been a Long day!

21 weeks

22 weeks

23 weeks

Fun in December!

2011-12-20T13:57:00.003-06:00

Where do I start, when I have not kept up with the blog? We have had so many exciting moments with Emmie this December to celebrate Christmas and the birth of our Savior!

We went to church the Sunday right after Thanksgiving to make an Advent Wreath. Emmie's favorite each night is lighting and blowing out the candles.

We went to an Auburn Alumni pancake breakfast to take a picture with Aubie Claus! War Eagle!!

We have made lots of goodies and licked LOTS of batter!!!!

Emmie helped decorate our tree this year.

Tate and Mally spent the night with us one night and Diana made these nightgowns for them. so cute!

We went to see Santa and rode the carousel.

WHEW - so much fun with a sweet little girl!!

To view more pix (since I could not put them all in this post), click on any of the pictures above. Merry Christmas!

Batson Exchange for Christmas 2012

2011-11-29T08:06:00.004-06:00

Here is our list for Christmas 2012 from drawing names at Thanksgiving 2011. I am going to keep this on our blog but also try to put a link on the right side bar of our blog too for it.

Giver - Receiver

Maddie - Emmie
Maggie - Michelle L.
Susan - Maggie
Michelle Stanley - Jan
Michelle L. - Michelle Stanley
Sadie - Ann
Aunt Dot - Molly
Ann - Susan
Molly - Maddie
Leah - Aunt Dot
Emmie - Sadie
Jen - Roxanne
Roxanne - Leah
Jan - Jen
Ben - Jeremy
Bob - Steve
John - Will
Tom - Chris
Jeremy - Lee
Rick - Mike
Will - John
Lee - Tom
Chris - Brian
Steve - Bob
Chad - Ben
Brian - Chad
Mike - Rick

"I am Thankful to God for..." by Emmie Long (Part 2)

2011-11-24T07:30:00.000-06:00

The wreath is finished and these are the things Emmie has been thankful for in the past 2 weeks (since my past post). It has been very sweet to do this with her and we will definitly do it again next year.

11th: Will and Logan (twins, her friends from church)
12th: bubbles
13th: cupcakes
14th: horses and pumpkins
15th: trees, birds, and "leafes" (as she says it)
16th: Jenny and Nite Nite (her bedtime lovies)
17th: G'Mom/Grampa
18th: Pug/Papa
19th: Dora cup
20th: Mallory/Tate
21st: Mr. Vick (at the grocery store that always gives her suckers)
22nd: Cows
23rd: Molly/Leah
24th: bunkbeds

Happy Thanksgiving!

19 weeks and counting!

2011-11-21T17:39:00.003-06:00

Praise God! I am feeling well and doing well. We went for my 18 week ultrasound and found out...

We are having a boy, Jeremy "JJ" Michael Long, Jr. He is growning healthy at 9 oz. and about 6-8 inches. With blue balloons, we told Aunt DiDi, Pug, G'Mom/Grampa, and Aunt Jen that we were having a boy.

18 weeks

19 weeks

Emmie wanted to take a pix with JJ.

Click on this pix below to see more pix of what Emmie has been up to:

"I am Thankful to God for..." by Emmie Long

2011-11-10T08:00:00.002-06:00

Since it is a few weeks from Thanksgiving, I thought I would update ya'll on Emmie's Thanksfulness Wreath that we have been doing each day. The first 2 days, it was a hard concept to convey to her. I would ask her "What do you like that you are thankful to God for?" She got it quickly and it has been so sweet to see her answers each day. I ask her (without giving suggestions or soliciting a response) what she is thankful to God for and we write her response on one of her handprints.

Here have been her sweet responses since the beginning of November:
1-butterflies
2-Zoe
3-hearts
4-people - Mommy and Daddy
5-groceries - strawberries, candy corn, and animal crackers
6-the church
7-flowers
8-the baby
9-my big girl bed
10-birds

Disney on Ice!

2011-11-04T10:44:00.002-05:00

Jeremy surprised Emmie and I on Tuesday night and told us we were going to Disney on Ice the next evening. We showed Emmie videos of the performance online that evening and she got really excited.

From 11-2-0-11 Disney on Ice

She picked out 2 prizes while we were there. Some "noculars" (binoculars) and Simba from Lion King.

From 11-2-0-11 Disney on Ice

We got to see Mickey, Minie, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan.

From 11-2-0-11 Disney on Ice

Click any of the pix to see more!

We are expecting Baby Long #2!!!

2011-11-02T16:15:00.004-05:00

We are excited that Baby Long #2 is growing healthy and doing well. God is good to us to bless me with another pregnancy that is going well thus far. I am due April 10, 2012. As we did with Emmie, here are my weekly prego pix...

Week 13

Week 14

Week 15

Week 16 (I must have had a big dinner right before this pix because my belly looks huge.)

Week 17

Our Miss Wilber!

2011-11-02T16:11:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween! Emmiw was Miss Wilber with Charlotte on her shoulder. She LOVES the Charlotte's Web movie and Uncle Rick had given her a spider finger puppet from Australia, so it was perfect.

Carving the pumpkin - look at "Movie Star" Emmie with her hand over her mouth! :)

our Zomie pumpkin!

Daddy won the halloween contest at work as Magnum P.I.

Time to Trick or Treat!

ALL her candy!

Emmie's 1st Time to AUBURN!!!!!!

2011-10-17T15:43:00.001-05:00

This was such an awesome trip for Jeremy and I. I didn't think I would be so excited, but since we have been reading the 2 Auburn books to her she recognized the sights! It was such a blast!

(on the way she asked if Auburn had beds since she is now in a big girl bed. I told her yes and she said well then I will not need my pack in play. too cute! :)unfortunately, she had a sleep in her pack n play at Mrs. Julia's anyway)

At Niffers for the first time!

Jeremy and I at the game (Mrs. Julia has a babysitter next door to her that kept Emmie, such a nice perk.)

our litle cheerleader in front of Samford.

oh my - make me cry!

On Saturday, we told Emmie we would take her to Toomer's Corner on Sunday morning if Auburn won. Well, thankgoodness they did! Emmie LOVED it!

Click any of the above pix to see more from our time in Auburn.

Pictures from this Fall...

2011-10-06T15:37:00.001-05:00

A trip to the Birmingham Zoo to see Jenny the Giraffes.

The Jr. Diabetes walk for Karen's grandson, Ben.

After the walk, we then met Pug and Papa at the Oak Mtn. petting zoo.

Best of all: Emmie's had her first night in her big girl bed!

Click any of the pix above to see Emmie from this fall.

Leah turns 2!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-20T15:35:00.001-05:00

We flew in on Thurs. and went down to D.C. Here we are in front of the US Capital. Then on Fri. we went up to Baltimore.

From 9-16-11 Baltimore and DC Trip

Here is the birthday girl! :)

From 9-16-11 Baltimore and DC Trip

Click any of the pix above to see more.

At the Beach...

2011-08-27T15:20:00.002-05:00

...with a broken arm. so sad, but she didn't complain! We could not get it wet in the salt water or get sand in it. :) We went to Navare beach and got to stay at the Shinnick' beach house with Kathy and Brian.

To see more pix from our trip, click on the pix above.

Everyone in Memphis!

2011-08-17T08:45:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, we went to Memphis to see my parents and my sister and her family came in too. We had such a good time.

On Friday, we went to the Children's Museum of Memphis.

Emmie (2 1/2), Molly (4), and Leah (almost 2) already for Auburn football season.

On Saturday morning, we went to LeBonheur Children's Hospital where my dad is the Director of Patient Access. The girls had a fun time with all the children activities.

Then we went to the Peabody Hotel to see the ducks. They were hillarious. They ran to the founntain.

Click on any of the above pix to see more.

Super Cute Haircut!!!

2011-08-04T13:50:00.002-05:00

Emmie and I went to get our haircut at Mrs. Paula's house today. Jeremy's request was that it was to her shoulders. She looks so cute with it this length!

This is a cute photo too, but I was trying to get her to smile and I was not looking through the view finder and I got it a little off centered. sorry!

THE pink cast!

