Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Weekends with my Family


It is so much fun spending time with my baby girl, Neeley...oh and Tony too!  I can't forget about "Honey Bunny" he is a sweet hubby and amazing daddy!  This past weekend, my little family with some of our special friends went to the Shrimp Festival.  For the past 6 years it has become our tradition, before we had Neeley we went for the nightlife, now we go to eat lunch....my how times have changed! 


We met our friends and listened the band (which was way too loud...I can't believe I am admitting this, I told you we are old) ate lots of shrimp, and Neeley and Spencer played!  Spencer is my friend Lauren and Philips baby boy!  He is super sweet and I get my baby fix in, for now!  We had a great time watching the babies swing and Neeley really enjoyed the slide, one of her favorites in town! 


We left the Shrimp Festival and went to watch the Gamecocks not play so well against Auburn, but we ate delishious burgers thanks to Philip!  YUMMY!!!! 



Sunday is usually our "Family Fun Day" and this weekend we did not disapoint.  Tony mentioned that Disney on Ice was in town, so we made a last minute trip to Savannah to see Neeley's favorites, Micki and Mini! 

I personally like the princesses, and in time Neeley share this love too, however Micki and Minni have her heart and that is ok with me!
 



We all had a great time.  If only our seats weren't in the very top corner!  Next time I will purchase in advance - but it all about the experience.  Neeley was facinated, she watched the entire time and what a sight - to see my baby girl point and scream "Mini" when they came out!  It was magical...the excitement and wonder in her eyes makes this mommy very proud.  Since Neeley is currently an only child and Tony and I are only slightly obsessed with her, we are talking about taking Neeley to Disney next fall.    




We are having a great time with our baby girl!  

Today Neeley is sick, I picked her up from Daycare Monday and she had a fever, still has a fever and it is Tuesday night.  I hope she feels better soon, however in the meantime I am getting lots of snuggles, hugs, kisses and Neeley time.....

Saturday, September 24, 2011

A Day in the Life…. Boots….Rainbows...and High Heels







I read a lot of my friend’s blogs, friends of friend’s blogs and have found amazing recipes, do it yourself ideas, and photography blogs that I frequent a lot. This is why I am not sure why I haven’t taken the time to write things about our family. So, here I go again. I am going to give myself the task to take the time to write down the things that happen today, which could possibly be forgotten….life is after all about the small things……..So here goes!


I want to remember all of the fun things we are doing, and since I am OBSESSED with photography – I feel Neeley’s life has been very well documented by photos, however the stories that go with them are so important I want to make sure they are remembered.


I will start with yesterday, I was home sick with the Tummy Bug (Horrible…enough said), Neeley was at nursery, I was at home working as much as I could. I went to pick my sweet girl, Nee Nee at 4:30 and she was sitting on the potty in her class when I went to pick her up. When I walked in Neeley’s class, all her friends pointed to Neeley on the “potty” I walked in and Neeley looked up with her sweet face, so proud of herself...and exclaimed with such pure joy …..“I DID IT!!!” Neeley is using the potty a lot, however she doesn’t ask to go, so I am working on putting her on a time schedule to go every hour or so! It is work, potty training a little one!


It was raining yesterday so I put Neeley in her adorable, new rain boots. She of course loves shoes – so putting on her “boots” to go to school was fun. I picked up my girl, put her in her car seat and looked at what a fun and happy girl she is. I sometimes still even look at Neeley in such awe....she is amazing, her smile, personality and laughter are contagious. She just started laughing and squealing with happiness. She looked super cute in her boots so I quickly snapped a picture of my girl.


Since it was raining with a little sunshine, I was feeling better and it was Friday… Neeley and I set out looking for a rainbow. I love rainbows and it is always exciting (no matter how old you are) to see one! We drove around and talked about Neeley’s day and then – there it was, a HUGE rainbow. A DOUBLE rainbow. I have seen a lot of rainbows, but this one was HUGE. We stopped the car and of course, I took pictures and Neeley kept saying….”raaaiiiinnbow” It warmed my heart to share this with her, she of course, was very excited and said many many times….”I see a raaaiiinnbow.” Sweet girl!






