Dear Adeline

When I'm With You

2012-03-09T20:36:00.002-08:00

Dear Adeline,

I recently heard this beautiful song by JJ Heller and it instantly made me think of you and how I feel about being your mom. I hope you will look this song up one day and love it as much as I do:

When I'm With You - JJ Heller

When I hold you

In my arms, love
Somethin' changes
It's the strangest feeling

The things that
Use to matter
They don't matter
To me

When I see you
And you're smilin'
How my heart aches
So full it is about to break

You make me believe in love

I could never count all the ways
That you change me, baby
Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue
When I'm with you

When I hear you
And you're cryin'
It resonates, dear
In a place I didn't know was there

You make me believe in love

I could never count all the ways
That you change me, baby
Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue
When I'm with you

Beautiful, baby
You're sweeter than strawberry pie
Just like the morning
Your smile brings the sun that shines

I could never count all the ways
That you change me, baby
Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue
When I'm with you

I could never count all the ways
That you change me, baby
Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue
When I'm with you

You want to play, momma?

2012-02-14T19:34:00.002-08:00

Dear Adeline,

I can't believe that you are over two years old now and just the most amazing child I have ever met in my entire life. Every day your smile lights me up inside. Your sweet voice saying my name, asking me questions, telling me facts - melts me. Your hugs that you so freely give, where you wrap your arms around me and hold me so tight - they make me feel more loved than I could have ever imagined possible. You are incredibly smart, social, empathetic, funny, energetic, artistic, imaginative, sassy, independent, cautious, logical, and gorgeous little girl. And I really mean all of those words.

You LOVE to play with daddy and I. We have all sorts of fun games that we play! Some of your favorites are playing with your little people and their barn, zoo, and manger; having tea parties; playing "cave" where we hide under blankets and wait for someone to come find us; putting us to bed! You think it's so much fun to pretend to put us to sleep. And you do it the exact way we put you to bed; playing "monster" where we pretend to be monsters running around chasing each other; "dance" where you like to go down in the basement and dance on the rug while we dance, too.

I've been bad at keeping up with these letters lately. So much going on and you are busier than ever. But I wanted to take a moment just to write that I'm so incredibly grateful that God brought you into our lives. You have changed us for the better and brought more joy than I could have ever imagined. I love you with all that I am and will always give you my all.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You had your first trick-or-treating experience this year and you LOVED IT!! We did trunk-or-treat the night before Halloween with our friends, the Brent Family. Then on Halloween, we went to the Dixon's and trick-or-treated with a big group of friends and aunt manda! I was worried about how you would handle seeing so many costumes, but you loved it - especially people just giving out candy! You marched right up to the doors and would sometimes say "trick-or-treat" and sometimes "thank you." But mostly your favorite aspect was putting the candy in your pumpkin bucket and seeing all the animals at the houses. It was a great Halloween and you were the most adorable little witch!

Much love and kisses, mommy

My How You've Grown

2011-11-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

It's really shameful how long I have gone without doing a new post! But tonight as you and I were praying for our friends and family, and singing our songs - I realized that you have grown so much in these past few months and I absolutely need to document it.

You are the most sweet, loving, strong-willed, zany, intelligent little girl. There are so many little ticks to your personality that I want to savor!

* You love art! Coloring, painting - but they way you do it is so adorable. You absolutely have to have water to dip your paintbrush in, and you mostly paint with the dirty water. And when you color, you don't really like crayons - you like colored pencils. And you always have to sit on the left hand side of your table and daddy or I have to sit on the right.

* When you take a bath, you must have LOTS of bubbles. We also have to keep the water running the entire bath because you like to play in it. It keeps you very entertained!

* You run so prissy and I LOVE it! You move your arms back and forth and you run like you are prancing. It's so stinking adorable.

* With just about anything you eat, you want to find a way to "dip" it in something. You love to dip chips and cheese the most!

* You have to read three books every night before bed. You know when it's not three. And after I read the three, you want to read one to me.

* You are asking "what's that" about everything in sight. Most of the time you are just pointing at nothing so I have to take a wild guess at what you could possibly be pointing at! But you just love to have us respond.

* You are obsessed with the "store" and "walmart." At Kroger, you have to have your own grocery cart to push and you love to put items in it. At Target, you have to get popcorn and go see the dancing Elmo and Mickey dolls. It's so cute how you cry for a "shopping cart!"

* You can count perfectly to 10. For awhile there, you would skip the number "8", but now you say them all. And you count so so cute. You change your inflection each time you count.

* You love to "ring rosies" (ring around the rosie). But you have to have both daddy and I ringing-rosies or you're not happy.

* You can say any word - seriously, your vocabulary astounds me. You still say all kinds of crazy words we don't understand, but for the most part, we always know what your saying.

* You really love to pretend like you're leaving in your pink car, and you run over to us and say "bye! miss you!" and then you proceed to give a hug and a kiss. this can go on for a long time!

* You are obsessed with jumping on our bed. You say "I jump! I jump!" You really think it's hilarious.

* You want to help with everything - unloading the dryer and dishwasher, cleaning up the rooms, opening doors, sweeping, etc.

* You are so in love with washing your hands. You could do it all day long. You take a chair from the dining table and push it over to the kitchen sink, climb up, and see how big of a mess you can make with the water!

* Your favorite foods right now are unfortunately typical kid-foods. You once at tons of fruits and vegetables, but now it's hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, pasta, fruit snacks, cookies, pancakes, macaroni and cheese - such bad foods! But you love them.

* You only really like three shows on TV - and you rarely watch those. You aren't really a TV lover, but when you do you like Caillou, Zoboomafo, and Sesame Street Babies. You actually have one of the Caillou episodes memorized! No kidding!!

* When mommy puts on make-up, you want to hold a blush brush in your hands to put on make-up, too. When I put mascara on, you brush the brush over your eyes - when I put lipstick on, you brush the lipstick over your lips. It's super cute!

* You really love singing. And you are so good! You have memorized so many songs and we sing them all the time! Your favorites right now are: Jesus Loves Me, Tractor Tractor, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Powder Blue Lullaby, Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Wheels on the Bus, ABC's, This Little Light of Mine.

*You like to say 'Noooooooo" in this cute smiley voice. I love hearing it. I hope I can always see that face you make in my mind when you are teasing. You scrunch up your nose and eyes and just melt my heart!

* You've started praying. You say "Jesus, I love you, amen!" But recently, you have been telling me who we should pray for. I'm so thankful for your heart!

You blow me away, my gorgeous girl. I can't get enough of you! I love watching you grow and developing a closer relationship with you. There is nothing like you!

Much love and kisses, mommy

you're perfect just the way you are

2011-08-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

My sweet, sweet girl - you light me up. I'm so completely in love with you I can't even write a powerful enough statement to describe it. It's been awhile since I have blogged, but that's only because when I'm home I am spending every moment playing and loving you. You are truly a blast. From the moment that I walk through the door, you come running to me with your arms wide open. I give you the biggest hug ever, then it's off laughing, cuddling, chasing, wrestling, reading, dancing, singing, and whatever else you want to do. Daddy and I are at your mercy!

It almost seems like you have been changing daily. Your vocabulary is vast. You will repeat absolutely anything we ask you to say. And you talk constantly - mostly in your own language that we can't understand, but we love it and you make others laugh with it.

You like to sing songs with daddy and I, and you won't sing unless we are both singing. Your favorites are "Tractor, Tractor" by Randall Goodgame, "I Love You" by Barney, the Sesame Street version of Feist's "1234", "ABC's", and your favorite song to listen to is Ingrid Michaelson's "You and I."

You are a serious lovebug. You hug and kiss everyone! It's the best feeling in the entire world to have your arms wrapped around me and you planting a big kiss on my face.

You are sharp. You pick-up everything that's going on around you. You understand everything we ask you to do. You point out locations of different places we have been as we pass them in the car. You blow us away.

You are cautious of new situations. You take a few minutes to digest where you are and what is going on. You don't just dive in to anything new. You take your time, but when you decide that you trust something - you really trust it.

You're silly. You laugh at everything. You do silly walks, faces, dances, noises - and you love an audience (which you often have!) And lately you have been doing this little walk that looks like you are a little old lady - it's hilarious and you think it's hilarious.

You love to read. I mean, really really love to read. If we aren't reading to you, you sit in your rocking chair going through books and saying what you have memorized from us reading so much. It's amazing how you know which book is which, you can recite a lot of the lines. You have your favorites for night time reading "Basket of Blessings", "Blue Hat, Green Hat", "Night Night Little Pookie", "Goodnight Moon", "The Going to Bed Book", and "Dear Zoo." You also love to "read" to your babies!

You still love your baby. She's a Corelle doll that constantly goes without clothes - mainly because you like to take them off so it was just easier for us to keep them off! Oh - and we call her "baby."

You are an awesome eater. You can feed yourself with your hands as well as a fork and spoon. You favorite things to eat are cheese, pasta, macaroni and cheese, grilled chicken, asparagus, toast, waffles, pancakes, hamburger, pork tenderloin, hotdogs, teddy grahams, fig newtons, chocolate chip cookies, and lots of bread :) Your LEAST favorite things to eat are eggs, brocolli, and cauliflower.

Your favorite toys to play with are your pink car, your kitchen, your babies and their bed, a ball, your slide - but I think most of all you just love running, being chased and wrestled with, and being outside. But I thing that makes you laugh the most is when daddy pretends that he's eating your belly!

Recently mommy has taken note of how every child is so incredibly different and special. They all have their own special God-given personality and talents. One is no better than the other - they are all just different. And perfect. Especially these little babies and toddlers - which seems to be the age where parents compare the most. And I want you to know that people will always try to judge you, but your parents think you are perfect. Your temper tantrums, your sensitive heart, your hesitancy, all of your "NO'S!" - we love you just as you are. I never for one second wish that you were any other way or more like any other child. I'm so proud of your and so amazed at God's beautiful artwork of your spirit, heart and body. We love you and all the intricate details that God used to design you. You are perfect - just as you are.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Gigi and Opa!

2011-07-07T18:22:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

In June we went to visit Gigi and Opa to celebrate Gigi's birthday! You always have the best time when you are with them. We actually hadn't been to Knoxville since Opa was in the hospital last year, so this time you were running ALL OVER THE PLACE! We had so much fun. We went shopping to Chico's where Gigi works, and you enjoyed running all around the store, getting under the clothes and crawling under the dressing rooms. The next day we went to the park by Gigi and Opa's. You got to fish for the first time! You also got to swing, play in the sand, put your feet in the lake, and have a shaved ice that you loved. Then we went out to dinner for Gigi's birthday, where you made friends with an older couple at the table next to us.

I love seeing how much you love your grandparents! You can say "Opa" and "Gigi" perfectly, and your eyes just light up when you see them.

