THE HINSON FAMILY HAPPENINGS

Fannie's First Fitting!

2011-01-17T10:59:00.010-05:00

NEWS FLASH: Fannie Bradley is not a baby anymore (sniff, sniff) if she is being fitted for a flowergirl dress!

We met Aunt Anne this morning at Bridals by Lori to have FB fitted for her flowergirl dress!

Can you even believe she is going to be in a wedding in June? We can't!

This Mama is going to be standing at the altar boo hooing, first when Fannie walks down the aisle then Anne!

And just to showcase one of my Top 5 Favorite FB outfits of all time:

Lilly Pulitzer Overalls

Soooooo cute, the overalls and the girl!

Fannie meets Ryder

2011-01-15T10:40:00.007-05:00

One of my best friends from college, Amy Langford Ratliff, was in town while her husband was at the Falcons game so she brought her little boy Ryder over to meet Fannie.

FB was not in the mood to share her balls as evidenced in this progression of pictures.

Ryder was a trooper and not at all phased by the drama!

And just so I remember....I was holding Ryder and went into FB's room where she was with her Daddy and Grandmother. FB looked at Ryder and pointed to me and said "Mama", points to John and says "Dada" then points to Angie and says "Mammie". It was hysterical. She was telling him that we are her people and he better not get too comfortable! She was laying claim!

Snow Day

2011-01-10T20:54:00.021-05:00

What a beautiful day! We got between 4 and 5 inches of snow over night.

Mammie and Granddaddy decided to spend the night at our house so in case we were snowed in, they could be over here to help us (read: be with FB in the snow!). Mammie cooked a big breakfast for us and then we headed outside.

Almost one year ago exactly, January 8, 2010.

Our little snow baby has grown!

January 10, 2010

Uncle Jake's Snow Suit circa 1983/84: Check!

Cute Fleese Hat with flowers popping out: Check!

Patagonia Mittens: Check!

Hunter Boots in her signature color: Check!

Snowball: Check!

Trying to catch snowflakes with her mouth!

She does this now when it rains too, it's really funny.

My heart

Belongs

To her

Love how she is puckering up!

We walked around the corner on our street to find all of our neighbors out sledding.

The Valley Brook Hill

Mommy took a turn first

Good thing this mailbox stopped me, ha!

Next, Daddy took a turn

At last but not least.....

It was Granddaddy's turn!

Granddaddy was D.O.N.E.

Time to head back home

Our Street

She loved the snow and just wanted to eat it!

A Rare Photo with Momma as I tend to be behind the camera

Maybe I should work on that this year!

Fannie Love

She is obsessed with giving hugs and kisses right now. And she is really good at it. There is nothing better.

I feel like we are on vacation but at home! A staycation? Nothing to do, No where to be. No errands to run. And Daddy will be home again tomorrow with us. Yea!

How's that for real time blogging? Don't get used to it. ;)

Sally!!!!

2011-01-10T16:03:00.011-05:00

Our dear friends, Polly and Wade Fowler, welcomed a Baby Girl into the world, last Monday, January 3 at 10:19 am. She was one week early! They didn't know what they were having, which we obviously LOVE, so it was so fun to get the news.

Sara Glenn Fowler

"Sally"

9 pounds

21 1/4 inches

I went to Piedmont on Monday afternoon to see this little girl and saw her again on Friday at home but haven't had my picture taken with her yet!

Sally is so precious and felt very similiar to holding Baby FB since they were both big babies.

Fannie Bradley and Sally are going to have such fun together doing girly things. I was secretly thrilled baby Fowler was a girl since that is what we know best!

Like Father, Like Daughter

2011-01-09T16:23:00.020-05:00

Daddy and Mammie were on FB duty today while I was doing an Open House and evidently there was no nap taken.

So FB was sleepy and ready for bed much earlier than normal. John took her into her room to change her diaper and get her ready for bed and this is what happened.

She passed out on the changing table, holding a maraca.

Classic. Classic John.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T12:10:00.002-05:00

Surgery

2010-11-22T14:25:00.041-05:00

Last Monday, November 15, Fannie Bradley had surgery at Scottish Rite. Surgery was at noon so we got there at 10:00 am. Poor thing could not have a bite to eat or even a sip of any liquid before hand so we came prepared to divert her attention away from the hunger pains.

This child has somehow become OBSESSED with Elma (Elmo) in the past few weeks. We don't know how she even learned who Elmo is and we don't have any Elmo toys in our house. She has only seen Sesame Street, once maybe twice tops. From the time she gets up and sees him on her diapers to the time we lay her down at night, she repeats "Elma" all.day.long. I am not a huge character toy lover but thought we could bend the rules. She is just so darn cute when she says Elma and especially when she catches a glimpse of him.

Sooooo, Monday morning at the hospital was like an Elma themed Christmas Morning provided by parents and all 4 grandparents. She got a stuffed Elma, little Elma figurine and his friends too, DVD, books and a sippy cup.

FB had her birthmark (epidermal nevus) removed from her forehead/head and a lipoma removed from her back, by her plastic surgeon, Dr. Joe Williams. He is one of the best in his field and just we love him. She also had a branchial cleft cyst removed from her neck by her ENT, Dr. Erik Bauer. We love him as well.

For the past month, I have been working on getting this operation set up and coordinating these two doctors in addition to taking FB to lots of doctors appointments and pre-op appointments. Another reason for the blog vacation.

This picture is right when they brought her back to the room. The calm before the storm that was about to hit. They said she did awesome during the surgery.

There is a several hour lapse in photos as things got a little hairy. The nurse kicked out the 4 grandparents, nurses were in and out, and our main nurse called our anesthesiologist. He showed up in addition to the anesthesiologist who was on call next, to talk about a game plan for the rest of the afternoon. FB's blood pressure was high, she had a fever, her oxygen levels kept dipping, her limbs (but not her trunk--so weird) were flushed bright red and then she projectile vomited all over John. I screamed. Loudly. I had never seen or heard anything like that in my life, especially coming out of such a small body. I ran to the nurse's station and started screaming. We cleaned FB up and had to take off her dirty hospital gown, that she never put back on! Since the grandparents had been sent away, John's mom decided to run to our house and let the dogs out so she was able to get John a change of clothes. We impressed the nurses with his quick change of clean clothes. It's nice living in the same zip code as the hospital!

Late afternoon, they decided it was best if they kept Fannie over night and by this point we were happy about this decision. We couldn't imagine taking her home in the state she was in, so they wheeled her to a room.

In her room

Our naked girl who refused to wear the hosptial gown

We could tell she was about to fall asleep so we had to put the arm restraints on, she was not happy about that.

I apologize for the FULL diaper but we couldn't keep a dry diaper on this girl with that IV pushing fluids through her. We had to change her diaper every hour.

Finally at rest. She wouldn't let us put the oxygen mask on her face so we had to prop it up close to her nose and mouth.

After her nap, she ate some yogurt and ice cream.

