This one's for Da-Da

Good morning Daddy! Abby and I love and miss you ... can't wait to see you!

Pity Party for One....

... or three if you count not only me, but the frozen pizza and chocolate too. Yesterday I was just in one of those moods, where I felt the need to throw myself a little pity party. Did it help me? Not at all. I still felt the same way afterwards and I consumed way too many calories.

The month of May has been full of ups and downs... and a lot of uncertainty. I am totally a planner ... I like to know what I'm doing ahead of time and I'm not a fan of unexpected changes. Enter baseball. You never know what tomorrow will bring, you know nothing is ever guaranteed, and you are aware that everything can change in a second. This goes completely against my need for a plan! In the beginning years of baseball, this was all new to me, exciting, and I anticipated the unexpected. Now, with a baby, my perspective has changed just a bit. Yet, with everything we've been through season after season, baseball has impacted our life for the better.

During baseball season, being apart from each other is the hardest part. Road trips sometimes seem like eternity, especially with a baby added into the mix. Although it's difficult sometimes, I think this helps the hubs and I appreciate each other more. I appreciate Jim for having a job that allows me to stay home with Abby. I appreciate his hard work, dedication, and love for the game. In return, I hope that Jim appreciates me for the mother I've become. Even though it's stressful and tiring at times ::checks the bags under eyes, yup, still there:: I always give Abby my best effort. I try to remind myself that the road trips aren't just hard for the Mama left behind, but also for the Daddy who misses his girls.

This being our first baseball season with child, I decided to take part in the bible study with the other baseball wives. I'm not sure why I haven't in the past, but this year, I felt like I needed it. We come together every two weeks to discuss the book we are reading, "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow. Not only am I reading the book at the most perfect timing imaginable, but it's great to listen to these women, that are all in the same situation as me. We are going to learn about contentment together, focus on the positives around us, and push those negative thoughts out of our heads. Right?! Well we are going to practice this.... and try our best! :) I'm so lucky to be part of this baseball family... these baseball wives have become friends, friends that are strong in their faith and are willing to help when an unexpected situation arises.

Even though I sometimes feel and look like this frazzled Mom, I am so blessed to have this life. I have a loving husband, a baby girl I completely adore, and the uncertain life of baseball is an added bonus. I wouldn't change it for the world! :)

Please keep Jim in your thoughts as his elbow heals. We are praying for a speedy recovery, without surgery!

Who me? Mommy?

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas out there! What a special day ... a day to recognize all the love and devotion a mother gives to her children. Today was technically my first Mother's Day, although Jim and I also celebrated last year when I was pregnant with Abby.

I was thankful that I got to see my hubby last night and this morning, before he headed to Sarasota. Abby and I spent the day with family, enjoying our first Mother's Day together. It was also extra special to spend this day with MY Mama... we haven't spent a Mother's Day together in four or five years!

Not only today, but EVERYDAY, I thank God for this special little girl. Our family is so blessed to have a healthy, beautiful baby that we can call our own. Abby is a special part of our lives and I have been truly blessed to know the feeling of being a mother. There is NOTHING in the world like it! I love the way those little eyes light up when she sees me walk into the room. I love the way she flashes me a smile or gives me a belly laugh when I do something funny. I love the way she plays with my hair and feels my face when I feed her a bottle at night. Most of all, I love looking at this little sweet face and thinking... "Me?? I'm lucky enough to be your Mommy? Really?!" Even through the restless nights (few and far between these days), crankiness when naps are too short, or the new tantrum meltdowns, there is nothing I don't love about having a baby. I love you Abby Grace! :)

"A daughter is a gift of love." - Author Unknown

Abby really wants to walk ... Mama is NOT ready for this just yet!

Country Livin'

Lucky for me, when Jim is on the road or out of town, I am able to come back to my roots and enjoy a little bit of country livin'! It's a true blessing to be near family during baseball season. The closeness allows us to be together for almost as much time as when we are apart during the offseason.

There is something special about being back in the country. Maybe it's the smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of the buzzing bumblebees, or the way the wind blows just right through the trees. Or my favorite... the way you can tell what time it is because the church bells play a song at 9, noon, 3, and 6. Whatever it is, the country is such a special place to call "home."

