Look Mom! No Hands!

This is what we see every time we look at Virginia these days..............................................

Hand/hands in the mouth! Or fingers, arm, or whatever she can get in that little mouth of hers! We think she is beginning to teethe. She loves nothing more than to chew on anything she can get her little paws on. I've bought teething rings and toys, but they're all too big for her mouth. Not to mention, she'd much rather gnaw on her hands. Any advice/comments mom's? For now I let her have her hands.

Daddy loves this bib!

(Bibs are now being used on a regular basis because of all the DROOL! Definitely a sign of teething!)

The bib feels good on my gummies!

Double fisting it!

Even when she is smiling or laughing, the hands are in the mouth!

Hello? Are you still there?

I'm sure that's what some of you have been thinking if you've checked in on us. (Actually some of you have told me that's what you're thinking!) Not to fear, we're alive and well. I've just been bogged down with my motherly duties lately! Sometimes I love nothing more than just playing with my little nugget during the day than getting on the computer. Then other days, I'm scrambling to get as much accomplished while the princess sleeps to have time for other things.

Sadly my little girl is growing up. It's happening faster than I can keep up with. I feel like I need to be recording more and more of her every little move. So many people have told me about how fast time flies when you have a little one. I believe them now!

I'm including a few pictures of what's been going on with Missy Prissy lately. Here's my big girl!

Disclaimer: I have been learning about the many features on my camera lately, so the quality of some of these pictures will be a little fuzzy.

Hello Miss Bumbo! Does anyone else love their babies Bumbo seat? I do! Miss Priss does too. Virginia has been holding her head up on her own very well now for some time. Since she is strengthening her neck muscles, we decided to try out the Bumbo. We thought she looked hilarious in it! I think she did pretty good for a 3 month old.

Such a strong girl!

Daddy and Virginia

Twins! (sorry about the fuzziness)

Check back in soon for another update on how much V is changing! Love to all!

G-Parents & Picnics

Hello all! Hope you had a fabulous weekend, because we did! Eric's parents, JimPa & LiLi, came to visit. It was so great to see them and spend some quality time together. We usually don't get to spend too much one-on-one time alone with them, since we have such a big family. That's ok, we wouldn't have it any other way!

Friday afternoon LiLi arrived minus JimPa. He was flying into Atlanta from his trip to San Antonio that night. Eric picked his dad up at the airport while we girls did a little shopping. Any visit from LiLi wouldn't be complete without a trip to "The Maxx!" If you know LiLi very well, you will know her love affair with "The Maxx." Needless to say it was a successful trip to The Maxx. We all three scored some great finds! After our shopping excursion, we were a bit hungry, so I suggested an eatery that Mobile no longer has, Cock of the Walk. LiLi was very excited to eat there, since it had been a while since she'd been at Cock of the Walk. We enjoyed our fried catfish, cole slaw, hush puppies, marinated onions, and of course, cornbread! Well, I shouldn't say we enjoyed all of that, because sadly, I could only eat the catfish. Some of you may know this, but I am on a no dairy diet because of Virginia. The pediatrician thinks she may have a dairy intolerance. So, that limits me to what I can and cannot eat when we go out. It may sound awful, but I've learned to live with it.

Anyways, back to the story.......We headed home to get ready for JimPa and Eric to arrive. They finally got home and we loved seeing them, even though Virginia was already out for the count. Saturday morning we got up and played with Virginia until it was time for the men to head out for the Alabama game. Eric and JimPa left for Tuscaloosa that morning while we girls stayed in Auburn. We enjoyed being lazy and staying in our p.j.'s for a good part of the morning. I find myself in my p.j.'s a good part of each day when I'm home with Miss Priss! We finally got out of the house that afternoon for another round of shopping. We hit up quite a few stores during our outing. Virginia did well for the most part of our shopping adventures. She was only fussy when she was hungry and tired. I think she likes to shop! She told me she likes The Maxx and Target the best! We finally made it home later that night, just in time for the guys to come back. Virginia stayed up this time and welcomed them home with us. I think she was happy to see them, even though they smelled like football!

