We've Moved.. Sort Of

For anyone who stumbles across this blog,

We very much appreciate you stopping by to check out our family and what our busy girls are up to. We want you to continue to stop by. For all the action on our family as well as other musings, stop by our new (sort of) blog - click here to go. Basically, my wife and I have combined our blogs into one central place for all you need to know about our life as a family of 4. We hope you'll check it out.

Thanks,
-D

Nyla's Future Career

Meteorologist?  :-)

Have a great weekend!

-D

Old Video Just Found

I found this video on the computer Friday. It's from March 7, 2011. And if you don't smile after seeing it, I don't know what to tell you.

-D

On Comfy Chairs and Love

Last night my Hubby wrote the sweetest blog about our baby girl. Yes, it brought me to tears as most of his blogs about our life together usually do. Read on and be reminded of our loving God's great love for us.

Here's the post:

From the Mind of Daniel:

Every once in a while we need reminders and perspective on the preciousness and value of love. Tonight was my reminder.

You see, our sweet daughter has been undergoing a barrage of teething the last few months. Not just any teething mind you, but the dreaded molars - the big ones - have been popping through. For whatever reason, the last one-year molar is soooooo close to erupting, which, by the way, might be the worst term ever for a tooth coming in, but has yet to break the surface.

Click her to finish reading this post...

Stylin' in My Shades

Hehe. She's so much fun.

-D

Interview with Naomi

Greeting, readers, and welcome back to the blog. If you remember from last year, I conducted an interview with our sweet Ny. Not wanting to show bias toward one kid over another, I thought it best to sit down, put on the mental telepathy helmet, and find out what is happening with our sweet #2.

DCG: Naomi, thanks for taking the time to talk with me. I hope you're ready to answer some questions.
NCG: Sure thing, Dad. Let's get to it!
DCG: Great. Ok, first question. What's it like in there?
NCG: Fairly dark, cozy, but a little hot.
DCG: You think it's hot in there? Try being in the real world. It's been 100 degrees for 6 years.
NCG: What's a year?
DCG: Never mind. Next question, what's the one thing you hear the most from the outside world?
NCG: "NYLA, NO!" And then crying.
DCG: I can certainly understand that. Your big sister is into anything and everything. Speaking of a big sister, what are you looking forward to doing with Nyla?
NCG: Borrowing your money.
DCG: Um...
NCG: ... and the car.
DCG: What...
NCG: ... and playing sports.
DCG: That's more like it. We'll discuss the first two when you're older. Any concerns with Nyla being older than you?
NCG: Only how upset she gets when I beat in HORSE...
DCG: Layin' the smack talk early. I like it.
NCG: ... after we knock you out first.
DCG: That won't happen. Speaking of sports, your thoughts on the NBA lockout?
NCG: Bad timing for the Grizzlies. They had a lot of momentum that got halted because no one can agree how to split hundreds of millions of dollars.
DCG: Solid answer. You've listened well. Now I have to ask, do you want to be a big sister?
NCG: Isn't it a little early to be asking that?
DCG: Yeah, well, you'll only be 15 and a half months younger than Nyla, so...
NCG:: I don't even know want to know, Dad.
DCG: Ok, so is that a no?
NCG: I don't have much say in that, do I?
DCG: Fair point. We'll just move on awkwardly. So, any idea who you look like?
NCG: Yeah, let me get the mirror out and see...
DCG: Is that sarcasm I detect?
NCG: Let me get my dictionary out to see what that means.
DCG: Why is it that my interviews with my girls always end up like this?
NCG: Because we have your genes, Dad.
DCG: That you do, Naomi. That you do. Well, thanks for the interview. I look forward to holding you in November.
NCG: Thanks, Dad. Tell Nyla to keep rubbing Momma's belly. I like it.
DCG: Will do.

Have a great day.

-D

Picky Sticky's

What a funny name right? But these things are awesome!

A girlfriend from church gave me these as a gift right after Nyla was born. She has a son who is about 2 months older and she got them as a baby shower gift and just loved them; she had to get some for us. I'm so glad she did! They've been one of the best gifts.

