Love you Baby Girl!!!

She's Four Now!!!!

2010-03-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, trying to play catch up since November will be tricky!! I will see what I can squeeze in. :) Christmas was definitely different for us this year and we had a smaller tree (our CB tree) but SJ loved it nonetheless. Christmas was GREAT seeing her so happy! Mom and Jason got to come visit in January and they brought her these sticky Dora and Boots characters that you threw on the wall and they climbed down. She LOVED them and her Uncle Petey, haha. January and February flew by. We had several snows this year in NC and SJ and I were stuck at home for four days straight and had a BLAST! We got to throw snowballs and do some shoveling! Visits from Ashley, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Dave, Hillary, Aunt Delores and Steph occurred. They loved our place and we had GREAT times. SJ turned four on March 21 and I still can not believe that my "baby" is four! Knowing that she is the only child I will have makes it difficult in some ways but easier in others. She loves being the center of attention for sure. We had a wonderful celebration at Pump It Up with all of our friends and family. She is truly blessed to have so many people who love her in her life (and so am I!)
Interests:
*Still has a super strong bond with Dylan and Connor, she and Connor are inseparable these days. She loves her Aunt Stacey, too :)
*Takes dance and will have her first recital in June!!! Candyland theme :)
*Started swimming lesson in March but she is not gaga over them.
*Can SING ANY song she hears! Her memory is like a steel trap.
*Finally started sleeping in her own bed (with some help from a DVD player) and I am pleased to say most nights she stays in there.
*Teachers at school ADORE her and she is really excelling in all areas.
*She is wonderful at helping clean up and enjoys books so much. I know her love for "reading" will take her far in life!!

I will certainly try to post more often!
Lots of love from Amy and SJ

Sassafrass

2009-11-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

LOVES her new monogrammed dresses!

Halloween with the twins...too cute

I still can not believe all that has transpired in our lives within the past 6 months, but SJ and I are adjusting well. We are LOVING our new home...she is so excited to have a playroom and I am excited to share that space for scrapbooking. I have not had time to scrapbook lately! It was incredibly hard to say goodbye to our old house, our first home together and we have even accidentally driven back there about three times...haha. I just thank God everyday for the strength he gives me to try and be the best Mommy I can be. Savannah is such a blessing to her dad and I both and we are so fortunate to have her. I know that God has a plan in store for us and we will just follow that path!
She is absolutely LOVING preschool again this year and her Thanksgiving Feast is tomorrow. She has made quite a few new friends, if you can imagine that ;). She is also LOVING dance every Monday. Quite the busy bee I have on my hands!
We will be headed to VA Bch as usual for Thanksgiving next week and plan to go see Mr. Claus. She has soooo many items on "her list"....we will see...she doesn't need another toy...hahahaha
Much love,
Amy and Savannah

New Bed!!

2009-09-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Savannah is so stinking FUNNY! She is such an amazing girl and I feel so blessed everyday to call her my daughter! Stacey and I finally took the crib down and put up a big girl bed for SJ. She is still adjusting to being in it and still comes in here sometimes (don't tell anyone, but I don't really mind it...love her snuggles!) She picked out the bedding herself. So cute!
She is LOVING preschool and becoming so much more independent. Wants to use the potty and wipe by herself, uses her lil white stool to cut the lights on and off...so cute! She is visiting her Daddy right now and I am sure they are having a blast! She is going to be Batgirl for Halloween and Connor and Dylan will be Batman and Robin! Too cute!!!
Much Love!

Life's Curveballs

2009-09-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

Dance Camp

Savannah and her besties, Dylan and Connor

Sweet Savannah

This blog was designed mostly for our family and friends to keep up with Miss Savannah Jane, but it has also developed into a place for me to document everyday occurrences in her life...the good and the bad.This summer has been quite a whirl wind to say the least. Most of you know that Dwayne and I have separated. I am not going to go into all the details but we are doing what we think is best for all of us. I do believe that God never gives us more than we can handle. I refuse to leave this 17 year relationship bitter and resentful and I want SJ to know what a WONDERFUL relationship her dad and I shared. I am simply surviving day by day, sometimes hour by hour. I want to thank you ALL for your love and support. I could not do it without you!!!

Savannah has become even more verbal at almost 3.5 years old and she is GROWING UP WAY TOO FAST!!!! This summer she loved her first concert, Kenny Chesney, and enjoyed all her time with the Judd family in VA Beach. She went to a princess dance camp for a week and fell in love!! Guess who is taking pre ballet and tap every Monday??!!

We were also very lucky to get her back into her same preschool from last year and she will go three mornings a week. Unfortunately, the house is STILL for sale (someone PLEASE buy it!!), but on the bright side we are still across the street from Stacey and family and that has been a true blessing for SJ and I. SJ and the twins had two sleepovers and had a blast. I am soooooo thankful for the bond that they share. We had some fun days at the pool and we also enjoyed several days at Myrtle Beach with Amanda and her family. SJ fit right in and their hospitality was amazing!! She even called Amanda's dad Grandpa and he loved that :)

Things she is into now...

-dance
-Music: Jimmy "Muffin", Sheryl Crow, Pink, Carolina Liar, OAR, Miley Cyrus and of course, Taylor Swift :)
-Fresh Beat Band on Nick, Jr
-JEWELRY
-Games
-Hannah Montana
-Barbies
-Books
-Beauty shop
-Crafts
-Last but not least...DRESSES!!!!

Much love,
Savannah Jane and Amy

Summer's Here!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Today is my FINAL day at Briarcliff and it is bittersweet. I will miss my friends but am ready for a break. Can't wait to spend all summer with my sweetie.

Stacey sent me this pic a few weeks ago. She went upstairs to get a shower and came down and found Aaron and SJ asleep-isn't this adorable???