After that excitement….We headed to TJMaxx, I had been home sick all day and I needed to get out of the house. While there we went to the shoes section. I have obviously given my love of shoes to Neeley, because the second we stopped, Neeley tore off her “rainboots” and put on the tallest pair of high heels she could find. She started walking up and down the aisle and even tried to run from me (squeeling the whole time). Of course, what is a mother to do when her daughter does something so ADORABLE you can’t help but smile! Pull out the phone and snap photos of course!



Please don't judge the teal socks...Neeley was wearing "boots"...who wears matching socks with boots? I am just proud the socks are the same color!

Even people in the store were amazed and watching little Neeley walk around in the high heels! It was so CUTE!



The pictures are not great quality, but totally show the love my girl has for shoes! HIGH HEELS….and not just high heels, but 3 inch heels (like Mommy wears) no flats, other than sandals for this girl, however what amazes me the most is how well she walks in them. Kind of scary! It does worry me that she is going to fall and hurt herself, however if you saw her walk in them you would be amazed…..she totally gets it!


I am sure I sound like one of those moms, who gushes about how cute her daughter is….Yes that is me! Sorry if you find that annoying, I can’t help it, I am slightly obsessed with her, her personality and sweet face get me every time. I know I say this alot, however, I had no idea the joy I would have in my heart to hear her sweet voice, watch her grow, and see the world through her eyes!


I lush you….my sweet baby girl!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Neeley Anne Mitchum Update

Angel Baby Update - Sweet Neeley Anne


Neeley Anne - January 9, 2010 (sleepy baby on a cold January day)



My how time goes by. Several weeks ago I updated my blog, I just never posted it. I pulled it up tonight and realized that has been almost three months ago. A few weeks turned into three months that fast. I realize my life is busy - I just spent an hour writing in Neeley's journal - and now I plan to update my blog so everyone can see what we are up to. So much has happened since then I dont want to forget anything else - I am going to continue to update this blog. I need to just write funny things that happen and daily life because if I dont more time is going to pass and I will not have it recorded.

Today - Neeley and I stayed home, we both had colds and I didn't want to take Neeley to daycare after she had a fever over 100 degrees over the weekend. I feel much better tonight, however not 100%.

Neeley is growing so fast everyday something different. Most days Neeley wakes up and gets in the bed with Tony and I for an hour or so - it has become our morning ritual. She goes back to sleep in our bed, I know - I am sure there are lots of people who say we shouldn't let her lay with us, but it is our most special time and we aren't going to stop! Neeley coos, laughs and squeals with delight in the mornings - she un-like mommy is a morning person! I do however, love mornings with my baby girl. Daddy goes to work and we have our time together - she watches me get ready for work, while she plays with her toys and sucks on her beloved paci! If I walk out to get a refill of coffee she gets upset - she is too funny. She is so like me, doesn't like to be left alone at all! She is amazing and I am proud to be her mommy!



Neeley Anne is doing this at 5 months

Rolling over both ways but she loves to be on her tummy!

Loves her mommy and daddy holding her (all the time) haa

Grabs everything

Puts everthing in her mouth

Loves her swing

Loves her jumper - but only if you are watching her play

Likes to watch mommy and daddy eat dinner sitting in her bumbo on the table

Smiles all the time

Talks and squeals in delight

Wears 3-6 month clothes

Wears a size 2 diaper

Wears at least two outfits a day

Drinks 5 oz of formula

Eats rice cereal and LOVES it

Reaches for me when I walk towards her - melts my heart

Loves to snuggle in mommy and daddy's bed

Loves tummy time and loves to FLY - (arms out - legs out)

Hugs me when I pick her up

Loves her paci and cries in her sleep when she looses it

Sleeps 8 hours at night - sometimes more, sometimes less



Written 9.29.09 -


Update - Neeley Anne

It has been quite a while since I have written on my blog. I keep meaning to do it, but the days just fly by - and I love spending it with my baby girl.

Here is the story of Neeley's birth...



I was scheduled to go to the hospital (Beaufort Memorial) at 10 pm on August 3rd to be induced. That night mom and Lissie came to town, we ate dinner and Tony and I headed to the hospital. What an exciting night it was. I was having back labor - and it was hurting pretty bad but I was anxious to start the process. See, Neeley didn't come early - August 4th was my actual due date and I was ready to have her here.



