BIG girl!

Thursday night, we made the switch to Annabelle's BIG girl room!
She was a little sad to see the crib go, but was so excited to show cousin her new bed :)

She did OK for her first night. I think the thing that she was most upset about was cousin leaving :( I laid down with her until she fell asleep.

Friday was an errand day for me. But that night we celebrated Collin;s birthday with friends at Little Hawaiian. It was so yummy!! Annabelle spent some time with her Nana, Pawpaw, and cousin!
She fell asleep on the way home, so we just put her in bed...and she never woke up.

Saturday morning, when she woke up, she called for us to come get her. Ha! We had a very busy day on Saturday!! We were invited to watch The Hunger Games with our friends, so we quickly called my parents to see if Annabelle could spend the night, as we were going to a late showing. They gladly accepted.
We had 2 birthday parties to attend on Saturday. Jackson's 2nd birthday party was at 11, then Tryston and Gauge's at 3. And we had to meet daddy at 5. It was a lot of driving and no naps for Annabelle, but we had a good time!
Collin and I enjoyed a mini date at Longhorn's, roamed around Target and the mall until it was time for the movie.

Sunday, we picked Annabelle up before church, and then the usual: Church, lunch, naps, fresh air, home group!

Work Day at Home

First I had to share these :)
Thursday, Annabelle and I went to the park with Miles and Weston {and their mommas}. Annabelle wanted to wear her pink sandals, even after I put on her teal socks :)

We had the best time playing with the boys!

Annabelle just loves Miles!

Sweet, Sweet Weston!

We spent the weekend doing things around the house to prepare for Max's arrival.

The first thing on our list was get Annabelle's BIG girl room finished. Collin spent Saturday and little bit of Sunday priming and painting her bed. I work on organizing her closet and getting ready for her Spring/Summer wardrobe {Oh to be a kid and get a new wardrobe each season :)}, then I organized our linen closet to make room for gift wrapping supplies.

Annabelle found some of her old Paci's in the linen closet

Since it was looking like Annabelle wasn't going to nap, all 3 of us headed to Chris and Kelly's new house {just down the street!}. Collin helped carry stuff in, and I tried...but about the 5th time waling up and down those stairs I was done! I kept an eye on Annabelle and Kaitlyn most of the time.

Sunday, after church and lunch...I went shopping for bedding for Annabelle's BIG girl room. I have been having the hardest time finding something I wanted, and I wanted Pinks and Browns and Creams to go with the scheme we already had. Luckily I stopped by K-Mart {that was going out of business} and found Annabelle a brown quilt! Exactly what I was looking for! I also snagged Collin and I a new blue quilt...success!
My next stop was Target. I found the exact color sheets I was looking for!

I also found these cute bins! Perfect color scheme for Max's room! Can't wait!

 I am so glad to find the perfect bedding for her room!

We are looking forward to celebrating Collin's birthday week {he turns 27 tomorrow!}. We have dinner at my parents tomorrow and dinner with friends Friday!

Happy Birthday Annabelle!

Today our sweet girl turns 3! I can't believe it!!

She is the sweetest, sassiest, most caring little girl we could ask for...and we are so thankful for her!

Eating her fav...chips and cheese :)

Valentine's 2012

Our weekend was pretty uneventful. Annabelle spent the weekend with my parents...and I'm betting their's was anything but :)

They took Annabelle out to pizza and grocery shopping Friday night.
Saturday, they attended story time at their local Barnes & Noble. And to a dinner party that night.
Sunday, my parents had everyone over for a birthday celebration for my brother and sister-in-law.

And while Annabelle was living it up at Grammy and Pappy's...Collin and I enjoyed Chinese Friday night, shopping and steaks on Saturday. Pretty much we were lazy :) Collin did venture out on his bike on the coldest day we have had all winter.

