tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64502105266723382922024-03-18T22:12:44.455-05:00Out of Dreams and Into Our HeartsAmanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-74030872889517059142012-09-10T22:09:00.001-05:002012-09-10T22:09:13.269-05:00And he is on the move!Baby J is 8 months and is officially on the move! I have to say month 6-8 was a rough ride. My little one's lack of sleep was really beginning to wear on me. He got sick a few weeks ago and had trouble sleeping and breathing so I ended up sleeping with him holding his head upright. This lead to some terrible habits and add in the mommy separation anxiety phase that he started and it made for some very sleepless nights and no napping days for me! At the culmination of this sick no sleep cycle we had a little hurricane blow through! I have thanked God endlessly for sparing us from any damage and unbelievably we kept our power the entire 3 days of the storm. When I was certain that the storm was gone and J was back to good health I decided I had to let him cry back to sleep. I refused to endure the same torture I had with Carsyn for two years. The difference this time, however, was that my husband was finally on my side. It is very difficult if not near impossible to endure "crying it out" if you significant other is not supportive. With Carsyn he never thought it was possible for her to sleep and he never gave me the support I needed to endure the crying. 15 minutes of listening to your baby cry seems like an eternity! But a few weeks ago when I decided to let J cry, 5 minutes before I almost walked in and ruined it Danny said "Just wait...he has been crying for this long (50 minutes) you might as well wait a few more to make it an hour. And sure enough 5 minutes later he fell asleep...sitting straight up! Ever since then while he still wakes and cries for a few minutes here and there he has slept through the night and has started taking decent naps. If you are struggling with your baby's sleep I highly recommend reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Sleepeasy-Solution-Exhausted-Parents/dp/0757305601">The SleepEasy Solution</a>. While I didn't really have to use it to get J to sleep there are lots of scenarios to help different situations and I like the nap schedule recommendations they give. I know some people do not agree with letting your children cry, but in the past weeks by allowing J to cry and be independent he learned how to crawl in his crib, sit up from a lying down position, put his pacifier in his mouth, and self-soothe which he was never able to do with me assisting him every time he cried out. By leaving him to himself I think all of these developmental milestones occurred much sooner than later.<br />
<br />
And now that he is getting rest and I am getting rest I like my babies again! Seriously I was getting to the point where I wanted to rush his infancy just to get to an age where he would sleep. I was mad at myself for not cherishing these fleeting moments of discovery but I was so tired and frustrated that I couldn't enjoy my baby. I also have more patience with his sister too! <br />
<br />
Boy is he in discovery mode! He takes in EVERYTHING! Also the crawling is in fast forward motion. Today I had to start moving the dog food/water bowl which is always a target of babies! If we can make it to 1 yr without going to the ER I think it will be a miracle. This boy has no fear and Im pretty sure he will be a climber.<br />
<br />
He still does not have any teeth! However he only eats real food...still refuses to eat baby food. I just pray that those gums can chomp because he has eaten pork loin, chicken, noodles, you name it. If it is on a plate he wants some of it! He also is obsessed with beverages which makes it near impossible to take him to a restaurant. This boy has a reach of Go-Go Gadget and can get to whatever he wants in a heartbeat if you aren't watching,<br />
<br />
And how much does my big boy weigh?! 24 lbs!!! We are nearing the 18mo clothes mark, but Im sure in a few months when this crawling and walking gets going he will slim right up.<br />
<br />
Notice in the picture below the curls....my children both of curly hair? What the heck?! All in God's planning. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYOW9sVorqj1jHaf2LcMOEHJNtQ2PS2tgfNs6D3jdJTKYuMyfefPvdflApVM1DR3ReJyDI2ZagmReQ025E3Apx-2JqHKZNVNln38PLER8oTNuKY_CXN5tPNjnRNTB-MWCYjodF9rTPVSC/s1600/IMG_7971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYOW9sVorqj1jHaf2LcMOEHJNtQ2PS2tgfNs6D3jdJTKYuMyfefPvdflApVM1DR3ReJyDI2ZagmReQ025E3Apx-2JqHKZNVNln38PLER8oTNuKY_CXN5tPNjnRNTB-MWCYjodF9rTPVSC/s320/IMG_7971.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-53063488414796073152012-07-26T22:13:00.002-05:002012-07-26T22:13:29.362-05:00half a yearYep I know, I am a blog slacker.<br />
<br />
Life has taken on a new level of busy and finding 10 minutes to blog has become almost impossible. BUT I do want to document my busy little man AND busy he is! I have been absolutely flabbergasted since his arrival at how much more he moves as compared to his sister. When I was pregnant someone said to me "Boys wear you out physically, Girls wear you out emotionally!" This is so amazingly true!<br />
<br />
This boy does not like to be restrained!!! Bouncy seat? No, she lived in it until she was about 7-8 months, Exersaucer? No, he hated it, Walker? as of now no. Like his sister, he hates the car seat but luckily he has her in the backseat to entertain him. And does he ever love his sister?! I have the cutest videos of him laughing hysterically at her! Now while she does love him she has decided that he is a bit of a nuisance at times and requires way too much attention! I really do rely on her to be my big helper! She does so much for me and frequently does take the backseat.<br />
<br />
My smiley boy still intrigues us with who he looks like. He definitely seems to have my mama's coloring. And he has my husband's and father-in-law's expressions. He smiles with his eyes just like his daddy and his pop. And while my little girl definitely favors women and has always been a mama's girl, this little boy shows no favoritism to anyone and always makes everyone feel like he loves them endlessly! He also literally jumps for joy when his daddy walks in from work.<br />
<br />
While I am grateful that I have extremely healthy and vibrant children, I can't believe I have another non-sleeper! I have made every attempt to not allow any sleep crutches to be established, he is put down to sleep awake which he actually prefers and usually goes to sleep easily on his own. He already has a lovey, a baseball teddybear/blanket that was given to me at a shower. He also passes out by 6:30-7 every night even though I would like for him to go down a little later I am grateful. He sleeps until about 1 then still wants to eat once, then from 3:30-6:30 he often wakes up several times. Usually it is for his pacy which I gave back to him after feeling guilty. I can not wait for him to be able to put this sucker back in his mouth himself!!!! And like his sister he does not nap for long although I am working on that now that we are ending summer and starting back to our routines. <br />
<br />
At 6 months and two weeks my little busybody scooted across the kitchen floor today on his bottom. He does not like to be on his belly or back rather he prefers to be upright at all times. So in his efforts to figure out how to move he sat up right and scooted with his arms stretched out as if pulling along a rope. I guess I better start baby proofing the house!<br />
<br />
Here are a few 6month shots I took in the studio. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8L8XfLrdcYvNS_O_Nq-rVxLimOYkXxW6s1zo-ORhGthy4TNwmlB7xByImHYHatM9AWZ_7Y7d8WjOheTne03tMCWNAdyBtVOSPL87TWJxKQjumPtVdgVYTEv79f_rO23fzYcg_4gGZD96/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8L8XfLrdcYvNS_O_Nq-rVxLimOYkXxW6s1zo-ORhGthy4TNwmlB7xByImHYHatM9AWZ_7Y7d8WjOheTne03tMCWNAdyBtVOSPL87TWJxKQjumPtVdgVYTEv79f_rO23fzYcg_4gGZD96/s320/collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufaj8u5-dabpfsFCzDKd94ESq8egNOCsoy5G5qyOocTkmvb4nnkA4OIER_FTDMyL8xl26WD5aepw2HEAG8L0-4vTRWBPcn555xLC4xL2xw3ZXbDcTyXWpQUJ4OD4jd1euxrmkcWTv2NrI/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufaj8u5-dabpfsFCzDKd94ESq8egNOCsoy5G5qyOocTkmvb4nnkA4OIER_FTDMyL8xl26WD5aepw2HEAG8L0-4vTRWBPcn555xLC4xL2xw3ZXbDcTyXWpQUJ4OD4jd1euxrmkcWTv2NrI/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-42821854799011944082012-05-02T16:43:00.002-05:002012-05-02T16:43:26.901-05:00The *$&*#&(@)#&* Paci!Carsyn did not suck on a pacifier. She never had any desire. Her brother on the other hand seems to have taken after his daddy who sucked his until about 4! I really have no qualms with the paci, other than the battle I know will ensue around age 2. However, Jeremiah has always had a problem keeping it in. As soon as it falls out..waaaaah! So I tried lots of different kinds and finally found one very unique kind that he can keep in better, however it still falls. I have had lots of frustrations with the dern thing but not until recently did I develop my great hatred for it. To be quite honest I look forward to the day that he can put it back in himself and I don't have to and then I won't mind it as much. But in the present it is becoming a big nuisance! He went from waking up twice a night to waking every hour wanting the paci put back in his mouth. It was worst than a newborn! So this week I decided I was taking the paci away for all sleep times. It worked like a charm the first day- he only cried for about 10 minutes and sometimes none at all. He definitely does not have the strong will of his sister atleast not when it comes to fighting sleep! That night he went to bed with not a wimper and only woke up twice. Then Tuesday was VERY HECTIC and our schedules were greatly disrupted. I caved and gave it to him a few times when we were in the car...mind you I am still letting him have it when he isn't asleep...so that night was AWFUL! Sleept from 6-12 but then every hour or so after that wanted it until he woke at 6. So today I went back to the no paci rule. He screamed a good bit but not for long. Praying he sleeps better tonight and doesn't want it! Wishful for the day he can put it back in himself!!<br />
<br />
Other than this little hang-up he really is the sweetest most laid back baby. He is just the smiliest baby, grinning at everyone. You just can't help but want to squeeze these big ole cheeks...which is still the only resemblance he has to me! He had a bad ear infection two weeks ago and so we found out he weighed in at about 19lbs 4 oz and 25 3/4 inches (almost exactly what his one year old cousin weighs and length!). He also has almost 3 teeth coming in already which is another reason I hate to take the paci away completely!<br />
<br />
