Moving on to better times....

After my last post life was insanely hectic for awhile! Georgia and I moved in and stayed with my dad until last weekend. My old complex did end up letting me out of my lease but I was required to put in (and pay) a 30 day notice. It was nice to be able to stay with my dad for awhile though.

I can't even begin to explain the generosity Georgia and I received. I am truly thankful for all the friends and family in our lives. It was definitely a humbling experience. I try to do everything "by myself" and I had to take a step back and let people be generous. Many people mailed Georgia Christmas gifts, my family went out and replaced everything I had bought her and then some. A great friend offered and I just took her up on it last weekend to use her moving truck and movers for my move which helped out soooo much! Maybe the sweetest thing of all though was the leasing agent at my old apartment who I don't really know at all went out and bought Georgia and I Christmas presents with little notes on each gift- socks for her and I because "Christmas isn't Christmas without a pair of socks for everyone" a stuffed pony for Georgia since "Every little girl wants a pony" It was very sweet.

So I was able to work out a deal with a new place- luckily winter is a very slow time for leasing so they came down drastically on the rent and we are now living in a very safe and comfortable place which we moved into last weekend. Longest move of my life- took me 4 days to get out of the old place and into the new one, but I'm happy to say I LOVE it here.

I started back to school this week and I think I am really going to enjoy it. I'm very excited! Nothing else new is going on except Georgia being sick this week but it gave her and I some special time to hang out together which we have definitely missed!

If you get a chance check out this link:

www.homeshadephotography.com/proofs

Once there click "access gallery" and type in this code: 6005de0e

Tasha has taken some pics of Georgia in the past but these are so adorable and just in time for Valentines Day! I'm in LOVE with them!

And for the final update- this is the last post I will make to this blog. If you still want to keep up with Georgia and I and the ongoings in our life you can now follow us here:

www.TheMakingOfMelanie.blogspot.com

If you've followed from the beginning thanks and I hope you continue to follow us in the next chapter of our lives!

Love,

Melanie

You're a mean one....Mr. Grinch...

Is 2010 over yet? Really- I think this year has been cursed! Where to begin with the past couple of months??

Quick run down- Surgery, Georgia sick, Me sick, Thanksgiving, visiting with Michael, trip to Naples (Brilliant idea one week post surgery & sick), Trip to New Jersey & New York with Georgia- amazing trip and had so much fun in the city together. I'd never seen the city at Christmas time and it was such an awesome experience to see it with my daughter all dressed up for the holidays!

annnd catch my breath! Tuesday I was back at work thinking to myself "Wow, I finally fell normal again from the surgery! This is going to be a great week- Georgia and I will be able to hang out since I've finished all my Christmas shopping and be able to relax! Things are finally back to normal".

WRONG....

A call came in yesterday about 2:30pm from the management office of my apartment complex. "Hi, Melanie, we are calling to let you know it looks like your apartment has been broken into."

What do you say to that? I can tell you what happens- you go into a state of shock. Once again you go through the motions. My dad and I left the office and drove over to the complex. Let me just say right now I chose this complex for safety. I specifically chose my apartment for the proximity to the garage and the "open-ness" of it. It is not hidden. A police officer lives within the same courtyard I live in. So I thought I was safe.

On the way there I thought of all the material possessions I had in my apartment. How my mom and I just had a conversation last week discussing how I needed to get a safety deposit box at the bank to put my jewelery in. The Christmas Presents wrapped under the tree. Designer bags, shoes, clothes in the closet. I can tell you I imagined the worst- my Christmas China crashed and broken on the floor, my drawers dumped out. I imagined total and complete destruction. Since my dad was following me he called on the way there. "Listen" He said, "Anything you thought was important will be gone. You need to prepare yourself for this. It will be okay. We will make it okay, but don't let this get to you." So I steeled myself.

We arrived the same time at the police and walked over to the apartment together. The front door had been kicked in. I held my breath as the door was opened and looked inside. When you first peered in it looked as though nothing had been touched. Once inside every electronic I owned was gone. TV's, Laptop, Camera's (Yes, my favorite still what I considered "new" DSLR and all my point and shoots) iPods, Georgia's Leapster systems that hooked up to the TV. Louis Vuitton Bags, Coats even, My down comforter and sheets (apparently to wrap the TV's in as they carried them out the door). My entire Jewelery Box- just picked up off the counter and gone. And the worst part- every single Christmas gift I had purchased for Georgia and wrapped under the tree.