Daddy and his baby girl

Our Gorgeous Girl

John and I both stayed the night. The couch in the room folds out to something that is probably 5 inches wider than a twin bed. We both laid on that, together, all 12.5 feet of us. I didn't sleep. I laid there and stared at her monitors all night. At the beginning of the night, she was not on oxygen but her levels kept dropping and when they drop below a certain level the machines start beeping. So I would rush over to her and not long after me, her nurse would rush in. By the end of the night, they had her back on oxygen.

Tuesday Morning, the plastic surgeon PA came by to check on Fannie and took off her turban. I cried. I know she will heal but it is still alot to take in.

By this point, the swelling and bruising are starting to set in, especially in her eyes.

The 4.5 inch incision. We weren't expecting it to be that big.

Dr. Williams did not have to shave much hair (Thank you!) and everyone, medical or not, who has seen her says the incision looks great. I am not so sure about that. It pains me to look at it.

We lube it up with antibiotic ointment twice a day.

I put a bow in her hair trying to make her look like the old Fannie but it didn't do much good. Poor thing's forehead is so swollen it is pulling her eyebrows up so high that she can't even close her eyelids all of the way when she sleeps.

Using the remote as a phone and still won't put her gown on!

They had just taken her IV out and we were waiting to be discharged when she passed out, eyes open.

E.T.

We got home at about 6:00 on Tuesday evening. That night, when everyone was sleeping, FB threw up in her crib. Thank goodness she was on her stomach. She then proceeded to get sick a total of 6 times in 2 hours. I was on the phone with her ENT at 4:00 am. He thought it might be the antibiotics she was on. John headed to Kroger immediately to stock up on Pedialyte. It was a looooong night. Wednesday morning I got on the phone with the plastic surgeon's office and they switched up her meds and that did the trick.

The rest of the week and weekend have been low key as this week will be also. This might be one reason I am in the mood to blog, we are basically on house arrest! Everyday, Fannie is starting to perk up more and act more like herself. Her sleep is still not back to normal, at night or napping during the day, so I am back to the newborn rule of sleeping when she sleeps. I was more exhausted last week than I ever remember being when she was first born.

Our main goal right now is to keep Fannie comfortable and keep her busy little hands off her bandages and incisions.

Tuesday we have a post op appointment with her ENT. The post op with her plastic surgeon is 3 weeks after surgery.

Oh and how could I forget this tidbit...when we went to the ENT pre-op, the PA was examining Fannie and gasped when she saw her tonsils. Evidently they are huge and touching.

She asked us if:
she snored at night = Yes, sometimes (Dad does)
she was a mouth breather = Yes, sometimes (Mom does)
she paused between breaths = Yes, sometimes (Mom does)
she feel asleep in her carseat = Yes, sometimes (Dad does)

So the PA is wondering if Fannie has sleep apnea and ordered for her to participate in an over night sleep study. So that was scheduled for late December. Well, after all of her oxygen issues after surgery, I pretty much think we did our own sleep study last Monday night and the results are not good! But the ENT urged us to bump up the sleep study so it is now on December 21. So depending on those results, FB may be having her tonsils and adenoids removed. Putting this child under again makes me want to commit myself to the loony bin so I am trying not to think about it. Standard protocol for anyone under 3 having this surgery is a minimum one night stay in the hospital so that is comforting knowing that we will have extra care and not just be sent home.

Lots of you are praying for us and we can't express our gratitude for that. We are strong believers in the power of prayer. This has been much harder than we thought it would be. Thank you for everything: the meals, notes, texts, emails and phone calls! It means so much. My friend Ali keeps reminding me that FB won't remember any of this and that really helps me through the day. I don't want her to ever know this kind of pain.

“Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your
righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
Isaiah 58:8

Back to Blogging!

2010-11-22T13:40:00.012-05:00

Well, it has been over two months since I last updated. Honestly, it was a much welcomed and needed little break but I am starting to get the itch to start posting again. It felt good to "unplug"(a little) and spend more quality time with my favorite two people. There have been so many fun fall things that have happened the past two months, with lots of great pictures to go along. So instead of falling behind any further, I am going to pick up from today and hope that in any free time (yeah right) I can go back and post about the past two months.

2 Years

Beginning of MOPS

8 Years

UGA vs Colorado Party

Papa Joe leaves for Africa

Mary Clayton's 1st Birthday Party

Fannie & Ford go for a walk - Memorial Park

Julia's 2nd Birthday Party

Trip to Waynesville, NC

Aunt Courtney goes to Music Class

Halloween Playgroup

Pumpkin Patch with Aunt Courtney

Meadowbrook Halloween Parade

Trick or Treating

Papa Joe returns from Africa

Daddy-Daughter Double Date to the UGA vs. Idaho State Game

Caroline Kimel's Christening

Fannie's First Trip to the Aquarium

We started decorating for Christmas over the weekend. I have never ever decorated this early before. BUT, the Meadowbrook Moms are coming over on December 1 so we are trying to get everything decorated and ready. I am glad to have the deadline though so we can enjoy the season for longer. Christmas is going to be amazing this year with Fannie Bradley. She is just going to love it all. We can't wait to share this special time with her. She is obsessed with my nice nativity scene that I put out yesterday. (Mary has been named Mama and Joseph has been named Dada, go figure, which is true but I am trying to explain to her that those are Baby Jesus' Mama and Dada and not me and John, ha ha!) So considering that it is breakable I got out her cute little wooden one that she can play with. Well, that lasted for about 5 seconds then she went back to the my nice one. Of course!

Without further ado, let the blogging resume!

I hope we haven't lost all of Fannie's Fans!
Y'all come back now, ya hear?

Oreo Girl

2010-09-17T22:43:00.010-04:00

This is the damage that ONE Oreo did. ONE.

Needless to say, she was taken straight to the bathtub, all the while trying to keep her arms, hands, fingers and face from touching anything. The bath water was brown. At least she enjoyed it, that's all that really matters anyway.

FB meets Vince Dooley

2010-09-16T21:45:00.017-04:00

Thursday Night, my Mother, Aunt, FB and I headed to Downtown Marietta to an Art Musuem for the book signing of Vince Dooley's new gardening book, with artwork by Steve Penley (two family favorites!).

In line waiting to have our book signed

All decked out in Red & Black

So glad the Daddy wasn't there, he would have been drooling over this masterpiece

Ronald Reagan and his Jeep, LOVE IT

Barbara Dooley was IN LOVE with our child. She got out of her seat to come see FB and play with her. Barbara was all up in our personal space. It was so great, she is such a live wire and so personable. Here she is trying to get FB to do touchdown but FB evidently wasn't performing her tricks.

It's a gorgeous book, inside and out

Meeting Coach! He was so nice. I've met him before (not that he would remember but he actually might because it is a really funny story involving the four Orrs and Coach Dooley alone in an elevator in Butts-Mehre circa 1990-if my Mother can locate the pics, I will post about that too) but this was Fannie Bradley's first time.

