Matt, Ari, Emily & Kara

Kara - 1 day old

2012-02-11T12:05:00.000-06:00

Here a few pics of baby Kara while we were at the hospital She is precious and perfect!

I think Kara looks a lot like Emily. So here is a picture of Emily when she was 1 day old.

And here is Emily meeting Kara for the first time.

Family of 4!

Kara Mae

2012-02-08T21:36:00.002-06:00

Baby Kara came into the world Tuesday night February 7, 2012 at 7:39pm. She weighed 7lbs 5oz and is 19.5 inches long.
Here she is last Wednesday.

And here she is this Wednesday.

The Lord has blessed us so.

Phone pics of Emily

2012-02-06T14:54:00.002-06:00

Here are some pics of Emily from my phone this winter:

~trying on Dad's hat~

~Dinner date with Mom to Chili's~

~arranging her books and then walking on them (she did this all herself)~

~snuggles with Daddy watching Dora~

~first time to the Memphis Botanic Gardens (she loved the fountain!)~

~Being still at the mall play area~

38 weeks

2012-02-06T14:51:00.001-06:00

Well, there are just 10 days or less until Kara arrives. I can't believe it.

Here I am today, Feb 6th. 38 weeks, 2 days officially.

Big difference between this above and this...

But we are ready for this munchkin to arrive. Everything is washed and in its proper place. I'll take some pics of the nursery soon and post them. I'm very proud of how it turned out!

Stay tuned for more Baby Kara news....

Oh, and here I was at 36 weeks with Emily..

Kinda fun to compare- 2 and a half years later....
(Matt's office is now pink and is Kara's room. So no more wild animals in there)

Modeling her Camo

2012-01-25T15:49:00.001-06:00

Nana bought Emily this outfit just to make her daddy's heart melt when he saw her in it.

It worked.

Every girl should have some camo with pink bows, don't ya think?

Emily: 27 months old

2012-01-20T14:18:00.000-06:00

I've kinda stopped taking monthly pictures of Emily. Her vocabulary and personality are the only things that seem to change month to month and that is hard to capture in a photo. But I decided that today was the day to try to snap a few pictures of her. She is now 2 years and 3 months old. In less than a month she will be a big sister.

-their favorite pose-

27 months old and 36 weeks pregnant!

33 weeks

2012-01-06T07:47:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures of me and the belly at 33 weeks!

Daddy and daughter shot while I get the settings correct...

Mommy and Daughter x2 !

Christmas Favorites

2011-12-28T09:58:00.000-06:00

We had a great Christmas. Here are few of my favorite pictures.

Babymoon!

2011-12-21T06:37:00.000-06:00

Matt whisked me away for a weekend getaway before Kara gets here. We went to The Alluvian hotel in Greenwood, MS. We ate some delicious food, especially at this place called Delta Bistro. Oh so yummy.

While we were there, we got a call that my brother and his wife had their first child, Morrison! Meet my nephew:

The last night we were there we did a cooking class at the Viking Cooking School. It was fun and delicious!

Yes, I look so gigantic in that white apron.

We fixed crab cakes & chipotle tarter sauce, veal chops with mushroom & roasted garlic sauce, chocolate and cherry cookies.

It was a wonderful trip! Just 2 months until baby Kara arrives!

Cell Phone update

2011-12-20T12:36:00.001-06:00

Here are some pics from the last few months from my handy cell phone.

My little baker

Too cute on the way to school

Thanksgiving with Granddaddy and Nana in Houston

Hanging out with Nana in the old tree house during Thanksgiving.

It snowed today!

2011-12-07T21:18:00.000-06:00

Snow!

We bundled up and ran outside to play in the Memphis snow for a few minutes this morning before Bible Study.

She was so excited!

I was excited because I bought those snow boots last spring for just $5, and got to take the tags off today, for the snow.

I showed her that she could eat some snow. A little hesitant at first, but when I told her it was like ice (she loves ice), she couldn't stop!

She even shared with her Daddy.

Apparently 2 year olds don't get cold. I think she would have stayed out there all day, though I was freezing after 5 minutes.

Yay for snow!

Leaves

2011-11-20T20:09:00.000-06:00

I talked Emily into getting into a pile of leaves this weekend. She was a little unsure at first.

I hid her stuffed doggy under the leaves to entice her into the pile....

But after a few minutes I even got a smile out of her!

