14 months

Wow, she is 14 months. Pretty darn amazing.

Here are 14 things I remember she is doing now...

1. She starting literally blowing air out of her nose when a tissue is held up to wipe it off. She also started blowing her own nose when she holds the tissue up to her nose.

2. She holds her fingers up and "pinches" her nose closed when we say "pee you"

3. She knows where her nose is. Sometimes she knows where her ears are. We are working on her mouth, tummy, feet and toes.

4. She babbles quite a bit about nothing that we can detect

5. She is now repeating alot of what we are saying "night night", "shoes", "dog", "hot", "baby"

6. She loves those hide and seek books where you have to lift up something in order to see what's hiding beneath it on the page. I don't know what those are called but she loves them.

7. When drinking from a sippy, she drinks milk/water till she is outta breath and then breathes heavily like she just ran a race

8. She makes kind of a "uh" sound as she steps down any kind of step. She also is very into saying "uh oh" when she drops something

9. She trys to snap along with you if you are snapping with your fingers.

10. She is very good at sign language "all done", "hungry" "more" and uses them all the time. She goes to her highchair when she wants to eat. And is starting to go to the fridge when she wants her milk.

11. Mat said that she was playing with his keys the other day and went to the door and was trying to sticking them in the key hole.

12. We turned her car seat around so it faces front. It scares me and I am still unsure about it. I don't really want to drive her in the Honda Pilot because of it. My nerves may win and we may end up turning it back around this weekend. "They" now said that she she be facing backwards till 2 years old. And she doesn't really complain about it so why not keep her rear-facing.

13. She really like green beans and hasn't really disliked anything so far. Oh, broccoli. She spits that right back out at ya. Doesn't like the broccoli (just like her mama).

14. She almost always sleeps with one leg up on one of the bumpers. Even when we were in Ohio, my mom has these thin tall bumpers in her crib. You would walk in and Millie's foot would be hanging in the air, through the spindles, and sometimes moving back and forth. When we go in each night to check on her before we go to bed, Millie is always laying there with a foot up on a bumper. Like in this picture. Millie woke up while I was taking this. Sorry Millie!

2 playdates, 1 day

We have survived the massive amounts of rain and weren't affected at all ready. Other than the school being closed on Tuesday. So we had to find alternative care for Millie on Tuesday. Luckily one of Mat's bartenders is a fabulous babysitter that we have used before. She came over on Tuesday and watched Jeevan and Millie for the day. It got me thinking that I really need to have a little call list of babysitters on hand in case of snow/ice. I am working on that now.


Meagan came over for a little playdate. She is so very sweet and Millie is getting better at being gentle with Meagan. Millie (14 months) and Jeevan (9 months) are just now starting to play together. Hopefully M & M will be playing together soon!

To see pictures, click here.

Gator weekend

This past weekend, we rounded up the troops and headed down to Gainesville for the weekend. You may not know but we have a condo in Gainesville and it's so nice knowing that it's there. That we don't have to worry about a hotel room. Keeping milk/food cool. Etc etc. I hadn't been since last year and hadn't been to a game in 2 years. So it was great being back and getting geared up for the game.

On Friday we just hung out around campus. Ate at Burrito Brothers (YUM), Mat and Millie were interviewed by a Knoxville TV station, we toured the James W. "Bill" Heavener Football Complex, and just relaxed all day.

We had a great babysitter come over on Saturday for game day. Mat and I went tailgate hopping until game time. It was great running into so many friends who were in town for the game.

At game time, Mat retreated to his Bowl Gator seats. His air-conditioned pre-game meal. His ice cream at half time. He sat in his comfy seats, in the shade, with a nice TV hanging overhead for replays. He watched the Gators win in all the comforts of home.


At game time, Mo and I retreated like cattle to our entrance. We followed the heard and slowly made our way into the stadium. We shuffled up to our seats where the sweating began. Thank goodness the game was a quick one because I am not sure how much more water I could lose from my body. We were in the blistering sun, the.entire.time. But you know what, we made the best of it and Mo and I had a great time with all the students. Plus, I was just happy to be there and watch a game for the first time in a couple of years. AND, the Gators won!