Abby loves spending time at Gramma and Grandad's house, especially time outside. There is just so much to see! She plays on the front porch and just waits for something to catch her eye. It doesn't take long before she's watching the birds fly off the birdhouse, the bumblebees whizzing by, or the trees swaying in the breeze. Abby and Gramma enjoyed a lot of time outside yesterday soaking up the beautiful weather! They watched and fed the chickens, smelled flowers, and Abby even got to swing with Gramma. While they played, I sat back and played with my camera. The black and whites are pictures of the old chicken coop that my parents once shared with the neighbors.

Yesterday was a special day, a time to remember my childhood and appreciate the wonderful place I will always call home.

Love, LOVE, L-O-V-E!!!

If you have a little girl, then you know all about the necessity of hair bows. Abby was introduced to hair bows right from the start, since she was born with a full head of hair. (See picture in post below) Aunt Melinda, a southern gal and Queen of the Hair Bows, gives us bows to match outfits, bows for each holiday, and even bows that are monogrammed. Then there is Mandy. A friend of mine who was inspired by her girly girl daughter to start her own business. She makes super cute bows, bowbands, diaper wipe cases, and more. Check her out! Thanks to these two ladies, my love for bows has gotten a bit out of control. :)

Back in November, Aunt Melinda showed me this adorable bow holder on Etsy. I'm secretly and Etsy junkie, I'm on this site looking for baby things EVERY DAY. It really could get a stay at home Mom in serious trouble ... or maybe my husbands wallet in serious trouble.

Anyway, I procrastinated and didn't buy this bow holder until the beginning of April and I just got it in the mail yesterday. I Love, LOVE, L-O-V-E this thing! It's so girly girl, the colors are just right for Abby's room, and it should hold *most* of her bows. (We have A TON!) You can check out Monica's things over at Addalilcharm. Great Esty shop! :)

The bows clip onto the ribbons on the tutu.

Seriously, can this be any sweeter?!

Lets talk hair.

How about a random posting this beautiful Sunday morning about my daughter's hair? Sure. Why not?! First of all, if you remember back to when she was first born, Abby was covered with BLACK hair. At first, I was totally taken back by this and wanted her to wear a hat at all times. I know, how could I think that?! After a short time, I fell in love with the crazy amount of black hair she had and now of course, I miss it!

Now, Abby has the hair that any woman would die for. It has natural highlights, with the right shades. I mean, us women pay for hair like this!! She has several brown shades and a few blonde hairs thrown in. I know it won't stay like this, that it's still changing everyday, but I love it.

Abby's newborn hair... in case you forgot :)

So, which shade do you think will stay?? 1. Blonde, it's actually almost white. 2. Dark Blonde/Golden Brown. 3. Medium Brown or in this case, we'll call it Chestnut. 4. Dark Brown, or shall we say Mahogany? What do you think? Against my wishes ( I LOVED her dark black hair), I'm going with choice number ..... 1.

Hello Sunshine ... stay awhile!

Today was the most beautiful day we've had since arriving in Baltimore. The sun was shining bright with pretty, blue skies. It was warm, but there was a breeze coming off the water. Since it was a great day to be outside, we took full advantage of enjoying the sunshine.

Of course, Mama had to have a mini photo shoot before going outside. This adorable black and white bubble outfit was given to Abby from her Aunt Heather and cousin Emily!

Our apartment building has a spacious courtyard with a beautiful garden. It was a perfect place to put a blanket down and play in the warm sun. When our pool opens, I'm sure we will be spending more time there too!

Always having a fun time with Daddy!

Abby attempting to crawl... she wants to so bad!!

The sunshine definitely helped us get through this day. It's been a tough one for us. As many of you know, Jim was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. He will be there to work on his pitching and when he is ready, he will return to Baltimore. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and prayers. God has a plan and for some reason (unsure of that reason as of now) this will lead to bigger and better things for our family! A dear friend said today, "Every setback is a setup for an even GREATER comeback."