Sunday, May 30, 2010

The Ringbearer Bust

Awww. Sweet childish innocence. He looks like an angel, doesn't he?

But don't let him fool you, this little angel has a mean streak and a mind of his own. After all, they don't call it the "terrible twos" for nothing.


Wade was supposed to be the ringbearer at his first and favorite babysitter's wedding. And by "supposed to be", you get where this story is going.


Erin was my former intern at Make-A-Wish, and then became our friend and first babysitter for Wade 2 years ago. Wade has grown up loving her and still lights up when she comes over. So we were delighted when Trent proposed and they asked Wade to be the ringbearer. We knew it would be a long shot, but since the flower girl was Erin's yorkie, we figured it was worth a try.

So we set-up the best case scenario to get Wade down the aisle...Mommy in front waiting with M&M's and trains, Daddy in back sending him down with matron of honor Kelsey (Erin's twin whom Wade also loves) and Ellie the dog. But as the moment drew closer, I could hear the wailing begin and knew that Wade was going to be a no show at his first wedding.

Oh well, we tried hard and at least Erin understood and still loves our little temper tantrum throwing toddler. In addition to the traditional ringbearer duties, Wade was supposed to carry out the Scottish Horseshoe wedding tradition. A toddler boy hands the bride a horsehoe after the ceremony which signifies good luck. Wade did complete this task, but did it so quickly we were only able to get his picture...After the ceremony was over and all pressure was off (including his vest and tie), Wade was a NEW MAN!!! He was laughing, playing, and dancing late into the night.


He had the dance floor all to himself and was showing off his cartwheels and break dancing.


One thing I'm really sad about was missing out on great pictures of him by the wedding photographer. He was so grumpy and wanted nothing to do with her and pictures. I was lucky to get the few I did (above). But here are a few shots of the wedding that the photographer, Kate Byars, took and posted on Facebook. GORGEOUS!
Since working full time, Erin has passed on her babysitting duties to many friends and we're lucky enough to have had Kelsey (3rd from left), Emily (not pictured but was at the wedding) and now Mandy (6th from left) with us. Wade is currently in love with Mandy and has so much fun playing with her. He makes her do all the things that boring mommy won't do (attempt to ride his mini power wheels, etc). And they're about to become even better friends as I'll need Mandy's help even more when baby girl gets here!


Congratulation Mr. & Mrs. Trent Stapleton! We are so happy for you!

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Warrior Dash

I've blogged before about Beau's love of adventure races. He rarely uses our computer at home, but if he does I know he's searching for some obscure race in some random place to test himself. It is truly amazing what he finds around the Southeast.

His latest feat was the Warrior Dash in Mountain City, Georgia. So many of his office staff and friends did it too, and I keep hearing more and more people that participated in this run/obstacle course/jump over fire/crawl through mud kind of adventure. As you see from the pictures, they all start out clean and smiley... Jennifer, Lauren, Beau, Katie, & Carlie (all part of the Benich Dental crew)
Chris, Mandy & Beau looking so fresh and so clean clean!
Then they end up like this...lean mean warrior machines. You can barely tell that Beau's shirt started out red. From there it sounded like a bunch of fun, everyone celebrating their brutal warriorness.

Beau was thoughtful enough to bring something home for his little warrior and Wade has been running around the house in his "monster hat" ever since. I hear him in the other room growling at Cali saying "Wook Tali, Wade mon-a-ter, grrrrrrr".
(most photos courtesy of others because I wasn't there to document the debauchery)

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Welcome baby Madeline!

Our friends Valerie & Mark welcomed their sweet baby girl
Madeline Ann Macdonald
April 21, 2010
6lb, 7oz
20 inches
Here she is at 1 month!!!
I finally made the trip with Kim to see Valerie and baby Madeline. I knew she had a full head of dark hair, but hadn't seen pictures yet. So I was blown away when I first held her at how much she looked like Wade as a newborn. It was the strongest feeling of deja vu I've ever felt. I literally felt like was holding Wade at 1 month (except for the pink outfit). I've never seen a child with hair like his and Madeline's was exactly the same! It even made me more excited to meet our little girl....will she have the same wig? or be blond and bald? only time will tell.

