Magnolia Mama

We're back

2011-10-16T13:06:00.000-05:00

And.....We're back...maybe...hopefully... I have been MIA here in the blog world for about 6 months. So much has been going on with very little computer time. Here's a run down of what's been going in the McPhail house.

A new job for me. I changed jobs in the spring. I'm doing strictly home health and now working with adults and pediatrics. I love, love, love it, but it keeps me super busy. I'm still working with a flexible schedule, but it's definately full. The afternoons I finish early, I usually go pick up the little one and spend time with her. As of last Sunday, I have a broken foot so I've had the past week off to spend some quality time with the fam.

Back to school for the hubby. Jonathan decided (kind of on a whim) that he wanted to go back to school to get a masters degree. He is getting his Masters of Real Estate Development from Auburn University. Luckily, it's a long distance program, but it takes up many of his evenings and a few weeks away each semester. He goes to Auburn for a week of residency at the beginning of each semester and then a week away to study architecture/development around the U.S. The awesome thing is that the last trip of his studies will be somewhere abroad. I don't remember all of the options they are choosing between, but I do remember Barcelona being one of them so that's my vote. If time and money allows, the family will be partaking on that adventure.

A bum computer. My computer has been very shady and not wanting to work at times, but for now it's working so hopefully it keeps it up. We have 3 computers in this house, a netbook, and an iPad. You would think I could use one of the others to update a blog, but Mr. McPhail hogs the other 2 computers and the iPad (they are for work and school) and the netbook, well it's just too small for me.

A toddler. Miss Emma is 22 months old and running on full blast. To update on everything she has been up to would take an entire post of it's own. She is talking up a storm, running around and ruling the house like it's nobody's business, potty training in the early stages, playing very well on her own and also learning to share, feeding herself with a spoon and fork, and teaching us all very valuable lessons. Her vocabulary absolutely blows me away. I always thought 15 words at 18 months and then 200 words by the age of 2 was a bit of a stretch, but now I believe it. Girl can put together 3 and 4 word sentences, sing a few of her favorite songs, and recite every member of our family (and their dogs). She can count to 10, knows her primary colors, and all of the basic shapes. She can jump, skip (sort of), and dance to any beat. She is the center of our world and she knows it.

A new nephew. We have a new little nephew due ANY day now. Sister Stephanie is having a baby boy. Due on October 19th and we can't wait. Stephanie has been anxiously awaiting his birth for weeks now and for her it can't get here soon enough. Baby Jonah will be well loved from the get go with so much family in town and LOTS of cousins to play with. My mom will certainly have her hands full with Emma turning 2 and a newborn to keep during the day. I am confident she can handle it and will enjoy every moment.

Well I plan to update more often, but we all know how that goes. Maybe my next post will be the arrival of baby Jonah. Fingers crossed!

Fashion Friday

2011-03-18T19:44:00.001-05:00

.Week 14.

..Part 1..

"Half the Heart, Twice the Fight - Caroline Puckett, HLHS"

"Not All Superheroes Fight Their Battles On The Outside"

For the first half of our day, Emma wore here Caroline shirt to support a sweet 2 year old little girl who underwent heart surgery today. She has Hyperplastic Left Heart Syndrome and this surgery was the 3rd stage in the surgical process. This little girl has gone through a lot in her life and we wanted to show our support today wearing our Caroline shirts and saying many prayers for her surgery and a speedy recovery. Go here to read the rest of Caroline's story.

..Part 2..

After Emma ate lunch and got tomato juice all over her white t-shirt, she changed into so we could run our afternoon shopping errands.

Rosie Romper: Lolly Frocks

Shoes: Angel Baby

Headband: Pinkarcade on etsy

ZOO

2011-03-17T08:30:00.001-05:00

So I thought I scheduled this post 2 weeks ago and just realized it never posted! Anyway, a few weekends ago, we met the Harris family at the zoo for a fun day with perfect weather. The Jackson Zoo has never really been anything worth mentioning, but we decided a few weekends ago that it was beautiful outside and we should give it a try. I went many times as a kid and always had a good time, but over the years they've had some major funding issues. They are finally starting to sink a little money into it. They have a way to go, but have done some great updates. We actually had a really good time and will certainly go back. All of the animals were out and active and Emma and Asher had a great time. Get ready for lots of pictures!

Just getting started. The wee ones weren't too sure about it at first.

Notice the tiger...way too close for my comfort.

As my husband noted..."At other zoos you may find a penguin exhibit or even elephants, but here in Mississippi, we have a squirrel exhibit"

Good buddies

She finally warmed up and was ready to "Go, Go, Go." Poor baby had blisters on her feet from all the walking she did :(

Time for a little break

Em learned the word bird - read "bur"

Cheesin' with pops in a tree trunk

Emma saying "Come on Asher, let's go play!!"

Wrestlin' gators with daddy

Asher was tired...

Emma was tired...

But we still had to go to the petting zoo!

Emma was not quite sure why Asher was petting the big fat "dog"

Warming up to the animals

And petting/patting the goats and chickens

This was her second trip to a zoo, but the first time Emma really knew what was going on and she loved it. Every animal she saw was a "dog" and said "woof" and some of the animals said an occasional "moooo".

Keeping with the animal theme, animal sounds Emma now knows:

"woof" for dog

"gobble, gobble" for turkey

"moo" for cow

snort/::sniff:: for a pig

"nay" for horse

And another fun animal related fact:

She has a toy that sings 'Old McDonald' and now she walks holding it around singing "e i e i o"

Fashion Friday

2011-03-11T17:42:00.001-06:00

.Week 13.

Top: Lolly Frocks Chloe Knot

Jean Ruffles: Lolly Frocks

Fashion Friday

2011-03-04T18:00:00.008-06:00

.Week 12.

Occasion: Hanging out with TiTi, lunch at Sweet Peppers with Jessica and TiTi, running errands

Ruffled Tank: Old Navy

Cardigan: Old Navy

Black Leggings: Baby Gap

Shoes: Gymboree, consigned

Headband: Molly Gee Designs

Fashion Friday

2011-02-25T17:00:00.000-06:00

.Week 11.

Shirt: Children's Place. Consigned.

Sweater: Old Navy

Leggings: Circo. Target.

Shoes: My Pretti Panda

Fashion Friday

2011-02-18T17:00:00.001-06:00

.Week 10.

Embroided floral dress: Mama and Papa shop in Mexico
Tights: Carter's. Christmas gift from Aunt Mae Mae
Shoes: Circo. Target

Big Help

2011-02-17T19:19:00.001-06:00

We have been loving this weather the past week. You wouldn't know that it was snowing a week ago and there were icicles hanging from our roof. I don't feel like we have had our usual Mississippi winter, with the weather going from sunny and 75 one day to 30 degrees the next. I can recall many Christmas breaks when I was younger that I wanted to spend everyday in shorts in flip flops. For the most part, this winter has been gloomy and chilly with an occasional sunny 60 degree day to perk up our spirits. This 70 degree weather has been much needed and very welcomed at our house. Almost every afternoon the past week has been spent like this. In little to no clothing and snacking on the back patio. Emma absolutely loves being outside. Wanting to go out at every chance possible and, this week, I have been happy to oblige. Jonathan and I had to have a conversation on appropriate attire for Emma in this warmer 'winter' season. I got up the other morning to him dressing her in a little summer tank dress and bloomers. He informed me that it was hanging next to her a Christmas dress (I reorganized her closet that afternoon). I had to explain to him that yes, the temps were up, but that doesn't mean Emma can wear skimpy clothes and sandals. It's still February.

When Emma woke up from her nap this afternoon, Jonathan was outside washing his truck and Emma decided she wanted to help. I'm sorry for picture overload, but she was so funny helping her pops.

She started just testing the bubbles.

Going a little deeper.

Making bubble pancakes.

Taking daddy's sponge.

"Whoooaa.." the water was a little chilly.

Bubble pancake on Em's head.

and a little for the face.

Soooo much fun!

Splashing...

Getting ready for a big splash!

And she's soaking wet.

Big splashes!

Wondering why it was raining on the other side of daddy's truck.

This little tot is so much fun! It's the little things that keep us amused.

Happy 14 month birthday sweet girl!

Blooming Tulips

2011-02-15T20:30:00.002-06:00

I made this sweet little dress yesterday for someone. The Blooming Tulips fabric is from Laura Gunn's Magnolia Lane collection and the Tile Mosaic in Citron is from her Poppy collection. I love all of Laura Gunn's fabrics. She does an amazing job at creating a textured look on all of her prints. When I found the tulip fabric, I was so in love that I bought enough for little miss Emma a dress too. After seeing it in person, I'm not sure if I want to make a dress out of it or hang it on my wall. Isn't it just divine?! Seriously, I'm off to look for a tutorial on how to mount and display fabric!

