This is easy for me but of course something I try to hide like any girl. I don't want to care, but I do. Self image is so crazy with girls.
Used to be my 1) arms and 2) stomach. I didn't like cheerleading in these two areas because 1) I felt like my arms were proportionately bigger than the rest of me, but I had to wear those sleeveless uniforms! I would wear my jacket as long as possible until I just had to take it off to cheer. I wouldn't wear sleeveless stuff for the longest time. Somewhere along the line, I just got over that. I think I had enough people tell me I was crazy. I still think they are a little big, but it doesn't comsume any of my thoughts anymore when dressing. What the heck am I going to do about it? haha.
2) I would seriously be the only girl at cheerleading camp at the beach that wouldn't take off her shirt to wear the cute little sports bra and shorts. I have always been insecure about my tummy. And it doesn't matter what people say, then or now, that's just my insecurity. And it's also a reason loved being pregnant. I didn't have to worry about it!
These days, it's also a reason I love spanx when I dress up. I'm just sayin'.
So... what is yours? Tell me in the comments or blog about it and link it back here!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
A little more Christmas
My favorite part of this Christmas was having Bella take off and walk all over the place!!
...but to continue our Christmas celebration post...
So, to summarize, we started Ganny's house (Chris' grandmother) for her annual Christmas Eve lunch. The house is always full and you hear tons of laughter. We ate a lot and then headed to Buckhead Church's 1st Christmas Eve service. It was great! The plan was to keep Bella occupied by passing her down the long row of family. It worked for a while. Then she stood on my lap and danced to the music. I think she's either going to be a goof like mom and dance to whatever or a music genius like her dad. What ever the case, she is dancing to just about everything now - cartoons, toys, iTunes, our claps, and even dancing with her hands when she walks. ANYWAY - after she was bored and started talking in the service, I took her out in the lobby where we found a bunch of other kids (no nursery service). We hung out with our small group friends Jill and son Connell.
We then had dinner with my family. Dad's cooking is always off the chain. Prime Rib, yum!
It as well as breakfast was filled with a lot of "that's what she said" jokes and Chris' sound effects on his phone.
We then went to the Green's to open gifts.
Kids are fun to buy for; especially little girls and their cute clothes. And you know - Bella loves boxes!
We then went to my grandmother's for a great dinner and fun Gingerbread House decorating contest. We had new attenders this year - both of my brothers' girlfriends. They are great! Melissa and Ryan won the contest by a landslide. You can read more about the contest here.
Friday morning I went shopping (I don't think I've done this after Christmas shopping before!) It was fun, and I mostly bought things for next Christmas. I am ready to put up my new white tree!!!
That afternoon, the Balcome side of the family came to the Green's.
I offered to make something for the evening, and of course I do what I always do and forgot one key ingredient.
We decorated gingerbread men:
Bella gave dad a bunch of kisses through a plate. Who needs toys?
And we then opened our White Elephant Gifts. The best were the Anti Monkey Butt Powder and the Potty Putter.
And this is probably my fav picture from the holidays. In the rush of everything, my favorite thing to do is watch her. Everyday she is doing new things - growing right before my eyes.
Thanks to my fantastic hubby for taking such awesome pictures.
...but to continue our Christmas celebration post...
So, to summarize, we started Ganny's house (Chris' grandmother) for her annual Christmas Eve lunch. The house is always full and you hear tons of laughter. We ate a lot and then headed to Buckhead Church's 1st Christmas Eve service. It was great! The plan was to keep Bella occupied by passing her down the long row of family. It worked for a while. Then she stood on my lap and danced to the music. I think she's either going to be a goof like mom and dance to whatever or a music genius like her dad. What ever the case, she is dancing to just about everything now - cartoons, toys, iTunes, our claps, and even dancing with her hands when she walks. ANYWAY - after she was bored and started talking in the service, I took her out in the lobby where we found a bunch of other kids (no nursery service). We hung out with our small group friends Jill and son Connell.
We then had dinner with my family. Dad's cooking is always off the chain. Prime Rib, yum!
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| From Christmas 2008 |
We then went to the Green's to open gifts.
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| From Christmas 2008 |
We then went to my grandmother's for a great dinner and fun Gingerbread House decorating contest. We had new attenders this year - both of my brothers' girlfriends. They are great! Melissa and Ryan won the contest by a landslide. You can read more about the contest here.
