Out of Dreams and Into Our Hearts

My heart is so full it might burst

2012-01-15T19:14:00.005-06:00

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.

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.

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.
http://animoto.com/play/eFxjgPd5nT6GTHmPQw5rEw

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!

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.

For my one friend who is not on Facebook...here are a few shots I have captured this week of my two angels.

One more week

2011-12-29T22:13:00.002-06:00

I 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.

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!

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.

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!

Christmas 2011 recap to Carsyn

2011-12-29T21:55:00.004-06:00

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Carsyn my dear

2011-12-21T07:39:00.003-06:00

I 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.

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.

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.

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!"

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.

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.

Just for records sake here are a few of your habits at age 4.

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.

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.

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!! :(

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!

Disney Family Vacation Sep 2011

2011-11-17T19:47:00.000-06:00

M_I_C_K_E_Y MOUSE

Well life has taken over and I have put the blogging WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY on the back burner. I never even blogged our Disney trip!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Dear Jeremiah

2011-11-16T08:35:00.005-06:00

Dear Jeremiah-

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!

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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!

I love you! Mama

And he shall be called......

2011-10-11T20:29:00.004-05:00

We FINALLY have a name!!! Finally!!

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.

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.

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?"

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.

So I said "Well we already have a Jeremy in the family? What about Jeremiah?"

"Yeah I like Jeremiah"

"Well I have to do the name tests...you know say whole name together Jeremiah Allan Smith"
Then put it with Danny, Amanda, Carsyn and Jeremiah
Look up its meaning : God will raise up

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:

Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations

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!

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!

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.

It's A BOY!!!

2011-09-01T22:34:00.007-05:00

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!!!

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.

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

"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?"

So after I filled her in she said she faintly recalled seeing a text about this scenario... great!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Baby Smith

2011-08-22T22:50:00.003-05:00

So 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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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?

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!!!!"

So now we wait three more days!

Summer comes to an end...

2011-08-07T14:25:00.005-05:00

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.

We are DEFINITELY over summer in this household and ready to return to our schedules. Not to mention this unbearable heat index, UGH!!!

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.

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.

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.

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! :)

WHAT A DAY

2011-07-05T22:18:00.003-05:00

Even 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!

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!

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!

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?!"

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.

Pray we make it without getting his bug!

Baby Smith #2 week 9

2011-07-02T22:00:00.000-05:00

Baby Smith #2

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!

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)

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.

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)!

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!!

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.

Mother's Day

2011-05-10T22:30:00.004-05:00

****Written on Mother's Day*****

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. /

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.

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?"

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.

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!

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!

BUT come the new year in 2012 a new baby Smith will "God -willing" enter our lives healthy and make us all very happy!

I never want to forget

2011-04-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

There are some interesting and sweet words my little chatterbox has been coming up with lately and I never want to forget them!

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!

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!"

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!"

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!

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.

Also at church she has started bowing her head and putting her hands together-sweetest sight ever.

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!" REALLY?!?!?!

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!)

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"
Nope sorry that is a negative...she better watch what she prayers for she might not like it if it comes true!!

Her favorite phrase is "Are you KIDDING ME?" She says it atleaset ten times a day!

When Carsyn asks me a question and she wants me to say yes she will repeatedly say "Whatever? Whatever Mommy? Whatever?"

Apparently I saw Whatever a bit too much!

When we went to see baby Emma in the hospital and they wheelend her in the room in the cart
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!

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! :)

Carsyn at three

2011-02-20T14:14:00.000-06:00

Trying to get a pic with my baby at her Valentine's party!!!

School Valentine's Party!

Posing for mom before party.

MOdeling for my tutu mini sessions

Our Christmas card picture this year

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.

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!"

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?

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!!!

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!?

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.

lately here are some conversations from my little belle...

After throwing up several times....

Carsyn " Mommy do I have to go to heaven to feel better?"

Bless her!

Carsyn "Mommy I want does things what dey called...you know not the crunchy ones"

Me "Tortillias"

Carsyn" Yeah toetiya"

She has repeatedly told me "whatever" this week. *sigh* I believe this has been picked up from daddy!

Carsyn "I can't talk right now...Im busy rubbing my tail (on mr. Cow)."

Carsyn " I LOVE VAlentine's Day! I LOVE Parties and Candy!!!"

Carsyn atleast five times a day " Mommy can you be married to me?!" " I want you to be married to me not Daddy!"

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?!"

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T22:17:00.005-06:00

Among 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.

During this month we...

Went to Christmas Tree farm and cut down a tree with daddy.

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?

Went to the Pike County Little Theater Christmas musical....where they sang Happy Birthday to Carsyn during Intermission ;)

Drove through the Live Nativity and listened to the story of Jesus birth

Watched Carsyn sing and shake her jingle bells at her school Christmas program

Carsyn enjoyed a Party at school and got WAY TOO much candy!

Listened to the SAME Christmas cd over and over and over and over again for 4 weeks

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!

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!

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.

Made Christmas breakfast and Christmas Eve/Day food together.

Enjoyed time with family.

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.

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~

A growth spurt

2010-12-26T22:53:00.000-06:00

It seems the Smith family has experienced a growth spurt this month.

Not a physical growth spurt but rather a maturity growth.

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.

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.

Here is the uology from his funeral last week. (this is mostly for Carsyn to have in her memory book)

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Carsyn's 3rd Birthday

2010-12-26T22:18:00.005-06:00

Planning 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!

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!

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!

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.

Now if we can just wade through all of the presents in my house! *sigh*
December birthdays = yuck! I always say I am going to celebrate her birthday in July one year!

Birthday photo album HERE

We going to the "HAMAS!"

2010-12-06T10:16:00.001-06:00

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.

BUT ALAS, I must blog about our trip to the Bahamas!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Here are some of mine http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=338815&id=758989936

AND I am waiting on my mother's pics for the dolphin kiss photos!!

And the weeks keep flying by!

2010-11-17T17:12:00.000-06:00

Last I wrote was right before my birthday! Last year of my twenties! Daddy and Carsyn got me some new tennis shoes (my old ones were from freshman year of college! Oh the stories those shoes could tell!) I had a birthday lunch at Caboose and got a new beautiful Delta Girl frame and goodies from my mom and inlaws! Whoohoo for birthdays!

I have been a busy bee with my work as it is holiday season. And we were all preparing for our trip to the Bahamas- more info in another post on that.

Unfortunately we have had a SUPER warm fall but the weather is finally changing now that we have returned from the Bahamas. To be honest I did fear we would go from cold to hot to cold and it wouldn't go so well for our immune systems but since we were still the same temps here in MS as we were in Nassua it was not much of a change!

I was sad Carsyn missed performing in her school's halloween program but she sang the songs for me on the plane and we always have next year. She still got to wear her Dora Princess costume to the trunk or treat at her school the night we left town. AND she has been carrying around her TREATS ever since! She doesn't really eat much of the candy she just likes to play with it and know that "ITS MINE!"

Several blogs to play catch up....it would help if I didn't HATE uploding pics on here...Ill try to update soon.

Where have we been?

2010-10-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

OKay Okay I know it has officially been over a month since I blogged! I have started this same blog atleast 3 times! I have been a tad busy. In my defense I did start this blog a month or so ago but then did not find time to upload pics to go with it so here is the first blog from earlier....

First off, I have been SUPER SUPER busy with work and getting my new photography studio ready for my Open House! I am so excited and ready to get the ball rolling. My first session- a newborn- will be this week so hopefully the goals I have set for myself will come to fruition soon! I owe a huge thanks to all of my friends and family for supporting me to allow me to reach this milestone!

Secondly, I made a quick trip to Mobile last weekend to photograph a dear friend's newborn. It was a fabulous 24 hours of mommy only time and I got to visit with friends and eat at favorite restaurants!! You can see a few of baby Pete's pictures on my Facebook.

As soon as I crossed the Mississippi line, however, reality hit and my poor little girl had strep throat :(. I knew it before we even got to the doctor. Bad flashbacks for me of my mannnnnny trips to the doctor for strep!! Looks like I will be seeing about getting her tonsils taken out sooner than later! A quick shot healed the infection in no time. The 48 hours though before and after the shot seemed to last an eternity. Poor baby couldn't eat the entire time.

Also a few blogs ago I commented about how Carsyn had not been having many tantrums...wellllll...as usual I have jinxed us. The tanrtums have been OUT OF CONTROL!! Ridiculous! That is another reason for my delay in blogging! I didn't want to write an entire blog about how trying she has been!!! Really I SERIOUSLY believe what they say about the Trying Threes being worse than the Terrible Twos! She has been so sassy, stubborn, irrational, and almost mean. We had our first punishment this weekend- after a fit of screaming for 30 minutes uncontrollably over nothing- I took away her dvd player privliges for the rest of the day. She watches it too much anyway! Anyway while my sweetheart is still just as funny as ever I am definitely in for a tough year of independence and struggles! If only the irrational fits made more sense but seriously a 30 minute fit because the cup is in the wrong spot? I don't understand!

So that is where I left off from last time! Since this post we have had my open house, celebrated Daddy's 31st birthday with a surprise dinner at the Cabooes (YUMMO!), suprised Nonny for her 53rd birthday, and celebrated CiCi and Pop's birthday!

Carsyn and I headed to Hattiesburg on Mom's birthday to surprise her at lunch with balloons and fudge. The next day daddy came over and met us for our first USM football game of the season. Carsyn enjoyed it TREMENDOUSLY! She danced and cheered all night! She kept saying "I see the drums and the dancers!"

Next we celebrated CiCi and Pop's birthday with a dinner at our home. Carsyn LOVES giving everybody gifts and cards but I know she is just counting down the days until her Dora birthday! I am afraid she might pass out from excitement!

Okay so that catches us up from this blog. I am giving up on starting it over. ! Hopefully I will try to do better with the fun we plan to have in the next few weeks! If only my pictures were on this computer my blogging would go much faster but I HATE HATE HATE uploading pics to blogger so there you go! Sorry for no eye candy I will try harder next time!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-08T13:27:00.004-05:00

Isn't she the cutest?! Such momma's little helper. This is what we did on Labor Day....

We love Trey Trey!

2010-09-02T14:24:00.000-05:00

Well Well Well what a week last week was! Im still working on taking it all in.

The first event that occured Tuesday was that Carsyn attended her new preschool at Southwest CC. As I mentioned previously she is attending two seperate places. Her other school does not begin until after Labor Day. There are only like 4 or 5 students in her class so it was not very intimidating and she walked right in and started playing with her buddy Mary Lindsey!

My dad came in to town to visit for lunch that day so she got to be picked up by Pappi on her first day! She told me it was fun "I play with babies and paint!" "But I wanted Blue cause its my favorite but Hayes had blue!" (insert pouty face here) ha ha!

The next day on Wednesday we usually have a low key morning. It was a beautiful morning and the temperature was awesome compared to what we have had the past month. I was sitting on the back porch eating my breakfast reading a magazine while Carsyn was playing with her babies in the kitchen.

Let me first tell you about a stray we have been calling Lady that has been around for about a month. At first I tried to help the dog because she is a sweet dog but then she became too much of a nuisance- barking at all hours, digging up my yard, etc. So after going out of town one weekend she took up residence at a neighbor's house. She would still come here from time to time but mainly stayed at the other house. I had been meaning to take her to the animal shelter but I just had not gotten around to it. Well earlier this week the neighbor children informed me she was in heat (mind you they are like max 8 yrs old so how they knew this is beyond me).

Enter Wed morning. Another neighbor has a german shepherd on a chain attached to a tree in the yard behind us. Neither of our yards are fenced in. I noticed the GS had gotten off his chain and was galavanting about with Lady. Trey was sitting under my feet and heard them so of course he took off to tell them to get off his property. Too much spunk for such a little animal! I screamed for him to stop which he normally does but not this time- not sure why. So then the GS proceeded to attack Trey. I had gotten to both of them by this time and I began to fight with the GS pulling him up by his back neck skin off of Trey. It all happened so quickly and was such a blur. After I got him off Trey long enough for Trey to run in the house I realized how lucky I was to have not gotten biten myself. I just reacted to save my pet. I ran inside to check on Carsyn and she obliviously was still standing by the door. My blood curdling screams had not even jostled her! I rinsed Trey and myself off as we were covered in grass. I looked for any gashes and cuts but I didn't see any on Trey. I went to the neighbors house to see if she was home and she was. I informed her her dog had attacked mine and was running loose. She was very apologetic but at the time I did not know the extent of Trey's injuries.

After returning home I noticed he was in a heap on the floor and when I petted his stomach he yelped. So I grabbed Carsyn put her in the car and ran to the Vet which is luckily right next door- literally. Once we arrived I could see his ribs were broken. Long story short from here- he had two hernias that were repaired and two broken ribs. Once again Carsyn was oblivious to the situation she just kept saying "you cry? You sad? I love you!" The surgery was very intense and we were not sure if he would survive the operation, but he made it and is now home.

I can't even imagine the fear and trauma I would feel if something like this happened to my child because having it happen to my pet and witness it has caused much distress on me. The day of the attack I was in a fog all day. When I tried to take a nap I couldn't because the vision of the attack would play over in my head except this time more worse outcomes would occur.

I am in a conundrum because I do not think this animal is necessarily a mean natured animal, rather just reacted due to Lady being in heat, but still I can't have him in the yard behind where my child plays. Also what kind of life is it for a GS to live chained to a tree ALL THE TIME! Today it has rained for atleast 9 hours and he has been in it the entire time howling away! I hate to make someone get rid of their pet but what do I do?

The first day Trey was quite pitiful but today he has had some of his regular personality return and he has attempted to do some of his normal activities...like follow me around everywhere. Much like a child he has wanted me to hold him often. This has created quite an eye-opener for how life would be like with 2 babies because Carsyn has not been a fan of sharing me. She actually has had TWO meltdowns because I was either tending to the dog or he was in my lap! She did quickly get over it but the foreshadowing is there! She does love her pet though and I know she is happy he is home as we all are!

Carsyn's work of art her first week of school! That is Trey on the doll figure.

with her buddy Mary Lindsey

Glad Trey Trey is home!

"Thank you for saving me momma!"

Notes from mama

2010-08-23T06:15:00.001-05:00

So I think this may have been the longest I have ever gone without blogging! Mostly its because I did not have any pictures to share and I figure you would not want to read without some eye candy, but I will give a little update! Kind of sad that I don't have pictures considering my career! Oh wait I just remembered these pictures I haven't shared.

Pretend! Carsyn is digging pretend right now! Im talking hours and hours of playing with baby dolls. She dressed and re-dressed them countless times yesterday. Changed their diapers several times too- with actual pull-ups, wipes, and all! She loves to pretend!

Music! She also LOVEs music and dancing! Loves it! I had to hide the Wendy's cd she received this summer in a kids meal because while I too dig some motown I was done with it! We sang "Aint no mountain high enough" more times than I can remember! Yesterday in the car the radio was on low and she yelled "Turn it up momma- Ice Ice baby is on!" That's my girl ;)

Feelings- Carsyn is learning the different feelings recently and associating the faces I make with them. I hear about a million times a day "Momma you mad at me?" So we have to explain different feelings. She loves to put her finger up by her chin and say "Hmmm... curious?" Also yesterday she slammed the door in her friend's face (SOOOO unlike my sweet child, really Im not biased she is super sweet to others (a trait of her dads not me!)) and when I scolded her she just burst into tears I think from feeling guilty for being ugly. Carsyn is a very sensitive child. This attribute makes it quite difficult to reprimand because scolding her just makes her cry harder. I really don't know how to handle this!

August is flying by pretty quickly! Since it is normally the longest month of the year I am happy! However I know what lies ahead! October (my favorite month- no not because I have a birthday ;o) is always the fastest. AND this year will probably be the fastest we have ever seen because #1 I move into my new photography studio!!!! #2 Ill be busier than a hive of bees (yay!) #3 school will be kicked into high gear #4 We go to the Bahamas with my parents.

Speaking of school I am not sure how this year will go with Carsyn because she is actually going to two "schools." Some may think I am a bad mother but Carsyn will be attending two schools! One on Wed and Fri from 8:30-11:30 which is her school from last year. And on Tues and Thur from 8:30-11:30 at Southwest Community College's student preschool. The reason I did this was because she has friends at both spots and it was way cheaper to do SWCC to add two extra days than to do three at CUMC. I think my child will adjust just fine. She loves to be with people and kids. Im sure there will be a few tears as usual but she has been going to Mother's Morning Out for the past month and like I said her friends are at both spots. Fingers crossed I made the right decision! Both schools are just 5 min from our house (I sure do love living in city limits!) so easypeazy!

Naps- So this summer Carsyn has gone to bed MUCH MUCH MUCH later than she ever has before. But she also sleeps a little later than she used to. I don't like her going to bed right before me but I do enjoy her sleeping later in the morning! I am not sure how the time change will rock our world this year. OH I do HATE that time of the year! So this summer she has been great about taking her nap even saying "Okay I ready to go night night!" What my child wants to sleep? Come again? Usually for about an hour and half to two hours. But just this week I have noticed her naps are getting later and later which means she goes to bed later and later. I am hoping we are not getting to where we don't need a nap or much of one! I think Im willing to let her stay up late as long as she still naps for that midday silence! We did have a random event this week (although this entire week has been totally random- nothing going normal!), she went to bed at like 10PM (seriously got in bed at 8:45 she just wasn't tired!) and then awoke at 6ish. She has not been up this early in months! So at 9:30 we are about to head out the door and I had been blow drying my hair and I look over and she is passed out on the couch! WHAT?! She slept for about 45 min and then of course took no afternoon nap even with my coaxing! I REALLLY hate that she has her dad's sleeping habits because that is totally him!!!! BUT that night she was out by 8:30 and slept until 8!! Oh well I do dread the day of no nap!

