Pinch me...someone pinch me!

...am I dreaming?  I'm loving life!  Of course, you all know this by this sappy blog...but it's so true!

Sean is now working a Monday-Friday job; although with him being home more often, he's driving me crazy & vice versa, we are loving each others company.  It's so nice to have a set schedule.

As for me, I'm trying to start a few new hobbies.  Scrapbooking...to keep up with Connor growing so quickly. And, I've been practicing cake decorating.  That one, I think I will need more classes and practice on; and maybe some patience too! 

I just wanted to touch base with some of you- how are you all doing??! Anyone know how I can possibly combine blogs?!?

I'm still alive!

Hello my fellow blog readers...how are you??  Are you still out there?

I haven't been updating lately just because I have been trying to keep up with everyday life..and well, lots of other fun & exciting changes for our little family too. 

Let's see where shall I start?  First off, we still have our condo on the market, and are hoping very soon someone will come and fall in love with it here.   It's been a good home to us, but it's really starting to get smaller and smaller, as the three of us are living in a one bedroom...thank goodness for the loft, which is being used for Connor's room.  I've been working on keeping closets cleaned and organized...as well as hiding all the baby stuff...just in case we get that phone call of a prospect.

For me...I'm still able to be home with Connor, which has been more than I could have ever dreamed of....but, I too also need to do something to help out with the current economy. So, I started doing something I  have a passion for....photography!  So far, by word of mouth, I feel it's going GREAT...and best part of it all, I'm LOVING it! 

I also plan to be babysitting a newborn in about a month.  Only something part time, three days a week. I met him today (took his newborn pics) and fell in love...he is sooo incredibly cute!

I am also helping 17 people on a journey of weight loss.  It's been so inspiring and awesome!  It's my very own "Biggest Loser".  We are in our second round, and the first round which was 8 weeks, a total of 15 people lost 186lbs!!!!  I took that weight  and did the pound for pound challenge, and was able to donate 186lbs of food to the local foodbank!  We concluded the first round with going out to a celebratory dinner.  This next round of 17 people, I have challenged them to complete a 5k (walk or jog!).  It's been so motivating to hear stories about everyone.  I've been doing this all through an online blog...and had everyone submit $20 to participate...the winner last time won, $300! It's so great to know that I am helping people make a right step to a healthier life...and at the same time, they are helping me.  I now go to the YMCA and workout at least 5 days a week and since Connor was born have lost 58lbs.

As for Sean.  He's been training (along with me) for the Cleveland Half marathon.  He plans to do the complete full Akron marathon in September!  He's also has a few eggs in a basket for a new job position...we have our fingers crossed and happy to know that he is looking at multiple positive prospects. He is loving being a father...and it's the best thing to sit and watch him with Connor...and well, Connor adores Sean.  Sean is such a great husband and father, I've truly been blessed.

And, well, I'm sure there's lots more to ramble on about, but for now...I'm signing off.  If you'd like to keep up with my photography you can take a look at either of these sites...which are both a work in progress still.

lynseymcguinnessphotography.blogspot.com
lynseymcguinnessphoto.smugmug.com

How are things with all of you?!?!  Stacey?  Erin? ....Buehler....LOL!!!

It's been awhile...

It's been a while since I've last updated.  Reason being, rumor has it, some think I'm a bit over the top too happy- it's too mush and gushy to read.  Here's the thing...I write because I have a horrible memory and this is a great way for me to keep track of my feelings and life at the current time.

Currently, I'm sitting here listening to Sean make Connor belly laugh by saying "ohhsa boysha doysha" while Connor is in the bath.  I have no idea where Sean got this, but Connor loves his Dad.  I have the best husband EVER!  Lately, I've just been overwhelmed or tired, or just not myself....striving to have everything as near perfect as I can....which is taking it's toll, as perfection can never happen.  But, I have the best support that I could ever have.  Last night and this evening, I asked Sean for some "me" time, only for an hour...tonight, I was able to get that hour and whoa...what a relief that is for me.

