Life with the Haleys

Our little valentine..

2012-02-10T18:59:00.000-08:00

Had her re-check today for her ears and her ears are perfect! Praise God! We've had a few sleepless nights these past few weeks and now I know its not her ears. Yay! She is still a little congested and coughing some but he said her lungs were clear and to try Zyrtec. So..we'll do that and hopefully this sweet baby will be back to normal. Fingers crossed! =) Don't know where these nasty germs came from.. hope they stay far far away!

*She has also said her first word and it melted this mama's heart. I've waited a long time to hear those words and I about cried when she said it. I really didn't expect her to say ma-ma first but she did! My sweet baby girl! Since she looks just like her daddy its only fair. I'm sure da-da won't be long. She says ba-ba too. Love it!

*We also have a semi-crawler. Today she crawled about 5 steps to the TV stand and began pulling everything out of it. It cracked me up. She was having the best time and just laughing and smiling. Everytime I would laugh at her she would just smile real big. Little stinker..she knew what she was doing.

Guess its time to baby proof the house. =)

Please excuse our junk cabinet.. it seems to be the catch all.

Stinker!

*Tomorrow we are getting the carpets cleaned and Jamie and I are enjoying a night out. I'm looking forward to that treat!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Pappy and a rough week..

2012-02-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving, 2011

Nanny and Pappy with their great-grandkids

In Memory

It broke our hearts to lose you,

but you did not go alone.

A part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

If tears could build a stairway

and heartaches make a lane,

we'd walk our way to heaven,

and bring you back again.

In life we loved you dearly,

in death we love you still,

in our hearts you hold a place

no one could ever fill.

It's been a whirlwind of a week. My sweet Pappy (my mom's father) went to be with God last Sunday night. January 29, 2012. He was 86 years old. His health had been declining the past few months and around Christmas time he got pneumonia and was hospitalized for about a week. Since then, he just never fully recovered and his health just took a turn for the worst. My sweet mama has been down there with my Nanny for the past month helping her take care of him. We had just gone down the Saturday before he passed to see him and I'm so thankful we did. He perked up when he saw Burkleigh and he was waving to her and trying to talk to her. It was very sweet and of course she was loving it. I will forever remember that moment. We all got to say our goodbyes and as sad as I am that he is not around anymore I am so thankful he is not suffering anymore. That was not the Pappy I knew and I know he wouldn't of wanted to live like that too much longer. He was ready to go home. And now, heaven has two of the best grandfathers a girl could ask for. I know they are enjoying each others company and walking on the streets of gold. You will be missed Pappy but I'm so thankful you were able to meet our sweet Burkleigh Ann. Your memory will live on forever..

Thanskgiving, 2011

My brother and I with Nanny and Pappy

Aren't they just the cutest? 65 years of marriage together.. Pretty amazing and inspiring. I hope to make it that long one day too! The funeral was last Thursday, Feb. 2nd and I know Pappy was smiling down on us. It was a gorgeous day.. the prettiest day all week and lots of family and friends were there to celebrate the life of my dear grandfather. When we got to the graveside, there were 3 military guards in uniform standing at a salute the whole time. They did a beautiful playing of the trumpet and a flag ceremony that they gave to my Nanny. Pappy was a veteran of the army, navy, and air force. He was a true hero and will be missed!

We love you Pappy!

This little cutie has been a sick little girl and it's been pitiful. Thankfully, she was really good the day of the funeral. Even fell asleep in my arms during the service while the preacher was talking. She was so tired.

She has had her first real sickness and I'm so thankful she has been really healthy up until this point.

She's had an awful cough so I took her to the dr. and low and behold she had an ear infection and pink eye. He gave us some some drops and an antibotic but it seemed to get worse before it got better and it was just pitiful. Add, two little teeth coming in on top of that and it made for a very fussy baby. I should have known something was up when she wouldn't drink her bottle. Then, came the so tired phase that she wouldn't go to sleep and just cried and cried. It was the worst but thankfully after day 7 of the medicine I am beginning to get my sweet baby girl back.

And thanks to these.. they are my new best friend. If you don't have them you NEED them.

The medicine is making everything come out of her nose and her poor nose is just full of yuckies. This snot-sucker (I know, gross) is like magic and it works!! She wouldn't let me get close to her with that little blue bulb thing but this just sucks it all out like a vacuum and it helps her to breath better. And, our new green frog humidifer does too.

Daddy and B

It's hard to tell in this picture. you can see one little tooth but now she has two!

She is still trying really hard to crawl. She gets on all fours will scoot around and reach and then fall on the floor. It won't be long.

And.. our newest face that brings a smile to our faces every day!

What we've been up too..

2012-01-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

*We started kindermusik this past week and we will go every Wednesday for 15 weeks. It was a lot of fun and B seemed to really enjoy it.

* We've had several lunch dates with some sweet friends and their babes.

* I went to the hospital a couple of times to see Brylee. She is doing better but please continue to pray for her. You can read Shelly's blog here.

*B has learned how to sit up in her crib and I'm just not ready for that! The first time I saw her do it on the monitor I couldn't believe it. Then, she did it on the floor during play time and now she is doing it all the time. When she wakes up in the morning we are usually greeted with her sitting up and smiling. It is so sweet but I wasn't prepared for that. It is weird to lay her down in her crib and walk out and see her sitting up. I guess we'll have to lower the crib soon.

The first time I found her like this.

*She still isn't crawling yet but she is throwing her toys and trying to get them. She will reach as far as she can, then fall over and either fuss or sit up. She is always busy!

*She is teething and has been really fussy lately. I can feel something sharp on the bottom of her gums but I can't see anything. She won't let me mess with her. She is loving eating strawberries out of her fruit thing.

*She has been taking baths in the big tub.. bye bye little bathtub!

* We went to Selma on Saturday to visit my grandfather. He is not doing well at all and is still holding on. My mom and grandmother are taking care of him and they have called in hospice to help out too. It's just a matter of time and its so sad to see someone you love just waiting to die. If you could keep our family in your prayers we would really appreciate it. It is a hard thing to go through. B got to meet some of her cousins from Georgia for the first time.

B with all her cousins. Ashlyn, Abby and Austin

Jonathan and Abby with B. She was a tired girl.

* B is also fighting a little cold. She has not been herself lately.. we won't even talk about the car ride to selma...oh my! She is coughing some and she sounds all stopped up. Looks like we're off to the dr. for the first time for a "sick" visit tomorrow. Hopefully its nothing big.

Please pray..

2012-01-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

Our poor state was hit again by tornadoes last night. It is just devasting! The pictures on the news,and facebook, are all just so devasting. Several people have lost their lives, houses, family members and its just so sad. The worst hit areas were Trussville, Clay and CenterPoint. I went to high school in Center Point and so many of my high school friends still live out that way and it is just horrible to see what it looks like now. Thankfully, they are all safe and everyone is okay but there are so many people who aren't. Please lift up our state and all those who have lost so much. I know we serve a powerful God who is control of all things.

Also, my best friend's little girl, Brylee is in the hospital and has been since Friday night. She has a ruptured appendix and poor baby girl is on IV antibotics, and morphine for the pain. She is such a little trooper. She will be getting a Pic line so she can eat and they are continuing to make sure the the medicine is healing her appendix. They will stay in the hospital for about 7-10 days and the most 6 weeks. We are praying for the lesser. =) It looks like she will have her appendix removed in March. Brylee is doing better each day and I know the prayers are working. She is still very tired, weak and has been throwing up some. You can click here to read Shelly's blog for new updates and I know she would greatly appreciate it if you would add them to your prayer list. It is so heartbreaking to watch your child suffer. Please pray for Brylee to get stronger each day and for Shelly too. =). Love this sweet baby girl!!

She had a few minutes of smiles and coloring and then she was back to bed.

Praying for Brylee!!

Burkleigh Ann is 7 months old..

2012-01-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

Burkleigh Ann you are 7 months old!!

We went to the dr. today and I forgot to get them to weigh you so I'm not sure how much you weigh.

You had to get the 2nd part of your flu shot. I'm guessing you weigh about 16 lbs.

You are wearing your 6 month clothes.. finally!

You wear a size 2 diaper still but 3 at night.

You hate wearing socks and when I do put them on you (rarely) they end up on the floor or in your mouth. You pull them off as soon as we get in the car. You love your toes!

You are such a sweet baby girl and I'm loving seeing your little personality develop.

You love your momma and you love for me to hold you and play with you.

You love your toys and will just sit in the floor and play as long as I don't leave you in the room alone. Then, you start fussing.

You absolutely love your crib mobile and you have learned to turn it on by yourself. It is too cute. In the mornings when you wake up, you will reach over there and punch the buttons until it starts playing and then you just lay there and talk to it. So sweet!

You have started to babble more and I can't wait to hear what your first word is going to be.

You are still a great sleeper. You go to bed between 6:30-7 and sleep till around 5am and drink a bottle and go right back till about 7:30-8.

You take 2 good naps a day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. You are on a good little schedule.

YOu love to play peek a boo and you take your little blankie and put it over your head and pull it down and just laugh.

I love to hear you laugh. You squeal a lot but I love your deep little belly laughs.

Where's Burkleigh?

Peek a boo!

You love your high chair and you are a good little eater. You eat 2-3 times a day. You've liked everything we've given you except peas and green beans. You LOVE sweet potatoes and squash the best. Tonight you had corn for the first time and you liked it. You especially love the fruits.. just like mamma!

You can drink out of your sippy cup pretty good. You still need a little help tilting it back.

You absolutely LOVE water. Oh my goodness and you love to drink out of a big cup. It is too funny.

We went to Cracker Barrell the other day for lunch and you were squealing so loud because you wanted to drink out of mommy's cup. You like it when we give you water out of our straw too.

You still haven't gotten any teeth yet but everything goes in your mouth.

You love your mimi and pops and Mimi can get you to laugh like no one else. You love both of them!

You've also tried puffs and baby mum mums. You like them both okay.

I gave you a strawberry in your little fruit sucker the other day and you weren't so sure. We'll keep trying..

You are drinking about 5 oz.of formula every 4 hours. I just quit pumping about a week ago and so you are now on just formula and doing well with it. My goal was 6 months and I made it a little longer. =)

We love you so much and I am so glad you are mine. I love dressing you up and putting big bows in your hair. Everyone says you look like a little baby doll.

Your hair has really lightened up. It was SO dark when you were first born. I think its gonna be light blonde/light brown. You still have your momma's blue eyes. =)

Although you haven't started to crawl yet, I know it won't be long. You don't like being on your tummy too much but you do sleep that way. You have started getting on your knees and rocking back and forth. I can't believe its almost here.. you are growing up so fast!

Two months, four months, six months and seven.

We are so thankful for you baby girl!

A week with daddy..

