Miller Family

We're Moving...

2008-08-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

No, not houses....we swore that we were NEVER moving again after the last episode! I'm moving my blog. I've been exploring Wordpress and really like it. It seems to offer a lot of other options. I'm still learning, so have patience.

I'm copying the address and will not be adding any new updates on this sight. I have, however, sent everything over so that nothing is lost. It won't let me link it (or I can't get it to work), but here is the address, so copy and paste.

www.millermayhem.wordpress.com

Thanks for checking us out and leave a comment on the new sight!

Mitchell

Happy 1 Year

2008-07-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

I can't beleive it's been a year already. I don't know where to start. You are the most incredible addition to our family. You have blessed us beyond our wildest hopes and we can't imagine "us" without you.

Your hair has turned from a dark, crazy brown "do" to a beautiful,wild blond, and you have the most incredible blue peepers courtosy of your Daddy.

I think your temperment (as much as I hate to admit it) is a bit of the Prescott side. You want what you want...while a go! You now, literally, throw yourself on to the floor and blow a full out tantrum (think maybe Aggie taught you that?????) but, hey, Mommy wants to do that too some days.

You're not walking just yet, well, in the official sense of the word. But, you can climb the entire set of stairs, straight up and down, with NO assistance. You now come grab my hand and DRAG me to the desired location! You'll take off soon enough, and we're not in any hurry.

YOU are my snuggle bunny. You give frequent "sugars" - open mouth of course, and expect due praise for your action. You also, frequently, lay your head on my shoulder or tummy and just love your Mommy. I LOVE this and dread the day that it dissapears. You REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, liked nursing ( your Mommy did too as it gave some "us" time) - the bottle is okay, and you still think you need it at least before going to bed - and preferably during the night. Again, we're not rushing you. This, too, will pass (all too quickly.)

You have a great vocabulary (just like your sister always has) but you share it only with certain people and when it benefits you. Some favorits are:

Mommy, Daddy, Aggie, Elle (poor Bailey), UP (BIG ONE), bubbles, more, eat, milk, mmmmm (also "eat")and that. We've also picked out "I did it" and "let's go" You can make ANY animal sound and do so to several pictures and books.

Son, you LOVE to be held....my oh my....God bless the sling, because I would NEVER get anything done. Thanks to you I now feel confident in the fact that I could lose a limb and never skip a beat. Again, it's okay, one day you won't want to be held or snuggled.

I am desperatley trying to hold on to every baby peice of you, but am looking forward to tomorrow as well.

I love you more than you will ever know....until you have your own. Being a Mommy is truley a God given gift that is inconceivable until in the midst. By the way, you have a very special place for your Grammy and Pappy.

I just hope that I can be what you need and want...what you desire and dream...and lead you in the path that Christ has planned.

I love you Little Man (Big Guy)
God Bless,
Mommy

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

2008-07-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm having major computer trouble tonight. I won't go into details, but needless to say, the major Pate Man post that I was supposed to work on did NOT get done. Instead, I've been sitting here all night trying to get everything back in order. I'm hoping it's a glitch with the main sight and not my computer that I am suspecting is about to fall apart!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN

I will post your birthday post on it's day. I love you and hope your day tomorrow is full of adventure!

Miller Family

2008-07-30T19:42:00.001-07:00

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Laws of Nature...

2008-07-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Why is it that the occasional accident is ALWAYS on the carpet? Dogs, kids, juice, unmentionables??? Why? Why? Why?

I must let you in on my new favorite household device....(who knew I would be excited about ANY houshold device...much less one that cleans...) but I AM.

Introducing the Bissell SpotBot. It really works, and it really is effortless. You just fill it up, put it over the spot, push the button and walk away. It soaks, scrubs, vaccuums and does a reasonable job of drying too. The kids are not too thrilled by the noise, but it's worth it, for sure. I have no idea what I paid for it....it was a desparate moment....but promise it's worth the cost if you have even one spot of carpet in your house.

From me to you!

Mitchell

Party Time

2008-07-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

I think it was a hit. We had Pate's birthday party this last weekend. The actual date is the 31st, but this weekend worked the best. Thanks to all of you who helped us celebrate, and a HUGE thanks to all the grandparents and friends that helped me get the party together.

We went with a puzzle theme starting with the invitations in puzzles. I also posted some pictures of Pate from each month over the tables.

The puzzle picture is one that I had made from our Easter pictures that will join my Brady Bunch wall of pictures. Puzzles were laid out over the house and the kiddos had a blast. I really did as well.

Thanks again for coming and sending well wishes and enjoy the pictures.

P.S...as a tease....I'll post a more thorough Pate update closer to the real date (I'm too stinkin' tired tonight;-))

Trial

2008-07-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks Babe

2008-07-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

We have had quite the busy weekend. Emma, my niece, stayed with us this weekend. I have to admit I was very tempted to kidnap her, but her parents know where I live! It was really nice to have an extra set of hands...especially ones so adored by my 2 year old!

We took the kids to Happy Hopperz on Friday then wen to see Mamma Mia (LOVED IT) that night. Saturday was spent doing chores around the house in order to get ready for the party. We cleaned up the backyard and the sand box, bought and hung new mirrors upstairs (yes, one YEAR later), and hung these...

I've been wanting to do this ever since Aggie was born and finally got it all together. I LOVE it - thanks Babe for hanging them and tolerating my "Well...."

We also played some marathon Nintendo Wii. I think that I mentioned that my kids bought this for me for Mother's Day. I LOVE it and have received the Wii Fit for my anniversary (yes, I asked for it so no, it wasn't like buying your wife a gym membership or a treadmill........besides that - his Mom bought it for me LOL)

okay, kind of a random post....tired...going to take long, hot bath and go to bed...

Mitchell

Some Faves...explained...

2008-07-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

I added a new little segment to the blog...I'm a slow adventurer. I found the Simple Mom site and Make and Take site through Jenny (she's over on the sidebar.) I usually don't have time to explore too much, but was HOOKED on these sites. They both have great information and seem like simple, down to earth, Mommies....maybe a bit (read: LOT) more patient and talented than I, but I can strive for that! It's a goal!

The other are two photographers that have meant so very much to us over the years. Shanon shot our wedding and did a fantastic job. We have TONS of pictures and look at them often (okay, I do:-)

The other has been a Godsend the past year. She is a student at UT Austin, but her parents live here in Dallas. She changed majors last year and decided to pursue her passion of photography. The story is kind of funny in that she had always taken pictures of her adorable nieces and nephews and then their friends started calling too! She is incredibly patient, has a great eye and take on photos, and, wait for it....will come to YOU!!!!! How incredible is that? Yup, you don't have to schlep the kids in their Sunday best anywhere you don't want to!

I'll add more as I get inspired....Oh, I'm thinking of a few already!

Mitchell

Some Summer Splash Fun

2008-07-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure we are joining the rest of Texas in finding ways everyday to KEEP COOL. You just can't beat a kiddie pool and the sprinkler. It's such a joy to watch the kids get so much enjoyment out of the pure, simple things in life. What a blessing that I have to re-live some of my memories through them. It really is an indredible excuse to have a popsicle myself and jump through a time or two with them!

What are YOU doing in here? He thought this was all too funny

...and here? He's totally done!

Aggie told me later to "go get the soap" this would work as her bath for the night!! She makes me laugh:-0

Happy 11 Months....a bit late...

2008-07-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share some cute, recent pictures of our Little Man. I'm planning on doing a big birhday post (that I'm totally stealing the idea from Jenny's blog) so I'll save the details for a couple of weeks.

Playing Peek-a-Boo after his bath....really who can resist a clean, yummy smelling baby?

but really...let go already and walk! He "cruises" at record speed and walks when he thinks I'm not looking;-) I mean really, he has it figured out...crawling is pretty stinkin' fast and Mommy carries me when I need to go faster!

The chicks at school are diggin' his "do." Truth be told, he woke up with his hair pretty close to this so I added gel and went with it!

As you can see, corn is a staple at our house...it has been for a while!

and approaching 1...

2008-07-15T18:21:00.001-07:00

As Pate nears his first birthday, I decided it was high time to finish up his room...you know before he moves to his big boy bed and all;-)

I had the puzzles from my grandparents house framed and put those up along with a shelf for some knick knack stuff. I think it turned out pretty cute. The pictures really are straight, just not the camera:-)

Now....on to the kid's bathroom

Daddy Helper

2008-07-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

Aggie decided to "help" her Daddy fix the MG this last weekend. I'm not sure how much she helped, but was most pleased when they had to go "test" it. For those of you that don't remember, this is the car that Todd and I left our wedding in. It was pretty cool to catch these shots!

