Bidwell Blog

Snow and Sweethearts

2012-02-16T13:35:00.001-06:00

I have just been playing with Amelia every moment of the day. I can not get enough of her lately. She is just a doll and at such a fun stage! So there is my reasoning for not keeping up the blog. Even when she naps I could blog but I am either cleaning up messes, sewing, getting dinner around, or maybe even getting a shower in peace! Let me tell you the shower will last at least 20 minutes!

Our weeks have been a bit crazy. Deric was traveling for work for a few days last week. So Amelia and I had some fun girl time. I decided I wanted to check out a few "gyms" for Amelia. She is so active now she needs to burn some energy. Since she doesn't go to MDO or daycare she needed more play time with other toddlers. She goes to church nursery but doesn't always do so well so we have been really bad about going to church theses days. I think it is because the time we drop her off is just about her lunch time and then nap. Plus we aren't going every Sunday so that throws her off. We need to work on that. :)

Anyhow, I took her to "Gymboree" first and she loved it! Amelia jumped right into the fun and had to be the center of attention. The very next day I took her to "Little Gym" she also had a wonderful time and knew what to do a little more so I think she had more fun. Little Gym is closer to our house but the monthly fee is a bit more and the open play times do not work with my work schedule so we went with Gymboree. Gymboree works great with my schedule and they even have a evening play time so Deric and I can take Amelia together some!

We didn't get to go this past Monday because we had a bit of a "snow" storm so the gym was closed. I say it like that because most of ya'll know I am from Indiana and this southern winter isn't really winter most of the time! Schools were closed and so was everything else in town for not even 3 inches of snow! I did take the chance to get Amelia in her snowsuit and snap some photos. It was really cold out so we stayed outside for maybe 5 minutes! We bought her snowsuit while we were home for Christmas in case we had a big winter storm like last year. I don't think we will get it since it is now it is back n the 50's! It is fine with me!

Our Valentines Day was spent at home with the three of us! It was perfect! I made dinner for us and cheesecake for desert. Amelia and I got Deric a Kuerig.... he has wanted one forever and I figured it was time! Deric brought me home flowers and gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure! I am planning on using that next week when he get back from another business trip! I will need it!

We didn't really get anything for Amelia. She did get some things from her grandparents and her Aunt Jen. So I figured she was just fine. I did buy her these ADORABLE sparkley shoes!!! I couldn't resit. Not only do they fit her tiny feet but she can walk and run in them really well. I have had the hardest time finding cute shoes for her. She is just barley fitting into a size 3. They are a bit big so she usually wears her size 2 shoes.
I made her a sensory box the day it snowed so I did buy her a few toys for her box.

All of these photos expect the snow one were taken with my iphone... I need to get better at taking photos with our real camera! I also got back Amelia's photos from her birthday photo shoot so I will post them later. Maybe this weekend! HA

HAPPY FEBRUARY!

2012-02-02T21:25:00.003-06:00

I have been really slacking in the blogging department. But I have been enjoying every moment with our ONE YEAR OLD! Amelia has really grown up in the last couple of weeks. I can't believe how much she has turned into a toddler. It is very bittersweet!

I did however manage to whip up the cutest little jeans ever! I have had the material for a while and I knew I wanted to make these jeans. But I knew I needed to wait until Amelia was walking really good. Because you can see the cuteness better!

I ordered Amelia's shirt from a local lady. She does a great job! She also did Amelia's first birthday shirt. I love that I can get away with dressing Amelia up however I want for now! I am sure she will look back at her photos and just roll her eyes at her outfits! We all did and still do!

For the records

2012-01-22T11:19:00.001-06:00

I wanted to write down Amelia's stats from her 12 month well baby check that we had on Thursday.
She weighs 18.0 pounds even and was 27 inches long. She was in the 10th percentile across the board. She has always been in the 5th% or 10th. So she is still on petite side but very healthy.
We changed pediatricians also this visit. Our first one has moved to a non for profit office. :( It is great he is giving back but I was sad to change. However, our new doctor was just wonderful! Amelia really liked him as well. They even gave her a new book at her appointment! She also got 4 shots that day. She has done really well with shots thus far. She has never had a reaction besides the normal low grade fever. I am thankful for that!
Here are a few iPhone pictures I took the past couple of days.

Happy Birthday, Amelia

2012-01-17T09:29:00.002-06:00

Today we celebrate Amelia's first year of life. Amelia has been beyond the best gift ever! I can hardly believe she is already a year old! She has brought so much joy, happiness, excitement, love, and a few tears and a bit frustration into our lives! :) I have always dreamed about being a mommy and I couldn't have been happier the way I feel about being Amelia's mommy. I look at her everyday and thank the Lord for blessing us with such an amazing little girl.

Little girl.... yes, she has turned into a toddler! It is such a bittersweet feeling. I am so happy she has hit all her milestones and beyond at this age but I am also a bit sad to see that she isn't an infant. She rolled over, crawled, and walked early! She has kept us on our toes! I can't even fathom what she will be doing this time next year! Hopefully, she is still super sweet and listens to everything we say! Right.... that is how it works?

Here is what she is doing at 12 Months.. or at Age One......

~wearing 9 months clothes and I have been getting her in 12 months but they are a bit big still
~size 3 diaper, medium setting on her cloth
~ drinking 7oz of WHOLE milk every 4 hours.... you LOVE your milk!
~sleeping one 2.5~ 3 hour nap every day around 12:30 but the holidays messed you up so we are working to get you back on schedule
~ talking up a storm! these are the words I know you are saying when you say them ... "mama, dada, div,look, go" you chit-chat all the time and we just love it
~ your giggle keeps your daddy and I in stitches.. it is the cutest sound ever
~ you get into EVERYTHING...
~ you think you need to help mommy with everything
~ you got babies for Christmas and your birthday and you LOVE to hold them. Carry around a stuffed animal or baby doll hugging them saying "awwww". You sway back and forth with them too. SO SWEET! I think you will love playing babies when you get bigger
~ you LOVE to hear music or to be sang too you always "sing" and dance when you hear music
~ love books and now love your puzzles
~ really good at playing on your own
~ still have a love/hate relationship with the the dogs, you are getting better at petting them instead of yanking at their hair!
~ you are a bit of a stinker... when I do tell you "no" you will just look at me with the biggest cheesy face and giggle. It make me laugh and I can't keep a straight face. I will have to tell you 10x or more "no" before you give up.

Amelia~
I could not be more thankful to be your mommy. I don't know you will ever know just how much your Daddy and I love you. My heart is filled to the top and is over spilling with pride and love when I look at you. Truly, you are just the happiest girl most days. We do have some tough days here and there but overall we get through them. We have days when you are just so whiny and want to held and I just want a break. But, when I sit a rock you and sing my heart melts when you make your "goie-goie" sound. I sit and think about one day when you may not want me to hold or spend quite snuggle time with me. Some days housework can wait because you are growing up to fast and need mommy time. And I will choose play and snuggle time over anything else first! You are my sunshine, sweetie girl.
Hugs and Kisses,
Mommy

ONE~derland Party

2012-01-15T12:21:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, was a big day in our house! Amelia had her very first birthday party! It was such a fun day! We had lots of fun and had a great group of friends and family to help us celebrate! Amelia's First birthday is on Tuesday so maybe we will let her have a cupcake then too! ;)

Be prepared for the picture overload! I wanted to capture every detail. I had so much fun planning the party! My mom and sister were such a huge help! Plus, my two sweet friends made the two banners! So thankful to all of them! We baked the cupcakes , cookies, and Amelia's cake! My sister gets all the credit for the making snowflakes for the cupcakes. She did that while I did the cookie pops, and Amelia's cake. I also made the cupcake stand and the mantle decor. My mom did pretty much all the food. She knows her way around the kitchen!

As you can see Amelia enjoying all of her gifts! Thanks to all of you who came out to share our day with us!

Sorry peeps!

2012-01-11T13:05:00.001-06:00

Sorry y'all! We have had a busy couple of weeks since getting back from Christmas!
Not only is someone in our house is turning ONE next week but my mom got here right after we got home!
More one those subjects later.... :)
Our house is birthday central!

Last night,however, Deric and I got a chance to have an awesome date night last night! We got tickets to see "Blue Man Group" and went to dinner before! It was an awesome show! Thankfully we didn't have to fly to Vegas to see them! HA
I did get picked out of the crowd to go up on stage! I was so shocked and surprised! It was a blast though and I will alway remember it! My boots got the bad end of the deal and ended up getting fake puke on them. After I scrub them after we got home I think they will be ok... Mind u they are suede! Here is the photo they took while I was up on stage! And the other one is one Deric took when we got back home!

First Christmas

2011-12-28T16:32:00.000-06:00

We packed up and headed to Indiana for Christmas. It was a long 12 hours in the car but at least Amelia did GREAT! We got to Deric's parents house on Friday night and will get to stay here all week. Everyone is enjoying loving on Amelia and she is loving the attention!
Christmas Eve we didn't do much of anything during the day which was nice. We did head up to my sister's in-laws house to see her and Blake. Since our parents don't live in our home town anymore it makes things a little tricky.
We opened our gifts from them that night. Amelia got the cutest little ride-on toy from them. However, she doesn't really get the idea of it yet. She prefers to push it around. Deric did push her on it the other night and she liked it.

They got me a really neat gift! I finally am getting started on my canvas photos for our living room wall! Jen picked a great photo to start out my project. Deric got some really nice glasses with his monogram in etched in them. After we hung out with them we headed out for Christmas Eve service. Our home church usually does a 10:00p.m service but this year it was at 7:00 so I knew we would be able to make it. Amelia did pretty good in church. We did have to take her out just for a little bit. She is walking all over the place and does NOT like to sit still! I think her daddy and I were more worried about her noise than what other people were!

Christmas morning and day was a bit different for me. Not only was it the first Christmas with Amelia, but the first not to see my parents. It is so strange to be so close to the home I grew up in but not stopping in! We did go to church Sunday morning and Amelia looked adorable! I just loved her Christmas dress and her little red shoes! She did great during church and we even got some cute photos of her afterwards. She just loves this little red rocking chair. It was Linda's when she was a little girl. Amelia has played so much with it this week.

After church my SIL and her family came over for lunch and to open gifts. Our oldest nephew,Nick, got to come home for Christmas. He just graduated from boot camp and now a sailor!n We are proud of our Navy nephew!

Amelia's little Christmas outfit I made and Nick

It was so much fun this year to see our sweet girl enjoying her first Christmas. Amelia was really into opening her ~~and everyone else's~~ gifts. She is your typical kid... she wanted her toys out of the box as soon as she unwrapped it. Thankfully we have plenty of room left in the car to fit everything home.

sweet Kohl and her robe we got her

Nick and Nate....

think she liked her baby doll??

Christmas evening we went back to see my sister to take her and Blake's gifts.... I forgot to grab them the night before. Or maybe it was just a sign that I needed to go see her on Christmas night!
I sure hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and got to enjoy your families! Even though we haven't gotten to visit with my parents I feel right at home at my in-laws house. I mean I have been in the family for 11 years now so it isn't strange to just hang out here!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T21:26:00.001-06:00

We started our Christmas morning with Church. What better day to celebrate Christ than on his birthday at Church!!
Amelia wanted to show you how adorable she looked before we headed to church. I will be back soon to post about our wonderful day with family!

On the road again

2011-12-23T12:04:00.001-06:00

Amelia has been great so far! I think she likes riding in our new car! :)

11 months

2011-12-17T22:18:00.000-06:00

Amelia, how is it that we have already reached 11 months. I just can't believe how you are turning into a toddler in a blink of an eye.

~11 Month Stats~

~ wearing mostly 9 month clothes some 12 months

~size 2 diapers and medium setting on your cloth diapers

~weigh around 17.5 lbs

~ eating all types of table food

~ 6 oz of formula every 3 to 4 hours

~napping once daily lately from about 12:30 - 3:30.... it is awesome

~bed time should be around 7:30 but you usually aren't going to sleep until about 9 sometimes

~walking EVERYWHERE

~talking up a storm, you always have something to say!

