Dusting Off The Keyboard For A Big Announcement

It's been way too long since I've blogged and I've missed it.
I miss catching up with blogging friends through reading others' posts and writing comments that are well deserved.  I miss the "me time" that I used to give myself after putting the little one to bed, and typing non stop on the keyboard until I could hardly hold my head up.  I miss putting my thoughts and my family experiences with pictures out on the world wide web (aside from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

It seems as though I lost my "blogging self" for awhile.  I have still written random thoughts into a journal that I have been keeping.  To catch you up a little on what has been going on with me, well that would take more than one post...which it's going to, so bear with me.

Here's the main thing that have been going on with me in the last few months.

Most importantly that definitely needs to be mentioned here on this blog is the biggest change yet that our family of three is going to experience.

We're going to become a family of 4!

Most of you probably have already heard the news in some form of social media or another.  As you may recall on this post and this photo in March, we were just beginning to announce that we were "officially trying" to grow our family.  Well, little did we know at that time...we had already conceived #2.  We definitely didn't expect it to happen so quickly, since Annaliese took 5 months to conceive and even that was fast for us.
So there you have it Blog, we're gonna have a baby! 

2 days before my 30th birthday(April 4th), I took my first pregnancy test

Annaliese is excited to become a Big Sister!  We announced the news to our close friends and family at my Surprise 30th Birthday Party on April 6th.

On April 23rd, we made the grand Facebook announcement.

Tomorrow on June 21, I will be 17 weeks along already.  We are officially due on November 29, which is the day after Thanksgiving.  However, since I delivered almost 2 weeks early with Annaliese ...and on a full moon, I am going to make an educated guess and say that I will probably deliver early with this baby and for kicks, lets just say around the full moon on November 17.  Justin and I are waiting to find out the sex this time and I couldn't be more excited!

Already this pregnancy differs much from my first.  Pretty much ever since I found out I was pregnant...I was sick...all day for over month.  Luckily in mid-May, I found the culprit and switched prenatal vitamins and have been fine ever since!  :)  Also a few weeks ago, I had some really bad dizziness to where I passed out.  Thank God that Justin was here working from home that day because I don't want to know what would've happened in any other case.  I have also had really had sciatica pain very early this time around whereas with my first pregnancy, I didn't get bad back pain until I was over 30 weeks pregnant.  Hoping some physical therapy or chiropractic assistance will help!

So because this has been the main thing going on with us, I figured I would get back on the blogging radar with this announcement, and will be filling in the timeline within the next few posts.  I promise it won't be a month until they happen.  I need to spit them out soon so I can get back onto track with actual current events :)

For those of you who are still around to read this blog, thanks for your patience and support!

XOXOXO,

Hello...Is It Me You're Looking For?

**This was written almost 2 months ago on 3/25/13...apparently I was asleep when I hit the SAVE button instead of the PUBLISH button...so here's a slight recap before I get to the actual newest post.**

Ever have that feeling that you're so far behind that you shouldn't even bother to try to catch up?  Well that's me with blogging...except, I DO want to catch up!  In the last month...technically two...almost three, I've been TERRIBLY bad at making blogging a priority as I have in the past.  Which also means I've totally NOT kept up with that part of my New Years Resolutions either....well here's why.

Life.

I won't say that I've been busy every day all day for the last month, but my priorities have changed a little.

Toddler.  Geesh, can this girl run!  Annaliese is very active, always on the go!  She is also very exploratory and independent.  It's hard to get everything that needs done in a day, especially with a husband that still gets daily headaches (sleep test is scheduled in May) and sometimes comes home from work and goes straight to bed.  Annaliese keeps me on my toes!  And boy is she headstrong!  If she can't figure something out the first time around, she throws herself down into a fit.  Wonder where she gets that from???  For those of you wondering, she actually gets that from both of her parents.  Poor kid!
Also on that note, Justin and I have decided that we are officially "TTC" again!  So stay tuned for an update on that when we're finally successful!

Money.  Since joining Scentsy in December, I am (to my surprise) doing really well with my Scentsy Business, and I am bringing in extra money (Shout out to my awesome customers and recruits!), but until I become even more established, I have been applying my tush off for other part time jobs.  I've had one interview so far and it seems pretty promising.  I have a few other prospects and Justin possibly has another job opportunity that will mean him traveling 2 hours each way Monday - Friday for at least a year until we would relocate closer to his job.  So we'll see what happens with that!  *Just thought I would put this out there - I am able to do an online party for you if you are interested.  A blogger friend is already making it happen!*  It's just hard to picture myself going back into the working field after being out of it for 2 1/2 wonderful years!  My goal for this year is to make Scentsy my primary income and be able to take my family on a vacation this summer/fall!

Parties.  My sweet maternal grandmother's 80th birthday happened, (February 18th, to be exact)!  My mom had been inviting family and friends from all over the country for months and the total head count as of now is about 120 people!  My grandma is one of eleven kids (HOLY MOLY...could you imagine???) and all of her siblings who don't reside in Heaven came up celebrate!  All of her daughters were there and all of her grand kids, and of course her only great grandchild, Annaliese!  Many of her cousins were there as well as many of her life long friends she has made over 80 years of life.  I cannot tell you how excited and happy I was/am for my grandma to have this day, this celebration of life!  We all had a blast at the party!

