Our Little Miracle

Disney World - Magic Kingdom

2012-01-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

Ready to experience a Magical Day

Carlee loved the Teacups

The castle was beautiful at night

Parade

Woody and Jessie

On Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride

Carlee driving the race car

A driver's license......NOT YET!

Teacups again

Meeting Peter Pan

Don't laugh!

Disney World - Animal Kingdom

2012-01-23T17:54:00.000-08:00

My Dad had a conference in Orlando and Mom was going with him and they graciously invited us to come with them. Of course, we said YES!!! Craig, unfortunately, was unable to come, but that just means we will have to go back with him. We went Dec 30th thru Jan 6th so all the Christmas decorations were still up.

Our 1st stop....

Ready to go

Seeing all the animals during our Kilimanjaro Safari tour - the real Simba and Nala (one of Carlee's favorite movies)

Waiting in line for the Dino-Rama ride

Papa and Cici on the Dino behind us

Carlee loved it

Her favorite part was the sand pit, digging for dinosaur bones - we could have stayed here all day

Waiting for Mickey's Jammin' Jingle Jungle Parade

Safari Minnie

My camera died during the parade. I made sure this didn't happen again. We saw so much at Animal Kingdom. We saw the Bird Show (Flights of Wonder), It's Tough to be a Bug, Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo - The Musical and so much more. It was a blast! I definitely think this was one of Carlee's most favorite days - see loved it all.

More pictures to come....having to separate them by days since there are so many pictures. Stay tuned....

School Pictures!

2012-01-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

These are a few months old, but better late than never. Carlee started a new daycare this past week. You can say we've had some daycare DRAMA! I get a call from a friend who also had a child at Cambridge on Dec. 27th saying, "What are you going to do?" My initial response was, "About what?" Cambridge is closing as of Jan 6th. As in closing for good. Keep in mind that Carlee and I were heading to Disney World Dec 30th and coming back Jan 6th, so that left me 2 days to find a new daycare. So I took the next day off and went to 6 or 7 different places. Obviously, several parents were also looking which was nice to get feedback from other parents on places they visited too. And the good news is, a lot of us picked the same place!!!! 5 other kids (some of Carlee's best friends from daycare) ended up transferring together. We a relief! The transition has been great and I've been very pleased - thank goodness!!

Christmas!

2012-01-06T13:49:00.001-08:00

Seeing the lights at the Cleburne park - they were beautiful

Carlee and cousin Cayden

Carlee and Aunt Carole

That's a sneaky look

Carlee and Cayden serenaded the Cheyne/Hix family before Christmas Eve dinner. They sang lots of Christmas songs and Carlee threw in the ABC's a few times

Getting ready to open presents

Carlee and Cayden with Meme and Pops

Cinderella Dress

Carlee got a horse and doll set - it is so cute and she loves it. Aunt Carole picks great gifts!

Cinderella doll

Look who came to Cici and Papa's house....SANTA!! And he brought an American Girl Bitty Baby doll, aka Lily. Lily also came with a stroller, clothes, backpack, blanket, and much more. Carlee loves Lily.

The plate Carlee and I made for both grandparents. Her little foot turned reindeer or moose.

Craig's not excited at all about his new "toy"

Floyd is not so sure about the little Maddy like puppy that walks and barks

Carlee and Margaux acting very silly. These girls had so much fun playing together. Too bad they only get to see each other a few times a year.

BFF

December is Here!

2011-12-16T19:33:00.000-08:00

All bundled up ready for daycare with backpack in tow

At the Baylor vs UT game - weather was definitely not the best, but the score was great.

At our Church Christmas Cantana

Christopher (will be 1 in Jan) and Carlee - so cute!!!

Kneeling to pray

Christmas Party and Book exchange at school

Carlee got a Disney Princess book which is perfect since we will be at Disney World in 15 days!!

Austin and Carlee - buddies!

All dressed up for the daycare Christmas Pageant - Carlee's class were all angels

Definitely not ready for the big screen - she cried the entire time.

But a cookie made it all better

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-12-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Carlee and Meme

Pops, Meme and Carlee

Carlee and Floyd

Carlee and Cici

Oh no...how to choose (Baylor or Tech). Obviously Baylor won.

Carlee and Uncle John

Papa and Carlee

We are so blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with both families. We had a great Thanksgiving weekend and praise God for our many blessings.

Party People!

2011-12-01T18:05:00.001-08:00

Colin, Carlee and Birthday Boy Joshua!
Carlee went to 2 birthday parties in 1 day. The 1st one was for Joshua. It seems like yesterday he was just born and now he is 1. I look forward to watching Carlee and Brianna bossing all you boys around!

