The Millers

It's true...he's already two!

2011-12-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

Here he was last year at 1...

...and on his 2nd bday...hasn't changed a bit! (well maybe more hair)

Yup my little guy turned 2!!! If I said that time has flown by...that would be an understatement. I just cannot believe that he is already two and it makes me a little sad. There has been so much going on that we didn't do a whole lot for his birthday but we did have a little party with our friends. Ty is really a sweet little guy...doesn't have an off button but is sweet. He keeps me on my toes for sure. He is just growing like a weed and I just can't believe how big he is getting...and I don't mean just physically but he is talking more and more and just so independent. I don't think he needs my help for anything. He loves loves cars (we are slightly obsessed) and he loves his sissy...those two things we know for sure. It's kind of sad because with Trey here, Ty seems even bigger and isn't my little baby anymore (well, he'll always be my baby but he's not the youngest anymore). He is really really good with Trey and so sweet. I was a little worried that he might be a little jealous or just a little aggressive but he's not in the least. He loves giving him kisses and just coming over to hug him. He is even being such a big helper but getting me diapers and throwing things away for me. Anyway, we are just so lucky to have our little man and I am completely surprised how quickly 2 years flew by. Having Ansley and Ty so close together (13 months) it's actually been nice because they play really well with one another...for the most part. We have our normal sibling fights but they really do play together nicely. Ty is always wanting to be or play with Ansley because as I said before he really doesn't have an off button. I took him to his 2 year appointment and he was 36 1/2" so the doctor said he was probably going to be around 6'1 which is crazy to me maybe because I am so short but Mike is 6" so I guess that isn't too crazy. Anyway, he got a thumbs up from the doctor so we are good. Next thing to tackle...potty training!

The birthday cake

...but he's only interested in the car that came with the cake

The bday boy loves his daddy

Some friends helping Ty celebrating his big day...

Trey Cannon Miller

2011-09-23T11:13:00.002-07:00

Welcome to the world Trey...my biggest yet...7lbs and 1 ounce

He's in love...again!

Finally we meet!

The first time the two kids met Trey...

Big sissy in action...her first time holding baby Trey

Ty was a little more interested in a drink :)

Grandma for the 7th time in 4 years...she's a pro

Man, I'm pooped!

She loves holding her baby brother

Trey Cannon Miller

Okay, so I have been a tad busy and feel completely terrible that I am just now putting up a post about our sweet addition to the family...my apologies. Little Trey entered our lives on July 20th! He was my largest baby yet at 7 pounds 1 ounce and has been such a great baby. I labored a lot at home and it didn't take very long for him to come out...just four pushes. Ansley and Ty were so excited to meet him and came up to the hospital twice to visit their little brother. My mom was here to help out with the older two so Mike and I could be at the hospital so that was nice. Since coming home, Trey has been really good and pretty easy going. So far (and I stress so far) he only really cries when he is wet or hungry so that has been nice. Ansley and Ty are really good about not messing with him too much. They are either hugging him or not paying any attention to him which is good right now. Things have been crazy, of course, with having three but I think having two was a much bigger adjustment for me. Trey is really a good baby and I am blessed because I don't know what I would have done had I not had a good baby. Time is just flying by though and I can't believe that he is already getting so big...it kind of makes me sad. I am trying to relish in my time with him and appreciate the baby phase which can be challenging but I am trying. It's just really starting to hit me that Trey is my last baby and it makes me SO sad. I honestly didn't expect to feel so sad about it but I am. There are days when I think that I am not ready to be done but then I finally come to my senses (ha ha he he). No but really...having three isn't near as crazy as I expected and although I am at the very beginning stages of it...it is going better than what I had thought. We are all just trying to get into a routine and get use to having a baby around the house again...but in a happy way!

Happy feet!

2011-09-23T11:13:00.001-07:00

Well, Ty has realized his new calling...dancing. Everytime music (of any kind) comes on...he has his dancing feet ready. It's so funny to watch him because he really gets excited and into it. He has this little move, which I haven't yet caught on video but I will, where he gets on all fours and then lifts his one leg in the air. It's a sight to see...

THREE already!!!

2011-08-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

3 years ago...

2 years ago...

1 year ago...

Today!

So my little baby has turned three and I just can't believe it. I think I say that every year but it's true. There are just no words to describe how incredibly fast these three years have gone by. I am so thankful for Ansley and cannot say how wonderfully awesome she is. She is so sweet and loving and affectionate and the biggest helper ever. It really makes me sad that she is getting older. I know a lot of people can't wait for their kids to get older but I wish I could make Ansley stay this age. I don't want her to grow up and get older at all...she's at the perfect age. She is potty trained, plays on her own or with others, does what she is told, can do things on her own but still loves to snuggle with us and acutally listens to us (well for the most part)...it doesn't get much better than that. We didn't do anything big for her birthday this year because I was 4 1/2 cm and was just waiting for the baby to pop out. We didn't want to do anything too crazy plus it was SO hot outside. We went to the sprinkler park and had a fun day in the sun with all of her friends. Ansley had lots of fun playing with her friends and in the water. I feel awful because we forgot to bring our camera to snap some pictures but i think you probably get the picture. I feel very blessed to have our sweet little angel in our lives and hopefully she has even a small idea of how much she is loved...happy birthday to our sweet Ansley!

Her very first date...

2011-08-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

So Ansley wanted to have a date...with her Daddy...and since it was with him he approved. I am pretty sure that he won't be giving any kind of approval anytime soon unless it's only with him. The menu for this special event...milk and cookies (I know this is a very complicated choice)! Since this was Ansley's idea to begin with I did make her help me bake the cookies and set the table. It was short lived but very sweet. Of course Mommy was not invited on this oh-so-special date except to help set up things up...instead I was left holding the camera but it was so sweet I didn't care.

Where has the summer gone?

2011-08-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Ty with his new do...

Ansley stylin with her shades on

Ty giving Grandma big hugs

Living it up in their pool and lovin it

Grandpa getting to see Ansley's newly discovered artistic abilities

My little guy is getting to be such a big boy

Cheeeeeeeeeese! (Literally screaming this as I am taking this pic)

"I wanna go shopping"...oh no...I've created a monster

Erin and Ford at a play date

Sooo ready to go outside and go swimming

Ansley and Austin sitting in a tree...

Daddy and Ansley on their "cookie" date

My two favorite guys in the world

Someone is happy to go outside...

Okay, I have been TERRIBLE about keeping up with my blog and I keep saying that I am going to be better but I haven't so once again...I apologize. I honestly have been meaning to post for a while but time always seems to get away from me...much like this summer. I am completely shocked about how the summer flew by. I feel awful that I haven't posted pics (especially for our families and loved ones) but I think that I am going to have a little more time to do that since things have calmed down...a little. So, A LOT has happened so I will try to do a recap of this summer to get you up-to-date. We had a few play dates, visits with Grandma and Grandpa, visits with our friends, swim time, and most importantly...a new addition to the family. Both Ansley and Ty have been so good this summer and being patient with Mommy since she was very pregnant this summer which was nice. I thought that they might go a little crazy since they weren't going to school but they were really good. Ansley turned 3 which I just cannot believe. Everytime I look at her I am just amazed about how much of a big girl she has become and how it just seems like yesterday that she came into our lives. She had her 3 year check up and got a thumbs up...which I already told everyone about in the last post. She is doing all kinds of big girl things like no more sippy cups, no more pull ups at night, drawing and writing things, talking non stop and saying words that I didn't realize she knew...it's crazy. Ty is about to be 2 (SO crazy) next week. I just cannot believe that either. We haven't gone to his 2 year check up yet but will let you know how that turns out. I am pretty sure, actually I am positive, that he has passed Ansley up in the weight department and very very close to passing her up in the height department as well. He is doing good too...we got rid of the pacifier and he is starting to talk a lot as well. He has been trying to sit on the potty a little although we aren't close to being potty trained just yet. I think I am going to wait on that a while yet. He is just into everything and loves to do everything his sissy does. They play so well together and I love that they are close. We brought a new addition into the family (which I am going to do a separate post on) and so that has been crazy and exciting all mixed together...so it's been a very busy summer. I can't believe that it is already time to celebrate Ty's birthday and just trying to get all of that planned without losing my mind (just kidding...well...kind of). Anyway, here are some pics of the summer that I haven't posted. I will definitely be putting up a new post about our new little addition to our family soon and putting up pictures of him.

It's getting to be that time...

2011-07-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I am completely surprised that I have made it this far along with Baby Miller seeing how I had both of my kids 2+ weeks ago at this point in my pregnancy. It's strange because part of me is just ready for him to come out and meet him and start the process and the other part of me is thinking that about having 3 kids 3 and under and thinking I might need that extra week. I can tell I am getting close though because my contractions are getting more and more intense and closer and closer together. The first time I was checked (at 36 weeks) I was already 3 1/2 cm and then the next time...I was almost 4 1/2 and this past time (last week)...I was a little over 5 cm so I would have thought I would have gone into active labor by now. My doctor is very particular about waiting until my contractions are every 5 minutes and they just are not quite there.

Anyway, it's getting close though and I am getting a little anxious. I am praying and hoping that he is a good, easy baby and that the transition with the other two kiddos goes well. Tyson is completely unaware of what is about to happen...he honestly just has not a clue. Ansley knows that Mommy has a baby in her belly but I don't think she gets it that it also means he is going to come out and rock her world. She has become quite the little Mommy lately though so I am kind of hoping that she enjoys having a baby around and maybe helps me out a little but we'll see. Mike and I still do not have the baby's room done (ugh!) because the house is on the market and we are trying to keep it as "clean" looking as possible. He will be in our room for a few months anyway but I just hate not having a room for him but I guess I will get over it. I feel completely and totally unprepared for this baby and you would think it would be the one pregnancy I was completely prepared for seeing how it is my third go round. We still don't have a name picked out either so not sure what we are going to do about that...hopefully one will just come to us at the hospital.

