Friday, December 30, 2011

Lou Meets Santa

Even though it's after Christmas...I HAD to post this picture for our digital records.  When I got back from a quick, long weekend away in Houston, I had the next morning off.  So, Mike and I took the advantage of it being the middle of the week and both of us being home to take Addison to meet Santa at a mall fairly far away.  It's the closest great mall to us.  She did great.  The set up was perfect and Santa was real!


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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Lou's First Thanksgiving

This year I have SO much to be Thankful for.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Where do we even begin?  This time of year is always a time of reflecting.  Missing those who have left us to be with the Lord.  Thinking about celebrating, starting the gift search and Black Friday.

I spent Thanksgiving with family I am blessed to have through my husband.  I had Thursday and Friday off work...and if I remember correctly, I got out early Wednesday.  A much needed break.  Even more so...much needed time to spend with Addison.  I cannot get over how much she is growing.  I feel like everyday there is a new set of things she can do.  She never looks the same as she did the day before.  She's HUGE now :(

Mike had to work until pretty late Thanksgiving day night.  We had dinner at Mike's grandma and grandpa's house.  It was a feast.  As always, we made too much food.  I cooked egg noodles (a Chalfant family must have) and, as always, nobody was fond of them.  I'd say the majority of them were dumped out.  Next year, I will only made one small bag.  Serving size:  one (me).  Mike arrived, I had pre-made him a plate.  Us ladies were going through the Black Friday ads.   There was nothing I absolutely had to have, so I waited to battle the crowds until Addison woke up Friday morning.  My work focused hubby picked up overtime on Friday night...an overnight of course.  It was a tough day to be alone.  Everyone I knew was with their family.  It's a family time of year.  Up here, it's a day to turn on your fire...bake cookies, put up your tree, outside lights, and decorate the house.  I did my best to keep busy with little Miss, but it was a sad day without Michael.

Oh, and naturally I didn't throw the camera that was charging into my diaper bag :(  Auntie Kim got lots of photos though.  Here she is the day after in all her cuteness:

This year I have SO much to be Thankful for.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Where do we even begin?  This time of year is always a time of reflecting.  Missing those who have left us to be with the Lord.  Thinking about celebrating, starting the gift search and Black Friday. 

I spent Thanksgiving with family I am blessed to have through my husband.  I had Thursday and Friday off work...and if I remember correctly, I got out early Wednesday.  A much needed break.  Even more so...much needed time to spend with Addison.  I cannot get over how much she is growing.  I feel like everyday there is a new set of things she can do.  She never looks the same as she did the day before.  She's HUGE now :(

Mike had to work until pretty late Thanksgiving day night.  We had dinner at Mike's grandma and grandpa's house.  It was a feast.  As always, we made too much food.  I cooked egg noodles (a Chalfant family must have) and, as always, nobody was fond of them.  I'd say the majority of them were dumped out.  Next year, I will only made one small bag.  Serving size:  one (me).  Mike arrived, I had pre-made him a plate.  Us ladies were going through the Black Friday ads.   There was nothing I absolutely had to have, so I waited to battle the crowds until Addison woke up Friday morning.  My work focused hubby picked up overtime on Friday night...an overnight of course.  It was a tough day to be alone.  Everyone I knew was with their family.  It's a family time of year.  Up here, it's a day to turn on your fire...bake cookies, put up your tree, outside lights, and decorate the house.  I did my best to keep busy with little Miss, but it was a sad day without Michael.

Oh, and naturally I didn't throw the camera that was charging into my diaper bag :(  Auntie Kim got lots of photos though.  Here she is the day after in all her cuteness:
{her bow weighing her down?}
{I am thankful for her!!}
{little cheese}
{so serious...}
{big girl snoozing away}
{Addison meets Whinnie the Pooh}
{hello there}
{beautiful}




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Surprise Addie Pics!

So, Mike and I kept a little secret from everyone.  We got Addison's 6 month pictures taken 'professionally.'  She was a girl a co-worker recommended.  She did a fairly good job considering the price.  I just wish they weren't all the same pose!

But they were a Christmas surprise for the family...yes, even those of you in Rolla.  I quickly realized that she wasn't going to look the same come December...and that couldn't be more of the truth!  She is SO much bigger.  You can see for yourself:

{without a bow, poor girl looks a little boy-ish}
{little angel, no doubt}
{the first of many tiaras}
{no so sure about it}
{hi baby girl}
{family photo}
{one fav}
{her typical pose at 6 months}
{those baby blues...}
{ah!}
{our little Chicago Bears fan}
{100% pure heaven}
There you have the gist of them...I hope you all enojy!  Sorry they are 3 months late, BUT they were supposed to be a surprise for the Holidays.  Hope it worked :)
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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Saturday Birthday Celebration

Saturday morning Dad made us my most favorite breakfast...biscuits and gravy!!  YUMMY!  We hung around the house and spent time with Addison.  I ran a few errands solo- which is always nice to get out without the lil one.

