SOS - Calling all moms!

2012-01-07T13:22:00.002-05:00

So, Richard and I went to the store today to register for my baby shower! Reminiscent of our engaged days, we grabbed the scanning gun (so fun!...though slightly tainted by memories of Target's HORRIBLE returns policy) and this time headed back toward the pink and blue section.

And then we stood there and stared at the 8-million different types of shampoo that we could select.

And that's when I realized...I have no idea what I'm doing.

Richard and I must have looked like deer in headlights. A man walked by pushing his son in a stroller and laughed. He said "Welcome to your new Saturday morning routine."

Luckily, I life-lined my sister and she walked me through a few items before Richard and I had to head home. So, I'm sitting here google-ing items and blogs and realized - I have access to a ton of fantastic moms!!

Sooooo...I'm asking for your advice: what are some of your must-have mom (and dad) tools? We have a stroller and carseat picked, but do you have any recommendations for a pack-n-play, monitor, helpful accessories? With moving constantly in my future, I'm seeking the must haves for mothering bliss.

What gets you through the day? I'd love your advice!

What are the items you can't live without?
What are the items you never use?

Bliss

2012-01-04T19:28:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe it's been five years. And what's more amazing is they just keep getting better and better. Thanks, Sweetheart, for giving me a life full of bliss.

Catching up!

2011-12-04T15:21:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas from the Talbots in beautiful South Florida!

We’ve had a wonderful start to our holiday season and are soaking inthe exceptional “Winter” here. Theweather has been fantastic and begs to be enjoyed, so we’ve been spending a lotof time outdoors lately (a feeling much increased when listening to carolerssing “Let it snow” and “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” on the radio).

Mid-November we visited our friends in Ft. Myers and enjoyed theInternational sand castle festival. It’samazing what people can do with SAND! There were many charming exhibits. One was so powerful; it was titled “post-traumatic stress.” The different faces of the sculpture reallycaptured the angst behind PTSD and it made me thankful once again for the menand women who defend our nation both abroad in our military and at home as ourpeacekeepers and first responders. Itwas a wonderful weekend!

My parents visited for thanksgiving and we enjoyed a feast at the park withour friends. The kids played and theadults visited and stuffed ourselves. Itwas so pleasant and relaxing to have a few days away from work and school.

To continue the relaxation, we also enjoyed a weekend cruise to theBahamas with my parents! It washeaven. We were so LAZY. I felt so happy to see Richard relax and tohave endless hours to chat with my family. I must also admit that there is something SO wonderful about not liftinga finger to make the meals or clean them up. The cruise was a bit brutal for the baby weight gain, but noworries…after being cut off from the 24-hour ice cream and fries I’m back ontrack. Plus, I did make an effort towatch what I ate (“Yes I’d like 2 appetizers, 3 soups, 2 entrees, and asalad…with Light dressing please…I’m watching my figure here. Yes, just roll me off the ship when wedock. Thanks.”).

November was a Pediatrics rotation for Richard. Our supply of Batman stickers certainlyincreased. It was a good rotation forhim and I enjoyed (though not frequently enough!) the Jamaican restaurantnearby that made the BEST Jerk chicken…mmmmm (oh dear, is there a theme here?). Richard has recently transitioned toGeriatrics—“Hospice by the Sea”—and is very appreciative of the wonderful staffwho give him MUCH more flexibility than his other rotations and demonstratesuch wonderful patient care. It isinteresting to hear his stories of patients passing while he is with them. It’s a very special field and a good reminderof the important role of compassion in the medical profession.

On the baby front, we have wonderful news! Sonographic evidence confirms we have a babyGIRL on the way! This is excellent newsbecause my mother and I had a very pink Black Friday prior to my Mondayappointment (Richard thought my previous ultrasound looked like a girl and I’velearned he’s pretty much always right). :) I’m starting to think of the term “tickledpink” in a new light. Baby girl now hasa darling start on her wardrobe and Richard and I even found the PERFECTstroller (though the stinkin’ adult-proof baby equipment caused me 3 brokennails and quite a bit of irritation). Weofficially passed the half-way mark last week and are very excited to meet thislittle one.

We’ve started into the Christmas season and the holiday parties havebegun. It’s a wonderful time to focus onour Savior and the blessings in our lives. We are so grateful for our wonderful family and friends and the support and love wefeel from and for each of you. We wishyou a Happy Christmas and hope the spirit of the season brings you much joy.

For an inspiring start to your Christmas Season I'm sharing a link for a Christmas devotional taking place tonight at 8pm (Eastern). It's a live stream. Click here: Christmas message.

Merry Christmas!

The Talbot Fam

SOS - Calling all moms!

Bliss

Catching up!