And best of all - they got you a super cool pink car that we could hardly get you out of.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Grandma Adeline's Birthday

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

Dear Adeline,

In June we went to Lawrenceburg to celebrate Grandma Adeline's 88th birthday! You had a lot of fun playing with your cousin Avery and your second cousins Caroline, Weston, and Isabella. You were really such a big girl! That was the first time that you have ever sat at a little table on your own and ate. Of course, you didn't really want to sit still for the festivites - you conned your granddaddy into playing with you outside. Once everything was done, we all enjoyed spending time together outside under the carport. It was a very special time. Your great grandmother, Adeline, is the most sweet, loving, and funny woman. I hope you will get to have memories with her!

Much love and kisses, mommy

Hummingbird

2011-07-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You can say "hummingbird" and about a thousand other things. You are our little parrot - you will literally repeat anything that we ask you to say. You are communicating so well - we always know what you want and don't want. But the word I am most impressed with is "hummingbird." I personally think a 19 month old who can clearly say such a difficult three syllable word is obviously a genius.

Other than impressing us with your vocabulary, we have been BUSY! Lots of fun has been had this summer! We have been hanging out with friends, playing at both sets of your grandparents, running around outside, vacationing, seeing the world (or tennessee).

More blogs to come!

...these are a few of my favorite things...

2011-06-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You are almost 19 months old, which is just really crazy. Not only are you getting smarter and more loving each day - you are also getting more sassy and demanding. I suppose this is just the life of an almost-two year old. One moment you are snuggling and smothering me with kisses, and in the next you are yelling "NO!" and swatting your hand at me. But, I am certain even the swatting means you love me :) Does that make me a little delusional?? I think not.

These days are filled with more energy than I ever imagined you would have. You never stop. Literally. I have to make you sit down to eat and sleep. You spend the majority of your time running, reading, playing in your house and car, begging to go outside or "bye-bye", playing the piano, getting us to chase you and wrestle with you, looking out the window watching for birds and tractors (we do live in the country), pushing baby around in the stroller and pretending to feed her, catching bubbles, swinging, and much much more. You talk ALL THE TIME and we love it. You don't just say words, you genuinely try to have long conversations. You have so much inflection in your voice and you look us right in the eye and talk. If we ask you questions - you give answers that take about three minutes to say. I love it. Your daddy and I laugh at you all the time.

Tonight we had one of my favorite moments with you. The three of us were on mommy and daddy's bed and we were wrestling with you, and you were laughing hysterically, while taking breaks to hug and kiss between laughs. It was one of those moments I wished could go on for hours. Like all kids, you love being tossed around :)

Here are some pictures of you doing some of your very favorite things!

much love and kisses, mommy

Celebrating Jesus - and a first easter egg hunt

2011-05-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I'm way behind on the blog! I think you have probably read that about 20 times by now :) I would like to just start back up from where we are right now, but there are a few really great events that I can't miss documenting!

First one would be celebrating Easter 2011! On top of this being a celebration of our Lord rising from the grave after dying for our sins so that we could be forgiven and have an opportunity for life with him - you had your first Easter egg hunt! Honestly, I really thought that I would have to show you what to do and pretty much walk you through the entire process of hunting eggs - but you knew EXACTLY what to do and were a rock star! You grabbed your basket and started running around grabbing every egg you saw. You were not deterred by anything or anyone - you kept going until you had every egg, including cousin Avery's eggs! (sharing is something you are learning slowly, as most toddlers d0)

You got THREE Easter baskets! You were pretty much in heavy with all the starburst jellybeans (your favorite). You also got a new baby, some toys, and lots of candy (which you don't get much of). Mommy got you a traditional pink fluffy easter dress that you looked gorgeous in. Here are some pictures of the day!

much love and kisses, mommy

we eat with barn animals

2011-05-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Just a quick post to let you know that these days we have every meal with your farm puzzle. We talk about what each animal is and what sounds it makes. And while you eat your food, you usually decide that the animals should be eating with you. It's oh-so-cute.

much love and snorts, mommy

hooray for mother's day

2011-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Today is mommy's birthday and mother's day. This morning daddy got up with you and let mommy's sleep in for a little bit. When mommy woke up, I opened my cards (daddy's helped you sign yours!) and you gave me a charm for my bracelet that I got on my first mother's day. All of the charms have a special meaning. This charm for today, is a kangaroo with her baby in her pouch. Daddy chose this because of a book I read you titled "Pouch." The story is about a baby kangaroo who jumps into the safety of her mother's pouch whenever she's frightened or needs her. Then, daddy cooked us a wonderful breakfast of waffles, eggs, and bacon - this was such a treat! And best of all, you've been sick with Roseola for the past 5 days and today you finally feel better and are fever free! Yeah!

I want you to know that being your mother by far my most favorite task that God has ever given me. It's amazing how much your heart grows when you have a child. You are with me every where I go - whether I'm at work or home. As a mother, you have to lay down your wants and needs so often - but I hardly realize that I'm doing this. It's just second nature to change my focus from me to you. And it's much more rewarding. I literally love everything about you. That warm breath on my neck while you sleep, your little wiggly toes, your big kisses and hugs, the way your whole face smiles when you smile, the way you fake pout and cry, the way I can see the wheels turning in your head when I tell you "no", and the way you take off running to me with your arms wide open for a hug out of nowhere. I love all our moments together. You make mother's day worth celebrating!

Much love and kisses, mommy

aunt manda got married

2011-05-07T06:21:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Last weekend your aunt manda and uncle adam got married! And you were the flower girl. You got to wear a really (i mean REALLY) big turquoise tulle dress that everyone fell in love with! You looked like a big loofa running around the wedding site. It was your first gig as a flower girl, and I must say that you did very well! You were carried by one of the groomsmen, Rod, and he had to throw the flower petals because you looked a little shocked. BUT - you didn't cry or fuss and that was a BIG accomplishment because you had been quite fussy that day.

Aunt Manda and Uncle Adam had a really gorgeous day. Not only was the weather perfect, but all of the decorations and bridal party were put together perfectly. It was romantic, personalized - very special. I know you probably won't remember it, but you were a part of a very special day.

Here are a few pictures from the week. Your Gigi and Manda stayed at the house most of the week before the wedding - so you got lots of play and loving time in. And when Opa came, you were so happy to have so many people giving you all the attention. It was wonderful.

Much love and kisses, mommy

trying to keep up with the chatty addie

2011-04-16T19:59:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I'm really trying to keep up with all the words you are consistently saying. Basically, you attempt to say pretty much whatever we are asking you to say, but here are the words you can say pretty darn well:

bye

mama

dada

gigi

opa

mimi

maggie

ozzy

addie

out

bite

cheese

chicken

kitty

eyes

teeth

hot

please

paci

bottle

slide

swing

uh-huh

baby

nite-nite

open

bath time

barney

shoes

bow

home

apple

banana

juice

Then, you can tell me what noises these animals make:

cow - "moo"

sheep - "baaa"

monkey - "ah ah ah"

dog - "ruff ruff"

horse - "neigh"

pig - this is where she attempts to snort

Then, you can point to these body parts when ask:

hair

ears

teeth

belly

toes

feet

eyes

nose

Who loves the outdoors?

2011-04-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You were made for the outdoors. Any time we walk close to a door you run to it begging us to take you outside. When you are outside, you love to run around the yard picking flowers, walking on the stepping stones, gathering rocks, picking up sticks, watching the birds fly around, saying hi to every car that drives by, climbing the deck steps, watching worms crawl, talking to the dogs that are barking, digging in the dirt, trying to get in the cars to pretend to drive - it's all so adorable and fascinating! Your mind is always going and you are always trying to figure out what things are and how they work. You are in a constant state of learning.

much love and kisses, mommy

First Trip to the Zoo

2011-04-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Yesterday was your first trip to the zoo! We had an amazing time with Jessica, Allen, Jonah, Aunt Candace, Uncle Jake, cousin Avery, and Aunt Amanda! It was a gorgeous day and definitely a good time to take advantage of our new zoo membership. You really enjoyed the day, but I think your favorite parts were riding in the Willis wagon with Jonah and playing in the blue padded house for toddlers. You seemed to notice the animals and attempted to talk to them, but I think you will like them more at a later date. You were NOT a fan or the carousel - every time your lion would go up you would start screaming and reaching for me. Next time we will find a stationary animal :)

Here are some photos of the day.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Eating With A Fork!

2011-03-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I wanted to make sure that I mark this BIG step for you! Last night Jess and Jonah came over to have breakfast for dinner with us as both your daddy and allen were in meetings. I got the booster seat out so Jonz could sit at the table with all of us, but when he didn't want it and you saw it was empty - you threw a little fit to get in it! This was the first time you had ever really sat at the table with us (we usually just pull your highchair up between us). THEN, I always give you your fork or spoon and you kind of play with it and try to successfully get bites into your mouth, but tonight you ate all of your biscuit with a fork! I can't believe you are using utensils so well. I'm really proud of you :) Every day you let me know that you are a very smart and capable little girl. Watching the world through your eyes is facinating and encouraging.

Then tonight, as I put you to sleep, you smothered me in your sweet "mmmmmmm" kisses. I will NEVER get tired of those!

much love and kisses,

mommy

My True Toddler

2011-03-24T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I'm so in awe of you. It hit me the other day that you are truly communicating what you want and what you are thinking. You can not only say so many different words, but you say them with such inflection that I know you are absolutely positive of what you are trying to tell us. Your words bring many emotions to me - excitement for continuing growth in our conversations, pride for how well you are learning, sadness for your infant departure, amusement as you say a new word and smile.

Tonight, we were sitting in your room going through your very favorite words book and you pointed to the following items and told me what they were:

shoes

ball

kitty

dog

apple

banana

baby

bath

book

car (vroom vroom)

I am amazed that you are comprehending the world around you so well. You have a fantastic memory - we can't hide anything from you! You figure out how to make things work - and if you can't you get incredibly frustrated and throw it down. When we talk to you and ask you questions, you act as if you understand everything we say. You talk constantly and we LOVE it.

I just wanted to write today to let you know that it's painfully obvious that you are now a toddler. Running, talking, using a spoon, singing, dancing, watching tv, organizing, cleaning, climbing, helping me dress you, brushing your teeth, brushing your hair (of course, most of this isn't perfectly - but you are doing it!)

I love you. Your life brings me great joy.

Much love and kisses, mommy

16 is a lovely number

2011-03-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You are almost 16 months now and you are truly making mommy and daddy proud EVERY day! In our opinion, you are by far the most talented little girl that every was. Watching you examine things and try to figure out how they work is a source of constant enjoyment to mommy. You furrow your brow and purse your lips to show your mighty determination. One of the most hilarious moments that occurred was when you were putting shapes in your shape cookie jar - you put a few shapes in their right hole, then you would just get frustrated and open the cookie jar and stick all of the remaining shapes through the top. I think that you eventually just realize that there is a much easier way for some things to be done!

As I did for your 14 month post, I want to list out the many ways that you are amazing us. You are growing in all ways!

* Here is a list of all you are saying: mama, dada, gigi, ozzy, maggie, bite, cheese, please, keys, bowl, opa, open, outside, up, down, bath time, uh-oh, Jesus, baby, vroom, nite-nite, juice, no, yes, two, bye-bye, hi, ball, elmo, bottle, more, out, shoes,

* You are RUNNING! You've been walking really fast, but now you are picking up those feet and genuinely running.