Signing Fannie Bradley's book

Coach Dooley wrote:

Love to Fannie Bradley

A Future Bulldog

A Future Gardener

God Bless

Vince Dooley

9-16-10

Next, Penley signed our book

Very Cool

Sort of makes me want to have a pretty garden. (Not going to happen any time soon!)

What a great experience! Good idea, Grandmommie!

Fannie's First Art Work

2010-09-16T10:42:00.005-04:00

I had Bible Study again this morning which means that FB headed to the nursery. It went better than the last week did but it still wasn't pretty to begin with. When I went down to check on her half way through, she was in the hallway playing with a nursery volunteer, by herself, one-on-one, but she was happy! By the end of the morning, they had moved her from the baby room to the big kids room. They think she was bored with the babies.

They do arts and crafts in the big kids room so low and behold, my baby did her first ever artwork. So classic. Gotta love the Bingo and Good Work stickers. I am sure this was a sight in the making since she prefers to eat crayons rather than color with them.

This is not a great picture but I was so excited I just had to take one so it was taken with my phone on the tailgate of my car!

Video Chatting

2010-09-12T19:27:00.011-04:00

Since Mammie and Granddaddy were in D.C. visiting Aunt Courtney and Uncle Saj we decided to break out the new computer camera and try video chatting. Well, it was a success!

Fannie was so cute. At first, you could tell she was very confused as to why they were on the computer and not in the living room with her. Then she started signing for "more".

Wherever she went in the room she would keep staring at the computer.

I am not sure what this funny face is for but it makes me laugh!

I can't believe 15 months old are chatting with their relatives via a computer, a camera and the world wide web. I remember having to use Prodigy to dial up to get on the internet and it was SO SLOW. There is no telling what kind of technology she'll be into by age 2! Ha!

Roe is a Big Brother!

2010-09-12T14:41:00.005-04:00

Fannie Bradley's boyfriend Roe became a Big Brother yesterday when his baby sister was born!

Lennon Margaret Williams

Born on September 11, 2010 at 1:15 pm (right in the middle of the Georgia Game!)

8 pounds & 15 ounces

20.5 inches

After church today, we went to Piedmont to visit Lindsay, Madison and their new addition.

Lennon is a big, healthy baby with a head full of hair. Those Williams don't birth small or bald babies!

Congrats to the Williams Family of Four!

Looking forward to lots of fun times ahead with all of the kiddos.

Duck Pond

2010-09-11T13:33:00.014-04:00

It was so pretty and cool this morning, we headed to the Duck Pond in Garden Hills before going to watch the Dawgs play the Gamecocks.

The King and Queen of the Pond

Such a hidden gem right here in the city

Love her feet propped up!

Feeding the Ducks

We made fast friends once the bread came out!

FB saying "Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii"

Keeping an eye on her new friends

Happy Girl

Noodle Head

2010-09-10T13:33:00.006-04:00

Someone really enjoyed her spaghetti dinner tonight.

Needless to say, she went straight to the bath tub after dinner!

Laundress

2010-09-10T13:32:00.004-04:00

Tonight, Fannie Bradley sorted laundry for 30 minutes. And talked the entire time. She was carrying on a full blown conversation with her dirty clothes. This is the only picture I got because as soon as she saw me, it was game over! Doesn't she look like such a little girl in this picture?

I hope she wants to help with the laundry when she is 13! Doubt it.

Bible Study

2010-09-09T13:32:00.014-04:00

My Mother and I started a bible study this morning at church. I am the next to the youngest one there and that's okay. I am looking forward to learning from my elders. But what is weird, is that my elders insist on being called by their first names and not Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jones like I have been doing for 31 years. They consider me an equal and I feel completely inferior.

We are doing Beth Moore's new and improved, Breaking Free study. I did this study years ago, but that was a different time, a different story and a different season of my life.

So in order for my mother and I to both be in bible study means that Miss Fannie B was headed to the nursery. Unattended by any familiar face, quite possibly for the first time. Tragic, I know.

Bible study is 2 hours long. Nursery workers will call your cell phone if there is a problem. I had been stalking my phone all morning then we broke off into small groups so I wasn't looking at my phone every 37 seconds. Find my room where my small group will be meeting, look at my phone. Number I don't know. Very normal for Real Estate. Voicemail waiting. Very normal for Real Estate. Listen to voicemail. I hear my baby screaming. Don't even know what was said in the voicemail. I take off in a dress and Jack Rogers, down several flights of stairs. Get to FB's room, and she looks at me, smiles, starts laughing and holds out her arms reaching for me. She made it 45 minutes. ¡Ay, caramba!

Put FB in her stroller and head back upstairs to my small group. FB plays on the floor and goes through my purse for the next 30 minutes, especially loving a pack of Kleenex and ripping its contents into a zillion pieces. Mommy is mortified. No one else was even phased.

Smalls groups are over and we head back to the combined large group. Grandmommie is of course thrilled to see her baby. Mommy is still mortified. One of the sweet Elder ladies of the church offered to stroll FB around for the remaining of our session. Sure, thanks and good luck!

Fannie charms the pants off of everyone she encounters while she makes her way up and down the church halls, talking and waving Hiiiiiiiiiii (video coming soon of that)!

Maybe next week will be better!?!?!?

Mammalingo

2010-09-07T20:14:00.006-04:00

On Monday, August 30, this email, from Daily Candy Kids Atlanta, was waiting in my inbox.

Since I had good examples of two crazy things I had done recently, I emailed Mammalingo.

Next thing I know, this was published!

I only provided the examples, not the definition!

Labor Day Weekend in Camilla

2010-09-07T13:28:00.046-04:00

Fannie Bradley, her parents, and all of her grandparents headed to Camilla for the holiday weekend.

River Road, we are almost there!

Saturday night we drove to Thomasville for dinner at George and Louie's.

Sunday, after the men came in from the fields, we headed to Albany for lunch.

A trip to South Georgia is not complete without a trip to the Cracker Barrel.

Somebody, make that two somebodies, were worn out and snoozed outside while we ate.

After lunch, the menfolk headed to Lowe's, then back to Camilla.

John had to take off his boots just to fit.

The womenfolk headed to Publix to buy dinner.

This was a random field in Albany near the Publix that was setting up for a Labor Day event.

Aren't the flags pretty?

It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky

The men spent the afternoon in the fields, spreading feed, hoping the quail will stick around until November. The women messed around the house and got dinner prepared. Typical.

When they were finished with their work, Daddy took Fannie Bradley on her first tractor ride.

I am not sure who had the biggest smile!

I like that hat Daddy

Going for a ride

Family Tractor Ride

Now Mammie gets her turn (she waved to FB the whole time!)

Next, we headed to the cotton fields

Our Famliy

Showing off her first piece of cotton

One of my favorite pics of all time

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." Psalm 19.1

Thank goodness we live about the Gnat Line is all I have to say.

The sun may have been bright, but it made for a gorgeous evening.

I love these two

Doing what they do best : Sneaking kisses!

Good thing I had these pink and green plaid overalls hanging in the closet, I knew they would come in handy one day!

Cotton really is so pretty

Evidently some flood lights needed changing....

