A Bell-uva Good Time

"It's a Crying Shame"

2010-10-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Addison the Bubble Crazed Girl

Mommy and Daughter Mermaids

Addison and Ellie at the Beach

Monkey at Kiawah.... buying a beach pass was the best idea ever!

Addison and Ladybug Boots in the Maze at the Pumpkin Patch

So, I'm sitting at the breakfast table with Addison the other morning, eating a well balanced breakfast that I slaved over all morning long (read I made her instant oatmeal), while we are admiring her recently painted fingernails, Addison notices one nail is severely scratched and needs to be painted again, she looks at me and as plain as day says "Its a crying shame." I stop eating my afore mentioned homemade breakfast, and looked at her and burst out laughing. I laughed so hard that I was literally in tears. This is not a phrase that I use, or anyone I know uses, so you can imagine how funny it was to hear coming from the monkey's mouth. It is now my favorite phrase. If you hear me use it, I'm only sort of making fun at whatever is supposedly a "crying shame", but really I'm just smiling inside at how funny I think Fred really is. The things that come from her mouth totally crack me up.

On a completely seperate occassion, we allowed the monkey to sleep with us, (or attack us while we tried to sleep) while we were painting her room. On the first night, snuggled in between Doug and I, she looks up and declares that she is "so happy to be here". We both looked at her with this serious look on her face... and had to laugh. The monkey probably does not understand why we are always laughing at her... these are comments that I am going to have to record.... Perhaps in a greeting card or something... so that I can play them many moons later and smile and laugh. Its pretty funny to have a 2 year old tell you how excited she is to be somewhere... especially when you're lying in bed with her thinking the same thing (or perhaps not quite the same thing) about her. ;)

So... massive updating. I think most of you already know this, but, yes, we are cooking up another little biscuit as we speak. I am 11 weeks or so, finally feeling like a normal human being again (read, thankful to not be puking my brains out from morning till night only to do itall over again the next day)... and am getting some energy back... which is fantastic... being that there is a very very busy (read sneaky) lil one running amuck in this house. Being pregnant when there is already a lil one is very different. I don't get to lay down whenever I want.... if I do puke, monkey tags along half the time, telling me not to spit it out.... I still have to cook and clean and perform all duties that I would normally perform...whether I feel great or not.... and last but not least....... I have no place to channel my pregnant impatience.... cant yell at other drivers like I did when I was pregnant with Addison... there are 4 letter words that she just doesnt need to learn yet... and I'm not talking about "cake" or "bake"... I am struggling with the impatience part the most right now. I'm trying to still be a nice mom.. but as Addison is learning to follow (or not follow) directions.. sometimes I want to scream. Thats normally when we go outside.... she slides and I sit for a minute or two in the sun... trying to not go insane.

Yes. In response to approximately 589 requests... we are going to find out what the sex of the baby will be... I think it will help Addison prepare for the arrival of her baby brother or sister (she has requested sister by the way)... Also... I am nesting already... and I just don't think I can wait this time... Having Addison be a surprise till the end was great, but I feel the need to be more prepared myself this time... and with the due date and Addison's birthday so close... May 10th for Addison, and May 26th for the new Biscuit.... I just gotta know. And.. we may (or may not) tell you. We'll let you know. ;) Addison is very excited.. and so are we.... Its hard to think that this time next year... we'll be a family of 4 with 2 crazy dogs. Wow. Just need the picket fence.

Speaking of picket fences... so.... according to the lovely HOA of our hood... we can not put a fence up around our property that would really make any kind of sense... so when we had dear sweet Ranger boy, and Bayla we decided to put up the invisible fence. Then... Ranger fell ill.... passed away... and we got Samson- the bull. 105 or so pounds of 2 year old yellow lab. Invisible fences do not deter him any longer. If he wants... hes gone. So we are back to walking him with a leash. So unfun. I now have a new and very serious desire to fix this..... its been almost a year of this now. I'm thinking raised hedges along the sides of the yard (with very sneakily concealed fencing inside the hedge), and in the back... in the woods... putting up some sort of perimeter... whether its posts with some rope... somewhat aesthetically pleasing.. or chicken wire (I do think this can be done and not look bad)... we also need to work on some walkways.... with pavers.. brick... gravel... not sure yet.... I have big plans folks. And I'm a horrible gardner and outdoor maintenace kind of person... so wish me luck. Any suggestions?! I'm open to them all. By the way.. don't tell the HOA!

Well.. I have talked enough. Perhaps the post should have been titled... hang on tight... pregnant babbling ahead.... so...... here are some very late pics............

Beginning to Update

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

No explanation for the lack of blogging people.. a friend of mine recently told me that I had to quit apologizing everytime I sign in to update a new post here, and I think she's right. Suffice it to say that, as usual, I have been uberbusy.... I know some of you think that I sit at home, snuggle with my daughter all day, go on long lovely walks with my oh so well trained dogs, enjoy quiet time while my child naps, read books, watch movies, have ample "Creative time" in which I can sew if I choose, or simply paint my toe nails.... or maybe you think that I have a maid who comes in, cleans up, cooks, walks my dogs for me, or that I have plenty of alone time due to a nanny or grandparent watching Addison on a regular basis..... but please, allow me to set the facts straight for you... I would hate for you to not fully understand our days.

This is my usual Monday. Lil man gets dropped off here at 6:45. Some mornings, he will take a bottle and go immediately back to sleep, some mornings not. In the event that the morning nap does not occur immediately after bottle, I am hit with the official notion that I will have no time to myself, and aside from washing my face, brushing my teeth, and hopefully either brushing my hair, or putting on a hat, I am ready to start the day. Addison will wake up around 7:00- 7:30..... She finds lil Man awake and is the happiest lil girl ever.

Breakfast. Let Bayla out. Let Bayla in. Walk Samson out on leash because the wild beast has decided that the invisible fence is just not enough to keep him locked in our yard. Freedom is much more exciting. Have arm almost pulled out of socket as he lunges to play with Bayla. All done with one child navigating the field mine of poop in our yard (of course she will not wear shoes around our house unless they are her lady bug boots no matter how many times she has stepped in poop or come close to stepping in poop) and lil man velcroed to my hip. Picture, Momma Monkey, with lil monkey clutching on for dear life to Momma's hair while she navigates the trees in the jungle.... this is much what lil man and I look like... he holds onto my shirt with tight fists, luckily he is not jonesing to be set down because this whole walking scenario would become infinitely worse. Addison plays in dogs' water bucket...... looks for hogs (also known to most people as frogs), tries to cause chaos in general, demands to hold Samson's leash on her own (only occassionaly does this happen) and then we finally make it back inside.

Once inside snacks are promptly demanded by Addison. We have a child proof knob on the outside of our pantry now. All food must be kept far and away from my child or she will just pick and choose her own snacks and nosh away until she looks like a lil pot bellied pig. At this point, I realize that I am wet, have not set lil man down yet, and there has been a pooplosion resulting in a mudslide down his leg onto my shirt. Joy. Addison is now trying to pull open refridgerator door.... Lil man is plopped in sink bath, while I strip my top shirt layer off and remove poop from the two of us. Bayla wants out.... of course in the middle of all this. It is now, oh, lets see..... 8:00am. Multiply this in vicious cycles about 10 times, throw in some occasional dog vomit, full fledged meals, potty training, random knocks at the door that throw dogs into vicious fits of barking (their barks are definitely bigger than their bites) and add to all of this, a very mild attempt to keep some chaos amongst the toys, puzzles, and other child parafernalia, phones ringing off the hook, and the attempt to have dinner on table within 30 minutes of husbands arrival from work..... and its a crazy day. Lil man leaves around 5:30.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are the same, but add 2 other children to the mix, with different drop off and pick up times, and remember that the dogs, although very sweet and gentle with the babies, do not like people at the door, so, everytime someone is picked up or dropped off I have to let them out somewhere... garage.. back porch... courtyard... what have you...... Wednesday is supposed to be my day with just Addison and I.... and Friday is the same.... but sometimes we have another child with us, and of course, one of these days is dedicated to the errand running that can not occur when I have 4 small children under the age of 3 at my house. Like I said. I am crazy during the week.

The plus side to all of this? you may ask... is that I get to stay home with my sweet lil monkey... who has remained very healthy over the past 2 years, with only a few trips to the doctor that have not been a routine check up. The down side? Honestly... I dont see one..... I am happy. Even with all the chaos, and some days are worse than others, I'm happy. I could use help getting more organized. I wish someone would just come in here, take over my house and put things where they should be put, and then allow me to try and maintain that... as it is... our house is always a wreck... but we have changed our study into a full fledged playroom and I think it will help, onces its officially baby proofed and up and running. We need a tv in there, and when a few more items sell on craigs list.... a tv will be purchased..... allowing us to free up the rest of the house from baby toy tornados.

Now, before I put my foot in my mouth, Addison does spend time with her grandparents....... Gigi and Poppy (Doug's parents) are now home more than they used to, so, they try to split up their free time by having some fun with Addison and her cousin Sophie at seperate times.... and Gram (my Mom) gets her from time to time as well. Honestly folks, I plain like having monkey around.... so I don't ship her off too often. Especially since most of the week is occupied by me having to split up my time with her and up to 3 other children. So.... I usually keep her around. I will update a few pics............. and will try and get back on the blogging lifestyle again soon! We miss you guys... and miss updating you guys on things that are going on...... but...... family life is busy...... and when you sit down at night, sometimes you just want to sit.... no thinking involved. We are back, and up and running again..... changing some of our layout and design.... so expect many more changes here in the upcoming future! XOXO!

The Bells

Strawberry Thief and Strawberry Jam

2010-04-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

As some of you already know, Addison is a serious book lover. She has been from the very very beginning..... listening to books, chewing on books, flipping through books, ripping through books, and now, she's into "reading" books on her own..... but one of her very favorite books is Jamberry by Bruce Degen. We read this book almost every single day.....

This book is wonderful and she first learned the word "Strawberry" from it... I did not know however, until recently, how much she loves Strawberries... let me unravel the strawberry stories...... First, we went to Costco recently... walked by the strawberries, and the girl threw a tantrum as I started to walk past them... STRAWBERRY STRAWBERRY STRAWBERRY.... so of course, like a good Mom encouraging her child to partake of the delicousness (is that word) of fruits over junk food.... I grab the box, and set it into the cart. Little did I know that the next fit would occur two seconds later.. not only did she want the strawberries, she wanted them right then. As I calmly tried to rationalize with my almost 2 year old daughter that the strawberries were not clean and we couldn't eat them yet, I silently prayed that the next aisle would have someone with some sort of decadent treat.... chocolate eclairs.. thank goodness- prayer answered. Yes. I shoved her sweet little pouty mouth with a chocolate eclair just for some peace and quiet.. and quickly hid the strawberries in the cart.

