Leighton Has Some News

Made My Day

Last week we had Leighton's 18 month pictures and some family pictures taken (a little late, but weather and illness forced some rescheduling). I probably haven't said it enough, how much we love our Photographer, but we are kind of obsessed with her. Her style, attitude, talent, and prices are all phenomenal.

We wanted to do an outdoor photo shoot this time since all of our previous shoots have been in studio, which we love, but wanted a change, especially since it has been so gorgeous outside lately. We went out to a beautiful property in Pike Road (ok, are there properties out there that aren't beautiful?) and Stacy worked her magic, again.

She is always up for my ideas, which I love her for. I love finding cute picture ideas online and on Pinterest and then tweaking them to make them more my own. I have been a "tweaker" for a long time. Seriously, I can't help myself. I tweak everything, especially recipes, to make them a little more "me." This is why I am terrible at baking because instructions usually have to be followed precisely. I am not big on following all the rules, which has led to some serious baking disasters. Which is another blog post for another day.

Anyway, the photo session was a success (minus the 1,000 mosquito bites). No, I haven't seen the pictures yet, but that doesn't matter. I have complete confidence that they will be fabulous as usual (ok, it helps when you have a beautiful daughter and handsome hubby like it do.) As always, when we get the pictures they will go up here and on Facebook.

If I thought I couldn't adore Stacy anymore, I was wrong. Yesterday, she wrote this little gem on my Facebook wall that totally made.my.day: "Sybil, I was just looking at your blog again and wanted to say how much I love it. And not just due to the sweet things you say about the pics or the link you so nicely included but I love how you put it all together and your talent for putting things in to words! Can't wait to see our new pics posted."

Wow. I can't tell you how much that made my day, Stacy. Sometimes I think the only people that read this blog are my parents and a select few friends that I know keep up with it. I once, pretty recently, thought about quitting. Just shutting it down and not writing anymore. For many various and sundry reasons. Jeremy talked some sense in to me and reminded me that I love to write, I am good at it (thanks, baby) and that I write this blog for our family and no one else. At the end of each year I take that year's blog posts and turn them in to a book. Books, I hope that Leighton will really treasure one day. It's so much more detailed than a baby book (and we all know how much I looove details). However, even though I write this just for us, it's nice to know that other people enjoy reading  it as well.

My mother told me all of the time growing up to compliment someone daily (at least) and I have always tried to do that. Today, I challenge you to do the same. Go make someone's day, the same way Stacy made mine!

And because I can never resist re-posting an adoption read, especially from my favorite blogger: here ya go.

Mother's Day Out

    On Wednesday, September 5th, our precious girl officially turned 19 months and started going to Mother's Day Out (MDO). We decided that even though we will likely be moving sooner rather than later (we have a couple thats super interested in our precious house and they are trying to get all their ducks in a row to be approved for a loan, so prayer warriors, get to praying. Please and thank you) that it was time for our child to have some socialization with other children aside from nursery on Sunday's, occasional play dates, and MOPS once a month. We also decided mommy needed a break every once in a while to get things accomplished without a toddler hanging on to me every second. So, we called to see if we could get her in, right under the wire, to a MDO program we had heard nothing but excellent things about. They had 2 spots left in her age group. Yay! And, the director told me every bit of detailed information right over the phone and was so darn nice. So, we filled out the forms and wrote the checks and Leighton was all ready to start MDO 2 days a week for around 4 hours a day at Trinity. 

Day 1

Doesn't she look adorable? Yes, I had a smocked apple dress on hand just in case we decided to do this one day. And apple Livie and Luca  shoes (I am obsessed with Livie and Luca shoes). Totally normal, right? Ok, ok my name is Sybil and I am a smockoholic. My Mother in Law and Mother feed my addiction. Jeremy doesn't mind it because his kid wears cute clothes and we pay next to nothing for them. So, my addiction will rage on until the day my daughter says the words that will be like a dagger to my heart, "mommy, I don't want to wear those baby dresses anymore." Let's just cross our fingers and hope that never happens and we just outgrow them naturally, a long long time from now. Moving on. 

