Wow, I can't believe it. Today yours truly turned twenty-three years old. I don't feel any different (didn't expect to), but I was a little bummed today. This was the second year in a row that Justin and I weren't together for my "special" day. It's not so much the "holiday" that matters to me, it's just his presence. I did however get a knock on the door bright and early... on the other side were beautiful birthday flowers.

The arrangement was beautiful, but the card inside was even more beautiful. Even when Justin's off for training, he knows just what to say in order for me to have a perfect day. Even when I woke up this morning, I had sunshine in my face, and (aside from my mama) the first happy birthday I got was from my husband. I appreciate the little things like that. I'm shocked he even had time to contact me at all today. Things are starting to get busy where he is, so his time to chat is scarce. I spent almost all day with my family, and then spent the evening shopping for me and Ava bug. I'd never been to Crazy 8 before (kid store), but I was pleasantly surprised. I found some really cute warm weather outfits for Ava (wishful thinking), and I picked up a really cute sun hat for Miss Ava from gymboree. I even managed to grab some maxi skirts as well. I'm totally in love with the long maxi skirts, and cardigans. I dress like such a mom! We went to the Olive Garden for dinner, where I got my favorite type of cake. I thought I'd end up with red velvet this year, but no, the lemon cream cake came in for the win.

The waitress we had was so amazing. Not only did she give us great service, she also made sure I had a candle to blow out, and wrote me a little birthday card as well. She went above and beyond, it really made for a great evening. Ava got a ton of compliments (like usual) while we were out to dinner tonight. One lady that was in the middle of eating her meal, stopped and looked over at us, then she proceeds to say, "Your little girl is beautiful. You're going to have to watch out for her, she's going to be a heart breaker." I told her, we already knew! It really was a perfect day. Now that my birthday is behind me, I've got to prep for Ava's first St. Patrick day pictures this next week. My little girl won't be getting any pinches, unless of course they are on her cheeks, because truth be told, she has the cutest most pinch-able cheeks ever. I'm in the middle of making her a very green tutu for the occasion. After St. Patty's day we've got Easter, and then Grandpa Michael (my dad's) birthday. I really can't believe next week we will be in the middle of March. This year is definitely going by so much quicker than I'd like. Ava will be ten months old in just ten days. I have no idea how the heck ten months have gone by so quickly. I'm already on the hunt for birthday decorations, and her birthday outfit.

I know I've talked a lot about this before, but I just can't help myself. My first born and (only child at the moment), only turns one year old, one time. My timeline is a bit jumbled, but I'm also very excited for one of my friends from Georgia to come up and visit. She will be here in May to explore the Seattle area and take pictures of our little family, for Ava's first birthday. I'm really excited to see her since it's been three months since we left Georgia. So these next couple months are actually going to be really busy for us Howlands. I'm almost positive that I have finally decided on which family car I am ready to get. Our Mazda is great, but it really isn't going to work when we start adding more babies to our family. I absolutely hate spending money on car notes, so let's home this is the last time for a longgg while that I have to go car shopping. Alright guys, I'm off. Looks like mama bear gets to have a phone conversation with her woobie. Thanks for all the birthday wishes I received today. The love and warmth I receive from friends and family really does make my world go round. Happy Friday all! Have a great weekend.  ♥- Leilani

Sunday Morning

Mornings are my favorite part of the day.

1. I wake up in the arms of my husband 
2. I wake up to Ava's sweet smile
3. More often than not, the sun is shining through our window

Justin has been home for two weeks and we definitely have weekend, morning routines down. Last night, Justin woke up with Ava every single diaper change and he changed her. I obviously had to nurse her, but it was nice getting a few extra moments to sleep. In the morning after Ava nurses, this is what we get. Our cuddle bug snuggles with daddy so well. He has gotten so comfortable with being a daddy. He uses baby talk with her, he kisses her sweet little cheeks, and consoles her when she cries. Our sprout is a lucky girl. Daddy would move mountains for her if he had to.

 

 So the biggest conflict I've had lately is nursing Ava in public places. Not all establishments are nursing friendly. To make things more challenging, we've had some crazy rain here lately. Running out to the car with baby, stroller, and infant seat would have left us all soaked! I'm trying to get in the swing of things with a baby on the go, so I've decided to stick to my guns and not give Ava a bottle until she is six or eight weeks. Even then I don't plan on making bottle feeding the norm in our home. I've realized how important it is for me to feel comfortable nursing her, wherever we are. I'm feeding my baby. There is nothing violating about that. In a little over a month we will be heading to New York for block leave. I have decided instead of giving Ava a bottle, I'm going to nurse her the entire trip. I have become a strong advocate for breastfeeding and nursing Ava has become a big chunk of our bonding time. Justin is on board with this as well. It definitely makes things easier knowing he supports my decisions.

Today will be a busy day. We don't like having Ava on the go all the time because she's still just under a month old. Our weekend was more laid back, as we had people over, rather than going out. So today we will be shopping, potentially finding a tattoo artist for my husband, and dining out at one of Justin's favorite restaurants. 

Go out and make your Sunday fabulous people ! 

Busy, Busy.

I felt inclined to blog because I have a lot going on this week.

Monday
Slow day. Hanging out with a couple of Army wives.
Wading by the pool
eating lemon tarts

Tuesday
Level two ultrasound for Ava. Growth scan
FRG meeting for redeployment updates


Wednesday 
finding organic diapers for Ava to use
national sibling day
hanging out with Victoria while she does her DIY project
Slurpees!


Thursday
Home visit from lactation specialist
Babysit baby Adalin
Dinner at the house of huddle

Friday
growth ultrasound and non stress test for Ava
Getting my hair done for maternity pictures
On the hunt for maternity dresses


Saturday
buying Justin's grill from Lowe's for his birthday
Buy a birthday card for woobie/send it out !



Sunday
Watching my Church sermon LIVE from back home
Watching baby Adalin
Maternity photos


I guess things wouldn't be so busy if I didn't have to drive an hour+ each day just to get things done around here. Worst part about living in the country. Not a lot of things are close by. Especially fun activities.

My recent buys:
                                         

My hospital bag !

Tote

                                                      

Justin's early birthday present. Propane grill. porcelain iron cast.

Grill Master

Ava's DaVinci classic sleigh glider and ottoman 

Glider