Morgan Kate

Mid-Week Randomness.

2012-02-08T21:06:00.000-05:00

I am so over winter. I'm ready for spring and warmth and the sun to stay up past six.

I love picking Morgan Kate up from dance on Wednesdays. Not only do I get to see her in her "dance get up", which is so stinking cute, but I also get to catch up with friends while waiting and that makes me happy.

This weekend we are having a celebration party for Reid, as well as his parents, Chad and Corrisa. This Friday their adoption will be 100% final and we are having a party to celebrate this momentous occasion. It's going to be so much fun and so special!

Getting Morgan Kate to go to bed is getting some easier. Some. Now we just have to work on getting her to stay asleep. The past two nights she has gotten up every three hours. I feel like we have a newborn. My brain feels like mush.

One of my super sweet students made "tie-dyed" cupcakes last week and she brought me one as a treat. Oh.My.Word. It was amazing! I am dying to make some myself. I have all of the necessary ingredients. Now I just need to find some time.

I need to blog very soon, like in the next day or two, about the March of Dimes. It's that time again! Time to walk for ALL babies! I get excited just thinking about it!

Tomorrow night Travis is cooking pork, kim chi and tofu for dinner. It's a Korean dish and it is fantastic. Quite possibly one of my favorites meals ever. And I don't have to go to any restaurant to have it because my amazing hubby cooks it better than anyone I know. Oh, how I love him and his cooking skills.

2012-02-06T16:54:00.002-05:00

Around here, the weather has been warm and the sky has been so blue.

Around here, I've been using Instagram on my iPOD way more than my actual camera.

Around here, Morgan Kate has been cruising in her jeep.

Around here, bedtime is really no better. And many nights MK's room looks like this. In case you are still unclear, that blanket and pillow belong to Travis and I. Yes, one of us has been sleeping in her room for hours at a time to get her to go to sleep and stay asleep.

Around here, we've been spending time at the park. It's a win-win situation. MK gets to play and we get to wear her out in hopes that she will sleep later. The sleeping later part really hasn't been working out so well.

Around here, my hubby and MK have been recovering from an illness. My hubby an awful sinus infection and MK a virus of some kind.

Around here, you will find a mommy who, despite some serious sleep deprivation, is so thankful for her little life.

2012-02-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

I'm kind of holding my breath.

My fingers and toes are tightly crossed.

For the past two nights there has been no crying. No screaming. No fussing. No arguing. No up and down fifteen hundred times. No middle of the night "crawl-in-mommy-and-daddy-bed" visitor. Nope. Nothing.

Our girl has gone to bed and for the most part stayed in the bed. Of course it has required work on all of our parts, but it has been well worth the effort. Travis has been putting her to bed, he's much better at it than I am. He's been laying down with her until she falls asleep. Monday night it only took about twenty minutes, last night it was much longer, but still no drama-fest right before bed. Monday night she got up twice, but Travis put her back to bed and she stayed. Last night, which was my "duty" night, she got up once and after using the potty and wanting to be rocked for "just two minutes" she went right back to sleep. She's much happier because she's actually sleeping. Daddy is much happier because he is sleeping. And of course Mommy is much happier because mommy is sleeping. And we all know, when momma's happy, everybody's happy. It's a win-win situation.

Now, we just pray it lasts.

2012-01-31T19:43:00.001-05:00

This past week (Tuesday-Tuesday) Morgan Kate was the Special Person of the Week at her school. Last Tuesday she got to take in five of her favorite pictures and talk about them during circle. She also got to take her favorite snack, she chose pink cupcakes. And she got to take her favorite book, she picked out (on her own) Just in Case You Ever Wonder.

Not only did she get to bring stuff in, but she got to bring stuff home. She got to bring home Porgy the Pig, his bag, his book and his toothbrush. She and Porgy have been connected at the hip ever since. Seriously. I am dreading his return to school.

For the past week we have taken him with us everywhere and documented, as best we could, all of our adventures. He has eaten pizza with us and spent time in the swing with Morgan Kate.

He has played outside with us and even went for a ride in the wheel barrow.

He went with us to Kaka and Gator's for the weekend and got to help bake cookies.

Porgy even got to visit with Uncle Owens and Uncle Kyle for a little while.

We have had a big time with Porgy and we are sad to see him leave. However, we may be getting a Pinky to keep permanently.

2012-01-30T19:40:00.002-05:00

Bedtime didn't go so great last night, but I am hopeful we will all sleep soundly tonight. Because.I.am.dying.to.get.some.sleep.

The sound machine I purchased yesterday was not a big hit and my girl asked me to turn it off, but I left it on and enjoyed the rainforest myself.

At midnight last night our girl was still wide awake and "thrashing" around in her room, but I know that consistency is key and we've got to stick with it. Even if it kills me.

I slept on the floor in Morgan Kate's room for two hours last night, but woke up with a new appreciation for my bed. And a crink in my neck.

Exactly four minutes before my alarm went off this morning my baby girl was standing at my side of the bed poking me in the face, but I was thankful to awake to her sweet voice rather than the "bonking" of the alarm clock.

I've been rather cranky today, but did manage to smile a few times as I watched my girl slide down the slide at Chick-fil-A. The nuggets made me pretty happy as well.

There have been times today where I have felt so totally overwhelmed and frustrated, but I know tomorrow is a brand new day and we all get a fresh new start. Right?!?

2012-01-29T20:03:00.000-05:00

If you asked me, I'd tell you I had a really good weekend. A weekend full of family.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that today I let my child sleep late and did not let her nap in hopes for a smooth bedtime.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that lately, I absolutely dread bedtime.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that sometimes I feel like the - Worst.Mom.Ever.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that seeing Morgan Kate in her dance "gear" puts the biggest smile on my face.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that watching Morgan Kate and knowing that she is a part of me and a part of Travis overwhelms my heart. In a good way.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that the weekends go by entirely too fast.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that the "threes" are way harder than the "twos." Twos were easy, breezy. This three stuff is no joke.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that I want so badly to learn how to get it all done.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that I really, really, really want a Mac laptop. Really bad. Just so I can blog in bed.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that tonight I purchased a sound machine in hopes to make bedtime easier. At bedtime Morgan Kate told me to turn it off. I didn't.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that I get giddy thinking about my morning cup of coffee.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that I am afraid of a lot of things. Some silly, some not so silly.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that my hubby makes me smile. Big.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that I got this "if you asked me" idea from another blog.

If you asked me, I'd tell you that for the past ten minutes my daughter has been soundly sleeping in the room right across the hall. So far - no tears, no screaming, just the sound of rain (from the machine she wanted me to turn off, but I didn't).

If you asked me, I'd tell you I have lots to do to prepare for Monday morning. Ugh.

2012-01-24T06:44:00.000-05:00

This past weekend my parents came in to town for a few hours and we met them for a play date at the mall. It worked out perfectly because there is this great little play area, there's a food court with endless options and there's Build-A-Bear.

My mom had the most terrific idea to have Morgan Kate make a "bedtime bear" to help with her bedtime issues. Hunter came along and he too got to make a bear or rather a monkey. My mom even got in on the action and made a puppy. I'm not sure who had more fun!

I'll be honest. We've walked by Build-A-Bear probably a million times, maybe more, and we've never stopped. It's crossed my mind a time or two, I mean who can resist those adorable stuffed animals, but one look into that place and all of that chaos completely turned me the other way.

My mind has changed though. Saturday I learned that it really is pretty cool "chaos". Yes, there is lots going on. Yes, there are lots of options. Yes, there are lots of small children. But, it's so much fun. I really wish now that I would have made one. Ha! Morgan Kate was really into making her bear and I was just as into as she was. We had the best time picking out the bear, stuffing the bear, adding the heart and then picking out just the right clothes. Of course our bedtime bear needed bedtime clothes - PJs. I am so thankful my mom thought of this. MK named her bear Sassy. Surprise, surprise?!?

Each of the different stops was so child friendly. I think MK had the most fun stuffing the bear. Hunter, on the other hand, was scared to death. He was more interested in banging on the computers where you register your bear.

After some play and time building our bears we headed to the food court area for lunch. However, it wasn't long before the two little ones were ready to play again.

I'm happy to report that Sassy has slept with Morgan Kate every night (and nap) since Saturday morning. I'm a little sad to report that the crying only stopped for the very first night. Regardless of the bedtime issues, it was such a fun Saturday, but then, any day spent with my family is a fun day for me.

2012-01-23T06:26:00.000-05:00

I was looking through old pictures Friday night. Most of them from Morgan Kate's first year. There were so many that really made my memory feel fuzzy. In some ways there are things about that first year that I will never ever forget, but in other ways a lot of it seems like a blur or a fog. It's so hard for me to remember her being a newborn. One group of pictures really caught my attention. There was nothing fuzzy or foggy or blurry about what I remembered. It was perfectly clear. I remember the day, I remember the feeling, I remember the wait. It was a group of pictures from the first time my dad ever held Morgan Kate. And they were dated January 23, 2009. She was a day short of turning six months old and my dad was holding her for the very first time. Ever.

Of course I was overcome with emotion as I looked at the picture. I called Travis in and he said, "Even today, your daddy still looks at her like that." And he's right. My daddy does. He loves our little girl so much. It made my heart swell to see that picture and to know I had captured it for a lifetime. It's definitely a memory I will never forget, but it's nice to have a more material form as well. It brought a smile to my face to see my daddy holding his baby girl's baby girl.

But it also made me sad.

Morgan Kate was six months old and my daddy was holding her for the very first time. It's not something he chose. It's not something he was "just getting around to". It was the first time because for so long we had had to be so careful. We brought her home in December. With oxygen. In the dead of winter and in the middle of RSV season. We didn't want her to get sick. We didn't want her to catch anything. We were scared to death. So, we followed all of the rules. (Maybe we went a little overboard at times, like whenever an article of her clothing would touch the ground I would immediately wash it, but looking back three years later, it definitely paid off.) And as much as we followed the rules, my dad followed them even more. You see, my dad is a serious rule follower in some ways. In others, not so much, but when it comes to health and safety and morals, he always follows the rules. He's also really particular about rules in hotels, but that story is for another post. Anyway, my dad doesn't typically break the rules and Morgan Kate was no exception. He wasn't going to hold her until he got the okay from us and from her doctors, all four of them. It didn't mean he didn't want to hold her. It didn't mean he wasn't longing to hold his first grand baby. It didn't mean that it wasn't breaking his heart. But, he did it. He did it for us. And he did it for her. And I know there is nothing in this world that he wouldn't do for all three of us.

While I am thankful to have that picture, I am even more thankful that it's January 23, 2012 and we are well past all of that. We can love our girl, be with our girl and hold our girl and we're not breaking any rules.

2012-01-19T05:59:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine did this survey with her three year old and I thought it would be fun to do it with Morgan Kate. I added a few questions of my own. It was not only fun, but interesting. Oh, and note to self - do not ask questions while said three year old is watching Tom and Jerry. At times I thought I was talking to a brick wall. Here goes...

What is your favorite color? Ummm...pink.

What is your favorite toy? Ummmm...robots. (She doesn't even own a robot.)

What is your favorite fruit? Ummm...gapes (grapes).

What is your favorite TV show? I like Daddy cartoon. (Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes)

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? S-getti.

What is your favorite outfit? I like to wear dresses.

What is your favorite game? I like to jump.

What is your favorite snack? Toast. (Whatever, the girl never asks for toast as a snack. She always wants yogurt or applesauce or spicy Cheez-its.)

What is your favorite animal? Jaff (Giraffe.)

