5 Months

I can't believe I forgot to post this!  I guess I got wrapped up in the holiday season and forgot!  Oh well, better a week late than never!

Maddox, I cannot believe you are five months old!  Each and every day you are growing into a little boy.  This makes mommy really sad.  You are starting to develop a temper.  When you are not happy, you kick your legs and shake your hands.  It is so funny (for now)!  This month has been the best yet!  You are so much fun to play with.  You get so excited about the smallest things.  I love you at this age.  

So, what have you been up to?

• You have rolled over a few times.  Only a few because you are rarely on your tummy because you scream at the top of your lungs, and I pick you up because I can't stand for you to be upset.  Oops! :)
• You wear a size 3 diaper
• Three weeks ago you weighed 16 lbs. 1 oz, so I am anxious to see how much you have gained when we go back next month
• You wear 3-6 month clothing and some 6 months, depending on the brand
• You wear a size 2 in shoes
• You have a baby giraffe now and you chew on his legs like there is no tomorrow.  Your daddy actually has to drain your slobber of the giraffe's legs!
• You are starting to not like your swing so much.  I guess it bores you.
• You love your jumper and activity station.  I seriously think you can jump and watch your Baby Einstein videos all day!
• You love baby food and oatmeal.  Rice cereal- not so much!  You eat prunes, peaches, pears, bananas, green beans, carrots, squash and sweet potatoes.  
• You still love bath time.  You actually cry now when I take you out.  You used to cry when I put you in the tub, but now you love it!
• You "talk" all the time!  I can be in the back putting up laundry, and I hear you jabbering all the way in the living room!  It is the sweetest sound!  You look at us with such a serious face as if we are carrying on a conversation.
• You adore your daddy!  He can walk into the house after work, and your face lights up!  It is so sweet, and it makes your daddy's day to see the big smile on your face!
• You still take about 3 naps during the day and still sleep all night.  You are usually down for the night around 8 and wake up around 7.  
• My favorite part of the day is getting you out of your bed in the mornings because you have the biggest smile on your face and you start kicking up a storm.  I think you are very excited to see me or you know you are about to get a bottle!  I like to think it's me! ;)

Maddox, we are blessed to have you in our lives!  We cannot imagine our lives without you, and we love you very much!  Happy 5 Months, Buddy!

Maddox's First Christmas

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!  We sure did...a busy one!  We started our Christmas festivities on Wednesday night at my FIL and MIL's house for all the grandkids.  We had good company, good food and lots of presents!  Maddox got a Bright Starts Activity Station, sock monkey, race car steering wheel and some clothes.

We had Christmas at our house early Saturday morning so Maddox can open the gifts that Santa brought him.  I have to say this is the best Christmas Wade and I have ever had together.  It was so much fun seeing Maddox getting excited about wrapping paper, bows and tissue paper.  He couldn't have cared less about the gifts, he just wanted to eat the paper!  Santa brought him some books, sippy cup, burp cloths (really for mommy), rattles, Fisher Price Piano, stackable rings and some other little toys. 

After we cleaned up, we went to my parents so we could all open gifts.  I have a new nephew, Jackson, who was born on December 15, so we enjoyed getting to spend time with him, Jared and my sister, Casey.  Maddox wasn't so sure what to think of Jackson, but I think they will be best friends!

My parents spoiled Maddox!  He got so many gifts that I can even remember what all he got.  I know he got a Baby Einstein jumper, sock monkey, space saver high chair and lots of other toys.  We have to get him a bigger toy box just to hold the stuff his Mimi and Pappy got him!  Maddox is one blessed little boy!

We are so grateful to God for blessing us with Maddox.  He is such a joy in our lives!

2010 has been the best year for us yet as we celebrated the birth of our first child.  We can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for the House's!   Hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!

LOOK WHO'S...

 ...ROLLING OVER!!!!  

What happened to my little baby?

Maddox rolled over for the first time this past Friday, December 10.  Usually, I am off on Fridays, but I chose to work so me and the hubs can go Christmas shopping afterwards.  Keep in mind, our jobs are 1 1/2 hours away from home, as is the mall.  I got a call around 4:30 from my dad (my mom babysits when I work) saying he put Maddox on his tummy for 10 seconds, and he rolled over!  