The kids are doing great though. Ansley just went to the doctor for her 3 year check up...she is 25 lbs and 10 oz...crazy. I would have thought she weighed more in the higher 20s or even close to 30. I didn't really think she was quite 30 but thought she was closer to it. I am curious about how much Ty is going to weigh (which he goes next month so we will see). She got a thumbs up from the doctor though (other than the weight which wasn't a huge issue) and he said she looked great and developmentally was ahead of the ball game so that is good. I figured she would be but it's always good to hear. Ty is doing great as well...we took his pacifier away a few weeks ago and I was dreading that because I really thought he would not handle it well but he has. He has actually done really well with it and I am just glad that we got that done before the new baby comes. Well, the summer is going along and we haven't really had anything too fun going on. Just wanted to give an update and let you that it's getting to be that time. Wish me luck!

My sweet sweet babies

2011-07-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Ansley and Ty are pretty good about being around one another. I mean, Ansley doesn't remember a time without her "Little T" (her new nickname for him) and he has never had a time without her there. They definitely have their moments when they can't seem to share or one of them doesn't feel like playing. It's been a little different lately...they not only have been playing together really well but actually love on one another...a lot. I am not so much surprised about them playing together more because they are getting older but they really have been so sweet to each other. I mean, Ansley is the oldest and she is not even 3 yet...so it's not like I had one that I could really expect to step up to the plate and lead by example or really reason with. They have been doing little things like: hugging one another or if one wants a toy that the other has...he/she will give it to the other or Ty will go and get Ansley's drink out of the frig and give it to her and then go to get his...just little sweet things like that. Anyway, I have been able to capture some of these moments on camera and I just HAD to share because it is really so sweet and I have no idea how long this will really last :)

Tick tock tick tock...

2011-06-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

I feel like time is getting away from me for so many reasons and it's starting to get a little stressful. Ansley's birthday is just around the corner and I haven't given that near enough time or energy. I need to really get on that and figure out what we are doing. Then there's the matter of this baby coming...oh my! I feel like it's right around the corner and I want more time! I don't know that I am ready for him to come out yet. There are just so many things going on that require a lot of time and I just just don't have near enough. We have our house on the market and that clock is really ticking away. I keep thinking about how much harder it's going to be to show it when I have a little one here. It's difficult enough keeping the house in order and leaving on cue with two little ones and adding another one to the mix is exhausting to think about. Anyway, I just wish I had a little more time to do well...everything. It's been a crazy summer so far although the kids have really been good seeing how they haven't had much to do. I feel bad that we aren't taking them anywhere fun for vacation but maybe next year or after the little guy comes. I went to the doctor this past Wednesday and she "checked" me (UGH!!!...did NOT look forward to that at all although it was not near as bad as I had expected) and I am already 3 1/2 cm! Can I say oh my again? Although I could go another week or two even though I am dilated that much so I am going to stay positive. My poor babies have been so good with not being able to do much (with me being prego and all) and I have realized just how really good they are. Most kids get to do activities, go somewhere fun for vacation, go to the pool, things like that and my sweet ones have pretty much been at the house since "school" got out and haven't batted an eye. I'm a lucky Mommy. Anyway, we have still a long summer ahead of us and hopefully we can go something fun for their birthdays which I am denial about because I can't believe that they are getting older :( In the meantime...I can hear that clock ticking and I wish it would SLOW down...for so many reasons...

Our last day of "school"

I know what you are thinking but no...he was just squating

She LOVES to go somewhere...anywhere...

...and he loves to just be next to her

Could it seriously get any cuter?

2011-05-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

What a ham!

This time last year...crazy!

He's definitely a keeper :)

So, every year at Hope (which is where Ansley and Ty go to Mother's Day Out) they have a photographer come in and take pictures of the kids at school. She doesn't just take regular pictures...she takes 11 X 14 black and white (which Mike and I LOVE) close up pics of the kids and lets the parents purchase them. Last year, only Ansley was going so I just had one but this year, they both had their picture taken. Ty's picture is really good and he looks really cute but I can't say that it is my absolute favorite ever but...oh my...Ansley's is ADORABLE. She is posing like I have never seen before and she looks like a tiny little model. I LOVE it. I am trying to see if this photographer can take a few more to see if she can get them together. I don't know if Ansley just really felt comfortable with this particular photographer or if she has become a little model but either way...I love it. I just wanted to share because they were too cute. I also am putting up Ansley's picture from last year...I just wanted to show how different she looks. The pictures is really cute too...but it's crazy how her looks have changed so much in just under a year. I'm sure I will sitting here this time next year saying the same thing about Ty.

BIG news...

2011-05-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

On our way to school...yeah!

He is all boy...all boy

We love our pig tails...or "tails" as we like to call them

Wow...I am totally a slacker and I apologize. I feel terrible...I meant to update this forever ago and meant to keep up with it but we have been so crazy busy that I have not had a chance. So, a lot has happened since the last time I blogged. I guess I am going to go back to the beginning of the year and go from there.

Okay, so Mike and I are prego...again! I am currently 7 months pregnant and my due date is July 26th. We are having another boy! We were in COMPLETE shock when we found out and I still think that I am in a bit of shock but have come to accept the news much better than 7 months ago. We were really nervous, well I take that back, I was really nervous about the news. Mike was actually excited from the get-go and thought if we were going to have a third that we needed to hurry up and do it. I, on the other hand, felt like it would have been nice to have a little more space in between the last two but I guess that wasn't in the plans. We found out about 2 months ago that we were having another boy and that was another part that took a while to accept. I mean, don't get me wrong...I LOVE Ty and he is the best little guy and I am so happy that he's my little guy. It's not that I didn't want a boy...I think I just wanted another little girl more. Ansley has honestly been a COMPLETE joy for us and we kind of wanted that again. Of course we weren't thinking about the fact that even if we had another girl, she wasn't going to be Ansley, she would be her own little person so it would not have made a difference. I think because Ansley is my oldest and my only girl...I just wanted to savor that and thought by having a girl as my "baby" would do that but the fact remains that Ansley is getting older and we have to accept that. She has been a little easier too because Ty is just into everything these days. I have to protect him from himself more than anything and that is a job all on its own. Either way, we are happy and nervous all at the same time and I can't wait to meet Baby Miller!

Ansley is doing great. She LOVES school and LOVES her teachers. It is just amazes Mike and I how smart she is. She knows so much for such a young age and we just can't beleive it. She knows, of course, all her colors, numbers, shapes, etc...but she knows so many other things that we just really are amazed with her. She counts to 10 in Spanish and we DID NOT teach her this...so not sure where she learned that from. She is potty trained (which she has been since last summer) but is also in a big girl bed and is doing so great with that. I really worried that it might be a struggle with the big girl bed, but she has certainly proved me wrong about that. We just love her so much and she is growing up so fast...way TOO fast:( She is going to be having her 3rd birthday this July and we can't believe that either. I just want her to stay this age and size forever. I don't want her to grow up...it really makes me sad to think about it. I know some people say to wait until she's 2 to 3 years older but we honestly LOVE this age and would let her stay this way forever if we could. This is probably my favorite age and time period. I know she is going to be such a huge helper when Baby Miller comes along...she is already so excited about it. She talks to the baby in my tummy, rubs my tummy, kisses it...it's really sweet. She is the best helper and I feel lucky.

Ty is doing so good as well. He really has always been ahead of the game a little when it came to doing things. He did things so much earlier than Ansley did and he continues to do so as he gets bigger. I will say, though, the one thing he isn't doing a lot of is talking. I mean, he talks and he says his words but I felt like Ansley was talking a lot more at his age. I probably should look at this as a blessing that he isn't talking my ear off. Anyway, he has adjusted to school so well and loves it there too. He loves playing with his little friends and his teachers. I can a tremendous difference since he has been going to Hope and I love it. He absolutely loves his big sister. I think he would be crushed if she wasn't around. He loves to play with her and just do anything and everything that she is doing. It's really cute except when she does things that I really don't want him to do and that does get a little hard. Ty is almost as tall as his big sister which is funny to us...but he is just growing like a weed. He has slimmed down a good bit though (not that he was ever big) and is just getting taller now more than anything. He is a smart little guy too. He can get on my i phone and play all the games and puzzles and knows exactly which codes to put it...it's crazy. I didn't even teach him that so not sure how he picked all of that up. It's just amazing what little kids soak up and how much they really learn. He is a BUSY BUSY little guy though. He is into everything and anything and I have to keep a close eye on him. I thought Ansley was very fearless and a monkey but she is nothing compared to her brother. Ty has no fear and he thinks he can do anything. It's scary sometimes. He opens all the doors and has started to even unlock the dead bolts and open the doors that we have child proofed. He is such a strong little guy and although he gives me quite the work out, I just keep thinking about what everyone says, that boys get easier so I have that going for me :) Seriously though...he's a sweet little guy and will give us all the love and kisses that we want...as long as he can give open mouth kisses!

Mike and I moved back into our house since our renters moved out. We had A LOT of work to do to the house and it took a while but we got it done. We are now trying to sell our house which has kept us busy too. We just have had a lot going on but I guess that's what happens...life gets busy. We are happy that we are back in our house but we are wanting to see if we can sell it and maybe move closer into town. It's just such a pain driving a good distance back and forth with the kids and would be easier if we lived a little closer. We'll see what happens...

I think that pretty much brings us up-to-date. I know that I probably left out a lot of little details but will try to update weekly and I am sure that I will bring some up when I do that. I will do my best to keep up with the blog and I am sorry I have let so much time go. I honestly will try to post more often. Here are some pics but I will post some more later too.

