The Updegraff Family

Week 21

2011-11-07T15:43:00.000-06:00

Baby is the size of: a carrot (or the length of one) and weighs about 3/4 of a pound

Symptoms: Still feeling pretty good. He is getting heavy sometimes, but doing good overall.

Maternity clothes: Oh absolutely all the time now!

Sleep: I am still enjoying sleep, but who doesn't?

Fun moment(s) this past week: Last week my mom and I went shopping at Christmas Village in Birmingham. I look forward to that day every year and we had a blast! Now I want to decorate for Christmas.

Movement: He has definitely made himself know lately. He is moving around a lot during the day when I am still. My mom got to feel him moving last night.

Food cravings/aversions: I'm not really having any cravings/aversions now. I just like to eat!

Gender & Name: Boy - Jackson Reed

Weight gained: Ugg....yep

What I am looking forward to: I love this time of year! I love Thanksgiving and Christmas. I've started Christmas shopping and I am so ready to decorate. I'm trying to hold of for another 2 weeks, but it is going to be hard! I go back to the doctor on the 17th and I think he will schedule my diabetes test then...I really hate that, but I love going and hearing his heartbeat.

Week 16

2011-10-06T14:38:00.000-05:00

We went to BabyWaves in Columbus last Friday to find out what the baby is (see below) and we found out that our due date is a few days off, so I actually started my 16th week on Tuesday. My due date is closer to March 19!

Baby is the size of: an avocado (also found out at the ultrasound that the baby weighs about 5 oz right now)

Symptoms: I'm feeling much better! Having some major heartburn issues at night and my sciatic nerve is messing up again, but feeling a whole lot better than I did.

Maternity clothes: John's mom came this weekend and bought me a few new maternity pants and a few tops. Yay!

Sleep: Still want to sleep all the time.

Fun moment(s) this past week: Friday was so much fun at BabyWaves. A girl I met a few weeks ago told me about it and as soon as I told John, he was like "schedule an appointment now". So we went and we are very glad we did.

Movement: Still feeling a few flutters here and there, not quite as much as I was, but I've been really busy lately, so I haven't taken the time to really sit still.

Food cravings/aversions: This changes daily. I am still liking chocolate a lot, which is so out of character for me!

Gender & Name: It's a BOY! His name is Jackson, but he doesn't have a middle name yet. I'm getting over the shock of having to buy blue now. I thought EC would be upset, but she's actually been great with it.

Weight gained: Ugg....

What I am looking forward to: I can't wait for him to really start moving a lot so I feel like I can connect more with him. I am also really excited about the trip John has planned for us. We leave for Boston/Cape Cod at the end of October and I am in need of a vacation!

Weeks 13 - 15

2011-09-26T12:09:00.000-05:00

I am getting behind! So, I'm going to cover the last 2 weeks and this upcoming week.

Baby is the size of: an apple

Symptoms: Nausea and vomiting are almost completely gone. I'm still very tired most days, I'm starting to think it's because I get up a hundred times a night to go to the bathroom - ok, really just like 3 or 4, but not sleeping through the night does take a toll.

Maternity clothes: My early maternity clothes that I wore with EC are too tight, mainly because I was 15 lbs heavier when I got pregnant this time that I was with her. So that doesn't work. My later maternity clothes are heavy sweaters and pants and it's still 90 degrees outside. So that doesn't work either. This has really been stressing me out lately.

Sleep: Pretty tired all the time right now.

Fun moment(s) this past week: I went to the doctor last week and got to schedule the ultrasound appointment (Oct. 19), so that was a lot of fun! This past weekend, EC and I had a girls day. She's always talking about having a girls day, so I thought it would be a good time. We went and got our toes done and went to "Little Rado's" (Laredo's Mexican Restaurant) for lunch, her choice. I am really enjoying spending time just she and I.

Movement: Still feeling a few flutters here and there, not quite as much as I was, but I've been really busy lately, so I haven't taken the time to really sit still.

Food cravings/aversions: I am starting to crave chocolate. For those of you who know me, you know how strange that is. I hate chocolate...normally. I find this one very strange. But, the cravings and aversions to change almost daily right now.

Gender & Name: Don't know yet, hopefully will find out on October 19. Have names pick out, but not telling

Weight gained: I'm going to avoid this one for now. At the appointment last week, I realized I had gained more weight than I'd hoped. I've got to work on this one.

Belly Button in or out: In, but I can see the inside of my belly button now, which means it is going to flatten out again with this pregnancy like it did with EC.

What I am looking forward to: I am so ready for my October appointment so that we can find out what this little bug is! I am also really excited about the trip John has planned for us. We leave for Boston/Cape Cod at the end of October and I am in need of a vacation!

Week 12

2011-09-08T16:21:00.000-05:00

Baby is the size of: a lime

Symptoms: The nausea is getting much better. I still have a rough time around 4 or so, and I'm still really tired, but I can make it as long as I'm not throwing up!

Maternity clothes: I have started wearing a bigger sized "normal" clothes because maternity clothes just don't work yet.

Sleep: Very, very tired most of the time. The mornings I'm ok, but after lunch and until dinner, I'm exhausted.

Fun moment(s) this past week: EC started ballet. She is growing up so fast! She absolutely loved it!

Movement: Still feeling a few flutters here and there

Food cravings/aversions: Ummm...strawberry slushes from Sonic...yum!

Gender & Name: Don't know yet. Have names pick out, but not telling

Weight gained: 3 lbs at my last appointment. I go back September 19

Belly Button in or out: In

What I am looking forward to: I am so ready for my October appointment so that we can find out what this little bug is!

Reflections on the past week: I don't have too many "reflections" over the past week. I've been in a bit of a fog because of just being so tired. I hoping that will pass soon.

Week 11

2011-09-02T15:22:00.000-05:00

Baby is the size of: a fig

Symptoms: I've had not vomiting recently and the nausea is still getting better. Usually 4-7 pm is still kind of rough and I can definitely tell if I overdo it during the day, but things are going good. Indegestion and heartburn are pretty bad though which causes this awful taste in my mouth all the time. Yuck!

Maternity clothes: I think I will be in the maternity clothes in the next week.

Sleep: I get a little tired in the afternoon, but usually I can make it until bedtime, but then I crash! :-)

Fun moment(s) this past week: We got a van! We sold John's truck and had to make room for our growing family.

Movement: They say it's too early, but this little one is a mover! I can feel her move mainly in the evening when I am winding down.

Food cravings/aversions: I really enjoy french fries. I don't like sweets still or anything really greasy.

Gender & Name: Don't know yet. Have names pick out, but not telling

Weight gained: 3 lbs

Belly Button in or out: In

What I am looking forward to: We have family coming in town this weekend, so I'm excited about that.

Reflections on the past week: EC locked me out of the house today - happy birthday to me! She started hysterically crying when she realized she couldn't get it unlocked and I had to talk her through going to the front door and unlocking that. Oh what a day....what will I ever do with two?!

Week 10

2011-08-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

Baby is the size of: a kumquat

Symptoms: This week has been better. I've only had 1 day of throwing up, which is a great and welcomed change! I hope that things are starting to look up.

Maternity clothes: I think I will be in the maternity clothes in the next week.

Sleep: I get a little tired in the afternoon, but usually I can make it until bedtime, but then I crash! :-)

Fun moment(s) this past week: We got to hear the heartbeat this week!

Movement: They say it's too early, but this little one is a mover! I can feel her move mainly in the evening when I am winding down.

Food cravings/aversions: I really enjoy french fries. I don't like sweets still or anything really greasy.

Gender & Name: Don't know yet. Have names pick out, but not telling

Weight gained: 3 lbs

Belly Button in or out: In

What I am looking forward to: My birthday weekend is coming up next weekend and I am really looking forward to relaxing!

Reflections on the past week: It's been a good week!

