my girl & bridal shoot

My little bug-a-boo has been sick the past couple days. She got her one year shots on Wednesday and after that she started running a fever, having diarrhea, got a diaper rash and a runny nose. It was so sad. I had to call the doctor lastnight and have him call the pharmacy for some "Happy Hiney". That stuff works like a charm. She was in so much pain that she wouldn't let me change her diaper "properly" because it hurt so bad :(. But today she's MUCH better :). I think the combination of "school", shots and the switch to whole milk was too much for her little body to handle in one week. I hate that they have to have so many shots at one time. I think with my next child I won' t be taking them right on time...just to give their bodies a chance to recover from the last series.

ANYWAYS, I did some bridal pics the other evening for a lady. They turned out pretty good. Here are some results from that little operation:

I believe the pics turned out great and it was really fun...despite the nasty sun. Gotta love it.

I need

the joy of the Lord in my life.

ONE ONE ONE!

My little lady turned ONE today (well, not officially until 9:30 pm)!!! It's so crazy to think about what I was doing exactly one year ago at this time...laying in a bed, in pain, close to delivering my first baby. Crazy. Today was kind of an emotional day for me. First, it's just amazing to me that she has been with us for a year! Second, just thinking about those first days with her make me feel so mushy gushy. Pregnancy...birth...life...it's all so amazing. I wouldn't trade a moment of it for the best riches. She is one wonderfully amazing little girl.

Somehow it's like she just knew today was a special day. Before the sun was up (aka the middle of the night) she was in her bed giggling and clapping. It was so funny. I just left her to it and went back to sleep. Then, after we dropped daddy off at work she started giggling from his job all the way home. It was hilarious. She would giggle and then look at me and give me this huge cheesy grin. I was laughing so hard I could barely drive. I so wish I had my video camera. It was definitely a show worth recording.

Well, here it is, her one year pic:

I love my sugar!

P.S. I forgot to mention all her 12 month milestones:

-She is officially OFF the bottle

-She is off her paci

-She says Dada, clicks her tongue, pulls her hair bow out and then tries to put it back in, pulls to stand, pushes her little leap frog "bus" all over the house, has FOUR teeth, claps...that's all I can think of for now

She enjoys:

Her mommy AND daddy (finally), clapping, playing with her big ball, opening and closing "her" cell phone endlessly, playing in the bathroom, pulling stuff out of "her" cabinets, squealing her oh-so-high pitched voice in delight, being outside and much much more

birthday madness

Well, we did it. We pulled off our very first birthday party. Of course, it was all with the help of two grandma's, one aunt, a cousin and a play buddy. I haven't felt that stretched thin in quite some time but I'm happy to say that it's all over with and it was a great success. Anna-Kate was as cute as ever in her watermelon dress, she enjoyed her birthday cake more than I've ever seen her anything and she liked her new toys. Everyone had fun just hanging out, socializing and then swimming. A great friend of mine offered to carry my camera around and take pictures which was a HUGE blessing because otherwise I don't think I would've remembered to do it. So, here are some pictures from our fun-filled day.

day 2

So, she didn't wake up on her own today. As much as I thought it was a good idea to put her down early I guess it really wasn't. I think she was awake a little bit in the wee hours of the morning playing in her bed and with what, I don't know. Kids are so funny like that. Anyways, I had to wake her up. It wasn't that bad because we didn't have to be where we were going until 11. So I figured it would be a good idea to rush to the grocery store after we took daddy to work in hopes of being home by 9 for a nap. Well, it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. Of course, the Wal-Mart I went to was totally unorganized and I didn't make it in home until 9:30. GGRRRR.

I put her down for her nap immediately, brought the groceries in (which took like four trips), put the perishables away and jumped in the shower. By the time I got out of the shower it was already 10 or maybe a little after and I had to rush to get myself ready, get my child's diaper bag together, and WAKE HER UP for the second time of the day :(. I really do hate it. We arrived on time, I checked her into her classroom, explained her lunch and went to my meeting. Three minutes later I hear my child crying. I'm not sure why I always end up within ear shot of her.

Anyways, the meeting went on and so did life. We got a five minute break and I went to check on her because once again, I could hear her crying. They had the lights out in her class because they were trying to put them down for a nap. In my head I was panicking because she just took a nap and there was NO WAY she was going to be okay with that. She was so upset and plus, they totally left her lovey in her bag so she was a little confused by the whole ordeal. It was a little frustrating for me because I wrote a little paper full of stuff (just like yesterday) of the things she likes, what she needs in the case of a nap and all about her lunch. I mean, they were really making it harder than it had to be.

