Clara Lee came to visit

Dear Abigail,

Clara Lee spent the night with you this week! It was only on Thursday night, but we'll take what we can get. Mimi, Mam-maw, Paw-paw, and Clara Lee all came up together, cause M&P were flying out of Nashville on Friday. That was awesome and all, except you went for your 1 year check up that afternoon, and I had to wake you up from your nap to go! Do you remember what happened??? Please say no, please say no, please say no! Well, after Mommy went through her list of questions, the nurse made me bear hug you while she gave you FOUR shots - yes, four. It was terrible, the meanest thing I've ever heard of. And you totally knew what was going down from the second I put you on that crinkly paper. After a few minutes of hugging you, you settled down and once we got home, you played well with Clara Lee, well, minus the times she tried to get on your chair...

You are very, very greedy with who is on your chair. You won't even let Elmo or Abbycadabby sit in it either. Sometimes you let Music Bear hang out, but that's if you are being very nice. We'll need to work on sharing a little bit more. I'll tell you something we don't need to work on - your climbing skills! You are a little monkey!! Everywhere. We thought you were safe in your play room, but apparently we can't even leave you alone in there...

Mimi got her hair did, so she didn't get to play with you very long, but don't worry, the 2 of you bonded later on that night. I don't know why, I'm only going to assume it was the shots taking action, but you woke up at 11 that night and did not go back to sleep till sometime around 2:30! I got up with you, and Mimi layed on the couch, too. You just sat there for awhile, staring at the TV. You were almost asleep in Mimi's arms, so I thought I could try to put you down. Your mommy is going to learn one day to have a little more patience... You did not go to sleep, you cried and cried, and we tried 3 more times after that! I even was holding you on the couch while we watched the Office for the 10th time and I fell asleep - but not you! Finally I put you back in the crib, awake, and you didn't cry, and we thought you were asleep. Then, after 10 minutes or so, you pushed your music button thingy! Mimi and I could do nothing but laugh...then sleep. We don't really know for sure what time you went to sleep officially, because we were worn out! I'm assuming it was the shots, because you were super crying, and didn't really know what you wanted... It hasn't happened since, so BOOOOO to shots - BOO.

Nothing too crazy went down on Friday, mainly because it's been raining here for humpteen days, and Saturday was the same. I got stir crazy, so me and you ran to the mall to return a couple things. You are being super friendly lately, to everyone! I love it.

Then today (Sunday), we went to the playground!! FINALLY there was sun, and it was such a pretty day. There was no way I was staying inside. I found out about this park right down the street, and it was perfect. You loved watching all the other kids at first, but then you started doing your own thing, like sliding down the slide! Then you decided you wanted to be a little dare devil and climb up the slide!! From that point on, that's all you wanted to do. And it's not easy to do, so I had to help a few times, but then you would get mad because I was helping. You are going to be something else missy. I love that you are so independent! You will conquer the world, no doubt. You also loved the swings, and just running around like a little maniac!! I liked watching you, just care free going from one place to the other, no one saying "Abby - no!"

I hope the beautiful days continue so you and Miss Lee can finally get outside again!! Here are a few park pics...

We had a great weekend together baby girl! And get excited, on Thursday, we're driving to Memphis to see your new baby cousin, John Michael!!!!!!!

Love you like no other...

Boston Trip

Dear Abigail,

No, you didn't go to Boston, only Mommy & Daddy, but Mommy did decide that when we go back, we'll tak you! It's a beautiful place, and I saw all kinds of parks that you could play at, not to mention the duck tour that you would just love. I constantly reminded Daddy the whole time that we were going to take you next time.

So, you may be asking yourself, where did you go??? Well, after many, many hours of figuring it all out, Mommy drove you to Memphis and left you there (sniff, sniff). I tried real hard to keep you in Nashville, but your Auntie Amy actually planned something before I did - I know, I know, doesn't seem right does it... Anyway, she was off to Vegas baby, so you didn't get to stay with the Ings, and that left Papa Larry to watching your crazy cousins, so I packed your things and we headed that way...

