Back in the saddle again

So, I got my booty back in the gym today! I haven't worked out a day since Mary Ella was born. Ugh! I really loved our gym here and missed it when we moved. We just didn't find anything that had what we wanted plus childcare in LR, so I never got back into it. I need a class to go to, a time to be there, and folks there to hold me accountable. I could never push myself that hard if people weren't watching. Working out is not something I love, but I do enjoy the classes here...once I get there and get warmed up. Plus just doing it makes me feel so much better about myself. I am sooo out of shape, and I started with body pump today. So I may not be able to walk tomorrow, but I got through it, and it was great to be back. I feel good about leaving ME in the nursery too. We even ran into a friend, Cullen, while we were there. I taught with his mommy, Rebecca, before she became a stay-at-home mom. She is also expecting a girl! I have already been to two baby showers since we have been back...more and more friends for Mary Ella are on their way! After the gym we went to Kroger and discovered the genius invention pictured above- the grocery car. ME loves it! She was so happy driving and talking all through the store. I'm thinking I may have to switch back to Kroger from Wal-Mart because of this. Shoot! ;)

She's happy, and she knows it!

Mary Ella recently learned how to say "amen," so now this song is complete! (She also said it very loudly after a prayer in church this morning)! Anyway, she misses a few beats in this video, but she can do it perfectly. Enjoy and please excuse my singing!

Southern Winter

It was almost 80 degrees today, seriously. There were folks out by our pool, and at the playground we saw girls driving golf carts in bikinis. Crazy! We took Mary Ella to see the ducks at the reservoir, ate lunch on the patio at Blue Moon Cafe, and played some more!

Mary Ella, do you want to go swing? We were driving around with the sunroof and windows down!

You would think spring was on its way! We are going to be disappointed when it turns freezing cold again.

New Friends

More playground pictures, I know. But it was almost 70 degrees today and beautiful. I am loving it! I took Mary Ella to Madison Station today to see some old friends and by the time we left we had scheduled a play date! We met Addison and Miles at the park after school. They are just a few months older than ME, and I taught with their mommies, Sarah and Kristy. They were all so funny together! I love Addison's blonde, curly hair, and Miles is a cutie. He showed ME his tummy...Kristy said that means he likes her. ;)

ME following Addison

Swinging with her new bff

She could do this all day!

This is the only pic I got of ME and Miles. These guys kept us on our toes!

More, more, more

We talked to my mom on the phone today, and she is really missing her girl. She said she needs "more and more and more" pics of Mary Ella on the blog, so here ya go Mia! It was another beautiful day, about 60 degrees, so we tried out a different park. ME had so much fun! She fussed when we had to leave for nap time!

Goofy grin

Buckling this seat felt like I was putting her in a straight jacket, but I promise she was comfortable and loved it!

Regular swing

What's better than leaning back in a swing?

She did a great job climbing up on the equipment.

And sliding down, over and over again

Apparently sliding requires sticking out of the tongue

Tonight we had dinner with some of Brad's co-workers from Little Rock. When he called to see if it was okay I wondered, "Where will we take them? Cajun's Wharf?" And then I remembered we weren't in Little Rock, and they weren't friends from Jackson. We are in Jackson and THEY were coming from Little Rock. Sounds crazy, right? I guess I'm still not sure about where I am.

January Sunshine

The past few days have been cold and rainy- yuck! I have to try hard this time of year not to get a little down and out (and lazy, now that I stay home). It's just a blah time of year for me from January to spring. The holidays are over, and I think I'm just one of those people that needs some sunshine to keep me going. And being stuck in this apartment isn't helping!!! So, today after we went to Baby Bookworms, we took advantage of a cold, but sunny day. We went to Renaissance, and I let Mary Ella run around a bit after lunch. We ate at Five Guys, and ME and I were the only Mommy/daughter duo in a crowd of business men. I can't help it, I love their burgers! Then we went in a couple shops and over to Barnes and Noble where ME kissed a complete stranger in the children's section. Yikes! Atleast the lady turned and took it on the cheek! She also gave Lynn, Brad's boss, a kiss when he picked her up the other day. She's a loving little lady!

We also checked out Sweet Dreams at their new location, and I got her this adorable Christmas outfit 1/2 off! The girl is set for next year! The after holiday sales are so worth waiting for...if a 2T will be the right size? I have also gotten her next year's Christmas dress at Polkadot Pony, and a Christmas tee at Pop Fizz. Oh, how I missed the shopping here! Gonna get myself in trouble!

Merry Christmas to me!

I finally got my Christmas present from Brad! Well, he gave it to me the day we went to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, but then it had to be sized. He put a sapphire, my birthstone, in my grandmother's engagement ring. It is so special to have this ring to wear on my right hand. Her diamond is in my engagement ring, so this one has been empty in the lock box. I knew I eventually wanted to put a stone in it, but I didn't expect to have it done any time soon. I think it turned out beautifully. Thanks, hun!

MCM

Today we met Shelley, Jack, and Emma at the new Mississippi Children's Museum. I taught with Shelley at Madison Station before she stayed home with Jack. I'm so happy to be back in touch with her now that we have two girls. Emma is only 3 days older than Mary Ella, so I'm hoping they will be great friends! It was so nice to get out of the apartment, and the museum is awesome! There are so many fun things to do! Think we'll definitely be getting a membership there.

Emma, Jack, and ME...not sure what to think about digging for dinosaur bones

She was in awe!

This place is cool!

Jack caught a fish!

On stage in the music room

Cowgirl up

Mommy, my hat came off!

Huge Scrabble board!

Jump!

Washing in the sink...this little house can be built up with bricks and walls and everything

Model of the MS capital building

She loved the water area!

A little art time

Water painting

Kissing the fish goodbye!