What I'm Loving Wednesday!

It's Wednesday! Lots to love this week...

I am loving our new Keurig. It's awesome! And, it was FREE thanks to my dad.

Via

I am loving NBC's Smash. Such a fun show. Addicted already.

Via

I am loving barre class. It's the ideal workout for me. It's the perfect combination of a blood-pumping, muscle-shaking workout while leaving me feeling totally relaxed and happy afterward.

Via

I am loving cuties! Have you tried these delicious little oranges? They're awesome. Made for kids, but the perfect fruit snack for grown-ups.

Via

 Of course, I am loving my beautiful baby girl. Gah, she's amazing.

What are you loving this week? Link up, here.

Playground Fun

The weather has been fabulous lately, so we've tried to get out of the house as much as possible. Trips to the park are super fun for Miss Elena. She's not too excited about slides or swings (yet), but she loves to watch the big kids run and play.

Here are a few photos of Baby Bug's park adventures...

(Note: good bloggers edit all their photos to make 'em look snazzy for the ol' blog. I am not that blogger. No time for all that fanciness! Ha!)

First experience with the swings. She liked it!

A little perspective... she is SO tiny!

Another day... a bit colder. Looking cute in her hat!

Checking out all the ducks with dad.

Such a big girl.

First experience on the slides. No reaction. She didn't laugh. Or cry. She was very serious the whole time.

There's a smile!

Just a sneak-peek of things to come! We are so, so ready for more sunshine and warm weather!

Monday Pep-Talk

I have a good attitude this morning. It's something I'm constantly working on (my attitude, that is). Sometimes I can be a bit negative. A bit whiny. A bit bratty. (At least I'm self-aware, right?)

Today, I am not going to be negative, whiny or bratty. Just grateful.

Life is good.

God is good.

And I am one lucky woman.

Proof?

Yea. Super lucky.

Super blessed.

It's easy to get side-tracked. It's easy to dwell on the things we want. The things we don't have. The things we think we need in order to find our happy.

It's silly, and I'm guilty of doing it all the time.

Not today though. (And, hopefully less often in the future.)

Time to focus on the here. The now. The happy that's right in front of me.

I have much to celebrate.

If you're feeling a bit "blah" on this Monday morning, I suggest taking a quick inventory of your blessings. It'll brighten your day, I promise.

P.S. Thank you for the kind comments and emails about Alfie. Last week was very hard. I am very appreciative of the prayers and support.

Elena's First Year: Week 40

Bittersweet Goodbye

Last night was the first night I didn't cry myself to sleep this week. The three nights prior, I was a sobbing, sniffly mess.

I've cried a lot this week.

It's been a rough one, to say the least.

Alfie is going to live with his new family today, and it hurts a lot more than I ever anticipated.

For over six years, Alfie has been a big part of my life. I love that little dog so much, and I am so very grateful for his companionship.

He's been a good dog.

He's been a good friend.

My tiny pup in 2005.

Looking very handsome after his first haircut in 2006.

My little companion.

Our wedding in 2008.

It's a bittersweet goodbye. Bitter, because I will miss the little guy so very much. Sweet, because I know Alfie will have a wonderful life with his new family. Without going into detail about the dynamics of juggling a special-needs dog and a baby (I am thinking only positive thoughts today), I know this is the right decision for our family, and I know Alfie will be happier with his new family. He'll get two walks a day (two!). He'll have a fenced-in yard, where he can run and play. He'll have two doggie brothers, too. He is going to have a happy life. That makes my heart happy.

There's nothing cuter than a puppy in a basket!

Our engagement photos in 2008

Sometimes decisions don't come easy. It's incredibly hard to let go of something (someone) you love, even when you know it's the right thing to do.

I love you, Alfie Raphie. Always will.

Elena's First Year: Week 39

My little angel-face is nine months old! WOW! Miss Elena had her nine-month check-up yesterday. I was so curious about her weight since she is such a tiny girl. The big weigh-in result: 13.8 pounds. Geeze. She's a little mini. According to her doctor, Baby Girl is perfectly healthy. She's just going to be a shorty. A little gymnastics tumbler, perhaps?!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Elena's handmade Valentine card for her daddy.

Dressed in hearts and ruffles.

Snuggling with her mama during nap time yesterday.

Valentine's Day isn't a big deal at our house. But, I must admit, a sweet baby girl makes the day much more fun!

Also, today marks one whole year since Jonathan and I found out our lives were about to take a major turn.

One year ago today!

I can't believe it's been a year already! The last 365 days have been pretty good to us.

Love is grand!

Hope y'all have a lovely day.

Think Warm Thoughts

It's no secret that I hate winter. Like, hate.

I am so ready for summer. And by "so ready" I mean mentally ready. My quest to transform my body to its previous hotness (I use the word "hotness" very loosely!) has hit a little speed bump. And by "little speed bump" I mean I haven't exercised in two weeks. And that's the whole truth. Nothing but.

Fail.

Luckily, the Mini-Me will be my summertime sidekick, and her cuteness will definitely draw attention away from my thunder thighs. Like last summer, for instance; all eyes were on "Ruffle Butt." Perfectly OK with me.

My tiny baby swimming in the pool.

There's Ruffle Butt!

I know. She's pretty stinkin' cute. And since we spend so much time poolside in the summer, Miss Elena will definitely need a fabulous swimwear wardrobe. Here are some absolutely adorable options...

Old Navy Polka Dot Bow-Tie Swimsuit

Baby GAP eyelet ruffled one-piece

Little Me One-Piece

Circo Stripedot Swimsuit via Target

Kate Mack Stripe Halter

Flower Bow Tankini via Gymboree

Flower Stripe One-Piece via Gymboree

There's nothing cuter than a baby in a bathing suit. Can't wait!