He is Risen; He is Risen Indeed

 I love Easter - I love the weather, the songs and the praise, the family, the food, the eggs and candy, and especially the meaning - I just love it all!   Emmalee was only 9 days old on Easter last year and it was her first day at church (yes, I took my baby to church when she was only 9 days old because I WAS NOT going to miss church on Easter Sunday).  She technically, she has had two Easters before she was even a year old!  HA!

On Friday, Brant and I both had to work, so Emmalee went to stay with "Special K," aka Brant's sister Kristie.  So Em got to spend the whole day playing with her cousin Aeson and got spoiled rotten!  And I love it - I love that she is so loved by all of her family and that she can spend time with and play with her.

Kristie sent this picture of the kids playing on Friday!

Saturday Emmalee and I had a play date with our good friends Baylor (and Baylor's mommy Leslie) and our friend Elizabeth (and Elizabeth's mommy Sally).  I love watching Em play with friends and watching how the all interact.  That afternoon Em and I went to a massive Easter Egg hunt at Crossroad Christian Church with Sister and her family.  When we got home our daddy was home for work so we spent the evening relaxing after our busy, but very fun, day!

Sunday was a fabulous day, too.  It all started off with checking out what the Easter Bunny brought us.  He brought new pj's, a cute new swimsuit cover-up, some Teddy Grahams, animal crackers, pacifiers, and a new sparkly ring rattle. 

 We went to church to praise our risen Savior!  I get goosebumps every time I think about it - how He died on a cross for me but overcame death and rose again.  He is ALIVE!  What glorious news!

After church we went to my parent's house with my sis and her fam and had a huge Easter egg hunt with all the kiddos, then a delicious lunch.   Then we just let the kids play and have fun together.

Let me just tell you that I LOVE seeing Emmalee with her cousins.  First of all, they adore her, but she adores them too, especially her Mason.  She grins from ear to ear when he walks into a room. But Ethan and Kate can always make her laugh, and Connor just dotes over her and makes sure that she has everything she could possibly need.  During our egg hunt, Em thought it was fun just to rattle the eggs - she could have cared less about gathering them in her basket (she had no idea Momma needed some of that candy!) - so Connor and Kate started gathering eggs for her and putting them in her basket.  Connor wanted to make sure Em had plenty, and was so willing to share everything he had with her.  It just melts my heart to see all of them together.

I am so thankful that Brant and I both have family close that get to spend time with Emmalee. Even though Brant's parents don't live in town, they definitely try to come and see Em as often as possible. 
 
Well I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter weekend as well.

Lucky Charm

Somehow I seem to enjoy the holidays a little more when I have a baby around - especially one I get to play dress up with!  I have loved finding fun new fabrics and patterns to make new outfits for Emmalee.  I'm not sure if sewing has saved me money, or just made me having a cuter-dressed child.  Either way - it works!  HA!  Regardless,  I had a decorated little lucky charm on St. Patrick's Day!

Her dad is already introducing her to the world of golf! He has high hopes!

Always on our feet these days!

The many faces of Emmalee Caroline!

 If you follow me on Twitter then you might have seen the full outfit because it had matching pants.  Because the weather has been very warm in Texas, I didn't want her to be too hot, so she wore the pants the day before w/ a cute little short sleeve white top, then the onesie on Saturday with this precious little skirt from Children's Place.

Well I hope you have a lucky charm this year, too!  I know mine is pretty special!

Escaping Eleven {Months}

That right - escaping, Emmalee Caroline - that is exactly how I feel about the past 11 months, they have escaped me and I know no clue where they have gone. Oh, but they have been the most amazing eleven months! 


The biggest new development is that you are starting to walk!  It seems like you just learned how to crawl, but now you are off to explore the world on foot.  

You are still one of the most content and happy baby I have ever known.  You love people and love to play! You rarely cry and are still a great sleeper and eater.  You still go to bed about 8:00 in the evening and wake up around 6:30.  You used to sleep later on the weekends, but you are growing much more consistent with your wake up time, regardless of the day.  You take two naps usually about an hour and a half each.

