The Williams' Family

Williams Family Christmas

2012-01-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

After my family celebration in Macon, we head to Brooksville for the Williams family Christmas.

Gram, Savanah and the girls.

Audrey Caroline did not like Pawpaw Hoss' beard....or his hat.

Ali Grace and Cameron Dirty Santa gifts.

Audrey Caroline's favorite gift...a gift bag with tissue paper.

The Williams Family Picture...a tradition!

Christmas with my family

2012-01-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we went to Macon to spend the afternoon with my family. It was a rainy day which makes it a little difficult getting into the house with kids, presents and food, but it is all worth it. We love our families.

Nana and Audrey Caroline

The Delmas and Moore family...we may need to plan our get together in a convention center. ha!

My sisters and mom

My Family

Christmas is being with my family.

2012-01-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve...ready in our pjs.

Getting very sleepy...

Santa came! Santa came!

Ali Grace's pile

Audrey Caroline's new toys.

Ready to go riding

Audrey Caroline wanted to ride too.

Christmas morning is always my favorite day of the year. We stay in our pjs most of the day and do not leave the house. It is so relaxing (other than AG trying to play with every possible thing as quickly as possible then repeat). Our girls are so much fun and I can't believe how blessed we are.

2012-01-27T20:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was a little depressing to me. This was the first time in many years that we did not celebrate at my Grandmother's. I have not posted in a few months, so to catch you up...my grandmother had a stroke in November which left her not walking or barely talking. After weeks in swing bed, my mother, aunt and uncles moved her to the nursing home.It is so sad to see this Rock in my life not able to take care of herself anymore. I am very grateful that she is still with us.

Anyway, we went to Mawmaw Jourdan's for Christmas Eve. Usually, we are rushing to get off work and get to our family gatherings in time,. Since Christmas Eve was on a Saturday we got to take our time. We did arrive early so the girls could visit with Mawmaw.

The girls, Mawmaw and Billy (3 generations)

Pretty ladies in their red.

Savanah helping Audrey Caroline put her puzzle together.

Mawmaw Jourdan with her great-grands.

Mawmaw with the Williams grandchildren.

Billy and I never have pictures with just us. I look so much bigger than he does, so I guess I know why.

Central Homecoming

2011-09-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Homecoming for me is so special. Being in the court were some of my most memorable moments of high school. You could not help but feel beautiful in a beautiful dress and walking out on the football field. I typically never liked to be in front of people or want attention, but it was like a Cinderella moment.

My youngest nephew Nick was a part of the court, so we went to see him all dressed up.

The girls and me before leaving for Macon.

My sweet Audrey Caroline who was very uncooperative for pictures.

Nick and Ali Grace. I told him that he looked so handsome. He told me that he was wearing a tuxedo. He was so cute.

Cynthia, Nick, Ali Grace and me

Nick and Audrey Caroline...he did not want to leave her out.

My sis and me

Nick was ready to walk on field and have his Homecoming moment.

Congrats to Kelsey Permenter, 2011 Homecoming Queen. The Court was beautiful!

Ten Months Old!

2011-09-11T14:48:00.000-07:00

My little ray of sunshine turned 10 months old August 25th. She changes every day and makes life so much sweeter. She has a 100 different smiles and silly faces that makes my heart skip a beat.

Audrey Caroline, I love you from the top of your head where you blond, spiky hair down to your sweet toes that you refuse to wear socks and shoes. Those sweet feet are taking you all over as along as there is a piece of furniture that you can hold on to. Your crawling has picked up so much that it is hard to know where you are in the house half the time...just joking!

You are into everything. We can't turn our backs too long. You are pulling a cord, trying to stick something into an outlet, opening drawers or cabinets or your most determined activity, eating chalk. All of Ali Grace's chalk is wet most of time where you have stuck it in your mouth. Gross, kid!

You love being outside. You love the water. Bigger the splash the better. You are not afraid of it for sure. You dip your face in the water every chance you can. As soon as you hear the bath water running, you take off to the bathroom and cry when you get taken out of the tub.

You refuse to eat table foods or drink out of a sippy cup. You have warmed up to a cup at school as long as your teacher holds it for you. I don't want you to grow up, so I guess you are obeying me by wanting to stay a baby. Daddy did give you a Gerber Cheetos and you do love them. You have taken a few bites of cinnamon toast and yogurt. You do not take a night time bottle, but this is the only bottle that we have eliminated. We will get there, but who is in a hurry?

You wear 9 month clothes on average. Some 12 month shirts and some 3-6 month pants for your short legs. Shoes when we try is size 1 or 2. Diapers size 3. You will not wear a headband or bow. I can hardly even snap a picture before you have it jerked out. Your Daddy thinks it is funny that I even try, but I will convert you to a bow girl one day.

You say Daddy all of the time, but when you are hurt or tired you say Mama. I love to hear those words come from your mouth. You play patty cake and peek a boo so good. If we are not paying attention to you, you will make a growling sound and cover your eyes letting us know you want to play. You love all toys especially your sister's doll house and her books. You play in her room a lot. Your sister adores you. I know that I need to document this each post because one day you will not always get along. I accept this because I have 2 sisters.

You are beautiful. We can not get enough of you. I love your personality. I love how you cling to me when other people try to hold you and you don't want to go. I love when you only want me to hold you at night when you are tired. I love when your eyes light up when you are excited. I love your determination when Daddy and I tell you no and you act like it does not phase you (yes, this will not be cute in a few months.) I love you baby girl and can't wait to see what you will do next to surprise us.

Girls, Girls, Girls

2011-08-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ali Grace had her first sleepover a few weeks ago. The girls were so good, but wow, I was worn out. We ordered pizza for supper. The girls ran all over the house and Little Bit was not far behind the big girls. We later did bath time and there was more water on the floor than in the tub.

Audrey Caroline thought she was one of the big girls too. Ali Grace included her sister and Sara Stokes was so sweet too. I wonder in a few years will this still be the same or will I hear, Mama, get my sister out of my room. ha!

After bath, I painted the girls toes and they had ice cream. They got the special treatment.

The girls finally calmed down around 11:00, but I had to sleep with them. Ali Grace wanted to sleep in my bed and I knew Billy would kick all of us out if we all slept in our bed. So I slept in Ali Grace's full bed with the girls.

We went to the pool on Saturday to soak up some sun before the pool closes in Sept. I love when Ali Grace has friends at the pool, so I get to relax a little. Selfish, I know, but it is nice to kick back and just layout like the good, ole days.

Ali Grace with 2 of her very good friends, Sara Stokes and Stella. They are like 1-2 weeks apart in age.

Audrey Caroline' sweet toes...

Audrey Caroline is a trooper. She goes wherever she is dragged to, but with a smile on her face. She loves the water just like Ali Grace and me. I can't wait to see what she will be like next year.

Awanas and Homework

2011-08-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday night was the Awanas Kickoff Party at Bulldog Lanes. I know now that Ali Grace will never have a bowling party. The chaos and noise almost sent everyone over the edge. The kids did not even bowl a whole game. Ali Grace is already competitive. Someone accidentally bowled one of her turns and she said that she was not going to win now. ha! Like she was in a tournament or something.

Ali Grace is a 2nd year Cubbie this year, so she will be the oldest in her class. I know that she will have a great time.

Audrey Caroline was not going to miss the party. In a few more years she will be a Cubbie.

When we got home, we finished up Ali Grace's homework. We had to make a poster board with family pictures, magazine pictures and whatever else we wanted. It was to encourage on doing something as a family and to decorate the classroom. I love this kind of stuff. I would have been a great preschool teacher.

Monday night, Ali Grace and Audrey Caroline ready books. I thought this was so cute and sweet. Audrey Caroline pulls all the books off of Ali Grace's shelf and she does not mind a bit. She just tells me that It's okay, Mama. I can clean it up.

A weekend at home...

2011-08-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we started out with Friday Family Game Night. We try to do this most Fridays and let Ali Grace pick the game. We typically will play board games, but Ali Grace asked if we could bowl on the Wii. I can't believe she is old enough to play video games. We bowled, played golf and then did a little boxing. Ali Grace is pretty good at all three.

Ali Grace knocked out her opponent. She said, I'm the champ!

Audrey Caroline was just too tired to hang with the big girls. She bounced all that she could.

Saturday, Ali Grace and I went to the swimming pool. I had a horrible headache, so we did not stay long. We came home and went grocery shopping and buy supplies for Ali Grace's 1st homework assignment. She was thrilled to have homework. I hope that she always loves doing homework.

We gave Audrey Caroline her first Popsicle which she loved after she understood what we were trying to feed her. Now, if she sees her sister eating a Popsicle she makes a bee line to get it.

I gave the girls baths and put them in their new $3 pjs. I thought they were so cute and for that price. I am thinking that I am going to go back and get a few more.

We played a little while longer. Audrey Caroline has developed a love for baby dolls just like her big sister.

It was a good day with my girls. We don't get many weekends with nothing to do, so I treasure our time together as a family.

First Day of School!

2011-08-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

After daycare being closed for 3 days for Staff Development, the girls went back to school today. Ali Grace started in her Pre-K room and Audrey Caroline went into the "crawler" room. Both girls did great, but neither were very cooperative on taking pictures.

Getting ready for our 1st day of school

Audrey Caroline moved into a room for crawlers. She will be in this room until she begins to walk. Her teacher's name is Ms Susan. Ali Grace had Ms Susan at this age, so I know Audrey Caroline will be in good hands. Ms Susan told me this morning that AC is the only girl and she reminded me that AG was the only girl when she was in her class. I did get a report from the director mid morning telling me that Audrey Caroline was doing great in her new room. I think that she likes the toys better. ha! The 2nd day is our true test, so we will see how tomorrow works out.

Ali Grace started her last first day of daycare. I can't believe that she only has one more year of daycare. Billy and I debated sending Ali Grace to K4 or keeping her at daycare one more year. Her really good friends were going to the Academy because they had older sisters already going. We made a pro and con list and daycare won. The Academy is closed more days plus daycare we would only have one more drop off. We also figured that the PreK curriculum at daycare would be just as good. Ali Grace was a little disappointed, but was fine. She asked if she could go see her old teacher, Miss Ashley and stay with her. I told her she could not and she looked a little disappointed. Miss Ashley was a great teacher, but I know that she will soon lover her new teacher Ms Sara.

My little girl ready to learn...she asked if she was going to learn to ready her first day...I told her to give it some time. My social child did get in trouble for talking her first day. She was making her friends laugh at nap time. I asked her why she was being silly and talking at nap time and she told me that everyone always wants to talk to her because she is so funny.

Fingerprints of God-Happy 9 Months!

2011-07-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

I can not even put my mind around how 9 months have gone by since this precious angel came into our lives. When I found out that we were having a baby and did not even realize how much my life would truly change. I was terrified to have a 2nd child and now can't believe I even worried. I thought our family of 3 was complete, but soon realized one more person was missing. Audrey Caroline, you bring a smile to my face each day and warm my heart with yours smiles and laughter.

You are wearing 6-9 months in clothes and size 1 in shoes.You wear size 2 in diapers.

You love baby food, but not juice. We tried Puffs and bananas as part of introducing table foods. You have not interest. You lock down your mouth. You will not take a sippy cup either. You are stubborn or maybe just not ready to grow up..which I am honestly okay with.

You have not started crawling but want to so bad. We will be in trouble for sure when you do. So far you are good about not putting everything in your mouth, but I am sure that will change.

You are a fabulous sleeper in your own bed. Give you your lovey, some music and your thumb and you are asleep before I leave the room. I wished that you liked to cuddle sometimes, but you are not. I just have to squeeze you every chance I get.

You took your first plane ride and beach trip in June when we went to San Diego, CA on a work/family vacation. I know that you will not remember, but we took lots of pictures to show you when you get old enough.

You have started your separation anxiety, but only at church nursery. At daycare, you could care less when we drop you off, but you have the biggest smile when I walk in the door to pick you up.

Your personality is so fun. You laugh and giggle at about anything which makes your Daddy smile so big which if you only knew is a BIG deal. Speaking of Daddy, you are a Daddy's girl. I can't compete with him. You say Da-da all of the time. You have also said bye-bye and yeah when you clap your hands.

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know it's true

You're a masterpiece that all creation

Quietly applauds

And you're covered with

The fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again

Will there be another you

Fashioned by God's hand and

perfectly planned

To be just who you are

And what He's been creating

Since the first beat of your heart

Is a living, breathing

Priceless work of art

And I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know it's true

You're a masterpiece that all creation

Quietly applauds

And you're covered with

The fingerprints of God

Just look at you

You're a wonder in the making

And God's not through

In fact, He's just getting started!

Baby Girl, I love you more than I could ever describe or could never thank God enough for you coming into my life. I am so proud to be your mother and will sacrifice anything in this world for your happiness. Love you to the moon and back!

Sunday Afternoon in Cali

2011-07-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

After the S.D. Zoo, we went back to the hotel to drop off something and head to supper. Ali Grace asked for shrimp for supper...she picks random things unlike any child. One night she asked for a Caesar salad...at least she has great taste. Lucky, for us all, there was a good seafood restaurant a block from our hotel. Before walking the restaurant, we took a few pictures and walked around the resort.

