The Firmin Family

2011-01-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have updated our blog! We had a wonderful Christmas, and hope that all of you did too! We are doing great! Stella is now 2 1/2 and Sam is 17 months. He is ALL boy and VERY busy! Sam weighs 5 lbs. more than Stella and is only about an inch shorter! Stella is ALL girl, loves taking care of her baby dolls, and everything princess and pink! They are so much fun!

Mr. Randy and Mrs. Val gave Lucas and I a trip to stay at Monmouth Plantation in Natchez, MS last Christmas. We went to Natchez in November and had a wonderful and relaxing time...and so enjoyed "our" time away from the kids for 24 hours! :) We had the BEST tamales at "Fat Mama's", did a little antiquing, visited Longwood Plantation, had dinner at Magnolia Cafe' and were in bed for 8:00! Thank you again Mrs. Val and Mr. Randy!

Jenny & Lucas at Longwood Plantation

Christmas was wonderful! Stella and Sam were not to fond of Santa, but enjoyed the lights and decorations!

Sam & Stella at Paboo's house

Stella's beautiful Christmas dress
Sam and Stella playing Marla's piano!!!
The Boudreaux and Thibodeaux float for the Christmas parade.
Jenny and sweet Granny
Sam and Stella have so much fun going to the park! We often go to Leeward park, but lately we have been going to the new Perkins Rd./Kennilworth BREC park that recently re-opened by our house. The new park has a skateboarding park, children's park, rock climbing wall, BMX trails, walking trails, and a lake.

Lucas and Sam

Sam watching the skateboarders. He often wants to walk/run right into the action!

This one, of the many, very cool play climbers for the older children.... and adults if you ask Lucas!! :)

Serious Stella taking in all the action!

It started to rain about 20 minutes after I took this picture!

Lucas with Stella and Sam.

Stella blowing kisses!

Cute Sam with his hat on!

Stella loves, I mean really loves her baby dolls! They all have names, and one of her choosing must come with us wherever we go. Let me introduce them! (from left to right) Joanie, Jenny, Susan, Ann, Mary, Jasmine, William (Sam's boy baby), Rachel, Lily, Rose, Kim, Brittany, and Stella. The other day Stella told me that Baby Joanie was in time out for biting Baby Susan!

Visiting Daddy at work!

We go to Walmart almost everyday, often just for the entertainment of the buggy cart! When they are sitting in the cart, I most often get "Are they twins?".

Playing in the leaves!

Sara Lott recently got married to a wonderful, sweet man... Adam Carpenter. Sara was a gorgeous bride and the wedding was so much fun! John and his wife, Michelle were able to come in town for the wedding. It was so special to have everyone together!

Forest, Granny, and Allison

Jenny & John

Jenny, Michelle, and Allison

2010-11-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Stella and Sam!

I can't believe how fast time has flown by! We now have a 2 year old and a, very BIG, 1 year old! Stella had a "Handy Manny" birthday party and Sam LOVED diving into his cupcake. Our very talented friend, Lori, took Stella and Sam's Birthday Pictures. She did a wonderful job of capturing our beautiful children. Thank you Lori!!!

Stella's 2 year pictures

Stella in cowboy boots! I found these 'real' cowboy boots at a consignment shop and she LOVES to wear them. Even if the outfit doesn't match, she insists she put them on. Lori, was driving by one day, happened to have her camera and took these adorable pictures.

Notice Stella's feet!

I made these cupcakes for Stella's party. They have colorful sprinkles around the edges.

For the party treat bags, I made my Daddy's Sweet Dream Cookies. Stella loved dipping her hands in paint to make the "Thank you!" cards and passed them out after she opened her presents.

Birthday Girl enjoying her cupcake.

Yum!!

Poppy and Lucas

Sweet Eli with his party hat on.

Stella and Ava checking out her new stroller from Paboo. (She pushes her baby down the street daily!)

Poppy and Mo gave Stella her first kitchen! She absolutely loves it! She makes me spaghetti and meatballs all the time.

Jenny, Lucas, and Sam at Paboo's house.

Sam and Mama

Sugars

Sam is such a big boy! He has the sweetest personality. He started walking 2 weeks ago, and now prefers to walk over crawling. We are in trouble when he starts to run! He is 29 pounds and only an inch shorter than Stella. Lori took these pictures of Sam in Paboo's backyard. He is my precious little man!

Any time Sam hears a cell phone ring he puts his hand to his ear and starts "talking". Too cute!

Sam opening his presents and Mo and Poppy's house.

Sam's 1st dump truck! He pushes it around the yard and actually puts dirt and leaves in it!

A beautiful rainbow on Sam's birthday.

I love anything sweet!

Precious Eli

Sam and Eli playing with Weeble Wobbles.

Oops! I did this pictures twice!

Stella's dance moves at a wedding with the Firmin's.

Sam and Stella playing in the Jeep at the Firmin's.

We had such a fun time swimming with the kids this summer. Stella loves the water and even jumps of the diving board by herself.

Stella and Mo

Poppy helping Stella and Mo float on their backs.

Sam having a fun time with the water hose.

Look at me!!

Sweet Stella before bedtime.

Stella pulling Paboo in the wagon.

Our house was built in the early 60's and has cast iron plumbing under the house. The cast iron plumbing rotted, so we had to re-route the plumbing from the house, resulting in tearing up a bit of the front yard and back yard. I took this opportunity to do some landscaping in the front yard. (Pictures will be on a later post.) We planted two natchez white crape myrtyls and a loqout tree. Here Stella and Sam are playing in the hole for one of the trees. They had so much fun!

Stella and Daddy playing in the truck.

