Thursday, August 31, 2006

Finding her voice

A few months ago, I wrote about NyCee's "goo-goo's and ga-ga's" that she began letting out. Well, she has truly developed her voice. Her most recent idea is to release a blood-curdling, spine-tingling screech at the top of her lungs and then laugh when Lewis and I turn to look at her.

My first thought was, "Where did she get that from?" I thought perhaps one of the children at daycare did it and so she began to mimic the behavior. My thought quickly changed when I picked her up from daycare on Tuesday and the workers told me about the screech. I apologized profusely for neglecting to tell them or warn them I should say about NyCee's new discovery.

I am all for her singing praises to the Most High God along with the heavenly host, but I need for her to sing it in alto versus soprano. Her screech is enough to make a dog cry out for mercy.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Lewis' Toys

When Lewis and I met, he owned two vehicles (we still have both of them in addition to the cars that we actually drive). 1. is a Ford Explorer which we keep in the event that one of our cars "dies." Smurfette, as I have named her because she is blue, cranks up in all types of weather. The other is his sports car he named "Little Buddy."

The car is a classic. It is a 1990 Nissan 300ZX with whom he can not seem to part. He has had several offers on the car and debates back and forth about selling it. He even told one man, "My wife said that I can not sell it." Why am I to blame? At the time, I did not say that. Now, he is correct. I will not let him sell it because every time he thinks about selling it, he stands in the garage and starts to reminiscence about the times they've shared together and how he won the car in a bowling match. (True story) I told you he was a die-hard bowler. I do not have a key to the car and have only ridden in it once.

Next, shortly after we were married he bought "Big Boy." His 2002 Chevy Avalanche. The truck is very nice. He bought new tires and rims and for Christmas, I had a new stereo system installed to compliment the leather interior.

I drive a 2002 Nissan Altima which is comfortable for me and NyCee. Not to mention great on gas mileage. But when I drive the truck, I feel like I own the road. This is one toy that I do not mind him having.

When we moved into our first house, I owned a 52 inch wide screen television which of course was in our living room. When we moved, it was in the family room. Now she sits all alone in the bonus room which has not been used since we moved into this house. You probably noticed the top of an open box in the picture. Which confirms the uselessness of that room. Wait, it gets better.

Notice the down turned television on the love seat. Yes, the room never gets used and I still do not know why we kept that little television. Just another toy with which he can not part.

Most people place their wedding or family photo over the fireplace or even a piece of artwork. Not my Lewis. Why would he allow such decor when he can buy a 52 inch plasma HDTV and have it mounted there?

When I asked why we were purchasing, yet another television, and especially one to mount above the fireplace-the place I had reserved for our wedding photo, he replied, "I need to see the TV while I am eating." "Seriously, you are kidding, right?" I asked. Well, he was serious. He can watch TV while sitting at the table eating.

I must admit that his toys are nice. If you have had the opportunity to watch TV in the high definition mode--it is great. The pictures are so sharp and crisp. One can really tell the difference. I guess as long as women buy clothes, shoes and purses--men will buy big cars and electronics. The main difference is that I can enjoy the toys that he buys--mine are useless to him.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Return of the Afro

NyCee's hair has grown so much that I marvel at it sometimes. To be 5 months old, her hair is longer and thicker than some 1 or 2 year olds that I have seen.

I took the ponytails out in preparation to wash her hair. She gets her hair washed on Saturday nights.

The hair in the back is still a little thin because she still sleeps on her back. Lewis does not like to hear her cry when I have to comb her hair so often time he suggests that I just, "Pick it out and let her go natural." Looking at these photos does that sound like a good idea to you?

I know what you are thinking. You just want to kiss or pinch her cheeks. It is so hard for me to just leave her alone at times but she is just so darn cute that I can't help but kiss on those cheeks. My grandma Minnie would have loved to just sit and kiss those little cheeks all day.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Bangs...Really?

Sometimes I think that I am just a cruel mother. Lewis, NyCee and I went to lunch and of course she had to get her hair combed. If you have read any of the previous blogs then you know combing her hair is not an easy task. Lewis complained that the ponytail that I had in the front was too tight. I removed it but failed to re-style her hair. I actually let my child walk around with a bang. If you can even call it that.

Seriously, I was just wrong for that. She is really going to be upset with me when she sees these photos when she gets older.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Motherhood changes things

When I found out I was pregnant many people told me how my life would change. My thoughts were of the time it would take me to get dressed, sharing food, lack of sleep etc. I had no idea that it would be this drastic.

Before NyCee, I had a collection of purses to match outfits and shoes. Below are just a few examples.

The first time that I traveled with her, I had a purse, laptop computer, stroller, car seat and a diaper bag. Too much stuff! I noticed that my cousin, who lives in Minnesota, carried a back pack and I often thought to myself, "Why?" But I never asked her. Well, I didn't need to ask her as I figured it out. This is my new purse. Yes a pink and gray back pack. It is so much more convenient than carrying a purse plus a diaper bag. I have all the things I need such as lotion, car keys, writing utensils, etc. And all the things that NyCee needs: diapers, wipes, change of clothes, etc.


Yes, that is a picture of a pink wallet. Come on, did you honestly expect an less of me? Okay so I have to carry a back pack as a purse but I can still accessorize.

Friday, August 25, 2006

Home Sweet Home?