Valerie even had Wade's birth announcement on hand for a quick comparison shot....
This is that main shot on the announcement... you tell me, twins or what??Wade 1 month (above)
Madeline 1 month (below)
Kim, Madeline, Valerie, and me
Speaking of looking alike...we look like sisters in this picture! Kim, Valerie and I all went to high school together and have stayed great friends ever since :)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Bayla and Harper Slemons

Wade and I finally had a chance to meet the miracle twins, Bayla & Harper Slemons! Our friends Becky & Shawn have had both girls home for a few weeks and are getting used to life with a 3 year old and twins. The girls are almost to their original due dates, and are beginning to act like typical newborns (aka: let the screaming begin!)

I had a day committed to play with and help Becky and she opted to take all the kids to the park. After my initial response ("are you crazy?"), we all met up for a picnic in the park. Now this is no easy feat with 2 active toddlers, 2 newborn babies, a recovering 3 month on bedrest then c-section mom, and a big ole pregnant mom. We must've looked like our own little circus. I can say I was very proud of how Wade handled the babies and watching me feed one. He was very interested and wanted to "help", even offering her some of his lunch. I know it's different than bringing a baby "home", but at least he wasn't completely traumatized seeing me with a baby.

Luckily our babysitter, Mandy, came to rescue us and was able to get Wade home so I could spend some more time with the twins back at the Slemons' after lunch. They look so much alike to me that I need Becky to help me identify who's who in these pictures. I still can't get over the fact that they both made it here so healthy after all they went through. They truly are the miracle twins and I can't wait to see what God has in store for their lives!





Monday, May 24, 2010

Baby Dinner

My wonderful girlfriends (sorority sisters from UGA) hosted a baby dinner for myself and Kristin. We really don't get to all see each other very often, so it was such a treat to be with my girls.

(Melanie, Stephanie, me & baby girl belly, Kristin & baby boy belly, and Molly)


This is Kristin's first baby, so we showered her with our favorite childrens book and an exersaucer for her little boy (due early June). I gave her my favorite book, The Giving Tree. Best best best childrens book ever....


For me, they went with a little more untraditional theme and showered me with all thing to do with hair! After birthing a son with a freakish amount of hair, we're all assuming our baby girl will have a full head of hair too. Of course, this probably means she'll be as bald as can be...but I loved all the hair accessories and the morphed pictures to create and idea of what our hairy baby girl will look like.

Love you girls!!!

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Saturday, May 22, 2010

Anniversary @ the Botanical Gardens

On the day of our actual anniversary, we took Wade down to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens where we were married. It was packed because of the new Canopy Walk opening, but it was a perfect day with my boys.

the new Canopy Walk, a short but sweet stroll in the tree tops....

this is a new fountain with the Canopy Walk expansion. How precious is my little model?

Wade and daddy in the courtyard where our cocktail reception was. A Chihuly glass exhibit was on display during our wedding and this blue water feature is still there...

After exploring the entire grounds, we ended the day in the Childrens Garden where Wade could play and cool off in the splash fountains...
AND NOW FOR SOME PICTURE FUN!
I found some wedding pictures that match a few we took this weekend. Some we knew we were reenacting, and others just worked out! But first a very important disclaimer....no pregnant woman likes to compare regular pictures to their pregnant pictures. And I am no exception. With that being said, you'd have to be crazy to compare (...and post on a blog) your WEDDING pictures with your 8+ month pregnant pictures. So please don't really too close attention to the obvious size difference in these pictures...it's just the camera angle anyway :)
Then & Now
walking across the bridge to see Beau for the first time...
hauling my son and self over to the Splash Fountains...
the newlyweds then...
the family of 3 (almost 4!)playing with my ringbearer then, Caleb (now 7 1/2!)
Clinging to my son so he doesn't fall off the wall he's climbing....
Bridal portraits then....
Hilarious mocking of the difference now...
Beau's stud portrait in the Chinese garden then...

Now I have 2 studs in this shot! Beau and his mini-me.
Happy Anniversary Beau! Love you!