Girls of Adventure...

Throughout Tybee Island are these painted sea turtles. They can be found along the roadside and at the bus stops. They have all different characters and colors... very cool!

Addie and I have been out and about on the town of Savannah. We have been to the mall, the grocery store and Toys R Us. I have come to realize that everything in this town is located mainly on one street, Abercorn. If you can get there, you can get anywhere... shopping, historical downtown, the islands, etc.

Yesterday, Addie and I went out to Tybee Island. We shopped at little roadside and seaside shops and boutiques. I bought some sea turtle merchandise that I am really excited about. We had lunch outside at StingRays. We visited the Tybee Island Science Center and learned more about sea turtles and egg hatching/nest watches. Needless to say, if we are going to be a part of that experience we have to come back and visit between May and August. (For those of you who don't know, I LOVE sea turtles! Addie's nursery is done in wimsical waves and sea turtles.)

It was a gorgeous day and I wanted to lay out on the beach. Addie and I were enjoying a nap on the beach when I started to realize that maybe this wasn't the best way to spend the afternoon. People started scattering when 10-12 surfers showed up. I looked out at the ocean and the waves were huge and just beyond that one very large and dark cloud was looming. I started packing everything up. (For all other mothers reading this, you know that this process sometimes isn't always as quick as we would like it to be.) I was struggling to drag Addie and the stroller through the sand to the boardwalk that led to our van. Just as I got Addie in the van, it started pouring... not a shower, a down pour! When I got around to my side of the van, I was soaking wet with my clothes, hair and sand stuck to me. Oh well, I wasn't there for a fashion show!

Feeling Better After a Bath..

An update from Savannah:

Today Addie and I laid low. She was so sick yesterday, probably exhausted from all the hustle and bustle of the past week. She had a stuffy nose, watery eyes with sneezing and coughing. The poor little thing was so stuffed up, but was still such a good baby girl. I made two trips to Target and one to the Piggly Wiggly (I know I'm in the South, when this is the closet store!) for medicine, diapers and a humidifier. She seems to be doing better and has had her sense of humor all day. Today, Addie watched her first episode of Seseame Street, and I'm pretty sure she fell in love with Elmo. Everytime he came on the TV screen, she laughed and talked to him. I'm hoping tomorrow when we wake up she is all better.

Tonight was a gorgeous evening. Mandy and I took the dogs and Addie on a walk through their neighborhood. I have talked to Doug several times today and Mandy to Jesse as well. It's kind of wierd to be just the girls, but we are having a really good time. We put up Mandy's Christmas tree tonight. It is bright and beautiful; Addie loves looking at the lights.

If Addie is feeling better tomorrow, we may venture out on the town. I want to take advantage of the great weather and the nice town while we are here. When Jesse gets back next Tuesday, I'm sure we'll do more, maybe some historical tours or something along that line.

A Day at the Beach...

Addie in her precious pink tutu at Tybee Island.

"Ballerina, you must've seen her, dancin' in the sand. Now she's with me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hands." - Sir Elton John

Mandy, Nana, Mommy & Addie

Daddy and his little one take a step into the water to look at the dolphins swimming near.

Thanksgiving in Savannah...

Uncle Jesse and Aunt Mandy

Sarah, Aunt Christy, Addie and Meredith

Uncle Mark & Addie

Well we made it! We left Tuesday afternoon and made it in to Savannah, GA late Wednesday afternoon. It was a long trip with LOTS of traffic jams, but Addie is such a good traveler that she didn't mind any of it. We are staying at Mandy and Jesse's home. Their house is so adorable! Mandy has everything done up so nice and cozy. We have talked about this trip for months now and we can't believe that we are finally here.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Mark and Christy's home. They live in a brand new house on the base of Fort Stewart. Dinner was amazing and we wouldn't expect anything less than that, with dishes coming from Christy's kitchen. The pre-dinner activities took the cake though. All the guys did shots of Jones Thanksgiving Dinner Sodas. The flavors were "Dinner Roll," "Sweet Potatoes," "Peas," "Turkey," and "Antacid"... YUCK!!! Their reactions and faces were priceless to say the least. I don't see this becoming a yearly family tradition, maybe a hazing ritual for new family members!

