Birthday Girl

Has it really been since the middle of June since I last posted? Wow! So sorry! Our lives have been such a whirlwind since then. Between going out of town, prepping for V's first birthday party, and tending to a sick baby, I've not had the time nor felt like blogging lately. But, we're home, Virginia is well, and life is slowly getting back to normal.

SO much has gone on since I last blogged, but I won't try to catch you up on ALL of it! Just the high points. First and foremost, my sweet angel is now one year old! I can't believe it's been a whole year since we first met her. Time does really fly when you're tending to a baby. These are some of my favorite memories from each month that Virginia has been alive. I was planning on printing these and putting them up at V's party, but I'll explain why later.

Right after Virginia was born, July 8, 2009

August 2009

September 2009

October 2009

November 2009

December 2009

January 2010

February 2010

March 2010

April 2010

May 2010

June 2010

July 2010

I look back at those pictures and can't believe we've been through a whole year. And oh, how she's changed! Although she looks so much bigger/chunkier, Virginia's still a peanut. I love my peanut just the same. She's built like her mama, and that's fine with me.

For about 2 months, I began getting ideas and prepping for Virginia's first birthday. I should've known all that planning was a little too much for what was to come. Little did I know.

Two days before Virginia's birthday, she got sick to her stomach. I thought it might have been something we ate (I'm still nursing) and that it would go away by morning. The next morning, Virginia was burning up with fever. We called the doctor and he told us to give her tylenol and luke warm baths throughout the day. We followed the doctors orders and the fever had still not gone away 24 hours later. So, we found ourselves in the doctors office on Virginia's birthday. Not for a year check-up, but to treat a sick baby. What a way to spend your first birthday. This was the first time she had EVER been sick in her life. I'm so thankful that this was the first time we've had to visit the doctor for a sickness related issue. After a complete check-up, the doctor diagnosed Virginia with a fever virus. He told us it could last 3 to 5 days. My mind began to race. 5 days! Oh no! Her party was in 2 days.

We took our girl home to get her well. Virginia was such a sweet patient. Lots of cuddling and snuggling with Mommy and Daddy during this sick time. She rallied and we thought she'd be better by party time on Saturday, but then the fever spiked once again. We called all the partygoers and cancelled the formal party. Some of our family had come into town for the weekend and was planning on staying, so we decided to have a very small, family only, at home party.

The day of the party, Virginia woke up feeling pretty good. She was so very sweet and playful that morning, but the nasty fever still lurked. After a good nap, she awoke to find all her immediate family around and ready to celebrate her birthday. Virginia was so calm and reserved while she (we) opened presents. (I can tell you that now, she is LOVING all those presents!) After present time, we attempted to have cake. I was looking forward to what Virginia would do with her cake. Once again, overestimated my expectations. Virginia wanted nothing to do with the cake. She was so tired and still feeling very crummy. As you can tell, this is what she thought of her cake. Poor thing.

Everyone crammed into our little rental home to have some yummy cake and ice cream!

The Birthday Girl in her new chair from JimPa and LiLi

Can you tell someone didn't feel too well?

Although, we did get a smile here and there while opening presents.

Taking a short ride in her birthday gift from Mommy and Daddy

Someone didn't feel good enough to even take a picture with Mommy and Daddy

So much for fun cake pictures. This is as close as she got to it all day.

Up from a long nap, and feeling much better

So much for all that planning and prepping for Virginia's first birthday. Goes to show, the little ones really do make the rules! :) Maybe we'll have a "pinkalicious" 2nd birthday as well! She'll probably enjoy it more anyway.

Sadly our little muffin didn't recover until the following week. 7 days of fever and a sick baby is no fun. Hopefully this will be all the sickness we will experience for a while. Since then, I've had a hard time getting myself, home, and life back in order. These are the days that I wish we still lived closer to family. A little help please! Hopefully where ever you are, everyone is happy and well in your family. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Take me out to the ball game

"Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, I don't care if I never get back, Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don't win it's a shame. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game."

