Miss Margaret Grace

We're Moving!

2011-07-27T15:19:00.002-06:00

With the our upcoming addition we are moving the blog to www.thenorrisfamilyintexas.blogspot.com With this I hope to move to a more consistant style of blogging as well! Crossing my fingers!

9 months of pictures

2011-05-30T10:29:00.004-06:00

So it was recently pointed out to me that I was a bit behind on this blog...I was fairly aware of that fact but I had NO idea that 9 months had passed.

Our sweet 2 year old is now a sassy almost 3 year old and she blows my mind on a daily basis. I am amazed at how much she has grown up in the last few months and it saddens me that my little baby is quickly becoming a little girl. She wrapped up the fall at Trinity and started at The Learning Tree this spring. All I can say is, "WOW."

We have been so blessed by her teachers at The Learning Tree and Maggie has come such a long way. She counts to twenty in English and Spanish, knows her colors in both languages, can sign most animals, colors and small phrases, has memorized several Bible verses and carries on conversations with me that I sometimes think I should be having with a child twice her age. Her new school was a scary but very positive change and we're so happy with the outcome.

Maggie still loves to read and loves Olivia books. Second to reading is singing and most everything that comes out of her mouth in sung to some tune or another. We have spent the last couple of weekends in the pool and yesterday she began swimming without floaties which is somewhat of a relief and a fear all at once!

Enjoy the pics of the last 9 months...

Apple Country Days

After a shopping trip with her Memommy

Time in our Jammies

Dancing Queen

pumpkin farm

Halloween

On our way to the church Trunk or Treat

Trinity's Christmas Program

Heading to school

Wonderful Two's

2010-09-02T09:33:00.003-06:00

It may be a bit premature but so far...I LOVE the "two's"...all 4 days so far! Maggie gets more fun by the minute I think. The last six months have been a blur but Maggie has been an absolute joy. She is a total chatterbox and her language has seemed to triple in the last 6 weeks or so. She uses sentences, can explain what she wants/needs. Knows her ABC's like a champ and can count to 20. She loves to tell me about her day at school and play pretend. She cooks her baby and stuffed animals supper while I'm cooking and rocks and sings her baby to sleep every night. If she's not talking she's singing...singing more often than not and these days it's "I'm gonna catch a baby bumble bee." On repeat. Like 5+ times in a row every 10 minutes or so. It's adorable. And not the slightest bit exhausting...maybe a little. She loves to dress herself, changes shoes 3-5 times a day and can not go to sleep without a bow in her hair. She loves to go potty in the potty (PRAISE GOD) and it almost trained. I love our conversations just as much as our quiet snuggle time and I'm treasuring the moments that we spend together. I thank God that He has given us the last two years with Maggie and that we were able to give her our undivided attention. We are anxious for the day when Maggie will have a sibling but are thankful that we have had so much time to spend with her.

On Saturday Maggie turned two and we celebrated with a bumble bee party. My precious friend Candace made Maggie a cake that was too cute for words and made little bit's day!

About 15 minutes into the party Maggie eyed the table full of gifts and hopped on the couch to proclaim, "Presents now, peas." "Kay momma?" It was totally innocent and super sweet...even if a tad rude ;)

All of Maggie's extended family and "aunties" were there which always brightens our day! We are so very blessed to have such sweet friends that love our pumpkin like their own.

Kris at Cookies by Design was super sweet and put together a set of "blank" cookies and icing bags for the kiddos to decorate their own cookies with. Maggie was very deliberate with her decorating, Harrison had no interest and Jacob learned very quickly that the icing was way more fun to eat than to decorate with. I love how different these three are in their personalities and mannerisms.

When Maggie realized that the icing/cookie was edible...OH DEAR. It was like watching her 1st birthday all over again with the cake!

Jacob had his technique down...

It was a perfect day, followed by a perfect evening with those we love so much and our most loved baby girl. Thanks to everyone who made the day so special!

Summer Time!!!

2010-06-27T18:27:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer as much as we are. We are spending a LOT of time outside and in the water. Maggie is swimming extremely well with the aid of her floaties and can go underwater and hold her breath and come up without floaties. She wants to actually swim without any assistance and I have no doubt that those days will be upon us soon; but not just yet. I'm not sure where Maggie got her complexion but we have one TAN baby! I slather her in sunscreen every morning and every afternoon and she's never once been pink; however her arms and legs are uber brown. It's crazy! Meanwhile her mommy has paid an ungodly amount to spray tan to achieve such color. Aye.

Today we decided to stay home instead of going to my parent's to swim and instead busted the water hose and sprinklers. Oh dear. Maggie had an insane amount of fun with the silly water hose! She ran all over the yard with it, chased Sam, held it over her head and filled her playhouse floor....then she found a hole. There is one low lying area beside her playhouse where there was once a large rock--Maggie filled the hole with water making it a mud puddle of a serious nature. Then she jumped in....I think the pictures say it all.

We finished an afternoon of errands yesterday with a stop for ice cream. Holy Moly...a Kid's scoop??? Excuse me? THIS is what they gave my pumpkin...

She was in awe.

Jacob

2010-06-08T10:44:00.000-06:00

Maggie is in love.
And this is her love:

Jacob and Maggie are 3 days apart and they melt my heart every time they are together. They go to school together, have play dates and go on strolls with their mommies. Sometimes they share, sometimes they don't. Sometimes Maggie is the boss and other dates Jacob is. At the end of the day though her love for him is unfaltering.

This is their latest date. They collapsed the tents and hid in them. When I would "find" them they would pretend to sleep (Maggie) or say "cheese!" (Jacob.) They are sooooo much fun and keep each other so entertained. Did I mention she loves him?

Not So Nap Time

2010-05-16T16:59:00.000-06:00

Maggie is an AWESOME napper. I mean awesome. You take her to her room, place her in her bed, rub noses and give her a kiss and she lays down and proceeds to sleep for 2-3 hours. I feel very blessed that we have had it so easy and therefore on Friday when she fought me I wasn't sure what to do with her. She wasn't upset but she kept handing me her Bear and saying "no." So after reading a few books...by few I mean like 8 or 9 and sitting next to her bed "shushing" I finally decided to leave the room and close the door. No one cry did she make but rather she started talking to her babies and reading to them. This continued for almost an hour and then it got quiet. I tiptoed into the room and over to her bed to find it empty. I spun around with my heart about to beat out of my chest and found her.

This was my Mamaw's recliner when we were little and is the recliner I slept in throughout my pregnancy and I can't bear to get rid of. Apparently my Maggie finds it just as comforting.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-13T20:13:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful Mother's Day this year. Maggie was crazy fun and my family came over to spend the day with us. I am so thankful for my sweet girl and the blessing she has been to us and pray for many more just like her :)

So this is our first attempt at a mother/daughter picture in quite some time. ...and now I know/remember why. Maggie does not hold for pictures. She much prefers action shots and therefore staged and posed pictures are hard to come by. This was the closest picture (out of about 20) of both Maggie and I looking at the camera (kind of) and smiling (kind of). If you look close you'll notice that she has a death grip on my dress and is about to leap out of my arms...no really, she did. I am also talking out of the corner of my mouth pleading with her Daddy to get the picture quick before she "makes a run for it." So alas, it's not our best work but it's great considering we were running out the door to church and given that I have a tiny collection of pictures of just the two of us I'll gladly settle for this. Hoping everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day with all of your loves.

Swings, Parks and Gators OH MY!

2010-05-03T12:39:00.003-06:00

I love that it's warming up outside and we can venture out to the park once again without sweaters and jackets. However, my Maggie loves it even more! We've been to the park almost every day, played in the yard, planted in the garden and Maggie has been on several "wides" in the Gator with her Grumps...who she has renamed Boo Boo. Not sure how or why that came about but Grumps is now a Boo Boo.

Maggie's baby stays very busy throughout the morning. Maggie insists on reading to her every morning after breakfast and then usually loads her in her stroller and pushes her all over the house. This particular morning she wanted the baby to "drive." ...Oh she's a determined girl! She would not give up on getting baby perfectly balanced on this car!

Alan and I took M to the park last Sunday because it was BEAUTIFUL out and Maggie new it. It was the first time Daddy was able to go to the "Big Park" with us and she had to show him EVERYTHING!

