denial

I'm in severe denial. Y'all, my little girl is a whole year old. Twelve months. Actually knocking on the door of thirteen. I feel like I just had her and she is already on the verge of walking...eating like a big girl...forming opinions...and making them known.

In my mind, it seems like I'm always a few steps behind with her. I think she is doing so good and is so advanced (b/c really, what mom doesn't think their kid is brilliant). Then I visit the cursed hallows of the Internet and find out that other moms have been doing that for months. To me, one year old is still so little to be doing some things. And, trust me, I know that kids do things at different ages. I'm not in the least bit worried about Claire. I'm worried about me!

Case in point right now: the sippy cup. All you non-experienced moms out there or mommas-to-bed, I ask you: At what age do you drop the bottle and switch to a sippy cup? My thought has always been one year. So here we are at one year, and we commenced Operation Sippy Cup this weekend. After a brief meltdown, a skipped meal and a couple of different kinds of sippy cups, we thought Claire had it.

She finished out the day on Saturday using sippy cups and had no problems on Sunday. Sure, she wasn't drinking as much as she might have out of a bottle, but it was enough.

Monday came. Refused her morning cup. Refused all cups at daycare until around 3:30. Teachers were worried so they called me, I was worried. She finally gave in around 3:30, but that was it. We gave her a bottle last night and again this morning because we don't want her to get dehydrated. Sent her to school with milk in sippy cups and back up bottles in the diaper bag just in case. Wish us luck.

Back to my point. I'm in denial. As much as I want her to make the switch seamlessly and as much as I can't wait to quit washing bottles, I can't believe she's old enough to do these things.


Y'all she ate macaroni, meatballs and green beans for dinner the other night. She's not big enough! But she scarfed them down.

And she's quite the little dancer. If You're Happy and You Know It and The Itsy Bitsy Spider really get her moving.

I know I'm biased but I love, love, LOVE this kid. 

...and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

I love Christmas stockings.

I love Christmas stockings in fun bright patterns.

I love Christmas stockings that coordinate.

Since we've added a small child to our family this year, I needed new stockings. The old stockings for Bob and I plus a new one for Claire just wouldn't do.

I looked around. Online. At Christmas Village. In magazines. I saw a few that I loved. I did not love the price tags.

So my encouraging husband reminded me that I have a sewing machine. And I sort of know how to work it. And that I have a mother-in-law who graciously fixes my mistakes and lets me use her embroidery machine.

So off to Joann's we went, where Bob and I picked out fabric for stockings. And since I don't know how many kids we will have and I want these to be our stockings forever, I decided to make six. Don't get too excited, I'm still trying to figure out the one kid I have.

And I got to work...

TA-DA!

I wish I could say it was as easy as pie. Well, it was. At first. I followed this tutorial.

I was doing good. I cranked out six stocking feet in an evening!

I took a break until we went to the farm for Thanksgiving so that I could embroider our names on them before sewing the cuffs on them.

Somehow, in the week between making the stockings and trying to embroider them, I lost my mind. I blame the small child.

Long story short...I embroidered our names upside down on the cuff. Oops. Thankfully my wonderful MIL helped me make it work. And they're adorable. Just slightly longer than the tutorial. Which Bob loves b/c he thinks we can fit more in them. 

By the way, when I hung these last night, I looked at Bob and said, "How weird is it that we have Mom and Dad stockings in our house?!"

trick or treat

We didn't actually trick or treat, but Claire wore her duck costume like a champ for, oh, 10 minutes or so. :)

september in review

October 1.  Yikes.

Where did September go?

I'll tell you where.

There was a trip to Dallas to see the Tide roll.

(Throw in a trip to the urgent care for Momma. Verdict: Strep throat and an upper respiratory infection. Roll Tide.)

Claire had a big time at home with Pop and Allie.

(Finished out the weekend with a little stomach bug for baby girl. Thankfully it passed, but the screaming in the middle of the night did not. So Claire's first doctor visit of the month was scheduled. Verdict: Perfect, as always. No ear infection, nothing but teething and a worried Momma.)