So............ knowing that lil one likes strawberries...... I decided that a special treat would be strawberry jam........ I decided to surprise her with a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich with it... and while watching the Blue Angels air show out on the harbor, I pulled it out. She was literally licking the sandwhich box clean... like a little puppy. Stawberry toddler heaven. The Blue Angels put on quite a show, very impressive, and as much as Addison loves airplanes... she managed to fall asleep smack dab in the middle of the show......... as we literally had them flying right over us!

After hearing my child yell "STRAWBERRY JAM AND TOAST" every morning this week, I have one last strawberry story. The scene- Farmers Market, Summerville, SC. The subject and her parents and cousin Peter are shopping for vegetables and other produce. Subject's Mom is searching for strawberries, while holding subject's hand, an older woman leans over, and says that my daughter must really like strawberries, I look down to see my daughter has STOLEN a strawberry from another basket and is tasting it. Nice huh? I have a theif on my hands folks... that's right!

We had a great day on the beach watching the Blue Angels with Addison's Uncle Ricky, Aunt Jennifer, and cousin Fifi (Sophie).... we played and played.....ate and ate....... and of course, there was dancing............

What else............. we're getting ready for monkey to turn 2... can't believe that is about to happen................ but we're so excited....... Hope to see the family all there!! And last but not least, hubby requests pics of Blue Angels to be posted... so enjoy....

A lot of Catching Up

2010-04-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

OK.. Ok.... ok...... I see the date of my last post. I do enthusiastically apologize. Please forgive us. The computer crashed. Big time. But thanks to Jack, it works fantastically! Thank you Jack!

Now... lets see.... we haven't done too many things.... just been busy... the usual day to day stuff. Addison is learning words, sentences, and songs at warp speed... constantly scaring us with her knowledge.

For example, the other day Doug and I went to the phone store, and after about five minutes of being in there, and seeing all the pretty phones on display... Addison walked up to one of the displays, and pretty clearly asked, "Can I have the phone please mommy?" We both stood there like idiots... counting the words in this question above... that's right, there are 7. 7 word question... posed to us by a not even 2 year old.

Another cute story.... we're (Addison and I) looking at the "But Not the Hippopotamus" book while I'm changing her diaper.... shes "reading" it to me. Short phrases.... hog.. frog... etc... cat (then makes the cat sound)...... and gets to the page where the book says "and the animal pack comes scurrying back saying hey come join the lot of us" and Addison yells- HEY COME BACK! It was pretty funny.

She's also into asking if you ____ too? "you want ice too?" and she always asks Lucas if he "wants snack too?!" (Lucas is the lil boy I watch...) and "more" "Do you want some more"

Another phrase that we hear a lot is "I break it"... which is usually quickly followed with "You fix it?" These words are sometimes, but not always preceded with an "oops".... as you well understand, hearing those words all together especially if shes in a room where you can't see someone... instills fear in the hearts of all parents... you quickly make sure your phone is in your pocket..... hoping its not the broken object.... and run as fast as you can to where she is...

I won't bore you much more, but our other favorite phrase here is " I stuck".... lots of things can be stuck... Addison was at Gram's house the other day trying to pull the cup out of the top part of the cooler... and it wasn't coming through it.... all you could hear was "STUCK!" or.... at Gigi's house the other day I was told she kept trying to crawl over the edge of the pool and would repeat "I stuck"... Obviously folks, we don't get out a whole lot..... these things entertain us and tickle our souls... what can I say?? Life is very very different after having children... and I wouldn't change a thing! Well, that's not exactly true.. but I love it.

What else have we been doing... hmmm... Addison is still quite the bossy one. She LOVES to play with the pups, and boss them around. I hear her yelling at Samson and Bayla to sit, back, get down, all the time... but later on.. when the bossing subsides.. I can find her snuggling with one of them. Or she will do a "walk by sweetening".... where she just pets them real gently, gives them a kiss, and moves on. Its sweet. She loves sliding, and playing in the pool, or sprinkler, and is very into "coloring on paper", her term, not mine. "Mommy color on paper please?" I hear this at least 10 times a day. It would be great if that was all she colored on though- I did make her clean up her own mess on the foyer wall the other day... Red Crayola and Navaho White on the walls don't mix well... nor does it come off well, oh well. Aside from this, our lil Fred is growing into quite the well rounded beast. She still says please and thank you, and blesses you when you sneeze... so what can I say? Oh... and holidays......

Easter here was wonderful.. very busy day.... but we had a great time. Early church... at our soon to be new church, and then we went to Azalea park for a few pics of the lil monkey.... then naps, Gigi's, Grams...... it was a long day.... full of good food, family, and Easter egg hunting.... Hope everyone had a great Easter... and really, I promise to try and get better with this....

Hardest Post Ever

2010-02-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

Sorry foks... I have had THE hardest time deciding on a few of the 200 or so pics I took of Addison in her first snow.......

Where we are in Summerville, we got close to 5 inches of snow... and it was beautiful! So odd to sit on the couch watching a movie at night looking at the snow coming down right outside the window.... some good friends came over for a warming cocktail, we all watched a movie..... and then woke up to a glorious snow.

After going out and taking pics of the snow in its white, fluffy, un-yellowed glory, (while Addison was still asleep) we let the wild beasts out..... they obviously have NEVER seen snow, and even Bayla and her cold natured self thought it was great... they were running around.... digging... rolling..... Bayla was sniffing everything cause apparently we had some deer come up pretty close to the house last night... wish we could have seen that.. but some things you just miss..... As the dogs continued to run around and play we remembered that our dogs and the invisible fence are NOT working together right now.... and I ended up having to drive out after them.... Samson even went swimming after his big jaunt...

Got Addison up as soon as she finished her oatmeal we layered her up and sent her outside. Now, she did see it the night before... thought it was pretty cool... but going out in her lady bug boots on Saturday was a compeltely different story. She loved it! She played... Was very saddened to find that her favorite acorn dropping tree had no acorns under it.. (the snow covered them all, but no worries, they were found today!).. .she really loved it...

She boogie board sledded... and Doug even pulled out his duck hunting sled and through her in that......... All was fabulous until she realized she no longer liked wearing gloves... and that taking gloves off meant coming back in.... no matter how hard we tried to get them back on her... she was having none of it..... so..... we came in for naptime. Still.. it was a great, beautiful, day..... So wonderful to experience that with her... she kept saying "SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW" all day... and even got to taste some falling from the sky... she loved it.

Here are a few of my faves....

Ten Things I Learned This past Week

2010-02-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

I hope some friends of mine don't mind too much.... but I'm stealing their idea.... and this is something that I enjoy reading from their blogs so much, that I'm going to start it on my own as well. To those of you who already do this- take this as the highest form of flattery.....

1- One night out on the town, whether its to the concert with a good friend, or just down to a neighbors house makes me miss my lil girl immensely.... I enjoy getting out but when I get back, the very first thing I want to do is check on her... and if she just so happens to stand up and immediately ask me "Where My Paci Go?" and wants to be held... the better.....
2- Friends with children and friends without children are on two different wave lengths in life. The worlds are so separated that its almost scary. Getting together with them is almost impossible.....
3- Similary, getting friends together when you both have children is almost just as impossible....
4- Watching Addison chase Bayla around with her baby doll stroller is almost as funny as watching SNL used to be back in the olden days.... when there were actually good people on it!
5- When beginning to potty train..... if you happen to have to use the potty at the same time as the before mentioned "potty trainee" make sure you close the bathroom door tightly.... you will never know where you will find that little puddle.
6- In regards to number 5- do you give her a sticker still? because she pottied??
7- I love my husband. He drives me nuts, but seeing him walk through the front door, grab my lil girl kiss her and chase her and make her laugh makes me melt.
8- I am so glad that my husband and I are joining a church soon... and with good friends to boot. Doesn't get much better than that....
9- Watching Addison boss the dogs around is very entertaining... telling an 85 pound lab to sit, or get down, and him listen is funny. ;) I love it.
10- Everyday I am more and more aware that there is not enough time during the day.... and it sucks... but one day... I will get caught up... maybe... one day.

Quickie Cutie

2010-02-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

My oldest younger cousin just turned 18!!! Can't believe my lil Rebecca has turned into a Joes jeans.... Patagonia jacket wearing....... about to be USC freshman....when did this all happen?!! Love her to death! Wish her the best............

Got a few shots of Fred outside with her Daddy.... and with a stolen balloon of Rebecca's..... love EVERYONE in these pics!

XOXO

In Keeping With Resolutions....

2010-01-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

Thinking she's big stuff drinking my drink..... notice the scratches and bruise on her face.... she took a spill off the back porch steps....... barely cried though!

Running around at the Fort... being a goober.... cracking up at something....... who knows what!

Okey dokey folks... I know- you are all shocked and amazed that I am on here, for the second time this week.... but this is part of the New Years plan.... a lil more blogging.... keep you guys updated on the Bell House Chaos.......

So.... where to start............ The Great Samborini had a vet appt today- 84 pounds. He's lost weight. Woohoo. Last visit he was 90. We've been watching his weight in anticipation of the Great Snip.... not sure of the date yet.. but it won't be long. Hoping to curb his sudden and strong urge to roam the neighborhood..... I understand this may help... and being that we're not planning on studding him out... there's really no point for him to keep his package.... Sam was none too happy about leaving his best girl Bayla behind, and she wasn't thrilled that he left her either... but... all is well.

Addison had a great day.. she got to play with her bestie Ellie while I took Samson to the vet.... and according to Marcia, she had a blast. She was running all over the place, bouncing, "cooking", and playing with trains... happy girl..... we came home, lunched it, and napped, and then she got to meet our friends lil girl for the first time this afternoon. Mary Bennet is 2, and her Mom and I were pregnant a lil bit together, and she has been a great "hey, is my daughter normal?" friend.... we have tried since Addison was born to get the girls together, but, today was the first time. Mary Bennet even has a new sister! Harper Addison... so stinking cute. The girls had a great time together, although the sharing was a lil touch and go there for a while... they played inside..... MB showed Addison how the big girls do the stairs, and then we played outside on the slide and swing! So looking forward to getting Addison a set of swings for her bday! She loves them.. couldn't stop giggling the entire time she was on it!

Doug will of course, be duck hunting again tomorrow........... and I will probably be doing laundry. Addisons second cousin is coming over to entertain her while I get a few things done around the house... with the dogs having issues with the invisible fence, and Addison all over the place, its been a lil hard to get things done lately! So this will be a nice change to have someone watch her while I try to be productive. Keep you posted on that! XOXO to you all!

My Joy

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

This is my old baby doll crib.... I repainted and made new bedding to go with it... she loves her baby dolls now!

This is THE kitchen.... she seems to relaly like it......... there is a fridge to go with it as well

Uncle Parker showed her the remote to turn the Christmas tree lights on and off... oh joy

Not so into Santa Bailey.... Shes bawling..... never warmed up to him......

