Crazy/Beautiful

Hang on a Bit Longer, Little Guy!

2010-10-28T21:05:00.003-05:00

I had a Dr. Appointment on Tuesday. Dr said I was still 1.5cm dilated but went from 40% effaced to 60% effaced. She hooked me up to monitors to check for contractions and did a Fetal Fibronectin Test to check for pre-term labor.

I received a phone call from the Dr's office this morning saying that my results from the Fetal Fibronectin Test came back positive and that I was high risk for possible pre-term labor. I was told to head to the hospital and check in to Antepartum.

So here I am - at the hospital with a killer headache. They hooked me up to machines for an hour to monitor contractions. I had lots of small 10-20sec Braxton Hicks and one strong 90 sec contraction. Dr said I have a UTI which could be what's causing the contractions. They gave me IV antibiotics and fluids and they are keeping me over night to see the high risk Dr in the morning for an u/s. I asked my Dr why she wanted an ultrasound with a high risk doctor and what exactly they were looking for. She said with that type of u/s they are able to see exactly where my water is located, where the baby is positioned and whether my cervix is short or long. The location of my water and baby will allow them to determine whether they need to worry about my water breaking and if my cervix is short, that would be something for them to worry about also (as far as pre-term labor goes). My doctor also said that they may give me a steroid shot to speed up baby's lung development in case he is born a preemie. She said they normally stop that at 34 weeks so she isn't sure if he will give it to me or not. So, we will know more in the morning after the ultrasound, I suppose.

My doctor also wants me to take the albuterol (she has been wanting me to take it since 31 weeks - I am 34 weeks, 1 day) but I turned it down. I had a bad experience with that stuff when pregnant with Ava and would prefer avoid it at all costs. Obviously, if I am having consistent contractions, etc then I would take it. But just don't feel like its needed right now. My body is doing what it should be doing, so long as the process doesn't speed up any. This is my last baby and I would like to experience going into labor naturally so I really don't want anything that is going to stop my body from doing that.

I'll update some time after tomorrow when I know more.

Life is Too Short

2010-10-27T00:33:00.000-05:00

We got news tonight that my sisters half brother passed away in his sleep. They aren't sure yet of the COD. Jay had just turned 25 on Oct. 6th and leaves behind 2 little boys. Amber (my sister) is devastated. They lost their Dad, Craig, 8 years ago (he was only 35), when she was 12 years old. My sister has been through so much and I am just absolutely heartbroken for her.

Photo Shoots

2010-10-26T10:44:00.001-05:00

I have been doing some photo shoots and am trying to kick off a Photography business. I feel like I get a little better each time. I saved up my money earned from photo shoots to buy myself a new editing software a while back. Then last week I was FINALLY was able to buy myself a new lens that I have been dying to get. I was pretty proud of myself.

Here are a few pictures (out of 75!) from my last shoot that I took for Jeannie & Tim's Engagement pictures:

Pregnancy #3 - Landon James

2010-10-26T00:51:00.000-05:00

10 weeks, 2 days

4 months

All of us at the ultrasound to find out the gender


Landon James 33 weeks

Little baby smile

I think he was screaming at us to leave him alone!

Daddy's Boy! Flexing his bicep

Baby Shower for Landon

2010-10-26T00:25:00.000-05:00

My absolutely amazing best friends, Andi & Stephanie, as well as my sisters - Heather & Amber - put together a wonderful baby shower for me this past Saturday. They did a fantastic job! I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of friends and family.

Just a couple of pictures from the shower (I didn't take many).

The Time is Drawing Near..

2010-10-21T09:31:00.005-05:00

Baby time that is!! 7 more weeks until Landon's due date but looks like the little guy may be trying to show his precious little face a bit early. I had my Dr. Appointment yesterday as well as an ultrasound. In 2 weeks, I have gone from 1/2cm dilated and 0% effaced to 1.5cm dilated and 40% effaced. I have been having some contractions off and on but nothing consistant. So, needless to say, Dr. has some pretty strict rules for me to follow over the next 2 or 3 weeks. No sex, no photoshoots, no cooking, cleaning, laundry, lifting, grocery shopping.. etc. She even told me to send my husband to Sams to stock up on oven dinners. *sigh* She is also pushing me to take meds to stop early labor. I expressed the fact that I would rather not touch the meds unless absolutely needed. I took them when I was pregnant with Ava and they made me feel terrible.

Let me just say - all of the above is IMPOSSIBLE with 2 kids (one being 2.5 and the other being 1) and 2 step kids. I'll just ahve to take it easy as much as possible, but complete bed rest just isn't going to happen around here.

I am really pretty bummed about the photoshoots. I had one to do this Sunday too and she told me she didn't want me to do it. Part of me wants to just do it anyways, but I know myself and I know how much strain I put on myself during a shoot. Lots of moving around, laying down, bending over etc.. in order to capture the perfect angle. So.. I will be holding off on photoshoots too. :(

On another note, baby shower is this Saturday and I am STOKED! Special thank you to my BFF's, Andi and Stephanie.

We have something going on every weekend from now until the baby is born, as well as some stuff during the week! From babyshowers, wedding, birthday parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Photoshoot in Nov... etc. It will definitely make time fly a bit faster that's for sure.

Kiddos are doing great. Brayden is talking so much more now. He tells me "don't," "love you," "thank you," "more," etc. He is the happiest baby I have ever been around, literally! I love my boy :)

Ava is doing well also. Getting so big, and such a smart little girl. She can be a little stinker at times too, but she makes me proud. :)

Tyler has been at his moms lately due to having strep throat. He should be coming back home this weekend, which is good because he has a filthy room just waiting to be cleaned! ;)

Elise had a pretty bad stomach bug about a week or so ago, poor thing. But she is doing well now.

ahhhhhhhhhhhh, battery on computer is dying! More later :)

Gotta start somewhere

2010-09-12T00:37:00.002-05:00

I have been MIA for quite some time now. Life has just been a whirlwind of crazy-ness! I am going to attempt to start blogging again, but I am not sure that I will be able to keep up! We shall see, I suppose. Just a short update..

We are pregnant (again). I am almost 28 weeks and we are expecting another little boy (Landon) some time around December 8th. We had NO plans to have another baby but you know how they say condoms are only 99.99999% accurate in preventing a pregnancy??! Yeah, we were that .1%! BUT, babies are a wonderful blessing and I couldn't be more excited to hold my little guy when he is born. This will make FIVE kids total between Michael and myself. I don't know how I will manage, what with 3 of them being under the age of 3! But, I will!

Tyler started 10th grade this year and Elise started 1st grade! They are doing very well and growing up WAY too fast. (or not fast enough??! Totally kidding) Tyler is 15 and has completed Drivers Ed and will be getting his permit soon (Say whaaatt???!!) and Elise is 6 and such a little DIVA! :)

Ava is also getting big! She is incredibly smart and makes me so proud. She's 2 1/2 and weighs in at 29lbs (as of yesterday). She is half way potty trained. Was doing VERY well, and I screwed up and started putting Pull-ups back on her. She still goes in the potty but not every time. She's doing well though. Still has her uh-oh (pacifier) and I *really* need to get her off of it.

Brayden will be ONE next weekend. WTH???!! He is walking and talks a bunch of baby gibberish. Among that gibberish are the words: Ma-ma, Da-da, Ba-Ba, Paw-Paw, Bye-Bye, No-No.. He is all over the place and in to *everything*.

Michael had his Gallbladder taken out a few weeks ago and is doing well! Him and Tyler went to Washington D.C. a couple of weeks ago and had a wonderful time.

Me? Well, I'm hanging in there. Definitely ready for some cooler Fall weather! Getting to the slightly uncomfortable stages of pregnancy - you know, the ridiculously *horrible* heartburn, back aches, some swelling and all that fun stuff. I really can't complain though, cause I have been pretty blessed with "easy" pregnancies compared to some women. This pregnancy has, for sure, FLOWN by and I couldn't be happier about it! ;) I'm ready to get my body back and be my normal self again, considering that in the last 3 years I have pretty much been pregnant for a majority of the time! BUT, I am also in no major rush to add more chaos to our little brady bunch! LOL

So, that's where we are now. I miss all of my blogging buddies and I certainly miss reading your blogs!! Hope to stop in and say hello SOON. But for now, I am off to bed. Ava has had a terrible stomach bug for the last 2 days and I think Brayden may be catching it now too. Oh, the joys of motherhood.

Bluebonnet Pics - April 2010

2010-04-29T01:43:00.002-05:00

Some Recent Photos

2010-02-04T00:28:00.009-06:00

My sweet boy

He pulled his pacifier out of his mouth, held it and then put it back

Ava Renee & Chloe Paige

She was supposed to be going to sleep. Found her like this - with her panties on her head!

Climbed out of her high chair and sat on the kitchen table - covered in ketchup

Holding his bottle

Ava piled all of these toys in front of Bray - LOL

December 31, 2009 * Our New Years

2010-02-04T00:04:00.003-06:00

Little Princess

2010-02-03T19:38:00.003-06:00

Mike went to CVS a few days after Christmas and found this huge makeup set marked WAY down and it was only $2! He brought it home for me and I just had to laugh. It was very sweet of him to think of me but there was no way I was using that cheap makeup! So I let Miss Ava have some fun with it since she is always trying to get into my expensive stuff!

Pierced Ears

2010-02-03T19:24:00.004-06:00

We took Ava and Elise to get their ears pierced on January 2nd. Ava has had hers done once before but one of hers got infected pretty badly so I took them out. Elise did wonderful and didn't shed a single tear. Ava cried a little bit but she did great too. One of her ears got a little red one day but was perfectly fine the next so hers are doing great.

Christmas Photos - Better Late Than Never

2010-01-24T22:08:00.001-06:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Delurk for Haiti

2010-01-18T01:29:00.002-06:00

To all of my readers as well as those of you who have yet to "delurk" or comment: I came across this idea from Aimee and after discussing it with my husband, we have decided to join in. For every comment left on this post, my family and I will donate $0.25 to help aid in relief for the people of Haiti. We will either donate through Red Cross or Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (we have not decided yet). Although $0.25 may not seem like much, we also know that every little bit will help.

Feel free to continue this on your own blog if you would like and stop on over to Brittany's blog and enter your website into her MckLinkeys so that others can find you.

It's Christmas time!

2009-12-09T21:02:00.004-06:00

December 7, 2009

Andi and I took the girls and met her Mom at the mall this morning to get the kids' picture with Santa. The girls were not very fond of Santa at all!

Happy Halloween

2009-11-09T20:19:00.005-06:00

We spent Halloween day at the park with the kiddos for some playtime and feeding the ducks. We picked up some KFC and Halloween cookies on our way and had a picnic at the park as well. It was a beautiful day out and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire day with my loves. Unfortunately, we did not have Tyler with us because it was his Mother's weekend.

Both my brother, David and my sister, Heather were able to be here to take the kids trick or treating with us Halloween night, which was nice. The kids LOVE their Aunt and Uncle. :)

Texan's Cheerleader and a Kitty Cat

Our Texan's Football Player

A good time with good friends

2009-10-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

Katie, Andi and I

My love and I

The guys - Matt, Michael, Caleb and Larry

Matt and Katie

Chloe, Mason and Ava

Having fun

Silly girls

Chloe and Ava
Mason, Chloe and Ava - riding in the jeep

Chloe and Ava

Having a good time

My big girl

Chloe and her pumpkin

Mason

Photos

2009-10-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

Visiting with my Grandparents who came in from Louisiana:

Brayden and his Great Paw Paw Freeman

Ava and her great Paw Paw Freeman

Brayden and his great Maw Maw Betty

Tyler, Ava, Maw Maw, Brayden, Ci-Ci and I at my Dad's

My sleep little guy

Handsome little man

Sleepy little Ava girl

My little guy - riding in his sister's stroller

Fall Festivities

2009-10-19T22:44:00.009-05:00

Michael and I took Ava and Brayden to the pumpkin patch this weekend. Ava kept picking up pumpkins and putting them back in different spots. LOL I helped her pick out a cute little pumpkin that her and Elise painted together this weekend.

