Hair Post

Yeah, that's right, a post devoted just to hair.

Brynnie has a little "Alfalfa" cow lick that is beyond awesome. Well, today it was in rare form so I whipped out the camera and had a little photo session.

Also, I FINALLY got my hair to the color I wanted it! Since we moved and my hairstylist changing her hours, she is no longer accessible to me.

She was the only one that's ever done my hair and I didn't hate it, so I was understandably upset. Well, me being me, I stubbornly set out to color my hair myself. After about 5 attempts, I've finally gotten it to the color I want.

I also cut it by myself too. Wiki How is the best site! After a little perusing of an article on how to cut layers in your own hair, I was on my way.

It looks like Brynnie is trying to get a look at her cowlick too in this pic.

Does it get any better?

I've spent a great deal on trial and error to getting here, but from here on out, spending $15 on my hair instead of $200 is going to be great!

This was taken the other day.  Look what a big girl she is!

Lunch Post

As you can tell, I'm very good with keeping up with traditions once I start them. I believe I attempted to start this "lunch post" trend last month, and this is my second one.

I have been meaning to post on here some big news: Miss Brynnie's two bottom teeth have come in! They finally broke through the skin and are sitting pretty in her little mouth. I still can't believe it! I see no signs of the top teeth coming in yet, so we're good on that. For now.

Since the doctor told us we could start Bryn on solids, it's been a mixed bag. On one hand, she loves her high chair and we all enjoy sitting at the table together and catching up on our days. On the other hand, this feeding stuff is tricky. The doctor said she'd be confused at first, and, well, she is. It's a bit frustrating, quite honestly. I can't tell if she even gets anything down her belly at all.

Even though we were told we can give her 1-2 servings twice a day, we just do one serving, once a day. She doesn't act like she's starving, and believe me, she's growing quite well, so the kid isn't lacking nutrients. I'm thinking maybe she just doesn't like rice cereal. Sunday we get to try oatmeal cereal, so hopefully I'll have better luck with this.

I went out for a run (okay, 1/2 run, 1/2 walk while panting) with Jack last night. It has been about a year since I even attempted to do this.  Bryn wasn't in the mood to go down at her usual hour, so by the time Jack and I got out of the house, it was pretty dark. Being the genius that I am, I suited up in my black pants, black shirt and went out with my black dog. We must have looked like a duo of rag-tag ninjas. The good thing, though, was that Jack was a perfect companion. He only tried to yank me to the ground twice. Dale pointed out that it's because it was dark out so Jack couldn't see his nemeses, the squirrels.

Other exciting stuff (at least for me), is that Dale and I got Nooks. Nooks are e-readers from Barnes and Noble. The reason we went with these instead of the Kindle is because you can actually download books from your local library on the Nook. So, after spending the initially outlay on the equipment, you basically never have to spend money on books again. Plus, you get the added bonus of not having to go to the library and get harassed by the mass of homeless people inside and out (I know I sound horrible, but it's gotten really bad here).

Well, that's basically all we've got going on right now. So, I'll leave you with some pictures Dale sent me recently from his camera.

Happy Birthday, Tom!!!!!!!!!

Today is my step-dad, Tom's, birthday. To celebrate, all of us girls went out to the beach to spend it with him. To clarify, that's me, Mom, Mel, Ann..... and Dale, Bryn, Gary, Maddox, Merrick, Mercer, Cindy, Roland and Debbie (Jeni and fam were sorely missed, but they can't come down every month - although we'd love it). Mom made a ham and Cindy made her world famous red velvet cake (which I was good and did not partake even though it had to have been as phenomenal as usual. This was confirmed by Dale having a second, much larger slice).

This was also Miss Brynnie's first time at the beach! The weather was overcast, and the water in the pool and ocean was freezing, so after about 10 minutes, Dale, Bryn and I headed back upstairs to the condo. She got to put her feet in the sand and I even dipped them in a little water, but I think she'll enjoy it much more for the annual Wharton-Becker-Wilson-Balint-McCrystal 4th of July Vacation. She'll be almost 7 months old and hopefully able to sit on her own and splash in the pool and the ocean.

We left around 2 and stopped by Dale's parents' on the way home to say hello. It was quite an eventful day for us.

In the elevator on the way up to the condo. Dale saw this view of her little head poking out of the top of the sling and had to grab the camera. Glad he did!

Aunt Mel with Brynnie and me. How cute is that swimsuit? Aunt Ann got it for Bryn.

Family Photo. This picture cracks me up. Do you ever wonder what you look like when you're making a funny face? I don't anymore. Quite exquisite, is it not?

I love this picture of us. Don't know why, but I do.

Brynnie's not too sure of the sand. 

Grandpa Tom and Grandmama (and Merrick and Maddox waiting patiently for cake).

Maddox's look is saying "See, Aunt Lisa, Grandmama is cutting the cake? CAAAAAAAAKE!"

Cindy, Aunt Mel, Mercer and Grandpa Tom.

Dale, annoyed that I'm taking a random picture of him.

