Good Bye Blog....Hello Website!

Hey all! Just wanted to give you a heads up that I have decided to no longer continue with this blog....instead, I've created a website for our family via Shutterfly. Since I visit Shutterfly almost everyday, this makes it much easier to update, add photos, etc.

The website address is http://davisfamily19.shutterfly.com/.
Please add to your "Favorites" list and I'll be sure to do a much better job updating than I previously had with the blog. :(

Thanks!!!!

Happy Fall!!

Big Money! Big Money!...ok maybe not

Since my birthday (9/25), Greg's birthday (10/8) and our anniversary (10/7) are all within two weeks of each other, we decided that each year we are going to go away for a weekend sometime within the two weeks to celebrate. This was the first year of this new tradition, and I must say it turned out to be WONDERFUL!

For our first annual "Celebration Weekend", we booked a room at the Borgata in Atlantic City this past weekend. We arrived around noon on Friday and never looked back...
For the first part of Friday we just walked around the casino and got ourselves familiar with the setup and did a little gambling here and there. Then we headed up to the boardwalk for dinner. We grabbed a drink at the Hard Rock Cafe to start things off and then headed to a nice spot called Megan's Bar & Grill. Here we shared a good dinner and had some fun chatting it up with the bartender. After we had all we could handle, we headed back to the hotel and called it a night.

Saturday morning we slept in a bit and then headed out to grab some snacks for the room, since the food prices in the hotel were RIDICULOUS! After grabbing some lunch, we headed back to the casino to try out our luck. :) I was doing great on the slots...up $290 at one point, but of course gambled about $140 of that away before I decided to cash out. Hey, I was having fun!!!! Greg was up at Black Jack about $220, but he unfortunately followed in my footsteps and ended up walking away with what he started with. Awww...poor Greg! :(

We did take a break in between the gambling and dinner to relax in the room...I mean we did pay quite a penny for the sucker so we might as well get some use out of it. We ended up renting the movie, The Hangover, and rested for about an hour and a half.

Once dinner time hit, we headed down to the Buffet, which much to our surprise was $28.95/person!!! Are you kidding me?!?! So we agreed that if we win enough to pay for 2 buffets, we get to eat. If not, we go hungry. Well, the threat worked...I jumped on the closest slot machine, threw in a $20 and within 3 spins, I was up $72, then $110, then $120!!! So I cashed out and we enjoyed a nice $28.95 dinner at the buffet. :) You're welcome Greg...hahaha...j/k honey!

The rest of the night we just continued to walk around and try out different machines and tables. By 11 we were both pooped so we decided to call it a night...plus we basically were out of money to gamble with. :( I will say that even though we didn't win anything, we also didn't spend more than we wanted. :)

Sunday morning I was up bright and early because I just couldn't wait to get home to Brooke and Dooley. After two days, I just about would do anything to see that little girl smile.

So we got to my parent's around noon and picked up Brooke and Dooley and headed home for some much needed snuggling with our babies.

It was a great birthday/anniversary weekend and just reminds me why I married Greg in the first place....there's nothing like a weekend away with your best friend who also happens to be the love of your life. :-) Yeah, I know...that was mushy....but true at the same time.

Have a great rest of the week everyone!!!

Congratulations are in order!!!

We are so happy for Parrish and Katie King (Carey's sister and brother-in-law) as they welcomed their new baby girl into the world yesterday morning! Welcome Sylvie Elizabeth!!!!!

Congratulations also to Aunt Carey, Uncle Nate and Cousin Bailey! Bailey, you're going to have so much fun teaching Sylvie all the tricks-of-the-trade. :)

We are thrilled for all of you and send our very best wishes!!!!!