Water Play

2010-06-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

It is officially summer.... and it is HOT! We have been cooling off with swim lessons at the YMCA and enjoying home-made watermelon Popsicles. Granny gave Stella and Sam a blow-up pool and they love to play in it together. Stella loves to swim and go under water. We hope she will be swimming by herself by the end of the summer (without floaties). Sam also loves the water... especially the water hose!

I can't believe Stella will be 2 in a couple of months! How time flies! Sam is crawling...very fast and ALL over the house. He now has 6 teeth and loves to put everything in his mouth. Now that Sam can crawl, he and Stella "chase" each other around the house.

I have been doing a bit of something new. I am on Day 33 of the program P90X! P90X is a DVD exercise program that is very intense and challenging. I wake up at 4 A.M to workout before the babies wake up. I already feel much stronger and excited about the results so far!

I hope you are all staying cool and enjoying your summer!

Mr. Handsome

"Here, Sam. You need your hat!"

Practicing back kicks.

2010-05-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Summertime!

Summer is here! We are all doing great, always busy and "on the go".

Lucas has been very busy building pools and we are in the process of creating a website.

Stella and Sam are growing so much everyday. Sam is now 8 months and is starting to crawl. He adores his sister and they play well together. Stella loves to take care of Sam. She brings him toys and loves to give him kisses. It is precious to hear them laugh at each other in the car, they just giggle and giggle.

Sam is a big boy! He weighs 25 pounds and wears 18 month or 24 month clothes. He is only 3 inches shorter than Stella. Many have asked me if they are twins!

Stella is now 22 months and talking up a storm. We are potty training and she is doing great! I have a sticker chart on the back of the bathroom door and she just loves getting stickers. She can count to 10 and loves to sing her ABC's.

And me.... I am loving every moment of being a mother to these beautiful, precious babies. I adore my sweet husband and treasure watching him with our children. He is so good with them.

Our sweet friend, Laurie, took these pictures in our neighborhood. She did an awsome job and I so appreciate her time! Thank you Laurie!

2010-03-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

MARDI GRAS

We went to the Livonia parade with Lucas's sister Amanda, Gene, and cousin Ava. The parade was small but very sweet. We all had a really good time and Stella enjoyed catching her first Mardi Gras beads!

Stella wearing heart glasses!

Stella just had to put the glasses on Sam too! (We think we looks a bit like Elton John here! :)

Holding Sam while he takes a nap.

We are still in the process of putting up our fence that fell during the hurricane. This is our gate that we designed (the top of the post will be cut down), but we will have to do something with the bottom so that Stella and Sam can't climb through. Stella loves to climb the gate, of course with her Daddy's help.

Jenny & Lucas

When I was pregnant, I met a girl named Jenny at the produce stand and we became fast friends. We were the same weeks pregnant with our 2nd, and she has a little boy, John Patrick, that is a few months older that Stella. We have so much in common besides both our names being Jenny. We both used to be teachers, both drive Saturn Vues, and live right down the street from each other. Her baby girl, Catherine, was born the day before Sam, so we were in the hospital at the same time! Stella just loves John Patrick and he is absolutly adorable. Here they are watching Micky Mouse!

Sam is getting so big! He weighs the same as Stella... 21 lbs! He is sitting up on his own and loves to roll over. He was a little slow to like baby food, but is now eating very well. Just as I made all of Stella's food, I am also making Sam's food. (Asparagus, Peas, Butternut Squash....)

Stella LOVES to color! We are also teaching her colors... she can recognize and say the color blue. She also loves to count and sing her ABC's. Her is a picture of Stella coloring....sometimes it is the floor, in this picture she was trying out her foot!

Sam sitting up!

Last Friday, the weather was just beautiful so we decided to head to the New Orleans Zoo. We picked up Paboo and had quite the car full, as I was stuffed in between the two carseats. We ate lunch an excellent Lebanese cafe' that was a definite locals favorite. Sam sat in a highchair for the first time and just loved it! He was so enthralled with all that was going on at the table.... "So, this is what yall do up here!"

Sam looking at his Paboo

My pretty mama showing Sam Chicken Shwarma.

Stella watching the flamingos

Stella looking very cautiously at a snake.

Mr. Blue Eyes

Sam wore his lion hat to be with the theme of the zoo!

Mama and Stella looking at the giraffes.

Jenny

Sweet Girl

Daddy helping Stella climb on an old live oak tree.

Stella and Sam had so much fun sitting on an animal statue. Sam just adores his sister!

Sam laughing.

Last Saturday, we went to the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Our good friend, Dina, came with us to the parade and we had a great time. (Lucas built Dina's gunite pool.)

Stealing a kiss.

Dina, Stella, Lucas, and Jenny

There is a boutique here in town called "Stella". We were standing at the perfect spot for me to get this shot.

Stella on the swing at our favorite park.

Sam enjoying the beautiful weather and a little wind in his hair!

Handsome Boy!

(Please excuse the drool we are about to cut our bottom teeth.)

Stella and Sam

2010-02-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

SNOW DAY!

After Stella woke up from her morning nap, it was snowing! She was so excited that we hurried and bundled her up to let her go play! It was so cold that she didn't stay out for long, but sure did have fun!

Let's see if I can catch one!

Stella loves her brother Sam! She is so sweet to him. She loves to say his name, which comes out "Sham", "Samaaa", or "Saaame". Here is a picture of our adorable babies playing on Sam's mat.

Baby Sam got tubes in his ears and his adnoids removed last week. Everything went well, but he got a cold shortly after the surgery, so he is still pretty congested. Being sick hasn't stopped his growth! He weighs 20 lbs. and is 27 inches long. He is too long for most of his 9 month clothes! He loves to laugh and smile and he is starting to roll over.

