Morrow Mania

Holy- Pajamas!

2010-09-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is I, Johanna, returned from Blogging Death! The last time I posted we were about to move from one house to another...ba ck in June!!! Well, the move was successful and I think we are just about settled in (3 months later). I know that I am a blogging-slacker, but in my defense, I have been quite a busy little bee! First off, the Morrow's had a busy summer, filled with river trips, weddings, bar-b-ques, and baseball games! Back in May I made the decided to join Junior League, something that I have had the heart to do for years now, with the mind-set that I needed to "fill my time". Well, come to find out...I have now filled and over-filled my time! In August, my boss(where I have been working part-time...like 10 hrs/week) for the past 2 years, offered me the job as Director again, yet on my terms (part-time hours that I was able to set). Bueno, right? Well, let's just say that this Mama didn't realize how spoiled I truly was! Starting back it was a little rough, but I think now I have (most of) the kinks worked out! However, I am embarking on a very busy couple of months with working late 3 nights week (til the end of Sept), volunteering and consigning for 2 different sales (Dittos and My Sister's House), working my Jr. League auction and decorations shifts, as well as our Christmas Carousel, attending these events, my big 30th birthday party (Toga),tutoring, and still trying to spend quality time with my little bug...and CJ too! Oh, and did I mentioned the holidays coming up? Whew! Well, I guess that just about sums it up for now...hopefully I will get back with you all to let you know if I survive it all!

Houses

2010-04-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, folks! I am blogging about something! I check this everyday and just see what everyone else is up to, but I haven't blogged myself in months! Anyhow, we have a lot of crazy stuff going on right now! We have officially sold our house after only having it on the market for about 3 1/2 weeks! Take that, market! We have been eying some new houses in a small subdivision but just happened upon an open house a few weeks ago and were SOLD on a house (at the top of our range, of course). With me still now working (but trying) we weren't sure we wanted to get into that much right now. We looked into some options (renting, etc) but decided to go look at the house one more time. Well folks....we are making an offer today! Hopefully she will accept our first offer, but if not, we are prepared to counter. Regardless of what we may have to sacrifice, this house is just a MUST HAVE to us! It isn't brand new (only 6 years old) but it is in a great area, gated community with a neighborhood association and it's own pool and playground. Plus, for the money, we are getting more house, a landscaped yard, and all of the other extras! Please pray for us in this exciting (and scary) time for us!
But for now....

Good-bye 941 Grand Ave

Hello 510 Lone Star Dr! (Hopefully)...

De-Pacifing = STRESS!!!

2010-03-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I havent blogged in a while, and I dont have any cute pictures with this post, but I need to vent! C.J. and I have been talking since Jillian started taking a pacifier (around 6 months) that we would try to have her "off" of it by 2. Well, she is 2 and still takes it....pretty regularly. I had sort of broken her from it during the day back in January but then she got a bladder infection and all of that work went right down the drain. Well, she is on Spring Break this week, meaning I am with her at home all day, each day, instead of her going to school twice this week, so I decided that it would be a good chance to try again. AGHHHHHH! We made it through the morning but it was ROUGH. She would be playing fine and then just start screaming and begging for it. We went through fits likes this with her kicking me (or trying to) and throwing herself on the floor. I even had to shut her door a few times just to "get the point" across. I dont mind if she takes it at nap or bedtime (or even long car rides) but she just really needs to break the habit during the day. Any other suggestions? I have had some people tell me that they just threw their children's out or told them that they would have to "trade" it for something. Help. Hopefully, this can be somewhat quick and painless. Hmmmm.

And I am back again...

2010-01-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I haven't blogged since HALLOWEEN!! But, with Facebook, I just upload and go, so I have been slacking a little on the blogging (mainly because I am too lazy to write stories with my pictures and such). Anyhow, I will, I promise, make an honest effort to remain steady this time. We'll see. Also, seeing that C.J. is up in South Dakota for another week, and I generally have my evenings free, I shouldn't have any excuses as to why I can't get a picture or 2 up, right?
So, because I really don't that it is possible nor necessary for me to try to cram in the last 3 months of photos and stories, I thought that I might just share a few good ones! So, here goes.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures of Jillian and C.J. Natural, adorable, and unforgettable. They love to bake together! Just precious.

"I can't put my arms down". Classic.

Jillian, doing what she LOVES to do most now, cooking in her kitchen and then serving all of her delicious entrees to her parents!

Memaw with her Four Great Loves!

Here is Jillian "helping" her Papa pick up pecans and rake leaves.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't uploaded any of this year's actual Halloween footage yet, (wanting to wait until after tonight so I can do them all at once) but I did think it would be cute to post a couple of Jillian's "costumes" that she wears around the house...ALL THE TIME! This kid is OBSESSED with dress-up and jewelery! What a little girl. Can't imagine where she gets it from? (hee hee). Anyhow, enjoy my little diva!

Mommy's little flutter-by!

"Start wearing purple, wearing purple..."

What a sassy little cheerleader!

I am "Berry" cute!

Okay, so this one isn't really a costume, but she is in Halloween fashion and just too cute!

Panties!!!

