Uncle Jaybee's Shrimp Boil

Dear Abigail,

Uncle Jaybee turned another year old! And to celebrate, he had him a shrimp boil (along with some scallops and crab legs and corns and all the other good stuff!). We arrived a few minutes late to the party because you, my love, are taking like super long naps - woo, woo. Anyway, when we got there, low and behold there was a jumpy-house thing-a-ma-bob. And man alive, you loved it, along with all the other kiddos...

After awhile of bouncing around with all the older kids, you decided to just run back and forth, from inside to outside. Thankfully it was a nice day, a little chilly, but nonetheless, a day where the door can stay open! So back and forth, from inside to outside. At one time, you were inside reading Ellie's baby a story...

And then Uncle Jaybee turned the music up and that's when the party started!! You and Ellie were dancin' machines!

Eventually, and we all knew it was coming after running around so much, you fell, and busted your knee open. Now, I don't know what it is with your knees, but we cannot keep boo-boos off them. Apparently, you have your mother's grace... So we got your boo-boo all cleaned up, but then that's when the smeardoness started. See, from the pictures, you were wearing pants, but they have a tendency to ride up your leg a little - they are supposed to do that. I think the old folks call them bloomers or something :) Anyway, so your pant leg kept riding up and you did NOT care for that. And you let us know. "Down - DOOOOOOOOWN" and you would tug and tug, and cry and cry. I'd get it pulled down for you, but then you'd walk one little step and bam, it would ride up again. "Down - DOOOOOOOOOWN". I don't know if you were exhausted, or if you are just, well, smeardoish, but you could not stand your pant leg riding up. After dealing with you and the pant leg for 20 minutes or so, I decided it was time to wrap this party up while it was still good! We told everyone bye, and off we went, to bed that is! Here's Daddy holding you and your pants that won't stay "Down - DOOOOOOOOOOWN".

Love you smeardo!!!! You sure are precious, no matter how goofy you are being!!

Pump, pump, pump it up!

Dear Abigail,

We made our first trip to Pump It Up today, and let me tell you something missy, YOU LOVED IT! Now, I had a good feeling you were going to enjoy yourself today, but man alive, not like this. You were everywhere, and Mommy was so comfortable with you being everywhere. It was a perfect world. You climbed the 'mountains' and slid down the slides and even made Mommy go through one of the mazes. Miss Kristen and Jacob met us there, but you were way too busy to even think twice about us! Unfortunately, I did not get a single picture, even though I lugged that big ole camera in there. Don't worry my friend, we will be back. Everyday from 10-12 if possible :) You played so much you not only fell asleep in the car, but when I got you home, you ended up sleeping for 4 hours, F-O-U-R hours!! Love me some pump it up!!!

Unfortunately, the latter part of our day was not as fun as the aforementioned. You see, today, I have been married to your Daddy for 4 lovely years! That's right, today is our wedding anniversary. We've kind of had a lot going on, not to mention have a lot that is about to be going on, so we decided to keep the night low key and just grab some dinner, with you, that is. I don't know what it is little girl, you just don't do good at restaurants. We decided to eat Indian, and figured we'd be good with you since it's a low key restaurant and it's early. All that did was put us in a quiet restaurant with a very loud toddler. You did okay at first, giving our server a high five and all, but within 20 minutes, you were "All Done" and that meant game over for me and Daddy. Instead of taking it to go, Daddy and I took turns walking you around outside. While there were only 2 other tables seated at the place, I think they were getting tired of you standing in the booth screaming "HELLO!!!!!" or hearing the actual screams when I made you turn around and sit down. Oh well, it was eventful, and you are peacefully sleeping right now. Maybe one day we'll all be able to go celebrate together!!!! Next year, though, it's just me and your daddy! I'll call Mimi :)

Love you baby girl, even if my anniversary was spent singing my ABC's on the curb of bank parking lot!!!!

