Pictures!

It's been a while and I don't really have anything to blog about today. So, instead, you get pictures! Everyone likes to see pictures more anyway, so here you go:

Someone had a crazy night of sleep and has the hair to show for it!

First time to swing! Although it doesn't look like it, Mallory really did enjoy it!

Just a fun picture on the couch.

Mallory's first try at "finger foods". She chomped down on that pretzel for about 10 minutes I think!


Her first tooth is officially "showing" and now the one next to it looks like it's about to say hello also. We had our first injury since the tooth came in. Last night I gave her this teether that I put in the freezer and I guess she bit down on it and her lip at the same time. It bled and she screamed. Poor girl.

Apples of Gold

So, I am starting a Bible Study tomorrow morning called Apples of Gold. It's basically a study involving older women mentoring younger moms. There will be cooking lessons, eating the food that we learn how to cook and a Bible study on nurturing things (like kindness, loving your husband, hospitality etc.). I've heard that it is a really good study. I'm excited to do it and have included my "apple seed" of the week for you all (see side bar). Mallory's excited to spend 3 hours in the church nursery...again!

We took Mallory to the park by our house this afternoon. It was the first dry day that we have had in over a week I think. The weather was gorgeous! Blue skies, perfect temperature and a slight breeze. She enjoyed the baby swing, and watching all of the other kiddos. Our child is a good "people watcher"....or maybe she just likes to stare! I wish I could post a picture of her in the swing (and the cute Valentine's shirt Aunt Kelly gave her), but it's taking too long to upload one tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

So many things!

I feel the need to give an update on Mallory. Several new things have happened over the last few weeks. Here they are in no particular order:

First, she is no longer being swaddled at night! And she is sleeping better because of it...I think! A few weeks ago, Brad was putting her to bed and just layed her in it without swaddling her. She just rolled around, talking to herself and being really cute (as we were crouched down by her crib listening to her) and then...silence. She fell asleep! And stayed that way all night. If she does wake up, usually she puts herself back to sleep before I open her door. Bliss!

Second, we are on the way to being a bottle baby! This week we have started the process of weaning her from breastfeeding. So far, so good. I will be a little sad when the whole phase is over. I have really enjoyed breastfeeding. Although the things I won't miss: planning everything around a 3 hour window, feeding her in weird places, and all the other *lovely* things that come with breastfeeding and are TMI on my blog! I have to figure out life as a mom of a formula fed baby now. Hmmm...

Third, Mallory is officially getting her first tooth! It's on the bottom, that is all I know. She will not let me see the darn thing. Every time I try to pull down her lip to take a look, she screams. Not from pain, just from not wanting to be held down. I wonder why? Anyway. I feel it every time she chews on my finger. So, everyone that has come up to me at church, in Walmart, at the mall, family reunions and at restaurants...yes, she is teething! I think I have heard that phrase for 7 months now (she has a thing with chewing on everything in sight), and finally I can say yes!

Fourth, she is no longer a vegetarian. She had her first meal of turkey and sweet potatoes tonight. She loved it! Her repertoire of food is increasing everyday. So far, the only things she doesn't like is peaches. I think they are a little tart for her right now.

Fifth, she is sitting up by herself and has started leaning over her legs and side to reach for things. Crawling might be in the near future, but we are more than happy to be patient waiting for it. It's nice with her not being mobile yet.

And I think that is all for now. I say it all the time, but I can't believe how big she is getting! It is so amazing to watch! I'm so thankful to be home with her and witness all the milestones.

It's a new blog!

Sort of. I guess it depends on who you ask.

I just asked Brad what he thought of my "new blog", and he informed me that it is the same. See, that is the difference between men and women. Women would appreciate the change (even if it is the same layout) and say, "Oh, cute colors, I like what you did to it!" Men (like my sweet hubby) say, "It's the same blog, just different colors." Yes, but what do you think of the different colors??

Seriously, they may never understand us.

The best day of my life...

...other than marrying Brad and having Mallory (and lots of other things, I'm going for drama here). There is a Target store that will open in Temple, Texas THIS July! Did you read that?? I have been giving Brad heck since we moved here and I found out the closest Target is 25 minutes away! He will be happy that I am going to save him gas money. Although I might use just as much gas by making frequent stops there; it is quite close to our house. I had heard from other "Temple-ites" that getting a Target here was in the works, but not for a whole year. Can you imagine my excitement when Brad came home yesterday and told me there was an actual sign with a date on the construction site? I couldn't be more happy. July 17th couldn't come any faster...

This is sad, very sad.

The grossest of all

During my days as an E.R. nurse, I saw some pretty nasty things. The obvious: blood, vomit, poop, broken bones. The not so obvious: smelly people, lice in the hair, boils in interesting places, horrible diabetic ulcers on feet and lots of other things that were good topics at the nurse's station while the patient was waiting in the room:)

Recently, I have come across probably the most nasty of them all: the public highchair.

Normally, I wouldn't even think about such things...but Mallory has recently achieved high chair status in restaurants. I am now suspicious of them all! The buckles gross me out the most-and that is what Mallory goes for first, to put in her mouth. Have you ever really examined one of the buckles? They are sticky, gooey and caked with nastiness!! My mother in law gave me a high chair cover back when I was pregnant, but I thought it would be too much of a hassle or too "high maintenance". Now I'm thinking it wouldn't be such a bad idea.

