Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Play nice please.

After Marley's party on Sunday, we went to visit with Papa and Nana at their house. Stella's cousin, Ramzi, was there. And so it begins. . .

Mommy: "Stella, don't pull on Ramzi's dress."



I'm sure she was thinking, "Fine. You never let me have any fun."




Well, she's not getting my dice. They're my favorite!


Monday, August 30, 2010

What a weekend!

We had a very eventful weekend around the Turner house. Friday evening we went to Paducah with Nene, E, and Aunt Sis to see our favorite southern gospel group, The Issacs. Gordon Mote and Buddy Greene were also there. Stella had a great time. She finally fell asleep while the Isaacs were on stage and snuggled with Nene until it was time to go home.





On Saturday, we had an 80s birthday party to attend. Stella went decked out in her Blondie shirt, black leggings, and sparkly shoes. We had a fun time. Happy 30th Shawn Wayne!

Sunday was another birthday celebration. This time it was for Stella's cousin, Marley. She had a great 1st birthday and was covered head to toe in hot pink icing! It was so cute. I'll be planning a birthday for Stella before you know it.

Add in church, a few other stops, catching a nap here and there. . . our weekend was FULL! I was almost glad to come back to work today to get some rest. I'm sure Stella will sleep the day away at Nene's house to catch up on her naps.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Relaxed

What a life! This is Stella's normal pose during a stroll.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Laughs

There is nothing better than giggles from a baby.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Add it to the list. . .

Another addition to our list of firsts, antibiotics.

Stella had a rough time getting over a stuffy nose. I had called the doctor's office a few times over the past 3 weeks and was assured that it was a cold that would run it's course. As you have read in other posts, we tried a few methods of relief that did not involve medicine. I'm not a huge fan of medicine, but sometimes you just need some fast relief! Stephen and I have also been suffering from sinus and allergy issues. Thanks a bunch ragweed season!

On Monday, I called Dr. Bates office and asked if they could check her again just to be sure. I hate to listen to her snort through her sleep and have difficulties breathing while taking a bottle. They scheduled her for Tuesday morning and Stephen took her by. Dr. Bates confirmed that she had two red ears, thankfully not full blown infections. So, we're taking our first pink medicine (amoxicillin) to clear up that runny nose and help her ears. YUCK! I hate that stuff. It is bubblegum flavor you know. . . Stella doesn't care for the taste either. She may be like Mommy and have a strong dislike for bubblegum and lint. Thankfully, we have this handy medicine dispenser that works much better than the dropper they provide at the pharmacy.



It really seems to be helping. Stella sounded so much better last night.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Daddy/Daughter Time

I traveled this afternoon with our choir to Millington where we joined with Crosspointe Church for a concert. Stephen and Stella had the rest of the day and evening to spend together. He told me that she had a big nap and that they had fun playing together. She slept from 2:30-6:00 PM! Our poor baby is still having stuffy nose issues. I wish she could get rid of it for good.

Stephen took a few pictures of Stella stealing his glasses. She loves jewelry and glasses these days.

Watch this.



I'd like to play with your glasses please.



Thank you very much.



I'll give them back after I'm finished licking on them.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Obion County Fair

I LOVE fair week in Obion County and was so excited to take Stella for the first time. She was there 4 days and loved it just like Mommy. We finally talked Daddy into suffering through the heat to go with us tonight. She looks so long in this picture. Is this really our baby?!



Happy girl.



OK, you win me a fish Daddy. I'll try to get your Dr. Pepper.



Neat, TWO fish!



Water break.



May I introduce you to a Travelin' Taco. Take a bag of Fritos, cut it down the side, and fill with your favorite taco trimmings. Our bag consisted of ground beef, nacho cheese, tomatoes, onions, salsa, and sour cream. OH MY! Thank goodness the fair only comes once a year or I would weigh even more.



Aunt Sis cracks me up!



Humidity = Extra curls



One tired baby girl.



Earlier in the week. . .



Second Baptist Choir sang on Wednesday night.


Friday, August 20, 2010

7 Months

Stella is SEVEN months old today! I don't even know what to think about her being closer to her 1st birthday than being a newborn. Even though this year continues to fly by, watching her grow is so much fun. Stephen and I love her little personality. Stella giggles and grins the days away. She loves to be around people and has especially loved a few days at the Obion County Fair this week. We're going again tomorrow night and I will have to remember the camera so I can snap some pictures of her first fair. All of the music, excitement, and lights are so much fun for her!

As a seven month old, Stella continues to add to the milestones. She is active and wants to play constantly while awake. Last Sunday, I was almost sad when I dropped her off at our church's nursery. I realized that I didn't have to hand her off to someone or lay her down in a crib. I just sat her down in the floor with the toys and other babies and she started playing right away. I had to face the facts, she's far from a bed baby now.

