Fast as a Bullet

Cool weather, the glow of the Christmas tree, a cozy blanket . . . all have me feeling sentimental. Oh, and the chocolate piroulines by my side aren't helping. For many, me included, the holidays stir up a mix bag of emotions. Satisfaction for the successes of the year. Hope for the days ahead, with a touch of anxiety for roads yet traveled. Sadness for the losses still yet redeemed, and joy for the unexpected and definitely undeserved blessings.

Tomorrow at 10:45 a.m. my little baby turns 10 months old. These days, she's looking and acting more toddler than baby. Whenever music of any sort reaches her ears, she immediately stops. And sways back and forth like Stevie Wonder. She's "dancing." Tonight, she pulled up to standing and let go for just a few seconds. Her eyes quickly looked at me, asking, "What in the world is going on?" And instead of wanting a bottle for lunch, she preferred mashed potatoes and green beans at Bryan's Christmas party today. I love that kid a million times infinity.

Did I mention she gave her daddy numerous kisses voluntarily while we were at the holiday lunch? Melt my heart.

Oh, and when you ask, "Who's so big?" she raised her arms as high as she can like a ref signaling a good field goal. We cheer and clap. And then she raises her arms like 45 times in a row. Hysterical. Superman has nothing on her. She's is growing and changing faster than a speeding bullet.

On the other side of the coin . . . Bryan and I are coming to terms with news that Granny Youree's health is declining, apparently at rates neither of us are happy about. She's such a jewel. What a blessing to me to watch Granny light up when Anna enters the room. We pray her last days--whether it be hours, days, or months from now--be peaceful, happy, and hopeful.

Ah, the realities of life and death . . . and the importance of knowing the difference between the two.

It's a "Later Date"

I promised pictures at a later date, and today is that day. Grab a snack, pictures en masse is what you'll find here!

Sip-n-See photos from Nashville:

Visit to east Tennessee (Jim & Kristen, I don't have any photos from the surprise party. Could you send some my way?):

Thanksgiving at Aunt Tina's:

Baby dedication at Donelson Fellowship:

Meeting Santa for the first time:

The Christmas tree is up at the Yourees! 

Getting ready for church in our fancy outfit:

Music Class

Today was our last infant music class, sniff sniff. Anna loves it soooo much. We were allowed to bring cameras, but this mommy forgot; so the phone camera had to do.

Side note: Anna started saying "Da-da" today. If she's said it once, she's said it a thousand times. 

Failed mommy-daughter pic number one.

Failed mommy-daughter pic number two. 

Anna in her element. She loves shakers!

"I'm so sad this is my last infant music class." 

Oooohhh, the gathering drum, Anna's favorite! 

Playing with my friends. 

Friday Funnies

Today I encountered two humorous situations too good not to share.

The first chuckle I had was at the post office where I was waiting in line to purchase Christmas stamps. As my turn neared, I scanned the festive design options. The red and gold Christmas tree really caught my fancy.

"Next."

I approached the counter and said, "I'd like 100 of your Christmas tree stamps."

The lady behind the counter smirked, pulled out a stack of stamps, and showed me a closer peek. These are not Christmas trees, but stamps for the Islam holiday. The gold swirls were actually Islamic writings artistically woven together. However, it was in the shape of a triangle, very similar to a tree.

Well, I better not get those for CHRISTMAS cards, eh.

"In that case, I'll take those darling ornament stamps."

"Don't worry," she said. "You're not the first to ask."

In some ways, I wish I had accidentally purchased those beautiful red and gold stamps because it would have been hilarious . . . . Addressing all my Christian-themed cards and donning them with Muslim garb. You can't make up this stuff.

**Two hours later**

I'm getting gas at Sam's. At $2.94 per gallon, I was not the only one with this idea. Seven or eight other cars were stopped for fuel. Next to me a lady was being approached by a gentleman, who said something along the lines of:

"I'm an electrical engineer, but I've lost my job. Blah, blah, family, kids. I need cash. Can you take me to your ATM?"

Actually, I didn't catch everything he said because, poor fella, his speech was a bit slurred. Okay, it was really slurred.

The lady refused; and the gentleman continued to his right to the next car, away from my direction. Apparently, this man refused as well. So, the money-seeking, tipsy gentleman turned to his left to approach the remaining "gasers." He starts in my direction. And just before he passes my car he says:

"I'm not even going to ask you. You look like a bitch."

Ah, the holidays. I just love this time of year.

November Jet-setters

To celebrate Anna's first Thanksgiving, we decided to fly east. It was a trip to remember and all that entails.

Let's start from the beginning.

I'm known for packing the night before; so you'll be shocked to learn I started packing on Monday for a Saturday flight. No, that wasn't a typo. I packed several days in advance. Taking enough clothes for five days--which translates into 10 outfits for Anna--for a nine-day stint in Tennessee. (My sister graciously allowed us to wash clothes not once, but twice during our stay.) And even with making a long list of diapers, formula, and toiletries to pick up once we landed, we still managed to lug four suitcases to the airport. We were a production--and a sight to behold.

