The Coppock Family

All I Want for Christmas...

2011-12-28T14:51:00.011-06:00

This year was the big year, the year Eva would really get to understand the reason we celebrate Christmas, as well as get excited about Christmas morning and Santa. Yes, we do Santa, but we don't emphasize him. We go see him, we sing his songs and Santa brings a present, but we tried to always talk about the reason for giving and receiving gifts and the first gifts that were given on Christmas. She is really starting to understand Jesus being born on Christmas and the whole story really. She can tell it to us more or less.This year we asked Eva what she wanted forChristmas and her first reply was,"Lots of presents!" (we have a very satisfied 2 1/2 year old right?) I hope maybe some of this is being the first and only grandchild for many... I hope. Then, Eva got hooked on a Belle Baby doll from t.v. not to mention all of the other Disney Princesses. Man, do they have a gold mine audience in all 2-8 year old girls! So, we went searching for all things princess and baby doll. By Christmas Eve, we were concerned that her big present from Mommy and Daddy was going to be a bust because of the weather. (pics below) We finally got to pull it out today, only a

couple of days late, and she LOVES it!

Our Christmas holiday schedule was pretty good. We had a family Christmas dinner at my house on the 21st with my dad's side of the family. Don't be deceived, I did not cook. My mom brought everything. I am very lucky! Unfortunately, my grandmother couldn't be here this year and is not doing well at all. Prayers for her to have peace would be wonderful. My nieces brought Eva a huge Disney Princess

dress up case with jewelry and outfits. They are pulled out every single day multiple times, but right now we really only put on the Cinderella costume. Thank you Kayla, Karmen and Cole!

We left on the 23rd to go to my parent's house at the lake to do dinner with them and my brother all together and so they could have some time with her to open a few presents from them alone. She loved her Bitty Baby doll that Mom got her with all of the accessories, which is really what she likes the most about most things... not at all like I was as a child...aka the Trinket Queen. Her Uncle Cullen got her the funniest riding toy. it is a green inch worm that moves when you bounce on it.

Actually really cute. We had an awesome dinner that my Mom always cooks, again and then a late night with Eva. The next morning Mom cooked breakfast, mainly so Eva could have some bacon, her favorite. We ended up heading back to get home

in time for Church.

Our church does two traditional Christmas Eve Services, but they have a children's program too that is so sweet and special for the kids. The kids all get to go in and pick out a costume from an angel, manger animal, Shepard, king, Mary or Joseph and take part in a reading of the Christmas story. We sing songs as the story moves along and then all go outside to put the baby Jesus in the manger. Eva liked the songs and her costume, but once she got up front for her part in the story, sort of freaked out. I had to pick her up and watch the rest. Then, we went to a come

and go personal communion before heading home.

Eva went to bed after attempting to help make sugar cookies with Royal icing for Santa and the reindeer. Since I was in a big hurry as it was getting late, we didn't get the icing just right, but they turned out okay.

I only have pics of the half eaten ones that Santa got after Eva put them out by the fireplace. She went to bed quite well, but woke a couple of times in the night for me to come to her and her to tell me, "Santa coming to my house?" "Yes, baby girl. He is going to come but we have to go to sleep." It was obviously on her mind. The next morning, she was still asleep at 7:30 which we were surprised about. This is what happened in pictures.

Next, at about 10:30 we headed out to Grant's parent's house and his MeMaw's for lunch and cousin present swaps. We only gifts for grand babies now because there are FAR too many cousins. Eva ended up with WAY too many gifts, but all of them she loved. (Secretly, I have put up a few for later days when we need something "new" to get through the day. My mom used to this for me and my brother as well.)Here is Eva at her Mimi and PawPaw's house getting gifts from them and her three aunts and uncle.

Thankful Thanksgiving...

2011-11-25T19:59:00.006-06:00

Since I only post once every one or two months, I will give a little update on what we and Eva are doing now a days.

My little two and half year old is such an entertainer. She is constantly telling us things she learns at school and asking us questions that shock us. I love this stage and how Eva is such a sponge just soaking up knowledge and taking in everything. This past month she has learned her months of year, minus September and November. She just skips them. Then she started spouting our her days of the week, sometimes we have Sunday. We are currently obsessed with anything Disney Princes, stickers or bandaids. The child wants two or three bandaids a day. I do not know why...

This post never made it to publish before Christmas, so I will just fill in some of Eva's sayings...

When she is mad or doesn't want you to do something, "You not do that!"

When she is surprised or being dramatic," Oh MY GOODNESS!"

When she is trying to schmooz you, "I love you SO much!" or just be sweet.

She is now singing all christmas carols from Away in a Manger to Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and Santa Claus is coming to town.

She knows her Days of the week, her months of the year (minus September and November)

She also can count to 20 something before losing the repetition of the numbers and then says 100!

I am sure there are more.

This year we are thankful for so much, but I know we cannot take it for granted as this year held much sickness for members of my family. We pray the coming year will contain more healing.

: Hello Blog World. Here's a brief update...

2011-10-30T21:55:00.001-05:00

First Day of School in August.

Before my Aunt Amy's wedding party with my Aunt Hannah. Am I happy?

Watching the Tide Roll with my cousin Way Way.

I kind of stole the show as the flower girl at Amy's wedding on October 8th. Danced a little jig at the top of the isle before I walked down.

Going to dinner with Mommy. Had to have a fruity drink like her!

Where's the punkins? My three Aunts, daddy and mommy took me to the pumpkin patch before Halloween.

Mommy! It's Snow White! I'm Snow White! At Boo at the zoo. Fun stuff.

Where have we been?

2011-07-05T21:59:00.000-05:00

Well we've been doing a lot. But... My computer crashed almost two months ago and we have not gotten one yet. So, we have been potty training, visiting the grandparents at the lake, going to the beach with the frog potty in the passenger seat, and playing with friends. Here are a few picks until I can get some details up. FYI potty training went well and my lite two year old is sleeping in her big girl bed just fine as we speak. We started that at the beach a couple of weeks ago.
Hopefully I can rejoin the blog world soon!!

My Baby was 2! on Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-15T20:16:00.009-05:00

Eva's Birthday Morning!

And, now it's official. We have a two-year-old. We have felt the twos for a long time now, but as of May 5, we are two. I do not know what most two year olds are like, but mine seems to pushing four. She talks non-stop, and most of it I know exactly what she says. She is seriously hard-headed and seriously funny. Eva's personality is hysterical. I sometimes feel like her sense of humor is seriously mature or mine is seriously immature, I guess since I teach 13 year olds I will go with the latter. Of course, she still is surely two. She gets frustrated and hits, or sometimes just hits for no reason as in Sunday School this morning, but she also is the most loving, sometimes clingy, child. She truly shows unconditional love in the meer moments after being scolded or spanked. Her feelings will be hurt, but she wants so badly to be held and hugged and kissed and I want so badly to comfort her. I love her more than I thought ever possible. It is amazing how priorities change without even a second thought. Grant and I get quality time together everyday, we get to go on a date every now and then, but we could care less if it is pizza and tv and talking, or dinner and movie, because we love to be here with our baby girl. I cannot wait for the next two weeks to be over and my summer to officially begin so that I can enjoy more times like I have the past few weekends.

We did have a birthday party for Eva on May 5th. We just invited family and few family friends with kids Eva has played with. We ordered Cocina Superior for Cinco de Mayo and had cake and cupcakes from Louise's Cakes and Things. She had a great time and so did we.

This is the precious cake! I ordered it the DAY BEFORE! I thought I would try to make her cake, but who could beat this? It is strawberry cake and buttercream icing with fairies and butterflies! And it was YUMMY!

Is this mine? I love CAKE!

And, presents... This one is wrapped in Dora! I think I'll open it first. I LOVE Dora too.

This is my friend Katelyn. I LOVE her too! My mommy and her mommy have been friends since they were in middle school!

pushing my friends around on my car. I didn't want to share at first, but I guess I like being in charge...

My friend, Ashton

Of course we gotta eat too! A little mexican and juice. I look so sweet, but only moments after this picture I fed my food to Lucy!

AH! I love being 2!

Easter, what am I late with this?

2011-05-10T20:09:00.007-05:00

So, Easter was almost a month ago, but we have had A LOT going on around here so this post is quite a bit late.
We ended up taking Eva down to the lake for Friday and Saturday to see my parents and ride on the boat a bit. She is truly a lake baby. She loves the boat, loves outside and loves her Mamama and Papa. We hid eggs, went out to lunch, rode on the boat (she slept) and played with chalk. The child loves chalk, but lately she loves to dump it out and organize it and put it up more than she does color with it. Honestly, I don't know where she gets it...
These are our pics of the lake.

Sleeping on the boat!

Ha! fooled you, I'm awake!

Then, Saturday afternoon we came home so we would be able to go to church for Easter Sunday. I love my church, and I love my church on Easter. Our music is amazing, our sermons are phenomenal and the praise and love for the risen Christ is overflowing. We got to snap a few pictures before we left and then a couple of Eva infront of our flower cross, a tradition at Trinity every year. It was very crowded and my daughter is a camera ham, so these are all I got.
now do you believe I am a HAM!

After church we went to Pleasant Grove to eat with Grant's family and hunt eggs. Eva is obsessed with eggs. Ever since our church egg hunt a week or so before Easter, that is all she wants to do. She asks for her basket and eggs. If you remember she only found one egg at the official egg hunt, but with all of our practicing, she is a professional. And we don't want no stinky real dyed eggs, just the plastic ones please! Here are our family pics from PG and the egg hunting. It was a fabulous holiday and we had wonderful time with all of our family all weekend. We are so blessed. Especially with what came later that week. Mommy and Daddy with Eva

Mimi and Paw Paw

The whole family minus Doug, taking the pic, and Aunt Amy, sleeping off her 4 in a row!

I love my Aunt Hanny!

As you all know by now, the horrible storms to ever come through Alabama devestated our state on April 28th. Some of the worst damage (and all of it was bad) was in Pleasant Grove, where Grant's family lives and has always lived. Well, that day we got out of school a bit early becuase of the weather coming in. I left even earlier to get Eva and got her home. As the storms began to get closer to Mississipp's line I began to get more nervous. I have always felt safe in Homewood, not becuase a storm will say, Oh, that is Homewood, I won't go there, but because we are on the mountain and have always had this sort of buffer. We just don't fall in that alley that the path or tornadoes always take. Well, that morning as I was getting dressed the first of the storms went right across the mountain in Vestavia and Cahaba Heights, very close to us. So, this afternoon I am realizing, we are not safe, anywhere. I am at home alone with Eva and if our tv goes out we have no way to know what is going on or how bad it may be. I would be scared to death, so I load up and head out to Pleasant Grove. Yes, right into the heart of the storm to come later.
As the storm passed Tuscaloosa and torn the city apart I heard James Spann telling Pleasant Grove, Hueytown and Bessemer to get to the place of safety. We all headed to the basement, the main reason I went out there in the first place. As it came close it was very loud, you could feel the noise. A few minutes later it was passed and we went outside. Trees were blocking the only road to their house and a large one was laying across our cars and on the back corner of the house. We had escaped with no injuries and very minor property damage. But, imediately we know there is more going on. People are screaming, ambulances and fire trucks are blaring and we find out later that a few blocks away, everything is gone. It takes several hours to get intouch with all of Grant's extended family who still lives in different parts of Pleasant Grove, but miraculously everyone was safe and no one lost anything! The same was not the case for many families and several close friends who Grant grew up with and went to church with for his entire life. The following weekend I stayed home to take care of Eva instead of go to dear friend's wedding, because Grant needed to help his town go through the pieces. He was torn apart, but felt some healing in being able to help. He is such a hard worker and such a loyal man that there was no where else he could be but there. While there is still much to do for his friends and the people he loves who lost so much, he knows he will be there, and we will be there to help in the future as well.
Since this horrible day in April, I have been moved to tears more from the outpouring of love and giving and selflessness that the people of this state, and so many others, have shown than I was at the fear and terror I felt in the midst of the storm. These are a few images Grant was given and some that he took, of his home town after the storm.

