Fun with Daddy

Clapping to the music
Can you tell who her Daddy is?

Stand up!

What???

Look at those cheeks

eating a "Sadie sandwich"

We had some fun family time today while Mike played music for us. Life doesn't get any better than this!

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Durrum III

West Point grads vs Naval Academy Grads. That is my Dad's college roomie. Bubba is in the middle

Me, Catherine and Amanda

Best man, Matt after his speech with the Bride and Groom


This past weekend my brother got married. He and his new wife, Courtney had a beautiful wedding. I only wish I had taken more pictures, she looked beautiful. The ceremony was very nice and my brother had several of his marine and navy friends come to MP so they got to participate in the wedding and it was really fun. We are so excited to have Courtney and Matthew as part of the family!

Dating again??

I have noticed since I became a Mom of a formerly (hopeful still) "high needs" baby and had significantly more time at home that I am on the prowl again.

Now before anyone gets the wrong idea, not for men. I have the BEST man ever.

No, I am on the prowl for mommy friends. It is amazing how when I see a mom and baby out walking or the mom in an office looking just as exhausted as me I want to get to know her better. I want to ask for her number and meet for lunch. I imagine us bonding over puke and sleeplessness.

I know she understands my confusion and feels my anxieties. I have struck up conversations with many people about the most personal things about being a parent. (Maybe I am desperate since I talk to a dog and a 5 month old all day :)) It is so comforting to know that other people are going through the same thing. That is why I love blogs too, people can be open without judgement.

Anyway I have made several new friends by meeting and bonding over baby. I seem way more open to talking to strangers lately and I love it! I have met so many neat people! I think I need to start a book club (wine group) or something soon! On a side note, I am loving the bachelor this season, I love it every season.

It is just funny how when I meet someone who is the same as me or has a kiddo too, I hope that she will call and that we can get together soon. It occured to me that it was the same as when I was dating too! This time around I am way more aggressive in asking for peoples numbers!

I also seem to be "dating" new companies since I am interviewing again. Those are significantly less fun since I have had to shake off my "mommy brain". :) I have some great leads and have had a couple of interviews this week, so we will see.

5 months!

Colby, Courtney, Walker

Sadie & Walker

3 generations who have worn the christening gown

with Dr. Fiedler

Sadie's baptism went well. Our friends Courtney, Colby and Walker and my parents were able to come. Sadie was so good and just slept through most of the service.

Wow, I can't believe it has been 5 months since Sadie was born. She has changed so much. Here are some of the highlights:

• eating solids. We had squash the other night for the first time and she loved it. she is a great eater and will eat her bottle right from the fridge. She can't seem to get enough food, drinking 6-8 oz at a time.

• sleeping, wait for it, 12 whole hours now. That's right, she is sleeping from 7 to 6 or 7 pretty consistently now. It is heaven! (this is a 3 night trend so maybe consistent is the right word). The nighttime diapers seem to help too, I love them :)

• smiling and laughing a lot. She loves her bouncer and to roll on the floor

• she is trying to crawl, she sees an object and rolls towards it and then pushes her knees under her but to lift up. won't be long!

I wondered if I would survive the first 4 months with the crying and no sleep but she seems to have turned a corner. I am enjoying being home with her for now and watching her change and grow.

Family Tradition

This weekend is Sadie's baptism at our church. I am so excited that she will be wearing the christening gown that has been in my family for 50+ years. It is really beautiful and was made by my great grandmother who was a seamstress. It has been worn by 2 (soon to be 3) generations and is still in such good shape. Here are some of the pictures of the shoes and gown and coat and bonnet. Hopefully we can make it through Sunday without ruining it!

Favorite Parts of Sadie

I wanted to try out my new camera and try to capture some of the parts of her that I love so much. She is growing so fast and I am afraid I will forget all of the things that I love of her at almost 5 months. Here are some of my favorite parts! I am using this as my baby book so bear with me.

She loves being naked. If she is screaming, I can almost always get her to stop by letting her play naked or in her diaper.

I love her rolls on her thighs and on her back. I just want to eat them up. As I was taking this picture she peed everywhere!


Getting so good at rolling over and pushing up. I love how she sucks in her bottom lip when she is concentrating. She also looks back to make sure we see that she is pushing up.

Look at those big brown eyes and precious lips. She makes what M and I call the "shotgun" as she relaxes. It is 3 quick exhalations and is usually a sign of sleep coming!

I love her "Albert Einstein" hair! It is wild and sticks out all over the place. She has major cowlicks on the side and looks like she stuck her finger in an electrical socket

She is moving toward objects now that are on the floor. she can use her arms to rotate her body toward the toys.

Sadie was born with great arms, very muscular. I wish mine were this defined. She has great delts that I tried to get in this picture.

Practicing her "skills" and very proud of herself.

Below are some more pictures from Christmas in MP.

Durrum kids and offspring

Dodger looks so handsome begging for treats!

Granddaddy and Sadie in the back yard

Smiling at Memere (my mom is continuing the tradition of using "memere", french for grandmother) She always smiles for her.

Uncle Matt

Advice wanted

Since I lost my job, I will need to buy a car to replace my company car. I know very little about the car buying process and cars in general. It is not Mike's specialty either. We would like an SUV I think. So I am asking for help on tips, cars etc??