tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30311382760078187762024-02-20T23:25:40.435-06:00The Daily DoseA daily dose of the happenings of a southern girl's everyday life.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-4961117895959538792012-12-20T16:48:00.001-06:002012-12-20T16:48:56.734-06:00Merry Christmas Hello? Anyone still out there? If not, I totally don't blame you one little bit! Yes, I'm still alive (thank you so much to all of you who have sent emails/tweets/etc. checking in on me) - just busy soaking up every ounce of life right now. Abby is at the most fun (albeit sometimes very trying) age ever and I just can't get enough of her or our little family. Hence, this little place on the internet has been completely abandoned for the past 8 months or so. I really hope to get back into blogging in 2013, but I've never been one to write just to write so if my heart's not completely in it then that may not happen either. We'll just have to see what life has in store for the future.<br />
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As a mini update of sorts, we finally sold our house in September, searched high and low for a new one, found nothing, decided to build, put all of our belongings in storage and are living with my wonderful in-laws until the fateful day when our builder says it's all finished and is officially ours. We're shooting for February or March. We were able to visit my family in Raleigh over Thanksgiving and Abby turned two earlier this month which was celebrated with a Dora/Elmo themed party. Now we're busy with Christmas festivities and beginning new family traditions with our sweet girl since this is the first year she really <i>gets</i> it. <br />
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That's about all I have for the moment, so until 2013 (or whenever the mood strikes again) I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-88211946179401509152012-03-07T14:45:00.000-06:002012-03-07T14:45:51.668-06:00So What WednesdayThanks so much for all of the ideas/support/emails/tweets on my last post. You girls are the best! I haven't 100% decided what I'm going to do just yet, but I'm leaning towards giving Weight Watchers another chance and incorporating some other stuff in with it. I'll let you know what ends up working for me.<br />
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In the mean time, it's time for So What Wednesday over at <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/">L.A.I.D.</a><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww29/katieballa/Life%20After%20I%20dew/SoWhatButton.jpg" /></a></center></div>
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<i><b>So what if:</b></i><br />
<ul>
<li>I bought all of the ingredients for a recipe last night and now have no idea what said recipe is. I thought pregnancy brain was supposed to disappear once you were no longer pregnant? Yeah, that didn't happen for me!</li>
<li>I'm sitting here blogging instead of working even though this is one of my busiest weeks of the year and I have more work to do than I know what to do with. Procrastination at its finest.</li>
<li>I really hate my career. I am thankful for my job and I like the people I work with, but, dear Lord, I'd give anything to actually enjoy going to work everyday. Seriously, accounting has got to be the worst career field ever. I wish I could go back in time and slap that stupid girl who chose this as her major instead of nursing! <i>WTF was she thinking?</i></li>
<li>I'm obsessed with Draw Something (username bambrika) even though I'm pretty sure I'm the world's worst artist (seriously, 95% of my drawings contain some kind of verbiage for clarity-sake). It makes me laugh uncontrollably <strike>at myself</strike>.. </li>
<li>I'm counting down the days until The Hunger Games comes out (although I'm a little confused as to why the casting of Gale & Peeta wasn't switched). I can't wait.</li>
<li>I'm also counting down the days (59) until we leave on our cruise. Mama needs a vacation ASAP! </li>
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What are you saying "so what" to this week? Visit <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/" target="_blank">Shannon </a>and tell us all about it! <br />
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Happy hump day, everyone!<br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-14111750199495080642012-03-05T14:39:00.001-06:002012-03-05T14:39:46.255-06:00StuckI sit here for the second day in a row with a Chick-fil-a #1 (no pickles) and sweet tea in front of me. Why? Because I have absolutely no will power when it comes to food. Zip. Zero. Zilch. None.<br />
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I say I want to lose weight, yet I have the hardest time giving up food in order to reach a weight at which I'm happy. I think there's a saying - "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." Not in my mind. In my mind there are few things in this world better to me than Chick-fil-a (or any number of other delicious foods). Very few.<br />
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About a month and a half ago I took the plunge and signed up for Weight Watchers. They were running a special and I know so many people (IRL and in the blog world) who have had great success using their program. So I decided what the heck. I'll give it a try.<br />
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And try it I did. For about 3 weeks. For 3 weeks I logged in before and after every meal to check point values for everything I even thought about eating. For 3 weeks I only allowed myself to eat out 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 Starbucks per week. Prior to that I was eating out almost exclusively breakfast and lunch during the week as well as getting my beloved Starbucks 3-4 times. It was ridiculous!<br />
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So surely, even if I wasn't following point values, just pretty much giving up fast food should have helped me lose at least a few pounds. Throw Weight Watchers on top of it and I was going to look amazing come May 5th when the husband and I leave for our cruise. I may even be able to pack clothes from the pre-Abby era. To say I was excited about this prospect would be a gross understatement. <br />
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So what happened you ask? I didn't lose one single freaking pound. Not one! How is that even possible? While I wasn't counting calories (because that's not the Weight Watchers way) I would estimate that I was easily consuming on average at least 700 calories less per day than I did prior to joining. Did I expect to see miracle numbers in those 3 weeks? Absolutely not. But did I expect to have at least lost a few pounds? Yes, ma'am, I did.<br />
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So now I sit here extremely discouraged with <strike>most</strike> all of my motivation gone and I ask you for help. What works for you guys? How do you stay motivated? What do you do to curb your cravings for things that taste oh-so-good, but are oh-so-bad for you? Help a girl out! Pretty please! <br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-20724250294677719922012-03-01T14:58:00.001-06:002014-03-31T14:44:18.575-05:00Bucket ListIf you're like me you have a million and one things you want to do throughout your lifetime. I've been wanting to write these down for a while now so I figure today is as good of a time as any. So here it is - my bucket list (in no particular order).<br />
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<ol>
<li>Swim/dive with dolphins</li>
<li>Buy an old Victorian-style home and renovate it</li>
<li>Design and build our forever home</li>
<li>Watch Abby graduate from high school and college</li>
<li>Watch Abby get married and have a family of her own</li>
<li>Travel to Europe</li>
<li>Live in NYC (even if just for a few months)</li>
<li>Go back to the Caymans</li>
<li>Visit all 50 states (I've been to 19 so far - NC, SC, TN, FL, GA, VA, TX, OR, WA, NV, AK, NY, CA, IL, AL, WV, MN, IN, MD)</li>
<li>Scuba dive in Australia</li>
<li>Hold a Koala cub</li>
<li>Retire</li>
<li>Be a SAHM (at least for a little while)</li>
<li>Stay at an all-inclusive resort</li>
<li>Go to nursing school and change careers</li>
<li>See UT play football in all of the SEC stadiums</li>
<li>Go to a Dave Matthews concert</li>
<li>Go on a girls-only trip</li>
<li>Take Abby to the American Girl store</li>
<li>Go to Ikea</li>
<li>Vacation in Wilmington, NC</li>
<li>Scuba dive at a wreck site</li>
<li>Visit Niagara Falls</li>
<li>Go zip-lining at Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, NV</li>
<li>Go to Mardi Gras</li>
<li>Go to a spa resort for at least a weekend</li>
<li>Visit the Biltmore House</li>
<li>Go snow-skiing in Colorado</li>
<li>Find a career that I enjoy</li>
<li>Re-read all of the Harry Potter, Twilight, & Hunger Games books</li>
<li>Volunteer at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital</li>
<li>Volunteer more period</li>
<li>Find a church that we enjoy</li>
<li>Read the entire Bible</li>
<li>Go camping</li>
<li>Go to the Kentucky Derby</li>
<li>Visit Las Vegas with the husband (we've both been separately, but never together)</li>
<li>Take Abby to Disney World</li>
<li>Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter</li>
<li>Have a chef's kitchen</li>
<li>Learn to sew</li>
<li>Master shooting in manual</li>
<li>Complete Abby's college fund</li>
<li>Own a boat</li>
<li>Visit Charleston, SC</li>
</ol>
So there it is - 45 things I hope to accomplish during my life at this point. I'm sure this list will evolve and change throughout the years, but it's a good starting point anyway. What's on your bucket list?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post written as an entry to the $500 <a href="http://www.goodfinancialcents.com/share-your-bucket-list-and-win-500/" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Good Financial Cents</a> giveaway.</span></div>
