The Barrow Family

Grayson Everett Barrow

2012-01-21T15:34:00.000-06:00

I realized the other day that I haven't done any posting about our second child who will be here in 8 weeks or less. I haven't take a single belly picture (don't check back for the belly picture because I don't think there will be one). It took us a while, but we finally picked a name -- Grayson Everett Barrow. Grayson is a name we both like and Everett is a family name. We both really like Everett but since my sister has three children with "E" names and we have one, we thought we might need to break the cycle...although I think I could find several more "E" names I like should we have more kids in the future:)

I had a little extra time during the holidays while cutting back on my sewing orders, so I took advantage of the opportunity and made my first set of baby bedding (with lots of help from my MIL). It turned out great. I also have been making bedding for a twin bed so at least one of my parents will have a bed with they visit:) Emily Kathryn has always called our spare room "Memee's room" since that's where my mom stays so she's not sure what to think of the tv and queen bed going into storage...she's not sure how they are suppose to watch Max and Ruby in bed together before bedtime.

I feel a lot different with this pregnancy and I'm assuming that's because it's a boy, but maybe all pregnancies are different. Here are a couple of pictures from our 19 weeks ultrasound. We have a few pictures from a 4-D ultrasound that I'll try to post later. Grayson is currently measuring 2 weeks ahead so I'm curious to see what the doctor says this week at my appointment.

Happy 3rd Birthday

2012-01-08T21:56:00.001-06:00

We celebrated Emily Kathryn's 3rd Birthday on Friday, December 30th. It was the beginning of a week long celebration that included a birthday party with friends and family, cupcake baking for school, birthday pancakes, singing "happy birthday" a lot, a carousel ride and build-a-bear, and a dinner celebration at Macaroni Grill (MORE singing and candles). Here are a few pictures (a lot of pictures actually) from the last week.

BEST decorated cookies:)

Claire LOVED decorating cookies and eating lots of candy

This child LOVES to sing "happy birthday" and blow out candles so we did it over and over:)

December

2012-01-04T21:58:00.000-06:00

It's been way too long since I updated our blog....and it doesn't help that when I ask EmK if I can take her picture she says no and turns around:)

We've had a busy month in December. I took some time off from sewing unofficially because Jordan traveled a lot and I knew it would be really hard to find the extra time. We did lots of fun Christmas activities: advent wreath night at church, visiting Santa, Zoo Light Safari, driving around to look at lights, hunting each day for our elf Jingles, reading Christmas books, helping Mary put Jesus to sleep in our nativity scene, celebrating out of town with my family, and finally Christmas in Birmingham.

Trick or Treat

2011-11-06T19:49:00.002-06:00

It was Emily Kathryn's first year to really go "trick or treating" and let's just say she LOVED it. She wanted to be a "pink" Tinker Bell. Her favorite things: ringing the doorbell (over and over if they didn't answer immediately), saying "trick or treat", and eating the candy as soon as possible:)

Pumpkins

2011-10-12T21:12:00.001-05:00

We took Emily Kathryn to the pumpkin patch last weekend. She loved the animals and picking out her very own pumpkin (and picking out mine and Jordan's pumpkin too.) We ended the trip with a pink shaved ice (because everything these days has to be pink).

Labor Day

2011-09-29T20:50:00.000-05:00

We had our last vacation the week of Labor Day. We headed to Florida with the Barrow family for a week. The weather was so nice! It was a lot cooler than our trip in August. It was great to have a week to relax and spend quality time with our family. Emily Kathryn LOVED being on vacation and all the extra attention:) Here are a few pictures from one of the days we played on the beach and our trip to Pier Park.

she loved the rides....I couldn't believe she road the ferris wheel

this is a monkey and she slept with him for the rest of our trip

looking for shells with Papa

drying her hands as she leaves the water:)

Big Sister

2011-09-10T09:37:00.000-05:00

Emily Kathryn will be a BIG SISTER in March:) She seems very excited, but I realize she has no idea how much her world will change:)

Murphy Family Vacation

2011-08-30T21:30:00.001-05:00

In August we went with my family to the beach for a week....so that total comes to 8 adults and 6 kids:) We usually go to the Caribe in Orange Beach strictly for the entertainment the slides provide for the kids!!! It was a great week that included....swimming, jet skies, seafood, catching up with friends, celebrating my birthday, relaxing, and telling old stories with my siblings and laughing until way too late in the night!!!

Emily Kathryn took swim lessons this summer and it was worth every dime. She has become such a great swimmer in such a small amount of time. It's definitely something we will do again next year.

EmK wore these goggles for 7 days straight. She would have red rings around her eyes after several hours. It's interesting to see how particular she becomes with age....she couldn't wear anyone else's goggles the entire time...just hers...the PINK ones. Thanks Aunt Holley!

Jordan and my brother purchased this hat thinking I would actually wear it to dinner...THANKFULLY EmK wanted to wear it instead (btw, this child is obsessed with birthdays...she sings happy birthday to herself all the time)

Happy 4th

2011-07-07T20:47:00.000-05:00

We spent a long weekend at my parents house. I should have taken more pictures, but here are a few from the weekend (mainly from July 4th). Our weekend included: splashpad, swimming, grilling out, visiting with friends, date night to one of my favorite seafood restaurants, "hanging with friends" competition amongst iphone owners:), shopping at the outlets, and FIREWORKS!! We had a GREAT visit and it was hard to leave:)

Lately...

2011-05-19T21:53:00.001-05:00

we've been enjoying a FEW of our FAVORITE things....

swinging (and singing while we sing)

bubbles

playing in the water (or really standing on the edge so that the water might hit her toes)

playing with Evan and an ipad:)

I recently had a friend (Sherree Hood) take some pictures of EmK for my patterns I'm selling on Etsy. She took some amazing pictures and I could post all 30, but I'll just leave you with a few:) I LOVE this girl SOOO much!

SPRING

2011-04-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

I haven't been blogging much mainly because I keep forgetting to take pictures. So I'm combining some spring pictures I've taken with our Easter weekend.

Emily Kathryn is growing so fast. I don't feel like I have a baby anymore:( She is talking all the time and wants to do everything herself...she says to me all the time "I try".

Here are a few things I'd like to remember:
- She is quite aware of things, and now says that things "scare" her. Lightning, the dark, etc. all scare her...so she says. Just the other day she said to me "boys scare me".
- She can count to 10 and tries to do her ABC's but she's got many of them confused:)
- She LOVES the park, bubbles, and treats!
- Her favorite thing to watch is Dora
- She LOVES Fancy Nancy books. For a long time EmK would not let me read to her. A friend suggested Fancy Nancy books and now we are obsessed. I could literally recite Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique:) We got a few new books for Easter, so I'm hoping to give this one a break.
- She loves to play with Barbies and is very worried about making sure they have shoes (which are very hard to keep up with)
- Speaking of books, EmK loves a bedtime routine. Every night she says "fancy nancy" so we read. Then she says "rock" so we do. While rocking she wants to sing specific songs which include: "Twinkle", "ABC's", "Jesus", and "Sunshine". I know she enjoys all this, but I also think she is just delaying bedtime:)
- She recently jumped out of her crib, so I think a "big girl" bed is in her future very soon!
- EmK has started praying and will say the prayer for dinner or at bedtime. It's sweet to hear her name people when I ask who we should pray for.
- She's becoming more aware of her friends and talks or mentions them. She loves school and asks if she's going just about every day.
- Her favorite foods/drinks: milk, cheese toast, black beans, fruits, smarties:), and ketchup (she would dip just about anything in ketchup).

My mom came to visit a few weeks ago and EmK decided to keep her company in the bathroom while she got ready.

...and my mom brought her a Fancy Nancy nightgown and slippers...

This is our newest face when we say "cheese". We got our picture made at church last weekend for their new directory and the photographer got several of these when she kept telling us to "say cheese".

We had a fun Easter. We went to a couple of egg hunts and spent Easter in Birmingham with Jordan's family. It was a GREAT weekend! I didn't take a single picture at the egg hunt, but luckily my sweet friend Kim did. Emily Kathryn enjoyed finding the eggs, but she was really more excited about what was inside...this girl loves candy!!

After church, we went to Jordan's parents for lunch. We spent most of the afternoon blowing bubbles with our butterfly wand at Lulu and Papa's house. By the way, Lulu made EmK's beautiful Easter dress!!

....and eating LOTS of candy:)

Oh-NO!

2011-03-07T20:32:00.002-06:00

Oh-NO Is Emily Kathryn's favorite saying these days...and boy did we have an Oh-No last weekend. EmK broke her collarbone while she was jumping on a trampoline. She didn't fall off, she just feel wrong while jumping. She has to wear a sling/brace for at least 2 weeks and should be healed by 4 weeks. She seems to be just fine...except from time to time she will hit her arm or something and have a moment of hurt that includes some crying:( So here's a few pictures of her in her brace.

While she was sitting at our desk she found an old pacifier. She told me she was a "baby" and would walk around with it her mouth part of the afternoon.

