Weekend.

We had a fun weekend here in sunny (finally, no rain) Georgia.  We attended my cousin's graduation party in Peachtree City on Saturday.  I can't believe he is old enough to be heading to college.  To top it off, he's committed a huge sin...he was accepted to UGA and Tech and chose (gasp) Tech! At least it wasn't Florida.  That could get you permanently removed from the family.  We're so proud of him! Doesn't Reese look happy to be there???  Just to J.T's right there was a huge pool.  Reese walked up to the steps and began to strip off her clothes to jump in.  We had to leave shortly after...nice.

Today, we went to church and listened to an awesome sermon (just for baseball, I swear) then we worked on Reese's playroom.  It is almost ready and I can't wait to show you! I love it...lots of work, though! 

Girls Day.

Thursday my best friend Mhari #1 came over (I am the only person in the world with two girlfriends named Mhari (also spelled Mauri). This one I've known since high school and she decided to come spend the day with me and Reese. We went to lunch first which was a blast. Reese entertained Mhari the entire meal and we had to ditch Mhari at the table on three occasions for our "toot" break. Then, we headed to our house for play time. Mhari colored, played blocks, babies, danced, Reese wore her out! They had a blast and Mhari and I were able to catch up (when Reese wasn't pulling her around the house). It was so fun!!

Reese made her do a cardio workout. We jammed around her room dancing...

Then Reese colored in the kitchen so that Mhari and I could actually catch up and talk without poor Mhari being dragged around our house by Reese...(she loves to color!!)

Then they built princess castles...


And Reese gave Mhari some love...

Thanks girl! We had a blast & love you so much!

Reeseisms

Add some beads and sunglasses and this is how she dressed to go out today.  Such a good mama taking her kid out to run errands...

Thought I would take a minute to give you some "Reeseisms." She is just so funny (I'm partial). I've filled you in on the "I TOOT" she yells before and after a good potty session (which by the way is actually so fun).  She yells it really loud, especially in public places.  Today she yelled it to a lady walking into a doctors office after we left the bathroom.  Awesome.

After I flush the "toot" down the toilet we high five, say "Yeah!!" and then she waves while saying "BYE, BYE TOOT, BYE BYE!!!" Every.single.time.

Today I was in the shower (we have a big shower that is open) and we were doing our colors (while I shower I hold up shampoo bottles, body wash, etc and she names the colors of them) she yelled "I toot."  Such a big girl, she goes into the bathroom, does her business, comes out and says "YEAH!REESIE TOOT!!" I proceeded to close my eyes and shampoo.  I open my eyes to see her holding the inside part of the toilet (that I always dump out) with her "TOOT" (the not so fun kind) for me.  I was soaked and couldn't get out to make the floor all slippery for her to fall, so there I was, finishing my shower with her "toot" on the other end of the shower (thank goodness thank goodness our shower is huge).  

Thirty minutes later, while I am doing my makeup, she goes toot in her potty next to me.  She yells, "Yeah! I TOOT!" and I said "Yay! Let me finish my mascara and Mommy will flush it." The next thing I felt was a sprinkle of wetness.  She poured the toot out on my bathroom rug.  

Yes. She did.  She then clapped and said "BYE,TOOT!!"

In an effort to clean this post up a bit, I'll go off on another subject...We are organizing Reese's playroom and Mom was going down the stairs from it while Reese and I were up in the room. We heard a loud noise (it was my mom falling at the end of the stairs, she's ok) Reese gasped, then yells with her arms up and very concerned, "GIGI, TAY?  GIGI, YOU TAY?"  She's so sweet to check on us.

After that she made sure to put us back to work bringing her milk, etc. but she keeps us laughing daily.

What a blessing she is. 

Holiday

Happy Memorial Day! We had a very low key day here in the McPherson/Penn household.  I did a little catch up on my work, Papa and D played with Reese for endless hours and Boo & Gigi painted Reese's playroom.  My family is beyond awesome! I just took a couple pics.  Here's Gigi during a paint break slinging her favorite girl around...

Papa and his girl...