If you notice to the right of this blog all Nyla's montly pictures. That sticker thing in the middle of her chest are the picky sticky's. They're stick on numbered things (they're reusable) to take monthly pictures of your sweet baby. After I used them with Nyla I put them back on their sticky paper and I'm glad I did since we're having another girl and will be able to use them again.

I've had so many people ask if I got a special onsie made for her each month. Heck no, too expensive! These run about $15 for the pack which is great considering it would cost you $15 or more for a specially made onsie!

Here's the link to these awesome stickers. They have a good variety for girls and boys.

Picky Sticky link

Fun at the pool

It's been a hot one in Memphis this year, blech! It's not ideal for a pregnant woman like myself but I manage. I'm so thankful for air conditioner and the fact that I don't have to get out in the heat unless I want to. Ny and I like getting out but we run our errands first thing in the morning if we can help it. This way we can rest from the heat in the afternoon.

How do we cool off you ask? Thankfully my MIL has a pool that we can go to anytime we want. It's pretty hard going by myself so I usually reserve it for Saturday mornings or early afternoon so Daniel can go and help.

Here are some pictures of Nyla by the pool!

Nyla riding the float while Dada pushes

Bucket head!

Queen Bee loves her float!

Playing away

Stay cool friends!

Money in the Drawer

I go to open one of my kitchen drawers yesterday and what do I see? Nyla's money from her play purse. I laughed when I saw it! Who wouldn't? Her new thing lately is putting her toys in drawers, bags, whatever is open and she can reach.

So for her money she stood on her tip toes and dropped this in, I guess anyways. I didn't see her do it, but I've been finding her toys in my drawers. She loves playing in my cabinets and I think it's funny. Our kitchen isn't baby proofed; I just took all the chemicals that were under the sink and moved them into our bathroom closet and the hall closet, up high so she couldn't get to them. I didn't feel like I needed to baby proof and there's nothing really I mind her playing with. She usually goes for the plastic storage container cabinet and proceeds to dump its belongings all over the floor. But that's how it goes with a toddler in the house.

Thought I'd share this picture with you. It just made me laugh. Oh the joys of motherhood!

The Week Behind Us

Dear friends, Friday is upon us, and that means the week is over. So let's have a look back at what happened this week.

Monday: It was hot, but we needed a few things from the grocery store and a little gas in G's car.

Tuesday: It was hot. Nyla tried whole milk for the first time. She really took it without much trouble, so long as the milk was warmed up a little. Unfortunately, her nose began running, and we wondered if we were destined for another trip to the doctor.

Wednesday: It was hotter. The nose faucet was in the "on" position for our poor girl all day. She did well with the milk again, expected since her Mom and Dad enjoy all things milk.

Thursday: The runny nose was gone but replaced with a stuffy one. This didn't deter our sweet girl from saying, "Thank you" to Mom when giving her food. Mom went to see that stupid dumb ridiculous hyped-up money-making wizard movie with her mom in the afternoon. That meant Daddy was in charge. We had fun together, except when Daddy banged clobbered his toe on our little coffee table, turning his poor little pinkie piggy all shades of purple. Apparently it's broken. Yay. It also rained in the evening, much to the yard's and plants' approval.

Friday: G and N went to the mall with G's mom for a bit to cruise and get out of the house. Me? I'm waiting for 3:00 to come and weekend to start.

So there you have it. The week in a nutshell.

-D

Professional Family Pictures

Back in late May we got some family pictures taken by the photographer who did our wedding. It was such a great experience! He just does such an amazing job! Check out his site for details. www.scottypenny.com

Anyways, we went to Memphis Memorial Gardens on Poplar at 1-240. I had never been there and thought it odd to take pictures at a cemetery, but it's a really beautiful place. It has so many places to take great pictures and even better Nyla did great. She wasn't quite walking yet but pulling up and walking holding onto things. Scott said it was the youngest child he'd ever taken pictures of, but she's such a good baby! We took pictures for about an hour and thankfully it wasn't brutally hot out (this pregnant woman was thankful). I think it helped Nyla also to have had a 4 oz bottle and a nap on the way there. I'm glad she did otherwise she may have not done as well, but she did so no problem.

Okay, enough talking. Here's a few pictures from our picture day. Enjoy!

