In Defense of Hair Bows

I know that my daughter is only 3.5 months old.  And I know that she doesn't have much hair.  And I also know that sometimes...to some people...bows on babies can look silly.

Good thing she's not your baby.

I like things to coordinate and match.  In my house, in my office, on my body...and in Natalie's wardrobe as well.  So I'm slowly accumulating a wide range of colors of bows to coordinate with her different outfits as well as baby headbands to attach the bow to her head.

If Natalie is anything like me, by the time she is three years old she will refuse anything girly and instead spend her days with grass stains on her jeans, bruises on her elbows and dirt on her hands.  I'm okay with that.  But I also want her to know that the words "tough" and "girly" are not mutually exclusive.  She can be both.  She can block out under the basket to get a rebound...and she can do it with a bow in her hair.  She can beat all the boys at tag during recess...and she can do it with a bow in her hair. 

It always makes me giggle during volleyball season when the girls are so shocked when I get ready for games.  "Oh wow Coach!  You look so nice!"  They spend most of their days seeing me in athletic shorts, t-shirts, a pair of Nikes and with my hair in a ponytail so they are super surprised to see that I also have a great sense of fashion as well.  :)  Middle school girls are desperate to put people in boxes - it's just part of their development.  I want to show them that not everyone fits into a nice and neat little box.  They can be pretty, be smart, be athletic, be funny, be girly, and be a beast on the court...ALL AT THE SAME TIME.  I want Natalie to understand the same thing.  I don't want Natalie growing up thinking that she has to be "a girl" or "a tomboy" but instead that she can be both - she can play basketball outside with the boys in the neighborhood but then come inside and play dolls.  I grew up following my brothers around playing in the mud with them...but I also loved nothing more than to sit out in the garden room and play with Barbies.

The bottom line is...who cares if I put bows on my daughter's head?  I think it's the finishing touch on her outfit and that she looks adorable.  It doesn't seem to bother her - she keeps them on and doesn't cry everytime I come at her with a headband.  I'm not expecting her to let me do this forever...but in the meantime, she will wear bows because she is my daughter.

Here is a link to a blog that I read, Kelly's Korner on the subject of Southern momma's and our extreme addiction to fluffy bows on babies and little girls.

I'll leave you with a few pictures of Natalie enjoying her hair bows.

Monday Day Book

Taken from my friend Molly who found it here.


Outside my window...It is 8:25 on Monday morning and I am alone in my house except for a sleepy puppy dog lying on the bed pillows.  It is hot outside and the pool looks so inviting.

I am thinking...that I have pretty great people in my life.  I went to the NKOTBSB concert last night with my friend Beri and it was so good to be able to sit and catch up with a good friend without either of our children interrupting our conversation.

I am thankful for...a husband that sees the importance of "Momma's Night Out" and provides me with ample opportunities to get out of the house with my friends.

From the learning rooms...Natalie went to basketball camp this morning in a navy blue Under Armour onesie, white socks, pink Converse and a white headband with navy blue hairbow.  I know people roll their eyes at hairbows on babies, but this is the only time in her life where I have complete control over her wardrobe and get to dress her as I see fit.  I'm sure by this time next year she will have her own opinions and thoughts about what she should wear...and if she is anything like I was when I was little, dresses and hairbows will not be a part of her wardrobe.

From the kitchen...for dinner on Saturday night I made a meaty-cheesy-penne pasta bake with salad and crescent rolls.  Yum.
I am wearing...washed, dried and straightened hair for the first time in a few weeks.  Most of the time it goes into a ponytail or bun when it's wet.

I am creating...a baby book for Natalie just like my mother did for me and my brothers.  I love the fact that I can thumb through the pages of my book and see how Natalie and I compare and differ.

I am going...to do a whole lot of nothing today and it feels great.

I am reading...Harry Potter to Natalie at bedtime.  Got to start her off right.

I am hoping...that Natalie's great sleeping pattern last night lasts.  We've had a week of terrible sleeping from Natalie - from the age of six weeks she had been sleeping through the night from about 9:00 until 6:30 in the morning but starting last week she was struggling to go to sleep and then waking up two or three times between the times of 3:00 and 6:00.  Craig and I talked about it and figured out that she might be going through a growth spurt but also might be outgrowing her swaddle.  Last night while I was at the concert, Craig just put her in her jammies, rocked her to sleep and put her in her crib without her swaddle.  And she slept until 2:38 when I went in there and got her out and rocked her back to sleep again...she slept until 6:30.  Hopefully we have figured out the problem and she'll be back to her good sleeping patterns soon.
I am hearing...nothing.  Silence.  Sigh.