After the pumpkin patch we took Ava over to the fall festival they had at Elise's school. There wasn't a whole lot there for her to do at her age, but we let her play on the playground for a bit and walked around.

We also took the kids to a birthday party on Saturday night at Main Event. They were both exhausted by the time we made it home.

Cheese!

Us at the pumpkin patch

Michael, Ava and Brayden (I love this picture)

Me and my loves

Ava and her Bubba, Brayden

That one was a little heavy for her!

"PUH - KIN"

Showing Daddy her pumpkin

Ava and Elise at the school's Fall Festival

Playing on the playground

Elise with the birthday girl - DeeDee

Bowling

Our little guy

Tammy and Brayden

Passed out

He was sleepy too

This is where Elise and Ava were Sunday morning LOL

Resting with Daddy

Sleepy boy

Painting their pumpkin

One month old

I Scream for Ice Cream!

2009-10-14T23:35:00.003-05:00

We picked Elise up for a little bit on Sunday and took all the kids out for ice cream. Who cares that it was 65 degrees outside?? That didn't stop us!

We stopped by Barnes and Noble so that Tyler could buy himself a book with his money and also stopped in to Halloween Express where Elise picked out a pair of fairy wings.

I was able to spend a little more time with my brother before he left to head back to Chicago, which was nice. With his job, there is no telling when I will have the opportunity to see him again. :(

Wordless Wednesday (kind of)

2009-10-14T23:01:00.005-05:00

Sharing is Caring

Daddy playing with his Ava girl

3 of my loves

How sad is that face?? And cute at the same time!

My boys

Mommy and Ava

Movin' on up

2009-10-14T22:50:00.001-05:00

Tyler got a promotion in ROTC yesterday from Private to Private First Class. His Dad and I are so proud of him! Way to go, Tyler! :)

My Best Friend

2009-10-13T20:30:00.001-05:00

Couldn't have said it any better. This song is perfect. Happy 2 year Anniversary, my love.

My Best Friend by Tim McGraw

I never had no one

I could count on

I've been let down so many times

I was tired of hurtin'

So tired of searchin'

'til you walked into my life

It was a feelin'

I'd never known

And for the first time

I didn't feel alone

You're more than a lover

There could never be another

To make me feel the way you do

Oh we just get closer

I fall in love all over

Every time I look at you

I don't know where I'd be

Without you here with me

Life with you makes perfect sense

You're my best friend

You're my best friend, oh yeah

You stand by me

And you believe in me

Like nobody ever has

When my world goes crazy

You're right there to save me

You make me see how much I have

And I still tremble

When we touch

And oh the look in your eyes

When we make love

You're more than a lover

There could never be another

To make me feel the way you do

Oh we just get closer

I fall in love all over

Every time I look at you

And I don't know where I'd be

Without you here with me

Life with you makes perfect sense

You're my best friend

You're more than a lover

There could never be another

To make me feel the way you do

Oh we just get closer

I fall in love all over

Every time I look at you

And I don't know where I'd be

Without you here with me

Life with you makes perfect sense

You're my best friend

You're my best friend (my best friend)

My little love bugs.

2009-10-12T22:13:00.004-05:00

Brayden had his check up on Friday (Oct. 9th) and he weighed 10lbs! Ava has had cold symptoms for over a week now so I had the Dr. check her out while we were there. She weighed 27lbs and was 30 1/2 inches long. She also had small ear infections in both of her ears so they gave her some amoxicillan.

Here are my little love bugs at the Dr's office:

A&M Game

2009-10-12T10:59:00.003-05:00

Michael and Tyler got up bright and early Saturday morning and headed out to College Station to meet Dinah and Mark for the Aggies game. Mike isn't a fan of the Aggies, but he still had a good time and was happy to spend some time with Tyler. I know Dinah and Mark really enjoyed it as well and we thank you both for purchasing the tickets for Mike and Ty!

Tyler and Dad

Mark, Dinah and Tyler

Welcome, Fall!

2009-10-12T10:35:00.004-05:00

This weekend we had our first "Fall weather" with temp's in the mid 60's and it was nice. Had it not rained, it would have been perfect. I was finally able to get out our fall decorations on Saturday while the guys were at the A&M game.

While helping Mommy decorate, she took the sticker ff the pumpkin and put in on her forehead. LOL

My lil' pumpkin head

Brayden

2009-10-08T22:48:00.005-05:00

1 day old

First "sponge bath"

Daddy and Brayden after his first sponge bath

My favorite picture of my boys YAWN!

Brayden's Birth

2009-10-06T21:45:00.008-05:00

My love and I (after the epidural)

<3 Me and my Mamma

Katie and I
Me, my Dad and my brothers

Jared, me, Eric and Ethan
Me, my love and our boy

Brayden and I with my nurse. LOVED her!

Brayden Dean

Me and my Ava girl

Ava giving her Bubba some kisses

Our family - minus Ava who was with her MeeMaw

Michael, Tyler, Brayden and Elise

Tyler, Elise and Brayden

My Mamma, Brayden and Ava
Brayden and his Aunt Heather

Andi and Brayden

Katie and Brayden

Mamma and Bray

Getting ready to go home from the hospital

Daddy and his boy - ready to go home

Me and my boy - ready to go home

Father and Son

2009-10-06T20:33:00.005-05:00

These pictures were taken about a week ago but I haven't had a chance to post them yet.

Dad helping Tyler shine his shoes for ROTC

Workin' hardTyler's shoes actually turned out better than Michael's :)

Tyler's Grandmother, Dinah, bought these shoes for him so that he can learn to polish them (the shoes they get from school are already shiney). He actually got double points because - and I quote - "he worked hard for the shine on those shoes". Dad sure was proud of his boy.

I am glad that Tyler has something to look forward to and something that he enjoys. I also think it's great that he and Michael have something they can do together that they both enjoy. (Michael was also in ROTC in school).

It makes me happy to watch my guys working together and enjoying it. <3

Our handsome ROTC man

Last Saturday Tyler had an ROTC picnic up at the school. It was Brayden's first outing (a week old) and I was a little hesitant about bringing him out - especially with the flu going around and all - but there was no way that I was going to miss that. I think it is important that Tyler knows that we support him in everything he does. So we *all* went, as well as his grandmother Dinah and her husband Mark. :) I made a huge batch of my green beans and we also brought a cooler of drinks for everyone. The kids played games in the gym and we all had lunch in the cafeteria afterwards.

Tyler had 2 of his friends over to hang out with him for the rest of the day. Seeing the smile on his face all day was wonderful. I'd say he really enjoyed his day and having his friends over here also.

Tyler and his buddies

Dinah's friend, Jane took Brayden's picture here at our house last Saturday as well. I am anxious to see them! I know they'll be great.

While Jane was photographing Brayden, Michael and Elise took a Daddy/Daughter trip to the mall and visited Build A Bear. Elise chose a purple kitty and was extremely excited about her one on one time with her Daddy.

Elise at Build A Bear

Welcome Baby Brayden

2009-09-20T03:30:00.003-05:00

Born on 09.19.09 at 12:58pm, weighing in at 9 lbs 3.4 oz and 21 inches long!! I knew he would be bigger than Ava, but I certainly didn't think he would be a 9 pound-er!

I have made little notes about labor in order to keep track (it's already really tough for me to remember details and specifics about Ava's delivery and I never posted a labor story!) so that it is easier for me to write about his labor.

That will have to wait for another day as it is 3:30 in the morning and I need to try to get my little porker to eat. :)

Is he not adorable or what??

I'm totally in love.
♥ ♥ ♥

Brayden Update

2009-09-18T12:26:00.002-05:00

Michael and I will be going to the hospital at 4am to have Brayden! The doctor will start me on antibiotics for Group B Strep and once I have completed the antibiotics, she is going to break my water. So Mr. Brayden will be here some time tomorrow.

I'll post pictures as soon as I can. :)

First Day of School (a little late!)

2009-09-12T08:57:00.004-05:00

I am WAY late with this post, but I have to post pictures of Tyler and Elise's first day of school. I only have one of Tyler and it isn't the greatest picture but he didn't even want me to take this one! Of course I did anyway! :)

Tyler's First Day of High School - Freshman Year
08-25-09

Elise's first day of Kindergarten

08-24-09

Getting Close

2009-09-09T18:55:00.002-05:00

Just a short update from my phone.

Went to the Dr today and am now dilated to a 3 and 80% effaced. :)

Come on, little guy!

The due date is quickly approaching

2009-09-03T23:21:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday my doctor informed me that I am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. She also told me that at my next appointment (Wed. the 9th) she would schedule for me to be induced on the 14th if I wanted to. I told her that while it is tempting, I would rather wait and go into labor naturally this time. It's cool knowing when your baby will be here but on the other hand, it is exciting not knowing. So - that being said, we are now just playing the waiting game. I am doing well and still feeling great. I did have some back pains for a full day that were pretty uncomfortable but they are gone now.

I was actually skimming through some of my old blogs earlier today, from when I was pregnant with Ava and I was pretty embarrassed! It's crazy how different things are this time around. I am sure it had to do with the fact that it was my first pregnancy, I didn't know what to expect, and my husband was working out of town quite a bit - but I was a complete basket case! LOL VERY emotional. I am sure some of it has something to do with the fact that I have matured quite a bit in the last year and a half.

Moving on.

I have been a terrible blogger lately, I know. And I am not even going to make some promise about getting back on track because to be honest - it would be a promise that I probably wouldn't keep. But I will TRY to get around to posting a little more frequently.

I will leave you with a few recent pictures. Miss you, blogging buddies!

Elise - reading a book to her sister at the Library

07.28.09

Tyler

08.05.09

My new favorite picture of our girls.

08.05.09

08.26.09

08.31.09

4D Ultrasound

2009-08-12T00:22:00.002-05:00

We had the 4D Ultrasound done last Wednesday (the 5th) and were able to take all 3 kiddos with us. It was a wonderful feeling to have all of my loved ones with me to see our new addition.

Maternity Pictures - Taken by Kelly Roth

2009-07-20T20:37:00.007-05:00

31 weeks

2009-07-20T20:32:00.001-05:00

Sleepover

2009-07-19T12:37:00.004-05:00

Elise's little friend Danielle has stayed over the last 2 nights and had a sleepover with her. They have really enjoyed playing with each other - as made apparent by the continuous screams and giggles of excitement that we have heard not stop for the past 2 days. :)

Night 1

Snuggled on a pallet with their water and princess movie

Night 2 - Passed out!

Who needs toothpaste when you have butt paste?

2009-07-12T21:42:00.003-05:00

This is what I found my daughter doing the other day...

Oh yes.

Brushing her teeth with butt paste.

At least she had the right idea, I guess...

How could that possibly taste good??

Popsicles!

2009-07-12T21:26:00.004-05:00

Ava had her first Popsicle the other day. Well, her first Popsicle to eat on her own - not Mommy's! She LOVED it.

Almost as much as she loved her yogurt pop this morning.

She wasn't happy with me for pulling it away from her mouth for a picture.

I buy her the little kids yogurt and they now come with a stick so you can freeze the yogurt cup and make a Popsicle. She went to town on that.

