Our Story

I met him in January 2005. It was my first day on campus and he was student body president. He was taking the incoming students on a little sight-seeing activity downtown. And I was trying to figure out if this college was the right place for me. I was older than the other freshman and felt out of place. I remember talking to him on the van ride downtown. He says he tried to talk to me later that week but I just said "Hey" and kept walking.

We ended up in the same group of friends. We ate meals together. We made WalMart runs together.

Since our parents just lived 2 hours apart, I started riding home with him for breaks. It was during those 6 hour car rides that I kind of started to like this guy. We would talk and laugh, making the ride seem shorter than it was.

We really became best friends. I had always prayed that I would be best friends with the guy I would marry. BUT, I wanted to be friends with him first...before I was romantically involved.

After he graduated, he ran activities on campus and I became an RA. We ended up facilitating lots of events together.

 I remember trying to figure out if he liked having me around or if he just liked the fact that I could organize an event. This question came up in a conversation one evening. I remember him saying, "After Judgment Day (a big event on campus that he was running), I will take you out to prove that you mean more to me than just helping with events."

For the next week I couldn't figure out if this was a date or just another time we were hanging out together. Neither of us told anyone in our group of friends about this upcoming meal off campus. He pulled up to the dorm, I got in his green sports car and off we went. We ate our meal. We talked like we always did. He paid. But I still hadn't decided what he intended this outing to be. We drove around Chattanooga. I think we even ran to Walmart to pick up supplies for a campus activity. And then he started talking...he talked about our friendship...and he kept talking, but I still didn't have my answer. When he asked if I understood what he was trying to say, I replied, "You really haven't said anything yet." And then...he said "Cindy, I like you."

We dated. We got to know each others families. He proposed. I said yes.

 March 13, 2010, I married my best friend. God answered my prayers. We had built this awesome foundation as friends. We knew each other so well before the dating began. It's our story and I wouldn't want it any other way. 

Since road trips contributed to our falling love, we decided that a trip to New York City would be a great way to celebrate our five year anniversary.

We had been to NYC before while chaperoning a high school senior trip.

And since we spent a lot of that trip counting heads, I asked Jeremiah if he would bring me back some day...just the two of us. And he did.

It took 24 hours to detox from "mommy mode." I slept all night long. No one was crying for their breakfast when I woke up. I didn't change any diapers. And I didn't have to keep reaching into the backseat as we drove.

We just talked. And laughed. And I remembered why I fell for this guy in the first place.

We did all the touristy things. Empire State Building.

The Intrepid.

Got re-named by Starbucks.

Lunch at Chelsea Market. Walked a lot. Rode the Subway. Ate all the touristy foods. Rode the Statton Island Ferry by the Statue of Liberty.

The World Trade Center and Memorial.

I love adventures with this guy. I am so thankful that the Lord gave me what I prayed for. (You can read my "list" here.)  I am glad that God was in control of this friendship from day one. And five years and two kids later, I am still so glad that I married this guy! He changes diapers, makes me smile and even saved my life. The Lord has been so good to us.

May the adventures continue. I love you, Jeremiah.

Guest Post: Traveling with a Baby (5-6 Months)

While planning our up and coming family vacation to the beach, I decided to ask some of my new-mommy friends if they had picked up any tips during their travels. Hudson's friend Giada (who is one day older than him)'s mommy had lots of good advice to pass along. 

Two Month Old Playdate (See more pictures here)

So my husband and I took our sweet baby girl (5 and half months old) on a 3 week adventure.  Giada experienced the Dominican Republic with our amazing college students, a beach trip to Miami , and a trip to see my parents in Delaware. We calculated over 40 hours logged in the car.  We cannot complain- she did great! But we learned a lot of tricks and tips!!!

Tips for Airplane Traveling:

1. First, be calm! Even though it's your first time traveling with a baby, other people have seen babies on planes!

2. Pack only what you are willing to lug around and carry plus a baby in the airport. (Some people take  a stroller. I didn't because my in-laws had one at our final destination.)

3.Right around take off time, feed your baby (nurse, bottle, or paci if they are not hungry).  I did read one tip - if they are already asleep, leave them. The baby will not be affected by the pressure. That proves true because my sweet Giada ate and fell asleep before the plane took off. She slept a good 2 hours!

4. Take fun toys or let them play with the cups the  stewardess brings by. (You'll do anything to keep a baby entertained!)

5. If your baby cries, it's okay!! Just do what you can to console them and know people understand. 

Tips for Taking a LONG LONG Road Trip:

1. Pack everything your baby owns...just kidding - it does feel that way....     But really, count how many days you'll be gone and lay out outfits for you baby. Then take extra for...well you know accidents, blowouts, spit up. You're a mom, you know this stuff can AND will happen! (Lots of wipes, diapers, etc. and google a packing list like this: http://www.babycenter.com/packing-checklist-for-traveling-with-baby)

2.Be prepared to change your baby anywhere - especially your car. Believe it or not, many gas stations do not have changing tables!

