The Nowells

Running for Lucy

2011-08-13T15:45:00.000-05:00

I think I have mentioned Lucy before. She is five year old girl in the Memphis area battling Medulloblastoma, a rare and agressive form of brain cancer. God has pressed this sweet little girl and her family into my heart. Not a day goes by that I don't think of Lucy and a prayer for her healing and recovery, her spirit and strength, and the struggle her family is enduring. God has blessed Judson and I with two healthy children. Every night when I thank God for these two smiling faces and shining stars in our lives, I also pray for Lucy. My heart hurts for her parents, going through the unimaginable. Lucy has been through surgeries, radiation and now chemo, much more than a five year old should even know about. But I see something wonderful and encouraging in her face. She is strong and amazing. She has had an inspiring impact on many lives, including mine.

With all of this in mind, I signed up to run in the St. Jude race on December 3rd. Not, not the marathon or even the half, but the 5K. It seems simple, but seeing as I haven't done any athletic since having Frances Ellen and Cash, it is what I need now. And I am loving it! My "training" is allowing me some quite time to talk to God, about our children and Lucy and all the children of St. Jude.

So, I ask you to pray for Lucy. Join me in helping St. Jude and continuing their efforts to find answers for children suffering with cancer and other challenging diseases.

You can donate to St. Jude and follow Lucy's story in the links below.
Sara Nowell's Page

http://erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com/

Part Two

2011-06-30T05:52:00.000-05:00

Picture Post

2011-06-29T19:20:00.000-05:00

What we have been doing lately..

2011-02-28T20:33:00.000-06:00

Well, I was thrilled to be there for the arrival of Kristi's baby on January 27th. The handsome Bryce made his debut at 1:44 p.m., and is absolutely adorable. Brian and Kristi are the most loving couple and we couldn't be happier that they are now a family. And, I wanted to take Bryce home with me when I saw him again last weekend!

Cash will have surgery at LeBonhuer on March 21st. I am getting more nervous as it approaches. I pray for a successful surgery, great doctors and a speedy recovery. Poor man has no idea!

Frances Ellen has really been enjoying her "dance class" (can't say just dance, have to say "dance class"). She loves her ballet slippers and tap shoes. She shows us some of her moves. I haven't really pinpointed the routine yet, but I am sure it is amongst some of those moves.

Cash is walking around everywhere, and it is so funny. I don't remember Frances Ellen looking like this when she walked. It isn't wobbling, but I can't explain it...just so cute. He is very proud of himself and walks in the room and says "heeey". When he was born, I was so used to Frances Ellen walking in and out of the rooms in the house I found myself expecting Cash to come walking down the hall too. Now, it makes my heart smile to see him wondering about.

Cash is also very much the helper. Loves to make sure the laundry room door is closed, likes to give you his plate when he is done and also likes to help unload and close the dishwasher. Yesterday I was sweeping and looked up to see him bringing me the dustpan! He is going to make some girl very happy one day!

Last weekend we went to visit Gigi in Columbus and had a great time being lazy and playing. Frances Ellen also became interested in the piano and we had a couple lessons. The four of us made quite the sound.

We went to the park this past Saturday, which is a great way to wear out your kids and allow them to sleep well! By Saturday evening, Cash was pretty tired and a little fussy. I told Frances Ellen "Cash is so tired." Sitting in her bean bag she replied "put him in bed." I asked her what I would do with her, and she said "leave me in my bean bag"

Our very sweet friend Clay gave Frances Ellen and Cash bean bags for Christmas. FEN told me she would not unzip the bean bag and let the beans out because that would make Clay very sad. We love Daddy's friend Clay!

Finally, please pray for a little girl named Lucy. I read about her on Friday and cannot stop thinking and praying for her and her family. Here is the link to her mom's blog - http://erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com/
I get fussed at for reading stories about people that make me sad, but I can't stop thinking about this sweet Lucy that I do not know. She has a long way to go, please add her to your pray list.

Busy Week!

