Sevyn Joy

Sevyn's Media Blitz!

2011-06-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

This picture was found on dallasnews.com as the headline picture for a story that was written about fans at the watch party. Sevyn had so much fun playing with the dancers!

This picture is one of my favorites. Sevyn was in line for the Star Spangled banner with the dancers and several reporters were snapping pics. This picture was on Getty Images and was put on website all over the world including the indiatimes.com, and yahoo UK.

This picture was found on DFW.com. I really like that it is both mommy and Sevyn, for once I get to be in a picture with her.

Our biggest accomplishment yet . . .

2011-03-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

I decided to take Spring Break and really focus on potty training with Sevyn. It was a great week of mommy-daughter time and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Sevyn did a really good job. She tried hard, never really got mad or frustrated and for the most part potty training went smoothly.

On Tuesday she got really sick (I will spare the details) but it wasn't very much fun. I think I did 7 loads of laundry that day between sheets, blankets, towels, and panties. She was a trooper though. She kept pushing through and by Thursday it had mostly cleared up.

By Friday, Sevyn filled her potty training sticker chart! I was so proud of her and you can see she was proud of herself! She even put it on her daddy's pillow so that he could see it when he came home from his Mav's game. It was so cute!

As a congrats to both Sevyn and I, we went and had a cupcake on Friday afternoon at Legacy Bakery in Grapevine (our favorite indulgence right now!)

Sevyn has been diaper free for two weeks and it has been great. The idea that I won't have to buy diapers and wipes again is so exciting (at least until another one comes along.) My grocery budget is thanking me for taking her out of school for one week in order to get it done!

Updated Pics

2011-02-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few random pics we have taken over the last few weeks.

Daddy-daughter date to the Stars Game!

Getting Rowdy! Free refills on popcorn apparently means you can dump it, wear it as a hat, then refill it again later.

Snow day!

Will this work for the Kentucky Derby?

Car ride with Mikayla . . . 2 year old driving, a scary thing.

Hot Stuff!

No words. Love this.

Sevyn's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-01-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

Sevyn had her birthday today and she had such a fabulous time. We invited about 20 friends and their parents to her party at Southlake Gymnastics Academy. This is the same location that she takes gymnastics on Saturday mornings. She just loves running around, jumping on the trampolines, walking on the balance beams, and much more.

This morning Sevyn went to gymnastics like she normally does. We did this because we knew she would be exhausted and would fall asleep for a long, long time! And our plan worked perfectly. Sevyn napped for 3 hours! She woke up just in time to go to her party . . . in fact I ran out of time to feed her lunch. Oh well, she didn't seem to mind.

Here is Sevyn running down the tumble track she loved it so much! The crash landing is into the foam pit. . .

Swinging over the foam pit on a rope. Sevyn liked hanging but was stunned by the landing. I don't think she was expecting that.

Crawling through the obstacle course.

Big muscles . . . swinging from the rings.

But Sevyn's favorite thing to do is jump . . . and she is finally getting pretty good at it. It took us a long time to learn to jump with two feet.

Sevyn showing off her balancing skills on the low beam. She also loves working on her high kicks on the high beam.

Daddy helping Sevyn blow out her birthday candles.

Sevyn's cake incorporated three different characters. Her favorites Elmo, Mickey and Mary Poppins.

The big group photo was fun on Mount Southlake.

When we got home Sevyn opened up all her presents. She had so much fun playing with all her toys. Sevyn is blessed with such great family and friends!

Honestly, I thought that if you do birthday parties away from your home you wouldn't have to deal with a mess . . . boy was I wrong!

Sevyn's birthday is on the 13th, and that is when she will get her big birthday present from mommy and daddy! I can't wait to give it to her and post pics. I know she is going to LOVE it!

Sevyn's ABC's!

2010-11-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

It's Been a While!

2010-10-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, it has been a long time since I last updated. I apologize!

Sevyn is now 20 months old, so there is lots to catch up on.

I started my job as a teacher in August, and it has been great! With that, Sevyn has started going to full-time childcare. I was really nervous at first because she has always talked so well. I was afraid that they wouldn't work with her quite as much and she might regress. BOY WAS I WRONG! And thanks the Lord I was wrong. We love our childcare facility, Metroplex Chapel.

Sevyn has learned to sing quite a few songs. Her favorites are:

1. ABC's

2. Deep and Wide

3. Itsy Bitsy Spider

4. Jesus Loves Me

5. I Love You This Much - Written by Jim

6. Wheels on the Bus

(I am sure there are more, but drawing a blank.)

Sevyn talks a ton. Her vocabulary has increased exponentially. She is mimics everything we say, and loves to talk to everyone she meets. We are working on counting to twenty. She can do 1-5 by herself, but if you say the numbers she will repeat you all the way to twenty. Its a lot of fun to watch her learn.

Sevyn also loves to put puzzles together, take care of her babies, color and clean. Yes, we love to clean. Saturday mornings, evenings . . . if I am cleaning so is Sevyn.The Mav's season has just recently begun

The Mav's season has just recently begun. Sevyn went to NBA 101 and Fan Jam. Unfortunately, I think our trips to the AAC this year are going to be limit. Sevyn usually has an 8pm bedtime. We can stretch it sometime if its a good day, HOWEVER, Sevyn doesn't understand that she can't go onto the court everytime daddy is out there. I spent most of my time chasing her, and she is much faster than she was last year.

Here she is standing in Rick Carlisle's locker.

Things have been a whirlwind lately. We have been running 100 mph much like we normally do, but since I am teaching days seem to be going by faster and faster.

Randomness

2010-07-31T11:23:00.001-07:00

The park nearby has a LOT of ducks. Sevyn really liked the ducks, they would walk to her and she would run away, then she would run after them, back and forth for about 30 minutes!

Cheeeeeese! Sevyn is always on cue when a camera is pointed at her!

We went to the park recently and Sevyn got to swing for a long while. She just loves to swing!

Potty time. We spend lots of time walking into the bathroom and trying to potty. Not always successful. This trip Sevyn just wanted to go check on the potty, open the lid a couple times. She was also very proud of her pink Chuck Taylor shoes that finally fit. We have had them for months but they were too big for Sevyn.

Sevyn had fever for 4 days, so to celebrate that finally going away we went and got snow cones! Sevyn just loves them, and they have become our favorite summer treat.

Saturday morning we had waffles! Sevyn really enjoyed eating her dad's with syrup on them. Sticky but fun and yum!

We bought Sevyn a new rocking horse and she loves it! It took her a little bit to get comfortable on the "horsey" as she calls it. If you squeeze his ear the horse neighs, winnies, and moves its head and tail.

Sevyn loves talking on the phone, especially when her daddy calls her. Sometimes she walks around the house with my iphone to her ear just having her own conversation, with no one on the line. Her conversation sounds like "Hello . . " "Hi, Daddy" "Yes" "I Don't Want To" etc. Its pretty funny to hear sometimes, especially when you know she is mimicking a conversation she has probably heard.

Potty Training Day #1 and Day #2

2010-07-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Potty training got off to a good start. Sevyn likes to sit on her potty, and read her books. I am really not expecting her to be a quick potty training candidate, but things have actually got off to a good start.

Sevyn was in the pool with me and Jim when she told Jim "I poopy" I check her diaper and she was just about to start pooping. I stripped her swimsuit and swim diaper, and she sat her on the potty. She never actually pooped, but she did pee. She was VERY excited when her little potty sang her a "rewards" song.

Sunday morning, I pulled her PJ's off and diaper and told her to go sit on the potty. I sat with her for a few minutes, but then got up to go pick out her clothes. (This is done so much easier without her assistance, she loves to empty her drawers in the morning.)

Anyways, I heard her shut the bathroom door. A moment or two later, I heard her start to cry. I figured it was because she can't turn door knobs yet (she isn't tall enough) so I walked over and opened the door. To my surprise, Sevyn had pooped! Only problem is she missed, and pooped on the floor. Our bathroom is really small so when I opened the door it smeared the poop on the floor. NO FUN! Oh well, we still rewarded her, and she actually finished pooping while sitting on the potty.

So that is day #1 and #2. We will just see how things continue to develop. I am glad she is liking the "potty training" so far. I didn't expect her to actually use the potty for a few days or weeks, so I am behind on the sticker chart. I don't have any stickers here at the house, so I will have to pick some up VERY soon.

I owe her 2 right now. : )

Sevyn Update & Doc Appoint.

2010-07-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wow can't believe Sevyn is already 18 months old . . . where has the time gone?

She is growing up to be a really fun little girl, and Jim and I both think this has been the BEST age yet! Sevyn is so talkative, communicative, and active . . . she really keeps us on our toes.

We went to the doctor for our 18 month appointment, and she immediately started to cry when we headed back. That's not normal for her, so apparently she remembers what the doctors office is all about . . . shots!

The nurse took her measurements. She is 20.7 pounds which places her squarely in the 3rd percentile. That means 97% of kids her age are heavier than her. I swear we feed her! Jim and I both thought she had gone through a growth spurt, and was much heavier, but we were wrong. She has only gained 1 pound in 6 months.

She is an inch taller than she was 6 months ago, and sits in the 46th percentile. Looks like she is going to maintain my height and weight . . . she has her mommy's body type, and looks like her dad!

She has recently started school/child care 5 days a week. In a few weeks, I will start working as a full-time high school teacher, so we have started her a bit early in child care to get her adjusted. So far so good! She loves her teachers. We love the school. And she finally started napping. They have also managed to get her to drop the paci, so we have followed suit and she is now not sleeping with one at night time. Whew! I thought it was going to be traumatic, but it was pretty easy. (Three nights in a row with no paci.)

While at the doctor he mentioned to us that we need to start potty training. About that time Sevyn said the words "I poopy." For her that means she is about to poop, not that she has pooped. The good ol' doc said to go ahead and take advantage of that and start working on potty training. I am eager to get her out of diapers, and drop that expense so I am all for it. We are slowly going to introduce her to the potty, let her sit on it in the morning, before bath, whenever she wants. Once we have a "success" then the sticker chart goes up and we start the reward system. (All recommended by our pedi.)

I am excited about this as our baby girl is growing up so fast!

Ok, a few other things about Sevyn. Her speech is AWESOME! She communicates very well, and even the pedi said that she is communicating on a 2 year old level. Its always nice to hear that your child is doing well on the developmental scale. I am so pleased with what Sevyn can say and do.