Handsome Boy!

Last Sunday we went to the Diversion Canal in Port Vincent, LA. We just wanted to get out of the house and started driving. Stella is talking up a storm and everyday she says more and more words. She is starting to say short sentences and absolutly LOVES to talk on the phone. When I ask her "Who lives with Granny?" she says "Lindy!". When we got to the Diversion Canal and she saw the river, she screamed "water, water, water!".

Stella being VERY patient in the car!

Stella playing with a dog.

The dogs' owner gave Stella a Mardi Gras bead that she just had to put on Sam!

Pretty Girl

Mrs. Kathy Hoffman gave Sam this adorable hat. Stella loves to wear it and put it on Sam! So cute!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-27T05:04:00.001-08:00

We send our warmest wishes to all during this holiday season!

A special thanks to our dear friend and neighbor, Laurie, for taking these beautiful pictures of our family in our neighborhood. I think that these pictures are classic Louisiana, with the pond and moss in the background. The weather was also slightly warm during our photo shoot, which gave us a nice "glow".

The more "realistic" family picture! (also notice Sam's hair)

2009-11-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, we have been busy! We are all doing great! Sam is almost 8 weeks and weighs 14 lbs. He is only 6 lbs. lighter than Stella! He is now sleeping 6 to 7 hour stretches at night, so I am only waking once a night to feed him. He smiles all of the time and is beginning to coo and gaa. He is just precious and a very "good" baby.

Stella is growing everyday. She is now 15 months and walking and dancing all over the house. She loves for us to play music and dance in a circle. Every Friday, we go to a place called "The Little Gym" for gym class with children her age. She walks on a balance beam, hangs from bars, and jumps on bounce mats. They also focus on cooperative learning skills. She just loves it! She is also talking, A LOT! She understands simple directions. She also LOVES her brother Sam. She gives him his nu-nu when he is crying and says "shhhhh". She has the sweetest disposition.

This is a picture of Sam at 6 weeks, below is a picture of Stella at 6 weeks. You can tell that they are brother and sister!!

Marla and Aunt Susan Lott put on a "Sip and See" for Sam and Eli. We had a wonderful turn out and it was so good to see so many relatives we haven't seen in a while. Thank you so much to Marla and Aunt Susan for a beautiful event that we will always treasure and remember!

Mo and Stella dressed alike! (not on purpose)

Sam and Eli on display!

There were 5 Great Grandmothers at the party! What lucky boys!

I was so excited for Halloween this year! Stella was a Lady Bug and Sam was a "Creeping Cutie"! Mom had a party at her house. We took Stella to a few houses for trick or treat, passed out candy, and had a wonderful meal. Stella LOVED the candy bowl and the children's costumes!

Stella enjoying one of many suckers.

Ready for Trick or Treat

"ooooooooohh"

The cutest Lady Bug!

Miss Blue Eyes

Granny giving Stella a piece of candy

Granny and Stella waiting for Trick or Treaters

Baby Sam and his "scary" hair!

This is the Pumpkin Cheese ball I made for the party.

Baby Sam

Mom turned 60 on September 29th! Here we are celebrating her birthday at the Bonefish Grill.

Mom and her dear friend, Sandy.

We celebrated Granny's 82nd birthday at Superior Grill. After the meal, Stella loved dancing to the band. We had a really good time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANNY!

Granny showing off her pictures of Stella and Eli.

4 Generations! Paw Paw Firmin, Mr. Randy, Lucas, and Sam

Sam's big cousin Ava

Ava, Aunt Randi Kay (Sam's godmother), and Sam

Stella and her bows!

PIGTAILS! Stella's hair is finally long enough for pigtails!

Sam's First Week Home

2009-10-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

The "Firmin Four" are doing great! Baby Sam is a wonderful baby. He pretty much just sleeps and eats during the day, but likes to stay up for a couple of hours at night! Last night, we did have our first 4 1/2 hour stretch, so we are hoping for more nights like that!

Stella is adjusting well to having a little brother. She has called him "baby", but mostly calls him "dog". She is very sweet to him, touches him gently, and gives kisses on his forehead.

Lucas and I are so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends. Everyone has been so supportive and helpful. We couldn't be more grateful and blessed.

Below are pictures of Stella and Sam's baby rooms. Sam's room is Stella's old baby room (another great reason not to find out the sex of the baby!). Thank you Paboo for all of your fabulous decorating help! You did a wonderful job and I love you so much!!

Stella's New Room... The picture above the crib was in Mama's first apartment as well as mine, we had it reframed in red. The butterflies are attached to the wall with magnets, so you can move and turn them any way you wish. More of the butterflies will be painted red, like the one to the left of the picture. The small rocking chair was my father's rocking chair as a little boy. The chair was given to me, from my best friend growing up, Mrs. Oakes.

My old collection of music boxes are on the shelves. Also, my sweet Aunt Joanie sent me her baby china that is also on the shelves. The red and cream boxes house Stella's Lego's and wooden train set. Stella loves music and loves to dance. The CD player currently has Fats Domino, which Stella and her Daddy love to dance to.

Baby Sam's Room

This is a table runner, that I painted while I was pregnant with Stella to go along with the animal theme.

These are pictures that I colored as a little girl of my Dad and Mama. We had them framed with a red background.

Sam and I spend a lot of time in the rocking chair! I painted the picture above the chair as well.

Dragonflies

This is Zel. She is a neighborhood cat that loves to come to our windows. I thought this picture was very fitting for October!

Stella LOVES her cousin Ava! Here is a picture of the girls playing at Stella's table and chair set in her room.

