Blog buttons!

Hi guys,<br /><br />I wanted to let all of you know that I've shared a few more buttons over there on the right hand sidebar, if you'd like to add any to your website or blog! My lovely friend <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/">Elsie</a> made the two smaller ones awhile back, so thank you again Elsie, you're the best! And if you haven't already stopped by, be sure to head over to her blog, <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/">A Beautiful Mess</a>, for her 24-hour blog party! So fun.<br /><br />Here are the links to all four buttons:<br /><br /><img src="http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy208/sassandcraft/blogiconmini.jpg" /><br /><br /><textarea><br /><a href="http://www.sometimessweet.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/daniyella/blogicon.jpg" /></a><br />




<br /><a href="http://www.sometimessweet.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/daniyella/bleubutton.jpg" /></a><br />



<br /><a href="http://www.sometimessweet.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/daniyella/dh-2-1.png" /></a><br />



<br /><a href="http://www.sometimessweet.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/daniyella/dh-1.png" /></a><br />

Blog buttons!

Hi guys, I wanted to let all of you know that I've shared a few more buttons over there on the right hand sidebar, if you'd like to ...

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16 week update

<span style="font-family:georgia;">I can't believe I am 4 months pregnant this week. That just seems insane to me to think about how quickly this time is going by! I read that beginning this week (each Thursday is a new week for me), I could begin to feel "flutters" of our baby moving in my belly. Fetal movement begin anytime between 16 and 20 weeks, and I am really looking forward to that. In other baby related news, this week little Baby H is the size of an avocado! That kind of throws off my plans to make homemade guacamole tonight. haha. Just kidding. But anyway, this week the baby can also HEAR sounds...that is so neat and I'm excited to start showing our little one some good music.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I1AtUzmIAgVaxtu3oeeFR2FYnT8Knp4H-qvKrCFg7-hN7qPIrmMoYJKFWQItrCjC6t5uZjKWAJkB4qJdqIaCwa91TkdTYbImRA44-drxsSkDKIX1wiCEq3KNgSduVHp3mi-xNdlWJpA/s1600/C6921A2634A14D37BFA674A61735E555.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477505382657663442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I1AtUzmIAgVaxtu3oeeFR2FYnT8Knp4H-qvKrCFg7-hN7qPIrmMoYJKFWQItrCjC6t5uZjKWAJkB4qJdqIaCwa91TkdTYbImRA44-drxsSkDKIX1wiCEq3KNgSduVHp3mi-xNdlWJpA/s400/C6921A2634A14D37BFA674A61735E555.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 255px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, if you're interested, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender.</span></span><span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">At this time, your baby is holding her head erect. Because her muscles are developing, she can make some faces now. Your baby is able to squint, frown and open its mouth. There is enough calcium in the bones that they will show up on an x-ray. Your baby's fingernails are well formed now and the legs are longer than the arms. Because your baby is moving well now, you may begin to feel his movements! Some women say that the early movements feel like gas bubbles or a slight flutter. If you have not yet felt the baby move, don't worry. Fetal movements are usually felt between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy.</span><br /><span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNLZhYKlRAnU7BWFCtH5IuouDtmEELEGd1NrBInUdghMkIko9W2wOAVTjIPrIAXbQn3DbmhvVuuqdMVLXoGFoVes05KcTzoEn3eGc6ZJRZhZOMxkAAR7Y6H1Ap4A1ZlU9rVMf7rNS5h8/s1600/index.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477515129538039970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNLZhYKlRAnU7BWFCtH5IuouDtmEELEGd1NrBInUdghMkIko9W2wOAVTjIPrIAXbQn3DbmhvVuuqdMVLXoGFoVes05KcTzoEn3eGc6ZJRZhZOMxkAAR7Y6H1Ap4A1ZlU9rVMf7rNS5h8/s400/index.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" /></a><br /><br /></span><span>It's just so, so neat to have this little human growing inside of me! My belly has gotten a bit bigger than last time I posted <a href="http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/2010/05/if-you-squint-your-eyes-and-look-really.html">photos at 14 weeks</a>, and from this point on I will take these every single week, as well as some "cute" maternity photos as my belly gets a bit bigger. Here are my 16 week photos:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4656480777/" title="16 weeks side by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="16 weeks side" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4656480777_9514a7e79d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4657102600/" title="16 weeks front by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="16 weeks front" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4657102600_b25df12ee6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />It's funny to look at these photos because I feel huge but I know I don't look as big as I think. I am indeed bigger overall, and I've been struggling with feeling like my legs and arms aren't as toned, but overall I'm doing okay in the body image department. I know that if I continue to exercise and eat well, whatever changes that happen are happening naturally, just as they should, and I can get back to normal once the baby is born.<br /><br />I've been getting a lot of questions on my <a href="http://www.formspring.me/sometimessweet">formspring</a> about our nursery colors and things of that nature. I've had the nursery ideas (both for girl and boy) picked out for some time now, and I will definitely share the theme when we start decorating. This past weekend Hank, my Mom and I went to Buy Buy Baby, a huge baby store in the valley. There were so many cute, cute things and I am getting more and more excited by the day to decorate, and actually buy baby clothes once we know what we're having come June 25th.<br /><br />Hank revealed to me that he's thought we are having a girl for the past month, even though he continued to call the baby he, him and Henry IV! hahaha. He says he will be happy with either gender of course, but I know he'd love a boy to carry on his namesake. I don't have a preference either way, and I still don't have a feeling towards whether Baby Hampton is a girl or boy. My Mom thinks girl, Hank thinks girl, and most of my friends think girl. So for those reasons, I'm sure I'm having a boy! ;) We shall see soon enough though. And for names, we are set on both girl and boy names. You all know what our boy name will be, but I'm excited to reveal our super cute name if we do end up having a girl.<br /><br />Oh, and I wanted to add that I swear Madeline can tell I'm pregnant. She's so sweet and gentle, and will often come up and lay her head right on my belly. I wonder if her super-sensitive ears can pick up on the heartbeat. Hank says no, but I like to think that's what she's doing with her ear to my stomach! I know she'll be a great friend to the baby!<br /><a href="http://www.topbabyblogs.com/cgi-bin/topblogs/in.cgi?id=danihamp" title="popular baby blogs"><br /></a><a href="http://www.topbabyblogs.com/cgi-bin/topblogs/in.cgi?id=danihamp" target="_blank" title="baby blog directory"><img alt="Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.topbabyblogs.com/topblogs/images/banners/top_baby_blog_468x60_an.gif" width="468" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>

