Did I say "pat?"

Well, that's the last time I jinx a good thing because this morning her patting became pinches and scratches. She's still so sweet though.

Oh how much fun is a 6.75 month old?!

A whole lot, that's how much! A friend in Texas once said at 6 months babies go "from pet to person" and I totally agreed with her then re: Charlie Mac and that theory has been once again proven with Willa Ann. Of course both of them had tons of personality before they turned 6 months old, but you all say that about your malteses too, don't you? She is SO happy and sweet. And when she wants something--oh, she let's there be no doubt. Bradley thinks that her first word will be "now." I think it may just be a phrase--"now; dammit." She smiles almost constantly, and just look below and you'll find yourself smiling too.

See? I bet you are smiling now. She does that to me too.
We are co-sleeping with her as we did with Iddle. She's a nice face to wake up to. Now she doesn't wake me up crying or anything--she wakes up first and starts "patting" us. She's quiet, maybe murmuring a little, but mostly it's just patting us to get our attention. If I don't respond right away, she's patient--I haven't really let it go on long enough to test the "now;dammit" theory in this case--it's just too sweet. As soon as we look at her she's all smiles and ready to go. I need to go get a hug from her ASAP. Writing about her makes me itch for some squeezes.

new blog

hey everybody, this blog is about the iddle life. I've created another one for the rest of my head: http://flutterbylizzie.blogspot.com

My Darling by Wilco

see it performed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI2hKGfQsZ8

"My Darling"

Go back to sleep now
My darlin
And I'll keep all the bad dreams away
Breathe now, think sweet things
And I'll think of all the right words to say

Because we made you
My darlin
With the love in each of our hearts
We were a family, my darlin
Right from the start

Grow up now
My darlin
Please don't you grow up too fast
And be sure, darlin
To make all the good times last

Because we made you
My darlin
With the love in each of our hearts
We were a family, my darlin
Right from the start

monkey see, monkey do, monkey roll over

Last night Charlie Mac pulled a book off the shelf in the den and started "reading it." This is the conversation that followed: 

Bradley: whatcha doing Charlie Mac?

CM: Readin a book

B: what's your book about?

CM it's a book about you!

B: oh yeah? What's it say?

CM: It says "Me, too"

So sweet.

This morning I walked into Willa Ann's room after I heard her "calling me." She had been awake for a while playing in her crib with her little elephant toy. I could barely believe my eyes when I walked in--guess who was on her tummy doing a push up just as pretty as you please?! She rolled over all on her own!! Oh my Bitty Bee!!!

The Tao of Iddle

Or the Wisdom of Iddle for those not so into eastern philosophy: 

Let me set this up. We were in the car after walking out of our pediatrician's office. I made the appointment yesterday for 10:20 today. We showed up at five minutes before the proper time, only to learn that it would be at least an hour wait. This is ridiculous in my opinion. We have never gone to this doctor's office without waiting at least an hour and a half and we never get to see him for more than a few minutes. The parking lot is always full and the waiting room is always ripe with germs being hacked and spread about. This is not a healthy environment for a well child, much less one who's immune system is already compromised. ADD A DOCTOR TO THE PRACTICE! So, today, Bradley and I decided that, since Charlie Mac just has a little rash on his cheek that we are following up on, if there was a ridiculous wait and crowded waiting room, we were going to leave and find another pediatrician (of course, i have since learned that the other one in town is worse, yay). So, while Bradley was getting Iddle's shoes on, I went in to check on the wait. I didn't want to breathe in there it was so crowded in the sick child room (which you have to walk/wade through to get to the well child room). The very nice girl couldn't really give me an estimate for the wait and insinuated it would be at least an hour. I told her "sorry, please cancel the appointment." To myself I thought, "well, somebody else can have that five minutes of his distracted time." 

I went back out the car and Charlie Mac was devastated. He had been so excited to go to the doctor. I felt almost like going back in to that petri dish and waiting it out, just to make that sadness go away. Instead, we offered him a trip tot he bookstore and some "ciceream." He accepted the counteroffer. 