Don't you just love the backdrop of the Atlanta downtown skyline

That tune was playing in my head last Monday evening as we stepped onto Georgia Tech's baseball field to watch the Crimson Tide take on the Yellow Jackets, in the regional baseball championship. It was a beautiful day/evening to be outside for a game. A tad bit warm, but once the sun went down, it felt like a wonderful fall evening.

The great thing about living in LaGrange is that we can be in Atlanta in an hour and fifteen minutes. Since Alabama was playing in the final game for the Atlanta regional, we decided to head up for the game. We weren't real sure what to expect with Virginia. This was her first sporting event/Alabama game, so I wasn't looking forward to what might to come. Thankfully, Virginia is an easy baby and she loves to watch people, so it turned out alright. I knew she would love seeing all the people, hearing the sounds of the game, but I didn't expect her to be fascinated by the guy behind us yelling at the top of his lungs. This young man (an Alabama fan I might add) was very vocal throughout the duration of the game. By vocal, I mean yelling about everything! If something bad happened, he let the ump know. If something good happened, he let the team know. In other words, he was the unofficial Alabama cheerleader. Virginia thought he was amazing! So weird! Here's what she would do when our friend (who was DIRECTLY behind me, IN my ear!) would give a yell.

He wasn't as bad as he sounds, but at least he kept V entertained. In between innings, the young man would talk to Virginia and try to be sweet to her, which she loved! She's such a ham.

Daddy and his sweet Crimson Tide girl

I love how she's leaning forward like all the rest of the men around us!

I was so proud of how well Virginia did during the game. We only had to get up twice to walk around with her, and both those times was just because we wanted to stretch our legs. Sadly, we had to leave around the 6th inning. That was just about all the baseball my little nugget could handle. It was way past her bedtime and she was starting to let us know. We were pulling out of the parking lot and I looked back to check on Virginia, and she was already asleep. Poor thing. We wore her out! She slept all the way to LaGrange. When we got home, I slipped her into her pajamas and she went right back to sleep.

Watching everyone as they walk by

It was a great little excursion for the three of us. I love that when we want to get away, a place like Atlanta is not so far. There are advantages to living in a small town after all!

Milestones

Milestone- (noun) a significant point in development

Life is marked by special milestones within our lives. The first time we talk, walk, ride a bike, drive a car, etc. This weekend was no exception in our household.

Friday, Virginia was a little more fussy than usual, and I couldn't figure out why. She was clingy, had somewhat of a runny nose, and just didn't feel like herself. Eric came home for lunch and we were both sort of puzzled as to why she was so cranky. Then, I checked her mouth. Sure enough, a tooth had emerged in her sweet little mouth! We were so excited! We tried to open her mouth to get a good look, but Virginia doesn't like for anyone to explore in her mouth, unless you have food. We finally pried her mouth open and saw the small white tooth on her bottom gums. Finally, a tooth! We were thrilled!

That evening we left for my parents house, in Wetumpka. Saturday was my 10 year high school reunion, in Montgomery. Yes, another milestone. During the day Saturday we visited with my parents, sister, and uncle. We had a great time playing with Virginia and eating yummy chicken and dumplings. When Virginia got up from her nap, she and mom were playing in the floor of the living room. Mom began to crawl around and try to get Virginia to follow her. Virginia just thought her GiGi looked silly on all fours! They played and played, until finally we saw this......

Please excuse the commentary and all the applause. We were just a little excited! :)

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we have a CRAWLER! Mom says that she is the reason Virginia learned to crawl, because her GiGi taught her. We'll see about that! :) We were amazed and so excited! I was glad that this happened while we were at my parents house. I wouldn't say that Virginia has "mastered" crawling, but she can get around. Now it's time to baby-proof the house. Eric and I think that she won't crawl very long, because she is pulling up on EVERYTHING around her. She loves to stand once she gets up on something. This is what I found Monday afternoon when I went to get her from her nap.

Not only is she standing up in her bed, check out that mop!

Somebody slept hard, can't you tell?

