Team Cate

Bird Food

2011-03-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

...I have lots of say so as a parent, right? I tend to let things slide sometimes, like "Amelia, don't feed the birds"

Spring Break for us!

2011-03-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, back from a 1 1/2 year break...you missed a lot. Our family has been great,and things are just as they should be. Preston's music career is sailing away, my job is very fulfilling, Amelia is a bright and spirited 4 year old who is "why-ing" a lot, and we have been testing the waters with being foster parents.

We are currently enjoying a most wonderful vacation at Edisto Beach. It has been so amazing. The weather has been spectacular.

Cate Christmas

2009-12-26T17:28:00.000-08:00

Winter!

2009-12-21T16:45:00.000-08:00

We have really had a blast with all the snow! Good times and good snowman!

Amelia's 3rd Birthday

2009-12-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

See Julian Run

2009-07-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well, Bele Cher was this past weekend and every year there is a 5K road race held as part of the festival. It's a pretty intense (hilly) run and thankfully my two girl friends Robin and Ashley ran it along with me. It was a blast. This marked my 4th race this summer. There's just something about these events that I have come to really enjoy. It's MY time, and My thing that I can do and keep in shape for for my own sanity. Usually I do these totally by myself...no crowds of close personal friends (Preston and Amelia)cheering me on to the finish line. But I like it that way. It's just my "clear-my-head-time", to be by myself...what can I say, everyone needs that!

Some Thriller!

2009-07-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

I love this!...Am I the last to see this? There were like 26 million hits on this! Here is the write up about the inmates:
there was a special on these guys.... the prison warden makes his inmates participate in mandatory organized dance practice because his prison is predominantly rapists and murderers and he was having a gang violence problem he couldn't control so this was his solution and apparently it works well......... they have performances for family and the public to attend and sometimes they appear at events ..... awesome way to impose positive structure and discipline... kudos to the warden :)
And this is just their practice session. Check out all of the other dances they perform! It's amazing!

4th of July Parade

2009-07-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Amelia and I got to be in the neighborhood parade on Saturday morning. She peddled the whole way (bloated with pride), of course with her dear friend Katie pushing most of the weight. We had so much fun. i feel like it was a good mother-daughter day for us. Preston was away in Greensboro, NC at a gig and so we had a great opportunity to spend some real QT together. We've certainly had some ups and downs during her "T2s", but things always seem to even out. And every parent needs a good day every once in a while with their little one where there are no melt-downs, no screaming fits, lots of "OK Mommy"'s, and "Yes Mam"'s...and one fabulous parade (with cookies and lemonade to follow).
I love my little girl.

Our Annual Beach Trip!

2009-06-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Our Edisto trip was just perfect! I will be updating everyone on more of what we did this week later...right now, Amelia is eating breakfast.

Easter Weekend '09

2009-04-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

We all had a grand time in Winnsboro with family and pets alike! It was good to see Sipsey. She is so much older now than she is in my memories of her just a half a year ago. That's how it goes I suppose. She's an old girl and has lived a pretty active life, even as an apartment dog. We all really enjoyed seeing Wilbur return home to my Dad after a nearly month long journey to who knows where. His return really was a prayer answered! He may have been the very first dog ever that has been added to the prayer (and praise)list at St John's Church. He is a good companion and belongs home on the farm chasing the rodents. There was also a lot of excitement with Dad's new horse, Cowboy. He is so beautiful. I got to ride him a bit on Sunday with Dad close by. Unfortunately, when Dad rode him just afterwards, Cowboy was suddenly irritated and bucked my Dad right off. It was terrible to see, but Dad was not permanently injured thankfully, although he spent a miserable time in the ER and a few days in the hospital with a substantial amount of pain. He is getting around ok, and we are all very thankful for that! According to Amelia (who saw the incident, but didn't understand really what had happened), Granddaddy fell down off of Cowboy. Got a band aid. Is all better now...Ahhh, if only the aches and pains of life could be fixed by a kiss and an Elmo band aid.

No Camera, But Still Here

2009-04-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Well, there have been no posts (pictures for the G-Parents)lately because I HAVE HAD NO CAMERA! What's up? Deborah lost her camera a while back, and now me. Where's this nasty little camera monster eatin up all the picture takin devices? Anywho, things are pretty steady here. The usuals, work going well for both, I've been trying acupuncture lately and really love it. Amelia is potty training now and it's all pretty "by-the-book"...lots of stickers on a sticker chart, panties vs. pull-ups (apparently there are no other options other than princess EVERYTHING), and lots of cleaning up and searching around for puddles. Amelia woke Preston up from HIS nap yesterday having undressed and undiapered herself after a poop and an attempt on the potty. I'm still finding evidence of the incident.

Just Some Small Stuff

2009-02-24T17:55:00.000-08:00

Nothing too exciting going on with us. Just some of life's small stuff. Amelia did finally realized she can climb out of her crib. What took her so long? I don't know! She climbs everything else in sight, so it was inevitable that the crib be part of it all. We're trying to figure out whether or not to convert into a toddler bed. Such a small decision that could easily have regretful repricutions...but a broken arm or closed head injury would definitely be worse. Also, while on the subject of Amelia, she put Preston in time-out the other day...he actually didn't go SIT in time-out as instructed, but Amelia really meant business. She looks at him and firmly announces "Daddy, that's ONE!"..."That's TWO!"..."THREE! Time-Out!" Well, something about that sounded mighty familiar.

More Family Love

2009-02-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun with family this past weekend. Amelia got a great amount of time in with her two cousins, Logan and Callie. Grandaddy and GranKat are so much fun too! Amelia just melts like butter in her Grandaddy's arms. We are all so lucky to have each other close by enough for good weekend visits such as these. Mimi (my Mom) came to Winnsboro on Sunday morning and had lunch with us. So we got to spend QT with everyone this time, and it was much needed. We are worn out, and ready for bed...at least Amelia and myself are. Preston is a true night owl, and always will be. I am a true 'go to bed at 10pm on the dot' girl...and always will be!

