The Bakers

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few pics from the last little bit. Things here are great! Just busy, busy! :)
Enjoy our life in pictures!

Sigh! Is that not the sweetest thing?!?!

So pretty!

So glamorous! Watching Oso! Our fave special agent bear!

Daddy has the special touch...along with 3 hours of church!

Favorite spot to hang and watch the tube! She likes to watch sports with daddy!

Chloe's favorite past time! Climbing the stairs!

This present had Sawyer's name on it! WAAAHHH!

Pretty, pretty baby girl!

Someone was NOT a happy camper. No nappy, no happy!

Tolerating us all for the moment!

Chloe's First Halloween

2010-11-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Chloe LOVED her first Halloween! She was the cutest Tink you ever did see. She loved being in her Tink costume and even flapped her wings as we went to a couple of our neighbor's houses to trick-or-treat. She is quite the charmer so the kid raked in some chocolate...mostly for mom and dad, though she does love to suck all the chocolate off the twix bar. Ahhhh- she is her mother's daughter. Enjoy some pics of my favorite little pumpkin!

The love of our lives...in pictures

2010-11-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

Those baby blue eyes just SPARKLE!

Can't a gal eat her duckie in peace?

Love this face!

TuTu cute!

The happiest, sweetest, smartest, most amazing girl in the world!

Happy Half Birthday, Chloe!

2010-08-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

]I can NOT believe that our sweet baby girl is six months old. She is such a princess and the sweetest, most perfectly delicious baby on the face of the planet. We are so blessed to have such a sassy little girl. She truly is brilliant and a joy to watch every second. She has so much personality that I can not even imagine what she will be like when she gets a bit older. We had our 6 month check up and these were her "stats":
weight- 17.9 lbs- - - oh, yeah baby! we got us a lil' piglet! That is the 75%-90% range
length- 27 inches-- - we are fairly certain she will be a supermodel! 90 % range
She can sit up by herself and can roll any which way she pleases. We now call her GI Jane, as she has decided she can army crawl wherever she pleases now as well. Every once in a while we catch her on her knees doing the rocking thing, but no "true" crawling just yet- - heaven help us! I will have to become a MUCH better housekeeper. My dust elephants can be no more! :)
She loves to jump in her jumparoo, swim, take baths, and be out on the boat. She likes to sing opera and has discovered many different ranges and pitches of her sweet voice. She has loved all of the "big girl" solids we've given her so far. The kiddo loves to eat! She especially loves her sweet potatoes, sweet peas, bananas, and pears. I also gave her a teeny, tiny bite of Krispy Kreme on her half birthday and she was quite a fan! She has 1 tooth so far and chews on anything and everything she can drag into her mouth!She loves her mommy and her daddy- - we love her too! She is a happy, happy girl that is adored by all that encounter her beauty and charm! Smitten- yes, just a touch!

Happy girl! Loves to bounce!
She bounced, bounced, bounced til she just couldn't bounce no more!

Hoppy Easter from the Baker Family!

2010-04-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

She's gonna be a supermodel....

2010-03-30T08:03:00.001-07:00

Meli and I took the babes to have some spring pictures made and I wanted to give you a looky-look at my sweetheart! Brace yourself- she's pretty dang cute!

I love these little piggies!

I LOVE BEING A GIRL!
Pondering the world...so sweet!

Isn't she perfection? Insert loving sigh here! We love our sweet girl so much! I don't know how we ever lived without her. She makes our lives so complete and full of joy!

Introducing Miss Chloe Celine Baker!

2010-02-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

Forgive me for my delayed introductions but we've been a bit busy! Chloe made her grand entrance into the world on January 23, 2010 at 3:47 pm. Weighing in at an impressive 8 lbs 6 oz and a whopping 21 1/2 inches long, she is the sweetest, most amazingly beautiful little girl you ever laid eyes on. I will spare you the details of labor- - except to say that I heart epidurals, people lie about how bad the pain really is, and I really love my doctors at Emory Eastside. Also, my Todd and my family are rockstars for sticking it out as long as they did...and apologies to Dave for hitting and cursing you.( you know you loved it though)

Life is pretty fantastic. Chloe is the world's best baby....so laidback and easygoing. She is very sweet to her mama and only gets up once during the night- if at all. We've had 3 nights of straight up sleepytime, which is pretty awesome! My child is delicious!

Everyone who meets her is instantly captivated by her charm and beauty. She is quite irresistible. I think we'll keep her! :)

The waiting game...

2010-01-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am so very ready! AHHH! I feel great and have loved being pregnant, but there comes a time when you just want your baby! and you want your baby NOW!!! I am so ready to give thousands of kisses to teeny tiny toes and big fat baby cheeks! :)
As of my last appointment things looked great but not a whole lot of progress as far as anticipating a delivery soon...but I am told this can change in an instant. Let's hope...Mama B is ready!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

I know it has been forever-- shall we count how many blogs start like that of mine?- - but we have been busy preparing for the arrival of Miss Chloe. The nursery is AMAZING. Pictures to come very shortly, I promise! Todd and Co. made all my wildest dreams come true. It is perfection! :)
We've also been finishing up school projects and homework. Very proud of the Toddster as he kicked some GSU-fanny and made the Dean's List with his stellar hard-work. They think he's pretty much the bees knees and I couldn't agree more. He has a natural gift (who knew??) and will make an incredible teacher. Just a bit proud, I am! hee hee
Anyway- just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May the new year bring much joy and happiness to you and those you love. What a wonderful time of the year to reflect on all of the blessings we have been showered with. Much love to you all.
The Baker Fam

Hello Third Trimester!

