All About D and Marleigh

Party Til You Drop . . .

2009-02-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

Today was quite an exciting day! Davis' class had their Valentine Party. So Ms. Marleigh and I went and partied with the class. Needless to say Ms. Marleigh was the star attraction today. Davis' classmates all wanted to help care for her. Of course she LOVED all the attention! However, by the end she was exhausted and over the attention! Davis desperately wanted to stay for Playball since he missed last week. Marleigh and I got to watch him during Playball, and she was content as could be while left alone.

Here is Davis with Ms. Heidi (his teacher) getting ready to make a Valentine Hand Heart on a Dish Towel.

Getting the Gooey Paint on!

Decorating a Cookie with Layne's Encouragement!

Carefully adding Sprinkles!

Posing for a picture! He has the most creative poses lately! I am not going to complain! At least he is letting me take his picture!

Marleigh eagerly looking at all the Preschoolers staring her down!

Marleigh of course fell asleep right before we pulled in the driveway! I got her up and changed her diaper and clothes. She played with D for a little while and I decided I would take her to her room for a nap. Well needless to say she didn't want to be held, and I wanted to put on some comfy clothes. After coming downstairs and changing, Marleigh had become shockingly silent. Every now and then I would hear her talk or sing....So I decided to wait it out and see what happened. After about 15 min. I went upstairs and this is what I found . . . .

Of course I straightened her up in the bed after the photo op! She's just too darn cute! I was so proud of her for putting herself to bed and she slept almost 3 hours! :)

Happy First Birthday to My Baby Girl!

2009-02-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that my sweet little Princess turned one yesterday! Today was all about celebrating with our family and closest friends! We had a GREAT day! Marleigh has just the most precious little spirit! Her personality is contagious, and she is developing more and more into a little lady every single day! Of course as any mom would do, I have to brag! Marleigh has added more words to her vocab. since last posting, but one thing really takes the cake . . . . Marleigh read her first word this week -- with NO help or picture cues! She is now able to read "dogs" . . . After reading the word, she chimes in of course with "woof, woof, woof!" Mommy was blown away and Daddy didn't believe it until he came in Thursday evening and out of all her words, that was the one she read by herself! We love you little stinker! You are a smart little cookie, and we will always Thank God for sending you to us!

Thought I would start out with some of many pictures made by our dear friend Josh over at Princess and the Pea!

Party!

Today's party was just plain out AWESOME! It's times like this that I am reminded at how blessed I am to have the most supportive Family and Friends that a girl could have! It was incredible to be surrounded by all of those that mean so much to us and who love our kiddos unconditionally!

The cake table

Closer Look

Favors and Autograph Bank

For favors I gave personalized aprons to the kiddos!

Tim and I put Marleigh's handprint on the Pig!

Table Decor

Everyone had a fit over my table decor! I used shallow glass bowls with styrofoam covered in tissue paper. We filled the bowl with curly ribbon, and used two-bite browines that we decorated with icing to look like cupcakes. We completed the look with sprinkles and an M&M to look like a cherry! Of course M for Marleigh! ;) We used bamboo skewers to serve them. The guests loved them and they were quickly eaten! :) Thanks MOM for all your help with these! (It was mom's idea to use the curly ribbon! and she curled it all and covered the styrofoam for me!)

High ChairEating some hot dog with Daddy

The Princess

Getting Started after a little encouragement from Davis!

Surprised Mama is not cleaning and feeding her!

This was taken moments before she tried to grab my hair! :)
Getting ready to be bathed!

One last shot with Mommy and Daddy

The Remnants
Opening gifts with Mommy!

Marleigh got some great gifts and some incredibly adorable Spring/Summer outfits! Mommy was excited about the new wardrobe as it was greatly appreciated!

At home tonight enjoying new toys and her rocking chair from Nana and Papa

Taking care of her new American Girl Bitty Baby from Us, while chilling in her new chair from Mimi and Pops!
Sharing with Bubba!

Davis showing off his cupcake that he decorated at Sissy's party!

I have been so emotional the past few days! I can't believe my baby isn't a baby anymore! Of course she and Davis will always be my babies! Everything is so surreal as a year ago seems like yesterday! I remember the excitement, the joy, and Oh...the PAIN! ;)

Mommy loves you Princess!

Doughnuts, Dads, and the Diva!

2009-02-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

So our life seems to never slow down! There is always somewhere fun to go and something fun to do! Davis and Marleigh are growin up SO fast, and everyday something reminds us of this!

Marleigh, also known around our house at Mar-Star, QT, and Popcorn, is turning ONE on Friday! So I am hoping I can work one a special little post for her. But for now....Here is an update of Henson Happenings!

Let's start with a little update on Ms. Marleigh! She is growing too fast for her Momma! This past week she has started talking so much! I can't even keep up with her vocabulary -- I will try to list a few:

Dog (and if you ask her what the dog says: she replies Woof!)

Duck

Light

Book

Bottle - bobba

water -- wawa

Mama

Dada

D and Bubba for Davis

P for Pacifier

This is just what is quickly coming to my mind! She is becoming fascinated with animals and is working on animal sounds for the ones she can't yet name.

Here is her favorite new pose! Not very lady like, huh? At least she thinks it is hilarious!

This past Saturday, we attended 2 bday parties! Marleigh is surviving with LONG hair. We have settled for the Pebbles or Marleigh-Who look!

Davis had a presentation Thursday night, but only Daddy could attend! It was a Doughnuts for Dad Program! Tim said D did great!

Here are my men heading out! I was packing up Marleigh as we headed to my school for PTO.

Below is a video of Davis and the other 2 years olds singing "If You're Happy and You Know It!"

As you can tell D thinks it's his job to make sure everyone else is complying! Davis has on chocolate pants and a navy and white plaid shirt.

After the singing Davis had some suprises for Daddy downstairs!

Update!

2009-01-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

I hope this post finds everyone doing well! Things are great around here! We can't believe our little princess is about to turn 1! Where has the year gone?

We are in survival mode . . . . . trying to survive until her first birthday . . . . . without getting a haircut! This is a family tradition, so we are holding to tradition. I have to admit it has been a struggle the past few weeks as Ms. Marleigh's bangs are LONG! She thinks it's a game to pull her hair clips out when we attempt to hold them back!

Ok all you moms out there! This is the best toy ever! Marleigh LOVES it, of course Davis enjoys it too! We haven't even hooked it up to the TV for the educational benefit. Marleigh is already a pro at climbing on and off! I recommend it to all of you blogger girls out there! Santa did good! :)

You Scream, We Scream, Our kids SCREAM for SOUR CREAM!

Go figure! I guess it is because their cousin Chandler hates it so! My kiddos dig in every chance they get! First we have Davis Sour Creamified while having nachos for dinner this past week.
Here our little mischevious one conviscates her brothers S.C. from the table while in her walker. Upon this news Mom quickly took the bowl away, but had to take a picture for proof!My 2 Favorite Men!

D with Matt and Lindsey!

Davis is starting to warm up to the camera, when he wants to anyway! Here he is serenading Blogger world with Twinkle, Twinkle.....

We like to MOVE it!

2009-01-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know I still have Christmas Day pics to upload, but this is too darn cute!!! Davis loves the movie Madagascar, mostly because of the song "I like to move, move it!" Anyway, numerous times a day, Davis requires the whole household to dance to "Move It!" While he belts it out at the top of his lungs, and if you aren't "moving it enough," (shaking your bum) he will quickly let you know! Tonight as the movie finished, we had a dance fest that required numerous replays while we all "got down!" I hope you enjoy!

Lately, Marleigh has become our little "Dancing Queen!" She started out as a hip thruster, but is traveling more down the booty dancing path! I swear this girl has ants in her pants! I will warn you that we are looking rough as this was right before bedtime! :)

A Very Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to post in a while, so this is going to a LONG post of our Christmas season! :) We had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends! I hope you all had a blessed Holiday Season as well! I will add Christmas Day pics on the next go round!

Family Christmas at my Aunt's House!

Marleigh falling on Clarke!

Caroline and Marleigh!

Davis opening his gift with Daddy!

Marleigh and her first horse!

Our Visit with Santa!

We ventured to see St. Nick on a weekday night thinking it would, "Save us time!" Well I am not really sure if it did, but we had a fun family outing! Needless to say we got in line around 6:45 pm, and we finally got to see Santa at 8:15 pm! Let me add that Marleigh religiously goes to bed at 8:00 pm, so you can catch my drift! Mommy and Daddy took turns "walking" with Marleigh and window shopping. D was VERY well behaved considering the LONG wait! We were very proud of him. Marleigh was fine until Mommy sat her in a strange man's lap. I don't think she even ever looked at him! LOL! She did freeze between melting down, and the photographer actually got a decent shot! Here is some of our shots from our night out!

Marleigh became a BIG fan of Starbucks! Probably not the most suitable drink for a 10 month old! But she LOVED it! :)

Christmas at Nana and Papa's House!

We celebrated Christmas at Tim's parents' house the Saturday before Christmas. Nana made a delicious lunch and the kids loved tearing into presents! We missed celebrating with Uncle Troy this year, but we know he was in heaven celebrating with us. Nana decorated a tree for Troy with some of his GA ornaments and things. Davis loved staring at it and would re-arrange the ornaments when he could get away with it!

Mommy and Marleigh getting ready to leave!

Marleigh with Papa and Nana!Mommy helping Marleigh with a gift!
Davis helping Papa open a gift!

Christmas at Tim's Cousin's House!
Marleigh and Papa!

Daddy and Marleigh!

It was like herding cat trying to get a picture! This was the best I could do with 4 out of 5 complying! The divanista was way too busy for a picture!

Christmas at Mimi and Pops' House!

We did Christmas at my parents' house on Christmas Eve! Mom cooked a yummy dinner! Ms. Marleigh wasn't feel well at all, but she was a little trooper! We opened gifts first, and Tim put things together and hooked up my Mom's Dance Revolution set and their Wii while my dad went to our church to serve the Lord's Supper with the other deacons. When he got home we had dinner and played. Dad thought we should celebrate Jesus' birthday with Davis, so he got a cake! Davis was able to blow out the candles and we all sang Happy Birthday to Jesus! It was a great night!

Our little walker trying to escape to the gifts!

Opening gifts with Daddy!Mimi assisting Davis with gifts!

Davis opening "James" the train!Davis helping Pops open his new roaster!Davis with Jesus' birthday cake!

*Check back soon -- I hope to post Christmas morning photos by tomorrow night!*

We have a New Walker in Our House!

2008-12-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

Ms. Marleigh is officially walking! She started walking Sunday night! Oh yes! Right in time for the Christmas tree! This is going to be a FUN Christmas! :) Sorry I don't have any video footage. I have no idea how to operate our video camera, and my digital that takes videos is on the blink! I've told Tim I want a new cheapo digital for Christmas that I can do what I want with! So, now I am telling him that I need it NOW! :) Hopefully I will get it early! I have my eye on one! :) Anyway, we had a fabulous New York trip! The Waldorf Astoria is amazing! I highly recommend it! I was so dog sick, but Tim was a good sport, and we still were able to have a relaxing trip! More to update soon!

I was TAGGED!

2008-12-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was tagged by Lori! Here is the 4th picture in my 4th file of personal photos!

It's Marleigh-fly!

Let's see! I'll tag Mel, Bethany, and Carrie Anne!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T18:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, can you believe we got such a good family shot? Thanks Uncle Johnny! You may all be seeing this soon on our Christmas cards! Seriously, I am as so not kidding!

Our family would like to send out a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there! We had a great day surrounded by family, giving thanks for all that God has so graciously blessed us with. We also made sure to thank God for the time we had with and the memories we have of those we love who have gone home to be the with the Lord!

We had Thanksgiving lunch at my parents today! Davis enjoyed being with all of his cousins! Here is a shot of my grandparents with the grandkids -- minus me of course! :) Mom had just given the kids goody bags, so they were so not into a picture!

The weather outside was beautiful today. So, Davis took his car for a spin, while Marleigh found and enjoyed D's toddler push car.

My parents have made it a tradition to give the kids a gift on Thanksgiving to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas Season! Here is D and Marleigh opening their gift! I think this might be the last year they can get by letting them share a gift, and as a side note, the sharing isn't going so well!

Yes, Davis' sweater is wet. If there is water to be found anywhere, then Davis will find it! He found some outside before we came in!

The kids got the Fisher Price Nativity set, and I totally recommend it! We have had tons of fun with it tonight! With a few time outs in between for not sharing or taking pieces away! :)

Just because I'm a cutie, and I've been very interested in Mommy's camera lately!

Tomorrow night we are planning on spending the night at Nana and Pappa's house so we can get up and have a Thanksgiving Breakfast on Saturday! More updates to come!

Marleigh Update!

2008-11-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

I know I am beyond super behind! So I am going to start with a post on Ms. Marleigh! Check back soon, as I promise not to be a stranger! I am hoping to get a Davis update up tomorrow!

Princess Marleigh is now 9 and a 1/2 months old! Can you believe it? Where have the days literally gone? At her 9 month check-up a couple of weeks back she weighed 23 pounds and 9 ounces and was 30 inches tall!

She is a quite a little diva-nista here lately! Here is a picture Mr. Daryl took at Jamie's party this past Saturday! Mommy was prepared with the camera, but was unaware that the batteries needed charging!

Marleigh showing off for Mr. Daryl

Marleigh and Jamie BFFs Forever!

On Sunday, we went to Will's 2nd Birthday party at Gymboree. Will belongs to my best friend from high school, Beth. Beth also has a daughter, Emma, who was born a week before Marleigh. Will's party was at Gymboree and Davis and Marleigh fell in love with Gymboree when we went last month for Davis' friend, Madden's birthday. In fact, Marleigh thoroughly enjoyed herself once again, and it seems that Ms. Marleigh might have to have her first birthday here! Below are some shots of her enjoying the Par-tay!

Climbing a dome!

Resting with Daddy! Parachute Sliding Fast!

A little ball time!
Marleigh enjoyed sliding on our previous visit; however, on Sunday Daddy discovered that Marleigh loved it enough to do it herself! He would sit her up top and then have a seat at the bottom. She would scoot herself to the end and slide down to daddy all by herself! What a big girl!

Sliding with Bubba!
Can you see my BLING? Mommy and Daddy got the Princess' ears pierced Sunday afternoon! And of course a Princess must have bling! It wasn't too bad! The bad part came this morning when Mommy discovered one was missing! Praise God both pieces were lying neatly in her bed. Needless to say we have to go back tomorrow and have my left ear redone! Yikes!

Where Do the Days Go?

2008-10-24T20:35:00.001-07:00

Ok . . . So I have SO much I need to post! I am very behind! Just wanted to give you a little insight to our past few weeks! We had an AWESOME vacation to Disney World!!! Thank you to Bethany for hooking us up at a great Resort! It was so nice to have so much space for so much STUFF! It sure takes a lot to keep both a toddler and an infant in tow! :)

Davis and Marleigh are groiwng like weeds! Davis is recooping from a horrible stomach bug that sent us to the ER early Thursday morning, and Marleigh is cutting two teeth at once! What a happy little family we are! :) I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

I have SO many pictures. So I thought I would give you a sneak peek!

Here is Marleigh showing off for the camera! She is pulling up on anything and everything. She is starting to to cruise around things. She can stand on her own and balance herself until she notices you aren't holding on to her. My guess is that she is going to be an early walker like D. She can say Mama, Dada, Bye-Bye, and Bubba (for Davis). I think she said Hi the other day when she was waving, but I haven't heard it again! So, we won't count it yet! There is nothing still about Marleigh. She has to be on the go! She crawls EVERY where, and will pull/push as hard as she can to get up if her diaper is being changed. Oh my goodness . . . if you take something/anything away from her she throws a tantrum! Can we say Drama Mama! Yes . . . she is our princess! AND she KNOWS it! :) For those of you who have heard the song, I'll give it to you straight, "I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T, do you know what I mean?"

Standing in one of her pack-n-plays in front of the aquarium.

This picture just makes me laugh. I might have to keep it for the Senior Ad!

Modeling her Minnie outfit that she wore at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Ok, well on to standing again. . . I think you get the point!

Davis, well he still HATES the camera! It's not the camera as much as it is the fact that he doesn't want to be told to "SMILE" or "Look at the Camera!" He is a busy guy ya know! I will tell you one thing -- he is the biggest daredevil I've ever seen for his age. Nothing was big enough or too fast for him. His favorite Disney ride was Splash Waterfalls! LOL! We rode it at least 2 or 3 times! This is a little scary for the fact that my dad says we have a cousin who was a daredevil who actually died during a plane stunt -- great! I guess it runs in the family!

Here is D practicing his roller coaster scream on the train at Downtown Disney. Look closely, sorry it is so dark, it was late. This picture is hilarious! I think the guy he sat with got off with a migraine! However, the chick two seats up doesn't look too excited! :)

A half-way decent photo with his favorite character! "To Infinity and Beyond!"

Now look carefully at these next two pictures. First off this is probably the best/my favorite pic that I got of Davis. Secondly, ignore the fact that Marleigh's outfit is on backwards. (Yes her father dressed her, and I didnt' notice it until after the picture --- I cant' complain . . . at least he was helping with the kids!) No one truly wants to know how much trouble I went through to get these tickets for the O'hana Character Breakfast. But looking at the smile on these two faces it was worth EVERY single bit of time and energy and then some!

So excited, that he literally couldn't sit in his seat. I swear he watched every move that Stitch, Lilo, Mickey, and Pluto made waiting on them to make it to our table!

Our Hawaiian Princess, with her usual Smiley-self!

Stay tuned! Lots more to come!

MaMaMa. . . .Marvelous!

2008-10-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Ms. Mar-Star finally started saying "MaMa" today, and she has been saying it ALL day! Whenever she can't see me or if she wants me -- she starts . . . loud and proud! Tim got up with her this morning, and when he came in to tell me that Marleigh had been saying MaMa all morning, I didn't believe him! Tis true, and I LOVE it! :)

Here is a pic of my little Butterfly!

And what family would be complete without Mr. Buzz Lightyear himself!

Now for my MARVELOUS news! Our new bedroom is finally finished! Well almost . . . I need to accessorize a little and am looking for a new ceiling fan. I just haven't been able to find exactly what I want! I absolutely love it! It has only taken us . . . ummmm . . . . 21 months! Longer than baking 2 babies! :) We are using Tim's brother's bedroom furniture and have saved ours for the new bedroom in the basement, so it really feels like a whole new room! I hope you enjoy as much we are enjoying it. I think my favorite part is my new curtains -- they really tie it all together -- thanks Mom and Dad! :) Tim did an awesome job painting. Of course I helped! :) However, he did the ceiling all by himself! :)

Tomorrow is Marleigh's Baby Dedication! We are looking forward to celebrating such a special day with our family and friends! Stay tuned for some cute pics!

Growing like Weeds!

2008-09-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't just posted an update in forever. So here is a little peek into our life with a 3 year old and a 7 month old! I've also added a fews pics from recent outings!

Good-bye diapers and good-bye pull-ups! Bring on the big boy pants!!! Davis is officially in big boy underwear! He only gets a pull-up for naps and night-time. Since I decided to put the pull-ups away he has done SO well! In fact no accidents at all despite nap/night-time. I should have gotten the balls to do this alot sooner!

I am not sure who this kid is . . . . Oh wait . . . It's my son acting like his daddy! This was take a week or two ago when D thought it would be funny to put a pull-up on his head after going potty! Hey I put it on mom all by myself!