One more thing to mention... I follow A LOT of sewing and crafting blogs. Most of them do frequent giveaways and I usually enter them and then forget about them because I never win. Well I finally WON!!! The Sewing Dork is doing a series of pattern tests this month. She has been giving away the patterns or the things she makes from them. This time she used a portabellopixie pattern (one of my favs) to make a sweet little knot dress in a 12-18 month! Perfect for my little boo! Right now she's giving away a Do-Re-Mi Reversible pinafore pattern! If your crafty or just like looking at handmade stuff - Go check her out. She has a ton of tutorials for all different things.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T17:37:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love,

Emma

Fashion Friday

2011-02-11T18:00:00.002-06:00

.Week 9.

Occasion: Dinner at Sal and Mookies

Heart Top: Gymboree. Gift from Aunt Mae Mae

Jeggings: Childrens Place (Yes, she has multiple pair and wears them multiple times a week)

Shoes: Circo, Target

Cracker: Whole grain club cracker (yes, it is an accessory)

Emma Lately...

2011-02-11T10:00:00.001-06:00

Having a toddler is so much fun. There is always something new. Emma is almost 14 months and does something new pretty much every day. I think it really hit me today how smart and how much of a little person she is. I had to tell her "No" a few times today. First after she grabbed my cup of water from the coffee table and proceeded to drink as it dribbled down her chin and then a gush of water hit the floor. Then as she climbed on to the ottoman and onto the coffee table to reach my phone. Then again when she was throwing her green beans on the floor. Now my "No" is stearn enough that it usually makes her back away, sometimes pout, sometimes be defiant, or sometimes she just ignores me. Her response usually looks something like the picture below. But today... I got kisses. The first time I thought it was a fluke. She frequently just walks up to us and gives us kisses just because, but two of these times I was holding her on my hip, giving her 'the look', and telling her no in my stearn voice. Mealt my heart!! I am defenseless to those sweet surprise kisses.

More fun things that Miss Emma does:

She counts. So funny. Her Nana taught her this. They read 'Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes' by Mem Fox all of the time and practice their counting. Emma caught on and started counting on her hand. Right now she just points to the palm of her hand for each number. We're working on differentiating each finger :)

She says cracker. Of course she does. She also has one in hand at all times.

She climbs. She has been trying to climb up on furniture for months now and is for the most part successful whenever she has a little help (from us, a toy, a pillow, a chair, the fireplace). But this past week was the first time she's been able to climb on the ottoman without any help. I think she's hit a growth spurt and figured out how to swing those stems around to give her a boost. And tonight, Jonathan gave her a boost to successfully climb on to the back of the couch. She didn't get in trouble for that one, he did.

She talks. She must have some kind of imagination because she can spend 20 minutes 'telling' us a story. And her facial expressions are priceless when she does. She also talks with her hands...so cute!

She says cheese. Hehehe. This one kills me! It comes out as 'thheeese'.

New tooth. Her fourth tooth is coming in and that little booger is killing me! It comes and goes as her gums swell and cover it. Poor baby! I think it has finally come out to stay. She is constantly putting her fingers on it and drooling like crazy so I know it bothers her.

She says titi. Sometimes this means 'thank you' and sometimes she's referring to her Aunt Steph, aka TiTi. Who, by the way, is moving back to Mississippi!!! To say I'm excited would be a complete understatement and does not do my enthusiasm justice!

She jumps on the bed. And gets total air! Her papa started this activity and I will get it on video one day. He sings "bouncin' on the bed, bouncin' on the bed, everybody loves Emma bouncin' on the bed" (Sung to the tune of 'Pants on the Ground'). Yes, my husband is that awesome. What's worse is that any time you sing it, Emma immediately thinks we should go in her room and jump on the bed.

Oh, how she dances. The girl gets mean stanky leg whenever we play 'She'll be Comin' Around That Mountain' on her fridge farm.

What's NEW!

2011-02-09T15:00:00.001-06:00

Many have been waiting for this day...

Most of my close friends have recently had boys and all I've made are cutesy little girls clothes.

but...

FINALLY!!

I made boys outfit.

This little golfer's delight is going to a sweet little man. I LOVE the argyle print and the green will be perfect for St. Patty's Day! How adorable would it be with some little knee high socks and saddle shoes?!

AND...

A new little romper for my little lady love

I love, love, love this fabric (hence the reason I bought way too much of it). I picked it up a few weeks ago not knowing what I would do with it. But I think it is perfect for a little summer romper. I can't wait until it gets warm enough for little miss to run around in the grass in her ever expanding spring and summer wardrobe!

Meanwhile, the temperature is dropping and the rain is freezing.

Fashion Friday

2011-02-05T17:15:00.004-06:00

.Week 8.

Shirt: Old Navy

Jeggings: Children's Place

Shoes: Tiny Toms

Headband: MollyGee designs

Strut Your Stuff - Valentine's edition

2011-02-03T19:57:00.001-06:00

Horrible pictures. I know. But with minimal light on this cold, dreary day, and my baby model already in bed there was not much I could do. I made these little ruffle bloomers over the weekend and decided to applique a little tee to go with them for Valentine's day.

I've never done an applique with terry cloth before, but it actually worked pretty well and gave the tee that little bit of softness that it needed.

I'm linking up again today! (What?!) Somewhat Simple is hosting Strut Your Stuff Thursday.

Go check it out!

Creative Share Wednesday!

2011-02-02T22:00:00.002-06:00

Is this not the cutest little ruffle booty that you've ever seen?!

I tried out a new item this weekend. I found this tutorial on Prudent Baby. It has a link to a super simple 2 piece pattern sized for 18-24 months. I used shorter elastic for the band to fit Emma. They are a little big right now, but will be perfect this summer! I didn't follow the tutorial exactly. I added ruffles to the back and used elastic thread at the leg openings instead of creating a casing for elastic. I find that using elastic thread allows more room for growth and is less harsh on those sweet chunky baby thighs. I finished all exposed edges with a zig zag stitch for a little 'rough around the edges' look. I've made 4 of these this weekend because they are so quick and simple. The most time consuming part is creating the ruffle.

I listed these 2 pair in my etsy shop. Come back tomorrow for sneak peek at Emma's Valentine's outfit!

I also have plans of making this into a sweet little vintage style romper that may or may not work out. We shall see.

I'm linking up for the first time this week. The Trendy Treehouse hosts a Creative Share Wednesday every week. Hop on over to see LOTS of great handmade creations.

Flashback Monday

2011-01-31T07:00:00.008-06:00

So this may not be an every week thing, but I've been recently nostalgic looking through old photos and realized that some of them needed to make an appearance on this little blog of mine. Everyone and everything in these photos are what make me who I am today so I thought why not show you where I've been on my journey of life.

It would totally be aprops to put Flashback Friday due to the illiteration, but I'm not up to 2 posts on Friday. Monday seemed appropriate because EVERYONE wants to rewind their life and savor those last few moments of the weekend when Monday comes. So, without further ado, I give you....

Flashback Monday: The Pretty Hair Edition

I can probably count on one hand the times in my life that I have stopped and said "oh what pretty hair I have"

and here are those times...

We all had pretty hair.. after all, it was Steph's wedding. No way would you be in her wedding without pretty hair, but I think this was one of my all time favorite hair days.

I wish I remembered how I fixed my hair that St. Patty's Day and who cut my hair. I want that style back. And Steph's sunglasses.

Oh my, we all had a pretty hair day. The Slater hairs have never looked so smooth. (totally meaning mine because the other 2 have pretty hair days every day)

My straightener must have worked that day.

I don't really classify *this* picture as a good hair day, but I had to include that I never had a bad hair day while I was in Colorado for 2 months. Well, other than when I had helmet hair on mountain days. It must be that clear mile high, low humidity air.

Fun Fact: I haven't had a pretty hair day since Emma has been born. And it's totally not due to the fact that having a baby takes away all of my time I would spend on my hair. There's something glorious that happens when you are pregnant. Well, most people think that anyway. Your body holds on to every hair on your head. Your hair is thick, full and lustrous. After the baby comes and those little hormones start fleeing from your body, so does your hair. Mine decided to happen when Emma was about 2-3 months old and it happened for months. There was hair everywhere. If you touched me, my hair would fall out. Lucky me, I still had plenty. But unlucky me, I started growing those little baby hairs, right where I would have bangs. For months, I looked like that five year old in kindegarten that took those dull plastic scissors and chopped away at my bangs. (bleh!) During those months, I wore my hair curly way too much to disguise the fact that those little boogers existed. A year later and those little tiny baby hairs could finally be classified as bangs if I wanted them to. I've had many days when I've willed it to be freezing cold so I could tuck it under a 'boggin and call it quits.

Fashion Friday

2011-01-28T18:30:00.002-06:00

.Week 7.

Occasion: Shoe Shopping. The girl has outgrown many of her shoes and she can barely squeeze her feet into others.

Dress: Made by Mama

Bloomers: Made by Mama

Shoes: Gymboree. $1.99 consignment find

Bliss

2011-01-28T11:00:00.004-06:00

This post by Melissa on dearbaby got me thinking about my wedding day and I went on a desperate search through my computer files to find photos from that day. I couldn't remember if I had transferred them when I got a new computer or not, but alas, I found them tucked away in a little folder labeled 2006.

