Your First Year!

I finally got a picture of the two frogs/squigglers/crawlers yesterday. Getting them to sit still for any picture is difficult. I'm happy a camera isn't on me because what I do to get them to look at me, well y'all, it's embarrassing. The noises, faces, jumping.... Like I said, I'm glad you can only see them. :o)

I wanted to put all of your month pictures up to see how you've grown and changed this first year.

August 18, 2011... Waiting for babies!

Your first time together since birth.

One Month! 

Two Months!

{First birthday outfits by Adrianne}

{The only way to get the picture with P was to use reverse camera.}

Our sweet babies :o) 

What blessings they are to us?! 

Mac, 

*You're stepping up your assertiveness with Paisley. Sometimes we remind you that you're her brother and have to be gentle. 

*You have two teeth on the bottom, zero on the top. 

*You are a picky eater. You don't like meat. You want to feed yourself and get frustrated when you can't. 

*You love noodles and animal crackers. 

*You are the fastest scooter and the slowest crawler.

*Milk used to be good to you, but now you refuse everything. We will talk with Dr. Steph about this tomorrow.

*You still grunt and growl, thank you. We love that.

*You are a thinker- you check out everyone and everything. It takes work for a stranger to get a smile from you.

*You wear 12-18 month clothes. You look adorable in everything, but one pieces are my absolute favorite. I know I won't be able to dress you in these forever so I admit- you wear one most everyday. 

*You dance to music, throw balls, and smack your lips like a kiss. 

*'Dada' is still your favorite word.

*Separation anxiety is amongst us. 

*Naps are 10/10:15-11:30/11:45 and three hours from the first nap- 1/1:15-3/3:15.

*You fall asleep and wake up first.

*You nurse morning and bedtime, but I think we are headed toward a weaning. Your interest is decreasing as you become more involved in your environment. You're sprouting your wings, my sweet boy. :' )

*You bless us everyday. 

We love you, Mac Man!

-Mama and Dada

Paisley,

*You are such a sweet girl. You cuddle more than you used to, and I so appreciate this.

*You have SIX teeth, and a seventh one popped up this week: four on the top, three on the bottom. 

*You stand on your own and crawl when you need to be somewhere. You are fast. 

*You love sliced cheese and oatmeal. 

*When I say 'stop' you mock me. It sounds like 'top'. 

*You are in 12 month clothes. I love bubbles on you more than anything. Dresses get in your way when you crawl, so you crawl using your feet instead of your knees. Inventive. Nothing will stop you.

*It doesn't bother you when I leave you with others. If I leave you inside to put Mac in the car, tears are running down your face when I come back inside. I missed you too, sweet P. :o)

*You are talking in your own language, especially to Mac. 

*You scream and throw your loveys at Mac when you wake up before him or he's asleep before you. Most often all of your loveys are in his bed when I get you two. 

*We have to buckle anything you sit in.

*Naps are 10/10:15-11:30/11:45 and three hours from the first nap- 1/1:15-3/3:15.

*You fall asleep and wake up last.

*You nurse morning and bedtime. I think it's mostly for comfort, however. You're probably weaning yourself, too. Another sign of you becoming physically independent of me. {I have tears running down my cheeks as I type this.}

*We are so lucky to call you our daughter. 

We love you, PGA!

-Mama and Dada

{I know this isn't all I need/want to say, and I'll add things as I think of them... I always do. }

Toddlers... What?!?

I get weekly emails about baby development. I got them each week of pregnancy, infancy and now they say 'toddler.' Huh? Who has toddlers?? :-/ Obviously, I am still bittersweet to saying 'bye' to our baby phase, but I love what fun we are having with Mac and Paisley at this age.

They ate spaghetti for lunch, and I can't believe how much they love it! If you know me, it's a big deal to allow such messes. Ha! I bought smock-like bibs that tie in the back. M and P have started pulling off the bibs (urk!) but not with these... and these bibs have sleeves! Yes!

 They have had such fun playing with their birthday toys!! Paisley is all giggles, and Mac is his goofy self, ha!

I'm working on thank you's! (Mental note, figure out how many notecards I need to order...)

When the toys aren't enough, we open a drawer :o)

 My longtime friend, Katie, reminded me I've yet to post a nursery picture! This was kind of intentional because, well, it's not 'complete' believe it or not. {I may as well start planning their toddler rooms at this rate, ha!} Adrianne sewed our bedding, and I love that we have a sentimental bond to the fabrics that surround them while they sleep. P's crib is usually centered under her name, but I slid it out to get the loveys she threw out- that's her new hobby. Newest addition to the cribs- covers for the top rail as they have teeth marks from our little beavers. 