Hello dear bloggie friends... we've missed you.... I hope you don't think we've forgotten about you all! The holidays have come and gone, and we are all finally starting to feel like normal human beings again. I was sick with a major head cold/ sinus infection, Addison woke up Christmas Morning throwing up, and even Doug has had a bit of a bout with the cold/ sinus crud..... And all in time for the freeeeeeeezing cold weather we've been so not enjoying. It was fun the first day.... but I'm officially over it and ready to warm up... and now, to get you all caught up.

Addison was a blast this Christmas. She loved looking at the Christmas tree, and checking out the ornaments... she only fed Samson one of the ornaments... score. I don't think he will ever eat another one... so that's a bonus. She was mesmerized at the Festival of Lights... She oohed and ahhed over all the lights, and I loved watching her ooh and ahh over them. Watching that sense of wonder and awe was such an amazing feeling.... seeing her really enjoying the season was phenomenal. I, believe it or not, caught myself quite a few times getting a lil emotional this season. Doug loved it, too. She learned to say Merry Christmas and knows Christmas Tree, too. I love it. It is the sweetest sound in the world hearing her say Merry Christmas.

We had days upon days of Christmas, family, and gift giving... Addison was very into it all. She loved her gifts, and as I said, all the decorations..... she was very grateful, too. Lots of thank yous..... I did make (renovate) a kitchen for her... and she has been cooking up a storm since Christmas. Although she was sick on Christmas morning, she recovered quickly and was back to herself in no time what so ever. The only set back was that Addison was a bit cranky by New Years. Lots of days off schedule, not the usual routine, and more sweets than usual..... we were very happy to get back to "life as we know it." Thank you everyone for her fabulous gifts......

Over the holidays we have been having puppy trouble though... Samson has recently learned he can get through the invisible fence... which has brought about a lot of Brittany Spears, child in your lap, style driving around the neighborhood looking for the wild beasts... more people have seen me barefoot and in my pjs in this neighborhood now than I think is really necessary. And did I mention its been cold?! My toes have been paying for my dogs annoying new jail break habits.

Doug has been duck hunting on the weekends (although my freezer is totally unaware of this)... and Addison and I have been just enjoying running around in our pjs, sleeping in, and being lazy. We've been cooking in her kitchen, working on puzzles, and learning new songs left and right. Laurie Berkner, I hate and love you, same goes to Baby Einstein, and Wild Animal Babies... ;) We hope that you have all had a wonderful holiday, and are enjoying the new year.......

As far as resolutions go... I hate them... but I do have a few for this year.... I think the top one is to quit stressing and enjoy life a lil more... so what if the sippy cup leaked milk in the car..... or if Addison can't seem to stay out of the water bowl..... we're all happy, healthy, and I am so blessed with all that I have- a wonderful family, great friends- old and new, crazy pups that I love to death (even if I want to kill them from time to time) and a roof over all our heads... it doesn't get better than this in my opinion.... My other resolutions are to be even more thrifty and a lil more organized..... and we have been making headway in our other resolution, which is to get back into a Church family.... I think we have found one.. and we couldn't be more excited.......

Enjoy the pics........... XOXOXO to you all!

Holiday Baking...

2009-12-24T01:54:00.000-08:00

(I mean seriously... have u seen my child's eyes?!!)

Things here have been hectic as usual... but in a good way.......... Addison has been relatively excited about Christmas.... but of course... she really won't have any idea what's going on until the actual festivities begin.......

BUT my Mom and I did start baking......... Mom graciously brought all the cooking supplies to my house and we made Charleston Toffee, Brown Sugar Spritz cookies, Rum cakes galore, and Addison was a huge help. Well... not such a huge help, but she did lick the spoon.......

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas...... and if we did bring you cakes or cookies... don't worry... we washed the spatulas between licks.

Apologies... Please accept mine!

2009-12-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

Alrighty folks.. I do sincerely apologize for the serious delay in posting here.....

I have been very very busy.. with the pups... Addison... and the 2.. thats right... 2 kids I'm keeping here at the house now adays... So... please accept my sincere apologies.....

Here's the latest.... Fred is officially 19 months old. I have no idea how in the flying Hades it happened.. but she is.... and she's 19 months going on 13. Shes sassy as hell.... and bossy... and then she's sweet and loving..... my own personal tornado....

Fred can count to 3. She sort of says the alphabet. She knows what a duck is... and that it quack quacks...... (which actually sounds like cack cack).....

She likes "Silly Sally" (a book about Silly Sally going to town, walking backwards upside down- but the picture has Sally upside down.. and she doesn't like that... so when you read it.. she is constantly flipping it so that Sally walks correctly.. upright)

She bosses the dogs... but still loves Bayla the most... she has all of her teeth (YEAH!) except for her 2 year molars..... which I'm not entirely sure aren't coming in now....

She weighs 26 pounds and is 34 inches tall.. and is in the 75th% for both weight and height... she still loves to eat.... except now she is starting to not like her veggies quite as much...

She loves Love Bunny and paci.. although the pediatrician said it was getting to be time for her to only use paci at night and naptime.. Fred has NOT agreed to this yet. Keep you posted on that.

She is busy from the time she wakes up till the time she crashes..... she likes her books.. and her puzzles.... and has finally learned how to catch a ball! WOOHOO! She can say all kinds of words.. phrases... thank you, please... and has started using 3 word sentences... "wheres my paci?" wheres my bunny? Its funny... and her favorite thing to do is take food off my plate. ;) Stinker...

Here are a few pics....

Some of them are blurry.. she rarely sits still anymore.... and yes.. thats Love Bunny in the picture with me and her!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Quickie Update........ The ONLY good pic I got of my Sweet Little Mermaid...... and her best friend Ellie the LadyBug............ We will be having another photo shoot soon... no worries.......

And yes........ scary...... but I did make the costume..........Thanks Katie... the green material is from the bridesmaid dress I wore in her wedding!! XXOO!

Catching Up....

2009-10-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

My happy girl at the Yacht Club...... Seriously..... could she be any cuter??!!

Ever have one of those weeks where you feel like you just can't get caught up.... ? I feel live I'm living that month... But things are going well.... so........

Addison is growing like a weed...... she's running... climbing..... getting into everything...... bossing the dogs....... and being a general sassy pants... my Mom and I have talked a lot about this lately.. and we both feel when Addison gets a little clearer with her vocabulary... she's going to get beat.... a lot...... just kidding. But seriously.. for someone with limited vocabulary... she sure is sassy.

I've been taking the sewing world by storm... well.. not really.. but Ive been doing a lot of projects lately... and in general.. we have all been busy here.

Here are a few pics....

Repurposing..... and now Matching Ladies

2009-09-19T07:27:00.001-07:00

YEAH! I finally did it... Not too long I made Addison a pillowcase dress... and I wanted to make a shirt for me to match... but not look too gag me cute. So....

What I did was...... I took a tank dress that my Mom bought me years ago for my honeymoon... its still on sale in the Victoria's Secret catalog... BUT it never really fit me right. The torso was too long on my short waist... so I cut it. Used the top of the tank and then sewed the rest on... I attempted to give it a free design (which Doug doesn't like) but I like it. I wanted the middle part to be longer on one side... and the bottom part to be longer on the other side... sort of a fun look... I'm going to attach a little fabric flower with the same fabric on the top side... will show you later.. but I was so excited that I finished this! Yeah! My very very first REPURPOSING project.

Now- honestly- is it tooooo gag me cute? Or is it cool? I'm in love with it either way... so... you won't hurt my feelings.

Thoughts......

2009-09-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

First things first...... Doug and I just celebrated our 3 year anniversary. Its hard to believe how quickly the time has flown by... but when I think about it... really.... and realize that the first date we ever went on was way back in the early fall of 2000.... I can't believe we haven't been married longer!! That was sort of a joke... ;)

Anyhow.. we spent the evening out in the harbor... we had a picnic right after sunset... and had a wonderful time. 3 years..... wow. It really has flown. He is a wonderful wonderful husband, wonderful father, and wonderful man all around. I am truly blessed to have him in my life.

On other thoughts....... I have been doing an OBSESSIVE amount of blog stalking lately... not facebook stalking... but blog stalking. There are some very very creative people out there in bloggy land... some of you ladies know exactly who I'm talking about... BUT I can't name any of you bloggy friends by name! If I did... my lovely ladies here in Summerville and Charleston would steal you away.. and then know where all of my creative secrets keep coming from! So- I want to thank all you ladies- and you know who you are- for being so darned creative. You've inspired me to take on more projects (even if I have really no idea what I'm doing) but I'm at least not afraid to try! So- thanks. Seriously. And I can't wait to show off some of my latest projects. Very very soon! Promise!

Swansboro, N.C.

2009-09-16T10:04:00.001-07:00

Come.... have a seat with us..... Doesn't it look inviting? Doug, Fred and I packed up on the Thursday evening before Labor Day and headed to our good friends, Charles and Lea, place in Swansboro, NC. For those of you out there who have no idea where I'm talking about... and that is probably most of you, this is North of Wilmington, NC... very close to Camp Le Jeune. Charles and Lea live on the intercoastal waterway in North Carolina. They have a beautiful place with a huge porch over looking the waterway.. and this is where we spent most of our time. Addison loved the hammock bench....

These are the steps to the porch... surprisingly enough, Addison never did fall of the porch.. but she did find great entertainment in climing up and down them.

The chairs in the yard also provided hours of entertainment.. up and down.. up and down....
That's my Mom on the left... supervising....

This is something Addison did not do a ton of... sleeping. We were out on the beach and finally got her to take a lil nap on the boat while we were all close by.... she looked so cute I couldn't help but take a quick photo of her....

And the beach.... Addison loved it. We loaded the boat down with chairs, toys, sunscreen, tons of food and drinks.. and spent pretty much the entire day out there. Yes, shes not wearing a bathing suit top. She is only 16 months and quite frankly, I love her little tan lines from the bathing suit bottom.. I mean.. if you could go topless.. wouldn't you? Anyhow.. she had a blast. There were other children out there, and she enjoyed playing with them almost as much as she enjoyed snacking. Last year Addison was only abotu 3 months when we went.... obviously there was a huge difference between last year and this year. We barely got to sit down at the beach.... I guess I had better go ahead and get used to that though... I have many many more years of not sitting down ahead of me.. huh?

In short, our trip was magical. It was so nice to spend time with family and good friends, and not worry about a thing the whole time we were there. Honestly, the weather could not have been any better, even with the cloudy day we had, and although Addison didn't sleep well in her pack n play, she was great the whole weekend. She ended up with a little allergy cold, but was a trooper. We had so much fun and we can not wait to go back next year... hopefully we can make it for Memorial Day. We missed the dogs (or at least Addison and I did) but it was nice to not have to worry about them... and on that note.. I hear them barking outside as we speak.. gotta run!

Birthday Parties.... new friends.... puppies... oh my!