2011-01-25T18:32:00.000-06:00

So I've been slacking on the pictures, but I have been sick and busy!
Full week this week too! Yesterday I went to the dentist, two cavities! Today Cash had his ears checked from his most recent ear infection, both ears looked great by the way, and Frances Ellen had dance (or as she calls it "dance class"). Tonight entails laundry, walmart and the State of the Union. Tomorrow is a little easier, just work and Gigi comes. Thursday we have Cash's appointment at LeBonheur AND my best friend in the whole world is having her baby! To cap off the week, Judson turns the big 3-0 on Saturday!
Frances Ellen continues with her good manners, which she is really proud of, and Cash is still teaching me how much boys like to eat!

Sweet Cash

2011-01-16T13:31:00.000-06:00

First Dance Class

2011-01-16T13:30:00.000-06:00

Cookie Cash

2011-01-16T13:25:00.000-06:00

Please excuse the mess that is cookie on his face!

Snow!

2011-01-10T18:10:00.000-06:00

So I have fallen behind on my pics, but I've been sick.

We had about 7-8 inches of snow!!

Here are some pics!

January 5, 2011

2011-01-05T19:32:00.000-06:00

Because I always want to remember these toes and fingers.

And this little one...hanging onto my legs, this is what I see looking down (excuse the messy face)

January 4, 2011

2011-01-05T19:28:00.000-06:00

January 3, 2011

2011-01-05T19:25:00.000-06:00

Had to post this one of Cash's tummy!

Curls

2011-01-02T19:16:00.000-06:00

January 2, 2011

2011-01-02T19:15:00.000-06:00

January 1, 2011

2011-01-02T19:14:00.000-06:00

His teeth looks funny in this picture, but he always makes this face when the camera flashes!

This is his getting ready to walk stance...any day now (maybe)!

A Picture A Day (hopefully two) For 365 Days!

2011-01-02T18:46:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe how fast my babies are growing up. I know I am blessed to have two healthy growing and learning children, but it makes me sad that the days seem to go by so quickly. So, I have given myself a challenge for 2011... a picture a day every day. And hopefully two pictures, one of each angel. And, I challenge myself further to post these pictures. At years' end, I would love to make a book from my posts.
So here it goes...

Santa

2011-01-02T18:28:00.001-06:00

So our camera battery began to die as they were coming down the stairs to see what Santa brought....so sad!

Here is what I have...

Frances Ellen

2011-01-02T18:26:00.000-06:00

Cash

2011-01-02T18:22:00.003-06:00

Christmas Pile Up in Gigi's Bed

2011-01-02T18:17:00.000-06:00

Christmas Tickle Fun

2011-01-02T18:15:00.000-06:00

Christmas at Gigi's

2011-01-02T17:36:00.000-06:00

What A Difference A Year Makes!

2011-01-02T17:31:00.000-06:00

Kelly's Kids

2010-10-06T20:18:00.001-05:00

Let me know if I can place a Kelly's Kids order for you! Christmas will be here before we know it!

We are Here, Just Staying Busy!

2010-10-06T19:56:00.002-05:00

Update on the Nowell Happenings

2009-12-13T15:57:00.002-06:00

It is funny how the days seem to drag by and fly by at the same time. I can't keep my hours or days straight, they all run together. But I am having so much fun and enjoying spending time with my babies! Frances Ellen is so sweet with her baby brother. She loves to rub his head, and has been a big help..."checking on him" when he cries, etc.

Frances Ellen, Cash and I went to Philadelphia last Sunday hoping to see the Christmas parade on Monday night. We had a great car ride on the way down there, but Cash wasn't too happy on the way back. Sydney and I learned what it would be like to run our own daycare on Monday...four kids and two of us.....let's just say it was great to have adult interaction!! Sadly, the weather kept the parade from happening. We had a really good time and enjoyed getting out of the house!

