We'll be back soon

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” - Unknown

Ok, I have 3 very beloved friends (you know who you are) who have been very wonderful, loving, listeners to me this week! I could cry with how thankful I am. I will be back to the blog soon, but for now, cue the Golden Girls theme song...

"Thank you for being a friend"

Big Girl

I finally put her face forward in her new big girl car seat. She was hilarious this morning! I buckled her in and she didn't smile, laugh, talk or anything. She was just staring at me like "Mom, have you lost your mind?!?!? You put me in the car wrong!!" She rode all the way to school very quietly, just looking out the windows on both sides and watching me adjust the air, etc.
OK, this our newest "trick". Sydney is signing "more" all the time now. Especially for food :). Please notice that in the lower picture she is asking for more Cheerios while she still has a mouth full of them. Last night at McAlisters, I was holding her while ordering. I guess she figured out that the cashier was the keeper of the food because she kept leaning forward, signing more, and almost whining like "Please, don't you see me!!! I am ready for my food!"

Beautiful azaleas at the Parker's house.

My new artwork

I wish I could act really cool and just say "Here are the new pictures I made for the playroom", but I am stinkn' proud of them because they took me forever! I painted and glazed the canvas, then used fabric and ribbon to create the flowers. I am not artistic at all, so it was a stretch for me. Thanks to Brandy and Samantha for the artistic support, Cynthia East, Michael's, Jo Ann, and Hobby Lobby for the materials and Brent who didn't comment on the huge mess out for a week on the dining room table. They are going to be hung above the TV cabinet in the playroom. Next project- finish painting the den and sew the curtains for both rooms. Stay tuned, maybe in 3 months :).

Clear Channel Baby Fair "Model"

"Whoo, this is hard work. I need a snack and a nap!"

Not so excited about Cinderella... yet.

Please don't roll your eyes and think "Oh Lord, she's THAT mom". About 2 weeks ago, one of the coordinators of the fashion show for the Clear Channel Baby Fair called Sydney's preschool to get a couple of names and numbers of kids whose parents would be willing to bring them for a little fashion show. She called us, but was needing an 18 month old who was walking, so we didn't make the cut :). This morning, the little girl who was going to do it canceled, so guess who was the understudy! It was fun and a very small part, and Sydney liked being in front of everyone I think. She wore a little lady bug rain coat and boots and the little boy she "walked" with wore a green frog one. All of the moms ended up walking with the kids so it was very low-key. I sat Sydney down at the front of the stage and she clapped her hands with everyone :). Brent tried to capture a few pictures from the audience, but our personal photographer Erin was at a baby shower, so we didn't get any great ones. Enjoy our small moment, but don't worry, we'll pass on the offers that are now flooding in :).

Monkeying Around at the Zoo

My Mom and I met my birthday twin Jackson and his Mommy at the Zoo this weekend. The weather was perfect for a stroller ride and....
A TRAIN RIDE!!!! I already think I am big enough to travel without a chaperon, but my Mom insisted.

I must say, the train is pretty amazing. I mean, the wind in my face and people waiting at the cross walks just for me to travel by and wave at them! I loved it!

Hey Jackson! I love you! Let's hold hands...

:) SUCH A SWEET MOMENT!!!

One Year Pictures

These are a few of the proofs but I am happy with them. The photographer loves the one of her "reading". And, Aunt Teeny, props to me for 4 posts in one week!!!!!

Hello Baby!

I forgot to mention how obsessed Sydney was with the bouncy seat! Interesting, we were in Dallas probably 8 weeks ago, and she really didn't pay much attention to Pierce. But since turning one and getting 2 baby dolls, she is crazy about babies! She kept wanting to climb in the bouncy seat and be a baby, then she would crawl out and put something in either the seat or the carrier and rock them like a baby. John Austin was a trooper about it, although at least twice I saw his eyes get really big like "Hey, kid, you are in my personal space!". We have loaned our bouncy seat to Ms. Andi (who should be having her baby any day now!!!) but maybe we need to get it back for Sydney's babies :).

Spring Break Road Trip '08

They have no choice but to be friends. I mean, we are going on 15+ years of laughs and friendship.
Sydney LOVED the baby and kept wanting to give him "lovin" which was leaning down and resting her head on his. I promise he liked it more than it looks at this moment.

2 little mischievous girls- Stella and Sydney

Stella caught in the act.

More "lovin"

Look at this ADORABLE grin!!! We had a great time on our road trip to Louisiana. Sydney and John Austin were unbelievably good in the car. We shopped and ate and visited and spoiled the babies the whole time and it was great. I do always say that bad things come in threes, and we did have 3 bad things. I got a speeding ticket on the way down (YIKES does anyone know the judge in Hampton, AR?), John backed into my car leaving for work on Tuesday (it is very minor), and then.... I got another speeding ticket on the way home!!! I am not kidding when I say that I haven't had a speeding ticket in 10 years and I swear I am a good driver! I deserved the first one, but the second was just wrong! I had my cruise set on 76 on the interstate (speed limit of 70) and the cop said he clocked me going 77 and gave me a ticket. Yes I was crying real tears at that point. So, please pray that I can get on probation for at least one of those or Jeff Maneth says my car insurance will be going up $200 a year!!!! And yes, I have learned my lesson I think. Brent's new nickname for me.... Jeff Gorden.

