Living Lacey

The Truth Of It Is...

2011-02-04T20:30:00.001-05:00

I love blogging. It may not seem that way since it's been awhile, but it's true. I originally created this blog to share pictures with our family so they wouldn't miss out on all the craziness of the kids. What I'm realizing is that this blog is truly a break from the craziness and it's really for me. It's a quiet moment of reflection. It's a picture of what our life looks like aside from the daily chaos. It's a celebration of who we are, where we've been, and who we are becoming. I love that. I love watching God at work in and through our lives. I love having the opportunity to sit down at the computer every once in awhile and "pen" our story.

So here's where we are: Justin is still living with us and continues to recover at an encouraging pace. He uses a crutch or a cane to walk and continues strengthening his leg during therapy. He is back to work full time and juggles his schedule like a pro. He never complains and I am truly proud of his progress. He loves our kids and is so patient when they are loud and crazy. Addie & Myles love having him around and it's kinda sad that he's back to work and not home as much as he used to be.

Brandon turns 32 tomorrow. There is no way to say just how blessed I am that God saw fit to bring the two of us together. My mom always told me that I read too many fairy tales and my expectations in a man needed to be more realistic. Let me tell you...this man is Prince Charming in even more ways than I could have ever imagined. He is such an amazing man of character who loves with all of his heart. Happy Birthday, sweetheart. I love you.

The kiddos are growing like weeds. Addie has outgrown the 4T pants that I bought her only months ago. She is so tall and so "grown up". Today she was cleaning up her toys and asked if she could put her toys in the dump truck and then dump them into their box. She looked at me and said, "Does that make sense?" Brandon and I just looked at each other like "Did she really just say that??" She is a very grown up three year old.

Myles is teething. Still. That one stinking molar just doesn't want to come in. I've been seeing the top of it for at least a month and it still won't pop all the way out! Myles is generally a happy boy, but teething tends to knock him off his game. (Thank you, again, Uncle Justin, for being patient with the kids!)

My life is a bit crazy and hectic (when is it not?), but I love it. I believe in what I do. Whether I'm at home with the kids or working at the church, I feel like what I do is bigger than me. The "big picture" is so amazing and humbling. I'm grateful God has entrusted me with the huge responsibility of raising children and being the greatest human source of love my husband receives. I'm so excited to see where He takes us as a family. I'm excited about my church family too. We've got a lot going on right now with going multi-site and I really feel like God is at work among us. I am hearing amazing stories every week and I can't help but be excited to be a part of it. God is amazing. I can't wait to see what He's capable of!

All in all, I am blessed.

Update on Justin

2010-09-25T08:20:00.000-04:00

Brandon and I have been at the hospital since yesterday staying with Justin. It is hard to watch him in pain and frustrating to know that we can't really do a whole lot to help him. He is handling the pain well and is scheduled for surgery in the next day or so. Please keep him in your prayers and feel free to hop on over to his blog to get the updates and leave a comment. www.justinrlacey.blogspot.com

Justin

2010-09-23T19:33:00.001-04:00

Brandon's brother Justin was hit by a car yesterday while he was biking. Go to www.justinrlacey.blogspot.com to see the details and leave a comment for Justin. Keep him in your prayers!!!

Milestones

2010-09-08T21:23:00.006-04:00

Addison started preschool yesterday!

Addie has been talking about going to preschool since May of this past year at least. I mean, every day she asked if it was time for preschool yet. So Brandon and I dropped her off yesterday and she seems distracted and not really aware of the fact that the long awaited day has finally arrived. Kinda like No big deal, mom. We walked her into her class, kissed her goodbye, and headed out the door. She seemed a little hesitant, but I knew she would warm up quickly. I picked her up a few hours later expecting to hear her gush about how much fun she had. I got nothing. Her teacher said she had a great time, but it was like pulling teeth to find out exactly what she did at preschool. She did tell me that she had sand in her toes, so I'm assuming she played in the sandbox. She also told me she washed her hands. Great, honey. I took her to McDonald's playland for lunch and the girl narrated her every move to me from the play area. Figures.

It's a Big Day!

Talking to Grandma on the way

Making Sure She Knows She's Loved!

Hanging Up Her Backpack...Ready to Go!

Myles Turned A Year Old Today!

He's walking all over the place, getting a few words like no, uh oh, and hi, and has the cutest curls EVER. He laughs all the time and still finds a few moments to cuddle with mom. Love it. We're celebrating his birthday a few times this month, so lots more pics to come!

Thinning Out...So Sad!

Mama's Boy

Contemplating His First Year

Curls!

Myles is Walking!!!

