Ross Family

Emma is 3!

2011-11-12T21:01:00.005-06:00

Our baby turned 3. Oh how the time flies. We had a smaller party this year with immediate family. The weather was beautiful and the kids were able to run around and play outside. Emma is turning into such big girl. She talks and goes non stop, playing dress up from sunrise to sunset. She is such a joy and we couldn't imagine life any other way.

October

2011-11-12T20:39:00.005-06:00

We started October off by attending the opening night of Ghouls at Grassmere at the Nashville zoo. This was the first time attending and we will definitely go back for years to come. Emma had a blast trick or treating at the zoo, riding the haunted carousel, hayride and dancing to the music. We also went to a different pumpkin patch this year called Lucky Ladd's. It was wonderful and we hope to go back next year with some friends. Emma dressed as her favorite princess, Rapunzel. I took her trick or treating to a couple co-worker's houses. She decided that was enough and wanted ice cream and to watch her halloween shows instead of going around the neighborhood. Bryan got home in time to see her still dressed up and to take a couple of pictures.

Us

2011-07-27T20:59:00.004-05:00

We rarely do posts about us but I thought we would do a quick update. It has been a crazy, stressful year to say the least. I'm working full time and Bryan, unfortunately, is still unemployed and staying home with Emma. We pray everyday that God will soon show what his plan is for us. In June we celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. We celebrated 2 ways, Memorial Day weekend one of my best friends and maid of honor got married in Gulf Shores, AL and we were fortunate to be able to attend the wedding and be a part of it. This was a quick get away for Bryan and I. It was nice to hang out with friends and have some time to be by ourselves. We were able to spend that Saturday on the beach the entire day reading, sleeping and enjoying the beautiful scenery. We attempted to go out that night for a nice early anniversary dinner but we waited a little to late so we ended up with fast food at the condo. In June, Katie was able to get us tickets to one of the CMA Fest concerts. Bryan's mom was in town and was able to watch Emma so we could see the concert. We endured the 100 degree weather and had a great time watching great artists.

Emma

2011-07-27T20:37:00.006-05:00

So we realize it has been months since we posted a blog. Between work and Emma being on the go constantly, we just haven't had time. So now we update you. Emma is only 3 1/2 months away from turning the big 3. She grows and changes more everyday. She talks non-stop and in complete sentences for the most part. She is potty trained and has been since March when she decided to train herself one day. We had slowly been introducing the idea but she wanted nothing to do with it and then one day, she wanted to be a big girl. She is now sleeping in her transition bed as well and doing great. She loves being home with her daddy and I know they both will treasure this time as she gets older. Here are a few pics from the last several months.

All the cousins at Spring Break
Happy Easter!

Easter Egg hunt
Playing dress up

Time for the dance recital
love :)

Emma, Hagan and Colton

Daddy's drummer
So excited for her doll
A fun zoo experience. We got to pet 2 clydesdales
Our family :)

February Pics

2011-03-31T10:11:00.002-05:00

January Pics - Lots of Snow & Parties

2011-03-30T14:45:00.009-05:00

Christmas Pictures

2011-03-29T13:50:00.009-05:00

Thanksgiving with the Ross Family

2010-12-13T10:24:00.007-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Ross' this year. Mark, Marty and Kim made the trip up from TX to celebrate here in TN. Bryan's Grandfather, Bob, even flew in from Florida to spend the holiday. It was so nice getting to spend time with family and I'm especially thankful that Emma got to meet her great grandfather.

Celebrating Popi's birthday
One of the beautiful trees at Opryland Hotel
Emma looks so happy ;)

I LOVE this picture! Their personalities are showing
poinsettia tree
Great-Grandpa and Emma or Papa as she calls him

4 generations
Another one of those love pictures

Nana sliding
Emma wanted Papa to hold her the whole time at Pump it Up
Having dinner for Noah's birthday

2 year pics

2010-12-13T10:16:00.005-06:00

Emma turns 2!

2010-11-13T19:55:00.008-06:00

It is hard to believe, but our Emma is 2! She is such a big girl but still our baby. We had an Elmo, Abby, Ernie, and Cookie Monster theme this year.

Her shirt we had made! This is the same lady that made her onsie and hat last year

Sitting with Colton, my best friend's little boy. I can't believe how big they are.

Her cake was the spitting image of her invite! Candy, You Rock!!!

Gift buckets
mmmmmmm.....

