Growing Payne's

The Glass Slipper Pageant

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:52:00 +0000

This is only our second pageant but our first pageant out of state and without Daddy! We were very sad to leave him behind but he had to work. So Ninnie (my mom), Kyndal (my little sister), Emmry and I loaded up in the Excursion at 8:00 am Saturday morning and we were off for Spartanburg South Carolina. This is about a three maybe three and a half hour long drive, so I was mighty nervous about how Emmry would do. Much to my surprise, she did fantastic. Emmry and Kyndal watched movies and she finally drifted off for about 45 minutes. (That was the only nap she had the ENTIRE day).We arrived, ate, put on our beauty wear and the pageant began at 1 o'clock on the dot. Emmry... oh my sweet Emmry ate up the staged and grinned for attention. As a mother, I couldn't have asked for her to do any better. She danced, smiled, laughed, played "Where's Emmry" with the judges and audience, and showed her personality the entire time.
We quickly had to change into Spring Wear and oh my! My little Spring Bee was BUZZING! I was very proud of myself considering that I made all of her accessories. Granny Pat made the adorable bows and basket and I made the bracelet and earrings. Emm was ROCKIN'!In this pageant, Emmry was required to create a hat from scratch that was "spring themed". I had a field day with this part of the competition! Stressed from the beginning but at the end, I was so amazed at the turn out of this hat. The hat was an adult gardening hat. I added the fake green moss first, topped it with huge, bright daisy flowers, added a few butterflies, bees, ladybugs, a dragonfly and coated it with some hot glue and BAM! Emmry's hat was born! One of the best and most creative things I have ever done and it paid off... BIG TIME!It was a very long, very tiring, very overwhelming day that I think ended very successfully! Crowning and the awards ceremony began around 5 o'clock that afternoon. There were 13 girls in her age group and about 60+ overall. Emmry won as follows in this order:
Best Portfolio
Most Beautiful
Best Personality
Best Spring Wear
Over All Spring Hat Diva
Supreme Division One Winner
Being proud of her is an understatement. Words cannot describe how happy and elated I was for Emmry. She took every bit of it in too. AND... For her to get up at 7:30 in the morning, have a 45 minute nap, last nearly SIX hours thru a pageant and not pitch ONE FIT.... THAT IS AMAZING and all I could ask for!

Emmry Won Her 1st Pageant!

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:17:00 +0000

In this blog, the title doesn't say it all! Emmry did so well at her very first pageant. I could not have been more pleased with the outcome. She was so well behaved and not to mention, she won THREE awards out of 15 girls in her age group. She won the title Easter Star Pageant Queen and received a huge crown, trophy, sash, and prize money. She won Over-All Most Beautiful (I'm most proud of this one) and received another crown. And she also won the Early Entry Award and received a trophy with her name on it. All the girls were absolutely beautiful, I wouldn't have been able to judge!

Pageant Time!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:27:00 +0000

This is something either you are 100% for or 100% against and I just happen to be 100% for.... Pageants! From the moment I found out Emmry was a "girl", I knew I just had to put her in at least one pageant, just to see how she would do. However, I didn't think it would be as time consuming as it has been so far although it has been SO much fun planning for the big event(s). Emmry's first pageant is March 28 in Dalton and I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for this day to arrive. Her next pageant is April 17 in South Carolina and this one is a tad bit bigger than the 1st one so I am a little nervous! Nonetheless, I think she will do just fine and I can't wait to upload pictures! For now, here are some shots I took of her today! ENJOY! =)

A Headband, Diaper, and Crocs?

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:11:00 +0000

Yes... That's right. The title says it all! Check out my little baby model! She is rockin the headband, diaper and red crocs! Gosh, I just love her!

18 Special Things About Emmry

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:28:00 +0000

Emmry is now 18 months old and time is seriously flying by. I blink my eyes and she is doing something new. As sad as I am that she is growing up so quickly, I am very proud of her outcome this far.

1. Emmry can finally walk.
2. She can feed herself not only with her hands but with a spoon too.
3. Ball is her favorite word.
4. She can drink from a big-girl cup.
5. She dances endlessly.6. Emmry knows when bedtime is and goes to sleep on her own.
7. She can tell our dog Rusty to speak and he actually does it.
8. Mama is her second favorite word.
9. She knows what to do with a phone. (Hold it to her ear and say hey)
10. "TOUCHDOWN" is her favorite pose.
11. She loves to wink.
12. Chicken in her favorite food.
13. When I say "Daddy's home", she runs to the window to watch for him.
14. This child loves SHOES more than her toys.
15. Painting is her newest hobby.
16. Bath time is her favorite time of the day.
17. She love, loves, loves books.
18. When asked for a kiss, she'll give you one.
I love you sweet girl... more than you'll ever know.