~ still smile and giggle all the time

~you make some of the cutest sounds, your new sound is growling at the dogs when they grow at you!

~ happy happy girl but you can throw a master fit when you want :)

~love your bath time... I think it is because you are diaper free

~ you are pretty good at playing on your own but really REALLY love to "play" with the dogs

~you love books and the ipad

~into everything... I am always amazed with things you find

~love to be out and about still

~of course I think you are one smart cookie, you can even follow basic commands now

you have a love for hangers... I couldn't get you to let go of it!

As much as I love watching you grow and learn it sure is bittersweet. We are 4 short weeks from your birthday. EEEKKK You are such a big girl and I am truly amazed with you baby girl. You are not a tiny baby anymore but I am excited to see you grow into a toddler. You make your daddy's and I world so much brighter and happier. I don't even know how it could be more possible to love you more, pumkin!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-11T13:53:00.001-06:00

First, I have to brag on my friend Candace. Not only does she take WONDERFUL care of Amelia every Friday while I am at work, but she does photo shoots of her! I am WAY behind on our Christmas gifting list,. including getting Christmas Cards out! But because of Candace's wonderful talent I now have beautiful photos of my girl to put on our cards this year! I got them done today... thanks to Wal-Mart one hour photo. I would have really loved to use an online site which I have always done before but let's face it... time is running out and I need to get things off my list knocked out.

I mean we haven't really bought anything for anyone besides Amelia! I have a ~~ton~~ few sewing projects to do for gifts still. To top all of the undone things on my list I have come down with a horrible sinus infection which I have lost my voice over and feel like death..... to put it blunt. Thankfully Deric is keeping Amelia busy as much as he can but she isn't feeling her best either. I will hopefully be back to my normal self by this week with the help of the RX I got yesterday. If you don't hear from me until after Christmas just know that I am in the "sweat shop" sewing like a mad women! OH, and taking care of a almost 11 month walking around like crazy baby girl. ;)

Amelia Walking

2011-12-07T09:38:00.001-06:00

Here is a short video of Amelia walking. This was taken this morning while I was attempting to get some photos of her. I did mange to get some pretty good ones so maybe just maybe I can get our Christmas Cards started!

First Thanksgiving and Decorating

2011-12-06T16:04:00.001-06:00

This year on Thanksgiving we had a lot to be Thankful for! Not only was it Amelia's first Thanksgiving it was our first Thanksgiving as a family of 3! We had my family here to celebrate with! I made the traditional turkey and all the fixings. This year I made a sweet potato casserole and it was so yummy!! I will for sure make it every year I cook!
I didn't take many photos while my family was here.... I know BAD mom. Deric did get some pictures of Amelia. I am usually all about snapping tons of photos while we are around family. But this year I guess I was busier this year! ;)

My sister and I did get our Chirstmas tree up! I LOVE it! Amelia seems to really love looking at it. She hasn't messed with it as much as I thought. We had to move our living room around a bit to fit the tree by the fireplace.We have a sectional and 1/2 of it is in our bedroom! HA

We decided our Christmas will be new furniture... not just because of the tree. We have been wanting a smaller couch then a really fun pattern chair. Now that we can see the space with our sectional taken apart we really got a feel for what it would look like. I went yesterday and ordered the new couch and chair. I am super excited to get it in the house! So if any of your local gals need/ want a sectional let me know! We have one for sale! HA

10 Months and walking!

2011-11-17T09:31:00.001-06:00

How can this be??? 10 MONTHS!!! Even bigger news is that you took your first steps on your 10 month bday!! I am so PROUD of you!! I was so happy that I got to see you take your first two steps!! I took this mallet away from you and you stepped right over to me and yanked it out of my hands!! HA

But really.. I am not ready to start thinking about her birthday coming up in 8 weeks!! I havent nailed down on a "theme" for her first birthday... I may not even do a "theme". I am lost... I am usually one to know what I want to do MONTHS ahead of time. But I guess because I am not even ready for her to be one I don't want to think about it! Amelia, you are such a joy and a precious baby! You amaze your daddy and I every single day!

Here are your 10 month old stats baby girl!!

~ You wear mostly 9 month clothes some 12 months but they are too big

~medium setting on your cloth diapers/ size 3 in pampers

~size 2 shoe~weigh about 17 lbs 26 inches tall

~you now will drink 6 oz of milk every 4 hours

~you havent refused any food we have given you ye! You are an AWESOME eater

~you have two bottom teeth but working on what looks like 3 more

~ you take at least two naps a day and now sleeping MUCH better at night

~we have had almost a week of all night sleep.. YAY

~ happy girl most of the time~smiles, giggles, and talks all day

~ can now stand up for a long time on your own

~you are now walking!!! I can't believe it!

~you can follow comands ie: give that to momma or no not in your mouth

~you cry when we tell you no, and you have mastered the fake cough

~playing really well on your own. You LOVE to look at books.. makes me so happy!

~ saying "Mama, Dada, Div,and Hi

~signs milk, more, eat, all done

~starting to show you attuide more. I think we are going to have a drama queen our hands!!

I say this every month but it holds true. Amelia you are the light of our lives! The greatest gift in the world! Our house never has a dull moment now that you are here!

NASCAR driver?

2011-11-14T17:49:00.001-06:00

Amelia has found a new love for riding in the buggies at stores. Thanks to her wonderful daddy who let her ride this way a week or so ago. She loves it... And even though it scares me, it is so hard not to smile and laugh while she squeals thru the store!
I may need to come up with a standing harness of sorts.. :)

Trip Part 2

2011-11-08T14:16:00.001-06:00

So I am a ~~month~~ few weeks behind on this post... sorry friends! We headed back to Indiana a few weeks ago to visit the family. I already posted about visiting with my sister. We stayed at her house till Friday and then headed to my inlaws for the rest of the visit.

Amelia had so much fun out on the Bidwell's farm! She loved spending time with her cousins, auntie, uncles and of course grandma and grandpa! It is so nice to go back to our home town and see everyone! It is even more fun now that we have Amelia.... I like showing her off! If your a parent you totally get it!

We greeted her cousins when they came home from school. Nikohl and Nate just adore Amelia and she just loves her cousins!

Saturday morning Amelia and I got to go wedding dress shopping with my best friend since 6th grade... yes 6th grade!!!I was super excited that I got the chance to go!! Sabrina is getting married in April and she didn't have her dress or bridesmaids dresses picked yet! Well we fixed that! It was a day to just look for bridesmaid dresses but I just had to see Sabrina in a gown. Much to my surprised we both kept staring at this dress another bride was trying on. So we pulled it and it on her and OH MY GOODNESS...... beautiful! She bought it that day! I kept telling her sister that Sabrina just needed me to make a decision! See, Sabrina had been dress shopping for awhile and nothing really sparked her fancy! I am giddy about the dress and a little jealous that I am not wearing it! HA ( I know... I had my chance but really the dress.... omg)
Too bad I am not showing you the dress uh..... sorry ya'll will have to wait! And Yes, Amelia is her flower girl and she just going to be just darling! Can you believe she will be 15 months old then?!

That night we met up with Deric, his sister, and the kids. We have this fair that comes every October in a neighboring town. It takes up all of the main downtown area. It was so much fun as a kid but now a days.... kinda scary. I would never let my child out of sight! Anyhow, we had a good time with the kiddos and I may or may not have rode on the "Tilt-a-World" 4 times. I mean the kids made me... :)

Sunday after church we met up with Deric's best friend, Justin. Justin and his wife, Stephanie, have a little boy who is 6 months to the date older than Amelia. Ethan and Amelia will be married one day.... I just know it! They love eachother

! We enjoyed lunch at Justin's parents house and then a long boat ride. Yes, a boat right the first of October in Indiana!! It was almost 80 out the whole week!!!

The fall leafs were so beautiful on this trip... I miss Autumn in the north. Amelia was sleeping within the first 10 minutes of the boat ride. She really loved it!

Here is Justin and the babes after lil A woke up of course! Those two had so much fun together!

After our boat ride we (the momma's) wanted to get the babies in the leafs. The neighbor kids had already raked up a huge pile (volunteering) so it worked out perfect! We may have watched those kids from the window and when they go finished we ran out there really quick.... :)

E~man didn't like the leafs so much

Amelia loved them... and loved eating them

After the leaf photo shoot became a bust we moved on to the bench and swings.... the babies liked that a lot more!

The rest of the week was very low key. It was so nice to not really have any plans just relax and enjoy the family! Deric and I took Amelia out into the fields one day to get some pictures. Deric loved playing with the camera and got a TON of landscape photos which are really good. But because we all know y'all just want to see the babe I will just show you a few!

We did get to meet up with our friend Ashley and her two sweet girls! Deric and Ashley went to high school together but her and I have become friends! We met up for lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant!!
Ashley just had her second girl a few weeks prior to our visit. So it was so nice to see her! Plus, I made the girls matching outfits for a gift!!

stole from Ashley's blog! thx!

The last part of the week we spent lots of quality time with our family! Amelia got spoiled to pieces and had so much fun!!!

It was a great week and we can't wait to see everyone again soon!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T18:38:00.001-05:00

Mommy made me a peacock costume for my first Halloween! I am pretty darn cute!!!

Friday, I got to go trick or treating at Daddy's work and everyone just thought I was the sweetest thing!

Sunday night we went to "trunk or treat" at church. Though I didn't get any candy I still have fun watching all the big kids!

dont mind my crying... though I am still cute!

I am better now

Sneak peek

2011-10-27T16:11:00.001-05:00

Thought I would share a little peek of Amelia in her costume! We have trick or treat tomorrow at daddy's work!

9 Months

2011-10-21T11:11:00.001-05:00

I have no idea how Amelia is already 9 months old!! I mean I have had to start thinking about her first birthday. It makes me sad a little bit. She is growing WAY to fast. I guess I never really thought about how fast she would grow. Amelia is still tiny girl but she is doing so much.

(Amelia was nine months monday but we didn't have her well baby check till yesterday. So I was late on posting it!)

9 month Stats

- wears 6-9 month clothes. You really need 6 month pants and 9 month tops. Your waist is so tiny! You crawl out of everything!!

-size 2 diaper... Medium setting on cloths

- shoe size is not even size 1 sometimes.. I think you will have tiny feet like you momma!

- weight: 16.8 lbs... Height: 26.5 inches

-sleep about 9 - 10 hours at night waking up at least once but. Go right back to sleep

- still a paci girl, although we haven't been giving it to you as much. You leave them all over the house, drop them in mid crawl!

- eating like a champ! You haven't refused anything! You have had all the basic foods for baby, but love fish, hummus, black beans and pastas!!

- you want to feed yourself all the time now.. :( you make a huge mess

- love playing on your own

-crawling all over the place and walking with support. It won't be long before you are walking on your own.!! Eeekk

- have two bottom teeth still. You chew on everything and "bite" me when you give sugars.

- you can say "dada" and "mama" and know what they mean! Music to my ears!!!

- you chatter ALL THE TIME! Even sing when you hear music, and start dancing!!

- really started to giggle now #meltsmommasheart

- wave hi and bye bye

-clap your hands

- you are getting so hard to take your picture, you are to busy to stop!

Trip part 1

2011-10-16T21:14:00.001-05:00

We went back to our home town last week. We had such a great time! The only thing I was worried about was the drive. When we went in April we flew, it was Amelia's first flight. Anyhow, Amelia did WONDERFUL! We left around 4:30pm and drove the 9 hours to my sister's. It was so nice to be able to visit Jen and Blake for bit. We got to spend two nights with them. When we got there is was about 3 am, Amelia was wide awake when we got there! HA We stayed up for about an hour and got lil A back to sleep.