Ali Grace's toes in the sand.

The Main Pool

The Front Entrance where all the tourist took their pictures...we said we would the last day and it rained.

San Diego Zoo

2011-07-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of the trip and one of the have to's in San Diego was going to the zoo. This was suppose to be one of the best zoos in the country, so we were very excited to go. The day was beautiful and pretty much the only warm day we had.

Audrey Caroline, Ali Grace and Bailey ready to see the animals.

One of our favorites are the flamingos.

Ali Grace riding the Hippo.

Daddy as the Professor!

My family at the San Diego Zoo

My sweet girl was so good the whole day. She slept in the stroller and just hung out as we explored the zoo.

We had a great time at the zoo. It was worth the walking and heat...little did we know this was the hottest day of our whole trip. A lot of the animals were in the shade, so we did not see some of the animals in their exhibits. I am so glad that we got to take our girls to the best zoo in the U.S. I hope Ali Grace remembers this experience and will cherish this family memory.

California, here we come!

2011-07-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our family vacation in California started out full of excitement and anticipation. Ali Grace could not wait. We flew out of Memphis on a Saturday. She thought the plane ride was awesome. She had no fear or worries. She was just upset because they did not give her any peanuts.

Audrey Caroline did fabulous. She slept part of the time and was entertaining us the rest. The flight to Dallas was around an hour. The flight to San Diego was over 3 hours. I thought it would be nice for us all to take a nice little nap. Well, that did not happen.

Ali Grace loved sitting by the window and watching everything get smaller.

We landed in San Diego around 3:30 (5:30 central time). We had a little scare when Billy's bag did not show up in baggage claim. Don't get me wrong. I am glad my bag was accounted for considering it had both girls clothes in it too. The whole reason we were in CA was for a conference for Billy, so it would have been bad for him not to have his work clothes. Thankfully, it finally showed up.

We took a shuttle immediatly to where we were staying. Hotel del Coronado was beautiful. The landscaping was gorgeous, the weather was a dream (on this day) and everyone was so friendly.

When we arrived, we dropped off our bags and headed out to see the sites and find something a grocery store. We had to find nursery water. When we asked people if they knew where we could find some, they were confused. They have never heard of it until we found a Von's grocery store.

There were several restaurants near our hotel and of course we picked Mexican. It was good, but different from our favorite Mi Hacienda in Starkville. Billy tried fish tacos. He liked them, but I stuck to what I know...chimichangas.

After we finished supper, the temperature dropped fast. It was very cool, so we headed back to the room. It had been a long day and we were all a little tired. My only problem was that I was on central time and could not sleep. I think that I slept a hour the whole night. Thank goodness for Nick@Nite!

Way late, but 7 months old...almost 8 now!

2011-06-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

If there is a worst blogger award, I have won it! For the few that come to my blog hoping to see a new post, I do apologize again.

Audrey Caroline turned 7 months old on May 25th. She is a very content baby and very happy. She is my social butterfly. This child loves some attention.

Audrey you are wearing 6-9 months in clothes. Some are a little big, but they were your sisters. You are just a tad smaller than what she was. You wear size 2 in diapers.

You are taking formula full time now. You did not like it at first but eventually came around. You are doing great on baby food. Your favorites are bananas, yogurt with mixed fruit and pears. You do not like green vegetables, but will eat them mixed with a fruit. So gross, but you seem to like it.

We tried a sippy cup, but you did not want anything to do with it. I guess we will try later.

You are sitting up with no support now and hate to be on your stomach unless you are sleeping or have your sister in your face.

You love your sister beyond words. She adores you too. I never get tired of your laugh when you are playing with Ali Grace. It is so sweet.

You are still a wonderful sleeper. You go to bed every night by 8:00. You usually let us know if you want to go to bed sooner. You sleep with your pink giraffe, white lamb blankie and your music projector. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I will hear your music come on. I guess you are playing. You never cry, so I usually go back to sleep.

You went to the swimming pool for the 1st time in May. You loved it as I hoped you would. Ali Grace has always loved the water, so I hope that you will too.

7 months have flown by so slow down a little bit. You have stolen this families hearts and we are consumed by your smile, those beautiful blue eyes and your wet kisses.

It has been a while...What we have been up to!

2011-06-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am the worst blogger or maybe just a busy, working mom...you decide. ha! We spend all of our time either working or playing with the girls. Billy started church league softball, so we have watched him play in two games so far. Billy went on a business trip to Houston mid May for 3 days. I was worn out and was so glad he was home. I am very thankful for all what he does and do not take him for granted...even more now!

Ali Grace is growing up so fast. She sat in my lap one day at church. Her legs hung over past my lap down to my legs. I realized that she is not a baby anymore. How much longer will she want to crawl in my lap and let me cuddle with her? It almost broke my heart. One of my favorite things to do is have conversations with Ali Grace. She talks so grown up and has so many thoughts that I wish that I could write everything down.

These pictures were taken on Mother's Day...one of my favorite days. I love this holiday because of what made me celebrate the day. My girls are my world and I hope that I let them know how much I love them.

May has been hot and fun. My handsome cousin graduated from high school. It does not seem like he is old enough. Will is a good person and has grown to be a good guy with a huge heart. I wish him only the best as he starts a new journey in his life.

Ali Grace and Will...Will was in preschool when I graduated from C.A....yes, I am old!

Awanas also wrapped up in May. I am so proud of Ali Grace for completing her first year as a Cubbie. She memorized all of her Bible verses and learned more about what God has done for us. I am so thankful that she loves to hear stories of Jesus and wants to memorize God's Words.

Brandon and Ali Grace...Brandon goes to church and daycare with Ali Grace. They have known each other for a long time.

Audrey Caroline is constantly stealing my heart. She is so different from Ali Grace, but alike in other ways. She is laid back and so content most of the time. Ali Grace was crawling by now and getting into everything. Audrey Caroline could care less about being mobile. It could be that her big sis gets everything for her. Audrey Caroline even likes different toys than what Ali Grace liked. Both love baby dolls. My baby girls does not like to cuddle or to be held a lot unless you are walking. She wants to be on the floor so she can stretch out. Her smile is contagious and she will smile at anyone. Ali Grace would look at you like you were insane when she was a baby. I think Audrey Caroline is going to be more outgoing and louder than her sister. We could keep Ali Grace in church with us until almost a year. Audrey Caroline gets a little chatty. She got kicked out of naptime at daycare for laughing or talking to herself. She was waking the other babies. Her teacher took her to other classrooms and socialized.

May the pool opened for the year. Ali Grace has a great tan after on a weekend at the pool. She has the prettiest skin color. We made her wear her floaties which she did NOT like, but I was not comfortable with her swimming ability after a year. By Monday, Memorial Day she was swimming like a fish without them.

Audrey Caroline liked the water. She just kicked back and relaxed. The sun did not bother her either. She is my child for sure! We took her pack n play to the pool. When she got tired, she took a nap. She played in it all day. I hope that every weekend is this laid back as we enjoy our pool time!

Ali Grace has several friends that come to the pool. Thank goodness for her and Billy and me. Ali Grace will wear you out with playing with her. But when her friends are at the pool, we don't hear from her unless she is hungry.

Ali Grace loves, loves, loves Sara Stokes. I am so glad that Ali Grace has good friends and will hopefully grow up together. SS is a few weeks old than Ali Grace, so they will be in the same grade.

Audrey Caroline is a sweetheart. She is such a trooper. We can drag her around to the pool, shopping all day or just hanging out at the house. She just goes with the flow. When she is ready for bed, she is ready for HER BED! She can be fussy and I can lay her in her crib and she is so content.

Hopefully, I will do better on my blog with updating pictures. We are leaving for San Diego in a couple days. Keep us in your prayers as we fly. Pray for safety most importantly, but also flying with a 4 year old and a 7 month old.

Audrey Caroline is 6 months old!

2011-04-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that half a year has gone by with this sweet baby being in our family. I fall more in love with my children each day and will never take them for granted.

Audrey Caroline turned 6 months on April 25th. She is so much fun and keeps the whole family entertained. I guess she is going to be a performer/entertainer like her big sister. Audrey Caroline has started this wiggle/dance that she will do. We will laugh at her and she will do it again and smile. It is the cutest thing.

Audrey Caroline, you weigh 14lbs and are 25 inches long. You dropped in your percentile on weight, so we are having to increase your diet. You are right on schedule with your length and your head circumference.

You take around 22 ounces a day and are doing so good on baby food. Your favorite is cereal with fruit, bananas, pears and green beans. You do not like sweet peas. We have accepted this after several times you spitting the peas all over us. You were introduced to a sippy cup this week, but you are not very impressed so far.

You are wearing 3-6 or 6-9 month in clothes and size 0 in shoes. You wear size 2 in Pamper diapers.

You sleep in your crib and still are sleeping all night. You have a few favorite items now...your lamb lovey, your pillow pet, your rattles and your music night light. You are starting to take less naps at school and at home. Daycare said you are moving the walker more and more each day.

You can roll both ways, but could care less to do it a lot. You love just laying there and playing or following your sister as she dances around the room. You are getting so much stronger at sitting up.

You babble all of the time. It is so cute to hear you talk and make those sweet baby sounds.

You love to be pushed in your stroller, so you have become Mama's walking buddy. After supper every night, we stroll up and down the street.

You study people and things. You are a friendly baby most of the time. You sometimes get a little fussy in different settings. You love playing on the floor with your toys or your sister, so when you have to be held for a long time...you get irritable. You have not cut any teeth yet, but you are teething so bad.

You had a lot of first this month...1st MSU Ballgame, 1st Super Bulldog Weekend, 1st Easter and 1 ear ache...we could have done without the ear infection and the antibiotic. You are such a tough baby even your pediatrician said so. You hardly cried at your shots and hardly fussed about your ear. You also experienced your first tornado weather and no electricity situation.

Audrey Caroline, you have made the last 6 months so unbelievable. We never knew that our family was not complete until you came. I can't imagine life without you. Your sister adores you and can't get enough of you. You are a likable girl. Happy 6 Months Baby!

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon, we went to Aunt Lolo's for supper and a night Easter egg hunt with flashlights. Thank goodness that Aunt Lolo had an extra flashlight because we left ours at home.

The girl cousins played all afternoon until we ate supper. The girls are so lucky to have Savanah and Madeline as big cousins. My girls adore both of them.

All of the cousins ready to hunt Easter Eggs...poor Cody. We still make him get in the kids pictures. He will be a senior next year. I can't believe it. The kids range in ages from 6 months to 17 years old.

After the wonderful meal, it was almost dark enough to hunt eggs. Ali Grace was ready!

Audrey Caroline and I walked around to help the children find Easter Eggs. I took us awhile to find all 3 prize eggs, but we finally did.

We had a great Easter and are so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

He has RISEN!

2011-04-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny stopped by the Williams' house for two very special little girls.

He left both girls pillow pets with their Easter baskets.

Audrey Caroline got a turtle and Ali Grace got the unicorn pillow. Audrey Caroline loves her new friend!

Ali Grace before church

Audrey Caroline ready to go to church...where we were late and had to sit in the 2nd pew in the front...not a great idea with a babbling baby. She did great. I worried for nothing.

Audrey Caroline and Ali Grace in their Easter dresses...I love the color and how they looked. They came from Rags Land of course. I had Audrey Caroline's dress monogrammed with all 3 initials, but Ali Grace with just a W. This way her dress can be passed to Audrey Caroline. Everyone just keeps asking if her name is Wendy.

My girls and me...I am so proud of my girls. I can not even describe how much I love them.

Billy and Audrey Caroline...her 1st Easter.

My little diva/model...I know that she is my child, but she is beautiful and the camera loves her!

After church, we came home to relax. We ate lunch and had our own egg hunt with just Ali Grace. The Easter Bunny brought Ali Grace some fake nails, so we had to put these on. She was so proud.

We tried to take naps, but the only one who actually took a nap was Audrey Caroline. Those pillows look so comfortable...maybe I should get one to help me sleep better:)

Celebrating Easter

2011-04-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday, my family came over for our Easter celebration. I was so happy that my grandmother was able to come. She made the day even more special to us.

We had to hunt Easter Eggs in the front yard since the backyard was still wet from all of the rain from the week. Ali Grace, Peyton and Nick hunted eggs...Ali Grace found the golden egg!

Audrey Caroline found an egg too!

My grandmother and mother with their grand and great grandchildren...so special!

Last Easter, we had just announced that we were expecting our sweet Audrey Caroline. This year we got to celebrate with her in our family. I am so blessed to have both of my girls in my life and my wonderful husband. God's love is so amazing. To send His only Son to pay for our sins...I can't imagine the sacrifice. I am so thankful for His unconditional love for me, so I can pass to my children.

Cotton District Arts Festival 5K

2011-04-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Our Saturday morning started very early. Billy ran in the Cotton District Arts Festival 5-K and us girls were there to support our guy.

It was a little cooler than I thought, so Ali Grace had to wear her Daddy's shirt to warm up. Audrey Caroline was wrapped up in her stroller.

Billy did so good. This is the first race he has ran in since last year and he finished at 25:42. He did not place, but we were very proud of him. I am still working toward my goal of running in a 5K...not quite ready yet. Billy's goal is a half marathon. I think that he could do it.

