Friday, April 29, 2011

Three Words!

I woke up this morning, hopped out of bed and then I realized as I yelled out.. "Oh no, it's Friday!?" Charlie said, "yep". What a disappointment it was find out that it wasn't quite Saturday. Jumping ahead, today being Friday was A-O-K in my book! 

We've left the windows open for days now and let me just say how amazing that is. You can feel life through the breeze and this morning was extra special as I stood in the hallway listening to the birds chirping the sweetest melody. It literally took me to another place. I wish I could have recorded it and even what I'm hearing now. They are just as excited as we are to be in the presence of spring. I feel like it's Christmas and they are all caroling outside. 

I leave you with three words today. Three simple thoughts that I hope you take in this weekend and experience. Excuse the definitions as I made them up because I'm just not digging Webster today ;) ♥

Giggle: the sound you make when something totally amuses you or you find quite odd and you just can't hold it in. I seemed to be doing this all day today and it feels good. My cheeks hurt and I love it!
Adore: the act of tilting your head to the side and unable to hold back a smile because you just love what you're looking at!. This does not only mean to love our family and furry pets, but the nature around us. Enjoy it all, appreciate & simply adore it!
Smile: it's the best facial expression anyone can have and it's when you look your best. It causes your eyes to squint, your cheeks to chunk up, nose scrunches and teeth shine!

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Sending out Friday Love ♥

Happy Friday to all you beautiful people ♥
I wish for you that today will be amazing
That today will be filled with positivity
You are able to accomplish things you didn't get time for this week
I wish that you will start the weekend off fresh!
You smile at a stranger and say hello :)
That the sun will shine & you'll hear the birds singing!


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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Aloha my friends! It's Wednesday and today we're joining Jamie in her fabulous Wednesday Feature!
I'm loving that one of my besties, Corinne is now a proud Aunt to her second healthy niece that was born today! Congratulations to her and her family ♥ Oh we just love babies! It's making me antsy for my bestie, Alisha to give birth on Sunday! :)

I'm loving my little picnic with Peanut on our deck.
 

 I'm loving Goldfish Crackers!
 
I'm loving my Snapple Facts!

I'm loving that I finally put together my Photography page on Facebook!
 
I'm loving LIFE ♥

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Creating a Memory













Today I created a memory. Not only will I remember it for being a bit under the weather but it's the day I carved my love into the unique bench in our backyard. Okay, so it's our first initials but carving is quite a tough job, especially while keeping your eye on an active little pup!

I believe everything happens for a reason. When we bought the house the owners left behind a picnic table and two benches. I loved them, Charlie & I both did. They suited our backyard perfectly and when Charlie put together our fire pit he set the benches around the fire and the table on the side. I fell in love with that spot in the yard. As I fall in love with him all over again every day.

I hope that today you created a memory, something you can mark down in history, your history. ♥

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Sponsor Love: Lily Love





When did you begin blogging and what inspired you?  I started in the beginning of '10 and EVERYTHING inspired me. But it was mostly fashion and photography that really got me started.

What would you like to accomplish in life?  I really want to become an elementary school teacher. I've always wanted to be one. And because I know I still can be one, I'm really wanting to go back to school in fall. 

Is there something you do to 'de-stress'?  Yes! In this order: warm shower, hot tea and a really good movie or book. Works all the time!

Do you have any advice for other bloggers who are just starting off?  Do what you want. Write about what you want, post whatever you want and stay inspired. Also, I have a visual inspiration board that I use to keep me inspired...make one! Your blog will thank you later. You'll thank me later too ;)

Is there someone you look up to in life? Are they famous or close to you and why?  Other than my parents, I really look up to Bethany Joy Galeotti. She plays Haley James Scott on "One Tree Hill" and she has this amazing heart to see great things done in this world. She holds herself with class and completely removes herself from the status quo of today's "celebrity world". I love reading her blog...not only is it funny, but I've learned so much from her! (www.bethanyjoy.com)

You can visit Che'Lyssa at:
Blog: Lily Love
Bloglovin: Lily Love
Twitter: @chelyssamae
Facebook: LilyLoveBlog
 

May: Sponsor Love ♥

I'm very excited to share this news with everyone! Love is Everywhere is now offering 2 different size Ad Spaces for Sponsors. If anyone would like to upgrade please let me know ♥

If you're interested please feel free to email me: LovewithKatie@gmail.com 
You can find all of the additional details by clicking on the cute little button below!