(the Instagram version)

Just like a teenager

2011-11-18T17:38:00.000-06:00

Emily was watching Super Why on our bed yesterday morning...

When I came back she was laying down, watching PBS- just like a teenager....

What a cutie pie!

Hey Diddle Diddle

2011-11-14T12:51:00.000-06:00

Emily has turned into quite a singer. Here is "Hey Diddle Diddle."

FedEx Family Day

2011-11-13T17:31:00.000-06:00

Saturday we had a chance to go see the planes FedEx flies. They are huge. Absolutely enormous. Since in the airline industry there isn't a "Take your child to work day", this was a big chance to let Emily (and me) see Matt's world- up close!

lunch with the 777 behind us

Standing in the engine of the 777

Those were some BIG airplanes!

sleeping beauty

2011-11-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

Little Furry Red Monster

2011-10-31T20:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Emily went trick or treating for the first time tonight.

I picked out a special costume to make her happy...Elmo!

Believe it or not, yes, this is a happy face.

Isn't she the cutest little furry red monster?

More Birthday Girl photos

2011-10-23T03:02:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how big our little baby girl is.

Birthday girl closeup!

We visited Toys 'R Us on her birthday and they gave her a balloon...and it hasn't left her side since.

2nd birthday

2011-10-22T04:57:00.001-05:00

Emily's birthday was this week.

She turned 2!

I tried to get some pictures of her in her princess tiara from Nana.

She got a special birthday cupcake on her birthday.

I think it made her happy....and hyper!

Our 2 year old

2011-10-21T14:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Emily!

Fall Goodies

2011-10-16T05:57:00.001-05:00

Here are some things I'm loving about the fall...

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

-So easy-

1 box Spice cake mix

1 small can pumpkin

1/2 Cup water

Mix and cook according to box directions.

Fabric Wreath

-I made it last night-

1 wire hanger

1/4 yard of 5 fabrics, cut into 10" strips

Tie in knots

Mums

-a sweet surprise from my husband-

And 2 fun fall goodies from Hobby Lobby!

-both 40% off!-

Fall makes me happy.

Lynnlee

2011-10-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

Emily has 2 BFF's. She got to spend a few hours with Lynnlee at our house a few weeks ago. We played in the yard with a box of blocks for a long time.

And of course they took turns sitting in the box (after dispersing the block all over the yard).

Thanks for playing with us, Lynnlee!

Happy morning this morning

2011-09-30T10:23:00.000-05:00

Emily always wakes up with a smile.

She asked me to lower the rail and so I did. She's just pretending to climb out, so don't worry.

23 months old

2011-09-25T23:14:00.001-05:00

Emily is just days away from being a 2 year old. Here are a few funny faces of her at 23 months.

She can count to 10 (with help), sing her ABC's (for the most part), and is just about the funniest girl around.

In this picture she is singing "Little Bunny Foo Foo." She kept bopping herself on her head. It was pretty cute. Here's the proof...

Sweet girl.

19 weeks...It's a _____!

2011-09-25T16:10:00.000-05:00

Here's my growing baby bump at 19 weeks. Matt took this picture Friday before we headed to the doctor to find out if it was a boy or a girl.... Results are in....

And it's a GIRL!

All is healthy and measuring right on schedule. We are super excited about another daughter and a sister for Emily.

Emily's Prediction...

2011-09-23T08:34:00.000-05:00

Apparently Emily doesn't want either one!

23 months old

2011-09-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

This girl is almost 2 and I can't believe it.

Even though I've told her a 100 times she can't sit in her baby doll stroller, here she is doing it anyway. Doesn't she look guilty??

More pics coming soon, plus a REVEAL in just a few days!

First day of School!

2011-08-23T08:37:00.001-05:00

Emily starts Mother's Day Out today! Wow! It's really a Dad's Day Out because he's home from work and I have to go to work...oh well!
And I saw this idea on Pinterest so here's our version of her current stats!

2011-08-22T08:07:00.000-05:00

I'm really excited how these pictures on our back porch turned out so you get to see a few more...

Look at those lashes!

Baby at 11 weeks, Baby bump at 14 weeks

2011-08-20T22:00:00.001-05:00

Well, I've survived the 1st trimester! Only lost 7 lbs with this baby- I lost 13lbs with Emily. It amazes me how quickly the bump appears with this 2nd child. People were acknowledging it weeks ago! :-)

And here is our baby munchkin!