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-57020535321323656132012-02-27T16:08:00.001-06:002012-02-27T16:08:45.549-06:00A Weekend of FirstsFirst, I just want to say thank you to everyone who either commented on or sent me an email on my last post. Your kind words and prayers mean more than you'll ever know. Thank you!<br />
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On a lighter note, this weekend was pretty fabulous if I do say so myself. Friday night we hung out at home and Abby took her first steps - 3 in a row. I then tried for the rest of the weekend to get her to do it again without much luck. I think she did it again twice, but only when we weren't really looking at her. Life's about to get really exciting!<br />
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On Saturday Abby spent the night with her Mimi so the husband and I could have a very needed date night. This is only the 2nd time Abby's spent the night over there and the first while I've been home (the other time happened while I was in Las Vegas for a work trip). Needless to say, it was a much needed night without the baby for the hubs and me! <br />
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We spent our night with dinner at <a href="http://www.mccabepub.com/" target="_blank">McCabe Pub</a> and a night out on the town at <a href="http://www.3rdandlindsley.com/" target="_blank">3rd & Lindsley</a> to see <a href="http://www.andydavisonline.com/splashpage/" target="_blank">Andy Davis</a> play. If you ever have a chance to hear him play you should definitely go. His music is so fun! He's definitely one of our local favorites. Bonus, since he's a local guy he's friends with many of the other local artists around town and Jeremy Lister and Richie Lister of <a href="http://streetcornersymphony.org/" target="_blank">Street Corner Symphony</a> (any Sing Off fans out there?) were there and joined in on a few of the songs. So fun!<br />
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We had a great time, but sadly I have zero pictures from the night. We did joke with one another at dinner though that we really had no idea what to do since we weren't having to entertain the one year old! We were also home and in bed by midnight. Funny how life changes!<br />
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Now some of you may have heard there was a little<a href="http://www.blissdomconference.com/" target="_blank"> blog conference</a> in town this weekend which meant there were lots of fabulous ladies in town as well. Sadly, I wasn't able to make it over to the hotel to meet everyone like I had hoped, but I was able to have breakfast Sunday morning with a few fabulous ladies (some who were here for the conference and some fellow Nashville bloggers). Although none of us had ever met prior to this weekend, it was as if we had all known each other for years. We talked and laughed for a good two hours and probably would have stayed longer if some of the girls didn't have to be at the airport. This is why I love social media! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Claire & Abby had so much fun together</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.babydmakes3.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lauren</a> (& Claire), <a href="http://farrarfour.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Annie</a>, <a href="http://www.iloveyoumorethancarrots.com/" target="_blank">AP</a>, <a href="http://momentswiththemays.com/" target="_blank">Laura</a>, <a href="http://www.livinwiththelindseys.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a>, <a href="http://www.southern-blonde.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a>, & me (& Abby)</span></span></div>
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We ended Sunday by attempting to take Abby to the park. Unfortunately, the one we chose was more for older kids so I took her down the slide a few times and we called it a day, headed over to the mall to get her fitted for real shoes, and then headed home to watch the Oscars. Well, Abby and I watched them anyway. Happy Monday, everyone. <br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-11764636959372330322012-02-22T16:45:00.000-06:002012-02-22T16:45:04.676-06:00Well THAT was unexpected<i>I'm about to put it ALL out there. Please don't be mean (or judge) - we all have skeletons and things we can't control. However, we all also have the opportunity to learn from those if we so choose. And while these are my skeletons, they are also a big part of what has made me the person I am today. I'd also like to say that this is not a "woe is me" type of post and, although, it could most certainly be read that way, this is not how it's intended. I'm simply telling part of my story - the good with the bad. That is all.</i><br />
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Last Thursday morning I received a phone call - one that would rock my world far harder than I'd ever imagined. My father had passed away the night before. If we had anything that resembled a "normal" relationship then I would have expected to be a complete wreck over this news. We, however, definitely did NOT have a "normal" relationship...or really any relationship at all for that matter.<br />
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You see,<i> </i>my father made some very poor decisions throughout his 51 years (yeah, my parents were babies when they got married and had me) on this earth and because of those decisions I made the choice years ago that he had lost the opportunity to be a part of my life. For <strike>most</strike> all of my life he was either in prison or on the run because of drugs or other petty crimes (I'm not discounting his crimes by any means, but he wasn't a hard-core criminal - he harmed himself, but as far as I know he never did anything to harm other people. Not really sure why I feel the need to explain that, but I do). Honestly, I don't know all of the details - I just know what I've been told by others, but I've been told by many that he wasn't a bad person. He had lots of demons that he could never escape. And while that may be true, I decided long ago that until those demons were under control I didn't want him to be a part of my life. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Because if I had followed that same logic with my own life, then chances are I wouldn't be the person I am today - just sayin'. </i></span>Right or wrong this was the decision I made and the decision I will now have to live with forever. I'll never get the chance to know if we could ever have a somewhat "normal" relationship or if he was ever able to overcome the demons in his life. I'll never know for sure and I think that's one of the things that upsets me most. That and the fact that he <strike>probably</strike> died thinking that his only child hated him.<br />
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Not that it matters anymore, but I didn't hate him. I was extremely disappointed in <strike>and ashamed of</strike> him, yes, but I didn't hate him. Other than never being an actual father to me over my almost 30 years of life, he never harmed me in any way and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he did love me. That love just wasn't enough to keep him out of trouble. <br />
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A couple of years ago during one of his many stints in prison he tried to contact me, but I wasn't ready to trust him yet so I turned him away again. I didn't trust that he had changed this time like he claimed. I've found out things over the past weekend that make me think he may have finally been on the right path, so now I question that decision and find myself wishing that I could go back and at least give him the benefit of the doubt if even for just a few minutes so I could know for sure. Clearly I can't so I'm left wondering. I've been through a lot in my life, but this by far is the most difficult situation I think I've ever found myself involved with. Quite honestly, it sucks. Plain and simple. <br />
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The only good thing I have been about to get out of it is the hope that I learned a difficult lesson. And that? Forgive while you have the chance because tomorrow that chance may be gone.<br />
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Now, that I've gotten to this point - I'm not 100% sure of where I was going with this or even why I'm choosing to share it, but I am. So there it is - my father died and I'm way more upset about it that I ever thought possible and unfortunately there's not a darn thing I can do to change the path that brought me here.<br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-5998884573097334492012-02-15T11:24:00.000-06:002012-02-15T11:24:43.268-06:00So What WednesdayI'm linking up with one of my favorites, <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/">Shannon</a>, today.<br />
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So what if:<br />
<ul><li>I haven't blogged in FOREVER (other than Abby's monthly letters...which are ALWAYS late) and I keep putting off returning because I have no idea where to pick up. Maybe I'll just do it and act like I never left. Maybe.</li>
<li>one of the main reasons I don't blog anymore is because I can't seem to find time to upload pictures to the freaking computer. And let's not even talk about editing said pictures. I mean, can someone please just come do this stuff for me?!?!? </li>
<li>I am completely overwhelmed with joy that one of my sorority sisters who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer almost 3 weeks ago had a 100% successful surgery and is now cancer-free. Miracles do happen and God is good! </li>
<li>I just put myself on the wait-list for a Blissdom ticket even thought I know I can't get off work. Maybe I'll just come to the stuff in the evenings and on Saturday. </li>