Sibling Love :)

2009-07-11T12:27:00.001-05:00

Home Depot craft, July 4th and Elise's Birthday celebration

2009-07-07T13:22:00.010-05:00

Elise came to stay with us last Thursday evening through Sunday - our first 4th of July to have her and our first to not have Tyler. I get a little bummed sometimes when we aren't able to have our whole little family together for times like these. Tyler was at his step-grandparents house who just so happen to live a couple of houses down from my Father In Law so we were actually able to see him for all of 3 minutes. Better than nothing! I just wish he hadn't taken off before I was able to get a photo of all of us together. :(

The girls and I went to my Dad's house for dinner and to visit for a little while on Thursday evening as Michael was a little late getting back into town. Elise didn't want to leave and actually wanted to spend the night at my Dads until she realized that I wouldn't be staying with her. LOL

Ava and her Uncle Jared

Eric, Elise and Jared

Goofball

On Saturday morning we headed over to Home Depot so that Elise and Daddy build their craft together - this month was a picnic caddy.

The safety glasses were huge on her. LOL

Making sure they have all their supplies

Pretty girl - waiting patiently

Building Picnic Caddy with her Daddy (that totally rhymes) :)

Daddy and Elise with their finished project

We spent our 4th at my Father In Law's party that he has every year. There weren't near as many people there this year as there normally is due to the rumor that CL wasn't going to be shooting off fireworks this year. Turns out that rumor was true! I was pretty bummed that we didn't have the fantastic view of the fireworks like we usually do, but we were still able to see some off in the distance around us. Every time Elise would see one, she'd squeal and get all excited. It was cute! I just wish she had been able to see them a little better.

Our Family - minus Tyler

Me and My Girl

Miss Ava Renee

Elise Joy

Elise and her Pappa Dale

Pretty girl

Daddy and his girls

Helping Daddy drive

Aunt Tami and Ava

Elise and Hannah

Hannah, Kailyn, Addilyn and Elise

We also celebrated Elise's 5th birthday at my Father In Law's house which was nice. She had cake and got a new bike and new clothes!

Elise's birthday cake

Happy Birthday, Elise!

Daddy and his Birthday Girl

Blowing out her candles

Elise and I

Riding her new bike

There's NO denying that she is her Father's child

2009-07-07T13:14:00.002-05:00

Aside from the simple fact that she looks exactly like her Daddy, she even has a small addiction to wearing the X Box 360 headset and"playing" the game. I wonder how long we will be able to let her "play" (just having the screen on without her actually playing) before she catches on and wants to really play? Then, we just might have a problem.

Happy 5th Birthday, Elise!

2009-07-06T21:00:00.001-05:00

I can still remember the very first night I met Elise and Tyler, close to two and a half years ago (Feb 2007). Michael, the kids and myself went to dinner with Trish and Phillip at Ichibans and Elise kept wanting me to hold her and show her the fish in the fish tanks. I had never seen anyone eat butter like I did that night. Elise ate straight butter out of the little packets - she loved butter - and it completely grossed me out. LOL!

I can't believe how much she has changed and grown up since that night. She is such a bright, beautiful little girl.

We love you, Elise!

Brayden Dean

2009-07-05T19:29:00.003-05:00

These were taken last Friday:

HTC Touch PRO

2009-07-01T09:30:00.004-05:00

I am totally typing up this post on my new HTC Touch PRO! Be jealous. ;)

My sister, Heather, spent somewhere around 450 for this phone and the accessories only to find out shortly thereafter that she was being taken off of my brothers account - they shared a plan.

She was then unable to open an account with Sprint in her name and sadly had to settle for Cricket - they SUCK!

She was then left with this oh-so-wonderful, hand held PC, bad ass phone that was getting no use. When she was here last week she asked me if I wanted it and of course I couldn't turn her down, simply for fear of hurting her feelings. (alright, alright - I accepted merely for selfish reasons)

SO

I am now the OH-SO-PROUD owner of a new HTC Touch PRO. I highly recommend that you invest in one. I promise you wont be sorry.

In other news, today is Wednesday which is cleaning day in this household. Off I go to scrub toilets and mop floors. OH JOY.

A visit from my girl

2009-06-30T15:45:00.002-05:00

Michael brought Tyler and Ava up to the hospital to visit me on Sunday night when I was there (I forgot to get a picture though)

And then Amber brought Ava back up on Monday afternoon - right before they released me from the hospital.

It made the fact that I wasn't at home with them, seem a little easier to deal with. :)

One helluva week!

2009-06-28T22:34:00.002-05:00

Starting on Sunday (Father's Day) around 4:45pm I began having some pretty uncomfortable pains that went on for about 5 hours until I finally decided to head on up to the hospital to make sure all was ok. They put me on the monitors and found that I wasn't having any contractions and baby Brayden was doing great.

I decided to go ahead and leave AMA and just follow up with my doctor the next morning. I mainly just wanted some reassurance that I wasn't in preterm labor and that Brayden was still doing well. Not to mention that my sisters - Heather and Harley - were in the waiting room the whole time and Ava and Tyler were at home with Amber.

I was up every hour Sunday night and by Monday morning I was convinced that I had either a UTI, bladder of kidney infection of some sort. I called my doctor and after explaining what had been going on, she had me come into the office and leave a urine sample. She sent me on my way with an antibiotic.

By Wednesday it STILL hadn't gotten any better and I was in pretty good amount of pain. I spoke with the doctors office again and was told to head back up to Antepartum. They took another urine sample and informed me that they had found traces of blood and they weren't quite sure why. They did an ultrasound of Brayden (doing great; measuring a week ahead at 2.4lbs) as well as an ultrasound of my bladder and kidneys. At this point they were thinking it was either kidney stones or a really bad infection.

After getting the results back from the ultrasound - no sign of infection or kidney stones - they basically told me they had no idea why there was blood in my urine or why I was in so much pain.

REALLY?! Isn't it your freaking JOB to find out what is going on???

They informed me that they had spoken with the Urologist and that he thought it was just the pressure from the baby and without removing him (which obviously was NOT an option) there was no way of telling. They wanted me to stay overnight in order for the Urologist to see me and tell me the exact same thing they had just told me. I refused to rack up a hospital bill any further than was necessary and I also did not want to leave my daughter with my sister over night (Michael came to the hospital to see me and then had to head out of town). I left pretty upset that they weren't able to help me nor figure out what was causing so much pain.

Saturday morning (after a week of pain) I decided to go back to the hospital due to the fact that nothing had gotten better (mind you, I had started the antibiotics on Monday and was still taking them at this point, with no relief).

When they took another urine sample, it was obvious that there was definitely LOTS of blood in it - much more than before. They kept me over night and put me on a few rounds of IV antibiotics and I drank lots of water and cranberry juice to flush my system out. Turns out they did find small traces of an infection and I also ended up passing a kidney stone today.

They doctor thinks that I passed the kidney stone almost all the way through earlier in the week, but it got stuck right at the end and that's what caused the pain for such an extended amount of time.

I was really sad about staying over night last night - it was my very first night away from Ava - but I am REALLY glad to be done with all of the pain and discomfort! Michael brought both Tyler and Ava up to see me last night (and they brought some strawberry cheesecake from Saltgrass!) so I felt a little better about it.

I am happy to be pain free and back at home with my family. I never want to go through that again (I have heard it can be MUCH worse then what I went through and I don't care to find out for myself!).

Week of June 15th - June 21st

2009-06-25T17:10:00.018-05:00

Monday: Elise came to our house for the week. I got Michael's Father's Day gift in today, and Elise also brought him a gift so we went ahead and gave Michael both gifts and saved the other 3 that we got him for Sunday. Here is the coffee mug I ordered him with the kids' picture on it..

Tuesday: Tuesday's are play date days with some of my Mommy friends and this was the first play date that I was able to bring Elise along with us. Aiden is about Elise's age so they had a good time playing together. Aiden was asking about Elise this week - he wanted her to come play! :) We went to Kelli's house and set up the baby pools for the kiddos and they played in the water and jumped on the trampoline.

Aiden, Ava, Elise and Lane

Our girl

She's getting so big!

Our girls

Aiden and Elise jumping on the trampoline

Ava, Zolan and Silas

This is what the girls were up to while I was mopping the kitchen...

Elise with her panties on her head - she thought it was THE. FUNNIEST. THING.

Ava getting into mischief. She climbs on EVERYTHING.

Wednesday: Wednesdays are major cleaning days for Amber and I. I find it much easier to keep up with the house when we have a set day to do all the hard, in depth cleaning. The girls played together most of the day and I went by my Dad's house later that night to pick up a Blue's Clues movie from him. Ava LOVES Blues Clues and kept saying it over and over again. We used to have Noggin ON Demand with some Blue's Clues shows available to play at any time and for some reason it is no longer there - which was a problem! We tried putting on Tom and Jerry, Tigger and Pooh, Handy Manny... etc, and she just didn't care for them as much has her Blues Clues. I looked at both Target and Walmart and wasn't able to find ANY Blues Clues video's. Thankfully my Dad had one of Jarred's from when he was little!

Watching her Blues Clues before bed.

Thursday: The girls and I met Tracy and her play date group at the park around 9:15 and let the kids play until about 11. We then headed over to my friend Maegan's house for a pool play date which the kids loved. Elise is such a little fishy and loves swimming! We were at Maegan's for a couple of hours and then headed over to Tracy's house (SIL) to visit with her, the girls and my MIL. We met Daddy at home and my MIL met us here to head off to dinner at Red Lobster - but not before playing some Rockband! Yes, my MIL played Rockband! Michael was supposed to just play one song for her and have her sing - 10 songs later and I finally had to tell them to turn the game off cause I was starving! LOL Dinner at Red Lobster was lovely. :)

Addilyn at the park

Elise and Ava

SLIDE!

Ava lost a shoe!

She was trying to climb through...

LOL! She still didn't make it through - I had to help her.

Swimming!

Shelby, Tori, Kira, Maegan and Lane

Elise and Ava

My Husband and Mother In Law - playing Rockband:

HIL-AR-I-OUS!

LOL!!!

Friday: Me, Tyler and the girls returned some clothing items to Target and Walmart that my MIL had purchased for Elise that were too big. I was able to get her quite a few really cute outfits. We had Lasagna for dinner and my Aunt Tami and Paw-Paw stopped by to visit for a little while.

The girls riding the Elmo ride at Walmart

LOL - look at my chunky monkey!!!

Saturday: Michael and I took the kids to Putt Putt for some bumper boats and miniature golf.

Bumper Boats!

Daddy showing Elise how it's done

She made it!

She kept wanting the ball

She got it!

Tyler and Ava

Elise

Sunday: We celebrated Father's Day here at home with some of the family. My FIL - Dale, Melba, SIL - Tracy, BIL - Bob and their girls all came over for some burgers and hot dogs and watermelon. It was nice to have everyone together to celebrate. Elise went home this evening and my sisters - Heather and Harley came in town from College Station. We then went to my Dad's to visit with him (they had plans all day).

Our family on Father's Day - June 21, 2009

Daddy!

Kailyn

Elise and Hannah

Addilyn

Bob

Dale

Overall, it was a really good week. It was also the longest we have had Elise for one stay. We enjoyed it and are looking forward to her next visit. :)

Our Sweet Girls

2009-06-20T12:34:00.004-05:00

Watching their night time show before bed.

Boy, have we had a busy week! Numerous play dates, swimming and visiting with family. I have tons of pictures, but I'll save that post for another day - either tomorrow evening or Monday. We have had Elise all week and are going to be sad when she leaves us on Sunday - it's been fun!

I'm so indecisive

2009-06-10T22:37:00.003-05:00

I need your help! I found a few more bedding sets that I like for Brayden but I can't decide on which one I want.

