Nashville here we come!!!

I apologize for the lack of posts recently. Our lives have been a little busy. We have decided to move to Nashville. Ella Catherine and I will be moving this holiday (July 4th) weekend and Matt will stay back for a month or so to get things in order before joining us. A little trivia: I moved to Memphis 9 years ago July 4th weekend...weird huh? Although I am not in LOVE with the city of Memphis, all in all it has been very good to me. I met my true love, Matt and became part of his wonderful family. I have made wonderful life long friends. I have worked at an amazing hospital and had the pleasure of working with the best of the best in healthcare providers. Finally our beautiful baby girl was born in Memphis. So, Memphis will always hold fond memories and we will continue to make memories in Memphis as we return to visit family and friends.
No pictures today. I will continue to keep you updated on the move. Please say some prayers that our house sells fairly quickly! :)

Trip to Kansas City

Matt, Ella Catherine and I headed to Kansas City Friday. We went to visit Matt's Aunts, Uncles and cousins. It was a VERY short trip but we enjoyed it a lot. Saturday was father daughter day at the local petting zoo/farm. Matt and Ella Catherine went with Uncle David and his daughter Erica. As you can see from the photos She enjoyed it VERY much. When she saw the cows she mooed for everyone. Erica had to grab her to keep her from running into the pond after the baby ducklings. Matt said she wasn't scared at all. She walked right up to the goats and started petting away.

Saturday night we all had dinner at Aunt Syd and Uncle David's house. Matt had his first session with guitar hero and ended up staying up with all his cousins playing away. Something tells me we will have that game before too long. :)

Sunday we got up and went to church with Uncle Doc and Aunt Carolee. Ella Catherine behaved very well in church. She and the little boy in front of us played a little. They were quiet though. After church we went to brunch and met up with his cousins Caroline, Nick and Stephanie as well as Stephanie's boyfriend. Then we headed back to Memphis. A lot of fun sqeezed into a little time.

Erica holding Ella Catherine back from the baby Ducklings. Momma Duck was close by and was not too excited about Ella Catherine being so close.

Petting the goats.

Petting and feeding the large goat

Erica, Ella Catherine and Uncle David

Heading home after a busy morning!

Brian's Birthday/ Derby Party

It seems like yesterday that my big brother was standing by and encouraging me to ride my big wheel down the hill in our front yard. Or he, Kelly and I were playing fort with our neighbor John Hannon. So, it is really hard for me to believe that he is 40. So much has changed over the years, but some things have not. Brian is still a man who knows no strangers. He would still give the shirt off his back no questions asked to a friend in need. He still may try to come accross as a tough guy but he has a huge heart.

Matt, Ella Catherine and I traveled to Macon this past weekend to help him celebrate Derby Style! :) The invitations asked guests to wear there party hats and to get creative and make a hat that expressed you. Well, I didn't think I could make a hat here and transport it to Macon without it getting destroyed. So, I went out Friday night and bought a hat and decorated it Saturday before the party. It turned out well but by no means was the best hat of the evening. I think the best hat was a tie and goes to my brother and his long time friend Sally. You will see why in the pictures below. The festivities started at 4:30 with mint julips. We all gave our money and drew horse names out of a hat. Ella Catherine drew Eight Belles and won $10.00, which we put in her princess fund for college. I tried to get them to give her the big pot as the trauma of her horse being hurt and euthanized could scar her for life. However, her running around jabbering and giggling didn't help my cause. :) After the derby we ate a low country boil (shrimp, corn, potatoes and sausage) and drank more mint julips. It was a really great party and we had a great time. as you will see in the pictures below.

Ella Catherine and I in our hats. Somehow we couldn't get Matt to where a hat.

Ella Catherine wore her pink cowgirl hat a lot longer than I though she would. I think the awe of a new environment and new people took her mind off of it.

The co-winners of Best hat, Sally and the birthday boy!

The whole family!Top row starting from left: Lori, Cori, Brian, Kelly, mom holding EC, Keith and Becky. Bottom row from Left: Matt, Dad and Myself.

picnic

The weather has been so nice so we decided to have a picnic Saturday. Here is a picture of Ella Catherine sitting at her mini picnic table that Aunt Kelly and Cousin Cori gave her. She loves it, I think it makes her feel like a big person. :)

Spring FEVER

Spring is here and our little girl LOVES the great outdoors!!!

Fun with Friends

The last weekend of March my friend Heather and her little boy, Owen, who is 17 months old came into town. Last year when he visited Ella Catherine was on house arrest after her RSV hospitalization. So, this was their first meeting. We decided to have a play date Saturday morning before nap times and Kristen and her 20 month old son, Jude, came as well. As usual, at first Ella Catherine clung close to my side and just took everything in. Although, she started walking Feb 29th, it has been a slow process and she is still a little wobbly. Owen and Jude not only walk but run and she was enthralled by that. The boys were something to watch. Having older toddlers around is always an eye opener for me as to what we can expect in the not so distant future.

Ella Catherine got some Balloons for her birthday from her Mimi. They were still in good condition and she was enjoying "playing" with them so I hadn't popped them yet. Well, her "play" and the boys "play" were completely different. Ella Catherine enjoyed carrying them around the house by the holder. The boys had a blast punching and kicking them. It wasn't long before Ella Catherine got in on the action. Matt got it all on video. I'll try to download some footage later.

The weather wasn't very nice, but we did take them outside to play with the dogs and get some energy out. I think the first meeting went well. As you can see from the photos below, Ella Catherine gave Owen a kiss when he was leaving. :) We hate that they live so far away.

Ella Catherine getting in on the action

Jude, Owen and Ella Catherine

Ella Catherine leaning in for the goodbye smooch. :)

Ella Catherine is 1!

I can not believe that Ella Catherine is already one. Where has the year gone? It has been a wonderful year and the last week has been no exception.
She actually started walking on Leap Day Feb 29th. I guess she decided she wanted to be walking by one and that was what she did. Her actual Birthday was March 5th. We celebrated by having our picture made with live bunnies and a lamb. I CAN NOT wait to see how they came out. I'll keep you posted! Then we had dinner with Nana and Pop and topped it off by eating ice cream for the first time. She was so funny! She didn't want to try it at first but when she did, she had a huge grin and would clap after each mouthful! She may look like Matt but her love of sweets is all me! :) Friday March 7th it snowed in Memphis. I think the final count was 4-6 inches. So, she got to see snow for the first time. It melted away the next day but not before we got her out in it for a photo op and play. She had NO part of playing. Not a fan of snow yet. The week ended with her birthday party with family and friends today. She had a BIG day and was one pooped little girl tonight. It was a busy week and the blog doesn't do it justice, but I am one pooped momma.

Fun in the snow with dad

Looks Pretty but I want no part of touching it!

Our Friend Gray Patterson was at the party!

Our Friend Beckham Alexander was at the Party!

Our Friend Madison was at the party and was the most skilled as she was the oldest one there!

All the kids playing