Have I mentioned lately how much these two slay me? So freaking precious.

I’d like to introduce you to someone. He is a very special addition to our family these days.

His name is Leonard.

You see, he’s a magic elf.

He has randomly visited our house over past few weeks, dropping off gifts and promises of what’s to come on Christmas morning.

While we’ve never seen him, as he prefers to visit during bedtime/naptime hours, we love him and speak of him fondly.

In fact, every time a certain man in a brown uniform comes to the door Bitzy asks if the boxes are from Leonard. Sometimes they are, and sometimes they are whisked away quickly to Gammy’s room (AKA: Santa’s workshop).

Talking about Leonard and Santa Claus is pure old fashion fun. Bitzy and Brother are still too young (in my humble opinion) for Elf on the Shelf, plus, I’m not so into the naughty/nice part of Santa. I prefer the anticipation of Christmas, the gifts, and the spirit of fun and giving. With all of our talk of Leonard and Santa we’ve been talking much more about how it’s Jesus’ birthday! We’re having Him a party full with balloons, a birthday cake and candles. We’re talking about how the wise men brought presents and that’s why we do too. I’m not sure how much they are actually soaking in, but seeing as how my Bitzy is such a little sponge these days, I’m hoping she’s getting it all.

Since our babies are so young we’re going to celebrate Christmas morning tomorrow, so tonight is our Christmas Eve. I have Jesus’ birthday cake baked, as well as cookies for Santa. We picked out a big round onion for Rudolph to eat too!  All the presents are wrapped and (I think) we’re ready!

So tonight when daddy gets home we’ll decorate the cake, cookies and party it up for baby Jesus. After it’s all done we’ll get cuddled, read the Christmas story of how Jesus was born in a manager and then read The Night Before Christmas.

While all of this has been a lot of work, I’m so overwhelmed and grateful for the opportunity to begin creating traditions and memories for our little family. In fact, today as I was mopping I thought, “We are creating memories for our children that they will always remember and cherish. We are the memory makers.” Tears stung my eyes at this opportunity and responsibility.

More than Leonard or parties or cookies, I want our babies to remember being loved and wanted and wrapped in our arms as we treasured the gift of the baby Jesus.

On this Christmas Eve Eve, may you snuggle close with you family and friends and soak it all up, every single bit of it. Because friends, this life, this beautiful, wonderful, mysterious, fun life is indeed a gift.

My beautiful girl,

Yesterday at 6:17pm you turned two years old. This truth seems unbelievable to me. In some ways if seems like you were born just yesterday, and in others if feels like we’ve been together forever. I barely remember life without you.

You have absolutely, in every way possible, made the world a better, more beautiful place. Especially the world as your daddy and I see it. You are so delightful, so beautiful. You make every day sweeter. I cherish every single day that I get to grow with you. You make me better. In fact, you and your brother are the very best things I’ve ever done.

You have such a sensitive, sweet spirit. You are smart, kind and most of all FULL of life.

Tonight as I rocked you to sleep I was reminded that while you are now two, you are still very much a baby. And I must admit, this gives me great joy. I want you to remain a baby forever, my baby.

Sadly, someday you will not want me to rock you to sleep, but I hope and pray that you will still gaze into my eyes and say, “I love you mama, so much” as you did before drifting off to dreamland.

And then, tears will slip down my cheeks as they did tonight, because baby, I love being your mama and I’m so grateful that you love me back. God picked you out for me and me out for you. We were made for each other.

Your daddy says that we’re just alike. We are both hyper, clumsy, silly, loud, emotional, we laugh easily, and we know what we want and when we want it (which isn’t always a good thing). I get you, Bitzy boo, I really do. Perhaps the reason that I can read you so easily is that we are so much alike. Just like yesterday when you began having a meltdown over something silly, rather than disciplining you, I simply took you in my arms, sat you on my lap and held you. You just needed a break and I knew it. Sometimes I just need a break too sweetheart. Maybe we can always take our breaks together.