Judson had Tuesday and Wednesday of this week off and we enjoyed hanging out and relaxing a little bit. Not much to report on Thursday and Friday...Cash and I held down the fort at the house during the day and then went to pick up Frances Ellen in the evening. She had her Christmas party at school Friday and got to wear her Panda pajamas to school. Yesterday we stayed in our pajamas all day and took it easy while Judson worked. Momma was tired by the end of the day and very glad to see Judson with Chick FilA!

Frances Ellen and I went shopping, purse and list in hand, this afternoon so that she could participate in our little "circle" of gift exchanging at my house on Christmas. She was thoughtful and careful with her selections for everyone. The Dollar Tree had some beautiful things and these will certainly be gifts to be treasured (especially Daddy's!) I will wrap them up tomorrow so that we have some gifts under our tree.

We are awaiting Gigi's arrival...Frances Ellen and I have a date with Judson tonight..dinner and then going to look at lights. I have a lunch date with a friend tomorrow and am hoping to do some Christmas shopping (I haven't been shopping!!). Judson and I are going to do our Christmas shopping tomorrow night.

Just a little recap of our week!

What Happens at Christmas....

2009-12-09T19:24:00.002-06:00

We have been reading Merry Christmas Mouse a lot lately....Mouse puts 1 star on the tree...adds two angels...three snowflakes, etc. At the end, he has so many ornaments on the tree it is tipping over and Frances Ellen says it is going to fall on "little mouses head."

On the way home from school today I asked Frances Ellen what happens at Christmas time. She said the Christmas tree falls on little mouse's head.
Then I said, "And the Baby Jesus was born, and Mary was is Mommy." She said, "Yeah, Christmas tree falls on Baby Jesus' head."

This Little Girl Loves Her Christmas Tree

2009-12-04T10:35:00.004-06:00

Angel

2009-12-04T09:47:00.004-06:00

We took Cash to Oxford Pediatric yesterday for his two week check up. He is the picture of health and now weighs 7 pounds and 8 ounces!

Pics

2009-11-26T21:26:00.000-06:00

Frances Ellen and Cash

2009-11-26T21:05:00.001-06:00

Frances Ellen has been wonderful with Cash! She had a big time at the hospital, putting her Charlie and Lola puzzle together and building a rock "monument." She brought me a purple pansy she picked when I was in labor, to "make me feel good." Judson brought her in to meet Cash and she said "Hey Cash, I'm Frances Ellen" She continued to say "Hey Cash" for a while, and then said "I want him to say hey Frances Ellen." I heard her in the hallway outside the room telling Mimi and PopPop to come see Cash. She was anxious to go back outside to her rocks but made sure to tell me to stay there with Cash. She brought a rock and purple pansy to the nursery window for him too. She also enjoyed breakfast in bed as a part of her stay in Tupelo! She has quickly added him to our family, Mommy, Daddy and Cash. And she says he his "cute, cute, cute."

Yesterday we were sitting on the floor coloring and Cash sighed real big, and FEN said "Oh my goodness" just like an adult gushing over a baby!

The Arrival of Cash Nowell (Part Two)

2009-11-26T20:56:00.001-06:00

We got to the Women's Hospital and they showed us to our labor and delivery room, Room 104.

I got settled in and tried to settle my nerves. Unfortunately, they got the best of me and my blood pressure bottomed out....before anything had even begun. The nurse thought I was worried about the IV, but nope, just anxiety! I have never felt like that, sweating like crazy, could hardly hold my head up and my eyes open. All I could think was, what kind of sign is this for the rest of day? My blood pressure slowly came back up and the nurse, Anna, was able to put in my IV. Dr. Kennedy came in and broke my water and after receiving some fluids we started the pitocin around 6:45 or 7:00. I was about 2-3 cm at that time. My contractions started to pick up in intensity around 10:00 and I was close to 4 cm. The nurse said she would check with Dr. Kennedy about giving me some stadol, or going ahead with the epidural. She came back and said we would go ahead with the epidural. I was a little concerned about the epidural since a student gave it to me...(I asked him if he had done many before) but was reassured by his supervisor that he was one of the best. The epidural makes you shake and shiver like crazy so they gave me a nice and toasty heated blanket. (Never imagined I would be as snug as a bug in a rug in the delivery room!) Because of the earlier blood pressure incident they propped me up on my side, but baby boy wasn't crazy about that so they gave me some oxygen. I was pretty comfortable after that and was able to rest. I was almost asleep when my nurse came in around 12 to check our progress. I was at 5 cm, but beginning to feel a little more pain. We discussed increasing the medicine in the epidural and she went to talk to the doctor about it. He came in at 12:10 and said I was about 8 or 9 cm and asked if I could push. I got very nervous and started shaking again, I couldn't believe it was already time and was still wondering about that additional pain medicine! Judson was wonderful at helping me focus, staying calm and remembering to breath. I had two sets of pushes and then there he was at 12:24!!