Events in History

I'm not quite sure what pushed me to do so, but I decided to look up April 26th. I did this in search of some fabulous event in history that occurred on this day. Instead I found dreadful, sad events in history along with cancellations of TV Shows and then of course Hollywood Weddings. So with that said, not all was bad but nothing stuck out to me enough to tilt my head and smile.

So today I challenge all of you, to make today your day. To do something out of the norm to remember April 26th for no other reason than how you make it. We can really do this on any day, but just because I was so disappointed with the lists that appeared we need to make this day go down in history for something positive.You make your own special piece of history.

I too need to find something to remember today for. Please share with me anything you do. Whether it's busting out singing in a huge crowd (oh I love that one!) or simply experiencing something new with loved ones. Somehow we need to remember April 26th ♥

By the end of the day I will share what I have accomplished today. I hope you'll share as well ♥



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Monday, April 25, 2011

Sharing a Love Story ♥

On this new day we have for you a new Love Story! Our lovely friend Colleen AKA Five Foot Mama has shared with us her beautiful story about her first born. Enjoy and if you have a moment stop bye to visit her and spread love her way ♥

My crazy love story began with a splash... my water broke on Tuesday, February 23rd at 3:54 am.  I wasn't having very noticeable contractions yet. I could feel tightening in my abdomen, but nothing strong enough to tell when it started or ended so that we could time them. I decided to hop in the shower and clean off since I assumed stronger labor and the trip to the hospital was a long way off. By the time I got out, my husband, Ryan, had the bed sheets changed (I had a big absorbent pad underneath the sheet in case my water broke at night...thank God I did! It got every drop!) and was in the process of packing the last of our hospital bags. I was starving so I decided to have a bowl of cereal at about 5:00. Ryan tried to catch a few more hours of sleep. Around 10:00 we hopped in the car to bring our dog, Emmy, up to my Mom and Dad's place. I was still feeling pretty good, but would get a pretty strong contraction every once in a while with several small ones in between.

Ryan called the hospital at noon to see when they wanted me to come in since my water had been broken for 8 hours already.  They start worrying about infection rather quickly. After they heard that my contractions were about 10 minutes apart and that my water broke so long ago, they told us to come in right away. They got me all hooked up to the monitors and checked me right away- I was at 3 cm and 90% effaced. At the previous office visit I had been only 1 cm and 60-70% effaced...so I was making progress. We decided to try to keep things moving (or speed them up) by walking laps up and down the hallways. We did this for quite a while. They checked me again, 2 hours after we got to the hospital (around 2:15) and I was at 5 cm- halfway there!

Unfortunately, labor really started slowing down once I hit 5 cm. I didn't progress much at all within the next few hours and my contractions started to strengthen. I was beginning to get very uncomfortable with each and was worried that I'd wait too long to decide what I wanted for pain medication and not be able to get any if I progressed quickly at the end. After discussing with Ryan and my parents, I finally took my Dad's and Ryan's advice and chose to get an epidural. It was about 5:30 or 6:00 at this point and they said that I would have to wait until 7:00 for the nurse anesthetist to show up to administer it. In the meantime they started my IV, with the help of some EMLA numbing cream, and I did great! No crying or anything.  This might not sound like a great feat to most people, but I am needle phobic! They started me on some fluids while we waited for him to show up. He was an hour late and finally showed up at 8:00. I was feeling pretty bad by then- and I was terrified of the epidural! They managed to get it done, but I didn't handle it very well. I had sort of a breakdown, but managed to sit still enough for them to get it done.  It was really hard, especially in the midst of bad contractions. As soon as the medicine got going, I started feeling MUCH better. It entirely took care of the contractions. It was inadvertently placed slightly to the right of center, so I couldn't move my right leg at all, but had full control of my left.

