Addie Claire

Fantasy in Lights

2011-01-10T23:04:00.005-05:00

My Grandma and Papa Bill took us to go see the Fantasy in Lights at Callaway on Christmas Eve Eve - we had a blast! I LOVED looking at all the pretty lights! I hope we can go back again next year!

Santa's Toyshop

Pretty butterflies

One of my favorites! The fairies made the flowers bloom!

"Five Golden Rings"

This bridge looks pretty real, huh? Yeah, my mom and dad thought so too!

Thanks Grandma and Papa Bill!!

The Nutcracker

2011-01-10T22:55:00.003-05:00

This year my mommy's cousin wanted to take some of the "girls" to see the Nutcracker at the Fox Theater. Mommy thought I was old enough to handle sitting through the performance, so we got the cheapest tickets we could find (just in case) and went to see "The Ballet". I ended up sleeping through the first half as well as intermission, but woke up for the second half and loved it! :) I still talk about going to see "The Ballet" and "the silly pig".

Here I am all dressed up!

"The Girls" - Me, Jesse, Jordan, and Lanie

On the 2nd weekend of Christmas...

2011-01-10T22:36:00.006-05:00

Our next round of Christmas celebrations was the weekend before Christmas. We went to a shower for my Aunt Jennifer and her baby Brianna! We can't wait to meet that sweet little princess! However, I have taken to asking my mommy if she has a baby in her tummy since I have been around Jennifer while she was pregnant. That's a big "No!!"

Aunt Jennifer and Baby Brianna

Of course I wanted to play with all of the presents...including the carseat!
I was using it more like a rocker!

After the shower, we went to my Meme and Grandpa's house to celebrate Christmas! After we ate a delicious meal and opened presents, we went to "Christmas Lane" in Thomaston and looked at all of the houses decorated for Christmas!

Opening presents!

Rare sweet moments with Toribug!

Meet Clause

2011-01-10T22:32:00.003-05:00

This is Clause. He is my Elf on the Shelf. He arrived this year for the first time. I loved going to find him every morning and even spotted other people's when we were at their house. I am not so sure that having him around made me act better, but it sure was fun!

When Mommy and Daddy asked me what I wanted to name my elf on his first night at our house, I told them "Santa Clause". They told me we couldn't name him that because there is only one Santa Clause, so I said "Ok..just Clause."

On the first weekend of Christmas...

2011-01-10T21:32:00.004-05:00

Christmas celebrations in our family start early (this year's first celebration was actually the weekend of Thanksgiving, but we don't have any pictures from that). We started the first weekend of December off with attending the CHOA Christmas parade...one of our few traditions as a family of 3.

Waiting on the parade to start

Abby Cadabby

The Grinch was my favorite Christmas movie this year!
I also loved watching "Buddy the Elf".

After the parade, we headed down to Cordele for Christmas at my Granny Rea's house with all of my Grandma's family! We had so much fun! It was the first time all of us had gotten together in a really long time and there were babies everywhere! I had such a good time playing with all of my cousins! It was a house full, but a blast!

Making cookies at Granny Rea's

Me and some of my cousins

Granny Rea and all of her Grandkids

Granny Rea with all of her Great-Grandkids (minus Lily who was sleeping).
This is what happens when you try a group shot past bedtime!

Fall Fun

2011-01-04T21:59:00.006-05:00

This fall was packed with fun. Here are a few of our activities and adventures!

Pumpkin carving

This year Daddy chose a more challenging design for the pumpkin. He put in lots of hard work while Mommy and I watched Charlie Brown, but we think it was worth it in the end!

Daddy and I working on the pumpkin carving

I really like the insides..they feel squishy!

The finished product: A Haunted House pumpkin

Lake Lanier Islands - Halloween Night of Lights

We went up to Lake Lanier and visited Aunt Candice and watched the UGA football game on TV then we went to the Halloween night of lights at Lake Lanier Islands. It was fun and they even had a carnival at the end of the drive through the lights with rides and a marshmallow roast!

Daddy helping me roast my marshmallows

My first pony ride and the petting zoo

Daddy and me on the big slide

After practice at the fair (earlier post)..I was a pro at riding all the rides!

I even rode my first ride ALL by myself! I LOVED it!

Mommy loves the look on my face in this picture! She says it looks like "total joy"!

Trick-Or-Treating

This year for Halloween I dressed up as a Mexican Senorita, thanks to the beautiful (and authentic) Mexican dancer dress that Randaddy and MJ gave me for my birthday! All mommy and daddy had to buy was the rose for my hair and, voila! The outfit was a hit at all of the houses I trick or treated at! (Although they often asked for clarification on what I was.) This year trick-or-treating was even more special because my Grandpa and Meme came to go with us! I loved having them with me!!

The Fair

2010-10-18T22:18:00.006-04:00

This year Mommy and Daddy took me to my first fair! We went to the Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA. It was so much fun and I was big enough to ride all of the kiddie rides! I was a little nervous at first, but took right to it after the first ride! Mommy rode with me while Daddy took pictures! I got to eat lots of fair food like a corn dog, funnel cake, and cotton candy. I loved them all, but the cotton candy was sort of funny feeling in my mouth and I made a weird face when I ate it.

I LOVED riding the carousel. The horses were my favorite!

Me and Daddy taking our first snack break!

Me, Mommy, and Daddy on the Skylift. We could see the whole fair from up there!

I also got a pretty butterfly painted on my cheek. I cried when we had to wash it off that night!

I also got to see lots of animals...cows, horses, sheep, rabbits, pigs, sea lions, a giraffe, camels, zebras, turtles, and monkeys! I didn't care too much about petting any of them, but I liked looking at them and telling Mommy and Daddy to pet them for me. Here's lots of pictures of my animal friends!

I loved the fair and can't wait to go back next year!

A few of my favorite things

2010-10-14T20:58:00.004-04:00

I wanted to tell you about two of my favorite activities to do (almost) every afternoon when I get home from school.

The first is finger painting. I got this really cool finger painting set that only shows up on this special paper. I'm pretty sure I got it for my 2nd birthday and Mommy and Daddy are just now bringing it out. I love to "do my artwork" and Mommy and Daddy think I am VERY talented!

Another thing I love to do is "cook". I usually ask to do this when Mommy is making dinner. I want to be in the kitchen with her so we finally decided that I should do something to occupy myself and stay away from the hot stove. So Mommy decided to put some flour in a bowl and give me a whisk to stir it with. Then Daddy decided that we needed some pepper in the mix (black with the white flour) and somehow it evolved into me wanting to "cook" it in the microwave and put it in the refrigerator to cool off. I am really into this and take my culinary skills very seriously....adding just the right amount of pepper (that is, until it's all gone).