Yesterday Maggie's allergies were giving her fits and so we tried to stay inside a bit more. But she was glued to the window watching her daddy mow the yard and she was super irritated that she couldn't join him. :(

Life's Little Rule Book...according to Maggie

2010-04-08T10:33:00.002-06:00

When trying to make a point, it's best to do so while standing on a table and giving your best defiant stare.

When choosing The Road Less Traveled-do so in style.

When on a date-insist on taking your own car.

Weight loss 101: Eat while in an upright position. And always keep your wrist elevated.

If you must have a meltdown, first walk to the softest surface in the room and then proceed to throw yourself upon that surface. A lady must always avoid discomfort.

When a man is in the kitchen ALWAYS question his motives.

And finally, any day is a great day to hunt Easter Eggs.

Easter Fun

2010-04-04T21:21:00.002-06:00

What a fun weekend we had!

Brandon-Maggie's Bubba, came in town on Thursday and spent the weekend with us...err, Maggie that is. She adores her Bubba and they spent so much time outside playing hide and seek and chase. When she would wake up in the mornings she would say "where's bubba?" and then wait by the front window to watch for him. They went shopping yesterday and she came home with a new Bebe and a story book. Oh how it melts my heart to watch my sweet baby brother with my sweet baby girl. She can't possibly grasp just how much she is loved.

Today we went to church with Mom and Dad, have lunch with both families at our house and then spent the afternoon outside. What a BEAUTIFUL day! It just screamed Easter. We had an egg hunt for Maggie and then she played with bubbles with her Memommy. The poor girl played so hard that by 6 o' clock she was wiped out--an hour and a half before her normal bedtime! As were her Mommy and Daddy. Which is why we are off to bed!

Time Heals All Wounds...what?

2010-03-15T14:58:00.004-06:00

I dislike this phrase very much. 6 and a half months ago I lost what would have been our second child. It was devastating and miserable and I'd like to say that it got easier in time. And technically, maybe it did. I no longer fall asleep or wake up in tears and I allow Maggie to get more than an arms length from me now. But my heart aches for another child and for the baby that would have been due in 4 weeks. On August 21st I joined a club that I never wanted to be in and that sadly another friend has entered into since. I have six friends who are as close as sisters to me. Of us there are now 4 who have lost a baby. How I hate that someone I love dearly knows that same pain and there are no words I can say nor nothing I can do to ease that for her. At the same time I thank God that we have each had one another to share our thoughts, fears, angers and questions with. It is a comfort to know that the emotions I deemed "crazy, selfish and irrational" are actually quite normal. I take relief in knowing that someone else became crazy angry at their husband because he couldn't understand their pain to the fullest extent. I never wanted Alan to experience the pain I felt-but just to understand it. As much pain as he was in-it was a different pain and it made me crazy-ier. I was overcome with guilt and feelings of selfishness because I have the most wonderful, precious and adorable child on the planet and I couldn't be the mommy I wanted to be because of the grief. I felt that I should be satisfied with this one perfect child and to long for another one was somehow not appreciating the one I had. Irrational but real. Unfortunately, time does not heal these crazy feelings; however, I am and have learned to cope with them differently and I pray that my strength in these areas continue to grow.
I was comforted to read a friend's blog today and see an echo of my thoughts on patience-or lack there of. As mentioned, I want another child so badly I can't see straight. I don't comprehend the patience that my sweet friends who have tried for over 5 years must have. And at the end of the day, they remain both hopeful and faithful that God will work within His timing and not theirs. I try to have that same trust and some days are much, much easier than others. Other days I wake up and pray that God will just calm my heart. I know that we'll will have another perfect child and when we do the timing will be just as perfect. But much like my 18 month old, when I want something-I want it now.

Catch Up...

2010-03-09T10:41:00.002-07:00

We've been so busy with traveling, remodeling and just plain life lately that I haven't blogged much. So here are a few pics to recap the last few weeks. Enjoy!

Maggie picking Jacob up for a date...

Mag had a nasty case of RSV for a few weeks and required breathing treatments. As icky as she felt-she still kept a sweet smile on her face.

She LOVES playing in Gigi's old jewelry, purses and drawers of miscellaneous. She's very selective about what she'll put on and then reorganizes the rest. Where she learned a sense of organization I'll never know!

She found an earwarmer/headband thing that we use skiing and thought it was a hat...

Our daily routine these days....whenever we get back to Mom and Dad's Maggie gets out of the car and tears across the yard to the party house/Dad's house. She stops at the garage window to wave at him and then runs to the door to wait for him. She loves her Grumps so so much...and I'm fairly positive she has him wrapped around her pinky.

Is that the sun??

2010-02-18T09:46:00.002-07:00

YAY for getting to play outside!!!!!

NEW BLOG!

2010-02-08T19:31:00.003-07:00

I've started a new blog for the family. We are buying a house and remodeling it and I have wanted a place to track that process and family updates. Sooooo.... http://www.homeagaintexas.blogspot.com/

Things Maggie Loves.

2010-02-02T12:41:00.002-07:00

Our funny girl....

She LOVE LOVE LOVES to play hide and seek and "scare" us when she jumps out. She'll shout "BOO!!!" and clap and squeal as though behind the bathroom door was the Best hiding spot ever!

She adores her Sam Sam and will say "ooooooooh" and hug the dear life out of him.

This weekend we discovered a new love, dressing up in Mommy's night gown's and robes. I was doing laundry and she found my gown and slipped the two arm straps over her neck with the gown draped behind her like a cape. She then found the robe and got her arms through the sleeves so I belted it for her (for fear of her tripping) and off she went to find a mirror. She would pat her shoulders and say "pritty...oh, prrrittty."

She loves to get on the bed and dive across the pillows and pretend its a jungle gym...I however love what it does to her crazy hair!

Maggie loves to smile and laugh and I couldn't love her more.

Trains, Friends and a little self-feeding

2010-01-18T09:03:00.003-07:00

As with most weekends this one ended far too quickly. The weather couldn't have been prettier yesterday and Maggie, Alan and I spent almost 3 hours outside. Ah, bliss.

Maggie discovered this see-saw statue last week and LOVES it. She always sits facing this little boy and will hug him, pat him and show me each part of his face. Eyes, nose, mouth, ears and head. Then she proceeds to carry on a conversation in a language clearly only spoken by statues and hugs him before getting up and going back to her swing. Silly girl.

Then last night we decided to try out yogurt after a several month break. Maggie has been strongly opposed to eating anything that she couldn't feed herself. Last night she made it through half the container of yogurt allowing me to feed her and then she insisted on trying herself...

Saturday Alan and Daddy had a couple dozen men over for a day oh manliness (my term) aka football and poker so Maggie and I invited some of the girls and Jacob over for a night of dinner and Anne of Green Gables. I love that all of us not only love that movie/series but have no shame in watching it in our late 20's on a Saturday night while snuggled up on the couch in pj's.

Prior to the movie Becca and Ash got into Maggie's accessories...I know that the fact that the flower is far too big for Becca should stop me from putting it on my child...but alas, she's wearing it today.

Friday was our weekly play date with Harrison and Jacob and Maggie found a new obsession.

..a motorized train. Wow. This is probably the most awesome toddler toy I've ever seen. It's a child-sized train that goes along a track at the push of a button while making train sounds...too cute. Maggie couldn't quite figure it out at first so she rode with Harrison...I'm not certain how he felt about that! I love watching these sweet babies together. They are starting to play together and not just around one another. I can't wait to watch them over the next year as they grow with one another and become big brothers and sisters. Too cute!

Good Morning!

2010-01-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

Each morning I awake to the sound of our sweet girl chattering, singing and laughing hysterically at something she has done or said. This morning was no exception and so I got out my journal and started writing out everything she said...

A. B. C. Pup-PY, Gooooood girl, Buh bye. *clattering* Good Job! Good Good Job! *clapping* Oooooone, Tooooooooooooo, Three!!!! (shouted) Buh buh bye. bah bah bah, bah bah bah (we've been teaching her the song Barbaran...ba ba bah, bah bah baran....) Oh Puppy. Eyes. Noos. Eyes. Uh Oh! Ooooooooh Bay Bee. Hi guys. Dada, dada, dada. *Cackling*

I went into her room about five minutes after she had quieted down and she was sound asleep and holding her moose. When I turned away she started giggling. Hmm. I turned back around and she was still asleep. Snoring a bit even. Wha?? Then she did it again...she giggled in her sleep! I thought I'd pee myself I was laughing so hard. What a mess. What a sweet, precious, silly mess.