This day was my absolute favorite. In the photo above, we had just arrived at our reception and were still basking in the glory of sharing our vows. What better way to celebrate a life altering event then to dance around on Capital Street.

Oh, this dress. I loved this dress. We drove all over Mississippi to find the perfect dress. At the store, it resided on a manikin because it was brand new. It called everyones name but my own. It was the total opposite of what I wanted. I wanted simple, straight cut with a sweetheart neckline. It was big, billowy, and reminded me a of a princess in a down comforter. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy down comforters, but princess was not my style. They convinced me to try it on and it started whispering my name. I fought it so hard. It wasn't until I visited 3 other stores that it started shouting my name and I knew it was meant to be mine.

Another fun fact about that day. I didn't want to wear a veil. I was totally against it and was NOT going to get one of those wiry layered poof balls that attaches to my gorgeous locks (heh). So what did I do? I got the longest veil imaginable. I found absolutely nothing in the store that would suffice, so I had one made of the thinnest, softest, and obviously longest piece of material they could find. Of course, it got trampled and my hair got pulled left and right, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Oh my. These pictures make me want to go pull that dress out of the obnoxiously huge box and go dance in the street while someone takes my picture. Seriously, can we make that happen?

It also makes me want to get all of these lovely ladies above together, dressed up in ballroom gowns, while we dance the hokey pokey and practice our kissy faces.

Another realization. This little dress has been sitting in my closet untouched since we returned from our honeymoon (and those shoes!). No worries, I will pull them out and take them for a spin this summer. Hold me to it!

Valentine Linky Love

2011-01-26T18:00:00.004-06:00

For the grown ones:

Bolero: found here.

Valentina Necklace: found here.

I Love Lucy Apron: found here.

Love Birds Necklace: found here.

For the wee ones:

Heart Hat: found here.

Ruffled Heart Tee: found here.

Vintage Sweetheart Dress: found here.

Little Heart Cardigan and Hat: found here.

Coco: found here.

All My Heart Ruffle Skirt and Tee: found here.

Candy Love Dress and Legging Set: found here.

Vintage Sweet Heart Hooded Sweater: found here.

Don't forget the boys!

Skivvies: found here.

Valentine's Tie Onesie: found here.

Love Letter Shirt: found here.

For the Home/Gift:

'You are the Ketchup to My Fries' Print: found here.

Picture me Valentine: found here.

Valentine Wreath: found here.

(I'm renaming this one)

Tweetheart Garland: found here.

Candy Kisses Quilt: found here.

Fashion Friday

2011-01-21T17:00:00.002-06:00

. Week 6.

Occasion: Playtime (she obviously wasn't into this outfit for playtime)

Sweater Dress: Baby Gap

Striped Tights: Circo, Target

Brown Squeaky Shoes: My pretti panda

Scarf: Made by Mama

Occasion: Playtime at the park, running errands

Striped shirt: Baby Gap

Ruffle skirt: Walmart

Black leggings: Circo, Target

Black velvet shoes: TJ Maxx

Scarf: Made by Mama

Ready for Spring!

2011-01-20T14:30:00.003-06:00

Emma now has a different mommy made outfit for almost every day of the week. Now we just have to wait for it to warm up so she can wear them!

Ready for Spring!

Most of these are listed in the shop.

Coming Soon...

A little boys jon jon! I'm just waiting on the fabric so check back soon!

The Night Terror

2011-01-18T16:43:00.000-06:00

I never thought I would wish she was 6 weeks old again, but these days I'm missing her tiny little body that SLEEPS ALL NIGHT. and IN HER OWN BED! I know she's got 2 treachorous little teeth that are bustin' out, but really...does she have to get up at midnight and stay up until 4 am?! Little priss has done this twice in the past 2 weeks and other nights she will wake up around 4 and we will just go get her and put her in our bed and she will sleep a few more hours. Some nights, she will just cry out once or twice and fall back to sleep.

I guess I can't complain that much. She has always been a pretty awesome sleeper. She does go to sleep around 6:30 or 7:00 every night which leaves us time to relax, eat dinner, and get things done, but this waking up in the middle of the night is wearing on me. I can only function for so long during the day when I don't sleep the night before and midnight to 7 am are my prime sleeping hours. Oh, and guess who stays up with her when she decides to party in the middle of the night? yeah, me. And then guess who got up with her at 6 this morning when she started jumping around on the bed? that's right, me again.

I just wish those days of Emma sleeping 12 hours without a peep would come back. We had her on a good bedtime routine, not strict, but familiar. So familiar that now all I have to do is sit in her rocker and she knows it's time to relax. Yet, going to sleep has never been a problem. I put her down awake every night now and she just drifts off to sleep.

Anyway, we're putting a new plan in action. Starting with her old familiar bedtime routine, including dinner, bath, baby masssage, pajamas, sit with mommy for a few minutes in the rocking chair, then down in the crib. If this doesn't work, we'll try something else. Say a little prayer that my calm sleeping baby comes back to me!

And.... what's a blog post without a picture of Emma.

Fashion Friday

2011-01-14T22:00:00.002-06:00

.Week 5.

Dress: Vintage CabinWindows

Jeggings: Children's Place (these are obviously a staple in her wardrobe)

Red polka dot shoes: Gracious May

Lately

2011-01-10T08:15:00.003-06:00

I can't believe this baby girl only weighs 20 lbs. I know her appetite has increased due to all the walking she's been doing the past 2 months, but she eats constantly. We can't leave ANYTHING sitting on the counter or she will walk into the kitchen and point at it and say "more more" until we give it to her. And if we don't give it to her she will sit there and fuss for 5 minutes. The minute we get her up from a nap she will point in the direction of where she wants to go in the house, which is usually the kitchen. She is changing so much these days and has learned so many things in just a few weeks that I wanted to do an Emma update before I forget.

Her favorite foods:

Blueberries

Strawberries

Lima Beans

Pasta

Green Peas

Tomatoes

Whole grain clubhouse crackers

Cantaloupe

Cheerios

Bananas

Apples

Blackberries

Sweet Potatoes

Squash

Grapes

Yogurt

Her not so favorite foods:

Carrots

Honeydew melon

She's been feeding herself with her fingers for months now, but she's recently become way more interested in feeding herself with a fork or spoon. Sometimes she won't eat if we try to spoon feed her so I just sit the spoon on her plate and let her have at it. It makes it in her mouth about 50% of the time and makes for a really messy clean up, but it's fun to watch. She's also getting a wee bit better at drinking from a regular cup, but again, also a messy clean up.

Vocab: She started saying Mama a few months ago, but would only say it sporadically. But, boy oh boy, do I hear it a lot now. She also started saying gone-gone, more, cat, duck, girl, up, and milk. Of course, there are very few of these that you would recognize, but she says them in toddler tones and in context. We are also working on our animal sounds. The only to 2 she tries to do is "woof" (of course) and "oink" although the oink is absolutely nothing like that. It's more of a breathing in and out of her nose a few quick times. I contribute that to my snorting like a pig instead of saying "oink". Her favorite sounds for us to do are a horses "nay" and a sheep's "baa". She laughs every time. Although she only has about 10 words so far, she has really started communicating with us more. She understand almost anything we tell her and usually responds appropriately.

More Emma Awesomeness:

She will copy anything we do. We laugh, she laughs. We dance, she dances. We jump, she jumps (well tries). We snap our fingers, she snaps hers (as well as a 12 month old can). We cheer, she cheers.

Exhibit A, B, C, & D:

Making her face after I did.

That's what the pig noise looks like.

I showed her the bird in the tree.

I squat to take her picture, she squats.

She points to our eyes and nose. We're working on the other body parts and she has just recently started pointing to her own nose when we ask.

She falls down on purpose. Not sure what that's all about, but it's fun for her so hoo-rah!

She kicks. She started "playing soccer" last week at my moms house.

She "talks" on the phone. Well, most of the time she just listens.

She is also a ventriloquist. She talks with her mouth closed.

She walks around cuddling her baby dolls, rocks them back and forth, and gives them kisses. So sweet!

She climbs. On everything. "Bad" daddy stood her on the coffee table to dance along to the music last night so then she thought she had to climb on the coffee table. Luckily she's not quite tall enough to reach that one and there is nothing to grip to pull herself up. The couch is another story.

Her latest cuteness story - When I opened the refrigerator and turned around to grab something off of the counter, she had pulled the blueberries off of the shelf and closed the fridge. The blueberries, no big deal she does that all the time, but I thought it was hilarious that she closed the fridge behind her.

She's growing and changing every day and I know the best is yet to come.

Fashion Friday

2011-01-07T17:45:00.001-06:00

.Week 4.

Occasion: Madilyn Holley's 'Welcome to the World' party

Dress: Baby Gap

Leggings: Baby Gap

Shoes: TJ Maxx

I couldn't resist posting this ridiculously horrible iPhone photo, but it was just too cute.

and...Introducing...Madilyn Joyce Holley

They are going to be best friends!

Ain't no mountain high enough..