We had Kim watch Addison while we went into the city for an evening.  We had dinner reservations fairly late at Gene and Georgetti's.  It was the Festival of Lights down in the city...I thought, "Cool, we can walk down Michigan Ave looking at all the pretty lights and head over to the Hancock building for a few pre-dinner cocktails."  This was before I realized that everyone in Chicago would be attending.  We ended up taking the L.  We got off on the West side of Michigan Ave...there were people everywhere.  We walked up to Michigan Ave and quickly realized there were thousands of people packed like sardines.  We tried to walk the sidewalk for about 5 minutes...then gave up.  We ran the opposite direction.  I had no clue there was a parade...lol.  I'm a Chicago beginner.  I told my Dad and Jenny that one day, when my children are all in grade school, I will know what is going on around me.  (Reality is that I may never have it all together!)  Thank goodness we did not have Addison!

We joined the Smith and Wollensky's Happy Hour crowd as the parade was going on a mere block away.  We saw it on tv actually :)  Once it looked as if the crowd was clearing we headed across Michigan Ave and made the hike up to 95th floor of the John Hancock building.  A little restaurant that has hands down THE BEST view of the city!  Ah!  I was in heaven!  The Signature room wasn't too busy.  We arrived just as a table right up on the glass was leaving and we hustled in.  SO COOL.

Then we jumped in a cab and went to dinner.  The place was small.  Full of older people.  Had an aura of Italian mafia!  The food was fabulous!  Another wonderful experience with my Dad and Jenny on our birthday celebration :)  I didn't see the 'petite' filet on the menu...neither did Jenny, so we had some good meat left over!  They also failed to mention that the meals already came with potatoes...in the future we don't need to order anything but the veggies.  Lesson learned.  We had SO much food left over- I felt terrible!  But it was oh so good.

(pics to come)
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Birthday Happenings

My actual birthday was spent at work.  Bummer, I know, but I will be at work on my birthday until it falls on a Saturday again.  Only a few more years!

The kids were super excited!  I couldn't make it two steps into my room without being showered with hugs and construction paper creations.  I smiled from ear to ear.  They're all a piece of work from time to time, but it was memorable no doubt.  (Just a side note for my personal memory- a student in my class does not celebrate birthdays for religious reasons.  Of course, that was the mom that was standing a foot away from me when I walked in through the door.  Arg!)  A huge sign hung from my dry erase board.  My wonderful co-teacher brought a gift and there were signs on a couples places around the school.  It was a good day.  OH- I got off almost an hour early!  Great way to end a day.

Kim made me chili and we had some wine.  Their neighbor, Kimber, had her birthday Sunday the 13th, so we celebrated with her.  It was a great time.  Sadly, Mike was working.  He traded his standard weekend shift in, so he could have the weekend off to spend it with me, my Dad, and Jenny.  The sacrifices one has to make!  It's OK b/c this time last year I was without him...and I will most likely be without him again next year.

My birthday was on a Wednesday and my Dad and Jenny came on Thursday, November 17th.  It was nice b/c I felt like the celebration only continued.  Once they got in, we hung out at the house for awhile and went to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner.  Friday I worked a half day...I had requested the day off before they planned a 'Thanksgiving Luncheon' for the whole school (students and their families).  I was granted my request, but they were obviously stressed out about the whole deal and I offered to give them a hand.  Maybe I'm a little too nice?

Mike was late (typical when married to a pilot), but met us out at Portillo's for lunch.  Then we headed out to Gander Mountain for some spoiling!  It was wonderful getting our winter weather gear with my Dad and Jenny.  We scored some really sweet, much needed items!  I'm now ready for a snowstorm...can't wait to wear my boots :)  I figure if it's going to be 34 degrees right now, it best be snowing.  This cold is MISERABLE.  Ugh.

Friday we ended up getting Lou's pizza carryout and drinking wine at our house.  Jenny got me some killer wine glasses.  They're HUGE and beautiful and wonderful.  Great gift idea.  And Mike got me an awesome winter coat..it finishes my winter ensemble!

Saturday's update will come later!
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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Almost Twenty-Eight

T'was the night before my 28th,
I hung out with my girl.
Sat down to realize
This past year was a whirl.

It starts in November twenty ten,
A pregnant, pleasant birthday
Spent with the nanny fam.

