Top Ten of 2011

Since I was such a slacker blogging after Addison's arrival, I decided to do a top ten of 2011 to highlight some of my favorite moments of the year...enjoy!

10)Becoming a Kelly's Kids rep - yep, that's right, I became a rep for Kelly's Kids in 2011. My first season was this Fall and it was a lot of fun having trunk shows at friend's homes and getting to pick out all sorts of ridiculously cute clothes for Addison. I looked into it for the rep benefits and pretty much spent every penny of my commission on clothes for Addison, which was just what I had planned. I recently received the spring catalogs in the mail, and went through today deciding what I can spend all my commission on in the spring.

9) Best compliment of 2011 - a coworker stopped me to ask me what color lipstick I wear, she said she was noticing my lip color the other day and meant to ask me what lipstick it is...I don't wear lipstick!!! Best. Compliment. Ever!

8) New patio - Brandon got a wild hair shortly after Addison was born and added a patio in the front yard, at the time I was a bit confused about the sudden urgency, but understand it is basically the opposite of nesting. Women make a happy home to prepare for baby's arrival, men need to work outside after the baby comes. I blogged part one months ago but never completed the update, you know, because I'm a slacker. Well, here's the finished product, it turned out awesome!

Our new patio

7) Girls Night Out - I love spending time with my girlfriends which is new to me because I never really had a lot of girl friends growing up. I have made a lot of good girlfriends in the past five years and love sushi/margarita/American Idol/Project Runway nights.

6) Pick a state - I've set a goal to visit all 50 states by the time I'm 50 and truth be told am a long way off. It's getting harder to decide where to go because, I'm not that excited about all 50 states. This year we decided to put the remaining states in a hat and draw our next location. The winner was...Kentucky! So, I've been planning our 2012 vacation to Kentucky and am excited about seeing Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger and Kentucky Derby museums, going on a bourbon tour, Louisville Zoo, and much more. Imagine my delight when I discovered that Indianapolis and Cincinnati are a few hours drive...so I'll attempt to knock three states off the list in one trip. I'll need to do that to achieve my goal because 50 isn't that far off!

5) Labor Day at the beach - We spent Labor Day weekend in Gulf Shores with my dad and his wife and Tropical Storm Lee. It wasn't really what I had in mind for a weekend at the beach but we made the best of it.

Labor Day in Gulf Shores

4) Boo at the Zoo - We took Addison for her first visit to the zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Our local zoo decorates for Halloween and local sponsors give out candy to the children. It was absolutely crazy packed. We weren't worried about waiting in line for candy with a nine month old so it was no biggie. We ended up with an annual zoo membership because you could bypass the admission line if you purchased a membership. After waiting for all of one minute, we signed up. The best part is, the membership reciprocates to other zoos around the U.S., including the Louisville Zoo! :)

Addison's first trip to the Baton Rouge Zoo

3) Mother's day - this mother's day was very special because it was my first mothers day and I got a Kindle! Just kidding...well, I did get a Kindle, but that's not why it was so special. We also had Addison baptized on Mother's Day and all of our family came over for brunch after church, it was a very special day.

Addison's baptism, my first mother's day

2) LSU's undefeated season - how special is that...I know it's kind of lame for that to beat out mother's day, but I'm pretty freaking excited about our amazing football team and am nervously awaiting the BCS Championship game on Monday night.

Trying to keep this in mind

and the number one moment of 2011...

1) Addison's birth day - the most special moment that I don't really remember thanks to complete exhaustion and lots of narcotics but still the best day of the year by far!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful year...looking forward to all that 2012 holds, wishing you many blessings!

Christmas Traditions

Brandon and I have had few "traditions" during the holidays but I've found since having a little one, those traditions have more meaning.

Here are a few of our Christmas traditions...

1) LSU christmas tree - I had a purple and gold Christmas tree before Brandon and I moved in together and we've just kept it going all these years. I contemplated a more traditional Christmas tree since having a baby but just couldn't commit. I've gathered a nice collection of ornaments, most of them this year when I went a little overboard at Hollydays, buying up every LSU ornament I saw. Here are some of our new ones we added this year.

LSU Tigers
Geaux Tigers!

