The Gormans

Week 49

2011-03-01T15:52:00.002-06:00

My little Hayden is on her way to becoming a toddler! She has started to walk back and forth to people so well. She has even let go a few times on her own and just taken off. She is so proud of herself that when she stops or someone catches her she smiles and claps, while looking at you waiting for you to say "Yeah Hayden!" She has also stated "talking" on the phone. She pick up my cell phone and will hold it to her ear and say "Hi ya!" It is too sweet.

Shelby had a fun weekend as well. After having dinner with the Purvis', we went to Mimi and Papa's house and Shelby was luck enough to spend the night. It took a lot of our twisting on our part, yeah right.

I also hit the dirty thirty this week on the 22nd. It was a hard birthday for me, I hated to see my 20's go, but if my 30's are as good to me as my 20's were it will be just fine. Chad did it up good for me, and got a cake and everything. We celebrated by having dinner with family and a few friends at BJ's Brew house. I think a good time was had by all.

Week 48

2011-03-01T15:42:00.002-06:00

Oh what a busy week we have had. I feel like things are never ending. I had to work more this week to make up for our "Snow Day". I cannot imagine how hard it is to work full time and deal with 2 kids at home. I feel so blessed to be able to have so much time off with them. They grow WAY too quickly.

My little Hayden started saying "Uh oh" this week and also learned to sign puppy. She throws everything down and of course says "uh oh". When she signs puppy by patting her leg she also tries to call them now by makeing the kiss sound like I do. She is such a sweet smart girl.

Week 47

2011-03-01T15:33:00.003-06:00

Another fun week with my girls! Some wonderful person, put the training wheels back on Shelby's bicycle recently and she is loving it. She rides and rides and would do it all day if she could. I think we fulfilled a dream of Chad's this past weekend as we all went on our first family bike ride. I rode a bike, Chad rode his bike pulling Hayden in the bike trailer, and Shelby rode her bicycle. We made the 2 mile loop around our neighborhood. I was so impressed and proud of her for it. I see many more family rides in our future.

Shelby started dancee class this week and is loving it. She is in love with the ballerina "Ms. Stacy" that teaches her class along with Ms. Jessica and Ms. Becky. She now always dancing around showing off all her new moves.

Hayden got to experience her first Valentines Day this past week. She was a lucky girl. Both of the girls got candy and a special surprise from Chad and I. Chad also was extra sweet sending me roses to work and bringing the girls both a bouquet of tulips. He is so good to us girls.

Week 46

2011-03-01T15:21:00.001-06:00

So a huge freeze hit Southeast Texas this week, which caused all local school districts to cancel classes giving me Friday off! I had a nice little Winter break and was off for 6 days in a row due to the way our "Snow Day" fell with my schedule. They forcasted 3-4 inches of snow, but sadly it never came. There was ice every where with the temps dipping into the teens. It even caused the major roadways in Houston to be shut down causing Chad's company to shut down and give him the day off. It also caused Shelby's first dance class to be cancelled. She was kind of bummed but did enjoy breaking off the icicles from her swings and toys outside.

I had a meeting with my Pricipal this past week as well. I love that she allows me to be part time and is planning on it staying that way next year. She did tell me that I may have to possibly prepare to be full time next year though, as the state does major budget cuts. She said she will let me know ASAP when she hears something, but please pray that I do not have to. I love my job, but I also love having time with my girls.

Week 45

2011-03-01T15:15:00.002-06:00

We had another fun week together of just relaxing and spending time together, until the weekend. My poor little Hayden started running a fever of up to a 104. So after a cool bath, rounds of Tylenol and Motrin she seemed to feel a little better. Poor Mimi took her to the Pediatrician on Monday and after 2 trips to her office and a few tests run they decided it was just a virus. Ugh!

Shelby has decided to stop doing gymnastics and to take dance class instead. This past Monday was her last day at Flips and will soon be starting ballet and tap class. She is so excited to be a "ballerina".

Week 44

2011-03-01T15:12:00.002-06:00

It has just been another fun week with our girls. It is really starting to get the coldest it has been all year so far so we have just spent a lot of time hanging out in the house playing games, watching movies, and playing tea party, etc.

Week 43

2011-03-01T15:03:00.003-06:00

Another week has past and another exciting post is needed. Chad got to keep the girls this past Friday as he was off from work while I had a day of staff development, woo hoo. As soon as I got home we all headed over to College Station to visit the McDaniel side and have Christmas, yes in the middle of January, with Grandma Sandy. The girls enjoyed playing with Pawpaw, the boys, Nana, and Grandma Sandy. After that we had a nice weekend at home as a family and then I was off on Monday. We attended a birthday party at Pump It Up, where the girls and myself enjoyed the afternoon climbing, sliding, and jumping the afternoon away. Hayden and Shelby both love the huge bouncy slides. Hayden has hit another new milestone this week. She takes a few step on her own but only while she is diving for someone or something. When she does take steps it is only one or two, but at least it is something.

Week 42

2011-03-01T14:56:00.002-06:00

My girls are getting so big. I can't help but love them more and more each day. Shelby is so full of love for her little sister that it just warms my heart to see them play together and hear them giggle in the back seat as we go along. Hayden's little personality is coming out more and more each week. This week she started doing "Crazy Girl". That is known in the Gorman family as shaking your head back and forth really fast, like they are saying no, but smiling while they do it. So now whenever someone says "Crazy girl, crazy girl." Hayden just starts shaking her head. She loves the attention from it. She also learned to point at things this week and give kisses. To give kisses Hayden just makes the kiss sound by sucking together her lips. She just crawls around making the kiss sound all day. It is the cutest thing.

Week 41

2011-01-05T15:17:00.002-06:00

I was sad this week as my Christmas break was quickly coming to an end. I took Hayden in on Thursday for her 9 month well check. This girl is growing like a weed! She is now weighing in at 19 lbs. (50%) and is 30 1/2 in. tall putting her off of the charts for her heighth. I have a feeling I'm gonna have another tall skinny girl on my hands. Hayden also finally said Dada for the first time this week. It was so cute. Chad was locked up in our room sick and Hayden would crawl over to the door and get on her knees and just keep banging on it. She was determined that she was going to see her Dada and when I finally let her peek in she got so excited. It was too sweet.

Shelby got to go to Nana's new house and spend the night for the firt time. We met half way on Saturday in the early afternoon and then Mom brought her and Drew home on Sunday evening. She stayed with the girls and Drew Monday while I was at work. Shelby had so much fun she was sad to see Drew go.

Week 40

2011-01-05T14:46:00.003-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

We had too much fun this past week. My girls are so spoiled and loved. We started off the week by having a get together at the Locklears house where Hayden got to meet all of the Oxley girls for the first time. That was fun getting to visit and catch up with them. We then spent the night at Mimi and Popa's house and went to Great Grandma's house the next day, Christmas Eve. We stayed there and visited for a while and then later that afternoon went back to Mimi and Popa's house for the Gorman family Christmas. There was paper flying everywhere! It seemed as though all the grandkids had too much fun and Mimi went all out this year. Chad and I hung out there for a while and then headed home to our house so Shelby and I could make cookies for Santa and set out food for the reindeer. She was too precious this year and was so excited about Santa coming down her chimney. She constantly sang Rudloph the Red Nose Reindeer at the top of her lungs, so much so, I made it my ring tone on my phone. The next morning we had a blast as a family. Chad and I were up before the girls to set up the camera and then once Shelby got up we let her wake Hayden up. Shelby was SO excited to get a Dora Surprises Doll House from Santa and Hayden loved her Alphabet Train from him as well. After the girls opened up their presents they spent the rest of the day playing and playing and playing. The next day the McDaniel family came over and had lunch as well as another Christmas celebration. the girls once again got too much stuff and loved every minute of it. I loved watching them every minute of it as well. We are so very blessed.

Week 39

2011-01-05T14:38:00.003-06:00

Hayden hit one of her biggest milestones this past week, she started crawling! As the days go on she gets better and better at it and faster an faster. She is such a cutie and I cannot believe she is mobile now. Not only does she crawl but she pulls herself up on everything she can and even walks along the coffee tables and couches as she goes along.

shelby participated in her school Christmas show this past week and sang her little heart along with all of the hand motions. We then got to go back to her class and have a little Christmas party with her friends. She then accompanied me to school and spent the rest of the day there being my shadow.

Shelby and I had some what of a rough start to the next week as we had a virus and I was up with her most of the night on Tuesday because she could not keep anything down. It seems to be going around because I have heard from multiple people that they have the same thing. I feel so bad for her when you can't do anything to make her feel better. It was not the way I wanted to spend the start of my Christmas break.

Week 38

2011-01-05T14:32:00.002-06:00

What a fun and crazy cold week we had. On Friday Mike and Deloris came by and picked Shelby up to take her camping with them and Josh and Angie that night in Palestine. We drove up the next afternoon with Hayden and spent the cold night around the campfire. The next day the girls played around the campground and later that evening we went on "The Polar Express". It is an old train in Palestine where they played up the movie and served us cake and cookies along with hot chocolate on our way to the "North Pole". It was cute, they read the book and even did some dancing to the songs. Once we reached the "North Pole", Santa got on and gave everyone a jingle bell. Shelby was beside herself and had too much fun on the train in the 30 degree weather. Shelby rang her jungle bell from the sleigh the whole 3 hour ride home.

Week 37

2011-01-05T14:17:00.002-06:00

Another week another post. The girls and I had to get back into our routine after being off for a week. It was not fun. Chad was off Friday though and got to spend some quality time with the girls. Then on Sunday afternoon all the Gorman Grandkids stayed with Mimi and Popa and Chad, myself, Josh, Angie, Bryan and Paola all went to see Transiberian Orchestra at the Toyota Center. It was fun to get out without any of our kids and the concert was quite an experience. We then went back to Josh and Angie's where Deloris had made us all dinner. We then got a big surprise that Bryan and Paola are expecting! We will have another Gorman niece or nephew around the 4th of July. We are so excited and happy for them.

week 36

2011-01-05T14:05:00.002-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We had a great couple of Thanksgivings this year. We first went to Mike and Deloris' house where we had a lovely meal of Lasagna, ham, and turkey. It was all really good, especially the lasagna since I am not much of a turkey eater. We then packed up and headed to Retti's house for the McDaniel Thanksgiving. We had dessert there which was really good and then spent the rest of the day planning my all night shopping extravaganza. We took my cousin Ana home with us, and after the girls went to bed we met my friend Melissa and sister in law Angie outside of Toys R Us. We had a good time shopping all night and got a lot of great deals for Christmas presents while Chad stayed home with the girls. I ended up crawling into bed at about 7 am after leaving at 8 the night before.

My little Hayden reached yet another milestone this week and she started clapping. It is so sweet to have us say "Yeah Hayden" and she will start clapping. You can't help but love her.

