Off the Radar

I haven't really wanted to blog. That's not true, I haven't found the desire to share what's going on. And really I haven't had my camera close.

Things that have happened since Marky's 1st birthday.

Marky started walking. Like took off over night! And he would just laugh the whole time. Now he's way more stable. He's into EVERYTHING! I find him in cabinets, bathrooms, closets, drawers (especially the one under the stove), refrigerators, boxes, laundry baskets, the laundry room, under tables and desks or sitting on the stairs (boxes block him from going up, but he still sits and enjoys the view). Toys are everywhere. Seriously, I found one of my refrigerators unplugged today. The one that holds the frozen treats and extra food--you know I plugged that one back up, quickly. He dances. If you haven't seen the video of him dancing on my facebook page, go there NOW! He's most certainly my kid. It is seriously SOOO fun at my house. He is a blast.

We moved. Kind of a good move. We live four blocks from the shop, two to three block from Taco Bell, Wal*Mart, Publix and El Apache, and about three minutes from my parents. That's my favorite part. Mark comes home every day for lunch. YAY! We're in a different ward (Orange Park 1st) and in a larger (but a lot less expensive) house than before.

Marky started really using his signs and started talking more. He loves to say "HELLO!" He'll try to sign "more" and it turns into "yay." So then, while signing it, I say "More? You want more?" and he'll say "Moh. Yeah. Yeah" while nodding his head up and down. But he is starting to really communicate and it is SO fun to see.

Right before we moved homes, Mark was thinking about moving the shop first. His rent was way too expensive for what we needed, so he looked around, found something for a great price, called his landlord and let him know we were going to move. His landlord came back and offered him a severely reduced amount to stay. So we decided it would be silly to move. However, just after we got settled in the new house, the landlord called back and told Mark he sold the property. So he has to move anyhow. But this is good. We're really excited about the new changes. Best part, between the new house and new shop, we'll be paying about 1/3 of the amount were originally paying.

I have a new calling coming. I've known about it for over a month, and I keep not getting sustained. I get to church, on time (don't faint) and expect it...then BAM! I get smacked upside my head with a whole lot of NOTHING. I kinda think the Lord wants me to be there on time. So I have two new callings: arriving at church on time; and the other. And if I can get then first taken care of, He'll then start me in the other calling.

We have each other, we're happy and we're close to just about everything. What more could a girl want? Except an island in the kitchen...oh wait, I have one of those now, too. Not a big island, but it has a plug and storage underneath. So its my baking island. And that makes me happy.

Faces of an Angel

Oh the many faces of my little Marky. He's also starting to smile and boy do we love that. My camera is acting crazy (ever since a certain cousin played with it) so I'm still trying to get it to take a good picture. Please bear with me!

Here he is after his pants were changed. He loves a clean hiney.

And then I caught this face too

More random pictures with my camera acting a fool but you can see his smile

Yay, this one is more clear

More gang signs (representin' for Roman numeral 3)

I kept asking if he wanted to get in the shower with me...this is his shower seat.

He's thinking about showering...

...of course he said yes to being clean!

I love him in a towel and that face makes me want to bite him.

Ok, so maybe I was a little close in this one because his eyes are crossed...but possibly one of my favorite pictures!

Who doesn't love a naked baby? I didn't position the towel, it just happened to cover his package, thankfully!

His faces are all so wonderful to me. Keep those smiles coming Little Marky. I have my very own angel in my home now. And that's something to be thankful for.

Camera Cord Found...

...Finally!! I've uploaded a couple hundred pictures (no exaggeration) so let's pick up where we left off...

You saw his first bath, this is Little Mark's first shower! He tolerated this way better.

We started getting fogged up from these hot men of mine.

Halloween outfit since I didn't want to bake him in a Halloween costume. Do you love his shoes? Thanks Aunt Cassie for the hat and shoes! Funny story, I bought these shoes from Craigslist and my sister bought them at the Van's outlet. We're so good we bought different sizes! :) He also has a pair of shoes to match this hat.

This night he slept 7 hours!!! I woke up a bunch making sure he was still breathing.