I would love to hear what you think. Help me out! :)

Hair Color Mishap

2009-06-10T00:19:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I had a friend dye and highlight my hair in hopes of not having to spend a fortune to have it done. I ended up with really dark with ORANGE highlights.

Yes. That's right.

Orange.

Now, it's wasn't really her fault. The color I chose to dye it was just too dark to try and put blond highlights over it.

Needless to say, I ended up going in to the hair salon first thing the next morning, with a hat on, and had them fix it to the best of their ability.

It still isn't exactly what I wanted in the beginning - there is more red in it then I wanted - but I am just thankful that it isn't orange anymore! LOL

First Attempt:

(I apologize for the poor quality - cell phone pic)

Second Attempt:

25 Weeks, 3 Days

2009-06-09T22:57:00.003-05:00

Last week when I went in for my doctor's appointment I took the glucose test. You know the one - where you drink that ~~yucky~~ oh so yummy sugar drink and wait in the waiting room for an hour before having your blood drawn? Yeah, that's the one.

I received a phone call from one of the nurses today informing me that I am borderline for Gestational Diabetes (131 I think).

I am already scheduled for another appointment on July 8th so I will also be taking the 3 hour test that day. I am really hoping that I pass!

I did a little research on Gestational Diabetes (I did not have it with Ava, nor did I have to take the 3 hour test. I passed the first one) you can read a little about it here.

One of the things the doctor told me - and it is also stated on the websites I visited - is that Gestational Diabetes can cause a high birth rate. I was literally on the phone with my Mom when the doctor called, telling her that I have a feeling that Brayden is going to be bigger than Ava was at birth. (He is already kicking my ribs and it's pretty uncomfortable!)

I am trying not too worry too much about it but I am watching what I eat. Not that I really ate all that bad in the first place, but I am trying to be more cautious. I just really hope that I pass the next test and am in the clear. I read that it can also cause breathing problems for the baby and I certainly don't want that!

The nurse also informed me that I am now more anemic than I was and she wants me to start taking iron everyday now, separate from my prenatal.

Other than all that, I am doing well. Still having a fantastic pregnancy and really can't complain at all!

A few nights ago, I did feel as though I was having contractions (Braxton Hicks, I am sure) that lasted for 30 - 45 minutes, about a minute in length and a couple minutes apart. It made me a little nervous (I am only a week and a half over 6 months!) only because they were so close together. I decided to wait it out a while and see what happened. They did finally subside and other than about 10 minutes night before last, they have not returned.

I did mention this to the nurse today and she told me to just be cautious, take it easy, and call them if they come back and I have more that 3 or 4 in an hour. I am not really worried at this point. If they come back, I will definitely speak with the nurse and go in for some tests but I am confident that all is well.

Mr. Brayden is doing well. Constantly moving, flipping, kicking in there! I thought Ava moved around a lot, but I think he has her beat! And I know he is growing right on schedule (maybe even ahead of schedule!)

She knows what's up...

2009-06-04T18:27:00.002-05:00

Elise's Graduation!

2009-06-01T20:56:00.007-05:00

Ava and I, along with my Dad (who wasn't able to stay for the graduation but was at least able to see her) attended Elise's pre-school graduation on Friday. Ava was pretty cranky so I wasn't able to sit and watch like I had hoped, but standing by the door holding Ava wasn't too bad either I guess. ;) At least I got to see it.

Our little graduate!

Receiving her 'diploma'

I took the girls out for ice cream to celebrate and then Elise was able to see her and Ava's 'new room' when we got home, which she was extremely excited about! She thought is was 'sooo pretty'. :)

She picked the pink and blue cotton candy ice cream

Sharing with her sissy :)

YUM

Elise in her 'new room'

Later that afternoon we met up with Katie, Matt, Mason, Jim (Katie's Dad) and Joe (Katie's little brother) at her Grandmothers house for some swimming.

Swimming in Mason's floaty!

Katie, Mason, Elise, Ava, Me - and don't forget Mr. Brayden!
Elise!
Joe, Jim, Elise and Matt

Mason, Katie and Ava

We all had a really good day and I hope that we made Elise feel special on her big day. I think we did. :)

Our Little Ballerina

2009-06-01T20:36:00.004-05:00

Elise had her dance recital on Wednesday and unfortunately I couldn't attend, but I do have pictures to share!

Is she not the cutest little ballerina or what???

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-28T09:23:00.006-05:00

I absolutely love long weekends with my husband and the kids. It's always a little weird when it's time to go back to the normal weekly routine of husband working and kids in school once the weekend is over.

I already mentioned in my previous post about going to Old Navy's flip flop sale and then to Denny's for breakfast on Saturday morning. The rest of the day was pretty much spent lounging around with Michael and Ava (Tyler was at his mom's). It was definitely a lazy day for us over here, which was kind of nice. Mike and I watched Lethal Weapon 4 and went to bed.

Elise came over on Sunday morning and stayed until Monday afternoon. Being that it wasn't our weekend, it was nice to get a little extra time in with her. We played some guitar hero - haven't played that in a while!

Ava is pinching her nipple (?) and Daddy is showing Elise how to play

Playing Guitar Hero

Concentrating

We had some pretty yucky rain off and on throughout the day, but we still managed to get out and run a few errands. Michael also finished putting the safety latches on the cabinets in the kitchen (finally!) which he had started one day but never got around to finishing.

Silly Girl

Our girls

Sleepy Girl

We picked Tyler up and dropped Ava off at my Dad's for a couple hours while we took the kids to the movies. We saw 'Night At The Museum' - it was alright.

When I dropped Ava off at my Dad's she threw a fit! She has become extremely attached to me more and more, especially in the last week or 2. It absolutely broke my heart so much that I was tempted to tell Michael to go ahead and take the kids to the movies while I stayed with her. But my Dad insisted that she would be fine once I left, and she was.

Ava has to be able to see me at. all. times. She follows me everywhere and will not let me out of her site. She is constantly wanting me to hold her and forget me leaving for a trip to the store without taking her with me.

Amber and I ran to the store last night , Ava already had a bath and her pj's on, so I was going to leave her here with Mike. As soon as I picked up my purse she started crying and putting her arms out saying 'up' for me to pick her up. Needless to say, I ended up taking her with me.

She showed her first signs of jealous over Elise this weekend. I really haven't seen a whole lot of jealousy out of Ava until now. She got really upset when Michael picked Elise up and was loving on her. She did the same thing when we were at my Dad's and my Dad was goofing around with Elise. Ava didn't like that too much either.

I would like to check in to getting her involved in some kind of Mother's Day Out program once or twice a week. I think it is important that she get used to to being away from me and around other people. I am a little worried about how she is going to react to a new baby being around stealing Mommy's attention.

My sister-in-law takes her girls to a Mother's Day Out program offered at her church. It is September through May, so I would have to wait until the summer was over before I'd be able to get her started in it. September is when the baby is due so I have mixed feelings about starting her then. I think it would help to have a few hours (Monday and Thursday 9am-2pm) a week until we get into a routine with Brayden. But on the same hand, I don't want Ava to feel like we are sending her off once the new baby comes.

I talked to my Dad last night and he happily said that he would love to take Ava for a few hours once or twice a week when he is off. Get her used to being away from me some times and also give me a little time to actually get some stuff done. I think it'll be good for her.

On Sunday morning, Elise and I planted some flower seeds in the flower beds. I still have more that I need to plant but first I really need to pull weeds!

Elise is still in her jammies... LOL

Haha, thanks love.

We finally moved Ava from her bedroom (which will now be Brayden's) and into Elise's room - which they will now be sharing.

I have been working on it the last 3 days and I am pretty happy with the way it has turned out so far. I still have a few more things on my to-do list, but one step at a time!

Ava's side

Apparently, there were spots on my camera lens...

I need to do something on this wall above the dresser/TV - it is bare. I would like to try and coordinate both of the girls' themes on this one wall somehow..

Elise's side

I also need to get Elise a comforter that matches her decor, but for now - this will do.

I also want to purchase and paint letters to spell out Elise's name above the boards.

Looks like the frames are a little uneven - I should fix that... I sent a few photo's off to Walgreen's last night, so I'll be putting photo's in the frames today.

What do you think?? Any suggestions?

How was your Memorial Day weekend?

I love a good deal!

2009-05-23T19:38:00.002-05:00

Ava and I got up early this morning and met Katie, Matt and Mason at Old Navy right before they opened. They had a huge sale--Flip flops for $1, today only!

They were solid colored flip flops-nothing fancy- but you just can't pass up a sale like that! I got myself 4 pairs and 3 pairs for Elise. They sold out an hour after opening!

Ava and I joined Katie, Matt and Mason at Denny's for breakfast afterwards.

We let Daddy sleep in extra late this morning since he did not get home from out of town until about 2 in the morning. He had to run and look at a few jobs-just for 2 days. I am happy to say that my hubby hasn't worked out of town, regularly, for about a year or so! I'm glad he gave that up for us and our family.

Every now and then he has to go for a day or 2 but nothing more. When he is gone, Ava walks around the house saying "Da-Da" over and over. Anytime I have my phone she thinks I am calling him. She misses her Daddy when he is gone.

Here are a couple pictures from Denny's this morning:

ABC's of Me

2009-05-22T23:00:00.000-05:00

It's the ABC's of me, if you want to play along feel free!

Stolen from Stacie over at Stacie's Madness

A - Age: 23

B - Bed size: King

C - Chore you hate: Mopping!!!!!

D - Dogs' names: We personally have no animals-I finally came to terms with the fact that I am just not an animal person. Or better yet, I'm not real good at the "training stages". Amber has a cat, "Meow-Meow" that lives here with us (the only cat that I LOVE) and she also has a puppy, Misty. Lily, my Aunt's Schnauzer, lives here with us during the week.

E - Essential start to your day item: A coke.

F - Favorite color: Blue (turquoise). And Pink.

G - Gold or Silver: Silver! I hate Gold.

H – Height: 5'5" ish

I - Instruments you play: None.

J - Job Title: Stay At Home Mom, Errand Runner, House wife and then some. :)

K - Kid(s): Ava, Brayden (due in Nov), Tyler and Elise

L - Living arrangements: My husband, myself, Ava, Tyler, Amber and soon to be-Brayden. Elise visits.

M - Mom's name: Angela.

N – Nicknames: Ash, Pumpkin, Baby

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Yes.

P - Pet Peeve: I could list quite a few! Bad manner/Table manners, being disrespectful to name a couple.

Q - Quote from a movie: ??

R - Right or left handed: Right.

S - Siblings: 3 Brothers, 3 sisters

T - Time you wake up: Usually around 9 or 9:30, give or take. Ava sleeps pretty late! If Elise is here-anywhere from 7:30 to 8:30.

U- Underwear: What about em?

V - Vegetable you dislike: I can't think of any that I don't like! I love vegetables!

W - Ways you run late: I'm pretty much always late. Unless it's something really, really important-I can usually make it on time. Or close to it.

X - X-rays: Dentist! Ugh.

Y - Yummy food you make: Everything I make is yummy. :)

Z - Zoo animals: I find most all of them pretty interesting.

Whatcha Think??

2009-05-22T18:50:00.005-05:00

I think I've finally decided on this background for right now. I am sure it wont be too long before I change it again.

I've noticed that it's been tough to make up my mind on some things and I constantly have the urge for a sudden change when I am pregnant. I had this same problem when I was pregnant with Ava.

An example-my hair! I HAD to have it cut and dyed burgundy ASAP. Now that I have chopped it off and dyed it, I don't like it. I think it's too short, although much cooler. As far as the color- I think it's too dark for me right now. I love the color burgundy on me, but I don't think it looks very good unless I have a decent tan. If not, I feel a little "goth".