Getting 3 kiddos to look at the camera all at once - impossible, so I posted multiple pics

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!

The 2nd party was for Cade - isn't that cake AMAZING!!! It was also his 1st birthday and I still remember every thing about the day he was born and was lucky enough to be at the hospital to meet him minutes after entering this world. I still laugh when I think about Cade's mom, Chelsey, calling me and having a 5 minute conversation before telling me, "I think my water broke a little while ago" My reaction, "And WHY are you JUST NOW telling me this?!?!"

Chelsey and her mom are so creative!

Cade's own special cake!

Happy 1st birthday Cade!!! I've enjoyed watching you grow up!

Party People!!!!

Carlee and Peyton - BFF

What Cuties!!!!

Halloween!

2011-11-02T17:41:00.001-07:00

Our little bumblebee

Austin and Carlee at the daycare Fall Festival - so serious!

More of Carlee's friends from her class - trying to get one 2 year old to look at the camera is a challenge, but multiple 2 year olds is impossible!

Playing games

Digging for spiders

Joseph and Carlee - SO CUTE!

Meme and Carlee on a hayride

Batman Cousin Cayden and Carlee

At the pumpkin patch

The bouncy house and slide were definitely the best part of the pumpkin patch

The slide was a huge hit!!!

Gutting the pumpkin before carving it.

All carved!

Trick or Treating with our neighbor friend, Lily!

Carlee was so excited about Trick or Treating and woke up halloween morning yelling, "I LOVE HALLOWEEN, I LOVE CANDY, I LOVE TRICK OR TREATING...WAHOOOOO!" It was hilarious.

Oct 2011

2011-10-25T18:15:00.001-07:00

I made this Rangers shirt for Carlee. I'm not a crafty person, so I was pretty proud of myself. She loved it and when I was putting it on her, she said, "Thank you Mommy!" Of course, we are super excited about the Rangers being in the World Series (again), but they are definitely making it an intense and stressful series.

Lovin' on Maddy. We just had a major scare with Maddy and ended up having to take her to the Animal Emergency Hospital because she accidently ate rat poisoning and lost 1/2 of her blood count and required a blood transfusion. She is actually in the process of getting it right now (prayers!). The vet said we are really luckily we didn't wait any longer to bring her in. Poor thing!!!

And hugs for Molly

Cici and Carlee reading books

The pumpkin I decorated for our office pumpkin decorating contest.

Picture day at daycare - what a cutie!!!!!

Big Girl Bed!!

2011-10-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Carlee is officially out of a nursery and into big girl furniture. We bought this pottery barn bed, dresser and nightstand from one of my good friends, Brynn. It was B's furniture in high school and college and a few years ago she bought nice new fancy furniture and has been storing this unsure what to do with it. The second she suggested she might sell it I jumped on it and said I would buy it. It is perfect for Carlee! We painted the room about a month ago since the walls were previously white and needed a color with white furniture. She has slept a full week on her big girl bed and has done a great job. She loves it. Her favorite part (besides jumping on it) is for me to lay down with her about an hour before she goes to bed and read LOTS of books. I'm going to have to start putting a limit on the # of books we read at night.

Uncle Cody chasing Carlee at Cousin Cayden's 5th birthday party at Jump Extreme Bounce House. Carlee was a little unsure about it at 1st but once I got in there with her for a little bit she got the hang of it and loved it.

Happy 5th Birthday Cayden!!!!

Carlee and Daddy after church at Highland Park UMC. Carlee got to see her friend Presley get baptized. What a special day!

Estes Park, CO - part 1

2011-09-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

In the airplane! Carlee was amazing. She did great during take off and landing and was perfect during the entire flight as well. What a relief.

In the Rocky Mountain National Park by the Continental Divide

Carlee and Papa

View in front of the house

Carlee playing putt putt for the 1st time. It was hilarious. She had so much fun and would go put the ball right by the hole and tap it in and yell, "I DID IT!" The best part was the next hole where there is an alligator and you putt the ball through the mouth and it goes out the tail - I was about to hit the ball and a chipmunk ran into the mouth and out the tail and Carlee thought it was the funniest thing and talked about it the rest of the trip. The chipmunk and Carlee were both very entertaining.

Big Bull Elk with all his cows aka wives or mistresses. He definitely has his hands full trying to keep up with that many women!!!

The Elk were definitely the highlight of the trip.

Going for a hike

Carlee loved seeing all the animals (elk, mule deer, pikas (squirrels, chipmunks), rabbits and tons of birds and dogs (Carlee found every Maddy, Molly and Floyd look alike). We promised her animals and we did not disappoint her. By the end of the trip she was spotting out elk and deer before we saw them.