I've been trying to draft a few more patterns for my sewing business and I needed to get some pictures of EmK wearing some samples. I've been waiting because of her collarbone, but today I just had to get it done. I convinced her to try on a couple of things with a sucker as a reward:) I'm already bribing her, but it worked. This is a picture I got when I asked her to say "cheese". I guess I need to stock up on suckers because otherwise it's a difficult task getting EmK to try clothes. I worry it won't be long before she starts telling me what she wants to wear:)

TWO

2011-01-12T20:18:00.005-06:00

It's really hard to believe that this sweet and adorable child is already 2! She has filled our lives with such JOY! We had a busy week celebrating Emily Kathryn's birthday. We got to celebrate with family and friends in Robertsdale and in Birmingham.....so there was lots of cake and goodies:)

my sister and Elizabeth helped me make the snowman cupcakes

We had to sing and have cupcakes before dinner because EmK couldn't stand to wait:)

Evan let us know when EmK got on the table....so we showed up just in time to save the cupcakes:)

Emily Kathryn got a Bitty Baby for her birthday and she LOVES it! My mom also gave her a wooden carriage I used as a child....it's been fun watching EmK play with it. We change this baby's clothes A LOT:) and have a few tense moments when we have to leave her in the car when it's time for school.

Holidays Part 2

2011-01-03T20:44:00.005-06:00

Three days after Christmas we packed up again and headed to Florida to celebrate New Year's with the Barrow family. Our week included bocce ball, dog walking, playing on the beach, shopping at the outlet, and some great seafood. EmK talked about the beach nonstop! I can't wait until this summer when we can spend all day on the beach:)

Papa's iPhone kept EmK entertained the entire dinner...which was particularly great because Restaurant Paradis didn't have a highchair:)

EmK LOVED the fountain at Rosemary Beach

HAPPY 2011!

...more pictures to come as we made a detour on the way home to my parents house to celebrate EmK's birthday! I can't believe she will be 2 in three days!

Holidays Part 1

2011-01-03T19:13:00.010-06:00

We have been going non-stop the last two weeks. We had an AMAZING Christmas and New Year's and got to spend lots of time with both families! We traveled to my parents the Tuesday before Christmas. While there we got to see Santa, visit friends, shop, cook and spend some time with my family. We ended our trip with brunch and presents on Christmas Eve.

Then we drove back to Birmingham and headed straight to Lulu and Papa's. There we had dinner, made cookies, and opened gifts. Emily Kathryn was sick during part of our travels and by the time we got to Lulu and Papa's she had a pretty high fever so she missed the cookies and gifts on Christmas Eve. However, she made up for it on Christmas Day. She loved all her gifts and we had a fun day playing.

Playing on the Christmas decorations after sitting with Santa. I thought she might like Santa better if my sister's three kids went with her, BUT I was wrong. I still had to sit with her. The pictures turned out cute (I just can't seem to find them at the moment).

EmK LOVES my mom's dog Lucy! She also likes driving Evan's gator. Lucy is such a loving dog and so patient with EmK. She let EmK drive her all around my mom's yard.

jumping on Memee's bed

watching the Grinch movie

EmK loved Elizabeth's camera

Tanner and Taylen

my attempt to get all the grandkids in their pj's....very hard job:)

making cookies with Amy. Amy is great at baking cookies (i'm just the helper)!!

My niece, Elizabeth, made this plate for us...so cute!

Aunt Ellen and EmK playing with all the new toys:)

Gingerbread House

2010-12-19T21:03:00.006-06:00

Last night we went to Uncle Josh and Aunt Amy's house to make a gingerbread house and eat dinner. Our entire family has been sick so it's nice when you can hang out with family because they don't care if you come over sick:)

Please don't look too closely at the gingerbread house as we need more practice at this tradition. EmK was eating the candy faster than we could put it on the house. This was just a reminder to me of how much I love family and I like that both of our families like to have family traditions. We just need a few years to perfect this one:)

YAY!!! Big news....Emily Kathryn can NOW say Amy:)

Santa

2010-12-19T09:18:00.004-06:00

Even though Emily Kathryn talks about Santa (she likes to say "ho ho ho" when you ask what Santa says and replies "YAY" when you ask her if she wants to go see Santa) the visit basically went the way I knew it would. She was fine in the line and loved watching him, BUT the minute we were next in line she changed her mind. She had a death grip on my arm and did not want me to let go. Then she wanted the "rudolph" stuffed animal the camera lady holds to get the kids to look at her. I haven't scanned the final picture, but I think these are just as good. I thought maybe the candycane would help, but it didn't:)

The 2 minute meltdown was completely worth it because we had FABULOUS food and fellowship at Brio afterwards with a little (actually A LOT) of help from the amazing iphone apps that keep EmK busy for hours:)

Maybe next year I won't have to be in the picture.

DECEMBER

2010-12-15T21:00:00.006-06:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged since Halloween! Honestly I only have one picture from Thanksgiving:( so we will move straight to December:)

Emily Kathryn and I went to visit my parents and friends...AND do a little Christmas shopping! We had a playdate with my best friend and her daughter. We went to a "jumpy" place and then had lunch. EmK is finally getting to an age where she will play with other kids so it was fun to watch her play with Natalie.

THANKS Amberly for such a fun day! I wish we lived closer...BUT even with the distance I know our girls will be close friends! Side note, Amberly and I always give the girls an ornament for Christmas. Amberly gave EmK a gingerbread girl and EmK will NOT let me put it on the tree. She's been carrying it around all week like it's her baby! Oh, and aren't they SO CUTE dressed alike:) Someone stopped us in a store to ask about their outfits;)

EmK insisted on climbing up the slides instead of using the stairs;)

MEOW....

2010-11-04T21:39:00.005-05:00

Emily Kathryn was a cat for Halloween...and the cutest cat ever I might add! Here are a few pictures from our night of trick-or-treating. Luckily two of our favorite relatives live in out neighborhood so we got GREAT treats for Halloween!

We LOVE....

2010-10-30T11:53:00.002-05:00

STICKERS:)

Pumpkin Carving

2010-10-24T19:49:00.007-05:00

We've started a pumpkin carving tradition with Uncle Josh and Aunt Amy. They come over for dinner each year and we carve (at least one) pumpkin. Here are some pictures from out 2nd year of pumpkin carving. We had SO much fun!

Thankfully Aunt Amy was there to prevent EmK from trying the pumpkin seeds

Checking out the inside of the pumpkin

Checking out our hard work up close.

Trying to capture a family shot with our pumpkins...these pictures are HARD to capture these days:)

Petting Zoo

2010-10-22T21:56:00.004-05:00

Last weekend we took Emily Kathryn to the petting zoo. She loved the animals (as long as they didn't get TOO close). We had a fun morning! Jordan is such a good dad! He was so excited to take her and was patient in helping her "warm-up" to the animals.

yelling at the donkeys to come to the fence

waving to the pigs

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-16T15:46:00.005-05:00

Last weekend we went with the Sheheane's to the Pumpkin Patch. It was actually my first time to go to a pumpkin patch. They had lots of fun things for the kids. We had a great time (despite the heat) and I think we will make this a tradition.

They had a small petting zoo at the pumpkin patch. Emily Kathryn liked the animals as long as she could keep her distance. While we were there we took a hay ride and got to pick our very own pumpkin. It was a fun day!

21 Months

2010-10-09T22:25:00.008-05:00

I have not done a very good job of blogging lately. We have been very busy this last month. Emily Kathryn had many firsts this past month.....first plane ride, kissed her first boy, started MDO program two days a week, first haircut and met our new twin cousins for the first time.

Some things I'd like to remember about this last month include:

-- Taking our first plane ride to Orlando to visit my family. We had such a fun trip! The only part I'd like to forget is the plane ride home.

-- Emily Kathryn is TALKING up a storm. I love to hear her babble and I also love hearing her say such sweet things like "budder bye" which is butterfly and "dutch" when she wants you to sit beside her. She also recently learned the word "circle" at MDO and says it all the time as she finds circles everywhere we go.

-- When I drive up to Publix these days she starts saying "truck" in the parking lot which means she wants to ride in the the "truck-shaped grocery cart". Jordan was the one who introduced her to the "truck" first and now it's a must every time we visit the store.

-- She LOVES to climb into our bed after bathtime and watch a cartoon or play with books and puzzles. If Jordan and I are in the living room she makes sure to get our attention to let us know she wants to go back there.

--She has done really well at MDO. At first she carried her backpack the entire four hours. She's starting to settle in and will put it down during her stay, but when I arrive to pick her up it's the FIRST thing she runs for before we leave.

--She has become very affectionate and we love it:)

Here are a few pictures from this last month:

We spent a weekend at the beach with the Barrow Family. EmK decided to share her blanket with Grace:)

Emily Kathryn kissing Wells...I have a few pictures from this playdate and they are all so cute. These two play so well together probably because Wells never gets upset when Emily Kathryn takes his toy:)

It's football season....and looks like these two are in deep discussion over the season.

