Future Wrestler or Body Contortionist?

One of Tate's favorite things lately is to play on the guest room bed, especially after I've stripped the sheets down, and roll all over the place. Whatever works is my motto!!

This video cracked me up. He seems to be a pretty determined little guy, while almost the entire time, keeping his thumb in his mouth. Is that talent or what?

TCB (as Elvis says) in Memphis

Yes, I did some “taking care of business” Elvis-style in Memphis this past weekend. It was a fun-filled long weekend with one of my bestest friends ever, Paige. I headed to Little Rock to see her, Bert, and little Anna. And then the 2 of us took a quick rode trip to Memphis. I had never been there but really enjoyed the city. In just over 24 hours, we packed in about as much as possible.

We did the obligatory (although many people I’ve talked to didn’t seem to feel quite as obligated) tour of Graceland. My impressions…the ‘70s were a rough period for home decorating, Elvis really was revolutionary (and cute), and extravagance has taken on a whole new meaning in 2007 (he bought Graceland for only $100,000!!).

Then we enjoyed some classic Memphis barbecue at the famous Rendevous restaurant. We kept hearing about the “sausage and cheese” appetizer, so we were in a wild and crazy mood and ordered one. It pretty much tasted just like sausage and just like a stick of cheese. Strange?? The pork ribs were very impressive, though.

Then we headed down to the famous Beale Street (the birthplace of Rock 'N Roll and home of blues) for a night out on the town. We found a fun little quaint club and listened to some authentic blues music. Honestly, I didn’t understand most of what he was saying/singing, but he sure was having fun. And I have a whole new appreciation for the harmonica!

So the 2 crazy party girls that we are (ha!), we were rushing back to the hotel around 11:00 p.m. and crashed. :)

The next day included a humbling visit to the Civil Rights Museum. If you are ever in Memphis, you must visit this museum. It is very well done and includes a sobering view of past ignorance.

During part of the tour, you walk through a similar bus that Rosa Parks stood her ground by sitting in her seat. I’ve heard that story for years, but walking through that bus just put it in a whole new perspective for me. I can’t imagine the humiliation and shame African Americans must have felt to be told they were second-class citizens just because of the color of their skin. And the most horrific thing to me is that this was only 40-50 years ago!

The museum was built adjacent to the Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. It became eerily quiet as you walk through the hotel room and hear his powerful words on the audio tour. I was again reminded of the incredible and brave work he did in such a short lifetime.

There is so much more information in the museum that was very informative, while at times, very disturbing. But as difficult as it is to see and learn about, it is our history. Check out their website.

We finished off Memphis with lunch at the Arcade Restaurant, which is the oldest cafe in the city. The movies The Client and Great Balls of Fire were also filmed there. Fun!

The weekend was so much fun for several reasons. As always, any time I get to spend with my friend and her family is special. We have been friends since our freshman year at ACU. In 13 years of friendship, we have been through some pretty incredible ups and downs in life together. She is a faithful and loyal friend, one of those that you know without a doubt you’ll be friends with your entire life.

It was also fun for me because this was my first extended time away on my own since Tate was born. It felt very strange not having to pack a diaper bag each day or worry about what clothes conceal spit up the best. Of course I missed him, but I didn’t let that take away from a great trip. And it was so fun to see that big gummy smile when I got home.

And it ended up being a celebratory weekend after all for Paige, because she had just received word about a brand new job as “Dr. Reynolds” teaching English classes in the fall at the University of Central Arkansas. Woo-hoo! She has worked long and hard for this, and I’m SO excited for her!

Misc. Motherhood

Isn’t it 2007? Doesn’t that mean that most dads these days are taking the partnership approach to parenting? If not, please don’t tell Wade. I’ve convinced him it’s the thing to do now. Anyway, if we’ve come this far in having active participating dads, why does the Blue Mesa Grill have a changing table in the women’s restroom but not the men’s restroom?