Mr. Independent...

2008-07-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Pate has officially banned anything being spooned in. He'll still eat the mushed up stuff, but NO assistance is required thank you very much....

Dinner at our house these days is a nude affair. The dogs are in heaven...

It MUST be serious....

2008-07-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

Pate had quite a little bug last week. I tried to pass it off as teething for the first day, but had to give that up when his fever was topping 104. I kept the panic down and managed NOT to go to Cooks, but it was quite the scare. The Dr. has basically said that he's just going to be my fever baby. He really means it when he has one!

Anyway, I was at the stove making dinner and thought the room was a bit quite. Knowing that my child is not one to nap.....he was REALLY sick.

Poor Guy

Two doses of antibiotics and we are good as new!

Might Be Worth Checking Out...

2008-06-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Todd and I caught a rare movie together the other day. We have really been wanting to take Aggie, but just haven't found the time or the right movie yet.

Anyway, while we were there we saw a flier for this. We haven't done it yet, or heard anything about it, but it might be worth checking out. Also, Sony theaters (I don't think we have one in Fort Worth) does a Reel Moms. Where they encourage you to bring babies. I think it's grown-up movies, but they leave the lights up a bit and allow strollers etc...

Hmmm...maybe we can sneak in an Aggie movie this weekend. Anyone seen Kung Fu Panda? When does the robot movie start?

Great Kiddo Entertainment

2008-06-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

I found (thanks Kendra) a new family entertainment perfect for HOT Texas summers. The place is a bit of a haul....well for all but Suzy...but is TOTALLY worth it. In fact, I am seriously considering having Aggie's birthday party there. The place is called Happy Hopperz. It is similar to a Pump It Up (which I found they now have one in Fort Worth) but is geared toward younger kiddos. I took the kids today and they BOTH had so much fun. It's basically a huge store full of bouncy houses, but it's cool, clean, and comfortable...and it only cost $5 for all day.

Definitely a $5 well spent.

They also have toddler hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays where only 5 and under are allowed to jump from 9:30 to 11:30. The Tuesday works GREAT for us if you guys ever want to have a quick play date!

Another Great Weekend...

2008-06-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Todd and I managed to steal away this weekend with NO kids...yup, you read that correctly....we actually tricked someone into keeping BOTH of them for two nights in a row! (10,000 "thank-you's to my sister and her family.)

Todd booked us a room at this really fun B&B in Grandbury on the lake. If you ever get the chance for a very quick get-away. Check it out...

I've Been Tagged....

2008-06-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Tricia...these are so fun, but I feel kind of BORING!

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?

I was in my sophmore year at TCU in the speech program and had just started with my own clients...and doing the typical college dos;-)

2. What are five things on my to-do list today (not in any particular order)?

It's the end of the day for me, so right now it's just a bath and a book. However, Aggie fell a little while ago and has the HUGEST knot on her head, so she and her Daddy are watching a movie so that I can watch HER for a few hours!

3. What snacks do I enjoy?

Kind of a salty lover. I tend to go for french fries and such if I'm beig bad!

4. Where are some places I’ve lived?

Pretty boring...I grew up in Quanah, moved for college and have been here in Fort Worth ever since....I did live off of my sister for a few summers in Dallas during college of that counts!

5. What things would I do if I were a billionaire?

Travel, travel, travel! Hire a nanny for my kids and not worry one bit about private school and college, donate, and travel some more!

So, there you have it.

I tag

1. Jenny
2. Carly
3. Terry (I'll forgive you if you're too busy!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

What a Weekend...

2008-06-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

We had an absolute amazing weekend.

Saturday was an official Aggie day in the guise of Todd's corporate outing. We all went to Lake Whitney to the WB Ranch for a fun day in the sun. I somehow left without my camera....4 bags, no camera, so I'm hoping to be able to post some of the shared photos.

We decided to let Pate stay with Grammy and Pappy b/c we figured the day was just too long for him. Turned out to be a wise decision. Aggie did beautifully. We swam most of the morning then had some burgers and cake for dessert. We then went down to the pond for a canoe race. I opted out thinking that I would stay with Aggie. She changed the plans and decided that she really needed in the boat with her Daddy. That didn't last long. The canoe tipped over and she was - LESS THAN THRILLED - PISSED REALLY!

We then went on a tour of the ranch to see the wild animals (most were hiding in the shade and I can't say that I blamed them.) Aggie fed and pet some sort of horned creature. She is so funny!

We swam some more and then headed home. We stopped for dinner thinking that Aggie would be completely passed out by the time we got home. We woke her up to eat (she didn't) but then she didn't ever hush long enough on the way home to sleep! In fact, she would take her headphones off if she started to nod off.....just like her Mommy....doesn't want to miss anything!

Great time....love that baby girl....

As Promised...

2008-06-09T07:50:00.001-07:00

As promised here are some pictures of our Little Man and some new skills:

I can self feed....the messier the better...in fact, I'm already boycotting my baby food in hopes of what Aggie is having! This example is a favorite - baby yogurt.

I can play independently - for quite a while. My mommy still sneaks in to check on me every 10 seconds and thinks I don't see her, though!

I can drink from a straw. Aggie had one so I HAD to have a drink. Mommy was very surprised when I started drinking my water with NO trouble at all! I still pretend that I can't hold my own sippy cup though!

I swim like a fish - and think that I don't need any help at all. Hate my bath....love the pool!

and here....well, I'm just handsome here....think it's a framer!

Congratulations Hammy Fammy

2008-06-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

The Millers would just like to welcome to the world:

William Luke Hammond, born on June 4, 08 at 3:16pm weighing 6lbs, 9oz, 18.5 inches.

We are so incredibly happy for you and your new family addition. Aggie is most excited, but keeps confusing your baby with Maricarol's!

He is incredibly handsome....see for yourself with the Hammand link...

Love to all....especially baby "Will."

Happy 10 Months Little Man

2008-06-01T12:27:00.001-07:00

10 months already.....I'll spare you the I'm happy and sad routine;-)

Pate's vocabulary is ever growing, but I've really been tickled by his ability to imitate ANYTHING and EVERYTHING lately. You really have to listen, though b/c he doesn it all day. His favorite is the cat, but he also does a tiger, monkey, dog, duck, and train....oh and any squeal that his sister does first!

It seems that his favorite communication skill at the moment is to tense his entire body and growl at Mommy. Quite the little temper (and no, I can't imagine where he gets it...)

I'll follow with some pictures, but they are becoming increasingly hard to capture!

Mitchell

Happy Birthday

2008-06-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

What a crazy month! We have been super busy lately. Here's a little "we're thinkin' of ya..."

Happy Birthday to:

Pate (10 months - they count in the first year!)
Pops
Bomba
Uncle Doug &
Mr. B

Happy Mother's Day to:
Aunt Donna
Grammy
Aunt MoMo
Bomba &
CoCo

Happy Graduation to:
Emma &
Austin

If I left anyone out, or didn't call on the correct day, I'm really sorry. I could blame my crazy life and two kids, but really, it's just me!

Mitchell

Color Change

2008-05-27T11:46:00.001-07:00

I decided the black was looking a bit morbid, so I decided to spice it up a bit with summer here. Now I'm deciding that I should go get something acutally DONE today!

Todd and I are looking to make a quick get-away without the kids. While I'd LOVE to head to the beach (in St. Lucia) we are probably looking at staying a bit closer and only have about 2 weeks to plan the whole thing.

We're totally open to any and all suggestions....send 'em on.

I'm Back....well, sort of...

2008-05-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have been on a blogging hiatus for the last week. Not really sure where the time went, but it's GONE and going ever faster.

Pate is doing quite well these days. Todd and I have decided he is part monkey and part goat. I was cooking this afternoon and walked around to the other side of the island and came back to find Pate sitting IN the dishwasher. He was quite pleased with himself and NOT pleased with me when I told him it wasn't a good idea.

He will also put ANYTHING in his mouth. and not just once.....he continues to put the same yucky thing back in that I just removed. which is an x-games sport to dive in and try to remove. The 6 teeth that he has are SHARP! I keep far from a perfect house, but theirs nothing like a baby pointing out the most miniscule object on the floor.

In other news....he has had a full 2(?) weeks of GI issues that I will spare the details on. However, he has a horrible diaper rash. HORRIBLE. I am trying to let him go without a diaper as often and long as possible (clean-up isle 4), putting baking soda in his bath water, drying him with my hairdryer after the bath, and putting an inch thick layer of Desitin everytime I change him. It doesn't seem to be working as quickly as we both would wish. If any of my mommy and nurse friends have a suggestion, we certianly are open.