Most of all, I want you to know how loved  and wanted you are darling. You are loved by so many. Your daddy and I prayed and begged God for you. We never, ever could have imagined the blessing He had in store for us in you. He is good like that.

I want you to remember that no one on earth loves you as I do (although your daddy is a close second). I will always, always, always love you no matter what. But as much I love you, God loves you more. And I pray every day that you will love Him back, because He has loved you since the beginning of time sweetheart. He is so good. Trust Him, Love Him and Know Him as your own. This is my prayer for you my love.

I love you to the moon and back…Happy Birthday dear baby, happy birthday to you.

Mama

Well friends, we have something to celebrate!

Maybe this is your first time on this little stories blog of mine (welcome!), or maybe you’re a veteran of this site (thank you and welcome back!), either way, I’m glad you’re here.

You see, I have been writing these little stories for one whole year! Can you believe it? It all started when I was on maternity leave with Bitzy and I told my husband some kind of hair-brained story and he said, “that is so funny, you should write that down.”

Hence, Little Stories Everywhere was born.

I am proud to say that while I haven’t written every single day (especially lately), but I’ve written more than I ever have, and nearly 50,000 people have visited the site over the past year!

Incredible!

That makes me a little weak at the knees to know that people are actually reading my little stories! Crazy!

In honor of our 1 year anniversary let’s do a little giveaway, shall we?

The giveaway is a book since I am a pseudo reader. Ya know, the kind of gal who loves to read but doesn’t since she has a Bitzy and a Zach to take care of…oh and a house and 2 very high maintenance puppies.

So, in honor of one of my favorites of the past…here’s your giveaway!

This book is a beautiful collection of thoughts and reflections by one of my favorite speakers/authors. She is truly wonderful.

I think you’ll like it…I know that I sure do.

I mean, it’s only appropriate for me to give you an anniversary gift, we’re in this crazy blogtastic world together after all!

To enter, simply leave a comment telling if you love to read and why, or if you can read but you just don’t:).  Winner will be chosen on February 27th!

Can’t wait to hear from you!!!

Love to all,

PS: Like my little stories? I would really appreciate it if you’d vote for me here and here.

My beautiful,

As I sit still to reflect upon this past month I can’t help but have a permanent grin on my face. Every day your personality develops more than the day before. You are so very funny and full of life…and you’re always on the go. Always.

Constantly happy, laughing and your latest pastime: Squealing! I never thought that I would love a sound more than your laugh, but your high pitching yummy delicious squeal is in the running for my favorite sound ever.

Your vocabulary continues to grow and amaze me! What you understand and try to communicate with half words, pointing, babbling and signing is incredible!  You are a natural communicator honey bunny!

And as I’ve said before, you are truly a delight. Your daddy and me were talking yesterday about what a JOY and DELIGHT you are. We honestly cannot imagine our life without you. You bring us so much laughter, joy and utter delight. Every single day is better than the day before. Our love for you grow by leaps and bounds every day.

These days you’re not only walking, but running. And of course, you are into everything to be sure, but we are constantly amazed at your obedience. You listen so well and follow directions! We are so proud of you!

We found out this month that you are going to have a little brother! When you’re older and you read this you probably won’t have any memories without him being by your side. You guys are going to be quite a pair. I am beyond excited to watch the two of you bond and grow up together.

My two perfect gifts.

Sweet pea, as Christmas approaches I am more thankful than ever that God has so luxuriously blessed us with you. You are more than we ever could have asked for or imagined, and we give all glory and praise forever and amen to the Maker of the moon and stars and our Creator. The One who knitted you together in my tummy, the One who loves you even more than your daddy and me (and that’s a lot), the One who says that you are the apple of His eye. The One who gave up His own Son so that you could live a life of forgiveness and freedom. His name is Jesus.

