I saw this on a blog and thought it was too funny....so I stole the idea! Enjoy!

Santa's little helper

"The symbol of the Christmas spirit" (said with a lisp)

I cannot believe it is December 15. There is a LONG list of things that I still have to get done before next Friday and I am dreading it. I've been telling Brad that it just doesn't feel like Christmas time. I guess it's the 78 degree weather we've been having! Crazy. I love this weather...in September and April! Well, finally this week it is "beginning to feel a lot like Christmas". We have our tree up and Mallory met Santa Clause.

We get a real tree every year (a family tradition on my side) and usually wait until a couple of weeks into December since they tend to get on the dry and "fire hazard" side if you get it too early. Well, this year we found a tree farm near us and decided to go check it out. They have pre cut trees and then also have trees that the owners grow so you can have a "Griswold moment" and cut it down yourself. Apparently, these trees will last from the end of November to the beginning of January. Unfortunately, when we got there, all they had left were 5-6 foot skinny trees. I guess they had a really good selling season. So, we were off to Home Depot where we purchased this beauty. It wasn't much cheaper than the farm and seems a lot drier. Oh well. You live and learn. We will be going back to the tree farm next year. It will be fun when Mallory is older and can help cut down her own little tree.

And here is the little girl with Santa. I was kind of worried about starting this tradition because I don't want her to be super disappointed when she finds out he isn't real. But for now, she is only 6 months old and doesn't know any different. She did pretty well, I think. We were thinking that she would either scream or just stare. She didn't really cry until we talked to her while he was holding her (or maybe she was crying because the "elf" only had 2 teeth and was scary-looking??). We caught the crying on video. All in all, it was pretty anti-climactic.

Now I need to get a move on and finish up shopping, baking, Christmas cards (they might end up being New Year's cards!) and everything else on my list...yikes!

Veggie Tales: Act One

Today was a first. Green beans! I went ahead and stripped Mallory down to her diaper (smart thinking as you will see below...she went right into a bath-the picture doesn't really capture how much she had everywhere). She really wasn't in to them at first. I pictured her just opening up wide and digging right in. Not my girl. She was more interested in the bowl than the spoon with the good stuff in it. Toward the end, I think she figured it out and opened up. We will try again tomorrow and see how she does. She didn't finish the jar, so this might be a long process. I read somewhere that it takes some babies up to 10 tries before they really like something. That would have to be my child. She resists change.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Happy half birthday sweet girl!

Technically it was on Tuesday, but that was Tate's birthday, so I wanted him to feel special. So, instead we are celebrating it after a morning of yucky shots in chubby little thighs. The running total is around 13 shots so far I think. Ouch! Luckily, Mallory is a trooper and is asleep already in bed. Poor thing. Here are her stats from her 6 month checkup:

Weight: 16 pounds 9 ounces (60th percentile)
Height: 27 inches (95th percentile)

Head circumference: I'm a bad mommy and didn't write it down. But, Dr. K said that it was smaller in percentile, but that it was okay since she is so tall (I guess it is proportioned well?)

We will be starting "real" food next week. I still can't believe it is already that time. It has flown by! I sound like my parents saying this, but it really does feel like yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. Wow. So, stayed tuned for the "Veggie Tales" of Mallory! Should be some funny pictures coming up.

Tater Tot is here!

I'm excited to introduce the newest member of our family....Tate! He came into the world at 8:10 pm last night weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces and 20 3/4 inches long. I am so proud of Kelly and Wade. They both did great! It was a long day for everyone, but well worth it to meet the sweet little guy. He is a cutie!

Here is Mallory and Tate. She really wanted to hold him:) They are exactly 6 months apart. It will be interesting to see who gets who in trouble later in life!

And the proud Aunt! He's so little. I still can't believe Mallory was that small...amazing how fast it all goes by (Wade, you will be hearing that now, instead of how much it will change your life...just get ready!)

And last but not least, the little guy himself. He has a full head of black hair, long fingers and big feet! We love him and are so thrilled for the new mom and dad!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

We are decorated at the Bankhead house! Brad was a trooper and put lights up on the house this year. This was the first time for him to take on the task. He ran out of daylight on Wednesday, so he had to finish up in the FREEZING cold and wind (which makes it scary for a 6 foot 4 guy on a ladder!) on Thursday. I took a picture, but it didn’t do them justice, so instead, you get a picture of my front door with the pretty fresh wreath my parents sent us. Thanks mom and dad! And thanks to Brad for putting the lights up, they look great!