Pate's Dedication

2008-05-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend we participated in our church's parent dedication. This is not a baptism nor does it have to do with the babies as much as the parents. It is a promise and a commitment from us, as parents, to raise our children with the knowledge of Christ so that they may come to know him in their own right. I, again, found the service quite powerful in reminding me of what a blessing and responsibilty that I have in my children. Thanks SO much for all of the friends and family that attended. We are so lucky to have so many people that love us and our kiddos.

Aggie's favorite part was, of course, the cake!!

Pudding Post

2008-05-06T13:08:00.001-07:00

Grammy brought over some yummy banana pudding for "the kids" the other day. I stripped Pate down and piled a bit on his tray. You really didn't need to ask him twice...he dived right in. Made me think of Aggie's first pudding fair...she was even more brave!

(although I think she was closer to a 12 months.....how things change....)

Happy 9 Months....

2008-05-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, 9, really, already? This month (the whole first week) has been filled with many new tricks:

1. He has just started signing in the last couple of days after just staring at me for 9 months. He is currently signing both "all done" and "more", but that one looks like his clap (see #2)

2. He can clap (but it looks a lot like "more" :-)

3. He can pick up, hold, and drink from his sippy cup - but prefers you to do the holding part.

4. He has learned to "chase" back. He crawls after Aggie like crazy, then turns around and crawls back to have her chase him.

So, in a week, pretty impressive, huh? Okay, a little biased....

(we were cleaning out the garage and were ALL filthy - but it was a sweet picture)

Tragically Southern

2008-04-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

Momma made pork chops tonight, and while I don't do this often, I made them Grammy style. Yup, fried 'em up real good!

I withheld making grease gravy and mashed potatoes in an effort to not completely blow my diet (that is yet another post.)And, I DO have a reason for sharing this.

Aggie is a great eater as most of you know. I mean, how many two-year olds do you know that typically refuse fast food and eat salmon, eggs benedict, spinach, and hummus on a regular basis? She is NOT; however, much of a meat fan short of grilled chicken. So I didn't make her a fried pork chop and substituted some grilled chicken instead.

I offered her some of mine as I continually try to expose her to new foods and....it was a HIT. I think she ate more than half of my pork chop and was fascinated by the bone. I am please to announce that she may just be a country girl after all. Maybe the gene passed down. Pappy you should be proud!

Check this out!

Aggie Favorites

2008-04-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

We had a busy day today. We met my good friend Suzy and her sweet babies at the zoo. It had been WAY too long since we last caught up and every single time a see her I remember why she is on my favorite people list!

Anywho (JEN;-) I got Aggie down for a late nap. Pate on the other hand did NOT nap this afternoon so he went to bed very early. The reason I'm rambling is b/c I let Aggie stay up much later than her usual bedtime and she did GREAT. Maybe we're moving towards being able to spend some more time with her in the evenings. This whole thing got me to thinking about some of my favorite (momentary) things about my baby girl so I decided to share a few:

1. I love watching you jam in the back seat when we get a song we like!
2. I love how you ask for things right now: "please may me...???"
3. I love building towers with you and huffing and puffing them down.
4. I LOVE how much you love your Daddy and LOVE watching you two play....I also LOVE to listen to you two talk when you think I can't here (very sweet)
5. I love making bubble hats for you in the bath.
6. I love watching you splash and squeal with Pate Man.
7. I love how hard you work to blow a bubble and how pleased you are with yourself!
8. I love to read you story....after story....after story....after story (okay, most days)
9. I love how you ask to hold my hand
10. I love how your "drawings" now turn into elaborate scenes in your head
11. I love to listen to you sing your "abc's" especially the jumbled up l,m,n,o,P part

I love every single piece of you like you will never understand (well, until you have your own), but these are the little ones that melt my heart today.

Generations

2008-04-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

I was playing today with my very grumpy baby in the playroom and happended to put him in this rocking chair.

I just got to thinking about how many kiddos have enjoyed this particular chair. My grandmother's (who is in her early 90's)grandfather made this chair for her. It was one of the very few things that I asked to have when we had to move them to an assisted living facility. I remember playing in it for several years as a kid, and then using it for various dolls and such after that. Aggie also loves it, so it gets LOTS of good use here. I also have some great vintage puzzles that will go in Pate's room if I can get them framed like I want them!

The whole thing got me thinking about how special it was for me to be so very close to my grandparents growing up and how blessed my kids are to have theirs so near.

So, to the GPU's thanks for all the pinch hits and countless hours of sitting. Thanks for spoiling them rotten (b/c that's your priority), thanks for the hugs, kisses, compliments, and giggles. But most of all, thanks for loving them as much as you have us (or more b/c they go home:-))

We've Got the Bug:-(

2008-04-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Aggie came home with a fever on Monday and complained of a sore throat on Tuesday. We took her to the Dr. just knowing it was strep. They gave an immediate antibiotic which seemed to cure it all even though the swab eventually came back negative.

Fast forward to this weekend and...Pate has a fever and is extremely unhappy with his world. It is so heartbreaking to not be able to just "fix" it. Then Mommy got it. I'm immune to most bugs being that I've worked with kiddos my entire career and work inside a hospital plus have two kids, but when I get it, I get it. I feel like my entire body hurts. My skin hurts. Is that normal?

So Pate and I are taking Tylenol every 4 hours on the dot. Now, Daddy isn't feeling well:-( He and Aggie are at the petstore so that Pate and I could take a nap. Pate wasn't feeling that;-)but it's nice to have a minute to just sit.

On the cuter side of things. He can now say "Uh-Oh" even though it sounds more like "uh-uh," he uses it very appropriately in that he throws his toast and then says it!

Funny Boy

Send good healthy thoughts our way. Maybe I'll lose some weight;-)

My Favorite Things.......

2008-04-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Aggie is funny. I've always thought this from the minute we got to meet her, but she continues to make me laugh. Most of the time these days it's that completely adorable but very LITERAL part of a two year old. Sometimes it's the tone of voice, sometimes it's the silliness, or sometimes it's just because she's mine and I find every single piece of her absolutely adorable and funny!

As an explanation, the "Cheese Burger" comes whenever the camera appears, and the other is how she winks back at Mommy.

Pate's 8...Months that is

2008-04-13T19:00:00.001-07:00

Pate is now 8 (and almost 1/2) months. As most of you know, a huge part of me HATES that, but I am also loving watching his discoveries day by day. His new favorite toy? The dog bowl....the one with water of course. He makes a beeline for it the minute we put him down and continues to head that way no matter how many times we re-direct. Here are a few photos of mischief in motion......

FYI: the moisture on his chin is just his continuous stream of drool......I'm hoping;-)

Songs for My Babies...

2008-04-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

I'm home today with a sorta sick baby. Pate has a low grade fever, but seems to be okay. He is blissfully sleeping right now. We've been listening to music and rocking for the last 30 minutes or so and I was just thinking about certain songs that stick.

When Aggie was born I found "Miracle" by Celine Dion and even though I'm not a huge fan of hers (generally can't stand her), it still makes me teary EVERY time I sing it to her. I also loved "Carry You" by Amy Grant. It's really more of a praise hymn, but it was one of our singers on those rocking nights that we secretly love as mommies;-)

Currently, I'm really into "Godspeed" by The Dixie Chicks. It's geared toward my "Little Man."

It was WAY to complicated for me to try to add the links...I'm just not that good..., but check 'em out and feel free to pass along any favorites.

Okay, I'm all teary AGAIN!!!!!!
Could be hormones....or lack of sleep......

Spring Pictures

2008-03-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

We recently went to the Dallas Blooms Event at the Dallas Arboretum. It really is beautiful and so fun for the kids to run around. My new favorite photographer met us there and got some great pictures of the kids. It was impossible to get the two together, but I really couldn't be happier. These are Katie's favorites, but there are plenty of other shots as well. If you think you would like to order (this is directed toward the grandparents,) call or e-mail me and I'll give you my password.

Enjoy,
Michele

You Can't Keep a Good Man Down...

2008-03-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well, Pate is not only pulling up and crawling, he is officially cruising. You really can't keep him down. He has even been pretty proficient this weekend at sitting (to get whatever he dropped) and standing up again.

However, along with that comes the various bumps and bruises. He currently has no less than 4 completely visible marks on his face. I am keeping a consistent, accurate play by play for when CPS investigates, and know how he got each and every one....well, except the right side temple...he woke up with that last week!

I really feel like he'll be walking soon. For some reason, we no longer own a push walker. Do you guys know of a good one? Looking for suggestions.

