Thoughts From The Toys

Dear Davis,



I love you. We are supposed to be friends. I am here to play with you, keep you company. Entertain you when mommy needs a time out. Supposed to help you learn and explore new things. Listen to new sounds, see new shapes and colors, and be the little baby that you are. But here lately, I am thinking about calling the toy abuse hotline. You hurt me. You hurt me deep, kid. Why must you always pick us up like we are a rag doll and chunk us across the room as hard as you can. I mean, you are only one, but you've got an arm on you there buddy! I maybe made of plastic, but I am not steel. We have feelings, too. Haven't you seen Toy Story? That's my family there, kid! Do you want me laying around all day like this? I know your mom and dad love you very much, but they can't afford to go out and buy you new toys everytime you actually smash one and it shatters. Luckily, this hasn't happened yet, or we would be having big problems here little guy. Although, you have mangaged to break the sound in a few things and you wonder why it isn't working anymore. This actually amuses me.

So, us toys in your house have decided to give you another chance. Maybe your parents will get lucky with that arm of yours and you will go into the Major Leagues someday. Until then, please proceed with caution. I know you're a boy, but must you always do this? Maybe we should go back to stuffed animals?

Signed,
Your toy box

One Of Those Days....

Yes, one of THOSE days. And I mean a day that was so great, it overrides all of the bad days. A day that my little guy was so good, and in such a wonderful mood, I wanted to call the radio stations and make an announcement. Stop the press, people! Davis is having an amazing day! Now, I'm not saying this never happens, but for those of you that read my blog on a regular basis, you know that things can be a little tiring with his whole separation anxiety at times. Shall I say good times? Oh, yes! So that's why days like yesterday, I feel like I need to celebrate. It wasn't just an hour, or half the day, it was the entire day of him being an angel!

We started the day off and had breakfast together. I am pretty sure the Davis is still allergic to eggs, so he only eats the yolk. (This doesn't affect him, only the egg white) That boy chowed down! I swear, you would think I never feed him!

He must have been saving some for later, you think?!

Davis looooves to read books. I can read him 8 books in a row, and then still have to read his favorite 3 more times. So now his favorite thing lately is to 'read' to me. It has to be the cutest thing ever. He will grab a book, turn the pages, and babble along like he's reading. He will even laugh like he just read a funny part out loud. It's so adorable. I wish I had it on video, because he does this almost everyday, and his daddy still hasn't seen it yet.

This is a good part, mom!


We also went to the splash pad and played around for a little bit. Since school has started, we had the park almost all to ourselves.



So, not everyday is a bad day, but when amazing days happen like yesterday, it sure trumps all of the not so good ones!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Don't forget about my Mimi Marie Clutch giveaway!!

Follow Me Friday

Fridays are supposed to be fun, right??!!! So go on over and link up!






So, here are just a FEW that you can go link up with.


Don't forget about my Mimi Marie Clutch giveaway!
She has very, very cute purses and jewelry! Go enter. Now! :)
Have a great weekend.

I Love My Goofball Husband-WW

This picture is a few years old, but I'm posting it just because. It cracks me up. We pulled over on the side of the road just to take the picture as soon as we saw the sign. Perfect for each other? I think so!



We have so much fun together!


Don't forget about my Mimi Marie clutch giveaway!

I Gave Birth

Okay, no, I obviously did not give birth yesterday or anything. But as many of you know, my little guy's first birthday was last week. With all of the planning, hecticness, full house, and excitment, I didn't really think about what that day really meant to ME, in particular. Not like I want a gold medal or anything, but wow, I gave birth! I look at my 20 pound son and think, okay, how in the world. I realize he wasn't 20 pounds, all curled up in my belly! But I can't even imagine him that small anymore. When people say it goes so fast over and over and over...and over, they really mean it!

It still blows my mind that I carried him for the most uncomfortable nine months of my life. Felt like 19 months at the time, and of course now, it doesn't seem that bad. (Don't get confused here. I do not want baby #2 any time soon!) With the heat of the summer, the emotions, and feeling as big as a house just seems beyond worth it. Obviously! If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I would go from full on laughter, to full on crying in a matter of seconds!

