Aquarium Trip with Eenie
With all of the cold weather recently, we needed an outing somewhere warm. Today me, Lilly, and Eenie made a trip to the NC aquarium at PKS. It was a short trip as Lilly does not have much patience, but we got to see everything and Lilly got to do some walking and splashing in the ray tank! I think that is her most favorite part....she loves splashing, and this time she even touched one of the cow nosed rays. We got to see the rays, the alligator (stuffed of course), the living shipwreck with a large grouper, the rays, and a stop at the crab photo op area. If my mom (Eenie) had not come along, we would have no photo documentation...thanks Eenie! Hope we get some warm weather soon, but all in all a great day!

Video's of Lilly

Happy Valentine's Day!

Nice day to swing at the park!

Look at me....you can see my teeth!!

I'm using my big girl cup....so good!!

Big smile....Love my walker!!

Lilly Fix...

So I found time to add the software for my camera on to my Mom's mac....and shazam.....photos on the blog. Lilly is becoming more and more of a person each day, showing her little (or big) personality....she knows what she wants and will let you know if you are doing something she does not like. She has her favorite toys and books and wants these items all the time. She is babbling (and screaming) most of the time. She will say Mama, Dada, Nanana, and Baba. I can't wait until I actually know what she is saying. The above photos are from the past few weeks....she adds so much to each day and I hope everyone gets to see her soon!!

In other news my bro leave for his mission in the cold waters of Alaska....he will be gone for about 10 days and I can't wait to see his photos when he returns!! The little garden that I started last week (indoors) with tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant; have some sprigs from the tomato seeds....later on in the week we should see some peppers and eggplants. I can't wait until our whole backyard is one big garden!! We are also planning our third trip of the month to Raleigh to visit one of my dear friends who will be in town from CA!! I can't wait to see my girls!!

Here's my explanation...

So over the past two weeks, we have made two trips to Raleigh for various occasions, we had two computers die, and therefore no internet access for me. We have been very busy, and Lilly is getting smarter and smarter each day. Just this evening I started teaching her "so big" ...you know you say "how big is Lilly?" and she puts her hands above her head to show you how big she is. She is starting to copy. Also this evening, I found two more teeth on their way in. I can't wait to see how she does with uppers and lowers. 

On the computer front....my gateway computer of 6 years (my folks got it for me when I started grad school in 2003) bit the dust. I knew it was getting old, but I did not know that it was really going to die. It was a very said day...made even worse when I realized that I had not backed up any of the photos or music on my hard drive. Luckily, I found a local shop that could take my hard drive and put it in some type of case so that I could still retrieve files off of it. Now the second part of the story takes my Mom's apple computer that had crashed when my little bro was using it in FL while in dive training. So during one of our trips to Raleigh, we made an appointment with and Apple Genius to get the computer fixed. To make that story short, after 1.5 hours, her computer needed a new hard drive. So $300 later, my Mom is letting me borrow her newly working apple. 

Now I just need to learn to up load photos and such to this apple machine, and things might return to normal?! But with a 10 month old, I don't think there is a definition of normal!!

Two Bad Weekends in a Row...what gives

Guess we were do in for some bad times withe Miss Lilly..as she has been a fairly healthy baby, and not had to go to the doctor for much of anything except her "well baby visit." We were on day #8 of the antibiotics for her ear infection, when I noticed a very faint rash on her trunk. I just figured it was a bit of heat rash from putting too many blankets on her at night. But as the day continued on, the rash got worse....what to do on a Friday night with a baby who has a rash that is spreading....call the doctor on call at the hospital (yes, it's a small town). He told us if it's worse in the morning, then call and come in to his office. Well, by the morning it was much worse...the red bumps had gotten darker, and bigger, and spread to her face, arms, legs....basically everywhere. So in we went, and were just told she is probably allergic to amoxicillin ( just like her Daddy). Needless to say, it was a rough weekend with a bumpy baby who could not get comfortable ever!! Hope she improves soon!!

And the snow begins to melt!!

With Lilly on the mend from her ear infection, we decided to head out of doors to get some photos and play in the snow a bit. I will let you watch the first video to see what we have to do in the MHC to have some fun in the snow. As I sit here typing the snow is melting, and I bet by this afternoon, life will have returned to normal and the quiet white blanket will be gone for another couple of years!! It was fun while it lasted...for all you out there who are kids at heart....get out and have some fun!!



Ok, this was suppose to go up yesterday around lunch, but I had some trouble with the videos...and as you can see you needed to see the videos!!

Lilly's butt print while we did a video...see it was really snowing!!