1st Trip to the Georgia Aquarium

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:11:00 +0000

This was a very last minute thrown together trip but I am so pleased with the outcome. Emmry and I planned a play-date with Brittany and Gracie Rowland to have a mother-daughter day at the Georgia Aquarium. Since our girls love animals... this is the second best place (Zoo would have been better but it was too cold). We loaded up our girls and off we went with GPS in hand. This is the first time either of us have gone to Atlanta without our husbands so I don't know if it was a bit of excitement that we were doing something on our own or if we were scared about doing it on our own. Note: we made it safely! =)

Gracie and Emmry absolutely loved the aquarium, Emmry even put her hands in the water to pet the stingrays! (I won't even do that). The day was very adventurous and only just a few fits were pitched during the entire day. I'd say that is very good considering we were with an 18 month old and a 13 month old! Here are some pictures from our trip.And this is how our wonderful mother-daughter day ended. Sleeping Beauties!!

Meet Charlie

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:43:00 +0000

Everyone... We'd like for you to meet Charlie, the newest addition to our family. Charlie was born on October 15, 2009 and he is a toy poodle. He will be around 4-5 pounds total. He is full chocolate and white mix. His nose and paws are even brown and he has the most gorgeous green eyes. After Sammy died, we knew Abby needed a playmate. We couldn't stand to see her looking out the window, waiting for Sammy to return. So, we loaded up the car with Emmry and Abby and headed to Petland.I walked in the store, eager to see all the little puppies in hopes that I would find one to melt my heart. We played with all sorts of them but I spotted Charlie in the store manager's arms and just knew I had to have him. I held him and that was it. I was gone. In fact, Todd was gone too. We both fell instantly in love. The funny this is, we went to Petland on a Saturday which was obviously the most busy day of the week. There were tons of people and each one of them waited for us to put Charlie back so they could hold him. One family even came in, as we were checking out, to purchase Charlie. I guess he was the "favorite" of the pet store.
Though Charlie will never replace our Sammy, he is definitely loved and definitely made such a wonderful change to our household. He is playful, he wrestles with Emmry and Abby, he has the most tiny bark I've ever heard and the way he sleeps is hysterical. I don't feel like we "chose" Charlie, I feel like Charlie "chose" us! (Charlie with his tongue sticking out)

Rest In Peace My Sweet Sammy

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:05:00 +0000

Rest In Peace Sammy
July 30, 2006 to January 1, 2010
You'll be forever in our hearts!

2010 didn't start off as I had planned nor do I think 2009 ended how I expected. After a date with Todd, we arrived home as usual. Unloaded Emmry out of the car, unlocked the door, sat Emmry down by her toys, and played with Abby and Sammy who were dying for our attention. This is our every day routine when we get home. For whatever reason, we didn't take the dogs out when we got home (which is a pretty common thing we do is take them out asap).(Abby to the left, Sammy to the right)

Around 9:45, Todd noticed that Sammy wasn't upstairs in the bed with us. Once he realized Sammy wasn't down stairs either, the panic set in. We immediately went outside, checked the road, searched the backyard and starting yelling his name. Then... something just hit me; my heart stopped as I went towards the road for one last look. I stood there for a minute trying to clear the tears from my eyes so I could see clearly. I was freezing and my breaths drew faster and harder. I knew in that moment, it was My Sammy. I screamed Todd's name. Over and over again and even though it was only moments before he reached me... it felt like days. My heart was shattered, empty, speechless. I cried endlessly, sobbed for days.
(Emmry feeding Sammy)

Sammy was my very first pet to have all to myself. He was my Christmas present from Todd in 2006. Sammy was never afraid of anything, very curious but also very protective. He loved us all in a way that could never be replaced and the bond he had with Emmry was truly one of a kind. He played with her, chased her, kissed her, and whenever she would wake up from nap time... he'd always be right there at her crib waiting on me to put her down. I miss him. We all miss him.(Sammy getting some of Emmry's drink)

Todd buried him in our flower garden. He even has a headstone and flowers. It took me days to be able to go out and see it, maybe because I felt so guilty. I think of him daily and often want to call out his name. I hear his bark. I can sometimes smell where he used to lay. I know he is in a better place. I know I'll meet him again.
(Abby on the left, Sammy on the right)

Sammy, wherever you are... I love you. Todd loves you. Emmry loves you. Abby loves you. You are and will always be missed.

