I can carry you with no hands

Ahhh...I love it when Cora falls asleep at a decent time in her own bed, it gives me some free time to, I don't know, blog?
I was shopping on Amazon one day, just browsing, when I came across something that I really wanted, no needed! I find that when I try to do things around the house while carrying a baby around, it's really hard to do. Try spreading butter on toast with one hand, not easy. So I saw a Moby wrap that I absolutely loved. I have this thing for birds or nature in design, I don't know why I just do. This Moby wrap had an owl on it, I had to have it. But it was almost $40. Yeah I didn't want to spend that much, so I just bookmarked it and checked on it every so often. One time when I went back to check it, it was half the price! So yes, I bought it. I was uber excited when it showed up only two days later.

I use it around the house, when I go grocery shopping (or any kind of shopping), and for walks. We went for a walk one day when it was nice outside, and she almost always falls asleep like this.

We walked around the neighborhood and saw this house. Please tell me why there is a tree in the middle of the drive way? I just don't get it.

Sleepy Time

So I was sitting here thinking of spring and how badly I wish it would stay. The weather last week was just taunting me. And again it's snowing and cold outside. Oh how I love Missouri. I have a list of things I would like to have for spring: a patio dining set (we love having bbq's and have a big deck I love), a bicycle, and to finish our landscaping around the yard (maybe I'll actually get my plants moved from the backyard to the front).

 Yes, I have to have the basket on it.

I'll have to keep my eye out for one that's not over $1500. Yikes!!

But as it sleets and snows outside, I remember that it's still winter. I'm not going outside, just cuddling up with my baby girl who is fast asleep. To help cheer up these winter blues, I found these sleeping baby pictures that I couldn't help but smile at. :) They are just so cute and creative!

Look what I found

I have this knack for thrift store shopping. I am sometimes cheap and won't fork out the money for brand new clothes. Although I do go to the mall, say Forever 21, and get a few things, typically jewelry or nice shirt. But when I go to the thrift store, I still like things that are in fairly good condition still. I can spend a good two hours in one store going through the rows and rows and imagining the possibilities. Lately, I've been looking for things for my baby girl. I went to this huge consignment sale and saw few cute things for her.

This is a box of wipes with this whimsical fabric on it. Isn't it cute!?

Some adorable leggings.

Joel was alittle unsure of this outfit, but I think it would be really cute for summer, maybe the Fourth of July.

Oh what a surprise!

So I know Valentines Day was a week ago, but I really wanted to show what my lovey husband got me. First, I must say how much I love surprises. I love em as much as I try guessing and beating hints out people to figure it out. Unfortunately, I usually figure it out and it's not a surprise. Why oh why must I do that?? So Joel was very stern on not telling me anything about this V day, AND I tried really hard not to ask anything of it. I did pretty good I think. Of course I was thinking it was some sort of jewelry that he would get me, not that I mind, I love jewelry. Anyways, I was checking email one fine morning, and since we use the same email, I see everything we get. One email said "Your order is in", from Cosco Photo Center. Hmm...he got some pictures made. So I gave him a text telling him to stop by Cosco on the way home. All he said was "Crap". And yet another surprise ruined. Lol. Though I didn't know exactly what it was, I had a pretty good idea.

This is a picture we have wanted to get printed on canvas for a few years, and now we have it!! I absolutely love this picture. It was taken by my sister-in-law, Jessica, for our engagement photos.

Flowers that Joel got for Cora and I.

What was for dinner? Lemon Pepper Chicken with sauteed red onions and white rice.

A little about me

So with this being my first blog, I thought I'd tell a bit about myself and family. Just recently I gave birth to my baby girl, Cora, in December. She is what changed everything in my life so far. We have been blessed enough for me to quit my job to stay home and devote all my time to raising her. She is a beautiful little gift I love so much.

We live in a historic neighborhood where Harry S. Truman lived. So there's a lot to see and learn. The houses are Victorian, extravagant, and old, but we don't live in one of those. We live in a small place but big enough for our small family. It's also close to the Independence Square, hence the title. Our family also includes two cats, two dogs, and a husband. Love him!

My husband is a very creative, compassionate, loving person. Speaking of his creativity, if there is one thing we can't agree on, it's how to decorate or organize our house. You'd think most men wouldn't care but he likes to know what's going on and throw out his opinion and we compromise. Most recently we got a fake fireplace to replace our tv stand for a more warm and sophisticated look. It took us forever to figure out how we should mount it, where to center it, and how to place the furniture. But we finally compromised and we both love the look! One project I'm letting him control is our basement makeover. We started this project back in July and whenever we have time work on it, so it is taking some time. Although, I think we are almost done! I'll post pictures once finished. Anyways, we both love creative projects.

Not having to work, and when I'm not tending to baby duties, I try to do something productive. First, I'm trying out at least two new recipes a week. I'll admit I'm impatient person and my husband would agree, so I like something that prepares quickly, which is why I dread cooking some nights. BUT I find once I get started it's a bit more fun and satisfying.  Second, I gained some weight since having a baby. I have lost quite a bit so far, but would like to lose the rest of it faster. So I started working out and when nice outside, jog, or at least try. I've always had problems sticking to a workout routine, but now I use it as an escape and stress reliever. I love my daughter dearly, but sometimes I need me time. Third, housework. I suppose this is the hardest one for me to keep. Sometimes the laundry gets behind, kitchen needs cleaned, or the floors need swept. It seems like a never ending cycle so this one I'm trying really hard on.

I suppose that's enough for now so here are just a few pictures!