Thanksgiving in Ohio...

Addie with Mommy & Daddy

The Reusser Grandkids - Zach, Bria, Nathaniel and Addie

Doug, Addie and Great Grandma Stone

Well we are home from our visit to Ohio to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Stone family. We all stayed at Aunt Sharon's house and visited with family throughout the weekend. Between our family and Julie's family, we created a three-ringed circus at her house. Addie wouldn't take a nap, Zach's eardrum busted and Bria is 1... need I say anymore! Dinner at Susan's house looked like something out of a Martha Stewart magazine. The food was delicious and it was fun to catch up with everyone. We couldn't get over how much all of the kids had grown up. They aren't so much kids anymore. We watched the Ohio State Buckeyes win the big game against Michigan!

Today I am doing laundry and packing for Savannah. We leave tomorrow to visit with Mandy and Jesse. I feel like I am packing everything except the kitchen sink for this trip! Addie and I are off to Wal-Mart for some last minute items and an oil change. Good times in Fishers, IN!!!

Addie's Newest Toy...

Addie in her Exersaucer... She's excited about the dancing puppets on her Baby Einstein video!

Our little one is growing up so fast! Addie is really strong. She loves sitting in her Exersaucer so she can stand, bounce and play with her toys and gadgets all at once without any help from Mommy or Daddy. It is fun to watch her little fingers fidget and her tiny toes dance!

Tweedle Dee and Twiddle Dum...

Addie (3 mos) and Bella (2 mos)

We had Alli, Bella and Beth over for lunch today. It was really nice catching up with the gals. Beth tells the most hilarious stories about her family and her life. She cracks me up each time I'm with her! Bella and Addie both took bottles and slept for the majority of the time, but were both awake long enough for us to take a few quick shots.

Addie has been with lots of friends and family the past weekend. Friday we were in Bedford with Great-Grandma Tovey, Nana and Grampy Newton. Saturday, Addie spent the afternoon with GrMa and GrPa Reusser. Doug and I went to see the movie "Stranger Than Fiction." (It's not your typical Will Farrell movie, but it was very good!) Sunday we dropped Addie off with Amy while we went to the Colt's game. We have been on the go and are so grateful for our "babysitters." Doug and I appreciate being able to still have dates and go out. We love being parents, but we love being a couple also!

Surprise Visit...

Great Grandma Tovey and Addie

Today we headed to Bedford, IN to surprise my Grandmother with a visit from her first great-grandchild. We met up with Mom and Dad in Mooresville and drove together from there. Grandma was so surprised when we were standing at the door... I think we made her day! We visited and Addie showed off all of her new tricks. It's a tradition, when you visit Gramdma, she orders Chinese for lunch. Addie sat at the table with us and tried to stick her hands in red sauce. We took Grandma furniture shopping and bought her a new, comfy chair for Christmas. Mom's high school friend, Sandy came over to meet Addie. Days like today, are days that I cherish. I love seeing Addie surrounded by people that love her. Raising my child to know and love her extended family and our circle of friends is so very important to me.

Beautiful Baby, Beautiful Day...

I love Indian Summers! We are well into November and it's 70 degrees outside. I opened up the house and Tucker is basking in the sun. Addie and I went on a nice, long walk through our neighborhood. She was too stinkin' cute in her hoodie, I couldn't resist taking a picture!

Addie has been cracking us up the past couple of days. She has so much personality for one little person. Her new thing is being tickled. She giggles and gasps when I tickle her to the theme music of the "Pink Panther."

Big Weekend...