At His name every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is LORD. Amen. Our most fervent prayer for you is that you will always love Jesus “the most.” More than anything, you’ll fall in love with His Word and His heart.

We’ll talk more about that later, but I do want you to know that even at a tender 13 months old, God is whispering His story into your heart through our talks and books and laughter. He is always near.

I love you my darling love more than banana cream pie and mint m&ms,

Mama

I know that you all are simply dying to see pictures from my Bitzy’s 1st Birthday Party…never fear, today the wait is over.  Remember the theme was Candy Corn!!!!

On October 16th we celebrated party #1 in my home country of NC, and then we finished strong for party #2 here at home on her actual birthday. Both parties were way fun with lots of wonderful family and friends, as well as the first & second time that sugar had ever graced the lips of my beautiful girl.

It’s true. While I am a sugar addict and try to eat as many processed foods as humanly possible, I feel very strongly that my Bitzy only eat fresh and organic foods. Does that make me a nerdy mommy or what?  It’s OK, make fun. I figure she’ll have years and years on her own to eat total crap, but as long as I’m solely responsible for what goes in her mouth, she’s eating the really good stuff.

Anyway, at her 2 parties she did have cake and icing. Honestly, it wasn’t quite the affair that I assumed it would be. I mean, the child is genetically predisposed to love sugar, and she did eat it, but she wasn’t overly impressed.

All this to say, we had a blast. An absolutely wonderful and amazing celebration of life..and here are the pictures to prove it!

Party #1:

The loves of my life.

I mean, cutest candy corn evah or what?!

Please direct your attention to the cowgirl in the far right on the floor. Little Reba. I die.

She looks so mischievous in this picture.

Some of the decor.

Family picture before all the fun began!

And Now to Party #2!!!!

This is the banner that I paid $79,000 when I shoulda paid $.99…but alas, it’s cute right?

The spread!

Basking in the glow of her presents!

I am one blessed gal..look at my family!!! Thank you Jesus!

I can’t believe I have a toddler!!!!

Classic Bitzy pose in the party aftermath.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Now to begin thinking about next year…:)

My Beautiful Girl,

Yesterday at 6:17pm you entered the world.

Your entry was not easy by any means, in fact, it was a bit nightmarish.

But as we’ve learned all too well, anything amazing is worth fighting for…and you, my beautiful one, were worth every tear, every drip of sweat and every scream.

At the end of what seemed like the labor that would never end, they placed you, all gooey and bloody in my arms, and my life was changed forever. In fact, at that exact moment, the whole wide world changed, because my love, the world has never ever had a Bitzy Boo. Not ever. As the world is teaching you, you are teaching the world.  It’s an amazing friendship of trust and education.

You have a book entitled, “On the Night You Were Born,” by Nancy Tillman. My favorite line in the book that sums up that perfect night so exactly is, “On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, ‘Life will never be the same.’”

Indeed it hasn’t.

It’s been way better.

To be honest, your first 5 months of life where, ahem, challenging. You decided that crying was your favorite activity…so you played your new game of crying a lot, and as you know, sleep has never been your strong suite, and overall you still hate food (unless it’s breast milk- now that is your people).

But ya know what?  Those aren’t even negative things my sweetheart. Because honey, they make up who you are. Now that you’ve made it through babyhood, you’re the happiest most content little creature on the planet. And the kisses…oh the kisses. Someday I should count how frequently you bless me with you’re sweet kisses.

And I totally contest that your laugh is the most wonderful sound that have ever graced my ears.

And while I’m on a roll, I love how at only 12 months old you’re already playing pretend. We had a full out tea party today and we laughed and drank imaginary tea and sang I’m a little teapot over and over again.

I am always and forever amazed at how very very FUN you are.

It truly just keeps getting better.

I know that some mommy’s cry when their babies turn 1, but there are no tears coming from me sweetie. As I’ve said, every single day is better than the day before with you. You completely amaze me with you’re beauty, lightheartedness and joy.