First Haircut! Emily Kathryn did so well. I went prepared to bribe her with tons of candy, but I didn't have to. She sat in the seat for Evan (who worked really fast) and enjoyed playing with all the hair clips.

MDO - First Day

2010-09-11T22:47:00.006-05:00

Emily Kathryn started MDO last week. I was nervous the first day. She did very well and lets just say she wasn't the one that cried. I'm so excited to start this new adventure with EmK, but I can't believe my baby is old enough for school!! Here are some pictures...too many I'm sure...but it's so hard to decide.

She loves her backpack...and actually didn't want to take it off during her second day of MDO:)

We're still working on the correct way to wear your backpack:)

Disney World

2010-09-11T16:24:00.013-05:00

We spent Labor Day Weekend with part of my family at Disney World. My sister's family stayed for a week and invited us down to stay with them. We HAD a blast!!! It was SO hot, but the lines were very short! Jordan, Emily Kathryn, and I flew to Orlando and my mom and sister picked us up from the airport. Great flight there...not so great home, but it was SO worth it! Here are some pictures from our trip.

EmK's first plane ride. The trip there was GREAT (it was a straight flight to Orlando). We ate LOTS of gummy worms and watched lots of Dora.

Emily Kathryn was terrified of the Disney characters. I thought she might eventually warm up, but it never happened. Needless to say our "autograph" book is pretty empty:(

I tried to sneak a picture with Piglet, but my girl is very smart!!

How cute are they in their matching t-shirts...THANKS Katrina!

Watching Mickey from a very large distance

Elizabeth wanted to ride everything with her aunt and I loved it. I was thinking that there will be a day she might not think I'm very cool so I'm soaking in all this time:)

My sister's kids

We're just missing Charlie, and Janna and their twins:)

EmK loved this cup from the Rainforest Cafe and Elizabeth was sweet enough to let her have it.

We went to Downtown Disney for some shopping and the kids decided to stop for a little dancing. My pictures don't even capture how fun this evening was. There were tons of kids dancing and Emily Kathryn was right in the middle. She LOVED it! I just wish I had remembered my video camera!

Elizabeth and Ethan dancing

My sister and I

EmK loved playing at the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" playground. She loved all the slides!

Memee and Evan swinging Emily Kathryn

Playing by the pool

...and playing on the playground. Our hotel was SO fun!

Loving on our new Minnie Mouse and sad to be leaving:(

McWane Center

2010-08-26T20:34:00.005-05:00

We recently went to the McWane Center with some friends. Emily Kathryn was completely overwhelmed (in a good way) with all the options. She would run from station to station because she couldn't decide where to play. We will definitely go again very soon!

I wish we had an oversized "lite-brite" on our wall at home....it would entertain us for hours!

I thought for sure after Emily Kathryn checked out the end of the tunnel she would turn around and come back down. Instead she climbed all the way to the top! I was very surprised!

19 Months

2010-08-14T23:25:00.010-05:00

Each month seems to pass by faster than the previous. We've had a great and busy summer. Some things I'd like to remember from this past month include:

- Emily Kathryn is obsessed with shoes and bows. It's the first thing she asks for when she wakes up. If one falls off she comes to find me to put it back on. She has also started going to get other people's shoes and insisting they put them on.

- Her vocabulary is getting bigger and she's starting to put a few words together. She will say "got you mama" when she tries to tickle me. If I ask her if she wants to come to mama she will say, "no, want dada".

- EmK likes to climb on everything.

- She has started kissing and hugging.

- Emily Kathryn loves the water. I think watching her older cousins in the water helped her to lose any slight fear she had.

- She loves to watch cartoons, play with her kitchen, play with puzzles, and push her dolls in a stroller.

My mom helped me get some pictures of EmK on the beach. I'm definitely not a professional, but I think they turned out cute.

EmK is saying "shoes" because my mom is a few feet away holding them:)

Running on the beach boardwalk after our photo shoot:)

*new post below*

Murphy Family Weekend

2010-08-14T23:03:00.007-05:00

We were lucky enough to spend 2 weekends in a row at the beach. This time we headed to Orange Beach to spend a weekend with my family. We had a great time and it was much cooler.

Please notice her flip-flops....she's obsessed with shoes and even wants to wear them in the pool. EmK talks about her shoes ALL day!

Elizabeth loved collecting shells and Ethan built a huge hole in the sand for EmK to play in.

Holley (my sweet sister) and Elizabeth (my niece)

Elizabeth tries to teach EmK how to skim board

This is one of my absolute favorite pictures. I LOVE LOVE LOVE both of these girls so much! Since Elizabeth doesn't have a sister I hope that she and EmK will be like sisters one day:)

This is another FAVORITE. I know it's not a great shot in regards to photography, but I could frame it. I love seeing her laugh and it reminds me how excited she was to be play in the sand and water!

Absolutely no fear when it came to the water:)

Emily Kathryn loved the playground....you can't see Jordan but he's trying to convince her to go down the slide

Emily Kathryn really loved the lazy river

*new post below*

Barrow Family Weekend

2010-08-14T22:49:00.006-05:00

We recently spent some time at the beach with Jordan's family (minus our favorite Aunt Ellen). It was by far the HOTTEST weekend of the summer!!!! Here are a few pictures from one of our trips to the pool. Sorry Uncle Josh that we never made it to the beach...it was just SO hot!!! Next time WE promise!!

New Dress

2010-07-26T21:53:00.003-05:00

Aunt Ellen made this dress for Emily Kathryn. It's even prettier in person.

Pretzels

2010-07-20T22:37:00.003-05:00

We now have those child safety knobs on our doors because when I leave Emily Kathryn alone for more than 5 seconds this is how I find her -- notice the clip in her hand:)

After she got over her fit of not having pretzels we were off to climb in all the other chairs in our living room

18 Months

2010-07-13T19:57:00.001-05:00

I can't believe Emily Kathryn is 18 months old. It's amazing how much they learn and change in a month. Here's some of her new favorite things:

-- EmK loves to close doors (she's can sometimes open them as well). It's funny because sometimes she closes the door on herself and instead of getting upset she just runs to find something to play with....it's as if she knows I'll be coming soon to get her!

-- She has become shy when she first enters a room with a lot of people. She drops her chin to her chest and won't dare look up until you make her laugh.

-- EmK is talking up a storm and now I can understand more of her words. Some new words include: no, thank you, stuck, shoes, bow, belly bow (aka belly button), and sadie (my brother's dog).

-- She decided to climb out of her pack-n-play last week while we were staying with my parents. I hope this won't become a habit because we travel a lot and I don't have a plan B:)

-- Emily Kathryn's favorite toy is a car that she can ride in. It has a handle at the top so you can push her. EVERY time we go outside she runs to it. She also likes puzzles.

-- She can point to her different body parts and can say a couple.

--EmK is obsessed with her shoes and bow. She starts asking for shoes right when she gets up and when we take them off throughout the day she finds them and asks for them to be put back on.

-- A new favorite food is guacamole....and she's not a big fan of noodles.

-- Emily Kathryn LOVES to climb. The bench in front of our kitchen island is a constant temptation for her:)

Here's a few pics I took at my mom's house last week:

She loves playing in a kennel my parents have for their dog. Here she is with my sister's phone....hope you don't mind Aunt Holley:)

I LOVE seeing EmK and Jordan play together. He's such a good father and so patient with her. I have a bag of old necklaces and bracelets and Jordan was helping EmK put them all on tonight before bedtime. No pictures, but it was so sweet to watch! I love hearing their conversations when he gives her a bath! I also love that he takes her for a drive late in the afternoon so they can listen to "Paul Finebaum" while I get a few minutes to myself. I can only imagine what they talk about while driving through the neighborhood.

Happy 18 months EmK! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Happy Fourth

2010-07-09T22:50:00.005-05:00

Jordan, EmK , and I spent the 4th of July at my parents. We went swimming, grilled out, enjoyed visiting with friends, watched fireworks, and had a fun-filled weekend. Jordan went back on Monday and Emily Kathryn and I got to spend the rest of the week in Robertsdale...so much fun!!!

Happy 4th

EmK LOVES this car that my mom bought (it's seriously her favorite toy) and everyone took turns pushing her around. Lucky her:)

ON THE MOVE:)

EmK loves my mom's dogs...she even learned their names this week (Sadie and Lucy)

EmK letting Ethan feed her

We LOVE corn just like Daddy!

17 Months

2010-06-07T14:53:00.012-05:00

Highlights from month 17:

-- EmK stayed with Memee and Peppie for an entire weekend so mom and dad could go to the beach

--She LOVES popsicles

--Emily Kathryn is still talking a lot....most of which we still can't understand

--She tries to eat with a fork, but usually gives up and uses her hands

--She loves to watch cartoons (The Wonder Pets, Mickey Mouse, Yo Gabba Gabba)

--EmK likes to play with puzzles

--EmK loves to carry her baby around and feed her with a bottle

--EmK's hair has gotten very curly!!

