Moments to Cherish

Every day is full of moments that take my breath away.  Moments that I want to freeze and savor for years to come.  I absolutely love being at home with Molly.  There's nothing like it, and it's a gift I cherish every single day. 

Having Ellie with us a couple of days a week is just the icing on the cake.  Ellie has a zest for life that is contagious.  Her smiles are infectious and she is such a lively little girl!

One of our favorite things to do is take wagon rides.  Both girls start out in the wagon while I pull them up and down the street. 

Pretty soon after we start our ride, Ellie decides she wants to "wak".  So, she hops out to help pull Molly in the wagon.  We march.  We run.  We walk backwards.  We jump up the street.  Ellie loves every single step!

And then we find dandelions!  And oh, my, does Ellie get excited!  Girlfriend loves to blow some dandelions!

Blow it and make a wish, Ellie!

Keep blowing!

Great job!

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change."  ~ Buddha

Molly ~ 10 Months Old

Our Dearest Molly,

You are ten months old!  TEN MONTHS!  Goodness gracious, I just cannot believe it!  You are one happy baby, and we cannot get enough of your giggles, laughs, smiles and toothy grins!

This month you have really started moving around.  But you're still not crawling!?!?!  Nope, instead you can turn all the way around while sitting on your bottom using your feet.  You move quickly that way, and your Lovie calls it your own sit 'n spin!  You've been rolling over, but just in the last week or so, you've realized you can roll to get to where you want to go.  You also just have started sitting up on your own from a laying position.  Now each time you wake up, you start crying and when I come get you, you're sitting up big as day in your crib.  And each time, you break out the biggest grin!  It's the best!  We think you're really close to crawling, and your Daddy and I are pretty sure you did a little tiny bit of a crawl this morning!

Speaking of your Daddy, you are crazy about him!  When he comes in the door from work, you just light up! Your little legs start going and your arms are moving all around like you just cannot contain your excitement! 

You are also pretty crazy about your cousin Ellie!  Y'all are the best of friends and have "conversations" often.  Those conversations get pretty intense with all of the squealing and giggling you two do.  It's priceless!

You eat pretty well, eating just about anything we give you.  If only your Mama were a little braver about giving you different foods to try!?!!?  I'm working on that, though, I promise.  Meanwhile, you're eating anything you can put in your mouth.  I have to keep the floors swept and vacuumed because you are forever grabbing anything you can and putting it into your mouth.  Just this week I've fished out a leave, a tiny stick, part of some old flooring (I think that's what it was) and the like out of your mouth.  YUCK!

So I won't forget, this month was the toughest month yet to get a good smile out of you for this picture.  People often say, "she is always so happy!  She always smiles!"  I just grin and agree, knowing full well there are usually a few of these what-are-you-doing-crazy-woman-faces among all the pictures I snap trying to get a good ole' toothy grin.

Or the pictures where I give you a toy to try to get a smile, and you promptly put it right in your mouth.

And then there's this picture where I figured your Daddy would be able to get you to smile, and you went right on and stood up beside him and gave me this look like, "yep, I did it.  Whatcha gonna say, mama?"

I know I say it all the time, but each day truly is better than the day before with you.  Your Daddy and I love you more than words could ever express, and we are so very thankful for you, precious one!

Happy 10 Months, Molly Miller!

ABCs of Me

I've seen this a couple of times in blogland, and my new blog friend Kelly recently did it.  I figured it would be fun, so here goes!

(A) Age: 31. . . man that sounds old!

(B) Bed Size: Queen

(C) Chore You Hate: Cleaning showers and tubs.  I will scrub a toilet any day over cleaning the showers.  How weird is that?!?!?

(D) Dogs?:  We have two!  Belle is our black lab, and she's a sweet 6 year old.  Buddy is our mutt.  He's 14, can't see or hear well but is full of spunk when he gets back from being groomed!

(E) Essential Start Your Day Item:  A Diet Ginger Ale usually does the trick!

(F) Favorite Color: These days I'm digging yellow!

(G) Gold or Silver? Any of it!  Depends on what I'm wearing and my mood.  I wear both!

(H) Height: 5'3"

(I) Instruments You Play: Ha!  Nothing, really.  I took piano lessons for a few years when I was little.  I also was a band nerd for a few years; I played the clarinet.  But the thought of a reed in my mouth today makes my toes curl.  Ick!

(J) Job Title: Chief Operating Office of the Slocum House.  Best. Job. Ever.

(K) Kids: Miss Molly Miller!

(L) Live: Macon, Ga.

(M) Mom's Name: Jan

(N) Nicknames: I answer to B more than I do Bethany.  Thus the title of my blog! :)  When I was growing up, my momma called me Beffie Jill or BJ some.  I also had a good friend call me Beezers.

(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? When I was 29 weeks pregnant and showing signs of preterm labor I stayed two nights.  Then I stayed two nights when Molly was born.  That's it!