Teeth... Why Did It Have to be Teeth?

(Ok, I realize that only about 5% of you will get that quote and what movie it is based on, but it is one of my favorites, and it pertains well to the subject, so you get what you get, and I'm trying to see how many additional independent clauses I can add to this opening sentence, even though I put this in parentheses, so is it truly the opening sentence, but enough of this foolishness!)

I like teeth. They let me chew my food. They serve a very important function for me. My baby girl needs teeth, too. They help her chew her food and be able to eat delicious foods. Unfortunately, babies are not born with teeth. Even more unfortunate, the process of getting teeth can be quite painful for babies. Such is the case for us right now. Our sweet baby girl is getting teeth, and lots of them! I think right now the count stands at 8 that have popped through, with another 2 (molars!) beginning to make their presence known. Over the few weeks, at least twice that I can remember we have been awakened around 1am to the sound of our baby girl shrieking in discomfort. Fortunately, a little TLC usually does the trick and gets her back to sleep.

While we're on the subject of teething, why do so many websites/experts talk about teeth "erupting"? How awful does that sound? They don't explode. They don't have stuff oozing out/spewing things into the air. I mean I guess they erupt from the gums, but that sounds violent. Volcanoes erupt. Riots erupt. Teeth? Whatever. I'm not the expert making up all these terms. (Though I think I really ought to be on that committee.)

So anyway, teeth, you can make our little girl uncomfortable sometimes, but you are necessary, and without you, we'd talk funny and eat tapioca pudding all day.

-D

It's Been a Year...

On this date, one year ago, we welcomed the biggest blessing into our lives, as our sweet (and giant) baby was born. As I think about that day and how amazingly special it was, there is one moment that I think about most often.

The doctor had just extricated our 9 lbs, 8 oz baby from G's belly, and the nurses brought her over to the station where they clean her and do all that they do. And having spent the last 39 weeks inside a nice, warm, mostly dark cave, being thrust into a cold, brightly-lit room with all of these strange sounds was not the most ideal scenario for our girl. She began to fuss and cry, as newborns are prone to do. Standing there, looking at her, and just itching to hold her, I simply said, "Hi, Nyla."

Immediately. And I do mean immediately... she stopped crying. And turned her head. And looked at me. At that moment, if she had asked me for a private island, it would have been hers. As if "Dada" wasn't wrapped around her little finger enough, she took it to the next level. After they swaddled her up, they passed her to me. To me. It's hard to describe, but that's when everything became real. That I had a beautiful, healthy baby girl.

Since that day one year ago, we have been on a roller coaster ride, with ups, downs, and loop-the-loops - but mostly ups. Watching Ny grow and develop is amazing. I remember her first smile, her first giggles, and, most importantly, the first time she said, "Dada." I've said it before, and I'll say it again, there is no greater responsibility than bringing and then raising up new life into this world, BUT there is no greater blessing and joy as well. The closest thing to God's unconditional love is the love parents have for children. I have learned that this year.

And when I get home today from work and walk in that door, that little girl that turned her head at the sound of my voice one year ago will walk over to me, want me to pick her up, and give me the sweetest open-mouthed, wet kiss in the world.

And I plan on treasuring it today, just like I do every day.

-D

Baby #2 Reveal!!!

I wrote this poem for our revealing of Baby #2's gender... enjoy!

Thank you all for coming to the party tonight

Seeing all of your friendly faces really is quite the sight

 

Before we tell you the gender of baby number two
Here's a little story – told just for you

 

Many moons ago in two thousand and nine
The results of that test warmed Ginny's heart and mine

 

As you all know, fine, fair ladies and gents
The big news was that we would become parents

 

And in the middle of summer, in the heat of July
We heard our sweet Nyla cry her first cry

Indeed with sweet Nyla we have surely been blessed
Even though at times, we have gotten little rest

 

Now here we are, gathered together again
We'd hoped this would happen but didn't know when

 

This next line will make you spit your drink in your cup
Because, yep, you guessed it, I knocked Ginny up

 

Nyla's going to be a big sister this we know
"Well, duh," you're all thinking, "Get on with the show!"