( I have difficulty uploading the pictures to go with the text, so read below the next pictures to figure out what they are about!)

Brad was "recruiting" in Plano this weekend. So that left me and Mallory at home for some girl time. We went to Salado on Friday night with a couple of girls from church and did a little shopping. We ate dinner at a tea room that served yummy Tomato Basil soup. All of the shops were decorated for Christmas with lights and decor. There was a horse drawn carriage and all sorts of other fun things. Salado is a cute and quaint little town. I need to go back when, #1 I can concentrate on things other than trying to maneuver a stroller in an expensive store and not break anything, and #2 when it is light outside and I can see what Salado really looks like. We got our picture taken with a "Rein-dog", I think that's what the owners called them. They were Great Danes with antlers and wreaths. I thought they were pretty funny.

I also rearranged the furniture to make room for the tree (coming soon...we get a real one every year), made chocolate covered pretzels for Brad, bought Mallory a stocking and survived church solo this morning. It was a busy weekend that went by fast, which was a good thing. I tend to make myself hear things around the house and turn into a scaredy-cat when Brad is out of town.

It will be another busy week with my nephew coming into the world on Tuesday. We can't wait to meet Tate. It seems like so long ago that we were in Kelly and Wade's shoes anticipating Mallory's arrival. There were so many emotions. I am really excited for Kelly and Wade to experience it all. What an amazing opportunity!

Eeewwww!

I just had the strangest thing in my eye that I have ever had in my entire life. I wear contacts, and occasionally there will be an eyelash that gets in. So, this morning when I got that familiar pain, that is what I though it was. Although, this time it hurt a little more and I couldn't see anything in my eye. Until I took out my contact and from the side I saw the culprit. A piece of my own hair! I have never had a strand of my own hair in my eye before. Talk about a weird feeling pulling out the hair from my eyeball. Nasty! I guess that is what happens from post partum hormones...your hair falls out and gets in your eyeballs! So strange.

Gobble, gobble!

Happy belated Turkey Day!

We had a long, but very fun Thanksgiving holiday. Our first meal was at LaShay's in-laws. They were nice enough to have the fam over at their house. It was a yummy meal and entertaining with both of the babies. Julia is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything. Here they are at Ted and Sherry's house. This is the best picture I have of the two of them. It's quite hard to get them both to look at the camera and smile at the same time. Christmas should be interesting:)

The second part of the holiday was spent at the UT/A&M game in Austin. Yes, we are asking ourselves the same question. "You took Mallory to the game?" We love Mallory with everything, but that will be her first and last "big" sporting event to attend until she can sit in her own seat and eat her own food. I have now topped my "weirdest place to breastfeed". We brought a bottle, but it was cold and there wasn't any hot water to warm it up, so she wouldn't take it. So, that only meant one thing. Off to the restroom we went. I proceeded to feed Mallory standing in the bathroom stall with one leg propped up on the toilet paper holder. Yes, quite a sight. Although there were some challenges, I had a great time at the game. We sat underneath the new HUGE jumbo-tron in the end zone. And I got to use a gift that my Aunt Barbara gave me (see picture below). Although it doesn't look like it, the Moby wrap was comfortable. Mallory had a good ole time being able to look around everywhere and let her legs flop around everywhere. She slept in it good, too. Brad didn't enjoy the game as much, for obvious reasons. No need to rub it in Aggie fans:)

Our final destination and meal was at my parent's house. My sister decided a while back that she would buy Mallory "holiday attire". Fine by me! I like taking the goofy pictures so I have something to put in her "senior" videos later in life. Anyway. Here is the turkey headdress Mallory wore for dinner. She didn't mind it a bit. It was pretty funny. We were hoping Kelly would go into labor this weekend, but it didn't happen. It could be any day now...

I have had my fill of pumpkin pie, fruit salad, stuffing and turkey to last until next year. It was a great Thanksgiving and I am thankful to have been surrounded by my family and good friends. Now, bring on the non stop Christmas music, lights and everything red and green!

'Tis the season!

It is my favorite time of the year! The weather is cool and crisp. The leaves are falling. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It is just about time to get up in the attic and get all the Christmas decorations down. That all means one thing....it's turtleneck season!!! Woo hoo!

