the magic of santa

So we took Veda to meet the magical man of Christmas. {Well, I guess one of them since really Christmas should be more importantly celebrated for the birth of baby Jesus.}

We decided to go on a Monday afternoon to beat all the hussle and bussle of Christmas shoppers, and I really didn't want to have to wait in line. I am impatient, so to compound that with screaming children and obsessive moms, I would have been "blink blowing up" people. Yes, I do that! When we are in crowded areas with people walking the wrong way, or the people that just STOP in the center of the walkway my blood gets to boiling. So, I blink hard and pretent to blow them up. Mean and cruel I know, but that is my way of venting instead of going postal on them.

We were the only ones in line, and we didn't feel rushed. (I didn't have to blink at anyone!) And, our Santa was amazing. I really think he is the real one with his full, thick white beard and rosey cheeks. He was dancing in his throne as we made our way to him. Veda took him in with her little bottom lip tucked under her top one. (People usually think she is on the verge of crying, but she really is just giving you a look over.) And, then she gave him a huge smile. We nestled her into his arm, and I stepped back cautiously waiting for my little lady to start crying. She of course did great and gave us a big smile for the camera. What a magical first experience with Santa!

Only 17 days until Christmas!
Hope the holiday planning, shopping, and decorating are going wonderful for everyone, and none of you are "blinking" to hard :)

sweet chaos

I would love to say the holiday decorating was whismical and stress-free. I would love to paint the perfect picture for everyone of decorating the tree with a clean, clutter free home while we sipped hot chocolate and didn't raise our voice at anyone...especially the dogs! However, it was stressful at times, and I didn't know how I was going to fit in all the decorating. I usually have our home decked out in one day, but this year was quite different. First, I was working a crazy schedule at work, and we were BUSY! The crazy, stupid busy that has become my day to day at work. So, I was also extremely exhausted! But I really, really wanted to decorate. Second, and really the most important, we had a 6 month old in our home who is used to her routine. I'm used to having four hands help with everything, but now it was only two. Bradley or I would do some decorating while the other entertained or fed miss Veda. It was different, chaotic, and special all rolled into one. Veda absolutely adored the lights and the tree. She beamed as I was stringing lights onto the tree like she was so proud of it.

{I have to save, and pause to go get my little lady who is awakening from her slumber.}

So, the holidays began quite crazy, but also so beautiful. We have started traditions with Veda that will be lifelong memories for her, and some that she will hopefully carry on with her family. Since Bradley and I have been together we have always saved a bottom sliver of our Christmas tree. We date it, and have also put the location. This tradition was one we carried on from Bradley's family, and it is so memorable each year when we get them out. We are anxiously awaiting Veda's Ryle stocking that was made by my aunt Cindy. Everyone on my side of the family has one. They are like family heirlooms to me; so special and unique! We also decorated a tree in her room as the "family tree." It is draped in black and white photos of our loved ones. It is our way to bring them to her since they are so many miles away. I love beginning new traditions and keeping old ones. They are so symbolic of the past, present and future of dear family love.

{veda reading by the "family tree."}

I loved getting our tree this year because it was a cool, crisp Indiana-like-day. We had to bundle up to go under the tent to get our tree. We got a fraiser fir this year, and it is gorgeous. It smells fabulous!

                           

{tree hunting under the tent}

{our tree}

{waiting for our tree to be cut and bagged}

So yes it was stressful, exhausting, and cluttery. It was also whismical and perfect in its own way.

Magical Christmas wishes to your family!

Sleigh Bells Ring...Are you Listening?

I can't believe November is almost over. Thanksgiving is this week, and we have so much to be thankful for...

1. Veda Elizabeth
2. Our health and happiness
3. The many blessings and opportunities bestowed upon us
4. Our wonderful families
5. Our jobs (Even though some days I wanna scream and quit, I know I am blessed to have a steady pay check)
6. So many more, but I covered the basics.


I have to work over the entire Thanksgiving holiday, but will be feasting with friends after work. How lucky am I to just get to show up to the dinner without doing any cooking or cleaning?! (thanks Chanel!)

