Merry Christmas!

With Love,

Josh, Renea, Carly Kate & Oakley

9 Months

Carly Kate you are 9 months old today!

Everyday you feel bigger to me and time is going by so so fast.  You are in 9 month clothes and size 2 diapers. You are teething, there are 2 coming in on the bottom and it's been a rough couple of days for you.  You've had a stuffy nose too and have done a lot of sleeping the past couple of days. 

Guess what?  You are in your crib now and doing great.  No more bassinet, only because you were getting to big for it and you could move it around, HA! 

  You are eating great and trying out meats. You hate peas or anything that has the taste of peas in it. You still love your Bouncy entertainer and we're trying out the walker, but you go backwards in it.  Your favorite cartoon is The Mickey Mouse Club, you ABSOLUTELY love it! You love music too. 

You have just started pulling up and standing when you're on someones lap.  You still haven't crawled and I'm wondering if you are going to skip that step.  Everytime you are on your belly, you either want to go to sleep or get mad about it.

Santas coming in 10 days!

Santa Visit

The visit was a success! No tears and you even grabbed his beard.

OHMYGOODNESSICOULDEATHERUP!;)

 

Biltmore House

We went to Biltmore with Uncle Dust & Aunt Meg and these are the ONLY pics I took in the Hotel. You were so Hot from riding in the car for 2 hours that we stripped you down as soon as we checked in the hotel(you are one hot natured child).  We went to the Night Candlelite Tour(you can't take pics inside) and the next day it rained cats and dogs so there were no chances for great photo ops, BOO!:(   We would love to go back in the spring to the gardens. You did great for a little getaway!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Feeling very BLESSED and soooo THANKFUL for a healthy baby girl.  I think back to this time last year, when we thought something was wrong with the development of Carly's brain in the womb.  Thank you God for all your blessings!

27

Happy 27th Josh!



8 Months

Carly Kate you are 8 months old today! You are growing, Growing, GROWING! You are still in 6 month clothes but can fit into some 9 month. You are still in a size 2 diaper and you probably weigh around 16 pounds.  I am pretty sure you are teething, your gums are opening up and I've had to give you some Baby Orajel, which has helped.  You are still an easy going baby.  I wonder how we got so lucky:o)  You have for the most part out grown your swing.  It makes me a little sad......:(, no more lil baby. You LOVE your bouncy though!  I've got to get a good video of you in it, you just become camera shy when I get it out.  You love sitting in the floor playing with toys and you like simple things like tuperware bowls and cups.   You LOVE to be sang too. You have mastered fruit and we are on working on veggies now.  It's amazing how much more alert and awake you are, my little baby is now a big baby.  You are doing great in nursery on Sunday's.  It's me that has the problem, I have a hard time with leaving you, it gives me anxiety! 

We have a Big couple of months coming up with the holidays and a short out of town trip and then it will be time to plan your first birthday party!  I can't believe it.  I bet you guys will never guess the theme I have picked out:o)

Happy Halloween!

We went on a tour trick or treating with our lil pumpkin this year!  We went to see our neighbors then we went to

RoRo & PopPop's

Grandmama & Grandpapa's

 Uncle Russy & Aunt Angela's(Aunt A was at work:( )

Sweetest Pumpkin in the Patch!

Super Girl

Carly and her Uncle Russ.  He bought her this Super Girl t-shirt before she was born and said they had to have a pic together when she could finally wear it. SO SWEET!

Carly and her Aunt Angela.  ALL SMILES!

Yadkin Valley Wine Tour

For my birthday, Josh, my brother, Russell, and sister in law, Angela, went on a Yadkin Valley wine tour.  We started at Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, NC and had lunch at the Harvest Grill Restaurant. Then we went on to Rag Apple Lassie Vineyard & Flint Hill Vineyards. We had such so much fun with my bro and sis n law.  We don't get out that much anymore without the baby, but we're trying to do better and have date nights.

31

My birthday just didn't seem like that big of a deal to me this year....it's all down hill from 30 right?...just kidding.  I have what I've wished for, for years....a family of my own.  The two loves of my life!  I am thankful and blessed for everything in my life but especially my daughter. Everyone made me feel special and it was a great day!

Odie Popsicle

I am a TERRIBLE doggy Mom!  Oakley's 3rd b'day was on October 15th and I realized it the day after so he got a Happy Belated Birthday song.  Even though it's getting cold, I just couldn't deal with his long hair anymore SO, he got a puppy cut and is better known as Odie Popsicle, right now.  He's quite the snuggler since then, trying to stay warm.



