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!

Sporting News...

We just wanted to share some good news with everyone.

Doug: Has interviewed and accepted a coaching position. He will be the new Freshman Baseball coach for HSES. This is something he has wanted to do for a couple of years now and was lucky enough for the position to open. We live 5 minutes from the high school and he will be coaching with several friends and former teammates. Addie and I will have fun cheering on the boys this spring. Of course I will have to buy her a red, white and blue cheer outfit! Go ROYALS!!!

On a lighter note...
Addie: Plans on becoming the next Mary Lou Retton or Carley Patterson. She can't decide which style of competition she prefers. She has been practicing her floor routine with great success. She has been training hard and concentrating on her "flips." She is turning from tummy to back and back to tummy. Watch out world she's going for the gold, somersaults are next!

A Tea for Two...

Yesterday we had a baby shower for Amy. She is expecting twin girls in March. Our theme was "A Tea for Two" at Helios Tea Room in Carmel, IN.

One for Emily and one for Claire!

Is Amy not the cutest "prego" ever? She just beams!

All of Amy's family came in town for the celebration.

Mary, Amy, Debbie & Diana The Girlfriends: Natalie (with Asher), Alli, Angie, Amy, Catherine, Amber & Beth.
Amy looks really good for carrying twins, but I think that may be a little bit snug!

GO COLTS...

If you felt the earth shake and a thunderous roar rise through the air last night, that was just our town cheering our Boys in Blue on to a victory! AHHHH... We are going to the Super Bowl!!! Doug and I were lucky enough to be a part of history for the greatest come-back post season game in NFL history. The dome and downtown were insane. People were in their seats 40 minutes before kick off, which is unheard of with all of the heavy tailgating that goes on pregame, but everyone was so flippin' excited about the match up with the Patriots. The first half of the game was so disappointing when we were down 21 to 3, but the second half was so exciting and nerve racking! We were jumping, screaming and cheering to the point that I lost my voice by the end of game. Miami... HERE WE COME!!!

Favorite play of the game: My Boy, Jeff Saturday, #63 scored a touchdown!!!

Trash Talkin' Time: The Chicago fans and their pipe dreams of another '85 Bears Super Bowl need to get over themselves. Enough already! The Colts are coming to town and they're taking names! This game is for bragging rights!

A Future Colt's Cheerleader...

GO COLTS!!! Beat those Patriots!!!

Winter Has Arrived...

This is what we woke up to early this morning. The neighborhood looked so peaceful and pretty.

No amount of snow is keeping Doug from getting to the Colts vs. Patriots football game this evening! Heave Ho, Heave Ho, put your back into it!

A Gift From God...

I finally had a moment today, to do something I have been meaning to for weeks now. After the hustle and bustle of Addie's christening and the open house we hosted, we realized that we never took pictures of Addie alone in her gown. This was very important to me, seeing as though this was the same gown that her Aunt Mandy wore 28 years ago when she was christened. I knew she would be growing out of the outfit soon. It may just be the "proud mom" in me, but I think she looks like an angel.

Her Royal Cuteness...

Addie absolutely loves her naked time. The clothes come off and the silliness begins!

Little Miss Music...

All smiles as the music plays and the table lights up!

She gets really exicted when the banjo plays.

Since Christmas, Addie has figured out how to manipulate the piano keys, the cello, the banjo and the maraca. But honestly, I think Mommy and Daddy enjoy the toy just as much as she does!

A Three Day Weekend...

Grandpa Reusser and all of his grand kids celebrate the BIG 6-0!!!

The future "Mrs. McFadden" opening gifts at her bridal shower.

Addie gets some lovin' from Great Grandma Newton.

It was nice to have a three day weekend after my first week back at work. I would like to say that I had time to rest and catch my breath, but that would be a fabrication of the truth. I don't regret it though, I spent the entire weekend with friends and family. Doug only works half-days on Fridays so this is his special day to have some Daddy and Addie time. They had lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Reusser and ran some errands. Friday night Doug and I caught up on all the TV programs we had TiVo-d and went to bed early... I know, I know, we are quite the exciting couple!

Saturday Addie and I headed to Terre Haute and made it there in enough time to cheer on the Colts. (Way to go BLUE!) It was so nice to hang out with Mom and Dad. Addie entertained us all and turned over all on her own. I am so happy that Nana and Grampy were there to witness this exciting milestone.

Sunday was a big day for many reasons. We started off the day by celebrating with family and friends the upcoming marriage of my cousin Anne. She has always been a dear friend and it was exciting to see her soaking up all the attention. I am so excited for her and Lane, they seem like such a great match. After the shower, Addie and I headed back to Westfield for a dinner celebrating Dave's 60th birthday with the Reusser family.