16 week update

I can't believe I am 4 months pregnant this week. That just seems insane to me to think about how quickly this time is going by! I rea...

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Think Pink!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgufYWZCQJW6l2fNsROXNNkz3BfFsf3Bp3RLNpZlVY366_b4-4Nmxyq2OjT6N5DysWJgLOs4J4uhustVJZ6ramxuWVRuD1dt16kVJ0JEj3XBiKrC-ogfK9LRy4deDt0xXOtJc_Bg_nD4c/s1600/lindsey.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477839960034649314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgufYWZCQJW6l2fNsROXNNkz3BfFsf3Bp3RLNpZlVY366_b4-4Nmxyq2OjT6N5DysWJgLOs4J4uhustVJZ6ramxuWVRuD1dt16kVJ0JEj3XBiKrC-ogfK9LRy4deDt0xXOtJc_Bg_nD4c/s400/lindsey.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><br /><br />Hi everyone,<br /><br />I wanted to post about an awesome charity event a friend of mine in Mesa is doing, in the hopes that some of you may be interested in supporting her! Above you will find a photo of the adorable Lindsey and her two children- she is undertaking a 3-day, 60-mile walk where all proceeds with go directly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. My Mom is a survivor, so this hits especially close to home, and I applaud Lindsey for making this long trek for an amazing cause. Lindsey is a crafty, fun, over-achieving "super mom," a great wife, and still manages to make time to work as a hair stylist, AND walk for three days! Amazing. I hope all of you check out her blog and this link to learn more about how you can help.<br /><br />As always, thanks guys! Have a beautiful Tuesday. :)<br /><br />Lindsay's race blog: <a href="http://www.azrackpack.blogspot.com/"><span>www.azrackpack.blogspot.com</span></a><br /><div id="text_expose_id_4c05356d93c42626d24ef" class="comment_actual_text"><wbr><span class="word_break"></span></div>3 Day Race site: <a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/ArizonaEvent2010?px=5032553&pg=personal&fr_id=1460">http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/ArizonaEvent2010?px=5032553&pg=personal&fr_id=1460</a>

