Sweet Hubby - '30th' B'day in Key West!

I'm a little late posting this, but my adorable and amazing husband whisked me off to Key West last weekend (Dec. 4-6) for my 30th birthday (I turned 30 on Dec 7). He had everything planned out. He had made arrangements with my Mom/Dad to keep Lexie, made hotel/flight/dinner reservations and managed to really wow me! Dave always wows me, but I truly wasn't expecting this. He even gave me a beautiful necklace from one of my dearest friend's jewelry store.

When we arrived in Key West on Friday afternoon, we checked into a beautiful hotel. It's one of the Waldorf Astoria's properties. We made it just in time to see the sunset. Then we went to dinner next door at Louie's. It was the perfect start for a perfect weekend.

Saturday consisted of walking around getting to know the city (Dave has been before). Dave and I met a wonderful couple, Rick and Robbie from central Florida. They were so nice to let us sit with them to watch the SEC game (all the sports bars were slammed).

Sunday was just as fun. Our flight wasn't until late afternoon. So again, we walked around the town looking at all the gorgeous, historic homes/buildings.

Once we got home, my sweet parents were here with dinner waiting and Lexie tucked in bed. The selfish parents we are woke her up just to see her (she is an easy sleeper and goes right back to sleep).

It was an AMAZING trip! A perfect get away. I think rolling into the 3rd decade has started out pretty nice! And big kudos to my precious hubby!!!

Sunset view from the top of our hotel.

The southern most part of the USA! I thought that was so neat! 90 miles from Cuba.

Look how beautiful and aqua the water is. And yes, we got stranded in the storm that was brewing in the background. We headed straight towards Sloppy Joe's.

Sloppy Joe's

Great Gift/Gate Idea. . . .

Usually around every September I start thinking about Christmas. I start wondering how many trees I'm going to do, where I'm going to put them, how to decorate them. Or where to put the garland and all the other gazillion decorations I have.

This year has been a little different. I did start thinking about Christmas in September but I couldn't decide what to do about the BIG tree in our family room or where to put it since we have a crawler on the loose. I definitely wanted to have a tree in there because that is where we spend most of our time. Plus, I wanted to enjoy it - Christmas only happens once a year and I try to soak up as much Christmas as I can! People kept saying, "I guess you can't do a tree because of the baby." Or "you will just have to put baby gates around the tree." My response to both. . . "I will do no such thing. There has to be a better solution."

This is when the light bulb appeared over my head. As I was coming into the house from the garage the other day, I happen to glance down and see four 2x12 cinder blocks (we had them because our huge tree kept falling down the few years ago). I went to Target and bought boxes big enough for them to fit. I came home and put the blocks in the boxes and taped them up good with duct tape. Then I wrapped them and even put bows on them and put them around the tree. When or if Lexie gets curious about the tree, I will pull the boxes out so she can't get to the tree. For the real presents, I have them under the tree in the living room. So far, she hasn't been the least bit curious in the tree except for the Santa photo shoot I made her do. :-) She still is very much into the media cabinet.

If you do this, make sure you used duct tape on the boxes - just to secure the blocks from breaking through. Also, I even put name tags on the boxes that says, "TO: Lexie; FROM: Mr. Fraser Fur." Ha!

Picture below. . .

Cinder Block Gate Presents

48 Days until Christmas. . . .

Yes, I went ahead and changed my blog background to a Christmas one. Some people might think it's too early, but not in the Mader house!! For those who know me very well, I live for Christmas! I literally turn into an Elf during this time of year. It's always been my most favorite time of the year. Celebrating the birth of Jesus, decorating the house and trees, listening to Christmas music, shopping/giving gifts, spending time with loved ones. . . .There is nothing better!

So I've started the countdown. . . . 2 more weeks until I can go purchase my beautiful Christmas trees and decorate them (I they aren't too dried out by Christmas - especially with the amount of lights I like to put on them)!!!