<li>the only reason I want to go to Blissdom is to meet all my bloggy friends and because I'll feel like I'm missing out on something (I have a MAJOR case of FMS in case you haven't already realized that) if I don't get to go. </li>
<li>the announcement of Rascal Flatts playing on Saturday night <strike>probably</strike> has absolutely nothing to do with me getting on that wait-list either. ;)</li>
<li>even if I don't end up at the actual conference I'm super excited about the Blissdom breakfast we have scheduled for that Sunday morning. I can't wait to meet some fellow Nashville girls as well as one of my bloggy favorites - <a href="http://www.iloveyoumorethancarrots.com/">AP</a>! Seriously, I get giddy thinking about it! <strike> I'm so lame!</strike> Btw, if you're still going to be here Sunday morning and you want to come, let us know and we'll send you the details. </li>
</ul>What are you saying "so what" to this week? <br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-27220746656933038572012-02-12T09:25:00.000-06:002012-02-12T09:25:30.866-06:00We Made It! (12.3.11)<i>I do realize this is WAY overdue, but I started writing it and then ran out of time/forgot about it, but I wanted to finish because, let's get real, this is the only way I'm going to remember anything years down the road! </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjqgu6QTXm8FeWhqotdmOfd8OGO827iQOZCbe9oKFzfPiiHouqI1e-s2iah-vQ37yCyV3f0ITVxAEuZ4DIn77PQ65PoB3Qy3fb4kahL_1dq0fIukdwMyhXXCnlVnXN1RCudI5d0QLrWI/s1600/December_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjqgu6QTXm8FeWhqotdmOfd8OGO827iQOZCbe9oKFzfPiiHouqI1e-s2iah-vQ37yCyV3f0ITVxAEuZ4DIn77PQ65PoB3Qy3fb4kahL_1dq0fIukdwMyhXXCnlVnXN1RCudI5d0QLrWI/s320/December_0357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">12.3.11 - Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Girl!</span></i></div><br />
Dear Abigail,<br />
<br />
I absolutely cannot believe you are a year old! How in the world did this past year go by so fast? In some ways it feels as if we just brought you home from the hospital last week, but in other ways I feel like you've been with us forever. I truly can't imagine life without you anymore. You are the light of our lives and we feel so blessed that we have you. This year has been the hardest and most rewarding of our lives and we can't wait to see what next year brings (hopefully, sleep...I'm kidding...a little).<br />
<br />
You weigh 16 lbs, 9 oz (<5%) and are 28 inches tall (50%) with a head circumference of 17 inches (5%) - our petite little bit. You seem to be healthy, but the doctor is a little concerned with your weight so we've been instructed to "give you anything you want" and "add a little butter" when it comes to food and we have to go back for a weight check in 6 weeks (on January 19th). This is proving to be a little more difficult than anticipated because you've definitely decided that you're a bit of a picky eater. You've also decided that you want to do it yourself (meaning feed yourself) which is great except for the fact that it can literally take you 2 hours to eat dinner at times. Eye yi yi! I guess we'll just keep working on it.<i> Edited to add: 6 weeks later we went back to the doctor and you were up to 18lbs and back on the growth chart. </i><br />
<br />
This month we celebrated your last first holiday {tear}, Thanksgiving, by going to Memamma & Granddaddy's house for dinner. Memamma makes the best food ever and I was so excited for you to try new things, but you really weren't interested in any of them much to my dismay. Oh, well! One day you're going to realize just what you're missing when it comes to table food! :)<br />
<br />
In other food-related news, we made the transition to whole milk this month and also closed the book on our breastfeeding journey (which I plan to write an entire post on at some point. I promise - I've already started it - so please hold me to it) on the night of your first birthday. You transitioned to whole milk beautifully and while initially the weaning process didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped it really didn't end up being nearly as painful/traumatic as I'd anticipated. I'm so so so thankful (and proud) that we were able to make it to a year.<br />
<br />
Sleep isn't really any better or any worse - you still have nights where you'll sleep all night without a peep, others where you wake up once or twice and then go back to sleep on your own, and still others where you wake up hysterical and finish the night on the couch with either mommy or daddy. Naps are also about the same - you do great at Mimi & Pappy's house by taking 2 good naps in the pack 'n play, but at home you want to have no part in napping anywhere other than your carseat or on the couch with mommy or daddy. I just don't think you're ever going to be a "good" sleeper (at least when you're at home) and I'm starting to come to terms with it; although, honestly I'd be greatly appreciative if you decide to change your mind! ;)<br />
<br />
You have 3 teeth now (2 bottom front and top front left) and have been working on that top front right one for what seems like forever. You still scoot all over the place and you can absolutely fly if you're on the hardwoods or tile! You're pulling up on furniture and cruising like a pro now as well. I don't think it'll be long before you get brave and let go either. You've learned to imitate Neyland (our cat) and have the most realistic meow ever. If we ask you what the Neyland says, you meow at us. You also know that Lexi (our dog) barks, and you can say mama, daddy, and duckie (you ADORE this thing). You point to your ears and nose when asked and you wiggle your tongue when we ask where your tongue is. Favorite toys include mommy and daddy, the cats, Lexi's bone, and anything you're not supposed to play with (seriously).<br />
<br />
We also celebrated your first birthday this month with a big party on your actual birthday with our closest friends and family. I hope to do an entire post on this as well with TONS of pictures, but it's safe to say that you had a fabulous time and cake is now your most favorite thing in the world. Seriously! You cried when we took it away! :) We love you so much, Abby-girl, and are so thankful to have you in our lives and for how wonderful you've made this past year. We can't wait to experience the pure joy you will bring to us over the next year. We love you more than you'll ever know!<br />
<br />
Forever,<br />
<br />
Mama<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-24217136098564921802011-11-28T13:59:00.000-06:002011-11-28T13:59:31.061-06:00Children's Book Exchange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqJHB-F_rMvTf6ZNA4JY2U3jqbxqc1IN9vOgKk7XMXDI0cn6_0-kf5JTulJHS1OXwJBl9bkd1AFHHbFRhv3O-NW4O3hpZcYvJiJIpP38NznzIE8oKPf57V3T8hFFMpmQ_YEjhcQvVblM/s1600/kidsbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqJHB-F_rMvTf6ZNA4JY2U3jqbxqc1IN9vOgKk7XMXDI0cn6_0-kf5JTulJHS1OXwJBl9bkd1AFHHbFRhv3O-NW4O3hpZcYvJiJIpP38NznzIE8oKPf57V3T8hFFMpmQ_YEjhcQvVblM/s1600/kidsbooks.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>image via google</i></span></div><br />
If you're on Twitter you've probably heard of the book exchange that's going on. If not, here's the gist of it. You send 1 book to a child whose name you receive when you sign up as well as information on the book exchange to 6 of your mommy friends. In return, you should receive 36 books for your child. Sounds great, right? Now, who wants to sign up? :) <br />
<br />
Happy Cyber-Monday, everyone! Shop away!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-46848619919663196422011-11-22T16:48:00.000-06:002011-11-22T16:48:06.960-06:00Abby's 11 Months (11.3.11)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nciJVnYw-N3FlDAe5cvwQo3awlxDbTY1Y_baEKwBpJYXIcU9ZpF5hYRi29zBJ_f_jSDy7lbZR9fac6VySVALh0C-I3Q2IqVn8vSlWJIn1TsOcq4p-tLDbVAMoXWGE4MlrdSlE4022ZY/s1600/11+months-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nciJVnYw-N3FlDAe5cvwQo3awlxDbTY1Y_baEKwBpJYXIcU9ZpF5hYRi29zBJ_f_jSDy7lbZR9fac6VySVALh0C-I3Q2IqVn8vSlWJIn1TsOcq4p-tLDbVAMoXWGE4MlrdSlE4022ZY/s320/11+months-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">11 months - 11.3.11</span></i></div><br />
<br />
Sweet Pea,<br />
<br />
We've almost made it - you're 11 months! Only one month shy of ONE YEAR! And what an amazing month it's been. You went to your 1st pumpkin patch, celebrated your 1st Halloween, made your 2nd trip to NC, went to your 1st North Carolina Great State Fair where you experienced your 1st turkey leg (you loved it), and have even become somewhat mobile. You are an absolute joy and bring so much happiness everywhere you go.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, no doctor's visits this month so I'm unsure of your stats, but you're wearing mostly 9 month clothes and size 3 diapers (size 4 at night). In dresses, you're wearing 12 months solely for the length and in pants you can still wear 6 months because of the waist - you're a tall, skinny little girl! <br />
<br />
You're beginning to eat some table foods, but you're easily distracted and want to play with them mostly so we still rely pretty heavily on the pureed stuff which you love. Nursing is still your favorite past-time and you would do it all day long if I would allow it! You're going to be a difficult one to wean for sure (btw, we're hoping to work on that in the upcoming month, but we'll see)! <br />
<br />
You were doing so well with sleep and had been sleeping through the night consistently for about 2 weeks. And then? We went to NC and you've completely reverted back to getting up 2-3 times a night. Your daddy and I've joked that now we won't be taking another trip with you anywhere until you STTN for at least 6 months straight! :) One day you're just gonna get it (at least I sure hope so or your momma is going to be a permanent zombie)!<br />
<br />
