The Mann Clan

Alright, alright!

2009-01-18T22:05:00.003-05:00

If you're going to harass me on Facebook people, I guess I better get on this. See, peer pressure really is quite effective! :)

I, of course, planned to get Christmas on here before I returned to work. That didn't happen and then reality has been pretty hairy these past 2 weeks. Thank goodness for the suprise of having Friday off. A 4-day weekend was just what the doctor ordered. Speaking of doctor, we may well be taking Addison there tomorrow. Seems we've all been sick since I returned to school. Hmm...coincidence? I think not. I have been sick twice in the 9 days since I returned. Lovely. Thankfully Jeff has stayed healthy (until today) and as usual, picked up my slack. What would I do without that man? Let's not even try to imagine... I would like to ask, if you're so inclined, to lift up a prayer. Adjusting to teaching after being off for 15 months has been rough. It's improved a bit now that Addison is sleeping better at the sitter's, but still. My heart continues to ache as I put her to bed each night, knowing I won't be spending the entire next day with her. I'm still blessed beyond measure to have had the time I did, and summer will be here in no time. At least that's what I'm telling myself. The outpouring of support has certainly helped. I've been so touched with the many emails, texts, and calls. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking of me and Addison during this adjustment. And you can add Jeff to that as well. He's struggled more than he thought he would. That morning drop-off is just not fun, even when you know your baby is in great hands, has a super fun playmate, and has a day of fun ahead. Hopefully this time will pass in the blink of an eye and who knows what God has in store for me next. I'm just praying that my life lines up with His plan. That's all I can ask for.

I really did plan to do the Christmas posts but I'm just too sleepy. I'll do my best to get it done tomorrow. And if I don't, feel free to give some grief. I know you all will.

Children's Museum

2008-12-20T22:41:00.004-05:00

We went to the Children's Museum Thursday with our friends from StrollerFit. We haven't been since August and there's been a big change in what Addison can do there now. She enjoyed the Playscape area and it was her first adventure with sand. I was afraid she'd try to eat it but she really just seemed to like the texture. We loved the slide and the carousel and can't wait to go back again.

So these pictures obviously aren't from the Museum. Just a couple of cute ones with Addison in front of the tree. Too bad I didn't get my act together in time to use one for a Christmas card, huh? I promise we'll send them next year!

Santa is Scary!

2008-12-20T22:13:00.004-05:00

At least to Addison he is! We went to Season's Gardens a couple of weekends ago and I was very impressed. Santa was amazing and had such an old-world charm about him. He just seemed to exude magic and it's too bad Addison didn't share my opinion. We walked right in and the picture was free! The first two were from my camera and the third was emailed to me from them. We will definitely try this again next year and hopefully have better luck.

These pictures were taken at the Children's Museum. Again, Addison wasn't too thrilled.

I thought I'd join her for the last picture. You know, Santa needed to know what I wanted for Christmas. He said he knew I had been a good girl this year...

Addison's friend Audrey wasn't too fond of Santa either.

But check out Carter! This boy had nerves of steel! I'd say the girls could learn a thing or two from him. :)

She's finally walking!

2008-12-20T22:01:00.003-05:00

This kiddo didn't seem to be in any hurry to start walking. She had been taking a few steps here and there starting in November at about 13.5 months. This was about the same time I started walking so I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised. Then lo and behold, she really took off on Thanksgiving Day when we were in Tennessee. I was so glad that my parents could see this milestone! She walked back and forth, from room to room, around the island, and just had a ball. These pictures were taken when we were back home and Jordan was in on the fun. It's a bittersweet moment because while I enjoy her independence, she is becoming just that - more independent from mommy and daddy. I love that Addison still wants to be held and carried and I still eat it up. All too soon I won't be able to pick her up and cradle her in my arms. So I make sure to do it often these days!

November

2008-12-20T21:44:00.004-05:00

I just love when Addison sits this way. She is so darn cute!

She loves the snowflake puzzle from one of her Christmas books.

Reading with her Sissy. Addison LOVES it when Jordan is here to visit us for the weekend.

