

Speaking of the boy, you haven't seen the room, have you? PIMPED OUT. He is a lucky guy. It still takes my breath away. Now, understand, it doesn't belong on "MTV Cribs" or anything, but it is PERFECT. We have two little things to do today and then we'll call it. I will post pics then.
A lot of my obsession with this room has to do with our little boy who will be sitting in it soon, but some of it, is the pride I feel that Chad & I put this together ourselves. It is my favorite room in the house right now. I could just sit here for hours. I try to take in this quiet time because I know that it will end & I will soon be exhausted, stressed, and confused, but right now as I sit in this perfect room, in a perfect chair thinking about my perfect boy, the world is an absolutely perfect place.

Baby Bump Update!

I will upload better pictures sometime soon, but for all of you who have been asking. Here is a 25/26 week update pic. There is definitely a bun in the oven:)

House Party!

This past weekend was a great one! Chad & I hosted a Calphalon & Williams Sonoma "sponsored" event at our house. If you haven't heard of www.houseparty.com, check it out. You might find yourself hosting a party!
This website/ organization connects consumers & brands & takes their relationships to the next level. In a nutshell, you submit information (demographics, interests, etc.) & brands (like Calphalon, Williams Sonoma, Betty Crocker, Kraft, etc.) outline to house party the type of consumer they are looking to target. After a TON of applicants, 1000 are chosen. Those thousand people will then host a party on the same night across the country featuring a specific brand or product.
I hosted my first house party back in December with Betty Crocker.




It was a fantastic girls day to celebrate the Christmas holiday & make cookies. Betty Crocker got much kudos for giving me some free cookie mix & some great recipes as well as a bit of swag for my guests.

After hearing alot about the success of house party, Calphalon decided to get in on the fun. Now- if you don't know already, you should know, that I am biased. I have worked for Calphalon for over 5 years & I love the brand, the people,the culture, and of course the product. That being said I wouldn't put my name on something I didn't believe in...whether it be a party or a product.
This time around, Calphalon & Williams Sonoma went all out. We sent out "party packs" to help the chosen hosts with their party (pans, ingredients, tips, etc.)& then cut the hosts loose to plan & execute their party. Our marketing communications team was on top of any host questions & did a fantastic job making sure each host was armed & ready with info & confidence to show off our brands in the most authentic way. Judging from the house party site, these parties were phenomonal!

Calphalon & Williams Sonoma teamed up to showcase our newest product line- Unison Slide & Sear. I was lucky enough to be a host. A chef has to try their own food, right? Anyway, a bunch of my coworkers along with their significant others helped to celebrate the beginning of summer at our house. We served Michael Symon recipes & I even got a non-Calphalon employee- thank you Scott Shannon- to experiment a bit in the kitchen. If the guests didn't know already, Unison Nonstick Sear produces a kick butt Sear & the Slide is more slippery than any nonstick I've ever tried. I can't forget to mention though, all are dishwasher safe! To sum it up- Professional Results with Nonstick Convenience. www.calphalon.com
The party was a hit. We were blessed with beautiful weather, superb conversation, and good food. What more can you ask for...well our youngest guest made it even better!

Thanks so much to Calphalon, Williams Sonoma, and of course, all of our amazing guests for making the party successful!

Update after a long absence!

Holy Cow. It has been awhile. For starters, I am a lot bigger than I was the last time I posted. Many of you have seen me during my time back in Ohio or around Atlanta. I have definitely "popped" & constantly remind myself that this too shall pass. I am not sick of being pregnant, I am sick of being fat.
Anyway, I am done complaining. I am going to use this blog post to get everyone caught up on the adventures of Chad, Mere, Davis, and the pups- and I vow to post more frequently from now on.
So, since we talked last, Chad & I took a trip back to Toledo & Columbus, some visitors have graced us with their presence, we had a doctor's appt, we got the baby furniture, and we are planning for a very vacation heavy summer that starts very soon!
Ohio was great! It was so nice to see family & friends after so long! I got alot of "how are you feelings", but I was just fine with that...after all, I don't get too see them enough. My cousins are growing up so quickly. I can't help but think about my aunts, their moms, & how they feel. I know it will be a few quick years (or even months) that I want to freeze time so Davis won't grow so quickly!

My parents came to visit us for the Memorial Day weekend. Their visit was fantastic! We ate great food, hung out at the botanical garden, and I even got to see the Sex & the City Sequel. Wonderful weekend that was capped off with a scrumptious Farm Burger & Nutella/Burnt Marshmallow milk shake from Flip...who could ask for more?! I love having my parents here & I am looking forward to the Fall when they will be back.

Doctor's appt went great! Davis is measuring a bit small but no worries at this point. I go back on June 23rd for the glucose test & from then on, I am back every two weeks. I will be in my 3rd trimester at that point! Is it just me, or has this pregnancy flown by? Ask me that in a couple of months, right?

Last, but not least, we are kicking off summer with a dinner party on Saturday. I have been prepping for the last couple of weeks & hope it will go well. All of my guests are from work & I know they will be gracious guests, so I am absolutely looking forward to a night filled with great friends & great food. We are using our Calphalon Unison cookware to make some Michael Symon recipes out of his cookbook, so the food will be good too. I am just crossing my fingers for good weather...I would love to kick off the summer outside. I will post pictures after the event.

So, in a nutshell, that is what we have been doing for the last few weeks. Besides work & a bit of play (we saw Mary Poppins & have had some fun nights out), we have been busy bees! Our summer isn't slowing down, the fun is just beginning!
i promise to update more frequently & can't wait to post pics of Davis' room once we complete it. Until then- here's a sneak peek...we received the bedding from dwellstudio.com today. I LOVE IT. It is even cuter in person! Sans the giraffe of course.


Anyway, I better sign off now because this mama needs to stretch her aching back & get some Z's! I apologize for how scattered this post has been, but I just wanted to catch up. Take care all. Sweet Dreams.