The Arrival of Cash Nowell (Part One)

2009-11-26T20:53:00.001-06:00

Judson and I went to my regular doctor's appointment on November 11th. I was very anxious to learn of our progress and find out if we could pick a birthday for Cash. Dr. Kennedy said we were rocking along and should come back the next Wednesday, the 18th, for a check up and then we would induce on Thursday the 19th. I was very relieved to have a game plan, as I did not want to have to make a mad dash to Tupelo should my water break, etc.
I worked half a day on the next Monday and knew I was ready to get some rest in preparation for the upcoming work at hand. Judson did not work on Tuesday and told me my job for the day was to stay in bed. I got us all packed up and we headed to Tupelo on Wednesday morning for my doctor's appointment. Dr. Kennedy told us everything looked great and to be at the hospital at 6:00 Thursday morning for the birthday party! Frances Ellen so my lovely paper drape in the exam room and wanted a "dress" like Mommy's. So the sweet nurses made her one to wear, and she wore it proudly! We spent the day at the mall in Tupelo, just walking around and riding the carousel. It was our own little family day at Barnes Crossing Mall! Gigi meet us there and then we went to the hotel to rest before dinner at the Olive Garden. Mimi and PopPop arrived and Frances Ellen spent the night with them. Judson and I fell asleep around 11, and while he slept soundly until I woke him at 5, I stayed up all night watching QVC and debating about whether or not to order the Special of the Day - the Dirt Devil Steam Vac.
After looking in the mirror a thousand times for the last time at my pregnant belly, we headed off to the hospital.

A "dress" like Mommy's

Introducing....Cassius Greco Nowell

2009-11-26T20:34:00.001-06:00

Cash was born November 19th at 12:24 pm, 7 pounds 3 ounces and 19 1/4 inches.

A wonderful wedding anniversary present!

Pumpkin Patch Pics

2009-11-26T20:08:00.003-06:00

Halloween Pics

2009-11-26T20:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not a cute bug, I'm a cute witch!

2009-10-28T21:43:00.002-05:00

We tried on her bug costume from last year, and she loved it! She was "gonna be a bug." Then, this weekend we must have seen something at the Square that changed her mind because she is "not a cute bug, I'm a cute witch." So, I am attempting to make her a witch costume, but goodness knows there is no way we'll get that bug costume on her!
So far so good, and I would make her a million costumes just to hear her say "Thanks Momma for cutting my witch" and "Thanks Momma." Still a work in progress, but I must say she does make a pretty cute witch!
And yes, she's in a basket! It looks like the hat has been photo-shopped in, but it is a little headband. The dress will be cinched too.

Frances Ellen and the Pumpkins

2009-10-28T21:42:00.002-05:00

Random Pics

2009-10-28T21:34:00.002-05:00

Yes, we strip down to eat Spaghetti (with "delicious" cheese)

Picking the raisins out of my raisin bran. She thought they were brownies at first!

"Look at My Goo" aka Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-28T21:30:00.003-05:00

She did a lot of coloring with the black marker!