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| From Christmas 2008 |
Friday morning I went shopping (I don't think I've done this after Christmas shopping before!) It was fun, and I mostly bought things for next Christmas. I am ready to put up my new white tree!!!
That afternoon, the Balcome side of the family came to the Green's.
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
I offered to make something for the evening, and of course I do what I always do and forgot one key ingredient.
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
Bella gave dad a bunch of kisses through a plate. Who needs toys?
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
And we then opened our White Elephant Gifts. The best were the Anti Monkey Butt Powder and the Potty Putter.
And this is probably my fav picture from the holidays. In the rush of everything, my favorite thing to do is watch her. Everyday she is doing new things - growing right before my eyes.
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| From Christmas 2008 |
Saturday, December 27, 2008
We have a walker!
Christmas Eve, Bella started walking!! She must like holidays, because she took her first official steps on Halloween. But over the holidays, she's really taken off. She especially likes carpet. We captured her on camera a few times today, but it was forced. Off camera, she's starting to take off by herself and walk toward things. I can't believe how excited I was and how proud it made me! I just can't believe how fast she's growing.
Here are a couple of videos!
Oh! And the cutest part of her walking are her hands. She dances with them.
Here are a couple of videos!
Oh! And the cutest part of her walking are her hands. She dances with them.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas 2008 ... so far
Chris here...checking in with quite a few Christmas pics. Since most people don't visit to read words as much as see pictures, I'll let the photos tell the story.
Dinner at the McIver's on Christmas Eve was pretty much normal...
Christmas morning with the McIver's...
Christmas afternoon at the Green's...
Christmas evening with the Smith's and McIver's...
And...finishing the night at the Green's house, all decorated beautifully...
Dinner at the McIver's on Christmas Eve was pretty much normal...
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| From Christmas 2008 |
Christmas morning with the McIver's...
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
Christmas afternoon at the Green's...
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
Christmas evening with the Smith's and McIver's...
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
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| From Christmas 2008 |
And...finishing the night at the Green's house, all decorated beautifully...
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| From Christmas 2008 |
Monday, December 22, 2008
A few things I want to remember...
...every night I reflect on how Bella is growing up so fast. I just have loved every baby stage, and every night Chris and I sigh and say "We don't want her to get any bigger!"
There are a few things I want to remember about what's she's doing at this stage: (this is more for me to look back on and remember :) )
*Eating applesauce with a spoon
*Sitting at her little picnic table in the kitchen
*Waving when I'm putting coat on then raising her arms to say "Pick me up, I want to go"
*Love my Crocs - she takes them off of me and put them on her little feet
*"Ride a little horsey, don't fall ____" and she says "Down!"
*What's a doggie say? And she doesn't bark, she pants. It's awesome.
*Dancing to any music, even my singing
*Gives long, great hugs, and pats us on the back with the hug. So sweet!
*Holding the phone up to her ear when playing. When someone is actually on the other line and you want her to say something, she goes mute.
*Getting more difficult to take to the grocery store/Target. Doesn't want to sit down. Almost had our first meltdown today.
*Nice blowout in the diaper at 3:30 this morning. That was a first, too, since she was little bitty.
*Cabinets and Tupperware are her favorite toys
*Still not a huge interest in walking much by herself
See, I told you that was mostly for me. I could just sit and watch her all day and how her mind works. Being a mom has brought me so much joy.
There are a few things I want to remember about what's she's doing at this stage: (this is more for me to look back on and remember :) )
*Eating applesauce with a spoon
*Sitting at her little picnic table in the kitchen
*Waving when I'm putting coat on then raising her arms to say "Pick me up, I want to go"
*Love my Crocs - she takes them off of me and put them on her little feet
*"Ride a little horsey, don't fall ____" and she says "Down!"
*What's a doggie say? And she doesn't bark, she pants. It's awesome.
*Dancing to any music, even my singing
*Gives long, great hugs, and pats us on the back with the hug. So sweet!
*Holding the phone up to her ear when playing. When someone is actually on the other line and you want her to say something, she goes mute.
*Getting more difficult to take to the grocery store/Target. Doesn't want to sit down. Almost had our first meltdown today.
*Nice blowout in the diaper at 3:30 this morning. That was a first, too, since she was little bitty.