2012-01-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Jamie has been off this past week so he and B have had some QT time together. It has been nice! I've gotten to have some mommy time by myself and it has been fun. I had lunch and a pedicure with my bestie, got a massage, and had dinner with a friend. We also got to go out for lunch with daddy, we went to the mall, went on a few walks, discovered our new favorite place.. Gigi's cupcakes(oh my.. too yummy) and had a lot of play time. I finally got to see the movie, I Don't Know How She Does It with SJP and it was so cute. I really enjoyed it. We also watched the hangover 2 and it was pretty much just like the first one. I am ready to see Footloose when it comes out.

The weather has been really nice the past few weeks but lately its been rainy and pretty cold . =( I'm already ready for spring weather! B and I tried out a Kindermusik class today with my sweet friend Rebecca and her little girl, Lily. The girls seemed to enjoy it so we're going to start going every Wednesday morning. I think it will be a lot of fun! Here's our week in pictures..

Music class with Lily

I think she liked music class. =)

6 month pictures..

2012-01-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

B had her 6 month pictures made right before Christmas. I didn't get to post them but we were pleased with how they turned out. She was pretty fussy that morning so I'm thankful for the good ones. My mom made her beautiful dress. It is one of my favorites for sure!

Happy Birthday Nana

2012-01-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

From all the girls!

We had a family get together at our house on Sunday for dinner. The girls enjoyed playing together and we all had a great time. We love you Nana!

New Years in Nashville

2012-01-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

We took a family trip to Nashville to meet my brother and the kids. Since we didn't get to see them for Christmas this year, we decided to meet somewhat in the middle and do some fun things with the kids. New Years Eve we hung out at the hotel and ordered pizza, opened presents and watched some AU football! War Eagle! On Sunday, we took the kids to the science museum and it was a lot of fun. That night, we went to Dave and Busters for dinner and the kids had a blast playing all the games. We did a little sight seeing at the christmas lights at the Gaylord Hotel. That place is gorgeous! I want to go back and stay there. B did great in the car going up and coming back but for some reason she would not sleep in her pack and play. =( It made for a long two nights but at least we got some snuggle time in.

Hannah loved her presents.

Carter man loved his Super Why costume. He wore it all weekend long.

He even slept in the glasses.

Hannah got her mini me american girl doll..Kit

Fun at the museum

B had a good time too!

Laughing and blowing bubbles

Chase landed on the 500 tickets at D and B. Do you see how tiny that space is.

He is one lucky duck. =)

The beautiful lights at the Gaylord

The best we could get with everyone! =)

We had a fun weekend.. and missed you Heather!

Can't wait for the beach in April!

It's all over..

2012-01-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

I can't believe 2011 is over and Christmas! It makes me a little sad that they are both over. My house looks all plain jane again. It was much more cheerful and colorful when the Christmas stuff was up. I guess I could just leave it up all year round like some people do. Totally kidding! 2011 was a great year for us and of course the highlight was Burkleigh Ann coming into the world. My prayer for 2012 is happiness for our family and yours. I look forward to seeing whats in store. My baby girl will turn one in 2012 and that makes me a sad momma. She is growing up too fast and I just want to freeze time. I've decided that my New Years Resolution is to be more organized at home. I have several little projects that I need to do but for some reason I just can't find the time. I wonder why.. I'm not getting on the bandwagon of losing weight like I always do. Although I need to, I'm not making that my goal. I do want to start exercising more so I will feel better in the afternoons. I get so tired and need a boost of B12! So.. here's to making 2012 a great one.

What are your resolutions for 2012?

Christmas in Selma..

2011-12-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

On Monday, we headed down to Selma to see my grandparents. That morning, my grandfather ended up being admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. So, needless to say we didn't even get to see him. My sweet Nanny (my mom's mom) ended up coming over to my grandmothers (my dad's mom) to see B for a little bit while my mom stayed with my Pappy at the hospital. It wasn't exactly the day we had hoped for but thankfully Pappy was getting some meds and oxygen and he was right where he needed to be. I am so thankful for my sweet grandparents and very fortunate to still have 3 of them here with us. They mean the world to me and I'm so thankful they get to see my child grow up. B did pretty good on the ride down and back. She didn't nap too good but thankfully she was still in a good mood.

B and grandma

Playing patty cake with nanny

Love those sweet hands

Christmas Day...part 2

2011-12-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

After B's morning nap, we headed over to my sister in laws for a bit. Then, on to my parents. By the time we got to mom and dads B was worn out again so she pretty much went right to sleep and we ate and did our family presents. She slept for a good 2 1/2 hours so when she got up we did her christmas. She was too cute when we put her in her buggy car. She loved that little thing! Thanks Mimi and Pop. I know it will be great come spring time. We had a great christmas and I hope you did too! Our big present was our new car and I couldn't be happier. I feel safe and thats just what I wanted. =)

Nana and B

I love my new car!

Our family of three

Playing with mimi and pops

Mimi made B a new lovie..she loved it!

I think we can say this was the best christmas yet!

Happy Birthday Jesus! We are so thankful for you.

Hope your christmas was great too!

Christmas Day..part 1

2011-12-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

Burkleigh's first Christmas was so much fun! I can only imagine what next year will be like when she knows a little more about whats going on. We stayed at home that morning until after her morning nap. When she woke up we were all ready to see what Santa had brought..

She loved her puppy, baby doll and bumpy ball!

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

This was the first christmas eve since I have known my husband that he didn't have to work. Wow! He usually has to work part of the day but this year he was home the whole time. It was nice! We spent the day at home with B and then headed over to his aunt and uncles house later in the afternoon for a bit. That night, my parents came over to our house and we had a yummy dinner together.

I"m really sad I didn't get any pictures that night. I really wanted a family picture.. oh well! B cried/scream the whole ride home from Jamie's aunts house and I was scattered by the time we got home. She finally calmed down and had fun sitting in her high chair playing fetch with Pops (her new thing is to drop all of her toys until someone picks them up.. ha) while we ate dinner. It ended up being a fun night together.. so thankful for my awesome parents! I seriously don't know what I would do without them. They are truly the BEST and I'm so blessed to have them! B is lucky to have the best grandparents too!

Santa Baby..

2011-12-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

Just so I can remember through the years.. here is B's first picture with Santa. I had to take a picture of the picture.. =( I didn't have my camera that day and I also made the mistake of taking her to the galleria where the cheapest pic was $25.00. Good grief.. for one picture? Next year, we'll head to Brookwood.. i think $12.00 is more like it. But, good memories!

No smiles, no tears just amazement.. gotta love it! =)

Haley Christmas 2011

2011-12-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

Last night we hosted the Haley Christmas get together at our house. It was a lot of fun! We had tons of food, tons of presents, and tons of laughter! =) Good times!

My sweet family.. (who knows what my hair was doing.. )

First attempt at pictures with the girls.. too cute!

Burkleigh and Reagan's First Christmas

Burkleigh 6mo, Reagan 3 mo.

B and her Aunt Jodi

Aunt Jodi and the girls

B was so fun to watch open her first present. It was too cute.

She LOVED the tissue paper the best.. don't they all?

B got some new pjs and a little people play house from Jay and Melisssa, a cute pink pig stuffed animal from Jodi and the kids, and a crawling ball toy, books, clothes, and a little toy laptop from Pops and Jonelle.

Sweet cousins

Hammy got a K coffee pot..he loves coffee!

Pops and Jonelle got pictures of all the grandkids

Beau loved his new scooter!

Reagan and Melissa

2nd attempt at the girls pictures..

Best I could get..

This picture cracks me up!

Burkleigh Ann is 6 months old..

2011-12-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

I know I say this every time but seriously, I can't believe this sweet thang is six months old. You have brought so much joy and happiness to our family and I am still amazed that I am a mommy to you!

Your six month checkup was this week and Dr. Andy said you were perfect. Yay! You got 3 shots and a flu shot but this time around was so much better than last time. I did give you some tylenol before and I'm not sure if it helped or not but you sure didn't have the reaction that you did at your 4 mo. checkup. So Praise the Lord!

You weigh 14 lbs. 11.5 oz. That is the 40th percentile but thats okay!

I think your gonna be a little petite thing.

You are still 25 1/2 in long and in the 70th percentile for height.

You were a happy girl when Dr. Andy checked you out. You just grunted and made the funniest noises. And, your first little accident occured at the dr's office. You tee-teed on mommy right after we weighed you. I guess there's a first time for everything.

You loved tearing up all the paper on the bench at the drs office.

You've had several play dates with sweet friends. Lily came to play the other day and ya'll were too cute just staring at each other. Lily is 3 months older.

You LOVE our remote control. So, I bought you your own to play with and you don't like it as much. When Lily came to play she really liked it. =)

You are also grabbing at everything and putting it in your mouth. You love our tervis tumblers. I know that sounds crazy but everytime I drink out of one, you reach for it and want to put it up to your mouth. So, I gave you a sippy cup and you can hold it good and you like to bite on it and play with it.

You are sitting up so good by yourself and you love to sit in the floor and play with your toys.

You like your exersaucer okay. You will play in it for a bit but not too long. You love the music part and as soon as you hear it you start kicking your feet and laughing. You LOVE music.

Checking it all out.

You really love your bumbo and everytime you get in it you will just laugh and squeal. We feed you in it too and you are up to eating food twice a day now. Dr. Andy said you needed to be eating at least 2 times a day. You're not a big eater in the morning so you usually have cereal and fruit in the afternoon and at dinner a vegetable and fruit. So far you have liked everything we have given you. I haven't moved up to the 2nd foods yet but Dr. Andy said you could have them now.

You love to play peek a boo and This Little Piggy.

You love my fingers too and you love when I try to "get you."

You are wearing a size 2 diaper and your clothes are 3 months.

We've moved up to the 6 mo pj's because you are so long.

You eat about 5 oz. every 3-4 hours and usually eat about 5 times a day.

You still love to suck your thumb but only when you are tired. You love to suck your toes too. I love it!

You are a good sleeper/napper when we are at home. When we get out, you usually won't nap but when we get in the car you will fall asleep. You just don't want to miss anything! =)

You still take three naps a day. Usually a 2 hr. nap in the morning, about a hr. at lunch and 2 more in the afternoon. You sleep from about 7pm to 7-8am.

YOu are a little roly poly and I have a feeling you are going to be crawling soon. =(

You already want to get into everything!

I really love this age!! You are just so sweet!

This has been the best 6 months of our lives and we love you so much!!

And then there were 3..

2011-12-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Christmas is two weeks from today. Wow! It's almost here and it sneaks up on me every year. I really thought I was going to be done with all my shopping by now.. that was my goal and I think I say every year I'm going to be done by the beginning of December but for some reason that NEVER happens. I'm always getting things at the end too. I still have a few more gifts to buy and I've got lots of wrapping to do too. I just started today and I only got a few done. But, I really do love wrapping gifts. It's seriously one of my favorite things! I just love everything about this time of year.. except the craziness of the malls. So, I've tried to do a lot of my shopping online and it's soo much easier!