Week 35

2011-01-05T12:51:00.002-06:00

My baby girl has a bigger reason to smile! She got her first tooth this week and then my niece, Callie, stuck her finger in to feel it and found another one a few days later. So, she now has two too cute bottom teeth.

We went to my Mom's house again this past weekend so that we could see Gran Gran before she left to go back home. We had a "Christmas Decorating Party". It really turned out after 20 minutes of Drew and Shelby decorating the tree and 3 broken glass balls later they quit and went and made cookies. It was a fun to see all the McDaniel kiddos play together. I also got out for Thanksgiving break this week. I am so grateful to have the whole week to spend with my girls.

Week 34

2011-01-05T12:43:00.002-06:00

This was a pretty easy going and realxing week. The girls kept me going this week as always on my days off and on the days I work.

Hayden's friend Aubry loaned us her old Jeep walker this week. She has too much fun in the thing. She is all over the house in it and got the concept to make it roll where ever she want to almost right away. Her little busy wondering hands now get her into a lot more trouble because she is constantly unplugging things or pulling the laundry I fold on the table down or things off of the refrigerator down. It's a good thing she is such a cute sweet girl.

Week 33

2011-01-05T12:31:00.002-06:00

Time continues to fly by. The girls are doing great and growing too quickly as I say all the time, where did the time go?

This past weekend we relaxed at home together after a crazy past few weeks and then went to Pasadena for the Annual South Main Baptist Church Thanksgiving luncheon. All the Gorman grand kids made it and so we got to spend lots of time together and allow Mike and Deloris to show them all off.

Hayden hit a few more milestones this week. She began rolling everywhere to get around. I think she may never crawl because she is getting so good at just rolling around everywhere. Se also started waving "bye bye" to everyone, and I think she may just be a left hander.

Week 32

2011-01-05T11:26:00.003-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We had so much fun this Halloween. The girls looked adorable Shelby dressed up as Jessie from "Toy Story" and played the part very well. Hayden was her trusty horse Bullseye from "Toy Story" as well.

The Friday before Halloween I met up with a friend of mine and her kids. Her son was "Woody" and her daughter was "Cinderella". We went trick or treating at a shopping center in The Woodlands and the kids got all types of good candy. We then went trick or treating again on Halloween and had a good time with all the Gorman crew plus my Mom and Gran Gran. Great fun was had by all and the kids were all on a sugar high for days.

Hayden also began to sign this past week. She has really gotten good at signing "more". She lets us kow when she wants more food which is pretty regularly since she is loving food.

Week 31

2011-01-05T11:18:00.002-06:00

Another crazy week has come and gone and my girls are growing faster and faster each day. This past Friday my Mom picked the girls and I up after work and we traveled with her to Hobby airport to pick up Gran Gran for her month stay. Her and Hayden finally go to meet. We all then drove to College Station together that night where the girls and I spent the weekend. Kelli and I decided to go have the kiddos pictures made all together for Mom and on the way there I ended up getting in an accident in my Mom's car with the girls. I "cracked Nana's car" as Shelby says. Everyone was fine except for Mom's car and a few seatbelt burns on my chest from the impact. Believe it or not the girls were still on happy moods so we went ahead and had their pictures made. They turned out so cute. I got great christmas card pictures.

Week 30

2010-10-19T21:11:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness, I cannot believe my baby is seven months old! She is the sweetest thing and such a happy girl. We are so blessed.

We had another crazy week with the girls. Shelby finally got over her virus on Thursday and started to get back to her old self. On Friday she started Soccer Camp that went on till Sunday afternoon. She was so excited to play soccer and her Daddy and I were just as excited to see her play. She is not the worlds best soccer player, but had a lot of fun and learned a lot about soccer and team work. After practice on Saturday we jumped in the car and headed to Friendswood for Jillian Ricketson's 1st birthday party. After that we went to the Locklears for a McLoxley get together. Shelby then had her first official soccer game that Sunday afternoon, and it was hilarious to say the least. Shelby made sure Chad and I, along with all of her Grandparents, were constantly cheering for her and she even would take the time to wave at us all. :)

My poor Hayden had her Ear Tube surgery this week. I felt so bad she didn't know what was coming. She did well through it all and woke up really fast afterwards. She just cried for a few hours afterwards which we knew was coming because that is a side effect of the anesthesia. Other than that she did great and hopefully we will not have any more ear issues.

Week 29

2010-10-14T16:22:00.003-05:00

My poor girls. On Thursday I took Hayden to the ENT for her to have her ears checked out. She has had 4 infections in her short little life already and when her ears were both infected at her 6 month well check appt. the Pediatrician recommended that we visit him. Even after a 10 day round of antibiotics they were still both infected and with the family history of ear issues, he scheduled her for surgery to have tubes put in. That evening the Koller kiddos came over for a while that evening and we had a good time playing. Then on Friday night Shelby started running a fever and ran a fever until Wednesday and was also covered in a red rash. My poor baby had to miss Callie's birthday party and she told me, "But Callie is my Best Friend." It was so sweet and sad. Hayden and I went to the party to represent our piece of the family and made sure we brought her home the goodie bag which was a Beta fish she named Rover. I took her to the doctor on Monday and we were told she had a virus that caused the rash along with an ear infection and a sinus infection. Chad took off on Tuesday and stayed home with the girls in hope that Shelby will fell better soon.

Week 28

2010-10-14T14:39:00.004-05:00

So this was a fun week because as a family we did the Houston Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure 5k. We joined the Sara Strong Team in memory of Angie's sister, Sara Sullivan, and other family members that have fought the fight against breast cancer. It was a lot of fun and it felt good to help raise money for such a wonderful cause. Both girls had a lot of fun and looked cute doing it.

After the race we went to Ansley and Callie's soccer game. Chad and Popa along with Callie and Shelby ended up on an empty field working on the girls soccer skills. Shelby had a lot of fun and looked cute doing it.

We also celebrated cousin Callie's birthday! Our Callie girl turned 4 and we celebrated by going to Lupe Tortillas. The kids all had a lot of fun playing together and helping Callie celebrate.

Week 27

2010-10-14T13:32:00.003-05:00

Another week, another adventure for us. Hayden turned 6 months old last week, I cannot believe it. So, on Thursday I took her to the Dr. for her well check appointment. She now weighs 17 lbs. 8 oz. and is 28 inches long. She is in the 75% for her weight and the 95% for her height. She is growing like a weed. She is now even sitting up in grocery carts all by herself instead of just in the carrier that she is SO heavy in.

Shelby had a lot of fun in school this week like always but especially this week because they had a foam party. Angie took pictures for me and said she wasn't too into it. The funny thing is that after I picked her up that day that is all she talked about. We also had a "Nacho Movie Night" with all of the Gorman kiddos this week. They sat at side and had nachos for dinner while we watched the new Tinkerbell movie. They had a lot of fun and were so cute. On Saturday we had Ava's birthday party and the girls played and played for hours on the waterslides and pools with a bunch of little friends.

Week 26

2010-10-14T11:32:00.007-05:00

We have a had a really busy fun week. Chad worked late one night this week and while the girls and I were at home hanging out Shelby started to play with Hayden. She was acting like she was falling off a stool and when she would fall Hayden would laugh and laugh. They are too cute together and Shelby loves playing with Hayden.

Callie came over on Friday and hung out with us. We went to Pump It Up and enjoyed ourselves. Callie and Shelby play so well together sometimes and laughed and played while Hayden and I watched.

This past weekend Mimi and Popa had gone camping right outside of Huntsville, so we went up and spent the day swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Shelby even had her first motorcycle ride on Popa's motorcycle around the campground. Shelby then stayed the night with her Grandparents while Hayden got to hang out with Chad and I.

Nana came on Monday and kept the girls while I worked, and then we all went to Deer Park on Tuesday. We visited with Mom's friends and then went and visited little Wesley Locklear. After that we headed on over to Casa Ole and had lunch followed by shopping with Nana.

Week 25

2010-10-14T11:16:00.002-05:00

This was, thank goodness, not too crazy of a week. We cleaned out most of our junk and had a garage sale at my friend Melissa's house. Shelby was so excited because I told her the more toys she sold the more money she would make. She has been begging for a big Buzz Lightyear toy so we said she could use her money from the garage sale to buy it. She was beyond excited to get her "Big Buzz".

Week 24

2010-10-14T10:41:00.003-05:00

They both look like they are up to no good in this picture.

Happy Birthday to Uncle Josh this week. The whole Gorman clan went to celebrate at Lupe Tortillas. My little Hayden is growing up too quick and is now sitting up in a high chair all by herself. She is still getting use to eating baby food and is still not a fan at all. We also spent Labor Day weekend in Austin with the McDaniel group including Grandma Sandy. We enjoyed good food and good company and did a lot of hard work trying to help Grandma Sandy get her rent house on the market.

Hayden has become very flexible over the last week and I had to stop painting her toe nails. She has a new obsession with trying to suck on her toes. I know, gross! We also tried Hayden for the first time on a sippy cup. She didn't care for it too much.

Week 23

2010-08-31T13:00:00.005-05:00

We are getting back into the swing of things around here. Shelby had "Meet the Teacher" and started back to school this week. She loves her school and even though she gives me grief about going she walked right in and said "Bye Mom". Which it was such a relief compared to last year when she just cried and cried and I cried and cried. Chad and I were both off on Friday so we took advantage of our time as a family and went to Bayou Wildlife Park. We were the only ones there and got to feed and pet all the different animals. Shelby loved the tram ride and fed Zonkeys, Ostriches, Camels, Deer, Emus, Antelope, Four Horned Sheep, Horses and so on. Then we enjoyed a weekend working around the house and playing with the girls. Hayen is even sitting so well these day she got to take her first wagon ride, buckled in of course.

Week 22

2010-08-31T12:49:00.002-05:00

I'm exhausted this week. I had to go back to work this past week and it wiped me out. I missed the girls so much this week. While I worked the girls hung out with Ishie, Mimi, Nana, and Daddy. Then on Saturday we went to Baby Aubry's first birthday party. The girls had a lot of fun and Shelby and Chad went swimming while Hayden napped at Mimi and Popa's and I got my hair done. Later that day we went to visit with Nanny where Hayden surprised us all. She stayed sitting up for a long time all by herself. She was so proud she just sat there and talked and blew bubbles like always. She is growing up way too fast for me.

Week 21

2010-08-31T12:29:00.003-05:00

Summer is coming to an end and I am so bummed. I have loved having all of this time off with my girls. I spent my last few days hanging out with all the Gorman girls. We even took, Josh and Chad with us to see "Storytime Live", featuring Dora, The Backyardigans, The Wonder Pets, and Kai Lan. They had so much fun and danced and sang along all the way through. Chad and Josh, not so much. I'm gonna miss my lazy days of summer.

Hayden is also getting to eat some fruits now, and loves Bananas and Peaches. She doesn't spit them at me, Woo hoo!