We left on Wednesday night, and I have to say, this was one of my favorite trips with you (trips to Memphis, that is). I don't know why, but it will always stick out in my head. Maybe because you did so good, or maybe because it was your first taste of McDonalds!!! See, we started a little later than usual, just cause Mommy had to work and it was raining, etc. etc. So, I had already made the executive decision to stop for dinner. No way was I going to try to push it all the way without any food. So, rather than stopping for an hour at Cracker Barrel, I decided you needed to experience Micky D's. Btw, Exit 108 has the most accomadating Micky D's, for future reference. You were ready for a stretch when we pulled up, and apparently you were ready for some conversation. We walked in and you were speaking to EVERYONE!! You just kept saying "HI" "HI" "HI" and giving your big ole grin! Employees were coming from the back to see you, and the traveling customers went back to their cars with happy faces, rather than gloomy ones due to the rain! This old couple just kept playing with you, and you were not shy a bit. And of course the food... THE FOOD. You loved you some french fries and nuggets (although, I won't tell you for awhile, but I gave you the 'chicken tenders select' - I just couldn't do the actual nuggets just yet - I've got to do more research on the validity of chicken in nuggets first...anyway..) You loved it all. To the point where Mommy really didn't have to feed you any of your food. Woo-hoo, that's been our goal for a couple weeks and we're getting so close (last night you ate quesidillas with Mommy & Daddy and nothing else!!!!) So after a quick diaper and wardrobe change, we hopped back in the car. Now, I thought you'd fall asleep, or well, kind of hoped, but you didn't. Instead, you watched your movie until we pulled up in Papa Rob's drive way. It was probably best that you didn't fall asleep because Madison would have been a little upset, not to mention Gramma and Papa Rob!! So, around 8:30, we made it, you were awake, the family was happy to see you, and Mommy was exhausted! Once you played a little, you went to bed with no problem - to the point where Gramma was trying to show Madison what a big girl you were for goign to bed without crying and tv and everything!

Thursday morning came too early, but you woke up happy and were ready to play, or should I say, climb the stairs!! Madison did such a good job babysitting you while everyone else got ready. We told her to scream real loud if you got near the stairs, and sure enough, we heard "SHE'S NEAR THE STAIRS" several times! We're bringing a gate next time! Oh, and Gramma was so excited you like your black beans, even for breakfast. Papa Rob and Gramma eat eggs and black beans every single morning, and blueberries, but Papa Rob never lets us have any of those!! After breakfast and a long nap from you and lunch, we went to get your 1 year pictures done!! 1 year!!! WOW! and thank goodness, too. I am just a little worn out on pictures. You were super friendly at first, but then while I was sorting your outfits out, you found the goldfish in your bag and, well, you couldn't get your picture taken with the goldfish, so when I took those away... it all went downhill. Okay, so that's an exaggeration. It wasn't too terrible, but you just don't sit still. Mr. Phil got the bubbles out, and while it entertained you for a second, it didn't keep you still. He says he got some good ones though, so we'll see...
After pictures we went to Mimi's where Jack and Clara Lee were axiously waiting for you - oh, and Mimi, too! Jack was so excited to see you! He kept immitating you - he's say "Look, I walk like Abby-gale" and he'd waddle over to you! Then he started talking like you, too. It was too cute. I think you guys are going to be good buddies. Soon after I dropped you off, I had to rush out of there to drive back to Nashville, so after several kisses and "BYE-BYE"'s, I was off and you were on another crazy adventure in Munford.
I don't know a lot of the details about your weekend, but here's what I do know...
Thursday night you spent the night at Mimi's and on Friday, Jack and Clara Lee came back over and played with you. And Mammaw came, too. Mimi took you and CL on walks in the same stroller!!! She has a double stroller now - she was so excited about it, and I am positive between you, CL AND John Michael, that it will get put to good use! Friday afternoon, Em and Kateland came over and spent the night with you at Mimi's. Then on Saturday, you and Em went with Papa Rob and Gramma and Madison to the mall! You were supposed to go to the zoo, but apparently it has been raining for 10 days straight! So you went to the mall playground instead. Papa Rob said there were no tears when you went to him, he was so proud. So proud, that he has told me at least 10 times! He said you had a blast at the mall, just walking around everywhere, playing with your cousins, eating mall food, etc. Mommy usually confines you in the stroller, so I'm sure you enjoyed the free will. Papa Rob said you even climbed up in your stroller when you were ready for your nap - you are such a good girl. Mommy and Daddy have taught you so well :) Saturday night, just you spent the night at Papa Rob's and Grammas and then Sunday morning you were supposed to go to your BFF's house (Sarah) and play with her all day, BUT... she's very important and got called into an emergency at work, so you played with Miss Blaire and Bebe instead! I do think there were tears shed in the exchange, but, thanks to Bebe's excellent frienliness, you were happy as a pea within minutes. You played and played, then napped, then it was clear that Sarah was not going to get to see you, so it was time to go back to Mimi's. Sarah sure was sad, but I think we can probably arrange another day for you to play with her. And, besides, you have a new BFF, from what I hear (Bebe).
Sunday afternoon, Mimi took you down to see Lynnie at Mammaws & Pawpaws and then it was another fun filled day of playing with Jack and CL on Monday. Mimi drove you half way to Jackson to meet Daddy, while Mommy had to patiently wait at home for you. Finally, around 7 on Monday, I got to see your pretty little face!! I was super excited, and your little arms were just a flaring. The first thing you wanted to do when you got out of the car was go play in your playhouse, but of course, it was raining, as mentioend before, so I had to take you inside after I snuck you over to the house real quick. Then, the first thing you did inside was plop right on your pink chair. It was halarious - it was like you hadn't seen it in years and you just bounced on it and smiled, like you were thinking "I've missed you ole buddy."
All in all, I think you had a fantastic time this weekend and were probably just as busy and me and Daddy! Like I said though, next time, you are coming with us! I really started missing you, too much! Love you sweet monkey!

