11 Months New

You are 11 months.  That's crazy.  This last month has been crazy.  I have a feeling I'm going to be saying that for the rest of my life.  You are non-stop and fun and a maniac and sweet and cuddly and wild and awesome.  We do a lot of laughing these days, because you keep us in stitches.

This month you had a very special day with Daddy.  Your Daddy's family is the craziest family about St. Patrick's Day...and get this- they aren't Irish.  But lucky for you, you get a touch of Irish from your mama.  Your Daddy got your all dolled up and marched with you in the parade downtown.  I had to miss it all, because America still doesn't recognize St. Patrick's Day as a national holiday from school.  I mean, come on, right?!

Also, it's turkey season.  You will learn throughout your life, that turkey season is like Christmas to the men  in your family.  Seriously.  Be thankful that I made you hold your grand entrance until 7 days after the season closed last year.  Otherwise, your father, grandfather, uncles, and cousin would cease to ever acknowledge your birthday for the rest of your life. You are welcome.  Anyway, to the women in your family- turkey season means Ladies' Night and going to supper.  We definitely take advantage of some girl time giggles.

Spring break is my most favorite week of the year.  It is better than any birthday, holiday, or any week in the summer.  There's something about it, and this week the weather has been beautiful.  You and I have tried to soak up every drop of the week together.  We've gone to birthday parties and played with cousins.

 On a complete side note- I discovered that you are a huge fan of Lowes, but not as interested in Target.  That's okay, though.  It's something we will work on in due time.  Lowes is great, but Target is not optional.

We played a lot this week, and you have so enjoyed playing with all of your toys- including your walker from Aunt WaWa.

 We've played dress up and cuddled during afternoon naps.

 We have had dance parties and crawled all in the grass.

 Thank you, Lord, for no grass allergies.  Amen.

The absolute best part of our spring break was Daddy hanging your swing.  It's safe to say you LOVE it.  You thanked Daddy with steady giggles and cartoon-like smiles while you swung back and forth.

Your first Easter was a busy one packed with church, the Hibernian, dinner with family, and naps in between.  You were such a doll and a constant reminder of all that I have to be thankful for.

You continue to love your afternoon adventures with She-She.  I'm pretty (as in absolutely) certain that's where you are picking up some of your crazy.

These days, we have a date every afternoon over a few handfuls of Cheerios.  You are a big fan, and I look forward to it every day.

You are growing up fast.  This past week you also learned to drink water from your sippy cup all on your own, and now you think you are big stuff.  Maybe you'll stop crawling around carrying it in the grip of your teeth like a puppy.  I hope not, because you're cute doing it.

Your new word is "No no no no," of which you say to anything you know your not supposed to touch.  The dog bed.  You have an obsession.  It's gross and needs to stop.

Baths are still one of our favorite parts of the day.  You are probably too old to still be in this 0-6 months baby bath tub, but it keeps you in one spot and protects your head from having to be stitched up before age one.  The days of this tub are definitely numbered.  I'll miss your sweet face looking up at me from it.  You absolutely with all of your being hate everything about leaving the bath, lying on the changing table, being strapped in to a diaper, and having lavender lotion slathered all over you.  I can't figure it out.  Personally, I'd love that.  But whatever.

Like your Daddy, you are a reckless sleeper and move all over your crib.  I sneak in your room every night before I go to bed to "check on you," but really I just need one more sniff of your sweet baby smell on your head.

This time last year I was feeling big and undoubtedly nervous about becoming your mom.  I had no idea it would my best adventure.

This face!

On the Day You Were Born

You are here!  You are finally here!  I keep pinching myself to make me believe you are truly mine.  (I also keep pinching myself to keep me awake, but that's for another day).  My sweet girl.  Today is your Daddy's birthday.  Yesterday your Lally was telling us all about the day he was born.  You are 7 weeks new tomorrow and I'm so afraid of forgetting any piece of the day you were born.  It was long.  It was tough.  But it was the most beautiful day(s) of my life- right up there next to the rainy day I married your amazing Daddy.

The night before you were to be evicted from my tummy, your Nettie, Papa, She She, Bry Bry, Lula, Lukey, Daddy, and I went to dinner.  It was great to be together.

Nettie and Papa spent the night at our house so that they could wake up with us in the morning.  I didn't sleep a wink.  I was so excited and nervous about becoming your mama.

In the morning, Nettie and Papa walked us out to Daddy's truck and gave us big hugs.  Now, they REALLY wanted to be getting in the truck with us at that moment, but Daddy and I had decided we needed some time to settle in to the hospital just the two of us.

My sweet girl, tears rolled down my cheeks in the dark for the entire drive to the hospital.  I thought all the way back to the first time I ever saw your Daddy, then through the years of our lives together, and how all those years brought us to this exact moment.  It was one of the craziest feelings I've ever had.  I can't explain the intense emotions that were drumming through my body.  Your Daddy took my hand and told me everything was going to be okay.  And like most times, he was right.  (But don't tell him I said that.)