Still steamed, I was complaining to Bradley about how ridiculous it is for them not to add another doctor to their practice or to at least not make so many appointments. From the backseat I heard Charlie Mac's sweet little voice: 

"please don't make that noise Mama, please don't."

Now, mind you, I wasn't yelling or even raising my voice. I was just irritated. He picked up on it and wanted the unhappy sound to stop. I turned to him and said:

"Oh Baby, it's OK--I'm not mad at you, you're great! I'm mad at the doctor because he didn't have time to see you today"

To which he said "don't be mad at da doctah mama, da doctah is good"

Ahem. Wow. 

"You are right baby, I'm sorry--The doctor is good."

I looked back up to the front saying "Karmic SLAP!" to Bradley under my breath

Bradley said "body slam."

So, Iddle, thank you for reminding me not to be needlessly angry. To move on when it's appropriate without wasting my health and hurting your precious ears with "that noise."

Three years

2 amazing children, 3 towns, 2 houses, 1 degree, 13 jobs, 3 dogs, 2 cats, overcoming God knows how many habits, 16 tickets, 1 mortgage, 1 buyer, 1 renter, 3 years of taxes, 1 year of lender's insurance, 2 years of home owner's insurance, 4 applications, 2 waitlists, 3 acceptance letters, too many looming stacks of bills, 1 horrible credit repair scam, 3 wicked credit cards, 2 blasted "limited activity" prescriptions, 1 Christening, 1 Confirmation, 4 funerals, 4 parents, 4 siblings, plenty of "legs up" from family and friends, 1 three-day vacation, 100 tears, 1000 lessons, 10,000 laughs, 100,000 hopes and 1,000,000 prayers and 2 people with the love, faith and determination to keep on climbing add up to:

1 Us. 

Happy Anniversary Babe!! I wouldn't ride this roller coaster with anybody else!!!

Our first vacation

For our anniversary this year Bradley and I decided about 6 months ago that we would take a weekend to celebrate. We first thought we would go to New Orleans, and even made reservations. However, if we've learned anything over the past three years, we've learned that your plans can change. We ended up going to the beach at the last minute and I have to say THANK YOU to Brooke, Leland, Katie and Trina for making it all possible. This was our first real trip without the kids since we got married. We've had a couple of overnighters (thank you Kelly!), but this was the first time we went further than an hour away and for more than 18 hours. 

We went down to Gulf Shores on Friday and returned yesterday (Monday).  We spent most of the time relaxing and hanging out with my cousin and his friend Jill. We walked and jogged on the beach Saturday morning and then sat on the beach with Clay and Jill for the afternoon. We had a nice dinner at the Warf on Saturday and spent Sunday morning and midday running around town and hanging out at the Flora-Bama. No late nights this time, and I actually slept through the night on Sunday night!! Woo hoo! 

Here are some pics, I'll post a few more once Jill sends them to me: 

First stop: Pink Pony Pub and some margaritas!!!!

Second stop: the beach!!! We literally went right in and got in the water. Bradley came out of no where and tackled me. As surprised and soaked as I was, it was really fun!

The sun setting on our first day of vacay:

Mimosas!!

my Uncle Jerry

His nickname was Sunshine, and it was so fitting. Uncle Jerry was one of those people who could pick up on anyone's feelings and, if one was needed, he was the first to offer a pick me up. The way he did that was subtle-he never exacerbated a person's discomfort by calling attention to it. Instead he might offer a seamless change of subject, or ask for a hand with something in the other room. The only person who noticed was the one he was helping-and he never let the know he was doing it on purpose. I didn't even notice it myself and I've known the man my whole life. Bradley pointed it out to me as we were driving to Birmingham to say goodbye. Now that it's been brought to my attention memories of him doing just this flood my mind and I can recall countless moments of relief courtesy of Uncle Jerry. I have one incident that comforted me in particular. Ill never forget that phone call and ill appreciate it forever. I thanked him for it at his funeral but I'm going to hug him for it when I see him again in Heaven.
We will miss you so much until then Uncle Jerry-neither the beach or Bama's games will ever be the same. Roll Tide!