(P) Pet Peeve: The improper use of the apostrophe.  Seems people these days think a plural word needs an apostrophe.  It drives me batty! 
(Q) Quote from a Movie: "I love you more than my luggage!"  ~Clairee to Ouiser, Steel Magnolias
(R) Right or Left Handed? Lefty
(S) Siblings: My baby sisser, Jenn
(T) Time You Wake Up? Lately it's been 6 - 7am, depending on when Molly wakes up

(U) Underwear: Yep, I wear them!  :)
(V) Vegetable You Dislike: cooked carrots.  Ick.

(W) What Makes You Run Late: I always underestimate the time it will take to get us ready and out the door with Molly in tow!
(X) X-Rays You've Had Done: I once had a sinus xray for some random reason!?!?!

(Y) Yummy Food You Make: I recently made the strawberry cream cheese pound cake on the cover of last month's Southern Living magazine.  YUM!

(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: I'm always amazed at elephants!

That was fun!

Lesson Learned

On St. Patricks Day, the Chick fil a in town offered free green ice cream to patrons wearing green.  We headed over after Bible Study for some chicken, time on the wee (what Ellie calls any playground), and fun with friends.

Now.  I'm a newbiew when it comes to things like this.  I just have one child, and she's 9 months old.  Yes, I keep Ellie a few days a week, and on those days we usually don't venture out for fear I'll lose my mind in the process.  I'm a chicken, I know.

So, taking both girls to Chick fil a after a morning at church is brave in itself.  Throw in the added excitement of free ice cream, and you've got yourself an interesting time to be had.

Maybe my first clue was Molly crying as we parked.  She was hungry, and I knew that.  I actually put the car in reverse, about to make my getaway as I saw my friend park.  I calmed down and pepped myself up for a fun time.

Heavens to betsy. . .  the trip involved a spilled drink that busted a cup and had sprite spewing all on the back of Molly, a CFA employee getting onto me for trying to clean up the sprite spill with napkins, Molly choking on a piece of carrot, Ellie going MIA in the playground for a minute or two (long enough to send this frazzled momma / aunt into a tailspin), my crawling under the chair and booth searching for Molly's bow and snacks.  And fun.  Loads of fun.

I would've never made it without my sweet friends who were there to help me and encourage me and promise me everything was going to be okay.  Even though I was sure we were tearing that poor restaurant apart.

We left full, fat and tired.  Or so I thought.  Both girls were WIRED.  It took a good 45 minutes to get Ellie calmed down enough to nap.  Molly?  She didn't nap for 2 more hours.

Which meant I never had both girls napping at the same time.

Whew!

Just when I think I might lose my mind, I'm greeted with this precious grin....

And this sassy little face....

And I am reminded that I have the best job in all of the world.  What a blast!

P.S. ~ Note to self:  Don't go ordering a salad when eating with both girls in a crazy busy place like CFA.  It's not even feasible to think you'll be able to use utensils and eat like a normal adult. 

Molly's 9 Months Old

My, my, my. . . I just can't believe Molly's 9 months old!

Molly is 16 pounds, 12 ounces (25th percentile) and is 28 inches long (90th percentile).  She eats well and has warmed up to some finger foods.  She will finally eat some puffs and just has learned she loves cinnamon toast, bananas, cheerios and english peas.

Molly's personality is in full bloom!  She chatters all the time and is quite the little drama queen.  She often fusses and coughs just to see what your reaction will be. 

And my goodness the child is nosey.  She will crane her neck in order to see what's going on around her in a red hot minute!  She is very perceptive and checks everything out.

Some of Molly's favorite toys these days are her blocks, her name puzzle, a musical bear (she prefers the drums) and anything in her little toy box.  She wants everything OUT of her box and will spend all her time pulling things out.

Molly and Ellie are best buds and typically squeal back and forth all day long.  It's the cutest thing to hear them "talk" back and forth. 

We attempted to have Molly's 9 month pictures last weekend, and after no more than 15 minutes, the session was deemed a bust.  Molly was tired, and she was fussy.  But we did get this one gem before rescheduling.

I think that picture's going to be tough to beat in the make-up session!

Happy 9 months, sweet Molly Miller!  We love you to the moon and back!

Sweetest Time

"As (we) were snuggling. . .  I breathed in a little,

'this must be like Heaven.'"

~ Jan Denise

The 6:00 hour each evening is typically my very favorite.  And that's true this Sunday as we find ourselves winding down from another busy day that's been full of family and fun.  Molly's no night owl, so she also heads to bed during the 6:00 hour.  And usually, when she's been down for no more than thirty minutes, I miss her already!  How could you not miss this precious face!

But before she goes to bed, we have lots of snuggle time with her. Tonight I grabbed the camera to capture some special moments we'll want to remember forever!

Molly loves to snuggle with her Daddy!  I'm not sure who enjoys this sweet time more:  Molly, her Daddy or me!

'Cause that?  That right there? That's the good stuff, y'all!

So, what's your favorite time of day?

Thoughts of Spring Blog Party

I decided to jump on board with Lynnette's Blog Party!  I've gotten so bad at posting - or not posting?!?!? - lately, so I figure this will be an easy way to get back into the swing of blogging.  Lynnette's given us some questions to answer, so here goes!