2009-10-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess since it has been a month since my last entry, it is time, once again, for me to bless you all with another! :) That darn Face Book just makes it too easy to update and post my random thoughts, causing me to almost completely abandon Blogger! Anyhow, thought you might enjoy seeing a few random pics of my goofy daughter doing what she loves to do lately...dress up in and play with my panties (mainly my thongs)! Also, notice the "cheese face" that Jillian is still sporting. I will cherish the day that she will take a "normal" smiling picture again! Enjoy!
P.S-Erin, my panties are no way near as colorful as yours! :)

Victoria's Secret doesn't have anything on me!

"Mommy, do these match my jammies?"

A "close-up" of how she is wearing them..

School Days

2009-09-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

I know, I know! Jillian has been in school 3 weeks now and I am just now posting pictures from her first day! Aghh! And I am even at home most of the time. Now that is what I call procrastination! Anyhow, the first day, oddly, has been the best (as far as dropping her off). Ever since the first day she has thrown a blood-curdling fit, sometimes even before we leave the house (like this past Thursday). There was one day that she really didn't feel well, so I picked her up, but the others she is just being a regular old fit-throwing toddler! Once she is there and gets into the "groove" of things (singing, playing, art, etc) she does great and her teachers tell me how much fun she is having! Little stinker. It's just a new thing for us since she has never been like this until recently. I know that part of it is her age and the fact that the only people we usually left her with in the past were her babysitter since 5 months or her granparents. Oh, well! I have started just hugging her, kissing her, telling her I love her and that I will be back soon, and then leaving. Just like pulling off a band-aide!

All dressed up and ready for school! (Don't you just love her coordinating backpack?)

My little cheeser!

Jillian settling in and exploring the play kitchen in her classroom.

Busy, Busy!!

2009-08-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I was sitting in Jillian's room today, and she pointed to a picture of a coin and said, "Money". I then thought to myself, "Hmm? This is a word that she has been saying for about two weeks and I haven't written it down yet in her book. In fact, I do believe that there are now several new words that she is saying and things that she is doing that I haven't kept up with! Aghh! I have had all summer to stay on top of things for once and I failed!! Well, just to catch some of you up, here are some words/phrases that she has been "entertaining" us with lately....
"Oh, man!", "No Mamm", "Money", "Paci", "pupple" (aka purple), "back" (aka black), "No ma" (Me Ma), "Papa", "Sissie" (Alissa), "Mami" (Amy), "Rora" (Laura), "Oh, no!", "Ball, Ball" (baseball/football), "pool", "socks", "potty", "poopoo", "pee", "Eww", and of course, "Belle" (which she divides into 2 syllables b/c she is a Texan! I am sure there is more but that is all that I can think of off the top of my head! Also, she will be 19 months on the 1st and right now she is weighing in at 24.4 lbs and measuring 31 inches! We're growing (and so is our belly)! I also thought that I would enclose a few pictures of my little Bug staying busy (or keeping Momma busy...which ever one!)

High Chair Antics!

Crashed out after eating yummy pizza...

Learning how to "drink" milk from her bowl, thanks to Daddy...

Jillian wearing her bowl as a hat....

Takes after her Mommy (I have a very similar picture of myself, about her age, wearing a shower cap)

A couple of folks head for San Fransico!

Splish, Splash!!!

2009-08-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I think that I have established the fact that my child L-O-V-E-S water. Just about every picture that we have taken of her this summer seems to revolve around it, and so, to keep the tradition going, here are some more! (P.S. I am sneakily trying to avoid the fact that I haven't blogged since Father's Day!! Face Book just takes so much less time!!)

I think that she is who the Beach Boy's wrote "Little Surfer Girl" about! Too cute !

Jillian playing in the sand at Gulf Shores, AL. She was covered, as I am sure you can imagine!

Splash! Splash!

Look at that little splasher go!!

Playing in the pool at Fish Fry. Jillian is trying to show me the grass that is "contaminating" her hand!

Okay..both girls looking, not necessarily smiling, but happy. I think Jill has some Goldfish in her mouth!

Jillian playing in her friend Abby's froggy pool. She just couldn't quit drinking the water!

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

To start it off..Happy Father's Day to all of the Daddy's out there (pretty sure mostly my women friends read this blog, but whatever). This year, because of all of the upcoming vacations and activities that we have planned, Jillie and I had to do Father's Day on a budget...but boy did we still do it right!! Not to mention, C.J. probably appreciated everything even more because of the fact that we were budget shoppers! Gifts included a new pair of "nice" golf shorts (ones that actually fit seeing as he has lost so much weight) , a homemade picture frame with an adorable pic of C.J. and Jillie at the lake (one of his favorite places), a jar of Sour Patch Kids for his desk, and of course, a homemade card. We spent the morning hanging out on our deck, drinking coffee and watching Jillie play, then went for a long bike ride (all 3 of us). Next we went to get groceries (C.J.'s least favorite thing to do), followed by lunch and naps (Jillie and C.J). For dinner I made chicken and steak skewers with grilled asparagus (yummy). So, all in all, I would say that C.J. had a great Father's Day! (Of course on Mother's Day and ended up cleaning out our trailer in 100 degree heat, but whatever!! :)

Jillian helping Daddy "read" his card and open his gifts

Jillian and Daddy taking a break from "cruisin"

Jillian and Daddy playing with her stove (old Pampers boxes can come in real handy)

Summer Slacking....