Reese in my office where she opens and shuts my door 7 million times running from Papa...(yes, she was in her p.j's most of the day, actually just a shirt and panties!)

Looking for Papa...

At one point I went to help D and he was sitting on a stool (I'm sure after Reese instructed him to "SIT" as she does) in the bathroom reading her books while waiting for her to toot! I relieved him.  He is so sweet to her. What Uncle plays kickball, babies, sings for their neice?  Every kid loves him and Reese is no exception. Thanks D and Boo! Papa too! We had fun! 

Uhm, the door thing.  Reese locked herself in her bedroom the other day.  Oh, yes, shut the door and locked it! Mom and I were freaking until we realized that we can turn the knob from the outside....whew....more to come I'm sure.  She is a little busy bee!

Family

We spent our Saturday on the road (as usual) driving up to shop and spend time with Papa, Boo & D. Reese gets so excited to see them! She knows Papa's car and yells "Papa car" everytime we pass one similar. After some shopping, we all went to eat. Reese had been going non stop all day cracking us up. Clearly, she was one good meal away from a nap. I swear this picture was taken at, let's say, 6:00...

We were all having a good time, Reese went over to sit with her Gigi and next thing ya know, (approximately 6:02) this is our girl...

she's a real party animal.

We had a blast and the rest of the gang left to head to the Braves AAA game. They just built a new, awesome stadium and Dad has season tickets. He loves it! Going to a game with Reese in which my hubby is not playing...not at the top of my list right now, but we will make an appearance sometime soon. I love family time we just really miss Dallas not being a part of it. We have everyone staying here for Memorial Day so Reese will be in heaven with lots of attention...(which is really no different than any other day of her life).

Me, Daddy & Boo...

Reese's 100% attention givers...Aunt Jessica & Uncle David...

We're up to more fun tomorrow! Hope everyone is having a safe, family fun weekend!

On the go.

I think that my blogging has taken a turn down a bad, dark road. I swore I would never let work (or sleep) come between me and my blogger.com but I guess I gave in. Work has somewhat taken over lately. I love it but I hate not chronicling our days. This week, I've been stepping up! I know I've said that more than once. But the effort will be put forth.

We spent all day Saturday last weekend on the road. Mom wanted to attend our hometown's annual Geranium Festival. Okay, let me paint the picture since most of you don't live here. The movie Sweet Home Alabama sums it up. That movie was my life (minus the coondog and the rebellion youth stage with her attempted bank robbery). It was. That was my hometown. Everyone knew everyone. When I was in middle school we never missed this festival. (The last time I was there I bought some very attractive pink ice jewelry and several of us girls all swapped rings every other week). However, now my town is filled with traffic, Target and new people who know nothing of the old. I haven't graced this festival filled with Southern crafts, the ever so timeless gift of sandart in a bottle and face painting with my presence in forever. Last Saturday, was a new day. We ran into everyone I've ever known which actually turned out to be nice. Reese had fun too. I bought several fun things for the house to support local moms. It was just plain old fun in the South.

Here's Miss. Serious (weird b/c she is never this serious)

Gigi getting the stroller prepared...

And we're off...
'

Talking to her Gigi

And the fall out...(I took this same pic a year ago and I can't believe how much she's grown in her carseat...)

After that, we headed up to Alpharetta, shopped there, then up to the North Georgia Premium Outlets and had a blast. Papa came to meet us and Reese was in heaven. He took her to buy $30 worth of beads (as if we needed more) and laughed at her every expression as every Grandpa should. I feel so blessed.

Her and Papa picking up change...

Hey, whatever it takes to keep her occupied so we could shop!

Then, we all headed for Mexican (I think Reese is part mexican, she LOVES it) where Reese gets her own cheese dip to allow for endless double dipping and scooping out the dip with her fingers by meals end.
Proof...

That is cheese dip. We have to order two. No one wants share with her!
It took us forever to get home because we stopped three times for fake "toots" in the car. She likes to "toot" on the potty while watching movies in the car. All mom and I could do was just laugh. Potty training has been so easy. She tells us and we go. So far so good. She is such a big girl.

she sleeps.

