The House of Walters

Winter? What winter?

2012-02-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have delivered beautiful weather to the midwest. It was January? I highlydoubt that Mattie (and friends) were complaining! Just a little fun driving (well, riding) and smooching monkeys (well, chimps).

Joy

2011-12-31T13:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day Arrived! Mattie Kay loved so many of her gifts! We were able to spend Christmas morning in Kansas and then drive to be with the rest of our family in Missouri later that day! It was a great holiday!

A Magical Time of Year

2011-12-13T17:55:00.001-08:00

It has already been such a wonderful season for us! Age 2 is a great age to truly enjoy the magic of the season! Looking forward to the next two weeks of fun Christmas festivities!

The Family

2011-11-01T08:50:00.001-07:00

Love that smile

2011-10-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

I love that smile! This past weekend our neighborhood had its first Fall Festival together! We had such a good time and have photos to prove it!

Ahh Zoo Day

2011-10-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

Lots of photos from our latest zoo trip. Mattie is the perfect age to really enjoy all the animals! And I got to use my new camera which is always a treat!

I know where she gets it....

2011-09-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

My little high-flyin' swing lover is just like her daddy....the higher the better!

My birthday came early....

2011-09-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

My precious husband knows how much I love photographs! He surprised me with a wonderful nice new "fancy" camera. Here are a few from my first day of experimenting! I can hardly wait to actually learn how to use it properly!

My Girl!

2011-09-06T15:15:00.001-07:00

The Rookie

2011-08-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

Her first bicycle! Grandpa has been saving this special bike for our little one until her legs were long enough! It will take lots of practice but it was a great start! Thanks Grandpa!

What Happened?

2011-08-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

It seemed to happen overnight. My girl turned into a (gulp, sniff, sniff) toddler! Look at her! She is all grown up! What a doll, but not a doll *baby* anymore.

My Biggest Loves

2011-08-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Jeff's birthday, I was able to talk him into taking a photo (or two). He HATES photos! So its a tad difficult to twist his arm, but its easier if he gets to pose with Mattie Kay! Aren't they adorable together?

Happy Hour

2011-07-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am fairly certain that I go to Sonic Happy Hour too often. When we drive by Sonic, she says "mmmmm". And of course, she sneaks a drink from time to time!

Happy Dog....

2011-06-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

The other day I heard my dog crunching on something and went to investigate. She had a milkbone. Hmm. That was odd, I wonder where she got it? A little later I heard another crunch crunch crunch. I went to investigate. She had another Milkbone. So, I retraced her steps back to the kitchen. Mattie was standing in the kitchen holding the milkbone box. Apparently (and obviously) she had found the cupboard where I store the milkbones. It has now become a common occurance to find Mattie feeding Molly treats. Molly is a very happy dog these days!

Sewing-palooza

2011-06-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have submerged myself into sewing this week! I got a lot of sewing accomplished that I've been wanting to do!

First, I finally got curtains made and hung in the living room!

I made a fun little messenger bag! (Can't wait to try it out today!)

And finally, I made a crayon roll! Yay for projects!

Rubber Ducky....

2011-06-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Something so cute and sweet that is supposed to make bathtime "fun" ended up making bathtime rather traumatic!

Summertime!

2011-06-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

That is a great bikini bod! First time trying it on, isn't she cute? I set up the sprinkler in the backyard and figured the only way she'd go through it was to follow me. Once I got in it, I realized the water was FREEZING....and she followed. If only I had my camera rolling because her face was priceless. Hopefully I didn't scar her for life and she'll give it a try another day!

A moment...

2011-06-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

I love special moments between Mattie and her Daddy. Even though Daddy was having fun playing catch, he took time (several times) to give sweet hugs to a precious little girl. Nothing like a Daddy and Daughter relationship!

Low Maintenance Girl

2011-05-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

This is one low maintenance girl. A diaper box is a toy and a chair! Doesn't she look like a little Huggies baby??

We love shoes!

