Pictures from Bryan's birthday

The Gift

I don't think I've mentioned that Wii we got a we Wii, but Wii we did.

(The story is kind of funny...I'll let you in on the short version because I'm really posting to tell you about something else.)

Addi's birthday was the day after we left Raleigh, so Bryan and I took her to Toys R Us and told her she could pick a gift. I was, naturally, practicing easy let-downs like, "Sweetie, I know we said you could pick your birthday present, but it just isn't practical to spend $500 on a life-size, talking horse." Or, "Why don't you try and narrow down your selections to the two you like best." Instead, we roamed the whole store and she ooohed and aaahed enough to make me repeat my let-downs a few times in my head, but ended up saying the one present she wanted was a Barbie movie that had (fortunately for us) been marked down to $9.99.

So, we bought a Wii with the leftovers. It was supposed to be Bryan's birthday present. However, I couldn't just let his big day go by without giving him something to open.

The girls and I set out this morning to find him a golf game he ooohed and aaahed about when the Starrs enlightened us to its existence this weekend. It took us four tries, but we finally found a store with one left. I almost jumped up and down!

The game was technically from Libby. Addi planned on buying him a plastic snow globe that can have pictures inserted in the middle. I bought one when I was in college from Old Navy and we still have it hanging around containing oh-so-young-looking pictures of Bryan and me. She loves it and keeps it in her room. I told her that I probably bought it ten years ago and we would have a hard time finding another. She ended up settling for a glass and ceramic snow globe from Target. And this one plays songs!

I'm positive Bryan was equally excited about both presents. In fact, I can hear the music from that little snow globe drifting through the house as I type this...or, maybe that's the Wii!?!

The best gift of the night isn't one Bryan received though.

Bryan is a gift for the girls and me. He's a wonderful father and husband. We couldn't find one any better...no matter how many stores we visited! The Lord blessed us with him and he will be a blessing to this new little one we will be meeting soon.

I love you, B. The girls adore you. Can't wait to see what the next 32 years bring your way.

I'm Back

So, we had the internet connection working and then, wouldn't you know it, I was checking email one day and the screen went black. Turns out my LCD screen had to be replaced and that was done on Friday afternoon. But, we weren't home when it was replaced and then we weren't home yesterday...all these Family Obligations :) That is why I'm posting a few days after I could have.

First of all, thank y'all for your sweet comments and your prayers. We're still adjusting and I know we will be for a while. I haven't lived in 3 different states and experienced 4 different moves since I was married 7 1/2 years ago to not learn that the adjustment takes a while! I do think it is a little easier for me this time because, with the exception of the town we live in, everywhere else we go is familiar. That isn't the case for the rest of my family, but it's helping me. And, of course, the fact that we moved to an area where almost all of our family lives and a lot of our old friends live is tremendously comforting.

We drove to Tyler (in east TX) and had a wonderful Thanksgiving. On Friday, we watched the Aggies BTHOtu at my parents' house. My mom kept the girls entertained by making gingerbread houses with them. Honestly (and I know, I'm a 2-%er), I had already planned out what stores I could visit during the second half when I could no longer bare(bear, which is it??) to watch our beating. As it turned out, I have yet to capture a great bargain this sale weekend. I'd much rather have it this way. I'd give up free shoes to watch the Aggies beat tu! Yesterday, I did attempt to score a deal on some Christmas decorations, but I found the worst Garden Ridge ever built and couldn't bring myself to spend any of Bryan's hard-earned money at it. Then, last evening we celebrated Bryan's birthday with his parents, sister, bil, niece, and nephew. It was great fun watching the 3 older kids follow each other around the house and to see what our little Baby P will be doing this time next year since Rachel is about the age he/she will be.

We have a busy week planned with Bryan's birthday on Monday, a trip to Belton to see dear friends on Tuesday, a trip to Canton on Friday (I couldn't believe when I Googled 1st Monday a Wikipedia article came up - they're big time!), and a family Christmas party and a birthday party on Saturday. I'm not sure when I'll get Christmas shopping in with how quickly our calendar is filling up!...maybe I can get it all done on Friday. Bryan will roll his eyes when he reads that :) Growing up in East Texas, his recollections of First Monday are not of the shoppers paradise it is today.