2009-11-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hey people! May I just say that I really love being pregnant?? I really do. Yes, I'm tired all the time and I know every bathroom in a 100 mile radius of me at any given moment :) but I just love this little angel girl kicking around in my big ol' belly. I am constantly amazed that I am GROWING A HUMAN! How weird is that? I mean seriously...a whole person, just chillin' there where my muffin top used to be...it is now replaced, HOT DOG!, by baby!!! So cool. It is getting more and more real that she is really coming. I had my first shower a couple weekends back- - THANK YOU MELI AND PAULA- - and it was so super fun! Such cute, tiny little PINK things. I can't wait to have my sweet girl here to play dress-up! And a couple more to come soon. We have not really started on the nursery yet except for cleaning it out but we will be getting to that very, very soon! RIGHT TODD??? My love, my darling???
Anyway, I get to go visit the doctor tomorrow and we get to get another peek at our girl! I can't wait. I'll post a picture from the ultrasound tomorrow...hopefully, she will be looking very much more like a baby and less like a halloween decoration ( very spooky and skeletal but somehow still beautiful!) Until then, happy wednesday to you all! Kisses and Hugs to you! xoxoxoxoxoxo

2 years of wedded bliss!

2009-09-22T09:01:00.001-07:00

2 years ago, Todd and I were married! Holy cow! Time truly has flown by and yet somehow it seems like we've been together forever! It has been 2 wonderfully, amazing years! I can't wait for many, many, many more years of fun, laughter, and bliss! I love you the most-er-est, my darling boy!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

2009-09-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

We are so, so excited! Miss Chloe Celine will be making her appearance the end of January ( or sometime round there!) We got to check her out in action- - and lots of action, mercy that child is busy already! She had the hiccups throughout the ultrasound yesterday--pretty dang cute- - but not so easy for our tech who was trying to do her job and get some measurements and what not. Our gal was also VERY modest at first with her "girly parts" and kept putting her hands down there as if to say " no, no! don't look!" but she finally cooperated! We feel so blessed to be starting our family and can't wait to see her in person! Just wanted to share the news right quick. Have a great weekend- - we surely will as we are thinkin' pink! :)

18 weeks!

2009-08-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Oh my! Slowly, but surely, we are getting there. We are now 18 weeks and some change pregnant and things are going very well! I am feeling good most of the time...just tired, but I do chase 21 wee ones around all day so that isn't too crazy off the mark to be so tuckered out! We are anxiously awaiting the 10th of September! That is the day that we will find out if lil babykins is gonna be a surfer dude or a darling diva. Any guesses on what the Baker babe is going to be? I am feeling girl vibes but I know many who tell me they are feeling a boy. I can honestly say I don't care what flavor babe we get, as long as he/she is healthy and sweet! So let's hear it friends, what will it be for the Bakers? Sugar and spice and everything nice or snakes and snails and puppy dog tails???

Wednesday Check-In

2009-07-29T08:13:00.001-07:00

Hello friends! Things have been going very well here in the land of Baker. I've started to feel better (not to jinx it!) and I am most grateful for that. It just is kinda stinky to feel like you wana puke ALL DAY LONG. But you know what...I AM SO HAPPY! I don't even care- cuz the bundle of fun we will get here in a few months will TOTALLY be worth it. At least it better! ha! I have been gearing up for the new school year. Thanks to our doo-doo face governor- pardon the strong language! I have a couple extra days of vacation(without pay though, PU!) so I've been kickin it and chill-axin here round the house. I have been trying to get some closets cleaned out and organized and other little odd things round here but it seems to be losing out to things like watching Dharma and Greg, reading, or doing stuff with the Todd-ster. I figure I need to rest and be lazy all I can since this party of 2 will soon be a party of 3...which I hear greatly effects your ability to rest and be lazy! :)
I was reflecting on how truly blessed our family is. I LOVE MY LIFE! I couldn't ask for anything more really-- -cept maybe to get my WHOLE contracted pay- but I have a good job that pays our bills so I know I really can't complain. Life is good. Hope you all are doing well too!

So proud!

2009-07-17T06:55:00.001-07:00

Todd was accepted into the Early Childhood Education program at GSU! YAY! I am so proud of him. He has been working so, so hard and now is on his way to earning his degree so that he can be a teacher! He also just kicked the rest of the fam's booties in the biggest loser competition. After 3 long, long months of competition, Todd came out victorious and 120 bones richer. Go baby go!
As a side note, for those who have been inquiring...I am feeling pretty great and will be happy to move into the weeks where I am no longer plagued with the all-day-nausea. "THE BOOK" promises an end....but I've been told the book lies. I chose to believe in Heidi and the pearls of wisdom she shares in What to Expect when you are Expecting so boo to all the haters! Kisses to all!

I've been keeping a secret for almost a whole trimester!

2009-07-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Todd and I are expecting our first little sugarbooger on January 25! We are so excited and blissfully happy! We are also a wee bit scared out of our minds but WE DON'T CARE! Everything has been going very well and we are excited to let you in on the secret! HOLLA! :) xoxoxoxoxoxox0

Take me down to Paradise City...

