Indescribably Us

She's Growing Up...

2012-01-31T07:18:00.000-08:00

Saturday at nap time my little princess got out of her bed and marched out of her room after her nap by herself for the first time. It was about time for her to get up so I didn't mind. Then bright and early Sunday morning while we were getting ready for church I heard a door open and little tiny foot steps heading straight for our room. Pretty much every morning since she has marched herself in my room (6:45am) while I am getting ready for work. She comes asks for milk, a bar, and Mikey Mouse Clubhouse. I miss Good Morning America, but she is in a much better mood when she wakes up by herself so it is ok. Let's just hope she doesn't start getting up in the middle of the night.....My goodness that will scare the mess outta me. =)

This has struck a cord with Mike and I. She is truly growing up. It is so bittersweet. I love it and hate it. Isn't it funny how you can feel the two at the same time?!?

I know, I know no Christmas pics yet....I must be honest and tell you that I haven't even transferred them from my camera. So bad. Seems like I have a million things going on and I am just trying to live in the moment. Mike and I are trying to eat better and work out a lot which takes up so much time. Luckily, Brae likes to workout with me and gets SO excited when I say we are about to workout. She does a few moves then moves on to playing while I finish up.

Coming Soon: HUGE PICTURE DUMP....beware....lol!

Hello Christmas, Oh how I Love Thee....

2011-12-22T07:02:00.000-08:00

I cannot even express how special this time of the year is for me and my little family. I love the Christmas season!

It seems like every year tends to get busy around Braelyn's birthday and it just doesn't slow down until the new year. I want to catch up on what's been going on with us these past couple of months....

Let me begin back at Braelyn's 3rd Birthday Party...

She loved every minute of her party. As you can see, we decided to have her party at home this year... It was a great party and she got a jump-o-line from us...which has been a great present and she jumps on it nearly everyday and many other presents from her family and friends. She is a very blessed little 3 year old!

Halloween was fun for Brae this year. We carved a Mikey and Minnie pumpkins for our porch. On Halloween night Brae dressed up as Minnie Mouse and we decided to change it up a little this year and went with Kaden and Kiley to Trick-or-Treat at Kyle and Sara's friends house in Pike County. It was a lot of fun and Brae is still eating on the candy she got.

Next came Thanksgiving. This year we went up to Janie and David's house in ATL for lunch. We had a traditional Thanksgiving feast. It was beautiful weather and we enjoyed catching up with Mom's side of the family after lunch on their porch. It was a great day! I decided that this year I would get Mom to venture out with me Thanksgiving night to score some good Black Friday deals.....WRONG...we got to Walmart in Forsyth at 10pm and drove around the parking lot twice....there was NO way I was going in there with all those people. It was Crazy. So we ended up coming back home....I am sorry but no deal is worth all those people. I was happy to get back home and in my cozy bed by 11. =)

Now, Christmas is in full force and the whole month has been filled with a lot of Christmas fun! We went to our small town's community Christmas tree lighting, went to see Santa, went to Fantasy of Lights at Callaway Gardens, had the Wilson Christmas party last weekend, and this weekend we will celebrate Christmas Eve at my Mom and Dad's house. Christmas day will be spent with family and watching Brae open her presents. She knows EXACTLY what she wants which is a Princess Bike and candy.....I am pretty sure Santa is bringing her both.... Most of all this Christmas season, I am so happy to celebrate Jesus' birthday and I am overjoyed that my little girl knows it and is SO happy to exclaim that she LOVES Jesus. That is the best present ever....

MERRY CHRISTMAS everybody! Thank you so much for reading!

The Day the Po-Po came a Calling...

2011-12-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

I figured I should blog about my first and only experience with someone calling the police on me. In fact I have only been pulled over once in my 12 years of driving and that was when I was 8 months prego and it was a total speed trap on our way to PCB. Anywhoo....

Disclaimer: I will not mention any names, because that would be oh-so rude. AND I should tell you that this encounter occurred YEARS ago....like around 5 years ago at least. But you never forget this kind of story people so I will share.

If you came from my facebook post....welcome to my blog...ok dokey...story time....

One Sunday afternoon my boss called me and told me that when she got to work (yes, she works weekends) there was a tiny white english bulldog puppy that was making herself quite comfy on our porch. I quickly told her this HAD to be someone's pet because they are very expensive. The puppy had no identification. I came up to my office to take a look. We could tell the pup was deaf but super sweet and most definitely a bulldog pup. The puppy continued to hang out in our work front yard and porch all day until it began to get dark. My boss was torn on whether to leave the puppy in our yard or take it home. I was worried to death that it would wander into the road and get hit. So needless to say she took it home Sunday night.

Monday she brought it back to work early Monday morning where it continued to hang out and chill on our porch and yard. I decided to put out flyers around Milner in an effort to find the owner...because anyone like me would assume that if one "lost" a bulldog puppy the owner would be out trying to find said puppy...RIGHT?!? My boss also called the local vet to see if it happened to have got shots there recently or been seen or if anybody had called them looking for it. No go. The next day (Tuesday) my boss was going out of town so she could not take her home with her Monday night so it came home with me.

My Dixie Bell (American bulldog) fell completely in love with her BUT we could not keep her....Bulldogs are way expensive and she was deaf. She needed someone with experience with deaf dogs. Not us.

So Tuesday came around and still no owners... the pup came back to work with me and spent all day playing outside. Finally Tuesday afternoon, I figured maybe the dog had been put out because it was deaf and I thought to myself that SURELY...after 3 days the owner would have come forward by then if there was an owner so I did what a good hearted bulldog lover would have done and started to try to find the deaf pup a good home. Mike asked around his work and a lady there had experience with deaf dogs and had a good fenced in yard so Tuesday night we took the dog to the ladies house and wished them well.

So Wednesday went by and we get to Thursday afternoon and my work phone starts ringing. Low and behold there is a lady on the phone blessing me up down and sideways and DEMANDING her puppy back immediately. WHOA-NOW....let's just calm yourself down and talk. I was not giving her puppy back with her talking to me like that. SERIOUSLY have some respect and how about THANK me for taking care of your puppy for the past 5 days. Act like you are heartbroken..for all she knew I let the puppy wander off into the great unknown.

Ya'll, it seriously pissed me off. I was LIVID. She then tried to tell me that she let the pup out Monday morning and never saw it again....WRONG...it was at our work all day Sunday. She didn't even know the pup was deaf. Ok, let me go ahead and tell you that this lady lived VERY close to our work...If she would have gone outside she would have easily seen the many hours the puppy was outside playing on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Then she tried to question why I hadn't come and knocked on her door asking if it was her dog. She just was not being nice. So she told me she was calling the police and hung up so I had some warning.......

Soon a Milner police officer (the chief at the time) came knocking on the door. If you know me, you probably know...I am SO non confrontational. I HATE it, but I wanted the police to hear my side because without my help the puppy would have not made it for nights outside alone on a busy street. The police was nice enough because I was crying... but he made it very clear by calling the judge right in front of me that it was against the law to not give the puppy back even though I didn't have the puppy anymore. I could have refused to give it back or I could have lied and said ...the puppy took off and I never saw it again, who knows what the police could have done then...I wouldn't have lied, but I often think what would have happened...would I have been arrested if I could not produce the dog for whatever reason?!? What if the dog had really ran off into the clear blue wonder....The girls story just didn't sound right to me and didn't ever add up. How can you just not look for days and then suddenly demand it back in the manner she did. I wanted her to prove it was hers and supposedly she did to the police.

Ok....some side notes:
I did not really "understand" how this was against the law. All I do know for sure is I learned one of those nasty not so sweet life lessons that day... GOOD DEEDS NEVER GO UNPUNISHED! =)
It wasn't the fact that she wanted the pup back, it was how she was so rude to me and calling the police that really made me upset. If she would have walked over and explained to me what happened and thanked me for keeping her lost puppy safe I would have gladly given back the puppy......

Needless to say, Thursday night Mike and I went to pick up the puppy from the people I gave it to. It was so sad. The woman gave back the puppy and you can imagine I cried all the way to Milner. We dropped off the pup to the police officer on duty to give back to the girl, because there was no way Mike or I were going to deal directly with her. Mike was beyond mad and upset. Sorry to say...it completely made Mike and I question helping animals ever again. Mike and I try our best to be responsible with our two American Bulldogs and have gone to great lengths to keep them safe and in a fenced yard.

I am also sad to say that I heard through the grape-vine that she ran over the puppy only a short time after this all happened.

So that's the story.....want to see some pics....yes?? I thought so...I took a few when my Dixie and her were playing.

I need to update this blog so bad. I can't believe I haven't post about Brae's birthday or Thanksgiving or seeing Santa....It's coming, it's coming....This fall has flown by and I cannot believe Christmas is around the corner. Thank goodness this Santa is DONE with shopping...

Only Her

2011-10-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

My husband I have chosen to only have one child. I know, I know....CRAZY right?!? I hear this constantly from just about everybody, but it works for us and I could not be happier with our decision.

Early on in our marriage I knew I only wanted one child. I am an only child and can not imagine having siblings much like people with siblings cannot imagine being an only child. Mike was on board with this too because he was 100% positive we would have a boy and well....that would be that. Except.....that his "boy" turned out to be a "girl"...

Best made plans....

Mike still dreams about having a boy....what man doesn't?!? But a lot of different reasons continue to make us just happy with our one and only little girl.

No maternity insurance. Yes, I am one of those girls who now has private health insurance that most definitely does not cover maternity....lovely, right?!? With a normal healthy pregnancy/delivery the cost would be do-able, but there are no guarantees and I am not willing to take that chance. I am not a risk taker....never have been. =)
We are a family that likes to "go and do" and I just don't know if it would be so easy to "go and do" quite so much with another child.
My sanity....yes, I said it. I am quite sure I am one of those women who would be FRAZZLED with multiple kids. I know this about myself and I accept it.
Money is already tight. I know we could manage with another child, but it would be difficult.
I LOVE to sleep. Let me repeat...I LOVE TO SLEEP!!! Mike likes his sleep too, and thank the Lord, my precious little girl likes to sleep and to sleep in her own bed. And I just feel darn lucky that she does. Another child might not....and well back to the #1...I don't take risks...I kid I kid...but not really! =)

All this to say that if God blessed us with an unexpected bundle of joy (unexpected because I am most definitely on birth control!!!) I would have a good long cry and then be happy. I mean...it would scare the crap-o-la out of me, but we could do it. Mike is an amazing Daddy and I am so blessed to have him! He loves spending time with Braelyn and she ADORES her Daddy. He is her hero, and I love that...in fact, as you can see below, she really doesn't like to share her Daddy anyway....

Three

2011-10-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Braelyn,

Today is your 3rd Birthday. You woke up this morning and I sang Happy Birthday to you. You got a huge smile on your face and immediately said, "I am ready to go". You see, this year is the first year that you really understand that your birthday is your special day...a day you get to eat cake and open presents and to say you have been "ready to go" for weeks now would be an understatement. I tried my best to explain to you that your birthday was indeed today, but your party will be this Sunday. I think you were content with the balloons and cupcakes Daddy bought you. They were waiting in the kitchen for you, and you my dear inhaled a chocolate cupcake first thing. That was not such a good idea because 5 minutes later it reappeared. =) No worries, though you are a trooper and as soon as you had your moment with the toilet, you were fine and ready to go to Weezie's house.

This afternoon Sara and I are taking you and Kaden to Leaping Lizards so you and Kaden can jump in the jump houses till yalls little hearts are content. When we get done I will take you home so that your Daddy and I can show you the trampoline we got for you. I am sure you will love it. Your little backyard will be filled with things for you to play on and that is just fine because you LOVE to be outside.

These past three years have brought so much happiness to your Dad and I. You will never realize how much we love and completely adore you. We look forward to every moment with you.

This past weekend you went to your first wedding, well technically it is not your first, but it was the first one you could enjoy and boy did you ever enjoy it. I think you could have danced on that dance floor ALL night. You boogied and had a ball with all the other kids. During the wedding I was almost positive your Dad might have to take you outside, but you ok. It was really hard for you to stay quiet you wanted so bad to talk, but for the most part you kept your talking and whining low enough so only those closest could hear.

Everyday is a new adventure with you and I continue love seeing life through you.
You can carry on conversations with me and baby girl, that just makes me so happy. You sing, and dance, and you live life to the fullest everyday!

Most of all today I am so thankful that God intrusted me to be your Mommy. I am so very honored and proud that you Braelyn, are mine.

Love You Forever and For Always!
Mommy

Let Me, Momma!

2011-09-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

For the past week or so Brae has really really been pushing the phrase....

Let me....go see the train, Momma.
Let me...go to Nuna's.
Let me...go outside.
Let me...have chips.
Let me...
Let me...
Let me...

and if I don't "let her" she says it over and over and over.

It is funny how kids says stuff. We have had a busy September to say the least and shortly I will be editing some pictures of our past few weeks.

Here are some more randoms about Miss Brae.

Songs:
We usually sing songs as apart of our nightly ritual before I put her to bed. Her most favorite is her "happy song" which is You are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine, You make me Happy when Skies are Gray. Next comes the "Jesus song" which is Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world...
Then we are on to the "Bible song" which is Jesus loves me this I know cause the Bible tells me so....
Lastly, we end up singing her "Hippopotamus song" which is, I wanna Hippopotamus for Christmas, cause Hippopotamus's love me too...Baby girl loves that song and covers her eyes and laughs when we sing it. I think it is neat that she picks out a certain word in songs and that is what she "names" them.

TV:
Baby girl is liking tv more. She usually wants to snuggle up beside Mike or I when watching her cartoons. Her favorites are...Mikey Mouse Club House, Barney, and Elmo's World. She has also become really opinionated on which DVD is in the car. She wants to pick out and lets us know when she wants to change it.

Dancing:
Brae can shake her booty and get her hands pumping to Luke Bryan's....Country Girl Shake It for Me...She appropriately calls it her "Shake your booty song". She for sure has my style of dancing....it is all over the place. =)

Brae continues to LOVE to be outside and has decided that she wants a sand box for her birthday. We were planning on getting her a trampoline, but a girl wants what a girl wants so looks like she is getting a sand box. Let's see what else...hummm....she still loves trains and has taken a liking to horses. She hates posing for pictures so a good picture is REALLY hard to come by. We continue to patch her eye for 1 to 2 hours a day. She had a doctor's appointment at Emory last week and Dr. Lenhart said her vision and eyes looked GREAT. Her sight is awesome and the same in both eyes. We don't have to go back until January.

I am sure there are things that have not come into my Mommy brain just yet, but I will keep updated. :)

I heart my iphone

2011-09-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Been awhile, huh? Yep, just so happens this summer has flown by.....whoosh and it is gone. I am ready for the Fall. Cool weather, Brae's birthday, a lot of trips and good times. I will try to keep up on this here blog of mine. But, I make no promises...um, k?

I love taking pictures with my big fancy camera, but to be totally honest it is just so much easier to snap pictures with my iphone here lately. It is always with me and oh so convenient, while let's face it...my big camera is just....not.

So this here is a big time summer iphone picture dump of some things we have been up to. Enjoy!

First up, we went to Stone Mountain a few weekends ago. Brae has been in serious LOVE with all things trains lately so we decided to take her to ride the train around the mountain. It was a lot of fun. Stone Mountain has so much to do now. We rode the train, went to Yoggie Bear's 4D theater for a 20 minute movie, played in a big barn with slides and 3 floors of nets, balls...it was really just a child's dream, and finally we went for a ride on the duck boats. We tried to ride the tram up to the top of the mountain, but it was closed due to storms in the area. We didn't stay for the laser show because we were seriously exhausted by 6pm. It was a great fun filled day with our little family!

Next up, we have just some random shots from our summer....

It is great to be a GA BULLDOG! Even if our team is not so good, and every Saturday we have a good chance of getting embarrassed because....we suck! =(

Me and Sweet baby Kiley....we had fun hanging out one Saturday afternoon at Nuna and Granddaddy's with Kyle, Sara, Kaden, Kiley.

MyDot and Brae. This picture is blurry but, I love it. Brae is a serious "lover or cuddler" just like I was when I was a little girl. This makes my heart seriously happy!