Week 20

2010-08-31T11:34:00.006-05:00

We were still in Florida for the first half of this week. We got to go on a glass bottom boat ride, but the bummer was it was raining and too dark to see out the bottom, but we still had fun. We got to see dolphins swimming next to the boat, how they caught crab and Shelby got to touch it. She also got to hold a little fish they caught and drove the boat. The next night we went down to the boardwalk marina area that was full of restaurants and shops. We ate at a place called The Crazy Lobster, amazing, did some shopping, watched fireworks, and then the girls got to watch a cartoon they were playing on a big screen while they ate their ice cream. After the cartoon was over the girls got to get up on the stage and dance and play. Shelby even got a standing ovation from other people there and she took a bow. We headed home the next day, but not without a souvenir named Dumbo, our new hermit crab. The ride home was not too bad, could have been better, but we did it in one day and we were glad to be home.

While we were gone a lot happened. Hayden figured out she just does not like to lay back at all, so we tried in her in the Johnny Jump Up and she loves it. She loves to sit in the doorway of the pantry and talk and jump as I make dinner. It's super cute. We also started her eating baby food this week. She is not a huge fan of the veggies at all.

The Locklear family also welcomed Baby Wesley into the world while we were gone, so the girls and I decided to head down to Deer Park to meet him. He was so little and cute and Shelby enjoyed playing with Sofie while we were there. After leaving there we had a girls lunch and I took Shelby to have her first snow cone.

Week 19

2010-08-31T10:30:00.004-05:00

So time has flown by once again, and so does another week. We went to Florida this week and we were all so excited. The whole Gorman clan loaded up and we all drove to Florida and went camping on the beach for a week. The drive should have taken 10 hours, but going and pulling 2 campers and with 4 little girls we did it over two days and it took us 14 hours of driving time. We had so much fun playing on the beach in Destin. The water, past the seaweed by the shore, was gorgeous. It was as blue as the Carribean. The girls loved playing in the white sand as well and we built all kinds of sand castles and buried each other in the sand. We went to Fuddpuckers resteraunt while we we were there and got to eat some awesome seafood, and feed live alligators. We lowered a pole with a piece of food on it in front of the alligators and they kept snapping it off. The girls even got to play in the mud across from the campsite one day. It started off as just sand but then they got a hold of the water hose, need I say more.

Week 18

2010-07-27T13:05:00.006-05:00

Another week of our summer vacation has flown by, and with it another birthday party. Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew Grant who turned two this past week. We had a lot of fun with everyone at his party.

The girls and I have been doing as lot of summer cleaning. With my friend Melissa we moved furniture and I steam cleaned all of my carpets. Then Shelby and I went through all of her toys and I reorganized her play room. It is like all new toys for her. She will disappear in there for hours playing. Shelby also visited the ENT again because she is suffering with ear infections still as well. She has lost one tube and the other is is on the verge of falling out, so we are just playing the waiting game. Hayden is still happy as always and we are preparing to go on our Gorman family vacation to Destin, Florida next week. The scary thing is yes, we are driving. I see our ten our trip taking at least 15-20. Good times!

Week 17

2010-07-27T12:24:00.004-05:00

My baby turned 4 months old this week. I am amazed at how time has just flown by. Hayden had her baby well visit and she is now weighing in at 15 lbs. 4 oz. (75-90%) and is 26 inches long (95%). She is definitely a big girl. She has another ear infection, poor baby and has been put on another antibiotic. I hope she kicks it soon. She is still quite a happy girl and just smiles and talks to us so much. She is such a joy to have in our family.

We took the opportunity this past weekend to drive up to Austin and visit Grandma Sandy. It was our first longer car ride since Hayden was born and all I can say is it took us 5 hours to drive what normally only takes us 3 and a half. The weekend was a lot of fun we hung out with family, swam, and relaxed all weekend. It was what we needed.

Week 16

2010-07-27T11:09:00.004-05:00

Why are the summers so busy? I think all of Shelby's little friends were born during the summer. We have had 2 birthday parties for 3 little kiddos. On Friday the girls and I loaded up and headed to Deer Park for Sofie and Ty Locklear's birthday party. Shelby had a good old time jumping and playing in the games. After that we joined Nana and Aunt Kelli at Incredible Pizza for dinner. The kids played once again and wore themselves out. The next day we had our neighbor Ryan's birthday party. Ansley and Callie joined us for the party and fun was had by all. Ansley and Callie then came home with us and the girls had their first slumber party with Shelby at our house. The rest of the Gorman fam came over the next day and all the kiddos played outside in the sprinkler. On Monday we were going to pick blueberries with Nana, Aunt Kelli and the boys, but the place was closed so we went and hung out in College Station for the day.

Hayden is getting really good about trying to lift her head up as if she were going to do a sit up. I have decided that she has started teething. She drools on everything and makes such a mess and everything you give her she puts straight in her mouth. We gave her toys for the first time this week and she loves them. She plays and plays.

Week 15

2010-07-21T16:17:00.006-05:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

It was another fun crazy week here at the Gorman house. We got to spend some much needed family time. Chad was off Friday through Monday and enjoyed some much needed rest with us girls. We celebrated the Fourth of July with family, friends, fun, and good food. We spent the morning with Chad and Shelby in the neighborhood bicycle parade. They looked too cute. I decorated Chad's bike, at least what he would let me, and Shelby's bike trailer. She got dressed all patriotic with her fancy star glasses and star dress and just waved at everyone including Hayden and I as they passed by following the fire truck on the parade route. We then headed over to Uncle Josh and Ishie's house where the girls and Grant played on a water slide in the backyard most of the day. Later that night everyone headed over to watch The Woodlands fireworks display. Fun was had by all and even Hayden really enjoyed the show. This year was the first year Shelby actually sat outside of the car to watch them. She was either sitting in our laps or sitting in her chair holding Uncle Josh's hand. It was sweet. After that we headed back to Josh and Angie's where we popped a few fireworks ourselves before heading home. It was a great holiday.

Week 14

2010-07-01T12:14:00.008-05:00

Well as if last week wasn't crazy enough for us, we had another crazy week. This week we celebrated mine and Chad's 4th wedding anniversary, Chad's birthday, and Shelby's 3rd birthday, plus another wedding. For our anniversary we attended Chad's cousin Lindsey's rehearsal dinner in Crosby. Chad was an usher in the wedding. The next day we celebrated Chad's birthday by taking him out to Olive Garden and then going home and having him help us make cupcakes for Shelby's party. What a trooper. On Saturday my sweet girl turned 3! I cannot believe how the years have flow by. She has become such a beautiful little girl. We celebrated by having a princess party at "Pump It Up". We got a room all to ourselves with four different big moonwalks in it. Fun was had by all and then off we went to rest for a little while and then head off to the wedding. Shelby had a blast at the wedding. She and her cousin Ansley danced the night away till 1 am. We were all exhausted after that and tried to recoup on Sunday by letting Shelby finally open her presents. Shelby went for her 3 year check up this week as well. She is growing and now weighs 30 lbs. and is 37 inches tall.

Hayden is growing up quickly as well. She started to lift up her head this week, like she is trying to do sit ups. She is very helpful when I go to take her clothes off and on. :)

Week 13

2010-07-01T11:15:00.006-05:00

Wow, this past week was a crazy one. I'm exhausted just thinking about it all again. On Friday the girls and I packed up and headed off to Deer Park for the night. We got together with the Locklear's, Nana and Pawpaw. Shelby had a really good time getting to play with Ty and Sofie. Hayden got to meet J.T. and spend some quality time with everyone else. After spending the night at Mimi and Popa's house we headed off to Retti's house with my parents to meet up with the Ridder family. They had not met Hayden yet and had not seen Shelby in over a year. After visiting with them we headed off to Mickey and Carols house for Retti's 80th birthday celebration. I then left the kids with Nana and drove home to Spring. I met up with Chad at home where he was getting ready for our friends, Matt and Jennifer's wedding. He was the best man in the wedding an had spent the weekend at rehearsal dinners and chasing Matt around so he sadly was not with us for most of the weekend. The wedding was beautiful and a success. Chad and I had a great time, and Chad made a really nice speech. After getting home at 230am Chad and I got up the next morning and headed back to Deer park to meet up with my Mom, Dad and the girls. What a way to spend Father's Day for Chad. :) Then we hopped back in the car and drove back to Mickey and Carol's house to visit with Grandma Sandy. She finally got to meet Hayden, and Hayden loved being hugged and kissed on again. We stayed for a while and visited and then headed home to collapse. On Tuesday we headed off for Hayden's first and Shelby's second Astros game. We went with the McDaniels, Marchbanks, Ridders, and Grandma Sandy. Fun was had by all and Katie and Chris came home with us and spent the night. What a crazy week.

Besides all the running we did Hayden has been working out. She has gotten really good about using her legs to hold herself up. She as also stared this thing where she will rest her legs upwards on her bouncer. It is very unlady like but very cute, She also just talks and talks now. I have a feeling my house will never be quiet again. She also has a new trick of blowing bubbles. It is really cute but she just makes such a mess.

Week 12

2010-06-21T11:35:00.003-05:00

We continue to stay busy this summer, that's the reason I am a little behind on my posts. We are finishing up swim lessons & continue with gymnastics during the week. I am loving getting to be the full time stay at home Mom for the summer. My girls keep me busy, but I love it.

We attended the annual summer pool party at the Reddell's home. It was also a baby shower for their future grandson. Shelby enjoyed the pool and swam for about 5 hours straight and loved it. She was asleep before we even got out of their neighborhood she was so tired afterwards. Hayden just chilled poolside with her Mimi and Daddy throughout the afternoon. She does really like the water. We have been hanging out at the pool and the girls are really enjoying the water.

Hayden is growing so fast and is so strong that we got out the exersaucer and the Bumbo chair down out of the attic. She does really well and looks so big in them. It makes me sad to see how fast she is growing.

Week 11

2010-06-17T14:55:00.002-05:00

School's out for summer!!!! I am so glad that this school year has come to an end. It was a wild one and I am ready to spend all my time with my family.

We got to see the Locklears for the first time in ages and many former Burke Road Church members. Sadly it was at a funeral, but it was still good too see familiar faces that had not met Hayden yet. Please do keep the Dyson family in your prayers as Toni lost her husband and their 3 boys lost their Dad on June 6 at the young age of 38.

The girls are doing awesome these days. Shelby started her summer "Flips" gymnastics class and swim lessons this past week. She is loving them both and loves to glide all over the pool with her kick board. She hasn't quite figured out how to swim but is just learning the basic kicking and getting comfortable in the water without me having to be right in front of her the entire time. Hayden continues to grow like a weed. She is pushing up with her legs so well and really getting good control of her head. She also enjoys having her sister sing the song "Soul Sister" to her regularly. My girls are too cute.