Well, all good things must come to an end. NyCee is all dressed up to go home to see daddy. I just love the little hat. I bought it for her at the swap meet. We checked our bags and passed through security with no problems. We had about an hour and half before our flight so we enjoyed a slice of pizza and watched the planes take off and land.

We finally landed at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Int'l Airport. NyCee is excited to see daddy as she is wide awake now that the flight is over.

There is an old saying, "Home is where the heart is." If that is true, I should have stayed in Phoenix. I have never felt at home or at peace here in Atlanta and returning to it was so very hard. I nearly cried when the plane sped down the runway and lifted off in Phoenix because I don't know if I will ever return to the place where I am happiest and most content. For now, this is my life and there is nothing I can do to undo the poor choices which led to this place.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Mother and Daughter Vacation-- Part 3

This is the heart of downtown PHX.

The US Airways Center is home of the Phoenix Suns.

A view of Camelback Mountain.

Isn't it beautiful? The drive, even in traffic, is serene because of the spectacular views in the Valley.

Later that evening, monsoon clouds filled the skies and erupted which brought forth huge rain droplets.

The vibrant orange color is breath taking.

The strength of the wind almost pulled up this little tree from its roots.

As I packed, NyCee rested in preparation for the long flight home the next day.

I wish I had captured the sunrise and sunset over South Mountain as it is gorgeous. There is nothing like the calm of the quite mornings and evenings in the Valley of the Sun. Unfortunately, NyCee and I had to return to the ATL. This time she was not the one kicking, crying and screaming.

Mother and Daughter Vacation--Part 2

On Sunday, August 20, 2006 NyCee turned 5 months old. And to celebrate we went to the swap meet. The swap meet is equivalent to an outdoor flea market.
I bought her the cutest red and white dress with matching hat. Isn't this too cute?

As you walk around, you see jewelry, clothes, toys, music, movies, etc.

True to form, NyCee needed her 10 minutes when we stopped to smell the African body oils.

The swap meet takes place at the Phoenix Greyhound Park.

It's also a meeting ground. People get together and enjoy the morning. Notice I said morning. We attended the swap meet at 7:00a.m. PHX time before it became too hot outside.

Later that day, we met Maxine for lunch at Carl's Jr. Carl's Jr. is a fast food restaurant but the hamburgers are the best. It is so far from a McDonald's or Burger King. They are made with 100% Angus beef and placed on a sesame seed bun. It was so good.

Angelo, NyCee and Maxine at Carl's Jr. on 24th Street and Buckeye.

Downtown Tempe is the home of U.S. Airways headquarters. The building looked so beautiful as the morning sun cast its shadow.

Tempe is also home to Arizona State University and the Sun Devils.

Gordon Bierch is a brewery which makes its own beer. There are about 25 different kind brewed on the property. I am not a beer drinker but if I were, this would be what a candy store is to a child.

The mountain is just another beautiful view from the valley. The A is the symbol of Arizona State University.

On our last day, NyCee had the opportunity to see a monsoon up close and personal. The sky was absolutely beautiful. We will share more photos tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Mother and Daughter Vacation--Part 1

On August 18, 2006, NyCee and I flew to Phoenix, AZ for a vacation. NyCee is a seasoned traveler. She has flown more times than her father and she is only 5 months old. Many passengers commented that they were unaware of a baby on the flight because she was so good. She slept almost the entire flight. She was awake for take off and when we landed but was otherwise zonked out.

We arrived at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Int'l Airport and proceeded to baggage claim after a stop at the restroom for diaper change. It was a long flight.

NyCee asked to wear my sunglasses because the sun shone so brightly in The Valley. How cute is this?

My friend lives only a few minutes from the airport but along the drive you can see clear to downtown Phoenix.
Legacy Village is a strip mall directly across the street from Angelo's subdivision. It has a Ross, Target, Fry's, restaurants, juice bar, bank, etc. It is truly a convenience.

From outside of the Target, you have a clear view of south mountain. Phoenix is surrounded by Red, South, and Camelback Mountains. Depending on where you are, the views are spectacular.

After a quick stop at the Fry's grocery market, we headed to Angelo's house which is in a subdivision named "The Pines at South Mountain."

Because we had such a long day as we begin our travel day at 7:00 a.m. eastern time, Nycee was pooped by 6:00p.m. Phoenix time. Phoenix does not honor daylight savings time; therefore, in the Summer it is on Pacific Time and in the Winter on Mountain Time. So 6:00p.m. PHX time was 9:00p.m. ATL time. That is a little early for her to go to bed and sleep through the night but she did not have any trouble.

Tomorrow, I will take you on a tour of downtown Tempe, our day at the swap meet, and lunch with our friends.

Friday, August 18, 2006

On Vacation

NyCee and I are on vacation in The Valley of the Sun--beautiful Phoenix, AZ. We will have pictures to share and stories to tell when we return.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Pre-Birthday Celebration

In eight minutes (from the time the blog was published), I will be 32 years old. YEAH! Lewis, NyCee, and I celebrated a little early as NyCee and I will be leaving for Phoenix, AZ in the morning.

In addition to the beautiful new wedding set, Lewis is sending NyCee and I to Phoenix, AZ on vacation as a birthday present. He really is a wonderful man.

Why are we celebrating with ice cream and cookies instead of cake you ask? Because Lewis is not a big fan of cake; therefore, we opted for cookies. It was the thought behind it.


NyCee and I will share pictures of our vacation when we return.