Life with Adalie

Amazing Grace

2010-08-23T23:35:00.002-05:00

There is no better then song to me then Amazing Grace. No words to a song capture my emotions and the love of my Savior more then this one. Written over 200 years ago it still speaks to so many of us.

Enjoy!

M

House Build - Part 3

2010-08-19T23:31:00.001-05:00

The exterior is ALMOST complete. The stone work and black shutters are still to be done. The front porch still needs a few more details including painting the front door red.

The back deck is James favorite part of the house so far. We are going to love using this space in the cooler months and there will be many BBQ's to be had.

Back of the house. Lots of space for Adalie and our Dog Jack to play.

View of the foyer and dining room area from the great room. Unfortunately those pillar looking things are not what we asked for and will be removed or reworked shortly.

Master bedroom

Breakfast nook off the kitchen.

View of great room looking from the kitchen.

There will be an island separating the two areas.

Adalie's going to be a big sister!

2010-08-15T04:11:00.000-05:00

Ultrasound @ 6 weeks and 4 days - heart rate 124

Most of you have probably already heard that we are expecting baby number 2!

He or She is due on April 5th, 2011.

We feel very blessed to welcome another child into our family.

Big Girl Room Inspiration

2010-08-09T02:46:00.000-05:00

Isn't this "big girl" room gorgeous? This is the design concept I am going to use for Adalie's room in the new house. Blue walls with soft pink and bright pink accents! And how cute is that vintage looking elephant print. LOVE it all.

Random Monday Thought

2010-08-08T19:29:00.000-05:00

House Build Part II

2010-07-31T20:38:00.000-05:00

It's REALLY coming along now!

We cannot wait to see the house in person in about a month!

It's Retro

2010-07-22T04:53:00.001-05:00

You may or may not already know.... if you click on any of the pictures on this blog you can see them enlarged!

(

Pigtails

2010-07-22T00:35:00.002-05:00

It's so hot in Korea these days, we were melting within 5 minutes of getting to the park. When we got home we stripped down to cool off and cranked up the a/c. I decided to try pigtails to get the hair off Adalie's neck in the attempt to get cool quick!

Not only did it cool her down but also looked super cute.

So of course I had to take a few pictures of her cuteness :)

The Build has Begun!

2010-07-16T20:05:00.001-05:00

Our house build in Valdosta is in full swing! The foundation is done and framing is in the works.

Thank you to Lauren for taking the pictures for us :)

CrAZY About Lightroom

2010-07-11T03:01:00.003-05:00

I just recently downloaded a new photo editing program called Lightroom 3 and it's FANTASTIC! My new hobby is coming up with "user presets". I just created one I really love! It's a mix between a sepia and color photo.... to me it looks vintage modern with a little bit of rustic thrown in.

What do you think? You like it?

{only one of these children are mine,

although I would gladly claim the other two cuties}

I Want

2010-07-10T08:43:00.001-05:00

I want (another) one.....

Our friend Shawna's adorable baby girl, Kailey.

Our day in Pictures (w/the new 50mm:) )

2010-07-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

The Lens Arrived!

2010-07-08T08:53:00.000-05:00

My new lens came today! It arrived 6 days after I ordered it, that's crazy fast! I'm already in love with 50mm 1.4 and only used it for a few shots of Adalie at the park. I still have a lot more to learn about the benefits of this lens but I can tell it's going to really sharpen my images. YAY!

In other news, Adalie has enough hair for ponytails now :)

It only took 2 years!

How cute is her "fountain"?

LOVE it!

Random Wednesday w/Pictures

2010-07-07T00:48:00.000-05:00

1. Laundry has taken over my life! One of Adalie's GREEN CRAYONS snuck it's way into my WHITES, errrr! I have soaked, washed, scrubbed, rewashed so many times this weekend.... and I have mostly gotten rid of the green. BUT of course my favorite North Face fleece is RUINED, 200 bucks goodbye :(

Before:

Success!

EPIC FAIL :(

2. Adalie is obsessed with shoes. A true women :) She wants them on as soon as she wakes and wears then all day and changes them almost hourly. Daddy is in trouble, better start a shoe shopping fund now.

Here she is in Mrs. Jess's rain boots:

3. I thought I would share with you our view of Korea. It happened to finally be nice yesterday and the haze was at a minimum so I could actually see the city. Usually the visibility is terrible with the smog and I can't see this much of the city.

The View from our Bedroom:

View from the back of the apartment:

4. I didn't get to take many picture this 4th of July the weather was raining off and on and I was worried about ruining the camera. Here is one of the few from our festivities.

5. I bought a new lens! My 50mm 1.4 is on the way to Korea. Of course it will take 3 weeks to get here :( I cannot wait to get it and start playing. I have a few friends who are willing to do some shoots with me for practice. So fun!

The Story

2010-07-01T08:16:00.002-05:00

The Story of a girl
bored in her crib.....

(She went to bed 30 minutes before these pictures were taken 100% clothed, I swear.)

It's way more fun to take my clothes off and jump in my bed while yelling "I naked, I naked".

Who needs naps?

Apparently not Adalie today.

THE Mood Board!

2010-06-30T23:09:00.002-05:00

Agghhh! I'm so beyond excited! My decorator, i.e. friend SHANNON created this mood board for me. This is our interior design concept for the Great Room, Kitchen and Formal Dining room for the new house we are building. Isn't it dreamy! I am so in love with all the colors and textures!

Wonderful, beyond excellent job Shanny! You captured my vision and needs perfectly!

A Chair for the Hubs

2010-06-29T22:30:00.002-05:00

Chair from High Country Furniture

So every man deserves a "man's chair" right?

Well, my Hubby has a love of leather, don't most men?

I use to be really against this hard, masculine textile but have come to enjoy owning this easy to clean with kids, um, I mean sophisticated material :)

So, I sent my Grandmother who lives in N.C. near some fabulous furniture stores on the hunt for a rich brown leather chair and ottoman for the Great Room. She found it, the chair above is PERFECT! I love the color and lines. Hubby and I actually agree on it too, so I won't have to sacrifice style over function!

Can't you just imagine the leather chair next to my chair that is similar to this....

Recovered in this fabric....

Perfection. In my opinion :)

Change of Heart

2010-06-29T10:23:00.001-05:00

I've been researching & planning the decor of our new Great Room for a few months now. I have 2 chairs to recover and have been trying to find a few fabrics that I love. This is a much harder task then I thought it would be. There are so many options and I want to choose something I can live with for quite some time based on the fact that I seem to like $100 dollar a yard fabrics!

Originally I have been liking the color scheme above. But once again I've changed my mind. As my planning got deeper I was having a hard time find a rug I like with the colors and just overall apprehensions about going with such bold colors. I find I'm more attracted to cooler tones and soothing colors.

Then I found this.....

and I was hooked. SO, unless I change my mind again (which is entirely possible) THIS is the new color palette and fabrics I'm working with. Good thing my decorator is so patient with me! Thanks Shannon :)

Love Birds

2010-06-27T21:33:00.000-05:00

Playing footsie.

Ah, childhood love.

this IS summer

2010-06-26T23:22:00.002-05:00

What says summertime more then eating watermelon in a sundress at the pool?

NOTHING!

Happy Sweet Summertime!

