HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Vote for Punkin

I somehow nicknamed Riley "Punkin" while in the hospital, and she knows that name almost better than her given name. Anyway, I took this picture yesterday while Chris was early voting.



Here she is this morning in another cute outfit.







-- Post From My iPhone

Excuse me for the long post...

I'm finding it harder and harder to find time to blog since Riley is so much more active these days and wants my attention more and more. This post is full of the random activities of the past few weeks.

We took a trip to the Memphis Zoo two Saturdays ago with Cager and Maris. The weather was great, and Riley loved being in her stroller and watching all the people, trees, animals, etc. Yes, I understand she was probably more stimulated by the shadows created by the trees and sunlight, but non the less, it really tired her out, and she slept great that night!

Me and Chris (my hand is on the stroller, but Riley didn't make the picture, Sorry!)

Cager and Maris

This is the first time we've been and actually seen the pandas awake.
Riley enjoyed a nap while we were taking in all the animals.
This is the newest member of the zoo, the baby giraffe.
Cager was convinced this gorilla was just a statue, because it kept this pose for quite a while.

The following Sunday we had Riley's first official photo shoot done. Below is my favorite, but click here to see the rest.

Last Tuesday, we packed up for our trip to the beach with Chris's family. We drove to Columbus Tuesday evening, and hit the road Wednesday morning at 6:15 towards Fort Morgan. We had a great week. Riley was very entertained and spoiled by all the attention. Millie got to hang out with her other canine cousins as well. There were 8 dogs and 8 people, talk about a zoo! Riley travelled great, which was a huge blessing. We all had a great time, and it was a nice vacation before I must return to work.

Riley and her Aunt KK

Naptime with Grandpa, how sweet.

One of her new outfits, and apparently she's trying to eat the couch! She loves her play mat.
Riley and her GG and Johnny
Speaking of returning to work, I go back next Thursday. I'm somewhat looking forward to being around adults again, but I know I will miss my time at home with Riley. Luckily, we have a wonderful sitter who will be keeping Riley. We were really fortunate to get in with her, and she said Riley is a really good baby, which makes me feel much better about it.

Weekend road trip

***I'm having issues with the blogs posting in the correct order, but please scroll down, as I have added a few posts. My apologies that the pictures are a little thrown in there. I have a fussy one at the moment!

We took our first road trip this weekend with Riley. We spent the weekend in Starkville with my grandmother. Nana B and Granny Ann kept Riley while Chris and I got to go to the game. Hooray for the Bulldogs on their win over Vandy! Also, Millie got to meet her new cousin, Ginger, who is Granny's new Yorkie.

Chris and I did manage to eat our way through Starkville while we were there. We had Harvey's Friday night, the Grill for lunch on Saturday, Oby's for Sunday lunch, and Peppers in Tupelo on the return trip home Sunday evening. Needless to say, I need to be walking Riley around the neighborhood this week!

Riley also got to spend Sunday afternoon with her other grandparents and great-grandparents before we returned home. Nana B came with us to Memphis for an additional 2 days to spend with her little girl.

Side note: A picture of Savannah Deakle has been added to the blog a few post below.

Favorite things

I put together a gift basket for Savannah Deakle a couple of weeks ago containing our favorite and most useful items we have used for Riley this far. I highly suggest these things if you are shopping for baby shower ideas. In no particular order:

Gowns: Riley has slept in a gown from day one. She spent the better part of her first 2 weeks in them. They make the middle of the night diaper changing much easier.

Disposable changing pads: unless someone wants to wash the changing table pad daily, I recommeng protecting it.

Totally todler stain remover: I'm only able to find this at babies r us, but it is worth the trip.

Milacon: these drops have helped settle her stomach during the fussy, pitching a fit nights.

Receiving blankets: lightweight and very useful.

Burp cloths: see above

Travel bath supplies

I know I included a few other items, but that is all that comes to mind. A few other items I've come to enjoy would be:

My iPhone: I was very resistant in the beginning, but it never leaves my side. I'm even guilty of playing on it during 3am feedings.

Baby bath tub: Riley has really come to enjoy her baths, and it is a great way to keep her awake.

Dr. Brown bottles: they work great at reducing the air in the bottle.

Thats my list for now. I'm sure it will evolve as she grows up and transitions into other items.

-- Post From My iPhone

2 Month Birthday

Yesterday was Riley's 2 month birthday. She went to the doctor last week for her 2 month shots. Her checkup went really well, and she was 11.2 pounds and 22.5 inches long. Her baby acne has cleared up, and it was shot time. Needless to say, she screamed, and I cried. But luckily she didn't have any after effects.

Sleepy girl

-- Post From My iPhone

Welcome Savannah Ellen Deakle!!!

Congrats to Ashley and Landon on the arrival of Savannah Ellen last night. She weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was 20 inches long. I'll post a picture once Ashley and Landon can get them posted to their site. Riley can't wait to meet her new friend!

My many faces

Do you think she knows she's cute?


-- Post From My iPhone

Bathtime

-- Post From My iPhone

Baptism and Birthday

Yes, it's been a while since I've updated (as was pointed out to me today)! Riley was baptized at church this morning. My parents came up yesterday with my brother, and the rest of the family all drove up from Starkville and Columbus this morning. It was so wonderful to have not only all the grandparents here, but all her great-grandparents we also able to make it. After church, everyone gathered back at our house for a Memphis style lunch...BBQ! It was a feast, and was enjoyed by all.

Below are some family pictures we took today. As a side note, the gown Riley wore is the same gown David and I both wore when we were baptized as infants.





Below is a picture of 4 generations of females on my side of the family.



Today was also my mom's birthday! Thanks mom for sharing your special day with Riley. We all had a great time and it was nice to all be together!