2009-07-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a glorious vacation in Panama City. The whole Cashman/Baker/Pyne clan went for a family get-away and it was fantabulous! We had so much fun! Dad, Todd and Dave are now scuba cerified and went out on their first dives. Meli and Greg were already certified so they went too. I am only certifiably insane so I stayed with Mom and watched the little man whilst sipping cold ones by the pool...and by cold ones, I of course mean dr. pepper! :) The guys all went deep sea fishing on a boat they had all to themselves and came back with pounds and pounds of fish. Too bad only a handful of them like to eat it. We also enjoyed some pretty sweet fireworks over the ocean for the 4th. We had beautiful weather, yummy food, and tons of good times for a whopping 3 days. Todd, Greg and I had to come back early to work( BOO!) but had fun while we were there. It is always nice to get away and I will add some pics when I get a chance to find that little cord-y thing. For now, just know that the Cashman/Baker/Pyne clan is now a nicer shade of beige, bye-bye to the Casper whiteness of us all. Gotta love it!

Why do you continue to read...

2009-06-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

I am the WORST blogger ever! I have things I could share...I just don't! I even have a post ready, really I do, but I am waitingto download the pics to go with it. LOSER! Promise to be better soon! Scratch that, promise to TRY to be better soon!

DONE!

2009-05-20T12:45:00.001-07:00

Stick a fork in me...I AM DONE! Aside from 3 teacher workdays(lame!) I am free from my little

crazies! Can I get a hallelujah people??? Blessed summer!

Happy Birthday to you...

2009-05-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderfully amazing hubby, Todd! 27 never looked so good...cept when I was there...a mere 2 years ago!!! Here is a special shout out for you- the man that I love and adore!

T- is for the TIME I love spending with you.

O- is for the OUTRAGEOUS ways you entertain me and make me laugh each day

D- is for the DYNAMITE way you take on everything-it is always perfect- - or pretty dang close!

D- is for the DIE HARD way you take care of and love me. You are my best friend and I love you more than anything!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T07:42:00.001-07:00

Just a quick shout out to the MAMAS out there! To the first time Mama Meli- I love you! Thank you for making me an aunt and being the super faboo mommy that you are! To my mom-in-law- I love you! Thank you for not being evil and terrible and scary! Thank you for giving me Todd. To my Nanny- I love you! And yes, you are a silly goose but I wouldn't change a thing! AND TO MY MAMA- You are the best! I love you more than all my flip flops, purses, and Michael Buble cd's! You are amazing wonderful and I hope to be half the mama you are someday! I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK...a zillion times! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I love you all so, so much!

The Countdown is On!

2009-05-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

No more teaching, no more books, no more giving dirty looks. T-minus 12 days as of today for me! Todd is super excited too as he has just a few more days until he is off for a week or two before he starts a couple classes this summer! I can't tell you how good this feels right now. I am ready for some time off to do what I want. Yes, I just had spring break in April and it was faboo, but everyone knows that summer vacation is what teaching is all about...ok, not ALL about but it is a super, fantastic perk. So here's a "what-what" to all the teachers out there. We've almost made it! Hang in there, kiddos! And to all my biggest- loser friends. Keep up the good work. We are doing it! Woo Hoo!

Random Thoughts of a Spring Breaker...

2009-04-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hey kids! Hope all is well with all of you. I am sitting here relaxing on my second day of Spring Break. How I love these little nuggets of heaven! Anywho- thought I would get you up to speed on the things that are on my brain right now. And they are in no particular order or in any way truly relevant to anything hence the title Random Thoughts:

1. American Idol- I know, I know. I swore I was done but I just can't help it. I am an addict and I am lovin me some Matt Giraud. I think he is the best and should win but that stupid Adam is probably going to and I want to just puke. I totally just channeled my inner 13 year old on that one! hee hee. Seriously, I would go out and buy one of Matt's cds from my beloved Target tomorrow! The boy can sing.

2. Today I went to get a pedicure. YIPPEE! When I left with my oh-so-cute -toes done just right, it was snowing. YES! Snow flurries a-plenty just whirling around like it was January not APRIL. Snow for Spring Break ...for the love of Pete.

3. I've been on some fun adventures with Todd the last couple weekends. He had to do a project for his "diversity' unit so we have gone about town doing "diverse" things. We went to the Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville in the POURING down rain. Very silly, but we procrastinated and it HAD to be done. The rain actually subsided for a few minutes while we climbed the 64 foot mound to get a glimpse of what the chief would see looking out over the land. Kinda cool. We also went to check out China's Terracotta Warriors at the High Museum. Very cool BUT I wanted more. I don't know what I was expecting but I felt like there was a lot of hype. I wanted to see hundreds of the warriors...not 15. We also had dinner at No Mas! Cantina downtown. YUMMY! I want to go back there for sure! I would say it was a fun project as far as homework assignments go!

4. I have been on the hunt for the perfect fabric to make some pillow for our new couches. I have it in my head that I should channel my inner Martha and make them instead of dropping a ton of dough on some from the store. We shall see. I might be able to silence the little Martha demon with some cookies.

5. Facebook- what is this power it holds over me and everyone else on the planet? Is it the freedom to stalk away your day, prying into the lives of friends and almost total strangers? Is it the joy of finding old friends or re-connecting with family members that are far away? Is it the joy of watching your "friend" count grow and grow? I know not. But I love it.