Emma's best friend Evie. She was so happy and excited to see her.
The kids bundled up and played outside for a while

Cousin Noah
Emma pulling Noah and almost running over Elena. Sorry Elena!
birthday girl getting a ride
Cousin Elena

After the party, she sat and fed baby
Playing with her pink monster truck. Thanks Colton! You know she loves the trucks!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T20:12:00.008-05:00

Chattanooga Trip

2010-10-23T21:46:00.006-05:00

We headed to Chattanooga, TN this past weekend for my fall break. We drove down Saturday morning. We went straight to the Aquarium and had fun. Once we finished there, we drove right down the road to our hotel. We hung out in our room while Emma had a snack and watched Sprout while we decided about dinner and plans for the evening. The neat thing about Chattanooga is that you can walk or ride the public trolley around and pretty much see anything that you want. We ended up walking down to Big River Grille and timed it just right for no wait. After our delicious dinner, we walked over to the pedestrian bridge and walked across it. On the other side of the bridge was a nice park, carousel, and a Sweet Cece's. We enjoyed sitting out on the patio in the beautiful weather while eating our yummy frozen yogurt. We headed back across the bridge and to the hotel. Once we got in the room, Emma crawled up on the bed and and laid down and pulled the covers up and said night night. She was exhausted. She was completely off schedule since she decided to sleep in that morning and had not really napped. It made for an early and easy bed time. On Sunday morning, we lounged in the room until check out time and then headed to Hamilton Place to have lunch and do a little shopping. We stopped by McKay's books and then headed back to Columbia. We spent the next 2 days working around the house and having fun.

The butterfly garden at the Aquarium
Watching the penguins

The best moment of the trip :) She fell asleep waiting on dinner. I love and treasure these moments
Loving on Daddy and looking at the scenery. Notice, she loves playing with his beard :)

So sleepy

Cheese. She loves her sunglasses
Driving mommy's car

Sept fun

2010-10-23T21:15:00.008-05:00

September brought lots of fun. A trip to the Zoo on a beautiful Friday and the opening day of the flamingo exhibit. It also brought the arrival of our Swingset. We finally had a few days of beautiful weather to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

Summer Vacation

2010-10-23T20:49:00.007-05:00

We went to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for our summer vacation. Here are a few shots from it.

Granny

2010-09-09T22:00:00.003-05:00

Below are a few pictures of my Granny and Emma. The first two are from Emma's birth when Granny saw Emma for the first time and a great picture of my mom and granny with Emma. The last picture is a recent one I snapped and couldn't resist. I love how Emma is laying her head on Granny. Granny is such a special person in my life and I'm so lucky to have her. She has always been there and I share such a bond with her. I'm so thankful that she is still alive and I have the opportunity to share in the joys of motherhood with her. We will be celebrating her 80th birthday in October and can't wait.

Pool time in the summer

2010-09-09T21:44:00.004-05:00

Here are a few shots from playing at the pools and Mawmaw and Pawpaw's house.

Drive thru zoo

2010-09-09T21:14:00.007-05:00

We visited a drive thru zoo back in July on a Saturday when the temps were way above 100 but needed out of the house. We all had fun and will definitely go back again. We caught some great videos but they will be posted later.

New Pool

2010-07-02T08:44:00.005-05:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Here's a quick video of Emma enjoying her new pool. I should be able to work on some video that I hadn't been able to yet, now that I'm unemployed.

The first day home with Emma went pretty well, and hopefully they'll just get better.

18 month pics

2010-06-17T20:46:00.010-05:00

We decided do something a little different this time for Emma's 18 month pics. We hope to do a few more soon. Enjoy!

Pictures from the past month

2010-06-10T16:32:00.008-05:00

Doing her favorite thing, SLIDING!
jumping on the trampoline
she said if katie wouldn't ride, she would
exploring with mawmaw
riding in mommy's car from her childhood

rocking big puppy before bed
playing with her colton
celebrating Kelcey's 26th birthday

Hailey's baby shower for baby Hagan
Katie's dance recital
Granny and Katie
Emma clapped and danced the entire time. She even woke up to clap at the end of dances when she fell asleep
pawpaw got her a work hat

telling daddy what to do
smile
big girl
emma thinks she is big stuff when we let her sit at the bar and eat

Mother's Day

2010-06-10T16:21:00.002-05:00

18 months

2010-05-19T16:30:00.002-05:00

Well, the pictures were supposed to load opposite of what they did but oh well. This was what happened on the night Emma turned 18 months and we took pictures documenting the day. Her turning 18 months has truly brought the temper tantrums on, 2 year molars coming in and a vocabulary and personality that is just amazing. Emma loves to sing and dance all the time and her favorites are Itsy Bitsy Spider and Patta cake. We go non-stop from morning till night and she has a new obsession with Elmo. She loves to sit in the floor and play or read. She truly is the light of our life and ruler of the roost.