Easter 2008

The Easter Bunny left Sydney lots of art goodies and some pool/beach toys, along with some cool sunglasses and a book. We had to hurry to get to church for the 9:00 service though, and...
OK, she was NOT interested in posing for a picture on Easter morning. These are the best 2 pictures of her beautiful dress (Thank you Nan!) but I'm not too worried. We had her 1 year pictures taken last week and got a couple of BEAUTIFUL ones in her dress. Stay tuned for those.

I sent the cleanest snack I could think of to the church nursery- Cheerios and water. Yum.

Then after church, we went to Brent's parents house for a wonderful lunch of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and peach cobbler. Some of our favorites! Sydney's great grandmother Nanny also came and it was wonderful to spend some time with her. Sydney loaded up with 2 more baskets stuffed with candy, stuffed animals, pink crocs and a cool t-shirt. Thank you!

Easter Eggs 2008

Aiden and Julie Carothers were in town and we got to visit with them after we dyed eggs.

If you know Erin, you will crack up when you hear that one of the first things she said after she found out I was pregnant was "Can I take him/her to buy school supplies?". But then she said, "Oh! And can I dye Easter eggs with them??? That will be our two traditions, school supplies and Easter eggs." And she held true to her word, because Friday she had Sydney and I over to start their tradition of eggs. They turned out great, but I guess it was a little mean because we wouldn't let Sydney "help", but Erin did have a little basket with plastic eggs that were just right. Thank you Erin!!!

My heart tonight...

Excuse This House

Author: Unknown

Some houses try to hide the fact

That children shelter there,

Ours boasts it quite openly,

The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,

Little smudges are on the doors.

I should apologize, I guess,

For toys strew on the floor.

But I sat down with my child

And we played and laughed and read.

And if the doorbell doesn’t shine,

Her eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I’m forced to choose

The one job or the other,

I’d like to cook and clean and scrub,

But first I’ll be a mother.

Meeting My New friend John Austin

Sydney all ready for the trek to Louisiana!
Yes we are crazy driving 6 1/2 hours with 2 babies!!!

Sydney loving on John Austin

She also loves the bouncy seat!!!

One Year Old Update

We have one very busy little girl on our hands! These pictures are from her actual birthday, March 9th. We had a great day- church, playtime, and a great dinner at my Mom's. Since then, we have done many laps in the cul-de-sac in her new car! We also had a great one year checkup. So I can remember, here are her "stats".

Weight: 19.9 oz (25%)

Length: 28 1/2 inches (25%)

She is still facing backward in the car, actually in her original carrier because it goes up to 30 lbs., and I think she will pass the 20 pound mark soon. I may keep her facing backward for a little while because Samantha scared me about her little head :). We have a pretty laid back Easter weekend planned, and then Sydney and I are making a Spring Break road trip to Lafayette to stay with the Levins. Please pray my little princess is good in the car... it took Julia, Mika and I 6 1/2 hours with hardly any stops. Yikes! It will be well worth it though!

Please see below the sneak peek for her birthday party post. Since I had saved it as a draft it posted below the sneak peek.

Sydney's Birthday Party Sneak Peak :)

OK, I literally have been working on a blog post for over an hour and I'm still not done even looking at all the pictures Erin took! Seriously, she took over 200! What a blessing but I can't narrow down my favorites! So, here is a sneak peek and I will update again tomorrow when I am more rested.

My First Birthday Party

Here I am arriving to my party at Gymborree. Good thing my mom called the paparazzi so they could capture my every move. Watch out Britney!
I got to eat the top layer of this beautiful cake, and all of my friends got a great cupcake.

I think this is the only picture taken of Aunt Erin, since she was so commited to take mine :). I am crazy about her!

These are my Mommies awesome co-workers and their kids. Can you believe that in one calendar year there were 9 babies born in an office of 43 people?? Everyone jokes about not drinking the water, whatever that means.

I was so blessed by all these wonderful gifts. I would rather play than take the paper off of them, but I promise I am already enjoying playing with all my awesome new toys.

OK, I love my birthday twin Jackson!!!! As soon as I saw him, I leaned over and hugged him. I don't know why he was so upset about it??? I will keep working on him :).

"Pop goes the bubble"

Some of my Mommies OBU crew

This is one of my Mommies favorite pictures, and she can't figure out why it is so small. She said just keep it in anyway because it has Aunt Andi, Melissa and Jackson and Keri.

I love the Boyd family! I must be pretty special for a whole family to drive 3 hours just to come to my party.

We mostly played and listened to music- very fun!

Bring on the cake and the cameras, but seriously Mom, I am NOT wearing this dorky hat. I think birthday cake may be the best thing I have ever eaten. It took both hands to stuff in as much as possible. I highly recommend it.

TA DA!!! Those are just a few highlights from my very fun party!

Thank you Lord, for the special child you have entrusted to us. We know that being a parent is such a huge responsibility and we humbly lay her future at your feet. Please give us guidance as we continue to raise her. Thank you for all of her loved ones, big and small, near and far. We are honored to be surrounded by such an awesome circle of people who will stand beside us to nurture and raise Sydney. Most of all, at the end of her life, may it be said that her heart belonged to Jesus. In His name we pray... Amen.

Love Lauren and Brent