Aubryn took her first step a few days ago, and yesterday, she decided she'd step it up a bit and start walking short distances. It's such a simple thing, walking, but watching an eleven-month-old doing it, especially when that little one is your own? Magic.
Showing posts with label My Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Life. Show all posts
Sunday Drive
Sunday we got in the car and followed a road out of town. Into the calm and quiet of empty roads, grassy fields, and hills that touch the sky. It was such a rejuvenating trip, like hitting a reset button of sorts. I've been feeling a tad restless lately, longing to finally have the summer to ourselves, free of homework, and to be out of this college town. So reset I did. And since then, I've been trying to soak up and enjoy all the little bits of this time in our lives, remembering that I will miss them once it's over.
A Little Video For Your Wednesday
Every time Aubryn hears music, she dances. She just can't keep those legs from movin'. She especially loves it when Jordan plays the guitar. We finally got it on video, so I thought I'd share.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
My Mother's Day
Sunday marked my first Mother's Day as an official mom. I remember aching for this little one to hurry up and get here a year ago, and now there are days when I can't believe she's actually mine.
These past nine months of motherhood have left me humbled and full of gratitude. Gratitude for a loving husband who supports and loves me, and without whom, I wouldn't be a mother. Gratitude for our own mothers, who devoted years and sacrificed countless opportunities to be our mothers. To care for, lift and love us. And for the many wonderful grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, neighbors... "moms" who have been there for me throughout the years.
I am humbled to be counted among the ranks of mothers. The wonderful women who lift and strengthen and give to others. I never knew that a person could love so fully and so quickly, and sleep so little, until I met my daughter. I am so thankful to have the privilege to care for and love her every day and am so thankful she's mine.
These past nine months of motherhood have left me humbled and full of gratitude. Gratitude for a loving husband who supports and loves me, and without whom, I wouldn't be a mother. Gratitude for our own mothers, who devoted years and sacrificed countless opportunities to be our mothers. To care for, lift and love us. And for the many wonderful grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, neighbors... "moms" who have been there for me throughout the years.
I am humbled to be counted among the ranks of mothers. The wonderful women who lift and strengthen and give to others. I never knew that a person could love so fully and so quickly, and sleep so little, until I met my daughter. I am so thankful to have the privilege to care for and love her every day and am so thankful she's mine.
Happy Friday + Nine Months With Aubryn
At church this past weekend, someone asked how old Aubryn was and I was honestly a little surprised when I had to answer back that she had just turned nine months the day before. Three quarters of a year gone already? And in just three short months she'll be a year old? No more responding to age inquiries with months and I'm sure there will be lots of walking happening by then. Part of me feels like I blinked while I was in the hospital with her and now we're here; the past nine months have gone by so fast.
And, man, have they been full of a lot of learning! I wanted to share nine things I've learned during my nine months as a mother.
1. Every child is different. They all grow and develop according to their own schedule. Don't beat yourself up comparing your baby's development to another's or think that you're a bad mother because your babe isn't crawling when those Bump emails say they should be.
2. Those Bump emails are handy to have around, though. They're not doctrine, but it's nice to get a heads up on developmental milestones your child is approaching and read the helpful bits of advice shared. Just don't stress over them.
3. Don't assume it's a baby boy because they have short hair. Aubryn gets called a "he" about once a day. Even when she's wearing pink and tights with flowers on them. Even when she's in a dress. And occasionally when she's wearing a headband. When in doubt, ask.
4. Always bring the diaper bag with you. Even when you're 97% sure you won't need it.
5. Sleeping through the night doesn't always last. The first time Aubryn slept through the night, I wanted to sing. And when we saw that it was more than just a one time deal, we were in heaven. Then she started crawling, standing, and it stopped. That ten to twelve hour stretch is so glorious while it lasts, but remember that it might not. When big milestones start popping up, babes just get too excited and want to practice 24-7, which can be a problem when they're trying to sleep and their body is trying to practice.