When we got to the 3rd floor, I remember a nurse named Kim showed us to our room.  Two other nurses came to help settle us in.  I made sure to tell all of the nurses "Happy Nurses Week."  I wanted them to know I appreciated everything they were doing to take care of us.  I don't know if it was my acknowledgement of Nurses Week or what, but they were all incredible.  Seriously.  They are some of the most amazing humans to ever walk this earth.  Every single one was so kind and did anything and everything to make us comfortable.  I couldn't stomach half of their job requirements.  I have the biggest respect for nurses.  But let me stay on course.  This is all about you, my girl.

Those nurses left us at the end of their shift and then we met Barbara, or Babs.  She was a friend of some of your cousins, so I felt comfortable knowing that we had an "in".  Babs was our nurse for the day, and she was as awesome.  She even stayed on past her shift to be with us.  Dr. White came in to check on us and we started the pitosin to help get you moving.  Soon after, Babs made sure I had an epidural to help with the pain from contractions.  I was terrified about this, but it wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Again, your Daddy held my hand and told me everything was going to be okay.

Our family members started pouring in around 8:30, beginning with your Lally.  Around lunch time, she began taking bets on what time you would arrive, how big you would be, and what color your hair and eyes would be. 

I bet 1:30 p.m. because it was in a half hour and I was ready.  Of course, I lost.  Good news...we still won all of the money though.  Your college fund is already started with $12!

The day ticked by.  Your Nettie helped me breathe through the nauseousness with each contraction.  Your Papa quietly stood by watching my monitors while I slept.  Your Daddy sneezed into his shirt and practically bathed in hand sanitizer.  He had come down with a cold that morning.  Everyone kept coming back to check on me and to see if you were ready.  Your entire family was there waiting for you. They waited.  And they waited.  And they waited a whole lot more.  They were really patient.

At 7:00 p.m. when the nurses changed shifts Babs left us and in came Kim.  My oh my, the I love I have for Kim.  Kim gave me peppermint oil to help with the nausea and then dosed me with some Zofran.  She joked with our family and placed her bet on your arrival time and size.  She would gently wake me between contractions to change my position to help you move along.  Kim was an angel and she will forever hold a place so dear in my heart.  If you had an unmarried uncle, I would have married him off on the spot.

At 1:20 a.m. she woke me up to tell me it was time.  Dr. White, who also stayed on past her shift for you, came in the room, and in that moment I remember thinking how everything was so calm and peaceful.  Dr. White is also very special to our family.  She delivered your cousins years before you.  I began pushing at 1:25.  Your Daddy was on my right side and Kim was on my left both coaching me along.  Once more, your Daddy held on to me and told me everything was going to be okay.  At 1:36, I closed my eyes and pushed with all my might until I heard Kim tell me to open my eyes... And there you were... Your teeny little hiney staring back at me.  Dr. White's hands wrapping around your small chest.  And suddenly I felt as if my heart was now outside of my body; and I knew that my life -our lives- would never be the same again.  When they placed you on my chest, I held you close and told you everything was going to be okay- just like your Daddy said it would.  You are an amazing little miracle and you have stolen each of our hearts.  Welcome to our lives, Sweet Girl.  You have made my heart so full and our world so much more joyful.  We love you always.

  

ELE 

18 1/2 inches  5 pounds and 5 ounces 

May 7th, 2014

My Love

It is only appropriate that it is raining today.  Five years ago today it poured and it was the most beautiful day of my life. I am so lucky to have married the most amazing man on this earth who makes me a better woman every day.  I love you, my sweet love.

 

 

I Am Thankful

Right now I am thankful for...
1. My family's laughter and constant love
2. Milk Duds
3. Belly Bands and Elastic
4. Being allowed 1 coke a day
5. My students' smiles
6. Thank you letters from my old students
7. The giggles of my nieces and nephews
8. My snuggling Cricket
9. My sweet old man Bailey
10. My silly wild man Jack
11. My husband's endless hugs
12. Our growing Peanut
13. My girlfriends who are more like sisters
14. Raspberry Sorbet
15. Sunrises when I'm late for work
16. Our freedom
17. Thanksgiving break...Oh, how I am so very thankful for you!

Keeping 2012 Happy

Well, I wish I could say that I have spent the last 6-1/2 months traveling the world and was without internet access, but then again, I've never been a very good liar.  My last post on January 3rd was about my "Wall of Happy" which I have spent the last 6-1/2 months trying to fill.  I've done a pretty good job.
January
-We welcomed a new washer and dryer into our home!
February
 -We spent a weekend with my family in Edisto and saw Botany Bay for the first time- AMAZING.

   March
-We celebrated my Dad's 60th birthday and he handled it pretty well.
-My oldest friend and The Husband's cousin got engaged!  I couldn't be happier!
-Spent a (much needed) weekend with my girlfriends and one of them announced she's due in November.

 -The Husband and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary.

 April
-A friend and I were invited to spend an evening on the tour bus of one of our favorite bands...yes, I felt like a well-behaved Penny Lane.

May
-I graduated with my Masters in Literacy Education...WOOHOO!  My amazing sister threw the best Graduation Celebration at her home...Happy Cinco de Mayo!

-Matt came to visit all the way from Montana!
-We welcomed a new air conditioning unit into our home!  

June
-My first year at my new school ends as my summer starts creeping in.
-We spent a week vacation with my family in Edisto and I drove the boat for the first time.

Photo taken by Sister

Photo taken by Brother

 -We celebrated The Husband's 30th birthday.

Keeping 2012 happy.  Hope you are too.