The Smile Award

I haven't been in blog world for sometime due to many crazy things in my life. However, when I returned yesterday, I found this lovely award posted in my honor, gifted by my beautiful friend Steph. What a fabulous treat to receive from someone I see as above and beyond my measly words. Not only is she a gifted writer, but she is funny, sweet and an overall genuine person. I just know that if we had the chance to sit down and visit, the night would never end! I truly value her friendship and the clever advise and constant encouragement that comes along with.


These are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back the the awards creator (http://www.thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com//)
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids

Presenting the Smile Award....drum roll pa-lease...

1. Ashley at Raising AlliKaye. My most favorite husband's sister! She is a wonderful mommy who loves her precious daughter with everything she has. Not only is she one of the biggest goofs I know, but she is sincere and honest in everything she does. She loves people whole-hearted and does her best to express that in anyway possible. She is a gifted teacher to so many precious minds, a wonderful wife to her life long friend, and a beautiful woman who seeks after the Lord's heart.

2. Elise at Adventures of E and T. I'm for sure that no one has anything bad to say about this beautiful woman. She is a wonderful creative mom to Sav and Blake, constantly coming up with beautiful new projects and adventures of her little ones. She is always there in the good times and bad, supporting her blog friends completely. She is a wonderful person who I am blessed to get the chance to know.

3. Lindsey at The Crockett Clan. She is a brand new mommy to her precious Makayla. I so enjoy reading Lindsey's blog as I struggle along with her in this new world we call "mommy-hood." She is an open and honest writer, allowing people to see her true beauty through the laughter and pains of life. Not only does she seek to serve her husband and daughter in whatever way she can, she seeks after the Lord and all He has in store for her.

4. Jeni at My Life's Meanderings. If you have never had a chance to experience Jeni, you are missing out! This girl defines beauty from the inside out - complete with the vibrant personality, sparkling eyes, and dynamic love for the Lord. Jeni has always been a close personal friend of ours, and though our paths tend to stray in different directions, those precious times we do have together seem as though no time has passed at all. You always know how special you are when you are with this wonderful friend.

5. OhMommy at Classy Choas. I wish I could sit in the same room as this woman and soak up all her joy and laughter. Her blog is a world in which I can relate. She isn't afraid to admit that life can be a messy beautiful. She is honest and forthright in her writings, using humor all the way. I always leave with a smile on my face.

The last week...or so...

I've been racking my brain trying to think of which exciting bit of news I should tell you about. So much has happened, and I feel like I don't have enough time to even tell you about it.

I could tell you about how Mia has suddenly learned how to roll from her back to her tummy. She thinks it is such a fun little game, but gets so frustrated once she is there because she can't figure out how to roll back. Plus her head just gets too heavy to hold up after too long of a time.

I could tell you how, in the last month, I have applied for new jobs, interviewed, accepted, put my two weeks in, went through orientation, and now am sitting in a completely new cubicle. But, seriously, who wants to hear about work?

We could sit here and compare stories on the latest shopping adventures that have occurred since my hubby so generously gave me new monies to spend! We could chat about all the sales I conquered, and the new fabulous clothes that make me look skinnier than I actually am. B-u-t...I don't have any pictures, so you probably would get bored of that story.

I could tell you about all the new ways Mia is growing, and the new foods she is eating now that the salmonella has passed through her body. I could tell you how she loves her peas and absolutely gobbles up the bananas. But, who's baby doesn't like eating real people food?

I could scream with excitement the fact that I am now working in a job that allows for a business casual dress instead of business professional. Goodbye pantyhose and business suites! I have moved on to pants, cute tops, and open toed shoes! Let's face it though...most of the world is already submerged into this wonderful life.

Instead, I can tell you how rested and healthy I feel as of late. No longer do I feel as though I'm carrying the stress of the world on my shoulders. I wake up ready to face the day, excited to see my little ones face, and longing to snuggle in bed with my hubby for just a few more minutes. I feel like a truly blessed woman - a wonderful husband who adores me, and beautiful baby girl who thinks I'm her world, 2 loving families, a great job and a wonderful roof over our heads. Who can ask for anything more?