Sunday morning we all got ready to go our separate ways. Eric's company picnic was that day and his parents were heading home. We said our good-byes and all got on the road. Eric works for the Emory Clark-Holder Clinic in LaGrange, Georgia. The company picnic was held at Butts Mill Farm in Pine Mountain, Georgia. I really didn't know what to expect when Eric told me about this place. Once we got there, I was amazed at how much there was to do. This place would be so fun to have a family reunion, class party, or church event. There is something for everyone, well, unless you have a 3 month old who is confined to her stroller! That's ok, the highlight of my day was getting out of the house and taking a road trip. When Virginia is old enough, Butts Mill Farm will be such a fun place to take her to. The picnic was a great success. The food was good and I got to meet some of the people from Eric's office. Later in the day, Eric played and sang with one of the doctors from his clinic. Unfortunately, I was in the car nursing Virginia for the good part of the "mini concert." Virginia and I showed up just in time for the last song. Although she couldn't see him, I think she recognized that voice that was singing! All in all, it was a good day to be outside.

I sat in the back with Virginia on the way to the picnic. She looked so sweet and peaceful in her carseat, that I just couldn't help but snap a picture.

Hanging out in the stroller!

Hello Mom!

Hope you're enjoying this nice fall weather like we are. Wish it felt this good year round! Happy fall!

Friends & Family Visit

It's been a few days (I've been told!) since I've blogged about what's going on in our little world. We've been pretty busy around here lately! First, it started out this past weekend and all the guests we had. Next, it was followed by a visit from my brother, who by the way, got to meet Virginia for the first time! So now we're finally slowing down and getting into our routine.

Friday night was pretty uneventful. The three of us went to eat at a great chicken place called Jim Bob's. It was great! Jim Bob's reminded us of another great chicken place that we both loved in Tuscaloosa called Willie T's. I wanted to go somewhere that wouldn't be so loud and busy (gameday weekend in Auburn tends to get pretty crazy) so that Virginia wouldn't be so over stimulated. We took a chance on Jim Bob's and we were in luck! Friday night seems to be "blue-haired night" (as Eric calls senior citizens) at Jim Bob's! Needless to say Eric and I were probably the youngest married couple in the place. It was the nice quiet atmosphere that we all three needed! Here is a picture of good ol' Jim Bob's!

(Sorry this picture didn't exactly come out right, but you get the idea!)

Saturday we had a slew of visitors! First, my sister and her boyfriend came by for a few hours to hang out before going to the Auburn game. We enjoyed their visit. Rachel was glad to see Virginia and get to play with her for a little while. Eric and Jeff (Rachel's boyfriend) talked football and tried to be nice when talking about each others team! Unfortunately Jeff is an Auburn fan and has slowly turned Rachel into one too. Oh well, my Dad and brother are Gator fans, so I guess I can't say anything!

After Rachel and Jeff left, we enjoyed the rest of our evening together. When the Auburn game was over, our dear friends Matt and Brady came to spend the night with us. We had not seen them since our move, so it was good to catch up. Sorry no pictures of the visitors.

Sunday, our friends Brad and Makenzi came by to catch up too. We loved visiting with them and hearing about all their exciting baby news!

That afternoon, my brother, Eric (yes, my brother and my husband have the same name!) came to stay with us. Brother lives in Portland, Oregon and was home for a wedding. Thankfully he was able to squeeze in some time and come meet his new niece. I have been looking forward to this day since Virginia was born. Brother and Laura (Eric's sister) were the only immediate family members who weren't able to be at the hospital when Virginia was born. I loved having Brother here and I know Virginia did too, even though she cried every time he held her. I kept reassuring him that she really did like him, that she just tends to be fussy every now and then. I did capture some shots of Brother and his favorite niece. Sorry about the quality of the pictures, I was playing with different settings on my camera.

Brother holding Virginia for the first time. Can you see her working those lungs?

Virginia showed Uncle Eric how much she loves her play mat.

I did capture a moment when she wasn't crying! Looks like she's smiling!

Mommy, is that you I hear?

We enjoyed our visit with Brother. He stayed until Monday evening and was able to help me out while I ran errands that afternoon. We miss him already! Maybe next time he comes to visit, Virginia won't be so fussy!

Colors, Sounds, and Shapes! Oh My!