Everytime I get the "dinner" out of the microwave I make sure to tell Mommy "It's very very HOT!" I love being the "cooker"!

Kids are smart...

2010-10-13T20:31:00.004-04:00

Why is it that they are the cutest right before bedtime??

I Turned Three!

2010-10-11T23:22:00.006-04:00

I turned three on August 30, 2010! My third birthday was so much fun! I had a birthday party in Cordele and it was a Minnie Mouse theme! I really got into my birthday this year and told everyone how old I was! My Nana taught me how to do a three with my fingers by "putting the little fingers down", so I told everyone when I showed them how old I was "You have to put the littles down."

Here are some pictures from my birthday party!

My awesome birthday cake! Thanks, again, Aunt Melinda!

Present Time!

My birthday this year was on a Monday, so Mommy and Daddy brought cupcakes to my "school" and we had a fun time celebrating with my classmates and teachers!

My teachers at school: Miss Tonya, Miss Martha, and Miss Shell

After school and work, Mommy and Daddy took me to eat pizza for dinner at Mellow Mushroom and then we walked over to Coldstone for some birthday ice cream! Yummy!

I had a wonderful 3rd Birthday! Thank you to everyone who helped to make my birthday party a success and to everyone who came to help celebrate!

Summertime Fun

2010-10-11T23:10:00.004-04:00

I got to go to two Braves games this summer! I LOVE going to Braves games and tell Mommy and Daddy everytime we pass the stadium that I want to go back! I have my tomahawk chop down and my favorite part is the Home Depot tool race!

Addie See - Addie Do

For awhile I insisted that I blowdry my hair every night like my Mommy does. I would not accept any assistance and had to use the brush like Mommy does too...Mommy was so worried that I would burn my head that she made me stop doing this.

Another way to be like Mommy - put on makeup! If I ever see Mommy getting ready to go somewhere, I have to put on makeup as well. Mommy usually just gives me some face powder and a brush and I am happy. Sometimes, though, I get into her bronzer without her knowing and this is what happens.

I LOVE going to the pool!

Date night with Daddy!

St Simons

2010-10-11T23:01:00.008-04:00

At the end of June, we went down to St. Simons for a short vacation with Randaddy and MJ. I really enjoyed the water and the beach this year! Here are some highlights of our trip.

We visited the pier and I loved watching the boats and seeing all of the people fishing. Afterward, we walked through the village and got ice cream and visited all of the fun shops!

MJ's sister was very nice and took us to the Beach Club on Sea Island! I had a GREAT time playing in their pools and chasing the birds! I loved the pool because I could walk in and play all by myself. I even told Mommy and Daddy that I didn't want them to play in the pool with me because I was a big girl and wanted to be "all by myself".

The beach was my favorite! I loved building sand castles and playing in the sand! I had such a good time that I asked Mommy and Daddy for the rest of the summer when we were going back! Thank you Randaddy and MJ for making this trip so much fun!

Flower Power x 3

2010-10-11T22:37:00.003-04:00

I got to be in 3 weddings this Spring and I LOVED every minute of it! Give me an aisle and I will walk down it without a hitch! Mommy and Daddy were so proud of me and thought that I was so beautiful in all of the weddings!

First was Mommy's best friend's wedding. I took my job very seriously and held Aunt Natalie's dress everywhere she went..it was NOT touching the ground! I even wanted someone to come behind me and hold my dress and make a train. After the ceremony I tore up the dance floor at the reception. Mommy and Daddy could not drag me off of the floor..even for cake! I am so happy for Aunt Natalie and Uncle Ben!

The next wedding was Daddy's best friend. I was one of about 7 or 8 children in this wedding, so I didn't have quite the spotlight as I did for my first debut, but it was still a lot of fun and I had a great time! Mommy and I even got to go to the Bridesmaids luncheon and have some girl time! I love Aunt Shellie and Uncle Jared!

My last appearance this season was in my Mommy's uncle's wedding. I got to be in the wedding with my cousin Tori and it was lots of fun! I tried to show her how to walk down the aisle, but she didn't want much to do with it, so I walked down without her. Congrats, again to Uncle Kenny and Aunt Mary! Love ya'll!

Spring Fling

2010-10-11T22:10:00.005-04:00

Here are some adventures from Spring...

Easter was fun this year! I really got into hunting the eggs and I loved dressing up in my "princess dress."

For Mother's Day, we went to the Imagine It! Children's Museum and the World of Coke here in Atlanta. It was so much fun! I can't wait to go back!

I got to fish...

..and make music!

This car was yellow.."Like my dress!"

Yummy...Coke!

Mommy thinks this is the funniest picture EVER!

I love spending time with my family in Cordele!

Me and my cousin Tori!

Ridin' the tractor with Papa Bill!

Wrapping up Winter

2010-10-11T20:34:00.007-04:00

In January, Mommy and Daddy decided to (finally) get some family photos done since they didn't have any professional pictures done for my 2nd birthday. So thankfully, Stacy Christian was in town and we took advantage of her marvelous talents and got her to take some photos of us. We decided that Stone Mountain would be a great setting. Little did we know that it was going to be a FREEZING 25 degrees and windy that morning. I was being very stubborn because I was so cold, and we didn't think that we would get many good pictures, but in the end, Stacy pulled it out for us and got some great shots! Here are a few of our favorites!

Time Flies

2010-10-11T20:32:00.002-04:00

After about a 9 month hiatus, Mommy has decided to get back to blogging. There is a lot to catch up on, so we will try to make it brief. Ready? Here we go...

Meet my new cousins!!

2010-01-04T23:49:00.002-05:00

These are my new baby cousins Thomas and Caleb. They are first cousins and were born just a couple weeks apart and I love them both so very much! I want to hold them whenever I am around them and I give them lots of kisses!

Thomas Layfield

Caleb Gibbs

Mommy's Reflections on a 2 year old Christmas

2010-01-04T23:28:00.005-05:00

There were so many enjoyable things this Christmas season that I decided to take a moment to remember some of the things that Addie was doing this year.

Addie was very into the movies Frosty the Snowman (classic TV version) and Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas. She still is demanding to watch them almost every day and I keep trying to explain to her that it is not Christmas anymore. I wonder if we will be watching them all year long. She calls the Mickey movie "Merry Christmas" and says in the afternoons "I want to watch Merry Christmas, please!" And the Frosty obsession took over immediately after we watched it on TV (in an attempt to escape the Mickey Mouse movie). She would have everyone hold hands in a circle and sing "Frosty the Snowman" just like in the movie. (See picture below from my mom's on Christmas day.)