Estes Park, CO - part 2

2011-09-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Craig, Dad and I went on a horseback ride inside the Rocky Mountain National Park

Carlee's new friend....Blackie. Thanks Cici!

View from The Stanley Resort

The Stanley Resort - it was the inspiration for the movie, "The Shining"

A little park just down the street from the house where we stayed

Cici and Carlee

Grand Lake

Elk just a few feet from us

Heading back home. It was a fabulous trip!!! Thank you so much to Cici and Papa for such a wonderful vacation!!!!

Baylor Football!

2011-09-07T17:36:00.001-07:00

All ready for the Baylor vs TCU game! I found this adorable pillow dress on Etsy.com - you can find anything there - it is dangerous. Carlee was definitely the fan favorite!!!!

Passed out during the 2nd half. She missed all the excitement!

Excited about gymnastics in her new leotard

Carlee's private theater. She is obsessed with the movie - Marmaduke. We watch it ALL the time.

Fun with Cici

Carlee's other obsession...playing games on the iPad and iPhone with her baby, Adi, of course. Tozzle is a must have game for toddlers!!!!

August fun!

2011-08-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Carlee started gymnastics this month and she is loving it. She especially loves jumping on the trampoline and into the foam pit. Watching her definitely makes me want to be a kid again. Too bad that don't let the parents jump with them.

Givin' the dogs some lovin'

Full of Smiles!

2011-08-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Lovin' the pool with Cici

What a good little mama

Ready to go back to the pool with her new Turtle and Lady Bug friends

All her babies taking naps with a book on each blanket - this is a common theme in our living room

Thanks for the cute outfit Chelsey!!! If only I could get these precious smiles during her yearly professional photo sessions with Kelly.

My Little Bumble Bee - check out the adorable shoes!!!!

4th of July weekend!

2011-07-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

At Craig's sister's house for their Annual 4th of July party

Carlee having a great time in the pool

All dried off and ready to watch fireworks...except we learned that Carlee is absolutely terrified of fireworks. Maybe next year.

Mom and Dad gave Carlee this pool for her birthday. She loves it!

Carlee and Cade!

2011-07-11T11:33:00.001-07:00

Carlee's the older woman...

but Cade's not scared to make the 1st move.

Carlee offers her hand

In for the kiss!

Annual 4th of July Parade at Daycare

2011-07-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Carlee and me with our sunday school friends, Mary and baby Colin!

Carlee's 2 year professional pics by Kelly!!!! (part 1)

2011-07-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

On of my best friend's, Kelly, was in Texas right around Carlee's 2nd birthday so of course I had to get her to take Carlee's pictures. We went to the Stockyards in Fort Worth and it turned out to be a great location. Carlee always gets in a very serious mood around the camera, but Kelly did a fabulous job!!! Check her out at www.kellysmithphotography.net

Carlee's 2 year professional pics by Kelly!!!! (part 2)

2011-07-04T11:36:00.001-07:00

Chicken dance

Carlee's 2 year professional pics by Kelly!!!! (part 3)

2011-07-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Silly Carlee!

2011-07-04T11:23:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

2011-07-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

I love my Daddy!!!

Party Decorations!

2011-06-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

I made the decorations for the party with the help from Etsy, where I got the ideas. I love that website.

Happy 2nd Birthday Carlee (part 1)

2011-06-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's my Party!!!

Peyton and Presley - aren't they just adorable?!?! I tried for 10 minutes to try and get this picture rotated and it was just not having it, so sorry you will have to turn your head.

Don't get any ideas Mom...Presley is precious, but Carlee doesn't need a sibling just yet.

A serious game of horseshoes - Pops and Cousin Jake

Uncle John playing some horseshoes

Jennifer and Miss Lauren

Lauren makes great poses for the camera

Opening presents

The Cakes!

Happy Birthday to you!

Yeah Carlee for blowing out the candle!!!!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Carlee!!! (Part 2)

2011-06-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Carlee and Madeline having an after party

LOVE these girls!!!

What a great birthday party!!!! Thanks to all my friends!

Carlee 2 year pics - Sneak Peek!

2011-06-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Check out this link to see a sneak peek of Carlee's professional pictures!! Kelly always does an amazing job! Carlee of course gets extremely serious and shy around the camera. Everytime Kelly is around Carlee, she is so quite and soft spoken, if only Kelly could see the REAL Carlee, which is full of smiles and personality and definitely not quite - that girl is full of chatter, of course...she's my daughter!

http://kellysmithphotography.net/blog/2011/06/miss-c-2-years-old-fort-worth-texas-photographer/

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

Carlee, Margaux and Charlotte got together for a playdate at Bee Creek Park

Happy Birthday Cici!!!!!!