Last night while Eric was out playing basketball, Virginia and I had a little fun of our own! LiLi recently purchased a tummy time mat for Virginia to play on. We all kept noticing how much more alert she was and how well was she was following objects. So, we thought she would love one of these. When she first was put on the mat, she didn't fall in love with it immediately. I decided to give it another try last night. We had just given Virginia her bath, fed her, and now she was ready to play. I placed Virginia on the mat and she noticed the toys hanging down from the mat first thing. She began to coo and ooo at the toys just a little. After that her arms and legs started moving frantically! I felt like she was going to take off at any moment! She was loving the toys, colors, and sounds of the mat. So, of course what did I do? Get the camera! How could I not capture this moment. I'm sure some of you are thinking, big deal, plenty of kids play on their mats numerous times a day and do the same thing. Well, when it's your child, it's always a big deal! :) Here are some pictures from "tummy time with Virginia!"

Mesmerized by the sounds, colors, and shapes.

Trying to reach out and touch the butterfly!

Can you see those little legs hidden beneath her outfit? Kick! Kick!

It looks like she's directing the music here.

I believe this is where she was talking to the toys!

To the doctor WE will go!

Thursday was Virginia's 2 month doctor visit. I can't believe it's been 2 months (9 weeks to be exact) since our little bundle of joy came into our lives. What a joy she's been.

Virginia had an appointment with Dr. David Smalley at the Pediatric Clinic here in Auburn. Eric and I were so sad to leave our pediatricians in Mobile, because we loved them so much, (NOTE: If you live in Mobile and have a child under the age of 18, I HIGHLY recommend visiting Children's Medical Group. Great group of doctors who truly "love" on your child.) but Dr. Smalley has a special place in my heart. Dr. Smalley was my pediatrician when I was a toddler. My family lived in Auburn for 3 years when I was little. Dr. and Mrs. Smalley were in our church in Auburn and also were great friends with my parents. When I found out that we were moving to Auburn, I knew who I wanted Virginia to see, Dr. Smalley. My dad contacted Dr. Smalley and asked him if he'd take on one more child. He gladly obliged!

Thursday I showed up at Dr. Smalley's office with a small army. Virginia brought an entourage that included her Gigi (my mother), Papa Rock (my dad), and Aunt Amy (Eric's sister). Oh, and I came along too! :) Originally it was just going to be Mother and me, since Eric couldn't get off work to come. Then Dad decided he'd take off work to come so he could "help" and see Dr. Smalley. Aunt Amy made a last minute trip up to Auburn on Thursday morning, so she got to go too. Needless to say, the exam room was PACKED with 5 adults all for one little girl! Mom and Dad had such a great time reminiscing with Dr. Smalley and catching up with one another. He ended up staying in our room for about 45 minutes just visiting with us. Dr. Smalley was so good with Virginia and very thorough. The only bad thing about this visit was that Virginia got 4 shots! :( It was so sad. I asked the nurse if I could take them for her. She said I wasn't the only parent who has asked that before. Thanks to our family photographer, Aunt Amy, for capturing these special moments.

All undressed and ready to see the doctor.

Before Dr. Smalley came in, Virginia was entertaining us with her ooing and cooing!

Telling Mommy something funny, I'm sure! :)

Talking with Dr. Smalley about Virginia's progress so far.

Virginia became very fussy right before her check-up. I think she knew what was coming. :(

Mom took Virginia since she was fussing so much. Dr. Smalley getting ready to check her out.

Listening to that precious heartbeat.

Virginia didn't like all the poking and prodding.

She also didn't like all the squeezing and pushing.

Mommy trying to comfort her girl while Dr. Smalley checks the tummy.

All in all, the appointment went well, even though Virginia had to get some shots. One highlight of our visit was finding out how much weight Virginia had gained. At her 1 month visit she weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces. Virginia weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces during this visit. Praise the Lord for weight gain!

And then there were two....

Today Eric started his new job. Virginia and I were spoiled all last week when Eric was able to stay home with us before he started his new job. The three of us enjoyed spending time in our new home and learning our way around Auburn. Now it's just the two of us (Virginia and I) at home. Although I missed having an extra pair of hands to help me out, I am glad to get into our little routine. The only big thing we accomplished today (besides V eating, sleeping, and pooping!) was a trip to the bank and the cleaners. Thankfully these were both "drive-thru" locations so I didn't have to get Virginia out. This made for an easy outing. If only they could make the grocery store and TJ Maxx drive thru, I'd be set!

Here are some pictures from the weekend. Mom and I dressed Virginia up for an afternoon of shopping on Saturday. We left Dad at home to enjoy watching his Gators play!

Is this child a Blackman or what?