So, another thing that dawned on me was that I designated Davis' first birthday, my birth day too. I mean, hello! I gave BIRTH to him, right? So, shouldn't I get something? (That's where my gold medal comes in) I decided that I deserved a new outfit. That's right. Deserved it. For Davis' birthday, I got me a new dress. Just because. All the blood, sweat, and tears can be rewarded, right?!? Michael just laughed at me. I have a valid point, here!!

And I didn't post a picture of Davis' amazing cake! So, so cute!!!

That's my rambles for today! Please don't forget to enter my clutch giveaway!!! Free purse, people!

Mimi Marie Clutch Giveaway

That's right! I am doing a clutch giveaway for one lucky winner! I was so excited when Mimi Marie Designs wanted to do a giveaway and review, as she has the prettiest purses and handstamped jewelry! Excited yet? You should be!

Gorgeous vintage, retro, and upcyled fabric will be used, and she creates stunning clutches and handbags to match any outfit you choose to wear! So many great fabrics to come! Should you need a custom order for a special event, she is the lady to go to. Need a specific color, fabric, print, let her know and she can help you choose something!

I was so excited when I received the Dahlia-Silver Lady the other day! It is the perfect accessory and so pretty. With silver flowers on each side, it is simple, yet chic. This purse is made of light weight fabric and has a beautiful silver silk lining. (Also comes in fushcia) Perfect for on the go day time, or a nice quiet evening out! I am so in love with this purse, and I know you will love it too!


Check out a few of her other items!




So, if you're not in the market for a fabulous new clutch, Mimi Marie Designs also makes custom jewelry! Be sure to check everything out!

How do you win a clutch of your own??? I know you want to know!
1)Mandatory entry: Visit Mimi Marie's shop and tell me which item you wish to win!
2) Add her shop to your favorites
3) Become a follower of my blog. If you already follow, still one entry
4) Follow me on twitter and tweet about giveaway (Jessibella8)
5) Follow Mimi Marie on Twitter
6) Become a fan of Mimi Marie's Facebook fan page
7) Blog about this giveaway for 5 entries
8) Mention this giveaway on your blog for 3 entries

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

Nestle and Soar Winner!

The Nestle and Soar giveaway has ended and I have one lucky winner!



Nessa from Moments and Impressions!

Congrats again!!


Stay tuned later on today as I have a great clutch giveaway!

Already A Year?

To my little sweet man,

I can't believe you are already a year old! I still feel like I just had you in my tummy, kicking my ribs and swimming around in there. You were the sweetest little baby, and grabbed my fingers with your tiny, precious hand. I immediately fell in love with you.

This past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions, while learning to adjust to a new life with you. I have learned so much from you already, and feel that you have made me into a better person, and the mom that I have always wanted to be. I love watching you explore the big, new world around you. It feels like I am experiencing things for the first time with you. Seeing things through your eyes. You have taught me to be more patient and enjoy life more.

You still aren't saying 'mama' and I almost think it's just because you are doing it on purpose. You start laughing when I try to get you to say it. Little stinker! The words you are saying are of course dada, baba, and lala. Can I get a mama, please? You also babble all of the time, and talk to yourself everyday in your crib. It is the cutest little sound. You have finally started crawling in front of us within the last month. You were for some reason, hiding the fact that you were crawling! We caught you on video. Boy, you are a handful! Your favorite thing right now is throwing things. And I mean everything! I don't know how some of your toys haven't broken because you chunk everything full force across the room! You also love playing ball with me and your dad. You'll throw the ball and catch it. If you could do this all day, I'm sure you would. The door stoppers have also become a favorite right now. It's the little things!

Learning is a must for you. You want me to read books to you all the time and you will sit quietly and help me turn the pages. You also love flash cards. Excitment is written all over your face when you get a card right! I'm such a proud mama :)

I can't even begin to express how much I love you and how you have changed my life. I can't wait to see what the next year brings and continue to grow right along with you! I love you Davis!

Mama

Summer Steals!

Looking for the perfect necklace to go with everything from day to night? Try on this beautiful Stella & Dot Glint Flower Necklace. Looks great with jeans during the day, and quickly transforms to the little black dress attire.