August Dr. Appt

2011-08-22T12:23:00.000-05:00

I went back to the doctor this morning and John went with me - it was great to have him there. We got to hear the heartbeat! Very strong and very fast! The doctor immediately said, "It's a girl! But don't buy any pink yet." That makes my heart smile! He said that is probably an old wives tale, but I think it does work sometimes (at least 50/50 right?). I'll have my next appointment September 19, then we we schedule the ultrasound!

I love my doctor for many reasons, but one especially is because he knows how my crazy head works! He explained that because the ultrasound at the hospital looked good and the heartbeat sounded so good today, I have less than a 5% chance of miscarrying now. I know it's in God's hands, but that made me feel so much better.

I am starting to feel better, at least not throwing up now, and we had a great weekend visiting John's family. And I didn't get carsick! Woohoo!

Week 9

2011-08-18T11:17:00.000-05:00

So, somehow I've started blogging about the week I am beginning instead of the week I'm ending, but that's ok I guess.

Baby is the size of: a grape

Symptoms: Not much change here. Nausea, vomiting, frequent bathroom visits, you name it, I have it. Although yesterday and today have been much better. I've been praying for a just a moment of relief and I feel like God understood (more than I did) what I needed, so I am grateful for these past 2 days.

Maternity clothes: My regular clothes still fit, but my small maternity clothes do to.

Sleep: Yes, but again, over these past 2 days, I'm not feeling quite as sluggish.

Fun moment(s) this past week: EC has just been a ball of energy lately. I wish I could remember all of the things she has been saying, but one thing that stands out this week is that I told her she needs to give the baby a name until we find out what it is (which afterwards, she assured me it IS a girl!), but she decided her name will be "Sweetie" for now. :-)

Movement: None really

Food cravings/aversions: Lots and lots of aversions (sweets, soda, meat besides chicken), still no big cravings yet, but am really enjoying tea and apple juice.

Gender & Name: Don't know yet. Have names pick out, but not telling

Weight gained: I go back to the doctor Monday, so we'll see

Belly Button in or out: In

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to my next appointment (Aug. 22) to hear the heartbeat. We are going out of town this weekend to visit John's family. We haven't seen his sister and her family or his grandmother since we found out so we are looking forward to spending some time with them.

Reflections on the past week: We have gotten a few things done for the baby over the past week. That gets me a little more excited about our new addition. It has been a bit of an emotional week because I guess I just worry every day that something might go wrong. Yes, I am a worrier, but it seems like the worrying grows by a million percent when I am pregnant. I've been really praying through this time and I know this child is my Heavenly Father's and He is just letting me "borrow" this baby for a little while, but I guess motherhood is just always going to be filled with worry sometimes.

Week 8

2011-08-15T09:40:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday started Week 8 for Baby U. So, I'm a little late in posting, but honestly, not a lot has changed this week.

Baby is the size of: a kidney bean
Symptoms: No change here. Nausea, vomiting, frequent bathroom visits, you name it, I have it. The doc put me on Zofran which I take every 8 hours. It seems to be helping some, but some days are still very rough.

Maternity clothes: My regular clothes still fit, but my small maternity clothes do to.
Sleep: Yes

Fun moment(s) this past week: I've been sort of pitiful this week and haven't done a lot of fun things outside of hanging out with our family (which is fun too!)
Movement: I don't know that you can feel movement this early, but there have been a couple of times this week where I think I might have felt little flutters.
Food cravings/aversions: Lots and lots of aversions (sweets, soda, meat besides chicken), still no big cravings yet, but am really enjoying tea.

Gender & Name: Don't know yet. Have names pick out, but not telling yet

Weight gained: None yet
Belly Button in or out: In

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to my next appointment (Aug. 22) to hear the heartbeat and getting over this sickness stuff. It's awful!

Reflections on the past week: I feel like I've just sort of floated through this last week. It has honestly been rough.

This Weekend

2011-08-08T10:09:00.000-05:00

So, I have to say that I feel like the worst mother and wife. I was definitely not good at either of those jobs this weekend (or really for the past few weeks for that matter).

Friday, I started feeling very crampy and having some pain in my lower left side. I really thought if I just took it easy, the pain would go away, but by late Friday night, I was in a lot of pain and having more spotting than I had before, so I called the on-call OB. He gave me a few scenarios, none of which sounded good to me, so I decided the ER would have to be my next stop.

This was at 10:30 pm Friday night. My parents were out of town and our friends that EC knows and loves dearly were as well, so I didn't know who to call. I am a little picky about who I would leave EC with because I don't want to scare her (more than she already was). So, I left John and EC (he was not so happy about it) at home and headed off.

I waited in the only chair left for 3 hours in the waiting room before they called me back. The nurse blew two veins in my right arm before calling in another nurse to finally get the IV in my left arm.

Yuck! So, they took a lot of bloodwork, got me re-hydrated and did an ultrasound. The night was not fun, but I did enjoy seeing the little jumping bean on the sonagram. It's heartbeat was 145, the same as EC's when we first heard her heartbeat. They didn't let me see it long, but at least I got a glimpse. I got home around 6:30 am. What a long night! By the time I got a shower and got ready for bed, EC and John were awake and waiting for me in our bed. So, I at least got some cuddle time in before spending most of the rest of the day in bed.

My parents got back Saturday and took us in Saturday night. I love to spend the night with my mom when I don't feel good. I don't think it matters how old I am, laying on the couch with my mom (and my EC) will always make me feel better!

This baby is already turning out to be quite dramatic...just like *her* sister!

Week 6

2011-08-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

Today starts Week 7 for Baby U! Week 6 was a bear for Mom, but I guess that's means I'm really pregnant! Honestly, I've had a really hard time believing it. I'm not sure why - maybe it was because it was so unexpected or maybe it was because until this week I had no symptoms, but boy did they kick in this week!

Baby is the size of: a blueberry

Symptoms: Ugg...nausea, vomiting, frequent bathroom visits, you name it, I have it. The doc put me on Zofran which I take every 8 hours. It seems to be helping some, but some days are still very rough.

Maternity clothes: My regular clothes still fit, but my small maternity clothes do to. I've only worn them once this week though.

Sleep: Yes

Fun moment(s) this past week: EC slept in her real big girl bed and did great! She loves it! It's a full size mattress and she looks tiny in it, but she is really enjoying it. We moved the baby furniture to the baby's room and EC is so excited about that too.

Movement: I don't know that you can feel movement this early, but there have been a couple of times this week where I think I might have felt little flutters. Mainly at night when I'm winding down.

Food cravings/aversions: Lots and lots of aversions (sweets, soda, meat besides chicken), still no big cravings yet, but am really enjoying tea.

Gender & Name: Thinking it's a boy, but really would like a girl. Have names pick out, but not telling yet

Weight gained: I haven't weighed myself this week. Think I'm avoiding it.

Belly Button in or out: In

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to my next appointment (Aug. 22) to hear the heartbeat and getting over this sickness stuff. It's awful!

Reflections on the past week: I don't know that I have many reflections from the past week. I pretty much feel like I've been in bed or on the couch (or over the toilet) for most of it. I will say that I see God's hand taking care of us, just as He always has, but I am seeing it more right now than ever. Ella Clare keeps telling me she is going to tickle the baby *girl's* toes when she gets here! I love it!

Week 5

2011-07-28T08:54:00.001-05:00

A friend from Atlanta, Katie, does this for her pregnancy and I thought it was such a cute way to keep up with her pregnancy, so I stole her idea! :-) Today is the start of my 6th week, so this is for the past week.

Baby is the size of: an apple seed

Symptoms: Nothing really. A little tired and maybe a little cranky (ask John!)

Maternity clothes: Cathy brought me a box of my old maternity clothes from her house. I washed them to get them ready, but my regular clothes fit for now.

