Ikin' Pictures

My sweet girl who "doesn't ike it pictures" has turned a new leaf and is comin' around! The day before we left for our trip, she dressed herself up and said "Mama, take MY picture?" These are her dress up clothes from her Aunt Tina (aka TJ)...what a little diva!

This face below is her "smile at the camera" face...although it doesn't really look like a smile.

Then by dinner time, she had put on the tierra & necklace and was ready for more pictures. I am still amazed that she is suddenly lovin' the camera. All this time...who knew?! :)

Over the River and Through the Woods...

It is with great pride that I announce the survival of our first 9 day road trip as a family of four. People, this is not just any roadtrip...but a 2-day-each-way-13-hours-there-and-back-road-trip. And not just any family of four...but a 2-month-old-nursing-baby-sister-to-a-2-year-old-testing-2-overly-exhausted-parents-family-of-four! Can you imagine the fun? Really, for the long hours in the car, the girls impressed us with their patience and minimal meltdowns. I am a true believer that splitting the drive into two days is not only necessary for the children but for the parents as well.

Some of my greatest memories through the years are at my Grandma's house. It is one of my favorite places in the world. This is probably the reason I was so excited to take my girls there. Just maybe during their childhood years they will get to have a bit of the fun that I did there. Some things I love about Grandma's house: I love the smell when you walk in the garage door. If my eyes were closed, and I smelled that smell, I would know without a doubt where I was. It's a crisp clean smell and it's my Grandma's house smell. You can also tell that the air smells different even as you are driving into her little town. Not sure how to explain this, especially when the windows are rolled up and you are driving in the dark cold...but I swear at some point close to Grandma's house, you can smell the difference in the air. Another favorite thing is that when you sleep in her house, no matter which bed, the sheets are so cold yet somehow you are warm. Yet another tough one to explain, but once you've warmed up the part of the bed you are lying on, you can move your feet to the corners, and feel the cold on the sheets where you have not been. That's about the best way I can describe it. (I cannot recreate this at home, no matter how hard I try.) The sandwiches also tastes different at Grandma's. I always try to figure out what makes them different, but in all these years I am still not sure. It might be the cheese that is made locally, or the kind of bread she buys, or the miracle whip...I just don't know. (Yet another thing that despite all of my efforts, I cannot recreate at home!) The chips and dip taste different there, too. Even if you buy the same brand, I guarantee it won't taste as good as it does at Grandma's. Another thing I love is that Grandma always has tupperware containers stacked up on her counters of everyone's favorite cookies. And there has never been a time that I have been there that she does not have Golden Grahams for me. It doesn't matter if I'm 6, 16, or 26, she knows how much a treat that was for me as a child, and so the tradition lives on.

If my sweet girls at 2 yrs and 2 months of age could remember this trip, I know they'd have some good memories too. Katelyn would remember the hotel and going to get ice and "just lookin' at the pool" the first night with Gigi, she'd remember the door that connected our room to theirs, and how she loved to play "Hello...goodbye" and go from room to room. She'd rememer the fun at the "Fimmin' pool" with her "Boey" (floatie) and that everyone went fimmin' with her. She'd remember the snow at Grandma's and how sweet Daddy was to take her out to play several times a day...not to mention the snowman we made and how she ate the carrot right off his face, one bite at a time! She'd also remember the great food and all of her fun cousins she met and buddy'd up with. Addison's memories at 2 months old might not be near as exciting as Katelyn's, but she'll be there soon I know. She was such a good baby and everyone loved meeting her and holding her. She smiles and makes adorable faces and sweet baby noises. She loves to sit up so she can look at everything and take it all in. What 2 precious girls I have.

I know this trip has good memories for all of us. My favorite thing this time happens to be acting like a 10 year old with my cousin Hollie. No one makes me act as silly as she does. I swear, we revert right back to childhood when we are at Grandma's together. There's just nothing like it and no words to describe it. I also love that a road trip is an adventure in the eyes of a child, as it should be for all of us. I love to look at things with the enthusiasm of a toddler and see and hear Katelyn's expression when we spot Christmas lights, or McDonalds, or snow, or a pool. To have no other cares in the world and to enjoy such simple things like Golden Grahams and a snowman's nose...what a fun way to live each day...

"I don't ike it pictures!"

