Pictures

This is the newest picture I have of Addi Beth. This picture was taken Sunday at a family reunion.

This sweet little girl is Gracie Mae Bain. 7lb 14 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. She has a head full of hair!

Wow, lots to catch up on!

Geez, so much has happened since Christmas! I do not think I could possibly catch everybody up to what has gone on in our lives in the past 6 or 7 months. I will try to mention the "biggies" without writing a book!




1) I found out Thanksgiving night that I was pregnant with baby number 2. Well, I felt like crud the from the very beginning. I had some spotting and went in for a check up and everything looked normal. We saw the baby on an ultrasound and saw a good, strong heartbeat. Then, I had a bad afternoon of SEVERE cramping and went back in for a check up....again, everything looked great on the ultrasound. I was measuring about a week behind but they did not seem concerned. Then, I went in for my regular scheduled check up and the nurse could not find a heartbeat. An ultrasound confirmed my worse fears, the baby had stopped growing 2 days earlier. That next day, January 22, I went in for a D & C. It did not take me long to accept everything and realized God had a plan and He knew it much better than I.


2) I turned the big 3-0 February 5. My sweet friends tried to plan me a surprise birthday party in Corinth. It was so sweet of everybody, family and friends, get together to celebrate me!


3) We got an offer on our house in Jackson! We accepted it and began looking for a place to live in Bells. We ended up buying a sweet little house from the company Josh works for. We had about 2 weeks to get it ready for us to move into. NOT fun! We painted every room except one. We replaced all flooring, painted kitchen cabinets and installed new counter tops, replaced all lights, installed a fence for the dogs, and I am sure I am leaving out several things! Oh, we also just had new windows installed. We officially moved in our Bells house April 8.



4) March 24, I had a funny feeling. I took a pregnancy test and it was POSITIVE! This was such a surprise! We were planning on waiting one more month before we started to try again. I know the exact day I got pregnant because I was out of town with several girlfriends during what I thought was my fertile time. T.M.I., I know! The following Tuesday, after our girls weekend, Addi Beth and I were enjoying lunch together at Dumplin's. As we were sitting down, she pointed to the empty chair at our table and said, "Momma, I wish I had a sister sitting there." She was so serious and it broke my heart! Well, that was the night I got pregnant. I am 99.9% sure.


This pregnancy has been such a blessing! I feel great, just like I did when I was pregnant with Addi Beth. I have seen the little bean twice on ultrasound. The first appointment where they listened for the heartbeat by Doppler was a little nerve racking. This little booger has one strong heartbeat and is an active baby! We find out July 15 if we will be seeing blue or pink! Addi Beth is pulling for a "gurl"!


5) I am a new aunt!!!! Kyle and Jessica's little girl, Gracie Mae Bain, finally decided to make her appearance on June 25. I am so in love! She is such a cutie!


So, since our move, I have been pretty occupied. I know this post has no pictures but I cannot seem to locate our camera charger since moving. I am missing a few more important things like my big slow cooker, Josh's golf clubs, and my Steve Madden boots and my BCBG boots. Random, I know. I sometimes feel as if my brain has been missing since the move, too. Things will get back to normal one day.....maybe. I am thankful to be at this point in my life though and sharing it with Josh and Addi Beth and our new addition!

Being Impatient....

Josh has been traveling this week. I have been super bored without him here. As I am typing this, Josh should be en route to Memphis. Since there was a major computer glitch in the airports' computers today, hopefully Josh did not have any delays and will be home around 8pm.

The USJ Holiday Mart is this weekend. I am so ready to go and look at the different vendors set up. I have been looking forward to this all week! Momma is coming to get Addi in the morning so I can do a little shopping and enjoy myself. Then Saturday, Sarah and her kiddos, Mimi, and Gigi are coming up to go have breakfast with Santa. Addi Beth is so excited!

Since we listed our house 6 months ago, I cringe when I here the phone ring. I hate having to keep a house in "show ready" condition! I wish the house would sell soon. It is a never-ending task keeping this place clean when Addi Beth and I are here all day long and we also have the two dogs.

Here are a few pictures I have taken this week with my phone. I need to get my real camera out and start using it more.

Addi enjoying a mini ice cream sandwich.

We baked Josh's favorite cupcakes. Yummy!

Taking a bath after licking the batter from the cupcakes!

Getting Ready for the Holidays

I cannot believe it is almost time for Thanksgiving and then Christmas!!! I have not gotten over Halloween..haha!
I found a few pictures I had not posted on my blog yet. I forgot to post them on here after I upload them to my facebook account.