Sleep: Yes

Fun moment(s) this past week: I had my first doctor appointment this week! They just took blood and gave me my due date (which I already knew), but it was nice for it to be confirmed. Which means we can now tell everyone!

Movement: None

Food cravings/aversions: No cravings yet. I am really not doing well with sweets. I think that's a good thing - I could definitely do without a few of those!

Gender & Name: Thinking it's a boy, but really would like a girl. Have names pick out, but not telling yet

Weight gained: I am going to start my "preggo weight" today since I had my doctor's appointment and they will start it as of today

Belly Button in or out? In

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to my next appointment (Aug. 22) to hear the heartbeat and I am looking for EC a new "big girl" bed so that we can redo her room, so I'm looking forward to working on that.

Reflections on the past week: Monday was our annual golf tournament. My boss was in the hospital, so he wasn't there to oversee everything. It was a great day though! It wasn't terribly hot and it didn't rain even though there was an 80% chance. I learned 2 things about that day: 1 - God is so in control and I'm not sure why I ever doubt that, and 2 - I really am able to do a lot more things than I thought I could - it was a really long day and I wasn't sure I could make it, but it wasn't too bad!

Ella Clare's Announcement!

2011-07-27T17:24:00.000-05:00

Ella Clare has a big announcement to make!

We are excited (and a little surprised!) that our 2nd bundle of joy will arrive around March 22, 2012! If the second little one is as great as the first, we will be just fine!

Is it really Christmas week already?

2010-12-20T13:38:00.003-06:00

I can not believe it is the week before Christmas and I have yet to send out Christmas cards. Please forgive me when you receive your Christmas card in the mail the day after New Year's. I'm trying...really....I just can't seem to get everything together. So, I thought I'd just show them to you now, you'll get one eventually! :-) Merry Christmas Week everybody!

Just a few of my favorites

2010-12-14T13:46:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-11T19:50:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas all my long-lost friends! Life is busy, as usual. EC is thriving in her new daycare and we absolutely LOVE her teachers - they are now like family. My job is going and John is still enjoying his job at Auburn.

EC has been potty trained since July - AMAZING! She is a true "big-girl" now and can have a conversation with you like an adult can. She loves to read, the color pink and everything Princess. Her best friends are Mackenzie and Maddie. She is afraid of anyone in costume - including Santa and Aubie. She talks ALL DAY LONG. :-) She is my absolute love and I love every minute with her.

We just had family pictures done and I will share them soon. If you need an amazing photographer, Ked Drake is your guy. He rocks!

We're having the Cantrell family Christmas at my house this Saturday. It will be my first time doing Christmas for my mom's side of the family at my house. I'm pretty excited about it! If I just had a maid....and a cook.....

I know there's a lot more to catch you up on, but they are about to announce the winner of the Heisman Award (umm...Cam...) so I'll have to catch you up later.

Lots of Love!

Well Hello There!

2010-05-19T08:21:00.004-05:00

Wow, have I been a slacker lately or what? OK, don't answer that. I will say things have been crazy around the Updegraff household lately. We're building a house in the Preserve (in Auburn), which I will post pictures of soon, EC turned two a month ago, she is having tubes put in her ears tomorrow and I got a new job!

Instead of posting all of EC's fabulous pictures here, go take a look at the photos on Julie Cottrell's site here http://juliecphotography.smugmug.com/photos/847619694_GC9YH-S.jpg

Julie never fails to be completely amazing!

My new job is with Earth Fare. It's an organic market coming to Auburn June 23. I can not wait!! We've been to the one in Asheville and the one in Huntsville and they are both awesome. I know Auburn's will be too! I'll be the Community Relations Coordinator for the store and I'll let you know what all that entails when I get back from training in Chattanooga next week. Come by and visit me when the store opens. It's just beside Panera Bread, across the street from the mall in Auburn. Trust me, you'll love it!

Fashionista

2010-04-27T09:36:00.002-05:00

EC decided Sunday, as we were getting ready for church, that she needed to wear her new rainboots with her dress. Perfectly her!

Sweet Summer Smiles

2010-04-20T10:03:00.002-05:00

We decided to get out and enjoy the beautiful weekend last weekend. EC has become very attached to her purse, baby, sunglasses and "sloller," as she calls it. Here's how she appeared when I told her to get ready to go outside.

2 Years Old

2010-04-12T08:01:00.003-05:00

My little bug turns two today! Every time I say that, I'm on the verge of tears. It's a weird thing...I want her to grow and thrive, but I don't want her to grow too fast...and she is! It seems like yesterday, John and I walked through the doors of our house, shaking and terrified of what we'd gotten ourselves into, sleep deprived and starved, with a tiny little bundle making it all worth it.

We had a great party Saturday that I'll share pictures of soon.

I love you, my sweet angel! Happy 2nd birthday!

My sweet girl - 5 days before turning 2

2010-04-07T10:27:00.002-05:00

Easter 2010

2010-04-07T09:35:00.011-05:00

Friday, I went to EC's Easter party at school. She enjoyed lots of goodies, but really she just enjoyed licking the icing off of the cupcakes.

Saturday, we enjoyed a day with my Dad's family in Childersburg. EC got to spend some quality time with her "Bop Bop" and enjoyed finding eggs and getting really dirty.

Enjoying time on the swing.

Haggin really just wanted her chicken, so he thought holding hands might get him what he wanted!

Hunting eggs

And more hunting

And even more hunting. Actually, I think she's telling some "no". Can you see her pointer finger in the air. Oh yeah, big surprise folks...my girl is bossy!

Sunday, we woke up to see what the Easter bunny brought EC.

She really enjoyed the dress up clothes!

And the shoes!

We went to church and spend the rest of the day with Mom, Joey and Tucker, hunting eggs and eating lots of great food.

Hope your Easter was just as wonderful!

EC's Loot

2010-04-07T09:29:00.005-05:00

Here's the gift bag that EC won for the Punky Brewster beautiful baby contest:

Oh, and they sent her a book, but she made off with that as soon as I opened it. Thanks to all of you who voted for her!

Be prepared...lots of updates coming!

2010-04-07T09:19:00.007-05:00

So, I have a little to update you on - Easter, house building, birthdays, etc.

Oh, by the way, we are building a house! We have been in a rental house since August and should be closing on our house the last week in June, if everything goes well. It's in the Preserve community in Auburn. The builder is now getting the homes green and energy star certified, which John and I are excited about, and there are fishing ponds and walking trails all through the community which we are really, really excited about!

Here's the lot as of Saturday, April 3.

Here's a picture of all of the things we picked out for the interior a few weeks ago.

The small black square is the color of the cabinets. Obviously, the carpet square is our carpet upstairs. The wood is our wood floors downstairs. The tile that everything is laying on is the color of our tile for the shower and bath surround in the master bath, and the floor for the 2 1/2 bathrooms and laundry room. And the swatches are our paint colors. The colors didn't turn out well in the picture, so I'll have to show you those as things get painted.

Here's the picture of the cabinet knobs/drawer pulls.

We are so excited to be building a house that we plan on staying in! I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Good Friday to you

2010-04-02T12:11:00.003-05:00

http://vimeo.com/4122848 (This is a clip from Buckhead Church, please visit. It will tell you what today is about)

Please remember what this weekend is all about. Eggs, bunnies and chocolate are great, but on this day over 2000 years ago, God gave the greatest sacrifice. Jesus suffered for me...He suffered for you too.

EC at 23 Months

2010-03-14T19:30:00.002-05:00

So EC's turned 23 months old on March 12...where has the time gone? Well, I thought I'd introduce you to 23 months with some videos. Please excuse my singing in the background, but she was a little too excited about seeing herself on camera to sing full-voice.

Oh and by the way, she won 3rd prize in Punky Brewster's contest! Yay! I'll let you know what she wins when it gets here!