We have another ultrasound coming up next week so it will be sweet to get to see this little one again soon.

22 months old

2011-08-19T21:59:00.000-05:00

Yep, she's getting closer and closer to 2 years old and I can't believe it!

Hope you enjoy her pictures today...and her many happy faces!

Preview of 22 months old!

2011-08-19T16:36:00.000-05:00

Emily is 22 months old today! And we took some pictures outside. Here is a preview- more coming soon!

1st Pigtails!

2011-08-11T22:43:00.000-05:00

Emily let me get some pigtails in her hair this week. It's been a battle for months to try to get her hair up, usually she just screams "NO!" or pulls them out immediately. But this week she let me get 2 in her hair!

You can't see the left one very well, but I promise- it's there!

Cuteness!

She loves powder!

sweet pigtailed girl

Don't turn your back, even for a second...

2011-08-10T20:43:00.000-05:00

I knew Emily loved Chick-fil-A sauce, I just didn't know how much until I turned around and found this...

Yes- it is that good!

Just a-swinging

2011-07-30T07:15:00.000-05:00

Emily absolutely loves to swing! Can you tell?

21 months old with Nana!

2011-07-29T19:35:00.000-05:00

While I was feeling rather puny, Nana came to town to help me and ~~keep up with~~ play with Emily. And while she was here, Emily turned 21 months! So I caught her smiling at her Nana a few times.

She loves her Nana...and so do I! Thanks Mom!

Visit from Cousins!

2011-07-29T16:35:00.000-05:00

In June, Uncle Chris, Aunt Christy, cousins Allie & Jacob came for a visit.

Emily thoroughly loves her family...big time!

Beads with Allie

Family portrait time

Waving bye bye!

Come back soon!

Quiznos Groupon deal today

2011-07-27T12:14:00.000-05:00

Buy 2 sandwiches from Quiznos for just $6 today via Groupon.

http://gr.pn/oz5uwt

Click on the link- click on Memphis All Deals. And buy! I got mine already. Will make for an easy lunch one day!

No posts because...

2011-07-07T21:16:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted on my blog in a while because I haven't picked up my computer.
And I haven't picked up my computer because I'm tired.
And I'm tired because I'm sick.
And I'm sick because I'm PREGNANT!

Yep- so excited - and so sick. But that's just part of it. Emily keeps wanting to jump and bounce on me (especially since I spend so much tie on the sofa- looking like a perfect place to bounce on). I keep telling her that my tummy has a 'bo-bo' and she keeps giving me kisses. So sweet. Soon I'll be changing bo-bo to baby brother/sister and maybe she'll still give me kisses.

But as of now, I'm 8 weeks pregnant and morning sickness is definitely all day and Zofran isn't really helping and it's a full mixture of happiness and miserable-ness.

(at the lake with powdered donuts - before I was feeling puny)

This is the 4th of July- spaghetti was on the menu

Future dancer?

2011-06-23T02:15:00.002-05:00

Emily loves her swing set. She asks to "weeng" (swing) and "sli" (slide) all the time.

Notice her feet.... do you think we have a future dancer on our hands?

She's actually eyeing the kiddie pool in the backyard- wanting to "sli" in the "wa-wa!"

Elmo

2011-06-22T02:13:00.002-05:00

I brought an Elmo balloon home from the $1 store and it was an instant success!

Kisses for Elmo!

20 months old

2011-06-21T14:12:00.000-05:00

Sweet girl is getting closer and closer to being 2 years old. For now, she's only 20 months, and has the greatest personality. She laughs all the time, and just started covering her mouth with her hand when she does. It is too cute. She also is repeating everything we say - and for the most part it sounds like what it should!

Thank you to my sweet friend Liz for making this cute dress.

Mud Island

2011-06-20T17:06:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to find a time to take some 20 month pictures, but until then...phone pics will have to do.

Matt took Emily to Mud Island (downtown Memphis) today to collect some driftwood left after the huge flood a few weeks ago.

Here she is, posing (I think) by the Mississippi River.

"Look Daddy, a barge!"

You can see Matt's wood there on the left. It is really pretty stuff. Who knew a dirty river could make something beautiful.

I've also started using Instagram on my phone. Here's a pic of Emily from this week.

She is 20 months old now. I'll take some cute pics soon, promise (Mom)!