Until then you make up for lack of sleeping with your cuteness! You started giving kisses and hugs this month (both on your own and on demand) and I do believe it's the sweetest thing I've ever experienced. Seriously, there is nothing better than picking you up and having your little arms wrap around my neck and squeeze me so hard that it almost hurts. NOTHING! I melt on a daily basis! You now try to repeat your name as a little game which is also ridiculously cute. Your daddy started this with you - him or I will say "Aaaaa-bi-GAIL" and every single time you respond with "Aaaaaa-bah!" THE cutest!<br />
<br />
It's also safe to say that this month you are well on your way to being mobile. Really in just the last couple of days you have perfectly mastered getting exactly where you want to go by scooting on your bottom. We are in trouble because you are quick!<br />
<br />
Some of your favorite things this month are Ducky (whom you give kisses to every single time you pick him up), Neyland (you love to<strike> beat on</strike> pet him - we're working on being gentle), books/magazines, Baby Genius dvds, your exersaucer, and watching other kids (you get SO excited as soon as you even see another child).<br />
<br />
This is your last month as a baby and I know we'll make the most of it! We love you so much, Abby-girl, and are so thankful for you everyday! <br />
<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
<br />
Mama<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-4340091182810455152011-11-22T16:47:00.000-06:002011-11-22T16:47:23.834-06:00Abby's 10 months (10.3.11)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqfyZ3uX-mluU5eDgMsSqNxnSqYj_yvVE5kYsB1uTQPK72yLqMMk5Ppscz0V5gsK6F4LMKvRU94-rdFC5fJjADFkif8kcgMQc-jRI9dhYJt6t-g1DzUxfvDRauIkXImTzO_6d374vHyI/s1600/10+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqfyZ3uX-mluU5eDgMsSqNxnSqYj_yvVE5kYsB1uTQPK72yLqMMk5Ppscz0V5gsK6F4LMKvRU94-rdFC5fJjADFkif8kcgMQc-jRI9dhYJt6t-g1DzUxfvDRauIkXImTzO_6d374vHyI/s320/10+months.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>10 months - 10.3.11</i></span></div><br />
<br />
Abby-girl,<br />
<br />
We've reached the double-digits which means we're only two months from you turning 1. OMG, hold me! Momma's so not ready for this! You are still the sweetest baby in the whole wide world and you are still growing and changing so much everyday. You make your daddy and I so very proud and we love you more than you'll ever know. <br />
<br />
We didn't go to the doctor this month so I'm not sure about your actual size, but you're wearing mostly 6-9 month and 9 month clothes and size 3 diapers during the day and size 4 at night. You still love to nurse and do it at least 3 times a day and you're eating 3 solid meals a day of purees. We've introduced a few finger foods (puffs and pears) and you're beginning to get the hang of them; although, you definitely prefer playing with them to eating them. Hopefully, now that you're finally getting some teeth, we'll be able to really begin transitioning you to finger and table foods.<br />
<br />
That's right! You finally got your first tooth (bottom left front) at 3 days shy of 10 months on 9.30.11. Mommy was seriously beginning to think that you may never get any teeth! You took teething like a champ for the most part. You were a little fussier than normal, but you never woke up at night and the only reason we even noticed it was because you were chewing on some keys and I checked your mouth just to be sure you weren't hurting yourself. Imagine my excitement when I felt that little razor blade of a tooth in there! Bye-bye sweet gummy smile! :)<br />
<br />
Speaking of bye-bye, waving is your new favorite thing. Occasionally you still wave by turning your palm towards your face and curling your fingers, but for the most part now your wave has transformed into what me and your daddy call the Mrs. America wave. You stick your little arm straight up in the air and hold it there as still as can be with your fingers spread wide open. It's so cute. In fact, mommy took you to the grocery store the other day and you literally spent almost the entire time we were there with that little arm up in the air waving at every single person who passed. You're turning into quite the little social butterfly and I love it!<br />
<br />
Your other new trick this month might be my most favorite yet - you learned to give kisses and they are the best kisses (and sometimes also the wettest) in the whole world. You lean your little head in and stick your mouth up to whomever's giving you a kiss and then you usually close your eyes and smile really big. It's adorable. Every once in a while you surprise us and open your mouth really wide and/or stick out your tongue as well.<br />
<br />
In the toy department, some of your new favorites are balls (you'll sit on the floor and roll/toss the ball back and forth with daddy for forever), books (you LOVE to be read to or to just sit and flip the pages on your own) and these little animal shaped cars that your Mimi got for you. Mommy also found your ticklish spot (under your arms) this month and it elicits fabulous belly laughs from you!. <br />
<br />
Another first this month was your first trip to the pumpkin patch. You had a great time, but in all honesty you really didn't care too much about the actual pumpkins. You were way more interested in playing with the grass and dirt. While there we also went through the corn maze and you saw lots of animals including the goats which were your favorites. I stood you up right against the fence and you immediately stuck your little hand inside to try to pet the goat and you just got so excited. Again, so freaking cute!<br />
<br />
It was a great month, baby girl! Even though I keep thinking it's not possible, they keep getting better and better. So here's to next month. We love you, sweet girl!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-6372766555140837002011-11-22T16:46:00.000-06:002011-11-22T16:46:30.628-06:00Abby's 9 Months (9/3/11)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnU5zbLVAaa53jgx9O1qb7ui6QhFIN3xENSyqK1eWofjWiZA3mNle1eUwFn6p-cq_K0yhQcs0_9q5fpkw0xDWaA66ZumREkWt3HqXoAndKrEwp2pkswOg2l8YcsfJLBr7eqswQsQux4I/s1600/9+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnU5zbLVAaa53jgx9O1qb7ui6QhFIN3xENSyqK1eWofjWiZA3mNle1eUwFn6p-cq_K0yhQcs0_9q5fpkw0xDWaA66ZumREkWt3HqXoAndKrEwp2pkswOg2l8YcsfJLBr7eqswQsQux4I/s320/9+months.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>9 months - 9.3.11</i></span> <br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Abby,<br />
<br />
Nine months! Really? Please tell me how this happened? You are most certainly getting closer to toddler-hood every day and I love it and hate it all at the same time! You are hands down the sweetest baby in the whole wide world and I can't soak up enough time with you. You are my whole world and I wouldn't have it any other way. The smiles you bring to your daddy and I can't be matched by anything else and we love you more and more every single day.<br />
<br />
At your appointment this month you weighed in at exactly 16 lbs (25%), 27.5 inches long (50%) and your head is 17 inches. You're tall and skinny. I totally get the skinny part because both your daddy and I were string beans all through our childhoods, but I have no clue from where that tall gene came! You're wearing mostly 6-9 month clothes with a few 6 month and 9 month things thrown in and size 3 diapers. You've yet to wear an actual pair of shoes, but if you did I'm pretty sure you'd wear a size 2 - your feet are teeny tiny!<br />
<br />
This month it feels as if you're constantly learning something new. Your latest tricks are waving bye-bye and clapping. You still aren't really saying many words, but you did give your daddy the best present ever by saying "Da-da" with meaning for the first time on his birthday. I also think you've said bye-bye a few times while waving, but it's definitely not consistent so I'm not sure if that was just coincidence or not. You love to walk while holding on to our fingers and I fear you'll be walking way before this mommy's ready! <br />
<br />
You are officially eating 3 solid meals a day (about 2 cubes each meal) - typically a fruit for breakfast, a veggie for lunch and dinner can go either way. You've tried lots of things at this point, but we still aren't very adventurous with food just yet. We've given you some puffs and cheese and you'll eat them if we put them in your mouth, but you still haven't quite made the connection that you can feed them to yourself yet (which I find hilarious since anything non-food-related goes straight to your mouth if you get your little hands on it). Nursing is still going fabulously - you nurse 1st thing in the morning, as soon as mommy gets home from work (which we're working on phasing out, and in the evening before bed. During the day you're drinking about 10oz of BM from a sippy cup. Yep, you read that correctly, a sippy cup! All of a sudden one day you just up and decided you no longer wanted a bottle and you've never looked back. I should be thankful we never had to fight that battle, but this new development made me very sad because it was just another all-too-familiar sign that my baby is growing up right before my very eyes.<br />
<br />
And, hallelujah I think we've finally turned a corner in the sleep department (although if you ask your daddy he'll likely disagree)! You still have pretty frequent bad nights (which almost always happen when daddy's home) for sleep, but you're also having so many more good nights now. On a good night I can put you to bed between 8-9 and you'll sleep until 6-7 the next morning. And your bad nights aren't usually that bad anymore because you'll typically only get up twice. <br />
<br />
We pulled out your Laugh 'n Learn kitchen this month and you really like it. Also, the Baby Genius dvds are a big hit. If we put one on, you'll happily play in your exersaucer and watch it for what seems like forever. Some days this is one of the few ways mommy and daddy can get anything accomplished. :) Otherwise, your favorites list hasn't really changed from last month. <br />
<br />
