Tales of Baby Jack Reese (aka Little Bitty)

My Heart

2012-01-31T23:57:00.000-05:00

Just a couple of pictures taken recently that I wanted to share. No reason, just love looking at my babies' faces. So in love. :)

My Big 3-Year-Old

2012-01-12T23:41:00.000-05:00

It's startling that another year has come and gone, but reality is that my sweet Baby Jack Reese is quickly growing. No longer do I have this little person to call my baby, but rather one who is becoming more independent everyday and is growing into this amazing little boy.

Instead of planning a party here at the house, we opted for a family trip to Disney World a couple of weekends ago. With the arrival of AKR and recently hosting Christmas for the first time, time was at a premium and I found that despite my best intentions, it had just run out. So tonight, we had a big spaghetti dinner with family and kept it low-key. I believe it was still a big hit.

Little man opened presents, played with family, and blew out candles on not one, but TWO Tim Tebow birthday cakes. They represented both the Gators and the Broncos, but the Broncos one had royal blue icing instead of navy blue. Certainly didn't have any effect on the deliciousness of the cake, I can tell you that. ;)

One......two........

Wait! Kisses for Daddy!

...Three! Make a wish!

Hmmm, a perfectly sized cupcake made especially for me!

Deeee-lish!

We've Got A Visitor

2012-01-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

Little man has finally figured out that he can easily leave his bed and wander around at his own free will. Lucky for us, this usually occurs most around nap and bedtime. Can you say, "Not happy!" Naptime now has become a ~~battle~~, ok more like struggle of wills to see who can hold out the longest. Usually it ends with one of us rocking him until he falls alseep. Who's got who trained, you ask?

And the other time has begun happening while neither Mike nor I have any fight in us.....because we're sleeping. We are roused by the sound of little feet running down the hallway until finally Jack comes face-to-face with Mike and climbs into bed with us.

How long will we let this continue, that's still undetermined at this point. But how can you not think this is one of the cutest things ever??

I Need More Time!

2012-01-07T00:10:00.000-05:00

I would love to have more hours in the day because 24 is just not enough. I definitely need to do an update but here it is 12:08 am and I need to go to bed. So here's a teaser of how Christmas morning went....

All smiles on Christmas Day! Love her!!

Trying to catch this kid when he's not in motion is impossible. Need to adjust my camera settings. Jump! Jump!

Decking The Halls

2011-12-14T22:11:00.001-05:00

Since this is our first Christmas in our new home, Mike and I really wanted to put some thought and effort into making it look really festive this holiday season. And one way we did that was to try and "Griswold" the house as much as we could without going overboard. Which could be easy to do if we had a cherry picker and miles of string lights.....perhaps next year?

But instead, we had a great time with what we had and Mike proved that he is an excellent tree climber!

Preparing the mantle...

And the staircase...

Jack loved being outside and helping daddy!

There's no sitting still for this little man.

Merry Christmas!

Just Love This

2011-12-13T19:39:00.002-05:00

A Turkey & Some Angry Birds

2011-12-12T22:45:00.000-05:00

This year, we packed up the kids and headed to Hernando Beach for Thanksgiving. But not only was it the holiday to celebrate all things turkey and cranberry, it was also our time to celebrate Nathan Bacon's 9th birthday. And boy did we ever.....Angry Birds style!

Warning.....picture overload!

Nathan and Cameron meet their cousin Addison for the first time.

Too cute.

Amazing Cake Pops!

Happy Feet!

Pure Joy

2011-11-21T23:03:00.000-05:00

Remember when a simple ride at the fair made your stomach flip and you were laughing so hard it hurt?

Jack does...

Pumpkin Pickin'

2011-11-18T18:19:00.000-05:00

Although our new arrival may have shaken up the house a little bit, that didn't mean we didn't get to the pumpkin patch this year. Jack had a great time roaming through the pumpkins in search of the perfect ones.

I have so much fun with Daddy.

This one's a little warty.

I want one this big......no wait, make it THIS big!

Now to pick one for Baby Sister.

This one fits just right! She looks a little "spooked" by it!

Her Arrival

2011-11-16T23:47:00.001-05:00

Finally! A "New & Improved" look to our family blog! The arrival of our sweet BGR has made our family complete, that's for sure. I've had the new illustration in the works well before her arrival but just finally got around to getting the new look up and running.

To try and get us caught up with the past 7 weeks, let's start with the first event.....the one that changed our lives for the better, Addison's birth.

Of course, Addison just had to change things up a bit. I mean, I had it all planned out and everything. Family was set to come in town that weekend and be at the hospital, just like when Jack was born. I still had the weekend to do a couple of things around the house and run a few errands. But she was having none of it. Wednesday evening, September 28th was nothing out of the ordinary. I had a suspicion that I would not last until my due date of Oct. 8th, but thought it wasn't a stretch to make it to my c-section date on the 3rd. I was having some "contractions" leading up to that night, but they were sporadic at best.

Around 2am, I began to have those contractions again. But this time, there was something different. Mike was sleeping soundly and I didn't want to wake him in case it was a false alarm. So, for the next hour I tried regulating my breathing and counting the minutes between each one. These felt a little more intense. At 3am, I experienced what felt like my water could be breaking. But it was such a small amount, I wasn't totally conviced. I quickly popped up and woke Mike with "I think my water is about to break." The pain intensified over the next hour and they started to come with less time between each one. We sent Eva (our awesome delivery nurse and friend) a text to update her on my status to which she replied "Yep, I think we're going to have a baby soon!" So we mobilized and I began to throw a bag for the hospital together as quickly as possible. (Remember I said I still had things to do over the weekend?) Luckily, I had packed for Addison already.

Calls were made to family. Maggie met us at the hospital to take Jack back to her house and we were admitted to the Birthing Suite. Around 4am, my water officially breaks while sitting on a gurney in admitting. Yep, we are DEFINITELY having a baby today. And boy, let me tell you what.....I have never felt such agonizing pain before. It is no joke. For the next 5 hours I am in full labor and unable to have any pain killers because they didn't want it to interfere with the spinal I would receive in surgery. I was whimpering like a baby.

Then finally, Dr. Stubbs and Eva arrive and the operating room opens up. We are good to go. Around 7am-ish, I receive the relief of my spinal and all was right with the world. Addison would be making her arrival in just mere minutes! At 7:13am, my family was made complete. We were blessed with a beautiful and healthy baby girl.

Note: Some of the pictures were taken with the subject not in her best shape. Remember, they pump you full of fluids and the result is not pretty! Plus, I just had a small human being plucked from my body. Nevertheless, it's all part of the day. Please be kind. ;)

Proud daddy

Mamie & Addison

Pops

Uncle Dave

Big Brother Jack with Grammy & Pop

One of our nurses.....a Gator! Needless to say, she took great care of us. ;)

6 Weeks??

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

It really is hard to believe that 6 weeks have gone by already. But they have and it has happened in the blink of an eye. I have so much to share that I need to find a nice chunk of time to do it. Unfortunately, now is not it! Between taking care of Jack and Baby Girl, personal time is a fleeting luxury. Right now, she's sleeping soundly (hallelujah!) while Jack is at school. So, now I quickly type a small update before heading upstairs to pull myself together and head out for some errands.

But, we are truly blessed with a sweet little soul and Jack is just as smitten as we are. I am so blessed to have an amazing family to call my very own. To say I'm in love would be a gross understatement.

For now, here's a picture of our sweet little one taken around 2 weeks old, with lots more to follow.....promise!