We had a photoshoot with the twins this weekend and I will upload some of those pics soon. It was great seeing the three of them together and Jo got some good shots. Out of everything here in Cary, I am sure SJ will miss them the most (along with Stacey and Holly, of course!)

No new house info to post. Hopefully we'll have more showings this wkend. SJ has the princess dance camp next week and I'm sure we'll be hanging out at the gym and pool!

xoxoxoxox

May Madness!

2009-05-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

Preschool shot

Sassafrass

It has been a whirlwind at our house this month!! Trying to get everything but necessities packed and the house ready to go on the market! YIPPEEEE We are officially for sale (mixed feelings face here)...Onto the most important subject...SJ SJ finished up her first year of preschool :( It was the GREATEST experience for her. She has grown so much this year from the school experience and I know she will do great wherever she ends up next year. Her teachers were wonderful and they made each child their own scrapbook of preschool. It's sooo cute! I will try to load a video here or on FB from the program. Savannah has learned to spell her name through a song made up by moi! She learned it around the second week in May. She can also recognize indiscriminately 98% of the alphabet! Go GIRL! She amazes me...we are already discussing sounds and "what starts with __?" She still has a love for books and you know me, I just keep buying them. I am just happy she loves to learn!! She has really changed so much since turning ThReE! Still takes pacis and still in her crib (is somebody here having trouble letting go of the baby stage??) Mommy signed her little princess up for a week of Dancing Princesses Camp in mid June. Can't wait for that!!! Summer's almost here.... xoxoxoxox

2009-04-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

Chico Beach+ Hillary+ Family=FUN

2009-04-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Savannah and I traveled up to VA this past weekend so that she could meet Miss Hillary and visit with family. She absolutely fell in love with Baby Hillary and even helped to hold her and feed her. She "read" her a book and has been talking about what she will read her next time...I think they will be best cousins and friends! :)
We also visited "Chico" beach and she was quite smitten with her Uncle Chico this wkend, too. The weather was awesome and she got to actually play on the beach. I know she will adjust to moving up there just fine. She also go to meet Uncle Bobby and Raylene's new little one, Sophia. Babies are just precious! Can't believe mine is THREE!!!

Other "news" in SJ's world...
*Dora is still a BIG hit and Night Night Dora tags along everywhere
*She has taken to getting back in her crib to sleep (TG since she snores!) and we have told her she will get a big girl bed when we move! Long overdue, but the crib works!
*She uses these words and phrases quite often:
~I need to take some privacy
~I have something very important to tell you
~Guys, guys,....
~Usually...
~This past week she talked about NYC and how lots of people live there! (Must
have heard this from Dora!)

Lotsa LOVE!!!

2009-04-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Monster Truck

Time Flies

2009-04-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

Connor and SJ

Relaxing

The Three Musketeers

Monkey Joe's

YUM!

Ok, I cannot believe I have not blogged since the big BIRTHDAY! Yep, it's official-we now have a little girl...no more Baby SJ. Ok, who am I kidding? She left the baby stage AWHILE ago! She had an awesome party at Monkey Joe's with almost everyone near and dear to her sans Aunt Lisa, Uncle Dave and Aunt D, who were awaiting Hillary and Uncle Chico and Aunt Susan(Uncle Chico was injured.) Even Granddaddy made it up :)

Baby Hillary made her longawaited entrance on April 4. I went up to see her but SJ has not met her new cousins...that's right, we have two new babies in the fam because Aunt Raylene and Uncle Bobby had Baby Sophia on March 17. It's going to be awesome once we get up there this summer!

Savannah spent some quality time with her Memaw, Papaw and uncles this month and also helped her two "brothers" celebrate their 5th birthday! She had a great time riding in the "monster truck" with Dyl and with Connor on his motorcycle. :) They got a trampoline and all 3 of them love it!

We've been going through lots of changes...SJ really gave me some trying times in March and I think some of it is due to her Daddy being gone...she and I really miss him and look forward to him being here on the wkends with us. She and I also battled sinus infections and just plain yuck but are so HAPPPPEEEEE spring is here-minus the pollen. I have just 37 days left of school and am excited, scared and sad all at once. Just knowing I will be unemployed in June scares me but hopefully I will find a teaching position in VA this summer. The house is *almost* ready to be put on the market.

News from Savannah-
*I can recognize almost all of the capital letters and several lowercase ones.
*I like "my privacy" when I use the potty and have not had any accidents in over 3 wks! I know when I need to go, yippee!
*I got a new bike with training wheels but can't reach the pedals...still need to use the trike.
*I am CRAZZEEEE over Miss Taylor Swift.
*At my 3 yr checkup I weighed 24 lbs. :O
*Mommy taught me lots of nursery rhymes and I can say them all.

LOTSA LOVE
Savannah Jane
xoxoxoxox

Mid March

2009-03-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

I lied. I do not have any new pics from last wkend because our camera battery was dead when we were in VA. ARRRRGGGGG!!! Once Lisa sends me some pics I will try and post some of those. We had a wonderful baby shower for Lisa and Hillary got many great items. Such CUTE stuff! It didn't feel like a lot of visiting because it was so busy! We even got to look at a few houses.

This wkend was RAINY and a very lazy one. I did manage to have a few hours for some girl time with two good friends. :) The big birthday is coming up this Sat...THREE YEARS has gone by sooooo fast!!!! Where is my baby?????

We are getting a new camera-YIPPEEEE and I can't wait to play around with it.

Starting March with SNOW

2009-03-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

We woke up today to find school cancelled and snow all around. Looking forward to going to VA Beach this weekend for Lisa's shower. We have some cute stuff for Baby Hillary. I finished up one gift for her last night :) Savannah is just excited for her to get here! Baby Sofia (Uncle Bobby and Raylene's daughter) will be here mid March. It's going to be strange with three little girls up there :P
Savannah is anticipating her birthday and is picking out presents left and right! I am starting to pack and have successfully decluttered the kitchen. YIPPEE. Not much else happening and I PROMISE to post some new pics after this weekend.
Lots of love!