In one of our Easter get ups...

He is ready with his 2 favs...his truck & Daddy's visor...it's Mini Mike

S-N-O-W!!!

2011-02-28T09:17:00.001-08:00

We normally don't get a lot of snow here in Memphis, but even when we do, it's not very much and certainly doesn't last long. So, you can imagine the reaction when it snowed for several days and had quite a bit of snow stick on the ground. Ansley was completely in awe of the snow and was quite excited about playing in it. Ty was just excited because Ansley was and didn't exactly get it...but was happy anyway. Mike had to work but was able to come home a bit early one of the days. He brought home a sled and the kids were too excited. We bundled everyone up and went outside to play for a bit. I don't really have appropriate winter clothing for the kids but we layered and it did the trick. Ansley was so incredibly excited and had the best time and Ty was pretty darn excited himself. We pulled them around the backyard in the sled which was a hit and then Daddy and Ansley decided to build a snowman. I have to say for her first snow experience and snowman...she did a great job. She also decided (out of nowhere) that she wanted to make snow angels. This was only funny to me because we have never talked about snow angels at all so I don't know where she got that from but she knew exactly what it was and exactly what to do. All in all, it was a fun day and the kids really had a good time. Ty didn't make it as long as Ansley and he and I came in a little earlier. I think Daddy had to pull her away from the snow to bring her inside but she finally came in. Once inside, they got a nice hot bath and all was good because water is their first love. We had several more snow days here in Memphis but nothing lasted quite as long. It has cleared up since then and it looks like Spring is around the corner! Just thought I would share and few pictures of our fun snow day.

Ty's day out in the snow...

Ansley's fun day...

2010 in a nutshell...at least the last half

2010-12-21T07:58:00.001-08:00

Ansley is all ready to go see her friends at school

Ty is loving him some mommy's day out...me too

We are liking the fall around here

Just getting to be a big boy...:(((

Help, I'm stuck and I can't get out

We are always smiles when we are about to go to school

At the pumpkin patch...

...and boy did they love it

Popping a squat on the hay

Rrrrawr!!!

Austin the airplane

Blakey in her lamb costume

Our little kitty cat Libby

Bzzz...Ansley loved her costume

Tyson and Blake sittin in a tree...

They are really starting to enjoy one another

On our way to the candle light service

Next thing we knew...it was Christmas!

Happy, happy, happy!

She LOVES her daddy...nothing more to say

She must have been a good girl this year...and she was

So, I have been trying to play catch up on the blog but with the holidays here...it just seems to be getting harder and harder to do that. Instead of doing separate entries that I would normally do I think I am going to do a quick recap and then start fresh from this point forward.

A lot has happened since the last time I posted which was back in August! We got back from our trip to PA to visit the family and had Ty's bday party. Then the kids started "school" (AKA: mother's day out) which has been great for both of us...or should I say all 3 of us (Ansley, Ty and me). Ansley loves her new teachers and friends and is really learning so much. When we got back from visting Nanny...we started potty training and aside from night time (since we are still in our crib she can't get up and go potty at night) she is potty trained. We have not been in a diaper since and wear panties all the time which she loves. She even goes potty at school and has done awesome with that so I am very proud of her. At some point I am going to move her to a big girl bed and then we will figure out the night time potty then. She is also just talking up a storm and counting, singing songs, having little conversations with us...it's just amazing. It's so hard to believe she was just a tiny little baby only 2 1/2 years ago.

Ty is also loving school and has one of Ansley's teachers from last year which is nice. He loves playing with his friends and has such a great time. He has adjusted perfectly with going to school and I think he really enjoys it. Ty has been walking since his first birthday and now is running everywhere. He is becomming a little monkey and climbs on everything. He is getting up on the couch and chairs but also knows how to climb down which makes me feel a lot better. He has started to try and say words and I notice he likes to repeat things Ansley says. He absolutely loves his big sister...follows her everywhere and loves to play with her. It is kind of nice because they are starting to play together a lot more. He just had his 15 month check up and was almost 33 inches tall (95th percentile) and was 25.6 pounds (50th percentile). Just a side note...I took Ansley with me and she was 24.3 pounds which I found to be too funny. Ansley is still taller than Ty but not but a whole lot considering she is 13 months older than him.

We have done a lot over the past few months. We went to a pumpkin patch and had a good time there. Ty just loved being able to run around the field and Ansley wanted to play on the swing the entire time. We also went trick or treating with friends which was a lot of fun. Ansley was a bumblebee this year and Ty was a lion. They had a great time and loved dressing up. We also made a trip to PA for Thanksgiving to visit with the family which was a lot of fun. The kids had a blast spending time with Nanny, Pappy and all the aunts, uncles and cousins! I have to say that my nieces and nephews have grown up so much and each one of them were SO awesome with the kids. I think it's rare to see kids at their age being SO good and making time to play with babies. It was super sweet and I just cannot say enough about how incredible they all were. They are growing up so fast that it's hard to believe. I have only been around for 7 years but each one of them have truly become quite amazing. I knew that Cortney and Morgan would be wonderful with them but I have to admit that although I knew the boys (Casey, Christian, Mason and Caleb...we did not get to see Noah this trip:() would be great with them...I was not expecting them to be SO into playing with them but I was wrong. I can only pray that my kids grow up to be half as good as my neices and nephews because they really are all so amazing and we couldn't be more proud! If it wasn't enough to have all of the kids taking such wonderful care of the kiddos...my sisters and brothers were even more so. There is just something really sweet and touching about the love that I could see flowing from them for my babies. I have NO doubts that my kids would be in the very best hands with any of them and that's a great feeling. To say that they were amazing with Ansley and Ty would seriously be an understatement. My kids were in HEAVEN with the family...really. Then, of course, the icing on the cake was Nanny, Pappy Carl and Pappy Dick. Again, I just cannot say how wonderful everyone was and how much fun Ansley and Ty had while we were there. It was great.

After we got back from PA for Thanksgiving, it was like time just flew by...next thing I knew it was Christmas. We went to see Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas and the kids had a blast. We missed having the rest of the family there for sure. The kids really had a great time and Ansley was much more into opening presents this year. She still didn't care much about what was inside but loved unwrapping the gifts for everyone. I think next year will be a lot of fun for her. Ty just had fun playing with the boxes and that was about it. He really had no interest in what was inside the boxes. All in all, it was a nice time and we enjoyed it. The kids were able to spend a couple of days with Grandma and Grandpa while Mike and I took care of some things at home so that was nice too. It didn't exactly turn out the way I was thinking because I was feeling under the weather but it was still a good way for us to get some things accomplished.

After the holidays, we got back into our routine and started back to school which was really nice as well. I have to say that going to Mommy's day out isn't just a treat for me...the kids LOVE it and love going. It is really something they look forward to. So I think that brings me closer to being up-to-date...although I definitely have a few more things to tell you. I thought I would stop here since that brings us to 2011...crazy! Here are some pics from the past few months and I will try my best to stay on top of things...

Dancing fools!!!

2010-12-21T07:07:00.001-08:00

Okay, these are from a few months ago but I have been behind a bit and trying to play catch up. Wanted to share these because they are too cute not to. Sorry about Ansley's video being so dark (didn't realize it when I was recording) but you can still see her. I will be posting a LONG post here in just a bit...

*don't forget to mute the music*

Happy birthday sweet boy!

2010-11-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know this is long overdue and I am so sorry about that. We have had a lot going on and I just couldn't find the time. I mean to post this months ago but better late than never...right? So, Tyson turned one (back in August) and I still cannot beleive how fast it went by. I just remember so clearly when we found out when we were pregnant with him (Ansley was 5 months old and I was already 7 weeks along...perhaps one reason I remember it so clearly...just sayin') and now he is already one! It just doesn't seem real at all. I will say that having 2 babies 13 months apart was not near as hard as I thought it would be in my head. Don't get me wrong...I had my days but Ty was such as easy baby and Ansley was such a good little girl that it went pretty well. Ty came home a tiny little thing with tiny tiny legs and now he is such a big boy. He was always such a good baby and he made things so easy for me. It's like he knew that I also had to take care of Ansley or something (although that probably was more God but I like to think that Ty try to make it easier on his Mama). Anyway, he was such a good sleeper and did things so much sooner than Ansley did that I was a little taken aback. I guess I was just expecting things to go about that same rate and that was not the case. It actually made things a little easier because he was getting around sooner than she did. He held his bottle sooner (well...come to think of it...Ansley never held her bottle being the princess that she was) and I literally had to do very little for him. Now he is walking around and saying words...it is really so crazy. He was such a sweet baby and now he's such a sweet little guy. His sissy has really grown to love him as well. She wasn't sure what to think of him when we first brought him home but most times now...they chase eachother and play together so it's really nice. I just wanted to put up some pics and remember him as a little baby because there is nothing little about him now :)

August 20th, 2009 Tyson Cole Miller changed our lives forever

And in this corner weighing in at 6 lbs & 3 ounces...

Proud Mama & Papa...

...and proud big sissy (who was just 13 months old)

They LOVE their new grandbaby

My little sweet pea

Sleeping on the job already

Just to give you an idea of how small he was

Bright eyed and bushy tailed

He loves his nanny

You talking to me?

Milk drunk :)

My sweet baby with his skinny chicken legs

One of his favorite things...bath time

He was a super good sleeper...can you tell?

Life is gooooooooood!