My favorite Christmas movie growing up was "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and there I was standing in my living room imagining a Grinch- like creature slithering about my place "Then he slithered and slunk with a smile most unpleasant, around the whole room and he took every present". Playing through my head on repeat..."You're a monster, Mr. Grinch. You're heart's an empty hole. You're brain is full of spiders, you've got garlic in your soul..."

And just like that- everything is gone.

Georgia and I packed up what was left that had any value to it and moved on. We stayed at my dad's last night and I am about to go see if I can break my lease and move out hopefully this weekend. I feel completely disgusted. I had not made Georgia's bed yesterday before school and work so some of her blankets were on the floor. First thing I did was strip down her bed and wash and dry her blankets and sheets. Then I cover the entire apartment with Clorox wipes trying to clean it.

Maybe sometimes you need to purge yourself of things in order to move on. All those material things that went through my mind on my way over don't really mean anything. They belong in a life I don't live in anymore.
"You have to let go of the past to move on to the future".Dear God, I'm letting go.

Is it all ready December?

Is it really all ready December?? Gosh time has flown by! I can't believe it!!

I took Georgia to see Disney Princesses on Ice a couple of weeks ago and she LOVED it! I really love this age- she is really growing up.

I had to have surgery the week before Thanksgiving and still haven't quite recovered from it although it's been 2 weeks. I keep thinking back to the first time this was done when I was 15 years old and then went to dance in a show 2 weeks later. I guess I'm not 15 anymore! This particular procedure was quite a bit more invasive, but I'm hoping to be back to normal in another 2 weeks. Actually- that is what my doctor says. For myself I would have liked to be back to normal yesterday!

So needless to say starting out the holidays (Thanksgiving) with a surgery isn't the best. Georgia came home a few days after my surgery with 104 degree temperature!!! I took her into the doctor and she had 2 ear infections, strep throat and scarlett fever. When the doctor said "Scarlett Fever" I almost lost it! I began thinking she was going to be hospitalized and all sorts of things. Then I asked what exactly it was and found out it's really just a rash that can go along with Strep. It can be deadly but if you get them on antibiotics it will clear up. So Georgia started antibiotics and was almost back to normal after a few days. Unfortunately less than a week after my surgery I caught the cold she had and was completely knocked out.

We both got it together enough to go to my sister's house for Thanksgiving. My little brother who I haven't seen a year and 3 months was in town and I was SO excited to see him! He is in the NAVY and stationed in Virginia. He was deployed last year to Bahrain so our visits with him are few and far between. We had a great time with family and lots of great food! I flew out that afternoon to Naples (Florida) yep fresh out of surgery and recovering from whatever virus Georgia passed on to me. Luckily it was super relaxing and I got to spend some time with some great people.

Georgia is 100% better now and I am getting there! We are ready for all the Christmas festivities that come with the month of December- Moody Garden's lights, Hot Chocolate, Festivals, Family and Fun!

Blessed

Sometimes life gets a bit over whelming. Now that I am a working girl it's been hard to find a balance. I yearn to spend days on end with Georgia just being with each other. Watching her grow. Teaching her things. Work itself is an adjustment. There is so much to learn. Things have to be done- no way around it. At first I joked I had brain damage. I simply could not retain information. Looking back I was in such a fog. Life was swirling around me and I was simply trying to grasp on.

Wake Up.

Wake up Georgia.

Cook Georgia Breakfast.

Make Georgia's Lunch.

Get Dressed.

Get Georgia Dressed.

Take Georgia to school.

Try to not cry on the way to work after she had another melt down dropping her off.

Go to Work.

Call School- check in on Georgia.

Leave Work.

Pick up Georgia.

Try to run errands.

Spend time with Georgia.

Find Dinner.

Feed Georgia Dinner.

Bathe Georgia.

Put Georgia in bed.

Pur Georgia back in bed.

Put Georgia back in bed.

Put Georgia back in bed.

Give up and let Georgia sleep with me.

Go to bed.

Repeat.

In free time try to figure out a plan for my life.

I know many people do this, but adjusting to this schedule while going through the turmoil of waking up to reality is hard. Very hard. I miss my daughter. It seems as though there is never enough time in the day to spend with her any more. I know I have grown though- I've realized the only person I can ever rely on completely is myself. I am becoming more and more comfortable with that thought every day.

More so I have realized I am so very blessed. God has surrounded me with love and protection. He blessed me with strength and knowledge. He has provided me with family and people who really do love and support me. He blessed my life with my daughter 3 1/2 years ago whom I am so very thankful for.

Sure I get frustrated and irritated and mad. But I have also been blessed. Just trying to keep that in my focus.