Looks kinda dangerous to me!

Monday consisted of more of the same, spreading feed, errand running in Albany and cooking out.

Early evening, when we should have been packing to head back to Atlanta, we headed out in the jeeps for a ride around the farm.

Swamp

Our cute tour guide

She was fascinated with safely leaning over and looking at the ground moving below her. Don't go calling DFCS on us!

Flint River: Before and After

April 18, 2009

One Month before Baby

Almost 16.5 months later

The new and improved Hinson Family

Our Transportation

A Man, His Jeep and His Baby Girl

When I was just about FB's age, my parents had a jeep too. They would strap my car seat in the back and off we went. I like keeping with traditions.

a Jeep full o' Grandparents

FB is a lucky little girl

After our stop at the river, we took a new path that had recently been cleared.

Very Jurrasic Park.

Well, all of a sudden Daddy's jeep starting sputtering, then stopped. The gas gauge on this jeep is broken. So is the horn. So the Jeep full o' Grandparents didn't hear our cries for help.

Very Jurrasic Park.

Should I mention that there are all sorts of wild animals on the farm. Aligators and Rattlers included.

So we left the Jeep

and headed out of the woods on foot.

Daddy ~ Daughter Matching Hair Dos

I just knew that one of the grandmothers was going to turn around and notice that their precious children (read: precious first born grandchild) weren't behind them anymore. And in true Papa Joe fashion, he would tell them not to worry, that we probably had stopped to take a picture (good guess though).

So when I came to a clearing in the woods, this is what I found, and I don't have a great history with pastures full of cows (Thomson, GA ~ MLK Weekend, 1998),

but I did spot the Jeep full o' Grandparents way off on the horizon and started waving them down.

And exactly as I told John what was going to happen, the Jeep full o' Grandparents eventually reappeared to save the day.

After that little bit of excitement, we hopped on with them and headed back to the house!

We had a very fun, hot, busy, working weekend in Camilla and were so glad that we could introduce this special place to Fannie Bradley. We hope that she will love this land as much as the 5 generations of Orrs before her do and did.

What Every Kitchen Needs

2010-08-28T13:23:00.012-04:00

A Fannie Dispenser!

More fun at the Grandparents while Mommy and Daddy were both working on a Saturday! FB definitely has more fun at both grandparents houses than she does at ours! But isn't that the way it is supposed to be?

Granddaddy

2010-08-25T21:59:00.007-04:00

The Stare Down

I love you, Granddaddy.... especially your bald head!

Taken at dinner at El Azteca on Peachtree after swimming class

Music Class Starts Up Again!

2010-08-25T13:20:00.009-04:00

The Fall Semester of Music Class started today. Fannie loved music class in the spring so I have been really looking forward to starting this activity again.

Fannie's best girlfriend, Emmie, is in our class again and we have a new friend, Jack Harmon. Jack is 7 months old and belongs to Nicole and Clay Harmon. And I don't want to leave out the newest Nichols baby, Anabelle, who was sleeping in her carrier.

I wanted to capture a picture of the three friends on their first day of class, easier said than done. This progession of pics is just too funny not to post.

Emmie is in gymnastics class, she must have been practicing!

Oh and now the girlfriends go in for a kiss!

Love, love, love how Emmie puts her cheek up to receive the kiss. Too cute.

Poor Jack. Ha!

Looking forward to a fun semester of music!

Swim Class #5

2010-08-23T13:18:00.021-04:00

We are all still enjoying our twice weekly swim class, especially Fannie B.

Tossing the ball with Stuart

More of the usual...floating on her back

About to jump in to Daddy

Pretty in Pink

Hey Momma

Legs, Legs Everywhere

Check out that Killer Fin

She "swam" from Instructor Joy to Daddy

Such a good little swimmer.

We are very proud/happy/pleased with how well she is doing in the pool!

Swimming to the Ledge

Sunday Night Dinner with The Andersons

2010-08-22T13:29:00.011-04:00

Aunt Caroline and Uncle Kristian came over for dinner on Sunday night to celebrate Kristian's return to Atlanta!

I didn't take any pictures but Aunt Caroline of Sweet Caroline Photography did!

There are just a few of my favorites. They really capture Fannie Bradley and her personality. Sweet Thing.

15 Month Appointment

2010-08-19T11:27:00.005-04:00

Fannie Bradley had her 15 month appointment this morning.

Here are her stats:

24 pounds 12 ounces (75th percentile)

33 inches (above 95th percentile)

First Time but Surely Not the Last

2010-08-19T09:28:00.008-04:00

Well, you know you are the mother of a toddler when you open the microwave and find your lunch in there, from yesterday.

Fannie's Favorite Foods

2010-08-18T11:39:00.028-04:00

As Fannie turns 15 months, I wanted to document some of her favorite foods!

Breakfast

Waffles or Muffins or Cheese Toast or Cereal Bar (sometimes those are eaten as a snack as well) with 1/2 banana and applesauce

On the weekends, Daddy will make us pancakes, with bananas or blueberries, using the batter blaster. They are so good and easy and organic! Cheese eggs too!

Lunch

Always some cheese, then either deli meat or a hot dog, usually some oranges and always a yogurt with her vitamins mixed in

Fresh Fruit

Eaten with every meal or as a snack

Pluots!

Snacks

Dinner

Usually she will eat whatever we are eating or she has been loving meatloaf and green beans, her favorite are from OK Cafe!

Fellow Mommas, I would love to hear what you give your kiddos for any of these meals or snacks. What are their favorites? I am always looking for new fresh ideas! I know you are reading....so please leave a comment!

Baby Ford is here!

2010-08-17T15:32:00.008-04:00

Amy Mulkey McGowan and her husband Trey welcomed Baby Boy Ford at Piedmont this morning. We ♥ Piedmont Babies.

Winford Richard McGowan IV

8 pounds, 9.9 ounces

21 inches long

Congrats to the new McGowan family!

Swim Class #3

2010-08-16T15:31:00.021-04:00

Swim class went well again. This child loves the water.

To start class off, Fannie and Stuart passed the ball back and forth to each other

Playing with balls

Swimming through a hula hoop

She is seriously so happy the entire time she is in the pool

Going for the green ball

The pool deck is wet so she started slippin' and slidin'. It was really funny!

About to jump to Daddy

There she goes!

Video of FB jumping in

The instructor told us that everytime Fannie jumps to us into the pool, she needs to go under the water. That way, she has it ingrained that that is going to happen if she jumps in on her own too. Makes perfect sense and such a great safety tip.

Pouring water on her head and face to get her used to that but she seems to love it

Fannie and Stuart giving high fives at the end of class. Too cute.

Church & FF at The V

2010-08-15T15:30:00.013-04:00

Fannie Bradley stayed in the nursery during church this week. Grandmommie may or may not have been in there with her.

This is the position we left her in at 11:00....

and the position that we found her in at noon!

Someone was not interested in socializing with the other babies. Why would she when she had Grandmommie's lap?!?

We headed to The Varsity for lunch.

Do you know what this child is eating?

