Nichole and Darren Barton

Letter D and Color Red

2011-10-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

Sophia is learning about the letter D and the color red this week. I made a color matching game out of an old egg carton that she really likes. You can also use it to count things.

She dotted the letter D with Do-A-Dot markers...these things are great!

Then we filled in a letter D with red tissue paper.

Sophia using big chopsticks to put the pom-poms where they go. She likes using those things! And I think its good for her coordination.

She picked up the yellow one :)

We are having lots of fun doing crafts and learning about things!

At the Playground

2011-10-10T12:23:00.001-07:00

It was such a nice day out today that we decided to go to the playground and eat lunch. The playground at Warrior Path State Park is huge and Sophia loves it!!!

Fall is Coming!

2011-10-01T06:33:00.001-07:00

Fall is coming to Kingsport. We went to a fall festival last weekend at the Exchange Place and it was pretty neat. There were a lot of vendors selling homemade goods and Sophia got to see some animals. Fall also starts UT football, so of course we have to deck Sophia out to match her daddy. :)

Go Vols!

Sophia posing with the basket we bought.

Sophia and daddy listening to some music.

Sophia was most excited about the animals.

Sophia posing on a buffalo that they are carving out of wood for a carousel in Kingsport.

Summer 2011

2011-09-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sophia and Daddy sleeping on the couch.

It has been a while since I have updated the blog. Hopefully now that I am home a little more, I will have a little more time. This summer has been very busy...we moved to Kingsport, TN and Darren started his residency in Orthopedic Surgery. Sophia and I were able to go to Gulf Shores in August with MeMe and Pa and my family had a family reunion in Pigeon Forge over Labor Day weekend. The fall has a lot to offer as well. Sophia started a Mother's Day out program at the First Baptist Church and today was her first day attending. I think she likes it. We joined a local MOPS group with the hopes of meeting some people around my age and with kids around Sophia's age. Sophia has also been attending AWANAs on Wednesday night...she always comes home excited about all they did. We are expecting a new addition in November...Emerson Glenn Barton. We are looking forward to getting ready for his arrival. I promise that the updates will come more on a regular basis...especially since we don't get to see everyone as often now. The Barton family is definitely blessed and we are enjoying this new season of our life!

My grandfather's brothers and sisters and their spouses. There are Carr (my grandfather), Jim, Larry, Dan, Carole, Dawn, and Dave. It was so good to see them all over Labor Day...it has been way too long!

Sophia and her 2nd cousin Evan riding on a stuffed bear skin. It was cute!

Great Aunt Carole and Sophia.

Sophia riding an airplane in Gulf Shores.

Sophia and momma in Gulf Shores. We always get a picture with this crocodile.

Sophia and her pirate hat.

The Beach!

A little washed out but still cute!

Best friends and cousins!

Heading to Kingsport!

2011-03-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Preparing to move soon to Kingsport, TN. Darren begins his residency in orthopedic surgery there. We are currently looking for a new home in the area. Sophia is just a few months away from turning 2 years old! Here are a few pics!

Summer 2010

2010-08-02T16:47:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics of our family from this summer. I've been slacking lately when it comes to posting, so I'm trying to catch up on everything!! :)

May

2010-05-27T04:50:00.000-07:00

May has been a little hard for the Barton family. Darren has been in PA for the month and Sophia and I miss him a lot. Sophia is definitely getting bigger...I can't believe she turns one in less than a month. She now has 3 teeth and is getting 3 more up top. Here are a few pics we took playing and such this month. Hope you enjoy!

Easter and Springtime Fun

2010-04-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Easter went really well :) We went to church that morning and then my family came over for dinner...ham and all the sides...great! Darren and I finished up the landscaping on Monday...we added some flowers and bushes by the stairs and I think it look really nice. I will post pics of all our hard work soon! We also went to the park on Monday since it was such a nice day out. We had a picnic with Sophia and walked around the park in her little riding toy...we also went on the swings and the slide. She loves all of it!!! I'm so glad the weather is nice outside! Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Easter!