Easter Egg Hunt at Daycare

2011-04-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

After the hail storm and tornado warnings, Ali Grace's Easter Egg Hunt was moved inside. The kids did not seem to mind.

While the teacher hid the eggs, the kids played in the hall and I snapped a few pictures of Ali Grace's friends.

My cutie pie!

Ali Grace's class

Super Bulldog Weekend-2011

2011-04-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 9th we enjoyed Super Bulldog Weekend as a family. It was so nice to share this family fun with our girls. We started out the day by stopping by the School of Business for breakfast. We were almost late, but arrived just on time.

Ali Grace and Billy enjoying breakfast, juice and coffee

Audrey Caroline was just kicked back and enjoying the attention that she was getting by everyone.

While we were waiting for the ballgame to start, we snapped a few pictures in the shade.

It was so hot at the ballgame. We stayed until the 5th inning and called it. The score was 11-0 Florida, so we felt pretty safe that we were not going to miss a huge comeback. The girls did great. Audrey Caroline was an angel. She laid in her stroller the whole time. It was too hot to get her out. We all got lots of sun.

We walked to the fan fair where Ali Grace jumped on the jumpers. It was just so hot and I just kept worrying about Audrey Caroline.

We stood in line for minute to take the girls picture with Bully. Hard to believe that Ali Grace was terrified of Bully just 2 years ago and I am sure Audrey Caroline will be next year.

We then got some yummy MSU Ice Cream and rested in the shade. We missed the tailgating and the scrimmage game, but at least we enjoyed most of the day on campus. We all headed to Macon for the 8th Grade Banquet.

Audrey Caroline enjoyed her 1st Super Bulldog Weekend and 1st State Baseball game and of course, Big Sister always has fun!

Savanah's Ballgame

2011-04-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, the girls and I went to watch Savanah play in her softball game. She can nail the ball. I can't believe how much she has matured and become such an awesome athlete. Even though she is becoming too cool, she still takes time for Ali Grace. Ali Grace adores her Vanah!

Audrey Caroline was a little fussy, but Aunt Jenn entertained her the whole game.

After the Lady Vikings beat Starkville Christian, we all went out to eat at Peppers. Billy got back from Memphis just in time to join us. I wish that we could see Savanah play more, but it is just so hard to get off work on time and pick the girls up at daycare and then to Macon...plus the price of gas these days!
Savanah, just know that we are so proud of you in so many ways. You are beautiful inside and out. We love you!!!!

Happy 5 Months!

2011-03-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Five Months of smiles, Five months of love, Five months of wonderful memories.

Audrey Caroline is the best baby. She is so happy. She smiles all of the time unless I press the button down on the camera. ha! I am sure she will become a camera ham just like her sister.

Audrey Caroline you are wearing 0-3 and 3-6 month in clothes and can almost wear your size 0 in shoes.
You are wearing a size 2 in Pampers.

You sleep so good in your bed still. Every night we will lay you in your bed and you will fall asleep and wake up so happy. You suck on your thumb and love your lamb lovie. It is so sweet to see you sleeping. I could watch you forever. Some nights, I hold you and have to force myself to lay you down. My heart aches sometimes when I can't hold you.

Your personality is so cute. You laugh out loud and smile with your eyes. You love stuff animals. You will break you neck searching for our voices. You are an official roller now. You are all over the bed and floor now. You have learned to scoot yourself to whatever catches our eye.

You take 4 to 6 ounces in milk and we have added baby food to your diet. You love bananas, pears, squash and sweet potatoes. You do not like peas or cereal. You are doing great at eating food.
You love being outside in this warm weather just like the rest of us.

Daycare has told me on several occasions that all the babies in your room can be crying and you are over in your bed just smiling. You are laid back and no worries. We need a laid back family member. We know that you must get that from me and not your Daddy. You do great riding in the car or riding in your stroller when I am walking in our neighborhood.

You will sit up for a few minutes, but not long. Each day you are getting bigger and stronger. I can't believe how much you have grown in the 5 months we have had you. You are getting fat rolls for sure. We love every inch of you and can never tell you enough how much we love you.

Here is a few pictures of my big sweet girl. Ali Grace is such a helper from with cleaning the house, the laundry or helping with her sister. She may agravate the fool out Audrey Caroline at times, but majority of the time she has her sister laughing. Ali Grace loves to help me cook. Billy and I sometimes have to remind ourselves that she is only 4 and not 8.

Ali Grace is so special to our family. I can't imagine life without her.

I love my life as a mother. My daughters are my life.

A Sunday Afternoon...Special Moments

2011-03-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

"A Sister is God's way of proving He doesn't want us to walk alone"

A sister shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.-unknown

"You'll always be my sister; I only ask that you be my friend, too!!"

Ali Grace wanted to eat outside, so Billy and I stepped inside to bring the food to the patio. We asked Ali Grace to watch her sister. As I was about to walk out the back door, I saw Ali Grace talking and playing with her sister. I snapped these few snapshots through the glass door because I did not want to ruin the moment. Moments like these makes me almost lose my breath. My heart feels so full of love and happiness it makes me speachless and takes my breath away. I love my girls incase you have not figured that out yet.

Audrey Caroline's Church Dedication

2011-03-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

People were bringing these little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:13-16

March 20th was the first day of spring. It was a beautiful day. It was made even more special for the day to dedicate Audrey Caroline at church. Most of our family came to be a part of this special moment for our baby and it meant so much.

JD, our preacher, holding Audrey Caroline. He is a great preacher. JD is leaving mid-April to move to Oxford to preach in another church. His family and him will be greatly missed.

Audrey Caroline is wearing Ali Grace's dedication dress. I am going to put it up, so I can pass it to my girls one day if they have daughters. I think that it will mean a lot to them both.

Ali Grace and I at her church dedication

Ali Grace was so proud of her little sister.

Another great memory for us was that our friends, Will and Leigh, had their daughter, Kennedy Corinne dedicated. Our girls are 9 months apart. I can't wait until they are old enough to play with each other and become best friends.

Nana and Audrey Caroline...looks like she still has that special motherly touch. My girls love their Nana so much. I am so glad that she is involved in their lives. She calls almost every day to check on them and tries to talk to Ali Grace. Ali Grace just refuses to talk on the phone. I wonder at what age that will change!

My mom, Audrey Caroline and I...I so need a tan and to start counting points again!!! No comments please!

Our families...it meant so much to Billy and me that our parents and some of our sisters were at Audrey Caroline's dedication. As parents standing up in our church promising to raise our daughter with God in her life and in the church means a lot to our families. We missed everyone who could not make it!

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Kennedy Corinne, Leigh, Audrey Caroline and me

Audrey Caroline-2011

Ali Grace-2007

When Billy looks or talks to his girls, it is so sweet and priceless memories to me.

What an angel!

God's love and grace

My beautiful family

Papaw Hoss, Gram, Billy, the girls and me.

Papaw Hoss holding his youngest granddaughter.

After the dedication, my family and Billy's along with Will and Leigh's families came over for brunch. The weather was perfect and the fellowship was great. Our families got a long wonderfully and it was nice to visit with everyone.

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Cute and Stylish

2011-03-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Audrey Caroline is just so cute and happy. I am so in love with her and never get enough of her.

Our family is so blessed to have Audrey Caroline as a part of it. I almost want to cry sometimes when I think how God has given me so much. Blessing all around me.

Billy is such a wonderful husband and father. He is so good to all 3 of his girls.

*Ali Grace fell asleep on the way home from church, so she did not make it for pictures. The time changed got all of us.

Dinner Time!

2011-03-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that Audrey Caroline has reached the age to start on baby food. She still seems so little and too young. We started with cereal mixed with apple sauce on Tuesday night. Ali Grace was so excited to help her sister and feed her dinner.

Audrey Caroline was not very impressed for the first few nights.

But now she is a pro....Not really. She is doing a lot better eating off the spoon and not thrusting the food out with her tongue. We starting just feeding her the applesauce and liked it so much better. Ali Grace did not like cereal either.

Ali Grace loves helping, so every night she is begging to feed her sister baby food. We tried sweet potatoes and prunes too. My girl likes to eat! Her tummy has not adjusted to the new food, so we are dealing with some tummy aches:(

This is how my girls fall asleep some nights. Ali Grace makes a pallet on the floor and goes to sleep. She wants to be close to her sister. As soon as they fall asleep, we put them in the bed. The girls even sleep alike. So sweet. I hope they always realize how lucky they are to be sisters.

A little blue dress...

2011-03-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

I found this dress in the attic this week. It was my older sister, Mary Ann's dress. She died when she was a baby, so I never met her. I remember the day that I found out about her. I was sitting at the kitchen table with my sisters and mother going through old recipes when we came across a postcard addressed to Mary Ann Delmas. My first thought was she was a cousin. My mother immediately got very upset and ran to her bedroom. We had not idea what was going on. My mother then told us that we had a sister who died before her first birthday. She had a heart condition and was very sick. It felt like a dream when my mother was telling us this sad story. Mary Ann was never mentioned because it was too painful for my dad, so my mom had never told us. I think it was a relief to my mom to tell us about our sister, her first child. I could not imagine thinking and missing a child and never being able to discuss the life that she did live.

My mom has always said that I remind her of Mary Ann. I wish that she was here and I had a big sister to talk too. It is a loss that my mom has never gotten over and I don't see how you really do. I can not imagine having a baby, loving and caring for it and then having the rest of my life without her. Another way I see how strong my mother really is.

Audrey Caroline was not in a great mood to take pictures, but I attempted anyway. I could not get a smile or even a grin. She has a tummy ache today.

I love the color of the dress matches her beautiful blue eyes. My backdrop is Billy's grandmother's blanket. I am such a sentimental person and love old things that are passed down to from family.

I love her from the top of her head to her 10 sweet toes.

Happy 4 Months, Audrey Caroline!

2011-02-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

Four months ago today, my life changed. My whole world was made a little brighter with this angel. I can not describe how much happiness that this child has brought into my life.

Audrey Caroline, you are such a happy baby. You smile and babble most of the day. Your eyes light up when you see your sister. She can always put a smile on your face.

You have beautiful blue eyes just like your sister.

You weigh 12 lbs. 12 oz and are 23 inches long. You are in the 32nd percentile on weight and 12 percentile in height.
You are taking 6 oz. of breast milk every 3-4 hours.
You are sleeping a lot less during the day, but usually sleep 10 to 11 hours at night.
You wear a size 1 in diapers.
You are wearing 0-3 months in clothes and some 3-6 months. Your size 0 shoes are still too big.
You are sucking your thumb all of the time now. No pacifier.
You are starting to play more and more with your toys. Your favorite is your Jungle Gym and stuffed animals. You love your lamb blankie.

Your dimple are precious.

You have rolled a few times, but are "wiggling" all over your bed and on the floor.

You are now sleeping in your crib. It was harder on Mama and Daddy than you. You are still sleeping all through the night.

Daddy can make you laugh out loud all of the time. It is so sweet. You have him wrapped around your small finger.

We are going to start baby food next week, so I am sure you will add some more rolls to those chubby legs.

You have blessed our family in so many ways. We love you to the moon and back!

Happy 1st Birthday Kennedy Corinne!

2011-02-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

A year ago on February 18th a precious baby girl was born

Last Friday night we celebrated her 1st Birthday.

Happy Birthday sweet Girl! I hope that all of dreams and wishes come true.

The best part of a birthday party is the cake...Kennedy thought so too!

Billy and his girls

Audrey Caroline and her party favor from Kennedy...Her new giraffe. She loves it and smiles at it evertime she sees her new friend.

You're all I need, my love, my Valentine

2011-02-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

Saturday night, Billy and Ali Grace went to a Father Daughter Banquet at our church. It was so cute with Ali Grace dressed up and her Daddy taking her on a little date. I am so glad that Billy was willing to do this and make this precious memory for them both.

Ali Grace waiting to leave for her "special" time with her Daddy.

Billy and Ali Grace are so much alike. They are extremely stubborn and are ALWAYS right. They are both smart and shy at times. I was never a Daddy's girl or have that many memories of going places with my Dad. It is so important to me that Ali Grace does.

This little stinker was a fussy girl while we had our special time together. I still love her so much. Her screams break my heart and I had to let her scream her self to sleep. I am not cruel, but she did not want to be held. I just laid her in her bed and she finally fell asleep after an hour of crying.

Billy and I traditionally do not celebrate Valentines by buying each other expensive gifts. We will go out to eat, but that is about it. Neither of us sees the need to "express our love" on a designated day when we tell each other every day. He did surprise me this year by giving a new Pandora charm, the ladybug. To explain the meaning of this, Ali Grace was just starting to put sentences together and wanted me to call her my Ladybug. So I have ever since. It is our special nickname. Each of my charms on my Pandora have a meaning to me. So I love my Ladybug charm from my Ladybug and Baby Ladybug.

Ali Grace woke up Monday morning and first thing asked if it was Valentines Day. I said yes and she jumped up. She threw her arms around my neck and said I love you more than gummie bears. This is a game that we play. I love you more than (insert something that you like). This morning she told me that she loved me more than sunshine. After getting ready for school, Billy and I gave the girls their Valentine Happies.