Around the house...we have some straightening to do.  My friend Kristin from high school is coming in town this weekend for a family 4th of July and she wants to come up to the house and meet Natalie so I want to make sure that it looks great for her.

One of my favorite things...Sitting here right now with a quiet house, a warm cup of coffee, and a snuggly puppy dog.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Mom and I are taking Natalie and the pups to the dog park tomorrow morning and then I think I have some tentative swim dates planned for this week but nothing major.  Craig is going to the Rangers game on Saturday evening with his friend Brian and I'm really excited for him - he needs "guys nights" too.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Natalie rolled over.  More than once.  That means it's not just an accident, but intentional.  I'm a proud little momma.

Pre roll - just lying on the bed having her picture taken by Momma.

Mid roll - I'm so impressed with myself for being able to get this documented on film!

Post roll - her face seems to say "okay...now what Mom?"

My Angie

Saturday, June 20th, 2009: Angie's Day of Adoption

Two years ago Craig and I were driving home from lunch with his mom and sister when Craig casually turned into the parking lot of a pet store and mentioned that we should take a look.  I told him that if he wasn't serious about getting a dog, then we should just go home...because taking me to look at dogs and not getting one was absolutely evil.  He assured me that he thought that it might be time for us to add a four legged baby to our family of two.  We searched through the pet store at all the cute puppies, but something about the store just didn't sit well with me.  Growing up my favorite dog was Gigi...the ultimate mutt who my mother found abandoned at the church one cold Wednesday night.  I knew what we had to do - we drove home and looked up the address and information for Operation Kindness in Carrollton.  It was still open for a few more hours.  I handed Craig the keys and we were off...and I was nervous.  Animal shelters scared me because I was afraid that I was going to get upset seeing the puppy dogs that were all so desperate for me to take them home.  After searching some of the kennels, we test drove a hound dog named Truffles, but after loving on Truffles and her white fur for a bit...my black pants were covered with the remnants of Truffle-love.  We went back to the small dog kennels and looked again.  Then, hiding quietly in the back of a kennel behind a ferociously noisy dog sat a dark brown, big eyed and floppy eared dog that bore the tell take signs of a dachshund.  I checked out the puppy dog's info that was attached to her kennel and called Craig over.  She was in the age range we wanted (young, but not a puppy), she was around the ideal size for us (small, but not toy size) and to me...she seemed to have soulful eyes that pleaded with me to take her home.  I walked her around the outdoor area at the shelter and talked with Craig and the shelter volunteer about our needs, our home and what type of dog might be best for our family.  Right before we went back into the shelter, I leaned down to this little puppy dog and looked into her round, brown eyes and asked her "Would you like to come home with me?"  My answer was a big lick on my nose and with tears in my eyes I glanced over to Craig.  "This one.  I want her.  We're getting her."

On the first day at home with her new family. 

She was originally named "Marie" by the shelter, but Craig and I just didn't think it was an appropriate name for a puppy dog.  During the drive home from the shelter to our house, Craig and I discussed names.  I suggested "Angie" and Craig asked how in the world I came up with that.  It was easy..."because she is the most beautiful dog in the world so we will name her after the most beautiful woman in the world...Angelina Jolie."  And so "Marie" became "Angelina Marie Nelson."

Angie and her cousin dogs, Annabelle and Andy.

Angie's best friends live at my parent's house.  The first time Angie ever met the cousins she was meek and shy at first, not wanting to leave my lap.  Andy and Annabelle refused to take no for an answer and soon enough Angie had ventured out of the safety of my lap to interact and play with the cousin pups.  I was a little disappointed at first because Angie was so reserved and skittish around anything and everything new to her.  But after a little bit of playing with Andy and Annabelle, she began to make her momma very proud...especially when she established herself among "the pack" as the Alpha Dog.  That's my girl.



Craig, Angie and me at my 26th birthday party.

 

 Angie the snow pup.

Believe it or not...Angie loves to wear clothes.  She gets excited when I pull out her hoodies (yes...plural...she has more than one), or her Big Sister t-shirt and especially her lady bug Halloween costume.  This past Halloween everytime the doorbell rang to signal another Trick or Treater, she would sprint off the couch and trot her little ladybug butt to the front door to greet the children.

Angie and Natalie, April 8th - Natalie's One Month Birthday

This is probably one of my favorite pictures of my two babies. 