--She loves the beach and likes eating the sand (go figure)

--She's unpredictable when it comes to dinner....I never know if she's going to eat what we fix

--She's starting to let us know when she doesn't get her way:)

--EmK's favorite foods include: pretzels, grapes, wheat thins, strawberries, chicken, waffles, sweet potatoes, chicken salad, and black beans...and anything sweet:)

Here are some pictures from the past month....

Jordan has some old locks in our garage and EmK loves to play with them

Loving on her dog:)

First popsicle -- LOVE IT....thanks Mrs. Amberly:)

We were headed to the splashpad...but it rained so we played at Chick-fil-a instead

Ethan entertaining EmK on our drive home

Playing in the smallest pool ever (just kidding mom)

Two of EmK's favorite things: riding in this car and drinking from a regular cup

Check out that scratch on her forehead where she fell while running (and the proof that Memee gave her a popsicle)

Dinner at Borago in Grayton Beach

Brothers

Sister-in-laws:)

Jordan put this hat on her....I must give him all the credit

Our Horse

2010-05-15T08:32:00.002-05:00

Emily Kathryn can finally get on her horse all by herself. You can't tell, but in this picture she is jumping up and down like crazy. I just love her crazy morning hair:)

Happy Saturday!

16 Months

2010-05-11T18:10:00.001-05:00

Here are some fun facts about EmK:

-- The biggest change I've seen in EmK this last month is her vocabulary. She can say several words including: ball, dog, duck, shoe, bow, josh (her uncle) along with mama, dada, and bye. ----When she's not saying these words she is babbling in her "baby language" all day long! It's so funny to hear. We've had lots of frustration when it comes to communicating. She will point to things she wants and if I pick up the wrong thing, she lets me know:)

--She still loves her wagon and enjoys being in her stroller when I go for walks.

--EmK has started playing with her babies. She carries them around or hugs them. She has a baby stroller and she will push them around.

--She loves to play with her kitchen set and her pots and pans.

It's hard to get EmK to stand still for a picture these days. I am sure this won't get any easier.

Making something to eat for dad

Feeding him:)

We tried to take pictures on Mother's Day...this was the best one and I'm not even in it!

Beach Time

2010-05-04T20:14:00.008-05:00

Last weekend we headed to Florida. Although we didn't see much sunshine....we were able to play outside all weekend. EmK loved the beach and the sand.....she had it EVERYWHERE!!! She didn't seem to mind that the water was cold. We took LOTS of walks around WaterSound and EmK loved riding in her wagon.

We had a great time....and EmK was on the GO the entire weekend. We ate lots of great seafood and even got the opportunity to meet my sister and her husband in Seaside for dinner one night.

I've quickly learned that the beach isn't exactly relaxing with kids;) but it is lots of FUN!

Jordan is such a GREAT dad....he got in the ocean and pool with EmK....way too cold for me!!

15 Months

2010-05-01T08:50:00.004-05:00

I'm behind.....EmK is almost 16 months, but I wanted to post a few pictures.

--Emily Kathryn's hair is getting really curly:)

-- We've been busy with swim lessons this month. EmK didn't mind being put under water, but had no desire to learn how to blow bubbles in the water. I think all she really wanted to do was run around the pool:)

--We've been to the zoo several times this month

--EmK LOVES to ride in her wagon. If the ride is too short she lets me know when I try to park the wagon and get her out.

-- For the most part we are only taking one nap a day. Sometimes if Emily Kathryn gets up extra early we fit a morning nap in, but that doesn't happen too often.

--She babbles all the time. I can't wait to understand what she is trying to say

When EmK sees me trying to take pictures she RUNS toward the camera to try and take it from me.

This book ('Tails') is EmK's favorite. She has almost torn all the tails out BUT still loves to turn the pages over and over....

My sister brought her kids to Birmingham during their Spring Break and we went to the zoo.

The Zoo Splash Pad -- hard to get a face shot since EmK has to wear a hat:) She loved the water even though it was cold!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T11:52:00.007-05:00

EmK has been sick all weekend with a fever virus so unfortunately we didn't get to attend church on Sunday....but we were able to spend time with Jordan's family -- they don't mind the germs unlike our church nursery:) It was such a FUN day!!!

The Easter Bunny brought EmK some sunglasses:)

This was taken right after EmK's nap....LOVE the hair:)

Vivian taught us how to knit (I need A LOT of practice)

Josh and Jordan entertained EmK while the ladies were knitting

...and they let EmK sit on the edge of the koi pond.....

AND they let her put her feet in the water. Obviously she LOVED it!!!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-31T12:03:00.011-05:00

Our playgroup had an Easter Egg Hunt on Monday. Emily Kathryn didn't really get the idea of putting eggs in her basket. She just wanted to open them and eat whatever was inside (whether it was edible or not). Here are a few pictures from our egg hunt and picnic:) This is such a FUN group!!! Thanks for hosting Alicia!

look at her curls in this picture

my attempt to get EmK and SK in a picture together....

Shannon and I have to hold the girls in order to get them still long enough for a picture:)

Just Because

2010-03-25T20:38:00.005-05:00

I love when I can capture a fun moment. Emily Kathryn is moving so fast these days it can be hard.

I gave EmK this necklace while I was getting ready this morning....in hopes it would distract her. She's worn it all day:) And you might notice her jack-in-the-box. We keep it in her armoire and after nap-time she always wants to play with it:)

The Zoo

2010-03-25T15:32:00.005-05:00

Last week Amberly and Natalie came to visit and one of our many stops was the zoo. On our way I got a call from Jordan and his brother that they would happily leave work and join us for some fun. We had a GREAT time and it was a beautiful day! There were SO many people at the zoo!

...then we came home and played with bubbles....

...and climbed on furniture:)

14 Months and a FUN weekend

2010-03-14T18:34:00.000-05:00

Emily Kathryn turned 14 months last week. Some things I'd like to remember about the last month include:

--EmK has her one-year molars. So that makes 12 teeth!

--She is now a picky eater. She isn't as quick to try new things. (and her favorite thing is probably goldfish crackers).

--EmK can say "dada", "mama", and "bye-bye"....however she says "dada" ALL day long!

--She seems to be enjoying books more and I sometimes find her sitting in her room surrounded by all her books. I've tried to get a picture, but as soon as she sees the camera she gets up:)

--EmK 'babbles' non-stop and I love hearing it even if I don't understand.

-- She loves going outside and cries when we come back in.

--and Emily Kathryn just figured out how to get on her riding toys:)

My mom and niece, Elizabeth, came to visit this weekend. We read LOTS of books!

I also learned a lot about 10 year olds:) For example, two extremely important things to a 10 year old girl include anything with glitter and sparkles:) My mom and I took Elizabeth to my favorite fabric store to get some fabric for a tiered skirt. The first thing she said when we walked in is "where is the black leopard print". What? The next thing she told me is that she wouldn't wear anything with flowers. What? After a VERY long time in the store we finally found some great material.

Friday afternoon we worked together on her skirt. Yesterday we went shopping at the Summit. We decided to have a fashion show to try on some of the new stuff we got from shopping. Jordan decided we should "spice" up our pictures so he got out the bubble maker...and before long EmK wanted in on the fun! Oh, and when I asked Elizabeth if she was going to pay me for making the skirt she said "We're family!!!" Yes, we are and I love her SO much!!!

Please take note of the "glitter" on Elizabeth's brand new flip-flops....and you can't really see, but she has on new "bling" including a ring, bracelet, and earrings all from a girl's dream shop...Claire's.

It was a FUN and very informative weekend:) I can't believe Elizabeth is going to be 10 in a couple of months. I can still remember being in the my last quarter (yes it was quarters then) at Auburn when I got the call that my sister was in labor. I love this sweet girl SO much!! She asks TONS of questions and it's so fun to have conversation with her. I know there is a big age gap between Elizabeth and EmK, but I really hope they are close when they are older....hopefully just like sisters:)

13 Months

2010-02-08T20:04:00.011-06:00

Every month just gets more fun and interesting!! Here are some things I'd like to remember about the last month:

- Emily Kathryn LOVES to turn the water knob on our master bath tub. Luckily she can only reach the cold water knob. I thought this was so cute until she started throwing shoes (from our closet) in the tub before turning on the water.

- If you say "it's time to eat" she will walk and stand in front of her highchair....she loves to eat!

- If you ask her if she wants to go "bye-bye" she goes to the back door.

- Jordan always bathes Emily Kathryn and the last few nights he has let her run naked through the house to find me. She LOVES it!!! The other night she found me in my closet hanging up clothes and next thing I know the floor is wet and she has gone to the bathroom right on the carpet..gross but funny!

- She is almost willing to sit through an entire book with me. One day we will get through the entire 'One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish' book.

- Emily Kathryn can reach her light switch so in the mornings when I turn on the light she thinks it's FUN to turn the light back off!

- We now have to buckle her into her highchair, otherwise she stands up in the chair when she's done!

- Emily Kathryn LOVES being outside. She got a wagon for her birthday and wants to ride in it all the time. She also loves to swing at the park by our house.