The upclose are images of his cousin's house, completely gone. They survived with the father standing over his wife and twin children in a corner of their basement. Miraculously, a wall collapsed and was held up just above them by a baby changing table. The airial views are of PG, the actual path of destruction that is now there.

Please continue to pray for all our state as this process of picking up the pieces of the lives that are left continues.

The Zoo and The Egg Hunt

2011-04-11T13:47:00.008-05:00

Sisters

(just after I snapped this, Lucy looked up and made the perfect doggie smile!) poo.

We had such a wonderful time this past weekend. It was quite hot already, but we enjoyed all of our time outside. Saturday morning we went to the zoo for a little while. Eva wore her monkeys; she loves to pretend she is a monkey. She LOVES the zoo. We have to see Nala and Simba of course. Then we got to see giraffes, and the new elephants. She even got to see the elephants play in the water! The first time this has happened at their new exhibit. Told you it was hot! In the monkey exhibit, she loves to see them, but has to keep her distance even from the glass windows. The little spider monkeys got her a bit shaken up, but only for a moment. Here she is admiring the sleeping lions.

On Sunday morning we went to church. Eva wore her bunnies and was a very good girl at Sunday school and the nursery. After her nap we got to go hunt eggs. The children from church all gathered at Homewood's Overton Park for an egg hunt. There were TONS of eggs all over the park and the hillside. Here is her before picture... Once again, no normal smiles, just really big "cheese."

Here is Eva finding an egg. How many eggs did Eva find? Oh, this was the only one. We were much more interested in the park and the leaves and the slide and the treats. Two other kids who had about twenty five eggs a piece offered her one of theirs, so we said thank you. She did not really care. Me, I was a stressed, sweaty mom, because my almost two year old was running around the playgroung trying to climb up narrow, metal ladders to the slide by herself. I had a horrible fear that we were going to fall off, hit our chin, maybe knock out a few teeth, and end the egg hunt for everyone. However, we did not. Eva had a great time and headed to the snack table, which was soooo cute and I wish I had taken a picture of the precious decorations. I plan to steal them for my next party. Here is Eva eating her cookie, or picking her sprinkles off the icing. "Cheese!"

All in all, we had a great weekend. (I think secretly Eva can read, because since my last post she has had very few melt downs at all!) Keep it up sweet girl!

23 Months!

2011-04-05T19:51:00.004-05:00

My baby is 23 months old today. She will be 2 in one month! While I'd like to say I can't believe it, I can. She is truly a two year old and I will not mask the fact that she acts like it. I am going to purchase the book "The Storng willed Child," unless someone wants to let me borrow it, and relinquish my anxiety that no other child can be this way, right? I know this is just a phase of our lives and I know other mothers struggle with strong willed children, and other people cry because they just can't figure out what works everytime to get their child to not push food off the table, get the carseat, put on clothes, get in the bath, put on socks, whetever it is. But, for now, we are getting by. I am exhausted each day after picking Eva up from school and tyring every trick up my sleeve to get her out of the building and into her seat. This is truly the only time it is tough to get her into the carseat, but it is a battle every time. I try to play Barney in the car, I try to give her snacks, I try to spank her with the spanking spoon, I try to let her climb in by herself, I try to bribe her (horrible I know), but nothing ever works except physical restraint and force... Whew, I am exhausted just thinking about it. I suppose it is a good thing she loves her school and playing so much that she wants to stay, but at some point she must learn to leave when it is time to leave. My daughter is smart, beautiful, funny and strong-willed. This will be a good thing in several years, I feel sure. But, how long will this last? I have heard different estimates, a few months it starts to get better, at three, but not sure which it will be for us. For now, I have to pray and learn more patience in the midst of these struggles with a strong willed child. I must learn from my mistakes, because I do not like the mommy I am when I fight and get frustrated and cry because I can't make my child do what she needs to do. Despite all of this Eva is many other wonderful things at this milestone in our lives. 23 Months

1. counting (even in her sleep)

2. spelling( Eva- e, d, a because she can't say v) dada

3. hugging and kissing

4. mimmicking my behaviors and words (even more reason to watch how I discipline)

5. wearing all size 2 clothes and a size 7.5 shoe- with room to grow

6. obsessed with sidewalk chalk

7. preferring to dump out crayons to neatly put them up, rather than color

8. trying to memorize her books instead of just the last words

9. praying for friends, family and Barney, Babybop, Dora, Boots and Swipey every night

10. eating like a bird

11. loving cake

12. loving ice cream in a cone

13. crying when she has to leave Mammama, Papa, Mimi or Pawpaw.

14. making silly faces

15. sleeping as long as we let her

16. saying "Cheese" really big instead of smiling for pictures

17. asking "What's this?" about everything

18. pretending to read the Bible anytime she sees one - only adult ones

19. wearing mix matched socks because her aunt showed them to her

20. pitching fits on the floor when she is tired

21. walking on her own around the zoo (with the elephant harness we had to buy)

22. screaming "Nala" everywhere at the zoo becuase she thinks Nala is there

23. eating french fries any chance she gets

23 things for 23 months. Next month it will just be 2 for a 2-year-old! Maybe...

I love you Eva!

warning...This is a nasty face, eating creamy pasta and bread!

Glamping!

2011-04-03T12:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, that is right, Glamping, not camping. A couple of weekends ago, I got to go to a little town north of Atlanta with three other girls for a getaway. I found out about this new camping experience from my friend Erinn who used to live in Birmingham, but a couple of years ago moved back home to Louisianna. She was here when her little girl Georgia was born, but since she has moved back, I have had Eva and she has had twin boys, Brown and Briggs. You can see them on my blog roll at Chateau Buteau. So, I picked up the girls at the airport and we all had on our shirts that Lindsey had made for us.

(we are in our "tent" here)

She even mailed mine to me so that I could wear it on our way to Ellijay, the apple capital of Georgia where the Martyn House is located for Glamping. This is what we saw when we pulled up, and immediately we are wondering where our tents are... Yes, you stay in tents when you go glamping. But, they are built on decks and come equipped with showers, sinks, bathrooms, beds and heaters! Mine and Erinn's tent Ridgeroost, black and white striped with red accents and red inside. This is very much a tent, but I tell you, thank goodness it was fully equipped with all of our modern eminities because our first night was the roughest night anyone has ever stayed in them. We had thunderstorms, hail and high winds and rains. I did not sleep much, but that is okay because we got to rest and nap all we wanted! So, Glamping is a bit more like a bed and breakfast. Each meal was served on a precious little covered porch with draped fabric and a farm table. The meals are gourmet style, but home cooked. We even had wine and appetizer hour before dinners! This is JoAnn the lady who created Glamping and The Martyn House. Our food was amazing and all very "green"? I believe that would be what you call it. The meat was all fed organically and slaughtered very humanely... if that is possible. Anways, it was delicious and fresh.

Erinn and I at breakfast; we different linens and tablescapes every meal!

On Sunday, we traveled to Blue Ridge, just a little bit north of Ellijay, and shopped for the little ones, ate lunch and enjoyed a day that wasn't rainy!

Here we are eating our apple pies from one of the apple orchards in Ellijay (the apple capital).

Our second night the rain held off and we got to enjoy a campfire. It felt great, but we were excited to get back to our tents for a little Scategories! Woo, hoo, wild women!

This is our last morning after breakfast. This is JoAnn and Rick, the couple who run the site. They are great hosts! Fun times, and I

am so glad I got to hang out with Erinn's fun friends and see her for the first time in almost two years! Miss you!

New York!

2011-03-29T14:24:00.007-05:00

So, for a few nights over my spring break week I convinced Grant to go to NYC. He has never been and I just had the itch to go back. Even though I have been there several times in and since college there were still things I had never done. Well, we did it ALL! I mean in three days we ran the gammett. It was so fun, not relaxing, but very fun. We walked more than we ever had in our lives but saw so much and enjoyed so much. I will spare you ever single little detail and only describe the highlights, then I will include an itenerary of our events. First, we got to go to see the Today's show one morning and meet Merideth Viera. We also got to go to a filming of David Letterman, what a production. Very fun, but of course our guest was Birmingham's own Charles Barkely, go figure. We also got to go to Mary Poppins. I will admit, Grant was not really into the musical scene but after our fantastic ticket price and our private box seats, he loved it. Not just because of that, but the experience and the effects were not what he had anticipated. I am glad he agreed to go because it was so fun. We got to up in the Empire State building at night, never done that, and go up Top of the Rock, a new attraction on top of Rockefeller Center. We visited the upper East side shopping row and brown stones, and got to eat at Bobby Flay's favorite hamburger joint, J.G. Melon, very good and local. Last, but not least we also visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We didn't go up in the statue but we did go into Ellis Island Museum. Whew, we took a bus tour to get to all these places as well as Ground Zero and Canal street and Little Italy. It was the way to go!

This is me being interviewed for British TV about William and Kate, which I am a bit interested in by the way. (FYI- Grant does not ever want to be in pictures alone, so they are all of me!)

After every day of walking around in the 40-50 degrees we were exhausted. Our feet ached and we slept great, but were more than ready to get back to our little girl. Eva got to stay two nights with her Mimi and PawPaw and two nights with Mamama and Papa. She loved it!!

Whew, what a trip...

Of course, I can't post without a few updates of my Eva. This is her first, maybe second, full ice cream cone, but this time she was determined to hold it! "I hold" she says about everything!!

Also, these are the kind of pictures she takes now. There is no in between. She is either saying "Cheese" with all her might, or not interested. It is funny even if I don't get a normal smile.

I guess this one is more normal, right? See what I mean? Not even looking at the camera. Just "CHEESE!"Or oh yes, the silly face. Too cute!

Eva Lately...

2011-03-08T20:23:00.002-06:00

Yea!

Other than being a full blown two year old for the past couple of months, Eva is constantly surprising us. Lately, she has been singing full songs, counting to ten and counting items, singing most of her ABCs, pointing out things and using words we had no idea she would know what they are or how to use them. One of our newest favorite things because she can talk and make clear who and what she talks about now, is to say our prayers together every night. She says the little prayer "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my sould to keep. Angels watch me through the night, and keep me in your blessed sight." She loves to say the last words really loud becuase she must know they rhyme. Her great grandmother gave her a precious moments doll that says the prayer when you press its belly, so she has wanted to do it herself ever since.

sportin my piggie tails

Eva does not like to be carried much anymore. She wants to walk, run, and dance everywhere she goes. Her personality is hysterical. She is not shy, quiet or uncertain. Even her voice is just a voice that carries. Every thing she says is loud and excited, which makes those tantrums and fits she randomly decides to throw lately very difficult to hide. I totally get those moms who have the kid laying and rolling around on the floor of the grocery store. Thankfully, I do not EVER have to got there. Grant does all of that for us. Granted if I did have to go, I do not want to imagine what would happen. All that said, Eva can keep herself entertained in her toy chest and her kitchen for hours all by herself. She is not scared of being by herself or in the dark. I do love that I have a determined, confident and independent little girl. I know it will serve her well later after we can teach her how to use these qualities!
Some of her other favorite things lately have been coloring, markers (she says Ma-ker, and stickers( stickies). Oh yes and saying Please after everything becuase she knows that means, most of the time, she gets it (including cookies after a good dinner).

did i mention we are obssessed with stickers?

Very soon my baby will be 2 for real. I am not ready for her to be a big girl or grow up, but I am clearly not able to stop it, so hopefully she will continue to love me and hug me and kiss me at will. Oh I just never imagined the outpouring of love and emotion I would feel on a daily basis being a mom. The unconditional love of Christ is most easily displayed through a child, the way they love us and the way we love them, incredible.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T15:52:00.000-06:00

20 Months

2011-01-03T20:11:00.004-06:00

Eva will be 20 months old on Wednesday and this is my 20 month post. We are cruising into the new year with the terrible twos in full swing! Eva has been so much fun and so much tougher all at once. I suppose this is normal, but whew, exhausting. Tonight it was a battle getting her in the high chair. Yesterday, it was getting to sleep at all. So, who knows what tomorrow will bring.