A Tad Bit Behind.... (sorry)

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:35:00 +0000

I do believe the last time I "blogged" was in October, after my birthday. There is soooo much catching up to do and figuring out a place to start is mind-boggling. I'll just pick up where I left off and ONLY give the most important details of the event(s). First up is Halloween 2009...

Even though it was a very yucky and rainy Halloween, it was definitely a great time for Emmry, who I must say was the sweetest little ladybug I had ever seen. We (Todd, Emmry and I) first went to eat at one of our favorite restaurant and then headed over to PawPaw and Nana Gayle's house to go trick-or-treating! She loved going from door to door and this child loves candy so this was a very enjoyable event for her.The next big event is Thanksgiving and oh what a long day it was. Todd had to work on Thanksgiving, so his missed the Thanksgiving feast at my grandma's house with my dad's side of the family. If I remember correctly, Emmry wasn't in a very pleasant mood so she sat in my lap the entire time and ate ham (5-6 HUGE pieces too)! PawPaw and Nana Gayle decided to go on a trip for Thanksgiving, so we didn't have a family gathering with Todd's side. Around 5 or so, Emmry and I loaded back into the car and headed off to Aunt Debbie's to celebrate with my mom's side and needless to say, Emmry still wasn't in a better mood. She cried most of the time UNTIL.... her wonderful daddy made his entrance! Her face lit up and in the moment, the child had changed. She was completely different the rest of the evening; she played, laughed, threw a ball back and forth with everyone, ate cake and she discovered that she LOVES whipped-cream! From all the food we ate the entire day, I believe we all put on about 5-10 pounds! =)
Christmas is a different story and I have to admit, I wasn't really in the "Christmas" spirit this year. But, I didn't let it stop me from putting up the tree or decorating the house. Most of December, I don't remember. However, Christmas morning is morning I'll never forget. Santa brought Miss Emm LOADS and LOADS and LOADS of things. She got clothes, shoes, books, dolls, barbies, learning activities, etc... But the BIGGEST gift from Santa was the convertible pink barbie bug. The moment she laid eyes on it, she was gone. In and out. In and out. In and out. Priceless! Let's just say, Santa REALLY over did himself this year but we are VERY THANKFUL!As far as Emmry goes, she is a growing girl that is full of energy and giggles. She is now nearly 17 months old and weighs 26 pounds. Not quite sure how tall she is but at her next doctors appointment, I'll be sure to update. She eats anything and everything and is very "nosy". She likes figuring things out on her own. Her smiles are endless and everyday, together, we learn something new. Emmry loves pictures, books, shoes on her hands, chocolate milk, chicken nuggets, balls (everything to her is "ball"), her blanket, and yes she still has her passy. She can say words such as ball, mama, dada, get, and stop. Although her vocabulary isn't large yet, she knows what we are saying to her. She is so bright and I couldn't ask for a more wonderful daughter.

It is now January 13, 2010 and the new year is looking brighter than ever. We are all excited to see what the new year will bring to us. As of last night, we have an OFFICIAL WALKER! Yes, my dear and precious Emmry is walking now (it's been a LONG few months). I do believe I have worried myself sick over the ordeal but just like everyone said, she will do it in her own time. I have a gut feeling that 2010 will be one of the best years for us... But only time will tell! =) I am truly blessed and thankful to have my family. I love them and I know without a doubt, they love me too.

Happy Birthday to Mommy!

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Yes, I finally turned the BIG 21 on October 12th. Such a young milestone that I have been exciting about crossing. Not for the drinking part but because it FINALLY makes me legal for anything and everything. It's like once a person turns 21, you don't get the question of, "You're only 20"? I was so blessed to spend my birthday evening with my family and very close friends. We went to Olive Garden and had a fabulous time! I'd like to thank the following for sharing the big night with me: Todd, Emmry, Mama, Buck, Kyndal, Taylor, Bill, Gayle, Dad, Jaymie, Ben, Hunter, Aunt Debbie, Erin, Jeff, Kim, Brittany, Kyle, Chelsea, and Lan. My birthday was the best and it's because I have all of you in my life.

Thank Goodness!