After I got the epidural they decided to start pitocin to ramp up my contractions and hopefully get me to progress faster. This worked well for about an hour, but then the baby started showing signs of stress. His heart rate would drop with each contraction. They decided to stop the pitocin and give him a break. I don't remember my dilation numbers at this point because this same cycle went on for another 8 hours or so. I did eventually get dilated enough that I could try pushing.

The doctor had me give a couple of pushes during a contraction. I was mostly worried that I wouldn't push correctly, but apparently I was doing it perfectly. Unfortunately, the baby's heart rate dropped dramatically while I was pushing. At that point they told me that his cord was being compressed somewhere so that he wasn't receiving any oxygen while I was pushing (which is the same reason the pitocin was causing him this stress). They decided that I would have to have the baby by C-Section. I was REALLY mad and terrified, to say the least. I had a lot of questions and couldn't stop bawling... actually, everyone there- Mom, Dad, my sister Haley, and friends Heather, Eric, and Shannon, were really worked up. I had sent Ryan home to get a few hours of sleep, so he hurried back as soon as he heard the news. He did a good job of calming me down as much as possible, but I was still terrified and so was he. They had to draw some blood to count and type in case I would need some in an emergency. They also had to give me a catheter, which sucks a lot.

Soon I was being rolled into the OR. The anesthetist was running the numbing medicine into my epidural as they walked me. He kept asking me if I could wiggle my toes and I always could. Ryan had to wait until they got me set up before they let him in. I was pretty mad about that, too. Getting prepped was so scary. There was about 8 people buzzing around me hooking me to things and draping me all over.  It was so cold and sterile in the operating room!  I guess the sterility is a good thing... Finally they let Ryan come in and sit next to me. He was terrified. They kept trying to get me numb, but after administering twice the amount of medicine they normally use, I still had total feeling. So they gave me the choice of having another shot in the back to try to numb me, or they could put me under general anesthesia. I didn't know what to do!  I REALLY didn't want more needles and I was also afraid of feeling the pressure/discomfort of the surgery, but I wanted to see or hear my baby being born!  I asked the anesthetist what I should do and he said to do the general, so that's what I did.  In hindsight, I should have never made the decision to be put under general anesthesia.  I missed the birth of my baby- my FIRST baby!  If I ever have to have another cesarean section, I pray that I'll be able to be awake to hear my baby's first cry.  I still get sad and depressed thinking about how I missed it.

Ryan had to leave right away and wait in the recovery room. I was completely asleep right away. Everything went well as far as the surgery goes. The baby came out extremely clean (the nurses were shocked at how clean) and with the best C-Section lungs they had  ever heard! He was born at 7:09am on February 24th. He was 6 pounds 2 oz and 19.5 inches long. His apgars were 8 and 9. And obviously, he was a BOY! They brought him into the recovery room right away to meet his Daddy (Mommy was still asleep). Ryan checked him out and was immediately in love with him!  He cut what was left of  the cord and went with him to the nursery where they weighed, measured, and foot printed him. They also did his vitamin k shot and his eye ointment. At that point Ryan went to tell everyone that I and the baby were doing well so far, but he didn't tell the the sex yet- I wanted to be there!

Finally I began to wake up, but was having trouble breathing. I kept saying that my throat was too dry to breathe. Finally they understood me and started giving me water on sponges. Then I asked what I had. They told me it was a boy... then I asked twice more- I couldn't believe it!!!  I thought it was a girl.  We hadn't found out the sex of the baby, but we just were convinced that it was a girl!  Finally, after I begged enough, they let Ryan back in. He told me about the baby while I was still coming out of the anesthesia. They wanted to wait longer before bringing the baby into the recovery room, but I wouldn't leave them alone. I wanted to see my son!  I was getting mad at the nurses. They kept telling me to cough to clear my lungs and I could sort of do it. Finally I had a better cough. I looked at the one nurse and just said, "Was that good enough?!" They finally gave in and brought in my baby boy. I started crying when they gave him to me. I was so happy and madly in love, but still shocked that he was a boy.