Mat and Jost pay a pretty penny for their cushy seats and after all that they have been through this year, he and Jose deserve to enjoy those seats!

To see all the pictures, click here.

more fun videos

Talking to Grandpa Jon!

Big Shoes (pictures and video)

Having some fun with Daddy's shoes. Click here to see the pictures.

Nightime fun (Videos)

In this video I am just following her around the house. It's kinda fun. Don't mind the mess.

In this video, listen to her babbling. She just started this recently. It's very funny. I have no idea what she is saying. Sorry it's so dark but we were reading bedtime stories.

Tucan (Videos)

Mat bought Millie this funny Tucan and Millie thinks is hilarious. Enjoy the videos!
Click here.

Tutu Fun

Over Labor Day weekend, Mom helped me make Millie a tutu. It was not hard at all and she looked really cute. All week I have been taking pictures. She keeps it on which is an improvement from last year. Enjoy the pictures!

Tuesday - Homebound (2 videos)

I can't believe Chloe is old enough to go to school!! She is doing great in the first grade and loves school. Millie and I were lucky enough to be able to walk her to school Tuesday morning. I literally had tears watching her walk into that school building. All those memories came flooding back and I was just so proud of her. What a great kid she is! I am very lucky to have 2 wonderful nieces who are just a ball of fun! Click here to see the pictures.

We heading home Tuesday evening. Mom and Dad had meetings so we went to the airport early. And had fun just hanging out. Millie had her first milkshake at Johnny Rockets (Strawberry and Banana). She sucked it right down and seemed to love it! It was great to see Mat when we arrived in Atlanta. Millie had the biggest smile for him. See link above for pictures.

Monday - Cookout

On Monday morning, Millie and I headed up to have brunch with my good friend (and roommate) from college, Karla. It was good to see her and get all caught up on her life.

Monday we had a big Labor Day cookout. Lots of family and friends came over and we had a great time catching up with everyone. The food was delicious and it was so nice of so many to stop by. To see pictures, click here.

Sunday - Church

On Sunday the gang was all together for Church. Courtney was so funny that we almost peed our pants! Every time the organ would begin playing, Courtney (sitting on my mom's lap) would get soooooo excited!!! She would grab the hymnal and flip through all the pages "looking" for the right song. Then she would stand in front of Mama D and sang her little heart out!! She was sooooo cute! All the girls were very well behaved and looked so pretty in their dresses!

After church we took some photos. Millie was cooperative...for a second! To see the pictures, click here.

Sunday - ER

We started noticing that Millie wasn't feeling the best on Friday evening, maybe Saturday morning. We were watching her closely but on Sunday she looked just miserable. We had planned to go to Caldwell to visit Grandma Beckett and other family that was in town. But didn't want to get my new cousin Bryn sick so we decided to stay home. I called the Georgia 24 hour nurse line and described her symptoms. They suggested since she was wheezing in and out, I should take her into the ER. So Mom and I packed up and headed to the ER. They were good and got us in pretty quickly. Yada Yada Yada, she has the croup. We got Xray's and they were clear so that's good. She was pretty contagious while visiting with all my friends babies which stinks. But after 24-48 hours, she isn't contagious anymore. After a breathing treatment, xray, and 2 medications, we were allowed to go home.

I can't find my ER, pictures but I will post them later. Have you ever wondered how they keep a 13 month old still while getting a chest xray? It looks like this. That is NOT Millie in the picture. It's just a stock photo from the internet. Let me tell you, Millie didn't like it one bit.

Friends Saturday - night

Some other important gals to me are my friends Lauren, Michelle, Katie and Kelly. Michelle, Lauren and I went to elementary school together. We walked to school together daily. And our parents would "gang" up on us when making decisions about where we could go and with who. Ahhh, remember the times.

Katie, Kelly and I became great friends in high school. These girls were my closest of friends throughout high school, college up till now. I trust them with my life!
I cherish these friendships dearly. We all still have so much in common and email almost daily. It was so good to see them and chat about our lives.

