I'm baaaaaaack!!

Hello Lovelies!!

I'm so happy to be back

(well maybe not... I miss Denver already)

But am happy to have my laptop back because I missed all of you.

Oliver and I had such a wonderful time visiting family, and I have so many funny stories to share with you.

Living life with a one year old is SO.MUCH.FUN!

He is learning and growing so fast... his little silly personality is popping through more and more everyday.

But for right now, I need to rest... I'm exhausted!

I'll be back tomorrow with more on my trip.

Thanks for stopping by...

Peace and Love

XOXO,

Renae

High On Life {and a little catch up}

WOW... It's Thursday!?!?!!!

Where has this week gone? It went by fast. 

Maybe it didn't go by that fast, maybe it just felt that way because I spent most of the week taking 4-5 Ibuprofen every 4 hours, and 1 Tylenol 3 at night.

That's right... I kinda feel like an over-the-counter drug addict.

It all happened Tuesday morning. I was running late headed out the door for work and as I was walking down the stairs, my neighbor was walking her 2 HUGH German Shepherds.

 I looked up to say good morning and completely missed the last step....... and down I went.

I FELL... OUCH!

I sat there for a minute, got back up limped to my car, and went to work.

By the time I got there, I was in a lot of pain, and my ankle looked like a softball.

I sat at my desk, elevated my leg and had someone bring me some ice.

Before I knew it... it was throbbing beyond belief and starting to bruise.

When I got up to go potty, I almost fall again. I guess I didn't realize how bad the pain really was until I tried to put a little pressure on it and couldn't.

Since I had a little mobility in it, I figured it wasn't broken but knew I had to get it checked out.

I mean really... how was I going to chase Oliver around?!!

I ended up leaving work and drove myself to the nearest urgent care.

After a few (very painful) x-rays, it ended up being a 2nd degree ankle sprain.

Today I was able to bear a little weight on it, which make me very happy.

BYE BYE CRUTCHES

(walking with crutches was more of a hassle the it was a help)

So I'm stuck with an ankle brace for a few weeks... but am glad I didn't need a cast or do more damage.

Now on to brighter things...

Oliver's birthday weekend was tons of fun.

We spent his birthday at home... he has a few new teeth coming in and wasn't the happiest camper.

He had his one year check up the day after his birthday... which included a few shots.

He is (of course) happy and healthy.

Everything is right on target (which tells me I must be doing something right)

At one year is weighs 23.2 lbs and is 31.5 inches tall

Saturday we finally had birthday cake

Sunday we spent a few hours at a little neighborhood music festival.

I guess Oliver thought it would be a good time to give me my first major panic.

He was playing, and took off running after a little boy he was playing with,

before I knew it, he was flat on the ground.

I rushed over, picked him up, looked him over, realized he wasn't even crying

Everything appeared fine.... until he opened his mouth to spit out a mouthful of blood.

OK, it really wasn't a mouthful, but enough to cause panic.

I got him cleaned up,washed his mouth out to really see what was going on..

well, luckily it was nothing major.

When he fell, he must have bit the inside of his lip.

After a little sip of mama blue raspberry slushy, he was back at it... running and playing.

Ah, boys will be boys.

I know that was just the first of many more wipe outs.

I am so happy that this time next week I'll be in Denver... I can't wait.

I was just there 3 months ago, but I feel like it's been longer.

Not only will Oliver be getting 2 more HUGE birthday parties

(one with my dad's family, and one with my mom's)

and I'll get some much needed family time...

My brother and I will become Godparents to this sweet girl

My cousins daughter, Jasmine

who is not as small as the above picture, but I still see her that way

I couldn't be more excited to be Jasmine's Godmother. I love this little girl so much, and wished I was able to spend more time with her. She is the start to my every Saturday (well that if Oliver doesn't bet her to it).

Every Saturday morning since I've moved to Chicago, Jasmine has called me to tell me EVERYTHING that has happened in the past week. I have gotten so used to it, that I even set my alarm clock to get up early enough to make sure I have my coffee made and Oliver is feed and happy

so when my phone rings (around 8:30) she has my attention.

If she is going to be busy Saturday morning, she calls Friday night. The same goes with me, if I know I'm going to be busy (or want to sleep in a little) I call her Friday night.

She truly does have a special place in my heart.

Now go link up with my beautiful friends,

Heather of Some Kind of Wonderful and Christina of My Silly Life

and share with us what has you High On Life.

Thanks for stopping by...

Peace and Love

XOXO,

Renae



High on Life..... a sweet boy turns 1

Oh Happy Day!

Not only am I off work until Monday,

It's Oliver's Birthday!

Today my heart if full as I sit here watching my sweet ONE year old nap on the couch next to me, I can't help but think of laughs, songs, games, smiles, and tears I have shared with this little one over the past year.  

I never thought I could love someone so much.

When you're happy, I'm happy

When you hurt, I hurt

When you're cry, I want to sit and cry with you.