Some of my favorites are phrases like, "here you go, mama," "I don't want that," "night night, baby," etc. She probably has 10-12 phrases like that she can say. She does well with commands too. I can tell her to "throw it in the trash," and she will do it, or "shut the door," etc. She also has GREAT manners, "please" is said on command, "thank you" she voluntarily says (especially at drive-thru windows) and "excuse me" when she is plowing her way past me. (That one can be a bit annoying, but its cute regardless.)

Overall our little girl is doing fabulously! We are so excited about the 2nd half of her 2nd year of life! (Guess I better start planning her birthday party . . . . just kidding!)

Most Recent Photo Shoot

2010-07-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Vacation 2010

2010-07-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful surprise vacation.

Jim planned it, and Sevyn and I didn't know where we were going until we got to the gate. Nope, didn't even know where we were going at the ticket counter, he was cryptic. We ended up in San Diego, which was awesome.

We flew out on Wednesday morning. By the time we got to San Diego, Sevyn was in desperate need of a nap. We checked in to our hotel, which was AWESOME, a bit early and laid Sevyn down for a nap.

That afternoon, we went walking on the beach, saw a bunch of seals laid up on rocks, and played in the grass. Sevyn had a great time stretching her legs and running around.

That evening we went to a great Mexican food restaurant, that we stumbled upon. Probably some of the best mexican food I have ever had, and most people know how much I LOVE Mexican food.

While we were having dinner, (and Sevyn was on the verge of a meltdown) we saw Phil Mickleson walk in. Jim did a walk around just to be sure. I googled his hometown and apparently he was born in San Diego, so maybe he was visiting family on the holiday weekend.

On Thursday morning, we went to Legoland! It was awesome!! I really enjoyed our time there. Sevyn had a lot of fun running around the park.

They had an area called Minitown USA, and it was all these famous buildings built completely out of legos. It was awesome!

Sevyn enjoyed playing in "Duplotown" but she was so tired by this point that we had to leave pretty quickly. She couldn't even walk straight, and fell several times! Everything in Legoland is truly made of legos, for example . . . this lion! Amazing huh?

Thursday evening, after Sevyn's LONG nap, we went to the Padre's game at Petco Park. It was a beautiful park, and we had a special visit by Friar! Sevyn apparently doesn't enjoy other mascots as much as she does her daddy. I think if Jim would have been in season, and she was accustom to seeing costume characters still, she would have reacted differently. But since she hasn't seen him in costume in a while, or any character, I think she was a little freaked out. That and Friar looks a LOT like a person . . .

Friday morning we went to the Birch Aquarium. This was a good opportunity to see some of the pacific marine life without having to get into the 60 degree water. Sevyn got to touch a starfish . . . she wasn't that impressed, but that was mostly because she wanted to go get her fruit loops in her stroller.

This is what the Kelp Forest looks like. It brought back lots of memories for me, when I got the opportunity to dive the Monterrey Bay Aquarium (Kelp Forest exhibit) back when I was hosting the scuba diving show. The water is unbelievably cold in these exhibits, so I was glad to be on the opposite side of the glass this time! Its beautiful though, no matter what side you are on!

Friday afternoon/evening, we spent the day sightseeing. We visitied Hotel de Coronado (its famous), the town of Cornoado, which was decorated for the 4th of July. We played in a large park with a great playgound, and gazebo. Sevyn enjoyed just running around.

Hey Boys! HA, she is such a poser!!

We also went to Point Loma which is a beautiful lookout point, that overseas San Diego, near the military base. As we drove there we passed thousands of military grave stones lined in straight rows. It was beautiful, but sad at the same time, especially, when you consider that this is 4th of July weekend.

Before we went back to the hotel we played on the beach some more. Sevyn really fell in love with playing in the sand. Up until now she hasn't cared for it much, but she really loved pouring it on her toes and mine!

Overall it was a WONDERFUL trip. We really enjoyed our trip, and had a great time. Sevyn was a challenge on the flight home. But I think mostly she was eager to get home.

I guess there was one other thing that we learned . . . Sevyn is allergic to Strawberries. She completely broke out in a full body rash, it took most of the trip to go away. At least we know now!

Jim did a GREAT job planning our vacation. Surprises can be stressful for me because I like to be the "planner" but sometimes it is just GREAT not to have to plan! I am so thankful for a husband that will take the initiative and plan a vacation for us!

Fossil Rim & Family

2010-06-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sevyn LOVES her accessories! Hats, sunglasses, jewelry, shoes . . . you name it she loves to wear it!

We took a day trip to Fossil Rim and had a lot of fun. The ostrich was pretty agressive. He actually pecked on our windshield for about 45 seconds! Jim had to throw food out the side of the car to get him to move!

This giraffe was ENORMOUS. Probably 15-18 foot tall. His knees (do they have knees?) came up to the car window!

Here's the pesky Ostrich that wouldn't get out from in front of our car!

The mid-way point where we had a picnic lunch and looked out of Fossil Rim.

The zebra started off fun! HOWEVER, they became more and more agressive. They bit Jim's hand, and the steering wheel! I stopped feeding them, Jim kept on. And yes, Sevyn was sitting on the Arm rest of the car. We were going only 5-7 mph, so we figured it was ok!

Sevyn also took her turn driving the car. She definitely loved sitting in daddy's lap!

Family photo. See the sucker in Sevyn's hand, she didn't put it down the ENTIRE 3 hour tour!

Aunt Michelle came and stayed with us a few days in May. We had a great time visiting with her, and Sevyn loved playing with her as well.

We recently went to Beaumont to visit Jim's family. We had a wonderful weekend trip. Sevyn loves her grandparents.

Pool, Garden and Swimwear

2010-05-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

Sevyn's first trip into the pool this summer was impromptu at best! We stripped on the side of the pool, and let her go in with just a diaper on. The water was only 74 degrees so she was cold, and didn't last very long.

Waste deep . . . and heading out!

I just love this picture. You can see how much they look alike, especially in the eyes! Sevyn just loves her daddy!

Watering the flowerbeds at Grandma's house is a LOT of fun. Sevyn also watered the sidewalk too!

We played in the water sprinklers. That was a lot of fun. Sevyn wasn't so sure about it, but took a few passes through the water.

2010-04-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

We have been having lots of fun lately.

While I was getting my computer fixed at Apple, Jim and Sevyn did some shopping . . . kinda. I found them posing in the store window as mannequins.

Sevyn found her pink boots in her drawer. She loves putting them on and walking around although they are several sizes too big!

We had dinner at La Hacienda . . .which I loved! While we were waiting for our table we took an the time to take a few fun pics with Sevyn.

During our meal Sevyn was really enjoying her Mexican rice, beans and enchiladas! Can you tell?

She is getting pretty good at feeding herself with utensils, its still a mess but at least 30% of her meal actually makes it in her lap!

At the Dallas Maverick's playoff watch party! LET'S GO MAVS!

We have been working in our backyard, specifically our flower beds and deweeding. Sevyn has tried to help out several times, but mostly she just likes to wear the gloves (I call it accessorizing.) She isn't much into digging in the dirt, although she doesn't mind sitting in it. We have found though that doing garden work is so much easier without Sevyn (the pool is too tempting for her.)

Bathtime has been so much fun! We play with lots of toys and splash, splash, splash. Sevyn is also learning to blow bubbles . . . most of the time she ends up swallowing the water but sometimes it works just right.

We just love this pic. Sevyn's blue eyes and long eye lashes are some of our favorite features!

But mostly we laugh a lot!! Her toothy grin melts my heart . . . oh and two of her molars just broke through today too!

Easter & 15 Month Appointment!

2010-04-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late posts. I was trying to upload pics a while ago but my computer has been on the fritz! It is fixed now so here ya go!

Our second easter egg hunt. We went with Aunt Shelly and Cousin's Brady and Emily to their school easter egg hunt. Sevyn got her face painted for the first time. She did really good at sitting still.

While waiting for the Easter Egg hunt we visited with some ponies. She loved them!

Ready, Set, Go!

At her 3rd easter egg hunt at Grandma's and Papa's. "I found eggs!"

Family Easter photo.

"I found a big one!"

LADYBUG!

Sevyn went to the doctor for her 15 month appointment. She weighed in at a WHOPPING 19.0 lbs!!! She is ranked in the 5th percentile. She did grow some, she is now 30 inches and in the 25th percentile in height. As you can tell, she pretty small.

She got a couple of shots at her appointment. Her daddy said she handled them pretty well, as she always does!

Sevyn says quite a bit, although she rarely says them on command. Here's a brief list of her words: Mama, Mommy, Dada, Night Night, Nana (Banana), Pretty, Blue, Pink, Yellow, Red, Yucky, Oh Wow, Uh Oh, Yes, No, Bubble, Easy (our dog's name,) baby, lala (her baby dolls name.) We working on Mavs and De-fense but we may not master that one until next season! I am sure there are more, but that gives you an idea of her ever expanding vocabulary.

She is VERY good at communicating exactly what she wants. She is quick to wave you off and tell you no, if she doesn't like what you are giving her. A good example of that is when I offered her cheerios, and she waved her hands at me and said no. Then I offered her fruit loops and she shakes her head yes and bangs on her chair. She is very decisive . . . sometimes too decisive.

Sevyn is also good at communicating with you that she is tired, hungry, pooped in her pants . . . all the necessities! I am very happy with the way she is communicating. Jim and I have always made a point to talk to her like an adult, we don't baby talk. I feel like it has increased her understanding, vocabulary, and speaking skills . . . or maybe we just have a brilliant kid, I don't know, but it all seems to be working.

She LOVES her baby dolls. Its amazing the built-in mothering instinct little girls have. She finds her baby and wraps it in a blanket, feeds it a baby bottle, brushes its teeth (after she has brushed her own - which she loves,) puts the baby in the swing, car seat, anything to love and "mother" the baby. I have NEVER made a point to show her to do that, she just started doing it, which amazes me even more! There are those times when she has a lapse of judgement and sticks her baby under the seat of her car, and sits on it . . . but I am sure those things will be worked out in time!

Mostly though, Sevyn is a MONKEY!!! That is probably one of the funniest things about her. She climbs everything. She falls a LOT but still climbs everything. She has climbed high chairs, the couch, the pack-n-play, the crib, you name it she climbs it. She also loves to do flips. I think we may have a gymnast on our hands . . . and I couldn't be happier about that. (Classes start at 18 months for her at a real gymnastic academy, and I can't wait!)

