Catching Up February

I. Know. I am REALLY far behind on my blog (In case you have been hiding under a rock)! So I have decided to finally take on the enormous task of catching up. Yikes! I simply have not had time to work on my blog with working full time, trying to be the best mother I can be with a growing toddler, spending time with family, housework and traveling. I must rest at some point..........So month by month I will try to catch you up on our busy, but gloriously wonderful lives.

 

First, I never updated you guys on Annabelle's 12 month doctor appointment. She as was perfectly healthy as usual. Thank God! We are blessed. Annabelle weighed 19lbs 2oz (20th percentile) and was 29.3 inches long (30th percentile) . We are on track for year one.

 

On February 1st we went to Birmingham to the Botanical Gardens to have Annabelle's one year pictures done by Greenlaw Photography. Kimberly does such a wonderful job. Annabelle would not take a nap on the drive there and, of course, it started sprinkling as soon as we arrived. So it was an interesting day. Annabelle did great for a while and then she was just too tired. Great timing though because it really started coming down just after her daddy ran to the truck with her and I gathered all our props and walked in the poring rain. At least Annabelle didn't get too wet (or Cameron). Here are some of my favorite shots. She is such a beautiful baby girl. If I do say so myself....... ;-)

 

 

So angelic!

 

 

 Me and my sweet

 

 Such pure beauty and happiness. Love, love, love this baby!

 

 Her smash cake. So cute!

 

 

 Thanks for showing us your cake AB!

 

 She didn't do much better this round. I still had to dig in the cake for her. She's a dainty little thing.

 

 Absolutely love this shot. Such beautiful eyes!

 

We had a valentines day outfit, but the pics did not turn out. She donned this little get up to daycare on V-Day. Too cute!

 

Side note........my sweet hubs brought me roses to work! Swoon.......



Not the best pics, but a cell phone can only do so much!

 

Cameron and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary on February 20th. I cannot believe it has been 10 years! We have been together for 13 years. That's a long time! I pray we have many, many more wonderful years together. I have always know Cameron was one of the good ones, but seeing him as a father makes me love him even more. Annabelle loves her Daddy! She is his mini-me after all! I am so blessed to have this man in my life. Everyday is not perfect, but that's what makes it interesting right! We are blessed to have one another and now to have our sweet baby girl to make our family whole. Here's to many more years and many more happy memories in our future!

 

 

 

Annabelle also had her first car ride in her big girl seat and got to spend a little play with her big cousins Tyler and Zach.

 

 

 

 

Enjoying her first taste of Big B Bar B Que. Yummo!

 

Well, that about covers it for February (I think). My memory is terrible so I really need this blog so I don't forget the important, though sometimes small, things in life. This little girl is  my  heart and I cannot be more thankful to God for allowing me to be her mother. I know I've said this many times, but I could never say it enough! XOXO

 

 

Can You Say Chatterbox?

Welcome to the world of talking! Annabelle has found her voice. Last week she really started chattering all the time. I know she thinks she is telling us all about what she's learning and seeing and about her day and her friends. However, as all mothers know, I can't understand anything! She has been getting really loud lately. As if we can't hear her talking to us.........Annabelle has started saying some things we can understand and she can recognize several things. For myself (because my memory is that of a ninety year old) and for Annabelle to look back on one day I thought I would share her accomplishments. 

THINGS ANNABELLE CAN RECOGNIZE:

1. Tummy

2. Tongue (she loves this one)

3. Head

4. Teddy Bear

5. Giraffe

6. Turtle

7. Kolby, Max and Sam 

8. Phone

9. Ball

10. Socks

THINGS ANNABELLE CAN SAY:

1. Mama

2. Dada

3. Bye

4. Hey

5. Obe (Kolby)

6. Ma sa (Max and Sam, as they are one thing to her. We tend to always say their names together.) 

7. Outsi (Outside) 

8. Yay!!! While clapping

I swear she she has tried to say turtle and bubble, but it is unconfirmed. I have also been trying to teach her where her nose is for a while, but no luck. Last night and tonight it almost looked like she was reaching to touch her nose when I asked where it was so maybe she is finally getting it. I have also tried to teach her the sign for more. We started around the 6 month mark. However, when Annabelle wants more she says loudly......MAMA! Yes ma'am, Annabelle. Lol! Annabelle has also discovered how to shake her head. Every time you ask her something she says no by shaking her head. She is such a doll and I am such a lucky mama. Could I have asked for anything better???? Never. XOXO

Annabelle's 1st Birthday Extravaganza!

Annabelle. What doll. What a blessing. I am so very thankful that God has trusted Cameron and I to raise this wonderful little girl. Two years ago, I was in a bad place because I longed for a baby. One year ago I was finally blessed with the most wonderful baby girl. She is so much more than I could have ever dreamed. My heart is so full of love and adoration for Annabelle. She is a true blessing.                                      

Annabelle has such a sense of humor! This baby loves to laugh! She has changed so much in the past year. It is hard to believe that she has gotten so big. My little 5 pound, 18.5 inch baby girl........who now weighs 19.2 pounds and is 29.25 inches. I cannot imagine a world without Annabelle. My heart is overflowing! She is learning so much each day. She can now find certain toys and, of course, she know how to spot her daddy. Every time we see a picture she must stop and look at Dada. Enough with memory lane! Lets get to the party! Get ready for the picture extravaganza!

 

What a day week! I started out with such a good plan in October and then I lost a week somewhere in January. I thought I had two weeks before the party, but come to find out I only had one. So off to the races I go getting invitations out, decorating and getting last mintues items. Good thing I started planning and shopping early! I love, love, love this little girl! She is the best thing in my life! Enjoy the picture show!

 

 

Annabelle did not want to wake up from her nap!



