My Little Stripper

I guess I knew the day would come when Raylee would begin to undress herself. I am just glad the first time was not in public. This is how I found her when she woke up today. She usually plays for a few minutes when she wakes up before I go in to get her. Guess she was ready to get those PJ's off. I just hope I have more time before she learns how to get that diaper off. I have heard the horror stories about kids taking off their diapers and smearing poop everywhere. Although Raylee may be, I don't think I am ready for that much "fun" yet!

First trip to the Zoo!

Yesterday me, Michael and Raylee went to the zoo. This was Raylee's first trip to the zoo and I was anxious to see how she would act. She did not really get too excited about the snakes, alligators, turtles or birds. I think it was hard for her to even notice them because they were all very still and kind of blended in with everything. But she paid alot more attention to the giraffes, camels, and of course the monkeys. (Check out the video "Monkey Business") I would not have been surprised if her little arm was sore the next day from all of the pointing she did. I think the monkeys and giraffes were her favorite. We also rode the train, but she was not impressed. She did not want to just sit! I still say that probably her favorite part of the whole trip was the mist maker that Daddy took her through on the way out. (Check out the video "The Mist") She probably pushed that button 20 times. She was soaked by the time we got in the car. Mommy, Daddy and Raylee had a great time!

UFC Atlanta

Ok, so I know it's crazy, but Michael and I went to Atlanta for the weekend along with several other couples to see the UFC fights that were in town. I actually ran in to "Rampage" Jackson at the mall in Atlanta the day of the fights. He was just there doing some shopping I guess. And of course, without meaning to, I acted like a fool when I saw him. I asked for a picture with him and I think I surprised him because I knew who he was. Anyway, before long I had blown his cover and attracted a crowd. Michael and the guys had split from us and did not believe us when we called to tell them who we had seen. By the time they made it to where we were he had already walked away to do some more shopping and his "photo shoot" was over. But they were still able to see him at a glance. We had a great weekend except for the results of some of the fights. If you know anything about the UFC, Chuck Liddell lost which was a shocker! He was knocked out cold and laid out in the ring for obout 5 minutes solid. It was a little scary to wittness. Anyway, It was exciting anyway just to have been there in person.

1 year old Pics

Happy First Birthday Raylee!

After a weekend of partying Raylee, Mommy and Daddy are exhausted. We had 2 birthday parties for Raylee this weekend. First, just an immediate family party on Thursday and then a friends and extended family party on Saturday. I was trying to keep both very simple, but we ended up going overboard as usual. Raylee got so many great things to play with and to wear and guess who had to open every present. You guessed it, Mommy! I guess I never thought about it, but she could care less about the gifts until they were unwrapped. Even then she was so overwhelmed with all of the toys she did not know which one to play with. I think every toy she got plays some kind of music. She danced ( and is still dancing ) to all of it. Thank you so much to everyone who helped get ready for the parties and thanks to everyone for all of the great gifts. I have yet to find a place for them all and doubt I ever will. Happy Birthday Raylee! You are SO loved!

It's Official!

Well, as much as I hate to say it, I guess it is official, the girl is walking! She has just taken off in the last week or so. Like I posted a few weeks ago, she has been taking just a couple of steps on her own now for a month or so, and all of a sudden she decided that walking is better than crawling. She is still falling a lot (pray for her little head), but she just keeps going. I can not believe my baby is walking and about to have her first birthday. I thank God for her every day. She has made me such a different person, and made me want to be such a better person at the same time. I only pray that I can be the Godly mother and influence that she needs me to be.

Fun in the Sun!

We are home now from the beach and really hate to get back to work and the real world. We had so much fun. Raylee loved it too. This was her first trip to the beach and it definately will not be her last. It was so much fun to watch her in the sand and in the ocean. She wasn't too sure about either of them at first, but she quickly warmed up to them both. She could not figure the sand out. As it would get stuck to her hand she would try to shake or pat it off. It was too cute. She was a little scared of the waves at first too. She held on to me for dear life when we sat down just to let them run up on us. But she finally was able to sit beside me and splash in them. We spent some time in the pool too, just for her. And she loved it as usual. But the favorite of hers was the hose pipe used to wash off the sand. She enjoyed it the most. I have decided that since she loved it so much we will have to spend some time at home playing in the hose pipe when we are in need of quick entertainment.

Our First Family Trip!

This was our first family vaccation, just us. Just being able to spend all day everyday together was the best part. Raylee will soon be one year old and she may not remember our first family trip, but Michael and I will cherish it forever.

Hangin' Out with Cousin Addie

Our cousins Cherri and Addie who live in Louisiana were in Gulf Shores the same week we were there so they came to hang out with us for a short while one day. This was only the 2nd time that Raylee and Addie have had a chance to play together. Hopefully we will see them again soon.