Our little girl is growing up fast! I am so excited to watch her continue to grow and learn new things daily.

Feeding the Ducks!

2010-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day yesterday, so we went to the park and fed the ducks!

Sevyn decided to find the only muddy part of the ground and sit in it.

She later decided to join in on the duck feeding, but instead of throwing the bread, she felt like they needed to come to her to get the bread.

Sevyn found a piece of bread on the ground. . . .

so she thought why feed it to the birds, lets eat it! LOL. I took it away from her and gave her a clean piece to eat.

Church Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday School class had an easter egg hunt and it was so much fun!! We went to the park and had lunch, then spread out a ton of eggs for the little kids, and then did a larger egg hunt for the older kids!

This is a pic of Sevyn in her Easter dress for 2010. I think it is BEAUTIFUL!

It was a bit chilly out, the wind was whipping pretty good, so I had to put a sweater on her. She really enjoyed picking up the easter eggs though. This pink one was her first find!

Sevyn quickly racked up a bunch of eggs, and she carried her basket around like a pro.

Found another pink one! She was really good at spotting them. There were even a couple in the "big kids" hunt that Sevyn found. She would point to them and her daddy would get them for her. One was stuck in a fence held up by some vines. We were pretty impressed!

She really liked this special heart egg. Mommy did too!! It had yummy candy inside!

On Spring Break!

2010-03-18T13:22:00.001-07:00

Sevyn's 1st Trip to the Zoo!

2010-03-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

We took Sevyn to her 1st trip to the zoo! It was so much fun.

I grew up going to the Fort Worth Zoo, so as we walked through the different areas of the zoo, I was reminiscing about places I have pictures of me at 5 years old with pigtails, while straddling a fence, or something like that. I loved my experiences growing up at the zoo, and can't wait to spend time like that with Sevyn.

Sting Rays . . . I love these!! It just makes me want to go scuba diving. I am pretty sure we sat and stared at the sting rays for about 10 minutes . . . which in zoo time is a VERY long time!

Outside the new MOLA (museum of living art) exhibit was a beautiful statue of a komodo dragon.

I loved the white tigers as a kid, and I am sure Sevyn will marvel in their beauty as she grows up too.

The little elephant statue has been there since 1998 when the first FW Zoo breed baby elephant was born. I have pics of this elephant with both Brady and Emily (my niece and nephew) too!

Quick pic with mom, as were watching the giraffes.

How would you like it if you had to do the splits everytime you wanted to eat/pick up something from off the ground?

Sevyn loved the giraffes because the fence was at a level that she didn't need to be held up to see.

Shoulder rides with dad are always so much fun.

Mavs Game #432, okay maybe not, but she's been to a lot!

2010-03-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

We went to the game the other night, and for once sat in the seats. It was a late game starting at 8:30pm (which is Sevyn's bedtime.) We had 45 free tickets thanks to the community relations department at the Mavs, and so we were able to invite lots of friends to the game.

Sevyn always enjoys seeing Champ in costume. She gets really excited when he is on the jumbotron or when she is held by him. Its really funny to watch other people near us when Champ comes up and takes Sevyn and she is completely content with it. Other children are scared but not Sevyn, and if they don't know why, then they are completely amazed! It always makes me smile.

Sevyn's 1 Year Photo Shoot!

2010-02-22T05:42:00.000-08:00

Sevyn is now an active 1 year old, and we finally were able to do her photo shoot. We were suppose to do it last month, but she climbed on and fell off of a chair and busted her eye. She had a black and blue eye for the last three weeks, and it has finally healed.

These pictures are all raw, they are unedited and uncropped our printed versions are cropped correctly and look awesome!! It really was one of her best photo shoots to date. Just goes to show that a good nap and lunch can fix anything!!!

I am not changing the order of all of these pics, so they are in reverse order, but I don't think it really matters. Enjoy!!

We love this expression on her face . . . she has so much personality.

We were trying to get Sevyn too look profile to get a good shot so we were teasing her with a flower. She shot us this look when we tried to get the flower out of her hands . . . priceless!

Coloring

2010-02-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

Sevyn loves to color. I usually let her use markers when she is coloring because they show up better. Her form has gotten pretty good. We were hoping she would be left handed, but it looks like she may go right . . . who knows, it could all change on down the road.

Yes, that is marker all over her mouth. Occasionally she likes to suck on the end of the markers. This is a great example of me not catching her quickly enough before sucking on the ends. I figured its okay thought, the markers are washable and non-toxic! : )

In her daddy's shoes . . . and randomness!

2010-02-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

We were playing at the Mav's offices, and Sevyn started playing with the foam heads that Jim has on his desk. We were putting them on her and she would pull them right back off. It was quite the battle, but eventually I got a couple of okay shots.

Who say's you can't wear it backwards? This character is the much loved Phinatic from Phillie.

She is learning the word Yellow, so she kept pointing and trying to say it. This is Rocky from Denver.

I think Champ needs a foam head! Don't you?

On our way out the door, we saw the 7 foot tall Dirk bobble head. It was a perfect photo op moment.

The base is signed, no I didn't let her stand on the signature. What's crazy is someone is going to win this thing. Can you see it now, "honey I am home. Can you help me unload the car?" HA!!! Where would someone put this thing, and whose wife would allow it!

Jim had Monday off so we went to a play event called Leapin' Lizards. It was quite a bit of fun. Lots of inflatables and a big play area to crawl through tunnels and things. I had to go on all the slides and things with her so I was exhausted when it was done.

As much as we love our daughter, she is not fragile so we don't treat like she is fragile. In this video you will see Sevyn going down a big slide. Seriously, the looks we got for letting her do this. She's 1-years-old people . . . and she LOVED it!!

All Star Jam Session

2010-02-11T12:38:00.000-08:00

This week is the All Star Game and yes it is hosted in the "Big D"

Last night, we went to the All Star Jam Session which was AWESOME!!!

Champ entertained for about 2 hours. We caught the last hour or so, and Sevyn was able to get in on the entertainment. However, she didn't take an afternoon nap so she was tired and had very little personality on court. This isn't her typical "stage" behavior . . . she LOVES playing with daddy in costume.

There was a really fun kids play area that Sevyn enjoyed. After Jim was done working we were able to play with him some. It was a really fun time!!!

But towards the end of the evening Sevyn just had to give it up and she just layed down right in the middle of it all. It was really funny! It was like she was saying, "Y'all just go on ahead, I will be right here when you come back."

On our way out we stopped by the life sized Bobble Head doll. We took one of those "I was Here" Pics much like we did on our D.C. trip with the lighthouses and statues.

Then we stopped at the NBA Store where we were surprised at how much Champ merchandise there was. There were two shirts with his picture on them, an embroidered kids hat, and a basketball. Yes we bought the basketball and hat, friends of ours had already purchased one of the shirts, and I bet we buy the other before the All Star game is over. How often do you get merchandise with your dad's character on it!!! Not too often!!! I think Jim felt pretty honored to be represented.

It's Snowing!!!

2010-02-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun playing out in the snow today!!!

It's beautiful.

Happy 1st Birthday Sevyn!!

2010-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

Sevyn's 1st Birthday was on 1/13/10 and it was a great day, and a great weekend celebrating.

That morning I got up and made her a birthday girls breakfast, scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast. She had never had scrambled eggs before, mostly because I don't like breakfast so I don't cook breakfast. She enjoyed them quite a bit, but then when I put the cinnamon toast down, she quickly pushed the eggs overboard!! (I don't blame her, Cinnamon Toast is SO much better than Eggs!)

We then went to Grandma's to play for a bit while I worked. Sevyn found an old-timey purse and loved putting it around her neck and walking around. She walked around with it for over an hour, and would cry when you took it away! Too Cute!!

Later Jim and I took turns taking pics with our little girl. Wow she has grown up so much in a year's time.

At 8:07pm I took a picture of her. I had to do it through the video monitor because I would have woken her up otherwise, and that is something I am just NOT willing to do!

On the 14th, Sevyn had to go to the doctor for her 1 year check-up. She was all over the place. The doctor laughed when he came in because I had given Sevyn a baby wipe and she was cleaning the chairs. He thought it was funny . . . and quite good a it too!

Anyways, her stats are now . . .

Weight 18.0 lbs (10th percentile)

Height 28.25 Inches (25 percentile)

Head Circumference 17.5 Inches 50th percentile)

Everything changed drastically except for her head circumference. She was in the 75th percentile all the way til now in height and weight and now has dropped. We are guessing she is in between growth spurts. When they check the measurements again at 15 months, if she stays low on the charts then they will start testing her to see if something is wrong. I suspect she is just fine. She finished off a 1/3 of Jim's chicken fried steak at dinner that same night!

On Sunday afternoon, we had a FUN birthday planned. We hosted a Toddler Prom at our home. It was great fun and a BEAUTIFUL day!!! I think there were about 35-40 people there, and several people that couldn't make it at the last minute.

Sevyn took a 3-hour nap on Sunday afternoon while Jim and I worked on the house to get it ready for the party. When the party started the kids played for a bit, then we ate hamburgers and hot dogs, did hand prints with paint, played some more, ate cake, opened some presents, took pictures, and finally relaxed. It was a whirlwind of an afternoon but was so much fun!!!

The kids dressed up in their princess dresses or prom gowns.

Emily, Sevyn's cousin dressed up for the party.

Our house was packed with kids!

Sevyn in her princess dress eating a hamburger! YUM!!!

Jim and Sevyn opening up presents from family. Sevyn got her own "old fashion" purse to wear around our house!

Jim read Sevyn's favorite book to the entire group. I used the quiet time as an opportunity to get group pictures!

While story time was going on I snapped a couple pics of the kids listening. In this pic is (left to right) Ashlyn, Avery, Alice, Sevyn, Krista, and Mikayla!

Here's a look from behind with parents standing around.

Ellen wanted to steal Sevyn's Prom Queen crown, but we wouldn't let her have it! Ha!!! She does look good in it though!!!

Alice looks great in the crown too! We love Miss Alice, she is Sevyn's favorite babysitter!

Sevyn's blew out her candle on her cake, after everyone sang happy birthday to her. It was pretty awesome!!

And this was part of the aftermath.