2010-08-24T19:00:00.003-04:00

My little man has taken many "first steps", but on Sunday he took two steps. This morning he took four toward his daddy (whose back was toward him so he missed it) and this afternoon he rocked 15 steps toward Elmo on the tv. Figures, doesn't it? He was so cute. He has made many more attempts since then and even put a little speed behind some of them. : ) I wanted a close-up video, so it's sideways...you get the idea, right?

Summer Highlights

2010-07-31T22:24:00.009-04:00

I had a few moments to myself this evening and came up with a few pictures that describe our summer so far. Here are the highlights of our lives right now:

Myles is almost 11 months old and has just taken his first step. He'll be walking soon!

Addison turned three in May and is having fun dressing up, using her imagination, and practicing her potty-training. Yay!

Brandon and I are still working on remodeling our house. We are getting close! We have a little bit of painting to do and then we can lay the new floors. The end is in sight for this phase and I am really looking forward to enjoying the result of all our hard work.

Enjoy the pics!

Myles eating his first finger foods

It doesn't get any better than this!

Can't get enough of his smile

Myles at the lake in Alabama

Myles & Grandpa Lacey

Me & the kiddies on Mother's Day

So serious

Not so serious fun at the lake house with Kyleigh & Cole

Addison the Southern Belle

She loves shoes!

A picture is worth a thousand words

An unintentional pose in her "Cinderella Dress"

This is what happened when I told her to pose. So funny.

It's About Time!!

2010-05-22T22:51:00.004-04:00

It's embarrassing how long it's taken me to get some pictures on here. Addison turns three years old tomorrow and I figured I should post some before she turns four. : )

Myles is mobile. He's been crawling for quite some time and is pulling up. Won't be long before we have a little walker on our hands! He has four teeth right now with two more trying to make their appearance. We love teething!!! : )

Myles met Mamaw in Georgia in April...

...and the rest of the Georgia family too!

Myles and Cousin Brenna (wouldn't she make a great big sister?!)

Apparently Aunt Jenny is the baby whisperer : )

Addison & Brenna were so cute with each other...only two months apart

We remodeled our kitchen (now you know why I haven't posted recently!!)

Can you tell they love each other?

He's thinning out but still eating tons!

He loves to cuddle with his mom!

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These...

2010-02-14T19:41:00.006-05:00

What IS she singing?!?!
Once Upon A Dream (from Sleeping Beauty)

Playing Catch-Up

2010-02-07T10:46:00.010-05:00

It seems like Christmas couldn't have been over a month ago. Time has flown by so fast and I've barely had an opportunity to take pictures, let alone post them! Christmas was an amazing time spent with both sides of our family. Brandon's parents and our beloved Auntie Annie came from Georgia to spend the holidays with us. My parents, my sister Sarah, and my sister Cheryl (who is practically my neighbor) and her family joined us for dinner Christmas Eve. We had a crazy houseful and we all survived. Better yet, I took a much needed nap while dinner was being prepared and woke up to the call to come to the table! What girl gets to do that when she invites people over?!?! : ) Our families are amazing and I am so grateful for them.

Things are finally beginning to settle down for us. I have changed jobs and am working two days a week at our church. Brandon is working a ton in an effort to put us in a good financial position by the end of the year. Addison is loving spending time with Miss Katie who comes to watch she and Myles while I work. Addison has been conversational for awhile, but it's hilarious to hear some of the things she comes up with. Myles is 5 months and HUGE! He was over 14 lbs. at his four month appointment and he just keeps getting bigger. Addie was a big baby too, but she had chubby cheeks. Myles has jowls. Hilarious. We tried rice cereal the other day, but I don't think he's quite ready yet. He's got two teeth on the bottom that are trying to come in and that's making things fun for everyone. He's still sleeping 11 or 12 hours a night, but naptime has become a series of cat naps where it used to be a 2 or 3 hour affair. The congestion he's experiencing from teething wakes him up and makes him one unhappy camper. My happy little man is a teething crankster! :) Good thing teething doesn't last forever!

I love when he smiles

The tired look

Waking up happy

Addison is a great big sister
(although feeding him got old after 30 seconds)

Aunt Annie & the kiddos

Cole, Kyleigh, Addison, & Myles at Christmas

What a great gift from Aunt Donna! Love it!

Addie loves this bear and makes sure I know it was from Mamaw every time she talks about it.

Ready to play in the snow

Keeping warm with the cousins

Uncle Luke & Addie made a snowman

You mean you're not supposed to eat the snowman when you're done?!?!

Hilarious video of the kids...they could see themselves on the tv...that's why Kyleigh & Addie aren't looking at the camera. Cole, the performer, didn't let himself get distracted. Check out Myles (compliments of Cheryl) in the background. I love these kids!!!