In four short months my baby will be 2. I still keep thinking she acts too much like one now. Eva is the most loving, kissing, hugging, sweetest girl ever. Every night as I rock her, yes I still rock her and I love it as does she, she sits up says "Mammy" and kisses me, then lays down again. I just want to cry everytime. I know she will not always do this so I have to enjoy it while I can. I will leave you with a couple of her portraits I had done in December. These were done in a dress that my mom made me and a rocker that I had the same portrait done in. I still have to decide which I want a canvas of. Maybe you can help!

CHRISTMAS 2010!

2010-12-25T21:20:00.006-06:00

My Holiday MJ dress (love this line of clothes!)

Wow, God is good! I am so grateful this Christmas for Jesus, and God, and the Holy Spirit. I cannot begin to imagine my life without the many blessings He has given us. Today I obviously wanted to reflect on baby Jesus and what a gift He is. I feel like even though December 25th is very comercialized in our country and easily distorted and not focused on the real reason for the season, we were still able to do that because we are fully aware of all the blessings and beautiful gifts we have. One is certainly my family. We had such a wonderful morning. Santa did come and Eva thoroughly enjoyed it. She knew immediately the gifts were hers and did not hesitate to play with her "new" kitchen. I say "new" because believe it or not, this beautiful kitchen you see is an antique. It was my solid wood, white kitchen from when I was a little girl. My mom never throws anything away, and Grant was able to restore it and paint it to the beautiful pink shade of the Pottery Barn kitchen that I love. He worked tirelessly for every night the week before this night to restore this kitchen including the real sink faucet and glass knobs and pulls for the vintage look. He is amazing with his tools, and he has lots. If he doesn't have it, he buys it! Ha.

(he routed out the hole for oven and installed the plexiglass! among all the other things)

Eva is hysterical opening presents, she has to rip off every single piece of paper. She starts in very small pieces and then find a big one. But each present takes a long time. She loves it!
We also had other fun events this season. Including a family dinner night with Grant's dad's side of the family and one with my dad's side of the family. They were both so enjoyable, however, at the Coppock family Christmas there were five little girls! FIVE! All Eva's age to age 5. It was hysterical. Here are some funny recaps of the evening, including all of Eva's "cheese" faces.

please notice Eva's arm around her cousin Molly. Molly is hysterical here and I think it because Eva took a toy of her hours before and hurt her feelings. Obviously, Eva has forgotten!

This is NOT Eva's grandfather, but her uncle Ken. She LOVES him and he loves it. Too funny, she was always finding him and crawling in his lap.

The best pic I could get of all five girls in matching sweatshirts compliments of yours truly!

Christmas Eve after our children's church service. Eva did not want to take part or walk up to the nativity. Maybe next year.

Lastly, I was so happy today because we had a WHITE CHRISTMAS! It snowed/slushed all day in Pleasant Grove and all was white except the roads. I do not have pic right now, but it was amazing and my first ever! How cool!

Merry Christmas to blog!

Caus Caus!

2010-12-18T22:36:00.003-06:00

That is what Eva calls Santa Claus. She is all about Santa on the front door, in the songs, on Barney, in our books, but NOT in his lap! I really thought we'd have great time talking, singing, and sitting with Santa. However, this is what I got. You would never guess that 30 seconds later she was calling his name!?

I am now off work for two weeks! Whoo, hoo! I am loving this Christmas season and am looking forward to everything, church services, family dinners, traveling, sleeping (even if it is just 7 am!), and playing with my baby!

Short and sweet, maybe more later.

Thanksgiving and I have an 18 month old!

2010-11-28T14:10:00.007-06:00

This year I have been so thankful for many things. First, my family, Grant, Eva and yes Lucy, even though my life would be so much easier (and cleaner) without her! My parents and my brother and my two grandmothers all made it to our Thanksgiving lunch. My mother still cooks EVERYTHING! I know I have to start helping, but what do I say when the dressing or sweet potatoes or everything else, just isn't any good and I ruin Thanksgiving??? So, I just brought bread, lemondae and a granddaughter. Eva loved turkey and sweet potatoes. She had to eat a little early before all of us becuase it was going to be her nap time. We had a relaxing time with my family and then left to go visit Grant's family in Pleasant Grove. Eva played with her cousins, Lily, Waylon and Addison. She LOVES her baby cousin Waylon and hugged and kissed him for a long time. This year was one of the best Thanksgivings we have celebrated, and we are very grateful.

dinner with Ellie. How cute are they?

18 month pics. Oh how serious!

Pictures by Catherine Mayo (aren't they great!)

www.catherinemayo.com

I am also grateful for work (mine and Grant's), health (which I take for granted), my home (even though we would like to move, we are fortunate to have it), fall weather, relatives who keep my child all the time, friends (some whom I talk to all the time, some rarely but still love them), Barney (I swore I'd never let my child watch it!), Mickey Mouse, Dora yogurt (Eva devours it), bath time, giggles, and surprise hugs and kisses (which come very often now). Lastly, I am thankful for the gift of Christmas, and I hope that I am able to teach my daughter what gifts are most important and why we celebrate with a tree and a holiday this time of year. I want her heart to know the love of Jesus and to have the compassion for others that He does. I am realizing how hard that is when all around us it is all about the toys, Santa, the tree and the stuff. It will only get harder.

Eva's recent milestones: (getting harder to pin point now but)

1. Speaking many phrases

2. recognizing and remembering things she only sees/ hears once (rainbow, santa, marshmellow)

3. initiating hugs

4. says "please" and "thank you" always

5. says uh huh when I ask if she understands (no she doesn't all the time, but it is cute)

6. eats with a fork and spoon

7. still can't decide on left or right hand

8. knows after she goes to the bathroom but is still not concerned and always waits for the fresh diaper before going number 2! (maybe potty training soon)

9. loves to color and only uses one crayon at a time

10.knows all motions to Wheels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Mr Knicker Bocker, and more...

11. loves to look at pictures of herself, calls herself "Evie"

12. is obsessed with shoes, still

13. cries uncontrollably when she has to leave Papa or other grandparents

14. adores her dog

15. started liking Mickey Mouse (Disney World here we come)

16. squeals with delight at playing hide-n-seek and ring aroudn the rosie

17. loves all vegetables but broccoli

18. very independent and knows what she wants (aka: pitching fits):)

So, for these eighteen things I am very grateful, because it means I have a growing, healthy, happy daughter. Eva, I love you!

Fall

2010-10-28T20:36:00.006-05:00

Last week we got to take Eva to Boo at the Zoo and the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch. She had a GREAT time. We went to Boo with our cousins Molly and Shelby. We borrowed Molly's flower costume last year, but I think next year we may try to coordinate. Molly is exactly one year older than Eva and Shelby is two years older than Molly. They were coordinating in their pink and black.

This is after the carousel. She did not like it! We did not even move, but she was terrified!

Eva found another little ladybug to dance with while waiting for the hayride!

Petting the goats. She wasn't scared of all the animals.

Hold Shelby's hand. Too cute!

On Saturday, we went to the pumpkin patch in Clanton. It was soooo much fun. We got to see more animals, ride a wagon, take cute pictures, go inside teepees and smells sunflowers! Eva had a ball! And... picked out her pumpkins!

who can resist the cheesy, sniff the flower pic?

just being precious.

picking out my pumpkins!

my little indian!

All my pumpkins! Which one?

Because I never post and I just loaded all my pictures!

2010-10-17T20:34:00.006-05:00

What have we been up to? Everything. Eva is into everything, saying everything, laughing about everything, grabbing everything, eating everything and kissing everything.
Since we got past our first month of being back in school, Eva has been so much fun. That first month, she had a hard time adjusting and was fussing a lot. Now, we are settled in and she is sooooo sweet and funny and cute. I will wait until next month, since I missed the 17 month mark, to post her favorite things. It is going too fast; I do know that. Almost 18 months is just impossible.

This past month, we have gotten to go back to the beach, to an Alabama football game, our church fall festival, and OUTSIDE. (I will say that favorite) I know it hasn't rained in Alabama in forever, but I do not know what this little girl would think. Would she still run outside in the rain? She is obsessed. She also loves to swing. We cannot go on a walk anymore with her seeing the many child swings hanging in our neighborhood. She sees it and whines,"swinnnn." She doesn't quite get the g in there yet.

On the talking note, I am amazed daily at what she knows. Everyday she sees something I don't even know she recognizes and she calls it by name. She anticipates places and people all the time. Is this good you ask? Well, it is getting more difficult for Mommy to leave the room for anything, but I secretly love it. Is that bad?
I have tons of pictures to share. Some are of things we have done, others are of some photo shoots. Enjoy, as I rarely post, so I save up tons of pics and load them all at once!

eating with a fork!

fall photo shoot

Hey Y'all, from the beach

My obsession, really it is all hers. She sees a bow and wants it in her hair. I have to hide them from her or she will look like this all the time? What have I done?

See? A different day entirely!

my favorite spot, with my bestest friend!

she loves it, really!

most recent photo shoot! Church today. This is what I get.

16 months and lots, lots more!

2010-09-06T16:20:00.007-05:00

Eva turned 16 months on Sunday. Since we were not at home, this post had to wait. In the past month we have started school, adjusted our schedules, had an injury, gotten some shots, hit the terrible twos, cheered on the Tide and taken some very long naps.

So, in early August we started school. Yes, Eva went to school last year, but this year she knew it. she had to get used to taking one nap a day at 1PM! She does okay now, sleeping for almost 2 hours each time, but on weekends she will take 3 hour naps. It did not take long to get back into the groove so that she loved going in every day. This is her first day.

Also, we had to go to the doc and get our shots up to date and a little height and weight check. We are gaining in the weight department, slowly but surely, 22.4 lbs (30 %) and just shy of 32in (85%). She is still so tall! We also have big feet. Her sandals from May are now barely fitting in the length. And just so you know I have about four pair of fall/winter shoes lined up and I am praying her feet will fit the size 6 shoes through next February!

We had our cousin Shelby's birthday at the zoo this past month as well. Eva loved every minute of it. We have joined the zoo, but it was sooooo hot this summer we only went a few times. I can't wait to take her more this year as it cools off. Here she is in the water park. You never would guess she had never done this before. She has no fear, and I don't think that is always a good thing at all, but this day, she was right there with the big kids. And the second picture is with her cousin Molly. Leave it to Eva to walk right up to kids and grab their hands and hug them. At least we knew Molly.

This past week at school, Eva came home with her first "bump." Well, reallyl it was a huge bump. I was so scared when I saw it, remember she is my first, so I was kind of weak looking at it. By today it is turning that pale gross green color, so I think it is getting better. The funny thing is, she hits her head all the time, but never gets bruises. This one is of her in her Bama dress, and below that her game day attire, doing the "ROOOLLLL TIDE, Roll" we taught her. She looks like a football player and not a cheerleader with that bruise. :(

She has definitely hit her terrible twos, I guess a bit early as she is only 16 months. But, with her vocabulary and ability, I can see how she gets frustrated easily. Mainly it is at diaper time, wanting to climb and carry everything. I mean everything, high chairs, boxes, cases of water. She wants to stand on things that are meant to be ridden and pitches fits when she can't. But I guess the diaper time is the worst, which I have heard is normal, but wow! Grant says we are starting "New Baby by Friday" tomorrow. I am having a really hard time not catering to her since I only see her for a few hours a day now and on weekends, but it makes the in between time hard, and although they haven't said anything, I am sure her teachers are frustrated with her too. I'll let you know how it goes.

notice anything off about the bath? She had to have these on for three days in her bath... Terrible twos?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my baby girl and I cannot imagine my life without her. I am amazed each and everyday at what she is able to do and say and learn. I miss her to pieces every day I am at work and rush as quickly as I can to pick her up every afternoon. I leave you with this final picture of Eva's new friend. I truly didn't think my child would be a Barney fan, but she LOVES him. And, I love the hugs and kisses she just has to give whenever she hears "I love you, You love me..." While there is so much more going on and more that Grant and I have done, she is the most important.

