One Year

A year ago, at 9:59 am, Arabella Zoe entered the world screaming before they even had her out. I remember laying there on the csection table, wondering if they had started, when I heard a cry. I asked is that was the baby and the nurse said no way, it was too fast, but sure enough it got louder. She was literally crying while still inside. All moms are relieved to hear that sound, but after all I had been through, it was the most incredible sound I will ever hear. She was a tiny, perfect, pink bundle. I watched closely as they looked her over, asking repeatedly "is she okay?", the nurse keep assuring me she was perfect. Neil brought her over to me and I just cried watching him in her arms. They wheeled me to recovery (this hospital never takes the baby from your sight, unless there is an issue) and I was shaking so hard. I remember being cold with the boys, but nothing like this, my body was shaking so violently that I was afraid to hold her. They laid her on my chest and instantly my body when still. I held her close and looked over her from head to toe. She was REAL and finally in my arms.

Parts of my heart that I thought would never be filled again, were. People say we have spoiled her because we didn't ever put her down (pfft you can't spoil a baby with love). I wouldn't have done it any other way. While I sit here wondering how a year could go so fast, I also know I savored every moment of it.

I am still nursing her and really have no plans to stop any time soon, she will let me know when she is ready. She isn't quite walking yet, but getting closer everyday. She crawls and cruises fast as lightening and has knack for mischief like her brothers did. She just started dancing this week, which slays us all. She can say momma, daddy, doggy, kitty, touchdown, more, some form of all three boys names, hi, bye, and she tries to copy what ever we say.

I try, but I can't find the words to express how complete and happy she has made our family. I am just as in awe of her as I was a year ago today. She is the light of her daddy's eye and her brothers favorite person. As bittersweet as it is to say goodbye to the baby year, I can't wait to watch her grow and change.

Happy Birthday Arabella.

**party pics and post to follow

Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After- So much fun!

We were able to attend a pre-show dinner and meet get a behind the scenes peek of the show, as well as meet Merida in person! My kids were thrilled!

The show itself was fantastic, colorful, entertaining, and engaging. It was fun to sing and dance along in the audience!

I am so thankful to Feld Entertainment for the opportunity to see the show! If you are interested (you should be!) in finding out more, check it out here.

And the Winner is.....

The winner of the Lake Buena Vista Factory Store $50 gift card is:

Christina Larsen said...
I think I would spend it in Gap!

August 1, 2012 4:48 PM

Per Random.org

Congrats!!!

Back to School with Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Giveaway

It’s almost August, and you know what that means: school bells will be ringing soon, and so will cash registers during back to school shopping. If you’re like me and most of the consumers recently surveyed by the National Retail Federation, shopping smarter and stretching my budget will be a priority. With four kids total and three rapidly growing boys going into to school, I am always looking for a way to save.

The Florida Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. this Friday, August 3 and ends at 11:59 on Sunday, August 5, so plan now to take advantage of that. I have been looking for deals all summer and will continue looking for deals throughout the month.

That’s why I plan to head out to destinations like Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, one of Central Florida’s best-kept shopping secrets where you’ll find savings up to 75% off at select stores. The village-style center offers a customer-friendly shopping experience and 50 spacious outlet shops with convenient store-front parking, including 2012 newcomers Big Dogs, Crocs and Jones New York. Great deals are going on now at many favorite retailers.

Here’s your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the Center! Visit the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores website and tell me which store you will likely spend your prize in! Contest ends August 10th at 3pm.
You can get in on the savings by downloading a coupon from the Center’s website, then bringing it to Travelpro at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores to receive a coupon booklet valued up to $400 in savings. The Center is located at 15657 S Apopka Vineland Rd (SR 535), Orlando, FL 32821.

Happy shopping!

Disney On Ice Presents Rockin' Ever After

Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel. A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn.  And get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle.