So, I had her all dressed up and ready to go. And a delicious and nutritious lunch packed. And we showed up early for the first day to start off on the right foot. And I attempted to take an "outside of the school" pic when the meltdown began. See for yourself :

Well, I took her to her class and she cried her little eyes out, but she always does that for nursery on Sunday and when we pick her up they say  "she was an angel" so I figured she'd be just fine, it was only a little bit hard to leave her. I then began my day of getting things accomplished sans my mini-me. First item of business, a book bag and lunch box. Very essential for MDO. Since we were late to the party, all I had was her diaper bag and nursery bag, and those just won't do, you know. So, I drove to one of my favorite little stores that carries the book bags with matching lunch boxes that all of the toddlers have to have, you know, and I bought them. Don't you just love seersucker? Me too. And, don't worry, I checked with the fashion police and they say seersucker book bags and lunch boxes after labor day are totally fine! Whew. Oh, and don't worry, my dear friend is adding a monogram as we speak, err, type. 

Next, I went to the grocery store to buy the ingredients to a delicious looking recipe I found on Pinterest and the ingredients to my hubby's favorite dish that his mom made growing up that I had never attempted before. I was very nervous. And I couldn't find the right apples. So I picked up the wrong ones and hoped it would still turn out. Then, I ran by Target and got the supplies for my project I had already planned on doing, thanks again to Pinterest. 

I got home and threw all of the dinner ingredients in to the crock pot and I got the Apple Cheese Casserole (my hubby's favorite) all ready. I cleaned up the house. I got my project ready. And here is my  organization of our instruction manuals (that were just sitting in a drawer totally unorganized) masterpiece step by step:    

Step 1: Pull out all Instruction Manuals from junk drawer (Yikes!)

Step 2: Set up your binder

Step 3: Organize manuals alphabetically. I only did this because I am OCD (you might be able to omit)

Step 4: Slide manuals in binder 

Step 5: Make cute page for front of binder and store. Yay for organization! 

After I was done, it was time to pick up my girl. I got there early, again, ready to grab my girl and hold her tight and swing her around in circles. (I refrained from the last part, promise.) The report I got was an okay one. She had some tears off and on. But enjoyed music time, and bubble time, and arts and crafts, and she wouldn't let go of one of the workers (she phrased it as "she was my little shadow" but I knew what she meant.) So, she had a pretty good day and we left with all of us hopeful that Friday would be better. I told her that I was so so proud of her beautiful art project and she seemed very proud, she was beaming. Here it is, on the fridge:

Dinner turned out perfectly (SO good, recipe here. I used hot rotel and added a pkg taco seasoning and pkg ranch dressing mix) and the apple casserole was so good that I didn't even get a picture of it before the Hubs was diving in. He may or may not have said it was better than his mother's. I'll never tell. And sorry, you can't have that recipe unless I know you personally and you ask me for it. 

Delicious Dinner 

Sweet Hubby brought home precious flowers. Love that man!!

Today was the second day. She still cried a little when I dropped her off but when I picked her up, after another busy day, we got a GREAT report. Her sweet teacher said she had a great day and was so sweet and happy and good. YAY, she showed them how awesome she is! Her teacher asked if we would be in town Monday (not a day we attend MDO) and I said yes we would and she said she thought it would be best for me to go ahead and bring Leighton on Monday this week to get her really used to coming and getting to know the kids and teachers better, get in to a routine, etc. I was blown away. I am so thankful that these wonderful people care that much about my sweet girl. And Leighton was SO happy when I got her in my arms. She covered me with sugar and gave her teacher sugar. She was happy in the car on the way home and when we got home I rocked her for a minute, put her in her crib and she didn't even whimper. She laid down with a smile on her face and drifted in to dream land. So, the verdict, we LOVE Trinity MDO, God is SO good! 