Baby girl on her perch watching her new favorite show....Mickey Mouse Club House. =)

Next up is Brae's first trip to the fair....Sara and I took Brae and Kaden to the local fair last week. It was small, but they loved it. They liked jumping in the play house the best, and yes...there was a small melt down when we had to leave.

And to end this picture dump, we have pictures from this past Saturday. Sara, Kaden, and Kiley came over to play. All the babies were representing their favorite team. Brae LOVES holding Miss Kiley and I have a feeling those two will be great friends in a couple of years!

My Journey

2011-08-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

We all scream for ice cream...

2011-07-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, Brae, Nuna, Granddaddy, and I headed to Musella, GA to Dickey's Peach Farm. It was so much fun and really cool place to visit. They have a huge open barn where they process the peaches. You can buy peach ice cream and sit in rocking chairs and watch the people work to sort and package the peaches.

Brae liked the ice cream....a lot!

After our bellies were full, we took some pictures...

We had a lot of fun and I look forward to going again soon!

Nuna's Spa Tub

2011-07-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

One of Brae's favorite things to do at Nuna's house is to get in her "spa tub" and turn the jets on and off, on and off. I am so very thankful for the relationship Braelyn has with my Mom. I have cherished cherished memories of my Nannie and going to her house to spend time with her and it just warms my heart when I see the love Braelyn has with her Nuna. When Brae goes to Nuna and Granddaddy's house it is all about Brae and she eats up all the attention!

Not Put Head Under Mommy!

2011-07-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I started Brae in swimming lessons. She is so clingy in the pool and I just wanted her to get her more comfortable in the water.

The first two days were great, she was kicking and jumping in, but day number three went terribly south. This was the day she was made to go up under water and attempt to hold her breath for a few seconds. On the way home she said her stomach hurt and she threw up a little bit of water. I just thought she swallowed some water.

The next day lessons were canceled because it was raining and a bit chilly. Saturday morning I took her to lessons but the were cut short because it was still kind of chilly. Nuna picked up Brae, but she was already out of the water and dried off. That night we had a swimming birthday party for Brae's little cousin Cooper. She would not come off of the pool steps. She had a scared face and kept saying, "not put head under Mommy". I finally talked her into coming in with me and promised I would not put her head under. She kicked but was not having as much fun in the water as she had in the past. Sunday we went swimming again and same thing. She would not come off the steps.

Monday I took her back to lessons. She was not happy but I thought eventually she would be ok. Nuna picked her up for me and brought her home. She said Brae had been very upset and had started crying uncontrollably when she got there. It broke her heart and mine!

The next day I decided to talk to Mrs. Tyrena and told her that I thought Braelyn was getting traumatized and that the last thing I wanted was to make her scared of the water, because she loves water. She was on board with not making Brae put her head under and we tried to tell Brae that she would not have to put her head under, but she was so worked up and scared that she threw up in the pool. I finally got her calmed down and keep reassuring her she would not have to put her head under. It hurt my feelings so bad! Ugh, being a Mom is SO hard! But I knew in my mind that I didn't want her to quit. We committed for two weeks so we were going to get through them.

Everyday after that on the way to lessons she would say over and over...."not go under Mommy", "not go under Mommy". I would assure her she was not going under unless she wanted to and she was good with that. She also told Mrs. Tyrena the same thing when she got in the pool. She wanted to make double sure she wasn't going to have to go under.

The rest of the week lessons went great. She learned how to blow bubbles and kick really good, jump in, float on top of the water with only slight assistance, and even tried to touch the bottom of the pool with her feet causing her head to go under little by little without fear. She also was putting her eye lashes in the water by the end of the week which was progress.

I am so proud of her and me for sticking with the two weeks of lessons. I could have easily quit when she was crying and scared. I want to protect her, but I don't want to be a crutch for her. It is a very fine line and I pray for constantly for guidance. I am glad that I didn't make her keep going under because I think eventually she would have hated the pool. She was not ready to learn to swim, and that is perfectly ok. She did amazing!

My new interest is....Pinterest

2011-06-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

What is this Pinterest you may ask? Well it is a site where you can "pin" what interest you. When you set up an account you can make your own boards and you can pin anything on the Internet you like. You can also repin what other Pinterest users have pinned. If you find someones board that you like you can follow their board. Way cool, way cool! You can check out my boards here.....http://pinterest.com/megan_lenhart/

If you would like a Pinterest account for yourself.....you can have one! I can request you an invitation. I must warn you though....it is additive and will most certainly give you lots of inspiration!!

A whole bunch...

2011-06-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

of pictures....so enjoy!

May 3rd.....Braelyn had eye surgery.

All she wanted to do was sleep when we got home and not just sleep but sleep on top of me. When she was not sleeping she was crying and it was pretty rough. The next day was better and each day continued to be better and better. The week following her surgery I noticed that her eyes started ever so slightly crossing again. Bummer!! This crossing was not all the time nor was it near as bad as before surgery, but still.

May 13th Aunt Sudi came to stay with us before she headed to Florida and we decided to take Braelyn to the Pine Mountain Animal Safari.

You can rent Zebra vans to ride through the Safari. Animals come up to the van and you can feed them. Well Miss Brae was having NONE of it. She stood in the middle of the van and said "no, uh hu, no uh hu, the whole time. She didn't like the animals so close to her.

This little stroller was more her style. Needless to say, her Daddy rented her one to ride on through the walk through animal zoo.

She was the cutest monkey there. Overall the trip was great. We will go back when she is older for sure!

Memorial Day weekend Mom, Dad, Mike, Brae, the doggies, and I headed to the beach. We had a great time. Brae was just getting over a summer cold on our way down so the 6 hour ride was rough. I was so so glad when we finally got there. We had a lot of fun!

Saturday was the best day at the beach. The water was calm and Braelyn had lots of fun playing in the sand and building cakes for her Daddy.

We also had some great ocean time. Once she got in, she didn't want to get out.

Brae and Dixie Bell have a very special relationship. These two love each other!! Dooley likes to watch them from afar. =)

Sorry I have not updated in a while, Blogger would not let me login because I could not verify my account...but finally I got back in....YAY! Hopefully, I gave a pretty good update of our happenings in May!

Big Girl Room

2011-05-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun decorating Brae's new room, and it has come together so cute. I love it so much because it is such a happy room! After getting everything done which took around a month to complete, Braelyn came in her room and said, "So Pretty Mommy". That right there made it all worth it!

I have so many updates. Baby girl had eye surgery at Egleston on Tuesday which deserves it's own post seeing as I hope and pray it is her first and last. I also have several more post. I have found that when it comes to blogging with me...patience is a virtue. =)

Isn't she lovely...

2011-04-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

April 21st Braelyn got her first hair cut from a professional hair stylist. To say that I freaked a little would be an understatement. I never thought I would get nervous, but about an hour before her appointment I started worrying. My girl is kinda known for her curls and what if...God forbid, they got cut off...OMG OMG, this Mommy was going nutso...and I probably was breaking out in hives. Of course, Sheree did an amazing job trimming her hair ever so slightly and putting some layers making my girl's hair look healthy and even better.

A Simple Thanks

2011-04-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday (April 21st) Braelyn started saying "Thanks Momma" after I gave her something she wanted. Ever since she could communicate I have been trying to teach her "please" and "thank you". She occasionally says please, but something just hit me deeper when she thanked me. Maybe it is because she almost says it in a shy, whispered voice that comes straight from her little heart and that makes me so very proud and happy. It is not prompted, but pure and true and innocent.

Next week will be a newbie for us... another unknown in parenthood. Braelyn is scheduled to have surgery for her crossed eye (strabismus) on May 3rd. While it is a minor surgery with little to no recovery time, I am sure that it will be hard emotionally for Mike and I. I know she is in God's precious hands and that gives me great comfort. So today, I give thanks to The Lord for taking care of Braelyn. I give thanks for giving me peace and understanding. I give him thanks for trusting me enough to be her Momma.

Her Tomatoes

2011-04-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Brae and her Daddy planted some Elmo tomatoes. Story is that Lowe's has a huge display of Elmo gardening products at the front door waiting on Daddy's and their little tots to come in. All little tot has to do is look absolutely precious and bat their eyes at their Daddy and bam...you have a bag full of tomato seeds and gardening tools.

Holy Good Gracious Gamole...

2011-03-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

One word.....Insanity.
Have you heard of it? It is an intense INSANE workout program that I started last night. Beyond hard. It hurts people and I now have a love/hate relationship with it.

Love the way it makes me feel when I am finished
Hate feeling as though I am going to die while performing INSANE exercises.

For your viewing pleasure here is a little snipet of the workout...

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I am so excited about this new workout. And I am finding myself already craving the next workout. Wish I could do it every night!

Growing up I was very active in sports and when I was 15 I started working out at the local civic center. My friend and I went everyday after school and soon I became obsessed. I continued to workout there until after Mike and I got married (we met working out) when the reality of working full time + taking college courses + trying to be miss perfect wife caught up with me and I was too tired after a full day. I would go occasionally, but it was hard.

After Brae was born I was on a mission to go to the gym and get baby weight off...of course I was on maternity leave and my Mom would keep baby girl so I could go to the gym in the morning. All was good till I went back to work then I slacked off and really felt guilty for leaving Braelyn all day to work and then leaving her again to actually take care of myself. A couple of times I worked out from home with Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. Two summers ago I kept it up for 30 days straight and could really see a difference, but as usual I slacked off. Last May I started kickboxing (with the encouragement from my hubby and Mom and Dad that happily kept Brae so that I could have some time for me) and really really liked it and kept with it until a couple of months ago. I always felt great after the workout, but I didn't see results and I was hardly ever sore after the intial few days. For the past month I have occasionally done Jillian Michaels shred at home and I have rode my bike a lot. But I am happy to be starting a workout with a group again. It keeps me motivated to be doing it with other girls! I am hoping for good results. I will keep yall posted. =)

Daddy's Turn

2011-03-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Two nights ago Braelyn told Mike and I that it was Daddy's turn to read her a book and put her to bed. Mike had the biggest smile on his face ever! It was precious and something neither of us will ever forget.

Of course he has put her to bed before when I have not been at home, but when I am at home our routine was as follows...

1. Mike and I put Brae in the bath. This is usually a group effort on both Mike and my part.
2. After bath time we go in her bedroom and lotion her up and put on her night clothes.
3. At this point up until 2 nights ago Mike would tell Brae "night night" and tell her "I love you" and then close the door and leave me to rock Brae and read her a story and put her to bed.

Two nights ago she got a book and took it to Mike and simply said "Daddy's turn" after we got her night clothes on. Mike and I looked at each other and smiled and I said, "your turn!" and happily left the room.

I love the relationship that Mike and Braelyn have. It is soooo very special. Last night we tried and tried to get her to say, "Daddy's turn" on video, but of course she wouldn't. I thought I would still give you a little glimpse into our nightly routine. =)

2 years 4 months and some odd days ago...

2011-03-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

God gave me the most amazing gift....my baby girl. I am so grateful and honored to be her Mommy.

Many times I think to myself that I need to update my blog and document everything Braelyn is doing and saying. And then life happens and I just don't know quite where to begin so I just put it off for another day. Sometimes I wish I could be like those Mommy bloggers that write what they are doing every single day, but unfortunately for me, I really think I would run out of things to say. But I desperately want to remember every single detail of my girl as she learns new things. I want to embrace the world as she sees it. I know just how quick time flies and I have try to write it all down so someday when she is a teenager and reading this blog she can say, "Mom, I sooo did not do or say that". HA! Here are a few things that little missy has been doing/saying lately. Don't ya just love the innocence of a 2 year old?!?

For the past few weeks Brae has really gotten into just sitting on the couch, snuggling up to me and watching Elmo. Usually she sweetly says, "couch Mommy, couch" while pulling my hand towards the couch. When we get to the couch she says, "sit Mommy, sit". When I sit and pull her up right next to me little girl is happy. Sometimes she will say, "Nap", and I will lay down my head and she will snuggle real close and pretend to take a nap. I tell her she has to close her eyes to take a nap and she tries her best to keep them closed. So funny!

She has become more concerned lately with other people feelings. If I tell her we are going somewhere she will immediately ask whoever else is around if they are going to. She does this by looking at that person and in the most questioning voice saying, "you go?" or sometimes, she looks at me and says "nuna go?" or "daddy go?". One of us answers her with a yes or no. Also if one of us hurts ourselves and we are in obvious pain or say ouch, she will say "ok??" Yesterday, Mike nicked his head when he was shaving and Braelyn asked if he had a boo-boo. So cute! I am telling you most everything she does and says is SO cute! Except for the tantrums. I could do without the tantrums. =)

Can anyone say Bubba?!? Brae girl LOVES all things BUBBA a.k.a. GEORGIA BULLDOGS! She has BUBBA socks and would prefer to be wearing them at all times. She also had a small fit in Walmart the other day until I agreed to get her the oh so boyish BUBBA pajamas she spotted and HAD to have. She recognizes any UGA symbol and lets us know immediately that she has seen a BUBBA. She also says, "GO, BUBBA GO!" I have to tell you that Mike and I are proud for her love for our DAWGS!

I am sure there are more things, but these are the few that come to mind. I so love this age! Every stage Brae goes through is so special, but seeing her talking and communicating and learning new things is just the best!

Beautiful Every Time

2011-02-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

To Them:

2011-02-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

Rascal Flatts - I Won’t Let Go
It’s like a storm
That cuts a path
It’s breaks your will
It feels like that
You think your lost
But your not lost on your own
Your not alone
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
If you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it’s dark
This part of life
Oh it finds us all
And we’re too small
To stop the rain
Oh but when it rains
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let you fall
Don’t be afraid to fall
I’m right here to catch you
I wont let you down
It wont get you down
Your gonna make it
Yea I know you can make it
Cause I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
And I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
Oh I’m gonna hold you
And I wont let go
Wont let you go
No I wont

Life Unexpected

2011-02-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

Life has thrown us a curve ball.

On January 12th, Braelyn woke up and I immediately noticed that something was going on with her right eye. It was crossed towards her nose. I was like doooowhhhat? It totally blew my mind because never had her eye ever been the least bit crossed. She had a head cold so I thought maybe the sinus pressure was bothering her eye. By the time we got to Weezie's house her eye was back to normal. I did ask Weezie to keep watch out though. I seriously thought I was crazy because it was there and then it was gone. When I got to Weezies, she said she hadn't really noticed anything. Sara was there too and she hadn't either. I was relieved but still wondering why it had been crossed that morning. The rest of the afternoon and night her eye was perfectly aligned.

The next morning when Braelyn woke up it was crossed again. I took a picture and texted it to Sara to get confirmation that it was indeed crossed. She agreed. When we got to Weezie's her eye was still crossed and continued to be crossed on and off. Around mid morning, I made an appointment with our pediatrician's office. I was freaked out and wondering what in the world it could be.

Mike met us at the doctor's office at 2:50pm. Her eye was still really crossed. We met with Dr. Colvin and he said it was Strabismus. This pretty much explains what Strabismus is:

"Six eye muscles that are attached to the outside of each eye are responsible to control eye movement. These six muscles are known as the extraocular muscles. One muscle is responsible is move the eye to the right, one muscle is responsible to move the eye to the left and the remaining four muscles are responsible for vertical, horizontal and angular movement. With proper binocular vision, both eyes are able to work together to focus on an object. The brain is responsible to ensure that all of the muscles in a single eye are balanced to work together and that both eyes are coordinated to move together. Strabismus is lack of such balance and coordination. Strabismus may be caused by either a brain disorder where the brain has trouble coordinating the eyes or a muscle disorder where the direction or power of one or more eye muscles fails to properly function"

Dr. Colvin recommended us go to a Pediatric Ophthalmologist (PO). I immediately made an appointment with Emory Eye Clinic. We had to wait two weeks to go to Emory. I started keeping a journal of Braelyn's Eye because the pattern or lack there of was crazy. Some days her eye was perfectly aligned. Other days her eye was on/off crossed all day until around 5pm when suddenly it would get better and stay better until bed time. I was really worried about her vision and we all were counting down until her appointment at Emory.