I'm not sure how the bunny ears ended up on Myles head, but the smile on his face as Kyleigh sang to him was adorable.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

2009-12-19T18:47:00.009-05:00

Pictures with Santa...it's amazing what a difference a year makes! Last year's picture with Santa featured ONE little Lacey and now there's TWO!! Not only that, but this year, Addison is actually semi-smiling. We were nowhere near that last year! Myles is such a big kid (he's showing you some of his chins here) and a happy baby too.

Auntie Kimmie bought Addie & Myles super cute Christmas outfits. Myles would have had his picture taken with Auntie Kimmie too, however, he pooped through his outfit that night. That's our boy!!!

Addie & I got to ride the train after she got her picture taken with Santa. Her baby doll, Wendy, is enjoying the ride as much as we did. Wendy goes everywhere Addie does (see her with Santa?) which is awesome because she was a gift from one of my best friends from college, Elizabeth.

It started snowing while we were at the mall and by the time this morning rolled around, we had about 13" on the ground. Addie was so excited, she couldn't sleep last night and a nap this afternoon was out too. We played outside with Cheryl, Cole, & Kyleigh and had a great time!!!

Just hanging out

Sinking in the snow

Kyleigh workin' hard at pulling Addie on the sled (ok, boogie board)

Addison's 1st Snowball Fight!

Only in Virginia would you see a canoe being pulled behind a vehicle in the snow!!

NYC

2009-12-07T21:18:00.002-05:00

We're in New York and already having a great time! We arrived today and have walked all over Times Square. We're going to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall tomorrow compliments of Sarah's boyfriend Rick (thank you Rick!!!!) and then going to see Phantom on Wednesday. So excited!!! I love the atmosphere of this city...so full of energy and absolutely decked out for Christmas. I'm so glad we're here. I'm not getting back on the computer for the rest of the trip (Internet ain't free in NYC!!!), but I'll post pics when I get home. I miss you Brandon and love you so much!!!

They are getting so big!

2009-11-25T08:56:00.004-05:00

I took these pictures last week and am just now getting around to posting them...embarrassing!

My favorite pic of Brandon & Myles so far

We set up the Christmas tree last week and Addison helped us decorate. She was in charge of the icicles and let's just say that the bottom of the tree is carrying a lot of weight! She loves the tree so much that we decided to get her a miniature tree for her room-so cute!

Myles has found his thumb

Addison learned how to button her own shirt (while showing off and singing her abc's)

Myles has been "talking" my ear off lately

They're growing up too quickly!!!

Mickey D's

2009-11-13T10:30:00.005-05:00

We went to McDonald's this week to eat lunch with Auntie Kim, Auntie Jenn, and baby (not really a baby anymore) Elle. Addie had a great time playing and even stopped to pose for a few pictures with Elle. Auntie Jenn has plenty of pictures of Elle eating a mountain of french fries on her blog, but I'm here to set the record straight...now we see who REALLY ate the fries! Caught ya girl!!!Here's a few pics of the kids enjoying themselves. Oh, and for some reason, Addison has pooped in her diaper both times we've been at the McDonald's play area. We've met Auntie Kim there both times, so my question is: is it the play area or Auntie Kim that inspires this purging? Either way, I think Myles has caught on...I had to change two very dirty diapers while we were there! Thanks Auntie Kim??? : )

Addison & Elle

Peek-a-boo!

First time at McDonald's!

This is as high as they got-it's an awkward climb!

Can't believe how long her ponytails are!

Climbing high

Pooped
(meaning tired, people!)

Saturday's a Work Day!

2009-11-08T21:13:00.003-05:00

We made our bed

Can't forget to put the railing up!

Made brownies for church in the morning

Swept up the kitchen

Washed the windows

Washed the back doors

and still had enough energy to go outside & get rid of some leaves

I know it looks like Addison did all the work, but Brandon and I did our share too-promise! : )

**************

My mom came up on Friday to play with the kids while I got some work hours in. Myles loves being held by both of his grandmas!Grandma T must have talked awhile...: )

Eight weeks

2009-11-05T11:03:00.008-05:00

Myles was eight weeks old this past Tuesday. Although he and Addison have been sick this week, we're still celebrating! Myles has a doctor's appointment on Tuesday of next week and I'm hoping the doctor is going to tell me that he's growing the way he should. He's definitely a happy little man...smiling even though he can't breathe through his nose. He's a doll. How did I get two good babies?!?! : )

I'm 8 weeks old...yay!!!

Well...Myles is celebrating...Addison looks a bit smug : )

Trick or Treat!!!