I'm usually not such a germ-a-phobe. Sometimes I touch the handle to flush the toilet in a public bathroom (gasp!) and I have had someone else's vomit on me before (you wouldn't run and get gloves on if someone was puking their guts up, would you?). But for some reason, the high chairs have gotten to me. I'm tempted to carry Clorox wipes in my diaper bag now, and wipe down all surfaces of anything that Mallory may come in contact with.

Unfortunately, I know this is just the beginning. We still have elementary school germs to get through...yikes!

Oopsies!

I need to make an apology to my mother in law. I'm sorry, I really dropped the ball. December was super busy and I completely forgot to do a birthday picture for her. Please accept the following picture as my/our apology! Happy belated birthday Sharon!!

And (not to leave out one of the youngest members of the fam), Happy 1st birthday Julia! We can't wait to see you get cake all over your face and play with all the boxes your toys are coming in!!

(in keeping with the theme of bath time...)

Happy Birthday Mom!

We wish we could be up in Oregon celebrating with you, but I guess this will have to do. Sorry it's not spelled right. There was only one of every letter...we had to be creative:)

Love you!

Happy New Year!

Our house is back to normal. Brad is glad, but I am always a little sad to pack up all the decorations and throw out the tree...even if it is a fire hazard now.

Brad took me on a "business lunch" today-he had an agenda for us. We were to reminisce about 2006 and talk about our favorite memories, and then make our resolutions. It was fun to think back to last January and what we were doing. We went month by month talking about what happened and how it changed us. That was easy to do because 2006 was a full year. We welcomed 3 new people into our family (Julia in January, Mallory in June and Tate in December), Brad accepted his job, I quit my first "real world" job, we sold our house in Abilene, bought a house in Temple, lived in someone else's house for a month, gave birth, moved to Temple, made it through our first collegiate soccer season, and did a lot of other things that made 2006 a great year! Of course, our favorite memory is the day that Mallory was born-and it's the thing that has changed us the most...by far!

As I was watching her in Chili's today, and thinking back to all that we had gone through to get us here, I got a little emotional. I believe that God brought us here to Temple. It amazes me to look back at all the details that needed to be taken care of, and He provided for us. Honestly, I had no stress during any of it. The Lord provided and took care of us during some of the biggest life changes that people can go through (remind us not to have a baby, move and start a new job all in 3 months ever again!!). We have not always been faithful to Him, but He will always be faithful to us. I pray that you know that. I pray that you know Him.

So, now onto my resolutions for 2007 (I don't have very many because that way I can concentrate on them and not feel overwhelmed):

1) Stop eating fast food (including desserts...I know it is insane)! This is not my resolution by choice (Brad decided to do it). I am only doing it because Brad and I eat together a lot and maybe it will help lower my cholesterol?? He is allowing Subway, Schlotsky's and pizza. I can handle that...I think. It's Taco Bueno and Chick-Fil-A that are my weaknesses.

2) Attend a women's bible study at our church. I need to do this to make friends and I really desire to know the Lord better.

3) Exercise. Seriously, how hard is it to take a 30 minute walk with Mallory in the morning?

4) Be intentional with friendships. I have a tendency to be passive in friendships. I call back, email back and usually do not initiate a "get together". Mallory and Brad may be my only friends in Temple if I continue this!

And there you have it. I am already feeling overwhelmed. Uh oh, that's not good.

The best Christmas present ever!

I love Six Flags. I don't recall ever being afraid of roller coasters. Brad, on the other hand, hates them. He's never been on one, and when he was little, his family went to Six Flags and his mom came off the Judge Roy Scream white as a ghost...thus began his fear. He is afraid of heights and gets the occasional bout of motion sickness. So, you can imagine my surprise when I opened one of my Christmas gifts and found a bottle of Dramamine and 2 tickets to Holiday in the Park! It's my favorite time to go to Six Flags. The lights, cold weather, hot chocolate, and the best part...no lines! I have been bugging Brad for forever just to"try" Six Flags. I kept telling him that he may actually like it, you never know!

Well, try it, he did. We left Mallory with my parents the day after Christmas. Off we went to Six Flags. We ate lunch with enough time to let it settle, Brad had 2 Dramamine tablets and we were set. It was a perfect day for Six Flags. Blue skies, cool weather and it wasn't too crowded. Brad decided he wanted to start off with the scariest ride first (that way he wouldn't chicken out later). We were lucky enough to walk right up to the Titan...boy was Brad glad!! Then the nerves started. Our turn came and we got in the car. Brad had a death grip on the lap harness thingy. Click, click, click up the first incline. I kept telling him to hold my hand if he wanted. He looked straight ahead and said no as he was starting to breathe heavy. I started to get nervous that he was going to have a nervous breakdown right there on the Titan. There wasn't any more time to be nervous, down the first hill we went. I screamed and Brad grunted the whole way (see above picture). I looked over several times to make sure he wasn't crying or had stopped breathing. After it was over, he wouldn't talk about it until we got off the car and were walking (he didn't want to look like a sissy). Since there was no throw up invovled, I thought he was a go for all other rides (maybe even another go on the Titan). Not so much. We rode the Mine Train and then the Judge Roy Scream. He was done. No Shockwave, Batman, Mr. Freeze, Texas Giant or any other rides. We left the park. I was okay with that. Of course, I wished he had liked the rides better (I guess I'll have to ride with Mallory when she gets older and Brad will hold our bags!). He said he didn't enjoy any part of them. What is wrong with this man??

So, we will probably never go to Six Flags again. But, I was proud of Brad. He tried something that I love. He conquered a fear of his. He has inspired me. All because of a trip to Six Flags...

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.