Baby Blues

2011-06-08T20:53:00.000-05:00

Check out these baby blues...

Nana & Granddaddy

2011-06-01T21:36:00.000-05:00

My parents came up from Texas for a few days. As they were packing up this morning, I snapped a few pictures outside. Emily didn't cooperate very well.

In the Daisies

2011-05-27T13:42:00.001-05:00

The daisies are blooming at our house...

everywhere!

She was playing with a pink ball, and when she threw it, I caught it...with the camera!

She got bored with balls and flowers and took my necklace...

waving at a neighborhood walker passing by...

Silly.

Mommy & Daddy

2011-05-21T06:23:00.003-05:00

I tried to get some pictures of Em with each of us when I took her 19 month ones. It didn't work so well.

-this one's pretty cute though-

-reading the toddler Bible-

-dimples, like Daddy-

Now Mommy's turn...

"Take it now, Babe!"

"I got her....just point and click!"

"Nice try...Maybe next time"

Learning to Jump!

2011-05-20T18:09:00.000-05:00

We've been trying to teach Em how to jump this week. It is so funny. She tries and tries, and giggles and giggles, but is no where close to getting both feet off the ground at the same time.

While taking her 19 month pictures, I mentioned the word "jump" and so it began...

"Bend your knees..."

"Now jump up!"

-a little twist action gives the impression she's jumping-

-lifting your shoulders won't get you off the ground, but it sure is cute!-

-Totally worn out. Fake jumping is super hard work.-

She is 19 months old

2011-05-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

Miss Emily turned 19 months old on the 19th. In her cute outfit from Bia, we took some pictures.

Oh precious one, you are getting so big. But more and more beautiful, for sure!

My First Video Camera

2011-05-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

My sweet hubby bought me a Kodak Play >Touch for Mother's day and I love it! I had a melt down a few months ago when I realized that every video of my daughter's first year of life was taken on my cell phone. And that just won't do any longer!

We spent Mother's Day weekend with Matt's parents at their lake house in Arkansas. During the course of the weekend, Matt's mom got a new grandmother-name, from Buela to Bia. Because that's what Emily calls her.

I used the camera a lot, and then put it together into one long video. So watch if you want...it's about 10 minutes, and there's nothing too exciting, except just watching Em be Em. (There is a funny scene of her playing peekaboo with her shirt (minute 5) and splashing her feet in the water-around minute 8 :-) )

Oh- and Matt's mustache is because he grew a gottee while he was on vacation - then started shaving it off- then left the mustache because it's funny & looks totally ridiculous. It lasted about 12 hours.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-28T13:43:00.000-05:00

The Easter Bunny came to our house for the first time this year.

He brought Elmo PJ's and Peeps, as well as some other goodies.

After church we "hunted" eggs in the yard.

There wasn't any actual hunting going on, they were just scattered in the grass.

But she was excited to get some and put them in her new basket!

Matt's parents came over for the day.

It was a great Easter! (but we didn't take any family pictures. Bummer!)

Eggs-ooh-berance!

2011-04-26T14:02:00.000-05:00

This year was Emily's first Easter egg hunt. Our church does a big event for the community every year, and while I worked at it, Matt brought her to hunt some eggs.

When she got over the initial shock of so many people in a tiny space, I think she enjoyed it!

She also met the Easter Bunny.

It was a great day and this year the weather (though windy) was beautiful!

First Pedi (Proceed with caution if you hate feet)

2011-04-23T05:30:00.002-05:00

It's spring and it's Easter time, and good looking toes are so important to us girls.

So I gave Em her first pedicure and now she and I have matching pink toes!

Ah, the important things in life.

Happy Easter to all those with pretty pedicures like us!

She's a kid

2011-04-22T05:54:00.001-05:00

I never knew that wearing shorts would make my baby look like a kid. I didn't know it until the first warm day of 2011.

Yep. Look at her. She's a kid.

Not a baby. Not at all.

A toddler-ish kid. Wearing shorts, shoes, playing in the yard. Just like kids like to do.

Having a grand time on a beautiful spring day.

Matt's new job

2011-04-21T14:04:00.000-05:00

Goodbye...

Hello....

We are praising the Lord for His provision in bringing this job our way. It's Matt's dream job and he is so excited to fly for them.

It's been a great month in our house, God has blessed us with a million blessings, and we give Him the glory for them all.