Brian and Sam... Brian is Sam's Godfather and Randi Kay is his Godmother. Sam will be baptised in November. Sam sure is one lucky little boy to have such GREAT Godparents!

Last Friday night, we all went to La Fonda's with the Firmin's. We had a really good time! Stella loves to drink out of a straw and thinks she is such a BIG girl!

Daddy and Sam

Paw Paw and Stella

Stella and Ava had a wonderful time playing "Ring Around the Rosie" with Aunt Randi Kay.

Mo and Sam

Paw Paw admiring his little man.

Last Saturday, we took Stella to Leeward Park. Here are some pictures of our fun day.

Sam enjoying some fresh air.

Mama and Sam

Stella playing with her cup. (It was Sprite... not Budweiser. :)

Sam and Eli (Forest and Allison's boy) had their first play date on Sunday. Eli is one week older than Sam. I am so excited about them growing up together! Eli is adorable and the spitting image of Forest!

Samuel Lafayette Firmin

2009-09-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

IT'S A BOY!

Samuel Lafayette Firmin is here! Samuel was born on Friday, September 25th at 9:13 A.M, weighing 9 pounds 8 ounces and 21 3/4" long. He is absolutly precious! We were scheduled for a c-section on the 30th, but Samuel decided to come early Friday morning. I guess he decided he was running out of room! Everyone is doing great!

Lucas and Jenny ready and waiting for the delivery room to be free.

Lucas and Paboo in their outfits ready for delivery.

Mama seeing her "little man" for the first time.

9 POUNDS 8 OUNCES!

Paboo's first touch.

Daddy's little (big) boy!

Watching all the action from the table.

What a handsome boy!

And look at all that hair!

Yes, I am all man!

I have to say... this doesn't look like a newborn to me!

Lucas, Paboo, Jenny, and Samuel

Great Granny and Samuel

"I'm a BIG sister!"

Mama and Samuel

Two very proud parents

Stella's First Birthday

2009-08-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

Our little girl is now 1 year old! My, how she has changed and grown throughout this last year.

She had a wonderful birthday, but she didn't care too much for the sweets! (She must be taking after Lucas on this one, because that is definitely not a trait from her mother!) The morning of her birthday, I made her a blueberry waffle, strawberries, with whipped cream on top. She didn't quite know what to think of the cream, so she ate the strawberries and waffle around the cream. We went to eat sushi (cooked for me) for her birthday night dinner with Paboo and Granny where Stella enjoyed fried rice and playing with chopsticks. We also celebrated with the Firmin's on Sunday and opened presents and ate cupcakes. She had many "happy birthday wishers" and I thank you for thinking of our precious girl on her first birthday.

How our girl as grown up!

Blueberry Waffle, Strawberries, and Whipped Cream
Uncle Forest & Aunt Allison came to visit and brought Stella a "Leap Frog" firetruck. She loves to push it all around the house!

Pushing my firetruck!

The "sushi guys" created this display with Stella's cupcakes. They came out with bongs and drums, singing "Happy Birthday". (This was the same place we took Paboo for her birthday last year if you remember the video 'Happy Birthday Leroy').

I don't know what to do with these things, but I just LOVE them!

I thought Stella would just dive into the cupcake and was so excited for to get the icing all over her face, in the hair, and everything! Instead, she put her arms and hands way out to the side, and very carefully put her mouth to the cupcake, as not to get "messy". One taste and she was through, so of course I ate it for her! lol.

Mr. Randy and Mrs. Val gave Stella a precious wooden, stacking choo choo train, large Lego's, and this adorable book sack. Before we know it she will be going to Kindergarten!

Mama had to put this icing on my face!

Stella LOVES animals of all kinds, especially dogs and her stuffed giraffe, elephant, and zebra in her room. So, Lucas and I decided to take her to the Baton Rouge Zoo. She didn't know what to think of the 'real' animals and preferred viewing them from afar. We had a great time and she really enjoyed the train ride.

The first animal we rushed to see was the giraffe and he was very close to the fence. This is the first picture.

This isn't anything like my giraffe at home...

and I don't like it one bit!

Taking a break from the giraffe's and enjoying a snowball.

More please...

Stella and Daddy looking at the elephants, that were very far from the fence.

Ready for the train ride.

This is so much fun!

Look!

Mama, Stella, and Daddy

Stella, as most kids, loves boxes. Lucas joked that for her next birthday, we should just get her lots of boxes for her to play in!

Enjoying my first sucker at the fruit stand.

The baby in the belly is growing! I will be having a scheduled c-section during the last week of September. So, I have about 7 weeks left. We are transitioning Stella into her new room and she is doing great. She has been taking her naps during the day in her new bed and tonight will be the first night that she will sleep in her bed all night. We have been very busy getting everything organized for the coming of the new baby, which I know will come before we know it!

Summertime

2009-07-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

Our summer is flying by! We can't believe that our little girl is almost 1! She is getting so big and turning into such a precious little girl. I am so excited about getting her first 'professional' pictures taken at Magnolia Mound Plantation . She is crawling on all fours all over the house and we think she will be walking in the next month or two. We completed swimming lessons and she did great! She loves to get her face wet and go under the water.

We had a wonderful trip to Destin, Florida with the Firmins! Stella wasn't too sure of the sand at first, but enjoyed playing in it by the end of our trip. We also went on a sunset dolphin cruise and Stella loved the boat! We keep tons of sunscreen on her, but she tans so well. When she stretches out her arms all her creases are super white! Too cute!

I have been very busy with my new business, "Chez Jenny" at the downtown Farmer's Market. It is going great and I am in the process of setting up a website. I will be at the market again on the 18th, and we would love for everyone to come out!