2009-10-31T20:49:00.005-04:00

Funny story...I was getting Addison ready for trick or treating tonight and I asked her what she needed to say when she went up to people's doors. My daughter's reply? She got right to the heart of the issue and said "how much?". That's my girl! Needless to say, we taught her the appropriate phrase and had a great time gathering candy along with her cousins Cole (ninja) and Kyleigh (butterfly).

Ready to Trick or Treat! Nice face, Brandon!She makes a pretty cute ladybugThe ninja, the butterfly, and the ladybug
Daddy makes her look so tiny!

Enjoying her stash

Our "Little Terror" who is so far from a terror

Our little pumpkins

The post-game interview : )

Grandma & Grandpa are here...

2009-10-30T16:11:00.004-04:00

and we're having a great time!

Not sure what to think of this Grandma lady : )

Oh yeah, I like her!

Sleeping...who sleeps with their arms out like this?!

Best way to wake up...a little brother in your bed!

Can't believe these two kids are mine!

Random

2009-10-27T12:23:00.003-04:00

Just a few random pics...
Addie, Auntie Cheryl, Cousin Cole, & Myles

Addie LOVES holding her baby brother!

Bath time is exhausting!

Sweet dreams

Auntie Sarah

Isn't this cool?!? Cheryl made this to hang in Myles nursery.
It coordinates with his bedding and I love it!

Treasure

2009-10-16T15:10:00.006-04:00

Our basement caught on fire yesterday. Long story short, everyone is fine and all we have is some smoke damage but let me tell you, something like that makes you think. I always felt like I would have time to get certain things out of the house if we ever had a fire...right. Brandon was busy trying to put out the fire and I grabbed the kids and ran out of the house after calling 911. (Thanks for getting here so fast, guys! Forest Fire Dept. rocks!!) There was no time for anything other than escape. Scary. Makes you re-evaluate what is important and what's not. Wedding albums, important documents, cars...all of it means nothing. If we had escaped with just the clothes on our backs, it would have been okay. My family means more to me than any of the stuff that fills my house. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful that everything in our house is fine but I am even more grateful for Brandon and the two children God has given me. They are amazing.

Baking pumpkin muffins with momHe's one strong boy!Father & SonFinally caught a smile on camera!

ABC's & 1 2 3's

2009-10-08T18:18:00.009-04:00

Myles and me

Yeah, he can fly...

He loves his bath...loves pooping in it too...gross

He's going to love me for these someday

So cute when he sleeps...

...and when he's awake too!

Huh???

I've got SO much to write about! We've had a full week and I'm going to try my best to fit it all in without writing a novel.

Addison has had a fever all week...that's the only not so fun one so I figured I'd get it out of the way! She took her baby doll's temperature and announced "40 lbs!"
Addie went pee-pee in the potty at our house this week...we're getting there!
Addie went poopy in her big girl undies today...ok, so the fever wasn't the only not so fun news : )
We (Brandon, Addison, Grandma T & I) carved pumpkins yesterday and had so much fun.
We also made two pumpkin pies and two apples pies. So much for watching our weight.
Addison said her ABC's yesterday for the first time-so smart!
Myles is officially one month old today!!!!
Myles is still doing great. Starting to hold his head up more and definitely staying awake more. He's been cooing at us all week and his whole face lights up when his daddy talks to him. It is absolutely adorable. I can't believe he's a whole month old now!!

Addie & her "big girl undies"

Ready for the cold

Sniffing the pumpkin (she wrapped her arms around it and said "I love it!")

He loves me!

Cutting up pumpkin for the pies

Not too bad, eh?

Nothing says "fall" like carved pumpkins and thermal pj's!

Caramel Apples and Sugar Cookies

2009-10-03T16:10:00.011-04:00

Fall is here! I was feeling in the "fall mood"one night in the last week or so and had Cheryl and the kids over to make caramel apples and decorate sugar cookies. We had so much fun!

Addie's version of caramel apple making (don't worry...stove's off)

Cole cutting out sugar cookies while Addie & Cheryl butter wax paper for caramel apples

Kyleigh & Addie decorating cookies

Some of our cookies

Bring on the cold weather...I have footie pj's!!

Have sweater...will smile!

All we need now is a sweater like Addie's!