I have decided that I want to dye it a dark shade of brown, maybe brownish-reddish, with blond highlights, similar to how I had it when I was pregnant with Ava. I think it looks a little better with my lighter skin tone.

I am ITCHING to have it done NOW. I'm tempted to run to Kroger and buy 2 boxes (color, highlights) and attempt to do it myself! If I wasn't almost 100% sure that I would screw it up, I totally would!

Here are a couple photos from Oct-Nov 2007

Under Construction

2009-05-22T11:52:00.002-05:00

Please bare with me while I play around with my background a little. I'm ready for a change already. :)

Recent Photos

2009-05-21T17:53:00.007-05:00

March 17, 2009

Passed out!

Playing in her swimming

My beautiful girl

My Love and I watching my friends band play

Daddy and Ava

Katie and Ava

My friend Shawn!

Rockin' Out!

Daddy and Ava at Chuck E Cheese

She didn't care too much for the ride, LOL

Silly Girl

She didn't really like this one either..

Cheese!

Such a big girl
Coloring

Bullets

2009-05-17T19:42:00.003-05:00

This weekend was absolutely wonderful. Tyler was at his Moms house so it was just me, Michael and the girls.
Friday after picking Elise up, we went to Sam's and Walmart for groceries. I cannot believe how much money we spend on groceries now that we have a teenage boy around! I think we will be shopping at Sam's a little more now-buying items in bulk.
Saturday we went by Target and picked up a few cheap summer outfits for the girls. Elise was in major need of some summer clothes.
Took the girls to Chuck E Cheese for pizza and games! Elise loves going there. We were going to take her to Putt-Putt but she insisted that she preferred to go to Chuck E Cheese!
Michael got a hair cut while the girls and I roamed around the Dollar Store and then we enjoyed some Snow Cones before dropping Elise off.
An old friend of mine, Shawn, has a band and was playing at a restaurant here in town Saturday evening. It just so happened that a friend of mine was there with her daughter as well as her parents and Katie, Matt and Mason came as well. We hung out on the patio and watched the band play which was nice.
Michael mowed and edged the yard this morning while I did some cleaning. Katie and Matt came over and had Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potato's and Corn with us for lunch. YUM. Katie and I ran to Old Navy while the guys watched the Rockets game.
Ava has had diarrhea and has been throwing up 2 mornings in a row now. It feels like she may be getting a molar in soon, so that may be why. She isn't running any fever or anything and is acting fine throughout the day.
I am calling tomorrow to schedule my prenatal massage for Wednesday and I am stoked about it! It'll be nice to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful break for an hour or so. :)

I'll post pictures later.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T12:25:00.004-05:00

A special thanks to my hubby (+kids) and Katie for a gift card for a Prenatal Massage and a $100.00 gift card to Urban Retreat Day Spa and Resort. Talk about a day of pampering! Can't wait to use those. :)

Also thanks to my Mom for being all I could ever need, or want in a Mother. I don't know where I would be without her constant love, support and guidance. Thanks for my card/money Mamma!

And last but certainly not least, thanks to all of you who sent Mother's Day wishes my way via text messages and phone calls. I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

Hope all you Mommies had a wonderful Mother's Day.

LOVE

2009-05-09T22:36:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Daddy.

2009-05-06T18:09:00.004-05:00

We Love You,

Ashley, Tyler, Elise, Ava and Brayden

Fun Project with Daddy

2009-05-03T22:26:00.005-05:00

Home Depot has an activity for the kids to do on the first Saturday of every month. My Mom is actually the one who told me about it-my step-dad takes Harley and Evan.

Last month they made bird houses and this month they made a little wheel barrow. My Mom's friend actually brought them the birdhouses to do at home because they weren't able to make it out last month. Mom had an extra one so she sent it home with me for Elise.

Not only did Michael and Elise get to build a wheel barrow together, they also built a birdhouse. I came home from the store and Elise told me that she had made something for me-the birdhouse. So cute.

The kids also get a Home Depot apron, a certificate, a sticker and a pin-to put on their apron-for every activity they do. Elise doesn't have a pin for the birdhouse since we didn't actual go for that one, but she did get a pin for her wheel barrow.

She really enjoyed building her stuff and I think it's some good one on one bonding time for her and Michael. :)

Here are some pictures I took:

Ready to start their project

Working together

They gave Ava an apron too :)

Finished product!

Check up

2009-05-02T21:06:00.003-05:00

I took Ava to her check up on Wednesday. She got her 1 yr shots and her blood drawn for her allergies test. She still has eczema so we are trying to figure out what it is that she is allergic too. I should get a call on Monday with the results.

She weighed 23lbs (90th percentile) and is 29in long (moving up from the 10th percentile to the 50th-she had a growth spurt!).

Doctor recommended crushing up half a vitamin and putting it in applesauce, daily. Flinstone makes the gummy bear vitamins now, so I just bought some of those and split them in half for her.

I also spoke with the doctor about Ava's feet/shins. Her feet turn in really bad (even her big toe) when she walks and her shins look as though that have a slit "bow legged" curve to them. I know that this is common in most babies and that it normally goes away as they get older but I do still worry that it may not fix it's self. Her doctor diagnosed her with Tibial Torsion and Metatarsus Adductus. She said she definitely wants to keep an eye on it, but is pretty confident that it will straighten itself out as she gets older. I'm not really all that worried about it as I know it isn't abnormal.

My girl is getting big and growing up right on schedule. She is a healthy baby girl and that makes her Mommy a happy lady too!

On another note, she does have TWELVE- yes, you read that right- TWELVE mosquito bites on her face! That isn't even including the other bites she as on her body! Poor thing!

Friday night we had some friends over for some BBQ and visiting. They have a little girl close to Elise's age, so they played hard together. Everyone was in and out all night which caused a few stray mosquito's to end up in the house (man I hate that!). I am thinking one must have gotten into Ava's room and just repeatedly bit her over and over throughout the night. Poor baby girl. I have been putting a really small amount of Neosporin on them in order to keep them from getting infected.

And what is up with this Swine Flu!? We are not getting too worried about it, considering thousands of people die a year from the regular flu, but we are being cautious. I have not been able to find any hand sanitizer anywhere because stores are running out of it! Thankfully we have some here. I have been making sure I wipes Ava's hand down often and I even wash them when I wash mine.

My brother and I are going to the SS office tomorrow and I am leaving Ava at home with my sister because I do not want her in that filthy place with the Swine Flu going around-well I wouldn't really want her there anyway!

Unconditional Love

2009-04-27T21:43:00.005-05:00

I am one hundred percent certain that there is no possible way that she, my girl, could possibly be any more beautiful.

She is my life. My world. My everything.

The Baby Belly

2009-04-25T19:05:00.004-05:00

Mr. Brayden Dean is squirming around in my tummy all the time! I hadn't really forgot what it was like, per say, but feeling him inside my tummy is just as amazing as it was the first time. It's such a miracle. I am feeling awesome and couldn't ask for a better pregnancy! I got sick twice a couple of days ago- out of the blue- but other than that, all is wonderful. To be honest with you, I am not looking forward to being huge and pregnant during the summer, only because it is going to be HOT!

I am getting so excited to meet my little guy. Time seems to be flying and that is absolutely wonderful as far as getting closer and closer to having him in my arms.

Michael's best friend Tanner and his wife Natalie are pregnant with a baby girl. She is due a couple weeks before I am. She came by on Monday to get all of Ava's things. I gave her the car seat/stroller combo, the bouncy seat, her swing and a bunch of her clothes, towels, rags, blankets, etc. Of course I held on to some of her special outfits and I still have a huge plastic tub full of her clothes- ones that Natalie's baby couldn't use due to the season's being off. I was a little sad to see all of her things go, but such is life.

Katie gave me quite a few of Mason's clothes for Brayden, so I went through them today and am washing them right now.

My mom and Katie are both insisting on throwing me baby showers. I thought you were only supposed to have one baby shower, so it's making me feel a little selfish, but what can I do?

I have started registering for a few items, but I told my mom to hit up the resale shops first and see what she can find there. My family spent a lot of money purchasing all the big items for Ava as well as throwing my baby shower. I really don't want them doing all that again.

My mother in law bought all of Ava's furniture and my Dad's girlfriend, Kim is giving us her sons old crib for Brayden, so we are set there.

I feel so blessed to have so many generous, loving people in my life and I will forever be grateful.

On another note, Ava has used her potty every morning for 5 days in a row. (today was the first morning that she didn't go in her potty). On the second day, she not only went in her potty in the morning, but also after her nap time. We haven't had a repeat of that yet, but I am so proud of her! Like I said before, I wasn't expecting any progress just yet, so that it wonderful. I am certain that it is going to take a while to get her to use the potty throughout the day, but it's a start!

P.s.- Mike finally gave in on the spelling, so it is offical- BraYden Dean :)

He has a name...

2009-04-20T23:49:00.003-05:00

Michael and I decided on a name for our baby boy about a week ago.

Brayden Dean.

We are still disagreeing on the spelling as of right now. Michael thinks it look girly with a 'y' and doesn't like it with an 'i' either.

He wants to spell it Braden, but I am afraid that people will mispronounce it.

So anyways, that's our little bean's name! :)

P.s.- Ava pee'd in the potty again this morning. That makes 3 times in 2 days! We're getting some where! :)

Potty Training and Blue Bonnets

2009-04-19T22:05:00.007-05:00

Michael, Tyler, Ava and I all spent Easter weekend out of town with my Mom and her side of the family. Ava and I ended up staying a whole week and I loved it! I miss my Mom a lot, so it was nice to be able to just enjoy my time with her and the rest of my family out there.

Ava had another birthday party while we were there and one of her gifts was a new potty. I told my Mom that I would like to start practicing with Ava so she got one for her. I didn't really expect her to start using it just yet. I mainly wanted to start getting her used to the idea of it. She follows me to the bathroom every time I go so she already sort of gets the concept I think. We started practicing yesterday. Every time I went potty, I would take her diaper off and sit her on her potty (it is in the bathroom next to our toilet). This morning she peed in it!!! It scared her at first, LOL. I thought it was just luck, but she peed in it again tonight! I know I still have a lot of training to do and so forth but I am excited that at 13 months old, we are already getting a head start. I think she is going to do really well with it. She is SOOO freakin smart! I am sure it will take a while for her to actually approach me and let me know that she needs to go, but I am still excited to say that on our 2nd day of training, she went twice! Way to go Ava!!!

Today my Aunt Tami treated us all to lunch at Sudie's, Elise LOVES catfish! After lunch, we took some pictures of the girls in the bluebonnets. Ava was really tired as she hadn't had a nap yet, but I got a couple of good ones.

Michael and I told Elise about her baby brother today. She was a little sketchy about it at first but once we finished explaining and assuring her, she was pretty excited about it. She kept saying "Brayden. I want to see my Brayden." and kissing my belly. She is such a sweet girl.

Easter was fantastic by the way, all except the part where my Aunt wrecked the motorcycle and split her knee open. But that is a story for another day. My Aunt Becky has an AWESOME new Canon Camera that I have been wanting for a while now. It's about $600.00 or so, plus another $200 or so for the zoom piece. This camera has been on the TOP of my wish list! Hopefully one day I can get it!

She got some awesome pictures (about 250 to be exact) of our Easter weekend and I can not wait to get a copy of them. My mom is putting them on a disc for me and is going to mail them to me. Can't wait to share them with you!

Here are the blue bonnet pictures:

We had to get Lily's picture in the Blue Bonnets also! :)

A much needed update

2009-04-07T21:53:00.005-05:00

-Michael was on the radio yesterday morning! They started talking about whether or not it was weird to date someone with the same name as your mother. Considering that both of my husbands ex wives have the same name as his mother, he just had to call in. LOL It was hilarious.

