Happy New Year!!

I wish I could do a recap of this year, but time just does not seem to be on my side these days. It's obvious that the very best thing that happened to us this year was the birth of our ((*almost* one!!)) precious, perfect, baby girl :)

Happy New Year to all of you!!! I hope this next year brings many blessings!!! :)

Wordless Wednesday

Better late than never....

Thanksgiving 2009-

Thanksgiving 2010- :)

Our Christmas Card 2010

I LOVE how it turned out!! Not to mention the price, or lack thereof, wasn't too shabby either ;)

Keep an eye out for this beaut...it should hopefully be in your mailboxes early next week!!

Some pics from our move

Moving out...






Moving in...

Ten Months

My baby is growing up!!!! Sniff.

She is such a character now-a-days! She has given us a peek into her little (or not so little) attitude that I know will be quite a challenge to deal with, ha. We've been so busy with the move and everything else, I have fallen a little behind on this post, but I refuse to let one get by me!! This is not going to be as neat and organized as the others but I still wanted to be able to look back and remember everything Peyton is was doing at this point! Here goes...

Weight- if I had to guess somewhere around 18 lbs.
Height- " " " somewhere past 28 in.
Diapers- still in 3's (skinny waisted girl! I'm jealous...)

Right now you.....

-open and close your hand wave
-point to everything
-say "whoa!" and "ohhhh!"to anything you think is cool...and it is SO cute!!
-LOVE Cody! It has gotten to that point. Poor dog, his days are spent constantly running away from you. You laugh so hard when he runs around or barks at you.
-are still pulling yourself up and standing with EVERYTHING. You scoot around objects while still holding onto something. You will let go and stand on your own for several minutes at a time, but are still too afraid to take a step. I know it won't be much longer before you do!!
-will lift your leg and try to climb on to things, but aren't quite there yet.
-LOVE chicken nuggets, of any kind.
-can shake your head "no" and nod your head "yes". Sometimes they are done at the appropriate times and sometimes not. lol. We're working on that ;)
-have shifted off loving your blankie so much and have really taken to your stuffed Mickey
-like to drag toys around with you when you crawl
-can point to noses and mouths when I ask, but again, only when you want to
-still love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse but also like Handy Manny and Special Agent Oso
-had your first Thanksgiving! You ate turkey, ham, peas, mashed potatoes, lima beans, and sweet potatoes (all split between Grammy's and great grandma's house, of course)
-watched as we put up your first Christmas tree! And you only wanted to touch an ornament twice! After that, you could care less about the tree!
-had your first bath in the sink (at Grammy and Papa's)
-have been going to Storytime at Pottery Barn Kids with Aunt Jenn and Halle. You enjoy it, we sing lots of songs and listen to stories
-your two top teeth are finally in. They are adorable! 4 total. (two top, two bottom) The tooth beside your top teeth are working their way through next
-I guess I need to add that you are now living in your second home now and have adjusted really quickly and really well :)

I seriously feel as if I cannot keep up with how many things change and how much she starts/learns to do lately. I swear a billion things can happen in one day now! She really does get cuter and cuter by the day and is so smart! In TWO short months we'll be celebrating her FIRST birthday!!! The holidays have helped/will help to speed that up quite a bit, grrr.

Let the party planning begin......

Stay tuned

I know, I know. I have been VERY behind at posting pictures!

I promise some of Peyton, our move, and others are to come...after Thanksgiving that is :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I have SO many things to be thankful for, but here are just a few of them...

*the best family one could ever wish for

*wonderful friends

*a loving Heavenly Father who has given me more than I will ever deserve

*my beautiful, healthy baby girl

*my hardworking, and good lookin' husband ;)

I will be spending the day tomorrow stuffing myself as much as I can and more than likely taking a nap (or two, ha). I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and get to spend it with the ones you love!!

Round and round

I should be in bed, but instead, I'm at the computer piddling around.

My mind is going about a hundred miles a minute. There is absolutely nothing I can do to slow it down. For whatever reason, I always seem to decide to choose the time when I lie in bed at night to start making my "mental lists".

I hate when I do that. Because once it starts, there is no stopping it.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I am in the middle of packing up one house and unpacking another....or that next weekend is Thanksgiving and my baby is going to be TEN MONTHS OLD!! Holy Mickey Mouse people...she is T-W-O stinking months away from being an official "toddler " Which brings me to another panic attack, her First Birthday....that I have yet to even purchase one item OR research anything!! UGHHH. Does someone please want to be my party planner and do everything for me???????