Terrible Twos- I would have to say that Carsyn was more terrible at 18mos than she is at almost 3. The tantrums have picked up a bit here lately. And oh the whining! UGH! But I can't say that we have had any really really difficult discipline problems. Hyperness (is that a word?) has seemed to appeared! She will just run squealing at the top of lungs and bouncing off the wall but Ill take that over whining any day!

I do shake with fear at "the trying threes" we are about to embark on!

So that is a brief update on my Carsyn Belle. She is a super sweet child who loves to be with others and share. She is her mommy and daddy's best friend and makes us laugh daily.

A trip to the Coast

2010-08-06T07:32:00.000-05:00

So for the past several months I have been attempting to get together with a family from Slidell so I could photograph their son who has cerabal palsy. I was notified by this amazing organization (Littliest Hero) that I was chosen as his photographer. Since they are a little distance from me I figured when I went down to my in-law's coast house one weekend that they could meet me their and have a shorter distance to drive. Attempt in June- failed. Attempt in July failed. Both of these not my fault by the way! So then I started looking at my calendar....

Dad gets home July 28th- Carsyn wants to go on Dad's boat- Mom goes back to school on Aug 2nd- I have no available weekends again until Sep. So I realized that this past weekend was the only weekend that I could go to the Coast, see my dad before he leaves for work again, let Carsyn ride on his boat, and hopefully meet this family I have been trying to photograph!

Then after I had confirmed the plans with Dad and Slidell family I asked the Smith's if they wanted to join us to ride on my dad's boat. The more the merrier, right?

THEN by happenstance a couple in Hattiesburg called me to come photograph their engagement photos but they wanted to do them in Hattiesburg. So timing was perfect and Carsyn and I left on Friday ( a day earlier than everyone) and headed to the "burg."

Also on this Friday my mom and aunts were closing on the sale of my grandmother's home (their childhood home and the place I have spent every Christmas since I was born except for the year Carsyn was born.) So we made a detour in Columbia to take some final pics and say goodbye. For some odd reason my chld decided to awake at 4AM this morning and never went back to sleep so you can imagine the disposition she was in!

Okay so stay with me I know I am jetting in several directions.....

So we continued on to Hattiesburg and after a massive couple of meltdowns in Target I headed to my mom's apartment for our 2nd nap of the day! After awaking we were both in better moods! Then it was onto my photoshoot which was in Canebrake so not only were the people beautiful but the scenery was as well!

Saturday morning we woke up to head to Gulfport with my mom to visit Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. I have been taking Carsyn to children's museums for several years but she just now finally understands the concept of play and pretend so she enjoyed it immensly! And I have to say Lynn Meadows was one of the best I have ever seen! Better than Mobile and Memphis!

Afterwards we met my BFF from college Ashley for lunch. Then I headed to her new house to see her expecting baby's nursery! I can't wait to meet Miss Ava Kathryn and take her sweet newborn photos! After awaking from her nap Carsyn and I headed to meet Pappy at the Coast house so he could watch her while I FINALLY met my Slidell family!

I was a little apprehensive about photographing the boy in this dreadful heat but he was a good sport and we were under the giant oaks of St. Stanislaus campus so we actually were probably a good 10-15 degrees cooler! My dad attended this school and while I was photographing I kept envisioning his skinny young self runnning up and down the stairwell I was using as a prop! It was a very inspiring and enjoyable shoot and reminded me the real reason I am passionate for photography. This young man was never supposed to walk or talk but at age 14 he has proved them wrong on so many levels!

Once Danny and the Smith's arrived we all went to dinner and then back to the house to crash! The next morning it was up early to go water skiiing and tubing on the Jourdan River. Yes Carsyn went on the tube with Danny and she loved it. She was in complete awe the entire time we were out! She didn't say more than 5 words she was just taking it all in! My little observer! After a couple of hours in the water we had all had enough! This heat is INSANE! And I was quickly reminded while on the water skis that my body is definitely not as it used to be!

After lunch at Uncle Perry's we headed back to the house for naps. Later that night we returned to Mccomb! A very funfilled and memorable weekend was had by all!

Just call me Genevieve

2010-07-22T22:51:00.008-05:00

You see I have moved dwellings at least every year to two for the past 10 years and actually my entire life I have moved often. The home that we reside in here in Mccomb was supposed to be a temporary stop as well only staying a year or two. Well it's been two years and we are still here. As many know we came THIS close (put your fingers real close together) to building a few months back but changes happened and well we are still here! SOOOOO I am finally accepting this house as my home and putting some more permanent decor up. This 1920s/30s cottage is super cute and there is nothing wrong with it other than we will probably out grow it and I want a bigger kitchen and bathroom!!!! ;)

Sooo first up was Carsyn's room. Her nursery was nothing to write home about but I wanted her big girl room to have a little more pizazz. There are still many things to be done but here is what we (and by we I mean my Aunt Jan and Aunt Jane) put up in her room this week.

my grandmother's lamp-I spray painted silver

I did paint this cute bookcase it took me forever to find! Bow holders made by my bow lady Amy.

Tree that Aunt Jan and Aunt Jane put up

Ignore weird metal thing from old lights and too high picture frame I need to fix and drapes need to be hung and headboard made/ordered.

So these ideas and plans have been brewing in my head since this winter. I had a lot of time during the cold winter months stuck in my house finding out what is wrong with my house!

Bedding is from Target.com

Tree w/ birds is from Etsy.com

birdhouse on tree is from Hobby Lobby

Dresser is from Lott Furniture of course!

Table and chairs are from Kids Kloset (a major winner from Santa!)

Don't you love the cute bookcase that I (yes me!) painted!? I searched everywhere for one that would fit that I could re-do.

And I made the cute bow holder by her mirror- my bow lady Amy made the other cute butterfly bow holders.

Things left to do:

Paint the armoire that is not in the pictures ;)

Hang the AWESOME closeout drapes I got at Lowes for $6 a panel!!!!!

Decide on her headboard- I didn't get the one to match her dresser because I was thinking upholstered but Im still undecided.

Take pics and hang this super cute storyboard I designed to go by dresser.

AND then there is my dining room! I have HATED the dining room since we moved in. I love the room, the bead board, the built-ins, the floor, but the table and rug made me hyperventilate every time I went by it was soooo big! So I finally got my new table this week. I know you probably think being in the furniture business I probably change out my furniture like my underwear but you are mistaken!! I first off HATE asking for new things because I NEVER get them delivered! Anyone who has a husband that owns a business knows that customers come first and you get lucky to have whatever it is you want!

BUT I do LOVE this table. Seriously I want to kiss it all over! It is a Bassett table- somehow my tastes always choose the most expensive! And then this week I ran into Pier One and found some UBER CUTE table scape decorations. And they matched perfectly with the Pier One drapes I bought months ago! I have to get some fabric to add to the length and then they will be ready to hang! And I tried to be a good wife and not buy the coordinating chairs but rather use what I had and slipcover so Im working on that next. I don't like matchy matchy anyway- I prefer shabby chic/bohemian style!

Anyway the list goes on and on and on for the dining room but here is a sneak peek....

tablescape by Pier One

Sweet green table!

fabric for drapes!

Allie and Corey's wedding

2010-07-22T08:47:00.000-05:00

Our last trip for the summer was back to Orange Beach for Corey and Allie's wedding. It was a small affair with just immediate family members. This wedding has been a long time coming but Im happy for the newlyweds! Corey is the greatest guy and we are glad to welcome you into our family!

Carsyn and I like to take our time on road trips- stopping every hour and half or so for a potty/snack break. Target is our location of choice usually! We sure do miss having a Target in Mccomb!

The day started with us leaving Mccomb around 8:30- once in Hattiesburg a quick trip to Cellular South to get a new phone as mine stopped working! Then a run over to Hobby Lobby and Dollar Tree to search for something I needed to no avail. I don't know why everyone was so grumpy that day but sheesh the employees needed a pep talk! Next to the holy grail of Target where I found the items I needed (of course!) and then grabbed some lunch to eat at NaNa's. We were waiting for NaNa to arrive with the wedding cake and when she did the bad luck spiral started! The cake was a disaster! We had to located a bakery in Orange Beach and ask them to get a new cake by the next evening! We were able to find one and then off Carsyn and I went to Gulf Shores.

She slept for part of the way to Mobile (not a good car napper) and then we had to get out at the Eastern Shore Centre for a snack and potty break. Me and my buddy jammed out to her new Wendy's kids meal cd (love this idea!) with our windows rolled down the rest of the 1hr drive.

Aunt Jan and Uncle Frank and Nonny were waiting for us when we arrived and we headed to the beach for me to attempt to take some shots of my child on the beach. Of course she didn't want to cooperate but we got a few cute ones. See them here. Then we headed to dinner.

The condos we stayed at this time (also not on the beach) were called Twin Lake Estates and they were a small little strip of Sandestinesque houses. There was a pool and a gazebo on a small stocked lake. Allison had decided to have the small ceremony here at the gazebo for fear of oil and rain on the beach.

The next morning the "girls" headed to the pool bright and early and Carsyn got to watch a momma mocking bird feed her babies in a nest in the tree next to the pool. It was too cute!

We then headed to lunch and back to the house for a nap. I however did not get to nap becuase I realized I had left my dress for the wedding at home so off I raced to my trusty Target. Only the one thing Target and I don't gehaw on is clothing- it never seems to fit correctly. Plus since I was taking pictures of the wedding I wanted to be comfortable. In despair I left only to see a Maurices' storefront as I was leaving. I ran in and grabbed a dress in 15 minutes! Next I headed to get the new cake and back to the condo to wait for the bride and groom. The next 3 hours was a whirlwind of redoing the bouquet, fixing the bride's fallen hair, and getting dressed. We finally made it out for pictures and a perfectly beautiful ceremony. The sky was amazing that day and I am so happy with the pictures. See them here

We headed to dinner afterwards at Cafe Grazie where there were mistakes made again (no cake table- no individual tables!). But it didn't matter because the couple was now happy.

The next morning Carsyn and I raced to Mccomb to make it in time for a dear little 4 year old friend's birthday party! PHEWWWW!

Now we are home to stay for a few weeks!

Carsyn's rambles

2010-07-22T08:22:00.000-05:00

Carsyn: What's that noise?

Me: What noise?

Carsyn: outside-

Me: crickets

Carsyn- No criket is Aunt Ann dog-it not cricket- it bugs- I don't like bugs-they stay outside? They don't get me?

Me: No the bugs will not get you

__________________________________________________--
Carsyn: What's that shadow?

Me: Where

Carsyn: THERE

Me: There aren't any shadows all of the lights are off.

(She is fascinated with shadows this summer!)

______________________________________________________________-
Carsyn:What's that? pointing to law mower Danny changing the oil

CC: oil- don't touch its nasty

Carsyn: Like the beach?

_________________________________________________________________
Me: Are you so pretty?

Carsyn: Daddy tells me that...

Me: I know he tells me that too

Carsyn: He tells us BOTH we pretty!
______________________________________________________________________

Out of nowhere:
Carsyn: Pappy makes me money and I gonna put it in my piggy bank.

____________________________________________________________________

Nonny scolded me and Carsyn told Nonny "BE NICE!"

___________________________________________________________________

In the past I think she didn't realize that she could LOVE more than one person so she would only love me. Or if she wanted to get a rise out of you she would tell you she loved anyone else other than you. But now she knows she can love lots of people so she says " I Love Momma- no I LOVE BOTH!" And then she proceeds to list all family members that she loves.

Carsyn gets her first haircut

2010-07-09T14:07:00.000-05:00

Carsyn went with me to the salon last week to get her first real hair cut. I have been apprehensive to cut her beautiful locks for fear the curls would not return! Carsyn's hair is definitely her signature! Everywhere we go people stop to comment on it...once recently I had a woman say "Oh can I please touch it..please!" "Really?! Sure go ahead? "

Ever since she was one and the curls were bountiful I would have people ask me "Do you curl her hair like that?" "Yeah have you ever tried to get a 1 year old to sit still to curl their hair?"

Anyway she thoroughly enjoyed having her hair cut and getting to look at herself in the mirror. I think I can look forward to lots of salon/spa trips for us in the future...my little diva. :-)

Here we go

head down...feet out...

there go the curls...

Im so bootyfull! CHEESE!

On the road

2010-07-05T17:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have been so lax in blogging! This summer is blowing by faster than hurricane force winds!

We had our first trip to the beach with Nonny (or Na Na as Carsyn now affectionately changed it). This trip was for my first set of beach sessions. Due to the oil spill I did not have as many sessions as usual. Thankfully a dear friend's parents let us stay in their condo for FREE! The complex is not located on the beach but since I really do not care for sand and since there was oil anyway it was perfect for us. I REALLY enjoyed staying at Emerald Green Condos because they had a fabulous splash pad inside in the pool. The first morning Carsyn and I went when it first opened and we had it mostly to ourselves!!! It was great! Also this complex is closer to shops it was really just a perfect fit for us. Carsyn did great traveling down and sleeping also which always makes a trip better! You can see some photos here

We returned on Father's Day afternoon just in time to visit with Dad and Pop. I had gotten Danny a new grill from Lowes as an early present. Carsyn picked out her card for her daddy "A Mr. Potato Head card." hee hee.

Then after a few days at home to wash clothes and re-pack Danny and I left for a Professional Photographers conference in Pheonix, AZ. This was the first time we have ever both left Carsyn for this long (4 1/2) days! She stayed with NaNa the first half and Cici and Pop the last half. Her social schedule was kept full with play dates, swimming, shopping, birthday parties, and visiting with grandparents. I don't think she even had time to miss us but I sure missed her! I was physically sick the day we returned I just wanted to hold her.

We left at 5AM Thursday morning not to arrive until 4 PM Arizona time (2 hrs behind). It was a long day in airports but we kept a positive attitude and enjoyed a nice dinner at our fabulous resort when we arrived. One of the reasons I wanted to go to this conference was because the resort looked so nice. And it did not disappoint! While the conference did not meet my expectations I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with my husband. I have to give him props because I did not think he would be able to relax and put business aside but he surprised me! There is not much to do in Pheonix other than shop, eat, drink (all rather expensively) and lay by the pool! I don't forsee another long trip for just the two of us for quite some time!

So we arrived at midnight Sunday night and I was up when the sun rose Monday morning to go get my baby. She was still asleep when I arrived at Cici's but she has been glued to me like white on rice since I returned! I think she is afraid I am going to leave again because she won't let me out of her sight! Also last night we had a terrible night of sleep because I think she wanted to make sure I was still here. Oh it so wonderful to be loved but I am not sure the repercussions were worth leaving her!!!! She was up from 12-3 last night!!!!!

So now we are preparing to get on the road AGAIN for cousin Allie's wedding in Gulf Shores. Pray for pretty weather and no hurricane Alex rain or oil complications. After this trip I think I will be happy to stay at home for a little while!!!

Summer is in full speed

2010-06-15T13:11:00.003-05:00

Well Summer is in full speed at the Smith household!

Carsyn just completed her two week swimming lessons. It was every day for 45 min for two weeks. The first day she was the only one who didn't cry. The next day it rained. The next day they all were screaming crying! The next day a little less crying. The next day was the day the parents were supposed to watch and take pictures. She threw an absolute fit so I had to leave and then she stopped and swam happily. Week two went much better. She still protested every day but once she arrived she did great! We missed our last class due to a spur of the moment out of town visit, but I took her swimming that day with me and she almost frightened me she was so confident in her swimming skills. She would leap out of my arms go under and stay for atleast a minute. I almost had a heart attack! But she loved it! I didn't expect a 2 yr old to be able to swim on her own after this class but I definitely believe she is over any fear or hesitation about the water. And she loves to FLOAT! Not so much go under water because she gets water in her eyes, but neither do I- who wants to get water in their eyes!

So the reason we missed the last day of swim (which I hated to do) was because we went down to Bay St. Louis to visit my dad spur of the moment. I am not good with spontaneous events and I debated heavily about going but I decided to throw schedules to the wind and see what happened! Well we did not have our usual house to stay in as it had someone in it, so we were going to get a hotel room at the Hollywood Casino. When my dad went to get the room they were booked! Really?! Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis is booked?! So we decided after dinner we would just drive back the 2hrs and Carsyn could sleep on the way.

Well she passed out in the car on the way down at a much earlier time than her normal nap and took about a 50 min cat nap. Then Danny left to fish with my dad and she and I went swimming at the community pool and then walked along the Bay St.Louis beach. She was not a big fan of the surf but she did enjoy collecting her first sea shells! Then we had our first snocone and went back the house to hang out until my dad and danny arrived home. We didn't get to the resturant for dinner until 8:40 and they didn't bring our meal until 9:15!!!!! Gold stars for me for not freaking out or getting agitated! Then we left at 10 only to come to a dead stand still on I12 30min up the road!! Carsyn did sleep the entire way home but when we got home at 12:15 she woke up and I had to get her back to sleep. Everyone slept until 8 the next morning!!! Phew! How is that for spontaneous?! See why I am not such a big fan?

Mother's Morning Out ended last week and now its just me and Belle for the rest of the summer! Although this week she and I and Nonny are heading to Gulf Shores (despite the oil) for my beach portraits. With the reaction Carsyn had to the MS beach Im not so sure she is going to like the AL beach any better!

Full speed ahead!

My little Buddy

2010-06-13T07:55:00.002-05:00

Lately it has become apparent to me that Carsyn has become more than just my child she has become my little buddy. I tell her she is my best friend. I have never really babied Carsyn rather treated her as if she is older. Sometimes this is good and other times I have to remind myself that she IS still a baby, but she has always been so independent.

Life changed so drastically when she moved into her big girl bed. It became easier although many told me it would be the worst transition we ever had. And now that she is potty trained she is practically self-sufficient! Ha just joking I still hear "HOLD ME!" a thousand times a day! But really life is so comfortable now.

