Christmas in Cedartown

The day after Christmas, Justin, Addie, and I loaded up for a day trip to see Mama Alice, Papa Jerry, and Aunt Erin. She flew in just for three days, and we were thrilled to see her. Addie was only three WEEKS old when she last saw her. Addie also enjoyed seeing Zach and Daisy (Justin's childhood dogs). She is enthralled with them, but she doesn't want to get too close!

When we got there, we ate lunch and opened presents. Addie got a beautiful plum velvet outfit from Aunt Erin, and a laptop and music table from Mama Alice and Papa Jerry. The laptop is perfect for road trips! After we finished, we got a world class tour of Cedartown. I believe if Norman Rockwell were still alive, he would choose Cedartown as the quintessential hometown. It's too cute with its quaint downtown and post-war era homes. We really enjoy our trips up there! Thank you Mama Alice, Papa Jerry, and Aunt Erin for a great Christmas!

Aunt Erin helps Addie open her presents!

Addie and Aunt Erin

Addie and Mama Alice

Addie's First Christmas

After our wonderful time in Valdosta, we headed home on Christmas Eve to spend Addie's first Christmas at home. We are so thankful that our parents understood! On Christmas morning, we actually woke up before Addie did, so we were able to get everything ready before she got up. We also videotaped her as we went in to get her out of bed. Before we started with the presents, we read the Christmas story from Egermeir's Bible Story Book. It was the Bible story book that my grandfather read to my daddy when he was little, and the same one my daddy read to me. We let Addie open her presents first; she got a baby doll, a ball, some books, a pull toy, and a bubble gum popper! She was so excited. She really loves her baby doll - in fact, she enjoys sucking her baby's thumb! It was a nice, relaxing Christmas. We stayed in our pj's most of the day.
I fixed a nice Christmas lunch while Justin figured out his new toys! He got a Newton's Cradle (five balls suspended seperately from a wire and when you pull one on one end, the one on the opposite end has an equal and opposite reaction) and a helicopter. He frightened both Addie and me flying it around the house. Justin gave me a Byer's Choice caroler - a little girl! How fitting for this year. I now have four - one for each Christmas we've been married.
It was such a special treat to have such a peaceful Christmas - our first Christmas as a little family!

Justin and Addie smile for the camera!

Justin studies the directions for his new helicopter!

Addie had a great first Christmas!

Our Valdosta Christmas

The past two weeks have been full of activity! I got sick with flu-like symptoms and ran a 102 temp. for three days! My mom had to come up and help me out. On the coattails of my sickness, Addie got her first ear infection! She ran a high temperature for a few days and was in a lot of pain! However, almost a week and a half later, she is feeling much better!
On the 19th, Addie and I packed up and headed to Valdosta to see our family (Justin had to stay behind for a few days for a church activity). The celebration began with a birthday party for my sister Allison (Tallie). Birthdays are very important in our family, so there were signs up around Mom's house as well as homemade red velvet cake made by Uncle Jeffrey! (Allison's husband) We always have such a good time together.
The next day (20th) was our annual friend Christmas party. It is actually a progressive dinner that ends with presents and dirty Santa! We started this tradition WAY back when we were in high school,, and we've extended it each year eventually adding husbands and children! Rylin and Addie (the only 2 kids so far) enjoyed playing together. They rarely get to see each other, but they will grow to be best friends! (For pictures, see "How I'm Doing" - one of the blogs located under Libby's profile.)

Sunday the 21st was filled with seeing old friends from Morningside. It was wonderful and exciting to worship in the new Worship Center. I am excited to see what God is doing there! That afternoon, I left Addie with Grammy and Grandaddy, and traveled to Macon to get Justin. We decided to have our first night away from the baby! It was both wonderful and terrifying. It was so strange to walk around the house and not hear her talking or crying. We kept finding ourselves whispering thinking the baby was asleep! I guess that's when you know you're a parent!

Monday (22nd) we traveled down from Macon and spent the evening with Justin's Dad. Grandpa and Grandma Stephie did such a good job preparing for Addie's first Christmas experience! She loved unwrapping the presents, especially taking off the bows! However, we found she was more interested in the tissue paper than in her new toys. One of the toys they got her was a pony she could scoot around on. She does a great job going backwards but hasn't quite figured out how to go forward! Thank you Grandpa and Grandma Stephie!

Tuesday (23rd) was the day my family celebrated Christmas. We went to see Granny Mac (my granny) that afternoon to give her her present, and she surprised us with a present for Addie! Addie also got a present from her great Aunt Barbara. Later that night, Grammy, Grandaddy, Tallie, and Uncle Jeffy gathered for Christmas dinner and exchanging presents. Addie received so many clothes, books, and toys! She was so excited to get her baby stroller! It's a stroller that is just her size that she can push her babies in! She also got an activity table with a phone, laptop, piano, and book. Now she has her "little office" like Mommy's! Thank you Grammy, Grandaddy, Tallie and Uncle Jeffy!