Captain and Mrs. James A. Darlson

2010-06-26T22:51:00.000-05:00

Captain & Mrs Darlson at Dining Out . Osan AFB, South Korea

Last night James & I attended dining out (my first). It's a formal event, sit down dinner, awards ceremony. Not really sure of the real purpose, moral booster? Nevertheless it is a fun time to dress up, get together with friends and use those formal manners that have some how escaped our society. Like pushing in a ladies chair, standing when a lady gets up from the table, not eating till the head table has started, exc. I had a great time and look forward to more formal events throughout Captain Darlson's Air Force career.

OH, did I mention James was promoted a few weeks ago? Yep, that's why I keep calling him Captain!

Crazy About Paper

2010-06-24T21:17:00.001-05:00

I'm totally in love with wallpaper right now! I think I've found a covering for our new dining room. I have to order a sample and see if the color is right but here are pictures of the pattern.

Asuka by Osborne & Little

I'm partial to this blue/silver color. I'm hoping it will flow with the other colors we are thinking for the Great Room & Kitchen. This covering is offered in about 6 different colors so I'm hoping one of them will look fabulous because I LOVE the pattern.

Random Wednesday

2010-06-23T20:55:00.001-05:00

1) The last 10 days (minus the weekend) have been pretty rough on all three of us. James has been working crazy hours (night flying week, inspection coming up, volunteered at an orphanage, going into work on the weekends). It's not always this crazy but it just seems like when it rains it pours, you know?

Well, with James working so many hours the last 10 days I have been in single mommy mode again and it's EXHAUSTING. Adalie is usually not a challenging child but when I'm already tired and she doesn't nap it's a bad day for all of us. This has happened 2x this week. God give me strength to get through the weekend! Hoping things will get better after the inspection is over next week.

2) On a lighter note there is a "Dining Out" this weekend. I've never been to one before but from what I understand it's a formal sit down dinner and award ceremony. We have a babysitter for Saturday night and this will be my first adult only outing in 14 days so I am looking forward to dressing up and not hearing "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy" for at least a few hours :)

3) My suitcase is finally unpacked. I can see my floor again and not trip on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

4) I've just finished a new book "The Help" I read it in 3 days! This is the best book I've read to date. PICK ONE UP! You will be hooked from the first chapter. (Grams, I'm mailing you this book).

5) I've found a new yummy, quick, easy weeknight recipe.... especially good if you have a meat aversion like me. I still can't stomach chicken breast, I tried last night but couldn't just ate my salad and veggies.

Click HERE to make this....

A Father

2010-06-19T19:41:00.002-05:00

Happy Fathers Day!!

I think Adalie has one of the best out there.

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."

- Rev. Theodore Hesburgh

"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."

- Mark Twain

Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards.

- Robert Orben 1927-

My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

- Clarence B. Kelland 1881-1964

Inspired Dining

2010-06-19T01:59:00.001-05:00

With our new home comes a new room that we've never had before, a formal dining room. Which means new furniture! Which also means $$$$, err. But I cannot let the first room you see in my house stay bare, so I am on the hunt for a dining room table. One with style and not so heavy on the pocket book.

I've never really thought much about what style I like for a formal table until now. Here a few of my top choices. All very different but I could live & love any one of them. What's your favorite?

The Owen Table

Image found on Me Oh My!

Aren't those chairs amazing? I love the mixer of the dark wood and white chairs.

House Beautiful

A round table in a formal room is so inviting to me.

House Beautiful

I love the lines of this table. Simple & Structured. Very "Meghan" :)

House Beautiful

Love the legs on this one.

Ballard Designs

Breaking Ground

2010-06-18T03:05:00.001-05:00

On the agenda while we were on vacation was a trip to Valdosta, Ga. to meet with our builder! We were very busy over our 3 days there, we chose our subdivision, the lot, and all the materials. I have never had to make that many decisions in such a short time. It was overwhelming and exhilarating all at the same time.

We were thrilled to finalize the location of our future home and choose the lot. James and I feel like we are both getting all we want in the location and lot. We had a few requirements, we wanted to be in a subdivision where we would have neighbors fairly close but not be on top of each other, we wanted to be no more then 15 minutes away from base and I was set on having a decently wooded lot.

Our builder is breaking ground tomorrow! My friend Celia is going to take pictures over the next few months as the house is built and you know I will post them :) We are very excited that in 4 short months we will be living there!

Random Wednesday

2010-06-15T18:42:00.001-05:00

1) Our suitcases are STILL packed. I'm hoping to get around to unpacking and starting the laundry that will certainly take at least 3 full days to complete. Here in Korea we only have one machine that washes AND dries. It's insane how one load takes about three hours to dry! This is why I wear my jeans at least 5 times before washing. I know it's gross.

2) I love when Hubby gets up before me and makes the coffee. I swear it tastes better. Just like when I eat out I think it's better too. I'm sure it's only because I am not the one doing the work! When I was young I use to swear water ALWAYS tasted sweeter from my Mother's cup. Strange?

3) I'm in a ongoing personal debate (and with a friend) on the pro's and con's of spanking. Adalie is 2 and has maybe had 8 spankings in her life.... 3 of which were about 2 weeks ago. I see a vast improvement in her behavior and how she is listening to our direction since the spankings BUT there is a lot of negative talk about spanking. What are your thoughts?

4) I'm very thankful for that friend who I get into heated debates with :) I really feel we all need friends you can be 100% real with. SHE IS ONE OF THOSE. We definitely do not agree on everything but I think we challenge each other in ways that are positive. And at the end of the day we can leave the debate at the door and still love and respect each other. I THANK GOD FOR YOU!

5) I'm very disappointed to tell you I was a TERRIBLE picture taker on our vacation! I think it's time to invest in a camera bag. My camera is so heavy I often leave it behind because of the bulk and then I'm always sad I don't have pictures to remember the occasion. I'm thinking one of these would be fun & useful...

It Was Fabulous

2010-06-15T00:47:00.000-05:00

I'm back! Back in South Korea that is and back to blogging.

Our vacation was seriously a dream, minus Adalie's 8 days of high fever. Even with her illness it was FABULOUS! Seeing family was wonderful, spending time with our AMAZING friends at the beach was "a weekend like no other" and having 3 weeks of my Husband around 24/7 was undeniably the best part of the whole trip.

Hub was like a different species during our 3 weeks in Florida. I even asked him a couple of times where my REAL Husband was! Now let me clarify, James is not in any way a dead beat Dad or Husband but most wives/moms out there could always use a little more help, right? Without work consuming him he was Mr. Mom on steroids. I felt like I was on vacation from Motherhood! He helped with Adalie so much and paid attention to my every need. Oh yes, I could get use to this!

This proves to me that when he says "I'm sorry hun, I'm just stressed from work" it really isn't an excuse it's the truth. Which means I might need to give him a little more slack then I have in the past. I need to be more appreciative of the MANY sacrifices he makes daily to support us. AND we need to go on vacation more often!

Peace Out

2010-05-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

This beautiful print can be bought here!

We are out of here! Headed back to the states in 6 hours!! I just realized last night that this is our first flight together as a family. That's pretty astonishing when I think of all the places Adalie & I have flown together. AZ to FL, AZ to CHI town, FL to Ireland, FL to S. Korea, etc.!

I'm very thankful that this time around we get to fly together. Because YES I will need/want the help. I might even get some sleep? Nah, probably not.

If you think of us please say a prayer for safe, easy travel. Blog you later :)

This or This?

2010-05-21T23:45:00.003-05:00

In general I consider myself a health conscious person.