I leaned down to take a picture with her while she was eating, but as you can see she decided to get in on my face and in my hair as well!

She was nicer to her dad!

At the end Sevyn won the Prom Queen crown, and I think it fits just right! Her acceptance speech was quite moving.

Ryan Flagg taking his Prom Picture. He was a little bit of a challenge to contain with all the balloons there.

Mikayla wouldn't smile for her picture but she is still so adorable.

Rico Suave himself showed up. Actually it was Sam looking awesome!!!

Sevyn needed an after prom snack to finish out the night.

Sevyn has so many GREAT friends and family and we are so glad that most of them were able to attend. We appreciate all of you so much. Each of you has made this first year the very best it could be.

Merry Christmas - 2009

2009-12-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

Sevyn loved pushing around grandma's sleigh!

Taking ornaments off Grandma's tree is one of our favorite holiday pastimes too!

I just think she is adorable in this photo

Cheese!

Sevyn enjoyed pulling the tissue paper our of packages!

Lots of fun presents

Sevyn got this bike from "Santa" so while taking a stroll we stopped and took a picture by a local snowman! How nice it was to have a white Christmas

More presents from Grandma and Papa! Sevyn is still in her morning reindeer PJ's!

11 Months Old!!!

2009-12-13T19:26:00.001-08:00

Sevyn is 11 months old today! She is such a fun gal.

Here are a few things she does:

1. Walks - 5-6 steps at a time and she is getting better and better each day.

2. Climbing - She loves to climb, out of her crib, onto boxes, etc.

3. Waves Bye Bye, and sometimes she tries to say it.

4. She laughs a lot.

5. She enjoys reading.

6. She loves corn dogs, refried beans, rice, chicken and anything else she can eat.

We are moving soon and Sevyn's room will be a bit bigger so we can add a play area, and we will have a swimming pool for the summer. Sevyn loves to play in the water so I am sure the pool will be a lot of fun!

Fun Times in November & 1st of December

2009-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

(Sorry these pics are in reverse order, but here ya go!) Sorry its been a while since I updated.)

Fun times in the snow!

We had our first snow in early December. Sevyn loved it although it didn't last very long.

The twins (whose birthday party it was) played with Sevyn in their new ball pit!

Sevyn attended her first birthday party. She wore the hat for about 2 seconds. Good thing I caught the pic !

The whip cream off the pumpkin pie was Sevyn's favorite.

Sevyn's Thanksgiving lunch in Orange, TX. Yum Yum!

Just relaxing waiting for bedtime.

Having fun under the tent.

Dad made a tent for her in our living room and they read books under it.

Sevyn and dad hanging out at a bon fire. Sevyn loved it and almost had her first smore. She had a graham cracker without the chocolate and marshmallows (those are too messy!)

Two New Teeth!

2009-11-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

When we went to the doctor for her 9 month check-up, he told us that Sevyn would have her front teeth coming in very soon because her gums were swollen.

They have finally broken through. The first one came in on the 11th and her second one followed behind on the 19th.

Now she has two teeth on the top and two on the bottom. You can't really see the new ones too well because they just broke through, but she definitely likes to use them to chew up all the new foods she likes to eat.

Movin'

2009-11-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

Sevyn is getting pretty darn steady on her feet. Here is just a quick example of what she is doing now (this was actually filmed Nov. 6th - 9 Months Old.)

Diaper Derby!

2009-11-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Sevyn competed in the diaper derby on Saturday at the Mavs game again. Here is the video of the contest. There is a ton of footage of her but in the end . . . . well you'll see!

9 Month Doctor's Appointment

2009-11-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

Sevyn had her 9 month doctor appointment today, and she is napping now.

She is 17 lbs 3 oz. in the 25% percentile in weight (still.)

She is 27 3/4 in. long in the 75% percentile in height (still.)

She has a head circumference of 17 1/4 cm and is in the 50% percentile.

She had 4 shots and a blood draw. It was really suppose to be just two shots but since she hasn't had the flu vaccine or H1N1 vaccine then we went ahead and got the shots. They also did a blood draw. I have no idea why but they say at 9 months they do a panel of blood work.

Sevyn had a UTI the last two weeks, and apparently at her age that is pretty rare. So they have ordered a renal ultrasound in order to find out if she has vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This is basically where they look to see if her urine is refluxing back into her kidneys. If this is happening then we will have to monitor her pretty closely for fevers because that could indicate additional UTI's. Most UTI's go undetected because they cause low-grade fevers. Because they can go undetected and if she has VUR then it could cause kidney damage and it would be permanent. So the goal is to see if she has this, if she does then we will put her on meds and monitor her closely until she grows out of it. If she doesn't then its all good. As our doc said it is better to know early than to find out late when there could be permanent, irreversible damage to her kidneys.

When they did the office culture today she still had white blood cells in her urine, they don't think it is another infection but are sending it out for culture again as well. Last time it didn't indicate infection in the office, but then later the cultural came back as positive for infection.

We of course expect everything to come out just fine for the sonogram, but it is just important to know one way or the other.

Keep ya posted.

Meanwhile, shot days always mean napping days!! Woo hoo.

Tif

P.S. Love my pediatricians office, they gave me three small cans of formula!!! Its about two weeks worth of formula. They're the best!

2009-11-04T06:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

Here are pics of Sevyn's first Halloween costume.

Updated pics of Mommy and Sevyn, and Daddy and Sevyn. I think Sevyn looks a lot like Jim more and more each day.

Champ made a special appearance at Trunkfest this year. Sevyn was happy to see him. She didn't spend much time in costume though because it was 75 degrees and her costume was fleece, thick and too hot.

New Foods . . . All Unhealthy

2009-10-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

To start, I love this pic. We went to a fall festival because Jim had to make an appearance. She was just so happy to be outside and playing.

So this is probably a HUGE parenting no-no, letting your child eat sweets, introducing her to sweets, and then taking pictures (or encouraging her) while she is eating sweets. I should probably put as much enthusiasm into Sevyn eating sweet potatoes and carrots (which I have,) but I love giving Sevyn new yummy things to try, and she loves to get messy. So here is the outcome of some of her 1st tries of new favorites. (P.S. don't tell my pediatrician, I don't think any of these fall in line with his eating plan he lined out for us.)

Here she is trying banana pudding. Jim and I both love banana pudding. Sevyn made a mess of it, and LOVED smearing it around but for the most part she attempted to get it in her mouth.

This is the batter for strawberry cupcakes. Yes, I am a bad mom I gave my child batter, yes it had an egg or two in it but it was only a teaspoon. About 20 minutes after she did break out on the face, but it went away within an hour. She didn't seem to care, and after a few carefully placed phone calls to make sure something was actually wrong I just let it work itself out. (That's batter on her nose, looks like a zit though!)

After church on Wednesday evening we took Sevyn over to Rita's to eat some custard. YUM! She loved it especially with sprinkles. See the bliss on her face. At this point the custard was flowing straight to her veins, and she was on a sugar high.

On this pic she decided to go in with full aggressiveness so she could maximize the amount of custard she got in her mouth.

"Dad, bring the cone closer, my tongue's not that long."

Oh the joy!

I love this stage where we can feed Sevyn just about anything if it is shredded or soft enough. The other night for dinner I gave her spaghetti, and she thought it was great too.

Fun Times With a Good Friend

2009-10-23T12:07:00.001-07:00

Sevyn already has the best friends she could possibly have (and their parents are pretty amazing too!)

Sevyn hung out with Joey (and his mom and dad) on Thursday evening, while Jim and I were working. She wasn't all bubbles and giggles, but she definitely seemed to have fun during bath time.

As Dawn put it, the couple that chews together stays together!

"I LOVE BATH TIME!" ~Sevyn

9 Months Old!

2009-10-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sevyn is now 9-months old!!! YIKES.

Its kinda a scary thought that in just three short months she will be a year old, and with Thanksgiving and Christmas in between I know those three months will go by quickly.

Here's some details about Sevyn:

She LOVES to play "where's Sevyn?" (peek-a-boo, but she doesn't know it by that name.)

She LOVES to eat table food, and will turn away her bottle or baby food for a chance to feed herself.

She LOVES to climb, in fact she has climbed out of her crib multiple times. (She hasn't figured out the fall yet though.) We had to lower her crib to the lowest setting, and she still tries to scale the wall.

She LOVES to see her daddy in costume. We are pretty sure she knows it is him and gets really excited when she sees pictures or video of him.

She LOVES to put everything in her mouth, including the dog bones. ICK!

She LOVES to make us laugh at her. She really is quite funny, and I know she is going to have her dad's sense of humor.

She LOVES to go outside.

She LOVES to play at Kelly's house during the day while mommy is working.

Sevyn is such a special little girl, and we are so blessed to have such a great baby.

Diaper Derby at the Mavs Game!

2009-10-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Last night was the second pre-season game of the year for the Dallas Mavericks. Sevyn was able to participate in an 0n-court promotion, the Diaper Derby. She has just been crawling for a few weeks, and it still looks a little chunky but she was ready to crawl.

Champ was going to be on the other end to catch her at the finish line so we practiced several times to get her to crawl to him. We think she has really figured out that Champ is daddy, which makes it a lot of fun! She gets very excited when she sees him.

Here we are at the starting line waiting for the announcer to start the race.

Sevyn started off strong. Good form, focused on Champ.

When she got about a foot away she decided that she didn't need to go any further and . . .

. . . layed down. She was about a foot from the finish line.

Next time, we are going to have champ back up as she comes closer so that she will keep coming toward him. She almost won but just wouldn't cross the finish line.

Her cousins Emily and Brady were able to come to the game too, so after the game we snapped a quick photo on court.

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

2009-10-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Sevyn had her first sleepover with her cousins this past Friday night. She stayed with her Aunt Shelly and had a great time! (Although I am pretty sure she had so much fun that she decided not to sleep very well that night.)

On Saturday, Shelly, Brady, Emily and Sevyn went to the pumpkin patch in Flower Mound. It was cold and muddy but they had a blast.

Brady spent the first hour or so trying to pick out a pumpkin. He had to find the very best one. Emily just picked a pumpkin and was ready to move on to the next thing. Sevyn enjoyed riding around in her stroller. She loves the outdoors!

Jim got there about and hour or two later. So they took some fun pictures together.

Sevyn had a fun time playing with the pumpkins.

She loves her daddy!

They had a great Saturday. I am pretty sure she went down for a long nap.