This past Friday, January 28th, Mike, Brae, and I headed to Emory. We barely made our appointment due to horrible traffic south of ATL. It was very stressful and I was a bit frazzled by the time we got there. Thankfully Braelyn slept the entire 2 hour trip to Emory. We met with Braelyn's doctor who performed a lot of test. Brae was SO good! She didn't resist at all even when they dilated her eyes. A lot of the test had to do with flashing lights and getting her to move her right eye and them looking into her eye and such. The doctor who just so happens to share our last name was very nice and we had a great experience at Emory. Dr. Lenhart told us that Braelyn did have Strabismus. She was a little thrown off that we said her eye gets better and worse and better and worse. Brae was having a lot of crossing for most the day that day so Dr. Lenhart didn't get to see her binocular (normal) vision. This was a good thing and a bad thing in my opinion. A good thing because she could see and diagnose her eye, but bad because Brae does have binocular vision quite a lot and the doctor did not get to see that. Frustrating. Dr. Lenhart thought Brae's condition could be Cyclic Esotropia which is very rare. So rare that she has never seen it. After some research Braelyn's case sounds similar to Cyclic Esotropia, but I am not sure...in my "doctor mom" opinion it could be something called Intermittent Strabismus. The great news is her vision is fine and the nerve in her eye is good and strong. Dr. Lenhart wanted us to start patching Brae's good (left) eye for 2 to 3 hours a day and we would follow up with her in 2 months. She also wanted us to take pictures and keep a log on her binocular vision/strabismus because it switches back and forth so much.

We started patching Saturday morning. Dr. Lenhart sent us home with a few patches and they were so cute. Brae did great with patching and Mike and I were so impressed. We really expected it to be a struggle. After patching she had about an hour of strabitmus and then the rest of the day she had binocular vision.

So this is where we are at.....For sure not the worse case scenario, but it sucks. I wish my baby didn't have to go through this. I know her precious life is the the best hands though and that gives me a sense of peace. God is in control and I would not have it any other way. I am thankful for his timing because Brae is the age where she doesn't know what is going on and is not self-conscious of her eye or her patch. I am so grateful for this. Also at 2 it is easier to correct. We are really optimistic that the patching will force her right eye muscles to get stronger. If it doesn't then we may face vision therapy or surgery. Our follow-up appointment is on April 6th....let the countdown begin....

Now I bet you are thinking....what does Strabismus look like and what in the world does she mean when she says Brae's eye changes back and forth from Strabismus to Binocular vision.

This first picture was taken yesterday around 5:30pm.....My best girl and I were taking pictures of each other. (you can enlarge the pictures by clicking on them)

You can see that her right eye is crossed. Yucky strabismus.

This second picture was taken yesterday at 6:30pm.

Back to normal. Good ole binocular vision. Don't you love that OH-SO serious face?!?

And just for good measure....she wanted her Daddy to smile for a picture, even though she gave me a stink face in the above picture. HA! =) She was saying, "Cheese Daddy, Cheese".

You gotta love that Daddy love. I know she does!

Oh and I almost forgot, here is Brae with her cute eye patch! Goodness, how I love this girl!

Till next time...

Something New

2011-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

We traded our 2007 Tahoe for a 2011 Honda Accord this past weekend. It is much more economical and we love it. To be honest I have never been one of those once I went to a SUV I would never go back to a car kinda girl. It was the right move for our family and is saving us A LOT of money each month in payment and gas.

I have learned an important lesson in getting cars. In my short 26 years, I have had every size car there is to have with every option there is to have and I have learned that for Mike, Braelyn, and I less is more. I know that if we were planning on having 3 children the Tahoe would have been perfect, but we aren't...and this car fits our family.

Braelyn wonders where her "mo-mo" (Elmo) dvd went so we will be getting a DVD player for the car. Every time we get in the car she says, "Mo-Mo, Gone Gone" HA! I tell her he is coming back soon. =)

We came to the decision of an Accord by test driving the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, and then the Honda Accord. I liked the Pruis ok, but Mike looked like a sardine. He had no room and we both knew that was not the car for us, even though the 50mpg was tempting. After the Pruis struck out we drove a Camry. I liked it ok, but I knew I liked the looks of an Accord and if we were going to look at sedans I wanted to drive an Accord.

When I got in the drivers seat, and the feeling of driving my 02 civic (I had it from 18 till I was 21) came right back and it felt good. I like how a Honda drives. It is a pretty big car, but when you are driving it feels smaller and easier to handle. I told Mike this was my car and we started dealing with the sales people...yuck, but they ended up doing us right and we came home with our new car.
YAY!

Long Awaited...

2011-01-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010 was nothing short of perfect and I enjoyed each and every minute with my little family. Seeing Christmas through my daughter's eyes was amazing.
Let me rewind a month or more so I can tell you all about what we have been up to. This could take some time so bear with me....

We spent Thanksgiving in TN with Mike's Aunt Sudi and Uncle Nolan. We had a great time and were very thankful to spend some good quality time with them and Mike's cousin Todd. We arrived on Thanksgiving Day to a huge traditional turkey and dressing meal. It was delish. Friday, we ventured to Gatlinburg which was fun, but a certain two year old only wanted her Momma (me) to tote her up and down the streets which was interesting to say the least. On Saturday, the men went to the farm while us girls headed to downtown Knoxville to do some shopping. That night was the big UGA vs. Ga Tech game (Todd is a Tech grad) so we had a good time watching the game. Here is a couple of pictures of Brae and I riding Nala.

The first Sunday of December Nunna got us tickets to the Fantasy in Lights at Calloway Gardens. It was SO much fun! It was freezing cold so we were happy we had tickets that allowed us to stay in our car to drive through the lights. After each set of lights Brae would hold up her hands out and say, "gone, gone". It was so precious.

The next couple of weeks at work were pure CRAZINESS. I was swamped. When I got home each day I was ready to just enjoy my girl, so that is what I did. The madness at work went by pretty fast and before long there were Christmas parties to attend. The first was Mike's work party on Dec. 17th. The next night, Dec. 18th was the Wilson Christmas party at my parents house. To say it was a wild house would be an understatement. Children, children EVERYWHERE!

After the Christmas party, Braelyn was so pumped up from all the excitement she stayed up all night. Not so much fun for this Mom that needs her sleep. It is one thing when your child is sick and you have to stay up but it is pure torture when all they want to do is play. Finally around 4:30am I put her in the Tahoe and we went for a ride. She fell asleep after a few minutes and I was able to transfer from car to bed without her waking up. She slept till 9am and was ready to go again. I however, was not.

I had to work the week that lead up to Christmas and was happy to take off Christmas Eve. Mike and I decided to have some fun with our girl and make and decorate some sugar cookies.

Most the day we practiced saying, "Who's birthday is it Braelyn?" and with the most sweetest voice she would say, "Jesus" and "Who is coming to see you tonight?" to which she would say, "Claus!".
So cute!

Christmas Eve night we headed to Nuna and Grandaddy's for Christmas with my parents. I love this tradition with them. It is always a really special night. My parents always fix a superb meal of prime rib, potatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, salad, bread, and desert...and let me just tell you it is SO good. They try to change the menu, but I always tell them nooooo!! After we ate, we sat down to open presents. Miss Braelyn was up first.

She got a Bitty Baby American girl doll. She was in total love. I have never seen a more sweet affectionate girl with her babies. She is so cute and take excellent care of them. She also got some new tennis shoes from Nunna and Grandadddy. Mike and I got new sheets/comforter/mattress pad and some money from my parents. Which was very generous! The new mattress pad makes us feel like we are laying in the clouds...it is SO comfy!

When we got home and put Brae in the bed. Soon after, Santa came. He brought Miss Brae a shiny red kitchen with pots/pans and food, a bed for her baby, and a few small items picked out by the big man himself without any help from Mrs. Claus. =)

Christmas morning our best girl woke up about 7:30 and we told her Santa Claus had come. She said, "Claus" in her most questioning voice...to which I replied, "yes, Claus". It took her a few seconds to observe and then she slowly started exploring the new toys.

Soon it was time to get ready and head to Mike's Mom's house. And then to Mike's Dad's house. Braelyn was sure not to forget Bitty Baby.

Around 3pm we picked up Mom and Dad and headed to Janie and David's new house in Atlanta. By the time we arrived it was snowing big time. In a rush to get inside, I forgot my camera. Oops! But the snow was beautiful....so I can officially say that I have seen snow on Christmas Day. It was slow getting home and continued to sleet all they way home. We did not have any accumulation of snow at home though.

The next day Sudi, Nolan, and Todd came down from TN to spend the night with us. We were so glad they got to come, because they had major snow where they live in TN. We grilled steaks and had a great time visiting. Again, I have no idea why I didn't get my camera out. I guess I was living in the moment! =)

Mike and I had all week off with Brae and spent a lot of good quality time with her. She is an amazing little girl and I am so happy she is mine!

More updates on what we did on our Christmas break...coming soon!

A Classic

2010-12-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Brae didn't care to much for Santa this year. She went rigid and started freaking out as soon as I set her down in his lap. I quickly picked her up thinking that she would stop crying when I picked her up....WRONG! She kept right on screaming. He offered her a candy cane. She snatched it out of his hand and kept on screaming. Little stinker. So we not only got a picture of Brae screaming, but a picture of her attached to my hip screaming. Lovely.

As soon as we walked off she was fine and we did get a family photo.

Her Granddaddy

2010-11-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Weezie was talking about Braelyn calling my Dad Grandy instead of Granddaddy because we thought that would be easier for her to learn. However when Weezie said, "Grandy", Braelyn turned to her and said, "Granddaddy".

We love you Grandaddy! Thank you for loving us and especially her...

Elmo

2010-11-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Just want to quickly let all the world know that Braelyn calls Elmo "doe-doe"and it is the cutest thing EVER! Yesterday when we got in the truck she pointed to the DVD player and said doe doe I said, Elmo?? and she nodded her head yes, got a huge smile on her face and said, doe doe.

Food for Thought

2010-10-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't
take it personally...

Waiting for Daddy...

2010-10-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

as told by Braelyn...

First off, I like to take my stroller for a stroll, I am a big girl, ya know...

When I get tired, I decide to take a seat on our new golf cart for a rest

Never fear though, I soon loose interest in sitting and I get in my wagon where I ~~try to eat~~ play with a slinky.

At this point Nuna tries to get me to sing, but I am not in the mood

Soon I spot Dooley and Dixie, I chat with them and ask them how there day was.

Then I tell them my day has been great! Cue the big SMILE!

Time to play with Momma!

I think I can balance on her stomach

but, I soon find out that it is more fun to fall and land on her bladder! I decide that this is great and I should do this for awhile!

All the sudden I realize I want to "ri". Mom thinks I should drive. I oblige.

Mom tells me it is almost time for Daddy to be home so I decide to impress him with my awesome 4wheeling abilities. Helmet on...ready to goooo....

Hip hip HOORAY! Look, it is Daddy, he is HOME!

Week 1 of being 2...

2010-10-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Baby girl turned two last Monday. We had her a big party at the farm. It was a lot of fun. So get ready... here comes the pictures....

She is the joy of our life. Absolute JOY. She has passion and spunk and knows what she wants. She LOVES ice and asks for it constantly! When she wakes up in the morning she usually says Daddy and Bubba...all animals are usually named Bubba. She is such a happy little girl, but like me, she is shy until she feels comfortable around somebody. I have noticed here lately that if she is nervous, her fingers go straight to her mouth or her nose (ha!). She still sleeps great...usually goes to bed around 7:45pm and wakes up around 7:30am. If she does wake up, she usually goes right back to sleep after Mike or I rock her for a few minutes. She has started to tell me NO! and points her finger at me. I think it is funny, but of course I can't let her know that. Mike and I are loving seeing her grow and change, but at the same time we miss her being a baby. It is some mixed emotions for sure. She is adorable and I love her so so so much!

Fall

2010-10-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air so I decided to give my blog a Fall like makeover. Busy week ahead. Baby girls 2nd birthday party is Sunday. I am excited. The weather forecast is calling for PERFECT 77 degree sun shiny weather. Which makes me giddy! Bring on the festivities....

Could someone tell Miiiiichael I want...

2010-10-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

a bicycle.

Isn't this like the coolest ...

Braelyn would have a FIT. A good fit of course.

And this one....Oh my word we could have SO much fun...

Those two bikes up there a WAY out of our budget considering my budget = $0 when it come to me having a bike.

This one might be a little more considerable. MAYBE...

PLEASE MICHAEL PLU-EEEEASE

Live Creating Yourself

2010-10-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I took a left brain, right brain test. The results were that I use my left side of my brain and the right side of my brain equally. I am going to interpret that as that I am a pretty balanced person and move on....
I was actually pretty surprised at this because I would most definitely consider myself a right brained kinda girl. Ya see, I love creating, designing, redoing, dreaming....So in this post I am going to just that and show you what would appeal to me if let's say I was had an older house that I could "have my way with"...haha =)

Ok so there is something that I just love about this. It is so unexpected. It says cottage, I don't know if I was to ummm "have" another house I would be bold enough to do this, but I like it.

Let's move on to the livingroom...

Likey? I do...
I need a big comfy couch. I have a sectional now and it is comfy BUT I would love just couch that just screams SIT ON ME AND NEVER LEAVE. =)

Kitchen time, where I spend ~~all~~ none of my time. Seriously...I love a functional kitchen, but I find that my kitchen is a catch all and I hate that. My counter is so junky from day to day. So I would be perfectly fine with a itty bitty kitchen where all there is room for is to cook.

This one is big but I am thinking I like the one wall of cabinets. The two tone is appealing too. I wish I could get a picture closer up the cabinets.

Bathroom time.

Oooooo I love everything about this bathroom. Yes...it is tiny, but functional. I like functional.

Bedroom...this bed is not a king size and I must have a king size bed, but I like this look.

This actually reminds me a lot of my bedroom now. I like our bedroom well to tell the truth I BASICALLY love my bed and it loves me.

Thanks for dreaming with me =) Till next time.....

We Need

2010-10-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

one of these...

Out-takes from Brae's Birthday Photoshoot

2010-09-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Let me just say....it is HARD to photograph a toddler, let me repeat....it is HARD to photograph a toddler.
Without further a-do....

Is it 4 o'clock yet?

2010-09-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Fall is here, Fall is here....Oh beautiful weather.
I am ready to get home to spend some outdoor time with my beautiful daughter....

She has been acting like a tride and true 2 year old lately. If baby girl doesn't get her way ALL the time she has a melt down. Like a 2 year old throw down tantrum.
And all I can do is think is...
"Are you serious Braelyn"
"Give Mommy a FREAKING break Braelyn"
"Braelyn, Mommy is about to SCREAM"
And then I say...
"Let's go to Nuna's" and immediately......better mood, baby girl sees the light of day and everything is better....
SERIOUSLY?!?

Ok dokey, let's talk about what Miss Brae's favorite 3 words....Daddy, Bubba, and Nuna. Of course she knows a whole lotta words but those are the ones she says over and over and over. Oh, and recently she has started seeing pictures and recognizing Daddy and Bubba...but not me. She calls herself baby in every picture. So cute. I try to point to each person and say there names, but it is always Daddy, Bubba, and Baby.

I ordered Brae's party invites today, so I should have those out soon, I also ordered her 4wheeler. I hope hope hope it is here by her birthday party. I know she is going to LOVE it!

Well it is time to go pick up my sweet sweet almost 2 year old girl. Time is a flying by....

BTW....I just got my new iMac. LOVE IT!!!! It is beautiful, fast, and big!

Cool and Crisp

2010-09-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

That is how it feels outside right now, and it is fabulous! No doubt by 4pm it will be hot, but I enjoy these cool mornings.

I just read the previous post and realized that I actually started that post the week before... I didn't have time to finish (too many updates) and then actually finished it this week so there is some date issues in there. ummm, k? Now that I probably just confused you, let's move on....

I have GOT to get started on Braelyn's 2nd birthday planning. It is a month away and I have so much to do. I think we are going to have her party on October 17th and the theme is Halloween. =) I want all the little kiddos to wear their Halloween Costumes and we will have plenty of candy.

I have the plates and napkins picked out and I am getting her cake from the Cake Box in Griffin. Yum. For the design of the cake I am thinking maybe

Aren't those all just too cute. I love them!

