FREE Diapers!!

Today I received something totally awesome in the mail, and I know many of you have children in diapers so I wanted to let you know about it as well...

WAY back in June, I read on one of my favorite blogs www.hip2save.com about a diaper study. At that time, they were accepting boys in size 4 diapers. I called and left a message, but got no response. A week ago I received a call from the company saying they had a slot for Grayson... and TODAY, I received a pack of FREE diapers in the mail!!

Basically, Arquest manufactures store brand diapers, and they constantly need testers. They'll send you diapers, then you use them, tell them how they worked for you, and then they send you a $10 check!! I heard if you like doing this, you can request to be on another survey once your first one is over, and they'll send you even more packs of diapers in the future.

** Do you have a kiddo in diapers? If so, call 1-888-342-7372 ext. 646 or ext. 633 (girl’s diapers) or 1-888-342-7372 ext. 634 (boy’s diapers) and leave your name and call back phone number stating your interest in an upcoming diaper study, be sure to tell them the size your child is wearing. If you do in fact qualify, the company will send you between 1-6 bags of FREE diapers! Plus, after completing a survey (based on your experience with the particular diapers) you’ll receive a $10 check! Yay! 

This Time of the Year

Okay. I'll admit it...

This part of the year has been tough for me.

Throughout my entire life, my favorite part of the year has been marching season. There is nothing like going to competitions on Saturdays, seeing kids put their entire heart into a performance and then seeing their hard work pay off. I love that.

This Saturday, we went to Kingsport, TN. My eyes were teary when I heard Dad talk to the kids about how we were all a family and how families have each others back. They nodded their heads in agreement... some even cried. He told the new kids not to be nervous... they were about to have the best show of their lives. These kids truly get it. We are so blessed.

On the other hand, I miss my little boy. On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday I don't get home until at least 6:30. Most Fridays and Saturdays are booked with football games and band contests.

Stephanie sent me a text while I was at school a few days ago to let me know that Grayson was doing well. I told her that I was glad, and that I really miss him. It is tough not seeing that little guy. It is also tough, because I know he doesn't understand that his mommy is working so that we all can have nice things and a nice life.

After the first week of November, things start to lighten up, and I'm really looking forward to being able to come home, relax, and play with my little boy all afternoon.

On the other hand, I know I'll miss this time of the year. There is nothing like band season.

Sleepy Baby

Last night, Jason and I went to the Byrnes football game, so Grayson stayed with his grandma. When we got to my parents' house to pick him up, this is how we found him:

New Shoes!

After coming to the realization that Grayson won't be able to go barefoot forever, I decided to take him to Stride Rite today to get sized for shoes. When I walked in and saw the cute little baby shoes, I immediately envisioned that is what we would be purchasing.

Then Grayson was sized.... and since his feet are just as big as the rest of his body (he wears 6 WIDE now!), we purchased big kid shoes.

This growing up stuff has got to stop!!!

A Video Moms Should See

I just watched a video that basically summarizes my entire experience as a mother so far... plus, it made me cry! Love it!

We Have a Walker!

A sweet little boy in our house learned to walk last week!! He began to take his very first "real" steps on Labor Day, and now we have a walker on our hands!! Sometimes he walks a little more than this before reaching his destination or falling, and sometimes he just takes one or two steps and falls. Haha! 

Cute Things

Lately my checkbook has been getting lots of use... haha!

My friend Stephanie took some clothes over to a lady in our community who monograms, appliques, etc. Her stuff turned out so cute, I've been wanting some things for Grayson ever since. I was excited to find out that this lady is so good at what she does, and as it turns out, I remember her from her old high school days in my Dad's band, as a former neighbor growing up, and as my old babysitter!!

This past week she has made the following things for our family:

Cute Plate

RR Shirt for football games and band contests

Pumpkin and Santa shirt

Oh-- the trouble ahead!!!

I was cleaning up downstairs tonight and I went into the kitchen for an instant. When I came back, this is how I found our little trouble maker. 

OMG-- what did I get myself into???

An Entire Year of Grayson

Happy Gamecock

South Carolina 17 Georgia 6

Something Cool

When I first began to carry around a diaper bag I stuffed EVERYTHING into that thing. Now that I've experienced lugging it around for a year, I pack less and less each day. In fact, most times when I'm just running to the store, I only bring some diapers and wipes.

Today I received the new coolest thing.... www.2littlemammas.com, has some "Baby Bundles". Basically it is just a cute, compact way to carry around diapers and wipes. You can actually slide your driver's license and a credit card into the zipper and then be good to go!

Look at how cute this thing is!

TOP

SIDE

BOTTOM

Sick Baby

We've had a sick baby on our hands the past few days. :(

Being the crazy person I am, I made him pose for a picture this afternoon. He was in no mood to smile. :(

I think it is funny how much he is enjoying his new chair!

The END of McFatty Monday

** Make sure you scroll down and see the other posts from today/ yesterday, too! **

Today marks the last post in our McFatty Monday series. I'm not completely done with my weight loss, but the 15 pound challenge is over. Jason won! He looks great, and has decided that once we both reach our 15 pound goal, we'll add in one cheat meal a week. I've decided to pick sushi every single week.

I'm still planning to keep updating about our weight loss victories and struggles, just not on an every-Monday type deal.

Anyway, here is the breakdown for the week:

Jason- .4 pound- 15.2 pounds TOTAL!

Alicia-1.8 pounds- 13 pounds total!

Morning Walk

Grayson and I decided to take advantage of the cool air this morning and go for a stroll around the block. So, at 7am I loaded him into his stroller, poured myself a cup of coffee, and hit the road. Did we change out of our pajama pants?? NO WAY! :)

I definitely recommend it. Grayson talked and laughed through the entire trip.

Early morning pictures

Just Being a Boy

Today was a fun day! Grayson started the day with a nice sippy cup of milk and some Blues Clues:

Then I made him put on his pants, and model his new backpack from Ms. Stephanie, Mr. Jonathan and Perrin!

We went to eat lunch with Stefanie H. at El Mexicano (love that place), and then went to Sam's Club with Mom and Dad. Grayson had fun because Dad (Papa) stopped at lots of the sample stands to get some treats for Grayson! 

Tonight I decided to have Grayson pose for the last of his monthly onesie photos... it was a fail. I'll have to try again tomorrow. 

So, I took off his sticker and sat him in the floor to play with his toys. Here is the fun that followed:

Grayson's Party

My itty bitty baby is ONE. I can't get over how fast this year has gone.... I also can't get over the fact that I'm so stinking proud of how everything has gone this year.

My bank account is smaller than last year.... MUCH smaller. But my heart grew so much larger. I never knew I could love like this... 

Everyone who knows and loves Grayson has done such a great job in helping him be the happy baby he is today. He isn't rich, Lord knows that... but he is truly blessed... and so are we! 

Anyway, we had a party today for our little booger... here are some photos:

His invitation.... minus some details I wiped out... there are crazy people in this world...

Birthday Boy

Baby Boy's Cake

The "Smash" cake

Grayson playing with his best friend Perrin

Still playing wile JuJu looks on

Blowing out his candle with Mommy and Daddy

The results of the smash cake...

I love the colors in this photo!

Grayson really enjoyed opening presents!!

Especially this ribbon!!

Sitting with the Great Grandmothers

After a GREAT party, a relaxing evening at home is just what the Doctor ordered!

Oh... this time last year...

Last year this is where Jason and I watched the first Carolina game of the season.... 

That's right... OB Triage (then later, L&D!)

Just one year later, here we are again, watching the first Carolina game of the season... 

Love my family!!