Titans, the Zoo, & the Greek Festival

Dear Abigail,

We've had a busy busy busy week. I know you see that often in these blogs, but seriously dude, this one was busy. After your big birthday weekend, we went to the Hill, got back on Monday night, had Tuesday to get things in order, you stayed with the babysitter Miss Robin (who we love, btw) while Mommy and Daddy went and saw Wicked (i'll tell you all about it when we start watching the Wizard of Oz, or maybe I won't because it really changes that whole story around...anyway) THEN, Thursday we went to Uncle Jaybee & Aunt Steph's house to watch the first Titans game of the season. You were absolutely adorable in your cheerleading outfit that Ryan got for you. And I think you were even doing a few cheers. Mommy taught you "Get Fired Up" and "Razzel-dazzel" - those are old school cheers Mommy brought from her SYS years...

The Titans lost, and I think it's because you went to sleep and couldn't cheer them. I think next time we'll keep you up, what do you think?

Today, Daddy took off work and we all three went to the zoo. It was all 3 of our first time to the Nashville zoo, and I have to say, I was pretty impressed. And I think you liked it too. At first you didn't really seem to see the animals, but then we took you out of the stroller and then it was on! You loved looking at the meerkats and Daddy took you in this little tunnel thing to be right in the middle of them. It was pretty neat...

You also liked looking at this one really really big bird and got a little crazy with looking at it, and then we took you to the petting zoo part, and well, you weren't interested in petting anything. You actually said "Noooooo" when I tried taking you to pet the goat, and then when we went to the baby goat, you preferred the random black strip in the dirt than the goat. Oh well, life could be worse...

We also went into this bird exhibit thing where real birds flew all around you, real pretty birds too. You seemed to like that, but Mommy got worried once when a bird flew so close it made your hair blow, and you don't have much hair to blow!

We all were getting a little hot, so we decided to leave, after Daddy bought you a present from the gift shop of course, and we all came home and took a nap! Some of us didn't get one as long as we would have liked, but I guess beggars can't be choosers, huh.

This evening, we went with Uncle Jaybee, Aunt Steph and Ellie to the Greek Festival. Mommy and Daddy have been going for several years and wanted to take you this year. You were a little, well, quiet, but we think it was because you were still exhausted from the zoo. You did get to try greek food though and loved it. You loved the pita bread, and some of Daddy's lamb, and even cucumber and tomatoes. Oh, and of course you had some baklava and ice cream, thanks to Daddy that is. All in all, it was a very good day with me, you and Daddy. I wish we could do more days like that...

Tomorrow we jet off to Cookeville... Always moving love bug, always moving... LOVE LOVE LVOE you though...

The Hill

Dear Abigail,

After your fancy birthday party, we all went to the Hill for your first visit ever. When Mommy was growing up, we used to go to the Ranch, which is where Grandaddy lives, but then Papa Rob got the land right beside it, that's on a BIG hill, so now we say we're going to the Hill. Nonetheless, we visited both! Papa Rob is very proud of his place and was eager to show you around on the four-wheeler all the places that are a part of your family's history. Unfortunately, Papa Rob forgets you are just 1 year old and not too interested in that, so he took Daddy and Uncle Jay around! Me and you and Aunt Ash-ash and Clara Lee played at the house and boy were you into everything. And boy does Papa Rob have a lot of, well, junk. Don't tell him i said that though - he thinks it's all goign to be valuable one day. We did go to the swimming hole, which was freezing because the torrential downpour the night before, but Daddy and Papa Rob and Kateland still jumped in it! Well, Daddy didn't actually 'jump' but he did go under water. Aunt Ash-ash and Uncle Jay were too scared!!! They didn't even wear their bathing suits! I have to admit, though, I couldn't do under, and you actually were scared of it because it was so cold. But, you did enjoy wading in the creek once we got a little further down. That is, as long as I didn't leave your side. You were a little of a momma's girl this weekend, at least at the Hill. Not sure why, or well, maybe it's because you have FIVE teeth now, oh wait, SIX!! You have molar that's broken through!! I'll blame it on that. So all in all, we had a good time at the Hill, but Papa Rob needs you to get a little older and bigger so you can ride the four-wheeler and he can show you where Grandaddy was born, and the school he went to, and where your great-great-great grandparents are buried, and many others. Oh, and for the record, you may only ride a four-wheeler with Daddy or Papa Rob, and I don't care if Clara Lee gets to drive it by herself - they scare Mommy!