Her first french fry! Ever.

This did not go according to Mommy's plan. I had planned a well documented outing to McDonalds for her first french fry experience. We all know they have the best french fries.

Well, FB had different plans.

As soon as we sat down, FB went for Papa Joe's french fries and just helped herself!

These pics aren't great as I only had my Canon Elph with me, it's not a kid friendly (read: quick) as the Nikon!

She loved the french fries

She would put the whole thing in her mouth then slowly pull it out, surely licking all of the salt off of it!

She also had way too much fun with Papa Joe's cup, which was full of ice and watered down diet coke

She was soaking wet by the end of our meal, as was her highchair cover, the table and the floor!

The Look

We also found our friend Maurice

And took a couple of pics with him!

And just to note, since this is our baby book, FB had 3 stinky diapers that afternoon. That is not normal for her! ;)

Friday Night with The McArthurs

2010-08-13T15:01:00.007-04:00

Friday night we met Dave, Rebecca and Julia at La Fonda for dinner.

Fanster opted for her WHOLE steak quesidilla instead of the nice bite size pieces I laid out in front of her

It's all fun and games until I had to sweep her cheeks

and found this hunk o meat.

Julia and Dave

Daddies with their girls

After dinner we walked next door to, Three on the Tree, for frozen yogurt

Yum Tum Rhee

Making sure she doesn't loose any!

Happy Girl

Topsail ~ Day 6

2010-08-12T22:27:00.030-04:00

SATURDAY

Our last day at the beach was like most of the other ones, except Fannie Bradley and I debuted our Mommy and Me Matching Lilly Pullitzer bathing suits.

Oh yes. Completely cheesy, I am fully aware, but we didn't know anyone there. ha ha. Now it's just on the world wide web. I loved this print and just happened to find it for both of us and we just happened to both wear it on the same day. Does Laura Ashley still make matching dresses? Just kidding, sort of.

We did have some special visitors on Saturday. Liza, Ted and Audrey came over for the morning beach time and lunch. Liza is Dave McArthur's (one of John's best friends growing up and FB's Godfather) sister and she and her family live in the area.

Ted and Audrey

Audrey will be 3 in October

Fannie B and Audrey

Princess of the Beach

John and Uncle Saj

Liza and Audrey

On her throne

Full of personality

Isn't that chair adorable?

After lunch and nap time, FB hit the pool on the deck for one last time.

This was the first time ALL week that she would leave a hat on!

Honestly, I think she just got to playing and forgot the hat was on there!

The blue bathing suit really made her blue eyes pop out, so pretty.

Silly Granddaddy

We went out to dinner to Daddy Mac's Beach Grille in downtown Surf City.

Kyle and Aunt Courtney

The Samuels

Fun with Fannie, never a dull moment around her

Honk Honk

Our Family

We were dying laughing, she was being such a ham.

She was probably sick of all the photo shoots!

We had to wait quite a long time for a table so Daddy and Fannie went for a walk

And he taught her where the moon is, she is sponge, doesn't take her long to learn anything.

Pointing to the moon

Good Night, Moon

Good Night, Topsail. Thanks for a wonderful week.

Swim Class #2

2010-08-11T20:01:00.015-04:00

We had our second swim lesson tonight and it was as fun as the first!

The babies passed the ball around to each other

Blowing bubbles...

or Drinking pool water!

I just love her little profile

It's as if she is looking to the instructor for her next assignment

Pretty Girl

Power Struggle over the Rings, a little 'tude coming out!

I wonder who will win???

Yep, Fannie B won!

We were trying to clear her hands of toys so she could concentrate on "jumping" off the ledge into Daddy's arms

Dunking again

Obsessed with the rings!

Floating, still won't release the rings!

The babies were "swimming" to the instructor

Stuart's turn

Fannie's turn

Now chewing on the rings!

Something new they did tonight was to both go under the water looking at each other and making eye contact

You can tell that FB has her eyes open. Sort of pains me to look at since I wear contacts!

Check out that fin

Doing the Hokey Pokey

Fannie started crying when the class was over and when we took her out of the pool.

That's a good sign!

Swim Class

2010-08-09T20:32:00.020-04:00

Fannie Bradley started Swim Classes tonight at the Buckhead YMCA.

All decked out

Mesmerized

Too concerned about what's going on in the pool to look at Mommy

Fannie's buddy Stuart is in the class too!

Swimming on their stomachs

and practicing kicking

Blowing bubbles

From their stomachs, they want the babies to learn to roll onto their backs

On her back!

Floating

Her facial expressions were hilarious

Swimming to the ledge

Grabing on to the ledge

Elbow, Elbow, Knee, Knee

Yay! She's out of the water!

Anytime she did something good, she would start clapping for herself. Too funny. She does that at home too.

Time to get dunked!

Going...

Gone!

She's up!

She did great

Video of the second time she got dunked.

Please note the high five she gives the instructor at 15 seconds and she starts clapping for herself at 20 seconds.

Climbing out again

She obviously thinks she is #1. We do too!

FB did a great job overall with the class. She has historically loved baths and pools but you never know with these little ones.

Only 7 more classes!

14 months

2010-08-09T11:42:00.000-04:00

Weebles

2010-08-08T21:30:00.009-04:00

Fannie and I stayed at the Hinson's until 2:00 today and from there we went to visit Grandmommie. Fannie lunched and napped. We left there at 5:30 and stopped by Target on the way home, since Daddy wasn't going to get back from Camilla until 8:30, I thought it would help to waste an hour at Target.

While perusing the toy section (FB is completely bored with all of her toys), I stumbled across WEEBLES!!!!!! We had Weebles growing up. I was so happy to accidentally find them, they are so classic, which I love!

So we went home with the Weebles Sport Pack.

So Daddy gets home from Camilla and after kissing his girls hello, walks through the living room and while stepping over the new toy which are undoubtedly in the middle of the floor, says "FB got Weebles." I about fell out of the chair. I am super impressed he came up with proper name so quickly, way to go Daddy! He too had them growing up!

So now I am slightly obsessed with Weebles and might have just spent the last 20 minutes looking at them online. All in the name of Fannie Bradley.

Flour Child

2010-08-08T12:28:00.015-04:00

After celebrating Aunt Katherine's birthday last night at Mammie and Granddaddy's house, Mommy and Fannie spent the night!

Mammie made pancakes for breakfast and Fannie wanted to help

Playing with flour was Mammie's idea!

Fannie loved it

Using her spatula

Love her fanny sticking out

Bow head, even in the mornings!

Face first

Flour Child

The aftermath

Flour face enjoying her banana pancakes

Next on the menu was watermelon. I forgot to bring over a bib so we used some disaposable bibs that Mammie has in case of emergencies.

Well, she did not like it...

at all,

not one bit!

But she did like the watermelon!

Happy Birthday Aunt Katherine!

We love you!