15 Months! Really?!?

2010-08-05T21:41:00.004-05:00

My little girl is 15 months old. I can't believe it. At the same time I cannot believe in two days, I will turn 30! Yes, 3-0... I am okay with it, really I am. But, I will say I feel that while I have debated with "Is it still okay to wear a bikini?" and even strapless tops or fitted jeans in the past, I feel that this is it. This is the age that it is not okay... Anyway... back to my daughter.

She is the most amazing little thing. I am shocked daily at what she is doing and how she really understands everything I tell her to do or say to her. She repeats what we say, some things very plainly, and others just the same amount of syllables or sounds come out. She knows all of her animal sounds (dog, cat, sheep, cow, duck, pig, rooster, monkey, elephant, bird and some more that I can't think of). She is learning colors and songs. She LOVES "Itsy bitsy, spider" and "Head Shoulders, Knees and Toes." Her favorite hand motion is rain. It is so cute. Oh and I cannot forget "Ring around the Rosey." She really just likes to make herself dizzy. Eva loves her veggies and pasta. She is a plain-jane girl. She doesn't like sauces or dips, I love them. She also has quite the sense of humor. She will be watching a little cartoon or sometimes iCarly on tv and giggle at the jokes that are played on people or characters. She also likes to sneak up on people, say "SHHH" and "scare" them. She gets so tickled and just does it over and over and over again... Just this morning she was readin the paper.... well, not really but she loved saying sounds and pointing and acting like her daddy. I didn't get a picture but it was classic. She does still love her books and she is constantly trying to read and do her little actions for the different pages. Miss Independent is her name. Definitely my child by the way. If you try to do something she would prefer to do herself, you will know. She is the perfect Momma to her babies, rocking, patting, feeding and singing to them. If I leave a baby and some stuffed animals in her bed, she will heap them all up and snuggle with them, then when she wakes up, she talks and sings to them for hours.
All said, I have loved these past two months at home with her and we are both in for it when she has to go to school next week, and so do I! I almost cry just thinking about it. I feel at times that Eva is still a baby, and then the next minute I am amazed at how grown up she is. Ah, I guess this is the rest of my life!
I love you baby girl... Some more of her favorite things are below.

Drivin with Poppa on the boat

My serious face

Stinky Lucy balls do not scare me!

My camera smile! Aint I cute!

Let Freedom Ring

2010-07-05T21:49:00.003-05:00

We went to the lake for the fourth of July. Since my parents live there and my mom needed a ride down there (My Granny is very sick and she has been up there with her a lot), I decided to come last Tuesday with Eva. Grant came on Friday and left today. I am leaving tomorrow. We would even stay but my parents are going out of town too. We had a pretty cloudy, rainy first two days, but Thursday through today have been Beautiful! Eva has had a great time and a few scary moments. She loves the water, and our neighbors have a "hot tub" that they do not heat, but we all call it the warm pool. She has gotten to swim in there with their three kids. All the kids call her "Baby Eva." I wonder if she will ever not be "Baby Eva." Of course to me she always will be.

Since Eva is 14 months today, I have to share a bit about her now. She has the most hyterical personality lately. She copies everything we say and tries to sing and be a mommy. We have been learning "Head, shoulders, knees and toes." And she loves to try the face part, singing and pointing. She knows nose and that is about it so far. Almost getting to know mouth. Eva is also very good at animal noises. We have mastered duck, dog (Lucy), pig and almost bird. You can ask her what does a ______ say? and she will say the sound. They all have her own spin on them and are so funny. Lastly, and most recently, she has learned how to smile and say "Cheese" for the camera. Even though we have to take one picture first for her to see the flash, she will then stop and tilt her head and squint her eyes, showing her teeth. I die laughing every time. Here are a few pics from our Fourth of July celebration.

PS- please excuse the pictures in no particular order and the text below... blogger is different on my parent's computer! ew...

First Day On The Beach

2010-06-08T23:09:00.005-05:00

Eva is 13 months old now. She is such a personality. Lately, she has been getting tickled all by herself and giggling and throwing her arms up. She says, "Lucy" sort of, "ball", bye bye, "Da Dat" what's that, and "Ta Da!" Her new trick is to throw both arms up above her head and say "Ta Da!" Then we all clap and so does she. We are beginnng to eat lots more foods lately too. Her absolute favorites are strawberries and bananas, and diced veggies (peas, green beans, carrots and corn). This is her new chewing face.

Beach Trip 2010

So, this is our first beach trip in a year. Eva's first beach trip to actually get to go in the pool and on the beach. And the first beach trip I have ever been nervous about finding oil in the sand or the water. Luckily, the latter has not been a problem for us. I know it will be at some point in the near future and we can see the boats and pipes set up down the beach by the Perdido pass, but it has not come on shore near Grant's families condo... yet. We have been so fortunate.

On Monday Eva got to go to the pool for a bit, but not for too long before she was so tired. But, today we took her out to the beach and to the pool. She was unsure about the sand at first, but ended up warming up to it.

We still have most of the week left, so hopefully more pics will follow!

Happy Birthday Eva!

2010-05-10T21:40:00.004-05:00

My baby girl is officially One Year Old! I still find it hard to believe even though it was a week ago now. Eva was not quite ready to wake up on her birthday.

It has been quite sad though because she has had so many ailments lately! We have had a horrible diaper rash, a smashed finger with a finger nail falling off, a runny nose with a cold and now an ear infection... Poor baby. Even with all of these things going on, she was the attention hog of the day. Of course she should have been, but we were worried all of her sicknesses would make her no fun. At first we were a bit solemn, but soon she picked up the pace!

I love my shades!

Aren't I pretty, at the big girl table?

I love my Grandmama and Papa!

My awesome cake that my talented Aunt Amy made me!!! I love ladybugs.

Do I really have to eat this? I didn't like it the first time either. Now I know better than to stick my hands in it!

Ha, Ha! You think I'm an angel!

Grant and I have had the most amazing year with our Eva. She is a new joy everyday. I recently posted all of her milestones, and other than new words that is all still the same.

Eva can say "Momm,momm,momma," "Daddy," "Duck," "Ball, " "Thank you (tan to)" "nanna" and "Bye,Bye" which is really funny becuase to make the B sound she has to bite with her top teeth over her bottom lip. She also waves backwards when she says it!

Eva you are mine and Daddy's blessing and we love you!

ONE YEAR OLD!

2010-05-05T21:38:00.004-05:00

So, today is my baby girl's one year. Cinco de Mayo a year ago, I was at the hospital with my tiny little 6lb 6oz girl. Now she is about 22 lbs and 30+inches tall! Since she has been walking for two months, we have really been on the move. She is still a baby, but it is so bitter sweet with her turing one. Eva's sense of humor is so funny. She is all over the place. The center of attention, shy, giggly and pouty all in one. Here is a picture show of her birthday today.

"Oh, I'm not ready to get up, even if I am the Birthday Girl!"

after school...

"Wow, Mom, are all these for me?"

"I can open them myself!"

"So it is a table and chairs... can't I just sit on the box?"

" I LOVE crawling understuff! This tunnel is perfect!"

"OOO, a new baby. I love being the mommy."

"OOOOH, a ladybug cake!"

"Yummmmy!" (really she didn't eat it. she kept spitting it out!)

"Gotta clean after all that icky icing! I LOVE my baths!"

Recent Photo Shoot

2010-04-12T21:06:00.006-05:00

Mommy tries to be a photographer. I used to love pictures, but now I am way to busy walking, eating grass and chasing my Lucy to care if I smile or not. I have a new smile too! I like to show my teeth and squinch up my nose for the camera. just a few of the hundreds she took. Man, I am in for it; I'm not even one yet!

Easter and Eleven Months

2010-04-04T20:36:00.004-05:00

Yes, I said Eleven months! In one month Eva will be ONE YEAR OLD! I am torn between memories and exciting moments in the future. Eva is such a joy in our lives and has truly been such an easy child, that I feel spoiled. She is currently sleeping as she does every night from 7:30pm to 7:00am (somtimes more or a bit less if we take an extra long afternoon nap). This past month Eva has taken off. Literally, I mean walking and not stopping. She can walk in any shoes, barefoot or in pjs. She can sqwat, stand up, sit down and keep going. It is so funny to watch her. We are experiencing new bumps and bruises with this new skill, but they rarely slow her down at all! Eva is eating new foods often now. We still are mainly eating baby food and milk (not cow milk yet, but soon) and some dissolvable baby snacks. Eva loves real bananas, pancakes, other breads, but not so much mash potatoes. I think she will like sweet potatoes though. I may make them this week. She still says "Dadda" a lot and today started saying "Momma, Momma," and crawling up into my lap! Ah, I love it.

Eleven Things Eva Loves:

1. sleeping

2. reading

3. sippy cups

4. daddy

5. baths

6. banging on the glass door

7. music and dancing

8. pointing

9.pink blankie

10. puffs

11. Lucy

For Easter weekend, we went to the lake to stay with my parents. We had not been to the lake since Christmas I think. My mom and dad were so excited. We went to a huge consignment sale on Saturday while the boys played golf. I did not take a picture of everything I bought, but I got 3 bloomers, 2 pants, 2 shorts, 3 outfits, 3 dresses, 6 books and I am sure I am forgetting something, for $30! Yes! $30, and I am picky. I have lots of stuff for Eva for summer already from my childhood dresses that my mom made and a few dresses I have already made her as well as stuff her Mimi has gotten her, but who can resist a sale. I am officially cutting myself off from buying anything else.

This morning we went to church with my mom. I love the whole celebration of lent and Easter. Especially this year, with Eva, I truly feel like I have a bit more understanding of how God felt while his son suffered and died for His creation to be saved. Anytime Eva is sick (this afternoon) part of me is hurting and wants to take it from her. I know God wanted more than anything at that moment to stop everything his Son was going through, but allowed it because he also loves us. I cannot wait until Eva can one day understand her Lord and His love and sacrifice. Praise God, Jesus Lives.

At my parent's church at the lake, Eva made it through the first half of the service with music she could dance to and by entertaining the couple behind us before getting excited and restless. We went outside and had a photo session. She wore this bonnet the ENTIRE hour and half we were at church and again when we got home. I was shocked. It didn't bother her a bit.

Once we got home this afternoon and Eva took her two hour nap the whole ride home, we had another photo session for birthday party pics! I was super excited with them.

I know this post was long, but Wow, so much to tell.

Lately...

2010-03-26T20:09:00.005-05:00

Eva has been growing like a weed, (I know such a cliche). But, what else do I say? She can dig through her toy chest and pull out any book. She will sit down with it, open it, and start to read. She will point to pictures and say "Dat, dat," and "ahhhhh."

Last week, Eva got a new duck from Grant's mom and said "Duck" for the first time. Now she will say it when I show her a duck and say it. I say it several times really loud and she does it too!! She even puts the "ck" on the end! "Uh oh" and "Daddy" are two other of her favorite words. Then, even though she has been taking steps here and there for the past month. We now are really walking. She will walk from furniture to furniture across the room, and from Mommy to Daddy. It is amazing. I see her; this little, itty bitty person who almost eleven months ago was barely able to move much on her own. Then came the rolling over, then the sitting up, then the crawling, then standing, and now walking! Nuts!

Eva is so happy and cheery all the time. She will go to anyone, anytime. Her red hair is growing thicker, and redder. She has six teeth and two dimples. I just want to eat her up all the time. Even when we had the throw up bug over spring break and I had to cancel my beach trip with my best friend Beth. (I love you and will make it up to you!) She was so pitiful then, but still didn't cry. She was just weak and laid around on me all the time, which I loved the cuddling.

I love pulling things out of the recycling basket. So busy all the time!

Since I don't get to see her ALLLLL the time, I love every minute with her. She is such a pleasant and busy baby it is easy, but I truly love that I am never tired or needing a break. I can't wait for summer!!! Please hurry!