Ansley having a sweet moment with her baby brother

Starting to get a little bigger on me

My strong little man

My chuncky little monkey

Ansley giving "Ty Ty" a sweet kiss

Big sister showing him how to trick or treat

His first Halloween

First time in his walker

Move over Ansley...you've got some competition with Daddy

Starting to smile...so cute

There's nothing cuter than your babies lovin' on eachother

He really loved being in the saucer

Getting close to sitting up by himself

Ansley helping Mama fed Ty

Being sweet and letting me take a picture of them together

He had no idea how many pics he would have to take

My sweet little reindeer

It seems like overnight he grew like a weed

Sitting up like a big boy

Best friends forever...let's hope anyway

He was always such a good, good baby

BIG hugs from Grandma

Happy happy boy

He is always happy to see his Mama

About to have food for the first time...

...to say he loved it might be an understatement

Okay, this bouncy chair was his absolute favorite

Those big brown eyes get me every time

Pucker up...

He was early at EVERYTHING including crawling

Mommy...come on...I'm trying to take a bath...please cover me up

I am completely serious...he was pretty much always this happy

We are some of the luckiest parents ever

Growing up way too fast for me

We are so blessed to have such a happy little guy

I like to think he's so happy because he loves his Mama so much

One of our first family eating outings and he did GREAT

A day at the park and he is loving it

He LOVES to be outside

Crawling here...

Crawling there...

I could just eat him up!

Ty brings such joy to us that I can't explain

He loves a rocking chair...

...and the camera loves him

He's a natural

Getting some squeezes from his Mama...

...but then Daddy was wanting some love too

Mama, whatcha ya doing way up there?

Could this little guy be any happier?

B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l...that's all I can say

They are putty in his hands

Just lovin the day at the park in the sun

Pooling it with Daddy

Oh great...she's got it out again

Like father like son...he's a sun baby

Let me back out there!

Daddy giving his favorite guy a smooch

This sounds so corny but his smile melts my heart

About to sing happy birthday to sissy

Sometimes he doesn't realize that he is locking them in...bless him

I DON'T want him to grow up!!!

He likes to chomp on things when he's teething

A day at the water park with the family

This face is precious

Sprots are definitely is his future

Meeting Pappy for the first time and he loved him

He had the best time on this swing...just loved it

Growing up but still finding time to take a pic with his Mama

My handsome little man walking...already...ugh!

Tyson Cole is 1...I just CAN'T believe it

More birthday fun

2010-10-30T18:19:00.001-07:00

The birthday cake...

...and his little smasher cake

The beautiful banner that we worked on forever :)

Before he tasted his first (well...technically his second) birthday cake

He loved it...can you tell?

So we did have a little Korean birthday party for Ty in Huntsville but we decided that we had to have a little party for him in Memphis so he could celebrate with his friends. It wasn't anything big but we wanted to let him have some fun with his little friends...and he did. It was a good time and he had a ball.

**don't forget to mute the music**

Ty's bday bash

2010-10-16T23:05:00.001-07:00

Ty's first (Korean) birthday party

...this does the table no justice...there was so much food

Family (part of) photo

Ty opening up some presents...thank you everyone!

His cousin Ody helped him celebrate

Sissy had a so much at "Ty Ty's" bday party

Eating some birthday cake that Grandma made...delicious

So, while we were visting in Huntsville back in August...my parents had a Korean birthday bash for Ty. This is a Korean tradition and my mom put A LOT of work into it (thanks Mom). The first birthday is very important and, as you will see in the pics, there is a lot of attention to detail in the set up of the birthday party. I have to say, again, how much hard work my mom did to have this party. I don't think I have seen so much food since...well...since Ansley's Korean birthday party. There was so much food (which was SO good), a lot of really nice guests and one happy little guy. Anyway, I know that Ty had a great time and enjoyed it all so much. It was especially sweet that even though his uncle, aunt & cousin needed to leave to go home...they stayed a little longer to help him celebrate. I know that made for a long drive but it was very much appreciated. He can't say it himself but I know that Ty loves and appreciates his family and all the hard work that Grandma and Grandpa did...love you all!!!

It's been a while...

2010-09-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ty and Kingston playing nicely

My sweet nephew that I finally was able to meet

Ansley and Kayla watching the tube together

Kayla giving me a HUGE smile....love it

Ty...last week of bottles

Move over Paris...

Ansley with one of her favorite cuz's...Cortney

Ty loves his Aunt Jen

What a cutie pie...I'm a lucky mommy

Pappy and Ansley back together again

Ty was so excited to meet his Pappy

His first time on the carousel and he loved it

NOT Ansley's first time & we could barely get her off

Can you tell he loves his Aunt Jen?

Playing outside with the fam

Playing with cousin Caleb

Cort was AWESOME with the kids...they love her

She loved watering the plants...who knew she'd have a green thumb?

Helping Nanny with the yard work

Okay, so this post is LONG overdue. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to really update the blog. This summer has been so crazy and busy. Besides having the two kiddos to keep up with, we had both of their birthdays this summer along with lots of traveling. We went to Huntsville a few different times because both of my brothers (along with my sisters and my neice and nephews) came to visit at different times. We went to visit when Justin, Tricia, Kayla & Kingston came to visit and then when Jason, Lyn and Ody came. It was really nice to see them especially since the last time I had seen them was at Christmas. I was able to meet and love on my new nephew who I had not met yet and spend time with the rest of the family. In the midst of all of this, we also had doctor appointments...one right after the other. Ansley had her 2 year check up and it was great. She is very healthy and doing everything (and more) than what she should at her age. She was right at 34 1/2 inches tall (95th percentile) and was just at 22 pounds (5th percentile). She is talking a mile a minute and growing up so fast. She is sitting at the table like a big girl, drinking from big girl cups, going on the potty, just everything! Tyson also went to the doctor for his 1 year appointment and got a clean bill of health. He was 31 1/4 inches long (99th percentile) and 21.3 pounds (50th percentile). He is saying a few words and walking everywhere! You wouldn't believe how much and well he is walking. On his birthday (August 20th), he was mainly crawling and taking 8 steps or so. Not even a month later...he is walking all of the time and trying to run some of the time. We also decided to take a little road trip to PA and visit all of our family in PA. It was a little crazy because I decided to drive...with the kids...by myself. Mike couldn't get off work so I went on my own. It was a little crazy but the kids did so good. It was so nice to see the family...most of them had not seen Ansley since she was 4 months old and had not had a chance to meet Ty. The kids LOVED it and were in heaven. They saw Nanny, Pappy Carl, Pappy Dick, aunts, uncles and cousins and had a blast! We can't wait until we get to see them again.

2010-09-10T22:28:00.001-07:00

This little man makes my heart melt

At our friend's birthday party...having a blast

He LOVES a swing

Riding on the train with Daddy

You can't help but love this face

Ansley with her golden locks...still

Keeping him from "eating" everything is a chore right now

A day of fun at the sprinkler park for Ansley...

...and her buddy Ty

My beautiful little baby is not a baby anymore...but she's still beautiful

I could just eat him up!

It's that time of year again...

2010-09-10T22:27:00.001-07:00

We had a little birthday celebration for Ansley with some of her friends at our house. She had a great time. It was a little crazy but it seemed like all the kids had a blast. We got the little pools out and let the little ones play in those and then had a huge moon bounce/water slide for the older kids. We made some goodies and Mike grilled out...so it was pretty successful. Ansley had a blast and that is all the matters. She played ALL day and was still wanting to go at 6 o'clock at night. Needless to say, she was out like a light at bedtime and slept like rock. Here are some pictures...enjoy!

The birthday cake

Sissy and little bro playing together

Our giant surprise for Ansley...she LOVED it

This pool isn't big enough for the two of us
*notice both of my little ones trying to escape*

Grilling with my favorite guy

Sure, it looks fun...

...but it's steep...

...really steep

Blowing out our candles

The kiddos digging into the cake and cupcakes

Austin enjoying his yummy treat

Mari Lampton enjoying Mikey's delicious treat

The future Mr. & Mrs. Ty Miller (he loves him some Libby)

So Ansley had a little birthday celebration in Huntsville and then we had a little one with our friends in Memphis. I am very behind on my blog because I have been out of town (which I will explain later) so I might be combining a few of my posts so I can catch up. Anyway, she was able to celebrate her actual birthday with Grandma and Grandpa and then she had a little bday with her friends the weekend after. She had a great time so thank you to everyone!

**don't forget to mute the music**

Can you say Jesus?

2010-08-23T09:46:00.001-07:00

So my parents have these pictures of Jesus in one of bathrooms and Ansley noticed them for the first time the last time we were there. It was pretty funny because Mike was having her call him "J.C."...

**don't forget to mute the music**

Bath time!

2010-08-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ty Ty

2010-07-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

**don't forget to mute the music**

Happy in Huntsville!

2010-07-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Peek-a-boo

She loves playing ball with Grandpa

Ty walking around with his walker

In Ty's car seat on our way to church

Daddy and his little guy sharing a moment

After a long day at the pool and a lot of cake

So I know I already mentioned it but we went to Huntsville for the 4th of July weekend. It was nice because my parents have a neighborhood pool, and since my kids are obsessed with the water, it worked out nicely. Ansley's birthday was in the middle of the week so we decided to do a little birthday celebration while we were in Huntsville with my parents. The kids had a great time and loved running around and exploring Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Happy (belated) 4th of July

2010-07-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

So we went to Huntsville to visit my parents over the 4th of July and the kids had a great time. On Sunday, we went to church, Mike decided to stay home with Ty (so he could take a good nap) and Ansley went with my parents and me. I felt terrible because we didn't have time to change out the car seats in my mom's car so Ansley had to ride in Ty's car seat. Anyway, on our drive over, she had a little something to say and I thought I would share!

**don't forget to mute the music**

Who knew?