He and I ran into my studio for a 15 minute quick shoot today. Since he will be 4 months old this weekend I wanted to capture him at "3 months." I especially wanted to get the belly picture to compare to one I have very similar of Carsyn at around 4 months.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPyAqJQ-DOmCy7FFPOki9N3_Y7dhHkVJdgw5IRCpwrqeDHcCZA2tTV1aaNfywsNfdYYnc4nQnVwr6wYLYJMroyN2U5O6iFXpryDnsRcUFKVWoejoWQKZVs7VNELuMXtrf_8u4bCR2HU_o/s1600/IMG_0400sq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPyAqJQ-DOmCy7FFPOki9N3_Y7dhHkVJdgw5IRCpwrqeDHcCZA2tTV1aaNfywsNfdYYnc4nQnVwr6wYLYJMroyN2U5O6iFXpryDnsRcUFKVWoejoWQKZVs7VNELuMXtrf_8u4bCR2HU_o/s320/IMG_0400sq.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNdk5-h4w54gKMjXoSFb7APT3e6TrExZtIbNh_J3eA7Lfpcie4Rt5AxB_HdMmuBGytKIBg8tDLlV5k4E2TkySlzEi6qsF523V8SMPGYT1PiheEgadPoSwofBPZPjkTWAsg_mOrltPsQNH/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNdk5-h4w54gKMjXoSFb7APT3e6TrExZtIbNh_J3eA7Lfpcie4Rt5AxB_HdMmuBGytKIBg8tDLlV5k4E2TkySlzEi6qsF523V8SMPGYT1PiheEgadPoSwofBPZPjkTWAsg_mOrltPsQNH/s320/IMG_0410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-73735569904605285302012-04-08T21:25:00.005-05:002012-04-08T21:52:52.812-05:00Jeremiah is 3 monthsToday is Easter. It was a wonderful day spent with family! This past Friday, Baby J turned three months old. He is a massive 19lbs. At his two month check up he was 16lbs!! I feel like Im doing something wrong by his large measurements but not only is he big with numerous rolls and triple chins he is also long. Since his daddy and grandfather were both quite large babies Im hoping he will turn out okay!<br /><br />Jeremiah is a mostly content child but lord have mercy is he busy! I truly am frightened by the day he actually can get those feet going on the ground because he NEVER NEVER NEVER stops moving his arms and legs awake or asleep! I still swaddle him for all naps and at bed and he really won't nap well without it. He knows the swaddler wrap is his cue to go night night. I had planned to give it up when he turned three months but I don't think he (or I ) am ready just yet! Plus he still has some time to learn to roll over (Im sure it will take great effort to heave those thunder thighs over). When he reaches this milestone I will probably move to something else but right now his flailing arms knock that dern pacy out and then he is awake! Speaking of pacifiers I finally found one that stays in a little better...<br />http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Essentials-Center-Pacifier-Colors/dp/B00005C0KD<br /><br />Jeremiah is not a super cuddly baby and actually prefers to be set down to sleep on his own. I am trying my best to implement better sleep habits as much as I can to ensure I don't suffer like I did with Carsyn. Bedtime is a breeze and he is out by 7:30 most every night with no problems. Naps are still a struggle and he seems to catnap at 45 min to 1 hr stretches. I hope I can extend these soon. He currently takes his last bottle at 7PM and sleeps until around 12:00 to 1 and then wakes at 3:30-4, and then the dreaded 5:30 wake up which is not out of hunger but simply because he is tired of being by himself! He will fuss from 5;30 to 7 most mornings which is killer on me! Especially when sister bops in around 6:45. I am definitely reaching my exhaustion limit and have become quite the grouchmonster lately...just ask my husband! I am hoping we will get some more rest soon...if only that last 4-7 stretch could be straight that would help!<br /><br />I can't complain about my happy baby's smiley disposition. He is such a sweetheart 90% of the time and hardly cries. His smiles still melt me and he almost always wakes with a smile. He will break out into the biggest grin when he sees his daddy across the room. He definitely is a peacemaker in our home.<br /><br />My husband deserves a shout-out for the patience he has embodied lately and the super big hand he has given me. I really feel for women who have to parent two children on their own let alone one! There is no way I could do it by myself and I am already panicking for when daddy leaves for market in a few weeks for an entire week!<br /><br />Carsyn's behavior has gotten a touch better since last month. Im not sure now if she is acting worse or I just don't have any patience from my lack of sleep. She still loves her brother endlessly and always has to give him a hug and kiss before each nap or bedtime.<br /><br />Jeremiah and I will head over to my studio this week to photograph some official 3 month pics but here is their Spring portrait together I took a week or so ago.<br /><br /><br />This picture cracks me up how different my children look in their hair and skin tones! My dark haired dark skinned dark eyed beauty with my porcelain skinned, light hair, blue eyed child!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBanIG40DdAcDYcqstjcvpr1rpjee7uSpomyiZaCo8wtOJ0PDJ-k96ZhtztEl_WixjYPs1PFTz7Z5FNZTJ7R-gLaEwwVK2J9VX0AMib104eHTp4Skku5voWOpg-CQRA6LCLSN_C9e7FUH/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBanIG40DdAcDYcqstjcvpr1rpjee7uSpomyiZaCo8wtOJ0PDJ-k96ZhtztEl_WixjYPs1PFTz7Z5FNZTJ7R-gLaEwwVK2J9VX0AMib104eHTp4Skku5voWOpg-CQRA6LCLSN_C9e7FUH/s400/IMG_3399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729227028535439234" border="0" /></a>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-33692506082196318822012-04-04T22:05:00.003-05:002012-04-04T22:07:45.422-05:00Pinterest QuestionnaireA few months ago I saw on idea on Pinterest to Interview your daughter every year. These are questions/ answers that Carsyn answered for her 4 year old Interview. As you can see she is an extreme girly girl! I do think these answers might be based on what happened the day they were asked but I would say most of them are correct.<br /><br />1. What is your favorite color? pink<br />2. What is your favorite toy? dollhouse<br />3. What is your favorite fruit? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_132701184049281">grapes</i><br />4. What is your favorite tv show? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_132701184049293">Mickey Mouse Clubhouse</i><br />5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? carrots with ranch<br />6. What is your favorite outfit? dresses<br />7. What is your favorite game? princess board game<br />8. What is your favorite snack? bananas<br />9. What is your favorite animal? dog<br />10. What is your favorite song? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492184">Tonights gunna be a good night</i><br />11. What is your favorite book? Dora books<br />12. Who is your best friend? jeremiah at home...Sidney at school<br />13. What is your favorite cereal? na<br />14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492213" style="color:#45818e;">playground</i><br />15. What is your favorite drink? water<br />16. What is your favorite holiday? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492253"><span id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492252" style="color:#45818e;">EAster</span></i><br />17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492287">mr. cow</i><br />18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492293"><span id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492292" style="color:#45818e;">boiled eggs</span></i><br />19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492303"><span id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492302" style="color:#45818e;">tomato soup </span></i><br />20. What do you want to be when you grow up? <i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492332" style="color:#45818e;">a great big sister</i><i id="yiv584418396yui_3_2_0_15_1327011840492337"><br /></i><span><br class="yui-cursor"></span><span><br class="yui-cursor"></span>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-19834805128412202632012-03-01T22:06:00.004-06:002012-03-01T22:36:57.106-06:00Life with two childrenOh where do I begin..it has been 8 weeks since my last post and Jeremiah is almost two months old. Everyone says life with two is super harder than one child and I would have to agree at some moments of the day it is! The most difficult times of the day are in the morning when everyone is trying to get dressed, the baby wants to eat, and the dog wants to be let out (and in) all at the same time. I only have so many hands and it seems EVERYONE needs Mama's attention! My husband has jumped in and been a super partner...much more so than #1...and I definitely don't know how people with three do it once the parents are out numbered! Bedtime can also be a challenge at times if his feeding does not follow her bedtime.<br /><br />For the baby who was born with no rolls, they are coming on in leaps and bounds now! I wish I could lose this baby weight as fast as he is gaining his weight! I am estimating he is already at around 12-13 lbs! He is already in 3-6 month clothing and he definitely looks more like a 3 month old than a two month old! He still eats every three hours...even at night...even when I added cereal to his bottles two weeks ago! Every now and again he will go for 4 or so on one stretch but that is it.<br /><br />Oh and that is another most difficult aspect of two children...it never fails that when J actually sleeps for a longer stretch, Carsyn will wake me with a nightmare or needing to potty! AND it seems J has started a pattern of awakening at 3:30ish and not returning to sleep until 5ish...which means when sister wakes at 6:30-6:45 I have just returned to sleep after being up! This is definitely starting to wear on me!<br /><br />As for how big sister is adapting...she still loves him greatly but her desire to gain my attention has caused my sweet girl to become quite the troublemaker. Her sassy, smartmouth is more like at 14 year old than a 4 year old and I really am clueless as to how to make it better. She also has been having night terrors which I think are a result of her passive aggressiveness to her brother. I am hoping this too will pass soon but I am happy she is not physically taking it out on the baby even though she told me we could get a new one!<br /><br />My newborn who was oblivious to noise and distractions and could be set anywhere has now started acting more like his big sister. And his need for a pacifier that he can't keep in his mouth is about to drive me to the looney bin! I am scared to death I will re-live the torment of no sleep I had with Carsyn so I intend to start some sleep training methods in a few more weeks. I tried to take his pacy away yesterday to see if he could go without but he only made it until afternoon and then wanted it to go to sleep.<br /><br />J started smiling about two weeks ago and he almost always gives me a big grin right after he wakes up when he is getting his diaper changed...this definitely helps encourage me after the sleep deprivation I have just endured! I can't wait until he can laugh and interact even more!<br /><br />And not to rush away his first year, BUT I am looking forward to getting to sleep for longer than three hours!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBJTAFY5nCDE2ci2hyp-VaIINDXpWPV4tTa9TvKvyXv-wCQ8KhLCToYhaLX_8g5hJv6KhwYL4qRE7TfSFdQjK4xsoa8axunPd545GFJt2urCtyztpAJIEYVxgwiJIe2gNyDdsTqi5HYlk/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBJTAFY5nCDE2ci2hyp-VaIINDXpWPV4tTa9TvKvyXv-wCQ8KhLCToYhaLX_8g5hJv6KhwYL4qRE7TfSFdQjK4xsoa8axunPd545GFJt2urCtyztpAJIEYVxgwiJIe2gNyDdsTqi5HYlk/s400/IMG_1707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715152916344117026" border="0" /></a>his first smiles that warm my heart and bring tears to my eyes!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgo2yNstbP55sqjRyQ2IOyaP1I5nNCIYoQFlJZvlhmKQlK1BStbiWzn3OL4IQd4FY4zHB-3PElokzS7O9BwVGVUeQ2hBF8y5R7w2jyjskxbz9RZxQ2MjQp-HXw6yqswzG_5fsMqcVl511/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgo2yNstbP55sqjRyQ2IOyaP1I5nNCIYoQFlJZvlhmKQlK1BStbiWzn3OL4IQd4FY4zHB-3PElokzS7O9BwVGVUeQ2hBF8y5R7w2jyjskxbz9RZxQ2MjQp-HXw6yqswzG_5fsMqcVl511/s400/IMG_1694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715152925105879202" border="0" />Im telling you those eyes and lashes are going to break hearts one day!<br /></a>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-27128804700266663972012-01-15T19:14:00.005-06:002012-01-15T19:44:38.580-06:00My heart is so full it might burst<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqqaQ6h_uYb4dAhhvkxyFjgmqND0L4qS-Ur03lBqd4nK98Ff2aq1L0ZyJW6BDeZtX82o_JphBDkHhGRp94aJod8kutWdmBmjsfD_eqSi5gh_Z3TeVdVQfXLeMPO20snfSBV0qEz3PvnMq/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqqaQ6h_uYb4dAhhvkxyFjgmqND0L4qS-Ur03lBqd4nK98Ff2aq1L0ZyJW6BDeZtX82o_JphBDkHhGRp94aJod8kutWdmBmjsfD_eqSi5gh_Z3TeVdVQfXLeMPO20snfSBV0qEz3PvnMq/s400/IMG_0603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698037923623575314" border="0" /></a><br />Well it has been a week since baby Jeremiah joined our family. All in all the transition has gone much better than I could ever imagine. It is amazing how much easier and calmer raising #2 can be when you have a little experience under your belt! Carsyn has done amazing with the transition and it almost makes me sad to see how grown up she is with her baby brother. When I tell you she loves him to the moon she really does. She is the perfect age and she really is super helpful! She even gives him his morning bottle most mornings! There was once this week where she bebopped into the nursery at 4:30 AM wanting to help me give him his bottle! And NO he wasn't crying! She just heard me in the hall. You thought I was kidding when I said I would be up with both kids! Not even 5 days old and it has started. Thankfully I was able to get Daddy to get her back to bed. And talk about loving someone unconditionally- this little boy has his daddy wrapped so much. We all really are just walking around in a cloud of bliss.