Anywho- that is all for now, my darling readers. Come back soon for more exciting (LOL) updates--hugs and kisses one and all!

Spring Fever Anyone?

2009-03-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Oh, Spring Fever! I've got it bad! I am totally digging the gorgeous 70 degree weather we've been enjoying the past couple of weeks. Say what you wish about the south, but I LOVE IT!!! The weather has been amazing. It's got me itching to dig around in our flowerbeds and start our garden! We are going to attempt to be Farmer Todd and Amy and try our hand at growing some veggies. Nothing too fancy...just some tomatoes, squash, potatoes, and some peppers. I've never delved into this and I have on more than one occasion caused the death of some innocent plants but we shall see. I am also looking forward to doing a little spring cleaning. I have some projects I've been putting off for awhile that it will nice to have some spare time to get to it. I will NOT, however, spend my entire break working. I want to relax and do some fun things like lunch with some friends and get a mani and pedi. Anyone up for some fun? Give me a holler in t-minus 9 days! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

Here is a pic of the canvas for our creative juices. Definitely needs some color! :)

On a side note. I am in love with a younger man. Well, make that two! I deeply and madly love my sweet Todd-ovan but I am also in love with a REALLY younger man. Like really young. Illegal -in- all- states- I -do- believe- young. Observe....
Lions and tigers and SAWYER! OH MY! :)

Singin in the Rain- a slosh through memory lane

2009-03-01T06:54:00.000-08:00

Ok- so Holly is having a little contest on her blog and you know me...MUST WIN! MUST WIN! So , I would like for you to take a trip with me back to August 2006. In my house, this was the year of the concert. I think we went to at least one a month that entire year. One of the most exciting was when we drove up to Charlotte to see Kenny Chesney...mmm, Kenny! Holly, Todd, and I headed out and prepared ourselves for a wonderful time...which we did indeed have. We had some highly coveted LAWN SEATS (blah!) but no worries, right? WRONG! The downpour started almost immediately and we spent the whole concert drenched, freezing, but having the time of our lives. We fashioned some pretty stylish rain gear out of some garbage bags. Clean ones people, no worries. The weather was frightful, the music delightful...Uncle Kenny knows how to put on a good show. Totally worth the 3 or 4 hour drive home with wet undies. Enjoy a couple of the pics...pre-rain and on!

25 Random Things About Me...

2009-02-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

I didn't have the patience to do this on Facebook when everyone kept "tagging" me..so I compromised and will do it here because I know you have all been losing serious sleep at night wondering about my list! And because I want to be better about blogging more often and there isn't anything really exciting going on right now. Here goes;

1. I have a deep and real love for the following random things: my TIVO, diet coke, pedicures, purses, and Target.

2. I am addicted to the Food Network! I watch it all the time but rarely put the knowledge I gain to good use!

3. I hate to drive at night when it is raining. I am blind as a bat but refuse to wear my glasses when driving at night. I don't know why. I'm a ding-dong.

4. I love playing games. I am very competitive and it doesn't matter if I'm good at the game or not.. I want to win. My head is full of mostly useless Trivia. I relish the day we beat some of my smarty, smart friends in Trivial Pursuit. I am confident it was a fluke and will never play them again so I may keep that joy forever! hee hee

5. As my flair on facebook states, I do freakin' love to color. I find it very therapeutic.

6. I love to go to the theater. I want to be a Broadway star. I watch and KNOW deep sown inside that I could do a better job!

7. I heart my nephew Sawyer so, so much and sometimes think of ways that I could smuggle him out of the country without Melissa knowing.

8. I love my flip flops and wear them year round. I get made fun of but I just chalk it up to people being jealous of my cute feet.

9. If I won the lottery, I would totally share some of my winnings with you.

10. I think it is really fun to make my momma laugh til she pees her pants. :)

11. I would love to learn how to scuba dive even though I really, really don't want to be eaten by anything.... ever.

12. I love to sing in my car really, really, really loudly. I sometimes use props. I am waiting to be discovered at a traffic light or a stop sign. I also love to sing Karaoke. This is me and Daph.

13. My nickname in high school and college was Amy CRASHman because of the number of traffic "incidents" I had. My dad loves me anyway.

14. I am a reformed "THE HILLS" addict. I hate Spencer and Heidi. They are stupid-heads.

15. I love traveling and wish I could go more often. I really want to go to Hawaii, Australia, Paris, Greece, Italy, and wouldn't mind some more time in the Islands-mon!

16. I love happily ever afters!

17. I think making other people's kids smile and laugh makes church more fun. I especially like to be told "I'm gross" cuz I stick my tongue out at you in the middle of the meeting. Thank you, Olivia!

18. I have an unhealthy obsession with my hair dryer.

19. I like shiny things...yes, I am part raccoon.

20. I love a good, burnt hot dog! YUMMY!

21. I am ready for my summer vacation and it is February. BALLS!

22. I once got to stay in the "rock star" suite at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. Apparently, the Nevada Cashman's are SOMEBODIES....they thought I was one of THOSE Cashmans and upgraded me. SWEET! Maybe I should do a little more genealogy...surely, we MUST be related somehow. It was totally fantastic.

23. Some of my most favorite things ever created are toilet paper, air-conditioning, frizz-ease, spring break, Todd, 800 thread count sheets, chicken fingers, honey mustard and kit-kats.