Addie also learned a lot about the Nativity Story and talked about "Baby Jesus". We had to sing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus several times this month. She would go up to any nativity set and point out Baby Jesus to us. We had a proud moment when we went to pick her up from Sunday School and the teacher bragged about Addie and her knowledge of Baby Jesus!

This year, Addie did learn to recognize Santa Claus (practically any man with a large beard) and she talked a lot about how Santa brought toys and Santa Claus was "sweet". However, we tried to take her to get pictures with Santa at the mall and she wouldn't get anywhere close. I am pretty sure the entire mall could hear her shrills of terror.

Although Addie loved the Frosty movie, she loved the book Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and we read it to her almost every night in December. However, instead of reading the words of the book, we would sing the song and turn the pages.

Matt and I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful, talented, smart, tender-hearted, enthusiastic daughter. She makes everyday worth living and gives us such a renewed energy for life. It's awesome to see the world through the eyes of a 2 year old everyday where the smallest things make you laugh so hard and then cry at the drop of a hat. We are always trying to think of new things to show and teach her because she is learning so much so quickly. She is truly our gift from God and we couldn't be more pleased that he chose us to take care of her.

Happy Holidays

2010-01-04T22:32:00.009-05:00

I had a great Christmas this year! We started the season off going to the CHOA Christmas Parade like we do every year. It was VERY cold this year and we didn't stay for the entire parade because we were frozen! I still had a good time, though, and enjoyed watching the bands play and the big inflatables.

From there, we went to have Christmas with my Nana's family, the Dean's in Barnesville. I had a good time playing with my cousins and got lots of cool stuff, including a trunk full of princess dress up clothes, which I love to play with! I had to dress up after opening it before I opened any more presents!

The next weekend, my Meme and Grandpa kept me while Mommy and Daddy went to a wedding and Meme took me to have brunch with Mrs. Claus. I had so much fun dancing around while everyone sang Christmas carols and then listening to Mrs. Claus read a book about Angels. I even drank my "tea" from a real teacup! I am a big girl!

After that, it was time to have Christmas at my Meme and Grandpa's house. We had a wonderful dinner together and I enjoyed spending time with all of the family! My cousin Tori and I even dressed alike!

Finally it was time for Santa to come and for us to make our trip to Cordele. We stayed at Nana's house this year, so Santa came there to bring all of my toys. I got so many fun toys that mommy and daddy decided it was time to clean out some of my old toys and give them to other little boys and girls. I was fine with that because I have lots of new toys to play with. I got lots of baby dolls this Christmas because I love to play mommy.

Mommy and Daddy also got me my own Mickey Mouse digital camera because I love taking pictures with their camera so much! I have enjoyed taking pictures with my new camera! You can even put characters into the picture with you. Mommy put some on here for everyone to see!

FALL...all in one!

2009-12-05T23:42:00.006-05:00

Ok..so here is my entire fall wrapped up in one post...ready, set, go!

These are my pink boots and my favorite shoes for the fall/winter. Mom and Dad bought them over the summer and had to hide them from me until it was cold enough to wear them.

We went to pick out a pumpkin to carve and Mom helped me clean out the (gross) insides then Dad did the carving. I loved my pumpkin, whom we named "Jack" and was very upset when I found out we had to leave him outside. We had to check on him over the next several days and I said "Hi" to him whenever I walked past.

Daddy thought it would be a good creative outlet to paint some mini pumpkins while at Grandma's house. It was tons of fun and the best part was that the paint washed off and we could start all over again.

I enjoyed jumping in the bouncy house at the church Fall Festival. It was the first time I really enjoyed the bouncy house because it wasn't consumed with big kids! I had a great time! Note my Minnie Mouse doll given to me by Grandma Linda (mom's mom). I LOVE Mickie Mouse Clubhouse and since she gave me this doll it has not left my side. Therefore, my Halloween outfit was a no brainer...

Don't I make a cute Minnie Mouse?

We had a good time trick or treating even though it rained a little on us. We went to a neighborhood down the road where there were lots of other little boys and girls running around and I had a blast getting candy from every house...except I was too shy to say "Trick or Treat" while we were walking up to the houses and tended to say it when we were walking away.

Here are some random pics throughout the season...

Bubble baths are fun..but don't taste too good!

I can wear pigtails now!

This is me with my daddy, his 2 sisters, and his cousins.

This is my daddy's side of the family. My Nana wanted a picture for her Christmas cards.

My first Braves Game!

2009-12-05T23:28:00.003-05:00

At the end of the season, Mom and Dad decided that it was time for me to experience my first Braves game! It was so much fun! I was fascinated by all of the excitement and music and bright lights! I would have stayed the whole game, but Mom and Dad made me leave early to get to bed.

Not bad seats for my first time...Mom and Dad made sure to point out to me that they didn't have such good seats at their first Braves game. I was so mesmerized I couldn't even look at the camera to take a picture.

They had some really big baseballs so I decided to pretend it was running over me. :)

My 2nd Birthday! (Finally, Mom!)

2009-12-05T23:11:00.004-05:00

Yes, I turned 2 back in August and Mom is just getting around to updating my blog so enjoy some of my birthday pictures!

My Aunt Melinda made my cake to match my party outfit and it tasted as good as it looked!

Me with Mom and Dad and then sitting at the table with my cousin Tori.

This was one of my birthday presents...only one we got a picture of! A pretty red tricycle! Thanks Aunt Denise, Wende, Uncle Brian and Maggie!

My first "Big Girl" Haircut

2009-08-03T00:40:00.005-04:00

Mommy and Daddy took me to "Pigtails & Crewcuts" to get my first big girl haircut. My Nana had given me a trim a couple of times, but this was my first experience in a salon!

Mommy thought the building was SO cute! :)

This is how I looked BEFORE she brought out the scissors....

...and this is how I looked the whole time she was cutting! Mommy had to stand right next to me and hold me up so that the lady could cut my hair! Thankfully it was over quickly!

Tada! All done and I am happy to ring the bell of my firetruck and pose for pictures!

She even put a pretty "bow" in my hair as I liked to call it..even the next day when I wanted to put it back in my hair.

After we were all done, I got to choose a prize from the treasure trunk! I only took one even though my face is saying "I wonder if I can get away with a handful?!"

Grandpa's Little Helper

2009-08-03T00:34:00.004-04:00

Grandpa thinks I am a good little helper! I handed his his tools while he fixed our sink!

Screwdriver...check!
Wrench....check!
Pacifier...check!

Summer Adventures

2009-08-02T23:35:00.005-04:00

We have had a busy summer! Here are a few pictures from some of our fun summer adventures! Enjoy!

We went to the Watermelon Festival in Cordele, GA
(mommy and daddy's hometown)
We watched a parade and then went to the arts and crafts festival!