Ella Clare's a Finalist!

2010-03-02T09:09:00.005-06:00

So I entered Ella Clare into a "cutest baby contest" on Punky Brewster's blog. OK, so she's not Punky anymore, she's Moonfrye, but I digress....and she's a finalist! Please go here

http://www.moonfrye.com/profiles/blogs/you-be-the-judge

and leave a comment that says, "I vote for Lacey Updegraff". Please do it ASAP!! We want to win and get free stuff from Punky...I mean Moonfrye...I mean...you know who I'm talking about!

Snow Day!

2010-02-12T18:03:00.003-06:00

Pictures

2010-01-24T18:22:00.003-06:00

Catching Up

2010-01-13T08:05:00.003-06:00

So, let's see if I can catch you up on the last few months quickly.

November we had Thanksgiving and traveled A LOT! It was great, even though EC was a little under the weather with a stomach bug (FYI...always keep a towel in the car on long car rides, just in case!).

December was a short working month as John, EC and I had almost 2 weeks off together over the holidays. We didn't travel much and mostly hung out at home and with family. It was amazing and something I could definitely get used to! EC loved Christmas and getting "pwesents" from HoHo as she calls him. She hated the site of Santa Claus and still tears up when she sees any man with a beard. So, no Santa pictures this year.

EC got a kitchen set for Christmas. My grandfather made it for me when I was a little girl and John's dad refinished it. It is beautiful and she "cooks" in it constantly! I'm not sure exactly what she's cooking, but everyone has to try it and it is always "hot - bwow it" (the bite is hot, blow on it...guess she hears that a lot).

I have lots of pictures on my camera to update you with, but it's at home, so I'll do a pictures only post later.

Overall, 2009 was a great year! I look forward to all of the great things God has planned for us this year!

Milestone!!

2009-12-28T22:03:00.002-06:00

Sorry for those of you that are squeamish about this type thing, but Ella Clare tee-teed in the potty tonight! At 20 1/2 months, she has finally used the potty. It took some intervention (and I won't go into it on here), but she did it...and she is SO proud of herself! I'm pretty proud of her too!

Just to let you know I'm still here

2009-12-16T14:41:00.001-06:00

Little bird

2009-10-29T21:00:00.002-05:00

So, I'm too tired to even write right now, so I'll just show you my little bird...

Piggy-Tails!

2009-10-21T19:27:00.003-05:00

I finally got EC's hair to stay in pigtails. Sorry for the terrible pictures, but she wasn't in a picture-taking mood!

Sylvia's Spaces

2009-10-21T13:52:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to tell all of you that my mom has started a new business! Sylvia's Spaces is a interior design and staging company that can help you with all of your home interior needs - from organizing your pantry, to wrapping your Christmas gifts, to decorating your entire home. She will try to use what you have to keep costs down and so that even people on a budget can afford it! Try her, I promise, she's amazing!!

Fun with Family and Time at Burt's Pumpkin Farm

2009-10-13T21:54:00.002-05:00

Happy 18-Months My Love

2009-10-12T15:33:00.004-05:00

Happy 18-month birthday my sweet angel. You are growing up right before my eyes! You weigh about 26.5 pounds and you are the tallest girl in your class.

You were supposed to officially start your "toddler" class today, but you had a cold, so you stayed at home with Glama.

You can say pretty much anything you want to, including Popa, Lala, Momma, Mommy (when you really want to get my attention), Dada, BopBop, Tucker, Pappy, outside, Tubbs, Josh, bye-bye, hey, "ABC's", please, thank you, juice, book, oh no (the newest word), Max...like I said, pretty much anything. You can point out most of your colors when asked.

You have your moments, little Ms. Independent, but sometimes you still want to cuddle up to Mommy, or just sit in my lap - I cherish those moments.

You'll try anything, but your favorite foods are pasta and pancakes.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is still your favorite TV show.

I love you more than you could ever know, my sweet girl. The past 18-months have flown by, but it feels like you've always been here. I can't wait to see who you will become, but for now, I am enjoying my time with my "baby".

Love,
Momma

Too Cute Tuesday

2009-10-06T07:16:00.002-05:00

Toomers Corner

2009-09-27T20:28:00.002-05:00

17 Months and Some Fun

2009-09-19T20:06:00.004-05:00

Yeah, it's not always all smiles around here!

First time playing in the rain...she LOVED it!

Ready for church.

Look at those sweet chunky legs...don't you just want to pinch her?!

Mom in the Pink

2009-09-18T09:23:00.002-05:00

After much deliberation, I've decided to start my own mommy craft blog. My friend, Amy, has inspired me over the years by making all of her own Christmas gifts. I'm not going to make all of mine just yet, but I'm going to try to make *most* of them. Also, it is really hard to find un-biased toddler help for people on a tight budget, so I hope to discuss some of that too.

This blog will still be here for updates on EC and our family. Mom in the Pink will just be for my craft, gift making and toddler reviews. Please become a follower and let me know what you think. Thanks!!

The Proof

2009-09-11T19:54:00.002-05:00

"Momma"

2009-09-11T11:46:00.002-05:00

At 1 year, 4 months, 4 weeks and 2 days old, EC has finally started calling me "Momma"! I am so in trouble - it completely melts me! Video to come soon! Happy Friday!

A Video For Now

2009-09-09T19:02:00.002-05:00

Since I haven't had time to download pictures, here's a little video of our EC. Enjoy!

Change the World?

2009-08-27T08:19:00.002-05:00

OK, so this past month has been sort of crazy. I promise I will get up house pictures in the next post, and some pictures of EC, and some pictures of my new hobby - hairbows! But, I want to tell you about something that is very important to me here.

A friend of mine from Buckhead has started a FB fundraiser - raising $5000 by Thanksgiving to give a well for clean water to a town in Africa. I think that is so awesome! He has 1100 friends on FB, so even if they just all gave $5, he could do it, but so far, they are all giving a lot more than that.

I love social media. I'm a nerd and do a lot of research on it, but I really think that this is where the world is headed. We are making the world smaller one day at a time by communicating in ways we never could before. This could be a bad thing - news gets out faster, stories get twisted more, lies are told. OR, this could be a great thing - messages of people doing good gets out there faster and people find ways to help.

That's where I'm headed. I've decided that every 3 months, I am going to find a cause that is near to my heart and promote it on my blog, FB, Twitter, etc. and raise money for it. Now, one way or another, the cause will get paid for, whether I get any help or not, but I think all of my friends out there are very generous and most people just don't have time to do the reasearch on great organizations to give to. So, I'll do all the work - if you will just give where your heart leads. Even if it's just $1, it will go straight to the cause for that quarter.

This quarter, since we are still in a "back-to-school" mode, I have decided that I am going to give to World Vision. $32 will give 1 child in Rwanda an education. We take going back to school for granted here in the US. It's all about the clothes and books and backpacks - in Rwanda, kids don't just get to go to school. If there family can't afford for them to go, or can't afford for them to be away from the housework all day, then they don't go. John and I are very big supporters of education (obviously), so this will be my first go at this. It's $32 people, in 3 months...we can do this!

Thanks in advance for your heart on these things. We can make a difference in this world. It's easier now than ever!

"My children used to be chased away from school because they didn’t have school fees or uniforms," says Virginie of Rwanda. Your gift can help pay school fees or provide essentials like uniforms, textbooks, backpacks, and school supplies such as notepaper, scissors, pens and pencils, and crayons — helping ensure that one child has what he or she needs to come and learn."

What to do, what to do?

2009-08-04T14:40:00.002-05:00

Well, we did get a contract on our house 8 days ago! The appraiser came out last week and the inspector came out today. We only have to fix 2 small things, yay! The buyers loan is in underwriting, so we should know in a week or so if and when we are going to close! YAY!!