Easter 2010

2010-05-12T20:49:00.005-05:00

Our second family Easter pic
Emma with Mawmaw, Pawpaw and Katie
Daddy and his princess
So cute

Cheese

Aunt Trudie, Leah, Emma and Honey the dog
Let the hunt begin
She did so well putting the eggs in her bucket
mowing the yard
having a talk with her Pawpaw

17 months

2010-04-16T09:59:00.002-05:00

Emma turned 17 months back on the 7th. Its hard to believe that she will be turning 2 before we know it. Her vocabulary is growing stronger every day and she is really starting to say phrases. The best one yet was she told me "I luv you mommy" in the car one morning and that helped make the day go better. She has started showing interest in the potty, so we have borrowed a potty from a friend so we will see where this goes. She loves being outside and throws a fit to come back in. She is also getting to that testing stage where she is learning what she can do and not do. Below is the only pic we could get on her 17 month birthday.

Spring Break = outside play

2010-04-13T21:11:00.008-05:00

We got a couple days off for our Spring Break and the weather was gorgeous. We got Emma a little plastic slide that she is now obsessed with. She can climb up by herself and slide down without any help. She thinks she is sooooo big! Here are a few pics from the break.

Wearing maw-maw's sun glasses
Celebrating with paw-paw

Climbing like a big girl

Rock star

The Busy Life of a 16 month old

2010-03-23T20:11:00.008-05:00

Let me go ahead and apologize for current and future postings being spread so far apart, but we are constantly chasing Emma at this point and don't get to sit down as much. Emma is now 16 months old and looks so much like a big girl. She is picking up on our words left and right. Just a few of her words over the last month are juice, dog, up and down, ball, baby, 'scuse me, kiss, shoes, I doubt it, shut door pawpaw, and many more. She even said go potty yesterday and pointed to the potty. She is climbing on everything and loves to slide and go outside. Mark and Marty came into town for their spring break and we were able to visit the zoo, pump it up and do a little shopping. Here are a few pictures from the last month.

Snow everywhere!

2010-02-12T12:09:00.006-06:00

This has just been the craziest winter. We are getting 10 years worth of snow in 2 months. We have missed 6 days of school because of the winter weather and they are calling for more. 2 weeks ago today came the heaviest snow storm yet. At 11:30 that morning we had 2 1/2 inches and at 3:30 we had 5. I believe total we had 8 inches with a layer of ice. We were one of the worst counties hit but fortunately we didn't lose power. To give you an idea had bad the storm was, a friend left work at 11 am and didn't make it home until 4:15pm. That is normally a 1 hour drive. Let's just say people were literally snowed in. Emma was still recovering from sickness so she didn't care much for being in the snow. She had ten layers of clothes on to only be outside less than 5 minutes. It was absolutely beautiful though. Here are a few shots.

busy january

2010-02-12T11:41:00.005-06:00

Sorry it has taken so long to get the blogs going again. January was an incredibly busy month. We had at least 2 birthday parties every weekend. Here are a few shots from some of them. One was my niece's 8th birthday which I find so hard to believe. I keep looking back at the pictures from the hospital when she was born and it is incredible at how much she has grown and changing. Emma had a blast chasing after Katie and her friends as well as Bre. The girls even talked Uncle Bryan into playing twister :P. The other party was for one of my best friend's little boy. He turned 3. They rented a bounce house and blow up slide for the kids to play on. Emma wouldn't have anything to do with it this time but we now know why. She had RSV and a double ear infection. Honestly, I think the adults had more fun on the slides. January is also my birthday month, the weather was so horrible that we didn't do very much which is ok with me. We had dinner at Red Robin and did a little shopping on that Saturday and then on Sunday we went down for church and mexican with my parents. Hopefully sometime in Feb or even March I will get my hot fudge cake from my mom. Bryan and Emma got me the greatest cards and yes I cried reading them. I also received a book from one of my favorite authors, a gift card to purchase the new Lady Antebellum cd and tickets to their concert in Nashville in March. Yay! We have tons a video to post for you of Emma but until Bryan sits down and fixes it we can't post. It looks like we may be getting more snow this weekend so maybe we will have time to work on it.

Emma's First Haircut

2010-01-26T14:14:00.003-06:00

I went and had Emma's hair cut for the first time a couple weeks ago. We went to a kid salon for her first experience. She did remarkably well. Here are a couple of pics.

14 months and snow!