But some of the food choice's I have been making that I thought were "healthy" are actually NOT that great for you.

After reading "In The Defense of Food" and doing some research I realized I could make better choices for myself and my family. The basic philosophy behind the book (and my new way of thinking) is for us as a nation to get back to the way our Great Grandparents or even Great Great Grandparents ate. Which means eating WHOLE FOOD's.

I think we have forgotten what really food even is... if it is processed, has a chemical compound, artificial flavoring or any other food like substance in it then YOUR NOT EATING REAL FOOD! Your ingesting something that was conceived in a laboratory not out of the ground as God intended us to eat.

OK, OK let me get of my high horse. Because I AM SO GUILTY of eating chemically engineered food as well. But I'm changing that! I'm not saying I'm never going to eat a Twinkies again (oh wait, I haven't eaten those since I was in 4th grade). What I am trying to do is make small changes in my everyday life to eat REAL food.

Who's with me?

The left side are things I'm giving up. The right side are what I'm picking up instead! Now the veggies might confuse you.... What I am attempting to do is buy organic home grown fresh produce instead of packaged veggies from the grocery.

Birthday!

2010-05-21T00:54:00.003-05:00

We had a very small get together here in Korea for Adalie's 2nd Birthday. We will celebrate again next week in Florida with the family!

Daddy LOVE

2010-05-21T00:04:00.000-05:00

It was 5 months before these two were reunited! That's along to be without your Daddy when your not even 2 yet! Here's a few picture of the last few months in Korea. Adalie is definitely loving being back with her Daddy and so am I :)

Sweet Adalie

2010-05-20T02:02:00.001-05:00

This sweet girl turns 2 today!! I don't know how the time went by so quickly.... but everyday she has been on this earth with us has been more wonderful then before. We love her so much!!! God has truly blessed us with a little angel, most days :)

THIS IS HILARIOUS!

2010-05-19T21:31:00.001-05:00

Hilarious video that makes any Mom want a mini-van, sort of :) Found on my cousin Mallory's blog.

Enjoy!

~ M

Random Wednesday

2010-05-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

I now declare Wednesdays "Random Wednesday". A day in which I will blog 5 random things that I am doing, going through, obsessing over, wanting, needing, frustrating me, etc. Basically a whole bunch of randomness. Sound fun? Well then let me get started!

1. I really enjoyed going to Buddha's birthday parade this past weekend! I brought home 5 (free) lanterns they were carrying in the parade. I think they will look adorable hung in Adalie's room over her reading corner.

2. My hair is falling out again. This happened after I stopped taking BC (the pill) when we were trying for Adalie, and after I had her. Yes, this means I am not on BC anymore :) It seems after awhile of my body thinking I'm prego (whether I really am or I am tricking it to think I am) my hair falls out when it thinks I'm not. Does that make sense? It's hormonal, gotta love hormones, ugh.

3. We leave for Florida in 6 days! This time I am not dreading the 24+ hours of travel because Hubs is coming with me!! I'm so excited to be with him everyday, all day for 3 weeks! No work!

4. I am impatiently waiting for my iMac to get here. I have so many cool images from our 2 months in South Korea. I cannot wait to finally share them with you..... come on USPS get a move on it.

5. Adalie has gone from calling us Momma & Dada to Mommy and Daddy. I know in 6-10 years we will be Mom and Dad. It's little things like this that change and I realize she is not a baby anymore! The last 2 years went by sooooo quick!

Lighting & Stuff

2010-05-17T23:37:00.000-05:00

Im loving the idea of these pendant's from Restoration Hardware over our kitchen island. They will go great with the clean, bright look we want! Thanks Shannon For finding them!

Another inspirational white kitchen.

This rug is divine. I'm not sure if the color will work in our living room but I love the style! Image from flourish design + style

Picky

2010-05-17T01:52:00.000-05:00

Any other Momma's dealing with a picky eater? I sure am! Adalie, my almost 2 year old (on Thursday!!) is picky about textures and is not a fan of foods that contain protein. In a attempt to boost her calorie, protein and veggie in take I tried smoothies and it worked!! She is now eating raw spinach, broccoli, tofu and other healthy stuff without even knowing it! Yes, I am sneaky :)Oh and I enjoy the smoothies too. It's a quick healthy lunch for a Mom on the go.

Recipe:

1 cup Organic Vanilla Yogurt

1/2 cup Organic Whole Milk

1 cup Organic Raw Spinach (stems removed)

1 cup whole Organic Strawberries (frozen)

1/3 cup Organic Blueberries (frozen)

1/2 ripe Organic Banana

2 TBS soft Tofu

1 TBS Flax Seeds

1 scoop protein powder

***All measurements are approximate, I don't really measure. Just dump & blend***

Etsy!

2010-05-17T01:50:00.000-05:00

I'm LOVING Etsy! I could spend a month's rent in one day! For those of you have not experienced the joys of the website let me explain... It's basically a collection of shops of handmade, vintage or Upcycled items. I'm loving this new trend of buying from indivduals not the big chains.

Here are my Etsy purchases so far, all are gift's except for the necklace. That was my Mother's Day gift :)click on the number's for links to the shop's where these items were found. ENJOY!

I loathe

2010-05-15T21:57:00.000-05:00

I loathe acne! I mean HELLO, I'M 26 why am I still getting zits! You would think by looking at my face I'm 16 years old and it has gotten worse since being in South Korea. I was spared from having acne in high school, it wasn't till getting pregnant with Adalie that I really started experience frequent break outs.

I've tried so many creams, lotions, acne treatments, new face washes, prescriptions, antibiotics. Nothing really works, so far. Well I did some research and am trying a new product that seems to work for people. Exposed Skin Care acne treatment. I will report back on it's success or failure in a few weeks.

If any of you have any suggestions or successful strategies please let me know. I'm sick of wearing make-up every time I go out! I miss being fresh faced and letting my freckles show!

The Heart of a Home

2010-05-15T01:27:00.001-05:00

So everyone says that a kitchen is "the heart of the home" and it's so true! Every time we have people over whether it's family or friends we always end up in the kitchen. This happens at my Grandparents, my Mom's, my friends, it's universal we all love to be where the food is.

As we are getting ready to start this venture of home building I've been thinking about my kitchen a lot.I want it to be special and comfortable since everyone is always hanging out there! And of course stylish and functional as well. Here's what I'm thinking I want.

So I would take this kitchen EXACTLY as is but I wouldn't be able to afford food to cook in it! But this is the lay out I want and we are going to do white traditional cabinets with a few of the glass cabinets to display our nicer dishes, brushed silver hardware. I'm so in love with the idea of marble counter-tops but they are out of our budget so we are looking into alternative stone that will give us the same look as marble. The pendant lighting is perfection!

James & I love the idea of painting the inside of the glass cabinets. I love this unexpected touch. We also want to have a farmhouse sink like this one.... still debating on a stainless or porcelain sink.

We are obsessed with dark wood floors!

How awesome is the contrast between crisp white cabinetry and the dark floors?!?! LOVE

Sad Sofa

2010-05-14T00:00:00.002-05:00

In February I bought a lovely Pottery Barn sectional. They custom make them in N.C. so it wasn't scheduled to be delivered till mid April. This just happened to be when Adalie and I would be out of the country.... and then we up and stayed!

So I have not even laid eyes on the newest addition of our family before the movers came and took her to a

Valdosta, GA. storage unit. I'm sure she is sad

in there having never met her loving new family. We will return to get her in a couple of months and boy do I have some lovely throw pillows in mind for you my dear!