You eat 3 solid meals a day and are eating alot more table/finger foods.  You love to feed yourself and so far there is nothing that you don't like!  Some of your favorite foods are avocado, bananas, peaches, pears, carrots, peas and chicken.  This week you had meatloaf and loved it too!  You still have 4 6 oz. bottle each day.  This week we began mixing a little milk into your formula to ease the transition.  

You still wear a size 3 diaper and are wearing mostly 9-12 month clothes, with a few 12 month outfits mixed in because it has been very warm lately.  

Every day you seem to be becoming more and more of a daddy's girl.  You smile the instant you see him and almost leap into his arms. Everyday your hair seems to get lighter and lighter.  Your blonde hair and blue eyes are just like him, too.  You have a lot of your daddy in you, sweetheart, and that is a wonderful thing.  You are patient, you are funny, you have sweetest spirit about you, and you love to laugh and smile just like he does. 

Only one more month until we celebrate one of the most amazing days of my life - the day you were born.  Oh how I love you more than I ever thought possible, sweet girl.  Your name alone brings a smile to face and laughter to my heart. 

I love you, Emmalee Caroline Williams, and you are {still} the light of my {and your daddy's} life!

Baby On The Go

I know - I have been so horrible at posting lately - but do you ever get so involved in something else that you forget about your poor blog?  I did - its called Twitter!  I have been on Twitter for a while now (you can follow me with awilliams0720) but for some reason, I feel like I am on it all the time. I fell like I have become connected to these moms - I call them my twends (twitter+friend=twends!)

Anyways, I am so sorry that I have neglected my sweet blog.  Here is an update on Ms. Emmalee Caroline, since that is all the most of your care about (and just FYI - I am totally okay with that!).

Little Miss Em is a baby on the go.  She started taking a few steps over the weekend, but didn't really seem like a fan of walking but that has all changed.  The most she has walked is about 8 or 9 steps, but she'll fall and get right back up.  She is just so darn cute.  Ms. Donna (AKA Best sitter EVER) sent me this video today.




I'm afraid that the next time I turn around she'll be running!  And of course she is completely mobile whether walking or crawling or cruising and is into everything!  Every morning she comes into my bathroom while I am getting ready and it is a daily battle to keep her out of the trash!  She thinks its another "basket" of toys!  WRONG, sister!  The trash is not for you to play with!

Well I had great plans for this weekend, but I think we are reconsidering since the high is only in the 50's and 60's.  What happened to our high 70 and 80 degree weather???  Last weekend we had so much fun playing outside - we got to swing outside, go for a walk, play outside with Dax - its was downright awesome!!!

Saturday evening, we went to our cousins' school carnival and watched Kate & Ethan ride the mechanical bull!  It was hysterical!!!








Well I hope each of you has a fabulous weekend! 

Tasty Tuesday - Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Not that I ever disliked oatmeal, but for some reason I am all of the sudden in love with it.  Maybe its because it is on-key for a low-point, but still delicious, Weight Watchers breakfast; or maybe its just because I actually "learned" how to cook it...and by learned I mean I just make up my own recipe and liked it!

So, I just thought I would share with you how I make a delicious, but simple and easy, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.



For 4 servings
Ingredients:
2 sweet apples (I use Gala or Fuji), diced (up to you whether skin is on or off). (This is a perfect opportunity to use that last apple or two that is a little too soft to eat, but you don't want to waste). 
3 TBSP of butter, Divided (1 TBSP & 2 TBSP)
1 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
1/4 cup brown sugar, divided (1/2 & 1/2)
Handful of nuts (I prefer almonds or pecans)
Optional:  Raisins (it is delicious with or without)
Instant Oats (Use per instructions on the box)

In a saute pan, melt 1 TBSP of butter.  Add your apples.  Cook for about 3-4 minutes to all apples to begin to soften.  Add in your cinnamon, nutmeg, 1/2 your brown sugar, and nuts.  Continue to cook on medium heat for about 3-4 more minutes.   You want your apples to be soft, but not mushy.

Cook your oatmeal per the instructions on the box or can.  Once its is completely cooked, add 2 TBSP butter, other half of brown sugar. Stir together.  Once mixed, add apples and nut (and any other ingredient you like).  Taste.  If needed, you can add a little more brown sugar or cinnamon to reach your preferred sweetness. 

Hope you Enjoy!