(we don't normally wear sundresses in January...I was trying to get her to pose for my sewing blog)

Could she be any CUTER?!!!

My Favorite Book

2010-02-03T20:08:00.008-06:00

My parents came to visit over the weekend and brought my nephew Evan. He and EmK played nonstop. The only pictures I happened to catch were of my dad (Peppee) reading to the kids. EmK loves this book!

Sew Happy

2010-01-13T22:03:00.003-06:00

I have been learning to sew for several months. I recently decided that I would start sewing for other people. I created a blog to display some things I've made. You can check it out at www.sewhappyblog.blogspot.com.

Birthday Party #2

2010-01-07T22:44:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Emily Kathryn turned ONE!!!! The year has really gone by so fast. I really can't describe how much we love this little girl....she is absolutely amazing and I feel so blessed to be her mom!!! We had a family dinner/party last night to celebrate!!

Before the party we went for a walk in our neighborhood. We didn't stay out long (it was VERY cold) but here are a few pictures. Could she be any CUTER??

EmK and her baby (thanks Memee)

she likes to point at everything;)

once she got comfortable, she took OFF down the street!!!

coming back to show me her leaf

...AND now party pictures!!

my attempt at a "birthday" banner....I hope to hang it up each year or until she becomes too cool for it:)

a sweet friend gave EmK this princess carriage...she carried the princess around all afternoon

our dinner...I can really only take credit for the lasagna (thanks to Paula Dean). The rest is takeout:)

our cake and invitation (I made the invite..and cut out every single cupcake...good thing it was a small party...probably not one of my smartest ideas, but they turned out cute!!)

EmK loves Italian food

mouth full of cupcake

this is our "touchdown" move....she does it every time we say touchdown...and she only does one arm most of the time:)

dad helping her with the cupcake!!

she liked unwrapping the gifts!!

sweet treats for our guests (ginger-man cookies from Savage's -- Jordan's favorite)

**new post below**

Birthday Party #1

2010-01-07T14:03:00.003-06:00

We had an "early" birthday party for Emily Kathryn while we were visiting my family at Christmas. It was going to be tough to get my entire family to Birmingham around the 6th so we decided to celebrate twice:)

We had a small party that included my family and some of my high school friends. It was a great excuse to get to catch up with everyone and have strawberry cake:)

What a FUN day!

PARTY time -- the hat lasted 2 seconds!!!

I thought EmK would tear into the cake but I was wrong...guess it was a lot of pressure with everyone watching:)

My niece, Elizabeth, loved playing and reading to the girls

I know this little guy is going to try to convince EmK to go to UA with him...

sweet treats for the party goers!!

Aunt Holley bought EmK the CUTEST pettiskirt...so I made a cupcake onesie to match!

New Year's Eve Wedding

2010-01-03T19:39:00.010-06:00

Here are a few pictures from my brother's wedding. Charlie and Janna got married on New Year's Eve in Destin, FL. They rented an amazing house and got married on the beach. The weather was perfect...85 degrees and sunny!! I wish I had more pictures to share, but I was busy chasing Emily Kathryn. She LOVED the beach. EmK didn't want to be held during the ceremony....instead she wanted to walk in the sand and pick it up in both hands (and eat it too). During the reception she was very curious about the pool and the guitar player. It was funny (yet tiring) to keep up with her!!

The wedding turned out beautiful...and we had so much fun! We are so happy to have a new member in our family...although really Janna has been apart of our family a long time. We wish Charlie and Janna much love forever!!

This one I got from the photographer's blog....it really sums up the day! I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures that Aimee took...she's an amazing photographer and friend.

Christmas Highlights

2009-12-29T09:09:00.021-06:00

It's been a busy and FUN Christmas holiday. We spent last Wednesday night with Jordan's parents and had lunch with the Barrow Family on Christmas Eve. Then we headed to my parents and stopped by to see my mom's family in Florida on our way. It was great for Emily Kathryn to meet her great aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was a busy day....but we found time to back cookies for Santa:) Christmas Day we went to my sister's house for brunch, opened gifts at my mom's, and had Christmas dinner as a family. Emily Kathryn seemed to like the paper and all the chaos:) She laughs so much at my sister's kids....it's fun to watch all of them together!

More posts to come. We had an early birthday party for EmK and my brother is getting married in Destin in two days!!! Here are some of the highlights from Christmas:)

Lulu and Papa gave EmK a kitchen set....would anyone like something to eat?

Cupcakes and tea.....yummy!!!

My mom bought EmK and my sister's kids matching pj's

It's hard to get 4 kids to look and smile at the same time...especially with my mom's dog nearby

Best Dad EVER!!!

EmK is no longer shy around the tree...good thing it's about to come down:)

For some reason, Emily Kathryn doesn't like to keep her baby in the stroller:)

I LOVE these two SO much!!

Emily Kathryn LOVES my niece Elizabeth

Zoo Light Safari

2009-12-21T09:36:00.008-06:00

Last night we bundled up and went to the the zoo to look at their light display. We had a really good time. Emily Kathryn has learned to wave recently and at one point she would wave to everyone we passed. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

All bundled up!!

What a surprise that Jordan found the Alabama display and had to get a picture:)

EmK really wasn't sure what to think of the friendly goat

I think she's wondering what I'm doing

It was cold...but FUN!

She wouldn't stop chewing on her gloves...

Santa

2009-12-13T19:29:00.008-06:00

We recently went to see Santa. I was SO excited about Emily Kathryn meeting Santa for the first time....really more interested to see how she would react. The entire visit lasted for less than 30 seconds (we got lucky and there was no line). What a fun memory!!

11 Months...oh my!!

2009-12-07T20:32:00.020-06:00

I can't believe Emily Kathryn will be turning a year old in less than a month. Boy, this year has gone by so fast....and I have loved every minute.

Fun facts about EmK:

Emily Kathryn is WALKING!! She started around 10 months and is really getting the hang of it. I love how she follows me around the house.
She still LOVES to eat....and I find it funny that she isn't the least bit picky....I know this will likely change, but for now I'm enjoying it.
She still loves her bottle and makes all kinds of noise when she sees it.
She goes back and forth between being a momma's girl and a daddy's girl...right now it's my turn:)
She just started waving. My friend Ashley got the first official wave:)
Jordan has this owl hand puppet and EmK goes crazy with laughter when he pretends to be an owl.
She has really started to play with toys. We have a basket of toys in our living room and by the end of the day every single toy is out of the basket.
Emily Kathryn loves to play with tupperware and a whisk....maybe she'll be a chef one day.
She has eight teeth and loves it when I brush them (I actually think she just loves the taste of the toothpaste).
And she's dancing:)

Now to some pictures.....

Happy 1st Thanksgiving Emily Kathryn!!

Looks just like her dad!!

EmK loves to clap

One of the many shots we took trying to get a great picture for the Christmas card. I LOVE her expression!!! She is just SO cute!

If only we could photoshop dad in this picture it would have made the Christmas card!! Thanks Papa for helping take so many pictures!!

First time eating SPAGHETTI!!! Loved it of course!

Delicious dinner Lulu!

10 Months

2009-11-08T14:28:00.013-06:00

Emily Kathryn turned 10 months on Friday. Here are some fun facts about her:

She is crawling around like crazy. She has learned to stand on her own and when she gets excited and wants to get somewhere, she drops to the ground quickly and takes off.
EmK still takes two naps a day.
She has 7 teeth.
She is obsessed with wanting the remote even though she's not allowed to play with it...and she's starting to figure out that she can still get it if I put it behind my back.
EmK loves food. I have yet to find something she won't eat. I'm sure a picky stage will happen soon, but for now I'm enjoying the fact that she will eat anything. It's funny to watch her because she shoves food in her mouth until her cheeks are full....so much that I get worried she will choke and have to limit the amount I put in front of her. I recently started giving her cheese toast for breakfast....she LOVES it!!!
She hates wearing a bow:( I of course love bows and want her to wear one...I knew this was going to happen. I have to secretly put them in otherwise she pulls them right out.
She is very TALL!! Sevearl of her 12 month pants are almost too short...good thing I know how to sew:)
She says "ba ba" all day long.
She LOVES pushing around her lion toy. Half the time she pushes him sideways...but either way it makes her happy. She still loves her jumper (and so do I because I can put her in it when I need to get a few things done) and her piano.

Jordan and I love every minute with EmK and we're looking forward to all the holidays and family time coming up. Have a great day and enjoy the pics!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T19:56:00.026-05:00

Here's all the things we've been doing to celebrate Halloween (and Fall).

It started in early October when we kicked things off with a Halloween costume party that I blogged about here.

We then decorated our front porch...what's Fall without pumpkins and mums:)

Then we carved a pumpkin with Uncle Josh and Aunt Amy!!

I decided to roast the pumpkin seeds. Did you know that there are very few seeds inside a pumpkin? I thought there would be a ton...but in our pumpkin there were only a few...very delicious though!!

