Mackenzie's First Birthday

Mackenzie is now 13 months so I'm a little behind on birthday posting! We had so much fun celebrating her first year of life. 

We had her first party in Memphis, Tennessee with my family while we were visiting for Thanksgiving and it was a blast! She loved playing with my cousins and getting to know everyone. I wish we could have stayed longer so she could have a better memory of it all.We had a family party at my Aunt Marcia's home and it was so fun! Mackenzie did not want to touch the cake so unlike many one year olds, she was fed her birthday cake. She's so silly. I love her so so much though! We're so grateful for everyone who came and had a great time with us.

Her second party was in Clermont, FL at Hancock Park and I think her favorite part was running around the pavilion while conquering her fear of stepping onto grass. She is so cautious and wants nothing to do with that green stuff on the ground. She'll only walk on cement. Sometimes she'll be brave and walk in it but not often. Many of our friends and family came out and celebrated and it was so nice to catch up and hang out with everyone. It was beautiful outside and the perfect day for a park party! I wish I had taken pictures there but I was so busy.

The  third and final party was on her actual birthday and it was very small. The three of us, Micah and Kenzie's Grandma Sandra met at Chuck E Cheese and had a great time playing! I had no idea Mackenzie would enjoy it as much as she did. Luckily, it was a school night and there weren't many people there so we had it almost to ourselves. We played hard! She is a very brave girl and just goes for anything (except grass apparently). By the time we pulled out of the parking lot she was fast asleep. 

Mackenzie is such a sweet girl and brings unmeasurable joy into my life. The love I have for her grows everyday and I enjoy talking and teaching her so much. She's bright and has funny little quirks that are all her own. I love her sweet giggle and shy smiles. It cracks me up how she thinks dogs not only bark but most other animals with the exception of horses and monkeys. I love her little signs that she's developed to let us know things she isn't old enough to express yet. She's smart and just tons of fun. She has such an appreciation for books, colors, animals and so much more and I'm overall just excited to watch her grow into the beautiful, smart girl that she's becoming. I know I might be a little biased because I'm Mommy although Mommy knows best, right? Haha :)

Here are some photos from her parties. Thank you to everyone who made this year so special! We love all our friends and family!

Grandma Sandra and Mackenzie

Cousins Sophie and Spencer :)

Three Generations- Mommy, Kenzie & Mammaw

Navy Update

Nathaniel's been looking into the Navy for quite some time now. We didn't expect it to be such a lengthy process but after months of doing all the things we needed to have done the time is finally here. Nathaniel will be leaving for Jacksonville on Monday and Tuesday he will enlist and receive his career. If there's not a job opportunity available that we're happy with, we will walk away from it. He's hoping to get into the medical field since he works in it already although it's most likely not in demand so we've made a backup list of jobs we're going to look at..well he is going to look at. Apparently wives are not allowed in making life decisions in the Navy. His recruiter gave me his word that he'd call me before anything official went down so fingers crossed that he's an honest man. 

I know there's some controversy in whether we're making the "right" decision for our family. We've done much research and have prayed thoroughly about this and it does feel like it's a really good opportunity for our family. Although it'll be difficult having him gone a lot the next four years, I know he'll be blessed for his service to our country. 

If there's a good career available then I am so excited to start this new adventure and if not then I'm just as excited to start Plan B :)! 

Our Trip To Disney

Mackenzie and I were invited to the cast preview of the Christmas lights at Disney by my cousin Amy. It was very chilly for this early in Florida so we dressed comfy and enjoyed the sights. The pictures don't do the lights justice, it's something you have to see atleast once! Very beautiful :)

Kenzie and I don't have many pictures together since I'm usually the one taking them so Amy brought her camera and took many of us. I am so grateful to her for it! She's amazing!

Here are several of the pictures she took:

Our Halloween Weekend, BOO!

We had an amazing first Halloween with Mackenzie Jordan who dressed up as a Leopard Kitty. She looked FABULOUS! Ofcourse, I'm her Mommy so I'm going to say that but I totally mean it :) Haha. This is how we spent our first Halloween weekend together.

We started off our weekend going to the Grandparent's home to watch the Magic and Heat play which was very scary because the Magic lost. Talk about a spook! We are doing a fantasy basketball league and so that did not help out a few who were loyal magic fans. We will get them next time though :).

Saturday we went to Leesburg Ward's Trunk Or Treat Halloween Party and had a blast! The first event we participated in was the cupcake decorating and that was a favorite of all 4 of us (Micah came too!). We made a couple of "Batty" cupcakes and Mackenzie enjoyed the bites she was given. Chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting, yes please! I have never seen her go after something with such determination. We headed to the cake walk next where Nathaniel had his eye on a cookie cake. Kenzie and I participated but unfortunately Mommy was too nice and wanted the other children to win so I didn't give it my all as Nathaniel would probably say, haha. A little girl won and immediately took the cookie cake Nathaniel had his eye on and I think it hurt his sugar tooth's feelings for a moment. Silly boy. Nathaniel and Kenzie played a game together where you have to throw the hula hoop over some object and Daddy didn't quite get it although Mackenzie did, you go girl! We checked out some awesomely carved pumpkins too, some people are so talented, I don't think I'd have to patience to do some of the artwork I saw. Nathaniel and Micah took Kenzie around to all the trunks where she picked up some yummy treats while I passed out candy in front of my not decorated trunk. The kids only want the candy anyways, right? Haha- I will do better next year :). On the actual day of Halloween, Kenzie and I went to the Grandparents and spent the evening with them while Nathaniel, Micah and Jonathan went to see a scary movie. It was such a fun weekend! I wonder what Kenzie will want to be next year?!

