Beneful...Yummy!

 Can you tell where this is going? 

Yesterday evening I was sitting on the couch watching Emrie chase Judy (our dog) around the house.  Lately, we've started to let Judy inside to eat because she and Emma (our other dog) fight over food.  So Judy was busy hiding from Emrie under the bed while Emrie was busy scoping out Judy's food. 

In the first picture she had just noticed the bowl of food on the floor - snap the first picture.   

Then she decided to walk over and get a closer look - snap another picture.  Then she decided she needed to squat down for an even better look - snap another picture.  Then before I could stop her she grabbed a handful and stuck it in her mouth!!!  Didn't have time to snap a picture that time.  I was off the couch shouting NO but I wasn't quick enough.  She managed to get about 5 good morsels of Beneful in her mouth.  I was horrified.  Brian thought it was funny. He said it would be good for her teeth and coat.  Really?

Apparently, Beneful tastes really good because Emrie cried and cried when I took the rest of the bowl away from her. 

Happy Birthday Wishes to My Favorite Mother-in-Law

Yesterday was my favorite mother-in-law Chris' birthday!  We didn't get to visit her in person because she and my favorite father-in-law, David, live in Houston but we did call and then celebrated in her honor at Lupe Tortilla.  Emrie loved her first ever cheese enchiladas!  And before you report me to CPS, that was MY margarita and I was not driving.  Emrie just looked so funny trying to grab it that I had to snap a picture. 

We're making plans to spend a weekend in Houston with the in-laws soon.  Then we can really celebrate Chris' birthday...at the Olive Garden!   Happy Belated Birthday, Chris!  I hope you had a wonderful day.  We've got your 22 all wrapped up, complete with a bow on top.  Just act surprised when you open it. 

How we spent our Memorial Day Weekend

We had a very productive Memorial Day Weekend.  It was so nice to have some time away from work - even a day makes a huge difference.  Saturday we did yard work - mowed, trimmed, mulched and planted!  Our back yard is really shaping up.  Grass makes all the difference : )  Brian almost lost it when I suggested that we did a large portion of it up to add a swimming pool!  The pictures are of Emrie from Saturday.  She was helping water the plants...kind of.   

Sunday we cleaned the house from top to bottom: swept, mopped, vacuumed, dusted.  We tracked in so much dirt from the day before we didn't have any choice.  Regardless, my house was clean...for one day anyway. 

 

 On Monday we loaded up the kids and the dogs and the guns and headed to my parent's place in Deanville.  Our friends, Ryan and Heather and their kiddos, met us out there.  It was a blast.  We rode 4-wheelers most of the afternoon.  Everyone, except Emrie, took turns shooting at the really cool zombie targets.  And then we wrapped up the day with bbq'd burgers.  By the time we left we were all covered in dust, sunburned and completely exhausted.  What a great day!

Finally feeling a little better

Breakfast this morning

Sporting her Brenham Cub green

Emrie is finally feeling better.  Yesterday she went to "big school" and the teachers said she was fine...just not as happy as she usual.  They said she was a little stingy with her smiles.  She was great when she got home.  Very playful.  She ate all of her chicken and mashed potatoes which is huge because she wouldn't take anything but a bottle for two days when she was really feeling bad. 

The last few days Emrie would pitch a fit everytime Brian or I would try to give her a bottle.  We couldn't figure out what was wrong.  We always held her on our lap and just fed her.  Now, all of a sudden, she wouldn't take it.  Just yesterday, Brian was trying to feed her before bedtime and she wouldn't take her "bedtime" bottle.  She was upset and he was frustrated so he put her bottle on the floor and sat her down next to it in front of some of her toys - then it happened!  She picked up the bottle and started to feed herself!  That little toot didn't want us to feed her because she wanted to do it.  Ah hah!  Same thing this morning.  As long as she got to hold the bottle she was happy.  Heaven forbid we try to hold it and NEVER EVER TRY TO TAKE IT AWAY OR WIPE HER MOUTH WHILE SHE'S DRINKING IT : )

Awww...our little baby is growing up!

