The Tanners - currently party of 3

2009-11-10T19:00:00.010-05:00

Cole's First Disney Trip
Officially Day 1
We arrive

I've dreamed for so long of taking our own little one to our favorite place on Earth, Walt Disney World. Finally last week, that dream came true! I had a lot of people say to me "He's too young, he wont remember it, what can you DO with a baby?" We've been going and doing for 10 years now and taking Cole was something we couldn't wait a day longer to do! So off we went....

We decided to leave Thursday evening about 7:30 after a day of work for both of us. Andy gets up about 5AM and I knew he wouldn't be able to drive as far as we both wished. Still, we knew any further down the road we could go, would make life easier on Friday. Cole had his last bottle, was in his jammies and we were off.

We made it to Valdosta around midnight and found a room at a Comfort Inn & Suites. I have to say it was one of the most comfortable beds ever. It had a feather topper and was queen size, the softest sheets. Ooo La La.... They didn't have cribs or pack n plays, so Daddy was lucky enough to spend the night in the bed with Wild Man! I hear it was quite the night of wild kicking and flinging himself around. When I woke up Andy was on the opposite side of the bed from where he started. Seems a little bitty guy takes up a big ton of room.

Cole in Valdosta in his jammies

We woke up about 7, had our free breakfast and were off again by about 8:30. Cole went back to sleep and woke up a few hours into our journey, we stopped at a Cracker Barrel to give him a bottle and change his diaper. (Just like our mountains trip that I didn't blog about) You can't beat a Cracker Barrell for their comfy rocking chairs and clean restrooms. We got a cheese & cracker plate, extra pickles and sweet teas to go. Cole had to have a little entertainment for about an hour so Mommy crawled between the seats and wedged herself between the mountain of stuff to entertain the doodle bug. Crawling through was quite the sight I'm sure....

We arrived, checked in within a few minutes (people, pre-check in online for Disney...takes you one minute to grab your resort room keys while everyone else waits in line) and unpacked. Our room was fantastic. It was right beside the parking lot, a pool (there are a bunch at Port Orleans Riverside) and laundry area. (Which we used every other day!) Perfect, perfect location!! It was our second time there and it has become our favorite I think.

Cole finds a "not so" hidden Mickey in our room!

----Side note here to say Riverside is awesome! Check out the January blog for pictures around the resort. It is located along the river and very pretty. You can rent boats, ride the "river cruise" to Downtown Disney or just enjoy the boat traffic. The table service restaurant "Boatwrights" is very good and the quickie service place has a ton of selections. The bar area, which is entirely family friendly and not your typical "bar area" at all, is so much fun. More about the wonderful night with Mr. Piano man later. There is a store, of course. There's an acrade and a big ole lobby. You can take a carriage ride from right there or just visit the pretty big ole horses. The walkway to Port Orleans French Quarter is a wonderful easy walk. You can use the pool and all over there as well. The "main" pool at Riverside is cute with the slide and all, a kiddie pool and the area is really neat. There's a fishing hole where you can cane pole fish, a huge play ground and they have story telling by a camp fire at night. There are 5 or 6 pools located between the other buildings and they are pretty big as well, with laundry facilities at each of those areas. There is the "mansions" section, where we've stayed both times. "Think Gone with the Wind and Tara" Then there is "alligator bayou" which is more... cabin like. It's the only resort that "techincally" holds 5 people, there's a trundle slide out bed. It's a beautiful resort with tons to do right there"------

Anyway.... we had supper at the quickie resort location. I had yummy turkey, mashed taters and veggies. Chocolate cake for dessert, gotta love the dining plan. Andy had a chicken caesar salad and oatmeal raisin cookie. Yummy~

Then we hopped on the boat (another reason Riverside is so neat) and headed downtown. It was the first time we've been by the Tree House Villas since they have reopened, sure would be fun to stay there. Our friends, Amber & Jonathan, stayed and said they are super neat. The 10ish minute boat ride is a nice way to get from place to place for sure!!

Downtown Disney was PACKED and there were kids in costumes everywhere. It was still the night before Halloween, but they had trick or treating at tons of locations and boy the kids were out in droves. We met my wonderful friend Terry and hung out awhile. We walked around the World of Disney, lines were way too crazy to shop though. We took some pictures, visited a bit and got scared to death by a magician. (He came out of nowhere and talked into a microphone, making poor Cole cry like crazy. The only real time he cried all week and it was because of the surprise factor, the man came out of nowhere)

By then the crowds were crazy, Cole was tired and we called it a night.

Terry, Cole and Me

Andy, Cole & Me

2009-10-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

Guess who leaves for Disney Thursday?

2009-09-02T16:41:00.007-05:00

Temper

You've seen the pictures, but here they are again... with a few more just for fun. My son, has a temper. It's just a fact. He came into the world screaming.....

Exhibit A

Granted most babies come into the world screaming. I wonder if 3 months later they are all having outbursts randomly just to see what Mommy & Daddy will do?!

He's had these outbursts randomly from time to time since he was about a month old. Typically you know one is coming if he's tired or hungry. That's when babies are supposed (suppose? Supposed? I don't know!) to cry, I completely understand their need to communicate this.

Exhibit B

His first bath. Let's just say it didn't go "swimmingly"!!

Ok, just kidding. I know, I know. He is allowed to scream through his first bath, it's scary!!

