"Oh, you make me smile..."

"Don't know how I lived without you 'Cause every time that I get around you I see the best of me inside your eyes You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed Sing like bird, dizzy in my head Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe Shine like gold, buzz like a bee Just the thought of you can drive me wild Oh, you make me smile..."

I just love the Uncle Kracker song, "Smile." While I was pregnant with Fischer, I would hear it on the radio while I was driving to and from work, which was quite a commute! It made me think of how much he had already made me smile (from the first time I saw him on an ultrasound), to how much he would make me smile once he arrived. And boy was I RIGHT! That song epitomizes my love and devotion to him. There really is nothing like being a mom. :o)

Well, I've decided to start this blog for a few reasons. 1) Since I have become an army wife, my husband's career has taken us far from our family and friends. By sharing in this blog, I feel that I'll be able to connect with them even though I'm displaced out here in the midwest. 2) We are preparing for deployment (our first) and this will be a way for me to distract myself from that. 3) I'm going to share some things I really love and care about: my precious little one and my love affair with shopping! :o)

Today has been very low-key. I'm feeling a little heartsick because Rick left late last night (or shall I say early morning; 1 a.m.) for NTC at Ft. Iriwn. Fischer and I will be on our own for the next month and I'm nervous, sad, and missing him already. While most of Fischer's care is provided for by moi, Rick is still a very involved dad. I know it's going to be so hard on him to be away from his little "toothless chunk" for a month. But, I'm going to be taking a picture of the little guy everyday and emailing it to him so that he doesn't miss out. He came up with that idea; neat, huh? :o)

So I've been perusing the internet a lot lately looking for some new clothes since I'm ready to get back into pre-maternity wear. By the way, I'm glad that's mostly over with! Finding cute clothing to fit over a burgeoning belly (or what I lovingly dubbed, my "beach ball belly") is really tough! Heidi Klum did start a line at Motherhood Maternity with some nice styles, but I still felt ginormous in most of her designs. Someone who can really pull off looking great pregnant is Bethenny Frankel from the Real Housewives of NYC, and her own new show, Bethenny Getting Married. I've been watching her progress through pregnancy on her show and I'm constantly saying, "Geez, she looks fab!" Of course, she is also the creator of "Skinny Girl" cocktails and has a book titled "Naturally Thin." Maybe already being a waif helps matters some. :o)

Anyway, here are my finds of the day.Look at this adorable striped tunic from my favorite store, Forever 21! This is perfect for summer, whether you're vacationing on the coast, or heading to an outdoor barbecue. The colors and design are more nautical in nature and I would LOVE to pair this with some red wedges that are currently sitting on my shoe shelf, and don it to celebrate our Nation's Birthday! However, seeing as how I just found it today, I don't think it will arrive in time. ;o)

And in following with this same patriotic color palette, I share with you what will be my newest swim suit! This retro inspired polka-dot number from ModCloth is so cool in its vintage appeal. Having a baby really does do a number on your body, namely your midsection. While I am making an effort to help with that, I am no longer sad over feeling the necessity in a one-piece swimsuit. I mean, I would RATHER wear this than a 2-piece suit anyway! Yay, mommies rejoice!! :o)

Well, I better sign off. My little man is opening those, what appear to be, brown eyes. Gotta tend to him!

Ciao for now!