Ten Months

2010-03-06T07:41:00.004-06:00

Eva was ten months yesterday. In two more she will be one year old. OMG! I have been totally taken by surprise at just how fast her personality is growing. She talks and sings all the time. Yesterday when Grant got her up, she didn't quit until I got her in the car for school. Not even to eat. She loves to hold her little pig and Big Bad wolf and talk to them. I think she tries to copy me when I do the Three Little Pigs story for her, by making them talk back and forth. Another thing she loves is books! She will sit and flip the cardboard pages and jabber. Sometimes she will just flip it over and over and make noises. Her favorite is Fairy Colors. It is probably a total of thiry words so I think she will memorize it when she is really talking. Which, oh! At the doctor last week I swear she said "Okay" after the nurse said "Okay." We all were like, what? She still says "Dadda" a lot but I am not sure if it is truly daddy so I have not written it down yet. Our stats as of now are 29 inches long 90% and 18.3 lbs 45% so we are moving up! I can't keep up with making pants though because I already have two pair that are too short. But, I can't make them too long because she is almost walking. Both sets of grandparents swear she has take a step or two with them, but I have yet to see it! I am so not ready for that one. I love my little girl, who already doesn't seem so little anymore. I was carrying her to her bed last night and her long legs were hanging over my arms and her little face looked so much like a toddler. I just cried. I love that she is growing and healthy, but I miss her being itty bitty.

On another note, my girlfriends from college and I all got together last weekend for our yearly reunion. I am so happy to do this every year. This time the girls came to B'ham and we all went to Ross Bridge on Sat. Three ladies got prenatal massages because they are pregnant! We did not know about Ashley until we got there Friday night! It is such a blessing. Chandler is having Addison in a few months and Stacey is having twins this summer! Crazy! We had a shower for them and hung out on Friday. The spa was fabulous and dinner was great, but nothing is better than sitting around and laughing about random things that we all thought we had forgotten about. I really love these girls.

A Beautiful Day!

2010-02-20T20:24:00.004-06:00

Today was a blessing from above! We have been going crazy in side everyday after school and on weekends from snow, cold weather and rain, but today was absolutely beautiful. I am so thankful for days like this that help to get us to Spring without going nuts! Not only did Lucy get to go on two walks and get some much needed exercise, Eva got her first "play" day outside since she is big enough to enjoy it. We went on a long walk around the neighborhood, and everyone was outside working or enjoying the sun. A little later, after Grant finished some very necessary attic cleaning, we all went down to the park a couple of blocks away. Eva got a new ride for Valentines Day. She is a hoot riding in it. Looking totally chilled out, she soaked up some warmth. At the park, Eva got to swing for the first time. I am not totally convinced she liked it, but she didn't complain. In her hand is "The Big Bad Wolf" from our Three Little Pigs play set. For some reason she loves the wolf. At home we got to sit outside for a little while before eating dinner. Eva is almost ten months old and I love this age. Of course we have to be with her at all times because she is crawling everywhere and trying to walk when she stands up. She has a very funny personality. I find her trying to copy things we do and chuckle at herself a lot. Baby girl, you are such a joy! I love you!

First Real Snow and Nine Month Pictures

2010-02-12T13:21:00.005-06:00

Today we got out of school early because the snow was really coming down. I was so excited becuase it would be the first time I would get to have Eva home before it quit and have some fun. Here are our first real snow pics in our snow suit, none the less!

Last weekend I had her ninemonth pictures taken at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in the arboretum. I was worried that the session would be a disaster since we just got tubes, but Catherine was able to get wonderful ones. She is great! Go to her website by clicking on her name and go to client proofing. Type in eva grace, all lower case with a space to see the whole session. These are a few of the ones I saved to put on the blog.

Nine Months!

2010-02-06T20:34:00.010-06:00

This is almost too surreal to write. My little girl is nine months old. She is the light of my life. Literally, I do not think I have smiled or laughed as much in my life as I have the past nine months.

(don't you just want to eat me up?!)

Eva is into everything. She has been crawling for a couple of months, but now she is walking around the furniture and standing up on all her toys. If she is able to climb on something, she will be up and over in a split second. While I love her curiosity and learning new things, the mobility is a nightmare. We have to be constantly with her and ready to catch her if she loses balance. On that note, if she has her mind on something, she will pitch a fit if she does not get it. Eva will have certain spurts where she doesn't want you to put her down or leave her in a room for a second. While we did not go through a serious attachment phase, we may be getting there now, however she loves her daycare and being there with her friends everyday. She is clearly reaching for people and saying "dada" and maybe "mamamama." Oh I melt no matter whether it really is me or not!

(waiting for tubes)

(In the really fun car at Children's before tubes)

Eva got tubes this past week. On February 4th to be exact at 7:11 am, one day before she was 9 months old. We had a series of five ear infections over the past four months and had very infected ears dispite two weeks of antibiotics prior to the surgery. Now, I know it is very common, and the procedure only takes five minutes to perform, but this was the first time my little girl was taken from me by complete strangers, minus Dr. Shirley, put to sleep by gas, and I was scared to death. I mean the chance of anything going wrong is VERY slim, but I couldn't help it. I was completely powerless, and not with her. She came back to our room in less than thirty minutes and was a happy baby, but I hope we do not have to do it again. I know several people who have had to get tubes more than once. No thank you. Later that afternoon, she got sick and threw up once be we thought it would be the anesthesia. Then, the next day, she got sick twice (once all over her wonderful white rocking chair, totally my fault for buying it, but still). I was worried and called Dr. McCain; she mistakingly gave me her cell phone number because I work with her husband. Dr. McCain told us that it most likely was not related her tubes and to try to just give her clear liquids for the next 12 hours, watch her wet diapers and see if she kept it dow. Luckily she has, but I still worry that something could be wrong.

(so, gross, I know, but I had to share. Yes, the projectile!)

The cutest baby girl in the whole wide world!

Lastly, we had her 9 month pictures today, and while I thought they would be a disaster because of her sickness, but she was a trooper. Until the last few minutes we got precious pictures. We went to the arboretum at the Botanical Gardens. It was heated and rustic. I will post and comment on those when I get them from Catherine Mayo. She is fabulous, and gives you 50 pictures on CD to do whatever you want with!

Eva's First Christmas!

2009-12-28T18:39:00.005-06:00

Finally, I am posting about all of Christmas events. It all starts with Santa, and I think Eva liked him, okay...

When we were in Nashville with Grant's family, Eva took a carousel ride. She also went riding with her Papa at the Galleria. We have pics of that too, but my mom has them. She loved it!

Our tree this year was still the fake one, but I think it looks pretty real. I did all my presents in green and red stripes with opposite bows. I thought it made a pretty picture with them all matching! Santa's loot did not look so big this year, but Eva did get plenty more from the Grandparents. Her doll is her first Madame Alexander that is all hers. She loves it already! We spent Christmas day at our house and my parents came by for the early morning events. Then we showered and went to Grant's parent's house and his grandmother's for lunch. It was all such a wonderful day to see our families and enjoy each other. I thank God for his son and Christ for His gift to us that allows us to love and enjoy eachother!

This last picture is of Eva in her new chair. It is so soft and cozy and just her size. Since we already crawling and pulling up, I am sure it will get tons of use. She started consistently crawling and pulling up on the ottoman and in her crib on Sat. December 26. 7.5 months! I just think it is too fast. My little girl wants to be so big!

Nap Time!

2009-12-27T09:34:00.000-06:00

Today I was supposed to be taking a nap and was VERY tired, but thus
what mommy and daddy found.

Nashville

2009-12-11T21:33:00.000-06:00

So, I made it all the way to Nashville in my carseat, went straight to
dinner, watched half the Rockettes, and now, I'm done! Can't hold my
eyes open!

Happy Seven Months and Roll Tide!

2009-12-05T20:14:00.000-06:00

Man, I got hot cheerin on the tide!!! Had to strip down! What a
great birthday! Roll tide!

Too funny!

2009-11-30T09:20:00.000-06:00

Eva was so tired after not napping on Sunday that she fell asleep
standing up in her exersaucer! Poor baby.

Thanksgiving and New Food!

2009-11-28T22:45:00.006-06:00

This year we had a great Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful day and very laid back. My parents ended up being here instead of us going down to the lake. My grandmother is sick, well both actually so, we just needed to be close. My mom cooked as always. I asked several times in advance what I could make, but she said she had it covered. Anytime we go to my parents't or Grant's family Eva loves it. She just loves a crowd and everything that goes on. She has done really well lately with her naps and took a good one while we ate our Thanksgiving lunch!

We are so greatful for our joyful little girl. She really is so happy and smiley, if that is a word, all the time. Even the doctor's comment on it. And, this month we have seen three!

Eva started off with a cackling cough, then some green snot. By the end of that week it turned into a mild ear infection in the right ear. (this was at our 6 month check up where we gained a whoping 2lbs in 2 months) We took an anitbiotic for 10 days and it seemed to clear up, then the week she was off from the nursery, she started coughing again, so I can't blame it on other sick kids... Now she has mild infection in the left ear and we are back on antibiotics. Poor baby just can't stay well. All this on top of the fact that our sleep has gone in reverse for the past month due to progressive teething that seemed to start two and half months ago. Mom and Dad are at their witts end with the night time thing. She was perfect from about 8 weeks until about 5 months, then we hit a wall. Any suggestions? I know for you babywise mom's out there, we are supposed to let them cry and that the 45 minute intruder is normal, but what about when she is sick? It breaks my heart...

The newest thing in Eva's life now is food. Well, cereal and oatmeal. Eva didn't really care for cereal at all, but absolutely loves oatmeal. I think she would eat it until I quit putting it in her mouth. It is so funny how she dives for the spoon. She knew exactly what to do with it by the way; I am guessing from watching all the other babies in her class eat real food for the past month before she got to!

Here are few pics from some recent photo sessions we had. I was quite pleased!

6 Months!

2009-11-06T17:09:00.004-06:00

in the hamper!

grinning on Halloween Eve!

November fifth was Eva's six month birthday. Yes, she has been here for six months. It feels like yesterday we were spending our days at the lake and beach all summer and she was just itty bitty Eva. While she is still little, all 13lbs 13ozs of her, she is just too big. She is always busy, entertaining herself. She talks and wants to be using her hands with everything. She can sit up like a big girl for a little bit before she falls over and can roll all over spinning in circles. I also feel in her mouth every morning thinking there will be a tooth. I had a dream a week or so ago that I woke up one morning and she had a mouth full. Just all of the sudden. I am still nursing her twice a day because I really wanted to make it to the six month mark, which I must say with working is something I am very proud of. My schedule at school this year made it next to impossible but I used my thirty minute lunch and right at 3 to pump every day for the first two months. Then, I dropped down to once a day and finally just nursing morning and night. I do not know how long that will last, but I am happy with her first six months. On that note...

So far we have been so healthy, even going to daycare until the past two days. I had to take her to the doctor yesterday on her six month birthday for a cold. It is so pitiful. She is hoarse and coughing her gunk up in her throat. She had a fever for half a day, but hasn't since. The doctor said other than our humidifier and tylenol for her fever not to do anything. Hopefully she will get over it in a few days without an ear infection. I am praying so becuase my always happy, grinning ear to ear baby is whining because she doesn't feel good. The funny thing is, even between tears she is trying to smile and laugh. Poor baby.

Eva's first six months have been the best of my life. I miss her every day while I am at school and can't wait to get home for my three hours with her until bed.

Cutest Pumpkin in the patch

My Little Flower and My Thanks!

2009-11-01T18:53:00.007-06:00

So, this was our first halloween! It was such a fun relaxing day. Grant went hunting on Friday afternoon and got back Saturday afternoon. It is bow season right now so he always likes to try to shoot his bow. As of yet, I have not seen him bring a deer back. Anyway, Eva and I had a fun day at home and got to play together. I don't get to do that a lot since I only pick her up from daycare by 4 and she goes to bed by 7:30! I love these times. She is such a wonderful baby! She is constantly smiling and talking and just busy. She can entertain herself forever. She is still napping four times a day, but you can tell when she doesn't get a good one in because she will start to whine for about two minutes and then conk out! It is funny to watch.

