The Blairs

I know I know...

2012-02-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

It's been forever since I've authored a post BUT things have been hectic around here...I'm growing a baby for crying out loud.

I just stopped by to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and to share a funny C moment that happened this morning....so per her new usual...she got up and walked in to our bedroom around 6:15...tripped over some of Kyle's dress shoes (it's her way of making sure we're all awake) then fell over Vivian (this lets me know to get ready to scoop her up and put her in bed with us...under the cobers of course). She got in bed and asked where Daddy was as usual and I pointed out where Kyle was laying. She smacks around face for a little and then after a bit she says, "Daddy's face is so soft...Mommy's face is not..." and Kyle breaks out laughing...where's the love?

Daggers to the heart....

Boo Boo

2011-05-19T09:41:00.001-07:00

So C came home with a scratch. Nothing big just a small scratch, but she kept pointing it out...all the time. It was driving me crazy so I thought I'll put a Helli Kitty bandaid on it and solve the problem. This Momma couldn't have been more wrong....

She wouldn't even look at her leg. Of course don't fret the bandaid was quickly removed after this picture was taken.

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Sidewalk Chalk...Who knew it could be this much fun?

2011-04-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

And let me tell you it's fun. I'll admit that I was hesitant to hand over the red, green and blue chalk pieces. I mean that is one cute smocked fish pant outfit...I didn't really give that much thought to yellow or green as they don't poise as much of a threat to an outfit, in my humble opinion.

Check out how much fun she had:

Don't be jealous of our gardenia bush! We have several more like it in our front yard and it smells absolutely divine in our front yard!

Even Caroline loves the smell.

Someone got a little carried away with the chalk.

Even Dad got involved.

Cute little hand print on the front door!

Which one is only $60

2011-04-25T11:48:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for a Michele watch but only want to spend $60 head on over to Wal-Mart and get a fabulous replica. My lunch breaks spent at Wal-Mart produce the most interesting finds.

Easter is coming...

2011-04-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

I saw signs of it yesterday when I picked up Caroline from school and she had dyed these bad boys

Inspiring Quote for a Monday

2011-04-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

I got it in an email and simply had to share it. It's a great thought for a Monday.

Enjoy your week!

The next Rachel Zoe...

2011-04-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

I'm sure, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom.

This is the ensemble that she picked out while home sick with me. Is she a styling genius OR is it the result of the fever? I'm CLEARLY going with genius!!!

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Childrens Museum

2011-04-11T13:29:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I took Caroline to the children's musuem since we had a girls only weekend. She had a blast despite an older lady looking at her legs and saying, "it looks like someone got double dipped." I was a bit taken aback by this strangers comment. What is the appropriate response...I just smiled and she walked away. Here are some shots

She loved this thing and spent so much time turning One clog to move the entire board.

Then it was off to the sand...

Next the truck...

Clearly done with the truck...hurry she's escaping...

Then it was off to the house to clean. She doesn't come by this desire to sweep and vacuum naturally. I despise cleaning.

This was a little secret passage via the chimney.

Then it was time to try out being a firefighter...something that she might get from her PawPaw

Then We were out of there.

But before I go here's a few more pictures....

Saying peee-w that was a stinky skunk

Generally this is how she rides in the car...she's a diva

Also we rarely make it out of the store without some sort of ball. Here we are at Wal-Mart looking at the fish.

Until next time...

BlogPress from my iPhone

Summer NOT Spring Has Arrived at Our House

2011-04-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

I say SUMMER as opposed to SPRING because when it's 90 degrees it's basically summer AND I don't even think that Houston has spring as a season.

So Kyle got home, sun burnt but home nonetheless, from his fishing trip on Sunday, and we pulled out our pool and tent (because C and I are fair) and spent the day outside.

Caroline was clearly in heaven!

Where did she go?

2011-04-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

She's gotten so big it's hard to believe she was ever this small...tick tock...tick tock!

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

2011-03-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well almost my entire family came down for the Houston Rodeo. It was unseasonably cold for the day but we didn't let that get us down because it was TEXAS TECH DAY at the Rodeo and we didn't even plan it.

There was much to enjoy for Caroline...corny dogs...baby animals...the rodeo...and running around and getting in everyone's way!

This girl loves her some corny dogs...BUT ONLY at particular events...NOT at home when I make them...go figure!

This goat was too cute!

One proud Gumpa

Hanging out with her PawPaw, Gumpa and Dad learning about a tiny fishing pole...that was ALMOST purchased by all three!

Not the best picture but she was dancing away to all the "rodeo" music. This girl LOVES to shake her booty!

She LOVES her PawPaw...clearly!

Watching the rodeo with her Aunt Kathleen-ie. She buys the BEST outfits for her!

Getting some Grandmommy lovin'.

There was also one thing in particular that she did NOT enjoy...sitting on a pony for a picture. I didn't get a picture of this incident as Caroline was placed on the pony, a pony that was sitting still with no plans of moving, and immediately demanded to be removed from the pony's back. After this incident we got our money back and were so thankful that we didn't stand in the ridiculously long line for the actual pony ride.

Readers get excited as this weekend Caroline is having her pictures taken at Kemah Boardwalk and I'll post my shots next week...promise! Oh and she's having her picture taken for the heck of it...you should know that I don't need a reason for her to be photographed! Also there might be some pictures in the Texas Bluebonnets...IF (and that's a big IF) I can get this TODDLER to cooperate!

Tough Comparisons...WHY?

2011-03-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying that pictures are coming soon but my battery is dead in my camera and I can't locate the charger..just yet but there will EVENTUALLY be pictures.

So today I'm going to ponder aloud via my blog...

Why is it that I compare myself so harshly to others?

Why do I worry so much that I am not going to make as much out of my life as others if I chose to stay at home?

WHY?

OK ladies...fix me!

My Water Project Fundraising Page

2011-01-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Followers,
Just thought I'd give an update regarding the water project. I've made my first contribution towards my $1,000. Here's my fundraising page:

http://thewaterproject.org/community/profile/kristen-blair

Thanks again for your support. I have such a great feeling about this!

Ouch....

2011-01-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

Caroline has her first skinned knee...AND...because I'm a first time mom I took a picture of it!

I'm so incredibly scared to be posting this BUT...

2011-01-25T11:50:00.000-08:00

I'm going to anyway. I realize that I only have 22 followers, but let's face it numbers really aren't important...are they...hope not? Regardless, the 22 people that do follow me are incredibly important people...they are my peeps...friends...amigos...pals...mates...a few lucky ones I consider my friend family (definition - those people that are so incredibly important to you that you choose them as your family despite the lack of blood relation). I believe you get the picture.

So my 22 followers, I'm putting myself out there...I'm looking for accountability...support...love.

As many of your know, I have been a dedicated reader of Kelle Hampton's blog, www.kellehampton.com. By dedicated I mean a blog stalker. I check her blog EVERY SINGLE DAY and when there is nothing new I get rather upset. So I've been inspired by her latest fundraiser. She managed to raise over $100,000 for the National Down Syndrome Society in honor of her daughter Nella. And my source of inspiration for my act of "paying it forward."

Recently my friend Megan went to Africa for vacation, strange I know but if your lucky enough to have Megan in your life you know this is simply the norm for her. She has been posting about her trip on her blog (http://themostboringplaceonearth.blogspot.com/) and I've been faithfully reading all about her trip. Her pictures are amazing and the subject matter is humbling.

So enough procrastination...clearly I'm stalling...after reading about Megan's trip, the daily struggle to obtain drinking water and looking into all of those children's faces (the last one was the hardest on this momma) I have decided to do something with my 2011. I am going to spend it saving...

I know, I can hear the gasps from all of my 22 followers...strange for me to utter those words. My hope...no my plan is to raise $1,000 and "purchase" a pump for a well somewhere in Africa.

I have made this decision simply because God has blessed me in excess...I have a wonderful husband...beautiful daughter...fabulous friends and family...an education (that sometimes I use and sometimes I don't :) ). I am incredibly lucky and quite frankly it's time for me to pay it forward...and I'm paying it forward in the form of clean water.

I would love to exceed my goal with your help, but what I want most is accountability from you guys. Help me to be strong and stay focused on my goal. It's not like it's a million dollars but hey everyone has to start someone and I'm starting with a well pump.

I plan on using this organization...
http://thewaterproject.org/

So friends please help me be accountable. I really want to be a part, albeit a small part, of helping to get clean water, a basic need I most certainly take for granted, to as many people as possible. (I'm also hoping this will help with my ridiculously unhealthy addiction to smocked clothes for Caroline).

I'll post monthly updates once I figure out my The Water Project page.

Imagination Day at The Climbing Tree

2011-01-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Today was Imagination Day at Caroline's school. They were going to dress up as whatever they wanted and go to the church gym for snacks, face painting and games.

I had no idea what to dress Caroline as. I received lots and lots of good suggestions but none really worked out. I tried Megan's suggestion of a rainbow unicorn but Caroline kept taking off the cone/horn and she was incredibly bothered by the yarn tale. Then I attempted a hula girl. My daughter, the goat, attempted to eat the grass skirt so that was a no go. Then we settled on a fairy and it was on with the wings and tutu. Here's the results. I can't wait to see if they painted her face when I get home today from work.