Mom and Tom's bedroom at the beach. I tried to convince her to give me that headboard, but she wasn't having it. I mean, we'd use it everyday. They rarely go out to the beach any more. Doesn't it just make sense for us to have it?

The ladies in the kitchen (where they belong - hahahahha).

From clockwise top left - Maddox, Merrick, Mercer and Brynnie.

Mercer, being adorable, as always!

I want to sit in the big girl chair like Mercer (or, Grandmama suggested Daddy put me in here for a photo op).

Look Ma, no hands! Grandma was testing out her new carrier. Baby tested. Baby approved!

Brynnie Bryn is 4 Months Old!

Technically, Brynnie turned 4 months yesterday, but hey, one day late ain't too shabby.

Friday (the 16th, when she turned 4 months), Bryn had her 4 month check up. She's still off the charts for height, but her weight is catching up. She's in 90% for weight now (up from 75%) and her noggin size is up to 75% from 50%. In other words, she's still a big kid. She got her shots also, which is never fun. Last time she slept for a few days afterwards, this time we have not been so lucky. She was okay yesterday, but all day today, the poor baby has been extremely fussy and was running a 102 degree fever this morning.

Exciting news, though, we got to start feeding her cereal!!!!! She's kind of confused (as the doc said she'd be), but I think she'll get the hang of it soon enough. It's only twice a day we're giving her cereal, so it's not too bad.

Ann and Merrick were around our parts and Merrick wanted to see Jack, so they stopped by. I think Merrick forgot how big Jack was and was a bit scared. Hey, if something was about 3 times my size and came up to me wanting to lick my face, I'd be a bit taken aback as well.

Merrick also seemed to forget how big he was too and took a trip down memory lane; getting into the swing and walker that Ann had given us (and were once Merrick's). Merrick was so sweet with Brynnie too, as usual. He kept posing for pictures with her, then immediately after I took them, he'd say "okay, let me see". Hey, he wanted creative control over his shots.

Tomorrow is Tom's (Grandpa Tom) birthday and we're going out to the beach to see him and Mom (Grandmama). Melanie will be there too. Yay! We haven't seen her in ages, so we can't wait!

Brynnie loves the rabbit Cindy gave her. Unfortunately, so does Jack.

"Aaaaah, this takes me back".

"See Mom, I still fit!"

Eating from a spoon is so much fun!

Merrick, Brynnie and Aunt Ann. I think Merrick is already starting to come towards me to see what this picture looks like.

Merrick holding Brynnie's hand. I noticed at the doctor's office that Bryn LOVES little kids.

Ooooh, people like me!

So, Jen over at The Ross Family, gave me the first award (represented by the first two pictures), and Shannon over at Webbisodes gave me my second, all in a matter of a week. It just all happened so fast and I want to send a sincere THANK YOU to them both!

From what I gather, here's what I am supposed to do:
-Link the person/people who honored me with this award;
-Pass this award on to 10 blogs that you love (or really like) and tell them about it;
-And post 10 things about yourself.

I don't think I'm allowed to link the people that gave me my awards in my favorite blogs list, so here are the ones I like, minus those (I know, there aren't many. See my #9 on my '10 things about me' below to see where I spend the rest of my time online):

Damica
Bray Family
Diary of K Fun
SweetSouthernPrep
The Pacheco 4
Wacie's Way
What Should I Wear





Well, I know I won 2 awards, but I figure I won't bore my MANY, MANY (eye roll)  readers with 20 facts, so I'm posting 10 total.

1. I'm left handed and I'm unhealthily proud of this. I really love it and always have!

2. I have sunflowers in my eyes, with discernible petals and all.

3. Sometimes I feel like my heart can't handle the amount of love I have for Miss Brynnie. I really feel like I could burst from loving her so much!

4.  I'm not afraid of dying. I'm afraid of being scared and the fear that comes with knowing you're going to die (sorry to be so morbid).

5.  I honestly have no idea what my natural hair color is any more.

6.  I 110% know that Dale loves me just the way I am. It's a pretty awesome feeling.

7. My sisters and I fought like cats and dogs growing up, but we're about as close as can be today.

8. I chose Bryn's middle name from the song I'd wake up to my Mom playing on the piano growing up on the weekends when she was in an especially good mood (a lot around the holidays too).

9.  I am disgusting addicted to celebrity gossip.

10.  I love games (board - not video). At Thanksgiving at Dale's parents' lake house in Alabama, Dale's Mom had to force everyone to play with me. She literally guilted everyone into playing with me. I cannot wait for the day Bryn is old enough to play even Chutes and Ladders!

Happy Lawyerin' Ann!

My sister, Ann, has officially been a practicing attorney for a year (and a pretty damn good one, at that)!

In recognition of this, my Mom took the office out to dinner. The food was great, as was the company, like always.

Ann and Gary

Sandra

Brynnie, Grandpa Tom and Grandmama

Brynnie fell asleep during the first course. It was too funny; she was just splayed out across my lap and I didn't even have to hold her. I was able to eat with both hands.

Martha Made Me Happy

So pretty!


