Wardrobe Change...

Last night I didn't get a chance to lay out Addie's outfit for today. This morning, Doug yells, "What should I dress her in?" I tell him to pick one of her easy yellow outfits. Us mothers know these "easy" outfits: cotton, elastic pant and matching top... cute, but the classic no brainer outfit. I come down stairs ready to leave and my darling girl is dressed in thermal underwear??? Granted it was yellow, she was in thermal underwear! I quickly explained to Kathy at daycare that I did not dress her and we had a good chuckle at Doug's expense. When I picked her up today, she was in her reserve outfit. I guess she didn't like the thermal underwear either and decided to poop her way out of it!

Izabella's Baptism...

Jason, Sarah, Tim, Alli, Izabella, Angie & Addie

(PS - Sarah & Jason are expecting a little one of their own... Yippy!)

Sunday we attended the baptism of one very special little lady, Izabella Raye. She was baptized at Orchard Park Presbyterian in Carmel. She was surrounded by a huge group of friends and family. Bella was so stinkin cute... she squealed like a little kitten each time she was touched with the holy water. Tim and Alli hosted an open house afterwards that was wonderful. We love our friends so much and can't wait to celebrate each of our children's milestones and successes in life. Izabella we love you so much!

Future Prom Date...

Nathan Baker (4 1/2 mos) Addie Reusser (6 1/2 mos)

This is the first of many embarrassing photos we will subject these two young ones to. Nathan would fuss each time Betsy took his pacifier out of his mouth. Addie was too cute and patted his shoulder... Kind of in an effort to reassure him "It's OK buddy, we'll make it!" Nathan took it as a sign that she was interested and decided to get a little fresh. He made his first move on his lady friend!

An Unexpected Day Off...

On Wednesday morning, we received the first of two phone calls at 5:45 am that we would have a 2-hour delay due to dense freezing fog. We literally couldn't see any of our neighbors houses or street lights. It was pretty freaky, but the effect on the tree branches was beautiful. I busted a morning move to work out, play with Addie and get both of us ready with plenty of time to spare so we could take it extra slow on our way into daycare and school... keep in mind, both destinations are within 5 minutes of our house. I was feeling like SUPER MOM!!!

Well, in the 5 minutes that I whisked my daughter out the door and headed to daycare, I missed the second phone call stating that school had been canceled. Miss Kathy at daycare, looked at me and told me to turn right around and go home, because I didn't have to work today. Anyone who is a mother, knows that getting ready and getting out the door on time is a task in itself... and this attempt was a wasted one!

Good news is Addie and I got to play house again! Addie loves her musical flower garden!
Addie loves her big brother, Tucker, even more!

Big Day for a Little Lady...

Addie may not look too terribly thrilled in this photo, but we sure are!

Our little stinker is sitting up all by herself!

Cassie, Addie & Alexis

The Fasick girls came over this morning to play with Addie. Doug is finishing the bar/kitchen in their basement this weekend. They knew I'd be home alone with Addie and asked if they could come over. They are our neighbors and are both former students of mine. Addie had such a good time showing them all of her toys and tricks. Can you believe that she pulled a new trick out of her bag? Sitting up! I still can't believe it! She is becoming so independent... feeding her entire bottle to herself, rolling over, sitting up. It's all so exciting!!! I had planned all week to introduce her to the sippy cup this afternoon, but I don't know if I can handle one more break through today!

Happy Valentines' Day...

Why ask for chocolate, when you can have something this sweet!?!

XOXO - Addie

6 Months Check Up...

Dr. Megan gave Addie an A++ for behavior during her visit at the office today. She laughed and giggled the whole time. At 6 months, she is weighing in at 18lbs 8oz (90%) and is 27 inches long (90%). Her head also measured at 90% so we have a perfectly proportioned baby girl! (I didn't need a doctor to tell me that she's perfect!) Dr. Megan attributed Addie's cold last week to a minor ear infection that we are treating with an antibiotic. No worries, we go back in 2 weeks for a follow-up.

PS - Dr. Megan is expecting her first little one... YEAH!!! She is 12 weeks along and you can tell she is really excited. Congratulations Dr. Megan!

PSS - I should write more, but I'm exhausted. I'm just getting home and it's 7:30. I'm used to being home more around 3:30. Stick a fork in me, I'm done! Doug is being a wonderful husband... again and is cooking dinner. Addie is watching her new Baby Einstein video Baby MacDonald. (Thanks Alli, it's a lifesaver this evening!)

Reality Check...

Last night we hosted a couples' shower for Amy & Scott at Tim & Allison's house. It was a great group of friends and a good time. Everyone is so excited for the arrival of the twins. We played Pregnancy Pictionary and Reality Check... a game designed especially for the Daddy-to-Be! The Reality Check Challenge was to see how long it took Scott to change both Addie and Bella's diapers and get them in their PJs. We figured he needed some practice with Emily and Claire due in the next couple of weeks. Which way does this blasted thing go? Is he looking for instructions?
2 minutes later Addie is back in her diaper and looking to Bella for HELP!!!
Off goes the party outfit...
On goes the PJs!

All Done: Amy, Scott, Addie & Bella

Get the man a certificate; he has passed his Daddy-In-Training Challenge Course!!!

Official Finish Time: 12 minutes, give or take a few.

Animal Love...

One of Mommy's favorite animals is the baby hippo. I have hippo books, a towel, stuffed toys and a chair in my nursery. She couldn't resist snapping a picture of her baby hippo!
The Face Off

Grampy Newton's favorite animal is the monkey. He says I can make all the monkey business that I want! The monkey dances, sings and lights up... I'm not quite sure what to make of this character.