This is Caroline and her favorite teacher Ms. Karen, she was a birthday girl...I don't get it either

Having her breakfast like a big girl as her classmates watch on like hawks. I would too if they knew how good my, from scratch mind you, homemade banana bread really is.

RSV...pretty rough stuff

2011-01-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

On our long New Year's Eve Weekend Caroline started to get rather sick and was coughing something terrible. As the weekend wore on I grew more and more concerned. So I had Kyle take her to the doctor's office Monday morning for an early appointment I had set. I really didn't think much of the appointment. I thought at the worst we would get antibiotics and instructions to commence the dreaded breathing treatments yet again. Well at 9:30 I look down at my phone and realize that I had several missed calls from Kyle as well as several text messages from him. I called him back and he informed me that Caroline was being admitted to the hospital because they thought she had pneumonia. Well I dropped everything and ran out of my office screaming explanations of where I was going. I don't think I've ever driven that fast or said as many prayers. When I arrived at the hospital Caroline looked horrible her skin was so blotchy and she was so lethargic. I had never seen her like this and I can honestly say that this was the scariest moment of my life.

So after blood tests, snot testing and chest xrays it was determined that Caroline did not have pneumonia but in fact she had RSV. This meant we were quarantined to our hospital room. A rather larger hospital room but a hospital room nonetheless. So, as can be expected, my mom was on the road. She joined us for the first night in the hospital. The goal for the night was to allow the antibiotics and steroids to work and to avoid Caroline's oxygen dropping below 90 so that we could fingers crossed leave the hospital Tuesday morning. So we all piled into our respective beds...and Caroline was not having sleeping in her cage. So it was in the bed the two of us went. Well around 9 Caroline's levels fell and she had to be put on oxygen. It was horrific. They had to tape her face so that she wouldn't pull the tubes out of her nose. It was 100 times worse than any of the shots so far. Well we knew that we were in for another night at the hospital because once she was put on oxygen they required her to stay another night in the hospital so that they could monitor her levels once the oxygen was removed.

In the morning her levels improved, as they do with kids low at night good during the day, and they removed the oxygen. This was, as you can imagine, a leg flinging fist flying fight (side note, since she had an IV she had a splint under it which was wrapped with that tape like material they wrap your arm in after you give blood..so said fist is quite power now).

Well, Kyle was great and went and bought all of our meals. His girls weren't going to subside on hospital food. We survived an entire day locked in a hospital room unable to get out and move about and Caroline only had about a 4 foot area that she would walk in because she was attached to her IV and the oxygen monitor. It was the most relaxing day I've ever had. I can't even count how many melt downs there were and boy did they last and last. I, having the easiest child to date, have never experienced screaming and crying that is unsootheable. I was sweating in places that I can't even write about from the stress of the situation. There really isn't enough Yellow Tail to make me forget that horrific day. With that being said, it was completely understandable behavior for Caroline to exhibit in those situations. My aunt has said that Caroline probably thought we were all crazy for not realizing that we were all being held against our will and tortured. BUT we made it through....

So the second night, levels were a little iffy but we made it through with no oxygen and we were able to leave Wednesday morning all tired but excited. We were jumping up and down and Caroline was clapping it was the best moment EVER!!! They unwrapped Caroline's faux cast that had been hitting me in the face both nights and the worst stink permeated the room. It was gag-able. I had never smelt something so terrible and I have an extensive history of touring cheese factories...a European cheese factory as well as one on a family vacation...don't be jealous. How did that happen in just three short days! Well they wheeled the wagon to her room and we loaded her in it and off to the car we went.

I put her in the car seat. She looked up at me and jumped up and down and smiled the biggest smile. She was asleep before I even pulled out of the parking lot. When we got home she got the first bath and it was off to play with all of her stuff.

It most certainly was an experience and I'm so glad it is over. I may sound weird by saying it but I'm glad that we went through it because most importantly Caroline is OK but Kyle and I were both shown two things: (1) the amazing power of prayer and (2) that we have the most amazing friends and family in our lives.

WE ARE BLESSED!!!

New Year's Eve

2011-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Was spent at home with just the four of us...no I'm not pregnant...Kyle, Caroline, Vivian and myself. We did sparklers early and then the bambino (guess she's not really a bambino anymore but there's nothing really cute to call a toddler) went to bed. Surprisingly enough the fireworks didn't bother her at all...Vivian on the other hand was a different story!

Party hats are a must at our house on NYE!

After dinner it was outside for sparklers with Daddy

Check out her AWESOME party dress!

She was mesmerized by them.

The sparklers were sort of duds. They wouldn't burn all the way...go figure...Kyle picked them out!

New Year's Day and she was ready to support her Red Raiders in the Ticket City Bowl, not to be confused with the Cotton Bowl where the game was played...

Out riding around in her new car from Nana. She loves this thing. Currently, she's testing me by standing up and pushing the button to make it go.

The beginning of the dreaded RSV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too Long...

2011-01-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

To say that it's been too long would be an understatement...I plan on catching everyone up mainly with photos and a few words where necessary.

So let's start with Christmas...Caroline got everything...I got Tory Burch and Kyle got Gander Mountain gift cards...must lock up all of the guns NOW!!!!

This was Caroline's school Christmas "program." I used air quotes because they strolled them around with music. It was odd but it was her first program, and in all of my first time mom glory I invited EVERYONE...we took up an entire row in the chapel type of everyone...both of my parents were there as well as Ryan, Jessica and David as well as Kyle and myself...overboard I know for her being strapped in a stroller and pacifier shoved in her mouth...but like I said to begin with...FIRST TIME MOM!!!

She looked like she wasn't sure what to do with all of it...clearly pacifiers were a MUST in this situation.

Aaawww, the old toddler vs. the Christmas tree. I believe this battle has been raging since the first Christmas tree was erected.

I'll be taking this picture EVERY SINGLE YEAR!!!

Cupcakes from the Cupcakery...run don't walk to this fabulous place. They did Caroline's cupcakes for her birthday party and they are absolutely delicious!!!

Oh she remembered those cupcakes alright!

I made these sugar cookies with the holiday messages in them and made some with Caroline's cousins' names in them too...leave it to Williams Sonoma...although the process of sliding the teeny tiny letters in wasn't without some curse words...even the holiday spirit couldn't help that!

This girl loves her Great PawPaw

The vintage Mercedes pedal car

So ready to try it out
Holy heck there's a giant caterpillar trying to get me!!!

She loves to put on her lipstick aka chapstick!

We obviously had a wonderful Christmas. God has truly blessed us. We couldn't be happier with our lives!!!!

Caroline's First Birthday

2010-11-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

So here's the "scoop" on Caroline's State Fair of Texas birthday party. I hired a photographer to take pictures of the party. Something I'm so grateful that I did but is definitely testing my patience. I'm still waiting to see them...It's really hard not to bother her when I want so badly to nag her about when they'll be available.

So here are the ones that I took. We had a wonderful time and so did Caroline.

Party favor buckets. So that all the children could fill them with the prizes they would win on the Midway.

The gift table with Caroline's One Year picture to the left.

The balloon arch...the entrance to The Midway.

The food and beverage tables.

I'll post more once the professional ones arrive...promise...this is a teaser anyway!

First Texas Tech Game

2010-09-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

As a parent there are many "first" that you get the privilege of experiencing with your children...first smile...laugh...word...All of which I have experienced with Caroline, BUT one of the best "firsts" I got to experience with my daughter occurred Sunday, September 5, 2010...we got decked out in our finest scarlet red and black and watch her FIRST TEXAS TECH GAME together! It couldn't have been more perfect!!!

Texas Tech is a tradition not only in my family but Kyle's as well. I would say having my aunts and uncles all attend the same wonderful university as my parents is somewhat of a tradition and Kyle's parents, his brother and sister all attended Tech. Some might say we bleed red and black! Heck our brother-in-law, Jeff, is already talking about us going in together to buy a house for Olivia, Elizabeth and Caroline...All I can say is Watch out Lubbock...The Haley and Blair Girls are heading your way...in 14 short years (Olivia will be four this year and you know Elizabeth and Caroline will definitely be visiting)!

BUT I suppose that Sunday was such a special day for me because Lubbock is where I met some of the best friends of my life. Which in turn makes the memories that much sweeter. I can only hope that Caroline will enjoy Lubbock as much as I did. And who knows maybe she'll sport a crown around like I did...one can dream right?

Future Red Raider

Please notice that she's got the phone in her hand because she's calling home (not to ask for money but to simply chat)...we'll be that close :)

Tuberville or was it Tupperwareville

2010-09-07T14:07:00.001-07:00

Sunday while everyone was watching Tommy Tuberville lead Texas Tech to a victory Caroline found her Grandmommy's Tupperware drawer and she had a blast! Here's the proof... (please note she had to change out of her smocked Texas Tech dress because it was inhibiting her crawling)...

Needless to say Grandmommy's Tupperware drawer will never be the same or as neat again!

Swimming at Nana's House...

2010-08-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Is ALWAYS a good time. Can't you tell?

I mean look at that smile...