I have two very strong-willed kids at times! Davis is quite difficult if he gets too tired. So at those times (like after Playball on Tuesdays) you have to pick your battles. The newest battle has become napping in the floor or his bed. Hey, if he wants to sleep in the floor on his star rug, next to his new infamous GeoTrax, then by all means go for it! :)

Marleigh has started taking nice long naps in her bed during the day. In fact the past two days -- she has taken 2 - 2 hour naps in her bed! This picture was from Tues. a week ago when she actually went to sleep all by herself! Woohoo! :) (This was taken while D was sleeping in his floor - see picture above!) Mommy wasn't sure what to do with two little ones sleeping so soundly, so she had to capture the moments!

Last Wednesday, we took a road trip to visit Andrea and David. I got to meet Baby Wesley, and Andrea got to meet Ms. Marleigh in person! Poor little Wesley gave us both a scare, and I am so happy that he is feeling/feeding much better. See my Royal Family link to the right. The kids were quite busy, so I as usual was horrible about getting pics. I did snap a few of the boys outside as we were leaving!

Marleigh before we left!

David and Davis playing chase in the yard!

Adorable little Wesley!

Ms. Marleigh is a mess! She is getting into anything and everything. She is as close to crawling as you can get without actually doing it! She is a good scooter! :) She will get on all fours and then belly-flops! She can go from sitting to both legs before tumbling on over. She pulls up on EVERYTHING! I think she might walk before she crawls. She is beginning to cruise around things and every now and then can let go and stand for a second or two. She is waving bye-bye and tries to say bye-bye. She is starting to clap, and loves for people to clap for her! She loves her walker, but she is much more mischevious than Davis. She is already opening all the drawers and cabinets as she scoots by. I know we are in TROUBLE with this little Princess in the house!!!

Mommy and Marleigh getting ready for fireworks in Clermont on Saturday!

Daddy and Davis awaiting fireworks! Davis was not so happy as time drew nigh!

His little ears are still very sensitive after the tubes, and I have a feeling this isn't going to get better anytime soon. We finally got him to watch from inside my aunts room. He did well until the finale and it got very loud so he said he was going to hide until it ended, and he did -- under her bedskirt! :)

Marleigh's Baby Dedication is coming up soon! We are trying very hard to get a good pic of her in her attire, but she doesn't perform well on demand! This money shot is going to priceless -- if we ever get it!

We have a THREE year old in our house!!!

2008-09-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! Where has the time gone? My precious baby boy is growing into a handsome little young man! The past month has been very difficult for our family, so we are so happy to celebrate with and for Davis!

Davis turned 3 last Thursday, Sept. 4th, and we have had a week of partying around the Henson household! Unfortunatley Davis caught a virus Tuesday of last week and had to stay home from school with Pops on his actual birthday! The good news is that he was feeling much better on Thursday. He just need to rest up and gain back some strength.

Thursday night we celebrated at Mimi and Pops house with Papa and Nana. We have pizza and cake, luckily! LOL! The luckily because Davis "broke" the cake as he likes to tell everyone! I picked up a small cake at Sam's Thursday afternoon. D was instructed to only look/not touch. He did well until we took it to Mimi and Pops' house. Being the smart mother that I am I arrived at their house without Marleigh's bag, so I had to run back home. Praise the Lord we only live 5 min. away. I returned to Davis telling me he had broken the cake and my parents laughing in hysterics. Seems that D decided to pull the cake down for a look by himself. Luckily he caught it and was able to hold on to the lips of the container while screaming "HELP!" I am not sure how he managed as it was between his belly and the dishwasher. It looked a little crazy, but tasted yummy nonetheless! So funny how the layers actually slid!

The "broke" cake

The proud B-day Boy before blowing out his candle!

Of course D was spoiled with gifts after the cake and ice cream! A drum set (which IS staying at Mimi and Pops' house!) Dinosaurs, dvds, and a Bullseye Ball Game!

For those of you who don't know Davis has been talking about his Birthday party since uummm... March! He was quite clear he wanted a Dinosaur Jumpy Party, so that is exactly what he got!

My best job of a money shot (of course some kids would not come out of the inflatables and some kept crawling out of the pics, a few were camera shy)

Ms. Jamie and Ms. Marleigh not sure about the big kids behind them!

At first even the parents were intimidating as they have some of the highest inflatables I have ever seen with huge steep slides, but the kids were wide open! They climbed to the top like it was nothing and came ZOOMING down the slides!

Marleigh was quite excited to see her friend Jamie!

Of course the dads were in the on the action and the little princesses took their first slide together!

Of course after it was over the dads looked a little more stunned than the girls! :)

The kids were worn out by party time. Here I caught Jonathan and Davis resting and catching up on the fire truck climb.

Here is D with cousin Clarke after a FAST trip down the Octopus ship!

Hannah, what a cutie! You may be camera shy, but I gotcha!

Lori and Jamie

Ashley and Copeland

Madden on the rebound, while his new baby brother, Graham, slept through the action!

The B-day Boy and his Cake!

Making himself at home in his throne!

Of course if you ask D about his party. He is quick to say, "It was SO fun! Can we do it again?" Maybe next year baby! :)

This was our first time at the Jump Zone in Buford and it was AWESOME! I highly recommend them. This was our easiest party EVER by a long shot! So nice to leave when the party ends and let someone else clean it all up!

Happy Birthday Davis! Mommy, Daddy and Sissy love you so much!

We are so proud of the young man you are becoming!

Happy 6th Month Birthday to My Angel!

2008-08-06T19:23:00.001-07:00

WOW! I cannot believe my baby girl is already 6 months old!!! This morning I told her daddy on the phone that "I can't believe it! We don't have a baby anymore! It's time for another one!" To which he quickly replied, "SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Not honestly ready for another, just wanted to get Tim's gut reaction, and enjoy watching this little priss blossom! She has an INCREDIBLE personality. She just LOVES attention from strangers or familiar faces! She is going to be a people person and the life of everything!

Marleigh has had a trying few weeks with some respiratory issues and lots of breathing treatments! We are going to start trying to wean her starting next week. Through it all she has been the happiest baby in the world. The doctor just LOVES her. I guess they have really gotten to bond. We've only went umm.... say 7 times in the past two or three weeks!

6 Month Check-up was Monday

Weight: 19 pounds 13 ounces

Length: 27 and 3/4"

Head: 18"

Good Morning Sunshine! Happy 1/2 Birthday!!!
She wont' lay back or sit back in anything anymore. This makes feedings quite difficult!

Look at those precious bunny feet! (P.S. Her Pj's say "I Love Mommy!")

It was so different with only 1 child! I was an overachiever mother who made sure we had photos made monthly at a studio! Not this time around. We took Marleigh at 8 weeks, and it is such a chore to get everyone out of the house and dressed that we haven't attempted photos again!

I however felt like I couldn't let her 1/2 birthday go by with no pictures so I had to pull out my camera! Sadly the nice Nikon was in the van so I used my little one, but I still got some good ones! We even had 4 outfits! :) I only had 30 min. before I had to get ready for school, but I was able to take over 100 shots and some aren't half bad!

Here she is in one of my baby dresses! She looks just like me at this age! I need to scan the picture of me in this dress. I am hoping Tim can help me recreate a similar shot this weekend. She chose to wrap up in her blankie!

Look at Mommy's Big Girl! Can you say precious?

Marleigh the Fashion Diva!

Who says I have to wear bows on the top of my head?

Everyone is always commenting on how she props her feet up! What can I say? She's her mother's daughter! I bet when she can ride in a passengers seat and put her feet on the dash, then she will too! I am sure Tim won't complain as much when it is his little Princess' toe prints on his windows!

We didn't quite master the shot of her standing in her bed under her name. She was being quite distracted by her big bro! She won't take her eyes off him! We will try again when Daddy is home!

Love this shot of her in her crib! :)

Not sure if she wanted me or the camera in this one! :)

Honestly, it was probably the camera!

We had to break out the UGA Cheerleading outfit! Still a little big, but should be perfect for Football Season! Go DAWGS! We will attempt these again, she was exhausted by this point! She decided the remaining pictures had to be made lying down. She was pooped!

This video is Marleigh rolling over. It is from last week I think. I can't believe I didn't video her when she first started. She is a pro now! LOL Great it posted as to cover her in a nudie video! :)

We love you, our little Mar-Star!

Happy 1/2 Birthday!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, and Bubba

Summer Update Part 1!

2008-07-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast this summer is going by! We have had a wonderful summer! So many new things to report and share! I honestly don't even know where to begin! I also have tons of pictures to post, so hopefully I can narrow them down!

I've decided to do this post in parts! This is part 1 and will encompass our first night in Tennessee! Somehow I am noticing a trend -- Davis literally has 100's of clothes that fit - not exagerating either! But somehow all of my pictures and posts lately he has this outfit on! I am going to make sure he wears other attire for the camera for a while! :)

Davis crusing in his car and Mimi and Pops' house! I have no idea why he is driving with his snack plate on his car! Go figure! This picture is just too cute I had to throw it in!

Updates:

1. Tim started a new job, and here is the best news! NO MORE TRAVELING! So excited!

2. Davis is using the "Potty, Potty, Now-ow!"

3. Marleigh is growing like a weed and rolling and moving ALL over the place!

4. Mommy has agreed to a new job next year - She will be teaching ESOL part-time at her current school! :)

5. Oh and did I mention that Daddy turned 30!!! Mommy doesn't know what to do being married to an OLD MAN!

We had an AWESOME trip to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg! The cabin we stayed in was INCREDIBLE! We could SO live there!!! It's forsale - but I don't think we could spring the $650,000 they are asking for it!!! The kids were GREAT!!! The loved Dollywood and we discovered that D is a daredevil!!! He will ride anything and the faster/higher the better!!! :)

We made a stop in Cherokee, but Davis was to preoccupied with the fact that Mimi had just told him we were going to visit the Aquarium in Gatlinburg to care for indians!

He did enjoy riding this horsey!

And he even let sissy in on the fun!

On the way to our cabin - he spotted a kiddie amusement park or more specifically this train! Guess where we ended up later that evening?

Of course, Pops had to go with him first!

Then he let daddy go for a ride!

Davis suprised us as he wanted to ride anything and everything - even by himself! Mommy was so excited! She knew he would love Dollywood!

Next it was super high up in the air by himself, Davis the pilot! Mommy was a nervous wreck waiting on D to try to skydive out, but he LOVED it!!! He just waved and waved!

Next, it was on the Ferris Wheel where we were shocked that he didn't want out after his cage mate had a nervous breakdown! They stop to let the boy out and Davis said he was ok and wanted to keep going! Good for you, my big boy!

Next, the scrambler! We were worried about this one as it makes daddy VERY sick! Davis LOVED it -- The operator couldn't spin him fast enough. He kept screaming more more faster faster! I just knew we'd see dinner again! However, he was a pro until he let go and started spinning with the cart! The operator saved the day and got him back under control. Davis just laughed. He would have stayed on it all night!

Sissy slept most of the time at the Kiddie Park in her stroller, but Mommy got Sleephead up for some lovin' and a quick photo!

Our Mar-Star!

2008-07-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I must admit -- we began calling Davis --- D from the start. Marleigh was Mar Bear for ever and I still call her that, but the past few weeks I have been calling her and refering to her as my Mar-Star! And that she truly is! She is quite the little Star of the household! In fact, here lately her stardom has sortof taken its toil on the rest of the household!

"What? I know she is not talking about ME!"

Oh, but I am my little Princess! :) Ms. MarStar has become quite the little spoiled Princess. She is your typical little girl! She wants CONSTANT attention and interaction and nothingless. If you take your eyes off of her for even a second she DEMANDS you back in line! :) Our perfect little princess has always went to bed like a light switch. Here lately (the past 5 or 6 nights), bedtime has become her "showtime." In fact she will sleep like a little lamb as long as mommy is holding her in her arms. The second mommy begins to lay her down - her eyes POP open huge and she won't have it! :) Just to explain -- this cycle has easily continued for 4 and 5 hours at at time. Turning her 7:00 bedtime easily into midnight. And oh - I am NOT exaggerating! Since Mommy has removed her wedge and blanket. She is now sleeping flat in her bed in Halo Sack. Last night was the best in a week. Mommy got her to sleep quite quickly until Daddy and D caused a stir and woke her up. Needless to say Mommy was not happy with Daddy and told him he had the priveledge of dealing with the Princess. Luckily she went back easily and slept until 8:40 this morning! Over 12 hours! So we are getting there! Mommy is convinced that MarStar is starting to exhibit the early stages of Separation Anxiety. This week it has been quite intense. She is young to exhibit the intial signs, so we might be in for a quite a time the next few months! Please pray for us all! :)

Mommy explains, "She better be glad she is so darn Cute!"

Marleigh has become quite the little fashion diva with her hairbows here lately! I know, you either LOVE big bows on babies or you HATE them! I am a HUGE fan myself! I am also very proud of myself for making them! In fact, I have already had a number of people asking me to make some for their little girls and friends. I guess I am going in the bow making business! At least it is fun, and I enjoy it! And I am saving a ton for not ordering them online as I had been doing! :)

Well we hope you all had a GREAT 4th! We sure did! Our money shot days are SHOT. We cannot seem to get a good pic of the kids together. One day we will look back and Love these. I just know it! Marleigh is always ready for the camera, and she just can't seem to understand why Davis HATES to pose for pictures!

Our True Colors!

2008-06-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

I hope this post finds everyone doing well and enjoying summer! I just wanted to post a few pictures of my little darlings! We are staying at home for the most part! It is hard to get out with 2!!! :0) Especially with a new member who isn't very fond of car rides unlike her brother! :0) We are working on Potty Training with Davis and He is doing very well! We aren't really pushing it but trying to make it fun! Today he hasn't had any accidents and he has worn big boy undies all day! Thomas the Train to be exact! And last night and this afternoon he suprised Mommy with a Poo in the potty! :0) I am beginning to see that Potty Training might be Possible!!! Marleigh on the other hand has become a fan of the Jumperoo that she experiences for the first time today! She is going to be a jumping bean like her big brother!

Marleigh actually tolerating Tummy Time this weekend! Look at those eyes!

Have I ever mentioned how much Marleigh LOVES Davis! Davis on the other hand would rather ignore her most of the time! She puts a crunch in his social life! :0)Davis being Davis! He likes to pretend he is swimming in the ocean under Marleigh's excersaucer!My Little Princess this morning during Mommy time! We have Mommy and Marleigh time until Davis decides to wake up and grace us with his presence!

I could literally just eat her up! She's too cute! Mommy's little Flirt!

Striking a quick pose in her Jumperoo!

Here is a video of Marleigh enjoying her Jumperoo this morning! I made the mistake of shooting it vertically - so unless I can figure it out -- you might have to turn your head to the side! :0)

Where do I begin?!?

2008-06-09T17:05:00.001-07:00

Wow . . . We've had so much going on at the Henson front, that I have NO idea where to begin!

* Our 5 year anniversary

* Another house accident

* A 4th month B-day and check-up for Marleigh

I guess I will start with this past week! Davis LOVED Vacation Bible School! In fact he still often asks "Is the church open?" I had to start telling him Church was closed, when he asked at random times to go to church! He says he learned about "Baby Jesus!" When asked what he sang he begins singing "Deep and Wide!" Ms. Margaret did a GREAT job with 10 his age! I don't know how she kept up with them or got anything accomplished! Davis was excited about singing and painting! He even got quite excited about the boys vs. girls mission offering competition. By the 4th night when I would ask if he put his money in the blue (boys) bucket, he would say illy, "I done did that!" Ouch! That is painful to an educator's ear! I guess I should start working on grammar early! :) I had a couple of cute shots of him from the VBS commencement celebration last night, but it is on the other digital camera, and I am not exactly sure where it is at the moment!

Friday was mine and Tim's 5 year anniversary! (Plus exactly one year since we found out we were pregnant!) Don't worry -- no news like that this year! Where have the past 5 years gone? Wow . . . what a ride . . . never a dull moment around here! Tim and I for the first time actually paid a babysitter to come and stay at the house so that we could go out! We went to Athens and had tapas at Speakeasy! It was fabulous! We ate SO much, but it was OH so good! I have many recommendations if you ever want to go! Before desert, Tim surprised me with a "little blue box" from Tiffany's. I was speechless, and beside myself when I opened the box to find a 9 caract emerald cut amethyst. Amethyst is Marleigh's birthstone! Needless to say it is huge and beautiful! As we were leaving a young couple sat down next to us and all of sudden she turned to us and said "OH MY GOSH DID YOU JUST GET ENGAGED! YOU HAVE A LITTLE BLUE BOX, I LOVE LITTLE BLUE BOXES!" Which I quickly replied with a not exactly and a 5 year and 2 kids later story! It was quite shocking, but we got to talk to them for a little bit and she asked to see the ring and we told them about our kiddos! Needless to say I think her boyfriend was glad to know that she liked "little blue boxes." It's always a plus to find out things that your boyfriend or girlfriend "really" like! Tim and I have been through so much together, and I anxiously look forward to our time together! What can I say! He is ALWAYS full of surprises!

Fast forward until we arrived home . . . With our luck lately, I am sure this next snipit won't really suprise anyone! We are sitting on the couch talking to my aunt when all of a sudden it sounds like a guy peeing in our living room. We quickly realize their is a large stream of water pouring on our couch. Well any of you that have been to our house know that our living room is vaulted 2 stories. Well we look up and there is like a drill like hole in our ceiling with water quickly racing out. Tim runs to the basement to cut off the water. It keeps coming! By this time I holding a cast iron pot catching water and getting soaked in the process! Come to find out it was a problem, which I cannot technically explain, with our upstairs cooling unit and it had leaked all in the attic and found a weak spot! The good news is Tim's father was home and is a heating and air mechanic! So he came over after midnight to take a look and was able to fix it for us. Thanks Papa! :) No we just have to wait and see if there is much damage as it is all drying out. Look on the brightside! It could have been SO much worse!!!

Ok . . . . let's have some pictures!

A rare photo of Marleigh actually halfway enjoying Tummy Time!

Marleigh LOVES the Einstein Activity Center!
I washed it and cleaned it up on Friday, and the first time I put her in it she started turning around in it! I don't remember Davis figuring out how to move around in the seat that quickly!

Saturday we were hoping to get a new picture of Marleigh and Davis together. Well Mr. "I have the ability to do the opposite of what Mommy and Daddy want" made sure that didn't happen! Here is a trial shot. Needless to say Mr. D ended up in TIME-OUT which is frequently visited these days!

Could Marleigh's shirt have been any more appropriate for her brother's behavior?

Of course, when things are Davis' idea then it is a different story.

Davis woke up on Sunday asking to "hold Sissy!"

The "Ok, I'm done with this" shot.

But I don't mind giving her a quick kiss!

Four Months Old and Growing Like CRAZY!

Friday Ms. Marleigh turned 4 months old! Funny she hit 4 months one day before the one year anniversary of finding out she was on the way! I cannot believe it has been a year ago that I found out! It feels like YESTERDAY! Looking back at my blog I can't believe that I didn't post the finding out I was expecting Marleigh story! To make a LONG story short I found out on our 4th wedding anniversary, June 7, 2007. Tim was out of town, and I kept it a secret until I picked him up at the airport and we went out for our anniversary. Needless to say his anniversary gift was a plastic toothbrush travel case with a positive pregnancy test inside! I don't think I will EVER top that one! I took Marleigh in for her check up today! Everything looked GREAT! I've kept her on Tylenol for the day as I can tell she is sore, and she has slept alot! She was ready for bed at 7:00 tonight!