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:11:00 +0000

I am proud to announce that Emmry is not only DRINKING from her sippy cup, but she is also holding it herself too! Whenever I feed Emmry, I always put her sippy cup on her tray. While I was fixing her lunch the other day, I notice that she was gibbering as much. I turned around and was so amazed at the site I saw; my sweet Emmry holding and drinking from her cup! I quickly ran to get the camera because I knew I had to treasure that moment forever. I am so amazed at how much she is learning each day. She knows how to clap, point to your nose, mouth and eyes. She knows how to give you a five and right now we are learning our colors!This is off subject but while Todd and I were cleaning the car the other day, we rolled down the windows and let Emmry walk around. I just happened to have the camera ready and I got some great shots!

Unplanned Weekends...

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:23:00 +0000

Gahh, they are my absolute total favorite! Like, when you get a "surprise" text or phone call and something so small turns into be so great! With that being said, I received a text from Chelsea asking if we (Todd and I) wanted to watch the Georgia game and cookout. Of course, Todd and I never turn down a date with Chelsea and Lan (they just happen to be one of our favorite couples!) We decided to cook hamburgers and wings. #1. I am NOT a cook especially with a deep fryer. Let's just say there was an "explosion" in my back yard! I called Lan over to put the FROZEN, not even thawed out a little bit, wings in the deep fryer. The oil was about 400+ degrees. When Lan dropped the wings in, the oil split over and there was a GIANT ball of fire! I screamed, Chelsea screamed, and Lan... He was just scared! =) I will note... our wings and hamburgers turned out GREAT! However, we are no longer cooking wings at our residence!Later in the evening we decide to go to Buffalo's in Acworth to Karaoke for Kevin's birthday. I might add that I has six people in my 4-Runner, poor Brittany was in the very back, hiding from any police seeing her! Needless to say, I am pretty sure Kevin had a good birthday since our "party train" arrived! We got home kind of late and Miss Emmry was wind awake, playing and carrying on. She was enjoying all the attention. It seems that wherever we go, the attention follows her and she eats it up.As everyone started to leave, Chelsea realized that the wing sauce was leaking out of the bowl, down my couch and pouring on the floor! We couldn't help my laugh because the night had already been so "eventful". These are the moments that will last a lifetime! Great friends, great fun, great laughs, great memories!

Todd's 30 Year Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Todd and I recently received an invite to his 30 year reunion from Cass High. We, at first, were a bit skeptical of going. Not particular reason other than being uncomfortable. One night while we were laying in bed, we just decided to go. Todd was Mr. CHS so I felt like he should be there! I am very pleased to say that I am so glad we changed our minds! We had the absolute best time, I actually can't remember the last time we felt so good.

The reunion was held at the Country Club and was filled with all sorts of decorations, gifts and people... tons of people. My favorite detail was the name tags; each name tag had the year, the person's name AND... their senior picture. Quite hilarious! At first, you could tell people were a little standoffish but within about an hour of being there, we were surrounded by the best people. We ate amazing, mouth-watering food (it was to die for). I got the biggest kick out of hearing all the stories like this one guy made a giant paper airplane, lit it on fire and threw it across the room. He didn't even get into trouble and all I could think was, "We would have gotten expelled"!!

There was dancing, jokes, more stories, great people, awesome music, and much more dancing. We even picked up a dinner date with Sandy, Kevin, Robin, Megan and Tim. I did not feel out of place at all. In fact, I felt more comfortable than ever before. Now, I've been wondering if "my reunion" will be this much fun? Todd and I are looking forward to the 35th reunion... It's a CRUISE!(Sandy and Kevin)(Todd and Karen Mercer; Mr. & Mrs. CHS)

Hand Clapping

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:19:00 +0000

This is big news for us! =) I am guessing that since Emmry was born six weeks early, it explains a lot for why she doesn't do all of the "normal" things other kids her age are doing. BUT today, she clapped her hands!! She went on and on and on and smiled the entire time while doing so. We haven't had much luck with the hand coordination, so this is BIG! Emmry is also drinking from a sippy cup now. She hasn't figured out how to hold it and drink it but she does drink when I hold it up for her! I am so glad for her, even though she has no idea! Besides, what's "normal" these days anyway?

Nothing New

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:27:00 +0000

(Todd says this is me and the exact look I give him sometimes! Ha!)