Annabelle has been so excited about her birthday ALL WEEK! Every morning I hear "Is it my birthday mommy?". And yesterday when she was waking up, I wished her a Happy Valentine's Day...to which she replied "Yeah! It's my birthday!". I cannot wait for her party this Saturday! She is going to be so excited!

Dressed up for Valentine's Day at school!

We ended our Valentine's night snuggling on the couch :)

And after she went to sleep last night, we got a call from Collin's Grandmother in Jacksonville...and they are coming up for Annabelle's party! We are so excited to see them!!

Little Munchkins Monogramming

My friend Brittany has a business called Little Munchkins Monogramming, and she creates so many cute things for children (and adults). I asked her to make Annabelle a birthday shirt and of course it came out SUPER cute!
She featured Annabelle on her blog today :)

Birthday's and Gala's and Shower's...oh my!

What a weekend! Let's begin with Annabelle's birthday!

When we celebrate a birthday...we celebrate for a week! Annabelle was no different! She had her Party Saturday with all her cute little friends, then we had a cookout Saturday night with her secondary Aunts and Uncles, Wednesday night we had a family dinner at our house!

First things first! We woke Annabelle singing "Happy Birthday!", she thought it was the best thing! And all morning she would say "Hap-pe Birf day to ME!". We played for a bit, then headed to school. She took cupcakes to share with her friends. I had to work for a couple of hours, then picked her up and we had ice cream at Chick Fil A. When we got home she wanted to take baby for a walk, so we walked down our street pushing her baby in her stroller :)

We had a house full Wednesday night, and had the best time!!

Last week, I had to work all 5 days...the horror! Because we were getting ready for our Awards Gala that was being held Saturday night. Everything went perfect and we didn't get home till after 11.

Sunday, was Abi's shower! It was the cutest shower ever! She got lots of good stuff!

On the way home from the shower (6:00 pm), Annabelle fell asleep...she was so tired!! I finally got her to eat some dinner, then she got a bath, and went to bed!

Thankfully, I had Monday off...so I cleaned, did laundry, picked up my parents dog (they're on the way up to Washington...my grandfather passed away last week), and cooked dinner while trying to avoid the tornadoes.

Another busy weekend coming up! Livi's first birthday party and Saga and Stacie are getting married!!

Happy Birthday Annabelle!

Today, our sweet baby turns 2! I wish I could just freeze time and not let her get older!

This past year has been so much fun! Annabelle has become a little girl, and not so much a toddler. She has learned to communicate with us, become more independent, and developed her our little (ok...maybe not so little!) personality.

I think back to when we found out we were pregnant, and thinking our lives were over...but I realize now, our lives were just beginning. At night, after Annabelle has gone to bed, I replay the day and think how blessed my life is. I'm not sure if our lives would be as exciting and full without our sweet girl.
Don't get me wrong, parenting is difficult! There are some days when I'm not sure how much longer I can deal with the tantrums, or I lose my temper...but, most days I can't get enough of that little girl. And hearing "I wlove you mommy"...there are no words to describe what that does to my soul!

Happy Birthday Annabelle!

Love,

Daddy and Mommy

Birthday Party!

It was the party that almost wasn't.
Annabelle woke up Thursday around 10:30 pm vomiting. And we didn't get any sleep till around 3 Friday morning. Praise the Lord Annabelle was feeling a bit better Friday and wasn't sick anymore, but was exhausted (and so were Collin and I)! My plan for Friday was to run all my errands while Annabelle was in school, but she and I stayed inside and slept, and I did a little bit of cleaning. Once Collin got home I left to get last minute things for the party.

