Happy Halloween! Love, The Hewitts

We hope you all have a great night with family and friends. I will have my camera in tow tonight to catch our little "bunny" in action!

My first "baby"...Bailey...

I am so heart broken over this crazy cat...perhaps because it just may be my very last few hours with him and I will miss having him in my life.

This afternoon I will take Bailey to Norfolk to meet a couple that is interested in giving him a new home. I spent yesterday at the vet's office getting his shots updated and getting copies of his records. If the couple seems genuinely interested in him and seem like nice people, I will probably end up leaving him there. I have prayed over and over that they are good people with big hearts and lots of love to give. That is all that I want....I am truly not hurting because I will not have a cat anymore. I am way to busy with Addie and her needs to be worried about that. I just want him to feel loved and to be taken good care of. Because even if I don't pet him as much as I used to or hold him as often, I do take very good care of my animals. So, hopefully, this couple will fall in love with my little ball of fur just like I did seven years ago, and they will be blessed by letting him come into their life.

A little dose of Addie...

Blogging is the last thing on my mind this week, but I thought you all might want some new pictures of the little girl. She sure does know how to make me smile!

Thankful, but still a little sad...

I am so thankful that Addie was able to get into the allergist on Friday, and we are now under the care of someone who is very familiar with her situation and what we can do to help. She is now able to eat/drink milk and dairy products since the skin test came back negative for a milk allergy. That is such a relief for us and makes her meals a little easier to plan. Plus, she loves her milk so very much. The results did indeed show a serious reaction to peanuts and eggs though, so we are going to avoid those at all costs. I have started some research on those specific allergies and am starting to feel confident in dealing with them. I am deeply saddened though about the advice we were given regarding my sweet animals. She has suggested that I find new homes for them considering the seriousness of Addie's allergies and possible asthma-like symptoms. My heart aches because I have come to love Sally and Bailey like family members over the past seven years. Before Addie, they were my babies and although they are not as pampered as they were before her arrival, they are still very special to me. I hurt to know that they will feel like I have abandoned them. Please do not think for a minute that I would put Addie's health behind my cat and dog....She is our first prioroity above all else and I will do anything to help her get better. That does not however, make it any easier to part with my furry friends. I have accepted the fact that I must do it, but that does not mean that it will not hurt. I love my animals and want nothing but for them to be loved like I have loved them. So....I am sad tonight....and probably tomorrrow too, but most of all, I am very thankful to be getting some help for my little Addie.

Day4 of Mommy and Addie Week

I had to share the first picture of the muffins with everyone. These were hand delivered to me by a dear friend who I used to teach with at the high school. She made these beautiful chocolate chip muffins fresh for me the morning of my 30th birthday and dragged her adorable children out to deliver them hot and steaming! They were absolutely delicious! Thank you for being an amazing friend Stephanie!

The second picture is of Addie girl strolling around the court that same afternoon. She just loves to show off her walking skills.

Yesterday, Addie and I spent the morning at a play group with some dear friends of mine. There is a new baby girl in the group, named Savannah, and she is the tiniest most precious little thing....6 lbs....I can't even imagine! My hoss was almost 3 lbs heavier than that when she came into the world. We had dinner at my mom's last night and my mom gave Addie a bath for me while I got some groceries. When I came back to their house, Mom was getting Addie dressed and pointed to the tub.....guess what? Another first....Addie pooped in the bath tub!!! Mom said she just sort of leaned up a little and made this face and out it came! Glad I wasn't on bath duty!

Wish us luck...we are headed to the allergist at 1:15 today!!!!

Day 3 of Mommy and Addie Week

This is a picture of one of the gifts that Tim made for me for my 30th birthday. It is made out of an old window frame we found on the side of the road when we were first dating. The pictures are of Addie's "first year". Isn't it such a thoughtful, sweet gift? Look at Addie eyeing that cake......poor baby.....I wish I could let her eat the whole thing!