Snow Day in the MHC!!

We got snow in Morehead City...that never happens! They were calling for snow last night and saying that it would start at 9am today...sure enough at 8:55am there was snow in the air, but not so much on the ground (see first video). Lilly has an REI down snowsuit that keeps her very warm, but I'm not sure how water proof it is, so she did not spend very much time on the ground! With Fitz trying his best to get home from a business trip in FL, my folks and I went out just before dark to enjoy the snow and take a short walk (see video #2). We are looking forward to doing some more snow activities tomorrow due to an overnight temperature of 18...we should be able to still have some snow in the morning!! Maybe....Dada can find sometime enjoy it with us!!

The dreaded EAR INFECTION

Well, it finally happened...it only took 9 months, but Lilly has her first ear infection. She's on antibiotics, and should be feeling better soon. But not before reeking-havoc on our weekend plans. We are suppose to be traveling to RDU for a baby shower for a good friend, but we will have to see how Miss Lilly is feeling before we make her come along. My folks have said they would like to go to Raleigh to do some shopping, and if that does not workout then Fitz and Lilly might come if she is feeling better. Either way....I will be there for the celebration and then come home to take care of my baby!!

Lilly at 1 week

Lilly at 3 months

Lilly at 6 months

Lilly at 9 months!

This is just to note how much Lilly has grown and changed over the last nine months!! Pure Craziness!!

Enjoy Photos and Videos..she claps, crawls, pulls up, and cruises now! Boy are we in trouble!!

9 Months old and oh...so happy!

Lilly is 9 months old today, and other then a change in eating habits, nothing really new to report. At her check up she has finally started growing taller to match her weight, and is in the 75% for all measurements (height, weight, and head size). The doctor said she is doing great, and might be walking in the next few weeks. Yesterday, we took a drive on the beach to enjoy the day and Lilly loved getting her toes in the sand and practicing walking holding our hands. She is moving around like crazy, and we will soon have to really a baby proof the house and remember to close doors and such. But for now, she is just pulling up on things (couch, chair, TV stand, and toys) and cruising! Here's to an active baby and all the adventures ahead!

Lilly with Cousin Dana, and cousin Matthew in DC

Lilly, Becky, and Great, Great Aunt Ruth in PA


All of the grandchildren and 1 great grandchildren with Zanny in PA.

Lilly showing off her one of her new outfits with Great Aunt Elise, and cousin Kit in PA

Three of the "Big Six" with Lilly!

Learning lots from Great Uncle Bob and Great Aunt Bonnie!

So happy to open presents!!

Becky and Lilly with the Fitzula side of the family in front of "The Tree" at Rockefeller Center in NYC!

And Finally the Family shot in front of the tree!

Our East Coast Christmas Adventure...

With a car full to the brim, we set out for our Christmas Holiday on Saturday the first leg of our trip....Washington DC. We made it with only two stops, and one very minor meltdown, not too shabby. We had arranged to meet up with an old teammate of Fitz's and her family for dinner. We really enjoyed having Lilly hang out with their 14 month old daughter, they played very well together. Then we finished the evening with a short jaunt over to Fitz's Aunt Donna, and Uncle Dwight's house. We put Lilly to bed right away, as it was getting late, but we (the adults) ended up chatting until nearly midnight. And like clock work the next morning, we heard our Lilly alarm clock at 7am. Before we hit the road again we had a nice visit again with Aunt Donna and Uncle Dwight, and Fitz's cousins Dana and Matthew.

Then we were off again to make the trip to PA to see my side of the family (well some of them). We made that trip in one shot and were welcomed by my cousin Kit and Aunt Elise. Shortly after we arrived my Uncle Mark, Aunt Charlene, and their kids (Allie, Tori, Emmy, Max and Sam) arrived for a visit with us and to meet Lilly. Soon after they arrived, we got even more visitors when my great Aunt Ruth and Grandmother (Zanny) came over.We had a ball, Lilly loves all of the attention, and we got some great photos. Then it was off to bed again and like the rooster that crows every morning..we were awakened at 7am. On this, our third day of holiday, Lilly got to meet even more new people....my Aunt Helen, cousin Mary, her great, great Uncle Bob, and gg Aunt Bonnie. I think GG Aunt Bonnie had the most fun of all, she spent most of the evening on the floor with Lilly just playing?! I wish she lived closer! Then we curled up for the evening! on our final day in PA, my cousin Kit and I, made a quick dash to Lancaster Central Market to shop. For those who don't know....Central Market is like a grocery store that has only the freshest foods from the local farmers, and home baked good that are out of this world. I left with gingerbread men, a loaf of french bread, shaved ham, and the best chocolate milk I have ever had. We had sandwiches and dessert for the road which was nice. The road this time lead us to Fitz's hometown in NY.

