My designs.....

Here are two things I worked on this week. I made Laura Beth the pants and onesie set on the left. I just love the cherries design. On the right are some big sister t's for twin girls. Their mom is expecting a baby boy the first of February and I designed these darling t-shirts for the girls. I am working on a onesie to match for the baby once he's born. I think it will read.. "little brother, Stephen." My website is in progress and I am so excited. The designer is creating the cutest graphics and I am very pleased with the progress thus far. I hope to launch it soon. My company is called The Whimsical Woods. So, check out www.thewhimsicalwoods.com in the near future to see the products I offer.

SNOW IN GEORGIA!!

Yes, it snowed!! Last Wednesday it snowed late in the afternoon. I took Laura Beth out on the back porch to see the snow. She was tired and didn't want to be out there. I was able to sneak a few pictures of her sitting on a placemat. Saturday, we recieved more snow. Landon headed off to the grocery store early that morning. He was watching the weather and getting ready for a comfy day inside. He cooked chilli and built a fire. We stayed in all weekend. He took Laura Beth out for a few minutes. She liked being inside better. I am not too fond of cold weather so I didn't stay out there long either. I am happy to live in the hot south!

More Playgroup Pictures

Here are the additional playgroup/gymboree pictures I promised. The first two pictures are from this week's Gymboree class. Erin and Aubrey came and went to class with us. Aubrey loved it! Laura Beth spent her time crawling over to the barrell of balls. She wasn't a good student. I finally gave up trying to keep her in the circle and just let her go. The second picture is her off doing her own thing. Everyone else was over in a circle doing activities. You can see in picture one where she is on the move, heading off into her own world. The other two pictures are from our playgroup at Lara and Jack's house. Parker is playing with Laura Beth. He cracks me up and is full of personality himself. :)

Looking Back

I can't believe I am planning Laura Beth's first birthday party!! This time last year we were having showers and had the sonogram picture above taken. Time truly does fly!! A friend once told me "the days are long but the years are short." I have found this to be so true. Each stage and milestone has had it's challenges and it's rewards. Being her mom only gets better and better!!

Fairwell 2007, 2008 Here We Come!!

I guess it is time to put 2007 behind me and embrace 2008. Most people are excited for a new year and maybe glad to see last year go. Not me!! 2007 has been one of the best years of my life. I have never been happier. Of course, the birth of my daughter was the highlight. I am so incredibly blessed with wonderful friends, supportive family, an amazing husband, good health, a safe and comfortable home, and a beautiful baby girl. I have been able to stay home with Laura Beth and have cherished each moment. She is such a joy and being a mom is better than I could have ever imagined. She makes me laugh with her free spirited personality and is such a loving baby. Landon and I grew closer than ever. Our family and friends have been so supportive this year. I can only hope 2008 will bring more blessings.

Laura Beth and Tech

I thought I would post a few pictures of Laura Beth and Tech. I guess this blog should really be named "Laura Beth's world!" The first one happened one day after she learned to sit up on her own. Landon sat her in front of the back door and she would sit there forever mesmerized by Tech. Ever since then, she crawls to the back door to say hello to Tech. When it's really cold out we will let him inside. Well, last week she couldn't get enough of him. She kept crawling over him and trying to give him a kiss. He just sits there and lets her. I guess we may have an animal lover on our hands. She's definitely not scared of much.

Nana and Papa

I have always loved and respected my mother but once you have a child.. something changes. I have a new found respect and admiration for my mother. One of my first thoughts as a new mom was "wow, someone loved me this much!" As I looked at my daughter I felt more loved than ever before. Knowing that my own mother held me that way and went through what I went through just for me was an amazing feeling. On days when I am exhausted or wondering if I will ever get anything done, I think of my mother. The woman who did it all by herself with FOUR children. A woman who gave her life to us at age 17! This is the hardest and most important job of my life and I work hard at it but I must say.. I don't think I could have done it at 17 or X4! My mother was there by my side as she has always been cheering me on.. "push, push--there she is!" She and Randy (Papa) stayed for a week and helped me with everything! Well, Papa Randy did most of the cooking and washing clothes while Nana held Laura Beth. He would be sure and steal her back every now and again though. (I blame them for her demanding personality-- always wanting to be held and entertained) My mom has been a wonderful grandmother! She has been so supportive this past year as Landon and I embarked on this amazing adventure called parenthood. She and Randy never hesitated to jump in the car and drive up even if it was just to pick out paint or shop for a light fixture for the nursery. They have been there every step of the way and I am eternally grateful. As I browsed for some photos to post of mom and Laura Beth I realized that I didn't have many recent ones. She will be staying with them for the weekend, so I am sending a camera. I will hopefully post more later. Above are pictures of Papa Randy helping me in Laura Beth's nursery, Nana and Papa holding there baby girl, and then Laura Beth having fun in the jumperoo they got her when she was about 5 months old.

My Blessed Child!

Here's a picture of Laura Beth and Christine from Christmas. Christine and Trey came for dinner the Friday before Christmas. We did it last year and plan on making it one of our "traditions." I look forward to it every year!! Landon cooked steak and twice baked potatoes (another tradition.. :) and a yummy cheesecake for dessert. Yes, Landon cooked it all. I would like to take credit but I can't. He's a wonderful cook, and enjoys entertaining as much as I do. They brought Laura Beth this push toy. She likes to walk up and down the hall pushing it. I feel so blessed by my friendships and the love they share with Laura Beth as well.

