Hmmm....

Ever wonder what would happen if you give a 10.5 month old her sippy cup when she's obviously not that hungry after dinner?

Turns out, this. I walked away for a very short period of time and this is what awaited me. Reese sure enjoyed it, though. It was Friday, I let her get a little crazy...
And to add to it, the Ace Ventura hairdo. Love it. She wears it well.

Beep. Beep.

Clear the way. This little girl is coming through and if you're in her way, guess what? You're getting run over! She is all over the place. She has been at this for quite some time, but yesterday we took it to a whole new level. No more test drives. Nope, Mr. Lion took it to the streets. This may not have been the smartest mommy decision I've ever made (letting my 10 month old drive wreckless on pavement) but Reese sure thought it was cool. She pushed Mr. Lion around the cul de sac until she literally fell out from exhaustion. Easiest nap yet. Something about getting out from the four walls. Paradise.


She took several breaks to give herself props. A few claps and then she's back on the road. Maybe she's on to something...the next time you get road rage try taking a moment to congratulate yourself. Throw the car in park, give yourself a few claps, then back on your merry way. The world would be a better place.
Thanks, Reese.

MADE BY:

Dallas & Jenn. (It should also say God, but for the sake of the shirt, we'll assume you already counted him.) By far, our best work yet. More rewarding everyday. And cuter too!!

The only one that matters

to her is #8.  We walked her over to the lineup and she kept pointing to his name.  One might say it's because his name was directly at her eye level.  Another might say she's genius.  I'll let you guess which one we think...

RE-Z in the Big EZ

Oh boy. Was that a trip. Okay, listen up. You know I have to vent. I can not keep my feelings bottled up for too long, it becomes a health issue for me. With that said, please ask yourself the following questions...

Were you born in New Orleans?

Is New Orleans your dream vacation?

Are you relocating to the lower Louisiana area soon?

Do you believe New Orleans to be the best place on earth?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please, for the sake of yourself and mine, do.not.scroll.down. Just call it a day from reesiepieciepoo.com Walk away. Check back tomorrow, maybe I'll write about my favorite candy that just happens to be your favorite too. Just spare yourself from the pain I may cause. Spare me from the guilt I will feel for hurting your feelings.

New Orleans is the hottest place on God's green earth. Seriously, this place is the last stop before you know where. I grew up in the south. I know humidity. This was beyond humid. It was past the point of hot. You could no longer breath in air. Seriously, people. This is the place where they should send criminals. See if they commit any crimes after they get a little taste of what their future could be like when it's their time to go. The world would be a better place. Lots of little satins would become believers in a flash. I'm convinced. We were all in a constant state of sweat. This does not do much for your looks. My hair grew like a chia pet. Oh, and the sin in that place. I would rather visit where people keep their boobs in their bras. That's why they sell them, people. The city needs a magic eraser to clean it up too. I just felt dirty. I could go on for days. My complain-o-meter went through the roof. Oh, and none of the guys could hit there. It was like some New Orleanian (?) made an isotope voo doo doll. (And yes, they sell them. A shop across from our hotel had actual voo doo dolls) Our team average is s.304. This is the best hitting team Dallas has ever played with and all of their averages dropped .25 points or so. NOT because the Zephyrs were any good. Nope, it was the voo doo dolls, oh, and because we were in hell. literally. Dallas finally went 1 -3 with a walk and we were happier than a week ago when he hit 3 homers in a game. So sad. Our expectations lowered with each game. Hearing the players talk about the games, city, etc was hilarious. No one liked it.

Now, with all this said, I have to throw in some positives. The people. I did not meet a person I didn't love there (well, except the fat, old chicks showing their boobies). I met so many neat people. And after all they went through with Katrina. They were amazing. We walked the city everyday and everyone spoke to Reese. (I think she thought she needed to run for homecoming queen there too) The girl was a social queen. She made friends at breakfast, at the field, the hotel, didn't matter. And Dallas' teammates are amazing. God sure put him there for a reason. They all came over and spoke to Reese every time they saw her. She was the team mascot. But, nobody was as cool as her Daddy. Dallas was in love. He could not believe how big she was and her hair. The girl has got a head full! He ate her up every chance he got. Dallas' parents were there too and they got some good quality time with Reesie. All in all, it was well worth it. Mom and I had a blast (as usual) traveling together. Dallas and I had so much fun together, Reesie got to see her other grandparents and enjoy them, and the best part? We get to see Dallas again in less than a week. With an off day. And....not in NEW ORLEANS! Whew hoo!

