A Little Busy

So I know that I am extremely behind on blogging. I apologize. BUt let me just share with you a few of the things that I have done just this week, and you will agree that I should focus all of the little brain/sanity that I have on taking care of MaKenna.
    So here goes.
         -Poured tea in my coffee cup that already had cream and sugar.
         -My clothes didn't match and I didn't realize it until I got to work (we're talking one article had turquoise and the other article that was supposed to match was hot pink.)
        - I tried to get in the Drivers seat on morning with MaKenna in my arms. I guess she was going to ride up front with me.
       -I didn't pour the water for coffee into the coffee pot. And expected it to make coffee.
    The list goes on and on but I guess my brain isn't functioning enough to remember. Which I feel is best b/c if you knew everything. You would probably be worried for MaKenna :)
  In My defense though I have been working A LOT! Including a Yard sale for the FRG. And last but certainly not least. MaKenna has decided to start waking up all through out the night. And then usually at 3am she likes to stay awake for 1 hr and 30min and when I finally get her back to sleep My alarm clock is fixing to go off. So any suggestions on getting her to sleep are gladly excepted.

Also a few more things so that I can remeber them. MaKenna got here first tooth on Oct 23 it was the bottom left one and then she Had her second on (bottom right) on Nov. 5.

And to tide you over until I can post more here is a picture of the Cutest pumpkin ever dressed up for halloween.

The Plague!!

So the plague of the virus decided to visit us last weekend. And boy does it get around. So on Saturday MaKenna and I were all geared up to do a little Christmas Shopping. For those of you who know me I am one of those who gets very excited when Christmas in  July comes around b/c it gives me that extra boost to get me through till the "Real" Christmas season. So I am trying to instill in MaKenna the same love of the Most wonderful time of the year. And I am not talking about football season.
  So anyway we had invited a few friends to come along with us including MaKenna's BFF's Reese and Addison. We took a few pictures at our house and then headed to the Holiday Mart (In seperate vehicles I might add.) When we arrived I realized MaKenna had had a MAJOR blowout. which resulted in throwing away a pair of pants and a wardrobe change. I didn't think much about this incident b/c MaKenna is known for having blowouts. And We had been a little slow in the Bowel movement department. Little did I know it was a sign of what was to come.
   So we took another picture of the girls and then once again went our separate ways inside the Holiday mart. Allison, Addison, Elena and Reese, in one group and Mollie MaKenna, and me in another. We had made our rounds MaKenna was getting ready for her nap and Mrs Mollie was holding her and I was trying to pick myself out a ring at the jewelry counter. Then I turn my head and see my sweet little girl spuing all over Mollie and the Jewelry counter. I quickly got her but it was too late Mollie was covered. MaKenna continued to you know and then she whined a little turned around and laid her head on my shoulder and went to sleep.
   So let me add right here. I am a nurse but yes my mouth still gets a little watery when I have a patient throw up. Everyone has always told me it is different when it is your own. When I heard that I thought they meant you just didn't get so grossed out that you threw up with them. BUt now I know!! There was absolutely nothing gross about my sweet baby throwing up I just wanted her better!
  So back to my story. Mollie is covered in throw up. Mollie doesn't have kids of her own yet. I was afraid this event might, turn her completely off of children. I told her to go pick her out a new shirt and I would buy it for her to put on so she wouldn't have to wear the grossness home. And what she said next proves she will be a great Mommy someday. She said "THis on my shirt isn't bothering me the squishiness inbetween my toes now that's grossing me out a little bit." And I just busted out laughing. What a team player.
    So this plague that started with little MaKenna resulted multiple people getting sick. I got sick on Sunday night. and was determined to keep the germs b/w us since we were going on a big family vacation later in the week. So MaKenna and I battle the sickness by ourselves her screaming me leaned over the trashcan and toilet. all night long. By Monday afternoon I thought I was cured. I had chloroxed/lysoled the house was washing the sheets AGAIN (I don't play with germs) and then it happened. My back went out!! Yes I beleive I am 85 years old. Soo I was forced to call for help b/c I couldn't pick up my daughter.
   Well obviously the germs were not all gone b/c it continued to spread. And to everyone who was a victim of this plague b/c of MaKenna and I, I am deeply sorry.