The next day we all tried to sleep in but that didn't happen. Jen made a really yummy breakfast casserole for bunch. I colored and cut her hair and then we headed to a park. It was Amelia's first time at a park. I was super excited! She loved it once she woke up from her nap!

Jen and Blake

The park was BEAUTIFUL! Ya'll there is nothing like Autumn in the north. The trees where breathe taking and the weather was perfect! It was in the high 70's the whole week! I packed to warm of clothes, really.

We took the opportunity to play with our camera. I have to admit I haven't played with our camera at all. I usually just put it on auto and push the button! ;) But now that I know that it does nifty things I may do more fun settings with it!

We of course had to get Amelia in the swings and take her down a slide! I think I had more fun than what she did! I hadn't swung in FOREVER! I told Deric we may need to have park family dates soon!!!

Back home again

2011-10-13T12:42:00.001-05:00

We are sad to say goodbye to our family but we are ready to be back home.
We are on out way now. Thankfully Amelia has been a trooper so far... Only about 5 hours to go! Hahahaha

Pray for our safe travel home and umm some patients.

Away

2011-10-10T17:09:00.001-05:00

We have been doing a little of this on grandpa Jerry and grandma Linda's farm. Mommy says she will update later when we get back home!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T16:56:00.001-05:00

Baby girl is enjoying Daddy's headphones!

Little pumpkin

2011-10-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

I decided after I got home from work I wanted to take Amelia to the pumpkin patch. I have heard of this one that has a corn maze, cow train, petting zoo and of course pumpkins. When checking on the times it opens and closes I noticed a 7 dollar charge. I figured it was just for the maze but called anyhow. Nope, 7 dollars per adult no matter. Weird. I told the guy..."you know I just want pictures of my 8 month old in the pumpkins. We won't do the maze and such." But they charge the fee no matter... Totally understandable... But still.

Anyhow, I knew of another one so we went there. They only charge for the maze and other actives. We got there and the wagon full of pumpkins was their "patch". I was bummed. I mean I had made Amelia the cutest outfit for pumpkin patch pictures!!

sitting in the pumpkins....

Really, I am still bummed about it. However, we ended up with some pumpkins for the front of our house.
We got home and Amelia napped, then we had a little photo shoot outside with our pumpkin....
Our tiny pumpkin is still mighty cute even if I didn't get my picture I REALLY want ( at least not yet).

Girls week

2011-09-29T13:17:00.001-05:00

Deric has been traveling this week for work so us girls are getting some great alone time!
Tuesday is my day off of work so after we dropped daddy off at the airport we came home and played,napped, and ate! After Amelia's late afternoon nap we headed to Hobby lobby.
I wanted get some stuff to spruce up our fall wreath. I was sick of it but didn't want to spend 100 plus dollars on one. Thanks to pinterest I have had some good ideas to go with.

Once Amelia went to bed I got a shirt done that I wanted to try out. Also from pinterest. I love that app! They had it as a dress for 2t. Since Amelia is now wear close to that size and dresses are gettin caught up under A's she crawls. So I made it shorter for a tunic length. I just loved how it turned out! She looks so big in this picture!!!

Amelia hasnt been sleeping well lately but she only woke up twice Tuesday and slept in a bit!! It was a nice change! Her poor teeth are bugging her. She is a droll box again and wants to chew on EVERYTHING! I had caught her chewing in her crib a few times!
Auntie Val came over last night to keep Amelia after Marcia left. Marcia leave across the street and is basically my AR mom. She keeps Amelia every Wednesday. Anyhow, we had a fun night! I colored Val's hair after Amelia was in bed and just hung out. Val ended up staying the nigh since it was passed 10 by the time I was done with her hair!
Today we are just hanging out and cleaning up the house. Daddy will be home tomorrow and we can't wait! I hate when he is gone! It shows me how hard it would be to be a single mom! I haven't gotten a moment for myself! Can't even go to the bathroom with out Amelia crawling after me!! But I love that she is a momma's girl! She melts my heart!

Sorry....

2011-09-23T20:58:00.000-05:00

I have been a horrible blogger lately. My sister is very upset with me! I really need to be posting more because this is our family scrapbook. So I promise I will try to post more often... K. I have been sewing every free minute I get which is why the blog has been neglected. But with my new fancy machine I can't help myself! I am addicted!
We really have not been up to anything! We have just been enjoying our little family. I am trying to soak every minute up with Amelia. She is growing WAY to fast. It makes me sad. Some days I look at her and she looks so big! I love the stage that she is in right now. She is a crawling fool and pulls herself up on everything. I think she would try to take off walking on her own but she hasn't been brave enough to let go. She giggles all the time which melts my heart, it brings tears to my eyes sometimes. It is so stinkin cute!
She has been "sharing" everything she hangs on too... It cracks us up. Her favorite is for us to take her paci and pretend to suck on it, makes her squeal every time.

It has been hard lately to get Amelia to be still long enough for me to take her picture too. Just a sneak peek of what is to come when she is actually walking/running from me! But, she sure can crawl fast! I do have a few videos that I have been meaning to post. My phone is running out of space so I finally got them on "you tube" today.

We don't have anything planned for the weekend. I work every Saturday or I would say sleep in! Amelia has been getting up more than normal the last two nights. I have a feeling she will sleep all night tonight because it is Daddy's night!!!

8 months old

2011-09-17T09:05:00.000-05:00

Amelia, you are eight months old already! You have been personality plus lately! Such a sweet fun girl still! I can't even believe my eyes when I look at you. You are one beautiful baby girl. Your personality has been showing more and I am loving it! You laugh all the time and love to play with momma and dadda. You have started "sharing" everything... paci, food, bottle, toys. You even hold them up to the dogs!
Speaking of the dogs.. you and them still have a love/hate relationship. You LOVE to crawl after them and pull at them and they of course hate it! Divot is much better at letting you"play" with him. You even have gotten the hang of shaking his toy in front of his face.... pretty darn cute! You giggly every time!

Here is your 8 month old Stats

~weight about 16 pounds

~wears 6/9 months clothes and some 3/6 still

~size 2 diaper and I loosen your cloth diapers by one step

~drink 4-6 oz of milk (you are now formula fed)

~still love your homemade veggies and fruit

~sleeping better!!! bedtime 8:30pm wake up about 7am

~we moved you to your big girl car seat a few weeks ago. You love it

~crawling EVERYWHERE, we can't let you out of our sight

~you have had a few bruises already from falls... you are a climber

~walking really fast when we help you balance

~love your walker...

~self fed really well

~ Chatter box... I love your little noises

~ love to be outside and watch the world

~Still love to be out and about!

~ still the most smiley girl.... you have your daddy dimples!

~mommy's girl lately

~ your our little explorer

~you motor skills are amazing for a 8 month old.... I think

~Can say Dada, Mama, baba

~ you can sign... milk, all done, and eat

You are the most amazing tiny gift from God! I still have a hard time believing you belong to us. I am overwhelmed with the amount of love I feel for you. Even on days that you are not so sweet and cranky you can flash one smile and the world stops. It is crazy how much your sweet face can make my day! We love you so much princess!

Feeling like Fall

2011-09-15T11:08:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that here in NWA it was 95 degrees on Tuesday and yesterday and toady in the 60's! It is WONDERFUL! I can not wait for Fall to be in full swing! I love the cooler weather! I am itching to get out my boots, jeans, scarfs and sweaters! I kinda need some new fall/winter stuff. Last year I was buying all maternity items so my closet lacking! Well, if you ask my husband he would say that was a lie. But in my defense I haven't bought much fall/winter stuff in almost 2 years. I do have some gift cards burning a hole through my wallet that I plan on using tonight!

Now, I find myself buying EVERYTHING for Amelia. It is hard not to. I have also been making Amelia most of her clothes! :) We have many trips to Hobby Lobby these days. I have ~~to many ideas~~ a few ideas for her Fall fashion, so I need to get going on that. I also know what she is going to be for her first Halloween!!

yes, I made this adorable outfit

In random news... I have poison ivy. I noticed "bug bites" Saturday night and thought I got them from our Sunday School's fish fry. We were outdoors all evening Saturday. Well, they kept getting bigger and more itchy. Yesterday, while I was at work I kept asking everyone what it was! LOL I finally got some doctors and nurses on the phone. I have wonderful clients who know people! :) My last client of the day her FIL is a doctor and took a peek at the Iphone pic we sent him. He knew right away it was poison ivy and called in meds for me! I am so thankful I don't have to drag Amelia to the doctors today. I just pray she doesn't get it. I figure she would have gotten it by now if she was to get it.... right? So, now I am on a two week cycle of steroids.The side of my neck looks the worse.... hinch why I want scarf season to stay.

More random news, I entered Amelia in the "Cutest Baby Contest" with KLG and Hoda on the Today Show. I am a Today Show junkie..... I HAVE to watch it everyday! I jumped at the chance to enter Amelia. I mean she really is so darn cute! I entered the "bath time" picture and these one from the other day!

I also installed Amelia's big girl carseat the other day. It is crazy that it is already that time. She does still fit in the infant seat but her legs were about to start hanging out of it. I knew it was time. The new seat fits 5- 100lbs. So it will last us for a long time! She loves it. She just looks out the windows and stares at herself in the mirror. I am sure she will be so much happier when we can turn her outward! That day will be here sooner than I know. She will be 8 months old in 2 days.... tear. Here is Amelia playing in the carseat box.... so stinkin cute!

Labor Day Recap

2011-09-07T22:09:00.002-05:00

Thursday I got to meet up my dear friend, Mary, and her new twin boys!! If you have been following my blog for a while, Mary is my friend who has a sweet baby girl in heaven. She was 37 weeks pregnant when they found out they had lost baby Ava. Thursday was a tough day for Mary and her family. It was a year to the date they found out about Ava. But the mood was lighten by these two sweet angels. Those boys are the sweetest things!!

Amelia wasn't too happy that I was holding not one but two other babies! She was sleeping for like 10 minutes so I did get to sneak in one picture of me with the boys! ( I made their tiny outfits!)

We were so happy that our wonderful friends Candace and David were coming for Labor day! They lived here in NWA for a bit but got a chance to move back to their home town in TN. We miss them dearly! It was over a year since the last time we saw them.

We mostly relaxed and ate out the whole time! OH and of course snuggled with our baby girl. Amelia loved Candace! She was just so happy when Candace was playing and holding her.
The dogs got a lot of extra attention that weekend too. Dave and Candace are dog lovers and our pups were in heaven!

Candace, Amelia and I did go out shopping one day after we all went to for lunch at Fish City Grill. It was so nice to get out a shop! I haven't been shopping for myself in FOREVER! I did end up buying a few adorable things for Amelia. I just can't help myself!

Sunday we did get to watch our boys in blue on tv.... I am pumped about football season this year. It may be because I get to dress this sweetie up in her Colts gear!

The weather has been AMAZING here. The mornings have been a bit chilly in fact! We are LOVING it! Monday the three of us enjoyed the day together as a family. Deric grilled burgers for lunch and had a relaxing day at home. It was perfect.

Yesterday was beautiful so I got our sweet girl outside and played in the grass!

Today

2011-08-30T17:40:00.000-05:00

Is my birthday.... I am 26 years old today! I can't believe that I am 26... growing up! :) Today has been a great day. Amelia has been in a happy mood all day! My best friend, Val, took us girls to lunch. I love meeting up for lunches. It is fun to get out of the house!

(dont pay attention to our unmade bed and the toys everywhere it's my bday I don't have to make it! I have yet to make the bed this week so far! Don't judge)

Last night I met some of my other sweet friends for dinner. We celebrated at Chili's! I picked to go there last year and this year! Funny that last year I was just about to find out if I was having a girl or boy and that is all we talked about. This year pretty much the same... still talked about that baby girl! LOL Amelia is so spoiled rotten by all of her "Aunties". I am 100% sure the ladies really just wanted to hang out with Little A!

