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!

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.

AC's first visit to Mississippi

The weekend of Easter, we made our first trip to Mississippi to see family and friends. Not that she will remember her first visit to her daddy and mommy's home state, but it was kinda a big deal for us as we crossed over the Mississippi line with our baby girl.

Friday once we got into town, we headed to the chiropractor. Mommy and daddy needed an adjustment, and we haven't found a good chiropractor in Bham like Dr. Clark in Meridian. We saw some friends while waiting our turn and were excited to visit with them. Afterwards we headed over to the Mr's parent's house to visit for a few minutes before we headed out to my parents's house.

AC got to meet her first cousins for the first time. I think they were pretty excited to watch her kick her legs, smile and squeal out.

We picked up our favorite, McAlister's, before driving out to my parent's house. And we had plenty of hands wanting to hold her while we chowed down. Papa got her first, and put her to sleep humming Come, Thou Fount.

After getting a good night's sleep, we woke up with a very big day ahead of us.

First up was a visit from Mrs. Barbara, Vanessa, Sheila, Vashti and Angeline. I was in both Vanessa and Sheila's weddings, and even babysat Vashti and Angeline... so having them meet our baby girl was a big deal. Mrs. Barbara has been my biggest fan since I was born, and I don't remember any part of my life without her. I'm so happy AC will get to know how special she is to our family!

Once we finished up our visit, we went to see my grandmother. She had no idea we were coming, so it was a big surprise for her. And it was the first time for our four generations to be together.

She had to check out her belly button, and give her lots of kisses before we left.

Next up was visiting with the Mr's parents, and his brother's family. This was the first time his brother and sister-in-law got to see Miss AC. And, she celebrated Easter with his parents.

And she had her first experience eating out at a restaurant... Outback. Although, she didn't seem too impressed with her daddy's coloring skills.

We got back to my parent's house that evening and got ready for Easter the next day. She had a big day of first's that Saturday, and she slept great that evening!

I'll have a full recap of Easter coming up soon!

Friday Five {link up}

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the Sowell life's Friday five... 

I have a thousand things I want to blog about, but haven't had the time the past two weeks. I'm hopeful AC will be taking a nap today so I can blog about her first Easter, and first trip to Mississippi. Until then... enjoy these five pictures of our sweet girl!

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! 

A longing fulfilled...

I always knew I wanted to be a mommy. Even before I met Mr Right, who is now the Mr, it was something I dreamed of being. I thought I would become a mommy long before I actually did, but if ever I have realized something, it's that it's not in our time, it's all in His time.

After having a miscarriage the first day of December in 2012, life became hard for me. Everywhere I turned there was a baby on TV, or even going shopping there was babies/kids, everywhere. Just one look at those sweet faces would drive that knife just a little deeper in my heart. I couldn't even watch movies without crying. I always knew I wanted to be a mommy, but I never would have dreamed I would have to experience such a lost and pain before the joy came.

Last Easter was hard. We decided to take a break from Facebook in September 2012. This was a month before we found out we were pregnant the first time. I still had my twitter and instagram account, and loved keeping up with everyone through those means of social media. For some reason, when Easter week came, my heart strings were pulled and tugged on throughout the week. We were actively trying to get pregnant, and I had high hopes that the following week I would get a positive test. The weekend of Easter, I saw hundreds of pictures of friend's kids painting and then hunting Easter eggs. Then the night before Easter, I viewed pictures of everyone getting ready for the Easter bunny.

That night, I had a dream. I still remember that dream like it was yesterday. I dreamed someone rang our doorbell, and I went to the door and found a little baby girl in an Easter basket. There was no note, and no one with her. Just a sweet little newborn baby left at our door step. The next part of the dream was kinda in and out but I remember us not having anything for a baby in our house and we had to go buy everything. And then I woke up, crying.

We got up to get ready for church. While the Mr was driving us to church, I scrolled through instagram and saw all those sweet happy kids with their Easter baskets. It was all I could do to hold back the tears.

After the service, we went to Ruby Tuesdays to grab some lunch. I think the Mr knew something was wrong with me because I wasn't really talking. Then out of no where I told him I really, really wanted a baby. Understand that we talked about getting pregnant and having a baby a lot after the miscarriage. We weren't necessarily trying to get pregnant in September 2012, but when we took that pregnancy test and it came back positive, we were overjoyed. And losing that little baby was extremely hard on both of us. So we knew we wanted to try to have another baby as soon as we could.

Sitting in the booth at that restaurant, I cried. I told him about all the pictures I had seen that morning, and how happy all the little kids looked. I told him about all the family Easter pictures everyone was posting. And then I sobbed, and said very loudly through the tears... I want that!!!

We didn't finish our lunch, we just got the check and left with me crying. We got in the vehicle and he said something very important to me. He said, he wanted a baby just as much as I did, but he didn't marry me for a baby. He married me because he loves me, and if it was just the two of us for the rest of our lives, he was okay with that. I knew he wanted a family just like I did, but I could tell he was trying to tell me it was going to be okay if we never did.

Once we arrived home, that knife was driven a little bit deeper when I realized we wouldn't be getting a positive pregnancy test the following week. I cried most of that afternoon, mainly because maybe the Mr was right, maybe it would just be the two of us, and I'd have to be okay with that.

The reason I'm telling this is because what a difference a year makes. My tears of sorrow and hurt are replaced with tears of joy this year. This year, I've experienced getting things ready for the Easter bunny, and getting us ready for that ever so special 1st Easter morning photo. I know last year was a test for me, and I heard God loud and clear that His timing is always best... even when we think He has forsaken us.

This Easter, I'll be one of those moms who is posting her baby's Easter basket, her with her Easter basket, our Easter family photo, and who knows what all else. But, if you are the me last year who longed to be experiencing all the joys everyone else was feeling, just know I do know how you are feeling... and your time is coming.

Friday Five {link up}

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the Sowell life's Friday five... 

1) {New Clothes} I know what you're thinking... she does not need anymore clothes. But, she's currently between size newborn and three months. So, we went out and got some 0-3 month clothes. Daddy took us girls shopping, and we came away with these adorable little outfits.

2) {Sneak Peek} Here is a sneak peek of AC's newborn pictures. I'll have the full recap of her newborn pictures soon. This is the Facebook cover she made for us to use...

3) {Getting Ready For Easter} Easter seems pretty late this year, but we're happy to spend this Easter with our sweet girl. We're letting her wear some of her little Easter outfits, and her Easter basket came in yesterday. Easter basket is from Pottery Barn Kids (and they are having a great sale on them right now).

4) {Favorite Video of the Week} Morning talks with mommy and smiles...

5) {Maroon Friday} We're teaching her early how to say, GO DAWGS!!! 

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!