Teeth, crawling, and a 10 year reunion all in one weekend. We definitely won't forget this weekend for years to come. Have a great week.

I am Warrior. Hear me....Squeal!

There are no words for this picture. I laugh and smile every time I see it! Eric ran in the Warrior Dash this weekend in north Georgia. This was one of his prizes for running. He decided that V might look good as a warrior as well. My Dad said she looks like a Viking with snuff in her mouth! I'd love to know what she was thinking as Eric snapped this picture. Who knows. You decide!

Whirlwind Weekend

Lately, our weekends have been pretty busy. I can't remember the last time the three of us were home, with nothing to do. This weekend was no exception. We left late Thursday evening headed to Mobile. By late, I mean, we didn't get to Mobile until 1:30 a.m. Late, huh? Originally we planned to leave Friday morning, but Thursday night worked out fine.

The reason for our trip was to celebrate Eric's Grandmother's 70th birthday. Family from all over came in for this wonderful occasion. It was so good to see people we don't get to visit with often. We celebrated Eric's Grandmother by having a yummy dinner at Felix's Fish Camp restaurant on Mobile Bay. The food, as always, was divine, and the scenery was beautiful.

Virginia with her Great Aunt Amy

Virginia was fascinated by her cousin Olivia

Eric's mom, Aunt Tracey, Aunt Amy, and Grandmother

Virginia and her Great-Grandmother, The Birthday Girl

The rest of the weekend was spent lazing around and having fun with our family. We attempted the pool, but I opted to get out quick! The water is just not warm enough yet, for me. Eric and Virginia didn't seem to mind.

We left early Sunday morning headed back to LaGrange. Eric had an event to play at on the square, in downtown LaGrange, that evening. The event was a viewing party for Extreme Makeover Home Edition, that was broadcast Sunday night. Back in February, a family from Pine Mountain, Georgia, (not far from LaGrange) was chosen for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition show. (the link tells more about the Williams' family) Eric's medical group, Emory Clark-Holder Clinic, was the official medical provider for the week long build. Eric worked a shift and was able to be at the site for the final reveal. Yes, he was there to yell, MOVE THAT BUS! The downtown alliance in LaGrange thought it would be a good idea to show the William's episode on the square Sunday night. Before the showing, Eric and group of guys entertained everyone with some great music. Virginia and I brought our blankets and came to the square to listen to Daddy play and sing. The weather was great and it was so nice to be outside. Virginia LOVES to hear Eric play and sing, so this was a double treat for her. We played on the blankets and she ate her Cheerios when she got bored.

V listening to Daddy sing

My cute husband singing his heart out!

There was even a clown, making balloon animals for children

This is First Baptist Church on the Square

Loving those Cheerios

This couple was swing dancing

We had a great time this past weekend, as busy as it was. Now, we're hoping to slow down a bit and enjoy our week at home. More company coming this weekend! Happy Tuesday!

Oh Mama!

Laundry, cooking, cleaning, bathing, changing (everything), shopping, loving, hugging, kissing. Do any of you have these descriptions under your job title? I do and I gladly accept all of them as my duties. That's the life of a mommy. Whether you're a stay-at-home mama, like myself, or a working mama, those duties fall into your category if you like it or not! I'm very thankful that I can stay at home and tend to our house, but most importantly, take care of and nurture Virginia. God has blessed us so that I can be the mom I've always longed to be.

This past weekend, we celebrated Mother's Day. Eric's parents and sister were up and it was so nice to have them in our home. I know Eric was proud to have his Mom here for Mother's Day. He and Virginia made my first Mother's Day very special and one I will never forget. I am so blessed to have 2 women in my life that I can call Mother. My own Mother (whom I got to celebrate the weekend before Mother's Day) and Eric's mom. Two loving and gracious women who are leaving a legacy of Christ to those around them. I am thankful for the example that they are to me.

Laundry is just one of the duties a mom has to take care of. Maybe your husband or children (if they're old enough) also help out with laundry too. Eric usually leaves the laundry to me and I really don't mind. Lately, I've had some help..............