We had another Thanksgiving dinner the Saturday after the holiday. Addison thought it was pretty yummy! Daddy sure is a great cook. :)

Addison loves to play with Daddy's phone. And who can resist that smile?

Can you see why these two make my heart smile? I AM SO BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!

Mimi's here! Mimi's here!

2008-12-20T21:30:00.004-05:00

It was such a blessing to not be teaching this semester because I was able to spend some extra time in Tennessee. Mom came up Saturday and took Addison and me back Monday. Then Jeff came Wednesday and we returned to Indiana Friday. It was busy and there was lots of driving, but of course it was worth it. Addison was SO excited to see Mimi when she arrived. Check out that warm welcome! Doesn't it just melt your heart? She couldn't get enough of her Mimi during this week and mommy just might have been a tiny bit jealous!

Alexander and Addison's Playdate

2008-12-20T21:21:00.004-05:00

Addison loves playing with Alexander! Good thing too, since she'll soon be getting lots of playtime with him when mommy returns to work. We've been going to visit Miss Jolisa and Alexander since Addison was tiny so she's very comfortable there and I'm so grateful. And yes, she's in the monkey outfit again but that's because it's the same day as her one-year pics at Vicki's! Alexander loved the train ride-on and Addison loved to push him on it. It was so cute!

One Year Pictures

2008-12-20T20:57:00.004-05:00

Vicki really wanted Addison to dig in and go crazy with the cake. She wasn't wanting to get all messy so we tried to rub the cake on her. You can tell what Addison thought of that!

As usual, my super-talented, super-wonderful friend Vicki took Addison's pictures to commemorate her first birthday. I had ordered another smash cake and picked up some more balloons for the occasion. Of course I took so many props over and forgot about them and had already messed up the cake before I got in the door, but that's okay! Vicki just worked around it. If you haven't figured it out, this monkey outfit has been my favorite and I'm so sad Addison has now grown out of it. :( The tutu pictures are absolutely precious and I'm so grateful Michelle let us borrow it. I'd love to know which pics are your favorite!

Addison's Tennessee Birthday

2008-12-20T20:36:00.005-05:00

Addison and her cupcake pinata.

Grandaddy was thrilled to see Addison and hold her during the party.

Yum! Addison really enjoyed her special birthday cupcake.

Addison and her Great-Granny Joyce

Well this is long overdue! The weekend after Addison's party here, we all journeyed to Tennessee to have another. It was really special to celebrate with my family from home because we just don't see each other near enough anymore. Of course Addison's Mimi went above and beyond and everything was fabulously perfect! The cupcake theme was adorable and we munched on yummy pizza and cake. The weather was great and we were able to be outside and enjoy it. It could not have been any more fun and we're so grateful to everyone for coming to celebrate Addison's special day!

Halloween 2008

2008-12-01T00:36:00.004-05:00

Our family joined the Klein's and the Bradley's for Halloween this year. Addison didn't really know what was going on but she seemed to enjoy the stroller ride. And I can assure you that mommy and daddy enjoyed picking out yummy candy! It was a little embarassing, I'll admit, because it was obvious Addison wasn't going to be eating a Twix or Hershey's bar. It was a tough job but someone had to do it! The things we do for our children.

Meow! Addison was a very cute cat for her first Halloween. Last year doesn't count because we hid in the house and didn't answer the door. It's true.

Mia and Cole are so cute together. They just might get married one day. And we have pictures of how their love started. Awww.....

Tysh and Mia as Mia tries to bolt off. She wants more candy, mom!

Erin and Cole in a cute pose. Erin was the only one of us grown-ups who dressed up. She gets the spirit award!

The three kiddos together. Aren't they adorable?

How do you know when it's been too long?

2008-11-30T23:53:00.004-05:00

It's been too long when you have to RESET your password because you can't remember it anymore. I'm not very good about commenting on other people's blogs and that's because I don't typically sign in. I just jump on, read a bit, and then move to something else. Well it caught up with me tonight because I couldn't remember my password for the life of me! Sad thing is I don't think it's just because it's been a while. I think it's because I have so few brain cells left! My brain is mush. My friends could tell you that and I know my husband would agree. So what do I attribute that to? Is 32 really that old??