Monday we didn't get out of our PJs until about noon. Once we got ready and had an afternoon nap we had our big girls' day out and headed to Babies R Us. We went shopping for the twins and picked up a toy for Addie's highchair that she absolutely loves!

Wow... I need to blog more to keep myself from being so long winded!

ESPN Note: I am so FREAKIN' excited for the upcoming Colts vs. Patriots game at home this weekend! The babysitters have been arranged and we are tail-gating with Scott and Papa! Come rain or snow we will cheer our Men in Blue on to a victory! Super Bowl or BUST!!!

Guess Who's 5 Months Old...

It's me! It's me! Boy have I been a busy little girl this past month; you wouldn't believe everything I have been up to! Mommy and Daddy say that I have got personality plus and that I am quite the social butterfly. I have started flirting with people and love to laugh. Mom is back to work so that means that I am off to daycare each day. I like staying with Miss Kathy... I get to watch my new buddies run around and it makes me smile. I have gotten good grades for eating well, sleeping during nap times and being an all around pleasant baby. It won't be long before I am running around with my new friends. We had to lower my crib because I am so strong. I am turning all around and flipping my legs over side to side. I get to eat at the table with Mommy and Daddy for breakfast and for dinner in my big girl highchair. I enjoy my cereal, peas, carrots, squash and prunes, but I don't think the folks enjoy what they are doing to my diapers. It makes them gag and I just lay there and laugh at them.

Happy New Year...

Doug & Angie before the stroke of midnight!

Addie and her gal-pal Fallyn cozy up for a quick pic at the condo!

Amy & Scott... 2007 will be a big year for these two who are expecting twins in April!

2006 was an amazing year. It was full of anticipation, excitement, fun, love and overwhelming joy! We have celebrated with friends and family throughout the year as our family grew and we all welcomed Addie into our family. We ended the year with one more big celebration in French Lick, Indiana. We traveled down with Julie, Mike, Gordie, Amber, Fallyn, Amy and Scott for a weekend of relaxation, gambling, movies, games and fun. Seeing the newly renovated French Lick Resort & Spa made me really happy for this tiny town. It was beboppin' and you could sense a rebirth from being there just one short year ago... it didn't even feel like the same place.

Addie had her first official sleepover. On New Years Eve we took her to spend the night at Great Grandma Tovey's in Bedford, Indiana. Nana and Grampy Newton joined the party for a night of tickles, giggles and dancing. Addie had so much fun... and I'm pretty sure her grandparents did too!

Doug and I enjoyed a night out with our friends. We ate at the hotel for a New Years Eve dinner. Afterwards we hit the casino to loss still more money and decided to try our luck at bowling instead. Needless to say this was a much safer bet for everyone! We celebrated bringing in 2007 at the stroke of midnight at the hotel before heading back to the condo for conversation and board games.

The next morning we got to sleep in for the first time since August 4th and it felt wonderful!!! But being the mom that I am, I couldn't wait to go see my little girl and headed to Grandma's. We had lunch in Bedford with all of my mom's family. Mark, Christy and the kids were all in town from Savannah, GA.

In a nutshell, our New Years weekend was a great end to a great year. 2007 has some pretty BIG shoes to fill. May the New Year find each of you celebrating successes with friends and family and toasting to health, wealth and happiness!

Merry Christmas...

At the mall awaiting the arrival of Santa!

Addie was fasinated with her new toys. She loved her music table and ABC drum from Grandma Tovey, Nana and Grampy Newton.

This is the rocker that I received on my first Christmas from my GrMa & GrPa Tovey. Doug & I had it redone for Addie to have in her nursery.

Well, Chirstmas 2006 came and went with a blink of an eye. Addie is the best Christmas gift ever! She has been so much fun to have with us at all of our holiday celebrations. Friday we picked Mandy and Jesse up at the airport and went on to Terre Haute. Saturday we all took Addie to visit Santa, I had lunch with my girlfriends and we celebrated with the entire Newton family. The Newton family had an extra special gift for the holidays... my cousin Tiel gave birth to a healthy baby girl Friday evening. So of course all of us rushed up to the hospital to welcome Mazie Mae to the family. She is absolutely precious. Christmas Eve, Doug and I hosted a dinner and celebration for both the Reusser and Newton families. It was so much fun to watch the little ones open all their gifts. Just think, Addie will be there in the mix next year!

Today is Christmas Day and we have yet to get out of our PJs... it's a tradition! We have eaten all day long, opened gifts, played games and watched holiday movies. It is so nice to have everyone home for the holidays. I will have to admit that my favorite part of the day was early this morning. Doug and I both got up with Addie for breakfast while everyone else was fast asleep. We opened gifts and exchanged stockings. Addie curled up in my lap and we read all of our Christmas books together. It was so peaceful and gratifying to spend this time with our baby girl on her first of many, many Christmas mornings.