Needless to say, signing with the Mets (it's their AAA affiliate) will be our last choice for any of our future endeavors.

Oh, and my pictures. Due to the hotter than you know where conditions, I was uninspired. They are poop. I am embarrassed as a photographer. These are snapshots. Nothing more. Please do not judge. If you do you may get sent to New Orleans. And nobody wants that.





I'll post the rest of my "snapshots" on our site later. For now, it's off to bed where I'll dream of the Music City and try and clear my head of the chest flashers and beads. Sleep tight...

Ladies, start your engines...

The race to Naw Leans is on! We're three women on a mission. We have one focus and one focus only...go see Daddy!! Reesie could hardly sleep last night just thinking about her main squeeze. It's all Dallas can talk about to. We are all anxiously awaiting our #1 guy. We leave this evening on the 7.5 hour drive to Louisiana. We've got lots of earths best, einstein dvd's, waters, diet pepsi, and love. That's all you need baby! (And maybe a few hundred stops at Starbucks for green tea along the way) We're ready.

We are pretty sure we'll stop half way. I'm thinking that Dallas would prefer not to see me as a zombie when he arrives Friday. I have not seen him in a month (which I do not recommend by the way) and we have never spent more than 2 weeks apart since we got married. Reese has not seen him in 2 months (will never happen again...), so this is going to be so special. Don't worry, we already have plans for Nashville (my whole family to be exact, Mom, Daddy, Boo Uncle D, and of course me & Reesie) which is two weeks away. We all can't wait. With all of this said, please pray for us. That's all I ask of you. Easy right? Prayer is all we need. Safe travels. Safe travels to our prince charming.

Reese is adding a few other states to her list of travels...I'll get lots of pics of Reesie Piecie in the Big Easy...Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Plug.

(Reese circa 6 months old)
I have anxiously been anticipating the arrival of bryncouture.com. I've wanted to plug it for what seems like forever now.

The owner/designer, Michelle Woods is a close friend who is extremely talented and is finally putting those talents to work as a full fledged business. Michelle and I made it through our first big league season together as new wives. We were both in our first year of marriage and the only wives at Angels Stadium that weren't veterans. Interesting. Together, we made it through. Kidding. I am just so thankful that we had each other. It didn't hurt that our hubbies were best buds too. In October 2006, she had her first child, Brynlee. She is an absolute doll (which is no shocker since mom and dad are both beautiful). Last year, Michelle sent me a picture of Brynlee in these cute pants. Naturally, I needed a pair for the girlie in my belly and something told me she made them herself. Yep, of course she did. Since then she has been designing and selling custom pants, shirts and bows. She sent Reese these adorable pink camo pants when she was 6 months (believe me if I could still squeeze her in them I would). We got compliments on them all the time. Very original. With all this said, I encourage you to go to bryncouture and check out her designs. Every item is custom made.

The clothing is unique and the designer is extraordinary. Michelle, I'm so proud of you! Thanks for letting me be a part of designing the labels! Don't forget the little people..you're going far girl!

Jenn & Michelle (Vegas 2004, engaged, both planning fall weddings, pre-hubbies & pre-little princesses...what did we do with our time??)

Copycat.

Make that Copydog.  Huh?  Everything Reese does he feels the need to emulate.  We'll, most. Rookie has always hidden under beds.  Actually, not just beds, anything he can fit his x-large self under.  When he was a puppy (and much, much lighter) he would hide under everything.  I could never get him out.  I think he amused himself watching me try to negotiate.  Now, he humors himself by going into Reese's room (at Meme's) and "napping" while she naps.  Cute, right?  It is except for the fact that he snores like an obese old man.  And he licks his paws at the absolute worst time.  And he takes things out of Reese's room to entertain him while he's under there (I have purchased 4 combs to date).  We were playing yesterday and Reese and I had to beg him to come out.  This was his effort.  How nice.

this little piggy...

went to Reese's house for her first set of pigtails....



this little piggy...




had a few puffs...