<br /><br />Jeremiah Allan ended up being born on January 6th at 12:51PM weighing in at 8.5 191/2 in. He looked absolutely nothing like what I expected and all of the family stared with puzzles looks trying to figure out who he looks like. As of now he has blue eyes and light brown hair...my child has blue eyes! I can't get over it! I know they might change to green/hazel but still he looks nothing like his dark haired dark eyed sister. Danny and I have come to the conclusion that at this time we think he most looks like his namesake, Pop, with brown hair. While his sister was born weighing 6oz less she looked more chunky then he. He has extremely long fingers and toes and really no rolls as of now.<br /><br />My scheduled c-section went smoothly and I was able to actually be coherent this time! Everyone at Southwest Hospital was awesome and made our experience very pleasurable. A huge thank you to my photography colleague, Elise Parker who came and photographed the experience for me so I could see what Carsyn's reaction to him was like. And then she made this video that makes me boohoo every time.<br /><a href="http://animoto.com/play/eFxjgPd5nT6GTHmPQw5rEw">http://animoto.com/play/eFxjgPd5nT6GTHmPQw5rEw<br /></a><br />Now ever though we have been living in a state of euphoria does not mean I have not experienced my share of hormonal break downs and moments of complete stupidity either due to sleep deprivation or hormones taking over my brain. I'm certainly glad the night chills have ended after a week of waking up with teeth chattering and drenched pjs! I have shed my fair share of tears especially after realizing I would never experience pregnancy again. So funny since when I was pregnant with C I swore I would never go through THAT again!<br /><br />For a week old Jeremiah seems to be a pretty content baby. He sleeps wherever I lay him down and aside from the cries from gas pains doesn't cry unless he is hungry. He actually seems to prefer being left alone as opposed to his sister who wanted to be held at all times.<br /><br />For my one friend who is not on Facebook...here are a few shots I have captured this week of my two angels.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkV-i4p-wX_gUPGGFTG-TFJNejJ_WnKJJQvigk6HMYBughpaqx_zDWoZcEcFKrr4LsDx3ssh6AkBcHY6DbR8Zh1QrNFEAlNPvJXTSeew894KBYnjpCvXu_EYSJ3x4cmkmbKzaQRJv3jDY/s1600/IMG_0611+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkV-i4p-wX_gUPGGFTG-TFJNejJ_WnKJJQvigk6HMYBughpaqx_zDWoZcEcFKrr4LsDx3ssh6AkBcHY6DbR8Zh1QrNFEAlNPvJXTSeew894KBYnjpCvXu_EYSJ3x4cmkmbKzaQRJv3jDY/s400/IMG_0611+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698038781067752850" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W8u8eOOPiARZMeS9YRU0xbHrw4eJeG3yCABUOgCNM9uw63zRULZDMbFTG6-N8vpzRsKlJRVVL7qXqiw06kbCkhTFoSOYnexSqK3MnPKfHabWS3n9oyp_IEdBzSAmbqCh_l8QtRlflLu_/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W8u8eOOPiARZMeS9YRU0xbHrw4eJeG3yCABUOgCNM9uw63zRULZDMbFTG6-N8vpzRsKlJRVVL7qXqiw06kbCkhTFoSOYnexSqK3MnPKfHabWS3n9oyp_IEdBzSAmbqCh_l8QtRlflLu_/s400/IMG_0558.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698038782620975106" border="0" /></a>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-37294002747479050512011-12-29T22:13:00.002-06:002011-12-29T22:23:27.011-06:00One more weekI am 37 weeks and 3 days pregnant. Jeremiah is already measuring in at 8.3 oz and if it were up to me he could come out after this weekend! But Im showing no signs of delivery and since I will have a scheduled section it is set for next Friday the 6th of January. So one week from today (in a few hrs) we will finally meet him! I have a vision in my head of what I think he will look like. This vision DEFINITELY includes lots of rolls, chubby cheeks, and dark hair as has been indicated by the ultrasound techs. I'm guessing his final weight comes in at around 8.8 which is what the father and grandfather weighed.<br /><br />While we are all anxious for your arrival I am still a little apprehensive as to how the changes will affect our family! I finally have reached the miserable point of pregnancy where you definitely just want the baby out! My body is finally giving out and I certainly am ready to start retrieving my waistline again!<br /><br />One one hand I am a little relieved to have one more week to take care of odds and ends and make final touches to his nursery. On the other hand it will be the longest week ever as the birth day looms ahead.<br /><br />I will try to rest and enjoy these last 7 days of carrying my baby since it will be my last. I am beyond excited to do the newborn portraits and I just pray that I am physically able and that he cooperates...although unlike my clients I have ALL DAY to make him!Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-70929209635416196992011-12-29T21:55:00.004-06:002011-12-29T22:13:38.945-06:00Christmas 2011 recap to Carsyn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8p7cu39fCEANPgp0nLlb1yBWrs_rgtYEzdueMf-po4nRI5ZzIhFe38TIG_LojqQm6IOlWbett8dMoL_-U54rqmgnB-wNJiq9cORUdou8QqUGI2whS_gTLsqAJQ0I76-QdddoIB2zPOec/s1600/christmas+2011+card.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8p7cu39fCEANPgp0nLlb1yBWrs_rgtYEzdueMf-po4nRI5ZzIhFe38TIG_LojqQm6IOlWbett8dMoL_-U54rqmgnB-wNJiq9cORUdou8QqUGI2whS_gTLsqAJQ0I76-QdddoIB2zPOec/s400/christmas+2011+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691769211769117042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV4r9hyphenhyphenGUedwqnEacsCos2oiV1dzQrYbwjifH3Uz-LnZ7X56lR9_GfFbruO28rWN7WqR4EXI5CW6f3O5NQ9KNcbAW6Lby4TZoohboQxNyEaKtYXBOIWWq0Jmmw3Q0EHYdWBV1EvsnOj7c/s1600/christmas+2011+back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV4r9hyphenhyphenGUedwqnEacsCos2oiV1dzQrYbwjifH3Uz-LnZ7X56lR9_GfFbruO28rWN7WqR4EXI5CW6f3O5NQ9KNcbAW6Lby4TZoohboQxNyEaKtYXBOIWWq0Jmmw3Q0EHYdWBV1EvsnOj7c/s400/christmas+2011+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691769214207812354" border="0" /></a><br />We have so much to be thankful for this Christmas season. Last year we were enduring the loss of Pop and missing Nonny as she was recovering from her breast cancer operations. I loved the way my Christmas cards turned out this year and they definitely described everything we as a family have learned through the year.<br /><br />This year was the first year that you could truly understand the reason we celebrate Christmas. We went to see the Live Nativity and talked about the baby Jesus. We had a Happy Birthday Jesus party with your playgroup buddies (you also had one at school too). When we left the lunch I asked if you understood why we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and you said Yes and then proceeded to ask these questions "How old is Jesus?" "Did he have to get shots when he was born?" "What kind of presents does he want this year?" My answers; Really really old, no, and he just wants you to obey mommy and daddy as his present!<br /><br />This year you were in the Mccomb Christmas parade with your dance class and while I know you had fun I think you'd rather have been catching the candy on the street than throwing it! But you got that opportunity when we attended the Summit Christmas parade a few weeks later. Also we made our annual drive to Tylertown to view the lights and watch you perform in your school program. Ms. Chris invited us over to what has become an annual tradition of making gingerbread houses with Brooke and Colin. One Saturday, we rode over to a place called Swan Creek in Monticello where we fed animals, played games, roasted marshmellows, and saw Mr. and Mrs. Claus. You were not fooled, however, when Santa Claus started talking to me and CiCi about your father and the furniture stores and quickly told me "That's just a pretend Santa, isn't it mama? That's not the real one." Yes I agreed this was just a friend of his sent to visit and keep an eye on everyone around. You are definitely a quick little 4 year old! We did go visit another Santa at the Bass Pro Shop where we had lunch with Grandparent Smiths.<br /><br />Christmas morning you actually slept in and I was impatiently waiting for YOU to wake up! Just as I did as a child you calmly inspected everything Santa brought never really showing much emotion.<br /><br />And now the holiday has quickly passed and it is time to wait for your baby brother to arrive in one week from today. I can't wait to watch you and our new addition grow next year!Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-11993858791214002092011-12-21T07:39:00.003-06:002011-12-21T09:01:27.859-06:00Carsyn my dearI am a little late posting about your four year old birthday, but as I sit here on the couch watching you play pretend with your lalaloopsy and doll house dolls it made me realize how quickly time is fleeting.<br /><br />I don't even know where to begin to talk about what you mean to me and your daddy. You are the most beautiful and caring little girl to others. While you aren't always the nicest to your parents you are always respectful and loving to others. You love to be in the spotlight and have to be busy at all times! You would much rather be surrounded by people either adults or children than be at home. You hardly meet a stranger and always give them a hug goodbye whether you have just met or known for years.<br /><br /> I have to say you are more and more like your mother every day...sorry to tell ya! You are definitely my mini-me and I get blamed for all of your "negative" personality traits. Your independence can drive me batty at times but I know that I will not have to worry about you achieving whatever you want.<br /><br />From 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM except for the 3 hours of preschool or the few times you are with babysitters/daddy you are by my side. You have been the best little sidekick during my pregnancy with your brother....always kissing my belly and jumping to pick up the countless objects I drop and cannot retrieve. I only hope this love continues once he actually arrives. I know that you will take some adjusting to sharing me. When someone asked you last week what you were going to do when he was sitting in my lap you replied very matter of fact...."Ill just pick him up and move him!"<br /><br />For your 4th birthday we had a princess tea party at the Brentwood House. You and I had been planning this party since your last one ended last year! I hope that you will remember how magical it was.<br /><br />In the last couple of weeks we have been watching our old home videos and even though it is cliche I can't believe how quickly time passes...especially 18 mos to 4! As if you had a choice you have become quite the poser in front of my camera. Just this week we went and played in my studio to take your picture in my wedding gown. It turned out beautifully and I have plans to blow it up large and hang above our bed with pictures of you and Jeremiah.<br /><br />Just for records sake here are a few of your habits at age 4.<br /><br />You stopped taking a nap sometime around August. I hated to see it end but you actually are much happier during the day without it and quickly go to bed as opposed to the nightly battle we were enduring.<br /><br />You still have a fabulous appetite and eat almost anything. EVERYDAY you have carrots/cucumbers/celery with ranch atleast once a day. Your favorite breakfast is boiled eggs and peaches/pineapple. You do eat a few too many hotdogs and probably would everyday if I let you. You love spaghetti/roast/and tomato soup.<br /><br />Most nights you sleep through the night but atleast twice a week you still wake up. I do not look forward to being woken up by you and your brother at the same time or right after each other!! :(<br /><br />I have to wrap this up because we are headed to visit with Grandparents Smith and go visit Santa in Jackson. It is so fun to experience the magic of Christmas through your eyes at this fun age!Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-34747377942315449792011-11-17T19:47:00.000-06:002011-11-17T19:48:34.616-06:00Disney Family Vacation Sep 2011M_I_C_K_E_Y MOUSE<br /><br /><br />Well life has taken over and I have put the blogging WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY on the back burner. I never even blogged our Disney trip!