Think Pink!

Hi everyone, I wanted to post about an awesome charity event a friend of mine in Mesa is doing, in the hopes that some of you may be interes...

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Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband!

Two years ago today I said "I do" to my best friend!<br /><br />I still get chills thinking about that amazing day and how beautiful it was to be able to share it with all of the people we love so much. I feel incredibly lucky to have found Hank, and everyday I reflect on what an amazing partner he is. Kind, loving, compassionate, fun, so incredibly handsome...he is truly the best person I've ever met in my life and I'm truly PROUD to call him my husband.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2611864733/" title="0189 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="0189" height="332" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2611864733_c5460e3ee1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2611484095/" title="perfect lighting by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="perfect lighting" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2611484095_db85c0d5f6.jpg" width="332" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2612714510/" title="0270 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="0270" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2612714510_92d3e3b57d.jpg" width="336" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2612708436/" title="0240 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="0240" height="332" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2612708436_ec2fb2a4ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2612718186/" title="0296 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="0296" height="336" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2612718186_aca21bb5be.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2611703345/" title="0104 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="0104" height="332" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2611703345_c7d1f90663.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2611671799/" title="0095 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="0095" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/2611671799_4e03b547a0.jpg" width="332" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you'd like to read more about our wedding, my friend Melissa featured it on her wedding blog awhile back. <a href="http://www.theloveliestday.com/2010/03/lemons-lemons-everywhere-danielle-hanks.html">Click here</a> to head over to The Loveliest Day.<br /><br />We celebrated our first anniversary last year at the beach in New Jersey. It was at the beginning of our three-week East Coast trip, and it was such a perfect day. I can't wait for our anniversary trip to Hawaii, and to spend another romantic week with my husband in celebration of our marriage.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3582884775/" title="Untitled by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="334" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3582884775_3ecea2eae9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3582881425/" title="Untitled by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="334" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3582881425_412eacea67.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3582883741/" title="Untitled by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="334" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3582883741_b2f3b538a7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3582882903/" title="Untitled by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="334" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3582882903_1cf44b161e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Happy Anniversary to us! ;)

Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband!

Two years ago today I said "I do" to my best friend! I still get chills thinking about that amazing day and how beautiful it was t...