Christmas in Augusta 2007

This was our year to spend Christmas in Augusta. My personal favorite was getting to see my nephews open presents. I can't wait for Laura Beth to get older and enjoy Christmas. This year we had Christmas Eve dinner at Smurf''s (AKA Jennifer) and stayed the night there. The highlights were Dakota's Superman Dance and putting Patrick to bed and then waking up at 5 a.m. to see what Santa brought. He was sooo cute, going to bed and looking at the neighbors roof out of his window. He said... "aunt Heather,... if Santa lands on their roof, I will see him." 5 a.m. came quickly and he was mesmerized at all of his presents. As he took inventory, he asked me if Santa brought the adults presents. He was happy to hear that he didn't. This meant they were all for him. Laura Beth had her much smaller stash by the fireplace. I think she helped open one present and enjoyed chewing on the paper. Click on link below to watch the Superman Dance. Hilarious! Dakota may be a star someday. :)

A Night Out with the Girls!!

Laura, Julie, Lauren, Becky, Pam, and I went out Saturday night. It was a much needed night out. However, the recuperation has been somewhat long. We had dinner at Eclipse De Luna and then went to Red Door and later Opera. It was my first night going to Opera and I loved it. Pam and Lauren hooked us up with VIP which was nice. Your able to watch everyone but not have to be in the middle of the mosh pit with sweaty people rubbing against you. :) Landon and Lloyd hung out. That usually consists of hanging out near the grill with beer. They are so simple. Mrs. Janet kept Laura Beth for us. Last time Laura and I went out she stayed with Landon and Lloyd but this way he had a break as well. Thank you Mrs. Janet!!! Your the best!!

Gymboree Class and Playgroups

Laura Beth and I had our first Gymboree class of 2008 today. We were both excited to get out of the house. I have missed our weekly outings to Mommy's Morning Out (my personal favorite), Gymboree class, and our playgroup. We were both getting stir crazy being couped up in the house together over the holiday. She has ran out of drawers and cabinets to empty! I haven't baby proofed everything yet. That will most definitely be my project tomorrow. I can't keep the house clean!! In the picture above, she opened a cabinet in my bedroom and had a -great time pulling out every t-shirt. Once it was completely empty she sat in the middle and made sure each shirt was unfolded. I give up at this point. I know Landon thinks "what have you done all day" when he gets home from work sometimes. Thank goodness for the week he took off work to be home with her. Now he can understand.

At Gymboree class, Laura Beth crawled over to Jack and planted a big kiss on him. A nice slobbery, open mouth one. Daddy will need to have a talk with his little flirt. Jack just looked puzzled. He wasn't her only victim though. She later gave Ava a kiss as well. :)

Here are a few pictures for 07.' I will add some new pictures after our playgroup on Friday. It's so much fun to watch the babies grow!

Oh, and I must explain the second picture above. Everyone always laughs at how big Laura Beth is. She just grows like a weed and is bigger than all of her playmates that are the same age. Well, at one of our playgroups.. Abbi had on a bib with a cookie on it. Laura Beth was trying to bite her bib. It was just funny because of how big she is and loves to eat food.

O.K... I am blogger! The more things change.. the more they stay the same.

O.K.... not much has really changed has it? This is just a Mommy's My Space right! I am still up at 2:00 a.m. partying, so what if it's in the nursery and consists milk instead of beer. I've exchanged my Roman noodles for energy bars on the go.
My "sorority" is now Gymboree and playgroups.. but still a bunch of girls (o.k. woman sitting around talking and sharing.) I've don't drive my convertible Mustang but dont' have the minivan yet! I still party in Buckhead on occasion... just because I've had to "pump and dump" doesn't mean I didn't have fun. I was the last one standing that night!

I think I have convinced myself that I am still "cool." Never mind... I just said, "cool." (and remembered... I own a sewing/monogramming machine!

Life has definitely changed!! It's a different world but a wonderful one! I only thought I knew happiness. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Bathtime!!

From a bath sling, seat, to sitting up by herself, and even playing with friends!!!! Wow, where does the time go? Laura Beth hated her first bath but soon learned to LOVE the bathtub. I quickly learned alot about bathtime. First, you have this tiny baby that can't even hold her head up sliding around. All hands are needed! Then, she gets too big for the sling and is ready to sit up. However, she's not steady just yet. So of course.. there's a contraption for this stage too. The seat! Next, she's on the move and doesn't like boundaries. Forget that seat mommy! I've got this! Santa brount bath toys and a net to hold them.

Laura Beth and Claira were able to play together in the bathtub one night while visiting Reid and Renee. We enjoy grilling and haning out with them while we are in town!

Christmas Dinner with The Woods

This was our year to spend Christmas in Augusta. Therefore; Meme, Poppy, Aunt Nat Nat, Matt, and Uncle Todd came to our house for dinner. We had a wonderful night. Landon cooked a delicious meal. He was up with Laura Beth at 7 a.m. and let me sleep in. When I woke up he at 9:00 he was mixing up his famous cheesecake and the green bean casserole. Laura Beth and I have won the "husband and daddy lottery!" We opened presents, and enjoyed time together. I love hosting Christmas dinner at my house! Meme and Poppy gave Laura Beth a new highchair fit for a Queen.

Thanksgiving 2007

This year we traveled to Vienna to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Woods. We had a nice lunch at Mema and Grandaddy's. Laura Beth was cutting two top teeth and wasn't in the best mood. We hung out with Aunt Nat Nat and Matt. We missed Aunt Frances, Uncle John, Wendy, and Bubba. Laura Beth had her first Thanksgiving feast at Mother's Morning Out. She enjoyed her "puffs" with her little friends. She looks forward to a more colorful plate next year!