Exhibit C

What you don't see here is that he was laying there playing with me, all smiles. 1/2 a second later this is what happened. He gets bored with me and instead of politely saying "Mommy I'm really tired of that toy you are dangling there and that little voice you are using, please let me have alone time" ... He goes nuts!

Speaking of nuts...

His Daddy says he "nuts up" or is "nuttin' up" or he's had a "nut up"...... Daddy's words.....

Exhibit D

This time we have all the photo evidence.....

He's laying with Daddy playing happily, talking, smiling, just enjoying boy time.....

But wait a half second later we have it coming.....
(Yes, I see the bib.... )

And there it is, seriously folks this was all in about 2 seconds.... he goes from smiles to purple in minutes!!!!!!!

You want to ask.... are you sure he's not hurting? Maybe it's a tummy ache? Maybe he's really tired? Maybe he's growing and needs more to eat?

People - HE JUST GETS ANGRY!

A few weeks ago I was sitting on the couch with him, Andy was cutting grass. Cole had eaten a bottle, burped and all was right in the world. Within seconds he went bonkers on me. I thought I'd hurt an arm picking him up wrong. I hugged him, he screamed. I laid him down to be sure his arms & legs moved, he was fine. I tried to lay him on his tummy, his back, rocked, swayed, bounced, talked, sang, jiggled, swaddled, unswaddled, changed his diaper... I was ready to go get Andy and say SOMETHING IS WRONG.....

Instead... I decided to take him to our bathroom and put him in his bouncy seat, turned on the exhaust fan (b/c doesn't every baby like that noise? mine does) And within a second, he went from that face up there.... to a seriously happily smiling, babbling baby .... no joke!

His Daddy holds him and dances around the house like an Indian (feather, not dot ... I know not politically correct, but I needed you to get the picture) and he chants. Cole usually stops crying. Me... nope I go for naked time in the floor (Cole, not me!) , Cole loves being naked. Or I go for the bouncy seat and exhaust fan in the bathroom! Sometimes laying in his big bed with the mobile will do the trick. *sigh* Whatever works right??

*Had to come back and add the little sweetheart also holds his breath when he's angry. Turns pretty shades of purple and you have to blow in his face to get him to breath again, fun huh?! HE HE HE*

.......

And if you don't believe me... Feel free to ask Amy McFarland Houseworth, her sweet sister Cathy, either of their children and wonderful Ms.Dian. THEY didn't believe it either, even said that... until he showed them that wonderful little temper last week. Had to make believers outta them! .... Or his Granny & Grumpy, he doesn't just do these little fits for us...he lets everyone have a shot. Mimi, Pappy and some cousins got a taste yesterday too. Yes, we want everyone to see the little love bug at his finest.

Yeah you know this post was written in fun. Although he does have a huge temper, the thing is you never know when it's coming, there are no warning signs. He is absolutely the sweetest and happiest baby in the world 99% of the time. I wouldn't even say he's a fussy baby, he just has a few moments. He smiles at everyone, loves to "talk" all the time, laughs out loud and is the sunshine in our lives!! (temper and all)

2009-09-01T16:36:00.007-05:00

Fall

I absolutely love fall. Summer is fantastic and I love being home, vacations to the beach, lazy days in the pool with a book, flip flops and a good tan. None of that can top the warm fuzzies that fall gives me though!

I love the smells of fall. I pull out the apple and cinnamon candles, open the windows and smile. I enjoy the last few smells coming from the grill and leaves burning in people’s backyards. Ah, fall….

I love the sights of fall. I love the hay, corn, scarecrow and pumpkin displays in yards. I love the leaves when they turn bright shades of red, orange and yellow. (Shhh, when I say that it sends Andy into a tizzy because he’s the one who ends up raking them and we have soo many! The leaves from our entire cul de sac blow down our driveway and stack themselves waist deep a few times before it’s all said and done. I digress…..)

(Our front yard in 2005 I think? Grand Daddy's last birthday here with us)

I love the tastes of fall. I love to make pumpkin pie and apple tasting at school. I love that the mornings are cool enough for me to enjoy coffee again.

I love the events of fall. I look forward to arts & craft shows, college football season and the weather just right for me to play golf again.

I love school in the fall. I love getting to know my new little friends. I love the smell of a new box of crayons. I love our apple unit with poems, painting, crafts, tasting and graphing. I love when we explore pumpkins, roast pumpkin seeds, everyone wears orange, we have scarecrow day and visit our pumpkin patch.

I love when we get to camp in the fall. We head to the lake and get that perfect camping spot. We can set up the camper in no time, we have it down to a science. I love sitting in a chair and watching boat traffic, feeding the ducks, watching the sun come and go, taking a walk and saying hello to all the camping neighbors. I love the smell of a fire and roasting marshmallows, make mine just a smidge dark please! I love seeing the deer, watching squirrels and life slowing down for a few days. I love playing board games at night and spending time just us away from it all. I can't wait to take Cole camping. (I guess it wont be so quiet huh?!)

Don’t get me started on how much I love the fair? I have no idea what it is about it that gives me the warm fuzzies. I don’t get on the rides there anymore, but love to see the smiles and hear the squeals of those who do. I love to see all the twinkly lights at night. I love the greasy, fried, fattening food and it’s always such a hard choice on what to get! I love visiting the farm animals and even walking through the handmade trinkets. I like to see who grew the biggest pumpkin and what the winning flowers are. (and some years we make it to the state fair in Perry which is a huge fair on steroids, oh my I’m in hog heaven then!)