Miss Lee

Dear Abigail,

Yesterday was Miss Lee's last day as your nanny, but not her last day as your friend! Always remember that. Miss Lee is such a special person to our family. When you were just four months old, Miss Lee stepped into our lives, specifically your life, and changed us all. She was more than we could have ever asked for as a caregiver. Mommy was a little nervous about going back to work after being off with you for 4 months, but Miss Lee made the transition so easy. Everyday, I came home to a journal entry telling me everything you did that day, from what you ate, how you slept, even how many times you pooped (hee hee!). She not only described the activities you did that day, but also how you felt about those activities. She taught you all kind of sign language and taught you to listen for sounds and even to count! 1-2-3 GO! Your vocabulary blows everyone away, and I always say it's because of Miss Lee. (Papa Rob always says it's his genetics, but I know better). And Miss Lee was so good about sending me pictures and videos all the time! Mommy loved the text message updates, and when a picture would come through, it would just make my day! You and Miss Lee did all kinds of things together. Some of your favorite things were listening to Music with Mommie Time CD, and waving bye-bye to Daddy (Daddy loved this one and gets mad when Mommy forgets to do it on her days off!) and watching for Mommy, oh, and coloring. Let's see, you two went to the zoo so many times and even discovered a water fall right beside your lunch spot! She introduced you to the library and of course constantly read you books, and Chick-fil-a! Oh, you 2 loved some Chick-fil-a, or at least the play ground!! Whenever we pass it you always say "play, more play"!! Mommy loved Miss Lee's ability to never make anything negative. If you were doing something that you shouldn't be doing, she was so good about redirecting without any anger. Mommy tries to, but probably needs a little more work in that area. We've been through a lot with Miss Lee over the last year and a half. She was so helpful these last 4 months with the house on the market. At a drop of a hat, she'd have the house cleaned and you out the door with no complaints. As you can see, Daddy and Mommy love Miss Lee, and baby girl, I know you do, too! I cannot express enough how excited I am that she gets to join you in this new experience (i.e. school!). As Miss Lee said at lunch yesterday, this is not goodbye, but just "see you later"...

Here are a few pictures we recently captured. Mommy will have to figure out how to get all the ones sent via text onto the computer... Sounds like a Daddy project, huh :)

Here are a couple from the zoo. Miss Lee even set up play dates with friends!!

And these are from the Brentwood Library. At this story time, Miss Lee's grandchildren met ya'll there and then Rebekah got to come home with you!! She is such a cutie pie, and oh so smart, too. Miss Lee always talks about how you remind her so much of her Rebekah! Such a sweet girl.

And this is the sweet Smokey Miss Lee gave you on her last day. She really knows how to get to our hearts, doesn't she!

Our Weekend Visit to Abby's

Sweet Abby Cadabby! It’s your favorite aunt… Aunt Ash-Ash! No need to specify, though, right??? I was so excited when Mommy asked me to write to you about our weekend together since she was away. We are used to YOU coming to visit US, so it was a nice change for US to get to come visit YOU.

By the time we got there Friday evening, Clara Lee was so excited to see “Abby.” I bet she said your name thirty times on the way there! When we pulled up in your driveway, you and Mimi were sitting on the front porch waiting for us. You looked so cute sitting there in your cute little play clothes and Keds! We got Clara Lee and Jack unloaded, and they both went running to you. You instantly loved Jack (and his name). You said, “Jack,” as many times as Clara Lee said, “Abby”! We unloaded our bags and took y’all out to the backyard to play. Clara Lee and Jack loved your little playground. The three of you ran back and forth between the playground and the swing chasing the ball and each other. Of course every time you got in the swing, Clara Lee wanted to get in. When it was her turn, she cried because she wanted you to get in with her. You weren’t exactly feeling that. You preferred playing with Jack, actually. I am wondering if you might have had your first little crush?!