*Cabinets and Tupperware are her favorite toys
*Still not a huge interest in walking much by herself
See, I told you that was mostly for me. I could just sit and watch her all day and how her mind works. Being a mom has brought me so much joy.
Friday, December 19, 2008
They aren't late.
I am working on addressing Christmas cards today. If you want one this year (meaning you didn't get one last year), email me at katie.green@yahoo.com!
I don't think I'm that late. Who else is still working on theirs?
I don't think I'm that late. Who else is still working on theirs?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Santa
I took Bella to visit Santa today at Lenox. No wait, it was great! She was happy hanging with me and Grandmother.
She had a hold of my finger as we walked together around the corner to see Santa. When she saw him, she stopped suddenly. With all the colors, and this man all dressed up, she was just trying to figure it all out. Like she wasn't sure if he was real or not.
I handed her over, and she lost it. But what a great pic - classic!
She had a hold of my finger as we walked together around the corner to see Santa. When she saw him, she stopped suddenly. With all the colors, and this man all dressed up, she was just trying to figure it all out. Like she wasn't sure if he was real or not.
I handed her over, and she lost it. But what a great pic - classic!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Question #4:
How do you intend to make your family (Bella, Chris) as fun as your family?
Ok, how do you not turn out to be fun with a Granddad like this?
That video is from my cousin Kellyn's wedding Oct 6th, 2007 (3 days before I started having contractions, and 5 days before Bella was born!) I think the dancing helped!! His dancing really starts around :23 seconds. He's dancing with his sister, Bobbie, and my mom had to move them away from the cake in fear it would be knocked over! The rest of the video is boring, but this is my granddad 24/7.
To get back to the question, I think it will just happen! We have fun together and have a strong network of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, etc. that love each other and have fun together!
I don't know how to "make" myself be a fun mom like I grew up with, but I do appreciate having one. Maybe by letting Bella (and future kids) camp in the backyard during the summer, letting them stay up to watch Saturday Night Live sometimes, and taking yearly Christmas card pictures (even if by force), I'll have a chance.
One thing Chris and I do want to do as a family is travel! And I don't mean that in a romantic way like, "We want to travel the world," but as in just trying new things and places together. Some of my greatest memories growing up are traveling with my family - in a Winnebago out west for three weeks is a favorite, skiing out west, Ft. Walton and Key West.
I want to create a home that is welcoming to all of our kid's friends and a fun place to hang out at but also a place where our kids know Family Comes First!
Ok, how do you not turn out to be fun with a Granddad like this?
That video is from my cousin Kellyn's wedding Oct 6th, 2007 (3 days before I started having contractions, and 5 days before Bella was born!) I think the dancing helped!! His dancing really starts around :23 seconds. He's dancing with his sister, Bobbie, and my mom had to move them away from the cake in fear it would be knocked over! The rest of the video is boring, but this is my granddad 24/7.
To get back to the question, I think it will just happen! We have fun together and have a strong network of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, etc. that love each other and have fun together!
I don't know how to "make" myself be a fun mom like I grew up with, but I do appreciate having one. Maybe by letting Bella (and future kids) camp in the backyard during the summer, letting them stay up to watch Saturday Night Live sometimes, and taking yearly Christmas card pictures (even if by force), I'll have a chance.
One thing Chris and I do want to do as a family is travel! And I don't mean that in a romantic way like, "We want to travel the world," but as in just trying new things and places together. Some of my greatest memories growing up are traveling with my family - in a Winnebago out west for three weeks is a favorite, skiing out west, Ft. Walton and Key West.
I want to create a home that is welcoming to all of our kid's friends and a fun place to hang out at but also a place where our kids know Family Comes First!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Day 3 & 4 of NYC
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| From NYC |
We somehow managed this whole trip without ever getting a map of the city. Well, a hard copy anyway - we used our phones and computer. I wanted one, just never could find one. We mapped our route out and headed out. This is the old "brown building" we stayed in:
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
It was getting soooo windy when we headed back to the subway!! When we got back to Times Square, we walked to TKTS with the intention of buying another musical.
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| From NYC |
On the way back to the condo, we stopped for some "Twice as Nice" chocolate and caramel covered popcorn from Dale & Thomas. OMG it is (and still is here at home) so good!
The play was not my favorite. There were only 4 actors. Most of them had been playing the same role for the whole 21 years!! To me, you could totally tell this because the leading lady rushed through everything and I don't know... it just was not my fav.