I am now 28 weeks pregnant and this pregnancy is flying by! The new baby will go into Stella's nursery and we are busy doing Stella's new room, of course with the decorating help of Paboo! (I will post pictures when it is completed.)

Stella's first time seeing the ocean!

Stella and Daddy

We set this baby pool under the tent, to keep the babies out of the sun. Here is Stella and her cousin Ava playing with their toys.

Hanging out in the condo, wearing Daddy's hat!

Waiting for the dolphin cruise.

Stella loving the wind !

This is so much fun!

She even got to "drive" the boat!

Mr. Randy & Mrs. Val

One night, Lucas and I took Stella to a Mexican restaurant. Outside of the restaurant they had these water shoots from the ground. Here is Stella and Lucas playing in the water.

This picture was taken on the dock of a great place to eat, called "Dewey Destin's". This was the only time it sprinkled while we were there.

On our last night in Destin, we went to eat at this great "hole in the wall". There was a one man band, which Stella loved to clap her hands and dance to. There were dollar bills with names on them all over the walls and ceiling, like many bars have. We put Stella's first dollar bill on the wall, and will go back next year to see if it is still there... and to put Baby #2's dollar bill up!!

Next song, please!

Stella's First Bar Dollar Bill

Stella LOVES cheerios. One day I went to put something in the car and when I tried to open the back door, the pantry door was blocking it. When I got in, I saw that Stella was apparently hungry for her favorite snack! The whole box!

Stella and Daddy playing in the sprinkler.

Mama and Stella

It's been awhile...

2009-05-31T05:52:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I have been able to update the blog. We have been very busy! Stella is almost 10 months, I am 22 weeks pregnant, and Lucas turned 28!

The baby bump is definitely showing now. We had a sonogram at 20 weeks and the baby is very busy. He or she (we are not finding out) looks a lot different than Stella did at her 20 weeks sonogram. The baby moves a lot more than Stella did too.

Stella is doing great and growing everyday! She crawls all over the house and is beginning to talk. She says "Mama", "Dog" (which usually comes out "gog"), and "girl". She also waves and points. She LOVES to swim! She kicks her feet, moves her arms, and tries to put her face in the water constantly! It doesn't bother her at all to get water up her nose! We start "Mom & Baby" swim lessons at the YMCA on Monday for two weeks. We are also going to the Destin, FL with the Firmin's in two weeks for vacation. Lucas and I can't wait for her to see the beach and get in the ocean. We think we have a little water baby on our hands and we love it!

I have started a small business venture doing something I love, cooking!!! I have opened a booth at our local farmer's market downtown on Saturday mornings. The name of my business is, "Chez Jenny". Chez is french and is loosely translated as "from the home of". I am selling frozen food that is ready to be cooked for family dinners or parties, along with a few pastries. Last week I sold Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa, Turkey and Artichoke stuffed shells with Arrabbiata sauce, and Eggplant Parmesan. I hope to be at the market 2 weekends out of the month. I will be there next on June 13th. We would love for everyone to come visit our booth! The market is located on the corner of North & Main downtown, Saturday's 8-12.

Chez Jenny Booth at the Farmer's Market along with the ever-growing bump!

Stella playing in her wipes box!

Look at the wonderful rolls on those legs and arms!

Daddy and Baby in a Box!

Enjoying a chocolate popsicle!

Fun time at the Firmin's Pool!

Lucas, Stella, Ava, and Aunt Randi Kay!

Mama stealing a kiss!

I even move my arms in the right motion while drinking pool water!

Stella and Paw Paw

Pretty Girl

A little tired...

Enjoying some applesauce in my new green bikini.

I love to drive my Daddy's truck but get really scared of the windshield wipers, I duck like they are going over my head!

My favorite spot to crawl to in the kitchen.

Baby Bump # 2!

Helping Daddy at work!

My adorable husband!!

Stella's First French Braid!

Daddy playing with Stella's hair in the bathtub.

Hi!

The first video is Stella playing her Bongo drum toy at Paboo's and saying "Mama". The second video is Stella playing in the magazine and book basket and bouncing to "Britney Spears".

8 Months

2009-04-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome Home Granny!

This past Saturday, Granny moved to Baton Rouge from Washington State. We welcomed her at the airport with a sign and balloons. We are so glad that she is finally here and now we are just waiting for her very large truckload of furniture and "stuff" to arrive this week!

Here comes Granny!

Stella excited to see her Great Granny!

Granny's balloons at her new house!
Cathy Bernhard sent Granny this beautiful bouquet of flowers! Granny just loved them!

Saturday night, we had a great dinner at Mama's house. Stella saw Granny's desert and in her hands went! So, we let her have a little bit of whipped cream. Yum Yum!

April 19th was Marla's 83rd birthday! We had cake and ice cream at Aunt Susan Lott's house to celebrate. Here is Marla blowing out her candles.

Marla and Stella

Stella loved playing with the ribbon!

Our Little Bunny!

Stella with her bunny ears and carrots ready for the "Bunny Hop"!

"Is there a bunny in here?"

Easter Sunday before church

The Firmin Family

Stella and Mama

After church, we went to the Firmin's house for a crawfish bowl! Here is a picture of Stella and her cousin Ava.

Stella loves water. Her walker has a tray in the front, so I fill it up with water and let her splash away!

Stella has learned to clap and is just starting to wave. We are also working on her sitting up from a laying position. I apologize for the video's being sideways; they are so cute of her clapping!

Stella 7 months

2009-03-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

On March 7th, Stella, Paboo, and I did the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" walk at LSU. We went along with several women (two of which are breast cancer survivors) from Mom's neighborhood. After the walk, we went downtown to eat breakfast at Christina's. We had a great time and I was so glad that Stella could participate in such a big cause.