We finally got rolled back into the original delivery room where all of our visitors- Shannon, Eric, Heather, Mom, and Dad were waiting. Ryan went and got the favors (which is how we were announcing the sex) and told everyone to hold out their hands and to close their eyes. They did it and opened their eyes to see a bag of BLUE gummy bears tied with an "It's a boy" ribbon! Everyone kind of screamed in shock! It was gonna be a girl! We were all wrong.  We introduced our son to his awaiting family and friends.  We finally had the 3rd piece of our family and our love for each other just multiplied tremendously!  

I'm just so lucky and blessed to have such loving and supportive family and friends that got me though this scary, scary time! I'm so in love with my little baby and with Ryan.  I'll always remember my crazy first labor experience.  How could I possibly forget it?!?! It definitely was all worth it, but I hope it's the hardest labor I ever have!!!  Can't get too much worse, really (assuming baby and I are healthy), so I guess I just need to look forward to having baby number 2!
You can visit Colleen at:
All stories will be archived here. We would love to read your story so if you would like to share please visit for details ♥:
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Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter, Love & Colours ♥

I am sending all my love to all of you & your families. I hope that today is bright, beautiful and filled with delicious food. Give a lot of hugs and take in each moment. Make sure that at some point in your busy schedules today you find a few moments for you. Take a quick walk outside and breathe in the fresh air.


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Saturday, April 23, 2011

Donuts, anyone?

The title of this post is quite deceiving as donuts is not the topic of conversation today. I will say though I ate a donut this morning and it was D to the E to the L-I-C-I-O-U-S!

Today is gloomy, oh how it's dreadful out. With any day like today there's still beauty to be found, love to be spread around and did I mention fun? There's always something to do on a day like today.

Looking out our bedroom window in search for just a smidge of sunlight there I see the pretty flowers growing under our Maple Tree. They brighten up our front yard. Don't mind the dead grass. It's a work in progress! :)

Shopping and great finds brighten a day like today! My sister and I took a trip to Target (a dangerous store because of the awesome prices). I spent under $60 and walked away with some fabulous new items.

Then of course my favorite thing to do.. Blog! I have more time today to browse around and catch up on all your lives! I wish I was home all day, lol... one could dream right? That's me, snuck away to the bedroom where it's quiet and cozy.

Then this evening Charlie and I will be spending with our two besties. I can't wait to see them. We're trying to get time in while we can before they head off to San Diego! We're excited for our visits out there ♥ 

How did you spend your day? I hope it was a sunnier there here in CT! I love you all :)

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Friday, April 22, 2011

Well, Hello Friday!

~Oh what a Good Friday it's been ♥ 

~This will be short & sweet as I am so exhausted!

~Today I left work feeling quite accomplished. I finished all unfinished work and Monday I will start from scratch. Believe me when I say.. that never happens to me. Hooray!

~Peanut and I took a little walk in our yard and in the search for a good Peanut pee spot we discovered these beautiful flowers. They are technically in my neighbor's yard but knowing there is just dirt and dead trees.. these survived. Reminding me of that beautiful story "The Last Leaf" by O'Henry. May I add this photo was taken by my phone. Oh how I love my phone's superpowers to take such a sweet picture! It's all about the little things that surprise us.. that we discovered which have truly always been there!

I hope that this weekend when you find yourself in a moment you've been many times before, a place that you know inside and out.. you'll look around and take it all in. You'll be shocked to see what has been right in front of you this whole time. It's a great feeling, I promise ♥





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Thursday, April 21, 2011

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Hello to all you beautiful bunnies! Yes I said bunnies as I'm seeing them everywhere I look ♥ I have to say that since I began joining in the lovely Sydney in her fun Thursday feature I pay more attention to my silliness. I cracked up all day at stupid things I did and the first thought that came to my mind was.. I can't wait to share this!!