As you can see, he's still my happy little one, just ON-THE-MOVE!

Mitchell

Easter for Real!

2008-03-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend getting to see all three sets of GPU's (Grand-Parental Units.) The kids were great and we got some really cute pics. The first few are the egg hunt at Rivercrest and then the others are Bomba's Easter Bonnett parade. For the record, Todd and I DID have hats, but it's my blog and I don't have to humiliate myself.....Todd, I have strategically saved a lovely photo of you in yours........HEHEHE

One day I am CERTAIN my kids will revolt from the pictures....but until then....enjoy!

Easter Tease

2008-03-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it. We had an absolutely fabulous Easter weekend. We DID skip out on church....I know, we may have a hard time actually navigating to the sanctuary when we DO get back in the habit, but decided what with two different family gatherings and service being in the middle of nap time we just couldn't swing it all.

We had an Easter egg hunt and lunch on Saturday with Bomba and Mr.B and then had lunch (20 minutes late) with CoCo and Pops and another lunch and Easter bonnet parade with Bomba and Mr.B. The kids were absolute troopers and we had a really great weekend. Although, I have to admit, I can't believe it's already time for a new week. I'll post pictures ASAP. but left the camera at Bomba's house.

Happy Easter Weekend

Mitchell

Quick Update

2008-03-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Pate is officially crawling and cruising....yup, both. He has completely mastered the army crawl (seriously, we're waiting for the recruiter anyday now) and is now able to get up on all fours and move pretty well. He is also pulling up on ANYTHING including people, and I watched him today transition from the table to a toy.

The biggest part of me is LOVING it, but I have to admit that a piece of me is pretty sad to see the baby part being left in his dust!

I'll try to get a video soon, but the minute he sees me he feels that it is time to be held!

That's Not How We Left You!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

I decided Sunday that I HAD to mop the floor...or make a run through with the broom and Swifter at the very least. Daddy put Pate down to play in the play room and when I looked over this is what I saw........

YUP....what a stinker. He pulled to standing and was VERY proud of himself. I ran for the camera, took a few shots, and set him down to resume the floor. He stood right. back. up...stinker!

Obligatory Snow Pic...

2008-03-10T19:10:00.001-07:00

Daddy taught Aggie how to make a snow angel. The funniest part was really watching Daddy, but he held tight to the camera so that I couldn't capture that picture. She really loved it and fussed when we had to defrost for a while.

Not Your Typical First Food...

2008-03-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

Pate is an eater. We ALL are in this family. He is really jammin' on his baby food (yes, still making them:-)) but is quickly learning that the food on our plate is a bit better! After much fussing and grabbing at my plate I gave him some the remainder of our corn - hey, it's a veggie, right?

He LOVED it. Fussed when I HAD to move him and was pretty stinkin' cute so I took some pics.

P.S. The green yuck on his face is Zuchinni!

Enjoy,
Mitchell

Pate video

2008-03-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

Pate is really on the move these days. He is even better since this video was taken. He has totally mastered the complete circle (even on carpet) and is an impressive "Army crawler." He can make it the complete length of the hallway, but is usually fussing the whole time b/c we left him:-(

I've seen him get up on all fours, so crawling around the corner???

Aggie

2008-03-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

I always feel like Aggie gets the short end of the pictures, but you guys that have been there done that, or are in the midst of the toddler thing surely understand. However, I thought that I'd take a quick post to describe my beautiful, sweet, total TODDLER!!!

I have included a picture, but these events are endless in our house. While feeding Pate down for his morning nap, I left Aggie happily reading books in her playroom with implicit instructions to go potty if needed and come get Mommy if needed. As I descended the steps thinking what a great morning it was going to be the smell of lavender almost knocked me over. This is what I found....Aggie was cleaning up and needed a bit of lotion. I STILL don't know how she got in the sink!!

Aggie really gets frustrated with the sun in her eyes in the morning so I have been trying to explain that God is in control of that and not Mommy. However, I finally noticed that she kept saying the sun was "biting" her and it took me two full days to realize that she had confused "bite" with "bright." How sweet is that????

What a Day

2008-02-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

After a very busy day at work, I decided to sneak out a bit early and take advantage of a beautiful sunny day. I grabbed the kids from school and headed to the park. If you haven't discovered Tillery Park on Forest Park, you are really missing out. The neighborhood along with the city have completely redone the entire thing. It has a really cute sort of "town center," and some quirky, fun playground adds. It also hosts a ton of room to just run and play or toss a ball (not that we're there just yet...)

I am just sick that I didn't have a camera, but Pate Man really enjoyed swinging. I can't wait to take the kids back and have some pictures. Aggie is getting more brave every time we visit.....sometimes to the point of me just cringing and praying.

Hope you guys all have a great weekend. Ours started off really well.

Mitchell

Hooray for Me

2008-02-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

Hooray....I finally got a video to post. Yes, I promise we do have more video and I will probably be bombarding you soon (hey, it IS my blog and what better way to show off my babies.) This was taken of Pate at 13 weeks. It's both completely fascinating and a little heartbreaking for Mommy to see just how much he has changed. For the record, he still squeals, but it's MUCH louder now and he and Aggie can go back and forth for several ear splitting minutes..but, then they laugh and we LOVE that:-)

I'm not sure why it finishes the way it does. Maybe some of you more seasoned (and smarter) bloggers can help me out with that. Still feeling very proud of myself.

...what better way to bring out the completely babbling Mommy talk than cute babies?...

SO FUNNY

2008-02-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

This is the video that I was talking about the other night. I still can't get MY videos to upload, but I'm learning. This IS funny, though...It starts a little slow, but give it time.

Speaking of, I'm feeling a girls afternoon at the nail salon!

Rainy Day Update...

2008-02-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

Well, despite trying desperately to keep the kiddos separated, washing our hands until they were raw, and buying stock in Lysol Wipes....Pate seems to have a touch of the funk.

Miss Denise called from daycare on Friday to tell me that he was running a fever, but true to Pate was still eating and laughing. She also informed me that he had just woken from a nap so I knew then that he was sick....;-)

He doesn't seem to be nearly as sick as Aggie (my fingers are crossed as I type) but has a pretty consistent low grade fever as soon as the Tylenol wears off...we're also considering our stock options in Tylenol... He has an ucky cough and a runny nose and just looks miserable.

So we spent a rainy day playing around the house then Pate and I took a drive (that works like a charm for the nap, and Mommy gets to listen to the radio NOT on Disney), and ventured to the TCU bookstore just to get out of the house for a minute. I've attached some pics.....

I find it amazing that the dogs seem to know when one of us is sick. I had just sat Pate down to find a thermometer and his Tylenol when I returned I found Bailey and Elle curled up next to him. It was pretty cute. You can tell this is pre-Tylenol though:-(

Okay, send good thoughts I am DONE with all these GERMS!!!

"Helping" Daddy work!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2008-02-16T16:47:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post a picture of the gorgeous flowers my sweet husband gave to me despite having a very sick child the entire previous week, and a new job. I warned him on day five of the flu that, despite my well intentioned, previously made plan, he would be getting zip, zilch, and nada for the big day. He completely understood and pointed out the fact that I hadn't left the house except for carting Pate to daycare!

What some of you may not know, is Valentine's day marks our first date 8 years ago. Todd pulled a last minute, very nice, very fun, date with only 1 day warning and THAT day was a Sunday. The date was so fun....and funny as I met BOTH of his parents that night....but we'll leave that story to another post. Glad you made the effort, Babe, and that you continue to do so. You are appreciated even when I forget to tell you.

I love you,
Mitchell

Converts

2008-02-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hooray! I have added two of my friends to my blogging family (HEHEHE) You know those of you holding out are jealous....I'll convert you too.

So glad to be able to "see" Carly's kiddos, Charis and Price, and to anxiously await Terry's new little boy too.

Love you both,

Mitchell

As Promised...

2008-02-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

Visiting Hours!

As promised here are a few pictures of the kiddos.

Aggie has the flu which is totally heartbreaking. So far, we have had a sore throat (best I can gather), and a very high, unrelenting fever which has led to night terrors. I really think (hope, wish, prey) they we are on the downhill portion. She seems to be much better for a couple to three hours until the Tylenol wears off and then she just wilts until I can legally give her some more. She is begging to go outside and to school, but has NO energy:-(

Send good thoughts.

I set up our little playpen area (I hate calling it that) and Pate has really enjoyed it, so that explains some of the pictures. The others are just cute added bonuses!

As I was feeding Pate and I was talking (although admittedly not paying close attention) to Aggie. We were discussing how babies are messy eaters. She decided to give it a try with her pasta. Have to admit it made me laugh!

