Clara Lee Turns One!!

Dear Abigail,

Can you believe it? It's been a whole year since we took that dangerous drive into Memphis, snow everywhere, threats of ice, spending the night at a hotel beside the hospital, all to be there when your cousin came into this world. It was well worth it, and we figured it was a once in a lifetime kind of thing, right? Well, apparently your BCF is setting a trend because along with her birthday was snow and ice and dangerous driving AGAIN!! We (Mommy & you) came in on Thursday to Papa Robs & Grammas, where we had the intention of staying there all weekend, and Papa Rob was going to watch you on Friday while I helped Mimi get her house ready for the party. I was super excited because Papa Rob was going to have to watch you all by himself and even change a diaper!! Come to think of it, maybe he had something to do with the snow... anyway, Thursday night the news is going crazy about the snow and ice, and, because I have been burned one too many times with the threat of bad weather, I just ignored it. Papa Rob, however, was not, but you could tell he wasn't completely sold on it. So we decided to just wait until the morning. Well, morning came and it was crunch time. Do I go to Mimi's without you, do I go with you but leave all our stuff at Papa Robs, do I just stay at Papa Robs - oh man, it was wearing me out not having control of the situation. Well, eventually Papa Rob said he thought I should get on the road ASAP and pack everything, including you. THANK GOODNESS I listen to my daddy because we were completely snowed in by 10 that morning at Mimis! Boy did it snow - I really don't recall ever getting this much snow, and of course, I didn't have any snow gear for you or me. I didn't even have your cute Uggs that would have been perfect. And, now Daddy was still in Nashville, snowed in, of course. Here's some pictures of Mimi's house with the snow. Isn't it lovely...

So after much debate, Aunt Ash-ash decided to go ahead with CL's party, and while it probably was ultimately the best decision, boy did it come with some complications. Aside from the fact that everyone was stressing about everyone else driving in the terrible conditions, we also were trying to get ready for a party! Here's a brief summary of how the party went... the ceiling in the kitchen started leaking, exactly where we had the cake to be displayed, CL was playing in the swing and completely flipped over making a huge HUGE knot/bruise on her forehead (not to mention the tears shed), and then she was playing with something (we still don't really know) and fell again and busted her lip open and got blood all over her fancy smancy birthday outfit and this was ALL before the party even got started!!! BUT, your Aunt Ash-ash kept it together, a heck of a lot better than I ever would have, and after getting the blood out, drying it with a hair dryer, fixing CL all up and getting her a bottle, the party turned out pretty dern good! A lot of family ended up showing up and she got so many toys and there were balloons and of course cake, which you would not partake in, once again. I didn't get a ton of pictures, and unfortunately, Daddy was never able to make it in, but you told him all about it when we FINALLY got home - Sunday! Here's a few pics from the party that I did get...

Here's CL after the bumps and bruising she went through...

Here's cutey-patootey John Michael...

And here's you singing Happy Birthday with Mimi...
And then you just being goofy...
Here's our attempt of trying to get a picture of all the kids - it didn't go so well...

Oh, and your BFF stopped by just to play with you (and to slide down the big hill in the back, but that's another story, another day). You hid the balloon from her over and over and over again, and she never could find it! You are a good hider, especially with balloons...

All in all, it was a fabulous party, a memorable party for sure. And afterwards, Mommy and Sarah and Em and Kateland and Pic-pic all went sledding on the big hill. You didn't have any clothes to go sledding, so this is what you did...

That's you watching Elmo with Mimi while she scratched your belly. I'm not sure it gets any better than that little girl!!

Like I mentioned earlier, we weren't able to get you out in the snow at Mimi's, but once it warmed up a bit, I was able to take you out in it at home. You loved it, too. You like wiping it off everything with your glove, like you were cleaning house or something! It made me laugh, and got me excited about our ski trip we have coming up very soon! Here's a few pics from playing outside at our house a couple days after the snow came...

Oh, and I almost forgot. Your poor Daddy was snowed in at home all by himself for a couple days and was so excited to see us when we finally got home, but he was even more excited about the snow cream he made! See, his mommy, your Nana, always made snow cream in this big green bowl (along with some incredible slaw, so I've heard) and so Daddy made some for us!! As we've mentioned before, you aren't too crazy about sweets, so we weren't too surprised when you pushed it away, but it didn't matter because Daddy is carrying on the tradition with our family!!!