I hope that you enjoy these pics! I don't have any from Grandpa and Grandma Stephie's because I forgot my camera! :( So as soon as I get their pictures, I will post them as well! )

Merry Christmas from Addie! This is her new chair! It matches her room!

Addie investigates her presents at Grammy and Grandaddy's!

Addie chillin' at Granny Mac's. Just a note: I sat in this chair when I was her age!

Addie and Granny Mac!

Addie enjoyed opening her presents!

"Oh what fun it is to decorate....?"

Each year when we decorate for Christmas at our house, we make a big "to do" out of it. Justin puts on his Christmas music and turns it up very loud, and I make hot chocolate for the fun about to ensue. We be-bop to the music (it's a jazzy Christmas cd) as we put up the trees, lights, and other decorations. Most of the time, we stay up until 1 or 2 am to get it all done. It's so much fun that I look forward to it each year!
This year, we were doubly-excited since we got to share this annual event with Addie! However, there were a few changes that needed to be made. First of all, the music had to be turned down, and it was eventually replaced with Charlie and Lola dvds. No hot chocolate since we were afraid of burns and caffeine highs, so we opted for OJ for adults and milk for Addie. The biggest change came with having to find somewhere to put a meandoring, curious, little person! Not to mention we called it quits around 10 - whether everything was done or not!
For the most part, Addie did very well (considering she had a very short afternoon nap). She didn't pull down any trees or break any ornaments. We wanted her to be able to "experience" the decorations, but under close supervision. I've posted some pictures of our very special night for you to enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Addie and Daddy dance to Christmas music!

Addie helps Mommy put up the little Christmas tree!

Addie "helped" us de-tangle the lights!


The finishing touch! Addie topped off our tree with the star!

Thanksgiving Holiday

We've had a wonderful and restful past few days! We went down to Valdosta on Wednesday night and saw many old friends at Morningside Baptist. Thanksgiving Day was full of fun, family, and food. Addie really enjoyed seeing her Grandpa David and Grandma Stephie Thanksgiving morning. Her "Grand" Uncle Harrell also stopped by to wish us well. Later that afternoon we had Thanksgiving dinner at Grammy and Grandaddy's. Granny Mac, Great Aunt Debbie, and Great Uncle David also joined in on the fun. And we must not forget Tally and Uncle Jeffy - Addie adores them! We hope that all of you had as wonderful a Thanksgiving as we did!

We took many pictures of Addie's first Thanksgiving, but I wanted to add this video of her and her daddy from earlier this week. The ever-inventive Justin created a train ride from a cardboard box and shoe lace for his little girl. Choo-choo!

Our Little Turkey...

We snapped this picture when we got home from church today. She was so cute, and everyone loved her little dress! We've had to rethink the ribbon because she loves to untie her bows. However, the dress didn't fall apart when she played in it...I'd consider that a success! :)

The Itch to Stitch...

I told you a while back that I got a sewing machine for my birthday because I wanted to learn how to sew. There is a great little sewing shop down in Warner Robins that inspired me to make a little dress for Addie. Well..... I DID IT! I never thought I would be able to sew. Oh, I aspired to do it, but I really never thought I could do it. Thanks to my new friends at the shop and a wonderful pattern, I have made a Thanksgiving dress for Addie. I still have to attach the ribbon, but you get the general idea. Yay!

I'll post a picture of Addie in her dress for Thanksgiving! She'll be too cute with her turtleneck, dress, stockings, and brown shoes! Sewing is just like blogging - addictive! I've already started scouring websites looking for Christmas appliques and ribbon! Oh the possibilities!

I'm a big girl now!

Yesterday, we had a milestone event happen in Addie's life: she moved from her infant seat to her Booster seat! Justin did a great job installing it, and Addie really likes the extra room!

This was too cute... I had to add it

I know typically that I update our blog once a week; however, Addie got our attention by doing this Wednesday night! She is standing up holding on to our ottoman entertaining herself. You just have to see this!

Just in case you missed it....she is blowing bubbles on the ottoman. I grabbed the camera towards the end, so she was tired of doing it when I started recording. As you can tell, she REALLY loves talking to her daddy and waving at him. Just thought I'd share!

A Little Trip to Cedartown...

Thank you to all who prayed for Justin (and me) at the end of last week. He did well on his cardiology exam, and it was a true joy to have him back to us this weekend. With our new- found flexibility, Justin, Addie, and I traveled to Cedartown, GA to visit Mama Alice and Papa Jerry. We had a wonderful time. Cedartown is a quintessential little town in North Georgia. It is nestled in the foothills only an hour west of Atlanta. It is actually very close to Rome, GA. The foliage on the way up was breathtaking - I just wish Addie could have seen and appreciated it from her car seat. We got there just in time for lunch as Addie doesn't like to go longer than needed between meals. We had a restful afternoon spending time with Mama Alice and Papa Jerry. We walked down to the neighborhood park, and Addie got to swing in a baby swing for the first time. She wasn't sure of it at first, but soon she was laughing and throwing her head back in glee. (We'll definitely need to get one of those for Christmas!) Before we knew it, it was time to go! We had a splendid time and can't wait to go back!