  

Angie always has to check on her baby to make sure she is okay.

Whoops!  Snuck in a kiss while momma was trying to take a picture!

This picture was taken by my friend Amy when she, Heather and I were all finishing up Natalie's room a few weeks before she was born.  Angie was anxious and nervous the whole time...I think she sensed that something was about to change her whole little world.  I know some people say that one of the things that happens after a baby is born is that the dog no longer is your baby but instead, just your dog.  And for some people that might be the case, but I just can't do that to my Angie.  She is more than a dog to me - she truly is my companion.  She has kept me company on lonely Saturdays while Craig was at tournaments and she was always first into the bathroom during my pregnancy when I would get sick. 

Who would have thought, two years ago when this little creature came into our house and tore things up and peed on everything, that she would become such an integral member of our family?

I love you my Angie girl.

Monday Day Book...on a Wednesday

Ahh...summer has officially set in.  You know how I know?  I had to ask what day it was today.  And apparently, it's a Wednesday.  Whoops.  So I'm a little late with my Day Book, but I have a feeling it won't be the only time this summer that this happens.

Taken from my friend Molly who found it here.


Outside my window...it's hot.  It's dry.  It's summer in Texas.

I am thinking...that I should probably wake Natalie up from her nap so that she will be able to go back to sleep in a little while when it'sher bedtime...but nah.  I'll wait until I finish this post.

I am thankful for...Operation Kindness in Carrollton.  They put out a message on Facebook that they needed some beach towels so I took five of our old ones and donated them for the puppy dogs to use.  I had tears in my eyes as I left the building because the last time I had left that building I had been leaving with a very scared Angie sitting in my lap after we adopted her.  It will be two years on Monday, June 20th that we adopted her.  Don't worry...she will be getting a post all her own.

From the learning rooms...nothing because school is out for summer!  Finally.  We are the absolute last school district in the state of Texas to be releasing for summer vacation and apparently the district heard our frustrations because we will be done with school before June next year.

From the kitchen...Craig has busted out the grilling skills the last couple of days and we have had grilled pork chops and grilled barbeque chicken in the past few days and YUM!  Tomorrow I am putting together a big lasagna with salad and bread for my friend Michelle who had a little girl Kendall a few weeks ago. 

I am wearing...a sleeping baby across my chest.  I remember when she was first born how her entire body fit from my belly button to my collarbone but now she is sprawled from my sternum down to my mid thigh.

I am creating...a cleaner and more organized house - first up?!  Cleaning out our closets and drawers.

I am going...to the dentist tomorrow for the first time in a very long time. 

I am reading...I Remember You by Harriet Evans and I'm hoping to have it finished by the end of June so I can start on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in July.

I am hoping...that my friend Jill and I have a great time on Saturday evening at the Chelsea Handler comedy show. 

I am hearing...baby snores.

Around the house...Martha comes on Friday which makes me very happy.  There are so many little projects that I would like to get accomplished but we have to wait until Craig gets clearance for his arm before he can start on any of them.  It is way harder to get things done when there is a little munchkin to watch.

One of my favorite things...a guilty pleasure starts up tonight - Toddlers and Tiaras on TLC.  Great summer television.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and I'm taking dinner over to my friend Michelle's house in the evening.  On Saturday night I am going to Chelsea Handler with my friend Jill and then on Sunday we are celebrating Craig's very first Father's Day!  And Monday is a very special day - Angie's two year birthday (well...she is older than two, but it has been two years since we adopted her) and she is going to have her Nonna, Grandaddy and cousin pups Andy and Annabelle come over and go swimming.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...I have no picture this week because all the files from my computer got lost when the techies had to reboot my computer after it got infected.  Don't worry - all my pictures are saved on a flash drive...which is in my purse...which is across the room...which isn't worth waking up a baby to go over and get.

Three months old!

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011: Three Months Old

Vital Stats:

13lbs. - 50th percentile

25in. - 90th percentile

She is the happiest baby in the mornings with lots of smiles and giggles.

Her bedtime is 8:30 and she sleeps until around 7:00 which is pretty awesome.  We moved her into her big girl crib on Thursday and she has done wonderfully.  I wasn't that upset about it after all...I kind of like having my bedroom back to just Craig and myself (and Angie) and I enjoy rocking her, reading to her and putting her to bed and then being able to watch television or take a shower in my room without worrying about waking her up.