Like a champ, Anna did wonderfully waiting until we boarded, and then slept through the flight to Nashville. Whew, what a relief. 

We enjoyed the weekend in Nashville. Anna adjusted quickly to her Tennessee family, especially her cousin Kullen, who was by far her favorite (much to my sister's chagrin). And a little girl who was slowly, cautiously crawling when we arrived quickly turned into a speedy kneester . . . all thanks to a teeny doggie named Kloie at the Williams' house. Anna chased that dog endlessly, even learning how to play and shake the toys for the dog's attention.

The highlight of that weekend was the Sip-n-See in Anna's honor hosted by Lori, Emilee, and Tina. It was a delight to show off our girl and see friends we've not hugged in awhile. Also, I gorged on sausage balls; they were sooooo yummy.

Come Monday we drove to east Tennessee to visit extended family, stopping first at my aunt and uncle's house. And then there was Monday evening. Sigh. I cringe even typing about it.

Around midnight, we awoke to Anna's screaming. For the next several hours, she would only sleep in short interval of 20-30 minutes. She was congested and running a fever. It was the same symptoms of her sinus and ear infection just two weeks before. The next morning our family was so sweet to love on Anna while we tried to track down a physician to evaluate Anna. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any urgent care facility to take her except the emergency room. We opted to monitor her and take her in Nashville on Wednesday. Thankfully, her fever broke that afternoon.

Tuesday afternoon we drove north of Knoxville to visit my grandmother and other aunts and uncles. When my aunt walked in from work announcing we were eating soup and sandwiches with other family members at the nearby church fellowship hall, I was a bit suspicious. I thought, "Aw, my aunts have set up a little get together for Anna."

Boy, was I surprised.

We walked in to see nearly every cousin I have and all of my aunts and uncles AND my sister and niece and nephew. Shock.

My sweet sister planned a wonderful Alice in Wonderland "un-birthday" party for Anna to celebrate her joining our family. Too. sweet. You know, when people extend acts of kindness to you, it is touching and nice; but when they do so to your child, the feeling grows exponentially. We felt so humbled and honored to witness such love for our girl. The party will forever be a special memory for us.

Oh, and to whomever gave Anna a sweet pink card with a Visa giftcard, much thanks. The card wasn't signed, so we're not sure where to send the "thank you." Teehee.

The next day, we drove back to Nashville and quickly took a number at the urgent care medical center. With one look into that little right ear, the verdict was in: ear infection again. After three near sleepless night, I can't say that we were that surprised. A new round of antibiotics did the trick, thank God!

Anna enjoyed her first Thanksgiving by simply playing with family and munching, er sloshing around, some turkey and veggie baby food.

Like fools, my sis and I decided to venture to Kohl's for the midnight opening. OH. MY. WORD. The line was long . . . and the line to checkout was RIDICULOUS. We shopped for an hour and purchased nothing because we refused to wait for three hours. Now I remember why I no longer "do" Black Friday.

The last Sunday we were in NashVegas, we were so humbled to attend my old church, where my pastor officiated Anna's baby dedication. Such a sweet, special time.

The flight home was uneventful too--hallelujah. Our girl slept again. So, the next time she's not sleeping at night, we'll just hop a plane. Right?

Pictures of all these happenings will come at a later date. Stay tuned.

Achooooo!

Tomorrow I'm whipping out the pressure washer and attacking our walls, as in the interior walls. Why? Because I feel like we're crawling with sickness.

Okay, mild dramatization. Sorry, but I've HAD it.

Poor, poor Anna has been sick since last Thursday, and maybe even last Wednesday when she only slept 15 minutes for one nap. She's had fever, severe congestion, coughing. It was a cold that turned into a sinus infection that turned into an ear infection. And she was so generous--sharing with her parents. Such a giver.

Did I mention Thursday night she only slept for 15-20 intervals?

But thanks to antibiotics and the ol' "running its course," I think we are all on the mend. Hallelujah! Now, if I could only get her to sleep in . . . .

What Happened on Halloween?

A lot.

On the not-so-fun side, Anna received her first flu vaccine. Actually, she barely even fussed. One little cry; Bryan popped in the paci; and all was well. We get part two of that dosage at her nine-month visit this month. (Yes, she will be NINE months old in just two weeks. Alas!) At this visit, we learned her weight is now 20 pounds, 12 ounces.

After her afternoon nap, we discovered a tooth--her first one! I suppose she was dead-set on eating some Halloween candy and was determined to do whatever it took to make that happen. She didn't really have any "symptoms" to alert us one was coming through . . . . I mean she's been chewing on everything for five months now! I always thought the teething symptoms--sleep disruption, fussiness, feeding issues--happened BEFORE the tooth broke through. However, we've been experiencing them afterwards. And boy, have we been experiencing them. Yesterday, she slept 15 minutes for her morning nap. Ahem. Today she slept 45.