A Day at the Pool - Anther update from the weekend

Me and bathing beauty

Emrie and Devin

We spent Sunday afternoon with our friends Robert, Katherine and Devin.  Last summer they put in a beautiful new pool.  I've been waiting for it to get warm enough to start enjoying.  Sunday was the day!  The pool has a very large sitting area at one end where the water is only about a foot deep.  It was perfect for Emrie.  While Aiden swam in the deep end most of the day, Emrie and I sat in the shallow spot and splashed the afternoon away.  Katherine did take her into the pool a couple of times.  Emrie loved it!  She kicked her little legs non-stop.  Katherine and I debated dunking her.  Now, before you get all bent out of shape - we didn't do it.  BUT Katherine is a pro with babies in the pool. She actually gave little baby swim lessons and when the mommies couldn't bear to dunk their little ones - Katherine did!  Looking back I'm so glad we didn't because by Monday morning Emrie's ears were bothering her but once she's all better I think I'm going to sign up for baby swim lessons.  As often as we're around water in the summer, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Emrie's First Concert - More from the weekend

Saturday night was the kick-off of the Starlight Summer Concert Series with the Marshall Tucker Band.  I was slated to bring the band on stage and since the event had been tagged a family affair, I thought it would only be fitting to bring Emrie and Aiden up on stage with me.  It was, after all, Emrie's first concert ever.  I dressed her in hot pink plaid shorts and a matching t-shirt - so cute.  When we got to Wolf Pen the first thing she did was poop...EVERYWHERE!  I was going to change her diaper and clothes up on the hill where we were sitting but Brian didn't think that was appropriate so I grabbed all of our belongings and headed off to the bathroom only to find that there was no changing station.  What to do?  What to do?  Ah hah!  Emrie and I headed back stage and changed her diaper there - that has to be a first : )  I put on her little orange striped kitty cat dress and headed back up the hill to our spot.  Aiden was running around with some of his friends and Brian, Emrie and I were chillaxin' on the hill watching the opening band.  Everything was great until...Emrie threw up...all over her dress!  OH NO!!!  I only packed one extra change of clothes!  Note to self:  Always pack at least 3 from now on.  So, once again I stripped Emrie down and this time into her diaper.  That's right.  I had the little white trash baby sitting on her blanket in her diaper.  Well, there was no way I was going to take her up on stage like that so I found the Starlight group who kindly gave me one of the extra t-shirts...in a size medium.  Yes.  It was way too big.  Yes.  It looked like some kind of weird dress on her.  Yes.  I tied a knot in back with a rubber band to hold it on her.  What?  I think this was great improvising on my part.  As they say, the show must go on and so it did.  We snapped a picture with the band before going on stage.  Of course, Aiden made it for the picture and then mysteriously disappeared when it was time to get in front of everyone so Emrie and I (and the rest of the KORA group) went up on stage and introduced the Marshall Tucker Band.  It was cool and fun.  Like I told Marshall Tucker - Emrie has been a lifelong fan (a whole 10 months). 

Emrie's New Stroller - update from the weekend

Emrie got a new stroller!  It says it will hold up to 50lbs but man she looks like she's already outgrown it...and this was one of the bigger ones.  She and I made a quick trip to the mall Saturday to find something cool to wear to the Starlight Music Series Saturday night at Wolf Pen Creek.  

Notice her new tennis shoes and new dress - Emrie was all set.  It was me who was trying to find something cool to wear.  I know you can't tell from the picture BUT she really loves shopping. 

My poor, sick little baby!



Sleeping in Mommy's arm

I know its been a while since I blogged but I have a very good reason...my poor little Mootzie is sick!  Bless her heart, she had a great weekend (updates to follow) but Sunday night was the pits.  She cried all night long.  I took her to the doctor first thing Monday morning only to find out that she has an ear infection (both ears).  She's on antibiotics and Albuterol for the cough.  On Monday her fever got up to 104!  She ended up sleeping most of the day...in my arm because she didn't want to be put down.  Monday night was more of the same - up most of the night crying unless I was holding her.  Yesterday, she seemed to feeling a little better.  She was fever free and had moments when she actually played with some of her toys but for the most part she just wanted to be held.  Last night she actually slept a little better - two hour stints which is a huge improvement over no sleep at all.  I put her in bed with us and as long as she was in my arm she was okay.  Today, I had several meetings to attend so Brian stayed home with her.  I checked in earlier and he said she was having a really good day.  She played with her toys.  She walked around the house.  She drank her bottles and ate some food.  Praise God!  Alright...I admit it.  I'm a little jealous that Brian gets to spend the whole day with Emrie and she's feeling well.  I got the fever, the tears, the throwing up...but then again those are things only Mommy can make right so I guess it's okay. 

