tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24394227382177828282024-03-12T17:41:35.913-07:00The Greiner FamilyStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-62864637336528119982010-07-26T11:55:00.000-07:002010-07-26T12:16:38.008-07:00Hair-Dos and Hair-Don'ts with Maddie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3dH8oSwxI/AAAAAAAAL70/KxGa8LnyInE/s1600/P7240026.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3dH8oSwxI/AAAAAAAAL70/KxGa8LnyInE/s320/P7240026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498293848693195538" border="0" /></a><br />Maddie is starting to enter that magical time when a child stops being a baby and starts being a little girl...and a little girly-girl at that! She is getting more and more willing to wear pretty clothes, although a t-shirt and shorts are still her favorite outfit...well, next to PJs...and her birthday suit. She even has started asking for me to do her hair ("Mama, PONYTAILS!"). Probably because she can't see when her sheepdog hair is in her eyes. We have a lot of fun looking in the mirror, as you can see!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Wearing Lila's Headband</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3bc1AHq8I/AAAAAAAAL7c/Q6pTLPAjbtY/s1600/P7090002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3bc1AHq8I/AAAAAAAAL7c/Q6pTLPAjbtY/s320/P7090002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498292008399645634" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">She's obsessed with toothbrushes and my hair mousse! See it in her lap</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">?</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3bWz7YlgI/AAAAAAAAL7U/ZfjWwtTPAIo/s1600/P7080093.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3bWz7YlgI/AAAAAAAAL7U/ZfjWwtTPAIo/s320/P7080093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498291905032132098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3bV1JdF1I/AAAAAAAAL7M/zLqyq0z_YJE/s1600/P7080092.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3bV1JdF1I/AAAAAAAAL7M/zLqyq0z_YJE/s320/P7080092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498291888179713874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3bVKNBBlI/AAAAAAAAL7E/pk2x5nBQPrw/s1600/P7080091.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3bVKNBBlI/AAAAAAAAL7E/pk2x5nBQPrw/s320/P7080091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498291876651927122" border="0" /></a><br />And of course, Little Miss Lila is already a little princess, because she has no choice in what she wears! She just needs some more hair!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3eHbL6s7I/AAAAAAAAL78/DnWPtLIvmig/s1600/P7190005.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3eHbL6s7I/AAAAAAAAL78/DnWPtLIvmig/s320/P7190005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498294939227435954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3eKIyo63I/AAAAAAAAL8M/11tIiYhapIo/s1600/P7240025.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3eKIyo63I/AAAAAAAAL8M/11tIiYhapIo/s320/P7240025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498294985829182322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3eJ7wugaI/AAAAAAAAL8E/UdxI9VlG9-c/s1600/P7090001.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3eJ7wugaI/AAAAAAAAL8E/UdxI9VlG9-c/s320/P7090001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498294982331498914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3eKl4_i_I/AAAAAAAAL8U/1gRPc4o5LZ4/s1600/P7240033.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TE3eKl4_i_I/AAAAAAAAL8U/1gRPc4o5LZ4/s320/P7240033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498294993640459250" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-29696482768099952992010-07-21T12:23:00.001-07:002010-07-21T12:23:35.335-07:00<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TEdJN3aFD5I/AAAAAAAAL6w/fghw4DTcReo/s1600/photo-715336.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TEdJN3aFD5I/AAAAAAAAL6w/fghw4DTcReo/s400/photo-715336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496442372789440402" /></a></p>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-83813409740762364562010-06-22T16:54:00.001-07:002010-06-23T13:19:12.043-07:00A late post for an early arrival: Welcome Lila Grace!<div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp82ip-qI/AAAAAAAALu4/gDm88nS8Sf0/s1600/P6080033.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp82ip-qI/AAAAAAAALu4/gDm88nS8Sf0/s320/P6080033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486063790244625058" border="0" /></a>As I'm sure you all know by now, Lila Grace Greiner defied the doctor's orders and made her appearance two weeks ago yesterday, on June 8th, at 9:44 pm. She was three weeks and one day ahead of her due date, and two weeks before my scheduled C-Section. After having her with us for two wonderful weeks, I can tell you that SO FAR she is the sweetest, easiest, most loving cuddlebug of a baby ever! I know that she is technically "pre-term," which is supposed to make her a little sleepier than full term babies, but we are hoping that she stays sweet and simple like she is now! For those of you that are interested, I thought I would share the details of her surprise birthday adventure!</div></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>On Monday June 7th I started having the same Braxton-Hicks contractions I had been having off and on throughout the last several months. They seemed to be a little more uncomfortable than usual, but since I wasn't in any real pain I assumed it was more of the same "normal pregnancy discomfort" my OB told me I could look forward to right up until the bitter end. Then I started getting out of breath, and feeling cramping in my legs. I remembered that my mom had said that she felt her labor pains in her legs, so of course I called her to get her opinion. And OF COURSE she didn't answer. After Andy got home the pains were still irregular, but were getting more intense. They didn't match any description of labor pains I had ever heard of, and weren't coming at regular times, so I decided to wait and talk to my doctor at my next OB appointment (the next morning). </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>At Dr. Neal's office, he checked and said I was starting to dilate and he expected me to go into labor in the next 3 days, and probably that day. His parting words were, "Go home, pack your bag, and get on the elliptical machine." Apparently walking on the elliptical was supposed to help get the baby in the right position for me to push--if she didn't get stuck like Maddie did! Armed with the knowledge that there was a good chance I was going to have a baby really soon, I called my two best girlfriends down here and ordered that they meet me at Chili's for a big lunch. After all, I had no idea when I was going to get to eat solids again! I managed to eat through my contractions, get my stuff together, and decide by 3pm that I should probably call Andy and tell him to get his booty home. My friend Kensley (part of the Chili's date from earlier) offered to come over and spend the night with Maddie if we got admitted to the hospital. So off we went, not sure if we were coming home with a baby or not!</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>I was admitted between 6 and 7, and after spending an hour or so hooked up to machines and watching "America's Got Talent," the nurses determined I was indeed in labor (my contractions were actually 3 minutes apart, when I thought they were more like 10-12 minutes apart). At 9:15 I was texting some friends to see how Girl's Night Out was going (I was obviously not going to make it), and by 9:44 I was hearing Lila Grace's first cries!</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>I did a repeat C because my doctor saw no point in having me labor for another 10 hours when Lila was in the exact same position that Maddie was stuck in the first time. I was inclined to agree...my labor was starting to HURT and I just wanted my baby! The C-section was both better and worse this time...it was better because I wasn't as physically exhausted from laboring and pushing, and I knew what to expect. It was worse for the exact same reasons! I was much more aware of what was happening and what was going to happen. The recovery has been a little harder too, but since I have a brand new, perfect baby, I can't complain!</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>So far things are going really well at home. Lila is nursing like a champ, so I won't have to deal with another year of pumping (hallelujia!) and bottles. She is feeding every 3.5-4 hours, even at night, so I'm getting more rest than with Maddie (who ate every two hours for weeks)! Maddie loves to kiss and hold her little sister, and doesn't seem to get jealous. We are trying our best to make sure Maddie gets enough attention and that we don't completely abandon her routine. It's been a struggle but my Mom will be here until Sunday, then Andy is taking a week off from work. Luckily Lila will be almost 3 weeks old before I have to handle both the kids by myself! </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Thank you to everyone who has called or visited with their congratulations, and for all the wonderful gifts and meals we have recieved. Andy and I are blessed to have some fabulous friends and family, whether in Tennessee, Texas or Timbuktu...and we are so excited to share all that love with little Lila Grace!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">First Family Photo</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp9WB3C6I/AAAAAAAALvA/Hre62kVB6zM/s1600/P6090038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp9WB3C6I/AAAAAAAALvA/Hre62kVB6zM/s320/P6090038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486063798697003938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The New Big Sister</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp9owH0rI/AAAAAAAALvI/Rnu1fXMvheo/s1600/P6090044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp9owH0rI/AAAAAAAALvI/Rnu1fXMvheo/s320/P6090044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486063803722879666" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Big and Little</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp-rdb_1I/AAAAAAAALvY/HlLjKBl6R6E/s1600/P6100059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp-rdb_1I/AAAAAAAALvY/HlLjKBl6R6E/s320/P6100059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486063821629685586" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Daddy and his girls</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp-EF6J_I/AAAAAAAALvQ/l4ViW6ru-Qg/s1600/P6100063.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJp-EF6J_I/AAAAAAAALvQ/l4ViW6ru-Qg/s320/P6100063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486063811062015986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Baby Bow Head II</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJq71sUjfI/AAAAAAAALvo/QMKPeGZyeS8/s1600/P6110066.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJq71sUjfI/AAAAAAAALvo/QMKPeGZyeS8/s320/P6110066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486064872348487154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lila with her eyes open! </span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJq8dwlgUI/AAAAAAAALvw/YnCLux1tQdE/s1600/P6170073.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TCJq8dwlgUI/AAAAAAAALvw/YnCLux1tQdE/s320/P6170073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486064883103793474" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-87723497385234423702010-05-26T04:53:00.000-07:002010-06-01T12:04:42.457-07:003 weeks to go!Hi everyone! Just a quick update on how things are progressing with us...<br /><br />1) Bedrest Update<br /><br />I went to see Dr. Neal last week and, without going into too much detail, he says everything is great! The bedrest did what it was supposed to and he doesn't expect to see Lila before my scheduled C-Section on June 23. I am still having some pain and contractions, but unfortunately that falls into the "annoying but perfectly normal" section of pregnancy complaints. I can resume life as normal, I just am supposed to avoid overdoing it, get lots of rest, stay hydrated, etc. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who brought meals, sent cards, visited, and checked in on me throughout the last couple of weeks. I appreciate it so much! The biggest thanks to my Mom for putting her life on hold to fly down here to help out. I don't know what I would have done without her!<br /><br />2) Lila Update<br /><br />As I mentioned before, unless something unexpected happens, Lila will be here in 3 weeks. Her movements have slowed down quite a bit (she's pretty cramped in there, after all) but she still makes her presence known. She migrates up and down in my stomach throughout the day...so I alternate from not being able to breath to being in the bathroom every 45 minutes! I am guessing she is going to be longer than Maddie, and between 8-8.5 lbs. Dr. Neal won't give me his guess so we will see on the 23rd!<br /><br />3) Maddie Update<br /><br />Holy smokes, Maddie is turning into a big girl before my eyes. She is speaking in sentences now, some of her favorites being:<br /><br />"I'm a GOOD girl!"<br />"I made a mess!"<br />"Let me see!"<br /><br />Last week was the last day of Mom's Day Out until Summer Session begins on June 22. She really likes school now and doesn't want to leave until she kisses her teachers, friends, and favorite toys goodbye. She loves to kiss and hug, but unfortunately is into a hitting/smacking/biting stage when she gets frustrated. Any tips on dealing with that would be GREATLY appreciated!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Maddie and GiGi at Cheesecake Factory<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAT40yeUWFI/AAAAAAAALkk/22e9V_x_Mtk/s1600/P5230243.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAT40yeUWFI/AAAAAAAALkk/22e9V_x_Mtk/s320/P5230243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477776632575187026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Art time on my new picnic table</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAT40LDwb7I/AAAAAAAALkc/uCx0vInOLsE/s1600/P5200241.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAT40LDwb7I/AAAAAAAALkc/uCx0vInOLsE/s320/P5200241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477776621994799026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mmmm....cupcakes!</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAVYjCnmSQI/AAAAAAAALk8/BmSxFsw4CEw/s1600/IMG_1622.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAVYjCnmSQI/AAAAAAAALk8/BmSxFsw4CEw/s320/IMG_1622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477881880787699970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Maddie's in here somewhere...she had to have all her "babies" with her!<br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAVYi531bHI/AAAAAAAALk0/MMMCmDWusKc/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAVYi531bHI/AAAAAAAALk0/MMMCmDWusKc/s320/IMG_1616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477881878439881842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wearing Daddy's Shoes and a silly face!<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAVYifSlmoI/AAAAAAAALks/6DbEy3GFcKY/s1600/IMG_1610.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/TAVYifSlmoI/AAAAAAAALks/6DbEy3GFcKY/s320/IMG_1610.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477881871304333954" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We had a Memorial Day cookout this weekend, so hopefully I will be able to do a post about that before Labor Day! Hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!<br /></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-86622268977959175842010-05-14T04:07:00.000-07:002010-05-14T04:45:59.914-07:00All of this and Bed Rest, too!Ever heard the saying: "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it?" I distinctly remember a time when I was pregnant with my first child, and hadn't any responsibilities outside of my "until the baby is born" job and the shared running of the house. I used to laugh and say, "Oh, I hope they put me on bed rest so I can just lay around all day and watch TV, nap, and eat!" THEN I had a baby and realized being a stay-at-home mom is the hardest job I have ever had. THEN I got pregnant again, and realized being on bed rest 900 miles away from the closest family member would be a disaster of epic proportions. "I have a toddler! There's no daycare, no grandma's to dump her at, and Andy has to work! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Puh</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">leeeeeze</span> God, let me make through this pregnancy with no issues!"<br /><br />Well, one little issue has presented itself. Now, I'm an optimist and I truly believe I'm going to get through this just fine. I have had an issue in the last 24 hours with some bleeding and cramps, and a trip to the doctor that I really thought was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">unecessary</span> turned into a hospital visit and a pretty concerned OB. Two cute Labor and Delivery bracelets, one steroid shot, and some reassuring smiles later I am officially on bed rest for a few days with instructions to not go into labor (seriously! He said that!) The doc says if I have no more bleeding I can resume the bare minimum activities on Monday or Tuesday. He calls it "just survive" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bedrest</span>: do what I can to take care of myself and Maddie and no more. Good news: my mom is flying down tomorrow morning and staying until Tuesday night. Better news: Lila is 100% healthy and really impressed Dr. Neal with how active and strong she is. She is practicing her fetal breathing, has a strong heart, a healthy and well-placed placenta nearby, and is in constant movement. So thank God for healthy babies!<br /><br />But I need lots of prayers because I know they work! If you can take the time to pray for our family, please ask that everything resolves itself by the time Gigi leaves and that I have no more bleeding and contractions. If you could go ahead and add that this baby makes it to at LEAST 37 weeks gestation (and then has a happy healthy birth), and that Maddie realizes Mommy needs to try and relax for a few more weeks that would be amazing too! I know all my friends and family are people of faith and the fervent prayers of a righteous person will avail much!<br /><br />Since this has been such a Stephanie and Lila focused post I will try to post again in a day or two with some updates and new pictures/video of Maddie. Go ahead and add some prayers to that list that either the Princess calms down a little or I learn how to deal with her! She is a mess right now!<br /><br />Love y'all! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-51663911134039970132010-04-02T05:39:00.000-07:002010-04-02T06:06:29.639-07:00Quick Spring UpdateHello everyone! We are in the midst of the brief two-week or so Texas Spring down here and it is wonderful! We have been having a lot of fun playing outside and trying out all the different parks in the area. We also just got Maddie her first swing set and slide, and as soon as Daddy puts it together (uh-oh) she will be able to play in her own backyard! I don't know who is more excited, her or me! Here are just a few pictures from the last few days: <div></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><em>Maddie's First Professional Haircut. Notice how excited she looks.</em></strong><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7XoBQtbAtI/AAAAAAAALdw/o4jRiAb_7uI/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455521631992218322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7XoBQtbAtI/AAAAAAAALdw/o4jRiAb_7uI/s320/IMG_1507.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455523479760541506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7Xps0LuF0I/AAAAAAAALeA/GmQdUjQcLEQ/s320/IMG_1509.JPG" border="0" /> <div><br /> </div><div align="center"><strong><em>Playing outside in the new outfit made just for her by </em></strong><a href="http://www.audralynno.blogspot.com/"><strong><em>Audra. </em></strong></a> <strong><em>Check out her </em></strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/audralynn"><strong><em>Etsy shop!</em></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455521628296517138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7XoBC8TFhI/AAAAAAAALdo/R-RQh66BGy0/s320/IMG_1517.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /><strong><em>I learned she is not old enough to trust with an open bag of crackers. Her cheeks are stuffed with them! </em></strong><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7XoA1TMzLI/AAAAAAAALdg/dAqyQlE5Jnk/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455521624634477746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7XoA1TMzLI/AAAAAAAALdg/dAqyQlE5Jnk/s320/IMG_1529.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em>Funny Face!</em></strong><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7XoAcAdW2I/AAAAAAAALdY/ld9v2PYpiLk/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455521617844984674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7XoAcAdW2I/AAAAAAAALdY/ld9v2PYpiLk/s320/IMG_1528.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So this next picture is going in her wedding video one day. I put Maddie down for her nap the other day and could hear her in the baby monitor making noise and talking to herself. I gave her about 30 minutes to wind down and then peeked in to check on her. What did I find....a bare behind!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455523490925957906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S7Xptdxw0xI/AAAAAAAALeI/FCj8jIgzzQI/s320/IMG_1503.JPG" border="0" /><br />That's her diaper wadded up next to her. She was sound asleep, and you NEVER WAKE A SLEEPING BABY so I resigned myself to washing the sheets when she woke up and left her there. She got in a great nap...hope I'm not raising a future nudist!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-15851390191113724472010-03-21T12:17:00.001-07:002010-03-21T12:32:43.974-07:00Bad Mommy Mishap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZxCGyBtHI/AAAAAAAALaw/PZiEh56wF9E/s1600-h/bubbles1.htm"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZxCGyBtHI/AAAAAAAALaw/PZiEh56wF9E/s320/bubbles1.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451168679972680818" border="0" /></a><br />Have you ever had one? I know I have enough to make me wonder if I should call child-protective services on myself. If ever a little girl had a guardian angel, it was Maddie. As many little scrapes as she gets herself into, I can always thankfully say, "Well, it could have been MUCH WORSE." Example: Bad Mommy Mishap #10,492--the Bubble Incident.<br /><br />Maddie LOVES bubbles. She lives for them. So on days when the weather is warm enough, we try to get in some bubble time before her bath. Her Gymboree class has a fun little activity where the teacher blows bubbles with a cool blower...let's call it "Exhibit A" in the negligence case against me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZxC00Y2bI/AAAAAAAALbA/LLvfR0ecDQM/s1600-h/bubbles3.htm"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZxC00Y2bI/AAAAAAAALbA/LLvfR0ecDQM/s320/bubbles3.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451168692330617266" border="0" /></a>Miss Maddie is also a very independent creature, she loves to try and blow the bubbles herself. Hence, "Exhibit B":<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZxCe7ONhI/AAAAAAAALa4/0YzIzbNlHMI/s1600-h/bubbles2.htm"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZxCe7ONhI/AAAAAAAALa4/0YzIzbNlHMI/s320/bubbles2.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451168686453700114" border="0" /></a>So, the other day while I was happily drawing with sidewalk chalk (another favorite activity), Miss Independent snagged the cool bubble blower and took of with it. I never even noticed, until I heard the dreaded "Whap...pause...SCREAM" that every mother knows and fears.