* Climbing!! You are climbing steps, furniture, toys, and basically anything that you can put your foot up on.

* Eating with a spoon! This is really new, but you get so excited to hold your own spoon and scoop food out of your bowl. It makes for a messy meal time, but it's really helping you on the road to independent eating.

* Being sassy! When we tell you no, you do one of two things: stick your tongue out, throw something, and run off OR throw yourself down on the ground and cry.

* Bath lovin! When it's time for bath time, you start yelling "bath time! bath time!" and you go running to the bathroom and stand by the tub and squeal as you put your hands under the running water.

* Singing! When mommy sings some of your favorite songs (ABC's, Jesus loves me, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old McDonald), you sway your head back and forth and then YOU start SINGING! It's the most adorable, sweet sound in the entire world! My heart melted the first time you obviously were singing to me. You started swaying your head and just sang and sang. I have to get it on video soon because it's probably the most beautiful singing in the world.

* Hugs and Kisses! You give the biggest and most loving kisses and hugs! For kisses you put those little lips together and say "mmmmm" as you lean in and give us a kiss on the lips. And for hugs you wrap your arms around our necks and say "mmm mmm mmm" - there is nothing like being so genuinely loved on by you. You melt everyone with that kind of lovin!

* Reading to us! When we read to you (especially "Goodnight Moon") you open the book up and talk like you are reading to us. We love it.

* Sharing! You are good at sharing with other people. Most of the time you will pick up anything and go give it to someone as if you are giving them a gift.

* Saying "HI!" to everyone! It doesn't matter where we are, you tell everyone that walks by "hi!" Even when we are in the front yard you wave and say "hi!" to the cars passing by. It's really sweet.

* Coloring! You don't do this well by any means, but I think you understand that a crayon can write.

* Climbing around on the couches! You love to get up on the couches and sit or snuggle with mommy and daddy while watching TV. Only problem is - you want to climb and jump around on the couch. You are definitely getting a lot more adventurous.

* TV - You don't like to watch it too often, but when we put the Sesame Street Beginnings videos or Barney on, you get extremely excited. And you can really watch what's on. You have also memorized certain parts of the show and you yell them out at the proper time. So smart :)

* Outside! It's official - you are OBSESSED with being outside. Any time we walk near a door you start getting so excited and if we don't go outside, you are heartbroken. It takes a lot to calm you down if you have to come in from the outside, as well.

* Shoes! You have started trying to put on your shoes. I'm just so proud of everything you are trying to learn.

There is so much more but these are the highlights that stand-out to me the most. We are blown away by how much you are growing and understanding.

much love and kisses, mommy

You are GORGEOUS

2011-02-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

I just want you to know how absolutely gorgeous we think you are. I look at your features and I believe that God crafted you so perfectly and gave you the most beautiful features. As a girl, you will most likely experience feelings of insecurity and be tempted to compare yourself to other girls - it's the evil of being a girl. But my prayer for you is that God will give you confidence to know that you are His perfect creation and that he selected every little feature on you. You are absolutely stunning because God designed you - and He is a master artist. And I pray that God surrounds you with friends who will lift you up and encourage you, and that you will date boys who respect you and make you feel like a queen. And on this journey, mommy promises to be there reminding you of all that is good and beautiful about who you are.

much love and kisses, mommy

"KEYS!"

2011-02-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

Oh how you love "keys!" Any time mommy and daddy walk through the door, you run to greet us with a hug and a kiss, and then you start saying "keys! keys!" I'm trying to not give them to you because I imagine you running with them, falling, and them poking your eye out, however, every once in awhile I let you have them. And like the very smart little girl that you are, you walk over to the door and try to unlock it with the keys. We are constantly amazed at everything that you pick up on! We have never showed you how to do that!

much love and kisses, mommy

The Park with Annabelle

2011-02-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

It's been awhile since I have wrote. We have had a really busy past few weeks. I'm going to try to catch up on everything that I have missed.

We have been having lots of play dates with some of mommy and daddy's good friends and their kids. We recently went to the park on one of the few really pretty days, and we met your friend Annabelle and her mom Joanna. You girls really enjoyed the swings, and you loved running around and checking out everything the park had to offer. I love taking you outside because you absolutely love it. You have a real desire for adventure, and you are incredibly independent - you never feel the need to stick close by our side when you are out in nature. I can't decide if I should be happy about that or terrified!

I love you little bug. You give me so much joy.

much love and kisses, mommy

Our SMART Baby!

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

Dear Adeline,

We are blown away by how you continually pick-up on so many new things! You are saying words that we didn't even know you were hearing (which is a little scary!) and understanding questions that we ask!

Tonight when I got home, we were sitting in your room playing and you pointed to my eyes and clearly said "eyes" and you pointed to my teeth and said "teeth." You also said "nose" and pointed to my nose! I am so proud of how you are learning to really communicate what you want. The things you are most fond of asking us for are; keys, paci, badle (bottle), cheese, baby. It's just incredible to communicate with you in this way!

Also, tonight you pulled out about 12 different books and gave each one to me to read. Then as they were laying in a pile, I ask you to get your "night, night pookie" book and you looked at the pile and immediately picked up the right book! Then I did the same with your "goodnight moon" book and you knew exactly which one it was! It's amazing that you are learning words so well.

We are such proud parents. You light us up, little bug.

much love and kisses, mommy

All Things Adeline at 14 months

2011-01-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

You are now 14 months old! Every month you grow in height, intelligence, personality, and love. You are the sweetest most cuddly little girl I have ever known! Few things make you happier than giving big hugs, patting backs, and giving big open mouth kisses. At any given moment while you are playing, you will stop what you're doing, take off running to me, wrap your arms around me and await a returned hug and kiss. Once you have that - you head back to play. I love to think that you will be busy doing something and suddenly it pops in your head that you want to come love on your mommy. I hope you do that for many, many days to come.

Here are some of the things your are doing these days:

* Words: bite, cheese, hi, bye-bye, momma, daddy, dada, gigi, maggie, bird, uh-oh, more (mah), vroom-vroom (when you see a car of truck), please (peace), jake, jess, bath, baby (bah-be), Jesus (chee - sus), and paci.

* You are starting to get good at running. When you think I'm going to put a diaper or pj's on you - you take off running through the house hoping we will chase you. I can't wait to go outside in the spring and play!

* You are really good with your toys. You know how to put your big farm puzzle together, put some shapes in their correct slots, rings on a stick, stack bowls, sort toys in a bowl, and much more!

* You love baby dolls. You carry them around on your shoulder and pat their backs just like they are your baby. You are a little mommy!

* You LOVE books! Mommy and Daddy have been reading to you since you were first born. We both love books and we hope you will share the same passion. You are well on your way! Throughout the day you bring us different books and want to sit in our laps while we read them and you turn the pages.

* You are a bit obsessed with necklaces, cell phones, keys, remotes, and water bottles. If we try to remove any of these objects from your hands you act as if we have stolen your best friend.

* Any time we go near the back door, either to let maggie in or out or just to go outside, you hear the door and take off running because you want to see what's out there.

* You seem pretty fearless. It doesn't matter how many times you fall, you just get back up like nothing happened.

* You like to have your teeth brushed! I think it must feel really good because you open your mouth like you are excited for this task!

* You get more and more funny every day. You will babble something and then laugh at yourself, which in return makes us laugh, too!

* You are drinking great out of your own sippy cup (only with a straw) and you finally started holding your own bottle at the beginning of January.

* You babble/talk all the time. I have no idea what you are saying, but you are constantly jabbering.

* You love Sesame Street Beginnings and Barney. So far, nothing else on TV has caught your attention, besides the theme to "Olivia."

* You like to find cloths and then put them behind your back and on top of your shoulders and run around the house.

* We can't keep you away from cabinets. This may be your favorite thing to do at this point - open, close, open, close...

* You still adore bath time! After dinner I will say "bath time! bath time!" and you will go running towards your bathroom screaming "bah! bah!"

* You love food. YOu are a great eater who is not afraid to try anything. Your favorites are cheese, pasta, bread, turkey, chicken, chocolate, oatmeal, and yogurt.

I'm sure there is so much more that I could think, but I wanted to get some things down so I wouldn't forget.

much love and kisses, mommy

babies, babies, babies

2011-01-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

You LOVE baby dolls!! I can't believe how much you love them. You got two for your birthday and two for Christmas. You also got a few strollers. You love to push them around, walk around and snuggle with them while you're patting their backs. You even try to rock them in your chair, and give them a bottle. It's adorable. You're a little mommy! Baby dolls are definitely your attachment object.

hugs & kisses, lindsey

Christmas Part 5 - The Johnson Side

2011-01-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

Our last Christmas celebration was with your Grammy and Granddaddy on New Years day. They drove up for the day so that we could open presents and spend time together. You are always so excited to see them. You especially have a strong attachment for your Granddaddy. You want to be in his arms most of the time that he is around. It's really sweet! I think you have stolen his heart - he and Grammy both. They let you do just about anything you want.

For Christmas they got you some really great gifts - a toy kitchen, a baby doll that moves (you like to feed her the bottle), clothes, books, and more. It was a great way to end the Christmas holiday.

hugs & kisses, mommy

Christmas Part 4 - The Huth/Crawford/Jones Side

2011-01-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

Christmas part 4! This was such a special treat! We rarely get to see mommy's aunt bianca, uncle ricky, cousins - Brundidge, Harold Mark, Will, Isaac, and Papa and Jeannette. They live in Oklahoma and Texas. But this year, we all got together on the 27th of December and had lunch and exchanged gifts at our house. Unfortunately, you were not feeling good and you weren't in a very social mood. You fussed a lot and clinged to mommy and daddy. But, mommy is just happy that we were all able to spend time together. Here are some pictures from the day!

hugs & kisses, mommy

Christmas Part 3 - The Street Side

2011-01-23T08:27:00.001-08:00

Dear Adeline,

For the third part of your Christmas, we went to your great aunt Bu's house to spend Christmas day with your Street side of the family. You were in the BEST mood! You let so many people hold you! You ran around for awhile and then you found the best part about the house - a step that goes from the kitchen to the sunroom. You became obsessed - running up and down for about 30 minutes until you fell, which only deterred you for about two minutes, then you were right back to it.

We didn't get to stay long because Opa had fallen earlier in the day, so we had to take him to the hospital. But here are a few pictures of you playing while you were there!

hugs & kisses, mommy

Christmas Part 2 - The Crawford Side

2011-01-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

This year mommy's side of the family came to the house to spend Christmas with us! We had the best time! You were adored by everyone. I don't think one moment went by where you played alone. On Christmas Eve you were so over stimulated by the activity going on that you didn't want to take your afternoon nap - this meant that you had to go to bed early. But on Christmas morning, not only did you get to open the presents from Santa - you got to open your presents from mommy, daddy, gigi, opa, manda, and adam! It was a big morning full of tearing off bows, tags, and staring at your gifts until daddy got them out of the box so you could play. And overall, the present you most enjoyed was the new clothes. Seriously. You grabbed them and starting running around the house holding them behind your back like they were a cape. It was adorable. Having you at Christmas made everything more magical than it has ever been. You lit up the day - just like you do every day!

much love and kisses, mommy

Christmas Part 1 - Uncle Jake, Aunt Candace, and Cousin Avery

2011-01-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

For the beginning of the Christmas season, we first celebrated with uncle Jake, aunt Candace, and cousin Avery. They came to the house and we all exchanged gifts. They got you some really cute clothes and you returned the favor by getting Avery some cute clothes as well. You were also very interested in Avery, but you've reached the point where you want to constantly touch her face - but sometimes it's more like hitting her face so I really have to watch you.