During Addison's newborn shoot, our fabulous photographer Angie asked if she could use A as a model for one of her suppliers who has a store on Etsy. Of course, I couldn't resist even though the item she would modeling is one I am against.....no headbands on newborns! Sorry for those who love these accessories, but I have never been a fan. Regardless, I think BGR rocked it. ;)

Love those sweet little lips and cute little tushy.

So Much For Planning!

2011-10-03T13:34:00.001-04:00

A full update coming soon.....who's got the energy right now? ;)

5 Days & A Wake-Up!

2011-09-28T10:05:00.001-04:00

I love that term.....a "wake-up." I heard it from Mike and I think it perfectly describes what Monday will bring because we'll be seeing our sweet Baby Girl bright and early....definitely not a full day! So counting today, we are down to just 5 days and a wake-up to go!

I seriously can't believe it's almost time. Even though these last several weeks have been quite uncomfortable, the entire pregnancy has moved rather quickly compared to my first. Could that be because I have a 2 1/2 year old?? Might have something to do with it.

For the most part, I'm packed and ready to go. BGR's stuff is all together, but mine will be more of a last minute effort. But, the essentials are already there.

Her bag is all packed!

I even brought out the sewing machine after a good year to create a few cloths.

Let the countdown begin!

Happy Birthday Mamie!

2011-09-19T08:49:00.000-04:00

Sending out big birthday love and wishes to the best little mama in the world! Can't wait to celebrate with you in a couple of weeks!

One Year Today

2011-09-16T08:25:00.000-04:00

Remembering a precious soul who was taken from us way too early.

Our Sweet Angel Baby Boy.

It's Sprinkling!

2011-09-15T09:04:00.001-04:00

Last month, I was treated to a wonderful "Sprinkling" welcoming Miss Addison into the world, hosted by my amazing mother and sister. Since this is our second child, the necessities are not as much, (even though I'll never turn down a gift that's pink!) so instead of a "shower" I had a "sprinkling!" It was a fun afternoon to say the least and I was able to catch up with some dear, sweet friends. I am truly blessed to have so many people around me who are as excited as we are about our sweet Addison. Thank-you to everyone who helped make this special day possible. I absolutely loved it.

Thanks Mom and Noelle! Love you!

The only picture you'll get of me with my BIG ol' belly. ;)

Pool Fun With Daddy

2011-09-14T17:49:00.000-04:00

Jack and Daddy had such a great time the other day in the pool that I just had to post some (ok sorry, a lot) of cute action photos. Jack is swimming better and better every time!

Our fearless swimmer!

Post-Partum Comfort

2011-09-06T11:03:00.000-04:00

If you've been to any Gator football game since 1993, then you've seen the constant presence of a particular sign hanging from the west stands proudly reminding the team to "Work 'em Silly, Gators!" Started by a student prior to the UF vs Tennessee game, it wasn't until Jeri Spurrier (wife of the OBC) complimented the sign at the 1995 Fiesta Bowl that it was decided to never be retired.

This sign has become so recognizable by the Gator nation that it's now considered a tradition among UF fans. We've even added it to the balcony of one of the buildings in our Christmas village that is displayed at my parents' during the holiday season, and Stoopdaddy poses the question before every football season, "You know what I always say?".....to which we reply....."Work 'em Silly, Gators!" Yes, the traditions and quirks of a college football fan can really only be understood by those who wear the same team colors. I suspect everyone else just wonders "Wha?" I mean, I'll seriously never understand the Glitter Guys from FSU, but then again I'm not a fan either. To each his own!

But just recently, a friend posted on Facebook that Victoria's Secret has recently come out with this year's PINK! college line and one particular item instantly popped out to me. I knew as soon as I saw it that I have to have one to lounge and be comfortable in after Addison's arrival, especially since we'll still be in the middle of football season.

I mean, is this not awesome?!

And then, I found out that this wasn't the first item to don these four familiar words. I can dress the entire family in them! HA! I'm positive I can get Jack and Addison to wear them without fuss, but do you think Mike will follow suit as easily?

Hmmm, now that's a tough one. ;)

WORK 'EM SILLY, GATORS!!

Fun With Boys

2011-09-01T13:04:00.000-04:00

Several weeks back, Jack and I were fortunate to spend a week in Tally with Uncle Jim, Cameron, and Nathan. (Daddy was in Alaska fishing for halibut.) While we didn't get to spend as much time with Cam (he was in Drama camp every day), Jack did get to spend some quality time with Nathan Bacon.......and he LOVED it. We went to the pool, the movies, Zoinks! indoor bounce house and arcade, and more. But most of all, Jack loved just throwing himself on top of Nathan (who doesn't love a little rough-housing?!), who was a great sport and extremely helpful in taking care of his little cousin. We can't wait to see them again! Miss and love you guys!

Cameron is such a talented musician. He can play by ear after listening to only a few notes!

Plenty of wrestling to go around!

See you soon!

Happy Belated!

2011-08-23T10:56:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, Mike's side of the family arrived en masse to help celebrate the birthdays (a la Taco Fiesta style) of two very special ladies......Grammy (Mike's mom) and Auntie Barb. Although the weather didn't start out cooperating with us, the rain finally let up and the kids managed to get some pool time in.

Happy Birthday Maggie & Barb! Thanks for letting us share your special day here at our home. We love you!

Grammy, Rufus, and Auntie Barb

So Amazing

2011-08-10T14:15:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we headed out to the Ultrasound office to try and get a glimpse of Addison's sweet little face. We got some great shots, too! She was even a little sassy, sticking her tongue out in one of the photos. I wonder where she gets that from?! ;) Can't wait to meet her in person! We are currently at 31w4d. Only 7 1/2 weeks to go! Woot! Woot!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

2011-08-08T09:12:00.000-04:00

Wishing my wonderful and amazing husband a very happy 2nd anniversary today! I am blessed beyond belief to call this man my husband, best friend, father of my children, confidant, partner-in-crime, and so much more. Thank-you Mike, for loving me the way you have, for as long as you have. I will dedicate my life to giving you all of that back, and more. I love you!

Update on Baby Girl Reese

2011-08-01T11:06:00.001-04:00

I am thrilled to say that we are still sailing smoothly through our second pregnancy! We are chugging along and only have 9 weeks left to go! We are scheduled for Baby Girl's arrival on October 3rd at 7:30 am. Yikes, that's early! Unless she has other plans, that is.

Profile

Looking straight at the camera.

It's truly hard to believe how quickly this is going by. I'm trying to relish every second left with Jack before I have to share my time with him and to say the sand is moving quickly through the hourglass is an understatement. While I try to explain mommy's growing belly, Jack really can't seem to be bothered with all the fuss. Although he has started to carry around his "I'm A Big Brother" book much more lately.

Her nursery is finally coming together. While we were away this past week, we had our bedrooms painted and just yesterday we picked up her furniture and put it into place. Now, to pick her bedding, curtains, wall art, and on and on. :) But this is the fun part!

And we are also excited to announce that we have finally decided on a name! While we waited to announce Jack's name until his arrival, we've chosen to go public with hers so that I may begin to monogram the sweet little onesies, bibs, burp cloths, and more that I'll be using with her. Mike questions my sanity, but my preppy girls out there understand me, right?!

We are excited to announce that Baby Girl Reese will be named...

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful well-wishes and prayers that you have sent our way. They are definitely working and I hope that the next 9 weeks or so go continue along without problems. Eeep!