LSU

I love LSU Gameday

Addison 2011

2) Decorating the outside of the house - we didn't even do this this year, since our house is on the market, Brandon decided not to decorate outside. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing when trying to sell the house but I guess in terms of photographing the house, it doesn't date the pictures.

Here are some ideas for new ones to be instituted sooner or later, when Addison's old enough to remember. After all, isn't that what traditions are all about, making memories?!! If we are going to all that work, I want her to remember it.

1) Cutting down our Christmas tree at at farm - we usually go to Lowe's or Home Depot and pick out a tree but think it would be a lot of fun when she is a little older to go to a real farm and cut down a tree

2) driving around looking at Christmas lights - I've been trying to talk Brandon into this all season but with no success. I was so excited to find this article in a local parenting magazine about light shows in our area...I guess it's still not too late but I'm thinking this tradition will be put off.

3) Elf on the shelf - I'll admit this inspiration came from so many cute postings on facebook and pinterest but mostly I want to get an elf on the shelf because I want to name him Elfis, get it, like Elvis but Elfis! I heard that on the radio and have been dying to get one just for that reason.

4) Birthday cake for Jesus - started this tradition this year, because after all He is the reason for the season and who doesn't like birthday cake, right? I was picking up the cake at the bakery yesterday and asked that they write "Happy Birthday Jesus" on the cake. The girl at the bakery looked at me with a smile. I answered, "well, it is his birthday, that's why we celebrate" and out of the blue, this women next to me says "Hallelujah!" I'm not sure why but it just cracked me up...so random and strange yet wonderful all at the same time!

What are some of your Christmas traditions?

I hope everyone have a very wonderful Christmas and Santa brings you everything you asked for!!

I'm back..maybe?!?

I discovered a blogger app today and was inspired by my friend Dee to get back to it. Hopefully, I'll take the time to go online at least once a week to update. At the very least, I need to update my Easter background! Otherwise, I'll shoot for quick posts with the help on the iPhone blogger app for now. Hope all is well with you and yours.

P.S. can you believe how big my baby is?!?

Addison's First Trip to the French Quarter

I decided I wanted to spend my last weekend on maternity leave in New Orleans to drown my sorrows which is kind of hard to do when breast feeding. That being said, the weekend was beautiful and kept my mind occupied enough that I didn't start crying about returning to work until this morning.

We left town Friday around 11:30am which was a little later than I had planned but with a 12-week old baby, I think 90 minutes behind schedule isn't all that bad. We stopped at our friend's restaurant in Kenner on the way to the French Quarter. Lucky for us she was working and we got to visit and enjoy pizza. If you're ever in Kenner and looking for some yummy pizza, head on over to Fat Molly's Pizza. It's near the airport, if you have a layover or want to grab a quick bite before or after your flight.

We got to our friend's apartment around 3pm and discovered filming in Jackson Square, right below the balcony. Nicholas Cage was filming his new movie Medallion. According to IMDb, Medallion tells the story of a former thief frantically searching for his missing daughter, who has been kidnapped and locked in the trunk of a taxi. The scene was saw was Nicholas Cage, a young girl with a blue teddy bear and a taxi cab...*spoiler alert*, I assume that means he found his daughter. He was so gracious with the large number of people that had gathered to watch filming. He went into the crowd after filming had wrapped to shake hands and take pics with the fans.

Lucky for us we got into town when we did because, according to People Magazine and TMZ (my juvenile sources for news!), Nicholas Cage was arrested early Saturday morning for one count of domestic abuse and one count of disturbing the peace. Needless to say, we didn't see any more filming during the weekend.

We went to Royal House for dinner Friday evening. I had the crawfish and crabmeat ravioli and it was pretty tasty. We laughed at dinner about how we use to ask ourselves what kind of idiot brings their baby to the French Quarter but there we were strolling along with our babies. Even though we have a baby now, we still like to have a good time and there is no reason she can't come along. When we were walking back to the apartment, I couldn't help but get a picture of the guys. I realize it's kind of blurry but I'm pretty sure if I had asked them to turn around for a pic they would not have been too keen on the idea. After dinner the girls and the babies went to bed and the guys headed to the casino.