The threes are fast approaching...

2009-02-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

and boy is Mommy feeling it!!!! Miss Savannah Jane has been little Miss Sass E. Pants this week. Why does she behave all day for Stacey and after five minutes with me the whining starts???? WHY? WHY? WHY? I actually popped her tail a few times this wkend and raised my voice too much. I prefer not to spank so I think I will keep using time out, redirection, reinforcements and taking away privileges. Momma said there'd be days like these...off to read 1-2-3 Magic...

Finally February!

2009-02-02T19:18:00.001-08:00

Well, I have officially hijacked this blog...I don't think SJ will mind. She shares-sometimes!! I did not think January would ever end...isn't it always a L-O-N-G month??? Well, I for one am happy to see February. Sooooo much has been going on. To start with, we have pretty much told everyone we know our news...we are MOVING to the VA Beach/Chesapeake area (hopefully) this summer. Dwayne has taken a job within his company as a Project Manager and is already working there Mon-Th. He is commuting back to us Thursday night and then leaves EARLY Monday mornings. It is a hard adjustment but he loves it and we will make the best of it. We are looking to put our house on the market in the next 6 weeks or so and hopefully move in June. I have a great life here, with AMAZING friends, a wonderful school and awesome co- workers. It will be so hard to leave this place that we have called home for 11 years. I truly believe that when one door closes another one opens but it doesn't make it any less bittersweet. This is where we shared our first apartment, bought our first home and created this wonderful miracle, Savannah Jane. I know that it will all be fine but I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful people here who have touched and shaped not only my life but Savannah's as well. I have never felt more at home or more loved here and I will treasure all the memories-ALWAYS!
Okay, enough sadness...;) onto the greatest joy in my life! What has she been up to? What has she not been up to is more like the question??!! Here are some recent conversations:
(Mommy has said that Savannah can not have a candy bar for dinner)
SJ: Mommy, that makes me sad. I really want a candy bar! PLUHEEZE!!!
Mommy (a bit louder): NO, You can NOT have a candy bar for dinner!
SJ: Are you happy? You don't sound happy, come here and let me make you happy (she now proceeds to "squeeze" my cheeks to create a smile)
SJ: There, now you are happy. It's okay. :)

Mommy: Savannah, you need to clean up now.
SJ: No, I am still playing!
Mommy: No, time is up, let's go.
SJ: (Stomping and pouting ensues) Well, I am AWFULLY MAD!!
How am I not supposed to crack up at this?!?!?!

We got a new DVD player and I was unsure how to work it so I told her before we watched something we had to call Daddy and ask him how to work it... SJ replied, "You're a big girl, you can figure it out!" Guess she told ME!

Other random bits of info...
*Went to the dentist Jan. 31 and did GREAT!!
*LOVES playing with Niklas at the gym, I think it goes both ways :)
*Is excited for her b-day party at Monkey Joe's
*LOVES Beyonce's song "Single Ladies"
*Has mastered concept of bigger/smaller at preschool
*Working on letter recognition
*Recognizes Barack and Michelle Obama-too funny!

She keeps us BUSY! Oh, let me know how you like some of these songs I found.
Lots of LOVE from all of us!

10 Random Bits of News in the World of SJ...

2009-01-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

1. SJ knows way too much about technology...she talks about cell phones, CD players, DVD's and (gasp) Facebook (but she doesn't really know what it is-LOL)

2. New word that she asked me to explain last night...recycle!

3. SJ LOVES games and we have been playing Candyland and Backyardigans Memory.

4. Still not eating well and weighs around 24 lbs at almost 34 mths!!

5. Everyday you can catch her singing something (now whether it's appropriate or not is questionable...LOL) She LOVES Kenny Chesney!!

6. Talks about getting a playroom soon :)

7. Can't wait for her new baby cousin Hillary to get here

8. Has been to Monkey Joe's twice in the past few weeks and is NOT afraid of anything there

9. Asks to go shopping almost everyday because she needs something!

10. Tells me I am her best friend in the whole wide world!!

Cookies and Santa at Preschool

2008-12-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

We saw Santa at a preschool breakfast this week and also made chocolate chip cookies together!!
XOXO

Ho, Ho, Ho!

2008-12-09T18:53:00.001-08:00

December is going by waaaaaaay too fast! I had a GREAT time in VA at Thanksgiving. We saw lots of family, went to the aquarium and I found out that I am getting not one, but TWO new baby cousins...Aunt Lisa and Uncle Dave are having Miss Hillary Addison and Uncle Bobby and Raylene are having Miss Sophia! TWO NEW GIRLS...YIPPPPPEEEEEE...can you tell how excited I am???? Mommy has already been shopping ;) I can not wait to meet them both in April.
So, I finally met Santa and guess what? I was not afraid to sit on his lap. I got up there an real matter of fact told him I wanted a Baby Alive for Christmas. I didn't quite understand I wasn't getting it right then. Nobody really said when Christmas actually is...????...so now I have to wait!!!! No fair! But, I did get 2 very nice presents from Emmy P already and Amanda told Mommy I could open them. Thanks girls :)
I LOVED helping Mommy decorate the tree as Daddy watched us. We looked at each and every special ornament and had a blast. I also made a gingerbread house with Memaw.
Mommy says Christmas is almost here so I will keep trying to be patient!
Lots of love and hugs and kisses-
SJ

November News from Mom

2008-11-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

I can not believe how fast October went by and how fast our baby is growing! It's hard to believe this teeny tiny baby has transformed into such a bright young lady in 2.5 yrs!! Not that I ever questioned how bright she would be...;)

Let's see...we had a WONDERFUL visit with our dear friends Amanda and Emerson from Cali and were so sad to see them leave. Savannah kept calling Emerson "Emmy P" and it was so cute to see them play together. She calls her her best friend. :) They got to take a bath together, shop, eat, go to the fair and we even had a b-day party for Emmy P. We hope to get out to Cali in late Spring or summer for a visit. Savannah got to go trick or treating with her pals, Connor and Dylan and also Isaac joined us. They were all so cute! She really got the hang of going to each house and asking for candy. The day after Halloween when I told her it was over she replied, "Aw, man!"