<br /><br /><br />I initially had said that I didn't want to take Carsyn to Disney until she was atleast 5 years old. For starters I wanted her to have a memory of her trip and also I knew the older she was the easier it would be. BUT then when we started thinking about having a baby this year I knew I wouldn't want to return until the baby was older which would end up making Carsyn wait longer. I myself had never been to Disney ever in my life so selfishly I wanted to experience it for myself also since I knew a new bundle of joy would result in more responsibility for myself. And there is no better way to me to experience Disney except through the eyes of a child. Carsyn is in such a fun stage where everything is so magical and real that Danny and I really wanted to watch her experience the Princesses. Sooo one day when Danny made this comment in response to a Disney TV commercial, "So when are we taking Carsyn?" I knew he would be on board so I better strike while the iron was hot! At first I was thinking a Nov trip would be fun but then when I got pregnant sooner than planned I moved it up to September. I had already experienced traveling during third trimester while preggo with C and I vowed NEVER to make that mistake again!<br /><br /><br />After reviewing airfare Danny and I decided we would make the 10 hr drive instead. I was EXTREMELY nervous about this because first of all I have only traveled as far as about 6 hrs with C and Danny had only traveled about 3 hours with her. But my fears were unwarranted because our trip was great and Carsyn rode fabulously. LOTS of DVDs and rotating parents in the backseat from time to time but we really preferred driving as opposed to the rat race of the airport.<br /><br /><br />When we finally arrived at our hotel we were greatly disappointed with our room. I had chosen a budget hotel since it was a very fast trip and really more of a "taste-test" of Disney so we would know what to do next time. Disney can be quite overwhelming when attempting to go for the first time and we DEFINITELY learned what NOT to do NEXT TIME. AND NEXT TIME we will NOT be staying at any All Star resort! We didn't even have a bathtub and not only that but no "real" shower either, just a curtain that shared the same floor as the toilet. Luckily we were not there for much time.<br /><br /><br />I had a slight nervous breakdown when I realized I had not factored in the time difference and in order to get to our reservation of Cinderella's castle the next morning I would have to get up at 5 (after going to bed at midnight). Why did we go to bed at midnight? Because we got lost trying to find our hotel room after dinner and we didn't have the number written down! The next morning of course we were running late and I started to panic that we would lose our reservations which had already been messsed up tremendously by Disney. BUT when we finally arrived and Carsyn curtsied to Cinderella and did a little twirl it was all worth it! Tears definitely rolled down this momma's face and Im pretty sure her daddy would have too if he were a crier! And then as they say the Magic of Disney took over and we had an amazing time! We definitely did not try to see everything and both of the days we were at the parks I took Carsyn back to the hotel to take a little nap and refresh before dinner.<br /><br /><br />We had purchased the Deluxe Dining Plan because I knew if I wanted a happy husband I had to keep him fed and Im not talking about a hotdog. However while we did utilize all of our meal tickets, I do not think we necessarily needed all of it. We did enjoy our sit down dinners, especially at the Grand Floridian cafe. This hotel is btw where Danny wants to stay next time. Yeah I better start saving NOW! Oh and the man who I was afraid would flip out with the crowds (and yes even during a slow season Disney is still packed!) is still talking about this trip 2 months later! He is ready to return as soon as Jeremiah is born, Im not kidding! I never would have thought the magic of Disney would win over this guy!<br /><br /><br /><br />The Fantasmic show at Hollywood Studios is UNBELIEVABLE and an absolute must see! Carsyn did get a little frightened by the "bad" guys but she still loved it. Of course fireworks at Cindrella's castle is breathtaking and to hear Carsyn "yell" hello to all of the characters was priceless. All in all the entire trip definitely met all of our expectations and now I can understand why people feel the need to return every year!<br /><br /><br />Im not even going to attempt to upload pictures from the trip because me and Blogger would tie up but they are on my Facebook if you are my friend.Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-13813772171897664812011-11-16T08:35:00.005-06:002011-11-16T21:38:18.494-06:00Dear JeremiahDear Jeremiah-<br /><br />Sadly I have not documented your pregnancy voyage as accurately as I did your sister's. However so far it has been a joy carrying you these last 31 weeks. I have to say Im not sure if it is the second pregnancy, or my maturity level, or the pregnancy itself but it has been pretty easy so far. I am well aware that these last 8 weeks are going to be much more difficult as you continue to grow. I am preparing myself mentally for the discomfort I am about to face but thankfully you have continued to allow me to keep up with my gruling holiday season work!<br /><br /><br />Your daddy is convinced you are going to be a big boy. Your sister was 7.15 and he just knows you will be bigger than that. From watching you on the outside of my belly I would have to say you entirely encompass the entire egg shape that it is. I can feel you move from one end to the other! I tried to videotape my belly the other night to show the ripples you can see but of course you stopped. Your movements do hurt a little more than Carsyn's did atleast as well as I can recollect. I think it is just becuase you don't have as much room.<br /><br /><br />Your sister is so excited to meet you and already pretends you are here some nights. She has had so much fun going through your clothes and blankets and dare I say she has of course tried to claim some of it as her own. You have to understand for 4 years she has been the ABSOLUTE center of her parent's and grandparent's world so she is going to be a little rocked by your arrival even though she asked for a little brother/sister! While I know you two will fight and at times even despise one another I will try to remind myself that every single morning as I drop her off for preschool she gives you a big kiss on my belly and says "love you Baby J."<br /><br />Of course your daddy is ecstatic to have a male playmate and some testosterone in this house. Since the passing of your Pop almost a year ago he has been going through a tough year becoming the responsible male of the family. Seeing Pop's initials on your coming home outfit, will be a bittersweet arrival of your birth following so closely to the anniversary of his death. Personally I feel you are God's gift to the family for Pop's early departure. Don't worry we will fill you in on what an amazing person he was.<br /><br /><br />And while Daddy and Carsyn would love for you to be here right now I am content spending some more alone time with you on the inside. I know once you arrive life will forever more be changed....and my time stretched even more between caring for two demanding little people. I have to admit I am a bit scared at the adjustments we will all face but as we did with your sister we will figure out a way eventually.<br /><br /><br />It would be GREAT if you could sleep for longer than 2 to 3 hours at a time as I am interested to see how your awful sleeping sister will handle your wake ups. I expect to be awake with two children in the middle of the night.<br /><br /><br />So now we go to prepare for your arrival and get your nursery ready. Today we are taking our last family of 3 portraits and documenting you in my belly. This is the fun part of pregnancy!<br /><br /><br /><br />I love you! MamaAmanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-28128310563706776652011-10-11T20:29:00.004-05:002011-10-11T21:00:31.580-05:00And he shall be called......We FINALLY have a name!!! Finally!!<br /><br />For those who are unaware this has been a long process. I wanted to name our son something that had meaning. My husband, bless him, continued to come up with some crazy choices. Thousand and Thousands of names were rejected by my husband. And to be honest none of them really just hit home with me either.<br /><br />So to begin my story, a few nights ago I woke up around 1:30 AM with some terrible pains. You really don't want to know the details so I will spare you but as I sat trying to figure out how to alleviate the pain I prayed "God please help me, please take this pain away, tell me what you want me to name this baby and I promise I will make sure he is given back to do your will." So a little while later the pain ceased.<br /><br />Fast forward to tonight. After dinner I asked my husband what today was? He said "the 11th" I said "Well you have four more days to come up with a name or you lose all naming priviliges. I mean I NEED to monogram some stuff!" So he says " What about Jeremy?"<br /><br />Now Jeremy is the name of one of my cousins who I have always been close with growing up. And I always said if I had a son I wanted him to be just like Jeremy.<br /><br />So I said "Well we already have a Jeremy in the family? What about Jeremiah?"<br /><br />"Yeah I like Jeremiah"<br /><br />"Well I have to do the name tests...you know say whole name together Jeremiah Allan Smith"<br />Then put it with Danny, Amanda, Carsyn and Jeremiah<br />Look up its meaning : God will raise up<br /><br />And my newest name test is to search on Facebook for any Jeremiah's locally to see how many pop up and what they look like, etc...So as I log on and the very first status on my newsfeed is this:<br /><br /><strong>Jeremiah 1:5<br />Before I formed you in the womb I knew[<a title="See footnote a" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+1%3A5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-18952a">a</a>] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations</strong><br /><br />I SWEAR to you I can NOT even make that up! I knew that bible verse but I was unaware which book it came from. Seriously, was God using Social Networking to speak to me? I mean I am a huge believer in signs and this was pretty crazy!! The FIRST status on my newsfeed!<br /><br />So I am not going to argue with God and if he says Jeremiah is the name than I am going with the sign, however we received it! My husband is pretty excited because he will have the same initials as his father did, James Allan Smith (Jeremiah Allan Smith), and our new furntiure store is named J. Allan's. So there you have it!<br /><br />When I told Carsyn what we thought the name of the baby would be she said "NO I want to name it SIMBA!" I said she could call him whatever she wanted but mommy and daddy were calling him Jeremiah.Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-42432071661155999382011-09-01T22:34:00.007-05:002011-09-06T21:53:02.609-05:00It's A BOY!!!Well after several glitches...the Gender Reveal Party was a huge success and a wonderfully fun way to find out the sex of Baby Smith!! I highly recommend everyone to discover the sex of their baby this way!!!<br /><br />So here is how it went down...first off all I received a message from my UT that I was not on her schedule. Panic set in...called the office...yep no appointment on record even though I made it two months ago and double checked at my 16 week appointment. Called my BFF who's husband is my doctor's partner...turns out I did have an appointment just not the Ultrasound. He fixed it and we were back on track. THEN my UT tech told me that she had to switch days but she would inform the other tech what was to go down and she could text the answer.<br /><br />Day of appointment came and Danny and I entered a standing room only waiting room at 8:45!! Needless to say it was 2 hours before we even got to the ultrasound! This is not the norm but it was a highly busy day! When I entered the ultrasound room and said<br /><br />"Hey I am Amanda- Shari told you about me? Im having the gender party, so DON"T tell me what it is?!?" Confused look on UT face. "Umm no fill me in?"<br /><br />So after I filled her in she said she faintly recalled seeing a text about this scenario... great!<br /><br />Ultrasound began and she said she would refer to the baby as a HE for general purpposes. The baby was measuring right on track and looked to be perfectly healthy. He was not moving a ton but definitely stretching out his legs often. Then she told us to cover our eyes to check a leg in the event we could see something. She started referring to it as a SHE and Danny and I both had thought she might have slipped. Then we covered our eyes again to check the sex and I peeked at Danny to make sure he wasn't peeking. And she quickly found it. I went to my doctor's office and said "Make sure not to tell me what it is" " I was pretty sure it was a boy but now Im confused because the tech called it a SHE." My doctor aked why I thought that and with that I was completly confused!