Billy and I would rather spend a night in our pjs cooking supper together and playing with the girls. I know that we are very romantic. ha! I want my girls to remember that their parents spend every holiday with them. Valentines is about love and our love for the girls is something we want them to never have a single doubt about.

Ali Grace and I made pink, heart shaped pancakes for supper. It was fun. Ali Grace just kept saying, I love helping, Mama. She loves to tell/boss me on how to do things. I mean how in the world have I made it 30 years without the instructions from my 4 year old...It's a miracle. She would tell me what each step was from cracking the egg to stirring the mix and telling me to not touch the griddle because it was hot.

Ali Grace was so proud of her pink, heart shaped pancakes.

We had all kinds of toppings...butter, strawberries, maple syrup, whip cream and most important sprinkles!

Does this big mess of stuff not look delish? They actually were very good!

Audrey Caroline slept through our meal. She was exhausted from all of the playing, rolling and talking that she has been doing lately.

All of my life

I have been waiting for

All you give to me

You've opened my eyes

And showed me how to love unselfishly

I've dreamed of this a thousand times before

But in my dreams I couldn't love you more

I will give you my heart

Until the end of time

You're all I need, my love, my Valentine

And even if the sun refused to shine

Even if romance ran out of rhyme

You would still have my heart until the end of time

You're all I need, my love, my Valentine

Best Hallmark holiday yet. God has blessed me with a lot of love from 3 very important people.
Happy Valentines to my husband. I love you more each day and love our life together. You bring so much happiness and security to my life. Love you bunches!
Ali Grace, you are my sunshine. You have given me so many great days and perfect moments that makes my heart feel so overwhelmed. You are so special and I love being your mother.
Audrey Caroline, my sweet baby. I never knew that I could love another child as much as I could until you were born. You have filled our family with even more love and made us complete. Your smile is contagious and we love you so much!

What is a little Girl?

2011-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

She's a bundle of sweetness,

brightness & fun

The beauty of springtime,
the warmth of the sun

She's a composite picture of

giggles & tears

Of tantrums, excitement,

amusement & fears

A bundle of mischief

and often a tease

A creature of moods

not easy to please...

Who'll capture your heart

with her pixie-like grin

Or chatter and beg till your

patience wears thin

But obedient, naughty,

mischievous or coy

She's Mom's little Darling &

Dad's Pride & Joy.

She's a little bit of sunshine

She's a smile to light our days

She will steal our hearts and

Keep them with her warm endearing ways

They our precious little daughters

With a sweetness from above

Who will fill our years with laughter

And our lives with lots of love.

Have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love!

Snow, Again!

2011-02-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

It snowed for the 3rd time in 3 months. Ali Grace is not even impressed anymore with snow. This morning was VERY cold. Billy stayed home with the girls while I went to work. The roads were horrible and I was so nervous. I kept praying to God to watch over me and the drivers that were speeding past me. I drove 15 mph and still "fishtailed." Ice covered the bridges and roads. My heart pounded until I pulled into the parking lot of work. When I stepped out of my car, I almost busted my tail. Luckily, I caught myself and no one was watching.

Our house in Starkville

with 5 inches of snow.

Ali Grace was disappointed that I had to go to work, so I told her that we needed to take a quick picture together in the snow. I hated to leave and go to work, but honestly, I hate coldness. I have to force myself to play in the snow. I am just not a winter person, so enough with the snow. I think that it is beautiful and we may not have snow again for another 10 years. I am ready for spring! Ali Grace is too. She played in the snow for 15 minutes and was done.

Fun Day Saturday

2011-02-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

I love lazy Saturdays at home, but I love a good busy one every once in a while. Ali Grace was invited to a birthday party at Jumping G's in Starkville 2 weeks ago. I took Audrey Caroline, so Billy could go ride his bike since it was such a beautiful day. Audrey Caroline was the sweet girl that she normally is.

She took her bottle and played a bit. Several of Ali Grace's friends stopped jumping for a while to see her. Ali Grace's friends treat her like a baby doll or their sister. It is so sweet.

Then Audrey Caroline fell asleep. I wish it was this simple all of the time. ha!

Ali Grace loves Jumping Gs. We have missed several parties in the past few months due to having a baby, being out of town, family Christmases, etc. So Ali Grace was so excited to JUMP with her friends.

My little daredevil!

After the party, Ali Grace and Billy went to the MSU and Florida basketball game. My boss gave me two tickets and I thought it would be some quality time between Ali Grace and her Daddy. She loves basketball which is kind of funny. Billy and I are not big basketball fans. We are football and baseball people.

State was not picked to beat Florida, but I guess Ali Grace brought them luck:) She had the best time at the game. Billy said she was so good and he actually enjoyed the game...and of course time with his daughter. Go STATE!

Beach Weekend!

2011-02-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago along with some friends, we went to Perdido Key, FL for a weekend getaway and to celebrate our friend, Will Wade's 30th birthday. It was not beach weather (not that we expected it to be 80 degrees), but it was freezing. When we arrived at our condo, it was so cold. The heat was not working. I slept in two shirts, a hooded sweatshirt, fleece pajama bottoms and two pair of socks. I still froze. I held Audrey Caroline in my arms all night to keep her warm. I finally woke Billy up and told him to do something. I could not take it any longer. But I try to look at things as the cup half full...Billy and I did stay up laughing and joking how cold it was. Laughter makes everything better, right?!

Looking out our balcony window, it looked like it was a beautiful day at the beach that you could lay out in for hours. WRONG! The wind was a bit chilly, so we just looked at the sand and gulf from our room.

Ali Grace has finally started catching up on her height. She has always had the shortest legs, but looking at this picture I think she may be taller than me one day.

She may be taller than her Daddy too!

One of my favorite things to do at the beach is eat at Sea N Suds. I love their hamburgers. Billy and I have eaten at Sea N Suds every year since we have been married. Ali Grace likes it too...more for the frisbee she gets than the meal. The kids meals are served on the frisbee that is used for a plate.

We took a few pictures before going out to dinner at Louisiana Lagniappe. It was the best meal that I have ever eaten in my whole life. We will definatly being going back. If you are in the area, I would suggest trying it out.

I had to ask Billy to take a picture of Audrey Caroline and me because there are none. If I want a picture of the girls and me, I have to ask...sad, I know. It is not that I am vain, but I do want my girls to have pictures of us together.

Audrey Caroline and me and little miss jealous in the background. Ha! Ali Grace is not use to sharing camera time!

My girls and me...I love them so much!

Audrey Caroline in her new hat and flower. It is a little big, but she looked so cute!

Ali Grace's 2nd family...The Wades!

My beautiful family that I am blessed to be a wife and mother too.

Leigh and me with some little camera hogs...They jumped in the picture while we were trying to take one of just us.

The next morning, Audrey Caroline and I were the first ones up...of course. I can not sleep late anyway. So we had some one on one time. She is so happy when she wakes up. My little bit of sunshine

Would this face not brighten your day?

These two are so sweet when they are asleep. Billy and Ali Grace are so much alike that it is scary. They butt heads a lot, but then they are so sweet together. Ali Grace has Billy's argumentive and I am ALWAYS right drive. But she is smart and compassionate like he is too.

Audrey Caroline was laying in her bed and I had my camera (shocking, I know!) and I told her to smile. She actually did. I know she did because she saw her favorite person in the whole world, but it was like she was just doing what I asked her to do. Are those dimples not the cutes thing!!!

Audrey Caroline is 3 Months Old!

2011-01-28T09:20:00.000-08:00

On January 25th, Audrey Caroline turned 3 months old. I can not believe she has gotten so big.

Audrey Caroline weighs 11 lbs and is 21 inches long.

You wears size 1 in diapers and 0-3 month in clothes. I packed up some of your newborn pajamas which was a little sad.

You are a wonderful eater. You are taking 5 oz. every 3 hours at daycare, but you go every 4 hours at home. I am not sure why the difference, but glad you like your bottle.

You get mad when you are done eating until we have your propped and ready to burp. As soon as we burp you, you are a happy girl.

You usually stay awake for at least an hour or two after you bottle. Your sweet dimples and glowing eyes make us all melt. Daddy is going to have some trouble down the road with saying NO.

You sleep through most nights. You may get up once week now, but will go right back to sleep if Mama or Daddy just pat your back and cover you back up.

You sleep in your pack and play next to Mama and Daddy's bed, but we are thinking about putting you in your bed soon. We both like having you in our room.

You are grabbing at things and holding them for short period.

You are laughing or squealing out loud which is cutest thing. You love to coo and "talk" to us. You mimic your mouth to our mouths. You are so smart.

You will not take a pacifier unless someone hold it which I guess is a sign that you do not need or want it. You on occasion will hold it in your mouth, but not very long. You just want to sooth yourself.

Your face lights up when your big sister talks to you. Ali Grace loves helping with giving you a bath, getting you dressed, changing your diaper or just laying on the floor playing.

You love sleeping on your stomach.

You are a happy baby and are so laid back. You do not fuss to much unless you have a tummy ache.

You went to your first wedding or you made an appearance. You did not like the organ music, so we had to leave.

You have a serious look most of the time just like your Daddy and sister.

You gave us a little scare at your 2 month check up. The doctor could not find your soft spot, so we saw a pediatric neurosurgeon in Jackson. Praise God you were fine. But this is the only scare that you are allowed to give your mom and dad.

You went to church nursery for the first time this month. The ladies said that you did great and were just precious...but we knew that!
You are still a great shopper and do great in your car seat. We drove to the coast for a long weekend and did fabulous.

You are very loved little girl. You are adored my your Daddy, your sister and mostly me. I can't get enough of your contagious smile and sweet baby smell.

Happy 3 Month Birthday, Baby Girl!

Survey

2011-01-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

My friend Tennille at The Porteras tagged me for a survey. Below will be my answers, but wish Tennille and her precious family Congrats! Tennille is expecting a baby in August.
Here are the rules
1. Make a post and link back to the person who awarded you
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 great bloggers so we can share the love
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve been tagged
Here we go...
1) I love Jesus Christ and am so thankful what He has done for me. 2) My family is what makes me happy. I married my high school sweetheart and love him even more today than I did 15 years ago. I love my two girls and everything that has to do with being a mother. It is a dream come true. My success story, my career are my girls. It is a job that I will never retire from or get sick of. 3) I love making list. I am the most forgetful person in the world. I could not tell you what happened yesterday. So I love post its and lists. I constantly have them everywhere. 4) I love taking pictures. It has always been my hobby, but a few years ago turned into a little side business. I love natural pictures and not posed. They are more true to life and reflect personalities. I would love to go back to school and learn more about it. 5) I love organizing and cleaning. I get excited about new cleaning products. A clean house makes me so happy. I like to have everything in its place from the home to office. I use to be the worst neat freak ever, but I have calmed down since having children. Cleaning is relaxing to me. Yes, I am weird. 6) I am a girly girl. I love makeup, jewelry, clothes, shopping, candles, lotions, etc. I am not big into doing outdoor stuff. I do love going to football and baseball games and of course being on the beach. I have never been camping or really hiking. The idea of sleeping on the ground and not being able to take a shower does not entice me a bit. 7) I love sweets. It is my weakness. I love sour candy, yellow cake with thick, creamy icing, mint chocolate chip ice cream, cherry limeades from Sonic. I could make myself sick with cheesecake or fudge. If it has sugar, I pretty much love it. I am not a big chocolate fan except on occasions. This weakness is probably the reason I have not lost my last 2 lbs after having my baby. I have made myself hungry now.

I do not have 15 people to tag but am going to tag my blog friends who have updated their blogs within the last 6 months...
Hollie
Ashia
Michele
Julianna
Jessica
The Sheppards
The Agnews
The Lindleys
The Heards
The Peterson's

go for it if your up for the challenge:)

If you follow me and have a blog, post a comment. I love reading about other people's lives.

Songs of Joy

2011-01-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

"Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy. Psalm 47:1

Audrey Caroline was not worried. She knew that God loved her and made her perfect in His plan.

God answered our prayers at Audrey Caroline's neurology appointment. He is so good and heard all of your prayers. Sunday night, I think that I slept maybe 3 hours. I was so anxious, worried, stressed and whatever else on the news we could hear on Monday morning. My good friend, Leigh offered to keep Ali Grace which helped us so much. We hated to wake her up so early and take her with us. We are very blessed to have good friends and family volunteer to help. It was a great help to know that Ali Grace was being very taken care of...spoiled maybe, but allowed me to focus and prepare for Audrey Caroline's appointment. We left our house around 5:15 a.m. and arrived at Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson at 8:20 a.m. Appointment was at 8:40. We walked in the front door of the Children's hospital where a receptionist was. We told her we were there to see Dr. Parent and she directed us to the 2nd floor where the Eli Manning Gold Clinic was. Billy filled out the paper work and we sat down at 8:25. A few minutes later, the lady at the desk said Dr. Parent was out today, but they would see who else we could visit. But then we realized we were not where we were suppose to be. At 8:31 we started speed walking back to the elevator, down to the first floor, across 2 parking lots in drizzling rain to the Pavilion where Dr. Parent was. The lady at the first clinic said go to Suite A, but the receptionist at the Pavilion said to go to Suite C. We go to Suite C and they have never heard of Dr. Parent. At this point, Billy is livid (plus tired from toting Audrey Caroline in her car seat). He runs to Suite A and I stay to wait for the nice nurse to call to see where we need to go. Then Billy calls my cell phone and said he was in the right spot. He signed in at 8:38...2 minutes to spare! We had not sat down and a sweet nurse called out, Williams. Billy said are you calling for Audrey Williams? And she said yes. Quick service! We walked right in and the nurse weighed Audrey Caroline and took her measurements. We went to a room and less than 15 minutes we saw the doctor. He was the sweetest man. He measured and felt her head. He found her soft spot which was very small. Dr. Parent said that she was perfectly healthy with a beautiful, round head. He felt so good about it that he did not even see a need in x-rays or a CT scan. I even had him repeat himself to make sure that I heard everything correctly. NO SURGERY and NO FOLLOW UP! Our prayers were answered. Dr. Parent even took the time to hold Audrey Caroline and talk to her. He said that she was very alert and looked smart. She would probably be at Princeton one day. It meant a lot that he was not rushed to get in and out and that he took time to talk to us. He talked to us like human beings, no arrogance or medical terms that we would not understand.

