Friday, August 31, 2012

Friday Funnies!

Just because everyone needs a pick-me-up once in awhile...and especially on Fridays. And most certainly on those Fridays when you kept thinking the day before (Thursday) was actually Friday...so here ya go!
This totally gave me the giggles...

Me...all the time...especially at work. But it's usually more like almost 10 years younger than I actually am... :l



Oh Peeta...

Two of my faves...Vampire Diaries and Mean Girls! 


And my Most favorite TV family...The Kardashians!! Obsessed is kinda an understatement...

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Nine months old!!!

And just like that another month has flown by. My sweet baby girl is now nine months old...it's strange to think that now she's been out here with us as long as she was inside my belly. But I'm so glad she's finally out here with us. Little one, you are everything I dreamed of and more in a daughter! Every day with her is a blessing and I could not imagine my life without her. My biggest accomplishment thus far in life would definitely be this little miracle. Thank you Lord for choosing me to patent this tiny angel. I pray to lead her down the path you have laid for her and to teach her to live and live in your ways. And to serve you above all. We are so blessed.

This month hasn't seen many big changes. No huge milestone have been met, though to say she hasn't changed at all would be a lie. This little one is changing every day!

Augusta's biggest thing this past month would be her waving "hello" and "bye bye". She's so cute about it. Her wave is all in the wrist a lot of the times and it reminds me of beyonce's dance in the "Single Ladies" video! When she's waving "hello" sometimes she even says "hey". Its a very vowelized (my own SLP-term) "hey" but that's what it is none the less. She's even said "hey da" a few times when I tell her to say hey to her daddy! My little smartie! And as other vocalizations go, she's using her hand to wiggle her lip up and down as she vocalizes. (Having "Mommy Brain" and can't think of the name of this) But it is adorable and she figured it out all by herself! Though her aunts like to encourage this...it's one of their favorite things she does!

Augusta has also gotten much better at pulling up and cruising! Now she doesn't really need a big surface to actually "pull" herself up. She's able to "Push up" on doors, cabinets, your legs...you name it and she can do it. She's also much faster. This goes for everything. Don't blink or she will have crawled to another room, or pulled up on the sofa, or who knows! You have to watch her!!

Another thing I have to brag about her doing this past month, is using the big girl potty!! It's not an all the time thing, but when she wakes up with a dry diaper (and even when she doesn't) I sir her on the potty and she actually uses it!!! So proud of her!! This isn't the first time she's used the potty, she actually did it three times last month, but nothing consistently. And this isn't consistent either by any means, we're just introducing that bathroom routine and I'm so proud she's taking to it!

As for eating, she's had tons of different kinds of juices...white grape, pear, a carrot blend, and orange juice blend...She loves them all. Baby is very into her juice! She's also doing better with formula, which is a relief for me! She's had more table food and she loves grits, as well as her Mims' creamed potatoes. Also green beans, rice (lots of kinds), ice cream (yeah, I had to go ahead and let her taste the good stuff already! Ha!), macaroni and cheese, green beans, black eyed peas, bananas, and carrots. But by far, her favorite new food addition this month has been the Gerber Little Crunchies, or her Cheetos as we call them. She loves all the flavors, garden tomato, mild cheddar, and veggie dip...though maple cinnamon is her least favorite!

This month she's not liking: being put down or left to her own devices. Separation anxiety has set in. It's not terrible just yet, but she sure let's you know when she's not wanting to be put down...even if she's right next to you while you grab something real quickly. She doesn't like being held in a sitting position for extended periods either...this baby is active! She also doesn't like being in her Carseat more than she has to be. Maybe it's the separation thing again, but she's not into it. Also not getting her way in general will bring on tears...guess this is not looking good for the years to come.