Our house is all decorated up and it makes me so happy. I love watching all the christmas movies on tv, looking at lights, baking yummy christmas snacks, and enjoying time with family and friends. It really is the most wonderful time of the year and this year is extra special for our family. This time last year, we were finding out that our sweet gift from God was going to be a little girl and now we are getting ready for Burkleigh's first Christmas! It almost doesn't seem real! There is nothing better than Christmas through the eyes of a child and it has been so fun to watch her stare at the lights on the tree, try to touch it, and grab at the ornaments and presents. She just melts our heart and we are so thankful to have her to spend our Christmas with this year.

Happy birthday Jesus! Let us all remember the real reason for the season.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours...

Weekend Wrap Up..

2011-12-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy weekend for us with lots going on. B and I got to hang out with this little cutie on Friday for our play date. Isn't he cute? Little Carson is 7 weeks old and so sweet. We had fun hanging out and can't wait to do it more often!

Sweet baby boy

Friday night we hang around the house and didn't do too much. Christmas came early for B and she has really enjoyed playing with her Elmo that she got from her Aunt Heather, Uncle Chad and cousins. She loves it when Elmo dances. She just kicks her legs and squeals. Too funny!

Doesn't get any sweeter than this? This is one of my favorite pics. I just love it when she sucks that thumb.

On Saturday, we went to the Helena Christmas Parade. It was B's first parade and she really loved it. She cried when all the sirens went off but as soon as the band started playing and all the music was going, she was a happy girl kicking those feet. She loves any music!

The cutest float.. and they won 1st place

The back had all their names on the little boxes. Very creative!

We left before Santa made his appearance but it was a fun day. The weather was perfect..in fact there were kids in shorts. You just never know what the weather will be like in December.

Today, Jamie finished putting up the outside decorations and planted some new bushes in our front flower bed. It looks so much better. We had our neighborhood Christmas party and B had fun visiting with all the neighborhood kids. I didn't take any pics. =( I had a night out with a sweet friend and Jamie had daddy duty. He did a great job and I'm so thankful and blessed to have a husband who is willing to babysit while mommy goes out. B LOVES her daddy and its pretty obvious shes gonna be a daddys girl. While I was at dinner he texted me the funniest video of her just squealing. I think they had a fun night together.

Hope you had a great weekend too!

Yummy.. and a funny!

2011-11-30T17:53:00.000-08:00

B has been trying out some new foods and she has loved all of them. So far she has had squash, sweet potatoes, pears and apples. She has LOVED all of them and I think squash was her favorite. She gulped the whole container down in one sitting. She was a hungry girl. I think she's a lot more content now that she is getting her belly full.

Yummy!

I started off giving her rice cereal and she has liked that too. For the first few weeks, I just gave her rice cereal and then I started giving her pears. I started with pears because thats what Moms On Call recommended. I didn't know that pears helps them be more regular too.. if you know what I mean. B doesn't go every day but she doesn't seem to be bothered by it. I know.. TMI. Anyone else have this issue? So.. pears is what she got first and we tried that for 3 days straight. Then, we moved to squash for 3 days and then I've just slowly been introducing the others.

These were taken with my phone so the quality is not that great but she just talks and goos every time we sit her in the bumbo to eat. She's up to eating about twice a day now. Sometimes more than others. But, usually around lunch and supper. I can't wait to see what she weighs in a few weeks. I think she was around 14-15lb at 5 months. Not sure..

I had to share this precious video of her laughing at her cousin Chase. She was too cute after she had eaten her squash. We all got a good laugh.

Thanksgiving Weekend..

2011-11-27T18:04:00.000-08:00

I'm always amazed at all the people who get up in the middle of the night or some who don't even go to sleep to go shopping on Black Friday. Or better yet those who are waiting in line on Thanksgiving day outside Best Buy to be the first in line to get a TV. Seriously.. those people always amaze me. I have one word for those people.. CRAZY! No deal is worth camping out for.. at least not for me! I've never been a big Black Friday shopper. I went a few years and swore I would never do it again. The crowds, the people, the rudeness of people.. it was just a little much for me. I would rather pay full price than deal with rude people and long lines. It's just not for me. Instead of braving the malls, I sat in my pj's and ordered some things online and got some great deals too. Free shipping and lots of sales and I'm almost done with all my shopping! Yippee! Most of it was ordered online.. that is the way to go! My sweet Nanny wanted to go to Steinmart so we went there that afternoon and got a few things. Other than that, we hung around the house, played and went to the park with all the kids. It was such a beautiful day!

Nanny and B

Playing Patty cake

Nanny and the girls

Chase and B acting silly

My sweet girls

On Saturday, Heather and I did a little shopping and there were no crowds! Then, it was Iron Bowl time. We pretty much got our butts beat but we were still cheering on our tigers.

War Eagle!

The kiddos with their great grandparents

My brother and I with our sweet grandparents

We had a great weekend together and I'm sad its all over but thankful that my mom is feeling better. Every year the sickness always hits at thanksgiving and last year it was the stomach bug. This year it struck again. The kids got it before they came and mom got a touch of it on Saturday. Thankfully, she's feeling better today. Hope you had a great weekend too!

First Thanksgiving...

2011-11-27T17:22:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. It was a fun day at my parents with my brother, SIL and kiddos. My grandparents were also here and my aunt and uncle and cousins from Huntsville came up too. We had a great time together and I am so very thankful for each one of them. Mom and Nanny did most of the cooking and it was yummy as always. We were all stuffed!! B was a happy girl and she loved all the extra attention from everyone. I think she had a fun first thanksgiving and I am very thankful for our super awesome family!

Daddy and B

Jamie and the girls

Mimi and Pops with all the grandkids

This picture just makes me smile.. love that happy face!

B's first thanksgiving

Pops and B

I think Pops was getting a little worried that B was going to cry everytime she saw him. That's what she has been doing lately. But, she was great all weekend and of course she loves her Pops. She looks a lot like him too! =)

Thankful..

2011-11-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving brings on a new meaning to thankful this year. I am so thankful for all the many, many blessings in my life. Many which I do not deserve but God has been so good to us and I am SO extremely thankful and blessed. But, this year I am MOST thankful for this little turkey that I get to spend my days with. Her sweet little smile that I wake up to every morning, the giggles, and the laughs which melt my heart. I am thankful for every little part of motherhood and it just keeps getting better and better! I'm thankful for this job of a mommy that I get to do every day!! Itt's truly the best job in the world!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

To those reading, who are waiting on God's perfect timing in your life.. just remember that He has not forgotten about you. You are important to Him. Keep your faith and know that He is in control of everything. I hope you all have a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving.

Family Pics..

2011-11-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

Today we got all the Haley kiddos together to do a family picture for the grandparents for Christmas. We got a few good ones and the rest were pretty funny. B was either crying, fussing or pitching a fit. Got to love it! Good memories though and fun times together!

A few before shots:

Aunt Jodi and her two babes

The cousins Reagan, 2 months Burkleigh 5 months

Hamilton, Beau and Haley

Too cute

The best one and B of course is not looking..

Aw.. pitiful!

Hamilton and R

The Haley's

Love this one!

The brothers and the girls

Sweet cousins

B in her sweet dress

My sweet baby girl

Burkleigh Ann is 5 months old..

2011-11-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness.. you just keep getting cuter and cuter!!

You are just the funniest and sweetest little thing!

Here's what you are up too:

*You constantly have that mouth open and you are making lots more sounds. You give lots of good wet kisses and you love to laugh.

*You are blowing bubbles and making the funniest sound. You do it a lot. It makes us laugh. You love when I sing to you and your favorite song is Patty Cake. You just laugh and open that mouth wide!

*You are sitting up and you love it!! You have always been very observant so you LOVE to just sit up and look around.

*You love your toes and you are constantly holding on to them or sucking on your toe!

*You sleep on your side or tummy now. I put you in your bed when you're awake and you lay there for a bit but then you start grabbing your toes and rolling all over the place. You talk yourself to sleep a lot of the time. But, you don't fuss at all when I put you in there. You go right to sleep. I'm soo thankful for that. I was worried you were going to fight sleep but you don't anymore. I think you love your bed! You usually take 3 good naps and all three are in your bed unless we're out and about. You sleep about 2 hours in the am. About an hour around lunch and then 2 more hours in the afternoon. You have turned into the BEST little sleeper!

*You are such a happy girl now and it makes me SO happy. You still take your reflux meds but I think it is getting so much better! You drink about 4-5 oz of breastmilk during the day (every3-4 hrs) and usually will drink around 6oz before you go to bed. Your last bottle is around 6pm-7pm and you sleep till around 5am and then go right back till around 7 or 8am. The time change threw us for a bit but your doing better!

*You have always loved your bath but now you are wanting to sit up and play instead of lay down.

*You tried your new jumpy toy just a few days ago and you liked it. Its in the kitchen so you got to hang out in that while I was cooking dinner. You just watched me and Oscar.

*Your sophie giraffe is by far your favorite toy and you LOVE her!

*You've had cereal several times and you love it. You've also tried applesauce and pears. I just gave you pears today. You liked it. I'm going to start giving you more food now. We'll see what you think about that.

*You got your first little cold this month after we got back from halloween in Ohio. This weather sure doesn't help.. one day its 75 and the next day its 40.. Got to love Alabama.

*Diapers: Size 2

*Clothes: 3 months

*You are starting to lose some of your hair and it's getting lighter too. You have a little bald spot on the side of your head and it makes you look like your pops. =)

* You are a little wiggle worm. You can roll both ways now and I have a feeling you'll be on the move real soon.

4 months

5 months..

* I am loving this little stage in your life. You are such a joy to us and I love to see you grow and change each month.

*I'll have to update on your weight soon. We don't have a scale and I'm not sure how much you weigh now. We go back to the dr at 6 months.

We love you little bit!

Free Christmas Cards..

2011-11-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

How would you like 50 free christmas cards from Tiny Prints? Well..if you are a blogger all you have to do is blog about it and you will get them. Pretty easy.. huh? They have some really cute ones too and I'm excited about using them for my cards this year. So, here's what you need to do:

1. Go here and fill out the form first.
2. You will get an email with instructions telling you what to do.
3. Then, blog about it and use facebook or twitter too.

Go here and check out all the different cards. You can search by colors, how many pictures, etc and then bookmark some of your favorite ones. Many of the cards can be adjusted to fit different pictures and you can even change some of the colors. Here are a few of my favorites:

I'm having a hard time picking! There are a lot of cute ones!

Also, if you post by midnight on November 14th you will receive 24 FREE address labels too! Pretty awesome!

So...what are you waiting on..

Go get started and let me know if you do this.. I will get more free labels and I hope I will get one of your Christmas cards! =)

Happy Shopping!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2011-11-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

Another year has come and gone and daddy is another year older! November is a busy month of birthdays for us. Jamie's is the 2nd, my grandmothers the 4th, my brothers the 5th, my SIL the 8th, and my FIL the 13th. It's a busy month of celebrating!

Daddy and his little girl

Jamie worked late on Tuesday, so we had a low key night at home with take out mexican, ice cream birthday cake and presents. It was B's bedtime thats why she doesn't look so thrilled. =)

Happy 38th daddy!

