Time for Crispix...Rice Cereal

A little history

This weekend we had A in town and she took pictures of EK in the Ott Family baptism gown.  Builder and I both had family history in our baptism gowns.  Both gowns go back to our current living grandmas and both gowns are on our father's side.  We had EK wear Builders Manda family gown at her baptism.  For my Granny we wanted to get some pictures of EK in the Ott Family gown as well.  Plan was to take on the baptism day but EK took a snooze following the ceremony until the party was over.  So this weekend we got the shots.  A--they are awesome!!

The Ott Family gown was made by the mother of my Granny, Mary Margaret Meyer (my Dad's mom and our Granny).  My great grandmother baptized her children in the gown.  My Granny then baptized all 9 of her kids in the gown.  My Dad and Mom then baptized all 4 of their kids and many other cousins have worn the gown as well.  It is really amazing the detail and lace that is on this dress.  Beautiful and we loved the fact that Etta Katherine is part of that history.

The Manda Family gown, was handmade by the mother of Builders Mamo, Joan Gilliam Manda.  The gown was worn by his Mamo at baptism and by her 4 children.  One being Builder's Pops.  Builder and the oldest Manda brother both wore the gown.  The gown was also worn by other cousins as well.  The dress was beautiful and the detail and class was timeless.  We look forward to the tradition of any future peas wearing both family gowns.

Thanks Lulu and Mims for going through all the work of getting the gowns ready!! They are beautiful!

So Fresh and Clean

The last part of the kitchen project is just about complete.  The laundry room.  Yes, still part of the kitchen project but we did have a baby and we had to do some searching for the cabinet fronts.  We knew exactly what fronts we wanted and went to order and the company was no more.  I hate when that happens.  So the cabinet searching began and Builder found exactly what we wanted.

The laundry room is a room in my opinion that MUST appear clean.  Nothing is worse then a dirty laundry room...never makes me feel like things leaving it could be clean.  So when I started this project I knew I wanted to go with a fresh and clean look.  WHITE!  I went with white walls, white cabinets, and then to add that pop I went with a green washer and dryer.  Stackable to get more space.  I am sure one day we will laugh that we went with green but why not!!   The cabinets are my favorite change.  We once had the counter top and cabinets above and below.  Not very easy to use or get to.  With a little rearranging and buying one more cabinet, we know have a wall of cabinets.  I love the storage and best of all its storage that is not seen.  I also added the watermelon colored chair rail, another pop that ties it all together.  I painted the bench melon as well.  I have always wanted a black and white tile floor...almost did it at Katy Lane thought of it here but transitions were not right.  So in my laundry room I went with a black and white back splash.  So now I have my Clean (white) and Fresh(fun pops) laundry room!!

Time for a Change

First time ever, I went dark.  I have been thinking about it for awhile and then went for it.  Why not!!  I think I really like it.  It is a change and I do love change.

Next up some project updates.  I have some needed house project updates and then a few new ones on the list.  Ek is almost 4 months so time for another project right!! 

Photo Shoot Time

So they all rolled over....

Builder here,
During my afternoon Mr. Mom time the Pea usually takes a nap making my job that much easier.  Periodically I have to go in her room and put her binky back in her mouth when she starts to fuss.  Today, when I went in there, she rolled over and stared at me, looking quite stunned.  I pulled her out of bed to go tell mom what she did, and to put her back to sleep.  Big Girl!  She has rolled over, and soon enough she will be crawling.

