Audrey visits Santa

She was ready. She was pumped and excited. That is until Santa made his grand entrance with a loud “HO-HO-HO”…then Audrey turned to me and said “I not sit on Santa’s lap.

Oh dear! I looked at Corey and told him that waiting in line may have been a waste of time. So we talked to Audrey about how Santa wouldn’t know what to bring her unless she went up and told him. I had already decided that I wouldn’t “make” her sit in Santa’s lap if she was terrified, but I was going to do my best to talk her into it.

After a little bribery (cookies and a Santa Express train ride) and watching a few big girls sit in Santa’s lap ahead of us, Audrey got brave and marched on up there.


With a cautious look, she did sit in his lap and actually talked to him. I was very surprised! Thank goodness we listened to what she said to Santa because she informed him that she wanted a horse (gee—she didn’t tell Mommy and Daddy that one!).



We got a cute picture to cherish forever and Audrey got to ride the train and indulge in a few chocolate chip cookies from The Cookie Company.

Thanksgiving 2009

Whew! This month has flown by and time has escaped me...as you can tell with my lack of posting.

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving. My family came up to our house for Thanksgiving. Because of their health, my grandparents don't get to make the 2 hour trip to visit often, so it was a real treat to have them with us.

Audrey had a wonderful time showing off for everyone. She was really comfortable in her environment and all of the "spectators" enjoyed watching her.

Our Thanksgiving spread was enormous and delicious. My mom brought her famous (at least I call it that) dressing and gravy. Nana and Pawpaw supplied delicious ham. And my sweet hubby fried an awesome turkey for us. I prepared all the veggies and such to go along with it. My favorites are the green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole. My best friend, Anna, makes the BEST sweet potato casserole...I tried to imitate her...but it wasn't nearly as wonderful as hers. However, it was still edible!

I have eaten leftovers, over and over and over... I'm sure when I go back to the doctor, I will have gained a good 15 pounds- no kidding! Guess I'll enjoy the excuse to eat while I can :)

After we all stuffed our faces until we were miserable, Miss Audrey informed us that Thanksgiving was over and we could put up Christmas stuff now. ...... Back up a few days...

Audrey kept asking when Christmas was going to be here. So after many failed attempts to help her understand, Corey explained that after we had Thanksgiving meal with the family and we took all the turkeys and Thanksgiving decorations down, then it would be time to put up Christmas stuff. Our intellectual 2- year old turns right around and asks her daddy "Can we take the turkeys down now?" Smart, huh?... So back to Thanksgiving day.

So, now it is time to break out the Christmas decor, as promised. There was no forgetting about that. Since we had taken Audrey to pick out some inflatable yard ornaments a few days prior, we figured that we would put those up first. As you can tell by the photos, she was all about helping her daddy. (Side note: I have learned that if you want your husband to hang Christmas lights and decorate without complaints...get your 2 year old to ask him to do it. He happily granted Audrey's wishes. *sigh*) It was so precious to see her out there enjoying herself. Oh the wonder of seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child!

She wasn't quite sure about Frosty. He was just a bit scary to her and she took a while to warm up to the sight of him. But she loved the Santa.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. Just a look around my house on Thanksgiving day reminded me of all the blessings I have received.

I could kick myself for not taking more photos, but after being on my feet cooking and such all day, I was exhausted!!! I'll try to do better! :)

24 Weeks

Baby Addison and I have made it to 24 weeks. She is moving around a bit more now and those kicks are getting stronger. She really loves to act up when I lay down in bed.

I went to the doctor for my check-up. My BP looked good. However, I failed my 1 hour glucose screening, which is not surprising since I had gestational diabetes with Audrey. Now I have to go back and endure the 3-hour test. I'm still holding out hope that I might can pass that one. On top of that, after checking my blood, they found that I am anemic. Which explains why I have been so.stinking.tired lately. I just chalked it up to being pregnant, working and chasing a 2-year old around...but apparently it was something more. So now I begin on iron supplements and hope it takes care of the problem and that I don't have issues with the iron pill.



Audrey is beginning to get used to the idea of getting a baby sister. She talks about it often. I'm not sure how much she really understands, but I'm glad she seems excited. I have been going through her old clothes and washing them to prepare for Addison. Audrey has "helped" me with this task and tells me repeatedly that these are Addison's clothes. She looked at me the other night and said "Mommy, these are so cute! Addison, is going to love them!" That just made my heart swell.

