Mimi and Papa's Visit

I feel terrible that I didn't take any pictures, but it ended up being a very busy visit! We finally finished cleaning out the apartment, Mike helped with manual labor around the house, and Sandy helped with cooking and cleaning. It was wonderful to have them here. We had a great mini-Thanksgiving meal with them last night and invited the Fishers over. It was delicious and we had a really good time. Maybe Papa will send some of the pictures he took and I can post them. Have a safe trip home, Mimi and Papa!
Wish us luck and say a prayer for us. We are leaving on Wednesday to go home to visit my folks for Thanksgiving. Braving the Atlanta airport on a holiday is going to be trying without Josh's help, so pray that there are no tears. (from me or Stella!)

Benson Visit

Stella and Ellie-Stella had to be bribed with M&M's to sit next to Ellie on the couch...still, no smile. I guess that's extra.

Miss Ellie Kate-what a happy girl!

We had such a great time seeing Chad and Nikki and getting to know Ellie! They were awesome and we worked them to the point that they will probably never want to visit again. Chad helped Josh with manly man labor and Nikki (and Lisa) helped me shop and decorate. I took the plunge and started getting things for the house to make it look like a home and it looks so great. I still have some organizing to do and we have a lot of furniture to buy, but it looks so much better already. Thank you so much for your help, guys! We promise to just relax the next time you are here. We already miss you!

Other pics from Grandparents Visit

Trying on PawPaw's boots
I love this face. This sums up Stella in an expression.

Driving the bus

Poor Granny (my grandma) had to sit out with her at the outlet mall in Atlanta while mom and I shopped for clothes for Stella. There was one strategically placed outside of every children's store and it was $1.50 per ride! In my day, it was surely no more than a quarter.

Andrew's Graduation

My nephew Andrew graduated from Marine boot camp on November 7, 2008 in Parris Island, South Carolina. We are so proud! He is all grown up. He went from being an awkward teenager to a man. Congratulations, Andy!
Proud grandparents

Grandma Polly, PawPaw Johnny and Stella

Happy Birthday Stella! Our Special 2 Year Old!!!!

Stella's reaction to the birthday video from Aunt Carrie, Hunter & Grant
She loved it and kept saying "Again!" We listened to it at least ten times. What a great idea!

Big Emotion in Your 2 Year Old

The cake
Grandma Polly comforting the birthday girl

How dare you buy me presents!!!

That's the title of my latest article from Babycenter.com. I needed that article because I was beginning to wonder if I had the most emotionally unstable toddler on the planet. She is happy one minute dancing, singing, laughing....then in a split second, she can turn into a weeping, emotional little thing burying her head in our chests. If we compiled a video of the day on Saturday (her birthday), you might think she was bipolar. She was entertaining everyone with her dance moves and having the best time until we introduced the room full of presents. The video rolled as she looked at all of the bags and around the room at all of the watchful eyes. Her lip began to quiver and I knew it was all over. Nap time. After nap, we decided to try out the cake and "Happy Birthday" singing. She was all smiles until the candles came out. The lip quiver came again and wouldn't have anything to do with the CHOCOLATE cake with CHOCOLATE buttercream icing. She finally tried it the next day and loved it. Children....what a mystery.

Happy Halloween

Hanging out with Owen in their new Halloween pajamas (Thank you, Mandy & Jason!)
Jason, Mandy and Dread Pirate Owen
Stella loved swinging and stacking numerous toys on Owen

Mandy and her precious pirate

Stella and Owen really hit it off

Ballerina Stella

Pickin' out a pumpkin

Swinging at the park

Sorry for the lack of updates. We have been so busy around here! We have moved into our new house (pictures will come as soon as it doesn't look like a tornado went through), celebrated Halloween, and had the Black family in for a visit. As you can see, taking pictures has become increasingly difficult with Stella. I can take 25 pictures and only get one or two that are not the back of her head. There was a professional photographer at her school for school pictures and another for Halloween and she refused to pose for both. I was heartbroken because on both days she looked adorable, but she would not set foot in the room with the photographer. She also refused to wear her costume to trick or treat, but wore it all day at school. Two year olds can be tough to convince to do anything.

We had the Black family come to visit this weekend. We had such a great time with them and getting to know Owen. He is adorable! Stella showed her tender side with Owen ("Coen") and we were really proud of how sweet she was with him. We hope she will be that way with her little brother or sister.