At this point you begin to wonder if it is time for another child but as it is with everything in life that has pros and cons I keep wavering. UGH to go back to the diapers and the no sleep! But while I do think it will be a transition for Carsyn to share her mama I can see her being a great big sister- she already is like a little momma- sometimes I think she mothers her baby dolls better than I do her! And she already asks for a sister/brother even though she doesn't really know what she is saying. As I try to imagine what two would be like I just remind myself that you will just deal with it and figure it out the same way you didn't know what one would be like. And I am happy to know I have my buddy there to be my big helper. Since I was an only and Danny practically was it is very difficult for us to comprehend what it will be like with two! Well I still have some time left before I am ready to jump on that bandwagon but I just wanted Carsyn to be able to see how much I needed her when she reads this later in life.

In other info about Carsyn I am constantly AMAZED at her memory and comprehension skills! This girl remembers EVERYTHING! She will correct me and tell me where something is. And last night we were looking at pictures and she remembered just by seeing the pictures that was when I hurt my foot during a photo shoot! How does a 2 yr old know that?! I know I am partial but she is one smart cookie!

A funny talking moment was this past week while on the beach in Bay St. Louis we saw sail boats from St. Stanislaus summer camp in the water. When I told her what they were she said "I want to see Sant Claus." "I want a Santa Claus boat!" Too priceless!

And speaking of talking....oh my word....does she not stop! I didn't think the why's would start until she was three but I hear Why about every 10 minutes. I try not to get aggrivated and just remind myself that she is just expanding that big beautiful brain of hers.

So this post is dedicated to my little buddy and momma's best friend. My sweet girl is becoming a little person before my eyes.

Potty Trained at 29 months!!!!

2010-06-07T08:27:00.001-05:00

Well I am herby claiming Carsyn potty trained! She started going potty on her own around age 16 months. She would use it from time to time for about 6 months this way- even in public at around age 20 months! Then at age 22months to 28 months she just stopped. Nada! Not even at home. So aggrivating! I was so sure she would be potty trained by age 2! But in all honesty diapers are sooooo much easier so I didn't really press the issue! Plus I have learned much to my frustrations that like her mother, Carsyn will do it when she is ready.

And low and behold about a month ago she started back going! We had some MAJOR issues with poo poo in the potty as she would still hide in a corner when it came time to perform this action and I didn't think she would ever get over it. But she did, and I realized that she wanted some more privacy, so when she started announcing that she was going #2 I would say okay I am going to stay in here, call me if you need me! And sure enough this did the trick. Now she tells me "No mama you no go- you stay here."

What are the secrets?! I really don't think there are any. Just as some children walk early I believe different children are ready to the potty at different ages. At age 18mo I did a sticker chart that lasted for a a few weeks but she didn't really get it. At age 2 I gave her m&ms but then that just created a nasty habit of m&m eating! But when she decided she wanted to go again I put a new sticker chart up with princess stickers and this time it clicked! When the stickers ran out I didn't buy more I just stopped acknowledging it as such a major feat!Also it helped that she got to wear Dora panties! I did promise a slide when she consistantly poo poo in the potty and we went last weekend to get it. She decided she wanted a Dora tricycle instead (which was cheaper so whoohoo!). And she has been good to go ever since.

I figured naptime and bedtime would take a while to master so she does wear pullups during that time but all of the sudden miraculously she has been waking up dry?! Normally her diapers were soaked at night?! I don't understand that one. I will still keep pull ups on for the time being just in case.

So my big girl is now officially a big big girl! I am so proud!!! ;) We can enjoy our summer plans diaperless! And spend diaper money on vacation!

BTW I have four boxes of size 6 Pampers Cruisers 75 count (double a walmart box) for $20 (same price as walmart) if anyone is intersted in them. I sure would like my $80 back- that is what I get for buying in bulk so late in her life!

Savings Groupon

2010-06-02T22:32:00.001-05:00

My cousin informed me of this website for awesome coupons and deals. I have to be in the New Orleans area because that is the largest city closest to me.

Check them out. Sometimes the offers are not city related. Sign up to receive the emails just to see!

http://www.groupon.com/r/uu3345277

The small things in life that made me smile this week

2010-05-27T21:54:00.004-05:00

Carsyn taking her notebook and holding in front of her like a hymnal and singing Jesus Love Me.

At bedtime- Mommy hold me, Mommy pat my leg, Mommy snuggle me!

My mom's night out group- such a saving grace every month. Definitely makes me a better mom when I return.

Carsyn wearing panties for 3 days straight even out in public and to mom's morning out with no accidents!!!!

Having my porch re-done.

That my UPS man knows not to knock on my door during nap time ;) He is so smart- Fed Ex guy- not so much!

Walmart rotisseri chicken- makes my life so much easier and so delicious! AND $4!?!?!

Walking through Hodges Nursery getting some plants for my yard. The Summer rain hitting the tin roof while I peruse the flowers/plants. Dreams of having a beautifully landscaped yard some day!

Planning our Arizona trip!!!!! Can't wait!!! First trip with hubby sans baby!

Hearing sweet compliments from my customers about their portraits! It makes it all worthwhile!

A trip to the aquarium and ER

2010-05-25T13:14:00.010-05:00

Friday we had made plans to go with our friend Sheri and her son Trace to the New Orleans Aquarium. I was hoping to get down to the Big Easy before the really bad heat arrived(although it was quite miserable already) and Sheri is 8 months pregnant and wanted to make the trip before her new bundle arrived.

After a slight detour- I swear I can't ever go to NO without make a wrong turn that results in 30 minutes of detour- we made it. The kids enjoyed it immensly and it was nice and cool in side!

Here are some pics from our trip...Carsyn was not a fan of my camera that day.

On the way home Carsyn only managed a 25 minute nap. She doesn't nap well in the car but not that short! She had a meltdown at 7 and crashed only to awaken every 45 minutes all night long! On Saturday morning she told me her mouth and throat hurt but I just thought it was molars. (insert Mommy guilt here) On my behalf she had no fever! So we continued to the planned birthday party. When she awoke from her afternoon nap after only an hour and then screamed for an hour I started to wonder if something was really wrong. Hello lightbulb! Man I should get mom of the year! So then my mom arrived and saved the day and said we should take her to stat care. Stat care was closed so we headed to the ER. I was expecting the worse but the staff was very friendly and efficient. The diagnosis... Tonsilitis! Carsyn was a champ during and after her very painful Reglan shot- it helped that they brought her a popsicle and a bag of stickers/coloring book/toys! So for 3 nights she awoke every 45 min to 2hr but by Monday night she was starting to get back to normal. I swear when your child is sick you don't think it will ever end but as fast as it arrived it was over. She just awoke at 8 after going to bed at 9 without waking- yes she needed to catch up! Glad that is over!

Life craziness

2010-05-20T14:56:00.004-05:00

I should be editing! I have so much to do and two sessions today and this weekend and yet I can't seem to get focused! When I start editing I like to have a block of time set apart simply to edit and I havn't been able to get that since pre-school ended for the summer! Don't get me wrong I am excited about our summer plans but I do enjoy a good structured routine and Im a bit lost without it!

Carsyn's last pre-school day was last week and they went out with a BANG! They had a super duper end of the year party. Unfortunately I have no pictures of it because they failed to let me know about it! And we have officially had our first day at the splash pad and the country club pool. This summer already proves to be so much more fun as she is able to truely experience the joys of summer. I caught a few pics of her enjoying her chocolate popsicle immensly!

Last Saturday due to paint fumes in our home we had to spend the night with my in laws. At first I was a little agitated simply at the last minuteness (word??) of it all and not having my "stuff" around. But after I had time to regroup- yes that is how I work, agitation and slight freak out then give me a little while and I regroup- I almost enjoyed our "surprise get-a-away" 10 minutes down the road. We ended up not returning home until Sunday around 6PM!

Carsyn has made it apparent that she is a child that like to GO GO GO! She does not like sitting at home and always wants to know what's next on the agenda. I know she gets it honest from myself and her father. I hope she is prepared to go go go next month because when I looked at my calendar I almost had a panic attack at all of the driving we are going to be doing. Glad she is a better car rider and sleeper away from home than she used to be!

Speaking of sleeping- I know I always remark on when she doesn't sleep well but my little girl has been taking 2 hr naps for the past 2 weeks! That is unheard of! It has definitely been enjoyable yet I still can't seem to get anything done!

Tomorrow we are on the go again as we head to the New Orlenas Aquarium with some playgroup buddies! This time maybe I won't forget my camera!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T15:12:00.003-05:00

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-10T07:17:00.009-05:00

This past Saturday we headed to my grandma's house to help finish cleaning it so it can be sold. She has been passed away two summers yet it seems like yesterday. Also last week Carsyn and I attended her sister's funeral which was a bittersweet memory of my own grandmother's funeral. In a very strange moment this week Carsyn was pulling out clothes from her dresser (her new favorite past time) when she ran up to me with a golden USM shirt and said "This is Mamommy's!" Even though her words were clear as day I made her repeat it to make sure. I finally relalized that she was associating this USM onsie with the golden USM shirt of my grandmother's that is framed at my mom's house. It was a sweet reminder that my grandmother's memory is still alive even with my child who will never know her.

Carsyn had made me a card at school this week. I was so excited to get it. I guess it goes to show it really is true no matter what you get your mother she will love it because it came from you.

Danny (not even knowing that I wanted one) got me a Waxing Poetic necklace with Carsyn's initials.

Sunday morning we attended church and then the Smith's headed to the country club for an AWESOME lunch! It was really nice and deliciouso! Carsyn was an angel at church and lunch- a mother's day gift unto itself. Also she stayed dry in her diaper all day and used the potty throughout the day! I think we are on our way!

After a family nap- my mother drove over to visit. We went to the park with Carsyn and then had some ice cream. We tried to snap a few pics but this was the best we got!

I am so thankful to have this little angel in my life and have her call me mommy. And I am so blessed to have my mama and I only hope I can be half the mother she is to me.

Enjoying Mother Nature

2010-04-30T13:06:00.007-05:00

We really have been fortunate lately with some amazingly beautiful weather. I definitely enjoy living in the South during this time of the year. Carsyn and I usually eat lunch outside most days and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to stay home when it is so pretty.

Recently we went to Percy Quinn with some of our bestest friends on a "nature walk." Carsyn is currently obsessed with water and she enjoyed it immensly. I can only imagine what she will think when we go to the beach in a couple of months! Here are some pictures both myself and "miss Tris (Chris)" captured.

We hope to return next week with our play group to have a picnic and play on the playground. It really is a fun spot to go. Im so thankful Miss Chris is around to show us some of these secret treasures!

Today it is raining but I am actually looking forward to the low key weekend and hope to get lots accomplised in doors. It is time to pack away/get rid of some of Carsyn's baby baby toys that I have allowed to continue to pile up! I can not take them anymore!!! When I was sorting them she told me she wanted to give them to her sister...um nope that is a negative for now!

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In our home search news- the debate still continues whether to build or find an existing home and perhaps renovate. It is a very big decision one that involves lots of moola! I want this next home to be somewhere we intend to stay for a lengthy time period so I don't want to rush it. Maybe we will get a sign somehow?! There is nothing wrong with our current home- we would just like some additonal space and newer amenities.

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Random Carsyn Ramblings

While watching our wedding video today
"Mommy you are a Princess!" and "Look Gracie was really tiny like me!" (Gracie now almost 7 then 2 1/2)

She LOVES to pray and it is her favorite thing to do at bedtime. Not sure if it is a stall tecnique but she only wants her Daddy to pray most of the time not me. On the way to school she told me she wanted to Pray instead of sing "Thank God for insert family members names here!"

When she wakes up in the morning she always says " I go to School today?" "I go to Miss Matties' today?" or "I go to Church today?" Much like her parents she is not content sitting at home she always wants to be on the GO GO GO!

And lately Miss Sassy Pants has repeatedly said "WAIT A MINUTE!" "I BUSY RIGHT NOW!" and "LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Amanda-what's up with your Facebook statuses?

2010-04-20T10:36:00.003-05:00

Well apparently my Facebook statuses have caused some concern among my peers and friends. I didn't mean to sound so mellow dramatic but I am definitely not the kind of person to hide emotion very well.

Since my last post the decision to build on our land was drastically changed on Friday when a buyer came in and offered close to asking price. My husband jumped on it and accepted. I know it may seem minuscule in the grand scheme of things but after much deliberation I thought this had been settled. Soo back to the drawing board it goes to find our Home Sweet Home or at least its location. Since this is such a huge investment I want it to be right and not rushed. Hopefully there is a reason for this and something more suited will arise. We all know I wasn't too excited to live among the pastures but I had found the positive and was actually looking forward to the country life.

So that is what that is all about. :)

In other Carsyn news she has developed some new obsessions. First, she loves to MATCH things. She is so proud of herself when she discovers that the blue crayon also matches her blue shorts and shouts "I MATCH I MATCH!" She even held up something beige to her skin and said look "I MATCH!" This age is too funny as they learn about their surroundings.

Also I thought we would bypass the Dora bandwagon but for some strange reason(we have only watched it once or twice) she has now jumped aboard. It started on Friday with her wanting to rent a video- then at the mall on Saturday she saw a Dora nightgown- then on Sunday mom brought her a Dora outfit. And so it goes. It seems the battle to want to keep the Dora nightgown on has ensued. Im not sure how long this will last- but I already have visions of a jungle themed Dora birthday party in 8 months! Yes I am the sad mommy who starts birthday planning as soon as the it previous one ends. Oh who am I kidding I have her birthday parties planned out for the next three years! Sort of ;)

Scared- up until now Carsyn has been quite fearless. But often I hear her say "Oh dat scared me"- loud noise, cat jumped, bee buzzing by, etc etc. She is very afraid of the bees that have taken over our front porch. They are not the stinging kind rather they want our wood, but still she has taken to not wanting to go on the porch. I know around age 3 is when nightmares usually escalate as children learn about more about their world so I am bracing myself for this stage.

So that is our household these past few days....jump on the rollercoaster ride you never know where you might end up!

Easter 2010

2010-04-13T21:35:00.000-05:00

Every year in addition to the real reason of Easter I will always have another special meaning to Easter that I keep in my heart. Easter was when we found out that in a few short months we would have our precious little girl born. I was only about 3 weeks or so pregnant when I found out. Im sure I have told the story before so I won't go into the details again. While the pains of pregnancy and worries of having a newborn are mostly faded the moment I found out I was pregnant (the day I did my first every Easter Mini photo sessions) is still fresh in my mind.

So this Easter we headed over to my Aunt Jan's just as we have the past few Easters. It was alot of fun although we did miss Gracie during the Easter Hunt as she had her tonsils removed. :( It is so funny to realize that there are now Great-Grandchildren to hunt for eggs and next year when Landon and Aiden can walk it should be even more fun!

Of course Carsyn being the only grandchild in the Immediate family she got THREE Easter baskets! Believe me we have enough candy to last until next Easter.

Here are some snapshots of our day.

Over the camera already

checking out the prizes

hunting with daddy- she did not like having to "search" for her eggs if it involved her having to walk into the shrubs or briars. The "Diva"

Easter morning with her goods.

Easter basket left by Mr. Bunny himself.

When I asked if she wanted to dye easter eggs she thought we should color them with crayons too.

READY SET GO!

And this is a quick photo op I did with Carsyn a few weeks ago. She is so quickly turning into a big girl I wanted to capture the baby look before it vanished before my eyes. It just so happend that one of my fave photo processors had a Canvas sale so I got hooked up with a beautiful 16X20 Gallery Wrap of this image for my living room. Love it!

Changes

2010-04-11T21:44:00.002-05:00

Time- where does it go? I know it sounds cliche' but really it does fly. I mean just a short while ago I was having a care-free life in college. And in all honesty high school is still pretty fresh in my mind as well. But now the teenagers call me Mam'! Yes. I am coming to terms with my new decade I will enter shortly.

Lately there have been a few instances that have made me step back and say "What- am I an adult?" I always wanted to be an adult for as long as I can remember. At twelve I thought I was one. God Bless my mama. Don't worry Carsyn is paying me back for all of my independent strong willed attitudes.

For the past months many have known that my Father in Law is sick with cancer but my own Father also has been sick as he has had Lupus for many years and it is becoming worse. It is quite surreal to see the men who are supposed to be the care givers needing so much care at such young ages. And I stand back and say " Wait a minute God- I am too young to be dealing with this. When did I become an adult? This isn't supposed to happen for 20 more years!" I know all circumstances are lessons to be had but I can't help but have my selfish human nature.

And don't even get me started on how my body is no longer that of a teenagers. I know I am still fairly young and many of my readers will scoff at my insecurities. I know it will only go downhill from here. Recently, I tried on a junior top and died out laughing in the dressing room at where my breasts went. Why don't they come up with a department in between juniors and misses?! It's okay I am gradually accepting the new body- atleast I have breasts now!

In positive news Danny and I have decided to build on our land we purchased on the lake several years ago. I am a subdivision/in town kinda girl so coming to terms with living 10 miles from town will be a bit of an adjustment. In all honesty it is not any farther than my house in Mobile was to my work but driving in town as opposed to driving past chicken houses and pastures is a tad different. I am excited at the possibilites that this land has and having the opportunity to customize my home but also completely overwhelmed with the idea. Do you know how many different types of flooring there are? And I certainly don't want to make a mistake and live with it forever. Carsyn is excited she keeps telling me every day "I wanna new house on da beach!" (lake) I do fear that we will be lonely with no other playmates around but I guess you guys just better get ready to have some play dates at our house! I had set myself up to expect the house not to be completed until next fall but the builder says we should be in by January at the latest! Holy Toledo! My husband hates to share and I tell everything so he probably will not be happy that intend to document this building process. But it's my blog and Ill write if I want to!