Brynnie, Dale and I were all sitting in the Florida room, basking in the beautiful sunset while Dale got the mail and the new Martha Stewart Living came. The shot on the cover just made me so happy!

The colors are beautiful and bold and I think I might do the same to our front (Florida) room. We have a white sleeper sofa (thank you, thank you, thank you Aimee) out there and I think it would be very easy to find some great fabric and make a few throw pillows for it. Ah, Spring is here!



Aunt Lauren and headless Grandpa in the background. Oh, and I learned that I'm called the "paparazzi" now because of my incessant picture-taking. Eh, I've been called worse.




Brynnie and Black hanging out on my lap. Neither really observant that the other is is there. I think they just notice that there's less room to stretch out.




Brynnie and Jack laying on the new rug.

Another Beautiful Day

We have a farmer's market that takes place every Sunday right down the street at Lake Eola. We're having Dale's parents and sister over for dinner tonight and I didn't get veggies because I figured we'd all walk down to the farmer's market in the morning and get them there. Little did I know, Spring Fiesta is still going on (thank God Dale had to pass by on the way to church -pun intended- and became aware of the situation). This was the first time I was going to explore the farmer's market and of course it's not being held today.

Still being a gorgeous day, we went out for a walk around the lake and got some cute pictures.

Today will most likely be a two-post day with Dale's family coming over. Just warning you.







Here's Jack 'hunting' squirrels. He slinks down and walks in slow motion. It's awesome. He has no idea how big he is. No idea.



Jack and Dale. This is the view I have on pretty much all our walks - Bryn and I bringing up the rear; Jack leading the charge.




Brynnie looking at Dale. We were both taking pictures of her. I guess Dale was a bit more amusing than me.





In this one, Jack had just walked by and Brynnie is really interested in him now. She has just "discovered" the animals (Jack and Black). It's just really cool how she's starting to notice them, even touching them sometimes. She's realizing they're not just shadows or inanimate objects. It's so amazing how much she starts doing something new every single day!

A little interesting note (to us at least): Black sleeps in bed with Dale and me - ALWAYS. Well, this morning he opened the door to Bryn's room and slept in the chair next to her crib for hours. It was really sweet and if you've met Black, you'd know, he rarely does anything sweet.





Here we are, bringing up the rear.

Front Yard Picnic

Dale and I decided to take Bryn and Jack on a walk down to Panera this morning (I'm on kind of an iced coffee kick). So, we get out and get almost there and realize it's a bit busy. It was "Spring Fiesta" at Lake Eola. We strolled through and saw a lot of stands. We wish we would have been prepared more, and we only ended up going through about 1/10 of the Fiesta before turning around to go home. Of course, for the second time in a row, I didn't get to get my iced coffee fix from Panera because it's located right on Lake Eola and it would have been way too busy to find a corner that would fit all 4 of us. Plus, after we saw the second dog in a stroller, we decided it was time to come home.

It was too beautiful to stay inside for long, though, so after Bryn's nap, Dale and I decided to put a sheet out in the yard and hang out there for a bit and people watch. The lake in front of our house gets lots of foot traffic, so there's never a shortage of people (and puppies) going by.

Dale got a few, albeit highly, highly unflattering, shots of Bryn and me.






Brynnie eating her favorite treat - her hand. And, me, straight out of the shower. Horrible.





I guess my hand tastes just as good as hers.

Visit with Great Grandma

Cindy's niece was in town this weekend, so she took her to the beach for the weekend and I took off of work Friday (I have quite a wonderful boss) so I could stay with Brynnie.

I decided to call my grandparents (Brynnie's great-grandparents)and see if they'd like us to stop by. They said they'd love it. My Grandpa also told me that my Dad might be coming into town too (he lives in South Florida). What a happy coincidence. I called my Dad and we made plans to get together.

Then I mentioned it to my sister, Ann, who, naturally, wanted to go as well. Then Ann mentioned it to Grandpa who said to invite Mom too. Aunt Candi showed up too! It was so such a treat to see everyone! Even Aunt Camille was "present" as Candi kept her up-to-date via her iPhone.

Brynnie sat with my Dad for a while and was all smiles and giggles. She especially like being tickled by his mustache. All the great grandkids LOVE Great-Grandpa (my Grandpa), and Brynnie is no exception.

After our visit, I headed to lunch (Longhorn, of course) with my Mom, Ann, and Brynnie. Then, Tom joined us too! It was such a nice day, getting to see everyone. Plus, I got my steak that I've been craving too :)

And, as if the day could get any better - our brand of diapers are 50% off at Target this week!!!!! (tee hee)


Hey, Mom, look at this thing above his lip - it's super funny and makes me giggle! Can Daddy get one?





"Hey you! I know you! I know you!" (Extra points if anyone knows where that quote comes from).





Here's Grandmama and Great Grandma with Brynnie.





Brynnie and Grandpa Tom.





This was actually taken yesterday. I love this pic! It's in Grandmama's office and both she and Bryn are just doing things completely in opposite directions, neither facing me. Seems to be a perfect representation of how life is - every direction, all the time.