Weight: 17 pounds and 11 ounces

Length: 25 and 3/4 inches

Here's the happy baby today!

Poor D! The doctor thinks he has a mild case of pink eye! He HATES medicine, including eye drops! Luckily it showed up on the same morning as Marleigh's appointment! I love my big boy! Mommy hopes you feel better REALLY soon!

Introducing Shark and Shark-bait!

2008-06-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

I hope this post finds everyone doing well and enjoying a great start of summer. Davis LOVES the water, so he is very excited about summer! No more swimming in Mommy's garden tub! On the way home from Vacation Bible School last night, I ran into CVS and picked up a cheapo pool for the deck! Our hard plastic one is too big to bring inside to get to the deck, and there is no way I can handle a 2 year old and a newborn at our neighborhood pool!

Davis and I filled it up this morning while Ms. Priss napped! Davis was raring to go with his new found Shark! Mr. Shark came from Cheyenne last night at church, GREAT! Davis LOVES anything that swims, because he loves the water. He had been eyeing Cheyenne and Chasity's prop since Sunday. They taught their last VBS lesson last night, so Davis was chosen to take Sharky home!!! He had fun in the pool too, even though he was really too big! :)

Davis is our little shark! He has NO fears! I got a few good pics!

Showing off one pair of Shark Trunks!

Playing with Sharky!

Now let us introduce you to Shark-bait!

Standing with Pops!

Calling a Truce!

After our spillage in the previous post, Mom and Dad decided to go with a suitable one piece! We found this cute little set at Gap last weekend and couldn't resist! How precious is she? Davis wasn't quite sure about sharing the waters with someone who is "too little!" He conceded once Mommy warned that it was not "his" pool. "Mine" sure is a new coined term in our house since Shark Bait came along!

Bring on the Pool Parties!

2008-05-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Mommy's last day with her kids at school! She is going to miss them, but she is looking forward to summer time and the fact that she is NOT taking classes this summer!!! Can you believe that tomorrow is the kids LAST day and we have already been invited to TWO pool parties tomorrow afternoon/evening!

Sometimes I think that Mommy thinks I am little doll. She enjoys playing dress-up with me! This afternoon when mommy got home from school -- Mom decided it was time to play dress-up! At least this time she had a valid point -- seems that the doctor had led mommy to believe that I was going to be about half the weight I actually was when I arrived! Mommy could feel me though, and she knew I was big enough to make my entrance! Tell the doctor to try carrying me for one week shy of 9 months! Mommy wasn't in agreeance that I was going to be smaller than my brother! I don't know who was more shocked when I came out -- Mommy or the doctor! :) Mommy kept thinking -- bigger=healthier -- the doctor on the other hand was so shocked by my size that at one point he stopped pulling me out to reach over and look at Mom and tell her that I was much bigger than he expected! Mom thinks this why I swallowed so much junk -- The doc. was so taken aback he couldn't focus on getting me out! The doctor was even having the nurses call to see my weight in the nursery even before Dad and I made it there! He was completely stunned at my grand size! 9 lbs. 14 is alot for a girl ya know! Anyway, mom is all freaking out about my summer and fall attire for some reason! I guess my size was not quite prepared for! Anyway, with all these pool parties she had to try on my 3-6 month suits! There isn't really room to spare, but I guess I can make them work! What do you think???

Tankini?

Or Bikini?

Simply Precious!

A Bloggable Moment with Deep Thoughts!

2008-05-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had the privilege of putting Ms. Marleigh to sleep. As I was sitting there rocking her and watching her drift peacefully off to sleep as her eyes got heavier and heavier I started reflecting on my life and how immensely blessed I am. It is a shame that life is all to often taken for granted, and the time spent on reflection is quite minimal. I was sitting there thinking to myself that I have been married for almost 5 years in a few weeks, and I have two precious and healthy children. I began to reminisce over my life and how as a young girl I use to dream that one day I would marry and be blessed with children. I smiled as I reflected on my juvenille thoughts of how I envisioned the "perfect life," having first a son and then a daughter. I always thought that it would be "perfect" for a brother to watch out for his little sister. I remember thinking to myself as a young girl -- "That's not always how life is -- Don't get your hopes up. There are many out there that try and try to have one of each gender and the chances of them coming in my desired sequence was slim to none." Only this time I realized that my idea of the picture, perfect, textbook life was now a reality. As I sat there rocking my little princess and listening to D downstairs goofing off with his daddy, I spoke to God and said "Why me? What have I done in my life to have all of my dreams come true!" I was thanking God for his blessings and I noticed Marleigh's music in the background. First of all let me preface this by saying that I had been a little distraught over Marleigh's new bedtime music as Tim had changed the CDs out this weekend. I wasn't happy because this one has words, and it seemed when hearing through the monitor as if it were more like elevator music. Boy was I ever wrong! Anyway, during my time of praise, thankfulness, and time of being literally speechless the words of the song became surprisingly clear. At first I thought as thought I was imagining it. Then I restarted the song 2 or 3 times and turned up the volume. I just sat there thinking that this was the story my heart was feeling. I couldn't take my eyes off my sweet little angel. I literally sat there and cried. After putting her in her crib and covering her up, I immediately resorted to my PC to find the lyrics to this song. I hope they are as precious to you as they were to me, especially tonight.

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
Words and Music
Terry Toler

I LOOK AT YOU
HERE IN MY ARMS
AND I KNOW THAT DREAMS COME TRUE
TONIGHT LIFE IS SWEET
AND MY DREAM’S COMPLETE
SO I OFFER THIS PRAYER
JUST FOR YOU

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
MAY LIFE BE GOOD TO YOU
MAY HAPPINESS FOLLOW YOU
YOUR LIFE THROUGH
MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

SOMEDAY YOU’LL DREAM
OF A FAMILY
CHILDREN OF YOUR OWN
PERHAPS YOU’LL SIT
IN THIS SAME ROCKING CHAIR
AND SING YOUR BABY THIS SONG

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
MAY LIFE BE GOOD TO YOU
MAY HAPPINESS FOLLOW YOU
YOUR LIFE THROUGH
MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

MAY HAPPINESS FOLLOW YOU
YOUR LIFE THROUGH
MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

Pictures from Today

Marleigh's new favorite toy: D's holey ball! It is GREAT because she can actually hold on to it!

Davis giving Sissy a Kiss!

Marleigh swinging with her ball!
Marleigh with her Oatmeal face!Marleigh grasping onto a small ball! Today was the first day she was able to palm/grasp a small ball for a little while! Maybe she will be a basketball player!
Davis last night at Cooper and Charlie's house!

Lots of Firsts..........

2008-05-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

Ms. Marleigh is a such a good girl! However, she actually cried on us last night! I am sure many readers won't sympathize for the fact that they have or had fussy babies, but we have always thanked our lucky stars that our two are quite content as babies. Most wouldn't have thought anything of a little crying or screaming -- I mean it would go on for less than a couple of minutes. However, that is out of character for our little one. I figured it was her tummy since she hasn't made Mommy a suprise in a day or two .... if you catch my drift! :) So, I remembered when D was constipated as a little we gave him the Gerber White Grape Juice. So, I sent Tim to the grocery to grab a bottled. Needless to say when he returned she was happy and asleep, but I woke her up to give her some, and she LOVED it. She quickly engulfed her FIRST juice!!! And I got these looks of why don't you always give me this! Well no poo, but a content baby! Maybe the poo will come soon!!!

Tim went to put her to bed and I was going to bathe D. Well she pitched a TOTAL fit in her room. So Tim and I switched stations! She drifted right off to sleep with me after we walked around in her room for a couple of minutes and I sang to her. I took it as a compliment that my voice comforted her....that sure is a first! :) Anyway, another FIRST -- she drifted off to sleep in my arms and I didn't want to wake her to try to swaddle her so I thought, "Why not try her going to bed without being swaddled!" She did it! I put her down a little before 9:00 and she slept until 5:30 unswaddled!!!

She woke up happy at 5:30 -- and Tim got up to feed her so Mommy could rest! She didn't want to go back to sleep, but quickly fell asleep swinging in her swing so that Mommy and Daddy could sleep until Davis woke up at 8:30.

Then one last FIRST! Mommy decided to go for the Oatmeal! I know it is a little early. My doctor told me to try it a week before she turned 4 months, but I couldn't wait any longer! Why do we rush our kids so! Anyway she LOVED it!!! I mixed a scoop and a half with a little milk and she took all but like a couple bites!!! My plan was to give her a little milk and then try the oatmeal because I knew she was hungry. Plus I tried this when D was little and it never worked! He was like why do you wait til I am hungry and put something in my mouth that I don't know what to do with! Give me my milk! Ms. MJ on the other hand could have cared less -- I think she liked the oatmeal more than her milk!!! She was insulted afterwards when I tried to give her a bottle!

First Bite

Not Sure What to Think!

Then a SMILE!

Little Piggy!

She knew just what to do!

Eagerly awaiting a 2nd Bite!

I couldn't resist throwing in this picture! It CRACKS me up! I am thinking of saving it for her Senior Ad .... What do you think!?!
I ended up moving her to her bumbo seat so that I would have to reach so far! I hesitated to upload this video as my table has lately become the collecting ground for everything that needs to be put up! So please ignore the disaster area! This video was mad as she was finishing up so as you will see she is getting full. I just didn't want to NOT include it since it was her first time!

One last FIRST that I must add! You know how D HATES to have his picture made!!! Well since we got the camera out for Sissy, Davis all of sudden wants HIS picture made! He kept doing cute things - saying "Picture of Davis, Picture of Davis!" So I couldn't finish this post without a fair hair shot of my morning joy!

Have a Marvelous Weekend Blogger Buds!

What We've Been Up To!

2008-05-13T18:19:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have posted lately! I have take the time to skim everyone's blogs, but I just haven't had the time to comment! Hopefully life will begin to settle down a little by the end of the month!!!

Well due to the storm on March 15th, we have spent our fair share of time dealing with our insurance company, adjusters, appraisers! The good news is that we are getting a brand new roof and money to have the dents taken out of Tim's car from the hail.

On a positive note . . . May 3rd was an exciting day! I graduated with my Ed.S. degree!!! Woohoo!!! This was sure a long time coming completing the program and having a baby along the way! I am not going to miss taking classes, but I am going to totally miss the girl time I had with my 5 Martin buddies! Amy, Heather, Jennifer, Kim, and Kristy -- thank you so much for putting up with me for a year and half! I love you girls! Congratulations! We Got'er done!!! :) (and we all got 4.0's) :)

Me and the Husband! Thank you honey for putting up with me and my negative attitude when I often thought I was in way over my head or didn't think I could continue! You always calmed me and encouraged me even though I didn't tell you!!!

Me with my parents! Wow! Mom and Dad I can't thank you enough! I would have NEVER been able to accomplish this without you! Thank you so much for keeping Davis and Marleigh for me EVERY Monday night for a year and half so that I could go to class!!! Hooray for Mimi and Pops!

This Mother's day was a blessing knowing that I had two precious, beautiful, healthy, and adorable little ones. A girl and a boy! How blessed am I? They truly inspire me and keep me going! I can't even begin to imagine life without them! Our Mother's day ended up being a little crazy -- I can't believe we never got around to taking a picture! We will make up for that -- I am sure of that! We live in camera land here lately!

A glance at Mommy's inspiration to further my education! I pray that I can lead by example and allow my kids to see firsthand the importance of education and striving to accomplish all that you can! What a waste would it be to not to learn and apply in life all that God deems you able!

Marleigh with that contagious and captivating grin!

My two partners in crime having some tummy time!

The comedian of the family!

Showing off those piercing eyes!

We had another suprise on Mother's Day evening! We had went over to spend some time at my parents house, and they received a phone call from one of our neighbors who was trying to track us down. How often do you get the news that I tree has just fallen on your house!!! Oh yeah, I am sure the insurance company LOVES us! At least it happened before the roof got replaced! Needless to say the last two days have been CRAZY with people coming by and working on the tree. The good news to report is that as of this afternoon it is down and covered! Hopefully the adjuster can come and take pictures before the end of the week! I am not too hopeful as I know they are absolutely slammed right now! Oh, and did I mention I hit a rock last week and bust my windshield! What else can happen? As long as we are all safe and healthy, I know we can take it!

Calling ALL Prayer Warriors!

2008-04-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Desperate prayer is needed for a friend of mine's husband's cousin. Her name is Katherine Wolf, and she is from Athens, GA. She is currently living with her husband and 7 month old son in California. Her husband is there in law school. Anyway, you'll have to go back and read all the posts on the links below to be able to fully understand what is going on. Katherine is suprising everyone with her progress, but is still in VERY critical condition. This new journey began in her life one week ago, and I can't get up or go to bed without checking in for updates. She is very heavy on my heart, and I would like for you to join me and many others around the world as we pray for Katherine Wolf and the testament she is here on earth!

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewMyStory.do?method=executeInit

http://www.katherinewolf.info/

http://katherineawolf.blogspot.com/

Pray Mark 5:41!
"He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!")

A ZOOrific Day!

2008-04-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Saturday! We met Daryl, Lori, and Ms. J at Zoo Atlanta! The weather was perfect, and the kiddos were GREAT! Davis was pretty excited to see all the animals in person. I almost don't think that he knew what to think! We were able to see all of the animals except for the lions. They weren't out for some reason! Tim enjoyed taking the time to tell Davis about his family tree and introducing him to some relatives! LOL! Couldn't resist! The girls were happy, and they both got to experience their first application of sunscreen together! Davis said his two favorite animals were the panda bears and the gorillas. I swear Daryl was with us, but for some reason I have NO pictures of him except for a back of the head shot! I am telling you I can't quite get the "taking picture" thing down when keeping eyes on 2 kids! This is a goal I must work on!

Lori with Jamie and Me with Marleigh!

Our first official "girl shot!"

Pictures of Davis are getting MORE and MORE difficult! He doesn't want to be told to smile for the camera! His approach is "avoidance!" Here is Davis and Tim in front of the Gorillas. As you can tell, Davis would much rather be enjoying the animals!

This is momma panda. The zoo keeper said she was inseminated just 8 weeks ago! So, mommy was being kept isolated from daddy and their baby girl.

I'll let you caption this picture for yourself!

This was quite suprising to me, but the little fella below is playing a matching game on a touch screen. Every time he made a match he is rewarded with a treat. They have a screen set up so you can see how he is doing. Amazing!

I am such a girl -- I am so scared of snakes and Davis LOVES this! Of course, this freaks me out because I just know if he was to see one outside that he would PICK IT UP!!!

I'll end with the elephant, which is actually the first animal we saw. Davis loves elephants and I wish you could have seen his face. He wouldn't hardly say anything. He just stared at him! I know he was completely taken back by his size and stature! Absolutely amazing!

'Twas the Night . . . .

2008-04-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

. . . . and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even Ms. Priss! Let me just tell you how proud I am of my baby girl! Friday night was the night! "Moving Ms. Marleigh!" Her daddy had the pleasure of putting her to bed! It was "my" night to put D to bed! We try to rotate so that D gets adequate time and attention from both of us! Well Ms. Priss was asleep before D! If any of you know Davis, he ususally tells us he is ready to go to bed and we change his diaper and rock him for a minute or two and either read a book or a sing a song and then turn on his lullaby CD and turn on his constellation/star turtle! Last night after rocking and talking for a few minutes (oh with Pooh, puppy, horsey, three pibbies (pacifiers) and two blankets in my lap, he simply said, "I get in my bed now!" Such an EASY one to put to bed. We never expected to get another one that would sleep so well! Looks like we might have another keeper on our hands! She went to sleep rocking in her room and feeding at 10:30 -- we had one "Freak" panic at 11:00 when it sounded like something struggling to breathe and I jumped out of the bed and flew upstairs faster than I have EVER moved! To only throw open her door and find out it was birds in the background on her lullaby CD! What??? Are you kidding me! Needless to say I killed the CD! Ms. Marleigh slept through my maniac entrance! LOL! After that, not another peep until she woke up hungry at 5:45. Friday night is Daddy's feeding shift so Tim got up and fed her and was back downstairs by 6:20. It is 8:20 now and she is STILL sleeping! I went in her room when I got up at 7:45 and gave her the pibby because she was squirming, but her eyes were still closed. She is still snoozing away! I started her music again. Being a teacher I know the benefits of classical music, and Davis LOVES having his while going to sleep. So, I am SO happy we started Marleigh out with it the FIRST night! I am sure she is use to it, as she was snug with me and D all those months while we rocked and listened to it every night! So this post is for Marleigh! Mommy loves you and is SO proud of the big girl you are becoming!!! We are so blessed!

Silent Night!!!

2008-04-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I have probably already jinxed myself at work today, so I might as well go ALL out and do it publicly!!! I have to brag to someone! Little Ms. thing finally went to sleep before 11:30 last night! For those of you that don't know, she is a NIGHT/EVENING Owl!!! :) She has always slept well getting up just once to eat, but last night was her first full nights sleep!!! She went to bed at 10:30 -- so we made it to bed an hour early! And she didn't wake until AFTER I left for work! Dad said she got up around 7:30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which is like 9 hours! Woohoo! I was all excited about the 6-7 that she had been doing! I will take 9 any night! Please pray this will continue and not just be a one night ordeal! Anyone those of you that know me, know that I am a nut for documentary and articles about anything and everything. That comes with the territory of education! So my latest read discussed infant sleep and weight. Basically it discussed how the more sleep an infant gets the less likely they are to be overweight as a kid/adult. I know I was never a good sleeper! (Sorry Mom and Dad!), and I have always struggled with watching my weight. So this made me quite curious. At this stage in the game if this is true, poor Marleigh is going to anorexic as she sleeps ALL the time! She is getting better, but she does nap until almost 2:00 everyday! Of course she is up for feedings and a little play time! The doctor recommends 18 hours of sleep a day at this point and she is pretty close to it! Afternoon-on is "game time!" I'll take the advice that I am hearing and finding for myself! "Let them sleep as much as they will sleep!" and "NEVER wake a sleeping baby!" Tim has been out of town and is currently in route home! I called and woke up his happy little butt this morning to tell him that he was going to have to LEARN how to be more quiet when he gets up and gets ready! However, reality sunk in when my girlfriends from work corrected me by saying, "No, Amanda, you know YOU need to move her to her room, and get her out of your bedroom!" I going to try it this weekend! I LOVE working with women that are experts in ALL areas! They are SO right! Wish us well!

A Rather Peaceful Spring Break!

2008-04-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

Well as peaceful as possible with a 2 and half year old and a 2 month old! For the most part, I stayed home with the kids. However, on Wednesday I spent the day with Davis and his cousin's Cooper and Charlie. We went and enjoyed a beautiful day at Stone Mountain. Things sure have changed there since the last time I went! On Thursday, I loaded up the kiddos and met two of my Sorority Sisters, Erin and Lori, at Perimeter Mall we had a fun time strolling, shopping, and checking out the bathrooms! We were frequent bathroomers with 4 kids in tow!

Here are the boys ready to get the day started with the mountain in the background! (From L to R: Charlie, Cooper, and Davis)

We gave the boys some time to run around on the giant lawn! Davis was quickly intrigued with another playdate group that had quite the little spread going on complete with food and TOYS! You could tell they were regulars! Davis helped himself to their hang out and chased their bubbles. He even hid on the mat with the moms! Can we say embarassed! I guess next time I will know to pack some toys!