We love you so much, sweet girl, and are thankful every single day that our lives were blessed with you!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-77516237922013461242011-08-08T16:17:00.001-05:002011-08-08T16:21:46.060-05:00Abby's 8 Months (8.3.11)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1820HjXsH87_7jPR4MrOcsWNjuA4Ou_oVi2Gu9Y_lQk0JLIziITzhM6775shTzcDCa-8ObNc1HYVtPdGQ3mtolM58o-Gmwz8ZL8QZY-Nv8zJsgcUtGgZo30odNfe7W8xM_iqRaK2VV8/s1600/August_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1820HjXsH87_7jPR4MrOcsWNjuA4Ou_oVi2Gu9Y_lQk0JLIziITzhM6775shTzcDCa-8ObNc1HYVtPdGQ3mtolM58o-Gmwz8ZL8QZY-Nv8zJsgcUtGgZo30odNfe7W8xM_iqRaK2VV8/s320/August_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">8 months - 8.3.11</span></i> </div><br />
Dear Abby,<br />
<br />
I don't even know where to begin this month! You're 8 months old today and you are still the absolute light of your daddy & I's life! This has been a big month for you with your first 4th of July, going to your first wedding (Mickey & Kathleen's), your first flight, meeting Mommy's family finally, your first hotel stay and your first trip to the beach. You've been a busy girl!<br />
<br />
You celebrated the 4th with a party at Aunt Ashley & Uncle Willis' house the night before and a picnic in Love Circle with lots of friends on the actual 4th of July. You even saw your first fireworks (the Nashville ones) - although, in all honesty you didn't pay them much attention as you were super tired at this point and were much more interested in nursing.<br />
<br />
You had your first flight to Raleigh, NC to meet Mommy's entire family and you did great. Luckily, on the way there we were able to have an entire row to ourselves so you had lots of room to move around. On the way back we weren't quite as lucky, but you fell asleep about 20 minutes into the flight and slept until we landed so it wasn't a big deal. While in Raleigh, you stayed at a hotel for the first time which also resulted in you sleeping in bed with Mommy for the first time - apparently the travel bed and pack n play just weren't up to your sleeping standards! :) Other than sleeping in bed, you were a great traveler and didn't seem to mind much that your routine was completely thrown off for the 2 days we were there.<br />
<br />
We also took you to the beach for the first time this month. We went with Daddy's family for a week to Destin and we all had a great time. You did much better sleeping in the condo after Mommy took a page out of <a href="http://www.lovesoflife.com/">a bloggy friend's</a> book and converted the master bathroom into your nursery for the week. You loved the ocean, sand, and the baby pool that we set up under the tent every day for you. I think you are definitely a little water baby! And despite the fact that you really don't love your carseat, you did great on both 8 hour trips down and back. You had one meltdown on each trip, but otherwise you either slept or played and "talked" to us. We can't wait to take you back when you're a little older and you can really play in the sand and sea!<br />
<br />
Eating is getting better every day with you. Now you've had bananas, avocado, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, apples, pears, mango, squash, and peaches and you still prefer veggies to fruits. For the most part you are getting 3 solid meals a day (fruit for breakfast, any leftover fruit and a veggie for lunch, and a veggie for dinner). You are still nursing about 3-4 times and getting 3-4 4-5oz bottles of BM each day during the week and are exclusively nursing on the weekends. <br />
<br />
Sleep is still very much a battle between you and I (with you usually winning simply because you're more stubborn than I am and I usually have to work the next day). I just keep telling myself that one day you will sleep through the night. It may be 5 years from now (please Lord let it be sooner), but nonetheless it will happen eventually. Until then I will continue to sport bags the size of saucers under my eyes! :) No, in all seriousness, because you are usually so happy during the day, the sleepless nights aren't such a big deal most of the time. I've said on multiple occasions that I would much rather you not sleep at night and be happy during the day than sleep at night and be a grumpy baby!<br />
<br />
You don't have to go to the doctor this month so I'm not exactly sure how much you weigh, but I would guess somewhere around 22lbs. You are wearing mostly 6 month clothes still, but can wear a few of you 6-9 and 6-12 month stuff. You're still wearing size 2 diapers during the day, but will probably move up to size 3 once this box runs out, and size 3 diapers at night.<br />
<br />
You've become really busy this month. Although you aren't really mobile yet (you can scoot while laying on your back, but you typically only do this if you're throwing a fit) you can't stand to be in the same spot for more than a few minutes at a time. You love to stand and I imagine that once you learn how to balance on your own this will be your new position of choice. <br />
<br />
Some of your favorite things this month are your cloth blocks, cloth rainbow stacker, music table, Monkey, Sophie, exersaucer, jumperoo, tv (just being honest), bath time (we broke out the ducky tub this month and you think it's fabulous), the caterpillar in Mommy's car, the iPad, Mommy's iPhone, plastic water bottles, your hairbrush, plastic hangers, rings, and any toys that rattle, squeak or jingle. Oh yeah, and Mommy (Mama-itis kicked in with a vengeance this month), You're also real big on repeating right now. You'll start off by going "Ahh," your daddy or I will repeat it and then you'll continue it until you find something else to do that peaks your interest. We think it's pretty freaking cute! You still haven't said any words and attached meaning to them yet, but I'm willing to bet that based on the amount of times that you say it Da-da will be one of, if not your very first, true word. <br />
<br />
Abby, you are an absolute joy and every day I am so thankful that I get to be your mommy. I love you more than you'll ever know and can't wait to see what this month brings!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-37068474520485750142011-08-06T15:55:00.000-05:002011-08-06T15:55:10.856-05:00Abby is 7 Months (as of 7.3.11)<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">I was writing A's 8 month letter and realized I never posted this one. Oops!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofT884f0b1bgSJxczCGM4JaqAy1ZAsA_-QGEMPxbTLfx3mEanJJAwv9Le85-Nl-wmMxgsJlfipd6RPRi-j61FizBcZIz2-86ewDkzMqhK3t4kLq4nJH36efyP6akw1y9NHloHqx8CUkM/s1600/July_010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofT884f0b1bgSJxczCGM4JaqAy1ZAsA_-QGEMPxbTLfx3mEanJJAwv9Le85-Nl-wmMxgsJlfipd6RPRi-j61FizBcZIz2-86ewDkzMqhK3t4kLq4nJH36efyP6akw1y9NHloHqx8CUkM/s320/July_010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>7 months - 7.3.11</i></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span> </div><br />
Abby-girl,<br />
<br />
What a month it's been! You are becoming a little girl right before my very eyes and I love it and hate it all at the same time! What have you been up to this month?<br />
<br />
We tried eating baby food again this month and I think you're finally starting to come around to the idea of it. So far you've tried bananas, avocado, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and pears. Sweet potatoes are by far your favorite and at times you'll even open your mouth for more of them while acting really excited about it. For now mommy is making all of your food (and I really enjoy it), but we'll have to see how long this lasts. :) You're eating about 1/2 a cube of food once a day right now and once you show a little more interest in it we'll increase it to twice a day. You're still nursing like a champ and I'm so thankful that we've been able to make it this far! Oh yeah, and you've started drinking water out of a sippy cup. You look like such a big girl to me when you do this and it's so freaking cute. We're using the straw sippies and you just took right to them like you'd been drinking from a straw your whole life! We were definitely proud parents! <br />
<br />
Nothing new in the sleep department really except you've somehow determined that you now want bedtime to be at 9:30 instead of 8. You're still getting up 2-3 times each night. On the recommendation of your pediatrician we did try the whole cry-it-out method. We did it for 3 solid weeks without much improvement at all before mommy and daddy decided it was not what was best for any of us, but especially not for you. We may try again as you get a little older, but for the time being we'll just go ahead and label that as a big, fat failure! It's okay though - I'm happy to get in a few extra snuggles with you, even if they do come at the expense of my sleep <strike>and some days my sanity</strike>.<br />
<br />
Two other really big events happened - you learned to both sit up on your own and roll over from your tummy to your back (FINALLY)! In all honesty, mommy and daddy thought you'd never roll over because you learned to sit up first (just a few days after you turned 6 months) and when that happened we all but gave up on it - but you showed us! Obviously, you just wanted to do things a little differently and in your own time. With these 2 new skills have come a few revelations. (1) Tummy time is no longer - you've always hated being on your belly and now that you can get off of it on your own you roll over the minute we put you down on it. (2) Because of (1) you may never learn to crawl and just go straight to walking (Lord, help me)! (3) A semi-independent little person you've become - you will sit happily on the floor and play with your toys for what seems like forever.<br />
<br />
Some of your favorite things are the exersaucer (God bless whomever came up with this), Sophie, your monkey, anything that rattles, jingles, plays music, or lights up, the remote, mommy & daddy's phones and iPads, watching older kids play, the cats and Lexi.<br />
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You didn't go to the doctor this month so I have no idea of your stats, but I'd guess you're around 18lbs. You're in all 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers.<br />