We went to playgroup last week and EmK got to play with friends while dressed in her costume.

Lastly, today I spent the morning cooking White Chicken Chili (thanks Amberly for the recipe) and Jalapeno Cornbread to celebrate Halloween with the Barrow Family. I wanted to make one Halloween treat so....thanks Sandra Lee.....I think my Spiders Bites turned out GREAT!

Emily Kathryn lasted about 15 minutes in her costume (thanks Holley for letting me use Elizabeth's first costume). Jordan took some super cute pictures!!!

This is What Happens....

2009-10-15T15:16:00.007-05:00

when you send your HUSBAND to the store. Jordan offered to go pick up a prescription at Walgreen's and when he arrived it wasn't ready. So HE decided to shop.....and this is what he came home with....a collegiate SNUGGIE!! Hilarious!!!

While he did pose for these pics....I found him upstairs all snuggled away in his "snuggie" when I got home last night. Thankfully they did not have an Auburn one, otherwise we would both be owners:)

9 Months

2009-10-12T22:26:00.023-05:00

Wow, 9 months! Emily Kathryn is a busy girl! She is crawling all over the place and loves exploring. Jordan and I really need to "baby proof" our house. We've been out of town a lot lately, and EmK has done really well traveling and sleeping in other places. Speaking of travel....I went to my parents a couple of weekends ago for a "Costume Birthday Party" from my sister's two boys...Ethan turned 6 and Evan turned 3. My sister sure does now how to throw a kid party! She rented a dunking booth and made really cute Halloween inspired treats!

Emily Kathryn is getting her two front teeth (on top)...so this will make 4:) She got a little sick around the time she was cutting them, but otherwise they never slowed her down. This past week Jordan and I were sitting outside at his parent's house and she started clapping:) It's so exciting to see her do something for the first time. I keep trying to read to Emily Kathryn, but honestly she won't sit still long enough...she just wants to chew on the book. Last week when she was sick, she got up some at night and secretly I didn't mind getting up with her because she let me hold and rock her......I cherish those moments because it's not often that she will just let me hold her and cuddle:)

Here are a few pics from the last couple of weeks!

EmK went to the party in her pumpkin shirt....it was too hot for the bunny costume!

My sister's kids went as the Scooby gang

Their costumes were SO cute! Evan would wear his Scooby costume 24/7 if Holley let him

I've been sewing and smocking a lot lately! I made this dress because I LOVE my husband and I wanted to thank him for all his help with EmK while I've been taking sewing lessons. Secretly, I feel like a total trader for spending hours making an Alabama dress. After all, I graduated from Auburn and I love Auburn football so much that I was a Tigerette (football hostess). However, I love my husband way more than football and seeing how excited he gets to see EmK in HIS team colors on Saturday makes it completely worth it.

Plus my friend Karen helped me put it in perspective....those are "circus" elephants on EmK's dress:)

Love her!

We can CLAP and are SO excited about it!!

She is going to be so confused, but I have to throw in some AU when I can....too bad it didn't bring us any luck this past weekend!!

Emily Kathryn LOVES Lilly....but I don't think the LOVE is mutual! Lilly snaps at EmK a lot....and EmK thinks it's funny and continues to chase her.

My sister recently gave me this dress to smock and sew! Thanks Holley!! It turned out great!

On our way to church. EmK has moved up to the "Crawler Room".

Emily Kathryn is on the MOVE

2009-09-26T17:45:00.005-05:00

I've been meaning to post this video for a few weeks, but I had to first figure out how to put the video footage from my camera on my computer....more complicated than I first imagined. Emily Kathryn is crawling! Gone are the days of being able to do something in another room while she plays on the floor....she's into everything!!!

Uncle Josh gets Married

2009-09-20T21:33:00.012-05:00

This weekend was busy! Emily Kathryn attended her first wedding...and how super sweet that it was Uncle Josh and Aunt Amy. The wedding took place at the Botanical Gardens and despite fear of rain, it was a dry and beautiful evening!!

Here are some pictures from the wedding. EmK smiled every time the camera lady sneezed at her and she was pretty quiet during the ceremony. However, by the time the reception started she was completely exhausted from the day and ready to call it a night....so luckily I had a good friend on call to pick her up.

This dress was given to EmK when she was born. A friend of the Barrow family made the dress, so I thought it was perfect for a Barrow wedding. I'm sure the professional photos are much better than mine!!

EmK on the move.....did I mention she's crawling? Posting video soon!!

SO CUTE!

Amy looked absolutely beautiful (Josh looked handsome too)...and Amy is always smiling!!

Emily Kathryn loves Papa and really wanted his flower:)

Had to get a quick photo with EmK's Lulu

We have found our tongue:)

Best friends....they can get into so much trouble together:)

EmK loves our friend Joy and her jewelry!!

I have to take a moment to say that I smocked this dress. It was my first project and I've been busy every since. Since it's such a special dress to me, I really wanted her to wear it the first time for a special occasion....and I think Josh's wedding definitely fits that category. Feel free to "zoom in" on this picture to see my crafty skills:) I assure you'll be seeing other projects very soon as I'm taking a sewing class tomorrow to learn how to put the dresses together. I might be in a little over my head....I guess I'll know for sure tomorrow!

EmK tried to last all night, but she just couldn't do it.....

What a FUN weekend!

Quick Stories

2009-09-06T18:14:00.012-05:00

I have a few pictures I'll like to share -- each has a story.

1. I've been sewing on a new machine I got for my birthday....and the results include some pants for Emily Kathryn. I wanted to try them on her and measure the elastic and I just had to take some pics. I think she is the cutest kid on the planet:) I mistakenly went against my better judgement and did not add length to the pants...the result....capri pants:) Still super cute on her.

2. Jordan has been talking football for weeks. It never really stops at our house, just slows down a little in the winter months. On Thursday morning I found the flag already flying when I left to run errands. On Friday night I noticed Jordan had laid out EmK's clothes for the next day....an Alabama cheerleader outfit and bow. We had a quick lesson on when to use a satin versus grosgrain bow....he caught on quickly!

As most of you already know, we are a house divided when it comes to college football. My disclaimer for the next picture is that I really love my husband and this makes him VERY happy!

3. On Sunday afternoon I left for the grocery store while Emily Kathryn was napping. When I arrived home I found her in her exercauser outside with her dad. I commented on her bow and Jordan explained to me that he chose a turquoise bow to match the polo horse on her outfit. SO FUNNY...and really so thoughtful! Jordan is just amazing to me. I quickly thought back to how he talked for the first 20 weeks of my pregnancy about how much he wanted a boy....and now he is picking out hair bows:) I think he even wet her hair so it wouldn't be sticking up....he's the BEST dad:)

4. We installed EmK's toddler seat!

First Trip to the Zoo

2009-08-31T14:27:00.006-05:00

Recently Jordan and I took Emily Kathryn to the ZOO. I have to be honest, I think the zoo trip was more for Jordan than EmK. He has been wanting to take her for a long time and while she's really still too young to get the idea, Jordan LOVED it!!! We saw lots of animals, fed the giraffes, watched the monkeys swing like crazy, and rode the train. Jordan thought we should sit in the front of the train...to have the best view...bad idea!!! The moment the train whistle started blowing things just went downhill. Emily Kathryn hated the noise and the train conductor scared her too. He was trying to be funny and loud...she hated ever moment. Lesson learned...next time we will ride in the back. We didn't get to ride the carousel (what I looked forward to the most) because EmK fell asleep in her stroller. GOOD NEWS.....we have a year pass so we can go back often!!! Here are a few photos from our visit.

**new post below**

Look What I Can Do

2009-08-31T14:15:00.006-05:00

Emily Kathryn can now sit up on her own and she gets so excited about it. Nap time is very interesting because she spends the first 30 minutes playing in her crib. I love watching her on my video monitor. Here are a few pictures I captured early one morning when I went in her room. When we've gone in her room lately after she's been sleeping we always find her at the end of the bed closest to the door just sitting and watching....as if hoping someone will walk through the door to visit her:) I find it so funny!

(look at my two teeth)

7 Months

2009-08-15T09:35:00.005-05:00

Emily Kathryn is 7 months old...boy does time fly by!! We are doing great. EmK has two teeth and is loving baby food....I have yet to try something she didn't like. She has started fake coughing and talking all the time. The talking sounds like "da da da da" to which Jordan thinks she is saying "dada" but we all know she's going to say "mama" first:)

While at my parents last weekend, my sweet friend Aimee took some pictures of EmK...and she gave me a sneak peak....which I'm sharing with all of you. I can't wait to see the rest. We fought off a ton of mosquitoes (the biggest I've ever seen no kidding) in a field to get these shots...and every bite was worth it:) Aimee is a phenomenal photographer...and it's a bonus to be able to catch up with an old friend while having fun with EmK.