Regardless of how much fun was being had...there was no way she was letting go of the tupperware top.

A day in the pool must be followed by a "dip" in Nana's fancy bath tub with Cousin Olivia.

Nana's tub is fancy because it has light therapy. Notice the changing colors in the various pictures.

Look at those two bottom teeth...

If you can't tell Caroline had a blast and so did Vivian. We'll be making the trek back to Tyler for Labor Day weekend. More time in the pool for sure!

Dallas + Casey + Multiple Consignment Shops = a WONDERFUL TIME!

2010-08-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Casey and I met up in Dallas to hang out before Henry makes his debut in late October, if you didn't know Kyle and I both think Casey is "single white femaling" me (I mean first the hair color and then the pregnancy with a due date only 2 days off of Carolines, she's also due on Kyle's birthday for crying out loud).

Casey had put a lot of thought into the weekend and I can't tell you how much I appreciated it. She even went so far as to plot our destinations on a map. I became a little frightened when she sent me a message telling me that maybe we should just pack snacks so that we don't have to stop for lunch, this from a pregnant woman!

We met up at Clothes Circuit, an adult consignment store in Dallas, off Preston. It was a great consignment store. I was able to find some great things none of which I needed and of course returned to their original rack because these days all I can think of is diapers, formula, daycare, clothes for Caroline, etc (Casey will be there soon) so I sort of feel guilty for buying stuff for me. I've dubbed this feeling "motherhood." With that being said, Casey was able to find lots of good stuff. Although we almost came to blows over an orange Tory Burch tunic. I plan on stealing it for next summer when she's back to being a size 0 and the larger size, that will remain unnamed, doesn't fit her anymore.

Then lunch at Mi Concina. Casey was kind enough to let me indulge in TWO margaritas in front of her. She is such an amazing friend. Lunch was great. Then more shopping.

We continued to shop around the rest of the day making it to some other stores and a couple antique stores. Nothing really amazing to report except that antique dealers in Dallas have lost their freaking minds. People go to Canterbury Court located in my wonderful hometown of Corsicana, Texas, if you want beautiful English antiques. Don't get completely hosed in the metroplex.

Then we were off to Snyder Plaza to a childrens consignment store, thank you Diana. Of course we were off to a CHILDRENS consignment store and I have to admit that I was secretly excited to get there. I have a sickness/addiction, and the sickness/addiction manifests itself in the form of smocked dresses, bubbles or rompers. I don't even know if there is a known cure...maybe the cure comes in the form of my daughter outgrowing the appropriateness of these outfits. Well until that time comes, I continue to feed my addiction. At this particular store my "fix" was cured in the form of a smocked navy gingham dress that had snow white on it feeding some deers, cuter than it sounds, a purple corduroy smocked dress with frogs dressed up as ballerinas and then a smocked hula girl bubble. As you can see this trip should hold me over until I can get my next "fix" at Hock Your Smocks in Shreveport next weekend! I try to avoid paying full price when satisfying my addiction as you can see.

Then we ended up at Northpark. It was LAST CALL, how could I be in the same town and NOT go, and I needed/just had to find this...come on guess...navy blue daisy smocked dress. They didn't have it in Caroline's size in Houston. Well guess what I hit the jack pot...24 months, because she's a little larger and I want her to be able to wear it for awhile. Also got some Kissy Kissy outfits for now. Can't pass up $12 Kissy Kissy...if I did they would lock me up...it's a crime to pass up such a good deal...literally!

After Neimans it was time to get Casey a cupcake. We found a cupcake and Casey enjoyed her fancy La Duni cupcake. I was strong and only ordered a coffee (I still have some Caroline weight that I'm lugging around that ABSOLUTELY MUST vanish before October 15th...I simply refuse to still have the extra 10 pounds at her party!). Well the coffee was ordered and they told me the total $6. Are you kidding me? When I received the coffee it was worth every single penny! FABULOUS. If you have $6 to blow I highly recommend the vanilla latte at La Duni.

Then we were both exhausted. Casey was a trooper the entire day. She seemed to be the one encouraging me to keep moving. We finally made it to the hotel around 7. Christopher David is the sweetest husband/future father EVER he got us a hotel room. So sweet and thoughtful. We were both exhausted and didn't feel like going to a restaurant so take out Campisi's it was. We drove to pick it up and I was constantly on the search for a gas station that sells liquor. For those Dallas residents following my blog we were at the one on Campbell so you can understand my problem. I was able to find one with the assistance of the cashier at Campisi's. Thank the lord. After a day full of shopping this woman need a glass(es) of vino!

We got back to the hotel ate our pizza in our beds and talked until midnight. Hanging out with Casey at the end of the day was the absolute best part of the day for me. I have made new friends, friend can be plural if I've only made TWO new friends right?, in The Woods but none compare to my Shreveport friends especially Casey (don't worry my Woods friends don't even follow my blog...that's how close we are)!

Here are some pictures from the weekend...

Casey ripped her skirt from all of the serious shopping.

Henry's loot. Check out those adorable flip flops! I can't wait to see his little feet in them next summer!

The next morning we woke up and made it to Bread Winners for breakfast. It was of course delicious. The next time I'm going to go on a Saturday morning when I don't have to drive 4 1/2 hours with my daughter because I'm most certainly going to partake in the frozen strawberry limeade with vodka. Doesn't that just sound perfect?

I can't wait to see all of my Shreveport friends next weekend. I am really excited that almost all of them will be joining me in the wonderful world of motherhood. I have to admit that it can be the hardest club to get into BUT it is the absolute most rewarding thing I've ever done. I can't wait to finally meet Henry, Charlie and Martin Twin A and Martin Twin B (in birth order of course). What a fabulous fall/winter it is going to be to meet these wonderful miracles! That's FOUR FABULOUS excuses to visit Shreveport. Love you ladies and see you in a week!

My Little Hula Girl

2010-08-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Caroline kept tugging at her ear so I stayed home on Monday and made an appointment. Come to find out her ear isn't healing the way the doctor would like so we're on new antibiotics and meeting with a specialist on the 16th. SO I got to stay home. She was in a great mood so I thought dress up. Caroline's Aunt Julie bought her this adorable hula girl costume and I've been meaning to take pictures of her in it but just never got around to it...no time like the present.

Look at those two bottom teeth. Her top two are coming in nicely. Before I know it her entire mouth is going to be full of teeth and she'll look even more grown up (then she does in this itsy bitsy bikini top).

Outside getting some sun on the balcony

Let me out of here...

Hula girl outfit off and about to get dressed for the doctor's appointment but she began climbing up my leg. I swear this child has spidey skills. Pray for good news at the doctor's appointment on the 16th.

Don't worry the hula girl outfit is on loan to Caroline Elizabeth Bowman...hopefully Laura will post some adorable pictures of her Caroline in it soon. I can't wait to see her Caroline in it...not only do they share a monogram (how Southern of us) but they obviously also share dress up clothes!

No words necessary

2010-08-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well maybe a little explanation. I snapped this picture quickly but Caroline woke up anyway. I could resist. It was so precious...A little girl and her grandmommy taking a nap

NINE Months

2010-08-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from our own personal 9 Month photo shoot. As you can see, it didn't go over as well as the 9 month shoot with Shalonda.

What is this thing?

It looks like a 9...could I really be that old?

I'm so over this...

With an ending like this. I'm thinking it's best to stick with Shalonda!

DIVA

2010-07-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

So Caroline moved up to a new classroom recently at school. To say that I was reluctant would be a huge understatement. I did NOT want my baby to be too big for the infant classroom. Who were they kidding she wasn't ready to be in the room with TODDLERS...kids that were walking. Well after a conversation with my mother I realized that Caroline was in fact ready to leave The Dogwood Room, otherwise known as the infant room, and move up to The Oaks Room.

After a two week transition it was time to make the move. Her teacher, Ms. Karen, was so sad to see her go. Ms. Karen really liked waiting to see what Caroline would be wearing each day. She referred to Caroline as a DIVA. So much so that it is a wonder that Caroline knows her name...its was DIVA this...DIVA that. Well on the last day Ms. Karen gave Caroline a gift. I opened it at home because I was a little afraid of what might be in there and I didn't want it to be awkward you know. So I opened it at home and I found an outfit fit for a DIVA. It was the sweetest thing...here's a little background...Ms. Karen has two children of her own and then she has custody of two of her brother's children...so that's a total of four children on the salary of a daycare teacher. So you can see how incredibly special this outfit really is...

So blog readers...I need help coming up with the proper thank you gift. Get your creative thinking caps on and leave comments about good gifts.

Here's the two of them....

9 Month Appointment

2010-07-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we had your 9 month appointment. I can hardly believe it. Here are the hard core statistics...

28 1/2 inches long - 95th percentile

23 pounds - 90th percentile

Your iron levels were a little low so we're on the iron supplements and we'll reevaluate the situation in 3 months at your 1 YEAR APPOINTMENT!

