Last Day of Summer Vacay

That dreaded day has finally come...the last day of my summer vacation. It actually snuck up on me much faster than I'd anticipated. Only thing that's for sure is I hated to see it come, and I'll hate to see it go. Tomorrow I'm back to the real world for dreaded staff development. I mean, why can't we just jump right back into work? Do we really need to be developed? I just hope it's something relevant to me.

Being a school speech therapist, you're often out of the loop and the low person on the Totem pole. And that's definitely the case when it comes to faculty meetings and staff development as most relate to (A) State Testing and scores, (B) Lesson Plans, or (C) Grades and online grading/teacher resources. Nothing that relates to the SLP in the school system. Yes it's good to have a working knowledge of these things, but do I need to sit through a seminar on how to work and online lesson plan system that I don't use? Simply, No. I'm just saying there are better uses of my time. And times like I described above really make me wish I was at home with my sweet girl. (Who I already know I'm going to be missing like crazy after getting a whole two months off with her.)

Anyway, I'm approaching this year optimistically and hoping that the 2-day staff development sessions we're starting the year with are both informative and will contain applicable information to my role in the schools. Here's to the start of a new school year! May it be as good, if not better, than the last!

Time Flies

I'm eight months old today!

So I was thinking I had another day to write this, what with Augusta being born on the last day of her birth month (November 30), and it not yet bring the last day of July, but I was sadly mistaken. Today Augusta Kate is 8 months old!! 8 months--I cannot believe it!

It seems like yesterday this sweet little one arrived and stole my heart. (As well as her Daddy's) And its amazing how someone so small can have such a profound impact on you. She makes me want to be the best mom--the nest person--I can be. When I don't feel like smiling, one grin from her and it comes naturally. When I don't wanna wake up, I hear her sweet babbles and it gives me energy. (Now sometimes it may take a few minutes for that energy to build, but it always comes). And when her tears come, I want to kiss them all away...they break me. I'm sure all moms feel this way though...she literally owns my heart.

Family pic

This past month has been filled with fun and new discoveries. Guess who's crawling?!? That's right, Augusta Kate is! And she's so funny when she does it! At first she had the lazy knee crawl (dragging one leg pretty much) But now she basically crab walks, legs extended like she's walking and booty high in the air! Miss Priss indeed.

Crab Walk Crawlin'

Augusta is also pulling up on anything and everything. The coffee table, the entertainment center, Rowan's doggie stairs, people, her pack 'n play, her Carseat, the window sill...you name it and she's probably pulled (or pushed) up on it. This girl likes to be standing!

I see you in there!

She's also climbing and cruising! This child has no fear. It wasn't a week after she started really crawling that she was cruising around the coffee table...I wanted to scream "Take your time! Baby steps! (Literally) But its clear I have a fearless, independent little lady on my hands! As for her climbing, she's not a master of that just yet, but if it's not too tall, she'll climb right on it and not think anything of it. Problem with that is, once she's up there, she has zero depth perception so it seems, and doesn't realize the floor is down below her! She'll learn!

My baby has become much more vocal this month...she talks (well babbles) all the time! And guess what?!? Now she really says "dig, dig" when you sing the Heigh Ho song!! Its like she wants to sing with you...beyond precious! She also started blowing raspberries again, as well as moving her bottom lip while she vocalizes...I guess she likes those funny sounds!! She also claps her hands when excited or she did something she's proud of. It's the cutest thing!

Augusta is eating so many new things this month! She's tried juice...and loves it! She's had apple and apple-banana and she enjoys both. She's also liking eating more table foods. If you have it she thinks she should too. This month she's experienced grits, pickles, fries, strawberries, kiwi, sweet potato (real thing), bacon, and I think that's it. Honestly we're letting her try so much of our food it's hard to keep track, but I try! On the baby food front she's tried corn; brown rice; vegetable beef; carrots, apples, and mangos; Chicken and apples; Mac and cheese; and I'm sure there are others, but like I said, it's hard to keep track! One thing I know she's not digging on the food front is formula...she's not a fan at all. Which made me super worried with school starting back, coupled with my desire to not pump at school this year and my lack of pumping during the summer. But my mom finally got her to take a formula bottle! Guess Gammie just has the magic touch! Augusta's also started eating some of the gerber's snacks. She eats the puffs and the wagon wheels, which we call cookies. She enjoys chewing on them, but not so much eating them. Though she's getting there!

This month she's not liking: The bathtub! This would def be #1 on the list of dislikes! She throws a fit whenever you sit her down in it.and strangest thing, she still loves her baby pool and baths in the sink...it's just something about the tub! She's also not liking green foods, or foods with rice cereal in them. Not sure I'd it's the texture or taste(or lack thereof) but she's not having it...it's a struggle to get her to eat five bites! Also making the dislike list is sleeping in her own bed. That lasted about 3 nights till we caved! I just think she's happier with us! And guess what? Sad to say but all three of us sleep better this way! We'll try transitioning her again sometime soon, but I just don't believe she's ready for it yet. (And maybe Mom's not completely ready either)

"I do not like it!"