Awkward:
*  My car was on empty (oops) and shimmied to the gas station. Put my debit card in and entered my secret pass code. When the machine was ready for me it lit up and balloons flew in the air. Okay, I"m just kidding but it did it's 'Let's pump some gas' beep. So I fill up my tank and then the machine shuts off. I walked inside and the cashier seemed to be expecting me. They didn't say sorry or explain what happened. They just said, you're all set. Awkward right?
*  I should mention that leaving the gas station I walked out of my right heel, yes.. week after week the same occurrence.
*  At work someone handed me papers. I must have had a foggy minded moment because I held my hand out and say 'These me are papers?". If that wasn't bad enough, I laughed, the woman handed me the papers laughed and I went to correct my statement and all's that came out was.. "These me are my papers?" What is wrong with me, lol?
*  Laying on the deck swing with Peanut while eating a fruit roll up. It took me a minute to realize Peanut was watching me the whole time licking his lips. Sorry Peanut, no fruit roll up for you!
*  Reminding my family for a few months to call to book a room for when we go to PA for my cousin's Wedding in May. I was on everyone's case. Then I realized this past weekend I never booked a room, lol! There was only 2 left, so Charlie and I will get a room with 2 queen beds. It'll be nice to have my own bed! ♥

Awesome:
*  My fabulous, loveable and favorite Aunt is visiting from Michigan for the week. There is just something about her presence that puts our entire family in a sweet mood. When our Memere passed away my Aunt filled her shoes. She's a beautiful soul. ♥
*  Since my Aunt is here we'll be having a HUGE Easter. Normally, Easter in our family is just amongst the individual families. We save the big gatherings for July 4th and Christmas. Needless to say, I'm extremely stoked for Sunday (pictures will be posted, I promise).
*  The amount of time that Charlie and I are able to spend together since he started his new position. I'm so thankful for it. I love him so much. He's so awesome!
*  In 10 days my best friend, Alisha will be having her baby boy RJ. It's making me antsy!
*  Finally filling some empty photo frames in our house with pictures!
*  My lovely friend Lisa will be teaching me how to use my 'Easy Sewing Machine'. That way I can get more into my fun projects. I can't wait to leave the beginner's circle!
*  This past weekend we had a party for our two besties who will be heading out to San Diego after their baby is born. We had our group of friends over, had a ping pong tournament, ate baked ziti, pizza, had wine. It was a memorable night!





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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What I'm loving Wednesday

Aloha my friends! It's Wednesday and today we're joining Jamie in her fabulous Wednesday Feature!
 
I'm loving polka dots ♥ ... My sudden burst of creative energy has taken over. I've been in search of it for months! Today I've began my attempt at making a purse/bag. It's not finished, of course. Do you like it?  :)


 I'm loving my new bangle bracelet I made. Yes, another fun creative project I started!
 
I'm loving my lovely gift I won here! It just came in the mail today and I'm already antsy as to who I'll write my first card out to! These cards were created by Heather at Blondie's Shop.

I'm loving Pepsi! Oh gosh, I know that's it not the healthiest drink. Okay, so it probably doesn't fall in even the 'semi' healthy category. I sure love it though!

I'm loving kisses from my fuzzy little ball of love. Peanut, our baby boy! He has a way about him that makes us forget about everything.
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Let Who You Are Shine!

Today is Tuesday and it's rainy. One of those days that the moment I got out of bed, showered and changed.. the only thought in my mind was to leap back into bed and stay there the whole, entire day. My day was busy but I still found myself watching the clock on my monitor at work, in hopes that my eyes would cause the time to *wallah* 'it's time to leave'. In a way, it worked because here I am.  In the spirit of this dreadful, mopey weather that Mother Nature sent us, I wanted to bring to life my lovely, faux spring flowers! Enjoy my ridiculous self because I do! Also, there may be a little furry surprise at the end! ♥

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Surprise!!