Papa Jerry, Mama Alice, and Addie infront of their new house!

Addie enjoyed swinging in the park!

A day in the life of....

Many people have been curious about how working from home has gone. Well, let me assure you that it keeps me busier than I ever dreamed. I typically get on the computer at 8 in the morning to check emails from both co-workers and parents. I spend the rest of the morning juggling Addie's breakfast, house chores, parent conferences, miscellaneous paperwork, and naps. I spend the afternoon much the same. However, life is getting more interesting with Addie crawling EVERYWHERE and pulling up on EVERYTHING! Today, I was working with a parent over the phone, and Addie crawled into the hallway towards Justin's office. Meanwhile, I'm trying to stay calm and professional on the phone, as I chase my little girl down the hall. In addition to being mobile, she is also EXTREMELY CURIOUS just like her Daddy! I have to watch her or she starts pulling my books off of the shelves in my office. She had one of my great aunt's books in hand ready to snatch out a page when I caught her yesterday! Life through Addie's eyes is beginning to pick up - not just for her but for her parents as well.

Justin is doing well; he takes his Cardiology exam on Thursday and Friday of this week - so be in prayer for him. Addie and I can't wait to have him "back to us" this weekend. Addie had a small cold, but she is over that; however, she gave it to me, and I am struggling getting over it. My doctor (Justin) thinks I have a sinus infection - too bad he can't prescribe me anything yet! Below are some pictures of what we've been up to this week.

Addie enjoys playing with her ball!

Addie enjoys helping me with the laundry!

We voted on Tuesday! All the poll workers were in awe of our little girl! Even though we don't like the outcome of that election, we are prayerful for our new president-elect!

Fall Fun with Friends!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

This past Saturday some of our Medical School friends joined us for an amusing time at the local pumpkin Patch. Forest Hills UMC hosts this each year, and all the proceeds go to their missions needs! Way cool fund raiser! Any way, Ryan, Megan, and their boys Ethan and Knox met us at FHUMC. It was wonderful weather! Addie even got to wear her new sweater. I just love the fall!

Addie was a bit timid and unsure at first...as you can tell by the look on her face.

That is until Ethan showed her what to do. He was so sweet to go and get her a little pumpkin! Isn't he a cutie!

Hey, look, I have a pumpkin!

We had so much fun! We can't wait to go to the Christmas tree farm next!

This is too much fun!

Yeah, I know I said I'd update once a month, but blogging is addictive!

This weekend we ventured down to Valdosta for a birthday party for me and Justin. Since we've moved, we've had to combine birthdays because it's so difficult to get down there. (Especially with Addie!) We had a great time with Grammy and Grandaddy (my parents) and Tally(Aunt Allison) and Uncle Jeffy! We also squeezed in a trip to see Grandpa and Grandma Stephie (Justin's dad and step mom). Not bad for a 24 hour trip! Maybe when I get used to my new GVA job, the baby and I can go down for a few days to see other friends and family. Below are some pictures from this weekend! Enjoy!


Our sweet little family! Addie was VERY INTERESTED in the cake! She wanted to grab it, but we'll save that for her first birthday!

No... I didn't get diapers for my birthday! Even though that's not a bad gift! LOL!

This was the box Justin used to wrap my real present in!








YEAH! Justin and my family got me a sewing machine! I've been feeling the "itch to stitch", and this will definitely help me out! I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing with this new domestic art!

Eight Months Old!

Wow! This month has been full of changes for our little girl! She is still crawling (soldier crawl), but it seems she is getting faster. We've had to put a gate up around her play area or she'd wander around the house! I also found her pulling up to a stand in her crib! I'm afraid it won't be long before she's running around!

She's definitely her daddy's girl. I believe she is just as curious as he is by the way she investigates every toy she comes into contact with. She's also pretty smart (I might be a bit biased). At nap time, she'll pull the bumper down and check to see if I'm still there.

One of our friend's from church also noted that Addie seems to be very sensitive to other's around her. She'll be happy-go-lucky until another child begins to cry. She'll watch them, and if they seem not to get any help, she'll begin crying with them until something is done. My friend also noted that once the other child gets help, she'll stop crying and resume playing. I have always prayed that she would have a sensitive heart!

Justin and I are doing well! He is in the middle of his cardiology phase and will test before Thanksgiving. I got a job with Georgia Virtual Academy as a teacher which means I'll be able to work from home. Praise the Lord for answered prayer!

Since we last spoke...

Sorry we haven't blogged since December, but we've been a bit busy! Addie came to us on February 7, 2008 at 12:14am. We were thrilled and elated! Since then life has been a whirlwind! With a lot less sleep and a lot more joy, we have continued our lives as Medical Student and teacher. We have become adjusted to the "normal" that comes along with being new parents, and have recommitted ourselves to blogging. Enjoy!