Me in my cute watermelon dress! Had to be festive! :)

Our next adventure was to the Flint river with Grandpa and Meme. It was a fun,
relaxing week staying in a cabin on the river and doing a lot of new things!

This is me in my life jacket before we went canoeing!

Learning to play a new instrument...mommy and daddy said that we wouldn't pursue this, but maybe we'll try some other instruments when I get a little older!

We went to Callaway Gardens...I enjoyed feeding all of the fish!

Giving my cousin Tori some love!

We love our Grandpa!

Mommy and Daddy took me to the Varsity..it wasn't my first trip,
but they thought I looked cute in the hat!

We went to Pine Mountain with my Nana (daddy's mommy) and Aunt Kristen, Uncle Clint, and Aunt Laura. We had a great time at the Wild Animal Safari! We saw all kinds of cool animals up CLOSE and personal!

Zebra

Deer...there were a ton of deer and we got to feed them through the van windows...I didn't want to feed them for myself, but mommy enjoyed it!

We tried to feed the giraffe, but he didn't pay us any attention! He was very TALL!

This is the van ahead of us being bombarded by the animals wanting some food! Yes, our van looked like this one...it was recommended to us not to take our own vehicles for this reason!

Like I said..up CLOSE and personal! I didn't like it when the animals got so close at first, but I got used to it by the end. I still didn't want to feed them, though. I left that up to mommy!

Easter Sunday

2009-06-02T16:50:00.003-04:00

Could Easter be as good as Christmas? I loved easter, I got to dress up for chruch and go egg hunting. I showed everyone how it was done. Mama and Dada couldn't believ how much I got into the egg hunting. We went to Mama's church for the big egg hunt and I blew the other kids out of the water with my collection! I enjoyed it so much we got to do it again at granna Rea's house the next day. Also the Easter Bunny came and saw me and gave me so many goodies and my Randaddy and MJ gave me a stuffed bunny as big as I am.

Thats called a boo-boo

2009-06-02T16:49:00.000-04:00

Sometimes Gravity wins, and my knees lose!

Strawberry Fields Forever

2009-06-02T16:44:00.002-04:00

My Randaddy, MJ, and Papa took all of us to Calhouns produce to pick Strawberries! They also had wild animals like buffaloes there. It was such a pretty day outside, we all enjoyed it very much and I was a big help to Randaddy and I showed everyone how to squish strawberries...that was my favorite part!

ST. PATTY'S DAY

2009-06-02T16:41:00.002-04:00

I didn't want to get pinched so I sported green for St. Patricks day. (side note: I swear we did not pose her in the second picture, she did that herself)

DOING WORK

2009-06-02T16:38:00.002-04:00

LIKE A BIG GIRL DOES

MONKEY JOES

2009-06-02T16:32:00.003-04:00

The weather is still pretty cold out so Mama and Dada took me to Monkey Joes to play inside. I enjoyed it but the bigger kids played a little rough for my liking. I can't wait till I get a little bigger so I can handle all the slides and fun games there. However, on the way to the car dad reminded me although I wasn't the biggest I was still the prettiest one there! Mama was a close second though!

My Modeling Debut

2009-06-02T16:20:00.002-04:00

My Meme signed us up to be models to raise money for Cancer awareness. Since my Nana is a cancer survivor and my Meme is such a huge advocate AND becuase I am so good looking I figured why not show off some pretty clothes!

I hammed it up like a pro. I waved and blew kisses to the crowd. Mama and Dada were so proud of me and the fantastic job I did. Dada claims if my golfing career falls thru I can always lean on modeling to get by.

Winter Wonderland

2009-06-02T16:11:00.003-04:00

It's snowed again for the 3rd time this winter. I was so excited since now i was old enough to go out and play in it. I really enjoyed it until i got wet and cold. Then I just wanted to watch the snow from inside.

Mommy and Daddy thought I looked like a little eskimo in my snow jacket!

Fall Pictures

2008-12-03T12:54:00.006-05:00

In November we went and had family pictures made. Mommy and daddy said we haven't had any done of all 3 of us. We had a great time and I enjoyed playing outside with the Mrs. Michelle, the leaves and the dogs that were at the house. Mommy and daddy want to thanks Mrs. Stacy for doing such a wonderful job.

daddy doesn't remember that I am a pro at photo shoots

No, I think I will stay here on my bench

Mommy and daddy trying to keep up with me

I Tried to give everyone leaves, grown-ups don't find them as fun as I do!

We all know who the real star is!

going for a walk

"hey what are you guys doing over there?"

"trust me it's like this at home too"

Nap break

Try your best daddy...but your not slowing me down!

Halloween!

2008-11-03T22:48:00.005-05:00

I was a great big pumpkin cutie pie for Halloween! I enjoyed this Halloween MUCH more than the last one! Although I couldn't crawl too well in my costume, which made me mad!

Me with Daddy before the Fall Festival at the church!

My "Aunt" Natalie gave me these pajamas for my birthday! I wore them to daycare on Halloween! Everyone thought I was so cute!

Trying my best to walk and get into this candy!!

I give up!! Can someone PLEASE open this for me?!

All this dressing up makes me so THIRSTY!!!!

Pink, Pink, and more PINK!

2008-11-03T22:37:00.003-05:00

PINK Adventure #1:
My Mimi and Aunt Holly walked in the Breast Cancer 3 day and we went to welcome them home! We are so PROUD of them!!!

Mimi, me, and Aunt Holly!

PINK Adventure #2:
Mommy, Daddy, and Aunt Laura took me to the Pink Pig at the Lenox Macy's! I didn't really get excited about it, but everyone else thought it was fun! Mommy had to ride with me on the train!

Mommy and me on the Pink Pig! I was more interested in tearing up the tickets than smiling for a picture!

Me with Daddy after the ride...

Me and Tori!

2008-11-03T22:32:00.005-05:00

On our last trip to Cordele, Mommy and Aunt Misty wanted a picture of me and Tori together. This was what we got...

I thought I would give her hand a break and let her chew on mine, but I didn't like it when she did! So we both started crying! :( Everyone else thought it was funny!

Random shots as the seasons change...

2008-11-03T22:11:00.003-05:00

Mommy and Daddy took me out for a fall photo shoot...mainly to get some proof that I can stand up on my own!

While the weather was still warm, we walked down the baseball field that is just down the street from our house and let Boone run and I practiced walking some more...

This is the new crawl I developed...somewhere between a crawl and walking.
I was doing this pretty regularly for a couple of weeks!

Mandy (Mamoo) and Shane came to visit on their way through Atlanta...

Just some pics of me playing around before bedtime....

My favorite "toy" is mommy or daddy's cell phone!
I know how to open and close it, mash all the buttons, and I hold it up to my ear and say "Hey!"
I even call back the last person they talked to a lot of times!