Topsail ~ Day 5

2010-08-07T22:54:00.022-04:00

FRIDAY

Polka Dot Twins

Patriotic Beach Bum

So the next series of pictures need some explaining...On Friday morning, I told everyone that I would like to take a nice family picture that evening. There were lots of groaning and moaning! I had of course been thinking about this shot for months and should have prepared everyone in advance by sending out wardrobe requirements (probably pink and green!) but I didn't. We were all sitting around after breakfast talking about our clothing options for the picture and from the standard white/khaki combo we got to navy and white, which everyone had some form of. Well, I don't think the pics could have turned out any better if we had been planning them for months. I love, love, love them!

The Hinson Family

Our Family

Not the best but some of the others are my all time faves so it makes up for it.

This picture makes me giggle and I just had to share it. Here we are POSING for a picture and John and Fannie B are in their own little world, doing what they do best. Hello, look at the camera please!

(I know my eyes are not fully open)

Aunt Courtney and Uncle Saj

Fannie Bradley with two of the many people who love her the most

Uncle Will and Aunt K.K. (Katherine)

Granddaddy with all three of his children

They didn't plan on all wearing blue shirts but I loved how it turned out

Hinson Blood

Fannie realizing she is related to these people, ha ha!

Beautiful Baby with her Beautiful Grandmother

There are simply no words worthy enough to describe this picture

In the Top 5 of All Time Favorite FB photos

FB and Daddy

My Heart x 2

I love me some blue eyes

These three could live on a desserted island together and be happy! Ha, ha!

Just kidding, not really.

Mommy and her baby girl

I am usually behind the camera. I really need to work on that.

My Heart x 1

Girls Just Want To Have Fun

2010-08-07T10:50:00.008-04:00

And that is just what we did!

Since Daddy is in Camilla for the weekend, Mommy met the girls for dinner on Friday night.

We went to a group favorite, 10 Degrees South.

Erin, Kyle, Carrie, Katie and Megan (Katie's sister visiting from Chicago)

The group plan had been to go to the Cyndi Lauper concert at Chastain but since it was raining at 8:00 we decided to stay put at the restaurant.

Well, after dinner and drinks, we decided to ride over to Chastain since it was only 10:30 and concerts usually end around 11:00.

We parked right by the amphitheatre and walked right into the concert!

We got to hear She Bop, something new from her Memphis Blues album and True Colors.

True Colors came out in 1986. We were 7. 24 years later, Cyndi Lauper is still going strong and as crazy as ever.

Meadowbrook Playgroup

2010-08-04T22:46:00.008-04:00

We had our neighborhood playgroup this afternoon and it was CRAZY. With 13 children running around, it resembled the Romper Room. The Coles hosted and they have all sorts of fun things at their house, i.e. girl toys galore, blow up houses, and dress up clothes!

Fannie Bradley and Mary Clayton

Emilie, Avery and Stuart

The older kids: Wells and Avery

Michael got a hold of Fannie B's snack trap and went to town!

This is the look I get all day, her pointing to me, wanting me, saying mama, so I pick her up. It won't happen forever so I am taking advantage of the opportunity.

9 month old Michael going to town with the snacks, he is so happy

Walker found one of the Coles' girls hats, too funny

Thanks for hosting Joy, Avery and Margaret!

Imperial Fez

2010-08-04T14:33:00.015-04:00

We went to Imperial Fez for dinner last night to celebrate Katie's birthday!

I have been wanting to go to Imperial Fez for at least 15 years. I am so glad I can mark it off of my bucket list now!

First step: take off your shoes

I love the dramatic difference of the wedges/heels to the Momma worn Jack Rogers

Second step: wash your hands at the table

Erin and Lauren

The Entertainment

First Course: Harrira Moroccan Lentil Soup With Moroccan Bread -Whole Wheat & Honey , & Moroccan Crackers (Fekkas)

Second Course: Moroccan Salads with a Side of Red Harissa (Chef Signature Hot Sauce)

Third Course: Appetizer B'stella

Fourth Course: Choice of Main Entree

I had the Roasted Lamb Shank M'Choui Baked With Cumin, Garlic, Paprika, Fresh Cilantro & Herbs, Garnished With Exotic Wild Mushrooms

Deleting Numbers

Way to go, Katie!

Fifth Course: Dessert With Moroccan Hot Mint Tea

At the very end, they spritz your hands with rose water. Delish.

Birthday Girl

Make a Wish!

Group Pic

Andrianna, Kyle, Carrie, Katie, Erin, Lauren & Lindsey

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Topsail ~ Day 4

2010-08-03T10:15:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY

While Daddy and Granddaddy were shrimping, it was business as usual back at the beach!

Our day started with a dip in the pool

Mammie got in too

Mom, enough already. Stop with the paparazzi.

Beach Beauty

Reaching out for Mammie

Not exactly sure what she is excited about here, but still cute

This child even has a full social calendar when she is on vacation!

Aunt Courtney's friend Miss Natalie and her 1 year old, Benjamin came over for afternoon playdate as they live in the area

Courtney and FB, Natalie and Benjamin

Aunt Courts and FB

Please note the furrowed brow look that she is giving me, FB that is!

Fannie and Benjamin

Look who's home!

Reunited after Daddy's day of shrimping!

Fun at the Grandparents

2010-08-01T18:03:00.027-04:00

Sunday night, we went to eat dinner at Mammie and Granddaddy's house.

There are so many fun things for Fannie Bradley to do there.

Checking out Granddaddy's favorites...

Red or White?

Evidently red!

Her favorite non toys at their house include: mixing bowl, tupperware, Georgia Tech cup, empty Vitamin bottle and a spatula/spoon

Silly Daddy

I'm going to get you!

Got it!

Another fun thing FB gets to do at their house but not at our house...

Play the Piano

with a little help from Daddy

She loves all forms of music

and we can't wait for Music Class to start back at the end of the month

Yay! So proud of her performance!

Clap Clap Clap!

She also got to climb up the stairs

and slide back down the stairs!

This child is so lucky to have all 4 of her Grandparents live around the corner from her. Her parents are lucky too!

The (very sad) End of an Era

2010-07-31T22:06:00.009-04:00

Our family favorite, Ribs, Etc., sadly closed their doors on Saturday so we went for one last meal.

Fannie Bradley chowing down on a rib

Making sure she doesn't loose any pieces!

Last family pic at Ribs, Etc.

Uncle Frank got to town early so he joined us

So Happy, both of them

Playing with Daddy's empty can

Well, we thought it was empty

First taste of beer on Ribs' last day, only fitting

Best Buds

Uncle Frank and Daddy head off Block's 2nd Annual Wild Game Roast

Of course this reminded me of...

Who is going to cater our parties now? Where are we going to eat weekly and have family celebrations? Where will Fannie go on her supervised first dates?

We.Are.Sad.

Good bye Ribs, Etc. we will miss you so much.

Boone

2010-07-30T20:20:00.013-04:00

Friday night, we headed to Aunt Anne and Uncle Andrew's house to swim, cook out and most importantly, to meet their new puppy, Boone!

Boone

All 8 weeks and 8 pounds of him!

