The Harris Family

It's Been Awhile...

2010-04-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

..and we've been BUSY! :)

Whew! What a Spring it's been. We've had birthdays galore---my 30th, boo! A long needed trip to see Joylyn and a trip to the beach...proms...and on and on. I've tried to be brief here, so once you've looked at this post, you'll have the 411 on the Harris' for Spring!

We FINALLY dedicated Anna Kate a couple of months ago...she was precious, and we were blessed to have lots of family at church with us for this special service.

As you can see, Anna Kate has NO stranger anxiety. Tim was a little worried that Anna Kate wouldn't let him hold her...as you can see, this was NOT a problem. SO sweet!

Our little family!

The story behind this picture, embodies my and Joylyn's relationship. Once we decided what we wanted to do, we laughed so hard, this poor newly-married couple who wanted to ask us to take their picture, thought we were drunk! It still makes me laugh every time I look at it!

We finally convinced the couple we weren't crazy, and they took our picture, too!

At South Congress Cafe for a fabulous dinner before heading to the John Mayer concert!

eeeee!!! At the concert! It was my 30th birthday present to myself to get 5th row tickets and dance my face off...for a while, I didn't feel almost 30.

With sweet Jen and Sarah, owners of fabulous Elle Boutique, who wrangled me into being a model in their Spring fashion show. I agreed to do makeup for the girls, but had to step in at the last minute and walk the runway! It was super fun, but I think I'll stick to makeup, girls! :) :)

With former model and soon-to-be mama again, Casey

Hangin' out with Grandaddy at church!

She launched herself at Uncle B when they visited last and laid on him forever!! It was so sweet. Anna Kate LOVES her "Apple B" and Aunt Sissy.

Sarah's 17th!

Grangranny has not been well, and we took a little trip down to see her. Thankfully, almost all the grandkids were able to be together and spend some time!

Even though it's a little blurry, I love this one of Anna Kate and Grangranny! Anna Kate took right to her, of course, and walked around saying, "Gan-ganny!"

At Fran's annual Easter Egg Hunt. What a great hostess!

Since Easter, AK runs around saying, "Egg!" when she finds one of her many plastic eggs around the house!

Eating out for Anna Kate's ACTUAL birthday! Because we were at the beach the week before and headed to market the week after, I didn't get to throw my big ole ladybug party! Oh well, there's always 3! :)

Goofin' off with Granna at birthday lunch!

"Peh-ssants!" as Anna Kate says...

Hurry Daddy!! I NEED that present!

"CAKE!!!" For WEEKS leading up to her birthday, Anna Kate sang, "Hap-puh Birdday to YOUUUU...Hap-puh bird day to YOUUUU..." ALL THE TIME!

It's only good if you wear it, right??

Readin' with Granna...it just couldn't have happened without the daisy headdress for Granna..

I absolutely cannot believe that prom time is here for Sarah. I have to say, she's one of my favorites, and it was an honor to help her get ready for her special night!

Isn't she Gorgeous?!!!

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My first award! :)

2010-02-20T07:55:00.001-08:00

Sara, my fellow mommy blogger, although she is MUCH more diligent with her blogging than I, sent me this lovely sunshine award, and with it the responsibility of disclosing my top 7 must-haves. Thanks, Sara!

7 Things I cannot leave my house without:

7-diapers & wipes...the joys of motherhood! :)
6-driver's license...if you have a run-in with the po-po's, not having this could result in jail time...a DEFINITE no no
5-extra bow/rubber band for Anna Kate's hair...Those of you who know her well, know that if her hair not wrangled in some way, Anna Kate looks like Cousin It's little sister. It's actually quite dangerous! ;)
4-keys...without them, we're getting nowhere fast!
3-Neosporin lip balm, lip gloss and Bobbi Brown concealer compact...ahhhh, vanity.
2-sanitizer (Purell, organic spray from Earthfare that smells like Lavender, wipes, ANY kind will do)...Yes, I'm the germaphobic crazy mom who sanitizes everything constantly. I may be single-handedly responsible for society's resistance to antibiotics, and I'm okay with that!
1-Blackberry-should the aforementioned po-po run-in actually happen sans driver's license, we would be in dire straits without the cell phone, but then again, they do give you ONE phone call, right?? :) Also, my cheerful Michael Franti "Say Hey, I Love You" or Golden Girls theme ringtones just add that special sparkle to my day!

On a side note, since I've been so lazy about blogging, and taking pictures for that matter, here's a pic of Anna Kate while she was playing at Granna & Grandaddy's yesterday. Things have been so busy with work, we've been lax about picture-taking and blogging. We're dedicating Anna Kate at church tomorrow, so I'll try and post those pics soon! :) It's a special day that we're so looking forward to because it means we get to symbolically offer this precious gift back to the Lord, and remind ourselves that she is only ours to care for and shepherd. Now off to work out, and hopefully find some shoes for the big day tomorrow! :) Target, here we come!

Anna Kate & Santa!!

2009-12-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

Well, all our talking and talking about "HoHo" seems to have paid off. She LOVED Santa, and we got a few good pics. We are ready for Christmas now!

Smile for the camera!!!

Snugglin' with Santa!

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

I Said It's Great to Be from Alabama!!!

2009-12-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

ROLL TIDE, Y'all!!! It's been an eventful few weeks since my last post. We've decorated the house for our first Christmas here, and Anna Kate absolutely LOVES the lights and decorations! Her favorite thing so far is taking the remote for the outdoor lights outside and turning them on all by herself. She just thinks it's TOO cool. She's just in love with her snowglobe that plays Christmas carols from last year. Anytime she goes in her room to play, she just turns it on and leaves it on. Apparently, she gets her love of Christmas music from her mama. :)

We also got to go to Alabama for Thanksgiving and see my family. It was GREAT to get away for a bit and spend time with family that we don't see nearly enough. By the way, Anna Kate has decided to call Ben & Lacy, Uncle B and Aunt Sissy! She follows Ben around saying, "Beee!" Is that the cutest thing ever???

We got the chance to go to Atlanta to see our precious Crimson Tide play a fantastic Florida team for the SEC Championship. It was a great game, and we were so thankful to come away with a win. Now, we've got to go get #13, and take care of those Longhorns in Pasadena! :)

Playing with Aunt Sissy while they were up for a visit.

Uncle B reading Anna Kate a story at his house the night before Thanksgiving. It was SO sweet, and I think Ben will be a fantastic daddy someday. Anna Kate LOVED listening to his rendition of "Goodnight Gorilla"

Anna Kate representing in her houndstooth and red tights!

Definitely a fan of the Christmas tree!

LOVE the outdoor lights. Thanks, Granna & Grandaddy for ALL your help with our outside decorations!

All decked out and ready to take on those Gators!

Rammer Jammer, Baby!!!

A little blurry, but definitely #1 for now!

Headed to ATL!!!

2009-11-08T21:16:00.001-08:00

Roll Tide, y'all! Tyler's dad graciously offered us the chance to go down to T-town at the last minute the weekend, and we had THE BEST time! Granna & Grandaddy were sweet enough to watch Anna Kate, so we jumped at the chance to go see our favorite team clinch the SEC Western division title and the chance to go at Atlanta again this year and play the Gators in the Championship game! :) We opened the weekend with wings at Buffalo Wild Wings and a walk around campus, then got up bright and early for some shopping on Bryant Drive and an early arrival at The Zone for some good food and cheering as the team pulled up and entered the stadium!! I can't say it was an "easy" win, and there were definitely some moments when we wondered what the outcome would be, but we cheered until we were hoarse, and thankfully, the team pulled out another impressive win! ROLL TIDE!! We are definitely blessed with great family that allows us the opportunity to go and use their tickets, and awesome family that keeps an eye on Anna Kate while we're away! Thanks, y'all! We love you SO much! Here are a few pics!

Us...being silly...same pose a year later! Not too bad for an unflexible almost 30 year old next to a national champion baton twirler, huh! :) :) :)

SO excited about heading to the stadium to see our guys whoop LSU!

awwww...We are so blessed to have such awesome family!

One of the great things about sitting in the Zone is getting to go in early and watch the team pull up and walk the Walk of Champions...this is the aftermath...a sea of crimson!

Tyler and me in the stadium getting ready to watch the Tide roll!!

After the game, minus our voices, and VERY happy!!! Ramma Jamma, baby!! 24-15!

Here's a picture of Anna Kate enjoying storytime with Grandaddy while Mama & Daddy were in Alabama. It's such a blessing to be able to leave Anna Kate with them and know she'll be in good hands and LOVE every minute with them...

Fall, so far!

2009-11-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Fall, y'all! I've been away too long...it took me quite a while to upload these pics. I've been lax lately, mainly because we've been super busy and because our camera is now officially 27 years old. I've definitely got my sights set on a camera that doesn't weigh 12 lbs for the new year!!! :)

Anna Kate is growing like a weed. At her last appointment she weighed 28 lbs, and was 34 inches long...She is TALL TALL TALL! She is STILL not talking which would concern me, but ALL my friends say that she will just wake up one day and speak in complete sentences. She knows which books are which, and can get them when we ask her to, but I'm ready to be able to communicate more effectively with her! She's definitely gotten some "spunk" here lately! No is not quite as meaningful anymore, if you know what I mean! She absolutely loves playing with Bella, and watching football! YAY!

Today, we went to visit Mrs. LeAnna, for Anna Kate's VERY first haircut! This is the before

During...LeAnna did a FABULOUS job!

And, after! I think it's pretty obvious that Anna Kate LOVED getting her haid done. I'm afraid we have a girly girl on our hands! :)

This is a picture from Halloween! We did NOT go trick or treating, because of the rain :( but we did eat pizza and hang out at home with our little puppy dog!

Me, Mae Beth, Gigi, Anna Kate and Sarah after one of her famous halftime performances at Catholic! Anna Kate LOVED going to the games this season.

Anna Kate is FASCINATED by all the shiny crystals and sequins on Sarah's costume. Gigi's mom, Mary, made this suit...isn't it GORGEOUS!!??

This happens a LOT...I can't tell you how many of our pictures are just not blog-worthy because Anna Kate is trying to escape the clutches of some loved one! Can I get a witness from the moms who've recently had an 18 month old???? :)

Getting an all-important shaker lesson from Grandad!

ROLL TIDE!! I think she's got the hang of it!

With Daddy and Mae Beth after one of Sarah's performances all decked out in Irish green. Check out Anna Kate's gold sandals! Has this chick got spirit or what?? :)

With Uncle Ben at Allison's Catfish for dinner!

With Uncle Ben & Aunt Lacy before dinner!

With Gigi, obviously pumped to be decked out for the first Bama game of the season!

Could she be more excited??? Actually, this one had nothing to do with football, and EVERYTHING to do with a couple of super cute puppies!

Attempting a picture with Aunt Sarah...

Walking around/on the dress that Momma bought last season in T-town. Good news-she'll probably be able to wear it next year, too!

Anna Kate LOVES watching football with her daddy!

Do NOT Watch This

2009-08-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

...unless you're ready to do something about it.

On another somber note, Joylyn, one of my best friends in the world, lost her daddy last night. I'll be en route to Alabama tomorrow afternoon to be with her and her family. Please keep Joylyn and her family in your prayers in the next couple of days.

I guess it's just one of those days, huh!

Beach 09

2009-08-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! Whew...I'm telling you. It is a blessing to be able to get away with family and enjoy some time off, but I think the getting ready to go and the coming home and getting settled back into real life is just craziness! We went to the beach last week and took our first real official family vacation with Anna Kate! I've grown up going to Panama City Beach EVERY year, but decided to try something new this year. We went to Seagrove Beach, FL, which is between Destin and Panama City on Hwy 30A. Y'all it was amazing. There are absolutely no highrises, and there are tons of quaint shopping areas and local restaurants. It's almost like going back in time. We really had a great time. Anna Kate, it turns out, is a little beach baby. In fact, she loved the ocean more than Mama! I love to go to the beach and sit in a chair and listen to the radio and read, but as for the ocean, I only go in when it's perfect, which you'll see from the pics, it was. Anna Kate splashed and laughed (even when she got splashed in the face!) and played in the sand. She had a ball. We are definitely looking forward to next year and taking even more family with us!