2011-05-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

We both love shoes. I love my collection of "pretties" and it seems as though Mattie prefers my shoes as well! At the end of every day, I have a shoe collection hunt. Shoes (singles or pairs, matching or not) will be found from the bathroom to the pantry. At the end of each day, I collect them all and put them back in my closet so that she can start all over the next day.

I feel like Mattie looks in the second photo. A full time mommy trying to look good, but it just isn't safe.

Bringin' back the 80's!

2011-05-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is Mattie Kay with her hair down, showing her mullet! Not sure how it happened, or why it happened. I guess that she was destined to make a mullet look good (for now anyway). I'd cut it but then the cute pigtails wouldn't work. Lets just call it the "in between" hair style. No matter, I love her (mullet and all)!

Eyes Wide Open

2011-05-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Four of us recently stepped out of our comfort zone and went into a mens mission to serve dinner. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived, but what I found humbled me beyond belief. We served 134 men. The men ranged from teenage to an elderly man who must have been in his 80's. We were complimented and told God bless more times than I can count. I saw men who were simply thankful for food set before them and others who were grateful for a friendly smile. A few were silent and chose not to speak, but others would probably have loved to chatted for hours. My "vision" of a homeless man was forever changed. I never felt unsafe or unwanted. I truly look forward to going back.

Like mother like daughter

2011-05-13T15:22:00.000-07:00

I love the zoo. I even had a zoo membership well before Mattie ever existed. Finally she is to the age where she is interested in the animals! I see many zoo trips this year! Here are a few of her (and my) favorites!

One Happy Mom!

2011-05-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

This year was my second Mothers Day! I can hardly believe that! What a blessing it has been to be a mother, especially to Mattie Kay. Jeff surprised me with beautiful flowers and a gorgeous corsage for church services. I have no doubt that I am a better mom with Jeff as a dad along with me. We make a pretty good team! I am looking forward to what exciting adventures I get to live being a mother in this next year!

My Cup...

2011-04-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Overfloweth. We have been blessed with a beautiful little girl that brings us joy every day. An Easter basket filled with candy, stuffed caterpillar and books but our girl only had eyes for the books. I have a feeling she is going to be a reader like her mommy.

8 long years ago...

2011-04-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that its been 8 years since we lost my mom. Eight short but incredibly long years ago. I still remember the day like I just lived it. Then I think of everything that has happened in those eight years and it amazes me how quickly it has gone by. I toured England and Scotland, met the man of my dreams, had a fairy tale wedding, ran a flower shop, then closed one. I became a mom too. All of those moments are bitter sweet. Wishing my mom had been there to be a part of them but so very thankful that she has gone on to a better place. What an amazing example of a mom I had. If I can teach Mattie just a fraction of what she taught me, I will count myself a good mom too. Blessed beyond measure that I had her in my life for 26 wonderful years.

Too Much?

2011-03-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

We purchased Mattie her first chair. To say that she loves it would be a huge understatement. She spends all of her time climbing up, climbing down, climbing up with her book, climbing down. Its a hit! We call it her big girl chair!

My reader, my dog lover?

2011-03-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

On more than one occasion, I have found Mattie "reading" a book while sitting in our dogs bed. Strange? Or just cozy?

It's the Simple Things

2011-03-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

The best toys in life, aren't really toys at all! I could have saved a fortune on toys if I would have just gone shopping in my own house! Chrissy was able to visit with baby Makayla today. During the visit, Mattie got a kick out of a simple shopping bag. Oh, and do you like her Mohawk? She pulled her hair bow out and this is what happened. I promise we don't leave the house looking like this!

Quality Time in Missouri

2011-03-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

Mattie Kay is officially an outdoor girl. She loved being outside! Here are a few photos from our trip to Missouri. (Warning: Lots of walking photos)

Worth a thousand words....

2011-02-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

Mattie Kay met her Great-Grandmother when she was just two months old. Needless to say, Grandma fell in love. The family lost her today. I am so thankful that Mattie Kay was able to meet her and we were able to capture a priceless photo. Photos really are worth a thousand words.

Ready!

2011-02-21T06:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening we had a house full of baseball players! Mattie soon found the baseballs and hasn't put it down yet! I think she's ready for the season to begin!

