Best Day Ever

I think yesterday might have been the best day of McHaney's little life thus far. (minus the church nursery, she doesn't like that at all!) After church we drove out to Deb and LJ's. We went out to Old Hickory Lake with them and took the boat out.

This was McHaney's first boating trip. She was less than excited about her life jacket, but after fitting her into her floaty swimsuit instead, (I know, I know, it isn't as safe, but with someone holding her pretty much non-stop, I felt it was the best solution.), she was having a ball! Her favorite thing? The water, of course! It was freezing, and I mean freezing. I did not get in with her, but her daddy did and he even thought it was cold. She didn't even notice though. She just laughed, splashed, and giggled. I think she would have stayed in forever if we'd have let her. After a few hours on the boat she crashed and took about an hour and a half nap. I couldn't believe she slept on the boat. I never thought that would happen!

Then we went back to "Grammy and Pyran's" house, which is really a farm. It was basically like Disney World to her. After a quick supper she got to take a bath, water again, so she was thrilled. Then onto her swing. She swung for a while and then tried out her new wagon. Grammy bought her one of those Radio Flyer wagons that has the seat in it. She loved it! Giggled and laughed the whole time while Grammy acted like a horse saying "neigh" and "woah". After that a ride in the e-z-go. (Their golf cart they use to get around on the farm.) She held on to a bar, eyes as big as saucers, and pointed at all of the animals. Quacking and yelling ooh-aah the whole way. (For those of you who don't know, Daren's mom raises miniature donkeys.) She saw donkeys, cats, the dog and a horse. We, of course, made all the animal sounds and she even petted the horse. Oh, it was such a cute day of new discoveries and adventures.

She was such a trooper and ended up spending the night at Grammy's. This was a first for her, but she went right to sleep. I guess she was a pooped puppy. I can't imagine why!!!!

Surgery

Ugh, after lots of tests and many trips to Centennial, the doctors think they have finally figured out what is wrong with me. I had a test Thursday that tests how your gallbladder is working. Mine, unfortunately, is only functioning at 8% of what it should be. I'm glad they located the problem, but am not excited about having surgery. (Apparently, the only way to fix gallbladder problems is to take your gallbladder out!)

The hospital stuff is a little worrisome, I guess, although I've been in so much since I got pregnant that I'm used to that. It is more the recovery period after. I hope it isn't long, because one of the things I'm dreading is trying to take care of Mc after surgery. I'm more anxious about that than anything else. I'm sure it will be fine though and I'll have lots of help.

Nasonex

Is anyone else's child obsessed with the nasonex bug? McHaney could ignore the TV all day long, but if this little bee with a french accent comes one it's all over. She stops whatever is going on and stares. It is hilarious! She never, and I mean never, misses a nasonex commerical.

Life Jacket

Daren's mom and step dad bought a boat last year and we couldn't go on it b/c I was preggers. This year will be different though. I love the lake and am always up for going. I realize it will be a little different this time around (with McHaney and all.) My first clue? Deb bought her a life jacket for the boat and we out it on her at Easter. She was none too happy about having it on. That was only 5 minutes. What will I do on the boat if she fusses and screams about it thru the entirety of the trip ? Anybody have any hints or clues they've used to get there kid to wear the jacket? I can't give up by summer boating again this year!!!

Check it Out

If you haven't already, please check out my friend Mary's blog today. It is great, and I'm sorry to say, very true! I especially love the cartoon.

Ooh-Ahh

Utah, or Ooh-Aah as McHaney calls her, is our dachshund. She was my baby before my real baby and has always had the sweetest little disposition. Very, very sweet for a dachshund. She doesn't love McHaney, but she tolerates her. A lot of times she runs from her and I get mad b/c McHaney loves her so much; she just wants to be near her. But, I guess I have to remember Mc took her place so she has a right I guess.

Anyway, Utah never really snaps at her or growls. I've known that's a rarity, but I didn't realize how lucky I was until yesterday. Last night Daren fed Utah and both of us turned our backs without knowing. Next thing I heard was McHaney sticking her hand in Utah's food bowl. I turn around and there she is stuffing dog food in her mouth! Aside from the fact that it is totally disgusting, I was in awe that Utah never even growled. She was just like, well kid you've gotten everything else, guess you can have my dinner too. We were so lucky. Any other dog would have bitten her face off. Whew! Thank goodness for our mild mannered pup!