2010-01-08T12:02:00.005-06:00

It is truly hard to believe that our little girl turned 14 months yesterday and what better way than with snow! We did not get the 2-6 inches but what we did get was nice to watch fall around our house and to take Emma out in and walk around. She seemed to have fun walking around crunching in it and looking at everything covered in white. She also looked absolutely adorable all bundled up. Emma is growing by leaps and bounds and we don't just mean physically but verbally as well. We haven't attempted the scales lately but we do know she has grown in height because her 12 month pants are way to short. She is constantly running around playing with her toys. She is absolutely loving her princess mobile and her microphone. (She is definitely Bryan's with the music part) She is also at the age where she is testing the limits of things she can do such as standing on her riding toys, messing with the electronics of the house, and even throwing one big temper tantrum. Let's just say when she did that yesterday I had to turn my head because she sassed Bryan and how she did it was too funny. She is my child in that department I'm afraid (darn Lowery temper). She has woke up the last couple of morning asking that lovely question, what's that. She loves looking at all the pictures on the wall and pointing out who is in them. Her love for books has grown even more, we constantly find her sitting in the floor looking at books and trying to read. I really hope she keeps this up. Emma's vocabulary is also increasing and becoming clearer which is crazy to here from my little 14 month old. Emma now constantly chases Lilly and teases her with her toys and she has also decided at night to tackle daddy in the floor and jump on his belly and pull his nose and ears. She also seems to have an obsession of mouths. Her little laugh is constant and fills the house with happiness especially when funniest videos is on and showing puppy dogs. What did we do again before having her? I know as these next couple of months pass by she is going to be even more active and can't wait to see this little person change tremendously.

Trying mommy's boots on.
beautiful

walking around exploring

hmmmmm
bundled and ready to go
furball
she took daddy's keyboard from the office

Christmas Day with the Ross family

2009-12-31T14:26:00.005-06:00

We spent Christmas Day with Bryan's family this year. They were gracious enough to come up from TX and spend Christmas this year in TN. They stayed in Nashville in a house that they rented which worked out great. The kids had a great time chasing each other and playing, we had a wonderful meal, and just a great visit with each other. We probably won't get to see everyone again until Thanksgiving next year. Thank you guys for coming our way this year.

Prepping for the family picture
Emma didn't want to cooperate
Kim opening her gift as Noah watched
Noah and Nana
David, Katie and baby Elena
Emma looking at Violet from Uncle Rob, Aunt Tiffany and Kim
Noah opening his gifts
Elena was even awake for present time
Nana's book from Popi of her adventures with the grandkids
Rob and Tiffany
Emma was fascinated with Noah's matchbox cars
Helping daddy
Our family

Christmas Morning

2009-12-30T15:29:00.005-06:00

We were able to spend a little time Christmas morning at home opening our gifts before heading to Nashville. Emma didn't really know what to think about waking up to presents under the tree. She still is a little too young to be into the opening gifts but I'm sure next year we will be in for a treat. Emma racked up with some more clothes, puzzles, flash cards, a singing mickey mouse and her big gift was the little jammin band which she absolutely loves (video to come soon). Our big gift was the trip to Gatlinburg back in November but Bryan did get a blu ray player, gamestop gift card and pajamas. He and Emma got me a new spatula, sweater, pajamas, a picture frame that says I Love Mommy with a picture of us from the beach, and a beautiful necklace that has her 1 year picture in it and has a saying on the back. We had a wonderful Christmas together.

Our tree Christmas morning
Emma and Bryan
Playing with her Elmo remote that Santa left in her stocking
Lilly getting her bones from the stocking
Break time for the girls - they needed some animal crackers
She was excited about her Mickey Clubhouse books
Now we don't have to carry the big Hot Dog Mickey everywhere
Pretty sure we will regret this at some point but she loves to sing and dance

I cried when I saw my necklace and Emma was fascinated with it. She looks at my picture ring all the time
Lilly getting her presents

Christmas Eve

2009-12-28T20:48:00.006-06:00

We spent Christmas Eve this year with my parents and had a wonderful time. Emma got way too much stuff but hey, what are grandparents for. Emma received clothes since she is starting to outgrow her 12 month pants, she got the cutest chair, a mickey mouse rocker, a big pink puppy to lay on and music instruments to go with a present Santa was bringing. My brother surprised us by coming out and bringing my youngest niece so the whole family was there and was very nice.

Emma's comfy chair

Look mama, animal crackers
getting tired
playing with pawpaw
riding mickey mouse
Mawmaw and Pawpaw with all 3 granddaughters
Emma's handmade care bear from her great aunt
gifts galore

granddaughters

gifts for each set of grandparents

Busy Body

2009-12-14T20:58:00.007-06:00

Helping Daddy fix the dishwasher.
Unrolling a brand new roll of toilet paper.
Trying to get her leftovers back from Lilly.
Laying down on an electronics ad. Wonder who she gets this from.
Sleeping beauty.
Strike a pose.

Dancing to Madagascar.

Gatlinburg

2009-12-11T20:37:00.011-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving weekend in the mountains this year as part of our Christmas. Bryan and Emma got to see Gatlinburg for the first time and this was my first time to see it with the Christmas lights. The drive took a little longer than expected, what should have been a 4 hour drive turned into an 8 hour drive that ended in a meltdown with Emma and myself crying. We loved our hotel and was lucky that it had a restaurant in it so we didn't have to get out in the cold when we finally made it there on Friday evening. On Saturday, we got ready and visited the Ripley's Aquarium, Ripley's Guinness Book of World Records, and Ripley's mirror maze and candy factory. We also took the tram to the top of the mountain and had dinner at the wonderful Smokey Mountain Brewery as well as walked the streets of Gatlinburg looking at the little shops and enjoying scenery.