What is your favorite song? Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

What is your favorite book? Animal book (Not sure what book she is talking about.)

What are you thankful for? My fins (friends), Roddey and my baby dolls.

What is your favorite cereal? Your cookie cereal. (That would be mommy's Cookie Crisp. Hee, hee...)

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play and run.

What is your favorite drink? Appey (Apple) juice.

What is your favorite holiday? Summertime. (She's my girl.)

What do you like to take with you to bed at night? My lobies (lovies).

What do you want for dinner on your next birthday? Cupcakes.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A please man (policeman) and a witch. (Nice combination, huh?)

What's your favorite thing to do with Daddy? Watch cah-toons. (Cartoons)

What's your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Read books.

What's your favorite thing to do with Kaka and Gator? Play hide and seek. Everything with Kaka and Gator.

What's your favorite things to do with your uncles? Hug them.

2012-01-18T06:08:00.000-05:00

Before the holidays, my cousin and his wife (that sounds so formal to call them my cousin and his wife, they are so much more to me than that, more like additional siblings, anywho...) had an adoption fundraiser. Be sure to read here to learn more about that amazing story. One of their many, many (and I mean many) items they had for sale was this tall pine buffet/hutch type of furniture. I really have no clue what you call it, but at first look, I fell in love. I loved the look and I already had ideas swirling in my head. It was completely unfinished, no color, nothing, just pine (at least I think it was pine). Anyway, we purchased it, brought it home and it sat in our garage for months and held Christmas decorations and cases of Diet Coke. I had ideas, but those ideas had to marinate and really form a picture in my mind before I would do anything.

Fast forward to about two weeks ago. My parents gave us a duvet cover one year for Christmas and I love the colors, very soft, neutral and relaxing. I knew that I wanted the buffet/hutch thing to take on one of those colors and I knew I wanted it to go in our bedroom. So, I did what any person would do. I took our pillow sham to Lowe's and held up about thirty different paint swatches before I found the most perfect one. That's what people do, right?!? After a coat of primer, two coats of paint and some new hardware, I present to you one of my new favorite pieces...

I am in love. I could just in my bedroom all day and admire this beautiful piece.

My hubby did all of the work, I only touched up a few places, and I'm so proud of him. He does a great job with everything, so I knew he could totally handle this and not disappoint.

We found these great little glass knobs at Lowe's as well. I love that place. I found that little chalkboard when we were out this weekend, but I can't decide if I like it there or not. Still thinking.

Now that that's finished, I can start a new project. Hee, hee...

2012-01-17T06:23:00.002-05:00

This little girl, this sweet little girl, is sometimes not always so sweet. I know. Shocker, right?!?

You see, she's three. And at age three a monster invaded her body. Some people warned us of a monster invasion around age two, but that didn't happen. There were absolutely no monsters at that age. We are told that this monster could stick around until the Morgan Kate's four. It might possibly stay longer. We just aren't sure.

There are some things we are sure of. One, this monster appears daily, sometimes multiple times a day. No lie. Two, this monster does not like rules. It does not like to be told what to do or what not to do. When you try to tell this monster what to do or what not to do, it will sometimes make MK throw herself on the floor, sometimes run from us, sometimes scream and yell and cry. It's not pretty. Three, this monster whines an awful lot. If we don't come right away or help with something right that second, then the monster will make MK whine and whine and whine. We've asked the monster to use "big words" and "calm words", but it doesn't always understand that. Four, this monster is very up and down. One minute the monster might be calm and content and smiling and the next minute the monster is flailing MK's arms and legs in every direction and saying, "No, no, no!", over and over and over. It's wild. And five, this monster does not care where we are or who is around. It will show up in the most inconvenient places, like the middle of Target or the middle of a restaurant or the middle of our neighborhood park. And it will appear in front of us, in front of our neighbors, in front of our family and friends or in front of complete strangers. It is not choosy.

We know it's a monster. We have no doubts. Because we know our precious, sweet, baby girl would never really act like that otherwise. We are praying that this monster decides to leave sooner rather than later. We would very much like our girl back.

2012-01-16T07:52:00.001-05:00

This little girl had a fun filled weekend with her Kaka and Gator. Lots of building and baking and playing.

And while she was enjoying one on one time with her grandparents, I was enjoying one on one time with my main squeeze. And it was very much enjoyed.

We spent the weekend at home with no real plans. We went to dinner each evening, went out for lunch on Saturday, did some shopping and enjoyed having no schedule or set plans. There were so many things I enjoyed about our little "staycation", but I most enjoyed getting to really talk with my hubby. One of my most favorite parts of the weekend was riding to Newberry Friday night to eat dinner. We took the back roads and had the best time talking and listening to music.

We made plans for MK to visit my parents early on in the week, but as Friday got closer, I got more anxious. Or maybe I should say I felt more guilt. I felt guilty for wanting some time with my hubby. I felt guilty for wanting a night to ourselves. It was really, really eating at me, but I knew that I would enjoy it and I knew that I needed it. And I was right. We all had a terrific weekend. She got time with my parents all to herself - which she loves and they love. And we got time for us - which we love. It was a win-win situation.

It felt like our weekend flew by (thank goodness for our day off tomorrow), but we were both so looking forward to getting our girl back and spending some time with her!

2012-01-12T06:48:00.002-05:00

Saturday night as I was getting Morgan Kate ready for bed it occurred to me that we were out of pull-ups. The "diaper holder thingy" was completely empty. I had three options at this point. One, run out and buy another package of pull-ups. Two, use one of the swimmy diapers from this summer - which I have done before and yes, I'm still trying to figure those things out. Or three, just let her try the night with big girl panties on. I chose option three. It was super close to bedtime, Trav and I were both in our PJs and I thought it would be a good night to test her big girl skills.

I am happy to report that she passed her skills test with absolute excellence. And I am also happy to report that we still have not purchased pull-ups. Our girl has gone four nights without a pull-up on and we have had zero accidents. We are so proud of our girl!

2012-01-11T16:05:00.000-05:00

You know it's a Monday when...

You can't get up and you hit snooze at least a dozen times.

It takes more than your normal dose of coffee to keep you going.

You yawn until at least 2ish or so.

All day long you seem to be in a fog.

You have zero patience for anyone or anything.

You've spent at least an hour on the phone with phone/cable/internet people and you are ready to explode. And you end up, all of a sudden, with great cable, but no phone or internet.

Your new recipe flops. Big time. And you end up eating Cookie Crisp for dinner.

You are in bed and fast asleep by 8:45. Drooling, perhaps.

You blog about Monday and don't actually post it until Tuesday. Or Wednesday.

Thank goodness for new days.

Bedtime blues.

2012-01-06T17:06:00.000-05:00

This whole big girl bed business is wearing me out. My girl is having some serious issues with bedtime. I haven't figured it all out yet. And I'm not sure if it's the big girl bed, her age, getting back into her routine or what, but it's killing me.

I'll give you a brief look into our nights recently:

7:30
Start the bedtime process. Read two to three books. MK begs for more. I put a limit on three because otherwise I would be reading all night long. We rock for a few minutes at MK's request and because frankly, it warms my heart. I sing her a song and I put her to bed.

7:57
The minute my hand hits the door knob to leave the crying begins. The screaming follows. The wailing starts. It's awful.
"Mommy, I no tired."
"Mommy, I love you."
"Daddy, come get me."
"Daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy!"
"I want to sleep with mommy and daddy!"
"Daddy, come here. Hold me!"
"Rock me, please, rock me!"

8:12
I walk into her room. Conversation plays out like this:
Me: Morgan Kate, you need to go to sleep. It's late and you are going to be tired. Now please lay down.
MK: No, rock me. Please. Rock me. Please. Rock. Please. Please. Rock. One minute?!?
Me: Morgan Kate, we have already rocked. Please settle down and go to sleep.
MK: No, rock me. Please. Rock me. Please. Rock. Please. Please. Rock. One minute?!?
Me: Okay, I will rock you for one minute and that's it. Do you understand that?
MK: Uh-huh.
We start rocking. I start thinking of techniques and strategies to make bedtime easier. I rock for what I feel like is a sufficient time and then I put her in her bed.

8:23
I touch the door knob. It starts all over.

Some nights this lasts until around 9, other nights until 11. It's awful. And painful. And exhausting. And I don't have a clue what to do. She's tired, there's no doubt about that. But, she WILL NOT give it up. And she is impossible to reason with. I offer rewards. I bribe her. I fuss at her. NOTHING. HAS. WORKED.

Needless to say, these long, tiresome nights make for hard, tiresome mornings. Our mornings are much like our nights with the crying and screaming and wailing, but in the mornings she's crying because she's tired and wants to go back to sleep.
MK: No, get up. I tired. I sleepy. I sleep in my big girl bed. I want my big girl bed.
And this nonsense occurs until we walk out of the door or until I say in my meanest momma bear voice (cause it does come out sometimes), "Morgan Kate, enough. I don't want to hear it anymore." (Real grown up and mature, huh?!?)

What's a momma to do? Any tips or suggestions?

2012-01-05T17:11:00.000-05:00

A precious student I teach lost his dad earlier this week. My heart aches for this student. My heart aches for his older brother and older sister. My heart aches for his mom. My heart, in general, just aches.

Death is so hard for my little mind to comprehend. I just can't grasp the finality of it. It makes my chest hurt and my mind wander and I have to take really deep breaths. Death makes me think of my very own loved ones. I know it sounds rather awkward to think like that, but it's the truth. Whenever someone dies, whether I personally know them or not, I start to think about those I do know personally. Our school guidance counselor talked about this some when she came around to each classroom to speak with students. She talked about how death and pain and suffering is upsetting to so many that aren't directly affected because we try to put ourselves in the shoes of those who have lost. What would we do? How would we feel? How would we cope? I do that. I did that earlier this week. I'm doing that now.

All day long my heart ached for my precious student. My heart was broken that he wouldn't be able to see his dad again or talk to his dad again or ever go on another family vacation with his dad again. I thought about my own child and how my world and her world would just be turned completely upside down if she had to experience and endure the death of a parent. And then I thought about his mom and how she had lost her husband, her other half, the love of her life. And that's when it became too much and I thought my chest might just explode. Just the thought of that happening in my own life makes it hard to breathe. I literally have to stop and catch my breath. I can feel tears filling my eyes and that lump move up my throat. I have to stop and remind myself that it's not happening to me.

Things can happen in an instance. Things can happen even when we are busying doing the things we cherish and love the most. Things we don't understand. Things we don't expect. Things we aren't prepared for. It's moments like these that rattle us and make us really think about things. And it's moment like these that are harsh reminders to appreciate what we do have and those who are with us.

A few more updates. Just cause.

2012-01-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

1. Morgan Kate has two new imaginary friends.
Yep, I know. I'm not so sure what to think about it either. Actually, I happen to find it kind of cute. She has an extraordinary imagination. Seriously. Dabba, her first friend, is still very much present. Some days Dabba is a boy and some days Dabba is a girl. Some days Dabba is a mommy and some days Dabba is a baby. And Dabba is sick a lot. Her two new friends are Mimi and Connie. I have no clue where they came from or why these names, but Morgan Kate talks about them and to them all of the time.

2. Dancing queen.
The girl is a serious dancing diva. No kidding. She's always moving and swaying and twirling. And she's got some mad skills. She's really pretty good at dancing and has pretty darn good rhythm. Travis says she gets it from me. I think he's just trying to crack jokes.