Is this not the most adorable baby you have ever seen? Audrey Caroline is holding the pink (because she only likes pink according to her big sister) sock monkey that Ali Grace and Nana gave her to hold at the doctor's. Audrey Caroline smiles so big when she looks at Monkey.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your phone calls, text messages, Facebook messages and most importantly your prayers. God blessed us with a beautiful baby who is healthy, beautiful and could possibly be a neurosurgeon one day. My heart is filled with so much relief and love. I am one of the lucky moms that was able to walk out of that hospital with my child. As we were walking in, I realized how many mothers were walking in holding bags, pillows and a child. They were there for surgery...a major surgery or treatment. I then felt a little guilty for having a perfectly healthy child. Why me and not them? I am sure they were asking the same questions too. God made us mothers to love unconditionally and to show compassion to the hurt or weak. I have so much respect and empathy to the mothers of sick children. Mothers watch a child battle a fatal disease or go under a major operation. How do they sleep at night and cope during the days? I could not sleep with just the possibility that Audrey Caroline could need an operation. The mothers of sick children are so strong. I have a new respect and a little understanding on how they feel, but with God's Will will never truly understand their battles. Say a prayer for all mothers who have a sick child and for the wonderful medical staff at Batson's Childrens Hospital. I hope that we never have to go back, but if we did, I would feel that we were receiving wonderful medical care with some very special nurses and doctors.

"Every storm is an opportunity to grow in Christ..."

2011-01-21T10:52:00.000-08:00

Every time I think of you I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3

I have a very special prayer request from all of you. On Monday, January 24th, Billy and I are taking Audrey Caroline to see a pediatric neurosurgeon to be evaluated. On December 30th, I took Audrey Caroline for her 2 month checkup and shots. The nurse practitioner could not find her soft spot, so another nurse tried to find it. They did not have any luck. I did not think it was that big of a deal, but when the words “pediatric neurologist” was mentioned my heart sank. I was in such shock that I did not even know what to ask. I was blind sided. My first thought is she going to die. I know this is so morbid, but the thought of her not being in my life was my first reaction. The next day was horrible. My last day of maternity leave, completely exhausted and now worried about Audrey Caroline’s health. The nurse practitioners suggested we re-evaluate in a month to see if her head grows. The following Monday morning,I got a message that they were going to make an appointment for my baby to see a neurosurgeon. Now my first day back at work and my baby at daycare just got worse. To give more of an explanation, if her soft spot has already closed than her head can not grow which can effect her brain development. This could cause her brain to swell. But on a positive note, she met every developmental mark on the 2 month checklist. She is such a happy baby and I love her with all of my heart and soul. Please keep Audrey Caroline in your prayers. Pray that the visit goes as I hope that it is her pediatrician being overly cautious. If the doctor can not find her soft spot then we will have a CT scan. I pray the doctor can find her soft spot and this will be a story we tell Audrey Caroline when she gets bigger…how she scared her parents half to death. If I am wrong, they may have to do surgery, but this is the worst case scenario. This is not life threatening like so many parents face with a child, but it is still my baby. She is my miracle that I have loved from the moment she was placed in my arms. Surgery scares me. It scares me more if my child has to go through it. So much can happen during a surgery which scares me even more.

“Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3

Please pray for Billy and me too. Billy is so strong and my rock, but this is his little girl. Big strong guys turn to mush when it comes to their girls. I have been a basket case. I have worried about this angel since the day I found out I was carrying her. I will worry until the day I leave her for Heaven. I have cried and prayed each and every day. We have turned this over to the Lord and trust His plan for Audrey Caroline and our family.

I hesitated on putting this news on my blog. I believe in the power of prayer and more prayer the better. I also figured that if you follow my blog you have a special interest in me and my family. God bless and remember us on Monday morning...we are leaving really early!

“Every storm is an opportunity to grow in Christ and trust Him more. God is more committed to my character than He is to my comfort.” Mary Southerland

We can build a snowman...

2011-01-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

Monday morning, daycare was closed, but work was not. Billy went in first thing in the morning to make sure his department was able to get to work. So while he was at work, Ali Grace and I played in the snow.

We got about 2 1/2 inches of snow. Pretty good for central Mississippi.

Ali Grace could not believe how much snow was on her slide and playhouse. I think that she was actually thinking about sliding down until I read her mind and told her not to think about it.

Our house on Monday morning

Ali Grace wanted to build a snowman which meant for me to build and her to supervise. Ali Grace also expected the snowman to talk to her like "Frosty" and like on the "Jack Frost" movie.

I ran inside to get my camera and heard Ali Grace talking to the snowman. She honestly thought it would turn to a live snowman...bless her heart and her wonderful imagination.

This is Frosty's girlfriend! She is not perfect or very big, but she is so stylish in Ali Grace's hat and my scarf.

My sweet girl and I had a great morning although it was rushed. I had to go into work later that morning. Thanks for the memories, Ladybug!

Baby, It's cold outside!

2011-01-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday, we had full intentions of starting back to church since having Audrey Caroline and then December full of family Christmases. Then the temperature dropped and it was too cold for this baby.

We laid around and watched movies all day and ate. The downside of being home on a cold day is that makes me want to snack all day. The bright side is that I get to play with this girly girl.

Audrey Caroline smiles like Ali Grace does...with her big blue eyes and those dimples can melt your heart.

We were in shock the amount of snow we got on Sunday afternoon. After Audrey Caroline went to bed, Ali Grace and I snuck out to play. The whole neighborhood was out looking around and some were having a snowball fight. Ali Grace wanted to go have a snowball fight, but I told her no because it was too cold. She told me I was mean. I told her good because that means I am doing my job.

Ali Grace loved playing in the snow and throwing a snowball down the driveway.

The girl's name in the snow.

Congrats Adam and Shelby!

2011-01-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Friday night, Ali Grace and I had the privilege of attending my cousin's rehearsal and dinner and taking pictures. Billy stayed home with Audrey Caroline while Ali Grace and I had a mother/daughter date. She was so good at the rehearsal and the dinner. I was very proud of her.

Congrats to Adam and Shelby. I am so happy that you found each other and I wish you many years of happiness.

Saturday was the big day. I was so excited. Ali Grace and I love weddings. We have been looking forward to the wedding all week. Audrey Caroline must be like her father and hate weddings. She was an angel until the organ music started. She cried the entire time, so we sat outside in the cold. Not a good night.

She looked so sweet in her pretty dress, hat and bow. I wish she would have acted sweet. Oh well, that is the day and life of a baby...you never know when there melt downs may happen.

She was being so good and talking to Nana.

My romantic child was ready for the big event. She sat with her new friend boy, Welton at the wedding.

Adam even got a little practice in holding Audrey Caroline. He is a natural. He will make a great father one day.

Billy and I ended up leaving the reception before even eating because Audrey Caroline was so upset. It took us an hour after getting home to calm her down. I am not sure what was going on with her except wanting to laid down and left alone. She is Billy's child. Aunt CC kept Ali Grace with her so she got to enjoy the reception. They did bring me home a piece of yummy wedding cake...the best part of a wedding. I had saved my WW points up all day for that piece of heaven.

So much cuteness in our house!

2011-01-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

I mean I hate to brag, but I do have the cutest little girls.

Audrey Caroline is a good baby most of the time. We are getting a preview of her sweet personality. She smiles and tries to talk to us all of the time. I am enjoying every minute with her at night and weekends. It is so hard being away from her.

Ali Grace is so cute with her sister. She is so proud of her. Each night we lay Audrey Caroline down on a blanket when we get home from work and daycare. Ali Grace plays with Audrey Caroline while Billy and I change out of work clothes and start supper. You can just look at each other and know they love each other so much. It is priceless.

See just pure cuteness in this house!

Already?!?!

2011-01-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

Audrey Caroline started daycare on January 3rd. I mean how is she old enough to go to school already. It was a hard day for all of us...except Audrey Caroline. She did fabulous.

I was a little upset which I expected. She was so tiny in a room full of big boys who were crawling and pulling up. After 2 days in that class, I talked with the director. I was not happy with her being in such an older class. So she was moved into the infant room where she has floor time and will not get hurt by other babies. Audrey Caroline has the same teacher that Ali Grace did when she was in the infant room. We love her! Our first week at daycare went great. Ali Grace checked on her sister almost everyday and even talked her teacher into letting her class to meet her little sister.

Our last family Christmas

2011-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

We wrapped up our family Christmases on Sunday. Our final get together was at my mother's. It is really hard to schedule our Christmas because of being so large (6 children and 10 grands between my mom and step dad). So grateful that we are able to spend time with each other

Ali Grace and Nana...Ali Grace loves her Nana so much and I think Nana is a little fond of her too!

All of the grandchildren got snuggies from Nana and Poppi.

My sisters and mother...I know that we don't even look related.

Ali Grace and me getting ready to play Christmas BINGO!

Ali Grace was so proud of herself reading her card and placing the chip on the number when it was called. She is just so smart and growing up too fast.

Ali Grace and Audrey Caroline in their matching zebra print dresses. I love them matching. I think that I will do this more often. Ali Grace thinks it is great too!

Happy 2011!

2011-01-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

I did not take that many pictures on New Years Eve or New Years Day. I was enjoying time with my family and friends. We went to our friends, Will and Leigh's house to ring in the new year together. It was just a laid back night. The guys played Band Hero, the kids played, the babies slept (mostly) and Leigh and I just caught up. We are such big party animals!

Audrey Caroline was so excited about 2011! She is just so cute. I have a hard time just letting her lay there. I want to just snuggle up with her.

Ali Grace and Thomas partied all night. Taylor did too, but did not want me to take his picture. He is already sick of me. ha! These kids played so hard all night. The weather got really bad and we stayed at the Wade's until after 3:00 a.m. It was a long night...

Because we thought we had not completely worn out our welcome at Will and Leigh's, we went back to watch the ballgame on New Years Day. It would have been so much fun to to be at the game, but then we all agreed it would not be so much fun driving back the 10 hours the next day.

Audrey Caroline and her Daddy supporting the Bulldogs.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful new year filled with many blessings and much happiness!

New Year Resolutions

2011-01-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

This past week was my final week of maternity leave and more than likely that last time I will be off this long with the girls. I have absolutely loved the time with both girls. I am going to miss them so much when I am away from the for 9 hours straight.

This week, I have made my list of New Years Resolutions....

1. I want to drop 2 dress sizes...at least try.

2. Read a book to my girls each night.

3. I want to try to read more too...other than gossip magazines.

4. Run in a 5K.

6. Become more involved at church.

7. Read and study my Bible.

8. Be a good mother

9. Be a better wife.

10. Live my life to the fullest and be grateful for what I have.

Prayer Request:

Audrey Caroline had her 2 months shots last week. She weighed 10 lbs and was 21 inches long. This puts her in the 27th percentile. There was one thing that has us concerned, but I don't want to share quite yet. I am trying not to worry myself to death before it is necessary. I am going to take Audrey Caroline back for a follow up and maybe some test. Just keep her in your prayers. God knows what we need. I know He is the ultimate Physician!

What year 2010!

2010-12-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

A look back at 2010...

JANUARY

We rang in 2010 as a family with good friends.

FEBRUARY

We welcomed Miss Kennedy Corrine Wade!

Ali Grace had her first sleepover at our house with Thomas and Taylor.

MARCH

Had fun with our friends

We found out that we were expecting an arrival!

APRIL

Celebrated Easter with my family

Billy ran in his 1st 5K

MAY

I went to New York on a girls trip! My first time to leave Ali Grace. Wow, that was hard, but LOVED the Big Apple!

Surprise party for my friend Jackie. Here are our kids minus Kennedy and Audrey Caroline.

After Memorial at Soule Chapel we went to Aunt Jenn's house where we took pictures for fun. Ali Grace is wearing Mamaw Shirley's famous hat.

JUNE

Billy and I celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary.

Sold the Jeep that we drove to Chattanooga to buy. We had to making room for baby!

Surprise beach trip to celebrate our anniversaries with good friends. Will and Leigh celebrated their anniversary in June too.