We Are Having Fun!

We have been having so much fun together this month and Mackenzie has learned so much being 9/10 months. My camera isn't working well and my phone hasn't worked for the past two weeks so I haven't been able to take hardly any good photos! What a bummer! They always help me remember the things that have gone on. Here a few things that have been going on with us.

Mackenzie can WALK! Yes- my 10 month girl is on the loose! I posted a video to my facebook of her cute little walk. She throws her hands in the air and her legs wobble and then she falls on her diaper tush. Too sweet. Geez she's the best ever! I can't use enough exclamation points! She took 12 steps at Grandpa and Grandma Wragg's on October 20th and today she took 56, she has come quite a long way. I am so proud of her and I love seeing her face when she knows she has done a great and wonderful thing. I have never felt her love so much like I have lately. She has learned how to express herself and I know she loves her mommy although it's so nice to have her show me! I LOVE MY GIRL!

We have been going on walks lately. Walking was a daily activity of our a few months back although it became very hot and by the time it cooled down it was Mackenzie's bed time. Our walking route has changed quite a bit since we have moved. The hills here are torcherous to walk up. It's a fun way down though! We try to go as a family although days when Nathaniel works the girl and I do our best to go. To paint a picture in your mind of what our walk is like- It starts out fun, Mommy talking to Mackenzie..laughing at her super cute ways and on the way back its Mackenzie still doing super cute things and enjoying the ride and Mommy barely being able to make it up the hill and trying to find the John Deere mailbox which marks the top of the hill and the end of the pain. I am sure it will get easier and I need to stop going in the middle of the afternoon when it's 90 degrees outside.

Speaking of walks, we went on one with Kenzie's Great Grandma and Grandma today. It was a fun time, Kenzie enjoyed seeing some of her favorite people and got to swing which makes it an absolutely perfect trip! There was a triatholon going on as well and it was something to see. I respect people who train months and probably years to get into the shape to finish strong. They're remarkable. Mackenzie saw many dogs and a parrot and what little girl doesn't love her animals?!

I started a new job, kind of. It does not feel like a job because I enjoy it, haha. Our friend's mother is staying with them for a while and needs help a couple days a week and I'm just going over there and having a great time getting to know her. Mackenzie is loving her new friend and I finally know someone who enjoys Little House on The Prairie as much as I do, yay!

We are loving being back in Minneola/Clermont area. It is so fun to be able to go out during the day and meet up with family and friends. It was such a long drive before so I usually stayed in the apartment a lot and now I'm happier and me and Kenzie find so much more to do during the day. We also love our new bed bug free apartment, I think that's my favorite part, hehe.

Staying Busy

We have officially moved out of Lady Lake and into our new home in Minneola and we couldn't be happier. We have a lot of organizing and unpacking to do but it will get done over time. We are all still trying to get over our little illnesses we each have.

Mackenzie went to her pediatrician on Friday and they want her to restart nebulizer treatments with albuterol. She took them when she was a month old for congestion and they made her a hyper little girl although now the side effects include poo explosions and appetite increase. Those two things do not go well together :) Haha. She is also taking Amoxicillin which could be causing the side effects as well. I should look it up on webmd or something! Anyways, I think I have a sinus infection because it's just that time of year. Nathaniel's allergies are acting up as well now that we're living sort of in the "country". Some allergy medication should fix that right up though :)!

I am so happy to be living close by everyone. I have been to the Grandparent's home numerous times already. I told them they were going to become sick of me and Kenzie always visiting. We enjoy their company though. They're wonderful people and Kenzie sure does love them.

We took a little trip to Georgia the other day. It wasn't planned although turned out okay. We were exhausted from moving although it was nice to meet up with my mom. She took our cat Ziggy since we couldn't bring him with us to our new home. She loved seeing Kenzie for a few hours and rocked her to sleep for me before she left and I was able to get a little nap in which is always the best. Road trips during moves aren't recommended though for those of you who would ever think of it.

Nathaniel surprised me yesterday! He took off the week of Thanksgiving because he has heard me mention how I was going to miss having it in Mississippi and we are going up there for the Thanksgiving holiday. I am so excited! Mackenzie isn't going to know what to do with the cold weather up there. I am dreading the drive already but it's always so worth it.

Nathaniel's Navy plans are being delayed a little more than we liked. He's being put on a waiting list until an opening comes up. It's a bummer although if it's meant to be, it'll work out. If he scores high on his ASVAB I think it'll bump him up on the list a lot.

Well, I hope I do better at taking pictures and writing this next week. With the moving and not feeling well and taking care of my soon to be 10 month baby I stay busy. I'm hoping to start doing some crafts and projects with Grandma Wragg (whose cute blog you should see, Wraggedypatches). She makes some beautiful quilts and she's going to show me a thing or to and hopefully I'll be able to catch on quick. I've always wanted to be able to consider myself crafty. Once I start having a bigger family I won't have the time so it's best to start now with just one I'm assuming, haha.