One of these pictures would be when MaKenna decided to share her germs with Reese. We're Sorry Reese's Mommy

7 Months

 MaKenna you are now 7 Months old!! Not yet but in this month you will be more months old than the months we have left until your Daddy comes home! (okay I know that isn't proper english but you can understand it right?)  So at 7 months you are still not offically crawling but you have the Army crawl down pat. I cannot keep up with you. And you are into everything. Draws,  cords, cabinets. Anything you can get your hands on. Yes it is time for Mommy to baby proof the house.  You love any kind of paper. On Sunday's we sit in the floor and I clip coupons while you scatter the rest of the paper all over the floor. Yes I let you do it my philosphy is if it entertains and isn't hazardous to your health I let you do it with supervision. Everyone who is reading this yes you can probably give me another point for mother of the year. On the positive side though she will be Happy with I wrapped box for her Christmas present.      This Month you learned to say DaDa and Mama. ofcourse you haven't figured out why I jump around with excitement everytime you say them.
     We have tried several new food. You did not like strawberries which made me question whether you were actually my child. How could a child of mine not like strawberries or purple hull peas? But you love watermelon so you must be mine. We put watermelon and peeled grapes in your net finger thing and you love them.  You love blueberries but they give you gas ;) You have also eaten cabbage, chicken, brown rice, butternut squash and pancakes.
    You are still the most adorable precious little girl. I am told every week when I pick you up from the nursery at church and very Frequently by Mrs Debbie at daycare. "NOw you know that you don't get 2 in a row like this" You are a very easy going little girl as long as you have time to stretch out and play. You still do not like to be held to much you have to much to see and do. Oh and you do like to turn in for the night around 7:30 or so and get fussy if I try to keep you out past that.
   I love you so much and can not wait to see what new and exciting things you learn next month.
Here are a few pictures. Oh and I should mention you now know the camera means smile. And you have the cutest little smile although the camera doesn;t catch it and do it justice

Catch up from September

I apologize for not blogging lately but here are a few pictures from the month of September to show what we have been up to.

Riding a Horse for the First time

Catching up on the CC gossip

Paw Paw Frank teaching her how to Crawl

SHe thinks she can feed herself

Proof that everything  including socks goes in our mouth

You know this is to adorable not to post

We love our Daddy!

DaDaDa

DaDaDaDaDa This is the sound I have hear all morning and Afternoon.It is the sweetest sound.  Sure we know that right now it is just a sound and has no meaning (But her daddy doesn't have to know That). But the fact that we are making the sound means we are one step closer. And I will say I don't hear her making the sound MaMaMa so I believe DaDa will be her first word or at least that is what we are practicing for.
  She loves to say it b/c I jump up and down and cheer every time she does. I emailed Zach and bragged on her and then of course when he called she was bashful and didn't want to show off her skills. Luckily though I got it on video so that he can see it any way. I would put it on here for you to see but as I have mentioned before I am computer illiterate.

Package From Daddy!

We got a package from Zach today! He Videoed (don't think that is the right word or spelled correctly) himself reading Several of MaKenna's books so that she can see him. We sat down and watched them last night. I don't know which one of us enjoyed them more. He sent MaKenna a bear that got to flew co-pilot with him on a few missions. And he sent Mommy a t-shirt that he had worn. Confession: I was sleeping with a one of his shirts that he wore on our trip to Texas and of course it hadn't been washed so that it would smell like him. Well as you can imagine 4 months later the smell had gone so he sent me another one. We were very excited to get this package and MaKenna loves her bear!

Ready for his Mission

Flying Co-pilot With Daddy

She is really is excited. She is doing this nose/grinning thing

She's a Half!!

For MaKenna's Half Birthday yes she got a small present and yes I wrapped it. My sister told me I was crazy for wrapping it but I couldn't miss a photo op. And it turned out she loved unwrapping her present. Or maybe it was just eating the paper.
  For MaKenna's Half birthday Mommy and Daddy gave her a jumper roo. SHe loves it but as with everything else only in short spurts. She loves to spin around in it and is slowly figuring out the bouncing part.

