Happenings in the Wallace Household

I am really slacking at the blogging thing lately. I've had several work projects recently that have taken up all of my computer time. By computer time, I mean AK's naptimes. That's pretty much the allotted time I get each day to get my work done.

So anyway, we've been doing fine. Abby Kate is growing faster than ever. After almost eight months of breastfeeding, I decided to switch her to formula because I didn't think my supply was sufficient anymore. I've got mixed feelings about it because while it's more convenient when we're out just to give her a bottle, I get tired of mixing them up and cleaning them every three hours. Plus, formula is so gross. The smell of it makes me gag. I don't know how she drinks it! But I am enjoying not having to pump. I was happy to stow that monster away! So all is well with her diet. In addition to the formula, she eats baby food (of course) and has tried various table foods, such as mashed potatoes, broccoli, carrots, toast, crackers, Cheerios, and yesterday at Sam's she had a small bite of a sherbet sample they were handing out. (It was cotton candy flavored, and I don't think she liked it.)

Abby Kate has become slightly more mobile. Besides being able to roll around on the floor, she can now pull herself onto her knees... but that's as far as she goes. No crawling just yet. I'm certainly fine with it as I enjoy sitting her down and not having to chase after her. It won't be long - I'm thinking less than three weeks - before she's crawling all over the place. I can tell she knows what she wants to do, but can't quite figure out how to get her little knees going.

Up and ready to go!

As I've mentioned before, AK loves the pool. She not only likes to be in the pool, but also to watch the pool and all the people in it. I swear she could sit out there for hours! I had the opportunity to catch a photo of her slow-growing tresses while out in the sun. It's very short still, but judging by it's texture, I think she's going to take after her mommy and be a curly-headed girl. Hey, at least she gets something from me!

In other news, Saturday, June 16, was our 6th wedding anniversary. Love you, honey! Mike's parents were in town visiting that weekend, so they kindly watched Abby Kate for us. (Thanks, Lee and Ginger.) And of course we celebrated Mike's first Father's Day on the following Sunday. Since his back has been achy lately, AK and I got him a massage at a spa here in town.

Hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa Wallace.

Fun with Grandpa's hat. Turns out it wasn't fun for long...

Just before our anniversary date. Happy 6th Anniversary, Mike!

AK provides dining entertainment wherever we go.

Happy Daddy's Day!

Today (yes, a Sunday) Mike has his first flight in the jet. All this time here in MS, he's been training in the T-45 flight simulators. But today he puts all of his gear on (flight suit, G-suit, a big vest full of all kinds of things, oxygen mask, helmet, etc.) and gets to fly it for real! I see the jets fly overhead everyday here. They are SO fast! It's strange to know he'll be flying one of them today.

Here's Mike practicing putting all his gear on before leaving this morning.

Another Fun Trip Home

I just returned from another trip to Kentucky. I was home for 10 days, soaking up my family and friends. It was a wonderful visit, and a very busy one, as always. I didn't get to see all the people I'd planned to see, because I simply ran out of days. To those wonderful friends I missed, I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you!

Some of the highlights of my trip were...

My nephew's first birthday party; taking AK swimming at my aunt Linda's house - Linda, Lindsay, Cheryl, it was great seeing you guys and all your little girls; taking Abby Kate to the Aquatic Center in Oldham Co. one day - the water was cold, unlike Linda's heated pool, but she liked it just the same; visiting my grandmother; and being part of my best friend Lyndsay's wedding.

I was so happy to have been able to attend all of Lyndsay's wedding events. We celebrated at a bridal luncheon followed by her bachelorette party the day after I drove in. We had too much fun! The rehearsal dinner was a great time, too. I asked Mom to be my date since Mike ended up not coming in for the wedding. Abby Kate joined us, too, and she was an absolute angel the entire night. The next day, we stood in the church's bridal suite and were in awe of Lyndsay in her gown. She was so beautiful! She didn't seem nervous until she stood just outside the sanctuary doors. But her nerves faded quickly as the ceremony went perfectly. Abby Kate was the "honorary flower girl," having been too young to actually take part in the wedding. Lynds is AK's Godmother. So we dressed her as a flower girl - complete with her own little hair ribbons - and Lynds took some pictures with her.

The reception was held in the Brown and Williamson Room of Papa John's Stadium in Louisville. It was a beautiful place. As I approached the reserved bridal party table, I noticed a card with my name on it, laying on top of a cookie cake that read "Happy Birthday Casey." I was standing there by myself with tears running down my cheeks. This was Lyndsay's big day, and with all the planning and running around, she still made the time to remember that it was also my birthday (and that cookie cake is my favorite!). I was instantly reminded of how she is the greatest friend, and why it was such an honor to stand with her as her matron of honor on her wedding day. Lynds, thank you so much for letting me be part of your wedding!

The bachelorette party.

Mom, just want to say thank you (again and again!) for helping me with Abby Kate all week. I don't know what I'd have done without you. I wouldn't have been able to do everything I wanted to do for Lynds without your help in caring for AK leading up to and during the wedding. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

William's first Birthday! Held at Chuck E Cheese. He had a great time digging into his cake and opening all his presents. AK enjoyed it, too. So many fun things to look at there!

Abby Kate's first swim! She LOVES the water. That's my cousin, Lindsay,
with her daughter, Amber, born last July.

Will and AK, playing with one of his new birthday presents - a fire truck!
Thanks, William, for sharing all your fun toys with your little cousin.