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Longest post in the history of blogger

2009-07-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

I don't really know where to begin, so I'll just give y'all a little update on miss Anna Kate. She's walking up a storm, backwards even! She LOVES spinning around and around, and she absolutely loves to eat, especially anything bready or sweet. She is her mama's child, I'm afraid! We've been pretty busy with work lately, and I've been SUPER busy painting and working on things around the house. I now consider myself an expert level painter after painting almost the entire 1st floor of our house in less than 3 days...HILARIOUS! I'll post pictures of that soon. I'm almost done with the faux finish in the dining room. That red had to go! :)

In the pool with Aunt Sarah...nice swimsuit, Sarah! :)

Splashin' with Bosley

Traditional triple birthday pose for Daddy, Aunt Mae Beth, and Grandmommy's birthdays

Reading with Grandmom...

Uh-oh...

Playing in the pool with Daddy

See how much I love my daddy???

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I LOVE bathtime at Granna's!

Happy Birthday Grandaddy! (Better watch out! Bella looks pretty interested by that

Sunday lunch at Zaxby's with the bobsey twins! :)

.

Thanks, Grandaddy for putting up my swing. I L.O.V.E. it!

I LOVE SPAGHETTI!!!

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

AK LOVES ice cream

AK does NOT love this hairdo!

AK LOVES the piano!

Ice cream with Daddy & Uncle Ben on the 4th! Nice smile Uncle Ben :)

Waiting for the fireworks on the 4th...too bad bedtime came first.

One of mama's VERY best friends from college, Aunt Joylyn came to visit! Is this not an awesome picture???

Prayer Needed!

2009-06-09T11:39:00.001-07:00

Alright, all you prayin' mamas! I have a prayer request. My dear friends, and the worship pastor at our church, Jacob & Beth Winn, had twins yesterday, 11 weeks early. Lilly Claire (3.02 lbs) and Davis(3.2 lbs) are doing well in the NICU at UT, but their mama & daddy need prayer as they handle the changes that have all come so suddently, and the babies need our prayers for their development and the long hospital stay awaiting them. I know you'll join me in praying for this precious family!

Wow...has it been over a month?

2009-06-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

Dinner out a Litton's for our anniversary!

Anna Kate LOVES her new big-girl carseat

I think this face is pretty funny!

"I LOVE finger food and feeding myself!"

Anna Kate & Daddy on Mother's Day! Thanks Grandmommy & Pappaw for my outfit!

Mama & Anna Kate on Mother's Day 09...what a difference a year makes!

Mamas on Mother's Day!

Anna Kate with Aunt Mae Beth & Aunt Sarah at baton competition. Aren't they pretty in the sparkly costumes?

Walking!!!

More walking!!!

Mae Beth, Sarah, & Tyler at the Farragut Middle School talent show! Mae Beth rocked it out with "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus...I'd SO rather hear her sing it than the original!

Anna Kate and storytime with Daddy after he got back from a long week at market! We were so glad to see him!

Sunnin' in the yard with Granna

All I'm going to say is that life has been INSANE the past month, and I think I've decided that blogging is like working out...if you quit doing it consistently, it's just easy to stop all together. As of a few weeks ago, Tyler and I are helping out with the advertising for the company, which is a fantastic opportunity that we're thrilled to have the chance at, but at the same time, it's been trial by fire, as we're re-opening the Ashley Store in Turkey Creek in a week or so and are handling most of the creative for the promotion running the end of this month thru the 4th! WHEW!

I'm not quite sure where to start with Anna Kate's progress. She's walking EVERYWHERE and has been since right after her birthday. She's cutting pre-molars (I think that's what you call them) on the left, but not the right side, still not talking, and eating solid food by herself. I'm terrified to let her try to spoon-feed herself yet, though, so any tips from the veteran toddler mamas out there, would be welcome! :)

Our 7th anniversary was a couple of weeks ago. It's amazing how much things have changed in those 7 years, especially in the year since our last anniversary. Parenthood is an amazing part of this journey Tyler and I are on together, and we definitely feel blessed beyond what we deserve! God is good!

Anna Kate's 1 Year Photo Shoot!

2009-05-12T19:13:00.001-07:00

Yes, I know it's been FOREVER since I updated, and I don't have time to do it now, but I did want to let all of you know that Anna Kate's pictures from her 1 year photo shoot are up on the studio 193 website for your viewing pleasure! Just go to www.studio193.com choose your connection speed, then click "client preview" on the bottom right corner, and enter eharris3 for the password! They are phenomenal. Bill & Deidre did a fantastic job, of course, and I can't wait for you all to take a peek!
Update soon! I promise...

Anna Kate's Birthday

2009-04-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

As I said earlier, our extremely talented cousin Morgan brought her camera to Anna Kate's birthday party and click click clicked away the whole time. She got some BEAUTIFUL shots, and I can't wait for you all to see them! Go here: http://morgantrinker.com/annakatebirthday/ and let me know what you think!

God is good!

2009-04-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

More than a few times this weekend, I've caught myself just looking around at Tyler, Anna Kate, our new home, the amazing family and friends who have helped hold us steady and ease our burden through this process, and one thing was so incredibly obvious to me. My life is so fleeting and precious. I am amazed at my Jesus who loves me so well, and fills my life with more blessings than I can even begin to even see, much less thank Him for. On this Easter Sunday, it is even more apparent that I am so imperfect, and as our pastor said today, in desperate need of the healing, life-altering, challenging power of the gospel each day. Without it, my fleeting life, even with all the precious gifts I've been given is meaningless. All the blessings He bestows are simply little glimpses into the vastness that is His love for me. Wow...I think I need to learn to rest in that. Tyler gave me the new Michael W. Smith worship dvd (which, btw, I highly recommend), and there's a precious song at the end that says, "He's not like us, He loves you just because." I think at times like the past week, when I get so busy and forget to thank Him and take refuge in His love, I need reminders that He's there...and there's nothing I can do to make Him love me any more than He does right now. Jesus came to secure that eternal life for us by living a perfect life, taking my sin and yours on Himself, in fact, as Paul says, He became sin for us, and dying a horrific death on the cross. Praise the Lord, it doesn't end there...Another one of my favorite songs right now says, "The enemy has been defeated! DEATH COULDN'T HOLD YOU DOWN!!!" I am thankful that I serve a just, merciful, grace-lavishing God who has conquered death and has chosen to make my heart His home.

We were so blessed to have family in our new home for Anna Kate's birthday, you're all going to gasp when I say this, but I didn't take one single picture. I was THRILLED to find out that Tyler's extremely talented and budding professional photographer cousin, Morgan, was not only coming, but bringing her brand new fat-daddy Canon to the party! Bless her heart, she spent the whole party clicking away, but I was so thankful she did. I didn't worry one time about picking up the camera and trying to take pictures. Morgan, just know that you were a blessing to me, and I absolutely cannot wait to see the pictures!!! :) A wonderful friend from church, Emily, made Anna Kate's cake, and it was THE BEST cake EVER!!!! REALLY...if you need a cake for any occassion, email me, and I'll get you her info. She is fabulous...Easter was awesome. I spent a lot of the worship service in tears, amazed at the love my Savior has for me (good thing I wasn't on the stage today, huh?) and we spent the afternoon with family eating and hanging out! It's been a great weekend, and I am SO looking forward to getting settled even more and resting a bit this week!

Last picture at the condo...kinda sad, huh?

Everyone looks like they've been beaten with a 2X4...that's moving for ya! :)

Out on the porch!

Anna Kate's new room!!! She's done remarkably well...she's sleeping like a champ despite the new surroundings!

Family Easter picture in front of our new home!

Mom, chewing on books is COMPLETELY normal at my age. Come on!

Playing with her new dance tower Uncle Ben & Aunt Lacy gave her. I LOVE IT. It says, "Shake it, baby!"

Looking at my Easter basket!

You'll never catch me!

LOVING the walker...thanks, Granna & Grandaddy!

Seriously, y'all, I LOVE this thing!!

Congratulations, Grandad!

2009-04-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't had much time to take pics of the new house, I thought we'd update with a post to congratulate Grandad. He's this year's recipient of the Willis Award, which is the highest honor awarded by the Southern Home Furnishings Association. It's given each year to the person "who contributes most unselfishly to the industry, to the community and to God." We definitely think the committee made the right decision...Grandad is such a blessing to our family, and Anna Kate is blessed to have him in her life! Congratulations! We love you!

Catch-up!

2009-03-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Whew! Let me tell you...selling a house and then buying a new one is NOT for the faint of heart! :) We have been, for the past month, up to our ears in house-selling/buying! Not a big deal if you're a super realtor, like my dear friend, Fran or a seasoned home buyer, but for those of us who have never really done it, it can knock you for a loop! That said, we have been amazed at the Lord's provision and His faithfulness through it all. As with most, if not all, home purchases, there have been trying moments, but He has been so good to show up no matter what. After selling our condo in 9, yes 9, days, and frantically searching through tons of houses online, only to find them sold or riddled with problems, I was about to lose hope when superFran came to the rescue with a gorgeous house in an area we hadn't even considered. After looking at 18 houses a couple of Sundays ago, we saw this house, and from the moment we walked in, I think Tyler and I both knew that this was the home the Lord had for us all along! :) We are now thru most of the negotiations, inspections, and generally stressful things, and are awaiting closings (BOTH of them) on the 6th...only a few days before Miss Anna Kate's 1st birthday! So....my dear blogger mom friends, if you were expecting some swank party invite, you will most certainly be disappointed this year. We're doing a fairly low key (as low key as my fanatical Hobby Lobby shopping self will allow) family-only shindig this year! :)

Anna Kate still refuses to walk unaided, and is jabbering (thankfully, not growling so much anymore) like CRAZY, but not talking other than mama and dada. I'm going to post a video of this HILARIOUS new sound she started today. I have now, at Tyler's request, added turkey to Anna Kate's diet, and she absolutely LOVES it. No vegetarian here! :) Despite her crazy crazy hair, I cannot get her to leave a bow alone in her hair. I'm WIDE OPEN to suggestions there.

I can't wait to post pics of the new house once we get moved in! Please pray for us as we prepare for the move!

Dinner at Calhoun's with Aunt Diane when she came to visit!

Lunch with Jen & Sarah at Pimento's! Anna Kate looks a little something in this picture...I'm not quite sure what

Playing with the ball the afternoon our house sold!!

Anna Kate & Daddy!!

Love that wind-blown look!

Hangin' out with Grandaddy while he reads the mail, and Anna Kate drinks juice...Hooray for multi-tasking!

Anna Kate in her snazzy new dress that we won in a giveaway on my friend Fran's blog. It's handmade by Heidi, who has a shop called pieces of before on Esty. Visit her shop. Right now, she's doing a giveaway with each purchase, so check it out!

We are afraid Anna Kate is going to tear down the door frame, she loves her jumpy so much!

Tormenting Bella through the back door

Apparently, gone is the scary baby growl (**fingers crossed**) and this HILARIOUS new sound is taking over. She's in her bed right now doing it instead of sleeping

We may have a prisspot on our hands

2009-03-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we got to spend the afternoon with Grandad, Gigi and the girls. When we went outside to watch Aunt Sarah and Mae Beth twirl, we tried to put Anna Kate down in the grass...she would NOT touch it, and almost fell over trying to quickly retract all limbs that might be in danger of touching the stuff! She did love watching the girls twirl....she even tried to pick up a baton at one point, but alas, she only wanted to eat it! :) :) Here are a few pics!

Give me that baton!!!

My favorite

YAY!!!

Don't put me in that grass!

I DO NOT LIKE THE GRASS, I told you!

Long Time No Blog

2009-03-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

I guess maybe having my hair "did" made my blogging ability disappear! We have been kinda busy lately, and, honestly, I haven't taken many pictures at all. Anna Kate is growing and changing so much. She is starting to have that toddler look now. I see newborns, and it makes me so sad, because she is definitely not a teensy baby anymore. She is laughing ALL the time, still growling occasionally, and avoiding walking at all costs. I'm convinced that she could if she got the urge, but she just prefers crawling right now. She is SO fast. I guess she feels like walking might slow her up a bit. I am already starting to think about her 1st birthday party, believe it or not. It is impossible to believe that it's that time. People say it all the time, but it really does fly by. We are trying so hard to savor the moments we have with her.