Yayyyyyy! Can you tell I'm already in the spirit? Here's a link to help you get in the spirit. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA1REZdiSQM

Lexie's Baptism

Last weekend, Lexie was baptized. It was such a sweet and special weekend. It was a sentimental and private ceremony. I'm not sure how we lucked out, but Lexie was the only baby getting baptized. So we had the entire Sanctuary to ourselves. My parents, Grandma, Aunt, in laws, and Dave's brother John, Michelle, and baby Amelia were all able to make it as well as some amazing friends!
My prayer for Lexie is that she learn from Jesus's example and grow daily in His love for her!

It was a wonderful and special weekend. It couldn't have been more perfect!

Sweet pea and GG

Cousins! I smell trouble in the future. . .

My Grandma making the centerpiece for the reception

My family

Dave's family
The best godmother ever! Sweet Britney!


The finished product! Grandma put the arrangement in the silver wine bucket her and my Grandpa gave me and Dave for a wedding gift. So special!

Daddy's Girl

I love attention!

Su Su made this beautiful dress!

Aunt Melinda

Wardrobe change for the party! Another Su Su creation.

Hanging with my soon to be partner in crime!

One of my favorite pictures!

Dreaming of this. . . . . .

Since this gloomy weather /now COLD weather won't seem to leave Atlanta alone, I can't help but daydream about my honeymoon in the tropics. Dave and I spent 14 days in the beautiful state of Hawaii. My favorite 10 days of the trip were at the ever beautiful Four Seasons Maui. Unbelievable! It's no wonder this place has such a terrific reputation. I've been to other Four Seasons around the US - nothing compares to this one! AMAZING! the beautiful beach!


Our phenomenal Suite (we were pleasantly surprised when the FS Maui Manager came to greet us upon arrival informing us that Gayle - my wedding coordinator at the FS Atlanta- had pulled some strings and "upgraded" us to this AMAZING suite!!!

This was part of our large balcony overlooking the pool and then the Pacific ocean

Ferrero's Italian Restorante - One of the 3 delicious restaurants on the grounds of FS(they also have Wolgang Puck's Spago). Ferrero's was my favorite. We ate dinner there right at sunset. It was beautiful!

the beautiful fountain I keep hearing this voice in my head saying,

"The Four Seasons Maui awaits you. . . . . "

6 Months?!?!?!?

I'm a little late posting this. I've seemed to catch every single bug out there in the past 3 weeks.
I cannot believe my sweet, baby girl is already 6 months!!! It boggles my mind how fast time goes by. Wow! It literally seems like yesterday when I went for my 38 week check up and the Dr. informed me that I was 5 cm dilated - which caused me to make the decision to be induced that morning! About 6 hours later and a painless/easy delivery, our wonderful, nearly 9 lb baby girl was delivered! The rest is history!

About 4 hours old ~

I remember looking into her eyes and I couldn't believe that I was fortunate enough to be this precious baby's mother! (I also think I was still somewhat in shock of what took place that day. She wasn't due for another 10 days. . . . ) Luckily the nursery was finished and the bags were already packed!

1 Month~

• Lexie was lready pretty strong in terms of holding her head up and screaming to let us know she was hungry or tired. She pretty much came out of the womb very alert. She always seemed to want to be "in the know."
• At 3 weeks, she made her road trip to a different state to Su Su's and Papa John's.
• She loved her bedtime baths
• Sleep: She would wake up about every 2 hours or so for food. Oh, the dark days. . . . .
  

2 Months~

We learned very quickly (probably within the first couple of days) that the bouncer was the only thing she liked being in (besides her bassinet and people's arms). She HATED her swing. Still to this day, she's not a big fan. I wonder if she will like swings at the playground?

• She discovered her hands as well as other people's hands
• Her cutest sounds were the "ohhhhh's." When she would get excited, she would look at you, smile, and start saying "ohhh, ohhhh, ohhhh." It was precious!
• Around this time, she was starting to show more personality
• Sleep: She would wake up about every 5-6 hours because of a hungry tummy but at 2 1/2 months she started sleeping about 7-8 hours per night.
  