6 Months

MaKenna you are a whole Half of a year old today. Mommy cannot believe how much you are growing and how fast you are growing. Sometimes I swear you have grown over night. You are now sitting up all by yourself!! And you love this new found skill b/c it gives you a different perspective on the world. You can roll all over the place. You are slowly learning to use your legs to scoot forward and I imagine by this time next month you may have figured out how to use your arms as well to crawl. How will I ever keep up with you then and we want even think about when you are walking.
   You are such a busy body always into something. Daddy would probably say you get this from me. HE gets so mad at mommy sometimes b/c she want just lay on the bed or couch with him I want to be doing something. But what I would give to just lay on the couch with him right now. Who am I kidding I might be able to for 10 min and then I would be begging him to go for a walk together or something. But you are constantly moving or playing you like for me to hold you but you don't want to sit down to do it you want to walk!! You of course still love being in my carrier which is how we do everything from house work and cooking to Mommy using the bathroom. TMI??
   You started Daycare this month and seem to love being around all the other kids You are grinning every time I come to pick you up. They have been very welcoming to you so much so that they gave you a snotty nose and you in turn practiced your sharing skills and gave it to momma. Which we then past back and forth for about 2 weeks. But hopefully we are on the mend. Mommy didn't like it and wanted to take you back out of Daycare but I reminded myself over and over you have to develop your immune system sometime and it is best to do it now. So I will do it but it doesn't mean I have to like it.
   You are a great eater. The only things you have tried that you don't like are Field peas, barley and mango. I am a little upset about the peas, Mommy loves peas. and I hope you will learn to like them when they have the good seasonings in them. Mango I don't blame you neither do I. Barley I believe you may like if I can ever figure out how to cook it right.
  You go to bed around 7 or 7:30 every night which is great for mommy when we are at home but we are defiantly the party poopers when we are with family and friends. This month you have been waking up 2 or 3 times a night. I think that the runny nose had something to do with this, but also maybe a growth spurt. Then you wake up around 6 every morning and we are slowly getting on a nap schedule for daycare of 12- 2.
  You are Mommy's baby girl and I love you so much I can't wait to see what new and exciting things you will learn this month.

Just Call me Mother of the Year!

The Ole Folks always said, "If they don't fall off the Bed by the time they are 1 year old the won't Make it" This is among one of the many reasons why I should be mother of the year, along with walking out the door with my child's food still in the microwave and many others that I dare not mention in case someone from DHR were to be reading this ;)
  Just to make sure MaKenna would "Make it" Mother of the year here allowed her to fall off the bed on the eve of her 6 month birthday. We were in CC and had been busy making rounds to make sure we saw everyone while we were home. I ran in the Door at 10min till 8 b/c we were supposed to video skype with Zach at 8. So I ran in laid MaKenna on my bed got the computer out and turned to plug it in, my leg touching the bed, Then all of a sudden what do I see b/w my legs on the floor, well my little girl of course. The fall was in slow motion but I couldn't catch her. Luckily she fell directly on her bottom. But it scared her and she was screaming crying. I immediately picked her up and was holding her telling her how sorry I was. Then within seconds Nana and Poppa were in the room. She had settled down and then realized she could milk it. And started with her adorable pouty face and then was crying again. This went on for several minutes until she just got tired of it.
  So MaKenna I am sorry I let you fall of the bed but hey at least now you will live.
 Oh and might I mention after all of this we didn't get to video skype with Zach he was held up at work.