She's actually a good helper! She loves to find the socks and wave them around. I can't wait for the day that she can help!

I've been reading a book that my mother gave me called, "Taking Care of the Me in Mommy," by Lisa Whelchel. You may have heard of Lisa Whelchel before. She was on a little show called "The Facts of Life." She played the beautiful Blair Warner on the show that ran through the 80's. This book has really taught me that I need to nourish my spiritual and emotional self to become a better wife and mother. In one of the chapters on prayer, it offered suggestions on when and how to pray during the day, for your family. One of the examples happened to be during laundry time! Here's an excerpt from the book:

Folding Laundry Prayers

• Husband's undershirts- Pray for integrity.
• Your nightgowns- Pray for unity in marriage.
• Son's pants- Pray for physical protection in all his roughhousing and tumbles. (Don't have a son, but good to know!)
• Daughter's shirts- Pray for modesty.
• Socks- Pray for God to be the Lord of their lives from the top of their head to the soles of their feet.
• Panties and briefs (or as my husband says, Your Draws!)- Pray for purity, protection, and future reproductive health.

As I fold our laundry, I want to remember these tidbits on prayer. Even though folding laundry seems like a meaningless task sometimes, find joy in the simple things in life. And while you're at it, pray for someone or something as you do it. God wants to hear from us at all times of the day, not just at mealtime and bedtime. I hope you find special and unusual times/tasks that remind you to talk to God.

Can you tell she had just woken up?

Still sleepy and loving snuggling up to the warm laundry.

SURPRISE!

Sorry I've been so late getting back to you guys! Once you come home from a weekend away, it takes a day or so to get back in the swing of things. Between laundry, V, and getting ready for my in-laws to come this weekend, I've been a busy mama!

Without further ado, here's the surprise my parents got on Saturday.............................................

MY BROTHER!

My Mom would probably make me apologize for my brother and his wild hair/looks. All I can say is, that's Eric!

My brother surprised my parents and flew home from Portland, Oregon. He is helping a friend move out to Portland, so he flew home on Friday. Eric (My brother and my husband have the same name. Confusing when we all get together) left today on a cross country trip with his buddy Andy. It should take them about 3 days to get there. We were so glad to see Eric! He hasn't been home since Christmas, so we enjoyed our short time we had with him.

Side note......I really need a personal photographer with me at all times. The picture above is the ONLY shot I got of my brother and Virginia all weekend, and it was taken with my Iphone. I'm too busy being a mom to get my camera out of the bag. Someone help or offer advice!

V and her GiGi

My Daddy and Eric (my husband!) played in the church golf tournament Saturday, so Virginia and I got hang out with my Mom, Eric (my brother), and Uncle Jacky all day. It was so fun. We went to a new market/cafe called Catherine's at Crossroads. It's just above Lake Martin, after you cross the Kowaliga Bridge. Catherine's reminded me so much of Naman's Midtown Market that used to be in Mobile. The food was so yummy and we loved sitting outside feeling the nice cool breeze while we ate. Virginia loved being the life of the party! She was a little unsure of Uncle Eric at first, but she warmed up to him after a while.

We returned home and got ready for the golfers to come back. We prepared the steaks and shrimp for Eric to grill once they got back. Little did we know, the steak and shrimp was actually a victory meal for Daddy and Eric! Their team won the golf tournament! My Daddy was told by many church members the next day, that Eric couldn't come back and play next year! The rest of the evening was filled with good food, fun, and laughter. I loved having my brother home. I told him that he needed to be closer so he could watch his niece grow up. Hopefully God will work that out and bring him home soon!

Sorry if you were expecting some shocking surprise/news. Really, we're not pregnant and we're not moving again! At least I've not been informed of that yet!

This weekend we are waiting the arrival of Eric's family. The whole fam dam, minus Jeff, is coming to LaGrange. Should be another fun weekend of fun and laughter! I'm sure you'll find out about it soon enough. Happy Wednesday!