Family time

I have been on vacation for the last few days and I told myself before vacation started that I was going to get as much enjoyment out of it as possible. We have already had 3 days of fun and looking forward to the next 3 days, however I think we might have to have a recoup day so we can enjoy the last few days without being completely worn out.

Today, Brandon and I look Matney to Cracker Barrell and the zoo for the first time. She zeroed in on our grits at breakfast and I think she ate an entire bowl. They stayed down and she didn't break out, so I think I will buy grits for her enjoyment! She loved every minute of the zoo, though she missed a few animals as she was tuckered out from the heat and snuck in a cat nap. She got her first official stuffed animal, courtesy of Daddy. She loves her giraffe and can't stop attempting to eat him. We saw so many animals and look forward to the day we take her back and she can interact more.

Oh how I love thee...

Oh how I love the cooler weather and the approach of my favorite season...FALL! I am so happy it is finally on its way after this hot, hot summer. I now have two favorite seasons because of my Spring blessing this year, but Fall will always hold a special place in my heart. Here are a few of my favorite things about the season.

Fall decorations! I get the itch to get them out sooner each year. The colors and the smells make me so content. If a pumpkin spice or harvest flavored candle is burning; it is as if a fire is lite under me and I can accomplish so much in an evening while the candle flickers on.

Pumpkin Spice Latte's make me one happy girl, however, they hurt the pocket book. As a treat to myself I have decided to let myself have 1 a week and no more (I still have baby weight to lose and these are not that conducive to weight loss). I am hoping I can find pumpkin spice creamer at the store this weekend to serve as a nice, cheaper alternative for the other days I feel the need for a latte.

Warm and cozy corners lite to warm the room on a cold, damp day or in the evening when the sun goes down, makes me so happy. I love the low lighting and the warmth I can almost feel as I snuggle up on the couch for an evening of tv or reading. I was feeling the need for my lamp a little sooner this year so I have been turning it on in the late evenings when it gets dark. I had a crafting day a few weekends ago and gave this lamp a make over after a trip to Farmers Market.

Hobby Lobby is one of my best friends in the fall time and gets a lot of my money. As my fall decorations have started growing in number, I have had to limit my purchases but this year I splurged and made a wreath. I made it because I wanted to be crafty and was flabergasted at the prices of the pre-made ones in the store. Who buys a wreath for $150 when you can make one for $15--granted it probably doesn't look as good, but it makes me happy!

I can't wait for the mums to bloom and the pumpkin patch excursions to begin. This year I have someone knew to share the adventures with and to share my love of the season.

5 months

Oh how quickly time goes once you become a mother. Our little lady was 5 months old last Friday and is changing with every minute in time it seems.


Matney Paige, your Momma and Daddy love you more than you could ever know. With each passing moment and milestone you brighten our hearts in a way I never really knew was possible until I had you.


Your first two teeth have come in this past week. You have been quite the trooper through the process and only get fussy every now and then but seem to be more tired as if your little body has worked so hard it just tuckered you out at 7 pm. This is kind of nice for Momma once in a while so I can get things done around the house. You are becoming a very BIG Momma's girl. If I leave your sight for a split second you scream bloody murder, but when I walk back in the room you are fine. I think this hurts your Daddy's feelings just a little bit, but we know it probably won't always be this way!

In the last 2 weeks you have mastered sitting up on your own. You still get a little wobbley but you love to be up and checking everything out. We even had to get out one of your Christmas presents to keep you entertained! If you aren't sitting up, you are on your belly and scooting all over the place. You have also started eating bananas and avocados, both of which you love. We had a few issues with cereal so we decided to skip right on to something more appetizing. You eat cereal at school but it is more of a cocktail since you are a little picky. You love daycare and that is about the only time you don't cry when I leave you. It broke my heart the day you reached out for your teacher when I dropped you off. This week you made a new friend at school, who happens to be your first "girl" friend as you are surrounded by little boys at home and away. Hopefully you and Lillie will be good friends and hold your own with all the boys.
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You have also started entertaining yourself for 15-20 minutes at a time, especially if Baby Einstein is on. Any time you see the computer come out, you start reaching for it and making noise to get our attention that you want it turned on. Thank goodness for the internet so we can keep you happy!

I cannot wait to see what changes the next month brings in your life as this month has been full of changes.