2009-08-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know.. two posts in one day.. its a record..... but now is the time to fill in the blanks..... Everyday, Addison, Bayla and Samson play...... this is Addison's new favorite thing right now. She has always loved Bayla more than Sambo, but tolerates both dogs very well. In this pic.. Bayla and Samson are chewing on the same bone.... so they obviously tolerate each other well, too! But, for Addison, its all about Bay. They're in love. Seriously. I am so glad I decided to go ahead and get a dog while I was pregnant, despite everyone else's comments about it.. I'm not crazy. This is what I wanted... my lil girl to be able to love on a puppy that she basically grew up right beside her! Its a chore, I will tell you, two puppies... but its been wonderful. I would not change this at all. Not even for a minute!

Despite what Doug tells you, he loves Bayla, too. I shot this pic of them just the other night... Bayla thinks shes a person, and thats shes supposed to be right where you are.. and for the most part, we let her. But look how happy all 3 look!

This is Addison's new playmate! She comes twice a week. Who knew that all I had to do to entertain them is hand them a controller for the playstation, and the basket that holds all the leashes and extra collars. They were entertained here for over 30 minutes. I might as well have not been here for all that they cared! They are great friends already! Although they do not share well at all! They're learning though.. promise.

Oh the joys of swinging... Addison was invited to Reeser's 3rd bday the other day, and pushing her on a swing over there made me realize that I really need to put her swing up! Fred could have swung for hours! She honestly loved it........

Another shot of pure joy. We will seriously be working on our swing soon. Its got to go up before it gets too cool... not that I need to worry about that anytime soon! I mean, we live in Charleston, right? When is it ever cold here?

This is also from Reeser's birthday! Addison found this chair, and fell in love with it. This is something we will need to find before vacation. She loved it. She kept crawling in and out of it. She was pretty tuckered out from playing by this point....

Sitting in traffic... in the driveway. She couldn't push herself... but she found sitting in it to be a lot of fun. GO figure.

Alright folks.. hopefully you are all caught up now... we've been to birthday parties, met new friends, and played with the dogs. Yup- thats about it. But its been wonderful!

Getting a puppy when you're pregnant is not crazy.. not really

2009-08-28T05:45:00.001-07:00

See? This is why I shook off all the "You're crazy!" comments for getting B when I was pregnant with Fred. This one little pic says it all. They love each other. Every girl needs a dog in her life.. and B is definitely Fred's....

This is just a quickie photo to show you guys that we are alive.. and that I plan on doing some serious blogging this weekend! xoxox

Bored

2009-08-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Been bored lately with my blog....... needing changes.... and yes, its because my sister in law changed hers... it was inspiration. ;) Bare with us all while we make some improvements........

Here are some pics to enjoy in the meantime....
Never mind........... those will came later.. its not letting me at the moment. Urgh.

Sewing.........

2009-07-30T15:23:00.001-07:00

Fred at the beach... eyeballing the camera.. you would think she would be used to it by now...

My second fave from her first attempt at her One year Pics.. one month late

My fave... Doug and Addison.......... could they be any cuter or what?

Ok ladies.............. I know that most of you have a sewing machine...... and I'm ready to get one that actually works well.............. so........................ tell me which sewing machines you guys have...... and if you like it.........and why you like it or don't like it............and which sewing machine you're looking to buy if you are looking to buy one. I do not want to spend a fortune on this... I'm still obviously a beginner......But I want a sewing machine thats versatile enough to sew things for the house, as well as make dresses for the lil one.......... So, give me some details women....

Onto other things........ we haven't been doing much lately.... Its been so doggone hot, that if we're not inside, we're outside in the pool. And that's about it. But I promise to come back soon with something exciting to post........... and some new pics.....

Here are a few pics that we've taken lately......

Boating and Pictures

2009-07-12T15:55:00.001-07:00

After a fabulous day of boating we tried to get a few good shots of Addison...

This might be my fave.... Addison and Daddy.... remind me not to try and cram too much into one day again....

Early 4th of July (Otherwise known as the 3rd...)

2009-07-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Amelia sacked out on the ride home... Melissa- notice the hat, lifejacket, clean tee shirt, and shes totally sunscreened down... and we even put a towel over her once we got out of the shade...

Fred sacked out on Mommy.... with the paci, LoveBunny, and the doorag to keep the wind out of her ears a lil...... and that sippy cup is probably about the 15th full sippy cup she had... along with a hot dog, turkey, cheese, cantaloupe, and almost an entire bag of frozen fruit.. (which by the way was brilliant, it was so cold and refreshing once it started thawing out enough to eat)

Daddy and his lil girl.... can't keep shirts on either one of them usually.... I love a baby girl with just a bathing suit bottom on... (and she only that had on for a little while... something about nekkid babies in the water.... FYI- shes fearless, was putting her arms out like she was swimming, kicking, and even "jumping" off the boat.... as was Miss Amelia...

And the girls chilling in the bean bag.... notice Fred's huge belly...... it went down in size drastically about an hour ago.... shoo-eee is all I have to say... even she said "stinky"......

Another fabulous day on the water...

Doug and I packed our lil Fred up, with all her fun toys, beach cabana, my chair, TONS OF FOOD, and tons of drinks cause I am pretty sure I have never seen a child drink more than my own child.... and were at the boat landing by 10am.

Our dear friend Chris came with his lil girl Amelia (who will be 3 in August!!), and another friend of ours Lee joined us on the boat. The girls were total boat girls... Amelia hung out in the bean bag, and Addison and I took the front seat again... her new fave place.... she also likes turning around to see her Daddy driving the boat from time to time... but mostly enjoys squealing with delight at bouncing around on the water (even though on the way out there was not much bouncing.. Daddy did hit a few good wakes just for her though!)

Got to the beach, and not only did my Aunt, Uncle, and my 3 cousins join us, but my brother and sister in law did, too! We found a trillion big sharks teeth, hermit crabs, and all in all had a great time.... The girls got along very well, although, Addison did try and beat up Amelia a few times.... I don't think its going to be long before Fred gets bigger than Amelia, and all I can say is... sorry Melissa! We're working on her not being soooo agressive... but she loves other kids.. and loves pulling on them to where ever she wants them to be..... On the way FROM the beach, both girls fell asleep and we enjoyed crusing around for a while....

Truly- another great day on the water... glad we won't be on it for the rest of the 4th weekend... hope if you make it out there, you're careful... as your own mothers used to say, "its not you, its the other people we don't trust!" ...... so be warned... and be sure to have your kids in their life jackets so they can get their free DNR tee shirts! Woohoo!

2009-07-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

No Longer a Baby

2009-07-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning up in the bedroom (thanks Bayla for throwing up on the carpet!) and Doug was in the den playing with Addison. Once I had finished... I walked out... and there she was... walking across the den floor... with no assistance.

She has taken a few steps before on her own, but no more than one or two, and has been very steady standing for a while now, even taking cups, or picking up toys, but not moving without holding on....... and so Doug started testing her... I walk out to my child walking. I hugged her and cried, took a thousand pics on the camera phone before rembering I have a video on my lil camera... (I'm such a ding dong sometimes) and this is what we've got....

A walking, talking, kissing little girl! :(

SaturBoatDay

2009-06-29T16:41:00.001-07:00

Fred and her Bayla in B's favorite place in the house.... checking out the window...Fred loves her B girl... and B loves her Fred...

Fred fell asleep and apparently I ended up falling asleep for a few minutes myself....

After I pried the sandy, sticky, hot, and very sweet Fred off of me... she napped for a good lil while in the shade... thanks Shannon for the Kelty sunshade... its AWESOME!!

On a last minute whim, Dougie Poo and I decided to take the boat out on Saturday... no small feat mind you.... packing up Addison, coolers of beverages, food, etc................ making sure something is worked out for the pups, because I have the two most spoiled rotten puppies that I hate to leave crated for too long..... not just because I like them so much, but because if they are crated too long, when I come home and let them out, its a lot like letting caged tigers out of their pens.... (so, a lot of love goes into this spoilage, and a lil bit of selfishness....)

Anyhow... so.... dog plans got worked out, all got packed up, and headed off..... and it never ceases to amaze me A- how many idiots there are at the boat landing... including the BUTTTTTTHHHHHEEEEEAAAAAADDDDDDD that took up 4, FOUR, parking places to park his truck and trailer, B- why people are allowed to fish/ crab/ shrimp off the boat ramp docks AND why they have no inclination to move for the people trying to get on and off boats, C- that there are still a FEW nice people who give you a hand with your boat while trying to get onto it from the dock with a baby on your hip, and D- how much my child is like me.... speed demon all the way.

She loves the bouncing with the boat wakes, she loves the speed, she more or less likes the actual water, and shes completey a nut. For the first time, she and I rode up in front of the console, just bouncing around with the wakes, and folks, she thought it was hilarious.... and it was not a calm ride out. There were boats EVERYWHERE, and Doug was definitely letting the motors eat.... and low and behold, I look down, as A and I are bouncing and riding along with the waves, shes zonked out. Completely. Woke up as SOON as we slowed down. The funniest part of the day is when we blew the doors off this Seafox with Addison laughing, and waving as we passed them... the look on the 3 guys on the boat was completely priceless. I honestly, could not quit laughing....

Met our friends Kane, Leslie, and their 2 girls Abs and Reeser on the beach, and had a blast. By the end of the day, Fred was a lil tired though...... the picture explains it all... I love boating with my girl.... and my hubs.... missed the dogs but it was nice not having to run around saying, Hi, Nice to Meet you, I'm so sorry my dogs just ran over you/ ate your dinner/ peed on your bag! All in all, FABULOUS day..... very very tired... all slept like babies that night. Hope to do it again Friday when Doug has off... before the 4th of July festivities get all crazy on the water...

Hotter than Hades

2009-06-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Addison and Ellie at the Sprinkler Park at the County Park

Me, Addison, Andrew and Virginia on a playdate at the SC Aquarium

Addison smooching on Landon at his 1st Birthday

Alright folks.. its officially hot. So hot that we have been laying as low as possible, enjoying the air conditioning that runs full blast almost all of the time. Thank God for AC. Addison and I have not been up to much lately, it really is just too hot, or too stormy to get out and about... but here are a few pics of a few things that we have done............

Relaxing.....

2009-05-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

At the Cookout..... with her piggy dress on!

Our Little Miller Light Girl...

...quick post.... more to come later...... too tired from a beach day (WITHOUT MY CAMERA!) ;(

I Should be Cleaning, but I'm not...

2009-05-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Feeling Nostalgic with this pic of Addison... 1 week old

Hello world. Its Saturday- the weather is cruddy, not crappy yet, but just very unpleasant. I don't remember the weather man saying that today would be "cloudy, with a touch of crud, and possibilty of big fat rain drops being high" but perhaps he did. If anyone caught this forecast, please let me know what channel.......

I'm supposed to be cleaning while the hubs is out picking up the boat, and taking trash to the dump, because I, yes, I, forgot to take the trash out this week and our trash ONLY gets picked up once a week- how stupid. Perhaps this is why most of the world thinks us Americanos are so wasteful... I'm guessing that most people do only have trash pick up once a week... but I need it twice... and maybe even only twice every other week, but twice would be nice.