3 months ~

• Lexie's first beach trip! We had the pleasure of going down to Destin for 3 1/2 weeks.
• She started to really laugh when she was happy.
• She discovered her toes - which meant she would stick them in her mouth and suck them!
• She started to really grasp her toys and hold on to them
• And she rolled over for the first time at the beach! Once she did that, she didn't stop (but she'd just get stuck on her tummy).
• Lexie started eating rice cereal before bedtime
• Sleep: sleeping through the night!! She would go to sleep around 8:30 and wake up around 5:30 (I'd feed her and put her back to bed).

4 Months ~

• Lexie started rolling from back to tummy and then back over. At this point, she got it down pretty good.
• She started eating gerber baby food. Bananas were/are still her favorite.
• She started teething. Not too horrible, but some what fussy.
• Lexie was introduced to her new toy, the jumperoo. She was a little freaked out by it at first but warmed up to it.
• Sleep: Sleeping through the night from 8:00 PM - 7:00 AM!
  
  

  5 Months ~

• This is a joke. Dave's boss gave us a gift from Nordstrom and Lexie was so fascinated by the Nordy's bow. So my Mom tied it around her head.
• Lexie made her first appearance to an AU football game!
• When she sees herself in the mirror, she just laughs and laughs (it's hysterical)
  She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES her jumperoo. She is definitely building some leg strength. She goes to town in that thing!
• Lexie eats an entire jar or bananas before bedtime along with rice cereal/formula.
• She is rolling all over the place. Baby gates are in the (very) near future!
• She is into shoes - if you have shoes on, she will come up to them and try to eat them or play with them!
• Lexie cut both of her 2 bottom teeth within about a week of each tooth.
• Sleep: Sleeping through the night from about 7:30 - 6:30 or 7.
  

6 Months ~

• Oh goodness - Lexie is into everything! We have a toy basket over by our media cabinet. She rolls herself over there and pulls everything out.
• She chews on pretty much anything she can get her mouth around. You better watch out, if she gets a hold of your finger, she will bite it and it hurts! Those little teeth are sharp!
• Dave and I wonder if she will be a ballerina. She always jumps on her toes when in the jumperoo.
• She still loves bathtime. She will kick and splash and have a good 'ol time in the tub!
• When lying on her back, she loves to do heel stretches as if she is exercising.
  If you lean over her and shake your hair in her face, she just laughs and laughs and laughs.Speaking of hair, she really has a grip. Don't let her get your hair, you might be bald in some places. . . .
• She is happy about 99.9% of the time. She loves to entertain and put on a show.
• She loves jewelry (is she my daughter or what?). She grabs a hold of Dave's VT bands and my bangles. One of my dearest friends owns a jewelry store in Buckhead. Every time we go there, Lexie is mesmerized by all the sparkles! She even got to try on a VERY costly ring! I can only imagine all the fun we will have in the future.
• She is ALMOST crawling. She can get on all fours and rock away. She moved her left leg a bit, but I don't think that was an actual crawl. It's a start! I'm not sure if I'm ready for her to be moble.
• Sleep: Sleeping through the night but the bedtime has gotten earlier which means she wakes up earlier. . . . 6:45/7 PM - 6:15/6:45 AM. She also has become a pretty good napper in the past couple months. She goes down for an hour nap about 4-5 times a day.
  

I couldn't imagine my life without this wonderful gift from the Lord! Lexie, you are everything that your Dad and I hoped and prayed for. You are just the sweetest and happiest baby. You have given our hearts every bit of delight and joy in the past 6 months! I love you my oh so sweet angel! Happy 1/2 birthday!!!