And this little piggy...



cried wa, wa, wa because she was sick of the lady with the camera.



Reesie cup's first set of piggytails. They're terribly crooked, half fallen out b/c it's the end of the day, missing two very important bows, but oh, are they sweet.

sweet.
sweet.
indeed.

We are family

I got all my sistas with me. And my Papas. And my Meme's. My Uncle. My Aunt. Cousins. Second Cousins. Is that not the lyrics?

This song stays in my head daily. It's my ringtone for Daddy, Mom & Boo. Yesterday we took it to a whole new level. It was family fun day. That's what Saturdays were created for, ya know? We hit up the mall, lunch, a grad party, dinner, playtime at papa's. We returned from crazyland at 10 pm. Kinda late when there's church Sunday. We're troupers, though. Real party animals. Today made me grateful that we are no longer residents of 2981 S. Iowa Street. (No offense to my Arizona family, I love you deeply) But what would my life be? Surely not this...

Reese driving us to all of our destinations (scary)



Partying with my wonderful family...


Lauren & Cameron are the best!



Adoration of my Aunt Boo...



Sweet, sleepy babies on our car ride home...

Reese,

I have always dreamt of you seeing my parents and sister everyday. When they miss you, to be only a short car ride away. God sure has a plan and delivers in amazing ways. Thankfully I was able to deliver you while we were in our home, with the best doctor (who I will love forever, by the way and you should too) and at what was an amazing hospital. Then, just as I got settled in at this mommyhood thing, we move back to our home. To comfort. Love. A place like no other. Where Dorothy dreamt about. Well, maybe not specifically, I'm glad we're not in Kansas, but the o so fabulous Georgia. I am blessed to have my precious baby girl in the arms of her family daily.

Thank you, Lord.

If the tiara fits...

Believe me, this girls' wearing it! These are my favorite pjs. I like to think babygap made these just for babyreese. I'm pretty sure of it. She's always a little extra sassy when she puts these on. Especially when she really wants something...like my camera. Between the cell phone and my camera, Reesie stays occupied. My cell phone is forever old because I have serious anger management issues when I go to verizon. Even when I change my plan, they somehow get me a little postal. I fear this could go on for hours, so I'll get back on cue. My camera is another issue. I try to avoid letting her "play" with it. However, sometimes she plays nice. I bought her the absolute cutest camera in spring training. It didn't even last a day. The tiara princess prefers the more expensive version, of course.

Last night, the princess got what she wanted.

And another of the princess just to bring a smile to your face...

We have a serious case

of the daddy blues. Or maybe the hubby blues. Either way you say it, we are missing a tall dark and handsome man named Dallas. Absence makes the heart grow fonder? I say absence makes life stink. I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer here, we are loving being in Georgia and seeing friends and family daily, but we miss our guy. Here is our version of a "shout out." I worry that since I am thirty I am using words that aren't "in" anymore. Please, let me know if shout out is not cool. I can't be that person. They really need a synanym book for the "cool" words. Oh. I am feeling old.

It's Friday! Yeah. The countdown begins until we see Mr. TDH (tall, dark & handsome for you slow ones). We are headed to New Orleans for Memorial Day weekend. Or as I like to say Naw Leans. This is the correct pronunciation anyway. We are getting geared up and ready for the 8 hour drive down there. Am I doing it alone? Are you crazy? This mom knows better. We have the great, all powerful Meme. AKA the backseat partner, song singer, diaper changer, puff giver, einstein dvd watcher, funny face maker Meme. The girls are hitting the road again. It's going to be fun. The places my mom has traveled with me. Oh, seeing the countryside via the denali. It doesn't get more luxurious than that. To see Dallas' face when he sees Reese. I have tears just imagining it. I can't wait to put my arms around him. Okay, enough sad. We've got a fun weekend ahead...Papa, Aunt Boo, Uncle D, graduation party, church. Action packed baby.

Free kisses...

These are our shout out shirts. If you ask where I got mine, so sorry, I'll never tell. Let's just say not Nordstrom and leave it at that. It's all about the message, right?