We found a little house to rent. John and I are very excited about it. It is so cute and the owners seem really great. I'll post pictures soon.

In the meantime, you know how God sometimes puts things all around you to tell you something? It may just be my imagination, but it seems like when God is trying to tell me something, he surrounds me with it, so I don't forget...or maybe it's so I can't run away. In any case, He's doing that to me right now.

See, I DESPERATELY want to be a WAHM. We can't afford for me to be a SAHM right now, so I'd have to be a work-at-home-mom, which is fine with me. My friend, Clarissa, and I have talked about it. There has got to be something that people need out there that pertains to WAHM and SAHM, or just people who want to focus on their kids right now. That's the stage of life I am in, so that's the stage of life I understand right now. I am an avid fan of HARO, which is another post all in itself, but the guy who writes HARO, Peter Shankman, is a great entrepreanur. In fact, that's how he makes his money. He wrote this post and just happen to say something about it in this afternoon's HARO - http://shankman.com/why-dont-you-do-some-work/ - I suggest you read it. **BEWARE**if language offends you, there is just a little of that in there.

So, I decided to go ahead and just put this out there. I know a lot of you feel the same way, but think there's nothing you can do about it, which is what I've thought for a long time. And, maybe you're right, but what if you're wrong? So, let's discuss, shall we? Just throw out some ideas, no one will think your stupid, we just need to get this conversation moving because I've had it with more than one of you in the past couple of weeks. What do you think?

15-Month Check-up

2009-07-14T07:16:00.002-05:00

My EC is 15 months! Where has the time gone? We had her well-baby visit yesterday and here are a few of her stats:

Weight: 25 lbs 6 ounces (50th percentile)
Height: 31.25 inches (between 50th and 75th percentile)
Head circumference: 19 inches

She (and by that, I mean I) had a hard time with this appointment. I had to hold her down just for the doctor to take a look at her and she screamed the entire time. I thought we were going to have to strap her down when it came time to give her the 2 shots. She was NOT happy.

She's better now though. She has her 14th tooth coming in. She is such a happy baby and such a joy to be around! She is always smiling!

She is talking more now. She babbles all the time, but a few of her words that we can understand:
Daddy
Duck
Please (a new one as of yesterday)
Tucker (still her favorite)
Dog
Momma
Bye
Hi
Dis (that means she wants something)
Bopbop (My Dad's name)
Popa (John's Dad's name)

I will post some new pictures soon.

On the house front, we have someone really interested in our house, so please pray that everything goes through smoothly. I'll keep you updated!

Beach Trip 2009

2009-06-26T13:35:00.002-05:00

OK, so I'm being lazy and don't want to repost all of our beach trip pictures here, but you can go to
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2348954&id=7023902&l=5b686fe5d3
and see them. It's a public link, so anyone should be able to use it and view the pictures.

We had a GREAT time at the beach and so did not want to come home. EC loved the beach, ate 2 handfuls of sand, didn't so much like the ocean, and thought the pool was lots of fun. She cried when we had to take her to school Thursday and I can't say I blame her.

She loved making her "Cotton" at Build-a-Bear workshop at The Wharf with Pappy. She never puts that thing down! I'll get some pictures to prove it.

My dad is coming down tonight to go out to dinner with us, but for the most part, we are going to get some things done around the house and relax this weekend.

Happy Friday everybody!

I Go Out Walking...on the BEACH!

2009-06-19T12:19:00.002-05:00

So, our little EC started officially walking on Thursday, June 11, 2009. And now I feel like the worst mommy in the world for not blogging that sooner. I promise I will get a video of it when she does it long enough for me to take a video. Apparently she walks all over at school, but when I am around, her legs just don't work the same :-). Usually, all I get is a couple of steps.

In other news, we leave for the beach tomorrow! This is our first family vacation in almost 5 years...5 years people! How insane is that!? I've decided we will never go this long again. My parents rented a condo at Orange Beach, AL. We will stay there until Wednesday. Yay! I could not be more excited about seeing my little one play on the beach; I just hope she likes it! I also hope that she sleeps because she's not a very good sleeper away from home.

On a personal note...I have decided that I don't try enough new things. Honestly, change scares me and trying new things falls into that category. I really need to get out of this funk, I mean, I don't even buy a new kind of peanut butter because that's just too much for me! I have decided to get a group of ladies together and train to run a 5K. We will be participating in the ING Georgia Marathon in Atlanta in March 2010. To be honest, I HATE to run. But, I really want to understand why so many people love it; and even more honestly, I NEED to loose this baby weight. I'm starting to judge myself for it. I mean, she is 14 months old folks, it's not like I can say, "Well, it took me 9 months to gain it, so it will take me at least 24 to get it off"??? I'm no mathematician, but even I know that those numbers just don't work out. And, I need to get out of our little safe friend bubble and hang out with ladies that I know I will love (and already do) and spend more time with them doing constructive things instead of just seeing them at church on Sunday. OK, that's my rant about that. Cheer us on! We need to come up with a name or something! More about that later.

Tonight, we are going to the downtown art walk in Auburn. We went last year and it was so fun. I know EC will love it because there will be "big" kids everywhere. Then, off to the beach. Lots of pictures to follow, I'm sure!

Random Pictures and EC's First Trip to the Zoo

2009-06-02T14:56:00.004-05:00

The Weekend and Standing Alone

2009-05-28T14:08:00.002-05:00

Before I get into our weekend, I have to tell you that EC stood all by herself last night! Yay! She was so proud of herself too; when she'd get balanced, she'd start clapping and then fall over, it was so cute! My baby is getting big way too fast!

Our weekend was quite the rush. Friday, we left for Georgia, we stayed there until Sunday and went to Buckhead Church (which was AWESOME by the way!). Right after church, my dad called me to tell me that my uncle passed away, so we packed up and came back to Auburn. Here, we unpacked and repacked, spent Sunday night (since EC didn't sleep much at all in GA, we decided to get one night of sleep), had lunch with our friends, the Parrishs, (thanks Jim, Deena and Blakley for having us, we had a great time!), then we left for Childersburg. We went to the viewing Monday night and the funeral Tuesday morning, then spent a little time with my dad's family, then came back home. We are all exhausted! EC and I took a nap yesterday afternoon, which helped a little, but we are all still tired.

In other news, anyone up for a girls day/night? I am in desperate need! I think me, EC and mom will have one this weekend while Joey and Tucker are in Canada, but I'd love to have a movie/dinner night in the near future if anyone is up for it.

Off to do a little more work before the day is over, then to pick up my sweet-pea girl!

BUY MY HOUSE!

2009-05-22T09:46:00.002-05:00

OK folks, it's been almost a year now that our house has been on the market. We went FSBO for the first 6 months, for the past 3 months, we used a realtor and Wednesday, we ended our contract with the realtor and are now FSBO again. We have lowered the price quite a few times and added a bonus room. We NEED to sell this house soon, so please pass this to everyone you know. Here's the link:

http://www.owners.com/JPD4728

Totally ignore the map, it's completely wrong, but I'm working with them to fix it. Come on...you know you want it!! :-)

In other news...EC has 12 teeth and one more coming in! This child can eat steak! (well, almost) She is standing up on everything and has even ventured into moving from the coffee table to the couch while holding on, but she does not seem too interested in taking any steps on her own right now.

We are headed to Atlanta for the long weekend. We haven't seen the Updegraff's in a while and are excited to spend some time with them. We'll go to Buckhead for the 9 am service on Sunday and I can't wait!

That's all for now. Have a great Memorial Day!

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-05-15T20:09:00.004-05:00

Sweet Beth gave me a Kreativ Blogger Award! I am so sorry it has taken me so long to do this!

So here are the rules:

1. When given the award you write about the seven things that you love

2. Pass the award to 7 bloggers that you love, and be sure to tag them and let them know they've won. (You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sideboard.)