This week! I'll post all birthday pictures! We will also have a giveaway from one of our favorite finds- Cuddle Bug Gifts! 

{To be eligible for the giveaway, please 'follow' my blog, comment on the post, and 'like' CBG's Facebook page.} 

Tomorrow we have Mac and Paisley's ONE YEAR portraits with our lovely friends at Studio D Photography! I love seeing what these gals can do!

Thursday we go to the pediatrician for the ONE YEAR appointment. 

Big deal here, friends. I promise I'll try to get over this milestone. :o) Eventually...

-as always,

ashley

Random Ramblings

Now that the nuggets are ONE and the party is over, I have an itch... for another project. What to do, what to do?? We've had our house on the market, and we recently chose to stick around {for several reasons: convenience, timing, realtor disappointments, etc}. I'm totally at peace with this decision, but I have the need to work on something... paint a side table, redecorate a bedroom/nursery, paint a room... who knows. Either way, I have a lot of ideas spinning in my head, and I am craving a redo of some sort. I mean, hey, if we're going to stay, why can't I, right??

Yesterday I put some of the paper lanterns from the party in Lilly Scott's room. She loved the surprise when she came home :o) Then she asked for lanterns that light up. Ha.

I need to do something at the top... a bow or something. Any ideas?

I got the lanterns from Luna Bazaar for a great deal! They were very friendly in answering my questions, and the shipping was incredibly fast! I ordered them Friday afternoon, and they were here Wednesday!

The birthday pictures are coming! I will also share the names and business of those who helped me put this fantabulous party together! 

If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen some pictures. If not, here's a preview:

Eek! I am so in love with the party decor. I can't let it go. I don't even park in the garage {right now} because the ping pong table is in the middle of the garage with party decor and gifts on it. It was odd Monday morning because I had weather elements on my windshields. What in the world?! I barely found the defrost buttons! {Sad, I know- Jordan spoils me.} As he said, "Welcome to parking outside." Goob.

I'm displaying the party decor in the house as much as I can get away with. Here are the 'year in pictures' banners that hung like garland between each pillar at the pavilion. I have hung them above the windows in Mac and Paisley's 'play room'-

And the flowers, well I love having them all over the house. I wish I would have thought to give more of them away to share their sweet scent and happy nature.

Random pics I wanted to share.... 

Here's LS at Eli's birthday party last Friday, cute girl.

The party wore out a couple of babes:

*Tonight's dinner: chicken, buffalo sauce and powdered ranch in the crock pot. Sounds good, right? I'll probably shred the chicken and serve it with salad and wraps. We may even spoil ourselves with some crunchy tater tots. 

*LS gets out of school in 35 minutes. I've been waking M and P up from their nap early to get to school on time. {By 'on time' I mean 3:00} If you know me at all, you know time management isn't my strong suite. Sadly, I've even taught a class on the subject for 3 years. Obviously, knowledge and execution are two separate things here. I gave myself away this week, though, because we walked to pick up LS... yes, yes, we live that close and I'm still late. The teachers thought we lived about 30 minutes away, but now my cover is blown. Shoot. To think I was trying to be a physically fit and all. ;o)

*Jordan has a fantasy football draft this weekend... Welcome to football season, my friends. Jordan and his 395829 fantasy teams. Buckle up! 

*It's 2:10, I should probably eat today.... On that note~ au revoir! 

as always, 

ashley

Lilly Scott, Our First Grader

Jordan worked all weekend so it was a weekday kind of weekend in our house. My dad came to spend Sunday with us, and we fellowshipped with our small group after church. 

We dined at Rain Thai Bistro, yum. 

Lilly Scott started school this week: first grade. As I tucked her in Sunday evening, tears came to my eyes thinking of how much we enjoy her being a part of our immediate family. She's such a special girl, our LS. 

We went to school on Sunday for a mock first day so that I could capture pictures. 

 This is her actual first day. All four of us walked her inside.

I could not wait to pick her up from school! I was filled with questions and hugs, and LS wanted quiet time, hehe. When my dad used to pick me up from school, he always asked what the highlight of my day was. Then, I was frustrated by that question, but now, I know it's because he missed me. Once in school, teachers spend more time with children than parents do. This question was a window into my day, and I now find myself repeating it to LS daily. :o)

Lilly Scott,

I will admit, I was nervous to add anything to my plate. Mac and Paisley had me spinning circles, and I wanted to give you everything. On Mother's Day, I was overcome by the Holy Spirit and reminded that Grace will surround me. From that moment, I have been so excited about the idea of having you here. I was ready, and a few weeks later, you came to Chattanooga. 