Thank you Lord for giving me such a sweet sound to start my day with.

Holidays '09

2010-01-05T11:15:00.001-07:00

What fun we had this year! Maggie is at such a fun age and made Christmas such a special time for us. Christmas lasted the full week-Saturday through Sunday and was full of friends, family, parties and food--which is perfection in our book!

We ended the holiday break by letting Maggie stay with Alan's parents, her Memommy and Grandaddy while Alan and I spent 4 days in Ruidoso. What a wonderful way to ring in the new year! Maggie was pampered and played with without end and Alan and I were able to relax, sleep in and spend some much needed time together. We look forward to what 2010 will bring. Alan is loving his job with Armtech and the changes that are unfolding there, we are looking for a house and tackling the challenges that come along with house hunting and hope to grow our little family by one more this year. Lots of great changes are upon us right now and no doubt that God has several more lined up!

Maggie waiting to open presents in her rocking chair....formerly Mommy's rocking chair.

One of her most favorite presents...Puppy! It's at least twice her size and she adores it.

Tear off paper, check. Open box, check. Hug the contents and say oooooooh, check.

Loving the Puppy with uncle Bubba.

Alan's most favorite dessert every is chocolate pie...so of course we let Maggie give it a taste and this was the reaction when it was gone. Priceless.

On our way to Ralls for the Norris family Christmas. AKA, day of toys!

Fixing breakfast in her new kitchen.

Outside our house.

Perfect end to the weekend: watching a super exciting Bowl game for our Red Raiders!

It's Begining to Look a lot Like Christmas...

2009-12-22T10:24:00.002-07:00

On Saturday we bundled up and took peanut to the Polar Express. We were all pretty sleepy after a day of shopping and cooking yummy treats but it was well worth it! We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with their family and amidst the hustle and bustle, gifts and food you are able to share Christ's love with those around you. Maggie and Gigi telling jokes on the way to the train.

Gigi, Grumps and their Magpie.

Singing along with the conductor.

Did I mention we were sleepy??

Merry Christmas!!!!!

ABC's and 123's

2009-12-22T10:00:00.004-07:00

Two weeks ago Maggie started PDO at Trinity. It's been quite the transition for Maggie and Mommy both but we are adjusting...slowly.

First day of school...hair not fixed and teeth not brushed but this girl is ready to go!

After finishing her first week she loves to draw and turns most anything into her easle. Such as Gigi's stepstool....
She has amazing teachers that have been so great to work with and help her ease into a new enviroment and new schedule. Now if we could just keep all the germs and cooties at school....hmm.

Slight Self Promotion

2009-12-07T11:34:00.002-07:00

....okay so not really slight at all. Starting Tuesday the 15th of December I will be the Esthetician at Salon Sculpt in the Centre. Three months in Colorado proved to me that 1. I miss being around adults sometimes and 2. Maggie needs some social interaction outside of Mommy. So Maggie will be starting PDO at Trinity and I will be working three half-days a week doing what I love and spending time around some of my most favorite ladies! YAY! So if you need your face pampered, your lashes extended or a few inches slimmed off for a holiday party; come see me!

HOME

2009-12-07T09:54:00.004-07:00

Can we say CRAZY?? That is what this last month/two months/6 months has been. And I'm tired of saying it. So here's a post dedicated to the "craziness" of our life lately and then I vow to be done with it.

The week of Thanksgiving we packed, loaded and moved to Lubbock in 4 days time. Then had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving with our family and on Saturday, Alan and his Dad flew back to Colorado to get the second Uhaul and Alan's truck and drive it back to Lubbock. We learned two lessons with this move.

1. When the company is paying for you to move-it is in your best interest not to be frugal and think you can save money by doing most the move yourself.

2. If moving involves crossing the state line...err, city for that matter...it's best not to move at all.

We made it safely and our Maggie was an angel. We only pulled over twice during our 11 hour drive home in order to console a crying baby. For the other 98% of the trip she sang, danced, "read," and watched Snow White. Note: I did NOT say nap

While we were packing, Maggie spent most of her time UNpacking. But there were moments that she found her toys more interesting than the plethora of boxes strewn haphazardly about the house.

She also LOVED the rolls of tape and would sneak into the empty rooms and hide them. Which made the process of taping up boxes...awesome.Did I mention she "read" the majority of the way home? Upside down none the less. Regardless, the child turned the pages and babbled her own version of the story. Loved it.

Yes, again upside down. Trying not to let it concern me!Thanksgiving with the Cousins. Most fun Maggie has ever had I do believe.And two of my FAVORITE things about being HOME.

1. Maggie will grow up with her two best friends... 2. DATE NIGHTS with my Hubby. I love him.

BIG NEWS!!

2009-11-20T09:35:00.006-07:00

I can now announce with great excitement.....WE'RE COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!

The past month has been quite crazy but long story short....Alan's former company, Armtech contacted him last week with an opportunity he was VERY excited about. So we've talked and prayed and sought out the advice of those we trust and talked and prayed a bit more and our hearts are in Lubbock. We will return home within the next week or so depending on movers and we can not wait to hug everyone! We are both glad we made the move to Colorado but given everything that happened just before moving we have both had a hard time recovering without our support groups. Thanks to everyone who has prayed dilligently for us since we left and through our decision making the last week. We can't wait to see all of you!!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2009-10-08T15:02:00.005-06:00

This morning I woke up to a WONDERFUL surprise...SNOW!!! Not just little snow either--real snow. Big, beautiful, sparkly flakes and a ton of them. What a fabulous way to start the day. Maggie and I made pumpkin pancakes, whipped cream and coffee mugs full of goodness. (Maggie has a sippie cup that looks like a coffee cup) We opened the windows and ate our breakfast while in awe of the beautiful site outside. The ground is still way too warm for anything to stick so the ground stayed clear but the air was full of flurries.

Maggie checking out the snow on her jacket. She couldn't figure out what was sticking all over herself and Sam.

This was the view out the back door that caused all the excitement this morning...

The Week in Pictures

2009-10-08T14:27:00.005-06:00

Just a few pictures from last week's events! We're off to Lubbock in the morning and can't wait to see everyone!

Little miss loves the remote. This innocent face is not so innocent when you remove the remote from her hands... At Daddy's Football game. One of my most favorite outfits and the child ran from the camera EVERY time!

Daddy waiting for the game to begin. They won!!

Rocky Mountain National Park. We spent the weekend travelling through the mountains and up to Aspen. Absolutely beautiful. Maggie slept most the way which when your little one is teething sleep=peace.

10 things I love about Maggie

2009-10-01T15:08:00.002-06:00

1. I love that I wake up every morning promptly at 7:15 not by an alarm but by the sound of Maggie's voice over the monitor saying "Good Girl, good girl"

2. I love that Maggie will eat anything and everything set in front of her....and eat, and eat and eat. Even though it concerns me sometimes that I will be on Oprah in 4 years for overfeeding my child ;) As Lindsay put it, "when your child is in the 8th percentile for weight...let her eat!"

3. I love how much Maggie loves the outdoors. She loves the wind in her face (sans dirt, thank you Colorado) and chasing after Sam.

4. I love how stinking adorable she looks with a bow on her head and that she's fairly content to keep it there.

5. I love that she is so content-always. Okay, that's a lie. She's "fussy" when it's naptime, she's dirty or when I take the phone, remote, paper or bottle of wine away from her. The last one only happened once...she was helping mommy put the groceries up and the bottle was closed for any CPS workers out there ;)

6. I love that she anxiously waits at the window when I tell her Daddy's coming home and waves hysterically at him when he pulls up while yelling "dadadadadadadada!" And I love the look on his face everyday when he gets home and gives her that big hug.

7. I love that she makes Alan and I better people simply by having her in our life. We are happier, healthier and kinder because of her.

8. I love that Maggie loves music and sings along--in 1 year old fashion at church and claps her hands and dances to any and all music that is on at home.

9. I love that Maggie has Alan's knack for talking. She talks constantly and her vocabulary is growing quickly. Mama, Dada, Good girl, san san (Sam Sam), Hi, Up, down, Out, uh oh, no-no and gigi

10. I love her personality. She has her own little sense of humor and she know it which is hysterical. She is a complete cut up and loves to applaud herself. When she's tired she's the ultimate cuddlebug. When she hugs you-she pats you on the back which by far the sweetest thing ever.

and one more...

11. I love that she made me a mommy.

Chef Mommy...