This trip was a bit longer then the trip to PA, so we were glad to be able to make it in one shot. We got a chance to unpack before all the gang arrived...Grandpa, Rosalie, Chrissie, Julia, Gary, and Fitz's parents. We had a full schedule over the next few days with Christmas Eve lunch with Great, Great Aunt Betty (we think she is well over 90 and still kicking), followed closely by cocktails and dinner at Attie's and then Evette and Gary's houses. The kids even got a visit from Santa Clause complete with gifts....Lilly did very well, and was the best smiler (I don't think this is a real word) for the camera. We made it to bed around midnight, of course Miss Lilly had been asleep since 8pm, so she was raring to go at 7am. On Christmas Day, we took Great Grandpa, and Rosalie to church. Lilly was "moved by the spirit" a number of times, and although she did not cry, she was a bit of a disturbance. Combine the noise with her raspberries on the people in the pew behind us, either Fitz or I were out in the parking lot or back of the church for most of the service. Right after the service we got back in the car for the trek back up to Attie's to finish opening Christmas gifts. This was an early night for us all! On the 26th, we got packed for a trip down to NYC to show Lilly the sights. We got to tour 5th Ave, the tree at Rockefeller center, Time Square and everywhere in between. Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Chrissie, Gary, and cousin came down with us and did a quick tour before they headed home. We got up the next morning and did a nice run around Central Park. I am still amazed as to how well behaved the dogs are in central park....I need that trainer for our next dog. We got cleaned up and did a quick shopping trip to FAO Schwartz to find some after Christmas deals. We got Lilly some wooden ABC blocks, two barefoot books, and a rubber ball. We had to really try to make room for these, as we had to leave some gifts in NY because we ran out of space. After FAO we hustled back to the hotel and packed quickly and got on the road for home. We started our trek back at 1:43pm, and made our way down through NJ on the awful turnpike, then through DE, and VA over and under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel and finally into NC and the fog. We finally arrived home at 1:34am after 500+ miles, two long stops, and one baby meltdown at hour 7+ of the trip. We are finally unpacked and cleaned up after our East Coast Christmas Adventure...here's to not traveling with a 8 month old baby for more then a 3 hour trip!!

All I want for Christmas is..

Today, me, Lilly and the Commadore got to attend the Christmas Party thrown by the playgroup we attend. Lilly was very well behaved and love Santa (as you can see), I think she was pulling on his beard, but he was a very "jolly" old guy, and did not seem to mind all the kids! There were plenty of kids who cried as they approached Santa, so they did not get good photos, but not my Lilliana...she was a champ!! For those of ya'll who we will get to see over the next few weeks...we are looking forward to it. And for those who we will not be able to see, we will miss you and wish you all the best!

Lilly and her Uncle Bobby

So my little bro has been in town since before Thanksgiving, and we have really enjoyed having him around. He graduated from the Army Engineering Dive Program, and was one of four selected to have a three year tour in Hawaii (3 miles from Waikiki beach). The group he is with is in charge of the South Pacific dive missions. Most recently the group did a mission of recovering air crafts sunk during a previous war. It sounds really exciting to me!! Since he has been here, we have been trying to get him and Lilly to spend alot of time together (she may not see him for at least a year). The Hoover clan did our Christmas on Saturday, and Uncle Bobby ordered the most perfect gift for Lilly....a 12m size pink shirt that says...."my Uncle is in the US Army," it is currently in the wash, but only because she has worn it since he give it to her and she got food on it. It is ashame the Bobby will be so far away because Lilly really enjoys spending time with him, and she will change so much by the time he will get to see her again! The photos are of Lilly and her Uncle Bobby in her new shirt, and of Lilly and Uncle Bobby when she was having a tough time sleeping one night while the folks were babysitting, and she feel asleep on Uncle Bobby while wearing his hat!! So Cute!!

Happy Birthday Bob-O!!

Today my little bro turns 24, and gets to spend the day with me and Lilly. We are going to take him out to lunch and hope that Miss Lilly behaves...then we are going to hit all the high points of Downtown Morehead (that are non-smoking of course). Here's to you little bro...hope it's as good as ever!