-Ava cut her 6th tooth today. Bottom right. She had 2 poop explosions yesterday and one massive one today that was on the kitchen floor as well as me! LOVELY. She wouldn't eat much today either, but other than that is doing well.

-She says cracker now, shows you please in sign language on command, knows where her nose is, and bats her eyes at you when you ask her to show you "pretty eyes". She is getting so big and SO fun! She picks up on so much now and learns new things everyday. I absolutely love it!

-I had my first doctors appointment. I am 16 weeks and 4 days and our due date is September 17th! Michael, Ava and I waited for quite a while, but it was well worth it! We were able to get an ultrasound, see our baby, hear the heartbeat AND find out the sex!

It's A Boy!!!

There was definitely NO denying that! He takes after his Daddy! ;) Today was a wonderful day!

-My Mom came into town to finalize the closing on her house, so Amber, Ava and I met her and my step dad for lunch. It was wonderful to see them and visit for a while. We are going to CS this weekend and I am really looking forward to that!

-Ava is having another birthday party on Saturday at my mom's house. Spoiled little girl!

-I have made a couple of new friends, ones that I have known for a while but are getting closer to now and I love it! I love making new friends, especially ones that I know will be around for a while :)

All that being said, life is going great over here. I really couldn't ask for more. Michael and I have reached a point in our relationship (for a long time now) where we have become more and more of a team. We are partners, we work together, we lean on each other and I love it. I am happy, he is happy, we are happy.

Having Tyler here with us has been great. It's hard work, trying to get him caught up in school and so on, but he is doing well. This weekend was his first weekend at his mother's and we missed him tons!

New bean (we haven't chosen a name yet) is doing great. I can feel my little guy moving around in there now and it makes me smile. Tyler knows we are pregnant, has for some time now. As far as Elise goes, we decided that we wanted to wait until I went to my first doctor's appointment, to make sure that all was well, before breaking the news to her. She has been having some behavioral problems at school and so forth and to be honest with you, I really didn't want another excuse for Melanie to use as far as Elise is concerned. We felt like she was blaming us for things going on with Elise when Ava was first born. Second of all, I wanted to get past the "scare" of a possible miscarriage, etc.

So we haven't told Elise yet. Now, whether or not Melanie has? I don't know. Elise made a comment this weekend when she was here, saying "Your boobies are big and so is your belly. You have 2 babies in there this time or what?" Michael was standing there when she said it and gave me a look like "what the heck?". I asked her who told her that and she said "No one" and left it at that. So I don't know if Melanie told her or if she was just saying that cause she noticed. If she told her, I think that's messed up, considering that she told me, more times that once, that it was our place to tell her. But in all actuality, I guess it really doesn't matter either way.

We are planning on sitting down and talking with Elise the next time we have her, so we will see how that goes.

Prayers Needed

2009-03-25T22:54:00.003-05:00

Please add sweet little Stellan to your prayer list. If you click on the picture above, it will take you straight to MckMama's page where you can read updates on him. Thank you.

Hang in there little guy.

Little tidbits

2009-03-23T22:48:00.003-05:00

School called this afternoon saying that Tyler was sick. I picked him up, gave him some meds and he went to sleep. Woke him up a couple hours later, made him shower and was getting ready to work on his homework with him when he hurled ALL OVER the entryway. LOTS. Then in the kitchen sink. Lovely. He seems to be doing better now.
My house is clean and it feels good.
Ava is changing so much everyday, it is crazy. She has added quite a few words to her vocabulary-- night-night, ball, out, bath, Tyler (Ty-er to be exact) Daddy, Mommy, and of course the other words she was already saying-- Ma Ma, Da Da, bite, baby, puppy, bye bye, ba ba... (I am sure I have left a couple out, but that's all I can think of right now.
Having Tyler here with us has been great. We bought him some new school supplies, went through all of his school work and got him organized. He had an extra credit project due today that we worked on with him last night, and he actually turned it in today! I am so proud! He has a really hard time with responsibility, organization, and turning assignments in.
Ava fell today and split the inside of her lip. The piece of skin that connects your top lip to your gums- split it. It took forever to stop bleeding! But she was perfectly fine after that and it hasn't bothered her since. I am going to keep an eye on it just to make sure it doesn't get infected or anything, but I am sure it'll be fine.
Ava had an awesome birthday party. My camera is sort of broken so I wasn't able to get any pictures, but thankfully my Daddy took tons and put them on a disc for me. I still need to put them in a slide show and post them. My Dad, Maw-Maw, Paw-Paw and I all took Ava to the Children's Museum on her actual birthday. She really enjoyed that. I want to take her back now that the new tot spot has opened up. We also went to lunch at Luby's and they sang happy birthday to her and gave her a strawberry cheesecake that we all enjoyed.
Elise is having some behavioral problems and went to the doctor last week. They said that she is ADD and will be seeing a psychiatrist.... Her mother is being pretty immature towards Michael right now. It's pretty ridiculous actually, but that's another story for a different day.
I miss my Mom, Corey and the kids terribly and am hoping that I can take a trip to see her soon.
The New Bean is doing well from what I can tell. I haven't been to the doctor yet but by my calculations, I am about 3 1/2 months along (a little over 14 weeks). I have only gained 3 lbs from my normal average weight of 110lbs. I have a little bit of a belly, but it feels more like a gut at this point. I have had more cravings this time around then I did with Ava. And I normally don't turn doing my cravings...
My dad had surgery about a week ago and is doing well save for a little pain and about 10 staples across his stomach.
Michael told Melanie (Tyler's mom) that he was sick and she decided to leave work (she is a stripper) and come over to our house in her skimpy outfit, sit on our couch, and talk to Tyler like he was 4, for about 30 minutes. It was quite entertaining to say the least. Might I mention that tonight was the first time that we have communicated with her at all since court.
Every time I think about blogging (which is pretty much everyday) I feel like I have SO much to post about and now I am at a loss. I think it is because I like to post about everything that goes on and I have missed so many days that it just feels like I am leaving s lot of things out. Which I am sure that I am, but at this point some of it is irrelevant I guess. This blog is my way of keeping track of all the little (and big) things that go on in our lives which is why I post about things that don't seem too important. I am horrible with dates so if I want to look back on a specific thing, here it is!
Ok, I am rambling now. Hope to get back to regular blogging soon.

Seriously?

2009-03-14T23:18:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that I didn't even post on my daughters birthday.

I haven't posted pictures.

I haven't posted certain events.

Not to mention that Ava's 5th tooth broke through and her 6th is getting really close to breaking through.

She has learned a few new things, words and such.

And did I mention that I didn't even post on her birthday??

What kind of ~~mother~~ blogger am I?

I am posting to bitch and complain about not posting, only to NOT post about previously mentioned things.

Yep, that's right.. This is just a teaser post, if you will.

Things have been CRAZY BUSY around here and I just haven't had the time. I am sure that I think at least once or twice a day "I need to blog about this. I need to post about that." But I just haven't had the time to do so. When I do have time, it is usually when Ava is napping and I can't lie, I am usually napping right along with her!

Tyler moved in with us Friday. He misses his Mom and Logan but he happy to be here with us. The transition is going well thus far and I am confident things will continue to go well. We went up to his school on Friday and switched all of the paper work into our names and our information. We already have a meeting with all of his teachers scheduled as well as an ARD meeting.

My dad had surgery Thursday and should hopefully be going home tomorrow.

We spent WAYYY too much money at the grocery store. A new record for us.

The house has been an absolute MESS, basically since the birthday party! Michael and I tag teamed today and got quite a bit of laundry and cleaning done. I am certain that tomorrow will consist of more cleaning.

Kathie had her beautiful baby boy, Dash who is in NICU for a couple of weeks due to a possible infection. Please keep her and baby Dash in your prayers.

Sorry to keep it short. Hope to get things on track around here soon, get a schedule going and get adjusted to the new changes and I'll be back up and running again!

The days are slipping by..

2009-03-07T22:00:00.003-06:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, there were some things that I had wanted to post about because, at the time, I was upset about them and needed to get it off my chest.

First one being the ex wife-Melanie #2-Elise's mother. (Yes, Michael has 2 ex wives, both named Melanie. Not to mention that his mother's name is also Melanie..) I am hoping to find the time to express my feelings about her and the numerous things we have gone through in dealing with her since Michael and I met. It has not been easy, by far! Being a step parent is VERY hard, especially when dealing with someone like her. I just try to remind myself that things could always be worse. We have had times that weren't so bad, but the bad totally wipes the good out by far. Hopefully, I will just suck it up and find the time to write about it, but it is definitely another post for another day!

Another thing I had wanted to get into was my frustrations about court and the fact that we did not get our answer when we were told that we would. The judge told us that we would know anywhere from Tuesday (last week) at the earliest, to Friday at the latest. Friday came and went and still no answer. We were on our tip toes all week waiting for our answer and to not get it when we were told, was pretty nerve racking and quite stressful. All that aside, I am very happy to say that WE WON !!! Tyler is with us this weekend, but will not make the official move until Friday of next week. I am SO excited and am really looking forward to having him here with us. I am so thankful that we were able to get him away from the mental, emotional, and verbal abuse that Jereme (Tyler's step-father) put him through. Tyler finally told his mother the other day that if she had left Jereme a long time ago, none of this court stuff would have ever happened, but that she decided to choose Jereme of him. I couldn't believe that he actually said that to her! But on the same hand, I think it is good that he was able to express his feelings to her. We have already notice (and been told) of some differences in his mother and the way she does things. Her and her lifestyle is also another post for another day!

And the last thing that I wanted to talk about was Andi and the situation that happened- as far as me not keeping Chloe again. Basically, I had told her a while back that in the next couple of months I wouldn't be able to keep Chloe anymore. Basically, I just couldn't handle it anymore, I tried to talk to her about it and I ended up upsetting her. It basically blew up in my face. We have since talked about the situation and know that there was a lack of communication. I am happy to say that all is well and worked out. Thankfully!

So, all that being said, I can now move on to more recent things.

Amber and Jennifer's birthdays were both on the 3rd.

Katie's birthday was on the 6th.

Ava's first birthday party is tomorrow.

And today...

Well today was a LONG day my friends! LOTS of time with family which was great! But this getting up at 6am and going, going, going all day long has me beat!

I am completely in shock with the fact that my daughter is going to be 1 on Tuesday.

Completely.

In.

Shock.

How in the heck did that happen?
Where the heck did the time go?

I want to smile

and cry

at the same time.

Anyhow, I think that is a sufficient update for right now. Sorry that I have been MIA for a few days. I miss all you blogging buddies of mine and I really want to catch up on my blog reading soon! Hopefully next week!

Miss you lovelies!

2009-02-26T09:16:00.002-06:00

I've had quite a few things that I wanted to post about lately, but I have been waiting to close my blog before I do so.

I guess waiting on blogging about these few things has also caused me to slack as far as posting about anything else. I have some recent picture too that I need to post.

Post subjects that I will hopefully be getting to soon:
-My thoughts on THE ex-wife
-My thoughts on the situation with Andi and why I am not keeping Chloe anymore.
-Megan's first birthday party-pictures
-Recent photo's
-Tyler-court

I have decided to go ahead and close this blog today. Probably this evening sometime, so that I can start my blogging again.

Those of you that are lurkers and are just saying hello, I am really sorry, but I think I have decided to stick with familiar readers only.

