3 months and counting....

In exactly three months, today will be my first day back to work. Now granted I will have had nearly 15 months off, but that's not going to make it any easier. It's frustrating to me that I can't seem to push this "countdown" out of my head. I certainly don't want to keep track of it and lose any of the daily joys, but it's there nonetheless. I know I've been so incredibly blessed to be home with Addison for this long. I really do know this. Even if I have to work for the rest of my life, I will never quit praising God for this time I've had with her. But I just don't know how to prepare myself to suddenly be away from her. Again, I'm fortunate because my day as a teacher is shorter than many. That doesn't mean my workload is less; just that I can pick Addison up earlier and then finish my work after she's in bed. I feel like I've found a terrific routine - I go to StrollerFit in the mornings, have my quiet time while Addison naps, and then can play with her in the afternoon and be ready for Jeff in the evening. I absolutely love my life right now. I've never felt this joyful or been so overwhelmed with gratitude. I feel like I see the world with new eyes each and every day. But I'm scared of my outlook souring when I return to work. Afraid of all I'll be missing out on with Addison. Afraid I'll quit making my quiet time a priority and almost certain I'll have nothing to give Jeff once Addison is in bed. I know it's easy to picture the worst-case scenario and I pray I'll be able to make it better than what I'm imagining. I never knew how much I would love being a mom. I thought I was going to have this baby and head back to work a short time later. That was the plan. But God, in His infinite wisdom, had something different in mind. The way things happened that allowed me this opportunity could never have been predicted. The events that transpired were clearly orchestrated by Him. I finally feel like I've discovered one of the most important reasons I was created. So I'm just going to keep praying that I continue to find myself exactly where He wants me to be. He hasn't led me astray me yet.

First Haircut

We had put off the haircut thing long enough! I have to be honest and tell you that at this point, I was hoping Addison's hair would be long enough to put up. I had pigtails by 9 months which many people don't believe. However, there are those out there who've seen the pictures and know I speak the truth. I need to get one of my baby pics scanned. My mom said people used to accuse her of putting me in a wig and Jeff has been known to utter the word Sasquatch when referring to these pictures. Addison was born with a headful of hair and I just assumed it would be longer by this point. Nevertheless, she did need a trim so we headed to Cookie Cutters next to Babies R Us. It was a fun experience and Addison did great. She watched her little Wiggles video for all of the 2 minutes it took. I'm very grateful Jeff wanted to be there as well so we could both remember this special moment. Hoping for those pigtails in the very near future!

Floor Fun

Addison is loving her new blocks from Discovery Toys. They are grooved and fit together easily. They also have a fun rattle sound which adds to their appeal. She digs in the pail all day- getting them out, putting them back, getting them out, well you get the point!

I'll build something with them and then Addison picks the block she wants and goes for it. Then they all fall down, which she thinks is pretty funny.
Now Addison is in pick-up mode. Look at her go after this green block! She's on a mission.
See how nicely she put the block in the pail?
Addison wants to make sure you don't miss the block she just added to the stack. She's so proud!
Okay, dump 'em out! It's time to start the game over.

These are just some other pictures I thought were cute.
That video camera looks awfully tempting! That's probably not a very good place for it.

Yum yum!

Well we've yet to find anything that Addison won't eat. Turkey dogs are no exception. I don't know where she puts it, but this little girl has quite an appetite!





Don't you love how she claps for herself at the end? Yes honey, job well done!

Addison's latest obsession

Our little darling is fascinated with taking things out of containers. Join me as we listen in on her thinking....
Ha ha! Mommy is attempting to do laundry! But first I will take my clothes and spread them all over the floor.
Hmm....I think mommy's on to me....
Making my escape...
Making my escape with funny look on face...
The mess left behind....
Yes....my next victim!

Naptime?

Umm....is this what naptime is supposed to look like? I think not! Now that Addison has discovered the joys of standing and cruising, afternoon naps are a thing of the past (boo hiss). She just moves all around her crib and plays with her rainforest soother and mirror. It cracks me up to watch her through the door crack. She'll be sitting playing with her fingers or something and then the music will go off. She'll then mosey on back to the Rainforest Soother and hit the button again for some more tunes. Too cute! But I really do miss the two nap thing....

This and That

I just love this outfit! I got it last year before Addison was born. The pants are still a little long but if you roll the waist down a time or 4, who can tell? :)
So let's see....anything good in here?
Seriously, is anyone going to make me some dinner or do I have to do it myself?
I'm so good at standing up, I don't need to have my eyes open to see where I'm going.
Addison has begun to give kisses and it's so adorable. You ask for a kiss and she'll usually lean in and just press her lips to your face. Didn't work this time but the pic still makes me smile.

This child LOVES the vacuum cleaner! She starts giggling and squealing when she sees it. Is this normal?
Scrambling furiously to try to catch it. All the while the dog is running and hiding...
I caught it! And now I think I'll just sit on it for a while. I'm glad she loves it so much. It actually encourages me to get the silly thing out fairly often. And with all the hair from Zoe, we really need to do it multiple times a day!
We met Christine for lunch a couple of weeks ago. Addison gave her kisses but I didn't have the camera ready! Here she's having fun playing with the two ladies who were sitting next to us. Speaking of Christine, baby Arlie is here! We can't wait to meet her.

Gate Box Fun!

It's the simple things in life, right? Funny, she doesn't seem to enjoy the gate as much as the box! Wonder why that is......

Grandaddy's Visit

Grandaddy came up from Tennessee a couple of weeks ago to see us! And he was in such a hurry, he even got a ticket. :) I can begin to understand how much Addison is going to love her daddy because I'm such a daddy's girl. I'm super-close to my mom also but there's just something special between a daddy and his little girl. It was wonderful to have Daddy visit. Not only is parenthood a joy but it's so amazing to see your parents as grandparents. He went to StrollerFit with us in the morning and walked the trails while we exercised. We went shopping all over the place and just had a fabulous time. Addison and I are sorry about that ticket Daddy, but we hope you come back soon!

Can you see that they both have their tongues sticking out? Hilarious!

Is it just me or is this another similar expression? :)

Catch-Up Time

How did my baby get so big? It's bittersweet, that's for sure. Addison is more fun each day but it's sad that time is passing so quickly. I guess it just reminds us to treasure each moment, huh?

I was actually intending to snap this pic from behind. But I think it's even sweeter since she decided to turn around. Can't get enough of those cheeks!

Addison loves the phone already. Don't all girls?
Addison and Zoe exchanging sugar. Grosses me out. Happens a bazillion times a day. Bleh!
Enjoying her new shape-sorter toy from Grandaddy. Thank you!
This monkey, which we've named Max, always makes Addison smile. She buries her face in him and screams gleefully. This was a great purchase at the Children's Museum from Mimi.