All in all, everything went fine after I told them she had napped before coming. She consumed a bowl of watermelon, a bowl of those graduates finger food dissolving little star things, half a bowl of cheerios and a baby granola bar!!! I didn't actually intend on her eating all of that but I guess if it made her happy and it's all they could think of at the time then whatever. She's alive.

She was so happy to see me and me her.

the first day

Well, today it happened. Anna-kate had her first day of "school" and Mommy had her first day of "work". I felt as though it all started out a little rough because I had to wake her up to get her going. I hate doing that. Tonight I put her to bed earlier in hopes that she'll wake herself up right as I'm about done getting myself together. Anyways, yeah, I had to wake her up. It wasn't THAT big of a deal but I just don't like it. She didn't seem to mind as much but she wasn't as alert as she would normally be...which isn't exactly good because I was about an hour away from leaving her for four hours :(. So we got there a little early, maybe like 1o minutes, and I got to spend some time in her classroom talking to her teacher. You know, giving her the yays and nays of Anna-Kate. It all seemed to be going well. She was on the floor playing, could careless whether I was trying to tell her bye bye or not and overall seemed pretty okay with the room- so I left. About two minutes later I hear her crying from across the hall (I was talking to a friend in her classroom). It was sooo sad. I wanted so bad to just go rescue her from the "mean room" but I couldn't. Really, it probably would've ruined the whole day if I would've. Anyways, I got myself together and went to my classroom.....which was STILL across the hall from her. I could look out of my door and into the little window in hers and see a teacher rocking her. It was relief and heartbreaking at the same time. I wanted to be rocking her! I pretty much heard her fuss all day. She didn't scream and cry the whole time but was whiney. It was so hard not to be able to comfort her. I wanted so badly to go in there and give them some little pointers on my kid. I did send a list of "loves" with her and I saw the teacher in the window with the list in hand digging through the closet of toys. Hahaha. It was kind of funny. When I went to pick her up she was in this toy gym saucer extravaganza thang and I called her name and she looked up and me and gave me this HUGE smile and started jumping up and down. It was so precious. Totally melted my heart and made it even harder for me to leave her tomorrow.

Now, about my day. My partnering teacher didn't show today so I was stuck with 6-4 year olds. It was pretty awesome. Hahaha. They were the most awesome, well behaved bunch of 4 year olds I've ever been around. We totally had fun.

My moops drinking her milk (she's totally off the bottle I just needed a back up this morning) before we left.

Me and moops

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty decent day. She's definitely going to have to get used to the whole thing....well, and me too. I hate being away from her but I know it's good for us.

feeling creative

I was feeling creative and cheap the other day so I made my child's "bag tag" all on my own. I knew that she'd be needing one for "school" especially since her friend Parker, whom is in the same class with Anna-Kate, has the same bag as her (we had ours first :)). Anyways, this is the product of that adventure:

I felt like it was all such a success that I went ahead and made one for little Parker too. I didn't take any pictures of his and I already gave it to his mommy, but I must say, it was just as cute.

teefers

I FINALLY got a picture of my child's four teeth. I've been on a mission ever since the fourth one popped out but it's been nearly impossible. Thanks to her objection to being in the highchair I got a pretty good one. I mean, atleast it wasn't an all out fit. Really, I was just taking a picture for fun but then she decided to object as I was taking it. Yaayy. Oh, and please excuse the wild hair. It can't be tamed every second of the day no matter how much I wish it could. Speaking of the wild hair, I can't wait for it to get to a point where I can pull it back and get on with it.

Well, I'll be back within the day or two to let you all know about our first day at "school". AAhhhh.

last weekend...

This is my last weekend before I officially start "working". I'm glad we spent it doing fun things and enjoying eachother (for the most part ;)). Friday night I made mexican food and QUESO. Anyone who knows me knows I LOOOVE queso but I've never really mastered the art of making it. Thanks to some tips, I made my first real batch (sad, I know) and it was delicious. We stayed indoors that evening and rented a movie...also another love of ours. Saturday morning we went to the zoo and then came home and took a nap. Saturday evening Anna-Kate and I ran over to her grandma and popop's for a little while because we wouldn't be spending Sunday evening with them like we usually do. Then we went to Target **big grin** together and got AK a cute outfit and some HAIR BOWS (like she needed more of either). After that we went home and AK went to bed and Sean and I watched another movie. BTW, it's not considered a normal weekend if we don't get atleast two movies in (when the baby goes to bed, of course). Today, will be a chill day. We have a friend coming over for dinner around 6:30. I'm making chicken enchiladas. Hopefully they turn out okay.

