Mason

I didn't get much done around my house today but I got to go play with this little guy!

Movin' on up

Emma's new ride!

Lame-O

So, after reading everyone else's blog I feel like a total loser, lame-o Mom.  On Valentine's Day Annagrace and Emmalee got a card (that Tyler picked up) and Annagrace got some chocolates.  THAT IS IT!! Between Lucy, the big baby shower, an RSI at church . . . Valentine's Day just got kinda lost in the middle.  It was Emma's first as well, so I feel a little bad we didn't do more. But, honestly I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day (shocking, I know).  It just seems like a hyped up day of nothing. I love my family EVERY day and tell them EVERY day! So, one day that focuses on it - not so important.  Also . . .shhh . . . I don't like flowers (GASP)! But, hear me out - I love flowers, their beauty, their smell but I don't love their price.  And when it comes to getting me a gift I would MUCH rather have something I can keep than flowers that are going to die in a couple of days! One Valentine's day many years ago I hinted around about sending me flowers at work. Tyler got the hint and did so. They were beautiful and I got to carry them proudly down the cubical isle and they made me happy. Until I got home and Tyler told me that my little mixed bouquet was $50!!! I could have gotten some rockin' new shoes, clothes, or jewelery for that! I swore from that day on that I NEVER wanted him to send me flowers again for ANY holiday. They just seem like a waste to me. The only acceptable form is a planted flower that can be transplanted into our yard - cheaper and it lasts longer.
As for Annagrace missing out on fun Valentine's stuff - oh, we still did all of that, we've been doing it since Christmas.  She's all about holidays lately.  She knows their sequence and as soon as one ends, it's time for the next.  We've had hearts and pink and red around our house for a couple of months. She made Valentine's for all of her sweet friends and cousins, her Mama just never got around to sending them out. (Sorry Yall) 
So, on to St. Patrick's Day! Annagrace woke up February 15th and asked me why I wasn't wearing green!!
UGHHHH - here we go!

Spaghetti Time

Emmalee tried spaghetti with meatballs tonight and actually ate some.  It only shocks me b/c of my picky eater, Annagrace, who refuses to touch spaghetti but downs pizza and I can't for the life of me convince her that it's basically the same thing. But, Emmalee is my little eater. She is already refusing baby food wanting any and everything that we are eating: grits, oatmeal, potatoes, sweet potato fries, turkey, chicken, roast . . . she loves it all.

The beautiful little Mama

 (I know it's a cheesy shot, but I just had to!)

 With Mom/Grandma

such a cute little bump - I kept rubbing it all weekend

The BIG shower

 loving my silhouette

 salmon tartar on bagel chips

 center piece

 goat cheese stuffed tomatoes with toasted pine nuts

 The spread included beef tenderloin, roasted chicken, new potato salad, pasta salad, spinach salad, melt away cookie bars, and fruit.

 I think this was her favorite. But Grandpa (a tarheel) said it was for Eli to drool on.

 Laurie's Dad - Chip

 and step-mom Janet

Our gift to her: a loaded diaper bag. Including a blue onsie stating, "My Aunt is the Best."

Lucy in the sky with diamonds

 Sweet Lucy- you were our baby when we couldn't make our own, you were our protector against all who dared to walk down our street, you were my cuddle buddy and bathroom buddy throughout my morning sickness, you were a comforter and companion. We love you and will miss you dearly.

After a couple of weeks of trying to treat with antibiotics, she was only getting worse. We were hoping the huge lump/mass on her neck was just an abscess but her cultures came back negative for bacteria. So our worst fears were confirmed: CANCER.

She wasn't moving more than she was made to, she wasn't eating, and was getting to the point she could barely breath. Tyler couldn't get her to take her meds, including the pain meds, so we made the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep. Our personal vet was able to come to our house and do it. It was nice to be in our normal environment and to be able to grieve in private. She was buried in our back yard next to Priscilla and Hunter. The sweet construction crew, installing water pipes, were nice to bring a small tractor into our back yard and dig a hole big enough for our 95 pound sweet girl. I just need to get a headstone to make her grave compete. 

snip snip

This hair has been growing for 3 years 9 months and 21 days. We finally decided to give it a trim. The baby fine hair at the ends kept getting tangled and it caused SO many arguments and tears to just brush it. So, I decided to trim it off. Annagrace was terrified that it was going to hurt. She assumed that since it hurts to cut your skin, it would be the same for her hair. After we made it through that hurdle, she sat fairly still, watched Mickey Mouse, and let me cut away. 

Lucky for me her hair is curly so imperfections can be disguised. But it looks really cute still long, curly, and flowie with fewer tangles.

She looks much grumpier than she actually was. She has a new aversion to photography. Her eyes are not allowed to look directly at the lens!!