Cousinly Love

2009-02-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

Family Update (Nothing New Really)

2009-02-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

Things here are still pretty good. Work for me is excellent. Working in Child Life is inspiring, and the challenge of each day keeps me going. I love not knowing what to expect when I get to work. We have been really expanding our services throughout the hospital way beyond the walls of pediatrics. We take lots of trips down to Radiology (MRI/CT in particular) to help prepare the kiddos for their scans and possible IV starts. We are also really involved with the pediatric sedation team with MRI where we help kids understand what their scans will be like so they can do it without sedation. Who knew that a 5 yr old can get an MRI unsedated (most adults cannot). It's exciting to see our tiny deparment grow, and I feel so blessed to be where we are! Asheville is so good to both of us.

Preston is plugging away with his music. Vertigo Jazz Project is completely thriving, and has gotten pretty popular in Asheville. Their website will be up and running very soon. I'll definately be sending out that link as soon as it comes available. I'm so proud of him for all he has worked for. He continues to teach guitar. He especially enjoys teaching for Arts For Life where he reaches out to the oncology population. He recently has added on two new students within the community, and we're hoping for more! He's so dedicated as a teacher and musician.

Amelia is as normal a two year old as can be expected. She still loves her little friend Katie. Katie plays so well with her, but it seems that they are more like sisters sometimes. Amelia can be very bitter sweet with her, but luckily, Katie is a patient friend. Here is a cute picture of the two of them. And also some pictures of Super Bowl Sunday.

Same As Usual...Painting and Base jumping

2009-02-01T13:32:00.001-08:00

Sorry I have not updated in a long while! I'm back to more regular posts now. Everything is the same as usual. Amelia is just thriving along. Her new hobbies include as follows (in order of frequency): base jumping -noun- the extreme sport of parachuting from the tops of very tall manmade or natural objects (it's how she got that pretty rug burn), Painting (anything, especially her body), somersaulting, and eating bagles (anything bread-like). My new hobbies hopefully include running again. I ran for the first time today after a long break and IT FELT GOOD!

A Cate Family Christmas '08

2008-12-29T16:01:00.000-08:00

We Had a wonderful Christmas! And a great Birthday for Amelia(She's two, and showin' it). Preston, Amelia and I travelled to Alabama to see his Mom and Dad, two sisters and their husbands and kids...Whew. It was tons of fun (and some fighting over toys)...the kids, of course, however, the guys all really took to a dirty santa gift that practically electrocuted the slowest player to push a button on some device that plays this psychotic music over and over again. It's called Lightening Reaction Revenge "this time it's personal". REALLY, I would recommend it to any party-goer wanting to liven up the place.

ABC...It's Easy As 1,2,3

2008-12-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

I Have to brag just a smidgen about our smart(genius)daughter who revealed to us today that she knows her ABCs...all of them! We have been playfully reciting it out with her having no real goal in mind, but I suppose they really are like little sponges. She boastfully let Preston know at Ingles while shopping for much needed paper products (how can anyone run out of paper towels, Kleenex, baby wipes,and toilet paper all at once???),anyway, when suddenly, out of the wild blue yonder, Amelia announces her alphabet geniusness (did I say that already). And, I missed it all sense I was at work, so preston recounted the moment like this: She shouts it for others to hear, or for others to join in, saying A!B!Ceeeeeee!Dee!Eeeeeee!!f.(whisper)g.(whisper).Hshhhhhh!Ieeee!J. K. Lllllll!Mmmmmm!Nnnnnn!O.(whisper)PEEEEEEE!Q.R.Sssssssss!Teeeeee!U.Veeeeee.W.X.Y.ZEEEEEEEEE! I asked Preston on the phone if he made a big deal or a BIG DEAL about this. He said that he cheered, but it was a little subdued. I WISH I could have been there to cheer her on. I hate missing these small/BIG deals. It's the small/big deals that make this parenting thing so fun! I am well aware that others out there, those who have kids doing the EXACT same thing as mind, hitting all the same milestones as mine ("let me guess, her favorite word is 'No'")may not be as impressed with this feat. But, most first timers are equally enthusiastic about these small things. To me, it's like she's doing everything she is designed to do at all the correct times. It's amazing to me! There is such a beautiful design that takes place, and I have front row seats for it. There will be many more of these small/big deals to come. I look forward to cheering it all on, even when I can't be right there to see it.

The Rest of Our Trip

2008-12-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

Our trip to Winnsboro was wonderful! We got a good bit of outdoor time with the cousins. Preston, myself and Little A stayed at "the cabin" on "the farm" at my Dad's place. Most of the pics are of us chopping down our Christmas tree this past Friday. Such a hallmark family moment. Amelia totally dug the outdoor time, wanting to go there every waking minute. I still can't get over how funny it was to see little Calie (Logan's youngest and closest in age to Amelia)trudgging through the brush, trying to keep up with the tree hunters, all the while holding tight to her precious baby doll and worrying that her bow may somehow fall out onto the dirty ground. Callie, YOU GO GIRL! Way to be a sport, I love ya.

Gobble Gobble (Day 1)

2008-11-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

Suzannah's update

2008-11-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give a quick little update on Suzannah. Her surgery went as good as could be expected. I have gotten lost in some of the details, don't want to be misinformative, but all in all, her lymph nodes are cancer free, and there is no need for chemo (A-mazing!!!). We are all so relieved.