2010-07-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Had I known that all I needed to keep my kiddos happy was a pack n play...wow! They really got a kick out of playing in the pack n play when Nanny was here and she was able to capture them playing together. It's amazing to me to watch them play together and I just know that as time goes on and they get older...it will get better and a little easier (that is until they become teenagers...ugh!).

**don't forget to mute the music**

Bathing beauties

2010-07-09T13:08:00.001-07:00

**don't forget to mute the music**

Big sisters are the best!

2010-07-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

...especially when they give you food!

**don't forget to mute the music**

It's crazy to believe

2010-07-07T21:03:00.001-07:00

...that this beautiful little girl...

...used to be this sweet tiny little baby!

She's 2...sad...but true

2010-07-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby girl is turning 2 today!!! Yes, you heard me correctly...2. I just cannot believe it. I cannot believe how fast 2 years has flown by. I still remember every single detail of when I got pregnant with her, my pregnancy, her birth, her first day home, the first week home, the first months of her life, all of her "firsts"...everything...as though it was just yesterday. On July 7th, 2008 at 8:11am, when that sweet baby girl (after 3 hours...but it was all worth it) came into our lives, I never thought I could love her more (sniff sniff) but I do (sniff sniff). The tears are not because of the reasons you may think. Sure, there is a part of me that is a little sad to see her get bigger but I also am so excited about that so that's not the reason. The reason is because I am immensely proud of Ansley. In her short 2 years of life, she has been through a lot. She was premature, and her first day of life, she was not held like most babies are. She was placed in an incubator and could not be touched, held, or loved on for 24 hours. She was 4 pounds 15 ounces when we brought her home, which could have been hard, but she did pretty darn good. Her daddy was gone traveling for work 5 days out of the week for the first 2 months of her life. Although she was a baby, babies need their parents around, but she got through that like champ. She then had to go through moving out of her home and moving all the way to Florida into another home. During our time in Florida, she must have been on 8 or 9 airplanes...and this is all before she turned 10 months old. She had to make new friends and adjust to a new area. Now, I realize that it's not like she was 18 and had lived in the same house forever and had to leave all of her friends, but babies need consistency, and she didn't have that at all. We were dragging her everywhere. We were building a house and every time we had an appointment for anything...she had to come with us. We had no family and were just meeting friends so that was hard to. Once life was starting to get normal and she had a group of little friends, that comes crashing down when we had to move again due to some very difficult circumstances. So, she goes through yet another move and back to Memphis, but not to her original home, but into another temporary house. Then things start to get a little normal and then boom!...her world is turned upside down AGAIN. Her little brother enters the world when she is just 1 year old. Not only is she trying to adjust to things that every 1 year old has to (such as: getting off the bottle, eating "real" foods, etc) but she also has to adjust to this new little man in her life. Now, I realize there are so many kids that face far worse situations than what I have just described and I am so thankful that Ansley is healthy...but with that being said...for a healthy 2 year old...she has been through a lot in her short 2 years. Through all of this...she has been a dream. She has adjusted every single time, she has been a loving, sweet little girl and I am just so thankful to her for that. I can honestly say that with everything that we have had to go through and put her through...she has truly been an angel. I know that I am her mommy but she is SUCH a joy in our lives and my heart is FULL of love for her...more than I could ever put into words. She is an amazing, beautiful, joyful, smart, funny, witty, happy, loving, sweet (I could go on and on and on and on) little girl and we love you so much Ansley...so very much. Happy birthday baby girl and always know how much love we have for you.

Her first time in her "big girl" car seat

With her favorite guy...Daddy

Her first day at the zoo with Mommy

I haven't been walking long...but I'm getting good

My favorite snack...goldfish!

My first sip of beer...thanks Daddy

I have a new found love for exercise

The real stuff tastes way better than that baby food

I'm a big sissy to my little brother Ty

...and I'm not quite sure what I think about that

One of my very favorite things...

...being outside...

...and it makes me so very, very...

...happy!

I'm getting good about walking in this grass

I LOVE my Daddy...he gives me rides way up here

Yeah...I'm not sure how I got these blonde locks either

My first bubble bath with Daddy

Trying to pick four leaf clovers...good luck with that

I have about 11 teeth right now...cheese!

I love getting into small spaces

I love taking pics with my Daddy...

...and by myself too!

Yes, it's the same costume...Daddy wanted me to be a spider again

I've been going to "school" and I love it

Yep...I still love goldfish

I love my buddies Archie and Parker

Okay Mama...what's next?

I LOVE a box!

I love high spaces...like my little shelf in my closet

I'm bringing back the 80's

My first pair of snow boots, but if I know my Mama, it's not my last

...oops...did I say that out loud!?!?

The holidays are coming...

Baby got back...yeah right!

Waiting patiently for Daddy to get home...hurry, hurry, hurry!

I love being outside...even when it's cold

If you haven't noticed...I love a snack

She's just beautiful...takes after her Daddy

Pushing her baby around in her shopping cart

Okay boys...what can I make you for lunch?

It's hard to believe how small she is with how much she eats

She REALLY loves small spaces

She also loves her elliptical machine...aka...playground

Mama, you crack me up! You have to be the funniest person I know!

On our way to "school"

Baking something delicious for Daddy in my kitchen

Daddy, I love you but this chic is hungry

A special trip to the zoo with Nanny & Pappy

No one loves their Daddy as much as I do

I love to multitask...playing and eating at the same time

That smile can turn any frown upside down

Sometimes she is so...focused...

I love Veggie Sticks!!!

It might be big but I love a swing...I don't discriminate

I love going to church...come on Mama!

My first pigtails

I love to draw at my table

The first cake I made for Daddy...by myself...well kind of

And he loved every bite

Another one of my favorite things...a slide

...and I love a chair too...

...and definitely sunglasses!

Posing for her Daddy outside on her swing

She loves her Daddy...

...but loves her Mama too

Precious...I want to kiss those lips!

I love to climb anything and anywhere

I also love any accessories

Going for a stroll outside

My all time favorite thing to do...swimming

Let's take this pic so I can get in that water

I am a water baby...this is the life

I also love my baby dolls

It's hard to be so cute when you have had fever for 5 days...ugh!

Give me a slide and I am all smiles

Bikini...check, sunglasses...check, floatie...check

Okay...I'm ready...let's blow this pop stand!

Ansley loves her little "Ty Ty". When he first came home, I think that she really didn't even notice. She was only 1 but she really didn't mess with him even though he laid on the couch right by her all day. She went through a phase where she didn't want a whole lot to do with him but that quickly changed. She started wanting to help me out with him and was very interested. Even so, she wanted to do things on her own time which was completely okay with us. We were just so glad that she was acting like normal and not being mean or ugly towards him. As time has gone on, she has really grown to love him. She started bringing me his diapers, throwing his dirty diapers away, feeding him his bottles, feeding him snacks, playing with him, hugging him, kissing him...loving him. It's just so sweet to see her be a good big sister. Now, there are times when Ty just wants to be around his sissy and she isn't feeling like it...and she has her moments...but that's okay. Those moments are going to happen. Overall, though, she is really good with him and is gets better and better the bigger he gets. She loves him so much that she has her own little name for him..."Ty Ty" and it's super sweet.

Ansley visiting Ty in the hospital

Sitting with her baby brother the first few days after he came home

Laying down with her bro bro

Happy Halloween!

Holding hands with her little brother

She is really starting to help out...here she is feeding him

It's the holidays...

...and Christmas is around the corner

We are Santa's little reindeer

Posing with my brother for Mommy

Merry Christmas 2009!

Okay Mommy...are you almost done with the pictures

My two favorite guys...Daddy and Ty Ty

Best friends forever!

Live, laugh and love

2010-06-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

**don't forget to mute the music**

So I took this video about a month ago although, I have to say, it was by total accident. I actually missed the first few minutes of their interaction because I was not planning on taking it in the first place. I was sitting on the couch while the kids were playing and next thing I knew...they were playing together and laughing. I grabbed the camera and started to film but, like I said, I missed the first few minutes. It's just about the cutest thing. There isn't a whole lot going on but it is just really sweet and I had to share.

Playing, swimming, doctors and more!

2010-06-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

My poor baby...day 5 with fever

His new favorite hobby...visiting his little friends

Put her outside & give her a slide...she's putty in your hands

Other favorite hobbies...climbing

He's my gentle little bull in my china shop

Ansley is having a "playdate" with her friends

Always happy...I'm lucky

Just out for a stroll

She is starting to get some crazy hair but I love it

Daddy and his favorite little guy

The poses are not coaxed...I swear...it's all her

Mommy with her favorite sweet girl

She LOVES her babies

She was born ready to go swimming

LIfe is gooooood

She's always packing...a snack that is

Our first little ponytail

So I have some pictures that I have had for a few months but haven't put up so I thought I would just post a few. They are mostly from right before "summer" started but I thought I would get those up so I can start fresh with my new posts (because I have so many). Things have been crazy so far. We have been trying to stay busy with playdates and errands but it can be hard. It's so hot outside that the only way we can be out there is being in water...which would only make Ansley so happy. Ty went for his 9 month check up and is doing great. He was 21 pounds and 2 ounces but 30 1/2 inches long! He is 95% for height and 75% for weight. The doc says he looks great and is very healthy. He is crawling super fast and cruising everywhere and it's getting to be...interesting. Things are good though and we are just trying to make the best of each day. It is a little different with not having Ansley gone 2 days a week but it really hasn't been too bad. She has become quite the helper and really is starting to play with Ty more and more.