For the location, I am thinking our house. I would love to have it at the farm, but we will see...
I am thinking of either having Chili or just doing Chips/Dip and cake.
I also have to get moving on her invites.
For her big present we are thinking of getting her this...

Doesn't it look big? It is, but she fits on it and her Daddy loves it. Which brings me to the next thing...

Braelyn has become a Daddy's GIRL this past week. Of course she has always loved her Daddy, but now she wants him and asks for him constantly. I love love love seeing their bond and relationship grow. It makes me proud that he is such a great father to her. She adores him!

And lately if it is not Daddy that she wants, it is her Nuna (my Mom). Yesterday on our way home from work and Weezie's, Braelyn realized that we were not going the to Nuna and Grandy's house but to our house and she had a fit. She kept saying Nuna and pointing out the window. She was not a happy camper and refused to get out of her car seat when we got home. I kept telling her Nuna was coming to visit in a little while, but she was having none of it. Can we say drama queen?!? =)

Anywho see, Mom, Brae, and I are going shopping this afternoon. I hope I find some cute tops at great prices Gap and Old Navy Outlet. That reminds me that I need to search for some coupons!!

Oh Where Oh Where Have We Been?

2010-09-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

This past month has been a whirlwind. I am more than ready for all things fall. Fall is my favorite season by far...so bring on....

GA Football - Go DAWGS!, Cool Crisp Days, Weekends at the Farm, Leaves Changing, Cozy Blue Jeans and long sleeve shirts, Beautiful Mums, All things Pumpkins, Brae's 2nd Birthday, Halloween, Our 5th Wedding Anniversary, and Thanksgiving

We are so close I can taste it! We had a little preview last weekend and I am ready for more!

So back to this past month.

Most notably Braelyn had her first visit to the ER on August 15th. Not good, but it was a Saturday night/early Sunday and she was breathing really fast and really heavily so much so she was throwing up. Turns out she had an upper respiratory infection. We were prescribed some antibiotics and steroids. She got better pretty quick...thank goodness.

The next weekend, Sudi (Mike's Aunt) came to stay with us a couple of days so they could clean out Granny's house. We had a great visit with her and was so glad she could come.

The next Saturday, Braelyn, Mom, and I headed to Suwanee to a birthday party for Chloie. It was at a beautiful park real close to their house. Braelyn had so much fun playing and eating pizza and cake.

Last weekend we headed to NC to meet Sudi and Nolan to go white water rafting down the Nantahala. Mom came with us and stayed with Braelyn while we went down. After we went down we headed over a big mountain called The Dragon to get to Sudi and Nolan's house in TN. Let me tell you...I got GREEN. bad. So much so I had to ask everyone to please stop talking. My head and stomach was spinning. Yuck. When we got to their house we unpacked, fed Braelyn and ate some snacks so I could come back down to planet EARTH. =)
It was time for Miss Brae to get a bath and head to bed so upstairs we went. She went into a frantic cry when I tried to sit her down in the bath. I was thinking that it was odd, but I quickly got her washed off and got her out of the shower and put her to bed. About 1am Brae started stirring and then crying and just being really uncomfortable and wouldn't fall back asleep. I could tell something just wasn't right and when she started holding her tee tee and crying and saying owww, I knew we had a problem. Around 2am when Brae still was not asleep I woke up Mike and Mom and told them we needed to head home asap so Brae could see the pediatrician first thing Saturday morning. We drove all night and saw the doctor first thing Saturday. I felt like she had a Urinary Track Infection and sure enough baby girl did. I was so relieved when she got antibiotics and started to feel better.

This weekend is Buggy Days in Barnesville. Mike and I are participating in a team game night called Anything Goes on Thursday night. Friday night is a downtown concert which I hope I can talk Mike into going to and Saturday and Sunday is the arts and craft festival. Last year was so much fun with Brae so I can imagine that it will be even better this year!

Ok, so I think I am caught up. Whew... so I will leave you with this picture, baby girl is becoming a big girl.

Her Dogs

2010-08-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Where are my silly dogs?!? Dooley.....Dixie.....

There you are Dixie. Why what a long tongue you have, my dear. Can I touch?

Ooooo, look Dixie, I have a tongue too. See?

Gah lee Dixie, I know you love to get all in my grill, but girl calm yourself.

Hey Dooley! There you are ole fellow....Let me get yall some FOOD, cause yall look hungry. Um, K?

Look at all the good food I am fixing my doggies...they are going to love me whole bunch.

Wooo wee, feeding the dogs is hard work. I think I will have me a sit.

Glad yall enjoyed yalls dinner! Dooley you just relax while Dixie gives me some more sugar!

Umm, yea, she is a bit strong willled...

2010-07-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

She gets it honest. Oh boy does she get it honest, from me and from her Daddy. She has personality coming from all directions, I love it.

Last Sunday, we went to my hometown church for their annual homecoming. Mike had Braelyn in his arms and as soon as we walked in and she saw all these people she didn't know her little eyes met mine and her face just crumbled. I took her and reassured her that I was not leaving her and we went to sit down where she stayed glued to me for a good 10 minutes. Around then Kaden arrived and she was surrounded by family so she felt a tad more comfortable. About 15 minutes into the service Kaden starts talking and Braelyn does the cutest thing...she puts her finger up to her mouth and shhhhs him. I had to giggle. Weezie ended up taking him out so I decided it would probably be a good time to take Braelyn out too. We went to play. She was scared for a minute till she saw that I was not leaving her and then she went to immediately hoard all of the 5 babies the play room had. She LOVES some babies. She was happy for a little while until a little girl who was around 4 wanted to play babies too. So I told Braelyn she had to share. Braelyn would look at me and point at the baby and say miiiine, miiine. At one point a little boy who was also 4 told Braelyn that it was not hers, that it was the churches. So funny. Brae was also having fun with the play-do and tried to put it in a can where it didn't belong a little girl took it out and said, "no, it doesn't go there" and Brae TOTALLY lost all her composure and just balled. Poor sensitive soul (just like me). She cried like she had totally just lost her best friend. She cried so hard they heard her in church. Oooops! =)

On to Sunday night.....Mike is getting ready to give Braelyn a bath, which she usually LOVES. Well she has decided that a bath is really not in her agenda and that she will not cry but SCREAM with all her might all through the bath. I even tried to come calm her down, but she was not having none of it. We got through it by just getting it over ASAP, but Monday night same senario. SCREAM BLOODY MURDER. So Mike gets her out and he is sitting on the side of the tub drying Braelyn off....kinda like this....

all of the sudden I heard boom bam bam so I quickly went in to find this.....

Braelyn in her "fit of rage" had knocked him back and down into the water they went. His legs were sticking out over the tub and all he could do is smile. I wish I would have gotten my camera but Braelyn was not the least bit amused by what had happened so there was no time to run and get it.

And finally...on to getting up and going to Weezie's in the morning. Braelyn has always let me come in a put her down say bye and leave her with Weezie and her friends. Sometimes she has whined but never screamed like she has the past two mornings. She has been in a complete sob as soon as we walk in the door. And when I break away she kicks it up a notch. It breaks my heart to leave her like that even though I know in a few minutes she will be ok. It doesn't start my morning off too good.

Sometimes I wonder and ask myself if I am being the best mother I can to Braelyn. I have no idea what to do in these situations and I know there will only be more and more and, if ya didn't know, more of these moments that quite frankly scare me cause she doesn't understand reason and of course all I can understand is reason. I just want her to grow up well rounded and someone who knows right from wrong and has compassion for people. Can someone just wrap all the answers up and send them to me.....just kidding cause I probably would only listen to half of what you say. =) Bottom line is she is a joy, a mess, my daughter, a little wonder, full of life little girl that I love to the depths of my soul. There is nothing I would not do for her. I just hope she always knows it. =)

The Short List

2010-07-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Work:

8-4 (this morning it was actually more like 8:30 thanks to a little brunette that had 2 screaming tantrums before her Mom could leave Weezie's)
Lots on my desk, will I ever catch up?!?

After work:

Grocery store to get some frozen onions and Braelyn some Gerber Graduate food for our trip.
Home to put Mike's gi in the ~~oven,~~ I mean dryer...cause I didn't wash it last night....ooops, and it must be ready for him to train at 6:30pm
Fold the 10 tons of laundry that is currently laying on my bed.
Wash and Fold at least 3 loads of laundry and possibly wash our sheets....but that might have to wait
Unload the dishwasher and then load it with the dishes that have been sitting in the sink for
_ days now. Don't judge.
Fix Eggplant Parmesan for supper cause if I don't fix it tonight the fresh eggplant will go bad.
A glass of wine, don't ya think I deserve it, I do!
Maybe start packing for TN.....who am I kidding this will not happen tonight
Give baby girl a bath, then in bed she goooooes
8pm BIG BROTHER....need I say more?!?
Mike comes home from training tired and hungry....feed him and lay him on sofa
9pm.....I am probably still folding clothes.....
Before I go off to dream land I am going to read some....Currently reading: Kendra Wilkinson's book...VERY GOOD!

Ok....this is how it should go.....depending on Little Brunette's mood we will see how this short list plays out. I am guessing, I will probably just hang out with her and maybe get some of this done after she goes nighty night. Yes yes, that is how my plans usually go....=)

About time for some TN pictures....huh?

2010-07-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

If I Could do Anything in the Whole Wide World....

2010-07-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

I would stay at home and design these all day long...

It is my passion. It is that one thing I can do and loose all track of time. I get in my element and the outside world is truly outside.

Loving Me Some Tennessee....

2010-07-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we headed to TN to visit Mike's Aunt Sudi, Uncle Nolan, and cousins, Ceana and Todd....they are otherwise known as Sudi-o, Nonnie, Ms.C, and Todd-Rowe. We had a great time and I have many pictures, but I just have to find time to get them from my camera to the computer then from the computer to here and there are not enough hours in my day.
Let me just say that our days were full of boating around the beautiful smokey mountains, learning to wake board, taking Braelyn to their farm to ride one of their beautiful horses, hot tubing, playing pool, eating, and the best part of all....hanging out and catching up with our family. It could not have been better and I cannot wait until our next trip. Pictures are coming....I promise!

Total Relaxation

2010-06-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

This trip has been wonderful! It was much needed by Mike, Braelyn, and myself. Yesterday we headed to PCB to meet up with the Wilson's so Braelyn could play with Kaden. The beaches in Panama City were crystal clear and we saw a 3ft shark swimming very close to shore. It was not bothering anybody and the people on the beach were more concerned than the people in the water. Today we relaxed, relaxed, and relaxed some more. It has been some kind of nice not to have a worry in the world. Braelyn has been in a great mood. We decided to take some pictures of her tonight down at the beach. She was more in a mood to play in the water...sooo we just let the little lady do her thing.

St. George Island - Part 1

2010-06-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

Over load of pictures coming because sometimes pictures tell a better story. Last night, Mike, Braelyn, and I headed to FL. This is our 1st solo family trip. The ride was ok. Braelyn was more than ready to get here and out of her seat. She is at a point where she know exactly in her mind what she wants but of course cannot commuicate it to us and she strapped in her seat so she cannot get what she wants for herself, so pretty much she whines a lot and nothing really satisfies her. I will be glad when she can talk.

Today was a great day! Braelyn was in a great mood and we just had a great time spending time together.

You can double click the pics to make them bigger.

Sweet Summertime

2010-06-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

I caught "the look" a.k.a she can know roll her eyes.

Can you tell Little Miss Priss likes the sun and water. We have that and baby girl is SET!

These days

2010-06-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it is the middle of June. This year is just flying by. As always, I am learning, growing, and evolving. Isn't it a little crazy how a single second can change everything. For me it was in a phone call that I was scared to death to make. A call that I am so happy I made the courage to make.

I really believe that God provides people to help us through circumstances whether good or bad for reasons that we may not always seem clear. I also believe that sometimes God makes us take a giant leap of faith to find these people. The decision on whether to take this "leap of faith" is totally up to us.

A couple of post down you might have read about me calling Mike's Aunt Sudi. Before a couple of weeks ago I had never seen or spoken to Mike's aunt, but Granny got sick and I took my "giant leap of faith" when I decided that I was just going to put myself out there and call her. Even though I knew little about her what I did know for sure, without a shadow of doubt is...she is and will always be Granny's daughter, and for me as a mother to a little girl, I just really from the bottom of my heart knew I needed to call.

I can remember the nerves like it was yesterday. I have never been a good "on the fly" talker. I get all nervous and forget half of what I want to say and the other half is said all wrong. But, I called and that is all that mattered.

Meeting and getting to know Sudi and her family has brought Mike and I such joy in this time of grief. God knew that we needed them and he provided. In my heart I know that they needed us too. In the hospital Sudi and Ceana (Sudi's daughter) were so good to Granny, Mike, Tommy, and I. Ceana is a nurse and she knew how to explain things that we knew nothing about. She was truly a blessing. We also enjoyed getting to know Nolan (Sudi's husband) and Todd (Sudi's son that loves GA Tech...yuck) =). I keep thinking we should have done it before now, before Granny was sick, but I am coming to peace that this was God's timing and his timing is always the right timing.

Since Granny's funeral Sudi, Nolan, Ceana, and Todd have gone back to where they live and we continue to talk every couple of days and email a lot. We are going to visit them in TN for The 4th of July weekend and we can't wait to create new family memories.

As I wrap up I just want to say that Mike and I are very thankful. Thankful for Granny's life, thankful for family and the new family we have found with Sudi, Nolan, Ceana, and Todd.

Hint Hint

2010-06-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

I need a new phone...LIKE BAD. I have for a long time but I have made do. So I have been looking and would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have this little beauty. http://phones.verizonwireless.com/lg/ally/
Right now there is a special going on that you buy one for $50 you get one free. Mom this would be a great phone/ calendar for you too. I will get you addicted to Facebook and we can always be in touch....you know you wanna =)

The hitch is that I have to pay like $40 extra a month for a data plan. Sooooo I wonder if I was to get this phone if I could write it off if I check my work email on it? Where is my CPA when I need him??

This little beauty also has great reviews. I likey....I want....now can some gentle soul talk my dear, sweet, loving, and oh so handsome hubbster into letting me have this little beaut? I need her, and to be honest... she needs me. =)

Insight

2010-06-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Over the years I would say I have experienced many life lessons. Some good, some bad, some insightful, some...well, not so much. I am continuing to grow and learn more everyday. Life has been rough for us here lately. I just want normal back, I want the easy, non stressful life. I know as time passes circumstances will get easier and a new normal will suddenly appear. It just takes my mind some time to catch up. I am a thinker. I analyze everything and when bam, I am hit with something major, I just need time to process. I came up with these "life lessons" a few years ago, some I found in various books and some I made up and they apply not just to me but to everyone.

I've Learned...
that you cannot make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

that it takes years to build trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

that it is not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.

that you may never become the person you want to be, but that is ok, because you are who you are suppose to be, embrace it and love yourself.

that you should always leave loved ones with loving words, it may be the last time you see them.

that you can keep going long after you can't.

that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

that either you can control your attitude or let it control you.

that no matter how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades, and there had better be a strong foundation and commitment to take its place.

that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, reguardless of the consequences.

that best friends are those who you can do nothing with and have a great time.

that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you are down will be the ones to help you get back up.

that when you get angry you have the right to be angry, but it does not give you the right to be cruel.

that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

that there is a time and place for everything, and the ability to know when and how to approach someone is not a gift a lot of people have.

that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish, what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

that it isn't always good enough to be forgiven by others, sometimes you must learn to forgive yourself.

that our background circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

that just because two people argue doesn't mean that they don't love each other, and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

that we don't have to change friends, if we understand that friends change.

that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

that even when you think you have nothing else to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help them.

that credentials on the wall don't make you a decent human being.

that no matter what happens to you on earth or how much your faith falters, God's faith in you never dwindles or fails.

that the people you care about the most in life are taken from you too soon.

that these life lessons never end and wisdom can always be passed on.

Granny

2010-05-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago I met the woman that loves my husband as much as I do. A woman that would do anything for him without a second thought. This woman was Mike's Granny. She accepted me into the family immediately, and soon she was not only Mike's Granny, but my Granny too. We talked at least once a week and if that week went by she would call and leave a message just to check on us. Mike or I would call her back and she would always tell us to come up and of course we would as soon as we could. She always called Mike Miiiiichael...with a drawn out "i". And would always say "thank ya darling" when I would do something.