Halloween Hooplah 2008

2008-11-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to really love Halloween! I mean really love it! And all because of WORK! Growing up, we always dressed up, but it was never too big of a deal. I remember always having so much fun though. As an adult, however, and at WORK no less, Halloween has become something I anticipate joyfully. It's like really being a kid again. Our small department at work put a good bit of thought into what our "look" is going to be in the weeks approaching the big day. Hopefully, it is obviouse that this year we were Alice In Wonderland. There was a lot of creativity involved in this process...none of these dead-on, perfectly peiced together outfits were store bought THANK YOU VERY MUCH!...oh, and that's me as a blond.
And Miss Amelia Bug was none other than a pink poodle. She refused to put on the hood, so the she was more like a headless poodle. She sure did cozzy up nicely to the cutest kangaroo on the block though! Kangaroo and Poodle had a blast chasing each others' tails. Preston, who used his radiation mask to frighten all the little ones, looked more like an albino spiderman peacock. We both took Amelia a couple of blocks over to "trick or treat". They block of a stretch of road for all of the trick or treaters. The houses are decked out and there must have been more than a hundred carved pumpkins within two or so blocks of each other. It was spooktacular! (Sorry, dumb)

Head Gear

2008-10-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

And YES, the helmet's necessary. I do get some funny looks around this place with a small toddler zippin' around on a trike with a massive helmet on...sometimes she prefers to just walk about with the head gear still on with the trike parked somewhere safe. I may have been labeled as one of those extreme parents who assume injury is around every corner. But no, if you could see the delight in her eyes as she races down the inclined sidewalk, speed increasing, and demanding I let go right this instant, then you would agree. The helmet stays.

Fall 2008

2008-10-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Oh How we love the Fall! Amelia didn't really enjoy the leaves as much as she leads on in the photos. Only when Katie was hoisting her up in the air and plopping her down (hard) in the pile did she laugh hysterically. I do love the Fall.

2008-10-20T18:46:00.001-07:00

World's Most Popular Aunt!

2008-10-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Caroline and Logan, look who came to see me at work! I can't remember their names, but I bet YOU can!!! I told them that I had two very special kiddos in my life that are BIG fans of theirs, and they wanted to send out a little "shout out" to you two. They told me that Caroline and Logan are like their most favorite names in the whole wide world! They gave me a big high five just for being your special aunt! You two are so lucky!!! Well, gotta go! Love you two!!!

The Bloggy Blog Blogger

2008-10-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

AHHHHHH, we got our internet back up. What a relief. I love checking other's blogs and keeping "plugged in". It has really turned into an outlet for me, and a perfect way to drown out...I mean, relax with my hubby while he strums his second love. No really, Preston has always had his music as his vice, and now I can say that mine is BLOGGIN'. Dorky, maybe. A co-worker wrote on her site about having a goal to post at least 100 posts within the first year of starting. Well, I'm not sure how many posts I have so far, and I have been posting for over a year now, but I like the thought! It encourages me to write more!

Scooter poop is still scootin' and definately poopin' her way to becoming a two year old. Soon, she will be refusing to potty train, and telling me "NO" in three and four word sentences. I'll be honest, the 2s and 3s have always been a big nightmare of mine...not my favorite age. HOWEVER, there is too much to look forward to for me to outright dread this develpmental process. It is so amazing to me watching her progress. "No like it!" and "No want it!" is a new sentence we have been marveling in recently, but it is so adorable...what's not adorable is the off-the-charts, only-dogs-can-hear-it screaming. Happy or very very mad, it still sounds the same.

On a different note, and much sadder one too, a sweet family who many of us all new very well sadly lost their little boy to AML (leukemia) this morning. What a little fighter he was. We will all miss him terribly. Please pray for the Jones family. They are strengthened only by the Lord as they face the most difficult part of their battle.

One Man's Box...

2008-09-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Well, one man's discarded 60' LCD flat screen TV box is another toddler's DREAM CASTLE!...ssssscore! I stalked this HUGE box outside our door for hours Thursday night hoping to catch the lucky owner of this new TV and ask him if I could take his trash into my home. He never came by, so my friend Robin (my hip downtown buisness owner/interior designer friend)helped me tug it in. Robin, I know cause she told me, thought I was a little dilusional about my visons of grandure. But NOW she understands, and is bowing down at my decorative talents. Actually, the castle was so much fun to make, and I've always wanted to do this. Preston helped paint it, and Amelia is helping to decorate the interior with crayon scribbles. It is obviously for HER to play with, but P and I have had too much fun with it. It is a perfect hidding spot, and p is thinking about making it into his new recording studio. Really, it's not as big as I'm making it sound (we may need to add on later with a sun room or layer out back). It does take up a good amount of space, so it will have to go at some point, but it is something different and fun for now.

My Secret To Sanity

2008-09-04T17:42:00.001-07:00

We have been soaking up the extra time that we now have in the evenings with our sweet friend Katie (aka KiKi)who loves to come over and entertain Amelia. She's only 10, but she has an amazing gift with kids. Amelia just freaks out every time she sees her (Katie lives in our building, so we run into her often). Katie, lately has been coming over for dinner, and helping out with the hussle and bussle of dinner-bath-PJ-brush teeth-story time. Little by little, Katie has taken on a bit more responsibility with getting Amelia ready for bed. She can confidently handle bath time,diapering, and getting her PJs on. It's been tremendous! I actually have laundry put up where it needs to be, and I can relax just a tad while Katie happily chases her naked little bottom all around the place!

My Kid DID Paint that!

2008-09-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't seen the documentary 'My Kid Could Paint That', you really should! We saw it a while ago during one of our Netflix phases. The daycare will thoughtfully place a piece of colorful construction paper with a smidge of paint on it inside Amelia's cubbie with a title like "Expressions by Amelia". I politely take it home and admire it for a day or so. Some of the things they send home are so sweet/obscure. But, the other day we got another stack of pointless(but still sweet and appriciated)artistic expressions, and then noticed that, turned upside down, one of them really was quite brilliant! Can you see the geniusness??? If not, squint. If you still can't see that it is obviously a whale catching his squid dinner, then you may need to have your eyes checked.

