Something strange and wonderful happened to me today.

Ava and I were strolling down the aisle at the grocery store.  A woman walked by us and Ava said "Hi" to her and reached for the can of pineapple the woman was holding.  The woman handed it to Ava.  We chit-chatted for a minute and I handed the can back to the woman.  She said, "No, I'm giving it to your daughter."  I explained that we didn't need the pineapple and I didn't want to take her groceries.  The woman said, "In my culture when a child asks you for something and you give it to them it will bring you good luck.  Good luck to me and good luck to her."  I didn't say anything.  I was stunned.  (I don't like talking to random people.  Actually, I hold my breath when I pass by someone because I don't like to smell other people's scents). 

Back to the story:  I finally managed to blurt out thank you and the woman went on her way.  I planned to ditch the pineapple the first chance I got.  I don't really like pineapple and we didn't need it.  Ava and I went up and down a few more aisles and the woman approached us again.  She handed me a handful of change and said, "I haven't paid for the pineapple yet.  Here you go."  Again, I was stunned.  I graciously refused the money but left her smiling this time.  This stranger was willing to give my daughter her grocery item, wish us good luck, and offered us her money.  It was such a kind gesture.  I've been smiling all day just thinking about it.

Planner

Hi, my name is Becka and I'm a planner.  It's a blessing and a curse.  With a child there is always something to plan for.  I get huge anxiety when things are up in air and so I love a good plan! 

This post was inspired last night when I bought Ava's Christmas dress.  Yes, the holiday that is 70 days away.  I searched the internet and stores for hours trying to find the perfect dress.  I found it, and I slept so good last night afterwards.  (When I put it on her at home to see if it fit, she squealed and gave me a kiss.  I think she likes it!)

I made myself wait until September 1 before I bought Ava's Halloween costume, or should I say Mike made me.  "Are you crazy?  It's August.  You don't need to be thinking about Halloween."  At least Ava will never have to be the kid whose mom is scrambling to throw together a mismatched costume the night before the school Halloween party.  It's a good thing I started early because she did NOT like the first two costumes I bought.  Like went limp to the floor and sobbed kinda dislike.  I'm praying she cooperates with costume number three!

This morning I started searching for the perfect Christmas present for Ava.  Last year we didn't buy her much since she was six months old and was entertained by Tupperware.  Now that she can actually play with toys this year will be exciting!  In my mental shopping cart there is a playhouse for her room and a polka-dot mini rocking chair.  Oozing with cuteness! 

So what do you think...?  Has Christmas crossed your mind like me or are you a last minute gal?   

I've taken a few months off of blogging.  (Have you missed me?)  Partly because I'm busy and mostly because I'm lazy.  The days have gone by fast.  I've been summer-lovin with my beauty in the picture above.  Our adventures are sometimes big, sometimes small, but always fun. 

I'm not sure where this blog is headed or if I will ever be as into blogging as I once was.  Stay tuned and see...

 

...This is how I feel today.  Irritated.  Anxious.  Frustrated.  Annoyed.  Tired.  Tired.  Did I say tired? 

To make matters worse, I have to work today.  Only four hours actually (3-7pm).  I don't necessarily dislike my job.  I just dislike going to work.  I stress all day about it.  When I'm at work I stress about what Ava's doing at home.  Staying home all day with her has made me a control freak.  I want to know what she's doing at every second.  It makes me sad to think that she's doing things and going places that I don't know about.  (On the bright side, at least my teeth don't look like that).

Bottle Sling

I usually have an open mind about baby products and gadgets.  I try not to knock 'em til I try 'em.  The other day I was at the store and I saw a product called the "Baby Sling."  {Blew my mind}  Here is what it looks like:

 

Maybe I shouldn't judge too quickly, as I've only given Ava a bottle once in her life.  She only gets bottles from her Dad when I'm at work.  But come on?  Do people really use this thing?  You don't have time to feed your child?  Feeding time is one of the best parts of our day.  It's relaxing and rewarding.  I think babies should be held while they are eating, is that to much to ask?  I guess the only scenario I understand using a bottle sling would be with multiples.  And I will never ever criticize a mom of multiples.  I couldn't handle more than one baby at a time.  Mom, you're a rock star. 

 I am the luckiest Mom in the world.

Sorry for the lag in blog posts.  I've been working a ton lately, therefore I've been napping during Ava's naps, instead of blogging.  Some nights I work until 3am, getting to bed at 4.  Ava usually gets up once around 4:30-5 and then again at 6:30.  Not much sleep for Momma.  It's absolutely worth it though to spend every day with her. 

Three days ago I woke up with a sore back.  I've tried heating pads, Tylenol, Motrin.  Can't take any of the "good stuff" b/c of BF'ing.  I don't think lifting my 18 pound side kick (Ava) 100x a day is helping the situation. 

Some geeky teenage boy just knocked on the door (when Ava is napping of course, thank God even with a bad back I'm quick, got Darrell hustled outside before he could bark).  He was on a mountain bike and wanted to know if he could mow the lawn for $25 bucks.  I told him "No, that's what my husband's for."

Enough of the random thoughts.  Hopefully I can do some more interesting blogs in the near future.