Here is my funny crawl/walk combo again...

I have had a big infatuation with my books recently! I love to sit in my chair and look at them!
Mommy and Daddy have always read to me before bedtime, but it's definitely taken a new turn with my added interest. They can now point out more things to me since I have much more tolerance and a substantially longer attention span! (My increased vocabulary is from all my reading! Ha!)

Just the girls!

2008-11-03T22:09:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of me and mommy, my Aunt Misty and Tori! We needed a picture of all the girls! I love my baby cousin! (See later post!)

It's my PARTY(S)!

2008-11-03T21:50:00.006-05:00

I turned ONE on August 30th! Since I have so many people who love me...we had two birthday parties! I had one in Cordele and one in Atlanta! I had so much fun and got so many fun toys and pretty clothes! Thanks to everyone who came! It was so much fun!

Here are some pictures from my first birthday party in Cordele!

Are all of these presents for ME?!

Oooo!! Can I touch the pretty flame?!

Mmmm...birthday cake is pretty good!

And these are pics from my second birthday party in Atlanta!

Ya'll can do whatever...I just want to play with the balloons!

This is me on my rocking horse (we named her Belle)!
My absolute FAVORITE birthday present! Thanks "Uncle" Kevin and "Aunt" Candice! :)

Catching up!

2008-11-03T21:32:00.004-05:00

We're back! Mom is a bit of a slacker and hasn't updated my blog in 2 MONTHS! I have done so much growing since then! We will try to catch everyone up in just a few posts! I am now 14 months old! I am trying very hard to walk on my own...every day I do a little more and go a little further than before. Mommy has not caught me on video yet, but promises she will try her hardest this week to get me in action so that everyone can see how big I am!

Here are my 12 months pics! :)

Vacation in Seaside

2008-08-28T22:52:00.006-04:00

We went down to Seaside, FL for vacation with Grandpa and Meme (Uncle Josh and Aunt Holly too)! We had such a good time even though it rained a LOT! I got to go to the beach and play in the pool and when we weren't outside (because of the rain) we played games and watched movies and I even got to play on Grandpa's computer! We think I may be a computer programmer...I showed Grandpa that the easiest way to fix anything on the computer is to bang on it a little! :) Daddy and Mommy had to remember how to ride bikes while we were down there because that was how we got around everywhere. I got to ride behind in my own seat!

I loved the beach! It was so much fun to play in the sand and in my baby pool! I tried to eat the sand, but didn't like the taste too much! The ocean was very cool...I was mesmerized by the waves and the water coming up to me!! So many new things to see and experience!

This was mommy, daddy, and me before dinner at Redbar! Yummy!

We went to the pool in between rain showers. It was fun to play in the water fountain! I enjoy the water...whether I am in the bathtub, a pool, or at the ocean I love to make a splash!

We went into Destin one night to meet my Uncle Brian and his girlfriend Maggie for dinner and we went to their place to hang out! They have a new kitten and I had a blast playing with his toys!! I also LOVED their big aquarium with the weird looking fish!

When we were at the restaurant, Uncle Brian told our waitress that it was my birthday (just a little early) and the whole staff came out and sang "Happy Birthday" to me and put a funny hat on my head! I looked like I was shock and mommy thought it was so funny! She didn't get any good pictures while they were singing, though! Daddy put on my hat since it was too big for me!

Thank you Grandpa and Meme for a GREAT vacation! We had a wonderful time!

Just another day in the life...

2008-08-28T22:25:00.002-04:00

Don't daddy and I look good? Isn't mommy so lucky? Our neighbor wanted a picture of daddy and me before we leave to go to work and school because she thought it was so sweet to see us every morning on her way out. Mommy agrees!

I'm for McCain!

2008-07-13T22:31:00.002-04:00

My mommy picked out these pajamas because she thought they were cute! When we showed them to daddy he asked if she was supporting the republican party? So now these are called my republican pajamas....

I'll be able to show my support by way other than my pj's in a few more years...

We went to the Aquarium!

2008-07-13T22:15:00.002-04:00

Daddy's bank had a summer family outing at the Georgia Aquarium! So, I got to go and see all of the fish! There were some VERY big fish in there! However, it was a Saturday and there were a lot of kids there, so since I am still young, mommy and daddy thought it would be okay to skip through the small stuff and just let me see the big things for now. I thought it was very cool!

We finally found some fish I could see close up!

We got to walk through the underwater tunnel and this is how I was the entire time! It was so neat! Mommy and Daddy thought I was funny!

Daddy tried to teach me what the fish were, but I don't think he really knew what he was talking about.

Mommy finally got me to turn away from the fish tank for a quick snap.

Me and Mommy in front of the beluga whales!

I was disappointed to go home...this is my pouty face! :(

Are ALL of these people my family??

2008-07-13T22:01:00.005-04:00

We can't go for a week in Cordele without having more pictures with family members! Here are some of the more recent...

This was me with Aunt Misty at one of her baby showers.

Me with my Grandma (mommy's mommy) at another one of Aunt Misty's baby showers.

Me with Aunt Cathy. This my Grandma's (see above) sister.

Me with my 2 great-grandma's (both are my mommy's grandmas). Granny Rea is on the left and GG is on the right.

This is me with Carlie. Carlie is my GG's (see above) brother, so he is my great-great uncle!

Me and Aunt Denise at the lake!

Nothing like falling asleep on Granny Rea's belly after a big Sunday lunch!

Me and Grandpa (mommy's daddy) on the 4th of July visiting Tori!

Me and Tori with Uncle Raymond. This is Aunt Cathy's (see above) husband. Aunt Cathy and Uncle Raymond kept me while mommy waited for Tori in the hospital and we had a great time!

This is me and Tori with Grandma and Papa Bill. Don't let that look on his face fool you..he may look tough, but I have him wrapped around my little finger! :)

Happy 4th of July!!

2008-07-13T21:55:00.002-04:00

Mommy and Daddy are from Cordele, GA which they will very proudly tell you is the "Watermelon Capital of the World". That being said, mommy could not let the 4th of July pass without having a watermelon photo shoot! :) Enjoy!

"I think this one is ripe, mom! Can we cut it open??"

I am too cute for words!

I have a new cousin!!

2008-07-13T21:35:00.008-04:00

Mommy and I went down to Cordele for a week to meet my new cousin Tori! My Aunt Misty (mommy's sister) was scheduled to have Tori on Monday, June 30th, but Tori was not ready to come and play yet, so she decided to stay where she was until Tuesday night. She was born at 11:10PM Tuesday, July 1st. She weighed 7 lb 8 oz and was 19 1/4 in. She is BEAUTIFUL and I can't wait until we can play play play!