She became...

2011-02-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

a little girl and not a baby, overnight! I cannot believe the changes in my Mattie Kay lately. She is so grown up looking!

Baby Its Cold Outside...

2011-02-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

...but there really are those who don't mind the cold! Since the snow has arrived, my family of deer are rather happy! I really should take video of them running and playing together. The family ranges anywhere from 19 to 21 deer, which includes one large buck and three smaller bucks. They are such a joy to watch.

A Whirlwind of a Season!

2011-01-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

Met Santa...Year Number 2....As you can see, not the biggest fan!

Christmas Morning, a bumble bee pillow pet....what more does a little girl need?

What's that?

Ohhh, a dinosaur! (with Grandma in the background)

Ahhh, Grandma and Mattie Kay bonding!

And finally, "the gift" of 2010! "Aunt Sara and Uncle Mike" MADE Mattie Kay a doll house. They estimated that it took between 80 and 100 hours! This child is LOVED!

Anticipation...

2010-12-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

I feel like we are always living with anticipation. Looked forward to thanksgiving, it came and went. Looked forward to Christmas, it came and went. And now there is anticipation for the new year, and I fear it will just come and go. I have dozens of things I hope to accomplish in 2011 but my track record for fulfilling them isn't so grand. I can't say as though I have ever made a list of new years resolutions so maybe it's time to start!
*Be the best mom I can possibly be
*Make sure my husband knows and can see that I love him every single day
*Deepen my knowledge, in my beliefs and my faith
*Create more (possibly pick up my artist pad and see where my pencils take me)
*Become a good friend
*Laugh until I cry as often as possible
*Slow down, throw out the to do list, and enjoy each moment
*Be a better person and all that it entails
*step out if my comfort zone more
*start a crafting/project blog
Whew! I am excited now! Bring on 2011!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Hoping you all have a wonderful holiday with friends and family!

Eyes of amazement

2010-12-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

What an exciting Christmas this year. Last year Mattie was only two months old so the beautiful world of Christmastime passed her by without being noticed. This year, we see the lights, the sparkly ornaments and the wonder of the season. What a fun and exciting time!

My Dynamic Duo

2010-11-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

My world. Precious aren't they?

A Full House

2010-11-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We had a big group this year and we actually got them all to smile for a family photo! For a group that large, I think it turned out great! We filled our new home with laughter, family and fun. It was a great holiday! We are blessed!

Winter Hats

2010-11-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

My newest project is hats! I had no idea what I was doing, so I just made it up as I went along. I am pretty proud of how they turned out!

Mattie isn't the biggest fan of wearing hats, just yet! The last one just goes to show she is not my fashion baby, she just wanted to go play!

A year has come and gone....

2010-11-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

Mattie Kay has officially turned one. What an amazing year it has been. She has taught us how to be parents and how to love so much more than we even knew was possible. She is full of spirit and spunk and we love her. Happy Birthday to my baby.

What a Hoot!

2010-10-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

First Halloween! She makes such a cute owl!

A Bottomless Pit....

2010-10-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Also known as Mattie Kay. Since she is eating "real food" she can't get enough! I spend my entire meal tearing up pieces of chicken, potato, tomatoes, etc. etc. etc! This week she was introduced to scrambled eggs and she loves them (as you can see, they are all over her face!)!!!!

My Fall Baby!

2010-10-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Autumn has always been my time of the year. It only made sense that Mattie Kay would be born during the fall last year! We made our first (yes, there will be one more trip) to the pumpkin patch. She wasn't really interested in the petting zoo but she really did like the pumpkin patch! She picked out a beautiful pumpkin (and Sherry it had an X on it!). I am sure that there will be many more fall photos to follow this season!

New photos...finally!

2010-10-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Just a few random photos of Miss Mattie Kay. I can hardly believe that in less than a month, she will be ONE! Where has the past year gone?

Home Sweet Home!

2010-10-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Front of the house....

Backyard...the sond is in and sprinklers are going. Oh, the fence posts are in but not the panels!

Kitchen, no its not fully decorated or clean but its operational!

Living room, once again it is not decorated but operational!