Check out her website: http://www.aimeereynoldsphotography.com/

Summer Fun

2009-08-04T14:53:00.006-05:00

A picture from our most recent beach trip. The pool is a lot more fun when you can sit up...and when you have lots of toys:)

I have to include this picture. I asked Jordan to stop by Target and buy a "baby" pool the day before we headed to the beach. You know the kind of pool I'm referring to....one that is 3 feet wide... a little pool!! I wanted to take it to the beach/pool and put a little water in it so EmK could play. This is Jordan's "idea" of a "baby" pool. All three of us can fit in this thing....and it apparently makes a GREAT float for the big pool!!

I've been sewing some for Emily Kathryn and thought I'd let her model some of my work (I sewed this applique). I thought the project turned out so cute...and I think my model is PRECIOUS!

Jordan took a picture of Emily Kathryn and I before we left for Aunt Amy's bridal tea. This is proof that EmK can wear a bow -- I realize this is a big stretch, but the barrette is technically staying all on its own:). Many of you know how HAPPY this truly makes me (it's the little things in life). I realize she will likely HATE bows because I want her to love them...but until she can say no, I'll continue.

BTW, could this child look anymore like her father???

6 Months (and Happy 4th)

2009-07-15T09:25:00.014-05:00

Emily Kathryn is 6 months old. She went to the doctor on Monday and they could not believe how much she has grown in length...probably weight too:)

EmK is sitting up....is amazed by her hands...smiling like crazy....drooling....and is such a great sleeper these days! On a not so great note, she has been sick for several days with a fever and rash. I think she is finally starting to feel better.

Here's a few pictures from the last couple of weeks.

Attempting to drink from our sippy cup

Yea! We like our sippy cup...although most of it is on our shirt!

Papa bought this hat...and Jordan couldn't wait for her to wear it

Happy 4th of July

Papa and EmK in deep discussion on the 4th of July

I think this picture is hilarious!!! In this picture you will see Jordan's great "pallet" idea. When he takes Emily Kathryn to his "movie room" he puts down a blanket, a million pillows all around her, her boppy pillow for extra support, and tons of toys. Then they either talk or watch cartoons. I just had to get a picture when I walked upstairs one afternoon to find his creation and the tv on the cartoon channel:)

We LOVE bath time!!!

Oh, How I Love to Sew!!

2009-07-01T08:36:00.011-05:00

I really want to be a great sewer!! I look at things people make and I'm so inspired....but I just don't quite have it down yet. I randomly find blogs of people who sew like crazy and their projects just seem so amazing. I found directions on "appliques using your sewing machine" and I thought they were so cute...and since I don't' have an embroidery machine, I thought I'd give them a try!!! Oh, how I'd LOVE an embroidery machine.

I had some 0-3 month onesies so I decided to make a couple for some friends and try out my new project. I made the girl onesies for Dana's little girl Claire who will be here in October....I really wanted to do her monogram but after cutting out a "C" and thinking about having to sew around that curved letter twice, I opted for an elephant and cross. I still need a little more practice...but I'll get Claire's monogram down before she gets here:) The boy onesie is for my friend Sherie who is due in July. Hope you like them friends:)

My next project is to make some for Emily Kathryn!! Enjoy the pic...they definitely aren't perfect, but that's the point...or so I tell myself:) If anyone would like to try this and would like more details just let me know....or if you have any ideas for some fun shapes that I should try...I'm thinking maybe an owl or giraffe might be cute. Happy sewing!!

"Special" Pajamas

2009-06-29T10:31:00.011-05:00

So, my sister (unlike me) is sentimental and keeps everything. Although I'm not like her in this regard, I LOVE the fact that she keeps everything because I almost always benefit!! I've been meaning to post a picture of Emily Kathryn in the special pajamas Holley gave me. While they seem ordinary to everyone else, my sister and my mom will be happy to see them again. My Mammaw Holley (my mom's mom) gave them to my sister when she was expecting her first child. All of my sister's kids have worn them and now my children can wear them too. So, while they are just an ordinary, everyday set of pajamas I find such joy in seeing EmK wearing something that my grandmother picked out....I really miss her! I finally got around to taking her picture in the pj's and it's a good thing because we are quickly growing out of them:)

Holley and mom, I hope you like the pics!

Vacation - Orange Beach

2009-06-24T14:17:00.012-05:00

Last week we went to the beach with my family. We had a few glitches in the beginning (including my nephew getting the chicken pox the day before we left), but we had a GREAT time. We stayed at the Caribe in Orange Beach and I highly recommend it -- my sister's kids kept calling the pools a water park!!!

I have to thank my mom big time for taking care of EmK. As I've discussed with many of my friends who have had children in the last year, the beach just isn't the same once you have kids:). The days of relaxing by the pool or being lazy at the beach are over unless you are lucky enough to have a grandparent with you. We were very lucky to have my mom with us the entire trip who took such great care of EmK when she no longer cared about being by the pool. Thanks mom!!

Here are a few pictures from the week.

Evan (2) LOVED the water slides!!

Charlie and Ethan (5) sliding together!

Do I have enough sunblock on?

Jordan, Elizabeth (9), and Janna getting ready for the SkyCoaster

Elizabeth was terrified when it started!!

Me and my sister

Jordan, Ethan, and Evan

EmK loves watching Evan

I think EmK and Jordan have the same hairstyle:)

He's just SO cute!!!

Evan loves, loves, loves Jordan. When my sister had to leave to take care of Ethan(who was sick the first half of the week), Evan only stayed with us becuase JORDAN was there.....he was like his little shadow. It was fun to watch them together!

Trying to play paddle ball:)

EmK loves this pink water stick

She loves it even more in her mouth!!

Raise your hand if you had a GREAT time on vacation!!!

5 Months

2009-06-07T15:42:00.005-05:00

Yesterday Emily Kathryn turned 5 months old. She recently figured out how to roll over from her back to her stomach. Up until this point, she hasn't liked being on her stomach, but this last week I have found her on her stomach a lot. She hasn't seemed to figure out on her activity mat that once she's on her stomach she can roll back over to her back...guess those are just details:) She also seems to enjoy sitting more than lying these days. She still needs help sitting up, but maybe by next month she can enjoy it on her own!! She LOVES her exersaucer!! We tried oatmeal again this week and she seems to like it better...no crying this time....but she still seems indifferent to it. I have to confess that my real reason for trying it was that I heard it helped some kids sleep through the night and a week ago we were still getting up at 4-5am for a bottle. Two days after we started the oatmeal I went online and discovered that my idea for giving her the oatmeal was a myth. So I'm not sure if I have the oatmeal to thank, all the advice from friends, EmK's new skill to roll over on her tummy, or just pure luck but EmK is sleeping through the night!!! When I say "sleeping through the night" I mean 7:30pm - 7:30am. Many people told me that 7pm-4am was pretty much through the night and they were right, but man does it feel good to not get up at 4am. I hope blogging about this HUGE milestone doesn't cause us to backtrack. I loved our quiet mornings at 4am...being able to hold and rock her without her really moving much. These days she is all over the place when you try to feed her a bottle and really enjoys hanging upside down for some reason:) So the morning bottles were a sweet and precious time for us, but...it's been 5 months and I am ready to sleep past 4am.

So here are a few pictures! Love, love, love this child!!! I didn't even realize this amount of love was even possible....I'm just so amazed!!!

Beach Vacation at WaterSound

2009-05-29T08:13:00.018-05:00

Here are some pictures from our recent trip to the beach. We went for almost a week and it was nice to get away and relax!!! We spent lots of time by the pool....got to celebrate Jordan's birthday....went shopping...and had a blast with the entire Barrow family. Emily Kathryn seemed to really like the pool and her tent. I can't wait until she is a little older and can sit up so we can try the kiddie pool.

We are headed to the beach again in two weeks with my family and can't wait. I could seriously become a beach bum:)

Baby Dedication

2009-05-20T15:01:00.012-05:00

We had Emily Kathryn's baby dedication at our church on May 10th...which was also my first Mother's Day!!! My entire family came to Birmingham for the weekend. The church service was so special and I know I'll always remember it.

Our prayer for Emily Kathryn is that she will come to know the Lord at and early age and serve Him wholeheartedly. Jordan read Psalm 25:4-5 as our verse for her dedication. We are so thankful that God has given us Emily Kathryn...she is absolutely precious. Special thanks to our families for all they did to help make this such a special weekend for us -- especially Holley and her cooking skills:) I'm sure I've posted way too many pictures, but it's too hard to decide.

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5

4 Months

2009-05-19T16:55:00.012-05:00

I'm a little behind in my blogging. It's hard to believe 4 months have already passed by. I know I say that every month. When we went to the doctor she weighed 14 lbs. 12 oz. and was 241/4 inches long.