Family Update:

Everything is going just fine around here. Myles is still doing a great job eating and sleeping. He's always excelled at pooping! I'm excited for when he can do more than the three basics, but I certainly am not wishing this phase away either. I remember thinking that once we hit the three week mark with Addison, she became so much more aware of us and the major feeling of "Oh my gosh, we have a baby!" became less panicked and more filled with awe. : ) We certainly didn't have as much panic this time around, but I still feel like the three week mark was monumental. Myles is awake more of the time and is enthralled by the lights in our house. We are still amazed that he is ours and that we have TWO kids! Speaking of two kids...Addison spent the last week at Grandma T's house with Papa and Aunt Sarah where she helped make bread and pound chicken for dinner. She had tons of fun and even went pee-pee on the potty TWICE!!! She has a little fever right now, so I'm trying to keep the kids separated from each other. Good luck, right? I'll keep you posted...

Has it been two weeks already?!?

2009-09-23T10:06:00.009-04:00

The time has flown by since Myles arrived. He is such a good baby. He sleeps quite a bit still and really only cries when he's hungry or has a messy diaper. Of course, I don't think I've changed one diaper that was just wet...this boy is quite good at making messy diapers! I won't tell you who I think he takes after-you can guess. :) We are all doing just fine and getting back in the swing of things. Brandon starts a new job on the 29th of this month, so we're waiting to see what that will bring. God tends to hit us with a few things at once, but we are SO grateful for the opportunity He has given us in this new job. You might as well get all the transitions done in one shot, right? Speaking of transitions, we're trying to get Addison to potty on the toilet. I sat her on the toilet before her bath on Monday and told her she needed to try. She sat there for maybe a second before spotting her daddy's construction magazine. She had to have it. Apparently I have two children who take after...well, you know...

That's our girl!!

Trying to "get the poopy out"-no success

Myles' attempt

Success!

Still sleeping a lot

Two weeks old!

It's So Good To Be Home!

2009-09-12T11:42:00.005-04:00

I love home. I think Myles does too. He's doing so well and we are really enjoying him. We are looking forward to getting used to our "new normal" and watching these two little people in our house interact with each other. : )

Sweet Dreams

Look at that little nose!

Grandma Lacey

He sleeps a lot!

Grandma T

Kinda smiling...mostly gas

The Lacey's...check out Cheryl in the background!! :)

Our neighbor, Ted, brought us a cake...pretty creative!

Myles Beckett Lacey

2009-09-08T18:09:00.003-04:00

He's here! I think I had just about the easiest birth I could hope for. After a bumpy start, Myles Beckett was born at 12:59pm weighing 8 lbs. even and measuring 21 inches long. Brandon's Aunt Annie was in the delivery room and is now convinced that all the horror stories she's heard about labor must be absolutely untrue. : ) We have truly been blessed. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we have two children!!!! God is so good. Thank you to everyone who has called or text. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. Enjoy the pictures!

Introducing Myles Beckett Lacey!

Cuddled Up

Aunt "That was labor?!?!" Annie

Proud Daddy

One Happy Mom!

Here we go...

2009-09-08T07:16:00.003-04:00

We're on our way to the hospital. We're supposed to be there at 8:00am and I am so anxious just to get this thing going. It's so strange knowing that today is the day that we are going to have a son. I'm tearing up just saying that. My heart is racing and I can't wait to meet him!

It Happens Every Time

2009-09-05T17:11:00.005-04:00

The garden hose is a dangerous tool and Addison loves to use it against her daddy. I think the videos say the rest. : )

A big week ahead

2009-09-02T16:36:00.006-04:00

We're due on Saturday and I am so excited! I don't really expect to go into labor over the next few days (Addie was 8 days late and I haven't made any progress with this one), but the possibility is still there and it's pretty exciting! Even if we don't go into labor on our own this weekend, we have an induction scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th, so the end is in sight! Auntie Kimmie has been telling me I would have this baby on her birthday all along and it looks like she might just be right! I'm spending these last few days trying to catch up on sleep and keeping the house in relative order. My bag is packed, the nursery is ready, the fridge is stocked, and it's just a matter of when this little one decides to arrive. It's amazing how ready I feel. I'm sure that feeling will go right out the window once Myles comes home, but it's kinda nice to feel that way for now. : ) I'm probably going to bring my computer to the hospital, so we'll update it with pictures when we get a chance, but since I'm the only one in my family that knows how to blog, I'm not guaranteeing anything!!! : ) Happy Labor Day weekend...what a meaningful one for me!

P.S. I couldn't help but post these pictures of Addie. She got a tricycle and absolutely loves the helmet. She wears it around whether we are on the trike or not!

Summer Fun!

2009-07-14T18:24:00.009-04:00

Here's our summer so far in pictures...

Hanging out with cousin Brenna at the lake

Don't we just look cute?!?I love the lake!!!

Enjoying being the center of attention

Swimming in the lake with Daddy

Riding the Wave Runner!!!!

This girl is having a blast!