18 Months

At (a few weeks passed) 18 months old, this precious girl:

* Is closer to 2 than 1
* Can say around 60 words clearly
* Has tee teed and pooped in her potty
* Has no more pacifier (!!!!)
* Has an incredible memory for a toddler
* Can wear bows in her hair because she finally has enough hair
* Loves books more than anything (Favorite: Pat the Bunny)
* Favorite Toys: Pull Toys, Purses, Baby Doll/Stroller, Laptop
* Says "Hey Baby" when she sees me because that's what I have always said to her.
* Loves to make silly faces and really loves it when we imitate said faces
* Sings/does motions to Old MacDonald, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Patty Cake.
* Listens intently to any song mommy sings
* Fears nothing
* Loves to "swim" in the pool. We must hold her on her belly so she can  "kick, kick, kick." She will laugh hysterically in the pool because she has so much fun!
*  Has certain shoes she loves and certain ones she hates.
* Tries to do everything herself. VERY independent.
* Is a good sleeper and greater eater
* Has 14 teeth (6 more to go. Yes, I am counting because I loathe teething.)
* Loves to drink out of a straw
* Doesn't sit still for one single second unless she is sleeping.
* Loves when daddy throws her in the air and tickles her.
* Can name these body parts: Head, nose, eyes, ears, cheeks, lips, teeth, mouth, tongue, chin, fingers, toes, belly button
* Says "bess you" when someone sneezes.

Vices:

* With Leighton, it's a battle of wills several times a day. I win 99% of the time.
* Her answer to most everything is "no" even when it's something she really does want.
* She hits occasionally and we always correct her.
* She needs to be constantly entertained.
* She gets frustrated when she doesn't figure something out the right way the first time (she gets that one honestly, from her momma)

Most treasuring detail of our 18 month old:

She is so sweet to other children, especially babies. She will share everything she has. At Sunday School the other day she was giving all of the other children her snack. She hates for little babies to cry and will rub on them, bring them their Paci, bottle, etc.

18 Month Check Up:

Weight: 25 lbs 4 ounces (70th %)
Height: 33 & 3/4 inches (90th%)
Head Size: 19 inches (85th %)
Hit All Milestones

Dr. M was VERY pleased that we are Paci- free, and so are we! I received so much support from other mom friends (and my wonderful husband) during that horrific process (thank you all SO much) but I also, surprisingly, received some judgment for "taking away my child's comfort" because "she wouldn't suffer any long term affects from having it longer" and "it's not like she will go to college with it." I spoke with our Dr. about it (have I mentioned how much I LOVE him lately?) and he said I totally did the right thing. That the longer you wait, the harder it is to get rid of it and its much more of a struggle when the child is emotionally attached to the Paci. He said that those things that were said to me were the exact same things doctors will say to parents who want to wait to get rid of the paci to make them feel better about it. He said children can definitely suffer damage to their teeth the longer they have a pacifier, ask any pediatric dentist.

Leighton got her last shot until age 4. HALLELUJAH! She does really well with shots, actually, I just hate watching her in pain.

This appointment was the first time she was afraid of the doctor's office. Dr. M said that will go away by age 3.

Leighton, you are so smart, it amazes us every day. You take in everything and study things very intently. You are so sweet, always giving us sugar and loving on us and sharing so well. You are sweet and yet you are determined. You aren't a quiet, go with the flow kind of toddler but I never wanted that for you. I want you to keep being strong and determined. You will never get lost in a crowd, that's for sure. You are beautiful, inside and out. It's almost impossible for any stranger to pass by you without commenting on how "precious" you are as you smile and tell them "hey" in that sweet voice. You are mommy and daddy's greatest joy and greatest source of worry and frustration. You light up our lives in ways we never could have imagined. We are thankful for you every second of every day. You make life so much fun! We love you with all of our hearts sweet girl!

It's Been A....

 Jazz Fest Jamming....

 Mother's Day Lunching... 

Memorial Day Celebrating ...

  Birthday Dinner-ing...

House Selling (well, trying too sell, anyway)...