So this is what has been going on in my little mommy head of mine in between all of the photo editing, toy picking uping, laundry doing, dinner fixing, etc etc.

I keep thinking of that movie 13 going on 30- yep that is me right now.

What I hear

2010-03-31T14:13:00.000-05:00

My little chatter box is coming up with new sentences daily.

I think the longest sentence I heard from her the other day was

"I sorry mama-it was a accident-I apologize"

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Then Danny has also taught her the correct names for all family members in place of their "nicknames" - Morgan has a super cute video of this but we can't figure out how to upload it yet.

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She also can tell you what city and state she lives in "Summit- Sippi"

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Of course her favorite phrase is "MY DO IT!!!" Oh yes my independent girl!

And definitely "NO Mam!"

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Last night she told me "Bible Stories" and when we got to Moses story she started reciting it before I began "Step Step Step" she said so I said who is this and she said "Moses" and I said what is he doing and she said "People walk- Bread" and then she beamed with a smile "Jesus Loves Me!"

Yes sweetheart he does! :)

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"My rabbit sweet-his name Bunny Rabbit SnuggleBunny" "I mama's snugglebunny!"

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The morning we were going to zoo she woke up "Mama Wake UP!" "I cited-go to zoo TODAY!"

When I asked her what we were going to see with no instruction she said "Zebra, Giraffe, Elephant, Hippo."

You can see pictures from first trip to Audobon zoo here-Silly mommy took her "real" camera but forgot the battery at the house! OOPS!

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And FINALLY it is Spring! Here are a few shots I was able to grab of her admiring the flowers.

Luck is like a rubber ball

2010-03-13T21:29:00.003-06:00

My dad wrote this poem sometime in his youth- he told it to me when I was about 10 and I have remembered it ever since. Then on my wedding rehearsal night he said it again in his speech not knowing that I knew it.

Luck is like a rubber ball,

bouncing high and low,

Somestimes it's very slow to come,

but very quick to go.

It comes when least expected to drive away life's cares,

but yet when we turn around we find it isn't there.

Some say we make our own good luck,

we gain what we are due, but many find this fact is very far from true.

Well Carsyn and I have not had the greatest luck these past few days! :(

Her beloved Mr. Cow is missing. She had him in the car when we took our road trip to Jackson yesterday and now I can't find him. I can't recall if she took him into somewhere (Im thinking perhaps a gas station) and left him or not but he is not here. When we realized he was missing it was bedtime. I quickly grabbed her stuff dog that used to also be in her crib and gave him to her. She settled with him only to continue to ask for COW about 20 more times. Finally she went to sleep. I think I was more upset than her. I tried to get online to order her a new one but the transaction wouldn't go through for some reason? It took her several hours after she awoke this morning to realize he wasn't here but she has cried for him several times throughout the day. She always settles for her puppy but I hate Mr. Cow is gone! I finally ordered her new one since I started this post and he should arrive in the next day or so we shall see if she takes to him.

Also today I might have experienced one of my most embarrassing moments ever. I had a photo shoot planned for 9AM at my house. I do not like taking photos at my home but I do have perfect lighting here and until I can conjure up enough business to get me a studio I am having to do what I can. So anyway Danny was supposed to be gone by 9 as he always is for work and he was to take Carsyn with him. At 8:40 he got in the shower...at 9 my clients arrived(luckily good college friends and not strangers)...Carsyn proceeded to showboat to them...Finally at 9:15 Danny leaves with Carsyn screaming to stay here. I am flustered but I try to get my bearings to get this photo shoot started. At 9:45 I am walking backwards with my camera to my face trying to photograph this baby and her mother and I fall down into an air vent hole that was missing its cover. Needless to say I sliced my foot up and had to go to the Immediate care for a tetnus and to have the skin removed. Now I am hobbling around on one good foot and the dr. says it will probably take 6 weeks for the skin to re-grow. Ugh- so frustrating and I can't believe I did that! The air vent cover was supposed to be re-painted and replaced this week too! I am just happy it happened to me and not Carsyn or Heaven forbid my clients!!! Surprisingly this is the image I was attempting when I fell through said hole.

RIP Mr. Cow Senior, you have been a dear friend!

Carsyn goes to the Amusement Park...err I mean Dentist?

2010-03-10T14:48:00.001-06:00

So along with our big girl bed Carsyn also got a big girl dentist appointment scheduled this week!

I am not really sure when the time frame is to have certain appointments for my child but it seemed like other parents I knew were taking their 2 yr olds so I assumed I was too! So I made the appointment for this week. I didn't really know what to expect- Carsyn does not mind brushing her teeth (yet) and she has met the dentist before because she is a family acquaintance so anyway off we went with high hopes!

The dental lab is strictly pediatric and Dr. Lauren has it decorated soo cute! When we walked in I think Carsyn thought we were at a play land! THEN she saw other kids coming out of the back with balloons and toys and goody bags OH MY! She literally was throwing a tantrum to go back to the examining room! It took every distraction tactic I had to keep her calm until it was our turn.

Finally the technician came out to get us. I don't recall her name but she was fabulous! She took Carsyn back to the examining room and went over everything she was going to do and what everything was. I have NEVER seen a child more excited to be at the dentist! She was a little apprehensive when it came time to lay back and have her teeth cleaned but no tears were ever shed! AND want to know her favorite part? For lack of the correct term, the spit-sucker-outer! Yes she thought it was hilarious! Really she did amazing! I could not believe it! So after a tooth count by Dr. L (we are only missing 3 molars) she got rewarded with 2 prizes from the toy chest! And a balloon....AND a bag full of stickers, a new Dora toothbrush, toothpaste, and tooth floss! She didn't want to leave this place! She begged me to brush her teeth when we got home that night! Dr. Lauren yall really know what you're doing over there!

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Also when C woke up from her nap this same day I had gotten some of my tea party portrait supplies for my Spring sessions out and put them on her table in her room. She immediately noticed them when she awoke and ran over to play. Never has my child been given tea cups etc but she insticntively knew how to play with them. Aren't little girls the cutest!? I see a tea party birthday party in our future!

So excuse the bedhead and disheveled clothes but I had to capture a few shots of her playing with the tea cups!

My Big Girl tear

2010-02-28T21:45:00.008-06:00

Well it is official my baby is now a big girl! On last Thursday we set up her big girl bed! This had to have been one of the scariest times of my motherhood! Giving my sleep troublesome child free reign to get out of her room!??!!?! Was I crazy?!

She has done GREAT! First off she has napped either over an hour and half to over 2 hrs every day- unheard of! And while nights have not been perfect they have been okay and last night went well so hopefully we are starting a pattern.

Oh and the climbing out of the bed thing? Well daddy was supposed to give us a low-profile box spring but he forgot so she is in a regular height full size bed. She is too scared to get down off of it. Atleast for now anyway! She still calls me during the day when she is sitting in it watching movies or reading to come get her so I don't really think she will try to leave her room. AND she doesn't fall because she has these awesome rails from Walmart.com! So far we have been good to go! ****update since first starting this blog and not posting she has realized she can get out of her bed and I have met her in the dining room during the middle of the night! But it still isn't that big of a deal and she goes right back to bed and falls asleep much faster.

It does make me terribly sad to see my baby out of her crib but the only reason I did it was because she seemed so excited to get her new bed. She kept telling me " I want new bed..." whenever she would see me looking for comforters online. So new bed it is! And new room decor. I have never been a big fan of her nursery- I don't know why I didn't try to do better with the decorating...there are lots of things I don't know why I didn't do when she was a newbie. Anyway pics to come of the new furniture/wall decor/window treatments/comforter when I get it done. So far we LOVE the new room!

Here are some pics of her waking up from her first nap and getting ready for her first night in the BIG GIRL BED!

1st night to sleep

1st day to nap- this was when she woke up! I never usually get these kind of grins when I go to get her!

Isn't she a beautiful sleeping angel!? This was one of her over 2 hr naps! I normally don't dare walk in her room or take a picture in the event that I wake her up but at this point I was trying to wake her so she would go to bed at night!

And here are some pics from today- what a beautiful day we finally have had! Spring here we come...see I knew the robins knew what they were talking about! And I can't wait to get out and start taking Spring Pictures- check out what I have been working on.

She even wants to use the big kid swings :(

Wow Where have we been!

2010-02-26T14:12:00.000-06:00

Wow I have been MIA on this blog for too long!

Instead of filling it all in on one blog I will seperate the past few monumental moments. So make sure to click down so that you get to the next entries!

First off we had ANOTHER snow in Southwest Mississippi! It snowed about 5 inches! And this time Carsyn loved playing inthe white stuff! Especially when I told her she could eat it! I wanted to make snow icecream but we didn't have any cream so I held off- at the rate we are going we will probably have another snow next winter and we can do it then. I ran by the grocery to grab a few things before the snow came in and I had to wait in a line of about 30 people at each check-out to leave! And no it wasn't even the terrible WALLY WORLD! You will notice a line on these snow snapshots- apparently I had some snow or something on my lens :( oh well. Atleast she had appropriate attire for this snowfall unlike last time!

Last winter was my first time to be a SAHM and I about lost my sanity but this year I think I have done a much better job. Carsyn and I have pretty much just been bears hibernating....eat, sleep, play, eat, sleep...you get the idea. It also helped this winter that she is older and can play on her own. We have watched a tad too much television, but I know that once the warmer temps arrive that will not be an issue. We are ready for Old Man Winter to say goodbye! The hundreds of robins in my yard tell me he is on his way out!

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Valentine's Day was a sweet time for Carsyn...(pun intended). She had a great time at her school party and I am sure she loved knowing that she helped make the cupcakes. My child is very engaged and longs to be with and like adults- no surprise so were her parents. On Sunday morning we were supposed to be on the Coast for a Mardi Gras parade but ended up not making it(more on that later). She got in bed with me and Danny after she had awoke and I gave her a little lady bug with 4 chocolates in it. They were gone in less than 20 minutes. Danny and I don't really do Vday so nothing too exciting to share there- besides the family was struggling with some difficult news.

Pop

2010-02-25T14:15:00.002-06:00

As most everyone is aware by now my Father-in-law was diagnosed with Colon Cancer on February 12th. It is advanced and very serious. He has already undergone a surgery and now will begin chemotherapy to stop the spreading of it. The weekend of Valentine's Day was when he was admitted to the emergency room and it was discovered. We were supposed to head to the Coast for a mardi gras parade but of course we did not go.

The last 2 weeks have been a blur and a roller-coaster of emotions. I can't imagine the fear and sadness that my husband is feeling at this time. Part of the reason I have been mia from the blog is because I didn't want to have to write this entry. I didn't want to have to even acknowledge it and I don't have the words to express what this family is going through. The outpouring of support from our church family and the community has been astounding. If there was ever any doubt in his mind whether he has friends there should be no more. It is apparent that he has touched so many lives with his kind spirit and selfless measures.

"Pop" took the news with a brave face and a strong will to fight it. I think he received the news better than any in the family. He was released from the hospital today and will begin to regain his strength. (The man has not had a meal since February 12th and that was oatmeal!)

My one wish is that he holds on for as long as the Good Lord is willing so that he can have many more memories with Carsyn and she will have a chance to remember this caring and wonderful man.

Words I hear from Carsyn

2010-02-09T13:38:00.006-06:00

(click picture to enlarge)

Carsyn cracks me up on a daily basis- usually because I am so surprised that she remembers certain details. Conversations I have heard recently...

In a store- "Mama mama shoes match shoes match" "Yes Carsyn your black and red shoes do match that black and red dress"- such the fashionista already!

In the car at traffic light- "Go! Go!"

"I can't go sweetie light is red"- light turns

"Go! Go! Light Green!"

In the car at drive-thru "Come on People!"

At home- went to closet pulled out bathing suits "Want to swim! Want to swim in pool at Jan's!"

"Yes sweetheart I am over winter too! Summer will be here soon!"

Waiting for Daddy to get home for dinner "Hurry up Dada Hurry up!"

Her new word is NEED instead of " I want so-n-so- it's I NEED so-n-so!"

New favorite phrase at the moment "Uh Oh Skettie O's!"

She also likes to scream at the top of her lungs and then say "AHHH I scared!"

Not sure where this came from?

She also repeats me when I am driving such as "Crap!" or "Shoot!" I guess there are worse things I could say must watch my road rage!

Really and Truely she cracks me up all day long with her new vocabulary! I know it will continue to get more funny as time goes on.

Random pics from the camera

2010-02-02T09:56:00.006-06:00

Here are some random pictures from the camera:

First we hosted some friends over to watch the Saints/Vikings game and our friend Kris and Megan brought this yummy cheese ball- isn't it too cute! And you want to know who made it into the football? Yep Kris!

That night Carsyn and Maddy were in the playroom but they were being EXTREMELY quiet so I went to see what they were into and I found them sitting sweetly at the playtable watching Strawberry Shortcake which Carsyn had started in her dvd player for them by herself! ;) It was tooo cute! Maybe she would be a good big sister?

This next picture is when the quiet I heard was leading to disaster! She came running out beaming with her "makeover" she had given herself with my make-up! What do you think?

And all of the sudden she has now decided she loves Peanut Butter. When I first heard "P Butter on toast?" I was like what is she asking me? She has never wanted peanut butter before but I think this picture shows how much she likes it now!

It's the month of LOVE

2010-02-02T09:46:00.006-06:00

The weather is BLAH!

BUT it is now February which means #1 that it is the month which always includes cupcakes and chocolate and #2 its Mardi Gras season which means yummy king cake! And #3 it means March is less than 30 days away leading us into SPRING!!!!!! Good bye OLD MAN WINTER!

So yesterday to kick start our Valentine's month Carsyn and I made her Rice Krispie treat Valentine kit. I bought this for $10 a few weeks ago from Hobby Lobby. It has been taunting her in the pantry since I bought it so in order to avoid a meltdown yesterday I said "Hey let's make the rice krispies!"

So here is our Valentine craft in pictures......

***Oh and my status from Facebook tonight read

My daughter is 100% girl she just saw a Godiva chocolate commerical. Turned to me and said "I want CHOC!" "I want Choc in my mouth!!!"

AND

After fixing her hair yesterday she said " I want see Pretty in the mirror!"

Yes she is 100% girl!

I am in charge of hosting her Vday party at school next week so I am sure there will be more "SWEET" pictures! We are in the home stretch of winter and we are going to make the best of it!

Mommy likes to freeze

2010-01-29T10:27:00.004-06:00

So I thought instead of a blog about Carsyn today I would give you some info on some Mommy likes I have found enjoyment in lately.

Mommy Saving Mom.com or you can find her page on Facebook. She has provided me some AWESOME coupons and freebies! Also I have learned other money saving methods. I have never been into the coupon scene but after visiting my good friend Lauren in November she inspired me to start SAVING! Plus if I want to build my house in the near future I need to start doing my part. I have to say I used to be much more thrifty before I married my husband and his "non-thriftyness" has rubbed off on me! With only one income now I am reverting back to my original ways.

Freezer cooking- Let's start with how my first meal freezing night started. Last weekend we had some people over for the "BIG" game. I went to FERNWOOD SEAFOOD (great place for you locals!) to purchase some shirmp. Usually my dad brings me my shrimp from the Coast but he wasn't home and there was gumbo to be made. We couldn't watch the Saints without Gumbo...so the man at Fernwood tells me to buy this 6lb frozen box of shrimp from a distributor in Biloxi. It is $30 for the box but the shrimp are already de-headed, de-tailed, and peeled! Heck yeah they were only $1 more a lb than the fresh ones! So I proceed to make my gumbo the following day- no homemade roux here- sorry I prefer the Semi-homemade approach like Sandra Lee. Anyway when I finished I had like 4 lbs of shrimp left!! What was I going to do with it I couldn't re-freeze.

Sooo began my first night of freezer made meals! It was so quick and easy and the husband actually came into the kitchen and we spent some quality time mixing. I placed the remaining gumbo (atleast 5 bowls) into the freezer and then made my all time fave Shrimp Corn Chowder and Rotel Shrip Casserole (DOUBLE YUM!). Now I have THREE meals ready to go! I felt like an employee of Bubba Gump Shrimp co. at the end of the night! But we love shrimp and it cook so quickly I made the 2 meals in an hour!

So since it will be raining this weekend and into next week and Danny will be gone to Market I decided to go ahead and make some more meals. Here I went to another fave website Allrecipes.com to look up some ideas. So on the agenda are Taco Soup, Ex-girlfriend pasta(a family fave), and bbq pork loin.

Recipes:

Shrimp Corn Chowder
saute green onions in butter
add a can of cream of potato soup
add a container of cream cheese
add a half gallon of half/half
add a can of fiesta corn
simmer for 40 minutes-yummmmmm

Taco soup
Brown ground chuck
add a can of rotel
add a big can of tomato sauce
add a can of pinto beans
add a pack of ranch dressing
add a pack of taco seasoning
add a can of fiesta corn
simmer for 40 minutes- season with chili seasoning to taste while simmering.
serve with sour cream and cheese and tortilla chips

Rotel Shrimp Casserole
saute green onions in butter
add shrimp and a can of cream of mushroom
add can of rotel tomatos
cook zataran's yellow rice separately
mix it all together place in 9X12 baking dish cover with cheese and bake at 350 for 35 minutes

Ex girlfriend pasta
In crockpot combine
boneless chicken tenders
1 can of mushrooms
2 cans of cream of mushroom
1/4 cup of white cooking wine
a pack of Good Seasonings white cooking wine
a pack of cream cheese
stick of butter
simmer in crockpot for 7hrs on low
add Parmesan cheese and serve with angel hair pasta

I didn't say the meals were very healthy but they sure are DELICIOUS!

My little big girl...