Addi Beth was a dog for Halloween (imagine that). When I saw this cute costume in the PB Kids book, I knew I had to order for her. It has been a great investment, much more than any toy I have ever gotten her. She has and still is wearing her "Pongo" suit. I tried to convince her she was Perdita but she is not having it.
I have to explain the picture. We can say, "Honk, honk, beep, beep, toot, too!" and Copper starts howling/singing. It is hilarious. Speaking of Copper, I noticed last week that he was awfully stiff in the mornings and would not lay down during the day. I finally loaded his tail up and carried him to the vet Thursday. They had to sedate him to X-ray his back hip and make sure he was not in beginning stages of a hip disease. They did let me bring him home that afternoon but he was soooo groggy. Good news, he just has an injury. They sent me home with an anti-inflammatory and a tranquilizer (and a HUGE bill). I love this pup so much!!!
Last night, I decided Addi Beth MUST sleep in her own bed ALONE. Much to my surprise, she did not wake up at all. She is a nightmare to sleep with! Sweet dreams, baby girl! Here is a picture of her cute bed that she is going to start using. ;o)
Sorry for the long post. Josh is out of town this week. He left out this morning for Vancouver, Canada. Please pray for a safe return. I hate when he has to travel. Oh, and we re-listed our house with Jada Slayton of Re-Max Realty. Maybe, just maybe she can get this house sold!

This past Sunday, we carried Addi Beth to Corinth to have Elisha make some fall pictures for me. I cannot even begin to say how impressed I am with Elisha's abilities as a photographer! She was great with Addi Beth! Here are a few of my favorite pictures:


Addi Beth looks so grown up in these pictures....almost makes me tear up! Check Elisha's website out here: http://www.ethompson.smugmug.com/

Monday, we met family at the Memphis Zoo. Addi Beth had a blast! Addi enjoys spending time with Madison so much. Little Camden was such a sweetheart. Sarah, Madison, and Camden rode the Merry Go Round and poor Addi was so scared to get on it. It almost broke my heart because I could see in her eyes how badly she wanted to ride. Addi loved all the animals....even "mooed" at the zebras. ;o) By the end of the day, we were all exhausted. We were able to take a train ride around the farm part of the zoo. Addi Beth was in HEAVEN!

I am so very thankful for my little girl!

So I am a Blogger Slacker...

Okay, it has been so long since I last blogged! Who knows what all has happened since I blogged last! After our first beach trip this summer, we celebrated July 4th.....I just do not remember what we did. Wow, that is bad!

July 18, Josh's sister had her little bundle of joy! Camden Riggs is the cutest little dude ever!
We celebrated Addi Beth's 3rd birthday on August 8 with a party at Pawpaw and Granna's. The party turned out great! We had two "mountains", or water slides for all the kiddos to play on. Trey, Layden, Walker, Cade, Baylee Anna, Will, Kayla, Madison, Morgan, Boots, and Charlie Belle all came to help us celebrate. Michelle made Addi Beth the most awesome Tigger birthday!
August 15, we had Addi another birthday party here at the house. All of Josh's family came to celebrate...again with the "mountain". Addi LOVES her "mountain"! We went to eat catfish and came back home to have cake and ice cream. Addi Beth got her Jeep this day.
The last week of August, we took another trip to the beach. This time it was an all "adult" trip. We had a blast with April, Leigh, Kelly, Michael, Dorothy, and Wyatt. We stayed in the new Phoenix West and it was sooooo nice!
After a little break, Addi started Fall Mother's Day Out. It is so comforting to see how much she enjoys going to school! I love all the artwork she brings me home! I also enrolled her in the TOT program. On Tuesdays, she leaves her classroom and goes to the gym to learn skills with the basketball. Addi Beth is too excited to show off her new skills!
Football season has started. All MSU fans have been so anxious to see what Dan Mullen can do with our Dawgs. I think most all of us have been fairly impressed. In my opinion, MSU has def. improved....just need to work on turnovers! This coming weekend, MSU hosts Florida in Starkville. I sure hope the Dawgs can pull a MAJOR upset over the Gators....would not be the first time!Last weekend, Charles and Jewell (Bryan's parents) had a sort of family reunion. It was nice to see everybody. They had a fish fry and a blue grass band. We were missing my mom. She had been in NY to visit her brother, who is fighting a terrible battle with gastrointestinal cancer. Please keep Uncle Kerry and his family in your prayers.
Yesterday, I carried Addi Beth to Corinth to have Elisha make fall pictures. I cannot wait to see them!

