Thursday, April 30, 2009

Audrey's Birthday- Part 1


We had a wonderful time in Atlanta for Audrey’s birthday. Thursday we drove over and stopped at the Atlanta Zoo before checking in the hotel. The weather was just beautiful and Audrey LOVED seeing the animals. Toward the end of our visit to the zoo, Audrey spotted the carousel and wanted to ride. She decided that she wanted to ride on a particular animal that went “up and down”. Well, that didn’t last but about one round and she was crying to get off. So I moved her to the animal behind it which was stationery. That suited her much better, so then she started waving at Daddy each time we passed. Of course, we couldn’t skip out on the train ride, which she enjoyed as well.

After the zoo, we checked into our hotel. It was quite nice…lovely soft bed and pillows. Deciding we were hungry, but not wanting to get out in the traffic again, we walked to a nearby restaurant. I was a bit nervous when we walked by the window and saw nice linens on the tables with candles. Now, you know me…not exactly high maintenance…and did I mention that we had just left the zoo. Needless to say we were not “dressed-up”. Corey decided that we have walked all this way…so we were going in to eat. I suck it up and enter where we are seated at a table among folks dressed much nicer than we. (Of course I am a bit concerned about our 2 year old’s behavior as well.) Next they placed the menu in front of me and I made the mistake of looking at the prices. This is the moment that my jaw hit the floor and I start grabbing for our bags. Once again, Corey is going to eat here….he’s starving by now. I AM NOT THRILLED!!!. We place our order, endure a mediocre steak, and drop quite a bit of money. And to top it all off…when we get ready to leave…it starts storming outside. I’m talking pouring rain, lightening, thunder, and hail---and did I mention that we WALKED to the restaurant?? All Corey and I could do at this point was look at each other and laugh…ahh…the memories we made. (I was so shocked, I forgot to take a stinking picture of the place!)

When we arrived back at the hotel, drenched to the bone, we all had showers and enjoyed some snuggle time. Our little birthday girl was so wound up that it was 10:00 before we finally got her settled down.
During our snuggle time, I painted my “big girl’s” toe nails. She thought she was really something and went around showing off her pink toes to everyone the next few days.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Seen and Heard...Funny

This past weekend we were at my parents’ house. They so kindly offered to watch Audrey one evening so Corey and I could have a date night. While we were away, Audrey apparently injured her hand and of course the grandparents and Uncle Keith rushed to her aid to provide kisses to her boo-boo. While they were offering comfort, Audrey, in the middle of her crying, said “I pitiful”, “I pitiful”. They all had to hold back chuckles until she was all better. Of course when Corey and I returned and they shared the story, we had a good laugh.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Audrey's Video...Finally

Ok...I hope that this will work. I finally have Audrey's video up. I just cried and cried as I was creating this.

More posts and photots about our exciting weekend will soon follow.


Click here for Audrey's Video

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Happy 2nd Birthday, Audrey!

(Note: I'm having difficulty uploading the video...I'll try to have it up in a little while...)
(Make sure to watch Audrey's video at the bottom of this post)

To my Sweet Baby Girl,

Ok, so your not much of a baby anymore, but a busy, delightful toddler. It is hard to believe that 2 years have passed since we first laid eyes on your adorable face. Over these past two years, we have shared many hugs, kisses, tears, baths, messy meals, sleepless nights and tender moments. And I wouldn't trade any of it for all the money in the world. You have brought such love, wonder and joy into our lives. Your daddy and I love watching you discover the world and experience life. You have taught us to see things through the eyes of a child, again.

Watching your curious, dark green eyes as you learn something new and seeing your short brown hair blow in the breeze as you chase Sadie around in the yard just squeezes my heart because I love you so much.

Right now you LOVE to watch anything Dora on TV and you can always be found sitting somewhere "reading" one of your books (usually a Dora book). All this time I was so worried about your language development because you couldn't hear for so long, but your words began pouring out like a fountain. Just about 2 weeks ago you began speaking in phrases and sentences. Oh, how impressed we have been.

Also, you can count from 1-10 in English AND Spanish (thanks Dora!). You can spell your first name and name 8 different colors (red, blue, yellow, green, brown, black, pink, white). Many shapes you can identify as well. You are fascinated with various animals and can identify more than many adults.

Quite the little money, you are! We had to move you from your crib about a month ago because your climbing skills were incredible and you could get out of your crib in 5 seconds flat. Recently you have learned to do a forward flip all by yourself. However, you forget to check out your surroundings before you perform your gymnastics routine and frequently end up with a "boo-boo" because you crashed into furniture.