6. Every day isn't perfect. Some days are just about perfect. Preceded by a full night of sleep, full of laughter and great naps. And other days are a little on the cranky side. We both have our good days and our bad days and that's totally fine.
7. Huggies diapers are better for shorter babes and Pampers for long and lean babes. Just a practical tidbit we've learned over the past nine months.
8. A simple routine will save your and your baby's life. Our days are so much better when there is some sort of structure. Naps, meals, and outings at specific times. A set bedtime preceded by her bedtime routine. You both need it and the whole family will be much happier for it.
9. Take a little bit of time for yourself every day. Even if it's just five minutes. Even if all you do is shave your legs.
We sure love this little girl. It's been so fun welcoming her into our little family, watching her and her big personality grow and change over the past nine months. We have loved getting to know her, learning how to be parents, and expanding our little family of two to a family of three. I can't wait to see what lessons the next nine months have in store for us.
Happy weekend, everyone!
This Week We
Summer semester started at BYU-Idaho this week. Which means the town's been buzzing with students and nights are once again filled with homework. Jordan is taking a full load this semester, and working every other hour of his 7:30--5 day. It's going to be his craziest semester yet, but thankfully it's his second to last! We are getting so close, guys. Or he is at least. I'm taking an average of two classes from here on out (full-time for an online student) so that graduate date is a bit distant for me. But it's so worth it to be able to stay home with Aubryn and not have to juggle two crazy schedules all for the sake of a December graduation.
In other news... Aubryn has officially gone from being an army crawler to an official crawler, and is still killing it with the assisted walking stuff. Jordan became a wearer of bow-ties, and Aubryn a wearer of flip flops. And let me tell you, they crack me up. Her little pudgy feet look so funny in them, but they are the only shoes that fit her feet. Believe me we've tried everything.
On the docket for this weekend? A family pool date, a yard sale, and soaking up the 75+ degree weather. Yes, we're excited.
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-I love this swimsuit.
-A beautiful wall mural.
-And I thought I couldn't be any more excited for picnic season.
-A paper flower branch candelabra.
-This makes me want an outdoor bath.
-I want to do lots of camping this summer and I want to do so in this tent.
-How cute are these little girls?
-I'm making this for my future home.
-I wish my closet looked as good as my style board on Pinterest.
-A pretty little reminder.
Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll meet you back here on Monday.
In other news... Aubryn has officially gone from being an army crawler to an official crawler, and is still killing it with the assisted walking stuff. Jordan became a wearer of bow-ties, and Aubryn a wearer of flip flops. And let me tell you, they crack me up. Her little pudgy feet look so funny in them, but they are the only shoes that fit her feet. Believe me we've tried everything.
On the docket for this weekend? A family pool date, a yard sale, and soaking up the 75+ degree weather. Yes, we're excited.
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-I love this swimsuit.
-A beautiful wall mural.
-And I thought I couldn't be any more excited for picnic season.
-A paper flower branch candelabra.
-This makes me want an outdoor bath.
-I want to do lots of camping this summer and I want to do so in this tent.
-How cute are these little girls?
-I'm making this for my future home.
-I wish my closet looked as good as my style board on Pinterest.
-A pretty little reminder.
Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll meet you back here on Monday.
Look Who's Walking!
This girl is becoming quite the little walker. With the help of her walker, of course. She's such a pro, and she and that elephant do laps around the house all day. It's amazing to me how quickly she picks up new skills. One day it will be a huge struggle, and the next, she can do it without thinking.
She is growing into such a smart and beautiful little girl, and it's amazing how quickly she is going from baby to toddler. I could watch videos like this all day. I love that little smile and seeing her wave goodbye.
Over The Weekend
As predicted, the weekend was full of lots of sarcasm and even more Aubryn time for Jordan's parents. Not so much ice cream, but Jordan and I made up for it after the company had gone.