On another front, we put our condo on the market yesterday, and we are THRILLED at the prospect of moving to a house. We would certainly appreciate it if you would pray with us as we seek the Lord's will in this. So...if you know anyone in the market for a condo in the Western Ave area, let us (or Fran) know! :)

Here are a few pics!

Helping Grandaddy work on making the condo look great!

Hanging out at the Olive Garden...she LOVES bread! I'm afraid this may be inherited

If you can't see how much Anna Kate loves her daddy from these pics, I don't know what to tell you!

Mama got her hair did!!!

2009-02-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Alright girls, let me know what you think...if you think it's terrible, lie! :) Just kidding! I just decided it was time to do something different, and it felt good to have a break today! Thanks, Mom, for watching Anna Kate!

9 Month Checkup!

2009-02-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
On Friday of last week, Anna Kate had her 9 month checkup (a little late, thanks to mama!) and we got a great report! Apparently, Anna Kate is one healthy baby! She weighed in at a little over 21 lbs, which put her in the 80th percentile, while her height at almost 29 inches, put her in the ninety-something percentile, so she's not heavy for her height! Her head is huge at almost 29 3/4 cm, so hopefully she'll be smarter than her mama, especially when it comes to math! :) Her hemoglobin, which I think measures the iron in her blood was 14, which, the doctor said, is on par for a teenage boy...EEK! So, obviously, we're not anemic! God has been so good to keep her healthy and well, especially this winter. We are thankful to him for her progress and growth and will pray that it continues! For those of you that are familiar with it, the nurses thought Anna Kate's growl was HILARIOUS! They just kept coming into the room and laughing...I, of course, was mortified. They saw that she is a happy baby, though, despite the growling. :)

We spent Sunday traveling, and were able to go to Gallatin to hear Tyler's grandaddy preach. What a treat! He is such a precious man of God, and we were so proud of him. He spoke on sexual purity with such fervor and conviction. Afterwards, we got to see Tyler's grandparents' new condo. It is so pretty, and we were thrilled to have Tyler's grandmother's awesome homemade rolls with our home-cooked lunch! Today, I got caught out in what I'd call a blizzard. I decided to take the back way home...NOT SMART, and if it weren't for the prudent advice of my daddy, I'd probably still be stranded in some ditch between here and Kroger! I went out early this morning to have the oil changed in my car, so mom came and had breakfast with me, then brought Anna Kate home so that I could get some shopping done! Thanks Granna!

Here are a few pictures:

Us with Tyler's grandparents...Tyler's grandmother says "A well dressed baby is a barefoot baby" Hence, Anna Kate's bare feet! :)

Pulling up on Grandaddy and Gigi's cabinets in the kitchen. She kept hitting them like, "Hey! Let me in!"

Anna Kate & Daddy in the snow today!

The funniest picture to date...This made me laugh out loud!

Anna Kate is pulling up on EVERYTHING!

One of my new favorites!

See...she really is happy...I have NO idea why she growls...

Cute, huh?

Storytime with Mama

I think this is sweet. We are beginning to have a TIME getting Anna Kate to look at the camera!

Snow Day

2009-01-21T06:34:00.000-08:00

Well, we certainly enjoyed the teensy bit of snow we got yesterday. If it's going to be this cold, then I don't mind a bit of the white stuff! :) I do wish it had been enough to snow us in for the day...We took Anna Kate out in it for a little bit, and she just seemed annoyed and COLD! (She is her mama's girl...definitely a warm weather girl!) I did put her little snowsuit on over her sleeper, so she was probably feeling a little constricted! Here are a few pictures!

Daddy had a big shindig at work Monday for which he had to wear a suit, so we had to get a picture of that! He looked so handsome!

Mama: "See the snow, Anna Kate?"

Anna Kate: "What's the big deal? It's COLD out here! Seriously!"

Awww...LOVE the bunny ears on the snowsuit

What IS that stuff???

Uncle Ben and Aunt Lacy were in town this weekend, and Uncle Ben actually fed Anna Kate a couple of times!

See...she is NOT a fan of heavy coats and all this cold weather!

January, I'm not a fan...

2009-01-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all! Sorry it's been awhile since I last posted. I have to tell you, with the FRIGID temperatures, we haven't been venturing out much. It's just too dang cold! Plus, we've all (well, maybe just me...) had a bit of the January blues. Tyler's convinced that someday if we could have a sunroom, it would fix all this seasonal affective disorder aka NOT ENOUGH SUNLIGHT!! :) Monday, Anna Kate and I did get to go to lunch with some dear girlfriends, well, we did get to see precious Drew, too! It was good to catch up and just sit and chat for a while. Drew was pretty much terrified of Anna Kate's scary baby growl (which some of you are familiar with), and I have to say, I'm not a fan, either, Drew, but it was so funny to see them start to interact a bit more. In other news, Anna Kate's started clapping and shaking her head...not necessarily at the same time, but both are extremely funny, and we're just having fun watching her grow and explore new things! Here are a few pictures!

Hey Drew!

Drew: "HELP!!!"
Anna Kate: "...Can't get chair to move..."

I was so excited to get a picture of both of them looking at the camera!

I thought this one was TOO funny...she's certainly got a hard life, huh?

Again, HILARIOUS!!!

For Christmas, my cousin Danielle and her family sent Anna Kate this adorable singing storybook. It has all sorts of nursery rhymes and little songs, and as you can see, she LOVES it!

Two things, I have to apologize for my singing, but it made her shake her head, so it made it on the blog...Casey, you have to watch it til the end. The video I took of Anna Kate and Drew at lunch is pretty funny!

Another new Montage!

2009-01-01T08:10:00.001-08:00

Hey guys...it seems that I don't get on onetruemedia.com often enough, but when I do, I get a lot accomplished! Here's the montage for the Fall, including Halloween and Thanksgiving. There are some really funny videos in here, even if all you bloggers have seen all the photos, before! :)

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our Christmas!

2008-12-31T19:23:00.000-08:00

Whew...Sorry it's taken a few days to update, but I've been being a complete slacker this week! We had a great time over Christmas! We got to spend lots of time with our family, and we truly enjoyed Anna Kate on her very first Christmas. Christmas Eve we hung around the house for most of the day, and then spent the evening at Tyler's dad's house. Anna Kate had a fabulous time opening her presents, though, as most parents with kids Anna Kate's age would attest to, she enjoyed the bows and ribbons SO much more! ;) Then Christmas morning, Tyler and I got up a little earlier than the little one and had our Christmas, then woke Anna Kate up to show her what Santa had brought her! Then, Tyler's mom and stepdad came up and we exchanged presents and had brunch. That evening, we went out to my parent's house and had a wonderful dinner and Anna Kate opened up one present per Granna's request! :) Uncle Ben and Aunt Lacy came in last weekend, and we had Christmas with them Saturday night. In the midst of all that, Tyler had the grand opening of the Callahan store...here are a couple of pics from that! We are more than thankful for its success so far. It is definitely due to a lot of hard work and prayers from everyone involved!

If you guys haven't had a chance, you must see the store. Tyler, his dad and everyone involved did an amazing job, and Robin, I have to say that I haven't seen THAT many stores in my time, but this one has to be one of the most beautiful showrooms EVER!!! Congratulations guys!

Daddy and his baby on the day of the Grand Opening!

Okay, here's the montage. I must apologize for the 80's Sandi Patty song, but it's one of my favorites, and it seemed perfect! Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town!

2008-12-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all! Sorry it's been a while since I updated...life has been a bit crazy lately! I am proud, though...all our Christmas shopping is finished...everything's wrapped, and we're ready for action! :) Next up, baking! Yesterday, Granna & Grandaddy took us to see Santa, and Anna Kate had the BEST time! She absolutely loved being out in the hustle and bustle. She laughed and cooed and smiled all afternoon, even though she completely missed her nap. She became fast friends with the big man in red, and I hope it's the beginning of a wonderful friendship! After our afternoon out, we came home, ordered pizza, and after putting Anna Kate to bed, I convinced Mom, Daddy, and Tyler to assemble a gingerbread house I bought while I was grocery shopping this week. After much grumbling and persuading, we had SUCH a good time working on it, and I must say, it being our very first one EVER turned out really great! .

I Hope everyone's taking a little time each day to reflect on the real reason for celebration this Christmas. Stop for a minute today, and think about what your life would look like without the redeeming work of Jesus in your life. Praise the Father for sending the Son and allowing us to have relationship with Him. I bought Amy Grant's very first Christmas album at McKay's this past weekend (Boy, I'm not sure why I thought a trip to McKay's the Saturday two weeks before Christmas would be a good idea!), and I listened to it Wednesday while I was wrapping gifts. She has a BEAUTIFUL arrangement of "A Mighty Fortress" paired with "Angels We Have Heard on High." It's an incredible reminder that the Jesus we celebrate at this time of year is the SAME Jesus who is our fortress, our deliverer, and our never-failing protection! Hallelujah!

And you thought you were having a bad hair day!

In front of Granna's tree. The onesie she has on says "Mom & Dad's Best Present EVER!" How true...

This is what most of our pics look like...

See all my teeth??? Her front ones are breaking the skin, making 6, and her eye teeth are coming soon...Whew!

Storytime with Daddy...Thanks for the cool touch & feel book, Grandmom!

Ready to rock-n-roll at the mall!

Playin' with Granna during lunch!

Storytime with Grandaddy!

The beginnings of the masterpiece!

Go Mom!

Poor Bella!

With the finished product! I was amazed we had any candy left. Tyler kept sneaking pieces!

Isn't this adorable??? She looks like she's saying, "What's up Santa? How ya been?"

I'm convinced this is the BEST Santa photo EVER...but I may be just a teensy bit biased!

Still #1 in my heart!

2008-12-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

We had the privlege of traveling to Atlanta with Tyler's dad, Robin and the girls yesterday to cheer on the Tide in the SEC championship game. Thanks SO much guys, we had a fabulous time! I can safely say that I gave it my all (as evidenced by my sore throat, massive headache, and hoarseness by the end of the game), as did the rest of the fans, the band, and most of all, the players. I was so proud of our team for holding on and fighting hard. I know most of those guys are probably fighting injuries and are exhausted, but they were awesome. Our fans cheered hard and looked great! (Hardly any crimson camo or tacky outfits!) We lost to a great team, and we all had a fabulous time in spite of the loss! Thanks Granna & Grandaddy for watching Anna Kate while we were gone! She is definitely a handful now that she's a speed demon-crawler and cutting like 89 teeth all at once. (Babies don't have that many teeth, do they???) Despite getting in around midnight and being up thru the night with our darling little teether :( I thought I'd update. Things have been so busy with Tyler lately, I haven't had a chance to take tons of pics, but here are a few!

Kay all you "Not Me Monday" moms...here's mine: I most certainly DID NOT leave my baby in her high chair for several minutes after she finished eating just to take a slew of silly close up pictures of her! NOPE! Not me! :)

Those cheeks...

Playin' with Daddy...err...trying to keep Anna Kate out of the Christmas tree! ;)

This is what I find most days when I go in to get Anna Kate up from a nap! Oh-and her paci in the floor!...

Adventures in bathtime...why do I have to pay dearly for mascara to make my lashes look half this long???

Mae Beth, Tyler and Sarah at SEC Fanfare...how fun!

Tyler and me at the Georgia Dome...we had such a good time despite the loss! Roll Tide!

Our Little Turkey!

2008-11-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

We had a great day yesterday! We spent the day with Tyler's family and enjoyed LOTS of yummy traditional Thanksgiving food. Tyler's grandmother shook things up a bit with her sweet potato casserole this year. The sweet potato was grated (think carrot salad) and had coconut and pineapple in it. It was SO good! :) Almost like a dessert. Anyway-it was a wonderful thing to spend the whole day with Tyler for a change! :) We came home and made cookies and hot chocolate and watched TV for a bit. I have to tell you...I caught myself misty-eyed for much of the day yesterday. We have SO much to be thankful for. Sometimes when I watch the news, which is not often, I find myself caught up in the dismay of seemingly endless accounts of natural disasters, economic mayhem, and generally frightening things going on in the world. I always come back to the fact that I am loved and have been redeemed from this world by One so unshakable and unchanging that I have absolutely nothing to fear.