Week 10

2010-06-09T17:16:00.004-05:00

WOW! I cannot believe it has been 10 weeks since Miss Hayden joined our family. It seems like she has always been here. She is doing awesome with her little bobble head and has even started pushing herself up with her leg. She is so strong. Hayden is also definitely a Gorman, she is starting to coo and "talk" so much more these days. I don't think my house will ever be quiet again. Hayden officially went camping for the first time this past weekend. We went to Jellystone Park in Waller with the Gorman & Haselbarth crews. Fun was had by all, especially Shelby who got to swim and play on the water slide all day. Hayden even got to go swimming for the first time. She loved it of course and I'm sure she will be a little fish just like her sister.

Week 9

2010-05-31T17:18:00.005-05:00

Another fun week has come and gone. Hayden and Shelby continue to keep me on my toes as always, but I would not ask for anything less. Hayden is doing very well at holding her head up these days, as well as cooing and smiling so much. She is a very active baby and kicks and kicks her legs so much that she even scoots herself off of her play mat sometimes. Shelby continues in her role as the loving big sister. She loves to give Hayden kisses, and give her sissy her paci, and be the designated diaper thrower awayer. I do not mind sharing that job with her. Chad had a Bachelor Party this past weekend, so instead of sitting at home the Girls and I packed up and traveled with Nana and Drew back to Carlos/College Station to visit with my family. We saw Nana and Pawpaw's new house and ran around with Aunt Kelli. Shelby also got to go to Lowe's and build a catapult with her boy cousins. We had a fun and crazy weekend that also included a little sprinkler and pool action in the backyard for Shelby and Garrett at Kelli and Trey's before heading home to see Daddy.

Week 8

2010-05-19T11:45:00.006-05:00

Another week has come and gone so time for another update. Hayden is officially two months old, man how time if flying by. She went for her check up and immunizations and we found out she is weighing in at 12 lb. 12 oz. (90-95%) and is 24 & 1/4 inches long (97%). On a sad note both girls got their ears checked to see if the infections had cleared up, and sadly they have not. Both girls were put on another round of antibiotics.

Hayden took her first trip to Lovelady over the weekend where we hung out with The Monk family and had a fabulous time as always. Hayden also started really cooing and smiling even more this week. She has such a happy personality.

Shelby also had her end of the year program this week. She was so good singing "The Bumble Bee Song" on stage with her Ladybug class. Her Daddy and I were so proud she recieved flowers and was so excited.

Week 7

2010-05-12T09:16:00.006-05:00

My beautiful girls are growing so fast. This week they both sadly developed ear infections. It doesn't seem to be phasing them too much though. We enjoyed Mother's Day three different times this week. On Saturday we celebrated with the McDaniel's in Conroe, where we met a restaurant. We had a dinner, let the kids run around and play, and Shelby even got to pet a horse. I then celebrated with my wonderful hubbie and girls on Sunday. My best gift was getting to sleep in till 9:30. I forgot how good it felt to sleep in. I also got a nails gift card and a shopping trip to my new favorite store Charming Charlie's. They also took me out to lunch and made me feel so special, loved and appreciated. I loved my day. We also celebrated with Mimi on Tuesday night by going out to dinner with some of the Gorman group for dinner at Outback. All in all it was a great week with my family.

Hayden snoozing with Daddy.

Hanging around.

Feeling patriotic this week.

Hayden hanging out with Aunt Kelli at Fajita Jacks.

Smiling at goofy Pawpaw.

McDaniel grandkids wishing Nana a happy Mother's Day.

Week 6

2010-05-06T18:25:00.005-05:00

I had to return to work this week. I was so upset to have to leave my girls. I really enjoyed my maternity leave and close family time with them and cannot wait for the summer. I think Nana and Mimi have enjoyed so far since they have gotten to keep the girls. Hayden has also surprised us all as she is already rolling over and did it 3 times this week, she is so good.

Hayden looking sassy and stylish.

Strike a pose!

My cutie girls!

Chad and Shelby fishing at our neighborhood pond, all they caught was a turtle.

Chad and Hayden enjoying our family picnic by the pond during the gorgeous weather.

Hayden enjoying her first picnic, she was really into it.

Shelby enjoying the picnic.

Shelby in her "car" Nana created for her school's drive in movie day. It was all decked out, thank you Nana!

Week 5

2010-04-29T13:15:00.005-05:00

Shelby caught her first fish on a camping trip with Mimi, Papa, Ishie, Uncle Josh, Ansley, and Callie.

Shelby enjoying her lazy Sunday in the yard.

Chad trying to teach Shelby how to ride a bicycle while visiting the Gormans for the day their Livingston campground.

Hayden ready for some fun in the sun by the lake on her first camping trip, even though it was just for the day..

What is this thing in my mouth?

Visiting with Mimi and Papa before they leave with Shelby to go camping.

Hayden fell asleep after her Big Sissy covered her up and shared her favorite toy bunny.

Week 4

2010-04-21T15:28:00.003-05:00

Mommy trying to get to smile.

Hayden's first real bath without her umbilical cord.

Shelby in her St. Jude Trike A Thon at school.

Gorman girls at the Trike A Thon.

Week 3

2010-04-21T09:49:00.008-05:00

The Girls on Easter morning.

Posing in the bluebonnets in College Station. Cheese!

Hayden was really into it.

Looking stylish as always on her first trip to College Station.

Celebrating Drew's 6th Birthday Party.

What a cutie!

Hayden's 1st Easter with the Gorman clan and first trip to Deer Park.

Hayden also flipped over twice this week. It may have been a fluke deal, but still very impressive. She is very strong for her age and even lifts her head quite a bit.

Week 2

2010-04-21T09:31:00.004-05:00

Tummy time for Hayden.

Our first trip to the park. Too bad it started raining and we had to turn around and go home.

Patiently waiting to go to the park.

Strike a pose! Having a photo shoot with Nana.

Week 1

2010-04-15T14:50:00.002-05:00

Mr. Myagi- hehehe!

Headed to the Dr. for the first time.

Hayden's first trip to her home.

Looking fancy & ready to leave the hospital.

It's a...

2010-04-15T14:46:00.004-05:00

Girl! Hayden Macy Gorman was born at 2:56 pm on March 17, 2010, St. Patrick's Day. She weighed in at 9 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20.5 inches long.

It was a long torturing road to get her here. We were suppose to be admitted to the hospital 3 different days before to be induced, but apparently it is a popular hospital and it was always full. That meant I would get bumped. After three attempts my Dr. had me come into her office for an appointment where she successfully put me into labor. After that, since I was already 4-5 cm dilated she sent me over to the hospital to be admitted. Hayden was born 5 hours later.

Gorman Update!

2010-02-20T20:32:00.002-06:00

Well I guess it is time to blog again since I have not done anything since our June trip and it is now the end of February. My goodness where does the time go? A lot has changed since June. I am sure you all know we are expecting another baby, known as Boo Boo so far, any day now. I am not due till March 18, but I am already 3 cm dilated and 60% effaced, and the doctor said I will not make my due date.

As you can tell from the pictures we had a very fun summer, and even better holidays. Shelby got to attend her first Astros game and is still asking to go back to the baseball game. She was an adorable ladybug for Halloween and received lots of candy trick or treating around the neighborhood with cousins and friends. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the McDaniel crew coming to our house. We had lots of food and nice family time. We later had it at the in-laws for the GormanThanksgiving. Christmas was a blast again this year. Shelby is really getting into all of the traditions, even though she is not a huge fan of Santa still. She is as rotten as ever and Santa sure took care of her this past year.

I hope to get back in the habit of blogging for this baby. We are very excited about the arrival, especially because we are being surprised with the sex of the baby. Shelby is excited as well and talks to Boo Boo in my belly. Maybe the next time I blog it will be more about this baby! Enjoy til then!

2009-08-08T22:03:00.001-05:00

Alaska Adventure!

2009-08-08T22:02:00.002-05:00

Well of we went to Alaska the first week of June with all of the McDaniel crew. We went to Seattle and set sail the next day for Glacier Bay, Alaska. We sailed to Juneau, AK where we had a blast whale watching. Shelby especially liked seeing the "Baby Whales". Then next stop was in Sitka, AK where Chad enjoyed a back woods mountain bike ride with a group, while Shelby and I shopped. After that we sailed to Ketchikan, AK and went to see a really neat Lumberjack Show. The final short stop was in Victoria Canada where we just wondered around for a while enjoying the sites of the beautiful town. This trip was amazing and we are so thankful to Retti for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Finally 20 & 21 Months!

2009-04-12T21:12:00.020-05:00

I can't believe how fast time

flies and that it has been 2 months, almost 3, since I updated our

blog. Where do I begin? Shelby is as busy as ever and keeping us all on our toes. She has added many words to her vocabulary such as aww shoot, whoa dude, I tee tee potty, why, vamanos (lets go in spanish), hola, see you later, see you in the morning, and many many more. In her 21st month she really began putting sentences together. She still only weighs 24 pounds but is growing taller everyday. We also continued the battle of the ear infections with many more visits to the ENT's office and a few to the Pediatricians. She seems to be over them for now, but we will see what the future holds. Shelby has also started to try an climb out of her bed, but she can't quite get over the front, which has turned out to be good for us. Us girls in the house enjoyed Valentines Day, as Daddy gave us breakfast in bed and flowers. Shelby and I also enjoyed our Spring Break together and boy we stayed busy. We went to the Zoo and she got to meet Dora (her new obsession) and Diego at Chik-Fil-A. The next week we enjoyed a family trip to the Children's Museum with Daddy. We have really enjoyed our time with him these days. He also got to take us to the Rodeo after work one day. Shelby was so excited to ride a "Neigh Neigh" (Horse) and to pet all the animals in the petting zoo. We went sleding this past as well as we went to Mt. Aggie to celebrate cousin Drew's 5th birthday. It was a hill cover with wet astro turf. It was a lot of fun, she wanted to go over and over. We enjoyed Easter this past weekend at church and at home. Mimi and Popa came up and spent the night after church on Saturday night and spent the next morning with us as Shelby enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt. Enjoy the pics!

18, & 19 Months whizzed by!

2009-01-27T12:14:00.009-06:00

I HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD BLOGGING MOMMY LATELY!!! I am sure everyone understands with the holidays just passing.

Many things have changed with us in the passing months so let me just sum it up!

My sweet girl has started going "TeeTee" in the potty occasionally. YEAH! I am so proud. She mainly does it because she like to get the candies when she goes. It is not an everyday thing yet, but we just thought we would introduce the idea to her.

Shelby making her shocked face after ringing the door bell on her playhouse she got for Christmas.
We visited in College Station and Shelby got caught feeding Garrett her breakfast, Stinkers.

Shelby Reese enjoying her rocking Giraffe on Christmas morning at home. She loves to say "Yee Haw", but it comes out sounding more like a donkey, but still adorable.

Shelby getting to enjoy her playhouse by yelling "HI!" as she sticks her little face out.