Perhaps it's because her first year was documented in a scrapbook, or because I so desperately want a photo of my two girls together, or because Gigi does too...but whatever the reason, our sweet Katelyn has decided "I don't ike it pictures!" She screams this phrase every time a camera is pulled out. (This is usually followed by either 1- running away or 2- a full-blown-throw-yourself-on-the floor tantrum) Don't believe me? Here is my proof.

Fall Fun

So, where has the time gone? Was I really here for September and October!? I am starting to believe that with each child you add to the family, time must fly by with at least double the speed that it did before. (This is my reason/excuse for not blogging more.) I have honestly attempted to put up some pictures up on several occasions, and as soon as I sit down, log on, and begin to type...the strangest thing happens. Either someone cries, or someone hangs on the office door, or someone crawls up in my lap and asks to watch "Round and Round" (Wheels on the bus = favorite song around here.) My time in the office as I once knew it has come to a screeching halt. This week, my wonderful mom has taken Katelyn for a couple of days so I have been given a much needed and appreciated break. So, in the midst of my chores, errands, and long list of "to do" items...I've decided to take another break and blog. (Figured after tomorrow my chances of doing this are once again slim to none.) :)

Last weekend we had a fun fall day at Washington Farms over in Watkinsville. There were lots of things for the kids to do, and they had a blast. Katelyn is quite obsessed with her cousin, Joshua, so really I think spending time with him was the true highlight of her day. If she could not see him at any given time, the question immediately would be asked "Where's Oshua?" Since then, each time she sees Gigi, she asks again "Goin' to Oshua's house?" Too cute. Here are some pictures from the "corn box" - their favorite part of the day by far.

Addison is such a good baby and she was content sleeping most of the day away. (We are counting on her to be as good of a sleeper as her sister and her Mama!) She finally woke up towards the end of our time there, so I was able to get a picture of her cuddled up in her cute blanket. At one point my brother said to me, "Are you serious - is she always like this?!" And it was then that I had to admit just how spoiled I am with such a sweet, sweet baby.

As I look over all of the other pictures we took, I could post another 50 good ones and make this blog way longer than it should be. I'll sign off w/ this one of the whole gang...can't believe we actually got all 11 of us in a picture and no one is throwing a tantrum. (That, my friends, is amazing!)

Look at me...I'm one month old!

In the spirit of supporting the second children who somehow don't seem to get near as many pictures taken as the first, here are Addison's 1 month pictures. (We'll see if I can keep this up...this is way harder to do the second time around, I know this already...)

How cute is this baby?! Sooooooo cute! :)

Here are some of my favorite pictures since we've been home...

"My feed her!"

At the park...

Around the house...

She's here! (And has been...it's Mama who has not!)

As I look over the blogs and pictures of my friends who also had babies the same day that I did (over a week ago!), I realize how out of it I must be to ignore this lovely blog for an entire week. This blog would fall under the same category as "I really don't care" - kinda like when my mom asked me how I want my towels folded or if it matters that Katelyn's pajamas don't match. "I really don't care" - and for those of you who know me well, you know that I usually do care about such silly details. I have to say that not only with towels and pajamas, but also in many other ways, my 2 little children have already made me relax about things that don't matter anyway, and focus on what really does. I am extremely grateful to have 2 beautiful, healthy girls and to have a husband who cares about and loves this family just as much as I do. He has spent loads of time with Katelyn over the past week, and I know that her sweet attitude towards Addison is a direct reflection of the reassurance and love she's been getting from her wonderful Daddy.

As far as Addison's delivery goes, I am now a believer that somehow in our "motherly love" brains, we erase the rough parts of our first delivery and recovery, so that we will go on and do it again. It's that common phrase of "It's all worth it in the end" (which of course I agree with) that allows us to keep on going and subject ourselves to such pain over and over. I must add that as I sit here and type this, I'm looking at my squirmy little bundle of joy and I can assure you that I'd go through it all again in a heartbeat to have her here with me. She is nothing but a gift and a joy to us.