Then there was a visit from Uncle Craig. And Beauford.

 

(The work week saw Momma's second visit to the doctor for the month of September - Verdict: a persistent bug. Round 2 of antibiotics.)

Lots of sporting new crimson and white attire to cheer for Bama. 5-0.

The Somerville's made their first trip to Bobbie's Dairy Dip. And Claire had her first french fry.

Then Grandma and Grandpa came for a brief visit. A good time was had by all. And Claire wore her first pair of jeggings!

Then Momma headed to D.C. for a conference. (And Daddy headed to the doctor for the first time that month. Verdict: A severe sinus infection.)

Armed with medicine, bottles and a plethora of Puffs (Gerber, not tissues), Claire and Daddy came to meet Momma in D.C. for Ross and Sarah Michelle's big day!

Upon arrival back in Nashvegas, Daddy took Claire to her second doctor's appointment of the month - this time just a 9-month well baby check up and flu shot.

And Momma and Daddy went on a date to see Martina McBride perform at the Ryman for the first time in eight years. Love her.

Oh, and this little man turned 2!

By month's end, Claire is still teething, but as sweet as ever. Daddy has kicked his sinus infection and is taking care of the house as usual. And I'm on day 32 of not quite feeling myself, but I refuse to go to the doctor again. Post pregnancy has wreaked havoc on my immune system!

Whew! Bring on October! And hopefully a few less doctor's appointments.

(In the interest of getting this posted before, oh, November, these are all iPhone pics. 

Thank goodness for the iPhone.)

you'll always remember where you were...

I'll always remember where I was when Princess Diana died (on the boat with my parents and my high school BFF, Lauren), when Osama Bin Laden was killed (at home with Bob, watching disbelievingly from our bedroom) and, of course, when the attacks of September 11 happened...

I'm writing this because, eleven years later, my memory is fading slowly. And I don't want to forget. It's important to me to remember every detail because it's the worst thing I've ever seen happen...and hopefully ever will. And because, one day, when Claire is older, I want to be able to tell her everything that happened and my perspective on the day. I want her and my future children to understand the reverence of what happened that day and how it changed the landscape of America.

This recollection doesn't even begin to cover the emotions and heartache that were felt that day. I don't think I could ever do that justice.

I was a freshman at the University of Alabama. I attended my 8 am class - math, I think. The class ended early, and I went to the Ferguson Center to study. When I entered, a group of students were huddled around the information desk watching those old televisions that teachers rolled into the classroom on carts. I heard someone say something about a bomb. A bomb! I joined the gaggle of students and watched, in shock, as the third plane hit the Pentagon, finally realizing what was happening.

I went to my 9 am Italian 101 class, thinking it would surely be cancelled. But Signora Gabriella had not heard, did not understand why we were so anxious to leave. When the class ended, I ran back to my dorm and my roommate, Katie - whose birthday coincidentally is 9/11.

I remember watching the news all day...crying...running out for gasoline b/c her family was panicking...waiting in the gas line FOREVER, only to be told that the credit card machines were down. We scrounged up enough cash to get gas and went back to the news.

In the days that followed, we watched America pull together to stand behind a common cause. I don't know how you could NOT be proud to be an American at that time.

I had met Bob already, and though he had joined the ROTC, I had no idea what an impact these events would have on my life. It occurred to me in the days following that he would probably go to war. I had no idea we would be engaged at that time.

Five years later, he flew out of Ft. Bliss, Texas to Iraq to start what would be the longest 14 months of my life. Thankfully, he returned home to me happy and healthy, and we were married 4 months later. But he'll never forget the friends he lost along the way and the friends that were changed forever. All because of the attacks of September 11.

I know some people have a problem with all the "Never Forget" symbols flying around, b/c really, how could we forget? But I also think that as time marches on...our memories slowly fade. And as strange as it may be to some of us, there are children out there that have no idea what 9/11 is...they're too young to have been a part of it and it's up to us, their parents, to educate them. For me, this is the first step in educating Claire...documenting my "story."