I am sure I have left out many things! I will try to be better about posting. Today, we are going to the Memphis Zoo. We are going to meet Mimi, Gigi, Sarah, Madison, and Camden there. I know Addi Beth will have a big time. It has been a year and a half since we last went to the zoo.

The Beach!

We took a much needed trip to Orange Beach recently. We met Emily, Kurt, Walker, and Cade and shared a wonderful condo. I will have to say I was a little nervous about all the kids together but they all AMAZED me! The boys were so well-behaved.....Miss Addi Beth had her moments. I am not sure she felt 100% and I had an inkling she might of had a UTI. I stopped at Target and refilled some of her meds.

Our first day on the beach, Addi Beth decided the sand was NOT for her...she gets that honestly from her momma! She whined so much that we ended up spending most all of our time in the pool. Oh, I am sure you would have gotten a good laugh at me trying to catch Addi Beth before she pulled her bottoms down to pee. She knows not to pee in the pool but she thinks it is okay to go wherever as long it is not in the water. Thursday is her first "Water Day" at MDO and I am kind of nervous!

Here are a few pictures from the beach:





We had our house shown today. It was so nice of the realtor to call me the evening before. I still cleaned like mad this morning. I got the dogs loaded up and was buckling Addi Beth in her carseat and realized I did not put panties on her! I had to run back into the house and grab her a pair. She looked so dang cute in her brown striped dress and her cow rainboots! I wish I'd gotten a picture.

Tonight, as we were eating supper, the phone rang. It was the same realtor and she set up an appointment to show the house Thursday. I cannot help but wonder if these people will be the same from today's showing. We are the only house in our subdivision for sale now.

My Big Girl!!!

Ahhhh! My baby girl is growing too fast! I could not wait for her to get out of diapers...no more diaper rashes, less money spent at Target, etc. Now I look at her wearing her panties and she looks like such a big girl!

Here is a picture of Addi Beth going to Mother's Day Out for the first time wearing her panties. I was really concerned about how well she would do. Of course, she did great. She did have on a different pair of shorts when I picked her up BUT only b/c she sat in something dirty.
You can only imagine what kind of "happies" Addi Beth has been showered with since her success in potty training. Movies, doll house furniture, candies, etc. Papaw had to top all of us and when we got home from the lake Saturday, this is what was in their backyard. I have to say, it is really fun for all of us! We brought the slide back to Jackson so we would have something to do this week in this awful heat. It is much bigger looking in my backyard. I had to put Zoe inside for fear the poor dog would have a heart attack bitting at all the sprinkling water!
In a few days, we are beach bound! We are all so excited!!!

My Water Babies!

Oh, how I love summer time! A few weekends ago was the first time it was really pretty enough for us to enjoy the pool. Addi Beth had a blast! She got more comfortable with the water as the weekend went on. Below is a picture of her playing with her Papaw. She was acting like a dog before she jumped into the water.
Granna and Addi had some alone time Saturday morning. Granna (my mom) told Addi that we do not peepee in the pool. Addi learned very quickly that when she needs to "go", all she needs to do is get in the grass and squat! I am not sure how to convince Addi that we do not do this in public places. She has done great the past few days with her potty. My goal is to send her back to Mother's Day Out for the summer without diapers. Her first day back will be next Tuesday....pray for us!
We bought the dogs a small, plastic pool to keep cool in. Addi has the biggest time teasing Zoe with the water hose. Copper is not too trusting of Addi with the water hose. He waits until Addi is chasing Zoe and then sneaks him a dip in the pool. These next two pictures are some of my favorite moments I have ever caught on camera. Addi Beth loves our dogs and I have to say, they have been great with her. I hope Copper and Zoe are around for a long time for Addi Beth to grow up with. Copper is 6 years old and Zoe is 5 years old.
She looks kind of scary, doesn't she? It is so funny because after a while of this, you can count on Zoe burping and peeing a river because she has drank so much water! The picture below is taken a different day than the one above.
As usual, we have been pretty busy around here. This past Saturday, we went to a wedding of one of Josh's co-workers. I was so upset that I forgot my camera. The reception was beautiful and Addi Beth had a great time. While Addi was swinging in an old swing (hanging from a beautiful tree), a lady came from nowhere and told us that Addi looked just like a picture! Of course, that means a ton to her Momma! Best wishes to Dan and Susan!

