The Year of the Big One

It seems like this is the year of the big 3-0. If you are a devoted reader of this blog, then you will notice that we have already had several big 3-0 birthday celebrations. This weekend was no exception, so off I went on a surprise road trip!

Chippie had been planning a surprise birthday trip to Kiawah Island for months for Fafrin's 30th birthday. I was IN from day one. Most importantly, Fafrin is one of my favorite people on earth. Second, Kiawah Island is one of my favorite places on earth. After 8,967 phone calls from Chip, it was finally time to head down I-20. I loaded up (shotgun may I add) with Hunter, Ginny, Jess, and Jennifer, and we headed that way from Atlanta. It was a loooooooong trip, and I was in much need of a beverage when we arrived, but it was worth it to see the surprise on Catherine's face when she walked in the door!

On Friday night, we went out to a nice dinner with the crew. The Wile's brought some of their good friends from High Point with them, and thank GOD they did because Todd can really cook! We had a great dinner with some great red wine (I have stained teeth to prove it), and even better company!

Chippie arranged for a spa day on Saturday. I was SO in need! We went to the fabulous spa on the island where we relaxed in the hot tub, snuggled up in our robes, and ate EVERY single piece of dried fruit that the spa had to offer. They had to go to the fresh market after we left! It was a wonderful relaxing day that this Mommy really needed.

After having a late lunch and shopping around the island, we went out to the beach to soak up the beautiful sunset. It was a bit chilly, and I think it was my first time to ever wear Uggs in the sand. They did the trick though and we got some great pictures!

Todd cooked a fabulous meal on Saturday night. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner, some great games, and some good snuggle time on the sofa! We were so sad to head home on Sunday morning, but it was great knowing that I get to see these girls again in 4 weeks for OOC Weekend. We had a wonderful trip, but I sure did miss this little love bug while I was away!

She's ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, it's true. Hard believe, isn't it? My baby girl turned one year old on Saturday. It was such an emotional day for me. Is it normal to just sit back and reflect on what you were doing during every second of that same day one year ago? I found myself thinking "this time last year my water broke" or "this time last year I was pushing" or "this time last year I was without any sleep!". I know everyone says it, but time sure does fly when you are having fun, and this year went by way too fast :(

All of Blair's family and friends drove in on Saturday for the big day. I was trying to juggle being Blair's mommy on that day and also being party planner of year. Why am I like that? Life would be so much easier on me if I could just RELAX! HA! I decided about 6 months ago that I wanted to do a Barnyard theme since Blair has always loved Old McDonald. I wanted it to be more on the girly side and, I think everything came together just as I had wanted. Here are some of my favorite pics from the special day.

Now for some pics of our friends and family who came...

Blair did pretty well with her smash cake. She is such a big eater, so I knew she would like it. She wasn't too sure about all the singing, but she LOVED the icing. I'm still seeing a few traces of it in her diaper ;)

We had a happy girl once the sugar rush set in...

Of course things didn't end at the birthday party. Blair had invited her special friend, Katherine, to come spend the night with us once it was over. Her mommy said it was okay, so they headed to our house so we could watch the Saints game and have a sleepover. It was SO much fun!!

Okay, this is where this post turns into a diary for me, so if you want to stop reading, then do so at this point ;) After a long busy weekend of partying, friends, and family Blair had her 1 year check-up on Monday. Dr. Pip said she is doing great. She weighs 21lbs 15 oz (50-75th), she is 29 inches tall (50th), and her head is 47.4 cm (95th). We had started whole milk about two weeks ago, so we were ahead of the game on that. She is drinking whole milk out of a sippy cup at all times now except for her morning bottle. She is no longer having a bedtime bottle, which we are very proud of. We know this seems a little backwards but Blair is way more addicted to her bottle in the mornings rather than at bedtime. As for the walking, she is taking maybe 3-4 steps at a time now. We are working on her self confidence and practicing every day. We are very proud of Blair's vocabulary and ability to speak back at us. She has many words which include ma-ma, da-da, baby, dog, bear, duck, book, bottle, shoes, nose, toes, doe (bow), no-no, uh-oh, good girl, plane, night night, ball, Ra-Ra (her nanny), etc. If you ask her what the sheep says she will say "baaah" and if you ask her what the horse says, then she will say "neigh". Her favorite toy right now is her baby and books. Blair also loves for me to sing to her and right now the top single is "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Blair loves to do the motions with her hands while I sing. She is also getting really good at sign language and will sign for more and for milk. Blair is familiar with where her nose, eyes, ears, belly, and toes are! I sure am in love with this little girl, and I wish that time would slow down just a little bit. In the past I have really despised the long winter months, but I am really looking forward to a lazy winter at home with my family!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

No, I am not going to skip over Blair's first Christmas! How could I!?!?! So, I'm gonna do a combo post. Get ready because it may be kind of long...