<br /><br />I stayed busy with Carsyn and preparing my house for guests the rest of the afternoon. Carsyn and I decided to kill some more time we would go get Big Sister pedicures!<br /><br />I was so lucky to have my baker make my cake the SAME day so we didn't have to wait. We waited until close to party time so there would be no time for peeking! Although since I had made it this far I was excited to wait another hour! In fact when our family arrived I decided we should eat dinner BEFORE cutting the cake just to make the anticipation last a little longer!<br /><br />And FINALLY we cut it and it was the smurfiest blue I have ever seen! No mistaking! My OB is my Facebook friend so I messaged her and said "It is a boy right?!?!" And she said YES!<br /><br />So while I have needed to concentrate on work last week I haven't been able to stop shopping and planning his nursery decor! I have already purchased his fabric since the party that we will have the crib bedding made from. Unfortunately Baby Smith still does not have a name and we are nowhere close to deciding on one!Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-67364418169766100232011-08-22T22:50:00.003-05:002011-08-22T23:20:57.680-05:00Baby SmithSo we have reached the big week in Pregnancy....Gender Reveal ultrasound!! After watching several of my friends host their own Gender Reveal parties I thought it would be a unique way to incorporate Carsyn into the fun. This is how it will go down...so I hope!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />One of the benefits of living in a small town is that my ultrasound tech is a friend and knows my cake baker who is a friend. The UT will text the answer to the baker so I will not have any written way to sneak a peek. Also this will allow the baker to have the answer to begin on my cake since she is making it for me the same day! No way was I waiting until the weekend to find out, so this entire party has been scheduled around the baker's day off from her regular job!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Fingers crossed baby Smith cooperates and at 6:30 Carsyn will cut the cake to determine what this little bambino will be. Also hoping this ultrasound shows a healthy little tike, but Im trying not to think negative thoughts.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />So I am 19 weeks this week I made sure to wait the alotted time so we would have a nice and larger baby to check on. Last week I did get to feel the first butterflies of it moving, but sadly I have not felt anything in a few days? I believe the baby was breech the other day as I had lots and lots of pressure and felt as though the baby was about to fall out! I had never experienced this with Carsyn. Also one day the "kicks" felt like little hiccups in my "way down low region?!?!" Also another never before experience. Thankfully I have a good friend who has birthed 3 children who also happens to be married to an OBGYN so she gets to hear all of my concerns and wonders! It will be a long 5 more months for her!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />I am not sure whether it is my positive attitude or my lack of time to notice but this pregnancy has been very easy thus far. I know it will only get worse so I am trying to pace myself much like when I ran track in high school! A few ailments that I have noticed that are completely different than when I was pregnant with Carsyn are; increased freckles/ruddiness in cheeks (If this is pregnancy "glow" I am not happy about it!), increased spider veins and even veins that come to surface on my legs (can be extremely painful/itchy and have caused me to panic about blood clots), and much much larger breasts!! So far no leg cramps or sciatic nerve pain which was the culprit of much pain while pregnant with Carsyn.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />I am still exercising with my kettlebell group although very modified and lower weights. As of right now I have not gained any weight since my 12 week appointment. Guess that is a good thing?
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Carsyn told me this morning at the grocery store while wanting to do something I was not allowing her to do...."MAMA I can do it ALL BY MYSELF...I am THE BIG SISTER!!!!"
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />So now we wait three more days!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-85721469592792347852011-08-07T14:25:00.005-05:002011-08-07T15:22:17.945-05:00Summer comes to an end...Where do I begin....time is racing by. I hear my funny belle saying so many funny things and I think "OH I need to go blog that so I don't forget!" But alas time slips by and I ultimately forget.<br /><br />We are DEFINITELY over summer in this household and ready to return to our schedules. Not to mention this unbearable heat index, UGH!!!<br /><br />Carsyn still has a month until preschool starts but she has started back to Ms. Jan @ Mother"s Morning Out for the next few weeks. She was like a kid on Christmas morning when she got to go last week. Carsyn is definitely a socialite who prefers to be with a group than at home with me! Also last week she started dance class. Seeing a group of 3 year olds in tu-tus might be the cutest scene you could ever see! Carsyn has been asking to go to dance class for well over a year so once the day arrived she was over the moon! Its amazing how much better behaved she is when she activities to look foward to.<br /><br /><p><br /><br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVbrG7N83X-UgKytFqnc6kdNIIDYSK6Lvidxye5VbsnxkxpU1tBH9dGFt7QzsWE14NRMuFozzI1TglJUQSBwmLRWMynqVC7vpmNXVqTgahCW2fn35VUeR4EWTPIKPQaYH0UXYPxc35ZhK/s1600/281580_10150405769414937_758989936_10559005_4547224_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638203663421660578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVbrG7N83X-UgKytFqnc6kdNIIDYSK6Lvidxye5VbsnxkxpU1tBH9dGFt7QzsWE14NRMuFozzI1TglJUQSBwmLRWMynqVC7vpmNXVqTgahCW2fn35VUeR4EWTPIKPQaYH0UXYPxc35ZhK/s400/281580_10150405769414937_758989936_10559005_4547224_n.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p>One of Carsyn's favorite games is I Spy. I don't even know who taught it to her but even when I don't want to play, when I hear her say " I spy wif my wittle eyes sumpin" I always play. I wish I could record her saying this to listen to over and over again when she is driving me crazy as a teenager. </p><br /><p>Carsyn already is ready to be "BIG," according to her when she is FIVE she will be able to do whatever she wants!! She constantly tells everyone she is almost FOUR. A trait I know she received from me is she absolutely HATES to be told what to do by anyone. And she definitely has started becoming quite the little bossy girl lately. I feel sorry for her sibling! :) HOWEVER for the most part she is very well behaved in public or for other grown-ups. </p><br /><p>Speaking of Carsyn's sibling I had my 16 week check-up last week. All went well, of course, nothing can be really be determined until the next appointment which will include the ultrasound to determine the sex. Atleast the nurse found the heartbeat a little faster this time but she only listened to it for a nanosecond. I wanted to say "HEY I waited 4 weeks to hear that sound- leave it on for atleast a minute!" We are all very anxious for our gender reveal party however I can't help feeling nervous that the ultrasound will determine anything negative. I definitely can't complain about the way I have been feeling. In fact, on most days if I didn't have this big belly I really wouldn't know I was pregnant. So now we pray and wait and get ready for our next visit in 18 days! :) </p><br /><p><br /><br /></p>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-54383589152737853442011-07-05T22:18:00.003-05:002011-07-05T22:38:23.110-05:00WHAT A DAYEven though I DID get to go to NYC this summer, and visit my friends in Mobile, if I were to say this has been a fantastic summer would be a bit of a fib. In all honesty ever since school let out for Carsyn I have been in a slight state of chaos. Frist off I was totally unprepared for Carsyn this summer. Her attention span and desire to learn caught me completely off-guard. In June she typically goes to Mrs. Jan's two days a week for playtime but since our swimming lessons interferred with that time we were unable to attend. I think this is where the downward slope started. Add in that this is my first summer to photograph several weddings consecutively in addition to my regular photog schedule and it equals to I just down right have done a poor job of time management. Oh yeah and that little butterbean inside me has not given me much motivation either. And to be completely honest the thought of my summer next year being even more chaotic down right scares the dickens out of me! So I am preparing NOW!<br /><br />Also Carsyn's sleep schedule has been changing so she usually goes to bed around 9:30 (and I am close behind) and is up before or right after me! Then she only takes about an hour nap(I can tell it is slowly dwindling but she can't yet go without one completey). So I have not had any alone time in A WHILE. Today I was determined to find something to entertain her so I could get some work done!<br /><br />Today I took her to a local jumpy gym that has summer drop offs. I was a little leary because in Carsyn's words "I am big but not real big, I am still little too!" so I worried she wasn't old enough but I was desperate. She ended up having a great time and I got a great deal of work accomplished. HOWEVER, when I returned home Danny was waking up with a violent stomach virus...GREAT! I made it all 12 weeks with no morning sickness and now I might catch this!!! Also today was my scheduled 12 week check up and Carsyn was supposed to stay with him. My babysitter was out of town, my mother and mil were out of town, so Carsyn ended up coming with me to the dr!<br /><br />THAT was definitely a learning experince for her! She was appalled by the urine specimen..."Mommy what you doing...MOMMY DON'T PUT YOUR HANDS DOWN THERE!" And then I had to give blood Me "Carsyn can mommy hold your hand? " C - "NO" Me- "Can I hold Mr. Cow?" C- "NO, here you can hold my babydoll instead." "Oh mommy does it hurt?!"<br /><br />She really did great with the almost 2 hour visit. THEN we went into the examing room and I told her she would get to hear her baby's heartbeat. The nurse came in and started trying to locate it...after five minutes my heart started to drop when she couldn't locate it. " OMG I knew I was feeeling to good, what am I going to tell Carsyn I started to think" BUT THANK GOD my dr. walked in and took it from the nurse and immediately found it. Talk about giving someone a heart attack! So afterwards, Carsyn and I scurried home to nurse daddy.....from a distance.<br /><br />Pray we make it without getting his bug!Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-87429696975292730552011-07-02T22:00:00.000-05:002011-07-02T22:01:18.268-05:00Baby Smith #2 week 9Baby Smith #2<br /><br />I still haven't announced to the public nor published my original blog about discovering our pregnancy but I want to document this journey as I did with Carsyn. We don't want #2 to start out feeling slighted! :) Although we know Carsyn will keep he/she in it's place!<br /><br />So we have had our appointment to hear the heartbeat. As with Carsyn, my baby's growth shows a week behind what my menstrual cycle due date indicates. As of now the duedate is set for Jan 16th. As soon as the image flashed on the screen Danny said "Yep it's a girl." It seems he thinks it will be a girl again...and he is happy about it. I felt boy in the very beginning but as time has progressed I am leaning more toward girl as well. When I saw the iamge I also instantly thought girl. Of course we are happy with either sex as long as it is healthy(and sleeps :)) J/K!!! (sort of)<br /><br />I was afraid since Carsyn found out so early she was going to be ancy the entire 9 months but it seems she is very nonchalant about it now. She still randomly asks me questions but not all the time.