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Memorial Day Weekend

It's wonderful Sunday and I'm totally exhausted after spending a great weekend with my family. It was fun celebrating both Hank and my birthdays (his is on June 1st), and it was nice dedicating the entire time to family, rather than running around trying to get things done and see friends. I am finally feeling like it's summer, and I'm sure that's mainly due to the summer time barbecue we had, and all the time in the sun and in the pool at my parents'. And what a relief to NOT have to go back to work tomorrow. I have a nice day of relaxation planned- gym early in the morning and then I'll be getting things done around the house.<br /><br />I hope all of you are having an excellent holiday weekend! Here are a few photos I snapped yesterday. I really need to take some belly photos so I will be doing that this week as well. Have a great Monday!<br /><br />parents' backyard<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4655201640/" title="<3 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="<3" height="334" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4655201640_ace37d0430.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Madeline is SUCH a water dog and hates getting out of the pool! It's so cute.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4655201344/" title="Boston with a purpose! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Boston with a purpose!" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4655201344_9ce52bb9ae.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4655200688/" title="water dog by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="water dog" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4655200688_2cf7daab21.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4655199934/" title="a good Dad by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="a good Dad" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4655199934_7c22c0d535.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />birthday!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4654581577/" title="It's our birthday! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="It's our birthday!" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4654581577_af5d9ae82a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Hank loves Carvel ever since his first trip back to NJ with us a few years ago!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4655198888/" title="Hank's favorite- Carvel ice cream cake by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Hank's favorite- Carvel ice cream cake" height="334" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4655198888_5ab3f469cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4654579795/" title="wishin' by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="wishin'" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4654579795_86dc494a49.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br /><br />and for a fun comparison, here's us LAST year, celebrating in Vermont! We have six years of photos of blowing out our birthday candles together. I love that and feel so lucky to have our birthday just days apart.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3561379896/" title="making a wish by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="making a wish" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3561379896_7e44d63927.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />my sister's newest tattoo!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4654579305/" title="Lauren's new tattoo by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Lauren's new tattoo" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4654579305_ac9cdce00b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />hanging out with my grumpy girl<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4654612951/" title="love her! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="love her!" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4654612951_e3c2e0812f.jpg" width="500" /></a>

Memorial Day Weekend

It's wonderful Sunday and I'm totally exhausted after spending a great weekend with my family. It was fun celebrating both Hank and...

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Another year older...

and definitely another year wiser! I love birthdays so much- I'm definitely not the type to get sad about growing another year older, I think of it as another year of life, which is pretty exciting! On my birthday I think of it kind of like New Year's Eve...I ask myself what I accomplished over the past year, and what goals I can make for the next. This upcoming year is going to be the most pivotal year of my life so far!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4650690619/" title="birthday girl ;) by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="birthday girl ;)" height="381" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4650690619_fa92eeb6f8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />So, here's to last year. It was wonderful. I fell more in love with Hank, my family, and myself. I feel like I emotionally grew a lot as a person and if I had to gauge it, I would say I'm absolutely happier than last year. In my eyes, that says success to me!<br /><br />Thank you to all of you who have been a part of my life over the past year. Whether you're a family member who is reading this, an old friend, a new friend, a blog friend...someone who visits this site...thank you! Your positivity energy and support has been wonderful and I appreciate it so much!<br /><br />Today's been wonderful. I slept in really late, then had a great workout. We've spent the day snacking, swimming, and sunning! Our family barbecue will be starting in a bit. It's seriously a perfect birthday. I'm off to hang out with my family. I hope all of you are having a beautiful weekend!

Another year older...

and definitely another year wiser! I love birthdays so much- I'm definitely not the type to get sad about growing another year older, I...

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Music recommendation

Hi everyone! I wanted to make a quick post about one of my most favorite hip hop artists, Fashawn. Hank actually turned me onto this guy, as he is a friend of his friend Chris in Fresno. The first time I heard his mixtapes I fell in love with him, and every single song on his album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Boy Meets World</span>, is just so good. I'm not sure if many of you are into this type of music, but if you are (and even if you aren't), you should give him a listen! And really check out that whole album outside of the video I posted below, the songs are phenomenal.<br /><br />Download Fashawn's album at Itunes.<br /><br />One of my favorite songs on <span style="font-style: italic;">Boy Meets World</span>:<br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qdrEIIRVZ9g&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qdrEIIRVZ9g&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Music recommendation

Hi everyone! I wanted to make a quick post about one of my most favorite hip hop artists, Fashawn. Hank actually turned me onto this guy, a...

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Tweet! ...and an upcoming giveaway!