Once we went back inside, the three of you played in your playroom before supper. After supper it was time for baths! I figured I would give Mimi a break, so I put you and Clara Lee in the bathtub together. All was going well for a minute, and then you decided you had enough. I’m not sure if you were feeling crowded or you didn’t like the way Aunt Ash-Ash does bath time, but you definitely wanted out. I think you may have been a little sleepy, too- don’t tell Mommy, but you were up past your bedtime! Mimi came and got you out while I finished bathing your cousin. Jack was more than happy to take your place, so he jumped in with Clara Lee. As soon as we got everybody in jammies, you were ready for night night. You walked around with Lovey and paci and gave everybody a night night kiss. I have always loved your kissies. You do such a good job of puckering those pretty little lips. And the “mwwaa” you add is just icing on the cake! Too precious! I think you were asleep as soon as Mimi laid you down in the crib. We never heard a peep from you.


The next morning, Jamie and I had to leave early to go do the half marathon. You and Clara Lee were both still asleep when we left. Y’all spent the morning with Mimi, Uncle Jay, and Jarrod. Aunt Ash-Ash was a little worried leaving Mimi there alone with Uncle Jay and Jarrod since the house had to be in tip-top shape when y’all left, but she said they did a good job of helping. Our original plan was to have y’all meet us at the finish line of the race, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Instead, y’all picked us up in the pouring rain and we went straight to Mr. Rodney’s party. Mr. Rodney is Mrs. Auburn’s dad (he is also Uncle Jay’s uncle). He has been very sick, so Mrs. Auburn planned a surprise party for his 60th birthday. Mommy hated that she would not be there for the party, but she was glad you were going to be able to go in her place. The party was at a place downtown called Roberts. (I think I heard your daddy say that he and your mommy went to Robert’s on their first date actually.) Well, your mommy and daddy might like Robert’s, but I’m not convinced you’re much of a fan yourself! You were a happy girl before we got there, but once we went upstairs at Robert’s, not so much. Clara Lee was right along beside you, too. The two of you were not happy being in such a confined area with so many people. Clara Lee managed to fall asleep in my arms in the midst of the crowd, but you weren’t quite so lucky. Mimi tried to distract you with food, and Daddy showed up and tried to play with you, but it was all just too much for you. It didn’t help that the party fell right during your nap time. Eventually you, Mimi, and Daddy left the party so you could go home and take a nap. Bless your heart, there was just too much going on for a sleepy baby.

By the time the rest of us got back to your house, you were all rested and ready to play. When we came in, you and Mimi were hiding from us under the covers on Mommy and Daddy’s bed. Clara Lee found you and joined y’all on the bed for some play time. I know Mimi enjoyed having both of you together. Clara Lee brought you a toy home from Cracker Barrel, but you weren’t all that interested in it. You were MUCH more interested in Jack’s toy- a toy gerbil and wheel! You L-O-V-E-D it! You just sat and watched that little gerbil go round and round and round. You would set it in the floor, lay on your belly with your head propped up on your hands, and watch it go round and round until Jack would take it away from you. Y’all repeated this over and over. You got so upset each time he would take it away- you loved that little gerbil! You would look at us and ask, "Mouse? Mouse?" Next time, Clara Lee will know just what to get you! Maybe you can even talk Mommy into getting you a real gerbil soon!!! I bet if you’re real sweet, she will...right, Mommy???

We spent the rest of the evening playing inside. We were all exhausted from the rain and a long day, though, so it didn’t take us long to start winding down. Aunt Ash-Ash gave you and Clara Lee a quick bath again, and we all got in our jammies. You went down for the night first, but the rest of us weren’t far behind you at all. Everybody in the house was completely quiet and asleep before 8 o’clock! What a day! A long one, but a good one!

The next morning we got up and ate breakfast. Jack left early with his family, but you and Clara Lee spent some time playing before we had to leave. You were so excited to be going to Mimi’s house. Mimi would say, “Where are you going?” and you would say, “Mimi house!” It was super cute. You and Clara Lee played so well while we got our things packed and loaded up. You and Mimi actually loaded up and left before us. Mimi said you were such a good girl on the trip to Munford.

We had such a good time at your house, Abby. We loved getting to visit you at your home. Clara Lee is CRAZY about you, Abby!!! Thank you for letting us stay at your house and play with your toys. Such a wonderful little host already- Mommy would be proud! We can’t wait for you to come stay at our house again! We love, love, love you very much! MMMWWAAA!!!!!