<br /><br />My belly is ridiculously big for 9 weeks. I AM NOT KIDDING! Danny still has not told several people and so I am still supposed to be covering it up which is becoming increasingly difficult. I would say I am the same size as I was at five months with Carsyn's pregnancy. I am already not fitting in my pants and wearing maternity clothing. I will take a photo soon. (Of course I have already scheduled my maternity portraits with one of my favorite photographer friends)!<br /><br />I have experienced more nausaea with this pregnancy than with Carsyn. Still no actual vomitting but sometimes I wish I would :( I went ahead and had them call in some zofran several weeks ago and it nips it in the bud! If I can keep my stomach full (usually with carbs/starches) than I can stay away from the sickly feeling. Surprisingly I have not been that tired at all. I recall with Carsyn crashing when I got home from work and wondering how do people with an older child keep going, but I have not felt any more tired than usual. In fact photographed a wedding this past weekend for over 8 hours and was fine! I hope this continues because I have a packed schedule until December!!<br /><br />So the next appointment is on July 5th and I will have reached the end of the first trimester. I suppose I can publish this blog at that point as Danny still doesn't want to announce. Im not sure why other than he is superstitious.Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-14870880505407660402011-05-10T22:30:00.004-05:002011-06-29T09:15:40.180-05:00Mother's Day****Written on Mother's Day*****<br /><br /><br />Four years ago during Easter I learned that I would become a mommy. Little did I know then what that really meant. I don't think that no matter how much people try to inform you or prepare you about motherhood you never really "KNOW" what it is like to be a mother until you become one. You never understand the exhuastion you will go through or the joy you will receive from this precious baby. I don't think you ever fully appreciate your own mother until you become one! Carsyn can drive me absolutely crazy and in the next five minutes fill my heart with so much love and laughter. /<br /><br /><br /><br />I did ALOT of complaining during my pregnancy and made ALOT of mistakes with my precious princess! Like a new year's resolution, there are LOTS and LOTS of things I vow to do differently the next time around. This may be selfish but one of the reasons (out of many) that I decided I wanted another child was a chance for a re-do! I want to get to experience it one more time and try to not complain as much during the pregnancy. I feel this will be more likely because I will actually know what the end result will entail which the first time around I had no idea the joy I would know. I also would like to see if I could correct some of the mistakes I made the first go around which I definitely think is possible! I also think you get to enjoy your second child as a newborn more because first off you actually have a clue what you are doing! Don't get me wrong 3 years ago has very much erased lots from my memory but Im pretty sure I won't panic over some of the first time parent issues I did before. Also I think with your first that you are so excited to watch them grow that you anticipate the next phase rather than living in the present and enjoying them as babies. As I have mentioned before Carsyn has been asking for a baby for a while now so I certainly want to provide that for her. Hopefully she and her sibling will be very close and be there for each other forever. I have LOTS of close friends and cousins I consider close as siblings but in the end I am by myself and as I have said before I will have to tend to my parents alone when they age. And finally I feel that a second child would complete our family. It will no longer be mom and Carsyn and daddy but a final member to make us a complete team.<br /><br /><br />And a little by surprise as I had not expected it to happen so quickly(not as quickly as the first time around but still pretty darn fast)....around Mother's Day I discovered that we were pregnant and hopefully all of these hopes would come to fruition. I don't know how I will keep Carsyn patient for 9 long months!! She wants it here NOW and she wants it to sleep in her bed NOW! When I told her that God has answered her prayer and he put a baby in my belly she squeeled and then she said without stopping for a breath "Do I get to feed it and changes its diapers and buckle it in its seat??! Will the doctor let me sit in your lap? Will they bring it in a wheelbarrow into the room?"<br /><br /><br /><br />I have to say even though this may sound silly I instantly knew I was pregnant. I took a weekend trip to the coast last weekend with my momfriends and the entire time I had a feeling I was. Granted I had no physical symptoms (still don't) but I just felt like I was.<br /><br />Now since my body is usually like clockwork and I had missed my period I definitely felt my intuition was right...so I took two pg tests the day after my period was to arrive and both came back negative. A few days later at Carsyn preschool end of the year program I tried and tried to hold back tears but I just couldn't stop(Im not a huge cryer so I thought okay emotional nelly you are definitely pg!) BUT two tests said NO so I didn't take anymore. I had a couple more crying spells over the weekend but still I ignored it. THEN on Tuesday I cried not ONCE but TWICE during Regis and Kelly and still had no period and I was like OKAY I have GOT to be pregnant! This is ridiculous! So off I went to the store to buy some more tests because now it had been over a week late....And...they BOTH were positve!<br /><br />I didn't know whether to be excited or scared!?!?! Which I guess I am both! Unlike the first pregnancy where I was naive about lots of the bad that can happen I definitely am more aware of watching and hearing of friends and such who have had to experience such turmoil. Also now that I KNOW how difficult it is to take care of a baby even though I think I will be more prepared Im still nervous! My business is finally taking off and I hope to continue and adding to more responsibilites will definitely be a new challange!<br /><br />BUT come the new year in 2012 a new baby Smith will "God -willing" enter our lives healthy and make us all very happy!Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-71445410254605377152011-04-25T21:30:00.000-05:002011-04-25T21:48:56.259-05:00I never want to forgetThere are some interesting and sweet words my little chatterbox has been coming up with lately and I never want to forget them!<br /><br /><br />We finally got her new swingset put up last week and to say she LOVES it would be a HUGE understatement!! Everyday we have to go play on it atleast twice sometimes three times a day!<br /><br />She always says "First Im gunna swing fronts, then Im gunna swing backs, then Im gunna swing on my tummy, then Im gunna do monkey bars, THEN Im gunna SLIDE!"<br /><br /><br />Today as we were eating dessert after our lunch she said "Hey momma, let's take our pudding cups out to the swing and have a snackover!"<br /><br /><br />Also last week Danny and I were having a disagreement and she said "Hey can't we stop and all be friends?!?!?" Nothing like a 3 yr old to put life in perspective for you!<br /><br /><br />Lately at church she has tried to sing along with us, she grabs the bible thinking it is the hymnal and babbles as she trys to sing. I so hope she will be able to continue her musical interest.<br /><br />Also at church she has started bowing her head and putting her hands together-<strong>sweetest sight ever. </strong><br /><br />On our way to church one Wed evening I was wearing a sundress I had on all day. It was one shoulder but I had brought my cardigan to put on once we reached church. As we got into the car to leave she said "Mommy you can't wear that you are going to show everybody your everything!" "You can see your back!" <strong>REALLY?!?!?! </strong><br /><br /><br /><br />While eating dinner... "Momma Im eating my broccoli but have you ever heard of ranch on broccoli? I think that would be a GREAT idea!!" (Carsyn puts ranch on EVERYTHING...especially scrambled eggs!)<br /><br /><br /><br />Last night in her prayers she thanked God for just about every person she knows and then she said " And dear God thank you for giving me a baby brother or sister"<br />Nope sorry that is a negative...she better watch what she prayers for she might not like it if it comes true!!<br /><br />Her favorite phrase is <strong>"Are you KIDDING ME?"</strong> She says it atleaset ten times a day!<br /><br />When Carsyn asks me a question and she wants me to say yes she will repeatedly say "Whatever? Whatever Mommy? Whatever?"<br /><br />Apparently I saw Whatever a bit too much!<br /><br />When we went to see baby Emma in the hospital and they wheelend her in the room in the cart<br />she grabbed my leg and whispered "I looked just like that when I was born like the picture in my baby book!!!" I don't think the hospital striped blanket/hat combo will ever go out of style!<br /><br />So no pictures for this blog but I will work on doing a better job. It has been called to my attention that I have been slacking! :)Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-14054605193873454522011-02-20T14:14:00.000-06:002011-02-20T14:59:27.975-06:00Carsyn at three<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJCEGnztFMCXMCjiTRXYy8f59zvmI0S9EK2sTQr0mCxAY0lk0W8JhCoaaLSObTalO7dliGsDKKy2mT-Q302D9dzIsxtMJJgfGyC8EZSSYExIwVk2nXNxTkZ_R7JgbenToISRkECczJjSS/s1600/IMG_6172.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575878288320971826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJCEGnztFMCXMCjiTRXYy8f59zvmI0S9EK2sTQr0mCxAY0lk0W8JhCoaaLSObTalO7dliGsDKKy2mT-Q302D9dzIsxtMJJgfGyC8EZSSYExIwVk2nXNxTkZ_R7JgbenToISRkECczJjSS/s400/IMG_6172.JPG" /></a> Trying to get a pic with my baby at her Valentine's party!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HhQLXb_JWG52D811RC6UnUbLLu6wamz1eFcQkYjNGrQ-ZHvE5XEfoc_m7gWf720kHQPbUZnQa9Xvk7RT6csR5fRbs0abjB42rvriLI6ziErV_g1xTtXoeZCMNoyUl2F00ysfIUp3SJlj/s1600/IMG_6173.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht64jLC36TuLgETBLIDTwtgE0EO9BtLDUgJ-ttZ8mtOS7rHd-5IxDTRDMOJHS-dBbDdQZCr5fTz9-ciQnwISo6mdL2lQd1VGEwZn48UOTiZ19kMOpSPRbL2YxBTh70qnUQKx4mkiwcKK-/s1600/IMG_6169.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575874946063849170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht64jLC36TuLgETBLIDTwtgE0EO9BtLDUgJ-ttZ8mtOS7rHd-5IxDTRDMOJHS-dBbDdQZCr5fTz9-ciQnwISo6mdL2lQd1VGEwZn48UOTiZ19kMOpSPRbL2YxBTh70qnUQKx4mkiwcKK-/s400/IMG_6169.JPG" /></a> School Valentine's Party!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8O5pTypKU16YZxSY-OHk7cBSxfgnUjJiK1Q4FYlgw8S9YFEGxhnm-4NGgJ33tfYHAbuMhcBDVkjZIST43My0pWy1YFejmMfwUJI9os4XSFO_3mbTGw5lpUW6HTLj0Nvqd7dYjI5IUSgY/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575874941095200578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8O5pTypKU16YZxSY-OHk7cBSxfgnUjJiK1Q4FYlgw8S9YFEGxhnm-4NGgJ33tfYHAbuMhcBDVkjZIST43My0pWy1YFejmMfwUJI9os4XSFO_3mbTGw5lpUW6HTLj0Nvqd7dYjI5IUSgY/s400/IMG_6163.JPG" /></a> Posing for mom before party.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinB3tfFJilNn9vo1C6eT7h4-JyXy1TUIRq9yQ3h-3QLK8byoSBU7vHvu8wNf5nMi0smRBnMn6TZ_Er0n4oIw-yZRr7klTTbmA5_UXz3jkNbE7yM25zZ5QWvn31z6VWiPQTYxE5cG771YH8/s1600/IMG_4198.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575873675643084978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinB3tfFJilNn9vo1C6eT7h4-JyXy1TUIRq9yQ3h-3QLK8byoSBU7vHvu8wNf5nMi0smRBnMn6TZ_Er0n4oIw-yZRr7klTTbmA5_UXz3jkNbE7yM25zZ5QWvn31z6VWiPQTYxE5cG771YH8/s400/IMG_4198.JPG" /></a> MOdeling for my tutu mini sessions<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuYOYKZq3PxE8u5TX3AVu2KXYXzQyMMsIkehvNO3nLPZGYd7r9wUWBbBEM8X7Tn1ekYntTrLSecunP-04Ayn5OuqrvKk4KBxYtBLb68I-sdJmxVYORjkHKIH3T3arRZXmBNDHzafDPMxw/s1600/IMG_4195.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575873670424265474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuYOYKZq3PxE8u5TX3AVu2KXYXzQyMMsIkehvNO3nLPZGYd7r9wUWBbBEM8X7Tn1ekYntTrLSecunP-04Ayn5OuqrvKk4KBxYtBLb68I-sdJmxVYORjkHKIH3T3arRZXmBNDHzafDPMxw/s400/IMG_4195.