Saturday morning we headed out to Cafe' du Monde for beignets and cafe' au lait. The weather was so beautiful; it was the perfect day for just hanging out which is what we did.

We walked over to Port of Call for lunch and I ate a burger the size of my head. It is always so good and worth the wait. The walk from the St. Peter to Esplanade also makes me feel like it's okay to eat that burger (and the amazing loaded potato)! We headed back along Royal Street, did some window shopping and happened upon a parade (or maybe a funeral procession, I wasn't really sure). It's moments like that, that make me love New Orleans!

We hung out on the balcony most of Saturday, saw a few weddings in the Square and at the Cathedral, watched the vendors peddle their wares and just took it all in. Addison hung out on the balcony with us most of the time and didn't nap as much as she usually does but did manage a few cat naps here and there.

I think all of the commotion was just too much to miss out on and figured it was good exposure for her to get ready for day care. With 8 other children in her "class" it won't be very quiet and she will need to get adjusted.

We had planned on heading back home early in the day to make it home in time for Palm Sunday services at church but just didn't swing it. She has been napping most of the day today, catching up on her beauty rest. I'm thinking she may start trying to roll over soon as evidenced by the picture below which shows how I found her after she got up from a nap today. I obviously put her down on her back but she managed to get on her side. I think if the side of the crib wasn't there, she may have ended up on her stomach.

I return to work tomorrow (boo!) after my 12 weeks of maternity leave. I'm very sad about it but know it is the way things are and truth be told don't think I could swing it as a stay at home mom. I have much respect for those mothers who do, I tell you what it is hard work. I'm so glad Brandon decided to stay home with her this week, giving me another week before she starts day care and time to get back into the swing of things at work. Also, returning to work probably means fewer blog posts for now because I'm sure I'll only want to squeeze on Addison when I get home from work for a while!

Hope you are all doing well and have a happy Easter!

Picture with the Easter Bunny

Addison and I went to the Mall of Louisiana to take her picture with the Easter Bunny today and let me tell you, I was so grossed out. I'm sorry but there is something about an adult in a costume with little kids that just gives me the heeby jeebies. It bothers me that I can't see the person's face and don't even know if it's a man or woman. (Also, I can't help but wonder if he/she smiles when they take a picture?!?) I approached the Easter Bunny with Addision in my arms and he waved. I asked which way he wanted to hold her, after all she is only 11 weeks old and needs a little help, and he didn't answer. Now I understand you're the Easter Bunny and you're not suppose to talk but come on, she's 11 weeks old and there were no other kids around. At this point, it is just awkward! He/she is just holding her arms out and I try to prop Addison up but she keeps sliding between his elbow and I'm annoyed and grossed out all at the same time. Even the girl taking pictures told him/her to hold Addison and finally it took hold of her leg but it was very strange! She took three quick snaps, none of which were very cute but I was so eager to get her out of his lap, I didn't even care. I know this is horrible to say but I couldn't help but thinking what kind of pedophile takes a job like this...I'm sorry, I know I'm wrong but it was a traumatizing experience for me. When I went to get her out of his lap, he still just sat there, didn't try to hand her to me or help me get her so I ended up rubbing my arm along his side to get her and it was yucky! I didn't even think about all the germs on the suit (thanks to my sister for pointing that part out!) The funny part is the two kids that came up after us both threw total fits and their moms didn't make them take a picture. I think they probably made the right decision. At least Addison it to young too remember the awkward Easter Bunny!

Addison and the Easter Bunny

And you don't even want to know how much it cost for the ordeal!!

Hope everyone has a very happy Easter!

Our latest project (part one)

Most of you who know us, know that we like projects. I was worried once we had a baby the projects would stop but apparently I was wrong. Brandon and I have been talking about a deck/patio area since last summer but have waited to do anything since we were working on the bathroom last year. Home Depot had pavers on sell last week which peaked Brandon's interest and began the conversation again. We went and looked but of course the ones on sell were on sell for a reason but we found what we wanted at Lowes for not much more and decided to get started now before it is miserably hot! When he got started, Addison and I were hanging out watching the work and the next door neighhbors came over to visit. They shared a story about when their first son was born (who is now in 8th grade), the husband decided to build a deck in the back yard. They weren't home from the hospital a few days when he got this wild hair and left her alone with the baby for hours on end each day while he worked on the deck in the back yard. She and I decided this must be the opposite of nesting. Before the baby arrives, the mom is busy cleaning and preparing the house for baby's arrival. After the baby arrives, dad feels the need to "get out of the house" and starts these monstrous projects. We were all laughing about it and he said she still gives him grief about it all these years later. Anyway...