Moving on and Life Changes

As many of you all ready know I am in the process of becoming a single mom. This has been a long process that is not over yet, but I feel to move on I have to acknowledge it. Seems a little weird to "announce" this over a blog, but I started this blog to update my friends and family on Georgia's life and I can't truly keep people updated while there is something hidden in the closet for a lack of a better term.

It has been an awakening experience and journey on finding out who truly supports my daughter and I. People I thought would stand behind me have fallen. Those I was not sure I could count on have continually stepped up to help me out. I have to say I am truly blessed. Not once have I felt scared or alone. I have a conviction I will make it through this and be a better and stronger person. You have to stand up for what is right.

Now that is over with here is a true account of the summer....

After the separation Georgia and I continued to live in the house for a few months. In August we moved out of the house and into an apartment. We have had a great time setting the place up and making it ours. I am so proud of Georgia. I knew this was going to be hard for her. Watching her go through this at times has literally broken my heart into a million pieces. Understand I would have never put my daughter through this if I thought there was any other way. She is a strong little girl. She is happy about our "new apartment" and loves to be there.



The year has flown by. I hope for and end to all of this soon. It isn't fun to have to deal with a continual fight day after day, but I guess that is what has to be done until things are settled. Maybe everything will be wrapped up by the end of the year and I will be able to leave all of this behind me in 2010. A fresh start for 2011.

Disney World

Georgia and I have had a very busy summer this year!

In June Georgia started going to a school 3 days a week while I went back to work. Being away from her has been a very hard transition for both of us and while we both are adjusting and enjoying the new changes in our lives at the same time it's still really, really hard! In July she started going 4 days a week and I am now working for my Dad which has been a huge blessing!

A few months ago I knew I wanted to take Georgia on a special trip for her and I to spend some time together- what better place to go that the most magical place on Earth- Disney World!!! I decided it would be an amazing trip to share with my Mom and Grandmother.

We all flew out last Thursday to begin the fun. Georgia is in love with all things Princess so you can imagine the fun she had! I can't descirbed the look on her face when we entered the Magic Kingdom for the 1st time and she walked down Main Street USA and saw the Castle. Pure amazement! It wasn't crowded and most rides we were able to walk right on and enjoy. She did so well on this trip I am very proud of her!

We flew in early Thursday with the intent of going to the park that afternoon. The night before with all the excitement Georgia decided to stay awake until midnight which did not bode well for our 5am wake up call to make it to the airport. We arrived at the hotel via Disney's Magical Express and my mom took Georgia swimming. We had dinner reservations that night at the Grand Floridian with Cinderella but poor Georgia was so exhausted she and I stayed in the hotel while my mom and grandmother went to Epcot for the evening. I have to say I was happy to do this as I too was exhausted!

Friday we were up and at it! Breakfast was at the Grand Floridian where we met Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and The Mad Hatter. This was Georgia's first experiance with the characters and just as I guessed she loved the people dressed as people (Alice, Mary Poppins) but was pretty terrified of the people dressed as Characters (Pooh, Tigger, etc.)Friday was also my Mom's 50th Birthday. After breakfast- the food was delicious by the way, they brought over the 1st of a never ending stream of birthday cupcakes we would be enjoying over the rest of the weekend to celebrate her birthday. We were then off to spend the day at The Magic Kingdom. When we walked into the park it just happend to be the same time the "Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it" Block party was starting. The parade passed us by then invited us to follow behind until we reached the area right in front of the castle. Then we all danced and grooved to the music with the characters. What a way to enter the park! Georgia was loving it! We spent the rest of the day riding rides and meeting characters. We lucked into meeting the princesses- Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Belle all at once. Georgia was a little unsure about it at first but by the time she met Belle she was totally into it. She talked to Belle for a LONG time- it was precious!

After the princess meetings it was about time for the second parade of the day so we ran over and got great seats. What an amazing parade. All the characters were in it. Georgia blew kissed to Prince Charming and when she saw Ariel she shouted "Ariel!! It's me, Georgia!"

That night we went to Epcot- they were open late if you were staying at a Disney Resort. We rode Finding Nemo (awesome ride) and had Turtle Talk time with Crush. Georgia then got to meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto & Goofy for the 1st time. We ate dinner at Epcot then went to see the fireworks. Georgia wasn't into it- so we left and went on a few more rides and then back to the hotel.

Saturday was at Animal Kingdom. In the morning we had breakfast with Donald & Daisy Duck, Mickey, Minnie & Goofy. The food was soooo good at the Tusker House, but Georgia was still a little scared of the characters I walked her around a lot while they were there. We then went on the safari and saw lots of animals. The Lion King Show was amazing and Georgia loved it. Afterward Chip and Dale were outside who ended up being the only characters in full costume that Georgia really loved. We rode a few rides then Georgia and I went back to the hotel to rest! It was sooo hot! Afer we relaxed for awhile we went back to the Magic Kingdom and met back up with my mom and grandmother for dinner and walked around.It was really crowded on this evening since they were having the "Night of Joy" concert so we left after a short time and went back to the hotel.