On April 28th, Granny woke up with terrible back and leg pain. (I am going to go into as much detail as possible so I can remember) Brenda her niece took her over to Fayetteville to her doctors office to see the PA. The PA looked at Granny's history and immediately told her that she was obviously having some pain she had had in previous years and sent her home with some pain relievers. That night Brenda called us to tell us she had taken Granny and that Granny was in some intense pain. I remember Mike coming outside and telling me I needed to call Granny. I immediately came inside and called her and she told me the problem and told me she did not like the PA and felt like she blew off how intense her pain was and she thought it was odd that they did not give her an exam and she even made a comment about what if it was a problem with her kidneys.

Friday morning the 30th, Mike and his Dad took Granny back over to her doctor to get some answers because her pain was no better. This time instead of seeing the PA they actually saw the doctor. The doctor did no blood work and really just took the PA's word that it was a pinched nerve or some spinal flare up. He sent Granny home with a muscle relaxer and pain pills.

Saturday morning Mike took Granny breakfast and Braelyn and I came over soon after. Her coloring did not look very good but was tolerating the pain better. We left around noon and soon after Mike's Dad brought her lunch and later decided he should stay the night with her. Around 4:30am Sunday morning we got a call from Tommy (Mike's Dad) saying that the ambulance was there taking Granny to the hospital and that she was throwing up blood. I hurried to call my Mom to come stay with Brae while Mike and I headed to the hospital. When I walked in the ER, Granny looked so bad her skin color was whitish gray. It really took me back seeing her in that bad of shape. They ran a bunch of test and came to the realization that Granny's blood was WAY to thin. To thin to even count so they decided to give her 4 units of blood and blood plasma. I stayed until she was transferred to ICU and Mike stayed until late Sunday night. The next morning (Monday) she was moved from ICU into a regular room. After I dropped off Braelyn I went up there to see her and she was doing much better. A little weak but most definitely better. Over the next few days Granny had a scope and a colonoscopy to see if there was any damage done from the bleeding. None was done and she was eating and getting up on her own so she was sent home late Friday night, May 7th with a home health nurse and a prescription for some intense physical therapy for her leg and back.

Over the weekend, Granny was recuperating at home great and Little Ace (her dog) was so so happy she was home. Monday night after work Mom and I headed to Griffin for supper and stopped by to check on her. She fed Braelyn some graham crackers and Braelyn fed Little Ace some graham crackers. When Mom and I left she commented to me on Granny's color. We both agreed that she did look a tad bit yellow. When I got home I was sure to tell Mike and he called Granny and called his Dad. The next day they asked the home health care nurse about her color and she seemed to think it was ok. Unfortunately, I did not insist that she go to the doctor, but hindsight is 20/20, but something in my gut told me something wasn't right. We continued to check on her through the week and on Thursday Granny went out to get her hair and nails done with Brenda. She didn't let us know she was going and Tommy and Mike had a fit when they called during the day and she didn't answer. I finally got in touch with her and she told me of her fabulous morning and told me to please call her boys to tell them she was fine. Goodness, I can still hear her now.

Friday May 14th, Tommy called me mid day to tell me that Brenda was taking Granny to the doctor because she was REALLY yellow. A couple of hours later he called back to tell me that the doctor wanted to admit Granny back into the hospital. Mike was in the middle of pressure-washing the building where I work so I decided that I would go to the hospital until he could make it up there. Sure enough when I got there she was glowing. She was in a great mood though and everybody recognized her from her previous stay. Over the next couple of days they ran some test, but nothing seemed to happen quick enough for us. We were not getting answers and that worried us. By Monday afternoon we knew something whether it be a stone or a mass was blocking her bile duct. The Griffin doctors quickly referred her to Emory, but it still took until Wednesday afternoon to get her transferred. When she got to Emory her blood pressure was really high so they decided not to do any test until Thursday. I followed Tommy up to Emory early Thursday morning. Granny was in a lot of pain and winced in pain when someone slightly touched her abdomen. She napped a lot and talked in her sleep. A couple of times she said she had her glasses and even asked us about them. She also said something about a phone book. Tommy and I did a lot of sitting and waiting. There was a lot of doctors and nurses that came in. First a resident doctor, then a PA, then a doctor, then the head honcho doctor. I was very pleased to see all the all the attention and after lunch they told us she probably would not have to ERCP scope until Friday morning. Little did I know they were worried about her urine output which was 0 all day on Thursday. I left Emory around 2:30pm on Thursday to be able to get home to pick home Braelyn.

This next part starts the nightmare, the complete blur of time, and what was one of the most difficult time of my life.
Around 5:30, I got a call from Mike frantically saying they were moving Granny to ICU because her she was in liver failure. I told him he needed to leave work immediately to head to Emory. I couldn't go because Braelyn was at home with me, my Mom was out of town, and I was completely FREAKING OUT. After getting lost, I finally navigated Mike to the hospital and I was in complete panic mode. I was trying to keep it together for him, but I knew this was not good, not good at all. I was here and Mike was there and I was shaking because I was worried sick. It was like my mind was going 90 to nothing but I could not focus. Time just passed by and somehow I got Brae fed, bathed, and in bed. Right after that I called Mike and he told me he would call me back. Minutes of waiting turned into an hour and needless to say I had cleaned the house from top to bottom with all my nervous energy. After an hour, Margaret, Tommy's wife called wanting to know if I had heard anything, of course I hadn't, and honestly I was just sick with fear. FINALLY, Mike called, he said that Granny was doing a tad better and that at that point that was good. He had had a breakdown and just needed some time to process everything. I tried to sleep knowing that the next day would be long, but I couldn't. I just wanted to get to Mike and Granny.

The next morning (Friday the 21st) I picked up Margaret and dropped on Braelyn at Weezie's and headed to Emory. By the time we got there she was incubated meaning she had a ventilator to help her breathe. They told Mike and Tommy that this was to help her during the now VERY risky procedures. The hours seemed to fly by. I don't know why but they did. I went on mission find Tommy's sister's (Sudi) phone number because I knew she needed to know and Tommy and Mike agreed. After looking all over the Internet and not getting anywhere, I found out they had Granny's little red address book, so I decided to look in there. I saw that she had her cell phone number so I decided to give it a go. I was SO nervous to call. I am not going to lie....I was scared to death cause I didn't know what to expect. I was so happy to find Sudi on the other end of the phone and I could tell that my phone call had caught her off guard. I told her I would keep in touch and she said she would do the same. Over the next few hours Granny went through the ERCP scope which at that point was REALLY risky with an over 50% chance she would not make it through. We were so happy when she made it through and I was sure to let Sudi know. Margaret and I left the hospital a little later.

The next morning Mom went with me to take Braelyn to see Granny. We felt that it was important for Granny to know she was there. On our way, Sudi called to check in and I think I told her Granny was holding in there. We got there and Mike was so happy to see his little girl. We went in to visit Granny but she was pretty doped up on pain medicine. Right before we left Granny woke up and Braelyn was able to see her. Granny most definitely knew she was there and she was trying to lift her arms to hold Braelyn she was also trying to talk. It was beautiful and heart-breaking at the same time. We left to make it to Braelyn's little cousins 1st birthday party at the farm. Mike and his Dad talked a lot and prayed a lot throughout the day. Later that night Mike and I had a long conversation and talked Sudi. He thought I should ask her to come and I was again scared to death to ask her. I worked up some nerve and dialed her number. Her husband Nolan answered and I talked to him. Again my voice shaking and I was pretty sure I sounded like a scared idiot, but I said what came from the heart I knew I couldn't go wrong doing that. Our conversation was great and I felt hopeful that my phone call had gone good. I was exhausted and I slept so good.

The next day (Sunday the 23rd) I heard from Mike and Granny was holding on. Nothing seemed to be happening and we still did not know what the obstruction was in her bile duct. She was not stable enough to do anything that was not an emergency. Sudi also called to let me know they were on there way to Emory and would be there mid afternoon. I stayed at home Sunday morning to spend some time with Braelyn and attend my cousin's baby shower. I left around 3:30 to go get Granny's best friend Margie and Margaret to head to the hospital. When I got there Granny was the same and I got to meet Sudi and her husband Nolan. We let Margie spend some time with Granny and I took Mike and his Dad to eat at Long Horn's. They needed to get out of the hospital and I was happy to get them out for a hour or so. When I got back we left to come back home.

I was planning on going to work Monday, but really my heart or mind was not there. I was more than eager to head up to the hospital when Mike needed some medical papers Granny had her lawyer to draw up a couple of months ago. Some tough decisions needed to be made. Granny had no desire to suffer and we all knew she was. She was so so very weak and her heart rate was all over the place. I got to the hospital around lunch and met Mike's cousin Ceana. Over the next few hours, we all talked, cried, prayed, bonded. I was a nervous wreck and my stomach was in knots and very upset. I couldn't think about eating and just wanted everything to be ok and it just wasn't going to be. Later that day we all decided that Granny would go for a final MRI to tell what the mass was and that first thing Tuesday morning we would take her off the ventilator. I left the hospital to go home when she was having the MRI.

I was almost asleep when Mike called telling me that the doctor had read the MRI and that Granny had cancer cutting off the two main blood vessels in her stomach. This was terminal and there was nothing we could do except make her comfortable. Something amazing happened to Mike and his dad and I will blog about that soon. He was distraught though and I again felt helpless that I was not there. I felt so torn about being at the hospital and being at home with Braelyn. I rocked Braelyn for a long time that night while she slept and I finally fell fast asleep. I was up bright and early to leave to go back to Emory Tuesday morning. Mom got to my house to take care of Brae around 5 and I got to Emory around 6:30am. Soon it was time to take the ventilator out. Mike and I asked my Mom to bring Braelyn up one last time. I knew in my heart that it would not be long. The doctor seemed pretty confident that she would not pass away that day so after Braelyn got there and had a short visit, I decided to leave to go home to spend some much needed time with Braelyn not to even mention that my stomach was still very upset and the only thing to make it better was to leave the hospital. I was home for an hour and got a call from Mike saying Granny was not doing well at all and that maybe needed to come back. I was freaking out cause I just got home and I was more than tired, so I called Sudi and she said that yes, I needed to come. I threw on some comfy clothes because I was not leaving the hospital again. I was very emotional and felt like everytime I left something bad happened. I rushed as fast as I could and stayed with the family around her bed. At this point my stomach was beyond repair. We went to eat before the cafeteria closed for the night and I tried to eat a but I couldn't. When we got back Granny was still holding on and I knew I needed something...ANYTHING to calm my stomach. By this time I was pissed at my nerves and just wanted relief. Sudi offered to go with me out to their car to see if they had anything for me to take. They didn't so we headed two blocks down the street to the CVS to get some medicine. I was checking out and we got a phone call saying we needed to come now. I was SO scared we would not make it back in time but we did. Granny passed away peacefully with all her family surrounding her.

I am so very proud of my husband. He never left his Granny's side and that speaks volumes on the kind of man he is. I am a very lucky woman. Granny will be greatly missed. Her funeral was Friday and the days seem like they are just passing by. I want to go into more detail about meeting Sudi, her husband, and children, but that will have to wait until next time....it deserves a post in itself. I know there is probably a lot I left out and I might add as I remember. Thank you for reading.

Drama Free Zone

2010-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

For a little over 9 months I have been creating personal invitations for family, friends, and acquaintances. I love it. With each new invitation I feel like I am gaining ground and improving my skills. Customers are coming so I feel like people like what I do. I try to be reasonably priced too. Anywho, today I go to a local drug store to print some invites that I need to deliver tonight. Everything is hunky dory until the man asks me if I have a copyright for the pictures. I say no, cause they are completely and solely created by me and I have not copyrighted them (NOTE TO SELF: I probably need to look into copyrighting). So he goes and talks to a lady which says, "they look professional". To which I reply...."well, I hope so". Then I try to explain to her that I create the invites from a blank white document. I pick the colors and my clients give me the info they would like on the card as well as a pictures to put on the card. She then said my invitation looked like some they had out of Norcross. I think to myself, well ok.....then tried to stay clam and said, "I have no idea but I created this". She said well maybe yall used the same program and I said, "No mam, I created this from nothing, it is my idea, my creation, my words. No template was used." I might have rolled my eyes cause too, because at this point I have explained my story and it still is not getting through to the lady. Completely ridiculous. Not only have I printed NUMEROUS invites at this place, but this same lady has helped me MULTIPLE times.

Now.....what should I do? I print my invites there because it is VERY convenient, BUT I do not appreciate the fact that the lady thought I was lying and to tell you the truth I still think she thinks they are not mine. I might try another drug store, but I don't know. UGH! I usually go in there twice a week to print stuff. This just sucks! Why can't we be DRAMA FREE?!?

Nell

2010-05-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

And just if you were wondering....Braelyn's Daddy calls her Nell. Yea....he can come up with some weird out of the blue nicknames.

Nighty Night Night

2010-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

For the past year and a half Braelyn has worn something like this to bed every night. She does not like to keep covers on her and this little footsie keeps her nice and warm. We have them in fleece and just plain ole thin cotton. She likes the fleece ones best. (edited to add: I know this one does not have feet in it, but you can just use your imagination.)

Last week at Walmart, I saw some oh so cute new bedtime getups for Brae. I picked out one and after washing it (yes it took me a week to wash it) I decided to let her wear it to bed. It was similar to this.

She looked all cute and comfy but let me tell you...baby girl did not like. She did not like at all. She woke at 10 then 12 and soon after I decided to change her back into her comfy fleece footsie. She slept the rest of the night.

SO....I hope they make these footsie thingies until baby girl figures out that blankets stay on top you to keep you nice and warm at night. BTW, I am beginning to think Braelyn might be ready for a pillow. I will let you know how that turns out. =)

About Time

2010-05-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

My Mom asked me last night if I had stopped blogging. I told her I had nothing to write about combined with not having a lot of free time has caused me to not to blog so much. But in reality I guess I am just lazy when it comes to blogging. Did I just admit laziness....yes, yes I did.

So what has been happening? LIFE. ha. Witty I am. No really, everyday brings new experiences.

Braelyn can now point to her tummy, mouth, ears, nose, feet, hand, and sometimes her eyes. She has a time remembering where those eyes are, but everything else is usually spot on. Last night I tried to teach her where her hair is and she kept pulling my hair and thought it was hilarious...me not so much....she has a grip!

Her love for books has exploded. She will let me read and then she takes a turn reading to me.

And let's not forget her babies...she is in love with her babies whether it be a real baby doll or just a stuffed animal she grabs whatever is closest and loves on it.

Personality is just coming from every direction and sometimes I just have to laugh because she is just THAT darn cute. She if for sure a Daddy's girl and LOVES to be outside with him. He ADORES her and it makes me fall more in love with both of them (is that even possible?!?) when I see them together. Want proof....ok...

Yes, these two make my world go around.

So this past week (may 5th) I turned 26. Getting old. Age really doesn't bother me though. We celebrated by going to a concert. Kyle and Sara went with Mike and I to see Zac Brown Band. We met up with some friends once we got there and had a good time. The music was good BUT they played a lot of new songs that nobody knew. So no one was singing along. That was kinda a bummer AND it was cold. Brrrr. But I was happy to be out with great friends so who cares. Sunday which was Mother's Day was a great stress free relaxing day. We hung out at the lake for a few hours and Mike grilled some yummy hamburgers when we got home. I made some homemade oven potato chips. They were pretty good too.

Last week I also started a kickboxing class. Tonight is my 4th class and I love it. I have always loved working out. The feeling I get after I am done is so GREAT. I really appreciate Mike and my parents for keeping Braelyn while I go. It is a hour for me to take care of me and I really haven't allowed myself that is a long time.

Well I say that is a pretty good start to not writing in like over a month. I will try to do better, promise.

Yellow

2010-04-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

Pollen Pollen Everywhere
Pollen Pollen In My Hair
Pollen Pollen Here and There
Pollen Pollen Tracked Inside
Pollen Pollen a Pain in My Side

Did ya like that? EVERYTHING is yellow around these parts. It is crazy.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail....