Family Reunion

2011-07-22T13:34:00.000-04:00

Over the 4th of July weekend, the Reese/Biggart/Stoops/Goede/Swanson clan (yes, we're all related) convened upon O-town for our 1st annual family reunion. We had initially hoped to have it in North Carolina, but with my budding belly and not enough planning time, we felt all would be better served to gather someplace centrally located where it was easy for all to get to. And of course I wasn't going to complain about getting to go to Disney World, either. ;) Over the course of the weekend, we journeyed to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Downtown Disney Universal's City Walk, Harry Potter's Wizarding World, Wonderworks, and Blizzard Beach. Whew! We definitely had a blast.

So, while I won't bombard you with all 420 pictures taken over the course of the trip, I will leave you with some highlights.

Can't wait until next year!

Busy Summer

2011-07-18T09:59:00.000-04:00

Talk about a busy summer so far! We have been nonstop it seems since the calendar turned June. I won't post about everything we've been doing so far, I'll leave that for subsequent posts but I'll start with a fun birthday party that Jack was invited to a few weeks ago. Despite the blistering heat in the dead of the afternoon, Jack still had a great time celebrating his buddy Sam's birthday at a cowboy themed hoedown complete with petting zoo and pony! Jack's first ride was a big success!

Heat Relief

2011-06-30T12:24:00.000-04:00

Of course it's hot. It's south, er....southwest Florida for crying out loud. And we live in the depths of the most sweltering part of the Sunshine State. How do we stand it? Well, all I can say is "Thank God" for swimming pools and sprinkler parks. They help make it a little more bearable for sure! Plus, they're also good for some fun times.

Ahhh, relief!

This Makes Me Very Happy

2011-06-28T08:38:00.000-04:00

I knew at the end of TS3 that the ending was ripe for TS4, but now I've got confirmation from Woody, himself. Outstanding!

Click image for complete story.

Our New Retreat

2011-06-25T12:03:00.001-04:00

For the past couple of months, patio furniture has been the bane of our existence. We found ourselves looking everywhere for the perfect set to adorn our porches, but what we found was either the el cheapo bargain furniture that wouldn't have made it through one Florida summer or sets that would have required us to take out a second mortgage for it. Seriously? Some places expect us to pay over $5000 for outdoor furniture?! That's just crazy.

But finally we came across the perfect set for our outdoor "sippin' sweet tea on the front porch" time. Jack even digs it! We'll be heading out today for plants, lighting, and accessories to make it all complete. But for now, we've taken some pictures to give you the general idea of it all.

Now, all we need to do is take care of those pesky mosquitos. That's our next project. :)

Empire State of Mind

2011-06-23T09:28:00.001-04:00

I just love New York. It truly is one of the bestest places on earth. I could go several times a year and not get tired of it. Luckily, I am blessed to have an amazing husband who made it possible for ALL of my family to make the trek up the the Big Apple just to celebrate my birthday just a couple of weeks ago. What a great guy! We headed up for a long weekend and despite the downturn in the weather for one of the days, had a fabulous time.

We saw two shows, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying with Daniel Radcliffe (yep! That's Harry Potter!) and John Larroquette, and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. They were awesome! After Priscilla, we waited in the rain for autographs and got to meet Tony Sheldon who was nominated for a Tony as Best Leading Actor in a Musical the following night. Even though he didn't win, it was so great to meet him. However, John Larroquette did win Best Featured Actor. He did a great job. We also had a Glee! sighting as two of the actors were in the audience, too! Yes, I am a dork when it comes to spotting the famous.

We ate very well, making stops at Quality Meats, Carnegie Deli, Bar Americain, and Serendipity 3....a very special place for Mikey and me. And of course we made our way up and down Madison Avenue, 5th Avenue, Times Square and more as any well-respecting tourist would do. You just know I had to stop in and pay my respects to my friend, Louis! ;)

So despite having to turn the dreaded number I did, I wouldn't have done it with anyone other than my family....my best friends. Can't wait until our next trip! Thanks Mikey! Love you!

Waiting for our table...

Worth the wait!

Times Square

Love this man.

The whole family!

I heart the Plaza Hotel!

Frozen Hot Chocolate....a Serendipity original.

Enjoying pre-dinner drinks. I may not have been able to have anything, but these guys sure did enjoy their pom-tinis!

Getting Tony Sheldon's autograph. That's him behind Timmy (above) in full costume.

Baby Girl Reese

2011-06-17T12:18:00.000-04:00

We are so excited to be in the midst of (dare I say it) a seemingly easy pregnancy! Seriously, after having Jack, I wondered how women went on to have more children. It was NO fun! But BGR seems to be allowing mama to sail smoothly so far and I am thrilled. Hopefully that will continue for the next 15-16 weeks. (Yes, that's all we have left to go!) I went to the "Old Pregnant Lady Doctor" on Tuesday and was able to see sweet one's little face. She'd hadn't been cooperating the last two times, so this was a treat.

Here is the regular ultrasound image followed by the 3D image. They were trying to get an image of her lips but like her big brother, she insisted on having her arm in front of her face for the most part and the cord got in on some of the action, too. And, I apologize for the poor image quality on the second one, but I snapped the picture off of the screen while the tech was out of the room which is strictly forbidden. I couldn't help myself, I just HAD to have a copy of it. Yes, I was breakin' da law!! ;)

Looks like she's sucking her thumb or still just has her hand near her face.

I think she looks like Jack!

Feeding The Fishies

2011-06-16T09:08:00.000-04:00

After Mike arrives home from work, one of Jack's favorite things to do is feed the fish in the canal behind our house with him. We get tons of mullet swimming around, so it's perfect. It's such a great bonding time for my two men and I just had to capture it on film. Love, love, love it!

Here fishy-fishy!

All gone!

A casualty.

Daddy to the rescue.

Can't Hang With Mommy!

2011-06-14T16:28:00.001-04:00

You know you've got a shopping problem when little man konks out in the middle of Target! Ha! Not really, I just tried to fit too much in before naptime and didn't quite make it. Gotta get your winks no matter where you are!

So freakin' cute!

Our Little Fish

2011-06-04T13:10:00.001-04:00

Bring on Summer!

ISR Is Awesome!

2011-06-02T08:09:00.001-04:00

This week finishes up a month-long refresher course with Miss Kathy, our ISR Instructor. And let me tell you, the difference in Jack's swimming from a mere 4 weeks ago to now is staggering. Before when Mike would take him into the pool, he would become so clingy that he earned the nickname "Velcro Monkey" because it was like he had velcro keeping his hands tied tightly around Mike's neck at all times. And now? Now, he's jumping off the sides to swim towards you no matter if you're two or ten feet away from him. He is a fish! And he just keeps getting better. Which is a huge relief to us now that we have our own pool.

If you have a little one (especially if you live in Florida or near water) I urge you to check out Infant Swimming Resource and give your child the gift of being able to save themselves if they were to ever fall into water while unsupervised. We hear of far too many accidents where children lose their lives unnecessarily.

Here's to a great summer!

Practicing our float!

We love to jump from the side and swim.

All smiles by the end!

Thanks Miss Kathy!

Why Is He Messing With Me?