It's a GIRL! We found out that God was blessing us with another sweet girl. Good thing we LOVE PINK!!!

JULY

Celebrated the 4th of July!

And Daddy's birthday!!!

AUGUST

We spent many weekends at the swimming pool.

Ali Grace spent the night away from home for the 1st time in her life with Nana and Poppie. It was harder on me than her.

SEPTEMBER

It was a month of football and supporting our favorite Viking...

Will Disbrow!!!

And we supported the MSU football team too!

OCTOBER

Ali Grace turned 4 years old with a Tinkerbell party with family and friends.

Somebody decided she could not wait any longer to be a part of our family. Our most precious memory for our family was the birth of Audrey Caroline.

NOVEMBER

We celebrated Thanksgiving with our families. We all had so many things to be grateful for in our lives.

Nana turned 60 this month.

DECEMBER

The most wonderful time of the year!!!

We celebrated my favorite holiday this month with food, decorations and music.

We all experienced our 1st white Christmas together!

2010 was a very eventful year. We thought were going to be jobless by this time and God answered our prayers. We joined a church family and a Sunday school class. We of course had another adorable baby. Billy and I both went on trips without each other and without Ali Grace. I can't wait to see what 2011 holds in store for the Williams Family. I only wish health and happiness for my family and yours.

Williams Family Christmas

2010-12-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with the Williams side of the family. Ali Grace was so excited to see Savanah and Madeline of course!

Ali Grace, Savanah, Madeline and Audrey Caroline

Every year with all of the grumbling, we always take a family picture. Our family has grown and changed so much. My nieces and nephews are almost as tall as I am. I can't believe how much we have all grown up in the past 10 years.

This is my perfect family that keeps me going. I love my husband and my two girls. They make it Christmas every day for me. Audrey Caroline was not very happy in the picture, but I know that she feels the same.

Could it be? A celebrity siting in Brooksville. We were surprised by the one and only Taylor Swift! Ha! Ali Grace won this wig in Dirty Santa. She looked so cute. She is sometimes Taylor Swift and sometimes Hannah Montana.

Then "Taylor" gave us a live performance. I can't believe how she becomes un-shy when she dances or plays the guitar. She will hardly talk to people, but loves to entertain through music. I am not sure if Ali Grace will have musical talent, but she already has good rhythm. I would love to see her dreams come true one day...maybe she can take care of her mom and dad!

Landon and Ali Grace played a little basketball and he helped her play with a DS....we are in trouble now! Savanah did teach her how to text on the DS. These kids are just getting too smart.

Audrey Caroline is 2 months!

2010-12-27T20:13:00.000-08:00

Audrey Caroline is a true gift to our family. We have only had her two months and can't imagine our lives without her.

Audrey Caroline turned 2 months old on Christmas Day. A special day to celebrate the Birth of our Savior and to thank God for sending us a special blessing.

Audrey Caroline sleeps so good. She still sleep most nights and takes great naps during the day. She just wants to sleep on her stomach.

She has started smiling and cooing. I love to see those eyes light up and those dimples show. Just makes me fall in love so much more.

Audrey Caroline is taking 4 oz. every four hours. She is not as picky with her bottles like Ali Grace was. We are using Avent and Dr. Brown bottles. I am not nursing, but am pumping all of her milk. This way others can help feed her.

She is wearing size 1 in diapers and can still wear all her newborn clothes except her sleepers. She has gotten too long for the pjs. Her foot is tiny, so we have not been able to wear shoes yet...not even the 0 months.

Right now, her eyes are blue. I hope that they stay blue, but we will see. Ali Grace has the prettiest blue eyes, I have hazel and Billy has brown. I guess that we will see in a few months.

Audrey Caroline is usually very quiet and a laid back baby. She has been fussy lately. I am not sure if it is because of different surroundings going to different family functions or if she is teething. She chews on her pacifier which is a Soothie paci.

Audrey Caroline's looks have changed so much. She still looks like her sister and Daddy, but I have been told that she has a little me in her.

We have been laying Audrey Caroline on a pallet each day and putting her in the excersaucer (wrapped with blankets). She loves to stand up. Her legs are so strong and has great head control.

We go for her 2 month shots on Tuesday, so we will find out her weight and length. I will update tomorrow. Wish us luck. I made Cynthia go with me when Ali Grace got her shots. Billy is going with me tomorrow along with Big Sister. I have already prepared Ali Grace on that Audrey Caroline is going to cry, but the shot is to make her healthy and so she can go to her school. She can not wait to have her baby sister at daycare. Mama is not so thrilled. I will go back to work January 3rd. I can't believe it is that time already.

A White Christmas Morning

2010-12-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning came VERY early. Audrey Caroline slept all night and was ready to eat about 5:30 a.m. This not normally that bad, but Billy and I were up until 1:00 a.m. because were were just so excited about Santa! Billy fed the baby and I got the cameras ready. We went to go wake Ali Grace up and she rolled back over. She did not care a bit that Santa had come. She wanted to sleep. She is a lot like her Aunt Kiki and cousin, Savanah. We left her alone and started breakfast. Billy and I were a little disappointed that Ali Grace did not just jump up. While I was cooking breakfast, I saw that it was snowing huge flakes. Billy went to tell Ali Grace it was snowing. This is what she jumped up for. Granted it does not snow everyday, but Santa does not either. ha!

Ali Grace had some good looking hair Christmas morning. We are going for a hair cut this week.

Santa left Ali Grace a doll stroller, an easel and her biggest wish, a doll house!!!

Audrey Caroline got a few things too! She was a very good little girl. Audrey Caroline turned 2 months on Christmas. She has been the best gift that our family has gotten this year for sure!

The girls got matching dresses. I always hated when my mom dressed my twin and me the same. It drove me crazy, but I guess I will pass the torture on to my girls. Ali Grace thinks it is great, so I better take advantage of that as long as possible. Ali Grace likes for all three of us to dress alike. If I wear a dress, we all wear dresses.

This was all of our first white Christmas. It was so unbelievable. Ali Grace was so happy. She has seen snow 3 out of her 4 years. She does not get how rare that is.

We could not let Audrey Caroline miss her first snow on her first Christmas. So Billy bundled her up for a quick picture.

Is she not the cutest snow baby you have ever seen?

We then went back inside and played all morning. Daddy and Audrey Caroline had some special time while I played with Ali Grace. We try to keep our time equal with each child and time as a family.

Audrey Caroline loves her Daddy and has him wrapped just like her big Sister.

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby...you just want to hold her and cuddle. We have done a lot better with Audrey Caroline than with Ali Grace. We did hold her all of the time and we paid for it later. If anything, our girls will know they are loved!

Ali Grace and I played "school" with her babies. We worked on the board then it was time for lunch. She is fixing the babies soup and cupcakes in the picture. After lunch, the babies were suppose to take naps. What an imagination. I love it.

My mom and Mr. Gene came over to visit the girls and see their Santa and then our friends came over for supper. I honestly do not know why that I did not take pictures of the rest of the day. The lack of sleep is effecting my picture taking ability.

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve, we had two family functions to attend. Both of our grandmothers host Christmas Eve, so we make an appearance at each family. It is rushed and we get a little frazzled. It is worth it to be able to see both of our families and especially our grandmothers. We are blessed to have Grandmama and Mamaw Jourdan still in our lives, so we want the girls to spend as much time with them as possible. I grew up with my great grandmother in my back yard. I would go see her and help take her meals to her. I would organize her mail and magazines (stack them piles) and she told me I was going to be her "book keeper." I always thought she wanted me to keep her books and make sure they were tidy. I was so dumb!

My handsome husband and beautiful girls...my life is so good and beautiful!

My first love and forever my heart. I can't get enough of this cutie pie. Even after 4 years, she makes my heart so overwhelmed with love. I am so proud to be her mother even when I am so tired and she tells me that I am mean.

Grandmama and her two youngest great-granddaughters. My grandmother is the best. My grandmother and grandfather helped my mom raise my sisters and me. I love and appreciate everything that she ever did for me.

Four Generations

These are two very important ladies that I have in my life. I could not imagine my life without them and their unconditional love. I am very blessed.

I did not take my camera in at Mamaw Jourdan's. I was doing my best to stay awake. It was so good to see Mamaw and Billy's Aunt Ann and Uncle Larry. And of course Billy's sisters, brother in laws, nieces and nephews were there. We have so much family between us.

Cookies for Santa

2010-12-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

Every year I make sugar cookies at Christmas. I was so glad when Ali Grace got old enough to help with the tradition. We have a great time and hopefully, she will have these memories for a lifetime.

This is when the kitchen was still clean and so were we.

I have grown so much on my control issues. I let Ali Grace help decorate the Christmas tree this year. I only moved the ornaments if they were weighing down a limb to prevent from breaking. I let Ali Grace roll out the dough and cut out the cookie shapes. She had the best time and thought she was so grown.

Ali Grace did a fabulous job. She did stress about making a mess and the flour all over. The apple does not fall too far from the tree. ha! I just kept telling her not to worry about it. It makes the cookies extra good.
Audrey Caroline watched us and was very impressed or bored....just wait until I have two helpers.

I also let Ali Grace have creative control on decorating the cookies. She wanted pink and green icing and a little of every decoration on each cookie.

We got a little creative and it looked like a big blob of a mess. They were good.

We had to taste the cookies for Santa with a little hot chocolate. Delicious! Sweet memories were made that day...at least for me!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Audrey Caroline's Birth Annoucement

2010-12-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite things...

2010-12-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

Several blogs that I follow have been listing a few of their favorite things. Things, not people. I think we all know who my favorite people are.

My favorite thing that I own are my cameras. A camera can change your life. It captures all of your memories. I love taking pictures incase anyone did not know. I have so much to learn about the art of, but I take pictures to capture the moment. The moment when your child is laughing or excited about something or the way that a grandmother looks at her granddaughter. A moment when a parent looks at the bride.These are moments that I have in my heart, but I want to always remember. I love going back and looking at old pictures. So if you don't take pictures now, START! You will not regret it. You don't need a professional camera. Yes, you want good quality in the print, but the quality is in the photo.

Another favorite addiction is my Diet Mountain Dew. I only allow myself to drink one a day because of the caffeine and nursing. They do make caffeine free, but it is hard to find sometimes. I am not a coffee drinker, but this is my morning drink. I use to hate it, but my college roommates always drank it. I learned to like it and now I can't live without it. ha!

My favorite grooming product is my flat iron. I have ugly, frizzy hair if I don't straighten it. It is not a pretty picture. I am not one of those fortunate people whose wavy hair is beautiful. Thank goodness for my CHI!

My favorite candy snack is gummi bears or really any sour, gummi candy. Haribo is my favorite brand. Back in the day, when Billy and I were dating...he was in college and I was in high school( are we not so cheesy?)He would bring me a bag of gummi bears and a card with a sweet note. I still have each card that he gave me. Sweet, delicious memories. ha!

I am not sure if this is a favorite thing. I recently had to get a new phone because my piece of junk, Hero died. It was a problem from the beginning. So since being without a phone is tragic, Billy ordered this phone for me. What did we do before cell phones? I never had one until I was in college. We don't have a house phone, so it was necessary that I have a phone with two small children or Billy would never let me go anywhere again. This phone is okay. It is just a lot heavier than my last phone. I do like the slide out keyboard. It will serve its purpose....texting and facebook!!!

I did not take a picture but my favorite thing this time of year is the food, the decorations, the cards, the way my heart feels when I see my child light up on Christmas morning. I love this time of year when stores are chaos and we are all a rush to get our shopping done. I love when we ride around and look at Christmas lights and bake cookies for Santa. I love Christmas music and movies. I have so many favorite things about Christmas, but the most important thing is the Birth of Jesus. God sent His most precious gift to us. With a new baby in our home this season, it has reminded me so much about the baby Jesus. I am worried about getting Audrey Caroline out in the cold when she is bundled up with blankets. A child born in a manger on a cold winter night....We are so blessed in our lives. My heart is filled with love and happiness and we should all thank God for his unconditional love and the most precious gift of all. Merry Christmas!!!!

"All of God's Grace in one sweet little face"

2010-12-20T17:07:00.000-08:00

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27

Every good and perfect gift is from above~ James 1:17

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4

"A mother understands what a child does not say."

"Children are the bridge to heaven"

"The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him."

Christmas Pictures

2010-12-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things of the holidays is Christmas cards. I love going to the mail and finding cards from our family and friends. I keep every card each year. I like to go back and see how a family has grown and changed. I love taking other people's Christmas card pictures too. It stresses most people out, but I love it. I try to let the children just get use to me and then they will be more natural. Sometimes when it comes to my girls, it is another story. Ali Grace is a natural poser and we are training Audrey Caroline. Sometimes it is tough. I am my worst critic. I have a certain image that I want and I am determined to get it. Sometimes it happens and sometimes other beautiful little pictures happen that will be engraved in my memory forever.

This is my favorite picture of the girls looking at the camera. I have to say my girls look so sweet and adorable in the picture. You should have heard the threats and promises we made. ha!