Before leaving the house

Stella's adorable pink bunny ears

Paboo and Jenny

The Women of Windermere (the tall woman in the back with the hat was not part of our group but appeared in different places in all of my pictures!)

Stella taking a nap after our walk

It is now official! Stella has now become a "bow head"! I held off for a long while on putting bows in Stella's hair. Her hair was so dramatic and special as it was I didn't see the need of putting a bow in it, but the time has come! She looks so cute in them that we are rarely leaving the house without one. And I didn't go for the little small "baby" bows either, we went straight for the big ones!

Stella gets her bath, has a bottle and then goes to bed. So, her hair is a little damp when she goes to sleep. She has been rolling all around in her bed at night which created a very interesting hairdo the other morning. We call it "The Wave"!

"How do I look?"

Stella loves Paboo's Garden. She loves the flowers, plants, and especially the pond! Also I painted her toenails the other day, which went perfect with her dress! Oh, and of course the bow!

My favorite picture of all!

2009-03-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

Our family has been very busy! Our little one on the way is now in week 9, has a strong heartbeat, arms and legs, and is 1 inch long! Stella is growing everyday and is now 7 months old! She is clearly saying her 'd' and 'g' consonants, "da da da" and "ga ga ga". She has the sweetest little voice and we love to hear her "talk".

Sunday in the Park

We took Stella to the local park. It was a beautiful, windy day and she loved playing in the sand, and trying to eat it!

"Is there a problem officer?"

Stella and I went to eat lunch with Marla and Sara. We had a really nice time and Stella and Marla even dressed alike!

Lucas and I love to go downtown on the weekends and look at old buildings, homes, and our local sites. Below is a picture of Stella and Lucas on the Baton Rouge levee. The ship in the background is the U.S.S Kidd.

This is a really cool, abstract painted wall near the levee. I love that Stella is pointing to 'Baton Rouge'!

Lucas and I both love to swim so it is very important to us that Stella feels comfortable in the water! Last Sunday, we took her to the indoor pool at the YMCA to swim. She loves splashing in the bath, but this was her first time in a real pool (or as Lucas told her, a really big bathtub!) There were a lot of kids playing with beach balls and having a good time. She loved watching them and loved the water!

Everything goes in my mouth!

Stella puts everything in her mouth! She will try to eat books, toys, blankets, even Lindy! Below are some pictures of her trying to eat the blanket on our bed.

2009-02-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

We are pregnant!! Lucas and I are very excited to be having another child! Stella and her little brother or sister will be able to grow up so close together. Our family also has more wonderful news, Forest and Allison are pregnant too! I can't believe that my brother and I will have children the same age! I am 6 weeks pregnant and she is 6 or7 weeks, so very close together! The picture below is of our first sonogram. The baby is measured from each cross and is only 2mm long right now. Lucas and I were so excited to tell our families our news. I ordered a shirt for Stella that says, "I'm going to be a big sister!", and of course we were dying for it to come in. Mom and the Firmin's were very surprised and excited. It is raining babies!!

"I'm Going to be a Big Sister!"
and I am SO excited about it!

Just tickled pink!

Below are pictures of Stella playing with her ball outside.

Our Pretty Girl

Paboo got Stella her first swing. We hung it under the tree house. She just loves her swing and as she swings, you can see that it tickles her stomach!

Notice the cute bib! Thank you Aunt Joanie and Uncle Dan!

This is so much fun!

We are about to replace our roof. Hurricane Gustav did minimal damage to the roof, but it is very old and needs replacing. Before we replace it, we decided to remove two very large trees close to the house. The tree on the right leans over our bedrooms, so we thought it best to remove them before our next hurricane season. The company we hired did an excellent job. They were from San Antonio, so I thought they would appreciate a good lunch of Chicken Enchiladas with a Tomatillo Chili Salsa, and they did!

Before

During

After

(The next project is a wood fence.)

Stella and Mr. Randy watching the excitement.

Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Chile Salsa with Pico de Gallo & Cilantro

They gave us this really cool piece from the base of the tree.

Lindy enjoying the sun and tree dust!

Aunt Rose's beautiful granddaughter, Sophia, came over to see Stella. Stella wasn't feeling too well during the visit, but she loved to looking at Sophia.

I was very inspired my Marla Stewart's February issue (thank you Marla!). The issue had tons of mouthwatering cupcake recipes, so I have been making cupcakes like crazy. These are Chocolate cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Icing.

Our Growing Little Girl

2009-01-20T12:10:00.001-08:00

As a first time mother, I find it amazing to witness Stella's new physical and mental developments. I am so blessed to be able to be the mother to this precious child.

She reaches for all objects, including Lindy, and brings most of them straight to the most important thing, her mouth! She cut her first tooth, the bottom left, on the day she turned 5 months. Stella has always been very strong! Just this week she can sit up for a few minutes, without assistance, before falling over. At this age, they begin to "scoot" on their bellies, she "scoots" but the opposite way, backwards!

When I was pregnant I was so excited to put the car seat in the backseat. I believe the seat was in the car ready when I was 7 months pregnant. When I would drive around town, I would daydream of our new baby being in the back seat. I would even pretend to "talk" to the baby and adjust my mirror to see our "baby"! Yes, I was very excited!! Now, it is so funny because I am not the one "talking" to Stella as we drive, but Stella is the one "talking" to me! She babbles, coos, and laughs every time we are in the car. Stella now recognizes her name; when Lucas or I call her in the car she turns her head to look up at us (she is facing backwards) , with a look on her face saying, "Yes, I'm here, can't you hear me?!"