2009-10-01T13:00:00.003-06:00

So it seems that I've had around two dozen requests for "a new way to cook chicken breasts" either through email, Facebook or phone calls. Well I'm posting my favorite way because we had it for dinner last night and revamped for lunch today and I had forgotten how much we all love it. Including baby Maggie. So here it goes-bear in mind I cook as I go so this recipe isn't exact but can be easily tweaked.

Parmesan Chicken w/ Rosa sauce

Chicken:
4 chicken breasts
1/2 C of Milk
1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs
1 cup of shredded Parmesan (I prefer fresh-but as long as it's not out of a green can it'll do)
Garlic Salt
Salt
Pepper
Oil

Sauce:
2 cups of Marinara
1/2 cup of half and half
1-2 T of sugar

Preheat oven to 400
Place Chicken breasts between two peices of plastic wrap and pound until about 1/2 in thin. (I found "thin sliced" chicken breasts at the store yesterday and they were perfect)
Place chicken in milk then dredge in mixture of breadcrumbs, seasoning and parmesan then pan fry in small amount of oil just until golden on each side. Then place in baking dish and bake for 20 mins. (Give or Take depending on thickness of chicken. Use a meat themometer is questioning)
*Can also bake entirely for about an hour-very similar consistency

While baking, warm Marinara in saucepan. Add half and half slowly while stirring until color is slightly pink/orange. I add a palmful of sugar...more or less to taste. The result is a creamy pasta sauce that is like that served on crusted chicken romano at The Cheesecake Factory--YUM.

Serve chicken with pasta and top with sauce and a bit of parmesan and wahlah!

**I usually double the recipe to use for lunches and dinners**

I'm not a "leftovers" kind of gal but for some reason I can wrap my head around it if it's "made ahead," and never touches the serving plate- same difference right?

Okay so to change it up:

Chicken Parmesan w/ Tomato Basil pasta & Balsamic Glaze

Take leftover pasta or boil a new batch (remember you can boil enough for one person in about 6 mins)

Place pasta in saute pan with a drizzle of olive oil, diced tomatoes, a few leaves of basil shredded and diced garlic. Slice or dice your cooked chicken breast and toss in with the pasta to reheat--if just cooked slice it and lay it across the pasta when finished.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze* and YUM YUM.

*Balsamic glaze:
Bring 2 cups of balsamic vinegar to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 mins. Until vinegar has thickened and reduced to about 1/2 cup. Can be placed in a container with lid and stored up to 2 weeks. Awesome on pasta and as a veggie dip. Or over strawberries...mmmmm.

6 Mistakes Moms Make on Facebook

2009-09-28T17:39:00.001-06:00

It used to be moms would go online to check up on their kids, learning new and uncomfortable territory like MySpace and instant messaging. It was just a few short years ago that I remember my sister telling me how she'd log on to see what her kids were up to. I would nod, and then turn my attention back to nursing my baby, or building blocks with my toddler. As fast as the time has flown (my baby is now in kindergarten!), so has the role mom plays online. Now, we're more likely to be flocking to the computer - often limiting kids' screen time so we can sneak in our own - and logging on to Facebook like it's a long lost friend.
Speaking of long lost friends, I'm the first to admit, I dig Facebook. It's been a great way to re-connect with old pals (even some from elementary school), network, and show off pics of my gorgeous kids without cluttering up everyone's email (yeah, yeah, I got that hint). But it's gotten a little out of control lately. When someone I barely knew requested to be Facebook "friends" a while back, I had to make the decision - keep it to those close to me or open it up. I chose the latter. Now I often wonder if that was a big mistake. Every day, my wall is inundated with my mom friends and their addiction to Bejeweled. I only know this because their ever-increasing score is so prominently displayed on my FB feed every time I log on. And what is this Facebook Mafia, and what about it makes you think I want to be attacked with violent beatings? I have three kids, that's about as much abuse as I can take, thank you very much.
While I've experienced my own dramas, like having a horrible ex-boyfriend try to become friends (uh, NO) and another flirt a bit more than my liking, just for fun, I decided to turn the spotlight on some of my favorite Facebook faux pas, connecting them to the mom actually guilty of them. Names are changed to keep me from getting my FB butt kicked, of course.

Holly High School: We have to start here because she's the most popular. Each status update reminds me more than the last why we weren't real-life friends after high school. Sometimes I swear she's sitting in her prom dress (or maybe her cheerleading uniform) every time she types how wonderful she is, how much she "has it all," and how the star football player - AKA her husband - still finds her sexy. (I'll pause so you can join me in a group vomit.)

Ellie the Embarrasser: If there's a picture of me wearing head-gear or sporting a bad perm, I do not need you to share it with the Web. And I'm pretty sure my husband's extended family could go without the photos of me tipped upside down with tequila being poured down my throat by a bartender in Mexico. (Don't judge, you did it too.)

Angry Amy: I get it - you hate George Bush. And the traffic on the 405 freeway is frustrating. But Amy, I think you would benefit from some Facebook anger-management classes. And a note to her husband and/or her co-workers, watch your back - she's going to blow someday soon.

TMI Tanya: I'm sure your cycle returning post-baby is a momentous occasion in your house. Really. Congrats. But we don't need to know about it... or the fact that your husband has just started taking Zoloft. Some things are better left unsaid. (By the way, sorry about your cat's urinary tract infection.)

Gail the Gifter: Dear Gail, I don't need a unicorn rainbow, shots of tequila or my daily dose of dandelion love. Please stop cluttering my inbox. The end.

Debbie Downer: Oh man, Debbie, you can take a bright sunny day and turn it on its head in a status update flash. "Crying in the shower because no one can hear"? Sweetie, no one knows what to do with that information. Really. Maybe you should be asking TMI Tanya's hubby for some of his Zoloft.

Annie the Adulterer: Last, but so not least, Annie, Annie, Annie. I know you think your wall-chat with that old high school boyfriend is coy, but we all can see right through it. You're not the first person to hold onto the past with a vice grip (see: Holly High School) but you do have a husband, in case you forgot. And I have a feeling that if you found him carrying on the way you are, there'd be some trouble up in there.

I guess my word of advice to Facebookers everywhere would be -- think about who you've friended, and act appropriately. I'm pretty sure your kid's preschool director doesn't want to know you feel like beating your kids, and I can guarantee it's not wise to admit in front of your boss that you're "so hung over" you blew off work today.
Of course, none of this is about my friends! But, for some gnawing reason, I have a feeling I still might lose a couple after posting this. I guess that means I have room for more - Facebook me!

Jackie Morgan MacDougal

Cheerios for my Cheetah

2009-09-27T19:59:00.002-06:00

It's a wonder my house is even remotely clean with the amount of cheerios this child strings about. I guess that's the upside to having a walking garbage disposal *Sam.* Maggie is for sure Sam's best friend as she "gives" him treats all the time.
This morning while getting ready for church she started out carrying the to-go cup of O's around shaking them like mad.

Then proceeded to get on the couch and open the container...spilling O's everywhere...

but after a mild moment of pouting

she and Sam resumed with their cartoon watching and ate whatever O's they could find within an arm's reach.

The End.

A BIG birthday and a belated post

2009-09-14T13:28:00.006-06:00

Maggie turned 1 year old on Friday August 28th. Yay! We were living with mom and dad since the movers had "moved" us earlier in the week. We had a fabulous party planned for Saturday with all of Maggie's friends and family; however we woke up Thursday morning to a caved in roof at mom and dad's guest house--the site of the party! Unfortunately, I was still walking around in a fog from the week prior and after the worst night of my life, surgery and now a lazy river running through my parents house we decided that having a ginormous party may send me to the loony bin. Alan and I decided that we would have a family birthday party at a restaurant and celebrate our little one enough for everyone sans the fanfare. As much as I hated the idea of not having all of our friends with us-I think Maggie had a blast. Birthday morning after opening presents...shoes and books and shoes and books and bears oh my! Birthday Britches.
Birthday cupcake on birthday night. Dinner with family for Maggie's bday. Aunt Kinsey helping Maggie with more cupcakes :) Playing with Grumps and Grandaddy.The rest of the party.

