Long weekend!

We had our first long weekend of the school year about two weeks ago! It was a nice break! And for once I'm not saying much needed--I guess because I was off so long before heading back and am enjoying the routine of things. But any time I get off with family is always my favorite time, so I'll always take it! 

This weekend my sister and her new husband came down to visit. This is always fun because the girls love seeing their aunt Lys and uncle brad; and so do we! 

Saturday was a big day for many reasons, but the main one being it was my youngest niece's birthday! Mads is three! She had a Peppa Pig party complete with bounce houses and pig cookies! Augusta loved every bit of it! Calla even had her first time in a bouncy--with adult assistance of course! ;) 

Sunday was a fun family day! Started with an attempt to get back I to Sunday school--we were on time and doing so well. That was until Augusta threw up in the car--all over herself! Needless to say, church was a no-go! We did make our traditional Sunday family lunch! That night we also had a family dinner! 

Monday was Labor Day. We had to say goodbye to Aunt Lys and Uncle Brad, which is always hard but we know they'll visit again soon! Then we had a family shopping outing. It was just around town, but it was perfect. And I got the girls lots of much needed winter clothes and even some things for next summer--super cheap! 

And now since that vacation wrecked my schedule--I'm counting down the days until the next one! Lol! :) 

Someone is another month older!

And in case you couldn't guess, I was referring to Miss Calla Jane! She is a big girl, being five whole months old today! :) Time really does fly. And I don't think you truly understand that until you're a mother. Then add another little into the mix and pretty much everything passes in a blur. That's why I like to take a moment and relish in it. Let's go with Calla's fifth month this time! 

Calla is growing bigger and stronger every day. She's wearing mostly 3 month and 3-6 month clothes, but every once in awhile she can fit into a 6 month! 

Big thing this month--she's on the move! She can scoot across the floors and beds! She's not always so fond of it--especially when she wants something or someone, but she can do it! She can also get her legs up into a crawl position! Doing way too much! She can also hold her own bottle! And she's still my wiggle worm. She doesn't want to be still--funniest thing is she wants to be held, but wants you to let her roll all over you while she does it!

New fun toys this month are the Exersaucer and the walker! She loves to be upright and move around in them. She also likes the toys and lights/sounds that accompany them! She can spin in the Exersaucer and move around without assistance in the walker. 

Another first this month--the introduction of rice cereal! She actually enjoyed it! More and more so every time she ate it. I think we are about ready to move on to more foods so be on the lookout for that!

Socially Calla is becoming so much more animated! It's hilarious! The funniest thing is to see her react to Augusta. She already adores her! All Augusta has to do is smile at her and Calla will start giggling!  I just love seeing their bond! Calla also tries to mimick you, so if you sitck your tongue out, she will try to do the same. It's hilarious! She also likes to be where you are. If she can't see you, she's not happy! 

Likes this month: rice cereal, eating in general (she's becoming more of a piggy), and laughing! She also like making her presence known by cooing until you acknowledge her, especially in places like the car! She also likes toys and the TV--anything that is brightly colored will catch her eye! (And no, she's not sitting down to watch TV shows, but like I said, it will draw her attention) 

Dislikes: being hot, being hungry, poopy diapers--I mean, those are all things not much of anyone likes, so she's right on target! ;) Also back to disliking being in the Carseat--for the most part. Also doesn't like being up past her bedtime--at about 8 she wants to be lying down! 

That's our month if milestones! I'm sure there will be tons of new things to report next month...bittersweet, it goes so fast! I love you my baby girl! You are such a joy to our lives! Always stay my baby! :) 

Oh the things children say...

Back with more quips from my almost three year old! She always seems to crack me up. Love this gal to pieces! 

"There's so much to do to get ready for such and such" (Mims' house, tumbling class, etc).

"Oh, my swimming suit knows how to swim." (When her suit's skirt floated) 

"Boys love to be knights. And girls love to be princesses."

Me--"I'm so old." Augusta--"Mommy, I don't like you to be old. I like you to be sweet." 

"Oopsie, tocket full of posey."--When she drops things(etc)

"I saw something ticklish, and it was red. It was a crab." 

"I've got a snotty nose problem."--when nose is running 

"I love making crumbs. That's my favorite part of eating crackers!" 😳

"I'm wearing Dada's shoes, but they're too big to walk in. He has to wash them out."

"Cough me."--Said after coughing. Then said, "No, just excuse me and bless me." 

Watching lalaloopsy--"Elephant has a nose like despicable me (Gru). He doesn't have one like me."

If she doesn't have a lala's big/little sister, hugs them and says "it's okay, I can buy them for you." 

Chase telling Augusta she didn't need her sunglasses right then, "Yes, I do, because the sun is still poking me in the eye."

Finished sucker, "It's like a milkshake. You suck on suckers like a milkshake."

"That purple monkey is "Q-weet"!" (Trying to copy a TV character when they say "Key-ute" for cute)

"Momma, you can never leave this house again. I promise."--after I returned to work from maternity leave.

We have a four month old!

Pretty Baby

Another month has flown by, and of course, Miss Calla Jane is now four months old! I cannot believe it!

Just relaxin'

She has had a real growth spurt this month--not only getting bigger, but just so many changes in development in general! She's smiling, giggling when tickled, and squealing when excited! She also pushes her upper torso up with are arms when on her belly. But the biggest milestone met this past month was rolling over!! She was 3 1/2 months when she mastered this! Slow down time!! 

On top of being able to roll over, she has also been scooting! I wouldn't go so far as to say full out scooting, but she can work her way across a pallet! She can also bend her knees and get them up under her, lifting her little booty into the air! She's way too strong! 