I kept denying it for the fact that I wanted to be the one who first witnessed him rolling over, but was happy my parents got to see it.  My dad was ecstatic.  He loves Maddox probably more than his own kids! Ha!  Seriously, he is crazy about him!  I fought back the tears on the way home, but he rolled over for us the next morning!  So, all is well!

It really seems like I just gave birth to him last month.  How can it be that he is already rolling over??  

Sometimes, I just want to squeeze him and hold him tight hoping the world can stand still just for a little bit.  

First Ever Christmas Card!!!

With Love Chartreuse Christmas Card

Shop Shutterfly for elegant custom Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

4 Months!

 Happy 4 Months my sweet baby boy!  I cannot believe it has been four months since you were born.  I also cannot believe that just four short months ago our lives changed forever. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and your daddy.  We love you to the moon and back. :)  Here is what you've been up to the past month...

• You still wear Size 2 diapers
• You wear 3-6 months in clothes and some 6-9 months
• You drink 5-6 6 oz. bottles a day with cereal
• You still love your swing, and you take most of your daytime naps in it.
• You love to sit in your rocking chair while you watch Baby Einstein.
• You can turn complete circles on your play mat.
• You have to wear bibs all day long because you drool so much!  I think you are starting to teethe because you chew on the bottle nipple instead of drinking out of it.  You also love to chew on your teethers.
• You love watching football on TV.  I think the motion intrigues you.  You can watch TV in your swing for a while.  
• You love your bumbo.  We just bought you the tray today, and you love to sit and play with your ball.  This is your favorite toy.  You grab the ball with both hands and hit yourself upside the head.  The first time it scared you, but now you laugh at yourself.  You have such a fun personality (except when you're wet or hungry! ha!).
• You still have not rolled over.  You will be 18 weeks on Wednesday, and I am starting to wonder if  you ever will.  I can sit you up on your play mat, and you will sit up by yourself for about 2 seconds, and you lean to the side.  
• You had your first bite of cereal today from a spoon.  I couldn't help but laugh at the silly faces you were making.  I mixed it with bananas, and you seem to like it.  I think you got more on me and the bib than you did in your mouth, but we will work on that.
• You are such an angel during church.  You still have not gone to the nursery yet.  You got fussy this morning, but only because you were sleepy. 
• You love to "talk".  You jabber 24/7.  You recently learned how to "motorboat" and it is hilarious!  You are one loud baby!  
• You know me and your daddy.  When we walk into a room your face lights up, and it is the sweetest thing!
• Since the recent time change, you have been sleeping from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., and we are so thankful for this!  

We will celebrate our first major holiday as a family of three this week!  I am extremely grateful this Thanksgiving and holiday season for the Lord has blessed us with Maddox who is healthy and happy!  Thanksgiving will also be one year since I found out I was pregnant! 

We love you little turkey! ;)

 

 

Christmas Cards!

First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of blogging lately.  I received a few emails from a few sweet readers checking on me.  I am still here!  I have been working part-time at my husband's office two days a week.  His office is 1 1/2 hours away from our house, so we leave at the crack of dawn and get home around 8 or 9 p.m. after we pick Maddox up from my moms.  Anywho, just wanted to assure everyone I am still alive and well! :)

Can you believe Thanksgiving is one week away?!  Crazy!  I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas this year with our little one.  Maddox is such a blessing to our family, and I can't wait to experience the upcoming holidays with him.  

Speaking of Christmas, it is almost time to send out Christmas Cards!  Being a SAHM and with my husband's student loans (law school) knocking on our door, it is really important that I not go overboard on cards this year.  I have been looking at a few websites, and they have cards for approx $2.00 each.  Yikes!  Thanks to my friend, Sarah, I found out Shutterfly is giving away 50 free cards to bloggers!  How awesome is that?!  You can check out the details here.  I have always been a fan of Shutterfly, as I have ordered a few items in the past.  I have never been disappointed.  They have fantastic products, and the prices are great too!  

We have never sent out photo holiday cards with it being just Wade and I, but this year since we have Maddox, I want to showcase our little munchkin! ;)  There are so many cards to choose from, and here are a few of my faves:

With Love- so cute!  I would love to showcase my favorite pics of Maddox throughout the past 4 months.