Pate is 6 Months

2008-02-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since my last post - I seem to be averaging about every two weeks, so I'll use this as a general update from the Millers and post some pictures soon.

Maybe I'll just list the "biggies"

1. Pate Man is now 6 months old and has 2 teeth - well one tooth and one well on the way. They seem to be relatively "easy" although he may beg to differ and remind me that it isn't MY mouth!

2. He is eating like a champ. So far he has tried and liked butternut squash, sweet potato, avocado, banana, pears, and mango....he also tried peas, but they were NOT in the "like" category.

3. He has this totally new adorable move in that he turns his head completely sideways and looks at you - we have dubbed it his landscape view.

4. Todd has started a new job, and, while busy, is very happy. He is so excited to be a part of Johnston and Mathews and feels like it's a great "fit." So...if you need insurance he's your guy!

5. Aggie is doing great. Her language continues to amaze me. She can absolutely hold a true conversation now and still makes me laugh out loud. She is liking her new school and names off all of her friends and teachers as well as various details of the day - some I hope are not true:-)

6. She is just about potty trained. I wasn't stressing this detail at all, but Miss Rhonda informed me one day to quit sending her in diapers and just send her in big girl panties. She does great with just a few reminders during the day and has even moved on to the "real deal." Pretty cool!

Okay, that's it. Promise to post some pictures soon.

Mitchell

More From 5 Months

2008-01-20T17:50:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd add a few more pics from this months. Pate had his first "real" food tonight. We decided to start with butternut squash (yes I am doing the organic, granola thing again for a while, anyway;-)) b/c Aggie was such a fan. He LOVED it. He ate the entire bowl in no time flat....well, I guess he wore a lot too! I also got some more cute pics of him sitting up.

Enjoy,
Mitchell

Five Months

2008-01-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

What a busy month this has been for Pate already. The 5 months mark seems to be full of incredibly fun milestones. I can't believe how big he is getting - and so CUTE!!- if I do say so myself!

We have started cereal in the last week because he was desperately trying to grab food off of our plate and stick it in his mouth before we caught him. He has liked the taste from the start, but lapped at the spoon at first. He is now opening and is quickly mastering the rasberry with mouth full trick. Pretty cute. He is also sitting up independently with fewer and fewer "weeble-wobbles." He constantly laughs out loud at ANYTHING, but especially when we laugh, when Aggie is anywhere near him, or at the dogs.

Enjoy the pictures. We sure are enjoying our family......

Mitchell

Our first attempt at cereal

Independent sitting....and WITH a toy.....so smart;-)

I caught Elle making out with him - gross, I know, but I had to get the picture. He thought it was pretty funny.

Look at those peepers!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2008-01-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hope this note finds you all doing very well and thanking God for another incredible year. We are feeling ever blessed and thankful for our many, many blessings. Our Christmas celebration was wonderful. It was such a joy to see Aggie "get it" this year. She continues to celebrate and she discovers her new toys are still here every morning!

New Years was happy and uneventful....I was in bed long before midnight! Here are a couple of our favorite pictures.

Enjoy,
Mitchell

Pate in his new chair

Aggie in her "Wiggle Racer"

Aggie's Concert

2007-12-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

Aggie had her first school performance this Christmas. It was a mix of the 2 and 3 year old classes. She did beautifully and I was so proud of her - did the typical teary eyed smiles!

My camera was set wrong for the actuall performance, so the pictures are very dark, but I got some GREAT photos of the grandparents. Thanks so much for coming. Aggie was thrilled - she announced all of us as she spotted us from the crowd!

Kids At Play

2007-12-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well, the Millers are doing well and eagerly awaiting Christmas. Pate is now laughing out loud on a regular basis - it is TOO funny, but I can't seem to get my videos from JPEG to post:-(

Here are a few pics. Hope you enjoy!

Mitchell

Aggie and her babies going "nigh-nigh."

Like the devil shirt????

Christmas Meme

2007-12-13T18:25:00.001-08:00

I was tagged by Jennifer.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper...if I can hire/beg someone to do it for me. I am totally wrap challenged

2. Real tree or artificial?
I LOVE real, but Todd and I aren't very good at keeping one alive for the entire season, then the dog and cat chew on it and yak on the floor and you have to sweep up the endless needles (b/c it's dead)......so we have fake!

3. When do you put up the tree?
As early as possible. I'd have it up for Thanksgiving if Todd would let me.

4.When do you take the tree down?
Pretty soon after Christmas.

5. Do you like eggnog?
No....ewww...just not right

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
My pink Huffy bike with the HUGE banana seat and basket and tassles - WOW looking back that thing must have been super ugly, but I LOVED it! Many more favorites too, but that popped up first

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
No - I have kids - very active kids:-)

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My kids!

9. Hardest person to buy for?
Todd's parent's

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I really don't remember ever getting a bad gift...hmmm

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
Mail - but I must get my hiney in gear!

12. Favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, ELF...I like it all!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
No set time - whenever I know what I want to buy and have the money for it :-)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Probably.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
ALL of it.............LOVE FOOD

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Clear - always for me

17. Favorite Christmas song?
I LOVE Christmas music - classic hyms are my favorite. Love Amy Grant's Christmas CD

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Prekids - travel
Post kids - beg to have everyone come to me!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen....But do you recalllllll, the most famous reindeer of allllllll....

Rudolph....

Only if I cheat from Jennifer!

20. Angel on the tree top, or a star?
I have a very Marths Stewart tree topper that I arranged from dried flowers and such

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Typically Eve, then Santa comes on Christmas morning and family later that day

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

23. What I love most about Christmas?
I am loving watching Aggie this year discover new things about the season...but, truly, I love EVERYTHING about this season. It's my absolute favorite time of year.

24. Church early or late Christmas Eve (midnight or 7pm service?) or not at all?
I'd like to say very firmly that we do one or the other, but we don't we are attending chapel with Todd's family this year in the evening.

25 Have you ever NOT burned yourself when doing the candle thing at church?

NO! In fact, I distinctly remember my very long hair going up in flames one year in
youth choir...very bad smell for the remainder of the service

I tag....all of you!

Long Time, No Post

2007-12-02T18:02:00.001-08:00

Okay, I know it's been a bit since my last post, but things are finally settling down just in time for the Holiday rush.

Since I last wrote: we moved my parents to Fort Worth, I turned 30, Pate turned 4 months, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a baby play date with Pate's new friends. WHEW!

Really, we are all doing wonderfully well. My parents are settling in nicely and I can't tell you how excited we are to have them around. We have already enjoyed being able to call them up to buy us lunch;-) and just knowing they are so close to visit. They came over yesterday and helped decorate the tree - very fun.

My 30th passed without a hitch. We didn't celebrate much, but plenty of time for that.

Pate is growing by the minute. His new tricks are squealing (laughing??) out loud, grabbing his toys and toes, and blowing major spit bubbles. He is such a doll and just makes me laugh out loud.

Aggie is going great too. She, too, has a great sense of humor and always makes me giggle - especially when she is in trouble;-)

Thanksgiving couldn't have gone any smoother. We enjoyed seeing everyone and appreciate them coming to our house so the kiddos had there own beds.

We have so much to be Thankful for and will continue to feel blessed as we celebrate the upcomong season.

Here are some recent photos of the kiddos.

Enjoy,
Mitchell

I ran out of hands today and put Pate in Aggie's highchair for a second to do something else....he, obviously, loved it. It looks like he's sitting in his office chair!

13??? Weeks?????

2007-11-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, I think these pictures were taken at 13 weeks...I'm gonna go with that.

Pate is slowly creeping into the playing with things stage. He is loving his toys - finally!! - but still loves to be held more. Ms. Denise told me today that he has the entire daycare wrapped around his finger. She revealed that some of the teachers come in on break just to flirt and hold my Pate...awwwww!

It's been awhile since I last posted. As some of you know, my parents are moving to the big city. It has been a year in the works, but is all of a sudden upon us. I am beyong excited, remembering the incredible memories that I have of MY grandparents growing up, but I must admit, a little anxious for them too. Send a little prayer that it all goes well. The official move date is in 2 days. We have also been battling the stomach bug. Pate was sick twice though he smiled through the whole thing....mommy was knocking on death's door with the same said bug. Following the Dr's orders, I tried to give him Pedialyte (sp?.) Again, most of you know that he is not too fond of the bottle anyway, and THIS???? "What is this mess"????he said. I finally decided that I am working WAY too hard to keep my milk supply running to fight him, nursed, and he went to bed and slept all night. BUT....he decided to pay me back in the form of a hunger strike from the bottle which makes daycare a bit of a challenge. Thanks Ms. Denise and Ms. Shawn for just loving on him. Luckily, they can page me and I came running! FYI: he is off of the hunger strike and we're all back in full force.