2011-01-04T22:40:00.002-06:00

I've been waiting for this. She has been trying so hard to climb lately. She perfected climbing down (safely) a few months ago, but luckily she has short little legs and hasn't been able to climb up on anything yet. This weekend we had some friends over to watch the Gator Bowl and we left this bench sitting in front of the fireplace for extra seating. She ran around it all day Saturday and Sunday hiding behind it playing peek a boo and sitting on the hearth. Monday morning I come in and find her doing this...

No picture of her on top of it because I'm too much of a chicken to let her do something semi dangerous so I can snap a pic. She also thinks she's invincible and stands up and walks around on our bed... nice. She also thinks she's the incredible hulk and tries to pick up EVERYTHING in the house and carry it to a new location. Soon enough she'll be rearranging the furniture.

The 12 months of Emma.

2011-01-03T19:06:00.003-06:00

I started this post over a month ago and, thanks to blogger, couldn't get the photos to upload. Anyway, here is a photo recap of Emma's first year. I can't believe how she's grown!

.month 1.

.month 2.

.month 3.

.month 4.

.month 5.

.month 6.

.month 7.

.month 8.

.month 9.

.month 10.

.month 11.

.month 12.

Fashion Friday

2010-12-31T13:00:00.021-06:00

.Week 3.

We had a nice relaxing week after our weekend of way too many Christmas festivities. I worked a little this week, but with so many families still out of town I didn't have many patients to see. So I spent a lot of time with this sweet girl getting ready to ring in the new year.

Occasion: 12 month check up with Dr. Jones

Dress: Vintage, Fun Frills by Doris Broak

Jeggings: Children's Place

Shoes: Target

Headband: Handmade, pinkarcade on etsy.

Occasion: Shopping trip to Target

Coat: Mack and Co.

Tights: Target

Red patent mary janes: Angel Baby

(sorry for the blank stare. I literally took these 2 pictures before it starting raining on us)

Occasion: New Year's Eve, grocery shopping and hanging around the house.

Gray sparkly tunic: Consigned

Pink tights: Target

Pink sprakly shoes: Tiny Toms

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-30T23:04:00.002-06:00

We had a whirlwind of a holiday season. Before December 18th we were all about Emma and her 1st birthday party (no complaints, that's exactly how it should have been). But as soon as her party was over, we turned our moods to Christmas. After teaching her to clap along everytime we sung "Happy Birthday" the week before her birthday, I thought 'what can we teach her for Christmas?' The first thing I tried "Ho, Ho, Ho" and she got immediately! I was so proud of my smart girl. She would make her newest favorite face and say "ho, ho, ho" in the sweetest, softest voice. I wish I got it on video :(

To kick off our Christmas celebrations, we took the kiddos to the Canton square to see all of the lights. Emma's favorite was the Christmas tree that blinked along to music. She started dancing along as soon as she saw it!

photo source.

She really enjoyed herself.

She showed us all of the lights.

pointing us in every direction.

Dragging us around everywhere she could

and hung out with her ~~little~~ big cousing Connor.

We tried to get a pic of the girls and babies. Didn't happen on my camera...

My two loves.

This girl was seriously sleepy after all that dancing.

The next week we did tons and tons of Christmas shopping, baking, present wrapping, and family time. The next big event was Christmas Eve. We started it out Mom and Dady Slater's. We did our present exchange from each other and saved "Santa presents" and gifts from Mom and Dad for Christmas morning.

Next, we headed to my grandparents for our usual Christmas Eve festivities with the Torrence families.

Emma had a great time, but was obviously ready to get into her quiet carseat and take a nap. She was such a trooper through our entire holiday. When we needed her to go, go, go, she went and when we were through, she napped. I fully expected her to have some fit throwing good times due to seriously mis-timed naps, but she was an absolute doll as we drug her from here to there.

.CHRISTMAS MORNING.

I think I've been waiting on this morning for an entire year. Last year Christmas was not a big event in our house due to having a 1 week old. Being the over protective mommy that I am, we weren't allowed to go anywhere for the holidays. (Hello, unimmunized?...-is that word?) After all, I wasn't risking my precious 1 week olds life by taking her to germy places and to be around oodles of germy people. We lived by the motto, if you want to see us, then come see us! And they did...but it was so different this year. Of course Emma didn't *really* know what we were celebrating and why we went so many places in a just a few days, but she knew something and you could tell she was excited. Even if it was just because Mommy and Daddy spent a heck of a lot of time with her and gave her some extra snuggles when it was cold out.

Anyway...on to Christmas Day...

A little Christmas morning breakfast

Her favorite...the pound a peg

If I only would've known this 8 dollar toy would've been the most popular.

Then she realized there were MORE toys..

AND a dollhouse

The girl likes baths...and so do her dolls

and back to the pound a peg.

Quick break to dance to Christmas jingles..

and she was back to play with her puzzle.

and what's a Christmas without some type of wardrobe malfunction.

Next, we headed back to my mom and dad's to open the last bit of presents.

After it's all said and done, Jonathan and I usually ask each other "what was your favorite gift?"

Mine: A thumbprint charm. It is a mold of Emma's thumbprint on a small charm to go on a necklace or bracelet. It was a gift from my mom. I got her one for mother's day and told myself that I would get mine when Emma turned one. Christmas had perfect timing :)

Jonathan's favorite: "Mad for Maroon" book. Again, a gift from my mother. I guess she wins the awesome present award for this year. I do get some credit for this one though. I think it might be a tradition in the making that every year at Mistletoe, Mom buys Emma an autographed Laurie Parker book. Last year it was 'Sweet Dreams' and this year she got 'A is for Angels' and 'Mad for Maroon'. As she was getting them signed, I advised her to get this one signed to Jonathan and Emma :) He loved it.

I think Emma recognized the cowbell

Sweet man in his hat and boots

Emma and her new puppy

my little indian

sweet babies

and this was the best picture I got of both of them in their cute matchy matchy pjs.

We spent the remainder of Christmas day with Jonathan's family at his mom's and then his aunt and uncle's that afternoon. Opening more presents, eating good food, visiting with family, and dragging Emma along. Again, what a little trooper she was. Somehow these pictures didn't make it into my "Christmas" picture folder. I will add them as soon as I locate them.

And, I apologize for the neverending photo posts lately. I always love posts that have pictures, but lately mine have had way too many. Now that the holidays are over I'm sure I will take less pictures :)

Emma's Winter ONEderland! Part 2

2010-12-29T09:00:00.001-06:00

.The Event.

Emma was ready for her birthday party!

Getting love from Aunt Mae Mae

.The Guests.

.The Gifts.

.The Cake Smashin'.

.Hanging Out After the Party.

Emma's One Year CheckUp

2010-12-28T17:30:00.002-06:00

My big girl went for her 12 month check up yesterday. FYI...I think at some point between 9 and 12 months the kiddos figure out that going to the doctor is not on their list of top ten. Jonathan took Emma to the doc a few weeks ago for a runny nose and he said that as soon as Dr. Jones started listening to her heart and lungs she started screaming and didn't stop. Well, this time she screamed as soon as we stepped into the exam room. She clung to my hip screaming and pointing to the door as I pried her from my body onto the table so I could undress her. I know my child is probably not the only one that does this, but it sure felt like it as I carried her screaming down the hallway to the scale to check her weight. After the torture of checking her stats, she calmed down and roamed the room looking at books. Then it all started again when the doc came in. Needless to say, we won't be too thrilled to take her to her 15 month check up!

After the fuss was over and we got home she was just fine.

.Emma's 12 Month Stats.

Height 29 inches (50th percentile)

Weight 20 lbs (20th percentile)

Head 47.4 cm (>95th percentile)

Emma's Winter Onederland Party! Part 1...

2010-12-28T09:00:00.003-06:00

.The Decorations.

White Yarn Wreaths and Adorable Pink and White Yarn Christmas trees made by my sister Stephanie

Candy Cane Bows

Pink shiny ornaments

A picture board my sister Stephanie made for my baby shower. It now hangs in Emma's room and we used it again at her 1st birthday.

Paper Doily Lanterns. I think they looked like snow balls :) Tutorial for these can be found at Ruffled.

Birthday Banner. I wish I had a better picture of this. It was sooo cute up close. The letters were printed on white paper doilys to look like snowflake then put on varrying colors and textures of scrapbook paper.

This was a last minute winter wonderland wall. The doilys were supposed to make a 12 month photo snowflake banner but the doilys were too flimsy to hang alone on string. So we hung crepe paper and taped the doilys to it.

Favor tree with Sweet Peppermint Bark candy with a note that says "Thank you for making my birthday so sweet!"

Cake Pops! These were actually super easy and fun to make. I've made oreo balls before and these are basically the same idea, but using cake instead. Inspiration for these found at Bakerella. How cool is it that she baked with Blake Lively this past month?! Check out her lively adventure here.

Emma's Smash cake.

Other than Cake Pops.. We served pigs in a blanket, sausage balls, southwest rolls, deli pinwheels, chicken salad, and strawberry yogurt melts for the wee ones.