It's amazing how quickly babies grow - even our sitter Ms. Rebecca noticed it in just the three weeks that she cared for her at the end of the school year!  She is picking her head up, able to bear weight on her legs and "stand" (with the help of Mommy and Daddy of course), she even rolled over from front to back!

I packed up her 0-3 month clothes on Memorial Day and I shed a few tears because I know that she's just going to get bigger and bigger and it feels like next week we'll be shopping for prom dresses and then the week after Craig will be walking her down the aisle.  That's why I'm glad that we have our summer so free and unscheduled - we can really spend time with her and watching her grow.

Here is what Natalie has been up to this past month:

Hanging out with Mommy...but looking more and more like Daddy.  I think those eyes are going to be staying bright blue!

Over the course of the last three weeks of school, Natalie was taken care of by my parents, Craig's mother and her full-time babysitter, Rebecca. 

She took her first dip in both our pool and my parent's pool!  So far...she is a little water baby just like her momma, her Nonna and her greatgrandma!

She found her hands.

She still loves being in the sling and it really makes it easier to get certain tasks done around the house.

She is all smiles now!!!  And on the verge of a big belly laugh.



Call Me Crazy...

But I have felt better about my new role in life as a mother to Natalie in the past three weeks that I've been at school than I ever did when I was home with her for two months. 

It helps that I love my job as a teacher and coach, I (most of the time) love the kids that I work with and I really enjoy the company of my co-workers.

I also think that a little time apart is good for both Natalie and myself - she gets to be around the big boys at her baby-sitters and she also is getting accustomed to someone other than Momma or Daddy taking care of her, while I am able to be more patient and loving with her in the afternoons and evenings because I'm not exhausted from being attached at the hip to her all day.  It's a win-win situation.

But I think the thing that has made me feel the happiest and the most complete is being back in the weight room. 

Yes.  You read that correctly.  I am one of those weird people that actually enjoys working out and instead of dreading a trip to the gym, I eagerly anticipate the high that I get from jumping rope, lifting weights and working on our new row machine.  It's a challenge for me - how else can I push myself, can I lift more weights today, can I jump for longer...I love the slight achiness my body has after a work-out because it means that I worked hard.  I'm more awake, alert, positive and content after I've been in the gym and I am now realizing that a lack of physical exertion might have been what led to my occasional (but seriously scary) bouts with postpartum depression during my maternity leave.

I'm in the midst of reading a book called "Mother's Need Time-Outs Too" and it's all about taking time for yourself to reload and recharge...and more importantly...how that isn't being selfish, but instead it makes you into a better mother and wife for your family.  Maybe it's my perfectionist tendencies, but I often find myself in the "Just let me do it" and "I can do it all" mentality.  I can get wrapped up so easily in the death spiral of OCD - the towels have to be folded and put away in an exact way and even if someone else lovingly does it for me...I have the compulsion to refold them.  It's such a double edged sword - because of these tendencies, my house is clean, the clothes are put away, everything is organized and in it's proper spot...but I'm completely exhausted physically and mentally by the end of the day.  So what do I do?  How do I find that gentle balance of keeping a house orderly, neat and up to my standards, but at the same time relinquish control of certain things so that I can take a break from being Super Laura?  My first step is getting back into the gym because that is something healthy that I can control.  I've already made a plan with Craig - at least three times a week, after I get up with Natalie around 7:00 (because I have a feeling that she won't know that it's summer vacation and therefore a time for her to sleep in) and after I feed her and get her ready for the day, I'm handing her off to Daddy for morning play time and nap so that I can head down to the gym and get my anxieties worked out on the treadmill and on the weight machines.

I'll be real honest...it's really not even about the "post pregnancy weight loss" for me because there just isn't that much weight to lose.  I went into pregnancy in great shape with the idea that the healthier I am in the beginning, the healthier I will be at the end.  So far it has paid off and I was able to lose any "baby weight" that I put on during the pregnancy.  I guess that's my reward for throwing up for four months straight at the beginning and then having severe heartburn the rest of the time.  Now it's all about toning and strengthening.  Although I don't look like I had a baby three months ago when I am wearing clothes...things are jiggly and my body just isn't as strong as it used to be. 

And plus...I've got to be in great shape to show Natalie how to approach and jump to hit a volleyball someday.  Speaking of which, this is the onesie that I ordered yesterday and that she will be sporting this upcoming school year at all my volleyball games.