7 Month Appointment

**Brooke Update**

Brooke had her 7 month checkup yesterday even though it's technically a week before she actually turns 7 months. Well, come to think of it, all her appointments have been 1 week early, but what's a week. Anyway, she weighed in at 18 lbs, 14 oz and 27 1/2" long. That's a weight gain of 2 lbs, 4 oz and a length increase of 3"!!!! She had quite a growth spurt since July! I should've known since all her pants are no capris. :) She got 2 shots as well, and unlike her previous reactions to the shots, she screamed bloody murder with these. I'm not sure if the doc did something different, or if she was just pissed off, but my oh my did this little lady throw a tantrum. I felt so terrible for her!! :( Once we got to daycare and she saw the other little kids, it was as if nothing had ever happened. So she made out OK. Her next appointment is Tuesday, 10/27/09. We'll fill you in then!

Out on our own...

This past weekend, both Greg and myself left for own individual vacations while Brooke spent the weekend at Nana and Poppy's house with good old Dooley.

Greg left early Thursday morning on a road trip to Montana with his brother, Kevin. Out there they met up with their dad and brother-in-law for a week out in the woods stalking some big game. By big game, I mean Elk, Bear, White Tail and just about anything else they can get their hands, or bow, on. :) So far Greg has 1 kill under his belt...a nice size White Tail.

Yesterday marked the first day of Bear season so we'll see who's next to knock one down. I know each and every one of them would love to get an Elk so let's cross our fingers. Although, if Greg does get one, I'm not exactly sure where that sucker is going to fit in the house!!

I, on the other hand, opted to travel via air to my bestest bud, Erin's house in Raleigh, NC. We both were invited to our friend Jessica Lineberry's wedding on Saturday so I decided to make a weekend trip of it. I flew in around 5 on Friday and from then on out it was nothing short of ridiculous. For those of you who have never hung out with Erin and myself together, cannot fully grasp the craziness we bring to the table. And this weekend was no different. We immediately went from the airport to one of the Erin's favorite bars, Blincos, where we were unexpectedly greeted by some familiar faces. We hung out there for a couple hours and then it was off to meet our other girlfriend Dawn and her crew for her 30th birthday celebration. Well this just went from silly to ridiculous. Needless to say, Erin and I were outta Napper Tandy's before the band even began to play. Saturday we went out for lunch and then headed to Wilmington where the wedding was taking place. The ceremony was short, sweet and to the point...just like most people like them. Jess looked gorgeous!!! The reception was a blast and only got better once Erin introduced "The Train". Sunday morning we headed back to Raleigh to watch some football at Blinco's before the sad trek back to the airport for my departure. All in all, it was an unbelievably fun, laughter-filled, crazy weekend. One I hope to repeat each year with Erin. Kinda like a early birthday tradition...right Erin? :) I have some pics that I'll be posting as soon as my USB cord stops acting up...ugh.

So since Monday, and for the remainder of the week and weekend, I'm living what you could call the life of a single mom. It's just me, my little munchkin and my big Dooley baby. I'm really enjoying this time with Brooke, but miss Greg terribly and cannot wait for him to come home.

Happy Labor Day!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend...we sure did! On Friday my office closed at noon so I ran a few errands and then headed to my parent's house to help my mom grocery shop for their picnic on Sunday. Left there place around 6 and met Greg at home where he cooked up some delicious cheese steaks for dinner. Saturday I did some cleaning and laundry in the AM and then all 3 of us headed to The Shops at the Promenade for some lunch and strolling. It was such a beautiful day....hated to waste it being indoors. Saturday night we hung at the house. Sunday we went to my parents for their Annual Labor Day Picnic, where we had a small photo shoot as you can see below. Just a small gathering of close friends and family. We had a great time. We moved on from there to our friend's Greg and Ali's house in Phoenixville for the night. Yesterday consisted of a full day of couch laying and movie watching. By 8:30, all 3 of us were out cold on the couch. The weekend had finally caught up to us...

Oh mom, you're so crazy!

Run Dooley, Run!!

Is this a cheesy grin or what?!

Prettiest little lady I've ever seen.

