Out With The Old, On With The New...Carseat, That Is!

I got a little teary-eyed when we put away AB's carrier, and went out to buy her a big girl car seat. We brought her home from the hospital in that carrier, we lugged that cumbersome thing around for months and months with our precious cargo inside. Now, it was time to move onto bigger and better, I might add, things. So, off we went to Babies 'R' Us to find us the right one. Again, being first-time parents, this was our first time to "upgrade" car seats, so we had really no idea what we were looking for. I made a couple calls and after talking with the experienced moms, we had a better idea of what we were looking for. We knew we wanted to get one that was gender neutral so baby #2 (and possibly #3...who knows, maybe even baby #4) could use it, too. We found one that fit our safety and personal criteria. The next day we got it out before our weekend ventures, and Annabelle loved helping Daddy figure out how to work it. I love these pictures of her sitting in it and "helping" Daddy. She's really into that right now, helping.



Can't remember the reason for the meltdown, but meltdowns aren't uncommon around our house these days!



Daddy's a good comforter!





The reason his attention was divided! BUT what a good Daddy to do it while the Cowboy game was on!




And, yes, another mini-fit. Just a part of her personality. Ain't no man gonna walk all over this girl one day!

 

Annabelle and Steston: Mommy and Kids Night Out

I feel so blessed to have my cousins still in my life and we're all close to this day. I feel just as blessed to have Chana, my cousin's fiance, also in my life. When we first met, just a little under two years ago, little did we know that we would both be expecting two little blessings...due a day apart from one another! God knew just how much my cousins meant to me, and so he continued that on by blessing Annabelle with her cousin, Stetson. These two are already best buds and love being around each other. I can't wait to watch them grow up and be close.

The other night, while the husbands were busy, Chana and I took the kids out for a Mommy and Son/Daughter night out. We took the kiddos out to eat and then back to our house for some play time. Chana and I laughed, literally, the entire night! These two are so funny together. From feeding each other at the restaurant, to giving hugs and kisses, to Stetson loving on Annabelle so much he'd push her down, and to sleepy babies ready to go nite-nite, it was a blast! Below are some of these sweet and special moments I captured. I heart these two kids. They are so sweet!

Side-note: If you know anything about my little Cousin, he makes the most hilarious faces! Especially if he is mad or sad. I was lucky to capture a few of these! Enjoy!

Daddy's Prayer

Every night when we put Annabelle to bed, we have a big group hug and pray over her. Daddy always has sweet prayers, but tonight's was a little out of the ordinary, and I had to type it out before I forgot...

"Dear God...please, please let the Rangers win (this prayer was in the 8th inning of the first game of the playoffs against the Yankees). Just once, let them have a good game, and prove you're not a Yankees fan...just this once. Oh, and keep us safe and watch over us, bless us. Except for this 6 to 5 game. However, I know you have a reason for everything. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

Couldn't help but let a giggle out during this one. I'm going to have to second this prayer. Please, Lord. Let the Rangers win!!!!

AMEN!

Signs of Fall at the Aldrich House

 I've been on a fall decorating tear lately, and the urge hasn't subsided one bit! I still want to spend all my extra time at Hobby Lobby or Michael's and fill up my house with fall goodness. Like Austin keeps telling me, "You'll build up your fall collection a little bit at a time!" Well, patience is becoming an issue and I want to do it all now. Here are some glimpses of the "fall-ness" at the Aldrich house. Believe me, my house smells just as fall as it looks! I'm probably overdoing the fall candles around here! Happy fall, everyone!



Pumpkin Streussel Muffins...Y-U-M-M-Y!





My own fall creation that I made, but got the idea from my friend Kendra's blog! I made all of this for around $20!



New Church = New Nursery = No Ms. Melissa *tear*

Austin and I are still searching for a church home. We're really wanting to find a church that is our home and we both feel that we belong to. We both love FBCG, where I grew up, but it wasn't a place we found together. However, the people at that church are so dear to me...it's going to be really hard to find that elsewhere. The hardest part of all is AB's Sunday School teacher and dear friend of mine, Melissa, is at FBCG. I had not a worry in the world, dropping her off in Sunday School as a baby. I knew she would be loved on and looked after. I was actually Melissa's daughter's babysitter when they were small, so we go way back. It's also hard (call me spoiled), when you've been going to the same church since you were three, and when you walk in the door everyone knows you and your baby and loves your baby. I knew this wouldn't be the case at a new church, not at first anyway, but Austin and I feel it is the best thing and what we need to do for our family. So, Sunday morning we got up and got ready for church. This time we went on Sunday morning instead of Saturday night, and this time brought AB to the nursery. Luckily, Cousin Chana and Stetson came with us, so AB wasn't in the nursery without her cousin.

We walked into the childcare area, walking around aimlessly, not knowing where to go. Again, not a problem I've had in the last 24 years.  The nursery workers were very nice and helped us find the correct room. Although everyone was friendly...they weren't Ms. Melissa. No one greeted us at the door with arms wide open and squealing in excitement to see my baby (see, I told you I was spoiled). Annabelle clung to Austin's shirt and didn't want to go. They were loving and tried to comfort her, but they didn't know anything about her, like Melissa. I tried and tried to think of the positives, but this one was a hurdle for me, and I don't quite think I've overcome it. I also, was not impressed with the security systems put into place at this church...which surprised me. I'm trying to decide whether or not I'm just being picky because it wasn't FBCG, but Austin had the same thoughts as I did. Anyway, I'm not giving up, but I sure wish wherever we were visiting, we could take Melissa with us.

After church, and a nap, of course, I snapped some pictures of Annabelle in her Sunday outfit (that Lindsey made for her) and of her first day in a new nursery. It's gonna take time, prayer and patience, but I know God will hear my prayers and concerns and give me a peace. I just have to make sure I'm being receptive...I tend to be a little hard-headed (surprised, right?).



After church with her Elmo, that Ms. Melissa, Mr. James, Andrea and Kathryn gave her.



After her nap, this girl was h-u-n-g-r-y. I find it's easier just to strip down to a diaper for meals, now. She's way too messy at this age! I love these pictures, so happy and excited! Check out that big 'ol smile! 

On a positive note, I did like that they put a sticker on their diaper to let us know if they were changed or not. However, at FBCG, we get a detailed sheet of their diaper changes, etc...I know, I know, I need to let it go, but if you, and those of you, who have had Ms. Melissa as your child's Sunday School teacher, you'd know what I was talking about.

I know it's fall...

...because of long-sleeves and overalls...

...and a few pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns...



...and if you're lucky, you just might even catch a glimpse of a witch or two.

Oh, and let's not forgot all the reds, yellows, oranges, and browns!



Yep, fall is officially here!