7 months!

Well, technically more like 7.5 months now! Emmy has been doing great! She is up to nearly 20 pounds, and loves to eat. Green veggies are her favorite (the exact opposite of Cade). She tries to crawl, but can't seem to get both feet under her, so she manages to get around by "scooting" on her bottom. Cade is really loving his sister right now. She laughs at almost everything he does, which he loves. She is such a sweet girl, but tends to act much better when her mommy is nearby:). Of course we are together all day everyday, so I guess it is no suprise that she gets some separation anxiety! For the past month, we have been inside ALOT. Up until this week, it has just been SO cold here. We are really looking forward to the spring so we can get outside more to play.

Here are some of her latest:

Loves her sippy cup


One month ago, she had one little bottom tooth. Since then, she has cut FOUR (almost five) more. The other bottom tooth and three of her top ones. She likes to show them off:) Needless to say, we have had some sleep issues here! And she chews on everything she can get her hands on!

"Peekaboo!" Her favorite game.

Relief for Haiti

I sat here with tears in my eyes watching a doctor help a two week old baby who had gotten a head injury in the earthquake. His mother had been killed. If you have watched anything on the news, then you know how sad and devastating the whole situation is. Haiti is the poorest county in the entire western hemisphere. Nearly HALF of its population is made up of children. It is reported that up to two million children have been orphaned or separated from their parents. This just breaks my heart. I wish I could go down there and help these people! I figured that the least I could do was make a contribution that would help get food, water and supplies down there. I personally donated through a Nashville based organization called Healing Hands International. It is a first responder to disasters like this, and is run by a wonderful man, Dr. Randy Steger, who goes to my church. They take donations via PayPal, so it takes less than five minutes.

Another superfast way to donate is to text "Haiti" to 90999. This will automatically donate $10 to the American Red Cross. It will appear on your next cell phone statement. Compassion is also an organization that helps the children of Haiti. A little donation will go a long way!

"Share with God's people who are in need..." Romans 12:13

New Year's Resolutions

I know many of you read Kelly's Korner blog. It is one of my favorites, and I especially love the "Show Us Your Life" segment she does on Fridays. The first topic of the new year is New Year's Resolutions/Goals. I figured that if I wrote mine down for all to see, then I would have to hold myself more accountable. So here are some goals and improvements I am hoping to make for 2010:

Start Running. I know this may be nothing for some people, but the last time I remember physically running a mile was in 9th grade P.E. class. It is not to say that I am not active. I love to walk, do yoga, elliptical machine, boot camp, kickboxing, weights, etc. but I just have never been a runner. But ever since one of my best friends, Casey Mac, completed the Nashville half marathon in 2005, I have felt inspired (she will not mind me saying that she started off as a VERY non-runner like myself). And when she finished her first full marathon this past fall, I decided that the least I could do was a 5k:)

Take a sewing class. I did some minor sewing my senior year of high school in Home Ec. I even have a quilt to prove it. But now that Emmy is here, I am feeling like I need to learn. I even have a sewing machine, so it seems like a necessity!

Get ORGANIZED! I will be the first to admit that I am no Type A personality. I like to keep the house clean, but organizational skills (closets, fridge, etc.) are something I have to really work at. After being married for nearly 5 years and having two kids, stuff can accumulate really quickly. I have already tackled the master closet and bonus (with Heath's help), and have a huge donation of clothes and toys for our local Help Center! I just need to keep up organization all year...

Work on my photography skills. I am obsessed with pictures (having kids will do that to you), and need to learn more about my SLR camera, lighting, angles, etc.

(Finally) Start reading the Twilight series. My mom and sister in law think it is necessary. Apparently i am way behind! Ha!

Try more new recipes. I love to cook, and having two small children makes it hard (and sometimes downright unpleasant) to go out to dinner. And I tend to get stuck in a rut (tacos and spaghetti anyone). So I will be breaking out the cookbooks more often (this should be an easy goal- we love to eat, which will make the running more imperative!:)

Spend more time in God's word and practicing it. Self Explanatory!

Continue to work on being the best wife and mother I can. When I had a "real" job, we did yearly reviews and worked on goals and professional expectations for the next year. This is my job now, so it only makes sense to do the same for it. Too bad you don't get a yearly raise or bonus like in the professional world!

I am sure there are more things, but that is all I can think of right now...I better get to it!:)

Christmas 2009

We had such an amazing, blessed holiday season this year at the Thorne house. It is crazy to think that last year it was just us and Cade. Well, I did have a little bump...and now we have two precious kids that are into everything!

This Christmas was especially fun, because Cade was really into Santa. I am actually sad it is over, since I used the good ol' "Santa is watching you" many times as a bribe for good behavior. I guess it is never too early to get ready for next year, right?;)

Emmy had a great first Christmas. Like most babies, I think she enjoyed the paper, bows and tags as much as the actual gifts! We are so thankful that we got to share the holidays with family and friends!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures:

Thanks, Santa!

Santa brought Emmy a new big girl seat since she is nearly too heavy for her carrier

Cade and cousin Maddie

His new hard hat and goggles

This is one of his most favorite gifts. He loves to make a stage and sing songs (which he is very theatrical about). Future Justin Timberlake maybe?

You'll shoot your eye out!

Loving the wrapping paper...

Big hug...or maybe a headlock???