Here is D and Charlie hugging after lots of chasing!

Charlie and Davis with Bob and Larry! The waiting in line was the "fun" part!

The Monster Trucks! Davis was in awe at their size! I would have to say that I was too!
Davis thoroughly enjoyed the barn play place! Here he is after slide in the hay loft!

We can't forget the Choo-Choo Train! Here is Mommy and Davis!

A cute shot of D on the train!

Here is cute shot of the Houses on the train! (Kristi, Cooper, Rodney, and Charlie)

Davis pooped after a fun day! Here he is trying to fall asleep on the tray of his stroller on the way to the car!

Strolling and Shopping
On Thursday we headed to Perimeter Mall to stroll with our friends! Needless to say our official meeting time ended up being 2 hours later than we had anticipated. I guess this goes to show that when you have kids, you have to be flexible! I was a little nervous getting out with 2 on my own, and driving the double stroller - it is HUGE! So I totally took advantage of Valet parking! I without a doubt recommend it as the help you get the stroller out/put it upunload your bags! It was worth every penny! Needless to say we didn't have lots of photo opts! However, we did meet up in the bathroom! We frequented bathrooms on this trip! But it was nice to go and know someone else could watch/help with your kids! We ended up in another bathroom for diaper changes/feedings and D and Jack were able to get down and run around in a sitting area and play! I believe they distracted Ms, J from eating! As for Marleigh -- well she pretty much slept until she was ready to eat!

Here is Ms. Marleigh all smiles before we headed to meet up with the gang!

My little Comedian!

Jack pushing his stroller!

Ms. Jamie!

Busy with the Babies!

2008-04-09T20:09:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I've been able to post! So I might have to catch up with two separate posts! I went back to work last Thursday and dove in with a 12 hour day for Kindergarten Registration! It went by quite quickly testing 4 and 5 year olds! Too cute! I also learned more than I have already learned by teaching of what kind of parent I "do" and "don't" want to be! I think I have an outstanding job for preparing me for pretty much everything motherhood has to offer! :)

Anyway, Mommy is on Spring break this week! For the most part we have enjoyed some time at home! However, Marleigh had her 8 week appt. on Monday, Davis and Mommy went to Stone Mountain today, and Mommy is meeting a couple of sorority sisters in Atlanta tomorrow for some strolling and shopping!

Marleigh had her 8 week check-up on Monday! She is a big and growing girl! She weighed 13 lbs. and 5 ounces! She was 23 and 1/4 inches long! Oh and by the way, thanks for all your prayers! We got the test results back from her hip ultrasound and everything looks perfect!!! Woohoo! However, poor thing had to get 5 shots! Plus she had to take the Rotovirus serum (which she loved!) She was a little grumpy Tues. evening from the achyness, but she is back to herself today! Here is some new photos of Miss Priss!!!

Marleigh enjoying her Bumbo Seat! (In her favorite shirt!)

Bright eyes during tummy time!

This evening, acting like a little lady!

Snug as a bug, going on our first neighborhood walk! Thank you Lord for such beautiful weather!

Here are some fun and crazy pictures of Marleigh and D! He is such a little ham lately in front of the camera!

A quick, Sissy hug!

A quick, Sissy kiss! (please ignore my hair!!!)

I love this picture of them looking at one another!

Just because she is a cutie!

Before I go, I have to share our new "hot" spot! Davis has earned a timeout zone this past week. It has been SO effective with him! I can't even begin to tell you! Anyway, lately all you have to do is say, "Davis, go to time out!" and he complies. Of course after his two minutes we go over and discuss with him why he is there! I just can't believe how good it has been for him!

Davis assuming the position in the "hot spot"!

Check back tomorrow night as I hope to get Stone Mountain up as well as pics from our day with friends at Perimeter!

FYI

2008-03-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, I signed in to input a quick update snip-it and realized that last post was my 100th blogger post! Woohoo! I hope many more hundreds full of memories are soon to follow!

I discovered that my video of Marleigh playing with her toy from the easter bunny was too large! She is just so darn cute that I can't put the camera down! :) I tried again this morning, and of course I didn't get any as good as the first one! I am hoping at least one will be small enough to post on here!

Here it is! Sorry it is dark -- I should have turned a light on!

However, first things first! Ms. Marleigh is taking a nap in her crib upstairs in her room for the first time! We will see how long it lasts! I thought it would be good to get her slowly aquainted. Of course by 8 weeks Davis was sleeping in his room for good I believe! Tim has been out of town this week, (he's coming home today) and honestly I like having the company in the room! :)

Here is Sleeping Beauty in her posh pad!

I snapped a few more pictures while in her room!

The chair is now ready and looks perfect! Thank you Uncle Scotty for all your hard work! He actually just made new cushions instead of recovering Davis' cushions so that we could use them again! You totally outdid yourself! If anyone needs any upholstery work, my uncle is the best!

Here are the canvases that Ms. Alicia did! I can't wait to hang them up!

And guess what?!? I have finished the post, and she is STILL asleep in her BED! Yippeee!!! Just kidding -- video just finished uploading 45 min. later and she is now crying! 45 min is a start!

Hippity, Hoppity . . . . Happy Easter!!!

2008-03-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

We sure hope everyone had a fantastic Easter! We have had all sorts of festivities going on between Saturday and this evening! We are Eastered Egged out I believe! I have no idea how I am going to choose pictures for this blog! We have taken over 180 since Saturday!!! Can you believe that? me neither!!!

Well first let's start out with a little tummy time picture of Ms. Bright Eyes!

On Saturday morning we got up and headed over to G.A.N.'s house (Great Aunt Nana). We had lunch with Pop's side of the family and the cousins had a super-dee-duper Egg Hunt! Davis and his cousin Parker (only 6 weeks younger than Davis) had much rather play with all the toys than pick up eggs! We got the look, "if you want the eggs, then you pick them up! Can't you see we are playing here?" Davis managed to score a few eggs with Easter loot! He also got Easter suprises from the aunts! We had a blast everyone!!! Too bad we can't get the kids together more often!

Here is Ms. Marleigh being held by her big cousin Caroline! It won't be long til they are playing together! Caroline is a big girl and fell quickly in love with her new cousin!

Here's Daddy giving Davis a little help with a hard to reach egg! "Thanks Dad!"

Marleigh refrained from showing off this year and finding all the eggs! Here she is spotted hanging out with Mimi! Mimi pulled her ACL the weekend before chasing after D. So needless to say Marleigh and Mimi were a perfect match for relaxing!

On Saturday night we had a wonderful dinner at Tim's parents' house. They had Easter goodies for the kiddos, and Marleigh got to see her bed there for the first time! Nana and Poppa even watched the kids while Tim and I ran out to find some last minute clothes to wear to church the next day!

Here's Nana and Marleigh. Marleigh's bed is in the background!

Here is Davis doing his FAVORITE thing at Nana and Poppa's, playing with his blocks basket! If you look closely you will see that's Poppa inside the basket!!!

Peter Cottontail

Look who stopped in our neck of the woods? The bunny left some mighty fun loot for the Henson kiddos!

For: Davis

For: Marleigh

A happy Davis on Easter morning! (ignore his winter PJ's ~ what can I say, he loves Mickey!)

A happy Marleigh with her new gym today! (Notice brother assisting in the background!)

Here is a video clip from today of Ms. Marleigh playing with her new toy! (Well it won't upload!) I will try again tomorrow!

Marleigh's first trip to church!

Mommy and Marleigh Easter Sunday Morning

Daddy and Davis Easter Sunday Morning!

Our First Easter as a family of 4!

The above photo was taken at my grandparents house after church on Sunday! We had a delicious lunch, and then we had an egg hunt for Davis, Conley, and Kristen! Davis and Conley are two peas in a pod! They love each other to death! Conley is a sweet older cousing, he spent some of his egg hunting time helping Davis find eggs!

Here is Davis and Conley together!
Here is an upclose shot of Ms. Marleigh! She is wearing MY first Easter dress!

Mimi and Pops came over Easter evening and brough D and Marleigh their Easter treats! Mommy is very excited about Marleigh's new glow-worm! Mommy had a glow-worm that she loved when she was a baby! Davis has been watching the Bee Movie, and Mommy loves it as much as D does!!! Needless to say Easter treats from the grandparents are literally ALL OVER the house!!! Thank you Mimi and Pops and Nana and Poppa! Mommy is going to go CRAZY! :)

Neighborhood Gang!

So tonight we had our annual neighborhood groupy hunt! Thank you SO much to Adam, Heather, and Mr. Hunter for opening your house and your yard! We had a few new kids on the block this year! Ms. Emersyn and Ms. Gracie joined us along with new additions Marleigh and loverboy Hayden!

Everyone adults and children included had a blast! The cold weather didn't stop the kiddos from hunting! They were ready to go! This year Davis had the orange eggs and Marleigh had the little pink eggs! Mommy the mother hen kept Marleigh in from the cold and allowed her to have some along time with Mr. Hayden! Big brother Davis collected sissy's eggs for her!

Here's the boys raring to go! (Hunter, Jack, and Davis)

Here's the Divas with their Daddys!
(Michael with Eva Claire and Jordan with Emersyn - I think Gracie was putting her coat on!)Davis going for the orange eggs!

Have you ever tried to get 6 toddlers to look at the camera at the same time?

0 for 6!!!

5 for 6!!! We'll take it!

Our Silly little Bunny!

Sharing la casa de Henson!

2008-03-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Do we have to keep her?

Are you sure?

I couldn't resist! Davis loves his new "Sissy!" However, he is not a fan of the camera! Nor is he a fan of sitting still! I always try SO hard to get a picture of them together, and these are usually the results! Marleigh is a good sport, but D just doesn't want to have any part of it!!! My favorite time of the day is morning when D is either asking "Where's Sissy?" or when he sees her already up and says "Good Morning Sissy!" It just melts my heart and makes all the drama in the house worthwhile! He cracks me up when he runs around the house with his arms stretched out saying "hold her!" "hold her!" and as soon as you try to sit him down to hold her -- he's like No! and runs off and plays! I guess the old saying will ALWAYS hold true! BOYS WILL BE BOYS!

Bunnies, Bubbles, Boyfriends, and Burps!

2008-03-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

So hopefully this blog will actually post! After spending time on and off for most of the day working on quite a lengthy post, I accidently clicked somewhere I obviously shouldn't have and lost it all! Let's pray that doesn't happen again! I hope I have the energy now that the kiddos are snug in bed (thanks hubby!) to try this once more!!!

BUNNIES

So, Thursday I had the "bright" idea to get the kiddos ready to see the Easter Bunny and meet my hubby at Mall of GA for pictures with the bunny! Little did I know that this bright idea would be a turning point! The turning point that would forever change my thoughts of dear old Peter Cottontail! After taking 2 hours to get the kids ready (Davis in his Easter outfit and Marleigh in "my" first Easter outfit) for their five seconds of fame, I end up turning onto 85N and Marleigh decides to scream blood curdling cries all the way to the mall! We arrive at Mall of GA, Davis barefoot (had to find some new sandals before the pics) and Marleigh overdue for a feeding. We head to Nordstroms where I feed Marleigh and Davis protests waiting on Sissy to finish her feeding. We then proceed to StrideRite to get Davis some new sandals. Davis gets quite upset with Mommy as we passed the dear old rabbit! I told him we would be right back for our picture as soon as we picked out some new shoes! Luckily we quickly found shoes and daddy caught up with us. We proceed back to the "BUNNY!" It was now 7:25 and the Simon Mall website said the bunny would be OPEN until 8:00. Needless to say Old Peter decided to call it a night before 7:25. Davis is wailing as he wants to see the BUNNY!!!! Oh let's add to the equation that he hasn't had dinner! Hubby who has been at a quiet office all day is like -- it's ok we will come back and see the bunny this weekend! That's when Mommy dearest snapped! OH NO WE WON"T!!! I have spent 3 and half hours at this point preparing for the bunny, and we are GOING to see the bunny! I then proceed to haul butt to the van and we drive light mad people to Discover Mills! Luckily the DM bunny follows rules, and serves his time for all the little children! I can GUARANTEE we won't EVER visit Mr. Bunny at MOG EVER again!!! I simply detest bunnies and the fact that they have taken such a religious Holiday and made everyone so distracted as to the true meaning of EASTER!!!

A days hard work! Finally a Bunny Picture for 2008!!!

Marleigh in my first Easter Dress!!! I am so happy my parents saved in and that it fits my baby girl!

BUBBLES

Lately these days Davis seems to have a new passion! The kitchen sink! :) Not necessarily the sink, but the water that comes from the sink. This all started when Davis took on the role of Mommy's big helper, helping Mom to bathe Sissy! Now Davis thinks whenever Sissy is in the tub or anyone is washing dishes that he has the right to pull up the chair and join in the festivities. Typically this behavior would not be allowed, but he was having so much fun last night that Mommy and Daddy gave the all clear and let him go for it! Daddy was washing some bottles in some clean soapy water, and Davis couldn't resist the bubbles! Needless to say he got another bath at 10:00 last night!

Who could ever say NO to a face like this?

BOYFRIENDS

Ms. Marleigh had a suprise visit from her boyfriend, Hayden, today! Hayden lives on a few doors up the street and was born 2 days after Ms. Marleigh. Needless to say that Marleigh slept through his visit, but Mommy and Hayden's mom had some much needed girl time! It sure wasn't a wasted trip! See, Hayden is known to the street as "Mr. Fussy!" though Mommy isn't sure why, because she said he was an angel during his visit today. I got booted from my Papasan swing when Mr. Hayden cried once, and Ms. Jessica fell in love with its effects on Hayden. It made Hayden go from fussy to VERY happy! Ms. Jessica said she had never seen him so content and happy! She then proceeded to make phone calls on a Papasan track down and borrow mission! With no luck they headed home! However, Mr. Hayden just couldn't stay away and returned this evening with Ms. Jessica and Mr. Giff to lull Hayden with the swing. Luckily Ms. Bethany was over (might I add she brought some YUMMY chicken pot pie -- Thanks Bethany!) and generously offered to let the Sizemore's borrow Livi and Zach's swing! They quickly took her up on the offer and followed her home to retrieve it! I bet Mr. Hayden is having happy dreams now!

BURPS

For this heading I have two questions:

1. If you give a baby an ounce of formula, then how is it possible for them to spit-up 3 ounces?

2. When a baby does spit-up how come 90% of the contens land on the Burpee while only 10% land on the Burper?

Mommy made the mistake of trying out the new Gerber Orthodonic bottles with Ms. Marleigh. She tried once last night and once this afternoon. Both produced the same results --- volcanic burps with eruptions of LOTS of formula! The culprit the nipples! The bottles claim to be a LEVEL 2 nipple for newborns! This is SO not true. The milk comes out way to fast for a newborn, much less a 5 week old! Lesson learned! These bottles are going back in the cabinet for another month or two!

Look how cute the little fashion diva herself looks after being cleaned up from today's erupt-a-thon!

My brother usually calls me "Princess," but this afternoon he called me "Zebra!"

However, I know I am the "Princess!"

Birth Announcement

Here's a quick look at Marleigh's birth announcement. I am working on getting them addressed. So, they are on their way, eventually!!! Thank you Andrea at Royal Family for such a cute and darling little outfit!!!

Weighin' In and a Consignment Sale!

2008-03-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday was Marleigh weight recheck at the doctor! If you remember, they were checking her again because at her 2 week checkup she was not yet back up to her birth weight. She was 9 lbs. 6 ounces at her 2 week checkup. Yesterday was exactly 2 weeks later -- So at 4 weeks she hit 10 lbs. 9 ounces! Needless to say she MORE than caught up! Ms. Marleigh knew there was no need to worry!!! Big girls have to work a little harder that's all!

I feel bad that I have posted any pics lately, and she is changing SO much! Here are a couple shots yesterday after her afternoon bath!

Marleigh showing off her healthy and chubby little arms! :) I could just eat her up!

Falling asleep during her photo shoot!

This last picture leads me to my next point. I have been quite skeptical about posting this information as I do not want to jinx ourselvels! However, Marleigh has become quite a great sleeper for a 4 week old, I think! She is going 6 hours during her first shift at night give or take an hour -- so between 5 and 7 hours! This is quite welcomed as you can imagine from my last post! And at least when she is awake she is HAPPY! :) Just staring and babbling away! I myself have become quite the rock star singing my newly hit single "I want to see your Eyyyyyess. I want to see your Eyes!" Needless to say the Beatles are quite jealous of my new lyrics to their hit! I am just happy to have a healthy and happy baby! She does sleep A LOT though! What I would give to be a baby for a day!!!

Consignment Sale!

Ok all you Consignment junkies! I have finally broke down and submitted like 120 items to a consignment sale! It is a brand new upscale consignment sale in North Gwinnett -- Buford to be exact. It is being held by a local doctor at her home. It begins in the morning!!! I am going to insert the link -- in case anyone is interested in shopping. When I dropped off loads of D's 24 month/2t summer clothes on Tuesday, they were loaded with GREAT looking stuff!!! I hope you guys can make it!!! www.toadsandteacups.com

What's a Girl to do?

2008-02-27T00:37:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would give a shout out to all those other Mom's who are up with little ones! What is there to do at 3:30 in the morning! I really can't complain! Marleigh is typically a good girl, but this is our second night in 3 weeks where she is quite bright eyed at 3:00 AM after eating! Tonight we decided to head to the living room, and she is rocking. She is MUCH more content than Mommy currently is! NEED SLEEP! Please let me know if you of anything exciting online or on TV at such an early time!

Bath Time Fun!

2008-02-24T09:12:00.001-08:00

Ms. Marleigh had her first official bath last night! No more sponge baths for Ms. Marleigh Bear!

This picture pretty much sums up how Ms. Marleigh felt about bath time!

So, it looks like she is going to like to be naked in warm water just as much as her big brother does! For this we are very thankful! Davis joined in the festivities to supervise what Mommy and Daddy were doing with his baby sister!

Here is Ms. Marleigh chilling in the tub before all the fun began!

Here is Big Bro brushing the doo! He's Mommy's Big Helper!

Here is Ms. Marleigh sporting her "I Love Mommy" towel from cousin Kylebo and soon to be wife, Miss Kimberly!

Here is our snug little bug after her bath!

And a bedtime picture with Daddy after Mimi and Pops allowed us to go out on a date! We had dinner at Red Sky and went to the Mall of GA for a little walking! Thanks Mimi and Pops! Today Nana and Poppa are going to come over and let Daddy and Mommy go Grocery Shopping! Woohoo! It's the little things in life to look forward to!

2 Weeks and Growing!

2008-02-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

Today Marleigh is officially 2 weeks old! I can't believe it has been 2 weeks! It feels like she just rocked our world yesterday! :) This afternoon I took her in for her 2 week check up. Everything looks great! She lost her umbilical cord on Saturday, so we are ready for tub baths vs. sponge baths! She LOVES to have her head run through the water at night when we wash and scrub her doo, so I am quite hopeful that she will enjoy bath time as much as her big brother!

Marleigh's weight is still going up praise the Lord! I was a little worried with all that she spit up last night! She went so long without spitting up, and now if she would just burp we would continue to have smooth sailing!!! She had dropped to her lowest 8 lbs. 11.8 ounces last Wednesday, but had increased to 8 lbs. 15 ounces on Friday. Today she weighed in at 9 lbs. 6 ounces -- even though the nurse recorded 9 lbs. 5 ounces! :) They still want to see her hit her birth weight again, so we are going back 2 weeks from today for a weight recheck!