<br />
Abby, you make us smile every day and we can't wait to see what your 8th month of life brings! We love you, baby girl!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-64088664555026726752011-06-22T09:54:00.000-05:002011-06-22T09:54:52.376-05:00Wordless Wednesday (Hey! It's better than nothing!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZZlJtGWErWrvulYVou-POSMWBUfwtmOhvlIX6_TvmtRBA4R97EiWouiOY7C7goppmMnZLhPhgj3zcQtilQMguh86JjLPwlJ_scvX3is3bybTeG4OZYypRLIxbP5GGhCFtGxXDS9NPNo/s1600/Pool+Baby-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZZlJtGWErWrvulYVou-POSMWBUfwtmOhvlIX6_TvmtRBA4R97EiWouiOY7C7goppmMnZLhPhgj3zcQtilQMguh86JjLPwlJ_scvX3is3bybTeG4OZYypRLIxbP5GGhCFtGxXDS9NPNo/s320/Pool+Baby-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Abby's 1st Pool Visit - 6.5.11</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Wednesday, everyone!</span><i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Today's post possible thanks to <a href="http://hellomisschelsea.blogspot.com/">Miss Chelsea</a>.</i></span><br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-62986532150041578092011-06-16T17:34:00.000-05:002011-06-16T17:34:44.095-05:00Abby is 6 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo2wbUDHGaNVUHpiOsYrY5GEkVpZaYnwRRDOsBPneNoW78349cQmpH6je_c6L9JL0cCMj7kRLuLSoZvSQsxfck9SwmBgG9kogTAnKcurAf589EOQjJ2G6oi5leB58Xwk83YT5H94Rzzs/s1600/June_044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo2wbUDHGaNVUHpiOsYrY5GEkVpZaYnwRRDOsBPneNoW78349cQmpH6je_c6L9JL0cCMj7kRLuLSoZvSQsxfck9SwmBgG9kogTAnKcurAf589EOQjJ2G6oi5leB58Xwk83YT5H94Rzzs/s320/June_044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>6 months - 6.3.11</i></span></div><br />
Dear Abby,<br />
<br />
You're 6 months<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (as of June 3rd)</span> - that's half of a year! I can't believe it and everyday I love you more than the day before even though I always think I can't possibly love you any more than I already do. You bring more smiles to my face than I could ever count and I am so thankful every day that you made me a mommy.<br />
<br />
We went to your 6 month appointment this morning and you weighed in at 15 lbs, 3 oz (50%) with a head circumference of 16 1/4 inches (13%) and you're 24 inches long (75%) = absolutely perfect! The questionnaire we had to fill out said that you have unbelievable fine motor and problem-solving skills (you're passing in all of the categories, but you definitely excel in these two) - our little smarty-pants. You got three shots this morning and you were quite possibly THE most pitiful thing I've ever seen. At 4 months you screamed bloody murder afterwards for about 5 or so minutes, but you were pretty quickly calmed down. Today was a completely different story. Instead of screaming, you did the smallest set of cries that absolutely broke my heart. It was truly awful!<br />
<br />
So what's been going on this month? You tried solid food for the first time. You've had rice cereal mixed with breast milk, formula, and water, bananas and avocado. You're not a fan yet so we're taking a little break and then we'll try again in about 2 weeks. You are still nursing 3-4 times a day for about 15-20 minutes and you get 3-4 4oz bottles of breast milk during the day while mommy's at work You can certainly hold your bottle on your own, but you prefer to let whomever is feeding you do it for you.<br />
<br />
Sleeping is still a big issue in our house. Bedtime is a battle. You typically go to bed around 8 and are usually up again about 45 minutes later to comfort nurse. Then you're up again around midnight, 3am and 5am to feed and are usually up for the day between 7:15 and 7:30. Needless to say, mommy and daddy are pretty tired all of the time. But get ready, baby girl, because sometime in the next month (when mommy can afford a few sleepless nights) we're having sleep boot camp at our house for both bed time and nap times (because, yes, you still refuse to nap in your crib).<br />
<br />
While nighttime isn't fun at our house daytime is the exact opposite. During the day you are the happiest baby in the world. You just laugh and play all day long and are usually content with whatever's going on as long as you're not hungry. You love your exersaucer, Ducky, Monkey, your piano, your music table and laying on the floor just talking away and kicking your legs.<br />
<br />
Speaking of talking. Your little vocabulary is taking off. You make the B, D, G, H, and K sounds. I just know you're going to be really talking before too long. You're also really into blowing raspberries and bubbles - so cute! You think it's hilarious when mommy pretends to sneeze or when mommy and daddy blow raspberries back at you.<br />
<br />
You still haven't rolled over, but we've determined it's not because you can't do it. It's because you're stubborn. If we try to "help" you roll over you will kick out your leg to keep your body from actually turning over. Your pedi says this is completely okay and that lots of babies skip stages in the 4 motor skills (rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking) and because you are very interested in trying to sit and walk that this is nothing to be concerned about. This was a big relief to mommy! She also said that because you're already so interested in standing up that we shouldn't be surprised at all if you skip crawling as well and are an early walker. OMG - I'm definitely not ready for that! <br />
<br />
You're wearing size 2 diapers (although Mommy's still squeezing you into the last of the size 1's that we have - diapers are expensive, kid) and mostly 6 month clothes. 3-6 month onesies still fit, but that's pretty much it.<br />
<br />
Abby, you are an absolute joy and I can't wait to see what this next month brings. Mommy and Daddy love you with all of our hearts!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy <br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-54996404142301754752011-06-10T15:14:00.000-05:002011-06-10T15:14:35.544-05:00Because We All Need a Good Laugh On a FridayI don't normally think these are very funny, but today I received these in an email and I was crying I was laughing so hard. Enjoy!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Some of these do have some vulgar language. Consider yourself warned.</i></span><br />
<br />
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Happy Friday, everyone!<br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-48590686714605304782011-06-02T10:54:00.000-05:002011-06-02T10:54:18.032-05:00Pour Some Summer on Me Blog Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLullrV8phM4QhPBujlacoYGBdaXITDvERjjrj9ocgw6rTvDtUtxL_wKsYozQiWOsGdsdiNqrSO6OvHDUD7xpfxxyEOOY18gFCr9NDSulOVGLbWb4WbAELblSIt1Z4sULBRcJzKXComA/s1600/PSSOMbutton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLullrV8phM4QhPBujlacoYGBdaXITDvERjjrj9ocgw6rTvDtUtxL_wKsYozQiWOsGdsdiNqrSO6OvHDUD7xpfxxyEOOY18gFCr9NDSulOVGLbWb4WbAELblSIt1Z4sULBRcJzKXComA/s320/PSSOMbutton.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I participated in my first blog swap so you can imagine my excitement when I got home yesterday and my box of goodies from <a href="http://me2weest2011.blogspot.com/">Nikki</a> was sitting on the front porch just waiting to be <strike>torn into</strike> opened!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYsYDuFRxYpkC8bdMBgrXmz9HgoIjSXKwT6iSCWcowsp72mfS0x-z3zK27SPjvJ5IuiZ6iY1cDkXxHxLCi5dwVBZGJMYfvKLP0dxy4uKsSTrK1zPGdk6L8CD2DADLDXYg55JkK-MU4Sc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYsYDuFRxYpkC8bdMBgrXmz9HgoIjSXKwT6iSCWcowsp72mfS0x-z3zK27SPjvJ5IuiZ6iY1cDkXxHxLCi5dwVBZGJMYfvKLP0dxy4uKsSTrK1zPGdk6L8CD2DADLDXYg55JkK-MU4Sc/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Please excuse the iPhone pic!</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>So what did I get? Some fabric headbands, a personalized water bottle, a super cute reusable cup, some flip flops, sunscreen, Blistex Fruit Smoothies, and a hair clip - all must haves for summer for sure.<br />
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And sweet <a href="http://me2weest2011.blogspot.com/">Nikki </a>even sent Abby 3 of the cutest onesies ever! Thank you so very much, Nikki! We love it all and can't wait to use it!<br />
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Have any of you ever done a blog swap?<br />
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Happy Thursday! The weekend's almost here!<br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-70138084108348764652011-06-01T15:30:00.000-05:002011-06-01T15:30:37.353-05:00So What WednesdayHello? Anyone still out there? No, okay - I don't really blame you. I probably wouldn't have stuck around either if someone just up and quit blogging for what seems like forever.<br />
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Normally, I'd try to come up with a million excuses, but not this time. It's pretty simple really - I just don't have time or the motivation to blog right now for the most part. I've tried to blog several times, but every time I sit down to do it I just come up completely blank and end up deleting the few words I do type. One day I hope to find my blogging mojo again and be back on a <strike>daily</strike> regular basis, but who knows when that will actually happen. For today, I'll attempt a So What Wednesday post with <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/">Shannon</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils44aUYSF9ZrvkDZLFKX3kZ1OxmQm07J47ozAzT0yjIiN_-XDifjo6Vl696D21IOCj9xjRft0fmCs5gEOQV0yVUAtkLexISeeBxk1dmF0pLzuapS4Sq-0JT0SBsQjPCMBPJ55L8c5xWg/s1600/SWWbutton.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/"> </a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>So what if:</b></i></div><ul><li>I've been staring at the screen for 5 minutes and come up with anything to say "so what" to. If it takes me <strike>the rest of the afternoon</strike> another 5 minutes I'm determined to come up with at least 5 more things.</li>