3. Bed time adventures.
Bed time in a big girl bed has become quite an adventure to say the least. Just last night Morgan Kate got up two or three times before actually falling asleep. She came into our bedroom (yes, we were already in bed before 9 - don't laugh) and said, "Mommy, I did it. I sleep in my big girl bed. Now I sleep with you and Daddy." She thinks because she spent like ten minutes in her bed alone that she actually "slept" in it and now she can just "wake up" and come to bed with us. Uhhhh. Not so much, sweet girl. Before actually coming into our bedroom she just stood in the doorway and all we could see was her tiny outline. It was comical, yet kind of freaky at the same time.

4. Sassy.
Sassy is a name she uses for everything. Every doll, every animal, ever single thing that needs a name becomes Sassy.

In this new year...

2012-01-03T17:50:00.000-05:00

In this new year I hope to become a nicer person in the mornings. I just don't do mornings.

In this new year I hope to read more books.

In this new year I hope to take a few long, hot baths.

In this new year I hope to lose a few pounds.

In this new year I'd like to start running. Like to being the keywords here.

In this new year I hope to keep my house more organized and tidy.

In this new year I hope to worry less and trust Him more.

In this new year I hope to blog on a more regular basis.

In this new year I hope to spend more time with family and friends.

In this new year I hope to go on more dates with my hottie hubby.

In this new year I hope to savor every single moment and minute with my precious baby girl.

In this new year I hope to get as many hugs and kisses from her as humanly possible.

In this new year I hope to overcome some serious fears that I have.

In this new year I hope to give more.

In this new year I hope to slow down and really appreciate all that I have. I am so incredibly blessed.

Just an Update

2012-01-02T17:56:00.000-05:00

I feel like lots of big things have been happening our way and I haven't blogged about them. Or maybe I did blog about them and I have just forgotten. I've now been back at work for a year and a half, but adjusting and balancing and figuring it all out still hasn't happened. I'm not sure it will ever happen. I just wrapped up a two week break from work, but unfortunately did not find any additional free time. Anyway, enough with my blabbing, I'll get on with the update:

1. Morgan Kate is now officially potty trained. She has been for quite some time, but as I mentioned I don't think I've blogged about it. And it's quite a big deal, so I'm doing it now. FINALLY. At the start of the school year (August) she had mastered "tee-teeing" in the potty. She never had to be reminded or asked to go. She would tell us when she needed to go and maybe had two or three accidents ever. Getting her to do the other business took a bit more work, but by I guess late September/early October she had mastered that as well and really had no accidents that I can think of. When it clicked, it clicked. The only time she still wears a pull-up is at night and I think that may be coming to an end very soon. Most mornings her pull-up is completely dry, so I feel like she might be ready. Might.

2. Morgan Kate has moved to a big girl bed! Well, a toddler bed to be exact, but it feels like a big girl bed to all of us. At age three and some change she had never tried climbing out of her crib, but we knew that it was time. We did it the Sunday before Christmas. We had been thinking about it for a while and I was fine with it, actually a little excited because I knew we would be moving things around, adding some things here and there and taking a few things away. But, when the day actually came I cried the entire time. I was a wreck. As you all know, I have a hard time, very hard time, letting things go, especially with her and this one was really hard. She and Travis were laughing and playing and so excited about the big girl bed and all I could do was cry. She's done pretty well in the bed. It takes a while at night for her to get settled and actually go to sleep, but once she does she typically stays in the bed. There have been some nights where she's gotten up around 4 or so and come to our room, but I'm completely fine with it.

3. Abigail and Addison are HOME!!! They came home a few weeks before Christmas and are doing very well. They are both on monitors and have oxygen for feeds, but they are growing and thriving. Sleep is not something that Kelly or Tommy or Aunt Deborah probably remember anything about, but I know it will get better. It just has to! I am so looking forward to the day that I can go and visit and hold them and kiss them and love on them. My mom, Mama Jean, MK and I rode up the day after Christmas to drop off some goodies, but we didn't dare touch the babies or get too close. It was just the best feeling seeing them in their own house with their mommy and daddy.

4. My cousin, Lynn and his wife, Amy, just welcomed their second baby girl. Zoe Anne was born on Friday and they were able to take her home today. She's is so cute and looks just like big sister, Jillian. 2011 was a year full of growth for our family. We added two by marriage and four by birth. 2012 will bring two more by marriage!

There is so much that Morgan Kate is doing and saying, but I'll save that for a post all it's own! Just the other morning we woke up and I felt like MK had just grown up over night. She is such a big girl these days!

2012-01-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

We spent New Year's Eve at our house this year. We haven't done that since 2008 when Morgan Kate was born and before that we had never celebrated New Year's Eve here. Typically we go to my parent's house and ring in the New Year there. However, life with a toddler and the need for some sort of routine/schedule kept us at home this year. And while I'm not usually big fan of change, I was okay with this and it felt really nice being at home.

Our day was really low key and very relaxing, just what I needed. My parents came up for the night and Owens ventured over for the day. Unfortunately, Owens had to work most of the weekend, so he was not able to join Trenholm and her family and the beach. I hated he had to work and couldn't be with her, but I loved that I got to spend the day with him.

We grilled on the back porch for most of the day. Well, the guys grilled, the girls had a dance party. Complete with glittery hats.

LOVE this picture of my mom!

Even my dad, what a good sport, wore one of the glittery hats for a little while.

We cooked lots of snacky food, but Owens decided we needed something a little more. He cooked a mean pot of collards, complete with neckbone, and a yummy pot of rice. He can definitely cook collards - he may not be the best at cooking grits (story for another post), but he can cook collards.

Not only does he enjoy cooking, but he enjoys "taste-testing" as well.

Of course MK and I worked in a few pictures during the night.

Raven and her little family came over for the festivities.

As did Melissa and her family.

These two families are more like my own family than friends.

After snacking and playing and dancing some more, we shot a few "age appropriate" fireworks.

The kids were amazed and in awe. Travis, of course, wanted bigger and better.

Owens had to leave well before the ball dropped, as he had to report back to work in the wee hours of the morning.

We really had such a great night. There's nothing like being at home with family and friends.

Morgan Kate had a blast with her little friends as well. These three play so well together!

People say that what you do on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day is what you will spend a lot of time doing in the coming year. And if that's the case, then it ought to be a pretty great year.

2012, I'm ready for you!

2011 in Pictures

2011-12-31T12:31:00.000-05:00

Our Year in Pictures

January 2011

Saying her blessing before dinner

February 2011

Our first trip to Edventure

March 2011

Hunter's first birthday

April 2011

Big month for us

March of Dimes Walk

Our trip to Disney

Owens and Trenholm's wedding

May 2011

Frog catching with Daddy

June 2011

Summer fun with best friends like Annie Parker

July 2011

Our annual beach trip

August 2011

First day back at Roddey's after the summer

Meet the teacher at Union - MK starts preschool

September 2011

First haircut

October 2011

Happy Halloween - Love, The Flinstones

November 2011

Being at the hospital the night Abigail and Addison were born

Spending Thanksgiving with Reid

December 2011

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Highlights

2011-12-29T21:13:00.000-05:00

We had a terrific Christmas, which is no surprise because I can't ever remember having a not terrific one. Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of year for me. It's a holiday I treasure and love and I try my best to savor every single second.

This Christmas I was especially thankful for my mom's health. Only days before Christmas she had to be hospitalized for severe chest pains and extremely high blood pressure. After a night in the hospital and different medications she is now at home and doing better. It was a scary time for all of us and I'm just so, so thankful she is okay. She is my world and I need for her to be OKAY.

I was also super thankful that my dad was off for the holidays. He works a crazy shift and a crazy amount of hours. He was scheduled to work the holidays, but found out just a few days before Christmas that he was off. Awesome!

I was also thankful to spend some time with this cute little fellow. He is an absolute doll.

I'll be honest, I wasn't excited AT. ALL. that for the first time in my entire life, Owens wasn't going to be spending Christmas Eve with me at my parent's house. Talk about a heartbreaker. Don't get me wrong - I'm over the moon excited about him being a newlywed and I absolutely adore Trenholm, but I'm not good with change, especially change that involves him. And my little mind and heart just couldn't process Christmas Eve or Christmas morning without him.

We didn't have the stomach bug this year - thank goodness! Therefore, we were able to enjoy all of the festivities. Christmas Eve dinner at Mammie's was absolutely perfect and for the first time in a long time, everyone was there.

Travis and I have both been off for the holidays and it has been SO NICE. I love being at home with my little family of three. I love lazy mornings and late nights. I love lounging in our PJs and taking rides around town just to ride. I am not ready for the reality that is next week.

Watching my baby girl this Christmas was priceless. She gets it this year. She gets Jesus' birthday and Santa and lights and decorations. And she gets family and time together. I love it.

I love seeing and being with family. It just makes me feel whole and complete.

I also adore that even in her eighties, Mammie, still hosts and cooks Christmas Eve dinner for over 25 of us. I hope that I am like that one day. Being in her house on Christmas Eve with all of my family in one place is just indescribable.

Seeing the expression and contentment and happiness on her face just melts my heart.

Typically this little nook, minus the princess table and chairs, is where Leigh Anne and I have eaten Christmas Eve dinner for practically our entire lives. I know I said I don't like change, and I don't, but this was one change I didn't mind at all. We gave up our nook, for the new generation to have their little nook.

I also enjoyed starting our own new traditions, like our elf, Socks.

Santa was super nice and let Socks stay an extra day to watch Morgan Kate open all of her gifts. Santa even gave Socks enough magic so that MK could hold him and touch him and play with him on Christmas Day. She was in heaven!

Morgan Kate got a special gift from her daddy. A pink ballerina necklace. It is so dainty and beautiful and so special.

We all had a BIG Christmas and I am already counting down the days until next year!

2011-12-25T06:22:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2011

2011-12-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

Monday mid-morning, after Morgan Kate's recheck with Dr. G (which went really well), we headed to Bryson City, NC.

After a stop in Asheville for lunch, which proved to be rather frightening, we were on our way to ride the Polar Express!

I'm not sure who was more excited - me, Trav or Morgan Kate. The ride was beautiful and just being able to talk with my hubby was enough for me. Morgan Kate loved seeing all of the mountains and never quite really grasped that we were in fact on a mountain ourselves.

Before our ride began at 8:00 (perfect time) we walked around the little town of Bryson City and had dinner at this really good pizza place. It might not have been much on the eyes, but it was good for the tummy.

After dinner, Morgan Kate and I put on our PJs, and the three of us waited to board the train. We were all just giddy with excitement. MK has read the book and seen the movie, but the real thing just doesn't compare.

Once aboard each table had a basket of "goodies". Morgan Kate immediately began chomping away at the gingerbread man.

She could not sit still and kept getting up and giving Trav and I both the biggest hugs and saying, "Thank you, mommy and daddy, thank you!" Melt my heart.

After snacking on a few goodies, and once the train began rolling, she and I got up and danced to a few songs. No fear, there were others dancing as well. Trav opted just to photograph the madness.

Before we knew it, it was time for hot chocolate. Oh. My. Goodness. So yummy! I love hot chocolate, but MK wasn't so sure. I don't think she liked that it was hot. She was definitely more interested in the whipped cream on top.

A cup of pure heaven.

I finished my cup, had a few sips of hers and I think I even asked Trav for some of his.

The entire ride was so magical and just so much fun. It was definitely a night to remember!

We sang carols, danced to songs and followed along as the Polar Express book was read aloud. Our final destination was the North Pole and it was beautiful at night. Each house, big and small, was decorated and lit up with colorful lights. We saw Old St. Nick's house, Frosty's house and many more.

Much to our surprise, Santa jumped on board and greeted people, young and old.