Birthdays.  Well more recently, there are more recent birthdays coming up.  My big 30th is April 4th and Justin's (a couple years graduated from 30) is April 18th.  For the last year, Like I mentioned before, I wanted to throw myself a big 30th birthday bash with an 80's theme!  Well unfortunately it looks like that won't be the case.  Trying to keep afloat on our bills (including the expensive cold season we're still in) we have not been able to save and extra money to make this happen.  I won't lie...I'm disappointed, but I've accepted it.  I know that my birthday will still be special in it's own way.  My girl friends have a nice lunch at Olive Garden planned for me on April 6th, and we have a family dinner planned for that evening at Dave and Jane's Crab Shack where I will be indulging in all-you-can-eat crabs!  *Please note: I will be in a complete food coma on this day*

Books.  I have made an attempt to read more like I wanted to this year and I have.  Going from zero reading to some reading is actually a feat, but it's happening at least!  Plus, just recently I have found an awesome website and app called GoodReads!  I'm sure most of you consistent readers out there already know of this site, but I found it to be my missing reader's link!  It's a place where you can make lists of what you have already read, what you want to read and what you are currently reading as well as have "friends" and read their reviews and get suggestions of books!  Go find me so we can be reading buddies! :)

So that has been my last few months in a nut shell.  I'm sorry it's taken me forever to write this post and that I haven't read many of your blog posts that I have missed.  It sometimes doesn't take a high rank on the priority list and I have somehow managed to not even make it appear on the list!  I'll try to keep on top of things!

I have lots of pictures to post and lots of other news to share, so I will be doing that here soon!  As always you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.  *please take note that I have changed my user names to CreatingCassie*

Love to you all...if you're still out there!

A Week In Pictures

Yeah...I'm sorry...again.

It's been 10 days since I've written (or read) many posts lately.  I'm totally going against my resolution of wanting to blog more...BUT in the meantime I AM concentrating more on advertising my Scentsy business, getting Annaliese to more play dates outside of our home, and working out!

So, I've been busy, but it's been good :)

In no particular order, I'd like to share with you my week in photos!

Taking care of business :) *by the way, these are 10% off through Jan 31, if you're interested*

I was asked to be in a wedding of a friend from high school and this is what our bridesmaids dress will look like, all in shades of purple (minus the sweetheart neckline)

Annaliese had a little music lesson from Uncle Alex when he came over for dinner

(left) I got from my across-the-world-friend, Maureen. (right) I found on Instagram and had to share! (By the way, this is indication that I've been working out) -hehe

We Skyped with my dad and Jackie aka Papou and Nana

Annaliese cannot get enough of this Little People Princess Castle!  I'll admit, I love it too!  #jealous

We found our belly button and have been obsessed ever since!

We had 2 play dates with our friends Nicole and Norah

This is my awesome "to go" cup from my BFF that I've been using when I leave the house :)

We even went out to dinner as a family :) (mommy not pictured) ;)

It's been busy lately, but life wouldn't be life if it weren't busy!  I'll be back soon!  I have to update you all of Annaliese and her "15 month update post" as well as Justin and I's upcoming date night this Saturday!  We'll be celebrating Valentine's Day since it's the only time we have (with a sitter available) to go out together!  I hope you all are doing well and I'll try to catch up on some of your blogs soon!  Much love to you all!

Christmas Happened!

After all of the hectic  preparing, Christmas has bitter-sweetly come and gone.

Shopping, wrapping, cooking, making, painting, tagging, exchanging, cleaning, and making room for all the new toys...it was so worth the many smiles!

Here's a recap of the last week's Christmas festivities!

Thursday 12/20 - Justin and I went shopping start to finish!  It was nice to have a "date day", but it was very exhausting to day the least.  We're still recovering - physically... and financially!

Friday 12/21 - We wrapped our little hearts out and worked on our super secret Christmas project that I can't yet reveal to you because we still have another "Christmas weekend" to be had.

"Good All Year - Just Ask Santa" shirt

Saturday 12/22 - Justin and I cleaned the house and then hopped in the car to go pick up my mother in law and aunt in law and headed up to Hershey, PA to drive through an hour and a half of their "Sweet Lights" Candylane display.  It was a lot of fun, but it was also a long time to be in the car.  Annaliese did really well though!

Sunday 12/23 - We had some last minute shopping to do and had a friend come over and Justin's other aunt and uncle stopped by to give Annaliese a Christmas gift.  We also did some online shopping and ordered Annaliese a "replacement" Teddy Bear because the one she has now and cannot sleep without...has seen better days.

Monday 12/24 - We finished wrapping, had a visit with Justin's cousin, Paige, did some baking enjoyed watching our first "real" snow of the season!  I was very excited to have a White Christmas!  We had plans to go to Justin's dad's old church for their Christmas Eve Candle Light service so we hopped in the car and carefully arrived to church.  It was nice to see familiar faces in a church we used to regularly attend, but since that was the first time we had been there since Justin's dad passed away, it was very hard to see the chair he used to sit in and the pulpit he used to preach at...empty.  The church had a Christmas tree decorated and still put up Ron and Elaine's Christmas decorations, which we thought was very nice.  Annaliese liked hearing the Christmas carols sung by the congregation and applauded.