After we opened presents, we went to see Santa! You were NOT a fan. You screamed and cried and reached desperately for me. However, we still bought the photo because it was priceless! After Santa, we all did a little shopping and then went and had Japanese for dinner. You said "jake" at dinner! It was a great time!

much love and kisses, mommy

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2011-01-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

Last year at Christmas you were just a little chunk who stared at the Christmas tree from your bouncy seat. This year, you were really excited to get your hands on the beads and ornaments for the tree! In fact, your favorite thing to do was grab the red cranberry-like beads and run with them. It was seriously so cute! You were just fascinated with the entire process. And you made Christmas much more fun for us than it has been in years!

much love and kisses, mommy

Christmas Dinner with the Willis and Webster Clan

2011-01-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

I'm so behind on all of the happenings of the Christmas season! I want to make sure that I document everything, so please ignore that so many posts will be on this same day!

At the very beginning of December, mommy and daddy ask some of our closest friends, the Willis's and the Webster's, over for a Christmas dinner. Mommy made a turkey, while Jessica and Kristen made many yummy side dishes. You played with their kids, Jonah and Lydia. Watching the three of you grow up together is so much fun! You are the youngest, but you still tried to do everything they were doing. After dinner, you exchanged gifts with the other kids. Jonah gave you a puzzle that you are having so much fun with, and Lydia gave you a Sesame Street Beginnings DVD that you are absolutely obsessed with. Any time that video is on you go into a trance. You gave Jonah a little train set and Lydia a Dora the Explorer doll. It was your first Christmas with friends!

much love and kisses, mommy

Your 1st Birthday Party

2011-01-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

Mommy is really really behind on your blog! I have a lot of posts to make-up on from the past couple of months. And I am starting with your 1st birthday party! You had an Olivia the Pig party because for the first year of your life, the only cartoon that you truly enjoyed was Olivia, and we are pretty sure that it was only because you liked the big-band sounding music that played in the beginning. And also, mommy really liked the color/pattern pallet of red, white, and black with stripes and polka dots.

So on Saturday, November 20th 2010 you had your very first birthday party. There were about 40 guests that included your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends of yours and ours. We decorated the kitchen and dining room with streamers, balloons, paper flowers, white lights, feather boas, and lots of delicious food. We had deviled eggs, hot chicken salad, brocolli salad, string cheese, crackers, cupcakes, and cake. Everything was honestly perfect. You were in a great mood as you enjoyed playing with everyone, dancing, and opening presents. The highlight was the way you dove into that cake like a crazy baby! Once you got a little taste you couldn't get enough. And then you just started playing in it which was also very entertaining.

Some of the gifts you got were a learning home, dinosaur ride-along toy, a car for mom and daddy to push you around in, a couple of baby dolls, baby stroller, and much much more. Our house looks like toys r us exploded!

I'm so thankful for this first year of your life. God has been so good to us. You are a healthy, happy, intelligent, active little girl. Watching you develop has provided us endless entertainment. We love you so much that our hearts feel like they may bust at times.

Here are some pictures from the very special day.

much love and kisses, mommy

the sweetest thing

2010-12-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

I wanted to be sure to record one of my favorite moments I have had with you thus far!

Last Sunday night as I was rocking you to sleep you were loudly singing "baaaaaaa laaaaa dooooo baaaaa" and I turned my head to laugh so you wouldn't see me, but you could feel me shaking from laughter so you started cracking up, which made me laugh even harder and you kept laughing harder till we had both been laughing so hard for about five minutes. I absolutely loved sharing that moment with you. Holding you and laughing uncontrollably with you was amazing. I can't wait to have so many more laughing fits with you!

much love and kisses, mommy

playdate with maisy!

2010-12-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

Mommy is very behind on your blog! I'm so sorry! Life has been really busy these past couple of months.

A couple of weeks before your birthday, we went over to Stacey and Maisy Brent's house to play. It's been about 10 months since you guys have played together, and then you both just layed beside each other and stared up at the playmat. This time, it was so adorable to see you guys interacting and following each other around. You both have a lot of determination and personality. At first you were a little shy, but eventually you started playing. And you both were doing so good, you were playing with the mini refridgerator and a necklace that you found. But, Maisy decided that she wanted her necklace back and then you had a little breakdown! It was kind of funny :) I think that watching you interact with other babies and people is just facinating. I always wonder what kind of personality you will end up with!

much love and kisses, mommy

Finally an attachment object

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

Dear Adeline,

You are becoming a little mommy. In October after a doctor appointment where you had to have your flu shot, mommy and daddy took you to the store to pick out a toy. You pointed to this little $7 doll, and once it was in your arms you were hooked. When we were checking out and had to pay for the doll, you threw a major fit! Since that day, you have never been without a doll.

For your birthday, Gigi and Opa got you this beautiful Corelle doll that you absolutely love. She has officially become your attachment object. You have never really cared about any other toy or blanket, but this little plastic faced, vanilla scented doll, has stolen your heart. You take her everywhere with you, and because of her, we are now able to just rock you until your tired and then lay you down in your bed with your baby and you go to sleep on your own. We are still in shock and it's been three weeks! It's so sweet to watch how you put her on your shoulder and pat her back, and how you put her in your rocking chair and rock her back and forth. I think this little baby will be with you for a long time!

much love and kisses, mommy

Thanksgiving Leaves Party

2010-12-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

For thanksgiving we went to Lawrenceburg to celebrate the holiday with your Johnson family. On Thanksgiving Day, the weather was cool but not insanely cold, so we decided to take you outside to play in the leaves. You don't have any leaves at home because mommy and daddy don't have many trees. So, after we bundled you up, Daddy, mommy and granddaddy took you outside to play. You had the BEST time! The yard had lots of dips and bumps, but every time you feel you just got right back up and kept going without any fuss. And you were actually RUNNING! You would grab handfuls of leaves and just take off. You played really hard for almost an hour just exploring the yard, chasing the dogs, and playing in the leaves. I am always amazed at how much I love watching you do the most simple things. You are so very strong willed - when you set your mind to getting something, you are going to try your absolutely hardest to make it happen. But you are so so happy. You always seem to radiate joy no matter what is going on. And despite the three ear infections that you have had, the falls you have taken, the 8 teeth that have come in - you never act like things phase you. I love your heart. I just feel really blessed that God chose me to be your mom. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone.

Happy Thanksgiving little bug!

much love and kisses, mommy

Words!

2010-11-28T08:56:00.001-08:00

Dear Adeline,

Before I finish up blogging the first year of your life, I want to add a few more posts (mommy has been very lazy about writing!).

I want to document all of the words that you have been saying. You talk constantly, but only some words are clear :) And you are really becoming proficient at throwing tantrums and screaming!

Here is what you are saying CLEARLY up to one year old:

mama
dada
daddy
bruce
maggie
bite
hi
bye

Here are the words that we can tell you are trying to say, but not able to clearly:

out (at)
bath (baaaa)
please (mease)
drink (rink)

Walking Everywhere!

2010-11-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

You are walking all over the place! I can't believe how good you are doing. On Monday, November 1st you took your very first two wobbly steps towards mommy. Now, 19 days later, you're a pro. You rarely crawl - you most definitely prefer walking. And it's so cute to watch. We are completely enamored with the way you stick that little booty out and balance yourself. You are even able to squat down and pick something up and keep going. You are also running circles around the island in the kitchen, which scares mommy because there are so many sharp corners! I'm so proud of your accomplishments. Watching you figure things out, the way you really focus and the look of sheer determination comes into your eyes, and you just do them. You're incredible. I love you, my little bug.

much love and kisses, mommy

First Steps!

2010-11-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Monday was a HUGE day in your life! You took your very first independent steps to mommy! I was THRILLED that I was able to see them before anyone else because mommy feels like she misses so much.

How it happened: You were pushing the laundry basket around and you let go and mommy held her arms out to you and you took two perfectly balanced steps towards me and then fell into my arms when I screamed in excitement! I just couldn't believe that a few days after you turned 11 months, you are trying to walk on your own. Soon I will be chasing you all over the house, church, the mall, parks - it will be fabulous exercise for mommy!

I can't believe this is all starting to happen. It seems like you are getting big so fast. It's so crazy to think that a year ago you were in mommy's belly stretching me to the max! Some days I wish I could feel those little kicks again.

We are so proud of you!

much hugs and kisses, mommy

First Halloween!

2010-10-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Yeah for your first Halloween! Just so you know, it took four costumes to finally get you the perfect one. Daddy claims that mommy does this on purpose so we can own four costumes, but I just wanted your VERY FIRST one to be the best! And it was :) After trying to be a strawberry, two different cows, and a garden gnome - the garden gnome won.

On Halloween eve, we went to cousin Avery's to hang out. She was a super-cute lady bug! We got you both dressed up and took pictures. You were really dying to touch Avery's face, but unfortunately you haven't learned how to do it very sweetly - yet. You had a blast playing with your Uncle Jake and Aunt Candace. You really love them! They are a special part of our lives and we look forward to watching you girls grown up together.

Tonight we are going to do a little trick-or-treating and a Halloween party. I will post on that later!

Much love and kisses, mommy

11 Months Old - First BIG word, standing, pointing, using a straw, and more!

2010-10-31T12:21:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You are now 11 months old! It's crazy to think that I am preparing for your first birthday. What's sad is that you are starting to lose that "baby" side, and you're now becoming much more little a little toddler.

Some of the new things you have started in the past couple of weeks:

Standing independently

Blowing kisses (at least you are making the kissing sound)

Saying "bruce"! (first BIG word!)

You are pointing at everything you want and everywhere you want to go

LOVING all baby dolls you can get your hands on

Rocking baby in your rocking chair

Actually growing out of your stranger anxiety! You are really letting a lot of people hold you.

You learned to drink through a straw! Even though you still won't hold your own cup/bottle.

And last and the least fun - high-pitched screaming when you don't get your way!

You are gorgeous. Mommy and Daddy are so smitten that we think you are going to be spoiled rotten. You probably already are! We are just so blessed to be your parents. With pray with you every night before we go to bed and give thanks to our God who created you.

Happy 11 months!

much love and kisses, mommy

Hanging out with Jonah

2010-10-31T12:13:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Mommy got to come home from work early the other day so we invited Jessica and Jonah over to play! You are at such a fun stage with other kids now. You love to watch and imitate what they do. You will follow them around like a very adorable puppy :) This day was no different! Everywhere Jonah went, you went too! However, Jonah can run very fast and you would get frustrated because you couldn't keep up. Mommy thinks if you were able to be around other kids more you would probably be trying to walk. Until that day, you seem pretty content with cruising around and just standing independently.

