My Other Half

Being a working mom is by no means easy, but I couldn't do it without my other half. World's best dad, husband and friend, Brian. So many reasons to love him. The longer we are married, the more I realize what it meant on our wedding day when our priest said "two are now becoming one." Parenthood is all about partnership, and this Father's Day, we celebrated the daddy in our little family as best we could.

We woke up bright and early, and Preston showed his daddy what he got for him. Brian mentioned that it would be cool to get his old bicycle from his parents house and use it, but it needed to be fixed. So Preston got it fixed for him, complete with a new tire and tune-up, but also added a toddler bike seat to it so they could go on rides together! Preston was very surprised and took the bike around the block for a spin. He is really looking forward to taking P out on some rides along the Greenline.

Then, my whole family came over for brunch. My grandparents, who just came home from celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in Alaska along with my parents, were in town, so my brothers, mom, aunt and grandparents were all able to come. They even spoiled Brian a little with some treats, too. :) My dad was home sick. I was so sad I didn't get to see him on Father's Day, but since he had a virus, we all had to stay away from him. Brunch was wonderful and I loved spending some time with my sweet grandparents. It was really special. :)

Preston went down for a nap as they were leaving, and when he woke up, we took him to his first Redbirds game. It was a really special moment for Brian, since we had a whole suite to ourselves. It was perfect, because Preston could run around and eat popcorn and make a mess without bothering anyone. Plus, the weather was beautiful.

Preston wore his St. Louis Cardinals/Lance Berkman jersey.

Loved the sliding glass door in the suite!

He watched the game, ate popcorn and ran around the suite.

"Awesome! These aren't baby proofed!"

At the end, they had all the dads go on the field with their kids and gave them baseballs.

At this point, P was tired and being a little clingy.

He was a good sport and threw a little with his daddy, though.

Gotta get one with the momma!

We stopped by Brian's sister house to eat dinner and see his family afterwards. We got home and did bath and bedtime. It was such a special day, and I really hope that Brian enjoyed it as much as I did. I love celebrating him. :)

PS - Last week, Preston went to his first PGA tournament. He was SO good and was quiet when they held up the "Hush Y'all" signs. We followed Rory for a little bit, and saw a few of the other big name golfers. He had a blast on the course. Maybe we have a future golfer on our hands? Who knows!

Love, Love Me Do!

I love my husband. Like, a whole lot. Yesterday was his birthday. He turned 29. His parents treated us to a Grizzlies game, and a dinner on Beale Street before the game. His dad was able to get suite tickets. It was so fun, and Brian enjoyed it so much. Preston was also very generous to his daddy. He wanted to get him something they could enjoy together, so he got the whole family a Memphis Zoo membership! A dinosaur exhibit is coming this Spring and Summer, and since P is obsessed with dinos, he really wanted to make sure we went as much as possible. Daddy (Brian) was really excited. Here's to your last birthday in the 20's, dear!

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I thought I would take a little trip down memory lane. My friends are doing this cute little questionnaire, so I thought I would participate too. Might be kind of corny, but whatever! I didn't do all the questions, because some where a little TOO ridiculous, so I picked a few.


1. How long have you and your significant other been together?
A little over 8 years total, which feels like a long time, but really it has flown by.


2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}
We met in high school. I was a junior and he was a senior. We kind of liked each other, but he was headed off to UGA and I had another year of school. We went to a dance together, and enjoyed a nice friendship, but that was about it. After he left for school, I didn't see him or hear from him until I was a freshman in college. I randomly ran into him in Florida, then in Knoxville, and then in Memphis within the span of about a year. Brian's best friend Robert became my good friend in college. I mentioned to him that I always thought Brian was cute, and Robert kind of helped set us up while we were both home from college for Christmas break in 2003. We went on our first date, and literally, on our first date, we knew this was it. In fact, I remember telling each other on our first date, that this was the best date we had ever been on. We dated long distance with me in Knoxville and Brian in Athens for two years, then another year of me in Knoxville and Brian in Memphis. Then, I moved back home to Memphis after I graduated, we got engaged and the rest is history!

Bama/Georgia game 2008

Bahama cruise 2006

Georgia/Tennessee Game Day 2005

Formal 2005

Graduation weekend at Sassy Ann's in Knoxville 2006

On the beach at night in Charleston, SC 2007

3. If married, how long have you been married?
Three and a half years. June 28 will be our fourth anniversary.


4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? 
We got married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in downtown Memphis. We had a full Mass, much to the dismay of lots of our friends ;) There were around 250 people there. The reception was at Central Station. There are so many things I could say about our wedding, but the #1 thing is thank goodness for my mom, who is extremely detail-oriented and has fabulous taste! It was the perfect day.

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another?
I'm not really a nickname person, so I don't really have for Brian other than "B" which I call him a lot. Brian has about 1,000 nicknames for me. Some of them are Carmelki, Carmello, and Cams. 