New Car Getting...

 Zoo Going... 

  Grandparents Visiting... 

 Shower Throwing...

 Hundreds of Books Reading...

 Pink Cow Meeting...

Giraffe Pool Playing...

More Pool Play-Dating...

  Nephew's First Birthday Attending (Uncle Tim needs to work on his pic taking skills)...

Beach Tripping...

Best Friend (and her son) Seeing (FINALLY!)...

...kind of Summer! This is why we have been noticeably absent in the blogosphere. We have just been having SO much fun. We have been simply enjoying every sweet moment as a family of three and that has kept me too busy to blog about it all. You see, we probably won't be a family of three forever. And I don't know God's plans. It could be our last summer as the Three Musketeers, or we could have 5 more (summers, not babies, don't get crazy!) You just never know. So, I have been spending more time just living my beautiful life with these two loves than blogging about it. 

Quick Update on Leighton: We are soon to go to her 18 month appointment. But, at 15 months she was 23 lbs 5 ounces (60th percentile) and 32 inches long (90th percentile). Our doctor made the comment that I can stop worrying about her weight/height from being a preemie because she had not only caught up but had now surpassed many other babies her age. Sigh of relief. At 17 months our smart girl is saying almost 40 words, can follow all of my commands (i.e. "Go get mommy a book." or "Take that to daddy." etc.) She talks in "Leighton Language" 24/7. She loves to walk backwards, in circles, sideways, she's so silly. She loves to help me close doors, rub lotion on my legs, empty the washing machine/dishwasher (sans the knives, of course) throw away trash, and many other things around the house. She loves babies. More specifically, she loves to soothe them when they are crying and give them their paci. She is still a good eater. She still loves animals more than anything and calls all animals "doggy." And when you ask her what the doggy says she interrupts you and loudly says "woof." It is hilarious and keeps us in stitches. She finally has enough hair to wear a bow and is relatively good about keeping them in. Truthfully, I think it makes her look too big, so I only put them in occasionally. It makes me sad. She loves to be in the water. She laughs all the time, such a happy baby. She loves to dance, she does this shoulder dance all of the time with this sassy look on her face...I have no idea where she got that personality ;) Her favorite songs are "Old Macdonald" (she sings the eieio part), Patty Cake (which she doesn't sing but knows all of the motions too), and Itsy Bitsy Spider (she does the moves just not in the right order and tries to sing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" part. She loves giving sugar and kisses. She LOVES books, which makes my heart sing!! If I am doing something around the house and she leaves the room, I always know where to find her. Sitting down in her room "reading" her books. (Which is what she was doing in that picture up top.) She is getting more interested in her toys now. Her favorite? Her laptop. She is always "talking on the phone." Everything is a phone, a banana, her hand, her sippy cup. She just goes on and on in her own little language and says "Hey" every few words. She loves to help us put away her bath tub toys when it's time to get out. She has NO fear. At the beach she bolted right in to the ocean and let a wave crash in to her and loved it. At he zoo, they had a petting and feeding area and she walked right up to a ram and fed him and pet him and even tried to pull on his horns! We have our hands full, that's for sure! 

Well, it's time for me to go enjoy the rest of my summer with my two favorite people. And throw another shower. And stand by one of my dearest friends as her Matron of Honor. And go to another baby's birthday party. It's been a busy but amazing Summer, friends. Since I didn't have a chance to write anything insightful, I leave you with some FANTASTIC reads below to fill up the time you thought you'd spend reading one of my really long winded posts. Seriously, read them. Good stuff. Happy Summer! 

This one made me weep. Uncontrollably. On my bathroom floor. True story. If you know me at all you know how close adoption is to my heart.

Ouch. This one hurt a little. But so much truth. For me specifically, the part about wanting to give up on friendships that are all give and no get. And, ahem, losing my patience with a very strong willed toddler.

Welcome. Every church needs this. Seriously.  