This year for her costume we borrowed the most adorable flower suit from Grant's cousin Shannon. Her little girl Molly is almost exactly one year older, so it workedo out perfectly.

I swear she knows when to put on a show. At daycare they had picture day last week and we had our picture taken for our church pictorial directory on the same day. Both photographers said they had never had a baby they didn't have to try to make look at the camera or smile. Eva just grins really big and laughs. It is so funny. (maybe it if from having flashes in her face as the center of attention from the moment she left the womb!)

Back to my flower girl. Here she is! I know next year she probably won't like head pieces, but this year, she loved it! These are her and us, and then her with her Aunt Hannah (aka Micheal Jackson) The cow is our friend Brooks.

As for my thanks, I was encouraged by Michael's blog, so I have to say I am humbled almost everyday by all of the things I find to be bothered by, upset about or even wanting for. I always seem to realize after the fact that I have absolutely everything I could possibly want or need and that goes for my job and filthy house, beautiful baby, fabulously hard working, giving husband and hairy, shedding dog. Parents who would do anything for me and in-laws who do anything to help us and make us happy. And a God who thinks I am worth it all! What more could I want!?

Tootle loo!

5 Months (yesterday)

2009-10-06T21:25:00.006-05:00

Eva's Baptism Brunch

Our family

Mom and Eva at the brunch

Okay, I really am terrible at this. Now that I am back at work, I kept telling myself, get Eva's five month blog done. but it is sooooo hard. Anyway, enough excuses. I want to have this so that I can remember and at least tell her all of her milestones and funny stories.

Eva was baptized this month on September 13th. The ceremony was wonderful and she even smiled before Dr. Wolfe got her. She then slept through the rest of the service. My mom made her gown from one of my old dresses when I was 10. It was white with off white lace. She is so talented to make this gown so gorgeous and do it with pieces of another dress. I am so thankful for her! After the ceremony we had our entire family and a couple of friends over for brunch. My mom, Grant's mom and Aunt Pam all made food to bring. They are lifesavers. There is absolutely no way I could have fed 50+ people myself. Just having that many people at my house in the midst of our monstrous floods of September was hard enough. Luckily the rain held off just long enough for us to have some tables set up outside for people as well. It was so wonderful having so many loving people to celebrate Eva's dedication to Christ. We feel so blessed.

The girls are wiped out after the brunch

Other than that, life is normal, work is normal and Eva is growing.

This month in review:

1. Really started "talking" lots!

2. Found your feet- you love to put them in your mouth even with socks on

3. Rolling like crazy- both ways belly to back and back to belly

4. Loving school- you are so content when I leave you and all smiles, or sleeping when I pick you up.

5. Loving baths- you get so relaxed in your ducky and you love it when I sing "Splish Splash", oh the newest thing is sucking on your rubber ducky's beak

6. You are mesmerized by football. It is not just Alabama football, any football. You even talk to the players (just like mommy)

In her game day dress I made

Family picture before the game

7. The exersaucer is your favorite toy- and you are almost ready to be put up to the next level (your in the 85-90% in height)

8. You are beginning to not like nursing in the evenings, I am not sure if it is because my milk doesn't come fast enough for you, or if your reflux is beginning to flair up again. (I'm calling the doc tomorrow to check)

9. You love your daddy, and boys in general. Any man you see, you get all flirty (we're scared already!)

10. Lucy is your friend- you pet her and let her lick your hand and watch everything she does because it makes you laugh.

We love you so much and wish we could freeze time because you are growing and changing too fast. I know one day you won't like me to hold you to fall asleep, and one day your daddy will embarrass you instead of make you laugh, but for now you are our sweet angel.

Love you!

4 months today!

2009-09-05T10:07:00.008-05:00

My favorite time of day, doing my favorite thing, sucking my fingers!

Sittin on the couch, watchin tv.

My friend, Molly, giving me a kiss! I love kisses!

just chillin!

I'm a big girl now!

Today is Eva's 4 month birthday. I am amazed at how life is completely different and completely wonderful with her here. I started back to work this month, after turning 29! That has been the hardest adjustment for me. Eva adjusted just fine and loves, loves, loves her nursery. She is all smiles when I drop her off, and all smiles when I pick her up. She sleeps like a champ while she is there and is perfectly on her schedule. I, on the other hand, am miserable while I am away and still trying to pump at work so that I can atleast be giving her nurition since I can't be with her myself. While I do not have enough milk to leave three mommy bottles, I can still nurse her in the mornings, afternoons and evenings before bed and just leave two formula bottles for the day time.

At four months Eva is the most fun. She is happy nearly all the time. She has huge grins and has started to giggle occassionally. We got it on video, but unfortunately I have not figured out how to get the video to my computer yet. She has started to roll from her belly to her back easily and even wiggle a little bit to mimick a worm trying to crawl! I will post these funny picutres later.

Eva's day typically begins about 6 am, when I wake her up to eat. She will eat for about 45 minutes and then we change her for school. I truly do not know what I would do without Grant every morning. He makes sure her diaper bag is filled, gets out the premade bottles and even brings me something to eat while I am feeding. I get up at 5 to shower and be ready before I have to feed her. We leave for school about 7:10 or 7:15 and I got to drop her off. I get to school just before 8, which is fine this year because I have first period off, which is actually a horrible time to have off when my lunch is at 10 am! It is so tiring. I just pray I make it through the year. I pump after school right at 3 and then leave to pick her up. I get her by four and head home. She is usually very tired and will take about an hour nap or so by 4:30, then I feed her at 5:30. We then play, take a bath, which she loves!! Then we eat again. After this we are ready for bed. She is usually in the bed by 8:oo or 8:30 and sleeps all night. She has been doing this since mid July, but our bedtime is earlier now. We love it, except for the fact that I only get to spend a few hours a day with her. I love weekends!

We are at my parents' house this weekend for Labor Day and I know I will not want to go back to school on Tuesday. I am sure we will have fun pics to post next week.

3 Months Old

2009-08-05T08:16:00.004-05:00

I'm all girl!

Wow! Time has flown by. I cannot believe this amazing little girl has been in this world for three months. I am amazed every day that Eva is ours and by how much I love her. The past few weeks have been my favorite for sure. She is so much fun, sleeping anywhere from seven to nine hours a night and giggling at everyone. Two of her favorite things are stretching and looking in mirrors. She will inevitably smile at a mirror and has a ten minute stretching routine in the mornings. We swaddle her at night so her arms are down by her side and she loves it, but in the mornings when I unwrap her, they shoot up above her head and she just stretches from her tippy toes to her fingers forever! We have it on camera because it is such a signature move.

smiling and stretching

Eva loves her bath and bibs. She crams the bibs in her mouth and chews on them. She has started laughing some and that is our only real milestone. I don't know if we will ever push up or crawl though because she hates being on her belly to play. She would rather lay on her back and talk and play. I will probably cause her great delays in that area, but I can't do it if she cries!

On a totally different note, we found out Lucy, our other little girl, has hypothyroid. She began losing hair on her sides about four or five months ago and has always been a bit of a roly poly not to mention lazy. Well, we finally found a vet who figured it out and now she dropping pounds by the day and growing her hair back! Shortly after we found out about her thyroid she got a cyst on her tail! So, in addition to having to give her medicine every day for the rest of her life, we had to have that drained and it is not pretty! Grant was performing nursing duties on her every night so that she would not have to stay in the kitchen. We love her, but man, she has cost more than the child at this point!

All in all the last few months have been the most incredible experience of my life. I know it will get better, and harder too, but I am looking forward to raising Eva with Grant, and watching her grow into a beautiful, Godly little girl.

The hardest thing is going to be starting work next week, because I will have to leave her all day. Pray for me.

The Lake

2009-07-27T15:56:00.000-05:00

I'm happy as can be on the front porch relaxin! Don't you love my hat.
I have to leave tomorrow. Boo hoo.

Bubbles, our new favorite.

2009-07-27T15:55:00.000-05:00

Two Months

2009-07-10T18:20:00.008-05:00

Eva in the dress her mommy made! This is my new favorite "effect" it is called Antique!

Now its time for a real update. Mommyhood is really hard. Don't get me wrong, I was under no dilusions that it would be easy, but wow! There isn't a mother I can think of who is a wimp. While I am fortunante that delivery and recovery were the easiest part of pregnancy for me, this breastfeeding and newborn issues are not. I love every minute, yes even when she screams because she is still so precious even when demanding food. When I say demanding, I mean demanding. This little one wakes up and is READY for food.

The past month, I have pretty much been on the road. She is a great traveler with the exception of our recent drive home from the lake, but I take full responsibility for trying to drive home late in the afternoon instead of the morning. She is best in the morning.

We spent two weeks out of town, one week at the beach and one week, split on either side of the beach trip at the lake. Eva loved them both!! I think we may have to move to the beach, or at least get a deck with a rocking chair and ceiling fan. Here she is in her bathing suit. She loved the lake water and her shades that Grandmother got her.

Eva lovin' her shades

Just chillin in the water!

At the beach Grant's whole family was there and we strictly relaxed. It was amazing have so many people to help with Eva. She is so loved. Mimi, Grant's mom whom he now calls The Baby Whisperer, and his grandmother, Eva's great grandmother, loved staying in the condo keeping Eva during the day mostly. I got to go down and lay out for an hour and half or so after every feeding. It was perfect. She slept so wonderfully too.

We have had several nights of 6 to 8 hours of sleeping solid. Mostly it is 6 or 6 and half hours, but I'll take it! She really started smiling a lot more at the beach too, but now it is all the time. I love it!

The gorgeous picture I took of Eva myself!

The family with Memaw, Eva

One thing I know about her is she is a tooter. She will kill me one day for telling everyone this, but with her reflux, if she isn't burping she is tooting, while she eats, sleeps and right before her great big blow outs. (She just had a huge one today while my MawMaw was holding her. She was laughing and then all of a sudden, bam! It went everywhere, including on MawMaw. She thought it was so funny! ) So, lately I have been back in reality without grandmother's doing everything I can't. It is not easy, but hey that is the rest of my life huh? Throughout all of the difficult stuff, Grant is just doing all he can to help. Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping! I can't ask for anything more !

I am a very funny sleeper!

2009-06-30T16:28:00.001-05:00

My Recent Birth Announcement

2009-06-30T16:25:00.001-05:00

I have been MIA for a while, but I have a few updates from the last 6
weeks.

This Week In Pictures...

2009-05-16T08:40:00.007-05:00

Here is a recap of my first 12 days of life!

Day 2: Very alert, I love to look around!

Day 3: Coming home. My parents are so proud!

Day 5: My first bath at home. I peed on my mom after!

This is my hair after my bath. Grandmother calls it "wild hair," and it has a red hint like my mom's did!

Day 6: Mommy's first mother's day! Grandmother was there too; three generations.

Week 2: Mommy tries to take some pictures of me. I was a bit too small for my diaper bloomers. Oops.

I usually don't like to keep my eyes open for pictures. The flash makes me squeeze them shut. But aren't I sweet in this one!

We have had a great first 12 days. The doctor's visit was not fun when they stuck my heal. I just kept screaming, and mommy forgot my pacifier. Lesson learned. If I could figure out that 2 am is not the optimal time to stay a wake for 2 hours after feeding, we'd be superb. At least I wasn't fussy last night when I was up. I just like to look around and play.

4 days old, and at home

2009-05-09T11:13:00.007-05:00

Eva's going home outfit

Introducing Lucy to her little sister

So, I was not as good at blogging from the hospital as I had hoped.

