My Adventure in homemade baby food.

I decided along time ago that I was going to make Welsey's baby food. I figured it would be healthier, cheaper, and I love a challenge! So, a couple of weeks ago, when he was about 5 and a half months I started my adventure. Before I started, I did a lot of reading. After all, I definately didn't want to feed him something his little tummy couldn't handle, feed him too much, and mainly, just poison the poor guy. I found that wholesomebabyfood.com, for me, was the best website. I also asked several of my friends who made their babies' food some pointers as well. (Thanks Karen Bryant and Elizabeth Robinson!) So I went to the store with my list in hand ready to embark on my journey! I decided that I was going to make brown rice cereal, apples, bananas, carrots, and sweet potatoes first. (FYI - Do one at a time to make sure they aren't allergic.) I also decided that everything I was going to make for him would be organic as well. It is a little more expensive, but you still save SO much more in the long run. I mean one carrot is like 2 days worth of food at first. I was scared when I first started making his food, but you know what? It is incredibly easy. It eases my mind knowing what is in his baby food. There are no preservatives, dyes, or crazy ingredients in it that I need to be worried about. I wasn't able to nurse Wesley as long as I had planned, so making his food makes me feel less guilty. So, so far my adventure is going ok. I'll keep you updated as he starts to eat more challenging things!

Hold on to every minute and everyone, because you never know what tomorrow holds

What is going on? So much heartache is surounding our Florence community. With in a matter of days, a girl from Florence went missing in NC, and a great guy was murdered! I didn't have the privilege of knowing Kristy, but from what I hear she is an amazing girl. I did have the privilege of knowing Chris Deaver. He was an amazing guy who smiled all the time, was kind, funny, loving, a great father to his little girl, and a talented musician. He was murdered in vain by a 17 year old punk for absolutely nothing. My heart aches so much for his family, as well as, Kristy's family. To all of my friends who were closer to Kristy and Chris than I was, I am praying for you and love you, and just know that with time you will be able to smile again.

It's Amazing how something so unexpected can change your life for the good!

David and I have been dating for 2 years this July. We started dating July of 2009. In March of 2010 we found out that we were expecting a wonderful, bundle of joy. It was very unexpected for several reasons. One- we definately weren't trying to have a baby. We knew we were going to get married and that we loved each other. We just wanted to get married first. Two- I have a lot of health problems and the doctor told me that I wasn't able to have children. Before I met David I had a good run of about 3 or 4 years where I went off the deep end. I made a lot of mistakes, bad choices, and bad decisions that I am not proud of. I decided I was going to what I wanted to do, and no matter what that was the way it was going to be. I took my relationship with my parents for granted, and lost that closeness with them for awhile. When David and I met, I had just moved back in with my parents, and I was trying to figure things out and change my way of living. So fast-forward to March 2010. That was one of the best days and scariest days of my life. When that pregnancy test said positive, I didn't know how David would respond. He responded with "I love you and I couldn't be more excited!" Wesley is now 6 months old and let me tell you...He has changed my life. He is the absolute best, unexpected joy that I have ever had. I realized after having him that all those "independent" decisions that I made were so stupid. Living my life the way that "I" want is absurd. I want to be the type of mom that he is proud of. I know that I am going to make mistakes a long the way, but my decisions are no longer selfish ones. He has changed me for the better and I am so grateful that God allowed me to have him. I love being a mom so much that sometimes my love for him overwhelms me. David and I are more close now than before. I can't wait to marry him and have more kids one day if God allows. All I can say is that Wesley is one loved little man, and I am so fortunate to be his mom!

The Very Best Weekend

Friday is my birthday and David has National Guard Drill so we decided to celebrate it this past weekend. It was the best weekend that I have had in a long time! We went out to eat one night at Southern Hops and it was amazing! The customer service was fantastic! One of the owners came by our table several times and talked to us and answered a ton of questions that David had about all the different types of beers that they offer. My parents were nice enough to watch Wesley so we could have a date. I love date nights, but I couldn't get home quick enough to see my baby! Saturday all three of us went on a picnic and it was so much fun. Wesley sat in his Bumbo (which I LOVE!) and played like a big boy, and then we pushed him in the baby swings at the park. It was so cute. I started off pushing him really slow and then pushed him just a little bit faster (don't worry it was still really slow). He still hasn't quite figured out if he likes it or not. Then we went to the beach and that was awesome! It was Wesley's first trip to the beach and let me tell you, he LOVES the sand!!! He dug his little toes in the sand and squished it between his toes! It was so cute! We walked around Barefoot Landing, and Broadway at the Beach and just had great quality family time together. It was so special and sweet, and I loved every minute! We ate lunch at River City Cafe and I had the best turkey burger (and I splurged and had onion rings. Totally went off my P90X diet, but hey, it's my birthday!) We also went to this store called Retro Active at Broadway at the Beach. They sell 80's and 90's t-shirts and things, and we got Wesley the cutest onesie! It says "B is for Bob" and has a picture of Bob Marley on it. I love it! We came home Sunday really late and poor Wesley was so exhausted! He was out of his routine, but he had so much fun walking around in my baby sling (which I love love! Rebecca Phipps made it and it's the best thing ever!) I am so thankful for my birthday weekend and the fun that I had with my wonderful family! I will try and post pictures tomorrow!