24. I love my family more than anything in the whole wide world.

25. I wear my sunglasses at night ( so I can, so I can)...I do wear my sunglasses all the time, usually on top of my head cuz I lose them or break them ALL the time.

Phew, that is it. Did you learn something new?

Not much, what is new with you?

2009-01-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hello, there bloggies! It is mostly-mid-February- holy cow! We have been fairly busy here in Bakerland. Todd decided that despite the "economic situation" he should quit his job, take out some loans and go back to school! I could NOT be happier. Todd has finally decided that when he grows up he wants to be a teacher! Following in the footsteps of his mama, sis and yes, yours truly- he has decided to pursue his teaching degree and become an elementary school teacher with the hopes of eventually securing a job teaching PE (so he can wear shorts to school everyday!) I am so proud of Todd! I think this is a fantastic move for him and for our family. We will have all the same holidays and days off...SUMMER off together! Plus the money won't suck either! :) Todd has adjusted pretty well to the daily grind of school. We had a fun FHE buying his school supplies. SIDENOTE: boys buy weird, not -so- cute -binders and folders! but whatever!

Other news, we are STILL trying to sell our other house so if anyone needs a house, knows someone who does please let us know. The deal would be killer! We are even to the point where we will rent/lease-purchase...something, anything to get rid of this blasted house! BLAH!
So, not that exciting of a post but it's better than nothing (or is it??) Hopefully, more exciting things will come up soon that I can share with you! Kisses to you xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Christmas 2008

2009-01-05T08:51:00.001-08:00

I love to decorate for the holidays! It was so busy though, I am just getting around to posting some pics of our house all decked out. We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas. Todd and I started a tradition where we open our gifts from each other on Christmas Eve when we get home from the family get-together. Since we travel from family to family, we wanted to be sure to have enough time to do our own thing. This year Todd got a Smith and Wesson Revolver( nothing says Merry Christmas like a high capacity firearm) and I got a GORGEOUS little diamond right-hand ring! WOO HOO!

We spent the morning with the Baker clan- eating some yummy breakfast, opening gifts, and playing DIRTY SANTA. Instead of stockings, Mom and Pop Baker get gift cards for various fun and exciting places and we draw numbers and pick out of the magical stocking of fun. As we go through taking turns, you may either draw from the stocking or STEAL someone else's card. It got a little feisty this year but we still got what we wanted...Todd a trip to Home Depot and me a trip to Target(or what we now call Tar-get-a-lot-of-stuff!) After we visited with the Baker's we went to my folks house to open presents and hang out. We had lunch at the Nanny's house, opened more presents, then went BACK to my parents house to hang out and play games. Overall a delightful day all around.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T18:38:00.001-08:00

The Baker Fam is wishing all of you a very happy new year. May 2009 bring you joy and happiness and may all of your wildest dreams come true. Promise to update soon! :)

Still Hangin' Tough...

2008-11-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

Picture this...Atlanta 1990's...perfectly poofed bangs(defying gravity-possibly causing some issues for air traffic control towers), the perfectly put together ensemble with the essential patent leather shoes, the perfect amount of teenage-lust and utter adoration for the 5 boys from beantown. The days of poster adorned walls, endless hours of carefully recorded episodes of Arsenio and the like on your trusty VHS tape, and hundreds of thousands of babysitting dollars spent on buttons, dolls, magazines etc. AHHHH, it didn't get much better. Singing along, making homemade videos to send to the boys, writing love letters (and getting one in return, thank you very much!) and making lifelong friends as you compared your NKOTB trivia with others(why, yes I do know Jordan's shoe size and favorite way to spend his free time!)

NOW, fast forward about 15+ years to Atlanta 2008! The perfectly poofed bangs are a thing of the past(thank you, Dawn at Salon 124!) along with my sleek teenage body(BALLS!!!) but the devotion for my beloved NKOTB is still going strong! My sweet, amazingly wonderful husband accompanied me to the reunion concert I have been longing for, lo these many years. Sweet Mama Meli was to go with for this walk down memory lane, but as she had just birthed a child had to stay home and be the Mama. Anywhoodle, as I worried if Todd would leave me if I "accidentally" threw myself onto Jordan or Joe and cover them with kisses, I heard the beat of the local radio stations trying to outdo each other with their radios blasting the good old sounds of my boys singin' "The Right Stuff". OH BE STILL ME HEART!

Even though we had scored our seats in a members only AMEX pre-sale, our seats were less than stellar...reminiscent of the crap seats we had in the days of yore. But, who cares. I had been waiting for this for too long to let our poop seats bring me down. Now, we spent a little too much time eating dinner so we missed Natasha B but were oh,so lucky (NOT!!!) to catch Lady Gaga- - or perhaps more appropriately Lady GAG-GAG! Not my favorite! But could anyone be pleased with some crazy chic taking up time that should have been dedicated for my beloveds? NO!

The concert started and the screaming began. Todd tried to compare it to the Justin Timberlake concert we had gone to last year. He thought the screaming was louder at JT but definitely more constant at NKOTB. He later questioned me on why everyone screamed through all the songs??Didn't anyone want to hear the music? Well, YES...but it is hard to concentrate on the music with all the bumping and grinding and whatnot. :)

The boys did not disappoint me a show packed with the old stuff mixed in with a lot of their new stuff from THE BLOCK. Their dance moves were hot and the show lived up to my every expectation...well, except they DID NOT invite me on-stage to sing with them as I have always wished they would! There was something so fun about re-living the good parts of being a teenager. Singing along, knowing that your old BFF's were somewhere out in that audience singing along too ( LOVE YOU ERIKA and MEG! Next time we go together!)