6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.
1. His loyalty
2. Sense of humor
3. His ability to not sweat the small stuff


7. Tell us how he proposed?
It was a random Friday after work (August 3, 2007), and I walked in the front door of his house. There were flowers and I saw our dog, Brother, run up to me. He was wearing a shirt that said "Will you marry me?" Of course I laughed and yelled "No way!" which is not the best thing to yell before a proposal. Anyway, Brian came around the corner, got down on one knee, said a lot of really sweet things, and crying ensued. We went to my parents house immediately after, and they took a video of us and pictures. Then we went to dinner at Spindini. 

8. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant other one day.
Grow old together. That's probably really weird to say, but when we talk about "our dreams", it is truly to grow old together. We talk about how we want to have our house paid off, be able to take some serious trips, and if we're lucky, actually be able to retire at a decent age when we still have our health. I can't imagine ever REALLY retiring, because working makes me feel good, but maybe Brian can talk me into one day. :)


9. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.
Marriage is never 50/50. Sometimes it's 60/40, 90/10, or 20/80. Sometimes Brian is the better spouse, and sometimes I am the better spouse. Being there for each other through the tough times, carrying the load for the other when it gets hard, is one of the best things a spouse can do. It is selflessness and sacrifice that makes marriage work, in my opinion.


10. Show us a picture of what love means to you. (There is no way I could only pick one!)

When we first saw each other on our wedding day

P was 1 week old. It had finally registered that we created this perfect little person, and we just couldn't get enough of our little family. Such a sweet time. Brian holding my hand in one and his son in the other. This picture means so much to me, and will always be one of my favorites. Even though, I still have a swollen, pregnancy face :)

I love you, Brian! Happy birthday, valentine!

3 Years

Three years ago today, Brian and I tied the knot.

Since then, we have shared so many amazing memories. This past year has been one for the books. A new house and new baby have made our marriage that much fuller. When we first got married, I had an idea of what marriage would be like. In some ways, it has played out like I thought it would, but I never would have thought that three years later I'd be happier and more in love than I was on our wedding day. I am! Having a little one has made my heart so full for our family, sometimes it feels like it could burst. It's just the best feeling ever.

Brian and I had an awesome wedding. It was so fun! We just wanted to do it the Catholic way - a full and serious Mass followed by a raging party. It was everything we hoped it would be. We were so sad when it was over, but so ready for our honeymoon. There are still so many moments when I look at Brian and think "I am so lucky to be his wife." I really am! Here's a little post I wrote two years ago that describes him perfectly, and here's how we celebrated our first anniversary.

One of these days, I will write a post on how we met. It really is a cute and ironic story. Sometimes the love of your life is right in front of you and you don't even know it! Brian is surprising me with plans for tonight. We'll see what he has up his sleeve. He never disappoints! ;)

Happy Three Year Anniversary B! Love you!

My First Mother's Day

I am so proud to be sweet Preston's mom. At daycare on Friday, he made this for me:

It is PROUDLY hanging on our frig.

My boys have spoiled me today. I got beautiful new earrings and a new "mom" charm for my Pandora bracelet. And, Preston wrote me a really beautiful letter. I'll treasure it always :) Then we took some pictures outside.

Preston, you are the coolest kid ever and I love being your mom. You bring me and your dad so much joy and never cease to amaze us. I'm one lucky mommy.

I have now realized what a sacrifice my own mom has made for me. I don't think you really understand unless you have your own child and experience first hand what moms go through. I am pretty positive that I have the best mom ever and I am so glad we are close. Having Preston has brought us even closer. I don't know what I would have done without her the past few months. I have called her crying more times the last three months than in my entire life! Thanks for teaching me how to care for a baby, how to breastfeed, how to take some time for myself, and how to be a good mom. Happy Mother's Day Mom! And happy 1st mother's day as a Mimi!

Also, to my mother-in-law - thank you for always willing to lend a helping hand to us and for watching Preston for us on Wednesdays. You have been a big help to us this year and we appreciate that more than you know. Brian (and me too) is so thankful to have a close relationship with you. Happy Mother's Day and happy 1st mother's day as Mimzie!

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Happy Birthday and Valentine's Day B!

Each year, we usually celebrate Valentine's Day and Brian's birthday the same night because they are just two days apart. So, we do one, nice evening together. This year, we felt like we had even more to celebrate... Brian turning 28, being new parents, a healthy baby boy, and a great marriage. So, we went all out.

Saturday night we went to a VERY nice dinner at Folk's Folly. It was my first time leaving Preston and it wasn't hard for me, thank goodness! To be honest, I was ready to get out of the house. With the c-section, I can't drive for 4 weeks, so I am totally homebound. Plus, with cold and flu season upon us, I can't take P anywhere anyway. My in-laws came over and stayed with P for the hour and a half we were on our date. When dinner was over, we thought about maybe staying out a little later, but I told Brian all I could think about was SLEEP.