Addie, my Chirstmas wish for you today is to BELIEVE in miracles and small joys that warm your heart during the holidays and your whole life through. Cause baby girl, it truly is a Wonderful Life! Love - Mama

Miss Dolly...

Nana Newton gave Addie this doll for Christmas. Tonight, she and I are hanging out, while Doug is at the Colt's game with all the guys. She would giggle when I would dance with the doll and make it rattle. Poor doll almost lost an arm, Addie chewed on it all evening. She refused to take her early evening nap, but I don't mind because that meant we had more time for girls' night! I am taking in every moment I have with her. The count down is on for my return to work.

Note:

Friends & Family,

Please don't be offended if I start declining offers the next several weeks; I want to be home with my sweet baby girl. These past 4 months have flown by before my very eyes. We are down to days... Ahhh!!!

A Day of Celebration...

At the open house.

Today, Addie was christened at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. We had a huge gathering of family & friends attend the service with us. The church looked amazing in all of it's glory of the Christmas season. They had a 30 piece orchestra play along with the choir. The performance was amazing to say the least. Addie "talked" the entire time of her baptism, but didn't mind the sprinkle of water on her head. She looked so beautiful in her white gown. She is the second generation of "Newton" girls to wear this gown, so it was very special. She conked out cold in my arms for the remainder of the sermon.

After the service everyone headed back to our home for an open house. I will have to say that Doug's and my hard work yesterday, paid off ten-fold today. We put on quite the party and the spread, if I do say so myself! It was so much fun just to sit and visit with the people who mean the most to us. Addie is so very lucky to be blessed with such a wonderful group of family and friends who are committed to seeing that she is raised to be a Christian. The sermon today talked of our cups and how they runith over with all of the blessings in our lives. It is truly a blessing just to wake up each day and live a life as good as ours. Addie will never know just how much she has made our cups runith over.

Addie, may God bless you and guide you with His grace and presence all your days through. Love - Mommy & Daddy

Breakfast with Daddy...

Mush Mouth!

Bottoms up!

A Day of Firsts...

This morning we headed off to daycare! Addie spent a few hours this morning with Miss Kathy while I took care of some business at school. Kathy said she did just great and I feel really good about leaving Addie in her care. When I was packing Addie up into her carseat to leave, she was just smiling at all the other little ones running around. I think she will be very happy watching all the other kiddos. They seem to be very entertaining!

Addie spent the afternoon with another group of little friends... her cousins. Addie got to play with Auntie Julie, Zach and Bria while I went to go get my hair cut and run a few errands. We came home and tonight I introduced Addie to cereal. She didn't quite know what to do with the spoon in her mouth, but I think she liked it overall. Several good gulps made it down the hatch and not on her bib!

A night (or two) out on the town...

We are so proud of Jesse and his accomplishments with his art career. These tiles are his latest creation that are on display at the Red Gallery in down town Savannah. He is an art professor for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Who is this guy? And where are my Mom & Dad? We found this photo opt on River Street and couldn't pass it up!

All of our visitors have arrived. Doug made it back in on Thursday and Amy & Scott flew in Saturday. It is so nice to be surrounded by friends that I haven't seen in so long! Friday was Mandy's 28th birthday. We celebrated all day long. She had gifts at home. We all went for lunch at Locco's. That night a big group of friends met up down town at Mellow Mushroom for pizza and beer.

Saturday we had a big ol' cookout when Amy and Scott arrived around noon. Later on we took them all over Savannah. We visited some of SCAD's art galleries, toured historical Savannah squares and shopped River Street. We raided the candy store where the selection is wonderful and the smells are out of this world! We couldn't resist buying some goodies! The guys didn't mind shopping because Savannah is very laid back with it's "social" laws. Between each shop you can find a bar or a pub. They serve to-go cups and you can carry your beer or wine with you as you shop... this can be very inticing for the reluctant male shopper!

Not the smartest move I've ever made...

Last night we were preparing for the arrival of Doug today. I was straightening up our bedroom and doing laundry. Addie was having some "naked time" on her floormat. She loves to be naked and to kick around on the floor! Well, she ended up peeing all over her blanket and mat... no big deal. I rounded all of the dirty clothes up, including the newly christened articles. I knew I had taken a dirty diaper off of Addie, but I couldn't find it and thought that maybe I had already taken it to the trash can. That's what I get for thinking. When I went to put the laundry in the dryer all of the clothes were covered in a layer of silicone gels beads from the inside of the diaper. What a mess!!! So I guess I won't be shouting the expression "I'm the SMARTEST woman alive!!!" anytime soon.

Christmas Walk...