The Beverage Bar: Yummy Strawberry milk served in glass milk jugs, pink lemonade, hot cocoa and coffee

Happy Blogiversary!!!

2010-12-27T22:38:00.000-06:00

Today is the 1 year anniversary of our entrance into the blogging world. It all began with this post introducing our little angel to the world.

Fashion Friday

2010-12-24T23:28:00.004-06:00

.Week 2.

Since Emma's first birthday party was last Saturday I decided to do a birthday themed Fashion Friday.

Occasion: Emma's 1st Birthday Party. Opening presents.

Outfit: Pink princess cupcake 2 piece by One Posh Kid

Shoes: TJ Maxx

Occasion: Smash cake eatin' and after party playing

Bib: Mud Pie

'Miss December' bloomers: Simply Sweet Shoppe

More to come on Emma's big birthday party, but for now you can get a preview over at my sister's blog.

Fashion Friday

2010-12-17T17:00:00.007-06:00

I'm jumping on the bandwagon. Picking one day a week to blog about one topic consistently. What kind of mother of a little girl would I be if I didn't choose Emma and her little fashionista self. She probably has enough clothes to have a fashion post atleast 3 days a week for a while, but I will spare you of all that cuteness and only post it on Fridays. We'll try it out and see how it goes.

There are probably 10 to 15 blogs that I follow that have "wordless wednesdays", "fratty fridays", or "tutorial tuesdays", but my favorite by far is pippi parade. The mother of this pint-sized fashionista did a 365 project, posting an outfit for everyday of the year, but now she is doing 52 weeks of "fashion friday". I just love, love, love that each outfit is thrifted, vintage, or hand-me-down and she has the most adorable little girl who I assume sometimes dresses herself. So cute! Her mom also runs this adorable little etsy shop, 3 ring circus, that I have been stalking along with many many other little kids vintage etsy shops.

I thought about doing this a while ago seeing as she had sooo many cute little baby clothes, but decided to start after her birthday. I wasn't she sure she be "model ready" before and still wasn't sure she would cooperate now. What was I thinking!? Of course she did wonderfully, hamming it up for every outfit we tried this week. Since it is the holiday season, she has been wearing a lot of Christmas outfits lately. I was going to start these posts next week and this was supposed to be a trial run, but they turned out cute so

.Week 1.

Not much info to post about this one.

Outfit: Mommy made.

Shoes: (that you can't see) Angel baby red patent leather shoes. $13.50 Shoe Choo Train

Red Santa Dress: Kellys Kids that mom scored at Kids Kloset Consignment

Turtleneck: Gift

Candy Cane Socks: Mud Pie

Shoes: Red patent mary janes.

1 Year!

2010-12-17T08:00:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET GIRL!

December 17, 2010: Emma's 1st Birthday

It's hard to believe that my little baby girl is already a year old. We have been through a lot, but I can honestly say this has been the most rewarding year of my life. There is absolutely nothing that compares to being a mother. Of course most parents will say this about their children, but Emma has honestly been the best baby and we've had it pretty easy. She is so joyful and giggly and makes me smile no matter how tired I am or what mood I'm in. It's so amazing to watch the joy on a child's face when they learn something new, and she's learned a lot. She is such a funny little girl bouncing from here to there all the while driving her mama bananas. We are just so proud of our baby girl and seeing her grow each day fills our hearts with pure delight!

This blog has been full of all things Emma, recording milestones, funny faces, and firsts. I've been anxiously awaiting her one year blog post for months, wondering what I would write and what milestones we could record. For the very first time in our blogging history, there's not much to add. Other than a few new funny faces and a few new words, she's the same sweet, full of life, strong-willed, joyous child she's always been and still loves her dogs. I'm so glad that God picked her out especially for us and has allowed us to raise this sweet girl. So instead of filling your eyes with words and worlds of baby jargon and nonsense, I will leave you with oodles of random pictures. . .

A few more of her bday pics

Emma's 1st Egg Bowl and 1st trip to Oxford

Emma's 2nd Christmas season! Getting her handprint ornament done.

There's no stopping this girl. (Yes, I realize there is some bad parenting going on in the picture on the left, we don't make it a habit of letting her stand in chairs)

She still just has 2 bottom teeth

A new favorite - jumping on her bed

Her newest funny face.

I was in the kitchen and heard music coming from my computer... Emma was the cause.

She still loves her leaves

and she goes through great lengths to get to them.

AGAIN with the face...do you think if I told her it would get stuck this way, she would stop?

Playing in her new room. Strangely, I think she likes this house better.

I'm pretty sure this blog will be changing a bit. There won't be any more month to month milestone posts, just posts about new and funny things my Emma is doing and then a hodge podge of events in our lives! You can also look forward to a rockin post about her first birthday party that will go down on Saturday. A few very talented ladies (mom and sis) have helped me get ready for her party and I could not have done it without them.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

2010-12-14T11:25:00.000-06:00

Can I just tell you about my awesome sister?! She took these adorable pics of Emma for our Christmas cards. We actually sent out 2 different cards this year. One with only Emma and the other with a family photo. I have the hardest time making decisions on photos so it worked out well to send a family photo to Jonathan's business folk and an Emma card to close friends and fam. Anyway, there were too many precious pics of Emma. She somewhat cooperated for Steph to catch some cute little faces of Em.

Check out her website Gray Mornings Photography.

A house divided..

2010-12-13T16:18:00.000-06:00

Better late than never..

We went to the Egg Bowl a few weekends ago. As a house divided, poor Emma was so confused. Mama cheered for the Rebels and then Daddy would cheer for the Dawgs.

It's been a tradition for us to attend each Egg Bowl and keep it civil. No matter which team wins, we always enjoy the game, but we are sometimes silent on the ride home. Last year was the only year I missed, but for good reason. I was 9 months pregnant.

This year we went with my sister and bro-in-law, Stephanie and Wesley (bulldogs). When we got there we tailgated with our good friends Casey and Marlee (bulldogs) and Robbie, Jessica, and Asher (rebels).

Emma supporting her Mama's team.

Asher, a little confused about his attire...

Jessica and Asher

Emma, always eating

Asher

Silly babies

Sweet smile

The McPhails

Me, Marlee, and Jessica

Steph and I

There is a customary pouty/smiley face picture following the game, but I think it must be on Steph's camera.

A look back...

these were the only ones I could find on my computer. Both were years the Rebels lost :(

2005

2007

Stuffy McStuffyface

2010-12-10T19:02:00.002-06:00

My poor baby has a sinus infection. Stuffy nose is really her only issue. That and she has woken up before 4:00 am for 4 nights in a row and last night she was awake from 10:00-1:00. She felt a little under the weather this past weekend and we thought she may have been running a slight fever, but nothing to call the doctor about. Her world has been turned upside down with the move so I couldn't blame her for getting up in the middle of the night. We just put her in the bed with us and she goes back to sleep (me go back to sleep? not so much). Wednesday she started with a runny nose and a slight cough so I made her daddy take her to the doc so we can nip this thing in the bud before her birthday next week! Luckily she finally slept until 6 this morning so we are a little more rested. I'll leave you with this adorable birthday photo of little Emma lou.

Photo via

2 weeks...

2010-12-04T16:51:00.001-06:00

...until Emma's birthday.

How in the world did I let it sneak up on me?! I really can't believe she will be one in just 2 weeks. It seems like she was just born, but when I think about her first year sooo much has happened. Her birthday planning has been underway for months, but now I am really hitting it hard. We have lots left to do, but I thought I would show you some of things I'm planning.

Theme. Check. Winter ONEderland. Colors are baby pink, white, and silver.

Birthday Outfit(s). Check. You'll have to wait to see these.

Invites. Check. See above. Details are on the back. Most were mailed today and the rest will go out on Monday!

Location. Check. Due to the small capacity of this little house and the enormous family we both have, we decided to find a venue elsewhere. Since we are planning on building in Arbor Landing, we decided to have it at the clubhouse there.

What's left?? Lots. Here are a few examples of inspiration for the party.

Party favors.

NaNa is going to try this one for us. Inspiration found here.

Decorations.

Paper Doily Lanterns to look like snowflakes/snowballs.

Yarn Wreath. Aunt Steph is making for us! But of course in our chosen colors. Inspiration found here.

Menu. I'm being ambitiuos and going to try to make a lot of it!

Smash Cake. I found this picture through a blog that I follow, but now I can't find where it came from :(

Cake Pops. A holiday favorite of mine are Oreo balls. These are just a little variation using cake instead of oreos. YUM!

Gift. Still being decided upon.

Oh my! I'm so excited and these are just a few of our ideas! Lots to do. I better get busy!

Santa's coming!!

2010-12-03T21:32:00.001-06:00

Well, in 3 weeks! Oh, Emma must have been a really good girl this year. Here is just a sneak peek at what she'll open her eyes to on Christmas morning.

Wooden nesting blocks that I've been searching forever for. I could only find the cardboard kind, but finally scored these last night on Totsy!

