Edie's First Princess Tea Party

This weekend Edie attended her first "Princess Tea Party" for her friend Addie's 4th Birthday. Each Princess was dressed in style wearing her most beautiful gown. We made wands, colored pictures and even had a special visit from Cinderella! Addie's mom made the cutest castle complete with balloons, center pieces and a bubble entrance into the Tea Party. Each Princess drank from their own personal tea cup and had Princess cookies and cupcakes. Edie had a great time playing with all of the little girls, eating stickers and crayons. When will she learn that crayons and stickers are not food :) The party could not have been more precious, nore could Edie. Her favorite part was drinking from her tea cup and sitting at the table with all of her friends. She was too cute as you can see!

Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day with Edie, Scott and family. We started the day with brunch at Brio's, where Edie ate grapes for the first time { that I am aware of }. Then again, who knows she probably has eaten them many times at school with her buddies. She seems to eat EVERYTHING there. From salad, to fig newtons, to pineapple and pizza. She has never eaten any of this stuff for me and believe me I have tried!!

After brunch we went home and did a little yard work, took a little nap and later Scott and I went on a date night and Edie had a spend the night party with Aunt Mindy { which she loved }. Scott had bought us tickets to see Norah Jones in concert at The Alabama Theater for my Christmas gift. We have never been to a concert at The Alabama Theater, but we did watch Friday the 13th in 3D there years ago which was hilarious to see at age 30 not so much at age 10. I love the building and I love Norah Jones so it was a great combination. The seats were perfect, the concert was great and the day was wonderful. What a great way to end the perfect weekend!! I love my family and I LOVE being Edie's mom!

Buck Creek Festival

Saturday we spent a beautiful day with family and friends at the Buck Creek Festival in downtown Helena. I was not sure how the day would go, but my plan was to get out there early and stay as late as possible. We drove to the top of our neighborhood and parked to catch the shuttle. Once we got that far we just decided to go ahead and walk the rest of the way and to my surprise it really was not all that far. We all had a great time eating, listening to music and watching the rubber duck race.

For those of you who are not familiar....you have the chance to buy one, two or a flock of ducks. Each duck has a number written on the bottom, they are all tossed in a huge container and later dumped into the Cahaba River. There is a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place duck with money prizes. Needless to say we did not win anything, but we had a great time watching.

After the race Dada taught Edie how to throw rocks and she tried eating a few too. After wandering back to our spot and a few pokes to the eye we gathered out things and headed home. I could not believe how well Edie did throughout the day. We were there for a total of SIX hours with just one 5 minute nap!!! I can not tell you how much fun I had spending the day outdoors with everyone. It was a great Saturday!! { with the exception of the walk back }

PADS Golf Tournament

Wow! Could time fly any faster!! I have so much to catch up on I can't believe it!! We have been super busy these days with birthday parties, weddings, fundraisers, work, hobbies, life, etc., etc. A few weeks ago Scott, Giddo, David Wilson and Brent Cobern played in the PADS Golf Tournament benefiting the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic here in Birmingham and in honor of Edie. There were over 90 golfers in attendance golfing in honor of a child with DS. I helped to man the check in tables and set out the silent auction tables. I also got to oversee the 9th hole which was where the car give-away was. Unfortunately no one won the car, but Edie's team did 1st place net score! Way to go team!! It was great to see everyone show their support and have a good time.

Aldridge Gardens

Edie and I have been taking a photo class from Grethel Van Epps Photography. I have learned so much about our camera and the timing has been perfect. I dropped the camera at the Mercedes Marathon back in February and since then the flash has not worked. But now after taking the class I have learned how to use the camera without the flash - even when it is dark outside! (well not completely dark) Above are a few of my favorite practice shots from our recent class at Aldridge Gardens. I have never been to Aldridge Gardens and we will have to go back soon for more photo shoots!

Edie is becoming more and more of a "big girl" each and every day. Her personality is really blooming. She talks so much now. Especially to her babies. She loves her babies, kisses her babies, bathes them, feeds them and puts them to bed patting them and says "night-night". It is so cute to watch her. I can't get enough of Edie and all of her love.

We Have Our Selves a Walker!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you our baby....walking!

Over the weekend Edie decided she was tired of having dirty knees, stood up and said "look at me!  I'm walking!".  Really she did not say that, but we knew that's what she was thinking :)  Edie is now walking about 75% of the time.  She is still learning how to keep her balance, but she is stopping and starting again, bending and standing, she is even turning to to walk around objects! 