Yesterday Addie went to the doctor's for her 15 month well-check-up. That makes me laugh, since we have been there in the last month 4 other times. She really didn't need to be seen yesterday to determine if she was "well", except that she did get 3 ugly shots! She screams the entire time a nurse or doctor is even in the room. They don't even have to be touching her, and she still clings to me for dear life and screams right into my ear. I can never hear what they are telling me, and by the time the appointment is over, I am one big ball of stress! I just LOVE doctor's appointments. She was seen by the same woman who has been trying to help us with all of the allergies, so we talked a little about what she has been eating and how she has been reacting to the diet change. She weighs 25 lbs and is 32 1/2 inches tall now! We are very anxious to see the allergist on Friday....please put her on your prayer list....the doctor that is (well, Addie too!)....I pray that the doctor really takes an interest in Addie and geniuinely tries to help us and not just herd us through the visit and then forget who we are when we leave. That is pretty much how I feel about her pediatrician's office these days! So....I am praying for the doctor tonight!

Day 2 of Mommy and Addie Week

Yesterday I took little Addie girl to the zoo to ride the new train. It was a nice couple of hours together and she seems to enjoy looking at all of the animals. We were suppose to meet up with a friend of mine, but didnt run into them until the end. Im glad we took advantage of the nice weather. I think its starting to cool down now... Here is a cute one of Addie and the prairie dogs....she just stood there and squealed with delight!

Today we have Addie's 15 month appointment with our doctor, and then on Friday we go to the allergist, FINALLY! I am very anxious to get to that particular appointment to try and figure out what I should be feeding the poor little girl. She is barely drinking any liquids at all these days and that worries me sick. I follow her around the house all day with her sippy cup trying to get her to take sips in between play time. Its pretty ridiculous! Other than that she seems to be feeling pretty good. I told Tim last night that this whold diet change that we have made seems to being no good whatsoever. Her skin is still covered in eczema and she still wheezes on a regular basis. Please let this doctor tell me more to do.

We are missing Tim a lot, especially at night when we all usually play together. I know he is ready to come home too!

Day 1 of Mommy and Addie Week...

My mom had to get Addie her very own chair for her house. She is starting to warm up to it. What a spoiled little girl! (isn't that what they are for?) Look how big my baby is getting....

Tim just left us about an hour ago and I was snoozing so hard I didn't even get to say good bye. I was the nagging wife too before we both fell asleep last night, complaining about the mess he left in our sink after shaving! Sometimes I need to learn to shut my mouth and just let things slide. This morning I am already missing him terribly, and he is probably thanking the heavens that he has some time away from his annoying wife! Its funny how we always know how to react in a situation after the fact. Can I just blame it on absolute fatigue? We were both so tired after this looooong weekend.....

Anways, I am a little nervous about my week alone with Addie. Tim knows how to calm me down and lighten the load so that I don't become overwhelmed. Anyone who knows us knows that Tim keeps me straight. He is the "peace" in our home. I might keep it clean, but he keeps it running smoothly and happily. Not to mention, come 6:00 pm in our house, little Addie-girl is down right sick of her mommy, and happy as ever to see him walk through that door. She is not going to like this one bit! Wish us luck...

Addie and Lily....

On Wednesday of last week, Kristy and Lily came down for the day to hang out with Addie and I for my big "30th" birthday! We enjoyed it so much. Does anyone have a friend that when you get together you laugh so much that you end up squatting on the floor lauging one of those uncontrollable laughs as strangers walk by and stare at you in confusion? Kristy makes me do this. Actually we both do this. We were taking the girls for a walk around the Homearama neighborhood in Chesapeake (so that we could stare at all of these million dollar homes in awe) and we got to laughing so hard, we were practically sitting on the street behind the strollers. I know people thought we were crazy. I haven't laughed that hard since the last time she was in town!

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day of Kristy and both girls....


