2010 in Retrospect

Rylee on her first New Year's Eve

 Well, it is just after 11 o'clock at night (central time) on New Year's Eve. I'm sitting on the couch in our living room with my laptop in my lap, and Jordan has already gone to bed since he has to be at work early in the morning. I just watched the ball drop in Time's Square on TV. Outside, our neighbors are shooting fireworks, and I'm praying they don't wake Rylee up.
It's hard to believe that, in less than an hour, another year will come to a close. Naturally (with it being New Year's Eve), I've been reflecting this past year in my mind throughout the day. It's been quite a year to say the least, filled with many ups and downs, but I think I can honestly say that, overall, it's been the best year of my life thus far. God has truly poured out his blessings on my family and me this year, and I am so thankful and humbled by His love. As 2010 comes to an end, I wanted to be sure to "document" the highlights (as well as some of the "lowlights") of the year for me. Some of them may seem pretty insignificant, but nevertheless, they each had a part in making the year what it was for me. I may end up adding more events to the list if I think of anything else. I pray you all have a blessed 2011!

In 2010, I...

- celebrated my first new year as a married woman.

- got to experience the incredible feeling of a baby moving inside my womb for the first time.

- turned 20 years old (goodbye teenage years!).
- had bangs for the first time in years (and quickly remembered why I don't like them).

- watched my younger brother graduate from high school. 

- weighed more than 115 pounds (during my pregnancy).

- celebrated my one-year wedding anniversary.
- made new friends.
- went to four weddings.

- gave birth and became a mommy.

- almost lost my father-in-law to a heart attack.

- became a preacher's kid.

- became a stay-at-home mommy.

- lost my grandma Parker.

- lost my great-granny Flowers.

- lost my great-aunt Norma.

- moved into a new home.

- became a coupon-clipping Publix grocery shopper.

- tried guacamole for the first time (and didn't really care for it).
- got stung on my toe by a yellow jacket.
- saw Peter Pan: The Musical at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Rylee's 6-Month Doctor Check-Up

I took Rylee to the doctor this morning for her 6-month well check-up with Dr. Trumbull. As usual, he was beyond pleased with her progress. He said she's developing at an advanced rate, and she has good, strong muscle control, which leads him to believe she'll be an early walker (oh boy...). She now weighs 15lbs. 8oz., and she's 26 and 3/4in. long. I was actually a little surprised that she didn't weigh more than that, since she was 14lbs. 13oz. at her 4-month check-up (meaning she's only gained 11 ounces in two months). Dr. Trumbull explained that because she's becoming more active and mobile as she gets older, she is "working off" some of her baby fat. He said she looks and is doing great, so I'm not concerned.
Unfortunately, she had to get three shots today (the last of the vaccinations she had to get, beginning at 2 months old), so I had to hold her arms down and watch her scream as the nurse stuck my poor baby in the thighs again and again. She continued to cry, even after the nurse had finished and left the room, but I think that was to make sure I knew she was mad more than anything else.
All in all, though, it was a great check-up. I'm just so thankful that God has blessed me with a healthy baby, and that He continues to hold her in the palm of His hand and take care of her.

my sweet girl patiently waiting for her appointment with Dr. Trumbull

my sweet girl patiently waiting for her appointment with Dr. Trumbull

Christmas 2010

Well, Christmas has come and gone, and now we're only five days away from the new year - 2011! Crazy, huh? I can honestly say that this year has flown by much faster than any other year so far; so much happened in such a seemingly short amount of time. I plan to blog about some of the highlights (as well as some of the low-lights) of my 2010, and my "resolutions" for 2011, but for now, I wanted to write a little bit about our Christmas and share a few pictures as well.
My daddy drove up from Florida on Thursday (Christmas Eve Eve) to spend Rylee's first Christmas with us. On Friday evening, my mom, dad, sister, brother, brother's girlfriend, aunt, and cousin all came over to visit and have Christmas Eve dinner together. It felt so nice to be able to "host" a family event in my own home. I loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, I didn't even think to grab my camera and take any pictures while everyone was here, so sadly, I don't have any to share from that evening.
On Christmas morning, I went about my normal schedule of waking at 6 and getting Rylee up to feed her. When Jordan and my daddy had both woken up as well, we gathered in the living room and "opened" our stockings that we had filled up for each other. My sweet hubby filled my stocking with some yummy candy (Whoppers, Dove chocolates, some gum, etc.), and a couple of Sudoku puzzle books, and he also got me Celine Dion's Christmas CD ("These Are Special Times") and a coupon organizer, so I was really excited about that.
Later Christmas afternoon, we spent some time with some of Jordan's side of the family, first going to his aunt's house, and then going to his dad's house. We had Christmas lunch with Jordan's dad, mom, sister, and two nephews. His dad makes a delicious ham, so Jordan looks forward to the Christmas meal with him every year.
We spent Christmas evening back at our house, eating leftovers and staying warm and cozy inside (it sleeted/snowed off and on the majority of the day; it was neat to have a "white" Christmas, even though none of the snow actually stuck). We had a nice Christmas, and were very blessed to get to spend time together with each other and with our families.
Below are a few pictures that I took of Rylee on Christmas day. Like I mentioned earlier, I didn't take any pictures on Christmas Eve, and I didn't get near as many as I would have liked on Christmas day either - I wish I had some pictures of us with our families. I always want to kick myself that I don't get more pictures on special occasions, but oh well...