Things you are currently doing:

pulling up on absolutely everything, I mean girl you will use your spidey skills and pull up on a flat wall, you yank the spoon out of my hand...you are painfully independent, you LOVE your poofs, you are meserized by the door stop and the sound it makes, you can make this weird feed back noise by grinding your teeth together (it was a scary sound at first I thought you had some metal in your mouth...your father had been watching you), you love your tunnel, when you wake up, before you even open your eyes, you grab for your crib railing and pull yourself all the way and then open your eyes and are always so happy to see me, you crawl with one leg sticking out, you are starting to partially stand...and then fall, you absolutely HATE the word "No" (you must really be my daughter, you are in love with Vivian (wish she liked you as much...the pulling her hair doesn't help), you have started to cuddle with me when we rock at night (a personal favorite...please don't EVER change this), there are so many changes...they seem to occur daily.

I can't believe that you are 9 months old!

Tunnel of Fun

2010-07-27T08:53:00.001-07:00

Thank you Ikea...for $20 you supplied my daughter with endless hours of tunnel fun.

This is just about the only "still" picture I got because in the rest she was going full steam ahead!

And back again...this continued for several minutes!

Tea Party with Grandmommy

2010-07-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

The other day my Mom came in town to see Caroline and they had a tea party. Vivian eventually joined in as well. As you can see, everyone had a fabulous time.

Please read this...

2010-07-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

and think if there is anyway that you can help...be it financially or through prayers for Lindsey.

http://apostolobenefit.webs.com/

Current Obession

2010-06-24T13:06:00.001-07:00

I really really want this pillow right now...I want a bunch of them but this one will suffice for now...

Look it has all the highways that I spend the majority of my time on...honking...cussing...and dreaming about wine!

Well this pillow will have to wait in line because I'm going shopping for fakes, that's right ladies I'm talking Gucci and Louis, this weekend down on Harwin (thanks to Katie for giving me the "low down" on where to go) with my bestest.

Yes, that's right Houston...Ellen and Kristen are footloose and fancy free i.e. no children and no husbands for one night...one might refer to it as bliss (only because we'll get to see our kids and husbands in the morning)!

Saturday can't come soon enough! (but I'll also be ready for Sunday to see my little crawler)

P.S. They also have glasses and they are much more affordable so they'll be coming to live in The Woods sooner then the pillow sadly.

Father's Day

2010-06-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

Early Saturday morning we loaded up EVERYONE and EVERYTHING and got on the road...headed to the farm!

We got to the farm and hung out with the fam all day. It was so hot that we thought that Caroline might enjoy a dip in the princess pool.

Check out the inflatable fish that her Grandmommy bought her. She loved them obviously.

Well it was too hot for the adults outside and the mosquitoes at the farm could quite possibly carry Caroline away...so what was the logically solution...Put the princess pool in the dining room and let Caroline enjoy the water while we enjoyed the air conditioning.

No water yet...but having a blast!

She really loved that fish!

In came the water...YEAH!

Give me that water hose.....

Now it was off for Vivian to have fun popping/eating bubbles. I wish I had taken a video of it.

Then Sunday we went to church with my parents and then hit the pavement back to H-town.

As you can tell we had the most fantastic first Father's Day!

Caroline's Christening

2010-06-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

The first weekend in June was wonderful. It was Caroline's christening weekend spent with family.

We started out the weekend at the farm with a first...a sippy cup! It went really well considering it was her first time.

Then it was off to the Disney Princess Pool. She had a blast as you can clearly see.

She was trying to get at those princesses!

Splish Splash! Oh how she loves to splash in the water. You should see me after a bath.

Then Vivian decided she needed to cool off.
Seriously...are you guys going to allow this?

Vivian was clearly in Golden Heaven!

This is one of my favorite pictures from the weekend. This is my Granny, Caroline's Great Granny, warming up Caroline's little feet.

Then it was time to head inside for a bottle given to her by her Great PawPaw. Caroline wasn't very appreciative...it looks like she's punching him.

Then the big day....

Caroline wasn't so much a fan of the bonnet....

Another one of my favorites...

Tada...THE christening gown in all of its glory.

Eston, the reverend that married Kyle and me, came over from Alley, my parents' church, to perform Caroline's christening. It was so much more special.

After church we headed over to the Kinsloe House for lunch and a wardrobe change...to the other more casual dress...

Lunch was wonderful and it was so great to spend the day with friends and family. We are so incredibly bless to be surrounded by such loving people.

Caroline's christening went so successfully and she looked so beautiful in BOTH of her dresses.

Lots of wonderful memories were made that day. Memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Decorating Help

2010-05-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ok "followers", all 15 of you...I need some help...I found this headboard on a different blog...one of the 100s that I follow and I LOVE it!

Yes, that's right...it's pink...and it's shantung. Since I know ALL of you personally and therefore you ALL know Kyle...do you think I can pull it off in our master bedroom?

Or am I going to have to go with the boring white one?

I mean the white one is just plain cotton and will allow me to change my bedding etc. BUT I mean I LURVE the pink one!

Be brutally honest...that's why I cam to ya'll in the first place!

Last night...

2010-05-27T07:42:00.001-07:00

Well last night started off normally...put the babe to sleep around 7:00 and then off to do laundry and make baby food...when I was doing laundry i forgot about the sleeping babe across the hall and slammed the dryer door...waking said sleeping babe. Then it was off and on until about 9:00. Then I finally got all the baby food made and cooled and put in the freezer and was going to bed around 11:00 (I know I'm super mom).

Well things went well until 3:00. Then all hell broke loss on Panterra Way. I went into her room changed her diaper and picked her up and rocked her. I put her down and then went and got back in bed. I suppose 30 minutes went by and I was awoken again to her screams. This is probably what makes me different because I was a little happy this time. I knew my plan of action. I went back in and tried the same thing...didn't work...I got even happier. So I put her down briefly and bloody murder screaming ensued and went to the guest bedroom and got rid of all of the pillows. We were going to have a sleepover. Now R-E-L-A-X this doesn't happen that often. In fact we haven't had a sleepover since she was 4 months old...it's a rare thing. I put that little crying babe on my chest and golden silence. She just needed a little one on one time. I mean the serious one on one time that can only occur at 3:30 or 4:00 in the morning. The kind where you feel like you are the only two people up...the best time. I just laid there and breathed in every single minute because I know these moments will soon come to an end not because I want them to but because she'll eventually get too big to lay on my stomach. I don't even want to think of how sad that will be...and I won't...I'll pull a Scarlett O'Hara and think of that tomorrow.

I mean how could you not love every single minute spent with this little babe...

The sleep lost taking in this beauty was quickly corrected by a venti (large) triple skinny cinnamon dolce latte...it was definitely time well spent!

David's Birthday - Tyler Zoo

2010-05-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was CRAZY! We drove to Tyler Friday afternoon, I had taken Friday off, so that we could be there bright and early for our newphew David's FIRST birthday party!

Friday night we all had dinner over at Mary Ann and Doug's house. A little pre-party celebration for the little man. There was lots of cousins playing. If it was any indication of what future Blair/Haley celebrations will be like...it's going to be interesting. Anytime now there will be 4 cousins and they will all be under the age of 4...don't you want to come along for the next celebration?

Waiting on some dinner....

David and Caroline...aren't they cute?

Playing side by side...awwww...how cute!

Then Saturday it was up and at 'em for David's party. We all met at the Caldwell Zoo and made the trek up to the party room...it was quite the hike. The room was perfect. David's party was the LAST party at the zoo. They won't be offering it any longer. That's how we roll!

Look at the adorable cake!

The Birthday Boy!

Caroline in her smocked monkey dress. The invitations had monkeys with bananas on them so OF COURSE Caroline had to match....

Caroline had to walk over and see what all the fuss was about...isn't she advanced?

Then it was off to check out all of the animals. If you haven't been to The Caldwell Zoo you should. It's great!

Caroline was actually awake for most of the zoo.

I was kind of obsessed with the birds...here's the proof.

Then she fell asleep...

BUT there were tiny birds to be fed with my niece before we left. We walked in to this netted area and were given tongue depressors with seeds glued onto them. Then we just walked over and let the birds nibble. There were a lot of little kiddos in there having the time of their life. I only screamed once and Liv laughed at me. Needless to say these were some fat birds.

Then we were done. It had been a long hot day and it was time to go home and get in the pool!

Caroline had the best time at her cousin David's party...she had her first taste of icing, which surprisingly she wasn't too excited about...and she got to hang out with her family. She had so much fun with her cousin David that she's going to celebrate his birthday again this weekend!

Happiness...Thankfulness...

2010-05-20T08:51:00.001-07:00

I realize that I'm blessed for absolutely everything that I have...a wonderful husband and an even better chunky monkey (a.k.a. Caroline), but there are some days when I just don't feel as thankful as I should (like tripping and almost breaking my neck on Kyle's flip flops or getting to work and noticing Carolines little love note...in the form of baby spit up on my leg...I know...I know it's a great place for a noticeable stain especially in that particular color). On those days I go here http://www.kellehampton.com/ and my thankfulness tank gets fulled up (I'm from Corsicana what did you expect).

I follow her blog on a daily basis. She's an amazing mom, photographer, wife and friend. She reminds me daily about what is important and I just had to share my Kelle fix with my friends. Follow her...learn from her (like I have)...appreciate your life a little more!