Make it a Day of Thanks

Megan from "In This Wonderful Life" posted today about being thankful and it made me think about the things I am thankful for.

I am thankful

• First and foremost, because I have a savior who loves me and chooses to bless me even though I don't deserve it.
• because I have an incredible husband who loved me and loves our daughter unconditionally
• because I get to look into these baby blues everyday

Picture by Amanda Rooney Photography

• because I have an incredible job that I enjoy going to everyday, who values their employees, and understands the demands of being a parent
• because my sweet baby is healthy, feeling much better and her nasty cold and ear infection is gone
• because I have in-laws that I love and that love me (and yes, this makes me so thankful because I know way too many people who don't have a good relationship with their spouse's family)

So what are you thankful for?  Let's make this a "Tuesday of Thanks "!

If you want to,lets link up!! Tell me what you are thankful today - even ifs its just one thing - what are you thankful for???

Bows, Bows, Bows

I love bow - BIG bows!  I love putting BIG bows on my baby.  

I live by the slogan "The bigger the bow, the better the momma!"

A few days ago, I was going through Em's 12-month wardrobe to make sure I had a bow to coordinate with EVERY outfit! 

I mean, lets get serious for a minute, how many pictures of Emmalee Caroline have you seen on this blog where she doesn't have a bow in?  Yeah, that's what I thought. 

Seriously y'all, the child had a bow on her head since she was a day old - literally!!!

So I'm sure you now understand how BIG of a deal this is:

I

Let

My 

Daughter

Wear

A 

Small

Bow!!!!!

And she was so stinkin' cute in it!!!!!

Em has gotten to the point that she pulls all of her big bows off  - well, at least she pulls the headbands off.  So, since she has a headfull - and I mean HEADFULL - of beautiful blond hair, I decided that I would experiment.  I put just a small clippy bow in her hair to see if she would pull it out - and she NEVER even touched it!  

So it looks like we might be sizing down our bows.  And I'm not going to lie, it makes me a little sad!  Don't get me wrong, I will still attempt to put big ole' bows on top!!

How sweet is this little face? She is so sweet I could just eat her up!

A Day in the Life...

...of a Working Mom

Today, Kelly is hosting a blog hop for working moms. 

If you are a working mom then you KNOW this:  its not easy.  Some days are brutal, but we do it ALL for our babies!

Growing up, I always dreamed of being a mother.  Its all I dreamed about.  All I wanted to do was have babies and raise them and love them.  But I was always torn because I always wanted to have a career, too.  Luckily for me, the Lord had both of these in His plan for me.  I am a momma, I am a wife, and I am a Corporate Compliance Specialist. 

My schedule is can be crazy, some days.  My morning starts at 5:30am.  I get up and get myself completely ready then wake up Emmalee at 6:30.  I get her dressed for the day, then she has a bottle.  We spend a few minutes together, then this Momma grabs her (as a fellow blogger called it) "crack" (aka coffee) and is out the door.  Emmalee stays with her daddy for about 30 minutes until they leave to go to Ms. Donna's. 

While Momm and Daddy are at work, Emmalee plays at Ms. Donna's with her friends.  I work until 4:30, then head straight to Donna's to get Em.  We're usually home by 5 or 5:15.  As soon as we get home, Emmalee snacks or plays in her high chair while I work to start dinner.  After dinner, we play and have our bath (Emmalee LOVES her bath.).  I start getting Em ready for bed around 7:40 or so, then she has her bottle at 8 and goes to bed. 

I may not have a ton of time with Emmalee during the day, but my time with her is so precious and we have so much fun together. 

There are a few things that make being a working mother easier. 

First, I know that I am doing what is best for my family.  I am able to contribute to our finances so that we can live comfortably and not have to constantly worry about the dollar amount in the bank.  It definitely makes things MUCH less stressful. 

Second, I have an incredible sitter, Ms. Donna.  Seriously, y'all, I think I have the VERY BEST sitter ever.  Donna only keeps children until they are two, so her day is devoted to holding and loving "her" babies. She absolutely adores them.  Emmalee has made such sweet friends there.  I love walking in and seeing her playing with them, and "talking" with them.  One of the most important things to me is knowing that Em loves being with Donna.  One of her first words (besides Momma and Dada)  was Nonna.   I have never walked into Donna's home and seen anything this precious toothy grin! 

