Great gift ideas for new moms (this is not a hint for Stephen, but if he wanted to buy me something from this list I would be okay with it)

Okay this is a random post, but I've been thinking about the gifts I have loved receiving since Adler's arrival, and figured it couldn't hurt to share my thoughts...especially for those dads-to-be (if that is you, be sure you have a gift in mind for your sweet wife whose body is about to experience all kinds of crazy things you don't want me to explain)

1. Bath and Body Works Anti-bacterial hand soap - this was a great gift because I never realized how much I was going to be washing my hands those first months of Adler's life. In all the craziness, it was nice to have a great smelling/relaxing hand soap. I hate to admit that I can't remember who gave this to me...maybe it was myself? 8 months seem like a long time ago..anyways, on to the next topic...

2. Votivo candles - being at home more than you are used to, it's great to have a fantastic smelling candle to brighten the mood and lift your spirits. KT gave this to me in the "Spring" scent - I will always think of baby Adler when I smell that "Spring" Votivo candle!

3. Bath and Body Works body wash - I had the lemon and coconut scent. This was a great gift from Jaime because I have realized as a new mom, you LOVE your showers! It's your little moment in time to yourself, to not have spit-up on you, and to relax.

4. Breakfast for day after bring home baby day- a great friend of mine, Jamie Clayton, put together a sweet basket of breakfast goodies. Decaf tea (for mom), coffee, jams, honey butter, english muffins, cream cheese, and bagels. She sent her husband over to the house the day we brought home Adler. It was a great treat the next morning for me and Stephen and for all the guests that were at the house. Stocking the kitchen of breakfast food was the last thing I thought of! Thanks Jamie!

5. Powdered Donuts in hospital room - who the heck doesn't like these things? Experienced mom, Misty Fountain, was the life saver on this one. This friend was also thoughtful to bring items like tooth brush and deodorant for a forgetful mom in labor! The donuts were a great snack at all times of the day! Food in general is a great idea. My sister, Rylie, brought a chicken wrap from Jason's Deli - nothing had ever tasted so good!

6. Comfy clothes to wear around house - it was late fall when I had Adler, so when my best friend's mom sent a comfy sweater from the Gap, I was very thankful. I had not bought any non-maternity clothes, so having something new that wasn't a tent or wasn't from last year was a big treat. Thanks Janet!

7. Massage - When Stephen's mom, Raynelle, came for a visit, she took me out for a massage while Stephen kept Adler. This was great time for myself, especially as I was adjusting to picking up and carrying a new born every where I went! A must for every new mom!!

8. A gift certificate for a house cleaning - while I never actually received this gift - I had a great team of cleaners - Raynelle, my mom, and Stephen, but I could imagine if you did not have the help, what a great gift this would be!

9. A great mom to cook all your favorite foods, do you laundry, and maintain your sanity! Thanks so much mom!

10. Special band to wear with my wedding ring - the night before I had Adler, Stephen and I had a great "last date" out. While we were at the Horseradish Grill, Stephen gave me a beautiful "anniversary-type" band to wear with my wedding ring. It was really sweet of him and meant so much that he had taken the time to pick something out special for me. Thanks Stevo, you're the man!

The return of the Nintendo

Just wanted to let everyone know that while I was at my parents house, I snagged the Nintendo I spent countless childhood hours playing...sweaty palms, callused thumbs, the dreaded music, that silly princess always in another castle....these are the memories Stephen and I have been reliving for the past 2 weeks.

The first night, we stayed up until 1am playing. I only have a few games, Mario 1/Duckhunt, Paper Boy, King Kong, and Mario 3, I think I would have the perfect collection if I only had Frogger.

I remember when my sisters and I put our money together to buy the Nintendo Entertainment System. We bought it at Walmart for $199. That was a lot of chores or whatever the heck I did to earn that money!

Anyways, just thought I would share!

Project: Complete the Projects

So, the Hunton house is a bit crazy right now. We're having a little get together in the coming weeks, and Kristine and I just got really motivated to get the house in "presentable fashion"...so thus began "Project Month" where we've been painting the rest of our living room and entrance, finished painting the kitchen, installed new dining room lighting, a new living room fan (more on this to come), started looking to replace our flourescent eye sore of a light in the Kitchen, etc etc. I aerated the grass, am now "de-thatching" it (basically clawing at the ground with a rake in order to get up all the dead grass to promote growth), re-soiled and mulched our tree in the front...back yard tree is next...re-mulching the beds in the backyard, and also sanding, pressure-washing, and finally staining/sealing our deck. The deck is actually looking pretty solid. Kristine was quoted saying "wow...I might actually want to go out there now."

The most challenging aspect thus far, besides the de-thatching , was the living room fan. We have vaulted ceilings, which are quite tall. This shouldn't be difficult with my HUGE ladder though right? Wrong...even with it, I still couldn't reach the top...SO, we pulled over the trusty dining room table and installed the leaf. This made the ladder a perfect fit atop the dining room table (by perfect, I mean "no room left whatsoever"). I then proceeded to stand atop this ladder/dinning table combo and take down the existing fan to replace with the new one. It looks so much better, and was definately worth the effort, but I am glad that I didn't fall and break my face.

Pictures to come.

Hello

Just saying hello today. As you can see, I finally figured out how to post videos without Stephen's help. Adler and I flew out to Texas to spend a week with family. It was definitely interesting flying by yourself with a baby (Stephen stayed at home for a week of bachelorhood). But I had a great time seeing friends and family - pictures posted soon. You can also check out posted pictures from my night out without Adler below. Hope you're having a great day!
xoxo

Adler Tries to Clap

Adler's First Kiss