Emily is 18 months old

2011-04-20T16:00:00.000-05:00

A year and a half. How quickly it has come and gone.

My sweet girl.

She's always flashing that belly button. Remind me to teach her that's not always appropriate...

She is so inquisitive. Always studying....

Always climbing up chairs...

Special thanks for our neighbors, Eddie and Cindy, for letting us photoshoot in their beautiful back yard!

PS- outfit was $4 from a local consignment sale. SCORE!!

Strawberry Picking

2011-04-13T14:26:00.000-05:00

Sunday afternoon, we went with our neighbors to local orchard and picked our own strawberries. It was fabulous! The weather was great, and there were strawberries everywhere! I will be back for all the other fresh fruit the rest of the summer. Blueberries, plums, peaches....fabulous!

Emily and her friend Natalie had a ball picking and eating the sweet berries (so did the grownups!). Thanks, Dave, for the pictures!

Look at that big belly, full of strawberries!

Yummo!

Waking up is hard to do

2011-04-08T09:34:00.001-05:00

but not for Emily!

What am I going to do about that one sided curly hair?

Waking Up

2011-04-06T05:45:00.003-05:00

I grabbed the camera while Emily was waking up from her Sunday afternoon nap.
She smiled when I mentioned her daddy. You'll see her love for him in these pictures.

Playing outside

2011-04-05T05:39:00.000-05:00

We played outside a lot this weekend. Her she is doing her best "itsy bitsy spider" and then applauding herself!

Yay Emily!

Where is your belly button?

Oh I love this silly, happy, funny, precious baby girl.

Kisses!

2011-04-03T23:36:00.000-05:00

I tried the timer/remote on my camera Saturday morning. I look like I just got up (which I did) but Emily looks so cute and loves to give us kisses!!

Whenever we say "I love you, Emily" she juts her chin out and up, ready for a kiss. She is so sweet.

Dressed up- in Elmo

2011-04-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

I bought her an Elmo outfit for $1. Turns out it's a little short around the tummy. But she sure likes it!

Hanging out with most her Elmo's (but not all of them)

laughing at daddy with my Elmo chair

Giving Elmo a kiss!

all dolled up...with no place to go but the living room

"How do these things work?"

Kids Eat Free in Memphis

2011-03-26T19:23:00.000-05:00

This may not be 100% accurate, but I thought it would be helpful to have a list of where kids eat free in Memphis. If you find this to not be true, please let me know so I can update it.
Now, go and enjoy lots of free kids meals!

Monday

Applebees
Buffalo Wild Wings 5-8pm under 12, $.99
CiCi’s- everyday under 3
IHOP- everyday
Jason’s Deli
Moe’s
O’Charleys- weekdays
Pizza Hut- Buffet everyday lunch
Texas Roadhouse (or Tuesdays)
TGIFriday’s under 3
Denny’s 4-10pm

Tuesday

1. Texas Roadhouse (or Mondays)

2. Backyard Burger –after 4pm

3. Bennigans

4. Captain D’s

5. Chickfila Kids Night -5:30-7:30

6. Fazoli’s $.99

7. Perkins

8. CiCi’s- everyday under 3

9. IHOP- everyday

10. O’Charleys- weekdays

11. Pizza Hut- Buffet everyday lunch

12. TGIFriday’s under 3

13. Denny’s 4-10pm

Wednesday

CiCi’s- everyday under 3
IHOP- everyday
O’Charleys- weekdays
Pizza Hut- Buffet everyday lunch
Firehouse Subs 4pm-9pm
Qdoba
Denny’s 4-10pm

Thursday

Backyard Burger –after 4pm
Captain D’s

CiCi’s- everyday under 3

IHOP- everyday
O’Charleys- weekdays
Pizza Hut- Buffet everyday lunch
Denny’s -4-10pm

Friday

1. CiCi’s- everyday under

2. IHOP- everyday

3. O’Charleys- weekdays

4. Pizza Hut- Buffet lunch

5. Firehouse Subs 4pm-9pm

6. Denny’s 4-10pm

Saturday

7. CiCi’s- everyday under 3

8. IHOP- everyday

9. Pizza Hut Buffet lunch

10. Denny’s 4-10pm

11. Steak ‘N Shake – must spend $9

Sunday

Jason’s Deli
CiCi’s- everyday under 3
IHOP- everyday
Pizza Hut buffet –lunch
Denny’s- 4-10pm
Firehouse Subs 4pm-9pm
Hooters
Jason’s Deli
Qdoba
Steak ‘N Shake – must spend $9
Tropical Smoothie Cafe

"Dragon Tattoo" Disclaimer

2011-03-21T14:32:00.000-05:00

Before you pick up the book I mentioned in my previous post, here's a disclaimer. It's definitely a rated "R" book. It was only PG-13 for the first 175 pages or so, when I made my recommendation. Then it took a turn. I wish I had known it was going to be R-ish. I wouldn't have started it. So that brings me to a question...