Daddy and his look alike =)

Saturday night, we went to dinner at Firebirds.. just the three of us! It may have been our first dinner out just the three of us. Wow.. how time changes. We used to go out to eat ALL the time.. now it's just easier to stay in. We had a great time and dinner was delicious. I love that place!

On Sunday we went to my MIL's house and had a little celebration for Jamie and Jodi

Nana with the babes

Nana and my sweet niece Haley. B wasn't in the mood..

Happy Birthday Daddy..we love you very much!

Burkleigh's First Halloween..

2011-11-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Our little kitty

She did great in her stroller while we all went trick or treating

Mimi and the kiddos.. or I should say the Starwars clan

The starwars family

Yummy!

B did really well for her first halloween. I was a little worried since she usually goes to bed around 6-7 but she hung in there for about an hour. Sweet girl! That morning she wore her cute little pumpkin outfit and had a little play date with Raqueal. Heather keeps the spanish teacher's little girl (who is about 2 weeks younger than B) while the kids go to spanish. It was fun to see them interacting together.

B just kept trying to grab her seat and look at her.

Sweet cousins

Our cute little pumpkin

We had a great time! Hopefully this will be a yearly tradition!

Halloween in Ohio..

2011-11-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

For the past few years we have gone up to my brothers in Ohio for Halloween to trick or treat with the kiddos. This year, we went again but sad that my dad and Jamie didn't get to make the trip up. We went for a long weekend and like always, it was too short but we had a blast. Hannah Rose got to love on Burkleigh boo and Burkleigh loved all the attention too. It was so neat to see her interacting with the kids and she loved every minute of it. She would just laugh and smile and talk to them every time they paid attention to her. It was so sweet. I wondered how she would do with all the craziness that 3 kiddos brings when she is used to it just being the two of us in our little quiet house. But, she did great! She loved the kids and I think she's going to be quite the little social butterfly. Hmm.. wonder where she gets that?

She got to wear some of her new warm hats!

B and Hannah Rose

Hannah had to have an orange bow to match B!

Playing with chase..she loved him!

Love these 2 sweet girls

Mimi and all the kiddos on a walk

Every year we walk down scarecrow row to see all the decorations. It's fun to see them every year.

Hannah with The Real Housewives of Scarecrow Row

Loved this one too!

We also got to go to all 3 of the kids schools. I was so glad we got to do that. Since Halloween was Monday, all 3 of the kiddos went to school and Hannah's kindergarten class was having a halloween parade. So, we went for that and got to see her classroom too. Brought back lots of memories..

One of her teachers was reading to them when we got there.

Of course, they had a special snack. =)

Hannah and her sweet friend

Her little class and her teachers.

Ready for lunch bunch!

Carter man at his school

Chase in his 1st grade classroom.

We got to walk down and see his room and he got to take us on a little tour. His school is so neat! The kids can leave and go home for lunch if they want to.. even in 1st grade. Of course he wanted to come home so we went to get him and got to meet his teacher. I was a little jealous when she was in her classroom eating lunch by herself.. and yes, she gets to do that everyday! Wow! Must be nice!!

Leaving his school

Can't believe the kiddos are getting so big and grown up. We had a great time! Miss them already and looking forward to seeing them soon. Sad they won't be here for Christmas! =(

Lunch Date and a road trip..

2011-10-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took Burkleigh for a lunch date with my grandparents on Wednesday. Nanny was glad to see B and it was good to see them for a little bit.

B finally got to wear this cute dress that my mom made. It is one of my favorites and she looked so cute in it.

On Thursday, mom and I decided to head out for the long trip to Ohio. For the past few years we have gotten to come up for Halloween to see my brother, SIL and the kiddos. This year, Jamie couldn't make the trip up so it was just gonna be mom and I and B. So, we decided to leave late afternoon and drive to Nashville to spend the night so we didn't have to make the 8 hour trip in one day. I'm so glad we did. It ended up taking us about 10 hours with all the stopping we had to do and I don't know that we could have made it in one day. Thankfully, B was really good in the car. She fussed a little but not much and she slept pretty good in her car seat. So thankful for that!

She was awesome at the hotel and slept 8pm-8am! Woo hoo! I think she is back to her old sleeping habits and sleeping through the night again. Fingers crossed!

I can't wait to celebrate Halloween with all the kiddos on Monday.

More pictures to come.. Until then...

My sweet little pumpkin's first halloween weekend in Ohio!

Rolling, Rolling...

2011-10-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

OVER! Burkleigh has learned how to roll over from her back to her belly... and she is really good at it.

She is a little roly poly now and especially when it comes to sleeping. As soon as I put her in her bed she rolls right to her side. She's been doing this for about a week now and was sleeping that way. So sweet! Well now, she can roll to her tummy and she will roll to her side then to her tummy and then get stuck. She may lay there for a while and talk and hold her head up but then she gets really angry and just starts fussing. I know she can roll back..she's done it before several times but she can't seem to do it in her bed. I have to go in there and roll her back over. The other night I was so tired and she kept doing that and crying so I just gave up and put her back in her nap nanny. Have I mentioned how awesome that thing is? In my opinion, its a must have for all new moms! She went right back to sleep and slept like a charm... we both did! =)

She is also sitting up like a big girl. She loves to sit up by herself although she goes forward if we're not careful. =) One of her favorite things is to sit up and look around.

**Update on her 4 mo. doctor visit: She did great and Dr. Andy said she was looking good. Mom and I went to lunch afterwards and came home and put B down for her nap. She seemed okay. About an hour into her nap, she woke up with a blood curling scream. Scared me to death. She wouldn't stop screaming.. she scream for over an hour and it was awful. Nothing would calm her down. I called the dr. before they closed and she said it was a reaction to the shot and that some babies can be extremely fussy. I gave her some tylenol and that was awful too. She seemed to be chocking on it. She kept burping up stuff. I'm sure some of it was her reflux too but it was awful. By the time daddy got home, we were both rocking and crying. But as soon as she saw her daddy she started laughing and smiling. That little stinker. I think she's gonna be a daddy's girl for sure!

Burkleigh Ann is 4 months old..

2011-10-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe 4 months have already gone by.

I was just telling Jamie last night that this time last year is when I found I was pregnant and we were telling all the family right about now. It's crazy to think that a year has come and gone and now I'm a mommy to a 4 mo. old. I really wish time would slow down. I can't believe she is growing up but I will say I am liking this stage of motherhood a lot better than the newborn.

What's been happening this month:

*I'm not sure how much you weigh. We go to the doctor on Wednesday, so I'll update then. You will get more shots.. =( Not fun! You weigh 13.2 lbs and you are 25 1/2 in long. You are in the 50th percentile!

*You have not been the easiest baby.. thanks to colic and reflux..but I think 4 mo is beginning to be a turnaround for you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way.

*You are really grabbing your toes and you have started putting them in your mouth and sucking on your toes. It is the cutest thing.

*You have really found your voice and you cooing, talking and laughing a lot more.

*You have rolled over several times. You are not that crazy about tummy time but we do it. You love your music and will watch all the lights blinking on it. You have great head control.. you are a strong little one

*You really like to sit inclined and look around at things. You love your bumbo seat and will just sit in that and take it all in. If the TV is on, you will just stare at it.

*You love looking at yourself in the mirror and you just smile every night before bath time.

*You absolutely love your bath and we give you one every night because you love it so much! You just splash in the water and laugh. You still aren't crazy about getting dressed afterwards but you love the water.

*You have started making this funny grunting noise and we just laugh and laugh at you every day. You think it's pretty funny too.

*You have started drooling a good bit this month and I'm not sure if you are beginning to teeth or what. You were pretty fussy then too. You are putting everything in your mouth.

*You went to Selma for the first time and you tried cereal for the first time.

*You are sleeping in your bed at night without your nap nanny and you go down between 6 and 7 at night and sleep till about 6:30-7:30 in the am. I put you in your bed awake and you sooth your little self to sleep.. You wake up some around 2-3 and drink a bottle and go right back. Not all the time.. but some.

*You are drinking about 3-4 oz. during the day every 3 hours. At night and in the am. you drink usually between 5 and 6 oz. You are eating about 5 times a day.

*You won't really nap in my arms or fall asleep with me holding you. You are too observant for sleep.. ha! I have to put you down for you to sleep. At night, you will let me rock you for a little bit but then you are ready to be put down. Kinda makes my momma heart sad.. but I'm glad you can put yourself to sleep.

*You are wearing your 0-3 month and 3 month clothes. You were a size 1-2 diaper and sleep in a 2 at night. The 1-2 are getting a little tight.. I'm thinking you are ready for the 2's all the time. I'm trying to use up the last ones.

*You really love your stroller and I've found you do really good when we get out if you are in the stroller. You like to be moving that's for sure. We usually go for walks every afternoon.

*You usually take around 3 naps a day. One in the am. for about 2 hours. You usually take a cat nap around lunch for about 30 minutes and then you will take a good 2 hour nap in the afternoon. When you get tired, you will talk yourself to sleep and suck your thumb. Lately, you've been holding your foot and sucking your thumb. So sweet!

*You don't cry/fuss near as much as you used to. Thank goodness..I think I'm beginning to figure you out! You were a tough cookie!

I can't wait to see what the next month holds...

We love you Burkleigh Ann

Happy Girl..

2011-10-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

This little one melts my heart more and more every day. This is one of my favorite pictures of her.

Seriously...I could just eat her up. I know I'm biased but I think she is one of the cutest babies ever! Doesn't every mom say that? =)

I never knew it was possible to love someone so much. She makes me smile and laugh every day and I couldn't be more thankful for her sweet self.

We had a family day today and we all went to the Mt. Laurel Festival in town. It was such a gorgeous day that I talked Jamie into going since one of my girlfriends got sick. We took B and strolled around. It was fun to get out for a bit and I think she liked it too.

Lately, she has been REALLY good for me. I'm so thankful! I"m hoping we've reached a little turnaround. She hasn't been near as fussy and her belly seems to be a lot better! I hope it won't be long and we can get off all this reflux medicine.

She has even been napping in her bed lately.. woo hoo!! I didn't think we were ever gonna get her out of the swing but she's not liking it near as much as she used to. I think she's ready to stretch out in her bed. She has done great in her bed without her nap nanny. And that is a big deal!! I was so worried she wasn't ever going to sleep flat.. ha! She has been in her bed since day 2 of coming home but she has always slept in her nap nanny.. Well.. not anymore!! I'm happy to say that this sweet thang is in her crib and sleeping flat!!

Woo hoo! And.. sleeping great for that matter too!!

I just love her to pieces!!

Thank you God for our sweet baby girl!! She makes this momma a happy girl too!

War Eagle!!

Happy Fall Ya'll...

2011-10-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

B and I had a lunch date with my sister in law Melissa and the newest member of our family baby Reagan. Reagan turns a month old tomorrow and is just adorable. She slept right through lunch and didn't make one little peep. Burkleigh was suprisingly very good. =) I even took her to Sew Precious and we got to look at a few things and she didn't even scream. She actually took a little cat nap while we ate (that was a first) and didn't cry one bit. PRAISE THE LORD!! I am hoping and praying that she keeps this up. It made for such a pleasant outing! I didn't even come home all frazzled like I usually do. We had a fun time and I look forward to many more outings with Melissa and Reagan.