What a fun, fun birthday party weekend!!! Lots more to come, I am sure. Love you baby girl!!!!

A visit from your BFF,

Dear Lil,

Guess who came to visit?? SARAH!! and I'm pretty sure you know, but just to clarify, when Sarah is around, we call you Lil, which is short for Little Sarah. See, your silly BFF wants someone to name their baby after her - she's asked everyone, even random pregnant people walking down the street. When Mommy was pregnant with you and we found out you were indeed a girl, Sarah asked, again, but I had to tell her that I couldn't officially name you Sarah because we already have a Sarah in the family, BUT I did tell her that we could call you Sarah, or Little Sarah, which then turned into Lil. Everyone gets confused but me, you and your BFF, Sarah, and that's all that matters, right?! Anyway...

Sarah came to visit!!! She got here on Friday and after you showed her all your toys, we headed off to Mexican with the gang. You may be surprised by that, because you were supposed to be on restriction from the Mexican restaurant, BUT, we went last Saturday with everyone and you did great, so we thought we'd give it another shot. And BAM, you did great! Thank goodness Sarah was there to play with you, oh, and your little jar of peanut butter. You were so cute, you hugged and kissed your peanut butter like it was Lovey or Monkey! We all thought that was funny. And, Uncle Jaybee kept making a bird sound and you were just looking and looking for that bird in the restaurant. We kept trying to tell you that it was Uncle Jaybee, but you were convinced there was one flying around our food! Mean ole Uncle Jaybee (but quite the impressionist!).

Saturday morning, we got up and saw the sun shining! Since we didn't know how long that was gonna last, we immediately took off to the zoo. I think it was 9 when we got there! A great time though, because all the animals were up and about, getting their morning jog in. Especially the cheetahs, or something cat like. They were going right up to the window and you got really scared! Kind of scared Mommy too! Since Sarah was with me, I let you run most of the time and you thought you were king of the world, or I guess queen, huh! Oh, and you pointed out, like 200 airplanes! I think we saw most of the animals, which was a first, but you still loved the giraffes the bestest...

After the zoo, we grabbed a quick bite at one of Mommy's faves, Calypso Cafe, and then Mommy and Sarah did a little shopping on our own while you napped with Daddy. Apparently, you didn't nap as long as expected/wanted, so you and Daddy went to the pet store and then Whole Foods - don't ask. You and your daddy will have some interesting adventures, I just know it.

On Sunday, we packed in the car again and went looking for a new home! Sounds kind of funny huh! We put our house on the market on Thursday, so now we have to figure out what to do once it sells!!! Daddy and Mommy enjoyed the rainy drive dismissing house after house, and you, too, enjoyed the 2 hours of Elmo you got to watch the whole time, but I'm not so sure about Sarah! I think she was entertained by you, though. You are quite funny, even when you are not trying!

Sarah left after lunch because you had to go down for a nap to get prepared for... The Circus!!! That's right - we took you to the circus at 17 months!! Let's see, me, you and Daddy went. And Auntie Steph and Ellie, and then Mr. Lee, Mrs. Leigh and Ryan. We all were very concerned that we would have to leave the second loud noises happened, or clapping for that matter, but, to our surprise, all 3 of you kiddos did fantastic! You were a little skeptical at first, but once those elephants came out, you were loving it. You even were clapping and waving to them! At one point, you really scared your momma though! I was sitting down in our seats and you were standing in front of me. You kept squatting and standing up, but then one time, you squatted but didn't stand back up. I tried pulling you up, but you were stuck! Somehow (and I'm pretty sure it's because you are related to me) you got your legs stuck between the chair in front of us and the concrete step. Daddy and I had to twist your feet to fit them back through the little slit that they slid in, somehow! Oh, and all this was in the dark while the circus was going on! Kind of scared me, but once it was over, I was giggling on the inside. You are just like your momma - we do some goofy things!!!

Believe it or not, we were at the circus for 2 hours and the only reason we left was because the parents were ready - not the kids!!!! I think we'll be taking you to another circus for sure!!

It was a busy weekend, but as always, funtabulous!!! Love ya darling!!!!

Look what can happen in a week...

Dear Abigail,

Boy, oh, boy this weather here in Tennessee sure is fickle. It changes as much as you change toys to play with! One minute there is snow on the ground and school is canceled for days, the next we're playing at the park with no jacket or hat!!! It's crazy, but we love it, or at least we love getting that little bit of snow. And, of course, we LOVED playing outside all today! Here's some pictures to prove the craziness!