Why aren't there ratings for novels like there are for movies? Why don't they put a G/PG/R sticker on the cover? It sure would help innocent readers like myself make decisions about what to read.

My next book is "A Bride Begrudgingly" by Deanne Gist. It will be a good clean pasttime.

I should have taken away her sippee cup for the photo shoot...

2011-03-19T08:59:00.000-05:00

Oh well. She's cute holding it or not! And now she's also 17 months old!

We went out for Mexican food on St. Patty's day, so we had to get a little dressed up for dinner.
Thanks to my friend Jen Nak in SD, Cali for the super cute dress. She's finally big enough to wear it.
Please notice the green bow- a St. Patrick's Day outfit made complete!

We have thoroughly been enjoying the beautiful spring weather we've had this week. We even made it to the Memphis Zoo yesterday. My old office. Yes, I worked there for 4 months after Matt and I got hitched. My favorite part was lunch, when I could take a picnic outside and then go walk the park and say hello to all the animals- 5 days a week! Yesterday was just as pleasant.

Emily absolutely loves the monkeys. It's one of her many animal sounds she makes. Yesterday they were busy and active and we stared at all the monkey exhibits a few extra minutes just so she could watch.
Afterwards, we babysat Emily's friend L, who joined us at the Zoo. We just had to get all the sunscreen and wild animal smell off. So....

Yes, fun times were had by all.

iPhone pics from the week

2011-03-18T06:33:00.015-05:00

Big smiles during lunch

More fun with that chalk and chair

playing with her kitchen

Messy girl after Enchiladas and black beans at OTB

The Next Food Network Star!

2011-03-17T12:33:00.000-05:00

Emily playing with her kitchen set she got for Christmas. Not sure what's she's cooking, but she's having a great time with it!

On a totally different note, I've been doing a lot of free reading this month. I've read 3 or 4 Deanne Gist novels (Christian historical fiction) and yesterday I started "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." In one day I'm about 170 pages into it and so far so good (the weather is gorgeous this week so yesterday's naptime was spent on the deck with the book in the sun!).

Any other book recommendations?

Playing outside on a Sunday afternoon

2011-03-14T14:21:00.000-05:00

She loves chalk.

Cruise Round 1

2011-03-11T17:45:00.000-06:00

I hate to admit, but we only took our camera phones on our cruise so the quality won't be that great, but our cruise was!
We sailed from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Cozumel and back. We left Emily with my parents for 5 days- and I was ready to see her!!

Promenade. Our room was one of these windows looking over this shopping area.

Us at the front of the ship

Cozumel where we snorkeled and saw a huge school of sardines, a barracuda, and 2 eels.

Self portrait in the wind

Matt

Juggler- last night entertainment. He is juggling knives on a unicycle.

It was a wonderful trip! More pictures (off of his phone) coming soon!

Karaoke night...in our living room

2011-02-25T19:41:00.000-06:00

Em's new favorite word (besides Elmo of course) is Amen!

See for yourself.

16 months old

2011-02-19T15:40:00.001-06:00

Emily is 16 months old today! And I think she has a green thumb like her Daddy....

Our beautiful baby girl is not such a little baby any more, is she?

New shoes

2011-02-12T07:55:00.001-06:00

Emily got some new shoes yesterday. I tried very hard to get a cute picture...didn't happen. Oh well.

So sweet!

300th Post!

2011-02-11T20:55:00.003-06:00

I'm going to post everything from the last week or so in this momentous 300th post.
Let's start with...
SNOW- Jan 20th.

I promise, she loves being outside, no matter what the weather.

January 31st- back to 60` days- outside with Daddy

February 2nd- Spaghetti!