I look forward to the next few months. We'll get to spend our first holidays together. Shortly after, she'll turn one and I will wonder what in the world happened to 2010. Being a Mommy is still almost indescribable. I had no idea how fun even the smallest things would be. Stella had me cracked up this week during dinner because she giggled after every bite of carrots. I guess they were just super yummy and she couldn't help herself. Times like those create memories that will last a lifetime. There is something about a baby that just softens your heart and puts life into perspective.

Tonight we will spend the evening with family at Stella's great grandfather, Ed Turner's visitation. Granddaddy Turner passed away Wednesday evening at the hospital in Jackson. I'm so glad that he was able to meet Stella. She gave him a big hug and smile at the last family gathering on 4th of July, the last time that we saw him. Stella was so fortunate to have so many great-grandparents when she was born. Stephen will have lots of stories to tell her one day about him. Please keep Stephen and all of the Turner family in your thoughts, it will be a hard weekend for everyone.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

HEART

Stephen and I had a great day in Nashville on Tuesday. We dropped Stella off at Nene's house and headed out of town around 10 AM. We went to the Green Hills area to shop. I know that we are true parents now since most of our stops were kid stores. They had great sales and we picked up a few things for Stella. She has a new infatuation with the tags on all of her toys and clothes. While we were at the bookstore, I found her a new Taggies brand toy so she can play with tags until her little heart is content! After a few hours of shopping, Stephen took me to meet his first boss that he had while in college. It was great to see where he lived and worked. Then, we went back to Green Hills for dinner and got to meet up with Tommy. I'm so glad that we were able to chat, even if it was a short visit. I miss my friend being so accessible. But, it gives me a great excuse to visit Nashville. Now that Stella is getting bigger, I'm sure our trips will be more frequent.

After all of that fun, it was finally time to head down to the Ryman Auditorium to see Heart! Stephen had given me the tickets for Mother's Day and it was absolutely perfect. Heart put on an amazing show as usual. They sang all of my favorites and included 3 from their new album that will be released August 31st. Ann Wilson is one of my favorite singers. She has an unique voice and sings with the most power I've ever witnessed during a live show. What really blows my mind is that unlike most current artists on tour, Heart travels with no background singers. Nancy offers harmony vocals on a few songs, but 90% of the vocals are all Ann. It's amazing that she lasts through 90 minutes+ of music at that range. I'm always in awe and wish that I had that kind of power in my voice. I'll just continue to pretend that I do while rocking out in my car! Here are some shots that I took with the camera on my Blackberry. I wish that I had taken my actual camera inside. I was trying to obey the rules printed on our tickets, but everyone else had cameras out snapping away. Security and Ryman greeters didn't seem to mind. Drat!

I saw their equipment stacked in the hallway on the way to our seats and had to snap a shot of Nancy's amp case.



Rocking out.





The acoustic set. "Dog & Butterfly", "Alone", and later a bluegrass tune with Alison Krauss & Dan Tyminski of Union Station: their special guests!





Head back, letting it fly. . . Go Ann!



We had a perfect day together. I love Stephen so much and am so thankful for our fun memories. We missed little Stella, but she had a blast at the fair with Nene, E, and Aunt Sis. She was so tired and looked like a little angel in her bed when we got home. She woke up around 4 AM and I was able to rock her a few minutes and sneak in a kiss before she fell back to sleep.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Take THAT runny nose!

We're sure that this will help the runny nose and congestion. Just what the doctor ordered. . . literally. Well, I'm not sure that he meant to go buy a cute duck, he just said "cool mist humidifier." It was too cute to pass up. They were out of Hello Kitty but this suits her room more anyway. Because she is so small, a humidifier and saline spray are our only options. We are now using both thanks to Little Noses. Stella despises anything near her nose. She hates the little nasal aspirator and even having her nose wiped off. So needless to say, the saline has been a challenge. I hope it clears up soon. Runny noses are no fun! Now Mommy is sick, too. Silly sinuses. . .


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

I can crawl!

Stella was playing in her favorite spot. (Notice the little purple, yellow, and green toy that is sitting inside her teething ring.)



Now how did that get over there?



Go go gadget crawl!



If I put my knees under here, and my booty way up here, and lower my head just so . . .



Slowly but surely. . .



I'm gonna' getcha.



Almost there. . .



Aha! Victory!



Mastering the new skill.



Hmmmm, I left something under here, too.



Stella has mastered the "inchbug" crawl. She even took a few normal crawling strides tonight. Who knows what her chosen style will be, but she is certainly mobile now. Mommy and Daddy must prepare ourselves. . . and the house!

Monday, August 9, 2010

More 6 month photos.

Sweetie!



Miss Giggles



Still a little tickled.



Perfect summer picture.



This time she's using a record as a teether.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Rock n Roll

Photography by Katrina posted this on their Facebook page today. I can't wait to see the rest!!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Shoes

My shirt may say smile, but I don't have to . . .



Stella loves her new shoes. It's the only pair that we have been able to keep on her feet since they are so small. She still wears a size 1 with plenty of room to spare.



Fun colors!



Speaking of fun colors, check out Stella's loud pajamas. . . and that hair! I love those curls so much.