This most recent post really reminds me about my last weekend in Shreveport (shout out to those girls) and makes me look forward to my long awaited weekend with my bestest at the end of June. It can't get here quick enough!

Have a great weekend! What you say...it's only Thursday not Friday...that's right readers I'm going to get my groove on tonight at Jimmy Buffett and then no work on Friday. Off to get my chunky monkey and then to Tyler to celebrate the first year of life of my super advanced and adorable nephew...it's at the zoo and Caroline is wearing a yellow seersucker dress with monkeys and bananas on it. That's your taste for next week's post! Lots of pictures to come.

But seriously head on over to Kelle's blog, but you've been warned get your Kleenex!

Your homework for the weekend...Have a belly laugh like this...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T12:35:00.001-07:00

Galveston

2010-05-07T12:18:00.001-07:00

Well it has been too long since my last post. Well we went to Galveston a couple of weekends ago with the FAM. The FAM being my mother and father, my Aunt and Uncle, Kyle, Caroline and myself. We had our pictures take on the beach. Still haven't seen them yet so I don't know if the trip was worth it or not...I jest. I had the most fabulous time with my family.

Believe it or not Galveston has a lot to offer and Kyle and I both discussed how we needed to go and visit more often. Although we might want to revisit that conversation in light of the latest oil disaster in the Gulf. I can hear Kyle kussing as I type this.....$%^&*#$ BP.....They're messing it up for all of us. Well enough on the oil and gas front...my how I wonder. On to our Galveston vacay.

Well needless to say. Caroline was so happy to get out of the car and see her PawPaw. This girl loves him so much....can you tell?

Well everyone was pretty much beat from the traveling day so we just had some of Dad's barbeque and went to bed.

But it was bright and early the next day. It started with a walk on the beach with everyone...including Vivian.

Proud Grandparents.

Vivian absolutely LOVED the ocean. If there hadn't been an attack of the jellyfish I would have totally let her run around for hours!

Check out my photography skills and my Aunt Kathleen with Caroline.

Look at those boys. She LOVED playing in the sand...Look at those legs!

During the trip she FINALLY got that stinking toe in her mouth.

We just hung out and spent the day walking around The Strand. Kyle had to go back to Houston because he got the entire suite for the Astros game. We were all really proud of him. Then we headed back to the house to just lay around.

The next day we decided to have lunch at Guidos. A Galveston landmark. I believe the restaurant has been in service for 99 years. Its a must go when visiting Galveston.

This is how Caroline started the lunch at Guidos. In her "seat"

This is how she ended the meal...

Then we made it over to a local fish market for some food for dinner (glad we got some good quality sea food prior to the BP disaster).

These were the only two that I could get to take a picture with the statute

I saw this and couldn't resist taking a picture. You should have seen the faces of all of the fish mongurs. They thought I was crazy taking pictures of the fish, shrimp and seasonings. I'm pretty sure that people take pictures with the one-legged salty sailor on a regular basis.

I AM THE QUEEN BEE!

We had eaten so much at lunch that we decided that we would just snack for dinner...no fish. We saved for the next time. So when you don't have to prepare a lavish seafood dinner. What do you do with your time? Play with the baby and enjoy cocktails!

Then it was bath time. Caroline learned a new trick while we were there and it involved her octopus bath toy....

The next day all of the guys went fishing. Thanks to Granny and PawPaw. So the girls went to lunch at Red Fins and then went shopping for souvenirs. I wanted a snow globe, yes I collect them, and a t-shirt for Caroline. So we went to Murdochs.

It was fabulous. They have this wonderful veranda on the back and serve adult beverages. So we didn't find a t-shirt for Caroline but we did find some dolphin bath toys. We pulled up three rocking chairs and listened as the waves crashed below us.

Check out these hermit crabs...I couldn't resist taking their pictures.

Then we were off to the beach...with Vivian...a stroller...beach towels and an umbrella. Vivian had to be returned, it was too windy for the umbrella. It lasted all of 30 minutes.

As we were making our way back we saw the guys pull in. They regailed us with their fishing stories. They had a wonderful time and Kyle caught this huge Red Drum fish. It was the biggest fish caught that day. Way to go Kyle.

Then it was time for the fish fry. It was our last night. During the day Aunt Kathleen bought Caroline this fish fry dress...she isn't spoiled at all.

She loves her Gumpa!

We enjoyed fabulous grouper and flounder and wine.

It was absolutely divine! The perfect way to end our vacation....wait I did...let's wake up at 5 and get ready to take pictures! Silly weather on Friday ruined our plans. We ended up taking them early...7:00. I'll post them once we get them!

Not much to report...

2010-04-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Since I was taking care of two babies last night...Caroline and Kyle. Kyle hurt his back so he was laid up on the couch for most of the evening.

BUT we did get a chance for Caroline to try on some of her beach gear. What do ya'll think?

(notice the sticker. I was just a little bit eager)

I'm sure she'll turn more than one head on the fabulous Galveston beach (please know that I'm being sarcastic)

We couldn't call ourselves Texans if we didn't...

2010-04-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Take pictures in the BLUEBONNETS!

So the first experience of taking Caroline's pictures in the bluebonnets went incredibly well. It probably didn't hurt things that Grandmommie was right there standing behind making ridiculous noises and swinging all types of toys to capture and keep her attention. She seemed to enjoy it. There were no melt downs to speak of...I was impressed!

Getting placed in the Bumbo...let the picture taking begin!

What a smile!

She really enjoyed it!

So after pictures in the bluebonnets we ran errands and got back to the house around 5:30. Caroline was such a trooper. Then it was time to wash all of her 6-9 month clothes. Quite the undertaking if you have seen her closet! But I got it done nonetheless. I also got her baby food made for the next two weeks, hopefully. She'll be having sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green beans and applesauce. She had applesauce for the first time Sunday and she loved it!

Uncle Eric dropped by on Sunday on his way home to Austin. Caroline just loves her Uncle Eric and had the best time smiling at him.

Then there were some restroom issues with Caroline and Karo syrup was involved so my Grandmommie decided to spend Sunday night just in case the syrup took effect in the middle of the night. If I had just been a little bit patient things would've worked themselves out and I wouldn't have had to make the THIRD trip to Wal-Mart on Sunday! She was just so miserable I felt so bad for her. But I got my loving and sweet baby back Sunday afternoon and Grandmommie got to finish our window boxes. I'll have to share pictures of our new plants in my next post.

Off to work...you know that thing that pays the bills! HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!!!!!

And she rolls...all the time now...

2010-04-09T07:20:00.001-07:00

So with my new camera I was able to catch Caroline rolling over. So without further ado....

She is just so proud of herself when she completes the back to tummy rollover...notice the smile

Caroline & Vivian's Photo Shoot on the Balcony

2010-04-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

Well I was a single parent last night, Kyle went on a fishing trip. So when we got home Caroline was in such a good mood that I decided to test out my camera in a setting other than "auto" and have our very own photo shoot! I was scared but I think that it turned out pretty good. Let me know what you think.

She has just discovered Vivian and wants to watch her and play with her all the time now. Vivian has been such a trooper and when Caroline grabs and pulls on her she simply cuts her eyes to me as if to say "Can you help me out here?"

She tried really hard to get a kiss from Vivian!

Vivian loves her Sweet Caroline!

Now all I need is a editing program for my computer so I can make my pictures look even better!

*If you are wondering the bubble outfit is from the guest line of Liberty at Target. They have some super cute stuff there!

Caroline came home!

2010-04-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well my Mom brought Caroline home yesterday! I so needed to see her smiling face because I had just found out that I had paid the daycare twice for this month AND they had cashed both checks so I was frantic about calling my hometown bank and getting them to cancel said mortgage payment...I mean daycare check.

Well as I walked in the house Caroline and Daddy were just getting finished with eating sweet potatoes, her favorite. And this is what was waiting for me

And this.....

And this.....

Needless to say all the crappiness of the day melted away!

Easter Weekend

2010-04-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. We left Houston in our rear view mirror early Friday morning and arrived in Tyler around 11 much to everyone's surprise! We totally surprised ourselves that we had gotten on the road so early and packed everything that Caroline could possibly want/need. That is until around Centerville I remembered that I had forgotten all of Caroline's food. Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen, if there are any that read my blog, I left all of her food that I make from scratch sitting on the counter in the cooler full of ice! Needless to stay there was a "discussion" about whose responsibility it was to get the cooler in the car.

When we got to The Blairs' house Kyle ran to the local Wal-Mart and picked up formula and organic baby food, because that's got to be the closest thing to Mom's home cooking right. We attempted peas...no go...then we tried the carrots...no go. We had to steam some carrots and throw them in the food processor so that Caroline wouldn't go hungry, because for those of you who have seen her it's a possibility that if she misses a meal she might just waste away.

So after lunch the girls, being Mary Ann, Julie, Olivia, Caroline and myself, ran errands and had the best time shopping at antique stores. Caroline was such a trooper she didn't even make a peep the entire day so of course she was rewarded with a shopping spree at Kohls. Don't you just love that store? Absolutely nothing that I bought for her was over $4! AND it was all adorable outfits for summer. Because also if you didn't know, that darling daughter of mine has absolutely NO clothes. It's actually pathetic!