Rylee, when I woke her up on her first Christmas morning

getting ready to eat breakfast on her first Christmas morning

my happy girl on her first Christmas morning

playing in her first Christmas present on Christmas morning

you can't see all of it, but her shirt says "Mommy's Little Christmas Present"

playing with some toys at PawPaw Price's house

A Rare Weekend

This past weekend was a very special weekend for me. Not because anything major happened, like a birthday or anniversary. Not because I went on a big vacation or anything like that. It was special, because Jordan had both Saturday and Sunday off of work. Might not sound like a big deal to most people, but I don't think he's had an entire weekend off since he's worked at Home Depot (started in February of this year), other than when he actually asked off when Rylee was born, and when we went on vacation back in October. He's always off on the weekends from UPS, but he's usually always scheduled to work at least one, if not both days of the weekend at Home Depot. This past weekend, they just happened to schedule him off both days. I was so happy, and I know he was too. He finally got to sleep in an entire weekend, without having to worry about getting up and going to work at Home Depot after already working long and hard all week at both UPS and Home Depot.
I tell you, I am SO blessed to be Jordan's wife. He works SO hard to provide for our family so I can stay home and take care of Rylee. Sometimes I can't help but feel guilty that I don't have a job of my own to help provide financially, but Jordan always assures me that this is the way he wants it to be (me staying home with our daughter), and we both know that this is God's will for us right now as well. I'm so thankful that the Lord has provided two jobs for Jordan to earn the money we need to get our bills and other expenses paid, and I'm thankful that they are both jobs that Jordan excels at and enjoys doing. It's just so hard to see him on the go all the time, not getting the rest he needs, and not getting to spend time with his family. I don't want him to miss out on all of the special milestones that Rylee will hit as she continues to grow. So far I don't think he's really missed anything, but I'm afraid he'll be at work the first time she says "Dada", or the first time she crawls or takes her first step. I don't want him to miss those things.
Rylee's only 6 months old, but I can tell she misses him when he's not home. I always try to wait with her by the front door if I know Jordan is almost home, and she always gets SO excited, smiling and squealing and squirming in my arms when she sees him drive up and get out of the car. When he gets inside, she always wants to give him kisses. It is just so sweet. She loves her daddy, and I just wish he could spend more time with her. This season of her life is going by so quickly, and I just hate that he's missing out on so much of it. However, we know that this is just how it has to be right now, and Jordan's ok with that. We know that in God's time, He will provide one full-time job for Jordan so that he no longer has to work two part-time jobs. Sometimes it is hard to be patient and wait on God's timing, but we know that His timing is perfect, so we do our best to remain optimistic and thankful for all that we have.
Anyway, I wanted to share what we did this weekend. Saturday morning, after waking up and feeding Rylee, we turned on some Christmas music and made breakfast in the kitchen together - all three of us. Jordan held Rylee while I made some muffins (strawberry for Jordan; chocolate chip for me), and when I got them in the oven to bake, I took Rylee, and Jordan cooked eggs and bacon. It was so nice to just be together on a Saturday morning, singing and dancing around the kitchen with our little girl as we made breakfast. Moments like those are so precious to us, as they are few and far between.
After breakfast, we just relaxed around the house for a few hours until about 12:30, at which time my mom came over to watch Rylee for us so we could go on a date! It was only the second date we've been on since Rylee was born six months ago, so we were both really looking forward to it. We bought tickets to see "Peter Pan: The Musical" at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and when it was over, we went to Steak 'N Shake for burgers and milkshakes. The play was excellent, full of great sets/props, beautiful costumes, and talented actors and actresses, and our dinner at Steak 'N Shake really "hit the spot" since we hadn't had hamburgers in probably at least two months (sad, I know). It was a nice evening out, and I'm really thankful we were able to have that special time together.
On Sunday, we woke up and went to church for the Christmas cantata performance by the choir. After church, we went back home and spent another relaxing afternoon around the house with Rylee. That evening, my mom came back over to watch Rylee for us again so Jordan and I could go to the Christmas party that Home Depot held for its employees. It was nice to meet some of Jordan's co-workers and interact with them outside the work area. Jim 'N Nicks catered, so we enjoyed some barbecue, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and cheese biscuits for dinner. Afterward, all of the employees played "Dirty Santa" which was entertaining to watch, especially when someone stole a gift. Jordan ended up with a weather radio/flashlight (I had been wanting one of those, too, so I was happy), and a pack of stainless steel thermoses, which he can use when he goes mountain biking or kayaking.
When we got home from the Christmas party, it was already getting late, and we were both ready to go to sleep. I actually felt a little sad at the end of the night, because I knew my weekend with Jordan was coming to an end, and I wasn't ready to go back to "reality". I got spoiled that weekend with time with him, and I wasn't ready to give that up. I'm definitely looking forward to Christmas, when he'll be off the whole day, and we can spend more time together and with our families.