2011-08-02T13:41:00.003-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, Emmie got her PINK cast on! She LOVES that it is pink! She is doing well with it. She is not complaining about the cast at all and doesn't say her arm hurts either. No swimming for the next 2 weeks, though.

I think the hardest thing is how bad Jeremy and I feel for her. She woke up about 5:30am and was moaning this morning. Then fell asleep until about 7:30a. I just can't imagine trying to sleep and get comfy in bed with this big, rough, bulky thing :( She goes back on Wed., August 17 to get it x-rayed to see how it is healing. We are praying and asking God for a miracle that she will get it off then. At that point, it will be almost 3 weeks since she broke it, but the dr. is saying it will take 30 days, so she might be able to get a short WATERPROOF cast at that time for the remaining 2 weeks.

Please pray along side us for her comfort, healing, and that God will help her to sleep well at night. Jeremy and I want to thank you all for your prayers and thoughtful words so far. We appreciate it!

Emmie's First Trip to the ER!

2011-07-30T21:11:00.004-05:00

So Emmie fell off a bench yesterday at the vet and fell on her arm. The bench had slats and we think her shoe got stuck and she fell forward. Then fell on the brick pavers after lunch yesterday. Then fell again this morning running from Zoe. Each time, she had a heart breaking scream and kept falling on her left arm to brace her fall. It was so sad! So, we called our dr. this morning and asked him his advise. He said that his x-ray machine was not a high enough resolution, so he recommended going to Children's Hospital downtown (the Acton Rd. was not open until 10am). So about 9:30am we headed to the emergency room. We had a wonderful experience (and rare one) that we were done in and out within 1 hr. and 15 min. Emmie now has a splint on her left arm and doing great! She gets a cast on Monday about 4pm. She slept for 2 1/2 hrs. this afternoon and is snuggling in with her arm propped up on her little pillow right now in her bed. super sweet!

the Long's on Lay Lake

2011-07-25T10:44:00.002-05:00

From 7-23-11 Long's at Lay Lake

We went to the Batson Lake House with the Long family this past weekend. We had a blast!!

From 7-23-11 Long's at Lay Lake

Zoe's first time at the lake! :)

From 7-23-11 Long's at Lay Lake

Best of all, we went off the rope swing and rock. Here is Huey!
Click any of the pix above to see more.

Gardendale Splashpad with the Caretti's

2011-07-21T17:58:00.002-05:00

From 7-21-11 Gardendale Splashpad

We met Sashari, Sophie, and Livi at the Gardendale Splashpad this morning. It was SO much fun! We will be going again!

From 7-21-11 Gardendale Splashpad

Click any of the pix above to see more.

Our newest arrival, Zoe!!!

2011-07-17T22:06:00.002-05:00

A great surprise!!! Jeremy brought home a puppy for Emmie and I this past Friday. We had been wanting to get her a puppy for awhile. This past week on Wednesday, Emmie said to me as I was reading my Bible "Mama, read me where Jesus brings me a puppy." When she saw the puppy on Friday she said "God gave me a puppy". Super sweet!

From 7-15-11 Zoe's Arrival

Jeremy had been looking, but just had not found one. I talked with him on the phone on Friday about 4:30p. He said "have you checked your email?" Well our email had been out since 1p and I had taken about an hour nap, so I had not gotten his email at 3:20p (I know he was anxious for me to know about the surprise). He said "Well, I sent you a picture. Check your email on your cell phone and call me back." Well, it was our sweet puppy!

From 7-15-11 Zoe's Arrival

Born May 29, 2011 - Zoe is a Maltipoo and is 6 weeks old and a champagne color. Jeremy and Jordan (his sister) went to get her from Arab, AL (about 1 1/2 hrs. from our house). She will get to be about 10 lbs. when full grown.

From 7-15-11 Zoe's Arrival

We let Emmie help pick out the name. We asked her in a couple of different orders "Do you like Lulu, Tillie, or Zoe?" Both times she said Zoe! Zoe it is! She is SUPER sweet and LOVES to cuddle/sleep on our laps ALL the time!!! She has the prettiest puppy eyelashes EVER!! They are long, Blondie, and glamorous.

Click any of the above pix to see more.

Trip to Chattanooga

2011-07-11T11:48:00.002-05:00

From 7-9-11 Chattanooga

We had a fun weekend with Jeremy's family! On Saturday, we went to Aunt Pam and Uncle Don's house and spent time on their ski boat!

From 7-9-11 Chattanooga

We got to see both of Emmie's great-grandmother's. This is Gay.

From 7-9-11 Chattanooga

Here she is with Nanny after waking up from her nap (Emmie had crazy hair).

Click on any of the pix above to see more.

4th of July at Lay Lake!

2011-07-06T18:05:00.002-05:00

From 7-4-11 the 4th at the Lake

We had a fun time being with my family for the Fourth of July! Emmie played with the hose sprayer (see above), swam in the swimming pool, swam in the lake, rode the boat lots of times, and ate lots of good food.

From 7-4-11 the 4th at the Lake

Click any of the above pix to see more.

Fun times with Good (Old) Friends (since Jr. High)!

2011-06-26T16:55:00.002-05:00

2 of my friends since jr. high came with their families to our house for 3 nights (Kris, Jason, Sam (3), and Sophie (1 1/2); Me, Jeremy, and Emmie (2 1/2); Michelle, Ray, Maia (4), Connor (2 1/2), and Griffin (8 mo).

Friday morning, we did liquid sidewalk chalk and swam in the baby pool in the backyard.

Then, we went to the pool.

Then, we went out to dinner Friday night for Michelle Barrett's 33rd Birthday.

Saturday morning, we went to the lake house.

I LOVE this pix of Emmie (notice her sunglasses upside down. She puts them on this way ALL the time!)

Then on Sunday morning, the kids made shirts. Click on any of the above pictures to see more.

Summer time, Summer time, Sum Sum Summer time!

2011-06-10T13:20:00.003-05:00

We have had lots of fun since Summer officially began!

From Memorial Day at the Lake

Memorial Day at the lake (click this pix above to see more)

Emmie's first haircut by Mrs. Paula.

Sprinkler time with her cousin, Tate and Mally.

YUMMY - making cookies with Mommy for Dada!

A Wonderful Mother's Day!

2011-05-10T09:47:00.002-05:00

Emmie and Jeremy made me a "Wheel of Affection". It is so sweet and thoughtful.

Then Jeremy captured the perfect picture of Emmie and I.

Then the rest of my day was filled with lunch, a nap, planting flowers, making koolaid, a family walk in the neighborhood, a dozen roses, and then Jeremy fixed me dinner. It was ALL wonderful! Thank you, Jeremy and Emmie!

Zoo - the first 2 times!

2011-05-05T14:20:00.002-05:00

We took Emmie to the zoo for the first time for my 33rd Bday!

We had to ride the train!

She so excited to see Eli ("elephant").

Today we went back with our neighbors, Mrs. May and McClain.

The petting zoo was her favorite. She kept trying to wake this goat up. :)

Click on any of the pix above to see more.

Easter Visitors

2011-04-27T11:12:00.004-05:00

My parents and sister+family came for the Easter weekend. It was so nice to be together.

Granddaughers with their grandparents!

Jen, Chad, Molly, and Leah

The Long granddaughers - Tate (4), Emmie (2), and Mallory (1 1/2)

My mom made had made the girls some dresses and given them to each of them for their birthdays this past year.

To see more pix, make sure you click any of the pix above:
the park
making cookies and muffins
Easter baskets
Easter Egg Hunt
McWane Science Center

Easter Egg Hunt and more...

2011-04-17T15:44:00.002-05:00

us as a family at the MBCC (our church's) Easter Egg Hunt!

Pug and Papa and their 3 grand-daughers (Tate - 4, Mally - 1 1/2, and Emmie - 2)

Jeremy and some guys provided blue grass music as entertainment.

AND she is off! Let the Easter Egg Hunt begin.

next...

...smiles!

Emmie and I went on Saturday morning to Fairfield to help plant some veggies in the new community garden.