This necklace is only $39!!! How can you argue with that?!

There are also the perfect earrings to match!


The earrings are $39 as well!

Start your Christmas shopping early! Get the stocking stuffers out of the way! I can help you with the perfect jewelry for you and the little princess of the family!

Davis & Dexter-Wordless Wednesday

I'm trying to make Dexter chase his tail

Let's check the teeth on this guy!

Dexter, you need a mint!

Big Birthday Boy!

BIG BIRTHDAY BOY!!

This picture is just priceless. I know, I'm awful. My poor baby woke up sick and was so ready for bed, but overall, had a great time!

Yes, I found a hat!!





His new big boy ride!


And drum set! He loves it!




Don't forget about my Nestle and Soar giveaway!!

Nestle And Soar

Don't you love cute home accents? Little things that are so unique that no one else has? Something you look at that can tell a story, something that you want to keep with you always. I have the perfect thing for you. Have a spot in your house that needs a little happiness? Try this Blue Bird of Happiness pillow. How can you see this and not be in a good mood! Know a bird lover, someone that has a birthday coming up? Or need a little sunshine in your own home? This is just for you!

Nestle and Soar makes handmade pillows that are small, soft, and collectible Folk Art. She uses all natural products such as organic wool and linen. This nature lover is all about trees, flowers, and birds. Her folk art has been featured in museums, shops, and galleries.


Want a unique Bird of Happiness pillow for yourself? Well go enter away!!

1. Mandatory entry- visit Nestle and Soar and tell me an item that you would like
2. Follow my blog. If you already follow, counts as an entry.
3. Visit Nestle and Soars Blog
4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave your twitter name (jessibella8)
5. Follow me on Facebook
6. Talk about this giveaway on your blog

This giveaway will end next Sunday, 22nd.

Good Luck!!

Booted From Babycenter?!?

Have you ever heard of Babycenter.com? You know, the site that will send you weekly status updates on your baby, where you can join different groups and discuss topics on your child? Get support on issues, share pictures, connect? Sometimes these moms are like a lion that escaped the cage at the circus. They unleash their inner anger out of you that they have been holding back from their children. It's like a cyber cat fight! Claws out and teeth ready to sink in.

One of the groups that I am in on babycenter is a stay at home moms group. Women get on there and vent all day about how much they hate staying at home with their children. What do you do with your time? I wish I was working. I haven't gotten out of my pajamas in two weeks. Is it normal to not have sex since your honeymoon? You get the picture. I decided to attempt and offer a helping hand. Since I don't like rules, and prefer not to read them, I crossed a major boundary with Baby Center. Many moms were discussing how they wish they could stay at home, yet still work. So, of course a light bulb went off over my head! I will share with everyone about Stella & Dot. If I can do it, anyone can do it. So I went on to talk about the benefits, the perks, how it has helped me keep my sanity. It sounded so good, I made myself want to sign up again! I really thought this would be such a great thing for other stay at home moms like me. That we could bond and do this together. Like we were going to end world hunger, or something. Yeah, but no. That didn't go over so well. Next thing I knew, my inbox was flooded with responses to my post. My initial reaction was to get very excited, thinking that I had such a great reactions. That other moms were jumping for joy of the thought of this opportunity. Fine, I'm exaggerating a tad. But it was the exact opposite. My post got shut down. Someone commented and said BOO! BOO!!! Really? I got booed on babycenter? Booed? Well, turns out that what I wrote was considered spam and I had gone against their biggest rule of posting topics on their site. But the comments kept coming. I was told that if they were the site GO, they would have shut me down too. Okay, by this point, this was all becoming absolutely hysterical. Do they really take that, that seriously? Wow, people. I was considered advertising, but if I wanted to rewrite my post and get it 'approved' that I was able to do so. Thanks oh so much for the offer babycenter, but no thank you. And the comments and emails kept coming. I felt like I was in jr. high, being bullied. Can we say ridiculous?