Then we came home and got dinner ready for Kyle and Jeff who had been out slaving all day playing 18 holes of golf. I know Kyle works so hard! After dinner I was beat and so was Caroline we headed to bed because tomorrow we were off in the car to head to the Farm but not before we saw Eric and Melissa and watched Liv hunt Easter eggs! (There are no pictures of our time in Tyler because I didn't have my memory card for the camera just yet)

So we woke up and had breakfast and then it was off to Eric's parents house so that they could meet Caroline for the first time. I think, no I know, Caroline had a wonderful time meeting the first of many of her "Aunts" from Shreveport. She can't wait to meet all of them but we'll have to do it a few at a time so that she won't get too overwhelmed. She had the best time playing with Melissa. I think Mel has a "way" with kids. Then we got in the car again to watch Liv hunt those elusive Easter eggs. I was totally impressed with her skills. She hung back and let those silly kids run to the end of the field and she grabbed all of the eggs at the first. Her basket was overflowing. I was such a proud "Sissy", her name for me.

Then we were off to the farm for lunch and lots of kisses from Aunts, Gumpas, Great Grandparents, and Grandparents. We had a great lunch and enjoyed the afternoon of leisurely drinking on the farm and just hanging out.Hanging out with Daddy.

Chilling watching "toons" in the swing.

Laughing with the baby in the mirror. She just thinks that baby is so too cute.

Easter Sunday (not the best picture of myself...it looks like I might be expecting...but I'm not...we'll call it a bad angle!)

Easter Basket and her loot!

Her ever stylish pink python shoes!

More stuff....Caroline's Grandmommy spoils her!

Something to carry her bottles....A bathtub pig wash cloth.. A pool float for Mommy and Caroline

That's it...there aren't any more gifts?

I can't believe it!!!!

So that was our eventful weekend. We, being Kyle, myself and Vivian, left after lunch. My Mom/Grandmommie talked us into her and PawPaw keeping Caroline until Tuesday. So we left Caroline at the Farm. It was sad but she has so much fun with her Grandmommie and PawPaw. She the proof below.

Oh! I almost forgot! Since Caroline was spending a few nights at the farm I was able to get a much needed and deserved pedicure. Girls, spring has finally sprung in the form of Cajun Shrimp on my pampered toes!

Have a great Tuesday! Enjoy LOST! I know that I'll be planted in front of the tube with a glass of wine and the constant perplexed look on my face!

Well HECK....

2010-03-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would be uploading pictures and writing a witty post to accompany said pictures BUT alas I'm not. I forgot that I had to charge the battery...a slight detail that was overlooked in my excitement.

I will attempt to take pictures tonight...no promises. Kyle has a work related happy hour (or so he told me) so I'll be single parenting it tonight so who knows what will be accomplished because I still have to make an Easter basket for my niece, Olivia (which I wasn't planning on until I was told that a basket was being made by Olivia for Caroline...fun times) so we might have our bottle at 6 and get in the car and head to the mothership, aka Target, and get our supplies to make the most awesome last minute Easter basket for Liv. With all of those excuses being said...there might not be any picture taking tonight.

Have a wonderful Wednesday/Thursday blog readers. Hopefully next week will bring lots and lots of pictures from Easter weekend!

It's been too long...

2010-03-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Since I've made a post. I've let work, having a baby and of course taking care of my Golden be my excuse for well over 5 months.

Well no more I tell you no more! Today I received my beloved camera! I'm so excited. It's a nice camera with a separate lens and everything....(insert oooooos and aaawwwwws).

With the new camera comes a new way of life. I'm going to work diligently at documenting our life as a family and sharing it with my fans...all 5 of you. So get ready to watch my photography improve over the post, watch Caroline grow, Kyle and I gradually shed poundage and us enjoy our beautiful and wonderful life!

I've missed this and I'm glad to be back!

Caroline Elizabeth Blair's Arrival

2009-10-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday October 15th....The day that changed my life.

Well after a trip to Wal-Mart and a lengthy discussion with my best friend Ellen over my fears of how I would know whether or not I was in labor (I feared being "that" girl that went to Labor & Delivery only to be turned away because she was in fact NOT in labor) I returned home to put away my groceries and get some things done around the house before Kyle got home from work.

As I was upstairs putting away laundry my water broke at 5:40. At first I wasn't sure but then I became certain that my water had indeed broken. I went downstairs and told Kyle and we packed the car up and started making the journey to the hospital. On the way to the hospital we made all of the necessary phone calls and I urged everyone to remain in their respective homes as I wasn't sure that my water had broken or how long the process would take...I guess that was my attorney CYA skills coming into play.

When we arrived at the hospital the triage nurse examined me and I was 4 centimeters dilated and she confirmed that my water had indeed broken so I was going to be admitted. OK so I have to admit that I started to freak out a little bit...Kyle and I had quit our birthing class and I was just a little concerned that I was unprepared. But no fears my nerves were calmed by watching Community and Parks and Recreation.

Well we arrived at our room (which was incredibly nice) and started watching TV. I have to admit that going into labor on a Thursday night was a pretty good thing...so many choices of what to watch on TV while waiting for the blood tests to come back so that I could get my epidural. Once the results came back I received the epidural, the whole time I had to listen to how Sheryl, my nurse, had birthed 8 children and done so every single time sans epidural and how there were advantages to "natural" child birth. I simply explained to Sheryl that a natural child birth might have worked for her but that I was going to have this little girl numb from the waist down! Around 9:30 or 10:00 Sheryl came to check on me and see how things were going. She had already told Kyle and myself that it would probably take 6-12 hours for Caroline to make her debut so that we should get some sleep and then expect her to arrive in the early morning. So she began her exam and stated that I was 7 centimeters dilated...much further than she had expected I would be. I was super proud of my progress! Then she looked at me and uttered words that a mother in labor would never want to hear..."Something isn't right." I urged her, in my most pleasant tone, to explain further what she meant. She explained that she felt feet! Now let me regress here and explain that the day before I had been at my doctor's office and he examined me and noted that I was 4 centimeters and that Caroline was still head down and also that the triage nurse had failed to mention that she was feet first. The nurse then made a hurried phone call to the on call physician for my doctor's group. I was then wheeled into the OR and was prepped for an emergency C Section. Kyle was great and never once did I see him get flustered or even react as if this situation was anything but normal. I really don't think that I would have remained as calm as I did if he had not of been so wonderful. I am truly blessed with an amazing husband.

So in the OR the C Section was underway and I really wasn't feeling a single thing, thanks to the most amazing anesthesiologist...he just kept pumping me full of the good stuff. After what seemed to me to be 5 minutes I heard the most amazing sound every...my little girl crying/screaming! I never thought that I would be one of those moms but the moment that I heard that sound tears started streaming down my face.

She was taken over to start the examination by the NICU, they were there since it was considered an emergency C Section. She scored a 9 out of 1o on her APGAR testing. I obviously haven't stopped bragging about how advanced my daughter is! And everything else was perfect...6lbs. 9 oz. Kyle followed her back to the labor and delivery room where the grandparents where waiting with lots of hugs and kisses.

Since my paparazzi mother wasn't there before we went into surgery we don't have any funny photos of Kyle dressed up in his scrubs or me sitting there waiting for the process to begin. I have included some of the pictures that I have. Don't worry there is nothing that is gross...only pictures of my sweet sweet daughter.

The first time I got to see my beautiful little girl.

The proud father.

All of the beautiful flowers from family and friends.

Kyle and I have the most amazing family and friends.

Caroline has been a blessing to our lives and Kyle and I are constantly reminded of how enriched our lives have become as result of being her parents. She is the most amazing gift I have ever received and I will thank God for her with my every breath.

We can't wait for everyone to come and meet her. I just know that you will fall head over heels for her just like me!

38 1/2 Weeks Pregnant

2009-10-14T12:22:00.001-07:00

I thought that my avid readers might enjoy a picture of me at the glorious stage of 38.5 weeks pregnant. This will probably be the last picture you get with this massive bump so enjoy!

Just a question to be answered by my "followers"

2009-09-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Is it totally and completely wrong that I purchased a lobster costume for Vivian.....and then became ecstatic when I found a matching lobster costume for Caroline?

We are going to be a lobster family for Halloween. My plan is for Kyle and I go to as the lobster fishermen. I think it will be cute but I just need opinions...preferably opinions that I will like!

Vivian's Birthday Party

2009-09-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Vivian celebrated her 2nd birthday party a few months early. Her real birthday is in December but this December will be a little crazy with Caroline in the picture and on top of that Vivian hasn't really met any friends in The Woodlands. I just couldn't bear the thought of her having to spend her birthday party alone! So we celebrated while we were in Shreveport for our wonderful couple's shower. We invited all of our friends to the Duck Pond on Sunday for cake.

Thanks to all that came and spent the time sweating and pulling the dogs apart at the Duck Pond on Sunday. I really don't think that there is a better way to spend the day! I know that it was ridiculous...a birthday party for a dog in the middle of the recession but I appreciate all of you who attended...blame it on the crazy pregnancy hormones! Vivian had a wonderful time and slept the entire way home.

