Imperfect Perfection

I had to do the obligatory pumpkin patch photos of Brooklyn, I just couldn't resist:) We did a fall outfit and then went back the next week and took some of her in her Halloween costume.

 I am trying to get more practice with my Nikon D3200.  Any suggestions would be great!  Enjoy!

Holy Moly, we are having another baby (already)!  This one came as a surprise, but we are thrilled to be adding to our little family.  We knew we wanted them close in age, and here we go!  They will be 14 months apart!!!!

We aren't going to find out the gender of baby #2.  I know crazy right...but, dad really wants this surprise and I am on board.


 

I used to love going to the beach, but having a baby really changes that.  Not that I don't still enjoy the beach, it is just so much more work now. Have you ever tried to put a baby down for a nap at the beach?  You have to have mad skills, it can be done, but man is it stressful, and HOT.

This summer was filled with less beach trips and more family time:)

Our summer started off with our 2nd annual family reunion in Orlando, Florida.  Aunt Brenda booked an awesome condo with plenty of room for all, and we just hung out and did pool time, ice cream sundaes and a little tourism:)




Next up was AJ's 33rd birthday.  He decided he just wanted a small family and friends get together at the house (even though it was going to be super hot).  So, some dollar store décor, good food and his favorite desert and it was such a nice evening:)

Wow, my little sister turned 30 this summer!  We went back and forth on plans, but eventually landed on Destin.  Destin is always a good time, and it never rains!  Well at least, I used to be able to say that it never rained, but of course, on this trip it rained...a lot.  But, a little (or a lot) rain couldn't ruin our good time.

Mom and Jim booked a campsite (at Destin West) and we got a hotel room right across the street with Lindsey.  The theme was Lindsey's flirty 30 and the colors were pink, gold and black.





We decorated the RV and baked a cake (this is probably my least proud moment as a self proclaimed baker:) She loved all of it, and I am so happy for the memories we gained on this trip.

And of course, some beach time:)


 

You always hear about people that are living a life that is only a fairy tale in your world.  Such as, the people that sell everything and move to an island, travel the world, etc.  Well, I feel like I just joined their ranks...ok, maybe just on a small scale.  I recently quit my full time job, so that I could work part-time and not have to put Brooklyn in daycare. 

This was a very hard decision for me for several reasons:
1).  It isn't just me that had to make the decision, my husband has a huge say
2.)  My salary was pretty sweet (at least for our standard of living)
3.)  I liked my job and especially my boss
4.)  It is super scary to leave a job in this economy

While I was pregnant, I did the whole research the daycares, visit them (this didn't go well, as, I left in tears after each one)  even registering and paying a months tuition in advance.  However, once I had Brooklyn, I quickly realized I really didn't want to put her in daycare (although, if you ask my mom, she would say that I have always been uncomfortable with the idea of putting my future children in daycare) and started looking for ways to avoid it.  I had many talks with AJ about how I felt that I was just collecting a paycheck, not loving what I was doing and I felt like this was an opportunity in life to make a change (however scary it may be). 

Looking at the math/budget, I realized I could work part-time and not have to put her in daycare, with the help of family members watching Brooklyn twice a week. 

Now, the hard part, I had to find a job that would allow this.  Luckily, I have some pretty great friends.  Let's call them "A"  well "A" has been talking about opening a catering business of her own for a while now and always said she would love to have me with her when she does.  I seriously feel like the stars aligned, because 3 weeks before I had to return to work (from maternity leave), it happened!  She said the company was opening and she wanted me!

So, once the paper work went through, I quit my job!  Let me tell you about this....I get to work about 30 hours a week, 2 miles from the house, and I get to bring Brooklyn on days she is not with family, there is mimosa Fridays, and I can pick up catering shifts if I want extra money:)   Of course, I am taking a pay cut, but, once you take into account the almost $1000.00 a month daycare bill...it isn't too far of a stretch to make ends meet:) 

I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to spend more time with my daughter that sometimes I feel like maybe this isn't as good as it seems.  But, I have to keep my head up and remember to enjoy the ride and also, that I can always rejoin the workforce (since I left on such good terms with my coworkers) if needed.