This is one of those moments that I just happened and my finger hit the camera button at the exact right moment. This will probably be one of my favorite pictures of the girls together. I know Audrey Caroline is still just a newborn, but she adores her big sister. Ali Grace can make her smile and coo which thrills Ali Grace. Down the road when both girls are yelling and screaming, I hate you I will simply pull out this Kodak moment. But I am sure these sisters will get along beautifully and never argue. ha!

All natural!!

My first, sweet baby is such a big girl now. I can't believe this will be her Ali Grace's 5th Christmas. Each year with her has been a blessing and so much fun.

This little ones First Christmas is not going to be too exciting for her, but magical for mom, dad and sister. I know she will not remember anything, but we will have the memories to tell her...and of course the pictures to document it.

Breakfast with Santa

2010-12-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Ali Grace had Breakfast with Santa at daycare. We got there early and the girls did great with Santa. He spent a lot of time with Ali Grace.

Audrey Caroline just kicking back while we ate breakfast.

Daddy and Ali Grace waiting for the program to begin.

Ali Grace's class and the other preschool class sang Jingle Bells for us. Ali Grace did great entertaining us. She is a natural.

She was dancing too, but you can't tell from this picture she was having very much fun. ha!

Bath Time!

2010-12-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

Before Audrey Caroline was born, Ali Grace would try to find any excuse in the world to not take a bath. She likes showers which while I was pregnant made it a lot easier on me. Now, she can't wait to take a bath with her sister. Audrey Caroline LOVES baths. She is so content which is totally opposite of when Ali Grace was a baby. Ali Grace would scream the entire time. Most babies take a bath to calm down...not Ali Grace.

My mom gave Ali Grace a robe for Christmas last year. I really thought she would use it one or two times and forget about it. She uses it all of the time. So she wanted her little sister in her little robe too.

I wonder at what age will they be fighting on who is getting in the bathroom to get ready?! For now, I am going to enjoy them being little and sweet. Ali Grace wanted me to dry Audrey Caroline's hair...I said it could be a while before we get to dry her hair.

Christmas Parade

2010-12-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a very busy day in our house, but we ended the day by going to Starkville's Christmas Parade with our friends, The Wades. It was so cold. Thankfully, our friend's office is on Main Street. So we hung out in his workplace until the parade started and Audrey Caroline stayed warm the whole time.

Taylor, Thomas and Ali Grace anxiously awaiting for the parade to begin. When the parade began the boys did not like the noise from the firetrucks and the bands. Thomas warmed up to it quickly and Taylor took a little longer.

Sweet Kennedy and Ali Grace were ready for the parade. The noise or cold could not stop these girls for having fun.

The parade lasted over an hour. It had several good floats. This was my favorite. It was the most detailed.

Audrey Caroline stayed inside and slept the entire time. She will be ready for the excitement next year.

And the finale, Santa Claus! The kids were so excited to see Santa. Seeing Christmas through a child's eyes is so special and warms my heart. After the parade we went back to our friend's house for some yummy chili and cornbread. Perfect for a cold night!

You are the best thing that has ever been mine...

2010-12-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

I love giving the girls baths, lathering them up with lotion and putting on their pajamas. It is the sweetest smell and one of my favorite parts of the day. It is so simple, but something that Billy and I look forward to every night.

Then we all pile in our king size bed, read books or watch a movie until we all fall asleep. Billy and I are hanging on the edge, but we would not have it any other way. These days will be gone before we know it.

Audrey Caroline loves her sister as much as Ali Grace loves her little sister. It is so sweet to hear Ali Grace talk or sing to her. Audrey Caroline just stares at her and smiles. I just love watching my girls together and I am so glad they are mine!

My Heart, My Daughter

2010-11-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

This was my 2nd attempt to take some pictures of Audrey Caroline alone. I am use to having assistance from a parent or Billy when taking pictures. Audrey Caroline was trying to move too much and kept scaring me. I was scared she was going to roll off of what I had her propped on. Hopefully, I can talk Billy into helping this week, so I can get some good pictures of both girls.

These are the feet that kicked me and reminded me each day that she was going to change my life forever.

Audrey Caroline kept raising her self up and lifting her head (this is what kept scaring me). One month olds are suppose to do this, right? She is strong little girl.

This is the gown that Audrey Caroline wore home. It is still too big, but it is so sweet.

Audrey Caroline is fascinated with her tongue. She sticks it out and sucks on it all the time.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Her eyes are just staring at you. It is hard to get a newborn to look at you and is basically luck or taking 100 pictures and happen to catch her looking directly at you.

Her tiny little toes and feet with my engagement and wedding bands. My ring size is 4.3/4, but they look bigger with her little toes.

I plan on trying again on taking some posed pictures with Audrey Caroline. Good practice for me and my future little model. She has big shoes to fill with her sister.

Let us give Him thanks

2010-11-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day started out very hectic for me. I temporarily lost my mind and told Billy to go hunting and I would drive down to Brooksville to meet him. I had to get the girls up and feed them breakfast, bath and dress for all three of us, prepare and cook my food to take to Billy's grandmothers, pack bags for Audrey Caroline and go get gas. I was worn out by the time I sat in the car to start the drive to Brooksville. I know it gets easier, but it was a lot of stuff to do by 10:00.

We had lunch at Mamaw Jourdan's house. The weather was perfect and food was delicious.

Mamaw Jourdan holding Audrey Caroline for the first time.

Ali Grace, Savanah, Madeline and Audrey Caroline...all of the girl cousins

We had Thanksgiving with my family on Saturday. Everyone was at my mom's except Aunt Kiki. We have a large group now with Mr. Gene's children, so those were good odds.

Nana and Audrey Caroline

Peyton and Ali Grace

My little cowgirl

I am so blessed to have my family and able to spend each holiday with them. So many families do not.

Ali Grace and Audrey Caroline-The most 2 special girls in my life and can not thank God enough for having the honor to raise them.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving holiday and all of the luck on Black Friday. Now time for Christmas carols, riding around looking at Christmas lights and spending time with family and friends.

My Newest Blessing is a Month Old!

2010-11-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

Audrey Caroline turned exactly one month on Thanksgiving Day. I thought this was appropriate since she is my newest blessing of the year. I can't believe it has been a month already and sad that it means I will be going back to work...maybe before I am ready. I have only been an hour away from Audrey Caroline and that was long enough.

Audrey Caroline has gained weight and gotten longer for sure, but I am not sure the numbers. We will see at her 2 month check up.

She is wearing size 1 diapers, but they seem to swoller her. We ran out of newborns, so started using the size 1 diapers that we had.

Audrey Caroline takes 3 oz. every 3 hours except at night. She has been sleeping 4-6 hours on most nights.

We have been trying to get the baby to take a pacifier, but she does not like the ones we have tried. She likes to suck her thumb when she can find it. It is so sweet to see a baby sucking their thumb, but a lot harder to take away when the time comes. Ali Grace would try to suck her thumb and I would stop her. The pacifier was hard enough to give up.

Audrey Caroline came home rolling from her back to her side, but she has now rolled from her stomach to her side twice. It could be out of anger, but she has done it for Billy and me.

This child loves to sleep on her stomach. Her naps last so much longer when she is on her tummy.

My little angel is so cuddly and her dimples melt my heart. She is a great traveler and shopper. We hardly hear a peep when we are on the road or in a store unless it is meal time.

Audrey Caroline loves baths and being just in her diaper unlike her sister at this age. Ali Grace HATED being naked. Audrey Caroline could care less, but like her sister is not a happy baby when it comes to changing her diaper.

I love this baby so much and can't wait to see what the next month holds for us and the next. year. Hopefully, we will have our Christmas pictures done this week.

What am I thankful for?

2010-11-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving. It is a holiday that we are reminded how grateful we all should be. I am so thankful for so many things in my life. God has blessed me with more than I deserve or could ever thank Him for.

I am thankful for God in my life. He has shown me so much love and given me so much grace. How do people live with our Father in their lives. Thank you God for sending your Son to die on the cross for me.

I can not put into words how thankful and fortunate I am to have my family. This is what I am most grateful for in life. They have heart forever and ever.

These two girls are true miracles to Billy and me. After 5 years of being told that our chances of having a baby was very slim and doctors not knowing what to do, the true Physician stepped in and showed us His plan. God blessed us with a sweet baby girl. We always wanted another child, but again our chances were not the best. Unexpectedly and on God's plan again, He gave us another little girl this year. Billy and I trusted in God's plan for us and He has filled our hearts with so much love and happiness.

I am thankful for my husband. He is my best friend. Billy is one of the most genuine person that I know and has a huge heart. I could not ask for a better man to help raise our daughters and spend the rest of my life with loving.

I am thankful for my family and friends. I put this together because my family are truly some of my best friends and my friends are my family. I am very fortunate to have some amazing people in my life.

I am thankful for the food on our table, the roof over our head, the clothes on our backs. There are so many people that are not as fortunate as I am. I may not have the best of everything, but I have what I need.

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings. I plan on eating lots of turkey and dessert

Weight Watchers starts on Monday! Don't forget to count your many blessings!!!

Seeing Double??

2010-11-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

Can you guess which baby is Ali Grace and which one is Audrey Caroline?

I catch myself so many times calling Audrey Caroline by the wrong name. She just looks so much like Ali Grace. I can't wait to see if she keeps her blue eyes like Ali Grace or will she even look like her in a year.

First Attempt Photo Shoot

2010-11-18T16:37:00.000-08:00

I am getting cabin fever and bored, so I tried to do a little photo shoot. Audrey Caroline was not in the mood, so I did not get very many shots. She has been having some cranky days, but when I get something on my mind....

Hopefully, I will get my photo shoot done this weekend while Billy is at home. We plan on putting up our Christmas tree and decorations this weekend too. I love this time of year!!

Santa's Wonderland

2010-11-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday, we took the girls to the Bass Pro Shop Santa's Wonderland. I saw it advertise and thought Ali Grace would love it. The best part it is free!! Santa was there and Ali Grace walked up with no fear and told him what she wanted and what her sister needed. After Santa, there were little games set up for children to play. Basically promoting their toys, but fun for the kids.

Ali Grace waited in line to shoot the pink BB gun. She thought that only girls could shoot this gun which more than likely is true. She loved it. Billy may have a little hunting buddy in a few years after all.

My little model posing in front of the winter Christmas scenes that was set up. It was so neat and wished that I had dressed the girls in Christmas outfits.

Ali Grace wrote a letter to Santa asking for a doll house for her and a baby doll for Audrey Caroline. Always thinking of her sister!

Audrey Caroline slept the whole time. We kept her covered in her stroller the whole time since she is still so little. Santa said that he just held a 4 day old baby before us. I felt bad with Audrey being only 3 weeks old.

The next day we went shopping at the Galleria, but Ali Grace had to fee her sister her bottle. She laughed the whole time, so I am not sure what was going on. Ali Grace just giggled and said her sister was so silly.

Ali Grace's facial expressions are priceless to me. I love catching these moments when she thinks no one is watching her. It is not posed or acting...just honest and true love!

Grandparents!

2010-11-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

Friday night, Ali Grace's adopted grandparents came over for a visit. Mr. Terry and Mrs. Brenda, our friends came over to visit the girls and us. I worked for Terry at the bank for a few years and he has helped Billy and me from building our house to being like a parent to us. Ali Grace loves Mr. Terry and thinks she is her grandfather. I don't think he would argue with her :)!

Ali Grace opened Audrey Caroline's gift. It was a Lee Middleton doll just like Bailey. She was thrilled that her sister had a baby doll and to have one just like Bailey was even better. It was Ali Grace's first doll that she fell in love with.

I wonder if Audrey will love baby dolls as much as her big sister.

Saturday morning, we were surprised by a call from my dad wanting to come visit. My stepmother and dad live on the coast, so we don't see them very often. They drove up Saturday afternoon and visited with the girls.

Papaw (my dad), Ali Grace, Memaw (step mom) and Audrey Caroline

I am so glad that they got to meet our new, little miracle. My dad mentioned taking Ali Grace to the zoo in New Orleans, so now Ali Grace is begging us to go NOW!

Saturday was also my mom's 60th birthday. My mom and step dad came over for supper and dessert which Billy made. It was banana pudding. My mom's favorite. When my mom arrived, my dad was still there. It was the first time my dad was introduced to my step dad. It was actually nice to have my whole family in one room, so Ali Grace could understand a little about step family.

Happy Birthday Nana! We love you so much and loved we got to spend time with you on your special day!!!

In My Daughter's Eyes

2010-11-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart

Everything becomes a little clearer

I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough

It's giving more when you feel like giving up

I've seen the light

It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future

A reflection of who I am and what will be

Though she'll grow and someday leave

Maybe raise a family

When I'm gone I hope you see how happy

she made me

For I'll be there

In my daughter's eyes

Audrey Caroline is 2 weeks old today. Being at home with her is such a blessing and gives me a lot of quiet time to think how truly blessed I am. I have a beautiful daughter who is healthy. I have Ali Grace who makes me smile and fall in love with her more each day. I am so thankful to be a mother. I am so thankful that I have a wonderful and loving mother. I hope that I make my mom proud and one day I will make my daughters proud.

A mother's treasure is her daughter. ~Catherine Pulsifer, Inspirational Words of Wisdom

Blessed!