Here are a few photos from our play date!

Much love and kisses, mommy

Ruby's Lunch with Friends

2010-10-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You are surrounded with so many people who love you. Some of those are our dearest friends who are like family to us. These people think you are pretty cool and enjoy hanging out with you! Many times, you get to hang out with these people when we go out to eat. You just love boys - already. Many people claim you already know how to flirt :) You cock your head to the side, smile, and bat your eyes at all the men that pass you!

On this day we were having lunch after church at Ruby's - a famous meat-and-three in Hendersonville. Mommy and Daddy would meet here for lunch when we were dating! Here you are enjoying some time with our two favorite Daniels!

much love and kisses, mommy

Honeysuckle Hill Farms

2010-10-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Yesterday we went to Honeysuckle Hill Farms in Springfield, TN with the Willis family! We started out the day at the Willis home eating waffles with a delicious apple cinnamon chutney/syrup. You loved it almost as much as I did! Then we took the long car ride to Springfield.

Once we got there, there was SO much to do! It took you a little bit to wake up, but once you did you were loving everything. We played in the pumpkins, petted pigs, cows, donkeys, and a goat, laughed at chickens, saw pig races, played in a fort, played in the pumpkins, road the pumpkin train, and finally ate! It was such a big day filled with lots of fall festivities. You had a blast as did we.

Mommy and Daddy would like to make this a yearly tradition. I can see this place getting more fun each year! It was really incredible to watch how much you are starting to understand about things and how you really love adventure. I just can't get enough of you, my bug!

Much love and kisses, mommy

Cousin Avery is here!

2010-10-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Your very first cousin, Avery, was born October 15th, 2010. She was almost as big as you weighing 9 pounds 5 oz! She has dark hair and blue eyes right now. She's beautiful! We went to visit her in the hospital the day after she arrived. You really didn't know what to think. All you knew was that you didn't like it when mommy held her.

After giving Aunt Candace and Uncle Jake some time to settle in to their new life at home with a baby, we went to visit last Friday - Avery's 1 week birthday! You really seemed to like her on this day! You wanted to pat her head and touch her face - unfortunately you haven't really learned how to softly pat so mommy had to watch you very closely.

While we were visiting, your Uncle Jake spent a lot of time playing with you. I'm pretty sure you adore him. You loved to laugh at everything he did.

We are very blessed to have Avery in our lives! i can't wait to see you girls running around playing on the farm one day :) I'm sure Granddaddy Nick is looking forward to that as well!

Much love and kisses, mommy

More Teeth and a Toothbrush

2010-10-24T14:47:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Things are moving so fast these days that I don’t feel like I’ve had time to slow down enough to write in your blog! And I really don’t like doing these posts that cover everything because then the pages of your book won’t be very specific. So, there are about to be a lot of posts today for the past many days events!

First up – teeth! You now have 8 teeth! You have had your bottom middle two for awhile, but your top four came through on October 2, 2010 and your other bottom two (on both sides of the middle bottom teeth) broke through on October 17! Mommy loves seeing that big smile that is no longer just gums, but cute little gapped and pearly teeth. However, you have given mommy and your mrs. Linda a few bites that would bring tears to someone’s eyes! You have done it only in play, but it still hurts!

Since you have these teeth, mommy is determined to brush them so they don’t fall out. Too bad you don’t have the same passion! When I come near you with the toothbrush, you start SCREAMING. It’s not a fun process and I’m not even sure how much good it’s doing, but you’re going to have to adjust eventually! I will wear you down J

Much love and kisses, mommy

Chihuly Exhibit at Cheekwood

2010-10-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

This past Thursday night, we met Uncle Jake and Aunt Candace at Cheekwood to see the Chihuly art exhibit. Aunt Candace is about to have your first cousin, Avery Kei, so she's trying to get in lots of outings before she comes!

We had a great time. You really loved walking around the gardens and seeing all of the beautiful flowers and blown glass pieces that Chihuly created. Mommy is hoping that by introducing you to beautiful art at an early age will make you love and appreciate it earlier than most people. Your aunt Amanda is an artist, and I'm hoping she will give you lessons one day!

Here are some pictures from our outing!

Much love and kisses, mommy

time is flying

2010-10-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

As I just sat rocking you to sleep in my arms, I stared into your sweet little face and thought about how fast everything has gone these past 10 1/2 months. You are such a big girl now who seems to be trying to grow out of being a baby. In the nursery today, one of the workers told me that they feel like you are about to start running - and you're not even walking yet! But you are everywhere, babbling all the time, pointing to things that you want, patty-caking with mommy, responding to mommy and daddy when we tell you "no" and point to something for you to look at. You are still very attached to mommy and daddy, but you love the company of others. Our friends love you and you enjoy entertaining them with playing lots of peek-a-boo and laughing.

Your face is really maturing. Mommy is excited because more and more people are saying that your face looks more like me the older you get. Though, you definitely still have your daddy's forehead and skin color. But whoever you look more like - you're perfect and absolutely gorgeous. You have big, bright eyes with very very long dark eyelashes, full pouty lips with a perfect heart shape, precious button nose. And right now you are very tall. Over the 95th percentile. You have long fingers and toes that mommy loves to kiss on. And you are almost always smiling. When you smile, you smile with your entire mouth and face! It's precious! You have also got "mama" and "dada" down and we are pretty sure you know what they mean! You love bath time, and when I say "bath time! bath time!" you get excited and quickly crawl back to your tub.

You are also becoming a big girl with your eating. You are eating things like fresh cut mangos, cheese toast, ghram crackers, cheerios, potatoes, mac & cheese, peas, squash, turkey slices - you are really good at trying new things. You are starting to get really picky and would obviously prefer that we give you people food over the purees. Mommy is still scared about you choking but she is learning that you are getting to be a better eater. Yesterday at your friend Annabelle's first birthday, you got a handful of icing and were VERY excited about it! Makes mommy hopeful that you will be very entertaining with your cake when it's your turn!

I love you so much, little bug. I never tire of you. I'm sure one day you will drive me crazy, but that day hasn't come yet. Now I just can't wait to see you and spend time with you when I've been away. I'm so proud to be your mommy. You are so very special. In fact, the other day at a restaurant, two hippie ladies told me that you had a very "joyful and positive energy" and that mommy and daddy "need to have more children." Daddy made fun of mommy for being so excited about this, but I love when other people see how special you are.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Playtime with Annabelle!

2010-10-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

A couple of weeks ago my dear friend Joanna and her sweet daughter Annabelle came over to hang out! You and Annabelle were two peas in a pod! You were following each other all over the house and playing with all of the toys. It was adorable! And you both look so much like your daddies (which is so unfair because both of your mommies are SO pretty! :) ) Below are some shots mommy took of you playing with Annabelle and Joanna. You don't let many other people hold you these days besides family, but you liked Jojo!

Much love and kisses, mommy

just a swinging...

2010-10-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

One of your very favorite things to do is to go outside. You love for us to walk you around and talk to you about the trees, flowers, birds, and cars. But most of all, you LOVE when we let you swing! Your Grammy and Granddaddy bought you a swing during the summer, but it was so hot that we couldn't do it often. Now that it's fall we love to take you out! Here are some pictures to show you just how much you love it.

much love and kisses, mommy

9 month Family Photos

2010-09-30T19:20:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Our dear friend, Alissa Saylor, took some family photos for us right after you turned 9 months! Mommy loves them so much because I think that they really show how much mommy and daddy love you and each other! You are wearing my favorite new Matilda Jane dress. You are one stylish little baby. I just can't believe how big you are getting!

much love and kisses, mommy

Playing in the fountains!

2010-09-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

A few weeks ago we went to the fountains in the Indian Lake area in Hendersonville. You were a little sleepy, but still very curious about the water. We just let you crawl around and explore. When the water went down into the ground, you leaned over to look in the hole and the water shot back up into your face. You were done after that :)

Much love and kisses, mommy

Open, Close, Open, Close

2010-09-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Recently you have become obsessed with opening and closing cabinets, doors, and curtains. Your favorite is the gate going into your room. You will sit for a long time just opening and closing the gate. I am assuming that you are learning the whole "cause and effect" lesson. I am constantly amazed and what amuses and excites you. It's really interesting to think about seeing something for the first time. On my trip to Italy I remember how amazed I was at seeing the city and the buildings for the first time. How cool that you get so excited over seeing a door open! I love watching you learn!

Much love and kisses,
Lindsey

Everything New

2010-09-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I want to document all of the fabulous (and not so fabulous) new accomplishments and traits you have started!

* Cruising - Right before the day you turned 9 months old, you started cruising around holding onto the furniture and walls! We can't keep you crawling anymore! You will pull up and walk around on the kitchen cabinets, dining table, windows, actually just about anything that you think will hold you!

* Standing on your own - You can stand completely unassisted for about 5 seconds at a time! And your balance is so good that you don't even fall, you just bend down and sit!

* Clapping - You can clap your hands, and every time you clap and I say "Yeah!!" you get so excited and start laughing.

* Waving - You will wave at people when they say "hi" and you say "hi" back and wave!

* Throwing fits (aka "addie-tudes")- When you want something and don't get it, you arch your back and kick your feet. And when you are told "no" you sit and put your head on the ground. And recently you have started throwing your head and arms back in the air like you are considering throwing yourself all the way back! Let's just say you have quite the flair for the dramatic. Daddy says you get your iron-will from mommy :)

* Babbling constantly - lots of "mamamamama" and "dadadadadada" and "babababababa" and "rararararara."

* Exploring the entire house - You are EVERYWHERE! You go up and down the hallway and into your room where you take all your toys and books off the shelf. You crawl into your bathroom and stand-up by the tub. You love the bath so I think you're always trying to figure out how to get water in it so you can play :)

* Being shy - You are definitely very shy of strangers right now. For instance, today in the grocery store every time someone would try to talk to you, you would lean up and grab mommy's dress and duck you head in my chest. You are such a social baby when you are comfortable, but it definitely takes awhile with new people.

* Falling asleep on your tummy on mommy and daddy - We use to want you to lay on your belly and cuddle with us and you never would, now you are more than happy to do that! And when we rock you to sleep you lay on your belly with your head in my neck. It's wonderful and I thank God in every one of those moments for such a sweet gift from Him. You are our cuddle monkey!

* Running with your push walker all over the house! You grab that thing and run around the kitchen and the living room like you are mowing the lawn. You haven't quite learned what to do when you push it into a wall, but you are starting to figure it out.

* You are really starting to show that you understand when I tell you to do something. When I tell you to put the toy back, you get it and try to! When I tell you to put the toy in the bucket, you almost always do it :) And you most definitely understand "no" but you don't do that happily (as listed above!)

I just wanted to write down a few of these things so I don't forget while I'm trying to get caught up on everything.