Two days later we loaded our suitcases, Sam (the pom) and my mom into the Tahoe and made the 11 hour trek to our new home. Thank God for a husband who doesn't mind driving, a baby who didn't fuss once, and a mom that kept Maggie on schedule and a smile on her face. After the movers unloaded and unpacked us-we started in on the task of organizing and decorating and playing :)
We've now been here 3 weeks and things are starting to fall into a routine. I'm cooking more which is so fun and Maggie is gobbling up EVERYTHING. At her one year appointment she weighed 17.3 lbs. which although Dr. Landry assured me Maggie is very healthy -the scale still said she was in the 13th percentile which is soooo icky for a mommy to hear. She's just TINY or should I say tiny. The little booger is just a ball of energy so I'm hoping that's the reason for the small weight. She did enjoy some uber unhealthy cheats while we were moving due to having a kitchen in boxes and the insane convenience of Sonic! But she loved her greasy "treats" and I'm fairly positive that I didn't send her body into shock :) And now that momma's cooking again she's getting 3 home cooked meals a day...healthy, home cooked meals. Which makes me feel somewhat redeemed.

Maggie enjoying her French Toast stick...with syrup.

This weekend all three of us were THRILLED to be able to watch the Tech/UT game on Saturday evening. We may be 10 hours away--but we sported our Red and Black and even had our Tech flag flying outside. Too fun. We spent the early part of the day shopping in Denver for real winter clothes as there was a front moving in and the highs are in the 50's this week...YAY! Maggie is completely stocked on sweaters, fleece lined jeans, boots and coats and not a moment too soon. We woke up to sleet this morning and just 45 mins away its SNOWING! They expect up to 4 inches in some areas today. In September? Snow? I'm sure the novelty will wear off when I can no longer feel my toes but for now I'm stoked.

Our house is finally...I repeat FINALLY put together and complete. We worked on it all day yesterday and everything is clean, in place, washed and hung up. Ahhhhhhhhhh. It's a weird version of home. I think we burn a few thousand calories a day just running up and down the stairs! That will take some getting use to for sure. Maggie is falling into a new routine and our days are easier...if that was even possible with this child. We have been so very blessed by her laid back and easy going ways. Our sweet girl has a smile on her face 90% of the time and it's enough to make the other 10%--even if it's an all out tantrum, very manageable.

My sweet girl,
You are the very best part of your Daddy and I. You fill my days with smiles, laughter and awe. I am thoroughly amazed at how smart you are, how funny you are and how kind you are. You have changed my world entirely in the last 12 months and I welcome any and all changes you will bring in the future. I will never know what I did so right to deserve a child like you. God blessed me beyond my wildest dreams when you were born and I am reminded daily of His goodness because you are in my world. I pray that you will see that goodness in me and that you will know His love because of how your Daddy and I love you.

One Year Pictures

2009-09-12T17:04:00.002-06:00

Pictures by Alexandra Nanny

I promise to post pictures of Maggie's first birthday, the house and a current blog soon. We just had internet installed today and I have LOTS of catching up to do. Hope everyone is well.

Should be Sleeping...

2009-08-24T23:50:00.000-06:00

It's one in the morning and my body is begging for sleep as it has for the last 4 nights. My mind reels with the last week's events and the week to come. A month ago I found out I was pregnant with my second child and I was beyond excited. Alan was already living on the road and in Colorado so it was my special secret for a few days and then our secret for several weeks. What a fun secret to have. When I first found out Maggie wasn't feeling very well and so she was extremely cuddly and it made me so anxious for the days when a new baby would be in the house and in need of such cuddling--as my one year old going on ten is quite busy these days. We told our parents last weekend and filled in our friends and our secret became everyone's excitement.
I was tired. Goodness I forgot how tiresome the first months of pregnancy are. But aside from that I felt good aside from some mild cramping. Thursday morning the cramping was a bit more intense but it subsided but then it came back that night as I was trying to clean up. It came back with a vengence. I called Alan and told him that I thought it was normal and the only "serious" problems I could find via the internet were very serious and were accompanied by spotting so I was certain that it was nothing. About 10 mins later the spotting started and Alan urged me to go to the hospital to check it out. Praise God for friends that will drop their lives--and babies to hold my hand. Becca and Lindsay came and got me while the husbands stayed with my sleeping baby girl. Things are a bit hazy from here. After waiting for almost 2 hours, I started the blood work and was sent for an ultrasound. At 2:30 Friday morning I was told that I had an ectopic pregnancy and that I was bleeding internally and that the "pregnancy" would need to be removed before my tube ruptured and I bled to death. Got to love a straight forward doctor. I understand that doctors probably just want to be clear and stress the seriousness of the matter but all I heard was my baby needed to be removed. It was explained to me that the baby couldn't be saved and that surgery needed to happen immediately. Again, thank God for my girls. My husband was 1o hours away, my mom was 9 hours away and Daddy was beyond waking up at this time of night. They held my hand, cried with me and prayed for me. At this point I wasn't talking to God.

Anger doesn't come close to describing how I felt...and still feel some.

I was terrified throughout my entire pregnancy with Maggie and even after she was born. I prayed daily that God wouldn't take her from me as irrational as that may sound. Not this time. This time I wasn't scared and this time I had a baby that was growing inside me taken at a doctor's hand. What point could there possibly be to let a baby grow inside me for 8 weeks only to take it. 8 weeks. The baby had a heartbeat and the eyes, nose and ears were taking shape. The brain was forming and there was blood circulating through its body. I don't understand. I don't see the point. And for this to happen when my husband and mother can't be with me...why? And why take from me the last week I should have spent enjoying my family and friends and turn it into a week of pain. I don't understand the reasoning. And that angers me as much as the loss itself.

God took care of me that night and I am thankful. Maggie was asleep when the pain started. I was able to spend a great length of time with two of my best friends who made me smile when I shouldn't have be capable of it. My Ob/Gyn (whom I adore) just happened to be on call that night. My dad made it to the hospital before I went into surgery. Alan and Mom made it home safely. And now that I have spoken with the doctor I know just how scary the situation was and had I stayed home that night I would not have made it the next day. God took care of me.

I don't know who to be mad at. Did God allow my baby to be taken? Did the devil cause it? Job lost everything at the devil's hand and yet my first reaction was to be mad at God and that shames me.

I now know what a broken heart feels like. I cry a lot and then get frustrated with myself because I know tears won't turn back the clock and I should be stronger than that. My heart aches with compassion for those that have lost a baby through miscarraige or had a baby taken through an ectopic pregnancy. I know it is different from losing a child but not by much. It amazes me the love we are capable of from the moment we know we are carrying something so precious. I will never take for granted the privillege of carrying a child.

This week is not what I had planned it to be but I have been surrounded by the people I love most in this world and I am forever grateful for their love and support. I have an extended family of 6 sisters that are closer than blood to me and I cherish them and thank my God for them.

Please pray for my family. This is the hardest thing Alan and I have faced and it weigh's heavy on our hearts. The movers come to pack us up in 2 days and right now I want to cling to my "home."

11 months? Oh geez.

2009-08-04T07:28:00.000-06:00

My appologies for not posting more. With the move things are CR-AZY right now. Maggie is eleven months and one week and we are planning her first birthday, picking out a house and exploring Ft. Collins. She is handling mommy's stress beautifully and hasn't slowed down one bit! We love her so much and can't wait for her to see Colorado too!

Sweet girl, ready for a day o' shopping w/ Mom and Dad.

Trying to get little bit ready for a bath...she wasn't having it. She tried to escape out the front door.

What? I wasn't going anywhere!

Our child, our monkey.

10 Months and Walking!!

2009-06-29T07:36:00.000-06:00

We're Walking!!! This last month has been an absolute whirlwind!!! I was out of town half of the month of June and Alan was gone the other half. This equals insanity and no blogging. In the mix of it all our baby turned 10 months old, started eating table food and began walking. BUSY GIRL! Blogs should start up again soon but for now I have lots of catching up to do with my daughter! :)

Memorial Day

2009-05-28T21:16:00.000-06:00

Monday was Uncle Bubba's birthday as well as Memorial Day so we had a fun evening in the sun, cooking out and letting little miss play on the first step of the pool. Too cute. Enjoy the pics.

Not sure if anyone can tell, but Maggie was determined to sit down. She kept picking her legs up in front of her and holding them there. Too funny.

My super tired girl.

Yet never too tired to be funny...