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-i5nzalgLew9_SU-25U2MdCA9pNvVXNdOQJgo_uFiWzUwcuv5KZNZ4-J3RTwqG5FMtn8uF4ebYi6uwnDdfx2Bw5ZfNEdT-Y97GO12gqN0XZofSoA3P30R9HYwRamUkW9LMcGJgQFDVpl/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575873667736996514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-i5nzalgLew9_SU-25U2MdCA9pNvVXNdOQJgo_uFiWzUwcuv5KZNZ4-J3RTwqG5FMtn8uF4ebYi6uwnDdfx2Bw5ZfNEdT-Y97GO12gqN0XZofSoA3P30R9HYwRamUkW9LMcGJgQFDVpl/s400/IMG_3080.JPG" /></a> Our Christmas card picture this year<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Oh Three...the Trying Threes! How I did not like thee...but now I am starting to enjoy this fun silly age of my little Belle. I have always heard that the threes are worse than the twos especially if you were lucky to not have such bad twos. Well I have finally realized a pattern to my child. It seems as though every year about two months prior to her birthday she becomes quite difficult and exhausting which I am deducing (because you know I have studied child behavior...not!) is due to her brain having so many new advancements and growth! I am pretty sure I read that in some Parenting magazine ;) . Anywho this year was no different and I found myself NOT liking the three year old age AT ALL! But now life has seem to settle a little and she has been cracking me up with her adult like behavior and funny commentary.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I have mentioned it before but my child really is super sweet to her friends. She shares everything all of the time which I admit is more her father's behavior. However recently at a school function one of the other mothers said (as she watched my child run around laughing and yelling) "My Carsyn has such a BIG personality where does she get that from?!" To which I replied...."Ummm NOT her father so I guess me!"<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Carsyn is also extremely sensitive to discipline. One harsh word from me and she bursts into HUGE croccodile tears which usually escalates my anger. It really is a hard battle! BUT once again I know this is a trait she gets from me. Or perhaps because she is female?<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>A BIG BIG BIG HUGE HUGE HUGE advancement we have had in the last two weeks....Carsyn is sleeping all night BY HERSELF!! She still has a few bumps every five days or so but Ill take it! I haven't slept this much since we went on vacation without the little Belle!!! I started a sleeping chart much like our potty train chart but in actuallity she was already starting to start the sleep trend prior to the chart. The chart has seemed to just encourage it! YAY CARSYN!!! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Every day and I am talking like ten times a day she talks about her baby brother and when her baby brother gets here.....no I am not expecting! All of her friends have had siblings this year and she is just dying to have one herself. I don't think she knows that means she has to share me!?</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Carsyn still LOVES music and singing. Listening to her try to sing to an adult song is so cute and funny. I definitely have to get her involved in some type of music/dance class soon.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>lately here are some conversations from my little belle...<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">After throwing up several times....</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Carsyn " Mommy do I have to go to heaven to feel better?" </span></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Bless her! </span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Carsyn "Mommy I want does things what dey called...you know not the crunchy ones" </span></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Me "Tortillias" </span></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Carsyn" Yeah toetiya" </span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">She has repeatedly told me "whatever" this week. *sigh* I believe this has been picked up from daddy! </span></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Carsyn "I can't talk right now...Im busy rubbing my tail (on mr. Cow)." </span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Carsyn " I LOVE VAlentine's Day! I LOVE Parties and Candy!!!" </span></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Carsyn atleast five times a day " Mommy can you be married to me?!" " I want you to be married to me not Daddy!" </span></div><p><span style="color:#33ff33;"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Aggrivated at my husband for being over an hour late coming home (without calling) I said "Carsyn I am so aggrivated at Daddy!" and she replied "Can't you give him a break?!"<br /></span><br /></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-34739398075311763612010-12-30T22:17:00.005-06:002011-01-16T13:39:46.387-06:00Christmas 2010Among all of the drama in our household during these holidays I was determined to allow Carsyn to enjoy all of the magic that Christmas entails.<br /><br />During this month we...<br /><br />Went to Christmas Tree farm and cut down a tree with daddy.<br /><br />Got our first elf on the shelf that Carsyn affectionatley named Zoe- although she didn't quite understand the concept of not touching Zoe and that Zoe would tell Santa about her behavior. Maybe next year?<br /><br />Went to the Pike County Little Theater Christmas musical....where they sang Happy Birthday to Carsyn during Intermission ;)<br /><br />Drove through the Live Nativity and listened to the story of Jesus birth<br /><br />Watched Carsyn sing and shake her jingle bells at her school Christmas program<br /><br />Carsyn enjoyed a Party at school and got WAY TOO much candy!<br /><br />Listened to the SAME Christmas cd over and over and over and over again for 4 weeks<br /><br />Went to the Summit Christmas Parade which was super fun and one of her fave friends happened to be beside us to make it more special! Carsyn of course LOVED LOVED the bands!<br /><br />Went to the Teddy Bear Christmas Tea Party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans which was SPECTACULAR and well worth the substantial price tag! This was definitely the highlight of our month aside from her birthday. The Snow Princess stole Carsyn's heart more than Santa himself. Although she did run and jump right in his lap unlike years past and told him she wanted a feeding baby doll!<br /><br />Drove through the Tylertown Christmas in the Park which was super beautiful! She was in awe and never stopped talking the entire time about the lights.<br /><br />Made Christmas breakfast and Christmas Eve/Day food together.<br /><br />Enjoyed time with family.<br /><br />GOT WAY WAY WAY toooo many presents! Aunt Katie gave C the same baby doll she had asked Santa for so we had a little mishap Christmas morning but all is well now that Walmart let us exchange one of them.<br /><br />Watching Christmas through a child's eyes is so magical and definitely what our family needed. The back of our Christmas card said "May you enjoy your holidays with a child-like innocence." which I believe was pefect for us this year~Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-86798581275363128122010-12-26T22:53:00.000-06:002010-12-26T22:53:00.208-06:00A growth spurtIt seems the Smith family has experienced a growth spurt this month.<br /><div></div><br /><br />Not a physical growth spurt but rather a maturity growth.<br /><br /><br /><br />As many of our friends and family who already read this blog know my family has been faced with many trials and much tribulations lately. In February of 2010 my father in law was diagnosed with a rare case of colon cancer. He fought a great fight with chemo and several surgeries throughout the year but unfortuntaly for us God still wanted him for his army. Anyone who knew this man knew he was on this Earth to serve others and almost always had a warm smile on his face. His calmness added much security to this family. Carsyn will probably never remember the time she spent with Pop but we will be sure to remind her of him. The Christian example he set will be a legacy for us to pass on to her.<br /><br /><br /><br />On his last night on Earth with tears in his eyes Carsyn sang to him her Christmas program songs. It was a touching moment I will not soon forget. It has been difficult to explain the loss to Carsyn but she will understand in time.<br /><br /><br /><br />Here is the uology from his funeral last week. (this is mostly for Carsyn to have in her memory book)<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Allan Smith passed from this life December 10, 2010, at his home in Summit, Mississippi, after a nearly year-long battle with cancer.James Allan Smith was born October 15, 1954, in Meridian, Mississippi, the firstborn child to James Prentiss Smith and Barbara Ann Morgan Smith. Though the family had very little, James and Barbara gave Allan a loving home that instilled a spirit of confidence, allowing him to use his imagination and to spread his wings. From these meager beginnings, Allan developed the qualities that he so admired in his heroes from history: faith, initiative, drive, determination, and humility.As soon as he could walk, Allan was on the move. His mother recounts the story of Allan as a toddler. While his father was working long hours six days a week at Lott Furniture, his mother was keeping him and his infant sister Ann at home. She took her eyes off him for a few moments, and he disappeared. She searched everywhere, and finally had to call his daddy in on the hunt. Allan apparently had ridden his tricycle several blocks away in a very short time. No one ever knew what his mission was that day, but he would spend the rest of his life being active, and driven to achieve.The family moved to Laurel, where they lived a short while before moving to Jackson. By that time, the family had grown to include another sister, Allison, and his maternal grandmother who came to live with them when his mother went to work with his father at the store. Grandmother Morgan made sure all the kids were at church every time the doors opened, and Allan became an excellent Bible student. By the time he was 10 years old, Allan had decided to make Jesus his Savior, and he was baptized into Christ. Not long after that, his parents followed their young son’s example, forever changing the dynamic of their home. Allan’s bold step had become the model for the whole family to emulate. Allan excelled in school, and he enjoyed all the usual sports and games that little boys do. He took an interest in the band, playing the clarinet and the saxophone. He developed an early fascination with history, becoming an expert on the Civil and Second World Wars, in particular. Allan was also enamored with airplanes, and he was always constructing a model airplane or battleship with exacting specifications. Soon he joined Civil Air Patrol, and he couldn’t wait to learn to fly. In fact, Allan got his pilot’s license before he got his driver’s license.It was a good thing that Allan did get his driver’s license, because he was so responsible at a very young age. At 15, Allan had three siblings to cart around, including a new baby brother, Andy. By then, Allan had already been working at the store for several years. He learned the business from the ground up, cleaning floors, dusting, putting merchandise on the floor, helping with deliveries, and driving the truck when he could convince one of the deliverymen to let him. He saved up to buy his first car, a gold Oldsmobile 442 with black racing stripes. Eager to get on with his life, he graduated early from high school, and he made the trek to Starkville to become a Mississippi State Bulldog. He made his mark in academics and school politics, and he came back to Jackson ready to tackle Lott Furniture as his life’s career. With his professional life on track, Allan set his sights on Serrie Baker. After persuading her to go out with him, it was not long before they married, and he adopted her daughter, Samantha. Soon after, the family welcomed a son, Danny.When Harold McRaney decided to retire and sell the Lott Store in McComb, Allan took all the experience and wise counsel he could gather, and he determined that he would do well as a furniture dealer in this new small town. He and Serrie left the big city and immediately forged an enduring bond with the community. The community welcomed them in turn, making a home for the Smith family, which now included