Happy Birthday George!

Happy Birthday, George Strait!  Old troubadour, young troubadour, MY TROUBADOUR!  My family and I are having birthday cake in your honor tonight. 

In case you haven't heard, George is going to close out next year's Rodeo Houston.  He's going to perform Sunday, March 17.  Opening for my boyfriend, George, will be the Randy Rogers Band.  Saweet!

Emrie's First Pair of Shoes!

Emrie has really started walking a lot.   Yesterday, when I picked her up from "big school," her teacher, Ms. Jennifer, said now that she's walking she can start going to the outside playground.  Another milestone!!  The only stipulation is that Emrie has to wear shoes and preferably not sandals.  So, Emrie and I went to Target for our very first shoe shopping adventure.  Another milestone!!!  Bless her heart, she has the chubbiest feet.  I had a hard time finding shoes to fit her little piggies.  And since sandals are not an option, the selections were minimal.  I ended up with a pair of hot pink moccasinlooking shoes from Target and then as much as I despise going to Wal-Mart, I stopped in and found a pair of baby tennis shoes too.  This morning we opted for the hot pink moccasins and her I Love Jesus rainbow dress.  To my surprise she didn't seem to mind wearing the shoes.  She did paw at the ground (like a horse) for a couple of seconds and then seemed okay with them. 

 In the morning she loves looking out the window and barking at the dogs.  Yes.  Bark.  Well, her version anyway.  This morning she was busy showing Judy and Emma her new shoes and baby hair brush which I also picked up at Target yesterday.  She's such a little ham. 

I brushed her hair for just a couple of seconds this morning and then gave her the brush.  She sat down and began brushing her hair.  It was so cute.  Brian immediately said "Look how smart she is!  She's brushing her hair."  To which Emrie replied by blowing a raspberry and shoving the brush in her mouth.  Yep.  She's brilliant. 

Swamp People Tragedy

Now that Sons of Anarchy and the Walking Dead are not on TV, Brian and I have found several other shows to keep us entertained including Storage Wars, Pawn Stars and our new favorite, Swamp People.  I was deeply saddened to learn that one of my favorite cast members, Mitchell, passed away yesterday.  According to the stories I've read, he died doing what he loved on the swamp.  I guess that's the way to go.  He would have been 49 years old on Friday.  RIP Michell.  The show won't be the same without you.  

Happy Mother's Day

What a great Mother's Day!  It was a first for me so I have to admit I had high hopes and my sweet little family did not let me down!  Brian actually surprised me yesterday by planting knockout roses in our mailbox flower bed and a sago palm in one of my big flower pots on the patio.  He said they were early Mother's Day presents.  I was impressed.  I like the idea of plants instead of flowers because everytime I care for them, I'll remember my first Mother's Day. 

We officially started Mother's Day at about 2am.  Emrie had another bad night.  She can't seem to shake her cough so she was up at 2am and 4am and 6am.  At 6am we decided to just get up and start the day.  Brian made me a huge cup of coffee...mainly because all 12 of the normal size coffee cups were in his truck but it was a nice gesture.  So after I drank my gallon of coffee, we got ready for church.  Pastor Chris had a wonderful sermon dedicated to mothers.  I cried, of course.  After church we did a whole bunch of nothing.  Brian and Emrie surprised me with two more Mother's Day presents - a gift certificate for a mani/pedi and a chase lounge for the patio!  I was really surprised!  So, we just hung out in the backyard (see picture of Emrie chillin' on the patio) until my parents showed up around 4pm.  My brother, Brandon, came over a little after.  And, we celebrated Mother's Day on the patio with fajitas and ice cream.  Yes, I'm starting my diet tomorrow...AGAIN.

To my mom and my grandma and my mother-in-law and mothers everywhere - Happy Mother's Day.  May God bless you and your family. 

More from the weekend...





