5 Years!

Our 5 year anniversary was this weekend... wow, 5 years, seems a lot longer :) Just kidding!

We celebrated by first going out to the new vineyard in Arrington. And, on a side not, I was pleasantly surprised. I expected it to be very touristy, music row if you will. (It is owned by Kix Brooks) It was very pretty though. Very nicely done. The tastings were free, and the wine was better than I expected. I think I was expecting Boone's Farm, but received low to mid level Napa whites instead (the reds left something to be desired, but I don't like red anyway!) I would definitely go back. You feel like you've gotten out of Nashville, if only for an hour or so. So, on my recommendation, go, taste the wine, buy a bottle of whatever you like and sip it on the covered porch. It's worth the drive to relax especially when the weather is as gorgeous as it has been this weekend!

Anyway, we went home, napped and headed out for a nice dinner at my favorite place in Nashville- Sperry's. We went old school to the Belle Meade location. We've been going to the Cool Springs store for the last several visits and decided in honor of our anniversary. we'd go to the spot we had visited so many times in the past. We were not disappointed! I had, probably, the best meal I've ever had.

The company was great, the food was great (btw, if you are ever there, they have a new dessert called sticky toffee, oh my gosh, seriously... you have to get it.) I have to say it was the best anniversary I can remember thus far!

Happy 5 year Babers!!! I love you more everyday! I'm so glad God made you for me!!!

Batgirl

Here are a few pics of Mc in her latest PJ ensemble. I had originally bought this fabric, online mind you, to make a little shift dress, but the bats were much smaller in person and not quite as cute as I thought. So, I made these instead. They turned out pretty cute though!

First Popsicle

Farm Girl

Here are a few pics of Mc playing in the dirt at Grammy's Farm. She loves it there... so much to do!

Heritage Ball

Last night, we went to the Heritage Ball in Franklin (thanks to my company!) It is the black tie ball for Williamson County. My parents were there, some business associates, and friends. We had a great time! It was our first time to go and we didn't know what to expect.

When we pulled up, there were valets and a red carpet... a little over the top don't you think? But, I was glad for the valets as I was in about 3 inch heels and they were parking the cars out in a huge field! We were greeted with champagne upon check in, and made our way through the cocktail reception to our table where we met up with the rest of the gang.

Our meal was great! I don't know how they cooked a fillet perfect for 850 people, but they managed to do it. There was a great band, and we danced the night away. In fact, Daren threw his knee out. Looks like he may have to sit out the next triathlon!

At midnight they served a full breakfast from Monells- country ham, bacon, fried chicken, biscuits, potato casserole, corn soufflé, baked apples- it was insane. We had just had a 3 course meal 3 hours before. But, I managed to stuff a few bites down!

We left shortly after breakfast. We were sure we had drank and eaten our share. Plus, we're parents now... we just can't hang like we used too!!!!

Amazed

I just need to get some thoughts out of my head, so don't feel obligated to read this... :)

I'm sure that all of you are aware of the Farley's situation. It seems to be posted on several blogs that I link to. They had a daughter this week and she is Trisomy-18 (T-18 babies don't live long after birth, many die during pregnancy).

I just wanted to comment on their faith and strength.

I do not know the Farley's at all, but have been drawn to their story mainly because, as some of you may remember, Mc had a few cysts on her brain that are an early sign of Trisomy-18. The doctor told me they weren't that uncommon and that they usually went away. (If they didn't we would worry.) They did go away, and we were blessed with a precious healthy baby.

That being said, as these last few months have progressed, I have occasionally checked their blog just to keep myself posted on their situation and remind myself how truly blessed I am. Each time I read, the blogs get more amazing.

Boothe, the mother, has a love for the Lord, and trust in him, that I can't remember ever seeing expressed so well. She is so strong and her faith amazes me. She amazes me.

The baby, Copeland, was born 3 days ago and is still hanging on. I can't imagine what they are going through, nor do I want to. They have faithfully blogged to keep everyone up to date. And they still continue to blow me away. I could never be as strong as they are. I don't think I would ever have the faith and peace that they do.

They seem to be unbelievable people and I just wanted to say thank you to them for being the type of parents we all strive to be. They are younger that me, yet I look up to them. Thank you Farley's for being so selfless, so full of love for a child you've known you'd have to give up from the start, and so full of love for the Lord that it makes my heart hurt every time I click on your link.