Trip to the Grove

2009-10-28T21:26:00.003-05:00

Columbus Trip

2009-10-28T21:16:00.002-05:00

Making Muffins

2009-10-28T21:09:00.001-05:00

Little Einsteins Birthday Party

2009-10-28T20:57:00.002-05:00

Waiting on Gigi's Arrival

2009-10-28T20:54:00.002-05:00

Birthday Cake in Philadelphia

2009-10-28T20:49:00.002-05:00

Birthday Party at School

2009-10-28T20:29:00.002-05:00

Hello!

2009-09-13T15:56:00.002-05:00

Katie came to visit us last Friday, and FEN was so giddy to see her! We had a relaxing weekend...including a trip to Bubble Park, Sonic Apple Juices Slushes, and a couple trips to the furniture store to get a twin bed for Cash's bed.
Mom came up on Sunday and we had a surprise birthday party for Katie since her birthday is on the 16th. It was a successful surprise!
Frances Ellen knows about ninety percent of the Pledge, and she is happy to say it for you...in a whisper! She says "Right Hand!" and puts in on her heart, says "Heart" and then starts into the Pledge. You've got to have good ears to hear it! Amy says she says it loud and clear every morning at school!!

The other morning, I asked Frances Ellen if she wanted to wear shorts to school, she said no. So I asked if she wanted to wear a dress, and she said no. So I asked her what did she want to wear...and she replied "MiniSkirt." Is that a sign of things to come?

She has also been very excited about an early birthday present she received from her best little friend Alice. Alice's Mom is expecting a little girl any day now, so she dropped off Frances Ellen's present the other day. It is a Spud Bud set, a Mr. Potato Head, Mr. Corn and Mr. Carrot. And a Disney Fairy Tale book. She loves it, and talks about the "present from Alice" all the time. Mr. Corn has to ride with us to school and she holds him tight.

We went to dinner the other night for our friend Russ's birthday. Frances Ellen went with us and was so very well behaved. I think she felt like a big girl out with the big kids. She made us so proud! She also got very excited about my dessert, which was cheesecake with two chocolate chip cookies. "Cookies"

In pregnancy news, I had to do another 3 hour glucose tolerance test at the hospital this week, but I passed it!! We have a doctor's appointment Thursday morning. Frances Ellen has her doctor's appointment with the GI doctor in Memphis on Friday.
And this weekend is the first home football game!

Whew, long post, sorry guys!

Prayer Request

2009-09-03T22:54:00.007-05:00

A friend of mine from high school found out this week she has a brain tumor. Callie's spirit is truly amazing and her faith in God admirable. Please pray for her continued determination and faith and healing. You can follow her journey - www.calliesjourney.blogspot.com

'I Fall Down in Dirt"

2009-08-24T20:56:00.003-05:00

FEN had a big spill this evening playing at our sweet neighbors house. She was really enjoying herself on the slide, but one of them got her good. She went down and landed on her feet but the force of it made her go face first into the dirt. It sounded awful!!! She cried and had a little blood under her nose and a mouth full of dirt. But when she realized we were both covered in dirt, she started to dust us both off and said "I fall down in dirt." She got over very quickly, and I was so glad!!

Great Weekend

2009-08-23T17:19:00.002-05:00

We have a had a really good weekend. Friday night Judson and I went out to the Haywards's Barn to celebrate Jennifer Hitt's 30th birthday. We had barbecue and cake and enjoyed a night out. Judson had to work on Saturday, but Frances Ellen and I had a full day. We got up and went to the park to enjoy the nice weather. We played with her "Annie" Ball and blew bubbles and sang lots of songs. Then we headed to the Methodist church to take part in the free Mississippi Child Identification Program. We had her fingerprints made, picture taken and DNA sample. We left there with a cd with all the info, two id cards and a DNA sample to keep in a safe place. She did a really good job and waited patiently. We picked up ChickFila for lunch and came home to take a bubble bath and a nap. I worked on my Merry Go Round consignment stuff while she napped. Judson and I went to The Waltz for dinner to celebrate 10 years since our first date! They are in the process of getting a new menu together and didn't have Cheesecake!!!
Today we all got up and headed to the Park to play. We saw lots of fish in the park. We have enjoyed an afternoon at home - Frances Ellen and I fell asleep in her room playing with Baby Stella. I dropped off all of my items for the Merry Go Round Sale and Judson is at the movie.
We go to the doctor on Thursday, another sugar test!