Here's last Saturday. We got about an inch of snow, maybe. Daddy and Mommy bundled you all up and off we went to make a snow man. Unfortunately, the snow was just a little too soft to truly make anything, but you had fun 'cleaning' everything off! And you look so cute as a marshmallow!

So you see the yard right? Because here you are exactly 6 days later!!!

It just doesn't seem right does it?!!! Daddy says it was probably 65 degrees, maybe higher. We didn't care - we had so much fun playing on your playground for a long, long time. And, right when we were about to go cruising in your car, we got a surprise and Daddy pulled up! He got off early today, so we all headed to the big park. It was perfect. Perfect weather, perfect Friday, perfect family! YAY!!! Here are some pictures from today, 6 days after the snow...

Here's you pointing up at an airplane, or an "a pane" as you call it.

You are really really good about hearing the plane and then looking up to spot it. And today was a perfect day to see lots because there wasn't a cloud in the sky! You spend a lot of time outside with Miss Lee and I think she's done a good job teaching you all about noises outside because you also love to hear the church bells! At noon, we get to hear 12 chimes and then 2 songs!!! Today, we danced to both the songs. Like I said... Perfect day! Love you baby girl, love dancing with you, and pointing with you, and even playing in the cold cold snow with you!!!

A Few of Your Favorite Things

Dear Abigail,

I got to thinking. Based on these posts, it seems like we are always going, going, going - which we are, don't get me wrong, BUT, we do spend some time at our lovely home! So I decided to follow you around with the camera and capture some of your favorite things at this point in your life. It's 2010, and this is what you enjoy doing on a daily basis!

Maybe I shouldn't start with this, but this is where we always look first for you...

You love, love, love climbing in the desk chair and banging the keyboard. You know you are not supposed to be up there, and especially not touching the keyboard and mouse, but you get so excited when we catch you that we are starting to think it's a game to you... hmmmm....

Here's another activity you enjoy, and Mommy and Daddy don't get mad at you for this...

It's your tent!!! You love running and hiding in the tent! You usually make us zip it shut so we can't see you OR you make us get in with you and then zip it up! Kind of makes Mommy a little claustrophobic, but I do it for you baby girl! You also love crawling through the tunnels to the other tents - and of course, begging me and Daddy to do the same. That just can't happen, physically! I think you are learning that the tunnels are just for you though - you love just laying in them, all covered with tent everywhere! Maybe you are going to be a little spelunker!

Of course, there is always a mountain climber...

But who knows... you also may drive a submarine one day the way you like to get in enclosed spaces...

I don't make this stuff up, I promise...

You also love this new lawn mower you got for Christmas. I don't think Santa had any idea you would enjoy it so much. The only thing is, you don't like pushing forward so much - you'd rather drag it behind you, but boy do you ever drag it! Everywhere!!

What's funny is you did all this, seriously, in about 10 minutes. What I am trying to say, is that you do not sit still!!! You move from one thing to the other to the other to the other! No wonder you sleep so well at night!!

Speaking of, you always like giving Kitty night-night kisses and believe it or not, she is starting to let you give them to her!

Of course, you still enjoy pulling at her tail, or leg, or anything she lets you grab...

And then there is budder-budder. You LOVE your budder-budder. I'm not sure who got you in the habit of eating it while sitting on the floor, but that's what you insist on doing, and, when Mommy isn't in too big a rush (or isn't concerned with keeping everything clean), I let you - and boy, do you love it...

I am sure it's not the most sanitary thing to do, and probably not in Miss Manners book either, but it's one of those things I love to let you do - and I give you an extra blueberry or 2 to keep the immune system up!!

You love your table, too, and especially like having tea parties with me and Daddy and Miss Lee.

And of course, standing on our coffee table always seems to please you!

