Happy Birthday Caris!!

This post is a little late, so I apologize! Our Baby Girl turned 1 on Friday, November 7th. Her birthday shin-dig was on Saturday, November 8th. The following pictures represent a condensed play-by-play of the event that was "Carispalooza 2008". Please enjoy!!

This is the birthday girl in her party dress that her Nana & Pop bought for her. Those of you who know me know how big a fan I am of pink and brown and this dress was, well, perfect. Thanks, Nana & Pop!

This is Princess Caris preparing for her smash cake. I didn't know how well she would take to it since she's not real fond of actually touching anything wet or squishy. As you will see, my doubts were totally laid to rest.

This is our child. Our little red-headed fireball who, up until this point, would not pick up a piece of ravioli off of her highchair tray and eat it, but was more than happy to let Mom feed her the ravioli from a spoon. Stupid Mom was thinking it had something to do with the fact that the ravioli was wet. Oh, contrare! Smarty-pants just won't put forth the effort unless she can make a giant mess that takes 3 adults 30 minutes to clean up.

Did you know you can't just "rinse" icing out of hair? No, it has staying power that requires actual shampoo. Caris knew that.

Go Rebels Go!!!

For all of you "Rebel-haters" out there, how on earth could you dislike a team that has someone THIS CUTE rooting for them?!?!

When You Gotta Nap, You GOTTA Nap!!

This is what happens when Ms. Caris spends all Saturday morning in town shopping with Mom, Nana, Landen and Presley. She was actually "talking" to her bear for the longest time and then she got suddenly quiet. This bear is one that Patton bought for me about 10 years ago when my whole family went on vacation to the Smokey Mountains. Who but God could have known that one day our Baby Girl would nap so soundly with it!! So much to be thankful for.....

Whitten Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

I don't know how much I trust this thing, but I've done it twice with 6 different pictures and it said she looks more like me BOTH times.

A Shout Out to All "Left Out" Moms

OK, so the other night Caris fell asleep on my chest and I was just sitting there in utter amazement of this little miracle, when I thought "I wish I had a picture of this moment". So, Patton grabbed the camera and voila memory saved for posterity, right? Not so much! Every time I look at this photo I am reminded of just how much we look NOTHING alike! Don't misinterpret that, I do NOT think that I am "all that". However, it would be nice if, after carrying her for 9 months and recovering from the C-section that brought her into this world, she even somewhat resembled me. I find this very unfair. I am sure there are other mothers out there who would agree with me. Take heart, "Left Out" Moms! I feel your pain and I raise a glass of chocolate milk to your suffering!!

6 Unimportant Facts About Me...

Yes, I know most of you only check this blog for updates on our star, Caris-Bug. However, I saw this on someone else's blog and thought it would be fun to give it a try. So, if you care nothing about knowing more about me, please quit reading now....I promise, no hard feelings!! For those brave souls still reading, I accept no responsibility for the level of boredom you are about to experience - you have been warned!!

1. I absolutely love college football! This is probably the most "un-girly" thing about me. I am a HUGE Ole Miss Rebels fan, but I will root for any SEC team when they are playing non-conference games. Before TIVO, I had been know to plan my entire Saturday around the football games on TV.
2. I love board and card games. I really have an affinity for trivia games, but poker or Yahtzee will do in a pinch. My favorite holiday and family get-together activities involve some kind of game. If it ever comes up in conversation, remind me to tell you about our family history with the game of "Spoons". Scary....
3. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT STAND when people/businesses/crazies decorate for Christmas at EASTER!! I mean it gets earlier and earlier every stinkin' year!! Christmas is already over-commercialized as it is; do we really need to see Santa and his elves in the middle of August?!?! Let me make a distinction here between the quirky tradition in the south that is keeping your Christmas lights up on your house all year long and the blatant pandering to the public by any retail establishment to get a jump on the holiday sales. I am ranting against the later. Although, it does need to be noted that I have NEVER seen any residential Christmas decorations that were supposed to be permanently attached to one's dwelling. I'm just saying...
4. I will go a mile out of my way to avoid crossing traffic. I'm serious. If I can't find a light or a stop sign, I panic and get all shaky like I'm supposed to defuse a bomb and can't remember if I'm supposed to cut the green wire or the red wire. Then I start looking like a bobble-head doll on crack because I am trying to simultaneously look out of every window of the vehicle to make sure there isn't a car within a 10 mile radius so that I can safely get to the opposite side of the road. It's not pretty...
5. I have dreams ALL THE TIME that my teeth fall out. Not just that they fall out, mind you, but that this happens in very public situations. I'll just be sitting in church or at a restaurant and my teeth just, one-by-one, start falling out of my mouth. How messed up is that?!?! I promise that I DO NOT smoke or use ANY illicit drugs, so I'm at a loss for an explanation. And I do brush and floss regularly, so I'm pretty sure it's not a subconscious hygiene issue.
6. I live on the river and won't swim in it. I've lived on the same street since I was in 9th grade, which just happens to run along-side the Tombigbee River. A plus to most, but not me. I have always thought that the river was disgusting and nasty. I don't want to swim in water when I can't see my hand an inch in front of my face when I go under. That's just me...