Things I'm thankful for:
-the grace and mercy of Jesus...without it nothing is possible. It's that simple.
-a husband that loves me when I'm less than lovable and sometimes downright selfish and has promised to be here no matter what!
-an amazing little one that is healthy, happy (generally :), and has, in 7 1/2 short months, completely jolted me from my completely self-centered way of thinking
-a wonderful church family and a place to use the talents and gifts that I've been entrusted with
-Parents that would literally lay in traffic for me and consistently love me (and my family) with an uncompromising love
-Family and friends who are there for us and serve as an extension of Christ's love to us
-opportunities to worship...I am especially thankful that thru Jesus, we can approach the Father and communicate our love and admiration of Him in spite of our flaws and failures!
-warmth, food, and a steady income. In these uncertain times, I don't think any of us should take for granted the fact that we have enough money in the bank to pay our bills and provide for our families!

I heard a wonderful idea for a family Thanksgiving tradition that I think I'm going to start in our family. The idea is to have a Thanksgiving jar in your house that you fill throughout the year with thankful thoughts...i.e. times that God answers prayer, etc. Then, on Thanksgiving, you dump out the jar and reflect on what God's done throughout the year! I think sometimes, we skip Thanksgiving on our way to Christmas, and we shouldn't. Having hearts filled with gratitude should be a daily goal, and I can sure use the help in finding ways to express that gratitude!

Hello Tryptophan! Sleepy bunch after lots of turkey

Daddy and Anna Kate

Our little family on our very 1st Thanksgiving with Anna Kate! *sniff sniff*

Me & my baby! LOVE the bib...

4 generations...

Greatgrandmother Harris and Anna Kate

Getting ready for Christmas!

2008-11-26T11:38:00.001-08:00

We are officially ready for Christmas! Mom came up and helped me finish decorating yesterday, and we had a great time! Anna Kate is beginning to learn "no touch," so it's a bit challenging, but if you'll notice in the picture below, there aren't a lot of ornaments on the bottom of the tree! ;) Anna Kate is crawling absolutely everywhere now, and pulling up to standing whenever she can. We took the coffee table out of the living room yesterday, because it has super sharp corners, and we just didn't think it was smart to leave it there. I hated it anyway! :) Plus, now we have LOTS more room! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!

With Granna and all the decorations!

On mama's rocking horse from when she was a baby! I think this will be super fun in a few months.

Standing up and looking at the camera like, "what?"

The only picture from our week at Granna's! Whew, Mama was SO busy!

This is amazing!

2008-11-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

We spent last week at my mom and dad's house in Lenoir City taking care of my grandmother while my parents were out of town, so I took literally one picture... :( Meanwhile, I saw this video today and had to share. Being a communications major in college and having some background in journalism, the media's election coverage over the past year has been faschinating, and I'm sure it will be studied for years to come. This video shows why...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm1KOBMg1Y8

Our Wonderful Weekend with Family!

2008-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! We had a great week last week! Daddy is working so hard at the new location, and it's really starting to come together! Uncle Ben and Aunt Lacy were in town this weekend, and it was SO good to see them. We gave them a tour of the new facility on Saturday afternoon and watched the Alabama LSU game Saturday night. We all spent Sunday recovering from the nail-biting and stomach wrenching the night before! We were definitely glad to come away from Baton Rouge with a win! We even got to visit a bit with Anna Kate's Great Uncle Craig who came all the way from Houston for the weekend. It was especially nice to celebrate the big win with him! Oh...Anna Kate is seven months old TODAY! Whew...time is absolutely flying. We not only have our bottom two teeth peeking thru, but we noticed over the weekend, that there are two on the top (the ones on either side of the front ones) coming in as well! Maybe we'll just cut a whole bunch of them at once and get it over with. Anna Kate seems to be handling it well. No excessive fussiness or fever! YAY! Hope everyone has a great week!

Daddy giving Uncle Ben a tour of the warehouse

Daddy & Steve JUST finishing all the labeling...what a HUGE job!

Watching the race with Uncle Ben...his FAVORITE thing! He spent much of the race explaining all the technical car stuff!

Hangin' out with Aunt Lacy!

Checking Uncle Ben out!

Me, Anna Kate, & Uncle Craig...Hackney chins all around! :) :)

chewing on Uncle Craig's glasses!

Uncle Ben & Grandaddy sure look funny!

With Uncle Ben & Aunt Lacy

Uncle Ben, Daddy & me hanging out just before bedtime!

Grandaddy and Uncle Craig...I'm obviously over this photo session at this point!

Laughin at Grandaddy in spite of the paci!

All of us...Uncle Ben sure is a mess!

My favorite picture from the weekend!

The Not So Great Pumpkin

2008-11-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

well...in size anyway! :) Friday night was Halloween, and we dressed Anna Kate up as a pumpkin. It was a last minute costume, since we didn't think we'd be in town, but I think it turned out pretty cute. We spent the evening out at Granna and Grandaddy's, where there were SO many trick-or-treaters. My favorite turned out to be a 3 year old princess who happily bellowed, "Happy Halloween!" when my mom opened the door. After her parents corrected her and said she was supposed to say, "trick or treat," undaunted, she bellowed, "Happy Halloween!" She was so cute! My mom also picked up a just in case costume, hence the tigger costume. Saturday, we were able to spend some time with Tyler's grandparents. It was definitely good for them to catch up with Anna Kate! :) Hope everyone's having a good week so far. OH...and GO VOTE TOMORROW! (if you haven't already) I think we all know how critical this election is. There is just too much at stake to sit idly by and not let your voice be heard!

Trick or Treat!!

Farmer Jones (aka Grandaddy) & his favorite pumpkin!

Tigger & mama

Granna & the ghost!

Playing with Aunt Sarah in the floor!

Greatgrandmother & Anna Kate

Better Late than Never, right???

2008-10-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Here's the slideshow I've been working on for Anna Kate's 5th and 6th months! It's taken a while, but I think it's pretty cute! Oh...and I know there are lots and lots of you wonderful out of town family members and friends that watch our blog, but I NEVER hear from you! You know who you are...Let us know what you think of Anna Kate's progress over the last few months...we'd love to hear from you! And,it's just not that hard to leave a comment! :) We love you all!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Warning...this might be the kind of thing that only a mother could appreciate! It's an entire montage of Anna Kate rolling over...just so you know! :)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

PS-We had a nightmarish shoot with a fabulous photographer and friend of mine Rhonda Thompson yesterday. The wind was whipping and the temperatures were FRIGID, but she managed to get a few shots! Here's a quick preview! Thanks, Rhonda & Kim...you guys are the best!

What's funny, and correct me if I'm wrong, Rhonda, but this pic was not posed. I was really just trying to warm my baby up. SHE WAS FREEZING!

My favorite picture of Tyler & Anna Kate

Our Little Family

Happy Birthday Granna!!!

2008-10-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today we met Granna and Grandaddy for a birthday lunch today at PF Chang's, and it was so yummy! We even had birthday dessert. What a treat!

These are basically the same picture, but I thought Anna Kate's expressions were both cute!!

With the baby great wall of chocolate! :)

Cigar smoke and Bathtime

2008-10-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! This weekend was a whirlwind, and I think it may take us a while to recover, but we had such a good time. We went to the Tennessee Alabama game Saturday night...not a wise thing since I had to be at church by 7:45 (I actually made it around 8) for worship team! We got in at about 2 and didn't get to sleep til around 3...we were so excited from all that adrenaline! Plus, I thought it would be smart to wear 3 inch heeled-boots to the game, until I realized that we had to walk (or should I say climb) 2 miles to the stadium! So, not only were we on an adrenaline high, but my legs/feet were THROBBING! Lesson learned! I am STILL tired from all of it, but we had a blast at the game. Thanks Granna for hanging out with Anna Kate while we were at the game! Sunday night after we got a personal tour of the new store/warehouse from Daddy, we came home and Anna Kate had her first big girl bath in her own special tub! Thanks Gigi for the ducky tub! The funniest thing is...Bella is TERRIFIED of it.

Before the game!

Tyler and his dad after the game. Pretty happy campers!

Mama and Daddy after the game...sweet cigar smoke EVERYWHERE! Might as well enjoy the win...every year's a battle in this rivalry!

Rub-a-dub-dub we were splashin' in the tub!

Can we please slow this down?

2008-10-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! We had a big weekend. After getting lost on our way to Boo at the Farm :( We headed out to Granna and Grandaddy's to watch lots of football. While we were watching the Alabama game, my mom noticed Anna Kate doing this really funny thing with her tongue, and checked to see if her teeth were coming in, and guess what! We had two teeth coming in! Then, on Sunday, we came home and put Anna Kate on her trusty pink houndstooth blanket and she sat up...on her own for the first time and thought it would be a good time to say "mama!" I went crazy, of course, with the video camera and camera. Tyler laughed at me, but who cares!? Here are a few of the pics I got!

We stopped in at work to visit and Gigi and Anna Kate matched in their running suits! Aren't they adorable?

Watching football with Daddy in her Halloween outfit...the onesie has a ghost face on it! So serious, though...that Ole Miss game turned out to be a nail-biter! We were thankful to come away with a win! Roll Tide!

Story time with Daddy before bed

First time sitting up on my own! A little wobbly, but happy!

Somehow, wrapping herself up in the blanket seemed to help!

See? Now I've got it!

This could present a problem at naptime! ;)

Proof...

Our weekend!

2008-10-15T18:20:00.001-07:00

Daddy had to go out of town, so Anna Kate and I spent part of the weekend out with Granna & Grandaddy's house, since I'm a complete wimp and hate being at home alone overnight! :) We took a few pics...here they are! By the way, Anna Kate turned 6 months old on Saturday! Impossible to believe that I've had all that time to lose this baby weight, and I'm not skinny yet! :) We had our checkup Tuesday, and got our oral Rotovirus vaccine AND the three normal shots, PLUS (much to Daddy's shagrin) a flu shot! ICK!!! Anna Kate handled it like a trooper. She cried a bit more than at her previous appointments, and resisted a bit when I tried to calm her down by feeding her, but I'll tell you, I about BAWLED when she started crying in pain. It was not fun for either of us, but she has done well, and napped well all day today as a result. She weighs a little over 18 lbs, is 27 inches long, and has a head circumfrence of 44 cm. All in all, weight: 86th percentile, height: 90th percentile, and head: 96th percentile...WHOA! We got rave reviews at the doctor's office! :)

With my Grandaddy enjoying the amazing Fall weather!

Getting some lovin' from Granna!

Don't I look so grown up in my dress and tights!? Gigi, the Scotties are especially for you!

Is this not a beautiful picture? My mom is so proud of her Hibiscus, and this little butterfly decided to take a moment to stop and enjoy!

Talking to Grandaddy on the phone...did I mention that she's grabbing at EVERYTHING right now??

Bathtime at Granna's!

TAGGED!!
I was tagged by Rhonda to post my 6th picture from my 6th folder....well, I have NO idea how to organize my pics, so I just used the folders created by my memory card! Casey, since this pic involves your precious Drew, I am now tagging you!! Post your 6th pic from the 6th folder!

MUST Read!

2008-10-15T18:11:00.001-07:00

I have to tell you...I'm as fed up as anybody with this whole election process, but I read this blog/article today, and it opened my eyes in a new way. If you are an evangelical Christian thinking of voting for Obama, please take a moment to read this! If this were the only issue in the campaign, and obviously it's not, this is reason enough to vote for McCain. It is hideous what our country has come to accept and ignore as a normal part of society.

Between Two Worlds: Robert P. George: "Voting for the Most Extreme Pro-Abortion Political Candidate in American History Is Not the Way to Save Unborn Babies"

Posted using ShareThis

My Little Shopper!

