Here, there, and everywhere!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It has been a VERY busy and exciting holiday season for us.

Let's recap in superfast-I can't even remember it all-summary mode :

In early November, my sister Shannon came to visit. She played with Candice, we visited, and we saw this man in New Orleans. . . . .

We had a good laugh-quietly. He really did NOT want to be photographed.

We passed on the to-go offer since it was only 11:30am.

Next, we did Thanksgiving in Mississippi and Candice let everyone hold her without too much complaining.

Candice with Nonna and her cousin Tyson.

He wants to know why all she does is lay there looking cute all the time.

Then, in December, my Granny came to visit to meet Candice Anne.

It was so nice to hang out with her and visit. It had been way too long.

Me and Granny before we went to the symphony. Gosh I miss her.

Ok, while Granny was visiting.........it snowed............in Louisiana. CRAZINESS.

This is our street.

We had a brief snowball fight. I won.

2 days after Granny left, we were on a plane to Colorado for a week long ski trip. We went with family and it was great. We rented a house that could fit our entire family of 10 plus 2 babies. It was a gorgeous home within walking distance of the slopes.

I only skiied one day at my ski lesson. I broke an important ski rule by folding my sock over inside my ski boot causing my shins to be bruised. It was so bad I couldn't even wear my ski boots after the first day. I know, I sound like a complete loser/whiney butt. It was REALLY painful. However, my injury was not the worst. Neil's girlfriend, Kelli, tore her ACL while skiing and she left Colorado wearing a brace, on crutches, knowing she will have to have surgery soon. Yikes! Daniel probably bruised some ribs, Karen landed on her tailbone pretty hard and Mommaw had altitude sickness for the first 2 days.

Family Injuries listed in order of severity (most severe to least severe)

1. Kelli's torn ACL

2. Mommaw's altitude sickness

3. Daniel's bruised ribs

4. Sarah's bruised shins

5. Karen's sore tailbone

Sorry you got first place Kelli.
I promise we did have fun, it was just very. . . . . . eventful.

Aren't our outfits cute?

Do not pass it up if you ever have the chance.

Finally, we had our 1st Christmas with Candice. She is getting sweeter and more fun everyday. She smiles, laughs, and makes all kind of cute noises.

She was spoiled with presents and kisses all day long.

First thing Christmas morning.

At Christmas lunch.

Taking a nap after all the excitment.

Your asking yourself when do we stay home? Candice was 100 days old recently. We counted up how many days we have been at home, JUST the 3 of us.

24 days!!!

If you are looking for us-we will be AT HOME.

A Few of My Favorite Things-Baby Edition

Just a few things that I could not live without these days. I always love to know what people like/love/makes their life easier/more fun. This is my list having to do with baby items.

itz been

The itzbeen is not so advanced since it is really just a stopwatch/timer with a backlight. However, it is a tremendous help. It keeps track of how long "itz been" since a diaper change, nap, feeding, or *. [We currently use the diaper button for wet diapers and the * button for dirty ones.] Also, the bottom button slides back and forth [L or R] to help out breastfeeding mothers to know which boob gets to go first. Got this idea off of Morgan's blog. Great idea!

The Happiest Baby on the Block

Dr. Harvey Karp

We don't know Dr. Karp, but we wish we did so we could hug and kiss him. Matthew has really read much more of this book than I have. This book has educated us on how to soothe a fussy baby. It is GREAT! It debunks common myths about colic and fussy babies and educated us on ways to calm Candice. Holding her on her side, bobbling her head [JUST like a Bobble Head doll. weird huh?], swaying/rocking, swaddling, etc. I wanted to give Janell credit for suggesting this book, but she said it wasn't her. Was it you Amy? Anyway, we love it. Thanks to whoever suggested it.

Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe Blanket

Ummmmm. Just get a couple of these. There is no reason to not have a swaddle blanket with velcro. Newborns have a very hard time getting to sleep since they have little to no control over the arms and legs. Once the arms or legs move, they are wide awake. Put this little straight jacket [comes with velcro so there is no escape] on them and they almost pass out. It is magical.

