Hurricane Ike

UPDATE: We are home now. We got power sometime this afternoon and came home around 8:00p.m. We are very lucky to have gotten power so quickly, because there are still many people without it, even close to where we live.

Well, we survived with minimal damage. On Friday morning we got our house ready for the storm and then headed to my parent's house. We set up their media room (which has no exterior walls and no windows) with mattresses and rode out the storm in there. We actually were having fun and enjoying ourselves (even when we lost power at around 10:00 p.m.). Then the big winds hit and it got pretty scary. We were having around 70 mph gusts from 2:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. You could feel the house shaking. The wind was howling and sounded like it was going to pick the roof right off the house. Then things started hitting the windows. I was pretty scared. Come to find out later, it was the outdoor ceiling fan blades that were ripped off and were hitting the windows.

My mom and dad's house got water back around 1:00 p.m. Sat. afternoon and then power back around 2:00 p.m. So, we are in great shape compared to everyone else. Mindy and Dwayne got their power back last night and they were able to go home. Unfortunately, our house is still without power. Thankfully, we have my parent's house to stay at. We drove through our neighborhood today and everyone was sitting in their garages or in their driveways trying to stay cool.

As far as damages go, our house has some roof damage and one of our trees in our front yard is leaning. My parent's house had some water damage because some of the west windows weren't installed properly (when the storm came through and the winds were coming from the west it was pushing water into the house through the windows and under the doors). They also have some trees down. We got out and drove around a bit and there are a lot of trees down, a lot of fences down and store signs ripped right out of the ground. There are even some places where brick walls were totally demolished. I really didn't expect it to get as bad as it did out here. We live in northwest houston and were on the "clean" side of the storm. I cannot even imagine what it is like for the people who live in south houston and along the coast.

Here are some pictures of our house and around our neighborhood:

Shingles off and roof rippling

Tree leaning in our yard

Sign for shopping center down at entrance to our neighborhood

Fences down

Street light hanging

We are also in the process of building a new house and it got started just a few weeks ago. They were supposed to put the roof on on Friday, but obviously that didn't get done. The door frame was ripped out and the wind blew some of the styrofoam boards off.

So we feel very lucky and blessed to have a place to stay at with power and air-conditioning and to have come out with very minimal damage.

Piggie Tails

I have been experimenting with new things for Addy's hair. She just doesn't have much hair and what little she has is sooooo thin. So, she has just been wearing headbands, until today. My mom has been wanting me to try piggie tails in Addy's hair, so I tried them today and I think she looks pretty cute. (Of course, I am very biased;) It may be a little hard to see them, because they are pretty thin.

Mother's Day Out

Addy had her 1st day of MDO today. She will go every Monday and Thursday. I really like her class right now. There are three kids and two teachers. They may add some kids, but right now I like that she will be getting a lot one-on-one attention. It is also really convenient and close to work so I drop her off and Scott picks her up, so we both get a full work-day in.

Here are some pictures of Addy getting ready to leave for school.





Her teachers said she did really good today and that she was able to take a good long nap. I was so glad to hear that because I was worried about her, especially since she was crying when I left (which made me a cry a little too). I guess we'll find out what she really thinks about school when we go back on Monday.

Birthday Party

Saturday was a great day. We started off going to my parents for a swim and then ended the day with friends and family at our house. My mom got Addy a tutu for her 1year pictures, but we decided it was too cute and that she would also wear it for her party. She looked like a little princess.

As for the cake, I made a lady bug cake and also some cupcakes with pink flowers. Addy really didn't want anything to do with the cupcake, so she really didn't get too messy.

Here are some pics of the day:

Happy Birthday to Addison

This year has gone way too fast. It is so hard to believe that Addy is already 1. It seems just like yesterday that she was born.

On Friday, her actual birthday, we went to Space Center Houston with Scott's mom, Scott's sister Susan and her two boys Rob and Danny. We toured around there a bit and then headed to Kemah. It was a really hot day (heat index was over 100), but Kemah was so neat and we all had a really good time. Addy loved getting out of her stroller and being able to just walk around the boardwalk. She also provided entertainment to everyone. The boardwalk had music playing and Addy was dancing and clapping and had a crowd gathered around her. There was even a woman from India taking pictures of her.

Here is a video of her being pushed in her stroller down the boardwalk. She has started doing ahhhh when we hit bumps in the car and so she was doing this down the boardwalk.



P.S. When I get pictures from my parents, I'll post pictures of her party. Addy looked so cute in her birthday tutu.

Catching Up - 4th of July

For the 4th we travelled to Arkansas to visit Scott's family. Addy did okay on the car trip, while it was light out she wanted out of her seat, but once it got dark, she fell asleep and stayed asleep.

We had a great time in Arkansas visiting with Addy's Mimi and the rest of the family. For the 4th we went to Scott's sister's house and spent the day playing, slip and sliding and watching a great fireworks show. We learned that Addy is definately our little tomboy. The first thing she headed to when we put her down was the mud puddle.

We also did a small early celebration for Addy's 1st birthday so that Mernie could celebrate with us.