Well we had a big weekend. Friday Addie got to visit with her Grandma and Grandpa Reusser. Saturday, Nana and Granpa Newton came in town to babysit Addie. Doug and I went out with a big group of friends to dinner and to a comedy show for Tim's birthday. We had a really good time and decided to go out after the show. WE ARE OLD... we were all yawning by 11:30 and called it a night. Anyway, it felt really good to get out and have some good laughs. Sunday, Mom and I went shopping while Doug and Dad watched football and Addie. GO COLT'S!!!

Three Peas in a Pod...

Fallyn Rae Ranek, Izabella Raye Maines, Addison Leigh Reusser

We are so lucky to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of friends. Our daughters have no choice, but to be best friends. It has been such a neat experience to celebrate each birth and to watch each family welcome their newest addition. Each little one has their own quirks and tiny personalities that make them unique. They are all so easy to love and hug on each time we get together. We can't wait to watch each of them grow up. We will be there to support them and celebrate in all of their successes throughout life. We can't wait for Addie to grow up surrounded by so many close friends and playmates.

Happy Halloween...

Happy Halloween from "Mini Moo." Our family went as a herd of cows for our costume party that we hosted last weekend. It was a surprise 30th birthday party for our good friend Allison Maines. Everyone went all out on their costumes; they were hilarious. The best costume award went to Ryan and Sarah. They came dressed as Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife Beth. They looked so much like them, they could have passed for stunt doubles!

3 Months Old...

Seriously we blinked and it's the end of October! Addie is so much fun to have around. She amazes us with her developments each week. She is holding her head up really well. She can sit in her bebe pod seat without any support. Her new thing is laughing and cooing at cheerleader moves and chants. She gets so excited that she has to catch her breath. Addie is now taking bottles like a champ and giving mommy a break when it comes to feedings. Addie is discovering the extremities of her body. She sucks and chews on her fingers and hands. When on her back, she kicks her legs up and stares at her feet. Addie continues to be such a good baby; we enjoy her so much. Our hearts literally swell with love, pride and adoration for our daughter.

We definitely have a routine down and Addie is now sleeping through the nights going down at 8:30 pm and getting up at 6:00 am. In the mornings we finish breakfast and laugh and dance with ELLEN. Addie loves to snuggle up and read. Her favorite books are Good Night Moon, Dr. Seuss's Foot Book, Jamberry and Funny Farm (Her Daddy makes some really good barnyard noises!) Daddy comes home for lunch each day to be with his girls... we LOVE this!

2 Months Old...

Addie is now 2 months old. Doug and I can't believe how quickly 2 months have flown by. Doug loves holding Addie when she is awake and she stares into his eyes. Daddy also enjoys tickling Addie's feet and making her smile. As a mommy, I love cuddling up and snuggling with my baby girl in my rocker. I also enjoy giving Addie her baths, she loves the water. Our favorite family time is when Addie awakes in the morning and snuggles with us in bed. The title of mommy and daddy comes with so many responsibilities, but are far out-weighed by the rewards. We are truly blessed.

Addie is really starting to explore the world around her. She doesn't just focus on the face in front of her anymore. She is aware that there are people and noises all around. She is quite the "nosey rosey" and pops her head up when something more interesting than the object in front of her presents itself. She is really cooing and giggling these days. She absolutely loves her Pooh and Friends mobile in her playpen. It is a riot to watch her get so excited!

1 Month Old...

Well, we survived the first month of parenthood. No one really tells you how busy, tired and overwhelmed you will feel. This first month has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. But let me tell you, each sleepless hour and poopy diaper is worth it. Every time my daughter stares into my eyes or grabs onto my finger, everything else is forgotten. Addie is such a good baby and things are starting to calm down. We are getting into a routine and she is only waking up once during the night.

At one month old, Addie weighed 9 lbs 5 oz and measured 22 inches in length. She is healthy, healthy, healthy and the doctor says that she is going to be a long and lean little girl. She has begun to smile and will sometimes coo. She enjoys her floor mat gym and going on walks in her stroller.