And finally, the most important item, the baby gate is up! Looks pretty snazzy doesn't it??

What is a mom to do?

2010-09-24T19:03:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I leave the diaper bag unattended! Mattie Kay LOVES to play with my wallet (which means she loves to pull it apart!).

Caught! She also loves remote controls! (Daddy says that she takes after me)!

But really, who can resist these eyes looking up at you all the time? I know I can't!

Such a happy girl!

For Grandma and Grandpa Walters

2010-09-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

I am still trying to capture video that shows how incredibly fast of a crawler she is, but this one at least shows the crawling, standing and our newest achievement, clapping!

2010-09-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

To most, the end of the month sounds soon. But it is NOT soon enough for me! I know that I should be grateful for the home I am in, but we are soooo ready to move. I'm tired of the busy street, super tired of the pecan tree destroying our yard, tired of the squirrels digging holes in the new grass, tired of the unfriendly neighbors, tired of the sound of Fireworks in our backyard (not really but the stadium sounds like it is)....just plain and simply tired. We are anxious to move. I am ready for a new start in a new house!

Snot and Boogeys are NO FUN!

2010-09-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting weekend already! Mattie Kay woke up yesterday with lots of sneezing and how should I say this....lots of snot! Bless her heart, she's been breathing through her mouth all day and night and for the most part, still being a trooper! It only took me two and a half hours to get her to sleep last night, and I only had to get up with her 3 times in the night (ha "only"!!) She really is doing pretty good except when she sneezes (which is often) and the moment that follows of me wiping her nose (which she HATES). Poor girl! Hopefully it will go away today! This mama is tired! But in the midst of all the snot, she still managed to smile for the camera! What a ham!

Sad Day....

2010-08-31T20:01:00.001-07:00

Today was a sad day. Four years ago, Jeff and I decided that we should get a dog. Deep down inside, I wanted a dog just to see if the pair of us could keep something alive and well, without seriously injuring or killing it before attempting to have a child! Jeff had owned Basset Hounds in the past and expressed what wonderful dogs they were. So, we found a breeder in the area that jut happened to have a few hounds left. Jeff was working so I took my Dad to look at them. There were three males left and two females. The moment I saw "Zig-Zag"I fell in love. We renamed him Solomon and he has honestly been the best dog I have ever owned. Sadly, Solomon is also the most shedding dog I've ever owned! It hasn't ever truly bothered me until Mattie started crawling and you could see her wiping the floors with her body! I finally decided it was time to let Solly Wolly go.

We started a search and really weren't having any luck. Finally, I mentioned it to the right person! Our friend's mom had just lost their dog and she said she'd ask. WOOHOO!!! She said yes! Today was his moving day! We dropped him off at 11 this morning or his long journey to Colorado! I felt like such a cry baby this morning because I really did get choked up! He's been my baby for four years and I already miss him! BUT, tonight I received a text from his new owners. It was a photo of him begging for crackers! Oh, once a beggar always a beggar! I know he'll do great in Colorado. Now, his nose can let him wander. I sure am going to miss my Basset Hound!

A breath of fresh air!

2010-08-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, oh finally the weather decided to stray from 110 degrees! It was the perfect day to go to the zoo! Now that Mattie is more awake than asleep (which the last time we took her to the zoo, around 5 months, she slept the entire time), it was fun to see her watch the animals! The cooler weather was so wonderful but getting to see her watch the Otters swim around was fabulous! What a gift she is.

A span of generations!

2010-08-23T09:16:00.001-07:00

Our little family decided to take a journey to Lincoln, KS yesterday to introduce Mattie Kay to her Great-Great-Aunt Imogene! Imogene is 96 years old and doing very well! She is on oxygen all the time but doing rather well living at home. She feared that Mattie would be scared of her because of her oxygen tubing but not our social butterfly. After a few minutes of settling in, she was on the go, which included crawling to Imogene time and time again. How amazing to introduce our little 9 month old to her 96 year old Great-Great Aunt!

Cheese!

2010-08-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this pic. She was into a box she wasn't supposed to be and as soon as the camera appeared, all she could do was smile really big! I think I have a "poser" on my hands!