<li>I'm insanely jealous of everyone I know (IRL and in bloggy/twitter land) who are teachers or SAHM's. I'm still trying to find a way to be either of these and it's still not looking too promising for me. Why can't I be independently wealthy?</li>
<li>I've been saying I was going to the grocery store for the past 3 weeks and still haven't been yet (other than to pick up fruits/veggies for Abby). Somehow we've made it work and we're not starving <strike>yet</strike>.</li>
<li>I turned around during the middle of Les Miserables a few weeks ago and told the ladies behind me to hush. I'm sorry, but I didn't pay close to $200 to go to my all-time favorite musical and listen to you chat with your friends. If you want to catch up with each other please do it somewhere else!</li>
<li>we started Abby on solid foods and I absolutely HATE it! It's messy, she doesn't seem to really like it so it takes for freaking ever, and in my mind it means that my baby is not really a baby any more...she's turning into a little girl right before my very eyes and it makes me want to cry. A LOT. </li>
<li>I'm really starting to get slightly paranoid about the fact that Abby refuses to roll over (she'll be 6 months on Friday). She has done everything else right on schedule and I know she could roll over if she really wanted to (she's definitely strong enough to do it and knows how to get her arms out of the way if we roll her over), but she just flat out won't do it on her own. She's perfectly happy to just lay there and play with her feet or talk to Frannie the fan instead if she's on her back or play with whatever toy's in front of her if she's on her belly.. </li>
<li>my <strike>house</strike> garage, bonus room and guest bedroom are still in complete disarray from 2 or so months ago when we were going to put stuff in a storage unit and then never did. Actually this is really starting to grate on my nerves, but I can't find time to re-organize everything and put it back in the attic.</li>
<li>the thought of trying to sell our house right now seems hopeless and every time I think about it I just want to cry. I know I shouldn't be so dramatic and I should be thankful that we have a house at all, but I would much rather throw myself a pity party and be upset about the fact that until we find a way to get rid of this one I can't have my dream house in my dream neighborhood where I want Abby to grow up.</li>
<li>this So What Wednesday post has turned out to be <strike>a little more</strike> depressing <strike>than I anticipated</strike>. Maybe next week's will be a little more upbeat...</li>
</ul>Happy Wednesday, everyone! <br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-66763197954644989062011-05-19T22:49:00.000-05:002011-05-19T22:49:46.861-05:00Abby's 5 Months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>5 months - 5.3.11</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Dear Abby,<br />
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You're 5 months old (as of May 3rd - maybe one day I will actually post these on time)! You're growing and changing so much every day. I'll be honest - a big part of me wants to bottle you up just the way you are at this exact moment. You are so much fun right now. I just can't get enough of you! <br />
<br />
You don't go to the doctor this month so I'm unsure of your stats, but if I had to guess I would say that you're weighing in around 15lbs. You're wearing size 1 diapers (although they're just about too small) and mostly 3-6 and 6 month clothes - you still have a few 3 month outfits that you can squeeze into, but I imagine even they won't work for very long. I already dread packing up more of your itty bitty clothes - it's so bittersweet for me.<br />
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We visited the Easter Bunny and celebrated your 1st Easter (and he definitely didn't disappoint). Obviously you didn't really understand what was happening, but you enjoyed getting to spend time with family and you seem to like all of the fun stuff you got - especially your Cordy Roy Duck aka "Ducky".<br />
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This month you began laughing more consistently - even Mommy can get you to do it now! I absolutely live to see you smile and hear you laugh. And as cheesy as it sounds, I can't imagine what we did before we had you to play with! You make us so very happy - everyday we just can't wait to see what you're going to learn next.<br />
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You've also really started to notice things (and people) more. For example, the other night you were sitting in my lap and Lexi walked up. Normally you don't pay her much attention, but recently you've really started watching her and that night you grabbed at her face and started "petting" her. It was really cute and I know one day (if Mommy can learn to chill out) you will be great friends. When you're at Mimi & Pappy's, if Cousin Maddie is there, they say you are just so content to just sit and watch her play. You two girls are going to have so much fun (and probably get into so much trouble) together when you're both a little older.<br />
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You are getting so close to rolling over, but still don't really seem to have the desire to do it yet. You love to lay on "the big bed" aka Mommy & Daddy's bed and either watch cartoons or look up at Frannie (the fan). The jumperoo will now keep your attention for a good 15 minutes or so; although, you still don't quite get the concept of jumping. <br />
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Some things you still love: the swing at Mimi & Pappy's, bath time, laying on your changing table, YOUR HANDS, laying on your back in the floor, tv (especially sports), YOUR DADDY (seriously, you adore him), the jungle mat. Some things you still hate: tummy time (but you're learning to tolerate it a little more), going to bed (this is a battle almost every night with no end in sight), things covering your face (you hate getting dressed for this very reason).<br />
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As mentioned above, sleep is still an issue. We've just decided that you don't really like it. Only Mommy can put you to bed and when you get up in the middle of the night only Mommy can get you to go back to sleep. As much as you adore Daddy, if he goes in to comfort you at night you completely freak out! You still typically get up between 2-4 times each night. We've tried crying it out and that definitely doesn't work for you as you go into a full-on meltdown within a few minutes and nursing becomes the only thing that will calm you down. I'm hoping that once we introduce solids sometime during the next month that it may help in this area because Mommy's beginning to be very tired! :)<br />
<br />
Other than sleep you are such an easy baby for the most part. Don't get me wrong, you do have your fussy moments, but it's usually pretty easy to figure out what's causing them and to correct whatever that may be. We love you to pieces, Abby-girl and can't wait to see what next month brings!<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-75734549160043017492011-05-03T17:22:00.000-05:002011-05-03T17:22:33.564-05:00Spring {Work} Wardrobe<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Let me preface this post by saying that I never buy an entirely new wardrobe for every season; however, thanks to an entirely new post-baby body, spring sales, coupons, and lots of birthday money I made an exception for this spring out of both necessity and desire.</i></div><br />
<i> </i>Someone went shopping today during lunch and FINALLY had some success. Seriously, I was beginning to think that I would never purchase another article of clothing for myself because no matter what size I tried on nothing seemed to fit correctly. To say that I was beginning to develop a complex would be a bit of an understatement. Enter the fabulous Express and The Limited. <br />
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Here's what I got from The Limited.<br />
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And I can't save the pictures from Express, but I got<a href="http://www.express.com/rouched-side-drape-neck-sweater-32806-20/control/page/3/show/3/index.pro#jsLink"> this sweater</a> in conch and black, <a href="http://www.express.com/chiffon-smocked-top-32757-708/control/page/2/show/3/index.pro#jsLink">this top</a> in mauve, and <a href="http://www.express.com/cross-over-ruffle-dress-34397-22/control/page/11/show/3/index.pro">this dress</a> in black (this one's not really for work).<br />
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I was so excited to finally have work clothes that fit me properly again that I wanted to change before I came back to the office! And other than the one sweater from Express (and the crops, but they don't count IMO) I didn't do my patented "Oh, I love this so I'll buy it in every single color!" Although, I still didn't stray from the "I only buy solid colored tops" mentality, but oh well! <br />
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What do you think? What's on your spring wardrobe wish list?<br />
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Happy Tuesday!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>* All images via <a href="http://www.thelimited.com/">The Limited</a></i></span> <br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-11032724090343959512011-04-25T09:08:00.001-05:002011-04-25T09:08:00.800-05:00Abby is 4 Months<i>Okay so just pretend that you're reading this and it's April 3rd which would mean that I'm not almost 3 weeks late posting this. Mmmm-kay, thanks!</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGFmpNx5uxndGoXKs72ed6c5WaszVUn2AZrDPZIY8jjy3INf56_4bogJb5HjbjErPzAAsz3T40P0LnsBq0KDzbYfYZVMrDQ5pFbw63nlYOyPA_qd6QJ0aNuU1ckiR5PsOInTzui98cb4/s1600/April_009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGFmpNx5uxndGoXKs72ed6c5WaszVUn2AZrDPZIY8jjy3INf56_4bogJb5HjbjErPzAAsz3T40P0LnsBq0KDzbYfYZVMrDQ5pFbw63nlYOyPA_qd6QJ0aNuU1ckiR5PsOInTzui98cb4/s320/April_009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">We weren't really feeling the photo shoot today so this is the best we got!</span></i></div><br />