We did not enjoy Santa as much this year as we did last year. :)

Mommy and Nana got crafty and made Shelby this snazzey Christmas outfit.

Christmas Eve church service with the Gorman Girls. Aren't they cute!?!

The night we went to pick up our Christmas tree it acutally started snowing. It was gorgeous! Shelby was not too sure what to think about it. We ended up getting about an inch or so of snow.

Looking stylish as always as Aunt Sandy snapped a few pictures.

We sadly lost our Grandad on December 4th. We all know he fought a hard tough battle and know he is in Heaven looking down on us all.The partners in crime looking good in matching jamies.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Like I said earlier "Partners In Crime"

Nana and Mommy got that crafty feeling again for a really cute Turkey outfit.

It has definatley been crazy, but good. I also abandoned my poor baby with her Grandparents and her Daddy and I (very unwillingly) left her and went to Disney World in January where Chad ran a marathon with Jenny Purvis. They did very well and Derek and I encouraged them as they ran by. Shelby has also been fighting those pesky ear infections and we hope they are gone soon. We hope all was well with you and your families over the holidays.

Pebbles at 17 Months

2008-12-15T21:22:00.004-06:00

Well my little "Pebbles" had her second Halloween, and oh the fun she had. She had so much fun going trick or treating with her cousins. She went from house to house knocking on doors saying "please" for her candy. She also had a partner in crime, our neigbors baby was Bam Bam. They were too cute.

She still continues to be busy busy. She doesn't sit still for long and is quite the talker. She is still weighing in at 22 lbs, but eats here and there and continues to grow. Shelby and I are still enjoying having her Daddy off more and have definately taken advantage of it. We have been spending a lot more time together and even got to take her to the Houston Children's Museum. We met up with Nana and Drew and Garrett. She really enjoyed the grocery store section and shopped and shopped. Her Daddy enjoyed playing with all the things as well.

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving as it quickly arrives. Nana and I sat up late one night to make her the cutest outfit. She was the cutest little turkey out there.

Boo at 16 months

2008-11-12T20:48:00.010-06:00

I am SO far behind on my blogging, sorry. Shelby has been keeping me busy as always. Our baby is weighing in at 20.6 lbs. and 31 inches. She was in the 10th percentile for her weight and 50th for her height. The doctor actually put her on Pediasure because she has slowed down so much on her weight, but I believe it is because of all her sickness and buisiness lately. She continues to talk our ears off, even though we do not understand a lot of it.

Chad got a new job this past month

with OxyPermian, yeah!!! He has much better hours, benifits, and has every other Friday off. That means we have all gotten to see each other a lot more lately. We have had fun. We went to the Zoo on the first Friday he was off and Shelby got to enjoy seeing all the animals again and she got to ride the train for the first time as well.

Shelby has also been getting ready for Halloween this year. She and I went to Dewberry Farms with Aunt Kelli, Drew, Garrett, and Nana to kick off the Halloween season. There we got to go

on a hayride, visit a pumpkin patch, pet a cow, feed goats and many other things. Shelby really had a good time. We also made a trip to Austin to visit Grandad and Sandy. She really took to Grandad and even cuddled up in his arms at times. During our trip to Austin Chad did a 24 hour adventure race with 3 other guys and even came in 3rd place in their catagorey. GO DADDY GO!

On a sad but good note, Shelby had her tubes put in this month. She wasn't herself for a week or so, but made a full recovery and is now doing well. The doctors are telling us that the tubes should help keep her from getting so many ear infections. Only time will tell.

Gone With The Wind At 15 Months!

2008-09-27T21:03:00.019-05:00

This has been one of the craziest months for Shelby Reese and her family. Shelby started it off by having a stomach virus the first week, followed by Roseola the next week. My poor baby girl suffered with a fever of up to 104.6. She had multiple cool baths at 2 am that week. Towards the end of the week fighting her sickness, she got to experience her first hurricane, Ike. It was quite the experience for us all. Nana and Pawpaw joined us in Spring to ride out the storm that ended up going right over Galveston as well as Pasadena. We weathered the storm quite well, we only had the trees in our front yard and flowerbed fall over, which is more than I can say for other areas. Our neighborhood had trees fall all over the place.

When we were told our power could take 2-4 weeks to come back on Shelby and I packed up, became evacuees, and joined everyone at Aunt Kelli's house. After a few days there we missed Daddy and came back home. Our power ended up being out for 12 days, so we visited Mimi and Popa's house and Nana's house a few times until I had to go back to work. Life on a generator is definately no fun after a while, but as much as I hate to admit it those forehead flashlights are cool to have in the dark.

So Shelby is weighing in at 20 lbs. 3 oz. this moth after being sick a few times. She is back to herself now and has learned the skill of eating with a fork. She is very impressive. She also has really fallen in love with her cowboy hat and wears it very often, and looks too cute. She has also learned many new words such as BOO,her favorite, also fruit, shoe, fan, light, shooo wee, off, I dropped it, car, please, thank you, night night, book, bird, and cow, and duck. She has also learned to sign all of those words and make the animal sounds as well. She is very polite telling us please and thank you all the time. She is the sweetest little thing. She also loves to give kisses and hugs and read books with you. She has also started to tell us yes and no by shaking her head, of course she doesn't always say what she means. Her newest favorite game is Peek a Boo. She covers her face with her hands and then moves them and says Boo! She will also pop out from behind things and say Boo. She has become quite the perfect little toddler.

Too Busy at 14 Months!

2008-08-30T20:59:00.010-05:00

My baby girl has blossomed into such a sweet toddler. She has become such a busy girl. She loves to spend her time playing and eating, she has developed quite the appetite. She can eat an entire kids meal at Chick-Fil-A by herself. She has also added may more words to her vocabulary such as, book, bath, brush, thank you, please, car, moo, quack, duck, roarrrrr, a monkey sound, and many more. She has continued to learn more signs as well. She can sign car, thank you, bath and brush. She is so smart, she gets it from her Mommy. :) She is now also weighing in at 20.8 lbs. Which means she finally got to tun around in her car seat, yeah!!! She loves facing forwards and it makes car rides much easier. She also has REALLY gotten into watching television, especially her movie "God Makes Music." It causes her to go into a trance and not move a muscle.

We had a very busy 14th month. We started off by going to Ty Locklears birthday party. Shelby had fun getting to see Sofie and all the other kiddos. We also went and spent a week at Nana's, thinking Daddy would be working in League city, but unfortunately his scheduled changed. We still stayed at Nana's house where he later joined us in the week to go to Schiltterbahn in Galveston. Shelb's also got to meet my old friend Erin and her husband John who have been living in China for the last 2 years. We met up with Erin at Incredible Pizza along with some of the other McLoxley girls and Jeff as well as Garrett and Drew. Shelby had too much fun getting to ride some of the rides there. We then went back home the next week with Daddy because I had to start work, unfortunately. Thank goodness though, Shelby and will be spending every other day together since I have dropped back to half time. We also got to spend some time as a family and the three of us loaded up in the car and drove to Galveston to visit Moody Gardens and the beach. Shelby and Chad had never been to Moody Gardens so we got to enjoy the Titanic exhibit as well as the Aquarium Pyramid. She loved seeing all the different animals and fish as well as getting to pet a Sea Urchin and a Star fish. Then after lunch we went down to the Sea Wall and she got to play in the sand and in the waves. Her favorite thing was chasing the seagulls up and down the beach.

Growing too fast at 13 months!

2008-07-26T16:16:00.015-05:00

Well as you can see I have scaled back to monthly updates instead of weekly, she is still growing like a weed though. She seems to have really grown up a lot this past month, at least to me. She has begun to drink whole milk and is loving the table food more than ever. Her favorite veggie is peas and her favorite fruit is still mandarin oranges. We went in for her one year check up she was currently weighing 19 pounds and 4 ounces and was 29 1/2 inches long. She was in the 90th percentile for her height and the 25th percentile for her weight. She is tall and skinny just like Chad and I were as kids. The doctor actually told me I needed to start feeding her more snacks, but she is so busy she just burns all her calories. She is never crawling anymore, she walks everywhere now. The funny thing is that when she walks she has to hold her right arm straight up in the air to balance. Shelby is also talking much more these days. Her current vocabulary consists of Mama, Dada, Nana, Mimi, Pawapaw, Popa, no no no, sit, hat, puppy, eat, oooohhhhh, uh oh, Ish (for Ishy), hi, bye bye, and bath. She is quite the talker to say the least. If you ask her these days if she wants to take a bath she runs into her bathroom and even tries to climb into the tub, she loves the water, swimming too. Shelby has also picked up a lot recently on her signing, she now signs eat, finished, puppy, more, cup and her favorite, hat. As a family we also got to celebrate Shelby's 2nd Fourth of July. She really had a blast at the parade waving to everyone that went by with both hands saying "Hi!" the entire time. Her arms had to have gotten tired. We later then went to Bryan and Paola's and ate dinner and shot of fireworks that did not even scare her.

We also had an exciting month in that Shelby is no longer the baby in

the extended Gorman family. Uncle Bryan and Aunt Paola welcomed baby Grant Allen Gorman yesterday, July 25. He was 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long born at 2:56p.m. He has so much dark straight hair and cheeks you just want to pinch. Congrats to Bryan and Paola on

your son and finally the Gorman family is getting a little more testosterone back in it. I am sure Shelby will love to have him around to play with as much as she does the rest.

1 Year at 52 weeks!

2008-07-03T08:37:00.015-05:00

Well the day has come and gone and my baby is one. I only cried three times over it, yes I am crazy. She has had so much fun

turning one. This past week along with getting ready for her party we started Mommy and Me Swim Lessons. Shelby loves the water and really enjoys all the songs and jumping around she gets to do , but not a huge fan of being dunked. Shelby celebrated her birthday with about 35 guests this past Saturday at our home. She had a lot of fun eating cake, opening presents, doing the piniata, and playing in the water sprinklers, on the swingset and in the fun jump. Nana made an awesome cake as well that everyone enjoyed.

Shelby also started walking this past Sunday. I was so excited I was wanting her to walk before her first birthday and she did. She is doing better and better everyday and is even letting go of her toys and walking from one to the other. She also is talking much more these days. She says hi, bye, hat, yeah, sit, no no no, uh-oh, Mama, Dada, Nana, Pawpaw and Popa. She says a few other things, but we have not figured out what she is saying.

We also went to the Zoo yesterday where Shelby had a lot of fun. She like the Lion that was laying against the glass and the petting zoo where she got to pet some goats. She also enjoyed the tunnel that ran through a fish aquarium that she got to crawl through with her cousins.