Lots of Fun - Randomness

2009-10-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Whew! We have been so busy. Jim's Mavericks season starts tomorrow with the first pre-game, and I am in full swing with my work on high school and college football games. Because we are so busy we try and spend as much time playing with Sevyn as we can.

When we were playing with her recently we realized that she was becoming bored with her "baby" toys, and we needed to start getting some toys that challenged her a bit more.

I went to a just between friends sale and picked up a few things, and Sevyn really likes them.

This is a fisher price crawl through, Sevyn really likes it. She can crawl through the different tunnels, pull up and play with the toys and wind chimes on it, and she loves the sound and music. I got this for $15 at a jbf sale. I was super excited!!

Sevyn loves to play peek-a-boo, or as we call it "where's Sevyn? Here she just popped up!

Sevyn loves the wind chimes on the crawl through. When she pulls on them they make music.

Both Jim and I are musically inclined and we hope Sevyn loves music too. We both play piano so we bought Sevyn her first little piano. She loves to bang on it!! In this picture though she was trying to sit on it, which was really funny. Hopefully that doesn't mean she is going to grown up and become a lounge singer. : ) Ha!

Even though we bought her some new toys (and there are others) Sevyn still loves to playing baskets, with coke bottles and other things like that. Here she was "helping" mommy fold her clothes. She loved the "ride" she took in the basket on our way to put her clothes away.

On Saturday, we took Sevyn to her 1st fall festival. My nephew and nieces school was putting it on. It rained so the festival had to be moved inside.

The only game Sevyn could really play was the duck game. Pull one out and the number on the bottom matched what prize she would get. Sevyn enjoyed playing in the water, and eventually she was able to catch a duck, it was a challenge though. They kept "swimming" away from her!

Riding around on dad's shoulders is a lot of fun. The best place to hang on is to grab his hair or his ears!

Emily (Sevyn's cousin) was dressed up as Cinderella. She had lots of fun at the festival!

Here is the last picture. Jim and I watch a nursery class during the second hour of our church service. One of our favorite little boys in our class is Parker. About the third week that we had him, we told his mom that Parker could marry our daughter. Ha! He is just so sweet, and cute.

Today we took a picture of them together. How funny would it be if that actually happen. Long shot, but funny! I know that God has a great plan for Sevyn and for Parker and we look forward to watching them both grow up!

Sassy Clothes

2009-09-16T09:11:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love great clothes? Sevyn looked adorable on Sunday in her ALL white outfit. Yes, it was after labor day but who cares, she just now fits into the outfit so we weren't going to waste good clothes so I dressed her in it. She got lots of compliments too.

Yummo!

2009-09-03T19:48:00.001-07:00

Sweet Potatoes and Prunes tonight made for a good dinner. Yes most of it got in her mouth, contrary to what it looks like. Sevyn thinks you need to put your fingers in your mouth to hold the food in there after each bite. Doesn't make for a very clean dining experience.

I have two teeth!!

2009-08-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

Sevyn officially has two teeth!! We were a bit crabby today, after some tylenol, a nap and lots of drool, I found the culprit!

Two bottom teeth and a third on the way at the top.

Hanging out with Family!!

2009-08-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting with Jim's brother and sister-in-law last weekend. They came up from Houston for a weekend getaway.

Micah is two weeks older than Sevyn, but they completely different in size. Here they are hanging out in Sevyn's crib. It was a long, late night (11pm at this point) and they were troopers!! Still in good moods after a long day at the water park.

At Steak and Shake, Sevyn enjoyed being held by her Uncle Jerry.

Sevyn loves to rub Jim's skin when it is a little scruffy . . . a much different texture than her own.

Hanging out at the water park. We had lots of people there including, Jim, Tiffany and Sevyn, Jerry, Melissa, Will and Micah, and my sister Shelly and her two kids Brady and Emily.

We got there first thing when the park opened so there were VERY few people at the kids play area. It was really nice because the park wasn't that busy, we had shade to sit under and it was fun to share time with family.

Sevyn's New Trick

2009-08-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Jim and I had a friendly bet. I predicted that by the time Sevyn turns 8 months she will be pulling up and standing in her bed. Jim thought that was lofty. Well, Sevyn is 7 months, 7 days old and well . . . .

Circus

2009-08-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the circus, and it was so much fun. I was really excited about taking Sevyn to her first circus, as it was a place that my family went to nearly every year growing up.

Sevyn didn't take an afternoon nap so she tried to catch some zzz's on our way to "overstimulation central!"

We spent a little bit of time on the floor before the show started. Sevyn was mesmerized by all the people on the floor including the performers!

Dad stopped to take a quick pic with her on the podium. Afterall, all kids want to grow to be on the podium as the ring master right?

Sevyn is pretty use to people dressing up in costume and looking weird, so this clown didn't phase her.

Watching the elephant paint on the sheet of paper.

Open of the show, if you look close you can see the elephants. Sevyn really liked those!

This is just a funny picture. No she doesn't think it is too loud, this is Sevyn's "tired" signal, and at this point it was about 8:15 and close to her bed time.

Intermission with mom.

About two acts left in the show, Sevyn finally succumbed to the "overstimulation" and late hour and passed out in her dad's arms! Whew, long day but lots of fun!

Playing Around!

2009-08-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sevyn has a lot of fun in her Exersaucer, she just started doing this:

6 Month Check-Up

2009-08-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

I am happy to say that Sevyn had her 6 month check up and she is perfect! Of course Jim and I already knew that but for a doctor to confirm it makes it so much more fun to hear.

She is 15.0 pounds and in the 25th percentile (hasn't changed from last time.)

She is 26.5 inches long and in the 75th percentile (hasn't changed from last time.)

Her head circumference is 16, and in the 25th percentile (which is up from 10th percentile last time.)

She is rolling over, sitting up, and starting to army crawl, which is a lot of fun to watch! She loves to eat prunes, bananas, carrots and sweet potatoes. Last night she tried a butter squash and corn combination and she really loved that too!

She loves to be outside, especially when we go on walks. She enjoys swimming too, whether it be in a big pool or in her little splish splash pool.

Overall, our little girl is healthy, active and has a really loud voice. (We know that to be true since they kick her out of nursery pretty often for being too loud when other babies are sleeping! Ha, who would have thought our little girl would be loud?)

Sevyn's 6 Month Photo Shoot!

2009-08-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

We did our 6 Month Photo Shoot on Friday. Sevyn did GREAT!! She really has a ton of personality and it really came out in our photo shoot. She even smiles when encouraged too, which made this photo shoot really easy!

These pictures are of Sevyn in her princess dress, which was given to her by her Aunt Janice. It is definitely one of the pretties dresses we have ever seen, and certainly own. Sevyn looks like such a doll in it! We just had to do photos of her in this dress before she grows out of it.

We also decided to do new family photos and since the Mavericks will be in season soon then we felt like a family sports photo would be fun.

Sevyn posed with Champ, and I think she really enjoyed playing with his "hair." She has never really been aloud to play with Champ so this was a fun thing for her to do.

Incredible Pizza

2009-07-30T08:31:00.001-07:00

We went to Incredible Pizza with Grandma and cousins Brady and Emily. Sevyn had a lot of fun playing on all the different rides.

Doesn't she look like a big girl riding the horse!!! My little girl is growing up.

Rub a Dub Dub, Fun in the Tub!

2009-07-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

Let's Go Rangers!

2009-07-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

We went to the Boston Red Sox vs. Rangers game and had lots of fun. Sevyn made it to the 6th inning!

This was our first attempt at bows. Still had to utilize the headband because Sevyn has very little hair!

Singing in the Pool!

2009-07-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sevyn had a great time playing in her pool. She played for about an hour, and finally Jim and I got tired of being outside so we had to bring her in. She would have stayed longer if we were willing to stay outside longer. She sang for a really long time too!

Sevyn's 1st Vacation

2009-06-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Jim, Sevyn and I just returned from vacation and we had a GREAT time.

First, I want to thank the people we stayed with for hosting us, it definitely made the trip more fun, not to mention more affordable. Michelle, JD and Denise - y'all are awesome!

We flew to Washington D.C. last Friday the 19th. We left after Jim got off work around 6:30pm. We had a layover in Atlanta, and so we ended up arriving in D.C. at 1:30AM! Poor Sevyn was exhausted during the traveling, but she was a trooper!

Jim's sister Michelle picked us up at the airport (BWI in Baltimore) and drove to her home in Virginia. It was about a 30 minute trip to her home. By the time we got in bed it was nearly 3am. I was exhausted too, but we were on vacation which means we could sleep in.

The next morning, er should I say afternoon, we went to go see the sights. We went to see all memorials, and walked the mall. We tried to tour the Capitol but they didn't have any available tours left. Sevyn made her mark on the lawn of the Capitol, she exploded her diaper so I had to change her there in the grass. Needless to say, I think she told Obama what she thought of him! Ha.

That evening we went to see a Washington Nationals game. It was a beautiful park - although it sits in an awkward part of town. Sevyn loved the game too . . . she's a baseball fan (who could imagine that!)

We were outside most of the day so by the time we left in the ninth inning, as the game was going into extra innings, Sevyn was ready to pass out.

Sunday we went to Church with Michelle and out to lunch with some friends of her's. That afternoon we went to the Smithsonian for National Air and Space, and then went to Jefferson's Memorial the only one we didn't see on Saturday.

We called it a bit of an early evening. Sevyn went to bed early, and we got to spend some quality time chatting with Michelle.

Monday morning we left to head to Raleigh. We decided that on our way we would make a quick stop to Mount Vernon, little did we know we would spend nearly four hours there. It was well worth it. We toured the property, saw the tombstone of President Washington, as well as toured his home. Jim and I both enjoy history so it was a nice excursion to go on.

We arrived in Raleigh about 7:30, and stayed with Jim's long time friends J.D. and Denise. They have two great little boys that we enjoyed getting to know as well. I had never met them although I had communicated with them several times, and kicked J.D.'s butt the first year in his fantasy football league! Ha.

We had a great dinner, Sevyn went to bed fairly early and we enjoyed chatting.

The next day we spent the whole day relaxing, playing with the kids, and catching up, but that evening we took it back a few years and went to a mudcats game, where Jim was a mascot in single A baseball.

He got to visit with some of his good friends that he made while he worked there, including some of the long time season ticket holders.