I think Poppy was making silly faces again.

We hope your holiday weekend was as fun as ours!!

Screech!!

Daddy is so funny!

Brooke's on the move!

I'm just so happy I could poop!!

Look at all my toys!

Well as stated below, this past Friday was Brooke's 1/2 birthday...she turned a riping 6 months! And it was almost as though she knew it because she was just in the best of spirits the whole weekend. She just smiled and played, smiled and played. Ok, so there was a few little spats when she didn't get her bottle fast enough, but overall, she was an angel. Here are a few pics to back me up:

Look at me standing!! (against the couch that is)

Brooke's Play land

Best Buds

Careful Mom....

....I warned you! (that's a bite, not a kiss)

Yep, you're going to get bit too Daddy!

HAPPY 6 MONTH BIRTHDAY BROOKE!!!!

Camping, Golfing and Gambling

Yep, that's a Mohawk...and a sweet looking one at that!

Look, I can finally grab my toes!

July 30th marked the start to another beautiful and exciting trip to Chenango State Park for the annual Golf Tournament. And this year, with not being pregnant, I was able to loosen up a bit. Especially since my mom had Brooke and Dooley while we were gone which allowed me to be worry-free. Greg and I left after work on Thursday and arrived around 8:45. My dad had already arrived there in the morning so our tent was up and ready to go. So we just unloaded the truck, made the bed and then sat around the fire watching and welcoming as other the campers/golfers arrived.

Friday morning we had some miserable weather so the scheduled tee off time, 9:00 a.m., was pushed to 1:00 p.m. By 1 we still had a bit of wet weather, but nothing that we couldn't play through. So the first round of the tournament began. Now I will briefly explain to you how this works as you golfers out there will appreciate the organization of it all. There are roughly 7 foursomes that play the actual tournament. Each foursome is picked randomly and each team has an A, B, C & D player...based on skill level. On Friday's round, each member of the foursome keeps their own score and then at the end of the round they all add up their scores. The team with the best score overall, starts off Saturday's round at an advantage (ex: 4 under). Then Saturday's round is a scramble. So far the last 2 years that we have attended have been nail biters at the 18th hole. This year there actually had to be a playoff as 2 teams tied. Both Friday and Saturday night everyone (approx 40 or so people) just hangs around the fire and plays games. It's a great weekend getaway and will be something that Greg and I continue to make a tradition. And kudos to Greg for some of his amazing drives during Saturday's round. His team didn't win, but they all had a blast.

I actually decided to play with 3 other ladies on Friday just for fun and I'm glad I did because I can without a doubt tell you that golf IS NOT my sport. Not only do I hit terrible shots, but it is by far the slowest moving game out there!!! I guess you have to really love the sport to play, and baby, their was no love between me and those greens. I am glad that I gave it a shot though.

Last weekend, Greg and I went up to my grandparent's cabin in Canadensis, PA for the weekend. We headed there on Friday after work. Upon arrival, we unpacked and then Greg headed up the fields to try calling in some coyotes. He called in a fox and believes a coyote came in behind him, but by the time he turned around all he saw was a flash. While Greg was playing with the wildlife, Dooley and I went for a walk around the pond and did some exploring. All we found was a dead bird...nice huh?

Saturday we went out to breakfast at Spanky's and drove around town for a little. Then we headed back to the cabin, changed and took the 4-wheeler and Jeep up to the field to hang Greg's tree stand. We were successful; however, Dooley was exhausted so we came back and hung at the cabin for a while. Then Greg and I head back up to the hill to shoot his rifle. We brought some targets along to see how good of a shot we were. Greg did great as usual and I did surprisingly very well at 150 yds...but once we moved back to about 250 yds...I was all over the place. Greg remained on target. Surprise Surprise ;)

After getting showers, we headed out to dinner and then onto Mt Airy Casino and Resort. This was both our first time there so we were pretty excited. We played a few different slot machines and then Greg moved on to the Black Jack table where he won $200! Finally I was pooped so we headed back to the cabin where we ended the night with a movie. All in all, a very nice weekend, but by Sunday we both couldn't wait to get back home to Brooke and Dooley.

