Say It Isn't So...

I found a gray hair last. Actually, that's not quite accurate, I found several gray hairs last night.

I turned 30 a mere 14 days ago.

Here's my list of probable causes, because I still feel 22, and it can't be age:
1. Being away from EK, Richard, P&P
2. Washing my hair in hard hotel water
3. Stress of starting a new job
4. Eating "out" every meal without my usual nod to veggies
5. Driving 200+ miles every weekend
6. Living "dangerously" in hotels around the Nashville airport

No matter the cause, I need to find some Nice N Easy, stat.

Cheeeeeeeese Face

20 Months!

Tomorrow Ella Kate turns 20 months old. I'm overly sensitive since this will be the first "birthday" I've been away from her. Hopefully it'll be the last.


She has blossomed the last month she's been at Poppi and Gigi's house. Her vocabulary expands daily and she definitely has no trouble getting her point across. She's an excellent mimic and loves to snuggle with her family, the animals, her toys, her food, books and her bath water. We're really having to work on NOT snuggle-loving bath water. It could get dangerous. She doesn't seem to mind a mouth full of water, though.

When you ask her about her favorite letters, Mr. M gets top billing. Mr. T is next with Mr. N a close third. She knows their sounds and asks to watch Letterpeople videos every half hour. She's nothing if not persistent.

When in Decatur, I'm too busy cuddling to take any pictures, but will update the blog with updates as soon as I can!

An open letter to family and friends...

To our family and friends:

The Pullens are aware that we've been terrible friends. We are in hunker-down mode, just trying to survive living apart for a few more weeks. We aren't drowning, but Richard and I are focusing on swimming parallel to the shore - keeping our heads out of the water and bodies above the rip tide.

On a bright note - September first is our reunion date. We've found a house to rent in Franklin and we'll all be together in the same state. We might not have furniture since we need to leave our for-sale house staged, but we'll be together in sleeping bags and pack n' plays. Just in time for football season.

So, if you haven't heard from us, we still love you all! Life is just a bit odd right now. We'll reconnect soon. I promise.

Love and miss,
Richard, Allison, Ella Kate, Piper & Penelope

Georgia's On Our Minds

After a week in Colorado Springs for work, I picked up EK in Alabama and headed back to Atlanta for two days. Our realtor scheduled an open house for Sunday, so EK had to be sure the house was spotless, of course.

Nina and Titi Ica came to visit and we all had a great time watching Elmo and eating Chinese food.

Tomorrow, EK and I are meeting Poppi and Gigi in Franklin, TN for the baby drop off. Then I'm off to another week at work and EK is off to another week of playing and meeting the Letterpeople.

I don't have any new photos of this weekend - we've been way too busy. But here's a blast from the past. I miss those two lonely teeth!

One Week Down

Ella Kate has been hanging out with Poppi, Gigi and Sara for a week and all is great in her world!

Aunt Sara has a goal of teaching her one new thing each day - and this day was the letter "F" and his funny feet.

Monday Morning: 1:54am

House is quiet. Mommy, Daddy, Piper and Penelope are sleeping. Out of nowhere:

EK: MAMA! MAMA! MAMA!

Allison groggily hobbles into EK's room.

Allison: What's wrong baby?

EK: Me's belly button! Pulling up her nightgown and pointing to her belly button.

Allison: Yes, you have a belly button. Now it's time to go back to sleep.

EK: Shaking her head "no" wildly. Mama's belly button! Pulling up my shirt to look for my sleepy naval.

Allison: Yes, Mama has a belly button, too.

EK: Walking over to Pedro, the 5-ft tall stuffed teddy bear. Dro's belly button.

*** Conversation shortened by two hours ***

4am, EK has enough belly button chatter and finally goes to sleep.