Sevyn even had her picture taken with Muddy.

The next day we left around 11am to head out to the Outer Banks. This is one of Jim's favorite spots to spend a few days relaxing, and he was eager to show it to Sevyn and I. I must say its quite nice.

The three hour drive was a lot of fun, we listened to lots of music and Sevyn slept a lot of the way. We stopped to see the first of four lighthouses on our Outer Banks tour. Bodie Lighthouse was a nice one, you couldn't go up inside though.

When we got to Nags Head you had to drive your car onto a ferry and ride the ferry across the water to get to Ocracoke where we were staying. Sevyn enjoyed watching her dad feed the seagulls. (Good thing Jim remembered to buy bread on the way, as it helped the time go by. )

We got to Ocracoke and it was pouring so we just relaxed a bit, went and had dinner.

The next day we walked around the town a bit. There are several things that are pretty impressive. Blackbeard spent some time on this island, and I think he might have wrecked there or been captured there, can't remember for sure.

We went to the Ocracoke Light House which is a really small and stubby looking light house.

Then we went swimming in the ocean. Salt water and heat aren't great things for Sevyn so we didn't spend a long time there, but enough to put our feet in the water, our toes in the sand and to wear our super cute bathing suit~

Later that afternoon we crossed back on the Ferry and decided to see Cape Hatteras. This was a very impressive lighthouse that is the tallest in the world. It was also moved about 10 years ago. They moved the whole thing in one chunck 250 feet (or something like that.) Jim got to go up it, but Sevyn couldn't so I stayed on the ground with her, which was fine because it was hot, humid and there was no AC inside the lighthouse!

The next day we left the Outer Banks for good. We headed north up highway 12 towards Kitty Hawk. We had already seen the original Wright Brothers Plane at the Air and Space Museum now it was time to see the actual location where they made their maiden flight.

It was pretty neat to sit in and hear the lecture . . . its amazing what you learn if you just stop for a moment and read or listen to what others have to say. That is one thing we did a lot on this trip and I am much more knowledgeable for it.

After Kitty Hawk we took a detour further north to see the last of four lighthouses. This one is called Currituk. It is probably one of the prettiest in its natural surroundings.

That evening we headed back to Michelle's to spend one final night. Sevyn got a good bath, and snuggled in the sheets a while before we put her to bed.

The next day before our evening flight we decided to try the Capitol tour one more time, this time we got in. It was really neat to be able to see some of the areas of the capitol, although I would have really liked to of seen more.

Then we went over to the Library of Congress where you can see the Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson's library and writings. Pretty impressive. Sevyn liked it for a while but when a girls tired . . . well she crashes.

Our last stop before the airport was Fords Theater. We waited forever to get in, but finally did. We didn't have time to go over to the Petersen house as we had to scurry back to the airport, but I enjoyed the Ranger talk a lot. Sevyn did really well listening to what they had to say too!

On the airplane home Sevyn was definitely tired, but she wouldn't go to sleep. Her dad entertained her for a while, she fussed a little bit, but the plane was only half full so no one seemed to mind. She finally succumbed to her exhaustion and passed out!!!

All in all it was a GREAT trip, no major problems, and Sevyn was on her best behaviour all week. We had so much fun and are eager to go back again in the future.

Nevada, Orange, and Doctor

2009-06-01T19:08:00.001-07:00

Sevyn has had a VERY busy past couple of weeks. She took her first flight, went to Orange for the 2nd time, and had her 4 month doctors appointment. I'll start at the beginning . . . (going to be a long post - so enjoy it, and the pics.)

Sevyn and I left for Mesquite, NV last Monday. I had to be out there for work, all week for a golf tournament, and Sevyn in usual fashion tagged along.

(Sevyn's first pair of airline wings)

(Sevyn's first plane ticket - or her mom's)

My mom was with us which really helped a lot. Sevyn did really good on the flight out to Nevada. With lots of suggestions from friends, I had her ready to fly, swaddled, eating a bottle on her way up, and asleep 10 minutes later. She played on the flight after a brief nap, and then right at the end of the flight she fell back asleep in time for the landing. . . it was great!

Sevyn really enjoyed looking out the windows of the plane.

When we got to Mesquite we found out quickly that Sevyn would be easy to occupy if she spent time outside. It was about 100-degrees outside, so my mom found a gazebo and they spent the mornings outside under it, while watching the ducks. Sevyn took naps out near the water fountain, and watched the cars and ducks pass by. I think she really had a great time.

On Wednesday, my mom was at the gazebo with her, and in true Sevyn fashion, she pooped on herself. Not just on herself, but on her clothes, on her stroller, on her toys, on her passie, and everywhere else she could find. Unfortunately, my mom didn't find it until she lifted her out of the stroller, once they got back in the room. A water hose was practically necessary to clean her up. Hey, it wouldn't be a good trip without a good poop story!

Sevyn and I returned home from Mesquite on Friday afternoon around 1pm. Once again she did GREAT on the flight.

When we got home that afternoon, we washed clothes, repacked and headed south to Orange for Jim's Nephews graduation. It was great because almost the entire Tennison family was there.

Here are a few pics with Sevyn and the family.

(Cousin Will and Sevyn at the Graduation)

(Uncle Jerry and Sevyn)

(Uncle Jerry, Sevyn, Papaw Tennison, and Cousin Micah - 2 weeks older than Sevyn)

(Sevyn is Pooped after a long day.)

(Aunt Becky feeding Sevyn)

(Sevyn is ready for her graduation - although its a good 17 years away.)

(Aunt Becky at Graduation with Sevyn - this was the first time Becky got to meet Sevyn.)

(Having a good time at lunch! Sevyn's new facial expression, sucking on her bottom lip.)

(On our way home, stopped at a gas station for a quick bathroom break, and a ride on dad's shoulders.)

(Cousin Brandon holding Sevyn.)

We came home on Sunday evening late, and first thing Monday morning Sevyn had a doctors appointment.

She is definitely taking after Jim (and the Tennison family.) She is 4.5 months old, and weighed in at 12lbs 13 ounces, which is in the 25-percentile. She is 25 inches long and in the 75-percentile (so she is tall and skinny.) She also has a small head, in the 10th-percentile.

Sevyn also got her 2nd round of shots, and the doctor said she has "extraordinary hand-eye coordination."

All-in-all, things are going really well. Sevyn got a great report from the doctors office, and has really enjoyed traveling about, and visiting people.

In two weeks, we head out to D.C., Raleigh, N.C., and the Outer Banks on vacation! She's a travelin' girl.

Definition of Inconsistent & Master of Movement

2009-05-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Today Sevyn is 4 months old, and she is so much fun.

Although sometimes I feel like she is super inconsistent. I try and keep her on a schedule, wake up at a certain time (although its not early - 9am usually), and either work from home or at Grandma's. I try to get her to take a nap around 2pm, but for some reason she doesn't always. One day she'll sleep three hours, then next day she will forgo naps altogether, then the next she will sleep an hour here or there, then the next day only 20 minutes. She is almost always in a place where she can sleep in pitch black, I always have her swaddled, and always try to put her down after a full tummy. But my child refuses to follow a schedule. Its like throwing darts in the dark . . . or for me just throwing darts altogether because I have terrible aim!

***Switch subjects***

Happy 1/3 Birthday, Sevyn!

She laughs, giggles, holds her toes, drools, and throws great tantrums.

She also has mastered her first major step towards total mobility. She can roll over!

She has been rolling over for about 3-4 weeks now, but it was very sporadic. Now, its every minute. In fact, it drives me nuts!

Sevyn rolls over, will play on her tummy for 20 seconds or so and then gets frustrated and starts to scream. No, its not a ramp it up "mommy can you come help me scream." It more like, "Dang it, mom get you butt over here and roll me back over . . . NOW!!!" LOL.

So I have to stop what I am doing and roll her back over. I can't even count how many times I had to do this today. Maybe 100+. I am pretty sure she thinks its a game, well let me assure you I don't. It takes me forever to get things done (remember I am an video editor, and it can be very detailed and tedious work at times.) I spent most of today praying she would take good long nap like she did yesterday, but refer to the above section, and you can figure out that she skipped it all together!

Oh well, we are having a blast with her. She is such a precious little girl. And for all the frustrating things that happen during the day, I wouldn't trade a minute of it!

Kentucky Derby

2009-05-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sevyn got out her finest hat for the Kentucky Derby. She wore a Vera Wang designed white cotton hat, with eyelet embellishment and chin strap, adorned with a blue pony, to commemorate the day. She was upset, however, because another woman was at the derby wearing a similar design. (seen below)

Here's a close up of Sevyn's finest head wear.

She definitely looks better than these ladies seen on NBC.

14 Weeks Old - Time Flies

2009-04-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

I love spring time!

Dad bought me this new hat, its makes walks so much more fun!

At grandma's house we have the "clubhouse." Emily played Dinosaurs with me for a while.

A busy week - picture updates!

2009-04-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sevyn has discovered the Joy of Cartoons!

She was refusing a nap (the reason she is swaddled) but cartoons held off her temper tantrum.

Today Sevyn tried out her Jenny Jump Up. She liked it better than the one minute test that we did yesterday. She spent about 10 minutes before she started crying. Still some growing room to do, but a new activity nonetheless.

Went to Brady's 8th birthday party last night, at Incredible Pizza (which was AWESOME!) Jim and Sevyn hung out while Brady did some bowling.

Sevyn's first Ranger's game. Only one foul ball even came close, and she lasted 6 innings before she started to scream. Woo hoo!

Our first family pic at the game! Sevyn's rockin her rangers hat. Her outfit that we had for her is still too big!

Happy 1/4 Birthday, Sevyn!

2009-04-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Sevyn turned 3 months today! Woo hoo. Time is going by pretty quickly, but we are enjoying every moment of it. Her personality is developing each day, and we can easily see what she does and does NOT like. Here is just a few things that we have learned about her:

1. Roll over - although this has happened only once, it happened!

2. Smile - she smiles at us all the time, but NEVER when the camera is pointed at her

3. Talk - we have a chatter box, who would have thought, guess who her parents are (even though her dad is mute for a large majority of his job.)

4. Toot - she constantly has gas, its really adult-like, which leads us too . . .

5. Poop - she blows up diapers on a routine basis, and for some reason it only happens in "epic proportions" when its mom's responsibility to change the diaper.