2009-06-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I admit that I have been a blog slacker! I have just been updating my Facebook (which I do most every day) and have neglected the blog! So, because I don't want to try to completely recap the past 3 weeks or so, I am just going to simply a few pictures of what we have been up to around here!

Nothing says summer like a big ol' watermelon smile!!

"Aghh!!! I love fishing at the lake!!!"

Floating with Daddy at Hord's Creek

Meeting the big "babas" that Daddy caught (that is what she calls fish)

Okay folks! I have my helmet on, so where's the bike? (camping at Hord's Creek)

Jillie playing with her "bling"

Summer, Summer Time!!!

2009-05-29T10:35:00.001-07:00

Well, the Morrow's kicked off the summer season, yet again, with a trip down to Port Aransas. We have made this trip (stayed in the same condo and everything) for the past 5 years (excluding last summer because Jillian was so little). This year our friends Pat and Darren (no, they are not a couple!!) and my sister Alissa joined us in the festivities. We were so excited for this year's trip because Jillian loves water and sand and we were hoping that she would take to the beach as well. Also, we are planning another beach trip with my family to Alabama in June and were wanting it to be just as fun! We were going to be able to leave early Friday morning so we would have the rest of the afternoon to hang out once we got there. Well, things got a little of course. First thing Friday morning, truck packed and ready to go, we headed out to my friend Erin's to drop of our dog Belle. Not even 100 yards from her house, dropping Belle off, Jillian threw up all over herself (paci in mouth, yuck) and her car seat. Yes. So we pulled over, changed her clothes (took temp...no fever), cleaned off the car seat as as we could (the truck would smell of baby puke the whole way down there) and then got back on the road! Jillian was fine after that and even took a little nap for the first couple of hours of the trip. After stopping for lunch in San Antonio (by the way...Jillian was great this whole time too) we headed out on Highway 37 down to Corpus. Well, road bump #2...All of the sudden we hear this "pop" sound and then a flapping noise and Alissa says, "I think we had a blow out". Well, knowing C.J's past with blow outs (he has had 3 with our trailor, one recently) this wasn't welcoming news. We pull over and sure enough....blow out! We were exactly 111 miles from Corpus (we pull over right in front of the sign). C.J was such a man about the whole situation! He changed the tire as Alissa, Jillian, and I looked at the cows in a nearby field. After this fiasco, we were really back on the road and didn't have any road blocks after that! Once we got there, C.J went fishing so Alissa and I took Jillian down to the beach..just to have a look. Holy cow! She loved it! I could hardly keep her out of the water (and from charging straight in to the ocean!). The rest of the trip was a success too. Jillian loved swimming in the pool that is right outside of our condo door, playing in the sand with her new toys, and playing in the ocean.Infact, she loved it so much, I was actually asking myself, "Why can't my kid be the one who wants to hold your hand and be cautious going in? Heck no! Mine is the one who won't hold your hand and would probably dive head first if I let her! (My mom will say that is like how I was .) She will definitly be looking forward to our next beach trip, as will we! Also, just to make some of your mouths water, we bought fresh fish and seafood every night and grilled out instead of going out to eat. C.J also made pina colada's with fresh coconut and pineapple! This was fabulous! The Amberjack was my favorite but Darren's shrimp and scallop cabobs were a close second!!! Yummy!

Jillian and Mommy "laying out"

Jillian feeding the sea gulls

Jillian eating watermelon..yummy! (She actually liked the rhine almost more)

Jillian's first encounter with the water!

Daddy and Jillian playing in the sand under the shade.

Daddy and Jillian playing the water

The Morrow's posing in the ocean. Aren't we cute?

Three Men and a Baby! (Pat, C.J, Darren, and Jillie)

Attack of the Killer Spahgetti O's!!!

2009-05-20T11:17:00.001-07:00

Last week I decided that Jillian should have her first Spahgetti O's experience! Considering the fact that I ate like a can a day when I was pregnant with her, I figured she would enjoy them! And boy did she! She had them everywhere, of course, but actually managed to get a lot of them in her mouth! She loved the meatballs too! Yummy!

Oooh! These are really good!

Can you see some of the Spahgetti O's in her hair? Yes, hair.

Big girls HAVE to feed themselves...with utensils, too!

Here she is with the spoon on her head! Crazy kid!

One more thing....

2009-05-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the second video of Jillian "playing" at dinner!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T12:12:00.001-07:00

Well, first off, I want to give a "shout out" to all the mutha's out there! We are all so very awesome! :) Next, I want to take this time to give a shout out to my favorite mommy...mine! (This is from Jillie too). We love you! Thank you for loving us, teaching us, listening, caring, cleaning up after us, being a counselor, friend, corrector, and confidant. You mean more to us than you can ever imagine (not sure I always show). Thank you for putting up with my "attitude" and in advance for Jillian's!! I can't wait for you to be closer so that we can see each other more and Jilllian can grow up with you as a blessing in her life just as I did. I hope you are having a wonerful day and that you will actually give yourself a "break". Here is some video of Jillian showing off all of her little discoveries! Enjoy!!!!

What the Padres have been up to!