Saturday morning Collin's dad came over to give Annabelle her gift, and they played for a bit before he had to go. Annabelle went down for an early nap and Collin and I left to go set up, while my parents stayed with Annabelle.
The party was a blast! The kids loved to room and the activities. After food, zebra cakes, and presents...the party planners brought out the mat and the kiddos were doing flips, rolls, and hops. Then the trampoline was pulled out, then the tunnel, and finally the parachute. After that we danced and played freeze dance.
And before everyone left, the kids got tattoos...my child got 2 sleeves :)
That night we had a cookout with friends...and ended with a camp fire in the back yard!
Annabelle was so tired, about 7:30 she asked to go night night :)

Sunday, was church, then we picked up some lunch and headed to Mom and Dad's for Allen and Whitney's birthday Low County Boil...yum! It was a beautiful to be outside!

I have a super duper busy week at work and I'm looking forward to having a family dinner on Wednesday on Annabelle's birthday! And throwing a shower for Abi on Sunday!

Enjoy pictures from the party!

Gracie Mae Groth

7 lbs. 4 oz. 20.5 inches long!

New Year 2011

I have no idea where 2010 went, and I was just getting used to writing 2010.

Our New Year's weekend started out with a day date, just me and Collin. We headed to Kennesaw to do a little shopping, had lunch at the Varsity (YUMMO!), and caught a movie at the AMC. Annabelle had so much fun with her Nana and Pawpaw. That night we hung out with friends and headed home shortly after midnight.

1.1.11 we ate the traditional greens and black eyed peas...except I didn't :)

1.2.11 I turned 25 years old. We had a good day and ended it with tacos at my parents.

Now we are on Baby Watch 2011...Gracie SHOULD be here sometime this week :)

Birthday Pictures

I finally figured out a way to share photos, easily! And videos...so get ready! I have put links up on the side under favorites. Hopefully, I will update them often...we'll see!

But, the moment some of you have been waiting for...Annabelle's FIRST Birthday pictures!

Enjoy!

The weekend is over...

It always seems to go by SO fast! We had the best weekend!

Friday: Ate Johnny's, then grocery shopping. Our usual Friday night family date :)

Saturday: Collin's 25th birthday! We had a few errands to run, then we were off to the park! It was BEAUTIFUL! Collin was able to ride his mountain bike, and Anna and I hung out on the lawn watching other kids play. 2 of her favorite things: eating and people watching :)

Sunday: Church, then lunch with a good friend. That afternoon, Anna was on strike from her nap. It was awful! That night, we went to Xroads church for a night of worship...amazing music! And after we ate Mellow Mushroom. Yum!

That was our weekend! Not to shabby!

Random note: I had the realization that I have a toddler, not a baby! She was playing in her room while I was going through her shoes. I turn my back to look at something else and turned around to her doing this:

What I'm talking about is how she is sitting. I know this sounds silly...but, this is how a toddler sits, not a baby :(

She's a mess...but, I wouldn't trade her for the world!

It's FRIDAY!

I LOVE Friday's! I get to wear jeans, work isn't as crazy, and 2 days off! What could be better!
Well, I'll tell you what can be better! Tonight Collin, Annabelle,  and I are going to take dinner to a couple in our smallgroup that had a baby about a week ago, and I get to cuddle that newborn! There is nothing like holding a newborn! So excited! I love our smallgroup and that we are all in the same place in life! We can share advice, tell stories, have Bible study, and watch our little ones play and grow up together!

Tomorrow, Collin and I are dropping Annabelle off at her Great Aunt's house to spend the afternoon. We are going to have an afternoon all to ourselves! To do whatever we want! So excited! We'll probably get crazy and go to Target...oooooooooooooh! HA! It will be nice to spend some quality time together!

Sunday, we are attending Aurora's 6th (!) birthday party. I cannot believe that girl is 6 years old! I seriously remember waiting at the hospital and holding her for the first time...love that girl!

Very exciting weekend coming up! I promise to post pictures soon...I still haven't got the party pictures back, and I haven't taken to many pictures lately and what I have are still sitting on the camera.
I promise to download them soon!

Get Ready...

This is going to be long!