Sunday it was so beautiful here in Memphis. We got up, had a few visitors over to meet P, then decided we would take him on his first walk. Look at how much he enjoyed it!

Today, Daddy has gone back to work and it's just me and P. For Preston's 1st Valentine's Day, I decided to dress him for the occasion.

His shirt has Pigpen from the Peanuts and it says Love Stinks. He also has some Vday socks, but he keeps kicking them off so I gave up :)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! And Happy Birthday to the best husband in the world and the best daddy a little boy could ask for!

Merry Christmas from the Fields Fam

As we prepare to welcome
our little blessing in early February,
we wish you many blessings for the Christmas season
and 2011.

Thanks to Candice Tate for the beautiful photos :)

Major Life Development

You may remember this post from early August. We decided to keep our house on the market until November 1, giving it 3 months, and if it didn't sell after that we would stay there longer and maybe try again when the baby is no longer a baby.

What we thought was impossible was possible. It sold this past week.

We were pretty shocked to say the least. We had completely resigned ourselves to the fact that we were going to stay there. Even more shocking is that we are closing on our house January 5. Preston is set to arrive sometime around February 4.

We are currently house hunting. When people find out they say, "Oh! How fun! How exciting!" We aren't really there yet. We are thankful that our house sold, but facing lots of life changes all at once is a little scary. Make that terrifying.

Recently, I have become more thankful for my marriage than ever before. Funny how in somewhat stressful times, I realize how fortunate I am to have married Brian. After many heart to hearts with one another about all these life changes, I can't help but be thankful to have him by my side.

Your father knows what you need before you ask him. So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:8, 31-34)

"Cha-Ching!"

Babies are expensive!

Last night, Brian and I spent some quality time with our financial planners. We try to recommend them to all our engaged friends in Memphis. They are a great third party in our marriage :) When we got married, they helped us combine all our finances, save for our retirement, save for kids, and get our wills set up and notarized. In our opinion, every couple should have someone like this. We recommend our folks, and if you are interested, you can contact them here.

In my attempts to get ready for Baby Fields, I have been thinking about short term costs. Maternity clothes, daycare, diapers, crib, car seat, stroller, food, etc. All of the little things that add up to big bucks. Brian has been thinking private school tuition, college, monthly household expenses, rising insurance costs, etc. - long term costs. I guess that is why we balance each other out. According to our financial planners, we are both big-time savers. When/If Brian gets a bonus at work, we do not think "Great! What can we buy?" We think "Great! Let's throw it in our Roth IRAs!" So this whole baby thing has been interesting. We have been saving, saving, saving, and the moment has come to spend.

So what do a couple of conservative twenty-somethings do?

Freak out. Well, at first. Then comes the planning (our other favorite thing to do besides save money). We did as much advanced planning and saving as we could... now comes real life. But we feel blessed and ready, and know it's just a part of the journey.

We do know one thing for sure - we will love this little money-eater more than words can say.

Lemme Lemme Upgrade Ya

We have gone through a serious technology upgrade at the Fields house. Thank goodness! In preparation for Baby Fields, we have decided only the best when it comes to documenting our little one's new life.

Baby or not, we really were in the market for these items. My Dell laptop that I used all through college and grad school has just about hit the bucket. With tax-free weekend in Tennessee, we

saw this as the perfect time to upgrade to a Mac. Also, my little digital camera, while great and only a year old, just did not live up to my future obsession of taking pictures of our first born.

So check out the before and after photos...

BEFORE

Dell Inspiron circa 2003

AFTER

Macbook with all the bells and whistles

Another incentive this past weekend was the fact that we could get a free iPod Touch with our new computer. Why, thanks!

BEFORE

iPod nano

AFTER

iPod Touch

Now for the camera. I can't thank Leslie enough for helping us on this one and selling us her "old" camera! There are many pluses to having friends who are professional photographers. :)

BEFORE

Panasonic digital camera... we'll still use this occasionally because it has video too

AFTER

Canon 40d... there are no words for how great this camera is

50 mm fixed lens... gets great shots!

I want to get an additional lens for the camera, but good things come to those who wait. I shopped around like crazy for all of the items you see above (well, except the free iPod). In fact, we went last winter and picked out the Mac we wanted, but knew it would be smarter to wait. Because we waited, we got it tax-free, with a student discount (technically I'm a student for a few more days), and a free iPod to go along with it.

Can I also just say that Mac has the best customer service ever? First of all, the guy at the store in the winter told me to wait because better deals would come around. He also told me I didn't need the Macbook Pro unless I wanted several specific programs that take up a lot of space (none of which I wanted). When we went this past weekend, a girl helped us. She said the same thing, and also encouraged us to just get the basics... we can always upgrade later. I really appreciated this sales approach, considering we were prepared for them to try to sell us the store. It was really great, and made me like Apple even more.

We're enjoying our new toys, and can't wait to take more pictures and play with them in iPhoto. We are officially geeks over our new technology!