Saturday evening we all got together for a big play date and to meet Lauren's new daughter, Cate. It was so fun watching the kids run around and have a ball together. To see pictures of Parker & Tanner, Grant & Grace, Glen & Cate, and Millie, click here.

Enjoy the old school pictures!

Friends Saturday - day

One of the big reasons we went home this weekend was to visit with all of the family and friends who were in town. Renee, Sonal, Molly and I have been friends for years. Molly and I went to elementary school together (North School Polar Bears: RIP). Sonal, Renee, Molly and I became close through our countless hours as percussionist. And when I say countless, it was after school and weekends together throughout the school year and summers. We went separate ways during collage but seems to always stay in touch despite the miles apart. Renee is currently working/living in Sudan. Molly (who prefers Dr. Maxfield :-)) is a professor at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. And Sonal is almost close by in Raleigh, trying to tame our wreckless youth!

Renee's brother Aaron was getting married this Labor Day weekend so Renee was intown. I couldn't wait for her to meet Millie. We have spent many hours laughing together and I always look forward to our next meeting. These girls are so very special to me and I am so glad they got to spend time with Millie.


The other pretty lady in the picture is Marianne Flannery who is also a great gal who I went to high school with. Here are pictures from Saturday's cookout at Renee's home.

Corn Friday

On Friday, Millie and I flew to Ohio for the weekend. She was well behaved on the plane although it's getting harder and harder to keep her entertained. The flight is only an hour which is the good news. But sitting on the runway for 20 mins isn't fun for anyone.

After we landed, we were scooped up by a patiently waiting Grandparents. We headed straight for the Millersport Sweetcorn Festival. Jealous? Mat sure was! We happened to be in town for it a couple years ago.

There was plenty of corn to eat at the troughs and the Davis' ate about 1/2 of it. 3 kids, Kari, me, Mom and Dad had nearly 20 ears. YUM! Millie had her first corn off the cob and she did really well! She nearly ate an entire cob herself. I did not plan for her to wear the tractor covered bib but it fit in perfectly. After watching some lady tap dancers (Millie dancing video coming soon), we searched for someone selling elephant ears. We opted for Apple Pie dumplings instead. Finally we headed over to the rides. The ladies had a ride on the Carousel which Millie wasn't too fond of. She started off riding the horse and then wanted to just stick close to mommy. We waiting for Chloe/Papa D to ride the Ferris Wheel before heading home. Millie was pooped as was I. It was my last night of overnights and after just 3 hours of sleep, I was looking forward to bed time!

To see all the pictures from the Sweetcorn Festival, click here.

Sweetcorn videos

This one is for Dona!


Awaiting the big ride


Undecided about the carousal


Beyond tired

A couple more things...

Okay, I thought of a couple more things.

Millie is giving High-5's when requested.

Also she has started giving kisses. She "puckers" like this.





And gives kisses like this. She is pretty good at blowing kisses as well. She puts an open hand up to her mouth and says "mmmmm ahhhhhh". Click here to see the rest of Wednesday's pictures.

Ready for Game Day

Mat thinks that I am going to dress Millie in this outfit on Friday and fly home with her to Ohio. He is dead wrong. But she still does look really cute! Thanks Papa Jon and Grandma Terry! To see the rest of the pictures, click here.

Starting a new school

On Monday Millie started at her new school. Mat and I both dropped her off. They welcomed her with open arms and everyone was happy to see her. We didn't forget anything and it seemed like she was all set. I came to pick her up and found out she didn't nap. All day. Yikes! I guess she just played with toys at the table while everyone was sleeping. Maybe it was the change of environment.

Day Two: she bit someone. They don't tell you who she bit which is probably a good thing. They filled out an incident report and said that it didn't draw blood (which is good!). They said she didn't do it in anger, so I guess that's good? Typical of this age but I still feel bad.

And a final note, CNN's daycare called my friend Jackie to say they had a toddler spot open for her if she wanted it. On the waiting list for 2 years and they want to give you 24 hours to decide. I know that I am just a few spots down from Jackie/Vince on the waiting list. It makes my stomach turn when I think they might call me and want an answer. We JUST started at this new school. But we have to think about the future etc etc. We will have to see.