Enjoy the pics....must make a trail through the house!

Michele

Happy Halloween and Happy 3 Months

2007-11-04T16:33:00.000-08:00

Pate happened to turn 3 months on Halloween. We really tried to keep him up long enough to take a few pictures with Aggie and maybe walk the block, but he, very distinctly, told us otherwise. So, these are a few pictures taken earlier in the day. He slept through the big night while I took Aggie trick-or-treating and Daddy handed out candy.

Aggie, on the other hand, has decided that Halloween just might be the coolest holiday of all....now mind you she has yet to have a Christmas that she really remembers either;-)She quickly mastered the "Trick-or-treat" in the cutest of voices while batting her eyelashes and grinning. The older people in the neighborhood were literally emptying their candy bowls into her little bag. We are trying desperately to hide it so that she only remembers it once a day:-)

Enjoy the pictures,
Mitchell

It's Tinkerbell by the way, and we decided that YES, Tink probably wore pink lip gloss!

FUMC Fall Open House

2007-10-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

Aggie's school held the annual open house for the fall. Thanks CoCo and Pops for keeping Pate Man. I really think Aggie enjoyed having some time to herself with us. This is one of the Halloween costumes we ordered (mommy and daddy were very indecisive;-)

We took Aggie to dinner and then to the school. She really seemed proud to show off her teacher, classroom, friends, and artwork. It's such a blessing to have her in a place that she is happy and thriving.

Enjoy,
Mitchell

Pate 11 Weeks

2007-10-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Pate is actually 12 weeks now and will officially be 3 months on Halloween, but this is a pretty cute picture from last week. He has mastered the Bumbo seat and seems to enjoy it for at least a few minutes. I think he sort of looks like one of those troll dolls on the end of a pencil with his crazy hair in this picture!

Enjoy,
Mitchell

Don't Fix That Yet....

2007-10-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

I really need to write down all the hilarious, sweet, endearing things that Aggie says so that I can remember them one day....(Jenny, you have the right idea.)

Right now, though, is this. Aggie always asks to "hold you," when she wants to be picked up. While I know that most kids do this, it is super cute when YOUR kid does it. So the other day I hear "hold you Daddy" as they make their way down the stairs. Todd starts to explain the correct way to say it in his perfect long winded way;-)but Mommy rushed to the rescue begging that, just for now, we let that one be. It's one of my favorites and will soon be gone.

So, just for now, I will hold me!

Pate's awake...so much for the floor (see previous entry)DARN

Mitchell

Random Mommy Thing

2007-10-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Both kids are alsleep at the same time!!! HOORAY! Needless to say I am not going to write long b/c I am continually telling myself that I should really pick up the house (at least the down stairs where people could see)and at least dry mop the floor as it looks as though my dogs own the place (frightfull, but true.)

However, I just got tickled the other day as I was changing for bed. Aggie is ever more adventurous and is constantly bringing me things throughout the day. These are things she is proud of and wants to show off or things that she knows she shouldn't be playing with so, after she does play with them, she brings them to me as though I didn't know she was playing with them!

So I usually end up putting them in my pocket until she loses interest. So...the other day I was laughing as I emptied and lost a total of about 5 pounds....

Here is the list:
1. 2 rocks from the backyard
2. a ring of Daddy's
3. Daddy's watch
4. Her "plug" (pacifier)
5. a stopper from her sippy cup
6. small dog toy and...
7. about 3 random small pieces of paper that I have NO idea where they came!

Quite the collection

Mithell

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-17T17:47:00.001-07:00

Cute Pate Pics

2007-10-17T17:43:00.001-07:00

These are technically still 10 weeks even though he just turned 11 weeks, but too cute not to share.

Enjoy,
Mitchell

Aggie's Turn

2007-10-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not getting many pictures of the two of them together, but I AM taking pictures.

Here are a few of Aggie and some of our fun times this past week. As some of you know, she is REALLY into princesses....ALL of them....so that explains the dress-up clothes.

The others are her first attempt at dunking an Oreo. She really has her own unique style of throwing the Oreo into the milk and then fishing it out when it's just mush. She also thinks that milk should now ALWAYS be accompanied by an Oreo!

Finally, I took both kiddos to the zoo this week and I thought it was a fun picture of Aggie with the monkeys. She just was so intense in watching them...very cute.

We are anticipating Halloween and painting pumpkins, so I'll send those out when I can.

Love to all,
Mitchell

Hey, even a Princess needs a juice break!

Yes, I was smart and we had the Oreo session on the back porch! The dogs really appreciated this!

Pate 10 Weeks

2007-10-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well 10 weeks have come and gone. We are loving every minute of our little man. He is such a character already and I can't wait to watch his little personality continue to grow. Here are some recent shots....can you believe how big he is? I think I am producing whipped cream!

He started daycare this week at Baylor. It was really tough dropping him off, but I LOVE the place. His teachers are fantastic - very loving, soft spoken, and endearing. When I went to pick him up, Pate was in the bouncy seat and both of them were talking to him and kissing his little toes....can't beat that. I start to work next week, so please send prayers. The best news is that I can go and feed him during the day so that makes me happy.

I'll continue to update as often as possible. I'm taking tons of pictures and will post them on Shutterfly soon so that you guys can order if wanted.

Love to all,
Mitchell

This was an attempt at more pictures together. Not a great picture of either kiddo, but I tried:-)

The 2's....

2007-10-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

Well, Pate is now, officially, 2 months old.....and/or 9 weeks depending on who is counting!

We went to the Dr. today. The 2 month visit is the absolute worst. He had 4 shots and an oral vaccine. I think it was much harder on Mommy than Pate though. He was totally over it 2 minutes later with a good nurse session and then off to a nap.

He continues to be an incredible baby. He sleeps REALLY well (groan from some of my friends:-)typically in bed by 6:30 and asleep until 4 or 5 to nurse then back to bed until around 7:30 when Aggie can't wait to check on him. We usually hear her through the monitor announcing "Pate wake, Mommy" as if we hadn't placed a monitor in his room as well!

He is a VERY healthy baby. He is weighing in at 13 pounds even (80%) and 24 inches (also 80%) and is right on track developmentally. He LOVES to talk and smiles constantly.

Aggie is also in the midst of the 2's. She is such a wonderful kid, but we definitely have our "toddler" days when she tests the limit for EVERY household rule. I continue to acknowledge to myself on these days that she is simply a CEO in training. Hopefully, she'll make loads of money one day bossing others around and pushing the limits and put us in a very fancy-dancy retirement village!

Here are some recent pics of my man...if you will note the absence of Aggie, my goal is to take more pictures of the two of them together, but really, have you tried to photograph a barely 2 year old and a barely 2 month old????? I am trying desperately to grow a third arm....I'm thinking from the forehead....

Smiley Cheeks

What a grin:-)

New Bouncy Seat

Hooray For Pate!!....and general update!

2007-09-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

Well, as some of you know, and some of you don't, both of my kiddos were plagued with different feeding issues. I guess it's to keep me in check as I get paid to teach OTHER people's babies how to eat. Aggie and Pate both have short frenulums....just short enough to affect nursing and not speech, and long enough to make my pediatrician NOT clip it.....(At times I was incredibly tempted to let them both latch on to HIM several times a day, but THAT is another rant)

Anyway, I am soooo happy to say that nursing is going very well with Pate and is one of my favorite times of the day (well, several favorites, as he still really likes to eat.) Thanks Laura!

However, in working with the nursing, the bottle was pushed aside so that Pate REALLY prefers his meals straight from the source. I'm pleased to announce that after several bottle types, nipples, positions, and feeders, he has taken a bottle 2 times with little difficulty. He is still persistent in showing me his preference, but at least we know that he will not starve when/if?? I go back to work (no need to talk about his three chins here;-)

He is also sleeping really well at night. He usually goes 7-8 hours in the first stretch and then 3-4 after that. He is already picking out a pretty strict schedule. He really wants to be in bed around 6:30 and would prefer to have his bath and massage prior to that:-) Overall, I can't complain. He is a wonderful little smiley baby.