We visited Steph in Richmond and had a blast. She is so spoiled by all of the family. Steph showed SJ how to roll down the hill. We even have a video. :) She also got to see Uncle Chico, Aunt Susan, Aunt Lisa and Aunt Delores. She got two new shirts about being a "big cousin" to go along with her other two new shirts, "The Black Van"(AKA The A-Team) and "I love my uncle and all his tatoos". Too funny! Check out Cafe Press.

SJ is still LOVING preschool and her teachers and friends. She has a Thanksgiving feast next Friday and had her first school pictures made. She learned what a cornucopia was this week. :)

We had Christmas pics made a few weeks ago and she did great! She looked like a doll and did some cute poses. We even played "London Bridges". :)

Stacey has really been working with Savannah to potty and she has finally started to use it!!! We are on our way thanks to Stacey!!!

A cute tidbit...SJ's daddy LOVES Kenny Chesney (AKA "Uncle Kenny" at our house)and she has heard the song he sings called Everybody Wants to Go To Heaven. Last night, I was drying her hair and she saw some pics of Daddy and I and asked who he was and where he was. I reminded her that was Grandpa LJ and that he is in heaven. She then replied, "Oh, Uncle Kenny wants to go to heaven!" I almost fell over laughing. I told her she was right and then she said that maybe we could go to heaven, too. My girl :)

2008-10-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2008-10-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

Fun on the farm

First face painting

Silly wig :)

Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

We went to the pumpkin farm on Saturday and it was sooooo much fun! I got my face painted, went in the maze three times, saw my friends Reilly and Reagan, did the slide with Daddy, went on a hayride and got a pumpkin. I wanted to ride the pony but got too scared. Maybe next time!
Love,
Savannah Jane

2008-09-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Crazy 80's hair!

Funny face-"Mr. Furley"

Hello!

2008-09-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy this month. I am really enjoying preschool and my new friends. I LOVE arts and crafts there and have made a mobile, a mirror, a family tree and a five senses book. My teachers write great notes about me :)
I am READY for Halloween now. When Aunts Steph and Lisa came last weekend we all went to the Disney store and got my costume...Minnie Mouse! Everyday I ask Mommy if I can go "trick or treater" with Connor and Dyl. Even though they came for Mommy's b-day they brought me treats, too. The best treat of all will be when my new baby cousin comes (she is in Aunt Lisa's belly now but will be here around my birthday). I am convinced it is a girl, but we won't know for a few more weeks. I told Mommy today that when she comes I will teach her "Goodship Lollipop!" That made Mommy so happy! Mommy also loves it when I say she is my best friend. Speaking of a best friend...my California buddy Emerson will be here in less than 20 days! We are having a Backyardigan b-day party for her here and I am helping Mommy get stuff ready for it. I can't wait to see her.
What else? I am going to the pumpkin patch next Saturday. I am so excited. I am working on zipping but still not interested in the potty.
Lots of love,
SJ

The A Team

2008-09-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

So, I have found a "new" show I like...The A Team! Mommy used to watch it when she was little and now I like to watch it before I go to bed every night. They catch the bad guys! I like Face and Murdock :)

I also LOVE my preschool class. Mrs. Hartrick and Mrs. Annie are my teachers. My new friends are Cassidy, Camilla, Trevor, Carter and Parker. I told Daddy that Trevor and Carter are cute! I don't cry at all when they drop me off. I have made three crafts already. My teachers love me and say I am very smart! :) I go every Monday and Wednesday.

I had ice cream with Jamison on Sunday and we played at the park. This Thursday is Mommy's birthday so Aunts Steph and Lisa are coming up. We will have FUN!!

Love, Savannah

2008-09-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Carousel with Daddy

Homegrown by SJ and Papaw

Fisherwoman

1st day of preschool

It's official!

2008-09-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am a preschooler!!!! Mommy took me on Monday and I LOVED it!!!!! I have two very nice teachers and seven other kids in my class. I made a craft my first day...a mirror for "I am special". Mrs. Hartrick said I did great and couldn't believe how well I can talk and carry on a conversation :) That's a trait I inherited from my Mommy. I am so excited to be going to preschool. I am also happy to be over the chicken pox and back at Stacey's house.

I am trying to decide who to be for Halloween. I really like Disney princesses now, but I also like Mickey Mouse. I keep changing my mind.

One of my best friends, Emerson, is coming from California to visit in October and Mommy and I are already excited and making plans for us. We are going to have a birthday party for her while she is here. :) I love parties!

Mommy just melted last night when I told her she was my best friend EVER!!

Love,
SJ

Chicken Pox!

2008-09-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Oh, no! I have this yucky stuff called chicken pox! Luckily, Mommy and Daddy say it's not so bad. The good news is I have spent 2 fun days with Daddy by myself and I get to spend the next 2 with Mommy! Bad news is I missed my first day of preschool and I REALLY miss Connor and Dylan. I can be around others after Saturday.

Daddy and I played ball today and I caught it several times. :)

"New" sayings this week: "Actually", "let me get situated", "let's park at the carousel or JC Penney", "Not right now, maybe in just a minute"

I have learned my full address and birthday...go ahead and ask me :)

Lots of love and pictures coming soon!