On the day of our scheduled c-section, we arrived at the hospital at 12:40, you know, to be a few minutes ahead of our 1:00 appointment time. We were immediately sent to a room and ran into our doctor in the hallway who said, "Let's get this party started!" - and that is when we learned that there was an opening in the OR and we were going to jump in line. As 3 nurses quickly prepped me for surgery, I suddenly felt like I was on a fast train as I watched them rush around and prepare me faster than I ever thought possible. As we entered the OR within just a few minutes, the nurse said to me, "Well, I think that was a record!" - which somehow was not helpful in easing my anxiety at the time. I'll spare the details, but the worst part of the surgery was the numerous epidural attempts and the lovely anesthesiologist - with a horrible attitude - that we all had to endure for too long. After 3 epidurals, and several different injection sites with horrific poking and prodding, I was told to choose either a spinal or general anesthesia. The last thing I wanted was to be asleep for the birth of my daughter, so I opted for the spinal, hardly remembering what that even meant. Once I lost it on this doctor (nice, I know...) and the drugs finally took, Kevin was finally allowed to come in and sit by my side. The clock seemed to slow down drastically, and it was another 40 minutes before Addison entered the world. At 2:12, I heard the best sound on earth - my second little girl was here and she was screaming her tiny little head off. When Katelyn was born, she was not breathing and definitely not screaming, so this scream meant even more to us and it was nothing but a precious, precious moment. Addison Grace weighed in at 7 lbs, 7 oz, and is 20 1/2 inches long.

We have since been adjusting as a family of four, which feels surreal at times, yet perfect. I have been trying to take my time with recovery, as I have had intense pain in my spine and lying down feels the best to me. I am cherishing this time that we are all home together and am so thankful that Kevin has the ability to take off work so he can help me get back on my feet. My mom has also been my on-call nurse, and we all know that no one can take care of you like your mom does. I am so thankful for her and all that she's done for me.

Most of the pictures posted here were taken by our good friend Nathan. For a few more pics, go to http://www.holritzphotography.com/ and scroll down to the "Baby Addison" post. Once I graduate from the laptop in my bed to our desktop in the office, I'll post some more that we've taken since we've been home. Wow, this is a much longer post than I meant to write...time for another feeding...and diaper changes...and sweet baby noises and loads of lovin' and kisses...

Baby on the way...No waaaay!

Today we are scheduled for Addison's arrival at 2:30 pm by c-section! Never did I think it would feel so planned out even though I really knew it would be. There's none of this rushing into the labor and delivery unit with contractions minutes apart, wondering if today is the day. We have it scheduled, you know, as if I'm having surgery to have my appendix removed! Top that off with the fact that 3 of my friends are also having babies on this same day, and it suddenly feels more and more surreal to me. How often do you really know someone else that is delivering on the same day you are, much less 3? How odd. Anyway, when Katelyn woke up today, we told her "Guess what?! Baby Addison is coming today!" Her response: "No Waaaay!" We have been telling her to expect this for quite a while, and in a toddler's mind, a day is the same as a year, so I'm sure at this point she has no faith in us whatsoever. We then said, "Well don't you want to meet her?" She replied with a quick "Nope!" and ran down the hall. Nice. I'm sure they will be close friends forever, you know, that sister-kind-of-love that can't be explained. Can't wait to see how this turns out. :)

My sweet husband is currently cooking eggs and bacon for breakfast...smelling up the house with a wonderful aroma that makes me actually want to strangle him, since I can't eat one bit of food until after surgery. (Really though, I am thankful that he is such a great Dad and is taking care of Katelyn so I can walk around the house being nervous and packing unnecessary items for the hospital!) I had my last snack before midnight last night, (which he also made for me) but now I'm technically in starvation mode. Let me just mention that I don't do mornings, and I definitely don't do mornings without coffee or some type of food in my stomach. I am a different person before and after I eat, no matter what time of day...and that is nothing but the truth. What a tragic thing to do to a pregnant woman. Schedule her surgery at 2:30 in the afternoon and then starve her the entire day before. Kevin got a great roll of my eyes yesterday when the nurse told him in pre-op, "You know, you really need to eat tomorrow...we don't want you to feel sick while watching the surgery." I was thinking, "Oh yes, that's nice...please, by all means, let's make sure he's okay and meanwhile I'll be starving and begging for crumbs (or even a sip of water) while you cut my body open...not a problem at all." I think Moms all around the world should receive more than one Mother's Day a year, you know, just for what we go through to bring people into this world. It should at least be monthly or better yet, weekly...don't you think!?

I'm sure Kev will post pictures as soon as the chaos settles down...thanks for your prayers today! More to come!