And some lovely pillows to dress her...

*** found at modernthreads & PlumCushion etsy stores***

Check out my friend Shannon's blog! She is helping with all the

interior design of our future home in Valdosta.

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

It's been 2 years...

2010-05-13T22:51:00.001-05:00

I think it's time Mommy & Daddy take a much need toddler free vaca!! In fact, I think it's overdue... We will be home in Florida for just under 3 weeks and in additon to seeing family and friends WE are going on a 2 night getaway to the Amelia Island area.

I cannot wait to lay on the beach, read and hold hands with Hubby! No strollers, toys, diapers, sippy cups,or temper tantrums allowed :) Just the sound of the ocean, the sun on my back and Hubs bringing me a mojito. How glorious is this going to be!

This is where we are staying.

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, isn't it so cute?

And I think I need this hat & shirt

from Anthropologie for the beach...

Good Reads!

2010-05-13T22:35:00.000-05:00

After almost 2 years I've actually finished a book! Actually 3 in 2 months! I feel like reading and motherhood are not always compatiable BUT I am making a greater effort in this area. It's also much easier to pick up a book and read when you don't have TV shows as a distraction. SO here are my FINISHED books :) I highly recommend all three.

Currently on my nightstand:

God Give Me Wisdom

2010-05-12T23:35:00.001-05:00

Don't you love being a Mom? But isn't it hard? Can I get an Amen? Adalie is almost 2 and pushing me, sometimes to my breaking point. We are dealing with tantrums, food battles, her using the word "no" constantly and emotional instability. James said last night, "is she bipoler" ? No, he wasn't serious BUT she goes from happy to tears in .5 seconds.

Consistency is SO imporatant while discplining and exhausting! On the hard days with Adalie I need a nap at noon just as much as she does. All I know to do is pray for God to grant me wisdom in each moment with her. Show me when to use grace and when to use the mommy rath :) I came across some encouraging words from John Ortberg on this blog. God deals with each of us in unique and special ways. I hope to do this with Adalie, although knowing I will continuely fall short of the perfect love God has shown me.

“He had Abraham take a walk,

Elijah take a nap,

Joshua take a lap,

Adam take the rap.

He gave Moses a 40-year timeout,

He gave David a harp and a dance,

He gave Paul a pen and a scroll.

He wrestled with Jacob,

argued with Job,

whispered to Elijah,

warned Cain,

and comforted Hagar.

He gave Aaron an altar,

Miriam a song,

Gideon a fleece,

Peter a name,

and Elisha a mantle.

Jesus was stern with the young rich ruler,

tender with the woman caught in adultery,

patient with the disciples,

blistering with the scribes,

gentle with the children,

and gracious with the theif on the cross.”

by John Ortberg

New Blog!

2010-03-02T16:45:00.001-06:00

Hello Blog Readers!

For the sake of keeping the subject matter of this blog about our family life and the adventures our toddling 21 month old I have decided to start a second blog to be strictly about my photography. It can be found at www.meghancavanaughphotography.blogspot.com I hope you will check it out and follow my photography adventures as you have my life with Adalie.

More to Come,

Meghan

The New Blog!

Tim, Celia & Sam

2010-02-28T22:14:00.000-06:00

Our dear friends Tim, Celia and Samuel came to Titusville this weekend to visit us! The Grebs are our best Air Force family friends. We have been blessed to be neighbors for the last 3 years and hope to continue the tradition when we move to Valdosta! They are already assigned there and we will follow in about 9 months. While they were here I offered to do a little photo shoot for my own practice and these are the images from our fun day :)

Thanks guys for a wonderful weekend!

~ Meghan

PHOTOSHOP FUN

2010-02-26T14:26:00.001-06:00

SO I decided to invest in the Photoshop Elements 8 software.

It is a very basic version of Photoshop that allows you too adjust

certain "elements" of a image.... Here are the first few pictures

I played with... I think they are crisper and brighter then the

one's I posted before of Adalie. What do you think?

Meghan

An Afternoon with Shannon Rae

2010-02-22T00:30:00.009-06:00

My beautiful friend Shannon Rae is setting up a new design consulting biz. She has been helping me with some mood boards for my living room, as an exchange for her efforts she asked me took take some pictures for her upcoming blog and website launch!

I told her I would give it a whirl with my new camera. I really had no idea how it would turn out but take a look..... it's not terrible. Thankful I have been getting wonderfully easy subjects, they make me look like a halfway decent photographer.

And for my photographer friends, these were all shot in Manual mode and color corrected. No Photoshop yet, I've got to learn all about that next....

First Photo Shoot With Mommy!

2010-02-08T14:13:00.011-06:00

I have always loved & appreciated photography and got into it a bit in high school but did not continue developing my hobby while in college. Well, I have again been re-inspired and am returning to my hobby once again...

Here is my first photo shoot with Adalie. She is a wonderful subject because she loves being in front of the camera and even poses! These images have not been through photoshop. They were shot in the RAW format and were color corrected. Who knows if I am doing all this right but it is a learning process. I have to say that it's not half bad for my first time shooting in about 10 years. But of course that's only my very uneducated opinion.

Enjoy!

~Meghan

My Current Obsession

2010-01-31T08:01:00.003-06:00

My longtime friend Shannon Blalock is AMAZING with interior design and after telling her how much I loathed my current living room furniture (minus my pottery barn coffee table) she promptly designed this inspiration board for me which I LOVE!!! She is staying with my color palette of khaki, chocolate brown, green and yellow.

We are still tweeking the project this was just our first run. A few changes will include different style end table's, less formal arm chairs and an additional leather club chair.

I have put my current furniture on Craigslist and plan to put the money towards a new Martha Stewart sectional that I am IN LOVE with! Everything else is going to have to be bought piece by piece as the funding becomes available :)

Tell me what you think...

Meghan

Making Memories of Us.

2010-01-24T09:31:00.002-06:00

Christmas

2009-12-28T14:55:00.003-06:00

Christmas was not the same without James this year but we made the best of our time apart but missed him very much! Next year we will be together again!

Vintage McCotter Kids!

2009-12-19T08:30:00.004-06:00

Remember the holidays when you were a kid? Not being able to sleep the night before "Santa comes" waking up early for yummy breakfast treats and stockings, huge piles of wrapping paper to jump in! Ahhh, what fun days they were and still are now that I get to relive it all through Adalie's wide eyes.

Those days would not have been as AMAZING without my wonderfully fun & crazy siblings Clancy, Mattie and Lily. Oh how I love the memories and this picture makes them all flood back...... life would not be as sweet without the three of you in my life. I love you!

More to come,

Meghan

P.S. I was considering Adalie being an only child.... this picture, plus the memories may have changed my mind. How could I deprive her of all the fights & fun!

I'm Employed!

2009-12-12T09:15:00.004-06:00

Hello Blog Readers,

That's right I've got a job.I'm the new Studio Manager at CJ Photography. I was so blessed to have found Caroline to shoot my wedding 3 years ago. Caroline and I became friends beyond business and I continued to follow and admire her work. I am so excited to now be on the CJ Photographer team and spread her fantastic, amazing art to new Brides EVERYWHERE! Here is her introduction of me that I lifted from her blog...... www.lifewithcaroline.com

Meet Meghan... my new new Whipcracker... Studio Manager

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Meet Meghan!!!