Cute outfit from Gymboree - thanks Cici!

Where's the turtle?

Fossil Rim

2011-05-08T14:28:00.001-07:00

We went to Fossil Rim in Glen Rose this weekend. Carlee loved seeing and getting to feed all the animals. The only part she was unsure about was when they stuck their entire head into the vehicle.

Brushing the goat

Getting ready to see the Giraffes

Happy Mother's Day!!!

The Cheetah's were caged in, thankfully

That was exhausting!

All dressed up

2011-05-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Straight from a Gymboree catalog

Jonathan and Kaci Savell's wedding - it was absolutely beautiful!

Easter continued...

2011-05-01T14:01:00.001-07:00

Meme and Carlee

Pops helping Carlee find more easter eggs

Carlee and Cousin Cayden

Happy Easter!

2011-05-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Bed head to the extreme

Silly Papa and Carlee

The Easter Bunny left a stuffed bunny - Carlee wasn't sure about it at first, it looked a little too real to her

Carlee and Cici

Carlee, Cici and Papa

Daycare Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with her friends

Hugs!

Racing to find easter eggs

This is so much fun

There's more over there!!!!!

Eating the jelly beans. The chocolate was melted so it is currently in our fridge.

The daycare also had an egg hunt for the parents and I got 2 eggs with $25 off and 1 egg with $50 off tuition!!! Wahooooo....$100 off! That's half a weeks worth, that puts it into perspective, but we'll take it!

22 months!

2011-04-17T13:36:00.001-07:00

Showing off her cute outfit from Meme!

Carlee is growing like a weed. I can't wait for her 2 year old appointment to see all her stats. I measured her the other day and she was 34 inches tall - this puts her in the 70th percentile! She has grown 3 inches in 3 months....no wonder she is eating like crazy.

Fun at the Park!

2011-04-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

"You can't make me smile" face

Feeding the ducks is exhausting

A game of peek-a-boo around the tree finally helped me captured a smile

Potty Training!

2011-04-02T14:27:00.001-07:00

Excited about her way too big, Big girl panties with Minnie Mouse. They don't make panties or pull ups for 20 lb 21 month olds. I think I've found a hole in the toddler market. I see a business opportunity here.

Carlee's Princess Potty (it even sings and cheers for her which makes it much more entertaining)

Carlee moved to the 2 year old classroom this week, which means potty training time. She has been talking about it for a while, but I haven't wanted to push and/or rush her so we are taking this training very casually. She is starting to get the hang of it and will occassionally say that she needs to go potty and actually goes in the Princess Potty, but we still have a long way to go. I'm not sure why people rush to get them potty trained, changing diapers seems sooooo much easier!

Feeding the Ducks

2011-03-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Papa and Carlee feeding the ducks

Papa, Carlee and Cici having a great time at the park and feeding the ducks

Buddies! Carlee adores her Papa

A big smile for the end of a fun day!!!

Happy 21 months!!

2011-03-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm mean, but it is too funny not to post. She did have pigtails, but she pulled them out and this was the end result...a cute Troll Doll.

Carlee goes to the Zoo!

2011-03-15T16:55:00.001-07:00

Not a bad way to walk thru the zoo...she was about eye level with the giraffes

Papa and Cici enjoying the zoo with Carlee

Showing off my picture taking abilities

I can't even begin to describe how much Carlee LOVED the zoo. The animals fascinated her. The facial expressions she made were hilarious - next time I will definitely take a camcorder to capture her amazement to see these animals in person and not just on tv.

Happy 20 months!

2011-02-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday's best

Happy (or not so happy) Valentine's Day!

Cheeeeseeeeee.....

Buddies

FW Livestock and Rodeo

2011-02-17T18:49:00.001-08:00

Eating Cotton Candy while in a trance. Carlee didn't move for the entire 2 hours of the rodeo. She was fascinated with all the animals. When the horses, calves or bulls would leave the arena she would put her hands up and say, "where did they go." And then she would point to the bull pin aka buckin' shoots and watch them come out and would get so excited. It was so cute.

Not scared of the goat eating out of her hands

Carlee is such an animal lover - maybe she will be a vet.

Snow Day!

2011-02-17T18:31:00.001-08:00

All suited up and ready to go

Brrrrr...

Tractor Ride with Pops!

2011-02-01T16:30:00.001-08:00

Hanging out with Meme and Pops at the farm. Carlee takes her 1st tractor ride with Pops. She wasn't scared at all.

Carlee said her 1st big sentence this weekend. She said, "I want to color." Wowsers...sentences really??? I couldn't believe it. She is growing up so fast. January has been a little on the rough side with 2 double ear infections, a viral infection causing a high fever of 103 and a nasty cold, so hopefully, February will be better. Carlee was a party animal in Jan attending 4 baby showers (1 each weekend) - we are very excited about all these new friends!!