My cousin Jen, her husband Ryan and their baby girl Madelyn were in town so my parent's, Brooke and I headed to my Aunt Lorraine's on Sunday so that the 2 little cousins could meet. Maddie is 6 weeks younger than Brooke, but boy does she trump her in size. Looks like Brooke is going to have to work on her speed as she gets older!!

Maddie & Brooke with Great Great Grandmom!

Back to the grind...

That's right, I officially started back to work full time on 7/3. Which meant Brooke would be starting up daycare on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Luckily the daycare center I chose, Creative Kids Club, is located in the same industrial park that I work. So she is only 2 minutes from me if any issue was to arise. So far both myself being back at work and Brooke's time at daycare have been great. She seems to be taking well to all the ladies at the center and I can tell that just by being around other little ones, she's picking up on different things. I must say though, that I love when I walk in there to pick her up and she looks at me with those big blue eyes and flashes the cutest, most heartwarming smile my way. It has brought tears to my eyes almost every time. I love that little girl!!!! Hopefully, she'll continue to do well and eventually make some good friends as she gets older.

As I have mentioned a little while ago, Greg started up Streamline Masonry again. And he landed a nice big job with my mom's boss installing a new staircase, repairing an old staircase and installing a flagstone patio. I will post some pics once the job is complete. Brooke and I are very proud of him and we're pulling for more jobs to line up. Way to go Greg/Daddy!!!

On the 25th, my family got together for another Game Night! This time it was held at Brandon and Adelina's apartment. The food was plentiful (thanks A), the drinks were flowing and the games were heated. I will have to give it up to my bro who ended the night with 100% success. He was on the winning team for each and every game. Nice job B, but don't let your head swell too much....Oct. 3rd will be here before you know it and Greg and I are coming at you hard! ;)

Umm...yeah, I'm not too sure about this.

**Brooke Update**

Brooke had her 5 month appt on 7/16. She weighed in at 16 lbs, 10 oz. and 24 1/2" long. A gain of 4 lbs, 13 oz. and growth of 1"! Now granted that was in a matter of 2 months since she didn't have a 4 month appt, but still, quite a growth spurt huh? She got 2 shots and I know it sounds like I'm always repeating myself, but I tell you, she feels no pain!!! Or maybe it's the excess flub that surrounds her thighs. Either way, I'm so proud of her. Her next appt is 9/15. For the past couple months she has been eating like a big girl. We have introduced her to all types of fruits, all types of veggies and a few varieties of cereal. She has yet to refuse any of them; however, Sweet Potatoes seem to upset her belly so we have strayed from them. She also is in the midst of sitting up on her own. She still needs the boppy pillow as support, but I don't foresee that to be around in the near future!

Two weddings and a plane trip!

The month of June came, and the month of June went. This was quite a busy month for us. The first two weekends were occupied with weddings. The first was the daughter of my mom's best friend and the second was my cousin's. Both were extremely beautiful and entertaining. We wish Calli & Chris and Doug & Katie all the happiness in the world! Thanks for letting be a part of your special day.

On June 19th, Greg and I had our first of hopefully many bonfires. We had a pretty good turnout, a beautiful day and quite a struggle to get that darn thing lit! Finally after dumping gallons of gasoline, quarts of oil and tossing an empty gas can, the pile fired up! We're looking to have one every couple months, and at the rate we're building up the 2nd one, that shouldn't be a problem! I'll take a "before", "during" and "after" picture for this next one.