2009-05-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I know that I usually post about Jillian (the most important of the Morrow's) but C.J and I recently went to a Texas music festival and chili cook-off that we have been going to for about the past 6 years. While there, we usually hang out at our campsite off and on during the day (in between bands or what not) and especially on Saturday's when there are bands all day and we need breaks! It has seemed that in the past few years, while back at the camp, we (C.J and I) engage in some sort of dancing around the camp! (Typically he is a few beers in and I have had a drink or two myself). The funny thing is that the "dance floor" which is dirt and weeds, isn't exactly conducive to dancing and I am not usually wearing the most appropriate footwear. All this being stated, we make it work!!! Just thought I would share with you all as to what the padres have been up to!!

Update

2009-04-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

So, I think that I am the worst (or laziest) blogger around! CJ and I took Jillie to the zoo 2 weeks ago and I still haven't posted pictures! There were also pictures of Jillie that I took from her first time to play in the sprinkler! I am so bad! I think that honestly, I have been better about keeping up with my Facebook page than this blog...although I know that I need to keep those of you who don't use Facebook updated too! So, here are a few pictures from yes, 2 weeks ago! Also, little side note...Jillie has now started to pinch her nose for "pee yew", can make a fish face, pinch her fingers like a crab, "moo" like a cow, and hold up one little finger when you ask her how old she is! (I will try to nab a picture/video of these adorable things asap).

"I think that Daddy should let me drive his truck more!"

"Do you think I look good in my swimsuit?"

Jillie just "chillin'

"Ooh! That giraffe licked me!"

"Look Daddy! I can feed the giraffe, too!"

Easter Fun!

2009-04-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

I posted a video a few days ago of Jillie hunting Easter eggs and promised pictures to come...so here they are! A little background info first. For Jillian's first "real" Easter we had quite the family affair! My sisters, Alissa and Laura, both came to visit as did Jillian's Memaw (CJ's mom) and her Aunt Jessica and Uncle Johnny. On Saturday evening we celebrated Alissa and Penny's birthdays and then colored Easter eggs. Jillian did so good! She would drop her eggs in the dye and even "colored" on a few with a clear wax crayon. She and her Daddy also got into the stickers and the ones that didn't end up on Jillian's face ended up in her mouth! Ooops. No worries. She didn't swallow any. :) Jillian loved her Easter basket and decided that her favorite surprise was her Goldfish crackers. She carried them around for about 10 minutes until I finally got her to look through the rest of the basket where she had books and eggs filled with Teddy Grahams! Yummy! No Peeps for Jillie this year!

Jillian's first Easter Egg Dying Party!

Who's the child here? Hee, hee!

"Oooh! Goldfish, my favorite!"

"Could somebody help me with this basket, it's heavy!"

The Morrow Family Easter Pic

Jillie on the Hunt!!

2009-04-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! I just wanted to post a video of Jillie on her first Easter egg hunt. To preface the video, we dyed eggs last night (pictures to come) and so most of the eggs that the "Easter Bunny" hid for Jillie were real eggs so when she picks them up and puts them in her basket, you can hear the "crack" of each egg falling into the basket. :) Also, she did super good at hunting! I only had to show her one time how to put them in the basket and she was on the move! I will post pics later of her trying to lug around her basket once she had collected her booty! For now, enjoy a little bit of our Easter with Jillie.

Sooner or Later....

2009-04-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess sooner or later it was going to happen! Jillian has gone through one of the rites of passage as a child...she has eaten dirt! The story behind the "incident" is this: ever since Jillian went to play with her friend Abby, who has a Sand and Water table (thanks a lot E), C.J and I have been wanting to get her one because she had so much fun with it and we know she LOVES water. So, we decided to get her one for Easter (although she got it a little early...today). After dinner tonight we all went outside and while C.J watered, Jillian and I played with our new toy! She was doing great, playing with all of the shovels and rakes in the sand and then she decided to move to the water side...Oh why, oh why did I let C.J go ahead and put water in it? Of course she was splashing around and playing with the boats, just like she does in the bath, but then she put her fingers back in the sand...and decided to lick them! I am not sure what possessed her to do this, but once she did there was no turning back! I know that instead of laughing and taking pictures I should have been trying to prevent the whole thing, but hey! You have to learn sometime, right? Of course it isn't like toxic sand or anything, so she is perfectly fine, and I got some great pics out of it all! Plus, she had a great time.

Going in for the kill!

Hmm? That is interesting. A little gritty, but good.

I just can't seem to get this taste out of my mouth!

See Mom! It's not so bad!

Girl's Day Out

2009-03-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

Today Jillian and I spent a little time out shopping...just the two of us. We went to Old Navy (picked up my supply of flip-flops for the season and a pair of way-cute jammies for Jill) and then headed to Kohls. Jillian has recently started this trend of not wanting to stay in buggies or strollers when we are out, so today I decided, "What the hey!" I will just let her run around with me! OOOH! Not the best idea I've ever had! No, really, she wasn't too crazy. We checked out the toy department (her new favorite thing to do in stores) and while I had my back turned to look at something, this is what she was doing:

Yes, that's right folks! She had climbed onto the bottom shelf and was helping herself to the toys!

"Hmm? What is this thing?"