8 Months minus 1 day..

well, actually only minus a few hours since she was born at 1:43am!! Tomorrow Lilly is 8 months old, and I just can't believe it...she is just so fun!! From the above photos, you can see one of her favorite activities....playing with her toy basket and putting it on her head. She will do it for minutes at a time and just laugh. Other things are her to do list during the day are to play peak-a-boo...she actually pulls sometime of fabric over her head and drops it and waits for you to say...."peak-a-boo...I see you." Then she giggles like crazy!! Also, we go in a visit "daddy" she squeals with delight and makes a sound that we pretend is her "hi." We do some raspberries, and then she thinks it's really funny to keep doing raspberries while eating her solids....what a mess (but very cute)!! Then we make time for practicing standing and walking (taking steps). She takes some naps, and still nurses, but all in all she is right on track for an 8 month old (even being a preemie)!! We have a very busy December planned out....starting with my little bro's b-day on Friday and then Christmas with my family on Saturday...it's going to be a big day; workout in the morning, holiday parade at 11am, then lunch and naps, festival of trees at 1:30, then drive on the beach, then buy a tree, decorate said tree, and open presents!!! WooHoo!! On a final note the top two photos are of my new found craft...making sock monkeys, and our poor peach tree this morning in the frost!! Here's to being a busy December!!

December 1st Eve

I can't believe that tomorrow is the first day of December....where has the time gone. Lilly will be celebrating her 8 month birthday...she might even be crawling by then. She has been doing a lot of rocking on all fours, and is just on the verge on movement. It will be so different when she can move, because I can't just put her down and get some things done. Oh, well they grow up so fast, so I better enjoy every moment I can!!

Tomorrow was suppose to be my drop date for starting to workout and eating better (or at least not as many desserts), but I have this damn cough. I have had it now for 3 weeks, and it's time to do something about it. I have been putting off going to see the doctor because I thought I would just get better and with nursing there is not much that I can take. Plus, we don't really have a "family doctor" so I have to make some calls tomorrow. I am still going to try to cut back on desserts....did I mention that Lilly wants to eat whatever we are eating so it's time to cut back on anything that is not good for Lilly (or me either).

Beach Family Photos

Although I was able to take some really good photos of my engaged friends, Matt and Carole, we hired someone to come out and take some photos of the family on the beach. Images by Rodger meet us at Fort Macon and took some really cute photos of the Hoover/Family. It was fun to be out there with everyone and let everyone have some input on the photos and poses! Last night we all attended the 2nd Annual Holly House Oyster Roast, with some of my high school friends. Gosh, I miss those girls...it's amazing how people you have known your whole life, even when you spend time apart, you can pickup where you left off. Mr. Clark (one of the dad's) told me how he found it amusing that I was outside chatting with the girls, sipping some bourbon apple cider, listening to the baby monitor to make sure Lilly was ok in the back room of the house. I might be the ONLY one of my high school group who is married and has a baby, but I'm always up for a chance to party (so long as I can be in bed before midnight-in case Lilly decides to wake up early). We also got to celebrate the engagement of Candi and Parker....so romantic....he proposed 6 years to the day that they met!! I hope everyone had/has the chance to visit with some really good people over the holiday!! Here's to my girls Candi, Carole, Meredyth, and MEW! Thanks for the party!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Well, Lilly got to celebrate her first Thanksgiving, and I think she really enjoyed it. We started the day with a Turkey Trot with some locals. For years now, a group has been meeting to run at 7:30am on Thanksgiving Day with everyone having to bring canned goods to donate to our local food bank. I think this morning there were 20+ people up bright and early to run...even though it was only 30 degrees. Then we showered up and headed to my folks house for an "all-american" breakfast with bacon, and eggs. It was super good!! Then it was home to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner...fried turkey, homemade cranberry sauce (thanks mom), a pecan green bean casserole, these sweet potato cups, and of course pie both pumpkin, and pecan (thanks for those too mom). It was really good food, and really great company. Then we completed the night with movie, Fred Claus, and reading Aunt Ann's bibles (the sale fliers) trying to decide if we need to get up early and get anything. As of right now, Lilly is back asleep after being up at 4am with sore teeth, and Fitz is out in search of a great deal on a washer and dryer, and I am missing my spin class and swim at the local gym. Oh, well on missing the workouts....December 1st seems like a better day to start anyhow! Wishing everyone a great holiday weekend with family and friends!

The Frenzy that is Pre-Thanksgiving

So things around here have been busy, but not really alot to report. Last week we were happy to have a visit from Aunt Chrissie and cousin Julia. Julia is almost exactly one year old then Lilly, so it was interesting to see what we are in for over the next few months. We managed a trip to the Aquarium, Fort Macon, the beach twice, a photo shoot of the cousins, and just hanging out. we had to adjust to the different schedules of the girls...somedays it seemed that we lost the whole morning with waking up times and naps. All in all a great time!!