As for Aggie, she is really turning into a big girl. All of a sudden her language has just exploded so that she notices and comments on the funniest things. She has become very protective of her little brother (which far beats out the smackin' hime stage.) She is less than thrilled for anyone other than Mommy or Daddy to hold him, and she has taken to calling him "My Pate Man." We are really playing into the "big girl" thing. Her new bed is on the way (another funny story that I will write about later), she has new "big girl" pull-ups, and new "big girl" toothpaste. She can't get enough of ANY princess (although Ariel is winning out right now) and can usually be found in a pair of Cinderella heals!

Life is good, but Mommy is heading for bed at the crack of 8:00!

Love to all,
Mitchell

Fun Photos

2007-09-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

These are just some photos I took on our lazy Saturday morning. Aggie is helping Daddy make breakfast and Pate was just grinning and flirtins with his Mommy. Plus, please note that our "genius" baby is waving bye-bye;-)

Have a great week,
Mitchell

Smiling Pate

2007-09-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a baby to turn you into a babbling idiot...but, hey, he loves it....and I do too!

Enjoy, Mitchell

6 Weeks Old!!

2007-09-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that 6 weeks have already come and gone. However, I don't really remember having just one anymore either! Pate continues to be a pretty easy baby. He sleeps well and only fusses when he is dirty. He is smiling ALL the time and seems to really like his Daddy's voice and his Pappy's voice too.

Here are some great pics of fun grins.

Enjoy!
Mitchell

I've Been Tagged...

2007-09-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged...here's (here ARE) the rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Eight Random Facts About Me:

1. I LOVE being a Mommy. I always knew that I would enjoy it b/c I have always liked other peoples kids, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a Mommy. I love the drop of my stomach with a simple smile. I love finding little tiny things on their bodies and deciding whom it came from. I even love that heart wrenching feeling that comes when they are sick or hurt and all you want to do is fix it immediately b/c that makes me realize that I LOVE being a mommy....redundant I know.

2. I really enjoy traveling. Anywhere, anytime. I just like to be going. Right now (even though you just read my #1) I am really looking forward to a vacation (A REAL vacation) with my husband without the kiddos, but I am also looking forward to traveling with the kids and watching them discover new places.

3. I have always been a bit fascinated by water. I could stare into a fountain for hours....but not the cheesy yard ones:-(...hope no one has a cheesy yard one. I'm sure yours is fantastic;-)

4. I totally lucked out with my in-laws. I have two sets....which some of you may groan, but you should all be jealous b/c they are both super cool.

5. I consider myself blessed to have grown up in a super small town. I got to participate in everything b/c their were only so many of us. We ALL had to play every sport in order to have enough to make the team! So, even with all of the yuck that goes with the tiny towns, part of me is sad that my kiddos will never know what a little community feels like.

6. I really, really, really, want to find an all women's basketball league.....and be as good as I once was...or at least remember that I was;-)...I'm going to add on to this one....I also wish that adults could take gymnastic classes...or that my 5'9 frame and ughhh pound body could look athletic doing gymnastics!

7. I love to read, and can sit in the bath tub for hours with a book....well before I had a two year old stripping down and climbing in with me!

8. I only have one friend that blogs....poor me...but wish that ALL of my friends would start one or at least comment on mine....again, poor me. I DO, however, feel like I know all of Jenny's friends and family!

Tricia....you are tagged!
HE HE that was fun!

Pate is 1 Month Old!

2007-09-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, but my handsome Little Man is already one month old. We had his check-up last week and the constant eating is definitely paying off. He has gained three pounds and grown three inches in this first month!

He continues to be a pretty easy going little guy. He HATES to be dirty and LOVES his bath and massage. We are starting to pick out a bit of a schedule - which you know I love! He is also smiling like crazy, but I haven't been able to catch it yet on camera or on video. We'll keep trying, though! He continues to sleep well at night with the last couple being the exception. I think the Labor Day weekend was a little overstimulating for him :-(

I've added some pictures of bath time and Aggie's favorite past time too. She finger paints in the bathtub while I give Pate a bath. It keeps her in one spot and I can clean her up super fast - and have both kids bathed and ready for nigh-nigh! LOVE THAT!

Enjoy
Mitchell

Picture Disaster

2007-08-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

I've decided to use the blog as my personal vent session for the moment. Read, laugh, comment....whatever, I just need to vent.

Several months ago I won a photo session with Smileys at our preschool silent auction. Thinking that it would be a good idea, I scheduled them for ~one month after our kiddo. SO....enter swollen boobs and fat belly and fussy baby.

I mangaged to get everyone up, fed, bathed, and dressed including my less than thrilled husband...then re-fed (though that only applies to Pate.) We make it to the studio still dressed (minor miracle) with bow still in hair (major miracle) and are even on time.

This is where things went downhill. The lady taking our pictures must be an intern, or training, or just not too with it b/c even though the first thing out of my mouth is...we don't do yearbook photos, we just want a plain white or black background and NO posing...she breaks out the couch and starts trying to tell my barely 2 year old to cross her legs and lay on her hands. Aggie was such a trooper putting her hands everywhere but stacked neatly under her head. The lady then pulls out the ugliest stroller prop I've ever seen and tries to have Aggie "pretend" to push it. Aggie headed straight for the diaper bag to get her doll and then out the door with the stroller. Meanwhile, my other angel decides to feed like it's Thanksgiving dinner. We never got any pictures of the 4 of us....very sad for Mommy, but maybe, I'll be surprised with the others.

Thanks for listening. Must go sleep.

Mitchell

Happy Birthday Aggie

2007-08-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Aggie officially turned 2 on Sunday - although we had been practicing saying it for several days. She had a big birthday bash in the backyard on Saturday. I have to say I was so pleased with how everything turned out, but I must give thanks to the multiple sets of hands that helped me plan and acheive long before the event.

(I'm going to brag for a minute so you can gag if you want) I was sooo proud of Aggie. She was so content to play with all of her friends and did really well with sharing her toys and grandparents. For those of you who have been there (or are fast approaching) nothing can bring out the horns in your toddler like a friend wanting to play with a long lost bear - even if said bear has not made it off the shelf since the umbilical cord came off! Luckily, I didn't see any of that. Granted I may have been busy nuring or such, but don't burst my bubble!

The bounce house was quite the hit Bomba, so thanks. Aggie was a bit dissapointed to see it gone this morning, but we assured her that we could break it out again soon. So, give us a heads up and we'll pull it out for a playdate. It works great for naps I've been told!

I have more pictures coming from my dear friend - thanks again Suzy - but here are just a few. I think even the grown-ups had fun!

Love and thanks to all,
Mitchell

First Bath

2007-08-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

It was a couple of weeks ago that we acheived a true belly button and, therefore, got to take a tub bath, but Mommy is just now downloading the pictures. He was NOT thrilled with the whole process, but has since decided that they are quite nice. My boy seems to be a bit picky with his cleanliness. He HATES being dirty, and seems to get the whole bath concept.

My favorite picture is the one with Aggie's mouth wide open. Pate was wailing, so Aggie decided to copy him. She sound remarkably similar and it makes us all giggle. Several mornings we can hear both kiddos over the monitor - one truly fussing, and the other just copying.

Better Late than Never

2007-08-17T11:27:00.001-07:00

Here are the promised pictures of Pate's nursery. We are so happy with the way it turned out. I got his bedding from It's an internet company, but is based out of McKinney. They were super sweet and were really great to work with. FYI: They will customize anything to match your room and the cost was very reasonable. They painted Pate's lamp (which still needs a bulb...note to self)and I think I am going to order a trash can too.

Aggie painted the pictures above his bed. I think they are just perfect, and I really think she's proud of them too. Although, everytime she sees them, she wants to go paint!!

Come see us when you can, I love showing off my babies!

Mitchell

Two Weeks.....okay, and Three Days

2007-08-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Well, we are settling into things. Pate continues to be a very easy going little guy. He sleeps great, eats a lot, and is very content. Here are a few pictures we have taken over the last week. He is already starting to look less like a newborn. Hate that:-( The one in the middle makes me laugh. It looks like he needs a cup of coffee!

I also added a picture of Aggie. I set her up to paint while I fed Pate, and here are the results. I did get a few cute pictures too!

Enjoy
Michele

First Night on my Own....

2007-08-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wake-up call and reality check all delivered in a matter of about half and hour last night! I was less than thrilled in the throws, but found myself laughing uncontrollably after the kiddos were both asleep. I will censor some of this hoping that my oldest baby girl NEVER finds out that I shared it, but it went something like this:

Todd had an appointment last night (never mind that it was scheduled with a friend at a bar and I'm still a little bitter....;-))so I was on my own with a newborn and my almost 2 year old for the first time. Todd encouraged me to call for reinforcements, but I stubbornly decided that I could handle "the witching hour," on my own. It went pretty well at first. I managed to put Pate in the swing for the first time and he loved it. I also managed to put together a healthy meal for Aggie that wasn't pre-packaged too. After she ate she enjoyed her red Jello (or Jello art.) Don't know if you've had the pleasure, but whatever coloring they put in jello could cover a wall with just one coat. Needless to say, Aggie needed a bath and Pate got hungry. So, still handling everything fairly well, I cleaned Aggie up in the sink just enough to get by while I fed the baby.