"Mom! Look at this cool alphabet game!"

The Racing Morrow's!

2009-03-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend C.J., Jillian, and I all participated in a Family Fun Run at Red Bud Park here in Abilene. It wasn't a huge race, just 3 miles for the runners and 1.5 miles for the walkers/fun-runners. C.J participated in the run (show off) and Jillie and I participated in the Fun-Run/Walk. All in all, it went great! C.J placed 2nd in his age group and 6th overall in the run and Jillian and I were 2nd in the Fun-Run (even though they don't have places, WE were keeping track!). Jillian loved it and had a great time running around on the track and crossing the finish line over and over!

Jillian is ready for the race to start!!

Daddy and Jillian at the race (Look! No pacifier!)

What place did you get, Jillie?

Yeah! We all made it!!

Little Ms. Green Thumb

2009-03-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

My daughter is brilliant! Okay, I may be a little biased, but really. Last week we went to play at the Stark's and she picked up a shovel and knew exactly what to do with it! She then proceeded to pick up a hoe and of course, knew how to use it too! Now, this news may not effect everyone the way it does C.J and me, but if you know us than you would understand why this brings tears to our eyes! We love to garden and be outside so it just touches our hearts that our daughter has inherited the gene for the love of the outdoors just as we did from out parents! We can't wait to get her her own little garden set and put her to work!! :) (Some of these pics are from last weekend when we were doing some planting).

It's a hard day's work plowing this patio! Phew!!

What ch'a planting Jillie?

"Look at all of those weeds to pull!"

Just Jillie

2009-03-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would post a few pictures of "Just Jillie" from the weekend since I know that some people (Mom) really just want to see her!! (Just kidding). I just wanted to show off my daughter some more!

Love those cheeks!!!

Is this my daughter or a koala? Too precious!

Pointing to her tummy and her new favorite...the belly button!

My little "bundle" of joy! (Notice the socks on her hands since I forgot mittens!)

Yo! Homie what's up? (Jillian "chillin" in her camping chair)

Spring Break

2009-03-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for a "springy" Spring Break! The beginning of the week was great but by Wednesday the weather dropped about 40 degrees and it was raining. But, does a little wintery weather stop the Morrow's from going camping? Heck no! We (CJ, Jillian, and I) loaded up the trailer and headed to Loyd Park (outside of Arlington). We got there Thursday evening and ate our traditional chili dogs for supper and stayed in and watched TV. Friday was still rainy so we went into Dallas and hung out with our friends Ashley, Josh, and Brynlee Cody. By Friday evening the rain had slowed but it was still freezing! Our friend Pat came out and tented next to us and joined CJ as a "fishing buddy" (although the only thing that they caught was a cute little water turtle that Jillian wanted to take home!). On Saturday my sisiter Alissa came out and we had a great time walking down by the lake and sitting by the fire roasting marshmellows and making s'mores (I think that I ate about 50 marshmellows!) All in all it turned out to be a great weekend and we can't wait to go back when the sun is actually shining!

Mommy and Jillian outside of the trailer (check out my new bangs!)

Firepit or pond?

Are we in Texas or Alaska?

Jillian pouting after being denied her Daddy's beer! Where did that lip come from??

Jillan and her Daddy by the lake (notice the "chilliness of the lake on Friday the 13th)

Pea Head

2009-03-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

So, remember how I have mentioned that Jillian is a Veggie Head? Well, exhibit A. She wouldn't eat dinner on Saturday night so to be sure that she had something, I gave her a cup of peas while she was playing in her room before bed. You would have thought that I had given her a bowl of M&M's (of course she has never had candy or chocolate, but you get my meaning). Hey! Whatever floats your boat, huh? I personally can't stand peas (hate the smell, taste, texture, everything). Just thought that I would share a few photos of our little Pea Head! (Check out her awesomely clean room!)

So, you wants some peas, ma?

Southern Fried

2009-03-08T17:46:00.001-07:00

Just had to let everyone know that Jillian is truly a child of the south! Tonight I made CJ's favorite-Chicken Fried Chicken, okra, and mashed potatoes. Just for kicks, we let Jillie try a little and she couldn't get enough! She especially liked Momma's special chicken recipe! Of course she devoured the okra so it's a good thing I gave it to her last (she has a small veggie fetish!). CJ is giving her bath right now to wash the mashed potatoes out of her hair!

Keeping up with the Jones's

2009-03-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I can now say that I am truly a wife/mother when getting a new washer and dryer is like winning a shopping spree in Milan! (Well, maybe not that great...but close!) A little background info might be helpful for some of you...We had, until recently, a free, hand-me-down washer and dryer. Now the washer wasn't so bad but the dryer..oh boy! First of all it didn't even stop on it's own and it took about 4 hours to dry 5 pairs of jeans! It also got in the bad habit of sucking up Jillian's clothes and "burning" them and leaving poo poo looking stains on everything. Needless to say, we needed a new set! So, we went down to Lowes and purchased a new set. Now, we didn't get the fancy "Lexus" models, but we didn't settle for the "Kia" either. The set we got is kind of a mid-range "Toyota" set. Hey...I am so happy I can't stop doing laundry!

Look! We got the pedestals too!!!

