blood bath.

Taylor sells pest control for Alterra.  It's a great company and we have been very happy the last two years working for them.  One of the things we love so much about they way they structure the summer is a little thing we call The Alterra Cup.  This thing is gnarly.  It is a bracketed competition between all sales teams company wide.  I'm not sure of the exact number but there are 30+ teams competing in cities across the country.  Taylor's team has done extensive pre-season training and they have set lots of mini goals for themselves as a team in order to come out victorious as the coveted winners of The Alterra Cup.  Along with bragging rights there is about $3,000 cumulative in cash prizes along the way. {hello new golf clubs!}

Last week our team was up against some tough competition in Baltimore.  At one point we were 20 sales ahead, which is a significant lead.  But when all was said and done, each team was scrounging for .01ths of a point because it had gotten sooooo close.  Yesterday was they day for the winner to be announced but because of how painfully close the two teams were, no one knew who had truly won until late in the afternoon due to double-double-double-triple checking points.

Then it happened, Taylor called me and told me that our team had lost and we both felt our hearts break a little.  So much had been invested in these guys winning that it was hard to hear that it was over and that it had been so dang close.  On the bright side, I was happy that Taylor wouldn't have to work a full day today (Saturday) because the competition would be over for them.

Then it happened, Taylor texted me with the reality that we had actually WON!  We won by the slim margin of 0.3.

I still don't know what changed between hearing we had lost and actually having won.  But let's be honest.  I don't care!  Every one on the team won $500 and they are still in the competition (which is only two more weeks) EEEEK!  It's exciting and fun.  I feel very grateful that Taylor and his team were able to pull through and win this week.   Wish us luck for our current match up: Columbus, Ohio!

date night. hallelujah.

With Taylor's extensive work hours {11-12 hrs/ six days a week) we have been craving time together. Yesterday was a gift from above.  Taylor got off a little bit early and we got yummy Mexican at a taqueria near our apartment.  He needed some serious catch up sleep so he rested for a little bit.  We left Elise with our awesome, amazing, super close neighbor friends who live right above us.  It's very convenient because they also have a baby and the trade-off babysitting situation is ideal.

We started off our hot date with a little McFlurry action--Oreo and Resee's--of course.  We then proceeded to the movie theater to see Despicable Me, which was so cute and very funny. We were pretty much the only ones in the theater and we loved being able to laugh as hard and as loud as we wanted.

I have heard it countless times that date nights with your spouse are important and need to be a priority.   I completely agree.  Before we had Elise we always felt like we were on a date because it was just the two of us so often.  But now, the time we have alone is like gold and I am so grateful we were able to spend the evening together last night.  I Love Taylor and can't imagine life without my very best friend.

pictures

My sweet friend Andrea and her husband are out here in Sacramento selling with us.  Kevin is a boss on the doors and Andrea is amazing behind the camera.  She is so good. It's not one of those situations where my friend has a nice camera, so she can take amazing pictures. She's legit {Andrea Brionne Photography} and I love that she took Elise's one year pictures and that she'll also be taking our family pictures. The lighting is soft and beautiful and it makes me happy.

Thank you Andrea for capturing Elise's stoic and sweet personality.

Until tomorrow.

a purse

Yesterday I went to Costco with my sister-in-law, Morgan, who I love and my dear friend, Erin. It was a great time, and having Elise and Brady sitting next to each other attracted a lot of attention.  We heard a story about a woman and her grown twins and we were asked so many times if they were twins that Erin just started telling people they were.

The whole point of the Costco story, however, isn't about the kids.  Rather, about my purse.  I went to Costco which is 20 minutes away--without a diaper bag.  Bringing Up Bebe talked a little about how American moms feel the need to bring so much stuff and it can be quite smothering to their kids. I could feel myself being that mom who was constantly offering this toy and that book.  It was getting exhausting.  I don't want Elise to need constant stimulation from me.  I want her to enjoy her surroundings and experience her environment. Entertain yourself.  Observe what's happening around you.  Instead of my massive diaper bag, I brought this:

Elise doesn't need 15 toys, five diapers, three books, a bottle, snacks, ECT...for a Costco trip.  A road trip to Virginia, maybe, but not to Costco or for the vast majority of our outings. This little beauty came with one diaper, wipes a few crackers and one small toy.  And guess what?  My little girl was totally content and happy---the whole time.  No monster momma bag needed!  Joy was mine and I am so glad I learned this momma secret now rather than later.  Babies are a lot lower maintenance than we give them credit.

Until tomorrow.