Stella is eating very well and likes everything I have made for her (squash, apple, pear, peas, butternut squash, sweet potato, asparagus, and carrots). I love making her food for her! It is very easy, takes no time at all, and I know exactly what she is eating, all organic or locally grown, no preservatives, etc.

I am also teaching Stella sign language. The books I have read say she will not master the signs until around 8 months. The signs I am teaching her now are "more", "eat", "milk", and "please". Every time I give her the sign for "more", she kicks her feet and opens her mouth... well, I guess she does that for pretty much every bite. Like I said she takes after her Mama!

Many have told me, "This is not your child, but God's child". Lucas and I know this to be true, but I must say, God blessed us with one of his most precious children, as we are ever so grateful and humbled. I do believe Stella's late Granddaddy (my father) was holding, calming, and laughing with her in heaven before she came to us.

Mr. Randy and Mrs. Val gave Stella her first "original" Radio Flyer red wagon for Christmas. Lucas put her yellow Bumbo chair in the wagon so she could sit. We pull her down the street and she is fascinated by every mailbox we pass.

Beautiful Stella

Stella sitting by herself!

"Look at me!"

Stella's First Christmas

2009-01-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

SNOW DAY IN BATON ROUGE. This picture was taken about 20 minutes after it started snowing. The snow was a nice treat and Lindy sure didn't know what to think of it!

Lindy trying to figure out why her ball is so cold!

Stella's First Picture with Santa. I handed her to him backwards so that she wouldn't get upset. She loved the fluff on his sleeve.

Stella got a lot of fun toys for Christmas! Here are a few of them! Mrs. Val and Mr. Randy got her the dragon on the bottom of the pictures. He opens up with lots of balls and she just loves it. There are more pics of her playing with the balls below.

THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!

Christmas morning we went to Mom's house and Marla came over for breakfast. Marla got Lucas Playboy Cologne! Just had to take a picture!

Marla gave her a Madame Alexander doll (Granny did too!) Here is Stella giving her doll a kiss!

I like all of my new toys but this green paper is the best!

Stella helped upwrap her present.

Picture with Daddy wearing one of my pretty Christmas outfits. (Thank you Rose!)

Last week we started Stella on real food. She has been having rice and oatmeal cereal for a couple weeks now. I made her sweet potatoes and green peas. She is a very good eater (must take after her Mama) and is good at using the spoon and swallowing.

These sweet potatoes are great, but I can't wait for the powdered sugar!

Yum, Green Peas!!
More peas, please.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Four Generations

2008-12-29T04:50:00.000-08:00

Four Generations

Granny, Patti's Mom, came to visit Stella from Washington State! Granny has pictures of Stella all around her house and she said that she felt like Stella was looking at her and telling her "Come See Me!". We are so glad that she came and we all had a GREAT time! The picture below is of Four Generations. We took this picture at the restaurant "Texas de Brazil" where we had a wonderful meal.

WE MISS YOU GREAT GRANNY!

Pictures from "Mi Padres" Mexican Restaurant

Lucas and Granny

Granny came to our house for dinner. Lucas was getting his wet suit ready for the next day to get in a few pools to replace the drains (it was very cold!) SO, we just had to have him try it on for us! Here is a picture!Stella laughing in the morning!

Monmouth Plantation

2008-12-23T05:53:00.000-08:00

Amanda and Gene gave us a night stay at Monmouth Plantation in Natchez, MS for a wedding gift. Last month, the Firmin's kept baby Stella and we went to Natchez for a wonderful night. The plantation was just beautiful and we had a GREAT time. For dinner we went to a place called "Fat Mama's" for tamale's and margarita's. Thank you again, Gene and Amanda, for a fabulous gift! We really enjoyed it!

Here is the front of Monmouth. (Lucas had to park his car in front!)

This is the door to our room.

This is the sitting area in the front of our room.

The beautiful bed!My cute husband.
Fat Mamma's Margarita

2008-12-11T04:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of Stella. She is such a happy baby!
Stella and Daddy's Morning Hairdo!

SUNDAY FUN WITH THE FIRMINS

Stella's VERY SLOW first ride on the 3wheeler

Playing drums with daddy!

Mrs. Val having fun on the swing

Lucas on the swing

Beautiful Girl

Lucas, Mrs. Val, and Stella

Stella, Lucas, and Mr. Randy

Stealing a kiss

Last Sunday we went downtown and I took this picture of our state capital.

2008-12-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

Stella is now 4 months old and getting bigger everyday! She is such a joy! She is now eating cereal and loves it! Next month we will start her on vegetables and we are so excited to see her try new foods. She is now 15 1/2 pounds and 25 inches long. Here are some pics of Miss Blue Eyes!

2008-11-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Stella has been sick with a cold and now has an ear infection, but she is getting better everyday! She is the BEST sick baby, not fussy at all! She is developing everyday and it is amazing to see her discover the world around her. She is grabbing objects and has a strong grasp on them. She takes her pacifier out and tries to put it back in, sometimes successfully! She hasn't moved an object from one hand to the other yet, but we are working on it! She is also very vocal, loves to "talk" and always laughs. We are very blessed! Here are some pics from the last two weeks.

Stella and Dad at Ninfa's

Stella and Daddy

Stella sitting on her bumbo chair and enjoying the beautiful weather

Having fun in her jumparoo

Stella's Rock star Mohawk

Stella grabbing her favorite fly

I think I got it!

Getting ready to go downtown to the farmer's market

We don't let Lindy lick Stella on the face, but I caught this shot when Lindy didn't know I was watching!

Stella Laughing Video

2008-11-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Lucas came outside with Stella when I was throwing the ball for Lindy. When I made the ball squeak for Lindy Stella LOVED it and just laughed and laughed. Here is the funniest video of our happy little girl!!

PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE MUSIC ON THE SIDE SO THAT YOU CAN HEAR THE VIDEO, AND TURN UP THE VOLUME ON YOUR COMPUTER!

Stella's First Haircut

2008-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Stella is now 3 months! She has some crazy hair and even has a mullet in the back! So, Paboo and I took her to get her first haircut. She was very good and enjoyed looking at herself in the mirror. Here are some pics!

I'm Ready!

Look at me!!

Bye Bye mullet!

My fingers are so good!

I love my new hair!!

How's the back look?

Pretty Girl!

Aunt Shelley and Shaun at Paboo's house on Halloween

2008-11-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

We are doing great and Stella is now 12 weeks old. She is getting much bigger and weighs 14-15 lbs. She is sleeping great and rarely wakes up in the middle of the night. She usually sleeps from 8:30-7:30, so we are all very well rested. Here are some pics!

Stella's New Hat

Stella looking cool in Daddy's glasses

Allison, Forest, & Izzie

Lucas's Car

Luke's Pool

2008-10-25T15:02:00.001-07:00

STELLA ROLLED OVER TODAY!! She was on her stomach and rolled to her back! She rolled over 3 more times, then she was tired. I tried to get it on video. When I do I will post it!!

Luke has completed his first gunite pool! It looks great and everyone is excited! Ready to swim?!!

Stella & Paw Paw

We put together Stella's Jumparoo this week and she just loves it! She loves to look at the lights and reaches for the little animals!

LOOK AT THOSE LASHES! No mascara needed here!

Stella laughing before our morning walk.

Looking up at Momma!

2008-10-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Some cute pictures of Stella in her new hat!

Sunday Boat Ride

2008-10-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, Lucas, Stella, and I went with The Firmin Family on a fabulous boat ride down the Tickfaw River, through Lake Maurepas, and then through Lake Pontchartrain to Madisonville where they were having a boat festival. It was pretty chilly in the morning so we bundled Stella up with her hat and a warm blanket. She really liked the rocking of the boat ride and slept most of the time. Here are some pictures from the trip!

Gene & Amanda

Mrs. Val & Lucas
Lucas & Stella

Trying to get out of the cold wind!

Lucas & Mr. Randy
Mrs. Val & Mr. Randy
The Madisonville Boat Festival

HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY RANDI KAY! Last week we went to Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro for a girls night and to celebrate Randi Kay's Birthday!

Stella 10 weeks

2008-10-15T08:09:00.001-07:00

Stella is now 10 weeks old! She is really focusing now and is very alert! She is also staying awake longer and sleeping through the night most nights. She LOVES to sit up and is always looking around. Here are some pics!

Wild hair!

Wearing her new hat for an early morning walk

My two babies taking a nap!

Our little ghost!

Enjoying lunch with Aunt Shelley!

Luke's new pool sign! Anyone want a pool?!

Rose's Party

2008-10-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Rose and Paul had a surprise 60th birthday party for Ginger this past Saturday night. It was tons of fun!! They had a bluegrass band and delicious jambalaya. Here are some pics from the night.

Look what I can do!! (Patti broke her shoulder 2 months ago)

Pretty Girls! (Kathy, Patti, Rose, & Tara)

The band!

Lucas being silly with Tara

Stella 8 Weeks

2008-10-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

Stella has found her hands and loves looking at them and putting them in her mouth. She also had her 8 week doctor's visit this past week and she got her shots (so sad!). She weighs 12 pounds and is 23 inches long! Our little girl is growing very fast! She has also started cooing and laughing. Here are some pics of her smiling and laughing.

2008-09-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PABOO!

We took Paboo (Patti) to eat sushi for her birthday. The wait staff came to our table banging drums and singing "Happy Birthday". They were also holding a birthday cake. Lucas and I were looking at eachother like "Did you get a cake?". Turns out the cake was for Leroy! I caught a video of it before my camara died. SO FUNNY!

(click on the double lines ll to pause the music so you can hear the video, also you can double click on any picture to view it larger! :)

Luke's dragon
Happy Birthday Leroy!

2008-09-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

STELLA'S FUN WEEKEND

We had a very busy and fun weekend. Friday night, we went to "Live after Five" downtown to listen to music. On Saturday Stella went to her first tailgating at LSU and she wore her cool shades from Aunt Susan. Sunday we visited the Firmin's then went to Paboo and Aunt Allison's birthday party. Here are some pictures from this weekend!

"Live after Five"
Looking "cool" in my new shades and thumbs up for LSU!

Stella loved the words on Paboo's shirt
Stella pulling herself to sit up
Stella with Uncle Forest

2008-09-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

STELLA 7 WEEKS

Stella discovered the shadows on the wall and watched her hand move!

Stella blowing bubbles

Sweet girl in Ms. Jeannie's outfit!

She has Lucas's expression here!

2008-09-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Such a cute dress and hat! THANK YOU MS. T!

Lucas, Jenny, and Patti having fun at Ninfa's!

Lucas and Jenny being silly!

2008-09-22T13:13:00.001-07:00

STELLA'S PINK TUTU

Paboo (Jenny's mom) got Stella the cutest Pink tutu. Stella looks adorable in it! Our little dancer!

Stella loving her Daddy!

Stella's First Blog Post

2008-09-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

On August 6, 2008 we welcomed our precious baby girl into our lives. Stella Adley Firmin was 8 lbs. 4 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long. She is a VERY good and happy baby. We are so blessed to have her in our lives.

These are some video's of Stella smiling and dancing at 6 weeks.

This is Stella smiling at 5 weeks.

This is a picture of Stella at 4 weeks.

Stella 3 days old.