Bea got me cute photo frame and some yummy candels plus some really cute earrings! They make noise... my favorite. Robin made these ADORABLE coasters for me. They have got to be the cutest idea I have ever came across! So personal!

When we got home from dinner Deric had a bundle of flowers and some cookies for me! I have been a sweet tooth kick so I was pumped to see the cookies! That man knows how to treat his wife! Flowers and chocolate chip cookies is the way to my heart!

On a serious note. My neighbor, Marcia, who is like my AR mom has surgery today. She had a autoimmune disease that caused all kinds of damage to her spinal cord. She goes for surgery every year to replace the batteries in her back that pulse on her spinal cord. It is like a pace maker for her back that never shuts off. I just got word that is all is well and she is out of surgery. She should have been able to be released shortly after surgery but they were delayed by a few hours. So they are keeping her over night. Marcia went to Mayo Clinic in FL for the surgery. That is where her wonderful doctor is. Remember when I went to FL with her in April. We went to see her doctor while we were there.
See, she had surgery just a few days after Amelia was born here in AR and has been messed up since. Poor lady hasn't had any relief. So if you could keep Marcia in your thoughts and prayers these next few days. I am sure she will be in LOTS of pain for a week or so.

Weekend Recap

2011-08-23T20:14:00.000-05:00

We had a good weekend around here. Beside the fact we didn't get caught up on sleep. Our sweet sleeping through the night baby has now been getting up multiple times a night! I am 99% sure it is her teeth. I have tried everything but give the child whiskey and she still wakes up. She seems fine during the day, because she stays busy, I think. I hate the fact that she is hurting. As of this morning she has one tiny spot at the bottom were a tooth has poked through!!

Saturday, I worked later than I normally do. I didn't get done till 3. Deric said Amelia has a good day. Which I was happy about minute last week she wasn't so good. I picked up a pizza on the way home and we just hung out and relaxed. Until I left for the Rhea Lana sale. I love this sale happens twice a year in our area! It is such a good way to get some really good deals. I bought mostly shoes (thinking of her walking soon), some cute clothes, bows, and two toys. Amelia has a TON of clothes already so I only wanted some really adorable stuff. Here is what we got.

Amelia has found her "scream" over the last part of the week and this weekend she did it no stop! It isn't a mad scream at all. It is another way for her to talk to us. It is so funny! She also can do the thing when you rub your finger up and down on her mouth and it sounds funny. I have no idea what to call it, but pure joy. She LOVES it and reaches for your hand to do it now. One other thing this girl can now do is go from crawling to sitting up. I swear there is no slowing her down. She can hold herself up behind the walking toy I got and tries to take a few steps.

Sunday we headed to church. We have been trying out this new church right by our house. So far I really like it. We let Amelia go to the nursery for the first time at it was HARD. I was freaked out by leaving her with people I didn't know. But the whole fingerprint to drop off/pick up your child helps! Deric checked his cell phone every minute during church to see if we had gotten a text to come. We basically ran over to check on her after the service and our little miss was fast asleep in the arms of a ladies husband rocking away. Since she was happy and sleeping we got to try out the Sunday school class we were invited too. It has couples our age in it, so I think this will be a good way to connect with our peers. Hopefully, have some long lasting friendships out of it as well.

When class was over we headed down to pick up Amelia. She was happy and smiling playing on the lap of one of the workers. She was pretty excited to see me,I got a huge smile and a wave. The workers told us Amelia was good and hoped she would be back. So I take it she was her normal sweet self. OR they were saying that just to be nice.... I mean it is church right! LOL

Giddy Up

2011-08-23T12:55:00.001-05:00

We had a pretty low key weekend. It was nice! Friday after I picked up Amelia we met Daddy for dinner. I really don't like cooking dinner on Fridays! Maybe it is because I am at work and when I get home I just want to play with our princess! Or the fact I usually don't get to eat at work and I am starving by the end of my day!
Amelia was making mommy something to eat in her new kitchen! :)

Amelia sat in a highchair the first time at dinner...I forgot to take a pic... bad mom. But she didn't last long in it. I hadn't finish her cart/high chair cover yet so I was thinking the whole time what kind of nasty germs where on it! She was fine however, the wipe was clean after I wiped the chair down.

Saturdays is another work day for me. I usually go in about 9 and try to be home about 1 or 2. I am so busy on Saturdays the day just flies by. Amelia was a bit grumpy and wouldn't eat very well for her daddy while I was at work. She is been such a momma's girl lately. I am not sure what is up with that. She still fusses when I walk out of the room! I finished up her cart cover and finally used the embroiderer on machine to add her name in the pillow!! I have been so nervous to do anything on a real item. It turned out great! I love it!! This picture is from my phone.

On a side note... I need to do a of all the things I have made for Amelia. But I may just open a new blogger to post all of sewing things. I am now selling stuff so if you are interested let me know! I have made myself some pretty adorable dresses too!! Here is one I made Wednesday before work and had to wear it!

Sunday we got up a headed to church. Amelia stayed with us the whole time. I still have a hard time leaving her in the nursery. I have yet to do it and she is almost 7 months old! But she is such a sweet girl and sleeps most of the time at church!

After church Deric went for a bike ride and Amelia napped while I made her a new dress. I was in need of a "western cowgirl" type of dress for later that day. I have purchased the fabric when my inlaws were here because I thought it was adorable. And man, what I right! Yep, I even added some applique boots on it!

We needed the dress because Amelia was going to "ride" her first horse that evening. My friend/ co-worker has a horse farm and shows horses. I told her that I was just 6 months old when I sat on my first horse and we needed Amelia to do that too! We got the horse all saddled up and everything. Please note that my hair looks AWFUL I plan on getting it done Thursday....if I can wiat that long without doing it myself! But who are we kidding... you only want to look at little A anyhow!

Amelia really didn't know what to think about the horse. She was more into watching Becca's three dogs!

Here is "Aunt" Becca and Amelia. Blue, the horse was more interested in Baby when Becca was holding her! I think he got jealous! Her horses are spoiled she treats them like children! And her barn is cleaner than some houses! I kid you not!

Our tuckered out cowgirl! I can't wait till she is bigger and we can really ride! But for now sitting on a horse with momma's help is how we will do it! I have already told Becca, she has to give Amelia riding lesson! She will need a pair of new PINK boots by then..... of course!

7 month

2011-08-17T12:55:00.000-05:00

Amelia you turned 7 months yesterday! I can NOT believe this! You are growing way to fast. You are such a BUSY little thing. You are now mobile and we can't slow you down. There is nothing I love more than just watching you. I love the way you discover the world around you. Everything is the "best" thing ever!

~Here are your 7 month stats~

* wearing 6 months clothes mostly but have gotten your 9 month oneies/jammies out

*size 2 diaper and smallest setting still on your cloth diapers

* 4 oz of milk every three hours during the day

*cereal and fruit in the morning, 2 oz of veggies afternoon, evening fruit and veggies 4 oz total

*you sign "eat","milk", and sometimes "all done"

* you blow raspberries all the time, love doing it while you eat :)

*sleeping mostly through the night, every now and then waking up at least once

*bed at 8:30 wake at 7am

* morning nap for about an hour, 2.5 hr nap in the afternoon, sometimes a late afternoon snooze for about 45 mins

*still LOVE bath time... water baby

*plays really well on your own*love playing with ipad/ laptop/ iphone, I swear you will be one and know everything about the ipad!

*love books, we sit in your room all the time and read!

*love to be sang too

*you smile all the time and now giggle... my favorite

*your favorite lately is still outside, Daddy takes you outside all the time while I make dinner

*sitting like a big girl since July

*crawling now (belly)

* you now have figured out the different rooms in the house

*discovered the dogs, you chase them all the time

*you love the door stoppers.. you pull on them all the time! :)

*you want to touch everything

*started to hold yourself up to the couch/coffee table

*still no teeth but drooling all the time

*still the happiest sweetest little baby

*MOMMA"S girl, you get mad when you can't see me some days

You are the most amazing gift and I still can't believe we are blessed to be your parents. I adore and love you more than you will ever know, Princess!

Photo shoot

2011-08-17T08:29:00.001-05:00

I had a sweet lady who comes into our salon ask me if she could photograph Amelia. She is starting up a photography business and needed a baby for model.

Amelia stood up next to this chair for the first time!! We had her sit in it also. I can't believe she did it!! I was so proud as I stood just fat enough away not to be in the way!!

It was so nice of her to think of Amelia! She has seen all of little A's pictures that my friend Candace has done and knew Amelia would be fun to photograph.

We met at her home at 9am. It was an early start but glad we Were there so early because when we were wrapping it up and storm blew in! We kept hearing the thunder all morning!

Amelia did a pretty good job considering it was pretty hot out and she was getting hungry. We took a break so she could refill! :)

But to be honest, Amelia gives Candace WAY better smiles! I think Amelia loves her auntie Candace! I was having a hard time getting princess to get smile big for us!

This picture doesn't get any sweeter.....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Full House

2011-08-09T21:59:00.002-05:00

Our house was packed full of family last week! It was so nice to have Deric's family here for most of the week. But lets be honest....they only came to see the Princess! Amelia loved all of the attention and now her daddy and I are suffering the aftermaths of it! She NEVER wants to be left alone... if she can't see me she cries! So thanks Grandma Linda, Aunt Kim, Nick, Nikohl, and Nathan for spoiling our girl rotten and then leaving! HA

Kohl and Amelia

The gang got here on a Saturday, July 30 and stayed until Thursday, August 4th. We mostly stayed indoors and relaxed! It was so HOT here! Saturday after they got in a snagged up Amelia we headed out for pizza at "Mellow Mushroom". We love that place! That night we just stayed home and enjoyed visiting! We hadn't seen any of Deric's family since April so we had a lot to get caught up on!

family bonding time!

Sunday we all got up and went to Church. This was the first time we went to this church. We have been trying to find a church that we love. The church is minutes... I mean like 2 minutes from our house. We can see it from our entrance to the neighborhood! We had a really nice family invite us to join them and their sunday school class. He works with Deric at J.B.Hunt. It was really nice and they showed us all around. Amelia was a SWEET girl during the whole service. She will be needing to go to the nursery soon though... she is into everything these days!

Kohl's dress I made!

Nick and Amelia

Nate being silly!

After church we came home and I made lunch. After lunch we made a target run with my SIL and the kids. We were getting stir crazy and needed to get out! We had time to kill before our evening photo shoot! Yes, my wonderful friend, Candace, took all the kid's photos for us. I wanted to get their photos done since all four grandkids were together. Nick, the oldest, is headed to boot camp at the end of the month. He is joining the Navy. We are so proud of him!

Nate needed a hair cut before the photo shoot!

Funny story.... I didn't dress Amelia in her outfit before we left the house well because you know... she is 6 month old. I tried on the outfits and got the matching bow (of course). Packed up the diaper bag and out the door we went all 8 of us! Well, I guess because I had baby and diaper bag and figured we had everything we were good. OH how wrong was I!! We got all the way to the park which was about 20 minutes away and guess what I forgot. Yep, Ameila's outfits! GRRRR, I was fired up! She wasn't even in a outfit that matched her cousins and we were doing our family pics too! So I ran home and Candace took pics of the other kids!! GOSH.... I was mad!

But I got back in a timely manner because ~~i sped the whole way~~ there wasn't a lick of traffic. And our photos I am sure turned out pretty cute! I can't wait to see Candace's. This one below are ones Deric snapped.

Monday, Deric took half a day so we could all hang out. We had lunch at our "Five Guys"... yummy. We did go to "Fast Lanes" to let the kids play arcade games and laser tag that night. That was a lot of fun! We had a lot of fun! We had family game night too! We had a blast and got a little rowdy a couple of times!

Tuesday, Deric took another 1/2 day and came home at lunch time. That morning I took everyone to "Jump Zone".Nate and Kohl LOVED that place! It was a good way for them to run and burn out of energy but stay indoors! Amelia had a great time too! She LOVED watching all the kids run around.

