Top Five Moments of the Week — 7/25/14

Click on "full screen" to see it better...

• Watching AC attempt to crawl!!

• Getting my mamaw's quilts that she handmade. One is for me, and one I got to save for AC.

• Celebrating the Mr's birthday.

• Getting part of our cabinets delivered for our dining room remodel.

• Seeing AC's face as she tried sweet tea for the first time!

Wordless Wednesday — Mr's Birthday Recap

Happy Birthday to the Mr

We love to celebrated birthdays. That's probably why we've been celebrating the Mr's birthday since last Friday. We headed out to Mississippi last weekend to celebrate with our families. We kicked it off with dinner at Ole Farm Beef House with my family. It's one of our favorite places to eat in Meridian. If you are ever there for dinner, go!

Saturday night we celebrated with the Mr's family at Outback and then headed back to his parent's house for cake and ice cream.

We took lunch to him at his office today, and even though he was in a rush we enjoyed visiting with him for a few minutes. And he got a lot of cute smiles from AC.

Tonight we will celebrate the Mr's birthday as a family of three, for the first time. We've planned an evening at Long Horn Steakhouse, and AC and I got him his favorite cake and ice cream for dessert. He opened his gift from us Friday night, so he'll just get cards tonight.

We are so thankful that God placed him on this earth! I can't imagine my life without him... he is my best friend, my soul mate, the best daddy and the funniest man I know.

Happy Birthday!! We love you!!

Father's Day Weekend Recap...

Father's Day 2014 was different in so many ways. It was the first Father's Day for my husband to celebrate as a daddy himself. And it was also the first Father's Day that we didn't get to celebrate with my papaw. Bittersweet. This year we made new memories, memories that will last a lifetime.

We started off our weekend early Friday morning headed to Meridian. The Mr took the day off (even though he worked by phone most of the day) so we could have a little extra time to see everyone while we were home.

He had a business meeting in Tuscaloosa before we could really get moving on the road, so AC and I had us some fun in the backseat. She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and talking to her mama so that's what we did to pass the time.

Once we made it to Meridian, we headed straight for Papa's office to see Ganny and Papa. We planned to have lunch with them and spend the afternoon hanging out at his office to see everyone. Lunch was quick at O'Charleys before Papa's board meeting, and AC decided she would help kick off that meeting. You can tell she was really excited. Ha!

While we visited with friends and family at Papa's office, the Mr stayed on the phone working. Yeah, vacation days don't equal much of a vacation. But we were excited to see Mrs. Barbara and Angeline, and AC got to meet little Bradley and visit with his mommy and daddy. He was born two weeks after her birth day.

We ended our day at the Mr's parent's house for dinner and to settle in for the night. The nieces were there and they asked to hold her before we crawled into bed. It was a long day for Miss AC.

Saturday morning we got ready for another busy day. Our day started out with Granddaddy making AC giggle. And then I had a business meeting with my job. This time daddy and AC got to hang out and have some fun together. After the meeting, we met up with Abby and Drew for some yummy San Marcos and then back to Abby's for a little birthday celebration which included some Baskin Robbins ice cream!

We made it back to the Mr's parent's house for AC to take a quick nap, but I think her daddy got more of a nap than she did while I played beauty shop with the nieces. I took some pictures of the girls, and then some with AC and her cousins. I'll show all those pictures with another post because there are so many that I like! After the photo session we headed off to Ole Farm Beef House to enjoy celebrating Father's Day and an early celebration for my birthday.

On Sunday morning we got the Denali loaded up and ready to head south to attend church at our home church, and spend some time with Ganny and Papa.

And the afternoon was spent at Ganny and Papa's house. Uncle Bubba had the magic touch and got AC right off to sleep. Before we left to head back to Bham, we stopped at Mrs. Barbara and Mr. Billy's house so we could visit with Sheila and the girls some. I still can't believe how fast Vashti has grown up. I used to babysit her and now she will be a freshman in college in the fall!!

We had a great weekend, but a weekend back in our home town wears us out. And this little one was definitely ready to get back to her house and be around all her "stuff". I'm pretty sure if pictures could talk, this one would say... "ARE WE THERE YET?"

We hope y'all had a wonderful Father's Day weekend. I know we made lots of memories for the Mr's first Father's Day. Thankful for this new and exciting chapter in our lives.

To My Husband...

Finding out we were expecting last July changed our lives forever. After losing our first baby way too soon, we both were very protective over this little life we were blessed with. You put up with my crazy hot flashes, weird cravings and did more around the house than I ever dreamed any husband would do.

Then I had her. Wow! The moment I laid eyes on you holding her, my love for you grew deeper and greater than I ever knew could exist. The way you cared for both of us in the hospital showed me exactly what kind of husband and father you would be. Being married for two years, we shared a lot, but those three nights and two days in the hospital brought us closer together than we've ever been before.

