Tooting my Own Horn

About two weeks ago I thought about getting personalized M&M's to hand out as favors to any visitors we had when Carsyn is born. You would not believe how expensive it is. I started brainstorming on how I could make my own and with Steve's help this was the end product. I went to Party City and got brown and pale pink M&M's. I went to Michael's and got pink tulle, ribbon, pink card stock, and a 2 inch circle punch (that I can also use for sbing). I printed Carsyn's initials on the card stock punched them out and then tied them around the little bags of M&M's. I was so proud of myself for 1. being creative and 2. being thrifty. I usually would have just paid the extra for the personalized M&M's because it would have been easier and taken less time. Addison helped me with this project ( and ate some of the M&M's in the process) so it turned out to be something she and I did together for Carsyn. Anyway I just wanted to share.

Last Date

Steve's mom came over and kept Addison Saturday night so Steve and I could go on one last date before Carsyn arrives. I wanted to take some pictures to mark the occasion but Addison was not in the mood. This is the only picture where she is half way smiling. As of now the plan is for me to be induced on my due date July 14. This is also Steve's birthday. He has said from the start he would love it if she was born on his birthday. Under any other circumstance I would love to go early but I am praying that Carsyn waits until then because Steve's Mom will be in Macon starting Tuesday for his sisters C-section. The week after the fourth my parents will be at the beach and even though I know they will leave if I called they will still be at least 7 hours away. We have plenty of people that have volunteered to keep Addison until a grandparent can get to her but I guess the planner in me just wants everything to work out according to plan- my plan. However it happens I know that it will be perfect and we can't wait to meet our new baby girl!!!

Father's Day 2008

So I am almost two weeks late posting this but I feel like I can't keep up with everything I need to do. Steve wanted to go to the Georgia Aquarium for Father's day so that is what we did. It was nice to do an indoor activity because it has been so hot. The last time we went Addison was around 18 months and wasn't really into it. She really liked it this time and her favorite thing - out of all the big exotic ocean creatures- were the two people in scuba gear cleaning the rocks in the Beluga Whale tank. We went twice to watch them. Since this is a my Father's Day post I can't go without mentioning how great Steve has been lately. He has always done is fair share of chores and taking care of Addison but the last few weeks he has been amazing. I have been able to get dinner on the table and that is about it. He has picked up where I have slacked off. I love watching them together- he truly enjoys spending time with her. I am looking forward to watching him develop a daddy/daughter relationship with Carsyn. Steve if you read this - Thank you for all the support and help you have given to me. We are all 3 very lucky to have you. Also to another wonderful Father- my dad- I hope I can be there to celebrate with you next year.

The Whale Tank

The Tunnel

Addison's First Recital

Last weekend was Addison's dance recital and it was a big weekend. My parents , sister and her boyfriend, my grandparents, aunt and her three kids came into town to watch. Steve's mom and sister also were there to cheer her on. I was a little nervous for this big production because I wasn't sure how well Addison would do going onto stage for the first time. When Addison started dance in August for 8 weeks I had to go into the class and sit and watch just so she would participate. Just as I was going to pull her out she started to go in on her own as long as her teacher would carry her and the within 5 minutes she was fine. She was the baby in the class- everyone else was already 3 and some even 4. I think maybe I should have waited one more year. By the end of the year she would go into the class without any problems but I still wasn't sure how she would do on the big stage. We went to the rehearsal and I knew this would be a good indicator of how the show would go. She did wonderful!! I was a backstage mom and we were responsible for walking the class up to the stage and putting them in their line. The music started and she never looked back. I know right now I have some extra hormones and emotions but it hit me like a ton of bricks- she didn't need me. She had grown up enough in this short time that she was OK on her own. She wasn't afraid and looking for me to comfort her- she was confident and ready to show everyone what she had accomplished. This is a wonderful thing I know but still the realization of her growing up and not being the baby that was 100% dependent on me was a little hard to swallow. On top of all this her ballet dance was to You are my Sunshine. I use to sing this to her all the time when she was a baby and to see her dancing to it brought tears to my eyes. Can't a pregnant girl get a break!!! I am so proud of her and how far she has come since that first dance class. I am sure there will be many more times in the future where I will feel this way again but I just keep reminding myself this is what raising a child is about - Giving them all the love, support , and guidance they need to become wonderful human beings even if slowly you have to let go in the process. This is what my parents did for me.

To the Stage they Go

It was so cute watching them walk from behind. Their tutus were so cute!!

Getting Ready for the Bunny Hop

Jack's House

Over Memorial Day weekend we went on a much needed mini vacation to Orange Beach. Orange Beach is in LA or lower Alabama as I have learned living in Georgia. It is a bit different than the SC coast that I grew up going to but I enjoy it all the same. Steve's boss has a condo there that he has let us use the last two years. His name is Jack and since our first trip there last year Addison calls the condo Jack's House. It is on the 15th floor and has a beautiful view but I have to admit I am not crazy about being that high up. We had a great trip and it was a wonderful break from work and all the "to do before the baby comes" list. Addison was not fond of the beach - she HATES the sand!! Most of our time was spent by the pool. She would play so hard in the pool that it would take her 5 minutes to fall asleep when we would go in for the evening. I am so thankful to Jack for letting us use his place - even though it was a short vacation it will always be special to me because it is the last time we will vacation as just a family of 3. Just as a side note we have finally agreed on a name for the baby- Carsyn Greer. We both liked Carsyn and thought it was a little different but not to far out there and Greer is my grandparents last name. Addison says it with such a southern accent and it is adorable!!!

Playing in the sand at The Crab Trap!!

I love it when she wants to pose for pictures ( she should be use to it since I have had a camera in her face from day one.)

Addison loved the pool more than the beach. I love how she is kicked back and relaxed.

Taking pictures at The Wharf.

Addison and Steve looking for seashells.