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.

Sleep is for losers.

I love my darling daughter, and still think she's the bee's knees, but I think she's just much, much cuter during the day when Mommy has had her beauty (sanity) sleep.

At Bryn's 2 month check-up, her doctor told me our next appointment (which is 4/16 for her 4 month check-up) is what he calls the "Grandma Appointment". When I asked why, he said "because this is where we allow you to introduce solid foods and grandmas love giving babies solid foods".

I had heard a lot of moms getting so excited about introducing solid foods and had no idea why. My Mom and sister clued me in and told me that babies sleep a lot better on solids. SOLD!

Brynnie doesn't seem to be in any pain, which is excellent. For a couple of days you could just tell the poor child did not feel good. She was so funny and it was just horrible.

Is there anything worse than seeing your child hurt and not be able to fix it? I mean, even when this kid's eye was completely swollen shut and covered in mucus, she was still her jovial self.

So, as I sit here this morning at 5:30 am, on a little over 4 hours sleep, I would like to thank God for putting caffeine on this here Earth (and allowing me to consume copious amounts throughout the day).

Outfit From Aunt Lauren

As I mentioned, Lauren gave Brynnie books AND an outfit for Easter. Jorts and a t-shirt. She looks like a little girl, not baby, in it, though :(



Her face in this picture melts my heart. She just looks so adorable (even more than usual).




Another picture to put in the "great parenting" book.

Jen, This One's For You...

My best friend, Jen, has started a new weekly post on her blog called "Sunday Savings" that I've mentioned on here before.

Now, Jen not only holds the title of "best" friend, she's also "most organized" friend. I can't hold a candle to her coupon setup she has going, but she inspired me to make my own ramshackle version.

She knows how unorganized I am, so I think she'll be very proud (and surprised) of me...

I went to Publix today (after checking the ad, of course) and saved $23 from a $130 bill. That's almost 20% for all you non-math people out there. My steal of the day was formula. Publix has our formula (Enfamil Gentlease) on sale for $22.50 (the cheapest you can get it anywhere is $27.50 - believe me, we look all over). But I also carry Enfamil coupons on me at all times that we get sent directly to us from Enfamil. So, on top of the $5 savings, I got an additional $3 off each canister. That's almost 1/3 off! We have more coupons at home for $5 off, so we'll be able to stock up on formula for almost 40% off! Anyone that buys, or has had to buy formula, knows formula sales + coupons is like Christmas Morning (okay, well a little less exciting, but exciting nonetheless).

Thanks Jen, because of you, we've got an extra $23 in our pockets today!

Here is my coupon "organization" system:





Envelopes for my six categories I decided on: "Paper Goods/Household Items"; "Dairy/Refrigerated Items"; "Brynnie Goods (All things baby)"; "Frozen Foods/Freezer Section"; "Toiletries/Medicines"; and "Dry Goods/Animals".




Look, they're' actually full of coupons already! Yes, I understand that the amount of excitement I am expressing over this is totally irrational.




But, it wasn't just me - Black was so excited he jumped up on the table and ripped the "Dry Goods/Animals" envelope out of my hand!




Dale hung out with Brynnie this evening while I had a coupon envelope photo session. 4 words that you'll probably never hear/see together again: "coupon envelope photo session". I guess the flash was pretty bright because Dale's eyes look so teeny tiny from squinting.



Random - but such a cutie in her Bumpo!

Super Family Huge Easter Fun Happy Time Post

I have some pictures that I've been needing to post but haven't had the time, or forgot, or both.

First are some pictures of Brynnie with Grandmama and Aunt Ann at the office on Thursday.



Ann was posing all silly and Brynnie was channeling her inner Elvis. I mean, look at that lip curl!



Grandmama, Aunt Ann and Brynnie at the office.



Next are some from Miss Brynnie in her jumperoo. My word, the girl loves that thing! She gets so excited and so intense. I think we've found another nemesis for her too - it's the blue bear that endlessly taunts her. He's just far enough to where she can't quite reach him.



She loves her jumper! She gets so excited that she has a hard time catching her breath and gasps. It's so adorable!




"Oh hello nemesis. Nice to see you again."