Nothing good happens after 1am

I woke up this morning thinking of this and how the meaning of it had changed.  Last night was one of those nights were nothing good happened after 1am.  It all started at 4am (there was a brief wake up at 2am but no big deal there).  Ek has been waking up at 4am for a feeding lately, I try to tell her that just am would be better.  I even did one of those wake ups before the time and then prayed she would not wake up.  Well my prayer did not come through and I got a lot more on top of the wake up.  Remember its 4am and I round the corner heading into EKs room and I see the big pile...of dog poop.  I think, for real oh bother.  I walk back to tell pappa he is on clean up duty in the nursery.  I then can not nurse in there because nothing is worse then the smell of dog poop and carpet cleaner.  Yes, I have an upstairs of hardwood floors and the dog pooped on the area rug.  So after an hour we have a sleeping babe and pup.  I begin to go back to sleep and Oh bother is barking.  What!?!  I nudge Pappa bc I have the babe that is awake because of the pup.  Oh Bother proceeds to go outside and have major runs.  At this point its 6am and looking back I should have gotten up.  I just could not because basically I have been up since 4am.  So I nurse EK and pappa comes back into the room.  Before he could even lay down Oh Bother makes that terrible noise...throws up all over his dog bed.  At this point I am thinking, Is this all really happening?  So I snooze finally for 15 minutes, not worth it and again should have gotten up at 6am.  Running behind I get all ready to go and then get Ek dressed.  Walk outside and I have dressed EK for summer and it is not quite warm.  Back upstairs to change and ready in our 2nd outfit and life EK up and she spits up all over me.  She never spits up so this is rare.  It was a circus I tell you.  Here to hoping we make it through tonight without poop! 

Side note: poop makes me laugh (dog poop not as much) which did help get through this.

Another random side note:  At lunch I say to Pappa, I can't believe Otto was so sick, wonder if its my curtains (yes he ate my curtains) or something.  Pappa very casually says "all I gave him last night was a hotdog".......a what?!!  Again is this for real...a hot dog can tear up a human let alone a pup.  No comment from me.

Last Side Note:  This post makes Oh Bother sound like a bad dog...he really is the best.  I am not a dog person and really the only dog I like is him.  He has a few accidents in his days and twice now has ate the curtains. 

Has it really been 15 weeks??

A note to EK:
Lately it feels like time is just flying by....we are on one awesome ride pea and it gets better each day.  You are a ball of energy! You have started laughing and it is the sweetest little chuckle.  Your whole body laughs, just like when you smile, your whole face smiles.  You are so lovable, every little chubby roll.  Your cheeks are still the topic of conversation, everyone wants to just eat them up!  You are a social little one...very happy people watching.  I think I have a GONG partner.  Pappa and I will fill you in on this one.  Its a great quality and you will learn so much!  You love to slobber lately, tonight at dinner Pappa thought you were going to be in a wet t-shirt contest because you were soakin wet.  If you follow me you will not have much for show...haha! You have always been strong but lately you are showing off with a perfect swan and the starts of some scoots.  You still love sleeping right on top of someone...its your favorite place but you do sleep in your room.  You still hate the car seat...I have ordered you a new one so I hope you like it better!  You have been loving walks because now you sit like a big girl and face out ...again you like to see the world.  We have started to get your fall/winter wardrobe in and let me tell you its all super cute!!  I had to do some talking with Pappa about clothes and I'm sure this won't be the last time.  He is a great shopper just sometimes needs a reminder.  Lately when we have a moment that I don't want to forget I think to myself I just want to bottle this up for later.  I love just watching you hang out so happy and so content.  My wish for you is to be a happy person.  Happiness may always be a little different depending on where you are at in life but always strive to be happy in what, where, and who you are.  Bottle up all those moments!  We love you so much and this is one awesome journey.  In poppa's words..."shes just a really good kid"!

Day with Pappa

Fall Clothes! Ready for our morning walk and then a day with Pappa!  We love the brisk air for our walks.  It has been a very refreshing week.

After the morning errands, dropping Oh Bother for a much need bath, and getting a much needed starbucks for me.  Off they went to doing some exploring outside.  

This is what I met for lunch!

Poppa using the ottoman as a bed.  Later he had her take her afternoon nap outside in her stroller, she slept 3 hours out there for him.  I was afraid she could move out of the stroller but Pappa informed me she was like an alligator and can't move backwards yet.  Random fact.

JEAN day!

Fall weather is here!

LITTLE TIGER

Our favorite time of the year is back....GO TIGERS!!  This weekend we had our first home game.  We love the whole season but the first few games we get to bring pappa to the game with us.  Etta Kate was ready for her first game.  She was the best dressed little tiger thanks to our friends and Mimi.  She started off the day sporting an MU tutu!!  So darn cute. For the game she was dressed in the cutest mizzou applique dress.  LOVE!  It was a great Tiger weekend. 

