FREE diapers!!

Who doesn't want free diapers?? Or free money?! This is NOT a scam, just a simple, free way to put a little cash in your pocket just for shopping online (which I do anyways).

Here's the scoop-you can get free diapers, and a small moneymaker, by signing up for Top Cash Back. It's a rebate site similar to Ebates (if you're familiar with that one). You use this site to search for stores with deals/cashback offers. The site redirects you to a store's .com site and you just shop like normal! Easy! The rebate site keeps track of your cash back credit. Ebates issues credit to your paypal quarterly and Top Cash Back issues it either to Paypal or directly to bank account whenever the cash is available in your account- basically anytime! Love that!

Serisously, this is free money! I've been using Ebates for about 5 years now and this past year alone I got over $100! Sign up for Ebates here for free as well.

This morning, though, I signed up for Top Cash Back to get the free diaper credit!! If you're interested, here's how in 8 simple steps-

*The deal is through Top Cash Back and it's at Kmart.com This is only for Huggies Snug and Dry-any size.

1. Sign up free for Top Cash Back here.
2. Once signed up (and authenticated via the email they send you), search for Kmart at the top in the search box.
3. Click on the orange button that says "Get cash back"
4. Click once again on orange button that says 'Get cash back now".
5. You'll be redirected to Kmart.com.
6. Add Huggies Snug and Dry (only diapers that qualify) to your cart $10.99 (easiest to search for it at the top)
7. Select shipping or FREE pickup in store.
8. Pay, and you're done!! Go back to your Top Cash Back account and it should show a credit of $12.50, but it'll be pending until Kmart approves it.

TIP- if the site isn't allowing store delivery for the specific size diapers, it might be that they don't carry that size in store. In store pick up just means that they sell what they have on their shelves, some stores are limited. Your size not available? That's ok, sign up for a free 90 day trial membership of Kmart's Shop Your Way MAX for free shipping to your home!
TIP- (Optional) Be sure to use your Kmart Shop Your Way Rewards Account (FREE) to get a little more credit! Makes the deal a little sweeter!

Don't need the diapers? That's ok, you can donate them, give as a gift or send them to me! ;) This offer is good until 2/23 or when they run out of stock! So, RUN!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me…tiaeharris@hotmail.com

Heisel Rules! {deals}

Letter to my Loves on Valentine's Day

To my Big Love-

2008- The day I met you. You made a big impression; I was enamored by you. I was ready for some adventure, and we'd find just that every weekend when you'd come visit me in Chattanooga, or I'd go see you at Fort Benning. And for the first time in a long time I thought, "This is happiness; I don't know if it can ever get any better than today because I feel alive again. I am happy, I have you. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

2009-2010- Your deployment. If there was ever a trying year, this would've been it. Despite the distance, we held it together. I started this blog to document your journey, our journey, to share with family and friends. I won't lie. It was a tough year. Wondering if you were alright, if you were safe. But you made me still feel loved and protected, from all the way across the world. The day you came home, I breathed again for the first time in a year. I remember the plane arriving and seeing you walk into the room in formation. I've never been more proud. Our first embrace, our first kiss was nothing short of amazing. And I thought, "This is happiness; I don't know if it can ever get any better than today because you are safe, you are alive, you are home. I am happy, I have you. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

2011- Your birthday. We had a great visit in KY to the Corvette Museum and to the Caves where you serenaded me with an acoustic guitar performance and you shared your heart by asking me to be your lifetime birthday present. I was shocked because I truly did not expect it. And I thought, "This is happiness; I don't know if it can ever get any better than today because we're getting married and our future is bright! I am happy, I have you. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

2012- Our wedding day. What an amazing day! Surrounded by friends and family, cowgirl boots and rustic decor, we said "I do" in our laid-back style. And I thought, "This is happiness, I don't know if it can ever get any better than today because we are man and wife. I am happy, I have you. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

2013- The day I gave you a son. Early on October 10, 2013, we welcomed our little love. The product of two once lonely souls roaming this world, now so in love, we brought a beautiful miracle into the world. And I thought, "This is true happiness, and I can't imagine anything better than today because I have you. And we have Henry. And that's all I can hope for in this world."

Year by year life keeps getting better and when I'm sure that this year was the best yet, the next one tops it. Whatever life brings us, wherever we may roam, I pray that we always remember we have each other. It started with just the two of us, and one day when we're old and gray it will be just the two of us again, and when that happens I want to think, "This life was happiness, I don't care if it doesn't get any better than today because I am happy, I still have you. And that's all I ever hoped for in this world." Two souls, unexpectedly finding love, figuring out life together. And that, my Dear, that is love.

…………

To My Little Love-
Of all the responsibilities I've ever had, being your momma is my favorite! You make me smile in so many ways that I never knew was possible. You are the BEST Valentine that I could ever ask for. Watching you grow and learn is such a joy. Daddy time with you melts my heart! I love you little guy! Happy FIRST Valentine's Day!

I love you both to the moon and back, and that's a lot! ;) Happy Valentine's Day!

Heisel Rules!

