C-A-T-S!

Today was a big day in our neck of the woods. UK vs. UofL. It happens only twice a year - once in football and once in basketball. On these two days, almost everything comes to a stop. AC even got in on the basketball action. (May I add that it is extremely hard to get this girl to sit still long enough to take a good picture!)

Pigtails!!

This little pose cracked me up!

And it was a victory for the Cats! Thanks to their little cheerleader, I'm certain!

A few updates about this week:

1) AC has decided to refuse almost all of the few foods she liked eat. To say that I have been stressed about it would be an understatement. She is still eating breakfast and dinner, but she has rejected all other meals and snacks in between. She doesn't seem to be feeling bad or have low energy, so I'm waiting it out. This could take a while as I have a very stubborn child on my hands. I'll keep you posted.

2) Nina and I were finally able to get her in the bath today. She has also adamantly refused to get in the water the last two times we attempted a bath. I have NO idea why she decided she didn't like the water, but never fear, her stinky little self is finally clean!

3) My sister has been here all week. AC had a blast digging through her makeup and smearing it all over her face. She left this morning and we miss her so.

4) Yesterday, my mom and I picked out fabric and accessories for the draperies in AC's bedroom. I can't wait to show you how cute they are hanging in her new room!

We hope you all had a good week and enjoyed your New Year's Eve festivities!!!

A Request

It is true that life is full of mysteries, things that only God can explain. I'm so very thankful for my faith in Him during such trying times. While things are going well for me and the ones I love, I sadly can't say the same for a high school friend of mine. I feel the need to tell you her story because she and her daughter need all the prayers they can get. My friend, Kelly, has a two year old daughter. Just 3 days ago she was a lively little girl enjoying Christmas. Today, she has a 30% chance of surviving a rare form of cancer. Every time I look at my sweet girl, my heart hurts for Kelly and her girl. Here is a link that will tell you more about this story. Just click on the word 'story' to read more. I ask that you say a prayer for Kelly, her husband, her son, and especially her daughter.

After I heard the news of Kelly and her girl, I was reminded of this quote.
Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. One day I may dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in my pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

So, I'm making my resolution this new year to treasure each and every 'normal' day with my girl and my husband. Not just because things can change so quickly, as they did for Kelly, but also to teach my girl how to the do the same. To show her how to live a life content.
Please pray for Kelly and her girl to get back to their normal days very, very soon.

Horsie!!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that my dad was boarding a stray horse for the night. It was then that our girl's equine love affair began. I found these pictures on my camera of an early morning visit between AC and the horsie!

Walking to the barn to see the horse!

Cowboy boots, naturally.

A little ride with Papa followed.

Christmas 2010

Holidays are a whirlwind for us. Christmas was no different. Lots of traveling and very little sleep. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Our girl had a fabulous time with her families and that is really what it's all about. Making memories. Here are a few pictures of our Christmas 2010 moments!

Christmas at Mamaw and Papaw's! Fun times with the cousins!

This gift wasn't hers, but she didn't seem to care! There were balls in that package and she was determined to get it open!

Santa came!!!

"Wow! I love Christmas, Mama!!!"

A new purple puppy purse from Uncle Bud and Aunt Emily!

Merry Christmas!

Enough with the pictures, Mama.

"Look, Mama! I found a Christmas bear!!"

Playing on the steps, of course.

This girl loves pint-sized chair!

Watching her Papa say the prayer before the meal

(and rubbing her itchy nose at the same time)!

"This thing looks like a lot of fun! Maybe I can pull it down before anyone notices!"

Well, hello there, sweet girl.

Tasting a little Cool Whip!

My grandmother has had this Christmas box for as long as I can remember.

It was magical for me as a girl. AC loved it as soon as she saw it!

Woohoo!!! It's her very own Barney! Hurry up, Ben!!!

My girl loves horses, too. This gift was a BIG hit!

Brushing her pony's hair.

She begged her Uncle Bob to put these boots on her.

Then it was off to her chair for a little rocking.

"Mama, I don't want to sit here and take a picture!!!!"

AC and Natalie

Someone is trying to hide after taking the candles from the window!

Funny girl! We are all exhausted but so very thankful for our loving families, without whom these days wouldn't have been so incredibly magical. We love you all. We also really miss Daddy! Not much longer until we see him again. AND Merry Christmas to Uncle Judd. We missed you very, very much!

Chocolate

This face

was caused by these!

Yummy!

Snow/Ice

Papa insisted that I let my girl go out and play in the snow. It was more like ice than snow, but he promised to only keep her out for a minute. I think it took longer to get her dressed in her snow suit than she actually spent outside.

Uncle Benny helped Mama get her snow suit on!

Patiently waiting for Papa to open the door!!

She had so much fun!!

Oldies

Today I looked through the pictures on my mom's camera. I was surprised that she had so many pictures that I had never seen. Here are some of the ones that made me smile. They also made me a little sad to see how quickly our girl is growing.

I was 31 weeks pregnant here. Yep, that's right. I was huge. I still had 2 months left. Maybe someday my daughter will appreciate my whale-like physique.

Baby Girl only a few minutes old. Heavenly.

The sweetest little face.

One of my most favorite pictures of my girl. Only 4 weeks old.

Heading out to 6 month pictures!

"Get me outta here!!!" March 2010. 8 months old.

Just a few weeks ago. Almost bedtime.

Today. Almost 17 months old.

Special Day

Here is why today is special!

Ignore the partially colored sign. We got distracted!

We love you, Daddy. We really miss you and hope you enjoyed your day!

Hair!

Well, let me start my saying that I no longer look like Crystal Gayle. I FINALLY got a hair cut (which is why I didn't blog yesterday). Woohoo! I knew it was time when, after a tedious hair washing, my hair dude said, "Okay, let's go tackle this beast!" He worked is usual magic and I no longer feel like an Amish person (or Crystal Gayle).

Most of you regular readers will know that my girl also has her own hair issues. While I'm beyond thrilled that she has hair at all, it seems that her hair has a mind of its own. Case in point.

I'm not sure if she was channeling Snooki, Einstein, or Justin Bieber. But this look is completely typical. She's really into hair and brushing her own, even if there is a rubber band in it. Which is what happened today.

A side view

Someone looks exactly like her daddy in this picture!

Everyday, she and I fight over her hair and she is only 16 months old. Heaven help me when she starts school OR when she is 13!

Other happenings: While I was getting my hair done, my sister entertained my girl. She had a blast with her crazy rug rats! Thanks to Meggie and the kiddos for an awesome afternoon. After my hair, I went to dinner with one of my dearest friends. I'm so very thankful to have true angels like her in my life. And tomorrow is a big day for us - someone we L.O.V.E. has a birthday and Uncle Benny is coming home for Christmas! Oh, and it's looking like Nina might get another snow day!!!!