Gatlinburg!

Our wonderful room
Can you find the fish?

Thanksgiving

2009-12-11T20:19:00.006-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Lawrenceburg this year with my family and I'm very thankful that is how it fell this year. My cousin is leaving for bootcamp next week and will not be back until around March so we were able to spend this day with him before leaving. We had lots of yummy food and a great time visiting. I'm thankful for the time that we get to spend with my family especially my Granny and Ray. Emma enjoyed playing with her cousins especially Leah and my cousin even told Bryan a few stories from when we were growing up.

Emma with Mawmaw and Katie after the full day of festivities
Me and Collin
John and Collin

Aunt Trudie and Collin

Mom and Uncle Gary telling stories of when they were kids
Granny and Emma
Leah passed out on Jerry
Checking the best Black Friday deals

Granny
Collin and Emma

Trying for a Christmas card photo- did not go well

Nana and Poppy come to visit!

2009-12-11T20:05:00.004-06:00

Nana and Poppy were in town the week before Thanksgiving to see the newest addition to the family. While they were here we celebrated Noah's birthday and spent a few evenings together while they watched Emma for us. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Christmas here in Tennessee this year.

1 year studio pics

2009-11-13T13:23:00.003-06:00

Birthday Festivities

2009-11-09T20:11:00.010-06:00

Emma's First Year

2009-11-08T21:20:00.002-06:00

Emma's First Halloween

2009-11-05T13:35:00.008-06:00

Emma had a great first Halloween. We spent that afternoon in Lawrenceburg with my parents and grandparents. We also visited one of my close friends and her little girl. Emma had the most fun when we got home and got to hand candy out to the tons of trick or treaters. She kept walking up and down the hallway to look out the front door.

Halloween Eve

2009-11-05T13:24:00.005-06:00

Emma spent Halloween Eve at Mommy and Daddy's work trick or treating and loved every minute of. She did so well on keeping the hood up on her costume. She got tons of stuff including animal crackers which she now loves. Thanks to everyone at the office for making it a fun evening for us.

Emma snapshots

2009-11-05T13:09:00.003-06:00

Pumpkin Patch pictures and video

2009-10-24T20:27:00.007-05:00

First Steps

2009-10-24T20:24:00.001-05:00

Fall break day

2009-10-20T19:58:00.003-05:00

We had Monday off for Fall Break. We decided to go to the outlet mall in Murfreesboro and do a little shopping for Christmas and for Emma's winter coat. The past couple of weeks the weather has been absolutely crazy. Last week and the weekend the temps her in the 40s for highs and below freezing for lows. Fortunately on Monday it warmed up to mid 60s for a nice day outside. We decided that it was time to go ahead and turn Emma's carseat forward facing. She loves being able to see us and jabbers and laughs constantly. There is a video on youtube that Bryan said Monday reminded him of, it is a little girl that is around Emma's age maybe a little older sitting in the backseat with her dad talking 90 to nothing. I always told Bryan that would be us one day and that day has come. Here are a couple of shots of her turned around.

Taking steps, straws and big girl food

2009-10-19T19:45:00.006-05:00

Emma has achieved so much in the last week and a half. She has finally let go and started taking steps by herself. She is averaging about 8-10 steps before falling down. We think she will be going full force by her birthday. We ordered off the kids menu this weekend for the first time. It was so strange. She is loving grilled chicken, black beans and any fruit you put in front of her. She doesn't want any baby food anymore but we do sneak it in some. We have also had success at using a straw. We have literally bought every sippy cup out there trying to get Emma to start transitioning but had no luck. One of my best friends suggested trying a straw because that is what they had to do. One day when I was home with her we tried it and she has loved it since. We still do bottles but during the day unless it is nap time she drinks from a little cup with a lid and straw. I did some research and found out that it is actually better for them to use a straw then go through the sippy cup phase. Emma loves drinking water out of her cup. She doesn't really care for juice. We have a very busy weekend ahead. We are doing 1 year pictures and family pictures Saturday morning and then Sunday she has the birthday party to one of her little friends. Their birthdays are 2 weeks apart. Can't wait to post pics.

Cleaning out

2009-10-19T19:41:00.003-05:00

We cleaned out our garage on Sunday. If you have seen any of the pictures it was packed with just a pathway to walk through. Our goal was to get it cleaned out so we could pull my car in for the winter so we don't have to get Emma in and out of the bad weather as much. Here is what it looks like now. We are so happy that it is finished but of course I had a break down. We packed up Emma's baby swing, bouncy, play mat and infant bath tub. Just 2 more weeks and our little baby turns one.

