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!

I figured out the video!!

Here is a video of Georgia...she found her pacifiers in her drawer and was trying to hide them from me. Then she breaks out into "Wheels on the Bus" about half- way through...Sorry it's a long video, but pretty funny- well to me at least!

Potty Training Success??

As you all know we have been potty training Georgia. She is doing pretty well, but is still in diapers. I decided not to use pull-ups- I just don't understand the concept of them- it's basically a diaper that doesn't open on the sides. So we have cloth training pants we use at home, but mostly we just ask Georgia about every 1/2 hour to see if she has to go. Some days she is very willing, others she isn't.

Today I was cleaning out the garage (which is also a make-shift playroom). I had moved Georgia's potty out there last week. We were having friend over and she has refused to use it for months now, insisting on using the big potty instead. Georgia walked in to the garage and saw the potty. "Oh, Potty Mommy!" She said. Then she picked it up and walked back inside with it. I was still cleaning up when she walked back out a few minutes later with a clean diaper in her hand and asked me to put it on her. She was wearing a dress so I asked her if her diaper was still on to which she said, "I go potty Mommy, I go potty!" Sure enough her diaper was off so I ran to see where she had gone potty. When I walked into the bathroom her potty was back in it's place. She had come inside, removed her diaper put it in the trash can- put the padded seat back on the potty and went to the bathroom, then went to her room to get a clean diaper and came back to ask me to put it on her! I was floored!!!

About 30 minutes later she told me she had to go potty again so I followed her in to help her and she turned and said, "No Mommy, I do it" and pushed me out of the bathroom, so I watched her from the hallway remove her diaper and go to the potty a second time all by herself! We just might be done with diapers during the day! YIPPEE!!

Georgia is talking a lot now, and basically chatters to me the entire time she is awake. She is learning new songs at Mother's Day Out that I love to hear her sing. The first time I realized she was singing a song I had not taught her how to sing I was so excited. I then tried for 2 days to get it on video tape- which I finally did. It melts my heart to see her sing it- it's only "Wheels on the Bus" but it is soooo cute to see her sing and do the hand movements they taught her. If I have time I am going to try to figure out how you post videos on her, then you call all see what I mean!!

The pacifier also went "Good-bye" this month. She has always had it only at nap time and bedtime, but we decided it was time to get rid of it for good. We actually just took it away last week and there are still a few stragglers laying around the house in different places. Georgia has found a few, but she knows they are now contraband. Just last night she and Doug were playing in the living room when she ran off and told him, "Stay there Daddy, I'll be right back" When she walked back in the room there was a very familiar shape under her t-shirt, and she refused to show us what is was. The little sneak had found a pacifier and stuck it under her shirt to hide it for later!

I finished making Georgia's Halloween costume last week- it turned out very cute! Here is a sneek peek at some pictures of it- I still have to make a "Head-piece" for it, but you can get the idea:




And I will leave you with some pictures of Georgia from Halloween the past 2 years:

The Pictures are In!!

I just recieved the link for Georgia's pictures we had taken by Megan Carpenter!

Here is the link:
http://megcarpenter.zenfolio.com/p521439629

The password is "teaparty"

Let me know what you think!

Two Year Pictures

Georgia and I took a drive out to have her TWO year pictures made last week with Megan Carpenter. She too the pictures of Georgia with the flower hat on and our family pictures last year. I have always been very happy with her work. She posted a few of the pictures from last week on her blog as a "Sneak Peak" here is the link if you want to check them out:

www.megcarpenter.blogspot.com

Her website is www.megcarpenterphotos.com

I can't wait to see what else came out of our photo shoot! Enjoy!

Mother's Day Out

Georgia-
Today was your very first day at Mother's Day Out. This is the first time I have left you in anyone else's care besides family members and Sunday School occasionally EVER!! You were gone for 5 hours. Before we went to Bethel to drop you off we had to go by your Dr.'s office to pick up your shot record. The entire time in the car I talked to you about going to Mother's Day Out and meeting new friends. How you were going to have so much fun with Miss Amy and play inside and out. You kept exclaiming "Yeah!" from the back seat which boosted my courage in taking you. Once we were there you still seemed excited about what we were doing. Then you saw another child being dropped off in the class room I was taking you to. At that point you realized what was going on. You had your little back pack on and you grabbed your lunch kit from me to start walking off back to the door we came in through saying, "Ready to Go!" over and over. I picked you up and you began to cry still chanting, "Ready to Go!". I introduced you to your teacher, gave you a quick pep talk and told you I would be back for you soon. Then I handed you over to Miss Amy and stepped out of your veiw. I couldn't see you either, but I could hear your cries. Other mother's were dropping their children off and one said, "Awww, she's crying! But she looks so cute!" Then about three ladies turned to me and I burst out in tears!!! I was so embarressed! I mumbled something about looking silly then said, "I better just go!!" I ran to the bathroom to compose myself, then made it out the door and into the car before I completely broke down in sobs. I called Gucci. As soon as she answered I continued my crying, "I just left her" I choked out, "and I can't stop crying!" I knew if was silly of me to break down like that. In between sobs I was laughing at myself. She told me to get ready it was going to happen every 1st day of anything in your life. Then I called your Daddy and a fresh wave of tears came on. Same thing with Aunt Laura and Memaw.