Goofing off with cousins Cole & Kyleigh

Riding a scooter with Grandma T

Eating ice cream in the car...NOT one of Mommy's better ideas, but when Mommy's gotta go, Mommy's gotta go! (Notice the glob between her legs...she was just scooping it out and eating it from there...hilarious!)

Eating corn on the cob for the first time and loving it

Mowing the lawn with Grandpa...

...and Daddy

Landscaping is obviously a favorite past time

Painting the baby's room with Grandma T...and you thought summer's were time off from work!

Spending more time with Cole & KyleighModeling in the pool

Getting the princess treatment while Daddy paints her toes...such a good Daddy!

This has definitely been the summer of pigtails!

Going to the beach with Uncle Luke & Aunt Cheryl...she loved the water!

Uncle Luke buried Kyleigh and Addison in the sand...so cute

Did I mention she rode the Wave Runner? This girl is fearless!!!

The great part is that summer isn't over yet!

A little boy makes two...

2009-05-14T20:20:00.007-04:00

We're having a baby boy this summer! I am over halfway through my pregnancy and just now posting this, but better late than never... Brandon and I are so excited and Addison is convinced she has a baby brother in her tummy too. : ) As crazy as life is right now, it's about to get crazier! We have lots to do in the next few months and I'm really excited to be able to create a nursery for our little guy. We are truly blessed and are so grateful for the miracle of this little child. I can't wait to see how Addison interacts with him and what a good little helper she is going to be. We have an amazing little girl and I'm excited to introduce this new little one into the family.

Here's a few pictures of Addison for the grandparents!!!

Mall Torture

2008-12-15T21:28:00.007-05:00

So apparently my daughter doesn't really like Santa Claus. Auntie Kimmy (Addison's "fairy" godmother) & I took Addie to the mall this past Saturday where we were one of the first ones in line to see Santa. Kim coached me while we were waiting, "Just drop her and go". That's what we did. I plopped my trusting daughter in Santa Claus's lap, gave her dress a fluff, and backed up to let the cameras fly. The moment I stepped away, Addie went nuts. My heart is breaking. Kim is doing just fine in the corner yelling, "Keep going!! Keep taking the pictures!!". It was mayhem and it was hilarious. Great picture, isn't it?!?! : ) As if that torture wasn't enough, I decided it was time to get my sweet girls ears pierced. I'm not going to go into great detail, but let's just say that Kim was absolutely adorable and had a harder time than I did with Addie's ear piercing. Addie did great and she looks adorable. I don't know that she'll ever want to go to the mall again, but she looks good. Sometimes you have to sacrifice for fashion, right?!?! At least she enjoyed the singing bears display... Anyway, we're looking forward to Christmas and being able to watch Addison enjoy the holiday season with more understanding than she did last year. She's growing so fast and we just watch her in amazement. She's an amazing girl.

Puppy Dogs & Candy Canes

2008-11-29T15:09:00.003-05:00

Cousins

2008-09-27T22:02:00.010-04:00

Addie loves her cousins. Cole & Kyleigh are so good with Addie-they are so patient and they include her in so much. She loves to see them come off the bus from school. We've taken some pretty cute pictures in the last few weeks that I just had to share. I love my niece & nephew and am so glad that Addison gets to grow up around them!

After a long day of playing with her cousins, Addie is ready to cuddle up with her Uncle Justin.

Time flies so fast!

2008-09-26T23:11:00.004-04:00

I was watching/listening to the presidential debate tonight and decided it was a good time to scroll through some old pictures I have of Addison. I am amazed at how different she looked from when she was an infant. I loved taking a look back and thought I would post a few of my favorites so anyone who happens to stop by could enjoy them too.

Hamburger Heaven

2008-09-08T07:52:00.004-04:00

My girl is getting so big. It used to be that I had to cut everything up into small pieces so she could swallow without choking. No longer. Addie loves whole hamburgers. I love watching her eat them. She shakes when she tries to fit her mouth around them...it's hilarious how determined she is to get the thing in her mouth. So, here's to hamburgers and the joy they bring to my Addie (and me too!)

Here's one for you, Amee.

2008-08-12T20:46:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to post something new so that Amee Newsome wouldn't give me a hard time on Sunday. : ) We've had lots going on, actually, but no pictures to prove it. Brandon's parents were here this past weekend and we had a great time. We all went down to my parents' house in Roanoke to spend the day on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed relaxing by the pool. It was nice to spend a day with both my parents and Brandon's. I am so thankful that they all get along so well. I always wanted that...

I am going to stick a picture up here, just because I feel like I should. It's not new, but it's oh so cute. Addie got into her diaper bag and ended up with her hat on and diapers all over. Adorable.