Father's Day was nice. We headed over to my parents for a little cookout along with my brother and his girlfriend. It was a nice and relaxing evening...just what my dad deserved. :)

On June 27th Brooke had her first plane ride!! Every 2 or 3 years, Greg's family takes a 2 week vacation to the beautiful state of Montana where they rent a big house and everyone from both coasts flies in. We were out there from the 27th to July 1st. Brooke did great with the flights....she slept thru almost all of them. On the trip home she had a little problem with her ears popping, but overall she was an amazing little traveler!

While out there, Greg did a little fishing, we visited Yellowstone National Park and we ventured out for a little hike...where we proceeded to get caught in a hail storm. That was interesting to say the least. But mostly, we just relaxed and enjoyed time with the family. We had a photographer come in to take family shots of all of us....which included, ten adults, one 4 yr old, one 2 yr old, one 1 yr old, and 2 infants....hahaha! Believe it or not, they turned out great!

Overall, June was filled with family and friends...good month.

Where oh where does the time go?!

I originally planned on posting one very LARGE blog to update everyone on the last 3 months, but decided I would do 4...1 for the rest of May, 1 for June, 1 for July and 1 for August. This way it won't run together so much...and I'll feel like I did a lot more with having 4 new blogs instead of just 1. :)

Ok, so the second half of May was probably the most exciting as we headed back down to sunny South Carolina to visit old friends! We left on Saturday 5/16 and returned on Sunday 5/24. Eight wonderful days of catching up along with 7 days of straight rain. That's right, the rain began on Sunday and did not let up once until of course the day we left. I mean, what are the chances?!?!?! But luckily, good company and lots of drinks is all you need brighten those gray skies! My parents, Patti and Dave, joined us for the trip as designated babysitters. :) This allowed Greg and I to be a bit more flexible with getting around to see everyone. This is not to say that we don't love spending time with our baby girl, but hey come on, don't tell me you wouldn't love to have a built in babysitter when you go on vacations. ;) It was wonderful of them to do that for us and we are very thankful to the two of them. Thanks mom and dad!!!!

Our dear friends, The Hughes Family, had a wonderful "Welcome Back BBQ" for our arrival on Saturday. It was so nice to have everyone all together again. You never realize how much people mean to you until you don't have them on your porch everyday. But Joanne and I did get to catch up on our porch sitting while I was down there, and it was just as nice as it's always been.

Carey and I had a blast watching Bailey and Brooke roll around and investigate one another. It's a shame that these little two precious girls won't be growing up in the same town, or state for that matter. But I have no doubts that Carey and I will do whatever it takes to keep in touch and make sure that neither one of us misses out on the other one's bundle of joy!

Included in the festivities was a "Boys Night Out", "Girls Night Out", golfing, fishing and shopping. So despite the rain, despite the lack of beach laying, this trip was unforgettable. We loved seeing each and everyone of our friends, neighbors and co-workers that we had to say good bye to a year earlier. We love you all and miss you everyday!

**Brooke Update**

Brooke had her 3 month appointment on 5/14 and the stats are as follows: 11 lbs, 13 oz. and 23 1/2" long. A gain of 1 lb, 13 oz. and a growth of 1/2". She received only 1 shot and my goodness is my little girl tough....they just don't phase her!! She will skip her 4 month appt so her next visit to the doc will be on 7/16 for her 5 month checkup.

I guess it's about time I posted another blog, especially since I said I would after Brooke's 2 month appointment, which was on April 16th!!

She got 2 shots...and was a trooper once again. Only that initial pinch caused her to express her unhappiness, but that came and went in a matter of seconds. She weighed in at 10 lbs exactly and 23" long. She's getting bigger, but I think she still needs to get a bit more meat on her bones. :) We have been supplementing formula at least one feeding/day to help with the transition for once I go back to work full time and am unable to produce as much milk. She is doing very well with it. She's great with a bottle and I actually prefer it over me nursing her because then I know exactly how much she has taken down.

Her next appt is May 14th so we'll see how many more lbs she's packed on.