She then informed me that she needed to potty, so holding him off a little longer, I decided to let her "potty." Read - sit on toilet and throw toilet paper between legs. After redressing the diaper, I sat down with Elmo video and Aggie and began to feed Pate. Elmo over, hell begins. Aggie promptly got up and stripped her diaper off. I'm still so sore from feeding that I decided to risk it rather than unlatch my very hearty eater. Knowing that this was a mistake, I was soon informed...well, you can imagine.

I did then manage to unlatch my eater, wrap him up, and give Aggie a thorough bath with just one hand. Anyway, a couple of books later, everyone was happy and asleep and I was laughing hysterically.

Hope this was just my hazing into two children, but I'll let you know - and next time will call for reinforcements!

Mitchell

One Week Old

2007-08-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it, but a whole week (and two days) has passed already. With the exception of the billi lights, he seems incredibly laid back so far....knocking on wood right now. Aggie is adjusting well and we are getting a little bit of sleep with all things combined. Here are a few pictures from our first photo session.

Love to all,
Mitchell

Thanks for the Prayers

2007-08-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Good News!

We went to the doctor for a follow-up today and Pate's billi count is quite a bit lower. He is no longer required to "bake" for the better part of the day. The doctor did ask that I nurse him near the sun, but recommended that I do that toward the back of the house so as not to stop traffic. I thanked him for the thought, but doubt that I would get many slow downs with my hugely swollen boobs and post baby muffin top belly!

Oh well, glad we did it in the correct order and I've wrangled my husband for better or worse before throwing my body under the bus of child birth.

HE HE

Thanks for the prayers and well wishes. We have a our happy, conent little man back.

Mitchell

Poor Thing...

2007-08-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from the Miller family's new addition.

Pate was at risk for a high billi count for several different factors. We took him for his check yesterday morning and it WAS very high. He now has to live in a tanning bed to help bring it down for the next 48 hours.

As you can imagine, he is less than thrilled with this set up as he can have no boundaries to swaddle him in. I've only cried about 3 times so far, so I'm holding it together pretty well ;-) Last night was a bit of a challenge - he came out the winner. Thanks Grammy for rocking, walking, and talking.

Send prayers that it goes down soon and we get our happy little guy back!

Love to all,
Mitchell

Welcome Pate

2007-08-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well, he's finally here! We went to the hospital around 7:00 am on Tuesday and waited for most of the day with NO progression. However, around 4:30 in the afternoon, Pate decided that the 31st would indeed work. We progressed extremely fast and he was in my arms shortly after 6:30 with only 3 pushes!

He's absolutely perfect in every way and we are all doing well. Here are just a few initial pictures and I will add more soon.

Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.

We are so blissfully happy and blessed.

Comfy Place......

2007-07-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I have decided that my uterus must be super comfy. We are STILL awaiting the arrival of Pate (note that the patiently part is missing.) I am now 4 days overdue. I really thought that this morning might be the day, but he settled down with a little breakfast and a walk :-( I think I've tried all the tricks, but am getting pretty desperate.

We are set for an induction next Tuesday should he wait that long. Please send prayers that he doesn't. I really don't want to go that route.

I am officially finished with Pate's room. I don't think I could nest it any more at this point. I'll try and send pictures.

My parent's are hear too, so at least I have a distraction (not to mention the MUCH appreciated extra hands) while we wait.

Lots of love,
Mitchell

Summer Fun

2007-07-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd post some pictures of our summer play. Todd and I bought Aggie some outdoor toys. She LOVES to be outside and LOVES to play in the water. She is quite the little adventurer as indicated by the mulitple bruises and mosquito bites - please don't call CPS!!!

My favorite picture is the one where she is "washing" Daddy's truck. The tires are bigger than she is - too cute!!

As for the big arrival, I saw my Dr. yesterday, and he says it could be two days or two weeks....I really wanted to hurt him! Just kidding, we're waiting as patiently as possible!

We'll send news as soon as we have it.

Love to all,
Mitchell

Happy 4th of July

2007-07-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

No big news here, but thought we'd send some pictures of our 4th of July. Aggie, Todd, and I went to my sister's house for a pool party and BBQ. The weather actually really cooperated and we had a blast. This was Aggie's first dip in the pool for the summer and, after a little warming up with Daddy, she LOVED it. I got some great pictures of Emma and Aggie playing. Mommy did venture in, but you will note the absence of pictures!

I know I still owe some pictures of Pate's nursery, and they ARE coming, but I keep thinking of "just one more thing" I need to do!

Love to all,
Mitchell

Half-way There

2007-07-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

We officially have declared the upstairs "DONE." Todd worked really hard this weekend in getting the final things in place including hanging pictures, moving furniture, organizing closets, and even tossing in several loads of laundry!

Aggie's room is very cute and cozy and Pate's room is tentatively finished for now. We're both really happy with the way it turned out; although, I think we will eventually add some more pieces to the walls. I haven't found anything I just LOVE, so I'm waiting for IT to come to me. We even finished the guest room so that grammy has a place to move into after the arrival....and after Pappy has all the family time he can stand;-) We're hoping we can convince her to stay a month!

I promise to take some photos, but I just don't have the energy tonight. Aggie is in bed chatting away with baby Hannah (her doll.) I love to listen in - too cute. Hey, as long as she's happy. As for me, I'm going to make myself a bowl of ice-cream and watch some TV. I'll only have the calcium excuse for a few more weeks!

Love to all,
Mitchell

Closer Still....

2007-06-29T14:04:00.001-07:00

We're getting ever closer to our new addition. Today, Aggie painted pictures for Pate's room. She had a blast! We have all of his clothes washed and put away, but I'm waiting for just one more order from Pottery Barn (Todd hopes it's the last)so that I can get it all organized.

Please continue to send your prayers and we'll send news as soon as we have it!

Love to all,
Mitchell

Greetings from Quanah.....

2007-06-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hello to all...

Aggie and I are in Quanah this weekend visiting my parents (Grammy and Pappy) and grandparents. We made the decision for two reasons. 1. As Pate gets ever closer to his due date, I don't think we'll be getting out much for a while and 2. Todd said that he would finish hanging pictures, cleaning the garage, finishing closets, buying furniture....etc...while we were gone. I can't imagine how he is going to get it all done, but every effort is greatly appreciated.

Aggie is having a blast. She is attached at the hip to her Pappy - and I'm pretty certain he is smitten as well. Nothing beats Grammy's house...

I STILL can't find my charger for my camera. I tried to buy a battery yesterday at "the Walmart" in Altus. For those of you that don't know, yes, Walmart CAN get worse. Go to one in the sticks! Needless to say, I didn't find a battery. So, no pictures for this post.

Love to all,
Mitchell

Recent (sort of) Photos

2007-06-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some fairly recent pictures. It covers everything from Easter to Pop's Birthday, to the latest past time for Aggie (playing with the water hose.)

Love to all,
Mitchell

Quick Picture of our New House

2007-06-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Turns out I had another second. I thought Aggie was stirring. I figured out the picture thing, so I decided to add a picture of the new house, but I just couldn't resist adding a picture of Aggie too.

Pate's furniture is being set up as I type this, so I'm well on the way to having his room complete. I'll send pics....

This is too fun!

Love to all,

Mitchell

Testing, Testing......

2007-06-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, first of all, I want to give the credit to my friend Jenny. She just started "blogging" (is that how you say it?) and I just love reading the updates.

So with #2 soon to be arriving, I thought I'd try to get the hang of this and, maybe, be really good at keeping everyone updated. So we'll just see.

As most of you know, we just moved (I wonder how long I can say "just" to excuse the horrible mess in my house?) We're getting pretty settled in. Aggie has done fantastic - I really couldn't have asked for more. She loves her new room and especially her play room. Her mommy loves her playroom because it has double doors that hide the mess! I'm not sure if I'm just making this up, but even all the animals seem to be happier in the new house. Hmmmm.

I just sent some pretty funny pics out on Shutterfly....I'll have to learn how to post them here. I'm also hoping to take some pictures of my belly with Aggie so I'll try to get them posted soon.

Okay, we'll see how it turns out. Be sure to post your comments when you can.

Love to all,
Mitchell