"Rory fought the Law Stacking Blocks and the Law Blocks Won"

This should be great for all our Christams pictures this year.  Needless to say, we have put the stacking blocks up for a while.

***Sorry for the picture quality...it is a cell phone picture.

Twas the Night Before Christmas...Mom Style

I found this and thought that it was pretty funny.  Enjoy!


'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only 1 creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads.
Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee.

So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.

He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."

"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone
A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."

Then out walked the clone -
The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes,
same stubborn chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly,
I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."

"Hey," the mom smiled,
"She sure knows her part."
The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.

"You're the best Mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too.
"The mom frowned and said,
"Sorry, Santa, no deal.That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."

Smiling wisely, Santa said:
"To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."
The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.

"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget,
it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side, Santa said:
"Goodnight.Merry Christmas, dear Mom,
you'll be all right."

THE PARTY!

I know, it took me long enough to get these pictures posted right?  Well, better late than never! 

We started out the morning when Rory got up with her first present.  She really couldn't have cared less about the contents, but she thought that the wrapping paper was pretty fun.  Ruby hung around because she thought that there might be food involved. 

Kevin and I got Rory one of those cute little chairs from Pottery Barn.  At first, Rory didn't know what to do with it, she just kind of stood there and stared at it.  Once we turned on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and sat her in it, she thought it was pretty great!  She has since decided that it is really much better for standing in.  What can I say, she is persistant.

 

I knew from the get-go that I wanted to do a "Some-Bunny" party.  I also knew from the get-go that I wanted cupcakes with green "grass" icing and rabbit picks in the tops.  I couldn't find what I wanted for pics so, 1 online picture of a bunny for a pattern, 3 different scrapbook papers, card stock and a bag of sucker sticks later and...Voila' bunny pics for the bunny party.

 

 

Naturally, Rory had her own cake. Kitty made her cake and it turned out REALLY cute. 

 

I debated back and forth over what she would wear to the party...smocked, not smocked, dress, pants, tutu, no tutu...it was a big decision.  Ultimately, we went for comfort over fashion.  I had picked her up a bunny T-shirt from White Flowers and I already had her tutu and the bunny boots from White Flowers were a gift at her shower, so we threw together this little ensemble and called it a success.

 

"Mom, can I just have my cake now?"  Once everyone got there, Rory got a bit overwhealmed.  After all, we had 32 people there!

 

When Davis and Brock got there, Rory got so excited to see "Bock."  She hugged on him and kept hanging on to his sweater and repeating his name over and over.  Brock and Davis are SO good with her.  Brock is hilarious, he is always telling her to be careful becuse she is "too tiny to play with this toy" or that she is "so small, I have to take care of her."  They are good boys and I am so glad that they love her so much...the feeling is mutual!

 

We really are blessed with such great friends and families!  Everyone that came, packed and bundled up their families and drove in the nasty weather to be at Rory's party.  You guys have no idea how great it made me feel to see all of our great family and friends that love us (and Rory) so much that you guys would make the special effort to be there when it mattered!  Thank you so much!

Candi, Wes and Aubrey.  Aubrey was not impressed with the party festivities...she sure is cute though!

 

Hey Kate! 

 

Colleen and Candi, thank you SO much for travelling 2 hours in the rain, sleet and freezing cold with little ones to come to Rory's party!  I know that it is not easy to get out of the house on a beautiful, sunny, warm day with little ones, let alone the nasty day that it was the day of the party!  It really means so much to me that you guys would make the special effort to come and share Rory's birthday!  You guys really are the greatest. 

 

And now....THE CAKE!  At first, I don't think that Rory realized that it was for eating.  She was all about digging in and making a huge mess, but she eventually figured it out!

 

 

It was EVERYWHERE!  When she started putting it down her pants, I knew that cake time was over.  We made a quick trip to the bathtub and we were good to go again.

 

This is actually later that night, after everyone had gone home.  My Mom and Tim got her a tricycle and at first, she was a bit afraid of it, but by the end of the night (and after watching all the kiddos ride it at the party) she was beginning to get interested in it.  She really likes the little headlight on the front.  She still won't let us sit her on it, but at least she will go near it now.  She straddles the back wheel and bounces up and down like she wants to ride it.  I know that once she figures it out, she will be all over it though, probably by the Spring.

 

Well, that is it for the party...are you guys still with me? 

1 year.