Boy? Or girl? You're just dying to find out!
This poem is going on too long without a doubt!

 

It's great to be surrounded by such great family and friends
As you can tell I'm stalling for time – the poem never ends

 

Let me pause for a moment and thank God above
For our parents who showed us all about love

 

Ok, enough is enough! Let's get to why you're here
I see the crowd smiling, wanting to let out a cheer

 

The excitement is building; you can feel it in the air
A poet of my talents is really quite rare

 

As I conclude I just want to say
Thanks to you all for coming today

So now let me proudly announce our bundle of joy

Is a healthy, developing, and great baby…

GIRL!

An Assortment of Pictures

Happy girl!

She looks grown up in this picture.

Last month. At the beach. Sweet picture.

We had some professional pictures taken a few weeks ago.   Will post more of these later.

Have a great weekend!

-D

There's a Ghost in the Window



-D

Some Random Pictures

It's a lazy Saturday morning, so that means time to post some pictures!

Birdface!

9 months, and a rare moment of relaxation for her!

With "Dada" on Easter Sunday. I don't see the resemblance at all.

Bikini girl by the pool in Florida

Fresh off a bath in Florida, Momma decides to play with her hairstyle.

The beach can wear a girl out. Daddy's chest makes a comfy bed.

Happy Saturday!

-D

We are Still Here

A good Tuesday morning to everyone.  I hope you are all doing well.

I realize we have not updated this blog as much as we have in the past.  That's in part our fault and part N's fault.  Our fault because we have not taken the time to update it.  N's fault because she doesn't give us much time to update it.  Since I am updating this from a super-secret location, here are a few things...

Our little big bundle of fun is crawling everywhere and then immediately pulling up on any object bigger than she.  Her least favorite word is "No" at this point, and she will voice yell scream her displeasure when you either tell her no or physically move her from where she was trying to pull up/get stuff from/anything that she thinks she needs to do.

On the plus side, she has become a little chatterbox recently.  We awoke Sunday morning to her babbling on and on about "dadada gagaga".  She is also walking well while holding onto something/someone.  I believe that it won't be too much before she'll be taking steps on her own.

Maybe G will be along later with pictures (and by later I mean maybe next week - haha), but we just returned this past Saturday from a week at the beach.  Big Girl wasn't the world's biggest fan of the beach and sand, but she loved splashing around in the pool - when Daddy had the bravery to enter the chilly water.  What Mom and Dad loved were her big afternoon naps and going to be almost right at 7 every night.  Sun and fun make for a tired baby!

Anyway, that's all for now.  Oh yeah, one more thing, if you don't follow us on facebook or twitter (shame on you for not), then you probably missed the big announcement.  Baby #2 is due in November.  Yep, you read that right.  Another little blessing is on the way.  Hey, G wanted our children to be close in age, and 16 months is about as close as you can get. 

I promise we'll make a concerted effort to update this with more pictures.

Adios!

-D

Gimme That Penguin!



Sorry for the complete lack of updates. I promise we'll try harder.

-D

Updates

The weather in Memphis the last couple of weeks have been nothing short of a roller coaster. We had more snow Feb 10-11, and by the next week the highs were in the 70's. Momma and Daddy are having a tough time with this up-and-down weather - with sinus issues and sore throats. Thankfully, Nyla seems unaffected by this weather and keeps plodding along as cute as ever.

Nyla has her two bottom teeth starting to pop through. For the most part, she has been a trooper with all of this. There are days where she is clingy and fussy and refuses to play independently for more than 5 minutes, but alas, it is all ok, since we love to snuggle with our girl. She is still waking up once a night - between 3 and 5 - and will take a 6 oz bottle. We're not exactly sure if she really is hungry (because I have seen her sleep acrobatics firsthand - the girl moves a lot!) or if she is being super smart and realizing, "Hey, if I start talking and being noisy, I can get some food." Of course, as my mom told us this weekend, I slept through the night at 6 weeks, did it for a couple of months, and did not do it again... much like our sweet girl. (Ginny scowled at me when my mom told us this.)

Anyway, here are a couple of cell phone pictures from this weekend...

Feet on the table after eating...

Snuggle time with Daddy after her morning nap Saturday

-D