I LOVED IT!!! And to my beloved Jordan, Joe, Jon, Danny, and Donnie...I WILL be lovin you forever...and can't wait to see you again soon! WORD!!!!

I'm an AUNT!

2008-10-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

I love this pic! HOlY COW! He is perfect! :)

Mom and Dad waiting for some action!

Dr. Dave trying to keep everything running smoothly!

Sweet baby boy, Saywer Max!

He's here! He's here! Not too easily either! Poor Melissa! She is such a tough cookie! After laboring for HOURS and HOURS, our sweet Sawyer Max was born by C-section last night. He's the cutest, sweetest thing I have ever seen! I don't have any super great pics as I was bubbling over with excitement but here is a couple I snapped before going completely ga-ga. More good stuff to come! Welcome to the world, sweet baby boy!

Oh the places you'll go!

2008-10-15T15:09:00.001-07:00

Todd and I have had a ton of fun outings the last few weekends. We started off with a night of comedy with one of our most favorite guys- Jim Gaffigan. If you don't know who he is, you should. He is hilarious! You might have caught him on My Boys as PJ's big bro, or Chris Grandy in one of my fave flicks 13 going on 30 or on Comedy Central a trillion times. Anywho, he is really funny and CLEAN and we just love him. We laughed and laughed( Todd commented that a joke didn't go by without a belly laugh from me! What can I say? I love to laugh- - and I heard it is wicked great for buring calories whilst sitting on your fanny! WIN-WIN!)

We also went to see WICKED! How I love it! I so very desperately want to have a career singing on Broadway! I could so be Elphie or Ga-linda! I practice daily in the car and it sounds pretty fierce...but alas, a kindergarten goddess is what I shall remain. The show is so fun and clever...even from the highest rafters of the Fox...and I do mean HIGHEST! Even still, a night at the theater with friends and my honey is good times to me.

The next adventures awaiting the Baker fam is the upcoming birth of baby Pyne...so totally ready to take on the role of auntie amy!:) and the hold it,let me catch my breath as I try not to scream it...THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK concert at the end of the month. Dear readers, try not to pass out from the sheer jealousy! I promise to report ASAP on both glorious events! Side note- Don't be mad Meli that I am putting the NKOTB in the same excitement category as the yet-unnamed-pumpkin-Pyne. You know I'll be lovin' him forever! :)

My how time flies...ONE YEAR!!!

2008-09-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! I can't believe it. Yesterday, Todd and I celebrated our first anniversary! It really does seem like this year has FLOWN by. We have been friends for so long that it feels like we have always been together but the actual being married for a year...well, that is just CRAZY! It has been a WONDERFUL year...everyone who says the first year is the hardest, well I don't know what they are talking about. Well, except for maybe the whole getting used to sleeping with someone else thing. Todd is a rather, rough customer when he is sleeping. I swear on more than one occasion I thought he broke my nose from his flinging arms and such. My favorite night was when I woke up to him shaking me to get up, get up...I thought the house was on fire. I don't know what he was dreaming about but when I jumped up, I realized he was DEAD asleep. What a goofball! :) My second favorite night was when I woke to him TEXTING on my head!!!! WHAT? Such a strange boy, but he is ALL mine! Other than the occasional night-beating or text message on my head, I am the luckiest girl in the whole world. I married my very best friend and get to spend the rest of eternity laughing and having a blast with the greatest man on earth! I love you, baby! Happy One Year Anniversary! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Back to School!

2008-08-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

The time has come. It was put off as long as possible ( a little longer would have been SO nice, Big Al!) but today I started my first day of kindergarten. All I can say is, I survived. 17 bright, shining faces on children who have NO idea how to sit on the floor criss-cross applesauce, how to walk in a single file line, how to call my name without repeating it at least 6 times in a row(Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Baker) or worse (teacher, teacher, teacher,teacher, teacher,teacher! :) or who can open their own milk cartons. That being said, they are really quite charming and pretty, freakin' hilarious...if you can get past an hour long bus dismissal and a constant tapping on your fanny(it is in perfect arm reaching distance-and side note in my single days this was thrilling!hahahaha just kidding! kinda) Anywhoodle- Just wanted to give a shout out to all you other back to schoolers- - 1 down, only 179 to go! Yee haw! :) Holla attcha boy!

POOP!!!!

2008-07-16T07:27:00.001-07:00

Just an update. The contract fell through on our house. Yes, two days before we were set to close! I think I must have jinxed it by bloggin' about it before we actually closed! waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! So, I am asking for your prayers and good wishes once more!!! But I am trying to stay positive and remember what my Mama always says "When life hands you lemons....throw them at people!"

SOLD!!!

2008-06-27T06:12:00.015-07:00

Happy news, readers! We have a contract on our house and will close on July 18! Oh, I can't even begin to tell you how happy this makes us! Double mortgages totally bite! Sorry for the strong language but we will close a year to the day that we put the house on the market. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us! It worked! Wonder what the next adventure will be for the Baker fam?

Summertime...and the living is easy!