Not only did he join us on board for a while, but he gave each child a bell and he signed our copy of the Polar Express.

We had the best time and recommend this trip to anyone. Seeing the excitement in her eyes and feeling the excitement in our hearts is absolutely priceless!

2011-12-15T20:00:00.000-05:00

Morgan Kate had a little Christmas celebration at preschool today. It was her first little school party and it was my first time sending in baked cookies. Lots of firsts. It was the sweetest little party and as usual, I had the biggest smile!

When we arrived the children were dressed as reindeer complete with red noses. They started by singing some of the songs they have been learning. They sang the sweetest song about a donkey on its way to Bethlehem (I'm humming the song as I type this) and another song about Mary and Baby Jesus. It just melts my heart to hear her sing anything, but especially about songs that have such meaning. Then they sang some of their "silly songs". Out of the twelve children singing there were eleven not really singing at all. One little girl, not MK, was singing her heart out.

After their songs they had a special snack that consisted of sweets and salties and then a juice. I don't know if you can see in the picture below, but there is a stark difference in cookies. Last night as I was baking my sugar cookies and sprinkling my sprinkles I was just beaming with pride. I was so happy to fix a snack for her class and to send it in. Until. Until I arrived and saw my competition - reindeer cookies complete with chocolate covered pretzels and M&Ms. Wow. My cookies stood no chance. However, none of that really mattered because my girl kept picking up my little tiny attempt at a cookie and saying, "I love my mommy's cookies. She bake them for me." Heart melting.

Of course after the celebration Travis and I had to head back to work. It had been a perfect morning until we tried to put her in Roddey's car. Enter our next first of the day. Instead of willingly getting in the car, like always, she put up quite the fight and screamed her head off. I have seriously never seen her act that way. I think she was just out of her routine and honestly I think she thought Travis and I were heading off to do something fun without her. Poor girl. And poor Roddey. It was rough. Thankfully it wasn't long before Roddey said she was all smiles again.

The little dress/shirt she wore is one of my favorite Christmas dresses. It is just precious and I love the nativity scene on it. I also love that it's not your typical red or green. My mom bought this dress for her back in 2009 and she can still wear it, which makes me pretty happy. So many of her Christmas dresses this year have been too short to wear as dresses, but worked perfectly as tops.

Before we left MK gave us two gifts she made. One was an ornament with her handprint made into snowmen and a gold plate with her footprints made into the shape of a Christmas tree. Needless to say my heart has just been melting all day.

2011-12-13T20:23:00.000-05:00

Last night in our Santa attire we headed out to spend the evening with friends and of course, Jolly Old Saint Nick.

Once again my girl did not disappoint.

She ran to Santa and sat right in his lap. Last night she requested a pink train. She adores the man in the big red suit.

She also adores playing with good friends like McNary.

And McNary's cousins, Annie Parker and Mac. Are they not the cutest trio you have ever laid eyes on?!?

And this sweet girl, Mary Hall.

And these two precious ones, Andrew and Brycee.

And the beautiful host of the night, Miss Kate. You can't see her face because she was so involved in Santa's read aloud. Yes, he did a special read aloud for all the of the children there. No worries, adults listened too.

Another pictures of these three cuties just because.

It was such a fun night and seeing the excitement (or fear of Santa) in each child's eyes is just heart melting. Not to mention, getting my picture with the man of the night was pretty exciting as well.

--------------------

Socks, our elf, has been finding all sorts of spots to land each morning. Just yesterday morning we found him here.

2011-12-12T17:47:00.000-05:00

My girl has wanted to be a dancer for pretty much all of her life. I know, I know, she's only three, but seriously, ever since she's been old enough to talk and shake her hips to the right and left she has wanted to dance. When she found out that "her Roddey" was also a dance teacher she wanted to take dance even more. The guidelines for dance are two years of age and POTTY TRAINED. Clearly she already met the two requirement, but the whole potty thing, well that was a different story. That was our obstacle to overcome. Our mountain to conquer. And we did it. Well, Morgan Kate and Roddey did it. I might have helped a little. I think. Roddey is not only a teacher, a nurturer, a dancer and many, many other things, but she's a miracle worker and she has magic. She worked her magic on MK and within a very short period of time she was potty trained. Completely. (Insert angels singing.) Anywho, back to my girl with the moves. We had met the age requirement, we met the POTTY TRAINED criteria and now we were waiting on an opening.

And last week we got it. Our opening. And Morgan Kate went to her very first dance class. Oh, how my mommy heart was beaming and bursting. I was never in dance as a child, but people who know me well (and maybe even those who have just seen it in passing) know that I love to shake it. For real. I love to dance and while I might not be the best dancer, I do enjoy it. And I have always wanted my little girl to participate in dance. T be able to give her the opportunity last week just put the biggest smile on my face. I haven't stopped smiling. She was over the moon excited and she might have possibly been THE cutest thing I have ever laid eyes on when I saw her in her dance get-up.

Bring on the tights and leotards! Bring on the skirts and special shoes! And bring on the recitals! This mommy is ready!

2011-12-11T20:35:00.001-05:00

I have a big heart for Santa. And I've been waiting to see if my baby girl would.

Last week we attended a "Polar Express Night" at my school. There was a pancake dinner, Christmas stories, a chorus performance, a few vendors and the man in the big red suit. Last year Morgan Kate wanted no part of him. We stood in line at the mall and waited for what seemed like an eternity and once we finally reached Santa she wouldn't go near him. This year was completely different. The minute she saw him she ran straight over and jumped up in his lap. No lie. No exaggerations. She was totally captivated. And it was obvious, my girl has a big heart for Santa too.

2011-12-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning we awoke to find this under our tree. Morgan Kate noticed the gifts right away.

But took a little longer to discover this cute little fellow in our tree.

She was so surprised. She kept asking over and over was, "Mommy, who gave these to me?"

The elf in the tree, whom Morgan Kate affectionately named Socks, is filled with magic and can't be touched or else he will lose his magic. Santa or his elves, I'm not sure which, must have known that Morgan Kate needed an elf she could love and touch so they left this one as well. This elf stays with us and does not fly back to the North Pole each night. Thank goodness.

After she opened her "can be touched and loved" elf, she opened a book that told all about her elf and the magic surrounding it. She immediately crawled in my lap and wanted to read. So did I.

It wasn't until after the book and my pointing him out, that she even noticed the elf in the tree. You should have seen her face. Priceless. Absolutely priceless. It literally brought tears in my eyes to see her excitement.

She's in absolute love with her elves and so far she's behaving pretty well. She knows that Socks reports to Santa each night and she wants him to give a good report.

--------------------

We went back to the doctor today for a recheck. We came home with another round of steroids, another antibiotic, more breathing treatments, orders to use the inhaler and drops for the ear infection she has acquired. No fun at all. Praying my girl gets better SOON!

2011-12-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

Our girl is just now recovering from an awful, awful sickness that she had all last week. We're still not really sure what she had, but it was terrible. I stayed home with her Monday and Tuesday, Trav stayed home with her Wednesday and Thursday and my mom kept her Friday. I took her to the doctor's office on Monday and this picture was taken on our ride home. Keep in mind that we live literally two minutes from the doctor's office and this was only, maybe, two hours after she had woken up for the day. She was exhausted.

She had a fever that ranged from 100 - 102.9 from Monday until late Thursday night. She had a nasty cough and even nastier nose. She was so lethargic and had no appetite whatsoever. She even threw up a few times. We spent lots of time just lounging and snoozing and snuggling.

Dr. G was booked the day we went in, so we saw Dr. P and she was great. She prescribed an antibiotic, a steroid and breathing treatments every four hours. Morgan Kate did not sleep well at all last week because she couldn't stop coughing and it was difficult to breathe. By the end of each day she looked a lot like this. Break. My. Heart.

There were moments, very few and far between, where she felt okay - usually it was right after a good dose of Motrin. In those moments we would play, read, watch cartoons and one day we even worked on this masterpiece.

But most of our days were spent just lounging around. She was quite the snuggle bunny. I hate, hate, hate for her to be sick, but I love, love, love the snuggles. Her daddy does as well.

The meds seemed to have worked because by Friday she was feeling some better. She's still not 100%, but she's fever free and in much better spirits. I told Travis at one point that this might have been the sickest I have ever seen our baby girl. She was just pitiful. And I am so, so thankful that she is feeling better.

Dear Virus, Cold, Flu, Whatever you are,

Please stay away from our household. You are not welcome here. We do not want to see you anytime soon. Thank you.

The Callahans

2011-11-30T17:48:00.000-05:00

I am thankful that the Christmas season is upon us.

I am excited about Christmas shopping.

I am excited about sitting each evening and admiring our Christmas tree.

I am excited about dressing my girl in all her Christmas attire.

I am excited to celebrate Jesus' birth.

I am excited to sing "Silent Night", "Away in a Manger" and "Jingle Bells".

I am excited to watch A Christmas Story, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and other Christmas favorites.

I am excited to carry on traditions and start new ones.

I am excited to attend the candlelight service in the church I grew up in. And then to eat at Mammie's.

Did I mention how thankful I am for this season?

2011-11-29T18:35:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for my family.

My family is probably THE most important thing in my life.

Family comes first. Always.

Family warms my heart.

Family makes for great memories.

And fabulous stories.

Family is there through thick and thin.

Good and bad.

Happy and sad.

I could not be more thankful for each and everyone of my family members.

2011-11-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

More catching up.

Friday I was thankful for...

my camera. Oh, how I love my camera. And because of my camera I am thankful for photos like these...

Saturday I was thankful for...
my Carolina Gamecocks! We played Clemson, our state rival and won 34-13. Woo-hoo! A proud day to be Gamecock!

Sunday I was thankful for...
time at home to begin decorating my house for Christmas. Christmas is one of my absolute most favorite times of the year and I LOVE decorating for the big holiday.

Today I am thankful for...
a cold, rainy day. Makes for good snuggling on the couch.

2011-11-27T12:22:00.000-05:00

I've got some catching up to do.

Wednesday I was thankful for...

a nice afternoon full of fun with Aunt Jan. We all met at a local park and played for a long time. We all played hard! After our time at the park we grabbed lunch and headed to Aunt Jan's place to eat. I was thankful for a nice afternoon. I was thankful for fun and food. And most of all, I was thankful for time with Aunt Jan.

Thursday I was thankful for...

THANKSGIVING. A time to be with family. A time to remember all that we have to be thankful for. My family has an enormous amount to be thankful for this year - three new babies (Reid, Abigail and Addison), another baby (Zoe) due in just a few weeks, two new family members (Trenholm and Claire) thanks to two weddings and two future family members (Grant and Tina) thanks to new recent engagements. Wow! We are growing, growing, growing!

Thanksgiving is also a nice time to reflect back and remember where we've been and where we are headed. I like to look at "old" Thanksgiving day pictures of Morgan Kate. Enjoy the trip down memory lane...

Thanksgiving 2008

Morgan Kate's first Thanksgiving, still in the hospital. Travis and I spent the night with her and didn't sleep a wink. I'd like to tell you it's because we were admiring our newborn baby, but that would be a lie. We didn't sleep because her monitors went off the entire night. It was nerve wracking to say the least. While we didn't sleep, we did enjoy and were thankful for that time with our baby girl. And little did we know at the time, that in less than two weeks we would be taking our baby girl home.

Thanksgiving 2009

Our first Thanksgiving together, at home with family. It was definitely a Thanksgiving to remember and be thankful for. We had dinner at Mama Jean's and then headed to the see the lights at the gardens. So many firsts for all of us!