Just Because I Can

2008-08-06T08:45:00.005-04:00

I don't know that Justin will love me after I post this, but I simply had to. Justin loves his niece...he is excited to see Addie after work everyday and plays with her as much as his crazy schedule allows. There are times when he gets home from work at 10pm and his first question is "Addie in bed already?" Yes, Uncle Justin...she's been in bed since 7:30pm. She's almost always in bed by 7:30pm. He always so hopeful, like maybe we decided to treat him and have her hiding behind the couch waiting for him to come home. It really is so sweet. SO...I caught one of the cutest things on video the other day and had to share it. Justin had Addie laying on his chest for a good five minutes reading a book (The Belly Button Book, to be specific). I didn't catch most of it, but I'm pretty sure I got the best part. Justin thought I was just taking a picture...sorry, Uncle Justin!

Where did July go?

2008-07-29T19:27:00.010-04:00

July was a crazy month...started out with a trip to DC for my friend Ruth's wedding, a two week trip to Georgia without Brandon, and then volleyball camp. Addison has been at grandma's house all month long (two weeks with Grandma Netzel & two weeks with momma at Grandma Lacey's). We have had a great time traveling all over although Brandon missed us terribly. Addie has grown up so much. She says all kinds of stuff now including "Thank You", "Addie", "No Way", and "Good Girl". She is definitely growing a mullet...it curls under at the back of her neck, so I think we're getting away with it. Someone tell me if we're not. : ) Pigtails are always a good option, however, she shrieks like a banshee when I put them in. Oh well...sometimes you have to sacrifice for fashion, right?!

Here are some pics from the month...Addie's first ride on the lawnmower (she wasn't a big fan), went on her first boat rides (she fell asleep the first two times and was enthralled with the wake on the third trip), spent some quality time with Brandon's parents, and played with cousin Brenna and the rest of Brandon's family too. Here's to more fun in August!!!

My Girl and Her Music!

2008-06-17T17:03:00.004-04:00

Two posts in one day! I'm impressed with myself!

One-Year Old Pictures

2008-06-17T15:25:00.009-04:00

I should have done this a few weeks ago. Addison had her one-year old pictures taken recently (thank you Christy Brenning!) and I love how they turned out! Addison is so beautiful (biased as I am) and her presence in our lives remind me of just how blessed we are. Brandon tells me every night after he checks on Addison just how beautiful our daughter is. I am reminded every day to be thankful for such an amazing gift!

Happy Birthday, Addison!!!

2008-05-27T14:32:00.000-04:00

My little girl is one year old...no longer a baby, she is a toddler with a world waiting for her to explore. She has transformed our lives completely and we will never be the same. Addison has brought so much joy to Brandon and I. Neither of us can get over just how much she looks like her daddy or how quickly she became the center of our lives. She is beautiful in every sense of the word. Her laughter lights up a room and her chubby little thighs make us want to hold her and squeeze her forever. Her endless chatter makes us wonder what thoughts are going on inside her little head. She claps for herself after blowing a kiss, she dances with her little behind sticking out, she "sings" in her own little way. She is absolutely amazing. She loves music. She loves books. She loves to eat. She fights sleep. She entertains herself...I often hear her "talking" to her toys in her crib. She loves her daddy. Brandon gets all her attention when he walks in the door from work. She giggles and belly-laughs and runs away from him in an attempt to get him to chase her. She has the most beautiful blue eyes and a hairline I hope she grows out of. :) She has the cutest lips that often cover the little gap in her front two teeth. I love her smile. I love her laugh. I love the little strawberries on her arm and back...I'm almost disappointed that they will go away. I'm sure she won't be. She is such an amazing gift and I am so thankful that God has entrusted her to Brandon and I. We pray for her salvation every day. We pray that God fills her with His Spirit. We pray that God would make us into the parents that she needs and that He's called us to be. We are so grateful for her. We're grateful for those of you who were able to come and celebrate her life with us. Thank you for being a part of her life and coming alongside us as we raise her. Thank You, God, for such a precious gift!!!

The First of The Blowouts

2008-05-15T20:11:00.000-04:00

I thought I would make it through the first year without any diaper blowouts. I really was so close. Only one week to go...and then...the inevitable happened. More than once I might add. I don't know what I fed Addison that made her digestive system goes crazy, but apparently I fed her quite a bit of it. It began yesterday afternoon while Cheryl and Kyleigh were over. I was so glad other people were there to witness the event. Addison toddled over to Kyleigh who immediately noticed the smell. I picked Addie up only to notice a foreign substance on her leg...and her foot...and her clothes. DISGUSTING!!! She had even overflowed onto the floor! I think I stared at my sister Cheryl for a moment like the situation would remedy itself. She took the situation in stride and directed me to take Addie upstairs and put her right into the tub. Good directions. I have since followed it a few more times. Fortunately, none of the subsequent occurrences were as bad as the first. We have changed crib sheets and outfits a few times, but Addie has been feeling a bit better over the past two days. I'm thinking maybe it was the eggs I fed her...Eggs for breakfast tomorrow??? Not for a good long while.