2011-06-01T07:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, we really haven't given it any sort of effort yet. I'm waiting until he hits the 2 1/2 mark before even trying, but it is encouraging to see that he's taking some sort of interest in it. We shall see how this all turns out. And yes, he'll kill me one day when he finds out I've posted these pictures. ;)

Memorial Day Fun

2011-05-31T10:00:00.000-04:00

What a great weekend. There are many reasons I love 3-day weekends, but the biggest is getting to spend more time with family and friends. We started the weekend on Saturday with a golf lesson for Mike and me. We were fortunate to have a lesson with the same golf coach that Mike had when he was in Junior golfing. It also gave us the chance to introduce the game to Jack! Hey, Tiger started at two!

Then, we spent Saturday at Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel with friends and Memorial Day brought a cookout at the house with a LOT of swimming. Jack continues to impress us with his swimming abilities. No fear for sure!

And not to forget or overlook the reason for the long weekend, we send out a huge thank-you to all of the many men and women who have served and continue to serve our great country.

In the practice facility, teeing it up!

Great form already!

We hope you had a great weekend, too!

T-Rex Fun

2011-05-25T08:46:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, Mike had business in Orlando so naturally Jack and I headed up to meet him and spend an extra day or two at Disney. While I didn't do my motherly duties and take lots of pictures (it was so incredibly freaking hot), I did snap some pictures while at Downtown Disney's T-Rex Cafe. It wasn't our first visit there, but it was Jack's first time in the excavation site. This is a super cool area set aside for children to pretend they're archaeologists and unearth dinosaur bones while waiting (along with families) for their tables. Jack was hooked immediately.

Waiting for our table.... Jack was immediately drawn to the intriguingly different kind of sand.

Sweet hugs for Daddy.

We had so much fun before dinner, we just had to

go back for more excavating time after dinner, too!

Top Mommy Blog Hiatus

2011-05-19T08:42:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally removed the voting banners for Top Mommy Blogs. While I've enjoyed the many new followers, sponsors, and friends I've made by being a member of TMB, my competitive nature needs a break. So, for now I've removed it and will see if perhaps down the road I might install it once again.

I appreciate so VERY much, all of you who faithfully voted for me day in, and day out from multiple devices. Guess my hounding texts and emails paid off! Ha! Now you can get some rest, too.!

Blogger Maintenance

2011-05-14T16:59:00.001-04:00

Evidently, Blogger has been undergoing some serious maintenance the past several days and in the process, are causing a lot of people some hiccups and whatnot in their designs. Hence the reason our header is MIA. So, hopefully it will reappear shortly.

Yea Blogger! ;)

UPDATE: 5:05 PM....After a little tweaking, I got it to come back!

We're Having A.....

2011-05-11T16:37:00.002-04:00

Over this past Mother's Day weekend, we took the opportunity to share even more good news with everyone since family was in town. Since the way we shared news about even being pregnant paled in comparison to how we announced Jack's impending arrival (I couldn't help it, way too scared to make another big deal for fear of disappointment again) we decided to make a big deal about whether this one was going to be a boy or girl.

So, I had to do something unique and fun. And while what I chose was not an original idea by any means (just YouTube it and you'll see what I mean), it's still a wonderfully fun way to share the news and involve certain family members in the reveal. "How did you go about it?" you ask? Not only was it fun but it was tasty too.

Enter......the gender cake. Wha?! The Gender Cake is an ingenious way to share the news of what you're having because hey....it involves cake! And who doesn't love cake?! From the outside, the unsuspecting person wouldn't have a clue as to whether it's a boy or a girl, but once you cut into the cake it reveals either blue or pink insides. Brilliant if you ask me.

So, with the help of the Grand Dames, aka the grandmothers, we surprised family (and a few lucky friends) of what type of bun was in my oven. And let me tell you, patience is not my mother's strong suit when it came to finding out what this baby is. They were both ready for cake before dinner was even served!

For those who have no idea......do you fancy a guess? ;)

Poised and ready for the slaughter.....

After nearly pulling the piece to the ground to see what color it was, they see that it is PINK!

Jack is going to have a baby sister!

Our Latest Blessing

2011-05-04T17:07:00.002-04:00

It's taken me a lonnnnnnng time to muster up the courage to write this post, well...with all that we went through last September I don't think there's many out there that would blame me. But, it's time to share the latest good news from the Reese family. Because if you can't share it with good friends and family, who can you share it with? Plus it's already "Facebook official", so this seems more like an afterthought with that previous declaration. Ha! But I promise you, it's not. As I type this (as well as when I posted on FB), my hands are shaking and my heartbeat is starting to pick up. Why be nervous?! Geez.

We are excited to announce that after the loss of our precious baby boy last fall, we are once again blessed with another bundle of joy due in early October! I pray everyday that this little one will make it to my arms and so far (despite my neurotic tendencies to think EVERY little thing is an indication that something is wrong) we have been blessed with a healthy pregnancy. But, we will still take any and all prayers that things continue to progress in this manner! :)

The newest Reese, due October 8th.....

Easter Fun

2011-04-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

Easter Sunday was a day of family, friends, and fun. Jack was super excited to see what the Easter Bunny left for him and couldn't wait to dive into his basket. Our Sunday was spent hunting for eggs (twice!), a family dinner, and fun with friends. We hope y'all had a great Easter, too!

The Easter Bunny came!

The face that makes my day.

First hunt of the day at the Bosseler's with friends.

Second hunt of the day! With Nina and Pops.

It's The Easter Bunny!

2011-04-22T10:50:00.002-04:00

Review- Jane Roman Pitt's Midnight Lullaby

2011-04-21T08:32:00.001-04:00

Midnight Lullaby by Jane Roman Pitt (co-produced by Grammy winner Mac Gayden) is a wonderful blend of original songs and music from singer songwriters including The Dixie Chicks, Sade (love!), Bob Dylan, and more. It's written not just for the young, but for everyone to enjoy.

“New parents often play their own personal favorites for their children, rather than traditional bedtime nursery rhymes," says Pitt. "I found soothing bedtimes songs that these artists wrote for their own children, using their personal thoughts and musical styles.”

What I love the most is the universal message Pitt says lullabies all have. "I love you very much, I'm here, now please go to sleep!" I don't know how many times that thought has run through my head. Truer words have never been spoken! :) And you can feel the message come through in each song. One of love and nurture.

Jack and I listen to this album when we are relaxing and playing around the house, as well as winding down from a busy day. It's a wonderful mood-setter, creating a laid back feeling. In fact, as I'm sitting here now typing this review and listening to it, Jack is literally at my feet playing quietly with a few toys. That is worth its' weight in gold!

This is a wonderful album, I would highly recommend it to anyone for their personal library or perhaps to give as a gift to someone you love. It will definitely help bring any kind of day to a peaceful and happy ending.

Click on the album cover to sample some of the songs.

Tracks:
1.Baby That's Not All

2. My Darling

3. Dreaming Sweet Dreams

4. Lullaby

5. Welcome Home To Love

6. The Sweetest Gift

7. La Moora

8. Whisper Warm

9. Forever Young

10. Goodnight, Golden Slumbers

You can find out more information about Jane Roman Pitt by clicking on the image below.

My Sweet Vegas Treat

2011-04-20T09:02:00.002-04:00

Whenever we go on vacation without one another, Mike and I always try to bring the other home a "happy" or treat from our trip. After our last trip to Vegas (when the store wasn't yet open) I knew just what I wanted Mike to bring me home from this trip. A simple yet sparkly treat.....perfect for any girlie-girl out there who enjoys a little bling.
And this girl loves her bling. :)

Enter the haute-est new item from the Sugar Factory....the Couture Pop. I don't expect the guys out there to understand the reason why I'm drawn to it, but I know my girlfriends totally get me. It's handle is encrusted with Swarovski crystals and the lolli can be replaced with new flavors again and again. So, you're always in fashion when enjoying a sweet treat! Brilliant! And my sweet husband endured the jeers and taunts from his golfing buddies just to make sure he came home with this lovely little lolli. That my friends, is a keeper. (For many other reasons too, but add this one to the list.)

