Life is a highway...

Last week, after returning to my blog, I looked back at some past posts and was amazed at the journey I've taken in such a short time. I can see how being in the right position (or the wrong one!) can impact your entire outlook. It made me start thinking about all the changes I have made since graduating from college 10 (gulp, yes 10 years!) ago in May. Career wise, my journey has been filled with stops and starts and a whole lot of bumps in the road. However, each of those trials, whether good or bad, has made me who I am today. I believe things happen for a reason and I faced those adversities to get me to where I am today. I've been with my hubby since my senior year but we've grown into adults and faced some tough times along with the good. Now we are embracing our latest adventure with our little joy, baby B. He is a delight and I can't imagine my life without him. However, I can't imagine our life with him at the other stages in our life. Sometimes God makes you wait until the timing is right for things to fall into place.
Often we get so caught up in what isn't going good that we forget to look around at what is good. My life is filled with lots of good things -- my family, my friends, etc. etc.. Now it is time to enjoy those things and put the negativity out. I can only imagine where the next few years will take me and how they will shape me. But I know one thing, I am going to try to sit back and enjoy this crazy ride.

Where'd she go???

So it's been a long time since I've last posted but I've decided to try to reenter the blogging world. When last you read, I was newly pregnant and enjoying life as a librarian in a public library. Well, now I am enjoying my three-month old baby boy and still enjoying life but now as an assistant director of the same library. It has been a whirlwind year. When I look back at where I was and where I am, it takes my breath away. My boy is such a delight. My job is awesome and I am finally feeling contentment. Although, I am still a crazy busy girl. This new wave of craziness is a welcomed feeling.

I want to return to my writing and focus more on making this blog what it should be - a record of my life. It may not be super exciting but it's my life and finally I'm enjoying it. So thanks to the handful of ladies who read this. Hopefully in the coming weeks, you will be seeing more from me.

Good to be back!

Yours always,
KT

An announcement...

So for the handful of you who read this, this might not be big news as you already know…but we are expecting our first baby in May. We are super excited and can’t wait to meet him or her. I always see these cute little question points and figured I’d try and do some. It will be a nice record of my pregnancy and way to look back. I haven’t taken any belly shots yet but this pic is from two weeks ago (so about 15 weeks along).

How far along? Almost 17 weeks

Baby's size? According to one website, Bam (as in our little Bambino) is the size of a Pear

Weight Gain? Maybe a pound or two total

Maternity clothes? A pair of jeans and a couple of shirts. Most of my clothes are still fitting. I also just bought some bigger sized pants and have been rocking the elastic waist.

Stretch marks? Nope -- please Coco Butter Lotion work your magic and keep those nasty marks away. LOL

Belly button in or out? Still in

Sleep? I have no trouble falling asleep that’s for sure. But some nights I am out for the whole night; others I am up every few hours.

Foods I am loving? I am actually just starting to enjoy food again. The first three-plus months were rough. Nothing tasted good. Now things are starting to sound good again but still no cravings.

Foods I am hating? Anything fried or super strong fragrance. Still eating pretty conservatively to make sure Bam is happy

Best moment this week? Not feeling sick all day long!!! And meeting with our day care provider. Just one thing I can check off the long list of to-dos.

Movement? I know from our 12-week sono, Bam likes to move it! I haven’t felt anything per say but I am waiting. There have been a few twinges that may have been movement -- or it might have just been gas. LOL

Symptoms? Super sensitive tummy but overall not too bad

Gender? ??? If all goes well, we will find out in a few short weeks.

What I miss? Being able to pull anything out of my closest and having it fit and look good.

What I'm looking forward to? Finding out if we’re having a little Miss or Mister Mister.

Weekly Wisdom: Try not to get stressed. Everything will work out and you can’t worry about everything. (This is what I remind my worrisome self every day.)

Until next time,

Fabulous KT

Most wonderful time of the year -- cards from Shutterfly!

My favorite holiday cards have always been picture cards. I just love getting new pics of all my friends and family with some type of holiday cheer. Last year for the first time, the hubby and I sent out picture Christmas cards. So when I heard about Shutterfly's great promotion for bloggers I couldn’t wait to get started on my own cards for this year. You see, Shutterfly is offering this great deal to bloggers that includes 50 free holiday cards. I started browsing through the hundreds of options; I was so excited and had a hard time choosing. I’ve narrowed it down to these two options but may find something new as I do every time I surf the page.

