JUST PICTURES

{enjoying the UNC vs. NCSU game @ the Carolina Ale House}

LITTLE VIRGO

 My cousin Alyson bought Addison an adorable little romper before she was born (actually before we even knew her gender) that has Virgo on the front & a few characteristics/traits on the back.  Three of the traits listed are CREATIVE, ENERGETIC & ORGANIZED.  After watching her play all day yesterday & do things to make me laugh, I decided to read a little bit about Virgo personality traits.  I literally laughed out loud at some of the things I read.  After googling characteristics of Virgo & traits of Virgo here is what I found:

"For those with a Virgo child, you have an energetic, talkative, analytic kid who may show maturity beyond his years starting at an early age.  These kids are constantly seeking out new activities, and require a constant stream of books and projects to keep them from becoming bored.  Your Virgo child will actually appreciate it when you give him household tasks to complete, and will generally do a good job with them, asking many questions along the way so he can do the best job possible.  Be sure not to criticize if his job does not turn out just right, however, as this will deflate his ego and he will not likely want to try again any time soon.  It's better with a Virgo to just talk about the nuts and bolts of how you accomplish the same task.  Virgo children are somewhat shy when confronted with new situations, so providing them with opportunities to socialize with other kids is an important part of their upbringing.  Virgos will do well in school due to their industrious nature and determination.  This is a willing little worker who should be supported fully in any direction in which he shows interest, such as music or science.   The Virgo child should do well as far as relationships within the family, unless there is a sibling with traits that he just cannot abide, such as a critical, pushy, or messy brother or sister.  In cases like this, giving the Virgo child a place of his own that he can retreat to is always a good idea."  

  {Source}

A few famous Virgos include: Mother Teresa, Michael Jackson, Arnold Palmer, Barry White, Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Ivan Pavlov.  The list was packed with scientists, actors & musicians.

I know there isn't much validity into any of this but it was fun reading & comparing her nonetheless.  She is most definitely energetic, talkative, smart, loves music & books....maybe she will be the next Fiona Apple or Mother Teresa?!?

CLOSET CRAFT SPACE

We finished my "creative space" in the office closet over the weekend. Here is how it turned out.

{1) Cork board tile that came in 4 pack from Target

{2} Cafe rods from Walmart for wrapping ribbon organization

{3} Cafe rods from Walmart & metal pale from $1 Target bin to store pencils, markers, & misc items

{4} Freezer basket from Walmart & 2 removable 3m hooks with adhesive backing & burlap ribbon to store wrapping paper

{5} Rubbermaid bin with handles storing tissue paper & bags

{6} shelf Philip built with scrap wood that we stained & mod podged wrapping paper to back of used to store fabric, paint, etc. 

excuse the tape on the sewing machine; i haven't used my new one yet

{1} Rubbermaid bins to store craft ribbon
{2} plastic corbel I picked up at Goodwill for $1.50 (2 of them) & spray painted we mounted underneath a black floating shelf we had lying around.  Used for misc. storage
{3} Old shelves from my college apartment that we had in the garage that I spray painted & I am using for thread & misc storage
{4} Rubbermaid container that I decorated with chevron stripes from black contact paper I made. Used to store misc. sewing things
{5} Table from Craig's List made from reclaimed barn wood. Philip sanded it, spray painted the bottom  & put a sealer on top.
{6} old basket with misc. sewing things

I am so happy with how it turned out.  Now I have a dedicated space for my "projects" & don't have to drag tubs & my sewing machine up & down stairs.  The space all together probably only cost about $75.00.  The paint is left over from the kitchen & I had most of the tubs/baskets. We purchased the desk, the desk lamp, & most of the items that are secured to the doors.  The best part is when I am done all I have to do is shut the door. 