One of the best things about staying at Meme's right now, is seeing her everyday. Both of my babies love her. Can't you tell? This is the scene everyday around 12:30 when she comes home for lunch (so happy), 2 pm when she leaves the house to return to work (so sad) and then at 5 pm when she comes home again (you guessed it, so happy). They patiently await her arrival. She is the queen of all Meme's. Doesn't this shot sum up what grandchildren should feel for their grandparents? It makes me melt everyday. What will we do when we aren't here everyday?

Those of you who know me, know I am a woman of repetition. From my eating, to my daily routine, I hardly venture out. One of our "daily" tasks is going up to Meme's work and seeing all the girls. Reese loves all the love and attention they give her immediately when she arrives. They are extended family! Today was no different...we got out in the rainy, icky weather to see Meme and the girls..oh, and Doc too..he works with so many females I forget to point out he is a male! Reese loved it. She is now giving kisses on command. Sloppy, wet ones to be exact and Holly was the lucky receiver of one today!

Here is Reese looking back at me in Meme's arms. As you can guess, work really comes to a halt once we arrive...oops.

Memories

This is why I love photography.  Capturing.  Conserving.  Creating a memory.  This makes me cherish my friends so much more.  The girls who stood by me on December 18, 2004.  The best day ever.  (Other than 7.7.7 of course)  Our wedding was storybook.  My mom and dad created the coolest wedding a girl could dream of.  Oy.  Maybe I should hide these.  I can't imagine what Reese will want.  Oh, never mind.  Dallas says she can't ever marry.  We'll see about that...

I am working very slowly on posting our wedding pictures.  I have this great storybook album that my photographer did, but other than that, I had let these all slip away.  Daddy surprised me by purchasing my entire wedding photos on cd.  (An expensive gift I had wanted forever...it's hard to get photographers to part with these..)  Now I know why.  I'm working on my own canvases right now.  Soon, I'll get these uploaded to gareese so you can enjoy.  For all my girlfriends, this is a great flashback.  I am so blessed...

How much is that baby in the window???

Either really, really expensive or free. Depends on what time you stop my house. Reese is cutting 2-3 teeth right now, so the girl is drama, drama. She loves to look outside for Rookie (all day long) or her Meme, but I was outside and caught her checkin me out and had to shoot some snapshots. That's what these are. I am not trying to be a photographer with these, but when she plastered her face to the window and cracked up, I had to share.

Personality, Walk. Personality, Talk. I play this song in my head all the time with her. She's sure got one. Aunt Donna, thanks for swinging by tonight. As always, Reese loves her B.A.D.


She continued to make silly faces as she blew on the window. Such a little ham...

no boys allowed

Aunt Boo spent the night last night.  It was a girls only night at our house.  Betsy (Boo's sister-in-law) stopped by for a while to see Reesie and to, of course, show off her new bling. (Congrats on the engagement Betsy!) So, we all just hung out and talked.  Reese loves the extra attention Aunt Boo always brings with her.  This shot is of Boo feeding Reesie.  If you look closely you can see where Reese's finger is.  Unfortunately, as Reese discovers something new daily, she has now found her nose.  Exciting, right?  It was, until she started to put her finger up her nose to show you she knows exactly where it is.  

I guess we'll have to work on pointing out one of our other senses.

I refuse to have the "nose picker" as my kid.  

My man

is good to me. Dallas has always been a creative, surprising little husband. However, that can be hard to do during the season. For my first mother's day, he really worked hard. He picked it out himself and even over nighted my gift to ensure it arrived on Sunday. Poor thing, it came on Saturday, but we were out and it needed a signature. So, today, I got my gift. Along with my special present, I got a "baby" card for me and I got a card from Reese. I guess Reese somehow sent word to Albuquerque for Daddy to write her feelings down on paper. Glad we have cell phones...

Here was my card from Reese. Obviously, her Daddy had nothing to do with it.