Well Rory, I didn't post a post on your birthday because I didn't want to miss a minute of your big day.  I can't believe that it has already been a year.
After you went to bed last night, I went in an prayed over your bed, just like I have done since before you were born.  I thanked God for the gift of you.  I thanked God for every sleepless night, every time I rocked you in the rocker, every time that I put that pacie back in your mouth, every minute of every day.  I told him how much I loved you, how I could never have imagined how wonderful my life would be.  1 year ago, we became a family, and it was the best moment of my life.  In a millisecond I became a different person, I was now Rory's Mommy.  You are magical my sweet girl!  Pure, innocent magic. 
Yesterday, I caught myself watching you.  I could see it in your face, you were so happy.  I hope that you always look for the wonder in the world around you.  Seeing that sweet smile makes my heart leap and dance. The Thursday night before your birthday, I waited for you to fall asleep in your bed and I snuck in your room and scooped you up in my arms.  I sat down in the rocker next to your bed and held you in my arms and rocked you, just like I did the first night that we brought you home.  We sat there and rocked and rocked and rocked.  I closed my eyes and inhaled the sweet smell of your hair and kissed your soft baby skin.  I thought to myself that I don't ever want to forget the sweet smell of your hair and the feel of your skin against mine.  I sat there and willed time to slow down, I could have stayed there and rocked you forever, just you and I my precious tiny girl.  You are such a gift my sweet girl, I hope that you know how much your Daddy and I love you.  You truely are a gift. 
We have been given such a huge responsibility in raising you.  I pray Rory Meredith that your Daddy and I can be an adequate example of God's love and mercy.  I pray that God surround you and keep you safe.  I pray that God keep our little family healthy and safe and bless us with many more birthdays with you.  You will always be my sweet tiny girl, my little miracle.  I love you to the moon and back and three bags full. 

Love,
Mommy

1 year ago today.

One year ago today, I went to the Dr. for what had become my bi-weekly blood pressure check and NST (non-stress test) and ultrasoud.  My blood pressure was OK, but still high.  My doctor said that she thought that the benefits of waiting were really not applicable since I was 38 weeks already and asked I wanted to be induced on the 11th.  I, obviously, said  yes!  I remember calling Kevin and meeting him for lunch at the Mexican Restaurant close to our house.  I can remember us talking about this being the last time that we would eat out just the 2 of us.  It is weird, it seems so long ago, but then again, not so long ago as well. 

At my appt on 12/9/08, I was 0cm, not effaced, not thinned out, nothing...I think that my Dr's exact words were "tight as a steel trap."  She gave us very little hope of a regular delivery and I can remember thinking "Whatever, I just want this baby out, I am ready to meet her!"  Little did we know that in just 2 days, all of that would change.  I can't believe that my teeny tiny baby is going to be 1.  It has really been the best year of my life, she is such a gift and I am still amazed that she is ours! 

Rory's First Christmas parade

This weekend Rory and I went to the Christmas parade with our babysitter S and her mother.  Old Town Helena is so pretty all decorated up for Christmas.  It was COLD so we had Rory all bundled up.  She enjoyed the parade but only made it through about 1/2 before she fell asleep.

 

 

 

 

 

T Minus 9 Days

Most of you have already seen this, but I figured that I would post it here as well!  I can't believe that my little bitty baby is almost 1...I think that I am going to be sick!

Since we have PLENTY of toys for Miss Bee to play with, we are asking everyone to bring a book to donate to the local library in honor of Rory's Bday.  Each invitation included a little piece of paper with this  printed on it:

Come one and all to the party
Of our special birthday smartie

In lieu of gifts to clog the floor,

Heaven knows we don’t need more!

Bring a book or two or three

To donate to the library

In our sweet girl’s honor we will donate

All the books brought on her birthdate

Hope that you guys can make it!  It is going to be a Hoppin' good time!

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa (aka Ho Ho),
I like to look at you on our Christmas tree and point to you in my books.  Mommy thought that I might like to meet you in person and tell you what I want for Christmas.  I really liked talking to you while Mommy was holding me and I liked telling you "Hi Dere" and waving.  But then you took it too far Ho Ho, I do not like to sit in your lap.  When you asked what I wanted for Christmas, I told  you "Mama" and I meant it.  Seeing as I already have my Mama, your services are no longer needed.  I am content to talk to you on the tree or in the books from now on.  Don't worry about my house for Christmas Ho Ho, I have all that I need already. 
Sincerely,
Rory

Better luck next year Santa!

Catch up!

I have been a horrible blogger, I know.  So here is a quick update on what has been going on and also on Thanksgiving.

This picture pretty much sums up what has been going on and also explains why I have been MIA lately. 

We went to Decatur this year for Thanksgiving and for the 1st time in my life, I was at the adult table.  Every year before, I was just a progressively nicer kids table, you know, the table got bigger, but still all the same people, just older than the year before.  This year kevin and I sat at the adult table, not because we are adults, but because we transported the most important person to the festivities.  Rory was of course seated with the adults and Kevin and I, by default, were too.  She had her own little place setting complete with place card and Sterling Silver Cup and Spoon.  Don't worry, she isn't spoiled or anything!

I was VERY glad that both Mama Sue (my MOther's mother) and PeePaw (Dad's Dad) were able to be there and even more glad that I managed to remember to get a picture of Rory with each of them.  She is a lucky, lucky girl and I can attest to the fact that they  think that she is pretty much the best thing ever.  Not that I disagree!