Then after nap, we went to Caroline's 2nd Bday party! Click any of the 2 pix above to see more planting and jumping!

Some Very Special Photos!

2011-04-14T14:26:00.002-05:00

#1 This is a very special dress. My mom made this for Jen and I when we were little girls. So sweet, that now my daugher gets to wear it!

#2 "A beard like Papa's," Emmie said.

#3 How cute is this? Emmie said one afternoon, "I going to put my shoes next to Dada's." It melted his heart when he got home from work.

#4 Her first popcicle! YUMMY!

#5 Snuggling with Dada.

#6 what a sweet pix! Emmie and Great Grandmother Dot. Emmie wanted to hold G'Dot's purse for her.

a Fun visit with the Barrett's!

2011-04-08T07:28:00.001-05:00

Best friends since 6th grade...

On Tuesday, we went to McWane Science Center.

Do you smell stinky feet, Maia?

Then Tuesday afternoon, we went to a neighbor's house to play on her swingset.

Thanks for coming Michelle. It was so fun being together.

Miss you all already!

Happy 4th Birthday, Molly!

2011-03-30T08:01:00.001-05:00

Molly, What a sweet, big girl you are growing up to be! I am so glad you had an awesome day and have fun celebrating at school tomorrow too! I love you! Aunt 'Chelle

Days in the Long Home!

2011-03-17T08:42:00.002-05:00

Helping Dada make yummy sweet tea!

Wearing Mommy's cowgirl boots!

Sometimes for a treat, Emmie gets to watch a show on the couch. She loves it!

Painting construction paper with plain ole' water is fun! Check our her tongue of concentration. :)

G'Mom sent us a King Cake for Fat Tuesday!

BEST OF ALL...

Thanks to The Potty Boot Camp - Emmie potty trained this past weekend and she is got it down in 1 1/2 days! Yeah - no more diapers during awake times!

She got dress up heels from Aunt Di Di on Sunday night since she had not had an accident since lunch time.

To see more pix click on any of the pix above!

Just Life...

2011-02-16T14:33:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pix of stuff we have been doing lately...

Josh and Sashari came down from Cullman so we could celebrate Cmas and Emmie/Sophie's Bday with the girls. Click on these pix to see more from our time together!

Painting for the first time:

I love it when she is trying hard or concentrating on something and she puts her tongue out:

We also went to see Emmie's Great Grandmother Dot today and Emmie got a nice ride:

Happy 2nd Birthday, Emmie!

2011-01-24T09:43:00.004-06:00

Emmie turns 2 today at 1:32pm! I love today! What a fun weekend and morning we have already had!

Click any of the the pix below to see more.

This morning we had cake and chocolate milk for breakfast!

From 1-24-11 Emmie 2nd Birthday

On Saturday, we had a party for her with our immediate families.

From 1-24-11 Emmie 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday, our sweet little angel! Mommy and Daddy are SO proud to call you our daughter. You have brought us more joy that we could EVER imagine these past 2 years. We have loved being parents and watching you grow and learn so much so quickly! We continue to pray for you that you will come to have a personal relationship with the Lord at a young age. We love you more that you know. Happy Birthday! Alma, Mommy and Daddy!

Friends since 4th Grade

2011-01-22T22:28:00.002-06:00

What a special and rare friendship. Amy and her family came up from Slidell to visit us last weekend. We had such a nice time together, despite both Jeremy and Nick being sick. Jeremy with a bronchial infection and Nick with a migraine.

From 1-15-10 Amy and Nick Visit

We went to McWane...

From 1-15-10 Amy and Nick Visit

We also went to the park...

From 1-15-10 Amy and Nick Visit

Click any of the above pix to see more.

Auburn National Championship!

2011-01-22T22:25:00.003-06:00

We were so excited and SO glad we got to go to the game! A huge thanks to my parents for keeping Emmie! This was our anniversary trip for this year and it was SO amazing and worth it - for sure!

From 1-10-11 BCS Auburn Champ Game

Auburn #1!

To see more pix - click any of the pix above!

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T23:31:00.003-06:00

We celebrated by having a few friends over (and kids too!)

The kids ringing in the New Year 2011!
(Charlie 1, Logan almost 2, Emmie almost 2, Will almost 2)

David and Katy Sexton

Us!

Terra and Andrew Morrow

Christmas Week (alot went on)

2011-01-01T23:23:00.002-06:00

To see more pix (there were a lot more this week), click on any of the pix below.

Christmas Eve Lunch with my mom's brother, Ted, and Jeannie

Christmas Eve Service (Pug and Papa were there)

Christmas Eve - a note to Santa

Christmas Day Morning (G'Mom and Grampa stayed with us)

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Christmas Night with Jeremy's immediate family (Tate 3, Mallory 1)

Seeing my sister and her family in Mooreville, NC

the extended Batson family Christmas - we went sledding!!!!!!!!!!!!

MBCC Happy Birthday Jesus!

2010-12-19T13:51:00.002-06:00

We went to another Happy Birthday Jesus Party at church this morning. Emmie and a bunch of other kids were the stars for the shepherds.

After, Emmie kept saying "Walk, Mommy!" She just couldn't wait to go up and hold Baby Jesus. Look at the smile on her face and her little hand patting Him.

Emmie with Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Then a cupcake. yummy!

Christmas in Chattanooga

2010-12-18T22:30:00.002-06:00

We went up for the night to celebrate Christmas with Jeremy's extended family.

Emmie with Gay (Huey's mom)

Then we were at Aunt Pam's with Jeremy's Mom's side of the family.
(Uncle Don, Aunt Pam, Emmie, and Jeremy)

AUNT JORDY is home from Spain! YEAH!

Jeremy looking for the Pickle ornament on the tree to earn $20 from Aunt Pam, but Jason found it this year for the money.

Nanny (Jacquie's Mom) and Jordan

Huey and Jacquie (Jeremy's parents) with Tate 3 yrs. old

Click any of the pix above to see more from our day.

Happy Birthday, Jesus Party!

2010-12-16T14:29:00.002-06:00

We had a lot of fun at Mrs. Fran, Hannah, and Ellis' house today!

eating yummy cake...

with Logan and Will

Tate and Mallory were there too...

Emmie LOVED this little piano...

For more pix, click on any of the pix above!

McWane Science Center

2010-12-15T13:57:00.003-06:00

Jeremy got a gift certificate at work for a McWane membership, so Emmie and I went today. We had so much fun!

holding the reins of Rudolph's/Santa's sleigh...

playing in the snow...

2 little snow castles...

Emmie and Mommy with Mr. Snowman...

Click any of the above pix to see more pix from our day!

Santa and other Christmas Pictures

2010-12-14T14:42:00.004-06:00

So this is from my camera (blurry for some reason - I have the one that we bought of us as a family with Santa, but I have to figure out how to scan it as a jpg and not a pdf! crazy!)...
(this is the crying pix with Santa)

Daddy to the rescue...

a juice box makes it all better...

Christmas tea with her new tea set from Ann and Larkin (my mom's cousin)...

making pancakes for Daddy on Saturday morning...

my cooking assistant, Emmie, to make Aunt Jen's recipe for sugar cookies...

time to eat the sugar cookies...

Emmie's new "cheese" smile - silly!

the last 48 hours...

2010-12-09T13:45:00.003-06:00

Emmie and I went to a live Nativity and our friends were acting in it...

Jeremy went on a hunting trip with some work clients for 2 nights in Arkansas...

From 12-4-10 Jeremy's Ark Hunting Trip

Emmie learned how to take her diaper off - NOT GOOD!

To see more pix click on any of the pix above.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T18:36:00.002-06:00

What a great day! We have felt so blessed to have Thanksgiving at our new home. God is so good to us!

We had 10 members of Jeremy's extended family over, but THANKGOODNESS I was not cooking everything! Jeremy did an amazing turkey on the grill, brown gravy, and homemade dressing. That left me with appetizer and mac & cheese! The family brought the rest! YUMMY!

us as a family

Pug and Papa (Jeremy's parents)

with Nanny (Jacquie's mom)

with Gay (Huey's mom)

with Alex (Jeremy's cousin), Joe (boyfriend), and Uncle Paul

Uncle Don and Aunt Pam

New Pictures!

