My Two Girls & Jamie, too!

"Dogs are not are whole life, but they make our life whole" ~Roger Caras

Skyler with our West Highland Terrier, Laney

I remember Tom & I bringing Skyler home from the hospital that sunny Sunday afternoon and I was hoping for a smooth family transition between the dogs and the baby. I had my Mum and Dad take home one of the blankets Skyler was wrapped in so the dogs could sniff it the day before we were due home. Needless to say, it was an easy adjustment. Now, Laney might disagree and say she's no longer center of attention, but she does get all our lovin' once Skyler has been put to bed for the night.

Even if you're strictly a bona fide cat lover, seeing dogs and babies together can just soften any heart. This picture was taken yesterday as my girls were chillin'.......

and below is Jamie, Skyler, Daddy and Laney taken around her 9th week of age......Babies and dogs are a sweet combination!

Dreadnaught Football

Another turning point in Little Miss Skyler's life happened last night.

LAKELAND DREADNAUGHT FOOTBALL!!

You've never truly experienced a high school football game until you've sat in the stands at Bryant Stadium, a.k.a Castle Field, and watch the mighty Orange & Black! The crowd of usually 6000 or more pack the stadium and cheer relentlessly. Winning is a football tradition at Lakeland High School, home of 2 National Championships and 6 State Titles. My husband was a defensive coach during some of those glorious years and every where I go, I still hear, "Hey, you're Coach Short's wife"!

Skyler is now apart of this wonderful football family. She enjoyed her first LHS football game against cross town rival, the Lake Gibson Braves. Although it was just warm up game to the 2009 season, it was a fabulous family night....me & Skyler amongst all our friends......showing our "Naught" pride! She even stayed awake during the entire 36-7 victory and she wasn't even fazed by the marching band or the ship's cannons going off after each score! Daddy left the coaching booth and joined us with less then 5 minutes to go. Quite a big difference from the baseball game, where she passed out in the 4th inning. She's definitely a football fan...just like Mummy & Daddy!

Just for kicks, I had to reminisce and throw in this picture (below) when Skyler was only one week old. ***wow....12 weeks ago*** Here she is with her Daddy, doing the oh-so famous Heisman Trophy pose! Enjoy....

Happy Friday!

If you're having a bad day, just peek at these pictures and you'll be sure to smile!

Skyler has been using her hands more and more recently and this fascination increases daily! She literally can not take her eyes of them.......she grabs, bats and pulls just about everything. Too, too cute.........Her vocal skills are also improving. We hear more & more giggles and coos. She's 13 weeks old today and life is still very entertaining in the Short household. Remember, visitors are always welcomed!

I'm hungry! .....Oh yeah, I got my hands!"

Cool bonnet, huh?

Beech Nut Babe

I've been told by family, friends and even her pediatrician, Dr. Eanett, that Skyler is a bit advanced for her tiny age. I have to agree, but then again, I am the proud, biased Mummy who can certainly brag a mile a minute! lol...

Well, since our alert little angel seems to be doing things four weeks ahead of schedule, Tom & I decided to launch stage two in the feeding category and introduce her to Beech Nut rice cereal for the first time this week. It was amazing to watch. Skyler took to that cereal and slurped every ounce that Daddy fed her. Her tummy was so full, she just crashed in his arms and went to la-la land..... probably to dream about sugar-n-spice & everything nice, because after all, isn't that what little girls are made of?

Papa's Pride

I am a proud daughter who values the strong, comfortable relationship with her Dad. There's something magical about being Daddy's little girl and I know as Skyler gets older, she will treasure and truly embrace a wonderful relationship with her Daddy, just like I have over the past 40+ years.

Now, most of you all know my Daddy, the tough, Harley-loving, Florida Gator fan who has an avid taste for golf. My Dad, Pete, has always been a hard working, devoted family man.........a father who never wore his emotions on his sleeve, yet you just knew how much he loved you through his own quirky ways. Jack-of-all-trades, he could fix anything from a broken bicycle to the most terrifying bad dreams! Just ask my two sisters. We certainly could share some fun stories.

Seeing him with my daughter just tugs at my heart. He's become this big softy. I get so moved watching the bond form between Skyler and my parents. She is the first grandchild in the "Green" family and needless to say, she's the love of her Grandparent's life!

My Father and his band were invited to play the Bagpipes at the funeral of Tampa's fallen police officer, Cpl. Mike Roberts, who was killed in the line of duty last week. These pictures were taken moments before my Dad left Lakeland yesterday.

Thank you, Dad, for being there and for being such a wonderful part of Skyler's life. You were more then essential in my life as I was growing up. You were a beacon of truthfulness, common sense, kindness and silent courage. All traits that shall be past on to my child.

12 Weeks and counting.....

Uptown girl in Ralph Lauren

Yes, another milestone reached........Little Miss Skyler turned 12 weeks old this past Friday! Oh how time flies, but isn't it sweet to reflect back on those wonderful, cherished memories? Like this one......86 days ago, where she was just a few hours old. Definitely love at first sight for Tom & I!

Well, it sure does seem like yesterday. The changes in her looks (week by week) are faithful and the progress of her sweet personality continues. It's amazing to witness, especially the developmental skills. Motherhood is simply awesome! Enjoy some more photos of Skyler in her beautiful dress that Glammey bought.

Three's a Charm!

Skyler has become quite the socialite, taking in more and more of this huge, amazing world. She reaches for objects, smiles spontaneously, babbles and even turns in the direction of our voice! So very cool. Her sleeping habits have stretched by an extra 2 hours! Bedtime is around 8:30 and when I wake her up at 6:45 the following morning, I am greeted with her big smile. Thanks to that gorgeous smile and also a sweet kiss from my husband, my day starts off with a bang!