The next few week we have lots of stuff planned. Birthday parties, an open house, a trip to the lake, Father's Day, going to the beach, celebrating July 4th, etc. Fun, fun, fun!!!

House "For Sale"

Last Friday afternoon, we were able to meet with our realtor and get everything finalized to put the house on the market. I guess you can say it is kind of a bittersweet moment. I love our house! We have already had it shown once! Maybe this will not take too long!

I have been talking to Addi about us possibly selling our house and building a new one. She looked at me so innocently and asked, "Are we going to move to Papaw's house?" I have not told him she said that yet. He would eat it up! He probably has told her that is where she can come live, knowing him!

You can click on the picture of our house to go directly to our realtor's page. He got the virtual tour uploaded recently and it looks really good! The link above will carry to Jimmy and Blake Ward's website.

This morning, out of the blue, Addi Beth said she wanted to go to the park. We have been up since before daylight, so I had most everything done in the house that needed to be done. We loaded up and went to McDonald's and ate our lunch at the pavilion at the church. After we ate, we went to the church playground and had a blast!
I am telling you, I could just hug her all day long! Below is a picture of Addi climbing her "honey tree". The child has not one ounce of fear in her (unless it is a weed eater or lawnmower). Anyways, she sings a Tigger & Pooh song while she is climbing this. It is so dang cute and when I tried to film it, she stopped singing.
I snapped this picture while we were playing in the backyard Tuesday afternoon. Addi is such a great kid! She loves being outside and pretty much entertains her self....or is driving the poor dogs crazy!
This picture is from Monday morning. We were working outside trying to get things around the house ready. She usually insists on wearing a pair of boots while we are out. She found this hat in a closet the other day and has been wearing it a good bit...usually puts in on sideways. The mailman got a good chuckle out of her!
I thank God everyday for giving me such a precious gift! I do not know what I would do without her or Josh. They are AWESOME!

Busy, busy week!

We have been super busy this past week! Last Saturday, Micaela and Bill's little boy, Trey, turned 3. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and the kids had a blast! Addi Beth did not want to leave with me. She was more concerned where "Aunt April", "Kayla" (Micaela), Peeper and Tipsy (Micaela's dogs) were going.April, me, Micaela (2 days before giving birth), and Leigh (Micaela's sweet roommate from UNA that you could never tell by looking at her but has a 4 yr old and twin 16 month olds...all girls)
This is what Addi Beth looks like when she is exhausted. I thought she might fall asleep on the way home from the party. Josh and I left her with my parents while we went to a friend's house to grill out for April's birthday. When we got home around 10ish, baby girl was still going strong!
We got home Sunday around lunch. We worked around the house trying to get things in order before we list it. Monday, Addi and I ran several errands. I noticed Micaela tried to call me right after lunch but I was in Target and decided I would call her back when I got home. I got her voicemail but really did not think much about it. I guess Bill called me around 4 and told me they were at the hospital and they were going to keep them. I waited for Josh to get home and then I headed towards Tupelo. I swung by and picked April up on my way. You might have known, Micaela had just started pushing when we got there so I did not get to see her beforehand. She did great and the baby is just precious! I only got to see him for a few minutes before they carried him off to the nursery. Congratulations Micaela and Bill! William Layden Sanders was born April 27 at 8:39 pm (I think) and weighed 7lb 9oz and was 19.5" long. I cannot wait to get my hands on him!!! Doesn't Micaela look awesome to have just had a baby?
Tuesday, Addi Beth went to Mother's Day Out. She missed last week (sick Tues, home w/ Papaw Thur) and I am so sad she missed one of her teacher's last days. Addi Beth will really miss Mrs. Kelly! Of course, she loves Mrs. Tricia and I know she will love Miss Jessie just as much! I am so thankful Addi Beth has such great teachers and they are doing an excellent job with her! I will end on a funny note. Addi Beth was filthy when I picked her up Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Tricia told me Addi Beth got her shorts wet on the playground and it really bothered her. She said before she realized what Addi was doing, Addi had taken her shorts off! I think they got a big kick out of it. Baby girl is so OCD about some things! Needless to say, Addi does not get to hang out at the house with no clothes on now.

J Crew Spring Sale

I saw this promotion this morning and thought I would pass the info on!

I have tons of pictures to download and post. Hopefully, I will get to that later today!

Got the Sequoia back!