We will also have a 6 week appointment for Marleigh to have an ultrasound on her hips -- I was unaware - but breech females have a higher chance for having hip displatia (sp?). Anyway, it is a routine check for breech babies at our Pediatrician's office. So far, like 6 out of 10 doctors at our practice have had the chance to check her out, and they all said they see/feel no signs of it with her hips, but it is still standard routine. We feel good since everyone has said that it looks fine. I believe they said it is 1 in 250 of breech female babies. So keep this in your prayers until we know for sure! :)

Raising "2" Kids!

2008-02-19T05:59:00.000-08:00

Wow! I'm sorry that I have posted in a while! You would think I would be more apt to post from home vs. posting from the hospital! The catch is: when I came home I had a 2 and 1/2 year old to keep up with as well!!!

Things are going well! Ms. Marleigh is a very good girl! Davis has adjusted very well. I was VERY worried about this since he seemed to think that Mommy was carrying a "shark" in her belly! :) He started out by totally ignoring her, but has since warmed up to her tremendously! He is too cute -- he tries to comfort her when she cries and he likes to bring her toys and pile them on her when she is in her bouncy seat! When it's time to change Marleigh's diaper, Davis pulls his rocking chair over to the side of the changing table so that he can "help" and "comfort" her.

Marleigh has done well at night -- we usually get up 1-2 times to feed her depending on when her feedings fall. Last night was an exception -- she just wanted to Mommy to hold her! I am wondering if the great "baby honeymoon" is about to be over! I remember that all to well with D! At a week or two of age he went from sleeping at night to sleeping in the day and staying wide awake at night! Let's pray we are not returning that forbidden land!

The past week was a blur -- Marleigh had 3 doctor's appts. to check weight and billirubin levels since she became slightly jaundiced. Good news though -- At Friday's appt. her Billirubin level was down and her weight had started going back up. She had gotten down to 8 lbs. 11.8 ounces on Wed. and on Fri. was back up to 8 lbs. 15 ounces. You can only imagine how much this big girl is eating! CRAZY! She can put 4 ounces away easily at a feeding! :) We go back tomorrow afternoon for her 2 week checkup -- stay posted for an update tomorrow! (Hopefully!)

Here are some pictures to enjoy of our angels!!!

Mommy and her Sweet Baby Girl in the Hospital! Ignore my "I'm freakin' drugged" look in this shot! This C-Section def. took its toil on me for a while!

Our first picture of our "cuddle bugs" together at home and ready for bed!

Baby Girl on her way home from the Hospital! She sure took up more room in the carseat than her brother did on his ride home!

Showing off my big bright eyes!

Hanging out with the Best Brother Ever!!!

Marleigh or "Bob" Marley?

2008-02-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

Ok so this is hilarious! So of course everyone asks us how we came up with the name "Marleigh?" Of course I know deep inside they are thinking are they hard core "Bob" Marley fans? If you haven't heard the name deal -- Tim's middle name is Marcus and my middle name is Leigh -- so we "put that all together" and got Marleigh!!! Anyway, my nurses have been GREAT!!! In fact one of the nurses tonight made Ms. Marleigh a hospital hat with a big fru-fru bow on it! Too cute! I will have to post a picture later! Anyway, our nurse comes in tonight to ask us how we came up with Marleigh -- she laughs and said I didn't think it was like "Bob Marley" -- but did you know she was born on his birthday? --- 2/6 --- GREAT!!! :)

Marleigh is Here!!!

2008-02-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

So sorry for not posting sooner! Things have been crazy as you can imagine! I will post the birth story later, but I wanted to post her stats and a few pictures!!!

Marleigh arrived safely at 1:19 pm on Wednesday, February 6th. She surely suprised everyone with her statistics. She weighed in at 9 lbs. and 14 oz. and was 21" long!

It won't be long now!!!

2008-02-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

Waiting on Ms. Marleigh!!!

Just wanted to post one final blog before we welcome little Ms. Marleigh into the world!!! I cannot believe that it is already time for her to be here!!! It feels like yesterday we just found out we were expecting! We are so excited!!! I am suppose to arrive at the hospital at 8:00 am to get things rollings and get hooked up for monitoring. The C-Section is scheduled for 10:00 so if all goes as planned, we should be welcoming Ms. Marleigh around 10:30! Keep us in your prayers!

Tonight was quite bittersweet as we were excited about the baby but sad that D's world as an only child was coming to a close. Please pray for him that he understands is happy about being a "Big Brother!" We are hoping to be able to upload at least a picture or two tomorrow evening from our hospital room. Keep checking in on us!!!

I want to leave you with a few pregnancy shots that our good friend Josh took over at Princess and the Pea!

Count Down to D-Day or in our case C-Day!

2008-01-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

One week from today we will be welcoming Little Miss Marleigh into the world! It feels like only yesterday, we found out she was on the way! Wow! This pregnancy has flown by even though we've had our fair share of health concerns on both of our parts! Now we are just so excited to finally get to meet this little one that has already caused so much joy and excitement!

Tonight we pretty much finished up her room, so that makes it even more real! We have a few finishing touches left to add, but many family and friends have been dying to see the progress, so here it is!!! I think all we have left is: getting the new cushions for the glider (We bought some upholstery fabric, and my uncle is making us new cushions to match the nursery.) and getting the canvases. (Our decorator is working on two canvases to go on each side of the window -- one has a tiara and the other will have a crown I believe -- she is using scripture on them refering to God's princess.) We have been so blessed. I have been tutoring a sweet little girl in my neighborhood and her mother is into interior design. She has done many nurseries, and she pretty much did everything you see in Marleigh's nursery! I did pick out the bedding and the paint colors. Believe it or not Tim and I hung the letters abover her bed, and I painted and decorated her initials over the changing table. I give Alicia all the credit for everything else!!! She is great about using what you already have which really saved us a bundle! The lamp you see was the lamp from D's nursery that she did in ribbon. The curtains were from D's nursery and she fancied them up too! She even made the yellow blanket/tablecloth on the little round table!

Anyway, I would love to hear your thoughts on how everything is looking or even suggestions! We sort of went for a whimsical/shabby chic approach. We are still debating on changing out the fan for a chandelier. We haven't seen just what we are picturing yet at a price we are willing to pay that is!!!

Christmas!

2008-01-29T19:41:00.000-08:00

Ok so with Marleigh arriving in one week, I figured I better get Christmas posted!!! Here is a peak at our Immediate family Christmas parties! It would take a year to post our other 4 family get-togethers!

Davis absolutely loved The Magical Nights of Lights!!! Thanks to one of my students whose sweet mother works at the Islands, we got a free pass!!! Here is Davis telling everyone what he sees! He was our little tour guide this year!

On to our Christmas parties!

First we celebrated Christmas with Tim's family on Christmas Eve Afternoon. Unfortunately, Troy, Tim's brother was admitted back to the hospital on the Friday before Christmas. He wasn't able to join us to celebrate, but thanks to his mom he was enjoying the best decorated hospital room ever! We were able to go up and visit him afterwards while D was napping. We met at Red Lobster for lunch and then headed to Nana and Poppa's house for the goodies!

Here is Davis enjoying his gift from Uncle Troy! The expression says it all! He loves his horsey!

Next, Davis shows his excitement over his very own keyboard! Davis LOVES music! (I think he gets that from his uncle Troy!)

Davis was excited to find out that Nana and Poppa had got him a Smart Cycle! However, he wasn't very excited that Mommy and Daddy wouldn't let him "open it" at Nana and Poppa's house!
Here is a picture of Tim and Troy at the hospital later in the afternoon.

After leaving the hospital we returned to my parents (where D was napping) for our Christmas together. Mom and Dad had cooked steak, oregano potatoes, and had a salad ready. For those of you that know my mom --- this is a BIG deal! ;) The dining room looked perfect and our places were set with her fine china and flatware. We should have known this was "too good to be true!" As soon as we arrived D threw the biggest "fit" "tantrum" whatever you want to call it that he has EVER thrown! Pops was trying to grill the steaks and D wanted no part of that! He wanted Pops all to himself, and he wanted Pops to go down to the "jungle." This is what D calls their TV room in the basement as it is decorated with jungle decor! Pops finally caved and Tim finished the steaks -- guess where the dinner was served???? You got it! In the jungle! Fine China and all! Nothing like sitting with plates in your lap or on the floor/coffee table while watching Mickey Mouse! We had to laugh about it! It was quite humerous! Just goes to show you how life changes with a toddler!!!

A quick glance at our fine dining experience -- D is a happy camper though -- as he keeps Pops in the floor.

Here is D going through his stocking at Mimi and Pops' like a Pro! We were afraid we would have to bring the gifts downstairs -- he totally cracked us up though -- Mimi was like "Davis, would you like to go upstairs and open some gifts!" Davis stands up not too excitedly and says, "I guess so." I about pee'd on myself! Where did he get that from?

Davis is becoming a professional gift opener! His words of the evening were "Oh!!! Wow!!! Look!!! Thanks!!! Thank You!!!" At least he is polite!!!

Have I EVER mentioned how much Davis LOVES books?

Davis and Pops putting together his Discovery Channel Jungle Treehouse! How exciting!

One more suprise for the road! His expression in this picture is PRICELESS!!! He is still a little timid as this will move up to 5mph I believe -- which is fast for a little guy -- we practiced some outside but it was dark and cold!!! Davis had too much fun outside taking to the lit reindeers!!! Hopefully once it starts warming up he will be use to it and ready to go! I don't think I will be letting him drive Marleigh around anytime soon though!

Leading up to Christmas!

2007-12-30T20:36:00.001-08:00

We could tell this was going to be a fun year for Davis! He loved the Christmas lights! "Ooooh Mom . . . look . . . pretty!" He enjoyed looking at Santa Claus! "Santa Claus, Ho . . . Ho . . . Ho . . ." he would say! Mimi and Pops started a yearly tradition of giving him a little something Chistmasy at Thanksgiving this year, and this year it included a jumbo stuffed Santa for the fictitious side and some board books about baby Jesus and Christmas. Have I ever mentioned how much Davis likes to READ!!! (or I guess I should say be read to!) Lets just say Mr. Jumbo Santa did pretty much everything with Davis, and Davis was not happy at all when we packed him up today!

Well one of Davis' most memorable outings for the month took place on Tuesday, December 11th. Tim was out of town on business, and Davis and I tagged along with D's twin cousin's, Cooper and Charlie, and their mutual friend Hayden. We took the kiddos to ride the Pink Pig at Macy's at Lenox Mall. After the Pink Pig we headed to pick up some food at the CNN center and then took the kids to see the lights at Centennial Olympic Park. Let's just say their favorite thing about the park was running free in the sweltering 75 degree weather!!! Is it Christmas or what?

Let's talk about the Pink Pig -- first of all I had the hardest time finding clothes for D to wear -- I mean here it is mid-December and you can't breathe outside! I wanted him to wear something festive but most of his Holiday attire wasn't suitable for summertime weather! Let's just say that I pretty much packed the house making sure we had adequate attire should the weather dip at night fall!

The famous Pink Pig

Davis absolutely LOVED it! We rode it twice, and he is still talking about the "pink pig" on the "track!" As you can see, I couldn't even get a good picture of both of us on the ride! He wanted no part of the camera, he had too much too look at, listen, and take in! PS -- they didn't consider pregnant momma's when designing the pink pig! I could hardly bend my swollen and achy legs enough to get them inside without totally squishing Marleigh to death!

Here is one of the many photos that I snapped of D -- in a trance like state! LOL! It was great! I was so happy that he enjoyed it! Cooper enjoyed it too! Charlie and Hayden weren't too happy about riding it a second time! I was just thankful D didn't pitch a perfectly normal 2 year old - tantrum when I told him we weren't riding it again!

Here is a look at the twins with Kristi and Rodney!

And last but not least, Hayden! (I didn't get a shot of mom and dad with him during the ride! Sorry!)

After the Pink Pig it was time to head to the CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park! Boy, I had no idea what I was in for -- being 7-8 months pregnant and chasing a 2 year old around Centennial Olympic Park! I should have brought the monkey backpack along so I could have kept him on a leash! LOL! One thing that we quickly learned upon entering the park -- is you never know what you might come across on the benches in the dark corners of the park! LOL! Don't ask, but it was very suitable for small children!!! How many hotels are there in walking distance from the park? Go figure! Anyway, Davis enjoyed watching the people ice skate at the ice skating rink! I think his favorite part was the music, he was showing off his dance moves from the stroller! :)

Here are the lights of choice! The kids had a ball with the lit figure of a man and woman ice skating! It was in the center of the area we gave them free range, and it literally took all 5 of the adults to keep up the 4 little munchkins! Bless their hearts, they were all sweating up a storm in this crazy weather!

Don't get your hopes up, Davis is not posing for the camera! This is Davis playing his favorite "I seeeeeeeeeee you!!!!" game!

A worn out Davis telling me that he sees me again! I am thinking that is a good thing that he can see me in this crazy as all get out park! I sure hope I could see him with all the wierdos that were around every corner!

(Above) Literally, my only shot with all 4 kids in it! From L-R: Charlie, Hayden, Davis, and Rodney holding Cooper!

Mommy holding Davis in front of the beautiful Christmas tree, this was right after D got away from me and headed straight for the rode right behind the tree! Needless to see he was not a happy camper about being sweeped up after running free! I have NO idea what in the world caused this hilarious expression on his face!!! He was really as happy with me as he looks here!

Well I think I can honestly say that we have a new yearly tradition! I don't think Davis will let us forget about the pink pig! He brought home a cute little stuffed pink pig and a pink pig ornament that I put his name and year on! What can I say mom is a sucker to make her little one happy! Next year we hope daddy can join us! We almost took him again, but I don't want to spoil him more than he already is, so he can wait until next year and introduce his sister to the pink pig! He is quick to tell Daddy that the pig is on "tracks" though!

Where does all my time go?

2007-12-21T20:23:00.001-08:00

Marleigh Update!!!

Wow! I am behind again! What else is new? I can't even imagine what lifes going to be like in just a few short weeks! It doesn't seem like I should already be working on 33 weeks!!! Here is a few quick updates about what has been going on the past month or so with Marleigh! Check back in the next day or so as I will have an All about D post!!!

Tim had to travel the first 3 weeks this month, so last Sat. we decided to go as a family and get another quick peek at our soon to arrive new addition! We did find out that Marleigh is breached, but that could still change. She has 8 more weeks! Here is Marleigh waving and flashing a quick smile to all of you!!! I was very torn at whether or not to go back again to Baby's First Images, but I knew if I didn't that I would have wished I would've, and I am SO glad we did! The pictures and our dvd are AWESOME!!! It was worth every single penny and then some!

The above "video" is not really a video -- it is just a progression of shots of Marleigh -- but I still thought it was sort of neat. As you can tell by pictures and videos she LOVES her hands near her face! We even watched her open and close her eyes a few times and she even at the end began sticking her tongue out at us. That was pretty funny!

Here she is acting silly and sticking her tongue out at us!

The last few weeks have been VERY busy!!! Marleigh has been blessed with 3 wonderful showers!!! My best friend Lindsey gave us a shower here at the house for my close friends, Tim's cousins gave us a shower at his mother's house for both sides of our family, and my incredible school gave us a shower! I am really liking all this "pink" stuff! I have already begun washing her things, but let's not talk about the nursery! LOL! Tim is off work the next two weeks so the plan is as follows: finish putting the wood floors down in the new office in the basement, put in 2 doors, and the moulding. Move the office downstairs. Paint the old office and get Davis moved in his new "fire truck" room. Paint Marleigh's nursery and get it ready! Luckily I will have some help! In January one of my neighbors is going to take care of the decorating of Marleigh's room. She is going to help accent in D's room, but she has already got a great design for Marleigh's nursery. I am so happy that she is helping me out, and I am sure it will look GREAT!!!

My "Friend" shower was perfect! It was so great to spend time with my closest girl friends and their kiddos! I had to add this picture of Davis taking care of and standing guard over his future wife, Ms. Jamie Partin!The food all looked great and TASTED great! Lindsey went with a dessert theme, and I don't think anyone at all had any objections!!
Some of us made these cute as all get outs -- bubble gum babies!!! I am so going to do this at the next shower I throw!!! Of course my Mother In Law added the blanket for brownie points, so Lori deemed her the winner!

We had to do the all time embarassing: How Big is Mommy Game! My neighbor and good friend Heather took the prize for this game! It was quite close between my mother and Heather. Here is mom giving her ribbon one last fit!

I dont' have that many pictures right now of my family shower. My camera battery died, so did my mother in laws and my brother in laws, so I am hoping that I can get more to post real soon!!! The food was scrumptuous and the cake was absolutely adorable!!!

My work shower was a lot of fun -- It was a joint shower with me and another fellow teacher, also named Amanda, and also having her second, a baby girl!

Me and my "roommate" aka Job Share Partner, Sandee! I don't think I looked too bad considering I had spent all day with Kindergartners! I LOVE my job!

The cute table my creative K-buddies set up for our goodies!

Yummo - great food and a beautiful cake!

My buddies making fun of me and my disappearing body!

All in all things are going well! I have been very sick this month with it coming/going. I have been to the doctor 4 times and was admitted to the hospital this past Monday. This cold is putting strain on my heart and lungs - causing my heart to race at a resting rate and my O2 satuaration levels to be low. Luckily Marleigh seems to be uneffected! The new meds are helping, and I haven's used the inhaler. I go back to the doc. on Friday after Christmas, and we are hoping for all to still be well! The doctor has not made his final call on whether or not we are looking at another C-section or a VBAC. I have quite mixed emotions and Tim is 100% for another C since all went so incredibly smoothly last time. My doctor is going to do at least one more ultrasound at either 35 or 36 weeks to do measurements, etc. If she stays breached, then we will totally go for the C! :) Keep us in your prayers as we have a lot to accomplish in the next few weeks, and I am already feeling the strain of being miserable. All I can say is that carrying a girl has been MUCH harder for me!

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-04T04:54:00.001-08:00

Happy Fall 'Yall!!!

Ok -- so I have SO much to post and so little time! You know I really thought Part-time work would allow me to stay caught up! I guess I am learning that that's not the case! :) I am going to attemp to recap our October! Bear with me as it might get LONG! On a side note, Marleigh is growing like crazy or at least I am! She is making it difficult for me to sleep at night because she is VERY ACTIVE at night! I don't ever remember D really keeping me up! Things are progressing fine, and my glucose test came back perfect! The only stumble has been my iron level which is low. I had low iron in college as well, so I guess it is to be expected! Besides the nasty "big" pills, things are great!

Our month started out bittersweet - on the morning of October 2nd we were able to go the doctor and see our little Marleigh! Our doctor/ultrasound tech confirmed once again that we were having a little girl! However, during our appointment Tim's brother got a call from his doctor asking him to head to the hospital -- to make a LONG story short, Troy's cancer has come back, and it is/was more aggressive than ever expected. Troy was in the hosptial from Oct. 2nd and was finely released on Nov. 2nd after a very "rough" and "overwhelming" stay! We are excited he is home, but we have not been able to see him due to the fact that he has lately developed "Shingles," which neither Davis nor myself and Marleigh need to be around right now! We are hoping to see him within the next week or two!