We got our first glimpse into the beginning of the Christmas Season last evening in Naples. I love, love, love the holidays in Naples. They really do it up here! We went to the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on 3rd Street. They had lights up everywhere, holiday music blarring, food, drinks, and more music! It was gorgeous, and a little overstimulating as well. It was also our first time out with the stroller in a very congested area. I ran over numerous ankles, bumped people with the diaper bag, and Veda even tried pulling a girls hair in front of us. Yes, it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

{waiting for the tree to light up}

{counting down...10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....TA DA!}

I took a picture of the tree lit, but it didn't turn out. Dear Santa, please send me a Canon camera. I have been a very good girl!

So, after the lighting of the beautiful tree the snow fairy made it snow! It was awesome. Snow/foam was sprinkling down from all the light posts. A very magical experience. Even in all the chaos and buggy bumping you couldn't help but smile.

Veda looked confused, but of course tried eating it...

The picture of the three of us didn't turn out well...hopefully Santa will get my note!

We had an amazing evening, and I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. However, Naples celebrates Christmas in a momentous way with festivals, tree lightings, they bring in blocks of ice/snow for the kids to frolic in, and even a parade. They have to start early to get in all the celebrations.

I can't wait to buy the tree, to decorate it, to see Veda throughout the whole ordeal. I can't wait to get her Ryle family tradional stocking. I can't wait to start traditions with her. I can't wait to eat, bake, and cook. I can't wait for all the yummy smells, and to see all the beautiful lights around town. I can't wait to have my family here! All these moments and details are what are keeping the stars apart!

Where have we been?!

Wow...too long to go without outpouring all my thoughts and moments onto my special journal. So where have we been? Well...we took our trip up north, and there were too many moments and photos to place in this little blog world. (It is also nice to have some moments that are simply shared by those loved ones involved, and not exposed for the whole world to see.) We have also tried to suck up every waking moment with our precious daughter. As I sit now typing away, she is laying down on her play mat making noises that seem new and fresh each time they creep from that little mouth of hers. I feel guilty even wasting a second away from her to simply write about her. The joys of being a mother are simply unexplainable and so magical. She still amazes me daily, and the happiness that she brings into our lives is enormous. You don't truly live and experience pure, simplistic joy until you have a child.

So what else?! Changes have happened...not only with the weather, but also with our lives. Bradley became the head superintendent at the Golf Club of the Everglades. (applause's all around! yay for my man!) I started working full time, which meant I added a 12-hour day to my work schedule. (some applause's) It was terribly hard to pick up that third day, and feel as though I am missing out on a whole day of Veda's life while I work. I know, I know...it is only for the better meant of her future, but still crazy hard. Veda goes to an amazing babysitter, who I know loves her, and watches over her as if she was her own.

Fall has arrived in Naples, and we have had some amazingly cool days. We have the doors flung open, and the windows cracked to let that amazing, whisk-away-your-old-summer-stench, fresh air in. I also have a cinnamon broom hanging outside, which is the ever important symbolism of the Halloween season. That fresh breeze seeps the sweet cinnamon smell through our entire house, and man does it make you wanna drink hot tea, or jump in a pile of leaves. I L.O.V.E fall aroma!!!!!

We have also been battling some sickness. Veda is on her second course of antibiotics for another ear infection. I was attacked by a nasty sinus infection due to all the little sick kiddos at work coughing on me. I was put on mandatory leave for seven days due to precautionary Swine Flu measures. A little extreme, but my little lady and I have got to share our sick days reading, playing, and of course napping.

We have also tried to document all the fun, autumn adventures. Pumpkin patches, Halloween costumes, and decorating the house. Enoy these autumn moments that are simply keeping the stars apart!

soul soothers

It is amazing how a song can change me...it can make me smile silently reminiscing the memories, it can make me have that bitter sweet thought thinking about the good ole times, it can of course make me cry, it can make me laugh thinking about those karaoke ballads once sung by friends. Yes, music has a way of shaping our souls and soothing away sorrows. I love relating to music. The good stuff makes you think that this song was made especially for you at that exact moment.

Forever by Ben Harper had to be made for Bradley and I right?! It was always our song...we danced our first dance as a married couple to it, we always look at one another in that "first love glance" look whenever it is heard, we both secretly inscribed a line of the lyrics on our wedding bands not knowing that we both put the same thing...it will be our song always and forever.

Amos Lee, Schuyler Fisk, The Fray, Tyrone Wells, and Anna Nalick are my true soul soothers. From the beginning of their melodies I am instantly relaxed and calm. I truly love their music. The way in seeps into all the crevasses of my heart, and makes my aura, my total being feel better. I imagine that their sweet sounds will be my background music as I walk through those pearly gates.