Daddy and Sophia on the slide.

She loves to swing!

Wearing the shirt Aunt Carole bought her. You can see her two teeth on the bottom!

Daddy and Sophia decked out for Easter.

Momma and Sophia

She's such a cutie!! And getting big!!

Gardening

2010-03-24T05:18:00.001-07:00

Darren, his mom, and I did some gardening this past Saturday. I've never really "gardened" before so it was a new thing for me. I'm excited about putting in bushes and plants in the front of our house...I think it is going to look really nice in the end. We also got a few herbs to put on our back porch so we are excited about that as well. (Darren is really excited about the rosemary!) Anyway, I will post pictures when it is all done. We only finished the part in front of the sidewalk on Saturday. It was some hard work!!!

Me digging a hole...I wasn't very good with the post hole digger.

We put Sophia in the yard to crawl around and she loved it.

Daddy and Sophia.

She started pulling up leaves and grass and putting them in her mouth. It was hilarious. :)

Spring is coming!

2010-03-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already March!!! Sophia just turned 9 months old and I can't believe how big she is getting! We went for her 9 month checkup this past Monday and she was 27" tall and weighed 17lbs 14 oz. She is now in the 30th percentile for both height and weight. They said she is doing really well :) She is now eating a variety of fruits and veggies and pastas...still no meat yet...I'm holding off for as long as I can (I have no idea why since neither Darren or I are anywhere near vegetarians :) She eats finger foods really well...as long as they are in the form of crackers, yogurt bites, puff cheerios...if its at all mushy she gags like I've just fed her something disgusting. She also gags at small pieces of soft food that are now in her baby food...I'm hoping she will get used to them soon. She is in the process of getting her first tooth...you can just make out some white on the bottom gum. She is also now crawling and she's a fast little bugger! She tries to stand up as well...but just hasn't gotten the hang of that yet. She says mama and dada and lots of other undistinguishable (sp?) sounds. The cat Lo loves her...he licks her head and lays right next to her and plays with her...its really cute. She likes the water and really likes being outside...I'm glad its starting to warm up so that we can go outside more. We take her to the park and walk around and put her in the swings and on the slide. She's pretty much just a happy go lucky baby :) We are very blessed! :)

Darren is now doing an Orthopedic Surgery rotation and he likes it so far. He thinks this is what he wants to do as a doctor, so the first weekend in May he will be leaving for a month to do a rotation in York, PA (near Philly) for ortho surgery. Sophia and I will miss him a lot! We are hoping to take a vacation soon since it has been a very long time since our last one. I'm also excited about planning Sophia's 1st Birthday party...I'm sure she won't remember it but it will be the first one I get to plan and I have lots of ideas already :) It seems like time is going by quickly...pretty soon Darren will be graduating and we will be moving for residency. I'm looking forward to all the changes that will be coming our way in the next year! I hope the year is going well for all of you!!!!!

Aunt Brooke and Uncle Chris got this for Sophia for Christmas and she loves it!!

We went to an indoor water park with my parents and Sophia got to wear her new bathing suit. She really enjoyed being there!

Playing in the water

Trying to stand up

She crawls around everywhere!

She's a cutie

In the dress Aunt Carla got her for Christmas

Pappy feeding Sophia

She really liked the bird!

Granny trying to keep me in check!

Snow Day

2010-02-25T10:29:00.001-08:00

A few Mondays ago Darren got to stay home because of all the snow and we bundles up and took Sophia out in it. I think she liked it pretty well...until we tried to use the garbage can lid as a sled for her...she didn't like that too much :)

Valentine's Pics 2010

2010-02-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Virginia took some pics of Sophia dressed up for Valentine's Day while I was at work. I think they turned out really cute. I can't believe how big she is getting. She stood up for the first time on Feb. 1 in her crib. I was so excited that I was able to get a video of it! She's also now saying "dada" and clapping her hands and shaking her head "no" (even though its not always in that context). She's trying to crawl but can't quite get the hang of it yet...so she scoots herself around backwards and constantly runs into walls and the legs of the coffee table...its hilarious!