Sunday we went to Hollywood Studios. This was probably my favorite day. They had a Playhouse Disney puppet show that Georgia loved- Little Einstiens, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Tigger and Pooh were all there and it was a lot of fun. After that we ate lunch at the Sci Fi Drive in. We all enjoyed it, but I think my grandmother loved it the most! We then split up and my mom took Georgia to ride Toy Story while Memaw and I went on the Hollywood Tower of Terror and then the Rock and Rollercoaster. So much fun! The parade was next. We had a front row spot. When they came by they stopped right in front of us for the show and pulled Georgia out to dance with them. She got into the groove pretty quickly and it was maybe the most adorable thing I've ever seen!

It was off to the Magic Kingdom again! My mom and I wanted to ride Space Mountain so Memaw took Georgia to ride Snow White- which they ended up riding 7 times in a row! We came back and whild I took Georgia on it again my grandmother started talking to a "cast member" at Disney who told her she could give us a "Magical Experiance" since it was our last night there and take us to the front of the line for the Peter Pan ride. Such an neat experiance! We walked right up to the front and the whisked us on and off just in time for us to make it to dinner at Cinderella's castle. By this time Georgia had begun to introduce herself as "Cinderella" when someone asked her name. On our way to the castle I said "We're going to eat at Cinderella's Castle" to which Georgia promptly replied, "No! We are going to eat at MY castle!"

We walked into the Castle and Georgia was greeted by Cinderella herself for a photo shoot. They talked for a long time- all of the princesses really seemed to spend a lot of time with Georgia and really engage her in a conversation. The food was delicious! Ariel is one of Georgia's favorites and she was so excited when she came over to visit. Snow White was last and when she walked up Georgia ran to her and buried her head in her chest and just held on around her neck forever. It was precious!

All in all it was an amazing trip! I am so glad I was able to experiance it with my mom, grandma and especially Georgia!

I will try to find some time to post the pictures and video later on!

Performing Arts at the Bedre's

These videos crack me up- the one of her singing to herself in the bathroom mirror is eerily similar to a video of me around age 4 doing almost the same thing. The next video you have to watch the clip from Beauty and the Beast to truly get it. I swear she comes up with this stuff all on her own!

Georgia singing in the mirror:


Beauty and the Beast Clip:


Georgia singing Beauty and the Beast:

Moments

Lately I have been thinking a lot about what I want in life. What does anyone want in life?

I know I want to be happy- regardless of what people think of me.

I want to stop putting so much stock into what people think of me. I am who I am- if you don't like me or what I stand for then who cares? You probably don't know me well enough or have taken the time to get to know me any way!

I want to be an awesome role model for my daughter. Someone who she will always look up to.

I want to take control of my life.

I want to go to church every Sunday- not just show up once or twice a month.

I want to remember every moment I have with her. Her life is almost like a tape recorder in my mind playing over and over again. I remember those first few moments I had with her completely alone at 4:30am in the hospital. I had a c-section late the night before and they took her to the nursery before I was able to hold her. Doug had to leave after that and I tried my best to stay awake past the 4 hour mark they required to watch her. I passed out about 3 am but I clearly remember snapping back to life around 4:15am and immediately calling down to the nursery to have my baby brought to me. I remember it seemed to take FOREVER for them to bring her to me and I even called back a second time asking where my daughter was! They wheeled her incubator in and left. At first I just stared at her. She looked as though she were in awe- her eyes were wide open. Of course I snapped a few pics with my camera phone- every time I look at that picture of her it reminds me. I couldn't move much just having had surgery 4 hours earlier but I maneuvered my way around and picked her up to hold her. It was dark in the room and she was quiet. I was quiet. It was just she and I. I held her to my chest and laid there with her until our visitors started arriving shortly after. To me those moments are like pieces of heaven here on earth.

If Georgia is my only child I am at peace with the fact that I have truly taken advantage of being her mother. I have loved (well, come on the nights last month when she was up til 12:30pm multiple nights in a row I didn't really love...) let's say "treasured". I have truly treasured every moment. I know at the end of this journey we call life I'm never going to look back and be irritated she gave me trouble going to bed a night occasionally. Even now while it's still fresh I am glad I had the chance to rock her to sleep, comfort her and kiss her goodnight.