6. Spit Up - we're not talking about just a little bit here and there, we're talking about full feedings, clothes drenching, car seat soaking up-chucks.

7. Self-Entertainer - Sevyn entertains herself very well, she plays on her floor mat and in her swing and car seat for long periods of time, which is very helpful for a stay-at-home full time working mom (ha!)

8. Baths - she loves baths, and will easily spend 20 minutes soaking in the baby bath, or in the bathtub with mom. Bubbles make baths even more fun.

9. Mani/Pedi - she's a girl at heart, and loves to get her feet rubbed, have her toes painted, and on occasion get her finger nails clipped (as long as mom doesn't accidentally clip her finger, ouch!)

10. Sleep - This girl loves her sleep, at least at nighttime she does. Sevyn has slept through the night for at least 7-8 hours since she was a week old. Sevyn typically goes to bed around 9pm gets up at 5:30am, eats for 15, goes back to sleep til 7:30, eats for 15 mins, goes back to bed and wakes up for good around 10am. The only problem with her sleep schedule is she HATES naps during the day, and is perfectly content to go ALL day sleeping about 20 minutes at a time.

Our little girl is pretty incredible! Couldn't have asked for a better little girl.

Sevyn's very FULL Easter Weekend!

2009-04-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a super long, and FUN weekend. Aunt Michelle flew in from D.C. and spent the weekend with us. Aunt Kristine and her family came in town from Guymon, OK to look at houses because they are moving to DFW. This was the first time both aunts got to meet Sevyn.

We also took family pictures this weekend (on Thursday actually.) And had an Easter Egg Hunt and family dinner at my mom's house.

I think Sevyn was pretty exhausted by the time it was all over. Here's a few pics from the past few days.

Getting ready to take family pictures.

After the photo shoot waiting on the pics to print.

Taking pictures is EXHAUSTING work?

More pictures, mom?

Cousins Stephanie (left) and Caroline (right) hanging out with Sevyn.

Savannah (cousin) holding Sevyn.

Sarah (cousin) holding Sevyn. (Poor Sevyn was tired and didn't want to take anymore pics.)

Aunt Kristine met Sevyn this weekend. We can't wait for Kristine and her family to move to the DFW area!

Aunt Michelle came in town for Easter weekend. It was the first time Sevyn had met Michelle, and Sevyn loved every minute of it.

The Big Hunt!

On your mark, Get Set, Go! (Game faces on.)

Dad, what do you want me to do with that?

Sevyn loved the eggs.

Sevyn's entourage for the easter egg hunt.

Sevyn's easter egg hunt findings. She made out pretty good.

Twinkies with Emily.

On my way home. Long and exhausting day!

Our First REAL Family Photo

2009-04-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

Updated Comparison

2009-04-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

1 Week vs. 11 Weeks

A new feat!

2009-04-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sevyn rolled over for the first time today.

She was laying on the ground while I was working on my computer, when I turned around (because she was making lots of noise) I saw that she was on her stomach with one arm tucked underneath. I got on the ground to encourage to pull that arm out, and she did just a couple minutes later!!

She is 11 weeks old, and already rolling over . . . wow how time flies!

A Really fun weekend!

2009-04-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun weekend. Jim and I decided a while ago that when we had Sevyn we weren't going to stop our lives, or put them on hold, just because she was here. She would just have to get use to tagging along for the ride. She has done a really good job of adjusting to different situations, and even though she isn't always "all smiles" she usually is a pretty fun little gal. This was one of those weekend's where she just had to adapt to what we had planned, and we had a lot of fun.

We drove up to Oklahoma City on Friday afternoon because Jim was working the Thunder game that evening. Here are a few pictures from a fun two days this past weekend!

Hanging out in our suite at the Oklahoma City Thunder game!

(Look close I had my first pedi!)

Rocky (Denver Nuggets) holding Sevyn.

Champ in the air making a dunk!

Dad (a.k.a. Champ) with 8 other NBA mascots, at Rumble's birthday party. We had a lot of fun.

Sevyn and I having a great time in the suite.

On our way home Jim had an appearance to do at Texas Motor Speedway, so we dropped him off at TMS, and then Sevyn and I went to Brady's baseball game where we saw him nearly hit for the cycle (minus a single!)

Aunt Val was there too. Hadn't seen her in a long time!

After the baseball game, we stopped by Aunt Shelly's house to hang out with Brady and Emily. Sevyn stayed with Aunt Shelly, and Cousins Brady and Emily while Jim and I went to the Nationwide race at Texas Motor Speedway (too loud for baby ears!)

When we got home from our busy weekend, it was bath time . . . Sevyn's favorite. We decided to do a really nice bubble bath. Sevyn laid back with her ears completely submerged (which is a big deal when it comes to back floating for babies - that's the swim instructor coming out in me!)

Explosion of Epic Proportion Part II: Not for a weak stomach

2009-03-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well tonight I got poo-ed on again!

Sevyn was hanging out in her swing, and started to get fussy. It was time for her to eat, so I went to pick her up and just as I sat down on the couch, I felt something wet drop on my arm. At first I thought she drooled or spit-up, but it was brown. Oh yes, it was POO!

I carried her into her bedroom, and laid a burp cloth on the changing pad, it was everywhere. Then grabbed the camera and well . . . (see for yourself)

(notice the poo running down her leg)

(Finally got the onesie off)

After I stripped her and got the "chunks" off, Jim bathed her.

Personally, I think she blows up her diaper because she loves to take baths, and knows that is the best way to ensure she gets one. Ha!

Two Month Shots

2009-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sevyn had her first round of shots on Tuesday morning. Honestly, it was funny. I can't remember the last time I saw blood rush to someone's face like that. I think she was saying, "dang it woman, that hurts!" They stuck her twice and did it simultaneously, one in each thigh.

Sevyn weighed in at 10 pounds 3 ounces, and is 22 1/4" long. She is in the 25t percentile in both height, weight and head circumference. She is also doing really well with her development. Apparently, there is a reflex that develops around 4 months that she is already doing (what can I say, my kids ahead of the class, ha!) Something about bringing your hand into you line of vision from the side.

They commented that she has exceptionally good head control, and that she is pretty close to rolling over. It was nice to be reassured that tummy time, and the amount of time that she spends on the ground playing is actually the right thing to do. Personally, I just put her on the ground because I have work to get done, and I can't do it unless she is out of my arms.

Next doctor's appointment and round of shots comes at 4 months.

New Pictures!

2009-03-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Trying out my bumbo. I am getting close to being able to sit up, and hold my head on my shoulders.

I am getting a much bigger personality, and love it when mom plays peek-a-boo, or pretends to sneeze.

I have beautiful big baby blues.

Practicing my left hand jump shot. (She held it there for about 10 minutes while sleeping.)

Dad and Sevyn at the Southland Conference Tournament, enjoying some quality time together.

Sevyn's first JWP gig.

Below: Rusty hangs out with Sevyn - he is one of our freelancers. He had the magic touch and put her to sleep.

Laying on the stage, at the Katy Tournament. She had a lot of fun at the basketball game, and was the talk of the media room.

It was a good game!

Two Months Old - Sevyn's Perspective

2009-03-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, life has been so crazy for me my mom and dad are very busy people, but I am having a lot of fun.

In my two short months of life I have been super busy.

We have traveled to Houston twice. Once because dad had to go to a Rockets game, and another time when mom had to work a basketball tournament. (Boy they sure do love basketball.) Houston is fun because I get to see my Aunt Melissa and Uncle Jerry, and their kids - they even have a little boy who is just a few weeks older than me. Papaw and Mamaw come visit me too. I can't wait to meet my Aunt Becky and Aunt Michelle (she is coming to visit in April!)

I have also been to three Mavs game, again lots of basketball in my family, (guess I better learn something about that game.) Apparently, my dad likes to dress up like a blue horse, not sure why - something I will have to figure out later. Mom and I spend most of our time in his dressing room, but I like to be out on the floor where I can see and hear everything that is going on. Usually I scream until mom takes me out there - she's like putty in the palm of my hand!

I have also been on TV twice, and my name has been mentioned on the Mavericks jumbotron once. I was on TV the night I was born for the High School Edge, and then last week at the Southland Conference Tournament. The Mavericks also said happy birthday to me, a couple days after I was born, they said "Champ had a filly - guess that's me!) I'ld say I'm a superstar!

My dad had to be gone a lot when I was really young, but I am so glad that he is able to be home more often now. I love smiling at him. He even gives great baths! Dad likes to put the bathtub on the coffee table in front of the TV, and we watch sports center together, while he rubs my feet. When mom gives me a bath, she turns out the lights, lights candles, and rubs smelly body wash on me. I like them both but I think Dad and I have more fun.

I like to "challenge" mom and see how she handles stress at the most difficult times. I always spit-up full feedings on her (and no one else,) and most of the time I try to do it when I am in the car and were pulling out of the driveway, or she is dressed and ready to go, and she has to change her clothes. The look on her face is . . . priceless!

One of my other favorite past times is to hold my poop in until I am about explode, and then I let it all go. The look on mom's face when she found my major explosion in the parking lot of Joe's Pizza was great. My dad stood around and took pictures. I laughed the whole time they were cleaning me up. It was sooooooo funny!

I get to spend a lot of time at Grandma and Papa's house too. Mom goes up stairs to work on the computer, and Grandma plays with me. She has EVERYTHING at her house, a bouncy seat, a swing, bottles, diapers, even a pack-n-play. I love my new swing she bought, it has lights, sound and swings really fast, its GREAT!

When my cousin's Brady and Emily come over we play together too. Emily is fun, she asks a lot of questions though. She is good at throwing my diapers away in the trash, although papa doesn't like them to be thrown away in his bathroom trash because they stink!

Brady and I are having fun too. He covers me up when he thinks I am cold, puts my passie back in when it falls out, and writes me post-it notes that say things like "Sevyn you are so nice!" I think he is pretty cool.

I am having a great time in my new life. I am seeing new things everyday, and I think this is going to be a fun place to live. My mom and dad are cool people, and I think they are FINALLY getting the hang of this parenting thing, but I have a few more things in store that will totally rock their world!

Love you all

~Sevyn

(Sorry for the tardiness in my posting, Sevyn is just over two months now, but I thought it was important to me to write this one though. ~Tif)

An Explosion of Epic Proportions!