She got her daddy's pretty eyelashes! I'm so thankful she didn't inherit mine!!!!

Gift Giving with the Bartons

2010-02-25T10:14:00.001-08:00

Darren's parents came over to the house to give us their gifts. Here are a few pics from that night.

Me and my new sewing basket.

Sophia eating a wooden spoon :)

Steve watching all of the proceedings.

Virginia smiling for the camera.

Christmas Morning 2009

2010-02-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of Darren, Sophia, and I on Christmas morning. The first one is a few days before Christmas. Sophia wasn't quite sure what to do with all the paper and presents, but I think she liked her presents...she liked the stackable doughnuts the best :) Darren really enjoyed his blu-ray player...he messed around with it the whole day! And I really liked my sewing machine and my beautiful camel colored coat...its so pretty!

The whole family in front of our Christmas tree.

This one cracks me up...it looks like she has teeth even though she doesn't haha.

Looking at the touch and feel book she got.

Daddy helping Sophia open presents.

Sophia with her tea pot set...she likes to eat it all :)

Christmas at the Harts

2010-02-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have gotten behind in my blogging since December, so I am trying to catch up with lots of posts. :)

The Saturday after Christmas we went to my parents house to celebrate Christmas. Sophia had lots of fun opening presents from Grammy and Pappy. They were smart and knew to put the presents in gift bags with tissue paper she could pull out. :) She got lots of sleepers and toys that she really likes, esp. the baby piano :) Below are some pics of the family.

Neil helping Sophia open her present.

Dad opening his and mom's present.

Grandpa holding Sophia.

Sophia playing with some of her toys.

Grammy and Pappy smiling.

Christmas at the Bartons, Etc.

2009-12-22T05:47:00.000-08:00

December brings about Christmas and the annual surgery Christmas party for my work. This year, it was held in the East Club at Neyland Stadium...it was pretty neat since I have never been to Neyland before. I just think its fun because its the one time of year that I get to really dress up :) Darren likes it because of all the good food :) hahaha We also spent this past Sat. Dec. 18 at Darren's parents for Christmas dinner and our annual gift exchange. I got just what I wanted...the Ender's Game book series by Orson Scott Card...I highly recommend it!!! Darren got what he always wants...tools :) We are spending Christmas day at home this year with just Darren, Sophia, and I and we are really looking forward to it (that is as long as I don't get called in since I am on call Christmas eve and day). We are going to my parent's the day after Christmas so there will be more pics from them. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas this year and I miss all of you who aren't close!!!

Debra, Darren, and I at the Christmas party. She is the one who first introduced Darren and I.

Before the party, trying to take family pics while we are all dressed up.

At the Christmas party...just so everyone knows we were at Neyland :)

Sunday after church in Sophia's Christmas pjs

At MeMe's house...trying on her Christmas dressSophia and Daddy in front of our Christmas tree

Sophia and Mommy

She likes the lights on the tree...she's not too interested in the presents or anything else right now.

At the Barton's for christmas dinner

At the Barton's again.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-02T06:21:00.001-08:00

We had a very nice Thanksgiving this year with family. We went to Darren's parents' house for lunch and had a great time with Sophia's cousins. We then traveled to Maryville for dinner with my parents and my Aunt Carole and grandfather. Here are a few pics from both places.

On another note, I took Sophia to the Dr. on Monday bc I thought she had ear infections (which she didn't) but they weighed her and she was 14lbs and 8 oz...32 percentile...so she is getting big!!! She goes for her 6 month checkup on Monday so I will have more updates then. :)

My brother Neil with Sophia...I love her face in this one!