Baby Dedication

Sunday. It was an exciting day for mommy and daddy. We donned our nice clothes, made sure Mia smelled like baby, and put her in the brand new, fancy dress bought especially for a special occasion.

It was Dedication day!

Leaving 30 minutes early for church, we got in the car like the cute little family we hope to be. Daddy in the front escorting his ladies to the Lord's House. Mommy in the back, covering Mia in all the burp clothes she had in order to feed Mia before she threw a fit right in the middle of service.

(we all new what camera to look at. Can you tell?)

We arrived. We walked down the aisle. All of our family was there, waiting to celebrate our day with us.

Five minutes before service, they called all the babies up front (parents could come too) :). Then all of our family members gathered around to pray for us as the pastor said the sweetest blessing. (I wish I would have recorded it.)



He prayed for Mia - that she would learn to gaze on the Lord's face and follow after Him. That she would have a sweet spirit and learn to trust Him fully.



He prayed for daddy - prayed that the Lord would give him wisdom and strength as he leads our family down the path that God has created for us. Prayed that daddy would be a gentle man after God's own heart, with godly discipline and leadership.



He prayed for mommy - prayed that mommy would have strength and compassion - filled with grace - as she cares for little Mia. That she would be tender in her actions, and be filled with a servants attitude.



It was a beautiful time being lifted up before the throne of the Lord, and being vulnerable to those who know us the most. Asking them to keep us accountable in how we raise our children.



Afterwards, we partied! It was a wonderful day!

Wikipedia's answer...

Salmonella:

a) a genus of rod-shaped Gram-negative enterobacteria that causes typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and food borne illness. Salmonella species are motile and produce hydrogen sulfide.

b) the awful, rude bacteria that has decided to take up residence in our precious daughter's little body

Symptoms:

a) Diarrhea (check)

b) Fever (check)

c) vomiting (check)

d) abdominal cramps (check)

e) dehydration (check)

Note: The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness, and are thus treated with antibiotics. Some people afflicted with Salmonella poisoning later experience reactive arthritis, which can have long-lasting, disabling effects.

Some statistics/interesting facts:

a) Breastfed babies are less likely to get salmonella infection.

b) Exposure to reptiles upped babies' chance of infection

c) Babies who ride in a shopping cart next to meat or poultry are more likely to get infected

d) babies who drink concentrated liquid infant formula are more likely to get salmonella infection

e) About 50,000 cases of salmonella infections are reported in the US each year and about one third of those are in kids 4 years old or younger.

f) Having salmonella infection can lead to meningitis or pneumonia

g) Salmonella decreases a baby's ability to breakdown lactose, causing more gas and fussiness. While being treated, the baby must be supplemented with soy formulas.

Evidently, we will be meeting with the Health Department in the near future so they can try to figure out where Mia's infection has come from.

Poor baby.

Pictures to make you giggle

Little Sicky *update*

Thank you for all your prayers! Mia is doing much better, though we are still concerned a little about her overall attitude throughout the day. She is getting more cranky than normal, not really enjoying taking her bottle, and nap times are just a nightmare. I'm thinking this is more of a phase than anything, but still hope that they do find something the matter so we can put an end to this "madness!"

I have great pictures from this weekend that I hope to share shortly. Thanks again, friends.

Oh! If you have any suggestions about how to make sleepy time a little more smooth than it is right now, I would greatly appreciate it!

Buh-bye!

poor baby

*text message recieved*

"Somethings wrong with Mia. She's been screaming all morning...it's just not like her."

Mommy takes off from work. Trying not to speed...trying not to waste gas...trying not to be panic mommy. The little baby was sick. Extremely sick. Not like her at all.

101.4 F

On our way to the doctor.

101.7 F

One dose of tylenol. No significant change. 4:00 PM...6:00 PM...no change...8:00 PM more tylenol...no change.

101.1 F

102.8 F

Poor baby...

cold washcloths on her body, trying to get the fever down