Much love and kisses, mommy

i never thought i would feel so blessed

2010-09-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You will have to forgive mommy for being a slacker on the past month of blogs. Things have been so busy with your Opa being sick, work being crazy, our house needing lots of work, lots of visitors, and traveling. And I sat here feeling overwhelmed trying to organize how I would catch up on blogs, when I just decided that I needed to post about where you are at right now.

You are 9.5 months old! Today you went to the doctor and you weighed 21.2 pounds and were 30 inches long! That puts you in the 75th percentile for weight and over the 95th in height! The doctor said that you looked great and are right on target! You are babbling ("mamamamama", "dadadadada", "babababa", "rarararara"); you are crawling super fast, and about 3 weeks ago you started "cruising" around by holding onto furniture, walls, and basically anything that you think will hold you up. You also have a push walker that you walk behind and push all over the house! You are getting faster every day and you never seem to fear falling down! You are really starting to master the pincer grasp which means LOTS of fun watching you trying to grab everything and put it in your mouth. You are also really working that little "addie-tude" these days! You are extremely opinionated about everything. And on top of that, you bit mommy during a recent bath because when I was washing your belly you couldn't get to your toys. Mommy told you a firm "NO" and you furrowed your little brow and didn't do it again.

You bring so much light to my life. When I am at work, I can't wait to get home to you! I call Mrs. Linda at least once a day to hear how you are doing and hear your little voice in the background. When I walk in the door and say "Hi baby!" you get SO excited and a huge smile spreads across your face. It makes my heart soar. Lately when you take naps, you cuddle up on your belly putting your head right under my neck and I sit there trying to savor these moments where I can hold you like this. I pray over your life that God would draw you close to him at a young age and allow you to feel His peace and joy.

Your smile and laugh are perfect. They instantly bring glory to God. I stare into your face and think about how God designed you - your big eyes with long lashes, your little button nose, perfect little heart lips. He made a gorgeous piece of art in you!

I love you with every piece of my heart. I want you to always know that even in these early days of your life, I tried to give you all my free moments and fill them with snuggling, kisses, laughter, stories. It is so important to me that you know how loved you are and that you feel secure in knowing that you are surrounded by so many people that would do anything for you.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Relentless Pursuit of Maggie

2010-08-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

One of your very favorite things to do is chase Maggie the Pug around the house. While most of the time Maggie loves you and will sit next to you and let you pull on her hair, sometimes she just wants to get away. However, that doesn't stop you from trying to get her!

much love and kisses, mommy

"Mama!" and "Dada!"

2010-08-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Last friday (July 30) you finally said the word I have been dying to hear - "mama!" Then, that following Sunday morning, I heard you waking up so I went to your bed and you looked up at me and said "mama." I have no idea if you had a clue what you were saying or if it was just a really wonderful coincidence, but it melted my heart!

Then, this past Tuesday (August 3) you said "dada!" You have been saying both on and off since then! Mommy is just really happy that she won the "what-word-will-adeline-say-first" game :)

You have really started babbling a lot lately. That has relieved mommy because for months the only thing you have wanted to say is "ahhhhhhhhhh." Even though I still love your "ahhhhhs!"

much love and kisses, mommy

Sharing with Mommy

2010-07-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Every now and then, mommy and daddy like to let you "paint" with your food. We think it is a fun break from rules and we are hoping that it will encourage creativity. You LOVE it! Every time we do it, you spread that food around EVERYWHERE! It's fun for us to watch you get so incredibly excited about playing with food.

This particular time you decided that you wanted to paint on mommy! You were really happy to share with me and I was happy to receive :)

These are moments I never want to forget.

much love and kisses, mommy

Pulling Up

2010-07-28T03:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You have began pulling up on EVERYTHING these days! This probably started about a couple of weeks ago, but now you are doing it all the time. Your favorite it to pull up on Mt. Mommy or Mt. Daddy. You are also working on the couches and your bed. Once you pull up on us, you get so excited and start doing something that I could only guess is dancing and singing! And you have literally become a monkey - you climb all over us! It's really fun to watch you enjoy this freedom and to see your face as you discover something new. Again - we are so proud!!

much love and kisses, mommy

Crawling!!

2010-07-28T03:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Three days after your eight month birthday, you abandoned army crawling and started really crawling!! You had been working on it for awhile - getting up and down on your knees and trying to move forward - but all of a sudden you got up and never went back down! It's so stinking cute to watch. I can tell you are very proud and excited because this will enable you to see a whole new world with your new found independence!

Last night when mommy got home from work, you crawled from the living room to the kitchen to get me! Not only was I so proud of my little determined bug, but it felt so good to see you determined to get to me. You have no idea how you light up my world.

You can also go from crawling to sitting up. You are really getting around so good!

much love and proud kisses, mommy

8 months!

2010-07-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I can hardly believe that you are 8 months old! Every day you seem to change and learn something new. These past 8 months have been the most amazing, tiring, growing, loving months of my entire life. I am thankful for the ways you are changing me. My priorities, my thoughts, my heart - they have all been questioned through your presence and in return, i am better.

Mommy decided to do a photoshoot with you outside at 8:00am before it got to 100 degrees outside. You got a few new dresses from the Matilda Jane shop. You look FABULOUS in them!

much love and kisses, mommy

determination and passion

2010-07-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

dear adeline,

It's started. You are now becoming quite the independent baby. Gone are the days of infant passiveness, hello to the days of wanting something so bad you won't let go and fussing loudly when it's taken away. Even though I dread the little wars that are ahead, I know this is a part of the normal and healthy progression of you becoming a well rounded little person. And by having a mommy that knows what she wants and goes full steam ahead to get it, you are bound to have a good amount of determination and passion for the things you want out of life, and honestly i'm ok with that. In fact, I have a strong desire for you to become a young woman who is driven and doesn't let the world tell her "no" when she knows she can make it a "yes."

But, as far as being a little baby/toddler/child/teenager, you are going to have a mommy and daddy questioning your passions and redirecting them the best we no how in order to prepare you to go out into the world and live the best life. So, get used to the word "no." As of now, you don't like that word and probably never well. I still don't! But it's only because we love you :)

We are so proud as we watch you grow. Each day you become less and less like a little baby. You are very intelligent, smarter than we give you credit for, and we love learning from you as you teach us how to discover again.

much love and kisses, mommy

things i don't want to forget from this moment

2010-07-24T06:37:00.001-07:00

nose scrunches
wet kisses
singing "aaahhhhhhh" as loud as you can
grabbing mommy's mouth
morning smiles
chasing the dogs
giving zerberts
the way you look at your fingers
laughing at my hair
holding my hand as you fall asleep
trying to be extra cute so we won't put you to bed
your love for books and us reading to you
running circles in your walker
obsession with my iphone and the computer
those little block feet that get my kisses
how you lean forward to look out into the hall when you're on your changing table
how much you love bath time and the water
how gigi taught you to wave your arm and say "hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii"
the way you reach your little arms out for me
loving your swing
army crawling
zerberts under your arm make you laugh so hard I think it may hurt
finger painting with food
your disgusted face when you try something you don't like
trying to eat maggie the pugs tail
grabbing for everything you shouldn't have
hugging our necks
laying your head on my shoulder when your tired
the intense fight of sleep

much love and kisses, mommy

UT VOLS BABY

2010-07-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You made your daddy so happy today - you went with him to see the Neyland Stadium (home of the UT Vols, daddy's favorite team!)

Even though this does not look like a promising year for our team, and there was a lot of construction being done to the stadium, we still decided to find a decent spot to take a picture. One day we hope to take you to a football game here! However, you should go ahead and know that mommy's is NOT a huge sports fan, but she enjoys live games for the crowd and hot dogs :)

much love and orange kisses, mommy

Visiting Opa in the hospital

2010-07-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

This weekend we have been in Knoxville visiting your Opa in the hospital. Last week his left leg completely quit working, so we are spending some time with him while he has tests run and waits for surgery. You have know idea how much joy you are bringing everyone during this hard time! Your presence is uplifting to all, including the nurses :) You have been in the best mood and have been such a trooper through long days of sitting in Opa's room and running errands.

You have been incredibly good and have provided so many hugs and kisses to us all.

much love and kisses, mommy

the many faces of adeline

2010-07-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You are a super expressive baby! Daddy always says you get that from mommy :) I wish I could have a photo of every face that you make because I am madly in love with them all! Below are a few from a recent car ride. I think these were all within 2 minutes :)

much love and kisses, mommy

Swimming in the Big Pool!

2010-07-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

This past Sunday Mommy and Daddy took you swimming in your first big pool with Mrs. Linda and her family! You had a BLAST! Since you love being in the big bath tub so much, I really hoping you would love being in a big pool. You did not disappoint! First, mommy held you and bounced you around in the water to help you get comfortable. Once you were comfortable, we got in the pool and started walking around. Then we put you in your super cool float and you were so incredibly happy.

You also got some good time with your Mrs. Linda and her daughter Jamie! You are a lucky girl to have so many people love you!

We can't wait to take you swimming again! Maybe we should convince daddy to buy a pool? :)

much love and kisses, mommy

ARMY CRAWLING!!!

2010-07-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Our lives got a little more crazy on Thursday, July 8th! You started army crawling! Mommy and daddy were so shocked to see you actually going forward because you having been moving backward for so long! I think it was your motivation to get to the dogs that made you finally start doing it!

Every day since then, you are getting a little closer to actually crawling up on your knees. You haven't given up. Every chance you get, you get up on those little knees and try try again. I know any day now you are just going to take off!

We are so proud of you. You are a very determined little girl and I believe that God is going to use that determination to accomplish great things one day!

much love and kisses, mommy

Trip to Lawrenceburg to visit your Johnson family!

2010-07-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

This past weekend we went to Lawrenceburg to visit your Johnson family. When we first arrived, you were a little overwhelmed but you quickly settled in. Grammy and Granddaddy were so happy to have you! They even put up a swing in the front yard that you instantly fell in love with! We also went to your Mema Adeline and Papa's house to play with your cousins and aunt. You loved playing with the other kids! Then we went to meet mommy and daddy's good friends, Tommy, Tabatha and their two daughters to watch fireworks. You were amazed by the fireworks! You stared up with your mouth hanging open. It was adorable! On Sunday, we went to see Granddaddy's cows and made a visit to Aunt Dana and Uncle Larry's house where you played in their fountain and slid down the slide (with mommy and aunt dana's help). We will go back soon!

much love and kisses, mommy

Daddy Time!

2010-07-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I love taking pictures of you with your daddy. You really love him :) If only daddy was better with a camera so we could get more pictures of you and mommy!!

You absolutely love when daddy puts you on his shoulders. You get the biggest smile on your face while you grab two handfuls of his hair. You also love your cuddle time with him. Mommy thinks you seem so big because you are able to lay beside of us and cuddle like a big girl! Daddy also really enjoys putting you in the carrier and taking you outside to water the plants. You are really lucky to have a daddy to adore you!

much love and kisses, mommy

7 months!