Fred's still sleeping, and Peanuts 1 and 2, are also asleep. My house is quiet. Aaaahhhh.... Hmm, it just dawned on me that not all of you reading know the nicknames here.... Fred is, of course, Addison.. I'm not sure when that happened.... but it did. My Dad was G R E A T at nicknames, and they never made sense, so, in his style, I named her Fred. And Booger Britches.... Both nicknames get strange looks from strangers.. Peanut 1 is Bayla, or Baysie as I've been calling her lately, and Peanut 2, is, yup, you've got it... Samson, or Sambo or Fat A@#. Yes, I realize, not a name that is full of ladylike etiquette from me, but oh well. I think by now you all know I'm not that lady like. ;) Doug is Hubs, D, and DB. The other nicknames he gets called are only behind his back, and not nice for me to say on here.. ;) Just kidding. And me, hmmm... my nicknames have been Doodle Bug, Doodle, Little Maegan, Big Meg, and lately, I'm thinking I need a change to SUPERWOMAN or something else equally as unflashy..... other Mom's give "give aways" on their blogs, perhaps this will be a give away oppurtunity... new nickname for a give away.. Good luck.. keep you posted on the prize.

I cut Addison's hair yesterday, my Mom's mad. She looks like a boy- we will be wearing a lot of pink in the near future... I have before and after pics, but will have to find camera cord first to upload. It still looks cute though, and now it's not in her eyes... literally... I could see her hair touching her eyeballs... YUCK! No wonder she gets cranky from time to time.

Hmmmm.... what else............. ok, no more procrastinating, back to laundry, and cleaning, and oh darn, I hear Fred... guess its lunch time, and not time to clean.. so sad. ;) I hope everyone has a fabulous Memorial Day! For those of you around here, we will be at Dawg Beach (my name, no one else's) hopefully all day tomorrow with Fred, and Peanuts 1 and 2! Come join us! Its the lil sandy beach between Fort Johnson Marine Lab and Morris, directly to the right of Fort Sumter. Would love to have you join us...

A Little Bit of Randomness

2009-05-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

Half of a Crazy Face............

Enjoying some fresh picked strawberries!

Yesterday and today have not been fun days... Addison, it would appear, is cutting teeth. All the tell tale signs are there, including the melt down that occurs every 23 minutes or so for no truly valid reason. I am exhausted. Last night she and I were up at least 5 times while Doug was sleeping soundly in his hotel room in Savannah awaiting his "wake up call" in the morning that NEVER came. He left for Savannah on Wednesday morning, had training for the new job all day, and got back Thursday afternoon... in time to catch both Addison and I hardcore napping.

I am exhausted..... although, it is 1:30 in the morning, I haven't made it to bed yet... A- as you other mothers know when your lil one is feeling poorly, you tend to lay awake almost waiting on them to wake up just one more time before you get yourself settled down to bed, and B- I have a thousand things to do in my house... I am actually sitting here with my big ol fat Sambo literally lying on my feet, two folded stacks of laundry beside me, one in the dryer, one in the washer, and a half clean kitchen behind me. I have decided that I can convince myself that the kitchen is clean, as long as I don't turn around. ;)

So, you might ask, what am I doing on the computer..... I am playing online... I have recently decided that I want to be crafty... I would love to be able to sew a few clothing items for Addison, make a bag or two, or whatever. I recently sewed a valance for Addison's bathroom makeover.... nothing fancy.... and I like it, but I am not overly detailed oriented when it comes to such things.... but I am still trying. Being that I stay at home, I feel that at some point during the day, I should be able to do something crafty.... however, it has yet to happen. I have been checking out blogs tonight, and am inspired, and at the same time, I am in complete shock how women with 2 and 3 children are able to sew entire dresses during nap time, bake 4 dozen cookies for a classroom party, make entire dinners from scratch, and still make time for everything else in their lives.. ;) It's crazy insane to me. I feel proud when I'm showered, Addison has no food on her face, and both dogs have been fed and had a ball tossed to them 2 or 3 times, and something has been cooked for dinner (I'm more of semi-homemade kind of girl..) Some things do not need to be homemade, and some items just do.

Anyhow........ these are my thoughts this evening........... nothing overly exciting to report... will add a pic or two, and then perhaps, since Addison has yet to wake, I might as well try and get on to bed.... Happy Friday!

Addison's Mother's Day Birthday!

2009-05-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Princess and Her Cake

Having fun Making a Mess

I love my puzzle!

Who me? The Birthday Girl? Wear something silly on my head? No, my Mom wouldn't do that to me!

Never really managed a great pic in her Princess Sash and Hat! But I still love this one!

Well, its official, or at least it was last Sunday- my little teeny tiny wee baby Addison is now 1. Although, she's not so little, tiny, or wee anymore! She's a hefty 20 pounds and 1 oz, and 29 inches long, and growing every single night! Every morning I wake up and she looks bigger! Its crazy!

But I'm getting ahead of myself... back to Addison's Mother's Day Birthday! On May 10th, I woke up to the fabulous sounds of my lil one entertaining herself in her crib... she usually plays back there for at least 35 minutes before getting bossy about getting out. But, we decided to go get her almost immediately cause I was way too excited about her birthday! I mean, your baby only turns 1 once, right? So, we started with a Birthday Breakfast of bluberry waffles and milk and fruit (although, it wasn't too different from most every other morning) and then we let Addison play with some of her new birthday presents from Doug and I! She got a door that she can open/ crawl through/ ring doorbells/ turn on lights/ open windows and open mailboxes... for those of you who know what I'm talking about- she LOVED it. For those of you who don't know, get back to me later on, and I will give you the details, because its a fabulous toy! She got some more toys with lights and sounds and she seemed to enjoy them all.

Next we had to finish getting ready because not only were we celebrating her birthday, but Mother's Day lunch was at our house, too! Addison got me a GREAT beach chair that I can't wait to use this weekend, and of course, last year, she was my gift! This was my 2nd Mother's Day, and was again, wonderful! We had a huge fish fry for the family to celebrate our Mothers, and we were even lucky enough to have her Great Grandmother there as well.

After we had lunch, we put Addison down for a quick nap, and went on with the Mother's Day festivities, but once we finished with opening up Mother's Day presents, we got Addison up to open her own presents! And wow did she have a blast! I have never seen a 1 year old get so excited. She was throwing around tissue paper, pulling toys out of boxes, wanting to play with everything as it came out of the package, clapping her hands, and getting very loud in a good way! It was a lot of fun! She got TOO MANY goodies, and lots of clothes...... and then it was time for cake.

I will let the pictures tell you the story, but long version short, she loved it.

The day was so wonderful and were so happy to have our family there to share in it with us. We are very blessed to have such a healthy, happy lil girl, and a wonderful family around to see her grow up! We love you all! Awww, I think I'm going to cry! Here are the pics!

Prom 2009

2009-05-04T06:03:00.001-07:00

Prom. Does anyone really remember theirs? What I remember most is how incredibly grown up you felt getting all dressed up, going out to eat, feeling very Paparazzi worthy......... and then getting to the prom. It was definitely never like the ones on tv, with 1 million balloons, and cool themes, and fantastic food, and great bands.... it was just Charlestowne Landing, and my highschool friends dressed up. And then the "grown up" part of it went to the wayside, and we had a fabulous time just hanging out and dancing with each other.

My cousin Rebecca just went to her first prom, and she and my aunt asked if I would come take photographs of her and her handsome boyfriend Joseph. The prom was actually Joseph's prom, he goes to Bishop England, and she goes to James Island. But it doesn't matter whos prom it was, cause she looked absolutely gorgeous- and you could tell she felt it, too! He looked very handsome, too, all GQ'ed out in his lil tux.... and sunglasses provided by my uncle (for those of you who don't know my uncle Ron, he has his own eyeglass shop)... so, Joseph was looking pretty dapper, too.

Anyways, it was fun to see them all dressed up....... and fun taking their pictures, although Joseph wasn't nearly as thrilled or as comfortable with it as Rebecca was..... but here are a few of the pics I took near the marsh behind my aunt and uncle's house!

Dirty Sunday

2009-04-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Dirty Sunday used to have a whole other meaning..... some family friends used to have Dirty Sunday out in Swansboro, NC. Dirty Sunday was basically any nice Sunday that you got to take the boat out... but the part that made it "dirty" was the lemonade. Dirty Lemonade to be exact. Strawberry Lemonade mixed with vodka in a big ol orange Gatorade cooler. You grabbed a "to go" cup and sat on the beach all day drinking your dirty lemonade, eating whatever grub you brought, and then when the sun started going down, or you were burnt enough, you headed on home.

NOW..... Dirty Sunday is my child sitting on a sandbar playing in the dirt on any given Sunday that we can take the dirty lil john boat out. Today was really the first time Addison had ever played in the dirt, and I must say, she never missed a beat. It was as if shes been playing in the dirt her whole life. She sat in it, picked it up, and threw it, and patted it, and even tasted it. She had it between her toes and fingers, in her bathing suit, in her hair, and all over her face. Coincidentally, that means I had it everywhere, too. She made new dog friends, ate fruit and some chips, drank her juice, walked around (assisted still), and even played in the water a little... but it was still a lil cold... so we didn't keep her in it for long.

She seemed to have a great time, and sacked out on the boat ride home. Dirty Sunday might now be my favorite day of the week. I hope to have another one next week- but I think I will remember to put sunscreen on MY legs next time, not just my childs. She only got browner, and I simply fried. But it was fun..... and that was worth it.

Hope everyone else has as great a weekend as we did! Here are some more pics of the monkey!

Love, Addison

2009-04-19T11:22:00.001-07:00

I am now 11 months old. I can do an amazing amount of fun new things, and surprise my Mommy and my Daddy every day by what I can do. I have 4 teeth, two on top, and two on bottom, with another two coming in soon. I have been chewing on my thumb a lot lately, but only because my gums hurt. I am not a thumb sucker.

I eat grown up people food as much as I can, although things with tomatos in it seeem to bother my tummy- so, Mommy doesn't feed me spaghetti or lasagna... I have had tons of veggies, fruits, and meat, and I love fish (although its not really on the approved list!) I love baby carrots, and cantaloupe the best. Mommy cuts it up for me and I eat all by myself.

I can say, Mommma, Dadda, Baby, Bad (we told her Bayla was bad once!), buh bye, hi, and a version of "thank you" and "all done". I can wave, clap my hands, and now I can sort of do the "roll it up" part of PattyCake. I am not really interested in crawling, although I can now, finally, scoot around by using my arms, and kicking one leg to make me go. I go sideways a lot. What I really like to do is walk. Hold my hands and I will take you just about anywhere. I can also stand on my own some.... until I notice I'm doing it.

I like to be outside, just like my Mommy and Daddy. We go outside to play with Bayla and Sam-bo, and I like to laugh when the dogs catch the ball and come running back to us. I also love bubbles... they're hilarious. Especially when Bayla jumps up to catch them.