And, oh yeah, I also have to take care of the speeding ticket I got 4 days after we moved here. Welcome to Frisco! Of course, in order to do that I first have to have my car registered and get my Texas driver's license. I found out that helpful information after I sat in a nasty waiting room for an hour the other day. And, because I'm a first-born-girl-rule-follower (or I'm just nuts and am trying to blame all my quirks on something), I have to let you know this is my first speeding ticket of my driving career. I should probably also add that I've been pulled over several other times for speeding, however, I left with only warnings. So, I deserved it, but it's still a pain!

Here are some pictures of our house and a few of the girls. I think there's even one of my reflection in there...maybe you can tell how much bigger I've gotten since you've seen me last :)

the front of our house - I wanted to get it all for y'all, but it is so cold and wet here, I couldn't make myself walk as far out as I needed to - left windows are the study, right windows are the dining room with Libby's room above and our room is to the right of dining room

the girls standing in front of the door - I thought their expressions below were funny, I caught them right as the scarecrow fell over :)

standing in our entryway


dining room with pictures all over the table - I hope they aren't staying there :)

breakfast area/kitchen

living room with pictures propped against the walls

master bedroom - the bath is a really dark blue

our cute little half bath - even the toilet handle matches the light fixture, we'll just have to switch out the faucet and doorknob (most of the doorknobs on the first floor match that light fixture)

You can see whose room this is - she wanted the purple one even after she saw Libby's - that door leads to the bathroom she shares with Libby, which she thinks is really neat :)

Libby Lu's room - both the girls' rooms need bedding and pictures/shelves up on the wall

I didn't get a picture of the baby's room, the study, the playroom or the other bathrooms. The girls bathroom is the same purple as Addi's bedroom. And, those other rooms are a mess. I'm sure you'll see pictures of the baby's room once she/he gets here.

I suppose now I must go and hang some pictures :)...or help Bryan purge the playroom in preparation for Christmas.

a short update

Well, we're here in Frisco. Our household goods were delivered last Friday and we had a get-together today with some family and friends.

And, no, the boxes are not all unpacked and the house is not all put together, but we have understanding family and friends.

The girls are doing well. Libby had a few days of asking to go back home. She started sleeping in a toddler bed (without rails) on Saturday night and didn't fall out all week. She's sleeping in her new big-girl bed (with rails) right now...she wouldn't even let me cover her up :(

Addi has had a harder time. She keeps talking about how much she misses her friends and has drawn them all pictures and written in cards for them. I have to get some stamps so we can get those in the mail. But, we met a family behind us today and they have a little girl only a few days older than Addi. They also moved from NC last year and have 2 year-old twin girls. Hopefully all our girls will get along because they would make wonderful playmates.

Bryan is liking the new office. The girls and I got to see "where Daddy works" on Monday and were impressed by the kitchen...maybe it will inspire him to take his lunch instead of going out to eat every day!

I had an appointment with my new OB on Thursday and I loved her! I've never (with 4 different OBs in 3 different states) had another one ask how I'd like my labor and delivery to go...you know, how they say it will happen in the books :) This one did and she was so nice. She really took her time with me and seemed fine that I had both girls at the appointment. *a revealing look at how pathetic I can be below*

Baby P is great! Moving and grooving...so everyone says. He/She doesn't seem to be as active as I remember Libby being, but the doctors and sonogram technicians all talk about how much he/she moves. I have another appointment/ultrasound/gestational diabetes test in 3 weeks and then I start going every 2 weeks. I can't believe we're already at that point in this pregnancy! Things are going to really fly now, especially with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years coming up.

I felt a little sad when everyone left today and had to remind myself that I could see them again tomorrow, if I wanted. It was a strange, but nice feeling.

Our wireless is not quite working, even with all the hard work from Uncle Clay (thanks again, Clay!), but I'm online, our phones work, and we are gettting all our mail, we think :) I plan on catching up with communications this week. At least during the beginning of this week since the later part is Thanksgiving and a day dedicated to football. I've added a few shots of our last few weeks...I know some of y'all only care about the pictures anyway!

*I don't think I've even told Bryan this, but I have yet to change my watch to the correct time. In fact, we left on the Saturday before the time change, so now my watch is 2 hours ahead. Everytime I decided I'm being ridiculous, I just can't make myself change the time to Texas time. And, yes, I know it is even correct North Carolina time anymore. I'll change it one of these days. Now I just really confuse myself when I'm in a hurry and glance at my watch :)

1 down, 1 to go

I'm sitting here in a hotel room in Raleigh listening to airplanes fly overhead and the sweet sleeping noises of Libby Lu. Despite Addi falling asleep on the way here, she is wide awake trying to perform gymnastic stunts in her bed.