We love having our family close, even if it's just for a few days. I'm so glad that Jordan's sisters will be around much longer than that, and can't wait to see his parents again. I feel so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family. The first time I met them, before Jordan and I started dating, I came away thinking, That is what I want my in-laws to be like. Yeah, they're great.
And this is what we all looked like by the end of the weekend. A bit dazed and a little worn out.
We love having our family close, even if it's just for a few days. I'm so glad that Jordan's sisters will be around much longer than that, and can't wait to see his parents again. I feel so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family. The first time I met them, before Jordan and I started dating, I came away thinking, That is what I want my in-laws to be like. Yeah, they're great.
This Week We
This week has been so relaxing, and yet it's amazing how much we've gotten done. It's Jordan's spring break and we are enjoying every minute of it. Barbecues and family bike rides, a clean house and some fun business in the shop. And as of last night, the Bowman side of the family is in town. Yeah, we're excited. I predict the weekend will be full of ice cream, lots of Aubryn time for her grandparents, and plenty of sarcasm.
P.S. That last picture? That's what I wake up to every morning now that Aubryn can (and does) pull herself up on everything. She no longer cries when she wakes up, she just yells for us to join her. "Hey guys, I'm ready to play! Heyyyy!" I'll admit, it's pretty darn cute.
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-Erin always has the best DIYs. This one is my favorite yet.
-This DIY is pretty great, too.
-Tips for mixing-and-matching color and pattern in your outfits. My favorite tip? Stick to similar saturation levels for the top and bottoms, and add brighter pops of color or pattern in your accessories!
-These happy notes make me happy.
-A few fun (and free!) printables.
-A balloon lamp.
-These custom paper dolls are adorable.
-How do you feel about printed pants?
-I want to start an articles club! Anyone else want to?
-Funny children's photography.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
P.S. That last picture? That's what I wake up to every morning now that Aubryn can (and does) pull herself up on everything. She no longer cries when she wakes up, she just yells for us to join her. "Hey guys, I'm ready to play! Heyyyy!" I'll admit, it's pretty darn cute.
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-Erin always has the best DIYs. This one is my favorite yet.
-This DIY is pretty great, too.
-Tips for mixing-and-matching color and pattern in your outfits. My favorite tip? Stick to similar saturation levels for the top and bottoms, and add brighter pops of color or pattern in your accessories!
-These happy notes make me happy.
-A few fun (and free!) printables.
-A balloon lamp.
-These custom paper dolls are adorable.
-How do you feel about printed pants?
-I want to start an articles club! Anyone else want to?
-Funny children's photography.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Easter Weekend
Easter is totally different when you have a child. I haven't even thought about Easter baskets or plastic eggs full of candy since I was little, and yet this year, I suddenly had an overwhelming desire to get Aubryn both.
On Sunday, we spent the day hunting for eggs with friends, followed by an amazing dinner with our friends' family that lives nearby. It was so fun to watch Aubryn and Jordan run around searching for eggs. Jordan is such a great father, taking her around to find eggs she couldn't eat, and those two dominated that hunt. Aubryn took her first competition very seriously, scouring the yard for bright colors, and keeping those eggs close once she got them.
I can't wait until next year when she is walking and talking and can really get into the festivities.
On Sunday, we spent the day hunting for eggs with friends, followed by an amazing dinner with our friends' family that lives nearby. It was so fun to watch Aubryn and Jordan run around searching for eggs. Jordan is such a great father, taking her around to find eggs she couldn't eat, and those two dominated that hunt. Aubryn took her first competition very seriously, scouring the yard for bright colors, and keeping those eggs close once she got them.
I can't wait until next year when she is walking and talking and can really get into the festivities.
This Week We (According to Instagram)
This week was full of Conference watching, Easter prepping, and little baby walking (with some assistance from parents, couches, and any other semi-sturdy object). We picnic-ed, enjoyed the weather from the backyard, and Aubryn had her first encounter with grass.
It's been a good week, a really good week.
In honor of Instagram becoming available for all Android-ers, I thought I'd share what our week has looked like according to my Instagram account.