2010-11-22T16:11:00.002-06:00

Our photographer, Michelle King, came over and took our Christmas card picture, not revealed yet. But she did get some other shots of us together and here are a few:

our pretty little one

Mommy and her girl

Dada and some kisses

expressive eyebrows!

silly!

the couple

Click any of the pix above to see more!

Auburn football!

2010-11-15T10:38:00.004-06:00

We have been so lucky to find babysitters for 2 games this year so we could go to Auburn.

Here we are at LSU:

Then we went to GA also:

We went to Tiger Walk and got to see Cam 's contagious smile in person!

My parents and Jeremy's parents went to the game too!

It has been SO much fun to be there!

Beach Bound with the Girls!

2010-11-08T07:53:00.004-06:00

I was so blessed this past weekend to go to the beach with my girlfriends from Slidell, since 7th grade, while Jeremy stayed home with Emmie.

We went to Orange Beach and we had a blast! (Michelle from Atlanta, Kristin from Denver, Kelli from Santa Monica, Kris from Madisonville, Me from Birmingham, and Carla from Covington)

From 11-6-10 Slidell Girls Beach Trip

Our view from my uncle's condo (Grande Pointe)

From 11-6-10 Slidell Girls Beach Trip

We didn't get out of the condo much, but we ate lots of great food and had wonderful company!

From 11-6-10 Slidell Girls Beach Trip

Thanks girls for making this happen! Miss you already!
(Click on any of the pix above to see more!)

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T09:20:00.002-05:00

We hope each of you has a fun weekend!

Here is our little woopie cushion...too funny!

From Happy Halloween!

Jeremy also dressed up for a work contest. He is a baby on an old lady's back.

From Happy Halloween!

Emmie's 20 Months Professional Photos

2010-09-11T21:34:00.004-05:00

Again, our wonderful photograher captured the best pictures of Emmie. Here are a few and then you can click on any of the pix below to see more.

peek a boo!

Just our pretty little princess.

I would say she is a little excited here.

This one just makes us laugh.

A Fun Saturday - Canoeing!

2010-08-29T21:50:00.003-05:00

We went canoeing at Coosa River Adventures in Wetumpka, AL (by Montgomery).

Tate (3 1/2 yrs old) did SO well! She loved the canoe trip and sat on Jason's lap most of the time while he canoed and maneuvered the class 1 or 2 rapids.

The whole gang.

Jacquie and Huey going over a rapid.

From 6-16-10 Memphis and LeBonheur Children's Hospital Grand Opening

Click any of the pix above to see more from our time on the water.

Leah's Baptism in Baltimore

2010-07-22T08:09:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we went up to Baltimore for a special Sunday. Leah got baptized we were so grateful to be there. It was so wonderful to also see the girls having so much fun playing together. We went swimming (the splash pad was the biggest hit!), made cookies, had a dance party while Jeremy played the guitar, and had lot of play time together.

Leah being baptized:

From 8-18-10 Leah's Baptism

the splash pad:

From 8-18-10 Leah's Baptism

dance party by Jeremy:

From 8-18-10 Leah's Baptism

Click any of the pix above to see more.

4th of July Fun!

2010-07-05T21:47:00.002-05:00

We have been in Chattanooga for the past 4 days and had an amazing time being the 3 of us together with family.
(Click any of the pix below to see more.)

The biggest event was that Jeremy took Emmie tubing! It was awesome and she LOVED it!

From 7-4-10 4th of July in Chattanooga

Here is Emmie in her new life vest, hat, and painted toenails also.

From 7-4-10 4th of July in Chattanooga

She LOVED watching the waves and eventually it put her to sleep for about 30 min.

From 7-4-10 4th of July in Chattanooga

Make sure you check out this blog from the 4th of July last year. Emmie was so cute and little. Link

LeBonheur Children's Hospital Grand Opening

2010-06-18T08:50:00.005-05:00

We went up to my parents in Memphis to see G'Mom and Grampa and attend the Grand Opening of the hospital that my dad is an administrator at LaBonhour Children's Hospital.

G'Mom got Emmie a pool and watering can for their house.

Monday morning we went to the Dedication Service.

From 6-16-10 Memphis and LeBonheur Children's Hospital Grand Opening

We went on a tour of the new hospital. Emmie climbed right up into these children size bean bags and laid right back for a story by Grampa. She got comfy quickly.

From 6-16-10 Memphis and LeBonheur Children's Hospital Grand Opening

Tuesday morning, we went to the ribbion cutting ceremony. They had a parade first.

From 6-16-10 Memphis and LeBonheur Children's Hospital Grand Opening

I LOVED this part of the parade. Kids that has been treated at LeBonheur and are living life to the fullest now.

From 6-16-10 Memphis and LeBonheur Children's Hospital Grand Opening

The ribbon cutting. Look at the kids that helped below - they were SO excited! The best! precious children!

From 6-16-10 Memphis and LeBonheur Children's Hospital Grand Opening

Cousins + Water = FUN!!!

2010-06-12T07:59:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, Tate and Mallory came over to play with us in the water. As you can see in the pix below, the girls had a great time together!

Emmie was trying to drink the water. too cute!

Click the photo below to see more pix of Emmie playing in the water and also the hose with Jeremy.

Play Time with Emmie

2010-06-08T07:28:00.003-05:00

We have had lots of fun lately, just playing and enjoying our sweet Emmie. Here are a few pix. You can click on any of the the pix below to see more.

We went over to Terra's to play with Will and Logan in the pool.

Time at the lake:

Emmie is finished with babyfood. Her she is eatting her last babyfood meal and then trying new foods too:

From Spain (Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca) and France (Paris)

Our 8th Anniversary - in Europe!

2010-05-21T08:23:00.002-05:00

We just got back on Wednesday from a 7 day trip to Europe. We went to Spain (Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca) and France (Paris). It was an amazing trip and a wonderful time together. Emmie stayed with my parents for the 1st half and Jeremy's parents for the 2nd half.

Here we are in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid:

We went to Toledo on Saturday (30 min. train ride south of Madrid). The streets here were so awesome! Cobble stone, small, lanterns, and cloths to block the sun. This was one of Jeremy's favorite moment - just walking through the streets and shopping!

From Spain (Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca) and France (Paris)

Sunday afternoon we took the 2 1/2 hour train to Salamanca (west of Madrid). We went here because we wanted to visit where Jeremy's sister, Jordan, had gone to study Spainish for a month while she was at Auburn (about 2 years ago).

From Spain (Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca) and France (Paris)

Tuesday we flew over to Paris. This is just a great pix on a bridge the city behind us.

From Spain (Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca) and France (Paris)

The Eiffle Tower:

From Spain (Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca) and France (Paris)

Paris Tuesday night. It was 11pm in France (4pm central time) the same time we got married 8 years ago!

From Spain (Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca) and France (Paris)

On Wednesday at 5:30pm central,we got back and this was Emmie's big, super excited smile when she saw us! It was awesome to see her!

From Spain (Madrid, Toledo, and Salamanca) and France (Paris)

Click any of the picture above to see more!

A Fabulous 32nd Birthday!

2010-04-29T07:10:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was my 32nd birthday and I had a wonderful day with Jeremy and Emmie!

We went to lunch at Iz Too my favorite restaurant.

From 4-28-10 Michelle's 32nd Birthday

Then I got to paint Emmie's toenails for the first time. too precious! Click this pix to see more.

After nap time, Emmie and I went to the park and I went for a run. Then we went to the grocery and I was blessed by the Lord and ran into an old friend from Curves. She got to ride in the car grocery cart for the first time and LOVED it. I wish you could hear her saying woo woo woo as she was driving it.

Jeremy also fixed me wonderful dinner. It was a real treat not to have to think about or fix dinner yesterday.

Happy Fifteen Months Birthday, Emmie!

2010-04-25T18:53:00.002-05:00

WALKING is the new word around our house. We are having lots of fun with Emmie. She enjoys her freedom and is doing really well.