Once we were home from the hospital, you made sure you were a part of each and every moment with AC and taking care of me. We've never used the bathroom in front of each other, but that all changed once she was born. You probably never thought you would see the day when you would have to help me up and down from the potty, but after the c-section you took one for the team. Thankfully, those moments of awkwardness didn't last but a few days after we were home. And I'm sure neither one of us will never forget the laughter we shared during those experiences, even if I did cry out in pain after every laugh.

Next week will make four months we've had our little one in our arms. Things definitely changed after having her. Our home looks like a babies r us showroom. We sleep with a burp cloth and paci in the bed most nights. Our conversations include the words poopie and tee tee most of the time, and I'm not sure which one of those words makes us laugh the hardest. Our nighttime routine isn't what it used to be, but I'm sure one day we will miss those weekly photo sessions. Even if you roll your eyes every Thursday. The house isn't spotless. The meals have sorta become routine. But I wouldn't change any of these things because this is our life, and we are so happy and blessed that we get to live it with each other every single day.

There are things that we both said we would never do, and most of those we've had to eat our words. Like having our baby sleep in the bed with us at times, yep, that's happened. But one of the funniest is the one that you said you'd never do... buy me tampons. Last night as I was taking videos of our beautiful little girl, I went to the saved photos to send it to my email. However, I did a double take, and then doubled over laughing when I saw you had taken a picture of the tampon box under my sink in our bathroom. I remember you asking me a few weeks ago if I needed anything while you were out, and I mentioned those. Since you didn't want me getting out with the baby just to buy those, you said you would purchase them for me. But seeing that you actually took a photo of them to make sure you got the right ones, now that is LOVE.

Thank you for laughing with me after I came across this photo last night, and thank you for loving me so much that you would endure purchasing "those things." The fact that you were caught by another female on that isle holding your phone up to the many selections to make sure you got the right ones solidifies the fact that you are the perfect, loving and caring husband for me.

Here's the photo from his phone... I'm still tickled he took a photo of the box. And pray he forgives me for blogging about this. Ha!

Schedule/Smedule...

Hello. My name is Joy, and I'm still alive. Our little family is great, and life is happening every day. However, I seem to be having a problem with scheduling everything during the day. Which is why this blog has taken a backseat in my everyday activities. Right now AC is attempting to take a nap in the swing just a few feet away from me. So let's be honest, this post could publish a few minutes later, or it could sit in my drafts folder for another week or two until I can find another moment to come back and finish it. I'll try to let you know at the end which occurs!

First, I'm loving my new job title — mommy. It's probably the most fun I've had in my life. Is it stressful? Absolutely! But I love it, and I'm so thankful we were blessed with this little one.

Now back to why I can't seem to blog on a regular basis... life. Life with an almost four month old is wonderful, but she rules the roost. In our birthing class they mentioned that babies take a lot of your time, and they depend on you for everything. We laughed because we knew all of this, but when it becomes your reality it takes on a whole new meaning. She needs mommy and daddy for everything: eating, sleeping, etc. (I just looked up and she's asleep! This post might actually get published today, whoop whoop!)

Not only am I a stay at home mommy, but I also work from home. Being in a still somewhat new city to us, we don't know people like we do back in our hometown in Mississippi. And, I'm overly protective of this little one that we are so happy to have, so I'm not about to leave my baby with just anyone. Thankfully, I'm blessed to be able and stay home with her every day. My husband is a very hard worker and makes sure that his family is provided for. However, my full time job of taking care of our AC is just part of my daily routine, I'm also a social media manager for a design, marketing and media agency. I love both of my jobs, and I'm so thankful I get to do both of them from our home.

We can't forget that before either of those two job titles came about, that I was/am a wife. And, I'm also still a friend. Wow, my title sure is getting longer. I feel like a doctor with a bunch of specialties... Joy H Sowell, W, BF, MM, SMM, SAHM.

So I'm finding it harder to schedule all of those roles in one day. I wouldn't change my life for anything, and I'm happy to be where I am today. I got an Erin Condren life planner, and when I find time to write in it, I feel better about my day/week. Maybe I should write a schedule for each day... and yes, I'm one of those people who thought schedules were ridiculous before AC came. Maybe when I get our schedule/smedule down pat, I'll find a moment at least a few times a week to blog. Or at least finish the six drafts I've already started. Ha!

PS — she's still asleep, it's only ten minutes after I started this post, and it's about to publish. So make that five drafts in my folder! Phew!

AC's Baby Dedication

This Mother's Day was different from any previous Mother's Day in my life. It was pretty special because not only did I have a sweet baby girl in my arms, our little girl was dedicated at my home church. Thankful for a very memorable 1st Mother's Day.

At the end of the Mother's Day service, Bro. Kyle called the Mr and I up with our little girl for the ceremony to begin. He read the resolution that the Mr and I will uphold for our family, and prayed over our little one.

Enjoy the photos from her dedication. Hannah, who owns Hannah Grace Photography in Marion, Virginia, took these photos for us!