<br /><br />"Exhibit C": The effects of my derelict parenting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZxC-4XBoI/AAAAAAAALbI/eAuyeo133ME/s1600-h/bubbles4.htm"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZxC-4XBoI/AAAAAAAALbI/eAuyeo133ME/s320/bubbles4.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451168695031629442" border="0" /></a>Here's another shot:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZzovMfptI/AAAAAAAALbQ/STc4K3B_Zi4/s1600-h/bubbles5.htm"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S6ZzovMfptI/AAAAAAAALbQ/STc4K3B_Zi4/s320/bubbles5.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451171542679398098" border="0" /></a>BUT, it could have been much worse, after all. She didn't knock out one of those precious blue eyes, Andy is still willing to let me try to raise another one of his children, and no one (as of yet) has reported me to the police. Looks like we both have a guardian angel.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-83342607896370825392010-02-25T10:27:00.000-08:002010-02-25T11:08:48.338-08:00Snowmageddon, Smiles, and SuchSo you might have heard that we got a little bit of snow here in North Texas over Valentine's Day weekend. I've commented in the past that people down here lose their minds over any snow at all, and I'm sorry to report that the condition is contagious. I have started fanatically reading weather.com, checking the news, consulting soothsayers (just kidding) and generally freaking out when ever I hear the words "Winter Weather." The funny thing about this snow, however, was that it wasn't supposed to be a big deal at all! What started out as rain and possibly some sleet turned into the most snow seen here in around 70 years. I remember Andy leaving in the morning on Thursday and saying, "Huh, it's snowing." 24 hours later, we were completely blanketed in 12 inches (up to 14 nearby) of the "white death," as it's lovingly called down here.<br /><br />The best thing about this "weather event" was honestly the fact that it was so unexpected, and SUCH a big deal. The newscasters kept tossing around the term "Once in A Lifetime Snow." They don't expect anyone living here to EVER see anything like this again. That made it really special, in a crazy way. And I loved how excited the native Texans got...pretty much everyone we knew had never seen more than an inch or so. I was really happy for all the kids that got to enjoy it, and the parents too! Here are some pictures I took early Friday morning, when it had been snowing for 24 consecutive hours.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Our house in the snow. The tire tracks are from Andy leaving for work (like a fool) and me getting stuck in the driveway. I also got stuck in my friend Madeline's driveway Thursday morning, and in the Chick-fil-a drive thru. They were nice enough to send out some young men to push me out. Sorry, Baby Ocho needed a chicken biscuit BAD!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bC_1hGEWI/AAAAAAAAK8I/j55xMw53uq4/s1600-h/P2110190.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bC_1hGEWI/AAAAAAAAK8I/j55xMw53uq4/s320/P2110190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442251601677259106" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bD1SNgb5I/AAAAAAAAK8Q/uCdi4x__Vlc/s1600-h/P2110188.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bD1SNgb5I/AAAAAAAAK8Q/uCdi4x__Vlc/s320/P2110188.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442252519912796050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bD16J5-9I/AAAAAAAAK8Y/4pd4JpFbRdo/s1600-h/P2110189.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bD16J5-9I/AAAAAAAAK8Y/4pd4JpFbRdo/s320/P2110189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442252530635111378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maddie in the snow at the beginning of the storm, when we had about 4 inches. I asked her if she liked the snow, and she said "No! Cold!" Then I asked her if she thought it was pretty, and she said "NO!!" Then she fell down and started to cry.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bD2bZg_xI/AAAAAAAAK8o/TfvbWewILBA/s1600-h/P2110184.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bD2bZg_xI/AAAAAAAAK8o/TfvbWewILBA/s320/P2110184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442252539558952722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFoo3p5BI/AAAAAAAAK84/wao69Dysmt8/s1600-h/P2110182.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFoo3p5BI/AAAAAAAAK84/wao69Dysmt8/s320/P2110182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442254501680112658" border="0" /></a><br />But, snow or no snow, it WAS Valentine's Day weekend! <a href="http://audralynno.blogspot.com/">The Owens Family</a> paid us a visit and we were all so excited! My good friend Elizabeth watched all three kiddos for us (what a champ!) so we could have Parents' Night Out at Edelweiss, a traditional German restaurant in Fort Worth. Audra wrote a great post about it, including pictures and video, <a href="http://audralynno.blogspot.com/2010/02/100000-calorie-weekend.html">here</a>...so go read it and then come back for more here!<br /><br />I'm getting really lazy about taking pictures, so the only one I have worth posting is of the kids, of course. Here are Aidan, Neely, and Maddie pretty much being themselves.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aidan, in a state of undress. Neely, sweet and dainty. Maddie, looking insane.</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">PS, Audra made that shirt for Maddie, so cute!</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFpPTzEiI/AAAAAAAAK9A/8bZIDCciDA4/s1600-h/P2130194.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFpPTzEiI/AAAAAAAAK9A/8bZIDCciDA4/s320/P2130194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442254511998702114" border="0" /></a>The very next weekend our good friends the Spences were in town to celebrate Abigail's (neighbors Scott and Sarah's baby) first birthday. So Saturday night our house was packed with kids and friends. Can't think of anything I like more!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Part of the crowd. In attendance were the Spences and their two boys, Nathan and new baby Jacob, The Hoelzers with Jordana, The Mysers with Abby, the Sutherlins, and of course the Greiner 3. A full house, for sure!</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFp8JZlWI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/nzO_uE450Fw/s1600-h/P2200210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFp8JZlWI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/nzO_uE450Fw/s320/P2200210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442254524034684258" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Maddie's long distance love, Nathan.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFqAz4gmI/AAAAAAAAK9Y/fqOmrUKLSpI/s1600-h/P2200207.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFqAz4gmI/AAAAAAAAK9Y/fqOmrUKLSpI/s320/P2200207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442254525286613602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sweet baby Jake...</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bIvn1WU7I/AAAAAAAAK9g/G1zOlozRasc/s1600-h/P2210214.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bIvn1WU7I/AAAAAAAAK9g/G1zOlozRasc/s320/P2210214.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442257920195974066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Maddie and her best friend Miss Kensley! They looooove each other so much!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFpcy2YaI/AAAAAAAAK9I/GnmqltQ4u2A/s1600-h/P2200206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bFpcy2YaI/AAAAAAAAK9I/GnmqltQ4u2A/s320/P2200206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442254515618603426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Last but not least, a pic of Maddie and Mommy, because there aren't too many of those! She is such a big girl!</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bJMhrwzYI/AAAAAAAAK9o/Bt6keREEqKc/s1600-h/P2210215.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S4bJMhrwzYI/AAAAAAAAK9o/Bt6keREEqKc/s320/P2210215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442258416761359746" border="0" /></a>In related news, I am almost 6 months pregnant with Baby Ocho (she still doesn't have a name) and hanging in there. There are a ton of changes that will be happening around our house between now and June, when the real fun begins! I promise to keep everyone posted, maybe not too frequently, but I'll do my best. Hope you enjoyed the pictures and hearing what we've been up to lately! I'm looking forward to some spring weather, how about you?<br /></div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-14511048574665719732010-01-26T10:58:00.000-08:002010-01-26T11:22:13.505-08:00Wonderful Warm Weather!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_VwOmvQI/AAAAAAAAK4E/HO1ZbcIU8dk/s1600-h/nathanandmaddie4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_VwOmvQI/AAAAAAAAK4E/HO1ZbcIU8dk/s320/nathanandmaddie4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431129318588071170" border="0" /></a>The good thing about waiting so long for a blog post from me is that it's more likely to have something interesting on it...or at least, that's what I tell myself to ease the lazy-blogger guilt.<br /><br />Enjoy these pictures of our recent fun in the warmer weather! Too bad winter is back with a vengeance now :(<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wearing her stunner shades!</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_WZ5pihI/AAAAAAAAK4U/PNCx0KY3imA/s1600-h/IMG_1345.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_WZ5pihI/AAAAAAAAK4U/PNCx0KY3imA/s320/IMG_1345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431129329774463506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">She's so proud of her climbing skills!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_VfGJ_6I/AAAAAAAAK30/kRWhwgLxWI4/s1600-h/nathanandmaddie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_VfGJ_6I/AAAAAAAAK30/kRWhwgLxWI4/s320/nathanandmaddie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431129313989230498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Peek-a-boo!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_VmsDjfI/AAAAAAAAK38/mMvWimE5qZc/s1600-h/nathanandmaddie1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_VmsDjfI/AAAAAAAAK38/mMvWimE5qZc/s320/nathanandmaddie1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431129316027239922" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />What is this face about?</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_WHZNckI/AAAAAAAAK4M/GDWRP3nP104/s1600-h/nathanandmaddie3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_WHZNckI/AAAAAAAAK4M/GDWRP3nP104/s320/nathanandmaddie3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431129324806566466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Maddie preparing to be a big sister...</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_of6mCuI/AAAAAAAAK4c/fDVlEzsentc/s1600-h/IMG_1306.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/S18_of6mCuI/AAAAAAAAK4c/fDVlEzsentc/s320/IMG_1306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431129640626686690" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-66561769657147399612009-12-07T10:09:00.000-08:002009-12-07T11:02:01.527-08:00Holiday Preparations: Version 2.0So I've been a bad blogger again and haven't updated in a while! I would like to say it's been because I have been so busy, but unfortunately I have to cite some of my many character flaws: impatience and laziness, mainly. I HATE dealing with our computer...so I put it off as much as possible. But since I needed to sit down and do some Christmas shopping anyway I decided to make it a point to get an update out! Here's what's going on in our world:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Thanksgiving:</span><br /><br />Thanksgiving went really well! Andy did a great job on the stuffing and the turkey, and my side dishes turned out surprisingly good too! Our guests seemed to really enjoy the meal--we even had one turkey-induced nap on the couch afterward. My only regret is that I was so busy trying to cook that I didn't take a single picture. So I don't have cookbook quality photos of my beautiful meal, or even a family picture of the three of us. Oh well, maybe next year I'll remember!