2009-03-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

Jim and I went to go look at houses today, and Sevyn did really well. She slept most of the time, until the very end when we were looking at other properties online at our realtors home. Sevyn woke up and in typical fashion, screamed her head off. I picked her up out of her car seat and tried to console her, but she was having none of it. She wanted to eat!

Jim and I decided we were going to go have dinner at Joe's Pizza just around the corner, and before we went in I would feed her in the parking lot. I had to buckle her back into her car seat so we could go from our realtor's house to Joe's. That ticked her off even more.

To shorten the details, I picked her up out of the car seat, got her feeding and then started to smell something. I looked around in her diaper (she had a onesie on and pants) and when I started to examine if it was poo or toots I saw the mess. She had exploded her diaper all the way, and I mean ALL THE WAY! Not just a little bit that got smeared, it was as much poo as I have ever seen come out of a baby. Let's not forget that she just now got into her size one diapers, so she shouldn't be filling them just yet.

It was on her stomach almost to her chest. It was on her back, down her legs, it had soaked into her onesie. It was GROSS!!!!

After she was done eating, which couldn't have come any sooner, Jim and I decided we would clean her up in the trunk of my car (probably not the most sanitary of places but it worked.) I laid her down in the back with a lap pad underneath and started to clean her up. I first tried to get the poo that was all over her stomach so that I could eventually get her onesie off. Then after I got the onesie off (which got tossed in the trash) I opened her diaper and it was disgusting. I think I used about 20 wipes. It was so bad that we took a plastic bag and hung it on the trunk of my car for easy "throw-away" access.

Meanwhile, Sevyn laid there smiling and cooing the entire time. It was as if she was saying, "serves you right for making me wait for my dinner." Anyways, that was her first time she had pooped in 2.5 days, and lets just say she got it all out.

I am sure you parents can sympathize with us on infant explosions, this was the worst one we have had by far!

Sevyn's 1st Bachelorette Party

2009-03-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Don't fault me for taking her . . . it was very classy and tasteful, plus Jim had a Mavs game . . . . and isn't the result of a Bachelorette/Lingerie Party a baby most often, at least in the long term? Ha!

Sevyn had fun. There were plenty of girls to ooh and ahh over her. She did throw up a feeding in her car seat prior to our arrival, so she had to change into her Pj's early.

Anyways, we had a lot of fun . . . loved the cupcakes (at least I did) and are super excited about Tera and Lee's upcoming wedding! Congrats you two!

Aunt Bethe looking snazzy in her new dress! We look like cotton candy bubblegum together!

The bride . . . you'll have one of me someday! (P.S. can I borrow your crown?)

Our Sweet Baby Girl!

2009-03-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

We call this one, Sweet Angel!

(P.S. Thanks Dawn for taking the pic!)

New Pics of Sevyn

2009-03-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

My first car! See the wind blowing in my hair?

Tif and Sevyn during nap time.

Photo shoot gone wrong, again! I think she hates the big pink bow (that's my girl, where's the baseball hat!)

Our First Road Trip

2009-02-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

Jim went down to Houston on Sunday because Jim had to work a Rockets game. Sevyn and I decided to tag along because Jim has family that live in the Houston area and we hadn't been able to visit since Sevyn was born. They also had a baby two weeks prior to us, that we haven't met yet either.

Sevyn travelled really well, in fact she slept almost the whole time on the way down. I woke her up once to feed while we were stopped for gas. The on our way home that evening she slept the ENTIRE way home. It was GREAT! Unfortunately, she didn't sleep so well that evening, but oh well it was worth it.

Here are a couple of pictures of our niece and nephew holding Sevyn and their brother Micah.

This is Will and I, sorry Sevyn isn't in the picture but I think this is great picture of a super cute little boy!

Out to dinner with the family.

Abby holding Sevyn. She is such a great helper, and to think she is already 13!

Will and Abby holding Sevyn and Micah.

New Pics

2009-02-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

Gangsta Baby in Pink!

Still trying to fit in my clothes!!

Great Grandma Linda and Sevyn

Aunt Val and Sevyn

Grandad and Sevyn

5 Week Update!

2009-02-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a fun week 5 for baby Sevyn.

On Wednesday, Sevyn had to go the doctor because she had been throwing up full feedings for the past 10-days. It wasn't just a little spit up either, it was drenching not only for her, but for me (when I was holding her), the blankets that would be near her, and it would get all in her hair.

Twice it happened when she was in her car seat, and I would have to turn around go back home and clean her up, give her a bath, and wash the linings of her car seat (talk about a break in the day!)

Tuesday she spit up a full feeding, and then spit up a good about of bile as well, which basically meant that she completely emptied her stomach. Because of that change, and the length of time this had been going on, that is why I called the doctor.

Anyways, Jim had to take her to the doctor because I had an important meeting to be at. I think it was good he got to do "doctor duty" on his own. Anyways, they weighed her, and she was 8lbs 8 ounces with all her clothes on and a diaper. They said she looked healthy, and was gaining good weight.

The doctor pretty much ruled out the serious condition. Not sure what it was, or how you spell it, but he wanted a sonogram just to be certain. He also wanted to check for reflux.

I had to take her to a local hospital at 3pm that day, to do a tummy sonogram. Sevyn wasn't able to eat from Noon until after the sonogram was over. Thankfully, Sevyn decided to sleep that entire time. . . whew, missed a ticking time bomb there!

The sonogram tech ruled out the serious condition, and then started to check for reflux. Basically she had to hold a dopler to Sevyn's stomach for 10 minutes. The good part was she fed Sevyn some sugar water right before, so Sevyn was happy, and complied well.

There are major and minor episdoes of reflux, and during that seven minutes, Sevyn had 6 minors and 1 major episode. The doctor decided to wait on giving her meds, to see if she grows out of the reflux. So by Wednesday, if the condition hasn't significantly improved or hasn't stopped then we will be giving her Baby Zantac.

She has only spit up two full feedings since Wednesday, so that is good so far. Hopefully it will continue to get better.

Sevyn's 1st Mavs Game!

2009-02-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

Hanging Out with the Dancers before they have to head out on the floor.

Sevyn was totally awake at the end of the OT game. Mavs Won . . . you can really see the excitement in her face!

Hanging Out with Dad!

2009-02-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl

2009-02-09T20:28:00.001-08:00

Sevyn was dressed and ready to cheer on the Cardinals for the Super Bowl!

Looking Pretty for Church

2009-02-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

This is last Sunday's Church outfit, as you can see the photo shoot started off good, and then quickly went downhill!

Huge Feet

2009-02-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

We have fun playing with Sevyn's Feet, here's just a couple pics:

This one was taken in the hospital. That is my cell phone!

The foot we are comparing Sevyn's too is that of an 8 month old baby. Sevyn's is on the right, and the 8-month old on the left! Crazy.

Comparison

2009-02-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

Look How Much I Have Grown!

Tummy time

2009-01-30T14:30:00.002-08:00

Sevyn has been spending small amounts of time on her tummy. She doesn't seem to mind it too much, as long as I am on the ground playing with her.

If you look close in the pics you might even notice that Sevyn's hair has a little tinge of red to it, wonder if it is going to turn red or if she will just have highlights of the color . . . we'll see!

Sevyn's 2-Week Doctor Appointment

2009-01-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

Sevyn had her 2-week doctor appointment on Thursday and everything went well.

They weighed her at she is now 6 pounds, 10 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

The doctor checked her out and said that everything is going perfectly well, and to come back for her two month check-up.

Sevyn was pretty annoyed throughout the entire check-up. She screamed almost the whole time because she was asleep and they made me take all her clothes off. It was pretty funny because the nurse quickly identified that she "has a temper." (Guess she takes after her mom!) Ha! Wonder if her hair is going to turn red too? It's usually a classic sign.

New Pictures

2009-01-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Bathtime with Dad!

One Week Check-Up

2009-01-22T12:39:00.000-08:00

Today we had our one week check up at the pediatrician's office. Sevyn is doing GREAT! Our doctor, Dr. McCoy checked her out and said she was doing well.

She weighs 6.6 pounds, which is up from the 6.3 she left the hospital with (birth weight was 6.12) so he was happy to see she was gaining weight. Her coloring was good (was a little jaundice starting out, but that is steadily increasing.

He was quite shocked when we told him that she loves her sleep and that she likes to sleep through the night (6-8 hours a night at a time!) But he said as long as she is eating and gaining weight then she is perfectly fine, lets not undo what we would normally be striving for! Woo hoo. Love that answer.

Anyways, she is a happy, healthy little girl and we are so blessed.

More pics of her coming . . . tonight!

Last Two Nights

2009-01-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

On Monday night we were invited to a Fajita dinner at a friends house, and we were eager to go since I have been cooped up in a hospital and house all week. Anyways, Sevyn slept the entire time, I even got her out of the car seat and she wouldn't wake.

We got home about 9:30pm and she woke up at about 10:30pm, and decided she wouldn't go back to sleep til 3am. She didn't cry, didn't scream, just layed there wide awake cooing. Eventually we got her to sleep and were able to get some zzz's ourself.

Yesterday I decided that we would definitely be keeping her awake for as long as possible until bedtime. She woke up at 5:45pm and went to sleep at 8:45pm. I feed her at 11pm, and then she slept until 7am! Yes 8 hours of sleep. Not sure if this is a good thing, bad thing or what . . . but she is eating a ton, getting full every time and I guess, like her mom, loves her sleep.

I think I am going to go with last nights plan as often as possible keep her awake in the evening hours, then let her sleep at night. I expect her to wake up a bit more often than what she did last night, but hopefully we will have something similar.

Finally a good night!

2009-01-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Yea, we finally had a good night at home. Jim and I decided to go to bed early (around 9:30pm) because we just knew she would be up later in screaming fits, as she had been the two previous nights.

Sevyn isn't doing very well sleeping in her crib, so for right now she is laying in bed with us. We have a king size bed so there is plenty of room, but certainly its not ideal and hopefully won't happen too much longer (although I like it because I don't have to get out of bed to feed her!)

Anyways, Sevyn woke up at midnight to feed. Then went back to bed.

Up again at 3am. Then back to bed.

Up again at 7:30am (I know 4.5 hours of sleep!) Then back to bed.

Up again at 11am and now back to sleep again.

We had a good night, a normal newborn night.

Thanks to those of you who prayed a little extra for this. I am so happy both Jim and I were able to get plenty of sleep (maybe even too much!)