Preschool

2008-08-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it is official...I satrt preschool next week! Mommy is going to my "meet the teacher" day today and will let me know how she likes it! My class is called "The Busy Bees!" How appropriate! Mommy started back to work last week and I am back at Aunt Stacey's house. I sure LOVE playing with Dyl and Connor. I even got to sleep over with Aunt Holly and Aunt Stacey last Fri night while Mommy, Daddy, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Dave went to some concert. Aunt Holly let me sleep with her :) I was so sad to see Aunt Lisa's foot broken. Her surgery is tomorrow. I went to Hank's birthday party at Pump It Up on Saturday and even went down the BIG slide all by myself on my tummy...WHEEEEEE! I am totally obsessed with my new pink pony (named Pinky, of course) that my Aunt Steph got me. Pinky can't sleep in my crib so I have to have the doll's pack and play beside my crib for Pinky to sleep in!I love the weekends with Mommy and Daddy! Here are some things that they think are funny right now...

*I say these ALOT: No way, Jose; I really want...; I'm gonna lay on the couch for just 2 more minutes; Adios Amigos!

*Tonight I said, "I speak English and you speak Spanish ,Mommy" and Mommy thought that was funny and said, "No, baby, M & D speak English like you!" I just smiled and said okay.

*Mommy says I hear everything and I am 2 going on 12! Now that's funny!

Much love,
Savannah Jane

Summer is almost over...

2008-08-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

Fun on the slide

SJ, Cody and Kaylee in Charlotte

Godsisters :)

My partners in crime, Dyl and Con

Playing Putt-Putt

I have been so fortunate to have spent my whole summer (well, almost!) with little Savannah Jane. She is the light of my life and just being around her makes your whole world different. I am DREADING going back to work and not being with her all day, every day. We have been preparing her, so much so that she says, "When Mommy goes back to work, I go to Stacey's, but I'm gonna miss you!" Now if that doesn't just melt your heart... Okay, onto some "news"...

Our goddaughter, Ashley, who is 13, came and spent a week with us and it was WONDERFUL. We have known Ash since she was a baby and it is amazing to see her with "our baby!" They love each other so much and had a great time together. We visited friends in Charlotte and SJ played with Play-Doh for the first time ( I hate the smell). She loved it! We also went swimming with the twins and to play Putt-Putt last week. It was the first time for all 3 kids and so much fun (except when Dyl hit it so hard it bounced back and popped Connor!), but they both managed to get a hole in one :)

Tasha has taken a backseat to Miss Dora and we have 2 Water Doras and one Night-Night Dora. She is gaga over Dora and is going to flip when she sees her new Dora lunchbox and rolling bookbag from Uncle Dave and Aunt Lisa. She still likes to watch The Backyardigans, but you won't find her w/o a Dora in hand.

Things to look forward to...Aunt Steph comes this wkend (who SJ is dying to see), Aunt Lisa and Uncle Dave come the next two, and PRESCHOOL starts Sept. 3rd!!!!!!

Yep, summer is almost over ( I head back Aug. 14th) and I think what I will miss the most are our daily naps in my bed when she is rubbing my hair and singing songs before quietly drifting off to sleep.

Mommy's Thoughts

2008-07-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Driving with Daddy

Making Key Lime Pie with Mommy-yum!

Barbie Car from Uncle Chico

Savannah is just growing up too fast for us! I can not believe that our summer is more than halfway over! I am enjoying almost every moment of it, aside from the terrible two's meltdowns!

*Savannah weighs about 24 lbs now and is still a VERY picky eater. She's still a peanut!

*She really enjoys the pool, but doesn't go under.

*She's totally into Dora and has several Dora dolls as well as Barbies. I love to listen to her play & imitate me. "You have a boo-boo, Dora? Need some cream?" :) She thinks a little Cortizone cream is the cure for whatever ails her!

*She's mastered colors and most shapes (even octagon!) and knows her name starts with "S". We are working on learning letters and sounds and she **almost** knows her address!

*She went "to the ossice" (office) with Daddy on Sunday and had a blast!

*I always tell her to give me "a fat hug and kiss" so it was nice tonight to hear her say, "YOU give me a "s"at hug!!! She just hasn't got the hang of the f sound yet, but her vocabulary continues to amaze us everyday!

*Preschool (2 half days a week) begins right after Labor Day...I am sure I will cry, but I know she will LOVE it!

Summer Fun

2008-07-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

Captain Savannah Jane

Arrrg!

We have really been enjoying summer! I like going to the pool and swimming with Mommy and Daddy.They bought me a Dora for the water. We have also been swimming with Leigh, Hank and Caroline. Mommy took me to a new place called the library and they had soooo many books! I loved it! We are going back soon. I am really into pirates right now and I have a cool new pirate hat, eyepatch and telescope. I love to sing Scurvy Pirate and pretend to walk the plank! I am going to the beach next weekend in Virginia to visit my family. I am very excited!

Lots of love,

Savannah Jane

June 2008

2008-06-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

June has been a VERY busy month and Mommy has not been blogging like she should! Daddy and Mommy both took beach trips and I got to spend quality time with each one. :) Mommy is out of school for the summer and I have her all to myself! YIPPPEEEE! In case you have not already seen it, I made my first music video to "Beat It" by Michael Jackson. I LOVE his music and have been driving M and D crazy listening to it. We have been hanging out at the pool, visiting friends, going to b-day parties, playing and visiting family. I will try and recap quickly. Lots of love and kisses-Savannah Jane

Queen Savannah at a b-day party

Painted toenails for the first time

Aunt Steph getting sugar

New headband

My new "Dora beauty shop"

Here I am at Planet Child folding laundry.

Shaking my bootie to "Beat It"! :)

May Fun

2008-05-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

I am in charge of the remote...

Mother's Day 2008

Reading my magazines

Relaxing

May has been so busy for us...trips to the park, Mother's Day, parties, and it is just going to continue when Mommy gets out of school! YIPPEEEEE!

Mommy's Turn...