You May think I'm Crazy

A couple of years ago I heard of a wife who had a life size cut out of her husband who was deployed and she would sit it at the dinner table in his chair every night so that her kids were sure to remember Daddy while he was away. Well when I heard this I thought, now I understand making sure the kids remember and everything but a cut out of Daddy isn't that a little extreme? Well today I am apologizing to whoever that woman was and I am eating my words.
 One of my main goals during this deployment is to make sure MaKenna knows who her Daddy is the first time she sees him in person. So we have a picture of Zach in MaKenna's room that we talk to everyday. And I am hiding my face as I type this next confession, b/c you will think that I am weird, We give the picture a kisses. We read his recorded books everyday, and I have sent more books to Zach for him to video himself reading. We mark off our day on our calendar everyday. We practice saying DaDa.
   I am constantly telling MaKenna what her Daddy would be doing if he were here, and what he would say to different situations. And yes I know what he would say, there I have been multiple times when I get to talk to Zach and I tell him about a particular situation he says the exact same thing that I told MaKenna he would. For example, "MaKenna does Mommy need this Dress? Well Daddy would say... yes but it!" :) On that note I constantly tell her what an amazing man her Daddy is and how much he loves us and spoils mommy, and how he is going to spoil her when he gets home. We plan what all we are going to do when Daddy gets home and what it will be like to be back together as a family again. Most of these conversations are when we are working around the house and she is in my sling (toting her in this thing is usually how I get housework and other things accomplished) So facing forward in her sling I will tell her that Daddy said to give her  Kisses She will look up with those adorable eyes and I will kiss her on the forehead, I will say "that's a Daddy kiss" and she will grin from ear to ear look back forward and then look up for another one. It is the sweetest thing.
   Some people may find it depressing all of the things that we do may seem just like reminders that he isn't here with us but for some unknown reason it gives us/me some form of comfort and it seems to lessen the physical distance between us.
   So yes you may consider me crazy now b.c I probably would have before. I tell myself at least I haven't gone as far as getting a life size cut out of him but then again maybe that is just b/c MaKenna and I don't eat at the Dinner table since she drinks milk and eats baby food and I am not cooking just for me.

Giving Daddy "Loves"

And just look at this big girl sitting up!!

  

First Day Of School

Ok well first day of Daycare. I didn't have to work on Monday but MaKenna went to Daycare for part of the day in order for Mommy to ease into it. I had planned on having her there by 0730 so we got up earlier than her typical 0800. She was very confused as to why I was waking her and forcing her to get dressed and then making her take pictures. You can see this confusion and the aggravation on her face in the pictures.
  All went well though I dropped her off and headed to spin class which might I add I have missed DEARLY and so have my thighs!! Then I went home and did a little sewing. And I was instructed by Mrs Debbie to not come back before 2:15 to ensure that all the kids were up from nap time. When I strolled in at 2:09 she just laughed and said "You couldn't stand it could you?"
  I think that I did really well considering. And MaKenna seems to love Mrs Debbie and all her friends at Daycare. THey were so welcoming they even shared their germs with her so that she could have a runny nose as well. And MaKenna was super generous and shared it with Mommy.
  I pray that we do not have this runny nose for the rest of our Daycare career but from what I have heard it may be a keeper. Fun times!

Family Time!

Yesterday Zach finally had an off day. (okay well actually it was about 2 weeks ago but if you noticed I back dated this post)  So he went to a spot with "American internet" And we were able to skype with video. It felt like forever since we had been able to do this. And it is amazing how much closer you feel just being able to see each other. Don't get me wrong it does not fix the longing I have to just touch him. What I would give. Although MaKenna tried to do just that. She couldn't really figure out the computer screen. She at first would try to grab him and put him in her mouth. She just couldn't figure the whole seeing him on the computer and not being able to feel his face like she does mine thing out. You could tell it really confused her. So then Saturday night when we were skyping she just held the computer screen and stared at him. And then we laid in the floor and played for a couple of hours. We really enjoyed getting to spend time with him, and to have more than a few minutes to just hangout and play in the floor as a family. Well maybe it wasn't like a normal family afternoon seeing as when MaKenna and I went into a different room I had to tote MaKenna and Daddy i.e. the Computer. But we loved every minute of it and cannot wait until we CAN have a normal family afternoon.