Tantrums...Luv Um? Hate Um?

2008-08-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I LOVE them. (Of course not at all, but just for conversations' sake),I find it gives me some personal time to sit down for a change(in the other room). Especially when we're in the "red zone", and there's no point of return. There is no other solution I can possibly come up with (and working with children of ALL types for my entire adulthood has given me no imagination with this) except to simply walk away. I keep calm just fine if I can detach myself physically and mentally. Preston has more of a do-something-about-it mentality. I think it is just being a man, and feeling as though there should be a solution for everything, and definitely a solution that he can bring forth. Well, my solution is to dust my hands of the unsolvable mess, relax, and ride out the storm...now days, these storms are a good 20-30 minutes at best, and about, oh, a bajillian times a day. Well, I may be exaggerating a tad. She's only 20 months old. How hard can this really be?

Nothing New Update

2008-08-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Life is the same as usual. Preston and I are constantly working , but we it only makes having the time together even better. Amelia speaks two word sentences now (go milly bug!). Mostly it is "no,(fill in the blank)". Every once and a while we get a "more please", or "Hello mama". Thrilling. Well, we hope to go see 'Grand Doty' next weekend, and to see their new additions, their three donkeys. We want to see Sipsey too...she's been staying with them for a few months now, and I think she has such a better quality of life there.

Preston's parents are coming this way in a couple of weeks, and we always look forward to that. Thet haven't seen Amelia in while, so it should be a great visit.

Party at Lily's House!

2008-08-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

New Trike!

2008-08-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well I saw this tricycle in a second hand store in perfect condition and had to get it. She is way too small and uncoordinated to get it YET, but I think she will be wizzin' around the hallways and lobby so soon.

Cute Little Donkeys!!!

2008-07-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

My dad and Katherine got three donkeys for the two-mile place (aka "the farm"). a male named Billy-Jack, a female named Mary-something, and a wee little baby named Short Cake. We only have seen them in pictures, but look forward to meeting them in person soon. Amelia has been practicing the word "donkey", it comes out pretty good.

Happy Anniversary To Us!

2008-07-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

Preston and I celebrated our 4th year of marriage today! We had a really great day of hangin out as a family. We went out to dinner and a movie (yes, you heard me). We never get to do the simplest of things normally. But really, we enjoyed just having that time to be with each other and to catch up with life. Yeah! 4 years! (actually 11 1/2 years total!)

Just A Few of My Favs!!!

2008-07-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip. I just couldn't wait to get my hands on them to share! The rest of them, I tagged onto the slide show below. Enjoy!

Preston and His Guitar

2008-07-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

I just love this photograph! It was taken in Colorado during his "bluegrass phase". The Hand Me Downs were recording their CD under Drew Emmitt (name drop!...had to do it), and they hired a photographer to gather some images for the cover. He looks so young in the picture , and so adorable!...He still is.

Edisto Beach 2008

2008-06-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well we now have one more Edisto beach trip under our belt! All in all, we had a load of fun. Amelia of course loved every ounce on the "beach scene"...except for getting sunscreen in her eyes a few times. She flailed about in the ocean estatically, and would have simply gone away with the current if we had let go. She absolutely had her share of mouthfulls of sand. I think she liked the crunching feeling of it in her teeth much more than the feeling of it "on the other end". But really, it all was so fun. Preston got some time with each other, and we definately loved seeing family. My brother Robert came to see us on Thursday and stayed til Sunday. He was fresh off the plane back from his final semester in Chile that earned him his well deserved MBA. Yeah Uncle Bob!!! Anyway, it was all so fun, and I am still waiting on some of the final pictures of the trip from others to share. I will definately be sharing those soon!

Piggy-Tails

2008-05-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ummmm, just a bit too tight!

Much better.

Pool Party!

2008-05-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Amelia had a little friend, Charlize over to play while her mom worked. We had a blast. The two of them ended up being natural buddies, although Charlize is way better at communicating and getting around. Nevertheless, we had fun. We hit the nature center, napped, and then spent the afternoon in the baby pool. Amelia pitched a royal fit when it was time to go in (it had only been 2 hours in the pool).

Get Pumped!...'So You Think You Can Dance' is Fast Approaching!

2008-05-18T18:46:00.001-07:00

Bill Shannon is this amazing dancer/choreographer who has suffered all his life from from what's called legg-calve-perthes disease. It's a degenerative disease in which his hips are no longer able to bear weight. He turned his disability into a real opportunity. How cool is he. His My Space is www.crutchdoc.com

The Nature Center...Again

2008-05-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

I hit the Nature Center again on Saturday with Amelia. We met my friend Sam, and her little boy Simon there. The weather was great, and the two kids had so much fun. Amelia got a "friendly" warning from the baby chicks to not stick her finger in the cage. We all learn the hard way every once in a while. I look forward to spending lots of time there this summer!

Happy Birthday Callie and Logan!

2008-05-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Markham and Amelia

We went to Winsboro SC this weekend to celebrate little Logan and Callie's birthdays. Callie is one, and Logan is now three! We had a good time. The party was out at the "farm" with a hay ride, good bar-b-que, and lots of other kids. It was good to see everybody.

What Is It With Toilet Paper?

2008-05-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Amelia has added a new "behavior" to her repertoire. She usually sneaks into the bathroom and unravels the toilet paper roll with one swat of her hand...today, she found the role holder empty, so she did what came naturally to her. She bit a chunk out of the roll she found in the basket below. She bit through at least 30 layers. What is it with toilet paper?

Trip To The Nature Center

2008-04-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Good times at the nature center. We had fabulous weather, and covered lots of ground

Amelia had a pretty good day at the nature center. The picture looks as though she lost a leg there, but, I assure you she did not.

We stopped for a bit to take a break and teach Amelia how to trow rocks. It was Preston's idea, and she took to it a bit too fast.