There you have it, folks. Six VERY unimportant facts about yours truly. I thank you for your attention and encourage each of you to explore your lives and discover the unimportant facts about yourself.

Cool Tag from Katie!

Katie McCrary tagged me with this fun (and a little challenging) tag so, here goes......

Hobby I have that no one really knows about: OK, my family probably knows about this one but I absolutely LOVE puzzle books. I don't get near as much time as I used to to do them now that Baby Caris is here, but I still enjoy sitting down with a Dr. Pepper, some chocolate and a good "brain bender" book. I know, I'm SUCH a nerd!!

Best bargain in my pantry at the moment: Well, they probably aren't really a "bargain" per se, but we MUST have these in the house if there is to be ANY peace from the little red-head. She LOVES these things. I am ashamed to say that some nights I just give in and these are all she eats for dinner. Some nights I just don't have it in me to "do the right thing" nutritionally speaking.


Place I blog from: Well, I'm not lucky like some people are to have a "home office" so I make the best of it and use the kitchen table. We never eat at it anyway because either Patton or myself has to feed Caris while the other one eats. The "feeder" gets their turn after Baby Caris is satisfied. Hopefully, this will change as she gets older because I think it is really important to have quality "family" time in the evenings at dinner. Please excuse the mess!!

A tool my husband uses everyday in his job: Patton is a realtor here in Columbus, so he is ALWAYS on his phone. I am not exaggerating here, as anyone who passes him driving down the road can testify. This thing should be surgically attached to his ear! I can't really complain too much because these massive amounts of phone calls DO pay the bills. I love you, Boo! You are hands-down the best realtor I know!! Seriously, if any of you need help in this area, please give him a call! He will do an OUTSTANDING job!
Best toy my child has: She's just beginning to walk in spurts by herself, so she doesn't play with this as much as she used to. However, Caris loved this when she first got it. It was a real improvement over the box of Huggies she used to push around the floor!


A tool I use in my job: I am a CPA and the Controller at TrimJoist Corporation in Columbus, so obviously I am VERY attached to my calculator. My laptop is also a complete necessity.


My marriage anthem: I am not as "technically savvy" as most of the people who blog so I can't figure out how to post the video of the song. Anyway, my anthem is Sade's "By Your Side" and it is THE song that puts into words how I feel about Patton. If you've never heard it and want to listen, it is in my playlist at the bottom of the page!

An inspiration to my marriage: Watching my husband interacting with our daughter. Those are the sweetest, most sacred moments of my life. Those moments push me to be the best wife and mother that I can be.

Wow, like I said this tag wasn't as easy as most! It was fun, though. Now I tag Celeste and Heather!