All You Need Is Love...

An extra dose of hugs and kisses is just what the doctor ordered!

Nana has her PHD in serving up sweet love.

With Dad retired and in Savannah visiting Mandy and Jesse, we invited Mom to come up and stay with us this weekend. Addie was so excited to see her. They giggled and danced around this evening while we prepared dinner. Mom is upstairs right now rocking her and putting her to sleep. I love seeing my mom as a grandma. I know you can't tell it from the smile on her face, (wink, wink) but my mom absolutely glows in the presence of her little angel.

Today at school something kind of cool happened. At lunch, a group of service men and women came to visit our school. They presented our school with 2 awards of recognition and thanks for the efforts of my former homeroom students. Over the past 2 years, we have written letters, made cards and sent school supplies to Iraq. Of course I got all emotional, because it is them who deserves the recognition and thanks. The captain talked about all of the positive things happening in Iraq that you don't hear on the news. I would like to think that no matter how small, the efforts made by our school are helping to brighten a day of those who serve and defend our freedom as Americans. They are attempting to make this world a better place for everyone and put their lives on the line in order to do this.

I Have A Problem...

Four months ago, I didn't even fully understand what a blog was!?! Occasionally, I would hear people talk about blogs or see blurbs on TV or in magazines, but I wouldn't think twice about them. I just figured it was something that the teenie-boppers were doing these days. My life was fine without blogging.

I have several friends that blog. I started checking out their pages and added them to my favorites on my desktop. I decided that I could do this; it would be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family. Everyone would be able to keep up with Addie's milestones and our family adventures. The concept of a blog wasn't as foreign as I has once believed. I created our blog spot and began an electronic diary to share with the world.

My parents always warned me about peer pressure. Just because your friends are doing something, doesn't mean you have to do it. Updating my blog and checking out everyone else's blog has become a full fledged addiction of mine. It's my secret shame, my cocaine! I LOVE IT!!! Doug says I have a serious problem when I prefer my computer to my husband... he is only half joking - HA!

For my fellow bloggers... keep blogging!

Super Bowl Sunday...

Wendy, Angie, Alli & Amy

Bar Stool - check! Drinks - check! Game Faces - check!

Colts Win!!! Colts Win!!! Colts Win!!!

We hosted our 2nd annual Super Bowl Party with Amy & Scott and Tim & Alli. The three families go in together to host a private party at the Mine Shaft in Broad Ripple for friends and family. The food that is catered is amazing and everyone always has such a good time!

The stakes were extremely high this year with the Colts playing in the big game. I'll be honest, I can't tell you who played in the Super Bowl last year, but this year is one for the record books! The first half of the game was such an emotional roller coaster. Those turnovers were hard to swallow, and the fact that they were playing during a monsoon didn't help matters. But they pulled it off! I am so proud and excited for our team and our state. It really is a win for everyone when you have a team that is chalked full of good role models and is modest in their victories. They are first class all the way!

The city has been a nonstop celebration destination for the past two days. We have all bought our newspapers and t-shirts. Doug and I didn't have it in us to brave the bitter cold for the victory parade and rally downtown last night. We stayed in and watched everything on TV in the cozy warmth of our home. The rally at the dome was insanely loud, but so exciting to watch!

6 Months Old...

Like my new PJs?

It's been said that there is no love, like that of a mother's. Each of the past 6 months has brought us overwhelming excitement and joy as we have witnessed the world through the eyes of our baby girl. Addie's daily smiles and giggles are a reminder that there are such sweet rewards in slowing down, enjoying each other and taking time for family & friends. She is a little butterball of spunk, who's latest talents of tumbling over, bouncing in her jump-a-roo, dancing in her exersaucer and "singing" to music have kept everyone entertained. She is a true LEO and loves the spotlight... There may be a future on Broadway for this little star! But with all of the excitement during the day, it leads up to my favorite time with Addie... Bedtime. She loves naked time and splashing around in the bath tub. We sing and laugh and each of us gets a chance to be silly for the sake of being silly. Truth be told, I am addicted to snuggling with her in my rocker while listening to lullabies as she sinks into a deep sleep for the night. I love the sweet smell of milk and honey on her skin and hair. I just stare at her while she is sleeping in her crib and can't believe how lucky I am to feel this much love.

Grand Prize Winner...

Yes, thank you very much, that would be ME!!! Doug took a phone call for me yesterday afternoon, announcing that I was the grand prize winner of an on-line contest. I'll be honest I totally forgot that I entered this contest. I think it was during one of those restless first nights of motherhood back in August when Addie had her nights and days mixed up, but anyway... I WON!!! Today I went to Keen Shoes in Carmel and got to pick out a free pair of Robeez shoes for Addie. We decided on the "Party Bow" in black. I'll post pictures of my little Cinderella in her new slippers later on today when she wakes up from her nap!

Last night all of the girls got together for a girls' night out. We went out for Mexican and saw the movie Because I Said So. (A must see chick-flick... too cute and funny!) It was so nice to sit, talk and laugh with everyone. I had a really good time! Doug hosted a game night for all of the "better" halves at our house, while we were out. The boys ordered pizza, played poker and indoor golf. Addie had her first movie night with friends, Fallyn and Nathan, featuring Baby Einstein classics on the big screen.

Baby Buy of the Month: Get to Kohl's if you can. Sandra Boynton books + CDs are on sale for $5 with all proceeds going to children's charities. If you don't need them for yourself, stock up on great gifts for other little ones in your life!