A little set of imagiPLAY animal matching cubes. Also scored on Totsy last night. I've always loved little problem solving toys like these.

Jumbo Knob Puzzle by Melissa & Doug. Puzzles are one of my all time favorites. Whether they are simple little 5 piece puzzles or those life size jumbo puzzles that I would stay up all night to complete.

Her first dollhouse by Melissa & Doug. Reminds me of the little red dollhouse I had when I was little. I'm hoping that one is still in mom's attic because I would love to give it to Emma.

Vintage floral dress from MsTips on Etsy. I can just imagine Emma toddling around in this little dress with leggings and boots. I found this dress on Etsy in perfect condition so I couldn't pass it up!

Her cowboy boots I scored months ago. I've saved them for Christmas!

She also has a few other clothing items and a few small toys I've picked out. So glad I've finished her Christmas shopping. Now I just have to get her birthday gift ordered... It's only 2 weeks away!

The move...

2010-12-03T16:51:00.005-06:00

I confess that I was a teensy weensy bit excited about moving back to this little gem we've called our rental house. Nevermind the eight days we spent in transit, floating around and invading someone else's house waiting to move in. How quickly I was reminded of why we moved from here in the first place. Don't get me wrong, it was an absolutely wonderful little starter house and still would be fine for us...if we hadn't moved in to two subsequently larger homes and acquired two times the furniture and a baby that comes with a whole goobly gob of stuff to take up space.

We've been moving in furniture and things the past two nights with the help of one of our bestest friends in the whole wide world, Paul. We would have never been able to move the 500 pound bed without him. After getting a few things in, I wish you could have witnessed bits and pieces of our conversations. "Is our bed going to fit in that room?", "we can make do with just one nightstand right?", "Do we need to be able to get into the bathroom?" Truth be told, our bed was just about the only thing that fit in that room. Which led to a conversation of me stomping around the 2 feet of room around the bed while unpacking my clothes and pouting "where am I going to put my underwear?" to which Jonathan replied "you don't have to wear underwear". Which then led to me rolling my eyes and saying "where are you going to put your underwear?" This bedroom is all of 10 feet by 10 feet devoured by a bed, 2 nightstands, a teeny bathroom (with one sink, what?!), and walk in closet with 2 racks barely 3 feet long. Absolutely no room for other furniture. Yes, we can do it, we did it before right?! It will just take a few days to figure it all out. Now I know I'm complaining about space, but really the master is the only room where we have drastic changes occurring. Other than that, we have stored one set of guest bedroom furniture and the dining room table until we move. The remaining furniture should fit. Hopefully, maybe.

If space were the only issue with this house I would be grateful for this cozy little bungalow for my cozy little family. Fast forward about an hour after the conversation in the bedroom and we enter the bathroom. Because of course I wanted a shower before bed. I thought we were doing great. I unpacked our shower stuff. We knew exactly where the shower curtains were so they could be quickly hung when we needed them. I had fresh clean towels and was ready for my shower. We go in to hang the curtain and it hits us. Our ceiling are 8 feet tall and so are our shower curtains...due to 10 foot ceilings in the previous houses. Oh schniz! We hung them anyway with about 8 inches dragging the ground. My sewing machine will be put to use on those this weekend. If I can find it.

Anywho, I went to get in the shower. I pulled the nozzle up only to realize we had a bidet. This was news to me. Keep in mind this is a very regular tub with a very regular faucet and shower head. However in this special little bathroom the water not only comes from the shower head, but also from the little button thingy you push to turn the shower on. My rear end got a good rinsing. Not to mention that we can't even get the water to pour from the regular faucet in there. Other than a malfunctioning shower, little space, limited storage, and short toilets (yes, I fall the last few inches because I have become so used to our "comfort height" toilets), I do like this house. But for now, I'm through complaining and going to enjoy my cozy little house on my cozy little cul de sac with my cozy little family.

Moving...

2010-11-20T18:59:00.001-06:00

I'm a little sad today...

We started packing up yesterday and will be moving on Monday.

A few weeks ago we listed our house with a realtor. Totally didn't expect it to sell before Christmas. Well, we listed it on a Friday and had a contract on it the next Tuesday! We thought we would have time to try to sell while we planned the next house. Wrong! We will be moving back into our first house that is now our rental house.

I'm a little excited just because it is in Rankin County and we spend 95% of our time on that side of the lake anyway. Emma stays at her Nana's every day so that is an hour and a half round trip for us. That drive eats up a big part of our evening and leaves us with little time to spend with Emma before her bedtime. On days that I don't finish up work until 5, Emma and I don't make it home until after 7:00 and that is already past her bedtime.

I'm also a little disappointed because we will have to store much of our furniture since we are downsizing by 1,000 sq ft. Wow...not that we use more than 1300 sq ft of our current house though. I've never been too attached to this house for that reason - way too much wasted space - but it will always be Emma's first house and the one we brought her home to. I try not to get emotional about houses because I know it will forever be changing especially in Jonathan's line of work. We've been married for a little over 4 years and have lived in 3 different houses and will more than likely move twice by the time we hit 5 years. Jonathan plans to start building our new house in January. In the meantime, we'll be all warm and cozy in Flowood for the winter.

11 months

2010-11-17T22:27:00.000-06:00

I know, I know... I've been a MAJOR blog slacker this month. We have been super duper busy. Emma is 11 months today and has had a lot going on, leaving not much time for Mama to post on the blog.

We celebrated Dada's 29th birthday on October, 23.

Papa had to work much of his birthday weekend and Halloween weekend. He built this ridiculous house for some nice folks that let him enter it in the Parade of Homes. It's an event that happens 2 weekends bi-yearly. Builders get to showcase their homes and open them to the public to promote their business. Hopefully he will get some business since he worked on his birthday!

On Jonathan's birthday Emma spent the night at NaNa's (without me) for the first time. She did great. She slept through the night though NaNa didn't get any sleep because she slept on the couch and was up all night checking on Emma :) .... for no reason.... Anyway, Jonathan and I went on our first real date (without Emma) to Ely's and went to the movies for the first time in 10+ months. Then on Sunday morning we slept in!

Emma celebrated her first Halloween weekend by going to Starkville to cheer on the bulldogs. We decided to forego the trick or treating this year. Ten month olds can't eat candy and I certainly didn't want it. On Halloween Sunday, Emma went to her first family reunion. Jonathan's family (and some not family) gather at an old church near Carthage every October. This was Emma's first time. Emma is not to keen on strangers, but she never meets a strange kid. Emma loved hanging out with sweet Charley and she loves giving kisses just like Emma!

As with every month, here are the updates on her mad skills.

Growing:

We haven't been to the doctor lately, but I know she's growing. Her feet have definately grown. One week she was wearing her cute little pink flower shoes and then next week they were too small. She fits perfectly into all of her size 3 shoes now! Clothes, she's still wearing anywhere between 6 and 12 month clothes and amazingly can still wear some of her 3-6 month dresses...though they are almost too short. Hats, well, toddler size of course.

Motor Skills:

She's walking! When she wants to. She's still a bit wobbly and loses her balance, but she is so proud of herself!

Eating/Drinking:

We have also started trying to give her breakfast, lunch, and dinner on schedule, which is hard to do considering she is passed back and forth between my mom, Jonathan, and myself all week. None of us have a set schedule so that pretty much makes this impossible! She has also been a little ill with a stuffy nose and cough so she hasn't wanted to eat much. Luckily, she is all better this week and is eating like a champ.

Teething:

She only has 2 that came through three and half months ago. Still waiting for more...

Such a little ham with her two little toofies..

Wordage/Labeling:

Not many new words this month. Well, I haven't recognized any other than "sat" for "what's that?" Her favorite? still "dog" of course. She can point out and label a lot of objects and has learned to point to our nose and eyes.

Favorite Toys:

Anything she can get her hands on. A few quirky favorites include fabric scraps while I'm sewing, the book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" that we read 18 times one night, and pine straw/leaves.

Things she is deathly afraid of:

A bath toy. A duck. Strangest thing ever! She loves the duck that she takes a bath in and her little beanie baby duck at NaNa's. This one is a cute little plastic duck that I bought at pottery barn that swims through the water when you pull the string. Well, Emma has always been okay with it being in the tub with her as long as we don't pull the string. As soon as we pull the string and put it down she cries. The other night, she picked it up and gave it about 5 kisses (she kisses everything) so I thought she might have gotten over her duckaphobia. WRONG! I only pulled the string and the child screamed louder than when she got her first shots and scurried her little booty to the opposite corner of the tub with frightened look on her face. She couldn't get away fast enough. Needless to say - bath time was over!

She is also deathly afraid of swings. Two months ago the child was fine in a swing. Now she will have nothing to do with it unless I'm swinging with her. We tried putting her in her pink swing on the back porch a few times (she used to love it), but she wasn't having it. So we took her to the neighborhood playground for the first time. She tolerated the baby swing for a few minutes, then wanted out. So I put her on the swing with me and she finally got comfortable and almost fell asleep. We took her to the playground again and she would have nothing to do with either swing.