September Update

I am back to work which means I am blogging again. Actually I feel like I should be posting something everyday due to the many things that are happening with Miss Millie. If only I had the time. I know those wonderful mama bloggers that come up with 22 things on their kids' 22 month birthday...I just can't do it. I try and remember but then when I sit down to actually write about it, I forget everything. But she is doing a ton of new things and it's hilarious and scary at the same time. Here is what I can remember.

She is starting to repeat alot of what we are saying. You can't really make out most of what she is saying but she is trying. Her most recent repeat is the other night when I told her to "sit down" in her rocking chair (because she loves to stand up on it and laugh at me), she repeated "ssssssssssssss" with her tongue on her front teeth and drool forming at her mouth. It was soooooo cute! So ever since then we have been doing all kinds of things that involve the "ssssssss" sound. It's so cute when she repeats it. However, when we do ask her to sit, she does turn herself around and sits. And we give her lots of praise and she gives us the biggest smile.

She claps when you clap and even has her own form of the Gator chomp down. We have to get that on camera but our camera if full right now. We are working on it.

She wakes up in such a happy mood each and every morning. Typically Mat has morning duty but I have been having the pleasure recently. When we walk in the room she is usually pointing, looking for the dog. Or pointing at you. Or pointing at anything. And talking. Talk talk talk talk like she is telling you all about her dreams. Then she points to you as you approach the crib, usually your belly and she pinches you! Mat now has to put on a shirt every morning since the belly/nipple tweaking is now a fabulous game every morning for Millie. It's okay to laugh cause it's hilarious.

Let's see. She still loves making googly eyes at restaurant staff and other patrons. We get complements almost everywhere we go now. "She is so pretty", "she is so well behaved", etc. Sometimes I get the "HE is so cute". But now that she has more hair, it's a bit better.

She still loves the dog and kicks her feet & squeals as we enter the front door. She chases the dog and cries when Siler (accidentally) knocks her over. Millie grabs her nose and tail and thinks it's a hoot! She also looooooooooves the cat, Emma. And actually Emma is very tolerant of her. Millie grabs her hair and pats her and sometimes kisses her. We watch carefully as you never know with cats. But Emma has been really good with her and Millie just loves her.

At 13 months, Millie still hasn't watched TV and we are pretty happy about that. Not something that we are being sticklers on (like fast food restaurants) but there is just no time to turn it on in the day. Too much to do and see!


I tried taking Millie for a bike ride today in the trailer and unlike last time, she didn't like it so much this time. We were heading to the library and after I had had enough of the screaming, we turned around and came home.

She is getting really good at the sign language and even trying to say "more" and "all done".

It's still a struggle getting Millie into the car seat each and every time. She screams and doesn't want to sit down. I am trying to get her into buckling herself in hopes that she actually wants to get into the car seat. Once she is buckled in, she is okay.

Millie and Mat have been working at bathtime. He is teaching her to hold her breath as the water pours over her head. She is getting good at it although when I try and see or take a picture of it, she forgets and gets a mouth full of water!

We put the potty away because we read that they shouldn't be playing with the potty as a toy. Which is totally is! She loves that thing. Takes it outside, stands in it, rolls it around the floor. Until she is 18 months, it's hiding in the closet. Don't tell her!

Millie loves to dance. She does it when her toys make noise or she hears music in the house. She really gets down to live music as well. And has a great signature dance move. I will try and get a picture for you. Visualize Millie skiing down a ski slope with her arms straight back at her sides. Then add a knee bounce. It's great. Another move she has added to her repertoire is spinning in circles.

She loves her shoes and knows right where they go. She tries to put them on her feet but hasn't be successful yet.

The cabinet locks are working great and I even added stove knob covers and a toilet lock in the mix. She looooves that toilet water!

So that's all I can remember right now. I will try and update more as she develops. Don't forget to leave a comment or two! To see all the bath pictures, click here.