Here she is! Miss Victoria Marie Dickerson!
She is so pretty!

Here is the proud new mommy with her baby girl!

Mommy is so proud of Aunt Misty!

This was the first time mommy got to hold Tori! She said that she could remember me being this small, but it seemed like awhile ago...because I am such a big girl now!

Mommy made a sign to welcome Tori home and my cousins Jordan and Jesse help put it up for their new baby sister! They were so excited for her to finally be here!

Mommy held Tori alot. I got a little jealous, but mostly just wanted to check her out.

Tori in her 4th of July outfit!

They let me look at her a little closer, but every time I tried to touch her they would tell me to "Be careful!!" So, I gave her some kisses instead.

This is the new family.

2 sisters, 2 husbands, and 2 babies! Mommy says that we are so blessed! :)

Playground Fun

2008-07-13T21:21:00.004-04:00

Mommy and Daddy took me to the playground that is in our community. I had SUCH a good time! As you can see from the pictures, the smile didn't leave my face the entire time we were there! It was so much fun to swing and play on the slide! Mommy and Daddy said that we will have to go back more often because I loved it so much!

While I did love to swing, I did not lean back and I was not letting go of this bracket for anything!

This is what mommy and daddy call my "gummy grin". I am FINALLY getting some teeth, though, to fill up these gums! Pretty soon this smile will be ALL teeth! :D

The swing was definitely my favorite part of the playground!

Hi there!

Mommy wouldn't let me slide down this big slide by myself, but she put me down here to get some pictures.

I can't wait until I'm big enough to play out here all by myself!

This was me on the way back to the house. Mommy and Daddy think it's funny that I prefer to stroll with my feet propped up, but I am just more comfortable this way. I also ride with my feet up in my car seat.

My First Lake Trip

2008-06-18T22:34:00.005-04:00

This past weekend mommy, daddy, and I went to Lake Jackson to spend Father's Day with mommy's family. We had such a good time and I got to experience the lake for the very first time! I had a blast! I got to swim, ride a boat, and even do a little driving of my own (see the video that mom took below). Everyone was impressed with my improvements in my crawling and pulling up. And of course everyone loved my gummy grin....it gets them every time!

I really wanted to ride on one of the jet skis, but mommy and daddy said I have to get a little bit bigger.

Riding on the boat is tiring..

I was not interested in taking pictures.

This hat stayed on for maybe 2 seconds...

My grandpa lets me do whatever I want..including driving the boat!

Don't worry folks....I know what I'm doing...I even got the throttle with my foot.

This is my crab float that my Meme got me to play in the lake!

I had so much fun splashing in the lake water! I sure with they would have let me drink it like I wanted to.

Some of the family on the deck after the rain shower came through.

My brother Boone got to experience the lake for the first time too! Mommy says that he had the best time out of everyone! It took him a few days after we got home to recover. He was so pooped.

Boone wondering if he will try to take a dip with me.

This is Daddy playing fetch with all of the dogs..I think Boone was cheating a little. :)

The Things we Learn

2008-06-18T10:06:00.003-04:00

Standing, talking, crawling and laughing. That's all Addison has been doing for the past month. It's hard to believe how fast the last 9 months have gone by. The absolute best part is watching Addison develop her personality. Amber and I are so fortunate to have a daughter who is not only beautiful but has one of the best personalities (especially at her age).
Each morning we are met with Addie's gummy grin and a look that says she is ready for the day.
From that point on she is all out, stopping only for the occasional bottle and a nap (even Jesus had to rest). She has developed a desire for not wanting to be held but just wanting to play. Standing up using the coffee table is her favorite and seeing if she can knock everything off the table just to see how many times we will pick it back up (we call it the gravity game). She is turning into a pro at waving hello and bye, however sometimes she does it on her own and to whatever she sees, I have seen her wave bye to a dirty diaper and to Boone and say hello to her exersaucer. The best for me is when I go to pick her up in the afternoon and when she sees me she lights up like a Christmas tree and waves "bye" to the daycare ladies. But, our favorite to date has to be her dancing, in the afternoons when we get home I take her upstairs and stand her up in her crib then turn on the oldies station...she immediately sports her grin and will shimmy back and forth with me, then when the commercials come on she plops down and plays with the glow worm. She hasn't figured out how to make his face light up so whenever I do it she gives me this look of "how did you do that?" as if I am a magician.

This past weekend was Father's Day and we had a wonderful weekend down at Lake Jackson with Amber's family and Addie got to hit the water for the first time. She had so much fun in her crab float and boat riding. Then on Sunday we went to Aunt Laura's house for lunch and that afternoon Addie gave me my Fathers Day present a book called "Cinderella, the story of a daddy and his princess" it also came with a CD that we listened to that night as I rocked her to sleep. It was the perfect way to end my first Father's Day.

You make me feel like dancin'...

2008-06-03T23:32:00.002-04:00

Some may say that Addie doesn't look like her daddy, but here is some proof that she is without a doubt his daughter...

9 month pictures!!

2008-05-24T17:16:00.003-04:00

We got Addie's 9 month old pictures taken today! We went to Portrait Innovations and had SUCH a good experience! They took the pictures, we picked them out, and they had the prints ready for us in 30 minutes! It was fabulous! Here are the pictures we picked out as our favorites, but it was a very difficult decision! Hope ya'll enjoy!

Thanks to Aunt Natalie, Granny Rea, and Grandma Linda for the outfits! :)

Check out this curl!

2008-05-20T23:20:00.001-04:00

Mommy and Daddy got really excited the other day when my hair was long enough to curl up on one side. They decided to take some pictures to share with everyone!

Aww man...the camera AGAIN?!?

See the curl?? It's on the left side!

My debut as a flowergirl!

2008-05-20T23:08:00.002-04:00

I was in my first wedding this month! Mommy's cousin Jason got married and I was their flowergirl! Since I can't walk, they pulled me and another little boy down the aisle in a wagon. I thought the little boy was cute and wanted to grab him and kiss him! It was so much fun! I waved going down the aisle and smiled at everyone! We were a hit!

Afterwards, I didn't want to be cooperative and let mommy take my pictures, so we didn't get very many of me all dressed up!

The sun is too bright!! I can't open my eyes, mom!

Phew..inside is much better!

Pictures with family

2008-05-20T22:57:00.003-04:00

Aunt Denise and Wende came over for dinner and had fun playing with me!

Then we had a visit from "Randaddy" (daddy's daddy), MJ, Aunt Kristen, and Aunt Laura! They had fun watching me try to crawl around and play with my toys!

Mommy and I went to Macon to see Aunt Misty and Tori! Tori is my cousin. She hasn't arrived yet, but I got to see her on the cool ultrasound screen. She was being silly and sticking her tongue out at me! I can't wait for Tori to get here so that we can PLAY!