Letters to Caris (9 Months)

Well, my girl, I have gotten behind on my monthly letters to you and for that I apologize. Let me see, where has the time gone? You are such a busy little wonder. You are walking now and it is so fun to watch! You aren't a pro yet, but you are getting better by the day. (Your room at daycare is aptly named the "Wobbler" room!) You are getting more and more verbal. Trust me, I wish we could understand what you are trying to say as much as it seems like you wish we could. You recently had your first ear infection which interrupted your most glorious accomplishment of sleeping through the night. No worries, though; I think we've cleared up the infection and you've slept through from 9:30 until 6:00 the last two nights. (Gee, I hope I didn't just jinx it!!) You are eating just about everything we put in front of you especially french fries, banana pudding and Goldfish crackers. That flows nicely into my next factoid - you are now in 12 month clothes! You have 4 1/2 teeth; 2 on bottom and 2 1/2 on top. Your hair is FINALLY long enough to put in 1 small ponytail on top of your little head. It is absolutely THE cutest thing ever! You look just like Pebbles from the Flintstones! It's awesome! You can say "Da-Da", "Uh-Oh" and you are really fond of making a "Ttt" sound. Those are all of the stats that I can think of at the moment, so on to the mushy stuff.....
You are a constant amazement to me. I have learned and continue to learn so much because of you. You make me strive to be such a better person because I want to be an example of what I hope you will become. I am constantly aware that you are watching my every move and each word I say and move I make will shape you. It is terrifying and wonderful. I truly believe that you are a gift from God.
Hugs & Kisses,
Mom

Blessings

I was playing with Baby Caris last night on our bed and she attempted (as she always does) to grab at this huge magnolia picture hanging above the headboard. She is fascinated with this small business card that sits in the corner of the frame. The card is very significant for two reasons. One, it reflects the name of the artist. "Yvonne Hollis" - my Grandmother; a woman I wish I had taken the time to get to know better before she was called to Heaven. Two, a very special verse. James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. How appropriate! Let me explain.....
I have been struggling the past couple of days with an uneasy feeling. I wasn't sure where it was coming from and still don't know exactly why I was down-in-the-dumps. However, last night as I sat on our bed with our gift from God, I was reminded, via words from my Grandmother, that God is in control. He is watching over me and He used that moment to connect my dear Grandmother to her namesake and to remind me that He has blessed me far more than I could ever deserve. I have no reason to be down because the Creator, whom I have sinned against daily, STILL loves me enough to put these precious creatures in my life. I deserve NOTHING and He gives me so much. I pray that each one of you has that kind of moment in your lives. Please know that NONE of us deserve or are entitled to anything. We ALL have sinned and fallen short of the grace that is so lovingly provided to us by God. I am a sad, broken being but I am made whole again in Him. What an AWESOME feeling!!!

River Fun!!

Baby Caris went for her first boat ride on Friday, the 4th.  She had a great time while we were riding, but wasn't such a big fan of the water unless I held her.  Hopefully she will get used to it and be a regular "river rat" like her Daddy and her cousins.  She wore her first swimsuit and was the cutest one on the sand bar.

My "Bathing Beauty"

Letters to Caris - 8 Months

So, my precious baby girl, you are now 8 months old.  I am filled with so much love and gratitude to God when I look at you.  I am overwhelmed that your Daddy and I were chosen to raise such a special little angel.  You are truly a joy and a blessing.

I was thinking the other day about names and how important they are.  It is the first bit of information people want to know about you.  Your name follows you all of your life.  Did you know that in addition to you being your Dad's "mini me" you and he also share something very special?  You are both named after very important and wonderful people.  Your Dad was named after his maternal grandfather, Patton Thrasher.  He went to heaven before your Daddy and I started dating, so I never got the pleasure of meeting him but your Daddy loved him very much.  Your Maw-Maw tells me all the time how much your Daddy reminds her of her father.  From what I've been told he loved practical jokes and was a very lively character who loved to laugh.  He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.  This sounds just like your Dad!  When anyone speaks of him they do so with love and fond remembrance.  He was obviously a very special person, so it is a great honor for your Daddy to carry his name.  You are named after my paternal grandmother, Yvonne Holliman.  She went to heaven when I was about 15 or 16 years old.  She was a very smart and beautiful lady who loved her family dearly.  Everyone says that I am just like her (I should be so lucky!).  I have had people who didn't know who I was ask me if I was related to her and when they realized that I was her granddaughter they would smile and say "My, she was a wonderful woman".  What a legacy to leave!  I wish that for you.  I hope you realize what an honor it is to have such a beautiful being's name.  Always remember how important names are and make yours one to be proud of.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mom

Happy Birthday to Mom!