Outside!...her favorite word

2010-06-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

So every night when Mike gets home from work...Ansley RUNS to him as fast as she can and gives him a great big hug. As soon as that is done, she takes off either for the door to go "outside" or she goes to get her "shoes, shoes" so she can then go "outside". It's funny because all day when she is with me...she might ask me once to go "outside" but never bugs me about it again but, when Daddy gets home, it is on and she is begging to go out. I think it's because she knows that she has her Daddy wrapped and she can get him to do pretty much anything she wants. Mike wanted to let you get an idea of what he comes home to so he had me leave the camera outside and he filmed as he came in. To be honest...I probably should have taken the video because you don't see Ansley hearing the key turn and the door open and you don't get to see her RUN like the wind to get to her Daddy... but you get the idea.

**don't forget to mute the music**

2 of her favorite electronics

2010-06-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

**don't forget to mute the music**

Ansley LOVES the remote control and knows how to work it and she also LOVES the phone. She will randomly call people without me even knowing. Anyway, I was able to capture her with the phone but I wasn't quite quick enough because right before I caught this clip...she was jabbering on the phone as though she was talking to someone. It was cute and I will try to see if I can get her on video where she is just having a conversation with someone again.

H..e..x..a..g..o..n!

2010-06-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

So when Ansley was going to her school (AKA: Mommy's day out) she learned a lot of different things. She has really grown so much since starting back in September although I think part of it was just her just getting older. One of the many things she learned was her shapes. She has the common ones down such as circle, square, etc. and then also learned hexagon. Every time I go pick her up, they have a sheet for me that tells me what she ate, how long she slept, etc. and what she learned that day. On one particular day there was a note that said "Get Ansley to say hexagon"...so when we got home...that is exactly what I did. It was hilarious and I had to get it on camera. The funny thing is that every time I ask her to say it... she does the same thing and it just cracks me up.

**don't forget to mute the music**

Dancing must run in the family

2010-05-26T15:13:00.001-07:00

This was on the same day we went to the Little Gym. Ty has started to really get into dancing since his sissy dances all of the time...I think that is where he picked it up from. Anyway, he has recently started to really bust his moves out when he hears music and I love it. We were at the Little Gym and I was getting some video of him playing on the bars and all of a sudden he started groving. I don't know if you can hear it but there is music playing in the background (in case you are wondering why he is dancing). I also got a little video of bubble time but there wasn't a lot of action going on there.

**don't forget to mute the music**

It's his kind of place

2010-05-26T14:55:00.001-07:00

We have had Ansley signed up for the Little Gym ever since we moved back to Memphis. It is basically a class that has mats and equipment (ie: bars, balance beam, etc) for the kids to play on. Ansley has really enjoyed it in the past but she is kind of bored in the class now because she can do all the activities really well. I think that she needs something new with new challenges. We can't move her up because she is already the youngest in the class as it is. Anyway, so we have a few classes that we haven't gone to and I decided to take Ty to see what he thought about it. Now, in Ty's class, they aren't doing all of these activities yet but it's just a chance for him to see other babies and just crawl around and climb on new things. He really loved it and was in awe of the other kids around...I think he really needs to spend more time with his little friends. I was able to get a little video of him crawling around which is not a good presentation of how fast he can really go. I think I might have put him in an outfit that was a little too big and he was having a little trouble moving around but it gives you an idea. I also took a few others pictures during the class...

**don't forget to mute the music**

He's a happy little guy

2010-05-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Too much fun

2010-05-25T07:22:00.001-07:00

Hmmm...where do I begin?

Ty getting some love from Grandma & Grandpa

Can I go now? Now? Now? Now? Now

Ty making his way up the slide

...yipee...I made it!

1...2...

Weeeeee!

I LOVE his smile...it warms my heart

Mommy & Ty posing for a pic

Here I come!

My two favorite boys...how lucky am I?

The biggest slide is her favorite

We went to Huntsville to visit Grandma and Grandpa for Mother's Day. It was a quick trip but we had a good time. I don't think there was a second, other than when the kids were sleeping, that Grandma and Grandpa weren't entertaining them. We went to the neighborhood park and Ansley had a blast. She was climbing up and down and all around that playground and just had a great time. Ty had a good time too and although he can't do all the things Ansley can yet...he just loved being outside and watching her. He did have a chance to go down the slide a few times and climb up the slide a little which he loved. I know that as soon as he can walk and run...he will love it as much as Ansley does.

I won't quit my day job...

2010-05-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Tyson has recently started to "dance" around and gets really excited when he music comes on the tv or radio. He really loves to hear any music playing but he espeically loves it if you sing to him. I am not the best person to be doing the singing because I have a terrible voice but it makes them happy so I guess I can make a fool out of myself for them (but it's not pretty so you have been warned). This would be the case for both of my kids. Ansley LOVES music and she dances all the time and since Tyson watches her a lot...perhaps that is where he has picked that up. Ansley dances while she is playing, standing, sitting, eating, riding in the car...anywhere. She loves it so much that we have incorporated it into her bedtime routine (which I can't take credit for that because it was Daddy who started it). Our normal routine is get a bath, brush teeth, put pjs on, let her pick books out to read, say good night to everyone, say our prayers and go to bed. Now we have started to do everything the same except that after she picks out what books she wants to read...she turns on her radio and is allowed to dance to one song...then she turns the radio off and we read books, say night night, say prayers and go to bed. Anyway, needless to say that Ty has watched his sissy break it down and I guess has decided he needs to do the same. I took this video weeks ago when he was just starting to get really excited so I thought I would put this up and I also have other video of him "dancing" which I will put up as well. I do want to warn you before you watch the video to be careful with your ears because I cannnot sing and it is terrible. I think once you see how cute he is...you will (hopefully) forget at least a little about the voice.

**don't forget to mute the music**

Little Ms. Smarty Pants

2010-05-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

So, I took this video of Ansley a while ago but forgot about it since I was slacking a little on my updates but wanted to put this up. Ever since taking this video she has been talking more and I will be sure to put up another one of her as soon as I get all caught up. Even though this was taken a while ago, I think it is pretty darn good that she understands and knows what I am asking. She really does amaze us and every single day she does and says something else that amazes us even more. She really is a smart little cookie and we couldn't be more proud!

**don't forget to mute the music**

Our little adventure

2010-05-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

So I got this really crazy idea to take both kids, by myself might I add, to get their pictures taken. At first, I was only going to take Tyson because we really haven't had his pictures done, except for his newborn pics, but then I thought I might as well take Ansley too. I wanted to get some of them together. It was very crazy because Ansley is such an explorer and loves to climb everything and then there is Ty who is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything...so they kept me just a little busy. When Ty was having his pictures taken, Ansley was running around and finding something very high to climb on. When Ansley was having her pictures taken, Ty was crawling all over the studio and finding something or someone to play with. I was trying to help the photographer while he was taking the pictures but it was difficult because I was running around collecting my kids. Not to say that they don't have their moments but they are both so good, and I feel blessed and thankful for that, but they are also very curious and have very very very very little fear right now (if any at all) so it can be...challenging and scary. Not to mention that Ty is only 8 months old and Ansley is 22 months old. Although Ansley is much more aware of good and bad behavior...she is still under 2. Anyway...overall...it went well and we were able to come out of there with some great photos.

He's on the move

2010-05-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some videos of Ty pulling up and crusing a little. These were taken weeks ago but I don't have a ton of videos so I thought I would share. I figure you might want to see him in action. He is just a crazy little man. I can't believe that he isn't that tiny little baby I brought home just months ago. He is really a sight to see and he just is not scared of anything which can definitely be a problem as we get older. Hopefully, he will be a little afraid so that Mama doesn't have to be so afraid.

**don't forget to mute the music**

Daddy's Home!

2010-05-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Daddy coming home from work is always the best part of our day around the Miller household. Ansley gets SO excited to see her Daddy and greets him at the door with a great big hug. Ty has also started to express himself when he sees his Daddy and giggles with excitement. So that leaves me and of course I am always so excited to see my hubby walk through that door. Now some of you may think it is only for the obvious reason (having someone else to help with the kids...which I would never ever complain about that) but I am just genuinely happy to see him. Usually, when Daddy comes home, we will play for a little while before we eat, do bath and bed. Sometimes we go for a wagon ride/walk, sometimes we play outside (which is always a popular choice) and sometimes we play inside. This particular day...Daddy was putting together something Ansley got for Xmas that we are just able to play with so it was an inside day...but they didn't mind at all.

Where's Ansley...yep...u know it...she's in the box

Please don't mind his dinner left on his sweet face...

Can you tell she is full of excitement?

It would be easier trying to count the times when he isn't smiling

Ansley recruiting Daddy for some help

Pulling up on things is definitely one of his favorite things

Such a Daddy's girl...and he loves it

Mama with her other favorite man

Truth be told...Ansley has us BOTH wrapped

Those green eyes get us everytime...

...along with those big brown eyes...hook, line & sinker

Ty "driving" the new ride

Daddy's photo session

2010-05-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Mike wanted to do something really sweet for me for Mother's Day and take the kids outside (while I was out) to take some pictures. He got them dressed in new outfits and everything. The only problem is that they didn't turn out exactly the way he planned and he ended up telling me because he thinks we should do it together. Anyway, it was a VERY sweet idea and I loved it. I thought I would share the pics anyway...I thought they were great.

We love it outside

2010-05-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

Did someone say outside?

Just a minute Mama...one more bite...

Come on Sissy and Mama...I'm ready

Don't know about you but I'm ready to go outside

Mamma...you crack me up!

There's nothing sweeter...

He's crawling e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e!

Wee! I love a slide

I love that he finds ALL of my jokes funny

1...2...3...here I go!

Poppin a squat

I might be just a little photogenic...just a little

We have been playing outside a lot more lately (since the weather has been nice) and both Ansley & Ty love it. That is definitely one of Ansley's favorite words right now..."outside". Anyway, we are trying to take advantage of being outside before it gets too nasty out which here in Memphis will be soon. It's nice though because Ansley will play and run around and Ty will crawl around in the grass. I can't wait for him to be able to run around with Ansley and when they can play together. In the meantime...it's just nice to be outside.