Grandaddy will be proud...Amelia has taken an interest in farm equipment. She'll be working on the farm soon enough

Window Watching

2008-04-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

There is a courtyard outside our window just three stories down, and Amelia has taken an interest in watching the people hanging out down there. It is a really nice area, so our neighbors are often down there grilling out and such. Amelia loves one of the little girls in our building. Her name is Katie and she is nine. Katie is usually down in the courtyard with her family and some others and Amelia just gets the biggest kick out of seeing her down there. She just stands there talking to her and waving to her. Everyone now sort of expects her to appear in the window and they all wave back. It's so exciting for her...just the smallest things in life are so thrilling to her.

Our new place

2008-04-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Amelia in her new room

Preston was taking a short break from the move

Preston and I recently moved into a different unit of our building...actually, it is exactly one down from us. It's, for the most part, the same layout and everything. We are very happy with it, and we hope to stay a while here. The building now has a "children's area" with a swing set, sand box and a baby pool. We have several friends in the building as well, so we have remained very happy with our place here. We have been here 2 1/2 years now, and we will have good memories of this place.

Pictures of Random Things

2008-04-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Clean baby, very full belly, time for bed!

Amelia showing off her new choker

"Two cuties"

Preston thinking about...something very important, I'm sure.

Feeding Herself!

2008-03-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

One more step closer to becoming independent...next thing I know she will be going to college!

Easter Pictures

2008-03-30T18:17:00.001-07:00

Preston and I went to Tuscaloosa to see his side of the family for Easter. We had such a great time, and Amelia loved seeing her Mamaw and Papaw. Preston's two sisters and their husbands were there also with Clayton (14 mos.), and Catelyn (10 mos.). On the first night we arrived we let Amelia stay up pretty late sense she slept a good bit of the last couple of hours in the car. In her energetic/exhausted state, we tried to get Amelia to say "Mamaw" as she bounced back and forth between all of us, but somehow it came out as "Boppy"...over and over again. Still today, we say "Amelia, say 'Mamaw'!", and "Boppy" still comes out (we tried it for kicks today during lunch). Go figure. Anyway, the trip was fun, filled with egg hunts, cute clothes, cuter kids, and good good food. The egg hunt that most of the slide show is centered around took place on the quad, at the University. It was a spotless day, not a drop of rain or a gust of cold air in sight. It was spectacular! Preston and I spent the entire time at the quad literally chasing her with a camera trying to get a decent shot...you can tell with how the pictures came out. Some are blurry, and some are too dark, but we seemed to get a few good ones taken. It was a good day.

Water Baby

2008-01-17T18:59:00.001-08:00

Amelia has started a "water babies" class on saturdays. She is a little fish. She loves it so much that it is a battle to get her out of the pool, dressed, and out the door without a total meltdown...I have not been successful in doing this yet. Nevertheless, it's worth it to see her smiling from ear to ear the entire time. Simon is her friend taking the class with her(they met through myself and his mom, Sam).

A Very Merry Christmas!

2007-12-31T18:40:00.001-08:00

We had a great Christmas. As always, it all flew by in a blur. Lots of kids, lots of food, lots of noise and wrapping paper...that's all I recall. Good thing I was taking pictures! We had a blast with family, and Amelia was so entertained. She wanted to grab everything in sight, especially everyones new toys. The older kids, Logan, 2 and a half, and Caroline,3, wanted to protect their things from her the whole time. Amelia kept them on their toes! It was fun to see the younger ones together too. They don't really know what to do with each other yet...they were way too busy making sure that mom was still in clear sight. It overall was a Christmas to remember, and we hope that everyone had a special Christmas as well! Happy New Year!!!

Some Fun Videos of Amelia Walking!

2007-12-15T19:55:00.001-08:00

The quality of the videos are so terrible, but it is all I have figured out so far with using our digital camera. Haven't learned how to use our video camera yet for this.

2007-12-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is so funny! I laughed at Sarah's so hard (I was home alone, and bored). I just had to try this out for us! Hope ya like...Check it out on the top right of our blog page.

I'm Almost 1 !!!

2007-12-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

"I'm a little christmas bear...
Short and stout!
Here are my ears, and here is my snout!
When I get all steamed up, hear me shout!
Just pick me up so I wont pout!"
Thanks Deb for the cutest hat!!!...We've had it on all day!

Fuzzy

2007-12-04T18:13:00.001-08:00

Her "Fuzzy" is very special for bedtime. Allison, my good good friend from College gave her this little blanket. She immidiately replaced the old fuzzy with her new one, and has loved on it ever sense. THANKS ALLISON!! Love ya!

Thanksgiving...Better Late Than Never!

2007-12-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

This year's Thanksgiving was fun and different all at the same time. We went to Gatinburg, TN to spend time with Preston's parents at their time-share condo. We had so much fun watching Amelia and Clayton, who is Sarah and Graham's 9 month old little boy. Amelia and Clayton are so close in age that I know that soon they will be up to no good running around together. Amelia is trying out walking, "talking" tons, and totally cracks herself up. Clayton is just the cutest thing. He laughs and laughs, and smiles so big! Everything was great except that Deborah, Will and Catelyn were not able to be there this time. We all missed them so much. I haven't seen Catelyn in a really long time, and it means so much to me that Amelia knows ALL of her cousins. I am hoping to soon be able to finally get all three together!

Walkin' Big and Talkin' Big

2007-11-11T17:01:00.001-08:00

Funny Guy

2007-11-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

Amelia and her Papaw

2007-11-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

Mamaw and Papaw came to visit this week! We had a good time with them, and Amelia had a blast! She gets a real kick out of them for lots of reasons...they're silly, lovable, full of energy, and loud (the good kind)...just like Amelia. They are a perfect combination.