19 months old

2011-01-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

Just like Papa

Carlee wanted everyone to wear a hat

Carlee with Aunt Callie

Callie, Staci and me at Staci's baby shower

Dancing with Cici

Strolling around her new doll, Macie

A pack-n-play, boppy and activity set for Macie

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T12:53:00.001-08:00

Carlee and Cade ringing in the new year together during the Texas Tech bowl game.

Carlee just kept giving Cade hugs. It was so cute.

Playing with Cade's toys

Carlee's new kitchen from Santa

Helping Daddy rake the leaves

We hope your 2011 is full of joy!!!

Christmas Day at the Millers

2010-12-29T16:00:00.001-08:00

Hanging out with Cici and Papa

Lovin' up next to Uncle John

Look what Santa brought Miss Carlee...

Are all these cookies for me??? Carlee ate about 6 chocolate chips cookies on Christmas day, so it was no surprise that she didn't take a nap.

Carlee and Cici having tea on Carlee's new table and chairs

Carlee doing a magic trick

Cute new outfit!

More Uncle John lovin'

Snuggling up with Cici.

Carlee and Margaux having a tea party

The 3 musketeers...Margaux, Charlotte and Carlee

We had such a great time at my parents house. Carlee was completely and utterly spoiled by both families, but she loved every minute of it. I can't think of a better Christmas than this one. We are so lucky to have both families live only a few hours away from each other so we can spend this wonderful holiday with everyone.

My next post will be in 2011 ~ Happy New Year!!!!

Christmas Eve at the Cheynes

2010-12-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

Little monkey loves climbing on tables

Pouty face

Going on a walk with Meme

Watching a movie with Pops

Cousin Cayden acting like Popeye

We had such a wonderful Christmas Eve with Craig's family. God has truly blessed our lives and our families!

Little 18 month old Monkey!

2010-12-19T11:45:00.001-08:00

Carlee and Cici having a great weekend together. I'm pretty sure Carlee wore Mom out!

Learning how to ride on the motorized car. She loved it. We were practicing for Christmas - Santa might bring something very similar.

Hanging out with Meme

Carlee had her 18 month well baby check up last week. She weighs 19 lbs 4 oz (2nd percentile) and was 31 inches tall (40th percentile) and her little pumpkin head stayed in the 3rd percentile. Mom got out my baby book to compare our measurements and we were only 1 oz difference, but I was a little taller (31.75 inches). I hate to break it to her, but she just isn't going to be tall, but professional gymnasts aren't so that is ok! =)

Carlee is talking up a storm. She says new words constantly. We were eating dinner at Cooper's BBQ on Friday and during dinner she randomly said Ice and Beans. She also started saying Carlee this weekend, but I'm not sure she knows that it is her name because when I ask her what her name is, she says Maddy. And truthfully, if I didn't already have a spoiled dog named Maddy that might have acutally been her name, but 2 Maddy's would have been way too much!

Our Little Russian Doll and Gardner

2010-12-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Carlee on her own little adventure...little miss independent

Little Craigina...fixin' up the flower beds

Busted!!!

Teasing the dogs with her snacks

Ready to go out and help momma and daddy put up the christmas lights

Horticulturist maybe?!?!

Let me out!!!! I promise I won't eat any more leaves or dirt.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-12-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

Carlee showing off her downward dog yoga moves.

Trying to do a somersault all by herself. She is a little gymnast.

Playing in the leaves (lots and lots of them!!!)

Carlee and Madeline having a playdate

"Seriously Mom...you are embarrassing me!"

Cousin Cayden showing Carlee how to eat food like a grown-up

Carlee and Cayden playing in the house that Pops built

Carlee and Meme

Family pics

2010-11-23T17:11:00.001-08:00

Love Carlee's crazy hair blowin' in the wind

Our dear friend, Katharine, graciously came and took our family pictures that we needed for our Christmas card. She did such a great job (as you can tell by the number of pictures I just posted - I couldn't choose)!!! It was a little (or a lot) windy outside, but we fought through it. And Carlee was is a great mood and full of smiles. We had such a fun time being outside and I'm so glad Katharine got to capture all the moments of our happy little girl. You might be seeing several of these pictures again, but I just couldn't wait to post them.

A little Girlie Girl!

2010-11-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

Carlee wouldn't leave the house without her purse and babydoll. Notice the size of the purse? She is taking after her mother...the bigger the purse the better.

Yes, Carlee is wearing a Juciy Couture hoody (and no I don't have one, so yes, my daughter is wearing more high fashion clothes than me and yes, I am jealous!)