2010-11-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday has been a day full of doing nothing. Billy volunteered to get up with the baby, so I could get some rest. I have to get up every three hours anyway to pump, but at least I am not up as long when he feeds Audrey and gets her back to sleep. Well, Audrey Caroline, Daddy's girl slept 6 hours straight last night. Billy did let me go back to bed this morning for a morning nap. It helped so much. He has done everything for the baby today. I really appreciate his help especially when I don't even have to ask.

I needed to run some errands this afternoon and he volunteered to drive me. So we all loaded up for my sweet husband to chauffeur me around. ha! He rented us some movies for the weekend and is now cooking supper. My day off has been great!

Last night, Billy gave me this necklace from The Vintage Pearl. I absolutely love it. He ordered it and had planned on giving it to me in the hospital when I had the baby. But Audrey Caroline decided to come early, so it messed up his plans. It was still so sweet. It means so much to have my girls names around my neck and to know my husband and the sweetest father designed it for me. Love you, babe! Even though I complain sometimes you are a wonderful husband to me and an even better daddy to Ali Grace and Audrey Caroline. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Audrey Caroline's 1st Checkup

2010-11-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ali Grace has been home with me all week being my little helper. It has been raining and gloomy for 2 days, so we were happy to stay inside and watch movies all day. Billy rented Toy Story 3 for Ali Grace, so we have watched it. I love those movies! We even got a little nap one day.

Thursday was Audrey Caroline's two week checkup. She did fabulous. She slept through the whole thing. Ali Grace was there to hold her hand like a good big sister.

Audrey Caroline's Measurements

Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz.

Length: 19.5 inches

Audrey Caroline is so tiny. Height is something that does not really run on either side of our families. The outfit she has on was again, Ali Grace's. I had given it to her to have for her dolls, but took it back to let Audrey borrow. Ali Grace thought this was so silly that her sister could wear doll clothes.

Our first week at home has gone good. The girls have been very good and I fall in love with each of them more everyday. I love being a mother. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I will never be able to thank God enough for allowing me this special honor.

"There is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one. -Jill Churchhill

Audrey Caroline, You are a week old!

2010-11-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Monday, November 1, 2010, Audrey Caroline was a week old. How has a week already gone by!

Audrey Caroline takes about 1 1/2 to 2 ounces every 3 hours.

She is a good little sleeper during the day and for the most part at night. She likes to be held and cuddled at night. She rolls to her side to sleep.

She is wide eyed first thing in the morning and around 9 pm. She loves to look around. She has really good head control and lifts it up all the time.

Audrey Caroline flashes us smiles all day.

You are wearing newborn diapers and clothes. You came home from the hospital weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz., so you don't have too many clothes right now. Just wait because you have closet full of pink, pink and more pink to wear!

Little Girl, you are loved by a large family with plenty of aunts, uncles and cousins not to mention grandparents and dear friends.

But you have stolen the heart of one little girl in a short time. None of us can get enough of your sweet, cuddling self. Don't grow up too fast.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Audrey Caroline's 1st Halloween

We had a busy day of visitors from family, so Ali Grace did not make it to our church Trunk and Treat. She wanted to go then she would change her mind. Then she wanted me to take her, but could not. She said than she did not want to go. We are not Halloween people, so Ali Grace did not even care.

Nana spent the night with us too. Billy had to go to work on Monday, so my mom came to help and take me to the doctor on Monday. Ali Grace thought she was just here to play and sleep with her. Who was I to tell her that she was here for everyone. Billy and I may keep Nana because Ali Grace has slept in her bed with her Nana for two nights. Normally, if someone spends the night with Ali Grace, she ends up in our bed before the night is over. (Ali Grace has not slept in her bed since December 2009.) Maybe we are on to something:)

Lazy Saturday

2010-11-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a lazy day staying at home with an extra special treat for Ali Grace. Madeline came over to play. She entertained Ali Grace all day or really Ali Grace bossed Madeline around. Sweet Madeline just listened to whatever she said.

Ali Grace's face says exactly how she feels about her sister. She has taken her role as Big Sister so seriously and maturely. I did not ask her to pose for this picture. I was actually down the hall and zoomed in. I love those moments when you don't expect to catch, but luckily your camera is near. Oh, Billy was near Ali Grace too for anyone worrying that we just left them on the couch together.

Madeline is going to be a fabulous babysitter. She is so good with Ali Grace and Audrey Caroline. She holds a baby more comfortable than I do. She is a natural. Madeline gives Ali Grace full attention and plays so good with her.

Saturday was also the State and Kentucky game. We obviously did not go or go tailgate, but there is no reason we can support our Bulldogs fashionably. This was Ali Grace's outfit when she was a baby. Thank goodness I kept all of Ali Grace's clothes!!!

I know that I am a little partial, but Audrey Caroline is so cute and tiny to me. I know that I keep bragging and repeating myself on my post, but I just love her so much. I was so worried when I found out that she was a girl that how was I going to ever love another child, but another daughter as much as Ali Grace. Everyone told me not worry because you share your love. It is so true. I love these two girls so much that I really can't put my feelings into words.

So glad the Bulldogs won!!!!

Welcome Home Audrey Caroline!

2010-11-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

Finally, Thursday morning arrived. We were getting to go home. I was up bright and early. My doctor came by to check on me and Audrey Caroline's pediatrician. I was just waiting on Billy and Ali Grace.

Audrey Caroline covered her face...I guess because he would not believe that her Mama was really in pain! ha!

Ali Grace walked in with a huge smile on her face. She wanted her Mama and sister at home. She was so proud that she was helping get everything together and thought she was so big.

Yes, Ali Grace is obsessed with her sister, but her parents are too. We are all so in love with this little girl. We just want to hug and kiss on her too. It is so surreal when you carry this child inside of you for 9 months and then she is here in your arms. It is so amazing and unbelievable to be a parent. I can't imagine not having my girls in my life.

Billy is such a good dad. He was so good with Audrey Caroline when we were in the hospital. He has so much patience and talks so sweet to her. He would say over and over how beautiful she was. I fall in love with him even more when I see him with our girls. It makes me realize (not that I did not know) how lucky I am to have married such a great husband and father.

Ali Grace and Billy buckling up Audrey Caroline for her first ride to her first home. I think we were both a lot calmer on the ride home than we were with Ali Grace.

We went through Wendy's drive thru for lunch and headed home. We ate and all laid down for afternoon naps...except Ali Grace. I guess that she was too excited. She laid in the bed with us and watched tv. She was so good and quiet.

This precious baby was snug as a bug in a rug. She looked so cozy in the bobby and blanket.

We were so glad to be home as a family of 4. God has blessed us so much with these two girls. The doctors said probably no children, but God must have laughed at them. He had an amazing plan for Billy and me and now for our girls. I can't wait to see what the years will be like watching our girls grow up.

Last Night in Hospital

2010-11-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night was my last night in the hospital. My doctor had told me that I could possibly go home on Wednesday night if I was doing okay. Ali Grace was so happy. Well, she was until we found out that my doctor wanted me to stay one more night since I was still hurting pretty bad. Why did I complain!!! Ali Grace handled the news pretty well at first. When she found out that I could not go out to eat with Billy and her, she got upset. Billy ended up getting us supper and we visited for a long time.

Ali Grace loves holding her sister and kissing her constantly. It was so sweet and priceless to see how well she did with her. My mom and step dad came to see us and Ali Grace monitored who held Audrey Caroline and there was a time limit. She kept cracking us up telling people their time was up and it was her turn again.

Ali Grace helped me pack the baby's bag. I let her pick out what clothes to pack. The gown Audrey is wearing was one of Ali Grace's. She is so proud to share her clothes with her sister...just wait until the teenage years!

Here is three generations. I hope to get a more formal and cuter picture as soon as I can.

We all kept holding the baby on our shoulders, so Ali Grace wanted too. She was so careful and mothering about it.

When it came down for Billy and Ali Grace to go home, Ali Grace had a melt down. I had told Billy to bring her pajamas and a book for me to read to her. So we calmed her down by doing our nightly routine as much as possible. When I got done reading to her, she started crying. It broke my heart. She kept asking why she could not sleep on the couch or chair. She kept saying she would be good. I felt so bad and wanted to go home too! Billy finally had to pick her up and carry her out crying. I called Billy to see how she was doing and she was asleep before they left Columbus. It is hard being a mom sometimes!

God is Good!

2010-10-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

My first night in the hospital was a very long night. My sub doctor who is military did not believe in the wonderful morphine pump. He only gave me demerol shots and darvacet which was not touching my pain. Finally, at 4:00 a.m. my nurse called him and he said it was okay to get me a pump. I have no tolerance of pain, but this was ridiculous making me suffer. I never went to sleep all night after having surgery. By the time I got the pump, my body was just aching all over. At 9:00 it was taken away. I was not happy with this doctor. It was not like I was going to become an addict. When he made his rounds that morning, he said that I should not be in that much pain. I am sorry, Mr. Man who has never had a baby!

But at 6:00 when this sweet angel came to our room, I could focus on something else. She was wide eyed and beautiful.

Papaw Hoss and Gram

Ali Grace was having a serious big sister to little sister talk with Audrey Caroline.

Starting the week out with some excitement...

2010-10-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

Monday night, we came home and ate supper. I was prepping supper for Tuesday night and helping Ali Grace sign her name to thank you notes. Plenty much a plain, boring Monday and then I had some indication that my water was leaking or about to break. We drove to the hospital and they immediately took me to labor and delivery. After some tests, it was determined that my water had broke and they immediately started prepping me for my c-section. Billy and I began texting and calling our families. My doctor was out of town, so the doctor that was handling his patients was going to perform the surgery. He did say that we would wait until my family arrived. Ali Grace was with us, so we had to wait or Billy would not be able to go back with me. I had called Cynthia to tell her what was going on and if she thought I was in labor. She does have some experience with 4 kids. All that I could think was 1) my child was so scared and I could not comfort her. 2) I did not bring the baby's bag and Billy had no clothes. Type A me had my bag packed 2 weeks ago and so I grabbed it. I thought worst case they would put me on bed rest. I honestly did not think I was in labor. 3) I was trying to figure out what I left unfinished at work. I know it was silly, but I hate to leave things undone. Around 9:00, I was being prepped for surgery and coming to the reality that I was about to hold my baby. It was scary, overwhelming and exciting all at once plus being worried about Ali Grace. I knew my mom, my sisters and Billy's sisters were taking very good care of her, but mother instinct was kicking in. After having my panic attack and seriously thinking I was having heart failure my anesthesiologist calmed me down. Billy finally was brought into the operating room and I felt so much better. At 9:42 another sweet angel came into our lives. Audrey Caroline was here and was perfectly healthy.

She weighed 7 lbs. 3.5 ounces and 19.5 inches long. My first thought was that she looked just like Ali Grace and bless her heart she had my nose.

I went into recovery for about an hour and seemed like an eternity. I had to lay there wondering what Ali Grace was thinking. Was everyone still here? Did Billy take the pictures that I told him too? I kept trying to make my legs move so I could get out of there, but my legs were not cooperating.

Finally the time passed and the nurses who by the way were fabulous strolled me to my room. I finally got to see my family and friends. We had to wait another hour because Audrey had to be observed for an hour because she had a nose flare and was a few weeks early. They gave her a bath and had to regulate her body temp before bringing her to us.

I had to lay at a 30 degree angle for the rest of the night, but I got to have my girls with me. I just could not believe how much she looked liked Ali Grace when she was born.

I don't think anyone was more excited or fell in love as quickly as Ali Grace. She could not wait to get her hands on her sister and kiss on her. It was one of the sweetest and most precious memories that I will never forget.

Billy was so proud of her too. He is such a good father and loves his little girls. He even said that he was proud of me. ha! It was around midnight when the baby was brought to us and Ali Grace was such a trooper. She napped in the waiting room and fought to stay awake after we got to my room. When Ali Grace saw Audrey Caroline was in the room, she became wide awake.

Thank you to our family who we shocked and caught off guard a little when we called. We love that you were there to welcome Audrey Caroline to the world and be a part of our special day.

A special thank you to Leigh and Will. Our friends were part of the birth and were so kind to take Ali Grace home with them. They treat Ali Grace like one of their own children and Ali Grace loves them like family.

We just praise God that the surgery went well and Audrey Caroline was born healthy. God blessed us in so many ways, but giving us two beautiful daughters is the two most precious gifts that He has given to us.

Audey Caroline's Baby Shower

2010-10-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Some of the ladies at work hosted a shower for Billy and me in honor of Audrey Caroline. Typically, you do not have a baby shower after your first, but it was a come and go. It was nice especially Billy and I hate to be the center of attention. We did not have a room full of people starring at us.

This was the delicious strawberry cake. I could have eaten all of the icing off of the cake. It was so good.

Billy was not thrilled to be at the baby shower, but was a good sport anyway.

We left all of the gifts in bags, so Ali Grace so could go through all of the gifts for her sister. She was so excited to see what Audrey Caroline got. She oohed and awed over everything. She was more excited than when she opened her birthday presents at her party. Ali Grace loves receiving gifts (who doesn't?), but she loves to pick out gifts.

Audrey Caroline did pretty good at her shower. We got some essentials and some pretty things. Billy, Ali Grace and I can not thank our friends at the bank enough. You are like family to us and your love and support means the world to us.