The Ultimate Crib Sheet


This item was intriguing to me and my sister-in-law Karen confirmed its hype. This sheet is a flat piece of material that feels like a sheet on top and a mattress pad on the bottom. It just lays on top of your bottom sheet and straps to the cribs slats with pieces of elastic. So, if there is a poo or spit-up incident in the middle of the night, you just undo the straps and slap your backup Ultimate Crib Sheet right on there. A little easier than leaning way in the crib to undo and switch out a bottom sheet and mattress pad. And, you can switch out the Ultimate Crib Sheet while the baby is in the bed one side at time. I always wonder, what people do if you have to change out an infant's bedding in the middle of the night. Where do you put the child while you are switching bedding? Hmm.

Conair Sound Machine

Thanks to a family friend, for the last couple nights Candice has been sleeping to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. Since babies don't mind noise and actually prefer it, this was a great baby gift. Thanks Rico and Jennifer! See all those buttons? There are jungle noises, waves, raindrops, white noise, and the list goes on. It travels with us so she has her familiar noises wherever we are.

Ok. Ok. Here are some recent photos of Candice.

ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAR!

Candice in her Leopard costume on Halloween.

[Thanks for the good find Nonna!

Purr.....

This is the leopard in a little better mood. Maybe she really prefers closeups.

Family Outing to New Orleans

My mother was here for six weeks helping me recover, taking care of me and Candice and being a great friend. She has done it all since she has been here including cooking, cleaning, diaper changing and much more. I am sure I would have completely lost my mind had she not been here. After my stepdad Ken arrived, we managed to make time for some REAL fun and did some day trips around Louisiana to see some hot spots. We visited Baton Rouge, New Orleans, did some shopping, and of course ate WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too much at every meal. Candice loves to go on trips. The only person who needs to relax is. . . .me. I am completely nuts. When we made our first couple of outings, things went something like this:

Me: [packing the diaper bag] "What if _____ happens?!! Or _____.?!!!

We probably need to pack more diapers and clothes."

Matthew: Honey, I think we are ok, it's just a Walmart trip.

Me: "Have you seen the baby Tylenol? And the other tube of Desitin?

Where did I put that stack of burp cloths?"

Matthew: "Sarah-get ahold of yourself!"

He probably should have slapped me right there. Just like in the movies.

Here are a couple of photos from our New Orleans outing.

Matthew and Candice at our lunch at the Redfish Grill. The restaurant is becoming one of our favorites. Our friends, Chuck and Michelle, suggested it long ago and we love it. Yes, we took her on Bourbon Street to eat lunch. I know, we are gonna burn for that.

Matthew and Candice strolling down Canal Street.

Mom and Ken. . . . . . .

and Matthew and Sarah. . . . . . .

ate this to complete our New Orleans trip.

Ken was a little bothered by fact that at Cafe Du Monde, the powdered sugar is everywhere. So, we threw it on him just for fun. I should have got a picture of his face.

We give tours anytime of the year-please call to make a reservation!

And for the real reason you visited the blog today....... pictures of Candice. Don't be fooled. If you see this face, just put the diaper back on and be patient.

And get more wipes. QUICKLY.

She is so fun to cuddle with after she wakes up.

Candice is attempting to dance. Not bad Baby Girl.

Candice Anne Arrives

Hey y'all, it's the Professor pinch hitting for Sarah Mae on the blog.

Candice Anne Alford was born yesterday (Friday, September 19th) at 9:09 am. We were blessed with a very healthy girl via c-section. The procedure was quick and easy (at least from where I was sitting). She weighed in at 11 lbs. 10 oz. and measured 21.5 inches in length. The doctors and nursing staff were all amazed. Not the first time that's happened!

She's gorgeous (of course) and already nursing like a champ. A little bit of dark hair, but we've still got our fingers crossed for some red like mommy's. Candice got nothing but good reports from all the doctors. She was quite the little attraction yesterday. Word travelled fast through the hospital about the big baby in the nursery. She was actually the biggest baby our doctor had ever delivered. I was pretty pumped about that. It's always good to be #1. Hopefully Candice inherits my competitive streak. She's already outgrown the newborn diapers so we had to get some borrowed from the pediatric unit downstairs. I also passed a major milestone as well: changed my first diaper, ever. That meconium stuff is no joke. I also made it through the delivery without incident. I don't have the best track record with hospitals and major surgeries, but I was a rock yesterday. I even peeked over the shroud just as they were pulling Candice out. Amazing sight (alas, I was not allowed to video that one). I did get into a little trouble, though. I joined in a conversation among the doctors about the LSU-Auburn football game just as the surgery was beginning. Sarah gave me a swift, but stern reminder that we were not here to discuss SEC football.

