Molly and Addi

I may be an emotional baby these days, but looking at these pictures could honestly make me cry.  I have always loved Molly, and was happy she was our dog, but I did not appreciate her nearly as much as I do now.  We've been so lucky with Molly since she was a puppy, as she has always been a super sweet, wonderful dog.  But watching her love Addilyn, or more like watching her let Addilyn love her, has made me appreciate her even more.  

It was a rough transition for Molly when Addilyn was born.  She went from having lots of attention (especially from Chris) to getting quite a lot less those first few months.  Addilyn didn't know she existed and I felt like she got in the way, when so much of my attention and energy was going towards Addilyn.  Molly spent a lot of time eating diapers and I spent a lot of time being annoyed.  It took a few months to get into a routine and attempting to do a better job loving on Molly too.  

(Molly sympathizes with my squinty eye problem when smiling for the camera.)

I think around five months Addilyn started really noticing and loving Molly.  Since then (and still to this day) every nap and every morning when I go get Addilyn, Molly follows me into the room and Addilyn looks over my shoulder and starts flailing her arms and smiles so big for Molly.  The rare occasion where she doesn't follow me in there, Addilyn looks all around until we go get her.  

 

If Addilyn is fussy or crabby, I can call Molly over and she almost always stops crying and gets so excited to see Molly.  Now that she's crawling everywhere, she always goes up to Molly and lays her head on her stomach and it is the sweetest thing ever.   She recently learned to go get Molly's ball or toy and pick them up, crawl over and put them in Molly's mouth.  And she's quickly learned it's more fun to feed Molly than herself when sitting in her highchair.  I figure it's Molly's reward for putting up with Addilyn being all over her. 

Molly will often lay outside Addilyn's room when she's napping or before we go to bed, when Addi is already sleeping.  It makes me so happy that she's grown to love her and I know wants to protect her.

We sure do love our Molly and hope we have her around for a long time!

Skunked

 top: forever 21   pants and shoes: kohls

This is a face of a dog that has been bathed four times, blow dried and constantly told to not lay on the couch.  Poor Molly got sprayed by a skunk the day we came home from our long weekend with my family. Thankfully for us it was while she was at my in laws so two of the baths were given by them.  And the others thankfully by Chris. 

Poor me because our house still smells a little skunky.  So while you're all enjoying your fall candles and pumpkin smelling houses, we're trying our best to mask the smell of a skunk.  So if you didn't want to come over to my house after this post, I imagine you do even less now.  

You're no longer number one

top: old navy   skirt: target   sandals: ?   necklace: gift (groopdealz)

Can we say fourth of July outfit?  Too patriotic looking perhaps? 

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before Chris' extreme amount of love for our dog Molly.  Now I certainly love Molly and give her quite a lot of attention.  But it can't compare to Chris. 

Sometimes it's almost disturbing how much he treats her like a person.  Playing hide and seek, carrying her around, talking to her like a person.  
The other day I overheard Chris talking to Molly, telling her that once our baby comes she will no longer be number one around here. (Let's just ignore the fact that he was saying that Molly was number one and not me). 
I'm glad he knows that our baby girl will get moved ahead of Molly, as I used to be a little concerned. 

Doesn't everyone carry around their 50 pound dog like this? 

Thankfully Molly is so good around other babies and kids, but I am a little worried how she'll handle our new addition! 
Oh and I've never entered any kind of style or fashion contest until yesterday when I found one that's all about finding good deals, which I think I'm pretty good at. I'm sure you want to help me win! Vote here! 
Thank you!

Want to be this happy?

Want to be as happy as my dog Molly?

Who seriously smiles in every picture we take.

Then you should sponsor my blog in December, 

as I'm quite confident I can help grow your blog or shop.

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(hey look - I used an abbreviation without even thinking about it.  I think I can handle stat.)

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I currently have a few large ad spaces available for $10 and medium spaces for $5.
Email me at katiejvale@yahoo.com or read here for more information.

And if that doesn't make you happy, perhaps another polka dot outfit will.


dress: old navy   sweater: banana republic outlet   boots: dsw  necklace: groopdealz

Hope you're having a great week so far! 

Giving thanks

sweater: kohls  skirt: target   bracelet: francesca's

First off, I have to say that this outfit may as well be pajamas. Ridiculously comfortable.

Secondly, I wish all the time my hair could do a top knot or high bun. This is the best I've got. A tiny nub on the back of my head.  Someone help me.

And thirdly, I wanted to share one of my favorite recent traditions.
Two years ago Chris started a tradition that I hope we do every year for the rest of our lives. 

During the month of November we put out a big piece of paper on our banister by our stairs.

Throughout the month we write different things we're thankful for. Big things. Little things. Everything. 

It's a great reminder that God has given us so many blessings and is a daily reminder that He has given us far more than we will ever deserve.

Starting this year's list of with these things: 

A new recipe.  (pumpkin chocolate chip bread)

Dinner out with Chris this weekend. 

Coffee on a Sunday morning. 

A family that I couldn't be more thankful for.  

 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

What are a few things on your list this year?

Happiest Dog Award

sweater: old navy   pants: express (many many years old)  shoes: dsw

I think it's about time to dedicate a post to my dog, especially since she intruded again on an outfit picture. 

I'm sure this is one of those things like every parent thinks their kid is the cutest, but I truly believe that Molly is the prettiest, sweetest and best dog anyone could have.  

Recently Chris took Molly to the vet and the vet told us he has never seen a happier or healthier golden retriever.  

We were quite proud.  

Since I take my pictures with a tripod it isn't uncommon for Molly to try to get into at least one picture.

I've gained quite the collection of Molly pictures.  

Let's just say I'm not always too pleased. 

But seriously, have you seen a happier dog?

And if that doesn't make you smile, then maybe entering to win this tear drop statement necklace from yesterday's post will.
Enter here.

High Five for Friday

cardigan: old navy  jeans: kohls  shoes: target  necklace: present from Chris 

1. A few years ago Chris got me this necklace for Christmas.  I had mentioned that I wanted a necklace with my initials engraved in it, and this actually was not what I had in mind. 

But now I am so glad he got me what he did. 

 I love it and love it more that he picked it out himself. 

2.  I made my parent volunteers  birthday cake popcorn and sent them home this week: 

I've had to make many desserts this last week to bring to different things, and three of them have had funfetti cake mix in it. 

3.  Have you seen this video? 

Chris shows me videos often and tells me before that I'm about to watch the funniest thing I've ever seen.  Usually I disagree, but I love this one!

                         

Looks like Molly and I have a lot of work to do this summer. 

Watch out.  

4. I had some more sock monkeys orders last week: 

I love etsy but have done many more custom orders than online. 

Sometimes I think word of mouth is the way to go. 

5.  Two weekends ago this is what our Friday night looked like and it was the best thing ever.
I look forward to many more evenings just like it.

I have three days left of school and am SO ready for summer!

Happy weekend!

Shine on Fridays  High Five for Fridays
Follow Friday  5 Days 5 Ways
Casual Friday