2010-07-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You turned months on June 23rd! Mommy and Daddy are just amazed at how much you are changing every day! At seven months you are sitting up really well on your own and playing for long periods of time. You are also continuing to get up on your knees and rock back and forth. I just know you are going to take off any day and then I don't know what i'll do! You are full of so much life. You are so vocal (mommy and daddy are pretty sure you are always singing) and you love to laugh at everything.

Here you are in a dress that your Gigi gave you. I can't believe how big you look!

much love and kisses,
mommy

booty in the air

2010-06-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

When I get up in the night to check on you, I just melt when I see you all scrunched up with your little booty in the air. It's so adorable! I can't imagine how it would be comfortable, but you love it. When you were in the womb, I would watch my belly move around and then a big lump would pop up in the middle - it was you getting into position the way you do now!

It's just so cute that I couldn't resist mentioning it.

Sitting Up and Rocking on Your Knees

2010-06-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You have been working on this for quite a while, but you are almost perfectly sitting on your own now! When you start to wobble, you have learned to steady yourself. Every once and awhile, you will fall to the side and forget to put your arms out, but you are getting much better. Once you master going from sitting to belly, mommy will feel a lot better!

As for the crawling efforts, you have been getting up and down on your knees for the past week, and two days ago you really started rocking back and forth like you were ready to take off! I just know it's going to be any day and then I will be chasing you all over the house! You are so curious that I just know you will be into everything.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Fathers Day!

2010-06-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Because of your wonderful presence in our lives, your daddy got to have his first fathers day! We decided to make it a Father's Day weekend celebration. On Friday, you and daddy came to visit me at work in Nashville. Then we took daddy to Jim & Nicks BBQ, because BBQ is one of his favorite foods :) On Saturday (after your horrible fall) we had some of our close friends, the Saylor's, over for dinner. Then on Sunday after church, we went to one of daddy's favorite restaurants, El Ray, for lunch.

This year you got daddy a really cool gift. You got him a book called "SuperDaddy" in which HE is the main character! I think daddy was shocked, but really thought it was fun to have his face in a book!

We love daddy because of all that he does for us! He takes care of you and I like no other daddy could. You are very blessed to have him to love you.

much love and kisses, mommy

Mommy-only day

2010-06-26T10:57:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Last Sunday you had your first "mommy-only day." It was the day after your big fall, so everyone at church wanted to give you extra loving. However, you would not have it. Any time I tried to let someone hold you, the tears began to flow. You clung so tightly to me and kept your little head laying on my shoulder. You didn't even want to let Daddy hold you! And even though I kind of felt bad for everyone who is accustomed to holding you, I secretly loved every second of you only wanting me. There are so many times when I fear that you and I don't have a close enough connection due to me working so much, so when you showed me how you knew I was your comfort and protection - I was thrilled.

much love and kisses, mommy

6 month shots - almost 7 month appointment

2010-06-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Last Thursday, June 17, we took you for your six month appointment. Though you were actually six months on May 23, this was the first we could get you in.

You weighed 18lbs 13oz and were 28.5 inches long! You were in the 90th percentile in weight and about the 98th percentile in height! I personally think that you are just going to sprout up and eventually come to a halt, BUT I would really love for you to be at least average in height. Being short is no fun when shopping for pants! We are just so proud of you! You are a beautiful, happy and healthy little girl.

Here are some pictures of you on this day!

much love and kisses,
mommy

the sippy cup challenge

2010-06-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

This past Wednesday we decided it was time for you to try a sippy cup! You have been reaching for our water glasses for awhile and we have allowed you to have a sip out of them, so we thought you would be excited to try the sippy cup! Not so much. You found it interesting at first, but quickly became bored with it when you realized that it didn't light up or play music. Mommy tried to show you how to work it, and you seemed intrigued but eventually wanted no part with this strange object.

We will keep trying! We have been putting a little juice in it. Maybe we will try some formula to make it more attractive to you.

much love and kisses, mommy

the first fall

2010-06-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

The moment that mommy and daddy have been dreading since the day you were born happened today. You fell. Not just a fall over to the side or back while you were sitting on the carpet, but instead you dove off a big step and went head first onto the pavement. We were having family pictures taken this past weekend in the downtown Gallatin square and we decided that you would be fine if we leaned you back against a wall on a step. And this was not just any step - it was really wide! All of your legs and feet fit on it! But nevertheless, you dove head first onto the pavement and banged up the left side of your face along with a few scratches on your legs and toe. It was devastating. I don't know that I have ever felt more fear and terror in my entire life. Mommy and Daddy keep replaying the scenario and the fall in our heads.

Of course, we rushed you to the doctor where they checked you out and said that you were fine. I think I looked like a crazy mommy rushing in and saying "my daughter just fell face forward onto the pavement while we were having pictures done. I feel like to worlds worst mother!"

Any way, your spirt never faltered. You continued the day with laughter and lots of talking. Even though your face was so pitiful, you forgave mommy and daddy and helped us forgive ourselves by smothering us with your kisses and hugs. Then mommy let you finger paint with your food as an extra treat for a hard day.

MUCH love and extra kisses, mommy

first teeth!

2010-06-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

On June 7th, when mommy returned from her 4 day work trip in Florida, she came home to find that you had a little tooth coming through! We knew that it was probably going to happen eventually since you have been drooling for about three months and biting on everything that comes close to your mouth. As always, you grabbed my finger while I was holding you and started biting on it and I felt a sharp little stab - when I looked, one of your bottom little teeth was coming in! Since then, you have another tooth right beside it coming through! I can't believe that at a little over six months you had your first tooth coming through and now a second. Our little girl is growing up!

much love and kisses, mommy

it's all new

2010-06-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

It's been a tiny bit since I updated your blog, so before I head off to dreamland I thought I would!

Every day you are changing. It seems to happen so fast that the phrase "you blink and it's gone by" almost is coming to fruition. I want you to know that I am deeply in love with watching your every movement and facial expressions, but most of all - I love watching you discover something new. The discovery of something new is a rare thing for grown-ups to experience. When you are young, everything is new. You are seeing the world through fresh eyes. And even though mommy and daddy normally have to travel off somewhere to see something that our eyes have never seen, we don't have to do that any more. Through your bright and cheery eyes, we get to experience it all over again except it's possibly better this time. Why? Because watching you experience the world gives us a fresh perspective. Now, what I see is that the world is much more beautiful when I'm not viewing it as what it can do for me, but instead - what it is doing for others. What it is showing you.

You are magical. Those eyes and mouth give away all that you are thinking and feeling. I love that babies are not ashamed to feel exactly as they want to feel and express exactly as they want to express. They aren't jaded to being "politically correct" or "polite." They are just themselves with no apologies. And you being yourself, lights up my soul. I would do anything to see you smile, laugh, or light up. But honestly, these days it doesn't take much. You hear a strange sound, see a bright color, feel a new texture, and your face starts to glow. I think right now I could pull out a whisk and you would be impressed! It's incredibly fun to watch your go from sheer delight to a furrowed brow while you are trying to figure out how it works and what you can do with it. Little girl -your adventures are mine too. Thank YOU for letting me be cool enough to hang around you :)

This is just a little random note for the night of what I was think. And as always, i will leave you with a few new photos!

much love and kisses, mommy

The nose scrunch

2010-05-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

One of mommy and daddy's favorite new things you are doing is the most adorable nose scrunch the world has ever seen! You get so excited and happy and you start to scrunch your nose while you are smiling or laughing. I think it's just a fun new quirk of your personality! We hope you keep this for a long time.

much love and kisses, mommy

The Texas Great Grandparents!

2010-05-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

This past weekend your great grandparents, Jeannette and Papa, drove all the way from Canyon Lake, Texas (18 hours!) just to see you! You are their first great granddaughter :) You really liked both of them! You feel in love with Jeannette's necklace, so you held on pretty tight to her! And then Papa's funny face made you smile really big! They came bearing some of the most adorable outfits for you which we did a mini fashion show in. We all went to eat at September's Cafe in Hendersonville on Saturday night, then on Sunday we went to church and to lunch. It was a wonderful weekend and we hope to visit them in Texas soon!

much love and kisses, mommy

swimsuit ready

2010-05-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Your Great Grandmother and Grandfather, Jeannette and Papa gave you this adorable pink and brown swimsuit! It's so cute that I couldn't resist adding these pictures to your blog. Now we just need to get you a little pool and we will be set!

much love and kisses, mommy

6 month pictures

2010-05-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Here you are one day from being six months old. You are the most gorgeous baby who is full of love and joy. Everyone says that you look so much older in these pictures and that makes mommy a little sad :( However, I still love watching you discover new things. Your little face lines up and you really focus hard. Mommy loves new experiences so she thinks it's incredible to watch you have so many.

much love and kisses, mommy

pulling up to stand

2010-05-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You have learned a new trick in the past couple of weeks! When you are laying down and we go to pull you up, you grab our fingers and pull up to a standing position! You love doing this! You are really getting so good at standing and you always look so proud when you are doing it. You will stand for a long time when you are holding on to us. And I can feel that sitting on your own is coming very soon! You are able to sit up unsupported for about 5 -7 seconds at a time. Mommy and Daddy love watching you grow!

much love and kisses, mommy

5 months almost 6...growing growing

2010-05-15T05:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I just returned from putting you in the bed next to us so you could fall back asleep. That's become a regular habit in the early mornings...you seem to love being in bed with us just as much as we love being with you. As I lay there beside of you I started thinking about how this past month of your life has gone by quickly and I want to make sure I remember all that has happened.

This has been a month of extreme growth and new discoveries. You have really become very good at being on your stomach. You can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back. You "scooch" around everywhere when we lay you on the ground. You most recent feat is scooting backwards. Mrs. Linda said you actually moved yourself under the couch yesterday! You can hold yourself up so incredibly well and play with everything around you...as your daddy says "you're so neat to watch."

You have also been getting better at sitting up. You can sit up perfect when assisted and every once in awhile, mommy will let go and you can hold yourself up on your own for out 8-10 seconds before you tumble over to the side. You LOVE toys. You are the most curious baby and want to grab, taste, shake, hold everything. Your eyes get so big and bright when you see something you want. Your exersaucer and jumper are still your favorites. You jump like when have doped you up on caffine for long periods and when you are in your exersaucer you reach and bite everything. You love the little book best of all. You flip the pages back and forth, back and forth.

Solids are going so well for you. You definitely love to eat! These past two months you have experienced bananas, squash, apples, carrots, pears, sweet potatoes, and prunes. You actually really loved all of them but I think your favorite is squash and carrots. Rice cereal is still not your favorite but we keep giving it to you anyway because some days you like it better than others. The other day you blew your food all over Mrs. Linda - guess you thought it was a new game!

Stomach sleeping has now become your thing. You started this last Wednesday night, May 5th. Mommy woke up in the morning to find you on your belly. I fought very hard for a week to try to keep you on your back, but you wouldn't have it...a tummy sleeper had been born. Now you go immediately to your tummy if laid down on your back and you pull one knee up and have one leg stretched out - it's so cute seeing your little bottom pushed up into the air! You still fight going down for naps - you just don't want to miss anything! We either rock you or lay down beside of you. Many people tell us that it's easier to just lay you down and let you learn to fall asleep on your own, but mommy and daddy don't mind the inconveinence. We figure this period in your life is too short and we love that you want us. One day you won't and that already makes mommy sad!!