Oh yeah, and then there's the Christmas cards. Even more pressure is on there because I'm getting them for FREE and they're going to be THE BOMB so, duh, now I have to think of coordinating outfit combos...and where to take the picture...and when find the time to take the picture!!! ((catching breath))

Dear Jesus, I need two of me, maybe even three.

Annnnnd the Christmas presents. Every.stinking.year I say that next year I'm going to be smart and start getting things early. Yeah right. I thought present shopping was hard before having a child, this year should be interesting.

Even though this is one crazy/busy/hectic time, I am so thankful for it. God has blessed me with an amazing husband, a beautiful, perfect baby girl, and wonderful family and friends. If I didn't have them, there would be no reason for awesome cards and birthday parties. Sometimes it's just too easy to get wrapped up in ^all the above^ and forget about what's truely important.

::deeeeeep breath:: It will get done. Everything that needs to get done will get done. Sometimes it just feels good to get it all out on paper, er, blog.

.....though I wouldn't turn down an offer to plan P's awesome party ;)

Christmas Cards for FREE?!?!

...Um, yes please!!!!

Shutterfly is offering 50 free Christmas cards to fellow bloggers!!! All you have to do is register your blog on their website and write a post about how awesome Shutterfly is ;) (well, I think they are!!)

I forget how I found out about Shutterfly. But I've been using their site for atleast a year now. I've ordered everything from Peyton's birth announcements to cards, and photobooks (all that I've tried so far...). Their quality is amazing and I have seriously loved everything I've ordered!! They have so many options to choose from for their products, ranging from traditional to contemporary....a style for everyone!

Their Christmas cards are to die for. Here are some of the styles I was thinking about choosing:

The possibilities are endless people!!

If you haven't tried Shutterfly, I suggest you head over there and check them out NOW!! You will NOT be dissapointed!!!

Here's where you can get your free cards:
Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

For sale...

I was going through some things and decided it was time to part with this beauty:

I purchased this Dooney and Bourke about 6 years ago and it's still in great condition. A little wear on the suede corners, but still looks awesome. I take great pride in taking care of my purses!!

I purchased it for $100 and am asking $45 for it. Please email me if you're interested!!!

Thanks!!

Last time in the single digits!!

(I am seriously behind with this update, I kinda threw one together really quick, once I get home, I'll add her nine month pic and finish the rest of the details!!)

Miss Peyton, you are NINE months!!

Things you can do:

*point

*wave

*stack your play rings

*give kisses

*turn pages of books (the right way, and sometimes still backwards haha)

*chew really well

*said "Bu-bu Dada" (Bye bye Daddy) and "Hi Dada"

*high five

*is crawling FULL FORCE and are FAST

*is pulling up on EVERYTHING. She is not content unless she is trying to stand

*say "baby"

Things you Love:

*the Gummy Bear song and the Hampster Dance song

*to be chased around the room

*playing Peek a Boo

Some Changes I've noticed:

*that you aren't so attached to your blankie anymore. I used to just lay it next to you and you would grab it and go right to sleep. Now, you don't snuggle with it anymore, unless your in the car.

*you are a serious snuggler. You HATE going to bed, but if I'll rock you, you won't fight it so bad

Firsts:

*You had your first sickness :( - You had RSV and we had to give you breathing treatments, which you HATED. You are not the type of baby that deals well with being sick. I pray you (we) rarely ever have to deal with that!

Update on the list

Places to Go Before We Leave Tampa:

*Sponge docks in Tarpon Springs
*Playground/park
*Sunset at the dock
*Burns
*Clearwater Beach
*Aquarium
*Zoo
*Pumpkin patch
*Take a picture of Peyton in front of-
-NPR sign
-hospital sign

Will put pictures from each as soon as I return home! :)

Happy Birthday...

to MEEEEEE!!

This birthday was great. I am a ripe 26 years young, and as usual, I don't feel any different. The one BIG difference however, is that instead of carrying a baby in my belly, she was here to celebrate with me :)

I also got to celebrate two weekends in a row. Last week while we were in Jacksonville, Austin's family threw me a little party. My mother in law made her delish chocolate cake and lemon pound cake. Peyton loved playing with my birthday balloon.

This past weekend (my actual bday), we were in Oviedo with my family. (Austin is training in Miami all this week, so we decided that Peyton and I would spend the week here, with my fam) I had a lovely day, lunch at Brio (Y to the UM!!) followed by a scrumptious chocolate cake from Publix (another YUM). When everyone sang Happy Birthday, Peyton looked around at everyone, she thought they were singing to her, lol. I let her think so, she was so cute :)

I cannot believe that November is here already. It feels like a week ago I announced it was October!! We have SOO MANY things going on through the rest of this year....

-Packing and MOVING!