Addie and Lily have both changed so much in the last year. I wonder if they recognize each other at all and if they will truly get a long and enjoy each other's company as much as their mothers do. We sure love getting together and spending time with them. It was a great day!
Tim leaves tomorrow for a training class about 2 hours away. What will I do without his help? It might make me thank him a little more for all he does. I know he does so much for us, but perhaps I should tell him more often how much I appreciate all he does. Its going to be a long week!

Addie loves her cousin...

and she loves her banana too! Since cutting out practically all milk/egg products, we were forced to try lots of new foods the past couple of weeks, which has been a blessing in disguise. Bananas are a new favorite of hers. She doesnt like them cut up, but prefers to hold the entire banana and munch on it that way! She is a little monkey!

Skylar and her Daddy came over the other night to visit for a little while. Addie just loves her cousins so much, and Skylar is such a great help with Addie. I can't believe Skylar was just a little older than Addie when I met her. The girls had a great time and always do when they get together!

Thanks so much to all of my friends and family who made yesterday so special. I am so blessed to be loved by so many wonderful people. I have some special gifts that Tim made for me that I am going to share in some upcoming posts after I get the chance to get a picture of them. What effort he put into my birthday this year in creating gifts that mean so much to me! Like I said....I am very lucky!

AND SHE WALKS!!!

I am a proud Mommy today! This post is especially for my Dad and Julie down in Florida and my Memaw and Papaw in Georgia. I wanted them to share in her first steps as well! Love you guys...

Tim and I just giggle when we see her take off on those chubby little legs across the living room or kitchen, wobbling the whole way and as proud of herself as ever! She has not mastered it perfectly yet, but she sure loves trying. As a matter of fact, she NEVER wants me to carry her anymore. Have you ever seen how slow a little 1 year old walks? Imagine holding her hand and trying to grocery shop at the same time. I ended up risking a major meltdown and bribing her with my keys to get her to stop walking and actually sit in the cart. We are really excited about this new milestone. It makes her look like a little person walking around our house! What a wonderful present!

Hail to the Redskins!

Win or lose....I love my team! Anna and I before we headed up to the game on Sunday morning.
Me and my honey......isn't he cute?
Jaime, me, Anna, and Kristen.....before the game at our parking spot right beside the stadium. Tim found us an awesome parking pass.....
Unfortunately, these were our seats! Yikes! Noone told us there was pole in front. No wonder the tickets were reasonably priced. No big deal....we ended up scooting over and we still were able to watch the game just the same. Although it did feel like we were in a cave, but that would have been a great thing if it rained! It didn't though....it was a beautiful day. I had a blast though, and I can't wait to do it again next year. It was great to spend the day with Tim and Anna, even if they did lose to the RAMS!!!
I love you Tim, thanks for taking me to the game!

Pumpkin Patch here we come!

Saturday before we headed out of town for our Redskins game, we took Addie to a local farm to pick some pumpkins. She walked all over that farm holding on to her Daddy's hand. We knew it was only a matter of time before she got the nerve up to do it herself. We all picked out our pumpkins and then posed for some pictures....
Addie didnt know what to think about those orange balls!
Addie and Tim enjoying the pumpkin patch.....

On our way home from the game yesterday, I called my mom and she informed us that Addie was walking around all over the place! We were so surprised! We saw it coming, but just can't believe that the one time we head out of town, she decides to take her very first steps. I couldnt wait to get her out of bed this morning so that she could show me. We were at the store for most of the morning and then she was just too grumpy to show me much of her new skill, but Im sure after she wakes up for her nap, she will be walking all over the place for me! Ill be sure to get a picture of that too.....well, I have some game pictures that I will post tomorrow and a few other good stories to share as well!

Go Redskins!

Tim and I are packing up the car and preparing for a little road trip to Fed Ex Field for a Redskins Game tomorrow! Yee Haw! Addie is spending the night with my mom and Dave tonight, and we will be staying in Richmond with my good friend Anna, who is also coming to the game with us. Tim has a frat brother who will be meeting us there tomorrow with his wife as well! Tim got me tickets for my birthday coming up, and I am really excited! It will be nice to get away from everything for a night too, plus I know Addie will be in good hands and having a blast with her Mamaw and Grandpa Dave! I will take lots of pictures and have some stories to share when I get home. Have a great weekend!

