Gatlinburg 2010

This year for Fall Break, we decided to go to the mountains, since I do not take babies to the beach. I value my sanity too much for that. Because Aubrey is only 2 months old, this trip would be somewhat of a trial, since I have never taken one so small on a long trip. After talking with my dad about where I would put all of the luggage, how I would manage nursing a baby while out and about in Gatlinburg with the family, etc., we came to the conclusion, that we would LOVE it if Grandddaddy came to Gatlinburg with us to help with the baby. While most women would cringe at the thought of leaving a 2 month old with a granddad, I had no worries. The one thing my dad always says is, "I don't know anything but babies and bush-hogs!" While we all agree he knows MUCH more than that, we do know that he is king of the babies. He is every bit as good with babies as me and my mom! While we were out with the 2 older kids, Granddaddy, or Pappy as Annaleigh calls him, stayed in the cabin with Aubrey!

Jason and I started each day pretty late, but we were all full after a huge breakfast!

Pappy stayed with Aubrey in the cabin while we took Annaleigh and Alden into Gatlinburg for the Ripley's Aquarium.

We all took our picture beside the "How Tall This Fall?" display...

Alden was convinced he was a fish, too!

This turned out to be the funniest story! At the end of the penguin area, Alden saw this picture and started making mean faces, but we couldn't figure out why...He finally had to tell us that this was the real "Penguin" from the old Batman movies!!

Roll Tide Scarecrows...

After the Aquarium, we went to the Mirror Maze.

After this, we also went to Ripley's Moving Theatre, but since it was moving, we don't have any pictures of that. When we got back to the cabin, Granddaddy and Aubrey had had a wonderful day! That night, we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. I was shocked that none of my children or my hubbie liked roasted marshmallows! That did, however, leave lots more for my daddy and I!

This was a picture Annaleigh took of the outdoor fireplace complete with a TV! One cool thing is that while we were here, the rescue of the Chilean miners was taking place, so we were able to watch it all on TV while were were outside!

The next day, Jason, Alden, Annaleigh and I headed out to Cade's Cove. It is really one of Jason and my favorite places.

We had a wonderful picnic in Cade's Cove. The fun part was watching cars drive by as they were watching us! Now I know what animals in the zoo feel like!

Daddy and Alden horsing around.

My beautiful boy...

Totem pole...

My gorgeous girl...

Hanging out before dinner one night...

On the last day before we left for home, we decided to take a ride on the famous Gatlinburg chair lifts. Jason and Annaleigh, and Alden and I rode the first trip while Granddaddy stayed with Aubrey. For the record, you can take babies on the chair lifts for free, but I nicely told the lady she was crazy and that I would not be taking my baby with me!

On the next trip, Daddy stayed with Aubrey while Granddaddy rode with Annaleigh, and Alden and I went again too, just for the fun of it!

Our last stop was Clingman's Dome. As you can see, it was really windy, and we didn't stay long at all!



Nana-love

This boy loves his Nana.

Aubrey is 2 Months Old!

Tuesday was Aubrey's 2 Month Checkup, and she is PERFECT!

She weighed 7.9 lbs at birth and is now 11.6 lbs (50th-75th percentile).
She was 19.5 inches at birth and is now 24.25 inches (92nd percentile). Wow! She grew 4.75 inches!!
Her head circumference today is 38cm ( 25th-50th percentile).

She had 3 shots today, which she really did great with, considering how much Mrs. Pat (our precious nurse) said it hurt!

AND of course, I think she looked like a DOLL! It does kill me how that I get her all dressed up to go to the doctor, then strip her off just before he comes in! We love Dr. Chupp, and we think it's so special that he knows all about our kids and truly loves them, too!

Here is what Aubrey is up to at 2 months old:

She is still nursing exclusively and gaining weight. She is pretty much on a nighttime schedule, as well. She goes to bed at between 9 and 10 and wakes up to eat around 3-4 usually. Then, she typically stays in the bed with us until morning when I wake up to get Annaleigh ready for school. At night, and even occasionally during the day, she needs to be swaddled to help her fall asleep. We thank the individual who invented the "Swaddle Me" blanket! It has been a lifesaver, or a sleepsaver! Aubrey does take a pacifier occasionally, but she is particular about what kind she likes...the rest she gags and spits out! She loves to be in her swing most of the time, but that's not always the case. I can tell when I lay her down if she's going to stay there for any length of time or not. She does NOT like any kind of bouncy seat! We have one from Alden that vibrates (which he also didn't like) and she won't stay in it 5 minutes for me to shower! We bought a new-fangled one last week that actually bounces on its own....and she hates it, too! Maybe she'll like it when she gets older. I also have a sling/carrier thing that I use on occasion, and she likes it pretty well. I think that about covers it! We are still just loving every minute of her and wishing she would stay little forEVER!

It's Game Day Baby!

It's Game Day here in the South (Roll Tide!) and we are getting ready for the game against Florida. Alden is in his jersey, and Mark Ingram (#22) won't have to cry...at least that's what we told him when he didn't want to put the jersey on just yet! The mojo is important here, and we can't risk messing up the Tide! My parents have come to watch the game with us, and they brought FOOD! BBQ, brunswick stew, cookies, and strawberry shortcake...the only thing that could top this is a WIN against Florida!

Annaleigh is also ready for Game Day...

 



Dog Days of Summer???

Well, that's what you might think after looking at these pictures! Here in the beautiful backyard, it's a football Saturday on October 2nd, and the pool is a balmy 71 degrees...but these kids don't seem to mind. I suppose this will be our last "summer" swim, and I'm glad the kids (and Annaleigh's friend) are enjoying it! Although the girls only made it to about waist-deep (and squealed the whole time, mind you), Alden spent his time perfecting his cannonball!