Mommy and B

Aunt Melissa and B

Sweet Reagan

B and her cousin

When we got home, Daddy was here for lunch so we got a few pictures and then we had a little photo shoot. Having a little girl to dress up is so much fun!

Grabbing her toes

Does it get any cuter than this?

In The Mirror and Cereal..

2011-10-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

B has found herself in the mirror and it is the funniest thing. She loves to smile, talk, and laugh at herself. I love it! Everytime we hold her up to the mirror she does something funny. It just makes me smile and laugh!
I would love to know what she is thinking.. Hmm...

And.. yesterday, I gave her some cereal for the first time and I'm thinking she liked it. What do you think? Several of my friends have said that cereal really helped their baby with reflux. So, I decided what the heck.. let's give it a try. I've put it in her bottle once before too and I may do that some as well. But, yesterday I decided to give it to her with a spoon. We go back to the doctor next week and we'll see what he says about letting her have some food. I can't wait to see what she does.

Of course, most of it ended up all over the bib but it was fun to watch her try to eat it!

Pinterest Projects..

2011-10-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Yeah! With the help of some friends, I am finally on Pinterest and of course I am addicted. Facebook is old news now. ;) I have found some really great ideas and the recipes are awesome! I don't guess I'll ever lose weight now..too many yummy things to make! I made these yummy Peanut Butter Brownies this weekend and I swear I could have eaten all of them. They were delish and super easy!

I also decided to get crafty with my pumpkins. I did Burkleigh's initial on one and then all three of her initials on the little one. I thought they turned out pretty cute and I can't wait to take her picture by them. Thanks pinterest for the inspiration!

I also found a cute pumpkin wreath for my front door. It was just what I was looking for. I love that it is two sided so I can use it through November. Pretty cute huh?

Happy Fall everyone!

Mama Said..

2011-10-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

There'd be days like this.. there'd be days like this my mama said!! I've been singing that song in my head today. Today has been one of THOSE days where nothing has gone right.

My head is throbbing.. I just need to go to sleep. I am one tired mama and this sweet thang has had a very unhappy day . I think she cried, whined, cried, screamed, and whined some more pretty much all day. =( Poor baby..Makes for an unhappy momma too.

I think she's teething. She has all the symptoms.. fussiness, difficulty sleeping, drooling, putting everything in her mouth, chewing on her clothes and anything she can get her hands on. She just seems to be uncomfortable.

She has been off her schedule for several days now and teething is the only thing I can think that might be the reason or a growth spurt? I don't know.. maybe someone can give me some advice. Did your child do this when they were teething? She usually takes 2 good naps during the day for at least 2 hours each and lately she has been taking 2 or maybe 3 30 minute naps. Bless her! She gets so worked up and just cries and cries wtih her thumb in her mouth but can't sleep long.

Today, I had lunch with a sweet friend and when I got her out of her car seat she was all red and splotchy around her eyes and forehead. I seriously thought something was wrong with her. But, no, she had just worked herself up screaming in the car and pretty much the whole time at lunch because she was so tired but wouldn't go to sleep. Her eyes get really red anyway when she's tired but never anything like that. I'm sure Sherry never wants to eat with us again. Everytime we go, B cries... Poor baby..

She is just not the happy, go with the flow baby and it makes it hard to get out and do things. Someone PLEASE tell me it will get easier and it will go away. Everytime I have a lunch date with a friend, she cries. Sometimes, I think it's not even worth going. She seems to be fussy more than she is happy. =( I sure hope thats just a stage and will get better.

It's a good thing I am a homebody and like being at home cause it seems she does too. But, I love fall weather and I want to be able to get out and about. Just not with a fussy child. Sometimes, its just not worth it. Poor baby..

She finally passed out about 6:00 tonight. We'll see how long she lasts. I'm off to bed myself. I"m hoping tomorrow will be a better day!

It's hard work being a momma! =)

Happy Weekend everyone!

Just Like Daddy..

2011-10-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

It's no secret my child looks just like her daddy.

Every time I put a picture of her on facebook,

I get at least one comment saying how much she looks just like her daddy.

It's a good thing her daddy is a cutie.
Cause we sure do think she is.

I'm pretty sure she has him wrapped around her little finger.

You can't tell by this picture but she sure does smile at her daddy

when he comes home and talks to her.

It is the sweetest thing.

She sure does love her daddy and I do too! =)

I bet she's gonna be a daddy's girl for sure!

A trip to Selma..

2011-10-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, mom and I took B to Selma to see my grandparents while the boys stayed home. We haven't seen them since B was about a week old so we decided to head down for the day to spend some time with them. It was a short trip and B didn't really cooperate. =( Don't know what I"m going to do with the child that will ONLY nap in her swing. Makes for long trips.. however, she did great at the beach and we didn't have the swing and at the lake. Not sure what her deal was. I think it was just too much for her. She only slept for 30 min in the car on the way down and she usually naps for about 2-3 hours in the morning. Then, when we got there she only napped for about an hour the whole time we were there. So, lets just say she was really fussy. She cried and whined most of the day. She was so tired but she wouldn't go to sleep. Pitiful! It made for a long day but we got a few pictures before all the crying began.

Both my sweet grandmothers.. love them!

B and great grandma

B with great nanny and pappy

Nanny and B

Little bit

Playing in her bouncy

Love that sweet face

A sweet friend reminded me that she won't go to kindergarten napping in her swing and I had to laugh! I guess she is right and this is just the stage when are in right now. You just never know how she's gonna be. I'm gonna try really hard to get her to nap in other places but I haven't been successful so far. =( I'm looking on the bright side and I'm thankful that she will at least take naps in her swing so I can get some things done and she is a great sleeper at night too. The swing has definitly been a lifesaver and I don't know what we would have done without it. =)

3 month pictures..

2011-10-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

My little bit is growing up! Mom and I took her to get her picture made on Friday and she cooperated for a little bit! =) We got some good ones and I was really pleased with Portrait Innovations. That was our first time to use them and I will definitly go back. For the money, it is well worth it. You can spend as little or as much as you want and the best part is.. you take the pictures home with you that day!! I was sold when I heard that because I am the worst when it comes to printing off pictures. Seriously, I just printed off her newborn pictures that we had made when she was 7 days old. How sad is that? Time gets away from me but we had a great experience and I plan to take her every 3 months or so and get them made. I also got the CD with all the pictures on it.. FREE!! I swear.. great deal for the money.. sometimes pictures can be SOO expensive!

The gown she wore home from the hospital

She wore 2 outfits that my mom made and I love both of them. Oh.. and one more shout out about portrait innovations.. you don't have to pay a sitting fee either! Maybe now, I can afford to go get her picture made more than every 3 months..=)

Random thoughts and pictures....

2011-09-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

*How is it possible that I am up and showered and dressed =) before my child is?? Go Me!! This is a first and yes, she is still sleeping and its 8:05.. oh how I love sleeping through the night!!

*Yes, I still don't get showers every day. Oh well..that's just part of it.

*I am loving the new fall show, Up All Night. Have you seen it? OMG.. it's so funny and the little girl is just too cute. One of our favorites and Revenge. I must say I'm sad I'm not into Dancing with the Stars this time. First time I haven't watched.. just wasn't so sure about the cast. I am loving the new season of 19 Kids and Counting and Kendra. Yes, I watch her!

*I am additcted to facebook clothing auctions. And, I'm going broke buying Burkleigh smocked outfits every night.. ha! Well.. not really every night but at least once a week. I need to quit but I just can't! Smocked Auctions is a favorite.. like their fb page. You won't be disappointed. I have already bought 3 christmas outfits, a pumpkin dress and a turkey dress. You just can't beat the prices.

*Yes, my mom sews but she doesn't have time to make my child all the cute dresses that I like. So, I still have to buy them. But, I am very lucky that she knows how to do it. She is super talented and makes the cutest stuff. She is teaching me how to monogram. Not too hard.. but appliques.. that's another story!
*I am also addicted to Mickey D's Caramel Frappes. I swear I want one every day. And, it doesn't help that they are less than a mile down the street from me.

*I need a new wardrobe. It's been too long since I've shopped for clothes not prego that I don't even know what to wear anymore. I did buy a new pair of jeans the other day.. I missed my Joe's and a cute pair of silver flats. Love them! I'm in the process of cleaning out my closet and getting ready to consign it all! Well.. most of it anyway!

*I need to have a garage sale too.

*I had a dream last night that I was pregnant with another little girl. Oh my! I did say dream.. not real!!

*I really want a cute pumpkin wreath for my front door that has our name on it. A neighbor friend has one and it is too cute! Anyone seen one? I looked on etsy.. love that site too!

*I still can't get onto Pinterest. For the love? Can anyone help me out?? I've sent them like 5 emails requesting an invite and they still haven't sent me one. It's driving me nuts that I can't get on there. I know I will love it!

*I ordered an Erin Condren life planner the other night. I am SO excited about it. I have never spent that kind of money on a planner before but I just had to have it. I think it will help me get my life in order.. ha!! We'll see.. stay tuned!

*I can't believe Christmas is in 3 months.. can you? I am NOT waiting until the last minute to get gifts this year. I refuse. I have already started making my list and I have bought one thing already! Any ideas on some good ideas for B? She will be 6 months by then? Wow.. time flies!

*Motherhood is extremely hard but So worth it. I have a new appreciation for SAHM. Hardest job EVER!! Hands down! Anyone that says its easy is lying! I'm so thankful to be doing it but its not always peaches and cream. Thankfully, it is getting a little easier and I am beginning to get the hang of it. I might not can always go to dinner out with friends, or play Bunko each month but I love being a mommy and wouldn't trade it for anything!

*I don't think I tell my husband nearly enough what a good daddy he is! I went to dinner with a girlfriend the other night and he put B to bed. On my way home, I get a text that says she is screaming. You on your way? Bless him... She needed to burp and woke herself up in a tizzy. It has only taken me 3 months to figure this child out.. =) He tried though.. good job daddy!

*I want a massage badly.. I think I might get one next week!

*B has turned into a really good sleeper (at night especially) She is taking 2 good naps a day and is on a pretty good schedule. It helps to have that schedule.. for my sanity too!

*It's still hard to figure out when is a good time to leave and run errands with her. She still seems to fuss and she will only nap in her swing.. =( We've got to work on napping in the car seat for longer than 30 min.

*I love my iphone.. how did I make it this long without it? ha! My favorite app is the Photo 365 and I've been taking a picture a day of B. What a great keepsake too! I also love the transfer photo app. You can transfer your pictures from your phone to your computer without having to plug any cords up and its really fast too! Love that!

* I am in a bible study on Wednesday mornings at my church. One of the local news ladies is leading it and it is all about encouragement. She is a breast cancer survivor and she is such an inspiration to hear speak. I am really enjoying it and B gets to spend some QT with her Mimi in the mornings.