The Day the Firemen Came

2009-05-23T07:10:00.000-06:00

I never thought that "pregnancy brain" would carry over to mommyhood...oh how it does. Friday Alan and I started our "Day o' Fun" aka car shopping with baby in tow and after one dealership and lunch we decided that maaaaybe taking Maggie along wasn't a swell idea. So we took her to Gigi's office to help her work and headed out again.
We had just buckled up for a test drive and mom called asking if I knew that I didn't pack any diapers. Nope. What I didn't realize was that mom knew this because she had already taken Maggie's dirty diaper off and I now had a bare bottomed baby Mom's office. Awesome. When we arrived at the office 30 mins later Maggie had tinkled on her jumper, socks and leapord shoes. More Awesome.
That evening I picked up Peanut and when I arrived home I got out and screamed. The doors locked behind me and both sets of keys were in the car...along with my baby. My neighbors heard me first, then Alan and within 7 mins a firetruck with flashing lights and siren was in our front yard. Five firemen in uniform jumped out, ran to the garage and rescued the little darling while the entire time she played with her feet and grinned from inside. Clearly she was traumatized.

2009-05-22T07:01:00.000-06:00

This weekend we bought Miss Maggie a swing...prior to realizing our trees aren't suited for a swing. Lucky for Maggie and I; Alan converted the area off of our bedroom into a "lounge" area for me when I was preggers. The swing works perfectly there and better yet, it's totally shaded.

There is truly nothing better than seeing this sweet girl smile.

Showing off Daddy's work. :)

Playing ball with Sam. They are such good friends!

2009-05-14T09:51:00.000-06:00

Maggie got bored with her jumper this morning and decided to get creative.
So she crawled under it and and stood under the seat.

This is how I first saw her, then when I walked around to the front, I found her
peeking through the leg hole!
HAHAHA!

Then we played Peek-A-Boo. Everyone should have a baby--they're too fun!!

2009-05-14T07:46:00.000-06:00

So we have a new addition to the schedule, I think. Mornings outside. What a smile it puts on my sweetpea's face! I think we're going to need LOTS of sunscreen this year!

A dog, a baby and a door...and a panic attack

2009-05-13T21:38:00.001-06:00

Sam (our 19 mo old Pom) LOVES Maggie and I think she thinks he is a giant toy for her to follow. She follows him around the living room, into the kitchen, to the front door and down the hall. We have a doggie door on the patio door and Maggie has recently realized that Sam disappears though that door so she'd crawl to it and sit and wait for him to return. Today I left Mag playing in the living room while I went to get dressed (this is a super quick process these days) and when I returned to the living room there was no baby and no dog. PANIC. I looked towards the entry way and in the kitchen and then heard the dog door clacking back and forth. I looked through it and there was Maggie. Smiling the biggest smile I'd ever seen. This child is going to be such a handful when she starts walking!!! I can't keep up with her crawling...and I have a good feeling she'll run more than walk. Oy.

Aside from the MAJOR scare this was by far one of the cutest things Maggie has done to date. However, the now that she knows she can go outside at her leisure she is constantly at the (now closed) doggie door. We had to spend the morning in the backyard so that she could move on to something new. We then spent the afternoon at the park with Lindsay and Harrison playing on the swings and the slide...OH how those two love each other! It is so fun to see their excitement towards one another! And lucky for me I adore Harrison's mommy! What a fun, fun day.

Maggie's Best Friends

2009-05-10T20:29:00.000-06:00

Most everyone knows that I was lucky enough to go through my pregnancy with two other preggos, Lindsay and Becca. The result: Three beautiful babies born within one week! What FUN! Jacob and Harrison are therefore Maggie's very best friends and she loves them dearly! Last weekend while Becca and Jacob were in town we got them together for pictures. Lindsay is incredibly talented and was kind enough-and patient enough to capture some sweet moments with three VERY active 8 month olds.

My angel.

I love that the boys couldn't figure out her giant bow.

Every time one of the boys got excited Maggie would giggle and join in...ahhhhhh too funny.

My favorite. Nothing sweeter than babies in a bucket.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T19:50:00.000-06:00

What a joy it is to be a mommy. God surprised me 16 months ago and had I known then how happy I'd be today I would have never had a single fear or questioned His judgement. How foolish of me to doubt the path God would lead me down. Maggie is the best part of me and I pray that I am always worthy of the title, Mommy. Thank you, Jesus for my precious child and a Momma that has taught me for 28 years what it is to be a mother.

Can I just say, Oh My Gosh...

2009-05-09T23:43:00.000-06:00

I'll post more when I can hold my eyes open but I had to get this teaser out there... thanks Lindsay!!!

Oh So Mobile...

2009-04-30T07:32:00.001-06:00

So this morning I've been working on laundry and straightening up and letting the little miss crawl around the living room. She is easy to keep track of because she "talks" nonstop. Sound Familiar? :)

So I was in the kitchen and her voice got louder which was odd because I couldn't see her. I went to the living room and no Maggie. She had made her way out of the living room and down our entry hall to the front door--a good 35 feet or so! Her little voice seemed louder because it was echoing in the hall!

So we opened the door which was Sam's cue to join her and the two of them sat there looking out the window for about 30 minutes. TOO CUTE.

Then I caught her standing up and my fear of her crashing to the brick floor scared me enough to move her back to her play area...and I have been moving her back ever since. She clearly has her momma's stubborn will. :)

Before I Was a Mom

2009-04-29T07:08:00.000-06:00

Before I was a Mom,I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at nightwatching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom .

Bad Blogger...

2009-04-27T07:23:00.000-06:00

So Maggie's mommy has REALLY dropped the ball lately. Alan and I took our first real vacation since our Honeymoon (almost 2 years ago) and I feel like I've been playing catch up with life ever since. Maggie will be 8 months old tomorrow and if you told me how much a baby could change within a month I wouldn't have believed you. Our peanut is within weeks of walking I believe. She pulls up on EVERYTHING and will not keep her bottom on the ground for the life of her. She says Uh Oh and loves to turn the pages of whatever book we're reading. She's still tiny...but we have reached 17lbs in the last month so I'm please with that.

Alan and I took our MUCH NEEDED vacation at the first of the month. We booked the trip about 6 weeks in advance and had no idea until about 10 days prior that we would be gone over Easter weekend. It made me a bit sick at my stomach that I was going to miss Maggie's first Easter...and that we would be spending Easter Sunday in none other than sin city...but I packed her bags and gave Mom and Dad serious instructions to photograph and video EVERYTHING. Below is a smidge of that weekend.

My Birthday was the following week and what a blessing it is to have the friends that I have! Maggie is surrounded by "Aunts" and "Uncles" that love her so much and we are very lucky to have other babies in the mix! We cooked out that weekend with everyone and Lindsay and Todd brought little Harrision with his red wagon. Harrison and Maggie are exactly one week a part and the best of friends. He was such a gentleman and let Maggie wear his sweater as they went on their first wagon ride together...presh.

I am definitely going to attempt to blog more often. I can't promise daily...but at least weekly...we'll see.

7 Months and a Camera

2009-03-29T20:39:00.000-06:00

We FINALLY got our camera back and I'm shocked that Maggie isn't seeing permanent stars from the amount of times the flash has gone off in her eyes. How is it that she changes EVERY day?!?!

She is extremely mobile and is all over the place. She loves to chase Sam and crawl anywhere that is not covered in baby friendly fabric. I gave up on trying to keep her confined to her quilt and gym...like I had a choice. Maggie's nanny had Spring Break two wekks ago and I was sick this week so I've had a full two weeks at home with my baby and oh how I've LOVED it. She is just so much fun.

The more time I spend with her the more I want to be at home all the time. We're seriously praying about keeping me at home full time until Maggie and hopefully a sibling or two are in school. I completely respect Momma's that work full time but I'll never understand how they do it. My heart ache's for her when I'm away from her for too long and although the occasional time away to get errands done or have some grown up time is wonderful and needed I couldn't do it all day every day.

Maggie has developed quite the attitude over the last few months and it cracks us up. She loves to play with Sam and when we get on to Sam for playing rough or getting too excited he'll stop and sit right next to her. Maggie's response? She looks straight at us and kicks him in the head-then gets this silly smirk. Too cute.

Some of the latest:

Last week Maggie's friend Cash turned a year old. We couldn't get Cash to sit still long enough for a picture at his party so Maggie took one with his Daddy, Brad. (They look just alike though)

Taken just before she started throwing the rings.

She started to the left of her gym...before spotting Sam.

Then started to chase him in a circle

Juice and a sippycup...90% ends up on her shirt but she loves it regardless.

Oh the Tears...

