Frustrating week.

This week has been frustrating. We found that our buyers financing fell through- they wanted to work with the small bank in the same town where their farm is, that they've banked with forever. That bank ended up being a Freddie Mac Direct lender. Unfortunately because our house is actually a site condo, and it's so undeveloped without having a set date that the association fees would start- Freddie Mac wouldn't lend. They could have gone through another lender- but they were pretty dead set on sticking with that bank.

Luckily we didn't sign anywhere else or put any money down.

I've felt frustrated. I'm trying to move on and re-evaluate our options, and just try to figure out what's best for our family. And that involves hard decisions. It is so frustrating when you feel like your motives and decisions are being attacked or looked down upon, and I'll be honest- if I feel like my motherhood is being attacked I go alllll momma bear on whoever chooses to question it (whether intentional or not).

My son is my life. Every decision I've made over the past year has been made through the lens of my new little family. My family is what I am most proud of. For the first time in a long time, I feel really really good at something: being a mom. I'm not perfect. But I am proud of the woman I've grown into over the past 11 months. I've seen myself become more selfless and change my priorities.

I take my parenting personally. Sometimes I wish I didn't.

I read a great article written by a Rabbi and there was a phenomenal quote:

"He saw that peace was good... so he put up with carrying the load [referring to Ishmael]." Put up with what you can. Let things pass -- they always do. And learn to forget those things that have no significance for the future. Such as quarrels. Simply pretend they never happened. And get on with life."

Ahh.

I am praying over this today.

Off the radar...

WOW.

Really, Mandy? Over a month without blogging?!?! What happened, you may be wondering...

Seriously, though. What didn't happen over the past month? Everything that could possibly happen happened!

The week of my last post I had the sickest little baby around. I was home with him but had absolutely no time time to blog. He had a high fever and the Norovirus for almost a week. Luckily, that Friday he woke up fever free. However, that evening after work we were headed on our road trip to ALABAMA with some of my in-laws (so still no time to blog- okay by me! :). It was SO fun. Great walking weather, and a great time with family, some quality time with my husband, shopping and good restaurants. Everything that makes for a great vacation!

What a great week it was. Did you know that Mardi Gras started in Alabama? I didn't. I assumed it was New Orleans- but when I say these people take Mardi Gras seriously, I mean it. It's not dirty the way it is in New Orleans. The whole week leading up to Mardi Gras they had tons of parades- on Mardi Gras itself they had SIX parades. Keegan was the hit of the parade and he got loaded up with goodies and treats. We had a blast.We even got interviewed for the local news... What a joke! That is a story in itself and one of our more embarassing moments- definitely one worth asking about if we haven't shared with you yet! Maybe I'll blog it at a later date.

A BIG thank you to our wonderful hosts! :)

When we got back it was definitely hard to get back into the swing of things. I worked the entire week we got back rather than part time since I had essentially had two weeks off while Keegan was sick. By the time that week was over- we suddenly started getting showing after showing.

Last week we had five showings...

And big announcement on the Karolkiewicz front: WE FINALLY GOT AN OFFER ON OUR HOUSE!!!!

We just got the offer a couple days ago, and we're still in negotiations... but Lord willing we will be moving within a MONTH! It stresses me out a little because although we've had the house on the market for a year (almost) we hadn't taken the steps to get pre-approved for a mortgage or really got serious about looking at houses. We're still not quite sure where or what we are going to do. I'm not good under pressure and I'm scared I would make a rushed decision- what if we buy a house because we're under pressure and then we made a huge mistake and really regretted it?

Surprisingly, I think we may be leaning toward temporarily renting so we can peacefully and leisurely assess all our options and take our time on the next big buying decision. We shall see. Ha! Not just see- but decide. Probably this afternoon. Shhh- I don't want to think about it. It stresses me out :)

I've gotten started on some stuff for Keegan's birthday party. The date is apparently up in the air since we'd have to close and be out of our house the week of Keegy's 1st birthday. Maybe we'd move it back a week or so? I don't know. Good thing I didn't order/make invitations yet, huh?!!

Check out the cute birthday wreath I made for our family... Love it! It was really easy, just time consuming (this was about 300 balloons):

On a totally unrelated note... Check out how Keegan decided to relax while we were at the grocery store the other day:

Haha!!!! Just decided to lounge the whole time. Must've been really relaxed there? What a nut. He seriously is one of the silliest boys I've ever met.

He loves commercials. He will stop whatever he's doing if he hears a catchy jingle come on T.V.

Keegan took a couple steps on his own the other day. HOWEVER... He realized what he did, and I don't think he loved it. Since then, he likes to have limp legs if we try to stand him up and practice walking. What a goof.

He's eating like a super big kid. He eats regular dinner with us, and eats pretty much everything. He doesn't seem to have any food that he dislikes and I am so proud of him for that. We even started giving him fish while we were in Orange Beach- he even likes that!

Just a quick update since I accidentally skipped his ten month post:

• He wears size 3 diaps still, and 
• 12-18 month clothes. 
• He's a size 3 shoe now. 
• He crawls everywhere, but we're practicing walking. 
• He says "Dada" all the time, and is working on "Dogs" and "Mama." 
• He still sleeps like a champ, and 
• now has 4 teeth- they're coming in really randomly though! 

At last week's weight check (just to make sure you were still gaining like a big boy) you were 18lbs 8oz, and 29 1/4 inches long. So 50% for height a 20% for weight. Good thing I'm adding extra formula in your bottles huh?! I think that's helped you grow a little more. Lucky boy with a fast metabolism!

Anyway, life is good. Please keep us in your prayers- for clear direction and discernment as we look to the next couple years ahead! :)