A few other things to mention is that now when we hold your hands to pull you up, you get your feet in position and immediately stand up! It's your new trick that you are having fun with. You still love all people but you are starting to get upset when mommy leaves the room, even if there are others around. I'll admit - I love this :) I love that you want me! Also, you have been doing this adorable thing this past month where you reach up and brush your fingers across our face constantly. It's like your trying to grab it but it's so light that I think you just like to feel us there.

You love being held in the air like superman. You laugh more and more every day. You've started trying to roll off your changing table which has caused mommy to have to say her first "No mam'm!" All these things I have listed above make me love you more and more and cause me to never want to look away from you for fear that I will miss a new discovery that brings excitement to your eyes.

Each month gets better and better.

much love and kisses, mommy

Jonah and Lydia

2010-05-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I'm a little late posting this, but two weeks ago our good friends the Willis's and the Webster's came over and brought their kids, Jonah and Lydia. Their mommies, Jessica and Kristen along with myself ADORE taking pictures of our babies together. After grilling our and sitting around talking and enjoying each others company, we put you kids on the couch for a photo shoot. It was hysterical to see the three of you interacting. I'm so glad that you already have good sweet friends in your life :) I pray this is the start of Jesus surrounding you with amazing people for all of your days.

much love and kisses, mommy

sleeping patterns

2010-05-03T09:11:00.001-07:00

Dear Adeline,

I wanted to write to remember your crazy napping pattern that has begun. Gone are the days of you falling asleep anywhere and sleeping for 2-3 hours, but instead here are the days of relentless fighting because you don't want to nap. You are an incredibly curious baby who never wants to miss ANYTHING. And on top of everything, you don't like to nap in your bed. You will sleep in it for about 20 minutes and then wake up. We have now been trying to find places for you to sleep besides in our arms, your favorite place. We have recently found out that you enjoy sleeping on the guest bed. I think because the room is dark and the bed is cozy. We will take what we can get right now. Luckily, you still sleep 9 -11 hours through the night.

much love and kisses, mommy

reaching and rolling!

2010-05-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You started something new yesterday - reaching for mommy! You would see me close and reach both of your little arms out and look at me. When I saw you do this - my heart soared! You wanted me :) It's a wonderful feeling to be wanted by your child. Some may say that I spoil you by always picking you up when you fuss for me, but I don't care. You need me - i'm here for you. At least I don't mind now :) Even though I want you to always love people, I look forward to the day that you reach for me when you are in someone else's arms. That will be special.

And today, we couldn't believe our eyes - you rolled over from back to tummy and then after a couple of minutes you rolled over from your tummy to back. FINALLY! We are excited at the possibility of no more loud screaming when you are on your tummy and wanting on your back. You did it a couple more times after that first time so maybe it will stick!

As always, we are proud of your every accomplishment.

much love and kisses, mommy

chew chew chew

2010-05-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Even though we can't see any teeth coming in yet, you are chewing on absolutely everything that you can get your hands on. But your very favorite chew toy is this little round yellow giraffe that was one of the first toys you ever grabbed and held in your hands. It's so cute how you will bite it and shake your head around like you just can't get a good enough grip. It's adorable. You are adorable. Daddy and I probably say that about 100 times a day.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Highchair!

2010-05-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Well, mommy is working hard to catch up on all the moments she missed blogging while internet did not exist in our home. Next up - your first time in the highchair! You actually used this for the first time on Easter. You really did great! You loved when i was wheeling you around and I think you felt very proud that you were sitting up eating. Your great grandfather and grandmother , Papa and Jeanette, gave this to you. We are so thankful they did because it's now used all the time!

much love and kisses, mommy

First Easter

2010-04-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Last Sunday was your first Easter! You had a really big day. Your Grammy and Grandpappy were here and celebrated the weekend with you. Your Gigi and Opa sent you an Easter basket with two super cute outfits and a taggie toy and book. Grammy and Grandpappy also gave you an easter basket with eggs and a white bunny. They also gave you a super cute outfit and a toy that you will be able to play with soon! And mommy and daddy gave you a stuff bunny with a soft pink blanket attached to it. You really love all of your new stuff. Then we went to church and you spent about 20 minutes in the nursery because you were loudly grunting and trying to poop. It was so hard for mommy and daddy to do it, but I don't think you minded. The workers just held and cuddled you the whole time. After church, Aunt Manda and Uncle Adam came with all of us to have lunch at Cracker Barrel where you began the grabbing everything off the table phase. It was really cute to watch :) Then Manda and Adam came over to the house where we played around outside for awhile. It was a great day :)

much love and kisses, mommy

Catch Up!

2010-04-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Please forgive me for slacking off on the past couple of weeks of your blog! We have been without internet which has made it impossible to keep up to date. You are currently 19 weeks old and will be 20 weeks on Monday. You are growing and changing what seems like daily. You are our happy happy baby who loves people, smiling and laughing. Your laugh has become Daddy and I's favorite sound in the whole world. It's so addicting that we probably wear you out once we figure out ways to keep you laughing! Most recently you have been sitting up very well, still assisted, but very well. You have started eating solid foods that have only included rice cereal and bananas up to this point, But you only started 3 weeks ago. You are rolling around a lot on your play mat. When you are on your belly you do spend more time pushed up and looking around trying to grab for toys and most importantly, you are trying to crawl! Now, I would describe this as more of a "schooching" than a crawl because you are able to get your legs and knees up and push forward with your feet...you move but your upper body is just being pushed along for the ride. However, when you realize that you can't really go far - you start yelling. It's actually hysterical because you aren't crying, you are just yelling because you so obviously want to move! After you have yelled for a bit, we turn you back to your belly but then you are almost more angry that we disturbed your process that you start yelling more then roll yourself back over.

You love interacting with people. You are "talking" loudly and squealing often which is oh-so-cute! We also love watching you in your jumperoo and exersaucer. You are really reaching and playing with toys now and you LOVE to move! You're becoming a wiggly little thing. Every moment you continue to astound us. You're amazing and we are so excited to continue to watch you grow.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Your Dedication at Church

2010-03-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

On Sunday, we dedicated you to the Lord with all of our family by our side and in front of our church congregation. This was a beautiful day. Beth Allison, our Pastor's wife, told the story of your miracle conception while all of our family was on stage and you were peacefully looking around at everyone. Then Pastor Aaron prayed for your life, that you would always be surrounded with people who love the Lord and that God would always be very close to you. Then he prayed for your mommy and daddy and all the family. We stood up there proud as can be because you are our daughter. You have been dedicated to the Lord since I knew of your conception. The Lord spoke to me using the story of Samuel. His mother was so amazed and blessed by his conception that she dedicated him to the Lord and he went on to do amazing things. In fact, on the back of the mothers necklace I wear with your name, it has 1 Samuel 1:27 "For this child I have prayed and the Lord answered." We have always known your are God's and he has blessed us with the chance to raise you.

Your Gigi and Opa bought you a beautiful bonnet and dress from Strasburg for the special day. Hopefully one day your daughter will wear this!

much love and kisses, mommy

Week with Gigi

2010-03-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

Last week was your monthly week with your Gigi! She is always SO excited to spend time with you. You absolutely love her, too. You guys did lots and lots of playing, singing and sleeping together. This week was also a very big week for you! It's almost as if we blinked and suddenly you are reaching for toys and us like crazy! Today you actually were open mouth kissing mommy's face! You have been reaching out for my face whenever I am close and you have began to hold on as we carry you around on our shoulder. These are really amazing milestones because you are started to act as if you know what you are doing...why you are reaching. Also, now that you can roll over, you were rolling over so much that we couldn't keep you on your back. You are so amazed with yourself! And when you do get over, we would all watch as you were trying your hardest to crawl but it looked more like swimming. However, we are pretty sure once you can get that upper body off the ground really well, you will probably get the hang of it!

While Gigi was here, she and mommy made you a dress! It was our first dress that we have ever made but we were pretty proud and you looked smashing in it! We took you outside for a photoshoot to show it off.

Here are some pictures that I hope you will always treasure of you and your Gigi!

much love and kisses, mommy

Your new friend Annabelle

2010-03-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

You have a new friend! Mommy and Daddy's friends, Joanna and Stephen, came over for dinner last Saturday night and brought their adorable daughter, Annabelle. Annabelle is 6 weeks older than you but you both seem to take to each other pretty fast. Of course Joanna and I immediately set you up for a photo shoot with big bows on your heads. You seemed interested in Annabelle but because of your age difference I think she was a little more curious about you as you can see in the pictures. You really liked Annabelle's daddy, he got you laughing pretty good. Annabelle also shared her sweet potatoes so that you could see what you thought. This was your very first taste of any food substance besides milk. As you can see from the pictures, they were not your favorite at first. You made the worst face I have ever seen you make! But by the third tiny sample, you were opening your mouth and leaning forward toward the spoon!

We will be playing with Annabelle again soon :)

much love and kisses, mommy

You rolled over!

2010-03-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Adeline,

On Thursday, March 12, You rolled over from your back to your tummy! I couldn't believe it. I was sitting on the couch watching you play on your playmat, and you were hanging out on your side which you had been doing for a couple of weeks and then all of a sudden you just rolled over on your tummy like you had always been doing it! You had an issue with getting your left arm out from underneath you but you eventually figured it out. You're brilliant in mommy and daddy's eyes! Once you got the hang of it you flung yourself back on your back and then back to your tummy! You did this a few times - I think you were amazed at your new trick! Now you have become a pro at it. We can't hardly put you on your back without you flopping over on your tummy. Your are actually trying to crawl! You are still far from it you you move those arms and lift your knees back and forth like you know what to do. I think as soon as you get your back and neck stronger you will do better at this. We are so proud!

much love and kisses, mommy

Daddy

2010-03-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Adeline,

Today I am thinking about your Daddy and wanted you to hear a little from me on how much he loves us. This week Daddy has been so gracious to mommy because she has been very sick with a stomach bug. Daddy has taken amazing care of you while mommy recovers. We didn't want me to be with you too much because we really don't want you to get this! Your daddy has not complained once about having to watch you while mommy rests. And I know you are probably thinking, "who would complain about watching me?" But Daddy has been working hard all week and he comes home and takes over like a champ. You love spending time with him. You smile and chuckle. He loves you and I very very much and would do anything for us. We are so blessed that God chose him to be in our lives because it means that we have someone who will always love us and do what he can to make us happy and healthy. Cheers to Daddy for his kindness, gentleness, love, patience and support.

Much love and kisses, mommy

Naked Baby!

2010-03-11T08:18:00.001-08:00

Dear Adeline,

I know you will absolutely not understand until you have your own child, but I just love your little chubby naked body! It's so adorable. And it's inevitable that mommy would take naked pictures of you because your Gigi did it to her. I actually think you enjoy no clothes. You seem so happy and free. Maybe being a hippy is in your future :)

much love and kisses, mommy