I am so excited to welcome Meghan Darlson to the Caroline Johnson Photography team. Meghan and I go way back...3 1/2 years ago to be exact. It was when the ladies of Solutions Bridal introduced us when Meghan was first engaged and residing in Gainesville, Florida while attending University of Florida and pursuing a English and MRS. degree... If you are not sure what that means you'll have to ask her for a good laugh. I'm so grateful for having made that connection so many years ago!

I have photographed just about everyone in her family and they are all as beautiful on the inside and outside. She understands my business and has been such an avid fan of my art.

Meghan is your new go to person and studio liaison. She will be the Backbone and Whipcracker to get you orders faster than ever along with handling the scheduling, promoting and marketing the Caroline Johnson Photography experience among vendors and clients.

In addition to one-million-and-one other exciting tasks on her plate, she balances her roles as Mother to the adorable 18 month old Adalie Cavanaugh and Wife to James a handsome Air force Pilot. She is traveled and shares a tremendous amount of business acumen. After being raised in a family of entrepreneurs she now carries on the tradition as she joins the Caroline Johnson Photography team. She is such a delight and I know you will adore her as much as I do

Please welcome Meghan Darlson the newest member of the Team! - Caroline

It's been awhile...

2009-11-23T10:06:00.002-06:00

Hello Blog Followers,

Are there any of you left? I have been a bad, bad blogger the last few months! But I have a good excuse, actually several! We moved cross country AGAIN, this time Tucson, AZ. to Titusville, Florida. James left for his 1 year remote tour in S. Korea which means I'm a SAH single Mom for now. Addie started a 2 day a week preschool program. I'm still running and working out regularly and am taking up tennis and golf. I'm also working on a job opportunity which I have a meeting about tomorrow! More details on that to come...

In the middle of all this change is a precious 1 and a half year old that is now on the go at an alarming rate. As we speak she is tugging at me to play guitar with her. So blogging has been on the back burner. I will try to do better, especially for James so he can see his baby girl and hear about our daily adventures.

More to come,

Meghan

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-17T10:11:00.004-05:00

Our Traveling Buddies: The Grebs & The Myers

Grand Canyon

Sedona

Sedona

James looking over the vast beauty of the Canyon

The Darlson Clan

Over Labor Day weekend we traveled 4 hours north to the Grand Canyon/ Sedona area. We rented a house with our friends Tim, Celia and Sam Grebs and Ryle and Lauren Myers. We had a wonderful time being together and seeing the beauty of northern Arizona. We all feel very blessed to be assigned to Tucson and be able to see these remarkable views.

On Monday Celia and I did our last long run before the marathon. We marked out a 10 mile route but our route changed when we ran into a herd of free range cattle blocking the road! Always an adventure....

Meghan

Training: Week 5

2009-08-31T19:55:00.002-05:00

Monday- Rest

Tuesday- 2 mile sprints, legs & abs

Wednesday- 5 miles

Thursday- 45 mins bike, upper body & abs

Friday- 5 miles

Saturday- 2 mile sprints & abs

Sunday- Rest

Monday- 10 miles

Well, we are almost there! The race is in 14 days! I'm thankful it's right around the corner.... as much as I am enjoying the challenge my body is getting tired. BUT I am very happy to report that we have not suffered any injuries so far. Keep your fingers crossed....

Training: Week 4

2009-08-21T19:40:00.004-05:00

This has been a tough week for Celia and I to run together because James and Tim have had to go into work so early and of course we can't leave the Babes in bed with no parents home. So we have been treadmilling it more than usual... here's my week.

Monday- Rest

Tuesday- Rest

Wednesday- 3 miles treadmill, lower body workout

Thursday- 3 miles treadmill, upper body workout

Friday- 3miles treadmill, Total body and abs

Saturday- 5.5 miles in 50 minutes :)

Sunday 8.5 miles (with hills ugh)

15 months: Look What I Can Do!

2009-08-21T18:53:00.004-05:00

Adalie can do Lot's of new things now that she's a TODDLER! Here are a few...

Walk! Hold Mommies hand while she walks (I love this)

Talk! She says, Momma, Daddy, Hi, Bye, No, Jack-Jack, Happy, Baby, Kiss

She has some new favorite toys. Baby Dolls, Teddy bear that tells Nursery Rhymes, Coloring, Books, simple puzzles and Bubbles.

She likes to answer the phone even if it's not ringing :) and she pretends remotes are phones too.

She enjoys patting other children on the back. Especially if they are crying.

She is feeding herself with a fork and spoon. Her favorite pastime during meals is throwing food errrrr!

She loves to dance! Anytime she hears music she feels the need to shake that booty :)

She gives headbutts, high fives, kiss and hugs when asked.

She is holding her breath under water at the pool and jumping to us from the side.

That's all I can think of for now..... as you can see my baby is growing up and doing so many new things..... hmmm I think I might need to start thinking about my next one soon :) More to come on that.

Meghan

Training: Week 3 (1 month till the half)

2009-08-16T21:53:00.005-05:00

Celia & I at the top of Sabino Canyon!

Monday- Rest

Tuesday- 2 miles sprint intervals, lower body weight workout & abs

Wednesday- 3.5 miles

Thursday- 25 mins bike, upper body weight workout & abs

Friday- 4.5 miles

Saturday- 30 mins bike, 1 mile @ 8 mins on Treadmill

Sunday- 7.7 Miles in Sabino Canyon (the hills kicked my butt, thank goodness for my running partner Celia who kept me going! She's a hill GODDESS!)

Big Girls Wear Big Girl PJ's

2009-08-10T11:15:00.002-05:00

Gone are the days of footed pajamas! Adalie has graduated to big girl two piece PJ's. For some of you out there this may seem like no big deal but for me it just reaffirms the fact that my baby is growing up and becoming a little girl. Of course, she will always be my baby :) Hurray for not having to wrestle her into those footed PJ's with 20 snaps!

Training: Week 2

2009-08-08T12:46:00.004-05:00

Monday- 3.5 mile run

Tuesday- 20 mins bike, lower body & abs

Wednesday- Rest

Thursday- 4.5 mile run

Friday- Rest

Saturday- 1.5 miles treadmill, 20 mins bike, upper body& abs

Sunday- 6.5 mile run

SHE'S A WALKER!!

2009-08-07T22:58:00.002-05:00

Training Week 1 (last week)

2009-08-07T10:53:00.002-05:00

Monday- Elliptical and abs

Tuesday- 3 miles, legs and abs

Wednesday- Rest

Thursday- 3.5 miles, Upper body workout

Friday- Rest

Saturday- 5.5 miles

Sunday- 25 mins on bike and abs

Now that my friend Celia has moved to Tucson I have my running partner back! She is also going to Chicago for to run the half with Claire and I! It has been so much easier to get motivated and get out of bed at 5am to beat the Arizona heat. Thanks Celia I need your help. If you are wanting to start a training program or just run for exercise I HIGHLY suggest a running partner it makes a huge difference for me.

It's been awhile...

2009-08-07T10:26:00.002-05:00

Well Hello Again,

So, I know it's been a month, maybe two since I've blogged about anything. We have been very busy traveling to IRELAND, spending time in Florida and in general just being busy. Blogging was much easier and more frequent when Adalie was a little thing that slept for hours and only woke up to be fed.

Life with Adalie is very different now. We are usually out of the house from 9am till 12 or 1 doing activities like Splash pads, the zoo and various play dates. Adalie is also napping only 1 time a day now. As you other Mommies know that doesn't leave much time for blogging. SO please forgive me?