I love when you grab my finger because you want to take me somewhere to show me something or because you need help. You also want to hold it while going down the slide. Each time Daddy or I sit down at the computer you asked to "sit lap?" so you can "help" us. You have learned to as for "holp" (help) when you can't do something..but you are rather independent and want to do it by yourself mostly. It just melts my heart when you say "I got you" when you want us to pick you up and love on you.

During mealtimes you love cheese, crackers, and most any fruit. You are not real big on meats, except chicken, but will eat many veggies. You love spaghetti, too!

Helping Mommy around the house thrills you. When I clean, you always say that you "sweep-mop" and retrieve your mop and broom. You follow directions very well when asked to pick up your toys, put your diaper in the trash can or put your dirty clothes in the hamper.

You enjoy painting and drawing with your sidewalk chalk, and you REALLY love being outside. Daddy lets you "help" him in the yard and water the plants. We also take you to the park and children's museum quite frequently. You can be such a Daddy's girl at times and you love for him to tickle you and play with you. You like to visit Daddy at the fire station. And every fire truck is "daddy's truck". He is already teaching you about deer, turkeys and hunting. I'm quite certian a little country girl you will be.

Visits to Grammy and Grandaddy's house is one thing that ALWAYS excites you. As soon as we turn into their road you begin yelling "Cows". You love for Grammy to take you riding on the "Grammy Wagon" to see the cows. You could ride for hours at a time and still not want to get off. Grandaddy lets you help him make coffee (which you could probably do on your own now that you have helped him so much) and Uncle Keith takes you to get the chicken eggs. You think there is nothing like visiting the farm. And I am sure it helps that you get extra spoiling from Nana and Pawpaw. And oh how you love to visit the McGriff family to pet Wendy the cat.
I had to write all of this down so I wouldn't forget over time. I wanted to be able to share with you all the special moments during your life. Audrey Kay, you are such a special little girl who is growing up so quickly before our eyes. You are such a blessing and we thank God everyday for you. I hope you will always know and feel how much we love you and how wonderful you are. We are looking forward to many more precious years with you.

WE LOVE YOU, LOVE BUG!

Mommy and Daddy

Monday, April 20, 2009

Bert?!?


While introducing numbers to Audrey using some cute little flashcards with Sesame Street charaters, I picked up a card that sported a particular number along with the picture of Bert. I was telling her what the number was on the card, then having her repeat the number. When I asked her what is this??? (while pointing to the card) she happily replied "Daddy!". Oh the laughter and tears I enjoyed at that moment. And of course, I had to immediately call Daddy (aka-Bert) at the fire station to share the funny! (by the way...he didn't think it was quite as funny as I did)

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Easter Sunday

After church on Easter Sunday, we had a family picnic and egg hunt at Grammy and Grandaddy's house. The Dozier family, McGriff family and Thomas family joined Audrey and I for a great time. Poor Corey was quite sick and stayed back home in bed.





Audrey loved "hunting" the eggs. She liked finding the eggs that were shaped like animals first before picking up the "regular" eggs. Once she had her eye on eggs of a certain color, she would run past several eggs before picking up the desired colored egg. Eventually she would come back to retrieve the others.





When Audrey would find an egg she would run to Keeley or Aunt Carol to open it for her. Then she would run back to find another. This cycle continued over and over and over again. Picking up each egg, Audrey would shake it. If the egg didn't make a rattling sound she would think there was nothing in it and toss it back to the ground.




After finding all sixty-something eggs she wanted more.
This year, Easter was so much fun with her. She actually "got" the whole hunting the eggs and Easter basket thing. She was so cute and provided all of the adults with so much laughter.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Easter Photo Shoot



I took Audrey to Southern Homes and Gardens in an attempt to snap a few photos in her Easter attire. Well, Miss Grouchy Pants didn't want to cooperate, as you can tell by the frowns in the photos. However, I did get a few that I liked.


















Easter Egg Hunt



My mom, Audrey and I attended an Easter egg hunt sponsored by Mom's church. After the shock of being stampeded by many larger kids, Audrey regained her composure to find a few eggs of her own. She was thrilled when she opened the egg to find goodies inside. She also got to visit with a few friends that are dear to me.
Oh Wow! There's candy in here!!
Caden, Audrey and my friend Sheila
Audrey and mommy's long-time friend Sheila.
Audrey with Uncle Charles and Aunt Mott. This couple has been dear to me since I was Audrey's age. It thrilled my hear to see Audrey take to them the way she did. She sat with them for the longest time. So sweet!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Because you asked...

A few people have asked about the colors in Audrey's room and what it looks like....well here are a few snapshots-











Wednesday, April 1, 2009

A Little Dirt Never Hurt...

And what do you do after several days of rain and being trapped inside the house?








Why play in the mud, of course!