WOWZERS!!!

Yeah, that's exactly what I yelled out loud at Kroger today, just before I checked out. (Not my coolest or smoothest moment, I know.) I was mad at myself for even being at the grocery store tonight. I was there 3 days ago and knew I needed olives for a recipe... well, one guess what item didn't make it into my shopping cart on Monday. So I pick up my olives and was headed to the check out line when something caught my eye. There before me on a clearance table, were packages of Pampers Cruisers for $5.16!!! (This is NOT a typo!) They were marked for quick sale so they could restock shelves tonight. I had $1 off coupons on top of that price so I got 5 packages of diapers for ~$20!!! If you're not in the diaper buyin' business, this story won't mean a lot to you. The check-out boy obviously wasn't in the business of buyin' diapers, because he was so baffled by my giddiness and excitement. I was so excited in fact, when I arrived home, I told the electrician working on my laundry room light all about the bargain buy of the year. I called my mom long distance to share the good news (Who doesn't like to get phone calls about good news?) and now hours after the fact, I am blogging about it!

Happy Memorial Day...

Uncle Mark & Grandma Tovey

This is one of my favorite pictures of my uncle and grandma. It was taken the weekend celebrating the change of command at Fort Stewart, GA. We are all so proud of Mark and his accomplishments in the army. He is currently serving our country in Iraq. Please continue to pray for his safety and for the safety of the men and women who serve in the military. Also keep the families of those who serve in your thoughts. It is an individual and family sacrifice when one serves in the armed forces. We all have so much to be thankful for. Today we remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect freedom. Thank you Mark for everything you have done and for what you continue to do. We love you and miss you!

Happy Birthday OLD MAN!!!

These are some of my favorite pictures of Doug, not because they are exceptionally well taken pictures, but because they make me laugh. For those of you who don't personally know my husband, he is a riot! There is never a dull moment and he is willing to make personal sacrifices in the name of comedy. I have known Doug for 8 years this next month and he has put a smile on my face everyday that I've known him. I have many more pictures that I would love to share, but these are the only ones that I have saved digitally.

Doug's best side... Nice form sweetie!

Looking gooood! Watch out here comes Stacy & Clinton from WHAT NOT TO WEAR!

Our proudest accomplishment, becoming parents. You are such a great husband and a wonderful daddy!
Pulling Confucius's finger while visiting China... hey even righteous spiritual idols need to pass gas!

Doug is usually modest, unless there happens to be a canon nearby. This was taken at Portebella Bay in Panama. It is the first of many canon shots we have in our collection.

Doug is celebrating his 30th birthday in Canada. He is on a 10 day fishing trip with all of the Newton boys... Lord help him! It's a little lonely without our #1 guy here. I think he planned this trip so I couldn't embarrass him with a big party surrounded by friends and family.

Doug, we wish you the best! You mean the world to us and I couldn't imagine life without you. Enjoy this next decade... 30 looks good on you sweetie! HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!!!

XOXO - Angie (Your young, 20-something wife) & Addie

Little Miss Fun...

The shirt says it all!!!

I was so excited when 2 of my 5th grade students walked into class wearing "little miss" t-shirts. The Little Miss series were some of our favorites picture books growing up. They had no idea the fashionable characters on their teenie-bopper couture were from picture books. I ran home that night sifted through my box in the attic labeled "ANGIE" and found 3 of the books. Then I headed to the store and got a t-shirt for myself and one for Mandy. (I got her "Little Miss Trouble.") The next day I shared the books with the girls and they couldn't believe I still had them from my childhood. I felt a little old (I will be turning 30 in a few short months) but in a very cool, vintage sort of way. I have since learned that our beloved series is being reprinted for a new generation of readers to enjoy. I think the first one I buy Addie will be Little Miss Sunshine!

A Shower for Gina...

Auntie GiGi, you shouldn't have! The shower is for you, I'm not supposed to receive gifts. Thank you for my shabby chic baby couture and hair accessories.
Here, now you open a gift!
Auntie GiGi, Nana, me and Mommy
Grandma Deb is hoping the sassy nightie and soft baby blanket, get Gina and Mark in the mood to have their own little bundle of joy... she's so silly and knows how to get a good laugh out of the crowd!

I have had a FABULOUS weekend! I needed it, after coming off such a miserable week of fighting off the flu at our house... all three of us ended up with the bug at some point! It takes a lot out of a woman to be sick, take care of others who are sick, attempt to go to work and disinfect the house.

Friday evening, Amy and I went to a purse party. Kathy, who runs the daycare, hosted a "Mom's Night Out." We had food, drinks and shopped without kids, what more could we ask for! The two of us ended up taking advantage of our husbands being home with the kids and decided to kidnap another mommy, Sarah. The three of us went out to the Nickle Plate and just chatted like high school girls for several hours. We returned home rejuvenated women!!!

Saturday afternoon, we hosted a bridal shower for Gina. Gina and I have been friends since elementary school, and it was so much fun to have everyone visit our home in her honor. We don't get to see her a lot since she moved to Denver, but when we get together, it's like no time has passed at all. We shared a lot of old memories and stories with her new mother-in-law, Pat, and visited with family friends we haven't seen in years. We went out for Mexican and margaritas for dinner, came back home and sat around the fire pit for hours, just talking and laughing.

This morning, Pat, Gina, Addie and myself met Deb and Jimm at the Marriott for brunch. It was delicious and Addie had her "A Game" on for entertaining all of us as we enjoyed our breakfast. Our little piggy ate pears, bananas, blueberries, waffles and potatoes all on top of drinking her bottle. Oink, Oink!