2010-01-21T20:59:00.008-06:00

I can't believe how big my little girl is getting! She is so independent and repeats everything I do. I have her pictures divided into folders on the computer named Carsyn year 1, year 2, and now year 3. YEAR 3!! It makes me so sad to see the number 3! I am VERY regretful that I didn't take more pics of my little girl when she was younger- and I sure wish I had the education then on photography that I do now. I am very sad I do not have pics of her tiny ears, rolls, and feet from her first few weeks! That is why I love taking pictures for people so they can have these fleeting images forever.

I have been trying to do a better job of taking more pics of Carsyn. The problem is finding time to edit in between paying jobs.

This first set was from the other day when we were very bored so we played dress up and went to a field down the street and took pics. She is finally warming up to my camera now but it only lasted 5 minutes and then she said "All Done." Did I mention she is a silly-billy these days?

Next are some pictures from today- it was so glorious outside- 70 degrees PERFECT! Carsyn's hair looked so pretty that I wanted to get a picture of these curls so I can remember them forever!

More silly faces

Mr. cow the best lovey in the world

Aren't they beautiful!

If you enlarge this picture you can see my reflection in her eyes- super cool, huh?!

Oh did I mention that Carsyn took it upon herself to decorate her new DVD player?! Yes when I first saw it I immediately scolded her but after we got it off of the screen I kind of like her creative doodles- kind of makes it more kid friendly? What do you think?

Look at those precious little fingers...yes they created the crayon masterpiece...

My sweet baby

When Carsyn wakes at night and I am so tired and even angry I try to remind myself that in a few short years she will want nothing to do with me but right now I am her world. She LOVES her mama!

An afternoon in the life of Carsyn

2010-01-14T21:32:00.007-06:00

Today I decided to get my camera out and practice some new settings on Carsyn. These are unedited but I think the bathtub pics are HILARIOUS!

On school days C goes from 8:15-11:30. Then we have lunch and then from 12:30 to 1 she plays in her room and I usually wait for her to do #2 most days. Then by 1 she is asleep. She usually sleeps around 1 hr and 15 to 30 minuets. At 2:30 we cuddle and then at 3 we have snack. We usually go run errands after 3 or if we have a playdate do that until 4:30 or 5 when I start dinner. She spends every waking minute in her new playroom with Barney or Elmo on in the background. Tonight she called it the Barney Playroom- ha! 7 is bathtime and in bed by 8 most nights.

This afternoon we had no playdates and no errands so I snapped a few pics while she was reading. And then again in the bath. I need to do better about taking pics of my own child instead just of other people's children. I get so wrapped up in the "proper technique" that I usually just toss the snapshots of C.

Well enjoy!

The jumping on the bed series...

The reading her book series...

(I LOVE how her toys are curled in!)

(In case you can't read the shirt it says "Daddy's smart but Mommy knows Everything!") :)

I bet these pics would be precious in b/w as a storyboard- just might have to do that! I just didn't have time before I wanted to post them.

Bathtub series part 1

And the cat in the bathtub series...he is a strange cat...Im not usually a big fan of cats but I got him when I got my husband. He unlike most cats likes water- he always comes in the bathroom during bathtime. Tonight he wanted to practically get in with Carsyn. She thought it was hilarious when he started drinking from the bowl.

The potty

2010-01-13T20:56:00.004-06:00

In my last post I mentioned that Carsyn was not going potty but low and behold as soon as I said it she decided to make me eat my words. For no reason at all she just decided to start going again this weekend. She is a BIG fan of the m&ms that she receives and she receives them often because this child pees more than any person I know! In the afternoons I just let her run around without a diaper on and she just goes to the potty on her own will. I will be in the kitchen and hear the potty flush. She will run in and say "TANDY TANDY TANDY." I am not sure how Im going to get her to learn to go without a Tandy reward.

I thought it was so cute when she ran up to Trey, family poodle, and said "Trey trey I went pee pee on potty!" as if he was going to give her a high five! Ha ha!

Going #2 however is another story. While she used to go with no problems now she acts as if she is being murdered if I try to make her do it on the potty. This weekend when I knew she had to go I made her sit on the toilet and I brought her books to read to occupy herself until she was ready- I left the room and she came and got me when she was done. That was the only time she has done it. Today she screamed bloody murder until I put a diaper on her so she could go. And to the corner of the living room she ran. I don't know where this fear came from or how to change it. When she is in her corner she steadily yells at me "NO NO Mama Do AWAY!"

I told her teachers at school about her new found potty independence so they have been taking her and her report showed that she has gone to the potty both days!

Last Thursday to Tuesday was a long time stuck in this house. Carsyn had a slight cough and runny nose so I kept her in as much as I could. Come Tuesday I was about to lose my mind from the continual sweat pant outfits and interiors of this house. Thank goodness for fresh air and sunshine these past few days! I can see Spring around the corner and I have lots of plans for it!

Carsyn and I are hitting the road this weekend to Hattiesburg and Mobile to visit old friends. It's always an adventure to take a road trip with the Belle!

No School No School

2010-01-06T09:43:00.007-06:00

Oh my precious Diva...

Yes I had a fear that Miss. Carsyn would not be too thrilled about returning to school this week. I mean who would when they have pretty much the entire Toys R Us at their house AND their new BFF Barney on the TV 24/7!!!! Yes I knew the screaming would ensue when we drove up to that school building yesterday. It took everything I had to get myself out in the 24 degree weather...HELLO 24 degrees in South Miss!!! I think I would rather be a fan of global warming at this moment...just kidding don't go get all AL Gore on me.

Anyway Carsyn made it through the morning although apparently she made it ubundantly clear that she WAS NOT happy about it due to the "Not herself" checkmark on her report! And since I started this blog entry and have now returned to finish it we made it successfully through our first week back to school. Every morning I had to force her to get dressed but today when I drove up to carpool she excitedly said "HEY MOMMA!" so I think she forgave me.

And not to jinx myself but considering we have been couped up in this house most all day everyday due to NASTY Mother Nature, Carsyn has been surprisingly content and easy to deal with! She has actually been PLAYING... with her toys... BY HERSELF!

So Carsyn was chosen as student of the week for next week(I think one student a week is chosen until all have been spotlighted). So I decided I would answer the questionairre on here and add in a few answers as well.

What is C favorite color? I would say blue every time you ask her a color she says Blue and always chooses blue if that is an option.

What is C favorite food? Meat - this girl is a carnivore if I have ever seen one! She ALWAYS requests MEAT if you ask her what she wants to eat. Meat could be anything from a slice of turkey to chicken to pork to shrimp. I am happy to say that my 2 year old does not have a picky palate- she often requests olives, carrots, and broccoli on her own will! Salad comes in as a close 2nd..who has ever seen a 2 yr old eat salad?

What is C favorite toy? At the moment I would have to say her baby dolls. She will play with them for hours and just walk them around, rearranges them, strolls them. It makes my heart smile to see her care for her babys.

What is C favorite movie? Before Christmas C would have never sat to watch a movie but now I can't get her to turn off Barney! The same 2 dvds over and over and over all day long!!! When she wakes up in the morning- Barney, when she eats lunch- Barney, when she wakes up from nap Barney, when she eats dinner Barney! Surprisingly I have not tired of him yet although the child actors on there do make me worry? Where do they find those kids?

What is C favorite past-time? Reading she LOVES reading and rocking. Which is great any time other than bedtime when she doesn't want to stop and go to sleep.

Is C sleeping well? NO! She was on a good streak for a little while but here again lately she has started waking 2 times a night ...sigh...

What is C favorite music? She has a cd that she calls the party cd that we play over and over and blare that plays child hood songs like Happy if you know it and Skip to my Lou. Although she does often request "Ice Ice baby" too. ha ha

C always says Peas and Tanks (please and thanks)most times without being asked. And now she has started saying "excuse me mama" when she toots or belches. ;) We are working on Yes mam and Sir although her favorite word is still NO!

Does C go to the potty? Umm that would be a negative. I am not sure what happened but she hides behind the couch to go #2 and yells at me to go away and she rarely tee tees on the potty. She used to go almost all of the time. She definitely is capable because she will bring me her diaper and wipes when we change although it does not seem to bother her to sit in soiled diapers. I have tried letting her baby doll potty and giving her prizes but none of that seems to matter.

Carsyn is a little chatterbox and I never know what is going to come out of that little mouth next! She has started attempting to say her ABC along with Elmo and she tries to count although it usually goes 2-a-10? But I am proud of my budding princess I know she will definitely be a star student !

Watching her fave pal Barney

She took all of her chairs and arranged them like this in the living room and put all of her babies in each seat.

Watching Barney(I presume) in her princess tent

Mommy Stay-cation

2010-01-04T09:02:00.002-06:00

I wish I had some fun photos showing what I did during my Mommy Stay-cation but alas I was enjoying myself too much to think to do it!

On Tuesday Carsyn and I headed to Hattiesburg for me to make some exchanges and After Christmas deals. I find myself overwhelmed as to where to start when I am surrounded by so many stores since I no longer have that luxury! This time I came prepared with a list!

Nonny met up with us so I could get done quicker- amazing how much slower a 2 yr old makes the process.

All week I had been anticipating my lunch at Olive Garden that my husband so sweetly gave me a gift card to in my stocking! (BTW he really did awesome with my Christmas happies this year!)

After lunch I dropped Carsyn off at my mom's for a nap and then off I ran to finish my list. I came back for a quick good-bye and Carsyn just shooed me away telling me she was "Goin swing wiff Grace"

I headed back to Mccomb for peace and quite for 2 days! When I got home Danny was just getting off work so we headed to The Caboose for an awesome dinner with adult conversation!
The next morning was AWESOME! I made myself some apple cinnamon crescents and ate them in bed watching The Today show (anything other than PBS would have made me happy!) and playing on my new laptop. Part of my mission was to switch over my computer files and begin work on my new photography website/blog. I didn't get as far as I had hoped but then I headed out in the dreary weather for the tanning bed and hair appointment. Ahh the simple things in life! I had lunch all by myself at home watching whatever I wanted to on TV. I did have to go run some yucky adult errands like paying taxes but still it was so much quicker without a 2 yr old.

That evening the husband and I just had egg sandwiches and watched a movie. I realized I didn't remember what life was like before Carsyn arrived. I started to miss my little Belle.

On Thursday morning I continued my laziness and self indulgences. I was informed by Nonny that Carsyn had done pretty well until that night and she awoke wanting me and screamed for 20 minutes. Ugh Mommy guilt!

New Years Eve we headed down to Gulfport for dinner with my cousin Allison/Cory and my BFF from college Ashley and her husband Dustin. We ate at Vrazel's and it was a great night. We headed to the Coast house (so glad it hasn't sold yet- sorry In-laws ;) and played a rousing game of Boys vs Girls Trivial Pursuit. In our old age we barely made it to the end and I was fizzled out by midnight. So the boys won by one but I was half-asleep so I don't count it!

The next morning we headed to Hattiesburg to pick up Carsyn and go to Clinton for Smith Family Christmas. Danny and I were so excited to get her we raced to see who could get to her first. She was happily watching her barney dvd (her new absolute favorite) on her new dvd player (my absolute favorite)in the car and Danny asked me to drive so he could sit in the back with her to cuddle. We were not too excited about the long drive but we made it quickly and then had a relaxing day at the Lake House. Carsyn once again got more STUFF! My word this child does not want for ANYTHING!

So I am EVER so grateful to my mom for my mommy staycation! It was wonderful but I realized it is easier to leave your child when you are going somewhere rather than be at the house without her! Carsyn had a great time playing with Nonny and Gracie. Now its back to reality! I predict a not very happy toddler tomorrow when she returns to pre-school! I guess we will have to go through that transition again!

Christmas Part 2

2009-12-30T09:24:00.006-06:00

We were unable to make it to the Canton Christmas festival due once again to RAIN and illness on Nonny's part so this will have to go into next year's "to do list" along with the Teddy Bear tea party at the Roosevelt hotel in New Orleans I just recently learned about! Yes I am already thinking about next year's plans-that's who I am!

If Carsyn's enthusiasm continues to grow from where she was this year I don't know if she will survive Christmas when she is 5!

Dec 22 Christmas gathering #1- Immediate Smith family

We had a lovely low key pizza and gifts at the immediate Smith's because they were going to Disney World the following day. Carsyn scored a Cinderella Carriage tent that she of course loved. And Danny and I (among other items) received a very much needed Vacuum cleaner! I might actually use it! I know the Webbs next door will be thankful I will no longer borrow theirs!

Dec 23 Since we were unable to make Canton Danny and I took Carsyn to see the lights at the

Tylertown Christmas in the park! It was so magical and beautiful (even with the rain ...YET AGAIN!). I couldn't believe Danny had never been seeing as how this was their 12th year in operation. He was blown away that this was in our very own backyard so to speak! If you live nearby it is a must see! Carsyn did scream the entire 20 minutes back home I presume due to it being past her bedtime, but regardless it was magical while it lasted!

Dec 24 Christmas Eve

We headed over to my Aunt Jane's house in Bassfield for the annual Christmas Eve gathering. We have not been in a few years and this is almost more fun than Christmas Day because I have such a large family. The attention this year was focused on Carsyn, Gracie, and Aiden of course. Carsyn (2) just went from one present to another opening it not even looking at her prizes until later, Gracie (6) while once like Carsyn now took her time opening each gift examining them, and Aiden (5 months) well he just drooled and spit up. Carsyn received too much stuff and Santa hadn't even come yet! The older family members decided to play dirty santa this year and I came away with a cookbook (while my scarf was strategically stolen from me ;)) and Danny got some always needed screwdrivers.

Dec 25th Christmas Morning!

Once again as she did last year- Carsyn woke up numerous times so we actually didn't get to see Santa presents until later than normal. I even got up first and had breakfast ready by the time she awoke! When she finally did see her gifts she just walked around in awe as I recall doing every time I awoke on Christmas morning. I started going into panic mode wondering where I was going to put everything! Why did Santa and the grandparents bring so much!!!

We hopped in the car again to head back to Bassfield for Christmas dinner. It was VERY low key and relaxing. No more football playing in the yard for us older cousins...no we preferred a nap instead! I declared that Christmas 2011 will hopefully God willing be at my house in a new home- the 1 hr drive one way twice was a tad tedious!

Dec 26th PLAY and ORGANIZE

I did find places for most of all of her new toys however I can't seem to keep Carsyn from dumping all of the 500000 pieces on the floor. Why do toys have to have 500000 pieces?! I will return the favor to those who gave her these items! ;)

So all in all a memorable and albeit wet Christmas. We all got way more than we should have and I know myself and Danny feel very fortunate if not a little gluttonous for all that we have.

I hope to give a toy review on some of the gifts she received for anyone looking to purchase for a toddler. Although I don't think she has had time to play with everything yet!

Aww one of my new faves! Carsyn and Gracie

Gracie will always be my first model....

Santa came!!!

The Santa Loot- pre-Carsyn destruction- notice the JUMPOLENE in my dining room from birthday!

Love this one too! She loved playing the piano!

Gracie keeping her in line!

Allie, baby Aiden, and Erin

Cousin Jeremy always the comedian- he wore his tacky christmas outfit

2009 Christmas part 1

2009-12-18T11:01:00.005-06:00

What a NASTY DREARY December we have had thus far! I am so glad that we have Christmas lights to bring some brightness to our days!

We were a tad late with getting our tree up this year but we finally managed to make it to the Christmas tree farm and choose one. This was our first experience with cutting our own tree but I hope we can continue to keep it a family tradition. It is HUGE! It definitely took some effort decorating but it is pretty.

We didn't make it to the Mccomb Christmas parade because it was the day it snowed and they moved it to the afternoon which is nap time, however we unexpectedly got to see the Summit parade. Carsyn and I were sitting eating dinner one night waiting for Danny to get home and I saw Police lights down the street. My first thought was "OH LAWD- is there a drug bust? What's going on" then 10 minutes later more police lights. I decide to step out on my porch to listen and low and behold I could hear a marching band. I grabbed Carsyn and walked down to the end of our street (about 200 yards) and it was the Summit Christmas parade. I swear to you it had to be the most magical thing a 2 yr old could witness because she talked about it for a week. I am surprised she went to bed that night. She kept saying...er...squealing "SANTA" "HO HO HO" "NEIGH" "TANDY" !!! She definitely knew who Santa was after this and has continued to squeal with delight when she sees a replica.

While Carsyn loves to tell you "Loot SANTA" when it came time to meet the jolly old man she wasn't as "cited" as she thought she was. Here is last year's pic and here is this year's---yes I had to join in the picture!

We also went to the Church Christmas party which was a blast. Once again the older girls swept her away to play with her. I love it! I wish they could be at my house all of the time! Ha Ha!

One evening Carsyn and I went over to the Johnston Chapel Methodist live nativity. You start at the beginning of the road and they give you a cd with the Christmas story that you listen to as you drive down and look at the nativity scenes. It was really neat and Carsyn enjoyed seeing the farm animals- one goat in particular was very vocal! Ha Ha! I hope they will have this again next year when she will understand more.

This week Carsyn had her school's Christmas party. I went for a little while. At age 2 (most other babies younger) it doesn't entail much other than eating. She has been painting me some Christmas art that has been on the fridge.

We haven't made it to any Christmas programs which I am sad about. Either weather, illness, or sleepiness has detained us. However Nonny did give her a Christmas song book which we have read every day and her favorite Christmas song is Jingle Bells.

Next on our Christmas festivities is Christmas lights in Tylertown and Christmas on the square in Canton.

Christmas morning should be very interesting when Carsyn sees what Santa brought her!

Singing Rain Rain Dow Away...

Checking out the nutcracker during one of my many photo shoots with her.