Also new this month, Calla Jane has turned into a thumb sucker! She has pretty much given up on the paci, but let her get that thumb anywhere around her mouth and she's sucking on it! She does it when you're rocking her to sleep, when she gets done eating, or just when she's lying down and wanting to relax. 

Thumb Sucker

Just like her big sister, Calla is also very into her hands. She chews on them, sucks on them, basically just keeps them right in or around her mouth. For her, not an indication of being hungry or teething, hands in the mouth is just a way of life. 

She is vocalizing all the time. She loves to "talk" to you. She also loves squealing! She will "Ahhhh", "oh", and "ewww" back at you. She definitely likes to make her presence known--especially if the attention has shifted from her! 

Photo Shoot like big sis had

Also, spit up (or chunkies, as we call them) are at an all time high. She eats, and even if she's burped (multiple times in some cases) she's going to spit up. It's not pretty, but we just keep burp cloths handy! ;) 

Too cute for words!

At her four month checkup she weighed 14 pounds (51st percentile), was 24 1/2 inches (50th percentile), and her head circumference was in the 44th percentile. She is a growing baby! Cannot believe she's over 2 feet long!! She did great with her shots this time and Dr. Sanford and Ms. Delois were impressed with her growth and development. We also got the okay to start solids so look for that in the future! 

Likes this month would be: hands, seeing family, rolling on the playmat, arching her back and wiggling (this girl loves to move--I call her my wiggle worm!), taking off her clothes (baby loves to be naked), naps, being outside, and taking baths. 

Dislikes: being put down (this baby is rotten, but I wouldn't have it any other way), gas bubbles in tummy:(, being put to sleep--she's starting to fight it, being woke up before she's ready, being in her car seat and bouncy seat--she likes to try to arch her back and wiggle out, and her sissy crying (usually triggers a domino effect of tears). 

Calla Jane, you are such an amazing baby! We love watching you grow and change! Every day there is something new and it's incredible. You are so smart and we cannot wait to witness your continued development. You are a blessing to our lives! We love you baby girl!!

Pile on Daddy

Sitting Sisters

Sissies!!

"NO more pics, Mommy!"

Loves the hands

4 Month Photo Shoot Outtakes

"I'm in the Bumbo!"

My sister is married!!

A little over a week ago, the family headed to Nashville to marry off my sister, Alyssa, to her now husband, Brad.

Loves

We left on Friday the 11th. It took us about 5 hours to get to Nashville. Which I think was great with am infant and a still-in-the-early-stages-of-being-potty-trained toddler. Our time stopped on the trip up totaled to an hour so we made goo's time! We checked into our hotel, got ready, and headed to the rehearsal! 

It was so hot!! But the venue was  absolutely beautiful! It was at Lilac Farms, which is a part of Arrington Vineyard right outside of Franklin, TN. Aunt Alyssa and Uncle Brad gave Augusta a very special gift for agreeing to be their flower girl. It was a set of her favorite things, lalaloopsy dolls that were based off Cinderella and Prince Charming. She loved them! The rehearsal was short and sweet--then we headed to the rehearsal dinner. 

Rehearsal dinner was at a place in downtown Franklin called Puckett's Boathouse. It was buffet style appetizers, dinner, and dessert, and the food was fabulous. It was some of the best fried catfish I'd ever eaten--didn't even use ketchup if that tells you anything. Also tried chicken and waffles, surprisingly better than it sounds. The sweet potatoe fries and fried pickles were great too! 

The next day was go time! Calla spent the day with me and the girls getting ready at the house at the venue and Augusta and Chase had a daddy-daughter shopping day! Her daddy spoiled her as they hunted for new lalas. 

Amazing Hair

Spending my sister's wedding day with her was amazing. She was pretty raced and genuinely happy the whole day. She laughed and smiled and made sure everyone else was alright--totally her sweet self. It was so nice to see her so happy and eager to start her life with her love! 

Getting beautified with Calla

It was also fun getting hair and makeup done by a professional makeup artist! She was amazing and the sweetest person. And it was too much for Alyssa and Brad to give the bridesmaids but I think I speak for all the girls when I saw we greatly appreciated it! Alyssa also have us gold "love knot" necklaces. They were a beautiful momento of the day. 

My Gorgeous Family

The ceremony was ultimately beautiful. They got married by a backdrop of old family doors that were draped with flowers. Augusta did great, with little rehearsing. She even got everyone laughing when she finally threw flower petals right in front of Brad at the end of the isle. Though she exited the ceremony halfway through, she was an awesome flower girl! 

Even though it started out hot, the wedding and reception were actually an okay temperature--especially for July! The reception was in front of a gorgeous red barn. The dance floor was draped with lights and surrounded by old farm tables. There were bars and eve their personalized corn hole game. The cakes were beautiful too--lightly iced "naked" cake for her, and red velvet for him. 

Dinner was amazing barbecue--even though my child preferred the pickles! Ha! She also ate the icing off the groom's cake, or as she called it, "The Goolsby Cake"!

After an incredible night celebrating the happy newlyweds, it was bedtime for this family. It had been an incredible, but long two days for my littles!

First Dance

The next morning we had a big family meal at The Loveless Cafe. It was amazing and next time I'm in Nashville I will definitely be back. Even though we waited over an hour--it was so worth it! 

Lunch was the perfect ending to a great family weekend. It was so nice to have everyone together and celebrate the expansion of our family. Congrats to Alyssa and Brad! 

Me, Luke, and Sam

Dominating at Corn Hole!

Dancing with the bride!