February 7th- Reading with Dad

(blurry, but too sweet not to post)

Same day- Box O' Luv's

She loved playing in the box until she spotted my phone...

299th post gets a video!

2011-01-27T13:47:00.001-06:00

For this special "almost 300 posts" post, you get a video and some stats!

Emily had her 15 month checkup this week. She's weighing in at 22lbs 11 oz (50th%) and 31.5 inches long (75-90th%).

Our friends the Felkins in Nashville gave Emily a family heirloom when we went to visit last weekend. They gave Emily an "antique" Cookie Monster and she loves it. In fact, here she is snoozing on our drive home. She fell asleep before we even left the neighborhood. Tired girl!

One more post till we reach 300! What do you want to know about our life in Lakeland?

15 months, almost

2011-01-16T21:54:00.001-06:00

Here are a few pictures from today. This is the first time Emily wore this outfit and it was super cute, I had to catch her in digital form! You will be glad I did, the pictures turned out great! Photo ops outside is definitely the way to go!

We ran around the backyard for a few minutes and Emily found her dad's "stuff."

And boy, was she ever happy about finding it.

Yes, that's an exceedingly happy face.

This morning I was told Emily is looking more like her Daddy every day. Then a few hours later someone told me she's looking more like me. What do you think?

Such a sweet, precious girl

Happy 15 months, Emily!

I love my family

2011-01-15T12:43:00.000-06:00

I love my family.

And I love spending time with them. This Christmas was no exception.

This year, we included a little lady photo shoot, of which you've already seen a few pictures. But now I finally have them all and you'll get to see a few more of my favorites!

Oohing and Aahing over the beautiful poinsettia

and in color because I'm not sure which version I like more...

we love to read

See. Told you so.

Applique-ing during naptime

2011-01-11T02:38:00.001-06:00

I made Em a shirt today during her nap time. I'm into owls right now.

It's pretty cute if I do say so myself. She'll probably only wear it once before it's too small. Wanna bet?

Snow Day!

2011-01-10T14:38:00.000-06:00

We got 5 inches of snow last night. We haven't played in it much, but we did get bundled up and go out for a few minutes.

I am truly happy

2011-01-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

I watched Julie & Julia last night. I watched it about a year ago, when Emily was tiny and I had to get up so many times while watching it that I didn't enjoy it at all. This time, I loved it. But it made me think.
Julie has a blog. I have a blog. She had a gazillion readers, I have 14 (I think). But that's besides the point.
The point is, that when the movie was over I said to myself, I am truly happy. Why did a movie about french cooking spark that in me? I have no idea. But it made me realize I have been given many many blessings, and I am so thankful. I have an incredible family, a beautiful warm home, a fantastic church, many friends that love me all around the world, and a growing relationship with Jesus. I cannot ask for more.
Thank you all for reading and following along. I love it!

Post-Christmas Gift

2011-01-08T08:28:00.000-06:00

Emily got a chair this week (see previous posts about her love for her cousin's chair).
She loves it and sits in it all the time. Not for very long, mind you.

Last few moments with Nana

2011-01-04T06:40:00.002-06:00

Nana came for a few days.

We had to take a few pictures before she went to the airport.

But Emily doesn't like to look at the camera.

She looks like "Rocky" in her robe

2011-01-03T06:36:00.000-06:00

Watch out, "Rocky" is in the house!

Cousins

2011-01-02T06:29:00.000-06:00

Emily really liked her cousin Will's chair.

But Will liked his chair too.

Emily is looking at him thinking, "What's he doing sitting in my chair?"

Soon they figured out how to share. Not just chairs, but laps too.

Monster Maker on the iPhone with Aunt Suzie

Merry Christmas Moments

2011-01-01T16:16:00.000-06:00

Making Dad a pillow

What's Dad wearing?

Hugs with Granddad

Emily

the happy grandparents

"Thanks Mom for the very large picture of...you!"

Grandmommy's pics

Emily's baby doll

4 Generations

2011-01-01T11:15:00.000-06:00

While we were in OKC for Christmas, I asked Faith, a friend from college, to come take pictures of the 4 generations of women in my family since we were together. They turned out fantastic!!

These are of my daughter, my mom, her mom (Grandmommy), and me.

Exactly like I thought it would happen...

2010-12-18T12:01:00.000-06:00

We had been waiting all year for this moment...

We had to wait a few minutes in line before it was our turn, so we met those around us...