Saturday - Annabelle's Birthday party was so pretty and so much fun! We started off the day with a Cracker Barrel breakfast! SO yummy! It was the first time I have seen my Grandma Shipman in over 2 years, and the first time Annabelle met her. So special!
We had a few errands to run, and then it was off the the church to decorate (By the way...thanks to Westhills for letting us throw down)! Annabelle laid down for a 2(!) hour nap while we decorated and set up (A HUGE thanks to my parents, Collin's dad and step-mom, and Carson and Laurice for helping decorate) (And a VERY HUGE thanks to Laurice for making Annabelle's birthday banner and picture frames!).
The party started at 2 and was over by 4. We were TIRED by the end of the day, thank goodness clean up when really fast (A HUGE thanks to my grandmother, Collin's mom and step-dad, Collin's grandparents, Collin's Aunt Kathy, Carson and Laurice, Theresa, and Steven for helping clean up!)!

Sunday - Baby dedications were the sweetest! Annabelle was dedicated along side of some of her favorite peeps! Including, her fav cuz, Weston; her BFF, Tayler; and the future heart breaker, Rhett. We were able to have our family there, which was very special to us.
That afternoon, we headed to my parents house to celebrate my mom's birthday! So much fun! Annabelle loves to be around everyone, including the pups. She ended up pushing Tucker around in the same toy she was pushing Weston around in (see below). She got a bath and headed home. Poor girl, didn't even wake up when I took her out of her car seat and carried her to her crib.

Monday - Annabelle had a Doctor appointment. She weighs 22.5 pounds and is 29.5 inches. Poor girl is recognizing that place know. She starts crying the minute we step foot in the room :( She got 3 shots and we walked really fast to the car, where she preceded to past out...and didn't wake up for 2 hours!
That afternoon, we met mom for her birthday lunch at Chick Fil A. Annabelle LOVES their soup. After that we headed to Target and Kohl's, then back home. During her afternoon nap, I packed up her bottles. She is Officially off bottles! And taking whole milk like a champ! She does still nurse twice a day, but will soon go down to once a day :)

Tuesday - SNOW DAY! With nothing to do! Mom came over that night to spend the night and watch Annabelle on Wednesday.

Wednesday - Woke up not feeling well, but off to work I went. What a bust day!
Had dinner with my parents and grandma before they left.

Thursday - Woke up with a fever, chills, and body aches! NOT GOOD! Went to the doctor, and sure enough I have the flu! Got some meds, came home and stayed in bed almost all day!

Friday - Feeling somewhat better. Stayed in bed almost all day...Daytime TV stinks!

So, that was our week! Pictures to come soon!

Family Dinner

Tuesday night we had family over to celebrate Annabelle's birthday. It was fun! Debbie cooked Taco soup, as always it was yummy! She opened a few presents and then it was cake time! She was if-y about it at first, but then dug right in!

She immediately got a bath. After she was clean, she went right to playing with her new toys! Mom and Dad got her this really cool ride-on / push toy. You can either ride and scoot or turn the thing, you ride on, over and you can put stuff in there and push or pull it. Annabelle loved to push it...so I put Weston in it and she went to town, and I think Weston liked it too!

The past couple days have been kind of rough. Trying to get ready for 2 sets of over night guests (not at the same time...thank goodness), finishing touches on the party, and trying to wean Annabelle. She has been fussy and I try to give her a cup of milk, but she won't have it. So, I end up nursing her. I hope it gets better! She is getting  bottles of 1/2 breastmilk and 1/2 whole milk at school and seems to be doing just fine!

Tomorrow is PAR-TAY Day! Can't wait!

Happy Birthday Annabelle!

A year ago right now...I was getting ready to push...I was getting ready to meet my daughter! Today has been a very bittersweet day. I'm so happy and excited to watch Annabelle grow and learn new things, but I'm sad she's not considered a baby anymore.
This morning we woke her up signing Happy Birthday. She sported her Birthday Girl shirt and leopard print pants to school and when we walked in the door, her teachers started singing to her.
Tonight we are have family over to celebrate!
Happy Birthday Annabelle! We LOVE you!

