Shannon's Wedding and Other Firsts...

Whoa. Where do I begin?! What a week it has been. Brynn, Dan, and I have been busy. Our excitement started last Friday-- Shannon and Nick's rehersal dinner! The beginning of the wedding weekend. It was wonderful. We had dinner at Stephano's in Burnsville. The dinner was so good, and it was just so nicely done. Nick's mom did a great job planning and hosting it! Brynn also did well, so that was nice-- we were able to enjoy ourselves and stay longer than I thought.

Saturday was the big wedding day! I was excited to get all dolled up, but nervous about how Brynn would do. It was going to be a long day. I showed up at the salon at 9:15 am. I was getting my manicure, then my hair done, and then make-up. Dan was meeting the boys at 10 so he hung around with Brynn until then. It worked perfect, because he took her on a little car ride, she fell asleep, we put her in the stroller, and she napped! She woke up after my hair was done... I was able to feed her, change her, and she was happy until we left the salon at like 12:30-1.

We finally got to the church and got Shannon into her dress! She was so calm and cool, and beautiful. She and Nick had some alone time, and the rest of us girls got our dresses on-- and I got Brynn to sleep once again. She slept through all the family pictures, which was good because she napped, but sad because she wasn't in them! She woke up right at 3:30, giving me just enough time to feed her quick before the wedding began at 4 pm. She was so happy and alert during the wedding-- and good for Dan. Once the wedding was over, Brynn was going to be off with my mom while we were on the limo. I felt bad about sending her off, but my mom reassured me it was fine. Brynn was a rockstar! She slept the whole time! By time we got back to the reception, she was still sleeping. She woke up right when dinner was being served, and right before my Matron of Honor speech-- so it was perfect! Dan's dad was awesome and came down and picked her up, and took her for the night.

As far as the wedding and reception-- it was perfect... and SO fun. Obviously, I think mine and Dan's wedding was the best :o) but Shannon's was super fun for a traditional wedding. I didn't want to leave the dance floor-- and I really didn't I was paying for it on Sunday because my c-section incision was hurting! I must have really over done it! My feet also were sore until Tuesday! So worth it though.

Onto another subject-- my physical therapy for my pelvic pain. I am making progress. I went in for a follow up appt on Tuesday and my Dr. was pleased with the progress I have made so far. I need to keep doing my stretches and stuff so hopefully it only continues to get better.

Today, I took Brynnie to the zoo for the first time! She basically slept the whole time, but she was so good. It was super hot so we did the outdoor stuff first before it got too hot. We went with Amis and her two kiddos. I decided to buy a membership as well, since it pays itself so fast. I am sure I will go a few more times, too before the summer is over. It is only a 5 minute drive from my house! I am looking forward to bringing her when she is actually awake to see things :o)

This weekend we have a birthday celebration for my Grandma, and will be getting together with Dan's mom and family on Monday. The weather is supposed to be beautiful all weekend, so hopefully they are finally right. I am also hoping to get Brynn into the pool tomorrow finally for the first time!

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July!!

Just a Few Thoughts.

Monday night Dan and I did our date night at the mall. We went to dinner at Crave... and had to exchange Dan's cowboy boots, yes, you read that correctly. Dan wanted a pair of cowboy boots, so I bought him the pair he wanted for Father's Day. He needed a pair a little bit smaller, so we needed to exchange them. I had eaten at Crave before, but Dan hadn't. Brynn was pretty good. Of course the second food came out, she decided she wanted to be held. At least she didn't cry though.

Anyway, as we were taking the elevator out to the car, a group of 4 boys came onto the elevator. They look like they were about 14. They were making fun of eachother and just being goofy. I was wearing an MSU shirt and one of them told me their older brother went there. They went on to ask how old Brynn was. The one got off the elevator on the wrong floor, and they were making fun of him. I had asked them how old they were and they said they were going into 10th grade. Anyway, what is my point? It made me realize how much I really miss the kids at school. Those goofy boys are so much fun. Of course there are always those kids that you don't mind saying goodbye to at the end of the year, but I really miss the relationships with kids that are so great. It put a smile on my face for the rest of the night.

Speaking of school.... I have a new friend joining my classroom next year. Captain. He is a bearded dragon. I think the kids are really going to love him. I am excited! He was donated to me by a former student.

3 days until Shannon's wedding! I am so excited to get my spray tan, and get my make-up, hair, and nails done. I know I said this before, but I really hope Brynn has a good day Saturday. AND the weather is suppose to be good!

Picture of Brynn right after having rice cereal for the first time

Family Pic on Father's Day

5 Months!

Life has been hectic here. I am been dealing with some anxiety issues (go figure) but I am feeling a lot better. SO-- that is why I haven't gotten to writing lately. When I get into my anxiety mode, I shut down. You should see my house. I have a lot to catch up on this week and with Shannon's wedding next Saturday, it is going to be busy!!