7 Months

Carly Kate you are 7 months old today! You are sitting up all by yourself now.  You are the happiest little girl!  Yep, you are STILL in the bassinet beside of Mommy and Daddy's bed, you would think you would've out grown it by now, but there's still plenty of room in it.  Mommy read in the pediatricians office that the safest place for a baby til they are 1 is in the parents bedroom in their own bed. HA! So, that's my excuse;) I've been trying to get you on somewhat of a schedule these days. You are usually awake at 8 to have a bottle and take a nap around 9 for an hour or so. You are mastering fruits still for your snacks and so far so good.  I've got to get you used to your high chair because you are such a squirmer in it and sometimes refuse to eat in it.  You are all about play time.  You love sitting up and playing with toys that rattle or light up.  You will grab anything that is near you.  Christmas will be so much fun! You also have discovered my hair, which is lovely at times when you aren't trying to pull it out of my head. You usually take 2 more naps, one after lunch and then a short evening one before nite nite time around 9. This is my most favorite age thus far! Everyone says I will keep saying that as you continue to grow but I just think you are the most adorable, hugable, lovable little girl ever! I thank God every day for letting me be your Mommy!

Pumpkins with the Pumpkin

What a difference

a few months makes.

 Top: Carly at a few weeks. Below: Carly at 6 months

From 5 lbs to almost 15 lbs and sitting up on her own now.  She's growing sooo FAST! Before I know it she'll be 16 and hopefully, not giving me payback for me being a rotten teenager.

First Dixie Classic Fair

We ate, we strolled, we saw animals and Carly slept.



6 Month Pics

A few of my favorites!

A Blast from the Past

I wore this cute strawberry outfit when I was a baby.

Starting Solids

We tried rice in a bowl first and Carly didn't take to it the first time.

**I'm easing her into it. We've had bananas and apples. Apples are her favorite so far.  The pediatrician said one new food a week.

6 Months

Carly Kate you are 6 months old today! You have started to giggle and you love for me to sing and dance with you.  It melts my heart to see you smile. You are sleeping better through the night and you are STILL in the bassinet beside of Mommy and Daddy's bed....but this week all 3 of us got colds, your first one.  I felt so bad for you, but it looks like you are on the mend. I thought you would be sitting up by now on your own, but you are taking your time with it, we practice everyday and you are getting stronger and can sit like a frog by yourself.  We bought you a bouncy exersaucer and you are enjoying that, but you still love your swing and playmat.  You sit in your bumbo and LOVE to watch Baby Einsteen videos, it's so adorable.  You definately know what you want and aren't afraid to tell me.  If you don't want to be held that usually means to put you in your swing or to bed so you can nap.  You are in size 2 diapers and are wearing 6 month clothes.  I have decided I want to be a baby again, a NEW wardrobe every 3 months is so nice.  It's so much fun getting to dress you up...even if your Daddy doesn't like your hairbows.  We are getting out and about a lot more.  The weather is definately better and fall is coming, YAY!!!   With the holidays just around the corner, I'm getting more excited than ever because we get to spend it with you.  I love you sweet girl! 

Mommy Chronicles: Day 7

Happy Sunday!

We have been sleeping ALOT better(I'm knocking on wood, not to jinx it) the past few nights!  I wake up feeling rested instead of exhausted.  Our plan was to go to Sunday School and the Soma Service this morning, but that didn't happen.  Daddy was up ALL night at work and needed to come home and take a nap.  I needed his support in taking you to church and putting you in the nursery for the first time.  Yes, that's a BIG step for me.  You have been so healthy and I'm just afraid of throwing you in the mix with other kiddos in fear of catching something and I just don't like leaving you to be quite frank about it;).

Today we are going to see a friend of mine, at her housewarming party! I helped her to buy her townhome a few months ago, so it's going to be nice to go back and visit and see what all she has done with the place. 

This evening will be family time.  Looks like it is going to be a busy work week coming up.  Real estate has it's ups and downs, best way to explain is like a roller coaster!  It can be SUPER crazy busy, then there can be NOTHING going on. 

Mommy Chronicles: Day 6

Happy LAZY Saturday!

We have done absolutely NOTHING today!  Carly took many a nap and I did some laundry. That about sums up our day and Grandmama and Grandpapa came by for a visit in the evening.

