At this moment (12:33pm), 2 years ago, I was probably in my hotel room, laughing with my friends and family as I prepared to marry "good ol' Charles"! It was a truly incredible day, that I would "re-do" anytime. The planning is ALWAYS a BEAST, but the DAY is totally worth it.
I remember a lot from that day, but I'll share just a few:
- writing my vows before I went to bed at 3-something in the morning with Tiffany and Amanda staying awake for the long haul
- waking up to a TERRIBLE Charlie Horse in my calf
- thinking if hotel security were to see me right now walking down this hallway holding on to these walls, they probably think I did way too much partying....uh nooo...just in pain
- laughing with my bridesmaids
- trying to eat breakfast but having to exit stage left...too many emotions
- trying to eat a packet of mustard to get rid of charlie horse
- having a bridezilla moment (according to a bridesmaid) when I saw that the bridesmaids flowers were pink and not red, but quickly getting over it
- seeing Charles and the groomsmen in the hotel parking lot and me saying, "Why are they here?", but proceeding to the window like "hey", but oh wait I'm not supposed to see him
- sitting in the lower level of the church, taking pictures of the bridesmaids and CRACKING UP LAUGHING
- waiting my turn with my dad
- seeing charles...then thinking...is he chewing gum?
- feeling completely comfortable
- taking pictures...still love pictures
- whispering to Charles about going to hug our parents...him saying ok...but then just watching me...until the second reminder
- not wanting to enter the reception until the right song was playing ("get up clap your hands, come on come on say it's alright, get up clap your hands")
- getting ready for the after party, seeing Charles sitting in the chair across the room talking on the phone, thinking to myself..."what is that on his hand".....DUHHHH.....his ring.
Charles remembers:
- waking up in the morning with his friends laying all over his parent's house. Jimmy on the couch, Darryl on another couch, Calvin on another couch
- Jimmy complaining about his clothes being lost by the airline
- Tasha taking pictures of everyone sleep
- people still drinking beer in morning
- hanging out in the back of the church
- clowning around like it was an everyday thing
All in all. Great day. Thanks to many of you!
Wedding blog:
http://allenwhitaker.blogspot.com/
Some wedding pics:
http://www.agarfieldphotography.com/hampton-wedding-photographer-tameka-charles/
Some wedding pics, day after session:
http://www.agarfieldphotography.com/yorktow-wedding-photographer-tameka-charles-day-after-session/
We had family day yesterday and took a trip to the mall. We decided to have lunch at The Cheesecake Factory which turned out to be more than expected. After being greeted by the hostess and taken to our seat, the hostess asked if we wanted some bananas and bread for Alex. I wasn't sure I heard the lady correctly so I know my face looked kinda confused and shocked, as I said "I'm sorry what". She said "would you like some bananas and bread for him?" Still feeling shocked, I said "Sure". She returned about 2 minutes later with 4 bananas sliced and lined in the middle of the plate, with several slices of their loaf bread cut on the plate. OMG what a nice gesture!! I mean Alex wasn't upset or being loud, he was just wake and looking around when we entered the restaurant. Is this something they offer at every Cheesecake Factory? Why don't other restaurants offer this? Regardless...big props to The Cheesecake Factory. I need to go and submit a compliment card/online feedback. People don't have a problem writing complaints, I actually just wanna thank.
Looking fresh in my button down on my way to the mall with dad and mom
Checking out the menu...even though I already had bananas and bread.
Now to more information on the reason you all come to the blog....
to see ALEX!!
What ya' doing Alex?
Oh just sleeping!
I know I have hands, but my feet are pretty cool.
My
FIRST piece of chicken! Really Alex, did you have to make that face? Trust me...he liked it more than his face reveals.
When I'm trying to cook (minestrone soup), I just surround Alex with toys. And yes, they all end up in the floor, but at least it gave me time to put things in the Crockpot.
Alex is starting to get into Nick Jr. on TV.
On Saturday, I saw signs (a little white) of Alex's top tooth coming in. Several weeks before Charles and I mentioned to each other the excess drool and we figured this was why. Oh little Alex, you're growing up so...
Oh just sleeping!
I know I have hands, but my feet are pretty cool.
My FIRST piece of chicken! Really Alex, did you have to make that face? Trust me...he liked it more than his face reveals.
When I'm trying to cook (minestrone soup), I just surround Alex with toys. And yes, they all end up in the floor, but at least it gave me time to put things in the Crockpot. 
I was looking at this picture the other night and realized, this really is a FAMILY picture. Can you spot dad?
Alex and Little Levi already coming up with a secret handshake.
While Alex and I didn't make it to church on Easter Sunday (I tapped out last Sunday after 11am service, but that's another story), we did read that God Loves Us.
Alex woke up at 6:30am (uncommon), perhaps he thought he was going to sunrise service. Later while the saints were still in church praising, Alex was taking a two hour nap. For the first time in a long time, after I pureed and froze some food for him, I laid down and drifted off too. There is normally something that needs to be washed, hung up, cleaned, straighten, but not too much this time.
Alex gets so excited when it's time to eat that by the end it's usually all over his face and hair. Click the picture for the real deal and to see my two teeth!!!
Peas and carrots anyone?
Grammy walked Alex to the park and it was his FIRST time in the swing!
Pullen Park is a great park in Raleigh that was just renovated and reopened. It's sooo crowed every weekend, so Grammy and Papi took Alex on a nice Friday afternoon. It was his FIRST trip to this park. He instantly made friends. (see picture). Stay tuned for the first train ride at Pullen Park. Even I remember riding on the train there. It was "the thing to do".