I am including this one since it is just too cute not to.  Rory was all about walking around and Sarah Grace was more than happy to satisfy her need to roam.  Thanks Sarah!

I had to include a picture of one of "my babies" with my baby.  It doesn't seem that long ago that they were this little.  Now, they are almost 15, wow I can't believe it!

Growing up, I always had a dress for Christmas and of course, Mom always saved them.  I knew that I wanted a dress for Rory for Christmas that was all her own.  I didn't want one, however, that was the traditional red and green since she will also have mine, which is red and green.  Mom mentioned that she had an angel plate that she always wanted to smock for me, and just never did it.  I knew that it would be perfect. Well, the idea blossomed from there and she decided to make her a coat too.  It turned out really well and I couldn't be happier.  Rory looks like such a little angel in it and the coat and hat make her look like a little china doll.

Well, that is all for now.  I am busily preparing for Rory's 1st Birthday.  Uhh, can't believe it has been a year. It has been the best year of my life, we are so blessed to be her parents, so, so blessed!

11 months

11 months...it just doesn't seem possible.  We went to the Botanical Gardens today and I was amazed at how big you looked standing there looking at all God's creation.  I hope, sweet girl, that you will stop and see the wonder that God has created around you, I hope that you will always love to laugh, I hope that you will always know how much your Daddy and I love you.  You truely are our miracle, Rory Meredith.  We are so blessed to watch you grow.  Could you do us a favor though, and slow down?

 

 

Just a second

• I have asked you all to pray for Sweet Stellan before and so I will renew that request. Stellan is in a fight for his sweet little life right now. He was just taken into surgery with the hope of a resolution of his SVT without catastrophic repercussions. Please take a second and say a prayer for this sweet baby, his sweet Mama who just had to put her sweet baby boy on a bed to be wheeled away without knowing if it is the last time that she would see his sweet precious face this side of heaven, and his anxious father who is boarding an airplane to get to Boston as soon as possible so that he can be with his wife and baby and for the doctors who are quite literally Stellan's only earthly hope at this point.
• God, be with Stellan and his Mom and Dad. Guide the surgeons hands, may they be your hands, in healing Stellan's sweet little heart. Bring Stellan through the surgery with results so miraculous that only you can be credited. Place your angels as a hedge of protection around this family, and all those involved with Stellan's care.
• UPDATE: Stellan's surgery was a success, he is SVT free. He is not out of the woods yet, they are having some trouble with bloodflow to his right leg. Please pray that bloodflow can be restored and he will come through just fine.

Ten on Tuesday--Wednesday

1. It is November already, I don't even remember October.
2. Rory took her 1st big spill this past weekend, at my In-Law's house. I was in the kitchen, apparently everyone in the living room thought that someone else was watching her, she went down the steps. I FREAKED out! Rory screamed, she is fine, has a bit of a black eye and a bruise on her hip. It still makes me sick to think about it.
3. I have Rory's Birthday invites done, I just have to get them printed.
4. Last year at this time I was 8 months pregnant and miserable. I can't believe that it has been a year already!
5. I am so excited for Christmas and Rory's birthday but I am going to spend too much, I can already tell
6. We (Rory and I) will be in Decatur this weekend. I don't know yet when we are coming and going, but we will be there at some point.
7. Rory's new skill of the week...saying Poop (although it sounds like boop). If you ask her what is in her pants she says "Boop" even if there isn't. Great...very lady like don't you think?
8. I miss my friend Allison. She moved to DC with her fiance 2 weeks ago and I am about to go crazy missing her.
9. I ordered us new stocking this year. THESE are mine and Kevin's and THIS one is Rory's. Mine and Kev's came in yesterday and Rory's should be in this week.
10. I can't think of 10...sorry!

Happy Halloween!

Despite fighting off a cold this week and Kevin having to work on Rory's first Halloween, we had a good time! We went to my in-law's house and Rory and our nephews went trick or treating together. They had a good time and all 3 were really cute. Daddy thought that Miss Rory-Bug was pretty cute. I took her tights off of her so that she could crawl without slipping around. She was having a good time, as you can see. Davis and Rory. Davis was "Mr. Incredible" from 'The Incredibles.' Rory thinks that Davis is REALLY funny! Brock was Superman, he was too cute! The Humphrey grand kids are awfully cute...and mischevioius! Mr Incredible and Superman, we were in good hands should any bad guys show up. Brock was clearly not interested in smiling for any pictures. Our little lady bug. Her costume was padded and was hilarious. It was also really warm, so she was plenty warm. I was worried that it would be too hot, you know how Halloween in Alabama is, it could be 85 or it could be 35, you just never know. I totally forgot to get her a candy bucket, so I pulled out the old paint pens and ribbons and threw something together. I had this little tin the in closet waiting for inspiration and voila...candy bucket today...who knows what tomorrow. We like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.