Warrior Dash & Auntie of the Year

Sunday, Barry and I participated and finished in the Warrior Dash!! It was so much fun.For those of you who don't know what it is... Warrior Dash is a 5k mud/obstacle run. There is a lot of running, mud and climbing. We finished in the middle of the pack, and very muddy. Lily hung out with Aunt Olivia at the finish line all day! Then we got hosed off (literally), got our free beers and turkey legs! Some woman gave us tickets worth twelve dollars so all we spent was $4 on food!! It was an awesome day and can't wait til next year! Once they post the pro pics, I'll put them up here!

Before

Aunt Olivia wearing Lily and all of our gear! THANKS!!

Lily wasn't amused by the thousands of mud monsters behind her.

Goofy People

The Start of the race!

About to jump the fire pits!

That was cement, not mud.

And it had stones on the bottom...so painful!

After!

Getting hosed off.

A whole lot of muddy (donated) shoes.

Warrior-in-Training

Post workout recovery

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7 Month Growth Update

Not only has Lily gotten huge physically, she has grown up so much in the last few weeks! She has been crawling everywhere, sitting up on her own and letting us know exactly what she wants, when she wants it. On that note, here is a letter to Lily.

Dear Lily,
         Since the moment you were born, daddy and I have experienced love we never thought was possible. Your life started dramatically and continued quietly. You've been such a good baby, sleeping peacefully through the night since a month old and keeping the screams low always. We are blessed to have you. But recently, something has changed. My easy, quiet baby has turned into a talkative and incredibly mobile baby. I put you down in the hallway and you end up under our bed. At the hall you want to babble constantly. In bed you crawl over and latch on all night. (Just a little note from now on, Mama's milk factory closes from 12a-6a capiche?)
         Sometimes I miss my sweet little newborn, the one that only wanted me. The little girl who would cuddle up in my arms and look at me with those big blue eyes and give me a big smile. Now my big booger butt, you have entered in to the fun stage. You want to play, crawl, do everything for yourself. Your big belly laugh puts a smile on my face, not to mention those cute little rolls. You've changed so much in such a short period of time, all I can do is remember that every day with you is magical. Mama and daddy can't wait to teach you all about this wonderful world. But in the meantime, you must keep teaching us all about the little miracles we would other wise miss.
        We love you Lily, even when you pinch us or refuse to sleep. Even when we wake up to your curious nose in our faces.

Love,
Mama and Daddy

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100 Reasons: I love my Husband

Sometimes I feel like I take my life for granted. I have blessings pouring in from every part of life and an amazing, loving husband who is responsible for most of them. So In this edition of 100 Reasons I am going to list 100 reasons why I love my husband. Sorry if I get a little sappy ;)

1. He is caring and gentle. I have never heard him yell!
2. He is a hands on, loving father.
3. He is a wonderful spiritual head.
4. He works hard and supports us without complaint.
5. He puts up with my insane ideas.
6. He is always there, for the good and the bad.
7. He listens.
8. He knows my favorites (flowers, color, food, restaurants, places, etc).
9. He has excellent taste in friends and women ;)
10. He loves to cuddle and hold hands until we fall asleep.
11. He doesn't mind if I take the whole bed (and blankets).
12. He puts up with my music in the car.
13. He loves the outdoors as much as I do.
14. He respects my opinion.
15. He is playful.
16. He takes joy in the little things.
17. He laughs even when my jokes are cheesy.
18. He chose me and stuck with me even after getting to know me a little better.
19. He is genuine.
20. He is funny.
21. He has a sense of responsibility and honor.
22. If we are with others he will always come up to me, hug me and say 'I missed you'!
23. I can trust him always.
24. He always tries to be a gentlemen, opening doors and all.
25. If he needs laundry to be done, he does it.
26. He doesn't nag.
27. He motivates me to do what is right.
28. He supports my wacky aspirations.
29. When he is off work, he lets me sleep in by taking Lily.
30. He is passionate about what he loves.
31. He is smart.
32. He is handsome.
33. He always compliments my meals, even if they aren't so great.
34. He is appreciative about what I do.
35. He is understanding about my addiction to all things baby.
36. He loves playing with his daughter.
37. He is better at putting Lily to sleep than I am!
38. He can make any situation un-awkward.
39. He gave me Lily.
40. He is wonderful with the dogs even though he isn't really a dog person.
41. He knows when I need a hug.
42. He thinks family is important.
43. He is a safe driver.
44. He is inventive and creative.
45. He is patient. 
46. His thoughtful prayers for us every night.
47. He is a handy man!
48. He talks of aliens like they are our neighbors.
49. He notices the little things like when I do my make up or change my hair.
50. He is generous with compliments.
51. He carries the heavy loads, literally and figuratively.
52. He is good with money.
53. He is a researcher.
54. He loves to learn.
55. He keeps listening even when I go on about birth practices and un interesting things of the sort.
56. The way I fit perfectly in his arms.
57. The way Lily fits perfectly on his shoulder.
58. He cleans without being asked.
59. He knows the difference between an Ergo and a Mei Tai.
60. He knows the difference between a Pocket Diaper and an AI2.
61. He plans ahead.
62. When one of us messes up, we can laugh about it.
63. He makes me happy all the time.
64. He laughs, instead of complains, when I sing.
65. He is full of random facts.
66. He is honest.
67. He tells lame jokes that he knows I will enjoy.
68. We can be weird together and never think otherwise!
69. He often tries to surprise me with kind gestures.
70. He tells me I'm beautiful, even when I don't feel it.
71. He never complains about my bad house keeping skills.
72. He loves music (even if most of it is from the 80's)
73. He isn't afraid to try new things.
74. He takes care of me when I am sick.
75. He often acts like a big kid.
76. He is curious.
77. He picks out the cutest outfits for Lily to wear.
78. He is willing to sacrifice.
79. He is always trying to better himself.
80. He enjoys talking.
81. He will give me a massage any time I ask, no complaints.
82. He has a forgiving heart.
83. He gave our daughter her looks, and they are gorgeous!
84. His smile.
85. He is a computer genius.
86. He can fix anything.
87. He WILL fix anything, even if it doesn't belong to us.
88. He always puts us before himself.
89. He loves me even when I am grumpy.
90. He pretends to care about things I care about ;)
91. He is always on my side.
92. He makes anything we do fun. Especially grocery shopping.
93. He likes to do things together.
94. He makes me a better person.
95. He is romantic.
96. He is my best friend.
97. He spoils me.
98. He has a kind heart and loving way about him, it makes him likable by everyone.
99. It is impossible not to love him.
100. He loves me as much as I love him, he makes me the happiest lady in the world.