Then Santa Came...

Tuesday 12/25 - CHRISTMAS!

I'll save the majority of the Christmas pictures for another post, but here are a few from Christmas morning, just the three of us.  Our camera wasn't fully charged yet so these are just iPhone pictures.

Daddy insisted on buying Annaliese this piano!  It's perfect for her and she loves it!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse table and chairs

Her first puzzle!

Mickey Mouse tent, tunnel and ball pit!

More books!

After Annaliese opened all her gifts, we got ready for the day and had my mom, my grandma, my aunt, my brother, Justin's mom and Justin's aunt come over for brunch and to exchange gifts.  It was a very busy morning for Annaliese, so after she opened all of her gifts she took a nap and the adults finished exchanging gifts. 

(Pictures to come in another post)

Once Annaliese woke up, we ALL (except my aunt) headed over to my brother and sister in law's house for Christmas dinner at 3pm.  It was nice to have my family, Justin's family and even my sister in law's family all at the same dinner table.  Good food was had, great laughs were shared, then onto more presents!

Ashley, Jenn and the back of my grandma's head

Elaine, Ginger, Ricky, Ashley and the back of Judy's head

Annaliese, me, my mom and my grandma

me

Ashley, Jenn, my mom, and I

Wednesday 12/26 - Snow Day!  Justin worked a half day at work and came home and we played in the snow.  Well we tried to.  Apparently Annaliese is more like her daddy when it comes to snow and isn't really fond of it.  But she looked really cute in her new snow suit!

Thursday 12/27 - Justin worked from home due to the bad roads.  We had Justin's cousins come visit us and bring Annaliese some more gifts.  She got 2 new books and a Minnie Mouse chair that she loves!

Friday 12/28 - While Justin was at work, Annaliese and I stayed inside, played with some new toys, cleaned a little, did some laundry and got the guest room prepared for Papou and Nana's arrival the next day.

Today- Saturday 12/29 - We're waiting for Papou and Nana to arrive and Annaliese is in rare form today.  The teething monster has stolen my happy baby girl and will not give her back!  Hopefully this doesn't last all weekend and we can have a good and semi-peaceful visit.  (Believe me, you don't want to see a picture of this)  haha!

So there's a little recap and our family life up to date.  Christmas presents post to come later!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa ..whatever holiday you celebrate :)

14 Month Update

Wow...

I seriously have a 14 month old daughter??  Where the heck has the time gone!?!  And when the heck will this shock wear off?!  Seriously!

I have loved each and every day with this little human being we've created.  It still amazes me how smart Annaliese is, how much she has grown and how much of her own little person she is already.

She is very kind and will share her food and drink with mommy and daddy.

Said has said " book", "cat", "duck" and tries to repeat other words that we say.  She goes on and babbles all the time now.  She also says "woah" and "wow" a lot!  Hehehe  I love it!

She loves to walk and run around!  She doesn't like being held too long unless she is really sleepy.

And because she is walking and running around all the time, she also falls a lot more and really hurts her pride (and tush) sometimes more than anything else.

She is still in 18 month clothes and can still fit in most 12 month pants.

She loves spaghetti and mac and cheese!  But for some reason she isn't fond of bananas anymore.  :(

She also LOVES water!  (thank God!)  She doesn't really want anything to do with any kind of juice just yet, but water is just fine.

She still doesn't want to drink milk from a sippy cup either, so we still have a morning bottle and a night time bottle.

She has somehow transitioned herself into only taking one 2 hour nap a day.  I'm okay with that!  It had to happen eventually!  :)

She still loves playing with other kids and hearing them laugh!  I love the smile she gets on her face when she hears other kids laughing.  It's like they have their own little baby code or something!

She can put her toys away as long as mommy and daddy show her how to the first few times that night.

She points to almost everything in the house now.  Then she mumbles.  She's learning!

She loves to play with pots and pans and make music :)  She is also slowly learning to put the correct shapes into her learning toys.

She knows what the tree is (Christmas tree), she knows what a nose is, she knows Sammy (the cat) and she knows her favorite stuffed toys (Teddy, Mickey Mouse, and Pippi, her doll).

She loves going to playgroup and meeting new friends to play with!

She is so very close to using her spoon or fork with 100% success on every bite! 

Here's some pictures and a video to enjoy!

Made a friend, Norah, at playgroup

Went for a walk outside on a 65 degree day in December

Using a fork! (excuse the crazy hair) haha!

Sitting pretty eating a graham cracker

Playing with her Disney characters

She still sleeps on her belly with her butt in the air

She still loves to cuddle

She enjoys eating mini bologna and cheese sandwiches 

She loves watching other babies laughing on YouTube

She loves running around at playgroup

It still amazes me more and more each day of how beautiful she is and how precious life is.  We are so blessed to have a healthy little girl who fills our days with so much love and joy.   :)