Maybe that is a gift God has given me as a mother- no matter how hard it is in the moment, how crazy, stressed out and tired I am I still try to realize she won't be little for long. Every day I have with her is a day I will never get back.

Tonight Georgia was singing in the bathroom. I ran and grabbed the video camera and caught some great action of her belting out some tunes. It's hilarious- I can't find my camera cord but I am going to look for it tomorrow and hopefully get it uploaded! Let's just say she may be watching a few too many Disney movies.... =)

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These little moments...

Spring has Sprung!

I cannot believe it is practically the middle of April all ready!!! This year has truly flown by. We have been so busy the past couple of months it seems like March did not even make an appearance this year!

For our BIG news that many of you all ready know....we bought a house! Yes! FINALLY!!!!!! We are so excited and will be moving at the end of this (April) month. I cannot wait. I have been busy picking out furniture and dreaming of design ideas in my sleep. I am dying to get in there and decorate!

We are sad we are leaving the "inner loop" of Houston, but really feel like it's the best move for Georgia. The schools are great and there is an awesome community pool that really rivals Moody Garden's palm beach. You can bet we will be out there practically every day this summer.

I can't remember the last I updated but I know it has been awhile so here goes:

The end of February Doug and I went to a close friend's (Erica and Vadim) wedding in Cleveland. It was gorgeous and snowing everywhere! Georgia stayed here in Houston with family and had a great time.

We went to the rodeo several times this year. Georgia was really into it for the first time. She loved the petting zoo and even rode the live pony-go-round all by herself. I could not believe she did it! The entire time I was waiting for her to start screaming and crying for me to come and get her off the horse, but she stayed on for the whole ride. May have helped that her big cousin Michael was there riding the pony in front of her!

Also in March I turned the big 2-5 and we celebrated my birthday many times! =) Georgia is now a pro at singing "Happy Birthday" although I can't say I didn't practice with her and her play birthday cake... Doug had a little dinner party for me at my favorite restaurant- RDG and we celebrated with some of our best friends. (You have to try the champagne and strawberry drink- I can't ever remember the name but it's AMAZING) He also followed the list of bday gifting like a pro! ;)

She is really growing up- I look at her sometimes and can't believe she is only 2 years old. I know she is turning 3 soon, but I try so hard to not say "she's almost 3" when people ask me. I want her to stay little forever! She can really carry on a conversation with you and understand things when you explain them to her. She is also becoming very self-sufficient. She loves to do things by herself from buckling her car seat to getting dressed.

Oh yes, getting dressed....the clothes battle has officially begun. Pretty much every morning I pull out her outfit to wear and she says "I no like it". For now at least Mom's way trumps 2 year old's way....most of the time.I normally try to have 2 outfits and try to let her pick which one she wants- but even then "I no like it" to both options. I have become very creative in my child dressing abilities.

She loves to play with her cousins Noah and Eli. I am so glad my sister and I have kids the same age. It's a lot of fun when we all get together.

Lately Georgia has picked up quite the southern drawl. We started noticing it a couple of weeks ago and are kinda baffled as to where it came from. Yes, we know we live in Texas, but when we travel most people have always told me I don't have an accent. I really don't think any of my family does either, but my darling 2 year old sounds like she showed up straight from the hills of Tennessee (Or Georgia...). I will have to try to record her talking and put it up here. It's pretty comical!

Georgia is also in love with Princesses and Castles. Every time we see a church or drive through Downtown Houston she cries out "LOOK! A CASTLE MOMMY!!!" Every book that she opens up to read starts out like this, "Once upon a time there was a BIG, BIG castle, the end!" She's a girl after my own heart.

She loves the Fancy Nancy books. She will pick one up and say "Let's read my favorite book". If you haven't read these books it's about a little girl named Nancy who is obsessed with being fancy and using things around her house to obtain this goal. Nancy's favorite thing is fuchsia glitter. When I picked up Georgia from MDO today she had her art project from last week which was an egg the kids had glued glitter on- Georgia chose fuchsia. I was so proud.
-P.S. according to Georgia it isn't glitter, but "sprinkles".

Easter was this last weekend and we celebrated with almost all parts of our family! We spent time with Doug's Dad and sisters, my mom, my grandmother and my dad. What a busy but fun weekend. I will try to post pictures up here later today or tonight!

Layla Grace

If you didn't hear about this little girl I encourage you to take the time to visit her parent's website and read about her story.

www.laylagrace.org

If you don't have time to go by their blog (or can't get on as they have had so much traffic lately ) Layla was a beautiful 2 1/2 year old girl who passed away this morning (3/9/10) She was diagnosed with neuroblastoma- her parents have a lot of info about it on their site but basically it is a type of cancer that causes tumors to grow in your body. She went through different types of treatment and a couple of weeks ago found out they weren't working. They took their little girl home to pass away. It just breaks my heart.