Our photographer, Michelle King, took some pix of Emmie for her 1 year, now that she is walking and standing really well on her own. Here are some of the pix below...

From 4-13-10 Emmie 1 Year Photo Shoot

this is one of Jeremy's favorites (Emmie's eyes cutting to the side)

From 4-13-10 Emmie 1 Year Photo Shoot

Click on any of the pix above to see more.

He is Risen Indeed!!!

2010-04-04T18:03:00.002-05:00

What a privilege it was to worship the King this morning in church. We are blessed to worship a God that is RISEN! He is the Rock that Jeremy and I stand on. I hope you had a blessed Easter too.

Here are some pix of Emmie from the day. Click any of the pix below to see more.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Molly!

2010-03-29T19:34:00.006-05:00

Molly,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are such a joy to my life and all our family! We love you and are SO thankful to the Lord for your birth 3 years ago today. Praise God!

Aunt 'Chelle

From 3-30-10 Molly's Birthday Weekend

Emmie and I had a wonderful time in Baltimore this past weekend. We went up for Molly's 3rd Birthday Party on Saturday. The theme was "Dora" and Jen did an awesome job with pinatas, party food, and even Spanish labels for house items. It was alot of fun and a huge hit with Molly and her friends. Click on the pix above to see more.

The rest of the time we just hung out: played, cooked in the kitchen, went to an indoor swimming pool, and an Easter egg hunt.

From 3-30-10 Molly's Birthday Weekend

1 Year and 2 Months Old

2010-03-24T19:47:00.003-05:00

Hello my sweet Emmie!

Today is a gorgeous day from the Lord and we enjoyed it well. We took 2 walks, went swinging, and you played in the grass in the backyard while Daddy was doing some yard work. Daddy and I both had the same thoughts during this moment. Daddy..."I am so blessed to be doing yard work while my baby girl is playing on a blanket with her toys in the grass." Mommy looking out the kitchen window..."I am so happy cooking dinner while looking at my wonderful husband and sweet daughter in the back yard."

I was eager to post today because your vocabulary has exploded this month:
(this is a little more than the 7 words that she could say last month)
shoe
shew (stinky)
abba - lay back
no tank you - no thank you
see
kaka - cracker
Bable - Bible
Awmen - amen
okay
alwight - alright
hum
ow (when it hurts)
cak - duck sound
maw - cow sound
moow - cat sound
ru- dog sound
nite nite
"Hi, Dada!" - first sentence
aaful - waffle
mi mi - milk

Other new accomplishments:
-you give your baby dolls kisses
-you sign "All Done"
-you sign "thank you" and say no thank you when pushing things away
-you LOVE quartered grapes
-when you find a blankie - you put it by your ear and say "nite nite"
-you no longer have your paci (at naptime or at bedtime)
-you have dropped your morning nap, now you take 1 nap at 1pm for about 2-3 hrs.
-you sit forward in the car now, we transitioned you to your "big girl" car seat
-you try to blow your nose and also whistle
-you have all your 1 yr. molars in
-you FOUND your belly button after we read you the "Belly Button Book" - so cute!!! You lift up mine and your shirt throughout the day to make sure they are still there! this is awesome!
-each time you get up you want to get a book off your shelf
-you do 4 signs for 4 different songs that you love to sing: This Little Light, Head Shoulders Knees Toes, My God is So Big, and Patty Cake

Life is just grand with you, Emmie! We love living life with you and watching God grow and develop you each day. Thank you Lord, for bringing more joy to us than we could imagine though our little girl.

I love you!
Mommy

Fun Pictures from this Week!

2010-03-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

Emmie can now reach the piano keys and it is SO sweet!

Jeremy got a hold of her hair once again in the bathtub. Is she a shark this time?

Emmie didn't know about her belly button until we read the book "Belly Button" the other night. Now she will take any chance during the day to lift my shirt or her shirt to make sure they are still there.

ALSO, the BIGGEST news...Emmie is taking her naps without her paci now. We took it away on Monday and she has been doing great! Praise God that He has taught her how to put herself to sleep without it, since I wouldn't have been much help on that. Maybe on Friday night we will take it away for bedtime?!?!?

Have a great weekend!

Big Girl!

2010-03-16T09:38:00.002-05:00

This past weekend Jeremy put in Emmie's Big Girl carseat so she could sit forward now.

Also, last night Emmie was so full after dinner her belly was really big.

Our House is on the Market!!!

2010-03-13T10:18:00.003-06:00

From Our House is on the Market!

We are so excited that Graham Holmes at ReMax Over the Mountain has listed our house! Look at it online here on remax.com

We have worked hard this past month getting it ready. Cleaning out closets, having new cabinet doors and hardware put on in the kitchen (see pix below), and having a great, professional painter (Joe Stuckey - I highly recommend him at a very good price!) come and paint the entire interior of our home.

From Our House is on the Market!

We are hoping to move to the Caldwell Mill Road/Inverness Area closer to where Jeremy works by the Colonnade. Altadena Woods would be my first pick neighborhood, but we will just see what house the Lord has for us. Thank goodness the Lord told me about 3 years ago, that He would put our new house on the market right when it needed to be. I have such a peace about this. Either we will get a contract and the house we love will still be on the market or the house we are supposed to live in next is not on the market yet so we will wait to get a contract on our's. I am fine with this either way. I am just excited to see what God has for us!!

We are just patient and just waiting on Him - no rush!

The Past Few Weeks

2010-03-09T21:36:00.002-06:00

We went to the park a few Saturdays ago and Jeremy took some cute shots of Emmie. See one here or click on this one to see more...

This past weekend we went up to Memphis to see my parents. I love it when they get to see her since it is not often enough. We went to the park...

From 3-6-10 Trip To Memphis

Jeremy and I went on a date Saturday night down to Beale Street while they babysat. We had such a nice time out and appreciated it.

From 3-6-10 Trip To Memphis

Then Sunday we went to church and then also walking down by the river. Jeremy took some great shots of Emmie. Click on any of these Memphis pix to see more.

From 3-6-10 Trip To Memphis

P.S. Emmie is also crawling up the stairs now too.

Emmie at 1 Year and 1 Month

2010-02-24T09:41:00.005-06:00

We are so thankful for another month that the Lord gave us with our sweet little girl!

Emmie's Words:
"Baby"
"Ball"
"Boow" - balloon
"Mama"
"Dada"
"Bye bye"
"Hi"

This month you:
-I have started feeding you oatmeal and cream of wheat for breakfast in addition to either waffle or cheese bread.
-You love to look outside through the front windows.
-I am finished nursing and feel a sense of accomplishment for achieving my goal.
-You know where your nose is.
-We played with bubbles for the first time.
-You know how to put your favorite play spiders "in" and "out" of the cup.
-You started walking by yourself with your walker.
-Your eyelashes are longer than Daddy's and the same length as mine. SO pretty!
-You will fold your hands when we say it it time to pray.
-While in the car, I got off the phone with your Daddy and you were holding up your "light" to "This Little Light of Mine" playing in the car. so cute!
-You love lemons.
-You are transitioning from one object to another (table to couch) while cruising.
-You are doing better on your sigh language - "please", "more", and "thank you".
-You said "Dada" the other night and then signed "please to him". It was so sweet he had to pick you up out of your highchair and love on you.
-You say "hi" alot when we walk into the room and when you see us in the car mirror.
-We have been practicing the terms "open" and "close" and what they mean.
-I found THREE one year molars in your mouth today. They had just cut the skin. 2 are on the top and 1 is on your bottom right.
-You are doing a little better on eating finger foods: chicken and pineapple are new this month.

I put you in pigtails for the first time.

When I find Emmie in our closet, she has Jeremy's children's tie around her neck. It is SO cute! And that oddly enough, it was a tie that Jeremy had on the first time we met at Wesley in Auburn.

First time eating chicken.

the curls are coming!

Europe - Here We Come!

2010-02-18T22:32:00.003-06:00

Last night, Jeremy and I just bought our plane tickets to Europe for our 8th Anniversary!

From Blog photos of Europe

We are going to Madrid, Spain and Paris, France! AMAZING! We are so excited!