Summer

SUMMER GOALS:

1. Transition Natalie to her crib in her bedroom: I don't think it's going to be that difficult.  She is a very good sleeper and has been sleeping through the night since she was about six weeks old.  I tried it on Sunday afternoon by swaddling her and then putting her in the crib for a nap.  I had the monitor on and I didn't hear a peep from her at all.  I have a feeling it might be a little harder for me than for her - that bedroom all of a sudden seems VERY far away.

2. Summer reading: I have a huge stack of books sitting on my nightstand that I would really like to work my way through this summer.  Whether it's while nursing or laying out by the pool, hopefully I will find the time and energy to read instead of watch countless hours of mindless television.

3. Work-out: Since I've been back at school the past few weeks, I have found time during my 4th period conference to get back into the gym...and I am loving it.  I had to start off slow and with minimal weights, but I am quickly working my way back to where I left off last summer before I got pregnant.  Unfortunately, this summer my school is undergoing major renovations and I won't be able to access our weight room so I'm going to reactivate my LA Fitness membership and get my rear up to the gym for cardio and weights at least three times a week.  I figure I can do it in the mornings after I pump and feed Natalie and then hand her off to her daddy for play time and a morning nap.  There is no sleeping in with a three month old.

4. Natalie's Baby Book: My mom kept the most meticulous and in depth baby books for me and my two older brothers.  Sure...she might have been a little OCD about it but the book has really come in handy in trying to figure out Natalie and how she compares to me.  I have a lot of pictures I need to print off and tape into the book and I need to keep better track of all her important "firsts."

5. Paint a wall in my living room: Beige is boring and my living room needs a splash of color on one of the walls.  I'm thinking it will be a project one afternoon where I send Natalie off with her daddy to do something fun and I turn on some music and paint the wall some shade of green.

SUMMER EVENTS:

1. Girls of Summer Showcase: The annual tournament that Craig hosts that brings in college coaches from around the nation to scout out high school female basketball players.  Last year when I worked the tournament I was in the throws of all-day sickness and struggled to keep food down and stay awake while checking in college recruiters.  This year I'm helping out by organizing the Excel spreadsheets that every team has to turn in listing the pertinent information about each and every player.  Since Natalie will be 4.5 months by the time the tournament starts, I probably won't be helping out but I will try to stop by so that Craig can show off his beautiful baby girl.

2. Las Vegas: I love my baby...but I am ready for a few days away with Craig on vacation.  We will be staying at the Encore hotel at the beginning of August for three nights which Angie and Natalie switch off between my parent's house and Craig's mother's house.  Not that we do anything particularly crazy in Vegas, but I'm just looking forward to sleeping in, not changing diapers and having all the time in the world to take a bath.

3. Baby Nephew: My eldest brother Stephen and his wife Meredith have two little boys, Alexander (7) and Ford (4) and they are expecting their third little guy in August!  I am so excited to meet him and hold a newborn again.  I am also so excited at the prospect of Natalie having a cousin so close to her in age...I know between the three boys that she goes to daycare with and her three boy cousins...she is going to be one tough little girl!

4. Volleyball Camp: I haven't made my final decision yet, but I really don't think I'm going to want to give up a whole week of my time with Natalie to go and teach volleyball to elementary and middle school girls.  I know that it's a great opportunity to see my upcoming 7th graders...but since I have most of them in PE, I already know not to be too optimistic about having a winning record next season.

Monday Day Book

Taken from my friend Molly who found it here.

Outside my window...I am sitting in a windowless gym with my 4th period PE students while they hang out for the remainder of the period.  All that is on our schedule for the day is to turn in the locks and clean out lockers so they have the rest of the class to just hang out.  I could do a Study Hall...but these kiddos are all studied out and sometimes just need time to chill and relax.

I am thinking...of all the things that Craig and I would love to be able to do around the house in the next few years.  I have no intention of moving anytime soon and I am really enjoy the satisfaction that comes along with taking our house and changing it to fit our tastes.\

I am thankful for...my parents for taking such good care of Natalie and Angie on Friday and who let me and my two daughters come over yesterday to swim while Craig was at the basketball tournament.  I am very blessed to have them so close by.

From the learning rooms...absolutely nothing.  We are the last school district in Texas to still be in school and it is getting ridiculous.  Luckily they have elected a new calendar for the next school year and we will be getting out of school by the end of May...but we only have a week and a half off during Christmas vacation.

From the kitchen...I cooked tilapia, zucchini and mashed potatoes on Saturday night and then we just had chili dogs last night for dinner.  I am having my friend Kate over for dinner tomorrow night and I'm going to make a big and delicious lasagna.