at church on Sunday morning

I'm In Denial...

Today is the 15th. Of December. That means that my baby girl is now six months old. SIX MONTHS! As in, HALF A YEAR! Can someone please tell me how this happened?! Where have I been the past 183 days? I JUST gave birth to her yesterday... didn't I? This is just so crazy. I'm not ready for this yet. I don't want to be, anyway. Time is going by way way WAY too fast, and it's just not fair. (Yeah, I know... "Life isn't fair." Blah, blah, blah.)
Every time I look back through all the pictures we've taken of her so far, I feel sad. Sometimes I literally cry. It's funny how Jordan and I differ in our feelings on this. The older Rylee gets, the more excited he gets (for now at least), because she's able to interact with us more. He wants to be able to play with her and all that fun stuff. And although I enjoy the smiles and laughs and squeals that we get from her now, I still can't help but feel sad about the fact that she's not the newborn baby we brought home from the hospital... do I have to say it again?... SIX months ago. That baby did nothing but eat and sleep and fill up diapers all day long. I could hold that baby in my arms for hours, and she wouldn't squirm or fuss. She was comfortable and content cradled in my arms. That's where she wanted to be.
The baby we have now doesn't like to be cradled in my arms. Now, don't get me wrong - she still loves to be held (she's a momma's girl... for now, anyway...) - but she wants to be held up and usually facing out so she can see what's going on around her. She won't let Mommy cradle and snuggle her anymore (unless I'm breastfeeding her, but that's different). I miss my snuggles with her. Those were such precious bonding moments between us that I will cherish forever.
The baby we have now gives us kisses. And although it melts my heart every time I get one of those big, sloppy, wet kisses from her, I can't help but think that one day she'll be wanting to give those kisses to a boy (although hopefully a little less sloppy).
What am I going to do when she starts talking and walking? What am I going to do when she starts school? What am I going to do when she becomes a teenager and starts driving? What am I going to do when she graduates? What am I going to do when she falls in love?
I went to a friend's wedding this past Saturday, and I cried. Although it's not all that unusual for me to cry at a wedding (I'm a pretty emotional person), this time it was a little different. It was the first wedding I've been to since becoming a mom. And although I was partially crying happy tears for my friend, I was also realizing that someday - hopefully not for at least 20 or 30... or maybe even 40 (if we're lucky, right?) years - that beautiful bride is going to be MY daughter. I'm not ready to watch my husband walk our baby girl down the aisle and give her away to some guy. I don't think I'm going to be ok with that. And if time continues to fly by as quickly as it has so far, that day is going to be here before I know it. That's just not cool. I want more time. I NEED more time.
Now, some of you are probably reading this and thinking "Seriously? She's only 6 months old, and you're already thinking about all of that? Chill out." But I'd be willing to bet those of you who feel/think that way don't have kids of your own. If you're a mommy (or a daddy), you get it. And now I do too.

my sweet 6-month-old

Rylee's First Christmas Present

We got Rylee's first Christmas present today - an Evenflo ExerSaucer. I actually ordered it online last week from albeebaby.com, and it arrived at the UPS hub in Montgomery (where Jordan works) today, so he brought it home. We decided to go ahead and put it together today instead of wrapping it and sticking it under the tree until Christmas. I want to get as much of our money's worth out of it as possible, and Rylee's not going to remember if she had any presents to unwrap on Christmas morning, so I'd rather she start getting some play time out of it now. My sweet husband worked hard and got it all put together, and as soon as I put Rylee in it for the first time, she started hitting and chewing on all the different toys on it, and expressed her delight with squeals in various pitches. I'm really excited that we were able to get the ExerSaucer for her. It will provide countless hours of entertainment for her, and it will allow me more hands-free time to get things done while still keeping an eye on her. I guess it's a gift for both of us!

Rylee's first time playing in her new ExerSaucer. Merry Christmas, Rylee!

Rylee's first time playing in her new ExerSaucer. Merry Christmas, Rylee!