2008-06-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, alright already! I will post something new! :) Things in the land of Baker have been going very well. Todd and I are enjoying our summertime schedule...sleeping in, watching old reruns of Scrubs, eating ice cream sandwiches, putzing around the house working on some long overdue projects. It doesn't get much better than this. Todd is getting ready to start his new job and I will be starting summer school soon so we are enjoying having this time to spend together. The only thing that would make this better is if our stinkin' other house would sell!!! So readers...anyone in the market for a very cute, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath house with large closets, an eat-in-kitchen with GINORMOUS pantry, in the most desired of all school districts???? Know someone who is?? BALLS!!!!

Happy Birthday, Todd!

2008-05-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today is my sweet Todd's birthday! I am so grateful and blessed to be married to such an amazing man! There are so many different things that I love about him, I wouldn't even know where to start...but if I did, I would list the following as my top 10 things I love about Todd...at least for right now!

1. He is soooo, soooo funny! Seriously, I am always laughing!

2. He is very sweet and romantic!

3. He is an incredible example to me. He makes me want to be a better person.

4. He loves me...even when I am a major dork or super annoying!

5.He is so stinkin'cute and an amazingly good kisser!

6. He sings with me in the car and slow dances with me in the living room!

7. He loves my cooking and helps me with the dishes.

8. He's not afraid of my morning face/hair!

9. He hangs out with my family and doesn't even seem to mind! I know we are all crazy but he takes it all with a smile on his face!

10. He is absolutely perfect for me from the tip of his flip flops to the top of his sweet, curly-haired head! He is my rockin' guitar hero who I love more than anything in the whole world! Happy Birthday, Todd! I love you so much!

She's going to the temple and she's gonna get married!

2008-04-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

This is a shout out for my sis-in-law, Holly! She's graduating from school on Friday and then getting married on Saturday! I am so excited for her and know she will be so happy with her sweet Steve-o. I know that I have loved every second of wedded bliss with Todd and wish the Oliphants every happiness too! Congrats, Holla-bug!

The Lion King and a lil' cub on the way...

2008-04-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Dave got the whole fam tickets to see The Lion King for Christmas! It was awesome! I loved it. The costuming and staging was so clever! Everyone had a great time....probably because we started off the night with the BIG announcement that Meli is preggers! :) They told us at Famous Dave's- the BBQ joint...so we decided to call the baby PORKY (yep, Porky Pyne! haha) until we know if it is a boy or a girl. Todd thinks we will encourage the baby to have an eating disorder if we call it "Porky" so perhaps we will just call it our little Pyne-nut! Whatever we call that sweet little baby, it is SURE to be one spoiled little creature. HOORAY! I'm an AUNT! I'm so excited! AHHHHHHHHH! Here's one of the first pics of my niece or nephew!

Hangin' Tough!

2008-04-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

Just an update for those who care- - it WAS all I hoped for! :) A new album, a fall tour....be still my heart!

These are a few of my favorite things!

2008-04-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

They're BACK! Oh, how the little 16 year old that still lives within is rejoicing! :)

For those who are sooooo totally out of the loop....THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK (NKOTB) are reunited- - and, yes, it feels so good! Making their first appearance together in years, they will rock it out on the Today show this FRIDAY!!!! My TIVO is set....wonder if I can still fit into my old Jordan t-shirt??? And I wonder if Todd would mind if I break out my Jordan pillowcase? HMMMMMMMMMM???
PS- this is the 20 year anniversary of HANGIN' TOUGH...man, am I OLD! :(
Whatever, I will always "be lovin' them forever!"

OK- My next favorite thing is the movie ENCHANTED! I loved this movie. It was so cute and sweet! I loved the music, the costumes, and I left the theater singing and dancing(ask Todd, I'm not even kidding!) If you haven't seen it you should. It will make you feel good and happy...and probably want to make a dress from your curtains!

Road Trip!

2008-03-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

The Brandau Fam and the Baker Fam decided to use the long Easter weekend to get outta town! A short drive up to Chattanooga turned into a super-fun weekend! We saw all the sights (aka tourist traps!) that Chattanooga had to offer. Above is the crew at the aquarium(very fun!) Todd and I enjoying the BEAUTIFUL weather on a shady park bench! Goofing off in Rock City! One of my favorite spots from the trip!
Oh dear! My mother will be so ashamed! Don't I look so remorseful, though!?!?
Beautiful! This is Lover's Leap.

Todd! You are so strong! You should fight crime! :)

M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!

2008-03-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year, my sweet hubby got me tickets to Disney World. I love Disney! Such a perfect gift! Anyway- we headed down the last weekend of January to have a little fun. As a side note, Todd is from Orlando so this was a perfect opportunity to visit some of his old stomping grounds and visit with some family and friends. We had a great time sightseeing and reminiscing about his youth. Disney was as fabulous as ever. Hanging with my husband, perfect weather, the park was not too crowded, and a delicious Mickey-on-a-stick- ice cream bar...I'd say it was one of the best days ever! :) Here are a few of our pics from our fun trip! :)

When I say BIG TOP, you say CIRCUS!

2008-02-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

Dave, Nikki, Todd, and I went on a double date to see the UniverSOUL Circus! Let me tell you folks, this was unlike anything I had ever seen! :) The big top was PACKED with circus folk as we snuck in to our seats. We were graced with high flying, acrobatic chinese children, some poor elephants who had seen some better days( the poor things look like they had been on weight watchers for awhile!), a crew of swinging Russian Fliers, and a Gospel Mime Act( a favorite amongst us all! Get Nikki and Dave to re-enact it for you sometime in Sacrament Meeting!) Needless to say, the music was pretty sweet- - everything from Timbaland to Rhianna, there wasn't a bad seat under the big top, and the company was great! If any of you get a chance to find the little circus freak within- - I suggest a trip to see the circus full of SOUL!