This month she's loving: being on the move!! Whether it's in her walker, crawling, or cruising this child loves to go. If your holding her (and she's not having a clingy moment) she is trying to wiggle out of your arms to be put down and explore! She's also liking the backyardigans...it's the only show that will hold her attention for at least a little while. I think it's all the singing. Which is fine with me bc it's actually my favorite children's show. (Yes, I have a favorite!) She's also liking playing with her cousins. She also likes taking things out of containers, be it the laundry basket, her toy basket, or the diaper bag, she enjoys cleaning it out! The only new toys she's really gotten into this past month are her babydolls and her vibrating teether. Both of those are new favorites.

"I love going out to eat!"

Augusta we're over halfway through your first year and I cannot believe how the time has flown! You are getting more independent daily, though Mommy is glad you still need her for lots of things! I so love watching you grow and change! You are truly a blessing from the Lord above and your family loves you so much! Never forget what an incredible little miracle you are! I love you with all my heart!

My precious princess

Mommy and Daddy love you, Augusta Kate! MWAH!!

Another River Trip

This past weekend we took another family trip to our house in Arkansas. Chase's favorite place to be, me not so much! But I was excited to go this time because Alyssa and her boyfriend were driving over from Lexington, Kentucky where she's been visiting for the past month...and we have missed Aunt Lys!

Augusta had so much fun this time, since we brought her walker she could float around the house. She also had Brad's dog, Kenzie, to play with. She is all about dogs, especially those that pay her attention like Kenzie did. (For the most part, our dog is used to her and doesn't bother her besides giving her kisses)

Chase had fun having a chance to fish and having more people to fish with him. Even rain didn't slow him down...he was out in the water without a care in the world.

So even though it was a short trip, fun was had by all. And on the plus side, Augusta's allergies weren't bad, and mine weren't as bad as they were the last time...though I'm not going to say they didn't act up. Maybe next time will be better on that front. Guess we'll have to wait and see!

Gotta Brag

As much as I was not enjoying my hubby being gone on all his trips recently, I have got to say, in the time he has been here, he has well made up for his absence! He has been Mr. Handyman and super productive. He's been putting me to shame that's for sure!

He's been on a cleaning frenzy and I can't say I completely mind. Our house was in desperate need of it, and anyone who knws me knows I'm not so into the cleaning. I will do it, but it takes me awhile to motivate myself to start. And once I do one thing I usually need a good long break before moving to the next, not too helpful for a big cleaning!

Not only has he been cleaning, but he's also been getting to work on projects around the house as we strive to make our home look better and better. He hung quite a few pictures around the house. He also painted our adirondack chairs, which he also put together by the way. He fixed our porch where some boards had rotted...tore up the old one and put new ones down. He hung blinds in the window over our sink, and man they needed it! The light in there would blind you! And he also built a booster-step for Rowan's stairs to the bed. Gold star for all your hard work, baby!

I'm sure there are tons of other things he's done that I haven't even noticed! He's truly the best husband/Daddy us girls could have asked for. And as you can see he plays a huge part in keeping our household running smoothly. I love you, Chase. And I want you to know I greatly appreciate all you do for me and Augusta...and even Rowan. Thanks again, baby!

Happy Fourth of July

It's my first Fourth!!

Just popping in to say thank you to everyone who has fought for our country and our freedoms both past and present. (Including both my grandfathers) And Happy Birthday to America! 236 years young! :)

We celebrated with cookouts with both of our families. First was lunch at Chase's great grandfather's with his immediate and extended families! So great to see everyone and celebrate with them.

For dinner we went out to my parents and ate and visited with them and my brother. (Both my sissies were gone!) But Augusta still had a blast.

We opted not to go to the fireworks this year over fear of how Augusta would react...it's past her bedtime, loud noises, etc. Plus she was work out from all the day's festivities. Hopefully we'll add that to our day next year! (Along with trying homemade ice cream, which is a fourth celebration staple for us!) Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Love Them! :)

And Another Month Flies By...

Love this gummy grin!

Yet another month has passed since precious Augusta Kate entered our lives...I cannot believe its been seven months. They seriously have flown if the post title didn't give that away! I could not imagine my life without this little miracle! And as time flies, my little baby is sure changing. Its starting to become true what people say, the blink and you'll miss it, that is. Because as each month passess by, there are just more and more changes occuring in my sweet little girl. And pretty soon she'll be my big little girl...but not to soon, thank goodness!