Here is Brandon's plan which I had a real hard time understanding no matter how long and hard he tried to explain it. We stood outside in the space and he pointed out what he wanted to do and I still couldn't picture it. He plans to do a pathway from the gate to the side of the house, a small patio with steps up to the porch, flower beds around the two trees (crepe myrtle and Japanese magnolia) and a row of shrubs along the house behind the patio. Can't you see that in his plans?!?

Brandon's Plans

The first step was to till up the grass and make a clean foundation to get started. We asked around to see if anyone had a tiller, we didn't find one and Brandon contemplated doing it manually which I thought was crazy. I on the other hand, called AAA Rental All and found one in no time, so Brandon caved and went to pick one up. It made for quick work but not easy. Brandon said it was still pretty physical using the tiller and I reminded him a shovel would have been a lot more physical.

Brandon tilling the soil

After a little work with the tiller Brandon had the area cleared of most of the grass and started marking the areas as he had planned. Here he is indulging my continued documentation of the progress. Only once he had cleared out the grass and used the shovel and rake to delineate the areas could I finally see his vision and truth be told it did resemble his plans. Here is what it looked like then, you can kind of see the pathway from the gate to the side of the house, the area where the patio will be, the beds around the two trees and the shrub line along the house (behind the patio area).

Next he decided to work on the sprinkler system. Luckily the lady who lived here previously was an avid gardener and already had a sprinkler system installed. According to our neighbor, she had a lovely landscaped area here so that made it easy for us. There are a few large sprinkler heads in the lawn and smaller ones inside the fence. Brandon wanted to replace some of the heads and remove some, mainly the ones that would now be covered with pavers.

Digging up one of the sprinkler heads in the yard to replace

Replacing the sprinkler heads inside the fence

I had the door open while I was documenting his progress so I could keep an ear out for Addison who was snoozing in her swing. During this time, I thought Millie was hanging out in the back yard but was surprised to look up and find her taking it all in from the doorway. She's such a good dog...just sitting there watching us work, not even attempting to leave the house. Willie would have been out the house and running down Government Street in a heartbeat but not Millie, she actually behaves herself!

Millie supervises in the a/c, she's such the pampered pooch!

Brandon attempted to cap off one of the pipes where the walkway will be because obviously you won't need/want a sprinkler head underneath the walkway, only to discover we bought the wrong size caps. He got new caps yesterday but the monsoon prevented him from working on it.

He wants to work on it for three days this weekend. Hopefully during that time, he will get the area leveled and sand put down for the foundation, maybe if we are lucky, he may even have time to started putting down some of the pavers!?!

Stay tuned for more...

Like father...like daughter

For a while everyone was saying Addison looked just like me but lately we've got more comments that she looks like Brandon. We agree she seems to be a mixture of the two of us...nose down, me and nose up, Brandon. She clearly has similar features to me in her lips and distinct cleft below her nose. I was hoping she would get Brandon's very blue eyes and beautiful long eyelashes and I'm thinking that may be the case. One thing I was a little ambivalent about what Brandon's hair. He has curly hair that is a little bushy, for lack of better words. Most people don't realize that because he brushes it straight but when he has gone a long time between hair cuts, you can see it!

Lately after a bath, Addison's hair seems to want to curl a little bit and I'm not okay with that. What on earth will I do with curly hair?!? I always wanted curly hair, in fact I permed it when I was in middle school. I also have thought curly hair would be great because you can wear it curly or straight but people with straight hair can not make their hair curly. However, I'm now concerned about Addison having curly hair...just think about the knots and tangles and challenges I'll have trying to fix curly hair! Check out this pic of the two of them after a bath last night!

Twin curls?

Here are a few other pics we took after last night...we are having so much fun with this sweet baby girl!!

Mommy loves the baby!

Cheesy family portrait

Hope everyone is doing well!