Changes and Letting Go

One year ago I was extremely pregnant, waiting to meet my baby girl. I knew my life would never be the same, I knew big change was coming, but I didn't realize just how much. My life looks totally different now, they say becoming a parent changes you and I couldn't agree more. 

Not only becoming a parent, but moving to North Carolina has changed me as well. God has been teaching me all about letting go. Letting go of things and people I can't change. When Chloe was born I got a big wake up call about letting go. A c section was the last thing I wanted, and then hemorrhaging was the last thing I thought would happen. My recovery was rough, long and hard. I remember being so happy as a new mom, so in love with my baby and being so thankful we both were healthy. The day we left the hospital I shed tears of happiness and joy because we got to leave knowing we would both be fine. But there was so much about that situation I couldn't control, and I knew I had to give it to God. Moving here has been the same. Our house hunt has been hard, and there have been lots of situations where things didn't work out, and I was left wondering why but trusting in God's plan. It was a big risk for our family to come to North Carolina. A year ago if you had told me we wouldn't be in Richmond anymore I wouldn't have believed it. It seems things are finally settling down and I'm so thankful.

I made a video for Chloe's first year, and I love watching it. In about 7 minutes you can see her change so much, it's amazing how much they change in just one year. I am embracing it, well trying. There is so much joy in each milestone, each new development, but I also know we will never go back to those newborn days. Part of me is glad about that when I think about the sleep deprivation, but part of me morns that time. Change is apart of life, letting go makes it better. Letting God take control and lead me were I need to be makes it possible.

Trick or Treating in Old Salem

This past weekend we got invited to go trick or treating in Old Salem with some new friends. It was fun walking around and seeing all the costumes, and getting some free candy, but the best part was taking pictures. 

I love this one! Chloe wasn't in the best mood, but when she saw her friend Olivia, she got all giddy and of course, had to give her a hug. Too cute. 

Old Salem was beautiful this time of year, love this place. And you won't be surprised that my daughter was a kitten for Halloween, when I saw it I knew that's what she HAD to be! Haha.

Just love my little kitten so much! Excited for her to wear it again this Thursday, Halloween is so much fun with kids. 

Blowing Rock

This past weekend we visited the quaint town of Blowing Rock, NC. The leaves were beautiful and it was the perfect day trip. 

The views were truly breath taking.  It was neat seeing the mountains in western North Carolina, and comparing them to the mountains we are so accustomed to in Virginia. They were so different. 

Found this giant pumpkin and Chloe kinda cooperated for a picture.

It had been 2 years since we had visited the mountains, since last year I was very pregnant. So glad we found the time to make it this year. We loved it so much we are already planning our next trip back, hopefully for our anniversary in the spring! 

Random Monday Catch Up

As you can see I took a little break from blogging this past week and a half. I was visiting in Richmond, then my dad came to visit here. It was great catching up and showing my dad around, but I am happy to have things back to normal again. Thought a little catch up post was in order.

Chloe continues to grow and grow. We got a new real estate agent. Cooler weather is finally here. I've finally started planning out Chloe's party, and making decorations. That's a bunch of random things that have been going on, and a random picture of Chloe in the tub!

I'm still training for the Richmond Half Marathon. Although sometimes I feel the mileage we are running to prepare for this half is a little much, I am still enjoying this program. I've loved getting to see the city, meeting new people and seeing myself get so much stronger. Side note: I still hate the hills, but I can see how much stronger I am getting and love how they don't seem as bad anymore. I looked at the calendar for next year and kinda want to do the Spring training program. Am I crazy? 

When my dad was here visiting we took a day trip to Blowing Rock, about an hour and a half west of us in the mountains. Oh my gosh, it was gorgeous. I was surprised how much bigger the mountains are in North Carolina than Virginia. I'll def. post more about it soon. 

That's really all I have to share for now. We have a busy month coming up with so much to look forward to. Birthday parties, the half marathon, holidays and so much more!

The Fair

This past weekend we took Chloe to the fair, it was really fun.

We thought she would love seeing all the animals, but she wasn't too impressed with them. I guess livestock isn't really her thing!

Chloe did enjoy riding this little ride with daddy. It was the only one she did but she really loved it.

I'm not gonna lie, my favorite part was the food. We had corn dogs, fried green beans and mac n' cheese! Chloe didn't get any this year, I'm sure next year she will be in heaven too!

Glad we got to check out the fair here in North Carolina.

Happy Friday Everyone!

11 months

Dear Chloe,
Today you are 11 months old. A month from today you will be 1 year old, it's hard to believe. You have started doing lots of fun new things this month.

You are so close to crawling. You get up on all fours by yourself, scoot around, and rock. If there is a toy or something you want you find a way to get it. Sometimes you get frustrated and roll over, but it's happening less and less.

You also started feeding yourself really well. I had to walk out of the room with some shredded cheese on your tray, once you realized I wasn't going to feed you anymore you were game. Since then you love to feed yourself. Definitely moving away from the purees and towards table food. You nurse twice a day now, in the morning and at night before bed. You get a sippy cup with formula in it twice a day now, which you love. You feed yourself your formula as well, and make sure to get every last drop! You are such a good eater, sometimes when it's all gone you get so mad.

I think you are getting your first tooth! I feel something sharp on your front bottom gum. I can see a little white poking through as well. You don't act any differently than you normally do, but you have always been such an easy going baby. I hope all of teething goes this smoothly for us.

You still nap two times a day. I think you are transitioning to one though. Some days you don't seem tired when it's time for your second nap and you fight it. If you wake up early you definitely take two, if you sleep in later you mostly just take one.

You love to babble and "talk" and smile and laugh. You love having "conversations" with us too. Telling us all about your toys or whatever is on your mind. There is so much interacting going on now, it's a fun stage.

You also love your blocks, flipping through your board books and most of your toys. Your favorite is putting all the blocks into the container, then taking them out again. This keeps you occupied for awhile. You still love your ball too.

Your hair is still full and thick, your eyes still that beautiful blue color. You are still petite, but so perfect. You wear mostly size 9 months or 12 months. Size 2 diapers in disposable still, 3 snaps on your cloth.

You are such a joy to your dad and I. Everyday I feel so blessed to be your mommy, really I do. I love you so much sweet girl. Can't wait to see what this month brings with you.
Love always,
 Mommy

Pumpkin Patch Playdate

This past Thursday we went to the pumpkin patch for a playdate with the mom's group I joined recently. It was fun taking Chloe's picture, especially because she will stand pretty good now.

This is her new friend Olivia. They are 2 days apart and love playing with each other. We met Olivia and her mom, Kelli at our first playdate with this mom's group. They just started interacting with each other recently and it's so cute to watch!

I love this dress she is wearing. Hoping to get more use out of it soon. 

We had a great time at the pumpkin patch. Looking forward to doing more fun things with this group in the future! 

Around Here Lately

It's already October! Around here we are ready for fall. I made my favorite fall dish the other night for dinner, Pumpkin Chili and Chloe gobbled it up. She is really into feeding herself now. 

This past weekend we tried a new restaurant, Mozelle's which is in such a quaint part of town.

The weather was perfect for sitting outside and enjoying fried pickles!

Not much else has been happening. Tomorrow I run double digits for the first time in almost 2 years! I'll be back with a report on how it goes after the weekend. Hoping the weather gets a tad cooler soon.

Happy Friday and Fall!!