Go Team Hale

Genuine Captured Moments

2012-01-06T23:50:00.000-06:00

Look, Gray! That is a camera and this is how we vlog.

I was cleaning off my memory card and I have my filming devices set up to automatically take still shots as they record. You get a lot of awkward pictures this way (think: mid-sentence mouth, half blink eye, funky expression) but you also get a lot of gems. Genuine moments captured instantly.

That's right. He gives kisses now. And he gets a death grip on your face before forcefully pulling you in and planting that juicy number right on whatever part of the face he can get to.

You can't see it, but we are nursing here. So sweet.

Gray and I are buddies. No one gets him like I do. I am so glad he came into our lives.

lv, Court

It has to be PRETTY

2012-01-05T00:05:00.000-06:00

So it happened. I just celebrated a BIG* birthday. It insistently thrust itself upon me the way birthdays do... whether you are ready for them or not. My birthday always marks the end of the holiday season. In my family, it is game on from Halloween through my birthday (the 3rd).

We quietly celebrated with dinner out and cake/gifts at our house. I plan on having an actual party at the end of this month... something fun with a pretty cake. It has to be PRETTY, I instructed to Kyle. I learned a long time ago that I am the only real party planner on both sides of the family. If someone gets a neat, thought out party... I'm involved. It used to hurt my feelings because I would put a ton of effort into all the little details and such that make an event really special... but my birthday would arrive with no agenda, no thought out plans, no real effort. You know what that equates to in your mind... no one cares enough to put in that special effort. I am a pretty dang positive person but year after year, this would get to me. I would feel sorry for myself. BUT... I decided a couple of years ago to get over that and not be so sensitive about it. Now I know if I want something more special, than I can make it happen myself or nudge someone in the right direction... and that is TOTALLY okay. Plus, I get to be involved in the planning, which I enjoy. =)

So, long (whiny) story short... I told Kyle: We must play games. They (the games) must be mindless so that we can all talk. It must involve black and white attire. And pink. But not a dumb shade of pink. It must contain a photo "booth" room. And it must have a FANCY PRETTY CAKE.

Why am I being so demanding? Because, like I said, this is a BIG birthday. You know... the milestone kind.

Tangent:
Sophie sang and/or wished me happy birthday starting 2 weeks before my birthday. "Happy Birthday, Momma!" So sweet.

Sometimes birthdays don't seem as big a deal when you get older, but I don't like or agree with that. They should always be a big deal even if the celebration is low key. They're important, just like you.

lv, Court

Girl Time

2011-11-04T00:46:00.000-05:00

I recently did a review on Piggy Paint via my vlog. Long story short - super awesome eco friendly nontoxic nail polish. If you go right now and watch, you still have time to enter the giveaway included with the review. (Now being early Friday morning, November 3, 2011.... this afternoon, I am announcing a winner.)

Ever since I had a little girl, I have day dreamed about all the girly fun stuff we can and will do together. While playing with this product, I got to live out one of those day dreams. We had SO much fun painting our nails and goofing off together. I loved it. I loved it so much. I made a video of our nail painting session to include with the review but it ended up being much more than that. I think it beautifully captured a fun moment between a daughter and a mother - Sophia and I.

So, I am sharing it with you. Since this was part of a review, it does showcase Piggy Paint, but that is okay since it was their wonderful product that led to this mother/daughter evening. =)

This is Halloween

2011-11-02T18:07:00.001-05:00

So we pretty much celebrated Halloween from Friday to Monday, Monday being the actual day of Halloween. I love love love that Sophie was so into it. She never got scared but recognized that things WERE "scary". She would tell us something was scary and then giggle in delight. She totally got the fun of it.


Friday: Trick of Treat at Daddy's Office


Saturday: Zoo Boo


Monday: Halloween

And finally.... My two little skeletons. They are anything but scary. =)

BTW, I love Halloween. =)

lv,
C

Blast from the Past: Kyle and I at a Halloween Party in 2008, dressed as June Carter and Johnny Cash. We were mimicking a pose from "Walk the Line", hehe. =)

The Right Track

2011-09-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

10 Weeks. It has been 10 solid weeks since I had Grayson and things still feel out of sorts. There still isn't a solid routine or schedule. Our bedroom is still a temporary (I hope) baby squatting zone. My house is still in a state of "I had a baby and can almost -but not quite- keep up with the clutter" mess. And my belly still looks 12+ weeks pregnant.

Okay, more like 18 weeks pregnant.

But anyway. Here is the kicker.

It is okay.

Yes, I am coming to the realization that this seemingly off balance lifestyle may actually be -gasp- perfectly level.

And completely foreign to me.

Only it isn't, because if I really look back far into my memory, I can distinctly remember the same feelings after I had Sophie. Yup, I felt the same way after having my ONE baby. Oh, poor naive past Courtney. Future Courtney wishes she could tell you how much simpler things are with just one.

But to get back on the subject, I am finally reaching that point where enough is enough and just like I did after Sophia, I am slowly stepping it up and getting my life back onto a track that I feel comfortable and more in control of. And who cares if the new track is a lot bumpier than my past tracks?