I am wearing...my favorite thing - the beginning of a great summer tan.

I am creating...a big list of things that I would like to eventually get done around the house.  Some are small things (planting more flowers) and some are big (replacing tile and fake wood flooring), but it's just a general *wish* list.

I am going...out to dinner tonight.  I was watching an Anthony Bourdain No Reservations episode on the US-Mexico border yesterday and I instantly started craving chips and salsa...so I think we're going to have some Mexican food for dinner.

I am reading...I'm starting to dabble in lots of different books.  I have a HUGE stack of books sitting on my nightstand and I'm going to slowly work my way through them this summer.  I had to hold off on the Sweet Valley book...because it's just THAT terrible.

I am hoping...Natalie's transition into her big girl crib goes smoothly this week.  She officially turns three months old on Wednesday and we have taken her out of the bassinet that attaches to her pack n play and she has been successfully sleeping in her pack n play for the past few weeks.  Once school is out, we are going to put her to bed in her own room and turn on the baby monitor.  I have a feeling it is going to be a lot harder for me than it will be for her.

I am hearing...the chatter of my sweet sixth graders as they just hang out and play cards on the gym floor.

Around the house...it's clean!  Martha came on Friday and scrubbed the house and between Saturday and Sunday, I was able to get all the laundry (mostly) done.  The only tasks waiting for us this evening is one load of Natalie's clothes to fold and a few bottles in the sink to wash and sanitize.  Hurray!

One of my favorite things...Sonic Oreo Blasts.  I know that I'm not pregnant anymore, but I still seem to be having pregnancy cravings for ice cream...and chocolate...and whipped cream.  Mmm...

A few plans for the rest of the week: I am having Kate over for dinner tomorrow night and then we have the last day of school on Thursday!  My mom will keep Natalie during the morning while we are in school, but I will pick her up around 12:45 and bring her back up to school to hang out with me while I finish things up - I'm sure I will find plenty of people to hold her if I have to do something really strenuous.  :)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My dad and his two granddaughters - Natalie and Angie. 

200

First of all, I have to congratulate myself...this is my 200th post on my blog.  If you have been with me from the start, or if you have an unreasonably LARGE amount of time on your hands and have read back through all my posts to the beginning...you might have noticed that my life has changed considerably in the past few years. 

In the spring of 2007, I had sworn off all men, still lived on my own, drove a little hot rod Acura named Delilah and partied WAY too much.  Fast forward four years and I have a mortgage, an SUV, a husband and baby...and can't remember the last time I stayed out past 10:00.  Of course there are certain things I miss about that life - the absolute freedom was, at times exhilarating and empowering...but so is watching Natalie splash around in her bath and waiting breathlessly for her to have her first real belly laugh.

Originally, this post was going to be about something completely different and totally fun...but then I started writing and felt I had to acknowledge the momentous occassion of a 200th post...and then Natalie pooped and it all went downhill from there.

I guess all I have to add in here is that we have three and a half days of school left and then the whole summer to play with my baby and watch her grow each and everyday.  Our last weekend of the school year has so far, gone very well.  We drove down to my parent's house on Friday afternoon to pick up both our daughters who had spent the day there and my parent's treated us to a dinner at Outback Steakhouse.  Saturday morning we all got up very early and got showered, dressed and ready for the day.  Craig had a basketball tournament and Natalie and I decided to go to the first game.  She looked super cute in a pink onesie, jean shorts, white socks and her pink Converse tennis showes.  During the first half of the game she sat in my lap facing the court and she was really watching and paying attention...as well as a three month old can.  But apparently the game wasn't THAT exciting because she fell asleep during halftime and only woke up after the game because her daddy wanted to get her in the Team Texas post game huddle.  I headed home shortly after that and Natalie, Angie and I had a great big afternoon nap which was lovely and once Craig came home I handed her off so that I could go lay by the pool for a bit.  Craig and Natalie joined me once the sun had set far enough in the west so that the pool in our backyard was shaded completely by the house.  She really loves the water - she kicks and splashes and grins the whole time.  Hopefully she will be a water baby like her momma, Nonna and great Grandma.  I cooked dinner last night and it was delicious - tilapia, crescent rolls, zucchini and mashed potatoes.  Unfortunately, Natalie woke up last night at midnight, 2:00 and 4:00...I think we need to feed her a bit more food before bedtime because she was a very hungry little monster.

That's about it...it was such a perfect "summery" Saturday afternoon that it's absolutely insane that we have to go back tomorrow and then three more days after that.