Sick...

Annabelle has been on the verge of getting sick since Monday. I thought it was teething. But this morning she woke up a hot mess! One eye was wouldn't open because there was crud keeping it closed, her nose was oozing green goo, and poor baby would whine after each cough. I'm pretty sure we have another ear infection on our hands :(
Collin stayed home with her this morning and we have an appointment this afternoon with the pediatrician. 
As much as I hate seeing her sick (and that I can't be there with her to cuddle her), I am thankful that she is sick now and not on her birthday (which is in 19 DAYS!)! 
Oh...it's never ending :)

It's been awhile!

The last time I blogged, Annabelle had just turned 2 months old...now we are 20 DAYS away from her FIRST birthday! Where has the year gone?!
She took her first steps on January 31, 2010. She hasn't quite got the walking thing down, but we're working on it! She has 8 teeth, working on 9 and 10...bless her heart! Birthday planning is in full swing. I mailed out the invitations today...I love them! I created them on Scrapblog, I'm a little addicted. Her theme is cupcakes and she has invited roughly 60 people :)
One guest I'm particular excited about is my grandmother. She lives in Richland, Washington and has not met Annabelle yet, but Grandma Shipman is flying in for the special occasion! She is coming in on Friday, February 26 and staying till Thursday, March 4. I was able to take 2 days off of work to spend with her.
I'm so excited!
I really need to get back into blogging. So expect LOTS of updates with pictures and videos!

33 weeks!

Only 7 more to go! In 4 weeks I'll be full term! This pregnancy is flying by WAY to fast!
I had an appointment on Friday and everything was good. Annabelle's heartbeat was 140 BPM, my blood pressure was 140/80 (a little high, but nothing to worry about), and my weight is steady! My next appointment is January 16th, then I'll go every week till she gets here!
My birthday was Friday. It was so nice! I had to work that day and it was just me and another co-worker, so we decided to go across the street to the mart to do some shopping. I had to leave at 2:30 for my appointment, so I dropped her off at the bus stop and headed to the doctor. That night, We grilled out. We had steak and potatoes, salad, mushrooms, onions, and texas toast. Everything was yummy. Then we just watched movies for the rest of the evening.
My first shower is coming very quick! 2 weeks from this Saturday! I can't wait! Then my smallgroup girls are throwing me a shower, as well as the ladies at work! I am so blessed to have loving people in my life!

A Wedding and a Tornado...well, Tornadoes.

So this weekend was EVENTFUL!
Friday night was the rehearsal. Everything went well. Had dinner and was able to visit with Collin's family! (We haven't seen them since our wedding!) On the way to where the girls where staying, momma called and said a tornado hit Atlanta...ATLANTA! Then it started hailing on us. Needless to say is was kinda scary! We got to where we were going and fell asleep. We woke up at 5:00(!) to tornado sirens. We were glued to the T.V. till about 6:30. Everything passed over with no harm. We had a wonderful time getting ready and left ON TIME to get to the church. We got there, got dressed, and took pictures. AS SOON as we were done with pictures it started POURING. Then came the hail. Mind you...this is 15 MINUTES before the ceremony! Then the sirens started going off again! But as soon as it was time for us to go around the building to walk down the aisle, everything let up. It was perfect. The ceremony was so sweet! And the reception was so much fun!
After the wedding...we hung out with some friends and played rock band! It was so much fun!

My building was not harmed in the storm...crazy, because we are only a block away The Westin Hotel and 2 blocks from the Equitable Building and the Georgia Pacific Building.

So...It's BIRTHDAY AND AFRICA WEEK! We are going to Tokyo tonight to eat for Collin's Birthday! YUMMO! Thursday, we are having dinner with the guys going to Africa and their families. And then Friday is the BIG day. We have a date night with our small group Friday night, and I am trying to fill my time up, so I don't think about him being gone, too much!