We got a little rest during the night, and Sarah got unplugged from everything this morning. Sarah has already been up and about for her first walk. She was made to be a mom. She's been a trooper since Day One of this pregnancy. Working at a juvenile detention center, beach trip, camping trip to the mountains, summer heat, diabetes, big baby, hurricane evacuation during her 9th month and a c-section at 38 weeks..... She never complained once. Why am I not surprised? She's a Hall of Famer.

That's about it for now. No pictures, yet. I forgot the camera at the room. I know I'm in trouble for that, but I promise to make up for it soon with lots of pictures of mom and baby. We are so excited about our new addition. Please feel free to call or come by. We love showing Candice off! Thanks also to everyone who prayed us through these last 9 months. All our prayers were answered in a BIG way!

UPDATE WITH PHOTOS:

One last shot of the belly

Sarah, Candice and Nonna (my mom, Donna)

Our little fam

My two girls

Alfords Evacuate

Gustav. We hate you.

I am watching the local news coverage of Hurricane Gustav here in north Mississippi with the family. We evacuated on Saturday morning. Way before it got too crazy with contraflow and all that. I am so glad to hear Gustav has weakened just before it made land fall this morning. I am so relieved we are not there right now.

8 months pregnant + tornados + no power + limited groceries/gasoline =MISERY
No thank you.

The news coverage is still scary to watch from way up here. The weather reporters are spread out all over Louisiana and almost falling over from the wind gusts as they use words to describe the weather like "hammered" (Neil thought that one was funny), "pounded", and "feisty" (my favorite adjective).

All of this hurricane planning is very new for us since we have only been living in Louisiana for one year now. Pretty scary.

We will return when our neighbors and friends who stayed can give us a good report of the town and that we have power back on.

Be safe in Louisiana!

Hi, remember us?

So much to share. Just leave the site if this is too much for you.

Matthew and I bought a house. For the FIRST TIME. After renting for the last 5 years, I am so relieved. I also feel very. . . . grown up now. Like I could just tell people, "Hey. Don't talk to me like that. I just bought a freakin' house, what have you done lately?" We are still busy decorating and getting everything just the way we like it. Thanks to the Alford clan, we were moved and unpacked in one day. We have done several little home projects already. Those activities. . . don't usually go well with us since we both want to be in charge. However, neither of us has quit a job or whispered "shut up" under our breath even once. So beautiful. Love the new house. If we know and like you, please come visit.

I have offended the waterfowl population in Louisiana. Badly. I am sure the Conservation Police are coming for me since I was recently involved in the death of a duck. Absolutely true. It was terrible. The duck flew into the side of my car just outside my neighborhood. The death was sudden, but not clean. Nasty all over the side of my car. I get out to look at the damage and see that my side mirror is hanging by a thread. Don't forget about the nasty all over the side of my car. I also look over and see the duck's two other friends giving me a dirty look that says, "You gonna kill us too?" I had to go back home and switch cars and let Matthew deal with the nasty/broken mirror issues. I do love animals, but I was more angry at the duck than sad about him dead. Oh yeah, he landed in someone's front lawn. But. . .I wasn't sure what to do. I couldn't knock on their door at 7:30am to tell them about the dead duck. Then, I couldn't bring myself to do it that night either. Surely they would notice it. Nope. The duck is still there. Gross. Who doesn't notice a dead duck in their yard?

My unborn Candice Anne is not as dainty as her name might insinuate. She is currently 5.5 lbs. when all books/websites report babies at this stage should be approximately 3.75 lbs. Hm. We will call her "healthy". If she continues to be "healthy" she will reach 10 lbs. by her due date. 10 lbs. is alot of baby. Have you ever given birth? Was your baby 10 lbs.? Try walking around all day with that big, I mean healthy, baby in your belly. Shopping is actually becoming less fun to me. I am carrying a lot of weight around these days. Check out my latest belly pic in the margin! She is doing well and I will post pictures of her nursery when I am done. You are going to want to live in there. It is so cool.