P.S. My Instagram is @toribowman. Let's be friends, ok?
I also updated all TPOC's social media profiles, so if you want to follow along, I share all blog posts in the following places:
A Video for Your Tuesday
I don't often post videos of Aubryn, but I had to share this one. It makes us laugh every time. Since this little girl learned how to pull herself up onto things, she never let's an opportunity pass her by. And now she's starting to walk while holding onto objects, too. She gets back up and tries again every time she falls, and rarely cries when she takes a tumble. She also really good at staying focused on her goal. I love how intently she stares down the end of the crib, and her little victory squeal when she finally reaches it.
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
This Week We
Oh, March... where did you go? Is anyone else surprised that it's almost April already? The month feels like it has flown by, and so does this week. It was quite a busy one, starting off with warm weather that we tried to get our fill of (and good thing, since it's now nowhere to be seen), family in town for a good chunk there in the middle, and spring cleaning/organizing bringing up the rear.
Can I tell you about a few of the amazing things that happened this week? One, we had pizza for dinner (amazing pizza) and Jordan was full after one slice. The first time in 31 years, he said (he's 25).
Two, we saw The Artist. A modern silent film, and I was glued to the screen the entire time. Except when Aubryn started crying. Or when she spilled the entire bag of Reeses Pieces on the floor. Or when Jordan and my mother spilled our entire large drink and we all started laughing. Besides that, it was a silent film. I wanted to publicly apologize to everyone in that movie theater (thank goodness it was a small crowd).
Third, we went on our first bike ride as a family this past weekend. And it was glorious.
Finally, Aubryn can pull herself up onto anything and everything. She can take steps and inch her way across said things. And she can now sit up from a laying down position. It's big, folks. When did my little girl turn into an eight-month-old? Next week, she'll probably be walking and talking. My mother informed me that I walked when I was eight and a half months old. I secretly hope Aubryn doesn't follow in my footsteps (no pun intended); she needs to stay little for a bit longer.
P.S. Aubryn finally got this. We all cheered.
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-I would love to stay in this hotel.
-I'd like to wear this striped dress on Easter.
-Pretty pictures and even more beautiful words in this post.
-Such a sweet Mother's Day card.
-Just in case you love neon as much as I do: neons + neutrals and some great DIY's.
-After a year of having Pinterest, I finally gave in and created a Funny board. This makes me laugh out loud every time I see it.
-The perfect Easter socks.
-I want to make these for every one of our summer parties.
-Mini floral shoes.
-I'd like to wear this outfit every day this summer.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! And happy April Fool's Day on Sunday!
P.S. Here's this. You know, just in case you need some ideas. :)
Can I tell you about a few of the amazing things that happened this week? One, we had pizza for dinner (amazing pizza) and Jordan was full after one slice. The first time in 31 years, he said (he's 25).
Two, we saw The Artist. A modern silent film, and I was glued to the screen the entire time. Except when Aubryn started crying. Or when she spilled the entire bag of Reeses Pieces on the floor. Or when Jordan and my mother spilled our entire large drink and we all started laughing. Besides that, it was a silent film. I wanted to publicly apologize to everyone in that movie theater (thank goodness it was a small crowd).
Third, we went on our first bike ride as a family this past weekend. And it was glorious.
Finally, Aubryn can pull herself up onto anything and everything. She can take steps and inch her way across said things. And she can now sit up from a laying down position. It's big, folks. When did my little girl turn into an eight-month-old? Next week, she'll probably be walking and talking. My mother informed me that I walked when I was eight and a half months old. I secretly hope Aubryn doesn't follow in my footsteps (no pun intended); she needs to stay little for a bit longer.
P.S. Aubryn finally got this. We all cheered.
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-I would love to stay in this hotel.
-I'd like to wear this striped dress on Easter.
-Pretty pictures and even more beautiful words in this post.
-Such a sweet Mother's Day card.
-Just in case you love neon as much as I do: neons + neutrals and some great DIY's.