Dear Stinkeroo (I'm pretty sure you think this is your name b/c I use it way more than Abby),<br />
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It's been 4 months since you came into this world and changed ours for the better and I can't believe just how much you've changed in that little bit of time! You are so much fun right now and everyday I can't wait to see what you're going to do next. Although, I won't lie, if I could freeze time and keep you at one age forever, I definitely think this would be the one I would choose. You are so innocent and sweet still, and yet your curiosity with everything amazes me on a daily basis. It's beautiful to watch you learn new things every single day!<br />
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At 4 months you are 13 lbs, 1 oz and 24 inches long with a 16 inch head circumference (50% across the board). You're wearing size 1 diapers and 0-3 mos and 3-6 mos clothing. According to the doctor you are developing right on track and you're especially smart when it comes to your communication, fine motor and problem solving skills which makes complete sense because you love to talk and your little hands are the most interesting things that you've ever seen! If they catch your eye you completely forget about everything else and will sit and study them. It's so cute! In addition to really finding your hands, you seem to be getting really close to rolling from your back to your tummy. I joke that you may decide never to do this though since you still hate tummy time with a passion! :)<br />
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You also let out your first belly laugh at the very end of this month. It was for your daddy and to date he's still the only one that can get you to do this. You love him so much and it makes me so happy to watch the two of you together. When he walks in the room, you light up with the biggest smile for him and it just melts my heart! Sophie the Giraffe is something else that brings out your biggest grins. You love her!<br />
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You're almost big enough for your jumperoo and, although your little feet don't reach the ground just yet, you will sit in it for a few minutes at a time. You don't enjoy your swing at home as much, but still love the one that your Mimi and Pappy have at their house. Theirs' allows you to sit up more which is most definitely what you prefer! You LOVE to be/look outside and you LOVE to watch your cousin, Maddie. Either of these activities will calm you down almost instantaneously! The Baby Bjorn has also become one of your favorite things. Usually when we get home I put you in it to make dinner and you are just as happy as can be to take in everything around you this way.<br />
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While you're doing so much better with sleeping at night you do still get up 1 or 2 times to eat. Mommy's hoping to get up the courage to work on this in the coming month - we'll see. Naps are still completely unpredictable unless you are in the car. Car rides almost always guarantee a super long nap! Otherwise you much prefer to take cat naps. We've tried to get naps to be more consistent, but since you're on a different schedule almost every day it's nearly impossible and, at the moment at least, this seems to work for you so we're just going to stick with it until it causes problems. This is pretty much your attitude about everything - you just go with the flow of life and are so laid back almost all of the time now! It's hard to believe that just a few short months ago you were a colicky baby because now you couldn't be more easy!<br />
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We love you so much, Abby-girl, and can't wait to see what next month brings!<br />
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Love always,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-62259078981634651312011-04-23T19:29:00.001-05:002011-04-23T19:29:23.894-05:00The Best Birthday EverFor those of you who follow me on twitter this is old news. A certain someone {<font size="2">okay me</font>} will be turning 29 come Tuesday and the husband gave me my present a few days early. I GOT AN iPAD! Needless to say I'm obsessed! Officially the best birthday present ever! <br /><br />So tell me - besides the obvious, what apps do I need, like, yesterday?<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-50715230739567723232011-04-13T16:41:00.000-05:002011-04-13T16:41:37.064-05:00So What WednesdayHappy Wednesday, ladies (and the husband)! We're over halfway (it's after noon here) to the weekend! That means it's also time for "So What" Wednesday with the fabulous <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/">Shannon</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhth2WYW4wHFiFiCdtpsuhvoZhCdgJKEMMo3x9BjM0G2u7trgm_GfMPo8WjHv_E8sgX4kBwiy49sA_ufpX29xWF4tOhy6B6odmHlNrFJKAH_vjF4u1g2DtCOu57d0wU_QiJZwXlv4Aid3o/s1600/button_Page_11.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So what</em></strong> if I've had Abby's 4 month post/letter written for quite a few days now, but can't post it because I keep forgetting to upload her 4 month picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So what</em></strong> if I made salads to bring for lunch at the beginning of the week and have forgotten them every single day. I think I did this subconsciously so I can eat out instead.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So what</em></strong> if I still almost or hang out with the husband after she goes to bed, but I just can't. No matter how hard I try. What can I say? I really like my sleep.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So what</em></strong> if I've had Abby's 3 month pictures for 3 weeks now and still can't narrow them down to the ones I want to buy. Why are pictures so freaking expensive?!?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So what</em></strong> if I've put off sleep training for the time being. I thought I was ready, but then the time came and I just can't bring myself to do it yet. Although I wish I didn't have to get up in the middle of the night, I love that extra time that I get with Abby when no one else is around. Even if she is sleeping for most of it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So what</em></strong> if I was happy that my arms got <strike>completely fried</strike> a little sun on them during our yard sale Saturday. IMO, <strike>bright red</strike> a slight shade of pink is way better than pasty white any day! </div><br />
What are you saying <strong><em>So What</em></strong> to this week? Go tell <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/">Mama Dew</a> all about it!<br />
<br />
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<img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031138276007818776.post-72392546666827921042011-04-12T16:34:00.000-05:002011-04-12T16:34:42.753-05:00Top 2 Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://benandtay.blogspot.com/search/label/top%202%20tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad230/sarahannroger/blog%20design/top2tuesday.png" /></a></div><br />
Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone's having a fabulous day! It's time for Top 2 Tuesday over at Taylor's. This week's topic is <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Top 2 Beverages</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I'd been asked this question about a year or so ago, I can pretty much guarantee you that my answers would have been of the alcoholic variety, but such is the life of a breastfeeding momma! :)</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgs6naGQJRTlLQOSOkwimn-Rbpn1xFenwbjHHKEfWFSwI3UFpbeVmpx491oOG-RJR1P2gq47_d0jcaUrxEnKa1jytBPaaupWfSGo8TPvo8cCZNITwKajMxRl8-Whn0O5srM1w20CQ91o/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgs6naGQJRTlLQOSOkwimn-Rbpn1xFenwbjHHKEfWFSwI3UFpbeVmpx491oOG-RJR1P2gq47_d0jcaUrxEnKa1jytBPaaupWfSGo8TPvo8cCZNITwKajMxRl8-Whn0O5srM1w20CQ91o/s320/tea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l4fq90X5tg1qzse46o1_400.jpg">via</a></span></em></div><br />
1. Sweet Tea - The sweeter the better! Chick-fil-a and McAllister's have the best sweet tea ever IMO and I could drink it every single day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ3pWi9QDwJOMw2yk3d10tCqz6jLfulIhENhp7JHL9KmsPqnAeOdSl8HAjiETQbUOxw70XhSozLcTPkTFOgrypaFFv8wYZ_a6ckyFGCMAingZ8zlDgESreLhi-QY6IW9_SqUa5Y6PAcU/s1600/starbucks_white_choc_mocha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ3pWi9QDwJOMw2yk3d10tCqz6jLfulIhENhp7JHL9KmsPqnAeOdSl8HAjiETQbUOxw70XhSozLcTPkTFOgrypaFFv8wYZ_a6ckyFGCMAingZ8zlDgESreLhi-QY6IW9_SqUa5Y6PAcU/s1600/starbucks_white_choc_mocha.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://starbucks-secretrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/05/starbucks-white-chocolate-mocha-recipe.html">via</a></span></em></div><br />
2. Starbuck's White Chocolate Mocha - This is pure heaven in a cup - even the decaf version. For my ass's sake, it's pretty unfortunate that a grande has about 600 calories and that I consume 3 on average on any given week. Oh well, they make me happy (in a few weeks/months when I'm complaining about having to wear a mom-suit, please remind me that this is why and it's totally my own fault)!<br />
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Have a great rest of the day, everyone!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><img alt="Amber" class="centered" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll261/mrs0930/amber_signature.png" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
</strong></div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18001321473350963308noreply@blogger.com2