2008-05-15T18:14:00.001-07:00

Savannah said it was okay if I posted some CUTE things she is doing/saying. I will post some pics soon. We had a few tantrums this week and one EARLY morning (SJ decided to wake up at 3am Tuesday and did not go back to sleep...arg!), but tonight made up for ALL of it ten times over. Dwayne is out of town on business so it was just the two of us. We had a yummy dinner at Chick-Fil-A (with no whining) and then headed over to Target and again no whining. I guess she was really well rested! Savannah was a doll telling anyone who would listen about Tasha and that she had a haircut today and how pretty it was. She talks in sentences that amaze me sometimes. We were in Target for over an hour and just laughed and sang as we shopped. She HAD to listen to Sugarland (tracks 1 and 4 are her favs) and she is really starting to learn the words. It is so funny! So, I picked up some 100 calorie snack and she said, "That's Mommy's Weight Watchers." LOL-It took me a minute to understand what she was saying and I just started laughing. Once we got home she informed me that she was so precious and I agreed, of course. At home in my bathroom she got into some of my hair stuff and called it her makeup. LOL! She kept saying she needed to put her makeup on!! Before she goes to bed, I always tell her how lucky I am that she picked me to be her Mommy and last night she said, "I am just so precious!" Sometimes I could just eat her face off but D would not like that. The twos can definitely be a trying age but when she looks up at us and says, "I am so happy", all the stress just goes away. She just reaches up and grabs my heart all over again!

Too Funny

2008-05-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

So, last night on t.v., this lady came on and Savannah Jane says, "Hey, it's Oprah!" I say, "That's not Oprah, but who likes Oprah?" "Mandi and Stacey like Oprah, Mommy!" replied SJ-TOO funny!

Oprah, Mommy!!

My Beach

2008-05-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the beach!

Mommy had a headband and so did I.

Those chocolate covered strawberries were YUMMY!

Walking on the beach with Daddy

We took a trip to VA Beach recently and guess who didn't want to leave the beach...ME, ME, ME!!!! Can't wait to go back in June or July.

"Big Hug, So Happy!"

2008-04-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

*I am still not interested in the potty. Mommy keeps trying and I keep refusing.

*I am saying, "Yeah, sure!" all of the time.

*Mommy taught me a new word...disgusting and I love to say it!

*I will not let Tasha out of my sight. She's getting really dirty!!

*I have been playing with my strollers a lot and putting all of my Backyardigans in there.

*I had a really nasty ear infection and was sick for over a week. We missed a lot of sleep, but I am all better now. Maybe Mommy and Daddy will take me swimming soon.

*I grabbed Tasha, then Daddy and then Mommy last night and said, "Big hugs, so happy!" They laughed so much. Daddy is sooo funny!

Much love,

Savannah Jane

Spring Fun at Pullen Park

2008-04-17T09:41:00.001-07:00

Aunt Holly and me

Riding away

My brothers

I had a GREAT time at the park with Aunts Stacey, Holly and Dyl and Connor. We had sooo much fun!!

April Fools...

2008-04-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Painting with Dora and Boots

This is my new friend Jamison. We are eating snacks together.

I had my 2 year check-up and weighed...28 lbs and 4 ounces!! Well, you know that's an April Fool's joke! I was only 20 lbs and 11 ounces. Gotcha! Mommy thinks I am going through a growth spurt right now because I have been eating like crazy lately!

I did not fall down three stairs and crash (another AF joke)...I really did and it scared Mommy and me. I am tough. I am OKAY!!

I have gone to time out four times this week while Mommy has been home. GOTCHA again! I have been an angel and we have had sooooo much FUN! We painted, danced, sang, exercised and went to a fun new place called Hopper's House.

Lots of love,

Savannah Jane

I'm 2!!!!!!

2008-03-26T17:58:00.001-07:00

My first Easter Egg Hunt

I got the hang of it real fast!

Opening Presents from Aunt Lisa

My Dress Me Up Elmo

Cute cake!

Mommy, Dyl, Connor and the B-Day Girl

Notes from Mommy...

My baby girl is now 2!!! I can not believe it. We celebrated with family and friends and had a WONDERFUL time. Of course, we had a Backyardigans theme party complete with giant Pablo and Uniqua balloons, courtesy of her aunts. Savannah is so loved by everyone and we could not be more blessed. Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support!

"I'm gonna be two!"...3 more days!

2008-03-18T10:05:00.001-07:00

My Mommy and Daddy say that I have a birthday coming up. All I know is "I'm gonna be two and have a party!" Mommy keeps telling me who is coming and I am getting excited. I can't wait to see everyone, but especially Aunt Lisa and Aunt Steph! Aunt Lisa gets in Thursday and we are going to an Easter Egg hunt on my birthday and then Aunt Steph, Uncle Chico and Aunt Susan come in Friday evening. The big party is Saturday and I will see both sets of grandparents and other friends. Dylan and Connor are coming, too :) I will tell you all about it after Easter. Lots of love from Savannah Jane!

Swiper, No Swiping!

2008-03-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Meet Swiper the Sneaky Fox...

I found a new friend from the show Dora the Explorer. My Mommy likes him, too. He is a sneaky fox who tries to swipe things. When we see him pop up on Dora we yell three times, "Swiper, NO Swiping!" Sometimes he still manages to swipe stuff but they usually get it back.

Being Silly

2008-03-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Savannah LOVES hairbows!

YUMMY Crackers!

This is a "Nurse in Training" uniform from Aunt Lisa. I am so bossy that Mommy and Daddy think I could be a teacher like Mommy. :)

Early March...

*I can sing the first two lines of Twinkle, Twinkle VERY clearly!

*I am now obsessed with JoJo but still LOVE the Backyardigans.

*I have used the potty once for Aunt Stacey.

*I know Daddy works at the office and Mommy is a teacher at school.

I'm A BIG Girl Now!