The mountains, we absolutely love the Smokey Mountains. Fall is the most wonderful time to get up to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, TN. We usually make it sometime around my birthday weekend in September. We ride the chair lift, eat at our favorite places, walk down the main strip, go outlet shopping, maybe take a "short" scenic drive, eat Karmel Korn (yes I spelled it right), get taffy for taking home, visit the nature center for a walk in the woods or watching the movie out there, riding the tram to the Ski Lodge and maybe seeing the bears. Oh and eating at a pancake house or two. The only times I crave pancakes are when we're there and it's sort of "law" that you must consume pancakes while in the mountains. Mmmmm....... Perfection!!

(our annual picture in 2006,we get one made every year :)

I can’t wait to be the one taking pictures of a certain rolly polly baby by a big honkin’ pumpkin at the pumpkin patch. I’ve waited on that a very long time! There are so many firsts that I know Cole will never remember, but they do OUR hearts so much good, I can’t stand it! J

For so many years Halloween broke my heart and cute munchkins ringing our doorbell, dressed in their attire, would break my heart and make me cry. This year we’ll be spending Cole’s first Halloween at the Happiest Place on Earth. We’ll have our own cutie pa tootie dressed up and enjoying the lights of Main Street. We wont be handing out candy at our front door, but will be eating dinner at our very favorite restaurant in all the world, O’Hana! I can’t tell you how excited I am!!

Fall is the beginning of the Holiday season where we gather to give thanks with our family and friends, followed by Christmas and OH How I LOVE Christmas!

So as todays high only reached 71 here in HotLanta, the stores have their scarecrows out…. I smile, take a deep breathe and say “Welcome Fall! Welcome my absolute favorite season, it’s good to see you!”

2009-08-31T06:46:00.015-05:00

What’s Up - Mommy hood - Busy - What I’m learning

Those are all options for this blog‘s title. I can’t believe I now go so long without rambling here. For those (3) readers that pop in here, keep in mind I post pictures on Facebook all the time. You can always go there to see the cutest baby on the block! Otherwise… here is what I have (or haven’t) been doing lately.

-I did change the blog layout to get ready for my favorite season! (another blog on that to follow) !

-I have not read through my ever growing pile of books stacked in the guest bedroom. I have read all the Dr. Suess books we own at least 10 times each, the Veggie Tale books we have about 152 times each and most other books in Cole’s faves (meaning they rhyme) collection a few hundred times.

-I have caught up on my DVR shows during late night feedings and found some strange shows I can't live without. I have been watching (or listening to) Little Einstein DVD’s and any cartoon that has music! I have not watched a single thing in "real time" in months!

-I have not been staying up late to play online. I have been going to bed before the sun goes down! (because at some point during the night I’m up with the moon…and a sweet baby… for an hour or so)

-I did not get a better tan, read all the books I took, go shopping (for more than an hour) or see a movie while at the beach with our family & my parents. I did have a dream come true taking Cole on his first vacation, take turns with everyone inside playing with Cole while the others enjoyed the beach, finally finish reading one book I took & watched our sweet boy sleep in all our favorite restaurants in Panama City.

-I have been watching Cole gain weight and grow like a weed the past 3 months. I’ve watched him grow into and then back out of clothes at lightning speed.

-I have laughed until I cried, the good kind, daily at Cole’s antics, silly faces and listening to his Daddy talk to him.

-I have learned how to type, write, read, get ready, unload the dishwasher and many other fun things while holding a squirming baby.

-I have learned that one itty bitty baby causes more laundry than should be possible. (of course part of that is also OUR clothes because we’re peed or barfed on a few times a day)

-I am learning that being a morning person isn’t so bad. If Cole will continue to sleep 8 or 9 hours at a time. I can handle going to bed at 9 and getting up at 5. Who would have ever thought that I’d say I was thankful to sleep until 5 or 6AM????

-I have learned that singing or talking to a baby in the backseat can sometimes keep him calm. I’ve also learned the routes everywhere around town that will avoid the most amount of red lights. (he hates to stop moving)

(in the carseat on the way to the beach where he had his Daddy & Granny in the back to entertain him! his Mommy gets car sick, yuck!)

-I’ve learned that 3 hours in my parents pool while they love on Cole is something to be so thankful for on a summer sunny day. It’s good for everyone’s soul.

(and since I refuse to post a picture of ME in the pool, here's one of Cole's Daddy & Grumpy)

-I’ve learned that when Cole holds his breath, turns red (and then purple) and shrieks at the top of his lungs…it’s not because he’s hurt, sick or dying…he just has a temper!!

It is not irony wasted on me that he is wearing a bib that says happy, no siree!!!!!!

-I’ve learned that if you take 100 pictures at the time while holding the camera slightly beside your face and making silly noises….you just might get one good picture out of it. (you were right Wendy)

(or at least a fun picture) he he he..........

-I’m learning that the best laid plans are just good ideas when you have a baby.

-I’ve learned to put a paci in and pat a baby back to sleep without ever opening my eyes.

-I have figured out that Cole is 100% fascinated with the bathroom exhaust fan and hair dryer. He will sit entertained in the bouncy seat for me to get ready as long as these things are all running.

-I have learned that you better keep an extra container of formula in the cabinet at all times.

-I have learned that if Cole’s grouchy the mobile in his big bed will almost always make him laugh. He loves those guys floating over his head!

-I have figured out how to pack a diaper bag for any foreseeable (or not) events!