Jillian "modeling" on top of the new washer

Ta Da!!!!!!!! Aren't they beautiful?!!!

Daddy and Jillian watching the clothes wash

Monkey see....

2009-03-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago (yes two) we went to my sister Alissa's in Dallas, where we also met up with my other sister, Laura, to celebrate her birthday. While we were there I managed to capture this adorable shot of Jillian and Laura brushing their teeth together! This activity, by the way, is one of Jillian's favorite (and anyone's toothbrush is fair game). We had a great time with the girls eating lunch at Cheesecake Factory and shopping a North Park (despite the fact that we "infected" poor Laura with the stomach crap that we had).

"Make sure you brush for at least 2 minutes!"

Laura and Jillie having a brush-off!

Yes, we have "seasonalized" to bunny ears!

The Wedding

2009-03-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

Jillian was in her Uncle Johnny and (new) Aunt Jessica's wedding this weekend and if I can brag for just a minute, she did GREAT!! I was so proud of her for actually walking down the aisle with her cousin Kiley and smiling all the while! CJ had to bend down so that she could see him but after that she just went for it! I actually had tears in my eyes. She is so precious! All in all the wedding and reception went off with out a hitch and we all had a great time! Jillian and her friend Abby even did a little entertaining of their own dancing and playing all over the place! They are so sweet. It was also nice to visit with all of our family and friends from out of town and for Jillian to spend time with her Grandpa Pat and her Great-Grandmother Squirt (who calls her a little ham!)

The Morrow's (at the wedding)

The Groom and the Flower Girl (Jillian and Uncle Johnny)

Jillian and her Daddy at the reception

Here's Jillian (and Abby too)!

We have been stuck!

2009-02-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well, it is official! The Morrow family, yes, family, has been struck by the stomach bug!!!! First my poor little angel woke up Wed morning with, yuck, throw up everywhere and bad, bad poo. CJ and I tagged-teamed her by him staying home with her in the morning and me in the afternoon. By Wed evening we thought the worst had passed...We thought wrong! I woke up Thurs morning with horrible stomach pains and nausea. I went on to work (what a trooper I am!) and ended up leaving a little early after getting sick and Jillie's babysitter calling me to say that she had 2 liquid diapers and needed to be picked up! So, Jillie and I headed home and spent the rest of the day on the couch reading books and sleeping. CJ, our savior, came home, gave me some ginger ale and soup (which I couldnt eat) and then not even 2 hrs later he darted past me from the office to the bathroom and spent the next 3 hrs throwing up and other unmentionables! What a group we were! CJ, running back and forth the the bathroom, me laying in bed with my stomach pain and nausea, and Jillian, asleep for the moment but would wake up Friday morning with more liquid poo! CJ actually had his brother (Thank You Johnny) come and take him to the ER at about 1 am so that he could get a saline IV and other meds to help with the vomiting and now dehydration! Today, we are both supposed to be going out of town, CJ to San Antonio for his brother's bachelor party and me to Dallas for my sister's birthday! Hopefully we will ALL start to feel better as the day goes on! (Oh, and CJ mom's has all of the same gunk! Wow! We sure got taken out!) The worst part about all of this is that I, who didn't feel great at all, was at least better off than CJ, so I had to step up and take care of Jillian and the house! No day off for me!! Well, I guess it is all apart of being a parent! No more selfish sick days! Hope eveyone else stays well!

One Year Check Up

2009-02-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Well, today was another one of those dreadful doctor's visits when Jillian had to get another round of boosters! She was such a trooper, though, even though she got 4 big ones! Poor baby! Here are the stats from today's visit too:

Height: 27 3/4 inches

Weight: 20.10 lbs

Percentile: 25% all around!!!

She is getting so big! She has had her 2 bottom teeth since about November, but is just now beginning to cut her top 2! Of course the lack of teeth hasn't slowed her down! She eats like she has a mouthful! She is fully mobile and getting into everything! She babbles all the time, but is still only really saying "Dada". "dog", "ook (book), "huh", and although she hardly ever says it, she can say "Mama". She is so smart and talented and I can't wait to introduce her to those of you who haven't met her yet!

Our little clown!!!

Who's the Most Famous Reindeer of All????

2009-02-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

My aunt bought these little reindeer antlers for Jillie at an after-Christmas sale and rather than put them away for next year, I decided to let Jillie play with them now. She loves them!! She is so cute when she puts them on! She will shake her head around like she is being "silly Jillie". She also likes to look at herself in the mirror with them on! Oooh, she is too much!

What are you looking at, fool?

Are these on straight?

Checking out the baby in the mirror...

C-U-T-E!!!!

Jillian's Birthday Party

2009-02-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, so a week later and I am finally posting Jillian's Birthday Party pictures! I wish that I could post them all, but that would be a little extreme, so I have chosen a few "choice" photos. Of the ones I am posting there are some with Jillie eating her first cake (sugar at that)! I had made her a "safe" white cake with white frosting (I know, I am boring) but my mother-in-law snuck in a cupcake with PURPLE frosting!! Jillie loved it and put her hand in it and then on her face leaving a little hand print across her face! (which later caused her to have a red splotchy mark on her face). Anyhow, I hope that you all enjoy! I wish Birthday's were always this fun!!!

