"Been crazy all day long and it's only Monday, Mr. Mom" ~ Lonestar

This sure has been an interesting month.  If you didn't know, Jeffery is on paternity leave and has spent all of January at home watching Carmie.  It's very sweet, and he and Carmie have really been able to bond.  As you might expect, there have been some funny stories to come out of all this.

My favorite over the past couple weeks is the story of Jeffery vs. the Squirrel, but I should start at the beginning...

The Kids Exchange was this month.  Since mom and I volunteer to work we were able to get in early and shop!  This was our second time shopping the Exchange early, and although we were prepared for the line we were not prepared for the cold.  We waited in line for about an hour in probably 50 degree weather (bbuurrrr!).  As you can see from the picture the line was wrapped around the Jim Graham building.  It was ok though, the event is so big we had time to review the map (in mom's hands) showing the layout of all the items.

Mom and I were able to get some great buys for Carmie.  I found adorable smocked outfits, and mom found a rocking chair for the porch.



About four and a half hours later, we decided we'd had enough (a.k.a. spent too much money!) and headed home. Soon after leaning I received a call from Jeffery.  His first line was, "um, Babe, we have a problem."  My mind begins to race, "what's wrong with the baby?" "what in the house is broken now?"  "Lord, please don't let the pipes be leaking again!".  Jeffery then proceeds to tell me there is a squirrel in the fireplace.  After talking to Bob we decide to wait until the next day to try to do anything with our new little furry friend.  Jeffery called one place and they told him the standard fee for animal removal was $250!  We just had a baby.  We can't afford $250 to get this squirrel out!  Once Carmie went down for her nap Jeffery put Bennett in her kennel and prepared for a face off with the furry intruder.  He opened up all the doors to the downstairs and in his oven mitts and with a broom in hand Jeffery was ready to help the squirrel find his way back to nature.  Althought he needed a bit of coaxing with the broom, the squirrel was able to find his way outside just before Carmie work up from her nap!  As cute as the little guy was I think I will have to agree with my friend Keyana, "If I didn't invite you and you're not paying rent, you do not belong in my house."

Thankfully we had the grandparents to come visit this month as well.  Carmie sure does love all the attention she gets!  Debbie got all the sweet kisses in that poor little Carmie's cheeks could tollerate.

Luther and Carol were able to get in some Carmie squeezes as well.  Good thing for Bob, Carmie and I had already gone to Laurinburg over the MLK weekend so he was able to play with the sweet baby too!

Of course, it hasn't all been smiles and baby giggles.  Sweet Carmie had to get her four month shots yesterday.  Up until the point they stuck her with those needles she was the sweetest baby in the doctors office.  As much as I hate taking her in for shots, I do love that I get to see how much she's grown.  Currently her stats are as follows:

Length - 24 1/4 inches (50%)

Weight - 13 lbs 10.5 oz (50%)

Well, that's about all the excitement I think I can stand for one blog.  Enjoy until next time!



It Wont Be Like This For Long - Darrius Rucker

Dear 2011,

What a great year you were! Jeffery and I had some great vacations with family and friends, and our shining moment of the year was when Ms. Carmie Elizabeth came into our lives at 3:14 am on September 21.

Since then as you can imagine we have been very busy learning how to raise a baby, which I am using as my excuse for not writing since July. Carmie has been such a joy in our lives, as I’m sure most people would assume a new baby would be. However, let’s not forget that the best thing I had to compare a baby to was my trusty dog Bennett! Several new moms’ I knew told me a couple of times, “If you can just get through the first six weeks…,” “if you can just get through the first three months it will get better.” I don’t know what they were talking about. Every stage has been AMAZING!

During the first month Carmie was the best little snuggler. She would eat and then nestle down to sleep on your chest. I loved how she would squirm around until her head rested just under your neck. I think she liked hearing heartbeats.

In her second month of life she celebrated her first Thanksgiving and began holding her head up and started cracking a toothless grin.

By the third month she had begun developing her sweet personality (well, most of the time). Carmie knows what she wants and when she wants it. Some call this “spoiled.” I just say she knows what she wants out of life.

2011, thank you for being such a wonderful year. I’m sad to see you go, but looking forward to seeing what 2012 has to bring for our new family!

Cheers,

Liz