My days before you were in Chattanooga seemed full at the time, but now I know you were missing. Your light helps my cup overflow, precious Lilly Scott. I love tucking you in bed, reading with you, fixing your cereal. All of the small things add up to one huge blessing, and that is you. 

It is our prayer to raise you as Christ teaches us. Your light in our world is so bright. Thank you for teaching me about God's grace- how it continues to surround us. 

Your presence doesn't add to my plate per se, you make my abilities grow and strengthen. 

Your brother and sister absolutely adore you, and we are all better for calling you ours. 

Happy first week of FIRST grade,

We love you,

Ashley and Jordan

As Promised

A couple of weeks ago Carsen and Bailey came to spend the week with us. It was in the middle of Paisley's penicillin reaction, and I was so thankful to have them here to help! They jump right in and love on Lilly Scott, Mac and Paisley. Thank you for loving them, C and B!

I shared about P's initial penicillin reaction here, and it actually got worse! We were putting the nuggets in the car, and I noticed Paisley had no wrists and barely any ankles. I remembered Dr. Stephanie saying swollen joints was a possibility, and I called her immediately. Before I could take her to their office {as opposed to the ER}, I was told to monitor Paisley's breathing and look for signs of airway struggle. {WHAT?! How unnerving this was?!!!} Fortunately she was breathing well so we headed to the pediatrician's office. 

Her skin was actually healing pretty well, as you can see in this picture. She and Bailey were blowing raspberries.

 Carsen and Mac were being silly... it makes the time go much faster.

 Paisley was seen and given a prescription for oral steroids. Poor girl. Thankfully the steroids worked quickly, and she was getting back to her norm before our weekend of traveling. 

{Click here to read about it.}

Earlier that day, I went to see Amy at Hair Junkie Salon. I was in desperate need of something. Drying my hair was tedious {even if my hair wasn't washed daily and wearing it in a ponytail 24/7 gets old}. I've always said that if I have long hair, I need to actually wear it down occasionally. I wasn't holding true to that mindset so it was time for a change!

I love it! Thanks, Amy!

I had to share a funny... I asked Jordan to take this picture of a dress to see if it worked for a wedding, and look what else he captured :o)

 Have I posted this pic before?? I need some ginseng or something because my memory is about kaput these days. I ask the same question or tell the same story back to back-- and I have no recollection of doing it the first time. Does pregnancy brain ever go away? Or does it automatically become mommy brain once the baby (or babies) is born..? Whatever it is, I have it. 

Random note- Paisley's top tooth is through the gums! There's another one right behind it!

Back to the birthday crafts!! I am SO SO SO excited to put all of this planning, shopping and crafting to fruition! I promise you lots {and lots} of pictures!

Will I really have one year olds in 5 days???? 

If there's one word to sum my emotions up, it's bittersweet.

as always,

ashley

Mommy Meltdown

Yes, it's happened, a mommy meltdown. It is so bittersweet knowing that Mac and Paisley are 10 days away from the anniversary of the day they changed our lives forever when they entered our world. {Pardon the run-on sentence, grammar friends.} Can it be? I know, I know, I say it often. Every month posting, picture and letter has led us to the 'one year', and now it's here.

What makes me most sad? It's the thought of them growing, first off. Their feet and toes won't always be so sweet to smother in kisses. They won't always think it's funny to blow on their belly. I've heard it time and again, and I believe it now more than ever- you're never ready to see them grow. As fast as this year went, I know that each year will pass even quicker, and Mr. Time doesn't care how hard I plant my feet where we are today. 

As I prep for their first birthday party, I am surrounded by memories of our first year. Am I really wishing for sleepless nights? {Crazy, right??!} Oh, my babies, how much I've loved this year with you.

Bear with me as we scroll down memory lane: 

August 2011.

August 17- In the hospital triage having urine tested for protein. I was having labor pains, but I wasn't sure what they were. I was given a concoction of drugs to make my body relax, and we went home a few hours later. On our way out, we saw Frances and Ben being admitted to birth Holden! 

August 18- Wake up, my stomach feels blah. I don't want to eat {surprisingly, considering I could polish off a massive breakfast}. I work on thank you notes off and on, but I can't shake the yuck. I take a shower after The View hoping that will make me feel better. I sit in the shower chair {bed rest = no standing at all for me} and try to let the hot water relax me. It kind of worked. 

1:30- I go to sit in the recliner temporarily moved into our room. I hadn't put the foot rest down, so I kind of leapt {the 230 lb body, ugh} into the chair and SPLAT. Water everywhere... Funny thing, Frances was hurried out of the labor and delivery room because all rooms were full, and her room was needed... by ME! Thanks, France!