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I love a good sale! I’ve been eyeing the Target clearance rack lately and was holding out until I knew the prices were at their lowest. Score!
4 pair of shorts, $0.98 each
2 onesies, $0.98 each
1 onesie, $1.48
1 pair of shorts, $1.48

Although I was the only one standing in the aisle, I grabbed those suckers before anyone else had a chance. :) Note to family members, Tate doesn’t need a new pair of shorts until he’s about 3 years old.


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I made a promise to myself not to be the mom that goes over the top talking about the over-achieving accomplishments of my child. Easier said than done, right? Humor me for a little, because this one was too cute. I put Tate in the Exersaucer the other day and ran to get the mail. I came right back and as I walked by him, I seriously think he said "ma ma."

It was really hot outside, so maybe I was hallucinating. And yeah, I know he probably didn't mean to say it to me or even associates that word with me yet. But instead of a bout of good timing, I'm thinking "ma ma" is already his first word! :)

#1 Fan!

This one is too good not to share. Wade has a picture of me with a keepsake I recently found in my Hope Chest. Yeah, I said it. This was in my Hope Chest. I'm not ashamed. Not just anyone can be the #1 fan! :)

Happy 7 Months Baby Tate!

Well, I’m way overdue on this. But last week, Tate turned 7 months old. Part of the tardiness is that I’m running out of ideas on how and where to take his “block” picture. Let me know if you have any ideas.

But this picture cracks me up because you can see his gangliness emerging…long skinny arms and legs. He’s still at the low end of weight but has shot up in length even more lately. Those must be from the Strzinek and Higlin (my mom’s side) genes.

Each month really is a new adventure. The latest and greatest is that after the baby cereal protest and my fear of having a picky eater, he got used to solid foods and eats most of what I give him now. I’ve even ventured into the world of making a few of the baby foods myself. Yes those that know my disdain for cooking “grown-up” food are laughing out loud right now. It’s pretty easy (which means a lot coming from me) and is a lot cheaper. Tate’s favs seem to be sweet potatoes and what I call Baby Guacamole (pureed avocado with a little formula). Here he is enjoying good ‘ol Gerber carrots.






He’s not quite sitting up completely on his own yet but seems to be close. He has mastered the rolling over both ways, which is pretty funny to watch him do in his crib in the middle of the night. His favorite toys seem to be puzzle pieces, the squeaker sports balls, the driving car, and his plastic blocks.

We have definitely noticed an interesting personality trait lately. I’m not quite sure how to describe it, but he seems to want his space. It’s happened on several occasions with various family members and friends who have been playing with him and maybe get too up close and personal in his face. Before you know it, the joyful, smiley face has instantly turned into a petrified frown turned cry.

This happened yet again when our friend Paige took his 6 month pictures. Considering his mood, she got some good ones…just no smiles.

But once he has his space and is content, he really is a happy baby. He loves watching Macy, going on walks outside, swimming, and playing with Daddy. Here is a picture of Wade’s new game…lying on the ottoman playing with Tate while still getting to watch TV!

And lastly, I predict some little girl out there will melt over these blue eyes one day. :)

24-hour getaway

Since it’s looking like Hawaii won’t happen until 2008 (see Bummer Story), we went ahead and took some of the vacation money we had saved up and had a quick 1-night getaway at a local fancy schmancy hotel. So, I survived my first 24 hours without Tate. I have to say I was excited to see him when we picked him up, but was fully able to enjoy myself while we were gone.

Our typical hotel is more the Hampton Inn caliber, but we decided what the heck, we have to make up for 8 days in Hawaii!

It was a relaxing 24 hours that included a Swedish massage, dinner at PF Changs, dessert at Trulucks (yes that chocolate cake is still to die for), sleeping in until 9:00 a.m., a stash of the fancy shmancy miniature toiletries that are now in our guest bathroom, and 4 uninterrupted hours of lounging at the pool (with NO rain and lots of sunshine!!!). I didn’t want to leave.

But I do have one huge regret. I had my camera with me the whole time and didn’t take one single picture. I’ve realized lately that I have hundreds of pictures of Tate but have somehow stopped taking pictures of me and Wade.

So to fully document the weekend, I’m pretty sure this is what we looked like. :)

The getaway was wonderful and relaxing. I mean who really needs Hawaii anyway, right?