2010-04-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter weekend. The weather, the friends, the family. Everything was great. Friday night started the festivities. I went to hear Brantly Gilbert at Smoke on the Water with Sara, her brother Adam, and her cousin Vicki. We had a lot of fun and they kept me laughing the whole time. Saturday morning Mike, Braelyn, and I headed back over to Smoke on the Water to eat some bbq Mike's work was sponsoring. We had Braelyn's face painted and a ballerina ballon made for her. Soon it was time to head to our best little man's 1st birthday party at the farm

but not before a little of this on the car ride over...

But low and behold as soon as I parked she woke up. After a few minutes of pictures and playing the birthday boy decided he was tired too.

But there was not much time for sleeping there was cake to eat and presents to open.

After everyone's bellies were full with yummy strawberry cake it was time for an Easter Egg Hunt.

It was a great day for a birthday party and fun was had by all. Before we all knew it, it was 6:30 and everyone was hungry so we headed to Slices to have some pizza. Braelyn was so tired by the time we got home. She could hardly keep her eyes open.

Sunday morning came soon. Mom and I had to keep the bed baby and crawler nursery at church so Mike and Braelyn slept in. When I got home I hurried to get Braelyn dressed and ready for her Nanny (Mike's Mom) to come see her and then to head to eat at my Uncle and Aunt's house.

After a lot of good food and catching up with family we headed home for a nap for Braelyn and myself while Mike went to the farm. Soon though baby girl was ready to get up and have a little fun in the sun. So we did...

It was SO much fun to see her playing in the water! She just played and played and played. Again all too soon it was time to go in to eat and get ready for bed.

I wish every weekend could be this great! I am LOVING Braelyn's age. She is SO SO much fun! Everyday is an adventure to our little family. Mike and I could just eat her up! Well until next time...

Dirty

2010-03-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Mommy has to let her baby girl do what shes gotta do....

And baby girl in return, tells everybody how very cool her Mommy is. Ha! Check back in about uh 12 years and see if I am cool then. Bet not. I have had a bit of a writers block lately. Sorry bout that. Nothing much to write about and everything to write about at the same time. Ever felt that way? It is getting slowly but surely more spring like around these parts and we are loving every second. Braelyn love being outside and I have to tell ya that I don't mind it myself. It is good for the soul...until it gets about 90+ degrees and then we either need air condition or a pool OR a lake who could forget a lake cause a lake is what we have. Thank.you.very.much. Anywho.

I had the second migraine ever this past Sunday night. It sucked. Period. That was like child birth of the head. I took off Monday cause I was still having some dizziness from all the mind blowing PAIN. It was good to drop Brae off at Weezie's and just go back home crawl under my down comforter and sleep, sleep AND sleep. It was heavenly.

Wells. I guess that is all for now. Stay tuned, I might just get something WAY cool to post about. =)

Brownie

2010-03-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

I am brown headed again, and I am loving the change.

You might think I am Crazy but....

2010-03-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

I love love love that Braelyn is walking now! I know that 16 months is "late" for her to be able to walk, but I think it is perfect. Some babies walk at like 9 months. I could not even imagine that. They would go from baby to toddler WAY too fast. She had the perfect crawling stage from 8 months till 16 months and now I feel it is the perfect time for her to become a little walker. I guess my feelings have more to do with not wanting her to grow up too fast because ya know....we might not have any more children...GASP! Which could be a whole blog post in itself. Because don't ya know that she neeeeeds a lil brother or sister. Insert< Sarcasm>. Doesn't she need a sane Mom?!? Just kidding, but I would be crazy with two at least that is how I feel right now. Not saying that one day in the future we might change our mind, but for now and the foreseeable future our Miss Braelyn is it!

Yesterday afternoon while the men played golf and Brae napped, Mom and I watched Time Travelers Wife. It was a great movie, although very weird. It is the kind of movie you have to watch from start to finish or you will not "get it". Well about 15 minutes before the movie ended I heard my little munchkin fussing because she was ready to get up. Mom went to get her and a few seconds later I heard tiny footsteps headed my way. It just melted my heart! She came straight to me to get some Momma love. She looked so stinkin cute cause she was still half asleep. She just crawled up in my lap and layed her head down on my shoulder and continued to wake up.

Yesterday was our second sunday leaving Braelyn in the walkers nursery. She has cried both Sundays but is over it in about 15 seconds max ( I stand beside the door until I hear her stop) then I peak in quickly to make sure she is ok. Every baby except one has cried when their parents left them. I guess they are just "that" age where they don't understand why we are leaving them. It is funny cause Brae stares at them like why yall crying, but then she cries too. When I came to pick her up she was excited to see me....she started to talk and head straight to the door so I could pick her up.

I am still not feeling 100% which plain sucks. I am ready to feel better! My present symptom is my throat throbbing. I have to take 3 ibuprofen to get any relief. Who knows what it will be 2 days from now. Yippeee =

I will leave you with some pictures taken at the beach Valentines Day weekend.

We have a WALKER....

2010-02-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

Braelyn is 16 months old today and it has been a big month because last week my little bundle of joy decided that she could indeed let go of my pinky and walk on her own. She has taken her sweet time because she was extremely cautious and had to build her confidence that she could actually do it by herself. She is so cute toddling around!

Braelyn wants to know everything that is going on and she talks and talks. If she sees something she wants she points to it and then attempts to tell me all about it. Then she HAS to have it, like NOW! She has fun playing and loves to have our complete attention. Fixing dinner is almost impossible without someone else here to entertain her.

I am enjoying every second. I love that she adores me and all my attention. I love that she adores her Daddy. She keeps us on our toes and I know it is only going to get better! I am not saying that parenting Miss Braelyn is always easy because it's not, it is the most difficult, wonderful experience. She has a "drama queen" side and completely loose her composure one second and be perfectly perfect the next. Sometimes she thinks that when I say no it is the funniest thing ever and other times she completely melts into a puddle of tears.

Last weekend we went to the beach and missed the first and most likely the only snow storm of the season. I was a tad sad, but we had a nice weekend getaway. Also we learned that our best buds will be having a baby coming next October. Kaden will be a big brother and I am so excited for Kyle and Sara! I am ready to plan a shower and love on their or shall I say our new bundle of joy!

Bring on month number 16. I am sure it will be fun and full of adventure. I hope it will be a tad warmer. That would be great!

Dreaming (cause I can)

2010-02-18T10:33:00.000-08:00

I want THIS one! K?

In a couple of years when this economy comes back and we can sell our house for a good hunk-a-chunk of money, I would like to move to the farm and build our little family this here house. It screams....I WOULD BE PERFECT ON THE LAKE....TAKE ME! I love it!! Of course Mike would have to have a garage to do man things that he does and I am thinking one could be detached from the house and have a covered breeze way to the back deck....and that dining room could be easily transformed into a 3rd bedroom/office. No dining room is needed cause we eat in front of the tv and I think 3/4ths of the year I could eat on the vaulted covered porch. Oh my goodness....JOY! I can see it, I want it!

Coming soon.....Braelyn is 16 months old today, and I will have a post dedicated to her later tonight!

Sick

2010-02-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have an ear infection and it huuuuuuuurrrts. Like BAD. I have not had an ear infection in like 13 years and oh my goodness the PAIN. Please please let the pain meds kick in soon.....like right now. OUCH.

Trying to focus on the positive....antibiotic + cough medicine + pain meds = feeling better for the beach trip. YEAH!

I need my bed. I might have to leave work soon, sweet heavens, this is NOT fun!

Summer Stylin

2010-02-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

I have had spring and summer on my mind for awhile now. I am waiting and hoping that the 60+ degree weather will be coming to GA sooner than later! Please, for the love of all things good, bring on some mild, sunny days. I need it, my child needs it, my husband needs it, and my pups need it. Braelyn is now going to our front door, standing up to peer outside and pleading to GO outside. Then she gets so fustrated cause the door is not opening because it is WAY too cold and dreary for my little princess to go outside. Never have we ever had a winter this bad. We are OVER it.

So in all these cold cold rainy days I have been pondering what I would love to have in my closet for my Spring/Summer 2010....

Some of these....

Paired with some of these in various colors (i heart purple)

O sweet mother of sandles....how I lurve thee.....

These make me happy! Oh soooo very happy.

Anyone want to take me shopping (ahhhemm..Mom?!?) =)

In further news, Braelyn and I are heading to FL this weekend with Nana, Sara, Ms. Teresa, and our favorite little man (Kaden). Can I get a Heck to tha YEAH! It will be pretty chilly but hopefully sunny!

Dreaming of Warmth and Sunshine All Day Long

2010-02-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

This winter season has been especially brutal this year. Not only is it cold but most days it is rainy too. I do not like this one single bit. Braelyn wants to desperately go outside and I do too! There is only so much you can do to keep a 15 month old busy inside all day, don't get me wrong she loves to play, but after awhile she gets more than bored.

Yesterday morning, Braelyn was less than thrilled when I woke her up. Actually she was down right mad and made sure I knew it. She cried when she finally decided I wasn't leaving her room for her to go back to sleep. She cried when I said good morning. She cried when she sat up. She cried when I picked her up. She screamed when I sat her back down to change her diaper. Needless to say, I foolishly picked her up to try to console her before putting a fresh diaper on her. I sat down in her rocking chair to hold her for a few minutes so she would calm down and immediately felt something warm and wet. Yes, she peed all over me. I let her finish cause what else could I do? I put her in her bed and cleaned her up and quickly put a diaper on her. By this time she was crying again. After I get the diaper on her I had the audacity to leave her in her bed so I could go get cleaned up and throw on some clean pee pee free clothes. The second I left her sight the crying turned into frantic screaming at the top of her lungs. Baby girl can get emotional. Thank God there was some clean pants near. I threw them on and hurried back to my girl. She still was not happy with me one bit. I kept talking, singing and loving on her until I could throw on her clothes and out the door to Weezie's we went.

Wooo-wee what a way to start the work week, right?

She has My Heart

2010-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Stomach Virus of 2010

2010-01-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago Braelyn had her 1st stomach virus. Scary! Her Daddy had the worst of it because it was the night that I took my Mom to see Annie at the Fox in ATL. About 10pm I got a call and then about 10:15pm I got another call so I decided to step out to call home to see what was going on. Mike answered in a frantic voice saying....Braelyn is VERY sick, what can I give her? Bless his heart. She had been throwing up for over an hour and was dry heaving. He had waited as long as he could because he knew I was at the play. I told him there was nothing to give her and that we would be home ASAP. (We were suppose to stay in ATL for the night) I went back into the theater and told Mom. Thank goodness there was only like 10 minutes left in the play so I went across the street to the hotel to get our stuff while she finished the show. I got up to the room and of course I was on the phone with Mike and my card wouldn't work to get into my room..GRRRR. I was SO mad. I went down the front desk and had to wait for Mom to get over because the room was in her name. I was pissed but ready to leave. We got home as quickly as we could and when we got there my Dad was there helping Mike with Brae. Poor girl was SO exhausted. I ended up spending the night rocking her in her chair. The next day I was in cleaning mode. Everything needed cleaning and NOW NOW NOW. Needless to say I got sick Sunday and Nana got sick Monday. Mike and my Dad were spared. Lucky they are. I am just glad it was a quick virus.

Pretend. Make Believe. Play.

2010-01-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, we have a little Momma on our hands. Braelyn loves taking care of her babies these days. In the picture to the right she did everything she could to get up in her rocking chair with her baby and her bottle. Needless to say the baby and bottle fell through the back as she climbed up in her chair. I was quick to grab them and give them both to her so she could love and feed her baby. [Smile]

This ladies and gentlemen is Braelyn's "duck". Obviously it is not a duck but she thinks it is and everytime we go into Granddaddy and Nana's house her eyes quickly find the "duck" on the mantle. She points and says duck, duck, duck until someone gets it down for her. Occasionally she will try to ride the duck, but usually she removes the head and the puts it back on...

January 2010, has been a rainy and cold month here in GA. We are ready for sunshine and warmth. I miss the farm and am ready to go hang out there on the weekends with my family and friends again. Brae has been cutting her molars this past month. It has been rough for her at night. She can't seem to get comfortable. One night she even squirmed and wiggled so much while I was rocking her that I finally got up and layed her in the oh-so comfy rocking chair. She didn't move another inch. That was what she had wanted all along....for me to get up so she could lay down in her chair. She was out like a light in seconds. I set down on the foot rest and continued to rock the chair with my hand. Finally, I put her in her bed. Funny! She also took Nana a diaper and layed down on the floor for Nana to change her diaper. My baby is growing up. Tear.

Reflection

2010-01-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

A note to this rainy weather.....go away you make my hair look frizzy, flat, and make my roots say mean things to me.

A note to my sinuses.....you make my eyes look like I am on drugs. You make my nose burn, itch, and run. Let's not even mention the agony you cause me at night cause it is pure rudeness on your part.

A note to my new WAY comfy nike shoes.....I love you, thank you for making me happy, I am not THRILLED that you took my Christmas money, but ya know I will deal with it for your comfort and newness.

A note to the sun....come out you make me feel better.

A note to my refrigerator....could you please go to the grocery store and get groceries? K, Thanks.

A note to my kitchen....when the above refrigerator goes to get groceries could you then make my little family a delicious meal and then clean up, my husband gets his feelings hurt when I don't have him food and we don't want to hurt his feeling do we??

Sometimes I wish...

2010-01-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

I could just tell people off or keep my mouth shut in the 1st case if I can't tell said people off.

I am going to vent now. A valid vent. If you do not wish to read me vent do not read this. Ummm K?

The Back Story:
So last night Mike comes in from training (jujitsu). He comes in the bedroom and says, "Before you hear it from someone else, Jake dislocated (actually I think he said the word separated) his shoulder tonight rolling with me".

Took a few seconds to process but ok....then he explains they were rolling wide open and Jake braced himself wrong and bam dislocated shoulder. Then he says 911, kids were there, lots of pain, 911 took 10 minutes to get there and I kinda FREAK OUT.

I know this was an complete accident and people get hurt from time to time while partaking in jujitsu, but here is where my mind quickly went......

This could have been Mike.
One day I am going to get a call saying Mike has been taken to the ER.
What if Mike gets hurt and cannot work?
What if he then gets fired?
Does he not realize he has a little girl that needs a healthy Daddy.
Does he not realize that he is putting himself and his body in harms way and for what...a good workout?
What ifs start flooding my head. Mike has responsibilities.

Mike tries to reason with me saying this could happen to anybody, yada, yada....trying to make me feel better but the fact is and this is a FACT. I will be super super upset if Mike gets hurt.

The Part that make me MAD!
So this has something to do with an update on how Jake is on facebook and really has nothing to do with Mike but more about me and what I think. I wont get into all the details but this is the part where I should have just said nothing because now I feel like I can't say what I really want to say which is...

ME: I sure hope Mike doesn't get hurt. He has a family to take care of....PERIOD! I don't give a crap about character building or wisdom. I just give a crap that my husband stays healthy for our baby. Mike doesn't feel responsible for what happened to Jake, but he still feels bad that it happened....it was an accident and yes, I agree Jake probably will never brace himself that way again.

I will never write this, but that right there folks what I WISH I could write. =) I am sure I would get some grrrreat responses to that on FB.

Ok....the end!

It's Going to be a Good Day!

2010-01-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

A Day in the Life of a Employee, Wife, and Mother...

2010-01-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Today was rough. There is no real reason why. The only thing I can come up with is that I had this problem with emails at work that took, actually robbed me of all my brain power for the rest of the day. I was just wipped out after wrapping my mind around the problem then the solution.....but I did get to the solution and for that I am glad.

I was happy for work to be over and to go get Braelyn and head home. Nana came over to visit for a little bit and Brae had a good time playing. When she left I fed Braelyn and I might or might not have had a small glass of wine to unwind. We played some more waiting for Daddy to get home. When he got home I payed some bills and organized some bills while Mike spent some time with his best little lady and gave her a bath. Then I took over and put her to bed while Mike got ready to go to the gym. Braelyn is not wanting to really snuggle too much before I put her down so we say our prayers and rock for like a minute or two and she is ready to get in her bed. So I come out of her room and Mike asks what I had for supper, I say "nothing yet" and then went on to say I would probably fix a pimento cheese sand. to that he replied, "well that is just grrreat"....HA! Are you serious. Then I look at him and say, "well I was planning on going upstairs to do MY Shred workout, but would you rather me cook so you will have something to eat when YOU come home from the gym"? FOR REAL?? Of course my dear hubby says, "no no go workout don't cook", yada yada, but the guilt was already planted. UGH....so after he left and before I headed to workout I put in a Bertoli Lasagna in the oven. After my workout it was just about 8pm so I got ready to watch American Idol which is what I am still doing while writing this here blog and I might or might not be enjoying me another glass of wine.