We came home and had lunch at the house because we went out for dinner that night. Dinner was our birthday celebration for Linda and Deric. It was the first time in years that Deric and his mom saw each other for their birthdays!

Wednesday morning I did Linda, Kim's and Kohls hair at the shop. We met Deric for lunch at Chick-fli-a about noon. I had to work that afternoon so they got to babysit for a couple of hours! Deric came home and they hung out. I picked up a cheesecake from "Copeland"s" on my way home from work..... yummy! We celebrated the birthdays yet again that night!

Thursday was Linda's actual birthday but also the day they were leaving. They weren't leaving until late afternoon so we did get to have lunch before they headed out. They take two days to travel because it is a 12 hour drive.

This photo cracks me up... Amelia loved and I mean LOVED Kohl!

I am pretty sure you see the theme going on here in the photos...... everyone trying to get their hands on Amelia! She was eating it all up! Spoiled Rotten!

It was so nice having family around! Amelia was a little fussy while they were here but I think it was because she isn't use to that much activity around the house! She wasn't hurting for any attention that is for sure! I have had a hard time getting her back into our normal routine, but that is what happens! :)

Happy Birthday, Deric

2011-08-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Deric's 29th birthday! I can't believe this was his last birthday in his 20s! It seems just like yesterday he was celebrating his 18th birthday! Yes, we were "dating" then! I met Deric just a few weeks/months before his 18th birthday! Crazy, we have know each other for 10 years! Doesn't seem like it has been that long!
We celebrated his day with lunch at "Chili's" and a movie. We went to see "Horrible Bosses". I thought it was so funny!

It was nice to get out just the two of us. We have only gone on one other "date" since baby girl was born. We need to make more of a habit of going out on dates!

Deric decided he wanted a Dyson for his birthday gift. I mean this man LOVES to vacuum! I couldn't be luckier uh? :) He has been talking about a Dyson for years now.. really years! He noticed they were on sale a few weeks ago at Macy's. But we don't have a Macy's (BOO) but Bed, Bath, and Beyond was happy to honor the sale price Macy's had! YAY!

Is Deric more excited about the dyson or the underwear commercial in the background? You be the judge! HA

I did get a strawberry cheesecake earlier this week from "Coplands". It was my MIL's bday this past Thursday, so we celebrated both birthdays then. The cheesecake was so yummy! It was nice having the chance to celebrate both Deric and Linda's birthdays this year!

Deric ~ I hope you had a great day celebrating your 29th birthday! I am so thankful for everything you do for us and so very proud to call you my husband. You are a such wonderful man and of course now daddy! Your girls adore you more than you will ever know! I am glad I have gotten to celebrate the past 10 birthdays with you, and can not wait to celebrate many many more with you! Next year will be weird... 30! We are getting old! Maybe we will go all out for your birthday, but that isn't how your roll. I love that you are happy just spending time at home and very low key! I love you more everyday. Happy Birthday., Babe!

we have even older photos but no digital cameras then!

Crazy looking back at those photos! In 10 years you went from a teenager to adult to husband and now dad!

Big Stuff

2011-08-05T17:38:00.001-05:00

Baby Amelia is now on the move!! She has been trying to crawl for weeks now! She can get a few little "steps" in while she is up on all fours. Tonight she mastered the belly crawl! It cracks us up! She does however get up on all fours and rocks back and fourth! She is getting to be so big!

Here is another video of Amelia giving me "sugars" so sweet!

We did have Deric's mom, sister, niece and nephews here this past week. We had so much fun! I will post about their visit later. Deric's mom had her birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday! And tomorrow is Deric's birthday!!! We don't have much planned for it. I know we will just enjoy a whole weekend with the three of us!

Birthday Boy!

2011-07-27T08:26:00.002-05:00

Our first baby is 6 years old today! He may be a little hairy and have really smelly breathe but we still love him!

This was the very first day we had Divot! After his first bath!!!

Sweet Boy chewing on me!

Still my all time favorite photo of Div-Bone!

this was the summer of 07

Halloween of 08

summer of 09 with his cute haircut

this was 2011 right after we got our new camera

Amelia has really started to love the pups and Divot is "more than happy"! He has adjusted to baby sister really well. He is always near her. I saw all the time I don't really need a baby monitor because Divot comes and gets me all the time!

I think he is a great big brother

Hahaha she was giving some birthday love this morning!

Divot you are still our sweet boy and I love you so much! I knew you would be a trooper when baby was born! You love her just like the rest of us! Happy 6th Birthday to our sweet boy!!!

2011-07-25T16:07:00.001-05:00

I don't have much to blog about! Amelia was not feeling good all weekend with a fever. We stayed in all weekend and snuggled with her.
I have a ton of photos in my phone that I need to post. I thought today would be a perfect time to do it!!

I have been keeping busy with all my sewing projects! I soon will be getting a new sewing/embroidering machine.. Thanks to my wonderful husband! Happy early bday and anniversary to me!!!
Look at my sweet girl in this adorable dress I made!!

My friend Mary gave birth to her twin boys on Thursday and this was part of her gift!

I made myself a cute flower shirt!

My co-workers zebra skirt for her birthday!

Our after bath cutie! I don't know what it is about Amelia after a bath a wrapped up in a hooded towel but I can't get enough of it!!! She is so darn cute!

My best friend, Val, and sweet baby on Val's birthday!

My two favorite loves.... loving this photo so much!

Sweet girl today! I love her outfit!

And because Divot needs some blog love! Please excuse his dirtyness... He helped me clean out the flower beds this morning! Which I haven't touched all summer. So you can just picture the mess! I am to ashamed to post a picture of what they looked liked!

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For my Notes

2011-07-19T13:07:00.000-05:00

We had Amelia's Well Baby check up today so I wanted to document her stats from the appointment. Amelia, you are now in the 10th percentile! You finally moved up! You weighed 13.9 pounds, 26 inches long and your head measured 41 cm. Tiny princess but getting so big!!
Because it just wouldn't be right without posting pictures of the star of the blog here a few I snapped this afternoon!

Divot doesn't really know what to think about Baby Sis!

My favorite Girl!

Hope you all have a wonderful day! We are staying in because Amelia isn't feeling her best (not that you can tell in these photos!). We are going to try to stay cool our house gets so HOT in the afternoon.... I can't wait until we are not in 100 degree weather!

6 Months

2011-07-17T19:16:00.003-05:00

Amelia you are 1/2 a year old today! Time needs to stand you are growing WAY to fast. You still capture more of our hearts each day. You make us smile and laugh everyday! Amelia, you are such a joy.... the light of our lives!

Your 6 Month old Stats

~ Weigh about 13 ish pounds... we find out Tuesday at your well baby check

~ Size 3-6 months , 6 Month and a few 3 months clothes

~Size 2 diaper / smallest setting on your cloth diapers

~ Still fit into your newborn size shoes!! You have a TON of shoes you need to be growing into soon!

~Drink 4-6 oz of B.M every 3 hours

~Eating homemade baby food every other feeding during the day! You haven't tasted anything you don't love except peaches!

~ Sitting up like a big girl since July 6....

~ Starting to "Army" crawl

~When you are on your belly you turn around all the time

~Playing with your big girl toys so much more now that you can sit

~Love to watch T.V..... the you stare at the "Today Show" every morning when mommy watches it!

~ Starting to pay more attention to baby signs.... you have signed "eat" a few times!

~You love to be sang to

~Still love to be on the move

~LOVE the water... bath times or swimming... you are in heaven every time you get in the water

~We are working on letting you go to sleep on our own.... you DON"T like it. You want us to hold and walk you every time!

~You are slobbering like crazy..... hopefully you get a tooth soon.

~Most of the time you are the happiest baby

~You are the center of attention and know it! You get mad if you want attention and aren't getting it fast enough!

~You added GA to the states you have been in.

You are our pride and joy, Baby Girl. I pray that you grow and continue to be happy and healthy. You are our tiny blessing and couldn't love you more! We adore you!

I thought it would be nice to look back from the first 6 monthly pictures for comparison!

Get Caught Up

2011-07-14T20:34:00.002-05:00

Geezz..... I know I have been slacking. But I have been staying busy between being a working mom, sewing like crazy and traveling.Speaking of traveling, Amelia and I went to see my parents and sister for the 4th of July. I know we are a few weeks late on posting.. but Hey.. give me a break!
As I mentioned before my parents are in in GA. It was the first time we visited and I can not wait to go back! I braved the trip alone with Amelia. We flew and had a layover so I was some what nervous about getting to my next flight on time. But I did great (patting myself on the back) and Amelia was the BEST baby!! She is such a good traveler! I am one proud momma!

My mom volunteers at the local museum and the director is leaving so they had a little party there to honor her. My mom and the director have become fast friends and I know they will miss each other like crazy!

Amelia giving full blow out sugars!

They live in such a cute charming town. It has that historic feel as you drive through town. Maybe it was the HUGE old Antebellum Homes lining the streets and the beautiful fountain down on the town square. It is a sweet town that you could just drive or walk around all day and find entertainment... walking when it is maybe not 100 degrees plus! I have decided that we will be making a trip in the fall... when I can be outside for more than hour at a time! I forgot to get out my camera when we were driving around. I was to busy looking around!

Because it was so darn hot we mostly hung out at the pool... which is all that I had on my list of things to do! :) Amelia loved and I mean LOVED the pool! She cried every time I would take her out.

She would just slash and squeal while I held her in the pool! I did bring her float but she wanted to be held in the water.She didn't really fit to well in the float, it scared me so we took turns holding her.

We did tour a Antebellum Mansion called Hills and Dales Estate. It was beautiful! I am glad we went! My plan is to go back when it isn't a million degrees out and tour the gardens more. We didn't get to spend very much time because poor Amelia was so HOT! If you have time click on the link to see their website. It is worth it! The Callaway family built the home and gardens. This family owns pretty much everything around town! Kinda reminded me of the Waltons here in AR! HA Here are so beautiful photos I snapped!

this was a swimming pool back in the day!

Jen and Blake sitting in "Lovers Lane"

Another cool thing is that Robert Duvall was there the day before us! I took a photo of his John Hancock on the guest book!! Man, I can't believe we missed him!

The house was amazing but no indoor photographing was allowed! But I did get some really cute pictures of Amelia on the porch after the house tour!

After about 2 days of being at my parents my camera battery died! I was so upset. I didn't even think about packing an extra! So I don't have anymore photos... BOOOO

This is a funny tidbit. On our first flight coming back we had a flight attendant off duty right next to us. As she sat down she said "OH Great, by the screamer! At least she is cute" I wanted to ~~Hit her across the face~~ brag about how wonderful my little Amelia is but she did say she was cute. I told her not to worry because my girl is great on flights and she will mostly likely fall alseep during take off. She shrugged her shoulders made a "yeah right" face and closed her eyes. As it turns out Amelia did just what I said. She was feel to sleep during take off and stayed asleep until we landed! HA The woman did mention during the flight "I guess you were right she is one good baby and a cute one too!

Angle face

2011-07-12T12:43:00.001-05:00

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Getaway

2011-07-04T07:54:00.001-05:00

Baby Girl and I are having to much fun hanging out at Gigi and G-daddy new house in GA!

We also get to see Auntie Jen and Uncle Blake!!

One of the best things is that this mama can do a little of this while baby girl is getting spoiled!!

P.s I have had two days at the pool and still haven't gotten much of a tan... :(

Happy 4th of July!!

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Baby Food

2011-06-26T21:33:00.001-05:00

This past week I have been busy sewing and making Amelia's baby food. I knew the food was going to be fairly easy to make but GEEEZZZZ it was so easy and FUN! Since little A is loving her food I knew it was time to stock up on her favorites. Store bought food is just fine but I wanted a stock pile and it is much cheaper to make it yourself!
I spent about an hour making food while Amelia was napping. I did veggies the first day, green beans, peas, california blend, and zucchini. She loved the zucchini! I also made applesauce later that night. This baby girl has not disliked any I have given her yet, so I am excited to start mixing up her food for different tastes!