The sweetest thing...

2008-02-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

Ok-I know I am slightly biased BUT...I think these are the cutest pictures(not to mention dang sexy!) of my hunky hubby and his mistress ! Yes, Todd is already shopping around for a younger model and man did he find a cutie! This is Lydia Roberts, daughter of our good friends Logan and Paula Roberts, or as we call her in our house "the other woman!". Now, Lydia is just as big of a fan of Todd..and I can't resist either one of them...especially when they look this stinkin' cute!

sigh!

Tag- guess I'm it!

2008-02-07T12:42:00.001-08:00

A bored reader makes a request! Love you, Heather! So, I've been tagged!Here we go:

A. The rules of this game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the question about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, and then leaves a comment on their blog letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog to get the directions.

Where were you 10 years ago?
Well, I had just moved home to Georgia from St.Louis, Missouri(pronounced MISERY) To explain- Snow and Ice+Amy+Amy's car= 3 dozen roses from the man at the body shop for my graduation due to all the business I provided! Not such a hot driver- didn't have the name Amy Crash-man for nothing! ha-Anyway-just moved home, got a job teaching kindergarten, started the search for the perfect house,husband, blah, blah...instead became a founding member of the Mountain Park Singles Branch where I would stay...for awhile...a long while.

5 Things on my To-do list today:
1. Work- still teaching kindergarten. This week we are learning about the letter Vv...valentines and volcanoes. We are building a volcano today and will make some really cute valentines for our families. Yes, I get paid for this.
2. Go to the Bank--will the fun never end??
3. Laundry- Unless I wanna sport my wedding dress(which I have to admit is tempting) or some Halloween costumes...I best be getting to some of that ASAP!
4. Pre-order my copy of Enchanted! Todd took me to see it and seriously, I LOVE IT! soooo cute!!!
5. Date Night with my Husband- - for sure, the HIGHLIGHT of my day! Dinner and a movie alone with my honey...CAN'T WAIT! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

3 Bad Habits I have:
1. I am addicted to shopping! Though, being married and sharing a checkbook has done wonders for this..I can still drop $100 plus bucks at Target without batting an eyelash! :) This is problem I have had for a looooong time.

2. The above mentioned problem makes this an easy problem to have- -I hate to throw things out. My recent move OPENED MY EYES to the beast within me. Who knew you could cram soooo much stuff in a relatively small house. I have too much pride to show pictures but WOW! :0 FYI- I am on the road to recovery. Thanks to Todd's 12 step program...either I take the 12 steps to the garbage can/goodwill center or he does! :) I love you, baby! Seriously though, I do love to hang on to things- who knows why? I am learning that if I get rid of the old- - I can shop for the new!:)

3. I hate to wash my face at night. I will probably look 300 years old when I am 40 but I often go to bed with my make-up still on. I think a secret part of me worries about rushing out of the house in the middle of the night because of an emergency and finding myself bare faced! Just not a pretty sight, trust me on this friends! Check out of couple of these gals caught off guard! Ah, the power of make-up!

Where have you lived:

I've lived in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Georgia!

Something that people would be surprised to know about me:

This is a hard one...I'm pretty open (maybe too much so) about my life. I'm not sure there is anything too shocking...I guess people might be surprised to know that I was a child model. :) I was featured in ads for different companies, the newspaper, and a photography studio...if I can find some old pics I will download them. I was pretty, freaking cute once upon a time! :) don't know what happened! haha

Ok- So I guess I will have to say "TAG- you are it!" to Noelle, Paula, Natalie, Stacy, and Rebecca! :)

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

2008-01-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I stink at blogging. Sorry to the 3 of you who read this! :) But things have been busy and well, whatever! Anyway, IT SNOWED IN GEORGIA! While a much coveted snow day( ie. day off of work) did not come with the snow, it was BEAUTIFUL and so fun to watch and play in! Here are a couple of pics of our house in the winter-bliss!

The early bird gets to meet ROB THOMAS!

2007-12-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

Ok- so what's not to love about Rob Thomas? He is a dang good singer and songwriter, and let's face it kids, not too tough on the eyes! Well, short version of a longer story, I' ve been a fan for a long time, frequenting many concerts, purchasing numerous items of memorabilia etc. Star 94 ran a contest for a StarLounge encounter with Rob. As I was lying in bed NOT getting up for work round about 6 am, they asked for caller 10. Knowing that no one else would be up at that heinous hour, I called. I won. Myself and 3 of my closest friends, in to see my boy, ROB! HOLY CRAP! As you can see from the pics, it was freakin' amazing! We were so close, 4 out of maybe 50 or so people. We got to chat, hear an acoustic set, and eat dinner with Rob. He answered questions from the audience(our questions were ALL chosen) and it was really, really the coolest thing ever! But I will just let you check it out for yourself in the pics. I heart you ROB! :)

Yep, I gave in!

2007-12-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

I swore I wouldn't. No don't make me. What would I have to say? No one would want to read this, right? I've been convinced by many that really all anyone wants to see are pictures so...I guess I can do that. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...let's hope they are right! :)