On the Road Again...

We are packed and ready to go (at least Abby and I are). I am headed to bed early tonight, hoping to get an early start!

One day soon, I will write about all my wonderful friends in NC (Sob...Julie!). But for now, I leave you with the cake that my co-workers got me....

Please note that my name is spelled wrong (sigh).

Oh, I don't have Internet until Saturday. I will post again then!

Camera Shy

We have decided that once we get settled (will be in TN in 48 hours!!), we are just going to get a new camera. The old one has been scratched, dropped, and is full of sand.

Here is one that I have picked out - it is under $200 and got very good reviews. 12.1 Megapixels and 4X Optical Zoom. I am willing to pay more as I use my camera every day, but I am not sure I would get a benefit from the "extras". Any thoughts? Suggestions? Things to look for?

My biggest issue with the current camera is that the pictures are blurry (probably user related) and it has a delay. With Abby running around like crazy, I need something fast.

Abby loves to crawl in the cabinet under my bathroom. Luckily, there is nothing in there.

It is going to be very interesting putting everything away at our new place. We have more square footage, but are losing a bed room. Also gaining our fur baby back - who is currently crate trained. We will probably still have a storage unit, but I am so ready to get all my picture frames back out. I just need to print off recent pictures to frame!

Random Old Pictures

So, the camera is still dead. I took it to Best Buy today, they suggested a new battery, but didn't sell the one that I needed. I am going to Batteries Plus tomorrow night to see if they sell one. If not, I am just going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new one.

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I wanted to post some REALLY old pictures, but since they are all packed, I thought I would share these that are stored on our external drive (only go back about 5 years). No particular order, hope you enjoy.

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Only two of my friends have seen the picture of my first time meeting Abby. It actually took me 6 months to even show Stu. I promised Michelle and Amanda that I would never show that picture to anyone as it is BAD. Maybe in 10 years, lol.

But I did find this picture, pre-baby.

Pretty much from the very beginning, I laid on my left side and did not move except to use the restroom. I had all these hopes of "walking it out" and trying different positions. Nope, wasn't having it. I gripped the sides of that rail like my life depended on it.

First picture of Abby - man, she is mad!

Later, happier and sleeping.

Nana helping with the feedings at the hospital.

First time in her big girl bed. Since Stu left before we found out the sex, I tried to get him to pick out bedding for both boy and girl. He wasn't having it - he was having a boy. We registered for boy bedding (sports) prompting emails about how I knew the sex so early, lol! So, as soon as I found out we were having a girl, I deleted that icky boy stuff (haha!) and picked out the most girlish things that I could find. Princess! Which matches her personality perfectly, because she definitely walks around like she owns the place.

This was the first dress that she wore. I tried to prop her up for it, was not happy. Then she fell over on her face about 20 seconds later - even madder!

But doesn't she look JUST LIKE Stu?!?!?

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This was a picture taken in August of 2006. Bella was about 17-18 months old. Isn't she just too adorable? My baby is about to be this old!

Oh, my sweet Ali! This was about a week after we brought her home from TN. We had been searching online and locally for a puggle (pug/beagle mix). I thought they were absolutely adorable. Plus, they are hypo-allergenic and good with kids. But, because "designer breeds" are so popular, we could not find one for less than about $900. Uh, not paying that for a dog, sorry - I know some people do - but not this gal.

So, when we were home visiting, I came across an article in the Tennessean for Puggles - $200. I called the number and left a message. A few days later, the lady called back. They were in White House (about an hour drive). My mom, my bro and I got in the car and made the drive. We pulled up to the tiny little house and the first thing that I heard was millions of dogs barking. We walked around to the back of the house to see crates upon crates of dogs. In the middle were two absolutely insane 8 weeks puppies. But the second we took them out, they just snuggled us. It was so hard to choose - but I don't regret my choice for one day.

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Also to note - I am not sure if this was a "puppy mill". They did not look "abused", but there were definitely lots of dogs. And we are pretty sure that Ali did not come from a 100% beagle and 100% pug (to make her a true puggle), but I could care less.