Well now that I'm on here, I want to share a few thoughts. My devotional today was perfect and I just praise God for showing me exactly what I needed to see and hear. The scripture was from Philippians 4:6-7. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I love that last part, the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension. I know it's no secret to those reading this that I'm heading back to teaching in 5 short weeks. And let me just tell you, the nights are getting very hard. It seems like I can handle it during the day but at night, the tears flow more freely. My throat tightens up, my heart starts pounding, and I just cry. Does that mean I'm not thankful for what is? Of course not, and quite the contrary actually. I've been more thankful this past year than ever before. I'm blissfully aware of the many blessings in my life. And I thank God multiple times each day. So is it wrong that I want more? How could it be wrong to want more time at home with my precious baby? I think the problem is that God is aware that I'm finding myself a tiny bit bitter. Yes, I'm admitting it. Another part of my devotional says, "When tension and anxiety rise up, put them down by naming all the ways God has blessed you and thanking Him. Get your eyes off what you don't have and commit to an attitude of gratitude." So I'm going to refocus my attitude and work hard to stay grateful at all times. Not just most of the time, which I feel like I am. At ALL times. I'm sure I'll slip up as we all do. But this is where you come in. Feel free to help hold me accountable. That's what friends are for, right?

Life on Loan

2008-11-07T22:23:00.004-05:00

Since this was also Addison's birthday weekend, Jordan was in town and able to serve with us. What a joy that was!

Here's our Life Group with all of our materials ready to go out and make a difference!

Our church, Northview Christian Life, recently finished a 6-week spiritual campaign. We all read the book, Living a Life on Loan, heard weekly messages about the book, and then culminated our study with a service project. The premise is that our lives are not our own. We shouldn't be caught up in material possessions but be externally focused and aware of how our lives can intersect with others and show God's grace and love. We got connected in a Life Group again and that was so wonderful! I love the people we have met and I'm really grateful that we're going to continue together. Good Neighbor Weekend was when all services were suspended so over 2,200 members of the congregation could go out and serve in some capacity. Our group went to Brookside Community Church, Northview's urban church. We toured the facility, met some of the people, and then helped clean up the streets surrounding the area. It was a very meaningful experience and I look forward to more serving opportunities with our group. I'm so grateful to be part of a church that really "gets it". The church is not a place to judge or be hypocritical, but a place to love God and love others. We rub shoulders each day with non-believers and we need to be able to serve as Christ's ambassador in those situations. Church is much more about what we do each and every day than what happens for an hour or two during weekend service. I believe my eyes are more open to these opportunities because of Northview and I pray that I can see others as Jesus sees them and also love them as He would.

Addison's Birthday by Jordan - the budding photographer!

2008-11-07T22:09:00.004-05:00

Jordan is quite the little photographer! She loves taking pictures and does a great job. These are some of my favorites.

Obviously someone else took this one but it was on Jordan's camera. We were very glad Aunt April could make it in from Denver for the big weekend. We don't get to see her near enough. She's so good with kiddos and I know Addison will come to adore her just as Jordan does.
I absolutely LOVE this picture. I thought Jordan was very smart to take a picture from Addison's point of view. Love it!

A side view after Addison's finger was raked through the cake.

Just slowly taking it all in...

Another great pic of the smash cake.

Gift-opening time!

2008-11-07T21:57:00.003-05:00

We didn't open the gifts at the park but Jordan was dying to tear into them as soon as we got home! I thought Addison was going to take a short nap after her big day of excitement but she had other plans. She was so excited to look around and see all the bags, packages, and most of all, the balloons! Jordan loved reading the cards out loud and then opening the gifts. It was so special to have our family around as we watched this unfold. Addison just rolled around on the floor and was her usual hilarious self.

She loves the buttons on this ride-on toy from Janet and David.

Isn't this such a sweet picture of Jordan and Addison? We were so glad that Jordan was here with us for this special day!

Addison's First Birthday Party!