Dad with Sophia

She's getting wiggly...the reason for Neil's face

Grandpa and Sophia

Mom and Sophia

Aunt Carole and Sophia

She passed out on the floor...it was hilarious...we just looked over at her and this is what she looked like

Darren, Sophia, Me, Emorie, Mamaw Barton, Chris, Brooke, and Alexis

Our first Thanksgiving with Sophia

Waiting to eat lunch

4 Month Checkup

2009-11-06T09:55:00.001-08:00

Sophia went for her 4 month checkup last week (it was more like 4.5 months). She weighed 13 lbs and 10 oz. and was 24 3/4 inches tall. She was at the 50th percentile for height and 38th percentile for weight. We go back Dec. 7 so I am excited to see how big she's gotten! :)

Halloween 2009

2009-11-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

The first Halloween for Sophia!!! We started the day by going to Cookeville for Tenn Tech's homecoming celebrations and to visit with OPA alumnae. We then got dressed up as a pumpkin and went to visit a few houses. She seemed to like it overall though of course she had no idea what was going on. She ended up passing out in her Halloween outfit so we just put her to bed like that...she was so cute!!!!

Before trick or treating...I love these boots!!!!

I'm a pumpkin!!!

With her cousin John Clayton who is one and was an elephant.

This one cracks me up!! She's like, what the crap is going on?!!?!

Passed out in her crib....Daddy snuck in to take a picture while she was sleeping. I think its adorable!

October 2009

2009-10-28T11:00:00.001-07:00

Getting her hair brushed.

In her jumperoo

Sophia and Daddy

We went to Octoberfest in Crossville a few weekends ago.

Eating avocados. She doesn't like them too much.

Sitting in her highchair for the first time.

Covered in drool.

Fall 2009

2009-10-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

Fall is here...and with it comes many changes. Sophia is laughing and blowing bubbles and getting bigger all the time. She has started cereal and veggies...carrots were her first. She's not quite sure what to do with "real food" yet, so we are just practicing and getting her used to the idea. I think that when she catches on, she's gonna like it a lot! I'm excited about the holiday seasons coming up, I think it will be a great time for our family :) Stay tuned for updates from Sophia's month old checkup in a few weeks :)

Stalnaker Family Reunion

2009-09-30T06:28:00.001-07:00

Sophia and I went to the Stalnaker family reunion in Palmer, PA this past weekend. I haven't been in 9 years, so it was really nice to be able to see everyone and for everyone to be able to meet Sophia. My grandfather's brothers and sisters and their children all gathered for the weekend at my great uncle Dan's house on the Monongahela river...which is located right next door to where my great grandmother lived and is where my grandfather grew up. It's kinda like the mecca for the Stalnaker clan and I remember going up there during the summers when I was growing up and I absolutely loved it. I have lots of memories there :)

My grandfather's sister Carole holding Sophia at breakfast on Monday.

My aunt Carla and Sophia

Aunt Carla, her cousin Kevin (my great aunt Carole's son) and Sophia

My aunt Carole, Sophia, and my cousin Evan

Kevin "feeding" Sophia his omelet...she's definitely eyeing that thing!!

My uncle John and I

My great uncle Dan's house...from left to right...My great aunt Carole, my first cousin once removed Casey, My great uncle Dan, mom, and my aunt Cindy

The view from my great uncle Dan's back porch, he lives right on the Monongahela River

Sophia and I at church on Sunday...we went to the Presbyterian church in Palmer where my grandfather grew up

The organ in the church that is in memory of Hurley Carr Stalnaker, my great grandfather, who passed away in a coal mining accident in Palmer

3 Months old

2009-09-15T08:26:00.001-07:00

Sophia turned 3 months old today!!! She is definitely interacting with her surroundings a lot more :)

She likes kicking the toy...she is almost to the point where she is discovering her feet
Sophia in the new jumper...she doesn't know how to jump yet and is still a little small for it...but she just stares at the toys and lights...its cute to see her in it!

Sitting up in her crib...I love her smile!!!

Sucking her thumb for the first time...she's sucked on her fingers a lot, but never her thumb...I thought it was really cute!!

I like smiling and playing with toys :)

2009-09-02T13:27:00.001-07:00

Pretty girl!