Bright and Merry- love this one!  Since having Maddox, I am suddenly drawn to all things blue!  I just love the red and blue together!  Modern and chic! 

Oh What Fun- how cute is this?!  I love the single picture...very dramatic!

Sweet Potato Pie and I Shut My Mouth...

Gone, gone with the wind...there ain't nobody looking back again.  I love that song by Alabama.  Songs like this make me miss the good ol' days.  Days when things were simple.  No one was at war.  Housing market was good.  Jobs were abundant.  

When I was growing up, we didn't "want" for anything.  Daddy worked on the farm, and mama worked in the house.  We knew not to ask for much, but we had everything we needed.  Daddy worked hard for everything he got.  He would leave early in the morning before we got up, and he would not come home sometimes until midnight just to sleep a few hours before going back to the field.  I hope to instill this hard work ethic in my son.  It will get him everything he will ever need in life.

Now, back to the reason I wrote this post...Sweet Potato Pie!  Who doesn't love Sweet Potato Pie in the South?  It is a must-have at Thanksgiving and Christmas for me.  Sometimes instead of making the larger pie, I will make a dozen miniature pies.  You can find the mini pie shells in the tin foil pans mostly around this time of the year.  I think at my local Wal-Mart, they are where the baked goodies are.  You know, the doughnuts, cakes, and pies that were NOT freshly made at your local Wal-Mart?  Look there.  I will be making a few large pies and a dozen mini pies this year.  I like to top my slice with fresh whipping cream.  Yum!  Here is the recipe I have been using for the past few years.  I can't remember where I found it, but a big "Thank You" to whomever this recipe belongs to! =)

Sweet Potato Pie

1 pound sweet potatoes

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 c. white sugar

1/2 c. milk

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust 

Boil sweet potatoes whole (with skin on) for about 45 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potatoes, and remove the skin. 

 With a mixer, mix the sweet potatoes and butter in a bowl.  Stir in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Enjoy!

Menu Monday: 11/8

 I have been seeing Menu Mondays on a lot of blogs lately, so I figured this is a great way to plan out my meals for the week.  It has really come in handy because I make a list beforehand, and I only buy what is on the list.  This cut out probably $40 worth of items junk food I do not need.  Plus, with me working 2 days a week now, I feel like I don't have to stress during the week on what to cook for dinner.  I plan everything on Saturday and grocery shop Sunday, usually after church.  I can't wait to try a few of these recipes!  Oh, and I am planning on eating leftovers which is the reason I don't have 5 meals planned this week!

1.  Chicken and Red Potatoes - Taste of Home

2.  Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin- Paula Deen

3.  Green Bean Bundles- Kelly's Recipes  (these are soooo good!)

4.  Cheesy Garlic Bread- Simple Recipes

5.  Parmesan Chicken Strips- make this up as I go

6.  Sweet Potato Fries- Paula Deen (I love her!)

7.  Sopapilla Cheesecake- Allrecipes  **you will thank me for this**

Halloween Recap

 What a fun and busy weekend!  It was Maddox's first Halloween.  When I found out I was pregnant, I bought a lot of Halloween footed pjs, but since the lows were in the 60s/70s during the entire month of October, he only got to wear it one night.  Today, the high is in the 50s, and we are expecting a frost tomorrow morning.  Oh how I love cold weather! 

On Saturday my cousin had a Halloween Carnival at their house for all the kiddos.  They had Picking Up Ducks, Jumpers, Cake Walk, Hay Ride and a Haunted House.  This is one momma who does not do scary!  I am scared of the dark.  Yes, I just admitted that.  If I have to go outside during the night, my sweet hubby watches me! ;)  I don't watch scary movies either.  I used to watch them with my sisters and cousins when I was younger, but then I would have to sleep with the light on for a few nights!  Crazy, I know.

We went to the Fall Festival at our church on Sunday night, and my little monkey was a Pirate.  Most of the costumes were too big for him, and the pirate costume fit him perfectly! When we got home from church, Wade fed Maddox, and he fell asleep half way with drool coming out of his mouth.  Halloween wore him out!  Look at the third picture from the top (1st collage)...he cracks me up!