Thanksgiving 2010

Morgan Kate's first Thanksgiving eating "real Thanksgiving food". From the looks of this picture you can tell it was definitely a success!

Thanksgiving 2011

Our first Thanksgiving that we celebrated in Summerville. With all the new additions, we decided to head down that way. We all had a wonderful time! Chad and Corrisa have a beautiful home that is so inviting and warm. Everyone brought a side or two and we had quite the feast! It was a day of family, fun and food - so you know that I was in heaven.

2011-11-22T21:15:00.011-05:00

I'm thankful to be a mommy.

A mommy who is blessed beyond measure.

A mommy who loves to sleep late.

A mommy who tries to pick and choose my battles carefully.

A mommy who does NOT have it all figured out.

A mommy who uses words like "tee-tee", "poo-poo" and "tootie".

A mommy whose love for my baby girl is unimaginable.

A mommy who sometimes gets frustrated and raises her voice.

A mommy who lets her baby girl stay up late on the weekends.

A mommy who prays with her baby girl every night.

A mommy who gets up and 2:00 am, grabs my girl and brings her back to bed with us. Just cause I want to.

A mommy who's not sure what to do with a three year old that throws tantrums and constantly says no.

A mommy who leaves dishes in the sink and clothes in the dryer.

A mommy who reads two books a night to her sweet girl and then sings lullabies.

A mommy that loves her baby's daddy. A whole bunch.

A mommy that allows her girl to go barefoot. All over the place.

A mommy who loses her patience.

A mommy that hugs and kisses her baby girl every chance I get.

A mommy who's not afraid to use bribery.

A mommy that couldn't imagine life any other way.

2011-11-22T18:25:00.000-05:00

It may seem trivial. Simple. Or even ridiculous. But, I don't care. Today I am thankful for Warm Cinnamon Sugar Cookie coffee creamer. Oh. My. Goodness. Deliciousness. Wow. This makes a good start to any day. Thank you, Nestle, thank you!

2011-11-21T20:51:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for good friends.

Friends who make you laugh until your sides hurt.

Friends who know exactly what to say by not saying anything at all.

Friends who will listen for hours as you vent about your issues.

Friends who will watch you dance and love you anyway.

Friends who you might not see or talk with on a daily basis, but can pick right back up where you left off.

Friends who know practically everything about you and still choose to be your friend.

Friends who are more like family than friends.

Friends who will laugh with you, cry with you, rejoice with you and feel pain with you.

Friends who are truly happy for you.

Friends who complete you.

2011-11-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

I left early Friday morning for a weekend trip to Summerville to visit with family. There were so, so many things to be thankful for.

Friday, I was thankful for...

One on one time with my mom.

Safe travels to Summerville.

Meeting Baby Reid for the very first time. Melt my heart.

Moments like these...

Getting my picture taken with Addison.

And Abigail.

Saturday, I was thankful for...

The opportunity to celebrate Kelly, Tommy, Abigail and Addison and to shower them with love and lots of goodies.

A beautiful day.

Cute decorations and yummy food.

Time with all of these wonderful, gorgeous women.

The chance to love on Baby Reid some more. Love him!

Seeing my grandmother with her third of five great-grandchildren.

And today, Sunday, I was thankful to come home to these two precious people. I missed them greatly and I think they even missed me.

2011-11-17T18:44:00.000-05:00

Fifteen years ago I noticed my husband for the first time. Granted, it wasn't the first time we met. I knew him and he knew me. Matter of fact, my friends and I used to give him rides to and from school. But, it was on a cool October night fifteen years ago that I really noticed him. You know, the notice like, "Wow, where has he been all my life?" The notice that makes your heart beat fast and causes your palms to sweat. To this very day I remember exactly what he was wearing and I might I just add that he was wearing it very well. That cool night in October led to numerous dates and time together and then on November 17, 1996 it became official. We were an item. He asked me those six little words, "Will you go out with me?" I know, I know. Go ahead and laugh. But, it was all I wanted to hear and I had heard it. We were an offical couple. (I am laughing hysterically just typing this.)

Fifteen years later I love this man more than I could have ever imagined. He is my absolute everything. I could not be more thankful for him and for who he is and what he does for his family each and every day.

I am thankful for his love. He speaks the words, "I love you" many, many times in a day, but his actions speak even louder. He is a loving and supportive and caring husband. He is one of my biggest supporters. He makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to. And he is the most amazing father. Seeing him with our daughter literally brings tears to my eyes. He is so grateful to be a daddy. He is so grateful to have his baby girl. Melts my heart.

I am thankful for his patience. I know this may be hard to believe, but Morgan Kate and I aren't always the easiest females to live with. (Ha, ha!) She has her occassional fits and tantrums. And me, well I have even more fits and tantrums. But, he is always so patient.

I am thankful for his drive and motivation. I am a natural born procrastinator. Travis is a natural born mover and shaker. If something needs to be done, he does it, almost immediately. He works hard at work and works even harder at home. He provides for our family in so many ways and takes pride in doing it.

I am thankful for his humor. He keeps me laughing and smiling. There are nights when my sides hurt from laughing so much. And anyone who knows Travis, at all, knows he can be quite sarcastic and even somewhat of a "smarty pants". But, it's all in good fun and it's a side of him that I love dearly.

He is my rock. He is my heart. He is my very best friend. He is my everything. And I am so thankful to be his wife.

2011-11-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight my heart is thankful for three very special people. It's because of these three special people that my baby girl learns so much, is cared for so carefully and loved so immensely.

There are no words to describe Roddey. Amazing, awesome, terrific - they just don't cut it. She has been an absolute blessing to our family. She has been the perfect fit for Morgan Kate. She has taught her so much more than we could have ever imagined. Not only is Morgan Kate learning "academic things" while with Roddey, but "life things" as well. She knows to cover her mouth when she coughs, to say "Bless you" when someone sneezes. She knows how to share and how to speak kindly. There has not been one day since we started with Roddey that I have worried. And if you know me at all, you know that's huge. We are beyond thankful for Roddey and for her entire family and all that she does for our baby girl each and every day.

I am also so, so thankful for Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Pollok. They, too, are such blessings to our life and to Morgan Kate's. They have just been so caring and so kind and so wonderful with our baby girl and we couldn't ask for anything more. We had our very first parent-teacher conference this afternoon and it went fabulous. This mommy was grinning ear to ear when we walked out. It was so nice to hear that my sweet girl shares, speaks kindly, cleans up, plays well with other, sings and dances her heart out and is always happy. It also makes this momma's heart just burst to hear things like "her verbal skills are amazing", "she's so smart" and "you can really reason with her". Not only was my heart bursting wide open, but tears were streaming down my face (of course). I could go on and on about all the things she has learned in just the few shorts months she has been at Union.

Our hearts will be forever thankful for these special people and all they do for Morgan Kate and for us every single day. We feel like the luckiest people ever!

2011-11-15T17:07:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for November which is Prematurity Awareness Month. A time to make others aware.

It's because of this month,

the March of Dimes,

the good Lord above,

the love from so, so many,

and many, many, many prayers -

that my baby got see her first birthday,

her second birthday,

and her third birthday!

What an amazing miracle she is!

2011-11-14T17:00:00.000-05:00

I am so very thankful for this special woman.

My mommy.

She is beautiful, inside and out.

She is strong.

Independent.

She has enormous faith.

She is ever so helpful and supportive.

She is always there to listen.

Her love for all is unconditional, especially for her children.

She can rearrange a house in minutes and make it look like the cover of a magazine.

She fixes the yummiest salads and the tastiest corn fritters.

She is THE party planner.

She is stylish and fun and energetic.

She makes amazing french toast and the most delicious "Strawberry Hi".

She is an amazing grandmother and friend.

She is my biggest encourager and cheerleader.

She is one extraordinary person and means the absolute world to me!

2011-11-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for weekends at home with my little family.

Don't get me wrong. I love going and doing. But, sometimes, my heart and mind and body need a little time at home with nothing to do.

This weekend we have enjoyed staying in our pajamas for most of the day.

Leisurely cooking dinner.

Watching movies beside the fire.

Sleeping in.

Taking rides around our little town with no exact destination.

Lounging on the couch.

It's been a weekend of relaxing and just being. And it was a weekend I definitely needed.

2011-11-12T07:59:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for my Daddy.

The man who is the apple of my eye.

The man who knows how to have a good time.

The man who knows how to cook boiled peanuts just like I like them.

The man who has serious dance moves.

The man who taught me how to swim and scuba dive.

The man who taught me to always take a jacket wherever you go.

The man who gave me the nickname "Skeeta".

The man who took the lifeguard certification course with me, so that I didn't have to take it alone.

The man who has always shown how much he loves my momma.

The man who has always kept candy on the top of his dresser for me. And now for Morgan Kate.

The man who has never raised his voice to me.

The man many refer to as "Gator".

The man who cooks a mean pot of spaghetti.

The man, who today, is getting a year older.

Happy birthday, Daddy! I love you muches!

2011-11-11T14:46:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for these beautiful people.

Photo courtesy of Emily Grace Photography

These beautiful people are very dear friends of ours, and as an added bonus, they are also our neighbors. They are two of the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful people that I know. They have the biggest hearts and are always doing for others.

Just three short weeks ago they were blessed with a beautiful, healthy baby girl - Emirie Hall. She is just so perfect and gorgeous and if my own baby girl didn't get so jealous I would be down at their house seeing her every single day. I could just eat her up!

I am so thankful that she is healthy. I am so thankful that she was full term. I am so thankful that there were no complications. I am so thankful that they are all doing so well. I am so thankful that God blessed their lives and ours with this beautiful baby girl. And I am so thankful for her little life.

2011-11-10T20:46:00.000-05:00

Last night I was exhausted, therefore, I was thankful for a night that I could crawl into the bed only minutes after putting MK down.

--------------------

Tonight I am thankful for my job. It's a hard job. A job that requires long hours and an enormous amount of patience, that I don't always have. But, it's a rewarding job and a job I enjoy, most days. I am also extremely thankful for the people I work with, especially my awesome fifth grade team.

Our team, minus one more chick and our rooster

We help one another. Encourage one another. Support one another. Listen to one another vent. We share ideas and plans and even children, at times.

We share stories about work and home. We share responsibilities and duties. We make each other laugh and we enjoy one another.

In my teaching career I have been so fortunate and so blessed to work with such strong teams. Working with people you enjoy makes the biggest difference in the world. It makes hard days easier and good days even better.

Love you much, Meesh, Amy, Debbie, Craig and Anna and all of my other OPES peeps!

2011-11-08T20:29:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am thankful that Kelly gets to hold one her baby girls.

It sounds so simple. Holding your child. And it is so simple, unless you have a premature baby. Unless your baby is taken from you the minute they are delivered. Unless your baby must be swept away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Unless your baby is too small or too sick. Unless your baby can't maintain their own body temperature or needs numerous machines and cords and wires to simply breathe. And in those cases, it's not simple. Nothing is simple. And you quickly learn to treasure everything. Every single second and ever single milestone. Even the simple things. Because it's those simple things that many moms don't get to experience right away.

The day I was discharged, three days after Morgan Kate's birth, I was able to hold her for the very first time. I didn't look nearly as beautiful as Kelly, but it was a beautiful moment just the same. It made my heart feel whole again. It made tears come to my eyes. It made my arms stop aching. It made me feel like a mom.

I was thankful for that moment then. And I am especially thankful that Kelly has experienced that moment now.

2011-11-07T20:40:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for this beautiful baby boy, Reid Mallard.

He is a miracle.