Beautiful baby

Okay, so last month I said I hoped there would be more to report on the movement front. And there is, just not much. She can now manuever to pretty much any place she wants to, in the form of a wannabe crawl and turning her body. If she wants to go backwards, she scoots. But forward is still hard for her. So hard in fact, that she will break out into full-on tears over the fact that she is not able to move the way she wants. She has gotten better about this in the past few days though, espcecially since she realized she can sit herself back up when she is in the crawl position. She now does this all the time, and it has even become part of her moving. To me, it looks like she wants to walk, because she straightens her legs like she's going to stand, and then its like she can't figure out how to get her top half up! Her other big trick this month is that she is now pulling up on things! She does great with anything that is not over her head...she is able to straighten those legs out easy-breezy then stands herself up with little effort. She tries to pull up on things that are above her head, like the coffee table, but has had limited success with that. If you give her minor assistance she does it no problem...but partially I'm scared of her hitting her head, so there are many times she does it without assistance.

Here is her crawl face...guess it's my fault she's not moving yet bc who wouldn't pick this sweetie up!

Mommy found you!

She's still such a happy baby. And her little personality is only flourishing. She steals the spotlight wherever she is, and completely lights up a room with her presence. She is just "talk, talk, talking" as I always say. She now says, "mama", "baba", "nana", and "hey". (These have been added to "dada") And I'm not saying she's using these consistently as words, except for "hey" and that's because I believe she is mimicking us. My parents are convinced she said, "dig, dig" about a week ago. Her favorite song is "Heigh Ho" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (Thank you Aunt Lys...insert eye roll) and we call it the "dig, digs" because that is the part of the song we sing and that she loves. But I'm not so sure about that... it just sounded like a babble to me, but that is the speech therapist in me coming out as opposed to the mommy I'm sure.

Showing my belly!

She is also eating so much more! She has now added some mixed fruits and veggies to her list. She even had some meats...not that she liked them too much. Things like pear and pineapple; banana with mixed berries, and chicken noodle. She has also tried more "big people" foods like watermelon, raspberries, canteloupe, breads and crackers (only licks), and avocado. She's also tried to Gerber puffs and yogurt...but I don't think she's ready for the textures quite yet...

This month Augusta is not liking...the HEAT!! It has been so hot in Mississippi and this poor baby has Eczema. It's not a bad case, but she does get small dry patches. They don't get peely or anything, you can just tell they are more dry and a little pink. And the heat makes them flair up. My poor hot natured girl. (She takes after her daddy in this!) She also does not like avocado at all. The first time she ate it, she had just eaten some banana and the texture gagged her. She threw up everything she had eaten from a little gag! Poor girl! (Guess she's like her mom in this...another weirdy about textures.) She also doesn't like not being mobile. She wants to go so badly! Hopefully soon! And she also doesn't like people eating while she is not.

This month she is loving a lot of the same things. Except we added her pacie back into the mix, for falling asleep purposes only, and she does love it. She chews all over the whole thing, not just sucking on it. She is also loving little things, like tearing up paper. (I let her destroy my magazines once I get through with them.) She finds the littlest things interesting, and they can hold her attention at least for a little bit...things like ribbon and her spoons...she loves to wave them around and throw them! She still loves her swing, swimming in her pool, and her walker. She also LOVES Rowan. She wants to get him so badly...and he's the best puppy. So calm and good natured. He mostly leaves her alone, but every now and then he gives her kisses. And when Augusta does get him, he is sweet and simply lays there. (I don't let her get him much, just becuse she is WILD and he is so scaredy...ha!) She is also loving her mommy and daddy more...I have seen some separation anxiety, and there have been times when she wants us over anyone else or cries when we get out of sight. It warms my heart being a favorite person, but I'm interested to see how things are when we head back to work in a month...hopefully it'll be a smooth transition! She also enjoys other little people like her cousin, Maddie, Cullen, and her church buddy, Graham.

Sharing and exploring with Maddie

So that was Augusta's sixth month in a nutshell...hopefully seven will not go as quickly! Can you please just stay this little just for a bit longer, Augusta Kate? Please??

Playing dress-up already

Girl time!

Thankful Thursday

Haven't done this type of post in awhile, but feel like its appropriate. As I do thank God for all my blessings, I find it good to be publicly accountable for them. And it's been awhile, so why not say thank you aloud for all the world to hear.

Thank you Lord for all the blessings both big and small that you've placed in my life. Thank you for my health and the health of my family. Thank you for the people you've placed in my life, for letting them be positive, Godly influences in my daily walk. And thank you for the loving environment you've given me to raise my little girl in.

Thank you for answering a long-Standing prayer request involving some friends. Thank you for an attentive and loving husband who has allowed me extra time to sleep these past two days! (You know how much I need that.) Also thank you for his servant spirit and work ethic...it motivates me to be better and keeps me going.

Thank you for my job and the move that it's going to involve next year. Thank you for the summer break that goes along with it and the time that I'm getting to spend with sweet Augusta.

Thank you for parents and in laws who willingly pitch in to help with and care for Augusta. Thank you for my sister who goes out of her way to help me with Augusta and keep my house in order.

And finally, as always, thank you for loving me, as flawed as I am. Thank you for never losing faith in me, even when my faith in you, and your plan, may not be at its strongest. Thank you for your forgiveness. And for being our saving grace. And always placing the words/message our hearts need to hear in our paths. I love you.