I don't have any pics yet because Aunt Ash-ash has took the pictures for us, but I will post some soon. We can't wait to go back many times to the Hill, nor can Papa Rob!!!

Love you!

Happy Birthday

Dear Abigail,

You turned 1!! I cannot believe an entire year has gone by since this beautiful little being, known as you, entered my world. And, oh what a wonderful year it has been. No need to get into the details of the wonderful year (as you can go back through and read all these blogs :) BUT, some of my favorite include you swimming this summer to you curling up like a little frog on my shoulder - that was when you were a itty-bitty baby, and only lasted for a couple weeks, but man alive I loved it! Okay, so then you were 1... and we celebrated such an occasion.

Your birthday party was outstanding, if I must say so myself. Where to start... Oh, first off, YOU did fantastic my darling. I was a little nervous with naps, and lots of people, and all that jazz, but you went down for BOTH naps without a problem, even with people parading in and out of the house. And you let everyone else watch you as Mommy and Daddy and Mimi scrambled around to make everything perfect. Thanks for being such a rockstar!

Well, the morning started off with a birthday breakfast, and until you are older, Mommy decided that birthday breakfast would be PANCAKES!!!! When you are older, you can change it, but who knows why you would. As for now, you will always get pancakes on your birthday! You liked them, but you liked feeding them to Daddy more.

So, the party, as you very well may know, was "Cupcakes and Cocktails" and, as I do with everything, I went a tad bit overboard. We had all kinds of decorations with cupcakes on it, including your adorable outfit.

We, of course, had cupcakes, TONS of cupcakes, and you even had your very own cupcake.

For the record, you were not too crazy about the cake. I think it might have been a little too big of a cake, if there is such a thing...

Mimi made the pretty flower centerpieces, and we had little picture frames of you scattered all over the tables, one of you from each of the last 12 months!! Oh, we had cupcake punch and cupcake martinis (for the adults, that is), and ICE!!! You loved the ice. We never knew how much you loved ice until your birthday party, but all you really wanted to do was eat ice!

Mommy and Daddy also went all out and got a bouncy house!! It was a pretty pink castle, for our princess of course. Lots and lots of people came, most all your family, including both your great-grandfathers. What a great thing to have at your first birthday! (and yes, Mam-maw was there too, along with everyone else). And then the Grugett clan, Miss Lee, and of course Sarah with her awesome gift. But you got lots of awesome gifts!! You got a new car, and a big pink chair, and cheerleading outfits, OH, and Gramma gave us (i mean you) the fancy scrapbook she did!!! I was excited about that. Let's see, you got an umbrella with your name embroided on it, and all kinds of other awesome things. You got baby dolls and even a pak'n play for your baby! Of course, we have discovered you love sitting in it yourself more than putting your babies in it!

Everyone loved bouncing, even the adults. You didn't know it, but we got in it after we put you adn the other kiddos down for bed and played duck-duck-goose!! Everyone seemed to have a good time and stayed for supper, and even some stayed the night (that would be the out of towners!). Overall, I think we did a pretty good job of celebrating your first year and I hope we do every year like that. Although Daddy (and Uncle Jaybee) may not be too crazy about the idea, as they helped out a lot - that is code for "did a lot of work!!". But it was all worth it. You are worth every last cupcake calorie that I took in that weekend baby doll! Love you lots. I do hope, though, this next year slows down just a tad bit! LOVE LOVE LOVE you - you're 1!!!!!

The past week/weekend

Dear Abigail,

Things have been really really busy this last week or so. Mommy and Daddy are getting ready for your big birthday, and the fancy-smancy party that comes along with it. I have never seen your Daddy do so much maintenance to this house, but I'm not complaining that's for sure. You may even get a birthday party for turning 1 and 1/2 just to see what new stuff we can get! So, first, I apologize if I'm not updating as often as I should, and also, when I do update, it may be a little brief, or leave a few fun things out. Wait, who am I kidding - I am never brief about anything.

