Ready for a Baby Bump?

We are destined to be a family… on our own time. The wedding is over, one of the first questions everyone asks, “when are you having a baby?” For some people there is no hesitation and they’re ready to get it popping. For the Dixon girls, that was definitely not the case. Being the planners that we are, there were a number of things we had to consider before jumping behind a stroller.

Our minds naturally begin to race and the thoughts are...house, school, timing, finances, and more. The general consensus of our family and friends are "you will never be ready" and "you'll never have the money because kids are just expensive", but for us it’s more than that. Husbands coming from different backgrounds play a big part in the picture. How are we gonna raise our kids? Will we use corporal punishment or time out? Who will be the disciplinarian? and most importantly how will we keep our relationship alive and well and bring in a child who will most definitely rule our lives for the first 3 years...

Below is a list of some of the things that we’ve considered. They may or may not be at the top of or on your list of priorities at all, but just something to think about.

• Career- Are you and your spouse in a position that you’re comfortable with? Do you get maternity/paternity leave? Does your job involve travel?
• Family- What will be the level of involvement of your immediate family? When will you visit them or they visit you?
• Support system- Do you have friends or family nearby or a phone call away?
• Finances- Are you currently living paycheck to paycheck? Where will the money for the incessant expenses come from for this additional family member?
• Location, Location, Location- Where will you live? Do you have enough space? What’s the proximity of child care to your home and job? What are the schools and daycares like in your area?
• Religion and values- Do you agree on what religion to raise your child under? Do you share values and beliefs about breastfeeding, discipline, education?

Pregnancy and Parenthood are natural and sometimes just seen as something that just happens in the course of life. This is very true but in our quest to be greatly successful, PARENTHOOD is one of the things that us Dixon girls include in our successes. There are a lot of habits bad and good, traditions that we may not agree with and regardless of our past and history we are destined to be active and positive reinforcements for our future children! We promise to love our families unconditionally and break the pattern of dysfunction from our past and turn it into love and purpose!

Summertime Fun Favorites

We are destined to make the best of EVERY season. I absolutely LOVE summer and all things related. The sun, beach/pool, clothes, food, travel, and time with friends and family make me grin from ear to ear. Below are some of my favorites (some new, some old) associated with each of the aforementioned things.
The Sun
For the naturally pale faced like me and Audj, a little tanning oil goes a long way. Banana Boat works really well. Gives me a bronzed glow while the low spf keeps me from burning or turning red. For those of you trying to dodge the sun as my hubby does, Coppertone Sunscreen Sprays Spf 30-50 are perfect- non greasy, easy application, and maintain your natural sexy chocolate complexion.

Clothes
Everyone has those few items that they can’t wait to rock once Memorial Day arrives, whether it be white linen pants, a flowy summer dress, or super cute sandals. I have tank tops in every color and look forward to finding new ways to mix and match them with whatever kind of shorts are in style that year. Old Navy, DSW, and endless.com are my go-to shopping places.

Food
I had this incredible dessert that a coworker made about a month ago. I liked it so much I made it the following weekend. The recipe is this simple:
Mix 1 box of Angel Food cake mix with 1 can of crushed pineapple. (Don’t follow the directions on the box, other than the indicated temperature and time for baking). When finished baking(knife comes out clean) allow to cool. In a large aluminum pan or truffle bowl, layer chunks of angel food cake(break apart with your hands), cool whip, and whatever berries you like(blueberries, strawberries, raspberries are all in season and super cheap). It’s light, healthy, and soooo yummy! *The pic below is the closest I could find to give you an idea.

Friends and Family Time
Best parts of summer are the unending festivals, parades, and outdoor concerts. I personally can’t wait for my major excursion of the summer-Caribana in Canada with my family!

Below are some sites that feature events in your city:
Atlanta
http://www.accessatlanta.com/
http://atlantacitypaper.com/
Washington, D.C.
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/
http://www.washingtonian.com/index.html
Miami
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/calendar/
New York
http://newyork.timeout.com/

What are your summer favorites? You have a hookup up on the festivals? Clothes? Concerts? Let us know!

<3

Wendy