Brad really dislikes that I like turtlenecks so much. I used to be really obsessive. I think I owned 10, which he thought was a lot (a good mix of sweater turtlenecks, sleeveless turtlenecks and regular turtlenecks). He banned me from asking for any sweaters or turtlenecks for Christmas one year. I obeyed like a good wife. But, I think it is time for some new turtlenecks. Out with the old, in with the new!

I'm not sure why turtlenecks appeal to me so much. I guess because they are functional. They serve a purpose of keeping your neck warm and they can be very stylish. I guess it also makes choosing clothing a lot easier. All you have to do is choose the bottoms to go with the turtleneck. And, they aren't very fussy (I wouldn't classify myself as fussy when it comes to clothing). I am the type of person that gets stressed when it comes to clothing. I never really feel trendy and if I do get in the mood to be trendy, it's usually after the trend has come and gone. I don't really accessorize much and I guess I'd rather spend my money on a cute outfit for Mallory than myself...I am a true mommy now!!

Here's another "grilled cheese" poll. What article of clothing best describes you? I'll start. My name is Shannon, I am a turtleneck!

Somebody's ready for some football!

GO BEARS!!

Mallory is super excited for the Cal/USC game today. She really hopes that Cal wins so Grandpa will be in a great mood at Thanksgiving! And it would be really cool for Cal to make it to the Rose bowl. She heard that they haven't been since the 1950's. Plus, it's getting boring watching the same team (Texas...fight!) win it, year after year. Mallory told me just this morning, "My favorite player is DeSean Jackson. I hope he has a breakout game today!" Wow, that is impressive for 5 1/2 months, huh? She really knows her football. Or she just got brainwashed when Grandpa was here to visit.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

No funny signs for this birthday. This time it's a real picture with the birthday boy! Dad came through town and stayed the night with us last night. And then we had a birthday breakfast this morning at IHOP before he drove to Austin. It was great to see him, and Mallory was really happy to tell him Happy Birthday in person (so mom wouldn't put a silly hat or sign on her again!).

Here is Mallory and Grandpa at his favorite restaurant, Chili's! Happy birthday dad! We love you!

Sisters have ESP

If you would have told me 10 years ago, that Kelly and I would be best buddies right now, I probably would have done everything in my power for that not to happen. We didn't really get along so well. Of course, being family, we loved each other. But, we were very different growing up and I was a mean little sister. That is the official job title I think we are given. I'm surprised Kelly still talks to me! I won't hash up the details, but I wasn't very nice. Surprising, huh?? :)

The thing that really brought us closer was going to ACU. Kelly and Wade were both there during my first semester. She would have me over to her "off campus" apartment for dinner, introduce me to her friends (who were so much older and cooler!), talk to me on campus and take me to the mall. It was a really important time for us since she was about to get married the following April. I'm very thankful that I copied Kelly and went to ACU.

Which brings me to the real topic of this blog. Copying Kelly. It's kind of funny to me that our tastes are so similar now. I mean, we really didn't get along well people. She gave me a bloody nose when I was 5 years old! Anyway. Just had to throw that one in. Yesterday she called and before we got off the phone she said she had ordered a Christmas present for me and Mallory. I love to find out surprises, so I asked if I could guess. I had just ordered this corduroy bag with Mallory's monogram to use as a diaper bag. So, that is what I guessed (it's from a catalog that we both get and we both like all the stuff in it). She responded and interrupted my guess by yelling "Shut up!!" (which we are not allowed to say...I'm telling mom). She had just ordered the same exact bag (color and all) the night before. I ordered mine the night before she did. So funny. I wonder if she knows anyone else with the initials MKB???

Recycling and Old Navy

Just wanted to let everyone know that our family recycles. This is Mallory in her "traveling bed". I stole the idea from my sister in law Jen. She had one for our niece Julia. It is a doggy bed, but it works really well for infants when you travel out of town. The bottom is padded with an egg crate, and as you can see, it is pretty comfy! Well, it used to be comfy. Mallory is a giant and outgrew her bed pretty quick (notice the legs hanging off the side).So, naturally, we handed down her bed to our dog Connor! Makes sense, doesn't it? We thought so. I don't think there is any worry that Connor will outgrow it anytime soon. I was surprised he liked it though. This dog is usually very skiddish about new things. He barked forever at the stroller box and the vacuum.