Swimmin'

Fannie loved her float

I have tried putting her in this float several times this summer and she was violently opposed to it

But when Daddy puts her in it, she loves it. Typical.

Proud new mommy with her baby

With her pjs on and ready to eat dinner

this is what she looks like without a bow!

The grown ups ate these beauties from the New York Butcher Shoppe

Playing with her treat from Aunt Anne

Fat Cow

Here ya go, Aunt Anne

Sitting in the chair like a big girl

enjoying meat loaf and green beans from Ok Cafe, plus some blueberries

Sweet Boone snoozing

Attack of the Ove Glove! ha ha

After dinner and some milk, Miss Fannie Bradley retired to a pack and play in the guest room so the adults could continue our evening, it worked out perfectly!

Three on the Tree!

2010-07-30T18:49:00.009-04:00

It's open! North Buckhead got it's own new Frozen Yogurt shop, called Three on the Tree!

It opened today at noon and I stopped in as soon as I spotted the OPEN sign. They did not have mochi so I put in a request! It is located in the old Wolf Camera building by La Fonda and Fellini's on Roswell Road at Wieuca and is owned by the same guy thats owns both of those restautants, makes sense!

"Three on the Tree" is the nickname for a 3-speed column shifter, which became common in American cars in the 1940s and 1950s, not sure what that has to do with yogurt....

I did that after my initial visit today, we should only go if we walk there from our house! Let's see how long that rule lasts!

Mom of the Year

2010-07-30T16:27:00.005-04:00

Someone is going to LOVE me when they wake up from their nap!

Bookclub hits Cocktails and Canvas

2010-07-30T06:46:00.019-04:00

This month our book club read Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin.

I was so proud of myself because this was only the second book I have completely read for the bookclub though lots of books are started, not all of them are finished!

We headed to Cocktails and Canvas in Brookhaven to paint so there was not much book discussion. Oh well. It was still a fun night!

Caroline, Kyle, Christie and Andrianna

Chatting and Snacking before we start

A blank canvas, paint and a bottle of Cupcake = Good Times!

The painting of the night

The owner/artist/instructor, Taryn

Andrianna and Mindy

Christie using a hair dryer to help dry her paint faster

Caroline trying to achieve the same thing by swinging her canvas in the air

Very Serious

Almost Finished!

Group Pic

I don't know several of these talented ladies

My Painting Progession

The Finished Product

I managed to get white paint on my skirt and green paint on my shirt. Great.

After painting, we hurried next door to this heavenly place...

Yoforia

The possibilities are endless

I tried Taro for the first time and was not disappointed

Just some of the toppings

The contents of this container are worth the trip

MOCHI

I may be a new member of the Mochi fanclub, but I will be a life long member for sure.

This was the line at 9:45 pm

I love it when new shops are successful!

Wednesday Pool Day IV

2010-07-29T18:30:00.007-04:00

Katie, Lindsey, Kyle and Carrie

Lindsey hosted us yesterday at her club for lunch and pool side sunning.

We had lunch on the veranda then headed to the pool, sans babies!

This is the only picture I took because I was enjoying myself so much!

Happy Birthday, Caroline and Polly!

2010-07-28T09:34:00.004-04:00

Monday night, 13 (16 if you count all of the pregos) of us dined at Bocado to celebrate Caroline (July 25th) and Polly's (July 27th) birthdays.

Happy Birthday Girls!

Shrimping

2010-07-27T13:50:00.015-04:00

Daddy and Granddaddy went Shrimping on Thursday with Granddaddy's friend, Jim.

They left our beach house at 4:15 am to drive an hour and get to the dock by 5:15 am.

Sun starting to rise!

Nets going in

Birds patiently waiting for any leftovers!

There were also sharks that followed the boat and boats of fishermen following the sharks. HA!

Shrimp coming out

The loot

In addition to shrimp, you also catch fish, sharks, squid, seaweed, sting rays, etc.

And all of this has to be sorted by the crew ----> Daddy and Granddaddy!

They only keep the shrimp and toss everything else back into the sea

Ugly little fellas

Granddaddy behind the wheel

I think Daddy was scared at this sight!

Chilling

Back to the dock, safely

JC = Jim Cook

I was impressed by the quanity and quality of pictures these two took!

I have trained them well.

a very tired Daddy and Granddaddy

After 12 hours, this is all of the shrimp they got

Just kidding! That was our dinner.

They ended up with 360 pounds of shrimp.

Jim does this for fun, not for a living. Wow.

Daddy and Granddaddy were exhausted by the time they got back to Topsail at 6:oo that evening. They were too tired to talk and went to bed early!

"Anyway, like I was sayin', shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that's about it."

Topsail ~ Day 3

2010-07-26T16:47:00.038-04:00

WEDNESDAY

Another beautiful day at the beach

monogrammed bathing suit = a must!

a Daddy that resembles Magnum PI = added bonus

Chest hair and all. Oh.My.Word.

So John has been sporting this Detroit Tigers hat for a couple of years now. At first, it really annoyed me. If he's going to wear a Professional Baseball team hat, at least let it be for our home team! But Ty Cobb, famous Detroit player, lived in Augusta next door to John's Grandfather. And they were good friends, so I get it, Detroit Tigers has sentimental meaning to John.

But what I learned on our trip to the beach, was that Magnum also wore a Detriot hat. I about fell out of my chair when Saj informed me of this. I tried to explain to Saj that it was because of Ty Cobb....now I'm not so sure.

They also share a love for short shorts, but that is another post for another day.

Hanging out in the tidal pool

FB loving the water

FB loving Daddy

Daddy loving FB

Fun with beach toys

After her nap and a wardrobe change, FB would enjoy the baby pool on the deck, in the shade by now, so no need for lubing up with sunscreen. Worked out great!

This ball was purchased on the trip, huge hit!

Oh the hair

Concerned because her buddy is leaving

She didn't take her eyes off of him until he came back!

Aunt Courtney bought Fla-Vor-Ice popsicles

and helped FB eat her first one!

I love how FB guides Courtney's hand with her own

Prune

She loved it, of course

Aunt Courts trying to tell Fannie it was "all done"

Making sure they get every drop

Guess I need to get some for our freezer!

Topsail ~ Day 2

2010-07-25T22:38:00.024-04:00

TUESDAY

Day 2 at the beach started out full speed ahead!

Football

Looks like Mammie was easing FB into the sand

Still not sure what to think about it...

But it didn't take long for her to warm up to it!

nothing cuter than baby piggies in mini flip flops

oh yeah, classic, eating sand now!

This picture makes me giggle. It's like when you step on an ant hill and the ants go in lots of different directions, random I know.

Daddy and Fannie heading to the water

I love her little hand holding on to him

Our Family

Mammie and Fannie

Pool time!

Bikini Baby!

This is one of her new faces with the hand movements to go with it, she does this about 100 times a day

Blowing kisses to her fans

Uncle Saj

Coming in for the day!