Going towards the swing...

and quickly getting out and walking away :)

Good news though - she loves the slide!

Remember that little friend that Emma found in the mirror? Well, she found her again in the oven..

This is her new face. She is always sucking in her top lip when she is concentrating on something.

And this face was just too funny. She makes it a lot too.

Hopefully my blogging slump is over since I will have lots to blog about this next month. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Emma's 1st birthday!!

10 Months

2010-10-27T22:02:00.002-05:00

Time for the 10 month rundown. Emma passed the 10 month mark. She is quickly learning how to be a toddler and I can barely see my little newborn baby girl in her. This month has gone by so quickly. As with every month that passes, she has learned so much and is still looking just like her Papa.

Motor Skills:
She can stand for a little while by herself. She is even trying to walk. She frequently takes one or two steps, but Saturday at NaNa's house, she took 8 steps and has been getting better and better every day.

She can stand up from sitting without pulling up. She doesn't do it all of the time, but she is so proud when she does. She's still working on that squatting down then standing back up thing. She gets it half of the time now.

She has also discovered the stairs. I came inside one day and found her on the second step while Jonathan was watching her/in the bathroom. Luckily, she doesn't venture in that direction very often.

Eating/Drinking:
She drinks from a straw. Months ago, a speech therapist taught me about how sippy cups are bad for language development and that the straw cups were much better. So, my anal self decided no sippy cups for this little girl and we've tried for about a month or so before to introduce the straw to her and she finally got it about a month ago!

She is eating bits of fruits and veggies. I find myself saying "Emma, don't put that apple/carrot/peach on your head" way too often these days. Oh the joys of finger foods. It makes bath time so much more fun. You never know what you're gonna find!

Emma had her first taste of apple juice. Well, really really watered-down apple juice. So, about 5% applejuice, but she loves it.

Wordage: (I think that's a word?)
We are now 100% positive that her first word was dog. She has even added the "g" sound to the end. She says it pretty much every time she sees Winston or Gizmo or finds a picture of one in her books. It is most often followed by a "woof". She loves her puppy dogs. She also says "bah" for ball, and "booh" for book. She still says "Mama, Dada, and Nana" but doesn't use them specifically so they really don't count. Oh, and she also says "No". She doesn't use it specifically either, but I catch her saying "No, No, No". I wonder where she learned that...

Giving Winston love...

This is what happens when she realizes Winston is in the room.

Favorite Toys:
Her favorite toys are her balls and books. She rolls and throws her balls in every direction and then chases them around the house. Apparently Emma and NaNa read books all day long. I think they are sitting in the glider reading every time I pick Emma up. The girl LOVES books. We have to read one about 5 times before we move on to the next one. She likes to pick out her book, hand it to us, climb into our lap, and turn the pages as we read. She definately has us trained.

(Disclaimer: We also went up a size in diapers last month. 18-28 pounds actually means diaper hanging out of baby girls leggings)

Teething:
She only has the bottom front 2. When are those new little boogers going to come through!? She hasn't gotten a new tooth in 2 months now. She is always putting her fingers in her mouth and poking her upper front gums. I thought one of them would surely have made their appearance by now.

Fun Facts:
She also started dancing. And kissing herself in the mirror. The little girl in the mirror is her new best friend.

Other Firsts:

She went to her first hayride/pumpkin patch, her first fall carnival, her first Canton flea market, her first state fair, and to her first golf tournament.

All the babies at the Reunion Fall Fest.

Emma wasn't too interested in taking pictures. She was being a frisky little Halloween kitty. She also ripped her kitty hat off almost every time I put it on!

We did get one pic of her cutie patootie self.

Emma loved sitting on NaNa's shoulders walking around the fair. Ha - just noticed the individual to the right in the Obama shirt dragging their child along.

Pardon the Barney scrubs...

Emma loves when Aunt Mae Mae comes to visit!!! Of course, Aunt Steph too, but she's always behind the camera (and dreaming)...

Shake your groove thing, baby!

2010-10-21T21:28:00.001-05:00

My little senorita loves to dance and shake her booty. I don't know where she gets it. It's not like Jonathan and I dance around in the kitchen every night before dinner to make her laugh... No tellin'.

Who's your friend?

2010-10-20T21:21:00.000-05:00

On my way to work this morning I get this in a text message from Jonathan...

Fabulous Finds

2010-10-19T20:44:00.001-05:00

I love shopping for bargains and looking for unique items.

The Canton Flea Market was last week. Mom, Emma, and I went for only about an hour and half. If you know anything about this event, you know that's not nearly enough time to venture through even half of the booths. We only had time to look around the square. We also moved a lot slower because of manuevering a large stroller through crowds and crowds of handmade-junk-crazed women. On our little adventure, I managed to pick up a little wooden car for 2 bucks and absolutely gorgeous little dress for Emma made of vintage linens for next spring. It was after I bought this dress that I realized that - hmm..this is just a vintage pillowcase with a scalloped edge made into a dress, I can do that! So my search on etsy began. I found oodles and oodles of gorgeous vintage pillowcases and linens for next to nothing. Now I just have to narrow it down to one or two.

I love vintage fabrics and linens, and I fell in love with with this embroidery detailing along the bottom.

Mom and I also went shoe shopping the for Emma today. Mom wanted to get Emma the "squeaky shoes" since she is starting to walk. I, on the other hand, was looking for boots :) I found these little gems at shoe choo train.

...For over $50.00...

Well, I remembered seeing these at Kid's Kloset about a month ago so I went to see if they still had them. SCORE! Got them for $15 and in perfect condition! Granted she has 3 sizes to grow before they fit, but a good find. Debating on going back to get the pink pair they had in a size 5...

Big girl!

2010-10-11T08:23:00.002-05:00

I love etsy. I ordered the cutest little headband for Emma last week. I bought it for $3.50 from THIS awesome little etsy shop. As you know, Emma has one heck of a noggin on her, so she made a custom fit! I'm not one to wear hair accessories myself, other than hats, but if I did I would totally order some for myself. It came in just in time to try it on for the State game Saturday along with her newest little maroon frock.

This headband must have magical powers because while I was taking pics of her new headband, Emma decided to do this...

then this...

Then this! (stood up by herself!)

She's been standing by herself for a few seconds when she lets go of our hands, but this was the first time she stood up from sitting by herself! She's growing up tooooo fast!

Loving Fall, but thinking about Spring!

2010-10-09T16:06:00.001-05:00

Emma has a new outfit and an obsession with leaves.

I should probably take a step back and work on her fall/Christmas wardrobe instead of Spring, but

I have an obsession with Joel Dewberry and his lovely fabrics. I found these two fabrics for a good price and had to have them.

I made these little pants thinking they would be capris for next spring.

Well I tried them on her and they fit...as pants.

As long as she doesn't pack on the poundage in her thighs, they should be capris by spring.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-05T22:18:00.003-05:00

Emma took her first trip to the pumpkin patch this weekend!

Aunt Steph and Uncle Wes went with us while Daddy Jonathan was at a football game.

After a round about trip to meet up with the fam and get to the patch about 30 minutes later than planned, we had time before the next farm tour to hang out, meet all of the animals which Emma tried to name "dog", and change a diaper.

We climbed on to the trailer for our hay ride and Emma quickly figured out her favorite spot would be standing at the railing. Though she wasn't interested in her picture being taken, she was interested in the awesome blue screws holding this fantabulous structure together.

We rode and rode and watched the crazy hat lady feed every flippin animal on the farm. Yes, this included April, the zedonk.

We stopped at the pumpkin fields and finally got to get off of the hay ride and pick out our pumpkin!

Emma had fun and even gave the place a thumbs up!

Noggin' full of knowledge

2010-09-30T21:06:00.000-05:00

We FINALLY went for Emma's 9 month check up, two weeks later. Poor baby girl has a noggin on her. Doc logged it at the 95th percentile, but when he showed us, it was off the chart. Jonathan says she's either going to be super smart or conceited. Well, her looks definately came from Jonathan so hopefully she will get her smarts from me (ha).

Height: 27.5 inches (45%)

Weight: 18 lbs (35%)

Head circum: 46 cm (95%)

Emma got her finger pricked so they could check her blood. She thought a bandaid on her finger was the coolest thing ever! I'm going to buy a pack of bandaids just for her entertainment.

9 months

2010-09-23T22:02:00.002-05:00

REALLY?! Nine months!? She is quickly changing from my little baby into a big girl!

She's cruising. She's fast. She has no fear. And I've realized our lazy baby days are over. She'll walk to anything without a second thought as long as she can reach it. I had ~~frightening~~ sweet visions tonight of her toddling across the living room towards everything that I am constantly telling her not to touch (the curtains, the fireplace, electronics, shoes), but not being able to stop her before she gets there! When she started crawling, she would follow us around the house staying close by. Not anymore. She's adventurous. She'll go wherever she wants to. If I put her down in the living room, I turn around and she's in the kitchen or at the back door and recently I found her in our master bathroom. We had not fully baby proofed our house yet, but last Saturday I realized the best way to see what needs baby/big girl proofing is follow Emma around and see what she could get into. Needless to say I was very busy cleaning and removing breakable objects from her reach. Her favorite place to explore is our master closet. She has always had an infatuation with feet and shoes, but she's also discovered the scale. It's obviously fun for her to sit on and watch the big red numbers light up.