Halloween Fun

2007-11-05T18:13:00.001-08:00

Halloween was so fun this year. Our department at work dresses up each year as a group and tries to compete a bit with the directors. This year, we were so on our game. We out-did everyone! Our department, consisting of the core four girls, plus two interns, plus one nurse (who wanted to cature the spirit of the day with us)dressed as the Misfit Beauty Queens...Miss Fortune, Miss Behavin', Miss Print, Miss Understood, Miss Educated, Miss Matched, and Miss Cellaneous (miscelaneous). I was Miss Print. We decorated our formal wear with items related to our titles. I had news print taped all over with funny misquotes and misprints. We had tiaras and wands to complement our look. We had a blast. For Halloween each year we have a carnival for the kids with games and crafts. Afterwards, we do a big parade with the kids, parents, and staff through the hospital. Participating units give out treats to the kids, and we all get to show off our costumes. We provide costumes for the kids who don't have any, so everyone has a blast!

That night, our building has a big party with costumes and the whole deal. Preston was out of town for work, so I went for a bit with a neighbor of ours. I transformed my costume into a moth (don't ask how...but it worked well), and Amelia went as a ballerina (or tiny dancer). We had fun, and she wanted only to walk around the whole time, so it was pretty exausting for me. It was a good time all around.

The Sneaky Girl

2007-11-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

Well hello again! I have managed to neglect my blog to the point of practically forgetting how to do this. Things have been so busy, but wonderful at the same time. Preston has been gone for work for a good amount of time over the past several weeks. I have missed him terribly, but am thankful that he is such a hard worker. He and his dad have teamed up together to make one unbeatable force. Things at work are pretty good. Being full-time has presented some difficulties with juggling morning routines, Preston leaving town often, and figuring out childcare. With all of that, life stays pretty jam packed. I know all of you moms out there with more than one child are probably laughing at me, thinking I have it pretty easy with just one... You're right! Someday I'll look back at this and laugh knowing that I have it pretty good.

Anyway...Amelia is doing wonderful! She is just about to walk! She is so darn close. She speeds around pushing her radio flyer wagon stopping only to look back to see whose chasing her. Every once in a while, she lets go of the handle and just stands there freely. She is figuring things out fast. It is so fun watching her do all of these things in her own sweet time. Her latest word is 'Uh-Oh'. Also, she and Sipsey have somehow buddied up during mealtime. They have this secret understanding between the two of them. Amelia feeds herself one bite, then Sipsey get a bite...Amelia gets a bite, Sipsey gets a bite...It's a great deal for Sips, and Amelia thinks she is so cute and sneaky(she is).

2007-09-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Mmmm...Beets are pretty good!

Things here have been pretty good! The weather is beautiful, and we have been spending more time outside. This week, I start full time at the hospital! It will still be four days a week, but longer hours. I hope to be able to adjust smoothly into this new role. I still love my job, so I'm hoping that this will be a good thing. Anyway, Amelia is perfect, and so fun right now!!! She makes so many funny noises, and is ALL OVER THE PLACE. She never sits still, ever. We love having an 8 month old!

Daddy Time

2007-08-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

This past week, Amelia has been a little sick from a tummy bug. She has been so great about it, though. She gets sick, then seconds later wanting to play and "crawl" across the floor laughing and talking. It all catches up with her eventually, and when it does, Dad is there for cuddles. Preston has stayed home with her this entire week so that I could make up some time at work. It has been long for him, but I think that he has enjoyed it (except for the constant diaper changes). It's sad to see a pitiful baby not feeling well enough to play, but they do like to cuddle more. Preston has gotten some good daddy time in.

Robert's Welcome Home Party

2007-08-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we celebrated Robert's return home. He has been away for the past 8 months studying in Mexico as part of his MBA program at USC. We missed him (but were pretty jelouse). There was a great turn out, despite the rain. Several folks, including Preston, brought their instruments and graced us with some good 'ol pickin'. We had a blast. It's good to have us all back together again.

The Army Crawl

2007-08-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

She learned this last night! That's two milestones in 24 hours...Yikes!

Playin' A Little Tune

2007-08-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Pull-Up

2007-08-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

It's official, we have an 8 month old who knows how to pull up on things! And it happened for the first time tonight in the bathtub of all places. I watched her reach over the edge of the bathtub and muscle her way unto her feet. I'm sure that I will soon regret allowing her to have such free exploration in the tub. Once she figured this all out, she wanted nothing to do with her bath toys. Oh boy...here we go!

Staff picnic

2007-08-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Amelia with my director, Tonja, and one of her twin girls

This past weekend, we went to a staff picnic. It included all of the pediatric units, PEDS, PASU, and PICU. There was a pretty good turn out...we were expecting much less. It was a good time though.

More books we like

2007-08-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing Catalog your books online

The Mesh Sucky Thing

2007-08-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

This teether has been such a life saver!!! I have been putting frozen cantalope in it...much easier to clean afterwards than banana. I can hear her sucking on that thing from across the room. In the top picture, you can see her tooth coming in. The second one is close behind.

Isn't She Lovely

2007-08-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

"I'm so cute, it's CRAZY!"

"Scooter Poop"

2007-08-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is her new trick, and she is so very proud of it. Come diaper changing time, she immediately flips over to her belly and grabs everything in sight. Really, everything (even the old diaper). Gross!! Well, she is very happy about this new trick, but it makes it very difficult to change her.

And, finally, Amelia is cutting her first tooth (teeth, actually). Her two bottom teeth are coming in simultaneously...Ouch! I can tell that she is in lots of pain, and it is hard to know what to do. She also is not yet crawling, but she is working on it. Getting around in the walker is what she does best. She runs across the room with her arms flying in the air and her knees wobbling all over the place. She chases Sipsey around, while Sipsey just does her best to avoid her all together. She clips our ankles and runs into our toes. Who needs to crawl when you can scoot around in a walker? We call her "Scooter Poop".