She thinks this is the best thing ever and we could not agree more!  Edie, we are so proud of you!!

Jump! Jump! Jump!

Click to see Edie and Da Da Jump! Jump! Jump!  It may look dangerous, but I promise she is having a blast! 

nest EGgS design

As you know everything about me is "all about Edie". I simply just cannot get enough of her! Last year I met this wonderful friend who made photo necklaces and of course I had to have one of Edie! So I bought one and I LOVED it! I loved it so much that I decided I wanted to learn how to make one myself. I thought about it, read about it and talked about it for months. Finally Scott and my friend Grethel Van Epps was tired of my talking and not doing so they encouraged me to go for it and I did! So after much research, 100's of attempts (and I do mean 100's), many tears and frustrations later I finally found a technique that I felt was perfect and { nest EGgS design } finally "hatched".

{ If you are wondering where { nest EGgS designs } came from let me tell you a little story......... I decided a while back I wanted to do something creative, fun, involving Edie and to put a little money away in my "nest egg" for us girls. Edie's full name is Edith Gabrielle Shunnarah, which is where the EGgS part came in. Brilliant if I do say so myself! }

My friend Grethel of Grethel Van Epps Photography (my most favorite photographer in the world :) was kind enough to not only let me use some of her photos from past sessions for my samples but she was also kind enough to take photos of my samples to get me started. She has also advertised for me on her fb fan page as well as her blog. Grethel is having a contest and will be giving away 3 of my necklaces so please visit her blog to enter and win one for yourself!!

I have lots of ideas for { nest EGgS design } and this is just the beginning - please take some time to visit the blog and see for yourself what we have instore for you. Don't forget to tell your hubby you want one for Mother's Day or you can just buy one for yourself or for your own Mother or Grandmother!!

Easter Sunday

Edie in her Easter dress with Aunt Mindy

We had the perfect Easter Sunday. Church, lunch at Gigi's and Giddo's and an Easter Egg Hunt. Edie got more chocolates and candies (as did mom and dad) a new summer outfit and money eggs!! To our surprise after we got home we found a few special gifts in Edie's eggs. I do believe Edie has more money than we do. As a matter of fact, I am sure of it! Thank you Gigi and Giddo for a fabulous lunch and all of the goodies!

SONIC

This year the Easter Bunny brought Edie much more than just chocolates and bubbles.....he brought a SONIC gift card too!! Thanks Nannie and Pawpaw!

Easter Weekend

Edie and her cousin Wylie

Edie walking all  by herself

Saturday we spent the afternoon with my family in down South. We headed to Clanton after Edie's nap for a Easter Egg Hunt and dinner out. The day could not have been more beautiful. Scott and I did not know what to expect with Edie and the egg hunt. We were not sure if she would understand or even like it. Well she did clearly understand, she found six eggs and placed them all in her basket. Edie absolutely LOVED it! As you can see she loved holding and walking with her basket like a big girl. She even got up a few times and carried her basket all by herself - such a show off! The smiles just warm my heart.

April Already!

Where oh where does the time go? I just posted "Is it March Already?" for goodness sakes!! I can't believe how fast these days are going by. Something else I can not believe is how much Edie has changed this past month. She is talking a lot more, singing, laughing out loud at her videos on TV (which is so funny to see), dancing, standing and walking short distances all on her own! She is doing this so well that it has become her nightly entertainment. She tries each night to see how many times she can stand and sit, stand and fall, stand and walk. Over and over again just giggling away. She thinks it is fun. We think it is GREAT!! These are a few photos from Edie at The Bell Center last week.

Edie Walking

We finally have video of Edie walking!  Nan and Pawpaw came for a short visit on Sunday and even though Edie was feeling bad she still had it in her to show off a bit.  She is really starting to get the hang of the walking thing.  Sure she still wants us to hold her hand and be there to catch her, reguardless she is making great progress.  She even walked accross her classroom THREE times ALL BY HERSELF this past week!  That is 18 feet without sitting down!!  We are so proud of Edie.  I think she just might walk down the asile at Aunt Mindy's wedding afterall.

To see the video click here - - EDIE WALKING!!

Exciting Stuff

We have had some really exciting things going on at the Shunnarah house lately. Edie is talking up a storm! She has even put together two word phrases like - "ziggy outside", "ziggy stop" and her favorite "ziggy no! no!" I am not sure where she is getting all of this from ;) I do feel sorry for Ziggy getting in so much trouble but it is so cute to see Edie discipline Ziggy. Poor Ziggy - she needs a nice long walk...alone. Edie is driving her crazy!