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. I'll be nice and not share with you how young she is. The whole family went to Harvey's to celebrate and we had a great time. For those of you who don't know me or haven't had the chance to talk to me for 5 minutes, my family is SO important to me and a big reason for that is my Mom. I learned to appreciate the value of the unconditional love and support that family gives from her. She's never been less than 100% there for any of us and, even though she may not always agree with the paths we may take, we all know we have her undying love to fall back on. She's one of a kind and there's no better person God could have chosen to be my Mom. So, here's to you Sherry Faye (aka Nana)! I hope your birthday was as wonderful and special as you are! I love you bunches!

Seven Months

The star of our blog is now 7 months old! Since I am STILL a baby book reject, the following is as much for my benefit as it is for your amusement.

Things Caris can do: She's crawling; she can go from crawling to sitting up and vice versa; she's pulling up (mostly up on her knees, but she can get up on her feet a little); she's feeding herself finger foods; she's attempting to "patty-cake"; she's slowly finding her voice and will babble ONLY when she's in the mood.

Favorite foods: Sweet potatoes are still the hands-down favorite! She'll also eat bananas, pears, squash, mixed vegetables and applesauce. She's a BIG fan of the biter biscuits but she only gets those at home where I can strip her down to her diaper because those things are MESSY! She loves water and hasn't really formed a liking for any kind of juice. She can't get enough of the Gerber Graduates puffs in sweet potato and apple cinnamon.

Odds and ends:

• We have spent who knows how much on toys and gadgets to entertain this little girl and I finally found the ULTIMATE attention getter - a box of Huggies! This child will spend hours pulling up on and hitting the top of this thing!
• She's not a real big fan of TV. I've tried the Baby Einstein and Veggie Tales DVDs, but she's just not having it. That is probably a good thing in the long run but, for now, anything I have to do must wait until nap time!
  
• This child LOVES, I repeat LOVES for her Daddy to take her for rides on the 4-wheeler. She also likes to go for rides with Nana and Pop in the golf cart. This is a sure-fire way to calm her down if she's fussy or put her to sleep if she's really fighting a nap.
• She covets the remote control. I've given her an old one to play with but that's not good enough. She wants the real deal!
• She is a bloodhound when it comes to tags. Tags on blankets, tags on clothes, etc. And she's way too smart for those "Taggies" toys because she'll find the actual tag and that's what she chews on. All of the other tags are just a waste.

And She's Off....

Well, Baby Caris is officially crawling. This kid constantly amazes me. She's trying really hard to go from crawling to sitting up and she's almost got it. She's such a whiz. I just wish she'd slow down a bit.

Her Daddy thought it would be funny to put her pants on her head!!! I have to admit, it was pretty cute. Heck, this kid could make just about anything cute. I know I'm biased but she's gotta be the cutest young 'un ever!


Oh, and I think I forgot to mention that she's moved into her "big girl" car seat. She loves it!! I can't decide if it's because she can face forward or because the seat belts taste so good!!

Letters to Caris (6 Months)

I am filled with so many emotions as I sit here and contemplate all the things I want to say to you. You will never know how much you have changed my life. I never really considered myself "maternal". That's not to say I don't like children; I love them. I just didn't think that I wanted children of my own. From the outside looking in it just seemed like a person had to give up so much when he/she decided to become a parent. Admittedly, I was a very selfish person when it came to my time, money, etc..
Around November of 2006 your Daddy and I were talking and I let him know that maybe I was changing my mind about the whole "kid" thing. I don't really know what one thing caused the change of heart. I just remember thinking that your Daddy is such a great person and that it would be a shame if, when he left this earth, he wouldn't leave anything behind. And, yes, I guess I wanted to leave my mark on the world as well. Those sound like totally selfish reasons, so let me assure you that they weren't the ONLY reasons. During those few months I felt a guiding hand on my life. Having a baby just felt right. I know now that it was God reassuring me that this was His plan for us, but I have to admit I was not as strong in my faith then and I just didn't put it all together.
Let me make it clear, we told NOONE that we had changed our minds. We fielded all of the "When are you guys gonna have a couple" questions at Christmas that year just like we always had - "No thanks, we're good!". So, you can imagine the surprise on EVERYONE'S faces when we told them the news. It was great! I wish that feeling for you. I want you to know how it feels when those you love most are truly happy and excited for you. I wish the happiness and joy for you that your Daddy and I feel everyday just from having you in our lives. You are such a special child. God hand-picked you for us, I just know He did. And we are so blessed to be able to shape your little life.
I want to close with a few random bits of advice; things I hope you'll take to heart and apply to your life. After your relationship with God, your family is THE most important thing in life. Do everything within your power to love them, support them, and help them. Also, learn to cook. Mom didn't and your poor Daddy has suffered because of it! Learn to love football. Baseball is too slow, basketball is too fast - but football is just right! Always have spearmint gum, good hand lotion and chap stick in your purse. Learn how to tell others as well as yourself "No". Lastly, find someway each day to laugh. It makes your day better and could improve someone else's as well.
Hugs & Kisses,
Mom