An Eventful Day

Today was full of fun things and we didn't even plan on it! Church this morning, of course. But, Daren left his keys in his dad's car yesterday so we had to drive to Murfreesboro to meet them. Since we were there, we got to have lunch with Gimmy and PawPaw, so that was a special treat.

Then we came home, Mc took a short nap and I had to go show a property. While I was gone, she and her daddy decided to try out her new pool. Apparently she loved it. I'm sad I missed a first, but am sure she'll be just as excited next time. Then they when for a jog and she and doll baby got to look at all the trees and stuff, an old favorite!

When I got home we walked to Nan's and looked at the fish in the pond. Then top top off the evening, a trip to the park for our all time fave, swinging!

Yeah, it was a fun day for all. I love family days. They are the best!

Pony Party

McHaney was invited to a Pony Party for Libby Claire Thomas. Libby Claire was turning 3 and all of her friends were there having a good old time on little horses that looked one step away from the glue farm.

McHaney, on the other hand, was more concerned with the barn's local duck. He quacked at her, and Ava, and they quacked back. He wouldn't let us get close enough to take a picture with the girls, but you can see him below.

Unfortunately, my pics of Libby Claire were too blurry to post. As were the ones of Mc petting a pony. Fun party, even though we had to leave early. We took a cupcake to go and that was good enough for us!

For the Seester

Per Lauren's request I took a pic of McHaney last night to show off her tooth. It's a little goofy, but you get the idea!

Seester, this picture still doesn't do the enormity of the tooth justice. I took a few other cute ones last night, so I've posted them too! Love you!

Green is Good

A few weeks ago a lady came out and interviewed Dad and I about a project we've been working on in Franklin. The project is very special to me and today the article was published in the Williamson Herald. You can read it here.

It is a great story and makes us look good too! I was so excited b/c I've put a lot of work and effort into it. However, you should have seen my reaction when I opened the paper. You can't see it here on the internet version, but when I opened to the real estate section this morning I see an 8x10 picture of me a dad flanking the whole front of the paper. (See above) Of course, when we went for the interview I did think about having my pic taken. So, instead of looking all professional and businesslike, there I am in my belted peasant shirt, J Lo sunglasses (opted for those over the no-eye makeup I was wearing), and flip-flops. Lovely, classic Rachel. Yet, not what a builder who dips tobacco and shouts profanities probably wants to see coming at him on the work site. Oh well. To each his, or in this case, her own, I guess.

Maybe I've Gotten a Little Addicted?

So, Carrie is never allowed to go out of town again, unless she is traveling to a place she can blog. I know she's vacationing in Playa del Carmen, lounging on the beach, having a pina colada, and living it up. But, who cares about her. I'm in serious withdrawal. I like to read her blog each morning and everyday I go there, knowing there will not be a new post, but hoping for one anyway. (Maybe this is why Daren walks around the house pointing at me while I'm on the computer and saying "addicted!".) So, addicted or not, my friend Carrie brightens my day a little, as do all my blogging friends, when adding a new post. And, I want her to come home!

Here's a pic of that cake I told you about from Brooks' Party!

What is Wrong with People

Seriously? How do you get so far gone that you want to kill dozens of people? This thing at Virginia Tech is so sad. It is all that is on the news and I have to wonder what other people are teetering on the edge, wanting to do the same thing, and b/c of the media are being encouraged, almost tempted to follow through?

Don't get me wrong, I'm laying here watching it on the Today Show just like everyone else. And of course, I think the people who died do deserve to be recognized. It is just the repeated statement, "The largest gun attack in American History" that bothers me. Last night on Dateline, Brian Williams must have said that statement at least twice during every commercial break. Daren and I were getting sick. It was like he was tempting someone else to do something worse.

I always wondered if that is what happened with the Amish School shooting a couple of months ago. If you remember, someone else attacked a school a few weeks before, molested 6 little girls and killed one of them. The media made a huge deal out of it and then a few weeks later the same thing happened at the Amish school, but all of the girls were killed. So sad. And, I have to wonder if that guy was sitting at home being tempted to molest and murder little girls. Did seeing it on the news push him over the edge?