So today was a bit stressful. The highest point of my day is spending time with my Brae so I don't like taking away from that time by cooking. But honestly there is not enough time to cook to spend time with her and workout. Hello....I have just worked for 8hrs too. Sometimes I just feel overworked. Not complaning, just saying....Oh how I love this beautiful crazy life.

Yes, she can totally feed herself.

2010-01-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

Back to the Gr-r-r-rind

2010-01-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow at a bright and early hour I have to be back at work. Mixed emotions about that. I have SOOO enjoyed my week off with Braelyn, it has been great. Let me do a recap. Last Monday, Braelyn and I went to eat with Nana at El Durango for lunch then just came home took a nap and hung out. I think that day I also took a bunch of Christmas decor down and layed it all out on the kitchen table where it has stayed all week. I wanted to get it ALL together so we could buy nice boxes and it could be easily accessible next year. Mike came to my rescue today and put it all up and off of the table. A good man he is! I just couldn't get it done. Can any other Mothers relate? Ok back to our Monday. After Brae's nap, Sara, Kaden, Weezie, and Lori came for a visit to see our new playroom. Lori was excited to finally see our house and Braelyn's room. On Tuesday I went to get our Tahoe detailed at the dealership because we didn't get it done cause it was pouring rain when we bought it. Sara and Kaden came and rescued us from a hour wait at the boring dealership. We went to eat at Crackle Barrel. Yum! When we got back to the dealership the truck was done and we were ready to go to Kaden's house to see all his new toys. We had a lot of fun playing away with our little man. He got lots of cool toys. I have a feeling Braelyn and him will have months of fun playing between his house and our house! Ok...I must go to bed now. I have a feeling that tomorrow might be really rough. BUT hopefully not. If I don't get back to this happy story of our week then know it was great, spent with great family and friends! So here is to 2010........bring it on!

We have a BIG tooth a coming...

2009-12-31T05:33:00.000-08:00

and it is hurting my baby =( Poor sweet girl. Thank God for Tylenol. And let's not even mention the poop diapers, they will knock you OFF your feet.

Not Funny and Everyone Needs Some Security

2009-12-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

Braelyn thinks when I say "NO!" in my stern Mommy tone that it is the funniest thing ever. In fact I belive to get a real good smile when I am trying to take pictures I will just say "NoNo Braelyn"......Great! It is very hard not to crack a smile myself.

Ok dokey, let's move on...

Some babies have a secuirty blanket right? Well not my little lady, she has security STUFF. And it happens to be whatever she sets her eyes on first thing in the morning. Usually this is some random toy or book, but something HAS to be in at least one or both of her hands by the time we head out to Weezie's in the mornings. Another thing she has just recently started is wanting to hold on to her ba-ba which is her bottle after her 5:30am feeding. When she finishes that bottle she will grab it and clutch it against her cheek and chest. I think it is sweet. I usually just put her in the bed with it because the milk is all gone. ........HA!

Just now I got her out of bed from her nap. She looked straight at the her cat piggie bank and had to grab it. I just put her on our bed and she grabbed the empty pill bottle. It is just funny to me because it is so random. She also loves my lipstick.....a girl after her Momma's heart. =) I simply adore her!

A Very Lenhart Christmas

2009-12-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

Been awhile huh? My Dad says that I must have quit blogging, but no...no I haven't. HEY DAD aka GRANDDADDY! The truth is I wish that I could fit in more time because I think back and wish I could recall exact moments in Braelyn's busy and wonderful 1st year and then the next thought is ...Should have blogged about it. O well. In the new year I would like to make the resolution to do better. Sound good? =) Braelyn is getting so so fun and doing more and more each day which does not yet include walking which everyone at once.... gasp....REALLY She is not walking YET? And my reply is no, not yet. Who REALLY cares? She is smart and can do a lot and is already. She is standing though. Her first independent stand was December 12th at our Wilson family get together. She has continued to stand and is SO very proud of herself when she does. She also will walk with help when SHE WANTS to. Do not be fooled if Braelyn does not want to stand or walk, she will NOT. If she wants you to pick her up and she has her little arms reached out to you and you try to stand her up by grabbing her hands she tucks her arms fiercely down and this will go on and on until you tuck your hands under her arms pits to indeed pick her up which is exactly what she wanted you to do in the first place. Baby girl is strong willed. And if you take too long figuring out exactly what she wants she will have a melt down. Oh yea. BUT the fun and the joy she brings to my life. Right now we are up in her new playroom thanks to the Christmas gifts, and she just crawled up my back and wrapped her arms around my back....melt. Now she is trying to remove me from a pillow. Ha. She is going 90 to nothing. She talks constantly and can feed herself with a spoon. She is a picky eater and spits out anything she does not like which includes many veges. I think she takes after her Dad on that one cause I will eat anything. AND she loves some sweets. She is still a little timid and clingy when we are around people she doesn't know really well, but she gets that honest from me. I have to warm up to people. Our Christmas was great. We are very blessed to have great family and friends and I do have to admit that this Christmas was the best in a long while.

So what else have we been up to?? Well a lot. Since I last wrote, we took Braelyn on her 1st of hopefully many trips to Tennessee. We rented a cabin with Kyle, Sara, and Kaden and Sara's parents. It was quite an adventure to begin with because our first cabin was infested with dead and dying black flies. NASTY. But the rest of the trip was fabulous. Lots of great memories! Let's see that was the weekend before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was great. We had a lot of good food at my 2nd cousin Beth's house. After Thanksgiving started all the Christmas fesivities which included a Premier jewelery party the first week of December. The rest of December was filled spending lots of time with Kaden and Sara since both of our husbands get home so late. And spending lots of evenings chilling at my parents a.k.a. Nana and Granddaddy's house waiting for Daddy to get home. Braelyn and I don't like being alone for long if you can't tell. We both need PEOPLE!

Like I said earlier, Christmas was great this year. Braelyn definatley knew something special was going on. Like always, we had Christmas Eve at Mom and Dad's. Great food and company. Then we open presents with them. Braelyn like sitting on top of the boxes. =) We woke Braelyn up around 8am Christmas morning to open presents while I was changing her diaper she pee'd all over her PJs so I decided to just go ahead and get her dressed before seeing what Santa had brought her. She was mesmorized and immediatley went to the puzzels and then starting throwing puzzel pieces into the big inflateable jumper. It was great. After playing for awihle we headed to Mike's Mom's house for breakfast and opening presents. It was great. After that we headed home so Brae could have a good nap before Mike's Dad's family and my parents came for dinner.
After dinner my parents and all of us piled into our new Tahoe (my Chirstmas present) and went to see the lights at the Rock Ranch. By the time we got home we were all exhausted. Braelyn went to sleep by 7 and I was in bed shortly after.

This week I have off with Brae. She is wearing me out already, but I am loving every second. Tonight I will start Jillian Michael's 30 day shred again. I am headed to FL mid-Feburary and I would like to loose some more weight between now and then so wish me luck. Well I suppose that is all for now. Enjoy these pictures.

Oh How I Wish...

2009-11-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to a great photographer in California. Gena is very very talented and she and her sister Tonya's pictures inspire me. I really can't describe the beauty of their work. Ok, let me try to describe....It kinda makes me want to be a better person like I want to jump in the photo and be that beautiful person being photographed. I have to be honest and say that I have never paid to have Braelyn's picture made because I thought I could do as good or at least close to what photographers could do in our area BUT I would gladly pay to have Gena take pictures of Braelyn, Mike, and I if I lived in California. Wow. Gena is having a giveaway for a free session with her and I had to enter. Now...if I win I must get a plane ticket to Cali....good thing my boss has buddy passes....come on now... crazy huh? Traveling from GA to CA for a photoshoot, but she is just THAT GOOD! I could never miss this opportunity!! Go check her out....now... http://www.genasusan.com.

A Little Something Something...

2009-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

You are My Sunshine...

2009-11-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

My only Sunshine
You make me Happy when Skies are Grey
You'll Never know Dear how much I Love You
Please don't take My Sunshine Away.

I love this song. Makes me think of my girl and I love thinking about my girl! I especially love Elizabeth Mitchell's rendition. You can take a listen here. I love her voice, so awesome! In fact I am going to order this cd right now. I want all her cds. So uplifting and happy children songs. Braelyn will love them, I am sure of it.

The days have gone by and with each I find myself loving life a little more. I am happy with myself and my little family. I know things can change in an instant and so I cherish every second. Taking for granted this life that God has given to me is not an option. How is it that he choose me to be the mother of this beautiful brown eyed baby girl? It seems to me that I am truly blessed beyond measure.

Have a mentioned before that I heart the Fall, the leaves changing before my eyes, the crisp refreshing air, the pumpkins, the costumes, the birthdays, family, giving thanks? Cause I love it all! I soak it up utterly and completely.

What has our little family been up to for the last month? Well a whole lot...Let me take you back a few weeks to October 18th. Braelyn's Birthday Party. It was a cold but beautiful day. We gave her a party out at the lake with family and friends. The swing set Brae got for her birthday was a hit with the children. Everyone had a great time all bundled up. Brae got many presents, but she liked this one the best at least this is the one that caught her attention. She got a lot of clothes too, cute cute clothes, book, dvds, and even a little tiny bracelet from her Granny. Her first piece of jewelery.

The next Saturday, the 23rd. We went to the pumpkin patch with Kyle, Sara, and Kaden. Lots of fun! Daddy (Mike) even got her name spray painted on a pumpkin...too cute! Sara and I made Braelyn and Kaden's shirts to wear. They were adorable in their turkey shirts made by the women that love them the most, their Mommies!

The next day I helped host a bridal shower for my friend Megan. She is getting married this coming Sunday. I am her matron of honor and I am so excited for her. Mom brought Braelyn and she had fun with all the ladies.

October 28th was my Dad's birthday. We grilled steaks out at the farm with him and my Mom. It was a lot of fun and really beautiful. Braelyn enjoyed sitting between her Nana and me on the picnic table and eating baked potato. She thinks she is a big girl now, but she is still my baby and that is just how it is gonna be.

Friday night the 30th I invited Sara and Kaden to go with Braelyn and I to Hallelujah Night at our church. We dressed up her Frog and my Zebra and off we went. The weather was a little drizzly, but we had fun. They had great corndogs. I am looking forward to going back next year and years to come. Braelyn will be able to do more then. They had hay rides, pony rides, petting zoo, different games, cake walk, jumping gyms, and a adorable little train ride that we would have rode if we had had somewhere to put all our stuff. There was A LOT of people there though so the lines were long.

Halloween day Braelyn and I went to Macon with Nana and then got back into her Zebra costume to go trick-a-treating. It was still drizzly outside but we set out down the main street in our town with Braelyn in her red wagon. We met my parents at Slices to eat and then they took Braelyn home while Mike and I walked back to their house. We went home and put Brae to bed and then I went back to watch a movie with my Mom and Dad. We watched "Tales of Girlfriends Past", it was very good.

Sunday, November 1st, Megan had another bridal shower at her fiances Mom and Dad's house. I rode with Megan and her Mom. Braelyn stayed with her Daddy and they had a good time together.

So that brings me to yesterday, November 4th. The day Mike and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. We went out to dinner at Shoki in Macon. It is a Japanese Hibachi grill. Braelyn went with us because well we just wanted her too. We were home by 7:30. It was a great night with my two most favorite people. We are thinking and have been thinking for awhile that we would go to the mountains for our anniversary. Hopefully we will get to go in early December.

Tonight, is Megan's rehearsal. I hope I don't trip and fall. =) No it will be perfect. Tomorrow night, is the bachelorette party. We are just going out to eat Mexican for drinks, food and fun!

Saturday night is the Rehearsal Dinner. Mike will be going with me to that. And Sunday is the BIG day. I have a beautiful dress that compliments the brides dress. Those two dresses were made to be together. Megan is going to be gorgeous! I am very thankful that my little lady will be staying with her Sara and Kaden for the wedding to that Mike and my Mom can come to the wedding. I am so happy that Sara and I have become such great friends. She is a great person and wonderful Mom!

So that's whats been happening in our little household. This was long I know. Sorry! Hopefully, it will not be another 3 weeks before I write again....Toot-a-Loo!

My Sweet Braelyn Nicole

2009-10-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Braelyn,

In a few short hours you will be a year old. You still seem so little to me. I really have not completely wrapped my mind around that you have been here with me a whole year. Surreal....it is what I felt when I took the pregnancy test and it read positive, what I felt when, one year ago right now, I looked at your Daddy and said, "I think my water just broke", it is what I felt the moment you where born and your Daddy brought you over to me, it is the moment we brought you home, gave you your first bath, your first smile, and now it is your first birthday and I have to admit Surreal describes it completely.

As we celebrate your birthday tomorrow with our closest family and friends I am so so very proud that you are mine, apart of me. I adore you little lady, my heart belongs to you. I cannot completely describe the love that I feel for you. You will know though when you have a baby.

Your 11th month was great. You are learning more and more each day. This past month you got two more top teeth. Those were rough because you got them at the same time. That makes 6 teeth for you little lady. Also this month you have really discovered your love to tumble. You can get up in your little chair at Nana and Granddaddy's house and scoot off landing on a soft pillow. You do this over and over and over and get irritated at me when I tell you it is time to leave. This past month you have also grown the age appropriate "stranger anxiety". You will not go to anyone you do not know VERY well. That basically includes...me, your Daddy, Nana, Weezie, Lori, and Sara. Not very many people at all. While you do warm up to people you like to have us in your sights. You also like us to be with you no matter what. You really do not like to be left alone in a room. No mam you are not having ANY of that. In the past week you have really been trying you express yourself. Of course you can't just yet so you have a constant whine every time you want something. It is a uh uh uh uh uh uh.....over and over and over. Kind of intense, but I know you are just trying to tell me something....I am thinking more and more about the baby sign language. We might need to revisit that idea.
No walking just yet. I think you are getting around just fine right now crawling that you just don't have time to try to stand up on your own and take a step. I am not rushing it baby girl because you will have plenty of time to walk and plenty of time for your Daddy and I to chase you. =)

Tomorrow will be a very special day. I love you more and more and I am so very grateful that God entrusted me to be your Mother. I am so blessed to have you sweetheart. Thank you so much for loving me.

Breaking News

2009-09-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

So I have neglected to write about Braelyn's 10 month. Shame shame. Life is busy with a 10 month old! Or is that an understatement?!? This month Braelyn said her first word. Which was when she put the phone up to her ear and said "hello" which was more like he-o or simply o. So cute. She also began waving goodbye and will occasionally said bye bye. The other big thing was that she began clapping to the patty cake song. It is SO adorable. She also claps when I say "YAY". As you can see her 10th month was a good month. I feel like she is becoming a big girl sooner than later. SLOW DOWN baby girl. This past week we headed to St. George Island with Nana, Sara, Kaden, and Mrs. Teresa (Kaden's MeMaw). It was SO much fun with both Braelyn and Kaden. They both liked the beach, sand, and ocean. I wish =_Mike could have been there...he would have LOVED to see Braelyn playing in the sand! He absolutley LOVES his girl and it melts my heart. I love to see how much she means to him. This past weekend Braelyn went to her 1st Buggy Days. It was alright. Not as many people but we had fun. =) Saturday night was good because the Dawgs won. That always makes a good night in the Lenhart house! This Saturday night I am headed to see Sugarland with two of my friends, Amanda and Christal. I know we will have SO much fun. We always do when we get together!
I will post pictures of the beach soon.

Light of Our Life

2009-09-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Mike and I are totally head over heals in love with this girl. Everyone tells me she looks just like her Daddy which is alright with me. =) She is more than we could have ever hoped for.

Thank you Braelyn for being you. We love you with all of our hearts!