I am so thankful to have my truck back, it looks like brand new! My little accident took quite a chunk of change out of our checkbook. Anyways, The Door Shop had a delivery to make to Dyersburg and Bryan had the guys drop him off in Jackson. He drove momma's Lincoln home and of course, took Addi Beth with him. I already miss her! It is hard to let her go away for the night but I know she is in good hands and having a blast. Bryan stopped at "Old McDonald's" on the way home and let her play in the play area (I know, yuck!). He was SUPPOSED to put her down for a nap when they got home but instead let her get on her Gator. I guess it is about time he see her ride it. He and Momma bought it for Addi's first birthday and she has been scared to even touch it until now!

Josh should be home from Texas soon. Hopefully, this is his last trip he has to make for work. There is not supposed to be any traveling once he begins his new position. Addi Beth is getting to the age where she misses him dearly while he is gone.

Friday is my mother's birthday! It is also one my dearest friend's birthday. Happy Birthday Momma and April!!! Also, Saturday is another dearest friend's son's birthday. Micaela's little boy, Trey, will be 3! We are planning on making his birthday party unless Micaela's newest addition decides it is time to make his entrance into the world before then!

As most of you know, we have been working on potty training with Addi Beth. It is a NIGHTMARE! She cries anytime I try to put something other than her "Elmo" diaper on. I have finally decided she feels secure with her diaper on and she is using that as her "security thing". I was too lucky getting rid of the bottle and pacifier. She does not ask for her blankets or pillow anymore.
Addi Beth is crazy over Copper and Zoe. I thought, MAYBE if she sees the dogs wearing panties she will not mind wearing them. It worked. Just did not work very long. Now, she insists I change her diaper as soon as she wets it. Maybe we are getting there! By the way, Zoe hated the panties and Copper sported his fairly well. I laugh every time I look at the picture above.
Monday, I needed to run some errands. Addi Beth was playing in her bedroom as I was getting ready. She came to me and said, "Momma, I am a cool cat!" I begged her to wait and let me take a picture of her before she took everything off. She happily obliged. I got her dressed and she insisted on keeping all of her accessories on. We went to the post office and then met Josh and Mr. Dan for lunch at McAlister's. She kept everything on until our food was brought to us. I guess she decided her hot dog needed more attention than her "style"!

I added a Playlist...

Addi Beth prompted me to add a Playlist to my blog. This morning, as we were brushing our teeth, she mentioned the water on her toothbrush was cold. Out of nowhere, she says, "drop it like it's hot!" I kind of giggled and asked who taught her that. Then she says, "drop it like it's cold!" I have to admit I have the Snoop Dog song somewhere on a CD but I am pretty sure Addi Beth does not listen to it.

I will take a moment to catch everybody up on our moving situation. We meet with our realtor Friday. I feel like I have so much to do before then! We have looked around Bells for a house or land. As of now, we have had zero luck. I hate to list our house and not have a plan for where we will go if we sell it fast. The company does have a few houses we could probably live in for a while but I hate to move our furniture more times than necessary. I do not know how I am going to keep it "show" ready when I have a toddler and 2 dogs! Saying all that, I pray that this house will sale fast!

It has turned out to be a beautiful day....Addi Beth and I are going out to play!

Happy Easter!

I hope everybody had a great Easter! We sure did! We traveled to Corinth Saturday and stayed with my parents. While we were there, Josh and I got to do a little shopping and eat at The Pizza Grocery. Yum! Sunday morning, we drove to Holly Springs and went to church. Making it there on time (without Addi getting sick...terrible reflux that many times leads to not such a pleasant car ride) was a HUGE accomplishment for us.

After eating a wonderful meal at Gigi's, it was time for the girls to hunt eggs. Addi Beth was so serious. The girl has a competitive streak! I know she gets that honestly!

I love the above picture! The one below is also one of my favorites. Addi Beth loves Madison!

We also got to celebrate Uncle Wyatt (April 8) and Aunt Lisa's (April 15th) birthdays. Addi LOVES singing "Happy Birthday" and always says "let's do it again!" at the end. Somebody put one of those candles you cannot blow out on the cake. Addi got so aggravated! She even slapped Wyatt's hand out of her way when he tried to help her with it. It almost got to the point she wanted to cry because she was so frustrated.
Addi conked out before we got out of town. Somebody gave her a hard hat and she wore it on the way home. We made it back to Jackson and picked the dogs up at the kennel. You would not believe all the Easter goodies we ended up with!