It will be a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to our hometown! Playing the Amway Center Sept. 7-9. Get 4 Tickets for just $48 with code MOM12. The offer is valid for these performances: Sept. 7^th 7:30pm and Sept. 9^th 1pm or 5pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Amway Center Box Office or at ticketmaster.com. Not valid on Rinkside or VIP tickets. Offer not valid day of show.

 
Here is the awesome part, I have the opportunity to giveaway 4 tickets! Comment on this post with your favorite character that will be in the show! Contest ends August 14th at 9pm.




"In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine."

Never a Dull Moment-Beach Edition

We have been at the beach every weekend this summer. It's been too hot to do anything else! Bella LOVES it. She squeals when she sees the ocean and loves to splash. She isn't even afraid of big waves. This weekend we were able to see dolphins up close!


As cool as it was, we had a huge scare on the way back! We had all waded out to a sandbar to watch the dolphins, they are only feet from us! We were all able to walk out there easily, but when we headed back it had gotten WAY deeper. Neil cant swim and it was over his head, he almost killed my sister. My friend almost went under with her son and I was swimming my ass off and not getting anywhere with Noah and Jordan, I think we were caught in a rip. Luckily my friends hubby got their baby and Bella to safety and raced back for Neil. I was able to remain calm (rare for me) and the boys and I swam to shore. As native Floridians, we should have KNOWN better! The water was deceptively glassy and was shallow. I will never take a risk like that again. We were RIGHT in front of the life guard several members of our group were screaming and the guard never moved! I have always had a false sense of security thinking they could save us if we were to run into trouble in the water..not anymore.


We will still go back this weekend, but will not be wading out very far at all!

Happy 4th of July!

Bloggers Block

I can't place why I haven't blogged, I keep meaning too, then I realize it has been 2 months again. Arabella is 9 months old and a shining light in our lives. The boys still adore her even though she bites them. She isn't quite crawling but she manages to get around pretty well. She is still nursing almost exclusively, she is just getting the hang of food. She isn't a fan of anyone outside of the family and will scream bloody murder if anyone dares to hold her. I don't mind though, I love having a momma's girl. I still cant get over how much I LOVE buying dresses and boys. She is so very different from her brothers, but every bit as awesome.

The boys are all home for summer break and I am loving sleeping in! They are finally getting old enough to let the me and the baby sleep in. They are still rowdy and a handful, we have already had one need stitches. I can not believe that I will have a 2nd, 4th, and 5th graders (and a one year old) next year. Jordan rocked the FCAT with near perfect scores and will be tested for gifted next year. Isaiah is also on the fast track to gifted and was the top reader in his class. Noah exceeded all his goals and has gone further than we could have dreamed.

As for me, I finally graduated with my AA (with highest honors), but honestly I have no desire to continue. All I want to do is be a mommy. I think that is the root of my lack of blogging and tweeting. I am still sucking up every moment of Bella's babyhood and having fun with my sons.

update

Whoops, I realized it has been 2 months since I have posted. I keep meaning to, but for some reason I just haven't.

Arabella is already five months old. She is pushing 18lbs, sitting, babbling, and starting solids. I am still breastfeeding and loving it. She is like sunshine and I am the happiest I have been in a long time.

I am still battling anxiety pretty hard core. Arabella has started to go long periods between bm's and I worry like crazy. But she is better than any xanax. The boys adore her and it fills my heart to the point it could burst.

Five years ago today I was finding out that we were losing Kai. In five days it will be the anniversary of his loss. I never thought I would feel whole again. We will always be missing part of our family. But I can see now that the pain does dull. I type this with a chunky sleeping girl breathing on my chest and I feel complete.

Circus Night! Ringling Bros. ® Presents DRAGONS

The boys had a blast!

They all had different favorite parts, but the big cats and motorcycles were big hits!
The show is in town until Sunday! If you would like to go here is a great deal!
Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on ticketmaster.com. This offer is available for all tickets except Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP. The offer is valid for the following performances: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm.

For those looking for something really special, try the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at checkout
For more information on the show, visit
www.Ringling.com.
*I would have taken more pics but I had a very overwhelmed baby in my arms!



"In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine."