The Schmitzes

Loving this week

2012-02-14T22:16:00.001-06:00

Baby Charlie is 3 weeks old. That seems unreal to me. I'd say he's accomplished a lot in 3 weeks. He had his first checkup yesterday. He has gained a lot of weight... He's now 8 lbs 7 oz. For the NICU folks, he gained 741 grams in 15 days. I thought I felt a little lighter (although I DEFINITELY don't look it). So, there's my testament to breastfeeding. I made the nurse weigh him twice, actually, because I didn't believe it. He eats on demand, anywhere from every 2 to 3 1/2 hours. The first two weeks it was pretty much every two hours. He was a little bit of a piglet. I'm thankful that he has become more efficient and is giving me some sort of break. Yay for Charlie's little healthy self! We also started giving him Vitamin D drops. The AAP recommends them for exclusively or even partially breastfed infants. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;122/5/1142
There's the link. I actually read the whole article... trying to keep the NICU part of my brain from turning to mush.

We have had a wonderful start of the week. With the exception of waiting an hour and 45 minutes in the waiting room yesterday for Lord knows what reason, everything has been smooth. Jack has been an angel in his little planned-out world, and Charlie continues to amaze me with his pleasant disposition.

This Valentine's day, Travis and I enjoyed the most amazing enchiladas on the planet, made by Mrs. Mary Lee Steele. Then we bathed the boys and put them down for bed. Travis is already asleep, and I'm about to be, as soon as I finish my milk and nutella toast. And then I'll be up in about an hour. : )

I'm so thankful that God so loved us that He sent Jesus, that if we believe in Him we will not die but live forever... the greatest love. John 3:16.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Brrrr. Winter has hit!

2012-02-11T23:48:00.001-06:00

Whew, it's cold outside! The fellas and I went to Mazzios with the Clinton crew today, and I wore three layers. Probably over-kill, but I was still a bit chilly. We joked about how this is a cold front. That's ridiculous. It makes me a little nervous about how hot summer will be. Travis ran 10 miles this morning in the freezing cold, and I did not like it one bit. I want all of my boys to be warm and safe, preferably with me, most of the time.

To update everyone on the Bob jogging stroller saga: the next day (Tuesday) I set out again to fix the stroller. I didn't have a socket wrench. Deflated. Ross brought one over that night. Wednesday I set out again (trial #3) to install the carseat adapter. I successfully completed every step to perfection and installed the bar for the carseat! I danced a little jig around the kitchen. Happy happy happy.

I picked up the carseat to give it a go, and, oh wait, you HAVE GOT TO KIDDING ME! The carseat doesn't fit!!!!!!! After picking myself up out of a puddle of tears, I folded up that blasted stroller, gently placed (threw) it in the back of my car, and just collapsed on the couch. I'm hoping to find a cheap-o compatible seat at consignment/thrift store during the cold front and be ready to roll when the weather gets a smidge warmer.

Until then Travis and I will have to do some schedule juggling so I can get to the gym or walk outside without the munchkins. I am itching to feel better physically, and I'm limited to walking until my checkup on March 12. (reason #7987 I hated having surgery). We can totally figure this out.

Alright, enough ranting for now.

Stay warm, everybody!!

The man (finally) speaks

2012-02-10T16:09:00.003-06:00

Well, hello. This is Travis. Who knew I had a website? I certainly did not. Literally... So when the 47,000th person approached me and congratulated my wife's superb writing skills, I finally decided to check it out. So... yeah. She's a pretty good writer; however, my name appears a little more than I had hoped. I guess my dream of eliminating my internet profile has been dashed (see: NO MORE FACEBOOK!). And, yeah, about that... there has been much speculation related to why I would ever do such a thing: it goes back to two simple principles: increased productivity and a little less concern about "The Man" knowing too much about me.

So, we have two kids now. Sometimes I still REALLY DO freak OUT that I am a father. To humans. Real, live human beings look to me for guidance and direction. :::shudder::: To recap, though, Charlie is pretty much a dream baby - and Jack is handling things about as well as any two-year-old could (and probably better, if truth be told). Meanwhile, Alison is the mom of the millennium. I always feel badly when people ask how much sleep I'm getting...because the honest answer is - a lot (considering). And that is because Alison lets me. WHAT A WOMAN! And she does it with the grace and poise that I could never exhibit on even my best day. So...mom of the century. Yeah, she pretty much does everything - including fixing all broken things in our house (because I am not in ANY way handy)...so she must keep me around for something...oh, I kill the spiders.

Otherwise, I am pretty much dad of the year. I have taught Jack how to say "hot mess" - he loves it (mostly because he loves my excited reaction when he says it). He says "hot hot mess" just to make it his own. That child...already an individual. On another note, Jack inherited my sleeping habits (or lack thereof) - meaning that it takes him FORRRRRRRRREVERRRRRRRR to fall asleep. This is so much fun - considering that he won't go to sleep unless one of us is physically present with him. And since Alison has a leach attached to her, guess who it is??? So, back to the dad of the year thing, I have -32 units of patience...so I'm at my wits' end! Any suggestions? I am willing to try anything...bribery, crying, pleading, tranquilizer darts. And finally, Jack sprayed shaving cream ALL OVER the place (mostly himself) yesterday while I was on the phone and got it in his eyeball (of course) and I ran out of the bedroom screaming "THIS CHILD IS DRIVING ME CRAZY!" At which point I noticed that a wonderful, respected member of our church was at our front door bringing us freshly-baked bread and happies for the kids. Again, parent of the year.

This post is just a bunch of rambling. It doesn't even make sense...but I'm too tired/lazy to edit. This is my life. I am just limping along waiting for the weekend to hopefully catch a nap. But I am so thankful for every minute of it!

Good days, bad days

2012-02-10T11:21:00.002-06:00

Wednesday was a fun day. Jack started Mother's Day Out, and he loved it. When I dropped him off, he ran into the room as if he was desperate to have social time with people his size. He probably was. Charlie and I came home and had one-on-one time which was so great. I suspect he was grateful for the silence. When I picked Jack up at 2:00 he was so excited to tell me everything he did and show me his heart that he made. He also said "hey, baby. Hey, Charlie" over and over as he kissed and hugged Charlie. He missed his brother.

We then went and got Jack's hair cut. He sat in the chair by himself for the first time. He kept talking about how much it tickled. Afterwards, we ran errands and then came home and straightened the house. Great day. I loved it. I needed some quiet, and Jack desperately needed some play time without being told "no" repeatedly.

Yesterday we had a rough day at home. It was one of those days when literally nothing went right. I was trying to clean, Jack had an agenda from another planet that involved completely destroying the house. He was so disobedient I went straight from irritated, skipped anger, and just became hurt. I took him to the bathroom to clean out his ears- Very carefully with drops and shallow q-tip. I honestly thought that surely he couldn't hear the words I was saying. He would never act like that if he could hear me. Those q-tips were crystal clear. Dang it.

So we had a stand-off at one point about lunch. After 45 minutes of screaming in his room, he calmed down, said he was sorry and came out and ate the food I had prepared. He then went straight to sleep without the first fight. Heck yeah, I won. After nap was just as bad, though, and when Travis came home I caved.

Overall I felt like a failure yesterday. I felt guilty for being such a disciplinarian all day long. I felt guilty for not just loving on Jack and playing. I felt guilty for looking forward to Mother's Day Out today. So at bedtime I snuggled with him and prayed that God would make my heart patient and gracious for my precious Jack. I prayed that I would get a do-over, a chance to make it better. Then I cried when that sweet boy rolled over, grabbed my face, kissed me big-time and said "I dub you, mama" and then fell asleep on my chest. He just loves me. Tore me to pieces. Then I thought about how we, most of the time, have the best days. Truly. I just need to get my act together now that there are two little hearts to shepherd.

This weekend I'm getting back in the mode of organized at-home days. I was really good at having planned activities (crafts, reading, alone-time) for Jack before Charlie was born... A fairly structured day. He thrives off having boundaries and organized times - he probably got that from Travis and the day-care routine because I am in no way made to function like that. I am a list-maker but I do not really keep a calendar, and I hate obeying a clock. It feels unnatural to me. The only event I'm ever on time to is work because I want to keep the job that I love. However, structure promotes some amazing peace and sanity in our home. So I will plan and prepare to keep a sense of peace in our home and to nourish Jack's little growing mind and heart. Prayers please!

At some point last night, Charlie got a trial-run on the bottle. We offered him half an ounce, and he did well with some work. We'll keep practicing a couple times a week. He needs to be able to take bottles when I go back to work.

Ugh, I'm exhausted thinking about the work ahead. I'm going to sign off and love on the little one.

I'm pretty sure Travis just high-jacked the blog and will have a post to come soon... Stay tuned!

A fight with the bob

2012-02-06T20:09:00.001-06:00

Man, all I wanted to do today was take the babies on a stroll. After our first outing to the worst place on earth, wal-mart (don't worry, Charlie stayed in the car seat covered with a blanket), I was more than exhausted. How do people do it? I got home, fed Charlie while jack ate yogurt, and then we all passed out in my room. Praise the Lord for black-out curtains and white noise tracks on my iPhone. Best nap ever.

So I woke up refreshed and ready for our walk. I got out the bob to install the infant car seat adapter. A little piece on the side was stuck and would not budge. What proceeded after that moment was just pitiful. I had a fight with the stroller that was more than embarrassing as I think back on it. I'm glad only Jack saw it; although, he probably didn't need to see it. Travis came home and finally fixed the issue in a snap. He might as well have hung the moon for me, I was so amazed.

That just sucked the wind out of me, and I no longer had a single ounce of gumption in me to take those boys walking... And it had gone from 3:30 to 5:30 in the meantime. It was getting colder by the second, and I just wanted to lay down. Did I mention that while i was fighting with Bob, Jack spilt an entire box of baking soda and snack cup of goldfish on the floor AND colored all over the kitchen counter? Granted, I laughed hysterically. I mean, I did leave a two-year-old completely unattended in the kitchen. Poor move on my part. Charlie, on the other hand, was sound asleep. God has shown me so much mercy in making him so calm.

After dinner (thank you, Sarah!), I fed Charlie, and then I laced up my shoes and went for a walk by myself while Travis spent time with the boys. It was so amazing!! It was cold, but being 20 pounds lighter without twice the blood volume and horribly disturbed center of gravity made that walk so relaxing and energizing at the same time. I listened to Pandora and prayed and reflected and just unwound. Felt awesome. I'm a new person.

I came home and loved on Jack before bedtime, and then we did the nighttime routine.

Successful first day on the job. Minus the baking soda/goldfish disaster. We all ate, ran errands, slept, and I exercised. I even got a shower. I'm pleased. Here's hoping we have another good day tomorrow.

New temp job

2012-02-01T20:02:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure why this says this was posted feb 1st... It's the 5th. Regardless: tomorrow I start my job as a temporary full-time stay-at-home mom. It will only last for 10 more weeks but you better believe I'm going to soak it up! I'm a little depressed that the first two weeks have passed by so quickly, but I'm also grateful to have the toughest part of recovery out of the way... And now I can drive, pick up "baby Jack" (he will always be baby Jack to me), and go walking! Yay for some normalcy. I HATE being a patient, so sayonara to those days.

I need to brag on my boys for a bit:

Charlie is a dream baby. He eats, cuddles, and sleeps. He whines if he's gassy, and that's about it. I'm extraordinarily grateful that he is so pleasant and sweet. Jack was much the same way. Charlie is sleeping in our room in the pack-n-play right now. We decided we would do this well before he was born because I was a little bluesy with Jack when he was all the way across the house and I was up at night by myself. I have only shed a few sets of tears this go-round and most have been related to delivery. I know, I need to get over it. I will eventually. So Charlie is just an angel. Precious baby. I love holding him, hearing his sweet little newborn sounds, and watching him doze off and have gassy grins. I adore him. I hate that the newborn period passes so quickly because it's just so sweet!

Jack has fallen in love with his little brother and can't stand to be away from him. He is also super helpful with getting diapers, burp cloths, etc. Several early mornings he has come to our room and just stared and smiled at Charlie while he was sleeping. I have had to tell him several times that only mommies feed their babies when he has offered to feed him while lifting his shirt (terribly confusing to him, I'm sure). Soon enough he will have the pleasure of helping with bottle feelings with daddy when I'm not home. He prays and thanks God for Charlie. He walks through the house saying "I dub Twolly" when he doesn't think anyone can hear him. He has been especially needy of attention from Travis and me, but I totally expected that. I am so proud of him and his sweet little heart. He has made me laugh so much in the last two weeks, and time has stood still when I've watched him innocently love on that tiny baby. I treasure sweet Jack.

Travis has been the biggest help with both boys. Thank goodness he was able to only work half days last week because that was such a huge help. Jack has loved him being home so much... I think Travis's presence has made the most significant impact on Jack's ability to adjust during this time. Jack has seen Travis love Charlie and him and me, and it's just eased Jack's restless two-year-old self. Travis has been consistent and very present for all three of us, and that has blessed our home. Yay for a wonderful hubby and daddy.

I love being home with these boys! I find a great deal of satisfaction and pride in my job at UMC (I miss those babies and my co-workers!), but this role is my greatest pleasure. I simply love being a mother. I love it so very much. I thank God every day that He has blessed me with these babies.

Charles Reed Schmitz

2012-01-24T02:15:00.001-06:00

Yesterday morning, Monday January 23, 2012 I went for an appointment at 8am. My blood pressure was considered criteria for terminal pregnancy hypertension. So doctor said she wanted to see an ultrasound. Charlie did just perfect. However, my fluid was high and looked to be full of meconium. She said she could not ignore it, and it was time to get baby. She told me to go home, have a good cry and something to eat, and then get excited about having my baby. The plan was to get to UMC at lunch and start induction.

Travis and I headed home and gathered last minute items. We got Jack from daycare and took him to Sam's and then went to UMC.

We started with pitocin and water breaking at 1:30pm. Things were steady and definitely tolerable. Friends and family came to visit and helped pass the time and distract me.

At about 7pm things changed. Contractions went from tolerable to very intense, and I could not focus. I felt like something was wrong. I was making great progress but miserably so.

I requested some stadol to relax and help things progress. Travis was super supportive and encouraging. Stadol made me loopy but didn't touch the pain. I felt like he was posterior.

With a check, our L&D nurse Katie (amazing!!) expressed concern for a malpresentation, an ear or some other part was making its debut instead of fontanelles. Shame on Charlie. I knew that that did not bode well for me, and I quickly said I wanted the epidural. I knew where this was going.

Poor anesthesiologists, I'm so sorry. I cursed the ground they walked on while they placed my epidural during contractions. And Travis works with them, eek! No relief from epidural, awesome. I asked Travis if I was a weenie, and everyone in the room in unison said "no." By the way, Charlie looked perfect all day long, praise the Lord.

Doctor checked me after epidural and said his nose was the presenting part. According to her this happens 1 in 500 births. Seriously?! She said she'd give me until 8:00pm and if he hadn't changed she would have to get him by cesarean. He was so engaged there was no hope of repositioning.

I was a tad hysterical for those 20 minutes as anesthesia attempted to ask me questions about whether I had ever had general anesthesia... Declaring that sense my epidural wasn't working I would have to be put under. Way more tears now.

Doctor came in, nose was still leading the way, and the decision was made to deliver Charlie by C-section. Samantha came in and hugged and hugged and hugged me as I sobbed. We share a deep desire for natural delivery. She knew how upset I was. Travis got his sterile attire on (he actually looked so cute, it made me smile). He comforted me with hugs and lots of love. We shifted over to a stretcher, and off we went to get our baby.

As they were prepping me, I kept feeling their test for numbness. The anesthesiologist started giving me oxygen and pushing general. I asked them if they could wait and try one more time to let the medicine work. At that moment God was allowing a previously breech baby to enter this world by vertex "normal" delivery (keeping it PG), and my doctor said she'd be back in ten minutes. Thank you, Jesus.

She came back, and I couldn't feel a thing!!! I was going to get to stay awake during surgery. Peace overcame me. Travis came to sit by me. About 10 minutes and lots of pressure later, I felt my stomach get super empty and heard a roar of celebration over my little baby Charlie. He let out a huge cry, and so did I. My baby was here and healthy! He was pink and perfect.

Alice Chaney took him to be examined, and they began the completion of my surgery. Travis brought Charlie to me for lots of kisses, and then he went away to transition with Alice Chaney (so grateful for her). Charlie weighs 3210grams: 7lbs 1oz, and is 20 inches long. He was born at 9:34pm, January 23, 2012.

I went to recovery. At some point, Charlie came to eat. That was a little pointless because I was so loopy, and they wouldn't let me raise the head of my bed. Early this morning I came to my postpartum room. Charlie soon followed. He ate like a champ and tooted countless times. He has a little laceration under his right eye. He had been bathed and smelled like Heaven. I couldn't stop staring at him and thanking God for protecting both of us during such chaos.

I'm so very grateful for the miracle of life. Before we fell asleep this morning, Travis prayed over us and praised God for His goodness. We are blessed beyond measure and absolutely adore this little boy! I promise to post pictures soon!!

Charlie, welcome to our world! We love you more, so much more than you'll ever know.

5 years!

2012-01-20T08:52:00.001-06:00

Travis and I have been married for 5 years today! These have been some crazy, growing, fun years. We are hoping to celebrate tonight with dinner and a movie. My sweet sister is keeping Jack for the night (I think Jack is more excited than we are - he LOVES his cousins), and we will have a date night that is well overdue and definitely won't occur again for quite a bit with the upcoming changes. I'm so looking forward to it that I can't stand it.

*totally unrelated side note*
Travis and I have both had surprise baby showers given by our work friends. We are so humbled, grateful, and feel so loved. These folks have done way more than we deserve. Many thanks to be sent out very soon. We're so thankful for wonderful friends at work!

Maternity pics

2012-01-18T01:03:00.001-06:00

On Sunday, Brittnye, Lacy, and I got together and took maternity pictures. We had a blast and Colleen Cullnane was so fun. Here's the link to her blog: colleenivyphoto.blogspot.com

I'm so glad we captured some moments while we are all carrying our little ones.

Happy boy

2012-01-17T19:28:00.002-06:00

Oh my heavens, I love this child so much. Little Jack has the sweetest heart and is just so precious. This weekend while I was at work, Travis and Jack were at the store and he saw some tulips that he just had to get for me. I came home and he declared he had gotten the pretty flowers for mommy. I kissed him a billion times. He is sick with a cough/runny nose right now and is still just adorable. I am soaking up these last little one-on-one moments I am getting with him before baby Charlie gets here.

What a difference a year makes

2012-01-13T21:35:00.000-06:00

This time a little over a year ago, we were patiently waiting for death to be born. We knew that the Lord had our precious child's soul in His hands with Him in glory. We were just waiting. And when the time came, our sovereign God whispered peace. He allowed it to be painless, peaceful, quiet, and quick. I look back on those days and cry just because He was and is so very good. Not a second went by that His presence wasn't so very real and that His hand wasn't holding on to us. I'm so grateful.

This year, we patiently await the birth of our son's life. Sweet Charlie, we can't wait to meet him! We are so grateful that in His time, God has brought healing and has provided so many sweet moments already with this little jumping bean in my belly. We pray that in the same way that He allowed our little Heaven baby to come that Charlie would be born: quietly, peacefully, and quickly. I eagerly look forward to the day when God tells Charlie, "It's time, little one, go ahead" and starts this miracle of birthing in me.

I pray for Charlie's heart to long for God even now... that he will always long for Jesus and be such a blessing in others' lives. I also pray that God creates an amazing bond of Christian brotherhood in Jack and Charlie: that their bond in Christ would be even stronger than their blood-bond. I pray that Travis and I love God first, each other very next, and our children out of the overflow of our love for God and each other.

If you would, please pray with us. We long for Jesus to be known through our living for Him. May it be so!!

Our weekend festivities

2011-12-13T11:24:00.001-06:00

We had such a fun weekend! Saturday morning Travis ran his first half-marathon and did an awesome job! We met our friends for Saturday lunch (that has become one of our favorite weekend traditions). Sam and fam joined in and came to our house afterwards for cousin play/nap time and cookie decorating. So many sprinkles everywhere, but it was a blast.

Saturday night we got a babysitter (everyone pick your jaws up off the floor) and went to Annie at New Stage. It was FANTASTIC! Our friend Jenn was Grace. She was great. The whole cast was entertaining. I actually liked the little girl who played the role of Annie better than the one in the movie. She was just adorable. Two thumbs up.

Sunday night we enjoyed Carols by Candlelight at our church First Baptist Church of Jackson. I'll stop here and mention that I've been a little bit of a Scrooge this Christmas season. Probably because I've restrained from eating almost all holiday food (bummer) and because I've majorly procrastinated shopping and because I'm pretty focused on February rather than right now. And I'm working on the holiday. My choice, still a downer. My perspective is way off, and it needed some harnessing. Sunday night did the trick. Carols was all about Jesus. No songs about Christmas trees or Santa, just Jesus. I needed to put my focus on Him, and the service definitely pointed me there. I'm so thankful. Shout out to Brittnye who did a wonderful job singing with the quartet and Mark Harris. I'm thankful for moments like Carols that provide a teensy glimpse of how wonderful Heaven will be.

Last night I had my work Christmas party at Table 100. Yummy! We played dirty Santa, and let me tell you, they play dirty! I got the cutest snow globe that plays Christmas music. Jack is OBSESSED with it.

Oh, this morning was our second MRI for the fetal study. Charlie is in time out right now. He forgot the "bottoms up" memo and has flipped his little self in the wrong direction. He looks like he's doing a toe touch. I will say this: I am not afraid to deliver a breech baby. I just don't want another uphill battle for an easy, uncomplicated delivery. I have 7 weeks. There's plenty of time.

He has piled on some fat in the last 11 days. We could see vertebrae, a huge stomach bubble, his oropharynx. We could even see bronchioles. It was crazy. Of course their greatest priority is a great shot of his brain, and according to them its beautiful. I love seeing this baby! He has a sweet, content facial expression. Can. Not. Wait to kiss and hold him!

I actually fell asleep while they were doing the MRI. I was practicing my hypnobabies and just drifted right off. This program has proven to be incredibly helpful for more than just delivery. I've used the techniques to alleviate a lot of procedure/treatment-related stresses.

Hopefully when I post again I'll make the time to include pictures. Those are more fun than my words. Merry Christmas, everyone.

Update from appointment

2011-12-05T09:00:00.001-06:00

Well, the lack of sleep bit me in the boo-hiney. My blood pressure was up a smidge. I got really nervous that my doctor would be concerned and not like my conversation about wanting a natural delivery/no induction if I had out of the norm pressures. Travis was doing his best to get me to chill out. She came in, said my ankles and hands look great but that she could see swelling in my face "which is strange". Thanks, now I KNOW my face looks fat. Confidence is sky high at this point. Then she said she'd let me relax and retake my blood pressure herself. When she did, it was much better, and she was very pleased. So I approached the subject of wanting a natural delivery and no induction. Her response was perfect: "you're the driver, absolutely". She then said if my blood pressures got in the way the plan would change, but that we would focus on all going right. So thankful. I have to check my blood pressure twice weekly and give a report at visits or call the nurse if one is out of line. Please pray that I will stay low risk. I've tried really hard with Charlie to continue exercising and eating better than ever. A good night's sleep will surely help with my physical and emotional state. I am very thankful that the repeat pressure was better and that my doctor was so reassuring. As soon as I get home, I'm taking a nap. : )

Can't sleep

2011-12-05T01:02:00.001-06:00

Yep, it's gotten to that point. I can't sleep anymore. It's 1 am. I've attempted to fall back to sleep for an hour and a half now, and I forfeited. I got up and am about to read about nutrition in pregnancy. I have to read it often to encourage myself to eat good, wholesome foods rather than Shipley's donuts. My favorite foods lately have been an egg sandwich, which has become my new staple breakfast. Morning snack is always yogurt and granola. Yummy. Salad wrap for lunch - full of spinach, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and other tasty items. I drink a good bit of milk (4 cups to be exact) and tons of water throughout the day. From lunch on I get a little overwhelmed with cooking/preparing/brainstorming for food. I also feel incredibly full all of the time - this baby takes up a lot of room! - and I don't feel like eating later in the day. That's not good for baby or me. So... I'm up. Reading, making a list for the grocery store tomorrow, and hoping I can prep meals for the week so I can grab and go rather than prepare each day.

Charlie and I have a check up at 8 today. A totally unrelated fact - this boy likes to poke his booty out a lot. If my belly looks very distorted when you see me, it's Charlie poking out that bottom. He also gets the hickups every single time I swallow any food or drink. Bless his bones. His diaphragm will be well-conditioned by the time he gets here. This appointment should be short and sweet: just a belly measurement, heart rate check, and the dreaded weight check with vital signs. Why on earth do they have to put me on the scale at this point? I mean, of course I know why, but it's just depressing. Sometimes I want to tell the nurse I'll let her see my weight if she lets me see her weight. That would make me feel better. Or maybe worse, who knows.

Alright, I'm off to read and make my list. Pray for God to multiply what rest I do get over the nights to come. He always does. My personal thought on late-pregnancy-insomnia is that it's God's gentle way of preparing my body for the sleep deprivation to come. I did the same thing with Jack, and my body was just accustomed to not sleeping most nights by the time he was born. I at least had company once he got here, and the nights were sweeter. That's what I look forward to with Charlie: sweet company in these wee hours. And rock solid sleep in between feedings.

The power of a picture

2011-12-02T06:56:00.001-06:00

There are moments during this pregnancy when God has overwhelmed me with the reassurance that this child is His, and He is forming Charlie perfectly. Charlie's little (now big) kicks and flutters have made me laugh, hurt, and feel so grateful to know he's growing and quite active. This morning Travis and I went to UMC. I am part of a research study of healthy babies' brains. So they did an MRI to look at little Charlie. We haven't seen him since he was literally skin and bones.

This morning he had chubby cheeks, pursed lips, and his poor head could not be cocked to the side any more even if he tried. He's head down, praise the Lord, and every little part of him looks perfect according to the radiologist. We saw lungs, bladder, feet, fingers, all of him. I do wish I had seen more of his face, but there is one frame frozen in my mind now of his sweet cheeks. Can't wait to kiss them!

I have 9-ish weeks left and am feeling very strong and healthy. I am making the laundry list for nesting, whenever I start doing that, but I'm most focused on preparing my body and mind to deliver Charlie in the healthiest, most natural way I can. I am excited and very much looking forward to that day.

Holidays

2011-11-25T10:45:00.001-06:00

Wednesday night, Adam and Sam and their crew came to Clinton. We shared a pre-Thanksgiving Newks supper and bops dessert. Mmmm. We had a good night with them and are grateful to have them in our lives.

Thanksgiving for us started with a little UMC NICU work and ended with us in Birmingham with some of Travis's family. Cousin Jake has been a huge hit with Jack, and it's been a good visit. We did absolutely no black Friday shopping, and I am A-ok with that. I did go walking this morning to offset my horrible diet from yesterday. I'm sure Charlie was grateful for the effort towards health for the both of us.

We did a little bit of decorating before we left, but we've yet to put up our tree. Mainly because I have a not-til-after-Thanksgiving rule for Christmas decorating, but also because we forgot we threw away our tree last year and haven't purchased a new one. We plan to do that tomorrow.

Happy (late) Thanksgiving everyone. I hope it was great! We are grateful to God for all His grace and mercy in our lives. We are also grateful for our precious Jack and soon-to-come Charlie. We praise God for Ross & Brit's growing baby boy and for Lacy and Kaleb's growing little one. God is making all things new, and we are excited to be a part of His work. Our group of friends has been such a real presence of the Body of Christ to us, and we adore them.

God is so good!

Looking forward to something in particular

2011-11-17T22:57:00.001-06:00

Ok. Here I go. I'm stepping out on a major limb, but I'm ready. I am looking forward to a natural delivery. Natural meaning no medications or interventions.

Let me stop you before you pick up your cell phone to tell me how crazy I am for thinking I want to do this.

My delivery with Jack ended with a perfectly healthy baby, but the means to that end were not ideal and nearly led to major abdominal surgery several times.

Problem #1: I was induced. At 39 weeks without much change at all on my own. For no reason other than borderline blood pressures and a very pregnant, very vulnerable first-time-mom brain. Baby was not ready to be here. My body was not ready.

Problem #2: I had pitocin. Unnatural. Evil drug. I hate it. Jack hated it, too.

Problem #3: I had an epidural. The epidural left me stuck in bed and kept Jack from descending the way he should. And it stressed him out and led to my having to wear oxygen for a while.

Problem #4: My epidural ran out at 8cm. Not good at all. Talk about pain for which I was absolutely not prepared. A sense of panic and terror.

Problem #5: I pushed for 2 1/2 hours. That's longer than most movies, people!

Saving graces from Jack's birthday:
1: our delivery nurse Katie advocated for me and was the best encourager ever. I 100% believe she saved me from a section.
2. Our family and friends entertaining and praying for us.
3. The excitement that we would meet our son.

After a lot of reflection on that experience and consideration of how Travis and I want delivery to be for Charlie, I know that I want to have a non-medicated labor and delivery. This all started pretty soon after I had Jack. Then I became pregnant and immediately went into research mode of how to prepare myself. I watched "The business of being born" and was convinced that I couldn't do what I did before.

I've read a lot and prayed even more about what to do. We met with a Lamaze instructor which wasn't a fun experience for Travis or me. Just awkward, really. That kind of set me back. It also made me rule out the option of a doula because Travis and I both view delivery as a private time for us. I am really uncomfortable with the idea of a home birth because I would go nuts thinking of all the things that could go wrong, no matter how capable the staff is. That's just my nature and comes with being an NICU nurse.

So what to do? Well, after reading several books on natural delivery to get my mind ready, I have now started preparing by going through the home study course of Hypnobabies. Several friends of friends have used it and swear by it. Today was my first test of it since starting the course. I went for my regular OB check-up and had to get my blood pressure checked. Doctors' appointments make me so nervous. After getting settled in the waiting room, I started my relaxation exercises, and by the time my blood pressure was drawn it was 105/68. Whoa! So I was pretty chill. Then I had to get a shot... did some mental scripts and didn't even feel it. Which reminds me I still have my bandaid on- taking that off will hurt more than the shot did. Then after drinking nastiness in a bottle and waiting an hour, I had to get blood drawn to check my glucose. I did the same mental exercises and didn't feel a thing. The lab girl actually thought I was falling asleep in the chair as she was drawing the labs. I'm sold. I hate needles and didn't even feel them today! The course takes 5 weeks plus review. I have around 11 weeks. I'm hoping it goes as planned!

I am also prepping for unexpected curve balls. I know that there are situations that warrant interventions, medications, even surgery. That's when those should be used: when medically necessary. I will face those should they occur with gratitude that another option exists to help my baby and me. But I sure do hope for the best, though.

I would be incredibly grateful for your prayers as we learn and look ahead. I would also love words of advice!

Jack's big boy room

2011-11-17T16:50:00.001-06:00

This was the morning of MC homecoming. Jack was loving that he got to sit on the golf cart and hold the football. This was just after Travis finished the 5K. He's quite the runner lately. I am not ok with this because of his club foot. He was, at some point, supposed to talk to his orthopedic surgeon about running. That never happened. That being said, he is a really good runner. He can run a pretty long time at an impressive speed. He enjoys it. I don't like how I'm the fat one, though. I know, I know, I'm pregnant. Blah blah blah. Yes, I know. But he's still leaner than I ever am without a child making me so blimpish. Maybe when Charlie is here and I'm up to it, we'll all run together. We never have because I was in the throws of some serious morning sickness when Travis started running. When I finally felt well enough to run, it wasn't safe to do a lot since I hadn't run the first portion of the pregnancy. Are my excuses convincing you? They at least make me feel better.

Now that I'm done ranting about that, here are pictures of Jack's new room. I had zero inspiration except that I knew I wanted to continue using the canvases that were made for his nursery by my friend Angie who now lives in New Orleans with her hubby Tommy. I miss her. So I found a comforter than coordinated with the canvases. Then I found a shower curtain that I liked from Target. I just got an extra one and sewed it to lengthen the curtains to the floor. I think everything turned out cute. I also made a little pillow with extra fabric I had. It has taken an entire month (ridiculous), but Jack has finally slept in there by himself without freaking out when he wakes up. We leave the door cracked, a small light on in the den, and our door open so he can just walk through the house when he wakes up. Before he would scream and cry because he couldn't get to us. All in all, I'd say it's been an ok transition. Oh, he's also done a lot better since we took the side rails off of his bed. It has made me a little nervous, but I think he woke himself up when he would kick them at night and make a bunch of noise. He has only fallen out of the bed once. Oh wait, that was my bed. Nevermind. So we have 100% success for safety in his bed. Yay! Hopefully, we'll be settled and totally conditioned to that with plenty of time before Charlie gets here. I have 11-ish weeks until our guestimated due date, so we'll see.

Yes, that's a slide to the right... I wish I could fit on it and play, too.

Sock monkey, the essential ipod and clock, and the even more essential Chronicles of Narnia. I love this table.

Our fun canvases and tons of books.

His room makes me want to make believe all the time. I love being in there. I hope he loves it just as much as I do! Childhood is the best.

Fall has been good to us

2011-10-31T15:53:00.002-05:00

What a big month we've had! Jack and I have LOVED every second of this amazing weather. I finally finished his new room, and he has moved across the hall. He loves his new big bed and room (pictures to come). Another accomplishment this month has been the start of potty training. We actually tried to start in late August, and Jack made it VERY clear that he was not having any of it. I purchased a potty book that he loved to read and just made no big deal of pressuring myself or him into the process of potty training. I've heard from lots of moms that it just happens and cannot be forced. So Friday the 14th, we had run tons of errands and came home with a very full diaper. Jack kept saying "tee tee", and I agreed that he had tee-tee'd a lot. For some reason I took that diaper off and never put another one back on (he probably ran from me before I put another one on his little booty). The next thing I knew he was running to his bathroom yelling "tee tee in potty!", sat his little hiney down, and went potty! That child was so proud of himself he couldn't stand it. I couldn't have praised him more, but his own pride satisfied him greatly. What an accomplishment.

I would love to say he's in undies and we haven't turned back. Not the case. We are taking it pretty slow, and he is content wearing diapers for other potty needs and at night time. I'm content with that, too, for now. It's just easier. Hopefully by the time baby Charlie is here, Jack will have mastered pottying, and I can hopefully only change one child's diapers throughout the day. We have 3 months. I'm optimistic.

3 Months? Where did the other 6 go? This pregnancy is FLYING! For that I am sooooo thankful. Little Charlie is quite the wiggle worm, and Jack loves feeling him give "high fives" (I figured saying his little brother was kicking him wasn't a smart start). I can't wait to see them together.

David and Liz Thompson had their son Theo on October 2nd. He's a cutie pie, and we're so glad he's here. His hair is light brown and semi-straight. I still have high hopes that it'll get super curly as he gets older.

Other super good news that was shared this month: the Avens are having a little one, too! Ok, we've known a while, but the world found out this month. They're due April 24, and poor Brit has been sick as a dog (sounds pink, huh?). Yaaaaay for Ross and Brittnye! They'll find out baby's gender in November, and I can't wait to know!!

That's all for now. Jack is quickly trying to demolish the computer.

2011-09-15T17:53:00.001-05:00

I forgot to write about how little Charlie's identity was revealed! We had a little gathering and there were numbered brown paper bags. Random folks grabbed the bags, got in order by numbers, and when they were opened each letter of Charlie's name was there, along with a sweet little patty gown. And I've also included a picture of our little peanut. He's measuring ahead, and he kept hiding his face throughout his photo-op. I love this boy to pieces already.

Have I mentioned how much fun I have with Jack? I adore this child so much. He is my little buddy, and the more his little personality develops, the more I grow quite fond of him. He is sweet, curious, and just so playful. Whenever discipline is necessary (which I promise is daily/sometimes hourly, he's not perfect), he is so upset that he disappointed me and quickly wants to be reconciled and loved, which is easy to do. He is the typical first-born. Yes, I am stereotyping. He's very obedient and particular. I think he's a little introverted. I've begun to notice that every time I pick him up from church nursery or daycare, he's off to the side playing with some toy or reading a book by himself. He really enjoys other kids a lot. He just enjoys being alone, too. That trait definitely comes from me. Travis could and would rather be with people all day long. I could live on a mountain by myself and feel completely content. Another thing about Jack: he can count. Except he doesn't like the numbers 4 or 6. He completely skips them every time he's counting. "one, do, dee, by, deben, eight, nigh, den!" He proudly omits them every time.

We'll keep working on that.

Snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails

2011-09-15T11:04:00.001-05:00

Yes, this wiggly little baby in my tummy is another BOY - Charles Reed! Charlie's favorite activity at this point in time seems to be tap-dancing on my bladder. I've told him several times that I would strongly prefer him to go ahead and move where he's kicking my belly button. Feet-first just doesn't sound optimal for delivery day. Jack is aware of Charlie (which he pronounces Cha-lee). We are super excited for Jack to have a little brother and for cousin Cruze to be so close in age as they grow up together.

Now that we know there will be literally nothing done to sweet Charlie's nursery (thank you, buddy), brainstorming is starting for Jack's big boy room. This has actually been harder than I thought. Everything is either super expensive, is only available in toddler bed size, or is covered in spider man/batman/other super heroes or disney characters... none of those options work for me. I will be making his curtains myself (yes, I have actually conquered the basics of sewing - YAY!), and he will use the bedroom suite that Travis was given by his parents. I just need to get to it before I lose motivation.

Ok, what else has been going on? Well, a couple weeks ago I was in my very first beach wedding. We drove to the Panama City area to be a part of Laura and Matt's big day! Bless their hearts, Tropical Storm Lee invaded and changed plans a smidge, but the wedding was so sweet and perfect in The Meeting House of Carillon Beach. And the weather was awesome for the pictures beforehand. Laura and Matt ran out of their reception through sparklers in the rain, hopped on a golf cart and rode away for their honeymoon. I couldn't be happier for Lair. We've gone through several life changes together since our middle and high school years in Greenville, and she's a friend that has always been there.

Hopefully in the coming weeks I'll post some pictures of Jack's new room in progress. Travis and I did some MAJOR closet-cleaning this weekend to prepare. Here's to early nesting!

Good news!

2011-07-31T10:04:00.008-05:00

Today marks the first day of August. Good news! This is the month when we'll find out if this precious child I'm carrying is a boy or a girl. Surprise! We're having another baby! Ironically, reveal day is August 30th, the due date of our "heaven baby". Isn't God good?! A day I somewhat dreaded before now has joy written all over it! I am 14 weeks and love the sound of that number. So far this child has brought many reminders that he or she is alive and well. I finally figured out that hunger is a very bad sign of things to come if I do not address it. We have seen a speedy little heart, a three vessel cord, a perfect little growing baby who has hiccoughs just like big brother Jack did very early in pregnancy. I am so thankful to God for providing in our time of loss and for giving us another life to steward in His perfect timing. He is the vine. I am the branch. Life is in Him. Praise God.

Depending on who you ask (travis or me), baby's due date is between January 28th (Travis) and February 1st(me). I don't want to be rushed. He wants baby to be as far along as possible. I'll give it to him if 4 days make him feel better ; )

Thank you for all the prayers from January to now. I have felt every one of them! Keep praying for this little one. For health, salvation, and a life full of God's promises. Jack is very excited and hugs and kisses baby all the time. We will keep you updated on baby's progress.

A new day, a new dawn

2011-05-17T13:41:00.008-05:00

I am so glad this morning meant a brand new day. Because yesterday was not good. not good at all. So today, instead of going to my lunch-and-learn and being away from home, I parked myself in my bedroom with my Bible and my new summer study. Sweet Jack and I played this morning and once he was napping, I eagerly jumped into the study.

Good Morning Girls has a summer study going through verses each day and reading through the book The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. Our group of girls was started by Casey and has been such an encouragement already.

Today's scripture was John 15:4-5. I read several translations, but my favorite was The Message which read, "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing."

Christ tells me to live my life, to make my home, in Him, just as He does in me. WHOA. When I think of the many days that I go through life without really meeting with Jesus, and then I see that He has set up home in me, I am so humbled.

I tried to picture this as an earthy relationship because that's what my mind can fathom. I imagine going through a day in which I as a spouse never even make note of Travis's presence. Not because I'm mad or even busy, but because I'm so selfish, proud, and lazy that he just isn't remembered. And when/if he is? Well, fill-in-the-blank is more appealing at the moment. That wouldn't work very long.

Then I transferred that reasoning to how I treat Jesus and how He thinks of me... Maybe the love of my life, the one that I died for, will live in me tomorrow. Maybe then she'll see that life will be produced in her when she's constantly living in me. I will give her life. If she would just remain in me, she will have life in her and through her. I cannot, however, be separated from my Father. I did that once. For her, in fact. I remain in my Father. Without me, she will be lifeless. Fruit cannot be borne out of her without my life.

I'll say this much, I strongly prefer fruit over a dead plant. I so long to be the branch that God can use to show His goodness.

I couldn't help but reflect on something very personal as I read the passage. The periods of my life when I have felt most connected with God and His life-producing, creative work have been my pregnancies. Only God and His holiness can create man. Only He can use His power and creativity to intricately form a body so perfectly and breathe life into it. Not just physical life, but spiritual life, too. And only He can take that sacred life and continue to breathe into it, like with my precious Jack. And only He can hold that child in His arms as the child enters His glory forever, like the 2nd baby I miss so much. I choose to remain in Him because He has allowed something so sacred to occur through me, and He has helped me live through it. I believe that my God will give me that sacred opportunity again. I humbly surrender that to Him because only He can do it. I sure do love being that branch, though. I don't think it's a stretch to compare human life with fruit. After all, one of the first instructions my Father gave man and woman was to be fruitful and multiply. Just a thought.

I read Heaven is for real last week and have been so thankful for it. I won't spoil anything, I promise. You just HAVE to read it! It has made me so excited about Heaven and eternal life. Intrigued, too. More than anything, I was so encouraged. It made me very excited about the day that I'll meet, hug and kiss, and play with my second child, oh glorious day. And talk for hours with my grandmother who right now can't remember me. And, greatest of all, look into the face of my Jesus, see the scars on His hands and feet, and really LIVE in Him!

Today, this new day, I choose to abide, remain, live in Jesus. Only through Him living in me and I in Him will I see true life (spiritually and physically) occur in and through me.

May flowers

2011-05-10T13:26:00.006-05:00

Nope, I'm not a gardener. But the saying "April showers bring May flowers" always seems so symbolic to me. The light spring rains or even tornadoes and thunderstorms manage to produce such fruit in the end. I think it's because when you come out of those storms and see what's been ruined and what remains, the important, eternal matters seem to come to the foreground. The tornado that swept through Clinton spared life, but west MS and AL experienced so much destruction, even death, so soon afterwards. The MS river keeps rising. Weather always seems to catch my attention because it can represent something so much deeper. The rising floods, pouring rains, tornadoes - doesn't life seem like that some times? Particularly, my spiritual life can go through those seasons. Winter, cold and sad at times, but then warmed with friends and family, surrounded by joy of Christ. Spring - goodness my soul loves spring - life anew and so young, exciting and relaxed. Lazy, wonderful afternoons outside with precious friends. You get my drift. And don't even get me started on fall. I could stay in fall forever. and ever. and ever. I love the colors, the smells, the clothes, the feel of fall. Can we fast forward to Autumn, PLEASE? Especially with the dead HEAT of summer coming. EEK! Although, I do love a tan. and a beach. Sorry, I'm switching between real seasons and spiritual ones. Got caught up in the thought of wonderful fall. Ah.

But really, my soul is longing. I'm in one season, ready for another. Can't even put my finger on it. Just longing.

I know I'm getting a little emo, sorry. It's been a while since I wrote, and I tend to get too deep - it's a weakness, forgive me.

In other, lighter, much more exciting news, there are babies on the way! David and Elizabeth Thompson have their precious son, Theodore "Theo" Michael Thompson growing daily, now 19 weeks along. He'll be here some time in October (projected around the 4th). If that boy is anything like his parents, he will be (in no particular order) 1. Super stylish 2. Hilarious 3. generous 4. full of LOVE. And can we please talk about how gorgeous he will be? I'm predicting dark curly hair all over that precious baby noggin. I adore those two and could not be more thrilled about little Theo. Not to mention he'll get here in the FALL! Good choice, Theo.

Adam and Samantha Richardson are expecting baby number 3 some time around July 4th. This baby's gender is a surprise (I think I've blogged about this already, but I'm super excited!), and I can't wait to get my hands and kisses on that baby! Names are still being tossed around for both genders, so we'll see. Aiden thinks it's a boy, I'm pretty sure Sydney will be happy with any real baby doll she can carry around. I haven't the slightest clue what he/she is. I can't believe Adam and Sam are about to go from man on man to outnumbered. I do believe, though, they will handle it like superman/woman and make me stand in awe. As always.

Anything else? Hmm... not really. Except I can't say enough how very grateful I am for the community of friends we have. Maybe that's my longing - I miss them. And we saw each other last Friday. Silly. I thank my God every time I think of them. Such a blessing.

lately...

2011-02-21T15:54:00.003-06:00

Thursday afternoon I picked up my precious Jack from daycare. His teacher mentioned that the dreaded stomach bug had been going around their room. NOOOOOOOOOO!

I backed out of the room slowly, toddler in tow, and then ran to the car, all the while thinking of the antibacterial bath jack would receive the SECOND we got home.

We were too late.

What occurred over the next three hours was an experience I never want to relive. Poor Jack. How do you explain to a 19-month old what is going on? We slept on the couch, Travis called in to work, and I left my two poor fellas at the house the next day while I worked. I will say, however, that sweet Jack didn't get sick again after that night. Thanks to phenergan.

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On Saturday, I went to my first sewing class at the Quisenberry library in Clinton. and it was FREE! I can tell it's going to take me a while before I get the hang of it, but I am excited to learn. Maybe one day I'll get a step closer to the Proverbs 31 woman, working with eager hands.

--------------------------------

Then Sunday morning came. The stomach bug of this season evidently has a 48-72 hour incubation period because this mama caught it. I hope no one I encountered between Thursday night and Sunday morning becomes sick. I am an avid hand-washer, but this is unstoppable! There's my disclaimer.

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I guess I need to post a cute picture of my little one. What would beat that? A picture of THREE little ones! Here's a quick pic of Aiden, Jack, and Sydney. You might ask how in the world I got them so still for a photo-op... The Chronicles of Narnia was on the TV behind me, which is why Jack was leaning. Pardon me for being in the way of the TV. Sorry for the poor quality photo... it was from my phone.

Happy Presidents' Day, everyone. I'll close with the following list taken from whitehouse.gov :

18th Century

1. George Washington

2. John Adams

19th Century

20th Century

26. Theodore Roosevelt	35. John F. Kennedy
27. William Howard Taft	36. Lyndon B. Johnson
28. Woodrow Wilson	37. Richard M. Nixon
29. Warren G. Harding	38. Gerald R. Ford
30. Calvin Coolidge	39. James Carter
31. Herbert Hoover	40. Ronald Reagan
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt	41. George H. W. Bush
33. Harry S. Truman	42. William J. Clinton
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower

21st Century

43. George W. Bush

44. Barack Obama

So guess what I did today?

2011-02-08T17:30:00.008-06:00

This morning I drove to H&R block in Ridgeland, MS to take an exam to determine certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. I was freezing cold but so nervous that I was sweating the entire time! Haha. After completing 175 questions, several of which were "practice" questions for future boards, I pushed "COVER" to confirm that I was finished with my exam. Of course, the next screen asked if I was sure, that I had such-and-such minutes left. At that point, trembling, I thought, "If I don't know it by now, I won't get it right the next time. And I may change right answers to the wrong choice."

So I pushed QUIT to complete that test. I walked out of the exam room with my heart in my throat. The very sweet lady placed a piece of paper face down on the counter and said those were my results. I picked it up and walked outside.

When I flipped it over this is what I saw:

HOLY COW, I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Throw off those shackles and all that weight! I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I immediately burst into tears! And thanked God so much for bringing me through it! Then I called Travis.

YAY!

So now I have true free time for this precious little man:

And some time to learn my new hobby:

and maybe a little time to keep my house in order

and I'll even have time to keep plants alive!

So thankful to God for being eternally ahead of me and preparing the way as I go.

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Catching up

2011-01-22T11:22:00.002-06:00

We have had a whirlwind Christmas/New Year season. I have absolutely loved seeing loved ones so often! I started work last week and am really enjoying it so far. I'm limited a little until I take boards, but that's ok. I'm learning the ropes, and it has been nice. I take boards on February 8th. EEK! Nervous and ready to just get it behind me.

I started something this past week: THE DANIEL PLAN. Basically, very natural, fresh food. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, very lean meat, etc. Ok... so I LOVE sweets. love them. Except for a piece of brownie on our 4 year anniversary Thursday night, I haven't had a bite since Monday. Pretty good, huh. We'll see how it goes. My main goal is to honor God with how I eat. To eat the foods He made for me and be the best temple I can be. Also, I came to love food a little too much, I think. Without even realizing it. I was eating for pleasure rather than sustenance. I think that's ok when celebrating a milestone. I ate like that almost every day. So, out with that bad habit. I also want to feel better. All around.

Enough about that. I am so excited for what God is doing in my heart and in my life this year. There is a very real attack on the people of God right now, and I will just say right now, Satan WILL NOT HAVE VICTORY. I have prayed over and over that God would surround His people with His mighty protection and allow His will to be done. His Kingdom come and will be done! Specifically, I pray that Christ-following couples could be fruitful and multiply... to get pregnant and bring those precious babies into this world to love God and further His kingdom. I pray that the people of God would be able to obey His direction to "be fruitful and multiply" without Satan's interference. So if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or mourning the loss of a baby, please know that I am praying for you, your husband, and your precious babies.

Alright... I need to go study and spend time with my hubby and little boy.

'Tis the season, for so much yummy goodness

2010-12-14T18:17:00.017-06:00

So yesterday was day 2 of chocolate-a-day. Do not be misled; I definitely had my piece yesterday. The reason I didn't blog was because Jack was super upset going to sleep. We pulled him into the den until I could finish my supper and go lay down with him. In an effort to get him to chill out, all lights were out. Jack grabbed my very large glass of Milo's splenda tea and proceeded to pour the entire freezing cold, full cup of tea all over himself, the chair, and me. Awesome. He then proceeded to scream bloody murder because he was shocked by the ice cold wetness which COVERED him. Ugh. So last night= no blogging.

Back to the chocolate. So yesterday, we enjoyed the

Amalfi Bar: lemon zest, pink peppercorns, white chocolate, 36% cocoa butter. Very different but still very yummy. David would have been all over it. He loves lemon and chocolate. The peppercorns made it crunchy. It was fun. I love to include these pictures ... presentation is at least half of the enjoyment of most foods, right?

Tonight we DEVOURED the woolloomooloo bar. Oh MY GOSH, it was soooooooo good! Keep in mind, Travis, Jack, and I are thirding the bars as we eat them... Jack got the short end tonight because Travis and I were almost fighting over this chocolate. Yum yum yum yum. and Yum.

roasted & salted macadamia nuts, Indonesian coconut, hemp seeds, & deep milk chocolate. 45% cocao.

SO GOOD!!!!!

This Christmas season is off to a great start! We are pretty much done with our shopping and are enjoying watching Jack discover sparkling lights, Santa Claus, snowmen, baby Jesus, and ornaments. He's just fascinated with everything. Christmas really is so much more special with children. Love it!

A Chocolate A Day...

2010-12-12T17:49:00.002-06:00

On Friday night, I drove to meet Travis at David & Liz's house. We were planning, so I thought, to head over to Bonefish for dinner and catching up. Driving up to their house, I had trouble figuring out where I was going to park because the street was lined with cars. As I looked closer, I recognized the cars. I then looked up at their house to see my sister and a group of closest friends hooraying and clapping for me! They were holding a banner that Travis had made to congratulate me on my graduation!! What a surprise! I got out of the car and noticed Suzanne in scrubs, which I commented on (she does not wear scrubs, ever). I then realized that everyone was wearing scrubs in a theme of the degree I just earned. When I walked up to hug everyone, the boys did some magic, and balloons dropped from above. This was so fun! I have to say, though, that I hate (seriously) being the center of attention. So once the clapping and celebration wore off and we starting eating, my discomfort subsided. It was a night of fellowship with my favorite people, which I happen to love to do more than anything.

At some point in the evening, David and Liz gave me a little something they had picked up in their windy city of Chicago while there over the weekend. They both know that I absolutely LOVE chocolate. It's an unhealthy addiction. I tell many people that I believe the forbidden fruit was a cocoa bean, as many are addicted to coffee and/or chocolate. It's legit. So my love for chocolate goes way back and very deep. I actually had to quit eating it while pregnant because it made me contract all the time, beginning at about 22 weeks. Go figure.

So anyway, David and Elizabeth know very well my love for chocolate and grabbed a unique library of said obsession on their long-weekend trip to Chicago. 9 spins on the yummy stuff.

In an effort to save my figure, and sinful nature, from getting way out of hand, I decided to only eat one piece a day and savor the flavor. I will be eating in reverse order from the bottom. Travis actually decided where to start because he wanted a bite of the bottom piece today.

So without further ado... Today's piece of chocolate:

Scrum-diddly-umptious. It kind-of tasted like a caramel Nestle crunch. Or a little bit like a heath bar with nuts in it. I loved it. Can't wait for tomorrow's piece. Amalfi Bar: lemon zest, pink peppercorns, 36% cocoa butter white chocolate. YUMMY!

Have I mentioned how much I have loved not being in school anymore? L-O-V-E it!!!

Such a strange way to save the world...

2010-12-06T21:30:00.012-06:00

Here it is, December 6th... 19 days until Christmas! Some time a little over 2000 years ago, God sent Jesus as a baby to one day rescue the souls of man. My favorite Christmas song: A strange way to save the world.

So thankful for Jesus, the miracle of His birth, the holiness of His life, the sacrifice of His death, the power of His resurrection, the promise of His return, and the presence of His Holy Spirit. My Jesus, I love thee.

___________________________________________________

Have I really not posted since APRIL?? Good grief.

Well, now that I only have 1, that's right ONE, test left in graduate school, I will have my life back!

I am so very grateful to have completed school. It has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, right behind delivering my son after my epidural wore off at 9cm and nursing that sweet boy for a year while working/schooling full-time. Craziness.

It may sound cheesy to say now, but I really couldn't have done it without my stellar husband, super-duper precious baby Jack, thank-my-lucky-stars friends, and peppy/supportive/encouraging/incredibly-genius-level-smart preceptors and teachers. Seriously, they were out of this world.

Even with all of them, there's absolutely no way I could've made it through every wet-cheeked day without my Heavenly Father, whose promise I walked in every day: He will NEVER leave me or forsake me. There were some days that I actually had to say LOUDLY, "My God has my soul, so this will NOT defeat me!". I am excited to know more than ever and at the same time realize that I have SOOOOOOO much to learn!

Praise the LORD! I'm back!

Now that all of that has been said, what's next? Well, I start my big-girl job on January 12, 2011 with Newborn Associates... a great, family-oriented group that serves every NICU in Jackson except my beloved UMC. A part-time position and great group of folks sold me on this amazing opportunity, and I am absolutely humbled to have been hired by them! I will miss my UMC folks dearly... can't say that enough. I got my great start there, and I met some of my favorite people there. Sad to leave. Excited for what's ahead with Newborn Associates! Until January, I will enjoy this month at home, making up for lost time with Travis and Jack.

Update on the fam:

Travis has smoothly transitioned into his new role with UMC Anesthesia. Leading the pack quite nicely, if I do say so myself. He's a great organizer, manager, etc. and he has a big heart and servant's attitude. Some of the many reasons I love him so much. He has embarked on a new endeavor: PhD school. Sheesh. Really? Yes. He started that in August, and he is blasting his way through that with way more ease than I did even in undergrad. He's a pro. Go, Trav!

Baby Jack is not so babyish anymore. He's going on 17 months old, and he is the funniest little thing. We call him

a social copycat. If you laugh, he laughs. If you talk in a whiny way, he whines. He loves loves loves to read books and take baths. And, like his strong-boned mama, he loves MILK! He holds hands during prayers, says bye-bye, blows kisses, and claps more heartily than any person I know. I adore this child!

Please, please, please go to this website: www.Loverunsdeeperthanblood.com. It is the blog of a family who has followed James 1:27 all the way to their little girl Jaydn. Pray for them! They are now in Uganda, trying to make their way home with their precious daughter.

Also, pray for Adam Richardson, my brother-in-law. He is recovering from brain surgery, which was last Tuesday. News thus far is that all of the tumor was removed! Praise God! Pray for a smooth recovery and for his headaches to be a distant memory once the swelling goes away. He has lived with horrible headaches for years now. Praise: Samantha is expecting baby #3!! Aiden and Sydney will welcome baby brother or sister somewhere around July 7, 2011! This baby's gender will be discovered at birth, so the guessing can start now! We are amazed at God's provision in the midst of such uncertain and scary times. He is so good, isn't He?!

Alright, I'm signing off. I need to study for this last test. Excited to start a new normal. Loving life as a wife and mom.

9 Months Old

2010-04-25T23:34:00.002-05:00

What in the world! The time has FLOWN! My baby boy is crawling, pulling up, saying Da-da, and eating table food. I cannot believe it! He is still the happiest little boy, and Travis and I love being his parents.

This semester has been C-R-A-Z-Y. School is kicking my booty. I really feel like I've been limping the whole way. But you know what? As long as I cross the finish line, I don't care if I have to be carried. My preceptors have been awesome, my teachers are great, and poor Travis has been the best.

Travis has a new job. He started it in March. He now works with Anesthesia at UMC and is getting adjusted. I think he'll do an amazing job.

Jack starts swimming lessons next Tuesday. I'm excited. Precious child... he would stay in the bath all day if I let him. He's going to have a blast! He loves the water. He also loves his buddies at daycare. So this will be the best of both worlds: friends and water!

Four Months and Counting

2009-11-21T19:18:00.003-06:00

Jack is 4 months old, and we can't believe how fast the time has passed! He is laughing, cooing, rolling over, and playing in exersaucers. He loves his cousins Aiden and Sydney. Aiden makes him laugh so much. At his last check-up, Jack weighed 15 pounds 13 ounces... growing like a weed! He has become so animated and entertaining, and we're having a blast!

I started my new job this past Tuesday, and I am now working part-time at Batson Specialty Clinic. It was not an easy decision, but I could not work full-time anymore and continue school. Leaving the NICU really was one of the hardest things I've done. I absolutely loved my patients and co-workers. I was proud of my job. I'm glad that I will only be gone for a year. I really want to finish school and have that very hard work out of the way. Working part-time enables me to spend more time with Travis and Jack while doing the best I can to absorb everything I can in school. I sure do miss those babies, though.

We're about to have a whirl-wind holiday season, and I am very excited! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

First week at work and daycare

2009-09-16T19:59:00.002-05:00

I went back to work last Thursday. It was really hard. Actually, it was even harder than I thought it would be. 12 hours make for a really long day. Thankfully, Travis and his Aunt Kelley stayed home with him that first day, and they did well. Monday was Jack's first day at Morrison Heights. He hasn't been napping very well. I need to get him used to sleeping with lights and sounds around him. They did say that he has been very sweet, just smiling and cooing. I have been missing that sweet baby. I do love those little preemies, though, and I love my coworkers. It's been really good to see everyone.

Jack goes to Church Nursery!

2009-09-07T22:00:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, we took Jack to the church nursery. We were told he was an angel... so sweet. We were able to go to big church for the first time in a long time, and we really enjoyed our new normal. We love being able to go to church as a family. Yay!

On Friday, we took Jack for his 8 week check-up with Dr. Stewart. He weighs 12 pounds 7 ounces (HOLY COW!) and is 22 1/2 inches long! Growing like a weed! He had to get 3 shots for immunizations and was given one immunization by mouth. He still looked jaundiced, so they had to check his bilirubin. Unlike his newborn days, when a heelstick was sufficient to get the needed labwork, this time poor Jack had to get stuck with a needle. I have a new understanding of what our poor NICU mamas have to go through... only scratching the surface, but it made my heart break to see Jack hurt like that.

As soon as they were done, I scooped him up, and bless his heart, he went limp in my arms... legs

and arms just dangling. He had worn himself out crying so hard. Needless to say, we both slept like logs when we got home. His bilirubin is 10... down from 7 weeks ago, but still high for his age. Dr. Stewart says as long as he's alert and developmentally appropriate, they can just watch it.

Otherwise, baby Jack is looking wonderful! He is holding his head up really well, pushing up during tummy time, and last night he rolled over!!! I'm so proud of my sweet little man!

so much fun with my little one

2009-09-02T11:38:00.008-05:00

Jack and I have had an interesting month...

2 weeks ago we went to UMC for a check-up. When all was finished, we went to the car. Trying to be a good mommy, I cranked the car and turned on the air conditioner so my poor sweet baby wouldn't be so miserable in 90 something degree Mississippi heat. I turned to get Jack out of his stroller, and the door shut behind me, locking both of us out of the running car! Oh, what a mess. Thankfully, a secretary in UMC came and got Jack out of the heat while I waited for campus security to come open my car. I was a melted mama at the end of it all. Jack and I both slept very well that night.

Last week I was bit by a tick, stung by a wasp, and woken up by my sick dog all in the 24 hour period that Jack was attempting to sleep through the night... He was being good while the rest of the animal kingdom was forbidding me to sleep.

I started school back last month, and it is going to be interesting to juggle everything. I am loving the material, now that I'm finally focusing on babies! It will be good to get started with clinicals and really dig deep in this learning process.

In good news, Jack has been to Sunday school with us twice and slept soundly both times. He is holding his head up well, pushing up well when on his tummy, cooing, smiling, and tracking objects. We go for his 8 week check-up this Friday, when he will receive his first round of shots and be measured and assessed for growth and development. He has been spitting up a lot lately, so we hope to have that addressed at the visit.

Samantha had sweet Sydney on Saturday. She thought she was in labor Saturday morning. Adam insisted they go to the hospital. On arrival, she was 7-8cm dilated! She had Sydney at 12:21pm. Big brother Aiden is very interested and so sweet. They went home Sunday afternoon! We're so glad Sydney is here!

Jack is 1 month old today!

2009-08-10T11:26:00.006-05:00

Our little man is one month old today! The time has flown by, and we have enjoyed every moment. Jack is a very sweet little boy. He has gotten better with bath time, still isn't a pro at the bottle (fine by me), and is getting used to tummy time. He is an absolute joy to have in our family. He is well-loved by family and friends. We are so thankful!

Recently, Jack has developed an impressive diaper rash. I, being the NICU nurse, swore my child would never have an awful bottom like the ones I've seen in the unit. Wrong! His bottom is terrible!

We've tried A&D, Balmex, Desitin, and corn starch. I even called Joe Dukes to see if he knew the components in "Happy Hiney". Yesterday I made a paste of corn starch and balmex, and that has helped. Of course, I've washed with dial soap and water and pat dry before applying anything to him. Now, I'm leaving his diaper open to air in addition to all of the above. Check it out.

I will say that is does look a little better now that I've been letting his diaper be open. Not an easy task with this breastfed baby. Pray it goes away. He is a good sport, but it definitely hurts him. If that is the worst we experience, I am very thankful.

Praise God for an amazing first month with our son!

Frist bottle

2009-07-28T11:10:00.003-05:00

Jack got his first bottle last night. I'm about to start getting out without him, and we wanted to introduce it before there was a meltdown without me. He drank 3.5 ounces of mama's milk, and seemed to do just fine. I think Travis was more worried than Jack was. I don't plan on giving him a bottle often, but when he can't be with me I know others are more than capable of giving him what he needs... as long as he gets my milk. It wasn't easy to do, but I'm glad it's over.

Jackson Elliot Schmitz

2009-07-21T14:47:00.013-05:00

He's here!! Jack was born July 10, 2009 at 7:26pm. He weighed 6 pound 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. We were admitted to the hospital the night of the 9th, started induction and had a long day Friday. He finally decided he was ready to meet everybody, and it was an amazing experience. We had the best nurses and doctors, amazing friends and family, and so much love. I miss it. Here is our very first family photo!

We had a wonderful weekend at the hospital. I love UMC! We went home Sunday, the 12th with a discharge weight of 6 lbs 8 oz and orders to return the next morning for a weight check and bilirubin check. Monday morning, the three of us went to UMC and found out our little man had to be on a biliblanket.

We had rechecks on Wednesday, Thursday (taken off the blanket). and Saturday... which was terrible for the novice mom trying to nurse every 2 hours per Dr.'s orders and attempt to rest. By Saturday he had gained back up to 6 lbs 14 oz, for which Dr. Graves gave me a huge pat on the back. Hard work! I could finally spread out his feedings to 2 & 1/2 to 3 hours and stay in my pajamas! Yay!

We are having so much fun. I absolutely adore my sweet little Jack. He is so peaceful. Travis is a wonderful daddy, and he has been the biggest help. We are so excited to be a family of three!

About to meet our little Jack!!