I love this one!

About to fall asleep on momma.

This one reminds me of Darren when he smiles...I think she looks just like him in this pic.

New Pics of Sophia

2009-09-01T10:11:00.001-07:00

God has definitely blessed us with a happy baby! She just lies on the floor and smiles and talks to you and watches tv...I swear she does...she will just stare at the tv for forever! Anyway, here are a few pics of her smiling and playing with a toy (she's just now starting to bat at them) and pushing herself up off the floor. She's a strong little girl!!!! :)

She's Getting Big!

2009-08-26T06:12:00.001-07:00

Sophia went to the Dr. for her 2 month checkup (she was 10 wks old) on Monday and she is definitely getting big! She weighed 10 lbs and 11 oz. and was 23" tall. They said she is above average on her height...I wonder who she got that from!! :) Everyone is doing well and adjusting to me being back at work. Sophia is taking a bottle like a champ...I think she would eat anything...as long at it was in the bottle! Darren is enjoying his surgery rotation this month and I am getting used to the 10 hr days.

Sophia and Lo...the cat loves the baby for some reason...he is always wanting to lie right on top of her!

She loves her baths!!!

Sleeping on daddy.

August: Sophia

2009-08-13T05:42:00.001-07:00

My little girl is getting so big!!! Time seems to go by so fast...its sad. I have started back to work and that has been really hard. I only get a few hours with her at night before its bedtime...but I'm hoping it will be worth it when I have Mondays off and get to spend the whole day with her. She has started to smile when you talk to her and she tries to talk back...its so cute :) She is really a sweet baby...she's not a crier unless something is wrong and she loves being outside. She just looks around at everything. She is such a sweetheart and I couldn't imagine life without her. BTW, she did inherit daddy's impatience...we have had to give up breastfeeding and we are pumping and eating through a bottle. Once she started having a bottle 4 times a day when I went back to work, she refused to BF...but I would rather feed her through a bottle and have a happy baby than try and BF her and her scream for hours. Other than that, life is good at the Barton household and Darren is doing really well in his rotations so I am very thankful for that.

Here are some pics that Mimi took while keeping Sophia when I am at work. I think they are adorable and show off her happy personality.

Sophia Elizabeth Barton

2009-07-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sleeping at home.

Looking up at mommy on July 4th

Her hands crack me up!

Fourth of July in the outfit Aunt Susie bought for her.

Chilling at home

I tried to take pics of her on the changing table but she kept blinking

Sleeping with mommy

Visiting Grammy, pappy, and uncle Neil

Well, I know that it has been a while since I last updated my blog...but lots of things have happened and I have been really busy!! We finally moved into our new house on June 15...and that just happens to be the day that Sophia decided to come! She was born at 8:30pm, weighed 6lbs 13 oz and was 20 inches long. She definitely came pretty fast! I went to work for 6 hrs that day and went to the hospital at 2:30pm and she was here only 6 hrs later. I promise to keep posting pics more often from now on!

Putt Putt for Memorial Day

2009-05-29T05:11:00.001-07:00

Darren and I went with our friends Greg and Angie to Pigeon Forge on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend for some putt-putt and some food from the Apple Barn. It was nice to have a night to relax and for Darren to have some time away from studying :)

Atlanta Trip

2009-05-07T06:25:00.001-07:00

Darren and I went to Atlanta, GA for Easter weekend for our last trip together before Sophia arrives. We ended up going to the Braves' opening day and then another game that Saturday night. I had a really good time at both...and we sat by the same people both times so we got to know them pretty well and that made it fun too. We also went to IKEA on Saturday...which was the highlight of my weekend! I can't wait to go back and buy stuff for our new house...that place is absolutely amazing! Even Darren was in awe. We tried going to the aquarium...but didn't realize that there would be a mile long line...so we didn't have time to go...but I am hoping that the next time we go to ATL, we will make the trip. On our way home we ate at Dreamland Barbecue (Darren has been wanting to eat there for a long time) and it was really good. Overall, our trip went really well and it was a nice break from work and school and a nice time to relax before the baby comes. :)

Sophia 32 week ultrasound

2009-04-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

We had our 32 week 3D ultrasound yesterday and it was amazing! :) She had the cutest pouty lips! This makes me even more excited to see her in June!

