It's HOT Outside!

Okay, not to be obvious but it is truly summer in the South. Keeping with our tradition of having major events going on during the hottest time of the year (moving, being very pregnant, installing landscaping, etc.) we decided to get our house painted. We think it looks pretty good and most certainly much better than the 'peeling paint' look it sported previously.

I am just thankful that I didn't have to even pick up a brush! We did encounter some drama - all I can say is to get paint samples and put them on your house before you say "go to it fellas". Colors are subjective and everyone sees them differently. The one I chose is one of those great colors that decides to look different in every kind of light - thanks Sherwin Williams! Let's just say we are learning to love our house color. Well, except Matt, because as you may know he's color blind. So I guess Laurel and I will learn to love it (Aspen & Jackson can't love it either because aren't dogs color blind?) By the way Aspen has healed up pretty well, but she is still wearing the e-collar as they had to put 2 staples in her foot.

So I am planning on posting a photo of the house so you can see for yourself. Let me know what you think, I am ready to take the criticism.

Other that that, the Bird had a 9 month check-up and she is doing fine. She weighs 15lb. 4 oz and is 27 1/4" tall. So she remains consistently long-n-lean! Doc did find she had an ear infection (again!) so she is on antibiotics which makes her poop turn bright red (lovely - I know, I know TMI) but you people always want to know the details. Baby details almost always involve poop!

With the approach of football season, we have been (for like 4 months) attempting to get Laurel to growl like a 'baby tiger'. So far, no luck. But we have a few more weeks to work on it. She loves to hear her Daddy do the "baby tiger' sound, though. She squeals, well, like a baby! Ritchie I guess you can pretend she's rooting for those Auburn tigers if you want...as long as they stay in the SEC we're fine :)

Congrats to Ginny as she decided on a house to build and to Tommy for making a perfect score on his SAT test!

Hey, here's to no hurricanes or hurricane evacuations!

Our family has had a busy summer so far. Laurel is now standing (holding on), Aspen had a little surgery, Betsy made a trip to Vegas (work) and the exterior of our house is getting painted! Laurel loves her new day care at The Children's House. She has made friends (hi Jude!) and we think the staff enjoys her too! In case you didn't know Laurel has several nicknames - Baby Bear, The Bird and the newest 'rumpus tumpus'. She is a little energizer bunny - light and quick, all you'll see is her little rumpus tumpus on the move!

We have baby-proofed the den, which is now official Laurel play territory. She has fun in her exersaucer, playing with her toy purse from Gigi and will be out-n-about in her wagon this weekend (thanks Aunt Julie!). She also enjoys an empty kleenex box and tearing up old magazines. Not hard to please! And she got some cool green sunglasses to wear at the pool.

I hope we can keep this spot updated for our family and friends. Laurel changes so much right now - every day is a new adventure! NEXT WEEK: 9 month checkup!!!