2009-03-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Our Margaret Grace is now 6 months old. SIX MONTHS!!! Please God, make the days longer or time to move slower. She's a petite little thing and is only weighing 14 lbs. but perfectly healthy-yea! We have started bananas, peas and carrots and just like mommy, Maggie loves food. She's crawling-inchworm style and wants SO badly to walk.

Alan and I have been so very blessed to live close to Mom and Dad. They have been absolute LIFE SAVERS! I don't know how we would have made it through the last 6 months without them. Some say that when I child comes your focus moves from your spouse to your baby...and while Maggie has a LOT of our attention, we have only grown closer and now don't take our time together for granted. Gigi and Grumps keep Mag one night every weekend so that the hubby and I can have a date. What a blessing!

Life is at a new normal I think. I am fortunate that I get to stay home with Maggie on Mon/Fri and every morning, we have a fabulous nanny that loves Maggie and stays with her 4 hours Tues-Thurs so that I can keep my business running, and Alan has Daddy and Maggie time every night while I'm at the gym. She goes to bed at 7:30 so we are eating later but we get to eat together which is so very nice. My how life changes!

Cristy Cross, friend and FABULOUS photographer from NM came in this weekend (on Maggie's birthday) to take Maggie's 6 month pictures and below are a few teasers from her. We were so sad that the weather didn't cooperate so that we could take pictures at Momma Lisa's with the Daffodils-but we did manage to run outside for a couple and they turned out so pretty!

Video Time

2009-02-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

Our Maggie is now 5 and a 1/2 months old and time is passing SO FAST! She has the most adorable personality and makes me laugh all the time. She can crawl "camando" style and loves to stand with our help. I adore being a mommy and I am so very blessed to have such a helpful husband. Alan is an amazing dad and between our mild tempered baby and his support being a mommy has been pretty smooth sailing.

So on Christmas eve my camera broke...and now over a month later it is still at Cannon. Although I'm bitter, my sweet in-laws gave Alan and I a camcorder for Christmas and below is a "catch up" of the last month and a half.

Maggie's First attempts at standing...with Daddy's help

Bathtime. It's our most favorite time of day and I think Maggie is a fan too!

Maggie Grace Photos

2008-12-31T10:39:00.001-07:00

Since our camera is out of commission at the moment...check out Maggie's latest photos at cristycrossphotography.com Go to online viewing, scroll down to Maggie and the password is maggie91508 Enjoy! And if you're looking for a fantastic photographer, Cristy comes with fabulous reviews from Alan and I.

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Goodnight...

2008-12-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Or nights, rather. This year we had 5 Christmases. So fun and SOOOOO exhausting. I do believe little Maggie outlasted both her parents. Christmas Eve we went to Gigi and Grumps house for dinner and visiting. The next morning Santa came and we opened gifts and had a yummy brunch. Maggie was precious and was wide eyed while we opened presents. I am so looking forward to next year and her being able to tear into presents with us! That afternoon we packed up and went to Ralls to spend time with Alan's family. Aunt Lisa and Uncle Robert were in town with their girls and Maggie fell in love with all of them. We returned with a plethora of toys and goodies and are now contemplating turning the office into a playroom to hold all of the toys ;)

Maggie as Christmas morning w/ Gigi and Grumps began...

And then about 10 minutes later....

I had to post this. Norman (the boston) is my first child. He is 8 years old and has lived with mom and dad for the last 4 years. He adores Daddy and somehow they look more and more alike every day.

Friday we spent the day relaxing as a family just the three of us. Maggie slept lots and I wasn't too far behind her. Mom and Dad babysat for us that evening and Alan and I had a wonderful date. Saturday was the Heinrich family Christmas which started with all 31 of us having family portraits made. Ever try to get 31 one people half of which are under the age of 18 looking in one direction, smiling, keeping hands out of their mouths (the wee ones), not blinking and looking happy? Chaos. Maggie pooed on herself right after we got to the studio, so Alan and I rushed around in a side room getting her changed and clean. After pictures (and a nap!) we headed back to Ralls for another Christmas. It was so fun to see all of Alan's family and spend more time with Lisa, Robert and the girls. I have an ADORABLE video of Auntie Lisa with Maggie that I will post as soon as I learn to work our new fancy camcorder. Sunday was the Norris Christmas lunch in Lorenzo and again it was so good to be around family we rarely see. I've been so blessed to be "adopted" into an extended family of in-laws and Maggie will have so much fun growing up with so many cousins.

We have spent the first half of this week recovering and tomorrow Alan and I leave with Betsy and Jeffery for a week/weekend in the mountains. I am struggling with being away from my angel for 4 days but I so look forward to a fun adult weekend. Pray for safe travel, a happy baby and a calm heart for her mommy and daddy.

My camera stopped working on Christmas Eve, so unfortunately we don't have any pictures at the moment. But I will update with pics as soon as Gigi sends them our way! :)

A visit to Santa

2008-12-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Maggie and I went to see Santa today with Aunt Bee at Uncle Jeffery's office. Although Mag thought it would be fun to stay wide awake all through lunch; she CRASHED in the car and would not wake up for Santa. He bounced her, whistled, sang and tickled with no success. Then he turned her around to hand her back to me and Walah! The kicker was that the camera died as she was waking up...so we missed out on all the smiles. Boo. But to fill you in, Maggie loved Santa and his beard and loved getting to visit Uncle Jeffery at work! ;)

Tis the Season

2008-12-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Maggie hit yet another milestone this week...16 weeks! Gosh it's going fast! She sleeps 10 hours at night now, can grab and hold her toys, mimics our facial expressions and laughs! There is truly nothing sweeter than the sound of her laughing. She is on a pretty set schedule and I'm an offical advocate for getting little ones on a schedule. She is so happy, goes down for naps with ease and wakes up talking to herself and smiling. I didn't think babies were supposed to be this "easy." She is growing like a weed, eats well and will get to add some solids starting next week and I'm so pumped!

I set Maggie on the bed so that I could brush my teeth and two minutes later she was covering herself up...ready for a nap I assume.

We've been so busy with our Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, and overall getting ready for the holiday. Maggie has been such a champ! She goes everywhere with me and rarely fusses. Gigi and Grumps keep her once a week and let Alan and I have our date night and she has spent the night with them twice now. It is so wonderful to have the ability to continue to date your spouse. This last weekend she went to church with my parents and got to see her Momma Lisa. Oh how she loves her. We are so blessed to have such amazing parents and family friends. This little one is beyond loved.

Alan's Birthday was this week and we had dinner with the family and a couple of friends and I think my sweet husband took a backseat to his daughter. As we both will for years to come I'm certain :) He ended his night reading to Maggie-which is the perfect ending to any day.

I have mentioned that bathtime is Maggie's most favorite time of day...well we are now learning that anything involving this child being nude is a sure way to make her happy. She gets a bath every night and afterwards while we are trying to dress her she is hysterical. She rolls around on her changing table, practices her "crawling" and is extremely vocal! Below are some pictures of this precious time for us.

Road Trip

2008-12-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday Maggie, Gigi and I took off for Dallas to visit family and friends. Oh how I wish I'd taken a picture of the vehicle loaded down! For starters we had to rent an SUV to get there as my little car and Momma's more little car wouldn't hold the 6 suitcases/bags, pack n'play, travel swing, pump, carseat and blankets and pillows. Little did we know a large SUV with the third row folded down would barely hold it all...and the shopping bags to come!

Maggie in her bumbo waiting on us to leave.

It took us an hour and a half hours just to leave town and a trip that normally takes us 5 hours took 8. Needless to say, it was a long day. Maggie was a doll the entire way and definitely reassured me that future roadtrips are a possibility.

Thursday we had a lunch date with my two State Farm favorites in Dallas. I definitely don't miss working-but I do miss seeing these two daily. What a fun lunch! Maggie loved each of them equally ;-) and we had a tiny photo session with her prior to lunch.

Thursday night was our long awaited date with Jacob and his parents and the little stinkers slept through the ENTIRE dinner. When Maggie realized this later that night she was devestated and vowed to make up for it at Christmas.

Friday Maggie got to meet her Aunt Carolyn and cousins Donna and Johnny. Maggie was named after my Mamaw and Carolyn is her sister. Until this weekend I don't know that I ever noticed just how similar they were. My heart aches that Mamaw never met this precious baby but Aunt Carolyn loved her enough for them both I believe. The visit was long overdue and so much fun. We spent the weekend with our family shopping, eating and just visiting and it was wonderful.