Love,
Aunt Ash-Ash and Clara Lee

Wordless Wednesdays

When it rains, it pours...

Dear Abigail,

What an awful weekend. Let me start from the beginning. Saturday morning, I awoke to loud claps of thunder and lots of rain falling. I heard you in your bed, whimpering almost, and when I picked you up, you were burning up. You had never really had a fever before this, other than the whole chicken pox debacle, but nothing where I had to feel your head and go "hmm, she does feel warm, maybe we should take it", but this time, I knew we had to take the temp. And it was high, like 101 or so. You had swimming lessons that morning, and your Kindermusik recital right after, the recital Mimi had driven specifically up for, even though she was just here the weekend before. Thankfully, the rain and thunder caused the swimming lessons to be canceled, so we didn't have to make a decision about that. However, Mimi (and Mommy) were excited about your recital. Well, you got to feeling a little better, almost your old self, so we decided to go. I will admit in hind sight it was probably not the right thing to do, not for you, not for the other kiddos, not for anyone. But, what's done is done, right? I can admit my mistakes, as they are typically few and far between :) So, you were feeling better, so we headed out in the massive downpour. It was so rainy that we all 3 had big umbrellas and we still ended up wet! Despite the rain, and the fever, you did good at first...

Here's your teacher, Miss Marie:

And here are some of your Kindermusik friends...

You and Evie
Mr. Jacob and you

And George and you!

But then, towards the end, the fever must have attacked you again. It was time to switch up to Daddy's, or Mimi's in your case, and you just weren't having it. Thank goodness you only had one or 2 songs. We weren't 100% sure you had a fever, because it was super hot in the room, but once we got home, you did. And not just 101. It had reached 103 levels. Well, Mommy and Mimi had plans to run a lot of errands, so Daddy said he would watch you while you napped and we ran around town. Well, little good that did. Remember the rain -well it hadn't stopped. And, I'll just go ahead and tell you now, it didn't stop until Sunday night - NO JOKE. I'll get to that in a second. So Mimi and Mommy's time was cut short due to the rain, and due to your temperature getting out of control. When we finally made it home, the temperature was at its worst, and you, poor baby, you were just lifeless. It was breaking all of our hearts how still and quiet you were being. We knew something was wrong, but just didn't know what. After lots and lots of phone calls to pretty much every nurse we knew, and of course the doctor, we stuck with giving you Tylenol and lots of baths to try to tame the fever. To say the least, it didn't work, so the whole weekend was pretty stressful, not to mention the terrible weather we were having. Finally on Monday morning, we went straight to the doctor and low and behold, you had your first ear infection! Not sure why you didn't tug your ears at all, because the docs kept asking (over the phone), but you didn't really seem to be doing anything but just laying there. Anyway, we got you some medicine and you were already feeling better by Monday afternoon. Thank goodness. But see, like I said, when it rains, it pours. That weekend, we had one of the worst weekends I think we'll ever see with rain. The rain, oh the rain - it was awful Abigail. There was flooding everywhere you looked. Mommy and Mimi got super scared as we had to go through a couple water 'patches' just to get home. I can't even begin to tell you the devastation it caused to Nashville. Families lost everything. Homes were ruined. People were/are without water and power and it just wouldn't stop. Miss Lee was without power for several days and her poor daughter had to be rescued by a boat! AHHH, it was awful. It still is. The Cumberland River kept rising and rising and rising. Thankfully, we were all safe, as was our home, but neighbors were flooded and the roads were flooded and, so many people were affected by this mess. Mimi couldn't get back home and had to stay until Tuesday! Thank goodness because Miss Lee couldn't get out of her neighborhoood! I'm telling you, it was/is just awful. I am sure this will be talked about for decades and decades to come. I don't remember the facts, something like 13.9 feet of rain. Daddy kept telling us all these statistics about the most rain in a day ever, the most rain in a month ever, the most rain ever ever! I am positive this will be talked about forever, and I am so thankful all of us, and all our friends, were safe. Now we just need to figure out how to get Nashville back on its feet! I have no doubt it will happen, with a little hard work and a lot of dedicated folks, we'll be visiting the Opryland Hotel in no time at all! (Yes, it flooded!!).