Weekend Getaway

Everyone, especially parents, need to just get away sometimes. Flee from life's demands and just be. Go wherever you want. Do whatever you want. No worries. So, that's what we did, Jeremy and I, two weekends ago. The In-loves came in town to hang out with and love on our girl for the weekend while we packed up our bags and headed out to a beautiful B&B about an hour away from home.

                                                       Mistletoe Bough Bed and Breakfast.

 (I am still mad that we didn't take a picture of the outside because it was GORGEOUS but here is a partial view of our precious quarters: "Andrea's Room.")

Mistletoe Bough is tucked away in a Mayberry-like town, a little place called Alex City. It was built in 1895, originally owned by the banker in town. Long story short, over the years the family of said banker let it go and then some folks bought it, fixed it up, and sold it to the owners who turned it in to a B&B. The Queen Anne Victorian decor is gorgeous and the house has 6 bedrooms and bathrooms. Now,this was the first B&B Jeremy or I had ever stayed in but, apparently, it's pretty rare to find a B&B with a bathroom for every bedroom.

We got a deal on our vacay via Groupon, only paid half price for a 2 night stay. I originally bought the deal about a year ago. It was about to expire and it ended up being just the right weekend for us to get away, God's timing is always perfect. Thanks to Groupon, we received chocolate covered strawberries and roses upon arrival.

 It was a great welcome. We knew we were going to love the inkeeper, Joanne Fraizer, instantly. She was both friendly and hilarious. We got a dinner recommendation to a local steakhouse, Jakes, and enjoyed a wonderful meal. It's pretty rare, with a toddler, that I get to eat a hot meal, even at a restaurant, so I savored every moment. We came back to the B&B and sweet Joanne made us a dessert of brownies, ice cream, chocolate syrup and cool whip. It was delicious.

The next morning we were cooked a fantastic breakfast of monkey bread, fruit mixture, and breakfast casserole. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the upstairs where all of the guest rooms are has a Keurig coffee maker for everyone to use and a little refrigerator with a carafe of water for each room. Like I said, first B&B ever, but I don't think most provide all of that. After breakfast it was off to explore this delightful little town. We went to a few shops while we waited for the Wellborn Muscle Car Museum to open. We thoroughly enjoyed our visits and seeing cars like the one in Smokey the Bandit driven by Burt Reynolds:

                                                     (The Black One)

 And the car from The Rockford Files (Pictured above)

 And there was even a pink car to satisfy this PhiMu4Life. (I know, that was cheesy but no pink item, lion statue, quatrefoil shape, or lady bug goes unnoticed. Ever.)

Next, we moved on to Carlisle's Drug Store.

It's a Pharmacy/Gift Shop with the only full service "Old Fashion Soda Fountain" in the state, built in 1914. It was precious and Jeremy enjoyed a root beer float whilst I enjoyed  a coke float.

We then headed over to the wine store because we heard they did tastings. When we arrived, it was actually more than just an adorable wine store, there was also a tiny restaurant where you could enjoy some tapas. We didn't have time for that but we will definitely do it next time. Turns out, they only do tastings during the week but the lady was kind enough to do a miniature tasting for us. Typical small southern town, every one was just so dang nice, ya'll.

Next, we drove out to Niffer's in Dadeville for lunch. Yes, the same famous institution in Auburn has a twin. I never knew that. I miss Niffer's constantly so it was a real treat to enjoy some corn nuggets on the porch looking out at Lake Martin. I might just like this location better, shhh don't tell my fellow AU Alums.

When we got back in town we stopped by the B&B to change and then headed out to the little carnival that was in town, just for fun. Well, after braving a few of the rides that looked like they were falling apart we decided we were crazy, and hot, and our tummies needed a rest. So we called it a day. We aren't as young and fearless as we used to be, friends.

Back at the B&B we lounged on the porch swing. In the breeze. In silence. It was so very lovely. My mind drifted and I began to think about where I was one year ago. I often do this to see how different things are, how far I have come, what has changed, etc. A year ago I had a 2.5 month old.