Henry is Four Months!

Four Months ago, today, at 1:46am, we welcomed our baby boy into the world. As I say every month, I really cannot believe it's been four months. In some ways it feels longer, like he's been here all along, but most days I can't help but focus on how fast it has flown!

Two days ago (February 8) my baby's innocence was taken...by is first tooth, breaking his new skin that I made for him and marking his precious, once gummy grin. :( I'm sad, not just for the future of my nipples (YIKES! Piranha on the loose!), but also because my baby boy is growing too quickly! I should be given months to adjust, right?! ;) However, we are counting our blessings because other than drool and fist gnawing, there's not been any other symptoms; we wouldn't have even known he was cutting a tooth!

This dude has perfected tummy time with great neck and head control, reaches for things in front of him and he even tries to tuck those knees and scooch…skooch?…scootch?…oh heck-scooch. He gets those legs a'going so quickly I'm sure he'll just project himself forward! He'll be mobile before we know it. For now, I'll continue to contain him in his "office" aka his jumper. He dominates the that thing! He gets that it rocking with his jumps! Hopefully it doesn't tip over! Although, I'm sure he's nearly met the max weight at 4 months.

This baby can reach with the best of them! He can almost touch the birds on the mobile above his swing! Speaking of his hands- he loves to touch and feel e.ver.y.thing. Everything. Most everything in the hands ends up in the mouth. It is sweet, though, while I'm nursing him, he'll reach up and touch my face. It really is precious.

He's still a phenomenal sleeper. We set the pace with a calming bath at 8:30pm, followed up by either swing time or momma's snuggles, and then he hits the hay around 9pm. He's been waking up for boob around 1:30am and every 2 hours after that. I think it's just because he's teething though, I'm not convinced he's starving. However, I can't let my chunky dude go hungry! ;) Gotta support the rolls!

Speaking of chunk- he weighs 18 pounds and he's 26 inches. I swear he's half my height!! Keep in mind, I'm 5 feet nothing. That's 60 inches, people. He'll have to carry me before long! ;)

This guy is trying hard to sit up on his own. He can almost do it, but still falls over. He's also working on the roll over. He gets half way and can't roll past the 5 arm rolls! Soon, son, soon!

He babbles and laughs and smiles and is an all around joy. To stare at him with amazement (I still can't believe I made him) and to see the wonderment in his eyes when he's discovered something new is beyond amazing. It's the best feeling in the world when I look at him, smile and he smiles back, almost shyly. It makes my heart so happy! Never been happier. Never felt more settled. Never felt more joy. I've found my place in this world-in the comfort of my family and in the embrace of my son.

Heisel Rules!

PS In an effort to get pictures OFF my computer and into print, I've vowed to print a quarterly picture book for Henry. You can view it on the side bar -------------->

PPS Stay tuned for a Valentine's post- you are NOT gonna wanna miss it! :)

Henry is Three Months!

Three months ago this little guy stole our hearts! Even though it's only been a short time, he's adjusted so seamlessly well that it feels like he's been here all along!

I know I say this every month, but truly, I'm not sure how we lived life without this little guy! I look at him in amazement, mesmerized by his sweetness, and it almost feels surreal, like it's a dream and I'll wake up any minute. If it is a dream, please stay asleep!!

Most people that I've talked to or read their blog have pregnancy in the distant past, but I remember it like yesterday. One of the few things my mommy brain remembers so well! Although, I did find myself, for the first time, missing being pregnant. Well, not the pregnancy, but being so close to my baby boy. I loved feeling his movements, his hiccups, his tiny kicks back when I'd tap my belly. I would've grown him in there til college if I could've. But not really! Ha! It's much more fun with him out here!

I love love LOVE watching this lil big guy learn new things! This month he's perfecting holding the noggin up. It makes tummy time much more enjoyable for him! He's even started to pull his knees in when he's on his belly.

He's also discovered his hands-he folds them together, like he's praying, and he just stares at them, almost cross eyed. Just take a minute and put your hands close to your eyes, now move your fingers. It's such a small, unthinkable action that seems so small, so insignificant, but to Henry it's discovery!

Now Henry likes to chew on his hands. He's not hungry so I can only deduce that he's teething. We got an amber teething necklace and we're hoping that helps!

I read in my monthly Parents magazine that by 4 months he is supposed it be grasping things. Up until this past month his hands were so tightly fisted that he had white knuckles. He wouldn't even hold our fingers. He wasn't quite showing interest in doing this yet, and I wasn't worried, but it made me aware to encourage him to try. Last week I did, and now he's starting to grasp things. I TAUGHT him this and now he's doing it! I'm a proud momma! :) Just proves that parenting is so hands on! And he catches on quickly!

Henry had his first encounter with his jumper this past week. At first he was unsure, but now he really enjoys it! He is a little too short still so we had top put a pillow under his feet so he can get traction to jump. We call this his office! Momma is his secretary and I hold his calls while he in there! ;)

And the BEST thing he's learned this month is laughing! We love hearing his sweet baby chuckle! His ticklish spots are his chunky thighs and his neck!