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Stu and I have both racked our brains and don't know what we were doing to take this picture. But it is a good picture of us, so whatever. It was taken about a year after we were married in November of 2006.

This is by far my favorite picture of us. We were at a co-workers wedding. I still have this dress, but not sure that I can still fit in it! September 2006

My favorite honeymoon picture. We took a quick trip to Gatlinburg before moving to VA. We haven't been back since and am really looking forward to taking Abby. November 2005

May 2007 - My bestest girlfriends. I feel like we just look so young and it was only three years ago!

Another one from the Summer of 2007 - 5 Vols Fans, 1 Bama Fan - the way that it should be! Little Sam is now 5!

Valentine's Day 2007. Stu was stationed in Japan. Unknown to me, my co-workers had contacted him via email and planned a Valentine's Day Surprise. They decorated my cube and he had written me a special Valentine's Day message. It was posted all over my cubicle. It was one of the Best Valentine's Day I have ever had (with him not here of course).

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I hope you enjoyed all of my "flashbacks". I have TONS more as I am a huge picture taker. But these are some of my favorites!

Saturday in New Bern

Julie, Abby and I headed to New Bern today for the Parade of Homes tour. I have decided that it is absolutely necessary that I own a home with three bedrooms, 2 bonus rooms, and a wine bar. Cost - Only $425, 000. I think we can swing that!

I mean, really. Two bonus rooms! Whoever thought of that is a genius. One for the adults and one for the kids.

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We also stopped by the Bear Time Fudge store. It is the best!

Abby enjoyed her first sucker of rock candy. Of course, she was a little confused as to what end to eat. And it all ended up on her face, hands, legs, and hair.

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Julie and I are going to see The Back-Up Plan tomorrow - so excited! I am also planning on taking the stupid camera to Best Buy to see if they can figure out why it doesn't work. If not, we will be shopping new cameras. I cannot live without my camera.

It Bit the Dust

The camera that is. We thought it was just a dead battery, but after charging for hours, it still doesn't work! I'm overly traumatized! I am sure it is something stupid to fix it, but I really just don't have the energy to figure out what it is. I will try to take pictures tomorrow with my phone to put on here.

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Spent 30 minutes on the phone today with Direct TV (the only kind that you can have at the apartment we are moving to), got that set up! Also set up Internet through AT&T. If anyone has them or knows anything about megapixels or megabytes or mega grams, whatever the heck they are - what is the best? I am thinking that obviously the higher the better, but what is satisfactory?

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Got my new home away from home squared away. I have a seat in the Nashville office of the company that I work for. Not that I was stressed about it, but that is just one more thing to check off my list.

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Said goodbye to all my friends in VA. Obviously will not be traveling back and forth from Nashville to Virginia. I have some really great friends there (both at work and in town). I am sad that I will not be seeing them any more, but also grateful for the lack of 4 hour drives! Stu and I will be flying to VA Beach in June for a wedding, which we are both super-stoked about! I am a bridesmaid and can't wait to get "dolled up".

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Gammy - I have a picture of you and Suzie from my baby shower. Somehow, it was out of the album and in a drawer. Abby found this picture and after significantly crumpling it up, carries it EVERYWHERE. She constantly points to you. I am working on "Gammy", but we are not there yet. I keep forgetting to tell you :)

So Emotional!

It is approximately 9 PM on Wednesday night and I am pretty sure that I have cried twice. What makes it so sad is that I am in a hotel room alone in VA!

First, due to 16 and Pregnant. I think these stories are just so sad, but as soon as that baby makes it debut, I'm done. The tears are flowing.

Second, on the reunion show hearing the after-stories. I really need to get a life. But I swear that a) I would support my daughter even though I would be PISSED and b) IF I had a son, I would whoop his a** to be a man and step up.

Ok, Sorry.

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Four Days Gone....One Picture. Maybe next time I should ask for one with the copy of that day's newspaper, lol!