Your Pre-schooler week 1

2009-12-14T21:01:00.005-06:00

Ever since I became pregnant with Carsyn I have received emails from Babycenter.com informing me of what I can expect in Carsyn's development. First it said Your baby this week, then Your toddler this week, and my mouth hit the floor this week when I read Your Pre-schooler this week! My baby is now considered a Pre-schooler?! I don't think so! But alas as I looked back over her photo albums on my computer while preparing for her 2nd birthday party I got misty-eyed realizing that my baby was not a baby anymore.

In fact here are several instances where she is already trying to gain her independence. At the church fellowship one of the older girls asked to play with her (they all think she is their personal babydoll) and when I went to check on her Carsyn saw me and said "Hey I payin' Bye" to inform me that it was girls only no mom's allowed! SERIOUSLY! 2? Then she did a similar instance to her dad by giving him a kiss she knew he would give her what she wanted and then leave. Where do these manipulating skills come from?

In addition to the continual "NO" and "MINE" she does more often understand affection and will come to me and ask "TISS (kiss) PEES" and "HOLD ME." I think as she approached her 2 yr birthday mark she too wanted to remind me she was still my baby.

For her birthday party I decided to do 2 small parties. Never again will that happen! But they were a success. On Friday Carsyn's actually birthday I had a small pajama party for our usually play group buddies. Everyone wore their fave pjs and I had breakfast foods- brunch casserole, pancakes on a stick, and a donut cake! As Carsyn's gift from me and her father I got a Jumpolene- I KNEW she would love it as she LOVES to jump and I figured it would entertain 7 toddlers. Boy was I right! It was perfect for a dreary winter morning! While it is quite cumbersome and large I think it might be my saving grace this winter especially if the weather continues to be so wet!

Carsyn quickly understood the concept that this party was all about her. And when she opened her first gift (4 pair of princess high-heels) her face was PRICELESS! The next evening we had all family members over for dinner and cake. I have never seen a child tear through presents like she did! She wasn't even looking at what she got she just wanted to OPEN OPEN OPEN! I am afraid she is going to be in present overload with Christmas in 2 weeks. Poor kid- maybe I will celebrate her birthday in July one year?

Also she LOVED having Happy Birthday sung to her. She made me sing it OVER AND OVER AND OVER for 3 days! She would try to sing along with me "Hey Burday...." She actually tries to sing along to several songs now! The cutest thing ever! She also says "I cited I cited" (I excited) which I LOVE!

It seems that presents aren't the only thing she received for her 2nd birthday a nasty cold has taken over as well as her 2 yr old molars coming in. So needless to say after the excitement ended we have been in a bit of no sleep funk! Yes I felt she was trying to re-create labor when she awoke every 2 hrs the night of her birthday. And it has continued for a week now with hardly any napping as well.

Birthday pics are here - Blogger takes wayyy too long to upload.

Let's play catch up shall we?

2009-12-14T12:27:00.003-06:00

Where I have I been you ask? Well I took a little hiatus from the blogging world for a few weeks. Between getting photography orders completed in time for Christmas and preparing for a Princess' 2nd Birthday party, and let's not forget the ear infections and now a new series of runny noses I just haven't felt up to it. On the one hand I have gotten to give my family more attention but I also have missed documenting some great milestones.

Let's see last I wrote was the week before Thanksgiving. As always we headed to Clinton to visit with Danny's grandparents and the Smith family members. It was very low-key but relaxing as always. Since they have no technology, computers/tv/etc, conversation and napping are your only source of entertainment which is nice for a change. It was an unusually cold day for November in South Mississippi, but we did step outside for a brief few moments to take some pics of Carsyn and Morgan for Christmas cards. All in all lots to be Thankful for this year!

Oh and I made a 2nd attempt at preparing my Grandmother's dressing and low and behold I got it right! It still didn't taste like her's though I guess it never will since it is missing one main ingredient "Her Love." My mom came over the day before to visit and she and I and Carsyn got to work in the kitchen preparing our part of the meals. Carsyn LOVES to bake and my mom continuously recited sayings my grandmother used to say while we cooked. It was a lovely memory. In her own Bet way "Do you think this is enough onions chopped? Well it's just going to have to be because I'm not chopping anymore." :)

The following week South Mississippi received its 1st snowfall for the 3rd year in a row! Last year it was on Carsyn's birthday and we lost power all day so I was happy that it came a week early and we kept power this time! It missed our anniversary by a day I think. Snow pictures are here!

That's right December is full of events for this family. Danny and I celebrated 4 years this month. I am not the type to gush about my significant other or try to describe our relationship as something as a fairy tale, but while we share our ups and downs and still continue to learn about one another this year was definitely the best anniversary yet. Sometimes I can't believe he puts up with me. It was celebrated very low key with a quick dinner but we hope to get away in the coming weeks for a night. He also surprised me with a day at the spa including lunch...not just a massage...a DAY! I almost am too guilty to go use it...almost.

Next came Carsyn's birthday party. I will post a separate post with pictures but I definitely think this little princess had a ball! She learned quickly that birthday and Christmas entailed gifts so every time she heard you mention them she would begin shrieking! I am trying to figure out how you teach a 2 yr old with a birthday in December how to appreciate her gifts? She actually had 2 parties- a pajama party for her playgroup buddies on Friday morning and a separate family party on Sat evening. More on next blog.

So here we are in the aftermath of birthday land and still trying to remember the reason for the Christmas season. It is so difficult to put earthly celebrations aside to remind me and my 2 yr old why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. As I read her bible storybook to her the other night she started reciting the stories to me by memory. "Jeejus" she said as I turned to the story about the birth of Jesus. Wow! I couldn't believe it! Maybe I'm not doing that bad of a job.

Oh where to begin...

2009-11-24T09:29:00.003-06:00

Time is flying. I can't stop it! I can't find time to blog but Carsyn has been keeping us in stitches. Let's see if I can recall some moments of our past week.

Last I wrote I was departing for Texas for my photography seminar! It was AWESOME! At first I felt guilty actually getting to eat a meal in a restaurant but I got over it! Carsyn got undivided attention from both grandparents and her daddy. It was good for her to be with other care takers. While I was in Dallas it made me realize I have to start doing more things for myself. I have a small list on my photo blog of goals to achieve next year.

As I was leaving I could hear Carsyn starting to get a cough. We have been fortunate to only be sick once in her 2 years and that was a quick ear infection. I prayed she would stay well while I was gone and sure enough when I returned was when it climaxed. On Thursday night she could not sleep because she could not breathe or stop coughing. I tried everything but I literally slept in the recliner holding her up right all night. On Friday we went to stat care and she had double ear infections. Friday night was also a rough night of sleep but on Saturday she was starting to get back to her old self and by Sunday she was good to go! I have one tough cookie!

On Sunday at church as the lord's supper was being passed Carsyn said "What's that?" I said "Bread" she said "Manna?" I looked at Danny and said did you hear that? I couldn't believe it. You see every night we read her book of bible stories and the story about Moses talkes about God supplying them with bread when they had nothing to eat and the bread is called Manna. Danny shook his head "Yep" as both of our jaws were open. To make sure when we were reading at bedtime I asked her what the bread was called and sure enough she said "Manna." She not only is a tough cookie but a smart one too!

Her language has now grown into sentences-all be it short ones but I have heard her say new words I had no idea she knew. She also mimics me constantly. Guess I better start watching myself more!

Carsyn is very loving to her friends and I love to see her call her friends by names and hug them goodbye. I know she will have a blast at her birthday party in a few weeks with her nearest and dearest.

Just this week she has discovered what Christmas trees are and Santa Claus. We haven't put up our decorations but I can already tell she will be briming with excitement! Getting to share in a child's excitement makes life so worthwhile!

It is amazing to see that the little baby I had just yesterday is now becoming a little person able to understand empathy, love, and excitement!

Even under the weather Carsyn was able to enjoy some baking this week....she says "BOWL BOWL Mama Shake (Stir)." It should be interesting preparing Thanksgiving meals with my little helper!

Almost 2

2009-11-11T13:26:00.004-06:00

Today Carsyn is 23 months! One more month until the BIG 2! I thought I had her birthday party planned out like 2 months ago but then I abruptly changed my mind! Having a birthday in December is difficult when you don't know what the weather will entail! Anyway Carsyn will actual have 2 small parties- one for her buddies and one for just family. More details later!

This past month has definitely been interesting- they don't call it terrible TWOs for nothing! But luckily at this age she comes up with some hilarious tidbits that keep us laughing our way through the tantrums! I do wonder though why she can scream No No No yet when she actually says yes she only nods her head? And everything is "I don't like insert anything here from bread to book."

Carsyn LOVES to be chased and she will call your name and stick her finger up in front of her face like in a (kitchee kitchee koo) motion to tell you to come get her. While this is beyond cute and I don't mind playing chase- having to play chase at bedtime every night does get old!

Speaking of bedtime- for the most part Carsyn's sleep has regulated (for her anyway). This time change definitely threw us all for a loop but I think we are back on track. She still will wake once a night some nights and I change her diaper because it is already soaked by 1AM?! I swear I don't know if any other child teestees as much as her! But in all honesty I would rather her wake once for a few minutes and then sleep until 6:30 later than sleep straight and wake up at 5:45 which is usually the case.

When things are locked such as a gate or stuck she started yelling "TIGHT TIGHT" I thought it was hilarious the first time I heard that this month. I don't know how she associated that word with stuck but I guess it fits!

Her language is increasing and becoming more clearer every day. She sat down with me and a puzzle this week and named all of the animals and their sounds and put them in the right spot. Pretty good, huh?!

Well I am presently packing for my photo conference in Dallas this weekend so say a prayer that I can enjoy it and not worry constantly about my baby. And pray that Carsyn and Daddy survive- I'm sure they will do fine. :)

A picture for the fall..

Buttercup Children's Boutique

2009-11-08T21:27:00.003-06:00

Last week I was asked to photograph some children modeling for Buttercup Children's Boutique for their Christmas television commercial. Of course they asked Carsyn Belle to be one of their models! Let me tell you it was a LOT of work photographing 6 toddlers at the same time! Here are some of my faves from Carsyn's shots. Of course I was trying to focus on the clothing not the models so not my typical photography.
She did all of these poses on her own with no direction from me...I guess she has had some practice...hee hee...

Crazy Mama and the rest of our Halloween festivus

2009-11-05T12:38:00.006-06:00

I am sooo slacking on the blog! It is the busy time of the year and I am feeling myself pulled in multiple directions! Add the time change and and well there just aren't enough waking hours in the day!

Well to continue with where I left off on the Halloween festivities- Carsyn did a trunk or treat with friends, her first school party, a hayride with friends, pumpkin painting with Maddy, and actual trick or treating. I would definitely say that this Halloween she was more aware of the goal.....TANDY!!!!!!! Oh I just get sick of thinking about how much sugar she has consumed in the past week. Thankfully I think it is all gone now, but the damage has been done and now all I hear is "Tandy Tandy Tandy, Dum Dum, Dum" (Candy and Gum). And in all honesty my child is more interested in the actual possession of candy rather than eating it. She will sit and play with it and organize it and dump it back and forth into her pumpkin but never really consumes an entire piece. She pulls out one and says "Ope Ope Peas" and then when I open it she tastes it and hands it back and says "I don't ike" But heaven forbid if I were to tell her she didn't need to open it because she wouldn't like it. Nope she must learn for herself! Anyway I am happy to see that holiday pass as we now get ready for even more busy months!

Yesterday Danny, Carsyn, and I took a road trip to Covington, Louisiana. There was really no reason other than I thought it would be a nice afternoon trip and I have a fellow photographer acquaintance there who was going to take our family Christmas photo. The ride down was nice and Carsyn actually had to be woken up after sleeping for almost 2 hrs!! What? And I had a feeling there would probably be a park we could play at while we waited for our photo session but I had no idea it would be as awesome as the one we found. It was HUGE and looked like castles. The wood was solid and big enough for adults to run around and play on. I'm not sure who had more fun- Danny or Carsyn! It was great watching them have quality time together. Unfortunately I have no pics of this to share because I was off camera duty. Brittany took our pics and hopefully I can share some on the blog soon...in my professional opinion I think it went great! After stopping at a bite to eat at one of our fave restaurants in Hammond, Kirin, we headed home.

So that is a wrap up on what we have been doing the past few days. I am EXTREMELY busy (which is good, right?!) with photography right now. I have lots of sessions to edit and I am doing portraits for a children's boutique commercial. I get my new camera tomorrow which I am beyond ECSTATIC about! And next week I go to Dallas for a 3 day conference! This will be Danny and Carsyn's first time to be alone together overnight.

Here are some snapshots of our Halloween fun...

Carsyn and Hannah

Carsyn's funny pumpkin

Thinking about her pumpkin design?

She loves to hold Hannah's hand

Ahhh Tandy!

Our storytime friends

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pumpkins Pumpkins everywhere!!!!

2009-10-28T09:35:00.006-05:00

Well this will be my first post about pumpkins because before the week is over we will have more pumpkin pics to post!!!! Wow I am already in Halloween overload so I don't know how Carsyn will handle all of the festivity!

To begin, last Friday Lyndsay(neighbor) and her daughter Maddy (Really do they need continuous descriptions- you know who they are) went to Hammond to the pumpkin patch. It was cute and had lots of farm animals (I also do not think I have seen so many farm animals in one month!) to pet. Had Carsyn not been overtired due to a late bedtime she probably would have enjoyed it more and allowed me to enjoy it more. She actually told me "NO pictures!" I took some anyway....

Then fast-forward to Monday and I took my camera to story time because I knew that Miss. Mattie would have something adorably Halloween for them to do. I was right. Here are some snapshots of them feeding the pumpkin monster Pecans and the pumpkins they made. (Not the greatest pics but hey just snapshots)

Monday night we attended Parklane Academy's fall fest. No pics from that night- there wasn't really much for a toddler to do...note to Parklane include some beanbag toss or something next year for the little ones! Carsyn did ride the pony which I didn't think she would follow thru with, but she loved it! Actually she demanded we wait in the eternal (30 min) line so she could ride him!

Today is Carsyn's school Halloween party, Tonight is Trunk or Treat, and Saturday is Hayride and Trick or Treat...... OH MY!!! She has the candy part down...she has been running around with her pumpkin treat bag saying "TANDY TANDY TANDY!" Oh Goodness!

99th Franklinton Fair

2009-10-22T13:21:00.005-05:00

Yesterday afternoon we headed over to Washington Parish, LA for the Franklinton Fair! Last year we went with the Taylor's but we couldn't seem to get our schedules lined up. Surprisingly we found out our neighbor's the Webbs were also going the same time as us so Carsyn got to have her BFF with her!

Last year since Carsyn was only 10 months old she didn't really have a clue as to what was going on but oh what a difference a year makes!!!! She caught on quick that she needed tickets for the ride and as soon as one ride would end she would say "tick tick tick" and point to the next ride she wanted to go on. And forget the slow train and carousel- those were boring to her she wanted the rides that actually did something like go up and down or were a tad faster! My little dare-devil! One of the things I love most about having a child is getting to re-live my childhood and all that being a child entails! I think Danny and I enjoyed the rides as much as she did.

So I will let the Pictures speak for themselves since they are worth a thousand words.....

I didn't want Danny to take her on this but she LOVED it and immediately wanted to go again!

See why I didn't want her to go...look how high it was!

yeah I enjoyed the helicopter too!

Eh- the carousel is for babies....

Looking at the farm animals...this fair reminds you of Charlotte's web...nothing like the MS state fair

Webb family at the funhouse

They don't call it the FUNhouse for nothing!

Mr. Mitch is too funny....

Look Mama I am riding the truck with Maddy!

Ho Hum again- around and around boring

Now this one is more like it!

I know it is blurry but I still think it is hilarious! Photographers call this "emotionally in focus!"

Wave your arms like you just don't care!!!! (She actually started copying me...gotta watch myself!) Ha Ha!

Love this one! Life is good! :)

Words from a Babe

2009-10-21T09:44:00.003-05:00

First, this past weekend was my 10 year High School reunion. My how time flies. I can only imagine how much more quickly the next 10 years will go by now that I have a child.

This week has been filled with fun fall activities. While I love sharing the new experiences with Carsyn and remembering the last year and how much she has changed it saddens me when I look up and see a "big girl" walking across the yard. I will admit this age is definitely the most challenging and numerous times a day we have a temper tantrum at the drop of a ketchup bottle. But when I hear her speak these words it brings a smile back to my face that "this too shall pass."

Yesterday morning at breakfast
"Mama Help me Please" - lovely use of manners

As soon as she woke up
"Heeeeeey Treeeeey, Heeeeey Treeeeey"- the family pet

Sitting on the couch early in the morning she hears a loud vehicle
"BUS? TRASH? TRUCK?"

Pointing to her pallet she has made on the floor
"Mama Sit...Mama Sit" Then crawls into my lap.

Takes her shoes off then walks across the back porch
"Ohhh Toooold Mama"

Getting dressed for school on picture day, opens her closets and pulls out a red dress "Awwwwww Tute" then does a twirl for my approval once it is on. Proceeds to pick out her shoes and bow.

Sees a baby anywhere
"Awww tute baaaabeee"

She now recognizes her friends from storytime/school and when she sees them can call them by name. She loves her friend Hannah and everytime they are at storytime wants Hannah to hold her hand as they walk to the car.

These are just a few times she has made me smile lately...

Here is her snapshot getting ready for picture day at school.
Her first school photo- before I know it she will be celebrating her 10 year High school reunion :(

22 months

2009-10-12T13:24:00.007-05:00

Yesterday Carsyn turned 22 MONTHS that is only 2 months until she turns 2!!!

Last week flew by as we were very busy- not really sure doing what but before I knew it it was Friday! I know these next 2 months will fly by with all of the fall festivities planned.

Carsyn has gotten better about school. She still gets a little teary when I drop her off but she is fine by the time I pick her up. We are still taking cow and sippy cup with us. She will have her first school party this month for Halloween. Our turn to host is not until Valentine's but I think I may have to drop in and bring a treat too! That's why I am a SAHM mommy right?!