Pump It Up Mamie!

2011-04-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

This past week while Mike was away, Mamie came down to play with Jack and me. Thank goodness! We had a great time, part of which was spent with a trip to Pump It Up, an indoor bouncehouse gym. Check out the fun that was had!

Happy Birthday Mikey!

2011-04-16T09:30:00.001-04:00

Today is my husband's birthday. Yet, the father of my child is not here to celebrate with his loving family....not here to have his adoring wife and son shower him with love and gifts. Where is he, you ask? My husband is celebrating his birthday..... in VEGAS. Now, depending on which side of the chromosomal spectrum you fall, you're either thinking, "He's not celebrating WITH his family?" or "I don't see a problem, I'd choose Vegas, too!" But alas, his annual golf trip with the guys fell on his birthday this year and the choice was made. I can't really blame him, though. Vegas is a killer time. And I know how hard he works and how much he deserves a break from reality. So, the celebration will commence (or continue in his case) upon his return.

So, a big Happy Birthday to my amazing husband. I hope you have a wonderful day with your smelly, hairy (hee!) friends while Jack and I await your return to celebrate your special day. ;)

We love you!

Disney Fun!

2011-04-04T12:10:00.000-04:00

Disney is always a great trip. As Jack gets older, he understands more and interacts in a completely different way than before. We hit the park bright and early (amazing feat for this self-proclaimed lover of sleeping in) and were able to take advantage of smaller crowds and cooler temps. In fact, we had absolutely beautiful weather the entire weekend. It was perfect.

Race Cars!

Tigger was funny

Piglet came up behind me and gave me a big bear hug!

I am all about trains right now, so this was a big treat.

Breakfast with Disney Junior characters, Agent Oso, Handy Manny, and Leo & June from "Little Einsteins"

I showed Leo my mad dancing skillz. It got a big response!

Hugs for Manny!

The Toy Story Ride was awesome!

Perhaps the biggest hit of the day, the Disney Junior Live Show. I was dancing and clapping the entire time! This was before it started.

Visiting with my buddies, Lightning and Mater! Of course I have to check the tires.

Winnie the Pooh, the Carousel, and It's a Small World (below)

Yikes

2011-04-03T19:42:00.004-04:00

It's stories like this that make me want to turn my blog private. If you have children, you might want to turn off the location services on your smartphone. Geez...

Our Daredevil

2011-03-31T13:24:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how independent Jack is getting in such a short amount of time! I'm not sure I like that very much. Next thing you'll know he won't need me for anything anymore! Yikes! But I can't help but smile when I see little man enjoying himself on his playset.

A Gift From The O'Briens

2011-03-30T09:24:00.000-04:00

Jack has some truly good friends. And that, is worth its' weight in gold. Last week, Jack received a wonderful "happy" from the O'Brien clan in the form of a red race car.......a Lightnin' McQueen racecar! A big find at a local yard sale, as soon as they saw it they knew just who to get it for.

So, a big THANK-YOU from Jack! Although he can't quite reach the pedal, he totally digs it!

Checking out the gear under the hood, like any race car driver would do!

Happy Anniversary Mamie & Pop!

2011-03-29T16:05:00.001-04:00

Sending out big love and happy wishes to my parents on their wedding anniversary today. We all hope you enjoy your special day and dinner at Armani's. Thanks for showing us how it's done!

Love you both!

More Birthday Pics

2011-03-24T11:21:00.001-04:00

I finally received the disc of all the birthday party shots from our great photographer, Kim. While I won't post all 100+ of them, here are a few of my faves.

Time To Update

2011-03-22T21:48:00.000-04:00

It's time. No, it's way past time. I need to update the design of my blog something awful. While I've enjoyed celebrating little man's birthday, it was way back in January and it's now almost April. But I can't really complain. I've been so busy designing other people's blogs that I just really haven't had the time to do it. And I am tremendously grateful for that. But, I need to just do it and soon. So, hopefully I'll get to it by the beginning of next month. Bear with me!

100 Years Today

2011-03-21T16:53:00.000-04:00

My grandfather, the original "Pop" would have turned 100 years old today. This man was truly someone special and has left an impression on so many, despite his being gone for nearly 20 years. Love and miss both him and my grandmother. They were amazing people.

Happy Birthday Pops!

2011-03-15T21:24:00.000-04:00

Big birthday wishes going out to Pops as he celebrates a milestone birthday today! We won't divulge his actual age, but it's definitely a special one. We love you Pops!

Jack presiding over Pops' court on his big retirement day. Note: the binky has been non-existent since waaay back in January.

Is this thing on??

The Pop's Gift To Jack

2011-03-15T12:14:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Jack received a wonderful gift from his two grandfathers.....Pop and Pops. Beginning bright and early, the two men began to put together a play structure complete with 55 pages of instructions. And none of the parts were labeled! They spent all day but were determined to get it completed, and that they did. Jack's squeal of delight let them know that their efforts were not in vain and that they made one little boy extremely happy.

So a HUGE thank you to Pop and Pops, for your gift of time, patience, determination, and skill of tool manipulation has given Jackety-Jack a new play area in our back yard. We love you dearly!

Jack's all ready to help! He even brought his own tools!

What's so awesome about this is that when I was younger, my Pop built a fort for us, too.

What a great tradition to continue!

Andy and Pop, circa 1982

Our Zoo Visit

2011-03-07T14:27:00.001-05:00

Several weeks back, the family took a trip to the Naples Zoo for some fun with friends. Although a little warm for the time of year, we enjoyed ourselves. Lesson learned however, going to the zoo on a weekend during Snowbird season is something we'll rethink next time. Talk about crowded!

We saw lions, and tigers, but no bears. We laughed at the sleeping hyenas, the grazing zebras, swinging monkeys, and more. Jack had a great time!

Looking at the tiger, see him?

You just know there had to be one of these. :)

My iPad Junkie

2011-03-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

I'll take all of the blame here. Jack gets his love of technology from his mama. Mike could easily take it or leave it....well, all except for his cell phone. That we couldn't pry from his cold, dead hands if we had to. But for the most part, he could care less. Jack, however, is just like me. He loves computers, phones, and especially mama's iPad. Although we're working to curb the amount of time he spends on it because too much of it is not ideal for his development, he still is rationed a little time here and there.

Prior to moving, he had one of these such times. He was playing with it while in our bedroom, so he was a little out of my line of sight. I usually can hear his clapping as he completes certain levels but at this particular time, he got very quiet. So of course I assumed he was up to no good. I sneaked to the door to see what he was doing and saw this......

Excuse the poor quality, but a flash would have ruined the effect. Peace out, y'all!

How does one get themselves in this type of situation? Either way, it absolutely cracked me up and I ran for the camera before he decided to move. Lucky for me I got several shots.

A Late But Happy Birthday To Olivia!

2011-03-01T18:18:00.000-05:00

Things are still a wee bit crazy around here but I wanted to make sure to send out big birthday love to our niece Olivia who celebrated her 6th birthday yesterday. Sorry we couldn't be with you to share in your big day but we're sending lots of love to you! Love you pretty girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!