Our movers finished about 6:30 tonight and we waved as the truck drove away with all our stuff. Libby has probably said she wanted to go home and/or wanted her bed 10 times since then. Addi's been fine, especially since she got to play with Isabelle a little tonight. I broke down in our front yard when it was time for Bryan to leave. But, really it doesn't seem like we're doing anything but taking one of our twice yearly trips to Texas. Our flight is tomorrow around noon. Bryan is still on the road with Zoe...he has hotel reservations in Atlanta. He plans on making the rest of the trip tomorrow, so we should all be reunited at some point tomorrow.

I'll let you know more when I get a chance.

If only we could've thought of a name without a "d"

Today Addison's preschool class celebrated her birthday and gave her a good-bye card with all of their handprints and names. After I read her the inscription and each name on the card, she asked about her new preschool. I told her she would start at her new preschool as soon as there was an opening and asked her (purely from my own curiousity) if she wanted to go by Addison or Addi in her new class. She said, with much expression, "Oh...Addi! I'm so tired of writing all those "d's"!" She was a little quiet when I reminded her she would still have to write the "d's" in Addi.

What shoulda been

Five years ago today, I should have been holding a tiny baby in my arms. I should have been tired and sore and excited and nervous and in love in a way I'd never known before. I should have been beginning my life as a momma.

Instead, I was depressed and discouraged because my due date was yesterday and when is this baby going to decide to come out!

I didn't know it then, but little Addison Grace would stay put for a whole week past her due date and then would get stuck on my pelvic bone. We would meet for the first time, after 3 hours of pushing, on Tuesday, November 4, 2002. She made me work for her!

Addi Pie,

It blows my mind that you will be 5 years old in less than a week! The time has flown by. It seems like I've always known you...like you've always been a part of me.

Each morning I hear you amble into my room and make your way to my side of the bed for the sole purpose of giving me a kiss. It's my wake-up call and it beats hearing the beeping of an alarm any day! You shower me with kisses everyday and are always up for a hug or some snuggling. You've always been sweet and loving. I hope you never grow too big for those traits.

Addison, I love being your momma. I knew before you were born that you were something special...something to be excited about. I can't wait to spend another 5 years with you, except I wish I could find a way to make them go by more slowly than the first 5! All the work's been worth it :)

Love you,
Mommy

Just think, this time next year we could have 3 of them*!

*by them, I'm meaning girls, not parties

We are almost 2 hours into Addi's sleepover birthday party and I've never heard so much screaming and squealing in my life!

So far, the girls have made pizzas, dressed up Bryan, sang Happy Birthday, eaten cupcakes and ice cream, changed into pajamas and are now watching a movie. I'm hoping for a little more quiet during the movie. There has still been constant chatter, but at least it's been kept at decibels at which most humans hear.

One sweet note is that Addi has been totally fine letting Libby tag along. Bryan and I are betting that won't last much longer.

I'll be back tomorrow with pictures.

I'm so glad we finally did it

Last Saturday we had our pictures made.

It was fun and the pictures are beautiful, if I do say so myself :)

They were taken by Kevin at Life's Too Short Photography at Pullen Park in Raleigh. We had a great time and wish he would move to Dallas before we need family pictures again :)

He's posted a few of the pictures on his blog if you're interested.

more pictures, just because

Wordless Wednesday - all ready to hit the road

Baby P

A little over a week ago, I had an ultrasound. If we were finding out the gender of this baby, it would have been the time to do it. However, according to the sonogram lady, Baby P moves so much that she wasn't even sure by the time the ultrasound was over.

I must say I was a little overwhelmed at the thought of this baby moving as much as Libby did/does. I've told myself this whole pregnancy that surely this baby would be more easy-going and calm. Since the ultrasound, I've considered going Cold Turkey and giving up all sugar, caffeine, chemically-altered foods for the rest of this pregnancy in hopes of calming Baby P down.

Then I come to my senses and realize I Need Chocolate. I can't give up chocolate. And if I'm not giving up chocolate, a Dr. Pepper every once in a while won't hurt either ;)...(my, how my food restrictions have relaxed since I was pregnant with Addison).