Here are some pics from the zoo:

All the things turning one brings...

As of yesterday, after her first nap, my daughter has four teeth!!! Two weeks ago she only had one so this is a huge accomplishment! I was soooo worried that she'd have NO teeth by her first birthday. I was starting to think something was wrong with her because she was all gums. I thought, "Surely a kid is supposed to have SOMETHING by the time they're one so they can atleast enjoy their birthday cake." Hahaha. Anyways, I'm relieved to say she will be getting some delicious cake to celebrate her first year with us. I am also relieved to say that it wasn't that bad. Just a minor fever for a couple of days and a little fussiness but she mostly slept it off. Oh, and I mustn't forget those wretched diapers-all a part of the teething experience. Lucky me. It's been fun though because I have officially incorporated brushing her teeth into her bedtime routine. Fun fun.

Speaking of all the things turning one brings, I must mention that she will be receiving 4 shots-2 "muscle" shots in each leg and then 2 "regular" ones in less than two weeks. Not that the whole muscle/regular labels matter anyways because to my baby, a shot is a shot and it isn't a nice thing. She isn't one of those kids who lets out an awful cry while it's going on and then is easily soothed afterwards. Noooo, Anna-Kate is so devastated by the whole experience that it takes me a good 5-10 minutes to calm her down...and that's just calm for the time being. If she's put to the test she starts all over again. For example, putting her in the car seat after the whole shebang. It just isn't happening on easy terms.

THEN, I have to take her for her first visit to the dentist. I have no idea what that is even going to be like. I can't even get a look in her mouth without a fight so I'm not sure how she's going to react to a complete stranger trying to probe their way in for a looksie. She doesn't like it at all. It stresses me out to even think about so I won't.

Just for show, here is a picture of Anna-Kate in her birthday onesie I made for her to wear to her grandma's birthday dinner. This seriously, is the best shot I could get. She wouldn't sit still long enough for me to get a cute picture. This is her standing at her bookshelf pulling all of her books off (one of her favorite activities). I had to stick the camera in the shelf to get a picture. Silly girl. And yes, that is a blow up mattress to the left of the picture. At the time, I hadn't found the zest to let all of the air out and roll the bad baby up. I assure you, it is now put away. No need to be alarmed. All is well in my home. :-)

GET the thankfuls before they get you...

I'll carry on with the trend and list 10 things I'm thankful for...even though it's not my birthday. Sometimes I need to be reminded.

1. starts with and h, ends with a d, and has usban in the middle :)
2. being a mommy to the most wonderful little girl
3. my parents AND in-laws, yes, I said in-laws. They're awesome too.
4. books
5. clean water
6. health
7. our **cough*cough** vehicle-although it's hard
8. my few good friends
9. of course, my wonderul Jesus who loves me more than I'll ever know
10. AC...livin in Texas ain't easy :)
11. and because I'm feeling led, my dog who is being annoying right now.

Happy Birthday Bri!!!

my love nugget

I'm on a roll tonight. Two posts in one evening. And be warned, this post contains lots of pictures. :)

My oh-so-precious little girl is 2 weeks and 3 days shy of being a 1 year old! May I ask, what happened to the time?!?! I can't believe the day is approaching. I started really thinking about it today and it almost made me cry. Ridiculous, I know, but I'll never get these days back with her. She'll never be this little again. She'll never depend on me so much. It's kind of sad to think about because I love being her everything. One day she's going to realize that she's actually her own person. Hahaha. I laugh about it now but I know the days ahead are destined to come. The days when she'll start making her own decisions. When I can't make her wear sunscreen, hair bows or pretty pink dresses. The days when I am not her everything. I know it has to happen...no need for lectures. I'll embrace those days as much as I have these and I'll be thankful for every second I have been given the gift of being her mommy. She is one special little girl.

here I am at 39 weeks prego

(she was born at 39 weeks and 3 days)

my baby, just minutes old

one day old

one month old

two months old

three months old
four months old
5 months old
6 months old
7 months old
8 months old
9 months old
10 months old
11 months old

and today, at 11 months, 1 week and 4 days oldGotta love her.