Getting There!

2011-02-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

Well, we are officially in the new house and I am thrilled! But at the same time I am overwhelmed with everything that goes into getting a house in order. To go from a condo to a house is no easy undertaking but we've been very fortunate to have family here over the weekend to help out with packing, moving, arranging, rearranging, and watching Jack. Without them we'd still be loading the truck! So a big thank-you to everyone who pitched in, it means so much to have had your help.

Jack has transitioned well to his new surroundings. He seems to enjoy making laps around our new sofa seeing as how he has all this room to roam. He is also enjoying his new room with extra space for all of his toys. He only had one hiccup the first night when I had to go in and rock him back to sleep. Since then, he hasn't looked back. Thank goodness!

The biggest adjustment I'm having to make is going an entire week without cable or internet. How am I getting by, you ask? Well, luckily we have a generous neighbor who a) doesn't realize their internet signal is unprotected or b) doesn't care that their internet signal is unprotected, so I've been bogarting their signal when it wants to cooperate. Otherwise, Mike's MiFi is a great interim device to allow me to at least get online. It was no help, of course when I wanted to watch Glee last night. *sigh*

But all in all, I couldn't be happier. With a glitch that has been overcome (no hot water for the entire upstairs) and just getting the major items taken care of, we are settling in quite nicely. So, look for the regular posts to return hopefully sometime next week!

Happy Birthday Cameron!

2011-02-17T10:23:00.001-05:00

Big Happy Birthday wishes going out to our nephew Cameron! He turns 12 today! We love you Cam-man! Looking forward to the next time we get to see you!

A New Chair For Jack

2011-02-16T12:42:00.001-05:00

We've been doing a little furniture shopping for the new house and when I saw this, I just knew it was on our list of "must haves." It's the perfect size for Jack, it reclines, and it's the right color! And as you can see from his cheesin' grin, he likes it too!

Our New Digs

2011-02-06T10:23:00.001-05:00

I am loving all of the sweet and funny comments I've received as well as the emails regarding the last posting. Did I leave y'all in suspense?! :) Well, wonder no more.....the Reese family has bought a house! We began searching casually right after Christmas and after looking at what felt like a thousand different houses, we finally found the one. As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was the one. It just screams "me." It's Southern with true Florida Cracker style. And it's got the one thing that has always been on my list of "Oh, I'd really love to have that some day"......a front porch!

I couldn't be more ecstatic for this next phase in life. While the condo we've spent the past couple of years in has truly been a blessing to us, it's time....we are busting at the seams! But, the condo will always hold a special place in my heart. It's where I lived when I first moved down here (kicking and screaming the whole way), it's where I spent the last few months with my sweet Maddie-girl, it's where I brought 8lb, 4oz Baby Jack Reese home from the hospital to, and it's where (after 19 years of stubbornness) I finally became Mrs. Reese. So many wonderful memories.

We close in two weeks and have yet to do a lick of packing. It's going to be super busy between now and February 18th! So, if you don't hear from me much between now and then, you'll know why. Yippie!

See y'all soon!

Really Big News!

2011-02-03T15:34:00.001-05:00

A big change is about to happen to the Reese family.......

more details coming soon!

Jack's First Bike

2011-02-02T08:16:00.001-05:00

For little man's second birthday, Mike and I knew just what we wanted to get for him. He had been drawn to it while spending some time at a friend's house who also had one. So we told Santa to refrain from bringing it for Christmas because it was what we wanted to get just a couple of weeks later for the big 2. A Radio Flyer bike! What's great about this bike is that it has a handle on the back for the adult to help him steer and guide the bike as he learns. Then when he's an old pro, it's easily removed. Brilliant!

His eyes lit up when he saw it and he immediately climb on, ready to go for a ride.

He did NOT like the helmet. But safety first! Luckily Mamie & Pop provided the protection in a funky skull printed helmet. Unfortunately, he continued to fixate and fight it making it impossible to catch the smile that was definitely there.

Practicing our pedaling!

This absolutely cracks me up. Mike was pushing him toward me and then stopped right in front of me, causing his head to move forward. I think he looks like a shocked little jockey!

Review- Tiny Prints Valentine's Cards

2011-02-01T09:45:00.004-05:00

I was so happy when I was approached by Tiny Prints to do another review for their great products. We had such a wonderful experience with them when we ordered our Christmas cards that it was a no brainer to return to them for our Valentine's cards. They were incredibly generous and I can't say enough good things about this company.

Their site is so easy to navigate and you can "try on" a variety of cards. Simply upload your desired photo(s) and hundreds of styles are instantly at your fingertips. Here is a screenshot where I am playing with some different options....

Their cards are so adorable, the only bad thing I can say about them is that makes it hard to narrow it down to just one! Here are just a few of my favorites...

I know a person or two for whom the following card (left) would be highly appropriate. And that declaration is saying a lot!

These crack me up. Valentine's Day isn't always embraced by everyone! It's not often you see a holiday card with poop on it.

And as usual, they offer a number of other products that are always at your disposal. Wedding invitations, baby announcements, moving announcments, personal stationery, photo gifts, and more. So many options to choose from.

So if you're in the market for a custom made Valentine's card for that special someone in your life, click the picture below and order today! What will our card look like? You'll just have to wait and see!

A Day At The Beach

2011-01-31T15:30:00.004-05:00

I am truly a southern girl. While I LOVE the cold weather and enjoy every moment of it, I don't think I could live in an area that gets snow. Not for very long, anyway. So Florida is the perfect place for me. Yesterday, we packed up the family and headed out for some time on the beach. Sanibel is absolutely beautiful this time of year, despite a little chill in the air. Yes, that just proves how much of a Florida girl I am when I describe 70 degree weather to have a chill! Well, in the shade it does!

We knew Jack loved the beach after our family photo shoot back in November. So he was very excited when we pulled up to Bowman's Beach and started to head to the shore. No amount of sand in the britches was going to slow him down. We eventually removed the swim trunks altogether. Looking forward to our next trip out there!

She Wore....WHAT?!

2011-01-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

You can add another of my family members to the world of blogging. My little sister Noelle has recently launched her own fashion blog entitled, She Wore....WHAT?! For the fashion-challenged, such as myself, this will be a great resource (even if she is several years younger than me) for all things couture. Check her out and be sure to follow!

Review: StickerYou

2011-01-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

Create and purchase your own custom stickers. High-quality, removable, vinyl stickers - the really good ones. Get started with our artwork, or upload your own logo or image - it's easy. Your stickers will be printed, die-cut, and shipped to your door in about a week.

As an elementary school teacher, I remember the countless times I was left to find the home of an abandoned jacket or lunchbox I had found on the playground or in my classroom. Certainly not an easy task, tracking down its owner was not always the end result of my efforts. How nice it was on rare occasion to look at the tag and see someone's name on it! Now that I'm a mom, I understand the importance and necessity of labeling my child's belongings to prevent this from happening! Outfitting a kid with such items is not cheap!

With the introduction of StickerYou, an online sticker company, this has become very simple and easy to achieve. Now you can go online and create your very own high-quality, vinyl stickers that are unique and reflect your child's personal taste. You can also create your very own bumper stickers, food labels, address labels, and more.