Certain things I write about are getting back to the ex-wife through someone reading my blog, and taking it as far as reading through a post that I commented on that included over 1,500 comments and finding my comment in the mix. Not real sure how that was possible, considering that there were quite a few "Ashley's" that commented and when you clicked on my name, it didn't send you to my blog. So that must have taken a lot of thought and effort to figure out what comment was from me.

I will elaborate more on the problems with the ex wife later.

It really isn't that big of a deal that she reads my blog, but it has gotten to the point where I would prefer write about whatever I want, whenever I want. And it isn't only her that I have a problem with reading my blog.

Anyways, this all seems a bit petty and high school-ish (is that a word?) and for that I apologize. I am just ready to make this blog into a place where I can open up about my feelings.

I hope that there are no hard feelings to those of you who I have decided not to add. It really isn't anything personal.

Thank you.

I'll be back to blogging soon!

Ta-Da!

2009-02-24T12:14:00.003-06:00

I'm finished decorating my blog and I think I like it. :)

Will be switching this blog to private on Thursday.

Under Construction

2009-02-23T18:35:00.003-06:00

Obviously, I am working on changing my background and header again. I think the one that I have right now is a little too loud for me and really doesn't match well. So, over the course of the next couple of days, I will be trying some new things out. So bare with me! :)

On another note, Ava's second top tooth, finally broke through. Once that one comes in, she will have a total of 4 teeth right now! Two on top and two on bottom. :)

Just a reminder, if you haven't already sent me your email, please do. I will be switching this blog to private soon. Those of you who have already, thanks! I will be sure to add you.

Going Private

2009-02-21T09:37:00.001-06:00

I think I have decided to go ahead and switch my blog back to private. I am just not sure that I want certain people reading about our lives anymore, so I would prefer to just avoid any more problems this may cause. Plus, I would like to write about certain things without worrying about who is reading it.

So, what I need from you guys is, your emails!! I have gained quite a few blogging buddies and I really enjoy your input, advise and sweet comments. So if you would, send me an email at ashley137reneeATyahooDOTcom or leave a comment with your email address and I will be glad to add you to the readers list.

I am not sure how much longer I will keep this blog open to the public, but I will at least give it through Monday.

Thanks loves! :)

Our Family Portraits - Feb 2009

2009-02-17T21:44:00.006-06:00

I think our pictures turned out pretty decent. I would have liked to have gotten a couple more of Tyler and Ava but we had already gone back in a second time (the photographers idea!)to snap some more pictures and they didn't turn out so I wasn't about to make him take more. LOL

I may just take Tyler back by himself later on and get a couple of poses. We don't have many recent pictures of him that are decent. He likes to make his silly faces and stuff, which is fine with me, because it shows his personality, but I like to have some nice photos to hang up as well.

I have 4 different poses of Elise!! Every one they took of her came out perfect, of course. They last one was a special request by Michael. He just loves when she winks at us, so he wanted to get a photo of it. Her face is kind of squinched up, but I think it'll be cute to look back on and show her. She walks around here winking at us and raising her eyebrows up and down at you. It is absolutely adorable.

The one we got of Ava is perfect! Her hands are a tiny bit blurred but I still think it's great. I didn't sweat the fact that I wasn't able to get more of her, because Kelly is going to take her 1 year photos soon. I had spoke with Kelly about taking our family portraits also, but she was going to be on vacation that weekend so we went with the studio this time. I would love to get us in for a session with Kelly also, because I personally would prefer having them done outside and with a little bit more of a personal touch to them. I am sure we will probably end up waiting until the baby is born but who knows?

I am SO glad we were able to get our photos done before I was nine months pregnant this time. That is why I was in such a hurry to get in and get them done, I didn't want to be showing.

Not that I minded being pregnant in our last photos (I actually liked having some pregnancy photos done) but those are the only professional family portraits we have. I am glad we were able to get some more done. Now I need to go out and buy some frames!

Valentines Day

2009-02-15T16:16:00.005-06:00

Yesterday morning, Michael headed over to my mom's house to help them start loading up the Uhaul, while Ava and I stayed home for a little while. I picked up one of those pre-cut scrapbooks from Walmart and stayed up until 2 in the morning working on it. I filled it with pictures of Mom, Corey, Harley and Evan with Ava as well as a couple of family pictures and pictures of Tyler and Elise. Anyways, I still had a few pages left to finish, so I worked on those and took my time getting ready before heading over to my mom's. I knew that they wouldn't let me lift anything anyways, so I wouldn't have been too much help. I also knew that I wouldn't be able to hold it together for too long, which I was right about. When Ava and I got there we gave them their Valentine's presents and the scrapbook. Mom started crying as she flipped through it, which then made me cry of course. It took me a little while to get my feelings under control, but it was pretty much smooth sailing after that. It wasn't too hard to tell them goodbye since I got a lot of my crying out of the way already. I held it together the rest of the day and still haven't gotten upset yet. I think I'll be ok for a week or so and then it'll hit me when I decide to drive over for a visit and realize that she is no longer there.

Michael, Ava and I all took a pretty decent nap yesterday which was fantastic, especially with the rain and all. We pretty much laid around being lazy most of the afternoon/evening, and then went out to dinner.

When we had our family portraits taken at JcPenny, Michael and I came across this sofa table, mirror and candle holder set that was on sale for a really good price. I have been wanting to fix and change some things up in here a bit as I have mentioned before so I was pretty excited to get that from him for Valentines Day yesterday! I love it and I am SO glad to have that dresser out of the entry way now! (yes, we had a dresser in the entryway... don't ask)

I also got chocolates and a card of course. Overall, it was a sad day, yet a good day as well. Today marks 2 years since I first met Michael in person. :)

P.s.- I need to get 2 candles for the candle holders, I know. ;)

A thoughtful gift..

2009-02-12T22:58:00.004-06:00

Ava and I went over to Katie's for dinner tonight. It was D-E-LICIOUS! Mason and Ava played and Katie and I watched Grey's Anatomy.

Katie mailed Ava a Valentines Day card from Mason to Ava and also gave her a Valentines Day puppy. So sweet.

I was extremely upset the other night when I found out my mom was moving. Katie always knows what to say to make me feel better and she always puts a lot of thought into the things she does for other people.

Tonight she gave me this frame that she made herself for Ava. I told her that my Mom was worried about Ava not remembering who she was after she moves, so she made this frame for her to put in her room with her MeeMaw's picture in it. I thought that was so sweet and so very thoughtful. We appreciate it Katie!

Mumbo Jumbo..

2009-02-11T21:12:00.005-06:00

I am extremely exhausted and don't even feel like posting but decided to be lazy and just do a few bullets.
Yesterday Ava turned 11 months. I wanted to get a picture of her and post it in an "11 month" post yesterday but never got around to it. I thought about it though. That counts for something right?
Today we had court. We got there at 9am and didn't leave until 5pm. It was a very long day. We were able to finish our trial and we have to go back on Tuesday in order for the judge to speak with Tyler. He will tell us his decision that day. I'm not real sure where we stand as of right now. Things went well and in our favor and things went the complete opposite also, which was to be expected. I guess I am being a bit of a pessimist, but I think I am just trying to prepare myself for the worst, just in case. I just pray for whatever is best for Tyler.
We are pregnant. I have not been to a doctor yet, but by mine and my mom's calculations, I believe I am about 8 weeks along. I took a test about 4 weeks ago; the night Michael and I took the boys to the Monster Truck show. Honestly, we wanted to wait until court was done before we told too many people, but most people know by now. I have debated back and forth on whether I wanted to go into detail about my feelings on this pregnancy here, because I don't want to hurt any body's feelings. But after much thought, I feel that this blog is mine. It is here for me to talk about my life and my feelings and whatever else I want to put on here. So I will start off by saying that I hope that what I am going to say doesn't hurt any body's feelings but I need to get it out. I feel that I don't talk much about my feelings here and I wish I did. I wish I found it easier to put my thoughts and feelings into words, but it has never been easy for me.
Back to my point, I have mixed feelings about this pregnancy. It was not planned. I did want another baby but I didn't feel that I was ready for it any time soon. As selfish as it sounds, I was actually enjoying having my body back and I was enjoying my time with Ava and trying to just enjoy it and take it all in. I know that having a 1 1/2 year old and a newborn baby is going to be hard work. I also know that Ava isn't going to get the attention that she is used to getting. On the other hand, I am glad they will be close in age. I don't want to say that I am not excited about this pregnancy, because I know that I will be. It's not really that I am not excited about it right now, I guess I am just scared. It is going to be SO overwhelming! The fact that my mom is moving is a pretty big bummer as well. She helped me so much with my pregnancy with Ava and even stayed a week when she was born. I know she will be just a phone call away and I am pretty certain that she will be here when this baby is born also. Bottom line is, I was not ready yet, nor was I expecting it. I know it will all work out and I KNOW without a doubt in my mind that I will get more and more excited as time goes by.
I still don't feel like I explained my feelings really well above, which is why I don't do it often.
I am tired and I have been having cravings this time around WAY more than I did when I was pregnant with Ava, and I am barely 2 months along! This could be a problem...
Being pregnant is a big reason for FINALLY getting into the studio for some family portraits. As I said before, I have been wanting to get them done since Ava was born and I have been planning on going for about a month now. I decided that I'd rather get our family portraits done BEFORE I was nine months pregnant this time. LOL I am glad we got them done and I think they turned out pretty good. I pick them up on Monday.
I can't stop thinking about court and I can't stop worrying about Tuesday. These next few days are going to drag by..
My house is STILL not cleaned and STILL not in order. It's better than it was but I really need to get back on the ball. So much has been going on lately that I have just pretty much let it go for about a week or so.
Ava's top tooth broke through about a week or 2 ago. I don't even know exactly when. All I know is it is almost half way through.
I am off to bed to read. I am beyond exhausted.

Update: I just wanted to say that I AM excited about this pregnancy and my husband couldn't be happier to have our 2nd together before he is forty! LOL Everyday I get a little more excited and I'm getting curious now as to whether we are having a boy or a girl. At this point, I would be happy with either. I would love to have a boy also, but on the other hand, if we have a girl, we are SET! Plus, Ava will have a sister pretty close to her age that she could grow up with and hopefully have a close relationship with like I do with my siblings. Either way, this baby is a pure blessing to our family and I know that God just had different plans in store for us and I am totally ok with that. So bring on the baby belly!!

Devastated.

2009-02-10T20:30:00.001-06:00

My mom found a buyer for her house which I have already mentioned. Just found out tonight that they are moving THIS WEEKEND!

I haven't even prepared myself for this yet. I knew it was going to happen but I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. I feel like I am losing a part of me and it sucks.

I am so used to seeing her any time I want and now that wont be an option. Of course I can take trips out there on the weekends to see her, but we all know how easier said than done that is. She said tonight that she is afraid that Ava isn't going to know her anymore.

I never wanted to be so far away from her (I guess I should look at the bright side.. she could be moving further away) and it still seems so surreal to me right now.

We are all going to her house on Sunday to see her, Corey and the kids off. That is going to be one of the hardest days of my life.

I don't even know what to say. It is 8:30 and I think I am just going to crawl in bed and read, possibly cry, myself to sleep.

I am SO not ready for this.

Pay It Forward

2009-02-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

Yesterday evening we had 2 gentlemen knock on the door. I usually don't even listen to the people who go door to door trying to get donations and so forth. I don't normally give them a chance to start their stories. I tell them I am not interested and closed the door. I am sure they are usually cursing me as they walk away. I KNOW that I can be a sucker sometimes and I know that as soon as I give them a chance to tell their story, I am drawn in and I can't seem to tell them no. But tonight as I opened the door, I instantly knew I wouldn't be able to turn them away.