Maggie and Carolyn

Us girls at a late dinner after a LONG day of shopping

Cousin Johnny babysat while we continued to shop until midnight!

Maggie and I came home with a cold but luckily we can spend the week snuggled inside. We have lots of fun new outfits to try on and we'll post pictures soon.

Maggie-taking a break from her carseat and contemplating driving herself.

Happy Turkey Day!!!

2008-11-30T15:19:00.001-07:00

We had a very full week preparing for Thanksgiving, having Thanksgiving, shopping and having another Thanksgiving! I'm not sure who's more worn out, Maggie or me. We had a week of errands and baking and catching up with friends-hence the lack of posts but it was a great first Thanksgiving. Monday Maggie crashed in Mommy and Daddy's bed while I cleaned the bedroom and she officially sleeps better there than anywhere else!

Wednesday we ran lots of errands visited with Auntie Heather and had dinner with Aunt Ash. Maggie was finally able to wear her leopard bumsie and T-shirt that I bought right after I found out I was pregnant with her. The bum is a bit big on her but it's still cute!

Thursday we got dressed and hit the road to Gigi and Grumps house. She was an absolute angel while we ate and then put on a show for Gigi and Memommy. Maggie discovered her voice a while back but she's putting it to use more and more often these days. She has the sweetest voice and I can and do spend hours a day having "conversations." She wore herself out with all the talking and fell asleep chatting with Gigi.

We are heading to Dallas on Wednesday to visit Aunt Becca and Jacob. Maggie insisted we find the perfect outfit for her date Thursday night so of course I had to accommodate. Oh what fun pictures those will be!! Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was full of wonderful memories and blessings!

12 Weeks of Bliss

2008-11-21T07:02:00.001-07:00

Maggie turned 12 weeks/3 months yesterday. Three months? Really? That sounds so...baby. "I have a 3 month old." She's not a newborn anymore-she's a baby. She sleeps 7 hours at night (woo hoo!), rolls over, can hold a toy and loves to explore her hands. Which clearly means she's a genius! She has gone from 6 lbs 8 oz to 11 lbs 8 oz. and has such round little cheeks. She started out in premie clothes and just out grew her 0-3 month onesies. I can not believe we're approaching Christmas with a baby! Of course the daily realization that she's really mine tends to come as a shock as well. I never knew so many hours of the day could be spent cuddling and each morning before she goes down for a nap we get in some good snuggling while she falls asleep. Alan and I are getting a bit more sleep these days and having the time of our lives. I just pray time slows a bit over the next three months-I'm not ready for my peanut to grow up.

The Fun of Holiday Happening

2008-11-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Maggie has been helping me get ready for Holiday Happening this year. And by helping I mean strolling around the civic center with me and watching while Aunt Steph and Pam put together the booth. I don't know how I thought I'd be any help. We hardly get things done at home where there's a swing, bouncer, pack 'n' play and activity gym to keep her busy! In our HH adventures though we have already spotted half a dozen vendors with goodies that have Maggie's name all over them! There are enough cute Christmas outfits for her to dress "Christmasy" the entire month of December! Ah, I love the Holidays!!

Playtime

2008-11-19T14:17:00.001-07:00

Mornings and early evening have become our most favorite time of day.

Maggie is SO vocal during those hours and all grins. She discovered her tongue recently and is always sticking it out and blowing bubbles. So cute. I wonder at what age that officially becomes uncute...

We started playing "airplane" last night and I think she digs it...Although none of the pictures showed the "true" excitement. In fact, Alan caught an action shot of her spitting up all over me...I spare you all from that one.
I can't believe how much our little peanut is growing. She is so strong! Alan and I are in trouble when she starts moving about on her own! I do think she'll be more of a busy body than her momma. Sheesh.

Our Double T Cutie

2008-11-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Maggie is 10 weeks old and so far has gone to two TTU football games-tailgaiting included and one TTU basketball game. She loves the noise and the action is already practicing her cheers.

She has quite the collection of Tech outfits and it grows weekly due to her Mommy's compulsive shopping disorder...

I love that she's crossing her legs!

Excuse Mommy's lack of make-up and flat hair...we had a slow start to the day

She wouldn't turn away from the tv....Game Day was on and she loved the cheering

Daddy and Mag Pie

2008-11-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I couldn't love my husband any more than I do-he gives me a baby and in turn becomes a Daddy. Oh what a wonderful Daddy he is. I am beyond blessed by his love, his support and his humor. On my darkest days he is there to cheer me up and through all the "baby blues" he never faltered. I would have strangled me...but not Alan. He had an unlimited amount of hugs and although he was hurting on sleep too he let me have more than my share. God has blessed me so much with my little family and I'm so thankful.

Boo!

2008-10-31T11:56:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween!! Miss Maggie was a ghost of sorts for Halloween--we never found the "perfect" costume so we improvised with pretty cute results.

The Perfect Three

2008-10-26T15:50:00.000-06:00

What's better than one precious baby on a couch?? Three precious babies on a couch!!! Maggie, Jacob and Mr. Harrison Williams all got together for a photo sesh with Cristy Cross and this is the result...

Maggie and Jacob

2008-10-13T16:31:00.000-06:00

My best friend of nearly 20 years had a sweet baby boy 3 days before Maggie arrived...it seemed as though the babies were racing to get out towards the end! Becca was able to bring Jake when the babies were 7 weeks old and can I just say Presh. We had a quick photo session of the two of them and Maggie was so worn out she fell asleep on Jacob's shoulder...priceless.

Look at that adorable grin on Jacob's face! Oh sweetness.

She's Going to be Famous...

2008-10-10T18:13:00.000-06:00

At least that's what her onesie says...but she clearly believes it.

3 week photos

2008-09-30T11:11:00.000-06:00

Our sweet friend Cristy Cross is taking all of Maggie's pictures this first year and so far they are just wonderful. Here are a few from her 3 week session.

I can't imagine how many silly faces we've made at this sweet girl.

One of many hours spent watching her sleep.

Our tee tiny fit in a bowl!

I will forever treasure this picture.

Sweet grin.

Godparents

2008-09-21T02:36:00.000-06:00

Tonight we asked our precious friends Betsy and Jeffery Ross to be Maggie's Godparents. They are family to us and they will forever be a part of Miss Maggie's life. She is so blessed to have them in her life as are we and we love them both more than they know. We pray that one day soon they will also have a baby for us to love on.

This is Uncle Jeffery holding Maggie for the first time.

Firsts

2008-09-07T13:57:00.000-06:00

First morning with Mommy.

Dressed up for the first Dr.'s Appt.

First shopping outing with Mommy and Gigi.

First hang out time with uncle Bubba

Dressed up for her first Tech game...we watched at home--this time. :)

Trying out "Tummy Time" for the first time...she wasn't sure how she felt about it...but she LOVES tummy time now.

First family photo...

August 28th, 2008 Birth Day!

2008-09-02T15:15:00.000-06:00

Maggie was born Thursday the 28th of August 6 lbs and 8 ozs and 19 inches of perfection. I know I'm partial but she was the prettiest baby girl I'd ever seen. Not a bit of jaundice, no cone head and the tiny little cupid mouth. She has her Daddy's eyes and Mommy's nose and looks a lot like her grumps when she frowns ;)

I went in Wednesday with crazy high blood pressure and so horribly sick at my stomach. They ran a few tests and after a scary drop on the baby's monitor they admitted me and planned an induction for that night. I went into labor at 7 am and at 5 pm I hadn't progressed much...so off to a C-Section...18 minutes later Maggie joined us. God is beyond good.

Alan took our angel out to meet her Gigi, Grumps, MeMommy, Grandaddy, and uncle Bubba and then to the nursery to get her first bath.

Oh how she loves baths! From day one until now it is her most favorite activity.

I was put in recovery for the LONGEST hour of my life and then waited not so patiently in my room for Maggie to arrive from the nursery. I was so happy the day Alan and I married, and although I was insanely scared when we found out I was pregnant I was still overjoyed...but nothing could ever compare to the joy, peace and completion I felt when my Margaret Grace was handed to me for the first time. I never knew I was capable of that kind of love; in fact, that was my greatest fear-that I wouldn't be able to love her enough. But God provided me with ample love and I have no doubt that this little girl will forever be surrounded in love by her Daddy and I...not to mention her precious grandparents, aunt, uncles and plethora of honorary aunts and uncles!