5 Months

MaKenna you are 5 months old today and Mommy cannot believe it. At 5 months old you way 15 lbs. unofficially and I haven't measured you to see how long you are I guess we will have to find that out at the Doctor next month. You Are still wearing mostly size 3 months. and some 6 months. Still in size 1 diapers although I think when we finish up this pack we will probably move to a size 2.
 You started eating solids this month!! So far you have had Bananas, pears, apples, prunes, carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow squash and field peas. The only thing you haven't liked so far is peas. Oh and on the cereal side We tried oatmeal and barley homemade. You were not fond of either one at first. Then I learned how to cook the oatmeal, you can't multitask you must stir it and cook it on low you can't rush it. Now you like oatmeal we haven't tried barley again yet.
  You usually sleep until about 7:30 or 8 when you are hungry you have a fruit. Then the next time you are hungry  which is usually aroung 1030 you have a 5oz bottle or nurse if you are with me. Then we hope that you go down for a nap although you are not a good nap taker. The next time you are hungry you have your vegetable which is usually around 2 or 3. Next you have a bottle and then around 7 we have your cereal and a little fruit and we read Daddy's book and head for bed. You very  good about going to bed at night usually you are out by 8:00 You still don't let mommy sleep all night we usually get up around 4 for a night time snack.
  You are getting a lot better sitting up with support. I don't think it will be long before you will be sitting up and crawling. I can't keep you on a blanket anymore you roll/scoot everywhere and super fast.
  You are still the sweetest little girl ever!! Very easy going go with the flow. But you are a little busy body, you are always doing something. THis month Mommy has had to get used to keeping you little hands under control, you want to touch an feel everything even germ infested buggies, tables, and menus.

We Ain't as Young as We Used to Be!

On Saturday we went to Braden's Birthday Party. It was a skating party in which I was not planning on skating. When we arrived I was quickly informed that Andrew had selected me to be his skating partner. Might I add I was wearing flip flops!! Luckily they sold socks.
  So it has been well over 10 years since I have roller skated, it takes a minute for your muscles and balance to remember how to do so. I sat down to put on my skates with a crowd of party goers around and by the time I was all lace up and ready to go everyone had disappeared. So I had try to shuffle over to the others without busting my tale.
  Braden gladly held my hand a couple of times around the rink and then he said "its time for you to let go you can do it" So in "1 min" Braden taught me how to skate. He said he was such a great teacher it only took 1 minute.
  It didn't take to long until Bethany and I were showing off our skills I only had 2 crashed I believe, BUt my hips and knees were feeling the effects all night long!!

On Sunday MaKenna caught a little Lake time with Uncle Josh

Bi-Monthly Get together

Last weekend was another busy weekend and eventful. On Friday MaKenna got up and headed to CC with Maw Maw while I went to work. As usual Friday was very busy!!For some unknown reason people think that they need the weekend to recover from a colonoscopy. I have no Idea why I mean it isn't like they are going 3 days without food or anything right?? So I didn't get off work until 4:00 and was supposed to be in Anniston by 6. Now it takes me 30 minutes to get home from work and then another 2 hrs to head to the party. And I still had to pack!! Now you do the math. Obviously I was a little pressed for time and the officer just didn't understand that. I was going through the big town when I just happened to look up and see blue lights in my rear view mirrior. I had no Idea how long they had been behind me. The officer walked up and said "Ma'am Why are you in such a hurry." I though for a split second about playing the pity card, well you see sir my husband is deployed I am not real good at this single parent thing, a lot of patients needed my attention today and I am just trying to get to my baby girl who I haven't seen ALL day!!" But then I decided it wasn't worth the effort and just said no reason and hung my head. Luckily I got out with only a warning though. Oh and I should mention that while all this was going on Ellie was in the car growling at the officer.
   So I obeyed all or most traffic laws for the remainder of my trip swung by to pick up MaKenna and then we headed on to the get together.
  Another side note I hadn't been home 1 hr and there was a message on My parents answering Machine just checking to see if Krystal got pulled over that sure did look like her Car. And I thought Welcome back to CC. When you live in a small town you can do absolutely nothing with out your parents finding out. Which would in turn be why I want to eventually get back there so that I will be informed of every move MaKenna makes.

  We had a blast at our get together MaKenna had a great time playing with her BFF's she even decided to share her Paci with Reese although we were to slow with the Cameras to catch it. The world's problems could definitely be solved at these get togethers but we will never tell of the things we discuss.



Anna Kate is going to be such a good Big sister

The Group

Right after Paci Shaping

Pool Time And Visiting

We went home last weekend it was as usual a busy weekend of running around trying to visit with every one. But on Saturday Morning we did sneak in a little relaxation By the pool.

MaKenna Loves the pool and Mommy learned at the beach last week How to wear her out at the pool and then she falls asleep and I get to soak up a little sun. Or you can just go to MawMaw's and she will entertain MaKenna while I catch up on my Vitamin D Consumption.

Then on Saturday night we had a Family get together And MaKenna got in a little time with Granny and Grandaddy.