Follow me on Twitter!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://twitter.com/danihampton">http://twitter.com/danihampton</a></span><br /><br />I'm going to do a little summertime giveaway <span style="font-weight: bold;">via Twitter </span>sometime next week so be sure to follow and stay tuned!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4646968346/" title="summertime! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="summertime!" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4646968346_b3efeba5b7.jpg" width="500" /></a>

Tweet! ...and an upcoming giveaway!

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/danihampton I'm going to do a little summertime giveaway via Twitter sometime next week so be s...

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Emotional nesting

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj891LS7K-AZUVCNSwSuIwI44Doo3OOsBAqzZamDalC2PG68ybtO95avBhPkm-kSPH2GIi8xwq6u91uZj4U8k83hZZB800KDcuy3s-8-E9aLn23gc_gV5MDkkvjFTQiTjlvPoLQ-ym3CUI/s1600/3528188814_62c717e256_large.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475837794884130658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj891LS7K-AZUVCNSwSuIwI44Doo3OOsBAqzZamDalC2PG68ybtO95avBhPkm-kSPH2GIi8xwq6u91uZj4U8k83hZZB800KDcuy3s-8-E9aLn23gc_gV5MDkkvjFTQiTjlvPoLQ-ym3CUI/s400/3528188814_62c717e256_large.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image from weheartit<br /><br /></span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">With all of these changes going on in my little world, I've become very evaluative of the people and things in my life as of late. Becoming a mother is the craziest thing I will ever do. If I think really hard about it, and think about Hank and my life, for the rest of our life, it's pretty wild to know that we are bringing a little person along on this journey. It makes me want to cry from happiness, and conversely makes me so, so incredibly scared. What a responsibility. What an insanely terrifying thing to have a little being rely on you completely. And how beautiful it is to be able to create this life, to nurture it, and to give it so much love. I believe that because I'm a thinker, because I take everything apart in my mind, I'm in this evaluative state. In a way, I feel like I'm emotionally nesting and taking inventory of my life, the people in it, and the kind of future I want for our family. Because I've had the same core friends for over a decade, I've had a sense of stability in terms of friendship on a deep level. I've made new friends here and there, but as time marches on, I've found that so many friendships have faded away. It happens. People change, people grow up, people move on. Recently, I've been thinking a lot about relationships. I write a lot about this topic in this space because it's really something that is on my mind a lot.</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /><br />I have a few questions for all of you, and I'd love your input.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">1) Do you have people in your life that you feel obligated to speak to or spend time with just because you have a history and not necessarily because you enjoy your time spent with them? Do you feel guilty if you don't stay in communication? Does it ever feel forced?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">2) If so, why do you continue to keep someone in your life if you don't feel they add anything positive to it?</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /><br />These are some questions I've asked myself recently. </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I'm at a point now where I just don't care to even deal with the negative. If you bring more negativity to my life than positivity, no thank you. If there isn't a mutual happiness when the other person experiences happiness or success, no thank you. If I feel that you aren't trust worthy, no thank you. I feel like perhaps I sound a bit harsh or a bit "much," but wouldn't you agree that because life is so short, it's pretty imperative to be choosy? When I think about where I am going in my life, and all of the people I love that I want to be a part of it, there is just no time to deal with these negative nellies.</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> And I understand that not everyone is happy all of the time- I'm proof of that. And because I do deal with depression from time to time I understand that part of a friendship is listening to the good and bad, allowing someone to vent, and being there for them rain or shine, through happiness and crises alike. I'm more trying to get at the negative-all-the-time kinda "friend," the person who can't be happy for you when something good happens, the one who always seems to have a negative comment, either direct or indirect. The kind of people who leave you feeling emotionally drained and exhausted. Those are the types of people I'm talking about.<br /><br />And </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I'm not sure if all of this made sense. I started typing, and it kind of all came out. The main point is that I</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> feel I am just really emotionally taking stock of my life. I know what works, and I know what doesn't. I know what kind of people I want to surround myself and my family with.</span> <div style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;color:transparent;" id="TixyyLink"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I'd love to see your take on this topic, and hear your answers to the questions I've posed above. It's kind of an awkward topic to really blog about. I had a long conversation with my best friend the other night about this, and I know that's what prompted this entry. It was a great conversation- we discussed the natural and sometimes eventual "drift" from friends that happens when it just isn't meant to be a lifelong friendship, and how easy it is to feel guilty that it just doesn't work out. </span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">And additionally, why we feel guilty and what we can do to just "be," and let things happen as they will. It's definitely a lot to think about and I feel lucky to have friends that love to discuss and analyze as much as me! :)<br /><br />So as always, thanks for reading my random thoughts! I hope you have a great night, and I look forward to reading what you have to say! xoxo</span><br /></span></div>