Here's the Birthday Girl!! (She is wearing her new silver squeaky shoes)

Here she is with her nice, safe, white cake....

And here is after the purple attack!!! (Notice the hand print??)

Jillian the Birthday Fairy!
Here she is wearing her new Ballet Teddy Bear backpack

Daddy, Mommy, and the Birthday Girl!

Just wanted to show off the great job they did on the cupcake cake! It looks just like the plates!!

Here She Comes!!!

2009-02-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

Jillian and Daddy's First Picture 2/01/08

Mommy and Jillian's First Picture

Presenting the Princess!!!!! We Thank God for you everyday!!

Happy Birthday Jillian

2009-02-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

So in about 15 minutes from now it will be exactly 1 year that our precious little miracle made her grand entrance! I cant believe that it has already been a year. It really seems like it was just yesterday, and no kidding, this has been the fastest year of my life! (Maybe because I wanted it too last?) She seems so big at times but then there are times when I am holding her, rocking her, and she is still just my innocent, fragile, baby that I brought home from the hospital. We celebrated her birthday yesterday with family and a few close friends (her actual birthday is today, Super Bowl Sunday! Her father wouldn't have it any other way!) She received a lot of great gifts (clothes, books, and a little tea set just for her) and was "allowed" to sample pure bliss for the first time-CAKE!! Those of you who know me well know what a cake FREAK I am so it was pleasing (and fitting) that my daughter should follow in my footsteps and love her first cake! She also sampled her first hotdog (which she loved just as much as the cake!) All in all it was a great time and I can't wait to post all of her pictures from her party.

Caught in the Act!

2009-01-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

While CJ was watching Jillie last night she decided to help herself to her Cheerios! Sneaky little thing! She seems to "help herself" to a lot of things these days! Aside from raiding the pantry, she loves to get into my make-up drawer while I am getting ready and to take clothes out of her drawers and the dryer! Actually, she enjoys taking anything OUT from anywhere!

Ice Day!

2009-01-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

CJ and I were both off work today for an "Ice Day"! I was so excited because I really didn't want to go to work today and I wanted to spend some time with Jillian since I worked all yesterday and really only saw her for about 30 minutes. So, what did we do with all of our time? I did my floors, laundry, and chased Jillian around all day! While I was cleaning Jillian decided to go through my purse and somehow managed to get my credit card and a $1 bill out! Here are some pics of her playing with my wallet and "wearing" my purse like a big girl!

Mom, I think you spent too much at Wal-Mart!

I am sooo big!!!!

Fabulous Las Vegas!!

2009-01-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

I know that this blog is primarily for me to record the events in my child's life, but I just had to share a little bit about CJ and my weekend in Las Vegas! We were invited for one of CJ's best friend, Curt, wedding (CJ was also asked to be a groomsman). We flew out there with 2 other couples and started off the weekend by taking a limo ride (with champange and roses) to our hotels! (Those guys sure know how to charm their wives!) CJ and I went (yesss) shopping and then played in a poker tournament (I didn't win but was voted most fun at my table), and then we went to check out this club at the top (64 floors I think) of Mandalay Bay called The Mix. Other than the awesome view (and really interesting bathroom...I'll tell ya'll later) it wasn't "all that". However, we met up with the rest of the wedding party later at Rum Jungle and let's just say "Mama was liberated!" Saturday CJ and I walked down to the new Steve Wynn casino, Encore, about a 4 mile hike it seemed, and then went to the wedding and reception (which was beautiful and fabulous). We went out that night too, but I was a little sleepy (having only had 4 hours sleep the 2 nights before) and turned in early. All in all it was a great trip and we are looking forward to making it an annual trip with this group! (And anyone else who is interested is invited too!)

Me, CJ, Curt (groom), and Nikki (bride) at Rum Jungle

CJ an me at The Mix on Friday

The view from The Mix

Tiffany and me on a bridge

CJ and I in the limo!

The Groomsmen's ladies (Me, Lindsay, and Holly)

We Made It!!!!

2009-01-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

Well, it is Monday and I just have to let everyone know that I made it through the weekend!! (In case some of you forgot, I had been crazy with worry/guilt about leaving Jillian overnight (2) for the first time). I must say that it wasn't as bad as I was expecting! I did miss Jillian (VERY MUCH) and I cried a little when I went to kiss her good-bye at 4 in the morning on Friday (she was sleeping so sweetly) and I only went through (ALL) my pictures on my camera once (thank you Holly for enduring me). We were crazy busy on Friday and most of Saturday with wedding stuff and of course partying and gambling, so my mind was pre-occupied. Everyone was so great to me and let me ramble on an on about Jillie and silly little things. Anyhow, I did it, and even though I am not anxious to leave her again, I must say that I know now that I can!

Short Cuts

2009-01-11T19:51:00.001-08:00

Jillian's favorite way of getting across the living room is by going through the coffee table. Yes, I said through! This is a practice that we have highly discouraged our dog, Belle, to do ( I am fanatical about keeping my table pristine...ask Erin and Shiloh), and now our baby is doing it and of course it is just too darn cute to make her stop!

Daddy' Girl

2009-01-11T19:46:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when Daddy gives Jillie her bath and does her hair!

Splish, Splash!