Carsyn continues to talk constantly however she only says one syllable words and if the word has 2 she only says the first part. I am guessing it will still be a little while longer before she can put them together. She will say some sentences though such as "I want plate momma" although it sounds like "I waaaan plaaaa momma" I have to interpret for Danny often what she is saying.

Oh the potty training. Man this is tiresome. She still is half tell me and half go- usually she tells me when it is convenient for her like exploring a new bathroom at a restaurant, or to get out of church, or to postpone sleep, etc etc. The rest of the time she still goes in diaper and it doesn't bother her. While we were in Boston she went frequently on the potty but since we have been home she has regressed. She went a couple of days without poopooing because she didn't want to go on the potty but I finally got her to break that yesterday and made a big deal and gave her candy. I think the week of Thanksgiving when she is out from school I will try a very concerted effort to make some big advancements and let her go diaperless for as much as we are able. I let her go diaperless now but it doesn't really seem to matter. We even have a poo poo song that she was loving but now seems to be over it. It went (to the tune of Where is Thumpkin) "Where is Poo Poo Where is Poo Poo, Here it comes, Here it comes, Squeeze it out Squeeze it out!" Yes lovely I know but it was working.

At the moment Carsyn LOVES bubbles, baby dolls, her baby doll stroller, and drawing. She is definitely opinionated and independent.

Does anyone else's toddler have a repetition or compulsive trait? I am not sure if this is a phase or perhaps part of my OCD genes but Carsyn has gotten to where everything has to be the same everytime. For instance she has to have her blanket on her chair and if it is not there she says UH OH over and over. Also when she drinks her milk she always has to have cow with her. And at bedtime she will only let me read to her and won't let Danny because in her mind that is what she is accustomed to as her ritual. If I am not home of course she will let him. Just wondering if anyone else's child does the same?

On another note we got to attend Carsyn's BFF, Maddy, 1st birthday party this past weekend. It was loads of fun. I had to keep Carsyn from tearing into the birthday presents so I expect she will be in heaven at her own birthday party.

We also went to the Summit Fall Fest on Saturday which is just two streets over from our house so that was neat. I am always interested in a craft show! I wish I could be more crafty....

Well I am under the weather myself seems I finally caught the cold Danny and Carsyn have had so my brain is not working on all cylinders at the moment. Going to get a few more minutes rest before nap is over.

Too pretty cut the birthday cake but nummy nummy nummy in Carsyn's words!

Giving her BFF a birthday hug

Being a ham as usual

Family Adventure to Boston

2009-10-03T14:01:00.006-05:00

Okay to begin my post I am going to talk about the family adventure to Beantown. Get ready- it's a lengthy read...

This trip was initially planned several months ago as a getaway for Danny and myself to go to Boston. The plan for this trip had many revisions- first starting off as a cruise then changing to just land- and finally in the late hours before we departed turned into our first family vacation. Everybody else does it- can't we make it too?

Since I had not anticipated Carsyn going with us I had to get up at 5 to get her packed as well as the rest of our belongings. Once again the realization that my life has drastically changed since College travel days hit me. I once was an avid traveler jumping at the chance for a road trip or to visit a new destination. New York, Orlando, London, Amsterdam, Paris, etc all within 12 months. Life is no longer the same and I am no longer the same...I now find that when I leave "home" it makes me appreciate it more. So back to the trip. We departed at 8:30 to head to the airport just as we pulled into the airport Carsyn threw up for the first time ever. The traffic on that long bridge was just too "stop and go" for her to handle. To be honest it took everything I had to keep my breakfast down as well. So not to be discouraged or late- she was stripped and changed all while unloading bags. I will give kudos now to US Airways for an incredibly friendly and helpful staff. Both on the departing and return flight they were great.

On the first flight to Charlotte Carsyn just took it all in. My little girl is quite the observer and we figured she would be entranced by it all. Luckily we had a window seat so she enjoyed it immensely. After a quick lunch on route in the airport it was off to our final plane. This time she was asleep within 5 minutes and slept almost the entire plane ride. We had a tiny fear that she was about to cry the last 30 minutes but she stopped and all in all did great. Did I mention she used the potty on the plane and never once wet her diaper all day?!

Now arriving at the hotel was a little nerve wracking as when we got to Boston I had no idea it was such a metropolis- it felt like a mini-London to me. I guess they haven't strayed far from their origin. Our hotel was mostly for the business class so toting a little toddler in did feel a tad strange. While the hotel and their staff were great and the amenities were good it was definitely not a family oriented hotel and was not close to any tourists attractions. I had an idea of this but since I wanted to save some money I booked it on Priceline at half of the cost.

We walked down to the water and found a little seafood joint the bellhop recommended. Ummm when you are used to Cajun Southern Seafood- sorry yankees your food tasted like rubbish. It was the WORST $70 I have ever spent and I felt robbed when the bill arrived. That is my one and biggest complaint about Boston is the cost of food is UNFREAKING BELIEVABLE! I laughed when I saw a picture of the owner and some employees with Emeril hanging on the wall. I can only IMAGINE what he thought!

Oh and lest I forget the weather. While I was looking forward to the 60 degree day temps- Boston 60 degrees with wind from river and Miss 60 degrees totally NOT THE SAME! It was soo cold! Luckily I had enough warm clothes for Carsyn. So back to the hotel to get ready for bed.

After a not great night of sleep (of course you knew C wasn't going to sleep) I got her up and she and I headed downstairs for breakfast. I knew the hotel did not have breakfast included but I was not expecting to receive a bill for $25 for ONE breakfast buffet!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I literally almost had a heart attack at the table. Seriously this trip probably took out a huge chunk of C's college fund- ha not really but man the food prices were KILLING Me and it wasn't even good!

So once dressed we ventured out into the city. At first it was VERY intimidating but I was VERY pleased to see how friendly everyone was. Kudos to the Yankees for their hospitality- you aren't as bad as they say ; ) After finding our "duck tour" we walked around taking it all in. Within 5 minutes we had stumbled onto the set of a new Ben Affleck movie being filmed- no sight of the celebrity but cool nonetheless. Carsyn enjoyed chasing the pigeons in one of the squares we were in. Also I was surprised to see so many toddlers/babies being strolled around on vacation. I don't know how people do it with more than one. Maybe me and Danny aren't cut out for it! So off to eat lunch at The Cheesecake Factory which was finally a meal I didn't mind paying $50 for. Then to the duck tour. I had scheduled it hoping C would fall asleep on the tour vehicle but wishful thinking -too much was going on. So after the tour we were left not knowing what to do next. In hindsight (don't you love how it is always 20/20) we now know what we should have done but in a new city we didn't. So we decided to go back up to Beacon Hill which is a beautiful and prestigious neighborhood (John Kerry's home- yuck, but he does have taste when it comes to homesteads). This walk turned into about 30 minutes which with a tired toddler was not the most pleasant. We did stumble upon the Cheers bar and the Boston Garden(the oldest Botanical Gardens in the US). Carsyn got to chase the ducks and swans and the grounds were breathtaking. Really this trip reminded me so much of my summer in Europe- I almost did not feel like we were in America. Next we stumbled upon a protest at the state building which was history in the making- apparently something to do with jobs- I think they are having a governor election soon.

At this point we were lost as to where to go or what to do. And then Carsyn Belle crashed just like that in my arms. So what did we do? We sat down on someones steps to their condo right in Beacon Hill to let her get a cat nap. HA. I stopped a man to ask for his recommendation of where to eat in the area and I could see the look of bewilderment in his eye as he tried to avoid eye contact thinking I was hitting him up for money. Ha HA I probably should have considering the price of everything in that town! So we wandered down to a little Italian cafe for dinner. I thought it was so funny not even 10 seconds after we walked in the waitress asked Danny what he wanted to drink and when he said "tea" she said "You know its not sweet- right?" I laughed and said what gave it away? She never did say...

We headed back to the hotel after dinner.

Our transportation on the trip was initially supposed to be the T-stop (subway) and the silver line bus but neither were close to our hotel so we just paid for cabs(also money out of the college fund!)

That night was also not another good night of sleep for me or Carsyn who was in the bed with me. She seemed to wake up all night choking on the drainage in her throat and with a stuffy nose. I guess the wind had gotten to her because she woke up with a cold. The next morning I bypassed the breakfast buffet and headed to Starbucks (yeah cause that was cheap- NOT). We decided to go to the Aquarium and the Boston Ha-baaa (Harbor- you know Bostonians don't pronounce the letter "r'). It was neat and Carsyn enjoyed it. Next we got onto another Sightseeing Tour bus but this one went around the Freedom trail. In hindsight (I know I know) this would have been the first and best way to get around which we now know. While you can get on and off this bus- we stayed on to hear the commentary for the entire trip. This time C did fall asleep but only for a little cat nap.

So after our whirlwind trip of Boston it was time to head home. We moved our flight up early since we had C with us and to be honest I think we saved money not having to buy anymore food in this town! Of course after 2 1/2 days we now were familiar with the city and would have been comfortable finding our way around. So while in the beginning Boston wasn't my cup of tea (ha ha pun intended) I changed my mind and decided it was enjoyable. Maybe we will make a return trip sometime in our lifetime. Also while at first appearance the city seems large after learning the areas you really could walk the main parts within an hour or so. Little did we know!

Now the return story- not much to tell except we had to sit on the runway for an hour (with a 22 month old!)and then had a 2 1/2 hour flight. The return was not as smooth as the departure but still I think she did great.

Was this the trip I had planned and dreamed for several months? Heck no, but definitely an addition to the family memory book. I am also proud of me and Danny for surviving with out causing a divorce or loosing our tempers(well not really bad) with Carsyn. And definitely for me for rolling with the flow!

Next - my top dos and don't of travel in Boston.

Enjoy the snapshots I was able to get.

In Boston Public Garden

Touching a crab at Aquarium

Old bldg reflected in New bldg

Boston Public Garden- she loved the ducks/swans/pigeons

Outside the set where Ben Affleck was filming

Finally made it to Nawlins airport...tired little Belle

Destroying mommy's purse in hotel room and Cheesin'

Looking at Seals at Aquarium

Boston "Haabaa"

It was the best of times and the worst of times

2009-09-24T20:28:00.005-05:00

Okay maybe not the worst of times but I have been MIA because my computer has been in the shop for a week!!!! I now know what an alcoholic or smoker feels like trying to kick the habit. Seriously though it did allow me to get my priorities in line with quality time. Dang Facebook! But here is the kicker after picking up my computer and paying $50 to be "fixed" I returned home to hear the same noise and it still not working. So I called the shop and she tells me that noise is the keyboard so all I really needed to have done was replace the KEYBOARD!!! FOR $10!!!! Ahhh I hate these life lessons!

Speaking of life lessons Carsyn has been learning lots of new things lately. Most of them to the embarrassment of her mother! Oh yes we have now entered the stereotypical phase of 2 year old that is portrayed in movies etc. For instance (yes I am aware this is not lady-like behaviour but how do I get her to stop) she is now obsessed with Pooting and Burping which she finds hilarious. So whenever she does it she starts laughing and says Poo Poo Poo. This conundrum however has helped to teach her to go #2 in the potty because she has gone on her own several times this week. Also as with most children this age learning body parts etc she now knows what breasts are so while in Church one day last week she started grabbing mine saying "Boobie Boobie Boobie" in a much too loud voice! I tried to avoid eye contact with anyone while quieting her down.

Carsyn's vocabulary expands daily but currently her favorite word is MESS! And she will intentionally make a MESS so she can say "UH OH MESS TOWEL" Twice yesterday she intentionally dumped her food onto the floor. Oh yeah- Time OUT! But seriously I think I hear the word MESS about 1000 times a day! Besides dumping food she can tear apart a room in 30 seconds flat.

Preschool was much better this week. One day we actually had no tears! The other days she still cried when I dropped her off but did not when I picked her up. Maybe she is getting the hang of it. I have felt guilty these past 2 weeks since I have had no obligations but after next week I will be busy busy with fall portraits so it will be necessary. Thank goodness the seperation anxiety is getting better.

Knock on wood- Carsyn has slept through the night every night this week! WHOOHOO!

Carsyn attended her first Southern Miss football game last week with me and Nonny. Daddy had to work of course. It was a great game despite the 100 degree weather- honestly I bet those VA fans thought they had entered HELL! I took Carsyn since it was an afternoon game and the irony that USM was playing VA (for those who do not know that I lived in VA as a child and my BFF from childhood was always a VA fan) was too much to pass up. I had a custom outfit made by my friend Dawne Taylor and I have to say she was the cutest cheerleader at the Rock. Keturah, us USM fans would like to know what was the song the VA fans sang and held hands after each score? Quite interesting? Carsyn made it to the 3rd quarter and was definitely a trooper! I think I had had enough before her- seriously it was like 100 degrees! The hottest game I have ever attended! Glad the Eagles pulled out the win though I sure didn't want to have to eat my words to Keturah! ;0 SMTTT!

21 months

2009-09-15T09:51:00.005-05:00

Carsyn turned 21 months at the end of last week. I have read that at this age some children reverse to baby behavior and/or become less cooperative. Well Carsyn is definitely proving this theory to be true for her. At 18 months she was so content and independent and now its as if she wants to be a little baby again. She doesn't let me out of her sight, she screams bloody murder at Preschool (when she would run right in and play at MMO), she does not take the initiative to go potty anymore, she is waking up more and more at night, etc etc etc.

Her little brain is on overdrive, however, speaking new words every day. Her new most repeated phrase is "MOVE" not in a nice way- I was like where did she hear that and then I heard myself saying it to the dog. Whoops- I am so not a good role model. I don't like seeing my bad traits being mimicked by my child.

Also her little vocabulary is on autopilot repeating a word/phrase OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER until she gets what she wants or gets in trouble. I know this will soon be replaced with the WHY phase OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER.

Last night she had Danny and I in stitches as she went into her room got out the changing table mat and brought it to her baby doll then went and got the wipes and a diaper and attempted to change her. :) Maybe her maternal instincts will be better than mine....

It seems my mommy-radar has been "off" lately. First we had the incident in the car last week on the side of the road with #2 then one morning last week she awoke at 5:30 (after waking several times during the night) and I was too exhausted to get up so I let her cry until 15 minutes later and discover she had a dirty diaper- Dang it!

Can someone provide me with a mommy brochure with all of the answers? I would appreciate it.

Carsyn, I am trying my best sweetheart. Please bare with mommy and know that I love you and I will try not to cause you any detrimental harm before you are 18.

2nd day of Preschool

2009-09-10T13:46:00.003-05:00

Well the drop-off went as I expected- A screaming clinging fit. Yes as I turned to run out of the room tears welling up in my eyes the director stopped me in the hall and said " you can call to check in on her if you would like." But I didn't. I knew she would stop. When I arrived to pick her up she was already waiting in the hall with the others. When she saw me she started yelling Mama and started tearing up. I think the chaos that is involved during pick-up time causes her some anxiety because they told me that she is okay until then.

Also I figured out the mystery behind her milk fit the first day. It seems as though at snack they only offer milk with the goldfish and we all know Carsyn will only drink milk out of her milk cup. So she probably went all morning from 8:20-11:20 without anything to drink. I asked the director if she could have water instead and she said that I would have to write a note because they are federally mandated to drink milk? Or I could send her milk cup (which I thought would cause a bigger stir with the other children), but I don't want to do that. She needs to be like the rest of the children. I would love if they could wean her off of this dang cup.

I had no idea this Preschool transition from Mother's Morning Out would be this difficult for her and myself! We LOVE Miss. Jan and she loved us! We were spoiled! Not that her preschool is a bad school (her daddy went there...27 years ago ;) ) but it is soooo much more structured. They did "make" a craft the 2nd day which was a family tree. I tried to make a big deal out of it. Here is a picture of her proudly displaying her art.

I hope this will get easier...I know it will.

1st day of Preschool

2009-09-09T13:19:00.003-05:00

Today was Carsyn's first day of Preschool at Centenary where she will more than likely go 1/2 days until 4 yr old kindergarten. I wasn't really too worried about it- Carsyn has been going to Mother's morning Out for several months so I didn't think it would be too different. Last night we had meet the teacher- the realization that this was in fact school hit me. A big handbook, car pick up line, and party sign up sheets confirmed it! OH MY!

Last night (or morning shall I say) when Carsyn woke at 3:30 I prayed so hard she would go back to sleep quickly so that she would be rested for school. She did go back to sleep by 4 and slept until 7:30. Great yet we were rushed to get out the door in time. Instead of going thru the car line I walked her into school to her class. As I handed her over I waited for the cries but just as she said "MAMA?" I took her off not looking back. Quick like a band-aid! A fellow mommy-friend called to tell me she saw her and she was not crying so I felt pretty secure that she would be fine.

I showed up about 10 min early to pick her up and the choas did not help my nerves. When I arrived to her class the director was holding her and she had tears in her eyes and was saying Mama Mama MAma. They said she had been fine until just right before I got there and apparently someone said Mama and it sent her into a fit. She looked pitiful and clung to me like a koala bear when I picked her up. My thoughts of her sippy milk cup being a pacifier were confirmed when she started saying milk milk milk when we got in the car. She is napping peacefully now but I have a feeling she won't let me out of her sight today.

Hopefully tomorrow will go more smoothly....

Here are some pics from our morning

Labor Day weekend

2009-09-09T09:40:00.006-05:00

This past weekend we traveled over to my mom's house in Hattiesburg for a visit. We rode over on Sunday morning and arrived in time for lunch with her and my dad who drove over from Kiln.