Allan and Serrie’s youngest child, Morgan. Son Danny and his wife, Amanda, followed Allan’s footsteps, making a home in McComb with their daughter, Carsyn, who affectionately renamed Allan, “Pop.” Of all the titles he would acquire, “Dad” and “Pop” would be his favorites.During his time in Pike County, family would become Allan’s driving force. Allan would often say that it was good to be successful in business, but if you didn’t have time to share it with your family, it was worth nothing. Allan lived this example: coaching little league teams; taking family trips; and, supporting his children at their many school and sporting events. Allan extended his family through engaging the community. His church family at McComb Church of Christ was dear to him. He became an MPSA referee; he joined the Rotary Club, serving as President and being honored as Rotarian of the Year three times. He was also named Mississippi Retail Furniture Dealer of the Year on two occasions. He served the business community through the McComb Main Street Association; was a member of the Board of Directors for both the Pike County Bank and the Interdenominational Care Association. To the community that had provided such a supportive and warm home for his wife and children, Allan donated two of his buildings for the Saint Andrews Senior Center. Despite the various gloomy economic forecasts over the years, Allan had a vision for Lott Furniture, expanding with a new location and a sister business, the Ashley Home Store. In business and in his life, Allan had a propensity for defying the odds. Many people, when given the unfortunate news that Allan received in February of this year, might fall apart. Not Allan. Allan continued to make time for his family and community. In the midst of chemotherapy, Allan attended church services and board meetings. He made trips to Starkville for State games and visited Shiloh, something he had always wanted to do. Perhaps most important to Allan, he spent as much time as he could with his family, enjoying the sounds of “Dad” and “Pop.” In short, Allan was determined and driven to live and move as long as he could, but not just for himself. He wanted to continue to be and do what everyone around him needed. Even with all the accolades and praise he received for being a pillar in his community, he would have never described himself as important or special. He lived a life of service to others and love for his family and friends. He will certainly be greatly missed. </span><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;">My husband's growth spurt has come from now realizing that he no longer has his daddy to call for help. He now is the only male head of household in our small family. He now has to run this large business without his father's assistance. Thirty-one just became a lot more mature. </span></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;">In addition; at the same time as my father-in-law's degression my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to have a double mastectomy to eliminate the possibility of future complications. The week before his death was my mom's surgery. To say we have had a lot going on since our return home from the Bahamas is an understatement. In an instant your life can change and you realize that every minute on Earth is not guaranteed. I went to be with my mother and for the first time in 29 years I had to be the caretaker. My mother's surgery was successful and she should not need any further treatment other than a recommendation for a hysterectomy this year. I rely on my mother more than any person on this Earth and to have her incapasitated made me appreciate her more than anything. </span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span> </p><p><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;">And then AMONG all of THIS my sweet baby girl turned THREE! THREE! She is such a BIG GIRL! Such mama's little helper! She comes up with some of the most incredible things! And of course having to deal with her "Pop" passing has been a learning experience among itself. We told her that Pop was now in Heaven with Jesus and was her guardian angel, so when we went by the live nativity and saw the angel standing at the manger she wanted to get out and see him! And she has been obsessed with angels and Christmas songs about angels. Also the day of Pop's funeral visitation at church we sang " Joy to the World" and a week later she looked at me when it came on the tv and said that is the song we sang when Pop was in church. I COULD NOT believe she remembered that! (Music is definitely one of her favorite outlets and she has asked to take dance next year). </span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span> </p><p><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;">To say that our little family has had its share of growth experiences is an understatment but among all bad there comes some good. And we are so lucky to have Carsyn's excitement and enthusiasm for life to help us get though this time. </span></p><br /><br /><br /></span>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-51806003270729071742010-12-26T22:18:00.005-06:002010-12-27T08:27:13.066-06:00Carsyn's 3rd BirthdayPlanning a December birthday is always so hard every year! First of all I NEVER know what the weather will entail so an outdoor party is always a risk. Second I always feel the need to rush and have my home Christmas decked out before people come through my home. And this year with all that was going on with our parents I knew that was not going to happen. So I started brainstorming of ideas for a 3 year old indoor party NOT at my home! AND in a small town that does not have many party venues this was quite a brainstorm!<br /><br />I finally came up with the ingenious idea to have a party at Fox's Pizza. I knew they had a seperate room that would be just the right size for several little preschoolers! Since JUNE Carsyn has wanted a Dora party. By the time December rolled around I would say she isn't as wrapped up in Dora as she was earlier in the year but still fond of her. I had seen on Facebook that a lady had a rented Dora for her girls' birthday party so I called her up to find out where I could find Dora. Come to find out it wasn't a person you rented but rather just the costume itself. All I had to do was find someone to wear it and I knew just the right teenager from my church! <br /><br />Everything came together beautifully and even though our family was in mourning Carsyn's birthday was a hit! She definitely felt special on her day which we know Pop would have loved! I can't say all of the children were crazy about Dora but by the end of the party most of them warmed up to her. We also played pin the backpack on Dora, Dora tatoos for the face, Hokey Pokey lead by Dora herself!<br /><br />I have to brag on myself that I was very impressed with myself for pulling it off mostly alone since I would normally rely on my mom or mother in law to help me remember lots of things.<br /><br />Now if we can just wade through all of the presents in my house! *sigh*<br /> December birthdays = yuck! I always say I am going to celebrate her birthday in July one year!<br /><br />Birthday photo album <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=341343&id=758989936">HERE</a>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450210526672338292.post-59454148778648572092010-12-06T10:16:00.001-06:002010-12-06T10:16:00.826-06:00We going to the "HAMAS!"Okay so today is the first day I have been away from my child for more than 4 hours in almost two months!!!! SOOOO the blog posting has been pushed to the back burner! Also my work (YAY!) has been extremly busy not allowing me the time to blog either! And finally my family has been having some very unfortunate luck and my priorities have been directed elsewhere.<br /><br /><br /><br />BUT ALAS, I must blog about our trip to the Bahamas!<br /><br /><br /><br />About 6 months ago my father decided he wanted to go to the Bahamas. I am thinking this wild hair was a result of he wanted to cross this off his bucket list! So he booked us (me, danny, carsyn, mom and dad) plane tickets for October. Carsyn at 2 1/2 years old got her first passport (which I have since lost because I lost my purse!)! Luckily it was not lost in the Bahamas!Although my husband on the other hand who would loose his head if it wasn't screwed on did loose his, or so he thought. The day we arrived it had fallen out of his pocket in the taxi and my dad did one last check of the cab to search for anything left behind and saw it!!! Although in the spirit of harrassment he did not tell Danny for several days that he had it!<br /><br /><br /><br />We stayed HERE. It was beautiful as expected. If you are used to hotels and housekeeping and free breakfast it is something to get used to. We stayed here because the all in clusive resorts were all not child friendly. I thought we would save money by eating in the condo and just walking to our destinations but you can all guess how that went! Hee Hee glad it wasn't my pocketbook for the most part!!! Anyway while our condo was great Nassau is BEYOND expensive! I am talking Hollywood Expensive! So if you go stay in an all inclusive and don't plan to leave in a taxi very often! Everytime we would walk out of the condo Carsyn would say "Go get us a tar....where is our tar!" She LOVED not having to ride in a car seat!<br /><br /><br /><br />Out Condo was next door to the Atlantis which is just breathtaking and so neat. We ate their often and enjoyed their entertainment at night. Maybe we will stay there again one day...if we win the lottery! Our first evening at dinner the restaurant had a magician walking to each table to occupy you while you waited for dinner. He was GREAT!<br /><br /><br /><br />The next day we spent laying by the pool and beach. While I LOVE to look at the beach I am not a big fan of walking or sitting on it! And it seems my child is the same way! She would only last about twenty minutes in the sand and then begin to scream! Danny and I rented a jet ski and went a good ways out into the water. We were trying to find Oprah and Tiger Wood's house which was next door to our Condo. One of these people (I can't remember who) has a gas station in the basement of their home!!! The water was so crystal clear out on the jet ski. That night a smoothe talking cabby told us a restaurant to go to so we took his advice. It was actually the best meal I had up to that point. Unless I travel in the South the food is always a disappointment on any trip I have been on.<br /><br /><br /><br />Our next day was the day I have waited for my entire life...swimming with the dolphins!!!!! I have loved dolphins since I was about 9 years old and I have always wanted to swim with them. Carsyn had been talking about it for months and months although I worried when the time came she would not get in, but she did! We actually had to spend all day at this waterpark because Carsyn and nonny's encounter was in the morning and mine and pappy's was after lunch. Carsyn did great and went alllllllll day without a nap! She didn't even crash on the boat charter back to the condo! Of course we paid the outstanding prices for the photo souveniers. This dolphin sanctuary is where the ORIGINAL Flipper lives! We didn't see him but I swam with his son! And talk about swimming FAST! WOW!<br /><br /><br /><br />The remainder of the trip was spent again by the pool and beach. Carsyn, Nonny, and I did take a walk in the 110 degree heat to try to find some botanical gardens. Not sure that the pictures were worth the effort! And then it was time to head home!<br /><br /><br /><br />Carsyn did great on the plane....a regular seasoned traveler! She even napped well! I think she will be a great traveler although this trip did make me want to hold off on Disney until about age 5 so she will #1 not whine quite as much #2 save ALOT of money #3allow her to remember the experience as I am sure other than pictures she won't know she got to hug and kiss a dolphin!<br /><br /><br /><p>Here are some of mine <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=338815&id=758989936">http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=338815&id=758989936</a></p><p> </p><p>AND I am waiting on my mother's pics for the dolphin kiss photos!!<br /></p>Amanda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17441128171413316471noreply@blogger.com1