The countdown is on...

5,4,3....I am so excited to be packing for a fun family trip to Washington state to visit my sister Amy! We leave in three days and it's true, I have started packing! While we are out there we will be celebrating some birthdays. We will be apple picking...and just spending time with family. Sean has never been out west (well that far west) before, so it is going to be exciting to see his reaction.

I also want you all to take a visit over at Stacey's blog...she's doing a fall time give-a-way! Fall is my favorite season I think...it's so colorful, college football, jeans & sweatshirt weather, the crunch of leaves below your feet, pumpkin spice lattes...need I say more? What is it you like about Fall?

I'm back!

Wow have things been busy! The past few weeks, my life has been consumed with the anticipation of going back to work. I am only there part time for now, but it seems like I am there a lot more...luckily I get to bring Connor with me, and then when Sean is done with his job, he comes up there and picks up Connor. However, they have me working really horrible hours, and at times the childcare isn't available for infants, which leaves me empty handed with Sean's retail schedule. So, my Mom, the amazing woman she is, took a vacation day so she could help us out tomorrow. I am not keen on having my Mom do this, but it was her idea and so I guess I have to be accepting of gifts once in a while. While, I've been busy with work, Connor has started teething already!!! So, he was unimaginably fussy the last two days (of course, those are my first two days at work).

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, know that I love the show 'Jon & Kate Plus 8', well, this past Friday, I went to the Women's show and met Kate! It was so much fun....but, once I got to her, she asked me how I was...and I responded with "surprisingly nervous" she then laughed at me, and said "Seriously?" I then felt like a lot of time went by where I couldn't find any words to come out of my mouth. Yes, I guess you could say I was star struck...yes, I am a dork! This upcoming Saturday, I plan to go with my cousin to have her meet Lebron James...let's see how that goes!

And, on a side note, Sean & I are still trying to sell our condo. We are making due with what we have here, but would really like to move onto that next chapter with a house...preferably one of the ones we have fallen in love with that is still on the market....we'd like to get it before someone else...so, if you could keep us in your thoughts and positively think someone will fall in love with this condo like I did at one time, that would be great.

Don't forget to tune into Connor's blog...

The things we do for each other...

It is amazing how much time a little baby takes up....but he is worth it! I will have to say that this boggling of motherhood and wifehood is a bit tricky. I blink my eye and Connor's looks have changed. And, I blink my eye and Sean is back at work to provide for our family. It is so hard to be a part of it all, but I feel that I am doing an ok job at this....I mean, I m keeping up with laundry...so life is good, right? I am just sitting down after a whirlwind of a morning, 2 loads of laundry folded- third in the dryer. 3 mile run complete. Connor's been fed 3 times already. The house is picked up. Read a fun book to Connor (Mig the Pig). I have noted more items in Connor's baby book. Sean's laundry is put away so he doesn't have to do it after work. Clean dishes from dishwasher put away. Clothes donated to goodwill. Car washed.....egh! And, now it's 2:00pm and I am beat....so, why not relax and blog while Connor is sleeping....it's so hard for me to sit and relax as there's so much that still needs to be completed....I can easily see how many women end up never finding time for just them....so, while Connor naps, and now that my boring blog has been updated...I'm off to paint my toes and sit in the sun! I can't imagine how this is all going to work when I go back to work...I guess I am going to have to give up on freshly folded laundry or something along those lines!

One year....

A year ago today, Sean and I left for our honeymoon!

A year ago yesterday, Sean and I made a promise to spend the rest of our lives together.

A year ago, two days ago....Sean and I were dreaming of the BIG day with much anticipation.

A year ago, three days ago, we had our rehearsal practice and dinner with family and close friends.

A year ago, four days ago....my sister and her family arrived and we welcomed them all in with a combined family cookout.

It's amazing that all the planning that took months only lasted for those few amazing days. This past year, our life has been a crazy life....but in a good way. We decided to start a family of our own, without much a due, we succeeded only after 2 months of trying. Sean interviewed for a job promotion, but the timing just wasn't right this year. Maybe next year. We survivied the bad economy; as Sean supported it with purchasing me a car much to my dismay. We went to Indians games, countless date nights-savoring them prior to our little addition. I sent Sean on an exciting valentine's day hunt (we all know he'd love for me to do that again...) We laughed over silly stuff including the time when Sean's wisdom teeth were pulled- he doesn't do well on vicodin! We put our condo on the market to move onto the next stage of our life. And we shared the joys of welcoming our son into the world.

They say the first year is the hardest, but it's been the best year of my life. I can't wait to spend the next 50 years with him, vacationing, talking, laughing, sharing, and eventually retirement sitting on a front porch in our matching rocking chairs and an iced cold glass of lemonade!

Time is flying...

It is amazing how much time is flying by- they say that happens when you are having fun! I love being a wife and a mommy. The juggling act between the two isn't as difficult as I thought it would be, however...I am sure once I put work back into the equation it will be a whole new story. I love being at home right now, but unfortunately- you don't get paid to be at home...so, it will be off to work eventually. I am lucky to have permission to take 12 weeks off..so I am savoring each and every day that is for sure!

A typical day in my shoes currently are...feedings every three hours- give or take. Taking naps with Connor on my chest. Laundry. Bathing Connor or myself. Walking....or rare trips to the health club for a serious workout. Reading books and singing songs. Playing music. Changing Connor's clothes....(because of his talent of being able to pee up his BACK! Not sure how the kid does it!) Did I mention laundry? And, if you know me- you must know that each day consists of organizing!

It is amazing how quick the time is going by, then again, I guess we have been busy. It's been 4 weeks since Connor has come into our lives. We have had two people come see our condo on two separate occasions, unfortunately no buyers. We have made it to a funeral. :-( And, to a wedding. Sean has had a job interview. We have had MANY friends and family come over to meet Connor...and many more that still need to meet him.

But through all of this; I have loved EVERY moment...I don't think I have been stressed once in the past 4 weeks. We have been blessed with such a happy, content little boy. I am so lucky to have Sean in my life; he's such a great husband and father. I love watching the way the two boys interact...the way Connor just stares at Sean is incredibly awesome (Connor doesn't ever look at me/anyone that way....however Connor will react to the sound of my voice). I am so lucky to have this time....now if someone could tell me how to stop the hour glass so I can relish in these moments forever, that would be great!

Our new life...

Since Connor has arrived- my blog name remains the same "the happy life I've dreamed of..." Being a wife and a mommy is such a wonderful experience- one that I honestly didn't think I would be either title of (wife or mommy). Sean is such a great husband and father and I couldn't be happier with him in my life. I know now that there's a balancing act- I must continue to put him first, then our son. As for Connor, wow- he's great...a very content baby- rarely cries....he's got his own little personality at the ripe age of 18 days old. Last night I was laying on the couch with Connor on my chest sleeping- and Sean walked in from a long day of work....Sean dropped everything and came over and the three of us just laid there- it was so nice that I guess I can only sum it up to....fairy tales do come true! I am looking forward to this new life with my boys...

Connor's birth...

Take a look at babymcguinness.blogspot.com for updates on Connor's birthday- and future pictures to come...

Will update here in a bit....stay tuned!