2008-11-07T21:12:00.008-05:00

We celebrated Addison's birthday at Forest Park on Saturday, October 18th. I had been worried about the weather for months but it ended up being a glorious fall day. Thank goodness there was no rain and we had so many friends and family who were there to celebrate with us. We kept it simple with hot dogs and had pumpkin cupcakes for dessert. It was a bittersweet day because while I'm so proud of how much she's grown and all she can do these days, I still can't believe she's a year old. I'm definitely getting the baby bug again. Shhhhh!! Don't tell Jeff!

Addison enjoyed her smash cake but didn't go crazy in it the way I was hoping. She was more tentative. Maybe she won't be a sugar addict like her mommy! :)
There were lots of gifts on hand and we're so grateful for everyone's generosity.

Adam, Mia, and Morgan at the craft table. I took pictures of the families and then they made a cute fall frame for it.

I think the cupcake-cake turned out fabulous!

Daddy busy at the grill.

I love this pic Vicki took! You see the three daddies carrying their kiddos toward the shelter. That Vicki is so darn talented!!

A shot of some of the guests

Addison with her Grandma and Grandpa Mann.

Addison with mommy and Mimi.

A family picture Vicki took before the party started.

This is Addison's boyfriend, Aiden. She is six days older and they are so cute together.

A nice shot of the smash cake.

Some of the StrollerFit moms at the craft table with their kiddos. Such a joy to know these girls!

Zoo Boo Fun

2008-11-07T20:41:00.006-05:00

October 16th was Addison's birthday and Jeff took the day off. Addison and I had both been a little under the weather that week and it was wonderful to get out of the house. This was the first day of the Zoo Boo and my mom had been kind enough to get us a family membership as Addison's birthday gift. It was a cool, pretty day and Addison was sporting her cat costume in honor of the special day at the Zoo. One of the highlights was the smashing pumpkin elephant show. A few of the elephants did step on the pumpkins and smash them but the one we were watching just ate the thing whole! It was pretty amazing. We had a wonderful day and I can't believe my baby is one.

Addison's big-girl carseat

2008-11-07T20:23:00.007-05:00

I can't believe the time has arrived to move Addison out of her infant carseat. I know many friends have already made the big switch but since Addison has been on the small side, we were able to hold out. Her new seat arrived on her birthday and we decided we'd waited long enough. We had been to the doctor the week before and Addison weighed 19 lbs 14 oz so we thought surely she had made it to that 20 lb requirement now. She loved the seat as you can tell in the pictures! By the way, anyone know how to rotate pictures???

3 months and counting....

2008-10-05T22:46:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-04T09:11:00.006-04:00

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

2008-10-03T15:37:00.004-04:00

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!

2008-10-03T14:58:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-03T11:50:00.007-04:00

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?

2008-10-03T11:41:00.005-04:00

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

2008-10-03T11:21:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-10-03T11:15:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-03T11:05:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-03T10:48:00.003-04:00

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.

First Colts Game

2008-09-27T22:33:00.004-04:00

Well folks, I'd like to say this game resulted in a win, but by now, you all know that's not true. We had such a great time tailgating and the atmosphere was so fun and upbeat. It was hard to walk away in defeat. The day was completely gorgeous and it was also Jeff's birthday! I was sure we were going to be victorious. Addison was staying at my friend Tysh's and I was very nervous about her sleeping. She doesn't typically sleep unless she's at home and I knew it was going to be a late night. However, I discovered Tysh has the magic touch and Addison slept soundly until we arrived around 1 a.m. Thank goodness! (and thank you Tysh!)

The size of the flag always wows me..
I just love this window! The city skyline is absolutely gorgeous.

Everyone was so excited on their way into the game. Too bad it didn't last...

Okay, so I was probably the only person excited about Johnny Mathis singing the national anthem (in our section anyway!). But I grew up listening to him on our family's favorite Christmas albums so it was a big thrill for me!

Tony and Stacie during our highly competitive game of corn hole. Who won? I honestly don't remember...
Sabrina hanging out with all the food. Tony just being Tony...