Shelby's Big Adventure at 51 Weeks

2008-06-23T15:00:00.003-05:00

We were still in Nebraska until Saturday of this past week. We had a lot of fun and celebrated Gran Gran's birthday, went to the Lincoln Children's Museum and went storm chasing unwillingly. The storm that hit and killed 4 boys

at the poor Boy Scout camp in Iowa was the same storm we encountered. We happen to be eating with Aunt Kelli, the boys, Nana, and 3 of Nana's friends at Cracker Barrell when the storm hit and we were told we would most likely be going to the freezer if something were to come about. When the sirens went off they were too busy talking over their liabilities, so Kelli and I frantically threw the kids in the car and tried to go Gran Gran's neighbors because they had a basement. Kelli couldn't see where she was going because it began to rain so far so we got lost in the neighborhood with sirens blaring. I was freaking out, but Kelli found her way and Mom and her friends did as well. Everything turned out fine and everyone got a few laughs at my expense. Shelby really enjoyed the Children's Museum, more than the Houston one. She also got to go to the famous Valentino's for the first time. She really enjoyed her whole trip and also began eating a lot more table food than before, I think Garrett may have been an inspiration. One of her new favorites is mandarin oranges.

Shelby wearing Gran Gran's birthday gift from Mrs. Theresa.

Shelby driving the truck at the museum with

Garrett holding on in the back.

Shelby and Garrett's first trip to Valentino's.

Shelby also celebrated her first Father's Day with her Daddy this past week. We celebrated by going to church that morning, and afterwards attended the car show and barbeque that the church was putting on for the Dad's.

Shelby with a Shelby.

Shelby on Father's Day in front of the church baptism fountain.

Shelby enjoying her early birthday present.

The BIG 5-0!

2008-06-16T11:51:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe how close to being a year old Shelby is. It seems like just yesterday she joined our family. Well thank goodness this was my last week of school. I am so glad it is over and next year I will not be working full time only every other day so that I get to spend time with my baby girl. I am so excited. Shelby even got to go to school with me on Friday for our workday. She was spoiled rotten by everyone. She is continuing to eat more and more table food like a champ. She is also still loving to walk but only while holding onto your hand. She has taken one or two steps, but it was while she was diving for Chad or my arms. We also left for our trip to Nebraska this past Saturday. We went with Aunt Kelli, Cousins Drew and Garrett, as well as Nana. It was quite the adventure. It only took us 20 hours to get there, but the kids were really good and Shelby finally got to meet her Uncle Scott and Aunt Janine. She also got to visit the Lincoln Zoo where she had a butterfly land on her head.

Too Cool at 49 Weeks

2008-06-16T11:39:00.003-05:00

Summer is getting close and Shelbs is getting ready. This week has been really crazy as I am packing my classroom to move and getting ready for our big adventure to Nebraska. Shelby got to go to her first annual Reddell family party. She enjoyed swimming with her cousins for a few hours and got to eat fried catfish and hush puppies for the first time. She was too cute. She is also getting better at walking while holding onto your hand, it is just a matter of time before she takes off. I also took Shelby's pictures for her 1st birthday invitations, they turned out too cute. My poor baby girl also got another ear infection this past week, and since she was not feeling good I took a day off and stayed home with her. She discovered the tissues that day and thought she need every single one in the box to wipe her nose. It was funny.

11 Months at 48 Weeks

2008-05-27T22:45:00.003-05:00

My little gorgeous girl is becoming quite the little monkey. She has started climbing on top of everything. She climbs on top of her rocking toy and stands up, her Daddy says she is getting ready for her dirtbike. She also enjoys climbing on top of her push toy. She has also learned the new trick of flicking her lips with her fingers to make a buh buh buh noise, it is really cute. My baby girl has also started eating a lot more table food these days and she has really been enjoying some Gerber meat sticks and Raviollis. Shelby also enjoyed a visit with her Nana this week as well as her Great Aunt Sandy.

On Saturday Mimi and Popa came and visited as well. The Gorman girls, their Mimi and I all hung out on Saturday while the boys went to buy dirt bikes for Josh and Mike, this of course took all day. On Sunday Shelby and I went swimming with Aunt Paola while Daddy of course went riding. I was off on Memorial Day, thank goodness, and so Shelby and I went to an End of the Year Party for my school, where we swam and played. Chad of course was riding again.

Fish Face at 47 Weeks

2008-05-20T17:23:00.004-05:00

Shelby is full of funny faces these days. This week she started making this hilarious fish face that makes everyone laugh. She has also started shaking her head "yes". Most kids seem to start off by saying no, but not my funny little girl.

She had a lot of fun this week as always with her girl cousins. The girls come over and stay with us on Wednesday night because Josh and Angie are hosting a bible study and they all just have so much fun. This week they all got to take a bath together for the first time. They all enjoyed splashing me of course. This past weekend Shelby and I had a girls night and went out with my friend Melissa and her two kids. Chad had left to go to a race in Austin, so we got to spend some time together. Shelby missed him so much on Friday night that on Saturday she did not want to go to sleep and ended up fighting me to go to sleep from 9-midnight. On Sunday after recovering from a long night before she got to go swimming again, but did not want to let me go because the water was a little on the cool side. She still enjoyed it though.

Loving Her Mommy at 46 Weeks

2008-05-16T22:34:00.003-05:00

What an eventful weekend my baby girl had! We had a regular week of going and going followed by our crazy weekend. On Saturday we were all up bright and early to enjoy time together with Derek and Jenny at the YMCA Trail Run. Chad and Jenny ran the 5k and Derek and I walked the 3k. We had borrowed a back pack from Uncle Josh for Derek to carry Shelby in, but she ended up not liking it at all and I got to carry Shelby for the entire 3k walk. On Sunday morning I got to celebrate Mother's Day by having Shelby dedicated at church. She was so good up until they put us in the back row about half way through the service and then she lost it and screamed the rest of the time. It was funny. You can see it online at www.fotw.org and click on Baby Dedications Sunday 9:30 service. Pastor Kerry even made a comment about a future music minister. After lunch with the Gorman's and Pawpaw and long nap, we went swimming for the first time this year. Shelby really enjoys the 1 and a 1/2ft. deep pool in the neighborhood, she can even touch the bottom.

Team Gorman @ 45 weeks

2008-05-09T14:16:00.004-05:00

Go Daddy Go!!! Shelby cheered her Daddy on Saturday as he ran in another triathlon. She and I were at the park for the event at 6:30 in the morning to cheer him on. Shelby squeezed into her Team Gorman onesie once again to show her support for him. She was too cute, at the finish line she was clapping and saying Dadada over and over. Unfortunately that was the one leg of the race we missed him on. Later that morning we attended her cousin Ansley's 3rd birthday party. Shelby got to visit with Nanny, Grandma, and the rest of the Gorman clan. She also got to play with a few of the babies that were there. Saturday was definately busy because we also got to redo our back flowerbeds that had been worn down from Dixie and Dudley running the same paths over and over. Shelby got to enjoy the beautiful weather as we worked. It must be nice. Shelby also got to spend a lot of time with her Nana this past week. My mom came up to keep her on Wednesday and Thursday. They had a lot of fun together and my Mom always tells me how Shelby reminds her of me as a child because of how active she is. She is a ball of energy these days, so much so that I cannot put snap up PJ's on her anymore because it is too much of a battle, but we enjoy all the energy she has to give.

Shaking her booty at 44 Weeks!

2008-05-01T14:48:00.007-05:00

Shelby is a definitely a mover and a shaker now. She has learned to dance, it is so sweet. You tell her to dance and she will start rocking back and forth shaking her bottom. She has also really started playing Peek a Boo. She has figured out how to put the blanket over her face and pull it down while she smile and giggles. I pulled out the last of Shelby's Christmas presents that I had left in the attic, because she had received so many we have slowly pulled them out. She got a new toy that she can steer and rock on and then another that she can push behind. She loves the push toy. She pushes the toy and walks pretty steady behind the toy until she runs into something and then she fusses for you to turn her around and she goes again. It is the cutest thing. She also had an adventurous weekend. We went to Deer Park to visit family and Derek and Jenny Purvis, even though I think Chad really just went to see Derek's new drag racing car. Shelby and I visited with Nana and Paw paw and of course did a little shopping. We then returned home and got to visit more with Mimi and Popa who spent the weekend in Spring helping Aunt Paola and Uncle Bryan get ready for their new addition. It was another week of fun for my baby girl!

Mama @ 43 weeks!

2008-04-25T11:31:00.003-05:00

She did it!!! She finally said Mama, of course I cannot get her to do it again though. That is alright because I finally heard her say it. She is at such a fun age that everyone is really enjoying her. She is such a happy and busy busy girl that she cannot sit still for anything. Mimi came up and kept her and her cousins on Friday. She had a lot of fun and then we got to go to a fancy restaurant Uncle Bryan suggested, but Shelby was very well behaved. Shelby and I are so glad Tax Season is finally over! We are really enjoying getting to spend more time with Chad and more time as a family. He has been able to see Shelby now before she goes to bed at night and even play with her and help with feeding her and bathing her at night. She has really started to eat a lot more table foods as well even though she still really enjoys her baby food. She tried spaghetti on Monday and really liked to eat the noodles and some of the meat sauce. She sucked all of the sauce from around the meat pieces and then spit them back out. It was funny. She also got to where she will really eat those Biter Biscuits that make such a mess. Uncle Bryan also bought himself a new toy this week that Chad is so jealous of, a dirt bike. Shelby sat on it and got really excited and acted like she was riding it. I think Chad was more excited that she was excited about it and is now planning her dirt bike fund. Pray for me.

Time Flies at 42 Weeks

2008-04-22T13:32:00.008-05:00

I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. Shelby is growing into quite a beautiful girl. Chad always jokes that he is going to have to get a gun for when she starts dating, which of course will not happen until she is 25. Her favorite word continues to be uh-oh, but she says it more like "uhuhuhuhuh-oh." She is still crawling around and getting faster and faster everyday. She also pulls up on everything, especially the coffee table. Her favorite thing is to pull all the magazines off of it and then sit on the floor and chew on them. She especially likes her Daddy's bicycle magazine.

Uh-oh 41 Weeks

2008-04-09T11:18:00.013-05:00

My baby has now quickly grown to be 41 weeks. I was just noticing this past week how she is so long when she was streched out in her crib. I am afraid she will out grow it before she is ready for a big girl bed.

She has been a lot of fun as always this past week. Her Nana came and stayed with us until Friday, so they were able to do lots of playing together. We all went for walks and got to play at the park. Shelby really likes the park near our house because it has these chimes she can hit and make noise. She continues to fuss at the dogs when she sees them chasing each other and she is even getting the "Eheh" noise from us when she goes for things like the dogs water bowl. It is funny we will make the noise and she will jump back because she knows what she is doing. She also began saying "Uh oh". It is really cute because sometimes the "oh" part is a little delayed. She also started to eat more table foods, though she is a very picky eater, she now enjoys the big Cheese Nip crackers and french fries.