It's my Daddy's birthday!

2010-05-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

So Mike's birthday was on April 28th (Happy Birthday Daddy!) and Ansley really wanted to do something special for him. Ty was definitely on board but decided it might be better for his sissy to take the reigns on this one. We decided we wanted to bake daddy a birthday cake and boy did we ever! It was a process but lots and lots of fun. Ansley really did every step and I let her help me do everything and she loved every minute of it. I have provided pictures to show everything she did and the finished product. Just so you know...Mike loves a chocolate cake with white icing (so we did that) and his favorite color is blue (so we picked a blue color for the decorative icing). We ended up running out of the blue mid way because Ansley got a little icing happy and I happen to have some red so we used that. I didn't think about the fact that our cake would be red, white and blue and look like a cake for the 4th of July so please forgive us for that. We also made Daddy homemade birthday cards that we wrote on and colored so that was a lot of fun too. Daddy came home and we had dinner and then had our beautiful cake. Daddy was so happy and loved his birthday cake and cards. Anyway, please enjoy...I know we did!

I'm making Daddy a cake...first I pour in the oil...

...then goes the water...

...and now it's time to stir...

...and stir some more!

Now we have to taste it...

...yummmy...it's perfect

In the oven it goes...

...we must shut the door so it can bake

Let's make Daddy's card while the cake it baking...

...what should I say? Oh! I know..."You're the best Daddy ever"

Cake is done...time for the icing...

...and time to decorate it...

...and decorate it some more

Here's my cake for my Daddy...

Happy Birthday Daddy...I love you...You are the best!

Time for the fun part...

...let's eat!

I don't even have to say cheese...

2010-05-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Ty is so photogenic and is always smiling...I don't even have to prompt him to do it. Anytime I look at him or just say anything to him...there he goes. He is such a happy happy baby and I am so thankful for that. He really brightens my day and just makes everything easy. He is standing now and crusing like a champ...so here are some pics to share! Ansley loves to smile as well but at her own pace. She loves her little brother even though she may have her moments here and there...she does love him to pieces.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2010-05-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Uncle Jason, Aunt Lyn and Ody bought Ansley a little table for her birthday and we just recently have been able to put it up and...she LOVES it. She loves to sit and draw or eat her little snacks or just read a book. It has really become one of her favorite things and anything that makes her happy...makes us happy. We wanted to say a big thank you for the table!

Dining out

2010-05-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

So we are starting to get good at this eating out thing. We went to eat dinner the other night and it was, again, very successful. Ansley enjoyed her yummy dinner and so did Ty. He actually got a little nibble of table food and he REALLY liked it. I can tell that he is going to love it when he can eat like the rest of us but until then...he'll have to stick to baby food.

Pigtails!!!

2010-05-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ansley locks aren't over flowing by any means but her hair is definitely growing. I could have put her hair in pigtails before now but I never really thought about it before. So...I was brushing her hair one day and decided, on a whim, to go ahead and try pigtails...and I am glad that I did because it was pretty darn cute! We had comments from everyone and Daddy certainly loved it. Anyway, here are some pics and there are more to come. Enjoy!

My babies...

2010-04-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

...aren't babies anymore. They will always be my babies, of course, but they are growing up so fast that it's making my head spin. Ansley is talking up a storm and everyday she amazes Mike and me. She is really a smart cookie and is into everything that it makes me a little crazy sometimes. She has gotten more battle wounds in the past month than in her whole little life put together. Ty is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything. He has even started to cruise which is crazy. I can't get over how quickly he is learning things and he is a handful...but in a good way. I don't know if it's because he is the second child or maybe I babied Ansley too much but he is doing things so quickly. I have heard that boys are a little slower at doing things but that certainly isn't the case with him. Anyway, my babies are growing up fast...too fast for my taste...but they will always be our babies...always.

Wanting daddy to take her for a ride on the dolly

Big smiles from my sweet baby

My silly little monkey

All pretty and ready to go to church

Trying to help me pick up Ty...yeah right...I give her A for effort

He LOVES being outside

Where's Ansley?...

There she is! No, you aren't seeing things...it's a big swing

Not yet! I'm in my pjs and my hair is a mess

She's always hoping she'll get a snack if she gets a snack cup

I think Ty is definitely move too fast...it's only their first date

Her is the start of her black eye...hard to tell but it was bad

Going for a ride...in their wagon and they love it

All smiles all the time

There's nothing better than a big smile from your baby...

...unless it's from your other baby too!

Chowing down and loving it

Ready, set crawl!

Mommy's big helper or Ty's worst nightmare?

2010-04-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

So Ansley is definitely into helping Mama out and doing little things to be a big helper. She will go get diapers for me, throw things away, try to feed Ty, etc. Lately, she has started to undress and dress herself (which is good because I want her to learn that) but she is also trying to undress and dress her baby bro. She will pull his socks off and try to put them back on and try to take his shirts off and so on. This is all done with good intentions but I think from Ty's perspective...it may appear as though sissy has him in a choke hold and not just taking his shirt off. Let's just say that she doesn't have the most gentle touch while helping me with Ty. I keep trying to remind her to be careful because one day, and one day VERY soon, Ty is going to be bigger than her and may want to "help" his sissy.

**don't forget to mute the music**

Bust a move

2010-04-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

So I told you that Ty is crawling now and I promised to post a video of that...so here it is. This video was not taken recently, it was probably a few weeks ago, so I will make sure I take another one and post that too. Just to show you the progress he has made and how much quicker he is getting. I am pretty sure that I will have a walker on my hands here soon...oh my!

One step back...two steps forward

2010-04-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been a bad blogger lately and I apologize for that. I haven't had as much opportunity to post like I normally do but I won't let so much time pass again. I will have to go back a little and then I will bring everyone up to date. I want to post some pictures that were taken a little while ago but don't worry...I will also put up recent pictures tomorrow.

Bath time in his tub in the sink...

...and bath time in the big tub...

...I wonder which one he prefers?

Here is sissy loving bath time as usual...

...no surprises here

Her pony tail at bath time

"Eating" something that she made in her kitchen

She must have really liked it

Just to give a little insight on the pictures...Mike and I took the kids out to eat a few months ago. It had been a while since we had done that...actually, I'm not sure that we had done that since Ty was born. It was good though because Ty stayed in his stroller and Ansley was a sweetie as usual. We ordered a pizza and she ate a piece all by herself (and trust me...these pieces are not small by any means). She did good and we snapped a few pictures which shows you how often we get out of the house and what the highlight of our days are like. We ended up going to a little Mexican place a few weeks later (because we are crazy like that) and that was a great experience too. Ansley did great and ate a good bit of food as well. She really like the chips (shocker...I know) and thought she wanted the salsa but Mama had to save her from that mistake. Ty actually sat in a highchair and ate his dinner and that was a first for us. So, all in all...it was good and we aren't scared to do that more often.

Being such a good boy in his stroller

Drinking from his sippy cup

Our sweet, happy little man

"Bring on the pizza!"

She loves her Daddy but enough to share?

Yummy....this is soooo good!

Can she possibly get any more pizza in her mouth at one time?

Yep...she sure can

Ty is such a good baby. He makes my life pretty easy which is nice especially since I have two little ones to take care of. He has gotten on an amazing sleeping schedule. He wakes up around 8am, goes back down at 9:30am, I almost always have to wake him up around 1pm, he goes back down at 2:30pm, up at around 4pm and then down for the night at 7pm. It's crazy because Ansley NEVER napped like that. She has actually gotten a lot better about napping now that she is older but hey...better late than never...I'll take it! Ty is also helping me out with feeding time. I can make him a bottle, put him in his bouncy chair, and he will hold the bottle and feed himself. In fact, he prefers to hold the bottle and although he will let me hold it too...he won't let go of it so I end up letting him hold it. It's nice though because I can give him the bottle and go off and get Ansley taken care of or knock a few chores off my list.

Here he is feeding himself...

I am going to put up a little video of Ty which was taken a little less than a month ago. He was 6 months old and starting to show signs of crawling. He would get up on his hands and knees and rock back and forth and would be mobile but by doing the "worm" as I would call it. He would get from point A to point B by using this method. Fast foward to present day (which was only about 2 weeks after this video was made)...he is full on crawling. I will post a video of that tomorrow. Anyway, it's been crazy and different from Ansley because she was so laid back and had no desire to move around. Ty, on the other hand, is ready to go and I think he will be walking VERY soon. I could be wrong about this but that is my gut feeling. Anyway, until then...I am going to try and enjoy the crawling stage while I can!

**don't forget to mute the music**

So ready to crawl...

Sitting up like a big boy

Waaaay late

2010-04-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, I should have posted this a long time ago and I have been meaning to...but then I forgot. I am very sorry. I have several new and recent pics to put up but wanted to post this first. So, I took Ty to the doctor (for his 6 month check up) and he did great. He did have to get several shots but took it very well. He was 18.2 pounds (75 percentile) and almost 28 inches long (95 percentile). I could not get over how long he was. Ansley was 20 pounds and 32 1/2 inches long at 18 months so it is going to be a little scary. I take Ty back to the doctor on May 20th for his 9 month and then Ansley the next month so that will be a really good indicator of how close they are in size. Sorry for the very late post. I thought I had done it and realied I had not. I will post some new pics very very soon!