Mom's 50th Birthday

Well, my dear mother turned the "big 5-0" back on Sunday, December 5. That afternoon, Jordan and I (and Rylee) had her, my dad, my brother, and my sister over to our house for lunch and some birthday cake and ice cream. I made a pot of taco soup. I had never made it before, and I had been craving it for a while, so I decided to give it a shot. I pulled out a few of my cook books and picked which ingredients from those recipes I wanted to put in mine. I ended up using:

- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cans pinto beans
- 1 can corn
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 packages taco seasoning
- 1 package dry ranch dressing
- 1 cup water

I browned the ground beef, mixed all the ingredients together in my Crock Pot (my first time using it), and let it simmer for a few hours. I was nervous how it would turn out since I had never made it before, but it ended up being a big hit with everyone (and I thought it was really yummy myself), so I was relieved. Anyway, we had a nice time visiting with them and celebrating my mom's birthday.
BUT... with it being her 50th birthday, of course we weren't just going to leave it at that. Little did she know, Dad and I had been planning a surprise birthday dinner for her. The only downside, though, was that we had to wait until the weekend after her birthday to have it, because she was out of town the Friday and Saturday before her birthday for the "Deeper Still" conference in Birmingham, and Sundays are already busy enough with church. I busied myself making phone calls and sending Facebook messages to reserve a restaurant, order a cake, and invite family and friends to help us celebrate. We only had a few weeks or so to pull it all together, but the anticipation of the surprise made it feel like the day was never going to come.
I made reservations at Casa Napoli in Wetumpka for 6pm on this past Saturday, December 11, and I ordered a big chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and white chocolate butter cream frosting from Chocodelphia in Prattville. I bought some balloons from Dollar General to tie to the chairs at the restaurant to add a little festive touch to the atmosphere.
Mom arrived with Dad and Amanda at the restaurant shortly after 6 o'clock, and we had a nice group of family and friends (I think there were 22 people in all) gathered to welcome them. We pulled off the surprise, and had a nice time celebrating her birthday over some good Italian food and a delicious cake. I'm so blessed and thankful to have her as my mother. I love you, Mom!
I forgot to have a picture of me taken with my mom at the dinner (I'm so bad about remembering to get pictures taken, and I always want to kick myself afterward), but I do have a couple of pictures I wanted to share. 

my sweet hubby and me at my mom's birthday dinner

Mom's beautiful 50th birthday cake, made by the very talented Jennifer Kirk at Chocodelphia

Rylee's First Time Meeting Santa

I wanted to post another quick update to share a couple of pictures of Rylee's first encounter with Santa Claus. He is currently making appearances every day at Bass Pro Shop in Prattville, and parents can take their children to get their picture taken with him for free.
I was anxious to see how Rylee would do when she was put in the arms of a big, hairy stranger. She has become quite the "Momma's Girl" since she's home with me every day, so sometimes she gets upset/scared and starts to cry when she's with someone she doesn't recognize. I hoped if we handed her over and got out of the way quick enough, Santa's "elves" could snap a picture before she realized who she was with. I figured if nothing else, though, we would get a funny picture of her screaming her head off in Santa's lap.
We had to wait in line for at least 45 minutes, and I grew even more anxious because it was past Rylee's dinner time. She started sucking/chewing on her hands and Jordan's hands, and although she wasn't fussy, I was sure she was going to lose it the second Jordan gave her to Santa. We finally worked our way up, and when it was our turn, Jordan sat Rylee in Santa's lap, while I stood in front of her next to the "elves" who were taking the pictures. We all shouted "CHEESE!" at her and made silly smiley faces, but inside I felt like I was holding my breath, waiting for her to start screaming. Instead, though, she just sat there looking and smiling at us. She even looked right at Santa, and then looked back at us and smiled some more. I was pleasantly surprised, and very happy that her first experience with Santa was a good one (not that she'll remember it, but still...).
The "elves" gave us the picture they took of Rylee with Santa, but I don't have a scanner to scan it into my laptop. The two pictures below are shots that I took on our own digital camera.

Ready For Christmas 2010

I wanted to do a quick post to share a few pictures of our Christmas decorations this year. They're nothing too extravagant - just our Christmas tree and our stockings and little nativity scene on the fireplace mantel - but it's our first Christmas in our new home, and our last home didn't have a fireplace (we had to hang our stockings over our entertainment center last year), so I'm excited. It's also Rylee's first Christmas, so that's even more exciting. My daddy will be coming up from Florida to spend Christmas with us this year, so we hung up a fourth stocking for him. We also bought an inexpensive Christmas train set to go around the skirt of our tree. Jordan has always wanted a train set, and I know Rylee will enjoy it as she gets older. We are very blessed, and we have so much to be thankful for this year (and every other year, of course).

our fireplace where our stockings are hung on the mantel (our little nativity scene is in the center of the stockings)

our Christmas tree with our new Christmas train set

We're ready for Christmas!