It may only be a few days, but that gal just gets more better looking every day.

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Old Pictures, This was us at CiCi's Pizza on Saturday.

Isn't she so precious?

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In hindsight, I should not have gone to a buffet with a baby. But....it was right next to where we were shopping. Cheap and easy.

I sat as close to the buffet as was humanly possible. Even got rude looks for being in the way with a high chair. Whatever!

But, when I would get up to fill the plates, out of the corner of my eye I could see people eyeing Abby. Like "How is this baby left alone at the table??". She was completely strapped in. And I promise you, if someone had gotten too close to my baby, I would have had a plastic knife to their throat before they would know what is going on. Just sayin'.

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As most of you know, Stuart was in Iraq until Abby was 6 weeks old. He jokes that he is "the luckiest man alive" to have missed all the crazy pregnancy hormones. Can you imagine not getting to meet your child until they were 6 weeks old? I know I can't.

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Now, imagine this story....


Our friends, Ashley and John. She was due two weeks AFTER he was leaving on a 7 month deployment to Afghanistan.

This is tiny little Brystol at a few weeks old. Isn't she adorable?

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Ashley is so brave to raise a baby for the next 6 months alone (other than her family of course). Keep her and other military family in your prayers. Coming from the situation, they will always have a place in my heart.

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On that note, the (lack-of) coverage of our brave military fighting for us is despicable. No one wants to hear of the "bad" stories of people dying, but it is real. Stu has a friend that just lost his legs over there. I know that I have friends (blogger and non-blogger) that have family over there. But let's do something! Send care packages. Stand up to those a** holes that want to talk about "it was their choice". NO - It is YOUR choice not to fight. I could talk all day about praying, supporting, and doing. I want people to know that I support the military 100% until they day I die.

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If you want to send me any addresses for loved ones, please know that I will send them cards and "we love you" packages.

Top Two Tuesdays....Fav Items Under $15

Two posts in one night! Check out my fashion critique of the ACM's below.

1. Magazines

This is my secret/non negotiable splurge of the week. I truly don't believe that I have missed a magazine in about 10 years. I love the articles, the recipes, the crossword, and just in general all of it! For 3.99, it makes my Friday night!

2. Goldfish crackers

When my daughter screams her head off in the back of the car, I will stop at the nearest convenience store and buy their stock of Goldfish. She loves them. Plus, they are great to snack on as well (even for adults).

ACM's: Hit or Miss

Since I am traveling for work, there will be no new pictures of Abby this week. Unless I can sweet talk my hubby into sending me some!

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Although I did not watch the ACM's, I can still enjoy some fashion. Here are my thoughts:

HITS:

I actually did see Julianne present a reward and LOVED this dress. I think it is unique and fun.

Of course, Carrie does no wrong. I probably would not have gone with a dark purse though.

I also found out that she is the first artist to ever win "Entertainer of the Year" two consecutive years. Not female artist, artist period. There have been many that have won two years, but not consecutive. What a great accomplishment at her age!


This dress is perfect for young Taylor.

I thought this was a very different color, pops on the carpet.

Reba is so classy and graceful.

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MISSES:

Oh Gawd.

At first, I only saw this from the side, but when I got the whole view I threw up a little. I don't know who her stylist is, but she should be fired. And her husband needs to stop her from walking out of the house.

I am still confused as to why she was at the awards as Matt's arm candy. But whatever. I think her legs look horrible (maybe because she just had a baby?) and a smile wouldn't have killed her.

Dull. Dull. Dull.

Too tight. Can you see the wrinkles across her front? Can she? That usually means something is too tight. And the bland grey is just bad.

Was this bought at Forever 21? On the discount rack?

I don't even see this dress. All I see is a human with no eyes - just slits. And someone that cheated on her husband and broke up another marriage. And flaunted it. Does she still make music?

WHOA! Last time I saw Miranda, she had packed on a few pounds, so I will say that she is looking much better. But not that great that the girls need to pop out to say Hi! And if they are, at least pick them up for the ride.