Who was premature and tiny. Who barely ate anything. Who had terrible reflux and cried in pain almost every minute she was awake because she had painful reflux and threw up almost everything she ate.

I remembered blaming myself. Was it something I ate/didn't eat/drank/didn't drink/certain vitamins I took/didn't take. Should I have exercised more? Less? Could I have done anything to prevent the pre-eclampsia that wrecked havoc on my body and caused my innocent child to be born too soon? Oh, mommy guilt. Why, oh why, do we beat ourselves up so much? Then I reflected back to the now. I have a happy, growing, walking toddler who eats everything in sight and adores her parents. And doesn't remember anything from a year ago, thanks be to His holy name.

We got ready for dinner a short while later and went to Sinclair's On The Lake. We have 2 Sinclair's locations here in Montgomery but we had never been to the third which sits on Lake martin, has the best view of the sunset in the area, and it a good bit larger than the others. We got our favorite appetizer, the She Crab soup and we both had a delicious meal.  We came back to the B&B to delicious Red Velvet cupcakes waiting on us, courtesy of the inn keeper.

The next morning we enjoyed another FABULOUS breakfast of sausage, French toast with a blueberry yogurt-like filling and a banana dish which had brown sugar, almonds, and sour cream in it. I wanted the recipe so badly but I am assuming it is all mixed to taste. I think I am going to attempt to make it this weekend because it was just so good, so if I get it right, I'll post the recipe.


We packed up our stuff and left a note in the little book on the bedside table. We said our goodbyes to Joanne (who said we were the "prettiest" guests she had ever had in 6 years. She probably says that to everyone but I thought it was SO sweet). Then we were off to our last stop, Horse Shoe Bend National Park. This is where the Battle at Horse Shoe Bend was fought. You know, the one you were forced to learn about in Alabama History class back in... 4th grade was it? Well, I know many people don't enjoy history like I do so long story short, the Indians lost and the white men won, and this is essentially how Georgia and Alabama became a part of the United States. Riveting stuff, I know.  But it was gorgeous. You drove your car through the whole thing and got out at designated stops where there were little info stands to let you know why that particular stop was important. I liked the whole driving thing, because I am not a big "nature girl." I mean, I love a little camping trip as much as the next person but I am not a fan of anything buggy, or snake- like, or poison ivy, or...you get the point.

After a wonderful weekend we were ready to get back home to our precious girl who was very good for her Honey and Paw Paw all weekend. It's nice to get away but it was great to be home again.

   

Link Love

Well, here goes nothing! My first attempt at making this blog not just about Leighton. Although, it will still revolve in large part around her.

Because, let's face it, she's adorable. And always keeping things 'round here interesting. 

Like this week she is cutting two new teeth, saying "no, no, no," and purposefully dropping things so she can say "uh oh." It's all adorable. Except maybe the "no, no, no."  Moving on.


In the passed couple of weeks I have run across some things on the internet (via friends, family members, random blogs I stalk follow) some very interesting, enlightening, encouraging things. None of them have much, if anything, in common. But they are all good. So, in no particular order, a fruit salad of links I love lately:




Ok, I HEART David Platt, (and not just because he shares my maiden name but that does make him even more awesome, of course) especially his book, Radical  but seriously, this is the best thing I have heard in a long time, or maybe ever. PREACH, David. 


I do love me some Hunger Games, friends. Here is an interesting point of view on how the plot (according to the author) "is like a highway with plenty of 'exits' pointing to spiritual issues." I was really only thinking mostly about the political issues when I read it, if I am honest. 


Sweet mom friends who feel a little inadequate most of the time (like me), come. Sit a spell. And read this. Feel better now? Me too.


And finally, all women of the world...eh, who stumble across this post... watch this. (Warning: the guy is a little eccentric but the message is fantastic.) 

Since typing the words "fruit salad" my tummy has been grumbling. Off to the kitchen I go. Not too much longer until nap time is over and this little watermelon wakes... 

  
See, there I go again with the fruit.