This is Davis with Carlton the Cat! Carlton is Uncle Troy's middle name! Since Davis hasn't been able to be around or see Troy much we thought it would be nice if we could get him a stuffed animal named after his uncle! Thanks to Ashely and Baby Copeland who gave Davis a gift card to build-a-bear for D's birthday! We were able to use that to allow Davis to make Carlton the Cat! We took some pics and framed one for Uncle Troy to keep in his hospital room!

Here is Davis at Uncle Shuck's! We went with our neighborhood gang earlier this month! This year he actually enjoyed the pumpkins! For those of you that follow -- last year he cried everytime he was left with one! LOL! I guess he is just "growing up!"

Here is Davis with his friends Jack, Hunter, and Ally. Drew and Eva Claire were missing in action. Davis' expression cracks me up in this picture. I guess that was do to the fact that the sun was glaring on him! I am just excited that he is actually paying attention! He HATES letting Mommy take his picture! He is TOO cool for that! :)

The kiddos had a blast -- we played with and looke at pumpkins for a while, then the kiddos went through the kiddie corn maze, next we all went on the hayride -- that was a lot of fun! We finished up with the trip with everyone going through one of the big mazes, which we (the adults) totally screwed up LOL! even with a map! So once we made it back to the "entrance" we decided to throw in the towel!

Here is Mommy, Daddy, and Davis (oh baby Marleigh is along for the journey, too!) on the hayride!

Another October happening, Tim's cousin Chandler married Grace this month! They got married in Athens and had their reception at the Georgia Center. Everything was perfect -- oh except for the part that the preacher forgot to tell them they could kiss! :) So, the classic line of the evening was Grace saying, "Can I kiss him?" :) Too cute!

As for the wedding, Davis was pretty good! We sat with him in the back, and he was able to stay for most of the wedding. Everytime one of the femal attendants entered, Davis would point to them and say "WOW -- PRETTY!" It was quite precious if I do say so myself! Davis LOVED the reception because there was a DJ, dancing, and a dance floor where he could get his grove on! The cutest event of the evening was when I was sitting by the dance floor taking pictures and Davis comes running past me. I jumped up to see where he was going and by the time I got my pregnant self up in heels, he had went to a table back by the buffet grabbed the hands of two young ladies who were eating and began pulling them to the dance floor with him. They thought he was so cute that one of them actually got out there and danced with him.

Davis with one of his mystery dates! What can I say - he's a ladies man!

Here is one of my favorite pics of the evening - Daddy and Davis! Oh, Davis wore part of his birthday outfit from The Royal Family! It looks SO cute on him! We wore khaki's instead of the jeans to the wedding! :)

We went to many Fall festivals this year. We visitied Turning and Burning in Gillsville, Mule Camp in Gainesville, Martin Elementary's Fall Festival, Oakwood Elementary's Fall Festival, and our church's HallowHim Festival! Davis had a blast at all of them. Here is a quick recap of a few.

Pops took Davis into the little petting zoo set up at Mule Camp. Davis kept returning to this big gobbler! I think it was his favorite -- he just couldn't quite figure it out!

Davis' favorite attraction at Martin's festival (Mommy's school) was this firetruck! I was so excited since we are doing his big boy room in fire trucks! (oh and guess what -- the same petting was there, so D got to visit Mr. Gobbler and his friends again!)

Here's our little tiger taking a breather from jumping heaven at our Church's annual HallowHim Festival! You would never know that he's had a little bit of a cold. He was ALL OVER this thing! (and more than once at that!)

Ok, now for the biggest mistake of the month! Don't EVER, EVER, EVER go to Burt's Pumpkin Farm 2 Sunday's before Halloween! It was beyond MASS chaos! After the haul we were hoping to enjoy some time looking at pumpkins, trying their treats, and riding the hayride. NOT!!! It was over an hour wait to get tickets to get on the hayride! We had a good time though! We went up after church on Sunday with my Mom's side of the family. Cousin Conley and Aunt Sabrina had a birthday party to go to, but Davis enjoyed hanging out with his cousin Kristen!

Davis LOVED the gigantic pumpkins, and I think Daddy did too! I had to put my foot down about not bringing home a $100 pumpkin! How ridiculous is that! NO WAY! Davis liked to go around acting like they were all big drums! He did stope once and found a leaf that captivated his attention while he would hold it up and let it fall to the ground!

We discovered that if you hold D upside down, then he can't but to smile at the camera! Hey, you mom's out there know -- you do what works!

Trick or Treating in the Neighborhood!

Daddy came back from Louisanna right before all the fun began, so Davis was happy to see him! Due to our procastinative tendencies, we had to carve the pumpkin! Davis wasn't too into that -- so he mainly watched. At first it sort of freaked him out, but I was able to get a quick picture once he started getting excited about his pumpkin! On a side note, Mimi got D a Mr. Potato Head Ninja Pumpkin kit. When we stayed at the first of the week, D, Mimi, and Pops put the Ninja together -- it was SO cool. I didn't have my camera with me though -- Hopefully Pops will send us a picture. Maybe next year we can add a new Mr. Potato Head pumpkin!

Here is D out front wit his pumpking before the "treating" began!

D and Hunter in the wagon on the way to meet Jack and Eva Claire!

Here's our Trick or Treating crew! They were just too cute! I guess this is an ok picture considering their ages! :) Here is Hunter, Davis, Jack, and Miss Eva Claire in th e center! Too cute!

Davis was exhausted by the time we headed back! He just sort of got cozy in his wagon and was saying "pibby!" No pibby here baby D! Wait til we get home and ready for bed! We came home and got to see Pops and Mimi for a few! Cousin Kristy called and asked to head over to Tim's great aunt's house to visit for great Memaw for a few and the twins! He fell asleep on the way, but he was pretty good while we were there! We finally got home a little after 9:00! :) What a Halloween! :)

Last but not least! Here is a picture of Tim's grandmother with great grandson's Charlie, Davis, and Cooper.

Happy Birthday to Momma's Big Boy!

2007-09-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Momma's Big Boy!

Wow! I cannot even believe that my little one is 2 years old! I honestly have no idea where the past two years have gone! It feels like yesterday that we were preparing for his arrival and that I was feeling him move around in my belly! Now he is the big 2, and God has blessed us with a new little bundle of joy on the way!

We spent Labor Day with D! We took him to the Childrens Museum of Atlanta to the Sesame Street exhibit! It was WAY cool, and I totally recommend it! It ends on the 9th though! :) We left the exhibit and went to D's FAVORITE place! The Aquarium! I swear D would live there if we let him! I will try to post these pics tomorrow!

I was off today, but I didn't get to spend nearly as much time with D as I would have wished to! I had to leave this morning for my prenatal checkup! Everything went well. I had only gained 1 lb in the last month, so I was happy about that! The nurse was thrilled to find the baby's heartbeat on first try, which she said was the fastest one she had found. Baby Henson's heartbeat was 158 bpm today. Everything else checked out fine, and I had the triple screen test ran. I spent a while in the lab waiting for this. I guess I will get the results at my next visit.

Pops kept D during my visit, and D was very happy to wake up and hear Pops coming in the door! He was easy to get out of bed this morning! :) D and I ran some errands, and he came home and crashed! I finally got him up around 3:30 so he could eat lunch before Mimi arrived to keep him for the evening. Mommy had to go to class! :(

Luckily class ended at 7:30 instead of 8:30 and D was up and quite active when Daddy and I got home! So D and I got our nightly bath together while pretending to be pirates! AAARGH!!! :)

I trired to get some pics of D tonight, but he was in his "hammy" mood! :) He gave me all of his great "CHEESE" faces! Daddy had a killer headache, but was a good sport because D was in a daddy wrestle/play mood! I had to try to capture a quick video of D giving Daddy "raspberries" on his belly! D thinks this is hilarious, and it drives Tim CRAZY! He is so scared that D is going to bite him!!!

Sorry this is 2 days late! Blogger has been acting up for me or maybe it just took 2 days to download this freakin' video!!!

Read the last 2 posts!

2007-09-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

A lot of action this weekend! D's party and the gender of Baby Henson #2 is revealed! Read on to see what's going on in our world!!!

Baby Henson #2 is a ......

2007-09-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Keep reading to find out! :) (I'm not going to give it up that easy!)

Wow! What a crazy day! It started out hormonal for me as usual! :) We made it to church, and I ended up back in the nursery! I have been drinking so much water getting ready for the ultrasound that after my first trip out of the sanctuary to the bano - I thought it best that I stay put in the nursery! :) After church we headed to meet my mom's side of the family at the park for a picnic to celebrate my uncle Jody's and Great Aunt Susie's bdays! It was GREAT -- great food - great weather - great company and GREAT view of the Lake! :) (all except for an ant bite on my toe! OUCH!)

After lunch we headed to my parents to head off to Baby's First Images in Alpharetta! We had to stop 3 times on our trip! Once for D who was pitching a FIT because Pops was not in the car with him!!! I mean a serious tantrum! Are we really having another one of these! I don't know if my nerves can handle two! LOL! A second stop to get a Mountain Dew to wake the baby up - all while praying Pops -- won't make an appearance since D is finally calmed down! A 3rd stop 3 miles away because I just couldn't hold it anymore! LOL! It's only going to get worse!

Here are some pics we took tonight -- as we were too crazy during the trip for a photo opt!

Mommy at 16 and a half weeks

Mommy and her Sunshine (in his "I'm the Big Brother shirt!)

Though it wasn't as easy as we had hoped for to find out -- let's just say our little one prefers their legs together (which is a good thing!)

Finally what you've all been waiting for ..... drum roll PLEASE ....

We are having a .....................................................

GIRL!!!

And we couldn't be HAPPIER!!!

Our little one is quite the little lady! Her legs are like the jaws of life! :) We got some GREAT profile pics for her to be so little! The ultrasound tech knows her stuff so she said she was sure of what the baby was right from the start. She wouldn't share her news! She said she wouldn't comment until she had proof for us to see! Little did she know this was going to be a great feat! It was awesome to watch our miracle rubbing her face and sucking her thumb. We even got a few cute smiles! Her legs were another story! We finally captured a few shots of the three little bitty lines that confirmed - It's a GIRL!!! I was shocked -- I had totally prepared myself for another boy! I didn't want to get my hopes up! Plus -- when the tech knew right off -- I totally thought boy! I was like she had to have "seen" something - so it must be a boy! The tech explained that boys would have something sticking up from between their legs if they were a boy and their legs were clamped tight. Sure enough nothing above the legs and nothing below the legs! :) Just three little lines when she opened enough for us to capture some quick shots! Oh this is so not good for the budget of a part-time working mom! Luckily the grandmas were ecstatic, so we know they will come through with outfitting a girl! I think I may have to visit Gymboree tomorrow -- they are having a HUGE sale with like 40% off plus an additional 20% off -- PLUS I got an additional 20% coupon in the mail -- Woohoo! :)

Here is a video that I hope works! :)

Baby Henson with her left hand at her mouth!

Full Body Shot

I'm a GIRL!!! (Look close at the arrow!)

I'm still a GIRL!!!

Wow a boy and a girl! Some people try so long for one of each! We are so blessed, and I of course was so emotional when she told me. I kept thinking that I was dreaming! Now I need to work on names -- right now at the top of our list is Marleigh Jane and Reagan Jane -- we came up with Marleigh by Tim's middle name Marcus and my middle name Leigh! I love Jane for a middle name. It just short and classy -- it's my mom's middle name and it just so happens to be part of Tim's grandmother's name as well! It is a definite middle name! Now on to the name debate and the debate of a new blog name!

My Little Monkey is Turning 2!

2007-09-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Ok -- so here I go again -- I was finishing this post up and I LOST it! :) Aaargh! (As D would say in Pablo-pirate language! :)

Wow I can't believe that my little angel is a BIG boy! He is the joy of my life and I continue to thank God for blessing me with such an amazing treasure! :) Davis will turn 2 on Tuesday, September the 4th! Where have the past two years gone? I use to think that babies were babies for EVER! Now I know first-hand that is VERY far from the truth! :)

So, on Saturday we celebrated with friends and family Jungle-style! We all monkeyed around and had a BLAST! :) Davis is so blessed to have such an incredible support system! Thank you to all of you that took time out of your hectic schedule to share in this special time with D. He LOVES you all, and we do too!

Drum roll please! May I present to you MY Birthday Boy!!! (Yepped you guessed it -- on a slide!) What can I say -- he is ALL boy!!!

The yum-yum station --- we had GREAT food! Hot Dogs complete with animal crackers, banana crisps, and nutter-butter cookies! We even had a Monkey Cake and Jungle Cupcakes followed by some good ol' vanilla ice cream! The cake turned out GREAT -- I had some issues with the baker - so I am sorry to say that I won't be doing business again!

Close-up of the cake

Close-up of the cupcakes

The Family! (yes my belly is exploding! - it was the cake -- haha!) Oh -- and despite the looks of the picture - I promise we weren't trying to give him a wedgie! Don't you just hate those?

Our BEST friends in the WHOLE world! Or should I say OUR better half! LOL! Thank you so much to Lori and Daryl! We couldn't have pulled off such an excellent par-tay without you guys! We owe ya! :)

Best Friends -- carrying soon-to-be BEST friends!!!

Too cute to not post! Ok so Uncle Daryl and Aunt Lori for this way cute and trendy coat and hat for the D-ster at Baby Gap! D LOVES it! He was all strutin' around last night in his hat and coat with his diaper and sippy at like 10:00 (oh yeah -- he was pumped and WAY of schedule with such an exciting day!) He was in such rare form that we thought it was time to capture his GQ side! I think he looks like Sherlock Holmes -- what are your thoughts? (PS - I swear those are not Tim's boxers again! LOL!)

Oh Boy!!!

2007-08-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, today was my first official "vacation day" as Tim calls it. I am more than lucky that it was, because boy do I have a doozie of a head cold! D and I stayed in for most of the day and just enjoyed playing with one another. I totally enjoyed the 3 hour nap! He can be such a good boy! This evening we had a blast with Pops. We went to McDonald's and played and played for ever on the playground/treehouse. D of course flirted with the girls and acted pitiful screaming "help help!" until the would hoist him up the last step before the huge slide! Man why didn't they have HUGE spiral slides when we were little?!? ;) Davis' new favorite lines are "Help Help!" and "I stuck" So you can imagine our embarassment in public. We put D in a cart or go into a store and he screams "help help" at the top of his lungs. Everyone stares at you like you are kidnapping him or something crazy! I think his classic line tonight was while he was stuck up top at the mesh room overlooking the play area -- he screams "pee pee" "potty". Luckily he failied to mention the "pee pee" sound effects which usually follow sounding like fireman's waterhose! :)

I do have last weeks pictures. I promise to try to post them tomorrow! As I was putting D down for the night I kissed him and said "mom is going to be home with you tomorrow - Oh boy!" His last sweet words were "Oh boy!" I am so happy to have the opportunity to have more quality time with him and do what I love -- teaching. I feel like I have the best life anyone could have!

The End of the First Trimester!

2007-08-07T18:24:00.001-07:00

The first trimester is coming to a close! The second trimester starts either tomorrow or Thursday! Yesterday I went to the doctor and was able to here our little one's heartbeat by doppler. It took a while to find it, but it sounded good and strong at 162 bpm. The little booger even kicked the fire out of the doppler which suprised both me and doctor at such an early stage! It was quite entertaining! I am hoping to get better about photos -- so here are some pictures of me this morning on my way to work! By my last ultrasound, today would be 12 weeks and 6 days - marking the end of my first trimester! I can surely say that I am happy to see it go away, and I am gladly welcoming the second trimester!

Now let me add that my pictures in no way are going to compare to my best friend's Lori's documentation. First off -- I have a horrible preggo memory to remember to get the photos taken, and #2 these clothes will NEVER make it 40 weeks! Today my shorts were not buttoned or zipped! Thank you Lori for introducting me to my favorite new friend! I totally recommend, otherwise I would be wearing this! I think they are so cool -- I have probably flashed everyone at my school to show them how they work!!! Why didn't I know about this the first go-round!!!

Yea, and that's not a stain on my shirt -- LOL - it's my new shirt from my principal. I got it wet getting ready!!! Good thing I am not working on Monday's -- I don't think this shirt would work for every Monday this school year!!!

The past few days I have felt better as far as the icky/naseauous feelings are concerned. However, I am finding myself to be quite emotional! I feel as though I could cry at any given moment and for no reason at all! I only remember feeling this way at the end of my last pregnancy and right after Davis was born, so I am a little confused and tickled by this strange phenomenon. Anyone else experience anything like this! I think yesterday was the first day that I really noticed it! So I think my doctor felt like I little bit of a looney! He gladly offered a prescription for depression! I of course started bawling when I got to my car, because I was like oh my gosh -- my doctor things I am over the edge! I think a little of this had to do with the fact that my blood pressure was elevated a little yesterday, and it is always perfect! I on the other hand am trying to make light of the situation and laugh about the joys of preggo hood to help me keep my sanity!!! The good news is that the doctor did tell me that it is probably just my hormones and their escalated levels. He also added that I should be at the peak of the hormone surge! So we will pray this gets better!!!

I just had to add this one in! I have been so bad about blogging lately, that I feel that I owe this to my two favorite men, who light up my life everyday in more ways than I could possibly express! I love you guys!

Debuting Baby Henson #2

2007-08-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry that I am so bloggin' behind! Most of you know how chaotic and stressful this past month has been for our family! So much for a "relaxing" summer. This summer has been anything but relaxing! :) I am happy to report that Baby Henson#2 seems to be doing great now! I go back again on Monday the 6th for one more check-up -- we are prayerful and optimistic that the bleed has healed itself setting us up for a safe and healthy pregnancy. I am beginning to feel better I guess. I am still typically throwing up once a day!

However, I should've hit 12 weeks today, so hopefully that will end soon! This pregnancy has been so different from my early pregnancy with Davis! :) I only actually threw up 2 times with him. It is weird though because I was sick at week 6 and felt great for weeks 7 and 8 and have been sick for 9-12! Anyone experience craziness like that??? We are thinking of going and having an early ultrasound around D's bday to find out of if we have a he or a she on board. We are pretty agreeable on a boy's name, but we are all over the place with girl names! Any suggestions? Well I haven't gotten around to vacation pictures. There are not many of me as I spent most of the time in the bed on my left side! Davis loved the ocean, sand, and the kiddie pool with the mushroom. He could have lived in the kiddie pool. Anyway -- check back soon. I think we are going to start my weekly belly shots tonight since we just hit 12 weeks! We are due on Valentine's day -- that might make you want to change your baby guesses!!! :) Just trust me -- you show ALOT sooner the second time around! Just you all wait!!!

Announcing a New Addition to the Henson Family!

2007-06-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

Tim, Davis, and I are pleased to excitedly announce that our family of three will be a family of four in February! Baby Henson # 2 is due to arrive between Valentine's day and the 20th of February! So far everything is going well! I did start bleeding a little on Wednesday night, but I went in on Thursday and everything looks fine! I got to see the little baby and hear his/her heartbeat! It made mee feel so much better to know that things are still looking good! I will post ultrasound pictures when I get them scanned! The baby measured 6 weeks and 3 days -- which gave us a due date of February 20th! They will be able to meausre the baby better as it gets bigger! I have set up a baby pool like Pea in the Pod. I am going to try to put a link on the page! The password is baby2. I will tell you mommies of one -- it sure is different the 2nd time around. My close are already getting too tight!!! Please continue to keep our new little one in your prayers! I would love to hear ideas for a new title to our blog page!