Addy really enjoyed all her "big" cousins and they loved entertaining her.

Random Act of Kindess

Tonight Scott is working late, so I loaded Addy up in the car and off to Chick-fil-A we went to use Addy's free kids' meal coupon we got at VBS. I went through the drive through and ordered Addy's kid's meal and also ordered a meal for me. When I got up to the window I grabbed my purse out of the passenger seat and knew right away something was wrong (my purse was too light). So, I told the girl at the window: "I'm so sorry, but I left my wallet at home. I'll go get it and be back." As I was driving away, I heard someone say "Ma'am" I turned around and the manager was hanging his head out the window. He said: "Don't worry about it, dinner is on us." I was amazed and embarrassed. So, just another reason for loving Chick-fil-A. Everytime I go there, the staff is always so nice.

In other news, Addy has made lots of progress walking the past week. She is pretty much all over the house. I have started having to close doors because she wanders all over the house. It has been nice this past week, because I am now able to do my housework during the weekday. Addy just follows me around. She loves the vacuum. I think I'm going to have a good helper.

Here's a video showing Addy's walking progress:

Addy Walking

VBS and New Things this Week

We have had VBS all week this week. Addy wasn't too sure about it the first few days, but then did wonderfully. I think going to VBS this week has helped with her independence and playing by herself. She has been a very different baby this week. It is really nice to be able to leave the room for a few seconds and not have a screaming child.

Also, this week Addy has been taking a few steps by herself. She has also started bear crawling this week. This new mobility may also be contributing to her newfound independence. I'll try to get a good video of her walking and post it later.

Also this week, Addy is trying new words. Up until now, it has just been mama, dada, baba. But she has started saying ball, baby, bottle, and oh-man (she hears Peyton say this and has picked up on it -- it's really funny).

So, this week has been full of new things and changes. Needless to say, Addy was worn out and slept 13 hours last night and for the first time since she was born, I got to sleep until 9:00 a.m :)

Memorial Day Weekend

This last weekend we stayed over at my parents and enjoyed their backyard and pool. Addison loved spending time with her Grammy and Papa and loved swimming. She enjoyed the pool and waterfalls so much that she took her afternoon nap in the pool every day. We also went to an Astro's game Friday night and stayed until the end to watch the Friday Night Fireworks. Addison was enthralled by the fireworks. We were really surprised they didn't scare her because it was late and the babies were getting tired.

Addison also started standing up by herself this weekend from pushing off the floor. She hasn't taken any steps by herself yet, but I guess that's only a matter of time.

San Francisco Trip

We just got back from our family vacation to San Francisco. We had a great time visiting Fisherman's Wharff, riding the cable cars and visiting Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. We were also able to catch an Astros/Giants game (and got to see Lance Berkman hit a home run into the bay). The weather was interesting and not what we were expecting. The first two days we were there was during the SF heatwave and it was 97 degrees. Then the next two days were very chilly and windy.

Addison was a great traveller. She loved being outside, watching and waving to all the people.

Here are some pictures from our trip.

Here is a video of Addison going down one of the big hills in her stroller. She leaned forward as far as she could, flapped her arms and squealed.

9 Months!!!

Wow, how time flys. I can't believe Addison is already 9 months old. We went to the doctor today for her 9 mo checkup. The stats are --- 20 lbs and 28 1/2 inches. She is 75% percentile in both weight and length (meaning she weighs 75% more than other girls her age and is longer/taller than 75% of other girls her age). We had to have one shot and they also did a finger prick to check for anemia. So, all in all, not a bad visit. Definately not looking forward to the one year shots (I think she will get 5 or 6 at least).

Here is a pic I took of her today.

We're Cruisin'

Well, Addy started cruising down the couch today. She has shown a big interest in walking with help the last month or so, but today is the first day she has taken steps without holding onto hands. It won't be long until she is walking across the room.

On Sunday, we had Senior/Baby Bible Day. Our church celebrated the new babies from the last year and the graduating seniors. We had 29 babies that were born in the last year. Addy will have lots of playmates.

Here is a picture of Addy with her friend Taylor (Taylor is 6 weeks older than Addy). Their mommies have very similar tastes and Addy and Taylor were dressed in the same print (although the outfits were a little different).



As you can tell, Addy really likes to smile for the camera now. She is starting to get really cheesy when the camera comes out now. This is Addy trying to be funny.

Neglectful

It has been so long since I posted, so I have lots of catching up to do. I added several posts below.

Getting Around

Addison has started wanting to stand/walk all the time. We borrowed Peyton's walker and Addison loves it. She still hasn't quite figured out that when she pushes she needs to step. As a result, we have had a few spills, one of which resulted in a nice bruise on her cheek. (Bad mommy didn't catch the girl in time.)

Here is Addison showing her adventuresome side (she thinks she is such a big girl and she can walk all by herself):

First Astros' Game

We are big Astros fans and love going to games when we can. Two weeks ago, Addison was able to experience her first Astros' game. We were kind of worried about how she would do since the game started at 7:00 p.m. and her bedtime is 8:00 p.m. But she had so much fun. We were able to stay until the middle of the 7th inning. We were also worried about how much she would sleep since she got to bed a couple of hours late, but she slept until 8:30, so it really was a fun experience.