Angie, Sarah, Mandy and "Meridot"

Last night Mandy and I helped Christy host a holiday open house. Fort Stewart has brand new housing for the families so they decided to sponsor a home tour for families on the base. Christy's house looked wonderful! She is one of those Martha Stewart types that transforms each room of the house into a winter wonderland. I was stationed in the living room and had points of interest to share. My favorite 2 were the family photo and the stockings. The photo is of my great-great-great grandmother, Prudence Jane's 8oth birthday celebration. It has always been a favorite picture of mine that can also be found at my parent's and grandmother's homes. The other fact about the room that I loved sharing with visitors was that the children's stockings were made of material from "the Colonel's" boyhood woobie! This got a chuckle out of most guests!

After the tour ended, we got a chance to visit the other homes on the tour. They were all located on the same block and the families were mengeling with eachother as we walked freely in and out of their homes. All were decorated beautifully, but also had their own distinct taste and style. My favorite decoration I saw was in the front window of a home. They had purchased the "FRAGILE" leg lamp from The Christmas Story... it's was priceless! One common thread in all the homes was the sense of family and accomplishment. Walls and counters were covered with pictures of weddings, births, military balls, promotions and graduations.

We ended the tour at General Lynch's residence. The Commanding General and his wife Sarah seem to be so down to earth and welcoming. There was a group of about 20 ladies that had gathered there with some of their husbands for appetizers and margiritas. But it was the women who stood out in the group. I stood back and realized that I was in a room full of people who's families make the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us. These women are eachother's neighbors, friends, support system and extended family when they are away from their own families and when their husbands are serving. The sisterhood was evident in the exchange of hugs, friendly conversation and warm atmosphere. Most of them move every two years and have half of their worldly possessions in storage somewhere in the US. I just don't know how they do it... they are a rare and very special breed! Being in the military has given their families wonderful experiences of living all over the world, meeting Presidents and delegates and opportunities other families could only dream of, but it is a lifestyle that takes a very strong foundation.

This June many of their loved ones will be deployed to Iraq for the 3rd time in 3 years. My Uncle Mark is among those who will be going back. Please keep not only him, but all of the families of the 3rd ID from Fort Stewart in your thoughts and prayers.

4 Months Old...

Goin' to town! Addie licks, sucks and chews on her new teething ring like it's the best thing she's ever been given. She thinks she's a big girl now, holding her bottle all by herself!

Well, Addie turned 4 months old today! She did two amazing things today that Mandy and I couldn't get over. First of all, she is holding her bottle and feeding herself. She can only do this once the bottle gets down to 2-3 oz remaining, but it's a milestone... I didn't know what to do with my free hand! It's been about 2 weeks since she started holding the bottle alongside your hands when being fed. She would move the bottle to and away from her mouth. Her eyes would bug out as she registered what was happening as the bottle would move back and forth. Today, when she took full control of the feeding, I just cuddled her and feel in love with each of her chumby, tiny fingers and watched in amazement as they held her bottle in place.

Tonight after dinner, Mandy gave her a teether. Addie had a death grip on the teething ring and licked it like it was the best thing she had ever had. This is an amazing reaction coming from a child who at first wouldn't take a bottle very well and who thinks pacifiers taste like poopy flavored lollipops.

Addie continues to amaze everyone around her. Doug and I couldn't be more proud than to call this wonderful gift "our daughter." We look forward to watching her grow over the next months of her exciting first year of life. We will continue to keep in touch so everyone can celebrate her milestones with us.

Christmas Shopping...

In front of the life size gingerbread house at the Hyatt Hotel downtown. It had something like 500 lbs of gingerbread!!!

The past two days we have been all over the Savannah area on the mission of finding unique and well thought out Christmas gifts. Mandy took a half day on Friday and we headed to Byrd's Cookie Company. We spent way too much time and money there, but everything was so gosh darn cute and creative! They are known for their cookies, but they offer a lot more for the kitchen and for the holidays. We ended the night by visiting with Mark, Christy and the kids. They ordered pizza (A staple in the McKnight diet!) and hung out at their house. We celebrated the twins, Ian and Mitchell, earning their Eagle Scout. Mark had us in stiches with his stories, commentary and character accents. It's sometimes hard to believe that he is a leader of forces for the free world and the commanding chief of staff when he is so freakin' hilarious... seriously I burned a lot of calories laughing last night! We got home after midnight.

Today Mandy and I went downtown. We walked through the outdoor stores at City Market and ate at Wild Wings Cafe. We watched some of the Christmas Parade on River Street and went through all the little boutiques. Mom would be proud, we ended our shopping day at Wal-Mart! Tomorrow we are off to Hilton Head Island. Neither of us has been there before and there are two big outlet malls!