Here and There

2009-08-16T16:52:00.005-05:00

I can't believe it is already mid-August! Luckily, I got a major item crossed off my mental to do list. Judson and Nicholas took the queen bed to Columbus and picked up a couple of pieces of furniture so we can really start working on Cash's room, and updating Frances Ellen's room. Check!
Frances Ellen continues to amaze us with her talking and thinking. I love to see her little mind at work. She knows all her colors and is working so very hard on her numbers. She pointed out the Highway 7 Road sign to me the other day.
Today, we were playing "cards" and she said "It hurts Mommy" to which I said, "What hurts baby?" She replied with "Cash kicked me." She heard me saying the other day that Cash was kicking in my belly and she said "Cash hurt my Mommy" I have been trying to explain that he tickles Mommy, he doesn't hurt Mommy.
We also found Baby Stellas bottle which is a huge relief for us all. FEN kept saying she had lost it and I had run out of places to look for it. But once the bed was out of the guest room this morning, there it was!
Of course, we all know she is a fan of Little Einsteins. Lately, she has been concerned about the "bald eagle Eo's ton", which translates to the episode where the bald eagle takes Leos conducting baton because he thinks it is a stick for his nest. I think she is finally satisfied that Leo gets is "ton"' back. We have talked and read a lot about it.
Ok, now that the furniture is here, I've got lots to do!

Oh, how we grow!

2009-08-03T21:03:00.001-05:00

This picture is from the Fair last year!

Fair Pics

2009-08-03T20:54:00.003-05:00

Eeny, Meeny, Miny Moe...Picking Up Ducks at the Fair

2009-08-01T14:19:00.004-05:00

The bad thing about picking up ducks is that you have to give the ducks back.

July 4th Weekend

2009-08-01T14:04:00.006-05:00

Here are pictures for the July 4th weekend...Frances Ellen being a big help with the twins and the cupcakes.

Welcome to the World Baby Reed

2009-08-01T12:57:00.002-05:00

My sweet friend Olivia and her husband JD just had their son David last night. We can't wait to see pictures! Lots of love and prayers to a sweet little family!

Hello World!

2009-08-01T12:39:00.002-05:00

So, I haven't quite done an excellent job on my blog. Please forgive me! I will update you with what is going on in the Nowell household. We are expecting a little boy in November and are very excited. We had a little celebration on July 4th to reveal the sex of the new addition to both of our families. I made cupcakes and dyed the batter blue. We had everyone bite into their cupcakes to find out if they could expect a boy or a girl! Frances Ellen just loved eating the cupcakes!! We have decided on a first name, Cash, but are still debating his middle name. Frances Ellen seems to already love her baby brother, calling herself "brother's sister." Hope she still feels the same come November!
We went to Neshoba County Fair this past weekend and had a blast! I think Frances Ellen had the most fun of anyone at the fairgrounds. She loved playing with her cousin Laney, too! They played in the rocks, played catch, blew bubbles! She also really enjoyed spending time with her twin cousins, Truman and Laurali. I must say we have a very polite girl on our hands (so far.) She is very good with her thank yous, bless yous, and sorrys. Hope this continues. She did get bit by a spider over the weekend, but luckily there was a doctor in the cabin across from ours who was nice enough to call in an antibiotic for us. We are keeping a close eye on it too.

I am working on updating some pictures this weekend and hope to get some posted.
Have a great weekend!

Time for an Update!

2009-05-30T08:32:00.003-05:00

So, I am going to do my best to update our blog this weekend! Fingers Crossed!!

What a little girl!

2009-03-01T15:42:00.002-06:00

I love these pictures.

Snow!!!