I didn't know anyone in the Towers...or the Pentagon...or on Flight 93. Or their families. But I think we all feel part of the story of the September 11 attacks because it changed our lives in every way imaginable. And though we might forget the details of that particular day, we will never forget the lives that were lost, the lives that were changed and the lives that will never be the same.

six month photos

So remember my insanely talented photographer friend, Nicole? 

See Exhibits Maternity Pictures and...well, seems as though I never blogged about the amazing newborn photos she took of Claire. I can't believe that! Ok, see photos in my blog header!

Nicole was sweet enough to take some six month photos of little miss this past weekend. And, let me tell you...I loved my maternity pictures, then I loved Claire's newborn photos even more...but I'm not sure anything could top these sweet pics. I know that I am biased, but isn't my little girl beautiful?

Nicole, you did an amazing job. I can't believe how much you made Claire smile and laugh and what great shots you got. Thank you again.

I had such a hard time narrowing these down to share...so after I had made two pass throughs, I quit. I love them all and want to share them all. They will be even more special to me down the line, and I'm happy to know they'll always be here for me to look at.

a place to lay her head

This is another post just for Momma. I'm embarrassed that it's taken me this long to get pictures up of Claire's nursery, but I worked hard on it and just love it and don't want to forget this sweet space.

I won't even tell you how behind I am on her baby book (and it's only been 6 months!). Many of you have already seen Claire's room, but I thought it would be fun to look back on.

The overview.

Convertible crib.

Prints over the crib. These were purchased from Etsy, framed by me and hung SECURELY by Bob. They're not coming down, trust me.

This wreath was made by my sweet friend, Chelle. It fits the room perfectly.

We purchased two dressers with the crib. This one has a diaper pull-out storage and we put a removable changing pad on top.

  
I love this lamp. It's parts of two different ones, both from TJ Maxx.

Close-up of the shelves and prints above the dresser (prints also from Etsy).

Second, smaller dresser. I love this mirror, it's from World Market. I do not love my reflection in the mirror!
 

A close-up of the fabric for Claire's bedding. I made the crib skirt, bumpers and curtain for her room. Not sure I'll ever do that again, but it was stressful fun this go around.

I also made this little board for her hairbows/clips. Super easy project inspired by none other than Pinterest!

Claire, I hope you love your room as much as I loved putting it all together. It's probably my favorite room in the house. Daddy and I sat in there while I was pregnant and just dreamed about you laying in the crib. I still get happy when I go in there, mostly b/c of the sweet baby smiling up at me from the crib! 

I know that it will grow and change as you do and as your little personality evolves, but I loved picking all of the little accents and sweet touches that are in there. It's not the biggest space in the house, but it's YOUR space.

a little of this, a little of that

Clockwise starting upper left:

1. Playing in the exersaucer

2. Tanner with his bone

3. Tour de Fat

4. Sick, snuggling with Bunny

5. Catching a nap at the pool

6. Shopping with Mommy is boring!

Stomach Bug: 2, Somervilles: 0

What does it mean when you go about your day perfectly fine, only to end the night in tears b/c you're so nauseous and despite blankets/sweatshirts, cannot get warm?

You curl up in bed, realize it's a stomach bug and pray that the hubby's business trip suddenly gets cancelled (despite the fact that he's already there and it's obviously. not. cancelled.).

What does it mean when your normally "regular" baby suddenly ups the count?

You try to convince yourself she's just teething, but it's official...you've passed the bug onto your sweet child, but luckily she's handling it much better than you did. (Seriously, I was on the brink of death.)

Mommy isn't this cute when she's sick.

Stomach Bug: 2, Somervilles: 0.  Welcome home, Bob!

momma's day

My first official Mother's Day has come and gone. Bob and Claire celebrated me, we both celebrated our momma's, and the day went on like any other - with sweet, gentle reminders of my most precious gift: a thoughtful present from Bob and Claire (plus sleeping in til 9 am!), cards from friends and family, and a single flower from the Publix bagger.