Show Me Those Pearly Whites!!!

Well, as I've said (written) before, THIS IS TOO FAST! Baby girl now has 2, count 'em, 2 teeth! Yes, that's right, 2 teeth. We thought that she had been unusually fussy the past couple of days and it turns out that we can blame it on something other than the red hair! Her Nana and I attempted to get a picture of the little cutters, but, as it turns out she's not a fan of posing while someone is sticking their fingers in her mouth! What a diva!

My First Mother's Day

I hope all of you Mothers out there are having as good a Mother's Day Weekend as I am. As if I needed more proof that my hubby was a wonderful guy, he goes and tops anything I ever could have imagined him doing. I returned from lunch Friday to find 3 vases of roses on my desk. At first, I thought someone had made a mistake. Maybe a couple of these vases were for other gals at the office and the delivery person was just lazy and put them all on my desk. So, I opened the card and realized it was no mistake. The vase on the right holds only 1 rose. This rose represents all of our "firsts" together; our first kiss, our first child and the many more first we'll share together. The vase on the left holds 6 roses. These represent the 6 months that I have been a "great" mother to our child. The middle vase holds 11 roses. These represent the 11 (almost) "outstanding" years we've been married. For those of you who know my husband, you will find this gesture somewhat out of character. He's not one for "emotions". So, you must understand just how much this touched me. Don't get me wrong, I know he loves me and I never doubt that. But this....this was simply wonderful! I cried and just sat in my chair thanking God for him and our daughter and the wonderful life that He has given me. Then I called my guy and cried all over again. It was so special. He has surely made my first "official" mother's day one that I will never forget. I love you, Boo!

6 Month Check Up

Baby Girl had her 6 month check up today and got a good report. Her Daddy took her (ain't he a sweetie) and he got to experience the whole shot thing. It broke his heart as much as it always breaks mine. He's such a wonderful Father! She and I both are blessed! Her stats were as follows:
Weight - 19.9 lbs. (Yep, she loves her sweet potatoes!)
Length - 28.5 inches (She's gonna be tall like Daddy!)
Gotta love that kid!!!

"Getting to Know You"

I saw this on another person's blog and thought it would be fun to try.

Maybe I should really consider getting a maid.  I was such a horrible housekeeper before Little Bit was born and since she's come along it's gotten progressively worse.  My poor hubby!!

People would say that I'm too reserved.  This can be mistaken for snobbery, but I promise that is not how it is intended.  I just take a while to warm up to people.  I'm working on it.

I don't understand why when a deer sheds its antlers one year they grow back to the same size and sometimes even bigger the next year.  How is this possible?  That's like losing your legs one year and by the next year you are taller than you were before your legs fell off.  It just doesn't make any sense to me.

When I wake up in the morning I either fix a bottle or change a diaper, depending on whether I make it to the crib first or not.  The one who gets the baby changes the diaper, the one who doesn't makes the bottle.  What a wonderful life!!!

I've lost my willpower to get organized.  It's just not gonna happen!  I end up finding what I need eventually!

Life is wonderful with the addition of that precious little red-headed girl!  Easy answer, I know!  I just can't express how complete my life has been since she came along!

My past made me fiercely protective of my family.  They are my constant source of support, happiness and comfort.  I thank God for and pray for each one of them everyday.

I get annoyed when the bass on people's car radios thumps so loud that it literally shakes my body.  This cannot be good for that person's hearing and it does not make them seem cool.  The only thing it makes them seem is deaf.