Her adorable Banana Bowers Cake with Cream Cheese Peanut Butter frosting. I hope no doggies got sick.

Look at her sitting at the table like a good little girl. We should've had candles!

It was so good to see Charlie again. The last time Vivian saw Charlie she tried to eat him when he was a puppy. This did not happen this time...she's a big girl now.

Doggie Mayhem! Kyle couldn't believe I created this drama, but I loved every minute of it. I think the dogs did as well. There were too many butt sniffs to be counted.

Georgia is such a good girl. She had two pieces of cake. She loved it. She later showed off her Frisbee skills. I think Vivian was a little bit jealous. She doesn't really have any party tricks and I think it's too late to work on those...old dog and all.

Vivian really misses her Aunt Casey. Isn't that the sweetest picture ever?

Thanks again to everyone who came to celebrate her birthday. We miss all of ya'll and promise to visit soon. We miss Shreveport and all of our friends.

Our Shreveport Shower!

2009-09-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Kyle and I are so blessed with such great friends! We spend the weekend in Shreveport with our wonderful friends, and they threw us a FABULOUS couple's shower. The decorations, food and drinks (I can't vouch for the drinks but I can definitely vouch for the gumbo, meat pies, salad, bread sticks and cupcakes) were absolutely amazing. Carie, Casey, Melissa and Bevin definitely out did themselves. On the way home Sunday Kyle and I could not quite pick out our favorite thing of the shower...there were way too many to choose from.

It was so great to be able spend time with all of our friends and catch up. It had been too long since we had seen them. I'm so glad that Joey and Megan are getting married because there will be lots and lots of parties and showers in Shreveport and we'll get to see everyone on a more regular basis! We miss them so much and can't wait for Caroline to meet them!

Check out all of my beautiful girlfriends!

Casey's beautiful decorations! She really outdid herself!

Check all of the loot that Caroline made off with. Thank you!

Now I just need to tackle the thank you notes!

Thank you again to all of our friends. I can't explain how blessed we feel to have each and everyone one of you all in our lives!

Last Night

2009-08-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a terrifying thought/realization...call it whatever you want...that there is a human being inside of me who in the not too distant future will be outside of me (thank God) and depending on Kyle and me for basically everything.

I had this knee weakening realization while staring at my bare ever expanding belly in the mirror. Talk about horrifying! I mean I always technically understood that there was a human being growing inside of me from the very beginning BUT I never truly thought about it...I mean really thought about it...until last night and it made me a little sick at my stomach...you know the holy crap I'm really unprepared sick at your stomach feeling?

I guess I began to think a little about the fact that Caroline will rely on me to make the best possible decision for her earlier that day while Ellen, my best friend, and I had a conversation/debate via text over whether to get or not get the swine flu vaccine. During the text convo I found myself waiting to hear if she was going to get the vaccine so that I could just follow her lead...this is her second child so I was basically just following whatever the more experienced mother decided. It was at this point that I realized that Caroline would be depending on me to make not just this important decision but other even more important decisions in the future. OH VEY!

Needless to say it freaked me out and I began to crave a glass (or two) of wine. Motherhood is going to be tough! Hopefully I'll hone my decision making skills before she makes her debut. (note the choice to use color since there are no pictures to express my true horror!)

Caroline's 4D Sonogram

2009-08-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Although I think...no I'm pretty sure...that I have shared the photos of Caroline's 4D sonogram with everyone who reads my blog through email but I just couldn't take the chance that I accidentally left someone out.

I now know that it is true that every mother or parent for that matter thinks that their child is the prettiest or most handsome thing on the planet regardless of the actual truth. I KNOW that this is true because I believe, even via sonogram picture, that my daughter IS the cutest thing in the womb...world (did you catch the corny play on words?)! I have to admit that prior to experiencing this sonogram I was actually worried that she might not be as cute as I had imagined in my head and I had no idea how I would deal if she wasn't, but no worries she is ADORABLE!

Well let's get to the actual experience of the sonogram. It's funny and I haven't shared that with ya'll. So I decided to invite my Mom, Aunt Kathleen, and Mary Ann. This would be the first time for Mary Ann to see Caroline via a sonogram as opposed to my bulging belly. For my aunt this would be the first time she would ever experience a sonogram. My mom had come to a previous sonogram so at this point Cheryl thought she was a pro, never mind the fact that Mary Ann already has two other grandchildren.

Here's the scene..we wait patiently, Mary Ann waited longer because we were running late, in the waiting room for my name to be called. Nice small talk etc. Then my name is called. On the way back to THE ROOM I explain my desire not to be weighed to the nurse. She looks at me for further explanation and I explain that since I am paying for this out of my own pocket and not via my insurance that I don't want to pay to see how much MORE weight I have gained. So after looking at my dead serious face she seats me and my entourage in the inner waiting room. Where we continue to wait. Then Leanne comes and gets me for the sonogram. You should have seen the look on her face when she saw my entourage just talking up a storm and keeping the inner waiting room in stitches with their excitement and my aunt's questions about what to expect etc. So we get there and Leanne explains that Sweet Caroline is in the breech position which will make this a bit more difficult...wonder who she gets that from? We got some great photos nonetheless...

Hands and Feet in the way here. The stuff floating in front of her face is the umbilical cord. Couldn't avoid that!

It's kind of like she's smiling!

Sticking her tongue out at us! She's a bit cheeky!

Look at those fingers and toes! Isn't this crazy stuff? Look at that big foot! It's almost over I promise!

Here she is wrapping her arm around her little knee.

So once we have the pictures printed and Leanne has saved our tape so that we can add more movement to it at the next session (I know that ya'll are all holding your breath for September 2nd and the ultimate release of the movement video. We need a blockbuster type title...Kate could you work on that?) since she was not in the best position this time. We walk to the front so that I can pay the bill. Well I'm walking and the three of them are still oohhing and awwing over the baby naturally so I just keep walking. When we arrive at the desk they begin to show EVERYONE around them the pictures...typical grandmothers and aunt. It was so cute. I think ...no I know that my mother was the worse!

So thanks for letting me go on and on about my cute little girl. I can't wait for all of you to meet her when she arrives in October!

What I found at my local Wal-Mart

2009-08-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a hint from Kate...I'm blogging about something that perturbs me! This is what I found at my local Wal-Mart...a bag of grape fruit...one in particular caught my attention...can you guess why?

The Work Weekend

2009-08-03T13:35:00.001-07:00

Well I don't know where to begin. My parents came in this past weekend to work on several aspects of our house...because yes, that is correct we aren't done with our house YET! They mainly came to "The Woods" to work on the nursery and hang drapery, which is harder than you think!

They didn't arrive until late Friday night so we just hung out and ordered pizza. My mom and I attempted to get a "game plan" together for the next day. Well we woke up kind of late and then we decided to cook breakfast, thanks Kyle...eggs from the farm are delicious! Then around 11:00 we FINALLY made it to Home Depot for the supplies...chair rail and various kinds of molding.

After we had selected the appropriate molding my mother and I left to go to Houston to pick up fabric for the one remaining room that lacks drapes and curtain rods and all of the necessary accessories for the drapery...which there are more than you would think and they cost more than you think. At first we had no luck...then we decided to go to Restoration Hardware where we had tons of luck but my wallet wasn't exactly ready for the Restoration Hardware prices. So needless to say I carried my "feeling sorry for myself" butt to the Tahoe and pressed the Onstar button to ask for assistance in locating the nearest wallet friendly Bed, Bath & Beyond!

Upon arrival said butt was still feeling sorry for itself but after wandering through the drapery department said butt began to feel a bit better for itself. I was able to find curtain rods, matching rings, and brackets for all 7 windows...see why Restoration Hardware was way the hell out of my price limit. Upon checking out we made the trip back to The Woods. But made a pit stop at the local DQ for the Tag-a-long Blizzard (side note: You MUST have one of these before they disappear!).

When we got home the work begun and I put on my supervisor hat. It was wonderful. My Mom, Dad and Kyle did all of the work. The allergies to manual labor, heavy lifting and painting that develop when pregnant are one of the finest things about being pregnant besides feeling the baby move...of course.

Most of the work on the nursery was accomplished and there wasn't that much left to do on Sunday because they all worked really hard. I started dinner...steaks, potatoes and corn on the cob. A hearty meal for the hard workers.

On Sunday we awoke early and started the process of hanging the drapes. Some might think this process would be easy but not in my family and not with 7 windows that needed drapes. It takes a meeting of all the minds (my Mom, Dad and myself...Kyle is left out of the process much to his happiness) to establish where the rod should be hung, how much "puddle" there should be at the bottom of the drapery panel etc. Needless to say all of the curtains were hung...after I made several trips back to Bed, Bath & Beyond to return TWO curtain rods that were the incorrect length (we really needed my math tutor, Mrs. Newton, from 7-college there with us because apparently my mother and I cannot convert inches to feet well) and several unnecessary accessories.

My parents gathered their things with lightening speed and were out of our house by 2 that afternoon. It was definitely obvious that they were excited to get out of there.