When thinking about it, and longing for the day when I pick up my baby girl from "school" with a homemade Mother's Day card in hand, I felt I should celebrate my sweet girl on this, my first, Mother's Day.

Because although it's a day set aside to celebrate me and my fellow momma's, where would I be without my precious Claire? Not a momma of the human variety, that's for sure.

I've been a Mom for 4 1/2 months. Best 4 1/2 months of my life. Seriously. I. Love. That. Girl. She is amazing. And it's amazing that she's the best parts of me and Bob. I look at her sometimes and wonder how God could have given me something so perfect. Even when she cries, she's cute! Sometimes I'm just amazed that she's mine.

So for this one Mother's Day, I celebrate this beautiful girl. And while I'll be glad for her to celebrate me in her own ways as she gets older, I don't think I'll ever forget this sweet day.

four

four years of being married to this guy...

LOVE him. And her.

It's been a great four years. I can't wait for the next four...and the next four...and the next four...

I have to say, though we've only, yet already, been married four years...this past one has been the best one yet.

It was around a year ago this time that we found out we would be expecting a beautiful baby.

Through pregnancy and becoming parents, it's been fun. sweet. amazing.

It just seems to keep getting better.

I don't sing Bob's praises near enough as he deserves them, but he really is the best. He picks up the slack when I drop it and does more for Claire and I than I imagine most men even think of doing. He cooks, cleans, entertains and provides.

And he's funny.

Of course, Claire laughs at him - she laughs at everyone! But he makes me laugh too...even when I don't want to. But he also knows when he's not funny. Sorry, Bob, sometimes my sense of humor is lacking.

I dare say, he knows me as well as I know myself. And though he might not ever understand me...he tries. 
 
And he loves us. Can you tell?

And we love him. For forever + 3 days...

first (full) day of school

"I got this, Mom."

What greeted me when I returned to work. It's nice to know when you're missed. 

 

Thanks, Shannon, Nicole and Jennifer!

24 weeks

I'm technically 25 weeks now, but here's a recap from 24 weeks pregnant.

I can tell that I've really "popped" over the last few weeks. My belly is out there and in the way!

My 24 week belly in all it's glory.

And, because I never got around to posting it, here she is at 19 weeks.

24 weeks with Baby Girl Somerville

News: My 24 week doctor's appointment was uneventful. I heard her heartbeat again and was measured and everything looks good.

Baby Girl has a name!  Claire Jane Somerville. I'm so glad we've picked a name. It feels so good to call her by name and to know who she is. For those who are curious, Jane is a family name. My mom's middle name and grandmother's first name are both Jane. I love having a little family history in her name. Claire is just a name Bob and I have always loved.

Symptoms: This is a great time in pregnancy. I don't want to complain too much b/c I know how good I have it and there's still a lot of time left, but my only bothers are this massive belly getting in my way and some back pain.

Weight Gain: A lot. No, seriously. 19 pounds. I have no idea where it is going, because I don't feel like I look like I've gained 19 pounds, but no one's told me to back off the cupcakes yet so I guess I'm okay. I have my diabetes test in 3 weeks, so I guess we'll see then. I honestly don't feel like I'm eating that much more than I used to. I've always been a bad eater - as in, I eat what I want - and nothings really changed!

Cravings: Again, nothing in particular. But I can eat Mexican food like it's my business. And I've noticed that jalapenos seem to really speak to me right now.

Aversions: Just strong smells. I’m trying to avoid cleaning out the fridge and leaving it up to Bob to throw away leftovers.

Sleep: I'm sleeping long and fairly well. I have to get up to visit the bathroom at least once a night, and sometimes it's hard to get comfortable after that but I can't complain.

I am loving: Shopping! We picked out fabrics and ordered nursery furniture over the past week and it's just so fun!

I really miss: Sleeping on my belly. And a cold beer during a football game would be nice.

Movement: She's moving all around these days! I love it. It's so fun to feel her kick me, especially when her timing is perfect - right after her Daddy says something she might not like or when someone says something sweet.