And lastly, Old Navy. Right now they are having a really good sale. All of their clearance stuff is marked off an additional 50% (at least in Waco). So, mommy got some new pants and Mallory got a new hat! This is her at the UMHB/Howard Payne game this afternoon. Cute, huh?
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I was almost a bad mommy and forgot to include the biggest news of all...Mallory officially rolled over by herself tonight! I don't have pictures because #1 that is a hard thing to take a picture of and #2 we were using my digital camera as bait for her to look at and make the big roll. Anyway. She rolled from tummy to back twice and then she rolled from back to tummy once. Her face was pretty humorous. Like, "Hey, how did I do that?" I can't believe she's getting so big and doing so many things...so fun!

Home sweet home...just about

Kiersten passed the test. All of you ladies (and Wade) that read this, know that the key to making a new town feel more like home is to find a good hairstylist. After several recommendations, I took the plunge and got my haircut. She did a great job. I played it safe and just got a trim (also because Brad teases me that I always want to grow my hair out, then I end up chopping it off again). I will be going back to Kiersten and am glad to have a "girl to cut my hair". And the crazy thing is that she used to live in Abilene! She went to school with Kara. Small world.

What a guy!

Since Brad would never do it himself, it's time for me to brag on him. He just completed his first season as the head men's soccer coach. The season flew by really fast and I still can't believe it's over. And let me just tell you how much better it is watching soccer in 100 degree weather than 32 degree weather (and I'm not being sarcastic)! Brad brought the team to the ASC tournament for the first time since 1998. And they didn't do too bad considering the team they lost to, won the tournament. I think that is pretty impressive. I could go on about the stats, but I probably wouldn't word it right or get them right, so I'll let you all look at the website for specifics!

I am so proud of Brad. He came into a program that was not successful in the past, with players that he didn't recruit (or even know from Adam). He was able to earn their respect early on and really have an impact on the guys. I always loved hearing how much the Abilene High parents liked Brad and what he was doing for the boys-it made me feel proud to be Mrs. Coach Bankhead! Well, it is the same here. So many parents have told me how glad they are that Brad is here and what he is doing for their sons. It really just makes the move and all the stress 7 months ago worth it.

I couldn't be happier for Brad and his success this year. Love you dear!

The day after

I would like to have lots of cute pictures of Mallory in an adorable Halloween costume, but I don't. In fact, I didn't even buy her a costume! Am I a bad mommy? I didn't want to spend the $30 for her to sleep through Halloween-even though I knew she would look super cute in any costume we bought:) Instead, she wore some pumpkin slippers her Mimi bought her and the "daddy's little pumpkin" onesie Aunt Kelly bought for her. And, yes, she slept through the majority of trick or treaters. Next year, there will be pictures...I promise!

It was an exciting night of trick or treating here at the house. I think it's the first Halloween we have actually gone through most of our candy! In Abilene, we lived on a street with a bunch of older people, so we only had about 5 kids come by. More candy for us to eat though! So, this year, I knew we would have a lot...there are kids everywhere in our neighborhood. We still have some left over, but we did go through a lot. And I don't think I was stingy with the goods either.

The funniest trick or treater was a little boy (about 6) that came to the door and almost walked into our house. Mallory was crying and before he even said trick or treat, he asked, "What's wrong with your baby, why's it crying?" He must have a younger brother or sister! Then he got to business and got the candy. Too cute.

On the road again...

I got back last night from a fun and exciting trip to Abilene! I got to see lots of old friends, go to church at South Side, watch some good soccer, shop a little and eat a lot (Taco Bueno...mmm!)! Thank you Tim and Kara for letting us crash at your house all weekend, Mallory and I had a lot of fun!

Here's Brad with Mallory after they beat McMurry 3-2 in overtime Friday. They went on to tie HSU 2-2 in 2 overtimes on Saturday. That allowed them a spot in the Conference Tournament this coming weekend. Go Coach!

Here is my friend Patrice with Noelle, Mallory and Brooke. She led a Bible study that Kara, Sarah and I were in. We started the Bible study in August last year, and by November, we were all pregnant. Crazy, huh?

And here's the slumber party buddies. Mallory and Brooke are 11 days apart. They look like it, huh? Not really, my kid is just a giant!


This is random, but I wanted to share some observations from my drive on Highway 36. Did you know that there is a Nimrod, Texas? And did you know that nimrod means hunter? And did you know that Noah's great grandson was named Nimrod? Hmmm. And all this time I thought it meant idiot. There is also a Fairy, Texas. Interesting. And I saw a town named after Mallory...Moody. Ha! And my last thought. What is the proper etiquette for turning your brights on while driving behind someone at night? Do you wait until you can't see the tail lights anymore, or wait until you think you are far enough away? Just curious. Mallory slept for the whole trip, so I had a lot of time to think.