What do you guys think? Do you feel the same way? Why can't they just honor the dead and give the killer no attention? That's what he wanted, right? Why should someone who did something so awful be honored by getting his dying wish?

Wet Wipe Island

I hope you can see this. Last night Mc was watching her Vegetales video while I was cooking dinner. I heard it end and walked into the den. This is what I saw. McHaney surrounded by at least 100 wet wipes; more were being distributed with every little pull. She was so excited and having such a good time I couldn't get mad at her. So I just snapped a photo so you could all have a laugh!

Mimi's Birthday

Today was my mom's, "Mimi" as she refers to herself now, birthday. McHaney and I helped her celebrate today by going to lunch and for ice cream afterwards. A little shopping topped off the afternoon.

Happy Birthday Brooks!

I don't know if you remember or not, but a few weeks ago Mc was suppose to go to Brooks McInteer's 1st Birthday Party. Poor little Brooks, and his Mommy, had a stomach bug, thus the party had to be canceled. So, it was rescheduled for today at the park. But, then it rained. So, it was rescheduled for a different location.

I felt so bad for Heather, having to move it so many times. But, it ended up fine and the kids all seemed to have a great time! That's all that really matters. :)

Oh, and I do have to comment on the birthday cake Heather made. It was a multi-colored Baby Einstein Caterpillar and it was sooo cute. I wish I had taken a picture!

Here are a few snap shots of Mc at the party:

Playing with Lilly Holiday

Weeeee!!!
Tasting Blue Icing...
Liking Blue Icing!

Oh Well!

I don't see a very clear answer for the bow issue. I guess we'll wait a few weeks, let the hair get a little longer and try again! Look for another vote in the upcoming weeks!

To Bow or Not to Bow

Well, I just can't get used to a bow in McHaney's hair. I think it looks so cute on everybody else's kids, just not mine. Even little Mary Harbin, who is 2 months, had a big bow in for Easter. It looked precious. Ava's always looks cute. But, I can't get used to it on Mc. What do you think. Am i just being a silly mom not wanting my little girl to grow up or is she just not a bow girl? Please vote!!!

Corn on the Cob

Daren and I both like to cut our corn off the cob before we eat it. I've always done that; I don't like it to get stuck in my teeth. Now Daren does the same thing. I know that kind of defeats the purpose of corn "ON" the cob, but whatever.

Now we have a use for the cob. McHaney went crazy over it last night. I guess it feels good to her teeth where she is teething, but she would have chewed on it all night if we had let her!!!

Gold Medal Gymnast

Mc and I just returned from our first gymnastics class. To say that she loved it is an understatement. She giggled and clapped through the whole class. She was like an old pro. I'm not sure she'll learn any "gymnastics" from it, but it does work on her coordination and was great for her social skills. We got to take a class for free, but I think we might sign up for a few more to try it out. She loved it so much, it's worth the price to see her so excited!!!!

McHaney's 1st Easter

Yesterday we celebrated Easter. Daren woke me up with "He is Risen!" I responded, "He is Risen Indeed!" I like to wake up that way. :) Then we got Mc up to see her first Easter Basket. She actually unpacked it herself and loved everything in it. At least for about 2 minutes. I think the bubbles were her favorite.

We went to church, Mc went too; we didn't want to ruin anyone's Easter by putting her in the nursery. (Someone inevitably would have had to spend their whole day in the nursery tending to our screaming daughter who has severe separation anxiety.) She did really good in big church though.

Then to Daren's mom's for Easter lunch. We saw cousin Sadie and the whole gang. Mc got a see and say from Grammy and Pyran which she really liked. From there, home to take a nap.

We went to my parent's for dinner where Mc received a baby buggy full of goodies... yes, she is spoiled. It was a good Easter all around. I do have some video, but google seems to busy to post it now. So, check back later. I will try to get it up later today.

McHaney and Grandaddy reading a new book

The Easter Buggy at Mimi and Grandaddy's

Anna, Sadie, Me and Mc
I love this, look at Daren's face. He's like "Oh no... no no no."

A Sleepy Daddy
Pyran and McHaney
The boys with their girls (Daren's stepbrother Billy & daughter on left)