I am more than blessed to be your mama and I cherish every kiss, hug, laugh, cry and snuggle.  Someday a long time from now I will read this letter and remember you as a tiny 1 year old and relish all the moments that I’ve hidden in my heart over the past year. I will cry not out of sadness, but of joy that I get to be your mama. What a gift I have in you!

I love you like crazy my sweet pea. Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!!

Always and Forever,

Mama

Ya know when you were little and people would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up?

I always said a check out girl at the grocery store.

That’s right.

Big dreams.

That was back in the day before scanners. The cashiers had to type in all the numbers of the items.

Oh the speed of their fingers.

It was pure magic watching their fingers run across the numbers. I wanted my fingers to be magical.

But then as I got older and went to college there was no degree program for being a cashier.

So, I settled and got a degree in PR and Advertising.

The great news is that I can still fulfill my dreams of being a cashier by playing with a calculator any time I want.

And, while my cashier dreams have been crushed, now I get to hang out with people, plan parties and serve Jesus all at once. Good deal, huh?

So, in perfect party planning style…something special is happening in only 6 weeks…my Bitzy’s 1st birthday party!!!

Take in mind that she was born on October 30th, only one day short of my least favorite “holiday.”

Maybe the fact that I hate Halloween has something to do with the fact that my childhood torturer, Meanie, told me every single year in elementary school that I would be sacrificed by devil worshippers. Turns out that I wasn’t sacrificed, but I did spend every Halloween shaking in my Strawberry Shortcake boots.

Needless to say, I’m still totally freaked out by Halloween.

However, having an October birthday offers many opportunities for fall fun and decorating.

So, this year our theme is CANDY CORN.

Mama’s candy addiction + Mama’s Bitzy addiction + Party planning for a living = Best.Birthday.Party ever.

I’m soooo excited.

Wanna know one of the most exciting parts?

Bitzy’s outfit.

That’s right, she’s gotta look ultra fab. Duh.

So, on my quest to find the cutest little outfit ever, I happened upon Whimsy and Whirl on Etsy. After looking at her fabulous creations, I messaged her to see if she could do a custom candy corn onesie.

Thankfully she said YES!!!!

It’s true. I didn’t name my kid “Bitzy.” Do you feel like you’ve been lied to? I’m so sorry. Forget this ever happened and let’s move forward, mkay?

So, picture this precious onesie with a big beautiful orange, white and yellow tutu.

I know, right?! Precious.

The amazing news?!  Whimsy and Whirl has offered to do a giveaway to you, my sweet readers!!! Yay!

Here are some pictures of her awesome stuff!!!

Seriously cute, right? Gratefully Whimsy and Whirl has generiously offered to giveaway a tutu (if it’s for a little girl) or a t-shirt with an inital/name – up to 6 letters- (if it’s for a little boy).  Depending on what the winner wants!!!

Want a chance to win?

To ENTER leave a comment telling me if you’d like to win a tutu or a t-shirt and why.  A winner will be chosen at random one week from tomorrow on September 29th!

Extra Entries For More Chances to Win!

• Go to the Whimsy and Whirl shop on Etsy and add the store to your favorites: Here. (1 comment)
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• Vote for Little Stories Everywhere here (click the green “click to vote” text) and here. (You can vote once per day on each site, meaning you could potentially have 16 extra comments!!!)
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• Follow Little Stories Everywhere on Twitter: Here (1 comment)
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• Blog About It. (3 comments)
• Tweet About This Giveaway DAILY using the following wording: Enter to #win Whimsy and Whirl from @littlestories courtesy of Whimsy and Whirl Etsy Store! #Giveaway ends September 29th at 11:59pm. (Leave your Twitter ID in the comment. 1 entry per day!)

Please make sure you leave a comment for each entry!
Remember this giveaway ends Tuesday, September 28th at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen using random.org.

Love to all!