Henry loves his momma and daddy equally. He rarely shows signs of preferring one over the other. This makes life easy because I can depend on Matt's help! Lets hope it stays this way!

Daddy and Henry snoozing.

I had a chiropractor appointment this morning and I took the little chunk with me. He got his own lil baby adjustment which consisted of stretches and massage! Lucky him! Plus, he was a BIG hit with the ladies of the office! Such a socialite! ;) Speaking of which, he likes to try to talk to me while he's eating. This makes for longer mealtimes for him. But his precious, almost devious little grins that he flashes me, makes it all worth it!

And last, but most important (ha!)- Henry sleeps really well at night! With the exception of the last couple of days, he's been sleeping until around 5am, when he nurses and sleeps until about 8:30am! Good sleeper=happy momma! :)

As I'm sure you can guess, Henry is doing very well! He's such a JOY and we are loving watching him grow and learn! What more can a momma ask for?! :)

Heisel Rules! {the nest}

New Year 2014

Wow. 2013. This is the year that I'll always remember, for this year made me a momma. This miracle in itself is awesome but the changes it made in me are even more amazing.

Most little girls dream mostly about their wedding day, but I actually dreamt more about being a mom. (No offense, honey. I LOVED our wedding!) Playing dolls was my favorite, and I knew I was made to be a mom. A few bumps in the road and now I hold the title of mom, and I'm so proud.

I've changed my whole perspective on all things motherhood.- it's harder and easier than I thought. Harder because childbirth tests every emotional/physical limit I didn't even know I had, and I never imagined loving someone so much and being responsible for his every need, for his life. He depends on me. And easier because nothing beats the joy he brings to us. I can't imagine life without him!

I've learned that a mother's body is beautiful, not flawed. I look past stretch marks and now think of the important job they do-to compensate for all the love that momma is growing! These two oversized melons that I've vainly always wished for now provide nourishment for my baby but will one day not be so perky, and my flabby belly provides a perch in which my baby can rest while I'm nursing him or holding him in my arms and rocking him. And this scar below my bikini line represents the final moment when my son and I were one. It's true, my body will never be the same again, but the happiness I get when I see my sweet baby boy far outweighs any happiness I thought I had before. If my body had to change to reach this level of happiness, then it's worth it.

You wanna know the best part? My son loves me as I am- I, alone, am enough. Even better? My husband says he loves me even more now! How is that possible?! :)

during pregnancy

after pregnancy

I still find amazement in the fact that I grew a human-my squishy baby boy, and nothing will compare to that! Nothing. Just the thought that I housed two heartbeats instead of just one still amazes me! When I look at my baby boy I see his handsome father, I see his bright future, I see love. I've never been more proud of something I made. He's my greatest accomplishment to date for sure.

2 weeks

2 weeks

2 weeks

2 weeks

And as I sit here gazing at my husband sleeping soundly on the couch and listening to the hum of the baby swing swaying back and forth nestling one of my dearest treasures, I couldn't imagine a more perfect year or night. I'm here, I'm well, and I'm so happy!

I'm not big on resolutions in the new year, so instead I'll simply focus on one word-Joy. As we welcome 2014, I'll focus on finding more joy- joy in the little things, the big things and all the things in between. Just joy. I pray that each of you get everything that you wish for out of the new year, and I wish you all the happiness that I have discovered, that has discovered me. I'm blessed beyond measure, and I'm delighted to see what the future holds!

Happy New Year!

Heisel Rules!

Henry's First Christmas

What a blessing this year has been! Welcoming Henry to the family has been such a joy! I'm not sure there's anything more rewarding than celebrating all the "firsts" with a new baby! So far we've done Halloween, Thanksgiving, and now Christmas! It's been so fun to start new traditions with Henry-real Christmas tree (daddy hunted it out this year since it was too cold for Henry to be out), seeing Santa and new jammies on Christmas Eve! I'm sure we will start other new traditions as Henry gets older, and I so look forward to that! Having Henry has given us new meaning to our holidays, making them even more special, and we are thoroughly enjoying it!

Before we left for Illinois, we let Henry open one present because I…errr I mean HE was just sooo excited! It's a Pottery Barn chair! You'll probably see this gem in his upcoming monthly photo shoots! ;)

My lil BIG guy!

See? He LOVES it! ;)

Yesterday (Christmas Eve) we got to visit with Henry's Nannie (Candy) and Poppa (Andy)! They got Henry the Llama Llama series books, a Baby Gap outfit, and a puppy stuffed animal! BUT I think his favorite by far was the red wrapping paper! He LOVED it! Ha! Henry is so excited to play with all his new things! Thanks, Nannie and Poppa!

Today (Christmas Day) we celebrated with Granny (Donna), Grandpa (Bryan) and Gram Joyce. We ate yummy prime rib! Henry got a sweet stuffed teddy bear and a gift card to get something fun from his Amazon wish list! Thanks Granny, Grandpa and Gram Joyce!

So, we will leave you with our Christmas Eve jammer pic! 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight! 

Heisel Rules!