Me, Aunt Misty, and Uncle Chris. We went to eat after seeing Tori!

Everyone laughed at me, but I had a great time playing with the to go box!
I was flipping it on the table and then Uncle Chris decided to put it on my head!

More Bathtime

2008-05-06T21:48:00.006-04:00

Here are some more bath time pictures. Addie has an inflatable duck tub that she bathes in now. She enjoys bath time SO much more than she used to! It's amazing how big she is getting and the new things she is doing.

Just like everything else...straight to mouth. This duck is YUMMY!

"Hey, Mom! Get away from me with that camera already!"

She has so much fun splashing in the water! I took a video so that ya'll could enjoy a little taste of what we get to experience....

Could I be ANY cuter???

2008-04-01T22:49:00.003-04:00

2008-03-27T11:52:00.001-04:00

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Addie's First Easter

2008-03-24T23:15:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures from my first Easter. Needless to say, mom got a little camera happy. We had a rough week this past week since Addie's great-grandfather (Amber's grandpa) passed away on Thursday morning. Luckily, he was able to meet his first great-grandchild. He loved her so much and was so proud of her. We will always tell Addie stories of him and what a wonderful man he was. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Addie's Easter basket

All of this is for ME?!?

I am such a big girl!

I show off my grin to everyone all of the time!

Look at these pretty colored eggs!

My Meme wanted me to take pictures in front of the pretty flowers

Mommy thinks I showed the pretty flowers up...they got nothing on me!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2008-03-17T22:11:00.003-04:00

Addie's "Aunt" Mary bought her the cutest St. Patty's Day dress to wear. She looked absolutely precious and it was so pretty outside that we had a little photo shoot.

Mommy and Daddy say I am the cutest little leprechaun ever!

Sitting up!

2008-03-12T21:37:00.002-04:00

Here are the first pictures we have of Addie sitting up....there are more to come...

Gangsta Addie

2008-03-12T21:29:00.003-04:00

"What are YOU looking at??"

Addie was wearing her hooded sweater the other day and we had to take some pictures because she looked so adorable! :)

Addie is 6 MONTHS!

2008-03-12T20:57:00.006-04:00

We can't believe that our little girl is six months old already!! She went to the doctor for her 6 month check up on February 28th. She weighed 14.8 lbs (25th percentile) and was 26 1/4 inches long (75th percentile). The doctor said that she was a little light-weight, but that she looked very healthy and he didn't seem too concerned about it. Then she got 3 shots.

Mommy reading me my Valentine's Day card

My Valentine's Present!!

She has done a lot of growing up in the past few weeks. She started by (finally) rolling from her back to her stomach and then she started sitting up on her own pretty well. She is enjoying her vegetables. She has explored sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, peas, carrots, applesauce, bananas and peaches. Her favorite so far we think is either the squash or the carrots. Her least favorite was definitely the peaches. She didn't like them at all...her little face squishes up like "UGH...that's awful, Mom!"

Yay! I got a new bumbo seat!

Yummy carrots!

She is still talking up a storm and I can't wait until we can actually understand what she is telling us. She has the biggest gummy grin that is just the cutest thing in the world. I love it when I get in her room in the morning just as she is waking up (i.e. before the crying) and she smiles really big when she sees me. Matt and I are constantly trying to make her smile and laugh (which is also the cutest thing EVER). If anyone was a fly on the wall in our house sometimes I know they would think we were not right.

I got this...

2008-02-12T22:30:00.003-05:00

As I was feeding Addie the other day she promptly took the spoon away from me and decided to feed herself. She's already showing us her stubborn side...

Hmmm...

I know what to do with this thing...

Go Eagles!

2008-02-12T22:17:00.006-05:00

Daddy went out for a haircut and we decided to dress me up in my ONLY GA Southern outfit to surprise him. He was very happy! ;)

Then Daddy and I chilled on the sofa watching GOLF...
note mother's absence from this picture.

Addie's thoughts on life so far....

2008-02-07T23:22:00.001-05:00

We asked Addie her thoughts on life....politics, religion, the economy, etc...who would have thought that she would have so much to say? Pretty insightful for a 5 month old, if you ask me. (Sorry the video is so dark...it's the sound that matters, anyway!)

Got RICE? (Cereal, that is...)

2008-02-07T23:10:00.000-05:00

Yes, I can hardly believe myself that it is time to start feeding our baby with a spoon. So far she will look at us like "WHAT IS THIS?" for the first couple spoonfuls and it will come right back out, but then she will start swallowing a little after that. The first feeding was not successful at all. We attempted to spoon feed her when she would normally take a bottle, but she was not having it. She was hungry and the bottle was what she wanted. We soon learned that it worked best to give her a bottle (not a full one, though) then wait about 15-30 minutes and try the cereal. It has worked much better doing it like that. We are looking forward to trying fruits and veggies...we will probably start her first veggie next week. Hmm...carrots or peas?? Either one has to taste better than this stuff...

Mommy and Daddy feed me in my carseat because
Boone chewed up my
Bumbo seat and we don't have a highchair yet...
but it works out just fine.

I do not think this is funny, mom...why are you laughing and taking pictures?

Daddy can make me laugh, though

Play time!

2008-02-07T23:00:00.001-05:00

Look at all the things I have to play with!

I can stand up...look how strong I am!

I am learning that I can pull these things to me and EAT them!

Thank you to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Bill for getting Addie the "exersaucer" for Christmas. She absolutely LOVES playing in this thing...and mommy and daddy LOVE that she loves it! It gives us a much needed break and she is thoroughly entertained by it for about 20-30 minutes at a time. She loves to yell at the animals and she has learned how to make the music play by bobbing around in the seat until it moves enough to play the music. Matt and I end up just sitting and watching her play in it. Not only is it keeping her entertained, but she is also building up her leg muscles. It gives her enough support that she can stand up in it for a few seconds at a time...not much now, but it will improve over time, for sure!

Hey...look at those things!

2008-02-02T18:06:00.001-05:00

At around 4 months I found my feet and I have enjoyed grabbing them and trying to eat them ever since. Every time you lay me on my back, my feet go straight up in the air and I reach for my toes...I can even grab both feet at the same time!

It SNOWED!

2008-02-02T17:57:00.000-05:00

Mommy and Daddy had to wait a LONG time to see their first snow, but it snowed for the first time for me when I was only 4 1/2 months old!

Our home!

Mommy, me, and Boone inside while Daddy took pictures of the snow

Snow on the ground

Snow on Daddy's truck

Bath Time

2008-02-02T17:51:00.000-05:00

Just some cute bath time pictures...