The story of the labor:

We went to labor and delivery at 6:30 on Tuesday morning, then started Pitocin by around 7:30 when Dr. Kennedy broke my water. The contractions were almost immediately 2 minutes apart and got stronger every so often. I really had no idea how bad my contractions were on a scale of 1 to 10 when the nurse asked me. They were bearable and I began to wonder how bad she thought they were on the monitor. I did not want to be a wimp and get an epidural too soon. I know that will slow down the labor. I just keep breathing and squeezing Grant's hand until about 9am when the nurse called the anesthesiologist anyway. At this point I was 5 cm already, and the crazy thing is the doctor had the meds in the epi by 9:02. 2 minutes and he was done. I didn't feel a thing, and that is what I was most nervous about the whole time. By 10:30 I was 10 cm, and we started pushing. I had Eva by 12:57, but it seriously only felt like 30 minutes. It was so crazy. That epidural is the best thing ever, by the way. Eva popped out, literally and was screaming her head off. I now understand why moms always love to hear their babies' first screaming. She weighed 6lbs 6ozs and is 20 inches long. I weighed the exact same thing and was 19 inches long. So crazy. Anyway, after I held her in "kangaroo care", which is so wonderful, and fed her, the family came in. I mean the whole family, 4 grandparents, 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 1 great grandmother and a grandaunt and uncle and other friends too! She is loved already. We stayed in delivery a bit longer because apparently Cinco de Mayo was a busy birthing day. By the time we got to our room it was after 3 and we had so many sweet visitors, there was almost no time for anything other than feeding and a little sleep. We did get to take some pictures. Lots of pictures. Eva can tell when the flash is going off, and squints her eyes, so many of them are of her asleep.

Anyway, Thank you so much to all of you who came to visit us and brought us sweet gifts. We are so fortunate for all of your support. Grant and I are truly in love with our beautiful little girl. He is such a wonderful daddy already, helping me all the time with feeding, as I still do not have a system for the breastfeeding as far as getting everything I need before hand. Eva is on a great schedule all ready with her eating, and is right on track with the rest. We just gave her her first bath, but those pictures are not uploaded just yet. It was so cute. She is so good, and only cries minimally so far. I could go on, but all is well here and I can't wait for all of you to meet her!

May 5th

2009-04-29T20:47:00.003-05:00

The doctor was once again shocked at how low Eva is; I truly don't think she can go any lower with out full blown labor. So, she asked when we wanted to have her. I said May 4th at first as it is my mom's birthday, but labor and delivery is full for scheduled deliveries that day! So, she chose May 5, Cinco de Mayo. Hey, we can always fun birthday parties this way. We are so excited to know, but truth be told, Grant was like a deer in headlights when she asked us. He just couldn't believe we could be there already, and he really likes the idea of her coming when she comes. The only problem is with her being so low and me being more dilated and extremely effaced, things might happen rapidly on their own. Who knows.

I have now had my last day of work and I am trying to let it go. I do not want to worry about it or be involved now that I am really preparing for Eva. I think I can do it.

So, hopefully I can update with little notes and a couple of pictures while we are waiting. We can't wait to meet our little Eva!

Just an update...

2009-04-21T20:18:00.004-05:00

So, the doctor continues to be shocked at how low Eva is. So, needless to say the exams are quite painful. I am a bit more dilated and effaced at 2 cm and 75%. Many people have gone into labor quickly I have heard in some comments; I can only cross my fingers. She also said that unless I am miserable we won't be doing anything before 39 weeks as far as inductions. I am not miserable, but she does hurt me sometimes because she is so low in my pelvis. At 39 weeks, maybe May 6 or 7, if I have not gone into labor, she said she would induce if I wanted because I am "ready" and she likes to deliver her babies. This way we could assure it.

On a funnier note: We just got our getting Fido ready for baby CD. It is a CD with baby crying, cooing, screaming, laughing and all sorts of sounds. We figured our extremely spoiled baby girl needs a little prepping for Eva. I know she will be sweet to her, but Lucy can get her feelings hurt so easily, I just want her to be ready. We put the CD on in the crib and let her hear it from the bedroom. At first she just perked her head up and tilted it, looking at me like..."Are you hearing this?" After a minute or two, I went in the baby's room and Lucy bolted with me. She stared at the crib and I picked up a baby doll to hold it. She was hysterical. She just sat there staring seeming to ask, "What in the world are you doing?" She licked the feet and sniffed the head, of course real smells will follow, but she did well for her first time! Oh my two baby girls are going to be doing a lot of adjusting.

Thanks for all the support and sweet comments on her nursery!

Love y'all.

The Nursery and More!

2009-04-19T10:28:00.016-05:00

Wow, I am terrible at putting pictures on here. But, finally I have taken some pictures of our nursery despite not having the wall hangings. We have them all, mainly pieces from my room and things my mom made, but we have not gotten opinions on the best places for them. It is a small room, but I must say we really put the most in it we could and had to. The crib bedding was made by a lady who is very talented and the incredible balloon shade too! It has actually turned out just as I envisioned, which never really seems to happen. Amazing!! My Granny made my baby quilt that is on the bed when I was little from my dresses. Finally, my mom made the bedskirt and sham for the twin bed! The rug is a needlepoint rug that I ordered rather shadily from China. Yes, direct from a factory and it was a process, but incredibly cheap. We borrowed the changing table, which is actually a buffet, from Kelly Dorough and it is perfect. Grant made the head board to the twin bed from directions I found, then I sewed the slip cover and had it monogrammed. Grant has really done so much to make Eva's room perfect, from the perfect color of paint that he painted three coats of to hanging the antique pendant with a new ceiling mount and the balloon shade. It was a task! I love him so much for putting up with my always difficult desires.

Anyway, the nursery is ready for her finally and with only three and half weeks left to my due date and the doctor saying we could have an April baby, it is not too soon!

I was last week 1.5 cm dilated and 70%effaced, and each week it has been a little more. Dr. Kennedy is always shocked because her head has been low since week 34 and each time a little lower. I just say, "Oh yes, I know!" It is crazy how she can affect my ability to walk at this point. I often get jarred and cannot take a step because she presses on my femoral artery and paralyzes me!

So, I hope to update the blog from my phone after her birth, just in case I don't have chance to do anymore posts between now and then.

Last, but not least, Grant's family had a shower for us the weekend before easter and I finally have those pictures uploaded too. I will try to share a few because it was truly amazing and Amy, his sister; Debbie, his mom; and Pam, his aunt, went above and beyond to make it wonderful! Thank you so much!

Eva's Baby Shower

2009-03-24T17:37:00.002-05:00

This past weekend six of my very sweet and loving friends hosted a wonderful baby shower for Eva. It was a totally overwhelming experience to have so many people come to celebrate your child. I feel very blessed and loved. I had had an emotional day the day before, for no real reason, so luckily I did not cry the whole time. We thoroughly enjoyed it! The food, decorations and fellowship were all amazing! Eva has more clothes that I think she could ever wear in her first 6 months of life before she out grows most of them, depending on how big she ends up being! The beautiful white dotted swiss bassinet is a gift from my mom. She made the cover for my old wicker bassinet herself. I love it! Her namesake, great-grandmother Eva, was there and it was very special as well! I will try to post some of the pictures of the shower and people here, but I cannot figure out how to do the pictures in a space saving way.

We also have some of the nursery completed! Paint, baby bedding and furniture, but not the twin bed or the pictures and items on the walls. It is, however coming together as I envisioned. This is truly amazing, because I always have difficulty getting things just as I imagine them. But once I get some pictures of it, they will be here too! And I am trying to do better with the belly pictures. I'll try to do that soon as well!

4D Ultrasound and the Davis Cup

2009-03-11T17:04:00.009-05:00

Eva is rubbing her eye. Eva is getting tired and frustrated, rubbing her eyes. Then very angry with us for poking and prodding her! (look at those tiny fingers and thumb making a perfect fist!)

We were very unsure at first if we were going to do this ultrasound, but since there has been no other reasons to for us to have a regular 2D u/s and we would not get the opportunity to check on her or see her again, we went for it. I knew it was risky; we may not get a face shot; they do not always cooperate, and while the video imaging technology for the u/s was not working, we are still very pleased. I was very anxious for the past couple of weeks about her. She moves a ton and pokes out of my belly in various spots all day long. I just needed to see her and see that she was okay. She was definitely a wiggle worm. Her head was buried deep into my right hip bone and her rear end pokes out of my left side a lot! The whole time we watched her, and yes we did double check to see she was still a girl, she was trying to suck. She just couldn't decide if she wanted her thumb or her fingers, so sometimes she resorted to sticking her whole perfect, tiny fist in her mouth! It was very entertaining. But, after her momentary sugar high, which she doesn't ever get, she was very tired and started yawning. We could even see her toung and eyeballs! Grant and I were amazed at her growth. She is about 3.25 lbs now. So, if she gains a half a lb for the next 8 weeks she could be about 7.5 lbs.

On another baby note, we did finally get her floors fixed in her room and have it painted the prettiest shade of pink. THe bedding should be ready early next week, so this OCD mom is finally getting there.

Last, Grant and I went to the Davis Cup this past weekend on Saturday and Sunday. It was a very exciting event, even though I am no tennis expert, usually I just try to get the ball to stay in the court! The first picture is of Andy Roddick serving in the match that clinched the US victory and the second is of the Bryan brothers after winning the tournament. It was awesome to be able to support your country and chant USA with everyone else as well. Birmingham really did a great job with this event. Hopefully, we can have more.

29 weeks, and Getting Bigger

2009-02-21T17:56:00.002-06:00

So, here it is. Several people have asked for a more up to date picture. My belly is bigger than a few weeks or month ago. I am just over 7 months, so only 3 left, hopefully, Eva is quite low in there, but all in the front still. While many people believe boys carry low and girls carry high, it is actually split. I have talked to many people who carried both ways or the opposite. I started getting very anxious lately to see her again and praying everything is still okay. She does move like a gymnast all the time. We can see her feet or behind or fists as she flips and bounces on my bladder! I do not have caffeine hardly ever, and just a few sips when I do, because it sends her into a spin. I had my diabetes test last week and passed that thankfully!

I also need to put up some pictures of her room. No, there is nothing done. I know you all are shocked because surely I would have done it all being so type A! But we have had a huge delay with our hardwood floors in her room. Right now there is just a huge hole where we have to replace some of it due to old damage. Her bedding is being made now; we have picked a paint color, ordered a chair for her room, borrowed a changing table that is beautiful from a friend and plan to make the twin bed headboard in the next couple of weeks. Whew that is a lot. The nesting stage is upon me. I am very anxious to get her room done, but also I have been cleaning out the rest of the house and getting rid of stuff. It is great.

We are so thankful for all of our friends and family who can't help but do things for Eva already, like host showers, make bedding, buy her surprises and pray for her all the time! I just have to say, I cannot wait for MAY!

Here is a belly picture!

2009-02-03T18:59:00.001-06:00

I know it's taken forever, but I am now 6.5 months and showing. It does feel weird but this how much I'm showing as of now. We go to the doctor tomorrow to check progress. More later!

Anniversary and Christmas!

2008-12-26T07:43:00.004-06:00

Last weekend, before Christmas, Grant took me on a much needed getaway. I had no idea where we were going, and was fearing it was the "Hunting Camp." But, I held out hope it would be something more, only because that is a trailer with rats and holes and an outhouse. I think he just let me believe that because I brought it up and he thought it was funny. We ended up driving 2 hours north to the Mentone area. It was actually Pisgah, AL where there is a wonderful little village called Gorham's Bluff. It is complete with cottages, 13 residents, a lodge with an executive chef and a beautiful views. (unfortunately, the views were not viewable until Sunday because of the fog). This spot came highly recommended from several people to him, and we did not want to drive far to other spots I have been wanted to visit, because car rides have not been the best for me. We had a little white cottage where we relaxed, slept late, watched movies and just got to be together. It was wonderful because I am unable to do those things at home. I always find things to do, clean, organize, boss Grant around... So, it was perfect. Grant cooked crab cakes and salad and it was fabulous. The second day, we had a totally private dining experience as this was the weekend before the influx of holiday people. the food was amazing, breakfast has been my favorite. Ash, I wish I could have gotten you the recipe of these little muffins the chef makes. Amazing! We had little menus each meal, especially for us, how cute. We walked around grounds and saw the views on Sat as best we could. Then, Sunday, it was very cold and windy, but beautiful.