I had a wonderful group of family and friends give me a shower recently. I was so honored and got completely spoiled! Candice is well on her way to having everything a little princess might need. I will post some pictures when I get them from some picture-takers at the shower. We had so much fun. Thank you to all of the family and very special friends that made that day so special to me. I was lucky enough to have Janell come from Tennessee and Laura, Emily (who should have won the clothespin game), Amy, and Miss Debbie come from Starkville, MS. I was so excited that all of you could make it! Gift that made me cry the most: My mom made a quilt for Candice and it was so special when I realized that she made it herself. Thanks Mom!

Matthew and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! We met 11 years ago in college at Mississippi State University (Go Dawgs!) and I have a hard time finding the words to explain how much I love him. There is no one like him and that is a shame for all you single girls out there. We didn't go on a trip, considering I am in the third trimester with our healthy daughter. We went to eat in Baton Rouge at Juban's. It was a lovely restaurant and we ate way too much. We will have to reserve a big anniversary celebration/vacation when I am not busy growing a baby.

Professor Matthew also had a birthday in July and is still shopping for his birthday gift. I bought him this t-shirt to give him on his big day. Gotta love the Karate Kid. Anyway, his official gift is an obnoxiously-large flat screen television of his choice. Being the economics teacher and the first-born, he is putting alot of research into this purchase before he makes the buy. Good job baby. Now, hurry up so we can watch the Sound of Music in HD.

Points of Interest

We have had a crazy month! Busy in the best way. Here are some of the highlights:

1)Our baby has a name!!!! Candice Anne Alford. I did love all the suggestions, but we have made our decision. Candice is my mother's name (so sweet right?) and Anne is my mother-in-law's middle name along with many others in their family tree. We are so excited! I have bought her about 6 little outfits so far. It is SO difficult to not buy everything in a baby store. Isn't this the nesting stage of pregnancy? Maybe I am going to mentally injure myself by not giving in to my shopping desires. She is kicking, dancing, and doing her water aerobics day and night. I am loving every second of it. I can't wait for her to get here. We're waiting for you Candice!

A profile of Candice sleeping on her back.

2)We had a beach vacation in Alabama with some of our family. We stayed at an amazing condo right on the beach. I could have stayed for the whole summer. We went out to eat and lounged around the beach all day long. Perfect. But this quick weekend on the beach (2 days) was well planned considering Matthew and his brother Daniel shunned the idea of sunscreen and could only stand ONE day in the sun. ONE. Uh.

We got ready and went out to eat as a family that night. Do you not just love getting ready to go out to eat while on a beach vacation? As I was getting ready, and of course dreaming about amazing seafood to eat, I was thinking about how much I love to shower after a beach day and get dressed up. I look extra lovely after I have gotten a little sun, minus the new 5,452 new freckles that have appeared.

Anyway, Daniel was completely miserable during dinner. He was unable to finish his meal due to his involuntary shaking, fever, and borderline delirium. Matthew was feeling so-so until we got back to the condo and he got right into bed. I was petrified that he was going to be dehydrated so I checked on him several times and encouraged him to drink water. He is so vile when he is sick. He would snap at me every time I checked on him. I came in once to get a a bit firmer with him about drinking the water when this happens:

[Matthew is resting quietly]

Me: [Rubbing his arm and speaking softly] "Honey, how about you drink some water?"

Vile Professor: [looking vile with lips pursed together] "What!"

Me: [STILL speaking softly] "I just don't want you to get dehydrated after today."

Vile Professor: [STILL looking vile, finishes off the bottle of water in one mean-spirited sip.]"Happy?"

Me: [now also looking vile] "Yes." [storms out with nose in the air]

He has never been a good sick patient. But really.

Anyway, I must give credit to Neil, the youngest and most wise of the Alford boys. He may not have worn that much sunscreen either, but he has the nice tan now and evidently the best skin to take a day at the beach. Matthew and Daniel have been shedding and peeling skin for the last couple weeks. Karen, are you not sick of looking at the peeled skin everywhere? Gross and nasty.

Matthew and I at the beach.

3) A music revolution has happened at our house. First, my boss and friend Beronica shared with me about Pandora. It is a very cool website where you pick types of music or specific artists you like and it will create a radio station that plays just what you like. You don't have to sign up, unless you want it to remember your choices. Anyway go check it out, very fun. Also, Matthew finally bought himself an IPod and is loving it. I am not sure why we put this off for so long. We are really moving up in the world.