Labor Day Cookout

2008-09-03T14:27:00.003-04:00

We had lots of fun over the Labor Day holiday. Saturday, we went downtown for the fireworks. We waited a little late to head down and had quite the wait at Taco Bell/KFC, but we made it! What's Labor Day without a cookout, right? On Monday we journeyed over to the Bradley's and had a yummy feast! I should have taken a picture of the size of the burgers...seriously. And Doug had delicious key lime pie from McAlisters for dessert. The kids loved playing in the pool and the grown-ups enjoyed a game of corn hole. Doesn't get much better than that!

Addison really wanted Cole's milk. I think she got some too...
WHEE!!!!!!!!! Daddy helps Mia down the slide.
The bathing beauties
Cole crawling through his tunnel. Isn't he a cutie?

Fun at the Pool

2008-09-03T14:12:00.007-04:00

We've been to visit Liz at her neighborhood pool twice in the last two weeks. Addison LOVES LOVES LOVES the water! She loved playing with Emily and found her to be very amusing. In the beginning, she was content to just chill out in the float. Soon though, she was trying to dive over the side! She definitely kept me on my toes and I can already imagine the fun we'll have next summer.

Playdate with Mia

2008-09-03T13:43:00.003-04:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of watching Mia while her mommy went to a hair appointment. Mia is only three months older than Addison and it's exciting for me to watch her and anticipate what Addison will soon be doing. The girls had a great time together! They played and played and got themselves all tuckered out for naptime. Come back soon, Mia!

My favorite pictures yet!

2008-08-25T21:17:00.006-04:00

This is Addison's signature move - clapping and mouth open (like mommy like daughter!)
This is probably my favorite - her face exudes sheer joy and it melts my heart.
This cracks me up! She had her leg up like this in several pics. Too cute. How could you not love this face?? And how much will it get me into trouble in the future?I've been wanting to get Addison's picture taken outside for a while now. The background was beautiful and we honestly had these pictures completed in about 40 minutes. Again, I owe Vicki a huge thank you. I am so lucky to have such a kind and talented friend. Seriously folks...isn't she adorable?? (I'm talking about Addison being adorable though Vicki is quite cute also!)

Lucas Oil Stadium

2008-08-25T19:36:00.000-04:00

Last week Jeff and I made the trek downtown to check out the new stadium. While we were a little disappointed in our seats, the facility itself is AMAZING! We are very fortunate to have such an incredible place for our Colts to play. We had tried to get better seats this year but it obviously wasn't meant to be. Oh well. We're still awfully darn lucky to have season tickets period. It was a beautiful day and we're so excited for the season to start. GO COLTS!

We didn't have the patience to wait in the line to get on the field.
We were standing right beside the window as it opened. What a gorgeous view!
Another view from the window. Such a beautiful day!
Can't get enough of that Super Bowl flag!!

9 Month Pictures

2008-08-21T10:31:00.004-04:00

I've let myself get overwhelmed (who, me?) by this whole blogging thing. I wanted to start at the beginning of Addison's life and get all caught up. It's time for me to accept that's not going to happen. So I'm just starting out fresh today. Enjoy!

These pictures were taken last week by my dear friend, Vicki. Jordan (my stepdaughter) was in town for the week and it's always such a joy to have her here. She is crazy about Addison and such a big help!

More Pics!

2008-02-03T15:06:00.001-05:00

Our parents were there to share in the excitement. I honestly don't remember too much of what happened after Addison was born. I think my epidural was making me a little fuzzy but that's okay since the birth was so smooth! It seems strange that Addison was ever this small. I can't believe how quickly the time is flying. I know this precious time will be over in the blink of an eye, so I'm doing my best to treasure each moment.

Addison's Arrival!

2008-01-22T13:29:00.002-05:00

She's here! Addison Grace was born on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. She weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 21" long. We had been waiting for her since Valentine's Day, which was the day we found out I was pregnant. The whole event was much easier than I'd anticipated. We went in the night before to start the induction and things moved quickly. My water broke on its own about 7 a.m. and I had my epidural about 9:15. Life was GOOD at this point! I did a few practice pushes around 12:30. At 12:45 I started pushing for real and in 20 minutes, our beautiful baby girl was born. What a miracle!