OPA spring picnic 2009

2009-04-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Andie, me, Shawna, and Shawna's husband Brad (and Georgia!)
Andie, me, Shawna, Brad, Mandi, Stephanie, and Susan
Andie, me, and Shawna
Andie, me, Bridgit, Austin, and Scarlett

I went down to Cookeville on Saturday for an alumnae picnic for OPA. I had such a good time seeing everyone and I was really excited to be able to see my friend Bridgit, who lives in Germany, and her new baby boy Austin and his big sister Scarlett. It was nice to be able to catch up with old friends!!!

Work Baby Shower

2009-04-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

The Diaper cake was super cute!!!

The Daddy Apron they made for Darren

The Baby cake...they spelled out Sophia's name...it was super cute!

I am really blessed to have so many special people in my life! My work had a baby shower for Darren and I on Friday at Calhoun's on the river. The cake was so pretty! And they all went in and bought us our car seat which we are really excited about. :) Thanks guys!

Mini Baby Shower with Friends

2009-03-31T05:04:00.001-07:00

2 of Darren's classmates took me out for a mini surprise baby shower and girls' night at Amerigos in Knoxville. We had a lot of fun, and then ended up meeting up with Darren and his friend Kyle a little later. I am definitely blessed to have the friends that I do! :)

25 weeks Pregnant

2009-03-10T05:11:00.001-07:00

A picture of my belly 25 weeks along. :)

My Little Brother's 9th Birthday

2009-02-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

My little brother Neil turned 9 yesterday and he had an army themed swim party on Saturday.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

My Valentine's Day was wonderful. Darren made me dinner and bought me a gift certificate to get a pregnancy massage...I'm really excited!

Emorie Barton

2009-02-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple pics of Darren and I visiting Emorie Barton. She's so cute!!!! :)

Sophia Elizabeth Barton

2009-02-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

Our 19 weeks baby pics...we found out its a girl!!! Her name will be Sophia Elizabeth Barton! :)

A Step Back in Time

2009-01-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

This is a picture from March 2007 before Darren and I started dating....this is where it all began! :)The lady with us is the person who introduced us at UT Hospital.

New Baby!!

2008-12-31T07:05:00.002-08:00

Darren and I are expecting a baby on June 21, 2009. We are very excited. Here are some pictures from our 15 week appt.

2008-12-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

These are some of our pictures from UT's Surgery Christmas Party at Club Leconte in Knoxville.

Charleston, SC

2008-11-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

Our trip to Charleston was a welcome reprieve from school and work. We visited Boone Hall plantation, Patriot Park, Folly Beach, and did a lot of eating and shopping. It is definitely one of mine and Darren's favorite places to visit. Plus, the food is wonderful!!!

Gulf Shores Vacation 2008

2008-07-28T05:43:00.001-07:00

Darren and I just got back from a great vacation thanks to the Barton family. We stayed in a beach house in Gulf Shores, AL for a week. Activities included: fun on the beach, taking Alexis (neice) to Waterville water park, playing Deal or No Deal at The Track activity place, eating lots of seafood, fishing, getting stung by a jelly fish, eating Hibatchi (the cook said Darren looked like Harry Potter), playing Hearts and dominoes, and various other fun filled activites. We both had a great time and we look forward to going again in the future!!!

Married!!!

2008-06-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

Darren and I got married on June 14, 2008 in Harrogate, TN. Everything was absolutely beautiful and I couldn't ask for anything better. I was very blessed to have all of my friends and family share in the special day with me. Darren was so handsome, I would smile every time I looked at him. :) I am excited about this new adventure that we have started and I look forward to many happy days ahead!