Seven things that I love:

1. My family - John, EC, Mom, Joe, Tucker, Dad....the list goes on, but my family is sooo important, they keep me going!

2. Auburn!!! War Eagle!

3. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels from Brick Oven (thank you Carrie Friday for that obsession!)

4. The Lord - don't judge me because I didn't put Him first - these are in no particular order! :-) I am learning more and more about Him every day and it amazes me how much He does to take care of me

5. Being a mom - I really do think it is what I was MEANT to do. EC brings me more joy than she could ever know.

6. The little notes John leaves me in my lunch box sometimes. I know he thinks that I think it is corny, but they really do make me smile.

7. Our new Sunday School class at First Baptist Opelika - we haven't gotten to know everyone there as much as we should yet, but we are meeting so many new life-long friends.

Now I give this award to seven friends and bloggers.(this means you get to put this cute little award on your blog so don't let me down by not participating and passing it along.)

I give the award to:

1. Carrie Friday's Mommy's Heart - you crack me up!

2. Jim and Deena Parrish - because we love that we have you guys as friends

3. The Carrettos - because I can't believe you are about to have another little one!

4. The Little Green Family - you have the SWEETEST family I have ever seen

5. Galon and Maggie's Blog - we miss you!

6. The Mantooth Family - because EC and Jack will be bf/gf one day! :-)

7. The Parkmans - because I'm glad to have another "mommy" at work

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T18:03:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my blogging moms out there! I am so blessed to have the greatest Mom in the world and I get to be the Mom to the greatest daughter in the world! Hope it was a great day for all of you!

1 year pictures

2009-05-03T17:42:00.004-05:00

Julie Cottrell did EC's 1-year-old pictures for us. She did a great job and we had such a blast! Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Birthday and Easter Pics

2009-04-21T18:42:00.005-05:00

I know these are late, but with the new job and new schedule, I'm doing the best I can! EC had a really rough week last week with the new daycare, but this week seems to be a little better - thank goodness! The new job is going well, just really busy and I am soaking up all the EC I can when I get home!

Happy First Birthday!

2009-04-12T19:38:00.002-05:00

Today is my sweet EC's first birthday! I can not believe it has been 1 year since she entered this world. It seems like just yesterday, but it also seems like she's always been here. I have pictures to post of today, and I'll post those soon, but for now, some words just for my little angel.

You are my best buddy and side kick; my sweet girl; my little monkey; my sweet pea. You have the best smile ever and it melts my heart when you say "uh oh". I can not imagine life without you. You have made your daddy and I happier than you could ever know. We are already so proud of you!

I always struggle with the decisions I make wondering how they will effect you - will you love me less? But, I know that our mommy & daughter bond is too strong for any little thing to break that. I love you so much and always will. Happy, happy 1st birthday sweet girl, and many, many more.

Love,
Mommy

First Birthday Party

2009-04-05T20:30:00.003-05:00

Well, as usual for us, EC got pink eye and an ear infection on Friday before her birthday party, but we didn't let it stop us! We had a great time with friends and family at EC's first birthday party on Saturday! It was beautiful outside! Here are some great shots.

Happy Birthday EC!

2009-04-04T07:57:00.004-05:00

This has been the quickest and best year of our lives, all because of you EC! Here is just a glimpse of the past year. She officially turns 1 year old next weekend, but we celebrate it today. She has grown up so quick and is getting more beautiful everyday!

John & Lacey

New Job

2009-04-02T10:03:00.002-05:00

I got a new job! The post a few weeks ago about lots of decisions included this one. I decided that it was time for me to move on from YFC. I will now be the PR/Fundraising Assistant for Chattahoochee Valley Community College. I am so excited about this new opportunity! They are in the process of changing their image and I will be helping them with this and helping to give them a presence online. My start date is April 15.

EC will start her full-time daycare on the 13th. I'm really nervous about that. I know she will be fine and I've heard nothing but good things about the Growing Room, but these are new teachers that I don't know and I absolutely LOVE her teachers that she has right now. It will be a tough transition for me, she'll be fine! :-)

EC's 1st birthday party is this weekend at Hickory Dickory Park. I am so excited about it, but so sad too. How can she be 1 already?

You Are All Invited...

2009-03-28T12:21:00.002-05:00

To EC's 1st Birthday Party! I wish all of our friends who live far away could be here, but I know it's a little far to come for a party, but I want to let you know you are all invited and included. Here's the invitation!

Georgia Birthday Party

2009-03-21T21:58:00.003-05:00

Our GA weekend

2009-03-21T17:52:00.002-05:00

We left for Georgia on Wednesday night to have a long weekend with John's family and to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. We were supposed to go see/meet Kate Gosselin (from Jon and Kate plus 8 - my favorite show!) on Friday night and go out to dinner. Well, our plans drastically changed when I started running a fever and vomiting my lungs out on Thursday night. That's right folks, I have strep throat....boo. I kind of ruined our romantic anniversary plans. We didn't get to go see Kate...boo again!...but we did spend the night at the Hyatt in Alpharetta. It was really great since I couldn't be around EC for 24 hours. John gave me a beautiful white sapphire ring from James Avery and I went to bed at 7:30.

By the way, I highly recommend the Hyatt - very cool rooms and even cooler service.

Well, we are back at John's parents house now and we are about to celebrate EC's first birthday with his family. I'll post pictures soon.

Oh yeah - please pray for us if you think about it. Someone showed our house today at 2:30. I'm praying hard that we receive an offer soon!

No Internet

2009-03-15T19:09:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody. Just a quick update. It will be longer when I have some time. Please pray for our family. We have a lot of tough decisions to make right now. We've gotten rid of the phone and internet (we got rid of television in November). I feel a little removed from the world right now, but it's what we had to do. I'll update everything soon.

In the meantime, we are getting ready for EC's 1st Birthday!!

For the Fridays

2009-03-06T16:07:00.001-06:00

Look how cute I am! Thank you Carrie and Ansleigh!

Fun in the snow...and at the park?

2009-03-06T15:54:00.006-06:00

That's right! It snowed and it was 78 degrees all in one week here on the plains! Sunday it snowed about 5 inches. EC hated it! She doesn't enjoy being cold and just looked at me like "Why am I sitting in all this cold stuff and why are you letting that awful wind blow on me?".

Today (Friday), it was 78 degrees, so we decided to make our first trip to the park. Glama went with us and we had a blast! EC loved the swing, the slide and watching the other kids play. Here are just a few snapshots of this crazy weather week!

9 Month Checkup (at 10 1/2 months)

2009-02-26T12:05:00.002-06:00

So we got a little off on EC's checkup schedule and ended up having her 9 month check up at almost 10 1/2 months. Oh well...she weighs 22.4 pounds and is 28 inches long! She is a healthy little girl and we go back for her 1 year checkup in 6 weeks - which brings a little tear to my eye. How can we be there already?

She can say pretty much anything she wants, but she only talks when she wants to. She crawls like crazy and can pull up to her knees. She eats everything in sight except when I try to feed her - she only wants to feed herself. She still loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. My mom bought her a little stuffed ducky this weekend and she is completely attached to it. She can wave bye-bye, give a high-5 and blow kisses, but again, only does it when she wants to, not when prompted. She is now eating 3 "food" meals a day and quickly backing off of how many bottles she has, but she still has one when she wakes up and when she goes to sleep. She takes a 3 hour nap in the afternoon and goes to bed by 9 and wakes up around 7. She has 8 teeth. She has the best smile ever!

My little EC is the best thing ever! Happy 10 1/2 months baby girl!

Economy woes

2009-02-23T16:30:00.002-06:00

Last week started off with the news that John's dad lost his job. He was a construction lender in the Atlanta area. I hope and pray that this will be the best thing that ever happens to him. I pray that he finds exactly what makes him happy and does it.

