sneak peak at our Valentines Pics

CHD Awareness

February is American Heart Month.  As such, I wanted to share some information about Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).  As you may or may not know, my son, Paxton was born with an ASD and VSD (basically, 2 holes in his heart).  In many cases, the wholes repair and close on their own; however, in his case, he was failing to thrive and required open heart surgery at 7 weeks. 

This is a picture of us 3 days after his surgery, in the PICU at Hopkins.  He was still only 7lbs. 

For more information click here

How do you talk to your kids about death?

If you read my blog, you will know that my 4 year old daughter, Mia is a twin.  Her brother, Parker was stillborn due to an umbilical cord accident.  We have always been open and honest with her about him and we tell her he is in Heaven with Jesus and that he is her special guardian angel.  That has worked well...until this year.  This year she has made several comments that I am not sure how to respond to. Some make me happy and some scare me.
First she started asking if she could buy balloons to send up to Parker and Jesus in Heaven.  I thought this was so precious so of course, we agreed to it.  I mean...what a sweet and thoughtful request from a 4 year old.  She also makes comments fairly frequently that she misses Parker.  While she may say it to get our attention because we certainly give her more attention, I think a part of her really does remember him and miss him.
Recently, her comments have been more upsetting.  She has asked when she can go to Heaven to be with Parker and Jesus.  I tell her when she is old....a very long time from now.  She has not been happy with my answer.  This week, she asked if her and I could die together. 
This is where I'm stumped.  I don't want to scare her and I want to be open and honest, but I'm really not sure where to go with her questions and statements.  Has anyone else ever been through this with their child?  If so, how did you respond?  Any recommendations? 

So What!

  I'm linking up with Shannon again for another edition of So What Wednesday.  This week, I'm saying So What if...  

• I hate 1 1/2 donuts and a few bites of chili for dinner last night. 
• I bought a new light fixture for the new kitchen and Chris doesn't like it.  He says it belongs in a living room.  I disagree.
• I can't stop pinching Paxton's hiney when he is wearing his big boy boxers.  Oh my gosh....so cute!
• I still can't get the blue and green nail polish off from 2 days ago when I let Paxton paint my nails.
• I let Mia in my bed again last night at 4am.  I'm just too tired to fight with her when I know I have to get up in an hour. 

What are you saying so what to this week?

Book Review- Seduction and Snacks

I'm linking up with Sharee and Lindsay for the Blog Friends Book Club.  This month, we read Seduction and Snacks.  It was the first book in the trilogy (Book 2 is Futures and Frostings and book 3 is Troubles and Treats).  I finished book 3 last night so needless to say, I enjoyed all 3. 

I characters and funny and likable.  The book had me laughing out loud at times.  Seduction and Snacks is a book about fate and soul mates.  It goes to show that if it's meant to be, it will find a way.  Claire and Carter meet again after a one night stand in college.  Once they see each other again...the sparks fly.

The book also showed Clair's struggles as a single mom.  While thankfully, I have a hands-on husband to help, I can relate to her daily life with a 4 year old...especially one who repeats everything you say. 

If you are looking for a light funny read, I would highly recommend all of these books.

Framed Book Covers

 

I love making ideas I see on pinterest come to life...especially when I don't totally ruin them!  I pinned this idea a while ago knowing that someday we would move and have a "real" playroom.  So, with a moving date quickly approaching, I went to work. 

 

Materials:

Colorful frames

Book covers

 

 

 

 

I plan to hang these above the kids' bookshelf.  Overall, I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. 

 

 

Meet Mike from MD....

This is my friend Mike.  We met him about 1 1/2 ago when he started attending our church.  He was sitting in the back with his adorable baby, Max.  Of course, I love babies, so we started talking to him.  The more we talked to him, the more we liked him.  Mike is 37.  He has a good job and an adorable 18 month old, named Max. 

Mike is a super nice guy.  He has never been married and is looking for a nice, normal girl in the MD, DC, VA area.  He goes to the gym and stays in shape and he spends almost all of his free time with Max.  I don't know all of his interests, but if I were to guess, I'd say he likes being outside, likes cars/jeeps, and likes kids. 

We would love to hook him up with the right girl.  He has not had great luck in that department.  I'm not sure what his type is, but if I had to guess, I'd say he would like someone who is sweet, nice, no drama, loves kids, and someone who is active.

If you are interested, leave me a comment.  Thanks for looking.