In the life of Brynn, she has discovered that she can sleep on her belly since she can roll over... so she has kind of been sleeping on her side/ belly. She is so alert and interested in her surroundings. She loves grabbing at Kolby and Maia, and they don't seem to mind :) I also started trying to give her rice cereal. A common theme in my posts is her not wanting a bottle, so I am hoping she will become more interested in solids soon! I wasn't planning on trying until 6 months, but I am desperate for some time for me-- a night out with Dan-- and me not worrying about her being starving while I am away. She is NOT interested in the cereal. It is a fight to try and get her to eat it. Once it goes in her mouth, it is ok, but she doesn't want the spoon in her mouth.

We also won a contest on facebook through Cassie Hop Photography! I coudln't believe it. At one point I wanted to give up since we were down by like 50 votes, but us Murphy girls are competitive. With the help of a lot of friends, and a lot of friends of my friends... we won! We will be able to have 6 month pictures of Brynn taken, and get $200 worth of free prints! I can't wait to see them, because all of her pictures on her website are amazing. Thanks again to all of our friends and family who helped.

I am officially down to pre-Brynn weight! I have about 10-15 pounds to go to get to where I was before I was pregnant with Elizabeth. COnsidering it hasn't been 6 months yet, I am happy with where I am at.

I have had a lot of time to think about going back to work in the fall... and I think I am going to be ok with it. I say that now, but come August, I may feel differently. I know Brynn will be in good hands, and I really miss teaching and my awesome teacher freinds. I know life will be a lot harder-- Brynn will need more attention-- eating solids and stuff, crawling all over, and I will have to keep the house clean while working full time. It will be an adjustment but I think I will be ok (I hope). I am just so thankful to have this time off with Brynn that I have had.

I started physical therapy last week to help with my pelvic pain in hopes to getting to play soccer soon and run. As I expected, my whole body is messed up. So, I need to make sure I do a good job doing the stretches I am supposed to do to help myself feel better.

Shannon's wedding is in less than a week! I can't wait-- it is going to be so fun :o) I am also looking forward to getting all dressed up, too. I haven't done that in a while! I am also hoping Brynn is good that day. She usually is, so hoping Saturday is no different. I do have a nasty sinus cold going on right now, so I am hoping she doesn't get that, because with my luck, she will get it so she is sick next weekend.

I always think of things I want to write in my blog, and then I forget... so I am hoping I remembered most of the stuff I wanted to say. I will have some more pics to post this week... I need to put some on the computer from the weekend.

We are heading to my parents here in a little bit to celebrate Father's Day. I wish the weather was nicer... we could have taken Brynnie swimming for the first time. So I will end today by saying Happy Father's Day to my dad-- the strongest man I know. What his body and mind have been through over the last 6 years is something I can't imagine dealing with. And of course, my Dan. He is my rock. I know I may annoy him because I am high maintenance in terms of wanting to be around him, but he makes me feel safe and happy. He is the best dad, and can't wait to see him and Brynn do more together as Brynn grows up.

It's June, and It's Finally Summer!

Well, in true Minnesota fashion, we skipped spring all together this year. Nothing like adjusting to 95 degree days with high humidity after a winter like we had. I am not complaining though. After all that snow and cold we had, and being cooped up in the house... I would rather have hot weather, and see the sun shining and leaves on the trees :o)

This weekend we went up to Nisswa with Dan's mom. I just love it up there. We stayed on GUll Lake. I really wish we had more time up there together. It makes me really excited for our vacation to Door County later this summer. We spent Saturday on a pontoon out on the lake. Brynn was a rockstar. I couldn't believe how well she sleeped on the boat! I thought I was going to have to come in and sit in the cabin while she slept... but she napped so well! I am sure all the fresh air helped.

Sunday we shopped in Nisswa, and had some pizza for lunch. It was such a wonderful weekend, and so nice to have this beautiful weather here!

This week, I plan on working on some stuff for Shannon's wedding. I can't believe how fast that is coming up! I can't wait. I also NEED to get Brynn's clothes she has outgrown packed up. They have been sitting in a laundry basket in her room, and I need to get them packed away. I also would like to get some shelves and things for Brynn's room. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks.

Brynn is so much fun! She rooled from her tummy to her back today a couple of times, but not sure if it will be consistent. We will see... she also started grabbing her feet. Maybe she has found them :) All I know is her personality is beginning to show and I just love how interactive she is with us now. I am so looking forward to starting solids with her soon, too. I hope she likes them :)

Brynn's going to be 5 months this upcoming weekend. Wow. I can't believe it. Maybe we will have to do something special to celebrate :)