2008-10-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall Y'all! This past week was filled with amazing beautiful days and cool nights, and for the most part, we rested! Anna Kate had sweet potatoes for the first time and LOVED them...she went shopping at TJ Maxx for the first time...and loved it! She also spent the weekend at Granna and Grandaddy's for the 2nd time...and loved it! (even though we have no pictures to prove it, Granna!) Tyler and I had the opportunity to go to Tuscaloosa for another home game. We had so much fun at the game despite the blistering sun and the super close game...those wildcats were no pushover! We had a great weekend, but we were SO glad to see Anna Kate when we came home. She's changing so quickly right now, that even if you're away for a day, it seems she's a different baby when you see her again. She's picked up this new sound, too. It's kind of a cross between a grunt and one of her long drawn out talking sounds. It's so funny, and she's so fascinated with herself.

Granna obviously thought this was funny. She's really starting grabbing at EVERYTHING!

Granna bought a jumperoon at Once Upon a Child (not a fun place to be when it's filled to the brim with screaming kids and pushy parents) Anna Kate is just starting to understand what to do in it. She mostly just likes being up and able to see! Thanks Granna!

At dinner with Grandaddy! Angelo's Brick Oven in Lenoir City has some pretty awesome pizza!

Mama & Daddy back at Cypress Inn in T-town...the place they went to eat the night they got engaged! THE best fried green tomatoes in the WORLD!

The family in front of Denny Chimes. They played the chimes the whole morning long. My all-time favorite song is "Stars Fell on Alabama!" They even played a song for the Kentucky fans. I'm so glad we have class at Bama!

Ahh...so go to be back in Alabama. Thanks for keeping Anna Kate, Granna and Grandaddy! It definitely made our weekend much more enjoyable knowing that she was in GREAT hands back at home!

My little Rolly Polly!

2008-09-30T19:00:00.001-07:00

Whew...I am quickly becoming a blog slacker! I don't even know where to start. Anna Kate has been loving the cereal and has since started carrots! Tonight she had some avacado, which was HILARIOUS!! She's not a fan...but we'll keep trying. She is rolling and trying to crawl. She gets up on her little hands and knees and just rocks back and forth and then tumbles down and rolls onto her side as if to say, "Whew! That was hard!"

One of my new favorites! She is developing quite a smile!

Sleeping in the chair with Daddy!

Thanks for the dress Kyndra!

Walking in the park on a beautiful Fall day!

Laughing at Daddy!

waking up from a nap...happy baby

Carrots are good!

We love Fall...look at that blue sky!

Trying to crawl! I'll post some video soon

This was taken today. I am amazed at how much she's growing! She's becoming such a Daddy's girl!

Pray for Maggie!

2008-09-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

Why not use this blog as a prayer chain? A dear childhood friend of mine and her family need our prayers. My friend April (Hutchins) Rennie has a precious 15-month old little girl named Maggie who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. After changing a diaper last week and noticing some blood, April took her to the doctor, and after much testing and what had to be terrifying days waiting, they were told that she has cancer. They currently being treated at Emory in Atlanta, and I'm confident that Maggie and her family are in great hands there. Please pray with me that this cancer be taken from her little body, and whatever the case, the family would be strengthened and given sufficient grace to see them through these tough moments. Maggie's Papa, another wonderful family friend has created a CarePage for Maggie. Here's the URL: www.carepages.com/maggiejorennie I had to go through a teensy bit of setup to access her page. Please check it out and join me in supporting this precious family! We're praying for you Maggie!

Our First Weekend Away!

2008-09-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

We did it!!! We finally left Anna Kate for more than about 3 hours! We had the opportunity to go to Tuscaloosa this weekend with Tyler's dad Robin and the girls to stay in their new condo and go the home opener against Tulane. We had such a great time being with you guys...thanks so much for letting us tag along!! We left Anna Kate with my mom and daddy and headed out about 1 on Friday and returned today around 6....those last few hours were excruciating! I missed Anna Kate so much. Even though we had a fantastic weekend being back in Alabama with family, and I was able to do some shopping for next season for Anna Kate...I wore my mom and dad OUT with all my phone calls! They did a perfect job taking care of her! Thanks so much, mom and daddy...you have no idea what a blessing it was to come home to a happy baby! :) They even called us right before we drove into Knoxville and let us listen as Anna Kate cackled and laughed harder than I've ever heard her while they were playing with Bella! Here are a few pictures from the weekend!

I don't know if I've mentioned it, but Anna Kate absolutely LOVES to chew on her feet...so funny!

Hanging out with Daddy...Mama, why are you taking my picture??

She is REALLY grasping and holding onto things well...they also generally go in her mouth...

We went and got Anna Kate a jumperoo...I don't think she's quite ready for it...she just sat in it with this bewildered look on her face and spun around slowly on one toe. I almost hurt myself laughing!

Leaving my baby...I was heartbroken!

I asked Mom to take lots of pictures this weekend, and this is what I got! :) See how she's grasping the bottle...it won't be long before she'll be holding it all on her own!

Sarah, Tyler and Mae Beth on the balcony at the condo...see Bryant-Denny in the background?

Actin silly after a LOOOOOONG ride in the car!

...normal

...more silliness!!! See how much more flexible Sarah & Mae Beth are than the old woman? Ahhh...youth!

Watching TV

in The Zone...aka The Eating Olympics...there was so much good food, we all about ate ourselves silly!

This time last season, my baby bump was just showing up!

Me & Robin...isn't that the best view of the field???

Sarah, me & Mae Beth...we took a million pictures! It was so much fun

Sweet Home Alabama...I still say that Bryant-Denny is THE prettiest stadium in the world at night! You can't beat it!

4 Month Slideshow!

2008-09-03T13:55:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's been a LONG time huh?

2008-09-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to tell you...Time is flyin by, and since our vacation, I've been a complete slacker...in almost every way. Anna Kate has been growing and changing so much! We had our four-month check up last week on August 26th, and Anna Kate is about 24 inches long, and weigs 15.9 lbs, both of which were around the 70th percentile...so her gargantuan size at birth is leveling out...she may not be a linebacker afterall! :) She is getting to be such a rolly polly. The other night I put her down on her mat, which she loves, and went into the kitchen to do something, and literally 20 seconds later, Tyler said, "Elisa, come here!" Anna Kate had rolled across the floor and under his recliner! Until then, she only rolled over on her belly and just sat there. It was SO funny! We will definitely have to start thinking about baby-proofing, huh? She's also started cereal, which is pretty funny. She had her first cereal last Wednesday. (After all the stress of the doctor's appt on Tuesday and the shots, I thought it prudent to wait for a day to introduce the spoon and cereal) Of course, Tyler has been worried about the nutritional value of single grain rice cereal, but you have to start somewhere, Daddy! ;) The first couple of feedings were pretty hilarious, with Anna Kate pursing her little lips and looking at us with this confused look like, "What in the world is this thing and this pasty stuff you're trying to put in my face?" After a couple of days, though, she was opening her mouth like a little bird and eating as fast as I could feed her! I think we have a good eater on our hands! :) Other than that, we've just been adjusting her schedule to exclude the long nap at 5...she takes a catnap and is usually ready to rumble for the rest of the evening! We are finding that she's a little clingy to me, which is disconcerting, but will hopefully work itself out if we are more intentional going forward about her spending time with others.

I am continually amazed at the intense love I feel for her...she is such an amazing blessing. As I sat folding her little laundry this morning, I stopped and thought, how precious to be able to care for her. Even in such a small thing, to be able to meet her need. I am reminded of the Father's love for us thru Christ. I love opening my prayers with "Heavenly Father." He is the author of those feelings I had this morning folding Anna Kate's onesies! How precious and unthinkable that He wants to care for me that way and meet my needs...and He is SO much more capable than I am with all my flaws and weaknesses. Why is it that I so often wear myself out trying to meet mine, my husband's, my family's needs and completely leave him out of the equation? I pray that I will allow Him to be strong in my weakness...especially as I grow as a mama!

Lunchin' with Grandaddy & Granna at McAlister's

Very first bite of cereal...Daddy did such a good job!

This might not be all that bad! :)

She's really beginning to enjoy tummy time...especially when her daddy gets in the floor to play with her!

Grandaddy came over while Granna was at the beach, and Anna Kate had such a good time laughin with him!

Watching my first Alabama game with Gigi, Aunt Mae Beth and Benny!

Aunt Sarah showing Anna Kate what to do with that shaker! She was fascinated with it!!! Roll Tide!

Sunday in the nursery-which has been a little crazy and in need of volunteers lately-with Drew. Casey and I both try to have them sleep in there, and when I went to get Anna Kate this past Sunday, they were both just hanging out in the swings...WHERE WE LEFT THEM...like little angels! The nursery workers were VERY appreciative! :) Isn't this precious...

Thanks Gigi, Aunt Sarah, and Aunt Mae Beth for my cute pink Alabama dress!

Happy girl watchin Monday's post-practice press conference with Daddy!

Beach Trip!

2008-08-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! We took so many pictures at the beach, even though we were only there for 2 full days, both of which included RAIN!!! We had a great time despite the weather and had such a good time catching up with our family. This is actually the hotel where I spent almost all of my summer vacations growing up...I was actually only a month younger than Anna Kate when I came for the first time!

Grandaddy & me at 3 months old

Grangranny & Anna Kate at 4 months

This was Daddy's favorite...the suit that Anna Kate's wearing was actually my first bathing suit!! :)

Here's a slideshow

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Dianna & Dustin's Wedding

2008-08-14T15:46:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, my cousin Dianna got married, and we were thrilled to be there for it! We had a great time hanging out with family while we helped get everything set up and ready for the big event! The wedding was beautiful and we wish Dianna and Dustin all the happiness in the world as they start their life together!

Aunt Danielle and Anna Kate at the bridal luncheon

Aunt Dianna, Aunt Kyndra and Grangranny and some SWEET sweet tea

Grangranny, Anna Kate and Granna

all the girls at the luncheon!

Danielle and I matched, so we took a picture

All the girls before the wedding chowing down on some snack food

Lacy and I were scarfing down a little snack before the big moment

Time out to play with Anna Kate!

Lacy and me-it's hard to believe that just a year ago she was the bride!

Ben and me...boys love weddings...can't you tell by the look on his face ;)

Dianna and her daddy putting the penny in her shoe!

All the girls in the family

me, Dianna, and Danielle-we've had this picture taken at all of our weddings!

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Lots of time with Family & Friends

2008-08-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun week last week complete with a day at the pool, a party (complete with Drew, Anna Kate's main squeeze), and a visit with the Greatgrandparents. Anna Kate also had her first trip to the mall! On Monday, we went over to our friend Sarah's pool which was SO fun...especially since Anna Kate and Drew who were supposed to be napping, basically laid in the floor and talked to each other! We had a party for our friend Michael who is actually starting med school today-Good Luck, Michael!! We got to see Drew for a bit...he was getting ready to go to bed, so we only had time for a quick photo op, then it was time to party! This week, we got to visit with Anna Kate's Greatgrandparents and see Aunt Sarah's video from Nationals...it was great! Anna Kate is rolling from her back to her belly really well, but she can't quite get back on her back yet. She went to sleep the other day on her belly (while I watched, of course) and freaked out when she woke up and couldn't roll over. She's also really starting to grasp and hold on to things really well, and just jabbering up a storm. I can't wait for her to start talking!

Drew and Anna Kate "napping" while the girls enjoyed some time in the sun!

Anna Kate's first trip to the mall

Anna Kate's developing quite a coy look

Casey, Drew, Anna Kate and Sarah at the party!

Drew and Anna Kate sittin on the sofa

All the girls hanging out while the boys watched "Man vs. Wild" a.k.a. the most disgusting and intriguing show on tv

taking a bottle from Greatgrandmother

You can barely tell in this picture, but Anna Kate is really starting to grasp for things...she LOVES that pink elephant on her play mat at my parent's house

Aunt Sarah did GREAT!

2008-07-26T06:06:00.001-07:00

Aunt Sarah went to nationals for the first time and placed 5th (like in the WHOLE country)! She and family are back home now, and we can't wait to see all the video and photos from last week! We are so proud of you!