August 19, 2011

I labored all night, and they were born at 5:21 and 5:42 am. I didn't get to have 'the moment' I had seen on TV or in pictures. {You know, the one where the mom makes eye contact with the baby and kisses him/her all over.} Dr. Roberts held Mac up briefly, and I asked why his face was bruised {ahem, because he spent over 2 months in my pelvic bone, that's why}. Then he had to get help with his breathing so he was taken aside. 

Then it was time to push Paisley out. I wasn't ready. I needed a time out, but that wasn't granted. Nineteen minutes later {On August 19, mind you... I just realized this}, Paisley Grace was born. I only saw a limp baby for a half second. Then Jordan rushed to be by her as she was "bagged" as they say. She wasn't responsive when she was born- her APGAR was 2. This girl is resilient, however, and she bounced back with a bang! {In her own time, of course.}

At first Paisley came to the room with us, but her blood sugar couldn't be stabilized so she joined Mac in the nursery. Shortly after, we received a phone call that Paisley was being admitted to the NICU for observation and a sugar water IV. Her sugar level pendulum swung on the way to the NICU, and she only required IV fluids and monitoring in her time there. 

Mac came to our room about an hour later. I'm not sure what was going on with him, but he came to me as soon as he could. It truly was a whirlwind, and I was plain exhausted. 

Paisley was discharged from the NICU, and this is your first time together since birth :o)

Two days later, on August 21, we left Erlanger with TWO babies in our car!!

 Our first week home!!!

 One week old pediatric appointment!

 Mac's horrible experience under the bili lights for jaundice- he and I both cried hysterically.

 First {of many!} month pic

Thanks for the walk... and tears! :o)

as always,

ashley

1,180 Miles to Say 'Hello' and 'Goodbye'

Whew. This weekend we did a lot of traveling- 5 states and about 1,180 miles in three days. Our first destination was for Jordan's family reunion in Terre Haute, Indiana. We were going to drive to Nashville Thursday and drive to IN Friday morning, but I was afraid the kiddos wouldn't handle traveling such a far distance (in the daytime) well. So we ventured to IN through a horrific storm (we were the green pin below... and driving into the red and yellow) and pulled into the hotel about 1:15 am.

The next morning we went to visit Jordan's aunts (Aunt Dot and Aunt Patty) and Mamaw. Mac and Paisley and Mamaw napped at the same time :o) Pretty cute. I walked in to see Mamaw watching them squirm in their pack n plays. (We counted, and Jordan put the pack n plays up and down 10 times this weekend.)

GeeP and Mamaw fed Paisley crackers while Mac snacked on pumpkin and yogurt in the high chair. 

Then the cousins started arriving! Lilly played with Kayce and Daniel, and they were entertaining little fish. The party got more fun once our Nashville Allen family came, and all the kiddos enjoyed a popsicle by the pool.

Lilly and her KK... Not sure where Kayce was for this pic. I hope I can get my hands on the three blondes born to us in 2006! (Lilly- 1.11.06, KK 7.12.06 and KC 11.11.06)

The next day was a day at Deming Park. We celebrated Mamaw's upcoming 95 birthday (December 23), and there was a surprise birthday cake for M and P!! So sweet!

 We got to see lots of cousins, aunts and uncles, and Mac and Paisley and Lilly were surrounded by family affection. What a special family to be a part of :o) 

Caroline, Emma and Callie, I promise you can hold these babies next year when they aren't so squirmy. I'll tell them how much you love their pictures and you can be buddies next year :o)

After lunch and cake and visiting at the park, we went back to our hotel to get ready for Jordan's childhood friend's wedding, Blake Holler. 

After the wedding, we changed clothes and packed up the car and headed south. We left a lot later than we wanted, so we stopped at 2:30 am in Lexington. We spent the rest of the night and left first thing the next morning for Knoxville.

I've written about my Grandma Hester here, and on Wednesday, August 1, Grandma Hester went to be with Jesus. In that post, I shared pictures of her recently, but this is how I remember her best-

This picture is from a couple of years ago. Right after she stopped making the best potato candy and fried okra I've ever had. Grandma and Grandpa Hester raised 5 children in a 770 square foot flat top house built during WWII.

My dad gave an emotional eulogy, and my tradition of singing Amazing Grace continued. Grandma Hester, you are missed, but I know you don't miss us! We will see you one day! 

Lilly asked today if Grandma Hester is learning to fly. When I asked her why, she said 'because she has wings now.' This topic has Lilly asking about people living with Jesus, and I am encouraged by her spirit and innocence. 

We took advantage of picture attire, and this is my new favorite family portrait. 

I'll post about our week with Carsen and Bailey tomorrow.. and part two of the penicillin reaction.

as always,

ashley