A Tropical Storm of a Wedding!

2007-06-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Tim and I headed to Hilton Head for his cousin Brent's wedding! His uncle Lou and Aunt Kay graciously provided a cottage for our family to stay in within their neighborhood. Tim and I arrived about 1:30 am early Saturday morning. Luckily we had great weather on the trip there! Saturday was a TOTALLY different story! Old Barry himself decided that this was the wedding of the year, and he was going to be there right smack in the middle of all the festivities!

As we were getting ready for the wedding. We lost a tree and then another HUGE branch right in front of the cottage. If this wasn't crazy enough, we received a phone call from Tim's uncle Lou on the way out stating that the club where the wedding was being held was without power. Meaning the WHOLE resort -- brides cottage and all!!! Needless to say we knew there would be no cocktails on the lawn, and were even guessing pizza or grilled food for the reception -- LOL (just kidding!) It ended up being perfect as the power came on at 5:40 pm (the wedding started at 6:00 pm). The cocktails took place as scheduled just in the Wine Cellar - BEAUTIFUL - and the FOOD was all awesome!!! We danced the night away and enjoyed the cool weather from the 3rd floor of the estate and the large covered porch! Below are a few pics from the trip!

Thank you so much to Lou and Kay for having us! Your house is gorgeous, and all the amentities were GRAND!!! Your family is beautiful, and we wish Brent and Amber the BEST!!!

The cottage where we stayed:

Yours Truly and my Better Half:

Tim's Family:

Brother Troy, Tim, me, Mom Lucary, Dad Jimmy

Brent and Amber Miller!!!

A Perfect Day . . .

2007-06-06T20:33:00.001-07:00

Davis and I made a last minute trip to Bishop, GA today to spend some quality time with Andrea and David! Our day included catching up and refereeing "taking turns" between 2 almost 2 year olds!!! As you can easily see, we spent much more time talking than taking pictures!!!

I was able to snap a shot of them individually taking a chill break and a refueling their tank in the kitchen floor!!!

Here is David taking a breather and letting his truck hold his bubbly!

And here is Davis chugging away!!!

Thanks Andrea for a GREAT day! It had been WAY too long! I miss you already!!!

Random As All Get Out . . .

2007-05-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

Ok -- so here are my 7 random facts thanks to Andrea and Katie!

1. I broke my tail bone climbing Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica!!! I guess I should say fall vs. climbing! Man oh man! I will spare you the details and the PAIN!!!!

2. I am guilty of dating two guys at once! Don't ask! I won't tell!!! Only a few are privileged to the inside info.!

3. My first paint ball outing -- airhead me wore bright blue pants and a WHITE sweatshirt with a huge as all get-out DUCKHEAD in the center!!! Trust me -- you aren't the only ones who have laughed about this!!!

4. I was in middle school or high school before I discovered that you shouldn't put tin foil in the microwave!!! Boy did I learn -- flames and all!!! I should have been a Fire Chief!

5. I won a trophy for a volleyball competition at Jekyll Island while on an NHS retreat! LOL! Nerds ROCK!!!

6. I have been cliff diving from a 35 cliff! If that counts of me jumping out of fear because my best friend was barreling towards me to push me, the scaredy cat, in.

7. I won a dance contest on stage at my Bachelorette party! I will spare you the inappropriate and provocative comments from the judges! Work it girl! A few drinks and good times never hurt anyone!!!

It's Official!

2007-05-08T21:05:00.001-07:00

It has been approved for me to job-share Kindergarten next year! This will allow me to be at home with D part time and to continue making an impact in our future generations! This will be good for me as I work to complete my Specialist - Ed.S. degree! I am excited about working with Kindergarteners, but I am also nervous! Please keep us in your prayers as our lifestyle and ways of living and spending are about to totally change!!! I would love any recommendations or thrifty tips!!! :) It will all be worth it for some extra quality time with Davis!!!

Events Leading up to Easter Part 1

2007-04-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

Ok -- I know I am totally behind!!! I have tons of pictures from Easter too!!! We will start with Easter Part 1 tonight! The Saturday before Easter we joined my dad's side of the family at his sister Rhonda's home in Clarkesville, GA. We had a wonderful time as we always do when we are able to get the gang together! We had loads of food, and TONS of goodies for the kids, as well as 100s of eggs! It was so freakin' cold that I could have settled for furry slippers and hot chocolate! On a side note, our family has been through ALOT this past year, and it was WONDERFUL to come together once more and just have FUN! I love you all!!!

Here you see Tim, Davis, and yours truly posing for a quick shot after the egg hunt-a-roo!

Davis enjoyed hunting for eggs in the artic, but he was soon preoccupied with greater delight!

What can I say? Boys will be boys! That about sums it up!

Here is not a half bad money shot - if I did take it myself!!!

Last but not least - let me introduce the newest member of the family (but not for long!) This is my cousin Nikkin and her new hubby Steve! Baby RJ will be making his appearance before summer is over! Don't worry I don't think Steve is a Spider Man fan or an egg hunting hog. I think he is just sportin' Will or Tanner's basket!!! Welcome to the family Steve. We can't wait for little RJ to get here!!!

Channel 11 Action News - MONDAY!

2007-04-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

My mother, Debbie Davis, who teaches at Oakwood Elementary was nominated and selected as a GA Class Act Teacher. Today they are airing a segment on her on 11 Alive -- It is being aired at 6:40 am and at the 12:00 showing I believe. It is also suppose to be on www.11alive.com
Just click on Features and then Class Act! I was there during the interview and taping, so I might be on there too! I am very proud of her. I pray everyday that I can be at least 1/2 the teacher that she is!!! I will post more if I can!

Too Close to Home!

2007-04-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

So Wednesday morning we woke to find out that a nearby neighborhood had been hit by a storm that had taken place overnight. We were shocked as we slept fine and didn't hear anything during the night. Turns out it was a mircoburst or a downburst. In watching the news it appeared the surroundings looked quite familiar. It took place in our previous subdivision! You always feel horrible when you see catastrophic events and feel great remorse for those involved. This was gut-renching to think that this could have been us. On seeing photos of the house that had collapsed we thought it was our neighbors, but after seeing video footage it must have been right down the street. Thankfully the mother and her two girls were on Spring Break in FL. Otherwise, they would have probably not survived. We haven't been able to tour the neighborhood as the police are still only letting certain residents in. From the main road you can see tarps on like every roof. It is time like this where you really just don't understand, but you are just thankful to God for continuing to keep you and your family safe!

Here is a photograph from today in our local paper that shows the rest of the two story house being demolished. You can view today's article at www.gainesvilletimes.com

Above in the homeowner who just returned from FL.

Neighborhood Cookout/Egg Hunt!

2007-04-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at our 2nd Annual egg hunt with the groupies in the hood. Thank you Amy and Jason for hosting --- everything was perfect!!! This past Saturday we headed to the home of the Manleys and got the party started! We were afraid it would rain, so we got the egg hunt over first! This year Davis was in search of the yellow eggs or in Davis' terms "yeayo!" Davis wasn't much in favor of his Easter basket. As you can tell he would rather carry them all around!

Look what D found! It's a yeayo egg!

"It's falling out, it's falling out, it's falling out!!!" Oh sorry, back to the eggs not Tim's hair!

Next for the money shot - Yea right!!! The boys were not about sitting. At least Davis wasn't - he loves attention so as soon as everyone started making a commotion, he wanted to be the first one up and at 'em! Finally the moms succumbed to the duty of holding them, I guess it worked a little better!

Whose the show-off! Just like his momma!

Left to Right: Kawanna with Seth, Me with D, Alicia holding Eva Claire with Jack in front, Heather with Hunter, Amy with Drew and Ally in front, Dea with Kaleigh!

Mommy, Daddy, and Davis

After the hunt, we moved the party to the backyard, and Jason started cooking the burgers and dogs. The kids had a blast on Ally and Drew's playset! Davis scared his ol' overprotective momma to death climbing and sliding on his own! After playtime it was time for dinner! Everything was delicious. The kids sat at a little kids picnic table - ol' over protective mom wasn't sure about letting D sit and eat on his own, but he did great! He didn't even try to get up until he was down with his chips and hot dog and half. He didn't even drop anything on the floor! Momma's boy is growing up! :(

I'm the king of the world!

Hunter and Davis swinging together!

Kaleigh pushing D in the swing with Drew watching!

After dinner the families segregated! Somehow the mom's ended up in the playroom in the basement with the kiddos, and the dads lucked out with the flat screen and ball games! They promised we would rotate, but do you think that happened? Yeah, right!

Davis' First Surgery!

2007-04-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Today Davis had tubes put in his ears! It was quite an eventful day! We had to report to Northeast Georgia Medical Center at 6:30 am this morning. We did our best to keep Davis up late last night so that we didn't have to put him to bed hungry! We went to Discover Mills, Babies R Us and Target to stroll him around! Then he enjoyed Cheetos on the way home around 9:30! :) Yumm Yumm! We woke Big D up around 6:00 this morning and loaded him into the car. We had to wait in the surgery pavilion for the first 45 min. This was wide open spaces for D so he wasn't very apt to sit tight! :) Around 7:15 we went back to meet with the doctors, anesthesiologist, and nurses. D looked too cute in his gown (see below). He was not a happy camper in this room. Cartoons could only do so much. He was so wanting to get down and run, and momma drew the line at tiled hospital room floors! :) Mommy was overjoyed to know learn that there was going to be no IV - just some feel good relaxation medicine and some anesthesia gas to keep him under during the quick procedure! For those of you who haven't heard - Davis's last IV experience was the worst thing Mommy, Daddy, or D have ever experienced!

Here are Daddy and D posing for a quick shot after dressing D in a stunning *buff* gown (a little on the risque side if I might add - as it was backless!) I know D will kill me over this post one day! I love you my cuddle bug!

Mommy with D (fixated) on Curious George on the micro-screen!

Around 7:45 the doctor came in before his next procedure and let us know that he would be ready for Davis in about 15 min. The nurse brought in some medicine in a syringe that made D drunk as all get outs! :) It was hilarious. He was a totally different child. Can we get some of that to go? He was all giggly and RELAXED!

Here is Davis loving the world! (Hey! Wait a minute - Looks like daddy confiscated the syringe and helped himself to some as well!!!)

Right at 8:00 a nurse came in and wrapped D in a flannel sheet. She let him keep his *pibby and carried him away as mom and dad gave him a quick kiss. She promised to stay with him and take very good care of him. Mommy lost it and cried wanting her baby back in her arms. In the meantime Mommy and Daddy were moved to a Recovery room where by 8:15 Dr. Wood came in to tell us that he procedure was over and that everything went well! He said Davis would stay back there for a little while, and then they would bring him to us! We had to wait on him longer than the surgery took! Mom kept freaking out thinking something was wrong because it was taking so long. Dad finally went and asked the nurse if he was ok to ease my nerves, and she assured us that he was fine and would be back any minute. With grandparents and our former pastor in the room Davis made his grand entrance down the hall. Below are some pictures of him returning. He started sitting up as soon as he saw us and heard our voices.

Here is King D being rolled back to Mommy and Daddy in recovery!

The doctors and nurses kept warning us that he would be upset and cry upon arrival. They said it wasn't due to pain just confusion over why they felt so funny with the drugs. He was an angel, and a very thirsty angel at that. We had orange gatorade waiting on him and he downed two sippys full in no time. I know that he was very thirsty and hungry! He let me and Pops rock and love on him, and he even played with one of his favorite Peek-a-Boo books. He felt very warm, but the nurses and doctor assured us it was because of the anesthesia and the fact that he had been wrapped in warm blankets. So soon he felt perfectly normal to the touch! They sent us home with ear drops that we have to give 2times a day for 7 days, and other than that he is great!!! Mommy and Daddy stopped on the way home to get some gravy and biscuits. D acted quite interested so Daddy sat in the back and shared his with Davis. We also ran by and picked up his drops. Davis was wide open and singing Five Little Ducks "Quack, Quack, Quack!"

Mommy and Daddy put D to bed when we got in, and he wasn't happy about that. However, he needed to rest. He woke up wild as and ate lunch. Early this evening we put him back to sleep as he was acting a little uncomfortable. So I think Motrin will do the trick! His doctor has called to check in and has just been a blessing! It is so comforting to have physcians that really care about you!

We cannot express our gratitude for your thoughts and prayers, as they were greatly felt by us all. God is so GOOD, and we are so lucky that he has blessed us with special family and friends like YOU!!!

Sincerely,

Tim, Amanda, and Davis

Welcome to the Newest Bloggers on the Block!

2007-04-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ok so our best friends have joined the exciting world of Blogging! Check The Partins! I am so happy to have them blogging, so that I can keep up with every step of their new journey! This means Tim and I are about to graduate to Uncle and Aunt status with all the privileges thereof! God is SO amazing! Who knows - Aunt Lori might be carrying D's future wife! Wouldn't that just be grand! We love you guys - and your little peanut too!

A Gorgeous Wedding!

2007-03-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Three weeks back we headed to Florida to celebrate with Tim's family! Our cousin Jessica aka Jess got hitched! It was beautiful, and we had a BLAST! We are planning to return for a Disney Vacation and to visit everyone again in July!!!

Here we are after we arrived at our hotel! The lake out back was BEAUTIFUL! It was so peaceful and quaint! We had just got freshened up to head to Jessica and Rodney's house for the Rehearsal dinner - Florida style! (Yes - probably not the smartest idea to put D in a Georgia outfit in Gator country! Everyone knew who the visitors were!)

The Rehearsal dinner cake -- WAY cool! It was even Red Velvet cake! Just like in Driving Ms. Daisy.

The wedding was GORGEOUS -- it was on Alligator Lake! It was part of a Country Club -- So Jess was smart! They rented a huge souped up as all get outs - tour bus! This way the wedding party could stay cool, and they could watch everyone enter without being seen! Here is the wedding party right before showtime!

Here is Daddy and Davis enjoying the surroundings before the wedding started! Davis wasn't much for staying still or keeping quiet with all the "wa wa" around! He was MORE than ready to dive in. I guess I should be thankful it was just his sippy cup that he managed to get in for a swim as the bride was making her way downt he aisle or shall I say pier! :) Mommy is still learning to pack spares! At least we got some good practice with drinking from real glass glasses at the reception! We only soaked ourself once - so only one wardrobe change was needed! LOL!

May I present to you - Mr. and Mrs. Rodney McDonald!!!

And now let's introduce the other cousins!

Here we see our cousins, and the brothers of the Bride John and Jimmy!

Here are John's two beautiful girls! They are so gorgeous! Abby and Kaylee! Here we see John with his girlfriend, Beth, aka Cinderella at the Magic Kingdom! Can't you tell?

Here is Jimmy at the wedding with his beautiful new wife, Sam!

And last but not least let's don't forget the sis Katie and her handsome little one "big Sexy," Skyler!

Well the reception was as great as everything else, and I have to tell you! Move over Soul Train! Davis is in the HOUSE! I don't think Davis sat down for even 5% of the time we were there! Once the music started, you would find D on the dance flour! He was dancing, moving, and shaking! And did I mention he was "workin' it" with the ladies! Oh yes, it was quite entertaining. He LOVED it. I guess he is taking after his ol' momaroo in this regards! We won't tell him about that dance contest that his momma won at her ol' bachelorette party! Whew!

We teach him right! He had his eyes deadset on the beautiful little flower girl herself! He didn't let her out of his sight, and she partied like a ROCKSTAR with him All Night Long! Back off fellas - I called her first!

Above if you look closely you will see Davis' next favorite thing to do - run between all the bridesmaids! He loved their dresses, and he made it a game to run back and forth between them. He was even there lead in the center a few times! He LOVED the attention! He's not use to that at all - Can you tell???

Congratulations Rodney and Jessica! We are SO happy for you! Thanks for letting us share in most special day of your lives as you began your new life as one! We love you and can't wait to share in your journeys with you!!!

Love, Tim, Amanda, and Davis aka Dancin' D

Rewind to the beginning of the year!!!

2007-03-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Rocky Top Tennessee!!!

Ok ok - So everyone knows how behind I am! I am going to try my best to get caught up before Spring get-togethers start getting together!!! Here is a glance of our trip to Pigeon Forge over New Year's!!!

Here we are enjoying the view on the deck of the cabin!!!

Here is Davis with Mimi and Pops!!!

And here is Davis when he first began using a fork solo! What a feat or shall I saw feast! :)

My New Car!

2007-03-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to get a picture downloaded and then uploaded! I have so much I want to blog. Many of you haven't seen a picture yet so here is one - I will try to get some better ones! This was before I even got in it! This is the first time I saw it in person! We are LOVING it! And D LOVES the 2 dvd players!

The Miracle of Birth and The Blessing of Motherhood!

2007-03-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?Yes.

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?Yes.

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? TIM!!!!! HOLY CRAP!!!!! (as Tim dropped a bag of dog food and swore I was LYING!)

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? NEVER

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?23 at conception/24 at delivery

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?Home test. (after taking 5!!!)

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Tim!

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Of Course!

9. DUE DATE?September 23

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Evening sickeness twice!

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? fruit - mainly pineapple!!!

12. WHO IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Man --- I am unsure - Elders telling me what I needed to do!
13. SEX OF CHILD?a perfect baby boy! Everyone called him Tripod! LOL!

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?Nope, I actually wanted a boy first. Hopefully one day we will have a littler girl and her big brother can protect her!!!

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? 70!!! It was crazy, and I wasn't even eating very much!

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?Yes, actually we had 6

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? 1 was a surpise - I knew about the other 5

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Beeding/spotting early in pregnancy, bad swelling, and a pregnancy rash at the end that explains why I had to have D early!!!

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Northeast Georgia Medical Center

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? I had been having some contractions - but I was lucky enough to have a C-Section!!!

21. WHO DROVE YOU THE THE HOSPITAL? My Hubby - two mornings in a row - the 3rd for an amenoscentesis and back the morning of the 4th for the C-section!

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Tim

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? C-Section

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? YES - give me the DRUGS!!!

25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 7 lbs. 13 ounces - not bad for 3 weeks early!!!

26. DID YOUR CHILD HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS? None!!! :)

27. WHAT DAY WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ON?September 4th - Andrea's actual due date! :)

28. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Davis James

So this is what I'be been up to lately!

2007-02-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

YEA ME!!!

Put your hands together for our units newest Go - Give Winner
January Go - Give Winner
Amanda Henson

Amanda is truly setting the pace for all of us to follow. She is leading the way in sales and recruiting. I am very excited about her success and her future plans.

She is married to Tim and has a precious little baby named Davis. She is currently teaching at Martin Elementary School. She has been in Mary Kay for many years now and is my personal team member.

Amanda, thank you for all you do and for being such a great team player! You are really special, and I know I am not the only one who thinks so!

Love, Cecilia

My BABY is growing UP!

2007-01-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

Ok ok ok - I know I am VERY behind on my blogs! Between teaching, raising a one year old, teaching Instructional Extension, starting Grad school, and pushing my Mary Kay - I just haven't quite figured out where exactly to fit the Blogging in! I am working on it! I just couldn't let this day pass without bragging on my baby!

So, last night Davis went to be early - like 7:00 early because he didn't have his afternoon/evening napperoo! So guess who gets up at 6:15 - my sunshine!!!