Playing Catch Up

2008-02-02T17:22:00.000-05:00

So...we'll play catch up since the last post. Addie just had her 5 month birthday on January 30th. She is getting to be such a big girl! It seems like she changes every single day...definitely starting to look more like her daddy. We have enjoyed this past month so much with her being able to do more things and having her personality start to show. She is so much fun...and quite the drama queen. Matt and I just have to laugh at her sometimes because she over-exaggerates so much! (We're not sure who she gets it from?)

I know how to melt mommy's heart...

I loved sitting in my bumbo seat...before my big brother Boone got mad and chewed it up.

This is REALLY how I sleep

My daddy thought this was really funny...

Are you gonna pick me up or what?

HI! :)

Mommy goes a little crazy taking pictures sometimes

Don't I look cute in a hat?

We are still working on sleeping through the nights...some nights are better than others. She has yet to roll over for her daddy, although the daycare tells us she does it there all the time too. For some reason, she just won't perform for him no matter how many times we try. Mommy thinks it's funny..daddy not so much!

Look what I can do!

2008-01-02T15:16:00.000-05:00

Today Addie went to the doctor for her 4 month check up. She now weighs 11 lb. 14 oz. and she is 24.5 inches long! I can't believe how big she is getting. We came back home from the doctor and we were playing when Addie rolled over for the first time! I was so excited because we had just talked to the doctor about when she should be rolling over and it was like she said "I'll show you I can do it now!" Once she did it, every time I would put her back on her stomach to try to get a short pic of it she would roll right on over so quickly that it took a few tries to get this shot. Hope you enjoy!

Mommy is so proud of me! :)

Rolling over is tiring...I had to take a nap with my brother.

Thoughts From a Father

2007-12-26T22:30:00.001-05:00

When Amber and I announced that she was pregnant. We were met with so much enthusiasm by our family and friends. But the one thing that stood out to me was my father saying "it's the best thing you will ever do. Nothing else on earth compares to being a parent". For a man who was always gifted with gab I think he put it about the best way possible. I know this blog is for Addison but please allow me use this tool to express thoughts on being a father.
Being a father is the hardest thing I have ever done and the most rewarding all in the motion. The million "what ifs " that play in your head, all the concerns you have for the well being of your child, how when she cries you would give your very breath so that she wouldn't feel an once of pain.
Now I certainly know that I have so much to learn and that this journey hasn't even crossed the starting line. I know that mistakes are going to happen. I know that whatever road Addison takes in life I will be right beside her with all the love and support I can give. I think what I am eluding to here is that much like when you see a duck on water smoothly moving along and looking graceful, what you don't see is his feet peddling as hard as he can. I have felt much like that duck for the past few months. Constantly trying to figure out how I, with all my flaws and mistakes, how I will somehow wrangle the Sun and the Moon so that I may give my daughter everything she deserves.

The First of Many

2007-12-26T11:20:00.000-05:00

After a whirlwind that was the last 4 days, Addie's first Christmas has now come to a end. Although not the best logistical Christmas I do believe Addison got to see all 59 family members. Amber and I were so excited for Addie's first Christmas, essentially because she will never have another and because it marked a milestone in the short life. In reflection of the past few days, it was so awesome to see how wonderful of a family we have. How everyone jumped thru hoops and did all they could to put a smile on her face and help Amber and I out. I do believe the most amusing part to me was whenever she made a noise watching how many people would jump up and want to take care of her....if only everyday we were so lucky! We were overcome with everyone generosity towards us and towards Addie. When I was a child, every Christmas, my parents would say how spoiled we were and that we got way too much. I never believed them. Now watching all the gifts that Addie received I see their point. However, I do not see things changing for quite some time.

To all the family reading this, THANK YOU. You mean so much to Amber and I and we are so lucky to have such a strong support team and Addison is so fortunate to have a family who wants to do as much as they can for her. I hope as parents Amber and I can instill in Addie how important family is and how blessed she is to have all these people in her life.

When Addie Smiles

2007-12-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

I find myself spending more and more time falling all over myself and inventing new ways just to make Addison smile. It’s strange how a gesture as simple as a smile can make the entire world disappear. How for that brief instant you have no worries, no troubles, no concerns. There is no war, no disappointment, democrats are not in office and the Falcons are not in last place. The feeling I get as a father watching my daughter smile cannot be described in words. The warmth that comes over your heart when that face lights up feels like God patting you on the back and saying “good job”. When Addison was born, when I first laid eyes on her, I used the description, that like watching a pitcher fill up with water, I could feel my heart filling up with love. That get that exact feeling everyday when Addie smiles at me. To see Amber hold Addison is my verification that God loves me. I can’t believe that I have been given such a wonderful gift.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-20T14:17:00.001-05:00

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In a constant state of confusion and bliss

2007-12-20T13:40:00.000-05:00

Watching Amber lay in a hospital bed for 5 days brought on so many emotions. Being on my toes for close to a week you learn what you are made of but more importantly I learned what Amber was made of. I can Honestly say that I have such a new respect for my wife and how strong a woman she is for going thru that difficult week and never complaining once. I can also say that for the first time in my life I was so overcome with the grandeur of God. That he could make such a miralce like that happen and that he Loved Amber and I enough to give us such a wonderful blessing.
The past 111 days have been quite an adventurous journey for Amber and I. However With each and every day that passes we figure out more and more about ourselves and Addie. Our hearts are so full of love for this little girl. I think the biggest undertaking for the 2 of us has been the realization that we are "oficially' adults now and that all the decision making comes down to us. I think, well I know, for the most part I take into account way too much and think of the magnitude of our decisions way too much. I constantly find myself wondering if i am making the right decision and calling my parents for some sort of backup to make sure i am doing what is right.
Addison has brought Amber and I closer on so many levels and depened our relationship. Although we found out really soon that life no longer depends on what we want but what Miss Addisons' needs or wants at that time. We try our best to always keep a positive attitude and to realize how awesome this blessing from God is. We are so fortunate for Addison to have the health that she does (for her mothers looks) and for us to have the careers to be able to provide for her. I find myself being drawn closer to my parents now for realizing how much they sacrificed and did for my sisters and myself for us to have all the advantages in life. I also find myself podering if I will be as good of a father as mine was. When I was younger my mother used to sing "one day at a time". I guess thats all we can do, is live life one day at a time and do the best we can that day. The mistakes we make one day we try not to repeat them and what we've learned, we use that knowledge in our decisions for the future.

We are officially blogging...

2007-12-19T12:45:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!
We decided to set up a blog forAddie updates rather than sending out emails to everyone and filling up inboxes. From now on, just come to the webpage periodically and we will update with pictures and stories. Hopefully this will make it easier for everyone to see what's going on in our lives!