Friday, I went to the doctor to find out that I am suffering from postpartum depression. I never thought I would have trouble with this. I LOVE my little girl and I ADORE spending time with her, so I never saw this coming. When you hear about PPD, you only hear about the symptoms of not wanting to be around your child and things like that, but that never happened to me. I was anxious all the time, about everything. I would get angry at the drop of a hat. The littlest things bothered me greatly. My sweet mom and husband came to me and said that I had not been myself. I felt crazy going into the doctor's office, but he quickly confirmed my suspicions. I have started Pristiq. So far, it seems to be helping. I just want all of my friends out there who don't feel like themselves and aren't enjoying life the way they should be, to get help. Life is getting better day by day!

MIA

2009-02-16T21:31:00.002-06:00

I know I've been MIA, not sure what's wrong with me. We've just been busy I guess. Anyway, we had an uneventful Valentine's Day. John's parents were here and working on the bonus room in our house. My cousin Brad appraised our house and said we would have to finish it before selling the house to get any money in return. So, it's off the market until the room gets finished. Our goal is March 1. We've decided to list it with Debra Barlow at Prestige Properties. I'll let you know how it goes.

Just for those who come here for EC only - one of my favorites from V-Day:

Poor Baby Girl

2009-02-03T13:46:00.001-06:00

Poor EC has a double ear infection and pink eye. :-( This week is going to be a rough one.

EC's New Groove

2009-01-28T05:28:00.003-06:00

We have been working with EC lately to help her along in the crawling stage (still army crawling), so we put out a blanket on the floor a few nights ago. Lacey was in EC's room and EC was playing on the floor while I was watching a movie. Let's say EC took a slight detour in the baby mobility department and decided that dancing would be more fun tonight than crawling.

The movie theme song came on and from there we caught her groovin' on camera. She is so much fun.

-John

Honestly Scrap

2009-01-27T13:17:00.003-06:00

My friend Carrie, tagged me to honestly scrap. Here are the rules:

A. First list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!

B. Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

Here we go:

1. I have always (and still do) want to be a stay-at-home mom.

2. If I am never able to do that, or if I decided to work after all of the kids went to school, I want to be a PR and/or event planning professional.

3. I think I have a bit of depression because of my weight, our house not selling, having to take it off the market and some job frustrations.

4. I am going through Dave Ramsey's book on how to be debt free and plan on being that way soon.

5. I am OCD. It is getting worse every day, especially when it has to do with our house.

6. After nine months, I have finally put on a pair of pre-baby jeans and wore them out.

7. I would love to own a baby boutique.

8. I miss having good friends close by...like when we were in college, there were always friends to call, but since moving back here from GA, good friends are hard to find.

9. January always depresses me. I can't wait for Spring!

10. If I could change one thing about myself, I would have my teeth done. My mom got her front teeth veneered (sp?) last year and I would LOVE to have enough extra money to do that.

OK, there you go, interesting or not. You're it!

1. Karen

2. Amy

3. Malerie

4. Erin

5. Summer

6. Julie B.

7. Clarissa (since you never post anymore! :-)

9 Months - Just for Me

2009-01-21T15:10:00.003-06:00

This post is mainly just things that I want to remember...

At 9 Months old, EC:

- Can clap and does A LOT

- Calls me (mommy) "dada"

- Calls John "da"

- Loves to eat and will eat absolutely anything in site

- Tries to crawl but can only crawl backwards

- Rolls everywhere she wants to go

- LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

- Is Mommy's little sidekick (I have the indentions on my hip to prove it!)

- Thinks all dogs are the best things ever

- Loves to laugh

- Loves her Little Einstein jumper

- Smiles most while taking a bath

- Is "my favorite"!

After bath photo shoot

2009-01-21T13:46:00.007-06:00

There is nothing like a clean baby!

Every time she heard the flash come up, she would close her eyes!

Post - Christmas

2009-01-21T13:31:00.008-06:00

We had a great Christmas! It was so much fun with a little one! Anyway, here are some pictures of that...

Climbing on presents

Christmas Eve in our new PJs

Yeah, Santa went overboard

Present overload

Enjoying a cookie with Pappy

Welcome to 2009!

2009-01-06T21:52:00.005-06:00

Sorry it's been a while. I guess I got caught up in all 3 of us being at home together over the holidays and trying to spruce up the house a little bit so that we can try to GET THIS THING SOLD! I'm tired of having a house on the market and am so ready to find the place we are going to be settled. My friend Kellie G. says that the power of simply saying things is amazing though, so, the house is going to sell this week - there, I've said it! :-)

Christmas was great! It was a little overwhelming for EC though. After an hour of opening presents on Christmas morning, she just sat in the floor and cried until she fell asleep on me a few minutes later. New Year's was uneventful - just like we needed it to be this year. John and I went and saw Marley and Me. EC stayed with Mom and Joe and then we went to bed early and got a good night's sleep.

The year has started off slowly. There's not much going on at work. Mom and I have started doing a Bootcamp class every Monday and Thursday night for an hour. We've done it one time and my legs feel like they just might fall off. So what did I do to make them better? Worked out

on Tucker's Wii tonight...not so smart!

Mr. Jack's last cancer treatment is tomorrow. Woohoo!! We are so grateful that God has brought him through this so well! Tomorrow is also Mrs. Cathy's birthday! Happy Birthday Lala! We love you both!

Christmas Madness

2008-12-23T21:50:00.004-06:00

So, I meant to post this a few days ago, but you know how the holidays can get! This picture was taken Sunday night. Four days before Christmas and her room already looks like this! I never imagined one child could get this much stuff - and santa hasn't even come yet! She is a very blessed little girl.

Merry Christmas everybody!

For Clarissa

2008-12-14T11:11:00.005-06:00

These pictures are just for Clarissa! We love you and miss you guys!

On her way to see Santa!

Bathtime is her favorite time of the day!

Just Pictures

2008-12-09T20:55:00.003-06:00

Her earrings

All smiles!

My little reindeer

Uncle T is her favorite person

I Was Tagged!

2008-12-06T19:56:00.003-06:00

Beth tagged me and said to post the 4th picture of the 4th album on my computer. Well, it was our wedding album and this is of me and my girls. What a great day almost 5 years ago!

I tag you - Meredith, Amy J. (b/c you always have great pics!), Clarissa and Jessica!

Pierced Ears

2008-12-06T08:30:00.002-06:00

Ella Clare got her ears pierced yesterday at Libby Lu! She was such a trooper - she didn't even cry for the first one, but did cry for the second one. John had to hold her and I had to leave the store while it was being done - I'm such a wimp! John and I already knew before she was born that piercing her ears was something we wanted to do early. We decided that while we were traveling in Mexico (long story), but it's taken me this long to get up the courage to do it. She looks beautiful. I'll post pictures soon.

SAHMAnswers.com

2008-12-04T15:50:00.002-06:00

Hi ladies! I have a request for all of you...I have been contacted by SAHMAnswers.com to try to help up the commenting on their site. They want to get SAHMs talking. Even if you are not a stay-at-home mom, but have things to say about raising kiddos, will you please go to the site, register (it's free and you don't get a bunch of obnoxious emails), and start commenting on the main page and on the discussion forum. Please, please do this for me, then, let me know what kind of thoughts you have on it - what you want to be discussed, what you don't like, etc. Thank you so much!!

New Web Site

2008-11-30T19:10:00.003-06:00

I have started a new Web site only for posting information on free giveaways and deals that I've signed up for. Check it out if you want, but mostly it's just so I don't have to post them here. Check it out at http://www.savingmoneyforec.blogspot.com.