Holding on to a shell, don't try to take it from her! ;)

Sandy Face

Since it was Aunt Courtney's 30th Birthday, we headed out to dinner at Beauchaines

Our little Sailor Girl

Group Pic

The Birthday Dad (July 16) and Daughter (July 20)

We had birthday cake back at the house

And presents!

You know who was loving all of the tissue paper!

Kiss the Baby!

Forget the presents, FB would rather eat a box!

2 Days down, 4 more to go!

Topsail ~ Day 1

2010-07-25T21:41:00.024-04:00

MONDAY

After a late arrival on Sunday night and travelling all day, by Monday morning, everyone was eager to get their toes in the sand, so after breakfast, we headed down to the beach and went for a long walk.

FB comfy in the Bob

After being hot and sweaty from our walk, Fannie Bradley had an impromptu dip in the ocean

in her birthday suit, with her Aunt Courtney!

Fannie's first dip in the ocean since September 2009!

Big Wave

Aunt Katherine and Uncle Saj get in on the action

Sitting in the surf

View from our deck

Only thing separating us from the beach and water, are the dunes!

Gorgeous

While FB was taking an afternoon nap, there was a game of Washers going on on the beach

FB enjoying her afternoon snack on the deck in her walker

and Dada's baseball cap!

Day One was definitely low key as we were busy unpacking, grocery shopping and getting settled!

Happy 30th Birthday, Aunt Courtney!

2010-07-20T18:33:00.006-04:00

Since you won't go to the beach in your birthday suit, I thought I would!

I am so happy that we are together celebrating your big birthday!

I love you!

Fannie Bradley

Thoughts on Fannie Bradley's Fourteenth Month

2010-07-20T11:02:00.003-04:00

diaper size: 3 (really needs to be in 4s but we are using the rest of the 3s)

shoe size: 4 and 5

nicknames: Riblet, Pebbles

sign language: more, all done

clothes size: minimum 18 month - 24 months, bathing suits & coverups are 2T !!!

teeth: 11 (new addition on her bottom right)

favorite body part: tummy, especially after a big meal!

Itsy Bitsy Spider: does the hand motions while we sing the song

No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed: the part about the doctor saying "no more monkeys jumping on the bed", FB will shake her finger as if saying NO NO NO!

hugging: she started giving hugs, so sweet!

smacking: if it is a new food and she likes it, she will smack as if to savor it

touch down: will throw her hands up in the air

saying all sorts of words, if she is in the right mood, she will basically repeat anything you ask her to: eye brow, awesome, hot dog, up there, uncle, touch down, on, off, all done

indian sounds: will make a noise then put her hand over her mouth over and over again

saying mama all the time and knows what she is saying! yay!

loves books, will look at them, front to back, flipping one page at a time (been doing that for months!)

tries to put her shoes on

knows: nose, belly button, toes and EARS!

will give High 5's

Good Morning, Topsail!

2010-07-19T09:01:00.017-04:00

Good morning from Topsail! Our first morning here!

We travelled for 9 hours yesterday, with an hour stop in Augusta to visit John's Great Aunt.

Fannie B did exceptionally well, with the help of this little gem.

I always thought I would NEVER have a dvd player in our car for our little ones. Never say never. The entire trip she only watched 2 of her Little Einstein shows so that is not too excessive and she did so great!

FB is not starving for attention here, in case anyone was worried! She is being over loved by all of her aunts, uncles and grandparents!

** Years ago for Christmas, John gave me a Flip Video camera. It has been missing for about a year and I don't usually loose things. Well, while packing for the beach, John was cleaning out/organizing our laptop case and the Flip camera was in there! We realized that it has been in there since we took the laptop to Piedmont to have the baby! So glad we found it! It is just so easy to use and upload videos, and so portable! **

Beach Bound

2010-07-18T07:59:00.006-04:00

We are headed to the beach for vacation with the entire Hinson family!

And considering this is what Fannie Bradley looked like last time she was at the beach, this is going to be quite an experience! She is either going to love it or hate it, the sand and waves.

Here's hoping for a love affair!

Happy Birthday, Granddaddy!

2010-07-16T10:58:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday Granddaddy!

Hope you have a great day.

Thanks for all you do for us, especially my brothers.

Can't wait to celebrate with you in Topsail!

I love you!

Fannie Bradley

Wednesday Pool Day III

2010-07-14T00:32:00.016-04:00

We had a beautiful day at the pool today!

Carrie hosted us for a fun lunch and drinks at Brookhaven Beach.

The Group

Katie with Gray, Lauren with Caroline, Kelley with Laurel, Lindsey, Carrie, Kyle and Fannie Bradley

Laurel resting with a snack

in her mini tailgating chair!

Katie (the child whisperer) and FB

FB sat in her lap for at least 2 hours! This is a miracle considering our child only likes about 5 people right now = separation anxiety.

Kelley and Laurel floating

Baby Caroline taking a snooze

Since our lunch turned into dinner too,

Daddy came to the rescue and picked up FB!

Can't wait until Wednesday Pool Day IV!

Anne and Andrew get engaged!

2010-07-10T01:00:00.018-04:00

Aunt Anne and Uncle Andrew got engaged on Saturday night and we were there to help them celebrate!

Andrew called earlier in the week and asked us to come up to the rooftop bar AltoRex, at the Palomar Hotel in Midtown, at 9 o'clock!

They were having dinner downstairs at Pacci on the one year anniversary of when they met and they met at the Palomar. They were set up by mutual friends, isn't that so great!

So Andrew proposed on one knee in the middle of dinner!

She said YES!

After they finished dinner (I meant to ask Anne if they even ate at that point!) they came upstairs and we were all waiting on them!

Here they are!

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Worrell

Don't they look good together?

Sisters

Anne and Virginia

Toasting

Often asked if we are sisters!

Kyle and Anne

Haygood and Virginia

Erin and Anne

Leah and Nick

The Guys

John, Andrew, Greg Cox, Greg Welch, and Travis

The Girls

Kyle, Ashly Cox, Anne, Virginia, Leah, Erin and Lauren Welch

Nick and John

John is jealous of Nick's sportcoat!

Time to go home!

What a night!

Congratulations!

We can't wait for all of the fun festivities in the months to come!

Waffle House

2010-07-10T00:31:00.009-04:00

After working up an appetite at HippoHopp, we took Fannie Bradley to Waffle House for the first time!

Mommy, this better be good!

Getting suited up

She of course had to have a waffle!

The waffle was as big as her head!

Look Ma, no hands!

The bow of course comes off

Believe me, we do not let her eat like this at our house

But we were at the Waffle House

and I didn't have to clean up her mess

and she was having so much fun!

Yum Tum Rhee!

HippoHopp

2010-07-10T00:08:00.008-04:00

Saturday morning, we headed to HippoHopp with our neighborhood playgroup.

Organized Chaos ~ we got there early, before the multiple birthday parties started!

Daddy and Fannie going down the big slide

Getting situated

Here they come!

Whee!

Touchdown ~ her latest trick

Walker and Fannie

She loved this bus contraption toy thing

One of my favorite outfits with little Sundances on it

and she looks so pretty in blue with her big ole blue eyes!