Addie Update...

Addie loves the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" book....its her favorite right behind "Where's Baby's Bellybutton?"......I love to watch Tim read to her....especially this book which she likes to have sung to her...and boy, oh boy, does Tim know how to sing!!!

We took Addie back to the doctor to have them listen to her cough and check her lungs. She seems to have gotten rid of the cold, but the cough still persists, which they think is a mixture of her "asthma" and allergies. The blood work came back from her allergy tests and it pretty much confirmed our worst fears. She has an allergy to MILK, eggs, peanuts, wheat.....pretty much every thing we feed her is not agreeing with her little body. Not to mention a pretty strong allergy to cats and dogs. The doctor told us not to take any actions until we consult with our allergist about what to do with the animals. My heart is breaking, but I will do whatever they tell me to do. Anyone who knows me knows that I love my Sally and Bailey. This doctor is not an allergist and she really wasnt able to explain the ranges for us, but says that our appointment with the specialist will give us a better idea about the animals. We were able to tell that peanuts and milk had the highest numbers followed by eggs. They gave us some pamphlets about what we could and could not feed her, and Tim is at the grocery store now buying a bunch of different things we can try to feed her. I am so thankful that we are getting some answers now, and we can begin to get all of this under control. She is napping peacefully now and had a nice lunch consisting of a banana, plain white toast, and a hot dog. That may be her staple from here on out. Keep her on your prayer list.....

Music Class with Mommy AND Daddy!

Since Tim is home for a couple of days, he decided to join us in Music Class this morning. Addie was very excited to have us both there and was a total ham in class today. She clapped and danced during all of the songs and kept wanting to sit in Tim's lap. She is feeling much better, but is still battling this horrible cough, plus I think she has a few more teeth peeking through. She sure loves having her Daddy around during the day and will hardly come to me if she has a choice! Here they are traveling through the "tunnel" to a little Kindermusic Song. Addie seems to be liking the class a lot more, but she still doesnt want to sit still for the "carpet-time" songs.
Thanks to everyone who has reached out to Tim and I this week. His family is very blessed to have so many people who care about them...

A very long weekend.....

"Daddy and Addie" weekend ended up being rather crazy around here. Tim's "Pop" passed away on Sunday morning, so we have some hard days ahead of us, but everyone is thankful that he is at peace and has joined his wife in heaven. Tim is home for a few days to be with the family through the funeral and all. Please keep the Hewitt Family in your prayers as they make it through this difficult time.

I just wanted to let everyone know where we have been and how Addie is feeling. She still has a bad cough and will be going back to the Dr. on Wed. if it has not cleared up by then. The appt. on Friday was good though.....no wheezing and her lungs sounded good. THe Dr. just wants to make sure it doesnt turn into pnemonia or that it isnt a sinus infection. We have an appt. on Dec. 23 to see a really good allergist, but will know by then from her blood work what to look out for. Ill get on here again in a day or so...take care everyone!

Addie and Emily meet again...

I almost forgot to post about this fun night! Addie and Emily....what a cute pair! It looks like Addie is bossing Emily around in the picture below!

A few weeks ago Tim's fraternity brother and his wife came over with their little angel, Emily, to hang out and let the girls play for a couple of hours. Tim and I rarely get to do this with friends anymore, partly because most of them live too far away or they dont have children themselves and find standing around watching Addie play rather boring (we happen to love doing that!) Anyways, the girls played really well together, and we grown-ups had a great time just relaxing and getting the chance to catch up. It was an early night for all so that both girls stayed on thier routines, but just the perfect way to spend some time with good company. We wish we could do it more often. Thanks Ben and Abby for coming all the way out here to see us!

Addie is feeling much better and goes to see the doctor this afternoon to make sure things are starting to clear up normally. I have class this weekend, so today marks the beginning of "Daddy and Addie" weekend. I know Tim is really looking forward to it!