* I am really missing my niece and nephews in Ohio. I was really looking forward to makign the trip up for Halloween but Jamie can't get off work. Sad!! =( Maybe soon!! Miss you all!

*I love my nook and am currently reading The Glass Castle. Anyone read it? So far so good.

*I almost finished this post before B woke up.. she slept till 8:30 wow! And Daddy got this picture sent to him. He gets a picture or two every day!

*I finally got some pictures printed out and put in B's baby book. I think I am almost caught up.

*Burkleigh gets her 3 month pictures made tomorrow. I hope she cooperates!

Happy Thursday everyone!

2 years of blogging..

2011-09-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

Two years ago this month, I first started my blog. My best friend, Shelly encouraged me to do it so I would have a great scrapbook of our life. We went to college together and one of our favorite things to do was scrapbook our sorority memories. We would have all night scrapbook parties and have the best time staying up all night cropping pictures, cutting paper, thinking of cute ideas for our books. We had the best time and I cherish those books to this day! I hate that "life" has gotten in the way and we just don't have the time to do it anymore. They were the cutest books! But, thankfully we can make really cute books with Shutterfly. Those are the best and will end up being Burkleigh's baby books for sure along with the blog!

A lot has happened in two years of blogging. When I first began, Jamie and I had been married for a little over a year and had just moved in to our new home together. I still remember that day like yesterday. School was about to start and I should have been getting my classroom together but instead we were moving. We've come to really enjoy our little home and I'm so thankful for the memories we've already made.

Our honeymoon, July 2008

We went through a long road of infertilty and not understanding why our hopes and dreams were not coming true. We fought through it for over a year and it was very hard and trying. Anyone that has been through it totally can relate. It is something you don't wish on anyone. I think we both learned a lot about ourselves and our faith and for that time, I am forever grateful. I know it has shaped me into the person I am today and the mom I have become. Sometimes it takes a storm for you to see God's hand at work and even though I'm not sure why anyone has to go through trying times like that I know I am stronger because of it.

We celebrated fun times together and went on many trips and had a great time just the two of us. Life was great but we were still missing something to make our family complete. Then, in October 2010, we find out we are pregnant. So many emotions were going on in my little head that morning and I couldn't believe the test was positive. After getting confirmation from the doctor that I was in fact pregnant, it finally began to sink in that our hopes and dreams for our family were about to come true. Our God is an awesome God!

Then, blogging began to take on a new meaning and blogging about pregnancy each week was so fun! And, on June 15, 2011 our lives forever changed when our sweet little angel entered the world. Although she didn't cry at first, when I finally heard that cry I was so overwhelmed with this little miracle of life that God had given to us. She was our child and I was finally a mommy. Wow! It's still hard to believe. Pregnancy is truly a miracle and a gift from God. Burkleigh Ann has changed our lives so much in just these 3 months of her life and I am so grateful for the blog to keep up with her latest happenings, changes and to document keepsakes.

Who knew that the blog would turn into this but I am so thankful I decided to take the plunge and do it. It is truly turned into something that I really enjoy and I love reading so many others blogs as well. I get the best ideas from blogs and its great to be able to keep up with so many of my friends and their families. Even when our lives change and I can't remember when things happened, I will always have the blog to look back on. Last September I decided to print the blog into a book and I plan to do this each year. I used this site blog2print.com and was really pleased with it. So, today I will be ordering my 2nd book.

Yeah for another year of blogging.. here's to many more!!

The Help..

2011-09-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

I finally got to see The Help this weekend and it did not disappoint. I loved it! Although, I think I loved the book better but the movie was awesome. I just wish it wouldn't have ended the way it did.. I'm hoping there is going to be a sequel.. maybe? I won't give the ending away so go see it if you haven't. It's hard to believe that is really the way it was back then and I can't imagine being treated that way or living through all that. It's a powerful movie and the book was oh so funny! I loved the characters seeing them on the big screen is also so fun after reading the book and picturing in my head what they may look like. Mae Mobley was adorable and of course, I loved Abileen and Minny. Miss Skeeter was great too and Miss Hilly was protrayed just like I thought she would be. I have to say I wasn't a big fan of Miss Celia's in the book but in the movie she was great and I really loved her character. I know I'll never forget these famous words from the book.
You is kind. You is smart. You is important. I'm already telling sweet baby girl that and I hope she grows up knowing that too. Words are so powerful!

Hope you all had a good weekend too. Saturdays in the south are pretty much all about football so B and daddy got to spend some QT together while I got to get a pedicure and go to the movies. She was a happy girl and daddy said she was good so I hope we're beginning to see a little turn around. =) I'm hoping its the 3 month miracle that everyone has told me about. She seems to be back to her good sleeping habits at night. I'm a little scared to type this cause I don't want to jinx myself but she's been sleeping through the night again for the past week! Woo hoo!! And.. sleeping from 7pm-7am so I guess the growing spurt is over!

I hope she keeps this up.. I sure do feel so much better when I get a good nights sleep.

But, I wouldn't trade those middle of the night feedings for anything! Love my sweet girl!

Happy Monday everyone!

Cousins..

2011-09-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Burkleigh got to meet her new first cousin this past weekend, Reagan Marie Haley. She is so tiny and precious. B looks so big compared to her. I can't believe she was that little just 3 months ago. Wow! Time is flying by. I knew it would and I am soaking up every second with her and enjoying our days together.
I know she and Reagan are going to love having each other to play with and grow up together. They will always have each other and I am so thankful for that. I look forward to lots of fun family times and vacations in the future. Thank you God for our two little blessings. They are both our little miracle babies!

3 months apart.. =)

Little Reagan Marie

Brothers and the babes.. love it!

And for those of you out there who are still anxiously waiting on your little miracle, just never give up. Remember God's plans are greater than ours and always look to him. Both Reagan and Burkleigh are proof that miracles happen every day! Jeremiah 29:11

War Eagle...

2011-09-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know we lost our first game since winning 17. It was bound to happen sooner or later.. Win or lose, I still love my tigers. We stayed at home yesterday to watch the game and B looked so cute in her little outfit. She loves football.. she was content to just lay on the couch and watch tv.. well.. for about 20 minutes! =) War Eagle anyway!

Hope all your teams won and you had a great weekend!

Burkleigh Ann is three months...

2011-09-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness.. time needs to slow down! You are three months old!!

Here's what you are up too:

*You weigh 11 lbs and 15 1/2 oz.

*You are smiling, laughing, cooing at us all the time now.

*You are really reaching for your toys and grabbing them. You love your play mat and will just talk to your toys and hold on tight to them. You hold on tight to our fingers too.

*You rolled over for the first time on the floor. I put you on your tummy on your mat and you rolled right on to your back. You are a strong little thing. You've done this once before on the couch too but not on the floor. You were holding your head up and just looking all around.

*You have found your toes and are beginning to grab them when you are laying down.

*You love your bath but you hate to get lotion on and get dressed. You cry/scream almost every time.

*You have gotten a little ecezma on your legs and arms. We are lathering you up with cream.

*You were sleeping through the night and now you have gone back to your old ways.. =( I hope this will change soon. You are back to getting up about once into the night. You still sleep good though!

*Mommy is trying really hard to get you on a schedule. You are beginning to eat every 3-4 hours. You were such a little snacker and it was hard to get you eating consistently. Mommy was worried that you weren't getting enough because sometimes you won't eat a lot during the day. (1-2 oz) But, Dr. Andy says you will eat when you get hungry and you are gaining weight. You are in the 50th percentile. You eat about 3-4 oz during the day and in the evenings will eat about every 2 hours and your last bottle will usually be 5-6 oz. I think you're gonna be a little petite thing.

*When you get sleepy, you will rub your eyes and grab your ear. Your little eyelids will get red too. During the day, you fight sleep and will usually cry when I put you down.

*You have decided to be a thumb sucker..just like mommy! You won't really take the paci anymore. Oh well.. one less thing to keep up with! At least you can sooth yourself!

*Clothes: 0-3 months beginning to wear 3 months things

*Diapers: 1-2 and a 2 at night

*You love to watch TV. You just stare at all the colors.

*You are high maintenance. You only sleep in your swings for naps and if I put you anywhere else you will only sleep for about 30 minutes and will sleep in your swing 2-4 hours.

*You are not the greatest when we get out and about. Every time I seem to have a lunch date or go places, you decide to cry or scream. But, as long as I am at home you are fine. I hope this changes real soon.

*You were a fussy little girl but lately you have stopped being so fussy!! Yeah! Maybe it is the 3 month turn around.. =)

*We had to increase your reflux medicine and I think your little tummy is finally starting to feel better. Poor baby.

*You love your "bug" toy rattle and your new duck toy. You always smile at them and you are grabbing them and putting them in your mouth.

Happy 3 months! We love you so!!

Reagan Marie Haley

2011-09-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I'm an aunt again!! My sister in law, Melissa had her baby on Wednesday, Sept. 14th at 1:43 pm. She weighed 6 lbs and 12 oz and is just perfect. She has a head full of dark hair just like her cousin, Burkleigh does. I can't wait for them to meet this weekend and grow up together. She is just the cutest thing and was so sweet the whole time I got to hold her. Welcome to the world sweet baby girl. We are so glad you are here!

The sweetest sounds..

2011-09-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Love to wake up to this in the morning. She is cooing and laughing out loud. I just love those sweet sounds. She has started to grab her toys and just smile at them. We got a new duck toy and she loves him. It is soo sweet!

The video is about 2 min and the middle is where she laughs. =)

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend with family and friends. On Friday, Burkleigh and I had a great lunch date with my two best friends from high school and their little ones. It was so great to see them and I'm so thankful we have all reconnected and are in each others lives. Their baby boys are just precious and I look forward to many more play dates to come. Baby Jonah is 1 month old and Noah is 4 months old so B is right in the middle. It's hard to believe we all have babies. Between the 3 of us, we have 7 kiddos. They each have 3 and that just blows my mind. It seems like yesterday we were in high school and spending the night at each others houses and doing silly things. Its hard to believe we are all moms.

Christy, Kristi and me

Jonah, Noah and Burkleigh

Me and sweet baby girl

Christy and Noah

Baby Jonah slept the whole time

Of course, little miss didn't want to miss anything so she was awake and taking it all in.

On Saturday, we headed to the lake with my parents and grandparents who came up from Selma. It was a pretty yucky weekend and we didn't even get out on the water =( We stayed in and watched football.. War Eagle and played games. Burkleigh loved Rummikub..she would just stare at the colored tiles and talk to them. We went for several stroller rides and she rode in her stroller for the first time without her car seat. I think she liked it! It was a fun weekend and I can't believe the weather is turning so chilly. Fall is on the way!

This picture just makes me smile!

Daddy reading to B

Playing games at the lake

Nanny and B

Sweet pea

Chilling in my stroller..

Burkleigh's first beach trip and Sleeping thru the night...