Wedding Weekend

2007-07-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

Our college buds:

Kat, Allison, Me, and Kathy

The rehearsal dinner

The morning of the wedding

Wedding Day!!!

This past weekend, I travelled out to Pagosa Springs, Colorado to be there for my friend Allison's wedding. The entire weekend was so wonderful! Allison looked fabulous, and the ceremony was beautiful (not a drop of rain in sight). Allison and I had not seen each other in over two years, so, we had a blast catching up. There is definitely something to be said about missing two years of a friends life, and picking right back up where you left off.

Edisto Beach Trip

2007-07-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

Baby swim suits

First day on the beach

My Mom, and her grandbabies

Preston with Amelia

Amelia (6 1/2 mo.), Markham (5 mo.), and Callie (8 wks.)

Preston, Amelia and I went to Edisto Beach for the week with my family. This has turned into an annual trip, and has become something that we look forward to all year long. This year, we stayed in the beach house that I grew up going to with my family each summer. This house has many memories that I cherish, and it was really special to be able to stay there. It was a tight squeeze however, with our family of three, Logan, Meredith, there two children, Suzannah, Eli, and there two children...that's six adults, and five children in a three bedroom house!!! My mom and step dad stayed at their condo just down the road, and Meredith's parents and sister join in on the fun each year as well. They were fortunate enough to dodge the chaos with there own place they rented not too far from us. It was such a blast! Amelia, after some coaxing, loved the water and the sand. She looked so darn cute in her swim suit! I did the usual first-time parent thing, and took way too many pictures of her, and videoed everything we did. It was great to see her reaction to the ocean as we took her into the water. I cannot wait until next year when she will really be able to play on the beach with her cousins.

4th of July

2007-07-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a good 4th!!!

Proud Grandparents

2007-07-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Mamaw and Papaw had a special time with the babies. They beamed from ear to ear with joy!

Babies Galore!!

2007-07-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

Preston and I went to visit his youngest sister, Deborah, her husband Will, and their darling baby girl, Catelyn. Catelyn is 6 weeks old already, and this was our first time to see her. She's precious! Preston's other sister, Sarah, her husband Graham, and their 5 month old boy, Clayton were there as well. It was so much fun to be with all the babies. To see how they have grown, and getting to know their little personalities was priceless. Preston's parents also had a great visit with the babies. It was so cute seeing how they all are so different. Catelyn, being so little still, is very watchful and peaceful. She also is experimenting with her smiles. Clayton is really finding his personality with big smiles, and lots of charm. He is gentle, and so sweet. Amelia has a big personality, and shows it through noisy verbalizations, and lots of curiosity. She grabs at EVERYTHING (including other babies within reach).

Amelia's 1/2 Birthday!

2007-06-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Amelia turned 6 months on Saturday! We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, but it was a special day regardless. Preston and I didn't even realize the date until about 2:30 in the afternoon. We went for a great hike off the parkway that afternoon. We had a great time just talking, and being with each other while Amelia hung out in the backpack. It is so nice to be able to reconnect every so often. After a while at home, we decided to go get ice cream...to celebrate her 1/2 birthday, of course. It was a good day, especially after such a rough week.

Lately, I have been trying to "encourage" Amelia to fall back asleep at night in ways other than by nursing. It took me a few nights (and a call to the pediatrician, lactation, and some chapters out of my book) to be convinced that she was not waking up wanting to nurse because she was hungry. Once I knew that, it was my will against hers...first of many to come, I'm sure. There were several nights in a row spent holding her, rocking her, bouncing her, as she furiously cried herself back to sleep. Some nights were easier than others, and some nights, I gave in. It is hard to have her crying in your arms when you know exactly what she really wants. I wonder if she still needs that middle of the night nursing. I know she doesn't "need" it, but does she want it because she is still so young. Anyway...my book said that feeding them solid foods during the day, and helping them to break that association with nursing and falling asleep should lead to a more restful night. The day feedings have actually helped. I notice a significant difference on the nights that follow the days in which she has taken in solid food 2-3 times a day intermittently. So far, she loves plain rice cereal, carrots, frozen bananas to gnaw on, avocado, and sweet potato. She hates pears, and I can't imagine why. She is also sitting up on her own now. She is so happy and healthy, and I need to remind myself that more often when I start questioning my choices for her, especially at 4 am when she has been crying in my arms for nearly an hour wanting you know what.

I am hoping that Amelia is sleeping better through the night before our trip to Birmingham this next weekend to visit Preston's sister, Deborah, and her new little girl Catelyn. Sarah, her husband Graham, and their little boy Clayton are coming along with his parents. It will be the first time we all are together with the babies. We are so excited to see them! This will be first of many gatherings with them in order for all of the cousins to see each other. There will be many pictures taken, I'm sure of it.

Amelia and Memaw

2007-06-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

Preston's mother, Joyce came to stay with Preston to help take care of Amelia while I was away at the conference. They had a great time, and are quite comfortable with each other! I know that Preston was happy to see me and all when I got home today, but I had the feeling that he was really ready for me to get home to take over the baby duties. It was great to see everyone today. I felt like I was away for weeks!

Disney World

2007-06-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Blair, Jena and myself at the 25th Annual Child Life Conference

Magic Kingdom

'It's a Small World' at Magic Kingdom

It's good to be home again!!

For the past 5 days, I have been in sunny Orlando, FL at one of the Disney resorts for an annual conference for work. I went with two other co-workers. We had tons of fun, and the conference sessions, which ran from Thursday until Sunday, where very good. I always feel rejuvenated and refreshed after these conferences, especially when it's at Disney World! On Saturday, at about 4:00, we had a chance to go explore Disney. It was such a blast! I was fortunate enough to go a few times as a child, and I have such amazing memories of those trips. I rode my first roller coaster ride there, Space Mountain, with my Dad. Unfortunately, I was quite traumatized by the experience, and learned the hard way that I did not like roller coasters. On the upside, I did find a ride that perfectly suited my comfort level...'It's a Small World'. And what better way to relive those memories than to experience both of those rides again! One of the girls did not like roller coasters, but thankfully, the other did. The three of us had a grand time, and took lots of pictures. I hope someday I will have the chance to take my own kids there...but never in that hot weather! It was hot hot hot, and very packed with families (I've never seen so many children on leashes).