3.Pack all kinds of fun toys and be sure to leave room in the backseat for you or whoever isn't driving. I promise there will be some fun games of entertaining and verses of "Old McDonald" in your near future. 

4.Travel when your baby is either happy or sleepy. Now, this isn't always possible when you are driving more than a few hours - that's where "Itsy Bitsy Spider" comes in. BUT plan the big chunks of traveling around a nap or bedtime to get some good mileage.  We also broke our trip up into several days. The most we traveled in 1 day was about 8/9 hours. It's a little more expensive this way, but I think it works better for you and the baby. 

5.Get Starbucks. Often. Whenever the baby needs to be changed or fed, you deserve a treat!

Tips for Taking a Baby to the Beach:

1.Get a really good sunscreen. I researched and asked my doctor what was best. I chose the Coppertone Water Babies (SPF 50). I tested it on my baby's skin (legs) a few days before to make sure she didn't have a reaction. 

    *Beach day - put on at least 15 minutes prior to heading in the sun and reapply often!

2. Buy: waterproof diapers, a sun hat and sunglasses.  Also, a float is always a plus to giving your arms a break and letting baby relax a little. 

  

3. Take an umbrella and a sheet/blanket for you and baby to relax. You will be amazed at how quickly the sun and water tires your sweet baby. 

4. Some people take a bathtub or a mini pool for the baby to sit in. We were never there all day so we didn't try those. But I can see how they would be very helpful and entertaining. 

5. Realize it's a different kind of vacation with a baby. You may not get to lay out the whole day and get a tropical tan BUT you are making memories and introducing your baby to beach life. So make it fun!!!

**Last travel tip no matter where you go...your baby's schedule will get off track with traveling. If you know this ahead of time, it makes it a lot easier on you. I promise when you return home they will eventually get back into their "normal" routine within a few days!

Best of luck and have lots of fun making memories with your family!

Other advice I've received: 

·         Getting a baby tent like this for the beach.

·         Pack everything! It just makes life easier and more relaxing to have your favorite things there at the beach house (play mat, bouncy seat, toys, etc). It may be more difficult on the drive there but very worth it when you arrive. 

·         Take turns with who stays at home with the babies and who goes to the beach. This keeps the babies out of the heat and sand and lets the parents have some time to not have to worry about checking on the baby every 5 seconds. 

·          Bring baby powder to help get sand off babies. 

It's going to be different....but it's going to be fun! We can't wait to take Hudson on vacation.

  

Last summer, I did a post on packing tips. You can check that out here. 

Let's go on a cruise!

Last week, my husband took me on a fun little getaway. We cruised down to the Bahamas for a few days, enjoying sunshine and being pampered. Some would call it a "Babymoon" while others would say it was our one last getaway before our lives change forever. I must say, it was a fun little break from everyday life.

My husband and I love to travel. And a cruise is a perfect way to enjoy some great food and accommodations while in route to your destinations. 

We also love our time in the sunshine. When we found a great deal online a few months back, we were eager to see if my doctor would approve this trip. The cruise line will allow you to travel while pregnant as long as you are less than 25 weeks along. And, by the time we left the boat, I was about to enter my 24 week. My doctor gave us the go-ahead...and we went. 

And since I'm not looking overly pregnant, I'm sure most of the other passengers just thought I'd been enjoying the buffet line. (Side note: it was fabulous that I could find something yummy to eat at ANY time! I miss that pineapple!)

The Fascination carried us to a few stops in the Bahamas. I love the sunshine - Jeremiah loves checking out all the mechanics of the boat. Docking at a port is a win-win! 

At our first stop, we hit the beach! Sitting in two lounge chairs staring at the blue blue ocean is my idea of a great day!

We napped. We talked. We told the lady repeatedly that I didn't want a necklace or my hair braided. It was a good day! 

I also love the chance to dine in a fancy place each evening for supper. You can order whatever you want - it's all included. From steak to lobster, we ate our fill. And most nights, I finished off my dinner with a chocolate melting cake. 

Our last day at sea was a little cloudy. But we enjoyed looking into the blue blue ocean while playing several rounds of putt-putt. 

It was a fabulous week to get away from everyday life. My husband is so great to think up these adventures! I promise...I'll get back to my regular blogging soon. It's just so hard to get out of the cruising mindset.  It's hard not to get used to someone else making my bed, cooking my food, making towel animals and leaving me chocolates on my pillow...