  

New Look!

Like my new blog design?!  I love it!  My good friend, Shannon at Webbisodes designed it!  She is one talented momma!  Shannon was a pleasure to work with even though I am sure I bugged her quite a bit!  Sorry, Shannon! ;)

About a month ago, we started working on the new design.  Well, I had no clue what I wanted it to look like, but I gave Shannon a few “hints”.  I told her I love fleur de lis, zebra print and color.  She sent me a few previews of her designs, and my gosh, I was blown away at what she created!  I LOVE my new header…Maddox is just as adorable as a “stick” baby!  ;)  We communicated back and forth a few times, and this is the final product!  I’m so glad you like it!

Did I mention she will also carry stationary products such as invitations and holiday cards?  See, I told you she was talented!

Whether you are looking for a completely new look, header, signature or even an Etsy shop banner, you have got to visit Shannon at Persnickety Pages {&more}!  You won’t be disappointed!

Thanks again, Shannon!

Picnik…

is my new best friend!  I have used a bunch of different photo editing programs, but Picnik is one of my favorites.  Did I mention it’s free?!  You can pay a few bucks each month for some premium options, but the free version is fine for my needs.  I have been playing around with some photos tonight and decided to make a few collages of my little munchkin.  Maddox is growing so fast, and I want to capture every moment of it! 

Also, I haven’t had much time lately to catch up on my blog readings, but I plan on doing that this weekend.  I am not ignoring you.  I promise.  :)

  

3 Months

 

Wow!  How has another month gone by in the blink of an eye?  So, what have you been up to?

• You went to doctor a few weeks ago and weighed 12 lbs. 5 oz and were 23.5 inches long.  I am pretty sure you weigh over 13 lbs. now.  Your legs have grown a few inches in the past month alone! 
• You are in Size 2 diapers. 
• You wear 3-6 months shirts/onesies but 0-3 months pants.  You wear a size 2 shoe.  You have big feet like your daddy. 
• You eat 5-6 oz. formula every 3-4 hours during the day.  You still sleep during the night.  You have been since you were 6 weeks old.  You usually go to bed around 9 pm and sleep until 7 am.  Mommy loves you for this!
• You still love your swing and play mat.  You take most of your naps during the day in your swing.  You can sleep for hours in your swing.  You like to scoot around your play mat.  You still have not rolled over, but I think it will be any day now.
• You have recently found your hands.  About 75% of your pictures show your hands near or in your mouth. 
• You started laughing and talking, and it is the sweetest sound.  You become a chatterbox around 7 p.m.  We talk to you and you “talk” back! 
• You love your daddy!  I think your favorite time of day is when daddy gets home from work and plays with you.  This is generally when you start “talking”.

Maddox, once again, this has been the best month!  We love watching you experience and learn new things.  You bring such joy to our lives, and we thank God for you every day!   We love you munchkin! :)

Wordless Wednesday

I could stare at him all day!  Happy Wednesday!

Lil’ Saints Fan

Wade and I have always enjoyed going to football games.  High School. College. Professional.  We have been to quite a few Saints games, and it is always an experience like no other.  Since winning the Super Bowl (Geaux Saints!!!), the crowd does a pre-game chant of “Who Dat Say They Gone Beat Dem Saints…”.  It is pretty awesome!  Besides paying $30 for parking, we had a great time!  My parents kept Maddox Saturday night, and this was our first night apart.  The entire 4 hour drive (well, ride for me) consisted of looking at his pics/videos on my Droid.  I missed this guy more than anything.  I did okay for the most part, but every little boy I saw made me want to burst into tears.  Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed a night out with the hubs, but a piece of my heart was still back home!  :)

  

Fashion Friday

I am so glad Fall is here!  That means sweaters, leggings, boots and dark nail polish.  Can I get an Amen?!  I lost all my baby weight within the week after having Maddox, but that stubborn ole’ ugly pooch is still there.  I just ordered Zumba so we will see if it does any good.  I can now hide that darn thing with chunky sweaters and no one will think anything of it!  I mean, I did get some looks wearing a light sweater or wrap during summertime in 90+ degree temps.  Oh well! 

Here are a few of my faves…did I mention they are all under $75.00??!!

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