Carlee's 1st intentional smile for the camera. I asked and she produced - if only she would do that all the time.

17 months old!!!!

2010-11-16T17:11:00.001-08:00

Very excited about getting to eat an Oreo...who wouldn't?!?!

The proof is on her face.

Carlee is a hoarder and loves to carry multiple things in her arms/hands at one time. She will carry as many things as she possibly can. These 3 dolls are all about the same size as Carlee so it was very funny to watch her carry them around.

Carlee's funny face. I was trying to get a picture of her shirt because I love the saying...It's really simple. I am a Princess. Momma is a Queen and Daddy is really lucky.

Trying to escape thru the doggie door.

My friend, Chelsey, had her baby on Friday Nov. 5th. We were actually suppose to go shopping at the Chi-O Christmas market that afternoon, but she called Thursday evening to tell me her water broke. Thank goodness it didn't happen while we were shopping!! I was lucky enough to get to spend the day with her and her family at the hospital and get to see Cade just minutes after he was born. Carlee and I went to visit them the day they got home. Carlee reminded us several times that Cade was a baby.

Congratulations to the Groves family!!!!!! Cade is precious!!!!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T19:25:00.001-07:00

What a cute family!!!

We went over to my sister-in-law's house for halloween. Their street was having a big block party with food, bouncy houses, hay rides and all. Carlee having a blast on the trampolean.

Craig having to pull Carlee off the trampolean and with much distraction we finally got her away from it.

A powder puff QB in the making!

Cousin Cayden dressed as his Uncle Kyle (#64 for UT)

We went over the Chelsey and Gregg's house Saturday night to watch the Baylor/UT game (Sic'em Bears!!!) and the Rangers game. Chelsey is 39 weeks, due Nov 9th, and she looks fantastic!!! I wanted to see her one last time before sweet baby Cade enters this world, and while he is taking his precious time and enjoying the cozy little home he has now, the rest of us are getting anxious to meet him.

The adorable nursery, ready and waiting for Cade

Carlee was being a big help and testing out all of Cade's toys to make sure they were safe and ready to use.

What?!?!...A post not about Carlee

2010-10-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

We had a Pumpkin Decorating Contest at work and my pumkin came in 3rd place!!! It is 2-sided with the ballplayer on 1 side and the baseball on the other.

The winning pumpkin...A piggy bank...so cute!

Fall Festival at Cambridge Academy

2010-10-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Our little ballerina

Carlee and her little buddy Austin!

Below: Carlee with all her teachers. She just loves them and had to get all of them hugs.

16 months!

2010-10-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Carlee's twin!!!

2010-10-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Mom and I were at Toys R Us the other day and they had all their halloween costumes on display and we both instantly stopped simultanously and said, "That looks just like Carlee!" I just can't get over the similarities, but I have to say...Carlee is cuter!

Playtime and lots of new toys!

2010-10-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Carlee and I were in CS this weekend and Cici and Papa bought her a lot of new big girl toys.

She loves her piano, especially the microphone

Molly is such a trooper and lets Carlee ride on her back just like the elephant and horse. Carlee will even grab Molly's ears like she is holding the handle bars.

Papa pushing Carlee on the swing - she LOVES it!!!

Going down the slide like a big girl - with Papa's help of course

Carlee's new kitchen

My little Russian Doll

Carlee pics!

2010-09-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Carlee's new favorite toy!

Making her newly learned fish face.

Bottom picture: not happy with the rain boots, 5 minutes later (top picture), lovin' the rain boots and won't take them off.

Where's Carlee?

Chelsey's Baby Shower

2010-09-27T18:00:00.001-07:00

Adorable diaper wreath (no, I didn't make it...I'm not that creative)

I had the wonderful pleasure and honor of hosting a baby shower for my dear friend Chelsey. I have known Chelsey since 5th grade when she moved to College Station and unfortunately, she had to move away our Sophmore year in HS, but we both ended up at Texas Tech and then in Dallas and have become closer and closer through the years. Chelsey was such a blessing while I was in the hospital with Carlee and she came and visisted me almost daily. I am so excited that Carlee will have a new friend very soon. Chelsey is due the 1st of Nov. with baby boy, Cade! We can't wait to meet him.

Playing a game!

My wonderful mother came up to help me get ready for the shower, mainly by taking care of Carlee. I could not have done it without her!

A diaper cake that has the same colors and animals of Baby Cade's mobile. The decorations were all based off Cade's nursery.