After we ate dinner, my favorite - beef stew with white rice - Tony and I headed off.



We got to the hospital and we had so much stuff it was kind of funny. We got to our room and I just knew that I could wear my cute jammies and Tony was going to have a cot....Oh no - Tony had an OLD chair that did recline but didn't look very comfortable. I had to put on the Ugly hospital gown, they are serious about that. At least I had a bed and felt bad that he was going to sleep in the chair....We got all settled in and they started my pitocin drip around 12 or so. My doctor had promised me that I would be able to get up in the morning, take a shower - and get ready for delivery, well that is not what happened. My water broke at 5 am - after that I started getting contractions - but it was not that bad...but I couldn't sleep after that. Nurses came in every few minutes - at 7 am, I called my friend Sarah Brock and asked her if I should get my epidural (my contractions were 3 minutes apart) she said, UMMM, YEAH! So around 7ish my doctor, Dr. Norton came to check on me, she said I would probably deliver around 5 pm, so everyone was told we had time. Next I got my epidural - that was a huge relief, no more pain - so Tony and I got some much needed rest.



Next thing I know - my nurse comes in the room to check my progress and says - I have gone from 2cm dialted to 10 - JEEZ that was fast. She tells Tony to go have lunch, it is around 11. She seems a little shocked, not concerned but we get the idea it wont be too long, little did I know it would be less than an hour. Tony comes back around 11:30 - I am putting on makeup - a little aggravated that I didn't get my shower, my hair is greasy and I have no makeup on. So I put on a little mascera (not waterproof) there are pictures of all of this. Lissie helps me get my makeup on and then they head out for a quick bite to eat.



They were not gone 10 minutes - it all happened so fast. First the nurse comes in around 11:40 and says I am +2 cm, who knew that even existed. She says - it is time to push. WOW - Tony calls my mom and sister - they are downstairs about to eat, remember they just left the room and tells them to come we are about to start pushing. Dr. Norton comes in - my two nurses come in, they put me in the stirups and I start pushing.



Mom and Lissie walk in - after I have already pushed three times, I guess that was kind of shocking, they left the room with me finishing up my makeup - and walk back in 10 minutes later - and I am pushing, it is kind of funny! I can still see the look on their faces - mom grabs the camera, Lissie is to my left and Tony is to my right. I pushed for 10 minutes and then - we had our Neeley Anne at 12:04. It was a whirl wind of emotions, I couldn't believe it happened so fast.



I had always imagined all my family in the waiting room - waiting to hear, Neeley was born - but no - Dad and Ruth were still in Columbia and Tony's parents were at their house - Donnie was going by the plant and then on his way - but everyone was shocked it happened so fast.



It was a wonderful day and a wonderful beginning - Tony was so sweet. Very supportive during the birth and so sweet when she was born. He looked like an old pro - it melted my heart to see him love her so much. I can't explain how I felt when I held her for the first time, all the worry I had went away - she was here, happy and healthy!




We stayed in the hospital for a total of three nights, two nights after Neeley was born b/c I was concerned about her feeding. I was glad we had the support of the hospital and I was still in some pain so it helped to have there.



We came home on Thursday August, 6th and went to the doctor on Friday - Neeley had dropped down to 7lbs 11 oz. They said there was no cause for concern that her weight had gone down, she was a little puffy - and I figured I was retaining water - so was she. Just to be sure, we went back to the doctor the following monday to make sure she had gained weight and she had - she weight 8lbs 1 oz.





Mom stayed with us for almost two full weeks - every day we would get up and take pictures, it was a wonderful time to have her here. I needed her support and child expertise to help me. Mom is the Baby Wisperer! She showed me all kinds of things, but most importantly she showed me understanding - and that when the baby cried she needed something.



When mom left we both cried and cried - she left on a Thursday - Raven and Rita came on Friday for the weekend and we headed to Edisto on Sunday - so I knew it wouldn't be long before I saw her again. Rita and Raven were great. Raven cooked us dinner two nights it was so sweet! They both - loved on Neeley and helped me so much - it was special to have my friends spend that time with me and Neeley. When we got to Edisto Beach, I dont even think I held her. She met her cousins, Ayden and Ally Bryn - and hung out with Annie, Papa, Aunt Lissie, Aunt Raven, and of course her mommy and daddy. We spent the week - playing with Neeley.