We spent the weekend with Brian's parents in Houston.  On the way down, I noticed that Emrie (who is still riding in a rear facing car seat) had her little legs prompted up on the backseat.  She's just getting so long that she barely fits that way anymore.  So, I told Brian I was going to make trip to Burlington Coat Factory to see if I could find a front facing car seat for her.  If you've never shopped at Burlington, you're missing out.  I always find great deals there - especially on baby stuff.  And I struck gold again this weekend.  I got a Graco car seat identical to the one my friends paid $159 for only $79!                                        



Emrie has just recently started making the silliest faces.   She likes to tuck in her upper lip and make the pouty face.  She also likes to suck in her little cheeks and do the fish lips.  And, her newest thing is to hang her little tongue out. 

I was trying to get a good picture of Grandma Chris and Emrie together but every single time I tried to take a picture Emrie had one of her goofy faces on!  I don't know why I'm surprised.  I have more pictures of Brian and I together with his eyes crossed than with him looking normal.  He used to do it so often that I'm pretty sure people would see pictures of us together and be like "Bless her heart. She's marrying that cross-eyed guy."  

Updates from the weekend...

PawPaw encouraging Emrie up the stairs

We spent the weekend in Houston with Brian's parents.  They have a two story house and Emrie was mesmerized by the stairs.  She'd crawl up to them...have a look...act like she going to start climbing...look to see if we were watching...and then turn around and head back.  It was so funny.  It's like she was waiting for us to give her the go ahead which I was not doing.  Every time she looked my way I was shaking my head "no."  I must do that a lot because she has started doing that a lot too. 

"Emrie...what are you doing?" 
Shakes her head "no,no,no,no,no"
"Emrie...are you being a good girl?"
More shaking her head "no,no,no,no"
"Emrie...do you want some cheerios?"
Even more shaking her head "no,no,no,no"
As she grabs the cheerios out of my hand and shoves them in her mouth.

Emrie has bronchitis...and I have bags under my eyes!



Exhibit A

 I took Emrie to the doctor on Tuesday.  The good news is she doesn't have an ear infection.  The bad news is that she has bronchitis.  Poor baby.  Yesterday, she was just not feeling well.  She hadn't had fever since early in the morning but I could tell she just wasn't herself.  She didn't want to eat.  She didn't want to be held.  She didn't want to play.  She just sat and cried.   When I tried to pick her up, she'd throw herself back.  She had to be exhausted because she hadn't slept through the night since Friday but I didn't know what to do for her and then it hit me.  When she was an itty bitty baby and would get really fussy, I'd sit outside with her.  Something about the warm air and the birds chirping and the leaves rustling always settled her down.  So I slipped on my tennis shoes and we went for a walk...a long walk...up and down every street in our neighborhood.  She was very content to ride in her stroller and take it all in.  Finally as I was headed back up the hill to our house she zonked out.  I didn't dare take her out of her stroller for fear of waking her so I pushed into the house and into the middle of the living room.  See exhibit A.  She slept like this for almost an hour.  

Another night...zero sleep

I know you can't tell from the pictures but sweet little Emrie has not been feeling well.  It started late Saturday night/early Sunday morning.  She was up about every two hours crying.  I just figured she'd had a little too much party and was over tired or she's teething.  Well, then Sunday night/Monday morning was the exact same - up every two hours.  Yesterday she started running some fever.  It got up to about 102 so I called the doctor.  We have an appointment at 9:30 this morning.  She had some Advil around 3pm and seemed to be in a pretty good mood when I got home but last night was a repeat of the two nights before - up every two hours like clockwork.  She was pretty snotty and was coughing a lot.  Her fever kicked back in around 3am so I gave her more Advil and a warm bottle and that seemed to help.  She hasn't been up since 5am.  In fact, she's still sleeping right now.     

I really hope its not an ear infection but I'm kind of thinking that's what it may be.  She's been pulling on her left ear quite a bit the last couple of days.  Now she's always pulled on her ears...when she's hungry...when she's tired...but this time it seems different.  It really seems to be bothering her.  Hopefully, Dr. Lawrence will be able to figure out what's wrong and make it better and FAST! 

On the lighter side, Emrie has so many toys but what does she choose to play with?  That's right this little round storage container.  She's figured out that it's just the right size to sit inside and still manage to squeeze some toys in too.  Last night she spent about 30 minutes trying to get the lid on her head!!!