We are going this spring (I won't give more details for protection purposes) and

Emmie is going to be staying with both sets of her grandparents!

From Blog photos of Europe

If you have been to either of these cities and have recommendations of a hotel to stay in,

tips for traveling in these cities, or have tips of things we need to do

(we do not like museums, so anything other than that would be great!)

send them our way please!

Also, here is a new pix of Emmie!

She is now walking with her walker all by herself.

Click on the pix below to see some more.

An Overnight Date for Us!

2010-02-13T10:34:00.002-06:00

Jeremy had the opportunity with work to go to Atlanta for a Hawks game and stay at the Omni Hotel. It was a special treat!

From 2-11-10 Hawks Game and Georgia Aquarium

Emmie stayed with my cousin, Michelle Batson (and Ben too), for the night and she did great.

From 2-11-10 Hawks Game and Georgia Aquarium

We slept in until 9am on Thursday and it was AWESOME! Jeremy also had a surprise for me and he took me to the Georgia Aquarium. It was great!

From 2-11-10 Hawks Game and Georgia Aquarium

Emily's First Snowman!

2010-02-12T22:20:00.002-06:00

Jeremy got off work early today to come home and build us a snowman. He used all the snow on the ground in the backyard, but Mr. Snowman turned out great!

Click any of the photos below to see more...

From 2-12-10 Emily's First Snow

She's doing new CUTE things....

2010-02-08T15:15:00.005-06:00

It just gets better and better every day. Emmie in the past few days started:

standing up ALL over the house by herself (see this one below and also check out more by clicking on the pix below)

LOVES to look outside

folding her hands when we tell her it is time to pray

holding her finger up when she wants to sing "This Little Light of Mine"

eating lemons

Daddy warming her hands and her also rubbing them together herself

I just can't smile at her enough or kiss her enough during the day.

Emmie's 1st Birthday Party!

2010-01-24T21:09:00.002-06:00

Here are a few photos from the big party!

Click any of the photos below to see more.

Us as a family...

sugar high...

getting it all...

presents...

We love you our big girl!
Mommy and Daddy

Happy 1st Birthday, Emily!

2010-01-24T20:45:00.002-06:00

Emily,

What a blessed 365 days we have had with you! We are so thankful to the Lord for allowing us to have you in our home this past year. We had a very special weekend with you. We had your party yesterday at your Great Uncle Rick and Great Aunt Roxanne's house. Today we went to church and had a relaxing day at home.

This month you have:
-grown to 19 lbs and 6 ounces
-and 27 3/4 inches
-you are giving High Fives now!
-I have noticed lately that your hands are getting larger.
-you LOVE rolling the ball with us!
-you had your first "real" meal (rice, carrots, and cheese)
-Happy New Year's Eve - your bottom far left front tooth came in
-your first word is baby
-you can also say duck and diaper
-you had whole milk (4 oz) for the first time and I dropped your last nursing of the day.
-you know where your head and hair is (and sometimes your nose)
-you say "pee boo" (peek a boo)
-you LOVE for Mommy and Daddy to crawl behind you and chase you!!!!
-you really try to talk to us with more jabbering than babbling now.
-I dropped your lunch feeding.
-you sometimes do the sign for "more" when Mommy is eating her oatmeal
-your bottom far right front tooth came in
-I dropped your mid-afternoon feeding.
-I sing "Fairest (Precious) Lord Jesus" to you alot when laying your down for your naps.
-we went to get you up one morning and you were standing up in your bed
-you also pulled up on the ball popper at church in the nursery!
-the nursery workers said "Emmie is the sweetest baby we have in the nursery right now."
-on your birthday you started covering your eyes with your hands in the car and play peek a boo with me

Sweet girl, you make me smile so much. Just the other night we were talking about you and my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much!

I love you my baby girl!
Mommy

2009 Family Christmases

2009-12-31T10:09:00.003-06:00

Here are a few snapshots of the family Christmases that we celebrated this year.

Click on any of the pix below to see more from each Christmas gathering.

Rogers' Christmas (Jeremy's Mom's family)

Long's Christmas (Jeremy's Dad's family)

Brasfield's Christmas (my Mom's family)

Immediate Batson Christmas

Immediate Long Christmas

Us on Christmas Morning (Click on this pix below to see more from our Cmas Morning)

From 12-25-09 Christmas Morning

Batson's Christmas (my Dad's family)

What a blessed Christmas we had!
love you all!

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-25T11:42:00.003-06:00

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky

above proclaims His handiwork." Psalm 19:1

From 12-1-09 Cmas Pix

Merry Christmas with Love!

Jeremy, Michelle, and Emily

Happy Eleven Months Birthday, Emmie!

2009-12-24T22:22:00.007-06:00

Emmie,

Merry Christmas Eve! It is a very special day today and also the day you turn 11 months. We have had such a fun month with you, once again.

This month you have:
-You are 18.5 lbs. and 27.5 inches.
-You can repeat noises we make: a buzzing bee, sssssssssss, clicking your tongue, etc.
-You can mimic words that we say like: red, yellow, bellybutton, diaper, mickey mouse, and tada.
-You had your first Thanksgiving and we were in Bristol, TN with G'Mom, Grampa, Aunt Jen, Uncle Chad, Molly, and Leah
-Your first Thanksgiving meal was a WHOLE croissant roll. All by yourself!
-When we give you your brush to play with and a phone you put them by your ear (so smart)
-Your first favorite song is "If Your Happy and You Know It!" When we sing it you smile big and start clapping.
-CRAWLING! You have mastered this and are an official crawler.
-You got sick this month and you were so sad. You had a sinus infection and went on an antibiotic, Amoxililin, for it.
-You went with Mommy and Daddy to get your first Cmas tree and you put the first ornament on it.
-You have started laughing at things on your own that you think are funny and make you laugh.
-You will hand us book to read to you.
-You went to the mall to take your first pix with Santa. You did great and didn't cry!
-We put Cheerios in your bib and you ate them. It was so funny!
-You moved up to the crawler room at church.
-You started having 10 min. of "room time" to play safely by yourself.
-You are really good at playing peek a boo. You will even keep the blanket on your head for a few min. and just waiting - laughing at us until you pull it off.
-We have started telling you "no no" and we heard you saying it while you were going to bed one night. too funny!
-You started using a snack trap.

Click here to see more pix from Emmie at 10 months.

This Advent Season has been so special. I have enjoyed celebrating the birth of our Savior with you each day. We had a chain link that had little activities for you and I to do together. We got to read scripture, dance, sing, and play instruments together. We made wonderful memories together.

I love you!
Mommy

Christmas Traditions as a Family

2009-12-10T18:28:00.006-06:00

We are loving doing all these 1st with Emmie as a family. What joy it bring to our hearts!

Going to get her first tree...

As we were decorating the tree with lights, Jeremy decided that Emmie's exersaucer needed to be "pimped" with lights too...

Emmie put the first ornament on our tree this year. It says "Emmie's 1st Christmas" with her hand print...

Checking Santa out! She did great! Modeling the dress that my mom smocked for her (and her 2 cousins have matching dresses too!) Thanks, G'Mom...

Here is the professional one. We were so surpised that she didn't cry through sitting on his nap. YEAH!

OFFICIALLY Crawling Now!

2009-12-03T09:54:00.004-06:00

As of yesterday morning and afternoon, I would have told you that Emmie was not really crawling yet b/c she was not moving her knees at all....WELL - last night for Jeremy and I she went 9-10 crawls. (Is that what you call it?)

She still enjoys sitting up and playing for now, but I am sure that won't last for much longer and she will be on the move all the time. Also, as of now, she doesn't like to crawl on the kitchen tile. She just sits at the edge of the carpet in the living room and tile in the kitchen and just pats her hands on the tile.

Sweet times! We are so blessed that our daughter is healthy and able to crawl. I love how the Lord develops her mind and her wheels turn so that she can accomplish new things!

Click any of the pix above to see a few more pix of Emmie at 10 Months.

Our First Thanksgiving as a Family

2009-12-01T12:42:00.002-06:00

This past week we met my parents and Jen's family in Bristol, TN to stay at a house in the mountains. It was so fun to be together, relax, watch football, and make memories together.