Also, our friend Dedra of Studio 193 MADE my day this morning, when she emailed me the finished photos from Anna Kate's newborn shoot (and my maternity shoot)! The ones of Anna Kate are just breath-taking, and I cannot believe how fast she is growing. Time is flying by...

Tyler and I in silhouette...very poignant considering we were only about a month away from meeting Anna Kate!

Whew! I look like I'd swallowed a watermelon. This shot was inspired by a prego shot of one of my heros-Audrey Hepburn.

Sleeping...love it!

again...sleeping...again...LOVE IT!

probably one of my all time favorite photographs-EVER!

Anna Kate and the afghan that Grandmama made

LOVE this one...big ole blue eyes

Tyler loved this one...I think she looks like she saying, "Hmmm...let me think about that..."

Should we contact the maker of the dresser to see if they're interested in doing an ad with this picture...who wouldn't buy it if they saw this picture?

Where it all started...

Thanks Bill and Dedra for capturing such gorgeous shots of our little one...

Good Luck Aunt Sarah

2008-07-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Aunt Sarah is at Notre Dame this week twirling at Nationals! We love you, and we'll be praying for you!!! You'll be GREAT!

Here's a video we took of Anna Kate yesterday-she is getting SO much more responsive, especially to her daddy...guess we've got a Daddy's girl on our hands! :)

Catch up!

2008-07-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

We had a great week last week...I just didn't have a chance to post any pictures! We were blessed to be able to spend lots of time with friends last week. Tuesday, we went to spend the afternoon with Grandmama & Grandaddy. Then, Wednesday, we went to a super fun play date with some of our dear friends. Fran invited us all over and she and Sara made some yummy brunch food-Thanks girls! Can you believe that between Fran, Rhonda, Sara and me, there were 7 kids? Sarah and I only accounted for 2! Thursday we had newlyweds Morgan and Jamie over for dinner, and we had such a good time! Grandmama and Grandaddy watched Anna Kate while we went to dinner with Matt and Sarah Beth! Thanks, y'all! We had a great time...I came down with some sort of sinus crud on Friday night, though, and have been icky all weekend. It seems to be getting better today, thank goodness, and hopefully this week will be good! Here are some pictures!

Reading my Noah's Ark pop-up book from Grandmom with Daddy!

Hangin' out with Gigi! (and Bosley!)

Laughing at everyone in my bouncy seat!

an artsy photo that Aunt Sarah took...I thought it was cool!

sleeping with Aunt Sarah!

Sara and I with our girls!

Anna & Anna Kate-they'll be chattin' it up before we know it!

Fran and Jake playing with Anna Kate

My baby and me!

We met Daddy for lunch Friday, and it made Anna Kate's morning!

Anna Kate is 3 months old today!!

2008-07-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

It is so hard for me to believe that 3 months ago on a Friday, I was at the hospital, and we were about to meet miss Anna Kate! The time has absolutely flown by, and as much as I loved her 3 months ago, that love has grown over these months and will continue to grow! She is such a precious gift, and I feel so incredible blessed to be a mother. I wasn't sure that I could or even wanted to handle it, but I am learning and growing right along with her, and I would not trade motherhood for a thing in this world! I am learning more and more about the Father's love for us through Jesus...As much as I love Anna Kate, I know that it is only a faint reflection of the love God has for us. I love Eph. 3:17-19 which says,

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

My prayer for Anna Kate is that above everything, she will come to know Jesus, and in that, discover this amazing, redeeming love. I can only make it my aim to make sure that I am a vessel and an instrument of such love in her life-all for the glory of God!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Day with Friends

2008-07-07T05:51:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Some friends invited us to spend the day at Norris lake Saturday, which meant it was our first extended time away from miss Anna Kate! I was a little apprehensive about leaving her, but my mom came up to our house to keep her, which made it SO much easier. We had a fantastic time on the lake-I've NEVER seen such pretty water on a lake, and we had a great time riding in the boats and hanging out with everybody...maybe next time we'll actually try skiing or tubing-having not spent much time on the lake, Tyler and I were chicken! We came home to a wonderfully rested baby-Thanks mom for staying on schedule-and a very happy Grandmama from getting to spend all day with her new granddaughter! Thanks guys for inviting us up...we enjoyed it SO much! Here are a few pics!

All the girls!

The mamas! Casey brought Drew down for the day, and he did so good. We had a great time catching up and talking about mama stuff!

Tyler and I on our way back to the marina...what a beautiful time to be on the water!

Last Week

2008-07-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

This week has been pretty uneventful. We were blessed to have Grangranny in town, and she and my mom came over for a couple of visits while they were in town. Anna Kate just loves both of them so much. Even though she hasn't gotten to spend much time with Grangranny, she just LOVES for her to rock her to sleep (she won't let me do that anymore), and she just laughs and smiles at her non-stop! We had a great
4th. Mom and Dad came over and we cooked out. We decided against going downtown in the rainstorm and watched the fireworks on TV. We have decided to try to go to Boston some year for their display...it was AWESOME on tv! Here are a few pics

Hangin out with Daddy on one of his lunch breaks!

I love Grangranny and Grandmama

Grandmama, WHY did you put this bonnet on my head???

Watchin' TV with Grandmama...how do you like my patriotic onesie???

By the way-how do you like our new layout??? This amazing girl name Ashley designed it for us...isn't she fabulous??? Let me know what you think!!

I love slideshows!!!

2008-06-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here are two slideshows I've created for the first two months of Anna Kate's life! I can't seem to scrapbook, so this is PERFECT for me!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our Weekend

2008-06-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

Whew! It was another eventful weekend, with Tyler's birthday and yet another beautiful wedding to attend! We started celebrating Tyler's birthday with a visit from his mom on Wednesday. She and Tyler went shopping for dinner stuff and came home with these huge steaks and a gorgeous chocolate cake! It was SO yummy...plus, Anna Kate enjoyed spending a little time with Gradmom! :) Then on Friday, we celebrated Aunt Mae Beth's and Mary's (Gigi's mom) birthday along with Tyler's at his dad's house...homemade blackberry cobbler with blackberries from the backyard-SO GOOD! Then Saturday, our dear friends David Stewart and Eden got married in a beautiful Hawaiian-themed ceremony. The whole service was so obviously centered around their love for Jesus and each other. We are so happy for them and wish them more happiness than they know what to do with in the coming years! Afterwards, we went to dinner at my parent's house to celebrate, yet again, and also wish my grandmother a happy birthday! She and Tyler actually share a birthday. Here are a few pictures!

Tyler and his mom with that incredible chocolate cake!

The birthday crew with yummy peanut butter pie and blackberry cobbler-YUM!

At the wedding Saturday-Fran and Sara FINALLY got to meet Anna Kate!
It was so good to see you guys!

Tyler with the groom!

Anna Kate and Grangranny watching TV...she just loves Grangranny

Our weekend in Sweet Home Alabama

2008-06-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well, all I had to do to get Anna Kate to sleep all the way thru the night was take her home to Alabama! :) Even staying in a hotel pack-n-play, she slept from 11 to 7 Friday night! WOOHOO!! This weekend, we went to Alabama for my dear friend and college roomate Ashley's wedding. Everything was beautiful, and I was honored to be apart of her special day! We pray that she and Brad will be blissfully happy in the years to come! We were also able to run (literally) to campus and take a few shots with our favorite campus landmarks. One was the President's mansion, where we also have pictures from when we were dating, and graduations, etc. I'll try to post a timeline...I'm sure it would be interesting! Anyway-it was awesome to be back in Bama, and we even got to spend a little bit of time with family in the Valley! It won't be long before we'll be back for my baby cousin Dianna's wedding in August...whew! Time flies!

with Daddy at Bryant-Denny

with mama

Everybody!

at the President's Mansion...my dream house! ;) Seriously though...I love that old South antebellum look

in front of the Chimes...we literally had to break up a student tour to get to the president's mansion, but I think we'd make a killer selling point to high schoolers considering UA...I mean...sweet family coming back to their alma mater with their newborn to take pictures...too cute, right?? :)

roomies...Ash looked so pretty on her wedding day!

with the happy couple!

super happy that Anna Kate made it thru the ceremony without putting her two cents in! :)

Anna Kate meeting Aunt Ashley for the first time!

with some of Ashley beautiful flowers!

My mom went along this weekend to help...and boy did she! I don't know that we'd have done without you...Thank you so much for all your help!

4 generations!

Weigh-in and checkup and SHOTS...OH MY!!!

2008-06-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

This past week Anna Kate had her 2 month check up, which I have been dreading since I found out that that's when the shots would begin! ICK! Anna Kate did famously, screaming only momentarily after her shots...her daddy and I did not fare so well! :) I had no idea that when parents said that they would rather endure the pain themselves than watch their child go thru it, they totally meant it! We are happy to report that Anna Kate's head measures in the 95th percentile at almost 41 cm, her height at 24 in is in the 86th percentile, and her weight of a little over 12 lbs is in the 70-something percentile. Overall...healthy baby! After the shots and a little lunch for Anna Kate, the doctor was pleased to find Anna Kate happy and VERY alert! Hopefully, she's taken after daddy and gotten all of his smart genes! We are blessed and extremely thankful that she's doing so well!

She took a LONG nap after we got home...see her little band-aids??

This one's for you Aunt 'Manda, see the elephants on her little onesie? I found this while I was on the phone with you at Old Navy the other day!

Reading "Brown Bear" with mama!

Mama's pretty flowers!

learning to deal with all of Bella's kisses!

such a Daddy's girl already!

Happy First Father's Day

2008-06-15T18:21:00.001-07:00

I can't begin to say how proud I am of the Daddy Tyler has become over the past 2 months! He is smitten with Anna Kate, and it's pretty obvious that she's completely in love with him, too! Whenever he comes home from work, her eyes widen, and she almost always grins when she hears his voice and sees his smile! I know she's going to be a Daddy's girl for sure! We also got to spend some time with some other Daddies who are important to us! We love you and appreciate all you mean to us! We are truly blessed! Anna Kate also went for her first swim today! It was a big day...

My favorite picture of Tyler and Anna Kate as a newborn!

opening his Father's Day gift

In the pool for the first time with Daddy

in the shade

hmmm...I think I like this!

nappin with Gigi!

Jamie & Morgan's Wedding

2008-06-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day yesterday!! We had the privelege of attending Tyler's cousin Morgan and her now husband Jamie's wedding! It was a sweet service at the Ramsey House Plantation and a rockin reception complete with fried chicken and all the trimmin's! It was delicious, and I had the best time dancing with my sisters-in-law! Great job on the dance mix Morgan...thanks for the "Sweet Home Alabama" nod...SO FUN! We wish you all the best! You guys are precious!

All dressed up and ready to go!

Pretty girls! Aunt Sarah, Cousin Ellen, and Aunt Mae Beth

Praying the rain would go away...and it did!

Tyler and Grandmother before the service

Anna Kate did so well at her first wedding...she slept thru most of it!

The Daddies on Father's Day weekend

With the going away car...isn't it cool?

is it just me or is she the most beautiful baby...EVER??? I guess maybe I'm a little biased, huh?

With Aunt Mae Beth...I think Anna Kate's going to have big blue eyes just like hers!

Gigi found a way for Anna Kate to stay cool! Look at the expression on her face...priceless!

Cuttin a rug with my baby!

Happy Wednesday

2008-06-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, Anna Kate and I met some friends for lunch to celebrate Jen's birthday today! Happy Birthday Jen...while we were there, Sarah and Jen offered to watch Anna Kate, so I took them up on it. After trying on this great dress I wore to weddings last summer, I discovered (thankfully with barely enough time) that thanks to breastfeeding it would NOT work! Mom is sick with a terrible head cold after wading around in the flood waters last weekend, so I was desperate! They watched her at their store while I frantically ran around trying to find a dress for Morgan and Jamie's wedding this weekend! Thanks girls! You're the best! They're actually the first non-family baby sitters Anna Kate's stayed with...Then, we had the opportunity to grab supper with Tyler's mom and George, which was a treat! We really enjoyed it! Here are just a few pictures! By the way, Anna Kate was 2 months old Wednesday, as well...How time flies!!!