But I did get a shot of my cute husband:
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| From NYC |
We then slept, but not great, because the radiator was ratting so loudly all night and we didn't know how to fix it. It basically sounded like someone was beating pots and pans together for 10 minutes every hour. That is the only bad part about staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel - we didn't have anyone to call at 1am!
We took the subway / bus to the airport this morning. Wise choice! $2 and it took the same amount of time as a cab.
Then we were greeted by the sweetest baby in the world. GG and Poppy brought Bella to the airport.
What a great trip, but there is no place like home.
Friday, December 12, 2008
By the way...
I (Chris) love taking pictures. Sometimes you can grab a fantastic snapshot of a person or thing and be amazed by its beauty.
But every so often, you can capture a moment, and it's supernaturally beautiful.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Katie McIver Green:
But every so often, you can capture a moment, and it's supernaturally beautiful.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Katie McIver Green:
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| From NYC |
NYC Day Three - Wow
Katie and I told each other that we weren't sitting in the room at all...we were going to walk and experience New York...rain, sun, or snow. Day Three so far has several checkmarks off the To-Do list.
If you're coming here to see pics of Bella, you can check in on her adventures over at Julie's Blog. Here's a teaser...
Let's recap last night. As Katie mentioned below, we stood in the near-freezing rain for an hour to get half-priced musical tickets from TKTS in Times Square. It paid off as we were front and center for Cirque du Soleil - Wintuk last night.
It poured...terribly. As we walked off the subway at Madison Square Garden, the monsoon rain dominated our $5 umbrellas, and we sought refuge in a quaint restaurant called Stage Door. After dinner, I experimented with what it would feel like to be...older.
Then we crossed the street and entered into Madison Square Garden's WAMU Theater. And the night was made even more magical because Cirque figured out how to make it snow.
From there, Katie and I headed back up town to a bar right across the street from our condo, The Home Brew. It's a cool, underground sports bar, with tons of international beers. We stopped for a raspberry wheat beer, brewed in New York, and some potato skins.
DAY THREE
We thought we might try, at some point on the trip, to get on the Today Show. Honestly, I never thought Katie and I would be able to get out of bed. Somehow...we did. After hitting snooze 14 times, we rushed over to Rockefeller Center with a piece of pink poster board and a large photo of Bella in-hand (that Julie snuck in our luggage). One thing I didn't realize...only ladies go to the Today Show...so a 6-foot-something guy like me would have no problem skying over the women and children to get our sign on TV. Katie made a quick call to the McIver's just before the live shot for DVRing. And...the rest is history. My only regret...not having the presence of mind to call others...like ehem...my mother. Sorry mom!!
Enough talking...here are the pictures of Day Three (morning).
If you're coming here to see pics of Bella, you can check in on her adventures over at Julie's Blog. Here's a teaser...
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| From NYC |
Let's recap last night. As Katie mentioned below, we stood in the near-freezing rain for an hour to get half-priced musical tickets from TKTS in Times Square. It paid off as we were front and center for Cirque du Soleil - Wintuk last night.
It poured...terribly. As we walked off the subway at Madison Square Garden, the monsoon rain dominated our $5 umbrellas, and we sought refuge in a quaint restaurant called Stage Door. After dinner, I experimented with what it would feel like to be...older.
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| From NYC |
Then we crossed the street and entered into Madison Square Garden's WAMU Theater. And the night was made even more magical because Cirque figured out how to make it snow.
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
From there, Katie and I headed back up town to a bar right across the street from our condo, The Home Brew. It's a cool, underground sports bar, with tons of international beers. We stopped for a raspberry wheat beer, brewed in New York, and some potato skins.
DAY THREE
We thought we might try, at some point on the trip, to get on the Today Show. Honestly, I never thought Katie and I would be able to get out of bed. Somehow...we did. After hitting snooze 14 times, we rushed over to Rockefeller Center with a piece of pink poster board and a large photo of Bella in-hand (that Julie snuck in our luggage). One thing I didn't realize...only ladies go to the Today Show...so a 6-foot-something guy like me would have no problem skying over the women and children to get our sign on TV. Katie made a quick call to the McIver's just before the live shot for DVRing. And...the rest is history. My only regret...not having the presence of mind to call others...like ehem...my mother. Sorry mom!!
Enough talking...here are the pictures of Day Three (morning).
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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| From NYC |
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