A Blessing in Diguise

Last weekend while Dave was in Blacksburg I decided to drive to Auburn for the W Virginia game. My Mom was in Mississippi for a girls weekend. So it was just going to be my Dad with his girls. My plan was to go tailgating with Lexie then send her home with my Dad while I stayed for the game. Not to mention that this was Lexie's AU debut! A very important day! :-) After bouncing from tailgate to tailgate, Lexie began to get fussy. She was so fussy that I was scared to send her off with my Dad. She was the kind of fussy where only her Mama could calm her (my Mom is determined that she was so fussy because she missed her Su Su). So My Dad, myself and Lexie packed up the truck and headed home. I was a bit frustrated that I had to miss this game. But about an hour after we got home, a monsoon hit the plains. So bad that the game had to be postponed for an hour. I would have been a wet mess if I had stayed. I knew it was supposed to rain so I had my rain jacket but failed to bring my rain pants. Thanks to my sweet baby girl who was fussy, I got to enjoy a nice AU victory all comfortable and dry in my own childhood bedroom!

Maybe Lexie has weather forecasting in her future. . . . . . .

Posing in front of Jordan-Hare Stadium

"Thanking Auntie Fran for my ADORABLE AU dress." It was Lexie's first Auburn dress (I've been waiting 6 months to put that on Lexie).

Lexie was dancing to the loud music in the Amphitheatre

Blake and Nicki

On a side note: Lexie has started eating whole food (as in baby food and not just formula). I started off smashing up bananas (which she loved) and now I've moved on to Gerber baby food. I'm so proud of her. She is so cute when she eats and really likes the food. So far. . . . .

Lake vacation, a tooth, and the cutest cheerleader!

After the VT-Bama game, Dave and I packed up again and headed towards the lake. Dave took the entire week off so we could have a family vacation at the lake. We really didn't do much the whole week. We watched football, read, ate, and slept. Talk about relaxing.
We also realized that Lexie has cut her first tooth! When we picked her up from my parents house on Sunday, I caught a glimpse of a little white tooth protruding through her gum! She is very proud of it. Every time I pull her lip down to look at the tooth, she starts smiling! If only I could capture a picture of that.

One morning Lexie woke up and was ready to play. So we went down to the dock and this is what we saw. We watched the sun rise. It was so pretty. Too bad you can't see the geese. They were every where. It was indeed so peaceful. All I needed was the theme song from the Notebook to be playing! Ha!

Lexie loves to start in one corner of the room and roll all the way to the other corner. She loves her jumperoo. She can't get enough of that!

She also likes to be tossed in the air.

We planned on staying in Alabama for the Auburn game. On Friday, Lexie didn't seem to be feeling well. Could have been the tooth or just a 24 hour bug. My Mom couldn't watch her because she had a cold. So we packed up and drove back to Atlanta on Friday. It turned out just fine. We had a favorite cheerleader ready to cheer for the Hokies and the Tigers. Lexie must be some kind of cheerleader. The Hokies and Tigers had big wins!!! Hokies 52-10 over Marshall. And AU 49-24 over Mississippi State. FINALLY a real football score, unlike last years hockey score against State 3-2.

BY THE WAY. . . .How about those Auburn Tigers??!!!! Auburn's offense is off to a roaring start! They lead the SEC and are ranked second nationally averaging 345.5 rushing yards per game WAR EAGLE!

"When I grow up, I want to be a Hokie" . . . .and an AU Tiger!

Dress Su Su made for me. There is also one for the Hokies that isn't quite ready yet. Good job, Su Su!

WAR EAGLE! GO TIGERS!

Look at Daddy showing some Auburn love!

Worn out cheerleader

Child free weekend!

Before Lexie was even born, Dave and I had made arrangements for Su Su and Papa John to watch her Labor Day weekend - for the VT-Bama game playing at the Georgia Dome. My dear friend, Blake and his wife, Nicki, came for the game to help cheer on the Hokies. We got to the tailgate around 8 AM for a 8 PM kickoff. VT wasn't strong enough to hold off Bama. Needless to say, it was a sad ending to a very fun and long day. Lexie did great away from both her parents. I think she was missing Su Su and Papa John after we picked her up!

First night child free!

Me and Stewdawg. . . . A GT fan along with being a Bammer. . . . .

Nicki and me



Yes, we are wearing beads that my sweet husband bought us!





Me and Blakey

Blake and Nicki