Bath Time

2007-05-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Amelia's newest talent is soaking the entire bathroom during her bath. She flips her body all over the tub with this intense look on her face. Preston and I were practically in tears laughing at her. She really is a funny little baby.

Family Time

2007-05-22T17:22:00.001-07:00

I went to Columbia this past weekend to see Robert, who came home from Mexico City for the weekend, and Little Callie. We spent lots of time with Logan and Meredith, and getting to know Callie. She wasn't too happy in this picture, but she is the sweetest little thing! Her favorite things in life are sleeping, nursing, and looking cute. Amelia shares those very same interests (except the sleeping)! Callie and Amelia will surely be best buds soon.

2007-05-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

I went to Columbia this past weekend to see Robert, who came home from Mexico City

2007-05-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

Mother's day was pretty good. Amelia was a little fussy that day, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Things are going really good with her. She is eating a little rice cereal at night. I was hoping that it would keep her from waking up too often at night to nurse, but so far, she still gets up about two to three times a night. She sampled a bit of avacado yesterday mixed in her cereal, and some peas today. She is getting the hang of it slowly, but I certainly don't want to push it on her if she isn't ready. She is also rolling over now(front to back mostly). She is truely an amazing little person, and so funny! She laughs so hard, and smiles so big (mostly at the dog and at Preston). I can't wait to see what she is doing this time next year!

puppy love

2007-05-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

She absolutely loves sipsey, and whenever she is fussy, sipsey always brings a laugh. We let sipsey sniff her, but no licking allowed. I wish that I had a recording of her laughing at the dog, it's hysterical!

Cute Tushie

2007-05-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for bath time here, and I could not resist snapping a shot of the cutest little tushie this side of the Missippi.

The Bumbo Seat

2007-05-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

We got a bumbo seat (thanks Mimi). She is so cute in it, but we soon found out that she can actually get out of it by arching her little back and stretching her legs out. She's going to be a climber!

IT'S A GIRL!!!

2007-05-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Horray! Meredith and Logan now have a beautiful little girl named (drum roll).....Julian Calhoun Doty "Callie". Sorry, I don't have a better picture of her. She was in the nursery, and only grandparents were allowed back. I will have a good picture soon. Little Logan is there with his other gradfather "Harry" to meet his sister.

On the Farm

2007-05-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

We all went to South Carolina this past weekend to welcome our newest member of the family (Logan and Meredith's 2nd little one). Before the big day, we spent some time on the farm with my dad. Don't worry, she's not learning to drive the four wheeler yet...she'll probably never be allowed on it for real anyway.

Father-Daughter

2007-05-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

They both are admiring their good looks in the mirror. Someday, Amelia may spend as much time doing her hair as her dad does.

Rice Cereal

2007-04-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Today, Amelia is 4 months old, and she just happened to have her 4 month check-up with Dr. Morgan. She weighs 13 lbs 12 ozs. and is 24 in. long. We discussed the option of starting solids gradually...I was not going to start until 6 months, but the Dr. explainned that the extra iron is very good for when they are growing at such a fast rate. She explainned that if Amelia was not ready, then she would let us know. Well, we decided to give it a go!...I don't think that she is ready just yet. She didn't hate it, but she didn't love it either. We'll probably hold off just a bit more (there's no need to rush anything).

First "Hike"

2007-04-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

We all got outside on Sunday afternoon to hike around a lake at a local summer camp grounds. The weather could not have been more perfect. Sipsey got to swim and had a blast...she deserves it after her world flipping upside down with the baby and all. We will use the baby backpack so much this summer!

2007-04-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

My dad went to Guadalajara Mexico a few weeks ago to visit my brother Robert. He brought the grandkids back some T-shirts. Amelia is sporting hers as a night gown...ready for bed!

New Favorite Passtime

2007-04-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

We got a johnny jumper recently, and it has proven to be a "must have"(next to the baby bijiorn). She is still figuring it all out, but she is quickly discovering her capabilities. Soon, she will be touching the ceiling. Unfortunately, due to the untraditional everything in our apartment, the door frames are not the normal width. The downstairs guest bathroom door is the only one the jumper will fit in. It is still worth keeping.

First Easter

2007-04-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

We had a good Easter, despite the weather. Amelia looked so sweet in her dress. It snowed that weekend, so it was a bit chilly to say the least. Amelia actually slept through the night that Saturday, and again on Sunday night! I hope this isn't a teaser!

New Bathroom!

2007-04-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

Preston finally had a chance to finish the upstairs bathroom, so...Woohoo! The floors are the original floors of the building, so they still look like this after many scrubbings. Nevertheless, it looks so good. Preston did such a great job (he did everything from the tile work to the trim).

"Play" Group

2007-04-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

Amelia and I hung out last Monday with Tanya (mom) and her little 6 month old girl, Lily (the one teething). Two other girls joined us with their 5 month old boys. Calling it a play group is a major overstatement, seeing as the babies obviously had no awareness of each other. We all want to get together on a regular basis to hang out. The other cutie is Jack. Mason, the fourth one, was not there yet.

Family Picture

2007-04-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

My mom was so happy to see us this weekend. Amelia changes so much each week, so even three weeks ago, when mom saw her last, she was different. She is starting to show some new hair coming in. It may be blonde, but it is too thin to tell yet. She also is teething (already!!). The doctor said it can happen this early. She is knawing on her fists, drooling a lot, and not sleeping too great. Wow! I can't believe how fast she is moving along! I wish I could freeze time.