Yeap, I think the title says it all. =) Not much has really changed in the "Payne Household". Emmry is very close to walking on her own but still not quite there yet and she still isn't drinking from a sippy-cup. I am over the "worried that my child is behind" thing because she will get it in her own time. I will report that ever since Emmry's little virus, she has been a COMPLETE and TOTAL mama's girl; not wanting me to leave her, hanging on my leg in the kitchen, following me to the bathroom. The whole 9 yards. However, I can't complain because I am truly glad to depends on me!

Tomorrow is our 4 year anniversary... not wedding anniversary but 4 years of being together. I look back and wonder, where did the time go? Daddy (Todd) has a very bad stomach virus so I guess we won't be celebrating tomorrow! =( BUT, on a positive note I am about 90% positive that Abby (our yorkie) is pregnant. I am so thrilled for two reasons... #1 I LOVE PUPPIES and #2 Emmry LOVES puppies! Abby has puppies when Emmry was about 6 months old and she adored them. I am just hoping that she won't be as rough with them as she is with Sammy! She is due October 8th... 4 days before my 21st birthday!!

Transitioning...

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:06:00 +0000

Now that Emmry is a year old, I have been wanting to start on the transition from being a baby to now growing into a toddler. The transition however is not going well at all. I've been wanting to only use her passy at night time and start to wing her of the bottles! But I have had no success with either! She won't drink from anything but her bottle and she won't drink anything but formula! A few sips of tea from a medicine dropper every once in a while but its all formula for her! The passy ordeal, yeah... I just can't do it. It is such an easy out for when she is upset or angry or just plain fussy! I thought it would be easier once she got a little older... Oh boy, I was W-R-O-N-G!

Emmry's First Birthday Bash (Sorry We're Late)

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Yes we are late with the blog entry of Emmry's first birthday. However, I do have a good reason! Miss Emmry had been sick since her birthday party! Thankfully, it was just a virus that we had to let run its course. She is so much better now, back to being a wild-child!

Emmry's party was fantastic... a lot of work and planning but it was well worth it! On Emmry's actual birthday (Friday August 21) we went to eat with the entire family and nowhere suits us best than Mexican food!

Saturday was the big day though. Emmry's party was at Uncle Jeff's and Aunt Kim's neighborhood pool. Thankfully the weather was gorgeous (it had been raining all week). The pool area was covered in HOT PINK and LIME GREEN and even a special banner that Brittany, Chelsea and I made! (Thank you girls) Emm had a big 2 layer "Hair-Bow" cake... a mini "Hair-Bow" cake to match!It was a little too cool to swim but we still made the best of it. She got TONS of gifts; a highchair, a new stroller, toys, shoes, hair-bows, a pink glove and ball, and loads of clothes! She enjoyed opening her presents... so look out Christmas because she is now a pro!
The "playing in the cake" part... it took a few minutes before she actually really got into it. More like 20 minutes. But once she figured out that is was okay to "mess", she was COVERED! I think she had a wonderful time and even though she won't remember it... I WILL! =)

I'd like to thank everyone that attended her FIRST BIRTHDAY! I am glad you guys got to share the special day with us!
Thank You:
Nana-Gayle, PawPaw, Ninnie, PawPaw Daddy, Kyndal, Taylor,Granny-Pat, PawPaw, Lynn, G-G, Breanna, Eric, Chase, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Kim, Cole, Aunt Shannon, Caleb, Luke, Aunt Maymie, Ben, Hunter, Aunt Debbie, Erin, Auntie Britt, Michael, Chelsea, Allan and Miss Kathy.
We love you all very much!

Our First Fever/Undiagnosed Sickness

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Oh how I couldn't wait for Emmry to turn one... I sure didn't realize what was going to come following her first birthday party. She has been so sick since Saturday (her party), that I haven't even had time to post pictures or blog about her first birthday party. Here is what is going on so far with Emmry and her illness:

Saturday afternoon, Emmry didn't seem to be feeling very well... mostly fussy. I figured she had just been worn out from the party and from not having a very good nap. However, that night the fever started. On Sunday, her fever stayed about the same. She was in and out for most of the day. Sunday night the bomb hit us... 103.8 temperature but she had no other symptoms; just a fever and a little congestion in her nose.