Louie and the Corey Quinn family came to stay with us Friday night so they would be ready to go for the game on Saturday.  Early game time of 11am.  Who would have thought it would be a scorcher .... high 90s and just so darn hot.  We were so excited to see our new seats for the season.  This was our first year getting 5 seats all together with Mimi and Pops.  Well I am not sure that I even got a good look from the seats.  I was there for maybe a few minutes and it was just too darn hot for EK.  We were outta there with Mimi.  I have never seen so many moms in the lower part of the stadium trying to stay cool.  I kept thinking at least I am not the only crazy with a baby at a football game.  We still enjoyed the environment..well to be honest we enjoyed it until we got in the hot stadium.  People passing out (3 in the short time I was there) and the sweat from the heat and the baby bjorn is not all that much fun.  It was very nice when I got home and set up the tailgate in the ac!

  

Pappa and Pops made it to halftime and then joined us.  Louie survived the whole game...he is a tiger fan!  We are looking forward to the rest of the season and the 6:00 game in 2 weeks.  No hot sun and EK will get to go into the game for sure.  Well as long as it does not rain!!  GO TIGERS!!

Tailgate time!

Had to have these --placed a last minute call to STL!

Louie and EK

LOVE my dress Mimi!

Have to have my size tailgate chair --matches the big ones of course!

That was a long day...napped the rest of the afternoon!

3 months old!

Etta Katherine's Baptism

Etta Kate and her God Parents

Bows and Booze

Party weekend at the Mandas!  We love having our annual Summer party.  Every year the party has been for a different reason.  This year was in honor of our little lady!  With a theme of bows for her and booze for the adults.  It was a very fun party to plan with Builder and Tootie.  Tootie is of so creative from the design side and builder becomes the chef.  What do I do ... I will say I execute it all!  haha!! That sounds big!  The decor was shades of pink, grosgrain ribbon, and bows. We had A in town as well so we have the best photos ever.  I wish I had these shots all the time. 

It was a crazy weekend.  We picked Tootie up from the MOx on Friday night and the crazy began and continued until Sunday afternoon.  Yes we did 2 parties back to back.  EK was baptized on Sunday.  It was a fabulous weekend of family and friends.  It was so special to have so many people in town.  We enjoyed the entire weekend!! 

I had Tootie travel with the flowers for the weekend and all her luggage!

Buddies!

Best Buds in Birth order...each 2 weeks apart.  Haddie Jean, Etta Kate, Emalyne

Its going to be so much fun growing up with these little girls!!

WAY behind ...First Overnight to Lulu and Poppy's

So I think Wednesday of this week I felt like things had slowed down....we have been BUSY!!  It started 2 Sundays ago when I loaded up EK and Oh Bother and headed to STL.  First time for a longer drive with EK alone.  It went pretty well.  We were headed to STL until Wednesday.  Builder was left at home with a honey do list so we would be ready for our big party weekend.  When I go to STL it is usual a whirl wind!!  So many people to see, places to go, and never enough time!  We were in STL because I had to train a new employee so that made things even more interesting.  This would be EK's first time away without me close enough for feedings.  She did fairly well, not a big fan of a bottle but she got managed.  We met for lunch the 2nd day which pleased her!! For me I was reminded of the benefits of working at home.  1. Don't have to dress business professional daily 2. Don't have to have a date with a black bag in a back office with a chair in front of the door bc it doesn't lock  3. No traffic 4. Don't have to get into a hot car after a long day 5. Don't have to wait for room on an elevator when I'm already running behind.  There were a few benefits to going into the office  ...perfect reason to stop at Starbucks!!

Hanging out with Lulu and Poppy iChatting with Tootie

EK had so much fun seeing her aunts and uncles (ichatted lots with Tootie) and spending time with LuLu and Poppy.  Poppy did a lot of singing, 'down by the bay' and also took EK on a visit to see G Granny.  Lulu and I had a pilates date so Poppy dropped us off and off they went jamming to Elvis. EK came back in a swim diaper..oh Poppy!! 

Oh Poppy!

Getting my head way up now

Looking at old pictures, Uncle King nursing his brown dog as a baby

Uncle Louie time!

It was a great visit.  We made it home after a huge blow out in Warrenton.  I was not sure I was going to make it.  Nothing worse than a gas station bathroom, a baby covered head to toe, and only 2 hands. We were very happy to see Poppa!!