Third, I have an incredible job that allows me to have flexible hours and take time off as needed.  Whether it is for a doctor appointment or Emmalee is sick, I have always been allowed to work when needed.  I am so lucky to work for a company that is built on the foundation that understands the importance of family. 

Although I would love to be at home with Emmalee, I feel that I am doing what is best for her now.  I am confident that the Lord has me where I am for a reason.  He has blessed me beyond imagination.  I have an amazing family, and precious daughter, and job that allows me to provide for my family. 

If you are a working mom looking for in-home childcare, or if you are pregnant and going back to work, this is a GREAT website for a network of in-home childcare providers.  All providers here are licensed or registered care providers. 

I Like To Eat

Eating.

Its something I really like to do.  However, in my journey to lose 40 lbs, I'm on the right track.  I'm 4 weeks into my weightloss and my first goal is to lose at least 15 lbs by April 15th, Emmalee's first birthday.  So far I'm over half way there.  I have lost 8.6 lbs and my clothes are fitting so much better.  I can't wait until I am acutally able to go buy some new clothes in SMALLER sizes! 

Eating. 

Its also something my daughter REALLY likes to do!

Y'all, this video just cracked me up.  This is an every-meal thing - this girl loves to eat!  What's funny about it is that she is so darn skinny, she can't keep her pants up!   She has a couple pair of Old Navy 6-12 months jeans and at {almost} 10 months old, she still can't keep them up.  Yesterday she wore them and I tied a ribbon around her waist to keep them up. 

Last night she was playing and Brant and I just couldn't help but laugh when we saw this:
         

And yes, she is playing with her daddy's shoes - she thinks its fun to unlace them!  

A Night with {3} New Friends

I had the most wonderful night last night.  Brant had picked up some Chinese take-out from our favorite Chinese place - Happy Wok (real good for my WW points, I know!).  So I fed Emmalee, had some dinner, then the three of us just played, and played, and played.  About the time that it was time for Emmalee to go to bed, I made her bottle, handed her (and the bottle, of course) off to Brant, then left to go up to the hospital.

My sweet friend, Ashlee, and her husband, Nathan, just had triplets (naturally, I might add.  NO fertility drugs).  Ashlee was so gracious and invited me to come see the babies.  I was thrilled, and of course jumped at the opportunity to see them.  They are the sweetest little things you have ever seen!

Sweet Savannah - Baby A - weighing 3.3lbs at birth and is now 4 lbs. 15 oz. 

Ms. Harlee - Baby B - weighing 3.6 lbs when she was born and is now just barely over 5 lbs.

Super Cooper - weighing 2.6Lbs when he was born, now a little over 4 lbs.

It was just a fabulous evening of feeding and cuddling these sweet angels. They are all doing so great!  The are still being monitored for their vitals, and have feeding tubes, but they are in open cribs and thriving.  Right now, all the girls have to do is take all of their bottles then they can be wire free!  Harlee and Savannah might be home in a week, and Cooper will probably be following close behind. 

The Verner Family

Me and all the babies: Cooper, Harlee, and Savannah

Just a Swingin'

Yesterday was a horrible day.  It was one of those "only once in a blue moon" days that I was plagued with a feeling of guilt over being a working mom.  Most days being a working mom doesn't bother me - I work becasue I need to help support my family.  Most days (most, not all), the good outweighs the bad, but yesterday was not one of those days. 

However, there are a few things that definitely made it a better day.

First, and most importantly (although some may disagree), I am doing what is best for my family.  I am supporting and loving them with every minute that I am away.  I am happy at work, I love my job, and it provides us a means to live comfortably without always being obssessed with the dollar amount in the bank.

Second, I know that Emmalee is having a great time at Ms. Donna's.. Y'all, I might have the all-best sitter EVER! She absolutely LOVES every single baby in her home just like they were her own.  I have never walked in and seen anything but a toothy-grin on my daughter's face.  She is happy, and playing and making friends and being loved every minute of it! 

So, after a long, difficult day yesterday, Brant and I decided that it was the perfect evening to take Emmalee to the park.  So we pack up the car as soon as we got home and have, in my mind, the perfect family night. I think we have definitely decided to have Emmalee's first birthday party at the park because this little girl LOVES to swing!