We looked at the pretty decorations...

We even tried to prepare her for the man she would meet...

"Hello, I'm Emily."

But of course, she did what all 14 month olds do their first time....

She screamed!!

And it was a perfect visit to see Santa Claus.

A new winter hat

2010-12-18T04:42:00.000-06:00

On sale at Old Navy, I couldn't resist.

Lasagna Night!

2010-12-17T16:42:00.000-06:00

I think she liked it!

Yay for lasagna night!

phone pics & video

2010-12-16T14:54:00.000-06:00

I haven't been blogging lately- oops!
here are a few pictures from my phone this month and a funny, funny video of my silly daughter, just laughing because laughing is fun.

Chillin' with Daddy

Emily's Weekly Pictures

2010-12-04T09:36:00.000-06:00

I made a slideshow to easily look at Emily's first year of life.

Or click here to view.

Weekly photos

We love watching how quickly she has changed and grown up.

a great thanksgiving

2010-11-28T11:30:00.000-06:00

(At this very moment, Julia Roberts is saying on TV "I'm just a girl...standing in front of a boy...asking him to love her." Oh I love this movie!!!)

We had a great thanksgiving with the family in Arkansas. Managed to get a few pictures in, of course.

Trying to get a pic of all the grandkids.

"I want my Mommy!"

Good morning

2010-11-24T06:16:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd share a few more pictures from our Phillip Parker photo shoot for Emily's 1st birthday.

Daddy's head is so comfy!

We have a 13 month old!

2010-11-22T11:03:00.000-06:00

Emily turned 13 months old last week.

I am going to have a hard time only posting a few pictures today, just post them all.

"Emily, where's your nose?"

"Emily, where's your tongue?"

"Emily, where's your head?"

She has 7 teeth, knows lots of body parts, calls everything 'da-dee' including her Daddy, understands ball, stand up, cup, bath, drink, and much much more!

New outfit but a dirty face

2010-11-14T14:03:00.000-06:00

We decided to go outside for a few pictures today after lunch, but I left a little sweet potato on her face. Thanks to Aunt Sue and Cousin Emily for the super adorable trendy outfit!

Family Photo Shoot

2010-11-10T20:45:00.000-06:00

Here are 2 fun pictures from our photo shoot with Phillip Parker.
They all turned out so good!!

MARLEY!!

2010-11-06T21:13:00.000-05:00

We got a chance to see Marley this weekend. He's so skinny and to me, looks like a little puppy again.

Here he is!

It was so good to see him, but I don't think he knew me. Sad. Emily enjoyed our few minutes with him. So glad he's at a good home!! Thanks M, J, & J!

Early Halloween...Go Hogs!

2010-10-30T20:35:00.000-05:00

We went to a neighbors house for a Halloween party tonight. We weren't sure what Emily should be...

A ladybug...

or a razorback...

Obviously, we chose the razorbacks so we could all match. But as you can see, Em wasn't so happy about wearing the hood.

On the walk to the party I was able to catch a priceless moment, though.

Go Hogs!

Em's Birthday Party {Part 2}

2010-10-28T04:51:00.000-05:00

Em got lots of great gifts for her birthday.

Like most kids, she enjoyed the wrapping more than the gifts themselves.

Now...it's cake time!!

I think she likes it....

Daddy was lucky enough to get a very messy birthday kiss!

It was a great 1st birthday! Thanks everyone for loving on our daughter!

Em's Birthday Party {Part 1}

2010-10-27T16:51:00.000-05:00

Emily had a great birthday party with our family, her best girl friends (and mine too)!

We made cupcake tree for dessert.

Before the gifts/cake, we went outside and blew some bubbles.

{Lynnlee Stone}

Here is Emily and her besties watching the bubbles!

And one more from outside...

Emily in her birthday outfit!

Tomorrow you'll see the rest of the party pictures including the SMASH CAKE!!

Emily is ONE!!

2010-10-20T17:28:00.000-05:00

Emily turned one yesterday!!

She was a little sick on her birthday,

but we still had a good time, opening and closing her closet door,

which is her new favorite pasttime.

We took her to On The Border for dinner (doesn't every one year old want chips and salsa on their birthday??) so we could celebrate.

She had some angel food cake and peaches as we counted down the minutes until 7:23pm, the time she was born.

This was her on her real birth-day....

This is her now.

Happy Birthday!