Parties are not a good time to try new recipes.  Stick with what you know!  If your luck is anything like mine, it never turns out when you're under pressure.  

Dogs are good for other people.  Animals in general are not my thing.  Not that I ever wish any harm on any animal; I'm just not what you'd call an "animal lover".  If you are - so be it!

Cats are OK as long as they stay at least 50 yards away from me.  Again, I'm not a big animal person.  

Tomorrow I'm going to go to my nephew's 1st tee ball game.  He's 4 and it should be interesting.

I have low tolerance for stick-thin gals who claim they eat all the time and think they are fat.  You are just fishing for compliments!  Admit it and have a cheeseburger!  You will still be able to fit into your size 0 jeans!

I'm totally terrified of losing someone I love.  I don't know if I am emotionally or mentally strong enough to get through that kind of loss.

I wonder why I thought my life would be OK without kids.  I was so wrong!  

Never in my life have I smoked a cigarette.  I have never had the urge to smoke.  Let me see, it smells disgusting and makes your teeth yellow....Oh, yeah, sign me up!!  (That was sarcasm for those of you who don't know me!)

High school was something that should be used as a method of torture on criminals.  The only good things I got out of high school were my awesome husband and a scholarship to college.

When I'm nervous I get really quiet and like to just sink into the background.  

One time at a family gathering I was yelled at by an elderly woman in front of everyone.  For those of you who don't know this story it was very traumatic and something that haunts me until this day.  (Sarcasm once again!)  Just let me say that when grandma says "Go fix your plate", go fix your plate!

Take my advice - cantaloupe is good!  Trust me on this!  I love it!

Making my bed is...wait a second, hold the phone...those things are supposed to be made?  What a neat idea!  I'll have to try that sometime!

I'm almost always the peacemaker.  I just want harmony.  Otherwise I can't sleep and get horrible migraines.  Why can't we all just get along?!?!

I'm addicted to chocolate (specifically Milky Ways).  I could've said Dr. Pepper, but I gave those up about a month ago.  I'm also hooked on Sonic Java Chillers, but I limit myself to only 1 of those a week.

I want someone to teach me how to love what I cannot change, let go of what I cannot change, forgive what I cannot change and change whatever I can.  (Thank you LeAnn Rimes!)

Our Baby Girl is 6 Months Old!

My how time flies.....Little Red is 6 months old!! My heart is filled with so many emotions! She changes everyday and watching her grow is so bittersweet. We waited so long to decide that we wanted children and God could not have sent us a more perfect child. It is so strange because I was always the one who said I didn't ever want to have children and now I couldn't imagine my life without her. I honestly don't know what we did before she came along. But it is all going too fast! I'd always heard how time flies by when you have children, but no words could have conveyed to me just how fast it goes. It's not fair! She just got here and now she's rolling all over the place, eating all the sweet potatoes we can give her, and sitting up! I am so blessed to be part of her life.

New To The Blogging World!

After much thought, I have decided to start a blog to reduce to writing the happenings of this wonderful life of mine!  Things have changed so much lately and I have the urge a million times a day to write down my thoughts, feelings and ideas just so that I can remember these times.  So, my apologies upfront if I seem inept at this....it's a work in progress!  

I was reading a blog today that really moved me.  I mean sitting-at-my-desk-crying-like-a-baby moved me.  It was the story of a couple who were told that their unborn child had a terminal condition and the resulting emotions and events.  This woman wrote with such raw emotion that I felt like I lived through this experience with her.  It was one of those times when I kept telling myself to quit reading because it just hurt too bad; but I couldn't stop.  The most amazing thing throughout their whole ordeal was their undying, unwavering faith and trust in the Lord.  I want my walk to be that strong.  It isn't....but I want it to be.  What a testimony!  God blessed us with our precious little miracle 6 months ago.  It physically pains me to even imagine not being able to hold her, bathe her, rock her to sleep, even listen to her cry!!  My heart goes out to her and her family.  They will surely be in my prayers.  To read her story please go to audreycaroline.blogspot.com and be prepared to take stock of your life!  I must make more of an effort to realize the many blessings in my life and praise the Lord for them.  God is AWESOME and I only need to look into the face of my little girl to know that!!