2011-09-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last week was a fabulous week! It was just what mommy needed... a getaway to the beach! We haven't done much traveling this summer..its been too hot for one thing and quite frankly too much trouble with a newborn. But, we decided to give the beach a go since Jamie had some more vacation time to use. I wasn't so sure about going at first.. the thought of 5 hours in the car with a screaming child (she usually doesn't cooperate too well in the car), packing for all of us, dealing with a usually fussy child just kinda made me want to stay home. But, I talked my sweet mom into going with us and after that I felt better about going. B could stay inside with Mimi and not have to be in the heat the whole time and Jamie and I could just chill and relax. I am soo glad we did it!! B was awesome! The best she has ever been and we all had a great time in the sun, sand, water, eating seafood, watching Big Brother, and mom and I got to finish reading The Help. It was such a nice getaway.

We stayed at a friends penthouse in Guf Shores and it was such a treat. The best part of the whole trip.. Burkleigh SLEPT THRU THE NIGHT!!! Woo hoo!! Something mommy has been lookign forward to for a while. =) Her reflux medicine is finally beginning to kick in and she is a much happier baby. Wow! What a difference it makes.. =) We all got some much needed rest and came home and put a black out shade in B's room so she would sleep longer. I decided thats what was helping her to sleep so good. She has been sleeping thru the night at home too since we did that. Yeah and we didn't even have to do the crying it out. Thank goodness.. mommy can't take all that. She has always been a good night sleeper.. its just during the day that she doesn't always cooperate. But, thats fine with me.. I would much rather have her sleeping at night. Can't wait to go back in April with the whole family!

Dinner at LuLu's

Swimming in the pool for the first time

When we got home Pops took Burkleigh for her first swim in the pool. She loved it! =)

Burkleigh Ann is two months..

2011-08-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

You have already changed so much in just one month.

Time is flying by and I am so thankful for this time at home with you, little bit. I wouldn't trade it for the world. You change and grow so much every day and I'm so thankful I get to see it all.

You are smiling and cooing at us all the time. I just love to hear you make your sweet noises.

You love your bouncy seat and your swing. You take most of your naps in your swing and you sleep in your nap nanny at night still. You like to be elevated... you will lay flat some but you won't sleep for long periods of time laying flat. We found out at our last dr. visit that you have reflux, so I guess that explains why you like to be elevated. We started you on Prilosec and hopefully in a week or so your tummy will be better.

You have so much hair! Some of it sticks up in the back..we have to wet it down. Who knew a 2 mo. old would need styling products on their hair.. lol!

You love to hold your lovey when you go to sleep.. it is so sweet!!

You weigh 10 lbs and 8 oz. now and 22 3/4 in... what a big girl!

You wear size 1 diapers.

You are still wearing your newborn and 0-3 months clothes.

You are eating about 3-4 oz every 3-5hours. Mommy is still pumping and giving you a bottle during the day and nursing at night. You are doing well with it.

You sleep really good at night. You have gone 9 hours one time without getting up. But, that has only happened once. Mostly you are going anywhere from 4-7 hours. I usually get up once in the night. You are doing so much better wtih yoru naps. You take a good morning nap and will sleep from 3-4 hours and then you take several little afternoon naps for an hour or so.

You love your mobile and will just sit and watch it for a while. You are holding your head up good and are a strong little girl. Your not crazy about tummy time but you like it okay.

You are not crazy about the car and hated your Peg Perego car seat. We bought a new one and you seem to like it much better. It makes for long car rides when you fuss and mommy can't take all the screaming. You are a really good baby and you only cry when you need something. A lot of times its because of your tummy and you need to burp. So, hopefully this medicine will help. You are a gassy little one too!

As long as we are home, you are on a good schedule. You will get up/eat/wake and play/nap. You aren't up for more than 2 to 3 hours at a time before you start fussing and need a nap. I'm hoping you will learn to take naps in your car seat so we can get out more but for now we mostly stay home cause you are content at home. Mommy is too! =)

You still aren't crazy about a paci. You only like it when you are really tired and most of the time I have to hold it in your mouth. You still can't keep it in there that good. You have started putting your whole hand in your mouth to suck and suck. You will suck on your fingers but you have a hard time getting your thumb in your mouth. You keep your little fist balled up and your thumb inside your fingers.. it is really sweet.

We had our first lunch date together with Sherry and John Tanner. You fussed for a little bit and then fell asleep in my arms. That didn't last long though.. as soon as I put you down you woke right up.

You went out to eat for the first time with mommy and daddy on Mommy's birthday.

Mommy and daddy had a date night with our friends, The Powers and you stayed with Mimi and Pops. You were a good little girl.

We are headed to the beach next week for our first family vacation. I pray that you won't scream and yell the whole time in the car. I think the change of scenery will all do us some good and the beach always makes me happy!

We love you very much little bit and can't wait to see you grow and change each month.

33

2011-08-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

My birthday was last Friday and I woke up to these beautiful flowers on my doorstep.

Thanks to my brother, SIL and kiddos. They are so prettty!

My first birthday as a mommy and it was very special. I got to spend it with some of my favorite people. I had lunch with my best friend, Leah at Olexa's and it was yummy. We even went shopping a bit after lunch and it was fun to catch up with her.

That night, we went to dinner with my parents to Margarita Grill and it was Burkleigh's first out to eat! She did pretty well.. got a little fussy towards the end but it was loud so no one even knew.

We came home and celebrated with a yummy cake from Olexa's. It was an awesome day!

Jamie bought me an iphone.. so I have officially retired the blackberry and mom and dad bought me a Nook. I can't wait to get to reading. If you have any good recommendations on iphone apps that you love or any good books to read, feel free to comment. I would love to hear. The Help is on my reading list first.

Melissa's Baby Shower..

2011-08-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago was my sister in law, Melissa's baby shower. She is due at the end of September with a little girl. They are naming her Reagan Marie Haley and we can't wait to meet her and add another little girl to our family. Burkleigh and Reagan will be 3 months apart and I know they will be the best of friends. It will be so fun to watch both of our girls grow up together and be so close in age.

Me and Melissa

The precious decorations

Some of my favorite people

Her monogrammed gown

Happy 5th..

2011-08-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

To the most precious niece, Hannah Rose!

I just love this child to death and can't believe she is already five! Her birthday was yesterday and we all got to face time each other and sing happy birthday. Her party was Sunday and she had a clown come and do balloons and paint faces. I know the kids really enjoyed it and I wish we could have all been there for the fun. She starts kindergarten this year and its just hard to believe! We love her very much. Happy Birthday from all of us.. Burkleigh Ann misses you very much!! Big hugs!

Boys and their toys..

2011-08-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe it when my super thrify dad called me on the phone to say that he had bought Burkleigh a vehicle. We were all stunned and trying to figure out what in the world he was talking about. I just love my daddy! He has taught me so much about life, love, family and mostly finances. He is an engineer and he jack of all trades. He can do it all and he does! We've always joked that dad is gonna die outside doing a project because he is to stubborn to hire someone to do it.. why would he do that when he can do it himself. =) He is always willing to help out and I don't know what I would do without my daddy. I call him all the time asking questions about to how fix this and that. I think my sweet hubby is a little jealous but he is definitly learning from the best. Dad has taught him so much.. I say all of this so that you will understand how frugal my daddy is. He is always looking for the best deals and he LOVES craigslist. I think he has a slight obsession with it. So, when he said he bought B a vehicle we all immediately thought he bought a new boat for the lakehouse.. which we do need. =) But, no he didn't.. this is what my 63 year old daddy is gonna be cruising around town in...

I don't think Burkleigh will be riding dad! If you see him, be sure to honk and wave! We think he has lost his mind but I know he will love riding around in his new ride. Maybe next time we can talk him into buying that boat for all of us to enjoy! =)

The best gift..

2011-08-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

We sent these precious announcements out to some of our friends and family last week. I just love how they turned out!

the front..

the back..

She is the best gift for sure! And.. I wanted to share a special gift that Burkleigh received from her Aunt Heather and cousins. I am in love with this personalized children's name book. Have you seen these? They are soo cute!

It is personalized with her name and on each page it spells out a new letter in her name and has an animal that matches the letter. The story tells how special her name is! It's just the neatest thing. They have all different kinds of books that you can make too.. a name book, big sister, big brother, fairy tales, etc.. go here and check it out! You can take a virtual tour of all the different books and see exactly how they will turn out. I love the big brother/big sister ones! What a great gift for a special little one.

Happy Birthday Mimi!

2011-08-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday was my sweet momma's 63rd birthday! Since the kids were here for the week, we had a little birthday party for her. They loved decorating the table with confetti, blowing up balloons, hanging up the banner and yelling "Surprise" to Mimi. I think she was suprised.. especially when she opened her present..the I Pad! Wow! My mom is more technology savy than I am. I would have never guessed she would get one before we did. But, we are having fun playing with it and the best part is FaceTime. The kids love it and its great when we can't see each other as often as we would like! Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you were spoiled and know how loved you are. We love you dearly and appreciate all you do for us. You're the best!! Here's to many, many more...

Blessed..

2011-07-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

I am a big country music fan and one of my favorite songs by Martina McBride is Blessed. I just love it and I tear up everytime I hear it! It gives me chills and reminds me of my life right now and how I am feeling. Here is the chorus in case you don't know it!

I have been blessed

And I feel like I’ve found my way

I thank God for all I’ve been given

At the end of every day

I have been blessed

With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones

That love me

To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed

I feel blessed to be a mommy.

Every girl dreams about the day when she will get married, have kids and that perfect little family. It's still so hard for me to believe it has come true...after many long years and hard times.. God is faithful and always has an amazing plan. I am so thankful for that! Getting up every morning to this sweet thang has made me realize how lucky I am to be a mommy. I am so thankful for this "job" and I am loving every minute with this precious girl.

As summer dies down and school is about to be in full swing. It seems a little weird for me not to be at school getting my room ready, shopping for school supplies, etc and it hasn't fully sunk in just yet that I am not going back to work next year. I feel so blessed to be able to stay at home with our little one and enjoy her and her firsts throughout her first year of life. I couldn't imagine having to go back to work right now with an almost 6 week old. She is still so tiny and new and changes so much every day. I just love her to pieces!

I feel blessed to have such an awesome hubby and daddy. I can't say enough good things about my sweet hubby and how I love him more after our daughter was born. He is such a great dad and helper and Burkleigh loves him so. I appreciate him more every day and what a hard worker he is to be such a good provider for our family. The other day I went to get my toes done (what a treat) and daddy stayed home with B. When I got back, this is how they were..so sweet! He takes such good care of our baby girl and I couldn't ask for more!

I feel blessed to have such great family. Burkleigh Ann got to meet some special people this week. My brother, sis n law, Chase, Hannah Rose and Carter. To say that Hannah Rose was excited would be an understatement. She was in heaven! She loved holding her, feeding her and pretending she was her baby doll. Soo cute! I know these two will be the best of friends.

It looks like Heather is nursing my child.. ha! I promise, she's not!