And, here are some pics from today. We had a very casual Easter gathering. We went over to Lauren and Ben's for Easter brunch after church (well, Brynnie and I didn't go to church. We're still not quite ready to introduce her to all the people and germs yet. It's still super close quarters because the church is in the process of being rebuilt so all services are held in the fellowship hall, which is jam-packed). Grandma and Grandpa David were there, as were Pop and Bertie (Brynnie's great grandma and grandpa on Dad's side). Oh, and the always wonderful Sadie was there too.

Bryn got to show off the much-hyped Easter dress. Now, I know it's not super Easter-y, but it was undoubtedly awesome.





Aunt Lauren showing what she got Miss Bryn for Easter. She got her books - just like Mommy and Daddy did! We love books at the McCrystal household. The funny thing is, I actually had that same book in my basket to get, but put it back because I had already gotten too many. Lauren also got Bryn some snazzy jean shorts and a butterfly t shirt!

And, of course, please take a look at Brynnie's Easter dress. I know it's not technically an Easter dress, but it has hand smocking and, most importantly, she wouldn't fit into it in another couple of months (when football rolls around). I got it at the secondhand store and couldn't resist. I love it!



Her Gator bloomers, courtesy of Aunt Ann. They went very well with her Easter dress!





Brynnie's Easter booty. We got her the basket full of books and her Great Grandma and Grandpa got her the duck on the left and Cindy got her the Donald Duck on the right. The Donald Duck dances and is extremely entertaining for Miss Bryn! It was just a coincidence that Cindy and Dale's Grandparents got her ducks for Easter, but I figure a tradition just started itself; instead of Easter Bunnies, we'll get Bryn Easter Duckies (well, and books, of course)!




Brynnie loved the duck finger puppet book Aunt Lauren got her for Easter. She is also quite fond of Grandma reading it to her.



Brynnie is a lot like her parents - holidays make her pooped!



Did I mention she was pooped? She took a nap on Lauren's bed. I thought she was lonely, so I put Lauren's bear next to her to snuggle.




After we got home from visiting with Dale's family, I left Bryn in just her skivvies. Sometimes it's just so nice to feel her soft baby skin and look at her little Buddha belly. Then we put her in her lamb chair on our bed and all hopped on to hang out for a while.

Brynnie wasted no time stuffing her hands in her face. Instead of eating her hands, Dale suggested we try the teether for her. Unfortunately she can't grasp things and bring them to her face yet, so she still relies on us, but once it got there, she was so happy that she was squealing in delight! Literally squealing and smiling.

Good Friday!

It has been quite a Good Friday so far! Miss Brynnie and I hung out in bed and watched Blues Clues (and both episodes had Steve in them, not that impostor, Joe), then Brynnie took a nap just long enough to let me take a nice, long shower. Thank God Bryn thinks me blow drying my hair is super entertaining because I really didn't want to leave the house looking like a drowned rat.

Brynnie being in great spirits, we decided to head out. First stop was JoAnn's where I got some ribbon to make Bryn a bow to go with her Easter Dress and a super cute Easter Basket. Bryn was a perfect angel the entire time.

Next stop was Barnes and Noble where we stocked up on more Dr. Seuss books, and a few others. By the time I was in the checkout, Miss Brynnie had had enough and so I made my way out of the store, pushing the stroller with one hand while holding Miss Brynnie with the other.

I have to make a note here - is chivalry, or just decency completely gone? Not one person even made half and attempt to help me with either door (there are two sets of doors to get into Barnes and Noble), while it was pretty obvious that I wasn't having the easiest time on the way in, or on the way out.

Dale and I constantly go out of our way to hold doors, elevators and the like for all people, especially mothers with kids and older people. It's just so depressing that no one else will do the same. We don't do it so people will do it for us, we do it because that's just what decent human beings do, at least that's how we feel. If the whole world were just 1% kinder, can you imagine what a great place this would be?

It's sometimes so hard to see people from way up here on my high horse, so I'll get down now. Just wanted to get that off my chest.



Okay, now I'm pretty sure Bryn will never forgive me for taking this picture, much less actually posting it, but I couldn't resist. Before we left, she's sitting on my lap and she starts to obviously, um, "work something out". Her face turns bright red and it's just too funny. I'm not sure what's going to be more damaging - the fact that I posted this, or the fact that her mommy had a camera shoved in her face as she's taking care of business.