First thing Monday morning I rushed her to the doctor. We arrived at 10:00 am and didn't leave until 2:00 in the afternoon. They ran EVERY test on this child. Everything from the flu, ear infection, strep, mono, phenomena, UTI, catheter, blood work, and X-rays... NOTHING! Everything came back normal EXCEPT her white blood cell count. It was very high. Before we left, they gave her a shot of antibiotics, hoping that would help lower the white blood cell count. For the remainder of Monday, Emmry slept a good bit. She did "perk up" once we left the doctors office. But it wasn't for a long time. Once she woke up for her nap, the child was on fire... I am telling you, I could see the heat coming from her body... her temperature was 104.5! And yes, I was freaking out. But she was keeping liquids down and took her medicine. So the doctor just said wait and see what she does.

Emmry ended up falling to sleep on her own around 10:30 Monday night and she was so pitiful. She woke up several times in the middle of the night until I finally picked her up. Something was wrong... her temperature was 104.5... AGAIN! A dose of Motrin, some good home made sweet tea, a cool bath and she was back to bed! I didn't hear a peep from her the rest of the night (yes, I checked on her numerous times).

This morning (Tuesday), we took her back to the doctor at 8:30 and pour Emmry just hates that place. She cried just seeing the doctor. They took her blood again and we waited. (I'm not sure about anyone else, but I hate waiting... I hate waiting for the news and not knowing either it's good or bad.) Her white blood count was exactly the same and I could tell by the look on the doctors face she was worried/shocked. Apparently the shot she gave Emmry the day before hadn't worked. So we did a repeat; she gave her another shot and sent us home. Emmry has slept most of the day (with a continuous fever). She played a little this afternoon but she just isn't the same. Her pour little eyes are so droopy, she is just so give out. Her doctor (Barbara Terry) really thinks she has either A. a virus (that we may never know what it is/was and we have to let it run its course) or B. roseola (its a virus that has a full 72 hour fever of 103-105 and on the forth day, the child breaks out from head to toe in a rash). To me, both options stink. I don't want Emmry to have either!!

We go back to the doctor at 9:00 in the morning. We are HOPING/PRAYING that her white blood count is down. If it isn't... Scottish Rite here we come! I can seriously say this with so much truth... I wish it was me!!! I can't stand this. I hate this and it's just not far! All I can do is hold her, love her and pray but even sometimes... It just doesn't seem like I'm doing enough!

525,600 Minutes With My Darling Emmry

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:36:00 +0000

My Sweetest Emmry,
(Tears are pouring from my face at this very moment)
As a child, I imagined having a daughter; imagining you would be this wonderful was beyond my imagination. I can't describe to you how you make me feel other than by saying you are my entire world. I have loved every moment that I have been blessed to have with you. These past twelve months, you have brought laughter, joy, hope, and love into every one's life. You are so remarkable already and full of so much attitude (which I love).
From the start, you have been a Daddy's girl. I love the way you adore him and oh how he loves you. You are two peas in a pod and when he's around, no one else will do. Lately, you have been hanging on my hip though and I must say, I LOVE IT! I love watching you grow. I also love watching you sleep, you are so peaceful and I often wonder what you are dreaming about. You amaze me every day my sweet angel.
This blog is more than just pictures and words; it is memories of the happiest time of my life. These are memories that are locked in my heart forever. I look forward to sharing these special and unforgettable moments with you.
I am blessed to be your mother and honored that God chose you as my daughter. I promise to always love you, care for you, listen to you, guide you, and help you beyond my lifetime.
Emmry, you will always be my miracle. You will always be my baby girl.

Happy First Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Daddy's Song

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:30:00 +0000

Put a smile on your face,
It will make you feel better.
Put a smile on your face,
Make it last forever.
Put a smile on your face,
When you're down and when you're blue.
Put a smile on your face because Mommy and Daddy love you.

When Emmry was a newborn, she had colic. Todd started singing to her one day and these are the lyrics he would sing. She would quit crying and smile every time. He still sings her this song when she is upset and it works. He is such a wonderful Daddy. We love him so much!

It Was A Hairbow Kind of Night

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:58:00 +0000

Tonight, I had two of my closest girlfriends (Brittany and Chelsea VanHorn) over to help me with Emmry's birthday banner. Oh what a afternoon/night it was! We took a trip to Hobby Lobby, ate pizza, spilt drinks and Sammy (my dog) peed on some of the paper we were using for the banner!

While Brittany and I were working VERY hard on the banner, Chelsea was also working VERY hard on her own project... Emmry's hair! Chelsea's creation was hilarious. I think Emmry has ten bows in her hair! I was a much needed "girls" night and I think we all had a blast!