Then on Saturday, I tried my hand at selling all the tutu's I have made....and it went pretty well. I made back my booth fee and then some...and now have gotten a request over email!! YEAH!! Fitz has been traveling like a crazy man...and I am looking forward to him coming home tonight. We have all been battleing a case of the cold weather crud, runnie noses, cough, and just feeling yuck! Fitz got over it first, and now Lilly and I are taking our turn. It's amazing to me how my level of patience decreases as I feel worse. And to top that "crud" off, I think Lilly is teething. She keeps pulling on her ear, and biting anything in sight. At her doctors visit on Tuesday, she did not have an ear infection, but did have some fluid in her her (that she had been pulling on) so he thought it might be related to her teeth. She seems to have bulges in her gum in the back of her mouth...maybe she's getting in her molars?! Who knows...I just hope we all feel better soon.

Today my little bro graduates from Dive school in PCB, FL. My folks made the 13+ hour trip down there to help him pack out, and they should start heading back today. We are looking forward to spending sometime with Uncle Bobby before he heads to.....Hawaii!! He is one of the chosen few who will be stationed in HI for 3 years!! I can't wait to go visit him!! BUT I will enjoy this time we get before he heads off. YEAH for Bob-O!

Next week we are planning a mad dash up to PA for Thanksgiving, things have not really been the same up there since my Pappy passed away in 2006, but with Lilly in tow we are hoping to revive some of the spirit. I am hoping to get a 4 generations photo of my Zanny, my Mom, me and Lilly....crazy to think that!!

Well, with Lilly napping I am going to turn on Fit TV and try to workout a bit!!

More of My Lilly!

Lilly is trying her hardest to be mobile these days, but so far we only do some standing, forward leaning, and jumping. We are in a busy time for the Fitz's with a visit from Aunt Chrissie, and cousin Julia (their first meeting) starting tomorrow, then on Saturday I have the Art Fest to show my tutu's off (and perhaps make some money back). Then next week both Fitz and my parents are out of town, and when they all return to the MHC, my baby bro will be visiting for approximately 2 weeks.....GOSH.....so much going on. Wish me luck this weekend, and photos of all the goings-on will be up as things happen. Happy Tuesday!

These are a few of her favorite things...

If you have been around me recently, you would have heard me singing the song "Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music, to Lilly. For some reason this song calms Lilly down, so I seem to sing it alot. Here are two videos of Lilly doing two of the things she loves to do right now; tearing up magazines, and jumping in her jumper!! She is getting very strong, and loves to be standing and/or jumping!! Enjoy!!

Halloween Weekend!

We started our trek to Asheville on Thursday (after Fitz voted early) with an overnight stop in the Raleigh area. We got to visit with our good friend Meg and her kids and actually her parents in the early afternoon. It is always nice to have Lilly interact with other babies, and Grace seems to really like Lilly so that is cute to watch. Then we got to get in a good laugh watching Grace jump in the jumper-roo. Since she is 2 years old, she really understands how to jump in the jumper...just take my word for it....it was hysterical. Then we headed to Durham to have a tri group reunion with "chard, Mel, EP, Dustin, Jonathon, and Craig. It was great to see everyone and catch up!! I miss those folks!! Then on Friday we started our drive to Asheville, and made it there by 3:30pm. We got to take the kiddos trick or treating around the Saft's neighborhood. Little Keagan was a red dragon, he was super cute and really liked getting candy from everyone. He kept trying to go into their houses. We did lots of exercise on Saturday, outside of course, so we could enjoy the fall colors. It was amazing to see how out of hill running shape we are....there is nothing like going from 8ft above sea level to the mountains to NC to make you feel bad. We got to do a really nice hike up to 6,000+ feet. Lilly did great, but it would have been much easier had she fit in the backpack (next time). We got to drive on the blue ridge parkway and see some spectacular views of Biltmore, Looking Glass, and just all the colors. Nature is simply amazing!! We started out drive back to Raleigh on Sunday, with a visit to see the newest addition to the Brooks family, Leah Rose. She was very alert, and beautiful!! I can't wait to watch her grow. Fitz and Mr. Dugan got to take in the hockey game at RBC, while the ladies had pizza and watched tv at home. We finally made it home on Monday, and it was nice to be back!! Although, it was a long trip, we did find that Lilly is good for car trips.....so long as she gets breaks every 3 hours or so!