I will try to catch up by posting pictures from our trips, blogging about my half marathon training and of course a video of my little one WALKING!! .There are also BIG CHANGES coming up for our family. As you know we are always on the move, our next move will be home to Florida in October where Adalie and I will be living for the year. In November we will say Goodbye to James as he heads off to South Korea for his 1 year remote tour.

Lots to come,

Meghan

Ireland

2009-08-02T16:55:00.008-05:00

Getting Ready to get on the air plane!

Irish sea, and the big castle in the middle is Bono's
Powers Court, a old castle

Roses at Powers Court. The most beautiful
and fragrant I've ever seen

A small cottage in Dalkey that I loved

passing by on the way to town

The main drag of Dalkey

Adalie and I in the Japanese Garden

of Powers Court

Looking over the Irish Sea

Us Girls out for Lily's 18th Birthday

Lily and I at her Birthday Brunch

@ Dalkey Castle

A Mother Daughter Birthday Toast

Looking over the harbor of Hoth

Marmie helping Adalie walk

A beautiful, sunny (rare) day in Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2009-06-04T15:29:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures from Adalie's birthday party. She had two parties one in Tucson and another in Titusville. Lucky girl!

Training: Week 4

2009-05-24T20:51:00.001-05:00

Sadly only got 4 miles in all week. Hopefully next week will go better. I am on vacation :)

The Aunties Come to Tucson

2009-05-17T17:14:00.008-05:00

Our first visitors came this weekend! Aunt Mat Mat and Auntie Lil from Florida! We loved having them even though it was such a short visit :(

They got in Friday afternoon and we took them on base to Family pot luck night at the squadron. Of course the single guys loved having my pretty sisters there. On Saturday we went to Sabino Canyon and took a tram ride up the mountain. We then had lunch and headed to Mt. Lemmon which is the highest mountain in our local area (9,100ft). What is interesting is that at 7,000ft the terrain completely changes it's suddenly green and it looks like you are in the mountains of N.C. not the desert! Also, it was 101 degrees at the bottom and 72 at the top! I hope more of you come visit soon we would LOVE to have you :)

Meghan

View from the top of mt. lemmon

View from the ski lift on Mt. Lemmon

Adalie grins

Looking down on Tucson

Riding on the tram with Daddy....

I see myself in her in this pic.

I'm tall on Daddy's shoulders

Sabino Canyon

Addie wants Mommy's glasses

Now I look cool!

Aunt Mattie ALWAYS makes Adalie laugh

Greeting Lily at the Airport

I didn't remember my Aunt's right away

but warmed up quickly

Love my Aunt's

Training: Week 3

2009-05-14T17:36:00.004-05:00

Monday- Rest

Tuesday- Pilate's DVD

Wednesday- 2 miles, leg workout (ugh, too many lunges can hardly walk)

Thursday- 3 miles, Chest & Triceps

Friday- 3miles, Abs & stretching

Saturday- Rest

Sunday- 4 miles, Back, biceps & abs

Training: Week 2

2009-05-08T12:27:00.003-05:00

Monday- Rest

Tuesday- 3 miles, pilates dvd

Wednesday- Rest

Thursday- 2 miles, leg workout

Friday- 2miles

Saturday- 3 miles, back & biceps

Sunday- 4 miles, chest & triceps

James is an A-10 Driver!!

2009-05-06T11:26:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday was an exciting day for James and our family. James had his first flight in the
A-10 Warthog! He was exhausted afterwards but very happy to have the pressure of the first flight out of the way. We were there for his taxi back to the hanger after the flight to congratulate him. Here are some of the pictures from yesterday.

Meghan

Fun Days in Tucson

2009-05-04T19:41:00.002-05:00

I love my pool time with Daddy

Do you like my new floaty and bathing suit?
Mommy takes me to playdates all over Tucson.

I meet new friends and get to play with new toys

Can you see my teeth? I have 5 now!

Training has begun!!

2009-05-03T16:07:00.002-05:00

So some of you may know that I have taken up a new hobby, running! Losing the weight after having Addie was pretty easy. I gained 14 pounds while pregnant, lost 6 in the hospital and the other 8 came off by the 3 month. By the end of the 4th month I had dropped 4 pounds less then I was when I got pregnant. But even with the weight loss I still had more "jiggle" then before baby so therefor I started my morning walk/runs in October of last year.

After a few weeks I was amazed that the lengths I was able to run without stopping kept getting longer! Myself never being much of an athlete was pleasantly surprised by my progress and enjoyed the physical and mental challenge. I could also get my exercise done with my baby!

On December 31st in Jacksonville my friend Claire and I (and Adalie in the jogger) ran the Orange Bowl 5k. It was my first race and it was SO FUN.... the road race had bitten me. Claire and I loved it so much we decided to do the Chicago half marathon (13.1 miles) in September not only for the challenge but also for a fun girls getaway and my friend Celia will also be joining us with her son Samuel.

SO, after taking almost two months off from a serious running schedule because of the craziness leading up to the move and getting settled into our new home. The schedule has now RESTARTED in a real way. To keep myself accountable and also to update you on my progress I will be posting my completed schedule once a week.

Wish me luck. You can't just wake up one day and run 13.1 miles it takes a lot of work especially for a non athlete like myself.... so here it goes :)

Meghan

This weeks training: This week was a warm up to the 12 week schedule I will start tomorrow.

Monday- Rest
Tuesday- 2 miles, arm & ab workout.
Wednesday- 2 miles, Pilate's DVD
Thursday- 1 mile, lower body & abs
Friday- 2 miles, back, biceps & abs
Saturday- 1.5 miles, chest & triceps
Sunday- 3 miles

Our Beautiful Lillian

2009-04-23T11:30:00.000-05:00

My gorgeous 17 year old Sister Lillian was asked to do a photo shoot for Solutions Bridal in Winter Park, Florida this past weekend. She modeled headpieces and jewelry. The Salon will use some of these shots in their advertisements. Lillian also got her first part in an independent film being shot in Orlando! We are very proud of our aspiring star :) !!

Childcare: Are they really watching your kid?

2009-04-20T23:30:00.002-05:00

Hey Mommas,

This is a warning and a rant all rolled into one... I cannot get my mind off of my experience at LA FITNESS today...

SO, after an hour long work out I go into the "Kids Klub" to pick Adalie up. Usually I see her being held by one of the girls laughing, smiling and generally having a good time.... I don't see her in anyones arms. I don't see her on the floor or playing with the table toys! One of the girls who works there recognizes me and says, "oh I'll get her" looks around for a minute and says "where is she" to another girl.

You don't know where my child is? I had already started to panic a bit when I did not see her as soon as I walked in but when that girl said "where is she" I went into full on panic mode! I jumped the baby gate, yes jumped it! And was frantically searching.... Where in the world could my 11 month old be, this room isn't that big! I immediately started thinking kidnapping, hey my kid is pretty cute and kidnappings do happen.

After what seemed like an eternity but was probably only 3 minutes or so the girl found her tucked in between a cubby compartment that holds kids shoes and the ball pit. Two "big boys" that were about seven or eight where playing around her.

I ripped Adalie out of that girls arms without a word to her... I was fuming and on the verge of tears. I immediately reported the incident to a manager who assured me that it would never happen again.