We love bath time!

Little Marky fell asleep nursing and I had to jump up to let Cami out. I thought he looked so cute. Kim, can you see what is behind my boppy?

He's throwing up gang signs already. He knows he's Mark, III.

Do you hear that, Mommy is taking pictures of me!!

Something about his face when he yawns...just so cute.

I'm thankful for this little man in my life. He certainly makes me so happy. I'm also thankful he's healthy. Two Mondays ago at his 1 month check up he was 11 lbs 3 oz and 23 inches long. That puts him in the 95th percentile for height and 90th for weight. While we were there, he rolled over for the first time. I just couldn't believe it. So I took him to my parents' house the next day and he rolled over again. He's growing so fast. I have no choice in the matter, he's going to grow up and I'd better be on board and enjoy the ride.

More pictures to follow

The Name

What's in a name? As girls, we grow up ready to name things: babydolls, puppies, kitties, future children and anything that comes our way. Cassie and I always wanted to have a business together and call it "C & C _________ Factory." Then we had to name the title company- that took a lot of time. We came up with names for a sweets shop (since we love them). Mark and I had fun trying to come up with the perfect name for his shop. Sometimes, I feel names aren't exactly fitting for certain occasions. So now that my yard stories are all over, I feel its time to move on. I need to rename this blog and I need some help. So please send your ideas!


Speaking of naming things. We do not have an update on Baby Gentle. We will hopefully have resolution soon with our... "situation" and will be able to give you a real update. As for now, we're going to say our due date is October 5th. As long as this baby gets here healthy, we'll be happy! Sending lots of love!!

Our 1/2 full yard

Our yard has been very lonesome. I feel like my yard has something in common with The Giving Tree. It used to have children playing in it, swinging from the branches in the tree, playing in the driveway, jumping on top of the cable box (which also happens to be in our yard). It was a happy yard. For the past 3 weeks, its been completely empty. The Furmans moved and took their 5 yr old social butterfly with them. Our yard certainly misses him and all the fun he brought.

There's always a silver lining to every dark cloud. While to most this yard looks empty...I can only tell you the thoughts going on in my head. Our dream of our own kids getting in trouble for leaving their stuff outside is becoming an exciting reality. Mark and I just found out we're expecting our first child. I can't tell you the emotions and gratitude I've felt since finding out on Wednesday. We're in shock! We can't believe the tests (all 6 of them) came out positive. We are so excited to fill our yard and our home with little things. I'm so excited we'll finally have fun stuff to blog about! I will not indulge you in any stomach pictures of my blossoming baby...that won't work on me! But we will share every moment possible with each of you as our house turns into a home and the Gentles turn into a family. :)

My First Blog

Hello family and friends!

For the past 3 weeks I've been considering what I should write in this blog. It reminds me a lot of scrap booking. It takes me a while to think up something but after I start, I'm good to go.

These days I work and after work, I work out. That's about it. I feel like life is super busy and I'd love some balance. In fact, I read a book called Confessions of an Unbalanced Woman. It was a quick read. I thought I'd get some great insight on how to balance my life. All I read was how no one has a balanced life, everyone feels unbalanced and we have to jump on and enjoy the ride. Stop looking for ways to change all the great things Heavenly Father has given us. Just make sure we're doing what we need to do and try our best...that's all we can do. I've really enjoyed life much more since then. So thank you Unbalanced writer Emily Watts!

Back to being busy...Mark (my sexy husband) is always busy with his shop. We're very grateful for that as well. We try to squeeze in time for each other and our sweet little English bulldog Cami. I wouldn't change what I have. I'd only add to it. Like a baby or six. I know we'll get those one day. It's not for a lack or trying! :) We'll keep you posted on that situation as soon as there's something to blog about!

Well, it's time for my "Boot Camp" aerobics class. I guess I've got to get my butt kicked! Between getting waxed (just my eyebrows...yeah-yeah, just my eyebrows. I won't mention my mustache) and putting myself through all the killer workouts...I can't believe I pay for torture. If you're going to be close by and would like to join in kicking my booty, give me a call! Blog you later! :)