11 months today!

2009-10-07T21:22:00.004-05:00

That's right, our baby is 11 months! The time is flying by and she is growing so fast. She is eating more foods that she can feed herself and loving it. On Sunday, she ate what we ate all day. She had eggs and cinnamon roll minus the icing and super cinnamon part but thought she was just like us. She is developing such a personality. We love to just spend the evenings watching her laugh and play. She is into everything. We can't take our eyes off of her. She has started opening the baby gates and crawling into rooms so we are going to have to make sure the gates shut and lock. She is walking so well as long as she has your fingers or her toys. She has took off yet but we are waiting for it. She loves to drum on everything ( I wonder who she gets that from? :) She is jabbering more and more and we are really starting to understand more things. She loves to listen to music and dance. Tonight when we were brushing her teeth she decided to scoot down and sit in the sink as you can tell from the pictures. She is a complete mess but we are loving every minute of it. We have a busy next couple of weekends coming up. Birthday parties, trick or treating at the zoo, and pictures. We have most of her birthday stuff in and can't wait to celebrate 1 year.

Happy 30th Birthday Daddy!

2009-10-07T21:13:00.003-05:00

We have been celebrating Bryan's big birthday over the last several days. He went to a movie Saturday afternoon with the guys and topped it off by everyone meeting at O'charley's for dinner. This is starting to be a tradition for his birthday. On Sunday we braved the chilly/wet weather and headed to Cool Springs for a little shopping. Bryan got a golf bag and a new putter for his birthday from Emma and I. We also snuck in a little birthday shopping for Emma. :) His birthday was Tuesday and his department through him a party and made his favorite cookies. We had a special birthday dinner at home that night and topped it off with an ice cream cake. This weekend we are going out for lunch and a movie just the two of us while Katie, Dave and Noah watch Emma. Here are a couple of pictures from the festivities.

Pumpkin Patch and Fall Bday pictures

2009-10-07T21:02:00.004-05:00

These are a few pictures from this past week and weekend. We are working on trying to get a good picture for Emma's birthday invitation and decided to get out in the yard and shoot some photos. We also visited the pumpkin patch. We don't have too many photos from there because they were not fully up and running. We plan on going back before Halloween.

Changing every day!

2009-09-21T20:41:00.006-05:00

Emma is just growing by leaps and bounds and changing so much every day. We can look at pictures of the last 2 weeks and just see the differences. She is learning new things everyday. This weekend she learned to say bath, click with her tongue, and is trying very hard to walk but hasn't fully got up the courage to let go. One of my best friends is a physical therapist and was working with Emma yesterday on her walking. She tends to walk on her toes instead of flat. We are working to get everything in for her party. Once we finish with her invitation we will post it. I think they are turning out so cute. It is still hard to believe that this time last year we were praying she would stay in just a little longer and now she is talking and trying to walk. I cry just thinking about my baby turning 1 and Bryan tries his best to keep me from getting upset. Enough of the sappiness. Here are some pictures from the last two weeks. They go from most recent to later. Enjoy!

Emma was watching the Titans

showing off her new jjs

to walk or not to walk?

blue eyes
fashionista. going to see her aunties at mommy and daddy's work
Lilly was in trouble. Her punishment was Emma's crib for 5 minutes.

Telling Great Granny all about it. They had some catching up to do.
Daddy-daughter time
Good kisses
Playing with Noah and Aunt Katie

Staring at her shirt
Go Longhorns!!!!

This and that - 7,8,9 month snapshots

2009-09-11T12:23:00.006-05:00

Beautiful
So funny
What do I weigh now
"Mommy get in this house right now"
Rocking away

Nuts, they caught me
Crawling around on daddy
Who do you think will win this contest?

Just took this yesterday, we have found success with a sippy maybe.
You couldn't get through the living room
Standing by myself
I'll just sleep here.
There are no words
Bad sissy. Stay in your cage

As you can see, the last few months have been fun but busy. Emma is a non stop mover and grover.

Bibs!

2009-09-06T07:04:00.004-05:00

Last night Emma decided to get out all of her bibs. She was having so much fun, I just had to make a video.

9 Month Pictures

2009-09-01T05:01:00.010-05:00

We got Emma's 9 month pictures done last weekend. I think they turned out really well. You can see the many different expressions she likes to make. She was having a blast, and didn't want to sit still.

Zoo day!