The best part? It was easy to come up with 100 things and I could easily come up with 100 more. He is the best father, the best husband, the most amazing spiritual head and a real mans man.I am truly blessed with such a loving husband and beautiful family. Pin It Now!

Look Ma: I can Swim!!

This weekend I got to swim for the first time! I had never been in a pool before and I wasn't sure if I would like it. I got all dressed up in my kawaii cover and a little blue bikini. Mama stepped into the pool and my eyes got wide then she sunk me in the water and I shivered a little bit. After that I started kicking and just wanted to swim around. Aunt Olivia swam with me then I learned to splash! From then on I kept splashing water everywhere! Daddy got in and played with me for a little then I turned as blue as my itsy bitsy bikini so we got out and warmed up! It was so much fun :)  -Lily

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Williamsburg, VA

 For my parents 28th anniversary (Happy Anniversary!) we went to Williamsburg and Jamestown. We have been going to Williamsburg for as long as I can remember. My mom has always loved the gardens, my dad the history, and my sister and I the pool! I hope to pass long these memories and make some new ones with our little family. Here are a few new memories we've made this weekend!

Poppop puts me to sleep so well!

A Jamestown Trail

Ride the Poppop!

Fall asleep on the Poppop!

Then sleep a little more...

Going for a car ride!

Driving a pink Cadillac with Poppop

Kisses from Poppop

In one of the gardens

The Campbell Clan (and a Lily)

Watching the horses ride past with Grandma

Playing with Poppop and the Teddy!

I realllllllly like this Teddy!

He's as big as me!!!

Drinking some water, just like daddy ;)

A chair just my size.

Spending some time with Aunt Olivia

Lily had a ton of firsts this weekend. First Williamsburg trip, first trip to the Jamestown Battle field, first time (and second) she saw a cannon fire, first trip to a toy store and first time swimming! She was serenaded at Christiana Campbells and slapped her legs a long with the music. She did wonderful the entire time, enjoying her surroundings. On to our next adventure!! Pin It Now!

What We Wore

We haven't had a what we wore post in awhile so I figured now is as good a time as any. We wore matching home made skirts, topped with a headband from Lily!

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Help Maryland Mama's have Gentle Births- SIGN THE PETITION

In Maryland, CPM's (Certified Professional Midwives) are not allowed to practice. This causes a huge problem to those who want to have a home birth. You may think of a home birth as outdated, dangerous and silly. So why a home birth you ask?

• Easier to relax in the comfort of your own home
• Undivided attention by caregivers - Family members or friends may be present if desired
• Laboring woman maintains control over everything impacting her labor and birth
• The woman is not only allowed, but encouraged to eat, drink, walk, change positions, make noise, shower, bathe, etc.
• You can labor and birth in whatever position is most comfortable to you
• Caregivers come to her, no worries about when to go to hospital
• Significantly reduced risk of cesearean section

"The World Health Organization has said that there is no proof that hospital births are safer than home births in the developed world. Most of the research on home births in the developed world has found that infant and maternal mortality rates are the same, if not better, than hospital rates. There is also significantly reduced chance of a woman having a cesarean, induced labor, or of the need for forceps or a vacuum.

A study done in Denmark in 1997 found that women who gave birth at home delivered babies in better condition with fewer problems; the women themselves experienced less stress and there were fewer medical interventions needed in home births compared with hospital births.

Finally, having your baby at home significantly reduces infection risks for both mother and baby. " -birthinginstincts.com

For women who trust their bodies and want an amazing experience with their birth, a home birth is their only option. In Maryland, this is nearly impossible right now.




So what can you do?


SIGN THIS PETITION to legalize CPM's in Maryland. Won't you please, spread the word.

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