Chelsey is due in early Nov., but we joked that she should go ahead and buy a halloween costume, just in case!!! Her response, "NO, Cade's birthstone can't be pink!!!" Never say can't...Craig said we can't have 2 gemini's in our house (Carlee's estimated due date was July 18th making her a Cancer - June 21-July 22nd) - surprise, Carlee's birthday June 15th - yup you named it...GEMINI (May 21-June 20th).

One of the bumpers on the crib - so cute!

A blanket made from all the fabrics in Cade's nursery!

15 months and growing!

2010-09-19T12:50:00.001-07:00

No, she does not have a really bad fake tan - it's ravioli that Carlee proceeds to rub all over her head. Even a bid wouldn't help this cause.

Carlee turned 15 months on the 15th and is she changing daily. It is amazing how quickly she is picking up new words or commands. New words include: book, shoe, light, door, bow and go, to name a few. Yesterday, she was eating apple jacks out of a little baggie and the dogs were following her around the house hoping to get some and Carlee finally pointed her finger at Maddy and said NO!

Carlee now weighs 18 lbs 3 oz (3rd percentile) and is over 30 inches tall (50th percentile). She grew over 3 inches in 3 months!!! No wonder all her dresses are barely covering her booty! She has also moved into an actual percentile for her head - She is out of the zero-ith and into the 3rd. She is just a growing girl.

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T15:15:00.001-07:00

Craig, Carlee and I went to Cranfills Gap this weekend to hang out with his parents and go to the Baylor football game on Saturday. The game was at 6pm so we decided to kill time that afternoon and go to Hamilton and just walk around and see the town square. Little did we know it was Dove Fest with a parade and lots of activities. Craig decided to call one of his friends from college, Andy Cunningham, who married a girl from Hamilton (they actually got married while I was in the hospital so only Craig got to go to the wedding, but I heard all the fun stories) to see if they were in town and sure enough they were, so we got to hang out with Andy and Megan - what a fun surprise.

Another great surprise...my very good friend Staci's cousin lives in Hamilton and I text her to see if Christina and her triplets were at the fair and before Staci responded we ran into them. The triplets are about to turn 2 - they are so cute!

Hanging out at the Gap!

The Gap house

Getting ready for the football game!

Carlee blowing kisses

Still blowing kisses

Learning how to sic' em!

While walking into the Baylor stadium Craig spotted Ekpe Udoh (not too difficult - he is 6'10 after all). Ekpe played for Baylor last year and was the #6 NBA 2010 draft pick to the Golden State Warriors. So Craig called out his name like he knew the guy, Hey Ekpe, and Ekpe turned around and shook Craig's hand (probably thinking to himself, do I know this guy) and then Craig asked if he could get a picture with his daughter and Ekpe said yes. What a great way to start the evening!!!

Carlee's 1st football game!!!!

Carlee and Pops

It was a packed stadium and even though it wasn't my alma mater, it was fun to be at a football game and we even got to see Baylor win. Carlee did great. She enjoyed waving to everyone around her and getting lots of attention.

Carlee absolutely loves being outdoors and wanted to walk around and explore the place. Luckily, there is 20 acres for her to explore so she won't get bored anytime soon.

Carlee joining Molly while sun bathing

Family Picture???

2010-08-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

When I went to pick Carlee up from daycare this afternoon the teacher handed me homework. How fun - Carlee's 1st homework assignment! Except the assignment was 1) draw a picture of Carlee (does she mean a stick figure picture??? because I most certainly have no drawing skills) and 2) bring a family picture (which seems easy enough except our last family picture was for our 2009 Christmas cards taken in November of 2009 - yes that's right almost 10 months ago!!!!!). And since I didn't want Carlee to fail her 1st assignment, I had to come up with a quick solution - thanks to the 10 second timer on my camera and a lot of cropping - we got a family photo. NOTE TO SELF: NEW GOAL - take more family pictures!

Hair Hair Everywhere!

2010-08-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

Carlee's 1st pigtails!!!! Carlee's daycare teacher put these in her hair - so cute!!!

Look at all that hair! I prayed long and hard that Carlee would not inherit my hair genes, and while she does have more hair than I did when I was four and it's not even close to having the frizz that I did, but bottom line she has my hair!!! I'm sorry sweetheart! Luckily, she won't have to wait until her junior year of college to be introduced to a hair straightener and lots of anti-frizz products that I pay big bucks for, but worth every penny! So Carlee there is good news for you and your hair!

Bowl for Pirates of the Chisholm Trail

2010-08-31T18:52:00.001-07:00

Carlee and Kim - Kim's company sponsored a team for a charity bowl-a-thon and she asked for volunteers. I LOVE bowling - I don't get to do it often, but if the opportunity comes up, I'll take it and especially with a good cause for Junior Achievement. Every year they pick a new theme and this year was obviously pirates. There were definitely some impressive outfits. And Kim was so thoughtful and even brought a pink pirate hat for Carlee.