I don't have a food processor but our blender has a baby food setting in it and it worked really well. This is how I made her food.

~Cooked the veggies/ fruit either boiled, steamed, or baked them

~Blended it with some water. Some would say to use Breast-milk or formula.... but I think of B.M as liquid gold so I will stick with water! I blended to a smooth texture.

~Poured into ice cube trays and froze!

~ Once frozen I popped them out and put them in labeled Ziploc bags. Each cube is about one ounce so she will eat two cubes during one meal.

Each morning or evening I grab out the food I want for the day or next day and keep in fridge! I do warm it up for a few seconds. Princess doesn't like her food or milk for that matter cold! She will take it room temp but that is about it!

Amelia eats 2 oz fruit with cereal every morning with about 4 oz of B.M. Next feeding she just has 4 to 6 oz of milk. Around lunch time she will have milk, 2 oz veggies and maybe some cereal too. Then just milk again around 3 or 4pm. For dinner she will have 4 oz of food both veggie and fruit and of course milk too.

2011-06-22T20:44:00.001-05:00

I haven't been Blogging much lately because I have been keeping myself busy in my sewing room. I have done a few projects over the weekend and this week already!!
Amelia now has a cute 4th of July outfit. I am not really into the whole super holiday it out deal because then she can only wear it that day. So instead I made a red,white and blue dress! It is adorable... Love it!

My friend,Bea, asked me to make a couple outfits for her new great-niece. Bea picked out the material and I don't think the outfits could get any cuter!

I have been wanting to make myself a dress and finally did it! I wore it to work today so that means it turned out good! I do have a few things I will need to do different next time around. But I did not use a pattern so all in all my first try was good!

I made or may not have a matching dress for Baby A! ;) I also have another dress in the works for me. This time a shorter one!

I am pretty sure Deric is getting sick of me sewing but I can't stop myself! I have so many ideas and HAVE to do them. Sewing is just like a drug that I am addicted too....

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First Fathers Day

2011-06-20T17:12:00.001-05:00

To Daddy~

Thank you for everything you do for me, Dad. I am so happy that I have you as a Daddy. Mommy tells me all the time that you love me with of your heart. I am pretty sure I have you wrapped around your finger. I knew it wouldn't take long to steal your heart. I hope being a Dad is all what you wished it would be. I try to be a good girl for you. But it seems like even when I am upset and crying, you still think I am the cutest thing! I can't help it...cuteness surrounds me!

I love that you call me Pumpkin, Princess, Baby, Sweetheart all the time. I think it is weird when you call me by name because I was pretty sure Princess was my first name! I really enjoy our times together and I know you love our alone time too.I can't wait till I am older and you can take me out on dates and we can have long chats about life.

Thank you for letting your whole world change and allowing me into your heart. You may not seem like you know what you are doing sometimes but let me reassure you, you are the perfect Daddy for me. All I need is Love, Snuggles, Kisses, Food, and a Safe Home. You provide that and so much more! I love and adore you more than you know!

Love,
Little A

Amelia just had to write a little note to Daddy... she told me what to write! We had a pretty uneventful Fathers Day. I feel kinda bad! Deric wasn't feeling up to par but we did go out for pizza. Amelia got him a little photo book of photos of mostly just him and her. He loved it. We got him a grill a few weeks ago so that was his big gift from us! But we had a nice day and Deric got to watch Golf all day!

5 Months

2011-06-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Amelia you are FIVE months old today!!! I just can't believe it... I mean you were just born yesterday! :)
You continue to make us fall more in love with you everyday. We love you so much... I don't know if you will ever know how much of my heart belongs to you. There are days I am perfectly happy to sit, hold, and watch you all day long.

Here are your 5 month stats

~You weigh 12.5 lbs

~Size 2 diaper, still the smallest setting on your cloth diapers

~Eating Veggies, Fruit and of course Breastmilk

~Drink 4 to 6 oz depends on your food intake
~ Nursing every 3 hours
~Eat Fruit/Cereal Mix in the morning, Veggies in the afternoon, and Veggies/Fruit/Cereal Mix at night
just depends what we think you would want!
~You LOVE your food.. you grunt/talk while you eat

~Wearing 3 month clothes still

~You were still in the 5% at your 4 month check up

~Sleeping a bit better.... we miss our all night sleeper. You are getting up at least once a night sometimes 2x!

~You are a belly sleeper.... always roll over on to it

~ You are rolling all over the place

~ Grabbing at toys, books and your toes really well

~Have gotten your knees up under you

~Have maters the back scoot... you push off of anything to scoot

~ You are trying so hard to sit up on your own... you get some really good crunches in everyday!
~You are such a happy baby... Smiling all the time
~LOVE to get attention from strangers!

~ Talking baby girl... you get mad when we don't talk back to you

~ Love when you get read and sang too

~Love watching Cartoons on the Ipad :)

~ Still loving your jump-a-roo and swing

~ Still love to be out and about... love your car seat/stroller

I still can't believe that I am lucky enough to be your Mommy!! I cherish everyday with you! You are growing WAY to fast and I don't want to miss anything! We are so blessed to have a happy, healthy, content sweet girl. Even when you act like a Diva we love you. I may laugh a little when you cry because it is pretty pathetic!

Bye bye long hair!

2011-06-06T17:13:00.001-05:00

So today was the big day! I cut 10 inches off my hair!!! I couldn't be more happy... I am loving it!!

I can't wait to play with my new hair!! It will be fun !!! It reminds me of my before marriage hair!!!

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Hey Sunshine

2011-06-05T17:36:00.002-05:00

You Are My Sunshine

My only sunshine.

You make me happy

When skies are grey.

You'll never know, dear,

How much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away

Random thought

2011-06-02T09:50:00.001-05:00

I have been thinking about cutting my hair. I have ALWAYS has short hair when I was younger. When Deric asked me to marry him I started growing it out for our wedding.
I really like my long hair but lately it is just looking like..... Blah! It is falling out in chunks (thanks hormones and my baby who pulls handfuls out). I thought about cutting it last summer but chickened out. I don't think I was truly ready. This year I just may do it. As I type this Amelia is yanking on my hair as she is playing on the floor. Nice, I just lost 30 more strands!

Here is what I am thinking about doing.

I just need my full hair back and some spunk!

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3/4 Months Pictures

2011-06-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

Before we left for Florida I had my wonderful friend take Amelia's photos. We kept having to push them back because of our stinkin weather we had in NWA. But the day we took them was beautiful and the photos turned out perfect!! Thanks Candace!

Yes, I posted all of them because I couldn't just pick a few! :)

Memorial Day

2011-05-31T13:38:00.000-05:00

We spent the weekend at home and it was just perfect! We had great weather here in NWA and took advantage of it. Saturday I worked in the morning like always and Daddy had Baby A to take care of . She was in such a good mood all weekend!! After I got home we headed out for dinner and a Wal-Mart run.

Sunday we all slept in a bit... so nice! We went out to Qdoba for lunch. It was our first time to one. I enjoyed it but my husband on the other hand had some issues....He blogged about it here. We will be back I am sure. He will just know what to expect next time!

When we got home I tackled our guestroom and our closet. I moved the dresser that was once in the GR into our closet. I also got rid of a bunch of clothes and shoes (Deric is happy about that). I am planning on making space in the GR for my sewing table. I have already ordered the table I want and can't wait for it to come in!!

This is what happens when I leave baby girl alone with Dad during feeding time! She is so stinkin cute... makes me smile every time!

We also made a Home Depot run this weekend so I could get flowers.While we were there Deric and I decided to get a new grill. Well a grill.... we went all last summer without one. The one we had was WAY to big and didn't have space for it. So this was is so nice and small! We grilled out burgers as soon as Deric set it up... the burgers were so tasty! I see a lot of grilling in our future!

We got little A a swimming pool also this weekend. She loves it! I played in the pool with her for a long time after I planted the flowers on Monday. She is going to be a water baby.... I just know it!

Monday we just enjoyed sitting out in our backyard for a while. Amelia really seems to like to be outside. I am happy about that!! I see myself reading outside a lot this summer! I have been reading the book "Heaven is for Real" and let me tell you AMAZING! I could have read it in one day if I didn't have an adorable 4 month old who needs me 24/7!!

4 months

2011-05-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

Amelia you are FOUR months old! I can't believe how fast time is going by! You are getting more of a personality which is so much fun to watch! Most days you are happy sweet girl! You have only had a few Diva days. But you just flash that big smile of yours and my heart sinks. You are priceless, my sweet girl!

Here are you 4 month stats

~ Weight 11.2 pounds

~23 inches long

~You wear 3 month clothes still (a bit big)

~size 1/2 diaper, and I moved your clothe diapers to one size bigger

~Drink 4 to 5 oz of breastmilk

~You now eat cereal twice a day

~You also have eat food... squash, sweet-potatoes applesauce, and bananas

~You sleep pretty good still... but not through the night like before!

~You roll from belly to back and back to belly now!

~You have now met your great grandparents

~You and Mommy flew to FL for a week!

~You been to the beach!

~You are "talking all the time"

~You have giggled a few times... Your daddy still hasn't heard it

~You LOVE the iphone and ipad... we are in trouble!

~You are playing more now, you have a few toys.

~We bought you an exersaucer the other day and you play in that for a long time!

~You love to be read and sang too.... Mommy loves that!

We think you are pretty much the sweetest thing on earth! You are getting more fun by the minute! I wish I could freeze the time so I can soak up all of you. We couldn't ask for a happier baby!

We love you to the moon and back!

Girl's Vacation

2011-05-25T21:46:00.002-05:00

I have been waiting to take Amelia to see my grandparents since she was born! We finally got the chance to go! My grandparents live right outside of Orlando, FL. The last time I was at their house was 6 years ago! I have of course seen them since then. So it was nice to go to them. My grandma isn't well. So she is in no position to come to us.

As most of you know our little Amelia is named after my grandma, Jayne. So it meant SO much for me to show little A off to her! I am pretty sure Amelia's great-grandparents are pretty smitten! They couldn't keep their eyes off of her.

My neighbor and my AR mom, Marcia, made the trip with us. Marcia had to go to the Mayo Clinic for a doctors appointment so it worked out just perfect! My grandparents are only about 2 hours from Mayo so I just took Marcia up to her appointment.Since my mom and dad are now in GA my mom flew down to FL to be with us too! My mom got the chance to babysit little A while Marcia and I were at her appointment! I was thankful I didn't have to take Amelia to Mayo. My dad joined us over the weekend. It was so nice to spend the time not only with my grandparents but my parents as well!

Us girls had lots of fun throughout the week! Mom, Marcia, Baby A and I went shopping one day at the outlets. The weather was perfect! We couldn't have asked for a nicer week! Sunny and warm all week long!
Baby Girl just chilled in her sun bonnets and sunnys the whole week!

We ate out a bunch and just enjoed spending time with family. We did take Amelia to the beach Saturday afternoon. She didn't really know what to think about the water. It was a bit chilly and the waves scared her a little. But I couldn't pass up the chance to get her little toes in the ocean!!

Amelia makes our family's first 4th generation! It is funny that between the 4 of us we are all A's and J's. Jayne, Janice, Amanda, and Amelia. We had to snap a few 4 generation photos!

I am so happy that I had the chance to take Amelia to see her great grandparents.My grandma is not well due to her diabetes and many strokes. My grandpa told us this morning that grandma most likely suffered another stroke early this morning. The last stroke she had did a toll on her speech and he thinks this one did the same. We will find out more information tomorrow. Her doctors are doing many tests while she is in the hospital . Please keep my sweet Grandma in your thoughts and prayers. We are all hoping for the best.