We have gone on several trips - we have been to Orangeburg to see Annie, Papa, Coco and Chloe - and we just got back from Columbia - we visited Fuzzy, Grandma, Lissie, Nanny, Aunt Kathie, Kellie, Conner, Raven, Heather, Morgan Kate, Melissa and Caroline. It is important to me, for people to know Neeley - I want her to know all of the people who love her.





Today is September 27th - Neeley will be 8 weeks in two days. Where had the time gone? I can't believe it really! She is beautiful and so much fun.





At her three week checkup - Neeley weighed 8 lbs. 13 ozs, which is only two ounces more than her birth weight, but she dropped down to 7lbs 11 ozs so it is normal for it to take time to get back up to that weight. We go back to the doctor this week for shots, I am sure that will be hard for us to do!





Today - 9.27.09 she found her hands - she has been starring at them all day. Her eyes get crossed and she just looks at them. Neeley started smiling at week 5 but now at week 7 she is smiling all the time. When she hears Tony or my voice she smiles and it sounds like she is trying to laugh out loud. She is a happy baby and only cries when she is hungry or gassy! I love being a mommy, it is by far the best thing I have ever done. Tony and I are so in love with our sweet "Angel Baby" I keep saying - I realize why people have large families - I already know I want a big family - three kids would be perfect!





I took some time off from the blog but have decided that I want to keep this up - to write down how I feel so that Neeley can read this when she is older. I want to make a book of her first year - with the blog in it as well as pictures - so I am going to keep this up.






At 7 weeks - Neeley Anne is



Smiling big smiles



Coos all the time



Makes sweet noises while she sleeps



Eats about 3 or 4 ozs each feeding (every three hours)



Loves her Swing and Bouncer



Sleeps in her basinett right beside mommy



Loves her mommy and Daddy holding her



Very curious - looking all around



Holding her head up very good



Spitting up (trying to figure this one out)



wearing a size 1 diaper (Pampers Swaddlers)



Going through 3 outfits a day - lots of spit up



Sleeping 4 hours a night - sometimes 5 hours





















Friday, July 10, 2009

3.5 Weeks to GO -
Neeley's Nursery -

Well - we have been working on Neeley's nursery for a couple of weeks and it is almost done. It has turned out better than I could have imagined and I LOVE it! It is not finished - but most of the other things are going to be done after she arrives! My mom is a wonderful baby and children photographer so Neeley will be a very documented little girl. I want to have pictures of her as an infant on the walls - since she is going to change so much so fast.

Only 3.5 weeks to go - I really can't believe it! I feel her moving and I feel like she is letting me know that she is ok and ready to meet us and this world. I am so happy and giddy with excitement to meet our little girl who kicks her mommy at night.
I am posting a few pictures of Neeley's nursery in progress. I painted the walls light pink and kind of freaked when we first did it. It looked so bright - but now the furniture is in there is has really toned it down. I wanted her room to be VERY girly and I think it is. Tony is installing her chandelier Sunday when we get back from Columbia (yes, that is right) she is one lucky little girl!

Tony and I are so thankful for the generosity of our family and friends. WE have recieved so much, Neeley has so many great things - we really appreciate it all. We have been overwhelmed with love and support as we begin this new chapter in our lives.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us. We are so excited to meet our sweet baby! She will be here in a few weeks and we couldn't be more excited!!!

Love you all!