Basically, they are a foundation that takes in homeless addicts (whether it be drugs, or alcohol) and provide a place for them to stay, food and clothing. They train them to go door to door, learning communication skills and selling magazines in which the profit goes towards their meals, etc. This particular gentleman who was being trained really touched my heart tonight. He was bundled up in his jacket, shivering and was having a really difficult time. He asked permission to sit down on my front porch and put his head in his hands. Today was his fifth day in training and he was exhausted, and mentally and emotionally drained. I haven't exactly been in his position, by far, but I do have an small idea what it is like to have an addiction and I guess it just hit home for me. I signed up for 3 years of the Parenting & Child magazine and handed over $60.00 for it, 5 of which was for him to get something to eat or whatever. My husband told me that I am a complete sucker and that I just fell for a scam. I really hope that is not the case and I don't think it is. All I know is, I couldn't turn them away and I had to help. I did it from my heart because I wanted to, and whether it was a scam or not, that is what matters.

I haven't ever done anything like this before, as far as buying things from people selling them door to door (except girls scout cookies!) and I don't regret it. Michael hates that I can't pass a homeless person without giving them a few dollars. I have gotten a lot better about that, but I used to give them money every time I saw one! Now I keep it to a minimum of every once in a while when I see someone that I feel really could use my help. Obviously, I can't help everyone and there are times where we really could use the money that I give away so freely. But it makes me feel good to know that I have done a small part in helping some one else out. All I know is, there have been numerous times that people have helped me out in one way or another and I guess I am just "paying it forward".

I have been lazy..

2009-02-06T22:56:00.003-06:00

I haven't really felt like blogging much lately and honestly haven't had much time too. I have not been feeling well the past couple days and neither has Ava so that is also another ~~excuse~~ reason for not blogging.. I did skip Not Me! Monday also, and I didn't want to, because I LOVE Not Me! Monday.. but, again, didn't feel like it. So, here's a few updates on what is going on in my world..

My mom gave us Harley's play kitchen for Elise. It is practically new and has barely been played with. I decided that I would put the kitchen in Ava's playroom. One reason being that, Elise doesn't really have anywhere to put it in her room. And another reason being that, I wanted to try to make Elise feel included and for her and Ava to share that playroom. The kitchen came with lots of plastic food, plates and silverware. I picked out the small things and the silverware and put it up where Ava can't reach it. I must have overlooked a plastic fork. Ava and Chloe were playing in the play room and I heard a really weird noise. I wasn't quite sure what it was so I walked over to check in on them. Ava began screaming at this point and was on the floor on her hands and knees. I thought she had fallen but when I reached her and bent down to pick her up, I noticed the play fork on the floor in front of her with blood running down it. I looked in her mouth and she had cut her gums on the top where a tooth had just broken through. I felt HORRIBLE! She cried and cried ALL DAY LONG when she wasn't sleeping (she slept a majority of the day). She started running a fever that afternoon of 101.6 I believe. I noticed that she wasn't moving her head as much either. I don't know if her head got jerked back when she fell on with the fork in her mouth or what. She has ran a fever off and on for 3 days now, so I am beginning to think that it is because she is teething. She has also had a little diarrhea. The fact that it all happened (falling, fever and her neck) around the same time really concerned me. She seems to be doing much better, but still isn't leaning her head all the way back. When I gave her a bath today and tried to lean her head back to rinse the shampoo out, she started crying. I really don't think it would be anything more than a pulled muscle or something like that, otherwise I think she would be screaming her head of at any slight movement. Poor Ava. :(

Tomorrow we are having our family portraits done at Jc Penny (which I have been talking about doing for almost a month now. Ahem.) and I am excited. The only professional family portraits we have were taken right before Ava was born and I look like I am about to pop. Honestly, I have been wanting to get them done again since Ava has been born, but we just haven't been able to spend that kind of money on them. I am glad to finally be able to do that, regardless of the fact that Ava is almost ONE! Better late than never.

We are also meeting with my Mother In Law for lunch tomorrow. I always enjoy seeing her and she enjoys being able to see the kids. Not to mention that I am totally excited about chicken fried steak, mashed potato's and green beans from Texas Roadhouse :)

Today was Caleb's birthday (Larry and Andi's son) and tomorrow morning, Tyler will be joining him and a few friends for some laser tag. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB!

It really felt like I had more to blog about, but I guess not. Or maybe I am just being extra lazy right now and pretending that I have nothing else to blog about so that I can crawl in bed and read. No, I wouldn't do that. Not Me! ;)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T15:05:00.003-06:00

Check out them shoesss

2009-02-01T10:37:00.004-06:00

Ava and I met up with my old friend Katie for lunch yesterday. It was nice to catch up and talk about some things that were left unsaid. We sure have missed Katie and Mason.

After lunch, we went to the mall with my Aunt Tami for some shopping. She told me a couple weeks ago that she wanted to buy me a pair of UGGS (I have been wanting them forever!) for keeping Lily for her during the week. I tried to explain to her that she owes me NOTHING and that we really enjoy having Lily here with us, but she insisted. (Lily is her schnauzer and I absolutely LOVE her) She also bought Ava her first pair of Nike's and they are freaking cute! Thanks Aunt Tami!!

I am about to run to the store while Ava is napping and pick up a few things for Superbowl tonight. Jennifer and Ryan will be joining us here at the house and my Dad my stop by for a little bit as well. I am not a huge fan of football really (I prefer baseball) so Jennifer and I have planned on scrapbooking while the boys watch the game. I have only made 2 pages so far for Ava's scrapbook and they are both of the day she was born. I made a couple pages for Elise a while back and I really want to finish up a few more for her too. I'd love to do one for Tyler, but he just doesn't really appreciate or care about that kind of thing.

Next weekend we are getting family portraits done and I am totally excited. We haven't had any done since Ava was born and she is almost a year old!

And there you have it...

2009-01-30T22:53:00.004-06:00

Before:

(this is what my hair looked like if I didn't blow dry or straighten it!)

After:

Long, Side-swept bangs. Layers around face

Some scattered, choppy layers throughout.

I think that, going into this, I was hoping for something a bit more drastic and really different than something I would normally go with. But after flipping through a few books, I finally found one picture with a cut similar to this. Being as picky as I am about my hair and change, I thought that it was best for me to go with something not so drastic. I think that this is one of the very first times that I have actually liked my haircut right after. I usually have some kind of complaint and it takes a day or so for the new cut to finally grow on me before I decide that I like it. Today, I had a smile on my face the moment I saw it and I still do. Like I said, it's nothing drastic. It's not overly sexy, classy...etc. But I think it's me, and I think it works for me. So there you have it! :)

I haven't missed my long hair yet and I am actually enjoying the fact that my hair isn't so heavy now. I did dye my hair tonight as well (box dye, yuck, I know!) and let me tell you, it was SO much easier to wash/condition and fix than before. I also like the fact that my hair actually still has a nice amount of length to it. After all, the hubby loves longer hair. Gotta keep him satisfied too. ;)

Help A Sister Out!

2009-01-30T10:41:00.003-06:00

Ok ladies, I am off to get my haircut today. I am SICK of the ridiculous amount of time I have to spend just washing/conditioning/rinsing it, not to mention how long it takes to dry and straighten it! Plus, well lets face it, my hair isn't exactly healthy either. I have horrible split ends and am in major need of a cut.

SOOO,

help me out! I don't know what to do with it!?? I don't want it any shorter than my shoulders and honestly I would really LOVE to keep it long, but I need a break from it! I want something that will make me look a little older, or at least my age. I am not one that likes to spend lots of time styling my hair, so I'd like something that is simple and easy.

I guess I could always go with the same style I have now but just shorter... It's kind of boring to me though. I am about to start looking on the Internet for some pictures/ideas but if you have any, let me know! I'd appreciate the help!

Thanks girls. :)

Uh-Oh!

2009-01-28T21:56:00.004-06:00

I am probably about a week and a half to 2 weeks late with this post, but Ava's new word is Uh Oh now. When she first started saying it she just said it over and over again. Now she actually realizes what it "means" and says it when she drops something, or falls, etc. She's one smart cookie.

Words she is saying now:
-Bite
-Uh Oh
-Mamma
-Dadda
-BaBa
-PaPa
-Bye Bye

AND, her top tooth is just about all the way through the gums. I can feel most of it but it still has just a little tiny bit more to go before it's completely through.

In other news... Melanie (Tyler's mom) has the flu so court has been rescheduled for 2 weeks from today. How convenient. There are actually quite a few people who have the flu right now, so I am not saying that she doesn't have it. Who knows? But that sure was convenient for them... just another excuse to stall.. That's ok, the time will come eventually. And I am really not too worried about it anymore. :)

No Rules MeMe

2009-01-28T07:15:00.006-06:00

I was tagged over a week ago by Aimee and I am just now getting around to it! I actually kind of forgot, but here we go with my No Rules MeMe.

-I am the second oldest of all my siblings. I used to have 9 brothers and sisters up until my dad separated from my-step mother a couple of years ago. (the divorce should be final soon) I haven't really spoken with my step-brother and 2 step-sisters since then, so I have finally reached a point where I no longer consider them my siblings. It's sad, really. When I met them, Brittnee was in Kindergarten, Aaron was just a toddler and Jaymee wasn't even born yet. So they have been a part of my life for a long time and I never really considered them my "step" brother and sisters. I miss them all dearly and wish that things could have been different. Our parents' ugly divorce has made it difficult to have any sort of relationship with any of them.

-My mother finally got a buyer for her house and they are closing at the end of February. My Mom has always wanted to open up her own pet store and she is finally getting a chance to achieve that goal. After selling the house, they are moving out to CS where my grandparents, great-grandparents and Aunt and Uncle live. My mom will be opening up her own pet store there and I couldn't be more happy for her. On the other hand, I am devastated that she wont be close anymore. That I won't be able to just drive 5 minutes down the street when I wasn't to see her. That Ava wont be able to see her MeeMaw as often. I guess I should be thankful that she is only moving a couple of hours away.

-I love watching movies, but I am not sure I have ever sat still and watched a whole movie straight through. I am usually picking up around the house, doing laundry or playing on the computer at the same time. Not many people like watching movies with me because I miss so much of the movie that I am constantly asking what is going on. Also, I am horrible at remembering movie names and whether or not I have actually seen a movie. I'll get about half way through a movie before I realize that I have seen it before.

-I have a horrible memory! I am terrible with names and, well, pretty much everything. I always had a hard time in school because I could literally sit and read a chapter for a test, over and over again and was completely oblivious to what I had just read. I am not very good a remembering important details or dates. (which is a big reason for having this blog)

-I am a really picky eater. I absolutely hate the taste and smell of mayo as well as ranch dressing. Matter of fact, I hate all dressings. I don't like guac, sour cream, pico, avocado's, spinach. I am not a big fan of Italian food, other than spaghetti and lasagna. I guess you could say, I am more of a "simple" eater. I don't like all the fancy stuff. But I do love ALL of my vegetables and almost all fruit.

-I cannot stand wire hangers or the cheap plastic hangers that the kid's outfits come on when you buy them. All of our closets have ALL plastic hangers.

That's all I have for now. Thanks for tagging me Aimee and sorry it took me so long!

Updated: Did I not tell you I was forgetful!? I just now realized that I didn't tag anyone!!

So, I am tagging:

Chloe-English Tea
Stacie-Stacie's Madness
Lucie- By His Hands We Are Fed
Shauna-Playground of Dreams

Get to it girls! :) :) :)

A visit from Pappa J

2009-01-27T22:06:00.005-06:00

My Dad came by yesterday morning to visit with me and the girls. They both LOVE my Dad and were sad to see him go.

Kisses for Pappa J

AW! They didn't want him to go!Worn out after Pappa J's visit