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">First Snow:</span><br /><br />It snowed in Texas last week! It wasn't very much, and it was gone after a few hours, but it was such a shock! I snapped a couple pictures with my phone. Unfortunately, I am not a very prepared parent and hadn't even bought Maddie a coat or gloves for the year, so we couldn't go play. Hopefully we will get some more snow soon. It's hilarious when it snows down here, everyone acts like the world is going to end. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1O8YEMsYI/AAAAAAAAK0w/Za6VBcS_WEs/s1600-h/snow.htm"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1O8YEMsYI/AAAAAAAAK0w/Za6VBcS_WEs/s320/snow.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412569126328381826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Maddie:</span><br /><br />I haven't given a really detailed Maddie update in a while. She is having fun and learning new things everyday. We have started her in Gymboree, which she absolutely loves. I have also met some nice moms there, and we try to get together regularly outside of class. Her favorite things at Gymboree are Gymbo the clown puppet (he scares the you-know-what out of me, though), parachute time, and dancing to the music. We also always have Chik-fil-a for breakfast before class, and she loves hash browns more than anything on this earth right now! Well, except for her favorite game, which is called "Snag the dish towel put it over my head and run around until I hurt myself and fall down screaming." Fun times.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1PoY8hYZI/AAAAAAAAK04/H63LnsXn_Xs/s1600-h/IMG_1333.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1PoY8hYZI/AAAAAAAAK04/H63LnsXn_Xs/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412569882478862738" border="0" /></a><br />Maddie loves to "talk." She will grab anything and pretend it is a phone. She'll carry it around the house, hold it up to her ear and say "Hi!" over and over.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1N6vtldKI/AAAAAAAAK0o/axt6YwFVpGs/s1600-h/PB090113.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1N6vtldKI/AAAAAAAAK0o/axt6YwFVpGs/s320/PB090113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412567998804620450" border="0" /></a><br />Most of the time she just makes alot of noise that I am supposed to understand, but she does say a lot of real words, too. The most common are Mom, Dad, Daisy, Hi, Dog, Up, Cup, Hat, Shoes, Pretty and Happy. It is the cutest thing ever when she says "Happy!" She even uses it in the right context.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyL5KFOLTBsWgFjNeq0u7I8bw-W1-VNK6bMdcGSo9fUiRbogfT3B67fs0NUzLFdF6pqBDOSPn5X-GSOJaTPzQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />She is definitely a very smart girl...she knows several of her books and toys by name, and will go get things and put them back if you ask her too. She is also getting very close (I think) to potty training. She always either goes into the laundry room or the bathroom and shuts the door to go potty. Then she will very politely use her sign language for "change me." She is really in to babies right now, and will give kisses and hugs to all her babies if you ask her. Sometimes Mom and Dad get kisses and hugs too, but she is stingy with those! She loves to use Daisy as a chair or pillow when she is watching TV. Poor Daisy, she is a really good sport about it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1Poo50dBI/AAAAAAAAK1A/92xyE3ij16I/s1600-h/IMG_1336.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1Poo50dBI/AAAAAAAAK1A/92xyE3ij16I/s320/IMG_1336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412569886762497042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1Po6V_R7I/AAAAAAAAK1I/76ayzgEC23w/s1600-h/IMG_1339.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1Po6V_R7I/AAAAAAAAK1I/76ayzgEC23w/s320/IMG_1339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412569891444049842" border="0" /></a>Maddie has lots of little friends, but her best friend is Jordana. We get together with JoJo and her Mom about 2-3 times a week to play. They usually play together very well, and are very sweet and loving to each other. Unless, of course, one of them has something the other one wants. The the smacking, pushing, and hair pulling starts. How is it that baby girls are born knowing how to pull hair?!?! This is what they got into this morning when we weren't looking:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1N571YsOI/AAAAAAAAK0Y/hd68IPPmzuU/s1600-h/PC060124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1N571YsOI/AAAAAAAAK0Y/hd68IPPmzuU/s320/PC060124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412567984878694626" border="0" /></a>She is turning into a big girl before my eyes! I can't believe she will be 16 months old in just a few days!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1Q8fQIfiI/AAAAAAAAK1Q/Usque2V_L2Q/s1600-h/PC050116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sx1Q8fQIfiI/AAAAAAAAK1Q/Usque2V_L2Q/s320/PC050116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412571327280741922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Andy:</span><br /><br />Andy has had another great year at the office and we just celebrated with his Annual Christmas Party. It was different to get all dressed up when I spend most of the time in sweats! Again, no pictures. Andy also has a new hobby: growing a disgusting beard. I have expressed my dislike repeatedly, and have been told that he doesn't care. I'm thinking about growing my armpit hair out in protest.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Travel Plans:</span><br /><br />We are gearing up for the big drive up to TN in a couple of weeks. Me, Andy, Maddie, the dog, luggage and a lot of presents are all going to be stuffed in the Pathfinder for a 14 hour drive. We are spending one night in TN, then getting up and driving to Cincinnatti! It is really stressing me out, but we are looking forward to seeing alot of the Ohio family. Then we are headed back for a week in Knoxville. Andy is driving back and leaving me and Maddie for a few more days, then she and I are flying back alone. I'm getting more and more stressed about this trip as it gets closer...so I need a lot of prayers right now!<br /><br />Alright, I think that is it for our updates! Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season...now off to Christmas shop!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-77862620361598115412009-11-18T11:13:00.000-08:002009-11-18T11:39:27.595-08:00Holiday PreparationsThanksgiving is an interesting holiday around the Greiner home. As the vagabond children who moved away, we can't just hop in the car and pop in at this house for lunch, this house for dinner, this house for coffee and dessert, etc. The first year we lived in Texas, we flew home for Thanksgiving and drove up for Christmas. However, because of Andy's busy work schedule, the baby, etc., that's just not feasible anymore. Having just made the drive in October, we are definitley NOT coming up for Thanksgiving. We've been very blessed every year to have been "adopted" by the families of friends and provided a great meal. This year, we recieved even more invitations than we usually do (proof again of the wonderful friends we've made). As much as we love spending time with our friends, it's always a little bittersweet to be involved in someone else's holiday tradition. We always knew exactly what we were missing at home.<br /><br />I love traditions. I love the idea of "this is how WE always do it!" whatever it may be. It's so precious in a family to just know things are going to be a certain way. Being here and being away from those traditions is difficult, especially now that we have a child. BUT...this year we finally decided to stop greiving over the Thanksgiving traditions we were missing out on, and eavesdropping in on those of other families, and start creating our own. We have our own little family now...it reminds me of a bible verse my Dad quotes often in church: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I will be in their midst." Our family may be small, but we are still a loving--and fun-loving--family! So the Texas Three are giving Thanksgiving a makeover, Greiner-style!<br /><br />Andy has often mentioned when he was very young and his family lived in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, that they would host an "Orphan's Thanksgiving". Anyone from his Dad's work that had relocated away from home would be invited for dinner. Andy mentioned that maybe one of our new traditions could be hosting an Orphan's Thanksgiving of our own. So, that's the plan. I'm not going to lie, I'm freaking out. I NEVER cook at Thanksgiving! Sure, I stir this, or arrange that, and I never mind baking...but a TURKEY?!?!? With stuffing? Holy smoke...what have I gotten myself into? I hope my guests won't mind if I have to call Domino's.<br /><br />I plan on taking lots of pictures of the preparations and finished products. AND this gives us a chance to finally bust out that electric knife we got for a wedding gift almost 6 years ago!<br /><br />And today is Wednesday...that means just about a week until T-Day! Yikes!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-25582808657923390072009-11-03T05:44:00.000-08:002009-11-03T06:32:43.897-08:00Halloween<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0dByOYrI/AAAAAAAAKyA/czIuEX8aJUQ/s1600-h/PA310079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0dByOYrI/AAAAAAAAKyA/czIuEX8aJUQ/s320/PA310079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399873626517168818" border="0" /></a>Halloween really snuck up on us this year! With all the traveling Andy and I had both been doing, plus being sick, plus the death in the family, I don't think we really ever got into the Halloween spirit, if there is such a thing! So with just a few days to spare I put together Maddie's "Rock Star" costume. I wanted to have something that was made up of actual clothes...because seriously people, this girl hates getting dressed in general, so a heavy costume with something to put over her head was out. It didn't turn out exactly as I pictured. I think I had something more Disney-rock-esque in mind...and it ended up looking pretty punk rock! But it was a big hit and she was comfortable, so that's all that mattered!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA1P8VdJBI/AAAAAAAAKyo/2AklGTlTBAY/s1600-h/PA310102.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA1P8VdJBI/AAAAAAAAKyo/2AklGTlTBAY/s320/PA310102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399874501227652114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0c0jA8tI/AAAAAAAAKx4/dGRsdSK3udI/s1600-h/PA310074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0c0jA8tI/AAAAAAAAKx4/dGRsdSK3udI/s320/PA310074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399873622963712722" border="0" /></a><br />The usual tradition at Halloween has been for several houses on our block, along with some friends from other neighborhoods, to gather at our house to give out candy. It was usually a big hit with the kids, since with one stop they got about 5 times the candy! This year was a little more low-key. Our good friends the Hoelzers brought Maddie's buddy Jordana (aka JoJo) and the Mysers came with Abigail. A couple other friends stopped by after trick-or-treating to play cards with Andy (sounds like I got <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">tricked </span>into that <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">treat </span>for him).