2010-08-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

Such a happy baby girl! We are so incredibly fortunate to have a baby girl full of such joy and who is happy. Don't get me wrong, she has her cranky moments when she is tired or her gums hurt...but rarely. What a blessing this one is to us!

Never been so excited for concrete!

2010-08-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Our patio was poured today! Woohoo! We were able to meet the concrete fellas and design the shape that we wanted! We will be staining it at a later day! So excited! The trim carpenter is done inside the house and we are waiting on the paint and staining to begin! Oh so exciting to see the building of our home!

Busted!

2010-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Mattie is a mischievous little one. She can crawl faster than I can walk and loves to get into things that she shouldn't be into. She recently discovered her love for magazines, or shall I say the destruction of magazines. Caught red handed!

Just a Tad Biased...

2010-08-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

I have no doubt that every mother before me has encountered being a tad biased about their baby. I am sure that I am no different. I look at Mattie Kay and all I see is a beautiful and perfect girl. Her gorgeous eyes and her long lashes, the rosy lips and the auburn hair make for a stunning baby. But, I am sure that I am nothing more than a biased and proud mom. I sure do love my girl.

Moving right along!

2010-07-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing progress! This past week the brick made an appearance on the outside and the trim carpenter began his work inside! It is turning out beautifully and I can hardly wait for Fall to get here!

Ahhh our girl is growing up!

2010-07-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

This week was a big week for Mattie Kay. It is VBS week at our church and she has been going each night and having a good time! I can't believe she's big enough to even go to VBS but she is! I figured we needed a family photo op before I took her to class! Time is flying by super fast (a little too fast! )

First stay in a hotel.....hmmm,

2010-07-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend we traveled down to Oklahoma City so I could spend some time with college friends! Photo no. 1 is the night we checked into the hotel, all seems great, right? Photo no. 2 is the next morning and all seems great, right? Expect photo no. 2 is 6:30 a.m. Lets just call it mommy and Mattie bonding time. You never notice the loud noises around you until you have a sleeping baby! Oh my! We had so much fun getting to see friends, eating at Teds and touring the OKC Memorial. But, I am very very sleepy today and very much looking forward to my bed!

Cousins....

2010-07-13T09:09:00.001-07:00

Cousin Kourtney was able to spend the day with us this past weekend and Mattie loved it! I am not sure that Kourtney had as much fun (its hard being 5 and having to play with an 8 month old), but I enjoyed it! They are so adorable together!

Growing like a weed!

2010-07-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that 8 months have come and gone! Mattie Kay is such a happy little girl and brings so much joy to all of our lives! At 8 months old she is a speed crawler and is pulling up on everything! She really does think she is hot stuff because now she is standing up and letting go for a few seconds! Mattie has a bottom tooth with one next to it trying to break through! It is amazing to watch her discover new things (including the word "no") and to see her test new waters! What a precious girl!

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

2010-07-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Such a big girl! She is so proud of herself now that she can pull up and stand!
Mattie Kay is stylin' in her new Huggies Jeans!

Hanging out with Papa!

My beautiful girl!

A New Discovery!

2010-07-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

This week Mattie was crawling all over the kitchen when she found something new! Next thing I know I have my stainless bowls all over the kitchen and clanging noise filled the house! What entertainment! It is the simple things in life!

She's a boating girl!

2010-06-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today we introduced Mattie Kay to a lake trip! Friends from church were so sweet to invite us to Cheney lake with them. Mattie Kay did great! She didn't mind the speed or the rocking of the boat. We slowly introduced her to the water and she wasn't sold on it at first. As long as she could touch the boat or was being held tight by daddy, everything was fine! I call our first lake trip a success and loads of fun!

A First Fathers Day!

2010-06-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

It is a year of firsts! Today we celebrated a First Fathers Day for Jeff. Mattie gave him his card, and didn't want to let go! I love the photo of Mattie with the envelope and Daddy with the card, she is his little girl! Happy Fathers Day to a wonderful first time Daddy who is doing a wonderful job!