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Let me just say for the record that I am not a supermodel. But I also do not have millions of dollars to pay someone to make me look like one. If you are going to bother showing up for events, bring your A-Game. (See Carrie).

Beautiful Weather

Today was an absolutely beautiful day outside (and I have the sunburn to prove it). Abby and I went over to our friend Chuck and Peggy's house. They have about 5 acres of land, two ponds, and "vineyards". Those little legs were busy!

Abby did get distracted by a piece of grass though.

But that gave me the chance to take some pictures of her in front of the grape vines.

Isn't she just too sweet?

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Chuck is Mexican and calls Abby "the sweet little white baby". It is a running joke that he wants to buy her and have a white baby. We all went to dinner tonight as well and for some reason, Chuck finally noticed the gigantic gap in between her two front teeth. Now, the joke is that since he will have to buy braces, that will alter the price for her.

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No worries, we aren't selling our baby.

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He also suggested that when she grows up, she should work at the Gap. Very funny.

Saturday Night Randomness

I feel that I have been lacking on my blogging. I would like to say that it is due to being busy, but it is more due to being lazy!

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Being a paranoid person, I normally check on Abby about once or twice after she goes to bed. Sometimes she wakes up, sometimes she doesn't. Last night, I went in to check on her. She heard me come in, stretched and let out the loudest fart I have ever heard!! I literally had to cover my mouth and run out of the room so she would not hear me bust out laughing. How ladylike!

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I am obsessed with this skirt, I know.

But those legs just get me every time. I bought her some new shorts today, so excited!

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Sometimes she is very serious. Very Serious.

It can be intimidating.

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Daddy, no more baseball....change the channel!

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She looked me dead in the face today and said "Momma". Usually it is "Mo-Mo-Mo". Too sweet!

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Stu has mentioned before about Abby sitting on the couch with him during the day. I find this unbelievable.

Yet today, she did just that. She sat on the couch with me, read books, stuck her fingers up MY nose, stuck her fingers up HER nose, and found that sticking her arm down my shirt was the funniest thing that ever happened to her.


Then tonight, while Daddy was trying to watch TV, she sat on him to drink her sippy.



Right on top of him.

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Abby loves "doggies". When we walk in the neighborhood and see one, she screams "doggie" at the top of her lungs and says "Ruff, ruff". I was in Target today and she starts saying "Ruff, ruff". Im like, "Sweetie there are no dogs in here". She looks me dead in the eye and points to a picture of a dog on the wall. I guess she is smarter than I am!

But she did turn to a page in one of books today that had a picture of a zebra on it and said "Doggie". We will get there.....

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While at Target, I randomly went down the Barbie aisle. Do you realize that when Abby turns 3, I am going to be financially bankrupt? There is just so much cool stuff! Barbie has come a long way in 20+ years.

World's Scariest Dog

For Christmas, we got Abby one of those battery operated dogs that barks and then does a jump in the air. I thought that she would love it. We rarely, rarely play with it and you are about to learn why!

It all starts out innocently enough. She finds the dog, brings it to me, and sets it down. (Please note the mullet)
Then casually points at it, all is fine.



OH GOD! Mom turned it on!

I know, know, know it is about to do a flip!

No! No! No!!!!

HOLY CRAP!!!! It flipped!!!!

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Just so you know this all took place in about 5 seconds. Afterwards, I flipped off the camera and held her until she could compose herself - secretly giggling to myself. I don't really understand why she loves on this dog, but the second the switch is turned, she flips out!

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My original post prior to the dog incident was going to be about the spaghetti dinner.

Such a mess!

We didn't even get to go on our after dinner walk, due to me having to throw her in the bath with a Brillo pad!

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Got final approval on our apartment today!!! Move in date - May 1st!

You ready for me??????

Because Tennessee.....here I come!

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Congratulations to my friend Katie....heading to the chapel.....going to get married!!!