2008-02-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Daddy can not believe how much I have changed this past month. I have learned all sorts of new things! Memaw bought me some flashcards and in 2 days I knew everyone of the pictures! Daddy has taught me all of my colors and Mommy loves to do my shape puzzles and colors with me. I can count 1-2-3, go! I am going up and down the stairs walking now instead of crawling. Mommy and Aunt Stacey have also showed me the potty. I am not sure if I like it yet!

Notes from Mommy...

2008-01-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here is Savannah with "her brothers" after their "Winter Olympics" at Preschool.

Savannah with Papaw on his birthday eating a cupcake!

Connor, Savannah and Dylan

Riding on my SS car from Aunt Steph

Mommy's Notes...

Savannah has been doing so many different things the past month it has been unreal. Her vocabulary has really expanded and she is most definitely talking more than ever (wonder where she gets that from??) She can crawl up on our couch alone now. She loves to sing with us. She knows "Ashes, Ashes, we all fall down" and sings it quite a bit! Two nights ago in the bathtub she started singing "Bus, Mommy says shh, shhh, shh" from The Wheels on the Bus. She LOVES to play "kitchen" and make believe with her friends, The Backyardigans. She always likes to offer them whatever she is eating or drinking and also likes for them to sing and dance with us. Just yesterday she was putting them down for a nap and covering them with her silky! She is still crazy over her pacis and her silky. We are *thinking* about potty training but have not introduced her to it yet. She pretty much knows ALL of her family members' names and calls for them often. Dwayne has really taught her all of her basic colors and this week she got them all right three different times! She is so much fun and learns so much so quickly. We can ask her how she is feeling and we taught her to say, "Fantastic!". Savannah send lots of love your way!

2008-01-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

Trying to hold all of my friends at one time

Mommy finally snapped one with Aunts Stacey and Holly, even if I am not smiling :)

Aunt Stacey and Aunt Holly (and the boys) gave me a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse AND a kitchen set for Christmas. I love them sooo much and Mommy says we are so lucky to have them to watch me! I agree!!

The Holidays

2008-01-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

New bike from Papa Ed

Christmas with Ashley

The holidays were wonderful, but the time went by too fast! We had family with us almost the entire time. I LOVED having my godsister, Ashley, here to play with. I didn't even know what to do Christmas morning there was soooooo much stuff! I did have fun getting in my stocking that Santa left. I had a few hours with Mommy and Daddy and then Memaw, Papaw, Uncles Don and Tim, and Grandma Cindi and Grandpa Merle came down. We had a wonderful day! The next day Aunt Steph came down and on Friday Aunt Lisa and Uncle Dave came down. I was certainly spoiled by all three of them. Mommy has sooooo much fun with Aunts Steph and Lisa. They love playing with me and give me crazy kisses!! I visited Memaw's for New Year's and then I had Christmas with Aunt Stacey, Holly and the boys. I also had Christmas time with Aaron and Natalie and Amanda, Mike and Emerson. My mommy says I am so loved and so lucky!

"News In My World"

I am CRAZY for The Backyardigans-I have all 5 of them, numerous toys and have to have them around at all times. I especially LOVE Pablo and Tyrone. The first thing Mommy and Daddy hear from me is usually, "I wanna watch Pablo!"

I am saying 2-4 word sentences now and will repeat just about anything. I heard Mommy say "Sh*t", so of course, I said it, too and everyone laughed. Watch out!!!!

I love my new puzzles and can fit the shapes in where they go.

I am learning to recognize shapes, colors and many more objects.

We sing everyday and I LOVE for Mommy to sing.

I am getting better at letting Mommy and Daddy read to me and I sit still.

Lots of love,

Savannah Jane

December Fun

2007-12-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

Savannah and Hank giving hugs
Mommy kisses
Family time
Hank, Leigh, Caroline, Mommy and Me

Happy 21 mth Birthday to me!!!!

We had a super busy time last weekend! On Friday night, we saw the Baxters and Moshiers and I got a beautiful silver bracelet from Sarah and Avery. On Saturday, we had Christmas with Leigh, Roger, Hank and Caroline. They gave me an Aquadoodle!!! Hank fed me yummy green cookies and we both had green tongues. I loved playing with Hank and Sissy. Mommy and Daddy tried to get me to see Santa, but NO WAY!!!!!! I tricked them-I begged and cried to see him and when it was my turn, I CRIED, " No, Mommy, No!" I did not get a picture with Santa! On Sunday, we had Christmas with Aaron and Natalie. They gave me a baby doll, book and cute outfit. I am sooo spoiled!! I have already had so much fun with Christmas and Santa hasn't even came yet.

December Fun

2007-12-07T16:58:00.001-08:00

We put up the tree last weekend and SJ loved it! She loved looking at the ornaments (especially the Sesame Street ones!) She also loves the singing Rudolph that we have. It is so wonderful to have a child around...it really brings out the Christmas spirit! We will be going to see Santa this coming week. We'll see how that goes!

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

We went up to Norfolk, Va and got to visit with the Judd side of the family. We stayed with Aunt Lisa and Uncle Dave. I got to sleep on the air mattress with Mommy. I LOVED that! Plus, I got to say up later than usual. We saw Aunt Steph, Uncle Chico, Aunt Susan, Aunt Delores, George, Uncles Bobby, Skip, and Aunts Raylene and Margie. Mommy doesn't have many pictures because she left her camera at Uncle Chico's most of the visit. We stayed from Tuesday night until Saturday and although I had a blast, I was SO HAPPY to get home to MY STUFF!!

New things I am saying:

I want Mommy (Mommy eats this up!)

I want... (my favorite is I want cheese)

Happy

Loves you

Holds you (Mommy makes me say this all the time before she picks me up)
HO, HO, HO-for what Santa says

I will repeat almost anything you say...WATCH OUT!!!

New things I am doing:

Saying what comes next when doing the ABC song :)
Saying what comes next when counting ( I know six comes after five and eight comes after seven!)
I am getting way too interested in TV for my Mommy! I have been looking at Christmas shows! :)
I know where all the foods I like are and how to try and get them.