It's Summertime!

2010-06-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Mattie took her first swim today! Not so much a fan of it at first but she definitely warmed up to it. Mattie styled a cute (and modest) two piece OP suit. She was cute as a button and cool! Yay for swim time!

9:10 PM

2010-06-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Waiting on Daddy to walk in from work. Some nights I open the door and our two dogs await his arrival, but this time Mattie Kay wanted to join in. So, our three kids waiting on Daddy :)

I think I'm in Trouble!

2010-06-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mattie Kay turned 7 months old this week and I can NOT believe it!! Jeff and I sat in bed last night remembering the first week of her life. It seems just like yesterday. I am so amazed at watching a little one grow up and change so quickly. Mattie Kay is a mover and a shaker! She is only still when she is sleeping. She has taken a few crawls here and there but mostly army crawls to get where she wants. She finds herself in a few interesting places, like on top of the piano bench! I think that I am in big trouble with this one...I've got a monkey on my hands!

On the Move...

2010-06-05T08:46:00.003-07:00

Trouble. Mattie Kay is trouble! Now that we are moving around (everywhere) via the army crawl....she gets into everything....even the dog bed! Granted, she sees nothing wrong with her location at all!

The Incident of the Purple Egg

2010-06-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is Nolan. Nolan is a precious little guy. He is also very creative. What I quickly learned this past weekend is that Nolan does not like me. He sees me and cries and does not care for me at all. And I am okay with that. Sometimes, its okay to be the bad guy. You see, its all because of a purple egg. I blame the egg. This past weekend, his mommy was holding Nolan while we were chatting away. His big sister was playing with Mattie while I held her and that left Nolan out of the mix of conversation. Katie (mommy to Nolan) asked Delaney where her purple egg was (a fun little plastic Easter egg that was very shiny and purple)? I happened to look down to the ground and saw half of the egg. At the same moment (in some sort of slow motion), Katie and I looked to Nolan and saw a bright eyed, bushy tailed little guy with his mouth as wide as it could be showing no teeth at all, just a bright shiny purple egg. In the swiftest of fashion (that i truly believe only a mommy could move), Katie squeezed her finger in his mouth (where it was very full of bright shiny egg) and luckily was able to pop it out after about two attempts. My poor little heart raced away and we were all relieved that the egg no longer occupied Nolan's mouth. Not a moment later, I see the same bright egg making its way to his mouth again, so I grabbed it from him and said "no no no" (of course in a very friendly but firm fashion). The same precious little creative guy looked at me in the most disgusted manner and began to cry. A few moments passed and as soon as he saw me again, the tears welled up again. You see, its okay in my book to be the bad guy and for Mr. Nolan to not like me. I would much rather have Nolan alive and breathing (and scared to death of me and the shiny purple egg) than to stop breathing. Yep, I'm the bad guy. And that is OKAY.

Sweetheart of a Girl

2010-05-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have nothing new to report really....just another cute photo of Mattie Kay. I never ever ever thought I would say this, but I am thankful for warm weather....we get to go barefoot and we LOVE it!

Big Girl (big hair accessories)

2010-05-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

My big girl is stylin' my new creation! I never in a million years thought I would be "THAT MOM" that puts big hair bows and accessories on my daughters head....but I was wrong, I am! She wears them all so well! And she makes for a great excuse to make new fun things!

Tough biker chic!

2010-05-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a sad day for Jeff and a Happy Day for me! Jeff sold his Yamaha motorcycle this morning to the sweetest couple in Michigan! They drove 14 hours yesterday in order to meet us this morning and finish the deal! Of course, I saw this as a photo-op for Mattie Kay. Its the first and last time she ever sat on the bike! She makes a tough biker girl doesn't she?

I know I've said this before...

2010-05-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

...but Mattie Kay is such a pretty little baby! In the midst of all the chaos of a water heater going out yesterday, she still played and worked on her crawling..oh and gave me a couple of wonderful poses! It is amazing to me to see her change little by little every day. She is full of spunk (which Jeff says is the red hair) and such happiness. I adore my baby girl!

Mommy is a little slow sometimes....