Like my little stories? Remember to comment and to vote here and here everyday so that other  people will love them too!

Oh Mexico, how we miss you.

Today, is my darling husbands birthday.

As you have probably learned by now, I’m completely koo-coo crazy over my man.  He is quite wonderful and totally perfect for me.

Being the complete romantic that I am, I have always believed in soul mates. That God designs a man and woman for each other and that is that. They are bound…destined if you will.

But, Zach was late to the party on that theory.

When we first began dating, we talked about our favorite color and food for about 45 seconds before I launched into questions that would make or break the relationship.

Intense much?

For example, what was his stance on soul mates. I mean, it’s legitimate dinner conversation after you’ve been dating 2 weeks, right?

(I was a train wreck).

Anyway, my Zach did not believe in my “theory” on soul mates. This my friends, could have been a deal breaker, but never fear, I knew that he would change his mind after he fell for me. I just had a feeling….and guess what?

He did.

He is now 100% convinced that God handcrafted me for him and him for me.

Told ya I’d convince him.

So, to my soul mate, my man, my kind and good partner in this life…I love you.

In fact, I love you more than BB Bats.

And icing.

And cookie dough.

And cake batter.

And coconut cream pie.

And I even love you more than Milk Duds and we all know that that’s an awful lot.

And I promise that I will always be your girl.

But please never put my love to the test on the sugar thing.

OK?

Glad we cleared that up.

Love to all,

PS: What do you guys think about soul mates?  Any thoughts?

PPS: Remember to vote for my tiny itsy bitty blog every day by clicking here!!!!

Notice the spit hanging from her chin. Teething is grody.

Bitzy Boo Boo,

10. That’s double digits sweetheart!  You are getting so big so fast.

It’s as if every morning I wake up to a different Bitzy. You’re learning and growing at such a rapid speed that I can barely keep up with your pace. It’s like an explosion of development happens with each night that you sleep.

Isn’t she lovely?

Speaking of sleep, you’re doing so much better sweet pea! You’re now consistently sleeping from 8:30pm-5:30am every night. And then at 5:30am we are reunited at last!  As we snuggle and cuddle and welcome in a new day together and there is literally no where else that I’d rather be. It’s a beautiful thing sweetheart to watch you learn to sleep on your own, but I still long for our morning rititual of cuddling up in the bed and watching your beautiful eyes get heavy as I nurse you to back to sleep.

You see my love, I’m learning the constant pulling and tugging of hanging on to your babyhood and letting you go and explore the world on your own. Even if it’s as simple as teaching you to sleep through the night, it’s a learning process for us both. And secretly I’m finding it to be a bittersweet mix of heartbreak and joy to watch you grow into your own independent person.

Yes, I have crazy eyes. What of it?

You are nothing if not busy! You’re thinking really hard about walking, but since you’re a master crawler you are much too busy to try to walk. You have things to do after all!  You have to play with your toys, give me kisses, go up and down the steps, and many more important tasks.

Your daddy and me LOVE watching you grow sweet girl, it’s such an honor and privilege to be your parents. We thank God every single day for the gift of you. We do not take the weight of the responsibility of parenting your heart lightly, for we are grateful and thrilled to call you our little girl.

I love you more everyday,

Mama

My Gracie is a mere 3 months old so the real truths of my horrible pregnancy haven’t vanished into sweet romantic memories.

Me, in non-swollen times.

I admit it, I didn’t enjoy being pregnant.

Of course I LOVED feeling her move and shake inside of me, that was magical, but let’s face it, pregnancy kind of sucks.

And the swelling.   Oh the swelling.

From 32 weeks on, if you stuck a pin in me I just know that gallons of water would have gushed out.  It was just gross.

Needless to say, my wedding ring wasn’t impressed with my new found fatty fingers.  So I bid goodbye to my beloved ring and dished out $25 for the cutest fake that I could find.

And then after my beautiful Bitzy was born my fingers were still swollen.