-I learned that a degree in child development would not help a single second when I brought my very own newborn home from the hospital. I learned that having my own baby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week was nothing like babysitting or working in daycare with other people's babies for a few hours a day. I learned real life is nothing like the book says!

I am learning that although Motherhood is much harder than I ever imagined, it is also more amazing than my mind (or heart) could have ever fathomed!! And I am learning that daily, I have a lot more to learn!!!!

2009-07-27T09:42:00.003-05:00

There is a blogger in our "blogging world" that everyone knows and loves. Her "real" name is Jennifer and her bloggy name is "McKMama". She is a gifted writer, amazing photographer, a Christian warrior and the Mommy to 4 little munchkins. Her youngest has been fighting SVT (a very irregular heartbeat) since before he was born. They never thought he'd be born and make it in the first place. He is here though and he is a precious little guy. He has been in and out of the hospital several times. He is there again right now and this is about as bad as he's been. Things aren't looking good for him. For a little boy doctors said would never be born alive though, he's a fighter. God can do anything and I'm praying for a miracle. If you'd like to read more about Stellan, click here. If you don't have time, please say extra prayers for a little boy named Stellan and his precious family. As I sit here with my own little one napping by me on the couch, my heart breaks for a family watching their baby sturggle like this.

2009-07-22T18:32:00.003-05:00

Way back Wednesday

My friend Janelle does 'way back wednesday' and I thought I'd follow in her trail this week. I am so bad at blogging now with facebook so easy to use and so many friends and family members on there. The bloggie is neglected, I'll try to do better.

Here is a picture of me with my Grand Daddy in 1977, I was three. This was Christmas and he'd bought me a doll. We were tight, always were. I have a 2part huge long tribute post to him click here

I miss him bunches, he's looking down on us from Heaven for sure. It breaks my heart that Cole will only know him from pictures and memories, Grand Daddy LOVED LOVED LOVED babies and kids and they LOVED him back!! Having his own Great Grand Baby would have thrilled him to no end.

Andy & I say that Grand Daddy is the reason God sent us Cole. Grand Daddy has been in Heaven on the phone with God (Grand Daddy's favorite form of communication was the phone and he called me every day of my life pretty much) and bugging God to send us a baby. That or sittin' in rocking chairs with God telling him the same thing.

He would have loved Cole so much! They would have been so close. Breaks my heart I say~

And here we are a few Christmas' ago. Still sittin' with him and he was still buying me toys for Christmas. I loved it as much as he did!!!

2009-07-10T07:55:00.010-05:00

Pictures at Target

Let me start this by saying, things that may seem so mundane and normal to you.... are so huge and exciting to me. Keep in mind I've been watching friends (and strangers alike) take their little one for pictures for 10 years with jealous eyes. So... to have last night arrive and take our own Little Toot for pictures was quite the landmark event in the Tanner house.

I am mad at myself for not going when he was tiny, but what can I do now? I take SO many pictures DAILY (bless his heart) that I hate to spend money getting 'em done too often. Plus, my best friend since childhood, shout out Amy, is a professional photographer. She has been trying to bring her studio to our house for weeks, but life (lives an hour away, surgery, 3 kids and travel) have made it impossible so far. I was lucky she got to visit and meet him the week he arrived. I finally made the decision to get on it and make an appointment before he turned 6 weeks old, which happens tomorrow. Where does time go???? (I've been a Mommy for 6 weeks, Holy Moly)

Anyway... there are dozens of places to get 'em done, as you know. For me it ended up being all about being close and easy to get too after Andy got home from work. So off to my favorite Target we went. I was very pleased. They offered tons more options than I went for. Cole being a little guy and not able to "pose" too much, she had many ideas. I opted to skip the traditional newborn "mushy" shots. I can't stand (no offense to those who have them, they are just SO NOT us) those pics with parents staring lovingly at baby, baby on naked shoulders, yadda yadda. They are sweet, but so not us. So... we didn't take a ton.

I really liked the lady who took them, she seemed to have a creative spirit (wether or not she was following the script) and she was very friendly. She was great with Cole and I enjoyed her. Target offered tons of options for printing, tons. She showed me how to work her computer to edit the pics how I wanted, make my own layouts and price the entire thing as I went. Was nice to have control. However I could have spent HOURS playing with them and Cole was finished shopping with Daddy. ---- He was WONDERFUL for the pics, played right along. What can I say, he's getting use to it. Then he & Daddy went to look at golf stuff, match box cars and bought an icee... then they took another stroll b/c I was still playing....then they come back DONE. I wanted to edit more and ran outta time. I think it could have been Andy done more than Cole..anyway, I digress.

The prices are about average to what other studios offer, it does take a week instead of printing on site. You can view them online, I had an email by the time I got home with the link. They are little low resolution view shots, but that's great to see what they did. Plus you can order more from online and they even hand you a sample sheet. It's not pics per say, but just printed like a screen shot on regular paper. Again, nice to look at and at least see what you ordered b/c you forget.

Now... I would have loved a professional session away from a "box store", but again.... I want them done often and can't afford that. So.... eventually... for now I'm happy.

Who can talk so much about pictures other than me?

I also didn't want him in a pastel blue or white baby outfit. It's so not him. He's a little tough guy and doesn't even own a "baby boy" outfit like that. So I chose this little green & white outfit that fits him well and I thought would work just fine.

I'll stop rambling and show ya a few favorites.

Ok, more rambling-
I also wanted at least one picture of us together. I didn't really want a "formal"ish portrait of any sort. I wanted it to be kinda fun and playful. So... I went with a football plan and am SOOO glad we did that. I think it's adorable. The little jersey was from a lady Andy works with and if we wouldn't have put it on yesterday, he never would have. It's already really too small (didn't think I'd ever get it back off, oops) He is growing so fast! Again, we didn't need a huge variety and I sure didn't need more options to have to choose from. So we only took a couple. I think they are a pretty perfect representation of us though! (only thing better would have been a Disney picture and don't think we didn't talk about it, but we're going in a few months....so I resisted)

So... enjoy our Little Toot and newest baby Bulldog!

2009-07-04T21:56:00.006-05:00

Happy 4th of July Yall~

Hoping you enjoyed a beautiful day filled with good friends or family, good food and good times. Hoping you took time to thank God for our country, freedom and those who fight to keep us free!!

2009-07-01T07:16:00.003-05:00

What does he weigh?

I'm taking votes on what Little Toot will weigh today at his Dr. visit. I have people voting on facebook and will give ya a chance here too. He weighed 4 lbs 14 oz at birth. Two weeks after that he weighed 5 lbs and 8 oz. That was a little over two weeks ago. He's eating about 4oz at a time typically and about 7 times a day. The picture is of him earlier this week. We're finally wearing our cutie newborn clothes instead of preemie, yipee~ He was seriously the one to say "Mommy, I have sooo many clothes in my closet and not a thing to wear!"

Proceed in voting in the comment section, prize to follow for winner here and at facebook. (Once someone has picked a weight, please don't chose the same one again)

Do it quickly because I'll close voting and have a winner later this afternoon.........

2009-06-12T11:15:00.006-05:00

10 Years

Wow, all I can say is Wow! I would have never imagined how awesome the past 10 years would have been.

I would have never imagined how much I could love someone even more than the day I married him, but oh how I do love him more! I would have never imagined that it would take us so long to have kids, but wouldn't trade the journey for anything! I would have never thought we'd spend so much "just us" time before kids, but am so thankful for every single minute of it. (despite how hard it was to wait) I would have never imagined after signing up with our adoption agency that I would get birth, ever, but here I am 13 days after doing just that with the little one here to prove it. I would have never thought Andy would be the "baby hog" at our house and yet here we are with him never putting Cole down.

I can't begin to say how much I love Andy more every single day. People have always said "I love him more after seeing him become a Daddy" and I can now attest to just how true that is. Seeing Andy stand by me for the birth, which he swore he might not be able to handle, made me appreciate him even more. Seeing him change dirty diapers and jump from being soaked while I lay helpless in a hospital bed, made me love him more. (and cracked me up) Watching him feed, burp, change and gaze into Cole's face every day the past two weeks...make me love him more.
Catching them on the couch sleeping together, looking like twins 40 years apart, make me love him more. Hearing him talk to Cole continuously, makes me love him more.

Sometimes I think my heart is going to burst!

10 years of being married to my best friend on Earth, I am so blessed! A lifetime to look forward too, how much more can a girl ask for?

I blogged about our wedding and marriage last year (click here) and am even more amazed at our journey today. God is so good!!

Ecc 4:9 “Two people are better than one, they can help each other in everything they do”

June 12, 1999

June 12, 2007
8 yr anniversary cruise

April 2008
Birthmom letter photos, on our way to becoming parents

September 27, 2008
My birthday and already parents-in-the-making,
but we didn't have a clue.
In Gatlinburg.

Easter 2009
Getting so close to welcoming Cole

June 10, 1999
Almost 10 years to the day and here we are, family of three.
At my parents house.

2009-06-08T18:47:00.005-05:00

Cole meets his cousin Layla.

We've been waiting on this for quite awhile, actually so has Layla. She has talked about him for quite awhile,though not thrilled he was going to be a boy from the get-go. She wouldn't have much to do with her baby brother when he arrived a year ago, but then just 4 months later seemed to love on her other cousin Trey a little more. She has become such a "Motherly" little thing and has changed so much. She came in the door saying she wanted to touch him, he was in his swing. I asked her if she wanted to hold him and she was in the chair in a second flat. She held him FOREVER and was so very gentle and sweet. She talked about his little hands and his little feet, wanted to know why he would make noises from time to time. Her Mimi & Mommy both asked if they could take him and she'd say "Maybe I'll just hold him"...... I think she'd still be here with him if it weren't for the fact that he peepeed straight through his clothes and on her, yikes! Bless her heart!!! He says sorry and I'm sure they will have many adventures to come!!

2009-06-06T14:49:00.002-05:00

In need of some cutie entertainment, you've come to the right place!!

2009-06-05T08:22:00.002-05:00

First doctor visit

Yesterday, Thursday, was Cole's first visit to the doctor. We had TONS of trouble finding someone who took our Tricare insurance, I spent hours on the phone earlier this week. Thankfully the group we found is actually the one who checked on him in the hospital and although they are in Kennesaw, it didn't take us long to get there. They are super and we're thrilled.

For those in the area..... West Cobb Peds, on our side of town wont accept Tricare Prime. That is where we were going to go, they told me during my first phone call they did. Ugh! However; we are going to their flip side East Cobb Peds, who do accept it. Go figure. Insurance, business, I don't get it all.......

My doctor anxiety kicked in, worrying about him. He did great though and I think he's pretty relaxed about new things. We were surprised at how calm he was with the big "look over". He had only gained 1/2 an ounce and that isn't enough for how tiny he is. We are turning the feedings on "high" and filling him up!! We can already tell that by patiently getting more in him, he is more restful longer. We go back next week where I'm sure he will weigh more!!

I have to say the first "outing" where we packed him in the car seat (literally with blankets on each side, he's so tiny he gets lost in it!) was really amazing. Out we went diaper bag and baby in hand. One of those little things you envy seeing other people out and about with THEIR babies for so long. Sounds little, but if you've waited... You understand just how "big" the "little" things are!!

2009-06-02T14:57:00.003-05:00

Cole is here!

No time to ramble, but thought I'd try to throw up a few pics super fast.

Raymond Cole Tanner
arrived Saturday, May 30th @ 6:45 PM
4 lbs 14 oz 18 & 3/4 inches long

Mommy & Cole on Sunday

Daddy, Mommy & Cole
headed home on Monday

Cole hanging out at home
Monday night

2009-05-18T09:06:00.004-05:00

Millie....
Silly dog

Let me tell you a little more about our Millie girl. She is absolutely the pickiest (is that a word) thing ever! She has issues with pills, see below explanation. She also has certain kinds of food she doesn't like and treats that aren't her favorites. She's not one of those "eat anything" doggies.

Week before last we had roast, taters & carrots for supper ... twice. We had leftovers and decided to give Millie the little that was left after that. She is obviously not a veggie lover. She ate the meat out first, naturally. Then she picked out the taters. Finally she picked up the carrots, one by one. She would swoosh them around in her mouth and spit them back out. It was absolutely hilarious!!

I'm not talking about letting them fall out of her mouth here and there, the girl was SPITTING them out all over the place!!

She'd pick them up again, like .... "are they any better if I try again?".... then spit them out again.

They were on the stairs, under chairs and by the door. It was a hoot!! So... she's not a carrot lover.

She has all sorts of skin itchy issues and we've been given her all sorts of medication her entire life. She is NOT to be tricked any longer. She refuses to touch peanut butter with a 10 foot pole. She knows peanut butter means a pill is stuck somewhere in there. She wont touchy sticky cheese, there's a pill to be found. She wont eat a bite of cookie, meat, whatever until she has taken it apart and sniffed it completely. Andy tries it all. He ends up resorting to holding her mouth, throwing the pill down her throat, holding her mouth closed and rubbing her neck so she swallows. (and she's still known to spit one back at him randomly ;) Thankfully she's also the sweetest thing EVER and would never bite him, despite the pill torture. (He will be well trained for baby)

When we started bringing leftover cake home from showers, he got the idea to put some icing on the pill and try that. Who doesn't love sugar, right? It worked! She stopped sniffing it to death and taking it apart, she will eat icing immediately. So.... butter cream icing is the key! Well, what happens when you run out of leftover cake??

You start adding butter cream icing to your grocery shopping list..... for your dog!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-17T15:07:00.009-05:00

Cole's Room!

Well, finally after almost 10 years of planning.... I think we are finished in Cole's room!

Here is looking at the crib, toy shelf, verse I finally painted (though a little crooked ;), tree we got all done, verse Lindsey painted and curtains too.

A little closer of part of the verse, picture on the wall and inside the crib. He will sleep in our room in the travel crib for awhile, so for now .... the new stuffy fluffy friends can hang out there. Thanks to family & friends for them!!

Perfect verse, that has been a favorite for years, that Lindsey painted. I couldn't love it more. The colors are so perfect and the fact his name is in there is so awesome!!!! ((Love ya and thanks chickie!))

Another direction-
laundry basket with his name can be for toys or whatever too. Fabric comes off frame to wash. Love it! ($7 at Marshalls ;) Initials I painted are there left of the window. I need to add pics in the frame on the wall.....

Looking at closet & door. Another bag from the $1 spot at Target that I had his name and a doggie put on.

Behind the door. Nursing cover us, hats, sling and diaper bag ready to go!!!!!

Closer of stuff on shelves.
One basket has bibs, one has mittens/socks/hats and the other has burp clothes. Containers have paci's and other has paci clips. Piggie bank with UGA and name, diaper caddies and goodies galore.

Looking in the closet that is packed. Clothes in both directions, plus drawers in dresser are crammed full ;) What can I say? Toys on top shelf are ready for Christmas!

Curtains I made. Mom helped me finish when I was stuck in bed. I had the plan for years to do the patchwork thing and it turned out perfect. I knew this way I could add pink or blue. I am so in love with them!!!

Now all we need is Cole!

2009-05-12T07:56:00.003-05:00

First 'almost official' Mother's Day

(Someday I will totally catch up blogging, someday. Meanwhile, let's talk about Mother's Day)

If you know Andy & I very well, you know about our trading vehicle obsession. My Dad owned a used car lot most of my life and well, I had different vehicles all the time. Funny that I meet Andy who has the same obsession, with no excuse! Let me throw in here we are BOTH on our 14th ;)

It's technically "my turn" to trade at our house, but the thing was..... I loved my Durango. I traded the bug (which I also loved) for it 3 years ago and have shouted from the tree tops that it was by far one of my top favorite vehicles of all time. It was a 2003, in very good condition and the most comfortable thing to drive/ride in. It was huge to haul my "stuff" to and from school and it already knew it's way to Disney World & Port Canaveral and back.

We have been talking about me trading for one a little newer, but I was so content that we decided there was no reason. We put brand new tires on my "beastie" and all was well. On Friday night we had a discussion that although newer would be fun and nice, mine was great to hang in there until a new year.

Saturday morning Andy takes it to get the transmission serviced, so it'll be all ready for hauling around a new baby. Meanwhile I talk to my brother in law on the phone (who has the same vehicle obsession and had just traded trucks AND bought a camper without telling his wife last week!) He, randomly, says "how do you know Andy wont come home with a new transmission, wrapped in a new vehicle. (After all Andy traded twice without telling me, came back once from a work trip to Arkansas in a new truck, on our anniversary) I assured Mike that we'd talked about it the night before and Andy wouldn't do it this time.........

Naturally, an hour later Andy pulls back in.......without my Durango!

He tells me that I am going to make the best Mom ever (he is so sweet) and he wants me to have something newer and better to start my Mommy job and driving around a new baby (or babies). So he traded for a beautiful 2007 Durango. It is a little bigger than the older one, taller which makes getting in & out quite an adventure at 9 months preggers. It is so pretty, red is my favorite color! It's soooo perfect, even more so than the other one. My Dad even looked it over and said "So you got a brand new one" It is so perfect inside and out. I am thrilled with my much newer "Beastie" and so very thankful for a sweet, sweet husband!!!!!!!!!! I'm a blessed, blessed woman!!!

2009-04-29T08:38:00.002-05:00

Out of Order....Ugh..... I started the baby shower post and didn't publish on Monday, so if you've seen the school Mom's Day one...... Scroll on down to catch up with Andy's office shower too...... Two new post (and we wont count this as one!)

2009-04-28T15:47:00.009-05:00

Mother's Day Tea

I haven't blogged in ages and have so much to say....... I put so much on Facebook, but really enjoy blogging as well. So.... here's a recap~ Carpal tunnel took over my right hand, who knew that happens in pregnancy sometimes? It is better this week, but the only thing that sets it off is ..... typing! So that's why the lack of blogging posts, I promise to go back and catch up.... Slowly, but surely. I have been on bed rest, a modified plan, since last Tuesday. The blood pressure wasn't pretty at all. I was given permission to return to preschool two days this week. So.... I jumped back in "the deep end" with going back for our Mother's Day Tea!!

The bulletin board has our "Mom questions" on it and it's one of my favorite things to do with the kids. I do it for our Donuts with Dad as well. I love sitting down and just chatting with the kids, it's a hoot! Here are some of my favorite things.....

How old is your Mom? 50- 4 - 15

Why did God make Mom's? to drive us to school, so they can tuck us in at night, so they can have more babies

What makes your Mom happy? me!, huggin' her, when I behave at school

What does your Mom do while your at school? goes to the bank, just lays down and rests because she walks at night, she goes to Target, she works and makes money selling girl scout cookies

When does your Mom look pretty? in her dresses, when she wears her make-up, in her pajamas, I like the way she looks - I just like to stand back and look at her

I love when my Mom? takes me to get ice cream, flies kites with me, tucks me in and reads to me at night, is nice, fixes my toys when they are broken

They also drew picturs of their Mom's. The Mom's had to guess who was who-

Our tables looked like this. The hats we made (they painted them last week) are on the chairs. Gifts on the table and some flower die cuts thrown out for fun. We were going to make something cute out of our napkins, but that didn't happen.

The wrapped things are mugs/cups. I wish I had a picture of them!! I die cut "MOM"with my cricket machine and put their picture in the "O" Then they made finger prints yellow that I turned into bees and green caterpillars. They were then laminated and put into the mugs. So cute!! Oh wait, I have one from last year. I'll post it, just a different color scheme. This year I had pink/green/yellow/white scrapbook paper, pink letters & yellow & green critters. It matched the other "stuff".

It was SO GREAT to be back after being gone a week. I missed my "babies" like crazy. Their hugs, silly stories and smiles absolutely make me feel better instantly! "My Mom's" become my friends every year and I love hanging out with them as well. Some I've had 2 (or 3) times and they become some of my best friends inside and then out of school as well!! I'm so thankful for the amazing "Mommy friends" I've made over the years! They becoming email buddies, lunch/dinner friends, couple friends for Andy and I, Disney traveling buddies, camping buddies and in many cases the best friends ever!!

It was great to be back and the kids already knew I was at "home resting to take care of your baby". So they were really sweet. For now, I'm on the every other day plan. After a day with them (and a nap ;) my blood pressure was just great, so I look forward to Thursday and finishing our year together!!!!! (2 more weeks!)

Speaking of said parent/Mommy become friend, here is one to show how cute the hats look!! :) My awesome friend Andrea (who gave me permission to post this) with her son, M. (I"ve had two of her kiddos) She is wonderful and I love her dearly! Aren't the hats adorable?????

2009-04-27T07:58:00.024-05:00

Andy's Office Shower

Disclaimer: I know, I am soooo far behind in blogging. I have to retrace some and catch up. So, "live from my bedroom" because I'm on "modified" bed rest..... I bring you back a few weeks to the shower at Andy's office!

The people Andy works with are absolutely fantastic. He spends so much time there and traveling with them too, that they are an extended family to him. They have been waiting on us to become parents right along with everyone else. There are two wonderful girls there that are also pregnant and they, along with Andy.... talk "baby" every day. The stories I hear of them "educating" him are so fun. They threw us our fantastic first shower!!

You also have to remember that I have spent years (and years - 9 to be exact) avoiding baby showers at all costs. I skip them whenever possible, making up all sorts of excuses. (true) If I "had" to go, like you nieces I love & adore, it was usually to sit in the back and shed my own jealous tear or two. So this day of OUR first shower for OUR baby is more than I could ever explain!!!

They had adorable decorations....... the balloon that floated in our ceiling for 2 weeks and is still inflated! I think it's too cute!!

Maggianos for lunch, HOLY COW....... ((2 kinds of salad, one had chicken. Cheese ravioli (which I ate for days at home too...) Veal ravioli, spaghetti, bread and two cakes))

Great games.... we played the "don't say baby" pin game, win loose or draw baby style (hilarious) and measure Monica's belly with toilet paper......

Andy's onesie, such a cheater!! It's Ok, cause my team still one!!! :)

They were so sweet & generous with lots of fun baby gifts, soooooo much fun to open! (especially with Andy there too!) Here's a few~

After gifts we cut cakes. Can you believe Andy was cutting right through the little baby booties, ugh!! Boys~ I had to fuss at him, of course someone caught it on my own camera! :) ... and then we made up ;)

Just a sample of the friends there, notice all the men have their phones/black berries in their hands! I have tons of group shots, but wont post 'em all.

The wonderful hostess', they are sooooo sweet and thoughtful. Sgt. Fields, on the left, is having a baby girl in the fall and Sgt. Martin, on the right, is due a few weeks following. (not sure if he's a he or she's a she yet)

All the goodies at home, we just love looking at them. So much fun!!!!! It was a fantastic day shared with Andy and I enjoyed it sooooo much!!

2009-04-13T09:31:00.006-05:00

Happy Easter

We had a wonderful Easter and hope you did as well.

It started with Easter baskets for a family of 3!!! The Easter Bunny (much to my shock) had left a basket for Cole, how sweet is that???? Andy's basket is one he's used since he was little and the brown bunny inside has always remained in the basket, neat tradition. (I always got a new basket) I love using the same one and have been since we married and "he" bought me my first one! I look forward to continuing the tradition of "your basket is yours forever"......

Our day continued with an awesome church service in which this song makes me practically weepy. I can't control myself and am thankful for a Savior who LIVES and blesses me daily!!!!

We came home for a photo op and getting ready to head to (one of) Andy's brothers.

Lunch, egg hunt and fun times with Mike, Faye and the gang!!

Followed by watching the last few hours of a great Masters!

Great day, great day!!

2009-04-10T15:34:00.001-05:00

It's Friday, but Sunday's a comin'

2009-04-07T08:36:00.001-05:00

Give Away

My friend Janell is having a give away, go here and introduce yourself to get a chance. What have you got to loose? :)

http://janellscraps.blogspot.com/

2009-04-04T12:53:00.002-05:00

Cole's Room

...truly a work in progress....

Who would have thought we'd be just a few months away from meeting our son and still not be able to sit back and say "his room is totally complete"? Especially since we have been working on it for well over the past year and a half, well.. 9 if you count the years of picking up this and that!!

Mom & I had bought Winnie the Pooh stuff for baby's room years and years ago. Then I ended up selling it and starting over a bit when we decided to head towards adoption. I "had" to stick with the Pooh theme because of ALL the stuff I couldn't part with and my "mini" obsession with the old fluffy bear myself. I've still sold stuff on Ebay about 3 times, given Pooh stuff away and have way more than I can ever find room to store.

I did really like this new Pooh we chose and that the colors could be added to as we went. Pink or Blue, either way. Finding out about little Cole made it all the more fun. I had painted my (very shaky) trees on the wall this summer and then last weekend I talked (begged, pleaded, nagged) Andy into using the stencil and adding the little blue birds to the wall. I'm thinking about gluing on a button eye, but haven't decided. (thanks to Shelley for the idea) I'm also considering adding a "sew on" look border between the colors, like a painted on "quilt stitch" kind of thing. Again, thanks Shelley and we'll see.....

Last weekend he also replaced the curtain rod and I am going to finally make curtains this week while I'm home for spring break. I bought several kinds of material and they will be sort of like a patchwork quilt. He also hung up the coat/bag rack behind a closet door. I didn't take pics of all around the room again this time, but I will. Oh and (he was so helpful) he also hung up the letters that spell Cole! We knew we'd never get them straight (nothing I do is straight) so we went with the crooked look from the get-go. Saved a huge headache and I like them that way!

I'm also still talking family into helping me paint a Bible verse on the wall along the line where blue meets brown. I think we've finally chosen a verse from my favorite three. You'll have to check back to see when I update pics again.

A few weeks ago I finally decided there was no way I could live with the book shelf we had in there. It was so tall and Cole would be 15 before he could reach the top and it wasn't fitting for me. So I got this super cute "square" shelf at Target. I like the baskets or no baskets idea and I think it can be useful, pretty much forever.

Eventually it will be done, meanwhile there is nothing I like more than going in there and sitting. Organizing things around, shuffling through the closet, sniffing baby lotion. People asked when I started this room over a year ago "don't you feel like you are jinxing it" or "doesn't it make you sad to see baby's room, with no baby". I never felt that way though, ever. To me it's always been the spot where someday, somehow God would send out little one. I trusted his plan and "prepared" for the blessing I knew he would send. Granted at the time I thought adoption was the only we'd he would bless us. Praying with faith we'll call it. Look at us now....................... A baby in my tummy, under my heart due in just 9 weeks and a hopeful heart that adoption will also play a part in our family story!!