Five Generations

2007-11-17T18:27:00.001-08:00

Mommy's great-grandma, Myrtle Mac, is almost 105 years old! We went for a visit and she LOVED seeing me. I hammed it up at the nursing home. Everyone laughed so hard at me spinning and dancing. :)

October Pics

2007-11-12T20:03:00.001-08:00

Last Halloween 2006

What a difference a year makes...

Wonder Woman

The Gang 2007

2007-11-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hello! These past few weeks have been soooooo busy!!! I am learning so many new words and I am just talking up a storm. I am repeating everything that Mommy and Daddy say. Here are some of their favorites:

Cookie
Ash-ee (for Ashley)
Sit down
I want...
I see, I see
Paci

I went trick or treating with Avery and Sarah. It was so much fun!!! I can't wait to go next year.

I am also learning to go to bed better by myself. Mommy says, "Are you ready to go to Savannah's bed?" Then I jump off of her lap and head to the gate. :)

I am not eating very much at home for Mommy and Daddy, but I eat for Aunt Stacey. I just like to trick Mommy and Daddy.

Fall Festival

2007-10-27T15:53:00.001-07:00

Last night, we went to the Fall Festival at Mommy's school. Everyone loved my Wonder Woman costume. It was a hit! I got to see Ethan, Issac, Avery, Sarah, Niklas, Ryan and all of Mommy's friends. My favorite part was when Mommy's class sang, and of course, dancing in the cafeteria.

Fall Festivities

2007-10-27T15:31:00.001-07:00

We have had a BUSY October. We had a wonderful trip to the pumpkin farm. Grandma Cindi and Grandpa Merle came and we also met several of my friends there. I LOVED the pumpkin farm and did not want to leave. We took a hayride, too. The next day we went to the fair and I rode two rides and then I was DONE! I really stunk it up! Last weekend, I went to VA Beach and got to visit my godmothers, Uncle Dave, Uncle Chico, Aunt Susan, Uncle Booby, Aunt Raylene, Aunt Delores and George. Aunt Lisa and Uncle Dave had a huge bouncy house for me to play in and I loved it!

2007-10-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

October 8, 2007

It has been a busy few weeks! My new Halloween costume came in, so I am trying out my Wonder Woman headband-how does it look??? My Mommy is so excited for me to be WW because when she was little she was WW, too. :) We are going to take a trip to the pumpkin patch this coming weekend and Mommy said something called the fair is happening this weekend. I think we will go to both.

Me in time out on the step, Friday, October 5, 2007.

I was behaving...well, not so much. I wanted a coat hanger and Mommy would not let me have it, so I did what I knew to do to try and get it...scream, cry, stomp my feet. It did not work. I had to sit on the step and did NOT like it.

PLEASE get me off of this step!!!!

On a happier note, I am now obsessed with Sesame Street. I LOVE Elmo and Zoe. When we went shopping st Concord Mills this weekend, my Memaw bought me 10 SS stuffed dolls. I love them!! I am trying lots of new words: Sta-cee, Li (for Aunt Lisa), Se (Aunt Steph), Dai (Uncle Dave) and many more.

I am making this silly face when my Mommy and Daddy say "Cheese face". It doesn't take much to get them to laugh!

Cheese Face

Visit with my Aunts...

2007-09-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

*Celebrities are just like us...they do their own grocery shopping!*

My aunts Stephanie and Lisa came to visit and we had so much fun. I was such a good girl. We did a little shopping and then they took Mommy to get a pedicure. I know they really came for Mommy's birthday, but I hogged their attention. Mommy didn't mind. I can't wait until they come back again.

Love, Savannah Jane

2007-09-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

This has been a BUSY week! The paparazzi (Mommy) just won't leave me alone!!

Mommy got to stay home with me on Wednesday because Dylan was sick. We went to see Grandaddy, Grandma Cindi, and Memaw. So fun! :)
I have taken an interest in photo albums and have became quite obsessed with looking at a particular pink one :) Imagine that???!!!!
I have been chattering on the phone (well, remote control, fake hot dog bun, whatever LOOKS like I can talk on it) ALOT!
I have thrown a few temper tantrums but Aunt Stacey and Mommy and Daddy are working on stopping that.
I am going to have a big weekend...Aunts Steph and Lisa are coming and I know they will spoil me rotten...YIPPEEE...

Lots of love,

Savannah Jane

Mixed Up Weekend! September 9, 2007

2007-09-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been an eventful weekend for all of us here...
*The refrigerator went on the fritz
*The tub drain did, too and I got to take a bath in the SINK like a baby!
*Mommy and Memaw took me to this B-O-R-I-N-G Christmas show and they didn't like it either.
*My new teeth HURT so I whined a lot.
*I got some new clothes from Carter's :)
*New words this week: happ-ee, Con (Connor)

Love, Savannah Jane

What's New?

2007-09-02T06:52:00.001-07:00

Mommy and Me

September 2, 2007

I decided to start a blog about Savannah so that we could keep everyone informed of her day to day life. I will try and update it once a week.

Well, most of you know that Savannah is 17 mths now and just said "mama" for the first time this week. Can you guess how EXCITED I was???? Dwayne even got it on video tape. Those are the two sweetest syllables ever!!!! She is really beginning to say words that we can understand. Just this week she said "mama", "Elmo" and even repeated some numbers as we practiced counting.

She is taking in everything around her and growing so fast!!

Savannah's week...

I had dinner with Aunt Amanda and got to meet her sweet Mom :)

Aunt Stacey gave me pigtails and even did my hair for the party Sat.

I finally said "mama" and boy was she ever HAPPY!!

I went to a birthday party for Niklas at Mommy's friend Melissa's house. I got to meet Baby Ethan and play with a lot of kids.

I am visiting Memaw and Papaw right now and will be back Monday.

I love everyone very much!!

Love, Savannah Jane