-Thanksgiving

-CHRISTMAS....OMGee

-Peyton's 1st birthday

Time is really going to fly!!

Oh, and as for "treat or treating", no, Peyton did not participate. I refuse to cart a baby around, door to door, when she can't even eat candy.....and this Momma does NOT need any more junk around the house. Thankyouverymuch.

Instead of "Halloween", it's "Momma's Birthday" ...well it is!! :)

How You Know You're Worn Out

{Snippet from this past weekend}

Scenario- walking to our car after eating lunch out....

Austin: Michelle, where are the car keys??

Me: I don't know (looking ahead)

Austin: You have to have them, I don't

Me: No I don't, I never had them.

And then I proceed to turn around and look at him. What did I see you may ask?? Our car keys, dangling from his MOUTH people. He just had that whole conversation with me with the keys in his MOUTH and he forgot they were there.

We have hit rock bottom folks. This is a result of little to no sleep, thanks to a sick baby and having nasty colds ourselves....going on for about two weeks now.

Scary stuff people.

Here's to hoping and praying things only get better, and fast! And maybe a glimpse into our far, distant future of all of the Alzheimer's fun we will have. Oh dear.

Four Years

Today is Austin and I's FOURTH wedding anniversary!! I cannot believe it. These past four years have absolutely been the BEST years of my life.

Austin, I am so thankful to have you as my husband. Not only are you my husband, but my Best Friend. You are an amazing husband, diligent provider, and the best Daddy (Peyton made sure I included that ;)). Every year brings a new adventure and I'm excited to see what the next year brings!

Thank you for being such an amazing partner....Happy Fourth Anniversary!!!! I love you!!

Check!

As previously mentioned, we made a list of things/places to do/go before we leave. Last night, we took Peyton to a nearby dock to watch the sunset, and ofcourse take some pictures :)

It's official...

WE'RE MOVING TO JACKSONVILLE!!!!!!!

We've known this for a little under a month now, but until Austin gave his notice to his current job, we had to keep quiet. That was hard!! Austin will be working for Wrigley and he's (we're) really excited about the opportunity! His start date is November 1st but we (as a family) will not be in Jacksonville for probably about a month or more. We are so excited for this new adventure for our family, as it is no longer only Austin and I but now Peyton too :)

We've already made a list of things to do with Peyton here in Tampa/NPR before we move. We thought it would be fun to take her to some of the cool places here and take some pictures so that when she's older we can show her, her "hometown"......

Places to Go Before We Leave Tampa:

*Sponge docks in Tarpon Springs
*Playground/park
*Sunset at the dock
*Burns
*Clearwater Beach
*Aquarium
*Zoo
*Pumpkin patch
*Take a picture of Peyton in front of-
-NPR sign
-hospital sign

Exciting news....

.....Coming soon!!! :)

(I guess I should add that it is NOT another child. I'm not ready for that one yet! ha)

Dad Update

For the latest update on my Dad, check out his blog

Fall has arrived at our house

I finally got around to putting up our fall decorations today. I don't overwhelm with decorations, I have just enough items set here and there to remind us what season we're enjoying :)


Ofcourse, the pumpkin spice candle




Over the tv

On the side table

Front door

Fall arrangement on the coffee table

My freshly planted mums
(Blogger turned this pic and I can't figure out how to fix it)

Reminder:

Please continue to vote for Peyton :)

::cough::every day::cough::

Remember, you can vote once a day. And it's for the entire month of October. If you're my friend, you will do this. <-- Yes, I just said that ;)

I appreciate it GREATLY!! (and promise to vote for your child if they're ever in a contest)

Click

My Fall Color Picks

Time for another nail polish post. Why, you ask? Because I just bought three SUPER cute colors, perfect (in my opinion) for this time of the year....



From L to R:
Jade is The New Black, Chop-sticking To My Story, and Tickle My France-y


The emerald/teal is an awesome shade. It's a little funky, yet it can be pulled off tastefully.

The middle color is currently my FAV! I've been searching for an orange-ish color for fall and had the perfect shade in my mind and when I found this, I was in LOVE.

The last color is just, well, awesome. It's a nice neutral (in the "greige" family) and if I don't want to have a loud color on my hands, will compliment any toe shade very nicely :)

I wasn't even planning on getting the OPI brand (even though its awesome polish) because well, Momma's on a budget and it's a little more than I should be paying right now. But, Ulta had OPI nail polish buy 2 get 1 FREE. Um, yes please! Annnnnd I had a coupon (insert angels singing a heavenly tune)....it was meant to be.

So there ya have it folks, some cool colors that are great to welcome the fall!