I also have to give credit to Edie's school, Primrose for making such a difference in her this past month. Not only is she talking more, she is signing a lot! Sometimes I have to consult our sign book just to see what she is saying. I am also giving credit to Edie's Primrose buddies for teaching her some "terrible two" lessons. I am only kidding - but I must say these past few days have been challenging. Although Edie has been sick (again) we are not quite sure if her attitude of slapping, biting, "no-no", whining, throwing, not sharing, and crying at the drop of a hat is from feeling bad or from feeling spoiled. Edie has always had such a good disposition that when she acts out it puts us all in a tail spin. I just want my sweet, kissy-face baby back. But even at her worst, Edie is still the most precious little girl ever.

Above is Edie getting ready for school. Yes she likes to brush her teeth while watching Tv. We have to get a better routine down for dental hygiene. Where did she get that precious dress from? Ms. Jackie of course! It was chilly out so we wore some brown leggings. Thanks Ms. Jackie! We LOVE the dress(s)!!

Is it March Already?

I can not believe how fast time is flying by. I can't believe I have not posted since Feb 21st! So much has been going on and we have a lot to share. Edie is doing so well in school. She loves Prim Rose and continues to excel at The Bell Center. Edie has started to stand up completely from the "frog" position which shows great strength. She is also really starting to find walking fun. She giggles as she comes towards you (we have realized that if we continue to scoot backwards - she will continue to walk towards us). The best part for her is falling into our lap. She thinks it is quite fun and we think it is so exciting to see her taking steps, many steps on her own. Now we have to work hard to keep it going!

Speaking of walking and standing alone. We were able to get a few photos of Edie showing off at her recent 2 year photo shoot with my friend Grethel, owner of Grethel Van Epps Photography. I have always loved Grethel's work and she is truly amazing, but this time it was one of my favorite sessions. We took our time and enjoyed just "playing" and being together. We played with books, bubbles and keys. You can see her slide show here once on site go to clients login and type Edie. Enjoy!

Don't You Love It!

 

Just wanted to share with you our newest love. Edie and I received these precious calling cards and gift cards from my dear friend Stacey Day owner of RocPaper. They are the sweetest things. My cards include My name - Mom to Edie, my phone number, email and blog address. Edie's has her name and a Ladybug design on the front and a cute design to match on the back of the card. I LOVE them!! Check out her site, she just uploaded some really cute stationary. Thanks so much Stacey - your the best!!

Halle's Hamper Playdate

 

Today Edie and I hosted a Halle's Hamper party at our house. Our home was filled with the cutest little clothes, the cutest little babies and some really great friends. Edie had a blast playing with all of the children and having some "girl time". At this party you can pick your child's outfit and design it yourself by choosing your own combination of some really precious fabrics! It is a really fun concept! With all of the cute designs and fabrics how could any mommy resit! Check it out soon - spring/summer orders end March 15th!

Pee Pee in the Potty!

 

Edie has really grown over the past month. She continues to amaze us. We bought her a potty several months ago with no expectations and no real plan. We just put it in the powder room, talked about it, played with it and let Edie sit on it while we were in the restroom. Sunday night to our surprise Edie was sitting in the kitchen floor and started to touch her diaper. When I asked her if she needed to "go potty" she pointed toward the powder room. So we went in there, I took her bottoms off and she sat on the potty for the first time without any pants on. She got off a few times and then sat on it again, looked at me with big eyes and she pee-peed!! I could not believe it! I grabbed her up gave her a big hug and called for Scott to come and see. With all of the excitement I scared Edie to tears. I reassured her that she had done a perfect job and gave her so many kisses. Like I said....she continues to amaze us.

Kiss the Cook

 

Last weekend after Edie went to bed Scott and I were lucky enough to have two of our good friends over for dinner, Chris and Shannon Poole. The best part was I did not have to cook! Chris, a super great chef, delighted us with a pheasant and cheese appetizer and for the main course shrimp and grits. Might I add some of the best shrimp and grits I have ever had. Chris picked up the fresh gulf shrimp on his way back from Pensacola that same day. They were delicious! Great food and even better company. Thanks Shannon and Chris for a wonderful evening!

Click On Me!!

"Click On Me" to see photos from our special Mercedes Marathon weekend