He is perfect.

He is an answer to so many prayers.

He is the son of Chad and Corrisa, my cousins.

He is loved by so, so many.

He is loved so, so much.

He is an absolute blessing to our family! My heart is so full!

2011-11-06T22:24:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am thankful for events like the March of Dimes Signature Chef's Auction where money is raised to support lifesaving research.

I am thankful to be a part of this fantastic organization and see its work firsthand every single day when I look at my baby girl.

And I am thankful to be able to spend time with my hubby and one of my dearest friends, Micki.

2011-11-05T23:18:00.000-04:00

Tonight my "thankful cup" runneth over.

I am thankful for these two amazing miracles.

Abigail Jean Lee

3 pounds 3 ounces, 16.5 inches

November 4, 2011 - 6:44 pm

Addison Morgan Lee

3 pounds 5 ounces, 17 inches

November 4, 2011 - 6:46 pm

They are both absolutely perfect and so beautiful!

I am also so very thankful that their mommy is doing well and recovering as best she can!

So, so much to be thankful for!

2011-11-04T15:58:00.000-04:00

I am thankful for a little girl who knows what she wants.

Like on Halloween night, when I wanted her to be Pebbles...

and she insisted that she be a princess.

I appreciate that the girl knows what she wants. I am thankful that she has her own style and her own sense of "me". I am thankful that she knows what she likes and she knows how to get what she likes. And I am thankful that she is confident and self-assured and strong-willed.

Now, that doesn't mean that I wasn't a tiny bit sad that she wouldn't wear her Pebbles costume. Or even a tiny bit irritated that I spent $34 on it and she only wore it once. Or that some mornings and nights and even afternoons her strong sense of "I know what I want" doesn't cause some tension and disagreements amongst our household. We've been known to fuss and argue and all throw tantrums to some extent.

But, for the most part I am thankful. And I couldn't be happier.

Side Note: I ordered MK's costume and spent $40+ dollars. I made mine and Travis' costumes and together they cost less than $20. Woo-hoo!

2011-11-03T19:12:00.001-04:00

I am thankful for Halloween.

A day that lends itself to family costumes.

A day that allows for fun, creative costumes in general.

A day that provides the perfect backdrop for adorable pictures of loved ones.

A day that includes spooktacular treats and goodies.

A day where adorable ladybugs and daddies come out to play.

A day where you will find Native Americans, zookeepers and cowboys and girls, all playing together nicely.

A day where you can get away with wearing orange hair. And at the same time have the opportunity to snuggle with a tiny dinosaur.

A day where people aren't afraid to dress up and be creative.

I'm even thankful for the family members who don't participate in this day by refusing to dress up. Insert frowning face here.

I'm thankful for the smiles, big and small, that this day brings.

I'm thankful for hayrides on cool Halloween nights with people I love.

Did I mention that I'm thankful for Halloween?

2011-11-02T20:09:00.000-04:00

I am thankful for my sister-in-love, Trenholm.

She is beautiful.

She has the biggest heart.

She is so kind.

She is talented in so many ways.

She loves my family.

She treats my baby girl as if she were her own.

She's an excellent cook.

She loves my brother unconditionally.

She makes him smile.

She's a good sport and dresses up for Halloween parties that her sister-in-love throws.

God couldn't have given me a better sister.

2011-11-01T21:02:00.000-04:00

There are things to be thankful during every month of the year. Every week of the month. Every day of the week. Every hour of every day. You get the picture. However, the month of November lends itself as the perfect time to really think and reflect on all that one is thankful for. My goal is to share one thing I am thankful for each day of this month. Anyone who looks back at the past few months and my number of posts each month will know this is quite a lofty goal, but one I do hope to accomplish. Fingers and toes crossed.

Today I am thankful for my baby girl. She is my heart and each day I fall more and more in love with her. Each day she continues to test my patience, but my love in fact grows each and every day. Yesterday we had her three year old well visit. Yes, it was over two months late, but better late than never. It was a terrific appointment! MK got a great report and for the first time in her entire three years she has made it on the growth chart for a three year old! Her weight, twenty-seven and a half pounds, was in the 25th percentile for a three year old. And her height, which they checked twice just to be sure, was in almost the 75th percentile for a three year old. She was thirty-six inches tall, which means that since her last well visit back in August of 2010 she has grown over six inches. Tall, lean girl, she is! She is meeting all of her developmental milestones and when I read the sheet titled, "Normal Development of a Three Year Old", I couldn't help but laugh out loud. She is right on the money - especially in the mental, emotional and social areas. Ha! Things like: Cries and hits at times. Quickly switches from shyness to high spirits and back. Tests limits constantly. May have an imaginary playmate. Shares and takes turns occasionally. Speaks about 1,000 words. Needless to say, I left feeling very proud. I also left feeling kind of like the worst mommy in the world. Who takes their child for a well visit on Halloween and subjects their child to three needles in one day? Flu shot, Hepatitis A or B (can't remember) and a hemoglobin check. Wowzers. Thankfully, MK seems to have forgotten the pain.

And if all of that good news wasn't enough, check out my big girl saying her ABCs. Big smile on this mommy's face.

I am also super thankful that today marks 30 weeks for Kelly! She is still in the hospital and still growing those babies. Things have been progressing smoothly and we are praying for many more weeks. Since her membranes have ruptured they will not let her go past 34 weeks. Therefore, by the end of this month we will get to meet these precious little ones and finally know their genders. I'm dying!

2011-10-26T22:23:00.000-04:00

Update on Kelly and the babies...

Today Kelly is 29 weeks and 1 day. Woo-hoo for another day! HUGE. She has received both steroid injections. These are injections administered 24 hours apart and they need 24 hours in your system to do their job. Both injections are in and both have been in her system for at least 24 hours. One of her sacs, not sure if Baby A or Baby B, did rupture early Tuesday morning. However, there is some fluid left and both babies are doing great. Another big woo-hoo! Of course now, with the rupture membranes, comes the chance of infection, but Kelly is receiving lots of antibiotics. I so remember these and how they made my arms feel like they had fire running through them. Another day down and another day in mommy's tummy, makes life great! I was able to talk with Kelly last night and it was so good to hear her voice. Made my heart feel a little better. I could hear the fear and anxiety in her voice, but I could also hear the optimism. She is being so positive and so strong. Nothing unusual for this amazing mommy-to-be. Please continue to pray, pray, pray.

2011-10-24T20:37:00.000-04:00

It's no secret. Pregnancy, in general, freaks me out. Makes me a nervous wreck. The minute people tell me their big news I begin to worry. I know it's awful and it's sad and I shouldn't be this way, but I am. I've seen and witnessed and experienced things, some firsthand, that no one should ever have to be a part of and, therefore, pregnancy freaks me out.

In spring of 2010, only months after my miscarriage, my cousin and her husband lost their precious baby boy at only twenty weeks gestation. It's not something that I've shared openly before and mainly because, well, it's overwhelmingly sad. My heart hurts and aches every single day for them. Despite their enormous loss, their hearts were filled again, just this spring when they found out that they were pregnant again and this time with TWINS! God is so good! And so miraculous.

Kelly's pregnancy has been progressing so well and each time I see her I just touch and love on her belly. Just this past weekend I was able to feel Baby A and Baby B send me some "love kicks". We were not only able to spend some time together, but we celebrated the twins upcoming birth with a baby shower for Kelly. It was a beautiful shower and the twins truly were showered with so much love and so many, many gifts.

With all that happiness, came some disappointing news. As of today, Kelly has started dilating and is experiencing some contractions. She has been hospitalized and they are doing all they can do to hold off labor. She will be 29 weeks tomorrow and the twins are both almost three pounds each. We are all praying so hard that the twins are able to grow, grow, grow for a few more weeks. Kelly is an amazing person. She is so much more to me than a cousin, she is more like a sister. We are only nine months apart ourselves and have shared so many happy times. She is one of THE strongest people I have ever known. She has amazing faith and courage and hope and peace. She is so generous and so thoughtful. And those sweet babies are so lucky and blessed to have her as a mom.

Kelly, me and Ashley

Of course, my heart is breaking. In my heart, I truly believe that the twins will be okay. I really, really do. Kelly has taken such good care of herself and of them. She has made it 29 weeks and they are both a great size, but my heart still hurts. In many ways I know what it's like to be where she is tonight and my heart hurts for her. I know she is scared. I know she is anxious. I know she is terrified. I know she is hurting. I know she wonders why. I know I can't protect her or change things. I know there is really nothing I can do, except pray. And so, I do. I pray and pray and pray. Please pray with me. Pray for this sweet mommy. Pray for her precious hubby. And pray for those two amazing little babies.

2011-10-19T19:34:00.000-04:00

I believe in true love.

I believe in brushing my teeth before I shower.

I believe in snuggling my baby girl at 2:00 in the morning.

I believe in family.

I believe in God.

I believe in wearing jeans as much as possible.

I believe in a cup of coffee every morning.

I believe in real Coke.

I belive in date night with my hubby.

I believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.

I believe in prayers.

I believe in a good pair of heels.

I believe in rocking Morgan Kate before bed every night.

I believe that chocolate and shopping make most anything better.

I believe in wearing my PJs all day.

I believe in miracles. And I have witnessed them.

*Post inspired by Little Miss Momma.

Updates

2011-10-17T19:52:00.000-04:00

I long to blog. I long to have time to sit down and really write. I long to write more than just updates. However, at the end of the day my longing to rest and sleep takes precedence.

School Days
Morgan Kate LOVES preschool. She talks about all of her little friends and her teachers. She has learned so many new songs and blessings and stories. It's amazing. She comes home with the cutest artwork and stamps all over her little body. Mrs. Watson not only gives them stamps on their hands and arms, but their bellies as well. I love how much her teachers love her. It really has been so great for all of us! We have our very first parent-teacher conference next month. I'm so anxious to hear what her teachers have to say and a little nervous, too. I've always been on the "teacher side" of the conference, so this will be all new to me.

Potty
MK has mastered the whole tee-tee thing. We never ask her if she needs to go, she just tells us. She's had maybe three accidents this entire time. Two while she was playing outside and one while she was with her Uncle Owens. And by the way, she did tell him she needed to go - he just didn't believe her. She does great through nap time and she's completely dry most mornings. Now, for that other business - the poo. No such luck. We've tried it all and nothing has worked. I am open to any tips, suggestions, tricks, bribes...whatever.

Sayings, Conversations, Prayers, Etc.
-After her bath each night she loves for Travis or I to wrap her up in her towel like a "rito". Also known as burrito.
-Lately, whenever we ask her to do something, she will say (in the most sweetest voice I might add), "I don't want to." Argh.
-She continues to pray daily for everyone we've ever met or come into contact with. Seriously. Even if she's met you only once, she's most likely prayed for you. So sweet.
-At school they sometimes have cheetos as a snack. She comes home from preschool singing and shaking her hips at the same time, "I want a cheeto. I want a cheeto." We just laugh.
-She thinks that Trenholm, whom she calls Dippin, is her uncle. And her favorite uncle at that.

Behavior
Hmmm. Not sure what to write here. We thought the end of the twos were a little rocky, but we've learned those late twos have nothing on threes. Nothing. We experience quite the range of emotions daily. Laughing, singing, and just overall pleasantness to crying, whining (for hours) and kicking and screaming if she doesn't get her way. I just keep reminding myself that this is just a phase and it too shall pass. Right?!? When she's good, she's good, but when she's bad, wowzers, it's B.A.D.