We had a wonderful Christmas at our house. Things started off right on the 23rd of December. Felix has been out of work for a year now, and it has been really tough on us. On the 23rd we found out that Felix would be starting work again on the 4th of January! I was filled with so many emotions. Thankful for employment, excited for Felix, sad for him that he has to leave Blair, nervous for Blair because her life is about to change so much, and REALLY nervous for me because she has been with her Daddy every single day while I go to work. So, we decided to put all those emotions aside for a few days and just enjoy Christmas and be so thankful that the Lord has blessed us so much these past 12 months.

On the 23rd, we headed over to the Driskell's house to kick the season off. We do this every year. I can't believe I was about to explode this time last Christmas. Megan's mom said "Oh my gosh you look so different that a year ago!" LOL! I sure hope so! Blair always loves going to play with Quinn. They are getting less and less interested in posing for us, but we still made them do it!

Someone stop her please!

One year ago!

Our next celebration was on Christmas Eve when Nonna and Pappy came to Atlanta to spend the night with us. We went to a wonderful dinner and then headed home to "play Santa". I think that was the most fun I have ever had! Who would have thought that sitting all those gifts out for someone else and not having a single one for yourself would be so much fun!?!?! After getting everything ready , Felix and I headed to church for the late service to show our respects for the true meaning of Christmas.

Nonna and Pappy

Christmas Eve

Santa came!

Christmas morning, we woke up and let Blair soak up all the excitement of Santa Claus. She didn't really get it, but we just pretended like she did ;) I think next year will be a ton different then this year, but Mommy and Daddy sure enjoyed it. After Blair broke out in a rash from Amoxicillin, we hit the road to Alex City, AL to my cousins house. Nothing like a little Christmas Day rash, huh?? We had a wonderful lunch with my Mom's side of the family. Blair got some really great gifts and loved her pink car from Aunt June and Uncle Mack!

checking it all out

now, I could get used to this

pushing my "baaaayyyy"

honk honk!

everyone needs a roadie every now and then

Laura and Uncle Mack

Laura, Addison, and Olivia

After lunch it was back on the road again to my Mom's house. We were there just long enough for some old friends to stop by for a visit. There's nothing like having friends in Vegas! The con is that you don't get to see them much, but the pro is that they are wonderful hosts for when you want to go out for a visit. Blair's only trip so far has been in my belly, but she will definitely have to make the trip before they up and move on us!

Leigh, Mia, and Blair

Allison and Blair

Next on our list...Glencoe, Alabama! On the 26th, we loaded up (once again) to Mimi's house so we could have Christmas with her and Pop. It's kind of a scary drive getting there, but once you arrive it is well worth it. There was a wonderful hot meal waiting on us along with gifts, stockings, and envelopes! I couldn't have been more happy! Pop pushed Blair around her in car all day, so she was just as happy as a bug. Mimi had a scare while we were there with her Mom and the result is that her mom has stage 4 cancer. I just wanted to throw in a little prayer request for her and their family while I am thinking about it because they have a long tough road ahead of them.

stockings were hung by the chimney with care

this is fun pop!

So, we made it back to Atlanta on the 27th. We enjoyed a week full of football, lounging, eating, and enjoying our time at home with Blair. Mimi and Pop came back to Atlanta on NYE to ring in the New Year with us. We had a wonderful afternoon at the Ritz and toasted to a great upcoming year at dinner at Aria.

ooooh Pop, this place is NICE

So, that's where we are. Felix has started work, I'm still at work, and Blair has a nanny now. It's day 2, but things seem to be going well. Daddy misses his peanut, and Mommy's calling the nanny's phone all day long. But, we are adjusting just fine. Please pray for all of us that we all will transition well and have a great 2010. I wish you and yours a very prosperous and healthy New Year and I would love to hear from you if you read this blog, so that I may keep up with you as well!