With Sarah and the birthday girl! Thanks again guys...I don't know what I'd have done without you!

With Paige at Eva's...yummm

With Grandaddy George and Grandmom!
Thanks for my outfits...love, Anna Kate

workout time!

2008-06-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

I found Anna Kate doing what appeared to be her morning workout Sunday morning. I thought it was HILARIOUS!!!

Cute new outfit

2008-06-09T18:48:00.001-07:00

I just had to post this picture...first time with a skirt on...I think she's going to be quite the fashionista

Our big weekend!

2008-06-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Anna Kate FINALLY met her Uncle Ben, Aunt Lacy and Grangranny! :) We had a great weekend celebrating my daddy's birthday Saturday until this massive thunderstorm dumped about 2 ft of water in about 45 minutes! My mom and dad have had some concerns about the drainage on their lot, but this storm confirmed them all! The water was LITERALY 1/2 inch from coming IN THE HOUSE...their front yard looked like a rushing river...it was scary! But afterwards we improved the mood with some homemade ice cream and play time with Anna Kate! I'll post a video. Sunday was spent visiting family and making our weekly run to Earthfare for groceries! It was a busy but extremely good weekend. It was so good to see Ben, Lacy and Grangranny! Hopefully, it won't be too long before we see them again!

First picture with Uncle Ben! (not the rice man)

With Uncle Ben and Aunt Lacy...minus the bandana! Thanks to Aunt Lacy ;)

First picture with Grangranny...she had the best time with Grangranny! It's no wonder...she was the best grandmother EVER to five grandkids of her own!

Watching TV with Aunt Lacy and Uncle Ben

Grangranny fed her

Happy Birthday Daddy! Hope you liked your banana pudding!

I told you I'd put this picture on the blog, Uncle Ben! ;)

Even in the middle of it all, we're still stupid in love with our new baby girl! :)

Then the rains came...

...and came! That's Uncle Ben at the end of the driveway! Believe it or not, the waters had already receded a bit!

Uncle Ben even got in on the feeding action!

I think this one might be a favorite!

Grangranny, Daddy and Anna Kate after Sunday dinner!

hangin out with Daddy Sunday morning! :)

Week 7

2008-06-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

We've had a good week. Since we had so many appointments last week, we (mostly I) have been a bit lazy this week! One fun new development is that we have started reading to Anna Kate, and she LOVES it when Daddy reads the puppy book! Anna Kate also loves to watch TV...especially the music channels. It's already apparent that she loves music! :) I can't wait til she can sing along with me!

Swingin' with Grandmama and mama!

Whew! After the week we had, it was time for a nap on Grandmama!

Watchin TV with mama...we must've been watching something serious! :)

On Monday, Anna Kate and I went to Sevierville to visit some dear friends from Staunton who were down on vacation. Here is Grandaddy, Grandmama, and Mrs. Hilda!

And finally, reading with Daddy! I know every new mom thinks that their baby is the smartest ever...but we really thought it was funny that Anna Kate seemed to be so focused on the book!

Happy Baby!

2008-05-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Grandmama went and got Anna Kate a play mat. She has one at their house, but we hadn't picked one up yet. We got home from a long day of fun at Grandaddy and Gigi's, and Anna Kate was just a bit fussy. We put her on the play mat, and she was absolutely mesmerized! I took this video this morning. When I put her down for a nap after being on it, she just goes right to sleep. SHE LOVES IT! Thanks Grandmama!

ps-I know that everyone won't be as enamored as I am to sit and watch 1:30 video of my baby thrashing about and grunting, but I think it's about the sweetest thing EVER! :)

6 Weeks

2008-05-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

We had a challenging week to say the least last week. Anna Kate has been eating extremely well since she was born. About last Wednesday, she started getting fussy during feedings, and didn't seem to be satisfied when she seemed to be finished. Long story short, after an agonizing visit to our pediatrician Friday which included what turned into 3 needle-pricks in her feet and a catheter to collect a specimen (is it normal to want to physically injure the nurse performing these tests??? LOL) and a thorough physical examination, our doc concluded that there was nothing wrong with Anna Kate...Praise the Lord! But, I was in a quandry as to what was going on with the feeding issue. We came home and attempted to feed, and after a frustrating and ear-piercing few minutes, I decided to feed her a bottle I'd pumped earlier, and she took 4 oz! Because she had only gained a few ounces in the 3 weeks since our last appt, I decided to do whatever it took all weekend to feed her as much as possible. After MUCH pumping and perseverance, I must say, we went back to the doc yesterday and Anna Kate had gained 11 oz in 4 days-that has to be some sort of record! The good news is, she's actually nursing for the most part yesterday and today and obviously it's very nourishing. I'm just thankful we've made it this far! I went today to rent a hospital pump (thanks for the advice, Fran!) to hopefully increase the supply and I'm taking an herb my OB recommended. I welcome any other suggestions from you blogger moms!

On a lighter note, this past Saturday was our 6th anniversary. I told Tyler the other day, that in those first lovesick days of our relationship, I didn't think it was possible to love him more, then on our wedding day, I didn't think it was possible to love him more...Now I love him even more for the Daddy he's becoming, and the way he loves Anna Kate. God is definitely good, and has blessed me beyond what I deserve by giving me a Jesus-loving husband and a beautiful baby girl. Now if I can just remind myself of that at 3 am when Anna Kate doesn't seem to want to go back to sleep after she's eaten! :)

With our baby on our anniversary!
Thanks Mom and Daddy for watching her so that we could go to dinner!

Isn't it just so sweet how enamored she is with her daddy? Every time he speaks she opens those eyes wide and smiles! :)

My anniversary flowers...aren't they spectacular?

Our big Memorial Day dinner took like 3 hours to cook, because the flame kept going out on our grill because of the gale-force winds of a passing thunderstorm

Playing in the floor with Grandaddy and Grandmama after dinner

Anna Kate's pictures are up!

2008-05-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to say that Anna Kate's professional pictures are posted on Studio 193's website! They are fantastic, and I can't wait for y'all to see them! Simply go to www.studio193.com select your connection speed, go to the client preview tab at the bottom extreme right, and type in eharris2 as the password! Let me know what you think!

What a Weekend!

2008-05-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

We have had a great weekend with tons of family! On Friday, my Aunt Diane and cousins Danielle and Dianna came up with Danielle's twins Austin and Breanna. They stopped by for a visit Friday afternoon, and Anna Kate had a great time meeting everyone. They brought a baby shower in a box for Anna Kate. I think our wardrobe for the Summer is set! Thanks guys...I can't wait to see her all dressed up in all the fun outfits...We love you! Saturday, Grandmom came for a visit, and we had a great day! Anna Kate even watched her first horse event with Grandmom...I'm sure it'll be the first of many! :) Grandmom stayed for church this morning, and we had a great service! I have to say that it has been so refreshing to be back in church after such a whirlwind time. I feel so much more grounded when we're able to be plugged into the body! It was a great morning. We finished off the weekend with a visit to Grandaddy and Gigi's this afternoon. Anna Kate had a great time with Aunt Sarah and Aunt Mae Beth...I have a feeling they're going to spoil her...they were teasing her with Nutter Butters, and I think Anna Kate would've loved to have a nibble! :)

Tyler and Grandmom with Anna Kate! It was such a beautiful day!

lovin on Grandmom

Tyler's mom brought the dress that she and several family members were dedicated in...it's SO precious.

Grandmama, Aunt Diane, Dianna and Danielle. Austin and Breanna were so inquisitive about the baby...they were sweet and gave her several kisses!

Aunt Diane and Anna Kate

This might be one of my top 3 pics of Anna Kate so far...she is really smiling quite a bit! I love it

Mama and Anna Kate after a little nap

Hangin out with Grandmom after the Preakness...whew...Big Brown just blew them away!

This one's for you Amanda...I told you she LOVES the Boppy...who needs a swing and two bouncy seats???

Bathtime is becoming less and less traumatic! Thank the Lord!

First Date

2008-05-15T15:03:00.001-07:00

We started out this week on Monday, by having quite possibly one of the worst days since Anna Kate got here...at lunch on Tuesday, Casey said that Drew was the same way, so maybe the barometric pressure was down or something. Surely our precious babies wouldn't be difficult just for the sake of being difficult! ;) On Tuesday, as I said, I met my precious friends Jen, Casey (and Drew, of course) and Sarah for lunch at Eva's, which I was not familiar with...let me just say-AWESOME desserts...I will definitely be going back if for nothing but the strawberry icing! We had a great time! Plus it was a first date for Drew and Anna Kate...I think they had fun, even though they slept the whole time! Meanwhile, a TRIUMPH!! Anna Kate and I ran several errands before lunch and even made a trip to the grocery store afterwards! Granted, I think I might have set a land speed record at the store, but we made it, and I was SO relieved. Maybe I won't be home-bound afterall! :) My mom came out today, and we had planned on planting flowers, but this blasted Knoxville weather didn't cooperate, so I, after almost 5 and a half years in our home, FINALLY put something on the wall over our sofa! I'd say it was quite a productive day!

With the girls at Eva's! mmm...mmm...good!

Drew and Anna Kate

Tummy time...Anna Kate is not a fan yet!

My accomplishment for today...no more bare wall over the sofa! YAY!!!

My First Mother's Day

2008-05-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

What an incredible blessing to be a mother on Mother's Day AND get to spend the day with my mom (my hero, especially after going thru it myself!) We got up for an early feeding, and then went to wake Daddy up, and he had a special surprise for me! Thanks, Tyler, for making it such a special day! :) We had a great morning at church with my mom and dad and spent the afternoon lounging at their house...good times...sometimes it's nice to be a bum! I want to wish all the moms a happy Mother's Day, but especially to all you mommy bloggers. I'm convinced we need to start a coffee date every so often, so that our blogs aren't the only way we keep up with each other. You are all such an encouragement to me as a new mom, and I am blessed to have all of you in my life! Happy Mom's Day!

My first Mother's Day gift...thanks Daddy and Anna Kate! I absolutely love it

I really do love being a mom

lovey

My mom and dad with Anna Kate...whew it was SO windy...I had to throw out all but 2 of the pictures because we all looked like we were about to fly away!

The moms! Look how fascinated Anna Kate is with her grandmama!

One Month Old!

2008-05-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! My how time flies...it is so hard to believe that Anna Kate has been here an entire month. She is such a tremendous blessing, and we are just so thankful! Tyler and I have said a hundred times already that we are definitely blessed beyond what we deserve! Aren't we all!? We've had another good week. We had another check-up at the pediatrician on Tuesday. After a 2 hour wait...No, I'm not exagerrating...we found out that we have gained a pound, which brings us to almost 10 1/2 lbs..and everything is just looking Great! :) Afterwards, we went by to visit everyone at the Papermill store, but couldn't stay long since the doctor kept us so long! Wednesday night, our friends Jen, Michael, Matt and Sarah Beth brought dinner AND dessert and we watched American Idol...one of our favorite things to do! It was such fun and dinner was delicious! Thanks guys! Friday, I ventured out to Mom and Daddy's and we stopped by the Parkside store on the way...It was so good to see everyone, and Anna Kate got to visit with the ladies in the office for a while! She did so well...I think we were all pleasantly surprised! I am defintely excited about my first Mother's Day...what a blessing! Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Swingin' with Daddy

Nuzzling Mommy

She's just started responding with little smiles and gasps...SO much fun...I can't wait to hear her laugh!

Family photo on Anna Kate's 1 month birthday...almost exactly!

Starting to get a bit fussy

Bliss

This is one of my favorite things...isn't she growing fast?

We have decided that we need a swing! :)

With Aunt Sarah and Aunt Mae Beth! Aunt Sarah won Miss Majorette of Tennesse and State Strut Champion Saturday...Way to go! She got a couple of trophies that are twice as big as Anna Kate...We're proud of you!!!