Translation:
Dear Mom,
Thanks for all the bottles, diapers, walks around the house & for marrying the most wonderful man in the world.
Love,
Reese

This is why you get married. Moments like this.

truth

Truth Tuesday would sound a lot better, but looks like we'll have to stick with not-so-catchy Truth Monday.  Perhaps, the best thing about this blog is sharing my experiences with my devoted readers.  Or for some of you who come, stay a while, yet never leave a comment...the lurkers. Secretly, that's what I call you.  Guess it's not a secret anymore.  But the flip side of this blog is sharing the truth.  The whole truth, nothing but the truth so help me God.  Okay, I got a teeny bit carried away with that one, but you catch my drift. So, in keeping with this code of conduct, I give you my truth.  Every embarrassing detail.  What makes matters worse, is this comes on the heels of Mother's Day.  Let's just say I am not winning MOY (aka Mama of the Year for you slow lurkers) awards.  Let's just get to it already.  The other day when Reese and I were coming home from running errands, Rookie decided to release himself from prison (aka the four walls that surround him in his cushy life).  We had an escapee.  In my heels, Reese and I chased him as I half threatened his life/half offered him treats to return home.  When the convict finally returned, I refused to give him treats.  We try to limit rewards to the children who actually do some good around here.  In the midst of the chaos, I left 3 treats laying on the ottoman.  Fast forward 2 hours later after Reese awoke from her nap.  Someone came to the front door and Rookie was in total crazy greeter mode.  Reese was just a few feet away walking around the living room.  I began to hear her laughing or shall we say chuckling upon her discovery...I fear you know where this is headed...Yep, I turn around and she is smiling from ear to ear.  With good reason too.  She had found something new.  Something better than a puff. Yep, her big brother's dog treats.  Oy.  I went into mom freakout mode.  Luckily, she had only sucked on it.  Luckily, it was a large treat that she could not fit in her mouth.  Luckily, no cameras were nearby.  I could have gone to Mommy jail.  Now, days later, it makes for a good laugh.  Aunt Boo suggested buying Rookie organic treats in the future.  Ha. Ha.  So, there you go.  My truth.  My "keepin it real."  I'll sleep better tonight knowing that one of you was having a bad mom day before you read this.  Maybe feeling not quite up to par.  Then you read this and you feel like your Queen of the World.  

Your Welcome.

I aim to please. 

I'm convinced

God sought me out. I know that he gives lots of girl's fabulous mama's, but I think he sought me out. He put me in the best belly in the world. Mom found out she was prego with me the day Elvis died. I used to say "the King was leaving and the Queen was a coming." (It's a joke. You're supposed to laugh. I'm not that conceded.) And on April 6, 1978 (yes, I'm thirty, if you want to know my opinion on this please refer back to my relentless posts on this issue.) I met the best, most angelic woman that God ever put on this earth....my mom, Lynn. I always see those shows on why my mothers the best, etc. and I find myself saying "Eh, my mom is more than that, sacrificed more, loved deeper. No offense, I'm sure those Regis & Kelly winners had their share of mommyhood triumphs, but my mama deserves the trophy.

Thank goodness on this day I got to celebrate with the best mama I know. Reese's present to Meme was a good day in the church nursery. She has been wonderful every Sunday until last week. She decide she wasn't really feeling it, I guess. Mom and I had just finished singing and were about to hear Bro Al give the sermon, when the pager went off. She was not happy. We're thinking that because there were only little babies in there that particular day that Reese maybe wasn't getting the attention she is accustom to. So sad...Plus, there were no walkers/crawlers. No one for her to look up to. Today was back to normal. She had a blast. Mom and I enjoyed service minus the pager this Sunday.

This was a cool experience today, my first mama day. It is an indescribable feeling. I just feel proud. Proud to have joined this cool, mama club. Proud to say I am Reese's mama. Content. This is better than anything I have ever worked for in life. You think you need material things, then you meet your baby. This becomes your diamonds, your designer jeans, your sought after career. And isn't it so much, much more rewarding?

I sure think so.

Braddys-what a fun day today with you.  You are family.  We love you.

Another note, I finally updated the family site.  It's been a little betrayed lately by this blog.

Inspiration

I've felt a little uninspired indoors lately, so I apologize for the recurring outdoor shot. It's so beautiful outside, it just seems appropriate.  My little princess is so just so fun.  All she wants to do lately is play and climb.  She's really entertaining herself.  Today at the mall with Meme and Mommy she was hamming it up with everyone we would pass.  She has this vibrant, contagious personality. I have to say, I am very proud of it. Oh, and just for the record, we do own more bows.  So many it's sinful, but this green one has been matching everything this week. Hmmmm....my obsession with outdoor green shots and this same green bow.  I guess I'm feeling green this week. Environment? Landscaping? Money? What's in my future? I hope the latter. 