This past weekend we also enjoyed attending 2 birthday parties, Lukas' and Drew's. She partied all day Saturday. She got to play with both Garrett and Sofie at Drew's party and I caught Sofie having a kandid moment. I also did something I swore I would never do to my child, I made her take pictures sitting among all the bluebonnets. I always hated it, but could not resist the gorgeous patches of them near Aunt Kelli's house.

Starting Monday Shelby ran a temperature of 102 and was not feeling well, but like always she has been a trooper and has not let a little fever slow her down. Her Mimi came on Monday to watch her and stayed until Tuesday afternoon to take care of her. She is still full of smiles and fun even though she is sick.

Copy Cat at 40 Weeks/9 Months!

2008-04-03T17:58:00.005-05:00

My baby girl is 9 months old I cannot believe it. She is growing so fast. She has become quite the copy cat. She imitates us fussing at

the dogs by going "eheh" every time they start play fighting. She is cruising around now and is just the happiest giggly little thing. She has begun to try and attack the dogs, but they are so good and just let her. We also went to the doctor for her 9 month check up and she is now weighing in at 18lbs. 4 oz. and is 28 inches tall. She is in the 90% for height and 50% still for her weight. The doctor says she needs to eat more because in 2 weeks she only gained 2 oz. She is definately taking after her mommy and daddy when it comes to being active, she is quick and

we are taking bets on when she is going to go out the dog

door. Shelby also lost her roomie this past week. Josh and Angie and the girls moved out this past weekend. It was a bittersweet move and we miss seeing them as much. Shelby misses her little cousins. This weekend we also attended a memorial service at Burke Rd. Church of Christ on Sunday afternoon and we then got to visit with Great Grandparents, Nana and Pawpaw, Mikey and Carol and their crew.

Pearly Whites at 39 Weeks

2008-03-25T14:17:00.014-05:00

Thank goodness for Spring Break! Shelby and I had too much fun together this past week since I was off. We went shopping with the Gorman Girls, had a lunch date with an old friend, and celebrated 2 holidays. First we had St. Patricks day and then Easter this past Sunday where Miss Shelby had her first tooth break through. YEAH!!!!

We enjoyed sunday morning at home with all of the Gorman Girls diving into their Easter baskets follwed by an egg hunt at the house. The Gormans and Hazelbarths all joined us later in the afternoon for the church egg hunt followed by the 5:00 Easter service and dinner at our house. It was a fun, but crazy day. Earlier in the week Shelby and I joined my old friend Taylar for lunch at Kim-Sons where she threw an enourmous fit and I still do not know why, butI am guessing her teeth had something to do with it. She did play for a few minutes with her little girl Izzey that is 3 weeks younger to the day.
That afternoon and in much better spirits, we joind Nana, Babs, Ty, Sylvia and baby Sofie on a trip to Thc Children's Museum. The girls had a really good time.

On Monday I got to take her to the park for the first time. She got to slide, crawl through the tunnel and play with the musical chimes. Shelby and I had too much fun together, but now I am back at work counting the days till school is out so I can spend more time with her again.

On Saturday I took Shelby to have her Easter pictures taken at Babies R Us, they turned out awesome!

Feeling Lucky at 38 Weeks

2008-03-18T10:02:00.008-05:00

My lucky charm has had a fun and busy week once again. She is really enjoying her new found freedom around the house. She is crawling all over and pulling up on everything. She is pulling up so much that we had to put her crib on the lowest setting so that she will not topple out of it.

We also went to see the Easter Bunny this past week with her cousins as well as Ishy and Uncle Josh. See the previous post for the official Easter Bunny picture.

Shelby also enjoyed her first St. Patrick's Day all decked out in green making sure not to get pinched.

On Friday Shelby also had her first trip to the Rodeo with Angie and Josh's crew again. Apparently she was not a huge fan of the Pig Races. They said she screamed when they started because it was so loud. Other than that she really enjoyed getting to meet all the animals.

Shelby also has outgrown her infant seat, and to my sadness, we had to get her a new big girl car seat. She is not real sure of it yet though, but did enjoy her first trip in it to the mall.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-17T08:41:00.003-05:00

Shelby got to go visit the Easter Bunny at the mall this past Wednesday. She was not scared at all, I was so impressed. Enjoy and Happy Easter to all!

She's on the move at 37 weeks!

2008-03-11T07:23:00.015-05:00

My baby girl is crawling!!!! Late Saturday night Shelby started crawling because she just so wanted to grab Tobie's tail, it was the funniest thing. She also got to eat her first cookie, a vanilla wafer. It was her Dad's idea. I looked over and they were both eating a cookie. She really enjoyed it and gnawed on it till there was very little left, because she still has no teeth. She is just the cutest thing. She also went to the doctor and got good news about her ears, they are starting to look a lot better and we may not have to have tubes. YEAH!!! She is also weighing in at 18 lbs. 2 oz. now. She goes back in 2 more weeks for her 9 month check up and they will check her ears again and I pray she gets the all clear!

36 Weeks

2008-03-05T15:43:00.005-06:00

My sweetie is 36 weeks old this past Tuesday. She is still not crawling, but is managing to get around. I looked over last night and she was standing playing with one toy and a few seconds later I turned back around and she was up standing at another toy. She is good. She had an eventful week otherwise, she spent Friday with Mimi and Popa at the Zoo and visiting her Great Grandmothers. On Saturday I took her to have her pictures made again. She is getting to be too tall. I had bought her a dress this past week for her pictures, but could not use it because her bootie hung out the bottom too much. That is okay though she still looked SO cute in her pictures. On Sunday Mimi and Popa joined us for chuch and spent the afternoon with us as well. Shelby had a few first's this week. She got to try some fruit flavored puffs that are made to disolve in the babies mouth, but as you can tell she was not a huge fan. She also got to try yogurt, but again was not very sure of that either. Shelby is still loving her baby food though and continues to thrive and enrich our lives more and more each week.

8 Months at 35 Weeks

2008-02-27T10:29:00.011-06:00

My happy girl is 8 months old, I cannot believe it. She has had another eventful and exciting week. She celebrated my birthday by coming to work with me again on friday. She has too much fun with my coworkers. Then on saturday, Pawpaw picked us up and off to Aggieland we went for cousin Garrett's first birthday party. Shelby and him enjoyed spending time playing together. On sunday after church, we had another birthday party for Kelli and I. After all of those exciting festivities we went back to Spring where we hung out with the Gorman clan at our house. Shelby got to ride on Callie's tricylce, one of the many benefits of them living with us.

Shelby is still not crawling but she is so close to it. She will move one knee and then fall. She chooses to roll around to get what she wants and slowly scoots as well. Clapping for herself is still one of her favorite things to do especially when you tell her yeah. Chad and I also had to drop her bed down a notch because she kept pulling herself up using her bumper pads to look over and talk to Callie when they were suppose to be going to sleep, turkeys.

A Loveable 34 Weeks

2008-02-20T12:43:00.009-06:00

My little valentine has turned 34 weeks old. She has had a very busy week. We celebrated Valentines at home where she got a few new toys from Mommy, Daddy, Mimi, Popa and later from Nana and Pawpaw.

On Saturday Shelby and I went to Pasadena to visit with Drew and Nana as well as to go get Great Gran Gran from the airport who flew in from Nebraska. Shelby really enjoyed playing with Drew who is so sweet to her. She also enjoyed getting to see Gran Gran who we have not seen since August.

On Sunday we went to church with the McDaniel clan and later joined the McLoxley's for lunch. Shelby had all sorts of fun getting to visit with her little friend Sofie Locklear afterwards. They are only 2 weeks apart to the day and the differences are so funny.

After a quick visit with Mimi and Popa we went back over to Nana's house where we met up with Retti and JD. We talked and enjoyed spending time with her.

On Monday I was off for Presidents Day so Shelby and I spent a little more time on Pasadena. She is getting to be so big. She began signing "Finished" this week, even though she signs it the whole time she is eating, when she is clearly not finished. It is too sweet though. She also began clapping and really waving at people. She might wave towards herself and not actually at the person, but I am sure she will get it right soon enough. She also got to enjoy some time with her cousins this week and they looked too cute Monday night in their matching PJ's.

The Big Double 3 (33 Weeks)

2008-02-13T09:14:00.003-06:00

My little baby is 33 weeks old now, I cannot believe it. She had a very busy week with many firsts to mention. She is now riding in the front part of the grocery cart and loving every minute of it as everyone oooos, aaawwws and talks to her as I shop. She thinks she is hot stuff. She also started to really pronunciate letters a lot more in her babble. So much so that she, to Chad's total excitement, said "Dada". She really says it the most when she gets mad and she says it over and over. Shelby also showed her moody side this week. I took her to Babies "R' Us and had to leave without getting what I went for because she was screaming and throwing herself around. I got so many looks like I was torturing her, I was so embarrassed. On Sunday she got to try table food for the first time. I gave her crumbs of a cracker, a tiny bite of mashed potatoes, a bite of corn and last night of asparagus. Needless to say I do not think she will be eating table food any time soon. She made the funniest face I taped her with my cell phone. I will try to upload it later.

Happy Valentines Day from Shelby!

2008-02-05T19:08:00.001-06:00

Click here!

Fashionable as always at 32 weeks!

2008-02-05T12:33:00.000-06:00

My little doll has turned 32 weeks. She had a busy week. We started it off by going back to the doctor to get her ears checked because she is still suffering from congestion and ear infections. She is now weighing in at 17 pounds 2 ounces. This past weekend Shelby and I packed up and went to College Station so that I could babysitt Drew and Garrett for Kelli. We had a blast playing with them. She even showed off to Drew and I by pulling herself up on this big cube toy of Garretts. I was SO impressed. After church in Aggieland on Sunday Shelby and I headed off to Deer Park for her Uncle Bryan's birthday celebration, we had fun with the Gormans. Shelby has recently developed a case of stranger anxiety, which is so unlike her, she has always gone to anyone, but now sometimes she just wants her mommy.

31 Weeks

2008-01-29T10:37:00.000-06:00

Well another week of my little Shelby's life has passed, and what a fun crazy week we had. She turned 7 months on saturday and Shelby now has a roomie!!! Her cousin Callie and her are temporarily sharing a room. Uncle Josh, "Ishy", as well cousins Ansley and Callie all moved in while they are patiently waiting on their new home to be finished. So for now we are all nice and cozy and the girls get to enjoy living together. Shelby has had a blast with them being around. She loves to watch Ansley spin and get dizzy, she laughs SO hard. We video taped it, I will have to try and load it. Shelby has really gotten better about getting up on her hands and knees this week. She can do it and then she does the rock back and forth. She will be crawling all over before I know it. She also ate meats for the first time this week, as well as starting to drink from a sippy cup with water in it. She really does well holding her cup up. My little woman is just growing up WAY too fast!

THE BIG 3-0!