Addison Leigh Reusser...

Addie was born Friday, August 4th at 7:18 pm. She weighed in at 7lbs. 15oz. and was 21 inches long. She popped out with a full head of dark hair and big blue eyes like her daddy. She was born at St. Vincent's Women's Hospital with Dr. Gates assisting the family.

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect daughter. We feel blessed as parents and look forward to each milestone in Addie's life. She is a very special little girl, who is already at such a young age attentive, head strong and very entertaining. She seems old for her age, an old soul, if you will. Thank you to our family and network of friends for being a part of our wonderful journey into parenthood.

Our first offical family picture...

After an hour and a half of pushing, Addison Leigh Reusser made her big debut. Words cannot explain the sense of fulfillment and pride this experience brought to us. From the moment I held Addie in my arms, I was in LOVE. We are talking about the kind of love that is unconditional and unwavering. Watching Doug hold her made me fall in love with him all over again. It might have been some really good drugs, but I loved every single second of this experience. It makes me want to have a whole bunch of little rugrats... but not to soon, I'm enjoying Addie too much!

The Big Day...

Well the big due date, July 29th, came and went! I was really getting anxious and could barely wait for my next doctor's appointment. We saw Dr. Stevens on Wednesday, August 2nd and with no progress, she suggested that we induce labor the next day... my birthday! I did some soul searching and with the advice and wisdom of good friends came to the realization that having a child on your birthday is the best gift you could ever wish for when you blow out your candles.

Doug and I arrived at the hospital the afternoon of August 3rd, it was go time! They began with a gel application to speed up effacement and promote dialation. My birthday passed and still no baby. The morning report indicated that this process made no progress so they started a potossin drip. With breathing through really strong contractions well into the afternoon, there was still no progress and Dr. Gates decided to break my water. Within minutes, I couldn't take the pain anymore and asked for an epidural... yes, it was a little bit of heaven! I fell asleep for about and hour and Doug had lunch. The doctor returned to check my progress and I couldn't believe what he said. I had progressed from 3cm to 10cm in 45 minutes and it was time to push!

Showered With Love...

Thank you to all of our friends and family who attended our baby showers. Everyone was so thoughtful in helping us to celebrate the arrival of our baby. Our baby wasn't even here yet, and was showered with gifts and love from all.

I am so grateful that 1 - I work at a fantastic school but 2 - I work with some of my best friends! Amy Warner hosted a shower for all of my girlfriends and colleagues at Sand Creek Intermediate at her home. At the end of the school year my teaching team, Kathy Price, Kathy Giunta and Jon Baker, along with ~100 of my students threw me a surprise shower at school. All of the kiddos bought books for the Little Reusser's library. Needless to say I was a little overwhelmed and moved by everyone's' generosity from the school community.

The celebration didn't stop there... We had three more showers to go! Gina Nidlinger and Lisa Duzan hosted a shower for me to get together with my home town girlfriends. Mandy Payne, Jeani Newton and Margi Byram hosted a brunch for family and friends of the family. Allison and Tim Maines hosted a backyard BBQ for a couples shower.

We were showered with blankets, diapers, toys, keepsakes and baby gadgets. Who knew that one little person required so much stuff. My favorite thing to do was look through everything again and again. The celebrations really got me excited about being a mommy!

Mommy and Daddy to Be...

Doug and I made the big announcement to friends and family that I was expecting on Christmas of 2005. We had known since Thanksgiving, but wanted to make it the BIG gift for the holidays. This was really hard, seeing as though we were living with Doug's parents while our house was being built!

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect pregnancy. I loved being pregnant and was totally amazed with each weeks' developments. We couldn't wait for July 29th to meet our little bundle of joy. I went back and forth on weather I thought I was having a boy or a girl... We decided not to find out until the big day. I love surprises!