ADDISON'S BIG BITE

Addison...rice cereal. Rice cereal...Addison. It was quite the meeting; there's doubt Addison enjoyed it. She did a little too well...almost like somebody has been secretly feeding her, hmmmmmm??? The pediatrician had me prepared for a long, frustrating drawn out experience. He said she would probably push the spoon out of her mouth & the rice cereal may poor out of her mouth & get smeared everywhere. Nope. Not only did she open her mouth & keep the spoon in, she grabbed the spoon from me & brought it to her mouth herself. Once she finished eating the teaspoon of cereal she had this sort of drunken gaze. She actually seemed more excited about sitting in the highchair like a big girl & holding onto the spoon then she did eating the cereal. This definitely gets the big girl stamp...she is growing up so fast!

JUST BREATHE

I was delighted when this came up in my Facebook news feed. I can't even begin to express how PROUD of my friend Sarah Carrion I am!?! She is no doubt one of the most loving, gentle, kind, talented women of God I know...did I mention talented!?! Philip, Addison & I are so lucky that she & her husband, Guillermo (Philip's childhood best friend), are in our lives. It was a no-brainer that we wanted them to be Addison's godparents. Addison ADORES them both & she lights up when she hears her Auntie Sarah sing...we all do.

Thank you for sharing your gift with us Sarah!

PERFECTLY PETITE

After today's doctors appointment I want to install mirrors all over my house for Addison. She had us laughing the entire visit, talking to herself, smacking her Sophie on the mirror & laughing, sharing Mr. McQuacken & constantly reaching out to touch her reflection! She did so good with her vaccines & only cried for a few seconds! My big-little girl.
6 month stats-
Weight: 13.9 lb- 10th percentile
Height: 25 3/4 in- 20th percentile
Head Circumference: 40.3- 5th percentile
She is perfectly petite!
Really no significant changes from her 4th month visit.
4 month visit-
Weight: 13 lb 1 oz
Height: 25 1/2 in
Head circumference: 39.3
She goes back for a flu shot booster in 30 days then doesn't have to go back until 9 months. To even think about her being 9 months is mind boggling!

HAPPY 6 MONTHS

183 days, half of a year has gone by...she is 6 months.  Happy half birthday to my sweet, infectious Addison Grace.  She may be a little person but she has a big, bubbly personality; constantly entertaining. She is a little person with boundless energy & breathtaking beauty. Her creamy porcelain skin & wondrous blue eyes continue to stun me everyday.  Raspberry & coral love her skin tone (I actually haven't found a color that doesn't look good on her). Getting her dressed & changing her diaper has become quite the challenge! She is constantly moving; my little wiggle worm, jumping, shaking, scooting, army crawling, rolling around. She loves to go running in the BOB stroller & is obsessed with her walker/exersaucer. If you hold out your hands she will grasp your fingers & pull herself into a standing position with such pride.  She's so strong, golly...she is strong! She sits by herself like such a big girl & also shows so much pride/accomplishment that she can do so. She is starting to reach out her arms when she wants to be picked up along with her grunting "uh uh uh" sound she makes. She babbles constantly. These days I hear "la la la", something to the effect of "hum-ina, hum-ina", "maaaaahh", "daaaaaahh".  She is growing up before my eyes!   She has graduated into a size 2 diaper but is still wearing 0-3 months clothes. I am anxious to find out her current height & weight on Friday, she is still so tiny. Breastfeeding continues to go magnificently; it's still all that we are doing. We are going to start her some solids this month though. Surprisingly still no teeth. This last month we listened to a lot of Drake & Rihanna, "Take Care", the  "Human Again" album by Ingrid Michaelson, some Lily Allen & a lot of John Mayer. She now wiggles & bounces, taking one leg & slamming it on the ground as if she is dancing.  During praise & worship at church she is constantly moving to the music. With certain songs she squeals along as if she is singing, it's so cute. It's amazing watching her figure this world out...how intrigued she is by the simplest of things.  Everything is new and fresh, pure & untainted...I wish I could see it through her eyes.

the lighting wasn't great in this picture but I love the look on her face so I just made it look a little vintage

I think the The book "How Do I love you" says it perfectly.

 "How do I love you? It's impossible to say. For if I had a million days & time enough for all the praise, I couldn't tell you all the ways...I love you. Happy 6 months sweet baby girl.  Thank you for stretching my heart, teaching me daily lessons & constantly putting a giant smile on my face.