It's the afternoon and my daughter sleeps so sound. For me, this is when I feel closest to God, my faith.  I sit and wonder what she dreams of, who she will become and what blessings I have in my life.  I love being her mama. She's my greatest accomplishment by far. I'm so very grateful.

Gifts.

God gives us so many gifts in life.  I am truly grateful for mine. My hottie of a hubby who amazes me everyday-even when we are apart.  My daughter who makes me laugh like no other. Today she told me "No, way mama." My Mom, Daddy & Sista who support me in everything I do.  My friends who lift me with their love. And, while it isn't close to these above, the gift of seeing life through my lens.  Photography has blessed me so much with friendships blooming everyday. It's so incredibly cool how God works.

The next time we talk I am, however, going to mention the gift of sleep.  It's 1:09 and like every night before, I'm sitting at my desk.  Guess, they'll be time for that in my next life...no complaints here.

Most Days...

play out like this. My view from my office desk in the afternoon...
Reese runs in full speed cracking up. Offers me her cutest smile possible... ..

Laughs at me (because mama's are just plain funny). Usually jumps in my lap, talks junk about my clients on my computer screen (she's complimentary), draws me a pretty picture on a very important client form, then peaces out on me...

Runs back into see if I can offer any more entertainment (notice who follows her)...

Nope. Mom's boring. Time to hit the road sista...(usually a "toot" is thrown inthere and we run to the potty)

She makes my day, everyday. Oh, and I need to apologize for the missing pants. We are spending lots of time in panties these days with potty training. Okay, Did I say "WE?" Uh hum, I mean SHE. Reese. This is a family blog, people, I'd like to keep it clean. Look at me blogging two days in a row...hopefully a vision of things to come...

A little light reading...

Not really much to say about this image other than..."I don't pose her." I'm her personal paparazzi. Thank goodness I landed a celebrity that keeps things interesting...

love her.

It's annoying to read blogs about someone's genius child, right?  It really is.  I always read them, then wonder if the mom really thinks her baby is really any smarter than mine, or yours. (ha! you know you all think it too!) So, at the risk of being annoying or one of those mom's here's my Reesie cup. I have to chronicle her moments...

She talks up a storm.  You say it, so will she. It amazes us.  She like's the word "shoot" (compliments of her mama) and "silly."  She called her Daddy that today.  She is a star on the potty.  Except she calls it "toot."  Hilarious.  For some reason she started pointing down there and saying "toot." My sister, mom and I were a little confused, but now it's permanent.  "Toot" means run to the potty! It is so stinkin cute to see her in big girl panties...oh my gosh. Too cute.

She loves to dance.  Make silly faces. Be sarcastic.  She has this really, really funny personality. She loves dogs.  Loves to read books.  Bolt is her current favorite movie. Picks up on anything right after seeing one of us chicks do it.  She also LOVES to talk to her Daddy on Skype and about jumps through the screen at him (so does he). She's just the coolest little girl.  I adore every second of her life.  Every second.  She melts me.  She wows me. She's my world.

No more annoying mama comments tomorrow.  Between traveling three weekends and working I have been a blog slacker.  I've had 3-5 shoots a week! crazy! Promise to get some good Reese shots soon!

My weekend.

I flew out on a buddy pass (thank you Elizabeth) Thursday night to Phoenix to visit my main squeeze (yay for us!)  Whew. It was a whirlwind of a weekend.  We had a blast together. We made our best effort to go to all of our favorite restaurants (even though I was only there just over 48 hours).  We hit up Joe's in Gilbert (yummy), we drove by our old house (made us so sad but we like our new house much more!) and just enjoyed every waking minute together. We laughed b/c the first things we wanted to do were mark off our lists of "must eat" restaurants. Does that make us fat?  Planning a trip around eating! Let's just say we joked about how I gained 52 pounds when I was preggo out there! (By the way, if you gasped at that, it will come back to you...)

It has been a month since we had been together.  Within minutes we were singing in the car at the top of our lungs to a Brad Paisley tune (I know I run him in the ground)....oh, it was soooo good to be with him.  He's my best friend.  (excluding reesie) 

He misses her beyond words.  He has to hear of her genius from us (or her talking on the phone to him).  It breaks my heart.  Hopefully we will all be together soon.  