I had to leave that afternoon to go back to Houston to buy more fabric for drapes for our bedroom. Because yes, my mother and I only purchased enough fabric for one window...so there is a window in my bedroom that has a curtain rod but no drapes. But this situation should be rectified in a couple of weeks.

The weekend was exhausting but as you can tell from the pictures completely worth it!

I'm so over drapes but excited that our house is starting to come together. I think that I'm starting the nesting phase! Watch out!

Here's the nursery...a work on progress....

The guest bedroom just begging for you to come and visit!

New curtains in the breakfast nook. Just need the new table which should be making its way from Corsicana in a couple of weeks.

I should be posting a new bump picture tonight or tomorrow. Vivian has to go to the vet today for her Bordetella shot. Doesn't it just sound awful. She might need some ice cream afterwards. Think about Vivi at 6:00 this afternoon. Her hiny will be ever so sore!

My innie is going to turn to what?

2009-07-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

So apparently my innie is going to turn to an outtie at some point?

According to my research (aka google), this can occur when one is five months pregnant. I guess I'm pushing my luck since I'm about to start my seventh month of pregnancy and I've managed to maintain my innie.

According to Wikipedia, reliable source I know, "During pregnancy, the uterus presses the navel of the pregnant woman outward. It USUALLY retracts after birth." Wait a freakin' minute did Wikipedia just tell me that the outtie "usually" retracts after birth? Does this mean that there is a possibility I might be stuck with an outtie after Caroline is born? Upon further research, I have discovered that the internet is filled with further horror stories of women who have gone on to have healthy babies BUT they are stuck with a half innie half outtie! Oh the horror!

BUT there are soothing stories of women who have made it successfully to the end of their pregnancy and didn't "pop" their innies. I will find solace in these women's stories. I just can't imagine having one more thing protrude on my body!

A girl must take precautions so I again searched the internet. Among all of the websites that popped up I found Miss Oops Popper Stopper. For those of you who don't know, Miss Oops has fabulous lines of deodorant remover, fashion tape etc. The Popper Stoppers are similar to Band-Aids. They are placed over the protruding outtie and create a smooth surface for the fabulously fierce maternity clothes to rest on. Meaning there is no longer a bump on your bump, which according to the interest occurs with regular band-aids. For those of you who know me well you already know that I've purchased these popper stoppers! They should be arriving soon.

I'm making manicotti for dinner tonight (from scratch) and will try to get a picture of the bump...especially before my innie pops!

Debut of the Bump

2009-06-30T18:28:00.001-07:00

The baby bump!

Things Vivian has been up to Lately....

2009-06-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Just a photo list of things my "wonderful" Golden has been up to lately.

Playing with her rock...yes that's right my dog plays with a rock!

Rolling on her rock!

Picture of said rock.

Jumping in the bathtub unassisted to play with her bath toys...note the yellow ducky behind her...the problem is that she can't jump out of the bath tub without assistance. She gets stuck in the bathtub and spends more time than we would like to admit in the tub. BUT, she looks so happy!

Eating snowcones because let's face it Houston is HOT!

Vivian says goodbye!

It's a....

2009-05-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

It's a GIRL!

Kyle and I couldn't be happier. And NO, we don't have any names picked out just yet. I am definitely open to suggestions. I'm having trouble coming up with names!

I promise to keep everyone updated.

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I last posted some marvelous information about my life. Well I thought I would share what Kyle and I did for Mother's Day weekend.

We made the trip to Galveston! I know, don't be jealous. We were desperately craving seafood and couldn't think of a better place to go. So we went to Gaidos. While there I learned that Gaidos has been around since the 1940s and its is pretty tasty. I was going to take a photo of the delicious fried shrimp on my plate for the specific purpose of sharing it with all of my blog friends but was stopped short by a mortified Kyle. Sorry guys. You will just have to take my word that the shrimp were delicious or the fact that I ate 7 of the 8 fried shrimp (I shared one with Kyle) along with all of my fries. I just love pregnancy! Can't wait to see exactly how much weight I gain!

So after our delicious lunch I made Kyle walk across the street to the lovely beach at Galveston, Texas. It's no Destin!

There was so much seaweed...gross!

Here is a fabulous picture, after several attempts, of the two of us with the beautiful water in the back ground. All in all we had an excellent time and I'm actually looking forward to going back to for more seafood, even though I am limited on what I can ingest.

This just in...

2009-04-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Check it out friends. This is the diaper bag that I will be sporting , boy or girl, for Baby Blair's crap!

Isn't it too much? I absolutely love it and had to share it with my blog friends!

Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Another Day!

2009-04-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

What in the world is with all of this rain and terrible weather? My glorious hometown of Corsicana, Texas, made the national news...for a tornado, white trash I know...and of course they found the most ridiculous person to interview! Way to go fruitcake capital of the world!

Well in Houston Vivian, Kyle and I rode out the awful thunderstorms. Some parts of Houston received 8-10 inches of rain. The massive amount of rain made the already horrific commute even worse...at least I didn't have to worry about it...poor Kyle!

During one of the breaks in the rain Kyle yelled for me to come out and see the double rainbow! I of course thought that he was lying but no he was telling the truth...

The "strongest" rainbow was a complete rainbow...meaning you could see both sides of the arch. It's been quite a few years since I've seen a rainbow hence my excitement! Mind the port-a-potty in the second picture. The construction should be coming to an end soon on Panterra Way!

Can't wait for the weekend. Kyle and I are going out of town AGAIN but this time for the annual Martin Crawfish Boil. I can't wait to see all of my Shreveport friends...limited in number but it's quality not quantity!

Work Work Work!

2009-04-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well this past weekend I tricked my relatives into coming down to our house to celebrate Easter...but of course my master plan was to make them work...and work they did!

It rained all day Saturday but that didn't keep me from dragging my Aunt, Mother, and 80 something Granny out into the rain to look for drapes. We visited every store in the Woodlands to no avail! So I allowed them to go home and eat dinner.

The real work (manual labor) didn't begin until early Sunday morning. Once everyone arrived at our house we loaded the car up and went to Home Depot...all 8 of us! We got all the plants my Aunt would need for window boxes and flower beds. Once that 2 hour trip was over we returned home and I put my Aunt to work! Once I had her planting and my Father, Uncle and Paw Paw at work on our drip system on our balcony my Mother, Granny, and I were off to Pottery Barn for one last attempt at finding drapes for the living room and dining room.

Well, needless to say they worked hard and my house reaped the benefits! Please come and visit and enjoy their hard work as much as Kyle and I do!

Here are some pictures of the end result of their hard work (lots of pictures because I like blogs with pictures). Kyle and I are so lucky to have great loved ones in our lives.

The front of the house

Our beautiful gardenia bushes...yes that's right we have TWO! All of my Shreveport friends might remember the one at our old house that was destroyed by our neighbor's tree falling on it and then SWEPCO running over it!

The balcony in all of it's glory!

View form the balcony. It's it beautiful?

Now for the inside of the house...

The Living Room

The Dining Room

This weekend was a huge success thanks to the help of my husband and family! THANK YOU!

Pies and Cakes Oh My!

2009-04-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I was quite the busy bee! I had family coming in town to celebrate Easter...a little late I know. I was determined to make fabulous desserts since they were going to cook all of the food. I made a Double Strawberry Pie for lunch and a Buttered Rum Pound Cake with Bananas Fosters Sauce! It was wonderful...and everyone thought so too!

After many requests I have broken down plan on sharing my recipe for strawberry goodness!

Double Strawberry Pie

Ingredients

4 cups frozen unsweetened strawberries, partially thawed in refrigerator

3/4 cups sugar

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 box (11 ounce) piecrust mix Betty Crocker

1/3 cup strawberry nectar, chilled

All purpose flour, for dusting

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Sugar

1. Preheat oven and a baking sheet to 450 degrees F. Place strawberries in a large bowl. Sift the 3/4 cup sugar and the cornstarch over the partially thawed strawberries. Stir to combine; set filling aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine crust mix and strawberry nectar. Stir until soft dough forms. Divide into 2 pieces, form balls, and flatten into disks. On a flour-dusted surface, roll 1 of the disks 1 1/2 inches larger than an inverted 9 inch pie plate. Fold rolled dough in half, place in pie plate, and unfold. Press dough into plate but do not stretch. Trim dough 1/2 inch from edge of plate.

3. Roll out second disk and fold in half. Pour filling into bottom crust. Place top crust over filling and unfold. Press along rim to seal and trim edges. Press fork into edges or crimp to make decorative edge. Cut vent slits in top crust or punch center with small decorative cutter. Brush crust with beaten egg mixture. Sprinkle with sugar.

4. Place pie on preheated baking sheet in oven. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F; continue baking for 50 to 60 minutes or until filling is bubbly and crust is golden brown. Cool completely before cutting.

I have also included pictures from the makig of the Buttered Rum Pound Cake.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT! I'm a domestic DIVA!

Good News!

2009-04-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Kyle and I have big news to share. It is no longer going to be Kyle, Vivian Leigh, and me. Kyle and I are expecting! Currently, I am 12 weeks along, and the due date is October 25, 2009!!

We are both so happy about Baby Blair. I promise to update the blog with exciting news and pictures. An ultrasound picture will have to do for now.