Peace in Him thru the next days, weeks and months to come.

Proud of The Babers

Today, Daren (and my Dad) participated in the Music City Triathlon. Mc, Mom and I went out to support them. (Note McHaney's shirt).

The parking was a nightmare and we had to walk a little over a mile to get to the finish line which we weren't expecting. We missed Dad b/c we were 30 minutes behind schedule. But, since Daren started so much later, we did get to see him finish... barely! He finished over 45 minutes faster than he thought he would!!!! I was so proud of him! His time was 2h 38m. I think he was in shock. Especially b/c he rides an older bike that isn't as fast as a lot of the new ones.

I do think a bike upgrade is in his near future. He's been riding his 1995 Cannondale for a few years, but now it's time to get serious.

Anyway, I was so excited for him, and I can't wait to see how he does at his sprint next month in Destin!

An Active Lifestyle

This week, Mc started Survival Swimming. It is pretty cool. We go everyday for 10 minutes Monday thru Friday for about 6 weeks. She's making great progress and I really like her instructor.

Gymnastics also started back a few weeks ago. Wow! Needless to say things are really busy these days! Here are a few pics of her swimming, having fun at gymnastics with her new friend Skylar, and one of her all pooped out on the way home from a busy day!

McHaney's First Nightgown

Here are pics of Mc in her first "big girl" night gown. She was smiling at herself in the mirror while she brushed her teeth and I told her what a big girl she was. She was so proud!

Go Titans!

Well, football season has officially started! I know, I know, it started last weekend, but we didn't pull out our cheer leading uniform until THIS weekend, so for the ladies in the Phillips' household, it was today. Isn't it cute? I bought it last year for her at a consignment sale. (She's showing me where her head is in that top picture. She points to it and says "HEED", like Mike Myers in I Married an Axe Murderer.)

On another note, here's Utah's latest outfit; It was too classic to pass up!


There is also another video posted. I don't know if any of you received "Cookie's Week" from Books from Birth, but it is one of Mc's favorites. In the video, she is telling Cookie what a bad cat she is.

Seester's Weekend Part 2

Sunday after church, and Mc's newest version of a nap, (25 minutes... seriously, she's sleeping 25 minutes a day for me right now. But, that's another blog.) we went over to Mom and Dad's so Mc could swim and the rest of the family showed up around 5:30 for dinner. Everyone was so excited to see Lauren and it was good to visit with everybody.

Monday morning, we met at Bread and Company and had breakfast before they left town. I was so sad to see both of them go. I really wish they lived closer.

Soon, very soon, I know. But still. If I could just see them whenever I wanted to, I'd be much happier!

Family Time Sunday Night

Swimming with Uncle Murdock (L&A- is it dock or doch?) and Grandaddy

Twin Surfers... kindof

Seester's Weekend Part 1

My sister came in this weekend from Cali and it was sooo good to see her. It was such a sweet time with her. Now that Mc is older, they were able to play and really spend QT together. Mc was even saying Lala by the end of the weekend. (I'm pretty sure a little yellow Teletubbie contributed to the ease in Lauren's name) Anyway, I think I'll blog this in two parts, at least. there are alot of pics I want to post. So, here goes!

They came in town Wednesday night and spent Thursday and Friday with Andrew's family. Although, Mc and I managed to see Lauren both days. Then, Saturday morning, I had a brunch at our house and several of Lauren's friends drove in for it. Several from Birmingham, one from Macon, and one from Louisville. It was great for them to all get to see each other. The last time Lauren was able to spend time with most of them was a year ago.

After the brunch Andrew, mom and dad came over and we all just layed around and watched football all day. We made nachos and hung out until Mc went to bed. Then, Lauren and I went and met several of her friends out. It wasn't a late night, but it was fun. We went to a dueling piano bar downtown. Quite a fun place if you like to sing at the top of your lungs and not have anyone hear you!!! (Just my style!) More to come tomorrow...

Here are a few pics from Saturday:

The Brunch

McHaney and Kati'e's little Annabelle
Hanging out Saturday

Playing with Uncle "Murdock"

Out on Saturday Night