<br /><br />Our street gets absolutely mobbed at Halloween. We gave out about 400-500 pieces of candy! And I was really stingy with mine...only one piece unless you had a really great costume. Some of the best ones we saw were Oompa Loompas, a garden gnome, the Narnia kids, and one group of teenagers dressed as the PacMan game (one huge wooden contraption to be PacMan, and then colored tents for the ghosts! It was awesome!). We even had one sweet little girl come up to us and say "Trick or Treat...and GO VOLS!" How great is that?<br /><br />So with the execption of Maddie's having to go to bed at 7--due to yet another day with no afternoon nap--and me getting devoured by mosquitoes (yes, on Halloween, gotta love Texas) it was a great night! Now the real fun can begin...getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, my two favorite holidays!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Family Pic</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA1PpFb93I/AAAAAAAAKyg/TKa2Y9jQMzk/s1600-h/PA310105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA1PpFb93I/AAAAAAAAKyg/TKa2Y9jQMzk/s320/PA310105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399874496060192626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Maddie and JoJo trick-or-treating!<br /><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0dzPWyhI/AAAAAAAAKyY/zVlvX7aiDK8/s1600-h/PA310091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0dzPWyhI/AAAAAAAAKyY/zVlvX7aiDK8/s320/PA310091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399873639792691730" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Scott and Sarah with Bumblebee Abigail<br /><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0dnweiqI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/Toc_TXVG4nw/s1600-h/PA310086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0dnweiqI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/Toc_TXVG4nw/s320/PA310086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399873636710386338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />Madeline, JoJo, and John Hoelzer<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0dYVTcEI/AAAAAAAAKyI/m4SadYuCPh8/s1600-h/PA310080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA0dYVTcEI/AAAAAAAAKyI/m4SadYuCPh8/s320/PA310080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399873632569880642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Even Rock Stars have to take a bath!</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA1QIL6H3I/AAAAAAAAKyw/4LPCc0rX1cw/s1600-h/PA310109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SvA1QIL6H3I/AAAAAAAAKyw/4LPCc0rX1cw/s320/PA310109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399874504408833906" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-37614234992724449122009-10-27T14:33:00.000-07:002009-10-27T15:14:36.415-07:00Goodbye John...Last week my world was shaken when I learned of the tragic death of Andy's cousin John. I have been going back and forth about whether or not I was going to write a post discussing it, but in the end I decided it would help me to put some feelings out there in the Universe, like it helped me when my friend Kelly passed away in June. Just like Kelly, I didn't get to say goodbye face to face. But I think John knew I loved him, all the same.<br /><br />John was what, in the language of teachers, you would refer to as a "good kid." I know his mother, a teacher as well, would agree. So would his father, his older brother, and the scores of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and in-laws that got to love him while he was here. I was one of the last group, the "in-laws." I married into John's clan-like family, and was quickly swept away by the deep love that they all share. I was also blown away by the amazing warmth and hospitality of Andy's Aunt Laurie and Uncle Tom, and the sweetness and fun-loving spirit of their boys, Adam and John.<br /><br />The first time I met John, it was on my first trip to see the "Cincinnati Family" and Andy and I had been together less than a year. I have a lot of memories from that trip, including one of mine and Andy's first real fights (so silly now!) and being quizzed on everyone's name (and not doing so hot). But "little John Carney"--as I called him for the next 7 years--was a highlight of that trip. He was just a kid then, but a lovable, funny, precocious kid who loved to make me laugh. He was never shy around me, and I felt a little bond with him from the beginning. I remember bribing him with a dollar--a whole dollar!--to eat an olive at LaRosa's Pizza. He did, but regretted it. I have wondered 1000 times since then, "Did he ever decide to try olives again?" I know it's crazy, but I was really concerned I had scared him away from them forever! That trip to Cincinnati was special for a lot of reasons, but my memories of John then, as that cute and funny kid, will last forever.<br /><br />As time went by, I saw John at weddings, and for Christmas when we could make it. I remember teaching him "The Lotion Dance" at Liz's wedding (maybe not appropriate, but oh well) and cracking jokes downstairs in his basement with all the cousins. Then we moved, and the time started to slip by. The last time I saw John was two years ago at Christmas. I was struck by how much he had changed. "Little John Carney" was a tall, handsome, confident young man. His bright eyes were the same, even though he wore snazzy wire-rimmed glasses then, and his blonde hair was darkening as he got older. I remember marveling at his self-assuredness. He seemed so comfortable in his own skin, even though he was at an age when most boys are either awkward and reserved, or loud and obnoxious. He still loved to laugh, and to make others smile. If I had known it would be the last time I saw him face to face, I would have hugged him so much longer, and memorized his sweet smile. Now I have to wait until the next life to see it again...but I know I WILL see it again!<br /><br />John's death was so devastating to me. It was harder than others I've faced recently, even my own family members. But it was also completely unexpected and shocking, whearas others weren't. Maybe that's why I took it so hard. I told Andy I didn't feel it was right for me to be so sad...others in John's life had to be hurting much much worse. But even though John wasn't "my" family, and I was only an in-law, I loved him so much. He stands out in my mind like Christmas lights on a tree or candles at a wedding...a bright, shining symbol of some of the happiest times of my life. And that's how I will always remember him, as someone fragile and beautiful that is gone much too soon.<br /><br />I love you, Little John Carney. The next time I see you, you better have saved me a dance!<br /><br /> *****************<br /> <br /> <!-- Page Headings --> <!-- Main Heading --> <span class="heading"> <strong>John T. Carney</strong></span> <br /> <span class="content" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> (May 20, 1989 - October 19, 2009) </span><br /><img src="http://www.webfh.com/images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="1" border="0" height="5" /><br /> <a class="content" href="http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/tributes.cfm?o_id=270983&fh_id=11415"><strong></strong></a><a class="content" onmouseover="window.status='Send Flowers';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.webfh.com/fh/resources/flowershop/home.cfm?&fh_id=11415"><strong></strong></a><p> </p> Carney, John T., beloved son of Thomas and Laurie Carney (nee Beck), dear brother of Adam Carney, loving grandson of Betty Beck, nephew to many aunts and uncles, and many, many cousins. He is also survived by his many SAE fraternity brothers. Graduate of Madeira High School, 2008. October 19, 2009. Friends may call on Friday, October 23rd from 9AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 7630 Shawnee Run Rd. (45243). The family asks that memorials be made to the Madeira Resident Homes for the Mentally Retarded, 6667 Euclid Ave. (45243). Thomas-Justin Memorial has been entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences at www.thomasjustinmemorial.comStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-65449187792362967172009-10-20T04:44:00.000-07:002009-10-20T05:28:24.716-07:00Back to Life...Back to Reality...Attention, I have re-entered the blogosphere! Sorry it has been so long since my last post, but up until a couple of weeks ago, nothing really interesting had happened! And then, since what happened was Andy and I getting deathly ill, I didn't really feel up to posting! According to the friendly neighborhood "Doc-in-a-box" Andy had H1N1, and I had an upper respiratory infection. I was a little confused as to how Andy and I could be sick at the same time, with the same symptoms, and he had swine flu and I didn't. Regardless, the most important thing was Maddie never got sick, and Andy and I are both better now (although I am JUST NOW better, over 2 weeks later!).<br /><br />Also since my last post, we made a quick trip to Tennessee. It was extremely complicated (due to me). I didn't want to fly, because I didn't want to pay American Airlines a thousand dollars in airfare and checked bag fees, and because they wouldn't let me take my carseat on the plane. They said the plane was too small, and I could either hold Maddie for 2 and half hours, or buy her her own seat. When I asked how I was supposed to get a 1 year old to sit still with only a lap belt to restrain her, the lovely help desk employee told me, and I am not making this up: "Umm, I don't know. Like, can you like, just hold her down?" Click. Airline Fail. I hate American Airlines, and they hate me.<br /><br />So we drove. I told Andy I was perfectly capable of driving me and Maddie myself. Luckily, he knows better and flat out refused. So he drove me, flew back, then few back the next weekend so he could pick me up. Husband of the Year? Absolutely!<br /><br />The drive down was HORRIBLE. I convinced Andy it would be a great idea for us to make the 14 hour drive OVERNIGHT. The baby could sleep, we could take turns sleeping vs. driving, etc. Yeah, I was completely wrong. Thanks to an unfortunate encounter with a Mucinex-D, I didn't sleep one minute the night before we left. So during the drive I was going on two nights without sleep and couldn't drive at all without my eyes crossing. I also couldn't rest because of Maddie waking up and screaming for 4 hours. Then Andy was so tired he needed me to stay awake to keep him awake. Then we gave up and pulled over at a rest stop to sleep for an hour or so. We finally made it home alive, thank God. Needless to say, we drove during the day on the way home, and it was 1000 times better. Everyone was happy and rested, and the addition of a DVD player made Maddie handle the drive like a champ.<br /><br />I didn't take alot of pictures, but in summation we had a great time! Andy got to go to the Georgia game on the first weekend, and we had so much fun at the monthly Greiner Family Day. Maddie had a ball with all her aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course her Grandpa and Mimi! We also got to spend some time with my family and my fave lil' buddy, Rylan. Just for the record, Gigi was there, she was just hiding from the camera!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Maddie and PeePaw</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2rXbbuahI/AAAAAAAAKwo/JWQY4GRUoRg/s1600-h/PA090009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2rXbbuahI/AAAAAAAAKwo/JWQY4GRUoRg/s320/PA090009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394656347649108498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Having a snack with Granny<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2rYF68A6I/AAAAAAAAKww/u7PedInpZSU/s1600-h/PA150030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2rYF68A6I/AAAAAAAAKww/u7PedInpZSU/s320/PA150030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394656359054312354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cutie Pie Rylan</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2rZTQLy_I/AAAAAAAAKxA/uCYehQRuZqg/s1600-h/PA160033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2rZTQLy_I/AAAAAAAAKxA/uCYehQRuZqg/s320/PA160033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394656379812957170" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Cousins!