Even when she's throwing a tantrum and I'm at my wits end, I still have to bite my lip sometime to keep from laughing or smiling. She just absolutely melts my heart and I couldn't be more in love with her. Some days I go to bed just completely exhausted, but I find myself waking up around one or two wishing she would wake up and crawl into our bed. Oh, how I love my girl!

Through the Years...

2011-10-12T06:24:00.002-04:00

Sky Top 2009, 2010, 2011

When we made our first trip back in 2009 Morgan Kate wasn't walking yet and she measured right at two feet tall. By 2010 she was walking and talking and running and was right at 2 1/2 feet tall. This year she's into absolutely everything, I swear she acts like she's 13 sometimes, and she measured right at three feet tall.

Sky Top

2011-10-11T06:50:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday we made our third annual trip to Sky Top Orchard. It is one of my absolute favorite things to do in the fall.

This little girl is pretty fond of our trips there as well.

This year was extra special because Kyle and Hunter were able to join us.

But also a little sad because Trenholm couldn't make the trip. No worries. Owens pretended she was there.

We started our day bright and early and stopped half way to Sky Top for a quick breakfast. Breakfast in any establishment with six adults and two toddlers always proves to be interesting. After a few jelly biscuits and hashbrowns we were on our way. One of the first things we did once we arrived, other than stop at the porta-potties, was have our picture taken. We've done this for the past three years and it's so much fun to look back and compare, or even laugh at what you used to look like.

Of course we walked and walked and walked some more. We stopped to see the animals.

We played on the swings while my daddy and Travis waited in line for almost an hour to get doughnuts.

These doughnuts. Apple and pumpkin. Pure heaven.

After a picnic lunch that consisted of Mathias chicken salad sandwiches and tomato, basil, feta pasta from the Gourmet Shop, we ventured into the orchard to pick apples.

Our first apple - an Arkansas Black apple. Sour and tough, but good.

While I thoroughly enjoy the swings and slides and hayride and picnic lunch, my most favorite part of each of our trips has become our time in the orchard. We usually go to the very end of the orchard where the Pink Ladies are, which Owens swears is on the Tennessee line, and we just sit. We laugh, we talk, we listen, we watch, we laugh some more and we just have fun.

And occasionally Owens poses. Nothing new.

Looking at the picture of everyone walking down the mountain just makes me laugh out loud. Kyle was complaining about pushing the stroller. Hunter wanted my mom. My mom was barefoot because her shoes were hurting her feet. Owens wanted to know how much further. Morgan Kate wanted Trav to go faster. It was chaos, but I loved every minute of it. My belly hurt from laughing so hard.

We did lots of laughing while in the orchard so I can't be 100% sure of what was so funny, but I am willing to bet that it was either - 1.) seeing Hunter roll down the hill a little or 2.) MK having a huge blow out once we finally did come to a stop.

It was such a beautiful day and the weather and scenery really lent itself to beautiful pictures.

Owens once again remembering Trenholm.

Kyle was quite the Baby Whisperer.

Morgan Kate ran and ran and ran some more. She picked apples and ate apples and even tossed a few apples, which is so totally against the rules. Thanks, Daddy.

This picture also makes me laugh out loud because Travis swore he was not carrying any apples back up the mountain. Instead, he was going to just buy some in the little store. Ha. The things he does for the women in his life.

It was just an overall fun, family day and I am already looking forward to next year. I jump at any chance to spend time with the people I love.

2011-10-10T06:10:00.000-04:00

Some weeks my thoughts and words just flow. Other weeks they stop. Completely. Last week was a week where they came to a screeching halt. I had no desire to write. I had no inclination to sit at my computer. My mind and my heart were in other places, and when that happens my words are hard to find. My thoughts were and continue to be consumed with other people and their hurt, their loss, their worries. It seems that as we get older we should be better equipped to deal with things. We should be able to make sense of things and understand them. Unfortunately, that is not the case with me. The older I get, the more things don't make sense. The harder it is to understand and accept the things I can't wrap my brain around.

Fortunately, I have this little wonder in my life. She does make sad days happier. Darker days brighter. And she does give me so many reasons to write.

2011-10-03T06:45:00.000-04:00

In case you weren't aware, October is wedding month. We attended a wedding this weekend. We have another next weekend and another the following weekend.

This weekend the wedding we attended was for dear, dear family friends - David and Haley. David, I have known my entire life. His parents used to live across the street from my grandmother and now live just a few blocks down from my parents. And his momma, Mrs. Jackie, happens to be one of my momma's BFFs and like my second momma. His dad was in my parent's wedding and his older brother, Michael, was in my wedding. Oh and total side note, but I'm going to be in Michael's wedding one day. We've already decided that I get to be a groomswoman. We've just got to find him a wife. A good one. Haley, I've also known for a really, really long time. Her daddy was the president of the company my mom worked at for 35 years. I'm older than Haley, but she and I always enjoyed playing with one another at "company" functions. Needless to say, the connections we had made this a very special wedding weekend.

The rehearsal dinner was Friday night. My parents were there, as were Travis and I. MK had a spend the night party at Uncle Owens and Aunt Ninum's house. Her first time staying the night anywhere other than Kaka and Gator's. BIG DEAL. More on that in another post. It was the strangest feeling being somewhere with my parents but not having MK. The rehearsal dinner was beautiful and the food was delicious. I enjoyed every second of it and I especially enjoyed seeing these four ladies together.

These women are very near and dear to my heart: Mrs. Betty, Mrs. Jackie, Mrs. Phala and my mommy. I always love seeing my mom with her friends. She always has this huge smile and I know she is so happy. She has some of THE best friends. These women will do anything for her and she will do anything for them. And I mean anything. Trust me.

I'm always smiling and happy when I can spend time with my mom.

And this fellow makes me pretty darn happy, too.

The wedding was out of this world gorgeous. The ceremony and the reception were at Haley's parents' house. They have this amazing property and gorgeous old home. Just gorgeous. I wish I had taken pictures, but I was too busy taking in the sights and shaking it on the dance floor. I told Travis afterward that I wanted to buy a bunch of land and a beautiful old home so that when MK got married she could have the ceremony and reception there. He agreed it was a great idea. Now we just have to find the money to do all of that. Ha!

I love weddings. I love celebrating the joining of two people. I love the calm and peaceful feeling I get during the ceremony. And of course I love the party afterward. As I was listening to the preacher yesterday I couldn't help but get all emotional and sentimental and all that good stuff. It's so easy to get caught up in life and not to appreciate your marriage or the love you have for your spouse. It's so easy to put others and other things first. Yesterday was an excellent reminder of what I do have. And I do have something pretty darn amazing.

A little birthday fun.

2011-10-02T21:04:00.000-04:00

This picture makes me laugh so hard.

Not only do we go "big" with birthdays, but MK's preschool does as well. Another reason this heart of mine is so happy. They bring out a special tablecloth, have a special snack, birthday hat, singing and the kiddos get to pick a present from the special box/basket. Since MK has a summer birthday, just like her momma, they celebrated her big day last Tuesday.

Of course I wanted to make a special homemade snack for the class. I wanted to send in perfectly matching napkins and plates. I wanted to be there for the big event and take lots and lots of pictures. Unfortunately, it's not a perfect world. I skipped the homemade snack and instead opted for Publix cupcakes (which are really better than mine anyway), Cheez-its and napkins I found on the party aisle. And I didn't get to be there. Heartbreaking, yes. My chest hurt all day because I wasn't able to be there and I felt like THE.WORST.MOMMY.IN.THE.HISTORY.OF.MOMMIES. I didn't want to take an entire day off because I never know when she is going to be sick or something is going to come up. And a half day wouldn't have left me any time to get there. However, our wonderful, terrific, amazing Roddey was there. And she took lots and lots of pictures and was able to tell me all about it. Missing moments like this makes my heart hurt. It makes me dream of my stay at home mom days. But, I'm also thankful that I have a job and that I am able to provide for my family in that way. You give and you get, I guess.

Speaking of preschool, MK LOVES preschool and she loves all of her little friends. She comes home singing songs, talking about her teachers and telling us all about her "fins". Just the other night we had this conversation:
Me: MK, who are some of your friends at school?
MK: Andrew, Ben....(thinking)
Me: Who else?
MK:Umm...Thomas.
Me: And who else?
MK: Kaden.
Me: Anybody else?
MK: Ummm, no.
Me: Are there any girls in your class?
MK: Yes.
Me: Are they your friends?
MK: Mommy, I like boys.
What am I supposed to with this?!?!?

2011-09-26T21:18:00.001-04:00

Football season always brings back fond memories of my college days. Raven and I, along with many others, including Travis, would tailgate all day, attend the game and then head "out" on the town. Much to Travis' dismay we would always end up at some "place" that offered loud music and dancing. Travis and others would mingle and chat while Raven and I rocked it out on the dance floor.

A lot has changed since those days. We now tailgate at someone's house. We don't attend the games very often. We rarely are caught hitting up the town. And our dancing genes have apparently been passed on. Well, some of them. It's safe to say that Morgan Kate got Raven's dancing abilities (lots of rhythm) and Nolan got mine (slow to warm up). Ha!

I apologize for 1.) the moving camera, 2.)the awful singing in the background, 3.)my terrible laugh and 4.)this really old song. However, I make no apologies for how hard these videos will make you laugh, especially this last one. Oh. My. Goodness.

2011-09-22T06:44:00.001-04:00

This contraption and I have a love, ~~hate~~ don't love relationship.

I love that Morgan Kate is finally "getting" the whole tee-tee in the potty thing and even asks to go. Seriously. She is telling us when she needs to go. We never have to ask and she's not having any tee-tee accidents.

I don't love that I have to think A LOT about this whole potty business every single time we walk out of the door. Like seriously. I thought packing diapers and wipes was a big deal. Now I gotta pack undies, extra clothes, wipes, more undies, more extra clothes. I also gotta think a lot about where we are going and if and where we will have potty access.

I love that I am not buying diapers every few weeks.

I don't love that we are still having to use diapers at nights and at times during naps. Oh, and when she needs to do the "other thing". You know, the thing other than tee-tee.

I love that we aren't having any tee-tee accidents.

I don't love that we are having major "other thing" accidents. MAJOR.

I love that she is wearing big girl undies.

I don't love that she is wearing big girl undies.

I love that she is now using the "big girl" potty.

I don't love that she is big enough to use the "big girl" potty.

I told you, it's definitely a love and don't love relationship. Maybe one day, and hopefully one day soon, I'll have a strictly love relationship with this contraption and all it entails. Until then, not so much.

Deep Conversations with a Three Year Old

2011-09-21T06:52:00.000-04:00

Last night as I was rocking Morgan Kate we shared two conversations that I wanted to share.

As we were saying her prayers and she was thanking God for all of her family and friends (the list is quite lengthy) the conversation went a little like this:
MK: Thank you for Owens and Dippin and Kyle and Hunter and Jordan.
Me: And who else?
MK: Kaka and Gator.
Me: Who else?
MK: Jesus.
Me: Oh, okay. You are thanking God for Jesus. You are such a sweet girl.
MK: I wanna hug Jesus.
Me: (All I could think of was "Really?" How in the heck do I explain this one?!?) Well, baby, you can't hug Jesus right now. Ummm, he lives in the sky. In Heaven. But, ummmm, you can blow him kisses.
MK: Why, Mommy?
Me: Why what?
MK: Why he no here? I wanna hug Jesus.
Me: Ummm, well you can one day, but right now let's just blow him kisses. Now, who else do you want to thank God for?