Dave Matthews Band is in a category all of their own. These songs shaped me as a person. My first concert ever was at the then Deer Creek Music Center in Indianapolis. I was instantly in love. The music, the people, the calm atmosphere was an instant addiction. I grew up to their songs, I loved and lost to their songs. Many of their songs bring a rush of memories.

Music effects everyone differently but also the same...because it effects us. It brings us thoughts, feelings, and ideas. The power it has is magical.

Whenever I hear Patsy Cline I immediately think about my parents. If my parents are together when a song of hers starts you can be sure they are dancing cheek to cheek.

Neil Diamond's hits make me remember my grandpa. Elton John makes me think of my mom. A Pearl Jam song reminds me of my sister and how they were her Dave Matthews Band growing up. And, oh so many more, too many to name remind me of our friends, college, and us!

Bradley is a music junky. His knowledge base of old tunes is one not to be reckoned with. When we are driving we play "the game." It is a simple push of the scan button, and then guessing the singer/band of the song being played. Yes, he usually wins, but I have had my moments. I'm also one to butcher lyrics. I tend to add or change the words to the music. This is usually not done intentionally, but I really think that those are the words I heard. {I think sometimes the song would sound better with my wording.}

Bradley and I are already trying to instill these great songs in Veda. We have a "nap time" playlist on the ipod for her. It consists of great music from Anna Nalick, Jewel, Amos Lee, Akon, and Jack Johnson. They soothe her right to dreamland. I have also caught Bradley numerous times singing to Veda, or listening to music with her on the computer. Below are some of those adorable moments.







I hope that when my friends hear Wind Beneath My Wings they think of me!

I hope you hear a song today that changes you in a magical way. If you need one call me and I will sing to you.

Splish Splash

Veda has already been introduced to the big blue sea, so we thought we would take her over to our neighborhood pool for her first chlorine dip. We dressed her in her first swimsuit. I am a sucker for anything polka dot, so when my mom and I found this, it was a no brainer buy. You would think that living in Florida I would have a plethora of swimsuits for my little lady, but it has actually been hard to find ones to fit her. She was so petite, but now that she is filling out, it will be no problem getting her some more beachwear.

We were headed over right around her nap time, so we thought she may sleep through the entire experience. It was a very hot day...the kind that steals your breath away when you walk outside. It was also very sunny, so she wore her bucket hat for extra protection. We also knew that with the heat and sun it would be a quick trip.

With a 1, 2, 3 count her little legs hit the cool, refreshing water. She loved it! These little moments are the memories we will remember always.

I love summer. I love the hot nights with crickets singing in the background, pop up rain showers, sweet tea, and all the good scents of summer. Even though we live in a place that is warm year round, we still look forward to the cooler months ahead. The nights we can wear long sleeves (with shorts of course) to the local high school football games. The evenings when we can actually enjoy sitting on the lanai at eating dinner are always a nice treat. Yes, summer is coming to an end here in Naples. I can't wait to get all the fall decorations out with scents of pumpkin spice and cinnamon. Mmmmm...makes me want to start decorating for Halloween already. OH, and Veda's Halloween costume :) YAY!!!!

What shall she be?

Ok, back on track. We are getting so anxious and excited to go home at the beginning of September. Veda's first airplane ride...mommy's first nervous breakdown. God, please get us home safely in that big plane that is defying gravity just so we can get someplace faster. (I really am excited.) Veda will also be getting baptized. What a precious gift we will be giving our daughter while she is surrounded by all of her loved ones.

I can't wait to catch up with some of our best friends, and we are looking forward to the football draft party at the O'Mara's...lets just hope there are no concerts in the car this year, and no more attempts to drive through their home ;)

I hope everyone had a great, memorable summer! Golf season is coming to a close...now on to football. Go Colts!

We survived the night....

Last night I was flooded with many emotions...my little willow bug slept in her crib for the first night. She has taken many naps in her lovely crib, but it was the first "nighttime" slumber we experienced.

Our nighttime rituals started as usual with a yummy bottle to fill her little Buddha belly and then jammie time. She was a "chatty cathy" so I placed her in her crib to talk to her flower friends while I put away her darling little clothes. All of the sudden the room was quiet, and our little lady had drifted into a deep sleep. I went to talk to Bradley who was on the computer and asked if I should leave her in her crib?! Was this the night that we were going to be "separated?" He grinned and thought we should...I don't think he had any faith in me. After nine months of being a belly touch away and then over 2 months of sleeping within an arms reach, I decided tonight would be the night.