So dare I say I won't be posting anything close to that on babycenter in the future. So beware my online, mommy surfing friends. Sometimes when you try and lend a helpful hand, or typing finger, case closed. I didn't realize I sounded like an advertisement. Maybe I missed my calling!

GIRL'S NIGHT!-WW

Not so wordless....



One of my really dear friends came to see me this past weekend and I was so beyond excited! Mama needed a break times a million. Billion. To infinity and beyond. (Davis isn't old enough to watch Toy Story, so that's all me. So even though you have no idea who these people are, that's okay, you can pretend.



Erika hadn't seen Davis since about two months, so he has gotten just a little bigger since then!! So, he could pass for her son over mine!!



And we are out the door and the rest is history!


My best friend, Candice, came and met us out.

This not so wordless, wordless Wednesday was brought to you by a lot of screaming, therefore followed by several beers. Thank you.

Busy Bee

I am counting down the days until....drumroll....Davis' first birthday party on Saturday! Yes, this Saturday!! My little monkey man is going to be one years old. How does time fly by so fast? Wow! I went on a mission today to try and find him a shirt saying 'Birthday Boy' or '1st Birthday.' You get the point. But I had no luck! I did find a LONG SLEEVE shirt that I could have bought, but I decided against it. As much as I want a cute little shirt, I don't want my poor guy having a heat stroke on his first birthday! If I have to get a Sharpie marker, I will draw a number 1 if I have to! But I did find a ridiculously cute 1st Birthday party hat that he is going to absolutely hate, but I love it :)
Michael's mom and step dad are coming in this Friday and I am so excited! Yup! I am actually excited for the in-laws to come in town. She is so beyond excited to see Davis! Plus, I know at some point we will do a little shopping, so who can argue with that? So this week I am trying to get things together. Last minute errands, attempt to clean the house and hope it stays clean for longer than an hour. (I think someone breaks in in the middle of the night and hangs out here! Maybe they ate that chicken, too. If you're new, you'll have to read this.) Cake! I need to get him a cake. We were going to bake him one, but I actually want it to look cute, and taste good!

(I know my son's name isn't Jake, but this is adorable!) So needless to say, Saturday we are going to have a house full. Davis is probably going to be massively overwhelmed and not know what to think about it! And I really, really hope that I don't tear up when we sing 'Happy Birthday' or at some point. If I do, hopefully I won't be alone on this one! Surely someone at some point had to have teared up a a little. Michael just shook his head and said he really hopes that I don't!

Nothing has changed with his seperation anxiety. It's still a daily battle. If he leaves the room, it's fine. If I leave the room, screams. I also want to get his allergies tested soon too. Has anyone done this yet? Before? If this poor child is anything like me, he is going to be allergic to everything. People tease me all the time and tell me I should be in a bubble. So sweet, huh? I know, I'm bubble girl. It's not that bad, I'm not allergic to air or anything. Just the freshly cut grass wafting in the air!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Stella & Dot's summer specials! Really great steals right now!



Interested in earning FREE jewelry?? Book a trunk show wear the fabulous jewelry for no cost to you. Let me know where you are located!

Lol and Grace Winner!

True Random Number Generator

Min:
Max:
Result:
8

Once again, my computer is hating me so I have to copy and paste instead of doing a screen shot! But don't worry, I am being honest :)

The winner of the Lola and Grace giveaway is: Just The Two Of Us

Be sure to stop by and check out her blog! And does she have the cutest little girl ever. Her pictures are just too cute :)

Have a great day everyone!

Summer Steals!

Check out just a few of Stella & Dot's summer steals! All for UNDER $50!!

Owl Charm Pendant Necklace-$33

Signature Clover Chandaleir Earrings-$36.75

Claire Necklace-$36.75

Ava Cupchain Necklace-$33.00 (As seen in Lucky)

Make sure you take a look at all the different styles that Stella & Dot has to offer! Look and feel like a celebrity, and still have money for shoes!

Work for the woman-You. Stella & Dot is the modern home-based career that your mother never had. We've put the power of ecommerce, social networking and personal service behind an irresistible jewelry line. It's the next big opportunity for our era. Think getting together with girlfriends, Lucky Magazine, Facebook and no glass ceiling in sight. Recognized in the New York Times and on the Today Show, it's not only a big idea, it's a smart business that actually works. Let me help you get started today!