Monday, April 18, 2011

29 Gifts: Day 10

"Nothing is worth more than this day" -Goethe

Day 10: Back on December 19th I wrote this post. A wonderful friend that I met 5 years ago when I began my job was diagnosed with Melanoma. She's been fighting it since. She has been so strong and I admire her. This is a woman who has always and continues to put everyone around her first even with the battle of her cancer.

This past week they discovered that the cancer had spread and the news was given just a few days prior to her Birthday. Two of my friends that were with me back in December to visit her when she was inpatient ventured to see her again. We went to bring the celebration of her birthday to her. We spent Sunday making her laugh, listening to her stories, sharing our stories and eating cake! She wanted us to take pictures, lots of them and that we did. We decorated her room and gave her gifts. Also, there were numerous cards that people at work signed and passed around that just brought the biggest smile to her face, she lit up. It was beautiful.

The entire day was inspiring and quite memorable. To be with someone that has so much appreciation for life, that truly believes that love keeps us alive. I felt at peace being with her. I ask that everyone say a little prayer if you have some time. A prayer that her amazing strength does not weaken. A prayer that she does not stop smiling. Please send your love in those prayers. ♥ I thank you for that!





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Sunday, April 17, 2011

It's all about Colors!

One of my lovely friends that we all know and adore, Brooke at Bright Wishes has a cute feature in which others put together Color Inspiration Boards. I created one to share and it's being featured on her blog today. Head over, visit, say hello, check out all of the other inspiring boards that so many wonderful people have created. ♥

She explains why she created this feature and how it works. You can visit here: http://brightwishes.blogspot.com/p/color-boards.html



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Saturday, April 16, 2011

Love Love Love Stories! ♥

Hello to all you beautiful people! I wanted to take a moment to share with you all of the Love Stories received to date. I'm truly amazed as well touched to see how many there are when they're lined up. I am always going to keep this feature going and share the stories as they are received. So I promise, it will never go away. An idea came to me a while ago about creating a book if enough were shared and of course everyone was open to the idea! I'd love to hear any thoughts on that from all of you! Feel free to browse through the stories you have may missed. As always spread the love and if you would like to feature your Love Story you can send me an email: LovewithKatie@gmail.com.

 
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Friday, April 15, 2011

29 Gifts: Day 9

 "Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity" - Buddha

Day 9: I have only one sibling and that is my sister, Kelly. She's 4 years older but the age gap never was a problem. We were very close growing up, confiding in each other, having mutual friends. We're night and day though. I think that's why our relationship is so unique. We have so many different interests but they make us strong as individuals. We each bring something to the table, so to speak. 

As all families go through their own struggles our family was no different. Together we have all overcame some pretty crazy obstacles. I'm proud of my family, but most of all my sister. She amazes me. One thing about her that stands out to all is her talent. In Elementary my parents bought her a keyboard. There was no rhyme or reason, they just got her one hoping that she would enjoy playing. They signed her up for lessons and so she went for years to the same instructor. Kelly's talent amazes  me, that's clear.. but what leaves me speechless is how she can hear something and immediately begin playing it with only missing a few keys. 

From the keyboard she moved onto the piano. Then as the years approached that joining band was an option she thought 'Why Not' and picked up a Clarinet. Over the years, my sister taught herself to play almost every instrument... the guitar, the baritone, the flute.. etc etc.. She's remarkable!

I was browsing all of your lovely blogs and one picture stood out. My wonderful friend, Danielle at Positively Positive has her own Etsy Shop. I began peaking around at her creations and I was in awe. Immediately, I noticed the cute totebag with the musical notes. Out loud in my living room with the laptop on my lap.. I said "Kelly!" The puppy looked up at me confused. I said out loud again "Kelly!.. I have to get that for her, she'll love it!".. and so I did. 

Kelly knows about the gift but she'll be receiving it tomorrow when I see her. She's already extremely psyched about her gift. It has her name written all over it! Not really, but in musical notes. I love you Kelly ♥
 

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