Ambrosia

While Hayden and I were in Odessa for a weekend she had her first taste of Taco Villa. Now some of you know the greatness of Taco Villa (Amber C.) It is my absolute favorite place to eat while home (of ALL restaurants...not just fast food.) Hayden didn't get to enjoy my personal favorite--bean burrito with green sauce easy beans extra cheese--but Grammy did selflessly share a taco with her.

I think she likes it!

Thank you Lord for yummy Mexican food and family that shares.

When the folks are away--Grammy and baby will play...

BIG HUGS AND KISSES to Grammy for keeping Hayden for Friday, Saturday and Sunday of my birthday weekend. It was such a blessing to escape, I mean take a trip, and not have to worry about the kiddo. Here are some pics of their fun times together.

I know that Hayden loved her time with Grammy. (honestly, Grammy probably took her outside, Hayden's favorite, more in one day than Mommy does all week. I've said before I'm not really into nature, but honestly right now...I walk out into the heat and just want to throw up...I blame Deuce.)

Thank You Grammy, You are the BEST!

Thank you Lord for family...and weekend getaways!

Weekend AWAY...

For my 31st birthday I requested a weekend out of town...sans child. My mother quickly agreed to fly in for the weekend and watch the kid while our friends Lindsi and Patrick agreed to accompany us on the run down to New Braunfels for the getaway.

Lindsi did a fabulous post about the trip on her blog http://hancheys.blogspot.com/2009/07/happy-birthday-lisa.html so you should check that out. I must admit that having consecutive days without parenting responsibilities was quite nice. Bryan and I, while we did miss sweet Hayden, were surprisingly relaxed and non neurotic about her absence. (Could have something to do with the multiple lists and schedules I left for my poor mother...)

A BIG thanks to Mom for her multiple day sacrifice and to Lindsi and Patrick who made the trip so much fun. Happy Birthday to me!!!

Had to add the pic of Lindsi and Pete in their traditional German garb. They modeled this at the yummy German restaurant where we ate breakfast the last day...the whole time we were photo taking the thickly accented German proprietor was frowning at us...apparently the price tag on Lindsi's outfit was 118.00. (thankfully it wasn't harmed in the trying on:)

Big shoes to fill...

This happens every morning...can you believe these are the first pictures I've snapped of this cuteness? Hayden helps her daddy each morning by getting his "work" shoes out of his closet and placing them on the tile floor in the bathroom. She then must check them for comfort and appropriate fit by trying them on herself. I couldn't pick just one so I've uploaded them all...

Thank you Lord for cute little helpers.

Still here

Nobody panic. We are all fine. My recent recalcitrant blogging history does not point to any major health or family issues...just general laziness on my part. (thanks to all the friends who called or emailed in concern) When Hayden is napping or playing solo all I want to do is sit down and rest...so I do. (we aren't real big into self denial around here.) Needless to say...blogging, house cleaning, etc. have been downgraded to only doing the absolute necessary. (not that the house cleaning was ever terribly high.)

I went to the doctor this morning and heard Deuce's heartbeat. Took the Dr. a few seconds to find it which were a little tense, but things are apparently progressing fine. We hit 12 weeks this Thursday, which I'm hoping will signal not just the beginning of the 2nd trimester but the ending of nausea, vomiting, poor energy levels, etc. (Oh, poor me; poor me.)

Hayden has been cutting multiple teeth this past week. Two in bottom front have come through and I can feel the starting of several molars both top and bottom, both sides. Poor baby girl. We've been doling out the Humphrey's teething tablets and the occasional application of the Oragel hoping that would help...may have helped her, but I can't tell they've helped me at all.

I'm planning to post several things in the next few days: Birthday trip without the kid, Hayden's weekend with Grammy, Gender predictions, etc. Stay tuned for all that and more! (Unless I collapse onto the sofa and don't move--then I'll get to these in a few weeks.)

Another skill to add to the babybook...

This new talent will definitely come in handy for trimming the toenails when she can't find the clippers. Actually, this is what we get when we ask Hayden to "kiss her toes".

Mark Your Calendars

For FEBRUARY 18, 2010. This is the "due date" for the newest baby Chamness (fondly known around our house as "Deuce"). You read that right folks, we are indeed increasing. We've had our first sonogram and have seen and heard the sweet little heartbeat. Hayden was present for the fun, though was more interested in her Cheerios than her young sibling. This news wasn't completely unexpected (not exactly immaculate) and yet is still very overwhelming. For those of you out there thinking..."do they realize how close their kids will be in age? Are they crazy?" The answers are yes, we did the math and yes, most likely. Perhaps you could all add us to your daily prayer lists?

We are so very thankful that things with this pregnancy are progressing smoothly thus far. Having experienced a miscarriage in the past makes me very nervous at this stage, but we know God is faithful and we are relying on His plan in this too.

Positive...both times.

Thank you Lord for this sweet little blessing. Help us to rely on you in all things.

Grammy's Visit

My mom also came to visit for awhile in June. Again, Bryan and I got away with nights out by ourselves, less baby entertaining and very few diaper changes. We love it when Grammy visits!

Hayden, Mom and I took a quick trip to Tyler one day. We had lunch with Janet, a friend who taught with my parents a "few" years ago in Odessa, and then spent time visiting with the Dyesses as they were passing through the same area. It was a great day to catch up with friends! (and perhaps show off the kid just a tad)

I'm always so disappointed to see my mom return to her real, everyday life in Odessa. I do keep her up-to-date with all the houses in our neighborhood that are on the market...one day she WILL retire! Love you Grammy!

Thank you Lord for a grammy who loves us and You. Thank you for wonderful visits to reconnect with each other and with friends.

All American Sweetie

A few pictures of Hayden from our 4th of July weekend. From the photos you would think all we did was lay around and play with toys...partly true. We did also manage to fit in some swimming, sun burning (me and Bryan--not the baby), hot dog eating, and Wimbledon watching. I LOVE when Bryan has a 3 day weekend! (a big thanks to Eric, Kerri and Nathan for letting us party at your place on Saturday!)

Thank you Lord for freedom to worship you, long holiday weekends, friends with a pool, sports, and aloe vera kept in the fridge.

Southern Cookin'

Fried my first batch of okra last week. I believe that makes me a true Southern cook. I grew up eating okra...supplied fresh from my Pop Pop's garden. My first attempt was pretty good! I think Bryan even managed to choke down a few bites (okra=not his favorite.)

Thank you Lord for fresh veggies...and oil to fry them in!