It is so funny to me how Carsyn now recognizes places- as we turned onto her road she started shouting NA NA NA NA (Nonny). Also the other day as we entered the driveway of my inlaws she saw Pop's truck and was shouting POP POP POP. And every time we drive up to the furniture store "DAYDEE DAYDEE."

So back to story...after we ate we went to the Party store to look at a costume I had seen online. My dad actually wanted to come with us...amazing what grandchildren will do to a man. He enjoyed trying on the costumes himself. I did not like the cat costume so we then went to Gymboree at the mall to look at their costumes. Again I was not impressed with the costume nore the $35 price tag. I know that Carsyn will more than likely not keep anything (ears, hat, etc) on her head at his age so why waste the money. Next we went to Belk where they had THE CUTEST "Halloween" outfit. I will refrain from the details so not to spoil the pictures but I believe this will definitely be our "costume" which is great because she can where it to school too for her party festivities.

We left and headed to Laurel to meet my cousin Adam's new baby Aiden. Due to the swine flu precautions my cousin Allison (his sister) was not able to come with us and bring her daughter Gracie as planned. We had intended on taking some shots of the cousins together. So I only took a few shots of him but he was conched out and I could have probably put him in a ton of adorable newborn positions but I didn't want to stress the nervous new mom out!

So onto the night where Carsyn did fairly well sleeping only waking once and quickly going back to sleep. I, on the other hand, did not get much sleep once she got in the bed with me with her feet in my stomach. When we woke the next morning we got dressed and met Allison and Gracie to head to D'Iberville to Kangarooz. Gracie was beside herself with excitement and Carsyn as well. My child LOVES LOVES LOVES the slide! And she says it OVER AND OVER AND OVER! While Carsyn is still a little too young even though they have a toddler section she still had a blast. Of course she wanted to go on the BIG SLIDE like Gracie but I tried to climb up and I couldn't make it carrying a 30lb weight. I swear I don't there is much difference between those contraptions and an army obstacle course! I did manage to make it up the medium slide and go down it with her. Her laugh was priceless!

On our way back home (Carsyn only having a 30 min nap on the way down) both the mommies passed out asleep (Nonny driving of course!) and the children wide awake! So our story takes a terrible turn here. After dropping off Allie and Gracie, Carsyn and I made our way to Mccomb. She was fine for the first 20 minutes but then she started screaming. I thought she was just overtired but she never stopped. So then I thought the seat belt was too tight and was bothering her but after loosening it she still screamed. Then I just thought she was being bad and wanted out of the car seat. And so goes the mommy guilt. After threatening her with discipline I decided to pull over on the side of the road to see inside her diaper. When I got the diaper off I could see the problem- she needed to go #2 and it was not coming out...so to spare the details...I had to assist her. It was terrible I tell you! TERRIBLE! And who felt like the worst mommmy on the planet on the side of the road not knowing my child was in pain! She soon calmed down and we started our trip home again. Only I had to sing "The itsy bitsy spider" over and over and over and over and over again until we arrived home 40 minutes later!

So our week

2009-09-05T21:40:00.007-05:00

So our week was not a great one...After the last post our "strange" phase continued. Pretty much from last Thursday to Wednesday of this week was just odd. I hate when I can't say "OH this is why this is happening." There is so much unknown when you have children.

Carsyn finally did start sleeping back through the night around Tuesday- around the same time I put the humidifier back in her room. It seems to help immensely. Does anyone know if the warm mist or cool mist is better? I have the warm mist and her room feels like a sauna when I go get her in the morning. Now that it is getting fall that will be fine but I suppose I will get cool mist for next summer?

On Wednesday Carsyn and her daddy spent a wonderful father/daughter afternoon together while I went to Hammond with a friend for a little mommy R&R! A note to all future mommies- let your husband help and learn from his mistakes. I wanted to control everything and it has taken me 20 months to where I just let him do it his way. Daddies will never get the confidence to do it on their own or the desire to want to help if they constantly hear "That's not right." Coincidentally this exact article was in this month's Parenting magazine, go figure?

We have enjoyed lots of fun with our little playgroup that has formed. We have about 5 girls all about the same age that play together. AND I am super excited about our new play place called Wiggles and Giggles that we shall visit sometime next week.

We head to Hattiesburg tomorrow to visit Nonny and meet baby Aiden (my cousin's new son). Possibly on Monday we will head over to Gautier to try out the play place there called Kangaroo's. Look for some fun pictures and sweet newborn shots next week. I am bringing the heavy artillery to take some "real" portraits.

Also next week Carsyn transitions from Mommy's Morning Out to actual 3 day 1/2 day preschool! We meet the teacher on Tuesday...I will post lots when we return!

This is the sweet girl I missed the past few days...I foundher like this in her bedroom yesterday morning....notice the runny nose that we have had for a week that has been one of the reasons her spirits have been dampened.

Im a zombie

2009-08-30T07:05:00.003-05:00

It's 7AM I probably got about 3 hours of sleep last night.
I just want to have record of this so Carsyn can read it later in life.

I don't know what is going on with my child. I feel so helpless. We had several weeks of great sleep through the night then starting on Thurs night it started going down hill. She has a runny nose and I could hear her snoring and gasping for air which goes with my sleep apnea possibility.

This is what happended last night/this morning.

Also the bedtime battle is getting ridiculous. I have to end this.

Carsyn finally went to sleep at 8:40 after starting bedtime at 7:55. She had had a late nap due to a car ride from Columbia.

I went to bed at 9 seeing as how I was exhausted from being up pretty much since 4:45 that morning. At 10:30 Carsyn woke screaming- Danny went in and I came in after she wouldn't stop. She had a small dirty diaper. She immediately went back to sleep. She seemed to have gas and/or acid reflux. I got in bed at 11:00- she woke back up at 11:30. I let her cry a tad- I went in she just wanted me to pat her not pick her up. Then she immediately went back to sleep. I laid down on the floor beside her crib thinking she might wake back up soon. I could hear the gasping for air and snoring. I laid/slept on the floor until 1. I had been in my bed 15 minutes and she woke back up screaming at 1:20. I went in- she immediately requested milk (oh jeez here we go again) I gave it to her because I knew it would help her acid reflux. She passed back out shortly after. I got into the guest bed at 2. At 4:45 she woke screaming- I walked in her room- she kept pointing to the door saying Go. I told her it was still night time. I walked out and let her see the dark and then we went back to her room. I rocked her for 30 minutes- still not going to sleep. I put her in her crib. She started screaming. I walked out and went to my bedroom- of course I couldn't go back to sleep. I went and got her and brought her to our bed- she started screaming even louder. So then what does an exhausted and stressed mommy do? I start crying even louder- sobbing pleading for her to go to sleep. She lays down beside me and goes to sleep somewhere probably around 5:45- it's 7- we've beeen up for 20 minutes.

:(

Separation Anxiety

2009-08-28T12:36:00.003-05:00

So apparently Carsyn Belle is going through ANOTHER stage of separation anxiety! *sigh* I love her with all of my being but OH the clinginess! And it's not just me this time either- now she has it with her daddy too. If either of us departs she melts down. When she goes to bed usually she has to see both of us before she finally goes to sleep. And yesterday while visiting Grandparents Smith she would have NOTHING to do with them and if we went out of sight she would freak out!

This does not come at good timing considering she will be attending new "preschool" in 2 weeks and we leave for our first ever vacation post-baby at the end of the month. Do you think she can sense the impending separation?!

OH me....

My life is too good...

2009-08-25T09:39:00.002-05:00

So After we returned from the Coast Carsyn had Mom's Morning Out on Thursday. Then that night I got to go to our Monthly Mom's Night Out. WHOOHOO! We had our largest group yet! 9 MOMMIES! It was such a blast. We ate at Santa Fe- I give them 3 stars- my food was pretty good but it never fails that they ALWAYS mess up at least half of the orders. Next month is going to be at Chilly Willy's in their new dining section. I am super stoked!
On Friday Carsyn and I met up with Dawne/Hannah and Jennifer/Abigail to go swimming and then tested out the Chilly Willy's new dining. THEN that night the Webb neighbors had us over for Steaks! YUM! Carsyn was so worked up it took me until 9 to get her to go to sleep! We have entered a new sleep phase- we now will sleep longer but getting her to slow down and go to sleep is the new challenge! SO MUCH TO SEE and DO! I know I have said it before but I am saying it again now that I can for see the future... I want her to sleep in a crib FOREVER!!!!!!

Saturday Danny actually gave me a surprise break and took Carsyn to work with him at the store. I got 2 hours by myself to shower and run to JC Penny. Penny's coerced me with their darn $10 off coupons dang them...spent $30 I didn't need to! Then Saturday afternoon was spent just playing outside enjoying this unbelievable weather! Really 65 degrees in August! We are loving it!

Carsyn said a new phrase on Sunday morning as we were leaving for Church "LET's GO!" but once we were in Church and the guest speaker was going a little long-winded she started saying a new phrase "Outside" "Outside!" HA HA! That little girl says something new everyday. She also told me cereal- bowl this past week.

Sunday afternoon my dad come over to visit. With the cooler temperatures arriving (at least for this week) it always gets me in the mood to cook. Well I made a big dinner for Me, Danny, Dad, and Mr. Alan. I have to say it was Scrumptious but the most labor intensive meal I have ever prepared! I was in the kitchen well over 2 hrs and couldn't leave. See the recipe here if you want to try it. Then Carsyn and I went outside with the men and played a few rounds of football. This girl LOVES the outside and anything related to a ball. I will be interested to see what/if sport she decides to participate in. Once again the weather was INCREDIBLE!

So here is a new sleep story- yesterday morning Carsyn awoke at 5:15 and I let her cry till 5:30 then afraid she wasn't going to go back to sleep and mess up our wonderfully fun day I went in to get her to sleep. She cried while I held her for a good 15 minutes and then just passed back out at 6. I was holding her in the recliner and just fell back asleep myself. When I awoke at 7:30 I was tired of sitting in the chair so I was able to roll out of the recliner and leave her in it. It was so funny to see her curled up in the recliner and she slept until 8!!!! She also took a 2 hr nap yesterday!

Storytime started back at the library yesterday and we were SUPER excited! We also had a picnic at the park with some of our SAHM group friends.

So like I said right now life is too good and I feel so fortunate. Tomorrow Danny is off and we are going to find some type of adventure to get into!

Stay tuned!

Poopoo in the potty

2009-08-21T08:42:00.002-05:00

FORGOT to mention another tiny detail....Carsyn poopooed in the potty for the first time on her own initiative at the Coast House!!! WHOOOHOOOO!

Random road trip to GulfCoast

2009-08-20T09:25:00.005-05:00

So before children when you or your husband said "Hey let's drive down to the Coast house for the night just to get out of town" you were like "OKAY HECK YEAH!" Now post children when your significant other gets a wild hair up his booty you say "WHAT? ARE YOU CRAZY? Drive down 2 hrs and then drive right back the next day?"

I am not SPONTANEOUS! I repeat I am NOT SPONTANEOUS! But for the sake of not being the mean anal wife/mom I tried to be when my husband presented this scenario to me on Sunday. Up until 3:30 on Tuesday I STILL didn't know if we were going that night or what! I am a PLANNER! I have to pack bags and get snacks/food/milk prepared for baby. I have to worry about baby sleeping- and mommy sleeping. At 4:00 my husband said okay let's go.

I threw cares to the wind and said Okay let's see how this goes. We left at 4:30 and headed to the Coast. The plan was to meet my dad at a Greek restaurant he wanted us to try in Biloxi. The Belle did FANTASTIC! Not a peep the entire way! Just played and played. We stopped in Wiggins to get gas/bathroom break and got her some dinner ( I didn't think she would want Greek or to eat that late?) Nutritious dinner for her? No, but sometimes you just let the toddler eat a happy meal. I did squeeze in a banana and yogurt with the meal. We arrived at Mr. Greek's at 7. After eating we headed back West to Pass Christian- love this house! The Belle fell asleep on the ride over as I had planned and I carefully transported her to Pack-n-play.

Danny, my dad, and 2 guests fished off the pier while I enjoyed a long bath soak and then got to bed. Some point in the middle of the night Carsyn awoke freaked out because she didn't know where she was. It only took me about 30 minutes and she went back to sleep and slept until 7!!!! WHOOHOO!! While her daddy continued to sleep we ran down to the deli for some breakfast and then I decided we might as well go see the beach. She has not been back to the beach since last year's summer beach trip and I had no beach pics for 09.

The Mississippi Coast has a special place in my heart since that is where I was originally born. As I have said before I am very proud at how far the revitalization the Coast has come now 4 years later almost on the anniversary of Katrina. Anyway as I drove down looking at the water and trying to find a safe spot for us to pull over for some pics- I see the picture below. A beautiful rainbow in the sky over the water in between the most beautiful fluffy clouds. My Mamommy would have said

" How can you not believe in God with a beauty in nature like that!" On the other side of the water you could see the rain storms coming down from the clouds. It was a very peaceful morning and I was glad I had agreed to the road trip. We went back to the house after a few non-cooperating pics were taken. The belle is not a big fan of sand on her body- can't blame her- neither am I!

We left about 11:30 to head back and planned to stop and eat lunch in Hburg. I was hoping if time permitted to see my cousin Adam's new baby Aiden who arrived on Monday. Well this is where the story takes a slight turn. Yep I am going to call my husband out on this one and say I told you so! I have been driving down to my dad's on the Coast BY MYSELF since I was 15. I know these roads. But what do husbands do? They tell you that you don't know directions and they know a short cut that takes us 45 minutes out of the way back to where you started!!!!!!!!! In the time that we would have been to Hattiesburg per my directions we were back in Gulfport!!! And it was 1PM with no lunch! Needless to say he was a little peeved at himself. Being the good wife I didn't gloat too much. I just wanted food.

So we made it back home around 3:30 just 24 hours shy of when we departed. The Belle was a trooper! It was a nice little change of pace. I will try to remember that next time Husband gets a wild hair.

Breathtaking!

UPDATE

2009-08-17T07:28:00.003-05:00

OKAY so after putting myself and Carsyn through a week of Hell I decided to call her Pediatric Dentist (also a family friend) and ask her opinion on the cups. She said that as long as she didn't go to sleep with it and I brushed her teeth that they were okay. The sucking she does on the nipple shouldn't be a problem and hopefully she will outgrow the cup. So yesterday morning when she woke I went and got her cup of milk....when I handed it to her she cuddled up in my arms looked up at me with her BIG BROWN EYES and said "DANK YOU." I said, "Did you just say Thank You?" and she repeated "Dank You." Man did I feel like dooky. However by taking the cup away I was able to stop the night wakings we were having so I do think that was beneficial. She now will sleep all night but only for 10 hours which means she is up before 6 most of the time.

Also on Saturday, we went to Hburg to visit with my dad and mom. While we were eating at the restaurant Carsyn came and got in my lap and was trying to get in the diaper bag. Often times she just likes to pull everything out of the diaper bag so I told her NO. This erupted into a major screaming fit and mom had to take her outside. When she brought her back in Carsyn immediately came to me and the diaper bag again- she reached in and got out the diaper and wipes and handed them to me. I said "Do you need to go potty?"and off she ran, so after she had gone teetee I felt like DOOKY AGAIN! She was trying to tell me she had to go! This is probably a scenario where my friend's class would have come in handy. Oh and lest I not forget that her diaper was dry so she had not gone since we left Mccomb 3 hrs earlier. She went several more times at my mom's house. Major progress!

Talking- My little chatterbox has probably doubled the vocabulary she speaks in the last week. All of the sudden she just started saying new words. Last night while preparing dinner she sat on the floor with her Nursery Rhyme book- she said "Clock" wanting me to read Hickory Dickory Dock and then when I finished she said The End. It was so exciting!

Okay I think this week will be a MUCH better week...I can already tell!

How do you outsmart a 20month old?

2009-08-14T21:46:00.002-05:00

Okay so to follow up to my previous post this has NOT been a good week. Really a battle in all areas. First it started with the milk cup and then with the coinciding of her 20month birthday apparently we entered the terrible 2 phase!

Let's back track to the milk cup. The milk cup is a Nuk cup. When Carsyn was 1 she gave up the bottle no problem. She had been drinking from a sippy cup since month 5. She LOVES cups. However she only wanted her milk in a Nuk, so I always gave it to her that way. I started noticing that she was using the cup as almost a pacifier or comforter. At her 9 month appointment the pedi told me not to give her those sippys because they like bottles if used prolonged could cause dental problems. So after the continual wakings last week I threw them away because I knew they were part of the problem. I have had to be strong and I mean VERY STRONG because I have one stubborn toddler. Grandparents have said "Oh what will it hurt just let her have it." But I have not given in.

And Carsyn has not drank milk. I gave it to her in 10 different styles of cups that she drinks all of her other beverages from but when its milk she wrinkles her nose and throws it across the floor. In concern of her reaching her dairy quota I tried to come up with other ways to deceive her. First, I let her drink it from my glass- NOPE. Next, I told her it was Cow Juice and put it in a cup she couldn't see- NOPE she didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday. Then at a play date I got the mom to give her one of their cups and made a big deal out of it being her new milk cup- It worked for a bit but not really. Then I got Ovaltine thinking if I could make it chocolate it would work- NOPE! Then finally I had the brilliant idea to freeze the ovaltine mixture into a popsicle- SUCCESSS! For the first time ever I heard my little girl say "MORE MORE MORE" as clear as day. It only took me 3 days to outsmart a 20 month old! I was excited and embarrassed at the same time! Today I did get her to drink a little of the ovaltine but she didn't see me pour the milk into the cup. I hope if I persists eventually she will come back around to loving milk.

In regards to the sleep/milk relationship...She has slept through the night since I took it way but only for 10 hours and up by 5:30 every morning only taking an hour nap once a day. This makes for a VERY long week for mommy. Today was the worst day- she was a grumpypuss ALL DAY!

Ahhhh God grant me the serenity....