We had so much fun!  Then we headed to the perfect dinner destination - Chick-Fil-A.  Then we came home, game Em a bath (which she LOVES), then she played, played and played!  For Christmas she was given an activity walker by her Granda and Grandad, but she wasn't really a fan of actually walking with it...until tonight.  Y'all, I was so proud!  I was just sitting on the couch, then I all of the sudden heard the walking song and she was just toddling all over the living room!  So then I screamed for Brant and it took us 10 minutes for her to even do it again - ha!



In my mind, it was a perfect little evening - just me and my (in my mind) perfect little family!  Can I just say this - no matter how many good days, or bad day - I LOVE being a momma!

...and other Phenomena of Motherhood

So many of you know my dear friend, Amanda.  



Amanda and sweet Ms. Beverly at my wedding.



Some of you know her as Amanda, some know her as AmandaMoJo, and many of you know her as Baby Bangs.  But to me, she is my friend - and a sweet, precious one at that!  And if you do know her as the author of Baby Bangs, then I hope you know what Baby Bangs represents:  "Besides a baby, what pregnant women get in return for surrendering their waistlines is nine months of thick, glorious hair. It’s a beautiful thing. However, when Baby is just a few months old (about the time Mommy is seeing hints of her returning waistline) it all falls out. Soon her face is framed by the re-growth—lovely inch-long hairs called baby bangs." (taken from Baby Bangs).  

As of today, I am FULLY understanding what baby bangs is all about!   So today's post:  MY phenomana of motherhood!

Phenomena 1 

An inability to sleep through the night - regardless of how exhausted I am.  Not becasue my baby wakes up (becasue she literally sleeps thought the night most nights) but because I "think" I hear her and my momma-ears pick up every single sound...even if it is just her snoring!

Phenomena 2

An inability to stay awake past 10 pm. I absolutely cannot do it.  To be 100% honest, I'm not sure if this is a side-effect from motherhood, or old age.

Phenomena 3

Loss of brain cells and memory.  They say pregnent women have "pregnant brain" because they can be foregetful and completely absent minded.  Well NEWS FLASH - IT DOESNT GO AWAY! Just becasue you have that sweet angel in your arms instead of your tummy doesn't mean that your memory, brain cells and sanity come back...they don't. 

Phenomena 4

Allergies. I have never had allergies - I like to think I have an immunity due to living in Texas all my life.  But then I had a baby...and now I have allergies!  Seriously?  Of all the phenomena to happen, I have to get allergies?

And last, but not least...

Phenomena 5

I have baby bangs, and have no idea what to do with them!

BUT
If this is my reward for all of the "phenomena" I get, then I'll take it!!!

Shop Emmalee Caroline's Closet

Well its about time that I finally cleaned out Emmalee's closet.  It has been such a hard thing to do because it simply means that my sweet baby girl is getting bigger everyday.  At first I wasn't going to get rid of anything, but after filling up an entire HUGE tub of clothes that she can't wear anymore, I gave it a different look.

So, here are a few things that are up for grabs from Emmalee's closet.  All items are in excellent condition.  f you have any questions, please feel free to comment or email me.  I am negotiable on prices, so also feel free to make me an offer!

Happy Shopping!

Size 1 Flower Sandals. EUC $5

Sweet White Dress Shoes with white bow on top - Size 1. New in box! $8

Precious red ruffle top with black/white pant set. 6-9 months...SUPER cute!  $5

Sweet and warm boutique crocheted pink hooded sweater jacket. Never worn. Size 6-12 months.  $8

2 3-piece Carter's outfits.  0-3 months.  $5

Carter's band 0-3 month jean overall dress - only worn once.  $3

2 2-piece Carter's pant sets.  1set is a navy & white stripped top with cute little red flower and parachute sleeves and  red pants.  2nd outfit is black with pink and white flowers with coordinating pink striped pants.  $6 (for both)

2 NB sleepers with 0-6 month sleep sack (never used).  Not pictured but included is small swaddler blanket that was never used. $7

4 0-3 month sleepers.  $6

Another favorite.  Sweet pink and white smock suit with matching sweater. So precious and only worn once. $4

Boutique Pink frilly ruffle gown. Size 3 months. Only worn once. $8