2009-01-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

I guess every child has those embarrassing bath-time pictures that their parents drag out when they have their first date...My poor child is having her's posted on the internet! Of course for now (and to me always) they are udderly adorable!

License and Registration, Please

2009-01-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

How many do you say she has had? Nah...She was just pigging out at IHOP! Couldn't resist posting. :)

Walking!

2009-01-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Here is just a preview of our little "cruiser"!

Too Cool

2009-01-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

Jillian is quite lazy when it comes to holding her bottles and cups. She will do the least that she can to hold them yet still drink from them. Tonight she was "chillin" with her cup at dinner. Check out that sideways glance and free hand wave! Oh! Goodness!

The next frontier

2009-01-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe how big Jillian is getting! CJ and I marvel at it everyday. Just tonight we were going through old files and videos on the computer and watched a few of her from when she was about a month old and one from when she was about 5 months. I just tear up and think, "Gosh, where is that baby?!" She is still, and will be, my baby for quite some time, but when people say, "Enjoy them small because it goes by so fast", they really aren't kidding! Just last night she has started really eating "table" food for meals and boy does she love it! She loved avacadoes, yellow sqaush, and eeeew, peas! She makes the funniest "mmmmm" sound as she devoures foods that she likes! Can't wait to see what she thinks about her first cake!

Vegas or Bust!

2009-01-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

So it is almost 11:00 and and I had said that I was going to bed about an hour ago, but of course I got stuck on the internet cruising through birthday invitations for Jillian and then decided to blow of some steam that has been brewing up in my mind! CJ and I are going to Vegas next weekend for a wedding that CJ has been asked to be in. We couldnt pass up this opportunity for a "Destination Wedding" to one of our favorite locales, so when we were asked we said "yes". Here is the catch- Jillian is almost a year old and I have never left her, even overnight. Sure, I leave during the day to go to work and sometimes we go out on the weekends, but I have not actually left her the whole night let alone a whole 2 days! I really want to go on this trip (and I am sure need to) but every time I think about not being with her or seeing her for 2 days I just getting all teary! I know that I am not "mother of the year" but I am just not sure how this is all going to go! I will just have to trust in God that He will take care of my little baby and that he will also help to ease my stress (and guilt) about the situation.

Slumber Party

2009-01-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

Jillian's friend Abby Stark came over Saturday night (with her parents too) to play and have a mini-sleep over! They are getting to be so much fun (actually interacting with each other).

Do you have a license for that?

2009-01-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

Jillian's "First" car. This one was donated...the next one is on her!

And We're Walking!!

2009-01-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

So, technically I can say that Jillian is fully mobile! She has been taking little "toddles" for about a month or so and it seems that she is finally getting it going! Tonight she even walked from the dining room into the living room (she was headed for the open cabinet filled with DVD's) in her slippery PJ's! (This is a huge feat considering she typically walks better when she is wearing socks with grips, shoes, or bare feet). She also has all of the battle scars that come along with this period in her life ( a scratch on her nose and forehead, a bruise on her cheek, etc) but what's gain without a little pain!! Since she is now on the move, nothing is safe! She can reach higher shelves in her cabinet (and boy is she good about getting on her tip-toes to get what she wants) and nothing seems to be out of reach on the coffee table or other surfaces! We are learning with her and having more and more fun each day.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Okay....so seriously! I have had enough people get on to me about not keeping up with my myspace, facebook, emailing pictures, etc, so I am going to give this whole blog thing one more try! I have come to the conclusion that my daughter is now almost one year old (aghhh, where did the year go) and I haven't done a whole heck of a lot to cronicle it besides the standard baby book and first year calendar. I figure that I owe it to her to put forth a little more effort to make the rest of her years (at least into the teens, right?) memeorable. SO...here goes Round Three, yes, Three, of my blogging exploration!

2008-09-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for me keeping up with this! It has been almost 2 weeks since the first posting. I am seriously going to need to be better at this! In my defense, I have been going through a lot of transitions right now. As most of you know, I have a 7 month old daughter, Jillian, and since I found out that I was pregnant, I have been torn between working or staying at home. As it turns, I need to have some income coming in to keep us accustomed to our "lavish" lifestyle. I did say at the beginning, that I would be fine with going back to work full time and that I would probably go stir crazy if I stayed at home. WRONG!! I mean, don't get me wrong here, there are definintly days when I am counting the minutes for CJ to get home so that I can burst out of the house on my own! There are also the days when Jillian and I just go cruise Target or the mall. Anyhow, I digress. The point I am getting to is this: I had physically gone back to work in April but mentally I just couldnt get back. So, after much prayer and deliberation, God has so very graciously given me the perfect scenario! I am going to be staying at home with Jillian and having income coming in. I will be starting in Oct with watching 2 other babies in my home. This is a new adventure for me so we will see where the road takes us. I will most likely have good posts once all of this begins!

Maiden Voyage

2008-09-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

Okay...so everyone and their grandmother has been blogging or Myspacing for some time now and it just hasn't been something that I have been able to keep up with...until now! Now that I have a precious little baby girl, Jillian, I feel that it is my "duty" to keep up wtih my friends and family and to keep them informed of all of her acheivments! So, here goes nothing! Please be patient with me as this is a new ballgame for me.