You have several other favorites, too, that I couldn't get a picture of for one reason or the other. You love your giraffe bicycle. You just learned how to put your feets on the pedals and stand up! You are so advanced! But, you are set back for your next passion... you love your paci and lovey. You are beginning to need them together, meaning if you get your paci, you immediately need your lovey. I'm okay with it because it's mostly at bedtime and nap time, but your doctor seems to think we need to phase that out sooner than later. One day... You also love nannas! That's code for bananas. You just randomly start shouting 'nannas, nannas, nannas' at any given point in the day and run straight for the kitchen. I always wonder what triggers that... You love playing on the bed, Mommy's and Daddy's bed and you love to play 'getty up horsey' with Mommy. I love seeing your face and you are flying on your horse! And you love to chase Daddy. You think it's so funny how he runs from you -and you always catch him!! You of course, still love your books, and balls - how could i forget your balls! You love throwing the balls everywhere. Oh, and blocks - you love to knock down the stack of blocks that we build! Hmmm, I'm sure I'm leaving a million things out - you are such a happy baby and just love everything these days! If I think of anymore, I'll try to remember to jot them down for the next 'favorite things' update. Until then, you, baby girl, are my favorite thing! I love you!!!!

A New Year

Dear Abigail,

Yes, we had another Christmas get together! Mammaw and Pawpaw and Lynnie went to visit Sarah and Emery during Christmas, so, for the first time in geez, at least 50 some odd years, we did not go down to Mammaws for Christmas breakfast! It was sad, but we're glad Emery and Sarah got to experience Christmas with them for once. And, since they weren't there on Christmas, we decided to do Christmas on New Year's day! But I guess I should back up a little...

On New Years Eve, we drove to Memphis where Aunt Ash-ash and Clara Lee were patiently waiting for you. Mommy and Daddy went to a basketball game, a basketball game that we ALMOST took you to thanks to your BFF Sarah's suggestion. Thank goodness we decided not to - I think you need another year before you are ready, and you need to learn Rocky Top! Anyway, so Aunt Ash-ash and Clara Lee seized the opportunity to have you over to her house, after spending a little time with Mimi, of course. According to Ash-ash, you had a blast, especially finding new things to climb on! I think she finally is starting to believe me when I say you are little monkey! And Clara Lee had so much fun taking anything you had away from you. Mommy is going to teach you self defense before your next sleep over with oh CL! Unfortunately/Fortunately, you did not stay up until midnight, but I think you brought the new year in just fine! (pictures to come as soon as your Aunt Ash Ash gets that CD to me!!!)

So on New Year's Day, we headed over to Mammaws and the whole crew was there! Boy was it crowded, but you had fun playing with all the kids, chasing Em around, and, once again, finding new things to climb on/in!

After a lot of chili and other goodies, we started passing presents out, which was good because you (along with a couple other kiddos) were getting super sleepy. Unfortunately, and you will learn this eventually, there is always drama when this family gets together, and it was no different this time. Mammaw all of a sudden didn't feel very good and we had to call 911! Oh man did the chaos begin! Babies were crying, mommies were crying, daddies were confused trying to calm crying babies and mommies!! But, thankfully we all pulled together and got Mammaw to the hospital. All the grandkids and great-grandkids (that's you) and Mimi (cause she's still a little sick) stayed behind. Once we heard Mammaw was going to be okay, everyone insisted we open the presents, so, we did. Or well, Mommy and Daddy did - you took that much needed nap!! But, good news is, you got lots of awesome gifts, including a basketball goal and a swing!! Oh, and Mammaw got to come home that night and hopefully is going to be just fine! Man oh man, Abigail. Definitely a different Christmas at Mammaws, but it wouldn't be our Christmas if there wasn't some excitement! We decided to pick up pizza on the way back to Mimi's, and after you gobbled it up, we all headed straight to bed - well, Daddy may have watched a little football! Nonetheless, we headed to Nashville on Saturday, but first...

We made a pit stop in Clarksville. It was Grandaddy's 80th birthday, and Papa Rob and the gang were heading out to lunch to celebrate so we decided to join them. Let's see, Papa Rob and Gramma, Uncle Charlie and Gloria, Miss Ida and Mr. Ron and then, of course, Grandaddy were all there! Being the birthday boy he got to pick the place to eat, and decided upon the fine establishment of Ryan's! As much as I may make fun of Ryan's, you loved it - you gobbled everything from carrots to onions to chicken fingers to rolls! Quite the variety for ya!! (and I do love the rolls, myself!!) You were wanting out of your high chair, so Papa Rob said he would watch you - he did not know what he was in for! There were several times we had to scream "Papa Rob - get her!!" And one time you almost got food off someone else's plate. Papa Rob dismissed himself after that!!!

All in all, a busy busy busy weekend, but we're back home now and ready for this fun-filled January! They say it's going to snow tonight.... Love you baby girl!