2009-08-24T14:46:00.009-05:00

After having an extremely long, hard week, we took advantage of the beautiful weather (76 degrees and no humidity) on Saturday and spent the afternoon at the zoo in Nashville. We had a great time and Emma did wonderful. She really enjoyed looking at the animals and kept telling them bye-bye. Emma had a fascination with 2 crazy looking birds, the bongo and of course her favorites, the giraffes. She even had a staring contest with one of the Meerkats. She just looked at them and tried crawling out of our arms to go to the animals. She is really starting to get into everything and is constantly jabbering. She crawled into Lilly’s cage again, she loves to go in her bathroom and sit on the scale and now unroll the toilet paper, she gets into the drawers where her spoons and bowls are and takes everything out. She put two words together and said byebye mama. She refuses to say dada and instead sticks her tongue out and blows. She is now eating macaroni and cheese and yogurt melts and so far so good with the milk type products. She is developing quite a little personality. We have an appt Sunday to go and have 9 month pictures done. We will post pictures when we get them.

In Memory of Uncle Jerry

2009-08-17T09:06:00.003-05:00

This is in memory of my Uncle Jerry. This was my dad's oldest brother. We learned that he passed away during the night. He had been sick since February but the family just learned of this a couple of weeks ago when we almost lost him then. His condition had improved and he was supposed to be leaving Vaderbilt this week and going to rehab but during the night he took a turn for the worse and his heart stopped. Please keep the family in everyone's prayers. My dad and his brothers have been through so much in their lives. Their mother was killed when they were a very young age and had struggles with the father after that and he has passed as well. As a daughter it is very hard to see your father cry and not be that strong figure because of something so heartbreaking but my uncle wanted no tears. He would not let anyone cry or miss out on their life these last couple of weeks. My aunt and cousins would have to leave the room to break down and he made my cousin finish his finals for his master's program even though we didn't know if he would make it or not. That was just the type of man he was. He will be deeply missed.

9 month checkup

2009-08-13T15:35:00.002-05:00

Emma went yesterday for her 9 month checkup. She is doing wonderful. Her height was 28 3/4inches (85th percentile) and weighed a whopping 20pds 13oz (80th percentile). Dr. Ray is very pleased at what she achieved and developmentally is right where she needs to be. Emma showed her that she could crawl and stand up and even showed her how to put the tounge depressor in her mouth which was so cute. We are going to start trying some milk based products such as the yogurt melts to see if Emma can tolerate that so we will know what to do at her 1 year appt. We survived the doctor without getting a shot because they were out of it. Yay! We learned that Emma doesn't like bandaids. They had to prick her toe to check her iron level and she through a fit and cried because there was a bandaid on her toe. Unfortunately she has been sick and that is what the picture from above is from. She is so pitiful and we are all so tired because she won't sleep but about 10 minutes after you put her down. However, she is napping right now since we tried Motrin for the first time and that seems to be helping. We hope everyone has a great weekend.

9 months today!

2009-08-07T19:53:00.003-05:00

Yes, she is walking under the high chair and got mad b/c Lilly's cage was in the way! She is non stop
9 months today at the pool enjoying a cracker after swimming.
Couldn't resist.
Drinking juice for the first time
She was looking at herself in the mirror.
Emma turned 9 months old today. It is unreal to us at how fast the time has flown by. She is changing and growing more every day. We love that she is jabbering all the time and trying to walk but we miss our tiny little baby that we just brought home from the hospital. I did have a cuddle day with Emma on Thursday. She was the sweetest baby. All she wanted to do was sit in Mommy's lap and snuggle which was so nice and something I will treasure. She started trying apple juice this week for the first time and she will only receive it in a sippy so here we go at trying to ween her to that. She is crawling all over the house and chasing Lilly. Emma is also really starting to wave bye-bye and patty cake if you tell her to. Emma also cut another tooth this week which brings the total to 5. Thursday Emma did get in the floor and turn Bryan's game controllers on and the stereo off. I told him she was definitely his. We were fortunate today to have Bryan at home but in exchange he has to work all day and night at the fair tomorrow. :( We spent the afternoon at the pool and it was so nice. The heat and humidity are up here but the water was so nice. Tomorrow Emma and I will be going to Lawrenceburg to visit with family and friends. She will go for her 9 month checkup Wednesday so stay tune to find out how big she is now.

Beach time/many milestones

2009-07-21T20:24:00.007-05:00

Orange Beach, AL
Emma floating in the pool
Mom, Em and I
Mom and Dad
Mawmaw and Emma
Bryan and Katie riding the waves

family picture
Cheese
The girls were in matching outfits and were so cute
Mom keeping the girls in the shade for a little while

Katie's pics that I took. I think they turned out wonderful
Cheesing
She loved wearing Katie's head band

Daddy and Emma
A nice gentleman offered to take our pic in front of the ocean

Our little family minus fur ball
Dad and Katie
Dad working on his tan
Katie aka fish
Me and my Katie Bug
I love this. Emma sleeping on me at the pool
The first day there
Emma's first waves
Sticking her feet in the water and sand for the first time