Emily Kathryn is becoming so active. She loves her activity mat. She also likes to face forward when you hold her so she can see everything that's going on. We love to watch her smile....and love hearing her laugh. She is talking up a storm. I think my favorite time with her right now is first thing in the morning. When I go into her room and say "good morning" she just giggles and gets so excited!!! Last week she rolled over for the first time....of course I wasn't with her....my mom was keeping her...but it was still just as exciting the second and third time she did it:)

Emily Kathryn is almost sleeping through the night. Several weeks ago she started waking up at random times throughout the night and crying. This new mommy thought no big deal and would go in and give her paci to her...which worked great!!! Well, after about 3 weeks of that, it became a little old getting up several times a night just to give her a paci. Last week we tried to give her oatmeal at night (suggested by our pediatrician) to help her sleep better at night...after 5 days she still seemed to hate it so we gave up. Then we went to crying it out!!! How tough!! I had several friends from my playgroup tell me it would work if I stuck with it...and I'm happy to report it did!!! We are now sleeping until around 5am and if she wakes up before that she goes back to sleep on her own. I'm sure we will have moments where we regress, but I'm thankful for now that it's working.

We have a very busy summer and can't wait to introduce EmK to one of our favorite places this weekend...the BEACH!!!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-14T10:57:00.003-05:00

Jordan, Emily Kathryn, and I spent Easter with my family. We headed to Robertsdale on Friday and had a fun (packed) weekend. On Friday I got a chance to visit with my good friend, Amberly, and have dinner with my family. Saturday Jordan and I had a lunch date at the Wharf where we ate some delicious seafood....did some window shopping...and admired the huge boats. Saturday afternoon my sister, Jordan, Elizabeth (my niece), and I went to an arts and crafts festival. The main attraction at the festival ended up being some amusement park rides that my niece wanted to rider. Jordan got her way too many tickets and off she went. The adults quickly decided to help get rid of the tickets so we rode the Sizzler with Elizabeth and her friend, Anna. I'm not sure if the ride made us feel young again or just very old but either way I'm glad we only had to ride once! Sunday we went to Easter service at my parent's church, had a great lunch with the family, and hunted Easter eggs with the kids. I have to say that Jordan spent most of his free time riding the go-kart with my sister's kids. He was a very fun uncle!!!

Jordan and I are so thankful for Emily Kathryn, for our family and friends, and for a God that loves us more than we could ever imagine. We hope all of you had a fabulous Easter too!

p.s. Take note of EmK's Easter dress....my sister made it!! It's beautiful Holley! You inspire me to want to learn how to smock:)

our Easter pajamas

our first Easter basket
(filled with books, a bathing suit, summer outfit, and sandals)

War Eagle!

2009-03-30T12:12:00.005-05:00

As most of you know we are a house divided when it comes to football. Many of my friends were concerned when they saw an Alabama hat on Emily Kathryn in her newborn photos. I have no great excuse except that I had been in labor all night and was too exhausted to request the hat be removed...and she did look cute in it!! This is just to prove that we do have Auburn attire (thanks Melissa) and as much as possible I will be encouraging her to cheer for the Tigers. I know Jordan will want this post removed immediately....good thing he doesn't know the password to my blog account.....WAR EAGLE!!!

(another new post below)

The Beach

2009-03-30T09:41:00.006-05:00

Jordan, Emily Kathryn, and I headed down to Florida for a weekend at the beach. Jordan and I were so excited about taking EmK. We went and bought all the proper baby beach gear so we'd be ready to be outside during the day. We planned to go swimming in the pool....walk on the beach....louge...all the good beach stuff. However, it rained the ENTIRE weekend!! We checked weatherbug before leaving and even though it said it would rain the entire time, we figured it was wrong. Lesson learned -- weatherbug is not wrong...when it says it's going to rain the ENTIRE time, it really is. We did manage to get a few photos. Hopefully we will get to use all our beach gear very soon:)

Picture Time

2009-03-20T13:15:00.005-05:00

Here are a few pictures that Jordan took this week. So cute!!!

2 Months

2009-03-13T09:45:00.006-05:00

Emily Kathryn is a little over 2 months. We went to the doctor last week and she weighed 11 lbs. 6 oz. and she is 22 1/4 inches long. She is really starting to smile and laugh!! She also enjoys being outside and loves her swing and bouncy seat (I think we could possible burn up the motor on the bouncy seat because we use it so much). We're not sleeping through the night yet, but we are getting closer each week. Here are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks.

The Park

2009-03-01T12:30:00.005-06:00

Recently we've been walking at the park now that the weather is getting warmer. Funny that I just wrote about warm weather and it is currently snowing outside...but we have had some warm days. Karen took some cute pictures that I had to share.

1 month

2009-02-11T14:14:00.009-06:00

It's hard to believe that 1 month has already passed. Emily Kathryn now weighs 9lbs 12 ounces and is 21 1/2 inches long. We are basically on a 3 hour schedule at night and sleeping pretty well. She really enjoys her stroller so we try to walk when the weather is warm:) This week we started putting EmK on her tummy during the day some to strengthen her neck and she is not a big fan...maybe that will change given a little more time. She has also started smiling a lot when she's sleeping.

This past weekend we went to see my family in Robertsdale. It was her first official road trip...the first of many:) She did really well...sleeping the entire 4 hours (well except for the last 15 minutes or so). Several of our friends came by to visit and we had plenty of family time. My sister's kids love EmK and want to hold and kiss her all the time. Ethan (who is 5) told me that Emily Kathryn is beautiful and I happen to agree. I've included some pictures from our weekend at my parent's house.

Weeks 2 and 3

2009-01-25T15:33:00.011-06:00

Here are some pictures from our first weeks at home. We are enjoying every minute with Emily Kathryn...even the minutes in the middle of the night:)

Welcome Emily Kathryn Barrow

2009-01-10T18:33:00.012-06:00

Where do I even begin. This week has been such a whirlwind but in the best way ever. I know everyone wants to see pictures, but I at least want to tell the story first. On January 5th (Monday) I was officially 38 weeks. I began to get concerned in the afternoon because I had not felt EmK move -- or couldn't remember feeling her move. So Jordan and I headed to Brookwood to have a stress test. Everything looked great and other than a few contractions showing up we were good to go home. Jordan cooked a nice dinner and we settled in to a night of tv. Around 9:00 I started having contractions and started timing them. In the meantime, I made sure to wash my hair just in case what I was feeling was true labor -- I've had this obsession about having clean hair when I go to the hospital. I called the doctor around 10:45pm when the contractions were coming and was told that I needed to wait until they were 5 minutes apart for at least an hour -- that seemed like forever to me. However, we continued to wait until around 12:30am when they were officially 5 minutes apart for an hour and were told to head to the hospital.

Once we got to the hospital the contractions were steady, about 4 minutes apart. We settled into our room and saw the doctor at around 7:45am. It was a LONG night!!! I wasn't prepared for how bad the contractions were going to be. I guess nobody can really prepare you for that, but still. At 8:00am I got an epidural (AMAZING) and the rest was a piece of cake. At 11:45am I was told we would start pushing and by 11:54am our sweet girl was here!!!

It is absolutely amazing and indescribable the LOVE I feel for this precious little girl after only 4 days. Jordan and I just stare at her. We feel so blessed and honored that God would bring us each other and allow us to be parents.

I'm sure I could go on and on, but I'll get to the best part....THE PICTURES:)

Emily Kathryn Barrow - 7 pounds 5 ounces - 20 inches in length

Happy 2009 - 38 weeks (almost)

2009-01-10T13:55:00.009-06:00

I wanted to post a picture from New Year's Eve, but time got away from me and then EmK came a little early:) It's my last pregnant picture -- didn't know at the time. We went to dinner at Botega's and it was delicious!!

36 Weeks

2008-12-27T14:30:00.001-06:00

My sweet friend Aimee took some pictures of Jordan and I while we visited my family for Christmas. She has started a photography business in Baldwin County recently and I stole a few photos she posted on her Flikr account:) Thought I'd capture a photo of my belly at 36 weeks and display some of her beautiful pictures. All the pictures she took are AMAZING and they are going to be a great way to remember my first pregnancy. I can't wait until she takes pictures of Emily Kathryn!! Thank you so much Aimee for finding the time for the photos....I know your schedule has been crazy busy. To see more of Aimee's work check out her blog link on the right.

Emily Kathryn's Room

2008-12-26T18:36:00.007-06:00

I got a new camera for Christmas and thought I would try it out by taking some pictures of Emily Kathryn's room. Only a few more weeks to go!!

31 Weeks

2008-11-18T17:27:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe Emily Kathryn is already 31 weeks old. Time is going by so fast!! Today we went for our last ultrasound. She didn't cooperate that much...apparently 8:30am is her nap time. However, there are a few photos of her face and I love the photo of her hands. They also told us that she has lots of hair already!!

Birmingham Shower

2008-11-18T16:24:00.005-06:00

What a great weekend!!! My mom, sister, and niece drove to Birmingham on Saturday. We shopped all afternoon...had delicious O'Carr's chicken salad...and stayed up really late laughing. On Sunday, my sister and some friends from Birmingham honored us with a baby shower. We got so many great baby gifts...the food was delicious...and being able to catch up with so many friends at one time was nice!! Here are just a few pictures from Sunday afternoon. Thanks Holley, Dana, Kelly, Kristina, and Susan for going to so much trouble for the Barrow family.