Huh? I thought that you popped out a baby and everything went back into place (including my organs that were shoved up inside of me like the stuffing of a sock monkey).

That totally didn’t happen.  Bummer.  In regards to my ring, it’s a big bummer.

So a few weeks ago I was sick of my fake ring and wanted to try on the beautiful ring that Zach had slipped on my finger so effortlessly when I became his bride.

So, I dug it out of my jewelry box and tried to slip it on as I once had pre-Gracie.

Slip on, it did not.  It was more like my finger was being strangled.

The culprit.

But I was determined.  “Go on ring.  I know I can get you on!”

And I did.  I got that little sucker on!  My beautiful ring finally traveled the length of my finger and was welcomed back home.

However, there was a slight problem.

My finger was turning purple.

At first I tried not to panic.  I tried all the tricks for getting rings “unstuck.”

You know, like cold water and soap.  Oh if it were that simple. Little silly me.

I then proceeded to try everything in the house with a little “slick” in it.  I even held my hands above my head while icing my finger and massaging it with soap.

I wasn’t kidding around.

I tried ice, vegetable oil, soap, lotion, and nothing.  Not even a budge.

Perhaps the “not even a budge” is what took me from panicked to hysterical.

Did I mention this was on my 30th birthday and it all went down at 3am?  That may be important to the story.

Zach and I had enjoyed a wonderful evening together while Gracie was at her Lolly & Pops.  We saw a movie and had an amazing dinner.  It was delightful and relaxed and the perfect way to usher in my 30′s.

Then my ring ruined it.  Actually, I suppose it’s my fat finger’s fault.

I’m sorry ring, it’s not you, it’s me.

Anyway, when I realized that the ring was officially stuck, I do what I always do in crisis…

1. Begin whining immediately.

2. Yell for Zach to help.

3. Google it.

So, I whine and cry and yell and Google.  Of course my knight in shining armor comes to my aid and begins administering the torture techniques that Google suggests.

Showing off my ring on our honeymoon in Montana.

Note to self:  Google isn’t always right.  Sometimes they are wrong and most importantly, sometimes they inflict pain.  And lots of it.

Let’s just say that tying a string around and/or taping the inflicted finger is painful and elicits screaming and tears, however, I’m not going into details.

Fast forward 1.5 hours.  It’s now 4:30am and the ring is still on.

At this point, I’m getting ready to call an ambulance.  I’m exhausted, freaked out and ready to bid goodbye to my ring finger.  Zach then informed me that I wasn’t going to die and to RELAX and for Pete’s sake we’re not calling an ambulance.

Easy for him to say, his circulation wasn’t being cut off.

So, I said the words that I had been holding in since the moment that I put the ring on…

“Cut it off.”

Zach looks at me and says, “Really? Are you sure?”

As I gazed at my fat, purple and swollen finger I was absolutely sure.

So he got the pliers and began.

My amazing ring that represents my undying and never-ending love for my husband was being broken and torn to shreds…

But, my medical degree from Grey’s Anatomy told me they it would be easier to fix my ring than attempting to repair the nerve damage in my finger after hours of no blood flow.

I know, I’m ridiculous and dramatic, but having a purple finger for hours can really made you more nuts than usual.

Finally, my ring came off and blood flow was restored.  I was relived to say the least.

She was worth it. I would do it all over again for her...my Gracie.

But now, for the problem of a cut off ring.

Zach bought my ring at The Shane Company luckily.  They are known for their customer service and kindness. When I went in I had prepared a heartfelt speech that led to begging, crying and pleading to save my beloved ring.  After my rant concluded the sales person looked and me and said, “No problem.”  She barely blinked an eye.

Apparently this happens a lot.

It was a mere 3 days later and I was wearing my newly re-sized and sparkly ring (that they fixed for FREE by the way) and I had conveniently forgotten the whole sordid affair.

My ring was back on and the world was back in balance.