We saw our best friends the Nielsen's & Treece's for a short visit (there are SO many of my friends I was dying to go see but with so little time I had to be stingy with Dallas) So, next trip, I'm tracking everyone down! Look out!

I left bright and early on Mother's Day to return.  Through tears. The good news is I got to spend Mother's Day with my angel. I have so many funny stories.  She spent the weekend with her Gigi & Aunt Boo.  She went to parties, entertained people, got 1,000 times more attention than even a celebrity needs...She is potty training like a champ, too.  I'll post pics tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great Mother's day!

I am so lucky to have such a star in my life, Reese is my greatest accomplishment!

22 months.

She is beyond perfect to me. She's tremendously funny.  Sarcastic. Loving, the biggest heart you can imagine.  I feel so honored that I get to guide her then sit back and watch her flourish throughout life.

Man, am I lucky.

My dad spent the weekend with her and supplied her with this stool.  She has since used it to reach anything in the house that would otherwise be out of touch.  Thanks Papa!

working 9 to 5.

In this economy, a girl's gotta keep her resume updated...

(pictured above: reese, not posed.  She seriously has to "work" if her mama is working.  She's clicking the mouse on her pink laptop.  I've got to teach her photoshop...)

Clear the roads...

Anyone else's child wishing she was 16?  I mean, I know they grown up fast, but driving?  She's started this in Spring Training and now it's become a ritual.  She pushes every.button.in.the.car. Today my rear wipers were on.  The sideboards stopped working for a bit.  The list goes on and on.  She even makes me shut the door.  "No, Reesie drive."  At least she knows the seatbelt rule...

Yay, Mommy lets me have what I want...

Very serious, she doesn't even mind that she can't see over the wheel...

This is the "I don't think I am gonna get out" face.

She is hilarious. I missed her so bad.  We played all day today.  She pooped on the potty! Whew hoo. She's been going all day.  It is so funny.  She calls it "toot." Whatever floats your boat...

She spent all weekend with Gigi and Papa.  He even spent the night.  She LOVED her Papa.  He brought her two new potties and a new stool. 

I had a blast at the conference.  BLAST! (Aside from my initial drama).  I can't wait to post my pics! 

A Day in the Life of Jenn...

Woke up this morning with more teeth drama, swollen face.

Boarded the plane to Dallas.

Got nauseated on the plane.

Took a cab to my hotel.

Paid the driver, laid my wallet (that had a $100 bill in it) on the seat.

Went to check in realized I left my wallet in the cab.

Called the driver.

He didn't answer.

He called back 20 minutes later.

He had my wallet! YAY!

Told me to wait on the curb for him.

I talked to the, what I call "black mafia" concierge for the hotel who were fired up that the cab driver didn't come immediately back.

One hour and 10 minutes later he arrived. 

I THINK everything was in my wallet.

I ha no cash (other than the $100 I was not giving him).  

Black Mafia pres. comes over and says do not give him money, where was he with my wallet for so long???

Cab driver tells me to use my credit card to give him a reward. (jigga what??)

Black Mafia v.p. gets in on it.

They make me go inside.

I feel bad, go to the atm to get out cash. I am flustered beyond belief.

I come back with $ and the guy is gone.

I get to my room, get ready for our 7pm mixer.

Realize I left my atm IN the atm machine.

Had a breakdown.

Called Dallas. 

He cancelled my card.

I have no debit card and I am in Texas.

What in the crap is going on with the McPherson's?

No one even wants to ask me about poor Dallas and his back.

We are a mess. A HOT Mess.

We're a really entertaining mess, though.

Reese has no idea, she is living it up with her gigi.

Whew....

On a good note, the hotel is awesome.  The mixer was awesome. I can already tell this workshop is going to KICK some Bootay! I'm sooooo excited! I made a friend already (oddly enough she is from San Diego and best friends with a big time ballplayers wife, so she knows the drama).  We went to eat and get to know each other and I like her already.

That was my day.  Dare I ask what tomorrow will bring?