Carlee and Buddy Ben!

Happy or Not so Happy 14 months!

2010-08-18T15:46:00.001-07:00

Carlee turned 14 months on Sunday and we were having a great day...

I was sharing my oh so yummy frozen lemondae (from buger street) with Carlee and she loved it...

...UNTIL...

... I took it away from her because she was flinging lemonade all over the house with the straw. She proceeded to throw herself on the floor and cry hysterically. Yes, sweet little Carlee threw her first tantrum. I couldn't believe it. You might ask, "What did you do?" And I know now that I should have walked away, but at that moment I was in such shock that my daughter was throwing a tantrum. I mean I knew she would throw one at some point, but I just wasn't expecting it to happen at that moment. So I stood there 1) asking her if that was really necessary and 2) trying not to laugh and 3) grabbed my camera of course!!!!

And we are still crying! I must admit, it is really really good frozen lemonade, but not thowing yourself on the floor and acting like the world is going to end good.

What a sad and pitiful face!!!

The piano turned out to be a good distraction.

Carlee goes to the Ringling Bros. Circus!

2010-08-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Impressed with the elephants...

That's pretty cool!

Carlee LOVED the cotton candy and she should...it cost $12!!!!! It did come with a cool "Harry Potter" hat though - see below.

The Cheyne clan...Kim and Chris with cousins Jake and Emma and Meme and Pops with Carlee. Carole, Cody and cousin Cayden were with us too, but they were getting some fun, but WAY over-priced toys during intermission.

My camera died so this is all I got ~ sorry! Carlee enjoyed the circus, but enjoyed the cotton candy even more. I'm just glad that she actually slept last night and wasn't on a complete sugar high!

Carlee goes to THE Rangers game!

2010-08-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Craig's company got a suite for the Rangers game and we decided to take Carlee since we would have AC. This was Carlee's 1st game ever and my 1st game this season. Craig and I used to have season tickets and went to about 14 games a year, but we didn't get them this year and of course the Rangers are having a GREAT year (in 1st place)!!! This game against the Red Sox was the best game EVER (per Craig). The Rangers were down by 6 and finally tied it up in the 8th and then went on to play 11 innings before Nelson Cruz hit a home run to get the W for the Rangers!

Carlee was a girl on the go ALL night long. She loved climbing up and down the steps (luckily only 3 of them), walking back and forth between the row of seats and playing with all the peanut shells on the floor. She lasted the entire game - did I mention they played 11 innings!!! At the top of the 11th I started rocking her and she was starting to close her eyes - I was rocking her to ACDC She Shook Me All Night Long and then it was the Rangers turn to bat (bottom of the 11th) and the 1st pitch Cruz hit the home run and the crowd went wild and Carlee was wide awake.

Showing off her dance moves!

Just showing off....

Walking out of the stadium - she was one exhausted girl. But then we walked outside and the fireworks started going off so she woke up for a brief moment to watch the fireworks, but went back to sleep instantly.

Happy 60th Birthday Papa!

2010-08-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Carlee helping Papa make pancakes...what a great sou chef. Carlee loves Papa!!!!!

Carlee and Papa - We went home last weekend to celebrate my parent's 36th wedding anniversary and Papa's 60th birthday!

Carlee doing a little wisking

She loves playing in the kitchen with anything and everything.

And the bow comes off

So happy to be bowless...

Carlee and Uncle John. Carlee found a Russian Doll that Dad brought me when I was a little girl from where else...Russia. She played with it all weekend.

Carlee found a comfortable place to sit during Dad's birthday party. I was about Carlee's age (a a little younger) when I first met Mrs. Harris - our families have been great friends for 28 years.

Cici and Carlee dancing

Carlee exhausted after a morning swim at the pool. Carlee is getting more and more comfortable in the pool and she would even step off the side into my arms - we aren't quite jumping into the pool yet, but stepping in is a great start.

Briefly coloring Elmo, although she really prefers to eat the Crayons.

On our way back home on Sunday, we got to stop at Craig's parents farm and see Meme and Pops.

Carlee and Pops checking out the view.

More coloring

Carlee pics...of course!

2010-08-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

This one goes in the blackmail pile...this will be perfect for graduation pictures and wedding slideshow (in 30 years!!!)

So proud to be drinking from a straw!

What a big girl!

Winking with both eyes!

This kept Carlee busy for 30+ minutes. She loved pulling the straw out and putting it back in until she realized she could turn the cup over and bite off the styrofoam...it was fun while it lasted.

Wearing her new backpack from Aunt Chelsey and Uncle Gregg!