School Days

When Katelyn was 15 months old, we enrolled her in a Mother's Day Out program for two days a week, so I could catch up on my work during the time she was at "school." Working from home was one of those things that sounded so easy when she was a few weeks old, you know, sleeping all of the time and not moving from the spot where I had placed her. Once she became mobile, though, it became difficult for me to get work done and take care of her at the same time. As I think back on last year, I remember attempting to print applications in my home office, and watching her pull the paper out of the printer and hand it to our dog, Chips, for shredding. (One of those games that Mama doesn't think is as funny as the rest of 'em do!)

Since she is now 2 years old, and with a new sister coming very soon, we decided it'd be great for her to start back this Fall in the same Mother's Day Out program. This week was the beginning of her new school year, and she had a wonderful time. My favorite part is that this year, she can tell me about it afterwards in her own adorable words. When she arrived the first day, many of the other children in her class were crying, so it brought a few tears to even her eyes as well. By the end of the day, though, she was telling me: "Mama...they were crying, saying 'Waaa-Waaa' in my room!" I said, "Awe, did you tell them their mommies were coming back?" She said "Mama's be back! It's Okay!" So, I asked her, "Katelyn, did you cry too?" She replied, (without hesitation), "No Waaaay!" What an independent little girl...I don't know where she gets that from. :)

Here are some pics from her first day.

I am really so old...

This weekend we decided it'd be big fun to do something with Katelyn that we don't normally do...just a fun, random outing that would not require too much walking, too much heat, or too much energy (thinking of those of us who are currently waddling of course!) We ended up at Stone Mountain Park, despite our hesitation for joining the enormous Labor Day crowds. The train, after all, would be a great hit - we knew that for sure.

First, I have to go back and say that Kevin and I both worked at the Park for what seems like decades. I started working there when I was 14, and couldn't give up the addiction until I was about 23. Selling glow-in-the-dark stuff was just about the best job around. Being able to clear $100 or more on a good night at the time before I was even able to drive was of course the motivating factor, but the friends that came back every year made it the most fun. I have the best memories of playing, I mean, working there. It was that kind of job that every year we would sit around and joke about who was really coming back next year, knowing deep down that we'd all be back again for sure. Kevin also started his law enforcement career out there and put in at least 9 years until just about a year ago, when he decided that working only a few events a year was really not working...it was more about fun on a motorcycle and catching up with old friends. We both have great memories out there, even though we didn't even know each other during most of this time. (He is, after all, 7 1/2 years older than me, so we have quite an age gap!) Also, I will add that it just wasn't cool for the glow girls to be lookin' at the Police rangers! :) (I laugh outloud at myself while I type that, because it was oh so true!)

Back to Labor Day weekend...we ended up at our favorite spot, riding the train and taking our daughter to see the "Big rock" & the ever popular laser show. It was one of those moments that when I looked around at all of the other families, I suddenly felt quite old. I used to look at those people in a different way, you know, like ready to take their money and hand them junk not worth 5% of what they were paying me for it. Now I am in the crowd with them, feeling like an old mom, just like one of the park guests that actually visits this place for fun. My favorite moment, though, (which makes feeling old not even matter) was when we were sitting on the train with Katelyn in between us. She had one little hand on Kevin's leg, and the other hand on mine. She looked up and said, "Mama, are you READY?!" and I said "Yes, are you!?" She yells out "I'M READY!!!" with the most enthusiasm a little girl could ever have. Then, once we started moving, I said "Katelyn, do you love it?" and without hesitation she replied, "Mama, I LOVE IT!" It really was the cutest thing ever. The hands on each leg was just precious...it was if she was needing to hold on, but not really too much, just resting her hands on our legs while she eagerly awaits the trip. Such a sweetheart.

Contrary to our expectations, the crowds ended up not being bad at all. We were surprised at how easy it was to join the crowd (as if we were really one of them!), and we didn't wait in line for anything. Kevin's police experience out there landed us the best parking space ever, so we didn't have to walk much at all. The night wouldn't have been complete without truly getting into the Stn. Mtn. spirit and sending Kevin to purchase a glow necklace for Katelyn. It was knowing that the necklace only costs .13 cents, and handing him $3 dollars, that made me literally roll my eyes at myself. But what was priceless was seeing my girl's expression when she came running back to me with it, showing it off like I had never in my life seen one before. We acted like it was the coolest thing we'd ever seen, and to her, it was. I'll feel old anytime to see that again.

Here are a couple pictures we took, you know, in the spirit of being tourists & all...