I just can't believe they wouldn't keep a better watch on a small child. How long had they not known where she was? Small children are not suppose to be in the same area as the big kids because of the risk of injury. She could have been stepped on, fallen on, fingers or toes broken. It was an accident waiting to happen!

I have decided to cancel my membership at LA FITNESS. I was already uneasy about the childcare from the beginning and after today I am DONE! I will not trade my Daughter's safety for the convenience of my workout.

MOTHER'S BEWARE!! ARE YOUR CHILDREN REALLY BEING WATCHED?

Meghan

Splish Splash

2009-04-13T12:19:00.002-05:00

Fitness & Motherhood

2009-04-10T11:37:00.000-05:00

Health and fitness is something that has always interested me and after a request from my Cousin's Michelle and Mallory to share my fitness secrets I am obliging them.... DISCLAIMER: I am not a health expert, just sharing my personal experiences. Oh and also there is no real "secret".

SO, first I must start by giving you the stats: I am 5'2 104lbs and have 19% body fat as of yesterday. I am more fit and have a lower body fat right now (10 months after baby) then I have since I was about 16. I mainly equate this to a HUGE lifestyle change after having Adalie.... here are some things that are very different then they were before I got pregnant. I believe these changes are what has made me healthier.

1. I get about 9 hours of sleep every night. I go to bed about 10 and get up about 7:30am every day. It has been proven that getting 8-10 hours of sleep and going to sleep and rising around the same time regulates your metabolism. Before Adalie I had no regular sleep schedule.

2. I am much more active being a Mom and Wife. I am constantly moving. Running after Adalie, housework etc. This burns a lot of calories I don't even realize I'm burning. Most days I don't sit for a prolonged period of time till dinner time. Before Adalie I had much more of a sedentary lifestyle. At work I sat in an office 6 hours a day.

3. I drink very little alcohol. I may have 2-3 glasses of wine a month some months I don't have any at all. This is a HUGE calorie saver. Before Adalie especially in college the social scene was centered around alcohol. I probably indulged in about 800- 1000 calories worth of alcohol 3 days a week for a 3-4 year period. THAT WILL PUT WEIGHT ON YOU!

4. I eat much less meat now.. It's not something I have intentionally tried to do my palette has just changed since pregnancy and I find veggies and grains much more appealing then a hunk of meat. Before Adalie we ate meat almost every night for dinner.

5. I practice portion control. I eat anything I want in small amounts instead of restricting certain food groups (example: carbs) I like to use a salad plate for my meals instead of a dinner plate it makes the amount of food you are eating appear larger. Before Adalie I would occasionally restrict whole food groups mostly carbs which would just make me want carbs MORE.

6. I eat a good sized breakfast. This gives me more energy during the day and for my workouts and starts up my metabolism first thing in the morning. Before Adalie I usually didn't eat anything till 11 or 12. I am still not a huge breakfast person but just make myself eat.

7. And of course there is EXERCISE. I do try to exercise 5-6 times a week. This includes at least 30 mins of cardio sometimes more a day, running mainly. And 3 days of strength training, weights, lunges, machines. Sometimes I will do a 20 minute Pilate's video at home for the stretching and core benefits. Before Adalie I was an erratic exerciser with no plan or regularity. I would get really into it for a few months and then not work out at all for a few months.

I do have to admit one more thing.... occasionally I do forget to eat and skip meals. Not often but it does happen when I have a really busy day out of the house with Adalie. So that's pretty much it. I feel like it's all pretty practical advice. Cut your calories and increase activity level and YOU WILL SEE RESULTS. I will post my half marathon training schedule when I restart my training next week.

Hope this helps,
Meghan

More.... Adventures in Crawling

2009-04-09T14:10:00.003-05:00

Walking Tour of our Rental home in Tucson

2009-04-08T15:28:00.002-05:00

From Columbus to Tucson

2009-04-01T18:38:00.003-05:00

Our Future Home

2009-03-08T19:20:00.002-05:00

Our new home in Tucson, Arizona

The family room is open to the kitchen
Nice large kitchen

Fenced in backyard with a hot tub on the back porch

Hallway/ Guest bathroom

As most of you know we are heading out west to Tucson on March 20th. We are VERY excited about the move and the next chapter of our Air Force adventure. We have been very blessed to find a very nice rental at an AMAZING price owned by a guy flying A-10's in South Korea. He and James know each other from pilot training. The owner, Ryan was several classes ahead of James here in Columbus.

I will take pictures once we are moved in and settled but I just wanted to give you an idea of where we will be.... at least for the next 7 months, who knows where we will be after that!

Meghan

Our Future Home In Tucson part 1

2009-03-08T19:15:00.002-05:00

This is the front room of the home.

Which includes the entry way and living/dining area.

Master Bathroom

Floor Plan

9 month UPDATE!

2009-03-06T16:13:00.003-06:00

We have a full blown crawler on our hands! Frontwards and backwards! She is weighing in at 17 pounds and 26.5 inches long. She is growing up SO FAST. I told her today she better stop growing because I miss my baby.... she really is turning into quite the "big girl" even at the young age of 9 months. WARNING TO MOTHERS OF INFANTS: IT GOES BY WAY TOO FAST! Don't blink.

Meghan

So spring came before the snow?

2009-03-06T15:49:00.003-06:00

This year the weather has been weird in Columbus in mid February things started blooming early and then on March 1st we got heavy snow.... well heavy for Columbus. Enjoy the pictures. Soon I will be posting pictures of Cactus!

Meghan

Some newer pics.

2009-02-21T11:29:00.003-06:00

Pretty Little Girl
Sometimes she likes him, sometimes she doesn't.

Sammy Grebs & Addie

Picnic with Daddy & Jack

Adventures in Crawling

2009-02-13T14:18:00.003-06:00

Adalie is not quite crawling yet. It's more of a backwards crawl or scooching motion. I assume this is how it all starts and soon we will have a full blown crawler on our hands! Enjoy the video.

~Meghan

Breaking News....

2009-02-13T12:02:00.002-06:00

Adalie's first bottom tooth has made it's way through the gums! I didn't think I would get excited about it but I am! She has been acting so normal I didn't even have a clue she was teething until I saw that little white tooth popping up. As soon as it is all the way up I will take a picture of it.

Meghan

UPDATES ON ADALIE

2009-01-29T13:21:00.004-06:00

Hello blog readers,

This post is especially for my cousin Michelle in Japan who wants to know all about what Adalie is doing now. This includes eating, walking, crawling, talking, hair, teeth, etc. she basically wants a post on everything so here we go....

Adalie's typical feeding/sleeping/play schedule @8months old, written from her perspective:

7:30am - Wake Mommy up with happy noises and giggles from my crib, get my wet diaper changed, drink 4-6oz formula and then I get to play in my exersaucer while Mommy drinks her coffee and watches the news

8:45- I am hungry again so Mommy makes me 3oz of whole wheat rice cereal mixed w/fruit

10am- I am sleepy. I think I will nap for 1 1/2 to 2 hours

12pm- I am ready to eat 4-6oz and play play play. This includes Mommy reading to me, a ride in my jogging stroller, Baby Einstein videos, swinging, tummy time (which I hate), stacking blocks, and playing with other fun electronic toys that annoy my Mommy when all the noises are going at one time.

2pm- Hungry again! I usually get another 3oz of rice cereal mixed w/ a veggie.

3pm- I am exhausted from playing. I think I will cuddle up with my lovey (a pink blanket) and sleep for 2 hours or so.