<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2rZxoUhGI/AAAAAAAAKxI/r9hvYX_Jy9c/s1600-h/PA160035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2rZxoUhGI/AAAAAAAAKxI/r9hvYX_Jy9c/s320/PA160035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394656387967255650" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />With Uncle Al</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2sKSWDocI/AAAAAAAAKxY/qPXMa3N9K98/s1600-h/PA170042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2sKSWDocI/AAAAAAAAKxY/qPXMa3N9K98/s320/PA170042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394657221382742466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">He really does love me...can't you tell by his face? ;)</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2sJ3RHafI/AAAAAAAAKxQ/Ogvoa4G6Kt8/s1600-h/PA170040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/St2sJ3RHafI/AAAAAAAAKxQ/Ogvoa4G6Kt8/s320/PA170040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394657214114261490" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-36410342143194590472009-09-25T18:55:00.000-07:002009-09-25T19:20:20.448-07:00Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...I decided to copy my BFF Audra (check out her blog <a href="http://audralynno.blogspot.com/">here</a>) by posting how my fall decorating is going. Now, I'm never going to be as crafty as she is, but I do my best. In fact, today I dedicated a couple hours to pure, undiluted CRAFT TIME! with my friend Madeline H. She brought over her little one, and while the girls played, the mommies crafted and enjoyed some "coffee talk." Loved it! We decided to make some Rag Wreaths to celebrate Halloween. If you are interested in how to make these super-cute wreaths, check out <a href="http://audralynno.blogspot.com/2009/05/ragamuffin-wreaths.html">this excellent how-to guide</a>--written by the aforementioned Queen of Crafts herself, Mrs. Audra Lynn. I made only a few modifications to make it more "Halloween-y."<br /><br />Here's the finished product:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sr1520wxyJI/AAAAAAAAKwA/rplBleMIYv0/s1600-h/P9250001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sr1520wxyJI/AAAAAAAAKwA/rplBleMIYv0/s320/P9250001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385594712188110994" border="0" /></a><br />And a close up of the cute fabrics I found at--drumroll, please--Hobby Lobby, the happiest place on Earth!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sr13gXV34NI/AAAAAAAAKvo/GW20WU2bUy0/s1600-h/P9250002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sr13gXV34NI/AAAAAAAAKvo/GW20WU2bUy0/s320/P9250002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385592127310258386" border="0" /></a>In another tribute to dear Dra, I'm including a picture of my Fall Mantle Makeover. I didn't think to take a before picture...but here is the after!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sr16IZ7kFnI/AAAAAAAAKwI/H9VtZ8IfKgo/s1600-h/P9250003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sr16IZ7kFnI/AAAAAAAAKwI/H9VtZ8IfKgo/s320/P9250003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385595014223238770" border="0" /></a>Happy Fall, everyone!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-77192043109822146752009-09-24T08:13:00.000-07:002009-09-24T08:38:44.841-07:00Adventures in Aggie-LandWe spent last weekend enjoying the hospitality of our good friends the Spences. Brian, Dawn, and Nathan live about 3 hours away from here, right next to Texas A&M University. Since they are A&M alums ("Aggies" if you will), along with neighbor-pal Scott, all the guys decided to take in the football game on Saturday while the girls hung out at the house. Andy had a great time at the game--A&M is rich in tradition, and Brian and Scott really enjoyed showing Andy their Alma Mater. And of course I had a fabulous time hanging with the girls. Maddie and her "boyfriend" Nathan definitely had their ups and downs, however. While they did share their first kiss while watching Baby Einstein, there were a lot of issues sharing toys. Soon enough they'll learn what their parents have...love is all about compromise!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Playing with "George" and "Duck"--the most fought after toys of the weekend!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQvdRfnBI/AAAAAAAAKug/E7DuBh8rblI/s1600-h/P9180084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQvdRfnBI/AAAAAAAAKug/E7DuBh8rblI/s320/P9180084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385056924437814290" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />The lone Vol fans!</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQv21xJ8I/AAAAAAAAKuo/pmnWCTjAy6g/s1600-h/P9180086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQv21xJ8I/AAAAAAAAKuo/pmnWCTjAy6g/s320/P9180086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385056931300845506" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />She'd rather read than watch the game...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQwCZPwNI/AAAAAAAAKuw/tUB6pvPNATA/s1600-h/P9190089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQwCZPwNI/AAAAAAAAKuw/tUB6pvPNATA/s320/P9190089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385056934402441426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Maddie is looking irritated, like I interrupted a private moment or something!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQwqXT2bI/AAAAAAAAKu4/996ShU2irio/s1600-h/P9190094.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQwqXT2bI/AAAAAAAAKu4/996ShU2irio/s320/P9190094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385056945131739570" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">She would not get out of the dog's bed...poor Allie!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQxOSydvI/AAAAAAAAKvA/q9TNY2Y3iDY/s1600-h/P9200097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SruQxOSydvI/AAAAAAAAKvA/q9TNY2Y3iDY/s320/P9200097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385056954776450802" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-79324722343634226042009-09-10T14:05:00.000-07:002009-09-10T14:46:08.673-07:00First Haircut (for Maddie and Mommy!)When your baby is born bald as a cueball, and stays looking like Bruce Willis for a looooong time, you kinda forget about haircuts. I never thought I'd see the day when needing to give her hair even the teeniest little trim would be necessary. However, over the last 13 months or so, slowly but surely...her hair has been growing. Maddie has what I deemned the "Reverse Mullet." Long on top, short on the sides. Party in the front, business in the back. Not very comfortable for her, I'm sure. We tried rocking the "blowhole" ponytail (you know, the one that sticks straight up), we tried little pigtails, but today I had to admit it...she needed her haircut. She looked like a sheepdog. I was scared to death of making her look goofy, or worse, like a boy. I contemplated taking her to one of those little kid hairsalons...but I finally found enough courage to tackle it myself!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">before</span>....<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SqlvD2VqZdI/AAAAAAAAKfc/Lu8NwOHJlGw/s1600-h/P9090076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SqlvD2VqZdI/AAAAAAAAKfc/Lu8NwOHJlGw/s320/P9090076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379953341787432402" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">during</span>.... (at this point I was really freaking out, not to mention the fact that I was having to CHASE HER around the room holding scissors!)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SqlvEnD6tzI/AAAAAAAAKfk/00ZpedTdTCs/s1600-h/P9090077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SqlvEnD6tzI/AAAAAAAAKfk/00ZpedTdTCs/s320/P9090077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379953354866341682" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">after</span>! I was convinced I had made a huge mistake. All I could think of was being approached by a million well-meaning old ladies saying "Oh, how cute! How old is HE?"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SqlvFKM6bFI/AAAAAAAAKfs/FwhthyeN4ow/s1600-h/P9090078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SqlvFKM6bFI/AAAAAAAAKfs/FwhthyeN4ow/s320/P9090078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379953364299312210" border="0" /></a>So, to make myself feel better, I grabbed the closest hairbow and voila! Instant baby girl!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SqlvFwqKWtI/AAAAAAAAKf0/ydEpZGgJ8As/s1600-h/P9090080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SqlvFwqKWtI/AAAAAAAAKf0/ydEpZGgJ8As/s320/P9090080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379953374622538450" border="0" /></a><br /></div>The evil glares are because I was getting in the way of her Baby Einstein video. So no damage done, no eyes poked out, and she can actually see now! About an inch and a half of baby bangs are taped in the baby book, and we can move on to the next milestone!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-72902083620021524382009-08-20T17:39:00.000-07:002009-08-20T17:48:46.226-07:00One Year Portraits are Here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/So3ucCx0PdI/AAAAAAAAKNg/dyUuHYm4abk/s1600-h/EJP-007abc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/So3ucCx0PdI/AAAAAAAAKNg/dyUuHYm4abk/s320/EJP-007abc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372212096072433106" border="0" /></a>Many of you have already seen these, or will see them when I email them out here in a few, and upload them onto Facebook, blah blah blah. But without further adieu, here are Maddie's amazing One Year Portraits from Erica Joyce Photography. Jake even blogged about how great the shoot went (see the link on the right). They are just fabulous and I think that the family photos turned out awesome, even though Andy and I joked about how we look like the Pasty Family from Whitetown, Canada. Not much chance to get a tan when you are chasing Maddie around!<br /><br />Anyway, hope you enjoy. Family, I am emailing these out right now. Thanks EJP, you rock!<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);" href="http://www.ericajoyce.com/cust/greiner1yr/">Click Here to See Maddie's Slideshow!</a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-9914785705924478342009-08-19T04:53:00.000-07:002009-08-19T07:47:27.337-07:00Delayed Birthday Post!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SowMTXaDGfI/AAAAAAAAKLw/morO7XkcJKs/s1600-h/P8110508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SowMTXaDGfI/AAAAAAAAKLw/morO7XkcJKs/s320/P8110508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371681982386477554" border="0" /></a>As you know, Maddie celebrated her first birthday on August 11! We were all so excited for this big milestone. The day was a little bittersweet, I have to admit. As much as I am proud and excited of how much she has grown and learned in the last year, I can't help but be sad that she isn't a "baby" anymore! She is eating grown up food, walking (sometimes), talking (sort of) and just turning into a big girl before my eyes!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I was also a little sad that we had to celebrate her big day so far away from family. We were really conflicted about whether to have a big party or not. We could have very easily filled up the house with all our friends and their kids...but in the end we decided that having to host a party would distract us from really enjoying Maddie's day, and making sure she enjoyed it. I think if we had been at home, it would have been a different story. But we still had a great time with our little party of Mommy, Daddy, Gigi, and Maddie!