The process is so simple to make your card. After you’ve choose your design and your picture, you upload your photo, personalize the verse and choose your order. Simple and the result is a professional looking card that makes a great keepsake.

I’ve used Shutterfly to order prints all the time but I was amazed at all the different products they had. A great Christmas gift idea is the personalized wall calendars . Back in the day, I made a calendar similar to this for my now MIL with pictures of B and I. She always claimed she didn’t have any pictures so I gave her a whole year worth. Of course, I did it the old-fashioned way with pics and glue and lots of scrapbook paper. These digital options are a great gift idea and something I may consider in the future. These are an especially great idea for people with children or grandchildren. Everyone needs a calendar so why not make it special.

Another product I think looks super cool is the canvas wall art. This would be a great wedding gift or baby gift -- turning your favorite picture into a piece of art. This would definitely take some time to find the right picture but once again the process seems really simple. Upload your pic, choose your size and order away.

So far my experience with Shutterfly has been really positive. The end results are always professional and polished without taking lots of time (or money!) Simple, easy and fabulous - perfect for a girl like me.

Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Until Next Time,

Fabulous KT

Where'd you go?

Yes, my 30-day attempt at blogging faithfulness has failed. But I made it ten days so that was good. Yes, it has been over a month since my last posting. No, I don’t really have anything to say other than, my home computer is kind of temperamental, I’ve been busy enjoying the fall with a trip up to the Adirondacks with my BFF, local apple mill with my parents and I’ve been feeling pretty lazy. But enough about that... I’m back now!

To recap the past month plus, I share some highlights;

• Saw Lady A at the State Fair …FOR FREE!
• Visited with my Texas sister before she headed back to her new southern home
• Celebrated my parents 34^th wedding anniversary with a nice lunch
• Hosted a Pampered Chef party
• Visited Lake Placid for three days with my hubby, best friend and her hubby
• Participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk
• Finally got to check out a sweet cider mill and pumpkin farm nearby.
• Worked full-time at my awesome job (which is facing a major budget crisis, so keep your finger’s crossed that all stays good!)
• Decorated for fall and Halloween -- including a very sassy pumpkin painting

Whooo…I am tired just reading this. I guess throw in your normal everyday stuff and I’ve been pretty busy. In the upcoming month, I am hoping for a nice relaxing month before the craziness of the holidays. While I know I only have a few faithful readers, thanks for you continued support. I’ll try to stay more connected and might even try another daily reflection exercise - this time maybe I’ll stick to ten or so days!

Until next time,

Fabulous KT

Day 10: A long time ago..

Day 10: A photo of me from 10 years ago

Okay, so this might be a little more than ten years but its one of my favorites. Me and the little sis playing dress up (yes, those may be pants on our heads!) We have lots of fun times, whether young or older, she was my first friend and is still one of my besties. Just for fun...here's a more recent pic of us (minus the pant-hats!)

Days 7-9: Photo fun

Days 7-9: Photo fun

Another brief lapse, but I'm back. On Wednesday, my sis, her friend and I headed to the NY State fair for a FREE Lady Antabellum concert. Amazing! The crowd at the actual concert was a bit much but besides that it was well worth the trip. On Thursday, a day at the outlets led me to some great deals and super cute finds including a bunch of nice tops, a pair of jeans, some pants for work and some basic tanks. My sister and my mom went along as well and it was great to find some new duds and spend time with my favorite people.

Now back to my 30-day challenge...

Day 7: A photo that makes me happy

This was taken a few years back but it makes me smile. My hubby was being extra fun that night at a friends birthday party. We were dancing and just being silly. Reminds me of why I really do love B! Good times!

Day 8: A photo that makes me sad/angry

This picture makes me feel sad and angry but happy and thankful too. This is my nephew Jesse and niece Britney. Jesse has Cancer. Yes, at 8 years old, it make me ANGRY that he has to deal with something as serious as this. It makes me SAD for everyone who has battled cancer and those who continue to fight. It does make me happy though too. He was diagnosed in May 09 and is now cancer-free. I am thankful to God for helping him through this journey.

Cancer is a very terrible thing. My mom and grandma are both breast cancer survivors and I know many friends who have lost loved ones to this horrible disease. I pray everyday for a cure and can't wait for a day when cancer is no longer so prevelant.

Day 9: A photo that I took

I took this photo while on a trip to wine country in California. Even though the weather wasn't super warm, the scenery was beautiful. I am not a big the vino but definately thought this was one of the most beautiful places I've visited.