(If this isn't the most awful face, then I don't know what is!! Todd says she looks like me!! )

Party Planning!

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:33:00 +0000

The party planning isn't as stressful as I thought it would be. I am actually very relaxed and putting most of the stuff off until next week (the week of her party). I know. I know. I am a procrastinator but I have found that when I just "throw" things together, it usually works out better in the end.

Today was a big day! I placed the order for Emmry's cake and I seriously couldn't be more thrilled! I think the "theme" and "idea" of her cake came with a lot of thought and love. Not to mention that I came up with it on my own! It's very creative. The lady that is creating her cake even said she has never done anything like it before! Other than her actual party... I am the most excited about her cake!

Today is also Friday and this means... This is the last Friday that Emmry will be a "baby" or less than a year old!! Because I want the days to slow down, they only seem to be speeding up more quickly. This is such a huge step and although I am ready to take it... I am still a bit sadden by the thought!

A Dirty Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:07:00 +0000

This morning, I didn't wake up to my usual baby. I heard Emmry crying in her crib and I quickly went to check what was wrong, only I had no idea what I was going to find! The moment I walked into her room, I smelled it but she was standing up so I didn't think anything about it. I looked over the crib and poop was EVERYWHERE! Seriously... EVERYWHERE; her hands, her face, the crib, toys, blankets, and her bedding! The rails of her crib had poopy fingerprints! I wanted to just cry at the mess she had made but I couldn't help but laugh. I bathed her, cleaned her crib, and washed her bedding... Now we are all better! Boy, motherhood is just great!! =)

A Year Full of Happiness...

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:44:00 +0000

(Our First Official Picture Together)

I seriously say this all the time but it's the truth... I cannot believe I have been married to my wonderful husband for a full year. I remember the day we got together, the day he proposed, the moment I said "Yes"!!, and the second I said "I Do". Although we are very different, we are so much the same and throughout our nearly 4 year relationship we have definitely been thru a lot. I love a challenge and will stop at nothing to reach my goals. Other than our daughter, our marriage is my number one goal in life.

(Cruise 2007)

Todd is truly an amazing father... I knew that the moment I met him. In fact, I told him that's what attracted me to him. When he walks into the room, Emmry's face just lights up. She adores her daddy, no one will ever compare. He is a great hubby too. He would bend over backwards for me and sometimes, ONLY sometimes do I use that to my advantage! :) I love the fact that he isn't afraid to do laundry, clean up around the house when needed, or watch Emmry for an hour while I go to the store. I also love the fact that he always defends me; he never allows anyone to hurt me or put me down. He is honest to goodness my biggest fan! I can't imagine my life without him in it.

(Mexico 2007)

The morning of our anniversary, he surprised me with another charm from my Pandora bracelet! (I am such a HUGH fan of Pandora) Then, we spent the remainder of the day between the beach and the pool. For me, it was perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more!

(Formal Night August 2007)

To Todd:

What if I had never walked up to you that day in the park? We sure wouldn't be here, where we are today. So I believe you owe me a "THANK YOU"! :) None the less...

I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for being my husband, thank you for giving me the most precious gift of all, Emmry and thank you for standing by my side thru it all. I know I can depend on you for anything and I know you will always be there. You have brought so much joy in my life, I'll never be able to repay you. As we grow and continue to change, I hope your love from me will always stay the same! I look forward to sharing so many more memories with you. I can't say it enough... I love you!

(Pregnant with Emmry)

(On Our 1 Year Anniversary!)

Beach Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Kacy Payne) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:46:00 +0000

We took our first beach trip to Destin Florida on Sunday July 26, 2009 and it could not have been more perfect! It was just us three... our happy little family. I was a little nervous about riding Emmry for 6 1/2 hours but to my surprise she was an angel. She slept the entire way except for about an hour or so!Once we got to our condo, our child magically changed. She just started talking, saying words like "Thank You", "Girl", "Good Girl", and "Duck". I was speechless when she looked at herself in the mirror and said "GIRL"!! Todd and I laughed hysterically!The 5 days we spent there were amazing. Emmry loves the ocean (yes we took her out in it), she loves the sand, but her favorite is the pool. She is our little fish. We spent the days between the pool and the ocean and the evenings either walking the beach, taking pictures or watching movies (while it was raining). Although the drive and ride home wasn't so pleasant, I can truly say this vacation has been the best by far.I got a little camera happy so I will apologize in advance for all the pictures!!(check out this hair!)