If you have a little girl...You're in BIG Trouble!

I was just turned on to a line of clothing I had never heard of by my friend Cayce. Maybe I've been living in a cave (it's called Oak Harbor), but have y'all heard of Matilda Jane?!

So, I know that we're in an "economic crisis" and these things are a just a little more expensive than the clearance rack at Old Navy...but, if you need something for a special occasion, or if money grows on trees in you backyard you're in business! Calling all grandma's (ROXI!!) with a red hot "spoil your grandaughter" alert!! I'm in big trouble!

The Newest Member of our little Family...

So, ironically as I typed the title for this post I realized in my heart I wished I was announcing something other than the fact that BOB (the amazing "Revolutionary" jogging stroller I have been longing for ever sense I first set eyes on it) is finally a member of our family! In my heart I wish I was saying something more along the lines of...we're having a baby! I've still got that on the brain because (woman stuff alert for any guy's out there!!) as of Monday my "monthly visitor" was 9 days late. Being that I cannot remember the last time that was the case coupled with the fact that Nate and I have been hoping and praying for this for more than a year now had me optimistically hopeful. Unfortunately...my optimism is now gone. I'm not sure exactly what happened, I just know I am not pregnant. And I'm not even sure why I just shared that...it's just me right now, this morning. I know the truth in my head...that God is in control and his timing is perfect, I am still disappointed. This is the closest I have felt to being pregnant in a long time. I'm sure at some point looking back this will just be a little marker in the road and as I look back even further it serves to remind me of what a little miracle our sweet Carter is. Healthy, happy and as close to perfect (at least in her mom and dads eyes) as a little person can be. She is more of a miracle now to me than ever and I thank God for her.

So, back to the original reason for this post. What about BOB!? BOB was a birthday surprise from my brother (who it turns out is amazingly thoughtful) and his girlfriend Jenny while we were in DC! They arranged the whole thing and I was shocked (THANK YOU THANK YOU)! As a complete side note I have to share that during the "surprise" we were standing in a parking lot in DC and also got to witness the "take down" of a shoplifter by some bicycle cops, they took him down on the hood of our car to be exact. A dog pile and lots of flying obscenities made the whole thing pretty darn exciting! Never a dull moment!

So, we took BOB out for a spin around the park the other day, fed the seagulls, went for a walk, played at the playground...you know the good stuff. So let me make the introductions...everyone this is BOB, BOB everyone...

Carter and BOB are becoming fast friends, I think she likes the fact that he takes her to the places she loves going (don't mind her outfit, it's what all the cool kids in Oak Harbor are wearing these days)...

Welcome to the family BOB...we're so glad you're here!!!

DC Adventure Part 4~Last but not least!

Ok, so I've got to wrap this trip up! It was so jam packed but I think this post should be able to put an end to it! After our first weekend in the city we headed to Patuxent River (also known as PAX River). Nate was "working" there for the week (ok, so there wasn't much working going on but that just meant more family time for us)! Lucky for me they had lot's of things Oak Harbor doesn't, so I was completely content! We enjoyed a very low key, relaxing week and before you know it we were headed back up to enjoy another weekend in DC. There is just one word for how much luggage we had (I think the blame is falling squarely on my shoulders)! EMBARRASSING....

Packing light is an art I have yet to master! We met up with Clint who had been telling us about a "must eat" called Good Stuff Eatery. Some of you may remember this guy from Top Chef...

Spike has opened up a burger joint in DC and they are not to be missed! Pretty cool because he even works the line...

Sure was nice having such a "in the know" tour guide to show us around!

From there we were off to knock out a couple of museums! First on the list Air and Space...

Made a fashion statement at the IMAX...

And then we were on to the Museum of Natural History...

Their exhibits were awesome...

And they had this great indoor butterfly sanctuary...

We were so lucky to get to see so many amazing things. That night we had a "Valentine's Dinner" with Clint, Jenny and Clint's buddy Brad at Benihanna's...I heart that place...Carter just loved the company...

I have to say that I was a little pessimistic about this whole trip. The timing of it, being that Nate had just gotten home, felt less than ideal to me. But, as usual, I was so wrong. It could not have been more fun and could not have been better for us as a family. When it came time I wasn't ready to go...

And as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end! I'm just so thankful that I've always got my sweet little side kick to accompany me home...

And the fact that she flies with the professionalism of an avid world traveler doesn't hurt either!

Monday Carter Edition #17

Nothing say's HAPPY MONDAY like Bee boots and a sunshine smile (courtesy of Monday Carter of course)...

American Idol...Eat your heart out!

Just a few quick videos of Carter's newest form of entertaining me...our entryway becomes the "stage" and she goes to town. All the songs are "Carter originals" she makes up the words and titles for each one! She makes me so happy...

DC Adventure Part 3~Hit the Streets...

Our second day in DC we decided to hit the streets and do some good old fashioned exploration. We were headed to the Holocaust Museum...but made the most of the "sights" along the way...

We were happy to "meet" the front of the White House...

Carter was not in the mood for a photo...

the best I could do was the back of her head and the White House...

We finally gave up and I just got one with my main squeeze...

We then continued on our way and made it to the Holocaust Museum. It was sobering, which of course we expected.

We hit the pavement again in search of Lincoln and Washington (or at least their monuments). Carter hitched a ride with Uncle Clint...

We stopped along the way at the Vietnam Memorial...

Then it was Lincoln's turn...

Abe happens to have a really great view from his place...

Carter meet Cody, Cody this is Carter...

Lambie was having way too much fun...

One thing is for sure, in DC everything looks really close...

Until you start walking that is and then you realize how BIG things really are...

My brother had to be careful because his "big guns" almost knocked the monument over...

and then there was Carter, just being Carter...

We actually got tickets and went up to the top of the Washington Monument. It was pretty cool, but that film is still trapped in my camera so I'm sure it will surface at some point! The day was a great one but at this point our dogs were barkin'! We grabbed some dinner at 5 Guy's and it lived up to it's famous reputation...

soooooooo yum.....

I think I'll call and see if they deliver to Oak Harbor! And with that...day two was done.