All of the cousins

I feel blessed each day to get up and enjoy this life I am living. I thank God for all I've been given and I just can't say it enough.. thank you God for blessing our family with our baby girl. She has forever changed us and we are forever grateful.

Burkleigh Ann is one month..

2011-07-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

It's already been one month! Wow! That was fast. You are growing and changing every day!

You are beginning to smile at us when we talk to you..although daddy says that doesn't count as your first official smile! You smile in your sleep when we give you a bottle and you doze off. It's so sweet.

Daddy and I just stare and stare at you and smile at each other. We love to watch you sleep and all the sweet faces and noises you make.

Last week, we took you the doctor to weigh you and you weighed 8lbs 7oz. You are beginning to be a big girl!

Mommy has stopped nursing you during the day and I am pumping and giving you a bottle. It is going soo much better.. you are such a big eater that I couldn't keep up with you! YOu were soo fussy and I think mommy was starving you! I've had to supplement with formula a little and we are trying to find the right one. We gave you the sensitive one and you threw it up twice.. poor baby! Scared mommy to death! You are eating anywhere from 3-4ounces ever 3-4 hours.

We really wish you would take the paci all the time! YOu are very wishy washy with the paci and your fingers/thumb. Thanks to Aunt Shelly we got you a wub a nub and you like it okay. We're gonna keep trying!

*You slept through the night twice when you were two weeks old and you did it again last night. 10-5 so hopefully you will begin to do that more consistently!

Diapers: You are still wearing newborn and size 1

Clothes: premie outfits and newborn and some 0-3 months

Sweet face

Mommy smocked you this little daygown many years ago when I was learning to smock. It's the one and only thing I ever made cause I just knew God was going to bless us with a baby girl one day that could wear it. It's a little big but you looked so sweet in it. I can't wait to make you more!

You still haven't met your Aunt Heather, Uncle Chad and cousins. They will be here this week and they can't wait to meet you!

*Mommy and Daddy had our first night out and Mimi and Pops kept you while we went to dinner. You were such a good girl.. you slept the whole time!

*You are a good sleeper and you have gotten so much better about taking naps during the day since you are getting full now!

We can't wait to see you grow and change each month!

3 weeks..

2011-07-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

Our little sweetie pie is 3 weeks old! Time is flying! You change so much everyday! You are a joy to our lives. Happy 3 weeks! We love you Burkleigh Ann!

You are beginning to like your paci! We finally found the ones you like.. nuk!

Your umbilical cord finally fell off and you got your first real bath this week! You loved your big girl tub!

The 4th and the 5th..

2011-07-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Burkleigh celebrated her first fourth of July yesterday! We had a great day! Jamie enjoyed the day off and we went over to mom and dads to cook out and swim some. The weather ended up not being so great but we enjoyed a yummy meal for sure.. barbecue chicken, pork chops, slaw, potato salad, corn, pineapple upside down cake and cupcakes! Mom outdid herself! Burkleigh slept most of the day, which she doesn't usually do at home. Mom thinks I am making up stories about my child that won't take naps, so I guess we're just gonna have to go to Mimi and Pops house more often! And..today is our 3rd anniversary! Happy Anniversary babe.. I love you more and more every day. You are an awesome hubby and daddy. It melts my heart to see you take care of our daughter!

Our family of 3

Love my baby girl!

Pops and Burkleigh chillin

This is what happens when you try to put a bow in your head..

Pretty much how she spent her first fourth!

Snoozing with daddy

Burkleigh and Mimi

My cutie pie

Newborn pictures..

2011-07-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

We had Burkleigh's pictures made when she was 9 days old at Catchlight Studios downtown. My friend, Jennifer takes pictures and does a great job so I was so excited for her to take Burkleigh's pictures. Of course, they turned out great. I had to buy the cd so we could have all of them and I'm having a hard time deciding which ones to use for the announcment. Thanks Jenn for a great job even though Burkleigh wasn't fully cooperating! =) Here's a few of our favorites:

A baby changes everything..

2011-07-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

I am loving being a mommy and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world but it has definitly been a challenge these first 2 1/2 weeks at home. Its taken me a while to get back in the groove of blogging and finding the time to blog. I really hope to do better. These first few weeks at home we've been figuring out the ropes and what this cry means, and what she likes and doesn't like. We've learned quite a lot and we've even been on a few outings. Not many just yet.. mommy is really trying to do better. I know it won't be long.. I'm starting to get that cabin fever for sure. I've enjoyed being at home and just trying to get things figured out. It makes me extremely thankful that I will be able to stay at home next year wtih her. I am cherishing this time we have together and I am holding her as much as I possibly can. I know I will miss these moments one day! You have already grown and changed so much just in these two weeks.. I can't wait to see what you look like as you continue to grow. Everyone says you look just like your daddy and I see it too. There is no denying that one but mom showed me several pictures of when I was little and it melted my heart. Burkleigh, you definitly look like your momma too! I was so happy to see it! =) I think you are a good mix of mommy and daddy!

Happy 1st Fathers day, Daddy!

She loves to hold on to our fingers.. so sweet!

Precious baby girl

Great grandma came to visit

Nanny and Pappy came to visit too

Chillin in the bouncy seat

1st stroller ride

I love my swing!

I love my daddy

Your outfit is too big.. not much fits you just yet!

Looking at your toys on your activity mat

So alert!

THis is how you usually sleep

5 days old going to the pediatricain for the first time

Dr. Andy checking you out.. you didn't like it!

First spongebath

Getting cleaned

All clean

You loved your first little bath

A few thigns to remember from our first few weeks at home:
* You don't like to be swaddled..you love your hands and are constantly moving them in the air and all around. You love to have your hands out when we wrap a blanket around you.
*You are doing really well nursing and you love to eat!! All you do is eat.
*You loved to be cuddled, held, sang to, talked to, read to. You are so content when you are in someones arms.
* You are gaining weight like you should. When we left the hospital you were down to 6 lbs and 9 oz. We went to the pediatrican when you were 5 days old and you weighed 6 lbs. 13oz and we went back at 2 weeks and you are up to 7 lbs. 7 oz. Yeah!
*You are not a big paci fan. You sucked on it a few times in the hospital but when we try to give it to you, you make weird faces and act like you are choking. You are starting to really suck on your fingers more and occasionally will take the paci.
*You love your swing.. thank goodness! And.. your nap nanny.. you sleep it in most every night!
*You love your car seat and riding in the car.. for the most part.
*You went on your first stroller ride around the block and you loved it! Didn't fuss one bit.
*You are a good sleeper.. at nightime! We are working on being a better sleeper in the day. You slept through the night (7hrs) for the first time when you were only 2 weeks old!! Good for you!!
*You make the sweetest sounds.. we love to watch you make faces and noises. So precious!
*We gave you your first spongebath when you were 5 days old and you loved it!
*Your first out to eat was to Newk's for lunch.. you slept through it the whole time.
*You are very alert in the mornings and afternoons and love for me to just talk to you or sing to you. You just watch and listen..it is so sweet.
*You have been to the pediatiatrican twice and everytime we get a great report. Dr. Andy says you are perfect!

*You are the sweetest baby girl and you make our hearts melt and we love you so Burkleigh Ann! You have changed our lives so much and we are blessed to be your parents. Thank you God for our precious miracle baby! Our life has been greatly blessed!

Coming Home..

2011-07-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

We left the hospital on Friday, June 17th. It was bittersweet.. we were ready to be home in our own beds with our own stuff but it was so nice to have someone right there when you needed them too. I knew we were in good hands. Mom came home with us and stayed for a week and it was so nice. I'm not sure what I would have done without her. I have always been close to my mom but once you have a baby you really realize how much you appreciate your mom!! I have never been so thankful!! Love you momma!!

Our family of 3

She looked adorable in her outfit my mom made

These little booties were worn by me, my brother, my 2 nephews and niece, my mom, my aunt and my uncle.

This blanket was used when my brother and I came home from the hosptial and my 2 nephews and niece.

Mimi made her a bonnet but it was too big for her head, even though she used a doll head to make it. =)

She cracked me up holding on to the car seat.

Waiting on daddy to get the car..

Welcome home!

Our hospital stay...

2011-07-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great experience while we were at the hospital. Little one was doing great and we were so thankful for that. I had awesome nurses and doctors coming to check on me and I things weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be. =) We had a lot of great friends and family come to visit us and Burkleigh loved all the attention and being held. You are one loved little girl and we love you so!!

Daddy and his little girl

My sweet angel girl

Mimi and her 4th grandchild

Pops with Burkleigh

Aunt Melissa

Melinda and Tracy the sweet infertilty nurses that took good care of me for so long

Aunt Colleen

Aunt Elizabeth

Mommy and her little girl

Aunt Shelly

Aunt Jan and Aunt Mel

Nana and Aunt Jodi

Snug as a bug!

Burkleigh Ann is here..

2011-07-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

She was born on Wednesday, June 15th at 8:15 pm. She weighed 7 lbs and was 21 inches long. It seems like yesterday... I can't believe it has almost been 3 weeks. We are so thankful for a heatlhy, beautiful baby girl and can't wait to see you grow and change through the months and years.

A little about that day:

I had my last doctors appointment that morning at 10:30 am. and my friend Jan and I were going to go to lunch afterwards and run a few errands. So, Jan went with me to my drs. appointments because she didn't want me driving by myself. (it's a good thing.. little did I know what was about to happen.) I had started having contractions the night before but nothing too serious and that morning they were still coming. I wondered if I was progressing but since this was my first baby, I didn't really know what to expect. By the time we got to the drs office, they were coming pretty regular. When my dr. checked me, I was 3cm. dilated and about 90% effaced.. so, she decided to keep me and watch me to see if I was going to progress. So, of course I freaked out and started crying and thank God Jan was with me. =) I called Jamie and couldn't get him, then I called mom and couldn't get her and I really began to panic. I got in touch with both of them a few minutes later and by then Jan and I were going down to be "watched". It was an experience.. they kept me in a holding room for a couple of hours.. I progressed to a 4 and then they decided to admit me. I did not get any pain medicine while I was in the holding room and that was a big mistake. By the time they admitted me, I was about to get my epidural but first they had to get my IV hooked up, take my blood and have it tested and it took longer than expected and things were beginning to move really quickly. The dr. came in and broke my water and I was starting to feel those contractions like crazy. By the time I got the epidural I was 6 cm. dilated and then I went from a 6 to a 10 in a few hours. I pushed for 2 hours... and at one point thought we were going to have to do a c-section. Burkleigh was stuck on my pelvic bone and her head was turned a little and she wasn't moving. Thank God for my sweet doctor who wasn't on call but camd back in to deliver her!! She was born at 8:15 and we were so thankful to hear that little cry after she entered the world. It was an experience I will never forget and we are so blessed to have our little girl in our arms. Thank you all who were there to help out and who came to see us. It was a very special day!

A few pictures from that day:

My last pregnancy picture.. 39 weeks

The best nurses!! Love them.. Lindsey and Amy

My awesome doctor!