2009-07-09T09:44:00.004-05:00

Travis and I are going to the hospital today at 4pm, and I will be induced to have baby Jack. I can't believe it! I didn't sleep very well last night. I'm finishing up some packing and then going to rest until we're ready to go! I am a little sad that these 9 months have flown, but I absolutely cannot wait to meet our son. I'm so thankful to the people who have said something like "you're about to experience the most amazing thing on earth".... it has blessed us and is much more encouraging than "you're life's about to change forever" (said with a negative voice & face to match). Change is inevitable in this situation, and we are hopeful that it will be wonderful! God is so gracious to us, and we are so thankful for His blessings of life and joy. Our biggest desire is that our family glorifies and points people to Jesus.

Here's Jack & me at our biggest, along with a picture of his completed nursery. Huge thanks to Angie for his precious canvases. We love them!

Still hanging in there...

2009-06-27T12:42:00.003-05:00

I don't have preeclampsia, thank goodness. Last week must have just been a fluke. All of my tests have been perfect over the last week. I am having to repeat them every week until Jack gets here. I also get to see my little man twice a week with biophysical profiles. He's too cute (of course, I think so). I'm so thankful that my sweet Jack is letting me carry him a little longer. He's 37 weeks & 1 day today, and Dr. Hampton is out of town all next week. She'll be back on the 6th of July. Hopefully, he'll make it through Indepence Day and come when he's 38+ weeks... the longer the better. Dr. Adams will be following us this week, so we'll see how everything goes. I've never met her, but I've heard good things about her. Sooner than I think, I'll be on here in the wee hours of the night posting pictures of my sweet boy. Looking forward to it!

Bed rest until Jack's Birthday

2009-06-18T20:06:00.002-05:00

I went to the doctor this morning, and for several unfortunate reasons I was put on rest until little Jack decides he is ready to meet everyone. My blood pressure was high for two readings, and that was enough to cause worry for pregnancy induced hypertension. I went to OB receiving. They monitored my blood pressure, contractions, and Jack's heartrate in response to everything. They also ran some blood tests to make sure everything was fine. At the end of almost 4 hours in OB receiving, all tests came back normal, and I was sent home. I will return to the doctor on Monday for a checkup (she'll check 24 hours worth of urine to make sure I don't have preeclampsia... that might be TMI for some, sorry).

I am pretty disappointed. I didn't intend on taking any time before Jack came because I want to have as much time at home with him as possible. Looking on the bright side, I get to enjoy the last however long is left of my pregnancy without being too exhausted or stressed. I am in school, and this allows me to focus on assignments and tests without juggling. It will be a good thing; I just have to remember the positives. I will do whatever it takes to make sure this little boy stays healthy while I'm carrying him. Everyone say a prayer for us. God has definitely taken care of us, and I know this is all part of His plan.

I love summer!

2009-06-15T05:04:00.006-05:00

If I could spend all day in the pool, I would... if only I had one nearby. Travis and I went to the beach with friends a couple weekends ago, and we had the BEST time. We were in Fort Morgan, Alabama. It was so great to see everyone.

We are awaiting the arrival of our sweet little Jack, and I finally packed Jack's bag and my own bag for the hospital last night. That is not an easy task. I have a feeling I will need to run to the store and get extra toiletries just so I won't have to pack them later. Travis thinks he can pack in 5 seconds... I'll be packing him a bag today.

We have one month left until full term. I cannot believe it! I will not wish it here, though, because for everyone else that would be wishing away their summer. I do wish that my classes were over for the summer. They are scheduled to be complete on Jack's due date. That will be a very satisfying day. My sister Meredith will be having her son Collins around the same time. Samantha will follow with her daughter Sydney around a month later. Babies everywhere!!

Alright, I guess that's the most exciting news lately. I just wanted to post and try to stay up-to-date.

We're going to have a son!

2009-05-13T22:30:00.008-05:00

We're having a little boy! Jackson Elliot Schmitz. He is an active little boy, too. He always has the hickups after I eat, and he tends to keep his foot shoved in my rib. I love being pregnant. I only have around 9 weeks left, and I'm going to take in every second. I love that he's with me all day. I love feeling him move around. It's amazing.

Last night, Travis and I had our second prepared childbirth class. We have had a rough time trying to get Jack's nursery ready. The furniture was an ordeal all its own, and I haven't been able to paint. Little did I know that while we were at class, our sweet friends Ross and Brittnye were painting away and getting everything in place. Travis had taken half a day off of work to make 2 runs to Babies R Us to pick up our furniture. So, when we got home (after much stalling by Travis), I noticed Brittnye had paint on her pants. I rushed to Jack's room to find a painted nursery with furniture in place!!!!! I was so overwhelmed. Thank you thank you thank you Ross and Brittnye! I'm a very happy mama right now... so relieved and thankful to have his nursery on its way to completion. Yay!

2009 - the year we have our first baby!

2009-01-15T21:21:00.005-06:00

On November 12th, Travis and I found out we are pregnant with our first baby. We are so very thankful. We stayed quiet for a while but are ecstatic to finally tell everyone. I will be 13 weeks pregnant tomorrow... Friday is my new week. The baby is due July 24th. Our prayer is that our baby is healthy and that he or she will know Jesus as Savior and Lord... we want to provide a home and family that is full of God's love and His promises. It's an awesome responsiblity, but that's what we're here for. I can't wait to meet our little child.

Along with me, two of my sisters are pregnant! My sister Meredith is 9 days ahead of me, due July 15th, and my twin sister Samantha is 5 weeks behind me, due with her second baby August 28th. We are all very excited. My mom is probably pretty stressed. Poor thing.

Travis and I were able to see the baby on Tuesday... the first time we saw a human and not just a dot. It was precious. A baby is such a miracle. He/she had the hickups and was yawning. I was just amazed and so thankful to be able to see that little baby!

Tomorrow, Travis and I fly out to Chicago. The high most days we're there is 7. No, I did not leave out a number... just SEVEN! I am not at all a cold weather person, so my bag is already stuffed with a billion sweaters, all my support hose (my nursing girls know how hot those can be - haha), and gloves galore. Dern, I hate being cold. I am excited to go, though, because we'll see our good friends David and Liz. We'll have a lot of fun - we always do.

I think that's all for now. We're liking 2009 so far. Until we post again, God bless!

Disney World

2008-11-18T16:55:00.015-06:00

So, Travis had a work conference in Orlando, Fl over Halloween weekend. We stayed at Disney's Dolphin Hotel. Neither of us had ever been to Disney World... we had soooo much fun!

Before we went, I kept Aiden. Here's his adorable halloween fun outfit (he was actually tigger on halloween night). I might have mohawked his hair. haha. He just looked so cute with his skeleton shirt.

So then we were on our way to Orlando. Travis went to Epcot Thursday night, and I stayed back and took a test. Friday afternoon we went to Animal Kingdom with our friend/Travis's coworker Brian. We rode Expedition Everest & Dinosaur twice each. We met Mickey & Minnie. So fun.

Saturday we went to Magic Kingdom. I'm pretty sure I cried. I absolutely LOVED it!! We rode so many rides... Oct/Nov is a perfect time to go because the crowd isn't nearly as bad (so I hear). We stuck around for the parade. We left before "wishes", though, because we didn't want to wait an hour for a shuttle back for the hotel - we had a very early flight the next morning. Disney World really is the most magical place on earth.

Overall, I can't wait to go back. We had so much fun. No stress. Everyone there was so nice. I was just so impressed with the production of Disney. So artistic, clean, and smooth. LOVED IT!

It's been too long

2008-11-04T13:13:00.003-06:00

So, now that it's been over a year...

I'm now in grad school, hoping to one day be a neonatal nurse practitioner. I'm almost one semester down, and I'm thankful to be adjusted. I still work at UMC's NICU and still love it. Travis is also still at UMC, and he teaches night classes for MC. We are busy little bees, but we're loving our lives. We still go to First Baptist Jackson. We love our sunday school class - our teachers are wonderful, and we've made some amazing friends. I keep my sister's son, Aiden, on my days off. He is such a precious angel. He will be one year old on Nov. 28th. I can't believe it!!

We just got back from Disney World!!!! Neither of us had ever been, and we absolutely LOVED it!!! It was so much fun!

I'll try to post again soon. Just wanted to give a quick update.

In the new house

2007-06-06T12:11:00.000-05:00

So... we're all moved in to our new house. There are boxes everywhere, but we're making progress. The dogs seem to love their new home. We had so much help getting everything over here... thank goodness. Once everything is neat and put away, we'll take pictures and post them. In 3 weeks, we'll be heading to Chattanooga for the weekend... a much needed get-away. We'll post pictures of that, too. That's the latest. Stay tuned...

Intro

2007-05-07T13:01:00.000-05:00

We were married on January 20, 2007 in Provine Chapel on the campus of Mississippi College. It was such a fun day. Our honeymoon was in New York City. Since then, we have gotten two puppies... Rudy and Pumpkin. We also just sold our house and bought another one. We'll be moving the first weekend in June. We can't wait. We just wanted to have a site where we can share our lives with our friends and family. Enjoy!

3. Thomas Jefferson	15. James Buchanan
4. James Madison	16. Abraham Lincoln
5. James Monroe	17. Andrew Johnson
6. John Quincy Adams	18. Ulysses S. Grant
7. Andrew Jackson	19. Rutherford B. Hayes
8. Martin Van Buren	20. James Garfield
9. William Henry Harrison	21. Chester A. Arthur
10. John Tyler	22. Grover Cleveland
11. James K. Polk	23. Benjamin Harrison
12. Zachary Taylor	24. Grover Cleveland
13. Millard Fillmore	25. William McKinley
14. Franklin Pierce