Tuesday, November 30

Happy 5 Months!

Yes – this is a little late considering we are halfway to 6 months, but such is the life of a working mother!  I cannot believe Baby T is 5 months old.  He has cut his first tooth and another one is on the way!  IMG_6870

We are now getting much more structure to our lives and it’s quite possible that it is the result of me returning to work.  Going back was easier than the anticipation, but there have been a few days when I would just love to stay at home all day playing with Tipp!  Ben keeps Tipp Monday, Tuesday and Fridays.  On Wednesday and Thursdays he goes to Nana’s house.  They usually have fun playing, cooking, running errands or just hanging out with the girls after school.  I’d say we have settled into a nice little routine.

My first day off was Veteran’s Day and it was heavenly to spend the day with Tipp doing what we used to do.  We both snuggled in bed and slept in until 730am.  We spent the morning watching The Today Show and Kathi Lee & Hoda, then went shopping with Aunt Sara. 

We have adjusted to nursing and pumping while I am at work and so far that is going well.  I cannot believe my initial goal of 6 months is coming up! 

This month has been filled with visitors and weekends away.  We took Tipp to the Outer Banks for the first time while Ben and I ran the OBX Half Marathon.  We celebrated Halloween in Sanford at a big neighborhood party.  Tipp rode the hayride to trick or treat for a few houses, then decided he would much rather ride in the comfort of his own car seat.  We also survived daylight savings time – which is a curse to anyone with children!IMG_6758

Tipp is “talking” a lot more, reaches well for objects and can sit with assistance.  He also loves his Jumperoo and can finally reach the ground to bounce.

Saturday, November 6

Holiday Wishes Made Easy

As the holidays are sneaking up on us and I’m thinking more and more about simplicity this year, I have fallen in love with Shutterfly holiday cards.  Every year Ben and I take a picture to send in a Christmas card to our family and friends.  Many of you may remember last year’s card where we “announced” the upcoming arrival of Tipp by standing in front of our Christmas tree holding one of the first ultrasounds we had of our baby. 

For over 5 years now, I have used Shutterfly as a means to upload and store photos, print pictures, and make photobooks for our wedding, vacations and other special moments.  After Tipp’s arrival I made it easy on myself and ordered his birth announcements - I could not have been more thrilled with them and they were a piece of cake to make!  Never mind the quick turn around!  Typically for Christmas cards I find them on sale the previous year, print each photo and stuff them myself.  But, this year I think I would much rather let someone else do that work and spend the time with Tipp. 

I love receiving Christmas cards, especially with photos of our family and friends.  As our families are growing it is a treat to see updates, as well as get personalized wishes for the Holidays and New Year.   And honestly, my first thought when we found out we were expecting was being able to send adorable Holiday photo cards featuring Tipp year and after year!  This year Shutterfly has so many bright and cheery designs that I do not know how we will narrow down our choice.  They range from classy to whimsical and have cards to fit every personality.  Here are a few of my favorite designs:

image Perfect with 5 pictures…because how could I ever choose just one of Tipp!

image So classy…now we just need a family picture!

image I love this one…I have dreamed of a holiday picture in black and white with Tipp laying in a pile of lights! 

Now the only other hard part will be narrowing down my favorite photo or photos of Tipp to send!