My First Shutterfly Photo Book

I am totally obsessed with this website. How awesome is it to capture Eden's first year in a published photo book! I finally had the time to sit down and gather all the pictures I took in her first year and start digital scrapbooking. It beats busting out the scissors and expensive paper to do it the old-fashion way.

Putting together the album took me about two nights and the website is so easy to use. On the plus side, Shutterfly has many promotions to give you ultimate savings. I received a $20 off discount from Target Baby which led to to put together this photo book. I'm very happy with the product and can't wait for it to come in the mail.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books are the new way to preserve your memories. Create your own today.

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Darling!

Dearest Eden,

You just had your first birthday with your friends and family! Wow, did we have a blast! You were probably wondering why you were getting extra attention today and didn't know it's your own birthday. But I reminded you and will always remind you for years to come. Let me tell you a story. A year ago, Mommy got to hold a beautiful baby in her arms and oh, did it bring tears of joy to her eyes. You changed monmy's life for the better and showed her what's really important in life. You motivated her to work hard, study hard just so she can provide a better life for you.

My Eden, you helped me realize how strong I really am and gave me the light to see past my own insecurities. I love watching you play because you are so fearless, so resilient, so courageous. You simply have that twinkle in your eyes and that my dear, is contagious! You motivate me to be just like you. To be able to see the world with clear and unbiased eyes. I love that about you and I love you!

As you interact with the world around you, I want you to always seek to understand the things around you. I want you to explore and never stop learning. I know you love to do that with mommy and grandma's stuff! You are an explorer!

Baby girl, just know that you are loved by so many people. You touch so many people's hearts with your personality. I'm just so happy to be able to watch you grow up to be your own person.

When you get older, I hope you understand and realize the love I have for you in this little blog. The chapter of your first year is now a memory we created together. I want you to know that I am here for you always and forever!

Love always,
Mom

Happy 1st Birthday Leila! Hawaiian Style!

June birthday parties are so much fun especially when you add bathing suits, pool, and water slides. Today we attended Leila's 1st birthday party and we had a blast. The best part was watching the babies swim and having a great time.

I love the Hawaiian theme Sarah set up. She did a great job with the decorations and the birthday cake. The food was delicious and it was what I wanted to eat on this hot summer day. To top it off, I totally dig the water slide and pool. I know Baby Eden and Michael had fun!

 

Checking in with...myself

Every now and then, I have these mid-life crisis which cause me to evaluate my entire life at that very moment. I wish I had my friends here with me because we would sit around a coffee table and just talk life. Our conversation was just about anything. i.e. how our life was at that very moment. what we need to strive to accomplish, our financial stress, emotional stress, things we need to improve on, things we need to kick to the curb, etc.

Looking back on the past quarters, we always had some degree of a mid-life crisis. It never went away as we got older or even when we matured. Our problems will always be there but how we deal with them is the determining factor. I believe it was the late night talks with my girls (Ben&Jerry's sure helped) that got me through the best four years of my life!

Flash forward to today: If there was one important thing that I learned in college, it was checking in with myself.

So here goes:

Mommy: Loving it but wishing i had more time in the day to spend with my baby girl. Hard, stressful trying to get things in order. No time to run to the store and run errands in the day. Is Eden suffering because of my absence? She seems happy and always gives me a big hug when I come and pick her up from school. Doing my best.

Finances: Working on it. Next paycheck is going to daycare, paying off student loan, need to pay car insurance soon :( By July, I really need to be caught up with bills. Update expense excel sheet this week. Don't forget to pickup diapers this week. Gave last bundle to daycare.

Stress level: I'm about a 7 right now. Work getting a lot busier but do like the fact that the work days go by quicker. September needs to come faster...wait no...take that back. Totally not ready. Need to dedicate more time to studying. Financial stress still a burden. Need to win the lotto this year.

Spiritual growth: going back to church was a good thing. I feel the difference spiritually. Doing this for myself and for Eden. Trying to learn to put the stress off myself and onto Him. Need to dedicate some time to read the bible.

Daughter/friend: could probably spruce it up a bit. Will help mom out more and speak slower so she can hear me. Need to call my friends. I miss them too much. Set time this weekend to call a friend.

Plans: bday party this weekend. Buy gift. Plan Eden's bday at school. Put together party favors for classmate. Finish making props for photo shoot.

Conclusion: Don' stop moving. There's lots to do in so little time! Look at her for inspiration!