She thinks she's ready to stand up by herself. She will pull up on something and let go. Every now and then she will last a few seconds, but mostly she falls straight to her bottom.

She points. While Jonathan and I were discussing something, Emma was sitting in her high chair after finishing a bottle. We were obviously debating something and Jonathan was "getting in trouble" because Emma pointed straight at him with a serious look and said "doh dah bo dah dah dododoh whooooo". I wish I had this on camera...it was HILARIOUS! Now she points at everything...and everybody.

She feeds herself finger foods. For a while she just fed her cereal to Winston, but she finally got where she would put it in her mouth instead. She is eating her pureed food a bit chunkier than usual these days, but she's still unsure of the texture of little pieces of veggies and fruits. We haven't tried any new foods lately except the teething crackers. I thought they would help with teething, but no, they are just melt in your mouth sweet buttery graham crackers. Jonathan liked them more than Emma. She loves pickles! I think we gave one to her for the first time a few months ago, but now she would eat a whole one if I would let her.

She is finally getting over her stranger anxiety, sort of. Not really getting over it, but it's changing. Instead of screaming when someone takes her, she just turns away "telling" them no. But the good news is that as long as you don't take her, she is perfectly happy to play with you.

She went to her first football game. I'm afraid her first words might be "Go Dogs". We already think she says "doh", meaning dog. Her father would be proud. Thankfully, both home games have been night games so it hasn't been unbearably hot. She even somehow managed to fall asleep at both games in the midst of all of the ringing cow bells.

Connor came to visit! And Maggie and Joey... Little Connor is a perfect little chunk and TOO CUTE! Hopefully he will be back for Halloween next month!

She got her first big girl toy. She has lost a lot of interest in her old toys. She still has her favs...books, birdie, blocks, but everything else just takes up space now. I'm reluctant to buy too many toys right now. This is a critical period in her development and I don't want it to be centered around noisy, plastic, annoying toys. I bought this one loud, obnoxious toy because it is one of the only toys I like for babies to stand up by. It has proved to be a very entertaining toy. She will make laps around it playing with each side and yesterday she started pushing it across the room. However, when I make future purchases, I would like to avoid all chances of overstimulation by toys shouting at us in english or in spanish. I'm all for a bilingual baby, but I've learned way to much spanish and can repeat all songs in both languages...bleh!

She screams...got that one on video.

She says "brr brr brr brr" while driving her car. I missed her driving the car, but oviously got the "crash" (as noted by NaNa).

She is still the best little sleeper. She can really sleep anywhere, but her favorite place to fall asleep is on the couch.

I don't want to wish these days away, but I am so excited about the next few months as she starts walking and talking. She is becoming such an independent little girl!

She also has started handing us everything she picks up. She even tries to put her paci in our mouths.

She has learned to wiggle back and forth and the chair rocks.

Exploring the upstairs. Something she never gets to do.

Crunching up leaves will be one of her favorite past times this fall. Next fall...jumping in them!

Love her face in this one.

I only get pictures of me and baby girl when sister Stephanie is in town so I stole these (and a few others above) from her.

busy, busy, busy

2010-09-13T21:26:00.001-05:00

We've had lot going on around here...

Baby Connor came to town, with his parents of course...

We smooched on lots of baby chub

and sweet smiles.

some cousin love ("look mommy, he has squishy cheeks too")

We had a baby party.

4 babies, 4 mommies, 4 daddies, 1 special aunt and uncle, 1 Nana, and many good times with only a few pics of the babes... Clockwise from top left: Emma (8 months), Asher (7 months), Brayden (4 months), and Connor (2 months)

Emma has been teething... a LOT!

She went to her first tailgate.

Got to hold her first cowbell.

Rang it just a little.

Gave it her best efforts to stop it from ringing.

Showed us her massive drooling skills while obviously pretending to ride a bull.

Hammed it up a little

Went to our 2nd MSU game.

Figured out where Emma gets her evil smile.

and decided Mommy should really not go out in public after working with kiddos all day...

We also had a birthday party for Papa Joe. Lots of food and family. Aunt Steph took pics...more to come!

Hotty Toddy!!!

2010-09-03T08:11:00.001-05:00

Ok, I had to begin this post with a Hotty Toddy because I'm somewhat ashamed of what I made yesterday...

I had to. She had nothing that fit to wear to her first football game Saturday. The rebel in me says "oh yuck!" but the proud creative mommy in me says "look what I did!"

I also made these sweet baby blue shorts for our friend Asher.

I'm so incredibly in love with this soft corduroy like fabric that I may make a pair for myself.

and...

I finished my once disasterous ruffled camera strap cover for sister Stephanie. It turned out much better this time.

And after I took the pic I realized that I obviously have one more gathering stitch to take out. OOPS!

Busy weekend ahead! Baby party, Emma's first football game, Papa Joe's 82nd birthday, Labor Day beach party, and I'm sure much much more!

New dress and a photo op

2010-08-31T21:00:00.002-05:00

i made a new dress.

we had a photo op this afternoon.

i was going to post one picture,

but couldn't resist once i saw them all.

This is her mean smile.. apparently..

Do you see those adorable little teeth?! She is such a big girl!

Look Mommy...???

I read somewhere that by 9 months a babies eyes are the color they are going to be... So I guess her eyes are blue, brown, green, and blotchy.

Look Mommy...grass!!

Gettin' down with her bad self.

and her sweet face.

LollyFrocks!

2010-08-28T13:17:00.001-05:00

I started an Etsy shop.

You can find it here.

It's no where near finished. I have a ton of other items already made and ready to list, I just need pictures of them. Sister Stephanie @ Gray morning photography took some great photos of the ones seen in my shop. You have probably seen most of these items in previous posts because I have made them for Emma. The main reason I started this shop is to share my ideas and creations with others and so their little one can look equally as cute as Emma. I only have little frocks listed so far, but hope to soon add ruffle pants, hats, bloomers, bags, shoes, and maybe headbands. I don't have any experience in making little boy items (except bibs, burps, and bags), but hopefully I will venture into that soon.

Browse, shop, and refer your friends :)

8 months

2010-08-17T11:45:00.001-05:00

My baby girl is 8 months old today. Emma has changed so much and is doing new and amazing things every day. I feel like my heart is going to explode every time she does something new. She is just the sweetest little girl who loves her mommy and daddy and loves loves LOVES to snuggle.

Emma got her first tooth this month. Of course, it was while I was on vacation. My mom found it on the morning of the 9th when she let Emma drink water and she heard it clink on the glass. Note the increase in drool...

She is pulling up on everything she can get her little hands onto. She has been pulling up on our hands and in her crib for a while now, but about three weeks ago I caught her reaching up for the coffee table (which is very dangerous and should have immediately been removed from our living room). She got her little hands gripped on the lower bars then the table and stood right up. Now she pulls up on anything she can get her fingers on.

She loves standing in her crib...

mainly just to eat the bars.

She also loves to walk around holding our hands...

and sit on her knees to play.

Her hair is getting longer and turning darker. Well, darker in the back. It's still light brown on the top.

Emma weighs 16 lbs 13 oz. (on our scale) and is 27 inches long. She will visit Dr. J next month for her 9 month check up. She is wearing 6 month size clothes and still fits into 3-6 month clothes, mainly dresses and some bubbles/rompers. That's the plus to having a girl...dresses fit for many months! Her 9 month clothes and some 6-9 month clothes are still too big (example below). Gotta get this adorable little one to fit quick. Football season starts SOON! Her poor petite shoulders...she carries her weight in her cheeks and thighs! She is wearing size 1 shoes...some size 2 if they have straps that will hold them on.

She drank out of a real cup for the first time this past month. She LOVED it! It's only water of course, but so much fun for her! She has also just started trying to feed herself. I give her small pieces of food. She will pick it up and, if she's lucky, it will make it to her mouth.

Did I mention she doesn't sit still for pictures anymore...

Fun Facts:

She waves "bye bye" to me and Jonathan. She also says "bye bye" or "bah bah" when she does it, but doesn't know what it means yet.

She "barks" at Winston when she wants his attention. She still coughs at us when she wants ours..

She plays Pat-a-Cake

She sits like a big girl in restaraunt high chairs and grocery carts now.

She has also started to stick out her tongue and go "ththththththth" (use your imagination, I couldn't get it on video)

This is the look I get when I tell her "No"...

and this is the face that follows....

Mommy News:

I left my baby girl for the first time this month. I found out about this trip in March or April and thought to myself that I would be able to leave her by then. After all, she would be 7 1/2 months old. It would be fine. It was a trip with the girls from work that was already paid for so I had to go. I boo hoo'd for days before the trip, but I knew I had to do it for me and I would be a better mom for it.

More recent pictures of Emma....