Beach babe

2011-05-22T17:00:00.001-05:00

Amelia and I have been out of town all week. We will be headed back home to see daddy tomorrow! We can't wait to get home! But here is a sneak peek of what we did while we were gone!

Blahahaha.... I know it is to cute!
I will post where we were and who all we saw on this girls trip!

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A Year Ago Today

2011-05-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

Today marks the year anniversary of finding out I was pregnant with little A!!! One of the happiest days of my life thus far. I LOVED seeing the read out "pregnant" on that stick! If you have followed my blog before Amelia... You know I may have called all pee sticks "broken"! :)
If you want to read about that day I posted it here!! I was just about 10 weeks out from a miscarriage and had NO idea that I was pregnant. When I was pregnant with the miscarriage I took about 6 tests. When I took the test with Amelia I just took one. Something ( I am sure it was God) told me one was enough. I also called and went to my doctors right away for blood work to confirm everything.
It seemed like I would never get the chance to be a mommy. And now I am a Mom to the sweetest little baby girl! I CAN NOT believe Amelia will be 4 months old on Tuesday! GOSH.... I want to freeze time.

Just for fun and because I may or may not miss my pregnant belly here are some pictures to look back on!

I wont lie... I miss Amelia's little kicks and punches while I was pregnant with her but I love having her in the world so much more! I LOVE being able to see her, hold and kiss on her! My favorite is when she gives us that huge grin of hers and giggles a bit! Oh, and she has started to grab your face when you lean in for a kiss..... so sweet! :)

Talking Girl

2011-05-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

I took these videos awhile ago but haven't shared them yet. Since I didnt have anything else to blog about I thought it was about time to post the videos!

Yes, I know this is turned weird.Yes, it is hard to see it... but I just grabbed my phone. She only lasts so long with me videoing her!

I have been busy working on some gifts for my cousins baby boy who is due is about 2 weeks now. Also I have made two tote bags.... I will post later about! They are super cute!

First Mother's Day

2011-05-08T19:49:00.000-05:00

This time last year I NEVER thought I would be a mom. I had just lost a pregnancy after trying for what seemed forever to even get pregnant. I was heartbroken and a bit depressed. I just knew I would never be a mom. But to much of my surprise I was going to be celebrating Mother's Day... in fact I was pregnant with Amelia last year on Mother's Day and didn't know it yet! So when this day came around I felt so blessed to be celebrating Mother's Day with my little family!
Deric and Little A took me out to dinner last night to celebrate. I choose to go to Copeland's. I have never been and wanted to try it. It was so GOOD! The cheesecake was to die for! We didn't take our camera so I didn't get any photos while we were out to eat but Deric did snap a photo before we left!

On our way home Deric took me to Westwood Gardens to get my Mother's Day Gift. I choose a Gardenia Tree. They are so beautiful and smell so wonderful! We planted it a new teal pot I picked out! This morning I waked out on the deck before church and I could instantly smell it!

this was taken with my iPhone

Today after church Deric made homemade pizza.... my favorite! We have just been hanging out at home and enjoying our day together. Sundays is really the only day we get the whole day together as a family. Kinda sad if you think about it. So I enjoy every Sunday!

She was loving when I would hold her up in the air and bring her down and kiss on her. So when Daddy tried it we thought she would love it too......

Not so much.... but she did give us one last sweet smile while Daddy was holding her!

Amelia has been a bit grumpy today but I think she has some allergies. She is pretty stuffed up and sneezing ALL THE TIME! Even with her not feeling 100% she still manges to get us that melt your heart smile! She even got really close to a full blown giggle today! And of course she sported her "I Love Mommy" wear all day!

I not only think of all the mothers out there celebrating with their families today, but all those women who long to have a child of their own or who has given a child to the Lord. I know how it feels to feel so empty on Mothers Day and I know many other women are feeling the same way. My prayer for those who are waiting or missing their child today may you find peace today. Just know that the great Lord our God has big plans for you and your families and you can NEVER loose faith!

3 Months

2011-04-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

Amelia you are continuing amaze your daddy and I. We love you more than you will ever know!

So far month 3 of your life has been BUSY! Here are your monthly stats!

~ You are wearing size 3 month clothes (some are still big on you)

~You weigh 9.8 pounds as of a few days ago

~You are wearing size 1 diaper and on the smallest setting of your cloth diapers

~You are still eating 4oz of breastmilk every 2.5 to 3 hours.

~You are a HAPPY smiling baby

~You found your "voice" and love to show it off

~We made our first family trip to Indiana

~You have now met your Gpa Jerry, Aunt Kim and Uncle Brent, Cousins Nick, Nikhol and Nate, Uncles Jeff and Brad and many other extended family!

~You have now been to Oklahoma ,Texas, Indiana and Michigan all in one trip!WOW

~You have been on 4 airplane rides... you did really well flying

~You were baptized on your 3rd month birthday

~Still rolling over like crazy from belly to back... you are SO close from rolling back to belly!

~Your favorite thing is to ride in the car... you LOVE to be on the go

~You haven't been a very good sleeper this month... ;( Mommy misses her sleep!

~I am pretty sure you are cutting teeth (which is why you may not be sleeping so well)

~You are still amazed at your hands! We catch you just staring at your hand a lot! Cute!

~Your puppies are loving you more and more. You are starting to notice them more

~You LOVE all the crazy voices your daddy has when he talks to you. He adores you and calls you PRINCESS all the time!

Most of all you are the light of our lives. I don't know what we would do without you! You are such a beautiful blessing. I can't believe that God choose us to be your parents! I still have days I am amazed I am YOUR mom! It is the BEST job I could have ever ask for!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T14:16:00.000-05:00

Our sweet Bunny on her First Easter!

Our family wishes all of you a very Happy Easter!

For He has RISEN... He has RISEN indeed!

Trip part 2

2011-04-23T21:08:00.000-05:00

Be prepared for another picture overload on this post. We really took advantage of capturing pictures while we were home. I am getting better at taking photos with our new camera. Although, I do usually edit them a bit.
I left off telling you last post that we had a little party after church. I was REALLY bad at taking photos of everyone who was there. We did however get a few really good ones of Amelia's future husband! Ethan, is our friends little boy who is just about too cute for words! Justin, who is E-Man's daddy, has been best friends with Deric since they were in grade school. Deric and Justin are still such great friends. He also had a lot of do with Deric and I meeting for the first time, so we pretty much love him!

This is one of my good friends, Aimee. I worked with her at a salon back in Indiana and we became fast friends. I was so happy she got to meet Amelia! Aimee has a little boy, Jaxson, who is pretty cute and growing up so very fast! He didn't know what to think about his "Aunt Mimi" having a baby. He didn't want much to do with her, but when you are almost 6 you got better things to do! Aimee and Jax came to Amelia's party after church and then we saw Aimee again later in the week when we visited the salon.

Of course, Amelia's cousin still couldn't get enough of her. Amelia was in the spotlight the whole trip!

Her Aunt Kim and Uncle Brent along with Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Linda loved on our princess as much as they could too!

We headed back to Bloomington on Monday evening. We were flying home Tuesday so we wanted to spend some more time with my sister and Blake. Blake was in class on Tuesday but joined us after lunch and walked the IU campus. Indiana University is such a beautiful place. I have never been there before so I was so happy we had time to walk around a bit. The day was pretty cloudy and looked like it could rain any minute but thankfully it didn't. I am loving these pictures we got! I am amazed on how well the lighting was in most of them.

love A's face in this!

sending a pic to GiGi (my mom)

love our little family

sweet face for Auntie Jen

pretty sure this girl is cutting teeth already

proud Aunt and Uncle

We are so thankful that our little princess is so loved by all of our family. She is definitely spoiled... but how can you not help but spoil her! Just look at that sweet face!

I am going to take Amelia's 3 month post pictures this weekend. After I get them I will do her 3 month post. I still can not believe I am already having to do her 3 month update!

Trip Home, Birthday, and Baptized

2011-04-21T15:52:00.001-05:00

We have been busy around here. We took off Thursday morning to head to Indiana. We had decided to go home for my FIL 70th bday which was Saturday. Happy Birthday, Jerry! We also thought it would be a wonderful time to baptize little A!
I am going to do this trip in a couple post because I have pictures galore! All three of us had to be out the door at 5am to make our flight time out of Tulsa. It was a easy drive there and we had plenty of time to get to our first flight. We did have a layover in Houston, which we barley made. We didn't have much of a layover and then they changed gates on us. So running through an airport with a 3 month old isn't fun at all! But I am glad we made it in enough time. Speaking of flights Amelia did WONDERFUL on both flights! She was sleeping at takeoff and landing both flights! It was so nice. She woke up during flight but was a happy baby girl!

This photo is from my phone... but here she is on her very first plane ride!

We landed in Indy which is close to my sister and BIL. Blake (BIL) picked us up and we headed to their house in Bloomington. Blake is in law school at IU and we haven't had a chance to go to their house until this trip! My left ear was killing me, ever since we landed in Indy my ear was still plugged. I think Amelia's ears were hurting too because as soon as we got to Aunt Jen's, Amelia just cried and cried. She wouldn't let anyone but her MOMMA hold her. I made the mistake by running to the store with my sister after I fed Little A and Deric called me telling me she had been screaming since I left! She seemed to be better Friday morning and not as mommy girl.We used my sister's car and headed 4 hours north to my in-laws house early afternoon.

We got to their house just shorty after our niece and nephew got home from school. My in-laws drive school bus as well as farmers. So it worked out great that they just rode the bus to G-ma and G-pa's house! Nikohl was just beside herself! She couldn't wait to get to hold Amelia. Nikohl LOVES her baby cousin. Nate loves her too, he favorite thing was to get her to smile and coo at him! Amelia has some sweet cousins who just adore her! Nate even read her a book!

Kim, my SIL, is just in love with her niece. Amelia was a little scared when we first got to the house but after a few hours she warmed up to everyone. Kim did finally get to hold and snuggle little A. But not for long because Kohl stood right there breathing down your neck! Kohl wanted Amelia all the time and didn't much care for others to hold her! SO SWEET! She even helped me get Amelia ready for bed one night!

Saturday was Jerry's birthday. The whole family was going to eat lunch at "Das Dutch Essenhaus House". Which is a Amish restaurant and so very good. We did the family style lunch so trust me when I say we ate a TON of yummy food!

Amelia looked so cute and was so good at lunch. She slept the whole time until we were served desert. I had to go nurse Amelia so after I was done g-ma and g-pa played with Amelia until I was done eating my pie! I wasn't going to miss out on a slice of Amish pie!

Sunday was a big day for my little family. We had the honor of getting our baby girl baptized. The day was so special for us. Amelia was not only baptized in the church we got married in and her daddy was baptized in but her gown was made out of my wedding dress. I will also mention it was on her 3rd month birthday! My aunt made Amelia's gown, she did a great job! I loved everything about it. I wanted it to look just like a tiny version of my wedding dress and it did!Amelia did a great job during the service. She was even cooing and smiling at Pastor Tews the whole time! I think I caught myself giggling and not listening once! I was just amazed at how well she did during the whole service!

My sister(right), Jen and my SIL were Amelia's sponsors .

I was so happy to have both of our sisters be a part of Amelia's special day!

Then after picture time my mother in law, Linda, hosted a little luncheon at church for our families/friends. This was a perfect time for everyone to see and meet little A. I was afraid Amelia would be a momma's girl again but she did great! She was passed around all day and didn't seem to mind it at all! I think she liked being held ALL THE TIME! We are now teaching her that she doesn't need to be held 24/7!

We had a wonderful time back in Indiana but it was also bittersweet. We got to spend all of our time my in-laws but we didn't get to see my parents. My parents moved to GA about 2 weeks after Amelia was born. My dad got a wonderful career offer and they couldn't pass it up. They couldn't make the trip to Indiana but my mom is going to come to us and get to spend a whole week with her granddaughter! They were so sad that they didn't make the trip but I told mom not to worry because when she comes here Amelia will be all hers! My mom liked the thought of not having to share Amelia with anyone! She misses our girl so much it just kills her.