I can't read about her without crying. It makes my body ache to think about this family loosing their precious daughter. I can't imagine the strength these parents must have to make it through this. I don't think I could ever have the courage or grace to go through something so unfathomable. Their faith in God throughout all of this is such a wonderful testament to so many people.

I'm glad Layla is out of pain- she touched a lot of people during her short time here.

Through the night!

Just a quick post this morning to let you know Georgia slept through the night last night with NO accidents!!! I am SO proud of her. It is really only the 2nd time we have put her to bed without a diaper. I woke her up at 11pm to go potty, Doug woke her up at 4am to potty and that was it!

Stay tuned for pics from a cloth diaper bon-fire!

A New Year!

Well here we are in 2010. January has flown by!!! I cannot believe it is almost February. We have been busy yet not so busy this past month. Busy doing things around the house, but not so much getting out activities. Partly due to the fact that Georgia, Doug and I were all sick for the first part of January. I started out with it Christmas Eve and never truly got over it until 3 weeks later! During that time Georgia & Doug both came down with with the same thing. Not fun!!

I would also like to announce I would say Georgia is potty trained!!!!! YAY!!!! She has known what to do for a long time and I think it was mainly me not just "going for it" She has been in pull ups for awhile and would ask to go potty while we were out and about, but wouldn't do it so much at home. Recently she has found a new love in Snow White. It was a gift from Memaw for Christmas and is pretty much on repeat around here from 7am-8pm. Moving on...I found a package of princess panties at the store...BINGO!!! The pack of 6 had 1 pair of Snow White panties in it. She woke up on Monday and I told her I had a present for her. She LOVED them wore them all day long and was so excited. The rest is history- except for the fact I ripped open her Valentine's Day gift early- Sleeping Beauty. (You can only take so much of Snow White....) We watched it together and double bonus- we can now rotate movies and she will wear 3 out of the 6 panties now instead of just 1!

I hate to keep going on about this, but it really is so exciting for me! So far we have gone to the store twice on normal length trips and NO accidents! Also tonight she did not want to wear a diaper to bed so we put a waterproof sheet on her bed and told her she could come out to go potty if she needed to. Also I am going to go in at midnight to wake her up to go potty and cross my fingers!

To catch up from where we left off....

We had a FABULOUS Christmas!! Georgia's favorite gifts were her tool sets from Gucci & Grandaddy. Santa came Christmas Eve to set up her gifts for her to come running into the next morning, while Mom set up the gifts she all ready received on the other side of the room. Christmas Morning I wake up to the "Handy Manny" theme song being played from the living room! I shot straight up in bed and said, "Doug! She's awake!!!!" The little sneak went straight to the living room to play with her gifts- smart girl though, she stayed away from Santa's side of the room!

Emily and Brock came to visit last weekend and we had a GREAT visit with them. Georgia LOVES Brock and had so much fun with him here. We also went out to see our friend Tamara and 3 week old baby Jack. He is sooo tiny and soooo adorable! We can't wait to see Jack again, and of course Brock!

Some funny things Georgia has said lately:
"I want to paint my face too Mama!" as she tries to take one of my make-up brushes.

"Sleeping Cutie" instead of Sleeping Beauty.

Georgia, Noah & Eli are planning a Valentine's Day party so I am sure I will update again shortly after that!

It's almost that time...

Christmas Eve is tomorrow...I am running around like crazy and for some odd reason decided it was now or never to get on here an write a quick update!

Here is our Christmas Card- If you did not receive one I am soooo sorry- it was a struggle this year, and I think I even forgot to put a return address label on them so I wouldn't have a clue if it didn't get to you...


We have been so busy this month, but we have had a lot of fun. This is the first year Georgia has understood to some extent what is going on. I am super exctied for Christmas morning because I really think she will have a blast tearing into all of her presents.

So a quick run down of the past month... We planned on going to the Pearland Tree Lighting the 1st weekend in December, but it SNOWED!!!! So of course roads were shut down and the ceremony was cancelled, but fine with us- Georgia and I played in the snow and met April for a coffee and she even got her first Starbucks hot chocolate. She looked so grown up drinking "coffee" with us while we chatted and HUGE snowflakes fell outside.