I had moments of complete terror...she was going to bury her face in her mattress and suffocate, the mobile was going to fall on her and choke her, someone was going to slip through her window and steal her, she would get to cold, I wouldn't hear her cry through the monitor, she would wake up scared...yes all these emotions flooded over me. Bradley was my solid ground and reassured me that every one of those were simply not going to happen. I was even hesitant about turning off the light because with the flick of the switch it meant she really was sleeping in another room where I could not keep my watchful eye on her at all times. Eventually the light did go off, but the TV stayed on because mama had a hard time falling asleep. I checked on her numerous times, and even heard her daddy wake up in the wee hours and check on her.

At 5 a.m. as usual I was awaken by the cries of my little baby girl. We had survived the night!!! She took her bottle as usual and then drifted off to sleep for a few more hours. I placed her back in the crib and crawled back into bed. I was very proud of myself. This is a huge milestone for ME. I honestly thought she would be sleeping next to me until she was at least one.



Good Morning baby girl! She is a very happy baby, but I love her "fresh, good-morning" smiles the best.



More emotions continue to engulf me today as it is the year anniversary of my grandfather's death. Oh how I miss him...the garage talks, the Sunday lunches, the afternoon naps with an old, western movie playing in the background, the debates, the good talks. Veda has amazing grandparents, and I know she will create fond memories with them as well.


...I was of course his favorite grandchild ;)

Neil Diamond is added to our playlist...these bitter sweet songs remind me of him so much!

Twenty One!!!

So today I turned 27 and my baby girl is 2 months old. I can't believe 27 years ago I was making my presence into the world, and 2 months ago my little lady was making hers. I don't feel like I am 27...I still feel 21 (hence the candles on the cake) and everything good happens with the number 21 involved. I was born on the July 21st, Veda was born on the May 21st, we got married on the 21st of June, turning 21 is a momentous occasion (I was in Las Vegas with my daddy!), 2 plus 1 equals 3 which is my favorite number!

So in ode to the number 21...here are 21 things that I love!

1. My family...especially Bradley and Veda =)
2. My friends
3. Bubble baths with the soft glow of candles around me
4. Clean, cool bed sheets
5. Laughing
6. Holding hands
7. Witnessing elderly couples hold hands
8. Pop up rain showers
9. Veda's baby breath
10. Veda's tiny toes
11. Veda's smile...it truly makes me feel like I have witnessed something extraordinary
12. Listening to Bradley chat with Veda
13. Black and White photos
14. Hollywood Gossip ;)
15. A new purse
16. Amos Lee and Schuyler Fisk tunes...they simply soothe my soul
17. Anthropology...just going into this store makes me feel calm
18. Wet sand on the feet...it is a free pedicure and feels amazing
19. Movie nights
20. The incense they burn at church during special occasions and holidays
21. Going back home to Greensburg and driving through the country with the windows rolled down...that smell is amazing!!!

I'm sure I have more, but these are the first ones I thought of! Feel free to leave a message on something you love or something you think is keeping the star's apart!




On Veda's 2 months she had to get 4 shots. The photo above is her prior to the shots, and I could not get any after because I was too distraught. I thought I would have no problem when she got her vaccines, but her poor cry and shocked look sent me over the edge. I had to hold back the tears. I can't believe it has already been 2 months. She is perfect though, and her check-up went well. She weighed in at 10 lbs! We can't wait to come home in September. Not only is she going to get to meet a lot of our family for the first time, but she will also be baptized.

Well...time to go eat some birthday cake that my wonderful husband made me:)

The Working Mom :)

So I have finally went back to work, and I say that with excitement and sadness. We began the morning with a new "mommy going back to work" routine. I breastfed Veda as usual but then handed her off to Bradley for the formula feed. I then attempted to go back to sleep, but did not get very many zzzz's since I wanted to take in all her smiles and little noises before I headed to work. Bradley and Veda were both asleep by the time I got out of the shower, and I had to whisper my good-bye's. I kissed little Veda and whispered sweet nothings in her ear, and kissed Bradley good-bye...all this without a tear shed. I was excited to get back to the work I love and have some "adult" time. I began on a new floor, the neonatal intesive care unit, and it was a great day with some very funny women. We stayed very busy, but it was hard to hold these tiny babes and not think about my little lady at home. All in all it was a great two days at work, but I am so happy to be back in the "at home mommy" routine. Bradley did fabulous with her. She was bathed and in matching clothes when I came home! I know she needs these daddy moments. They are creating the same bonds that I have been creating with her while he is at work.