This past Saturday Greg and I, along with a couple friends, went to the Phillies game vs the Mets. We tailgated from noon to the start of the game and had a blast!! For those of you who missed the game, the Phillies came out on top in extra innings. GO PHILS!

Next Friday, Greg, myself and Brooke will be heading down South for a week of fun in the sun with some of our favorite people in the whole world!! It will be the first time we get to introduce our little lady to the Bluffton crew. We are beyond excited and look forward to catching up with everyone.

Here are a few pics of the munchkin....we finally figured out how to use our new video camera so expect some videos in the near future.

Yep, she's pretty hot in her new shades.

Someone sure does love their new Bumbo seat!!

Happy Easter!

We sure hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! We sure did. Greg's dad and brother joined us for brunch Sunday morning and then my parents, Brandon and Adelina came over in the evening for dinner. Greg made some delicious kabobs on the grill and the rest of night was for cuddling our little Easter Bunny. :) Thank you to Babbi, Pop Pop, Nana, Poppy, Uncle B and Aunt A for all their wonderful goodies for Brooke. She may not have said it in so many words, or any words at all for that matter, but she was very grateful. :)

Thursday is Brooke's 2 month dr appointment so we'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

Time sure does fly...when you're having fun!

My sleeping angel!

I can't believe how quickly the time goes by. Next Thursday is Brooke's 2 month appointment! Didn't I just have her like a week ago?!??!! Anyway, it's been a while since my last post so I've got lots to share. First things first, as I mentioned in the last blog, I headed back to work on the 23rd and as hard as it was to say good bye to Brooke and know I wouldn't see her until dinner time, it was kind of nice to have my brain mentally challenged again at work. I think it was a lot easier to leave her because my mom and mother-in-law have been handling the babysitting duty so I don't have to leave her with strangers. I know she's in the care of the two woman who love her just as much as I do! So it's now been 2 1/2 weeks that I've been back on the working horse and so far things are going well. I have such a wonderful boss and 2 fantastic co-workers that have made this whole transition painless. I am currently working Monday/Wednesday/Friday at the office and Tuesday/Thursday from home. It's nice to never have to go two consecutive days of leaving Brooke. I'm planning on heading back full time in the next few months and I have a strange feeling that I won't be quite as up-beat about that. Guess we'll have to wait and see!

And while we're on the Brooke subject, my little dumpling has come down with a case of the Infant Acne. :( It's so sad because there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. Being that she's so young, they won't allow us to put any cream on it. The doc said that it will leave as quickly as it came. Well doc, it's been a week and a half and I'm ready for it to go! So hopefully one of these mornings, I'll wake up to find that soft, flawless little baby face staring back at me. :) In the meantime, I'll just continue to stare at her and make silly faces in the hopes that she'll smile back at me.

You can kind of see the redness on her little face. Poor Baby Brooke

Some other exciting news....Greg has started up his old company, Streamline Masonry, again. He already has a couple of estimates that he's working on and hopefully with the Spring season in full bloom, he'll land some of them and take off. We got his business cards last week and ran an ad in the local Penny Power. I also have my parents handing out his cards to everyone they see....free advertising! :) So wish Greg luck as he sets out to bring Streamline Masonry back and make it more successful than ever! And of course, if you know anyone that is interested in any type of hardscape work, have them give Greg a call at (610) 248-3116. He specializes in paver patios, natural stone, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces/firepits, pond/pondless waterfalls, concrete, and all masonry repair work.

And now that I'm done with my commerical for Streamline Masonry, I'll shut up and let you enjoy the pics of Brooke. Since we're pretty sure that's basically the only reason anyone checks this out anyway. Here she is in daddy's favorite little outfit. This little number is courtesy of Brooke's Aunt Laura and Uncle Brad! Enjoy!

If I pretend I'm alseep, maybe the Easter Bunny will leave me some treats.

Me and my little forest friends taking a nap.

When are we going out in the woods, Daddy?

Hey ma, how about a little milk action?