I'm sure this will pass, as it's February and gloomy in Ohio, what more can I expect with really anyone in this area...Febraury always does this to me.  Here's to a great husband & happiness!

Short: but funny story!

This past weekend Sean had off- which is unreal! He also received a gift card for Darden restaurants in this area- one of which is Bahama Breeze about 45 minutes from our house- we thought we would venture out there for a family night and pretend we were on vacation- despite the temperatures being in the teens. So, off we went- we were having a great time. I don't even know the last time I was in a restaurant with Connor. Well, Connor was playing well in his carseat, but Sean wanted him out. Our food had come; and I was just about done; so I offered to hold Connor for Sean. He hands Connor over the table just as the waitress comes and asked if everything was okay. Connor was in my hands for JUST about 15 seconds when I lost what happened next other then Sean's entire coke had landed in Sean's lap! I bursted out laughing; Connor who was standing on my lap bouncing started to laugh as the waitress and Sean both frantically try to get the ice off him. The waitress felt HORRIBLE...and Sean handled it so well!

Happy 2010!

Wow- 2009 is gone behind us now- but what a great year....this morning when Sean and I awoke (by Connor babbling in his crib) we laid together for a few minutes and I told him this..."I'm not sure how this happens, but I love you more today then yesterday and yesterday I didn't think I could love you anymore than what I already do!" Sean has been the BEST thing that happened to me. Here's to wishing you and your family lots of LOVE, HAPPINESS, and HEALTH for 2010!

Our Christmas Letter

Hello family and friends….

Well, Merry Christmas to you and your family! Most of you haven’t met me quite yet, but let me introduce myself, I’m Connor and I was born earlier this year on June 24^th. My parents say I do a lot of smiling, laughing, and am learning more each and every day so they gave me this task of writing the family’s Christmas letter. So, here I drool over the keyboard thinking about how I can explain my parents. They are pretty silly; they do a lot of laughing themselves.

My Mom is currently staying at home with me and loving it. We do lots of fun stuff like sing songs and I really enjoy when she makes silly faces at me. Sometimes my Mom takes me to go play at the YMCA so she can train for her half marathon this upcoming spring. My Mom says that being a Mom is so amazing.

My Dad, wow he’s a great Dad! He’s working a lot right now with Walgreen’s as well as a part time job with Theken Spine (a medical equipment company). My Dad is enjoying his jobs, but when he’s home with me; he’s really happy. He makes me laugh so hard at times it comes straight from my belly. My Dad is also training to run with my Mom in the spring, but in the fall he plans on completing a full marathon and I can’t wait to hold up a sign to cheer him on!

As for me, well, I’m not conceded but would have to say that I’m a pretty good baby. I love to take baths and splash around. I also have traveled to many places so far; my parents have taken me to Michigan, Washington DC, and Washington state. I’ve gone on car, plane, and boat rides already…and have enjoyed all but the boat ride- that was a bit bumpy. This upcoming year my parents have a lot more trips in store for us.

Well, I guess I could go on and on, but I think this letter will make my parents proud…here’s to wishing you and your family a VERY Merry Christmas as well as a great 2010, take care and God Bless.

Love,

Connor (and my parents too!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is so much to be thankful for, no matter what shoes you find yourself in (so to speak).

I'm so thankful for such a wonderful husband, an amazing son, as well as such a supportive, loving family surrounding us.

I'm thankful for the friends, old and new.

I'm thankful for all the health of our family and friends.

I'm thankful that I get to be at home with Connor each day to see what new things he learns!

I'm thankful that we are able to pay our bills.

I'm thankful for the roof over my head and clothes on our backs.

I'm thankful for the food that is in our bellies.

I'm thankful for all the men and women over seas and for their families supporting them back home.

I'm thankful for all the fun traditions, and new ones to start with Connor, such as waking to watch the Thanksgiving parade while reading the black friday ads (this year we won't be shopping....sad, I know!)

Life is a wonderful blessing; here's to wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving, and hope that you too are blessed this year!