Bluebonnets

A couple weekends ago my Mom & Dad, Mindy (my sister) and Peyton, and Scott and Addison and I went to Washington State Farm on the Brazos and Brenham, Texas to see the bluebonnets. There weren't nearly as many bluebonnets as I remember there being (the last time I was there was almost 20 years ago), but we found some and took some pretty pictures. Then we had lunch at a really good deli in Brenham and, of course we had to have some Bluebell ice cream.

Easter and Mimi Visits

For Addy's first Easter, she wore a beautiful blue dress that matched her beautiful blue eyes. Unfortunately, Addison had a cold or allergies and she was really not feeling well at all Easter Sunday. Most of the pictures we have of her are not very good, but I'll post the best one or two.

The day after Easter, Scott mom "Mimi" came for a visit. We had a good time visiting with Mimi. We went to the Houston zoo for the first time and Mimi got to come and play at Gymboree with us.

Addison w/her Easter basket

Addison & Peyton (Don't they look happy!!)

Addison at the zoo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SCOTT!!

Scott turned 31 today. We spent the day at Mom and Dad's enjoying their pool/spa and backyard. Addison loved the spa, which was heated to the perfect temperature. The pool is still just a little too cold. Here are some pics of Addy in the spa:

Here's a few more of her taken recently:

A Beautiful Spring Day

Addy working with Daddy

Going on a walk

I love bath time!!

i don't want to work...

i just want to...you know...

like any other activity, what the camara caught isn't nearly as good as before the wonderful picture-taker came out, but i'm really proud of addy for actually playing her drum (yay for free stuff) instead of just trying to eat it

Not Fond of Peas

Addison tried sweet peas last night for the first time. At first we thought she liked them because she didn't make a face and just ate them like anything else. After about the 5th bite though she made it known that peas are definitely not going to be a favorite.

Addison Laughing at Rusty

Rusty came to visit us for the weekend a couple of weeks ago. (Rusty is my mom's dog.) Addison enjoyed playing with him.

Six Months Old

Wow, it's been a while. I have quite a bit of updating to do.

I can't believe Addison has been with us for half a year. Some days it seems like she was born just yesterday. She is turning into a very happy little girl, which we are really enjoying. The first five months or so were difficult and somewhat frustrating because Addison was a pretty fussy baby. The last month has been very enjoyable though and everyday she is changing so much. She is talking and babbling all the time, she laughs and giggles and it is just so cute. She loves music and loves sitting in her jumperoo and watching Scott and I play guitar hero. She is sleeping through the night (8:30-7:30 or so) and eating so good. She loves her oatmeal and we just started sweet potatoes last week. She also got her two bottom teeth this last month.

We started Gymboree class this month. Addison absolutely loves it. She gets excited the minute we walk in the door and starts flapping her arms. Her teacher is wonderful and Addison loves her. Addison's favorite part of Gymboree class is laying on the mat on her back while we raise and lower the parachute.

Today we went to the doctor for her six month checkup. She is getting so big. She is 90th percentile for length and 75th for weight. She had to get five shots today (poor baby).

Here are some pictures over the last month.

Look at those big cheeks!!

Playing at Gymboree

Chillin' in my duck bath

Eating sweet potatoes

Swingin' at the park

She's a talker

Addison has become quite the talker. There was a point a couple weeks ago when I wondered why she was so quiet. Now, she talks all the time (while eating, taking a bath, playing and putting herself to sleep). She even will wake up in the middle of the night, talk for 30 minutes and then go back to sleep. It is very cute. In the last few days, she has also begun to giggle. I just melt when she does it.

Here's a video of her talking and laughing.

Look What I Can Do!!!

I can't believe she is getting so big.

Cereal

Addison has been really interested in watching us eat and will occasionally open her mouth and "chew" so we decided it was time to try cereal. She did good in that she opened her mouth a few times and swallowed the cereal, but once she got a taste of it I don't think she really liked it. Oh, well...we'll try again in a few days.

Here's a few videos of today's adventure. The first is the first few bites. She took them and swallowed the cereal and then started crying. The second video is after about 10 minutes of trying to get her to eat, she took the spoon out of my hand. I think she was saying "that's enough of this nasty stuff mom."

Santa

I took Addison to the mall this morning to see Santa. She did really well, she was too busy chewing on her hand to realize I even passed her off. The Santa was really good. He had a real beard and looked very "authentic."

Catching Up

I've been a bad blogger lately. Addison is changing so much. She has started laughing and is getting close to sitting up and she loves to stand up (with assistance of course). I cannot believe how much she is changing and how big she is getting. I was boxing up some of her 0-3 month summer clothes a couple of weeks ago and it was so sad.

Here are some pictures of new things she is doing.

In her jumperoo



Lifting her head



She loves to watch football with Daddy.