If you've been reading my blog for the last few months, you probably know how badly I took my pregnancy weight gain.  I'm a little embarrassed by that now.  In fact, I'd like to go back in time and tell my pregnant self to "shut up and eat another cupcake."

At the time, I was completely freaked out by what I would look like after the baby was born.  And how do I look after?  Not half bad!  I thought I'd be crying my eyes out over stretch marks and impossible to lose fat... but I'm not!  I don't really care! Ha!

I definitely don't look the same as I did before I had Carson, but my attitude has changed too.  My body did an amazing thing, and through breastfeeding it continues to support my little man now!  How awesome is that!  I appreciate my body now more than ever before.

Don't get me wrong, I would love not to have stretch marks, fatter than before butt and hips, or a little extra to love around my middle, but to be honest, I don't care enough to do a whole lot about it. I'm sure my hubby might like me to care a little more, but then again, I think he might like my new body image better than he liked my old body.

I truly realize now that there are so many more important things in life than how I look in a bathing suit.  I'm reminded of that everyday I spend with my husband and son.  Now when I choose to eat healthy foods and exercise, I'm doing it to stay healthy and happy for my family.  I feel like a brand new person.

So, bring on the bathing suit... and the cupcake!

As of today, I am officially resigned from my teaching position.  I thought I would have a lot to say about this, but strangely enough, I don't.  In fact, writing my letter of resignation seemed more like checking something off my to-do list rather than the significant, life-changing event that it was.

1. Shower
2. Feed baby
3. Write my resignation letter

I spent the last six and a half years teaching 4th and 5th graders, and only the last 11 weeks raising my new baby boy... but it honestly feels like a lifetime ago that I was in the classroom.  My days used to be consumed with classroom management, teaching strategies, conferences, and grading papers.  Now, my days are filled with feedings and diaper changes... and I'm perfectly happy with that.  I can honestly say that I hardly ever even think about what's going on in my classroom.  That's not because I don't care, because I do.  I loved teaching and I'm sure I'll return to it one day.  If anything, being a parent is reaffirming my belief that all children deserve the best education possible, and a teacher who truly cares about them.  I think I feel this way because I feel so called to what I'm doing right now- being a mother to my sweet Carson.

I know without a doubt that this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing with my life right now.  There isn't a thing more important to me, nor anyone I'd rather spend my day with than my son.  He is the most important job I'll ever have, and I couldn't feel more blessed to be his mother.

My little man is growing up so fast.  Sigh.  It seems crazy that only 2 1/2 months ago he was this tiny little thing that only ate, pooped, and cried all night long.  Now he's smiling and cooing and being all-around adorable (and sleeping through the night)!


A few of his likes: eating (obvious- you don't get two chins any other way), playing on his play mat, getting his diaper changed, listening to mommy and daddy talking (he's started "talking" back), and best of all... waking up!!


Enjoy the super cute baby smiles, ignore the annoying baby talk.


It is so true... I do think my child is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.  I am one of those parents.  But don't worry, I still love my furry son, Jet!  He has been at the dog trainer (hopefully on his way to becoming a master hunter- he got his third pass this weekend- only two to go) since Carson was born.  For Easter weekend, Sean brought him home to meet his little brother.

The Hales have been pretty busy the last couple of weeks... here's some pictures to show you what we've been up to!