Here are a few pix of the highlights from the week...
(Click on any of the pix below to see more.)

Our first Thanksgiving Family photo

Molly on a scavenger with Grampa and Jeremy (that he came up with)

Me with sweet Leah (the best - snugglin')

Jeremy built us a fire on Saturday night to roast marshmellows

Molly and Emmie

Happy Ten Months Birthday, Emmie!

2009-11-24T10:09:00.005-06:00

Emmie,

Again, your Daddy and I have fallen more in love with you this month. God revealed to me this month that it is only by Him that we get to experience a very special joy that only comes by being parents. It is amazing and a true honor. Your Daddy was holding you just 2 nights ago (in the mist of having fun and playing in the living room) and he got emotional by the overwhelming love that the Lord has given him for you.

This month:
-You are 17.5 lbs. weight and 29 inches.
-You are famous for your dimples, esp. when you chew your Cheerios (Aunt Jordy loves this).
-You are starting to point with your index finger - #1 or "round 'em up"
-You copied Daddy and blew his whistle. so good!
-You like to play on the floor in front of the refrig with magnets
-Sometimes when you are nursing you want to stop and clap your hands. so funny!
-You were Princess Leia from Star Wars for Halloween. too cute! (and Daddy made his Humpty Dumpty costume.)
-You aren't crawling yet, but you "swim" (put your cheek on the ground, stretch with your arm, and push with your opposite leg).
-Your Great Grandmother Dot (Grampa's mom) said "I am getting richer by the day" when I was talking about her 3 great grand-daughters today. so sweet!
-You had for the first time: baby yogurt, zucchini, and corn.
-You are consistently eating 5 oz. of baby food 4 times a day.
-You are holding on tighter on my hip now when I hold you.
-You know how to "turn the page" when we read to you.
-You are still taking two 1 1/2 hr. naps each day. You are going to bed around 7-8p each night and sleep until 7:15-7:45. (Mommy and Daddy say "thanks!")
-At bedtime, as a family we read a story and pray and then Daddy sings 1-2 song and rocks you for a few min. You love this time with Daddy and rest your head on his chest. He cherishes this! Then we lay you down awake. You have stopped crying when we walk out of the room.
-You have figured out how to take your paci out when you want to drink from your sippy cup.
-You have learned how to sit up on your own. It was a big surprise to Mommy when I looked at your monitor after your nap and you were sitting up. WOW! You first did this in your crib using the bumpers as help, but now you can do it anytime and anyplace.
-You have started trying to blow us kisses. You can make the kiss noise, but we are still working on the hand.
-You started to chew on your crib railing.
-We have also moved your crib matress down a level.
We also had our awesome professional photographer, Micelle King, take 9 mo. pix of Emmie.
Click here to see more pix of Emmie this month.

You are so special to us and we cherish each day with you, our sweet little Emmie.
I love you!
Mommy

Float Plane Ride over Lake Guntersville (by Jeremy)

2009-11-08T22:00:00.003-06:00

Whad up blogger people! For those checking in with Michelle's blog, I gave Michelle the night off and decided I would do the update this time.

We had a blast this past weekend. Dropped little Emily off in Cullman with her godparents, Josh and Sashari Caretti, while we drove up to Guntersville for a romantic one hour plane ride over Lake Guntersville in a 1953 Cessna Sea Plane (don't worry, no one joined the "mile high club"... this time). The property was beautiful, the ride was smooth, and the weather could not have been more perfect. We even saw two adult bald eagles and an immature bald eagle (you could tell because he was making farting noises with his armpits). The flight was even topped off with banana flavored popsicles (a tradition of the pilot).

To see more, click on any of the pictures below.

From 11-7-09 Float Plane Ride

We finished the weekend by celebrating the dedication of Miss Mallory Elizabeth Long (Jason & Diana's newest daughter) to the Lord. What a priviledge to be a part of her life and see her raised in a godly home. We certainly do pray she comes to know the Lord at a young age and develops a personal relationship with Him. Included in the celebration was her great grandparents Luke and Wilma Rogers (aka. Nanny & Paw-Paw) who made the trek down from Chattanooga, TN. What a wonderful loving family we are all so blessed to have.

To see more, click on any of the pictures below.

From 11-8-09 Mallory's Dedication

I'm out for this edition. Stay tuned for the next "J-Lo" edition of the Long's blog! You never know when I might pop by!

Jimmy J and the J Child

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T08:57:00.002-05:00

Here is our Princess ("Princess Leia") on her first Halloween. We are not big Star Wars fans, but this costume was Jeremy idea when we were playing with Emmie one night. We had the old fashioned bright rings out and he put them on her ears and the he said "you know what she should be for Halloween..."

Yesterday, Jeremy had a costume contest at work and he dressed up like Humpty Dumpty. He won 2nd place! He worked some really late nights on this and did a great job!

P.S. Emmie and I have had so much fun this week just playing and enjoying the beautiful weather. Here are some pix from our week. Click on the pix below to see more.

We went to the 'dell and the AU/LSU game!

2009-10-27T11:55:00.004-05:00

We went to Slidell this past weekend to see my highschool friends, to go to the Auburn/LSU game, and also see all the kids growing up. We had a great time dispite the Auburn loss, but it was fun to catch up with my girlfriends. We stayed with Kris, Jason, and Sam (1 1/2 yrs old).

Friday night, Carla stopped by with Caroline (4 yrs old) and Ben (1 1/2 yrs old).

On Saturday, Jeremy and I also had a great time tailgating together. It was a date for us, since Kris' mom and Mrs. Debbie kept Sam (1 1/2 yrs old) and Emily (9 mo) for us while the adults went to the football game.

Click on any of the pix to see more from this weekend.

On Sunday, we stopped by Amy and Nick's to see Parker (5 yrs old) and Peyton (2 yrs old).

Happy Nine Months Birthday, Emmie!

2009-10-23T09:39:00.003-05:00

Emmie!

(notice in the pix above that Emmie is clapping - a new trick!)

You are 3/4 of a year old! How exciting! Again, we had the best month with you. Everyone says "it goes by so fast", so I ask them "well, how do you slow it down?". They say "You can't!" Okay, so we will just enjoy and count our blessings every day with you, sweet girl!

You are growing well:
16 lbs. and 12 oz.
27 inches long
15 3/4 head cir.

This month:
-you have FOUR new teeth on the top!!!!!!
-you are still nursing 4 times a day
-you can drink out of your sippy cup all by yourself now by tipping it up
-you are really good at a fake cough - too funny!
-you tried for the first time this month: cheese, goldfish, cereal bar, and crackers
-you hold your bottle ALL by yourself the whole feeding the whole time
-you recognize your name and turn your head when we call your name
-you like to turn the pages on your books and photo album
-you have started pulling your bows out of your hair
-you have started pushing things away when you don't want them
-you offered Daddy your Cherrio
-Daddy was holding you and I was chasing ya'll and you thought it was hillarious - you let out a HUGE laugh!
-you got your first official cold - yucky!
-you like your Daddy's hairy legs - you rub them and sometime get a good hold and pull too hard
-Daddy taught you how to clap and you are really good at it!
-you love ice in your sippy cup to make your water cold
-we are trying to teach you how to kiss Mommy and Daddy on the cheek
-when I try to get you to stand up sometimes, you keep your feet out straight in front of you like you want to sit down. this makes me laugh!

Your sweet sounds and noises are music to our ears. You are a true joy from the Lord and we are thankful to have you and share you with our friends and family.

Click here to see more pix from this month.

I love you, Emily!
Mommy

Good Times with a Best Friend

2009-10-19T17:36:00.003-05:00

Michelle and I have been good friends for 20 yrs (since we were 11 yrs old in 6th grade)! I feel old. Am I really older than 20 yrs. old? WOW - how time flies. We went to Slidell High together and then to different colleges. She went to USA in Mobile and I went to Auburn, but thankgoodness our paths always stayed together.