2009-03-01T15:34:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures from this mornings snow. Sadly, it has just about melted away.
Her hood is so big you can't really see her face. But we gotta keep that head warm and she wouldn't keep her hat on. She didn't quite know what to think.

Mardi Gras 2009

2009-02-25T17:55:00.004-06:00

We went to Gulfport on Friday for Mardi Gras. We had a great time and we really enjoyed visiting with Judson's family. Frances Ellen felt right at home at the Tubertini's and played well with Sara, Landon and Hank. Landon has a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toy that she loved, and tried to carry around with her, as`she tends to do with toys that are twice her size.
The parade was Saturday afternoon. Frances Ellen didn't quite know what to think since we had to wake her up from her nap to get there. She sat quietly in PawPaw lap for a good while. The loud noise and music didn't seem to bother her, yet it didn't really excite her.
After the parade we went to the beach to feed the sea gulls. They were crazy! Frances Ellen loved them and kept saying "bird" and "tweet tweet." I am just thankful one of those seagulls didn't get her.
She now has her own signature medley that she sings - Twinkle Twinkle, Row Row Row Your Boat, and the Clap Clap Mickey Mouse song. She is very serious about her singing too.
She played very well in Ricky and Kathy's sunroom with the toys. When she walked off the rug and onto the tile floor with her barefeet, she danced around on her tip toes!
Sadly, we didn't make it back from the parade with Lola. We had her on the way, but she somehow got lost. I just turned on Charlie and Lola by accident, and I swear she said something about like where is lola. I promise! Looks like we are in the market for another Lola.
Finally, she got some new bath toys for Christmas. Some of them are little "bug" that you can put underwater and fill them up and then squirt water. We were so excited the other night when she did them on her own! Speaking of baths, looks like it is time for one!

Gearing up for Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T12:32:00.003-06:00

Frances Ellen is very excited about Valentine's Day!! She has mailed her Valentine's Day cards to family and our gift to Daddy is being picked up today. She wore red to school today, and has a new pair of pants with hearts to wear tomorrow. They will have a party tomorrow and exchange Valentine's, her first swap!!!

She has been singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She only sings "up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky." But it is the sweetest little sound! She has been giving a few more kisses to Mommy and Daddy. The other night she took a spill in the hallway trying to wear my slippers. We went into her room to "rock out the boo boo." She was snuggled up in my arm and mumbled something, so I said "I love you too" and she looked up and kissed me! She actually missed and kissed my nose, but tried again and got it right! A sloppy wet kiss!

She likes to say "Amy," "hot dog" and this morning at school she said "purple" to my purple shirt.

Don't know what Daddy has planned for us on Valentine's Day, but we are going to Mary Carter's birthday party on Sunday and then Gigi is coming to visit!

We are planning to go to Gulfport for Mardi Gras next weekend. Its gonna be a long ride!

Weekend Plans

2009-01-30T06:05:00.003-06:00

Let's check our calendar to see what we have planned to do this weekend....um, oh nothing!! We have no plans but to relax and watch the super bowl!!

Last weekend Mimi, PopPop and Aunt Sydney came to visit. Frances Ellen had a "photo shot" at Sears in Tupelo Saturday morning. She did such a good job!! I even got an email from a model agency asking about her availability! Then we all ate lunch at the Olive Garden, yummy! The girls went shopping for clothes for Lauralie and Truman. Frances Ellen got some sippy cups with Minnie Mouse on them and some pants to wear for Valentines Day! We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and eating!

Frances Ellen has been in a good mood this week. She is talking all the time now, most of which we don't understand yet. She definitely knows that the milk is kept in the refrigerator. When her cup is empty, she runs to the fridge, pulls on the handles and makes a grunting, struggling noise. She also likes to close the fridge door. She actually likes to close any door or drawer that is left open. She likes things to be in order.

We have been singing different songs this week, one of which is Row Row Row Your Boat. She has the Row Row Row part down pat. The other night she sang that part for us over and over, but had this serious concentrating look on her face. When we kinda laughed at her cuteness, she got embarassed and stopped. We are trying to get it on video because it is really cute.