StickerYou is a fun, flexible and easy-to-use online technology for people to create their own high-quality vinyl stickers. We offer the ultimate freedom for anyone looking to create stickers with our freeform die-cut sticker printing. Whether you’re using our art and brands, or uploading your own images, each sticker looks awesome!
Our leading edge platform provides unlimited opportunities to create stickers for a variety of needs. From decorating your laptop to personalizing your scrapbook our die-cut stickers can enhance any lifestyle. For small and large companies, StickerYou is a powerful and cost-effective way to build their brands and engage with consumers.
We’ll ship your stickers to anywhere around the world – usually in a less than a week.
StickerYou was founded in 2008 by Andrew Witkin, who was inspired during a walk on Los Angeles’ Manhattan Beach when he noticed how stickers played a huge role in the local scene and culture but realized how difficult it was for individuals to create ‘cool’ stickers themselves.
StickerYou has raised growth capital from a prominent group of Canadian angels, including Jason Chapnik (Chairman of Dealer.com), Greg Coleman (Romspen Investment Corporation), Jordan Banks through his investment firm Thunder Road Capital, K2 and Associates Investment Management, and Jonathan Graff (Co-President of Benecaid).
StickerYou is based in Toronto, Canada.
Make it Stick!

Have a princess in the family that loves pink and crowns? There's a sticker for that. How about a rough n' tumble boy who is totally into dinosaurs or sports? There's a design for that, too. In fact, there are literally hundreds of different looks to fit exactly what you need. Or what if your tastes are so much your own that they don't have one to suit your tastes? You can create your own!

I created a sticker for Jack's 2nd birthday party and was blown away by the quality of the stickers and the speed at which they arrived at my home. I created my own design to fit the theme of the party and found that the design page was incredibly easy to navigate.

If you find you need help, they have a comprehensive FAQ page to help you along.

You can also order custom shaped stickers.

I am definitely going to order more stickers for future use. The possibilities are endless! Looking for a great sticker? Then check out StickerYou!

Birthday Celebrations? Check!

2011-01-23T20:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read that right. "Birthday CelebrationS." Meaning, more than one. But boy, did we have a great time celebrating little man's 2nd birthday! We had our party for our Fort Myers family and friends last weekend and we rounded up the party with one for the Brooksville gang this weekend.

Jack had a great time celebrating with the children of friends that I grew up with. That to me, is absolutely priceless. Not living in my hometown limits my involvement with my childhood friends and I want to make sure that Jack gets to know their sweet little ones. And what better way than to party it up in Brooks-vegas?!

This time, I put the camera down and put my trust in another photographer. Funny thing is, we never met before yesterday.....we became friends through blogging! Kim of Kim Geraci Photography and her beautiful daughter Laila joined us for a garden party complete with a giant bounce-house, a hay ride, face painting, and a candy bar. And she did not disappoint! Even though Jackety-Jack was in no mood to stand still and have his picture taken, she still was able to get some great shots. She sent me a sneak peek of the photos from the party and to say I'm thrilled would be putting it lightly.

So, without further adieu.....here's a little visual snack to whet your appetite. More to come soon!

Braving The Cold

2011-01-20T11:17:00.000-05:00

It's not very often that we get weather so cold we need to bundle and layer. But when we do, it's time to break out one of Mommy's favorite pair of boots. I kid you not, I could live in these things year-round if I wouldn't die of heat exhaustion in the summer.

Jack agrees!

I wish the glare hadn't gotten part of his face! His look is priceless!

What? Aren't these for me?

Sunday Boating

2011-01-19T16:52:00.002-05:00

We took an impromptu trip out on the river this past Sunday afternoon and I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of my little boatman. How cute is this?

Happy Humpday!

Birthday Party, Part One

2011-01-18T08:34:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, we celebrated Jack's birthday with a party for all of our family and friends in Fort Myers. We headed over to Monkey Playhouse in Cape Coral and had so much fun. They had a bounce house, a ball pit, rice pit, dress-up clothes, tons of toys, and more. This weekend we head up to Brooksville to continue the party with my side of the family and childhood friends (and their kids!) We can't wait!

Mi Famiglia...

2011-01-13T10:27:00.000-05:00

Over the holiday, we took advantage of everyone being together and had some photos taken by one of the parents at mom's school. I think she did a great job.

Of course, I grabbed my camera and took a few of my own..... I just adore my family. :)

You just know there had to be one of these...... ;)

Happy Birthday Jack!

2011-01-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

Here it is, another big birthday upon us. Today, Jack is the BIG 2! We've been moving all day long with a fun music class, lunch with friends, and now we're home for a little while before we head back out for dinner at Chuck E. Cheese's! I hope Jack can handle the excitement because it's just too much for me! ;)

Happy Birthday sweet little man, your daddy and I love you more than you will ever know!

Review/Giveaway- A Dog's Purpose

2011-01-11T18:41:00.000-05:00

What if your dog never dies?

What if dogs live multiple lifetimes, and remember all of them?

What if every animal has a purpose, and your pet’s purpose is intimately bound to yours?

A Dog's Purpose tells the story of a dog who finds himself reincarnated and decides there must be a reason, a purpose he must fulfill, and until he does so, he'll continue to be reborn. The story is narrated by Bailey, a wise and funny dog who is very much......a dog.

If ever there was a story that would tug at my heartstrings, it would be this one. After the heartbreak of losing my Maddie-girl almost a year-and-a-half ago, I was reluctant to read and review this book knowing that I would be spending my time reading it through sobs and tears. (And I was right!) But after reading some of the reviews and learning that it was being made into a major motion picture, I decided it was a must-read.

A Dog's Purpose, by W. Bruce Cameron is a heartwarming story of a dog who continues to be reincarnated until he finds his purpose in life. Until he finds this purpose, he continues to search for what that truly is with so many questions and with each life so different from the one before. And, while it's funny and entertaining, it also touches on the all too real scenarios of animal shelters, puppy mills, the life of a police dog, and most importantly....the bond between a human and their pet.

In life, I believe there really are no accidents. That the big guy upstairs is in charge of everything. I also believe there was a reason I wasn't present during Maddie's last moments of life. It just wasn't meant to be. And because of that, I think this book was sent to me with purpose. After reading A Dog's Purpose, I was able to let go of some of the guilt I've felt over the past 18 months and actually feel a bit hopeful. That perhaps her life encompasses more than just the time spent with me and there will be a time when Maddie and I will reunite. Even if everything points to the contrary, why can't I believe that to be true? Stranger things have certainly happened.

After reading this book, I did some research on the internet to see what others have been saying about it. Overwhelmingly, it has been embraced across the country, some even describing it as Marley and Me meets Tuesdays With Morrie. On PawNation.com, they were lucky enough to interview Cameron on some important topics about the book.

You were inspired to write the book when a dog reminded you of your childhood pet Cammie. Could you tell us more about that?
I was taking a bike ride in the mountains and I passed by a dog on a chain outside a house, behind a fence. He barked at me once and then just sort of sat down and stared at me. I got off my bike, and I walked over and looked at him, and we just locked eyes. He was a dark-colored mutt, and he really reminded me of Cammie, and the way she used to look me in the eye.

This dog seemed really excited to see me, but I couldn't get close because of the fence. I stayed there and talked to him for a little while, and it really struck me as I rode away that it felt like I had interacted with my very first dog, as if my dog had come back and I had stumbled across her.

That got me thinking, when our canine friends die, we don't really let go of them. At least I don't. I feel like I always will have my dogs with me. The bond between a person and their dog never dies. I started thinking, "What would happen if the dog was reincarnated? What would that be like for the dog?"