I will do another post of the rest of our trip and Amelia's 3 month post.But I don't want this one to get any longer than what it already is!! But I will leave you with some other photos we snapped on Saturday and Sunday!

Apple Love

2011-04-13T08:47:00.001-05:00

Amelia is loving all things "Apple". She loves to stare at my iphone while I am holding her and last night the iPad read her part of a book. She sat in her bouncy seat and Deric held up the iPad.
Good thing her Daddy bought that iPad for "her",because she is going to get a lot of use out of it.

Don't worry this child has a TON of real books!! She is just getting into looking at them. Anything with bright colors she is loving!
Amelia is also loving her playmat. She is really getting good at reaching for the toys! She will play for about 20 to 30 minutes on it at a time! In the morning I put her on it and she just kicks and squeals! It is my favorite part of the day! Amelia usually wears herself out and falls asleep.... Like she just did as I write this! Lol

Over the weekend I made yet another dress! I was making one for Ana Kate and I had left over fabric and couldn't help but making Amelia one to match! They turned out great!! I have never made a dress like the one I made Ana Kate. I don't use a pattern I just go with it! It seems to work out!!!

Candace is going to get a picture of the girls in their matching dresses today. Ana Kate is going to love that she matches Amelia!I can't wait to see the dresses on!

We have a big weekend coming up so I am busy getting everything ready for that. So hence the lacking of photos! But don't worry I will have a TON of photos after the weekend!!

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Videos

2011-04-05T10:19:00.001-05:00

Since I have gotten my iphone I have been taking a video of Amelia almost everyday! I can't help it... she is too cute. Well, I have been bad about sharing them. So here are two that I have uploaded to "YouTube".
Enjoy!

Trust me I have plenty more to share, but I won't overdo it all at once! Yes, I know the video is a bit hard to see. I have been told by Deric to turn the phone while I tape. I guess I didn't realize it would have the black bars along each side. I mean it doesn't look like that while I am taking the video so how would I know! I will put a mental note in for the future.

Girls Weekend

2011-04-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

A week ago today Deric started a new job. He is still with the JB Hunt he just moved groups. He was so happy to get to move groups. He wasn't happy with his old position so it was a huge blessing when he was asked to move to another group. He started last Monday and by Thursday he was headed to Vegas for work. This new area he will be working in does require some travel. We sure did miss him while he was gone. He got home Sunday afternoon. He said he really enjoyed the trip you can read about it on his blog!

When I found out he was going to travel I asked my good friend Val to come stay with Amelia and I. I knew I needed a sitter for Saturday while I worked and I knew Val would jump all over that! We had such a great time with her. She came over Thursday night after she got off of work and stayed until Sunday afternoon.
Thursday we just hung out and played with Amelia. Friday we both worked and I had MOPS. Candace just took Amelia with her after MOPS until I got done with work about 4. After I picked up Amelia we came home and waited for Val to get off of work. We headed out to dinner at P.F.Chang's for dinner and then hit Target for some shopping! Dinner was great, I haven't eaten there in forever. Amelia was perfect and just hung out in her carseat while we ate. While at dinner we got planning our project we planned on doing. I wanted to make a headboard for the guest bedroom. The room is kinda blah and I wanted to brighten it up. After getting Amelia's nursery done I have had the itch to tackle another project!
Saturday, I worked and when I got home we all jumped in the truck and headed to JoAnn's Fabric. We had one open in Fayetteville a while ago and I hadn't gone yet. We found some really cute fabric not only for the headboard but for other projects as well! Before we headed home we stop for dinner at "Burger for Life", it was so YUMMY! We sat outside and ate it was so beautiful out!! Amelia loved taking her afternoon nap outside!

We got started on the headboard right away and it didnt' take long at all and looks soooo good! I love it! I was glad it was so easy to do. I don't know why I have waited for so long before I did it!

This morning while Amelia was napping I threw some pillows together. I am also plan on doing some curtains and rearranging the room. A dresser needs to come out of there and the bed moved around. So when I am all the way done I will post pictures of the finished project! But I have a great head start!

Sunday we woke up had pancakes and headed up to the salon so I could do Val's hair. I colored, trimmed and gave her some rocking bangs! I was jealous of her bangs so I cut mine too! I loved them when I did it the last time so I thought I should try it again! When we got home from the shop we had a photo session with Amelia outside because it was 81 degrees out and she was looking mighty cute!! I had to get her all dressed up to head to the airport to get Daddy!

Hope ya'll enjoyed a beautiful weekend! We are sure glad Daddy is home from his trip but we had a great time with Auntie Val!!!

Picture Post

2011-03-27T16:27:00.000-05:00

Not much going on in the Bidwell house. My first week back to work went well. Amelia was a good day both days with Candace. Yesterday, was Daddy day! Amelia was a good girl for her daddy which was good because I ended up working longer than what I expected. Needless to say I am glad it is the weekend and we can all be home together! I missed my girl so much!

Amelia wore her first pair of jean this week! She had to wear them with a cloth diaper because her little bum doesn't really fit in them yet. She is a skinny little thing! So don't let those cheeks fool ya! Speaking of cloth diapers, Amelia has been wearing them for the last couple of weeks while we are home! I am loving them and they aren't that much more work!

This girl and her sweet Daddy are the light of my life! I am blessed to have them both!

Just cause...

2011-03-24T10:46:00.001-05:00

Because my mommy thinks I am pretty cute!

Have a god day!!

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We did it!

2011-03-23T21:08:00.001-05:00

Today started off real rough. I may have sob in the shower. :) But as the day went on I was feeling a bit better. I really feel like all those prayers and good thoughts worked. I felt a peace of calm as I drove to drop Amelia off.
As soon as I got to Candace's Amelia was asleep. She didnt sleep long. She has been doing that lately. Naps only maybe 40 mins then wakes up and will dose off again. Anyhow, Ana Kate was all smiles when Amelia got there. She told Candace this morning that Amelia was her baby sister! She also kept telling Candace she wanted a baby at her house! Lol Cute girl!
Amelia had a great day and didn't cry hardly at all. So that makes me happy! She must have felt comfortable there! Candace even had a pack in play out for Amelia!
I had a client no show me today... Nice uh? I was ticked! I had about 12 other clients who would have loved that spot! So since I had almost 2 hours of down time I called back some clients and went and got Amelia! I had a haircut at 5 so I just took her with me to the salon and Deric came and got her.
I thought for sure I would get a sweet smile flashed at me when I picked her up. Oh no.... Not one smile maybe a little smirk! Oh well, she sleepy so I won't take it to hard! Although Candace started talking to her and she flashed a huge smile to her!! Lol But as I left their house This afternoon I did shred some tears but I held it together. I didn't cry at all durning work. Thanks to all of you who said a little prayer for me today!! It went so much better than what I thought! I just of course talked about her the WHOLE time! Oh and showed everyone ton of pictures! My station is covered with pics of our princess! :)

Here is a pic I snapped on my phone before I left Amelia with Candace.

Here is another pic I snapped while I was gettin ready for work. This girl loves her bouncy seat!

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Time is Up

2011-03-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

Here it is... maternity leave over. To be honest I don't know what I am going to do tomorrow. I know as I know my own name I will not be thinking about hair. I kinda feel sorry for my clients tomorrow. I have a full book tomorrow so hopefully I will just stay super busy. I have very mixed feelings about going back to work.
I thought I would be one of those mom's who wanted to work.... then maybe work part time. But now the more I think about it (all day long) the more I could just stay home with my girl and be totally ok with it.
I am usually getting ready for bed right now or in bed but I can't seem to get myself to go in the room. I don't want today to end because that means tomorrow I am away from Amelia. I am sure so many of you moms know what I am going thru...... right now it feels like pure hell. I am crying just thinking about dropping her off and driving away.
The times I have left Amelia, she just cries and cries.The main thing that I worry about is that when Amelia gets mad she gets MAD.... and it takes her awhile to calm down. Thankfully these moments don't happen very often. Mostly when she is sleepy or not feeling well. I am so afraid she isn't going to be good for Candace. Sweet Candace is keeping Amelia for us. She is such a wonderful friend and a great Mommy. I know she will be great to Amelia. I just hope Amelia can figure that out. Little A is such a momma's girl. Deric will pick her up and keep her for about 2 more hours. He is such a good daddy..... they will be fine.

I am only working part time thankfully. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday. I am not sure if I could handle anymore than that. Shoot, I don't even know if I can handle those three days!
I am not sure I can write that much more because I feel a good sob coming on...... just say a little prayer for me tomorrow. I am working 1 to about 7 tomorrow. The longest I have ever been away from our girl.

No, I don't have a picture to post tonight..... sorry. I am sure I will have some of tomorrow

2 Months

2011-03-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

Amelia is 2 months old... yesterday. I know I keep saying that time is flying by but it is so true. I am not ready for you to get any bigger!

Your Two Month Old stats

~ You weigh 8 pounds 14 ounces

~ You are 20 inches long... tiny girl

~You had to get 3 shots at your 2 month Well Baby Checkup. You cried for a little bit. But you were super sleepy and bit grumpy all day yesterday after your doctors appointment.

~You have been fighting a stuffy nose. It is either caused by allergies or a cold. Not really for sure.

~You are wearing some newborn outfits still but mostly 0-3 months. The 3 month clothes are still a bit big

~ I just moved you up to size 1 diapers.

~Yes, you are wearing disposable diapers still because you are tiny! Your cloth diapers come up so far on your belly you can't bend at the waist. Your Daddy and I feel bad for you when you are in a cloth diaper!

~You still are nursing really well about every 3 hours during the day.

~You will drink 4 to 5 oz of breastmilk out of a bottle.

~You sleep usually from 9pm to around 3 or 4am then back to sleep till 7am! But sometimes you make it all through the night. This makes momma so happy!!

~You are such a happy baby... you are the happiest in the morning

~Love to be talked and sang to

~You have started to smile really big and coo at us.

~Your blue eyes are just sparkle all day.... I love your eyes!

~You are loving your bath time but still hate lotion being applied

~ You like tummy time but haven't rolled over in awhile.

~Your favorite time is when we are out and about..... You get that from your momma!

~Your Aunt Jen and Uncle Blake came to see you. Blake thinks you are pretty sweet. You seemed to really like both of them. They love you to pieces.

~Next week will be your first time you will be babysat.... Mommy is having a hard time with this.

~You LOVE your Daddy! Every time he comes home you get so happy. You smile and talk to him so much.You probably like looking at someone other than me!

~The pups are loving you more and more. Divot is protective over you. He doesn't let you to far out of his site. Birdie napped/snuggled with you on the couch all day yesterday. It was the first time she got that close to you!

~ You sometimes nap in your crib but lately you think you need to be held during naps.

~ I am going to start putting you in your crib at bedtime but if you wake up in the night you will come in our room.

I know these next photos are pretty bad quality... but they are kinda funny. I had to share them. The lighting was horrible by the time we took pictures of Amelia. And well she had was OVER tired and sick of the photo shoot! We ended up taking this last night and I knew Amelia still wasn't feeling well due to her shots earlier in the day.

Paci out... world comes to an end!

"I'll just go to sleep, maybe they will leave me alone"

"Or they will just lay me down and still take photos...... parents"

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T17:17:00.000-05:00

We had Amelia's 2 month Well Baby check up today. It went well and she had to get some shots. So needless to say she is a bit grumpy and has a low fever due to the shots. I am holding off on her 2 month post till tomorrow. I am sure she is NOT in the mood for a photo shoot and changing clothes! She is nice a snuggled up in pjs. She has not wanted to be put down all day. So I have gotten nothing done today, but I don't mind, as long as my baby girl is happy. She seemed really happy right when we got home so I hurried and snapped some pictures of her in her St. Patty's outfit. Trust me that sweet smile didn't last long. She was ready for a long nap!