<br /><br />Maddie got some really cool presents from family and friends including pretty clothes and shoes, new toys, books, and two very special baby dolls. Thank you to everyone who sent gifts, cards, and called to wish Maddie a happy birthday! We all appreciate it so much.<br /><br />Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Maddie and Daddy sharing a birthday smooch...</span><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sovoah1brHI/AAAAAAAAKLg/vYXGOajYrVo/s1600-h/P8110036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sovoah1brHI/AAAAAAAAKLg/vYXGOajYrVo/s320/P8110036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371642523026173042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Maddie and Gigi...</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SovoaM28f2I/AAAAAAAAKLY/k-ifs4xn7_s/s1600-h/P8110033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SovoaM28f2I/AAAAAAAAKLY/k-ifs4xn7_s/s320/P8110033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371642517395373922" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />A new red wagon from Mommy and Daddy....</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SovoZtxUr3I/AAAAAAAAKLQ/MdOu8eVddbo/s1600-h/P8110009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SovoZtxUr3I/AAAAAAAAKLQ/MdOu8eVddbo/s320/P8110009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371642509050294130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Her very own chair, from Gigi...</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SovoZBT0u5I/AAAAAAAAKLI/TIzsHKtGP-8/s1600-h/P8110007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SovoZBT0u5I/AAAAAAAAKLI/TIzsHKtGP-8/s320/P8110007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371642497115405202" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cruisin'...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SowOr3EYd6I/AAAAAAAAKMo/UrY0wYrbtdE/s1600-h/P8110022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SowOr3EYd6I/AAAAAAAAKMo/UrY0wYrbtdE/s320/P8110022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371684602225653666" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">All smiles!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SowOrBRkPRI/AAAAAAAAKMg/X8t_3PE2po8/s1600-h/P8110495.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SowOrBRkPRI/AAAAAAAAKMg/X8t_3PE2po8/s320/P8110495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371684587785436434" border="0" /></a><br />Keep an eye out for my next post (I'm sure the excitment is killing you)...I'm including a link to Maddie's awesome One Year Portraits!<br /></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-37525628753544836182009-08-13T13:46:00.000-07:002009-08-13T14:09:30.140-07:00Birthday Week So Far...If you are looking for a birthday update, you will get one--soon! We are all super swamped this week since my Mom is visiting, and we have had a few unexpected events that took up some time as well. Just a few tidbits to tide you over until I can post more....<br /><br />1) Monday we had our One Year Session and Family Portrait with Erica Joyce Photography. We also did a fun "cake smash session" for Maddie. I think the pictures will turn out great, and as soon as they are ready I will post a link!<br /><br />2) Tuesday was Maddie's 1st birthday...oh, I could write a book all about it! And I will write a much longer blog post, including pictures, completed devoted to her big day. Just not right now!<br /><br />3) In case you didn't hear, Maddie can walk! It happened last week, but I couldn't ever catch it on video until her birthday. Here's the video if you haven't seen it!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwEoKkfhqS7jHZA6wJVBhQ8Atezxxb7QtnsFmCjchi381NPEvS5r_fKbsX3nP_rPXWgIjLQnqwsPkCdFRSvrw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">4) I got such an unexpected surprise on Saturday. Through the magic of Facebook, I discovered that a good friend from high school, who I also lived with in college, was driving from Knoxville to San Francisco on her way to begin Seminary. I hadn't seen Carmel in about 5-6 years and I was so thrilled when I saw she was stopping to spend some time in Fort Worth! So of course I let her know she couldn't leave Texas without seeing me and my family. Carmel is a great person, beautiful inside and out, and has devoted her life to serving Christ in whatever way she could. She even spent a year in Africa doing missions--she said the heat here in Texas reminded her of Botswana. Nice.<br /><br />We had a fun lunch in Sundance Square, and I got to introduce her to Andy and Maddie. We chatted about friends from high school and college, and did a little reminisicing. She seems to have forgiven me for the horrible roommate I was. She is definitely in my prayers as she begins her Seminary training.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SoSAGQdXGhI/AAAAAAAAKKo/LDEA_hCWbGA/s1600-h/P8080472.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SoSAGQdXGhI/AAAAAAAAKKo/LDEA_hCWbGA/s320/P8080472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369557500718160402" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">So that's all for right now, but I will get a post up as soon as I can about Maddie's big day! Love and miss you all!<br /></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-16867320503427281052009-08-04T13:11:00.001-07:002009-08-04T14:25:47.901-07:00Babies, Babies Everywhere...This past weekend we had another visit from Audra with Aidan and Neely in tow. Hank-dog stayed back in Louisiana, and the cats were very appreciative. As usual, we had a lot of fun and got into some crazy adventures...well, as crazy as two mommies with 3 kids age 3 and under can get! (Audra, I'll get all this pics to you ASAP).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The girls at the pool...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniW46B0NmI/AAAAAAAAKGY/zz3bfFk1qPo/s1600-h/P7310435.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniW46B0NmI/AAAAAAAAKGY/zz3bfFk1qPo/s320/P7310435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366204860405659234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Nee-Nee being flippin' adorable...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniW5S-LZ-I/AAAAAAAAKGg/wQepdpPrQ-I/s1600-h/P7310436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniW5S-LZ-I/AAAAAAAAKGg/wQepdpPrQ-I/s320/P7310436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366204867101288418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ditto...</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniW6D9Ey9I/AAAAAAAAKGo/CZMOOtJI3yc/s1600-h/P7290429.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniW6D9Ey9I/AAAAAAAAKGo/CZMOOtJI3yc/s320/P7290429.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366204880249998290" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aidan burning off some energy...</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniXkN3wtdI/AAAAAAAAKHA/HQLSPL9tDiU/s1600-h/P7310437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniXkN3wtdI/AAAAAAAAKHA/HQLSPL9tDiU/s320/P7310437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366205604466570706" border="0" /></a><br />We took the kids to Cabela's too. Why, you ask? Because Cabela's is awesome. The one here has a huge walk-through aquarium of freshwater fish and turtles, plus several museum-like displays of stuffed animals (the shot and stuffed dead kind, not the cute and plush toy kind). Probably not the most cheerful thing for a kid if they know the difference between an animal that used to roam free in the wild and a "furry statue"--but luckily none of ours did.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maddie: "Fish are cool!" Neely: "Meh."</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniW7gCQfCI/AAAAAAAAKG4/dEH8TS01pIA/s1600-h/P7310457.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniW7gCQfCI/AAAAAAAAKG4/dEH8TS01pIA/s320/P7310457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366204904967797794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Excited Aidan...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Snilttff-GI/AAAAAAAAKHg/J2V3wu3i1SM/s1600-h/P7310456.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Snilttff-GI/AAAAAAAAKHg/J2V3wu3i1SM/s320/P7310456.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366221160736356450" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cabela's has great clothes too. I though about buying these shoes...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniXk4x8GOI/AAAAAAAAKHI/KMEj8SUmEJU/s1600-h/P8010461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniXk4x8GOI/AAAAAAAAKHI/KMEj8SUmEJU/s320/P8010461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366205615984875746" border="0" /></a>...to go with this swimsuit.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniXlmJwMxI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/Kbhe-pbUjCk/s1600-h/P8010462.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniXlmJwMxI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/Kbhe-pbUjCk/s320/P8010462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366205628164354834" border="0" /></a>Andy, aka "Uncle Pants" also had a good time with the kids, although he conspicuously stayed "busy" most of the time. Hmmm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniXmEbPvLI/AAAAAAAAKHY/W-Z2mxHA_1Q/s1600-h/P8010467.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SniXmEbPvLI/AAAAAAAAKHY/W-Z2mxHA_1Q/s320/P8010467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366205636290788530" border="0" /></a>I was sad to see everyone leave and hopefully they can make a trip back soon. Or maybe I'll make the trek to Shreveport again! The kids have more and more fun together as they get older. Luckily I don't have to worry about not having houseguests for too long--GiGi gets here on Friday!!!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-80667438008848728572009-07-27T11:56:00.001-07:002009-07-27T12:38:24.899-07:00What has Maddie been up to?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Visiting with Grandma...</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm3-vrJO6OI/AAAAAAAAKFY/VlXD1MqnSjk/s1600-h/P7180376.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm3-vrJO6OI/AAAAAAAAKFY/VlXD1MqnSjk/s320/P7180376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363222826256885986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Being annoyed with Mom...<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm37q5SmX7I/AAAAAAAAKEA/NMtYCQCxnNc/s1600-h/P7040312.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm37q5SmX7I/AAAAAAAAKEA/NMtYCQCxnNc/s320/P7040312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363219445620039602" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Lovin' on Dad...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38Z6I7DbI/AAAAAAAAKEo/jhd13Auc-ug/s1600-h/P7160363.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38Z6I7DbI/AAAAAAAAKEo/jhd13Auc-ug/s320/P7160363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363220253301738930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Spending time with friends....</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38bjYZIiI/AAAAAAAAKFI/tlu6lM3WtXA/s1600-h/P7250384.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38bjYZIiI/AAAAAAAAKFI/tlu6lM3WtXA/s320/P7250384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363220281552347682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Chillin' by the pool...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38bRb9ZGI/AAAAAAAAKFA/ATnUicVsC4g/s1600-h/P7250392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38bRb9ZGI/AAAAAAAAKFA/ATnUicVsC4g/s320/P7250392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363220276735468642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Reading some new books...