9 Month Check-up...

Doug took Addie to the doctor today for her 9 month check-up (I came home sick from work this afternoon, exhausted beyond belief, so I missed out on all the fun of the visit.) Addie weighs 21 lbs 4 oz and is 29 inches long. Her head measured 18 inches . She is in the 90th percentile for all measurements, so we are still hoping for a future in professional beach volleyball! Dr. Megan gave Addie an adorable Sesame Street board book that she is playing with as I type. I'm laughing also because she is shooting off toots like she is at a firing range, just another sign of being a healthy little girl I guess. She is off to spend the evening with her daddy at an HSES baseball game.

Happy Mother's Day...

We were lucky to visit with both of our mother's this weekend. Phyllis spent the night with us on Friday and we all went out to eat. We visited for several hours around the patio fire before calling it a night. My Mom, Grandma Tovey and Dad all came in town on Saturday to visit and have dinner. Sunday Doug woke up with Addie and made pancakes and bacon for breakfast. He did yard work and planted all of the flowers that he had bought me for Mother's Day. Sounds like a pretty pleasant weekend, right? There is a reason I'm not in any of the above pictures. I was in bed the entire weekend with the stomach flu and a fever. I guess this was my "teacher appreciation" gift last week from my students! I swear, it really is a bummer being sick on the weekend that celebrates my new and most beloved title of mother. It's pretty pathetic that I can't even hold my own daughter on Mother's Day!

My Mom, Addie and Doug all got me picture books. Addie got me I Love You So..., an adorable book that attempts to explain to a small child how deep a parent's love is for them and Mommy Hugs by one of my favorite children's board book authors Karen Katz. Doug got me A Mama for Owen, the picture book version of the Owen & Mzee book he got for me last year. My Mom got me Someday, about a journey through life with your daughter. I would like to blame the flood of tears on my delusional state of mind while running a 101' fever, but these books really tugged at the heart strings!

Just for your viewing pleasure...

Last Friday afternoon, Addie spent some time with her friend Bella. Alli took these pictures of our little precious, and I couldn't resist sharing them. Thanks Alli! Notice the scratch on her face... I swear I cut the child's fingernails every other livin' day and she still finds a way to claw her face.

PS - Addie has 2 teeth on the bottom and another one broke through on the top.

Addie's First Swim...

Addie & Cassie
Mommy & Addie
The Queen of Sheba

So, I get this phone message a work today from my neighbor Debbie. She is sitting poolside at her house and wants me to ditch work and come play. So I did... well I didn't ditch work, but I came right home after dismissal and headed across the back yard. Addie LOVED the water. She was relaxed and playful. She didn't mind being dunked under the water at all! I have a feeling we are going to be crossing the backyard a lot this summer, destination the Fasick's pool!

Got Art?

My Uncle Jesse sent me this bib. It reads "Got Art?" I like it so much, I'm going to eat it! I can't wait for Uncle Jesse to teach me how to draw and color outside the lines.
Andy Warhol inspired... maybe I'm crazy, but if you look closely, does Addie look exactly like the Gerber baby?

Where to Miss Daisy?

10 and 2... we're ready to roll!

My "aunties" Julie and Desiree got this car for me last summer. Check out all the luxury details; it came with a great options package! I can learn to walk behind it now and when I'm older, scoot around on it, like a bike. I think it's pretty cool when the radio plays and engine revs up. Watch out Danika Patrick, there's a new chick on the racing circuit!

Playdate in the Park...

Addie is a big girl standing up at the jungle gym.
Zach is my handsome little nephew.
Bria is my God daughter and little buttercup.
One Word...Ornery!

Sunday afternoon, Zach and Bria came over for a visit with Uncle Doug and Aunt Angie. They had fun showing Addie how big kids play with her toys. We walked over to the park to run, jump, slide and swing the afternoon away. We finished up the day with snacks and Finding Nemo. Grandma Reusser stopped by on her way in town to pick the kiddos up to head back home. WE LOVE YOU ZACH & BRIA, COME OVER ANYTIME!!!

Saturday...

I decided to take part in the Saxony neighborhood garage sale Saturday morning. I didn't have much to offer those who stopped by, but I got rid of some items that have made 3 moves and haven't been touched in 5 years... good riddens! It did give me a chance to catch up with some neighbors and share a few good stories and laughs.

Saturday evening we visited with the Warners. Doug and Scott went to play golf, while Amy and I stayed home with the 3 girls. I made some Mexican munchies in honor of Cinco de Mayo, but we never actually got around to eating them. Amy and I ate maybe 2 bites, because the girls kept us so busy. I tell you, I could hold those baby girls all day long and not think twice about it! Addie played a new version of peek-a-boo that had Amy and I laughing so hard, we had tears in our eyes. Little girl was full fledged cackling, she had herself so worked up. It went on for 5-10 minutes and it was a riot!

Friday Night Under the Lights...

We don't need no stinkin' baseball game... we've got a bag of toys!
Bella gets ROWDIE in the stands with her noise-maker.
Addie checks the line-up in her play book.

Friday night, Tim, Alli and Bella met me in Lebanon for Doug's double-header baseball game. We had such a good time playing with the girls and watching the Royals bring home 2 more victories! We all ate at Arnie's (One of my FAVORITE pizza places in the area) with Suzie, Ernie and Wyatt after the game.

Auntie Alli, thanks again for watching Addie on Friday afternoon. You are a great girlfriend!

Correction...

Breaking News:

We think there are 2 bottom teeth busting through tonight. We can see the start of white tips and she is a fussy britches... Tylenol and teething gel to the rescue!!! We will update you as the story develops.

Things I've Gotten Pretty Darn Good At Over The Past 9 Months...

Grunting when makin' poopies... PUSH!!!

Sitting in my big girl chair for dinner.
Eating bite sized goodies... well playing with them anyway.
Rolling over and army crawling on my tummy.
Chewing on my hands... still no teeth!
Being C-U-T-E!!!