5pm- I am up and drink another 4 oz of formula. Then I usually go the Y with my parents and stay in the nursery while they work out. I love the nice ladies and I really enjoy watching the big kids play.

7pm- I get my last solid meal of the day! Usually a veggie or meat mixed w/ rice cereal and formula.

7:30pm - Time for me to get ready for bed. Some nights I get a bath, other nights I don't need one so we read books and listen to calming music.

8pm- Lights are off, music is on and I am tucked into bed. Tomorrow I get to wake up and do it all again!

New things I am doing:

Holding my bottle, sitting up on my own very well, scooting BACKWARDS on my tummy. Waving hi and bye. Saying, ba-ba, ma-ma and da-da.

Things I am not doing yet:

I still am not crawling. I still don't have teeth or enough hair for a bow.

New pictures to come SOON!

What's for dinner tonight?

2009-01-29T12:44:00.003-06:00

Hello to all the busy wives and mothers
out there this post is for you,

If you are like me then you are constantly asking yourself what should I cook for dinner tonight? I feel immense pressure (brought on by myself) to cook healthy, economical and tasty dishes at least 5 nights a week. I also am a person who gets bored with making and eating the same food week after week which brings me to the point of this post. I challenge you to share 2-3 of your favorite recipes on your own blog as I will do below. This will be a great way to find something new to add to your recipe inventory if we all participate. I am looking forward to cooking and eating your recipes very soon :)

Enjoy,

Meghan

***This one is a quiche that is wonderful for breakfast, lunch or dinner:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sara-moulton/spinach-red-pepper-and-feta-quiche-recipe/index.html

***This one is super easy and quick! Yummy pork chops.

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1041891

***This is my all time favorite pasta recipe, it has a bit of a spicy kick to it which I love!

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=521621&top5=yes

***I am not a huge meat eater so I like this eggplant dish as a main course with a side salad but it could also be a wonderful side dish.
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1049302

2008 in review quiz- taken from Liz's blog

2009-01-18T08:54:00.002-06:00

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Gave birth to a beautiful 5 pound baby girl!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I think I did pretty well with keeping it.... the resolution was to not let the laundry pile up and stress me out.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, Claire and Celia.... both had handsome baby boys.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, several.

5. What countries did you visit? Didn't make it out of the country.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More patience, worry less.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? April 4th, James graduation from USAF pilot training; May 20th, Adalie's arrival into the world!!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Growing and delivering Addie, of course!

9. What was your biggest failure? Not being able to breastfeed past 8 weeks.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Plenty of "illness" if morning sickness counts!

11. What was the best thing you bought? My GPS navigation system, no more getting lost.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Huh?

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? What?

14. Where did most of your money go? I have absolutely no idea....

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Having the Addie Bug with us!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Anything by Taylor Swift.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? thinner I am not pregnant!
c) richer or poorer? Poorer, making more but spending more it seems

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Relaxed

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worried

20. How did you spend Christmas? With James family in Palm City, FL.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Yes, with the new little souls in my life.... Jack, Sammy and Adalie.

22. What was your favorite TV program? Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, West Wing Reruns

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? huh?

24. What was the best book you read? The Shack

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? nothing

26. What did you want and get? A healthy baby GIRL

27. What did you want and not get? Nothing, I am really content in all I have.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? I don't have time to go to the movies.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I went to a nice dinner with James, Celia and Tim, I turned 24.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? more time

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Maternity clothes, wooo hooo, sexy.

32. What kept you sane? James and Claire

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I like following them all.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? The election

35. Who did you miss? Claire and Erin

36. Who was the best new person you met? Adalie Cavanaugh Darlson

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Live for the moment, you never know how much time you have left.

Adalie Baptism Party

2009-01-04T17:10:00.002-06:00

Adalie's Baptism

2009-01-04T16:43:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving Continued Moms Side

2008-12-23T09:30:00.001-06:00

Play Date With Jack and Claire!

2008-12-23T09:16:00.000-06:00

Behind

2008-12-18T11:43:00.003-06:00

Hello Blog Followers,

It has been pointed out to me that I am slacking in the blogging department. I realize this is upsetting to many of you who want to see Adalie grow through pictures from afar. Please bear with me as I will try to update as often as I can.

I must tell you that life with a 7 month old is much different then life with an infant. Addie is now only taking 2 naps a day that last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. This doesn't leave much time for blogging. I am lucky if I get a shower before James comes home from work. Adalie is an independent child but only in spurts she usually is in my arms unless she is sleeping.... another reason blogging is less doable these days. I promise to take lots of pictures of Addie's first Christmas and will post more pictures as soon as I can.

Meghan

Thanksgiving with the McCotter's

2008-12-10T09:06:00.002-06:00

Mugshots with Mattie and Kevin

2008-11-08T21:42:00.002-06:00

We took Mattie and our friend Kevin to Starkville, MS. to eat at a restaurant called Mugshots. Kevin is a friend of ours from Gainesville. He just started pilot training here in Columbus. OK, so anyways, people around here rave about Mugshots burgers so we thought we would give it a whirl. Turns out they are really good! There was a burger on the menu that was called the "nutty burger" you could chose either crunchy or smooth peanut butter to top or burger. .... YUCK! We were boring and stuck with the traditional bacon burgers.

Aunt Mattie is Here!!

2008-11-08T16:41:00.001-06:00

This Message Approved by Adalie C. Darlson

2008-11-08T16:23:00.003-06:00

This is a video Aunt Mattie took of Adalie today.

Life with Adalie

Amazing Grace

House Build - Part 3

Adalie's going to be a big sister!

Big Girl Room *Inspiration*

Random Monday Thought

House Build Part II

It's Retro

Pigtails

The Build has Begun!

CrAZY About Lightroom

I Want

Our day in Pictures (w/the new 50mm:) )

The Lens Arrived!

Random Wednesday w/Pictures

The Story

THE Mood Board!

A Chair for the Hubs

Change of Heart

Love Birds

this IS summer

Captain and Mrs. James A. Darlson

Crazy About Paper

Random Wednesday

A Father

Inspired Dining

Breaking Ground

Random Wednesday

It Was Fabulous

Peace Out

This or This?

Birthday!

Daddy LOVE

Sweet Adalie

THIS IS HILARIOUS!

Random Wednesday

Lighting & Stuff

Picky

Etsy!

I loathe

The Heart of a Home

Sad Sofa

It's been 2 years...

Good Reads!

God Give Me Wisdom

New Blog!

Tim, Celia & Sam

PHOTOSHOP FUN

An Afternoon with Shannon Rae

First Photo Shoot With Mommy!

My Current Obsession

Making Memories of Us.

Christmas

Vintage McCotter Kids!

I'm Employed!

Meet Meghan... my new new Whipcracker... Studio Manager

It's been awhile...

Labor Day Weekend

Training: Week 5

Training: Week 4

15 months: Look What I Can Do!

Training: Week 3 (1 month till the half)

Big Girls Wear Big Girl PJ's

Training: Week 2

SHE'S A WALKER!!

Training Week 1 (last week)

It's been awhile...

Ireland

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Training: Week 4

The Aunties Come to Tucson

Training: Week 3

Training: Week 2

James is an A-10 Driver!!

Fun Days in Tucson

Training has begun!!

Our Beautiful Lillian

Childcare: Are they really watching your kid?

Splish Splash

Fitness & Motherhood

Big Girl Room Inspiration