I made it though- but more importantly- so did YOU! When I picked you up Miss Amy said you were a star. You calmed down and played well with the other children. You even ate a pretty decent lunch from the looks of your lunch kit when I unpacked it today. The only thing you did not do was nap. No surprise there! You just wanted to get back up and play with the toys - so you must have been having fun!!

I was surprised you did not fall asleep on the way home in the car. You kept rubbing your eyes and looked so sleepy! We came home and I put you down for a nap.

So that my dear was your very first day of Mother's Day Out. We both made it, and I am excited for you to be able to make friends and interact with other children when I am not there. I think you will excel even more than you all ready are!

Other things you are doing lately:

We went to the park Monday night. You rode in the stroller while I jogged, then I took you to your favorite- the swings! We normally count to 10 or sing the ABC 's or play a silly game while I push you. I started you off counting at "1" you went the rest of the way to "10". This is something you have been able to do for awhile. THEN....you kept going!!! All the way to EIGHTEEN!! I was so impressed! You smarty pants!

You can also sing the ABC's by yourself. Daddy and I may be the only ones who can decipher each letter, but they are all there- even if you are still working on the pronunciation of some of the letters you have got it in your mind. I like to brag on you about these two things among many others....I'm sure it has to be impressive that at only 2 years old you can do both of these things.

Other phrases you are saying:

"Ready to Go"
"See you Later"
"I Love You"- which reminds me I took a video of this today- melts my heart!!
"Going to Memaw's House?"
"Where's Gucci?"
"Going to see Gucci?"

So many others!! I hope to keep up with this more since I just realized your baby book only went to a year old...Oops!

Tomorrow we have our music class, which you still adore, and tomorrow night we are going to take your 2 year old pictures! I can't wait!!

Love,
Mommy

On our way to TWO!

I guess it's time for an update! I changed our family website so update your bookmarks!! I am really going to make an effort to try to update this more often...

Georgia will be TWO next Sunday (May 24)!! We cannot believe it. In one sense time has truly flown by, but in the same breath I know Doug and I have taken full advantage of every moment we have had her. I am glad I feel as though I look back on her short life and I know I haven't missed one special moment with her.

I think the last update we sent on her babysite was around Christmas time and so much has happened since then. We took our first family vacation together driving 14 hours to Grandma Linda's home in New Mexico. The car ride went much better than expected. On the way there we only had a small fit from Georgia around nap time, and the way home barely anything! We had so much fun hanging out and hiking with Doug's Mom, Stepdad, Sister, Brother-in-Law, nephew, Sharon and Jonathan. It was a great to spend time together and be able to RELAX!

Since then we have been going, going, going! Georgia and I took a trip to Austin where I helped host a baby shower for a great friend, Emily, who is having her first baby boy next Friday! We cannot wait for Brock to get here!! Then Doug, Georgia and I went back to Austin a few weeks later for a friend's surprise party and Georgia and I stayed over a few days to visit with Emily and her husband Joe before Brock arrives.

Georgia is talking up a storm lately. Last week she said "I Love You" for the very first time and my heart completely melted once again. "Mom" is now an active word in her vocabulary (FINALLY!!!) and every time I hear that word it brings a smile to my face. (well...almost every time!) She is trying to talk in sentances. She is calling most of our family by name and has named both of her cousins "Eli" although one of their names is Noah. She also has a favorite puppy whose name is "Puppy" and there is a frantic "PUUUUUPPPPPY" over and over again if she can see the puppy but not reach it.

We took a trip to the Frio river with my Dad, Mary, Laura and her family last weekend. It was great to get out in the water and be in the sun! We had another relaxing trip, but for my sister's family part of the trip ended up in a trip to the ER when Eli fell off the bed and cracked his head open! After a 30 minute drive to the ER he was just fine and escaped with a single staple in his head. The story is he didn't even cry.... the staple was removed today and everything looked good- Thank God!

This summer we plan on being in the water as much as possible! We are still looking for a house which seems like a never ending journey, but I know eventually we will find the perfect home to continue our family in. Hopefully the perfect home has a pool...

We hope to see you all sometime soon this summer and with any luck I might actually update this on a more regular basis!

Love,
Melanie, Doug & Georgia