Loves this month would be: playing with her cousins! She is adoring Lani and Maddie and interacting with them so much more. I think now that she's more mobile I think she's more into these little people who move around her. She also got a Fisher Price activity table that she loves to play with. All the lights and sounds really catch her attention. She also likes going down the toy isle at Wal-Mart. (What child doesn't?) But she will cry if she can't hold the toys she wants...guess this is my payback...ha! And she's loving looking out the window. She loves to explore her world, especially outside, so how better to do this and still stay cool. (Especially since she's not a fan of heat.)


Augusta Kate, every month that goes by I love you more and more!! I try to cherish every moment...your big accomplishments and our quiet snuggles. As a mother it's bittersweet to watch your baby grow and know that they won't always be a little person who's totally dependent on you. So i try not to focus on that, instead i think about how you may outgrown my lap, but you'll never outgrow my heart. (Sorry for getting sentimental over here--Mommy's prerogative.) I'm enjoying every step of this ride with you my little Love Bug...let's make a deal though, can we try and take the rest of this year nice and slow?
Gorgeous Girl!
Tutus!!
Fun with Maddie

Saturdays are for Crafting!

This past Saturday I finally got to scratch the creative itch I've had for the past few weeks. But it's not like I have tons of free time to craft with an almost 9 month old who's into everything! And then even when my husband offers to watch Augusta while I craft, I never do. I guess I have FOMO, (for those who aren't Kardashian fans that's Fear of Missing Out), because I always end up spending the time I thought I might craft with her.

But this Saturday was rainy and while my loves napped I decided to be productive and craft! I made a tutu for Augusta out of an old headband and tulle. Then I made a headband and ponytail holder for my niece, because I have been promising her I would. And also finished up some other projects that I had just lying around.

It was great to get my creative juices flowing and get some things done. I guess I will have to be productive during nap time more often!
Ponytail holder
My little Tutu Model
Tutu from headband
Hair pieces

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Eight years ago today...

I was sitting in a hospital in Memphis, waiting for the birth of a very special girl who would soon become my niece and one of my favorite little people ever! (Getting a little teary writing this but I'll try to keep it together) That sweet girl I'm talking about has become the most adorably precocious little lady you could imagine! She is beyond smart, full of attitude, and incredibly tender hearted. She's also determined, wise beyond her eight years, and extremely creative. So here's to you Lani Taylor! Your Aunt Audge, Uncle C, and "Kisster" Augusta love you so very much! It has been amazing watching you grown and change and we cannot wait to see the woman you will continue to grow to be!

Some of my favorite Lani pic through the years

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Classroom Inspiration

So as school is heading back, I've been readying my speech classroom for my little darlings! Can't wait until they start coming to visit! This year I have a bulletin board in my new room so I wanted to use that to my full advantage. And as I am currently obsessed with owls, naturally I decided to make that my theme. Here's the bulletin board I created...hope it gives you some inspiration of your own!


One of the owls I made!
Message on the board...I hand cut all these letters!
Finished Product!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Olympic Inspiration

Looks like Augusta has been inspired by the gymnastics during the London Olympics this year. She's already practicing her handstand! Look out 2028 Olympics, Augusta Kate is coming for you!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

First Week Down

Well the first week back is under my belt, and I have a few thoughts. Firstly, I missed my baby girl. There is no where I would rather be than here with her watching her rapid growth and development. She's at that stage where it seems like she's learning something new every day and I hate feeling like I may miss something. That being said, I was very excited to get back into a routine. It works much better for me, when I have some semblance of a routine for myself. I am much more productive.

After the training (which was actually lots of fun and informative) and all the meetings, I am really energized about this coming year. I'm going to miss all the people I met along the way at the middle, junior high, and high school, especially the secretaries! I cannot tell you how sweet they all are and how helpful and fun! But I think this fresh start is going to be nice. My new school is full of friendly, and a few familiar, faces. The new secretary seems super sweet. And the principal is laid back, completely my style! All that coupled with the younger ages I'll be working with, 3rd and 4th grade plus Kindergarten. I cannot wait!! I think it is going to be a great year! So who would have every thought I'd say this, but Yay for school!! ;)