Diaper Question

2008-11-27T16:29:00.002-06:00

OK all of you "experienced" moms, I have a question. I am a little obsessive and have always purchased Pampers Swaddlers for EC because I like that they are white and don't have all kinds of colorful things on them that show through her clothes. Now that she has moved up into Cruisers (size 3), they are bright purple-ish, blue. I don't like it! I love Pampers, but are there any in this size that are white like the Swaddlers? Help! Thanks!

We have a sitter!

2008-11-24T16:24:00.004-06:00

EC is officially sitting up by herself! She has been trying for a while, but it's been wobbly at best, but today, I guess she just decided it was time. Here are a few pictures of her playing under the Christmas tree. She's not in a very picture taking mood right now, so there were few smiles, but she was having a good time trying to unwrap the presents.

Oh yeah, and if I don't get back before then, Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Peek-a-boo

2008-11-13T21:47:00.003-06:00

We've been trying to play Peek-a-boo with EC for a while, but she didn't find it very funny. Tonight, I think she got it!

Our Crazy Girl

2008-11-13T21:34:00.003-06:00

We had to share some recent vid clips of our girl EC during her funniest times lately. She has a new thing when she gets really mad and we have a hard time soothing her we just do some laundry. Sounds weird, but she loves to fall asleep in warm clothes fresh from the dryer. It is hilarious and her naps can last a while when she does it.

Kicking and Screaming

2008-11-10T21:15:00.002-06:00

So EC has started another "new thing". This one I don't love so much though. When she is really tired and upset about something (me wiping her nose, her not wanting to do something, etc), she kicks her feet, almost like throwing a tantrum and screams. She will be 7 months old in a few days, so is it too soon to start disciplining? The being upset part I can handle, it's the kicking thing I can't handle. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it just a phase? Should I start saying "no" now?

Cici's Pizza!

2008-11-10T09:16:00.004-06:00

Hey guys!

If you are in the Auburn/Opelika area, please come out tonight any time between 4 & 8 PM to Cici's Pizza on Opelika Road, buy dinner and put your receipt in the bucket located next to the register. 10% of all of the proceeds in the bucket will go straight to Youth for Christ! So, please come out and eat dinner with us tonight! Thanks!

Christmas!

2008-11-09T14:55:00.003-06:00

I love this time of year! My mom and I always go to all of the Christmas events that we can. This year, we went to the Christmas fairs in Montgomery, Columbus and Birmingham. It was so much fun! Ella Clare went to the ones in Montgomery and Columbus with us - she even got to meet Santa! Here are a few of the precious outfits I got her, because this year, instead of coming home with all kinds of Christmas presents, I came home with all kinds of goodies for her. Oh well...it was a blast!

A beautiful handmade pillowcase dress made out of antique linens.

Close-up of the dress

One of her Easter outfits

Her first birthday dress

One of her Christmas outfits

What a day...or few days

2008-11-07T18:50:00.002-06:00

So it all started yesterday when I picked up EC from school. I thought she was running a slight fever, but by the afternoon, she was HOT. So, I decided that as soon as John got home, we would take her to the Pediatric Clinic. I try not to run there every time something is wrong, but she's had an awful cough for a while and she threw up all over the car on Wednesday night. Anyway, we took her to the doctor and Dr. Jones said she has a terrible ear infection. The augmenten that we tried last week made her throw up, so he said we would try Omnicef. We gave her one dose last night after we finally got home around 8:30. She slept in our bed (a treat only when sick!) and she slept until 7:45 this morning. I fed her once she got up and walked in the living room to put her bottle in the sink when she threw up EVERYWHERE. I could tell she still had a fever, and I was trying to decide if I should go to work today or not. I went to change her diaper and it was filled with blood - BLOOD people! I completely flipped out! So I called my mom and she came rushing over and I called John and he rushed to meet us at the Pediatric Clinic...again. We saw Dr. Fuller this time and he knew what is was before he even saw it. He said it's not blood, it is a side-effect of the medication. He did a test just in case, but it was exactly as he said. There's nothing we can do about it, and it should stop when she stops taking the medicine in 9 days. She has slept most of the day today as I've worked from home. She still has a fever of about 101 which means she'll be sleeping in our bed again tonight. Poor girl...what a day!

history is made

2008-11-04T22:04:00.002-06:00

10:01 pm - holding my sleeping baby - history is made - obama is named president.

I know, I know

2008-11-02T07:52:00.004-06:00

Carrie, this one is for you. I know, I know, I'm a horrible friend, we haven't talked in forever! I miss you though!

Six random things about me:

1. As you can probably tell, I'm completely in love with my little girl. Everything I buy and do is for her. You do not know how much your mother loves you until you are one!

2. My favorite number is 5. Our 5th year of marriage is right around the corner and I know it will be the best one yet!

3. My very favorite TV show is Jon and Kate Plus 8. I know, I'm a dork, but it is so much fun to watch them deal with all of the craziness. One day we'll get cable again so I can watch it!

4. Like Carrie, I am a tree hugger! :-) I love everything organic, if I could only afford more of it. My new favorite thing is clothing made out of bamboo...softest thing ever!

5. I secretly want to be a dancer. I want to open up my own Dance 101 (like in Atlanta). It's a dance studio for adults only. I think that would be so much fun to do every day.

6. I have started cooking dinner every night and I love it! I use a web site called e-mealz and it tells you what to cook every night and even gives you your weekly shopping list. It's awesome!

Love ya Carrie! Give Ansleigh a big hug!

I'm going to tag Beth, Meredith, Laura, Katie, Julie, and Erin. Six random facts about yourself girls!

Burt's Pumpkin Farm

2008-11-01T18:27:00.004-05:00

Sorry for no posts lately, but we went to Georgia last weekend - to Burt's Pumpkin Farm - and John's parents came down this weekend. It's been a busy couple of weeks, but I'm ready for life to go back to normal (hopefully) this week. Here's a few great shots of Ella's first time at Burt's.

Oh that tounge...

Family shot

Checking out the pumpkins with Lala

One while watching the (awful) game last weekend - please excuse the sweet potatoes on the shirt!

Impromptu Photo Shoot

2008-10-19T08:34:00.002-05:00

We wanted to try out our new camera last night, and here's what we got. She is trying so hard to sit up on her own, so we let her try in a few pictures and stood really close, just in case!

6 Months Old!

2008-10-13T14:44:00.002-05:00

Oh how the time flies by! My little EC is 6 months old! That doesn't even sound real...as I write that, she is sleeping peacefully on my bed (where she sleeps best). We went to have her 6 month check-up today and found out that she has a virus, so no shots today. She has a fever and feels crummy, poor baby. But her 6 month stats are 17 pounds 3 ounces and 26 1/2 inches long. She has 2 bottom teeth (one came in last Saturday and one yesterday). She loves sweet potatoes, applesauce, bananas and butternut squash. She is the biggest blessing ever!

The Sweetest Sound

2008-10-07T22:03:00.002-05:00

First Ear Infection

2008-10-07T15:20:00.003-05:00

Our little EC has not been sleeping well for over a week now...I wish I would have just posted that sentence earlier so all you experienced moms could have told me to take her to the doctor. Oh well...new mom insanity. Her daycare called me yesterday to tell me that I had to come get her because she had a fever of 102. I almost ran over 3 cars getting there, but we went to the pediatric clinic and turns out, she has a double ear infection. 3 doses of Motrin, 2 doses of antibiotics and one visit to the chiropractor later, she is sound asleep in her bed...finally!

Her dedication went really well this weekend. We had a ton of friends and family there to support us and felt so loved. I'll post pictures soon.

Brooke Dilworth Photography

2008-10-03T07:18:00.005-05:00

How am I ever going to choose? There are about 125 more of these!

Happy Birthday John!

2008-10-01T18:07:00.004-05:00

Today is John's 28 birthday! Happy Birthday babe! I love you!

We got the pictures back from our sitting with Brooke Dilworth. They are amazing! I will post a few of them soon.

In the meantime, here's just a few to tide you over :-)