It bothers my great grandmother a tremendous amount, but I do not like to wear my shoes or my socks, and I rarely keep a bow in my hair. Mommy may put them on me, but before we get where we're going, I promise to have them off. I love to give big wet kisses, and talk all day long, even if Mommy and Daddy have no idea what I'm saying. And I love my LoveBunny. It sleeps with me, and goes in the car with us everywhere. Its ears are soft, and I like to rub them on my face.

I really am sweet, and Mommy says I'm good most of the time...... Here are some pics Mommy took of me in the park.

Azalea Park

2009-04-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day, and it coincided with Baby and Mommy Playdates..... So, I packed up the monkey and headed off to Azalea Park to wait on Virginia and Andrew. We found a nice grassy spot, fully expecting there to be tons of other people out there enjoying the day, but hardly ran into a soul. We brought a picnic lunch and a few toys and while we waited, Addison and I had some great quality time without the dogs slobbering all over us. It was so quiet out there.

I brought Addison's Easter dress, and after we ate our lunch, I put her in it, and snapped about 60 or so pics.... they were great pics, too. Absolutely beautiful- she was fully cooperating, the day was pretty, her dress was clean, no food on her face, but oh- gee, cameras work way better when the memory card is installed! I had taken it out last week to print off a pic, and forgot to put it back in! What an idiot. It is the SECOND time I have done this at Azalea Park. Oh well... note to self, after the first pic, go back and look at it, if when you hit the play button you get a big message that says NO CARD, realize you're an idiot, and go back and get your card. Luckily, I had my other camera in the car, so, after Virginia and Andrew joined the picnic I went and grabbed it... decided to go ahead and take her out of the dress because the park was still a lil wet from all the rain we've had, but, I was still able to take some pics of her..... and of Andrew too!

Like I said, we had a fabulous day, and as always, had a great time with our friends. Its always nice to be outside, and even more fun to be able to share a great day with friends. I hope that a few of you were able to get out and enjoy it, too! And don't worry- I will get my Easter dress pics- thats a promise!

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter all! What a beautiful day! Addison woke up for Easter morning around 7:30 and got to open up her basket. The Easter bunny brought her a lil bunny, a quacking duck, and two fabulous books about a Dancing Duck and a Busy Bunny! She loved both books! The dogs loved the stuffed animals... as always, its a challenge separating Addison's toys from the dogs... but so far, they've not torn them up yet... they're content to just try and sneak them.

We went to church with Doug's Mom (Gigi!) and after church, Doug's side of the family came over for Easter lunch. Addison got two more Easter baskets, one from her Gigi and PopPop, and one from her Aunt Jen and Uncle Ricky. She was the perfect child all afternoon (of course)

After our house cleared out, we kenneled up the pups inside, and loaded up our car to head to my Mom's house. Of course, Addison got her 4th Easter basket of the day, and we ate again... then headed outside for the Easter egg hunt... although I'm not sure who won...

Everyone had a wonderful time, including Addison who only napped for 45 minutes the whole day and didn't fuss once! She's sooooo great... and looked so sweet in her Easter dress.

We got to say Good Bye to our Aunt Cheryl who is moving to Texas, and came on home.... the day couldn't have been any greater, and bed could not have been any more welcome.

I hope everyone had as wonderful an Easter as we did, and also that they remembered why we celebrate it. For me its about God's love, the blessings he gives us, and my family that means soo much to me. We are a very blessed family. God is good.

Here are some pics of Addison with her Gigi, and Addison with Doug and I. We will be taking more Easter pics soon... once the rain is gone...... so keep an eye out!

Whats Been Going On...

2009-03-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

Things have been extra crazy here folks.

I want to start by telling you how blessed I feel every day. I wake up with my wonderful husband (well, he wakes up and I open my eyes to see him and then go back to sleep), I have the most beautiful and wonderful little girl I could possibly hope for, and although there are some days that I say I would trade them, I have to awesome lil pups. I can not imagine things being different, and even have a hard time remembering life before.... before Doug, before dogs, before baby. I love my life.

Now onto the crazy part...... Doug is now officially unemployed after his entire branch shut down due to our wonderful and fabulous economy. He is looking, and looking, and has yet to find something, but we're confident that this door closed and another one will open soon. Something will happen, we know it. In the mean time, if anyone knows of anything, keep us posted! At least we still all have our health... we'll make it by for a lil while, but we definitely need something soon.

Now, onto the cutest lil girl I've ever seen..... Addison has been very busy lately. She officially has 2 teeth now, with 4 trying their best to pop through the top. Its gotten her a lil cranky, and given her an ear infection, but shes a trooper. Shes also had the oppurtunity to meet one set of the 3 sets of twin BOYS that we know who just entered into this world recently! Henry and Hudson. So cute. She loves them! She hung with her boyfriend Andrew recently, at the dog park of course, and has all in all been the best lil girl ever. Shes learning new things- clapping, "crazy face" (you'll have to see that one in person), and for the most part feeds herself. Shes definitely not my lil baby anymore. Here are a few pics to show you what she's been up to!

Oops

2009-03-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Off the edge of the earth I have fallen... I am so sorry to all of our "dedicated readers!" However, I have good news to report! Addison is (more or less) back to sleeping through the night. We went through a lil strike there, and after intense reading and research, I learned that babies often fall out of their sleeping habits right before they are about to reach a major milestone.... so.... ?crawling? perhaps? I know, it sounds crazy, but Addison, the 10 month old over here, refuses to crawl. She hates to be on her belly unless she is actively playing with something. She has the ability to crawl, I mean, all her leg and arm parts seem to work just fine... BUT..... she won't do it. Durned kid. And I am taking the advice of other moms and not complaining about it... when she starts crawling and moving on her own- my life will be turned upside down.... puppies and baby, all mobile, pulling things down, will result in a major major baby proofing of this house... or at least her room and the living room. It will seriously be hell on wheels in this house.

Other news to report... Addison is almost weaned... for the guys reading this- you might not want to read this part (and then again, you might be a perv and you might want to read it).... but we're down to nursing only in the morning, and then she "snack nurses" close to bedtime... Shes doing great- as long as she doesn't see any boobage..... no major tantrums have resulted..... but I will say- Jenna Jameson (rockstar pornstar) watch out! I feel and look like a porn star every morning when I wake up...... after hours and hours of not nursing.... OMG. Its insane. I have a happy husband. ;)

What else..... not much else to report... but here are some cute pics! Enjoy!

Edisto!

2009-03-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Had a great day at Edisto with Virginia and Baby Andrew!

Here are a few pics!

Beach Excursion

2009-03-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

65 degrees when I left the house this morning to head out to Isle of Palms to meet a friend and her lil girl at the beach. Pulled up at the beach, car thermometer read 60 degrees, the wind was blowing ridiculously hard, and it was freezing! Decided to forego the excursion to head to the Palmetto County Park.... (10 minutes away, and 67 degrees instead of 60 with NO wind)

Pulled in, right behind my fabulous friend who even paid our way, but while she was paying the lady at the booth, we turned around and saw the HUGE sign reading "Playground Renovations- December 2008 - April 2009"... it was totally closed. Ended up playing in the sand near the observation tower... there were 2 slides there... had a ball anyways. Both girls were asleep before we got back on the roads. What a beautiful day.

A Lil Fun with Daddy

2009-02-22T12:30:00.001-08:00

I know I just posted... but I wanted to share these pics of Doug and Addison playing together the other night.... he was blowing her hair up and she thought it was about the funniest thing ever....

So sweet!

The Great-Grandparents

2009-02-22T12:23:00.001-08:00

Addison had her first day trip to see her Great Grandmother and her Papa Roy the other day. I would have posted my pics earlier, but if you've been following the blog, you'll know that I misplaced the camera cord and blamed it on the dog..... however, it was not my Sambo's fault. ;)

We had a great visit with GreatGrand and her hubby Papa Roy, and her sisters were also there. Addison got to roll around on the floor some, and of course I brought snacks.... Addison is a happy girl as long as there are snacks! Addison also got her Christmas presents during her visit... and she absolutely LOVES her book! She has been kissing all the farm animals in the book.

Thanks again for having us!

Status Updates

2009-02-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

and no........ I'm not talking facebook here..... however, just thought EVERYONE should know that my Sambo did NOT steal the camera cord.... I actually put it up where it's supposed to go and didn't think to look in its correct spot. Smart, huh?

Anyways..... photo uploads to come tonight! Woohoo!

Now, let me see if I can find a pic to throw in here right now...... I think it will be of my B girl.

Quickie Update

2009-02-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

Alright Fam and friends... I've gotten slack again... but this time I feel like I have a fairly valid excuse. Samson, our young moose, has apparently stolen my camera cord.... I'm sure I will find it soon, but at the moment, its been missing, so, new pics have not been uploaded...... We have quite a few things to add on here, too!

So- I'll leave you with this lil taste... some pics that I had uploaded to the computer already, but not posted on here.... here you go for a lil while... perhaps it will keep you guys at bay a lil longer....

much love,

The good, the bad, and the REALITY

2009-02-04T16:51:00.001-08:00

First things first.... Addison is a very very cute lil girl... she's been healthy since day 1......

So tell me why after our most recent trip to Wal-Mart she felt the need to projectile puke the whole way home......?!! Addison was drenched...... the love bunny (her fave sleepytime toy) was drenched.... and the poor car seat......

No fever, hours of throw up, a little Pedialyte, a bunch of cloth diapers to catch it in... one sleepless night on my part... and she's fine today. Tough lil girl....

One pic is of the inside of her car seat that I had to take apart to get the vomit it out of... one nd is a thank you to all the family and friends who gave us cloth diapers, they soaked up a lot of the mess, and the other pic is Addison and her bud Samson- somehow I didn't realize how much bigger he was than her! He looks huge- and she looks soooo tiny!

Addison's Lil Girl Bathroom

2009-01-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

Been taping and painting today to make our guest bathroom doable for a little girl (and our guests at the same time!) I have one wall completely done, not a whole lot left to do..... Shower curtain still needs a lil something extra, and I need to find something to hang it with.... The rest of the ideas for the bathroom are still in my head- but will be finishing it hopefully by the end of the weekend! Doug has been watching Addison ALL day! YEAH!

Pics to come............

Technology

2009-01-29T19:33:00.001-08:00

Alright family and friends... The time has come for me to get better at this blogging thing... my friends with blogs have all kinds of cool applications including music playlists, photo slideshows, and all kinds of other cool links... I'm working on it... so bear with me over the next little while....

Hope you enjoy!

Costco Trip

2009-01-24T21:06:00.000-08:00

Just a cute lil pic from our most recent Costco trip! Love this kid!

Playdates!

2009-01-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

Last week Addison, Bayla, and Samson and I went on a playdate with Virginia and her handsome little man, Andrew, and her two pups Baden and Hunter to the dog park! It was a beautiful sunny day- cold- but we bundled up the babes and headed on out for some outdoor fun!

The pups were all pretty much on their best behaviors, the kids were great, and it was so much fun to catch up with Virginia... we're definitely doing it again soon....