Thank you, Hannah, for capturing our baby's special day.

Hannah lives in Virginia (she's from Mississippi and comes home to visit her family often) and photographs weddings, special events, portraits for engagements, seniors, families, and children. She interned with me a few years ago and she does excellent work. Y'all follow her on , and check out her website!

AC's Newborn Photos

I love photographs. I love them so much that I take tons of photographs every year. However, when it came to AC's newborn pictures... I knew there was no way I could take them. I'd need someone else to handle that job for me.  

At our baby shower in Mississippi, a sweet lady, Lacy, (I used to baby sit her two children) asked me if I had found a photographer in Birmingham for AC's newborn pics. Since I still consider us "new" here, I knew of no one. She mentioned that her niece, Amy Pate, was a great photographer in the area and I should check her out. One of the most important things about hiring a photographer, having someone know them and know their work!!

I immediately came home and found her on Facebook (), and went to her website. Her website gave me a peace of mind because I knew if she took the newborn photos, I'd have that stress lifted off of me!

Well if y'all remember, AC was born two and a half weeks early. So everything was thrown off timing wise. As a matter of fact, mom and I were supposed to have our hair done the day she was born. Of course, I had to cancel those appointments the night before. I emailed Amy a few days after she was born, and we set up her photo shoot.

Amy likes to take newborn photos two weeks old or less, and we went when she was thirteen days old. A few days before her photo shoot, we were sent over a questionnaire to answer so she could get a better feel for us as a family. She asked about the colors of her nursery, our hobbies, etc. She also noted that the photo shoot could take anywhere from 2-4 hours.

Once we found a parking spot (there was a bomb scare two blocks from her studio and the police had everything blocked off) and walked into her studio, I immediately felt at ease. She looked at what we brought with us clothing and prop wise, and moved us to the back of her studio. Everything was so calm, and she had heaters positioned so our little one didn't get cold. She also used soft gloves so every time she moved AC her cold hands didn't bother her. It was very apparent that she had a ton of patience, and wanted everything to be perfect. This mama would have given up after a few minutes of positioning and repositioning.

Overall, everything turned out wonderful. The photographs she captured were more than we could have ever hoped for, and we are so happy to have these beautiful keepsakes to always remember when she was first born. As a mother who less than two weeks prior had a c-section and felt not at her best, Amy made me feel beautiful while taking our family shots, and the ones of me and AC together. Usually, if ANYONE takes our photos, I'm asking to see the back of their camera to see what it looks like. With Amy, that thought never crossed my mind. Watching her work her magic with AC and seeing her creativity come to life in front of me, I knew we were going to have wonderful photos to choose from.

These are a few of our favorites...

Amy P Photography

[email protected]

2300 1st Ave N, STE 101
Birmingham, AL 35203

Friday Five {link up}

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the Sowell life's Friday five... 

1) {Two Month Shots} Those three words should speak for themselves, but even then, if you've never been through them with your baby — you have no idea how heartbreaking it is. Thankfully, the nurse was quick with the four shots and the paci calmed her down pretty quickly afterwards. However, we left for home asap and within ten minutes, she was taking her bottle before a nap. Knock on wood, she did great with them. We took the Dr's orders and gave Tylenol every 4-6 hours for the first 24 hours. And I had to give her another dose on Tuesday at lunch, but other than that... we made it through!

2) {First (of many) McAlisters Deli Trip} Mommy and Daddy love McAlisters. Okay, maybe mommy loves it more than daddy, but still — we eat it a lot. If you remember, this was our last meal together in the hospital before AC made her debut. Well, I think it's official that she likes it, too. 

3) {Shopping Fun} We had two full days of shopping this week to find AC a dedication dress. On day two, we found THE dress. Can't wait for her to wear it — and don't worry, we will have pictures!

4) {Daddy/Mommy pics with AC} 

5) {Favorite Video} She pretty much smiles if you smile at her these days...

Now, who's ready to link up with the Friday Five?!! I appreciate y'all spreading the word more than you'll ever know!! Please stop by and visit with the other bloggers who link up. It's a great way to find new bloggers to follow! And who doesn't love comments, right? =) Enjoy your weekend, y'all! 

Easter Recap 2014

Easter was a tad bit different this year with the addition of little AC. I'm not sure how I imagined it would be, but it blew my expectations out of the water.  

I had so much fun making sure the Easter bunny came to see our sweet girl for the first time, even if we weren't at our home. She got her first swimsuit, flip flops, pink bottles, paci clips and a musical soother.

This was also the first time for her to attend church. And she was such a good girl during the service. She only squealed out once, but then went right back to sleep. And my parents who were sitting on the other side of us didn't even hear her squeal. I, however, got very emotional at the end of the service thinking about last year's Easter and how special this year's service was with our gift from above.

Of course when we got back to my parent's house... we had lots and lots of pictures to take to commemorate this very special day.

This Easter was amazing having our little one with us. She was a trooper with all the traveling, and visits.