How did you learn the information about search and rescue dogs that you included in your book?
I'm basically a lurker on some search-and-rescue chat boards. I don't ever post because I don't have anything to say that would be of value to them, but I read about what's going on.

I read the search-and-rescue training manual, which is quite detailed. That gave me real insight into not just how they trained the dogs, but how they -- the people who are involved in this -- perceive the dogs' sense of smell, how strong it is, how they track and how it all comes together.

Was any part of the book particularly hard for you to write? (Warning, spoiler alert!)
It was pretty difficult for me to write about the end of Bailey's life, when the dog is on the table and understands there's a rising sense of urgency in the room and because of that, he won't let go. Because of that, he stays alive. It's something a dog would do; they have such a strong sense of what's going on inside of us, and it would be so like a dog to think, "Oh, whatever's going on, I need to be here for it. I can't go now." That was really emotional for me.

Who do you most want to read this book?
I think this is a great book for someone who has lost a dog. I really believe that the central theme is that true love never dies and that if you're aware, if you keep your eyes open, your dog might find his way back to you in one way or another. I think that's a powerful message that can give you a sense of hope and completion. There's a great message about love and life and it's tied to the dog.

W. Bruce Cameron was kind enough to send me his book for review and is also offering one of our lucky readers a copy of their very own!

To enter,

To leave a comment (aka an entry), scroll to the bottom of this post and click on "Post a Comment" A pop-up window will appear for you to leave your comment. If you sign in as "anonymous", please be sure to leave your name and email address so that I may contact you if you are the winner!

Mandatory Entry:

1. Check out the A Dog's Purpose website and leave a comment about why you'd like to read this book.

Additional Entries:
(You must complete the mandatory entry before any extra ones count):

2. Follow our blog. (The Reese Family Chronicles)

3. Grab our button and post it anywhere on your blog.

4. Follow me on Twitter.

5. Follow A Dog's Purpose on Twitter.

6. "Like" A Dog's Purpose on Facebook.

7. Tweet about our giveaway and be sure to put our link. An easy way to do this is to simply click the "Tweet" icon at the top left of this post. (You can tweet this once every day for additional entries.)

8. Place our giveaway link on Facebook.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. Also, be sure to include your email address with each comment if you are not signed in with a Google account.

Thanks and good luck!

Giveaway runs from 12:00am EST Tuesday (1/11) and ends Monday (1/17) at Midnight. The Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on Tuesday (1/18). He/She will have 48 hours to respond. If a response is not received within the 48-hour-period, a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: A Dog's Purpose sent me their products for my own personal use so that I could provide an accurate review of the product. I was not paid by A Dog's Purpose for this review. All opinions expressed about the product in this post are purely my own and were not influenced by A Dog's Purpose in any way.

Tebow Tonight!

2011-01-06T09:36:00.002-05:00

A few months back, I posted a video that gave us a look inside an upcoming episode on the greatest football player to ever play the game........Tebow! Well, tonight the wait is over. Be sure to tune into ESPNHD at 7pm EST for Tim Tebow: Everything In Between. I know I will!

Tee hee!

Can't wait!

Park With Friends

2011-01-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, we met the Bosseler clan for some breakfast and park time. I hope that through these fun outings, Jack can form a lifelong friendship with Casen, Emery, Cooper. We always have such a great time with them, Jack and I even got to ride in the golf cart that Santa brought them.

My daddy, my alligator, and a swing = pure happiness.

Emery loves to swing, too!

Cooper always has a smile whenever he sees me. Love this face.

We can now go up and down the slide.....all by ourselves!

Mulch can provide hours of entertainment for Casen and J-man. Who knew?

I have a feeling Jack might be seeing this sweet face leaving him in the dust on more than one occasion! Ha!

Hugs goodbye! We'll see you next time!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T19:32:00.001-05:00

Wow, it's hard to believe another year has come and gone. But, it certainly has. And, to be honest with you, I'm kinda glad to see a brand spanking shiny new 2011 here and 2010 behind us. First let me clarify....2010 has for the most part, been an incredibly blessed and happy year with a lot to be thankful for. Fortunately for you, I won't bore you with all of the details. I would assume since you're reading now, you've read most of them as I posted throughout the year. But just to mention a few...

In 2010, Jack....

* Celebrated his first birthday with Goofy, family, and friends at Disney World

(it actually snowed in Florida on his birthday!)...

* took his first steps, a HUGE milestone in his development...

* and started school at Bobbie Noonan, two half-days a week and has done so well. He enjoys making new friends, arts and crafts (this boy loves to color!), storytime and more;

In 2010, Mike...

* Continues to be the best, (ie: kick some ass, pardon my French) in his field in the state of Florida (not biased at all!)...

* has done phenomenally while competing in Triathlons across the country...

* and has been able to enjoy some time doing some of his most favorite things
in the world with some of his most favorite people;

And me? I have also had my share of great 2010 moments...

* I've rediscovered my passion for photography (Noelle calls the one below artsy!) and also found a new love in graphic design. I have been fortunate to design numerous blogs for people all over the country. Check out my design blog...

* renewed old friendships with people I hold very dear and made new ones...

* and attended the taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show with the mama! Definitely a bucket list item.

Together, Mike and I (and Jack sometimes, too!) have also been able to do some great traveling this year.....New Orleans, North Carolina, Washington DC, Boston, and Las Vegas. Plus, we renewed our vows in Vegas! Who says you need 10 years or so to renew?

We were able to attend many Gator Games, not knowing it would be Urban's last (sniff, sniff). Despite the tough season we were there cheering on our boys because that's what true fans do.

Andy started his first semester at Ave Maria law school, which couldn't make us more proud. He has proven that he will be a stellar attorney. Yes, even when he's at his most serious, he's still Andy.

Noelle is now the big college graduate, too! Now, if she had actually walked during graduation, I'd have a fantastic photo of her in her cap and gown.....but alas she did not. *Sigh* So here's one of the 243,587 photos she's posted on Facebook. At least it's of her in Bulls attire and with her wifey (aka best friend), Alex...

We also look forward to the start of a new tradition, having the entire family come together every summer for a family vacation. Hawksdene Retreat, here we come!

The following was written several hours after the original posting began.....

Wow. This posting has really been an eye-opener. I went into it with the intent of saying "So long 2010!" with much enthusiasm. I was so ready to start anew, to say the least. During the past year, members of my family have had to endure stressful situations and great change of all kinds (as we all do at some point in our lives) that have weighed heavily on my heart. If I could, I would protect them forever from the evils and selfish acts of others. But mainly, I was happy to see 2010 go because of the devastating loss of our sweet baby boy back in September. And, although that loss has left an immeasurable hole in my heart that will never be filled, I can now look back on 2010 and see all of the wonderful blessings and fun times it has brought us.

I am truly blessed, there's no question about it. I have the best husband in the world who waited nearly 20 years to marry me. (I'm still trying to figure that one out.) I have the most precious and lovable little man to call my very own. I have the absolute best family a girl could ever ask for. They are truly my best friends and my rock. Without them, I would never have been able to make it through the darkest part of 2010. Together we can conquer anything life throws our way, there's no doubt about that. And, I can say I have surrounded myself with the best friends ever.
So 2010, I certainly didn't give you enough credit.

As I look ahead to 2011 and all that we have to look forward to, I can't wait to start each new day. What does the future hold? We'll just have to wait and see (we will not mention a certain milestone birthday because it is not going to happen). But I can tell you this, it will be one hell of a ride! I hope that each of you are as blessed and happy as we are.

Happy New Year to all!