How would people describe your personality? (If they could only use ONE word.) Are they right?
Hmm. . .  probably high strung.  And that's very true.  I wish it weren't so, but I am a very high strung person.


What celebrity/celebrities would create a “Star-Struck” feeling if you saw them in real life?
President George W Bush.  I absolutely adore him.  I think he's a phenomenal man, and I just loved his book and his interview with Oprah.  I appreciated his honesty and transparency and how he didn't mince words.  He led our country through such horrific tragedies with such strength, dignity, and faith.

Who is your favorite blogger? Why?
Hands down, Big Mama.  Melanie cracks me up every single day.  And I always enjoy her Fashion Friday posts!

What is your comfort food/drink?
Oooh, I have several.  We love to order take out from Outback.  Their Alice Springs Chicken with a baked potato always hits the spot!  I also love breakfast for dinner, grilled cheese with tomato soup, and my momma's roast with all the fixings.

Be brave – tell us something very random and weird about yourself.
I despise birds.  They completely, totally freak me out.  To see a flock of birds flying overhead together makes my skin crawl all over!  I'm not wild about hearing them chirp either.  They gross me out!

Do you have a strong desire to do something you’ve never done? What is it?
Lately I've really felt God's put on my heart to share my testimony.  But I don't know where or how or why.

Movies: Action, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Documentary, Comedy? What are your favorite genres?
We're not big movie people.  I'll watch just about anything, but I prefer dramas, romantic comedies and sometimes a good comedy.  Steel Magnolias is my all time favorite movie!

Books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Biographies, True Stories, Self-Help, Devotional/Study? What are your favorite types of reading material?
I tend to read mostly non-fiction, Christian books.  I enjoy a good fiction novel every once in a while, too.  Tim gave me a Kindle for my birthday a few months back and I've thoroughly enjoyed it!  I just started reading Heaven is For Real this morning and love it!

Music: Funk, Rock, Country, Jazz, Classical, Film Score, Blues, Classic Rock, Crooner, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Techno? What are your favorite types?
I prefer Christian music.  I always listen to KLOVE while in the car.  I also have fast-paced worship music on my ipod to run to.  I love running and jamming out with some David Crowder Band!  Nothing better!

If you inherited a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do with your money?
Give Give Give!  I would give some to family, our church, and other local ministries that are dear to us.

Name one weakness of yours (confession is good for the soul).
Ice cream.  Oh how I miss it!  We determined when Molly was 5 weeks old that she was lactose intolerant.  So I've avoided all dairy since then.  Lately, I've added a little bit at a time back into my diet, but I'm still not drinking milk or eating ice cream or anything like that.  While I am not at all wanting her to grow any quicker than she already is, I would be lying if I said I wasn't ready (at least a little bit) for her to be a year old and no longer nursing.  I've just about planned out my first meal of a pizza with ice cream for dessert! 

If you could live anywhere at all (and take all your loved ones with you), where would you go?
St Simons Island, Georgia.  Easily my favorite get-away in all the world.  I grew up going there with my family, it's where Tim proposed to me, and it's where we go often for great family trips! 

Strange Talent? Can you juggle basketballs, put your legs behind your head or perform some other strange feat?
Hmmm. . . I don't think I have a strange talent!?!?!  I used to be able to remember phone numbers really easily.  But now with cell phones, I hardly remember any phone numbers.

What’s something you consider yourself to be good at? (Don’t worry, it’s not bragging, it’s acknowledging a God given gift).
I've been told before I have a servant's heart, and that's one of the best compliments I've ever been given.  I do believe God's given me the heart for serving others. I just hope I serve to the best of my abilities!

What is one of your favorite things to catch a whiff of?
Molly Miller!  No doubt about that!  I love snuggling with her right after a bath and rub-down of yummy lavendar lotion! 

When you leave a social gathering, do you wish: You would have talked more or You would have talked less?
I fluctuate.  Sometimes I leave wishing I'd opened up more and chatted more.  Other times I wish I had shut my trap and kept some things left unsaid.  But I think most of the time I wish I'd chatted more.  I'm always amazed at people who can strike up conversations with anyone and everyone.  I definitely wish I were better at that.

If money wasn’t a factor, what stores would you shop in?
Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie and Ballard Designs for our home. The Loft, White House Black Market for me. 

What is your greatest fear or strange phobia?
I am terrified of heights.  Absolutely terrified of them.  I hardly will stand on a stool without being scared.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Hmm. . .  physical accomplishment?  Giving birth without any pain meds at all ranks pretty high up there!  I am also pretty proud of the fact that my best friend and I participated in a 3-Day Walk a few years ago where we walked 60 miles in three days. I'm also pretty proud of running a half marathon with Tim!

My greatest accomplishments in life are definitely my marriage and Molly.  But neither of those have I done on my own!  God has blessed me beyond measure!
What are your favorite animals?
We are dog people for sure!  We love our pups!

Are you a hopeless romantic?
I honestly don't know that I am! 
What movie or book character can you most relate to?
What a great question!  I'm not sure. . . 

Wow, this was fun!  Have you joined in on this?  I can't wait to read your responses!









Come back on March 1st to link up your party post!