Bottles and a birthday

It's time for an update on Mallory and bottles... She is finally taking a bottle! There are no more screaming fits for 30 minutes folks! She only fusses when Brad gets her in position (she does that with me too) and then she chows down! It's great! Such a relief for us. And for Brad. I think his hearing was damaged in the process:)

I'm off to Abilene tomorrow for a visit. I can't wait! I have really missed my friends. I'll be staying with the Richardson family and hopefully Mallory will sleep well, or else we will all be grumpy! Brad has his last two games and then hopefully they will go to the conference tournament. Pretty exciting for his first year!

Someday Mallory won't let me do this, but since she can't object, I will do it for now...enjoy!

*Plus, it is getting her ready for Thanksgiving. Her Aunt Kelly bought her a turkey head dress that she has to wear!

Pudding Pops, Naked Neighbors and Project Runway

A couple of things today that I have been meaning to post about:

#1 Jell-o Pudding Pops. They are just not the same. I LOVED these when I was a little girl. I mean, loved them! Especially the chocolate/vanilla swirl (I would eat those first, then chocolate, then vanilla). So, naturally I was pumped when I saw the box at Wal-Mart. I snatched them up and put them in my cart. Boy, was I excited to have dessert that night! I opened the box and pulled out a swirl pudding pop. My first clue that things were going to be different should have been #1 the box/different brand, #2 the size of the pop-not the same rectangle one I remember...more like a fudgesickle. But I tried it anyway. Very disappointing. Just not the same as I remember. Not even close actually. Nice try "Pop-sickle". I won't be buying any more.

#2 N squared. I know you all have been on the edge of your seats waiting for this post:) About 2 weeks ago, Brad's sister and husband came in town to watch a soccer game. It stormed pretty bad, so we had to wait for the rain delay at our house. While we were looking out our living room window at the rain coming down, we noticed our backyard neighbor's light on in their frosted window. Yes, you know where this is going. I told LaShay and Steve, "Oh, look, our neighbor is in their bathroom. I don't think they know that you can see through the glass...but we have never seen any skin, so we haven't said anything before." Literally, right when I said that, the neighbor came out of her bedroom naked!! You couldn't see any details (the frosted glass helped to make her silhouette a little blurry), but you could definitely tell that she was either wearing a peach colored dress, or it was bare skin! It took us a while to figure it out and then she helped us out. She leaned forward and you could see crack!! We knew for sure what she was wearing at that point in time. Then, the funniest and most awkward part..the man of the house came into the bathroom (fully dressed), stood behind her and started swaying with her!! At that time, we were all grossed out and laughing hysterically! We have "naked neighbors"-hence the N squared-creative, I know. So, this is the hard part. Do I leave a note on their front door anonymously saying, "Just wanted you to know that your frosted glass in the bathroom isn't so frosted"? Or just let it go and leave all of our blinds closed to the backyard?
I think we should probably say something.

#3 My sister is hooked on Project Runway (the gist is that a bunch of designers compete in challenges every week to win $100,000-and other things-to start up their own line of clothing). So, the other day, there were re-runs of the season on Bravo, and now I'm hooked! Throughout the day today, I caught up on the first of the season so that I could feel complete watching the finale tonight. I want Laura to win, she is the classiest of the four. It's actually a really good reality show. Brad won't admit it, but he kind of likes it too!

Below is a picture I took this morning while I was getting ready. Mallory enjoyed watching herself in the mirror. Pretty amusing for me, too!

I think she's a fan folks!

I guess I finally gave in. I really didn't want to start Mallory on solids until she was 6 months old. I had heard about a higher incidence of food allergies from starting them out too early and that was my biggest reason for not wanting to do it. But, Brad is convinced it will help her sleep better at night. And, after the last week of not getting much sleep at night, I am ready for anything to work! Tonight was the first night of rice cereal. It was basically the consistency of thick milk. She still needs to work on her swallowing and tongue movement. She kept pushing it out with her tongue. But, there was no screaming, so that means she might have enjoyed her first entree of rice cereal!

Here she is a little scared about the green spoon coming toward her:

Then she realized, "Hey, this isn't so bad!"

Although a lot of it was on her face, she did "eat" most of it.