The best part about baby and puppy playdates?? The sleeping dogs and babies when you get home!

One Lil Tooth

2009-01-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

One entire week of the worst baby diapers I've ever seen, a few temper tantrums out of nowere, and one very clingy child later... we have a tooth... It popped through- its barely visible, but its there. I can't believe she's growing up so fast! And to top it all off- I think the one beside it is coming in very soon, too. Poor Addison.....

Addison and her toothbrush! Gotta keep 'em clean!

Updated Candids!

2009-01-11T19:08:00.001-08:00

Not much to say..... just a few lil pics to show off the Monkey...

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

Addison's First Christmas!!! Wow- and I thought Christmas was fun before...

The family got up around 8:30..... (I'm sure that will only last for a few years, but it was fabulous this time around!)

Addison "opened" up most of her presents herself, well, she pulled out the tissue paper and ripped a few pieces of wrapping paper... but was more interested in eating the paper than in finding out what was inside the bags and boxes. She got a few new outfits, a ton of books, a Radio Flyer wagon (thanks Aunt Con and Uncle Ron!) and a few other lil fun surprises.. including socks and toothbrush.. (coincidentally- the toothbrush was a hit)

After opening and playing with presents- she went down for a nap, and we hosted brunch for Doug's family and my Mom..... Addison woke up in a great mood and played with everyone and opened up even more gifts... she got a Baby Einstein DVD (Baby Neptune and she loves it!) and some books, her first baby doll, and a bunch more clothes... (Gigi is going to have take up stock in the Rosalina store- smocked dresses here we come!)

Everything was so much fun.... I can't wait until next year when she knows more about what's going on around her.... This year she basically sat in one place- next year is going to involve a helluva lot more running around and chasing after her! Hope everyone had a great Christmas... I know we did! Even Samson was worn out and had a great time.... Bay too... although she ate all of her Christmas toys in a very short amount of time.. gotta love her...
AND today is her birthday! Happy Birthday Bayla! She's 1 today!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

Addison spent her very very 1st Christmas Eve ever at her grandma's house. There were friends and amily there.... all in all it was a packed house! Great eats and great company!

And of course- everyone got a little carried away with the gifts... but that's what makes it fun I guess......... We're still unpacking gifts from their boxes....... cute outfits, cute toys, and even a baby baby grand piano..... my Mom thinks it will be so cute for her to sit in the study and play her piano while I play mine... (lol- now if only I could ever find the time to play!)

Here are some pics from Christmas Eve... we made it home around 1am... not too bad..

Christmas Pics

2008-12-23T20:12:00.001-08:00

For those in the family who won't be able to see her......... Here's Addison all ready for Christmas!

Christmas Picture Mis-takes

2008-12-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

Trying to capture the perfect Addison Christmas picture....

Couldn't help but laugh and cherish this one!

Lil Ham

2008-12-09T19:22:00.001-08:00

On the 10th Addison turns 7 months! Wow it has gone by fast. Here are some pics I took of her this morning..... she was really hamming it up!

Sleeping Beauty

2008-12-01T09:06:00.001-08:00

Oh the life of babes.... its tough being a baby- but someone has to do it!

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

Addison's 1st Thanksgiving was fantastic. Aside from the fact that I've basically been sick with the flu since Wednesday early early am. Doug and Addison went to his Mom and Dad's house while I rested at home. Then it was off to my parent's.

Addison was in a great mood all day! She looked too cute too!

Addison and Her Pups!

2008-11-17T17:17:00.000-08:00

Addison weighs 15lbs 9oz.

Samson weighs 18 lbs.

Bayla weighs 44 lbs.

She may be the smallest- but she definitely loves them!

Rainy Day

2008-11-14T04:29:00.001-08:00

Taking advantage of a quiet house and thought I would add a few pics of the lil Monkey.....

6 month check up went great- she's 15 pounds 9 oz. 25 1/2 inches long. And right on track.

Don't go back for another 3 months... thank God cause I hate shots. Poor baby.

Another Note from Addison

2008-11-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

Today I am 6 months old. My Mom guesses I'm around 16 pounds, but we won't know for sure until my doctor's appointment later this week. Every day I have some good belly time, but I am totally not interested in scooting, or crawling. I prefer standing. I can now sit up all by myself! I can't get there by myself- although I am desperately trying to do this. Soon. My Mom and Dad do lots of dumb things everyday to get me to laugh, including jumping up and down, funny faces, funny sounds, and spinning around in circles. I really think they're just idiots.

I don't have any teeth yet, but Mom says I will get some soon. I have started eating some real food, and my favorites are definitely green beans and sweet potatos. Almost every night I eat an entire jar of this stuff! So yummy.

I went trick or treating for my first Halloween with my friend Ellie... she was a mouse, and I was a monkey.

I love laughing at my puppy Bayla. She's very funny. She licks me a lot!

And my new favorite thing is to give kisses. They are very very wet and sloppy but Mommy still loves them.... poor Daddy won't get any kisses from me until he shaves his beard....

I hope to see some of you readers soon!

Ode to an Old Dog

2008-11-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

Ranger ????- November 4, 2008

Ranger moved on to a better place this morning.... he lived a rough life, but definitely lived it up for the past few years... until Bayla moved in.... The first pic is from the first week Bayla came to live with us, and the second pic is from a few days before Ranger passed on.

They weren't exactly best friends but he tolerated her well enough... Bayla would have claimed him as a best friend though.... she already seems sad.

Good bye old boy!

Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Oh how fun.. braved the cruddy weather to try and embrace the whole "We have kids so lets go to the Pumpkin Patch" experience. Invited our new best buds, Will, Marcia and BEAUTIFUL Ellie to partake in this fall adventure with us. Both babies slept on the way to Johns Island so they were in pretty good moods by the time we got there. Not an ounce of sun the whole time we were there, but still we had a ball. There was a petting zoo area set up with donkeys, a baby cow, and no joke- fornicating goats (only a handful of us got to see that lovely little interlude- Thank God!) There was a hay ride that went around the farm and took us around to a spot where the cows all came up to the trailer and ate food out of our hands. I had no idea a cow's tongue was so long! GROSS! Ellie was very interested in the whole experience- Addison of course could not have cared less. After the hayride we went and picked out our pumpkins where the only true complaint of the day was that there were a ton of gnats once we got to the pumpkin picking part! I hate gnats. Aside from that- we picked out one pumpkin for the family and even a little one especially for the Monkey. Can't wait for next year!!

Shellrock Vacation

2008-09-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love my dogs, and oh how I love vacationing without them. Got rid of the dogs last Thursday afternoon- shipped off to their respective kennels, and loaded up Mom's suburban with an inordinate amount of S@#$ to head off on our vacation. Doug, Addison and I AND my brother Parker and sister in law Cheryl pulled out of Summerville around 7pm. We had a pack n play, travel swing, bouncey seat, activity mats, baby pop up tents to protect her little skin on the beach, clothes, diapers, and God knows what else PLUS extra batteries of course. It was a packed car- all thanks to a small little monkey in the back seat.

Vacation was wonderful- Addison was a perfect angel (except for the first 30 minutes in the car on the way up there while she screamed bloody murder), everyone was so relaxed. We took Addison on the boat for the first time- and she loved it. First trip out she protested with two very mild "waas" and then fell asleep before her life jacket was even fully on because Uncle Charles cut on the motor. The next trip she lauged at every wave- good news folks- she's definitely ours! ;)

Here are a few pics of her out on the beach and on the boat! She loved it!!

Pictures

2008-08-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

So, for my 28th Birthday gift to myself I took my Monkey out for a photo session at Fort Dorchester. It was a beautiful day (well, summer beautiful- meaning it was sunny one moment and storming an hour later) and I got some great shots... one small problem. Addison can NOT keep her tongue in her mouth to save her soul...... Its ridiculous. I started contemplating whether or not I could tape it in there with a little scotch tape, or even maybe we could use some peanut butter on the inside of her mouth to keep it contained- it works for Bayla when I need to distract, why not for Addison? I just kept wondering if she would ever grow into it?? I also took my friends little girl out today, inbetween showers, for a photo session at Azalea Park.. got a couple of good ones.. really thinking about taking the next step and marketing myself to my friends some more and doing photos for them....

Anyways... what's new... Addison is about 14 pounds now, growing like a weed... can't keep her in clothes anymore- shes constantly outgrowing them... she laughed for the first time, although it was a full week before Doug got to hear it- and I have to say- its the cutest thing I have ever heard in my life... I am going to have to get video of it so I can listen to it when I'm 90. She's babbling and cooing all the time, and smiling a ton! Bright eyed and beautiful... I think I love this stage... here are a few of the pics over the past few days... one of our new friend Ellie, too....

Facebook

2008-08-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

No pictures to add today, but some sad thoughts......
Those of you who have been captured and captivated by the rage of Facebook will fully understand this..... I was looking through friends pages this evening, and realizing that it seems like just yesterday that my friends children were born, and as of tonight it seems as though half of the children just had birthdays and are turning 1, 2, or even older. Some of the kids I see regularly, and some of them I saw once or twice when they were born and am now seeing pics of their birthdays and its just so sad! I don't want my Addison to grow up that fast but I don't think I have much control over it!
Oh well I guess.....

Amelia's Birthday!

2008-08-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our dear friend Amelia turned 2! I can't believe how quickly time flies by, and how fast our little ones grow up. I am so NOT looking forward to this with my little monkey but I guess there's nothing I can do about it... short of locking her up in a time capsule and sticking her on a shelf. (Although she would be a lot less messy if I did that!)

Amelia's birthday was alot of fun. We had Dora cake, and hung out. Addison only slept for a total of about 30 minutes the entire day so I was worried about the major baby melt down that was sure to come- but she held off. Go ADDISON! She crashed at 9 without a sound, woke up at 11, and then slept until 4 when Daddy went to go fish his big tournament! GOOD LUCK DADDY!

Anyways... here's some pics from the party!

How Life Has Changed

2008-07-29T07:02:00.001-07:00

As a self proclaimed serious fisherwoman, I was finally able to make the first trip out this past weekend and fish the Saltwater Classic here in Charleston. I made all the necessary arrangements in which to accomplish this large feat. I arranged for someone to come let Ranger out, for Bayla to go to my brother's house to play with her brother Jynx, and pumped for a week to have enough bottles for Mom to give to the little Monkey Addison with a fall back plan of formula if necessary.
I spent the night with my Mom the night before so that I could feed Addison one last time before heading out, and was able to feed her right before heading out at 4:30am.
Grabbed my bag, cooler, and oh yes, the breast pump. Times have changed. I used to grab the bag, cooler, and another case of beer, but I was prepared to pump while I was out on the water.
Once we got out on the water and had our lines rigged and in the water, I pumped for the first time while out there... no hitches. The guys gave me my privacy, (I'm the only girl on the boat) and everything went fine. However, the second pumping did not go as well. Lines were in, and the back rod bent down and the reel started screaming. Being the Lady Angler, my job is to reel in most of the fish, so, I quickly unattached myself from the pump and grabbed the rod feeling pretty proud of myself, until I looked over at one of the guys who was staring at me with a look of horror on his face- I looked down to discover my chest was spotted with breast milk. Nice. I wiped it off and kept on reeling. Just so you know- it wasn't worth the effort cause the fish was tiny.
Anyways- one beer inbetween pumps, 4 pumps later, back in the harbor, I had my husband drop me off after the weigh in so I could go see my Monkey who looked completely fine without me. Still debating whether or not I'm fishing the next trip... Fishing is definitely not the same as it used to be. Oh well. There's always next year.......
will upload pics later, problem with blogger uploads at the moment.