The next weekend Georgia and I took a trip to Austin to visit Emily, Joe & Brock. Georgia and Brock haven't really hung out together since his birth 6 months ago so they snagged some great play time together. It also showed me that Georgia is going to be a great big sister one day. She loves babies and was so sweet with Brock playing with him. We went to a birthday party for one of Emily's co-workers and while we were there Santa showed up (Emily's dad) Well he knew Georgia's name and tried to give her a hug, but she tired to bury herself in my body and kept saying "Ready to go, ready to go!" at one point she cried out, "Where's the keys? LET'S GO!" It was pretty funny.



That Sunday we drove straight to Sugar Land to celebrate Christmas with Doug's mom's side of the family. There are a lot of kids on that side so it is always fun for Georgia to run around with all of her cousins and Mom finally has a family gathering where I can sit back a relax a bit!

From our first Christmas celebration we drove to Clear Lake to go to the "Walk Through Bethlehem" It is a great production and really really neat for the kids. There was a lot Georgia could take part in, but even a child of 10 or 15 I think would enjoy it.











We also took a trip to Moody Gardens during the day with Aunt Laura and Eli to see the aquarium and lunched at the Rainforest Cafe. It was a rainy day to the aquarium was pretty dead which was great for Georgia & Eli to run around like a couple of crazed toddlers, which they did an extremely good job of doing just that! Nap time was really good that day! =)




Then this past Sunday we all went out, My Mom, Emery, Laura, Noah, Eli, Doug, Georgia and myself back to Moody Gardens to see the Festival of Lights. What better way to look at Christmas lights with toddlers than a walking trail? Perfect to get all their energy out and a lot of fun for everyone!! Can you tell I really like any activity that gets Georgia running around? That girl is a bundle of energy these days!!! I had never been before and I really was impressed!

This brings us to this week. Monday I took Georgia to the doctor becasue of my never-ending worry about her weight. He reassured me she is fine and at a healthy weight so don't worry myself when she doesn't eat. Just offer her food and she will eat when she is hungry. That made me feel a litttle bit better, but it still un-nerves me when she doesn't eat hardly anything all day long. Although I am coming to find such is the life of a toddler in many cases. Arrgggg!

The rest of this week is sure to be a blur. 8:30am tomorrow (Christmas Eve) we will be at my Dad's to spend the day with him. Leave there around 4 or 5 pm to rush home and start on dinner for my mom, sister, grandmother, etc. Everyone should be at my house by 5:30 or 6pm to eat. then we will have Birthday Cake for Jesus, read the story of Jesus and pile up in the car to go look at Christmas lights. (If you live in Houston you HAVE to drive through Shepard Park Plaza and Shepard Park Terrace to look at lights) then set up Georgia's Christmas presents and hope we wake up before she does the next morning. Christmas morning we will celebrate the three of us together then off to Memaw's house for presents and lunch. Saturday we are off to Doug's Dad's house for our 5th and final Christmas celebration with that side of the family. I finished my Christmas shopping no later then 7:30pm tonight. Cleaned the house, made the dinner for tomorrow night so all we have to do is combine items and heat up dishes and as I type my laundry is washing.... As hectic as all that sounds, I wouldn't have it any other way. I thank God every day for blessing me with a family close by so we don't have to travel too far to be with them for the holidays.

I love spending time with every part of my family, keeping old and starting new traditions with Georgia. I hope as Georgia grows up she understands what the TRUE meaning of Christmas is. She has been singing a song all month (I have to give Veggie Tales credit here) and my heart melts everytime I hear her belt it out- "I can love because God loves me, I can give because he gave. Jesus Christ is why I'm smiling, why I'm giving every day."

Merry CHRISTmas!!

Here are some more random pics from this month:

Georgia's 1st Gingerbread House she made with Gucci:



Watching "Charlie Brown Christmas"


My first sewing project!


My first try at making Cake Pops:




Georgia's Tree:


Barbie Wreath:

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling...

Christmas is about a week away! I can't believe it!! We have been soooo busy getting ready and trying to pack in as many Christmas activities as possible I can't remember the last time I sat still!

The first weekend in December we had SNOW!!! We had plans to go to the Pearland Town Center Christmas Tree Lighting but once it snowed it was cancled. Georgia was

The Holidays are HERE!

It is one of my favorite times of the year right now- Thanksgiving and CHRISTMAS!!!! We are so blessed to be able to spend our holidays around our family and friends every year, and this year will be no exception.

Yesterday we had one of our first cold snaps this year and I am hoping it will hang around for awhile. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. Plus it gives Georgia and I a chance to break out our fall and winter fashions that have been hanging in our closet since August! I think I put 5 different outfits on Georgia this morning when we got dressed because I was so excited for her to FINALLY be able to wear some of this stuff. It has been hovering around 80 degrees here since October, which was a break from the 90+ degree weather we had in September. Needless to say I have been getting anxious, especially since Georgia hit a growth spurt last month and out grew (yes I said out grew!) most of her short sleeve shirts.