American Ideal

2008-05-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

That's right...not American Idol...American Ideal! Last night we attended a fabulous children's musical at Concord led by a WONDERFUL cast of kids, which just happened to include Aunt Mae Beth! She had not one, but two solos, and just brought the house down! We were so proud! Even Anna Kate listened intently to Mae Beth as she belted out the "Voice of Truth!" Look out Simon...we've got a future American Idol headed your way in a few years! :) We took some pictures with the family...here they are!

With Aunt Mae Beth...doesn't she just look fantastic in her stage makeup and her krimped hair?

This was the first chance for Anna Kate to meet Robin's Mom and Dad...

All the girls...

With our little starlet!

Proud Grandaddy

Every parent dreams of the day that their child learns to pick their nose...Anna Kate has figured it out early! :)

First time to church!!

2008-05-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

It is a wonder, but we actually made it to the 9:15 service today at church. Why we accomplished this with a 3 week old and could NOT when it was just the two of us is beyond me, but we made it! And we were all showered/bathed and fed to boot! :) We were a little behind, but it worked out great, because we ran into Drew's parents, Brad and Casey on the way in and sat together. It was Drew's first church too, so we took lots of pictures afterwards. Anna Kate was an angel, and didn't cry the whole service. It was good to be back!

Casey, Brad and Drew with us...

We switched babies for a bit...it was so good to FINALLY meet Drew...he is absolutely precious!

Our little family

Week #3

2008-05-04T11:32:00.001-07:00

Well, Anna Kate is 3 weeks old! This week has been pretty uneventful. Anna Kate and I ventured out for the first time BY OURSELVES on Thursday to run a couple of errands which did not require getting out of the car, but I was still proud of our progress. Our friends from Studio 193 came out on Wednesday and took what I know will be some fantastic pictures of Anna Kate...I will post as soon as they have her gallery ready so everyone can see them. We spent the day at Grandmama's on Friday...here are the pics!

This just made me laugh...Bella got a pedicure from Grandmama Friday, and it was HILARIOUS! At least it's attention, right?

With my new blanket from Aunt Ashley! Thanks...I love it!

Look at those rolls on her little legs...and she's got her little (actually her freakishly long) toes all curled up. Both of which she got from mama...sorry Anna Kate

Sleeping on the cool play mat that Grandmama got me!

Bella thinks the Boppy is for her when Anna Kate isn't using it. That thing has been the GREATEST thing EVER! Thanks Amanda!

now THAT'S full belly...this one also made me laugh out loud!

lovey with Daddy

sleeping with Daddy...one of my favorite things to do

Two Weeks Old!

2008-04-26T17:03:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Anna Kate's second week with us with our first dinner out since she got here! We met Tyler's dad and family at the Cracker Barrell and hoped for the best! Anna Kate did famously, and everyone ooed and ahhed over her...of course! :) We then spent the rest of the evening with my mom and grandmother at my parents house...all in all...Anna Kate had a fun night out, and it didn't completely wreck her schedule! Yay! Maybe we won't be home-bound forever...It was definitely starting to feel that way. Another new development...Anna Kate LOVES to swing. After a fussy evening on Tuesday, my mom came over and watched Anna Kate so that Daddy and I could make an emergency run to Babies-R-Us where we saw Brad and Casey, our dear friends who gave birth to Drew, their first baby, two days before Anna Kate was born...you guys are doing great! :) We had a good time laughing about the joys of parenthood and breastfeeding...it was good to catch up, and I'm sure there will be play dates to come soon! Anyway-we picked up a swing, a mobile, and a GINORMOUS box of diapers! It was a productive (and expensive) trip, and it turns out that Anna Kate LOVES to swing! Hallelujah! Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Oh, and before I forget, Happy Birthday Fran! Hope you have a GREAT weekend! We'd love to see you soon!

At the Cracker Barrell...I'd be lying if I said that Daddy wasn't just a bit protective during our dinner!

Grandaddy and Mae Beth getting Anna Kate situated...much to Grandaddy's disappointment, Anna Kate was mainly interested in sleeping during their visit!

With Robin...She seemed to hold the pacifier in all by herself, which we all thought was pretty funny!

With Aunt Sarah and Aunt Mae Beth! They're going to be such fun aunts! Look at Mae Beth holding her like an old pro!

Hanging out with Grandmama on the porch...so sweet

It looks like Anna Kate has been hearing all this talk about her not dating until she's in college and she's giving her daddy the ugly eye! ;)

Coolin' it in the swing!

Our weekend

2008-04-21T17:20:00.001-07:00

We had a good weekend...it was punctuated by our first venture out of the house as a family! We went to Tyler's dad's house for dinner Saturday night so that Tyler's grandparents could meet Anna Kate! It was a good visit overall...Anna Kate and I spent most of our time upstairs so she could eat dinner, but everyone was very understanding. Sunday we spent the day recovering and just hanging out around the house. This week has been good. Anna Kate has started staying awake a bit more, which makes getting her to sleep a little more interesting, but we are still on about a four hour schedule, surprisingly enough! :) We are just so blessed to have her and have already fallen head over heels!

In the recliner with Grandaddy

after bathtime...so fresh and so clean! :)

Bella has definitely had to adjust, but overall, she's doing really well

Kisses from Grandmama

There's that hand again...fascinating!

Mom's in love

So proud

waking up with Daddy

I thought this sleeping position was too funny not to take a picture of it!

One Week Old!

2008-04-18T20:16:00.001-07:00

Well, it is impossible to believe, but Anna Kate has been here for an entire week. She is already changing so much, and the week has absolutley flown! My mom has been here with us, and she has just taken such good care of me and Tyler and Anna Kate...she is just the best! I honestly don't know what I would have done without her! Thanks Mom! Anna Kate is doing remarkably well. She is almost completely on schedule with her feedings...she feeds about every 4 hours and is really sleeping quite well! I feel so blessed to have such a good baby so far. I would feel blessed if she were the most colicky screaming baby, too...but things have certainly gone much smoother than I could've ever imagined. I know it's because of the prayers of many friends and family, and we so appreciate you guys! We have much to be thankful for...that's for sure. I wanted post a couple of pics from tonight (her one week birthday) and the last couple of days...here they are!

By the way-we had some prego shots done with the photographer that will be shooting Anna Kate (Studio 193), and the gallery is available to view online. Go to http://www.studio193.com/ and select high speed or dial up and their page will open up. At the bottom of the page, select "Client Preview" and enter "eharris" in the space provided for a password. Keep in mind that there were tornadic winds that day, and I looked like the side of a barn...there was, after all, a nearly 10 lb baby in there, y'all! :)

Birthday kisses from mama and daddy

Still lookin prego, but proud as punch!

with my mama...after the experiences of the past week, she really is my hero. Thanks mom for taking such good care of me this week...I love you!

lovey dovey

more lovey

extreme close up!

ladies and gentlemen: I found my hand!

first walk with mama and daddy on Wednesday...what a beautiful day!

more bath time...whew...still not fun for Anna Kate

sleepy time

hanging out with Daddy...much to Mama's shagrin, I think they've taken back the recliner! :(

Daddy is completely smitten, and Anna Kate is lovin it!

The last three days...

2008-04-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been a whirlwind to say the least...I wanted to go ahead and post some pics of Anna Kate...We had our first pediatrician's visit today, and Anna Kate has already gained back and ounce and a half of her birth weight! She rolled halfway over on the exam table...to the point that the doctor put his hand on her to keep her still! He commented that we might just have a 3 month old on our hands here! :) Needless to say, she is incredibly healthy, and we are blessed.

With Matt, Sarah Beth, Michael, and Jen from our small group. Thanks for coming by guys!

sleeping on the couch with Daddy already...

With Grandaddy Sunday night

With GiGi and the girls last night...Thanks for dinner guys...it was great!

Before we took her to the pediatrician today, we gave Anna Kate her first bath...I think it's pretty obvious that she did NOT enjoy it!

With mama at the doctor...

Whoops...we didn't get Miss Anna Kate in the picture, but I thought Mom and Daddy looked pretty good for having a 4 day old at home, so I included it!

Full belly=zonked Anna Kate! No matter what we do...lights on...no clothes...cold washcloth to the face...she will NOT wake up. Praise the Lord!

Whew! It's been quite a day...

Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Anna Kate Harris

2008-04-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

First of all, God is good, and Tyler and I are still in disbelief at the miracle that has occurred in our lives. He was so present through the labor and delivery of this little girl, and we are just so thankful for His faithfulness. We are also thankful for all the prayers and encouragement from all of you! I can tell you that in tough moments, it was SO comforting to know that you were praying, and we love you all more than you know. Anna Kate arrived at 5:55 p.m. April 11th at a whopping 9 lbs. 11.4 oz. She is nursing well, sleeping well, HATES to have a dirty diaper and loves the sound of her daddy's voice! :) I'm happy to report that she has her daddy's nose and cheeks and my Hackney chin and faux-hawk hairdo (from when I was a baby), which was a hit with all the nurses, by the way. I'll post more later, for sure...but here she is!

Just after she was born...look at those legs and arms!

First family photo

what a face...

Proud Papa!

My Birthday!

2008-04-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I thought I'd post a couple of pics from my birthday...what a fun day it was...interesting, but fun. We had a fabulous lunch OUTSIDE at Bravo, a false alarm, which landed us at the hospital, then dinner with Tyler's family at Stir Fry! It was a great day. The false alarm was alarming to say the least, but Tyler and I both feel better prepared for the real thing after getting the route perfected and getting a feel for the hospital. For those of you who don't know, after a good check up on Tuesday at which my blood pressure was "beautiful" to quote my doc and everything is looking good, my doctor decided it would be best to induce tomorrow. SO...Baby girl Harris will definitely be here before the weekend. Please pray for us if you think about us tomorrow. We are trusting that the Lord has us and baby in His strong hands and has already ordained the events of tomorrow and the days, months and years following...we're just overwhelmed with excitement and a little anxiety at the thought of actually walking it out. We love you all, and we'll keep you updated as much as possible. Thanks in advance for your prayers and your love!

Me with my gorgeously wrapped present from my precious hubby!

Reading my letter from Daddy...tears flowed like rain! :)
ps: if you click on the photo and look at the enlarged version, you can see my rediculously swollen feet!

Bella has NO IDEA that her life is about to change...Drastically!

Small Group Shower

2008-04-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

My small group girls threw a shower on February 28th. It was such a blessing to have friends from church there...Our small group has just been such an incredible blessing, and we are so thankful for their love and friendship. The food was fantastic...special shout out to Jordan for the diaper cake! :) What a special time!

Fabulous brunch food! It was ALL so good!

Fran and me...wasn't it great that we color-coordinated?

opening one of my favorite gifts...a very hip mod swing top complete with lime green leggings from fashionista Sarah Beth!

My mom and Stephanie at the shower...Mom is obviously saying something extremely important!

All the hostesses...Thanks girls!

My pregnancy buddy...Casey! Doesn't she look precious?? Thanks for hosting

A Little Catch-up!

2008-03-31T12:34:00.001-07:00

Since I've waited such a long time to start the blog, I thought I'd include some pictures from the entire pregnancy, including trips to Tuscaloosa and telling the family the sex of the baby and even a trip to Cabo...note to self-NEVER be pregnant during the Summer... :)

Beginnings of a belly!

First official belly picture!

What's a trip to Tuscaloosa without a belly pic with Bear!?

At dinner with our families to announce the big news!

My clever idea for telling everyone

Exhausted, but so thankful to have found out that our baby girl is healthy at the big 20 week ultrasound!

No pictures were allowed of me in my "swimdress"...coverup was required anytime a camera was present! What a great trip though!

The Nursery

2008-03-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally decided that it's time to start the blogging...it's about time, right? I thought the nursery would be a great place to start. There are those who have said that the nursery isn't exactly traditional, but those of you who know me, know that I just couldn't bear the thought of looking at a pastel wall filled with flying angelic baby animals during a 2 o'clock feeding! I think our final theme (if you can call it that) of "Baby in Paris" is perfect, and I'm so thankful for my hubby who has humored me throughout the process, and my precious mom and dad who have been beyond helpful in getting things set up and ready for baby!

Daddy and Grandaddy putting the crib together!

Grandmommy and Bella playing with a couple of my old stuffed animals...

I'm not sure...but I think we may have enough clothes!