The Texas 3 Step

We are back from Amarillo, and don't worry our adventures will be documented. However, I have to tell you that Miss Payton did the Texas 3 step on Friday. We were over at Mrs. Ann's house (my sister's mother-in-law) and Payton was holding on to her sofa. Just then Delany, who is eight, asked me if Payton could walk yet. I replied, "No, not yet." Well, I guess Payton heard this and turned around and took 3 steps all by herself to me!!! I couldn't believe it and I started to scream in excitement. I am so blessed that I was there to witness this huge milestone. Although, I think I scared her to death because my reaction was so over the top. Payton hasn't done it again, but we are keeping our eyes open and waiting.

It's A Beautiful Day Here

and I am sitting in a CLE. I should probably explain to any non lawyers who read this blog what a CLE is. See in Texas, in order to actually be an attorney you have to have a certain number of hours in Continuing Legal Education. You have until your birthday month (actually until the month after your birthday) to complete the required number of hours. Every time I go to a CLE I always want to take a survey to see how many of the attorneys have a birthday in the next month or two. What can I say..................... putting things off to the last minute is a beautiful thing.

Any who.......... my whole point is that it is an absolutely beautiful fall day and I am stuck in a conference room. The only good news is that the CLE gets over around 3:00 so I am hoping I will have time to take Payton to the park.

Also, this weekend we have a big first birthday coming up. Payton's big cousin Jack is turning one. Therefore, be prepared for picture overload on Monday. Hope every one has a wonderful weekend.

Nine Months

Guess who is 9 months old today?


Who????




Why, Miss Payton...... of course!!!


Oh, Miss Payton. Mommy can't believe that you are nine months today. Where has the time gone? You are still Mommy's heart and you are doing more and more each day. You still only have one tooth, but that doesn't stop you from biting and enjoying fruit. Yes, my little one...... you love fruit. Especially, when Daddy gives you peaches. You are still not a fan of the puffs. You have more fun playing with them and throwing them on the floor, but it doesn't matter because Daisy loves them.



You have also mastered the sippy cup. My oh my, how you have grown!!! You love your tea, and you get so excited every time you see a sonic cup because you know your tea is coming. You can also suck out of straw, and you have a good throwing arm. You throw every thing, including your bottle when you are done. Miss Payton, you still love your water bottle, and will give Mommy a big belly laugh when she shakes it.








You also love music and to see Mommy and Daddy dance. We get the biggest belly laugh out of you when we turn up the music and dance around the living room. You also love your dog, Daisy. You have discovered how to pull up on Daisy. You have also discovered her doggy bowl and water, and last night you made a bee line for the doggy door. You are such a cute mess, and I wouldn't have it any other way.


Mommy ordered your birthday invitations for your first birthday and I almost cried. How can you almost be a year old? You are still my baby (and always will be), but Mommy can start to see the little girl you will become soon. You also have your Daddy wrapped around your little finger. Daddy has taught you how to wash your hands, and now any time you see that the water is on you make a bee line for it. I do have to admit that total strangers are impressed when after a diaper change in public that we (including you) have to wash our hands.

Payton, you are so loved by everyone. This afternoon is your nine month check-up so we will have all your stats and will have to update all your loved ones.

Happy Nine Month Birthday, Baby Girl!!

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Happy Birthday......

Today is my Mom's birthday. I will not disclose how old she is today, but she still young at heart. I also know that Miss Payton keeps her active. I want to take a moment to thank my Mom for all she does for me and my family. As each year passes, I realize just how much I love my Mom and how much I need her.

Mom...... I love you, and I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Purple People Eater Part Two

Are you ready for some super cuteness?





I know the picture is small, but I had to scan it in. I know, I know, as a lawyer there is that whole copyright thing, but I am giving them some props on the blog. Go Picture People....... There, I hope that will mitigate any liability.

If you click on the picture it will enlarge it so you can see the entire cuteness in all its glory. BTW, Payton says Ooh, Ooh, Ooh alot. And on the picture on the right you can tell that is what she is doing.

I would also like to point out that I agree with Daon that the hat does make it seems like she should have a British accent. The hat is a little bit "Tiny Timish" but it was way too cute not get.

Purple People Eater

Today, Grandpat took Payton to music and then to get her 9 month picture made at the Picture People. I promise we don't have enough pictures of this kiddo. We only go every two month to get her picture made at the Picture People then her professional birth annoucement, Easter picture and our family photo at five months.