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38awiIW1I/AAAAAAAAKE4/sSqZAvu-fDI/s1600-h/P7260426.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38awiIW1I/AAAAAAAAKE4/sSqZAvu-fDI/s320/P7260426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363220267902982994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Eating out...</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38aQAYe6I/AAAAAAAAKEw/pTlT81AsShE/s1600-h/P7260427.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm38aQAYe6I/AAAAAAAAKEw/pTlT81AsShE/s320/P7260427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363220259171498914" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Learning to wave...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm37rZ4cjgI/AAAAAAAAKEQ/iCQXwwxMLco/s1600-h/P7160356.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm37rZ4cjgI/AAAAAAAAKEQ/iCQXwwxMLco/s320/P7160356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363219454368714242" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and make funny faces...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm37r1ty4nI/AAAAAAAAKEY/k_Enjamk2lg/s1600-h/P7160357.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm37r1ty4nI/AAAAAAAAKEY/k_Enjamk2lg/s320/P7160357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363219461840233074" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and smile for the camera...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm37rDHmHDI/AAAAAAAAKEI/N2GoFp0YeMg/s1600-h/P7140351.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm37rDHmHDI/AAAAAAAAKEI/N2GoFp0YeMg/s320/P7140351.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363219448258239538" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and trying new 'dos.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm387IlBkAI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/b_pNUQe0Wgk/s1600-h/P7260423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sm387IlBkAI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/b_pNUQe0Wgk/s320/P7260423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363220824113385474" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">And keeping everyone entertained, of course.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgcbdRH2229oa6Z9hb2FGw9xAQreZAJEHrkKNAQ-7p14d7r3eqlLft4LPEHtFPYSV5q8Z9SivhZ2pfDQhj1Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-73371771390580923682009-07-14T12:19:00.000-07:002009-07-14T12:52:13.811-07:00Lucky Number 7This is pretty neat...<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009/snapshots/PL4838632.html">http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009/snapshots/PL4838632.html</a><br /><br /></span>Basically, the city I live is was ranked the #7 Best Small Town to Live in the nation! Pretty wild...I guess it makes me reconsider all the complaining I've been doing about my lil' town lately. The article mentions that traffic here is "not a selling point." I've got another not so great selling point to add to that: the weather.<br /><br />Case in point:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SlzbqzocqbI/AAAAAAAAKDI/-lWE81OdsgE/s1600-h/IMG00198.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/SlzbqzocqbI/AAAAAAAAKDI/-lWE81OdsgE/s320/IMG00198.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358399185124895154" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, that is my car thermostat. That was last week...TODAY is supposed to be the hottest day of the year. I'll be inside, thanks!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-12406834658974558862009-06-29T18:28:00.000-07:002009-06-30T05:18:13.615-07:00An Oldie but a Goodie...This video is from when Maddie was about 6 or 7 months old, and I meant to post it then. But it got lost in the depths of my computer and just resurfaced last night. Enjoy!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxA0nsNfrUcVeBMsgzW6CYwyheS6BXOTIhQa4hGD0pRCNUQvbwnOAfMuXvb7bhBsKYIWYRTN9Hp-J8XI1XFWw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />(PS...seeing this made me remember that I haven't posted pictures of our new living room furniture! I'll try to do that this week. Things have been a little hairy here with sick babies and mommies)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439422738217782828.post-36872699419718158832009-06-22T07:34:00.000-07:002009-06-22T08:21:53.656-07:00Fun Father's Day WeekendAndy's first Father's Day Weekend was a lot of fun...I enjoyed it as much as my first Mother's Day! We had really anticipating this weekend for a few reasons: first, our friends Brian and Dawn were coming in town with their little one, Nathan. Nathan and Maddie are 6 weeks apart, so Dawn has been a great resource for me. Nathan is just old enough that he is going through all his baby milestones before Maddie--but not so old that Dawn can't remember the answers to my millions of Mommy questions! We always have such a great time when we all get together--they are another great family we are blessed to have in our lives!<br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-ZPvy6gfI/AAAAAAAAIw4/y8UfXHMMOPw/s1600-h/P6200175.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-ZPvy6gfI/AAAAAAAAIw4/y8UfXHMMOPw/s320/P6200175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350163378146542066" border="0" /></a>Kiddos Playing<br />***<br /><br />***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-ZRJriQaI/AAAAAAAAIxQ/3ssqOqioJ-M/s1600-h/P6200183.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-ZRJriQaI/AAAAAAAAIxQ/3ssqOqioJ-M/s320/P6200183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350163402274783650" border="0" /></a>Sharing Nathan's Favorite Book<br />***<br /><br />***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-ZQJJyWhI/AAAAAAAAIxA/uGzc9W0-k9o/s1600-h/P6200179.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-ZQJJyWhI/AAAAAAAAIxA/uGzc9W0-k9o/s320/P6200179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350163384953362962" border="0" /></a>Handsome Boy!<br />***<br /><br />***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-ZQosSBYI/AAAAAAAAIxI/74CMv5yoNyQ/s1600-h/P6200182.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-ZQosSBYI/AAAAAAAAIxI/74CMv5yoNyQ/s320/P6200182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350163393419543938" border="0" /></a>Another "Daddy's Watching The Baby" Pic...Brian and Andy sacked out in the playroom<br />***<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We spent Saturday night at Kensley and Jason's Wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and the reception was a blast. True to form, I cried at least 6 times throughout the night. My friend Elizabeth watched Maddie, but since Nathan is a night owl, he joined the party with us. He was a trooper and so well behaved! Kensley was an absolutely gorgeous bride and my friend Sarah was one of her beautiful bridesmaids.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eW8jKARI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/FsPhOJm-w6s/s1600-h/P6200196.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eW8jKARI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/FsPhOJm-w6s/s320/P6200196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350168999387332882" border="0" /></a>Mr. and Mrs. Sutherlin<br />***<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bP1CuhDI/AAAAAAAAIxw/KuSuIktcuAA/s1600-h/P6200189.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bP1CuhDI/AAAAAAAAIxw/KuSuIktcuAA/s320/P6200189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350165578578297906" border="0" /></a>Brian, Nathan, and Dawn<br />***<br /><br />***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bQHjQBJI/AAAAAAAAIx4/ZJ7yIMT8-BM/s1600-h/P6200202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bQHjQBJI/AAAAAAAAIx4/ZJ7yIMT8-BM/s320/P6200202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350165583546549394" border="0" /></a>Nathan and Brian on the Dance Floor...Nathan LOVES to push his stroller!<br />***<br /><br />***<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bQ4EObGI/AAAAAAAAIyI/2unYfCIi3Sw/s1600-h/P6200214.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bQ4EObGI/AAAAAAAAIyI/2unYfCIi3Sw/s320/P6200214.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350165596569758818" border="0" /></a>After dinner, the Tuxedo T-shirt came out--because Jason and Kenz, they're formal, but they still like to party.<br />***<br /><br />***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bQnbHOoI/AAAAAAAAIyA/kTbzRUDVijE/s1600-h/P6200206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bQnbHOoI/AAAAAAAAIyA/kTbzRUDVijE/s320/P6200206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350165592102353538" border="0" /></a>Scott, Sarah, and Abigail<br />***<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bRdHDGwI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/iwWaFjXHtOk/s1600-h/P6200215.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-bRdHDGwI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/iwWaFjXHtOk/s320/P6200215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350165606513711874" border="0" /></a>Sarah, Kenz, and Me!<br />***<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The next day was Father's Day, and the very first one for all three boys--Scott, Brian, and Andy. The families spent some time at our house in the morning, and the babies got to play!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eXS5GIcI/AAAAAAAAI1g/qSNzYLR5WSs/s1600-h/P6200233.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eXS5GIcI/AAAAAAAAI1g/qSNzYLR5WSs/s320/P6200233.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350169005384933826" border="0" /></a>Little Blessings<br />***<br /><br />***<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eX6jIB6I/AAAAAAAAI1o/koAG3qeFu9w/s1600-h/P6200234.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eX6jIB6I/AAAAAAAAI1o/koAG3qeFu9w/s320/P6200234.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350169016030201762" border="0" /></a>Maddie and Nathan love to read!<br />***<br /><br />***<br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eYFThPzI/AAAAAAAAI1w/gdph0H7GFRw/s1600-h/P6200239.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eYFThPzI/AAAAAAAAI1w/gdph0H7GFRw/s320/P6200239.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350169018917535538" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who, Me?<br />***<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Later that afternoon, we took Maddie and Nathan to the Spray Park in our neighborhood. I think the Daddies had more fun than the babies.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eYjW6qJI/AAAAAAAAI14/2uVQDEZ1zy4/s1600-h/P6210248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-eYjW6qJI/AAAAAAAAI14/2uVQDEZ1zy4/s320/P6210248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350169026984847506" border="0" /></a>***<br /><br />***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-f0CmyLdI/AAAAAAAAI2U/lXcdFj6OcDI/s1600-h/P6210251.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-f0CmyLdI/AAAAAAAAI2U/lXcdFj6OcDI/s320/P6210251.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350170598740995538" border="0" /></a>***<br /><br />***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-f0h3-ghI/AAAAAAAAI2c/DUhtZxPdYgc/s1600-h/P6210259.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eyfgbwMC6wY/Sj-f0h3-ghI/AAAAAAAAI2c/DUhtZxPdYgc/s320/P6210259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350170607134605842" border="0" /></a>Proud Daddies!<br />***<br /><div style="text-align: left;">All in all, another fun and fabulous weekend! We can't wait to get back together with Brian and Dawn for the 4th of July. Hope everyone reading this has a wonderful week, and takes some time to tell special friends how much they mean to them!<br /></div><br /></div></div></div><br /></div><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432620725508880061noreply@blogger.com1