As you can tell, we just returned from the beach with my family this weekend. We had a wonderful time. Emma did remarkably well considering it was an 8 hour drive and had an upset tummy going and coming. We had some overcast days and it stormed the evening we were at Lamberts waiting for our table. It hailed and the power went off so that was an experience. One night Bryan and I got to drive to the other side of Gulf Shores and look at some the condos that have been rebuilt since the hurricane a few years ago and we also crossed over the Florida line so I could show him the famous Florabama. Emma enjoyed sticking her toes in the sand and playing in the ocean as well as swimming around in the pool. One afternoon we went to the big outlet mall because it was just miserably humid and was able to get Em a few outfits for this fall and winter as well as Bryan finding a weedeater at the Black and Decker store for $11. What a deal and works well. It was so nice getting away and I tried my best to talk Bryan into moving down there but had no success. When we returned Friday night we found out that one of our favorite restaurants here in Columbia had closed down on Wednesday without notice so that was a bummer. On Saturday, we attended a baby shower for one of the media teachers that Bryan works with and had a wonderful time being with co-workers away from the work scene. We even kept a late night and didn't get home until 9 because we decided to have dinner out and make our target run for the week. We sure do have an exciting Saturday don't we?

Milestones

Emma has changed and achieved so much over the last 2 weeks. She is walking around the house holding onto our fingers. She can stand by herself for a minute. She has started crawling everywhere and is now chasing Lilly. Last night I sat her in the floor while I took Lilly out and came back in to find her on the other side of the living room and pulled herself up to a standing position at her leap frog table. She is loving going to Ms. Holly's house and playing with Evie. They laugh and talk and crawl around and play with toys. At the shower saturday she started waving bye bye and is all smiles and giggles now. She is giving lovings and they are the best, the wet tongue kind. She is eating her food for the most part and now eats wagon wheels for a treat. She has cut 2 teeth in the last 3 weeks and working on another. It is incredible how much she is changing and it saddens me at the same time. I can't believe she isn't my tiny little newborn anymore and that she is growing so fast and developing a personality. We are trying to decide on the theme for her first birthday. We are at 20 pounds now. We go in 2 weeks for her 9 month check up and can't wait to see all the measurements.

This is just a few things going on and hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week. We also wanted to say good luck to Greg and Lisa. You guys will be great parents and can't wait to see little one in the next few weeks.

Ross Family Vacation

2009-07-06T20:06:00.006-05:00

NANNA READING A BED TME STORY
NANNY, POPPY AND SLEEPING BEAUTY
SHE WAS POPPY'S GIRL ON THE TRIP
SILLY GIRL. SHE WAS CUTTING A TOOTH AND KEPT RUBBING HER TOUNGE AGAINST IT
RIVER PICTURE ALONG A HIKE
EAST RIM OVERLOOK
"THE MOST PICTURESQUE BEACH IN THE SOUTH" PER THE BROCHURE

SHE SLEPT ON ALL THE TRAILS
HAZARDOUS CAVE
READY FOR OUR FIRST HIKE
THERE WAS SERIOUS PING PONG ACTION GOING ON
THIS WAS A HILARIOUS TIME

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR PICTURES FROM THE VACATION WITH THE ROSS' LAST WEEK. WE STAYED AT LAUREL FORK RUSTIC RETREAT ON THE KY/TN LINE. IT WAS NICE HAVING THE ENTIRE FAMILY TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT FAMILY EVENT.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T16:53:00.004-05:00

Emma throwing a fit

Emma and Daddy - 2 days old
The first time Bryan held Emma

Emma wanted to tell Daddy Happy Father's Day! I just want to tell Bryan that he is an amazing father and husband and can't wait to watch how he grows with Emma. We love you! I also wanted to post the poem that I had put on Bryan's frame. I thought it was so appropriate being his father's day.

My Daddy's Hand

Daddy, Take my hand in yours and you will plainly see,

How very much I need you now to love and care for me.

As my little hand grows, I will need you even more,

Everything I do in life, I have never done before.

Teach me to be kind and loving, sharing and forgiving,

Show me through your acts of love the pure joy of living.

The years will pass by quickly and one day I will be grown,

I will pass what you have taught me onto children of my own.

Hold me always in your thoughts and remember when we are apart,

The special love between a child and a daddy's heart.

Bryan and I would also like to wish our Dads a Happy Father's Day and same to all the other dads out there.

Lazy Thursday

2009-06-18T20:59:00.004-05:00

We spent the day lying around the house since it was so humid. We did however go outside for an hour and play in the pool and let Lilly run around. Here are a couple of pics from the pool. I promise to post more pics this weekend.

Here are a couple of pics of the house with the landscaping and some of the Lillies blooming. We didn't really know what the plants were since we didn't move into the house until late June last year and there was drought.