This question led into our next deep conversation:

MK: Thank you for Roddey, McNary and James. Mommy, who is McNary's daddy?
Me: You silly girl. James is McNary's daddy.
MK: No, Mommy. James my friend.
Me: Right, James is your friend, but he's McNary's daddy.
MK: Oh. (Big smile on her face.)
Me: Do you remember when McNary was in Roddey's tummy? (Why in this world did I ask that? Wasn't my Jesus conversation enough for one night?!?)
MK: Uh-huh. And I was in your tummy?
Me: Yep. You sure were. (Thinking to myself: Not for very long, but yes, you were.)
MK: Daddy have a baby in his belly?
Me: Ummm, no, sweetie. Only mommies can have babies in their tummies.
MK: Daddies have boy babies in their tummies?
Me: No, just mommies. Daddies don't have babies in their tummies. So, I think it's night-night time. I love you. Sleep tight.

Wowzers. Serious conversations going on around the Callahan household last night. This girl is way smart.

Total Randomness.

2011-09-20T17:28:00.002-04:00

One of my most favorite things in the whole wide world is watch these two together. May actually be my absolute most favorite. I knew a long time ago that this man was going to be the best daddy ever. And he does not disappoint. He makes me want to me a better momma. His love for this little girl is incredible.

Morgan Kate loves bath time. Mostly. It's hard slowing her down enough to actually get in, but once we get her in there she's great. Until it's time to wash her hair. Every night, bath time goes a little like this:
Me or Trav: Morgan Kate, it's time to take a bath.
MK: No wash my hair.
Me or Trav: We have to tonight.
MK: NO WASH MY HAIR.
Me or Trav: Morgan Kate, it hasn't been washed in two days. We have to.
MK: No, please. No. (Begging and pleading.)
Me or Trav: We will do it real fast and it will be over super quick. Promise.
MK: Okaaaayyyyyy. (Real whiney like.)

I have been meaning to share this awesome chalkboard that my daddy made me for my birthday. He constructed it and my momma "supervised". They are a pretty good team. I had been wanting a chalkboard for my kitchen for like forever, so I was thrilled, beyond belief, when my daddy made this one. I love it and I just sit around and think of funny and clever and life changing things to write on it. This week I chose a quote I found in my planner. It's kind of my motto to live by right now.

Oh, and if you are looking for something cute, "fall-ish", FUN and kind of, sort of decorative - then check out this "Fall Bucket List" printable (and it's cute blog). Totally cute. And totally FREE. Nice.

2011-09-19T19:44:00.001-04:00

Today we celebrate my mom!

My mom is one of the most giving and caring people I know. And I'm not just saying that because she is my mom. She is. For real. She is especially giving and caring when it comes to her children and grandchildren. I have always known, for years and years and years, that her love for us is unconditional. I pray that my love for my children and grandchildren is just like hers. Endless.

She loves us even when our children are running around like crazy people screaming and whining at her birthday lunch. She loves us even when said older grandchild crawls under the lunch table and has a potty accident in the middle of her birthday lunch. Or the youngest grandchild pulls the safety alarm in the middle of her birthday lunch. She loves us even when after all of the running around, potty accidents and alarm pulling, her middle child has a sporadic nose bleed in the middle of her birthday lunch that requires attention from numerous lunch guests. She loves us even when her oldest, who is trying her best to learn this whole parent-child-discipline-thing, argues with her three year old about where she will and will not sit during the birthday lunch. She loves us when her youngest, who is also a parent in training, snoozes on the couch while his child clings to my her legs in the middle of her birthday lunch. And all the while there is a dog crying at the back door and another dog begging at her feet. Even still, she loves us. All of us. A whole lot.

Happy birthday, sweet Mommy! We love you. A whole lot.

2011-09-15T10:58:00.000-04:00

Morgan Kate has been home for the past three days suffering from some sort of viral infection. One that brings high fever and ulcers all over her throat. My poor baby.

As long as she can have her purple and red medicine (Motrin and Tylenol) she's a happy camper. She won't eat much because it hurts to swallow. Last night I even offered her ice cream for dinner and she didn't want it. No worries though, she is drinking lots and lots of cold milk. Matter of fact, that is all she will drink. This morning she did request yogurt, so we made a mad dash to Chick-fil-A for a yogurt parfait and fruit. Thank goodness for Chick-fil-A.

I'm so ready for her to feel better. We are waiting on a throat culture to come back. Dr. G thought she may have strep because her throat looked so awful, but the test they do in the office came back negative. The culture they send off is still off and we won't know the results until late this afternoon or tomorrow morning. If it is strep then they will start treating it with an antibiotic. Until then, we are just treating it with purple and red meds, lots of snuggles and as many popsicles as she can eat.

2011-09-11T20:05:00.000-04:00

Today Morgan Kate got her very first haircut.

We have been patiently waiting three years for her hair to grow. Okay, maybe not so patiently. Ha. It finally had some length, but the ends of her hair were so brittle. It was straight up baby hair and it had seen it's better days. So, I knew it was time for a "trim". We took her to this little children's place in Lexington and she loved it. I really had no doubt that she would. One, she loves to be pampered and two, she loves to look in the mirror. I myself was a little anxious. It's crazy- I didn't shed a tear the day I walked her into preschool, but I found myself with a huge lump in my throat as I watched her climb into that big chair. However, the minute I saw her excitement, all of my emotions and anxiety subsided.

She really was so excited. She climbed up in the chair and waited patiently. Before jumping in the chair they gave her a bracelet with a card attached. She got to wear the bracelet during her haircut and afterward she could turn the card in for a "surprise".

Of course this crazy momma brought her camera and took about 100 pictures. Hey, getting your haircut for the first time is kind of a big deal.

Morgan Kate just smiled and giggled the entire time. She was so good and so still. We were so proud of her!

See, her hair really had gotten long. It was just really uneven and like I said, so, so brittle.

Right now, I would say that she has my hair. And that's unfortunate because it's super thin and super fine and just hard to handle. Hopefully, this is just her "baby hair" and new long, luscious, thick hair is going to grow in. Travis has awesome hair, so maybe she will get his.

The sweet lady tried to get MK to look at us while she cut her hair. But, MK wasn't having any part of that. She only wanted to watch herself in the mirror. I'm not sure where in the world she gets that from. Hee, hee.

With the first clips my heart did stop for a second and I seriously contemplated calling the whole thing off.

But, I took a deep breath and just kept my mouth shut. Mostly. I did step in when the lady was cutting her bangs. I told her that I wanted them to stay long. I wanted them cut right at her brow. Hey, I know what's it like to have bangs that are only like a centimeter from your hairline and it's not fun.

After the cut, MK jumped down and redeemed her prize. She was such a big girl!

We got a certificate for "Morgan Kate's first haircut" and even a small baggie with some of her locks. As most of you can imagine, that made this momma's heart just melt.

It's short, but I love it. It's got so much shape and body now and I just think it's so, so cute. It looks so much healthier. And maybe now it will really start growing.

2011-09-07T06:58:00.000-04:00

One of my besties, Raven, recently returned from an almost two week trip to Japan. Maybe it was actually longer that two weeks. It felt like an eternity to me. They went to visit family and of course to have all of Makoto's (her hubby) family meet their precious baby boy, Nolan. I was so envious of their trip. I mean I was so excited that they got to go, but I was so jealous of all they would get to see and all the yummy food they would get to consume. Asian food has got to be my all time favorite food. Seriously. I could eat it every single day of my life. While there they were so sweet and picked up a few goodies for their friends back in the States. One of the things they brought back for us was a little kimono for Morgan Kate and a parasol (Is that spelled correctly?). Oh. My. Goodness. Precious. Morgan Kate tried it on this afternoon and it fit perfectly and looked darling. She even let me take a few pictures. Okay, maybe a lot of pictures.

I told you it was precious.

A BIG thank you to Raven, Koto and Nolan. We love you muches and we are SO thankful you are back home!

2011-09-06T06:17:00.000-04:00

At the start of every school year I give all the parents of students I teach homework. I do it for two reasons. One, to take the pressure off of students and to get them to laugh a little. And two, to get to know my students better. It's a simple questionnaire that the parents fill out about their child and return to me within the first week of school. I've always given it as the teacher and never been the receiver as a parent. Until last week. Last week Morgan Kate's teachers gave us homework. We had to fill out a questionnaire, send in a photo of our child and decorate a "Super Star". I thought it was going to be super easy and fun. And it was fun, but it wasn't super easy and it was on my "To-Do List" for several days without ever being accomplished. I had certain "visions" in my head and wanted it all to be perfect. I finally finished it all today. Actually, I already sent the questionnaire back in - I'm such a good "student", but tonight I finished my star and printed off a photo of MK to send in tomorrow. Each child will have a star hanging in the classroom. If they ever feel anxious or sad or blue, the teacher will take them to the star and remind them of the important people and/or things in their life. I think I did pretty good. My only complaint - the star just wasn't large enough. Ha!

My Very First Vlog

2011-09-05T13:00:00.002-04:00

UPDATE: I apologize if you can't hear my annoying voice. First time using my webcam and maybe I wasn't as successful as I first thought. Sorry!

A few things to keep in mind before watching:

1. Yes, I'm a dork. I know that and accept that.

2. Yes, I do sound funny and look funny.

3. Yes, this is ridiculous, but so much fun.

Now it's your turn...

Tell us a little about where you were born, raised, currently live, etc. Then, the instructions are to say these words:

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

And answer these questions:

What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?

What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?

What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?

What do you call gym shoes?

What do you say to address a group of people?

What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?

What do you call your grandparents?

What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?

What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?

What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

Oh my gosh. I seriously love this. PLEASE, PLEASE do this and then let me know so that I can watch you!

2011-09-04T10:17:00.000-04:00

Many people say "Don't stress, your baby will walk/talk/potty/etc. when they are ready. They will let you know." Those people weren't lying, or at least not when it comes to my child. This statement couldn't be anymore true.

Three perfect examples. Example one, when MK was learning to walk, we tried and tried and tried some more. We worked so hard. She would take a few steps and then fall. She just never seem interested or ready. She would rather crawl or have someone carry her. Then around seventeen months she started "trying" a little harder. And then one afternoon, right around eighteen months, in the middle of a crawl, she just stood up and started walking. And that was that. Example two, the bottle. I knew the bottle was going to be difficult. We had cut all other bottles out, but she was still getting one bottle right before bed. We tried several times to go cold turkey, but she just cried and cried and cried. Bedtime became a nightmare so we gave in and continued. Then, one night as I was getting ready to give her a bottle she said, "No bah-bah, Mommy. I big girl." And that was that. And example three, the potty. MK got a potty for Christmas last year and we've been talking lots about it and encouraging her to go. Some days she would and some days she wouldn't. Sometimes weeks or months would pass before she would use the potty again. At the start of this summer I devoted an entire week to "Potty Training Boot Camp". Tremendous fail. She wasn't ready. Fast forward to early last week. While at Roddey's, where several others are learning to use the potty, she began telling Roddey she need to go. Then, she would come home in the afternoon and tell us. She even started waking us up at night because she needed to go. We were prompting her or encouraging her at all. It was all her. This past Friday she stayed in "big girl pants" ALL. DAY. LONG. and only had one accident late that evening. Yesterday we spent the majority of the day on the lake, but we took her potty with us (Roddey's genius idea). MK asked to use it twice while we were out. We are so proud of her! I just can't believe that the week before we were on diapers 24/7 and this week, all because MK was ready, we are wearing big girl pants. Wow.

Sometimes it's so hard to trust when our little ones are ready for things. We stress and worry about when and where those huge milestones will take place. But, usually when we do give it to them, we have HUGE results.