You know I couldn't leave out my princess. She hasn't been feeling very well this week, but did pose for a picture with me. I had to get a little snuggling in.

Stuck on You!

What happens when you give a 2 year-old some mail to open without paying attention to the enclosed items???? This:

Nana sent Audrey a card with a TON of stickers enclosed. Well, I saw it was addressed to Audrey (she loves getting mail) so I just handed it to her to rip open. She took it to the couch and sat there patiently ripping into it. All the while, I busied myself in the kitchen doing the dishes. After a few moments of silence, I walked around the couch to find this...my toddler decorated with stickers...EVERYWHERE!!!!! So I had to laugh, take a picture, then call and tell Grammy and Nana about it.

And when Corey got home, he fell victim to her decorating desires as well. What a great daddy!

Halloween 2009 (Part 3)

After our morning a the Fall Festival, we met up with one of Audrey's best buds. Miss EG and Audrey love playing together and they are just precious.

Since it was cold and rainy, we opted for lunch at Chick-fil-a so they could play on the indoor playground. Those two kiddos played for about 1 1/2 hours before we headed out. As you can see they enjoyed some ice cream too. Yes, Audrey got some too...Grammy was holding it.



On the way home from Chick-fil-a, Audrey fell asleep in the car so Mom and I just rode around and chatted until Miss Priss woke up.

Then it was time to head out for a little Trick-or-Treating.

Isn't this the most adorable little cow you've ever seen!?! Poor Corey had to miss out on all this fun because he was on shift at the fire station (it seems it always works out that way)...but we did text him a picture of his little cow so he could see her.



First stop was to PawPaw and Nana's house. Nana was very sick with a cold so we just visited right at the door so they could see Audrey. Of course, she got a bag full of goodies from them.


Next stop was Aunt Carolyn's house. She always has some "special" goodies for Audrey. That kid came away from her house with a bag full! While she was at Aunt Carolyn's, she got to play with another of her favorite buddies (also a cousin), Be'la.



After our Trick-or-Treating, I took Audrey to another Fall Festival at our old church, Calvary Baptist in Wetumpka. I was bad and didn't take many photos there...but she had a delightful time. She even played a game where she had to catch a fish with her bare hand...and she did it within about 5 seconds...and she wasn't even scared. I was amazed! She thought it was fascinating! Of course, she had to make several rounds in the blow-up moon walk.

After all this action, Audrey was one tired little girl. All of us had a wonderful time. We just wished Corey could've been there to enjoy it too.

Halloween 2009 (Part 2)

We began our Halloween with a trip to the Fall Festival at First Baptist Church of Wetumpka. Audrey, Grammy and I had a wonderful time! My little cow was so well behaved and really tried hard at all the games.


She wanted her face painted so I let her go for it. I was pleasantly surprised when she sat completely still the entire time this kind lady painted her face.


My sweet little cow ready for some fun and candy!


Audrey and my friend Elisha (we worked together at WES). Audrey didn't quite get the concept that she was to throw the rings around the alligator's tail...but Mrs. Elisha cheered her on and Audrey was so proud of herself.


The fishing game was facinating for her. She was amazed that whenever she put the line over the curtain, she would get goodies.



I laughed so hard I cried when Audrey tried to throw the darts to burst the balloons. Lets just say that sharp darts + a 2 year old = disaster!!! Audrey would wind up for the throw and let the dart sail across the room...the problem with that was the dart didn't go toward the balloons, it sent everyone running for cover. When I held her hand and tried to get her to throw the darts in the right direction, she wouldn't release them. We had a good laugh, but decided that the darts were probably better for her when she was a bit older.

Halloween 2009 (Part 1)

What a wonderful Halloween this turned out to be!

Audrey and I stayed with my parents this past weekend to spend Halloween there. And what is Halloween without a Jack-O-Lantern??

Audrey helped me design the face for our pumpkin.


And she even didn't mind the yucky work.


Granddaddy offered his carving talents (thank goodness- I'm a little dangerous with a knife). Obviously, Audrey had to supervise his work.


Audrey showing off her lovely pumpkin while cheezing for the camera!