Little Veda has started to roll over...oh what's next...crawling! It is flying by! Her little moments are becoming more and more BIG milestons. It's bitter sweet to see her grow and change. She has an amazing, soothing personality. It is addicting and contagious. I become a better person spirtually and emotionally simply by her sweet presence. The gift God gives you with a child is so amazing...it's the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.

Fun Fourth!

We had an amazing Fourth of July filled with many festivities. Our day began with the Naples parade. It was a long parade filled with historic aspects, candy throwing, water gun squirting, and the hooters girls were even in it:) It was a hot Florida morning, but there was a great breeze to keep us cool. We then headed to the beach to meet some friends. We had a canopy, coolers, snacks, and we were ready for a fun day at the beach. The babies were lathered with sunscreen, but Veda still ended up getting a little red. I felt terrible, but it hasn't bothered her one bit. She also took her first dip in the ocean. It was a perfect day to soak up the sun and cool off in the deep blue. We headed home for some R & R time, and then back to the beach to watch the fireworks...there is nothing better!!! The hermit crabs were out, but didn't seem to bother us. The girls had a very difficult time lighting the sparklers, so needless to say we only got to play with a few of them :(




Veda was perfect for our crazy July 4th! She made the trips very easy and smooth with no tantrums. She is a great traveler and such a happy baby. I hope she behaves well for our trip home in September. We can't wait to see everyone.



Hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day!

Little laughs, smiles, and baby chatter

Veda is beginning to smile a lot. She is a very happy baby, and her smiles melt my heart. She has a signature smile that is adorable. It starts with a small grin and ends with a wide open mouth smile. It truly makes my day to see that smile. Bradley and I are smitten by her, and stare in awe of her. We can't get enough of her, and I am a little saddened since I will be going back to work soon. I will be returning on Friday's and Saturday's while Bradley watches little Veda. Knowing that Bradley will be watching her has made it easier on me.

She has also begun to let her little voice out. We are just waiting for the big moment when she really lets it out. I can't wait to hear her voice...I'm sure there will be days down the road where I will miss these quiet moments ;) It is amazing how much she changes day by day. Kenny Chesney sung it best..."don't blink."

We are getting excited for this July 4th weekend. It will be Veda's first visit to the beach, and maybe first dip in the ocean. I can't wait for sparklers, friends, and listening to fireworks as the waves crash in the background. We wish everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July!

The Best is Yet to Come....

Bradley and I have been wanting to start a blog about us and our lives. It is not that we have all this great information or knowledge to unload on this page, but it is a way to have our families stay intertwined in our every day moments. I feel that we had a good response to our baby page, so we decided to take it to the next stage.

As of Sunday, we have been married a whole year. I know that does not seem like a long time, but we have done a lot in that year. Let's see...we got a new dog, Maverick, we moved from Florida to Tennessee and then back to Florida, we lost loved ones, we battled disease and illness with our close family members, we changed jobs, we got pregnant, and then were blessed with our beautiful daughter, Veda. We have grown in so many ways. Our relationship has skyrocketed to another level. Bradley made a comment last night as we were laying in bed listening to our daughter make her indescribable, soothing sounds. He reminisced how we used to be falling asleep together in a twin bed at college, and now here we are living in Florida with a newborn dreaming next to us...oh and now we are in a queen size bed! Yes, a lot, has changed! It is the little changes that make us realize how blessed and lucky we are.

Our blog address is a tribute to where we have come. We will always be hoosiers at heart :) Our blog title is a long one, but I was trying to come up with something that fit Bradley and I. I'm sure he would have came up with a totally different name, but this is from one of my favorite poems. It is from E.E. Cumming's poem "I carry you heart with me." It was recited at our wedding, and I love, love, love it! Our love, life, and little moments are the wonders that keep the stars apart! Enjoy our blog, and continue to come back for our little moments and stories.

P.S. It has been hard to customize our site, so it will be changing once I learn how to make it better :)