2008-01-23T21:26:00.000-06:00

My perfect little Shelby Reese is now 30 weeks old. She amazes me every week with something new. This week she got to spend sometime with her Mommy as I had a 3 day weekend to celebrate MLK day. We spent saturday at a birthday party for Khloe Hinkle (her mom works with me) and then we ran around with my friend Melissa and her kids, Lucas- 2 and Ava- 3 months. On Sunday Daddy went and froze his tail off riding his bike with Josh and some friends to train for a race he has in February. Shelby and I spent some quality time together before Mimi and Popa as well as the rest of the Gorman crew came over for lunch. On Monday Shelby and I went with Melissa, Lucas and Ava again to the mall where we had 6 month pictures taken. They turned out so cute. Shelby is also continuing to love jumping in her chair that is suspended in the door way as well as trying to figure out this crawling thing. She tries to get up on her knees but ends up backing up. So for now she just scoots around the floor backwards and pivots. My final brag of this post is my baby girl learned her first sign language sign, more. She puts her hands together making the sign when she hears us say the word. She is not sure what it means but she had too much fun today signing it with her cousin Callie. What can I say, she is just gifted!

Adorable at 29 Weeks

2008-01-15T20:43:00.000-06:00

My fabulous Shelby is 29 weeks today, man how time whizzes by. We had a fun week, on Friday I took Shelby to work with me. Her Daddy was so jealous. It was a work day, so my principal said it was okay for people to bring their kids so of course I took full advantage of the situation. We played around there for a while and then took an extended lunch to Mrs. Bushart's house where she played with her as well as Ms. Kelly and Leesa, she had too much fun.

We also had a busy weekend. Chad ran in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon as well as Jenny Purvis, but she ran the 5k. Shelby and I got up super early and went downtown with Chad to be spectators. It was cold and crowded but it was fun. Chad did really well for it being the first time for him to ever run that far. He ran 13 miles in 2 hours and 2 minutes, placing 2069 out of 17000 people. Shelby and I are very proud of him. She supported him by wearing her "Team Gorman" outfit. Her daddy also wore later in the day his Shelby Corbra t-shirt that he recieved for christmas, they looked too cute together. She looks too much like him.

She also started to really enjoy her baths these days. She was taking her bath last night and discovered how to splash. She would splash her hands and giggle and giggle. She giggled and played in her bath until her teeth were chattering as she splashed. She is so funny.

28 Weeks and Growing!

2008-01-08T10:10:00.000-06:00

My Shelby Reese has turned 28 weeks today. She went to the doctor yesterday for her 6 month check up and we found out she is 16 lbs. 4 oz. and is 28 inches long. Her weight is in the 50th percentile and her height is in the 97th percentile!!! Goodness knows she did not get that from her Daddy's side of the family. We are still sadly fighting the same cold, but she is nice about it and even shared it with her Daddy. She also has another ear infection, but you would never know it because she is always so happy. She began eating lunch this past weekend, the girl sure loves her food. She will also try sometimes to copy the movement of your hand with hers when you wave to her, but she does it really slow and gets this real serious look on her face. It is the sweetest thing. She is also enjoying all of her new toys from Christmas and loves to stand up next to her leap frog table and play with it all. We normally have to hold onto her when she stands up, but she is getting better about holding herself up there.

We also celebrated Uncle Trey's 30th birthday this past weekend in College Station. Shelby enjoyed getting to play with Garrett, Aunt Kelli, Drew, and Nana. She also got to try out Garretts Jeep walker for the first time, she laughed and smiled and rolled all over the place. I think she was really surprised that she could move around the room in it.

Happy New Year At 27 Weeks!!!

2007-12-31T23:03:00.000-06:00

My Little Firecracker has hit 27 weeks with a bang. She celebrated by watching her crazy family set off fireworks in front of the house to ring in the new year. She did not get scared of any, unlike her cousins, but did not stay outside too long as it was getting cold. She watched from her bedroom window with her Mimi along with Callie and Ansley. She is doing so well these days and is really growing. She has begun to eat Banana Oatmeal for breakfast and her fruit or Veggie for dinner. She is such a big girl.

Happy 26 Week/6 Month Birthday!

2007-12-27T22:01:00.000-06:00

Where has the time gone? Shelby is amazingly 6 months old already. She is such a wonderful gift, Chad and I have been truly blessed by her. She has really started to enjoy playing with her toys now. She has also discovered her inner sassiness. She can really be her mommy's child sometimes. My mom was just today telling me how she reminded her of me in church and how she felt beat up after fighting with her for so long. She is a very busy little girl, but too funny sometimes. We go to the doctor for her 6 month check up on January 7th so we will let you know weight and height details then.

Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-27T21:47:00.000-06:00

Well my Shelby sure enjoyed her first Christmas. She has SO many new toys she does not know what all to play with. She really enjoyed eating the paper more than unwrapping them, but did eventually get to the toys. Chad, Shelby and I all spent a quiet morning at home on Christmas day where we spent the morning opening presents and relaxing. Then in the afternoon Mimi and Popa showed up followed by the McDaniel / Marchbanks crew. We enjoyed each others company and the kids played. It was a really nice Christmas not having to run all over town having to visit everyone.

25 Weeks

2007-12-25T22:20:00.000-06:00

MOMMY IS HOME!!!! I am finally on Christmas break and I am so excited to spend time with my Shelby. My how the year has flown by. This week Nana, Drew, Shelby and I all ventured out to the mall to see Santa. What were we thinking??? The mall 5 days before Christmas was crazy. We ended up waiting a hour and 45 minutes to get a picture with Santa. It was too crazy bit we got the cutest picture. Ever since Chad taught her to stick her tongue out that is what she loves to do when she smiles, but it is too funny. We did start celebrating our christmas on the 23 with Retti, J.D., Mickey, Carol, Anna, and Kirk. Shelby had fun there followed by Christmas eve celebrations, first at Mimi and Popa's followed by Nana and Pawpaw's. She had a lot of fun and I think she started to get overwhelmed by all the new toys. She is sure really loved and spoiled. We are happy to announce the best present the Gorman family got this year though, Aunt Paola and Uncle Bryan are going to give Shelby a new cousin in August. We are so excited for them and wish them all the best.

24 Weeks

2007-12-25T22:06:00.000-06:00

At 24 weeks my Shelby is off to party. She enjoyed her first trip to Austin to celebrate her Great Grandad's 79th birthday at his surprise party. This weekend she got to meet her Aunt Debbie, Cousins Katie and Chris, and Ron. She also got to hang out with Drew and Garrett as well as Kelli, Trey, Nana, Paw paw and a few other relatives. She got to experience her first Christmas of many. She really enjoyed it even though she is into eating the paper more than anything.

23 Weeks

2007-12-10T11:19:00.000-06:00

Another week has flown by for the Shelbster.

She is now 23 weeks and quickly growing. The weekdays were pretty quiet this week not a lot happened, but on Friday Shelby and I hit the road leaving Daddy behind for a girls night out in the big Mad-ville (Madisonville). Shelby got to meet her Aunts Keri and Melissa and visit again with her Aunt Carol. We had a lot of fun. On Sunday we visited with Nanny, Grandma, Mimi, Popa as well as Josh and Angie and their crew. When we got home we got to unwrap our tree lights because apparently while we were gone Zowie got hungry and at the wire for a snack. AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Shelby is developing so quickly now. She has become quite the eater and loves baby food. She is starting to get rolls on her knees. She also has learned how to spin herself around on her belly, it may take her a while but she will get there. She is also pushing her body up by extending her forearms completely. She also tries to scoot by putting her face to the floor and plushing with her feet. It is really too funny.

22 Weeks (5 Months)

2007-12-05T14:28:00.000-06:00

My baby girl is officially 5 months old. I cannot believe it, where has the time gone. She now sits up so well and loves to play with her toys, especially ones with lights and sounds. She has very good hand eye coordination and can grab things and put it all in her mouth. Her favorite the thing to chew on is her pacifier clip string as well as the plug attached to it. She began eating vegetables this week, first green beans, then sweet potatoes. She loves all the food you give to her as long as it is cold. I know what a weirdo. Shelby and I also attended Jeff Locklears 30th surprise birthday party where Shelby and her Nana got to hit the Pinata. Her Mimi and her Ishy along with her cousins went anad had some christmas pictures made, this is only a couple of the cute ones.

Turkey at 21 Weeks

2007-11-29T11:29:00.000-06:00

Shelby is 21 weeks now and growing too quickly. I cannot believe how time has flown by. During this past week we enjoyed Shelby's first Thanksgiving. It started with a lunch at Mimi and Popa's house followed by another meal at Great Grandma's. After that it was to the McDaniel's house where we spent the evening with my family. Shelby did not get to enjoy any turkey as we are not quite ready for that yet, but her baby Oatmeal was a fabulous Thanksgiving feast for her. Every bite she takes of her food now we know she likes it becasue she goes, mmmmmmmmm!

The Big 20!

2007-11-13T13:06:00.000-06:00

My sweet love is 20 weeks old already. I cannot believe it, man how time flies. Her daddy got sick this past weekend so Shelby and I abandoned ship and went to Pasadena for the weekend to make sure we did not get sick. I found the cutest bows on ebay friday, so my mom was able to make duplicates of them just by looking. She is too smooth. Shelby now has the cutest turkey bow to wear with all of her thanksgiving outfits. Thank you Nana!!!

Shelby is also learning how to sit up so well now. She can do it for about 30 seconds before she falls. We are all so impressed. This last picture is for her Aunt Kelli!

A Sad Week 19

2007-11-13T13:02:00.000-06:00

It is amazing what a sickness can do to us. This is Shelby 2 days before she got sick this past week.

My poor baby girl got sick for the first time this week. We ended up taking her to the doctor and found out she had a cold that also caused an ear infection. She got put on her first antibiotic already. It was not any fun for her or us. She was a VERY good sick baby though, she still smiled and played, but she just looked pitiful.

Happy Halloween!!!

2007-11-03T13:26:00.001-05:00

Shelby enjoyed her first Halloween. We went trick or treating
with her cousins, Ansley and Callie, around the neighborhood. Popa and Ms. Sheryl joined us as well, it was quite a group. She looked too cute though as Tigger as well as Tobie as Super Weenie and Zowie as a dinosaur.

18 Weeks

2007-10-30T13:32:00.000-05:00

Today marks Shelby's 18 week birthday. It feels like she has always been with us. She had a photo shoot this past weekend, one at the Locklears house with her cousins and friends and one at home with her daddy and I. All the pics turned out so cute!

17 Weeks

2007-10-30T13:22:00.000-05:00

My sweet Shelby Reese is now 17 weeks old and growing. She went to the doctor this week for her 4 month check up. She is now weighing in at 14 lbs. 9 oz. and is 25 inches long. She is the 75% for both height and weight. She is absoloutley perfect.

Shelby began on rice cereal this week. She loves the stuff!!! She gobbled up the whole bowl and gets mad at me if I do not get it to her fast enough.