 

Wasn't sure I was going to be able to accomplish the owls, but they turned out really well!

 

 

 

 

 Good thing Heather took pictures of the cupcakes! Over 300 pictures and Kasi and I missed them........

 

 Birthday Girl!

So many great friends and family attending the party! So thankful for each and everyone of you!

 

Cousin Alex sharing his toy.

 

 Not sure what this face was about......

 

Thanks for taking so many great picture Aunt Kasi!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great pics of Papa Larry and Annabelle!

 

Gift time! I think she is excited.

 

 

This face is priceless! She is staring down that star candle!!!!

  Annabelle was cheering for everyone. I thought for a moment when we were singing that she might cry, but she waited until we were done and the clapped for everyone. LOL! Such a sweet girl!

 

 Annabelle did not care much for smashing her cake. I did most of the smashing for her........

 

 

 

This the the best baby girl ever!!!!!! I sure do love Annabelle. I would like to thank everyone who came to Annabelle's party and celebrated with us. She is such a special little girl and I am so thankful for her health and happiness. We made it through the first year! With flying colors if I do say so myself! She is happy, healthy and loved beyond measure. I pray that she will always know how much she is loved by me, her daddy and God. God has been so good to us! I know He can see how much love is in our hearts and how thankful we truly are to be Annabelle's parents.

 

Get Excited!!!!!!

It's getting close!!!! Sigh.......Just to get you all in the mood. I have a little sneek peek of Annabelle's birthday atire! She is a doll! I'll be seeing you soon at the party!!!

 

XOXO!!!!!!

"It's Christmas Time Pretty Baby...."

Well, Christmas has come and gone and it was way to quick! This is my favorite time of year. Not to mention that this year was extra special being that this was Annabelle's very first Christmas. We had a very eventful December. It all started with The Polar Express at Kiesel Park in Auburn on December 1st. Annabelle was a little young to participate in everything, but we still enjoyed the moment.

 

Annabelle actually liked the cow, but not Santa............. 

 

 

 

That night my office had a Christmas Party. First, we went bowling which was so much fun even though I was terrible starting out. To make it more interesting Alex, my boss, made it a competition with a grand prize that everyone would want. We teamed up in husband and wife couples. Boy was he right about the prize! After bowling we went to dinner at Maestro 2300 which was very good with a great atmosphere. After dinner we found out who won the competition. It was me and Cameron! Whoop, Whoop! AND the grand prize was an iPad Mini! Are you kidding me! Wow! I was very excited and shocked! Who would have ever pegged me to win a bowling competition?!?!?! December got started on a great note!

 

The following night while Annabelle slept Cameron and I transformed the house into our version on a Christmas wonderland. Annabelle woke up to trees and light and stockings and all sorts of shiny things. However, she was not interested in any of it........maybe that's a good thing. I am sure next year will be different.

 

 

 Annabelle's first Christmas ornament.

 

 Annabelle's first Auburn Christmas ornament from Ronnie.

 

I attempted to have a photo shoot of my sweet in front of the Christmas tree. She was not cooperative. These are the best shots......

 

 

This is what I was dealing with.........

 

 I am sure she will thank me for this one someday. I laughed so hard!!! LOL! What a face!

 

The week before Christmas, while I was at lunch, I received the dreaded phone call. Your heart always skips a beat when you see the daycare calling. My sweet girl was sick. She had a high fever, an ear infection in both ears and a bacterial infection in her throat. I have never seen Annabelle look so pitiful! She is always smiling. I knew the moment I walked in to pick her up that she was not in a good place. Poor baby! Thankfully, with the help of an antibiotic and some benadryl she is better. She still has some congestion in her chest, but I pray that will go away very soon. She goes back this coming week for a recheck. I pray everything has healed.

 

 

In the midst of Christmas planning, Annabelle had her 11 month birthday! Can you believe it is only one more month until she is 1!!!!! I am excited and sad.......

 

 

 

Now its time for Christmas festivities! So many pictures, so little time. Here are some of the highlights. Annabelle had a wonderful first Christmas. She is a blessed little girl. I hope that as she grows older Cameron and I are able to instill in her the true meaning of Christmas. I pray that she is always grateful for what she has and the things she is given. There are so many less fortunate children. I want her to have a big heart and know what it means to give and not receive. That is a lot to expect from a child, but I believe with the right guidance she will understand one day.

 

 

 

 

 

Annabelle's new ride.

 

 

 Daddy and his mini-me.....

 

 

 Again....she will thank me one day......Too funny! Poor Puppy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 What a doll!

Ronnie and Annabelle

 

 Annabelle's first plate. Thanks Aunt Kasi and Uncle Hank!

Seemingly so innocent.....

 

 Don't be fooled!

 

 Paw-paw and Annabelle

 

 

  

 Such a sweet Daddy!

 

Years ago while Cameron was in Iraq us girls took a photo together at Christmas. My how times have changed...... 

 

 

 

 

 Rollin', rollin', rollin'

 

 Baby's got her boots on. Thanks Aunt Christy!

 

 Headed to celebrate Ronnie's Birthday.

 

 I just had to share......she is so incredibly sweet!

 

I could not love Annabelle more!!!! She is such a blessing. I enjoyed my Christmas with Annabelle and Cameron so very much! I am so thankful for our families and we are blessed to be able to spend the holiday with each and every one of you. Thank you all for making us feel loved and appreciated and I hope that you know how much we love you all. Annabelle is blessed to be a part of such a great, loving family. May the new year bring you all the blessings you deserve. Looking forward to seeing what the new year will bring. This time last year we were getting ready to welcome our baby girl. Now we are gearing up for her first birthday. We have been so blessed. My heart is full......XOXO.