Since I posted last we celebrated Georgia's 3rd Halloween which was so much fun! Georgia was able to wear her peacock costume to music class and everyone loved it. Then on Halloween we invited my sister's family, my Mom and Emery, my grandparents and Doug's Mom and Michael over to the Halloween Parade our neighborhood hosts every year. Georgia, Noah and Eli had a blast running around collecting candy and playing with the other kids. While no one in our bunch won the costume contest we still had a great time. (Doug and I think it had to be rigged.....just kidding!)




Georgia and I went to a wildlife park in October with Kelly and Avery as well. It was a lot of fun. I had never been to anything like that before. You ride on a trailer through a pretty large "park" with all sorts of wild animals that come up to you so you can feed them right out of your buckets. Here is their website: http://www.bayouwildlifepark.com/ you should go check it out!



We also took a trip out to Dewberry Farms with my sister, mom, Emery, Memaw, Noah and Eli. This too was so much fun- if you haven't been make sure to mark it on your list to do next October. I think they have things going on year-round but if you go in October you can pick your own pumpkin out of a real pumpkin patch. Pretty soon you can go and pick your own live Christmas tree to cut down and take home with you. If we didn't have an artificial tree you can bet I would be dragging Doug and Georgia back out there for some more fun family memories! I just might do it anyway- ha! Georgia played on the playground, went down a HUGE slide and stopped my heart for a split second when I thought she was going to fall off!!! We went through the corn maze and got lost, rode out and looked at the pumpkins in the pumpkin patch (we had just purchased our pumpkins the week before!) Climbed a giant mound of dirt and then Georgia passed out on the way home. www.dewberryfarm.com

Also in October Georgia, Memaw and I went out to the Scarecrow Festival in Brenham. We have all gone for years and a long time ago my Mom and Memaw would make us all matching "scarecrow" shirts to wear when we went out there. This year it was an odd weekend because it was cold and raining! We went anyway and I finally made use of the rain cover that came with my stroller!! Poor Georgia was all bundled up and then had a plastic protectant all around her- it was pretty humorous. We had a great day- Georgia enjoyed a 12 inch long corn dog, while Memaw and I chowed down on the best funnel cake ever!

On our way to the Festival:


Georgia is ready to go- rain or shine!



Finally two weekends ago my best friend, April finally married the man of her dreams. When April and Marty got engaged she asked Georgia to be the flower girl- to which she of course said "Yes!" About a month ago I began to have my doubts on if my darling little 2 1/2 year old daughter who has a mind of her own would actually make it down the aisle. April and I talked about it and I began strategizing ways to get Georgia from point A to point B. We actually went to the church twice the week of the wedding to "practice" but unfortunately there was a funeral one day so we did not even go inside the church and a service going on the next. The second time was the first time I saw just exactly how long this aisle was that Georgia was suppose to trot down. It was basically an entire city block! The church the wedding was in took up a whole city block so this aisle was at least 75 yards long- easy. Never gonna happen was what went through my head. Lucky for us, Georgia was pared with the sweetest most patient 5 year old I have ever met and it was love at first sight for Georgia. We staged Memaw at the back with Georgia (I was in the wedding and had to walk down right before her) and Doug at the front hiding behind a pillar. I was actually in shock when I finally saw her come down the aisle. When she got to the end she looked to the right, then the left and I her heard her say "Where's Daddy?" Then she saw him off to the side, said "Daddy!!" and ran off! Memaw had told her Daddy was hiding in the church and to go find him. ha! Then for the walk back down the aisle, Memaw told her to run to Wilson (The Ring Bear) and she did, right as she got to the middle of the aisle she fell and splattered on the floor. I think the entire wedding party caught their breath to see if she was going to start sobbing, but the best man picked her up and set her on her feet, she grabbed Wilson's hand and off they went! Miracles DO happen!!!

Georgia and Wilson at the rehersal:


The Bride and Bridesmaids:


April, Christina and I:


Georgia throwing a tantrum in the Bride's room right before walking down the aisle:


April and I:


Georgia was in love!


The cutest children ever!


We had our family pictures done as well this past month by Homeshade Photography. Tasha Pool who owns it and is the photographer is amazing! The link to the pics isn't up anymore, but here is a little peek at what she did!


I think that about does it! I am really going to try to update more often so I don't have to do these massive updates all at once! Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!