Lollipop Kid-Friday Follow

'We represent, the Lollipop Kids' You know the song!! Don't worry, I won't do a vlog and sing it to you...just yet. Lately Davis' hair is so stinking cute, and I always want to sing that song to him since the little curls flip up above his ears! And then all those teeth coming in, it's adorable. Well, he's my baby, of course I think it's adorable. Despite my last post if you read it, we are still having some fun, laughable times. He manages to fool people in public all the time with those flirty little smiles. 'Oh, what a perfect little baby,' they say. He is the master of that!
And he is eating little meals like a champ. I say that meaning with a bowl, plate, etc. without flinging them like a frisbee. I'm sure that will be our next adventure! We just made him these hash brown, veggie bites this week and I swear the kid eats better than us sometimes!


Now go link up with Friday Follow and have a great weekend, everyone!

I'll Take A Padded Room For One, Please

Where to begin? Where to begin? That is the question. Right now I am trying to keep my head above water, and sucking in a little nasty salty water as I go along. Of course, overall, my life is great. And of course there are a few little bumps in the road. While I am in the middle of (still) experiencing them, they do not seem like mere bumps, but more like huge boulders

My career with Stella & Dot is going so great right now, that I think that is one thing that is helping me avoid swallowing the nasty salt water. I am in love with this job and am having so much fun! Yes, that's right. Fun while working! Since I am working right now, and only part time at that, it is making things a tad bit challenging around the house. No, not with my marriage, but with Davis. Does anyone know if there is such thing as 'Baby Boot Camp?' Anyone? No...oh, too young. Next month, maybe. So here we are again, starting over I feel with his good ole dreaded separation anxiety. This child is crazy! I set him down, he cries. I move across the room, he cries. I leave the room, we have entered a different playing field. You would think I have just beaten him. Screams of terror, gasps for breath, big fat tears are rolling down the chubby little cheeks. I don't think Davis could possibly get any more dramatic than this. (Please don't insert negative comment. That was my attempt at the glass is half full bit!) He is now going through this thing where he wants me to constantly pick him up or him tugging at me trying to get my attention. Oh yes, Davis. Trust me, everyone on our street knows you want my attention! Do I run to him and pick him up? No. He has me so stressed that I am mentally exhausted. Whew! I know, I know. Just when you get used to one thing, something new arises. I have that tattooed on my brain as many times as I have heard that lately. But that doesn't help me. I feel alone and helpless in this situation. I am now on Serenity Now Part 100,000,000! I am trying to be positive and tell myself that Davis is a healthy, for the most part happy baby and that loves me. A lot.

At the beginning of this week, though, I had a nice, wonderful break. I went to my monthly Stella & Dot meeting that was held in Shreveport, La, which isn't far from me at all. The meeting was great and I learned so much as well as met so many wonderful people. I love that the majority of these women are in the same shoes as me. Around the time that the meeting was coming to an end, someone asked me if I was going to make the trip back home. I answered that I think I am going to take this opportunity and get a hotel. You could give me a secluded padded room right now and I wouldn't complain. And that's just what I did. Not the padded room, the hotel. Alone with no noise. Just me, the TV, and was able to catch up on some work. Sheer bliss! Ready to get up and face the day again of incessant screaming! It was the much needed break that I was looking for. Can I do that weekly, please?

When All Else Fails, Get a Watermelon-WW

Wait, hang on! You want me to play with this? Can I eat this? I think not! Mom, PLEASE. So lame!

Oh, oh! Wait a minute! This sucker rolls!! This is the best giant ball ever. And check this out....it rolls back to me. I have trained it well!!

Oh, mom! You're the weirdest and the best! I don't think this giant wonderful ball is lame anymore. But don't get used to this smile. As soon as you and dad sit down to eat, you bet your enchiladas I will start screaming again.




***Don't forget my Lola and Grace giveaway!! It's jewelry, people! Who doesn't want jewelry!! Ends Sunday, so you have plenty of time.

Happy Wednesday!