When you wrap you little hand around my fingers, my heart melts

When you look up at me, smile and say 'iy' (hi) when I walk into a room, my heart melts

When you grab your favorite blanket and your beloved pacifier to curl into my lap just to cuddle, my heart melt

When you sit in my lap as I read to you and you look up at me with amazement, my heart melts

When you take my face in your hands and plant a big slobbery kiss on my cheek, my heart melts.

You are my inspiration to be a better person, to slow down, to live in the present, and to enjoy every minute.

You are my Sunshine!

Happy Birthday Oliver!

Ahhh.... today I'm HIGH ON LIFE!

Link up with my lovely friends, 

 Heather of Some Kind of Wonderful and Christina of My Silly Life 

and share with us what has you High On Life!

Thank you for stopping by...

Peace and Love

XOXO,

Renae

A day to remember... Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!

To all of the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price... and to the ones who still fight for our country, our freedom...

Today, I salute you and say Thank you!

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

- Moina Michael

Thank you for stopping by...

Peace and Love

XOXO,

Renae

it's hard to believe it's almost been a year

Happy {rainy} Sunday!

So we had bbq plans today, however mother nature had other plans for us.

 I don't remember this much rain last year. As a matter of fact, last year was HOT and HUMID.

I was miserable. I was cranky. I was annoyed with everyone and everything.

Was it because it was so hot or was it that I was almost 40 week pregnant?

Either way, I wasn't happy.

As I sit hear wishing I was having fun in the sun, I am reflecting on my life

It's hard to believe that in 4 short days my little Booges is going  to be ONE.

Where has this year gone?

The first year has a mama has been challenging but so rewarding.

I love my little guy more and more every day!

I went to bed the night before he was born with this thought,

"tomorrow is my due date, and I don't feel any different. I can't go another day being this huge."

I woke up in the morning, still feeling no different. I waddled my way to the bathroom to pee, wash my face, and brush my teeth. My mom had flown in and was still sleeping.

Feeling a little on edge, I went and laid down next to her. I woke her up and to tell her I felt nervous.

During our talk, I must of had a strange look on my face. She asked what was the matter and I replied,

"I think I just peed the bed"

I managed to get up and go back to the bathroom... this is when I realized my water had broke.

OMG!

I calmly walked back in the room to tell her what was going on.

She was so excited, laughing, crying, and clapping.

 I then woke Shawn up to tell him, he was in disbelief.

Really, how many times do you hear of someone going into labor on they actual due date?

After all, we were told that it was a high possibility that my water wouldn't even brake.

I took a shower then called my Dr, he said to come on in.

After the looong drive to the hospital, getting check in, and settled in the most uncomfortable bed ever...

I still hadn't had one contraction.

I was checked and was only dilated to a whopping ONE!

Pitocin was started to 'speed' things up.

A couple of hours went by, and I was still in good spirits... laughing and joking.

Yes, I felt light contractions, but nothing to major.

I was checked again,

WOW, I went from being dilated to a one to being dilated to a ONE.

Nothing changed.... besides the pitocin drip being increased.

Contractions came on a little harder, and closer together...

but I was still able to manage the (somewhat) pain.

I had decided that I was going to try to go as long as I could without an epidural.

Several more hours past... I was check again... same song and dance...

I was still a one and the pitocin was increased again.

OUCH!

I was no longer Miss Happy Pants.

 I didn't want anyone to touch or talk to me.

Nothing was funny anymore and I felt like I was going to die.

But I still wanted nothing to do with an epidural.

It was the same story ALL.DAY.LONG.

My pitocin drip had been increased more then the maximum they normally have to give,

and my contractions were so close together that I didn't even get a change to breath.

But I just wasn't dilating.

After 15 hours, the Dr's decided it would be best to prepare me for a c-section.

I was so disappointed, a c-section wasn't in MY plan.

But wanted what was best for me and my baby.

The pitocin was stopped, and the contractions also stopped.

I was being prepared for surgery... and was scared.

After being rolled into the very cold operating room,

the anesthesiologist came in and gave me the dreaded epidural.

Everything seemed to be happening so fast,

yet I felt like I was in a dream where everything was in slow motion.

It took about a half hour... then I heard it... the cry that changed my life forever.

I saw my perfect little 7lb 5oz boy and fall in love instantly.

Oliver Joel Alexander McGee

06.02.10

To be continued...

Thanks for stopping by...

Peace and Love

XOXO,

Renae

High On Life... YAY!

I am so excited for this new weekly linky party hosted by 2 VERY sweet ladies,

Heather of Some Kind of Wonderful

and

Christina of My Silly Life

Through blogging, I can honestly say that I have gotten to know both of these lovelies and am happy to say they are my friends..... I would LOVE to one day meet them in person.

Go check out their blogs........now.

And link up to their fun Party.

High On Life Thursday is all about telling everyone what inspires you

What gives you the daily warm and fuzzy feelings inside

What makes you happy, what brings you joy

What are you thankful for.