So, as I said, when it rains, it pours. This weekend, I mean that in all possible ways. Thank goodness you are feeling much better - oh, and taking medicine so good these days! - and, once again, so so so thankful we all made it through this historic disaster.

Love you baby girl!

Milestones

Dear Abigail,

We have been sooooo busy lately. Mommy went on vacation with your BFF, so you spent the long weekend with Mimi and Aunt Ash-ash and Clara Lee (I'll let Aunt Ash-ash fill you in on that exciting weekend). And then, the day we got back, we sold our house! YAY!!! I hope you do okay in the transition. It will be sad leaving this home, real sad, because this is where I brought you home. This is where you learned to walk (well, with the exception of it actually being at Mimi's when you walked for the very first time, anywho...), this is where you learned to climb windows, and dance in the hallway, and flush the toilet all by yourself. It makes me sad thinking about it, I feel like it's such a milestone in our lives, moving from our only home that we've ever known together as a family. But with all that said, we are so excited to move to Franklin and more importantly, excited about building our dream home! In all the chaos last week, we were able to sell our home and find a home to rent all in a days time! And guess what, it's like seconds away from Jacob and like 1 minute away from Ryan!!! YAY!!! And, then, among all this real estate mambo-jambo, we had an open house for your new school!!! Yep, that's right, you are starting a new school. Talk about a milestone. I am nervous and excited, and very sad, but super happy! It's crazy. See, a couple months ago, Mommy and Daddy started talking about getting you into a mother's day out program. Well, come to find out, none fit the schedule we needed. So we started looking into actual schools, like a day care, maybe just part time. Well, come to find out, none fit the schedule we needed. After lots of looking and lots of research, we found a perfect school for you - Primrose! And, guess what - it's right in front of Daddy's work, like literally smack dab in front of his work, sharing the same driveway! And, it's a brand new school, meaning it's just built, so all new playgrounds and tables and chairs and everything! And the teachers are so wonderful and so enthusiastic about the program. So, without a doubt, we decided that was the route to go. Well, with that meant saying good by to Miss Lee. It broke our hearts. We hated to have to give up such a wonderful person, such a wonderful part of our family. We were so worried that we would lose touch with time, that you would grow up and only remember the stories we would tell about her. HOWEVER, drum roll please.... Miss Lee has decided to take a position at your school!!!! YAY!!! Here's how it all went down. So, Miss Lee being the wonderful nanny that she is, takes you to story time at the Brentwood Library, right. Well, guess who sponsors story time at the Brentwood Library - Primrose, your school. So, Miss Lee being the polite lady that she is, introduced herself and you to the directors that run the story time (the Primrose directors). Long story short, those directors saw what a special person Miss Lee was and offered her a position! It's amazing how things work out. I have been so concerned about you and how you were going to be affected by this new school and Miss Lee just disappearing (not to mention the move...). And low and behold, you'll get to see her every day! Now, she will be with the infants, and you will be in the Early Preschool program, but that's just perfect. She can keep an eye on you from a distant and you can make all kinds of new friends while keeping your old friend Miss Lee! So yay - it all worked out! Miss Lee is super excited and I can't begin to tell you how excited we are about all of it. On Friday, we took you to the school and introduced you to your classroom and teachers. You had no problem whatsoever adjusting, or should I say, digging right into those new toys! You immediately found the baby and put her down for a nap, then changed her diaper. You were very polite, oh, and you love love love your little sink. I think that is going to be your downfall. I have a bad feeling I am going to get lots of reports about you washing your hands multiple times a day :) You had a good time and even met a few friends that will be in your class. As you can see, it was a super busy week. Between driving back to Nashville, selling our house, looking for a new home, going to multiple school meetings, introducing you to the school and just living our normal lives, we are exhausted. Thank goodness the weekend came soon enough. Or so we thought... stay tuned. Love you baby girl! You are going to be the star student, no doubt!!