The Youree three assumed our station on the front porch with jumbo-sized bag of candy ready to go at 6ish. We were surprised, and a little disappointed, that the trick-or-treaters didn't hit the streets to closer to seven. We were curious to see Anna's reaction because she LOVES big kids. So, when the kiddos came up for candy, she would just stare at them, no yelling to get their attention and big leg kicks as she normally does. I guess these folks were not identifiable as big kids in their costumes. :-) She did commandeer three bags of Skittles she now uses as rattles. And speaking of candy, I estimate we had 137 candy vultures stop by.

Here are the pics to commemorate Anna's first Halloween. I'm sure future October 31 posts will include much more glitter and sparkle . . . and yes, even a crown or two.

She wouldn't be still long enough for Bryan to get a good shot!

See? She's clapping her hands and singing here.

Taken just after she donned her Halloween attire.

The First Family Vacation--Fredericksburg

And when I say family, I mean five Yourees instead of the three. We've learned if we mention babysitting to the grandparents, they take the bait. So, the Youree crew crammed into our new vehicle and drove south to Fredericksburg, Texas. 

T

To celebrate our fourth anniversary, we stayed at the same wonderful bed and breakfast we visited for our first anniversary--Palo Alto Creek Farm. Since our party was a bit larger this go around, we nestled into the Itz House and not the Barn this time. It was superb. The breakfast is always stellar--and abundant. The space was comfortable and cozy (love the period decor). And my favorite part is being on a working farm with the livestock and the wild animals, especially the deer. Anna was fond of watching the kitties.

Kisses by the huge tree! Anna was so well-behaved, but thoroughly spoiled by her grandparents. (We're home now mending her ways--ha!)

Daddy was being silly and put Anna's pants on her head. And then it was time for a shoulder ride, which, as you can see, she loves just about better than anything.

Bath time with Mimi and Daddy-Pa while we celebrated our anniversary on a special date. We ate a yummo meal at Navajo Grill. Those snazzy shades are a Mimi purchase. Of course, Anna is a fan . . . and a cutie!

Here, Anna is bonding with nature. 

Mimi and Anna enjoying time outside. (Don't you just LOVE Mimi's new haircut, thanks to Aunt Andrea?)

It's Super Anna . . . dun da dun . . . . She really likes "light" rough housing now. The old tricks I used--kissing her neck and cheek really fast--don't get the same giggles anymore. She's like, "Mom, please, I'm so over that. Toss me around on your shoulders, please."

What a fun vacation! When do we go again???

Baby Goodies: The Top 10

My dear friend just gave birth to the sweet, super-good-sleeper Oliver Blake. We've been chatting about baby items and schedules--what we like, what we hate. So, here's my top 10. Love it or lump it, these are the baby goodies that have hit a homebrun in the Youree household.

10. Dr. Smith's Diaper Ointment. By far, this is the BEST diaper rash cream. A little goes a long way, and it is super effective. Three cheers for Dr. Smith's.

9. The Soothie Pacifier is the only one Anna will allow in her mouth; it's her drug of choice. They are great to clean . . . no spit or goo collecting near a plastic handle, ect.

8. Shout out a big "yay" for the Bright Starts "Start Your Senses" Giraffe. In the car, in the walker, on the floor, this is a great toy that Anna never tires of. The variety of rings, mirrors, and such help Anna's motor skills.

7. Gas drops are our best friend. They remedy common tummy pain for baby.

6. After using our regular stroller for walks around the neighborhood for a few weeks, it was obvious that stroller wasn't made for the "off road," i.e. anything except store floors. :-) So, we brought home this stroller. It has turned out to be a perfect vehicle for our fun trips around the block.

5. Jesus . . . not our God, but the stuffed lamb that plays "Jesus Loves You." For whatever reason, it has always soothed Anna quickly. And we just started calling it Jesus because it plays that song. She also hugs it now--too cute.

4. To tackle Anna's dry skin, Aquaphor is our best weapon. We cake it on before she snuggles up for bedtime. Because this lotion doesn't have much of a smell, we use Aveeno Calming lotion during the daytime.

3. As far as name brand goes, Pampers are the best fit for us. However, we use the Target Up & Up brand the most. When Anna is home, we are big fans of the BumGenius 4.0 (with snaps). And if you use cloth diapers, the BumGenius sprayer is a must.

2. For hair care, we've discovered California Baby Calendula conditioner and shampoo. Her hair immediately looks healthier when we use it--so soft and shiny.

1. SOPHIE is our #1 toy. Anna loooooves it. She gnaws it. She makes it squeak. She shakes it. She loves it.

Adoption Day in Pictures

While this pic below isn't of the adoption day, it is her photo shoot from the day before . . . thanks to Daddypa. Mimi informed us that Anna was not a fan of sitting on the grass.

Bath time the night before the big day!

Lotions with Daddy!

Good morning--I'm ready to meet the judge!

Mimi and Anna just before we left before court.

Um, Anna decided to do a little trick in her diaper while we were on the way to the courthouse. Thankfully, we arrived with enough time to changer-roo.

Standing before the judge!

The adoption is final!!!!

The "official" Youree clan.

With our caseworker, Amy.

Yay--she's our baby!