A Word From Addison

2008-07-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

By Addison Lee:

5am. Woke up this morning. Lady with the milk got me out of the crib and fed me. She insists on talking to me in stupid baby talk. What an idiot. I showed her by pooping out the sides of my diaper. Man, I'm tired. I think I will go back to sleep.

7:30am. Wetness from my lower region woke me up. If I scream the milk lady will come get me again. If I play my cards right and put on the right pout, maybe she will give in to my cuteness ploy and let me stay in the bed with her. Life's horrible. I'm hungry, wet, and tired.

11am. Awake.
11:15 Asleep.

1:00 FOOD! Milk lady again. She rocks. Like my outfit? I want to rock but she keeps taking me out to run errands.... hateful woman

3:00 Food!!! Milk lady!!! I love her. :)

Savannah Princess

2008-07-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

Got brave and decided to take Addison, sans the hubby, to Tybee Island with some friends. Loaded up the car- took the stroller, pack n play, bouncey seat, wiggle worm gym (floor mat with overhanging toys), a few outfits too many, and tons of diapers. Got those in the car and picked up our friends Katie and Matt and their 3 dogs. Once everyone was loaded Addison graced us with a relatively quiet ride to Savannah until it was time to eat, and luckily for us that coincided with the gas station pit stop at Point South- so no problem there. Fed her- diapered her- and strapped her back in. Ten minutes later she was asleep again.

Katie's parents place has a pool- which Addison hated. Too cold I guess- but it didn't stop her from looking like a total princess in her little bathing suit that we got from a store called Miss Jenny's in Walterboro (you have to check it out, they have such cute things).... Took Addison to the beach on Sunday in a different bathing suit of course..... this one was from the Pink Crocodile.

People on budgets should not have little girls- there's definitely too many cute things out there to buy. Anyways- aside from the fact that Addison's night time sleep was completely messed up the whole time we were there, we had a great time, but missed hubby and dogs too much. Glad to be home......... even after the longest drive back from Savannah ever- tire blow out on the way back- now today I get to shop around for tire prices. Woohoo!

OMG- THE LAUNDRY!

2008-06-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

Wow- I don't know how the folks did it before HE washers and dryers. The laundry just never ends! So, I'm sitting home today, washing, drying, and folding (which by the way doesn't usually happen all at once, but Miss Addison was gracing me with a lovely afternoon nap so I took advantage) and Ranger then decides that he wants to help. He promptly climbs into the laundry basket with my clean and newly folded towels and lays down and takes a nap. Nice, huh? Gotta love dogs.

But seriously- the laundry doesn't end. As soon as I get mine and Doug's done, we start all over again. Luckily, I can wash almost all of Addison's clothes at one time-they're so stinking tiny. And that leads me to another thing- where do the socks go? Does the washer eat them? The dryer? Bayla? Well- we know the answer to that, of course Bayla eats them. One at a time, so that when we're walking around the yard pooper scooping we find little surprises in her surprises. Lovely, huh?

If I could have one fabulously ridiculously lavishly decadent and insanely frivoulous treat- it would be to have someone do, put away, and iron the laundry. Forget everything else in the house, baseboards included (like I clean those anyways), just give me someone to do the laundry. When I win the lottery and am able to take baths in the cash that I will be able to keep on hand, I will get one.. Mark my words. One day I will have my laundry mistress.

Aside from that- everything at the Bell household is going splendidly. Addison is getting bigger and bigger.... around 22 inches, and almost 9 pounds. We'll have more exact information on that in about two weeks when she goes in for her dr's appt. She sleeps pretty great at night, not so much during the day, but I will be home ALL WEEK working on this daytime thing..... she and I have to come to some sort of agreement on a routine.. will keep you posted on this later. Daddy Doug is doing great with her, enjoying his "recliner" time with her in the evenings, when she's not being fussy- currently they are in their favorite sleeping spots right now in the recliner. TOO CUTE! Here are a few pics to enjoy.... Addison's bath- Ranger in the laundry basket- and not to fear- birth announcements will finally be coming out soon after I talk to Miss Deana at the PINK CROCODILE!~

Baby Addison and the Pups & Family Movie Night

2008-05-28T06:14:00.001-07:00

Addison has decided that she is the queen of the house- although- the puppy is having a hard time relinquishing her role as Queen B. Bayla (now 6 months old) likes to inspect Addison and see what the crying is about, and when she can, steal a lick from the backside of her head. She still wants to lick her in the face, although, that does NOT get the same response from Mommy and Daddy. That usually gets her into trouble. That gets her into trouble, and so does stealing the binky which she is done at least twice. So far so good, the puppy is curious and the old dog couldn't care less- he still has yet to acknowledge her presence. Not even one little sniff of curiosity.

Family movie night didn't go as well as we thought it would either. We rented a movie (Gotta love "On Demand") and got all settled in to watch the movie. Popped the popcorn, grabbed a drink, got comfortable, and Addison started to cry. Waited a few minutes, paused the movie, got her calm, started over, and Addison started to cry. Then Bayla had to go outside, Ranger didn't want to go.... paused the movie, started it over, then Ranger wanted to go out, then I had to pee, then Addison cried..... needless to say- the movie that was originally a little less than 2 hours in length ended up taking 3 and 1/2 hours to watch. No exageration. I think next time we will lock the dogs up, get a sitter, and spend $50 to go to the movies. Oh well. We're learning.....

Here are some new pics- enjoy.

Sleep? Lol....

2008-05-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

So the age old saying "sleep when the baby sleeps" is not as dumb as it sounds. First time Moms think its a joke, we think, ha! I used to stay up late all the time- pulled all nighters in college- went to clubs- had fun- I never needed sleep. Have a baby and it all changes. There is no sleep. And you are expected to fully function from the time you wake up to the time you lay down, and note I say "lay down" and not sleep, cause "laying down" does not always mean that you are sleeping. What it means is that you have laid your child down in his/ her crib, tucked in all cute and sweet and warm, and you lay down and wait for 10 minutes when they realize that they are no longer being held, and wake up again. So- sleep when the baby sleeps is my new motto. All phone calls before 10am are not to be answered, again around 1:30- 4, and although we do the whole thing over again around 8:30 or 9 I've managed to stay awake from that point on until I "lay down" for the night. Kudos to me.

Here are a few more pictures............

Taking Requests

2008-05-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

So, I'm apparently not nearly as good at this blogging thing as I thought I would be- but I guess I can say I've been a little busy and preoccupied since Addison's arrival and hopefully that will let me off the hook with those of you who are upset that I have not updated the blog yet. Today is really the first day I have felt up to getting back on here- blame the loritab if you would like.

Updates- so inducing Addison was a total flop- after hours of all kinds of fun prodding and iv drips, and contractions, the doc and I agreed it was time to give up and have a c section. No shame there. Within 10 minutes of that decision I was given a hair net, and wheeled to the O.R. where they prepped me for the c section. After getting started I think it took about 7 minutes to get Addison who screamed gloriously at being brought out into the world, and within 27 minutes total I was stitched up and sent to the recovery room. After they checked her over, I finally got to hold my beautiful baby girl and haven't gotten tired of it sense.

Addison is still beautful- is a hard sleeper during the day, not so much in the night time, but we're getting better. Has a hearty appetite, and in general is a great baby. Of course I'm biased- but I think she is. Dad is doing FANTASTIC in his duties, even changes seriously dirty diapers. I think he might be a little smitten with her to tell you the truth.

Everything else is good- my Mom has been staying with us since Doug went back to work and has been a tremendous help. She's been cooking, and helping keep things picked up, and keeps stealing my baby, but I guess its ok. Doug's parents have been over a bunch as well, and both our brothers and some of our friends have stopped by to welcome Addison into the world. I am so thankful for all of the support we have gotten from our family and friends!

I still can't believe that she is actually here.

Addison

2008-05-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

A baby is born!!

Addison Lee

7 pounds 8 oz.

20 1/2 inches long.

Head full of thick dark hair.

BEAUTIFUL.

Great appetite.

We're Having a Baby Tomorrow

2008-05-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! First time blogger here. So, I thought that having a baby presented a good time to try and figure out what this blogging was all about, and since blogs are "all the rage" with all of my friends with children, I figured, why not see what its all about? I can promise you that I will not be one of those dedicated people who blogs every night to update you with the latest size, color, and frequency of my child's bowel movements, but I do like the idea that I can put up a post and share with you some highlighted details with our first child. Especially in the first few days.

So- here's the deal. My husband Doug and I are expecting our very first child tomorrow. I am actually sitting in a hospital bed, hooked up to my iv port, anxiously awaiting our induction tomorrow morning. We do not know if we are having a girl or a boy, and are pretty pleased with ourselves for holding out for 40 weeks to not find this out.... although- I admit- there was a moment at our ultrasound last week where I wanted to break down and find out- boy or girl- but I didn't. So kudos to me.

What else should I put in this blog...um.... let's see.... We're not the first of our friends to have children, so we are lucky to have a lot of support from those who have already "been there done that". Our good friends Chris and Melissa have a beautiful little girl, Amelia, who will be 2 in August. I also think they are starting to get the itch pretty bad for their second, but I'm not saying anything.... Our friends, Kane and Leslie, have two beautiful little girls, Abby and Reese, and we have a handful of friends who are currently pregnant and trying to get pregnant right now (well, not trying right now at this very moment, well, maybe they are, who knows) so we are looking forward to sharing the "joys" of parentdom with our friends.

What else..... thoughts........... I'm anxious. I wasn't anxious until about 12:00 this afternoon when I realized that I was seriously checking into the hospital today to have my child tomorrow. Nervous about what kind of parent I will be, will I ever sleep again, will I see my toes again? What if my child doesn't even like me? Excited. Excited that I will be a parent tomorrow, with my wonderful husband. Nervous that he might pass out in the delivery room. Wondering- what kind of temperament will my child have? What in the heck have I gotten myself into?...

Anyways... its time to sign off of this blog- dinner is here, and its 9:30- can't eat after 12:00 tonight, so, I have only a few hours left to stuff myself as much as I can before they give me some Ambien and put me to sleep for the evening. Last night as an expectant Mom. Last good night's sleep until God knows when. Thanking God for all of the support and love from our friends and family, and keeping my fingers crossed that all will go well tomorrow. Good night!!!!