Fallen Hero

2008-04-12T22:47:00.000-04:00

I'm heading to Colorado on Monday to attend the funeral of Mark Rosenberg...a fallen hero who served with the United States Army. Please keep his wife (Julie) and his two sons (Joshua age 3 & Maxwell age 2) in your prayers. This event reminds me of just how many of our men are in harm's way as they fight to ensure our freedom. We must never forget to keep them in our prayers. I am so grateful for the battle they fight. Let's not forget the families they leave behind...all are heroes. God bless you, Julie. You have made such a sacrifice, my friend, and I don't know how to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. I love you.

Finally!

2008-04-01T14:16:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to be able to say that we finally have some really
good pictures of Addison! Her three month pictures were a
disaster and her six months never materialized, so I made her
nine month pictures a priority. I'm so glad I did! My little girl
is so beautiful and I am so thankful for her. She is such a happy
baby...smiling all the time. I am so blessed. I can't believe she's
10 months old already...only two more months and she'll be
a year old!

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa Lacey

2008-03-17T20:21:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time with Grandma and Grandpa Lacey this past week. We hadn't seen Grandma since Christmas and she was quite impressed with Addison's growth and development. Grandpa Lacey came up two weeks ago and just had to bring Grandma up so she could see their little girl. Addison absolutely loved having them here and she definitely ate up all the extra attention! We even got an extra surprise when Brandon's cousin, Jenny, and her family made a last minute stop to see us! It was a packed weekend, but it was wonderful. We are thankful for our family!!!

So THAT'S why she's miserable!

2008-03-11T13:52:00.000-04:00

After visiting the doctor yesterday, we were told that Addison's nose and lungs are fine, but she has a double ear infection! I didn't see that one coming at all! I thought baby's were supposed to pull on their ears when they hurt...nope, not my baby. We went to the doctor's for a stuffy nose and a bad cough and came home with medicine for her ears. Just when I thought I had this little girl pretty well figured out...

Stuffy Noses and Sore Gums

2008-03-10T14:36:00.000-04:00

Addie is definitely teething! She's got three more teeth coming in right now (add those to the two she already has) and she is absolutely miserable. We've spent quite a few wakeful nights together telling those teeth to hurry up. : ) It looks like she should have four bottom teeth and one of her top teeth by the time all this is over. To make matters worse, she has a horrible cough that we're getting checked out at the doctor's today. So, my little sweet pea is getting lots of extra love and attention this week as we try to get through this ordeal.

What a Mess!

2008-03-05T15:03:00.000-05:00

Last night I made ziti for the family. Addie got her first meal with spaghetti sauce...enough said!

Addison's First Christmas

2008-03-02T22:32:00.001-05:00

I'm in trouble already

2008-03-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

So my good friend Leigh Carroll emailed me and gave me trouble for only having one picture on my blog. SO...I put a few more pictures up of our recent trip to Colorado to see my friend Elizabeth and her husband Kevin. So, Leigh, I hope you're happy!

Just for Grandma Lacey

2008-03-02T17:34:00.000-05:00

Mom,
This is the video we took last weekend when Dad was here. We love you!

Life in Lynchburg

2008-02-29T10:34:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to do this for awhile and here I am!!! This is my attempt to keep family and friends updated on our family. The last nine months have been a wild ride. At this point in our lives, we are living back in Lynchburg (VA), working on the purchase of a local business, and watching our little girl grow up much too quickly. Addison is now nine months old, has 2.5 teeth, and is working on walking. She has taken her first steps, and is working on putting all of her new skills together. She took five steps toward her Uncle Justin on Wednesday and both Brandon and I were there to see it.

Life in Lynchburg is pretty hectic right now. Brandon is working hard every day and we are negotiating for the purchase of a business and the beginning of a new life for us. It has been an emotional ordeal so far and we're nowhere near the end of the buy-out process, but we have made progress. Please keep us in your prayers as we follow what we believe is God's will for our lives. I'll try to keep the blog updated as things develop.

I've got to go pick my niece up from school, so I'm going to run with one final thought: I am so thankful for our family and friends. I am looking forward to using this blog as another way to be involved in each other's lives. God bless.