Carly has all the men in her life wrapped around her little finger!!!



Mommy Chronicles: Day 5

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!

We all slept in til 9 this morning.  I couldn't believe it!  You only woke up once for your paci last night and this morning you woke up around 7:30 but went back to sleep after a few minutes and it was soooo nice to get some extra shut eye!

We haven't done much today.  I've answered emails, done some laundry, cleaned the bathrooms, and taken out the trash.  But we have mainly cuddled and watched some DVR shows.  I love days like this!

We had steak and shrimp for dinner. Started a movie, but Carly wanted the attention, so we can always finish the movie tomorrow!

Your nite nite bottle with Daddy.  Notice your hands behind Carly's hands behind her head, this is the way she sleeps!

Mommy Chronicles: Day 4

Like I thought, we both slept really well last night.  We got up this morning and I fed you your bottle.  Just as you were finishing Daddy was coming in from work, so he took you for a little while and we watched Rescue Me on DVR. You took a short nap in your swing while I worked and took a quick shower & Daddy went to work out.

Then we had playtime! We read a book, practiced sitting up, sat in your Bumbo, had some tummy time, I sang to you and we played with your toys.  Whew!  Can we both take a nap?;o)

I gave you a bath, got myself ready and we went over to RoRo's for girls night with RoRo and Aunt Jenn.

When we got home it was bottle time, then I rocked you to sleep. Your Dad and I stayed up for a little while chit chatting before we went to bed.



Mommy Chronicles: Day 3

This morning you woke up happy, like always. 

We got ready and went and saw your RoRo(Grandma) & her co-workers, at her office. Then, we went to my office to see everyone.  So, you got to see LOTS of people today!

We got home and you took an hour nap and I caught up on some work. When you woke up we ate, played and had a bath.

I've been loving fresh fruit.  Trying to eat healthier & I've lost almost 10 lbs. YAY!

**We had a first!  You sat up on your own, sitting on my lap!  You haven't done it since, but practice makes perfect!

We went with Grandmama to Hobby Lobby and when we got home it was time for your last bottle and bed.  I'm exhausted! We both should sleep good from all the running around we did today.

Mommy Chronicles: Day 2

Last night, I got Josh to sleep on my side of the bed so I could get some solid sleep:o) It never fails, Carly always does better for him....maybe she can't smell me near...who knows.  This morning we all got up at 8 to get ready for the day ahead.  Today was my day to go into the office so I dropped the baby off with her Grandmama.

It's a little blurry.  My brother sent this to me today. He lives next door to my Mom and got to visit with the little one also. I totally missed the opportunity to take a pic so this is one from a few weeks ago.

While they were having fun, I was taking care of business at work.  Then I went to visit my MOST favorite store, Carters!  I needed to exchange some clothes and bought Carly her Halloween costume.  After that, I went by the House of Plants to buy a housewarming gift for a friend....cute & unique stuff there.

Called my Mom to see if she was ready for me to pick up and of course, she wasn't so I came home. I finished up some more work & picked up after Josh.  Why is my husband so messy?? Mom finally brought the baby home around 6.  I miss her sooooo much when I'm away from her, but I know it's good for us.  I was so attached to my Mom when I was younger that I never wanted to go anywhere without her and I don't want Carly Kate to be like that.

I gave the lil one a bath, read a book and we played on the playmat.

It's about time for her last bottle and nite nite time! Then shower for me!

Mommy Chronicles:Day 1

A Week in the Life of a Stay at Home & Work From Home Mom

This is going to be mundane for everyone, but I want to post for a week what we do throughout the day. More of a diary for Carly and me to look back on one day.

Last night wasn't a good sleeping night for any of us! Carly woke up several times for her paci and around 2 or 3 she was wide awake, so I put her beside of me in bed to cuddle and she was back asleep in no time. The cat has decided she is jealous and needed attention as well(she peed all over our comforter last week) during the early morning hours. At 7:30 Carly was bright eyed and bushy tailed, just a smiling and I however, wasn't as chipper. Josh got up with her to change and feed her and I slept HARD for 30 more minutes.

Josh had to get ready to leave for work, so I got up and had my coffee and Nutrigrain bar(4 points on Weight Watchers). Yes, I am dieting and so far so good!  Sat with the little one and watched some of the Today Show and rocked her.  Around 9 Carly was sleepy so I put her in her swing for a short nap, while I caught up on work emails and coordinated a closing for tomorrow. 