It's also Grayson and Lucas's first birthdays this weekend! These are the little boys of two of my close friends/sorority sisters from college. Happy Birthday Boys.....Heather and Shanna, congratulations...you too survived a long, but wonderful year!

My crazy dog....

Introducing Sally.....for those of you have not had the opportunity to meet my dog yet. She is CRAZY! I guess you could call her high strung...perfect fit for me huh? Well, I inherited Sally from the hills of West VA when she showed up on my Aunt's property looking for someone to love her. And I fell hard....Sally was my very best friend when I lived alone in the condo before I met Tim, and she has come to be a big part of our lives together now. Tim loves her too, although he won't admit it. Sally has issues....lots of issues. She hates storms, shakes at the sound of hiccups or nail clippers, refuses to let you bathe her, insane over bunny rabbits, and goes looney when you leave her alone or try and lock her up somewhere. Mini blinds do not survive in my house and wood trimming and stair rails suffer a beating too. Here lately Sally has learned to open doors herself....big doors, like our big, metal front door. She uses her mouth like a hand to turn the knob and then opens the storm door by pushing on the lever with her feet. She does this alot, but usually just makes it out on the front porch and waits till someone lets her back in.....Last night was different..... See that red collar around her neck? THat is a shock collar that goes to our invisible fence that we had to put in our yard in addition to the fence we already have because she is CRAZY. Well, that collar lost the prongs that actually shock her, but she didnt know that so she was still scared to go near the fence. When she came in covered in mud yesterday, I took the red collar off because it was doing no good anyways. I knew that Tim and I planned to get a new one as soon as we got the chance to leave the house. Well, around 7:30 last night, I began giving Addie a breathing treatment, and I heard crazy Sally open the front door. I cannot stop in the middle of the treatment or I will lose the medicine, so I just finished up and then went out to look for her. It was only about 10 minutes. When I went outside, she was nowhere to be found. We looked for atleast an hour. Poor Tim searched and searched for me. Around 9:00, I decided to just go to bed, clutching my cell and of course, like the drama queen I am, bawling my eyes out. I just knew I had lost her. Then around 3:00 am, something woke me up. I thought I heard barking in the distance. I ran downstairs and out the back door not knowing why, but just running as fast as I could. Around the corner of the house came muddy, tired, shaky, CRAZY, Sally! I was so happy to see her. I couldn't even get mad. What a relief! I guess CRAZY Sally is smarter than we think and knew that she didnt have that collar on anymore. She wasn't scared to hop off that porch anymore! Addie and I went to Home Depot this morning and bought a new collar. I will never leave the doors of this house unlocked again! So, as you can imagine, my week has not been the greatest! Im just glad she is home safe and sound.

As promised, here are a couple pictures of Addie and the other babies that were at the shower last weekend. This is Shanna's little boy, Grayson, and he is so handsome and sweet! Makes me want a little mama's boy......

And here is Addie and Ainsley about to give each other a kiss kiss! Now, that is just adorable! They are so cute together...

Well, I better get off this computer and check on my CRAZY dog!

Babies, babies, and more babies....

This weekend Addie got to play with all of my friends little kids while we had the baby shower for one of my college roomates, Shannon. She loves to watch all of the kids run around, but still shows no interest in getting up and following them around. Will she ever walk? This is a favorite picture of mine. All of these girls lived on my sorority hall with me and Jaime (second Mommy) and Shanna (last Mommy) actually lived with me on the hall in a triple suite. We had lots of fun times in that room. It is still so surreal to think that we now are all Mommies together. All of these girls are so special to me and I miss them so much these days.
I have more pictures and stories to share from the weekend and will share them with you over the next couple of days.

Addie is feeling better today and even slept through the night last night! It is so amazing what a little rest does to your peace of mind! I have had a lot of fun with her today. She has romped around the play room with me, read a gazillion books, snacked on yummy fruit treats, and been especially loving since she has finally started to feel better. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!