Our then family of two
packed up our AZ home.
Life was a zoo,
As you might know.

Lonely, no doubt.
Long distance for the last time,
I tried not to pout.

On St. Patty's twenty eleven,
I became a Mommy
With a gift sent from Heaven.

Addie turned our world upside down.
Where's her little crown?
She hides it in each smile,
for those we'd walk miles.

She holds my heart in her giggle,
Oh to watch those toes wiggle!

Coach K got his 903rd win,
Mike is on the road again.

We get to celebrate
Slightly late <3.
Here's to 28-
Another great.
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Thursday, November 10, 2011

First Snow

Sadly, I did not get a picture of Addison and her first glimpse of snow.  But it did indeed happen today at school.  There were snow flurries falling from the sky.  Then, the sun would come out.  Moments later, more snow.  It was crazy!  Mike has his own spin on the craziness.  Apparently, he was trying to get out of Chicago at that very moment.  Once the snow fell they had to deice the plane.  Back to the gate or wherever to take care of that.  The sun came out, they knew they didn't really need the deice, but it's procedure.  Get back on the jetway and it snows again, so they had to be taken back a second time.  Neither issue was a huge deal b/c it really wasn't snowing that hard.  However, I'm sure the passengers, as well as my hubby, weren't particularly happy about the scenario.  Mild case of the flurries, but poor guy.  He's really going to hate the winter.  If only every canceled flight meant he could come home- then we'd be in luck!

I told Addison's teachers that she loves being/looking outside, so they made sure to tell me they showed her the snow.  I wonder what she thought.  Probably just rain, if much of anything about what was falling from the sky.  How cool for her though...baby girl, it's way too early for snow to Mommy!
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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Lou's First Halloween

Happy 1st Halloween Addison!

{bad lighting, but I love her facial expression}
Another first to write down in the books.  So crazy to think that this time of year is here and will be gone tomorrow.  Our pumpkins I couldn't wait to go pick out, carve, and light are to be put into the trash.  Crazy.  Time is hustling...I'm not so sure I'm all about it!
{those baby blues get Mommy every.single.time.}
{Miss Serious}
However, I must admit, I love watching this little one grow.  She is SO amazing!  Addison is very curious and watches your every move.  She grabs anything and everything in sight...especially if it's yours.  She absolutely loves holding/having out cellphones.  What is it with kids?  She wants it as soon as she sees it...it doesn't have to be on, making noise, or doing anything at all.  It's like she knows it's important.  Her first top tooth is shining white...and the three other top teeth have decided to come at once I believe. Poor Lou!  She hasn't been to happy with them- they hurt!  In fact, Halloween night she wanted nothing to do with getting dressed or smiling.  I'm lucky I got what I did.  
{with her pumpkin}
{she wouldn't look at me, of course, but I love how she's holding onto her first pumpkin}
As I was sitting outside taking these pictures, a family walked up with a little girl who will be two the second week of December.  Her name was Ellison.  She is going to be a big sister soon- due the week after her birthday.  It was so surreal watching this little girl walk and talk- all the while thinking Addie will be there in no time.  I cannot believe this is the little bundle we brought home from the hospital merely 7 months ago.  I swear time flew before, but now...I pause for a minute and she's entered a new 'phase' or surpassed a new milestone.
{SO happy}
I want to bottle her up.  I want to freeze a frame in time of her with her Daddy.  This girl works him like no other.  She has him wrapped around her little finger.  Addison acts differently around Daddy, it's funny at this point in time.  I know that might change come the teenage years, but for now it's cute.  
{her 'I'm going to bite you face'}
{oh hey Mom, I'm cute}
{cutest 50s girl EVER}
{the bite face, again}
Grandma Pat made her Halloween costume.  We loved it!  It was perfect.  She was ADORABLE as you can see.  Thank you Grandma Pat!  We had intentions on being a trio, but when I was left to making the costumes solo...working full time...and lacking creative costume making capabilities, that didn't happen.  Bummed.  But we will get to that next year.  When she can walk...and attempt trick-or-treating!

Although Auntie Kim did give Addie her first lick of a sucker...of course, she liked it at first and hated it after the third lick.  Good thing we brush those teeth!

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Pic Update

Lots of pics I haven't been able to post of our girl...
{exactly how we felt...worst weekend ever}
{it's just not right Momma}
{Mommy's worst nightmare}
{holding her own bottle}
{that's our happy girl}

{pretty in blue with a big red bow}
{fast asleep on the floor during a church service}
{like father like daughter}
{Mike and I walked away from a minute and found G keeping her eye on Addie <3}
{my blues}
{"Look Ma, no headband!"
{family pic

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