I am SOOOO happy that it is SOOOO much cooler than it has been!  Because today we ventured out to the grocery store together!!!  The past few weeks, I would either send Josh or wait til he got home to go.  Carly enjoyed getting out.

Notice her zebra onesie(this is Josh's fav, he calls it her jail bird onesie)

We got home and I cut up some fresh veggies and fruit for the week while someone took a quick nap again:

I ate lunch and Carly woke up for her lunch time bottle. We sat and watched some DVR shows from last night.  Then it was picture taking time for 5 months!

I love those pretty blue eyes!

 This dress was handmade by Carly's California cousin. So cute!

I love this hat, but she had enough of picture taking.....so she took a nap...in her crib.

 

I finished up some work and edited the pics. After 45 minutes, we were up and at em again.  We played: went outside to look around and walk around with Oakley, played with some toys, and had some tummy time.  Carly got fussy and it was time for power nap # 4. She woke up around 5 and we had another bottle and Daddy came home from work and took you to play with you, while I fixed dinner.  Now, Daddy has gone to his FD meeting and I gave you a bath and Mommy had a shower.  So for the rest of the night we are going to chill out and watch tv.  I'll be going to bed when you go to bed tonight!

5 Months

Carly Kate you are 5 months old today! You are the sweetest girl and you have learned to cuddle when you are being held and I love it!  You smile all the time.  You especially like to be sang to! So, I am changing my stand on you sleeping through the night...we don't have to get up in the middle of the night, but you wake up ALOT!  Mostly for your paci, but sometimes now you wake up for an hour and just talk to yourself and smile.  I'm not making any promises on when you will be in your crib but we are making tiny steps with you napping in it occasionally.  You now can sit up in your Bumbo(your Daddy calls it your Bongo) and you still enjoy your play mat and swing.  I think pretty soon you will be sitting up on your own.  You no longer like to roll over when you have tummy time, you just raise yourself up and look around. You are still wearing 3 to 6 month old and you still got plenty of room in them. At your last Doc appointment you weighed 10 lbs and 4 ounces.  You are still an itty bitty baby, but the Doc said you are progressing great from where you started. You have a shrill scream now, that is just ear piercing, you even get Pebbles to meowing...everyone says it's a GIRL thing.  You may be in the very beginning of teething too, so we've been using teething rings to keep you from stuffing your fingers in your mouth all the time.  We are also reading to you now which you seem to enjoy.  The sweetest thing is when you hear your Daddy come home and you immediately look for him...melts my heart! Love our little family!  It has been soooo HOT and you are such a hot natured child that we have been staying in ALOT, but its starting to cool off some now, so I'm hoping we can get you out more.

Heat Free Curly Hair That's EASY!!!

When I read and watched this video, about getting curly hair without using any heat, I knew it would NEVER work on my thin hair!...but figured I would give it a try anyway, what do I have to lose.
So on my way home from work Tuesday I stopped in at Rite Aid, bought some headbands and tried it out for myself today.
I will admit, I still had my doubts, this is never going to work....way too easy!
I was wrong....
I was going to take a photo BUT today has been a no make up, work from home day and I might scare you all!  BUT, I will def do this again! It turned out better than I thought since I have shoulder length hair now.  TRUST me, if you want some curls, this will save you some time with the curling iron!
Check out the original video explaining the technique right here. It’s a long video but her accent is FABULOUS so it’s fun to watch.

4 Months

Carly Kate you are 4 months old today! You are the happiest baby(sometimes you can be a bit bi polar but it ends quickly)! You continue to "talk" and it sounds like you say "Ma"(wishful thinking probably). You are still a good sleeper and I STILL have you in the bassinet beside of me at night. We tried the crib a few nights and I'm just too lazy for that.  I can reach over and give you your paci instead of getting out of bed. You still LOVE your swing and play mat! You roll over a lot when you have tummy time. You are getting much stronger and love to sit up!(not quite on your own yet). You are wearing 3 to 6 month old. Your eyes are still BLUE, like Mommy's and the doc told us before that by 4 months we would know your eye color so I'm guessing we have a blue eyed girl! You are getting so long! In another week we go for your next check up, so curious to see how much you weigh.  Eating out is becoming much more difficult, because you are much more vocal, so Mommy cooks and we eat at home. Totally not a bad thing at all!  You have changed so much over the past 4 months....

 You are our whole world and everything revolves around you!;o)

Happy 4th

Carly was quite the patriotic babe!

We matched!