-After a year of having Pinterest, I finally gave in and created a Funny board. This makes me laugh out loud every time I see it.
-The perfect Easter socks.
-I want to make these for every one of our summer parties.
-Mini floral shoes.
-I'd like to wear this outfit every day this summer.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! And happy April Fool's Day on Sunday!
P.S. Here's this. You know, just in case you need some ideas. :)
This Week We
Our week has been spent battling the cold. At first, it was just Aubryn, but by the middle of the week, I had it too. There have been lots of baths in our sauna-esque bathroom and humidifiers running full blast. Which has resulted in lots of foggy mirrors and windows. We're determined to kick this little bug so we can enjoy our weekend full of wam weather (60 degrees finally!) and the Hunger Games premiere (finally for that too).
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-These new clips from the Hunger Games have me itching to see it tomorrow!
-Love these custom wedding invitations.
-"Nine extra floors." (That couple is my favorite!)
-We love Legos. And their sweet ads.
-This brought tears to my eyes.
-If Mom Had Three Minutes.
-"All of this is for you."
-These pants look so comfy!
-Cuteness overload.
-"Real or not real?"
Happy weekend, everyone! Have any fun plans? Are you a Hunger Games fan? And if so are you a big enough fan to dress up for the premiere? I'm excited to all the sweet Capital get-ups. And really, just to see the movie. I was so impressed with the book and can't wait to see if the movie does it justice!
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-These new clips from the Hunger Games have me itching to see it tomorrow!
-Love these custom wedding invitations.
-"Nine extra floors." (That couple is my favorite!)
-We love Legos. And their sweet ads.
-This brought tears to my eyes.
-If Mom Had Three Minutes.
-"All of this is for you."
-These pants look so comfy!
-Cuteness overload.
-"Real or not real?"
Happy weekend, everyone! Have any fun plans? Are you a Hunger Games fan? And if so are you a big enough fan to dress up for the premiere? I'm excited to all the sweet Capital get-ups. And really, just to see the movie. I was so impressed with the book and can't wait to see if the movie does it justice!
This Week We
After a few days worth of warm weather, this cold and rainy week has left us wishing for spring. Bright colors, happy music, and big plans for this new season. We don't have a ton of time left in this little town (we're down to months!) and this spring, we're going to take advantage of all of the amazing things the area has to offer. We have a few good hikes in mind and are eager to make it to Yellowstone.
Aside from daydreaming of spring, we spent our week helping a little girl learn to crawl and making sure she didn't pull anything over on herself while trying to stand. We hung out with friends, ate great food, and finished up some much needed to-do's. Like taxes. Which I did this year. I feel so grown up.
I also tweet and pin. Here are a few of this week's favorite finds I wanted to share with you:
-Hipster branding.
-A beautiful and haunting photo.
-A Lesson On Drawing (and it's not just for artists).
-Photoboother turns any photos into a photo strip.
-I love Method (P.S. This video made me tear up a little, haha).
-Future.
-I'm so excited for this new Ikea line.
-Speaking of hiking...
-Perfect for Easter morning.
-Guys, I want this sleeping bag (and I never thought I'd say that).
Happy Friday, all. If you're someplace warm, enjoy your spring-y weekends! And if you're like us and your town hasn't quite made the switch yet, don't worry, it's coming. (My fingers are crossed!)
-Hipster branding.
-A beautiful and haunting photo.
-A Lesson On Drawing (and it's not just for artists).
-Photoboother turns any photos into a photo strip.
-I love Method (P.S. This video made me tear up a little, haha).
-Future.
-I'm so excited for this new Ikea line.
-Speaking of hiking...
-Perfect for Easter morning.
-Guys, I want this sleeping bag (and I never thought I'd say that).
Happy Friday, all. If you're someplace warm, enjoy your spring-y weekends! And if you're like us and your town hasn't quite made the switch yet, don't worry, it's coming. (My fingers are crossed!)
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