Emotional nesting

image from weheartit With all of these changes going on in my little world, I've become very evaluative of the people and things in my l...

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Comic-Con!

Hank and I go to Comic Convention every year, and yet again it will be taking place in San Diego this summer. It's always SUCH a fun time, and I really look forward to seeing our friends more than anything. The week is always filled with lots of laughs, good food, and tons of swimming. This year will be a little different as we're expecting our first child, so I'm excited to find all sorts of fun toys and goodies for our little one. I know Hank will be on the hunt for some original art to hang in the nursery, and I'm sure I'll find a few cute plushies. Can't wait. This year the hotel booking system was pretty horrible, so we only just got our rooms confirmed. We usually stay at a hotel that's really close to the convention (walking distance), but apparently it was sold out this year, so we'll be at one a bit farther away (5 miles) but with much better ammenities. I can't wait to sun my pregnant belly and swim all day long while Hank is at the convention. I usually only go for one to two days, which is definitely enough for me, and I enjoy relaxing and shopping during the other days. This year I am hoping to spend as much time as possible with one of my childhood best friends and family friends (we call each others' parents Aunt and Uncle) who recently moved to San Diego from New Jersey with her new husband who is a Marine.<br /><br />In the spirit of Comic-Con, here are a few photos from last year!<br /><br />driving to CA! I was gracious enough to drive for awhile ;)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3747646009/" title="hitting the road for San Diego by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="hitting the road for San Diego" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3747646009_0f4c6c9a17.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />at Super7's annual Preview Night dinner<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3748201169/" title="SDCC Preview Night '09 by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="SDCC Preview Night '09" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3748201169_b8ff6c2d68.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3750539743/" title="look good enough to eat! candy :) by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="look good enough to eat! candy :)" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3750539743_baefdf7e48.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />at Pokez<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3751337674/" title="Hank and Scott by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Hank and Scott" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3751337674_14743f2ac6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3754476540/" title="I don't know who the dude is...but his costume was intense by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="I don't know who the dude is...but his costume was intense" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3754476540_2459977bb3.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3753678901/" title="Happy Friendship Anniversary, you two! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Friendship Anniversary, you two!" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3753678901_a73107f2df.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3753677313/" title="Hank by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="Hank" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3753677313_021780df9d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/3753682989/" title="YEAH! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="YEAH!" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3753682989_058c835cb3.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br />and I can't resist...a couple from the year before!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2699297659/" title="hank is so excited! by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="hank is so excited!" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2699297659_317bb869f9.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br />Scott and Hank, typical<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2700112970/" title="scott and hank by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="scott and hank" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2700112970_3ed50a6af1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Gargamel guys<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2709642652/" title="hank and gargamel guys by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="hank and gargamel guys" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2709642652_786119bc56.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2708828695/" title="gargamel... by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="gargamel..." height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2708828695_defe99be06.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/2699297367/" title="darth vader the pedestrian, totally normal by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="darth vader the pedestrian, totally normal" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2699297367_106c94de42.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br />So now, the question...are any of you going to Comic-Con? :)

Comic-Con!

Hank and I go to Comic Convention every year, and yet again it will be taking place in San Diego this summer. It's always SUCH a fun ti...

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