2010-05-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

Mattie had her 6 month check up last week and we got the green light to start trying some meats in addition to the fruits and veggies she is already feasting on! The pediatrician keeps telling me to try the same food for 3 to 7 days before moving on to the next one. Me being, well me....I thought it was to let her tummy get used to the new foods and introduce them slowly. Nope, I was wrong. The sweet peas that we have eaten the past two days finally made sense. She got a tummy rash from the peas so we will have to stop having those for a while. It never struck me that I was introducing foods slowly to see if there was a food allergy or not. Duh. Well, now I know! And its unfortunate because she really really liked the peas. The diaper changing squad didn't so much because of what they did to the diapers! I guess this being my first kid, its okay to be a little slow (as long as I don't seriously damage her :).

Our future....

2010-05-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

We are building! WooHoo! Jeff and I fell in love with a house/model home and the builder and decided the time was right! We have officially purchased a lot and as soon as the rain subsides for more than a day, they will begin digging! This is a photo of Jeff and the superintendent, Mike walking the property! I will post pics as developments take place! We are so excited and have been so blessed with this amazing opportunity.

6 Months Old and Counting!

2010-05-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Mattie Kay turned 6 months old on the 6th and today was her check up! She weighs 15 lbs 12 oz (50th %), 25 1/2" long (35th %) and her head is 16 3/4 (60th %)! She checked out great and is changing every day! She is so close to crawling, she gets up on all four and rocks back and forth! Babbling is almost constant and includes the words "mama" but mostly "dada" these days! She is such a joy and a very happy baby! Mattie Kay is eating all sorts of foods these days and we just got the go ahead to introduce meats! It is hard to believe that our baby girl is already 6 months old and about to become mobile!

How big is Mattie? soooo big!

2010-04-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Menu has gotten a wee bit bigger!

2010-04-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

CARROTS! We are finally broadening our taste buds! For a couple of weeks Mattie has not been interested in any type of vegetable. This week she has eaten squash and finally carrots! Woo Hoo! I've had to let go of needing to be clean. Lets just say that the carrots were ALL over Mattie Kay and all over me!

A blink of an eye...

2010-04-12T18:51:00.001-07:00

Seven years ago, I lost my mom to cancer. When I stop to think about that day, it always feels like it just happened. I can relive every sight, sound and smell that day. These seven years have passed in the blink of an eye. Her daughter married, she has two beautifully amazing granddaughters, and she has greeted new family members and friends in heaven. Even though this life on earth continues to move, we all still miss her dearly.

As I begin this new adventure as a mother to a little baby girl, I can honestly say that I will always look to my mom and what she would do if she were still here. Not a day passes when I look at Mattie and wish that she had her grandma here and I had a mom to lean on. I had the very best example I could ever have hoped for in her and pray that as the next seven years and many more pass, I can try to be as good as she was as a mom. Today we miss her just like every other day. But I do not mourn her, I celebrate her life that she lived here and look forward to seeing her again one day.

Batter-Up!

2010-04-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

Baseball Season has begun! As you can see, we are a KC Royals Family! I think its just downright adorable that we all have matching shirts! Cannot wait to take Mattie Kay to her first game! Go Royals!

Happy Easter!

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

Happy Easter! Spring has sprung on our street! A beautiful cherry blossom and vinca vines are in bloom! I hate what they do to my nose but love what they do to my eyes!

Photo Day!

2010-03-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

We took Mattie for "real" photos today! She did so wonderful and we are so pleased with how they turned out. The peach dress is her Easter outfit and she was so pretty! Hope you enjoy the photos as much as we do!

Like Father like....daughter?

2010-03-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

Does she look like Daddy or what? If anyone was ever curious to know what Jeff would look like as a girl, we get to find out with Mattie Kay!

Take Two....

2010-03-26T07:57:00.001-07:00

Day two of trying out the sweet potatoes left our little girl in the same position, snoozing. Not sure if the spooned food is so exhausting for her or maybe its the position the high chair puts her little body in...but she cannot stay awake!

80's are comin' Back!!!