During her 11th week, Skyler got to meet 3 more of my dear friends: Ginger Hargrove, Kathryn O'Malley and Amanda McCabe. Yes, she was quite the socialite this week and her Daddy said she's following in my footsteps! lol....

Ginger

Kathryn

Amanda

7th Inning Stretch?

We headed to the ball park last night and enjoyed a baseball game. Our first family sporting event and certainly not the last! Although it was a minor league game, The Lakeland Flying Tigers v/s The Clearwater Threshers, we had a great time. Too bad Skyler couldn't enjoy the fresh peanuts and hotdogs.....mmmm! She crashed during the 4th inning so we decided to pack up and drive home. We never got to do the traditional 7th Inning Stretch and sing, "Take Me Out To The Ball Park"........Perhaps next time! :)

Joker Merchant Stadium, Spring Training Home to the Detroit Tigers

Daddy just adores his little girl & she's crazy about him! I'm sure we'll be back to this stadium to watch some more minor league games (such great family atmosphere) and also Spring Training baseball. Hard to believe Skyler will be 10 months old then!

My two Sweethearts

....Just for Skyler

Little Miss Skyler wearing my Kiwanis cap

I'd like to share this poem written by my sister's (Nicola) mother-in-law, Betty Lou Hebert. Betty Lou lives in Northern Idaho and has two chapbooks published and a historical romance novel, Heritage of Hawk Hill.

For Skyler

Skyler is her name and she

Captures hearts so easily!

Just one look at that sweet face

And you know she has a place

In your life and in your mind

For it would be so hard to find

Another baby who's so dear

And will grow more so every year!

She has a Smile you won't forget.

Though I haven't met her yet,
Her pictures bring me smiles as well
And help her weave her magic spell!
It will be fun to watch her grow.
She will be beautiful I know!

You can view Betty Lou's writings at her website http://bettylouhebert.com/

A day at the office

As you all know, I am fortunate to bring Skyler to work with me each day and, of course, every day is one big surprise after another. Today she started blowing bubbles and I think she's trying to sing. In fact, it sounds a lot like my singing.......not too good! :) Anyway, I always start the day off having Skyler sit in my chair (makes her feel like the boss, haha) and then the fun begins.......and boy-oh-boy, what fun!

"The Boss"

Thought I would share two work pictures taken over the week. My Daddy said that it's looking more like Romper Room each day at Brandon Pest Control!

Skyler loves playing with her bibs and this ended up around her face

Skyler likes to do her morning aerobics on her jungle gym mat

Peek-A-Boo & Tiffany, too!

Skyler loves when you play peek-a-boo. She smiles and giggles and just bounces her head up and down. These pictures capture the fun we were having over the weekend.

Introducing Tiffany.......
When little Miss Skyler was born, a distinctive shade of blue box appeared on our door step from her Auntie Nicola and Uncle Bogie. You know the one......every girls dream......the highly recognizable famed box that evokes images of elegance and exclusivity. Yes, you guessed it, a true American icon of style and sophistication............Tiffany & Co.

We opened this beautiful package and discovered a sterling silver double teething ring rattle. Gorgeous! I explained to Skyler how she now owns an exclusive Tiffany design piece. Undeniably chic. (plus I just had to mention to her that Tiffany & Co. is the creator of the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the Pittsburgh Steelers own six.....an NFL record! lol.....sorry Daddy!) Anyway, Skyler now has the ability to hold objects and even pull Mummy's hair, so I quickly removed that treasured rattle from the famous soft pouch and gave it to her. She loves it! It definitely gets packed and now goes every where with us. Check her & Tiffany out!

Splish-Splash!

During her East Coast Excursion at Auntie Kevie & Uncle Larry's pad, Skyler was introduced to the swimming pool. Skyler always enjoys bath time, but this was certainly a thrilling event. She just loved being in the water with her Daddy! We've never seen her this animated. Auntie Kevie & I soaked in every teeny-weeny move while capturing it with our camers. We couldn't stop smiling and either could Skyler! Seeing her in that adorable, tiny bathing suit just made my heart melt. They say pictures are worth a thousand words, so I'll let you all be the judge!

The East Coast Excursion

......And then there was the East Coast!

Another fun family trip was made and Skyler relished in more hugs-n-kisses once we arrived at Auntie Kevie & Uncle Larry's home. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and boy-oh-boy did she have fun. Tom and I enjoyed Larry's steaks, hot off the grill and Kevie's home made bread! Mmmmm.......We drove home that night, stuffed as pigs, while Skyler crashed out in her carrier.

The West Coast Wayfarers

As mentioned in an earlier blog, Daddy and I buckled up sweet Skyler and traveled west on Interstate 4. It was only a 66 mile journey to Glammey & Papa's and she slept the entire way. (Skyler always passes out in a moving car) Once we got to my parents, Skyler quickly found her way into her Glammey's arms.......one of her favorite places to be! She also got to meet some very dear friends of the "Green" family, Sally Rae and Jerry Schmeer. They have been apart of my life since I was 12 years old. Such a great couple..... married for over 50 years and now, apart of my daughter's life. How cool is that? :)
We had a wonderful day and a delicious meal. In fact, Tom enjoyed home made Steak & Kidney pie for the very first time! Yes, definitely a British delicacy!


Here is Little Miss Skyler with Glammey & Sally Rae and Jerry.




Daddy & Skyler chillin' out before dinner.