From 10-14-09 visit with Michelle and the kids

This past week she came from Tues-Thurs with her 2 kids, Maia (2 1/2) and Connor (1 yr) and we just hung out. It was really rainy, so we didn't get to be outside as much as we would have liked, but it was still relaxing to just be together.

From 10-14-09 visit with Michelle and the kids

Click on any of the above pix to see more from our time together.

Meeting Leah Rose Sellers!

2009-10-08T08:51:00.003-05:00

We were so blessed this past weekend to go up to see Jen and Chad in Baltimore and their growing family. They are adjusting perfectly and Jen has even had her first outing with the girls this week all by herself! You go girl!

We met Leah (2 1/2 weeks old) for the first time. Oh my, she is so snuggly! I just LOVED holding her and lovin' on her. We praise the Lord for her.

We were also guaranteed a good time with Molly too! She is now 2 1/2 and so funny! She is so sweet with Emmie and Leah. She would often share her toys with Emmie. Emmie is SO interested in doing whatever Molly is doing.

Here is a funny girl!

A sweet moment...

Click any of the pix above to see more

or click here to see my sister's pix from the weekend too.

Time with a Legend

2009-09-26T09:27:00.005-05:00

Last night, Jeremy and I were invited to sit at Coosa Valley Medical Center's table at the "Blue Jean Ball". It was a fundraiser hosted by Pat Dye at his home in Auburn to raise money for the AU and AUM nursing programs.

From 9-25-09 Coach Pat Dye

Aubie made an appearance too.

From 9-25-09 Pat Dye

The company at our table was wonderful and the food was great too, but most of all it was nice to get out just the 2 of us for an evening together.

From 9-25-09 Coach Pat Dye

Happy Eight Months Birthday, Emmie!

2009-09-24T09:36:00.007-05:00

Emmie,

From 9-24-09 Emmie at 8 Months

(notice Emmie waving in the pix above!)

So people are constantly commenting on how you smile all the time. They ask us if you are always like this. My response recently has been "Yes, she is always smiling. I have realized lately that she is smiling at us first and then we respond to her." Emmie, you bring so much joy to life. We are privileged to share you with our family and friends, but at the end of the day we are so glad you come home with us.

You are 17.5 lbs and 28 inches.

This month you have:
-your favorite - WAVING! (Daddy taught you this and you are a pro at this now:)
-your 2nd favorite - SWINGING! Jeremy put it up on the front porch and she LOVES it!
-you have started looking for people when they go behind a corner or behind a book
-now peek a boo is fun
-you LOVE to look out the car window - too cute!
-a new noise - you make a new frog noise in your throat
-you tried sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, pears, peaches, blueberries,
-at the beg. of this month you transitions from your wrap during naps
-for the past week you have been sleeping at night without your wrap
-you are good at finding us in your car mirror and it makes you smile
-you try to lean forward while laying on your back - stomach crunches
-you played with a crumpled up piece of paper (with paci in and adult supervision) for 25 min. by yourself
-you think it is funny to pull a washcloth off that is covering up your face
-you are really good at remembering to keep your hands in your lap when we are feeding you in your highchair
-you had cantelope in your mesh bag today and LOVED it!
-you wore your first AUBURN onesie today for the kickoff of football season!
-you went to the rope swing at the lake for the first time
-you "wink" back at us when we wink with both eyes at you
-you get easily distracted by the tv when nursing, so sometimes I have to turn it off
-you have started to notice shadows and like to play with them
-you LOVE to wave at your pix on the mantle and at yourself in mirrors
-you got your 3rd tooth in on your top right
-your cousin Leah Rose Sellers was born this month on 9/16/09 at 10:29; 9 lb. 1 oz. and 20 1/2 inches (10 days late)
-you had a very special moment with Mommy - sitting on the front porch and watching the rain. It was awesome!
-you had your first TANTRUM today at Wal-mart. Daddy had given you the list to play with and you started chewing on it so we didn't want you to eat the paper, so he took it away. You threw your head back and your arms down and started crying. All we could do was laugh. It was so funny.
-you have started eating Cheerios
-you have allergies that have started this month, so sad so see you feeling bad and rubbing your itchy eyes.

Sweet girl, you are an amazing blessing from the Lord. Each day, I count it a privilege to stay home with you. Each day, Daddy wants to take you to work with him (so sweet). You are just too much fun!

See more pix of her at 7 months by clicking on this Link.

I love you!
Mommy

WAR EAGLE, everyone!

2009-09-19T11:04:00.001-05:00

Emmie is ready for the game tonight with shaker in hand!

Jen made this onesie for her and she is just too cute in it!

Also, thanks G'Mom for the sassy shorts.

Our newest niece, Leah Rose Sellers!

2009-09-17T09:21:00.003-05:00

I am proud to announce our newest niece, Leah Rose Sellers! Whom the Lord brought into the world on Wednesday, Sept. 16th at 10:29pm, weighing 9 lbs. 1 oz. and 20.5 inches long with a full head of hair! Praise God for a healthy baby girl and mommy too!

Jen went in yesterday morning at 8:30a. They started her Pitocin at about 10:30a. At 5:30p, she was 5 cm and got her epidural. Then about 10:10p she started pushing and baby Leah was here at 10:29p! Just 20 min. of pushing - WOW this was amazing compared to the 3 hrs. of pushing with Molly.

I got to talk with Jen about 11:00p before all the grandparents came in and the whirlwind started for the night. She sounds so great and very happy! She said Leah has blue eyes, sweet cheeks, HUGE thighs, and is nursing well!

Oh my, I just can't wait to squeeze her in just 2 1/2 weeks!

Click here to see more pix.

P.S. This makes 5 girls between Jen, me, and Diana (my sister in law). That is alot of PINK!

Labor Day!

2009-09-09T11:51:00.001-05:00

We had a fun time at the lake with family this past weekend! Emmie also got to meet some of my family that had not seen her before: the Siebert family and Will Batson.

Here are a few pix, but click on any of the ones below to see more.

It was a weekend with time on the dock,

From 9-6-09 Labor Day Weekend

a boat trip to the rope swing,

From 9-6-09 Labor Day Weekend

college football (Go Auburn!), and the US Open!

From 9-6-09 Labor Day Weekend

A Day in the Life of Emmie

2009-08-29T10:18:00.002-05:00

Here are some recent moments in Emmie's life...

Driving with Daddy when he gets home from work!
(DISCLAIMER: this is from the driveway to the garage, but she LOVES it and things she is SO big.)

Jeremy put a swing up for her on the front porch and she LOVES it! (I am not sure who appreciates it more, me or Emmie. It is the "go to" when we want to be outside OR she is fussy, tired, or bored.)

Just a cutie pie!

2009-08-27T15:40:00.003-05:00

I just thought I would send out some photos that we have taken this week.

This is a dress that Jen and I wore as babies and my mom kept it for her grand-daughters.

Okay, so this is a new face that Emmie is doing and it makes me laugh.

Here is Emmie modeling an outfit that her godmother, Sashari, gave her. too cute!

Click any of the pix above to see a few more from her at 7 months.

Thank you Aunt Jen and Aunt D.D. for dressing me so cute!

2009-08-25T09:44:00.002-05:00

Emmie is am SO blessed to have 2 aunts that are very creative and talented. They have both made her a pillow case dress that she looks SO cute in and many other things too.

Aunt Jen made Emmie:
She has a website with all her crafts on here that include onesies, interchangeable headbands, bows, and burp cloths:
http://www.littleoneoriginials.com/

a pillow case dress:

From 8-1-09 Kathy and Brian's Wedding

lots of bows to match EVERY outfit:

From 8-11-09 Trip to Baltimore

a customized onesie that says "Daddy's Caddy":

From 7-24-09 Emmie at 6 Months

Aunt D.D. has been so generous also:

made her a pillow case dress:

smock her a newborn day gown:

From 3-1-09 Meeting Aunt Jen

and buys her cute clothes: (it was perfect for her 6 mo. prof. shots)

From 7-16-09 Emmie's 6 Month Prof Pix

Thank you Aunt D.D. and Aunt Jen.

Love, Emmie

Happy Seven Months Birthday, Emmie!

2009-08-24T11:34:00.006-05:00

Emmie,