Even though Baby P was all over the place, we were able to capture some good shots. I'm not sure how well they'll scan, but I'll give it a try. There is one picture of Baby P's face that I just love. I keep it beside my bed and look at it every night. When she took the picture, I was looking at it on the screen and I told Bryan that I could've seen that face and known it was one of our babies. You won't see any of that. The only reason I see that when I look at the picture now is because I can remember how clear it was to me on the screen. The bottom 2 pictures are actually the same picture...the bottom of the baby's feet. The lady knew it was my last appointment and said she wanted to make sure this baby knew where he/she came from. But the feet are upside-down, so that's why I've posted the picture twice.

Do you see that sweet little face?...on the right side toward the bottom?


hint: the heel of the right foot is touching the word FROM

fyi: North Carolina is the Tarheel State...did y'all already know that?? I didn't before I moved here :)

I don't even know what to say.

Read this.

As a mother of 2, possibly 3, little girls, I can't imagine their need for this at the ripe old age of 11. It breaks my heart and, honestly (maybe naively) I cannot fathom that there is a parent out there (who isn't consumed with a drug habit or isn't truly psychologically disturbed) who would not agree with teaching abstinence to a middle-school aged CHILD. If the public schools must be involved in this aspect of life (and they long ago took the stance that they would involve themselves), why not teach the one and only method that provides protection...protection from pregnancy, protection from disease, protection from the side effects of birth control pills, and protection from the emotional damage?

Can't you just buy some money??

(at bedtime)

Addi: Daddy, I want you to play with me Every Day!
Daddy: Like we played hide and seek when I got home from work today?
Addi: Yes, but Every Day.
Daddy: Well, we can play again tomorrow when I get home.
Addi: No, I don't want you to go to work. Can't you just buy money at the store?

Family Fun at Hillridge Farm

Betcha didn't know these were part of the rainbow

I overheard Addi and her friend Salina talking while they were coloring today.

Addi: I'm using blue because blue is my daddy's favorite color.
Salina: My favorite colors are purple and hot pink.
Addi: I like cold pink, purple and hot blue.
Salina: Really, I like all the colors of the rainbow.
Addi: Me, too. But not brown.
Salina: I like brown.
Addi: I only like hot brown.

The sign we've been waiting on

Update: We've had the Sold sign out for about a week and have movers coming the first weekend in November. I feel like I need to purge, but it's hard to force yourself when you don't have to put it all in boxes. I keep telling myself that I'll end up throwing out a lot when I have to unpack all the boxes, but just think how much I could get rid of if I purged now and then again when I unpacked. And, think is probably all I will actually do about it :)

I realized I needed a little Mommy Time-Out today when I heard these words pour out of my mouth:

"Just eat whatever you want!"

I'll most definitely regret them tomorrow :)

Going, going, gone!

We are waiting to hear back from our relocation company, but our house has a (at this point) verbal contract on it! Needless to say, we're thrilled! As soon as the relo company finishes up some paperwork, it will be official.

And, in the knick of time as we had an Open House scheduled for Sunday. Bryan and I planned on taking the girls to a pumpkin patch, but the temperature is supposed to almost be 90 on Sunday. Now we can delay that trip for more seasonal weather...and that was written with complete optimism that we will, in fact, see seasonal weather this October.

We have put in an offer on "the" house in Frisco and should hear back from the sellers today or tomorrow. We're hoping to have all that hashed out by Monday.

So, we'll be having Thanksgiving in Texas. Maybe we can get some more seasonal weather there :)

God is good and we are thankful.

A Delayed First Day

When we found out we were moving I went back and forth on whether Addi would begin preschool here. Bryan and I talked about it and finally decided we would wait to start her until we moved thereby avoiding the difficulties involved with not only moving her home, but also her preschool.

However, it now looks as though the girls and I will be here much longer than we'd hoped. And, honestly, she's been driving me crazy. (It hasn't been her fault. We've been living waiting to move. That isn't a fun way to live. Plus all her friends have either started school or preschool.)

Today, she began her time in Miss Angie and Miss Jeneane's class. She spent last week preparing by working in a kindergarten letter workbook. Every day she would pull it out and tell Libby she couldn't play because she needed to work. This morning she told Libby that Libby might get lonely today because she was going to preschool. (Of course, Libby responded with, "I wan go preschool!")

She had a good day and is really excited about going back on Thursday. She even told Libby that tomorrow they could hunt for something that starts with D to take for Show and Tell. Oh, and since there's another Addie, she's decided she wants to go by Addison. Her teachers, who've known her since before she turned 2, say they are having trouble remembering to call her Addison instead of Addi.

I got a picture at the beginning of the day with Addison and Miss Angie and at the end of the day with Addison and Miss Jeneane.