2010-03-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

Leg Warmers are back! And they are baby size! Ohhhh I am loving the new trend! I love her little chubby legs in them and getting to see her wiggle around while stylin' ! I think I need a matching pair!

Exhausting!

2010-03-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was trying out Sweet Potatoes on Mattie Kay. She was NOT a fan, so I gave her a little formula to wash it down. Within the first two swigs, it was just too much to handle and she was done! It is hard work eating from a spoon!

Bath Time!

2010-03-22T19:32:00.001-07:00

Mattie Kay is four months and two weeks old! I can hardly believe how much this little one has changed, personality wise and looks! Her first bath was filled with screaming and crying. Even now, she doesn't "enjoy" bathtime but the screaming has haulted. This is the little squirt after her bath. How can you possibly resist those big blue eyes, the hair that is showing red and those eye lashes? I know I can't!

Our Little Leprechaun

2010-03-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patricks Day!

4 Months Old!

2010-03-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

Our little girl is 4 months old! She has changed so much in the last month! Mattie Kay is a pro at turning over now and does it with such ease. She loves to squeal and laugh and stick her tongue out and blow spit bubbles! Her last doctors appointment was this week and she weighs 13 lbs 13 ounces and is now 25" tall! Whew! She is a little wiggle worm so we have no doubt that she will be crawling in the next couple of months. At 4 months old, she is already teething! Thank goodness for baby Tylenol!

Sweet kisses!

2010-02-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

It is so amazing to know that Jeff & I created another human being. Her sweet giggles bring such joy to our lives. Her crocodile tears can break my heart but still make me smile. Watching her try to so hard to turn over amuses me. Her quiet little snores are so peaceful. And her sweet baby lips solve all the problems in my world. I am a blessed mom!

Growing up too fast!

2010-02-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

This is Mattie saying "No more photos!"

Mattie Kay is nearly 3 and a half months old and time is flying by for me! She is such a fun baby these days with lots of smiles and giggles! She is now holding toys and sucking on them as well as snuggling with them. She can hold her weight standing (while I hold her hands of course) for a while and she gets a kick out of it! She is so close to turn over to her belly but isn't quite there yet! We are anxious for spring to arrive so that we can enjoy the outdoors and see her discover new things!

My Valentine

2010-02-15T20:14:00.001-08:00

Okay, I love the photo....except her headband is totally twisted to the side of her head! This is something a female (or mom) would notice, but not my husband (who took the photo). So, just ignore the fact that the flower is on the side of her head rather than the top and appreciate MY VALENTINE :)

The Sun the Sun!!!!!

2010-02-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

Yay the sun was out today! It actually warmed up enough to take a quick walk around the neighborhood! In my defense, Mattie had two blankets, a jacket, hat and a hoodie on. The photo was taken at the end of our walk and her hands made it out of the blankets as we pulled up to the house! I promise she was warm! And I love how I feel like I need to "explain" myself! LOL!

My girl....

2010-02-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Oh how Solomon loves our girl (or maybe its just her blankets that he likes so much...) He was actually resting his head on her lap for his nap, I just couldn't get my camera fast enough.
My happy girl, with a little slobber on her, but cute and smiley nonetheless!

Hangin' out!

2010-01-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh happy Mattie!
Why another photo???

Doing our tummy time and watching t.v.!

It happened....

2010-01-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

Several years ago (like 3 I think), I had lasik surgery on both eyes. Prior to the surgery I was "legally blind"...I had bad bad eyes. I had been in glasses since I was in elementary school and lenses since 6th grade because my eye sight was so horrible and going down hill fast. After the lasik surgery I had 20/20 vision and it was amazing. Well....one of the possible symptoms to pregnancy is vision changes. Sometimes the vision will correct itself afterwards and sometimes it doesn't. In my case, it didn't. I had been putting the eye doctor off because I didn't want to face the truth. So, my vision has changed. My eye doctor said that I will never be as bad as I once was...but that glasses would help me see a little better. So, I have glasses again. I think they are super cute and I still function fine without them so it isn't soooo bad! Just another adjustment after Mattie Kay has arrived! I think she is worth it though.