I like pizza

....haha

Gerber Baby

(photo that I chose)

I submitted a picture of Peyton into Gerber's baby photo contest a few weeks ago. Her picture is now available for votes on their website. We would appreciate your votes :) You can help a Momma and Daddy win some serious college fund $$!

If you'd like to vote for Peyton, click here <---

You can vote once a day for the entire month of October. Six winners will be picked at the end of October....help Peyton be one of them!! :)

A few reasons why I love TiVo...

1. Monday night- 90210
2. Tuesday night- Teen Mom
3. Wednesday night- Top Model
4. Thursday night- Community, 30 Rock, The Office, Grey's Anatomy
5. Friday night- nothing

If it weren't for TiVo, we I would have no life. My world would revolve around the television. I'm glad I have the option of watching them whenever and however many times I want :)

Catch-up

It's been quite some time since I've actually updated about what we've been up to around here. Lately, there have been some pretty exciting happenings around the Rumsey house. Firstly, Peyton is changing every hour it seems. She's to the point where you can show/teach her how to do something one time and she can imitate you! She's so smart :) She has pretty much decided to skip actual crawling, and scoots, rolls, and inches to what/where she wants. She is pulling up to standing on EVERYTHING. That happened overnight, literally. We've lowered her mattress because of it too. My days are much busier now, because I can't really leave her out of my sight. We've already put outlet covers on all of the outlets because we knew that would be something she would start noticing next. Sure enough, a few days later she was on her knees, up against the wall, picking at the outlet cover! It's almost scary how smart she is!

The other exciting news I can't quite share yet, but rest assured, it's good :)

I'm sooo ready for fall. I am sick and tired of humidity and heat! Ugh. The last few days haven't been so hot, so maybe we'll actually get a fall?!? Who knows. Come quickly cold weather!!

Welp, that's a quick recap of what's been going on in our neck of the woods. Peyton's down for her morning nap, so I need to take advantage and get some stuff done around the house!!! :)

EIGHT!!

Stats:

Weight- a little over 17-ish lbs.
Length- probably close to/if not already, 28 in.
Diaper size- 3
Clothing size- "6-9 mo." and "6-12 mo."
Shoe size- just moved up to size 3, still a little big but 2s are getting too tight!

Loves:

*To take walks to the pond and watch us feed the duckies
*Eating "real" people food.
*Talking to family on Skype. You wave and try to give kisses!
*Any type of remote control

Hates:

*If no one is paying attention to you

Firsts:

*(Birthday)Party- Your Best Friend, Halle turned one! 9-19-10


Accomplishments:

*Waved hi/bye! 9-18-10
*Pulled yourself up to your knees! 9-20-10
*Daddy and I swear you can say "hi"...you make the same noise everytime we say hi to you or one of us walks into the room.
*Mommy taught you how to type on the computer. To push each key with one finger, and you did it by yourself!

Sleep:

This area has gotten MUCH better! You've been sleeping really well. You go down by 9, haven't even really been waking up in the middle of the night either, you wake up by around 5. (Which is totally ok, 9-5 I can do!!)

Recently, you've started waking up several times again, but I'm pretty sure you're about to get some more teeth! So we'll see...

Food:

I'm realizing more and more that you'd rather have "big people" food. So if I'm eating something that you can have, I'll tear up small pieces and let you have some! You had applesauce for the first time, and liked it. I've just come to the conclusion that you are going to be a picky eater! That's ok, I'll just keep trying foods and we'll eventually find things you will eat more than once!

Randoms:

*You're hair is getting longer and you're getting more of it!
*"No" is a word you are learning quickly. Only because you hear it ALOT these days, lol.
*You have the CUTEST grin on the planet. (I entered you into the Gerber Baby photo contest!! We'll see what happens!)
*Still only has the two bottom teeth, but as of lately I think you've started teething hard core, so we'll see if you have a few more by the end of this next month!
*You continue to give the sweetest, slobbery kisses :) ...You love to sit in front of the mirror and kiss the "baby in the mirror"
*Still not crawling but you "inchworm" across the floor, you scrunch up then launch. It is the cutest thing. (Of course, everything you do is cute, but still...)


I cannot begin to express how much fun this stage is! Peyton is learning new things left and right! She is a hoot and she knows it. With each month that passes, ONE gets closer and closer. I don't want her to grow anymore! I do, however, look forward to the holidays coming up. I can't wait to take the infamous pumpkin patch pictures and to see what she thinks about Christmas lights and decorations! ::Sigh:: I love being her Mommy :)

My crafts are now "official"

Nifty Necessities is now my "business"

I have also created a Facebook page. I'll be posting all items on there from now on so look me up and "like" me! :)

Click-> Nifty Necessities

Halle's 1st Birthday