Liz
Nursery Pictures -



Thursday, June 11, 2009



32 weeks -


I haven't updated my blog lately - I have been super busy - Nesting!!!
Basically my life these days is - work, come home cook dinner and then try to clean out closets. I am in serious Nesting Mode. Everyone knows I get on these cleaning frenzies but this is even a little much for me. All I think about is what I need to clean up - I see how dirty the baseboards are, the carpet, how bad my closets look and especially the kitchen cabinets. I am a little OCD anyway about the house, but now I am just plain crazy! Tony thinks it is funny until I have him a list of all the things we must get done.
Tony primed the walls in Neeley's nursery a week or so ago, and if he could get off work before 8 at night he wants to finish it up - we are picking up the furniture on Fathers Day weekend from OBG and hopefully the bedding will be done next week. Everything is coming together. I have also ordered some damask fabric for the curtains. Neeley's room is going to be very CHIC and I can't wait until it is all put together.
I had a shower last weekend and it was wonderful - my great friends in Beaufort did a wonderful job, it made me feel so special and I got so many wonderful things for Neeley. I still have a hard time believing that I am having a baby - I mean, I am well aware that Neeley is in my belly, she kicks and moves all day. But it is hard to believe that in a few weeks, 8 to be exact we will have Neeley at home. It is so sureal -
Mommie and I at the Beaufort Shower -

All the prego girlies in Beaufort - we have something in the water here for sure!!!


I must say, I have friends who loved or love being prego and then I have friends who were not huge fans. I feel bad saying that I am not too comfortable and I am ready not to be prego anymore. I went to the doctor and found out I am Anemic yesterday. So now I have swollen feet and hands and I also am low on Iron. The doctor assured me it was a normal part of pregnancy and the Iron pills will fix it and give me more energy. She also told me to stop nesting for a few weeks and get rest. I need to keep my swelling to a minimum and get my Iron levels up and then she told me to resume my nesting at week 34 or 35.

So, I am supposed to stay out of the heat and get rest. How am I supposed to do that when I have my to do list. HAAA

Well, this weekend I am going to Columbia for a baby shower given by my longest and best friends. I am so excited - some of my girlies are bringing their little boos and I am going to get some practice holding them and I even want to change a diaper. I know this sounds wierd, but I haven't changed a diaper in years....I can't even remember - so with Neeley on the way, I feel like I need a little practice. Fun I know!!!


I will post pictures from my weekend in Columbia - I can't wait to see all my girlies!!!



Thursday, April 30, 2009

Our 1st Anniversary

May 3, 2009 will be ONE YEAR! I can't believe it has already been a year. In honor of our first anniversary - I put together a slideshow of our honeymoon in Jamaica MON - and of course they are set to Bob Marley. I am having a little Tropical Vacationitis!!! Like I need one, NOW!


This weekend we are going to St. Simons Island, GA which is about two hours away to spend the night. On Sunday we are going to the Jekyll Island Club to have their famous brunch. We are really excited - my how life has changed in one year, but we couldn't be happier!

The slideshow is a little long, but I wanted all of the photos in so I could remember what a wonderful trip we had. I am already planning our trip for next year, well not really planning but thinking about it. HAAAA




Sunday, April 5, 2009

Neeley's Nursery Ideas

I finally have a plan for Neeley's nursery - and I am soooo excited. Since I found out I was prego, I knew I wanted to do the room pink and white with black and white (damask & toile) accents. Well, it is hard to find bedding that is simple Pink and White. My prego friend Kristen, found this website where you can have bedding made that is reasonable so I finally found what I was looking for today....

Basically - light pink walls, white furniture, pink and white damsk bedding with black and white accents - I made an idea board, thanks for the inspiration Sara Wiley Boyles. My wedding planner did this for my wedding day and it gives you an idea of how things will look all together, this is not too fancy, it is just my ideas together so I can make plans.
I still have not picked out the crib/changing table & dresser, I had no idea that it would be difficult to decide. I live in an area that has no baby stores, so I am going to go to Savannah soon with my mom to get some ideas. I dont want to spend too much, but I want it to last for all of our children, so any advice on brands and styles, would be greatly appreciated~.
Here is the idea I have so far, I am still looking so things can still change, however this the look I want. It is so fun to know we are having a little sweet girl, I hope she is girly - b/c I am planning for her to be.
This morning, Tony felt Neeley kick for the first time. I woke up at 7 (as usual) and she was kicking a lot, it woke me up and I started laughing, I woke Tony up so he could feel her - it was really special. Well, I turn 23 weeks on Tuesday and I am loving being preggers. I am really showing now - which is fun - all my maternity clothes actually look like they are supposed to now. Have a great week. Love ya. Liz