For today's High On Life... I want to tell you about my Grandmother... my Memaw.

This woman is not only one of my greatest inspirations, but she is one of the most thoughtful people I know.

I just LOVE this picture of my grandmother on her wedding day... so beautiful!

I don't even know where to start, there are so many wonderful things she has done.

(I'm just gonna start writing and hope it all makes sense in the end)

My Memaw is my dad's mother. She and my Grandpa raised him and my 3 uncles... and had no girls. When I was born, her first grand daughter... she treated me like I was her own, and still does.

I would spend EVERY weekend with her, there was no other place I wanted to be.

Getting dressed up in fancy dresses, hats and gloves with her just to go to the grocery store is one of my favorite childhood memories.

Growing up she was Santa, the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny.

She never forgot a birthday a graduation, or a first dance.

She was always there.

Besides my mom, she has to be one of my biggest cheerleaders.

My Memaw has always encouraged me to be me... and to be the best me.

She has instilled in me the importance of family... she is the rocks and glue that holds ours together.

If I ever need to talk to someone, vent, or just need a good laugh, I know she is just a phone call away.

How that I'm a mother, I see what my mom seen in her when I was a child, something greater then love.

She has sent Oliver a card for all of his first... all of his first Holiday's, his first steps, his first tooth, even the first time he slept through the night.

It's this thoughtfulness that means a great deal to me.

She is encouraging him and cheering him on in his life and she doesn't even know it.

He is her Master Oliver... that is what she calls him.

She says ' my sweet great grandson is a Master Man with a big plan'.

My Memaw inspires me to be a better person... she has taught me to treat others the way I want to be treated.. The Golden Rule.

She taught me this, not by telling me, but by showing me in her own actions.

I love this woman dearly!

Thank you for stopping by...

Peace and Love

XOXO,

Renae

Idiosyncrasy = weirdness

Hello Monday!

I only worked half a day which was nice. I got a little me time.

I stopped by one of my favorite bead stores and picked up a few little treasures, I can't wait to see what I make with them.

(Hmm! Maybe a little 'made with love' giveaway)

Then I browsed Ulta for a bit.. I desperately needed a new face powder

It felt good, but I was happy to come home to a smiling little boy who was happy to have his mama home early.

Now, on to the fun stuff....

I saw this fun little link up on Heather's blog and it looked like a lot of fun.

You can link up here and share all things weird about you.

Idiosyncrasy

(I think every time I write or say Idiosyncrasy, I pronounce it different... every time, which is a little weird in itself)

Idiosyncrasy-from Ancient Greek ἰδιοσυγκρασία, idiosynkrasía, "a peculiar temperament", "habit of body" is defined as an individualizing quality or characteristic of a person or group, and is often used to express eccentricity or peculiarity.

Here are little weird and silly facts about me

I like to think of these little imperfections and things that make ME perfect. They make me who I am.

* I have a slight obsession with scrapbook/craft paper! I love all the textures, colors, and patterns. When it's on sale at Hobby Lobby...... I can't control myself. But it just gets put away, I hardly us it.

* Every time I buy a new nail polish, I tend to always just paint my left thumb nail and leave it like that for a day or 2 to see if the color is gonna work for me. If it works then I paint them all. If i don't like it, it comes off and I start over. (btw, my left thumb is painted a greenish blue color, I LOVE IT! so guess what I'm doing today?)

* I love the way bookstores smell. When I buy a book, I will pick up a hard cover over a soft cover because I don't like the way a soft cover curls.

* I hate shaving my legs... honestly I really don't do it all winter. A little gross and weird? Maybe! ok, yes it is. (note to self... buy some Nair) um, don't worry I shave my armpits everyday...... now is that weird?

* I don't like the sound of someone chewing on ice... but LOVE to chew ice myself (it's a little double standard, I know)

* I love pickles, I mean really love pickles!! Open a jar and give me a fork!

* I have 2 cell phones... and no one is not for work. When I moved to Chicago from Denver I wasn't ready to give everything up.. so I kept my Denver number. Well being here for so long, of course I wanted/needed a local number so I just added a line to my plan, so now I have both.

* Speaking of that, I've had the same {Denver} number since I was 18....... that would be 11 years.

* I don't know how to ration my conditioner. When I buy shampoo and conditioner, I have to buy 2 bottles of conditioner to every 1 bottle of shampoo. In the shower, I shampoo once and condition twice, and I mean 2 big heaping handfuls of conditioner. I don't know why I do this.. but I've done it for years, and do see myself stopping.

* I have a (slight) magazine obsession.. it doesn't matter if it celebrity gossip, the Oprah magazine, or various parenting ones... I love them. I hoard keep them for a long time before getting rid of them. When I buy a new one... I find a comfy place to sit and start reading... from back to front.

Well there you have it.. do you still think I'm cool?

Thanks for stopping by...

Peace and Love,

Renae