That night when we got back we had our Christmas party with the Coppocks, and left Monday for the lake and to see my parents for a few days. It was nice. Mom and I went baby nursery shopping but came up empty. You all know I can get very specific ideas of what I want and right now is no exception. I have to find the perfect fabric and chest and bed for the room. I know the baby bed I want, just the old fashioned looking Jenny lind beds because they are cute and not too modern. Anyway, we were 0 for 5 by the time we got home. But that was okay. Mom and Dad got us several cute little things and our baby bag for Christmas. It is great. I can't wait to have a baby to go with it! Ha, just kidding. Although, it is getting all the more real all the time. Finally, yesterday we spent the day with Grant's family, the Wheelers, his mom's side who lives all in Pleasant Grove. It was very nice as well.

I hope you all had a wonderfully Merry Christmas. We feel so blessed for Christ and all that he is doing in our lives. Even through the tough times, and pregnancy struggles that have plagued us both, we find that the birth of Christ and all that Mary and Joseph were forced to endure shows the miracle of all babies!

And the Baby is...

2008-12-09T19:29:00.004-06:00

A GIRL! Eva Grace Coppock. It is so totally crazy how real it is now!!! I mean I have only seen her once before now and she was the size of a lima bean! Now she has legs and arms and eyes, and a brain. I could go on. We had about eight family members at the appointment with us and the women in the office thought it was hysterical.

We were in shock for a while as just Grant and I went in the ultrasound room for the first bit to make sure everything was okay. Everything looked perfectly healthy. The technician was incredible, sweet, reassuring and making it seem like it was her first time to do it as well (she had been doing it 28 years!). So, anyway, Grant kept letting out sighs as she said things that he understood and I didn't, but it was the most incredible experience together. She was moving a ton, her arms and legs and turning. I was laughing so hard.

After she completed the technical items and we heard the healthy heartbeat, Grant went to get the family. All eight of them, plus us makes 10, crowded in and she showed the body and arms and and legs again. As she got to her bottom, she said now here are the legs. They were indian style but didn't stay that way long because she moved so much. Then she moved her around some and now these are two white lines, which means... And everyone said, "GIRL!" It was so funny. Debbie, Grant's mom, and my mom were crying and the rest just laughing. I had not a care in the world what the baby would be, and I feel like having two, one of each to start with, would be the only thing better. I felt so blessed to have such a wonderful family to be there and share the excitement with us. I have been praying for God's protection and blessing on her so much, it was wonderful to see her at this point, healthy as we can expect.

As for her name, Grant has been in charge of the girl's name. I had the boy name picked a long time ago. It will continue to be the name of a boy until we have one as it is Grant's first name and my dad's. However, his grandmother who is the sweetest and most special woman to him is Eva. She has lived next to him for his whole life and I will go so far as to say Grant is her favorite out of all her grandchildren. We love family names as they can carry the meaning and blessing of a strong and Godly person on and on.

It is hard to believe that she is almost five months grown, only four more to go! Have a wonderul week!

Roll Tide and Baby Updates...

2008-11-29T19:36:00.003-06:00

So, I have to say ROOOOOLL TIDE! 12-0 is still hard to believe, but as I pinch myself it is true!!! As Saban and all the players seem to be in the habit of saying, "I am just happy for the players, and the university and the fans!" How much have we heard that line? I love ALABAMA Football!

So, next week will be another gut wrenching, nail biter, but I will still love it. I will also say for the record, I love being the underdog.

Now to the baby news, and poll. Grant and I will find out on Tuesday December 9 what we will have. I of course just hope for a healthy happy baby! I do not care what it is. The large majority of my students, knowing nothing about me or my tendencies during this nauseating four months, think I will have a girl. I think that is just because I am such a girly girl. However, if you would like to make an informed decision, I will tell you what I have felt and eaten and any other information you may find useful. First, I have not had any specific on going cravings. I love biscuits in the mornings, cran-apple juice, oranges, peaches, salad with strawberries and pecans, as well as an occasional starburst. I have had no chocolate or really sweet cravings except for the peaches, which tend to come in heavy syrup in the little plastic containers. Oh, yes, I did like those decaf granitas from Barneys at the mall for a while. I have not been able to stomach chicken or steak or Mexican for the past three months, but I could eat chicken in small amounts on a bar-b-que sandwich. Now, I have been very sick, still feeling some of that each day, but nothing like what I was feeling from about week six to fifteen. The one time we got an actual heart rate it was about 140 or 145. We have heard it a few more times, but just with a monitor. I have lost a total of three pounds still, but my belly is just now starting to show a bit. I do not know how much others were showing at this time, which is 17 weeks, but I'd gladly have the big belly for a less nauseated day! Right now it is mostly from the belly button down, but all in the front. I have had some indigestion, sorry for being so honest, but that could be from the bodily changes and may impact your decisions. Ha, so now. Please cast your votes and I will update this blog on the 9th with the news! Thanks!

Thankful This Holiday Season!

2008-11-14T19:29:00.006-06:00

We are very thankful this year! That is right.... AND BABY! We are pregnant. This picture was back in the beginning of September. I am almost 15 weeks now and have told all my good friends. We did hold off for a long time before telling anyone other than family, but it was all so fun to do. We first told my parents one day when they were in town and here is a picture of my mom!

After we told them, Lucy was getting ready... yes, she loves pacies already!

I am already thinking about ways to get her ready for this baby. She has had our only attention for the past year and a half. She is always right under our feet and sleeps right beside our bed. I know she will have to adjust, but I think she will be a great big sister!

We told Grant's parents on his mother's birthday, so of course we had to bring the cake. I have a picture of it but it simply refuses to load right now. It was so cute, with "Happy Birthday Grandma!" and a stork on it. Ha, we really surprised them! No one had a clue.

The reality of everything is that since about the middle of September I have been extremely sick. There was a period of about five weeks where I seriously didn't know if I would make it to work and home everyday from nausea, vomiting and lack of being able to eat anything. I am still very driven by cravings and in the moment kind of things, but am feeling a bit better. I can at least actually teach and drive without the constant nauseated feeling. Even my doctor and her nurse felt really bad for me, and I figure they've seen everything.

So, it is a good sign to be sick, but I am definitely ready to feel the glory of pregnancy! Anyway, this is my first blog in a very long time, but this is why! I will update more pics and ultrasounds when we get them in a month. In the mean time, feel free to guess boy or girl! I have no idea, and we don't care, just as long as it is healthy...

My birthday with my girlfriends!

2008-08-07T18:52:00.000-05:00

Georgia Grace Buteau, my friend Erinn's beautiful little girl!

2008-07-30T15:10:00.001-05:00

My BIG mistake!

2008-07-26T11:25:00.002-05:00

I bought Lucy a new toy today because we realized she has had any toys for months. Well, I tested the balls at the pet store and settled on this one that did not a high pitched squealing noise. Apparently, that does not matter in the annoying department. She loves this thing, but she now chases it everywhere and squeezes and squeezes for minutes on end making a duck like sound that could easily be confused for flagellation. I know gross right!? But, it is still kind of funny for the first five minutes or so of watching her tire her jaws on this red rubber ball!

Things are slowly coming together and hopefully our home will be normal again this week!

2008-07-26T11:20:00.001-05:00

2008-07-26T11:19:00.001-05:00

Lu lu jumping or should I say flying off the pier at the lake.

2008-07-20T12:31:00.001-05:00

Lucy's first ride in the new car ( with a seat cover labs are shedding dogs!)

2008-07-18T20:21:00.000-05:00

Continuing construction

2008-07-18T10:50:00.002-05:00

So, right now I am hold up in my bedroom with no t.v. because our countertops are being put in, and I have no living room or den , and the t.v. is not working (who knows why). So, I thought I would update progress. Our house is almost on the downhill side of remodeling. I will say I will never do this again. If you have an option of fixing and then moving in, DO IT! We now have floors down, and tile down, cabinets painted, and a laundry that is almost ready to go, minus a washer and dryer and actually underground plumbing. It is really neat to see the progress and to appreciate what you have when you do work yourself. I will add some pics of our progress after this post.

I also kept my friends little girl and little boy this morning. We went walking and then I played with Julia (see picture) and then I kept JT while Mary and Julia went to the park. It was fun, and I loved it when Julia said my name!! It was more like Tissin, but what the hey. It was my name :)

More later.

My girl, Lucy smiling for the camera

2008-07-17T11:40:00.000-05:00

Phone blogging

2008-07-15T13:53:00.001-05:00

Sent from my iPhone

Our Lucy, sleeping as always.

2008-07-15T13:48:00.002-05:00

She slept this way for at least 3 hours the other day...

4th of July at Lake Martin

2008-07-06T17:10:00.000-05:00

Okay, so we go to the lake every year on the fourth. But this one was the most different by far. Now that my parents live there, we always have things going on, like chores and new "Stafford" activities. My parents have started going to Niffers a local restraunt for bingo night and trivia night. My mom won bingo once and took home $425 dollars, then we won trivia one night too, but you just get $40 off your bill on that night. So, on Friday morning we had to take part in the boat parade! yes, pontoons, sailboats, wood boats, canoes all join in a Sandy Creek 4th of July parade. Every family who enters has to decorate their boat however they want. Well, we just went tacky! Flagged everything, even Lucy and rode in the parade. One boat was called the Boat from Iwojima, and they had this really long flag pole, I think from their yard, and whenever they passed someone who out on the deck, they would pretend to be raising it like the memorial in DC of the men raising the flag! There was a paradise boat playing Jimmy Buffet and then our neighbors just had a boat of girls with green crowns and white gloves calling themselves the sweet potato girls. We didn't win anything for the parade but we were still in it.

We shot fireworks that night and then the next day was sod day. Yes, my husband, brother, his friend Kyle, and my nephew Austin laid sod all day long. I just laid out and watched, but it sure looked like tough work.

Now I am home and back in my nightmare of a house. But hopefully in two weeks we will be better than before!

Construction

2008-06-30T14:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this is my first attempt at blogging, and I do not doubt for one minute that anyone will ever find it useful, insightful, or even eventful to view the happenings of my life, my home or my work. But, here goes... About a week ago we started construction on our house. It is a great idea before you start tearing out tile, covering you life in plastic and living in a haze of dust that begins to cloud your sinuses and your vision, but soon enough, we were too far to turn back. So, those of you know me, realize that this is as close to a nightmare as I can get. I do not like things messy, dirty, out of place or even yes, somtimes control! However, with several different people including my father jumping in to help us, we have already seen a huge change in the structure and appearance of our house. Many lessons already learned, one being if you are hesitant to hire someone, or have heard that they are difficult, DON'T HIRE THEM! And then if you have a good feeling about someone, you will get what you need from them in the end, which makes the process much more pleasant.

Grant and I have made many important decisions together in our year and half of marriage, singularly our promise of marriage to one another, but in this short but draining remodeling project, we have had some difficult ones as well; like which tile to use, which tile man to use, what kind of floors we want and how much to spend on certain things. Sometimes him doing the physical work and me being the go-between of him, my dad, the people we hire to do work and all the other normal life things like work, food and the dog. Oh yes, Lucy. She has been quite disturbed by our progress. Not a barker, Lucy decides to start growling at our tile man one day. Something she has never done. She will occasionally bark if she is at the back door or if the FedEx man drops off a package and rings the door bell, but never unrelenting, howling barking. She would pace at night thinking some of these intruders still lurked around that she may have to attack. Yeah, right! I think she will be the most relieved when all of this is over. So far, we have ripped out a pantry and a wall, put up a new wall and moved a doorway, installed a new shower, retiled both bathrooms and had a privacy fence put up. We are only half way, maybe. We still have to have carpet and tile ripped up in the back of the house, new hardwoods put in, a shower door installed, new counter tops cut and installed, a butler's pantry put in, paint the kitchen and bathrooms and finally, clean out all of my junk and make our big back storage closet a laundry room. That might be my favorite part when all is said and done because going outside to begin, switch and haul in laundry lost it luster about 4 years ago!

So, I will keep posted, what our progress is, and then, when all is said and done I will post finished product pictures!

Whew.