The Zoo

2010-03-24T11:40:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, on a day that the weather was pretty nice, we decided to take the kids to the zoo (a special thank you to Austin & Blake :)). I have only been to the zoo one time (here in Memphis) and it was when I was VERY prego-about 9 months to be exact-with Tyson. Nanny and Pappy went with us and it was a pretty fun day. Ansley was running wild everywhere. It was so funny to see her excited and running but hard to keep up with her. I was doing a pretty decent job for not having exercised in about 6 + years. She runs around the house but as you all probably know that there is a slight difference in running around your house and running around a zoo. She had a great time and it really was a lot of fun. I can't wait to take them back which will be soon I'm sure. Tyson enjoyed it as well and was good as usual. It was a good day altogether and Ansley was WIPED when we got home so that was an extra bonus for us:)

Yipee...we get to eat food

2010-03-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not sure that I would call it food but I am pretty sure Tyson would rather try this than having the same old thing every day. We started him on cereal and squash for the first time and he did really good. He put him in the highchair and he sat there like a big boy. I remember when I started Ansley on cereal and couldn't believe that she was sitting in the highchair. Anyway, I took a few shots of him eating but I have to warn you...it gets a little messy.

Before we started...

...and after

I'm sad...

2010-03-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

...that my babies are getting big. My little girl is looking like a little girl and I don't like it. And my sweet baby boy is already 6 months old...how did that happen? I just can't believe it. Here are a few recent photos and more to come.

This sweet face can pull anything over on her Daddy

This is her new favorite toy

Looking like a big girl :(

No you aren't seeing things...she really fits in that cube

Tyson loves his monkey

...okay, she has me wrapped too

Hide and Seek

2010-02-16T09:59:00.001-08:00

I have been trying to put this up forever but I finally was able to get it uploaded thanks to Jane!

**don't forget to mute the music**

Ansley was entertaining herself the other day and we couldn't resist getting it on video. She was playing hide and seek with herself...and the dogs. It was pretty funny because I think she thought we couldn't see her for a while. She always makes us smile...

2010-02-05T22:45:00.003-08:00

Daddy with his babies

Sitting up like a big boy

Having fun with her shopping cart

Mommy's little monkey

Daddy with his very favorite girl

She LOVES playing with her kitchen

Ty is so active and aware of everything

Ansley doing what she loves most...eating a snack

It just doesn't take much to make him smile

In his favorite spot...his bouncy chair

All smiles after a great day at school

My babies...

2010-02-05T22:45:00.001-08:00

...are so sweet and I love them to pieces. I caught them both on video for just a bit and thought I would share...

**don't forget to mute the music**

This is how I found her...

2010-02-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

**don't forget to mute the music**

A day of fun

2010-01-28T23:06:00.001-08:00

Showing off our crazy building skillz

Ody showing us all how it's done

Uncle Justin playing "market" with the kids

Ansley taking a ride on the cow

Mommy and Ansley looking at the talking tree

Ansley trying to find something to color on

tickle, tickle

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish...

Ody and Ansley ringing up the "customers"...

...and that customer would be Kayla

"Here Uncle Justin..."

Wow...these cookies look good!

Rocking in her chair on the front porch

Anything to do with water...sign Ansley up!

While we were in Huntsville for the holidays, we tried to get out and do some things to keep the kids busy. We decided to take the 3 older ones to the children's museum there in town. They had a blast! There was this one particular room that they all just loved. I will definitely have to try and find something like that to take Ansley and Ty to here in town.

Mr. Giggles

2010-01-28T22:42:00.001-08:00

Ty is such a happy baby. It's kind of funny because everyone that sees him always tells me what a happy baby he is...even strangers. He is a good baby and really is happy the majority of the time. He LOVES it when we talk to him, or better yet, when we sing to him. I love his smile and his laugh...it's contagious...just watch the video and you'll see what I mean.

**don't forget to mute the music**

Doctor update

2010-01-28T22:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is long overdue. I meant to post this a lot earlier. Ty went to the doctor in December for his 4 month appointment and did great. I took him without Mike for his shots and I was a little nervous but it went fine. I could not watch because I just couldn't but as soon as the nurse was done...I immediately picked him up and he stopped crying. He weighed in at 15.8 pounds (75th percentile) and was 26 1/2 inches (95th percentile) long! I could not believe how much he had grown. He is doing so good and is rolling over like a champ. He is sitting up by himself only for moments at a time but we are getting there. I just can't believe that he is almost 6 months old. He goes to the doctor next month and we'll see how much he has grown since. Ansley went to the doctor in January for her 18 month appointment (can you believe that?!?) and did well too. I took her on my own and was very very nervous about that. She held my neck while the nurse gave her the shots and recovered pretty well. I did not watch this either...I just couldn't. We snuggled afterwards for a bit and she was all better. She weighed in at 20.2 pounds (5th percentile) and almost 32 1/2 inches (75th percentile) long. I was a bit concerned at first because she was 20 pounds at her last check up but she is way more active than she was then and the doc said it was nothing to worry about. He said she was very healthy and seemed very bright. So all around...we got a good report. Ty goes back at the end of February and Ansley doesn't have to go back until she is 2 and is done with shots until she goes to school (yeah!). Just need to get Ty done with his shots and we will be good.

One of Daddy's favorites

2010-01-28T21:44:00.001-08:00

I won't say too much because Mike says it all in the video but this is one of his favorite ones to watch. The one thing I will say is she sure knows how to entertain herself :)

**don't forget to mute the music**

Ms. Smarty Pants

2010-01-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

Ansley is such a little sponge these days and it's amazing to watch her grow every single day. The amazing thing is that she doesn't just repeat what we say...she actually understands and knows what we are teaching her. I know that going to her little class has helped a lot but Mike and I try our best to do our share. As an example, I will ask her to bring me a diaper while I am changing Ty and she will run over to where they are (which is across the room) and she will get one and bring it to me. Or just today, we came home from school and she had a snack in her little snack bowl. After she was done, she laid it down on our end table and began to play. I went into the kitchen to start making dinner. She came in the kitchen after a little while and wanted another snack (surprise surprise). She almost made it to her drawer that has her snack cups and bowls but I stopped her. I said to her, "No no, we aren't getting a new bowl out...go get your other snack bowl". She gave me a strange look and I really was not expecting her to do comprehend what I was saying...I was just saying it to say it. Next thing I know...she marches out of the kitchen, into the family room, over to her play area, looks at her snack bowl that she had put on the end table, looks at me, smiles and then runs to pick it up! I could not believe it. I didn't give her any direction, didn't tell her where to go, nothing. She brought it to me and I had to give her another snack for that. Anyway, it's just so crazy to us that she understands us and we love it. Here is a little video that I was able to capture her answering some questions...

**don't forget to mute the music**

Our little dancing queen

2010-01-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

**don't forget to mute the music**

Oh the places she goes

2010-01-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Ansley is a big time explorer and loves to climb everywhere and into everything... however, the closet was not one that I would have guessed. That's right...the closet. She had a big time sitting up in the closet shelf and I am just surprised that she even fit up there.

Long long overdue

2010-01-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Merry belated Xmas to everyone and Happy New Year!!!

Watching for her favorite guy to come home

Ansley after a long day at school

Doing what she loves...eating a snack

Ansley looking amazed at all the Xmas lights/decorations

Uncle Justin & Kayla playing with Ty

Ty is all smiles

Uncle Justin being silly as always

Ansley having a night cap after dinner

Grandma loving on Ty and loving it

Aunt Tricia and Ansley blowing kisses to "elf"

Kayla wanting to give Ansley some kisses

Aunt Lyn reading Kayla & Ody a bedtime story

All the cousins before the madness begins (in their matching pjs)

Princess Kayla after opening some dress up clothes

Ansley lovin' on her Uncle Justin

I guess Santa thought Grandma was good this year too

Uncle Jason getting in on the action

Here's my little man just sitting & watching...not making a peep

Tricia opening her beautiful diamond ring...someone was GOOD

Ody being patient and waiting to open up one of his MANY gifts

Kayla and Ansley just waiting to tear open their next gift

Grandpa helping Ansley out with one of hers

Ansley opening up a BIG gift

Playing with one of her favorites...Elmo

I am so sorry that it has been so long since I have posted anything. I feel like time has just flown by. I meant to post something a few weeks ago but I just never seemed to have a chance to sit down and do it. I promise that I will keep up and try not to get behind again. I hope everyone had a wonderful Xmas. We were definitely missing those we weren't able to see...we certainly had you in our thoughts. We spent Xmas in Huntsville and I saw my brothers (and sisters) and my neice and nephew which was nice. It has been a while since I have been able to spend time with them. It was definitely crazy and didn't go exactly as I thought but it was really nice to spend time with family. Jason, Lyn and Ody are doing great. I can't believe how grown up Ody is and he is just so smart. He has so much energy and is becomming a little man. Justin, Tricia and Kayla are doing so good too. Kayla is so smart and sweet...she is just too cute. She has so many curls! I just could not get over it. I wish Ansley had some of those curls...they must come from the Ashbrook side of the family. Tricia looked so good...especially for being 9 months pregnant. I couldn't believe how small she was and was such a trooper. Anyway, it was nice to have the kids together because they don't really get to see eachother. Ansley and Ty are doing awesome. Ansley was sick over Xmas (again...for the second year in a row) which kind of sucked. She had fever for 6 days straight and I was starting to get worried. On the 6th day, her fever finally broke. She really didn't eat anything those 5 days and she didn't need to lose any weight to begin with. She is doing much better now though. She is completely back to normal, eating so much and is just back to her happy self. Ty is growing so much. He is such a good good baby. Everyone that is around him always tells me how good he is which he really is. At Xmas...he didn't cry once and barely made a noise. He was just very easy and good. On Xmas morning, we spent a good while opening presents and he just sat in his bouncy chair and never made a peep. Anyway, here are some pics from before and during Xmas...and I will post some more very soon. I know it is very very belated...but I hope everyone had a wonderful Xmas and Happy New Year!