Behind The Scenes: Reasons For Smiling

I've been MIA all week -- I know. To be honest, I haven't felt much like blogging. Instead, I decided my energy was best spent helping Chloe re-establish a new sense of "normal" after her big transition from full school days to modified ones. We're still in the middle of our transition period, but overall things are going really well. She's liking it {especially this week} and enjoying being at home with me in the afternoons. 

So, with that being said -- I'll move onto more news in my first official "Behind The Scenes" post, which just so happens this week to come in the form of a list. Here we go...

My 5 Reasons For Smiling:

1. My husband is amazing and he deserves the credit. ;)

Given last week was a long one for us and an emotional one for me -- Stanton surprised me on Friday with the news that I'd be having a spa day at my favorite place, The Montage, on Saturday. And as if that wasn't enough -- I awoke on Saturday to find flowers, my favorite coffee {Carmel Latte from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf}, girly magazines, and a card --  that I was told I wasn't allowed to open until I reached "the first light" just past our house.

By the time I reached the light and opened my card -- I was already tearing up. This card might not make you emotional, but it surely made me. It was really special.

Inside was my agenda on my day off.

And some heartfelt words {which I won't embarrass him and share} and a gift card to my favorite shopping place, Nordstrom.

He knows me well enough to know if he doesn't give me a gift card and tell me to go shopping for myself, I'll just go shopping for him or Chloe. It never fails, every time I come home with stuff for them. ;) 

To say I feel fortunate to have met Stanton is a given. 

To say I'm blessed to have him as my husband is the understatement of the century. 

To say, as long as I have him {as the card says}, I'll be happy forever -- well that, my friends, is the ultimate truth. 

Thank you honey, for my fun-filled day off. It was just what I needed! You really are the best husband and I feel so blessed, not just on the days you pamper me, but everyday, to call myself your wife.

I love you, Stanton. xoxo

2. Chloe is singing.

Sometimes she babbles along to her favorites. Other times, we'll catch her singing the last word of each phrase of a song we're playing in the car. Because I've always loved to sing myself, you know I'm on cloud nine status right now over this latest development. It's so exciting!

Her favorites lately are Colbie Caillat's "Brighter Than The Sun" and Mat Kearney's "Hey Mama", to which she likes to clap along. Turning around to find her with a big smile on her face and her little hands clapping in the air, seriously makes my day.

I know my sister, Kelley, is swooning right now. She's a big Mat Kearney fan and so am I! :)

Fun Fact: One of Colbie Caillat's albums is entitled "Coco", which also happens to be one of Chloe's nicknames her Daddy gave her. 

3. Spring is coming.

The best part about spring coming and our clocks shifting forward? It's still sunny at night when Stanton comes home from work, which means our "night walks" can resume! It's one of our favorite things to do together. And this year -- we've got a wagon! Wahoo!

Now, if only I could get Chloe to not stand in it. ;)

4. Chloe is talking more than ever.

As I'm typing this, you know what my girl says? "I want ice cream". Four words, together. This is a regular occurrence in our house these days and it's so friggin' exciting. If my girl made in just 3 months, at home with me over summer, a year's worth of progress in regards to her language -- I can only imagine what these modified days and another summer off will bring.

Us, enjoying some fun outside. I recently discovered, Little C doesn't like to sit in the grass, but rather on top of me, which makes for excellent entertainment when she puts her feet in my face. Ha! This picture not only makes me smile -- it makes me LOL!

I know I say it all the time, but I'm so proud of her. More language means less frustration for our girl and I'll take that any day! 

And last, but certainly not least...

5. I'm designing a new blog. New topics and fun things to share.  

And I'm so excited about it! It should be up and running soon. Stay tuned!

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So there you go, my first "Katie" post. :) It felt good to write to you all and share a few thoughts. 

So tell me everyone, what things lately are making YOU smile? 

Cheers everyone, to a great week ahead!