Happy Friday!

Happy Birthday Judson (Yesterday!)

2009-01-30T06:01:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was Judson's 28th birthday!! Frances Ellen and I woke him up singing happy birthday and he had a big piece of chocolate cake for breakfast. We had a relaxing night just playing together. I do have to admit that Frances Ellen and I did fall asleep pretty early!
We love Judson very much! He is a great husband and a wonderful daddy. He is always making us laugh and takes the very best care of us. We hope this year brings him much happiness and laughter!

Hello

2009-01-16T18:00:00.002-06:00

We are glad it is Friday, and that we have a long weekend! Frances Ellen is feeling much better from her fever virus last week. Bless her heart, she wanted to feel good and play but just wasn't up to snuff! I really enjoyed getting to stay at home with her, even though she was pretty puny. She even kissed us last week!! Now, don't expect a big wet sloppy kiss next time you see her - she is pretty limited with the number of kisses she gives out! And of course she should be - can't go around kiss just any old joe!

We also had quite the scare earlier in the week when we couldn't find Lola. Frances Ellen walked around saying "Yola Yola." She even squatted down a couple times to look for her! I found her after she went to bed that night, and Frances Ellen was so excited to see her the next morning.

Last night I was doing a couple of chores and came around the corner into the kitchen to find Frances Ellen sitting on the floor with an open box of Cheese Crackers, pulling them out one by one and arranging them on the floor! She is quite the sorter, too! Whether it is crackers, "coupons" or coins, she likes them to be in order! She also really likes to close doors now, so watch out next time you open the fridge, she'll be hot on your heels to close it behind you!

Aunt Katie is coming tonight to spend the weekend with us, and Gigi is coming on Sunday! Should be a fun weekend!!

15 Month Check-Up

2009-01-05T12:36:00.002-06:00

Frances Ellen had her 15 month check up this morning. She is the picture of health! She used to somewhat enjoy her little check ups, but she wasn't so sure about Dr. Mollye checking her out today.

Here are her stats:

Height: 30 1/4 inches

Weight: 22 pounds 6 ounces

Head: 46 cmm

I think she grew like an inch! I think she is in the 50th percentile as well.

As we were waiting for the Dr. Mollye to come in, we flipped through a magazine. There was an article entitled "Gnome Sweet Gnome" that featured a little girl and boy dressed up as gnomes (strange I know). Frances Ellen was excited to see them and replied "Ho, Ho, Ho."

No More Spinning

2009-01-02T21:01:00.002-06:00

I have sad news to relay from the Nowell house. The Salad Spinner has had to find a new home in the garbage. I noticed it had a big crack in the bowl, and we just can't risk Frances Ellen getting injured while spinning her rag or sippy cup in the spinner! I hope she won't be too sad. I feel like she has plenty of new Christmas toys to keep her occupied and her spirits high! Lets all bid a fond farewell to salad spinner, thanks for all the fun spins!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-01T22:42:00.003-06:00

Reading Christmas in the Manager

Naughty or Nice? One Giddy Little Girl on Christmas Eve!

Santa Clause Came to the Nowell House!

More Christmas Pics

2009-01-01T22:10:00.009-06:00

Busy Busy on Christmas Morning

Frances Ellen and Mickey

Opening presents with Gigi

Doing some Day-After Christmas banking with Aunt Katie and Mickey!

Watching Charlie and Lola with Aunt Eve!

Sadly I don't have a picture of me, Frances Ellen and Judson! Let me know if you do. That is one New Years Resolution y'all can help me keep -- take more family photos!!

Here We Go...

2009-01-01T21:28:00.002-06:00

I am so thrilled to start this blog of ours! I am just learning so it may take me a while to figure it out. I am really doing this as a way to keep up with Frances Ellen and "document" her second year! I never thought it would be so difficult to put a Baby Book together, but who has the time?? So even if I am the only reader, I am quite excited about this!! If I do have any readers, let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas of things you would like to see on here. Wish me luck!