Okay, so a couple maintenance things myself... You have 3, maybe even 4 new teeth popping in, all at the same time!! Finally some more teethies. Mommy was getting a little worried, well frustrated really. Ryan is on like number 13 or something!! Anyway, I think you will be up to speed after these come in all the way. Not that it's stopping you from eating. You are eating pretty much whatever we put your way. Now I'm not saying meal times are just hunky doory with you, but you will eat lots of good stuff, if I can just occupy your attention elsewhere. Your attention span is amazing - I know I've mentioned it before, but man alive. Anyway. You love eating Daddy's cereal in the morning, usually cheerios, but sometimes flakes. You don't care though, as long as he shares. You also love black beans, which is super good because we are some black bean eatin' fools up in here. You will see... You also have become quite verbal. I know everyone thinks their kid is smart, but see, baby girl, that's the difference with me and others. I KNOW you are a smarts, ask Sarah. You will try so hard to repeat words we say. You are real good at ball, bow, bottle, pretty much anything that starts with B. You say "bye-BYYYYYE" whenever someone gives you a kiss. But you also say 'kitty' or well it's more like "ttttyyyyyyy". But see, that's not what impresses me, it's that you understand what I'm saying. I can say 'brush your hair abby" and you take the brush and brush your hair then i tell you to brush mommy's and you do that! You sooo smart! You do lots of things like that. But, the biggest one is, which is scary, is that you know what "No" means. You know what it means when I say it, and you know how to use it too! We had a terrible experience at Target this past Tuesday thanks to you not only saying "NOOOOOOO" but also pushing me away. Where has my little baby gone???? One year... wow Abigail... Okay, before I start crying and can't read what I'm writing, I'll get to the week/weekend.

So Miss Lee went on vacation so you got to go stay with Mimi for the week, or well, for Monday - Wednesday. Aunt Ash-ash claims you got Clara Lee sick, but you weren't sick. I think you were exposing her to Nashville germs so she can get completely immune and come visit us all the time! I just came in for the night and we left early Wednesday morning, and guess what - we had the best car ride ever! Member how you are turned around now - well, I turned your Abby Cadabby movie on and you were a perfect angel. You watched your movie, then I turned it off, you went to sleep and didn't wake up until we got home!! Love those dvd players in cars! But, I'll say this now, and you can quote me on it to, we will not be watching the dvd player when running to Target, or the grocery store, or to your ballet class or violin lessons (yes, you will be doing both if Mommy has her way about it all). Only going to watch the tv in the car on trips longer than 1 hour, okay. Please don't make me eat my words on this one baby girl!! So we're back in Nashville, and guess who comes and visits? SARAH!! And, you may not have recognized her at first because she was without glasses - she can see now! You had no problems warming up to her at all though, and no more tears when she comes around. You guys played and played and played, and she even entertained you while I got in the shower or was gettingthings together. She's your bff, so she says. She even tried feeding you dinner, and did a pretty good job at it. The gang came over for Mexican and a little trivia (which Sarah rocked at, surprise surprise), and you were perfect. You even slept longer than Sarah did, like till 7:30! Saturday, we went shopping all day, and you just love looking at yourself in the mirror, giggling, and all. I'm so happy you are such a cutie pie. That night, you wore your Abbycadabby pj's that sarah gave you - too cute, too too cute...

On Sunday, we had our final Carnton Plantation concert, with the Eagles, or well, a band that sings Eagles songs. We danced to Desparado as the sun set, it was very sweet and I will remember it for a long time. We had a good time, but this time it was really really crowded, and just a little more chaotic, not to mention that Harrison and Spencer got lost for a few minutes, or, well, hours. But your sweet cousin Caroline had the solution/silver lining. As Aunt Amy was frantically looking for the lost boys, Caroline sweetly said "Don't worry Mommy, you can always make more boys." I think that's where you get your smarts from, in addition to your looks, of course. After a late, late night, we made it home and you smoothly transitioned from the carseat to the bed. Here's a few pics...

Unfortunately, you and Ryan didn't really play that much. You were too worried about walking around everywhere, which was rough on the rest of us, or well, me...

Monday was back to normal with Miss Lee back in town, but Mommy and Daddy are still running circles to get this house pretty for your party. It's going to be so much fun - I truly cannot believe my baby girl, the baby girl that took 28 hours to get out, that I remember every detail of, is turning 1 year old in 3 days. It has been one glorious year, Abigail. I cannot wait to see what the next billion hold for me and you, and Daddy too. You just don't have to make it go by so quickly, that's all! Love you lots and lots, more than I ever thought possible.