Of course when they are taking the picture you cannot take photos; however, my mom snapped one after the photo shoot. Miss Payton is also wearing purple tights. I can't wait to see Picture People photos.

Soccer & Halloween

Cooper has started soccer. Last year, when he was a mere two, he did little sluggers a/k/a baseball. Although Cooper loved little sluggers, he would always ask about soccer. Therefore, my sister enrolled him in soccer and his first "practice" was Sunday. I don't know how good of a soccer player he is going to be, but he sure looks adorable in his soccer gear.




On another note, my mom LOVES Halloween. It is her favorite holiday to decorate house. She doesn't decorate with anything scary or tacky, but she does deck the halls with all things Halloweenish. Therefore, Grandpat has purchased Payton a number of Halloween outfits to wear. Grandpat dressed her up in one of them today. Yes, I realize we are still over a month and half from Halloween; however, I will have to give Grandpat some slack for watching Payton every day free of charge.




Also, Grandpat got a new cell phone and I am loving the picture quality. However, she said that it was hard to get Miss Payton to look at the camera because she was way more interested in the boxes next to her. Look at her hair !!!!! It is like a little ducks......... sticking up every where.

I would also like to brag that while most other kids her age are working on bye-bye (which she somewhat has) and blowing kisses (she's not even close) our little Payton can fake sneeze. I have been meaning to get it on video, but every time I get the camera out she is more interested in the camera than performing. Doesn't she realize I am trying to capture memories here????

Holidays = ER

At least that seems to be the trend at the Cargill household. The good news is that this had nothing to do with Payton. She is happy and healthy. However, Mommy is not so lucking. Remember when I said I had a nasty cold. Well, that part was true. I had a nasty upper respiratory infection. However, the infection turned into Pneumonia.

Out of 24 hours on Friday, I can honestly say I remember four of them, and three were at the doctor. When I woke up at 3:30 a.m. I knew things were not good. I called my Mom and off to Care Now we went at 8:00 a.m. According to my oxygen in take, blood work and chest x-ray, I had full blown Pneumonia. So bad in fact, the doctor told me I was borderline on having to go the hospital for IV treatment. Instead, I had to promise lots of fluids and rest. The doctor also prescribed the strongest antibiotic possible over the counter.

I stayed with my mom over the weekend so she could watch Payton, and went straight to bed from the doctor's office. The only thing I remember is throwing up a couple of times, and my mom making me change cloths a couple of times because my fever kept breaking over and over again causing me to sweet through the cloths I was wearing. I know TMI, but that is how my Labor Day weekend kicked off.

All and all I do feel better; however, I am still very weak and the antibiotic is doing a number on my stomach. It is also making me have some very vivid dreams.

Derek had to work all weekend, and Payton played with my mom and her cousin Cooper. On Monday we did go shopping and bought Ms. Payton some fall clothes. She is growing like a weed. She also LOVES, LOVES, LOVES potato soup.

Hope everyone had a better Holiday Weekend than me.

Still Here

Remember when I said about twice a year work gets really crazy? Well, this past week it has happened. Both Derek and I are extremely busy at work. I have my fingers crossed that it will slow down for me next week, but Derek will be crazy busy until the end of September.

Payton is just a growing and going. Today she started music again. I haven't had time to download any new pictures, but I do have new cell phone pics from my mom.


Here she is from today at her first music class. Look at her crazy hair. I guess we should be happy she has hair. The little boy in the background is probably jealous.






Here is Payton eating on Sunday. I didn't get to my mom's house until 11:00 p.m. on Sunday night from work. Therefore, my mom had to feed her dinner. When my mom text me this picture on Sunday I started crying because I missed her so much.





I also want to say a big THANK YOU to my mom. Derek and I had to work both Saturday and Sunday to get ready for separate trials / mediations that were coming up this week. That being said, my mom watched Payton for us when we were at work. My mom already watches Payton during the week; therefore, she didn't get a day off at all last week. My mom keeps telling me not to worry because she loves watching Payton, but it just breaks my heart because (1) I miss my daughter and (2) I want my mom to have some time just for herself.

Derek and I truly could not have the professions we have without my mom. THANK YOU MOM and I LOVE YOU.