Lainey Bug

This precious little Lainey bug turned one!

Wednesday Wink 006

Wednesday Wink 006

I get a lot of questions around firsts and when we introduced certain items or we crossed certain milestones. You have to do what works for your family and every child is different, but I am happy to share our story of firsts. And honestly, I thought I would be that mom that would remember everything... but as it turns out, I am guilty of the first year blur as well. If I missed anything you are curious about, just let me know!

Big Bang Birthday

This year we wanted to do something really special for Bill's birthday because he totally deserves it. Because he would have nothing if it meant that his son and his wife could have everything. It is his selflessness and his giving heart that makes me want to do even more for him. And we found the perfect gift to let him know just how amazing he is. A very special gift to say how much we love and appreciate our husband, daddy, son, brother, son-in-law, and grandson! A present with a Big Bang, just in time for dove season! A voucher for an over-under shot gun, which he has already turned into a beautiful Berreta!

Wednesday Wink 005

Wednesday Wink 005

This week is the last week that Liam will be in the infant class. It has been a pretty emotional week to say the least. Because Liam has been with Ms. "Bita" and Ms. "Manda" since 3 months old. And just as they have formed an incredible bond, so have I. I love the way they love my son. They have been a huge part of Liam's growth and development. From that little blonde baldy in the crib to the class coloring king... they have been there for him. They have been there for me. I am so thankful and blessed to have had such phenomenal teachers/school mommies taking care of his every need while I am away at work. I am going to miss them scooping Liam up in the mornings and making him giggle. I am going to miss the B108 stars! Our amazing class. The most incredible moms. The BEST teachers in the world! Because even though they will still be around and even though a few of the littles will be in our class next year... it will be different. And not necessarily a bad different... but different. Our new teachers definitely have big shoes to fill!

Ellen's Baby Bump

Ellen should be on the cover of Pregnancy magazine. She is such a gorgeous mommy-to-be!

Wednesday Wink 004

Wednesday Wink 004

THE GREAT DSLR CAMERA DEBATE: NIKON VS CANON

I cannot tell you how many times I get asked this question - in fact just this week I was asked to weigh in on my thoughts once more. Let me first get a few housekeeping items out of the way:

• I am absolutely not getting paid for my opinions on this subject and these are completely my own opinions based on research, personal experience and thought. Nothing more... nothing less. I also reserve the right to change my opinion as new products are released or I learn new information. wink!
• I truly believe that you cannot go wrong with either camera and that it does come down to personal preference.
• It is ALL IN THE LENS!
• There are Nikon people and there are Canon people. Once you decide on one, you are usually theirs for life as once you start collecting lens, etc. it is way too expensive to switch!
• We are not talking point and shoot cameras here... I have completely different thoughts on those.
• I know plenty of people with Canons and plenty of people with Nikon's... I envy both sets of photos.
• And finally, I am not an expert on the subject by any stretch of the imagination. I have a passion for photography, love the creative release and am the most happy when capturing memories. I am pretty sure I only get asked this question because my personality flaw of over-analyzing. I research and make lists and research and make more lists and graphs and more lists and THEN and ONLY THEN do I make my decision. Let me put it to you this way, my husband and I both have this trait and we physically entered 42 apartments before choosing our first one when we moved to Houston. That was after crossing the other 56 off the list that we did not want to see... Don't even get my started on buying our first home (maps of our routes to work) or purchasing my new car!

So, here are my thoughts on the subject

Layla's 1st Gold Medal

The 2011, Summer Tot Olympic opening ceremony honoring Layla Banker's first birthday was held at Little Gym on July 30th.

Vacation DESTINation

Destin's sugary white beaches and sparkling crystal waters along the Emerald Coast was the perfect destination for a Johnson Family vacation 2011.

Wednesday Wink 003 and Winner

Wednesday Wink 003

ARE YOU HUGGIES OR PAMPERS PEOPLE???

When Bill and I arrived at Babies R Us to sign-up for our baby registry, I was the overly excited first time mom. I couldn't wait to pick out all the cute baby gear items to prepare for our new arrival. We sat down, received our complementary blue, congratulation's carnation, a paper list of suggested items and a scanning gun. So as not to overwhelm myself, I started with the baby bottle isle. Simple. Picking a set of baby bottles would be easy enough, right? WRONG. ABSOLUTELY THE WRONG ISLE. There were Dr. Browns, Advent, Platex, Tommy Tippie... ones that look like mommy's boob, ones that had curved nipples... clear ones, glass ones, BPA free ones... those with plastic inserts. AND then... levels 1-5 nipples, colic free nipples, nipples for rice cereal...

I sat down in the middle of the baby bottle isle and sobbed. My excited baby shopping bubble completely burst. What was I thinking? I cannot even pick out a baby bottle. How am I ever going to be a good mom? I felt defeated and discouraged. Never again would I enter Babies R Us blind. Next time, I would be prepared for battle. The diaper battle.

Wednesday Wink 002 and Giveaway

Wednesday Wink 002

An Ouch Pouch. Why didn't I think of this? It's every mother, grandmother, babysitter, sports fanatic, clumsy person's super hero.