Happy Mama's Day one day early!

dallas.

Disclaimer:  I am not a sports photographer.  Nor, do I aim to be.  I am just a wife/mommy who happens to be a huge fan of #8 with a decent zoom lens.

Seriously, I don't even enjoy sports photography. I have no desire to master it.  However, for the sake of our family memories and my slight boredom at some of the games, I shoot pictures of the cute Isotopes third baseman.  Don't ask.  Who names a team the Isotopes, right?  

Anyhoo, here's some shots I just got around to from my Oklahoma City trip.  Man, this makes me miss him. Who knows what he hit in this shot, but for the sake of this site, we'll say a homerun.  Hey, he hit one while I was there.  It could have been this at bat...

I promise

I did not set this up.  Nope.  Hey, siblings are supposed to play together right?  Well, Reese sure thinks so.  We were all hanging out in the living room, well, Reese and I were playing and Big Bro Rookie was doing what he does best: sleeping, when Reese decided it was time to play next to her brother.  She half walked, half crawled over to his little nook (right by his belly) and plopped herself down.  She proceeded to rub his belly and then bring her basketball game over. She grabbed the ball, showed it to him like "Okay, Rook, this is how you shoot hoops," and just hung out. Hilarious.  She thinks he is the coolest big bro.  

So much for sibling rivalry.

10 months

Baby girl Reese:

On July 7th I met you. You and your ten little fingers. The little fingers, on the little hands, that curled up next to your irresistibly sweet face.

And those ten tiny toes. So scrumptous and perfect in a way only God could have molded.

And now, on this 7th day of May, we celebrate your amazing life at 10 months.

I love you 10 million times over.

God sure is good.

We miss you already

There is something really special about seeing your parents as grandparents. I have felt my whole life as though I wanted to pay mom and dad back for all they have done for me. I don't mean financially, I am fully aware that would be virtually impossible. All the clothes, vacations, food, college, sorority, cars, rent....(I just envisioned Reese's life. I'd better start saving some moola now.) I am talking about the good stuff in life. The sacrifices. The commitments. The deep love. There is no way to reimburse our parents for their devotion. Perhaps I try by leading a good life. Believing in Christ. Not doing anything to horribly embarrass them. (I hope we're past those times). But, I realized this week that the best gift is free.

Georgia Reese.

She makes both my parents light up. Seeing them as Meme & Papa is the coolest thing I have ever experienced thus far. You think that your offspring change your life, yet, I think Grandparents cherish it most.

Thanks Daddy for your love. Your support. Your laughter. Mostly for being you.

My daughter adores you...

A few days at papa's

Reese and I came to visit my Daddy for a few days. He usually makes the one hour trip to visit us, so we decided to give his truck a rest. She has thoroughly enjoyed her moments with my Dad. Such a little Grandpa's Girl. Oh, and the best part? A new coffee table, ottoman and couch to walk along. She is getting really brave.

Getting ready in the mornings is becoming outright absurd. Moms with 2 plus kids or twins...you get a hero cookie from me. Seriously. I think you guys should walk around with tiaras. Possibly a shirt that says "I'm better than you." You all are my heroes. Trying to shower this morning, I played peep-eye as I somewhat rinsed myself (I'm beginning to question my thoroughness in the shower...how scary is that?) I jumped out twice to catch her as she is walking from the toilet, to the counter, to the tub in the bathroom. Then blow drying my hair? Actually looking in the mirror while applying make-up? I think not. I feel as though I am a scary sight these days. I turn around and she's in a drawer, trying to let go and stand alone, eating something off the floor...I could go on and on.

It all makes me smile. This is what it's all about. I often ponder what life was before Reese. What did I do with my time? Honestly, I have no clue. It was definitely not as productive as what I'm doing these days. I sure wouldn't change it for the world. I love my busy little bee. Questionable cleanliness and all.

I'll get some pictures up soon. We are just enjoying some much needed Grandpa time.

Until tomorrow...