The scenery is so much sweeter.

lv,
CH

Steppin' Out Saturday

2011-09-05T23:04:00.000-05:00

Cardi: Target

Dress Tank: Old Navy

Skirt: Gap

Flats: Kohls

Purse: Kathy Van Zeeland

Necklace: Charming Charlie

The Big Latch On

2011-08-08T22:09:00.000-05:00

I owe this blog a real post but in the meantime... =)

Meet Grayson

2011-07-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

Love,
Go Team Hale

Music Mondays (I need you so much closer...)

2011-07-11T12:25:00.000-05:00

Hospital Check List - Let's Go Have that Baby!

2011-07-02T10:49:00.001-05:00

Here is the Original Hospital Packing List as well as My Personal/Adjusted Hospital Packing List. The actual hard digital copies are also available in OneNote and Word formats for you to download. Hope they help! =)

Also, Click on the links below to watch the What's in Our Hospital Bag Series of videos!
Hospital Bag for 1st Baby
What I Actually Used from the Hospital Bag: The Mom Stuff
What I Actually Used from the Hospital Bag: The Baby and Partner Stuff
Hospital Bag for 2nd Baby: The Mom Stuff
Hospital Bag for 2nd Baby: The Baby and Partner Stuff

The Original Hospital List -
Click to Download Original File:
OneNote Format
Word Format

Essentials for MOM:

Health insurance card

Pre-registration forms from the hospital

Nursing bra(s)- This supports swollen, tender breasts, and helps keep breast pads in place.

Breast pads- You will need these whether or not you are breast feeding because they stop leaks by absorbing milk.

Boppy- These can be used if you are breast feeding or bottle feeding; either way they reduce the strain on your arms, neck, and back when feeding your baby.

Nightgown and robe- Make sure they open in the front if you are planning on breast feeding.

Slippers with tread- During early labor it is always recommended to walk around. These will also come in handy as you make trips to the nursery to check on your new baby.

Socks- Many women complain of their feet being cold during the delivery, so have a couple of pairs in case one pair becomes soiled.

Going-home outfit- Choose one that fit you when you were around 6 months pregnant.

Toiletries- To be more comfortable, take a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chap stick, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, lotion, hair dryer, etc.

Makeup

Sanitary pads- The hospital can provide you with these, but many women feel more comfortable when they bring their favorite brand with them. Remember, you are going to need a pad designed for a heavier flow.

Hair clip or band if you have long hair- Women with long hair like to have it pulled out of their faces during labor and delivery.

Pillow from home- This makes you more comfortable; just make sure you have a different colored pillow case on it to distinguish it from hospital pillows.

Extra wash cloths- These also need to be colored to distinguish them from the hospital’s wash cloths.

Magazines / Book- You will not have a lot of down time, but there could be a few minutes here and there when you could read.

Nursing Cover

Mints or breath strips- Many women experience nausea/vomiting during labor and delivery; these will help freshen your mouth or the mouths of your support people.

Lollipops or other hard candies- These can alleviate dry mouth.

Glasses and contact case

Baby book- The nursery often will take your baby book and put your baby’s footprints in it. This will save you a lot of time and trouble.

Large envelope /file folder- This may be used to store any loose paperwork.

Massager

Panties (There is a high probability they will be ruined!)

Book

Essentials for Baby:

Infant car seat and infant head support- You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one; make sure you bring the instructions.

Going-home outfit

Hat- Babies lose the vast majority of their body heat through their heads.

Booties/socks

Receiving blankets- Newborns love to be swaddled, and these blankets are perfect for swaddling.

Newborn diapers- If they do not have the umbilical cord area cut out, make sure you fold them down.

Wipes- Begin with the wipes that are designed for newborns or sensitive skin.

Mittens - Many newborns will have longer nails, so they can easily scratch their face and other parts of their bodies.

Essentials for Partner:

Change of clothes

Pajamas

Bathing suit- This is important if you and your partner are planning on a water birth or using the birthing pool during labor.

Toiletries

Snacks- Labor can be a long process, so you want to be prepared.

Cooler filled with drinks and sandwiches- This keeps the partner close by and can help avoid multiple trips to the hospital cafeteria.

Quarters for the vending machine and/or pay phone- Remember not all hospitals allow cell phone use.

Watch with second hand or a way to time contractions

Video Camera - Make sure you have extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc.

-Charger

-Memory Stick (make sure it is empty!)

Still Camera

-Charger

-Memory Stick (make sure it is empty!)

Address book- This will help you contact friends and family about your new arrival.

Massage oils- Many labor classes discuss the use of massage oils during class because they can help alleviate back labor.

CDs/CD player- Soothing music may help you and your partner relax both during and after labor.

Take out menus

DVDs to watch in room

Laptop

-Charger

Cell Phone

-Charger

Book

My Personalized Hospital List -

Click to Download Original File:
OneNote Format
Word Format

Essentials for Mom: