9-11

Sunday is the tenth anniversary of the most horrific event in our generation, 9-11. On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorist from the militant group, al-Queda, hijacked and crashed four commercial airliners, killing thousands of innocent Americans. This was a series of four coordinated suicide attacks upon the United States in New York City and the Washington DC area.

On that morning, the hijackers intentionally crashed two planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; both towers collapsed within two hours. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth jet, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania before it could reach its intended target in Washington, D.C. after the passengers attempted to take control. Nearly 3,000 died in the attacks.

Any of us who watched those events unfold will never be able to erase the images from our minds. Caroline will never remember this tragic event, she will only read about it just as we studied of tragedies that happened before our time. I hope as she learns of these events that she will come to love the country she lives in. I hope when she sees Old Glory that it will be a symbol of freedom to her. I hope when she hears The Star Spangled Banner or  God Bless America, that she will be proud of her country and pause to give thanks for those who gave their lives for it. For with all of her faults, failures, and disappointments, the United States is still the absolute best country in the world in which to live...... God Bless America.

Faces of Caroline

Papaw and Granny came to Windy Hills Thursday for a visit. Papaw brought his camera and took a few pictures of Caroline. She has so many different expressions and ALL of them are cute!

It's A Zoo Out Here

Greetings from Windy Hills where it's a ZOO today! We have dogs, bears, zebras, cows, giraffes...you name it - we got it! It's been a good morning here in the Hills. It started early, four o'clock early! Caroline was ready to get up to start her day. Needless to say, the rest of us were a little slower getting started! Caroline finally went back to sleep after some gentle rocking, for thirty minutes or more...zzzzz. After Mommy and Daddy went to work, Caroline and I set up camp in the living room with all of the animals. First to get a spit bath was Gina, the giraffe. Caroline seemed to handle her well! Check out the new video, How to Eat a Giraffe. Caroline gives Gina the Giraffe a good work out!

Caroline and Bella

Caroline and Mason

Do these sandals make me look fat?

Bouncy Bliss

Can you find Caroline?

Our little Caroline is such a good baby! Days spent with her are full! Feedings, naps, diaper changes, singing, learning colors, ABC's, and going outside to see Ace and Deuce! And of course, we must squeeze in a little HGTV after lunch. Unless she is wet or hungry, Caroline is a pleasant, content baby girl, always smiling! If she is awake, we sometimes sit by the window and watch for Mommy to come up the drive. At the end of the day, when Mommy and Daddy come home, Caroline lights up and turns her head toward the door when she hears them say "Helllooo" as they come in.

I'll Pay For This One

I know I shouldn't post these pictures. I can't help it, they are so adorable, if only to me. So Caroline, please forgive me and don't hide my cane when you see these someday! I wub you.... After our first nap yesterday, I wiped Caroline off with a warm wash cloth and some baby lotion so she would smell a little more babylike - fresher, if you will. As an after thought, I made a quick swipe across her head. Ooops, oh no ... baby lotion! All I could do was laugh and you see in the picture the glare I received from Caroline. (It's just that her hair is never that flat.), The second photo is Granny burping Caroline. At just the perfect moment, Papaw Glenn snapped this shot. I think it's a favorite. Caroline appears to have teeth, two of them! Even though I know they're bubbles, I think of Chiclet's Gum!

Be sure to check out two new videos listed at the top right of the blog. Caroline seemed to sense being recorded and was a little quieter than usual. Wouldn't you know, the minute I turned it off, she chattered like a chimp!

Weekend Fun

Mommy and Caroline went on a shopping/visit trip  Saturday. They met up with Natalie and Chloe at Ramy and Daniel's house. In one of the pictures, I see that some folks enjoyed my favorite sandwich shop, McAlisters. I'm sure the girls and Mommies had great fun catching up and shopping. I feel sorry for poor little Stecks when he gets here soon...he will be surrounded by a gaggle of giggly girls and he will have to learn how to endure many shopping trip to come!

Snappy Shopper

All trussed up and to Wal-Mart we go!



Word for the Day - BaBello

Ok, tell the truth, are these not the prettiest little set of lips you've ever seen? It won't be too terribly long before Caroline learns how to use them too. And who of us will be able to resist her charms? Not I for sure. The week is over and my shift at Windy Hills is done and honestly, I'm a little tired. I think I had forgotten how time consuming babies can be. It's a good tired though. My favorite part of the day is right before Mommy goes to work and we do the Caroline handoff. Caroline is warm and drowsy and we pile up in Daddy's recliner and rock. Often times, I drift into drowsyland before Caroline! I also like times when Caroline is waking up from a nap, she looks like a little basketball, all round and sweet under her blanket. Sometimes she will talk to me and give the sweetest toothless grin. Be advised though, Caroline will let you know when cuddlechat time is over and she's ready for her ba-bell-o (our word for bottle, you have to say it fast).  

Ducky Gets A Dunkin!

Bath time is fun time for ducky Caroline...(yay!). So far, she likes the water and doesn't mind getting her hair washed or face wiped. Once out of the tub, she gets a good rub down with Johnson's Baby Bath Time Calming Lotion, I think it may have lavender and all natural calming stuff in it. The bottle says it's promotes rest and calmness. Anyway, after talking to Mommy on the way over yesterday, I don't think the J&J lotion worked very well Wednesday night. Mommy said Caroline woke them up three times during the night! We aren't real sure of the cause but it was a very long day for Mommy and Daddy! After Mommy left for school, I made a short video of Caroline getting ready to take a nap in her bouncy seat with her favorite cow, Cora. Caroline likes Cora for her crinkly ears, she loves to put them in her mouth but she sometimes coughs! I think the texture tickles her tongue! See the video, Caroline and Cora under Caroline Clips.

I Woke Up And I Was 50 !!

This is what I walked into at work Monday morning. My fiends, oops, friends, decorated my workspace last Friday for my 50th birthday yesterday. I know, I know - I agree, I don't look it.

I was showered with gifts galore...I received a black mini coffin with a variety of really nice things such as Citrate Magnesium, an AARP magazine, all sorts of nuts and chocolates, and 50 really nice rocks! I also got some really yummy pomegranate Bath and Body products, a black shirt that says In Dog Years I'm 350 Years Old, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, a chicken cheese ball, Rotel and chips, Lil Smokies with Sistah Schuberts rolls, and a delish chocolate dirt cake that was ohmygoodnesssogood.. Do I have great fiends friends or what?

After work, we drove up to see Caroline and went out for my birthday suppah. The grilled shrimp was good but being with my GRAND daughter was so much gooder. Caroline was a perfect little doll! She even wore her adorable cupcake onesie in my honor! Sweet lil baby girl.

I had so much fun on my birthday that I may schedule another for Friday! Heartfelt thanks to my peeps! You made this day so special for me, one I'll not soon forget! I cherish your friendship and sincerely thank you for making an old lady feel like, well, an old lady!!

I also appreciate my super family. I couldn't do without you all. You made me feel so special on this often difficult milestone in life. We have eaten our way through the weekend, taken in a movie with popcorn and Mmm & Mmm's, got flowers,  received a very special gift certificate, photo frame, a bead for my bracelet.  I'm sure I've left something out but I'm so full, I not gettin' up to go look right now! Thank you ALL from the bottom of my old heart! I love you all so very, VERY much!  mmmwaaah!

Can't A Girl Get A Nap?

Poor little Caroline was so tired that she couldn't keep her plug in her mouth! I just HAD to take a picture of her but I made sure the flash was off so I wouldn't wake her. I have a sneaky suspicion that one of these days we're ALL gonna get a good scolding from Caroline regarding the questionable pictures that we've taken of her! Until then, I plan on clicking away and I just may have to start a private collection!

Three Months! Can You Believe It?

Three months ago our sweet Caroline was born. Seems like yesterday. I remember not wanting to leave the hospital that night, I didn't want to miss a minute of just looking at her (even if it was behind a glass window!) I don't remember sleeping much that night either. Three months have passed and the newness of Caroline hasn't worn off. I still can't get enough of her. I can sit and watch her doing nothing, all day. When she does move, giggle, grin, coo, gaaah, e i o - s o, or roll over - it's a very momentus occasion and usually noted with a flash from a camera or iPhone!
Caroline is maturing so quickly that every day she seems to change before my eyes. She's holding her head up stronger and is no longer a Bobble head. She's turning over and laughing out loud. She follows us with her eyes to find us if we move out of her view.
Yesterday, I gave her a bath by myself. It was our first and I was a little nervous. Caroline seemed to enjoy it and it wasn't long before we both were laughing at each other... I laughed at her for her funny faces... she laughed at me as I floundered like a fish to get off the bathroom floor!!(the little smarty pants)

Flipper Caught on Video

Yeppers, Caroline has learned to roll over!! Mommy and Daddy sent me the video just now. The caption said, "For the fifth time in a row!" See the latest Caroline clip to the right. It's not long but you can plainly see that Caroline has got the hip motions goin on!! Wow, we're going to have to keep both eyes on her now, next thing you know...she'll be crawling!

Bwight Gween Bumbo

It's so touching (and comical too) to read Facebook this time of year. All the Mommas posting cute pictures of the first day of school and comments about the morning while getting ready for school. A friend of mine posted about her kindygardner going to school for the first time and how hard it was for her as a mother. I remember the first time my wittle baby girl rode the huge yellow bus. Oh she looked so tiny climbing on the steps, the bus seemed to swallow her up! Just thinking about that first milestone of her life makes my heart a little squishy. Us Mom's have lots of emotions when it comes to our babies...regardless of their age! We'll all probably feel the same way when sweet Caroline goes to her first day of school. (Bite your tongue!) Can't you just see all us grandmas driving up to school to see her off, snapping pictures, and waving bye? What a sight that will be. (Just kidding Caroline.) For now though... I'm very content watching her bob her wittle head in her bwight gween Bumbo!

Pj Saturday

I had the distinct pleasure of staying at Caroline's house Friday night while Daddy went to watch a PGA tournament close to Atlanta with some friends!

We woke up Saturday morning to heavy rain and thunder which made it a great day to stay in our pj's!  Daddy sent Mommy a message telling her where he and his friends were standing at the tournament so we could watch for him on tv! When the commercials came on, Mommy and Caroline worked on phonics and words. See the video, I Wub You, to hear them working on Caroline's first words, (kinda).

Caroline's Alphabet Soup

Caroline had the pleasure of keeping me Wednesday while Mommy went to school to get ready to go back to school! From the time I arrived until the time I had to leave, Caroline was PER-FECKT! An absolute angel. She took her bottle, burped, played a bit, rocked me, and went to Nappytown right on schedule every three hours. It was the best day!! Daddy beat Mommy home and got in some recline time with Caroline. Note in the photo how well she is holding up her head...unassisted too, I might add! She's so very smart and not yet 3 months! Amazing!

I made a short video of Caroline on her changing table where she has so much fun. After watching the video I was ticked at myself for holding the phone crooked. Apparently if you tip an iPhone just the least bit, it will make videos sideways! Grrrr. I worked and worked trying to get it flipped but never could. I guess if you watch it you can either tilt your head or your monitor!! Listen real close and I think you can make out the alphabet we memorized today, E I O - S O . We're working on the rest next week!

The Sounds of Sunday Morning

Mommy and I got up a little lazy this morning but our little gymnast Caroline was raring to go. After a quick power breakfast and burp, Caroline was ready for her bouncy seat. I got her in position and comfy then turned the seat on. She started talking, cooing, and cycling! Caroline worked her legs so hard that her socks slid down to the tips of her feet!

It was hard to cut her play time short while she was in such a good mood but she had to get Mommy ready for church and it was time for me to leave. :(  

Check out the video, Early Sunday Sounds to hear a bit of her chatter.

Playing Catchup

After the dr. visit

It's been a week since the last blog (bad blogger) and so much has gone on. Caroline and parents returned safely from Aunt Liana's house last Sunday. They enjoyed the trip and the chance to spend time with family and friends. While visiting, Caroline, Livi, and Lily had their pictures taken and they were so cute. I'll post for you to see soon.

Wednesday Caroline had a minor procedure done in Little Rock. She had the frenulum in her mouth clipped. (the membrane that attaches the tongue to the floor of her mouth). She is fine now except for a little soreness. When she takes her bottle, she hesitates a bit then latches on fine. She is now licking her lips and playing with her tongue. (and drooling more too!)

Happy Bday Mimi!

Mommy had to work at school yesterday so I went up for Caroline to keep me. It was a very good day! Granny and Papaw brought lunch and Caroline was THE center of attention! Yesterday was also a very special day for a very special person, Mimi had a birthday! Sorry for the late birthday wishes Mimi, hope your day was grand!

Playtime for Caroline

Caroline has been in NWAR several days visiting friends and family. She went to a phoot shoot with her cousins, Livi and Lily, spent time with Chloe and parents, and went to Livi's birthday party! I'm sure there were several shopping trips thrown in for good measure! Caroline returned home to Windy Hills today. And I'm glad too, Even though Mommy sent me pictures each day, I missed that little stinker! Thank you Mommy!

Just a bit ago, Daddy sent me a short clip of Caroline playing. I'm sure she was glad to stretch out and kick awhile after riding in her car seat for several hours! Check out the video, Caroline Gets Vocal, to the top right and listen to her jabbber!! Music to my ears!

She's A Fighter!

I was looking over the posts in the blog and found one from 7/27 that I had not posted online! Hmm, I now remember that I wrote it late one night. I didn't post because it was so late and I didn't want the Followers to get the notice on their phones! Rather than delete it with this sweet picture, I'm posting it now! Better late than never!
Mommy and Daddy had Date Night last night and Caroline kept me while they went out to dinner and a movie. I am amazed at the sounds and faces that she makes now. Oddly enough, I love diaper changes. Caroline actually enjoys them most of the time. She will laugh and coo then look at the wall above her where her name is spelled out in painted letters.

After a bottle, she will fight sleep to the bitter end. Caroline will do most anything she is capable of to keep herself awake. During this time, I perspire, no, I sweat! She doesn't cry much but she will get a little cranky. Then she will start what I call, riding her tricycle. Her tiny legs will pedal so hard that she will finally wear herself out! She went so fast last night that she rubbed one of her socks off her foot!

I took a 3 minute video of her valiant fight with Mr. Sandman. Caroline won and Precious had an M & M cookie as a consolation prize. I think a good name for this video is Getting Ready for Bed When You're Not Ready for Bed!

Sunday Sleepover

Yesterday while Daddy was playing golf, a very good friend, Trent, broke his leg in a freak accident involving a golf cart. Daddy and others loaded him up and took him to the hospital where he later had to undergo surgery.
After everything settled down, Mommy sent me a photo of Caroline and Mason, Trent's son, taking a nap on the floor this afternoon. Mommy said this would be a great photo for their year book years from now!! Best wishes to Trent for a speedy recovery and good luck to Meghan as she takes care of everyone!

Caroline's Big Day

Today was a fun family filled day! It began with all of Caroline's family attending church today for her dedication service. Matt, our favorite photographer and friend, began the service by saying some very nice things about Mommy, Daddy, and Caroline. After a brief prayer, which Caroline cried through, Matt presented Caroline with a white New Testament Bible. Now that I think about  it, she may have been saying her OWN prayer!

After services, we went to Caroline's house for sandwiches and photos. We had a wonderful time visiting together and enjoying our sweet girl before her nap time!

Rocker Chick

On our way back into town today we stopped by to see Caroline. Mommy had just finished feeding her and she was a little sleepy. I managed to hold her and talk to her before she went off to sleepytown. I'm amazed how much she has changed in just a few days. Caroline seems to be getting over her shots fairly well and is not suffering from any side effects so far.

I'm very pleased to announce that Caroline's dedication service will be this Sunday, July 24th at 10:45. She will be presented with her first Bible from the church as her family and friends support her during this very special service. Aunt Nat is even coming in the morning to visit and go to church with us Sunday. I wish Chloe were coming too but she is spending the weekend with her Granbec! (Have fun you two!! We miss you.)

After services, we are all going to Caroline's house for Sunday Sammiches. We're going to get comfy, eat a bunch, then play Please Pass the Baby!

Nasty Old Shots

Caroline is doing well after getting her first vaccinations Tuesday. Mommy reports that Caroline received three shots in one leg, one shot in the other leg, and some yucky drops to swallow. The nurse said she would be a little sore and possibly a little cranky for a few days. Bless her wittle baby heart. We went by Tuesday afternoon on our way out of town and both girls were stretched out on the sofa ... Caroline sleeping on Mommy's chest and Mommy drowzing as she enjoyed some Caroline time.

Poor Lil Baby Gurl

Caroline had a very taxing day today. It began with an 8:30 appointment at the doctor’s office for her two month weigh in. Caroline was dressed to the nines in a new pink and white outfit complete with ruffles aplenty! After a very l e n g t h y wait, they were called back to be weighed. I’m happy to report that Caroline Nicole now weighs 11 pounds 12 ounces and is 23 and a half inches tall. She ranks in the 50th percentile in her weight and 75th percentile in length. I think both Mommy and Caroline were a bit frazzled by the time they arrived home as it was a little past time for Caroline’s mid-morning meal. 

After a quick feed and good nap, she was ready for yet another appointment. Shot time. Yes, it's time for her two month shots. Can you believe it, two months already?? I haven't heard from them as of this post, 2:30, but will post an update when I get one. Caroline will be a little fussy I'm sure but....after a good nap and a stiff Tylenol chaser, she'll be herself in no time!

It's Really Quiet Now

What a good weekend this has been. Caroline and her parents stayed at our house this weekend and we SO enjoyed having them. Although Caroline was out of her element, she was very, very good. The only time we heard her was when she was hungry or had a wet diaper.

This morning we got up and went to our church with Caroline. It was a very special time for us as this is the same church that Mommy grew up in. Caroline was warmly greeted by everyone and our pastor Jason asked Mommy to formally introduce Caroline to the congregation. Caroline behaved beautifully during the message and went out only once for a diaper change! After services, we all headed to Granny and Papaw's for a fried chicken lunch that was wonderful. Deb made a coconut pie and a chocolate pie to top off the meal. We all left with plates of leftovers. Sunday lunch is always a special time spent with family. As soon as we got to our house, everyone headed to their rooms for an afternoon nap. When we got up, we enjoyed the leftovers and I will admit, they were just as good the second time as they were the first!!

Wasn't long til Mommy and Daddy started packing up to go home. Pop, Caroline, and I swang on the patio while they packed. It sure was hard to hand her over to Mommy when it was time for them to go. Hopefully Caroline will have a good night tonight back in her own criblett.

Busy Baby Girl

Caroline has been on the go the last two days! Our church hosted a fish fry yesterday so we loaded up and went out to have fish. Everything came to a standstill when Mommy walked in with Caroline. Each person there had to see her and talk to her. Caroline, being the people person that she is, granted each passerby a grin and a cute blink! Ater we finished eating, Miss Macel had enough looking at Caroline from afar so she got her in her lap as soon as she could!! Caroline was so good and never made a whimper the whole time.
Saturday was a memorable day for Caroline. She had the pleasure of meeting her great great grandmother, Pauline Risher. Caroline was such a sweet baby while we were there and Pauline seemed to enjoy watching her smile and look the room over. I took several pictures of the three so Mommy can add this occasion to Caroline's baby book. When I get copies of the picture, I'll be sure to add them for everyone to see.

Anatomy of a Nap ...Not Taken

Caroline kept me this morning while Mommy went to school to get ahead on some work for school. When Mommy left, Caroline was fast asleep. I assumed she would remain that way, all nice and tucked in for at least another hour or so. Oh nay nay. Mommy wasn't yet to school before the games began! I think Caroline was playing possum. She wasn't too fussy for a little bit but then she became serious and I began to sweat. We changed diapers, we walked, we made up a song, we sang that song, we changed another diaper then got in our bouncy seat. That seemed to help for a little while!!

To view a video of our attempt to nap in the bouncy seat, select the first video under Caroline Clips column to the right. It's about 8 minutes long so sit back and enjoy our adventure in Nap Class 101! 

Random Shots of Caroline



She discovered her hand.

Dressed for Daddy.



Too tired to care!



Hangin Out Wif My Mommy

Night time rock!

       Going to Sleepytown

Mommy had some dental work done so I went to Windy Hills to watch Caroline for a while. I was so shocked at how much she has changed...and just over the course of a few days! She is making cooing sounds, laughing more, blowing bubbles and holding her head up. One of her new tricks is the passy toss - Caroline can be half asleep and pop her passy out and it will land on the other side of her criblett. Mommy said she woke the other day to passies everywhere!

Caroline is now 11 pounds 1 ounce. I'm not really sure how long she is but I'm thinking she is 24 inches for now. It's hard to tell and its even harder to get her to hold the measuring tape! She is eating well and takes pretty good naps during the day. Bedtime is a little more challenging as she is a sleep fighter. Most nights, Caroline wakes only once, maaaybe, twice. I think this is phenomenal as she is now 7 weeks old. Good job Mom and Dad!