While I am putting on my MK face! :) Davis is running around the room - turning the TV on and off with the remote, brushing his hair with my brush and daddy's brush, trying to put a QTip in his mouth, trying to climb on the bed, trying to get a highlighter out of my textbook . . . etc. ect. etc. Well he finally decides to sit by the bed and fiddle with the buttons on the TV remote. As I am applying my foundation I hear "Waaan." So I look over and I am like "ONE." And Davis says "Two," so I excitedly reply "TWO." Next Davis goes "Thwee," and beaming I say "Three." Then he finishes his dictation with "fough." I quickly repeated "four," but he was off to bigger and better things! I was like totally freakin' out because Tim wasn't even in here, and I am like he will never do it again! Plus I figured Tim would NEVER believe me!!!

He did do it for his daddy tonight, and also showed off a few times with Pops today while typing on the computer! He even gave Nana a sneak peak of 1, 2, and 3 when she visited tonight!

Maybe in a couple weeks we can work on 5 for now - I don't want to confuse him!!!

Christmas Lunch and a Suprise for Gigi!

2007-01-04T14:06:00.001-08:00

After our Christmas breakfast, D took a nap, and so did mommy and daddy for about an hour!!! Then we all got ready and headed to Gigi and Pappaw's house! We had a yummy lunch and the kiddos enjoyed their gifts as did the adults!!! Right before we left, I changed D's diaper on Gigi and Pappaw's bed. Gigi came in to entertain Davis, and it was such a pricelss moment! Gigi leaned over D and said, "Ok, Say GG." Davis look right at her and said, "GG." I don't know who was more stunned, me or Gigi! Gigi looked at me - with a look like "Did he just say that!?!" It was perfect!!!

Davis with Gigi and Pappaw on Christmas Day!

Davis hanging out with Cousin Conley! (He was stripped - because he got too hot in his clothes! LOL! I think he will be a nudist!!!)

Cale hanging out in his new chair!

Christmas Morning!

2006-12-29T07:27:00.000-08:00

On Chrismast morning, Tim and I got up around 7:45 to make sure the man in the big red suit had remembered to come see our little one!!! We then decided to take advantage of our little one snoozing! So, we went ahead and opened and shared our gifts for each other!

Tim did great this year! He got me a beautiful Coach pocketbook, which scares me a little to carry!!! He also got me a a dkny zipper/hoody sweater and a pair of dkny jeans. Next, I got a digital picture frame that I can't wait to sit down and upload some pictures on!!!

I got Tim a lot of odds and ends this year! I got him a swiss gear set with a rolling bag and a laptop bag for his new job! I got him one of those weather station things that he has been wanting. I got him two pairs of Gap pants, a dress shirt, a french cuff dress shirt, and a Polo black Cashmere sweater.

Of course our stockings were loaded with the usuals - socks, candies, ties, boxers, etc.

Around 8:30 our families came over for Breakfast Brunch! Tim made a great casserole and we had cinnamon roll bread, fresh fruit, coffee, juice, milk, and hot cider! Oh yea and cute little biscuits with butter and Jelly!!!

Luckily D slept until our guests arrive, so they were able to enjoy D finding his new gifts from Santa!!!

Here we see Davis taking a shot at his new basketball goal with Papa watching!

Here is Davis crawling out of his castle like a Pro!

Davis enjoying Daddy's breakfast casserole! The little pig kept picking all the sausage out!

Davis and Mommy going through Davis' stocking after breakfast! We almsot forgot about it! Look at Davis' cool mini slinky! He loves slinkies!!!

Miracles Never Cease!!!

2006-12-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I ended up drinking some Diet Coke last night in order to keep my rear-end wake to fold a Mt. Everest amount of clothes! Well it worked!!!!!!! Then I couldn't go to sleep until 2 am!!!

I guess God blessed my good deed of folding laundry, because he let Davis sleep until 9:40 this morning! That is a record!!!!! Hallelujah!!! God is GOOD!!!

Christmas Eve at Mimi and Pops' House!

2006-12-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve we headed over to Memaw (aka Mimi) and Pops' House for Christmas Eve dinner and gifts. Davis' tummy was still a little achy, but he ended up beginning to feel much better while we were there if you know what I mean! ;)

We had steak, oregano potatoes, squash and zucchini, and strawberry pretzel salad (my favorite!) for dessert!!! It was quite tasty, and Davis enjoyed helping Pops grill the steaks on the screen porch! Who would have thought it would have been so warm outside on December 24th???

Here is Pops and Mimi's main Christmas tree!!!

Here is Davis and Daddy surrounded by lots of gifts!!!

Here is Davis on his mini four-wheeler for the first time! He loves it!!!

Davis looking at Mommy's prettys!

Mommy and Daddy's new bedding!

(I need your opinion - do you think we should repaint our room blue?)

Here is Pops, Davis, and Mimi in front of the tree at the end of a wonderful night!

Thank you Mimi and Pops! We are all so blessed, and we thank you for everything you gave us. Most of all we are thankful for the times we are able to spend together! We love you!

Santa's Visit!

2006-12-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!

WOW!!! Today was PERFECT! Davis had an absolute blast! We are so blessed. In fact we are so blessed, that we have no idea where we are going to put all our new stuff! Any ideas would be muchly appreciated! Tomorrow I will be posting more from our family gatherings at Mimi and Pops', Nana and Papa's, and Gigi and Pappaw's.

A treat for Santa:

Davis shared his favorite treats with Santa this year! On the menu: Puffs and Teddy Grahams, along with a nice cold cup of milk!

Here is a well appreciated note from Santa and a pretty clean plate!

Take a look at what Santa left for Davis in front of the tree! And next . . . We found this!

Santa left this in the back of our kitchen!!! Davis went CRAZY!!!

Here is the suprise Davis found upstairs from Mommy and Daddy - ignore the clutter - we are working to convert our office into part office/part playroom!

Here is Mommy, Davis, and Daddy posing for a picture in our Christmas pajamas! Last year we started the family tradition of wearing new Christmas jammies! Aren't we cute! Thank you Uncle Matt and Aunt Lindsey for this stunning idea that we copied!!! I am sure you two looked cute in your Christmas pjs as well!

This morning our parents came over along with Uncle Troy! We had some yummy breakfast treats including: a breakfast casserole, cinnamon bread, fresh fruit, tea biscuits with butter and jelly, and hot cider!!! Yumm-o - I will post more pictures of this grand event as well as D seeing his loot for the first time tomorrow! Until then . . .

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Good Times . . . Good Friends!

2006-12-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

So this past Friday and Saturday was the perfect start to a wonderful Christmas! Davis had many special visitors who made "getting over" a sickness much happier!!! Sorry there are no pictures. Let's just say that Mom wasn't exactly sure where the camera was until last night!

On a side note . . . So far today has been Davis' best day in like a week!!! The fever is gone, and the tummy is getting back to normal. Yesterday was the worse as far as the tummy struggles are concerned, but Mommy and Daddy were able to assist in that area this morning. So we think things are on the up and up! (and just in time for Santa Claus, might I add!)

Ok - a review of our weekend! Uncle Daryl and Aunt Lori came into town early Friday evening! They brought D a very stylish outfit, that he just can't wait to wear! It is a pair of khaki corduroy pants with a striped/zipper sweater with a hoodie! Too cute! Thanks Uncle D and Aunt Lori!!! Shortly after their arrival we headed to Jeffrey's Sports Bar for dinner. Then against Mommy's will - the gang decided to partake of the Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands - I mean come on - the Friday night BEFORE Christmas! Are we crazy??? Much to Mommy's suprise it was great! We drove right to the entrance gate! No - we are not kidding! I wasn't too happy though - my belly was aching from all the Tylenol and Motrin I had taken this week to make my fever better!!! I also decided to get a second wind and scream with my belly until 1 in the morning, but Mommy and Daddy took care of me anyway!!! Saturday morning we had breakfast with Uncle D and Aunt Lori - I actually ate my first decent meal and devoured a wheat biscuit and some bacon!!!

At lunch time on Saturday Uncle Matt and Aunt Lindsey came to visit!!! We all at Zaxby's together! It was pretty good, but my little tummy was still in knots from all the medicine. So . . . yes . . . I was a little bit of a grouch-o!!! Uncle Matt and Aunt Lindsey brought me a cute stuffed Santa, (that I have been playing with today!!!) and a wonderful book to add to my library! Today I Feel . . . by Jamie Lee Curtis. Call it coincidence if you may, but TODAY I FEEL much better!!! I got a new prescription called in, and I was able to be relieved of some of the tummy ache! I am also eating normal again!!! Yea!!!

Shortly after Uncle Matt and Aunt Lindsey left, Daddy's cell phone rang! Shannon and his new wife, Courtney were in town from TX, and they wanted to come by and see ME!!! :) Shannon and Courtney have a little bundle of joy on the way who will be here by next Christmas to play!!! I was sleeping when they arrived, but Mommy woke me up. I was beyond Grouch-o at this point! This was the beginning of my bad night with a tummy ache!!! I hope I didn't scare them to death - thinking "What have we done! (with a little one on the way!) Mommy was quick to explain that I wasn't my usual self, and told them that I was a very good and happy baby! We hope you two have a safe trip back to TX, and we can't wait to see you again soon!

Last night we went and enjoyed family and some good snackies at my Great Great Aunt Susie's house. I was a pretty good boy, but when I got home I had a rough couple hours with that bad tummy ache!

I am feeling better now, and looking forward to a comfortable Christmas Eve with Mommy, Daddy, MiMi and Pops! We have the camera now, so we will update the blog later. Merry Christmas to all our blogger friends and family! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

The Singing Christmas Tree!

2006-12-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

Not this past weekend but the one before, Tim was in our church's annual Singing Christmas Tree. Davis thought the gigantic tree was absolutely wonderful, so we made sure one afternoon after church to have our photo taken in the tree. We also got some pictures of Davis in front of the tree with some of the nice shiny packages!!! Enjoy!!!

Our Family in the Tree!

Our Little Angel!

The MONEY SHOT!

2006-12-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

Ok - so Yes, I am WAY behind on my blogs! So stay posted as I catch up this week!

Here are some pictures from a family Christmas party at my Aunt Rinda's house. (aka GAN - Great Aunt Nana) We were trying to get a shot of the little cousins!!!) Notice that Tanner didn't want to smile for the camera until I told him I was taking his present back! LOL! The things we must do for a shot!!! Maybe out of like 5 cameras - someone got a better one than me!!!

From Left to Right:

Will, Clarke, Davis, Kayla, Tanner, Parker, Taylor, and Caroline!

The below pictures are probably my most memorable ones for the day. Kayla and Davis kept the entertainment alive! They overly entertained each other by jumping and growling at one another! Davis was laughing so hard that he couldn't breathe!!! However, I would like to note that Kayla was having just as much fun if not more fun than Davis!

Our Photo Shoot!

2006-12-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

Ok - so let me first begin with a HUGE shout-out to Josh! He did a great job on our pictures! Not to mention that he put up with us for 2 hours!!! He captured some GREAT photos, and I wish you could see them all on here! I am posting some of them for you to enjoy! This was after Tim took his early morning fall, so in a few shots he looks a little weary!!! I am so behind on blogging! I hope to get caught up over the next few days!!!

Cooper and Charlie are Ready for their 1st Christmas!

2006-12-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

Cooper with Santa!

Charlie and Cooper with Santa!

Kristi and Rodney with Charlie and Cooper!

Here are some GREAT pictures of our twin cousins! They were just SO good that couldn't resist sharing and bragging a little bit! Sorry that the pictures are small. I copied and saved them off of Cooper's Care page, and blogger won't let me size them!

These were take yesterday, Sunday afternoon. Aren't they all just precious! Kristi I hope that you don't mind me sharing these! You are one lucky mommy to have two beautiful baby boys!!! We love you guys and are looking forward to many play dates in the near future!!!

All My Rowdy Friends Have Done Come Over Tonight!!!

2006-12-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

What a blessed day! Today was wonderful!!! We started our morning out meeting the "Hood" gang for breakfast with Santa at our school! Davis had his first encounter with Mr. Santa Claus himself! I personally have been dreading this! I mean ok - if my son freaked out at the first sight of a pumpkin - what was going to happen when I left him in the lap of a fury and hairy man with wrinkles and glasses!!! Eeeek!!! It was great though! I guess D has been one good little boy this year, because him and Santa were tight! They both took straight to one another. Mommy and Daddy were running late (as usual!) so his first meeting of Santa was right after we arrived and Hunter's mommy, Mrs. Heather, came to get D for the boys group photo with Santa. The mom's decided it would be best for us to hold the boys in the picture since there were so many and Jack and Hunter weren't too fond of the hairy creature! So, they told me to give D a whirl and stick him in Santa's lap. He was more content than when I hold him! He thought it was GREAT! Soon we left to get back in our spot in line and wait for D's solo photo. He kept breaking free and running straight to Santa waving and jumping. It was precious!!!

Here is a picture we took ourselves.

Our breakfast was good! D got doused with Coffee after Hunter tried to do a magic trip and pull the table cloth out from under the food! It was a good try, but he still needs a little practice!!! Luckily for D the coffee wasn't too hot, and he didn't even cry! What a big boy! Oh, and on a side note, D had on new Children's Place khaki's and they repelled the coffee! Wow!

After breakfast, the gang all headed to our house to celebrate with our 2nd annual gift exchange! The boys exchange names, and even the dads came over this year to celebrate. We had pigs in a blanket, delicious chocolate treats, angel food cake, strawberries, cool whip, spiced cider, etc. The mother's made cute little snowman magnets, and we even had a little side shower for Miss Eva Claire. She is expected to make her appearance and become the newest member of our gang by Christmas Day!!! Enjoy some photos!

Hunter, Jack, Drew, Davis, and Ally - Man this was hard work getting this shot!

Here are the girls working on the kiddos' snowmen frames!

Alicia looking GORGEOUS at 37 weeks! She has just opened her gifts for Miss Eva Claire!

Our men with our little ones! This was almost as hard to get as the kids together! The boys just kept talking as we positioned them where to stand! Hilarious!

Today was GREAT! The boys had SO much fun playing together. They were all more than ready for a nap when we wrapped things of, but they were so good playing together! We have GOT to have more play dates! We love you guys!!!

P.S. Hubby hung our wreaths out front this evening and got our spot lights on them. I will try to get a better picture later, but this one wasn't too bad!!!

He fell out of the bed, and he hit his head!!!

2006-12-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

Ok - So the title pretty much sums it up! I do need to add that this is the Hubby, not baby D! So, I know many of you ask quite often what "Tim has been up to at night?" Well his newest deep sleep adventure was on post-Thanksgiving/early Friday morning! I guess "Black Friday" should be named "Black and Blue Friday!" He ended his spell with a double or a triple flip from the bed. I am not sure - I AM sure that it looked as if someone has been masacred in our room! Blood was EVERYWHERE! I almost lost my laptop as it was open when he took the plunge! Yes, blood was running out of it when I picked it up! He is fine now. 6 stiches! I wish I would have known that head injuries normally bleed profusely! The stitches came out today! He was able to be sewn up without having hair shaved away, and he was able to take a shower before our 10:00 picture shoot! I think I am going to start restraining him in bed! :) Any suggestions!
P.S. We have switched sides of the bed to avoid the nightstand!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2006-11-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

IT'S TURKEY DAY!

We are truly blessed! We all have so very much to be thankful for! Today was perfect. The weather was great - The food was great - and being with our loved ones was the greatest of all! Thank you God for allowing us to have such a wonderful life surrounded by those that mean so much to us! If we weren't able to see you today - then we MISSED you! Please accept our love and blessings!

Yes - Davis has a knot on his head! He got it on Turkey Eve while being watched by his Dad! It's ok Dad, I know accidents happen! I am just glad I wasn't there when it happened! :) The best part of all is that we have family pictures tomorrow! No worries! It is looking much better, and me, being the Mary Kay Make-up Queen, I have already packed a few tricks that we can use for the pictures tomorrow! I'm sorry Davis - Mommy promises not to make it a habit of putting make-up on you! :)

Here are some family pictures we made today: Enjoy!

Daddy, Mommy, and Davis at Memaw and Pop's House!

Memaw, Pops, and Davis

Gigi, Pappaw, and Davis

Here we see Conley and Kristen keeping a close eye on Davis!

Nana, Troy, Daddy, Davis, and Papa

One last photo of Mommy and her Big boy! I love you my baby!

There's a Mouse - I mean a MONSTER in our House!

2006-11-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

Just tell me. . . How can a sweet little innocent face like this . . .

Or this . . .

make the most horrific/evil sound that you've ever heard???

Ok, so Davis has been picking up more vocabulary lately, and he is also making a WHOLE lot more connections. It is beyond amazing actually! I just have no idea where he got one of his new daily activities! GROWLING!!! I don't mean a little high-pitched sissy sound - like most baby noises. This comes from the depths of the Earth! I wish I could capture him doing it. I will try tomorrow. He just leans his little chin down and rests it on his chest and lets rip this terrible growling sound. I call it his Satan growl. There is just no other way to describe it! I mean he looks like a man who is singing bass and doing all that he can to hit the low note! I find it quite comical, though we have got some pretty interesting smiles when we are out in public. I don't think he picked this up from Baby Einstein's or Veggie Tales, so I am just wondering where it came from! We have nightly growling matches. I bet you can guess who wins! Sometimes I wonder how he can go on so long. I am like ok baby - stop and breathe - stop and breathe! LOL! The joys of parenthood! What will he come up with next!!!

So What is Victoria's Secret???

2006-11-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

I even worked there for like 2 or 3 years and I have yet to figure out the SECRET that Victoria holds over the male population! After making some purchases at Victoria's Secret last week, Davis has become awestruck by a glamour tote that I got free with my purchase. I mean come on now! It's not just MEN! It's the whole frickin' male species! I just don't get it!

This Weekend in a Nutshell or shall I say a Nuthouse!

2006-11-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

This weekend was our Youth's Disciple Blast Weekend at Church. You guessed it - Yours truly was in charge! I had been planning/working on this since this summer. It was wonderful!!! I won't go into too much detail. The pictures should let you know just how "CRAZY" it really was! I do want to add that we had 6 join the church and 2 were baptized tonight! :)

Davis even got in on the fun! He LOVES our Youth!

Below you will see our Pastor! Pastor Mike - Kissing UGA!

Happy Halloween!

2006-11-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!!

Our little Monkey and his Pumpkin!

Mommy and her Monkey before a Wild Night!

Happy Halloween you guys! Davis was able to enjoy Halloween this year! However, he didn't participate in the Pumpkin carving, but Daddy and I are still discussing the formality of the traditional pumpkin carving! Daddy had fun carving this little guy in under five minutes! Tim doesn't understand why our family tradition cannot include carving the family pumpkin with a Drimmel tool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's all about the spoon and the knife! Hopefully by next year, I will be able to convince him to be a little traditional vs. contemporary!

We met up with the 'hood gang early Halloween evening. As the boys grow older the photo shoots grow much more stressful and unsucessful. I mean come on it is hard enough to have one - one year old pause and look at the camera - much less four of them!!! None of my pics are great. I am hoping another one of the momma's got a better one!

This was a super quick shot with not much success! We didn't even have time to put Ally in position!

Next we tried confining them in our wagons. Needless to say - they started climbing OVER and OUT of the wagons!

We are still working on the RULES of Trick-Or-Treating! You ring/knock at the house and wait patiently. You do not pull the flowers or dig in their flower beds. You do not bang on the door. Oh and the number one rule - You say Trick-Or-Treat (or in their case - look real CUTE). You NEVER run into the house when the door opens! As you can guess our little ones did the latter of the rules!