A State of Uneasiness

2009-09-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Uneasy. I dislike the feeling like things are not going good. I dislike having a constant tug of war in my stomach. I dislike not getting along. I dislike having no one to talk to without judging me. I dislike when one aspect of my life is going great then another has to fall apart. I dislike the unkind words. I dislike the hurt. I dislike the tears. I dislike wanting to forgive and forget, but scared that if I forgive that it is just going to happen again. I dislike having to have my guard up. I dislike having to worry about every word that comes out of my mouth. I dislike feeling confused and unsure. I dislike the fact that I cannot speak my mind and that brings me to the point of this post. I need somewhere where I can let my words and thoughts flow. I need an outlet. I don't want to hurt people with the anger that I feel. It is solely mine, but I need a place where I can vent so that I can work through and sort out my emotions so I am starting another blog. A private blog...that only I can see. No worries, I am keeping this one too because my sweet baby Braelyn is my pride and joy and a Momma HAS to show off her girl. =) I think I am going to also change the name to be Indescribably Us cause it is mostly about her, me, and him and that = Us. And I am going to try my best to start posting more. My sweet Brae is almost 11 months. wow.

10 Months Young

2009-08-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

10 whole months old. I just cannot wrap my head around that. Every single day that goes by I fall more in love with being this little girl's Momma. I am so so proud that she is mine. I just want to kiss and hug her and well basically...never let her go.

Sometimes Little Missy is a bit serious...she can give some looks and can throw a hissy fit, but ya know she is a product of Mike and myself and well...it is to be expected.

Baby girl loves to ride. When I strap her in she gives me a look that says....So Mommy, where we going now?? Usually we are on our way to Weezie's or Nana's. Which reminds me that she now knows what I am talking about when I say, Let's call Nana. Either she head towards her "play" phone or she heads to the real phone, which ever one is in her sight.

Do you see what she sees?

Her fascination with leaves is amazing. I wonder how something so little can intrigue her for so long. Just last night she and I sat on Nana's porch and played with a couple of leaves for about 30 minutes. She crinkles them and throws them down and even tries to put them in her mouth, but I say, no no yucky...and she immediately stops (I know she won't always listen to me so I am enjoying that she does now). I love every second.

This month Brae has really begun to LOVE her books. She loves when we read to her and loves to flip the pages and talk to the book. In that 1st photo she is looking down at all her other books. She pulls them off the shelf onto the floor all the time and if one gets stuck, she gets mad and screams at it. Too Funny.

I just cannot begin to explain the love I have for her. Here is to a very happy 10th month!

Her

2009-08-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

An Everyday Kinda Love

2009-08-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

I am loving life. Simple as that.

Last Friday Braelyn had her 9 month check up. Little missy is now exactly 20lbs (60th %), 27in long (30th %) and her head (I never can remember this) is well...measuring normal...She didn't have to have shots which was great news. Because her appointment was scheduled on a Friday, Mike got to go with us. I had prepared him for shots, but he got lucky. I know it would have hurt his feelings to see her cry. We saw a different doctor this time...we really liked her a lot and I think I will be scheduling Braelyn's well appointments with her from now on.

Later Friday afternoon, Mike, Braelyn, and I met my parents at Longhorn's to eat an early supper then my parents and I headed to Lakewood Amphitheater to see Rascal Flatts and Mike took Braelyn home. The concert was great!! I enjoyed it a lot. (Thank you again Dad for taking me!!) I wanted a shirt, but I could not spend $30 on a shirt. However, I did spend $14 on a mixed drink. HA! It was very very good.

Saturday was pretty laid back...Mike let me sleep in a little and eventually (later in the afternoon) we made it out to the farm for an hour or so. And I took this picture...

Look, its all my kids...ha!

When we got home Braelyn and I did a little more playing before dinner. She is SO much fun to play with. She really plays more and more by herself and will go back and forth between her toys. We especially enjoy playing up in our bonus room above the garage. It is the only room in our house that is carpeted. For now....it is Mike's GA Bulldog room...BUT I would love love love to make it into a huge playroom for Braelyn. She loves playing up there. Here are a few pictures I took while playing.

As you can probably tell from our pictures....we are gearing up for football season! I cannot wait to dress Braelyn in all her UGA cheerleader outfits. In fact be on the look out for a new blog design soon that will involve a certain little cutie decked out in UGA attire. I am trying to teach her GOOOO DAWGS SIC'EM WOOOFF WOOOF WOOF!

Sunday, Mike and I played golf with Kyle and Sara. It was so much fun! It was our second Sunday playing together and actually only my 2nd time ever playing. Never thought I would enjoy it, but I do.

Now it is Wednesday, and this week is flying by like all the others. Last night Braelyn and I went to eat with my newly engaged friend Megan. I am So So very happy for her and her fiance, Matt. I will have to write a separate post about this special engagement soon and how I was kinda involved later. It is a great love story. =)

The Tale of all Tales...and some pictures

2009-07-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Little Princess

Showing us some leg and being a little ham...She was ALL over the place.

And finally, yours truly...I got all dressed up to go to a wedding of a high school friend. I went with my two good friends and we had a GREAT time. After the wedding we went to see the movie Hangover...People this movie is SOOOO good and funny! I have never laughed so hard.

9 Months..Better Late than Later

2009-07-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Braelyn turned 9 months old last Saturday. What a great month it has been. She makes life more interesting single day that passes by. So what has my little one been up to this month??

She makes a high pitched huh sound when she wants something, mostly food or a toy.

She loves to stand/pull up.

She hates to lay down and stay still for a diaper change, she immediately flips over a scoots away.

She never stays still, little girl loves to MOVE.

She constantly babbles...and a lot of bong bong bongs

She has discovered that she can suck in her breath a make a new noise. It scared me the first time she did it. She mostly does it when she is excited.

And the biggest news is that last week I started to wean Braelyn from nursing. She has done SO well. She was already used to taking a pumped bottle at Weezie's, but now she gets formula. I am only nursing her in the early morning (anywhere from 5-6am) and then when she goes to bed (7:30pm)

Her sleeping habits are great. She sleeps all night EXCEPT nights she has been teething then maybe she wakes up twice, but with a little cuddling and rocking she falls right back asleep. Sometimes, well more often than not, she will even take a great nap in her bed. She NEVER used to nap in her bed, but if we are home that is where she naps now. And believe me she gets some GOOD sleep in her bed. Like at least 2 hrs. Greatness.

Well this next month I am sure my little missy will teach me even more. I am ready! She is such a joy. =)

Guess Who

2009-06-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

Guess who cut their 1st tooth last week.
Guess who two days later cut another tooth.
Guess who stayed out until nearly 10pm two nights this past weekend.
Guess who keeps waking up at 4am to eat.
Guess who gives her Momma a big smile when she wakes up in the morning.
Guess who attended her 1st 4th of July picnic at RockSprings.
Guess who saw her 1st fireworks show.
Guess who wore her 1st homemade dress that her Momma made her.
Guess who is helping her Momma build a new little business making dresses.

She is....

Fun in the Sun

2009-06-26T07:17:00.001-07:00

And I thought I would add one of me and my girl...

Happy 8 Months Baby Girl!

2009-06-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Month 8 will bring many new adventures, I am sure of it!

The newest adventure....CRAWLING.

What has Miss Braelyn been up to the last month?
She has become a Mommy's girl. If I am around, she wants me to hold her. Sometimes she will pitch a fit if I put her down. If I come into the room and she does not see me, but she hears me, she will whine until I pick her up.
Don't get me wrong...she adores her Daddy, and LOVES each and every Friday she spends with him.
We tried a sippy cup, but she didn't like it at all.
She has pulled up a couple of times and tries more and more everyday.
She doesn't LOVE baths anymore. She tolerates it, but tries to get out a lot of the time...I think this is just a stage that she is going through though and it won't last.
She had her 1st Wilson get-together at the farm.
1st 4wheeler ride with her Daddy.
Went swimming for the 1st time.
Discovered that when we are eating she should be eating too.
She LOVES animals, she gets so excited and reaches out to them.

Wow. I am sure I forgot many, but you get the point, my baby girl is growing up right before my very eyes. I love her more everyday. It is a journey that I cherish and hold very close. Every moment of everyday she is on my mind. Sometimes I wonder what she is thinking about. She is very expressionistic and full of life. I am her Mommy and that makes me so very happy. I am one lucky girl!

Two....Maybe 3

2009-06-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

Crawling - check
Hair cut - check
Cutting Her 1st Tooth - any day now

Braelyn crawled today for the first time....YAY!!! I am so proud of her. I have been thinking that she would for weeks, but today she did it. It was so cute because she is still trying to figure it out so it is sorta kinda a hop like crawl, hard to explain, but o-so precious! I must get it on video tomorrow.

Last Sunday, I decided to cut Braelyn's hair. More specifically...her rat tail. One little section in the back was SO long, it was the only little section that did not fall out. Not only was it much longer than her other hair but it was frizzy. So it had to go, and it looks much better if I say so myself.

TEETH, Will my baby ever get her 1st tooth?? I think so, and I think it will be soon. She has the stink of all stanky diapers, she has the runny rose, and she has the whine, whine, whiney's. Tooth tooth come out come out wherever you are.

Tomorrow, Braelyn will be 8 months old. Can you believe it? What happened to my newborn baby?? More to come tomorrow, with some pictures of my sweet little 8 month old darlin baby girl....

Mornings

2009-06-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Braelyn's Room

2009-05-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Braelyn's room. Her room is by far, my most favorite room in the house. However, I find that pictures do not do it justice. As you will notice the color of the walls change in these pictures....I don't particularly like that.

This is the picture that inspired Braelyn's room. Mike and I always knew that we wanted to incorporate something UGA into our the room, but I wanted it to be girly too, of course! So when I found this print which looks like a water color, I knew it was perfect. You can click on the picture to get a better view.

I never wanted anything anybody else had. I also knew that I wanted my Mom to help me
"make" her I guess shall I say "custom" bedding. I loved the color red, so my Mom and I decided that red polka dotted ribbon would be great on the bumper pad and then she made her blanket and we had her name engraved. Her linens are carters and they are white. She loves her UGA mobile and smiles when Glory, Glory to Ole Georgia comes on...

Here is Braelyn herself enjoying her crib. This view is looking from her closet. I should have moved the diaper holder thingy to take the pictures. O-well...

This is looking from her rocking chair. The two pictures are old nursery rhyme pages I tore out of one of my old books. I told a colored pencil and darkened some of the colors because it was faded. I loved how it turned out. The mirror and bear were mine growing up. I love that they are hers now!

This is the view from her door. As you can see, she is trying to learn to crawl.

This is Braelyn's oh so comfy rocking chair and her closet. Everyone thought I was crazy to want a white chair, but I love it and it is greatly used! You can also see a little of her curtains that came from Ikea. I love them!

Here is her very unorganized closet, we ARE being real though, right?

And last, this is Braelyn's bathroom. Every night she gets a bath in her duck tub. The beak squeaks and she loves it. I would recommend this tub to anyone with a baby that has just started to sit up good.

Thanks for visiting Braelyn's room!

The Tale of a Curious Baby...

2009-05-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

For a couple of weeks now Braelyn has become a lot more curious about her surroundings and what is going on around her.

One of these times happens to be when I am nursing her. If she hears anything going on around her she crooks her neck around to see. In fact sometimes she just looks to look. The funny thing is the way she looks when she is doing this...it is like she turns her head and looks and then she suddenly remembers she is indeed eating so she whips her head back around and continues to eat...Usually after she has done this a bazillion times, I think she must be not interested in eating anymore so I cover up. Sometimes when I do this, she whips back around and she finds her food source is suddenly gone...she looks up at me like...Mommy, I don't think so...and has a melt down. I usually let her resume eating, but within minutes something else catches her attention.

Another curious moment came yesterday when Mom and I were shopping. We stopped to eat at a restaurant called Bugaboo's Steak House. This particular restaurant has moose heads on the wall that automatically talk every 20 minutes or so. We were eating and Braelyn was gnawing on some bread in the high chair when the moose directly behind us started to talk. She whipped her head around so fast in search of what was talking behind her. I turned her high chair around so that she could get a better view. It was so cute to see how interested she was...She just stared and stared at the talking moose.

She now also loves to look at mirrors and tries to touch her hand in the mirror. She will just coo at herself. She also gives me the biggest smiles when she sees me in the mirror [melt heart].

I love to see her curiosity! It amazes me to see her grow and learn new things. I know I have said it before, but I love to see life through her eyes.

My Dining Room

2009-05-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! It is Friday....YAY! So, Welcome to my dining room. Right now the only one that eats in here is Braelyn. Soon when Braelyn gets older we will eat around the table, but right now Mike and I eat in front of the TV after Braelyn goes to bed.

This is the view from the front door. The highchair and toys are welcomed new additions.

Looking from the sofa in the living room.

View from the kitchen. I am in the beginning stages of picking out some kind of window treatment or perhaps bamboo roman shades to go on these windows. Any ideas?

That dresser is an antique. It was Mike's grandmothers and was given to us by his Aunt and Uncle.

A close up of some toys, Braelyn loves to sit in her seat and play while I am cleaning or getting her food ready. Many people have asked if our table has a story or is an antique. The answer is no, we bought it new from Mike's Aunt. She is an Interior Designer and when I was telling her what I wanted the table to look like she said that she had a table in storage that she had found at Hobby Lobby a couple of years ago. I went to look and it was PERFECT!

Going out to the screen porch, above the door is a sign we got as a wedding present and the framed picture is our wedding invitation, I made them myself.

And finally, this is our screened in porch looking in. Overlook the bedroom slippers..ha! Dooley is wondering what in the world I am doing...

I hope you enjoyed our Dining Room!

To see my previous post about my Living Room, click here.

Happy Thursday!

2009-05-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Look Daddy and Granddaddy, I am ready to go play golf!

Look at her little tongue...she has been doing this a lot this week....maybe possibly a sign of teething?? Or baby girl has "found" her tongue. =)

7 Months

2009-05-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today little Missy is 7 months old. Everyday is a new adventure. Braelyn is so full of life, I love seeing her discover new things and look at things in a different light. It is so refreshing.

Braelyn's big milestone this past month was for sure her sitting up. She has also decided that everything must go to her mouth. She grabs for anything close by whether it be a toy, a remote, or a piece of paper. It is amazing how the simplest rattle will keep her attention a lot longer than more "trendy" toys. She loves to type on the computer and she finds the tags on stuffed animals to be quite fasinating.

I have been thinking for months now that surely she was teething....but no teeth yet. She has been doing WONDERFUL with sleeping at night. Her usual bedtime is between 7-8pm and she wakes around 6am to eat. On weekdays, I usually feed her and put her back in her crib until around 7:00 before I wake her up to get her dressed and out the door, but on weekends I put her back to bed after her 6am feeding and she will stay asleep until after 8:00 which is late for Mike and I. Last week after seeing Braelyn trying to pull up in her crib, I let down her matress so that she could not fall out. I know it will only be a matter of time before she can pull herself completely up.

Braelyn is trying her hardest to figure out crawling. It is only a matter of time before she takes off. I am not ready for that. My baby is getting so big. I was rocking her in my arms tonight just thinking that soon she will not want me to rock her nighty night. She fits so perfectly in my arms and I truely believe she will always fit perfectly in my arms because she is mine, my life, my joy, my happiness.

As far as looks go, many people say she looks like her Daddy. I really think she is her own little person though. She looks like herself, not really Mike or I. She has my big eyes, but her dark thick hair is a lot different than either Mike or mine so I think she got it from a generation or two back.

Many Fridays are spent with her Daddy now that he has Fridays off. He loves taking her to Walmart to visit Granny and absolutely loves showing her off. Last Friday I left him completely on his own and they had a great time together.

We still go shopping a lot and Braelyn loves looking at everything. Most of the time she looks around with amazement. I love it!

Let's talk about eating now....I think Braelyn could eat until she made herself sick. She loves to eat! She now eats all the Gerber 1st foods, and has a net ring thingy that holds fruit. We put bananas in it and it keeps her occupied for a long time. She usually takes a bottle of juice at resturants and we give her a little piece of bread to knaw on. She sits in a high chair and just is happy as can be most of the time.

I am ready to start her 7th month, I know it will bring her Daddy and I many smiles, a lot of laughter, and we will fall more deeply in love with her.