Looking on the bright side

Well, I woke up this morning with mastitis. YIPPEE! (You know how sarcastic I am being, especially if you've had it...Kim, I have a totally new respect for all that mess you went through!) I think my body is just completely run down. But, on the bright side, I have now lost 8 pounds since I got off work for Christmas. I didn't want to do it this way, but sometimes you have to look on the bright side to get over mess like this.

Thanks to all of you for the prayers and calls. I hope to be at the singing tomorrow night, even if it's only for a little while. Can't wait to get out of this stinking house!

The house that sick built...

This is the new name Nick has given our house. EVERY year, it never fails, we get sick the week of Christmas. Two years ago, FLU...last year, Peyton had pink eye and walking pneumonia...this year, Santa brought us all a horrible viral cold. And, he left something special in Mommy's stocking JUST FOR HER...a stomach virus. Woo hoo! Thankfully we are all on the way to being well again. Andrew went to the doctor today. Diagnosis: Upper respiratory infection and double ear infection. The antibiotics should have him feeling better in a day or two.

I will be uploading Christmas pictures soon. Despite the illnesses, we had a really good Christmas. Can't wait to share.

Holiday pictures

What a weekend!

I think I should start calling Peyton "Calamity P", because she sure can dredge up some drama. She was a mess trying to get a tree Saturday. I kept telling her that we had to find our tree. So for an hour she cries crocodile tears because "our tree is lost and we will never FIND it!" Then we get home and get the tree in water and lit just in time for Bama's kickoff. She begs to decorate the tree immediately. My reply: "Peyton, we can't decorate the tree right now because Daddy will end up knocking the tree down!" I tell her that we will decorate it at HALF-TIME. She freezes, looks at me and begins to BAWL. When asked what's wrong with her: "I don't want to decorate just HALF of the tree...I want to decorate the whole thing. WAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Sheesh! She has such a tender heart these days. It seems like everything makes her cry. Nevertheless, we made it through the day unscathed. Will post pictures of the tree and Andrew's adventures and discoveries.

Sunday was busy but a blast. The M&Ms put together baskets for some women that we love that are going through difficult illnesses. It was a real blessing being around the group and getting to deliver the basket. I don't know how everyone else responded, but Lena loved her basket. She was so appreciative and couldn't wait to sit down with a box of tissues and read our prayers. Please continue to pray for this work and its success.

Crystal, Teale and Natalie...we missed you so much. Teale and Natalie, I hope you are feeling better. Crystal, I hope you had a great trip and got home safe and sound!

Not for the weak of stomach

Okay, if you have a weak stomach don't read this post, because it's kind of gross. You all must know I love you. I wouldn't share the nasty details with just anyone...

So last night, we get home from church and I am really thirsty. During the process of feeding Andrew, getting Peyton in the bed, and getting myself ready for bed I drank probably 3 tall glasses of water. Right before bed, I was a little hungry but I am trying to be good so I didn't want to eat much. I grabbed a few Ritz crackers, chomped them down, and headed to bed to watch the news. Sitting propped up in the bed, I had a little burp come up. But it made my throat feel funny. I sat there a few minutes trying to clear my throat and couldn't. Nick was taking a shower and had the bathroom door locked...I barely made it to the kitchen sink where I proceeded to puke 5 times. EWWWWWWW! And you must know that I am NOT a puker. I don't have a weak stomach and rarely ever throw up. I think something triggered my gag reflex because I just could not stop throwing up. And the fact that I had consumed three glasses of water didn't help either. System overload! I busted all the capillaries around my eyes, so now I look like I have a pink and red polka dotted eye mask on. NOT COOL! I told Sandy Coe what happened and she likened me to her backyard dog who comes in the house and drinks his water all in one gulp and then throws it up. HA!

Anyway, I never felt nauseated or anything. Perfectly fine this morning. Lost a pound, too. I don't want to be sick to lose weight, but I guess at least something good came out of it.

Awww, man!

I totally forgot about the fact that we had a Christmas party to attend last night. It's Nick's dad's company party. Each year, it's held at the historic Alabama Theater. Gorgeous place if you've never been there. Anyway, they have delicious catered food, a sing along with the old organ, and screenings of Christmas movies. This year was "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "The Christmas Story". I love going. I hope it's something that the kids can remember in the future as one of our fun family traditions.

What I did NOT like about the event was my personal lack of restraint. Amid the spread of healthier options (fruits, raw veggies, cheese) were the mouth watering goodies...chicken fingers with homemade spicy BBQ sauce, fried bacon mozzarella cheese crackers, petit fours, homemade brownie bites, cookies, paninis of smoked sausage, meatballs, roast beef, and turkey...MMMMMM! I did okay, I guess. I had some chicken fingers, half a panini, too many of the bacon cracker things, and dessert (of course). Well, now that I list it out it doesn't seem like I did too good at all. At least it was on the first day. I don't have to weigh in for 5 more days. Maybe I can burn it off by next Monday!!!! :)

So far, so good...

I feel good today because I know I've been eating right. I had wheat Chex for breakfast and a banana for a snack. For lunch it's lean roast beef on wheat w/2% cheese, an apple and baby carrots. I have to stay late at school today so I brought a 100 calorie bag of kettle corn and some fat-free pudding. I'm on my third glass of water, too. I have to make sure I don't get too hungry or I will end up going on a binge in the candy basket in the office. If you jumped on the bandwagon today, feel free to e-mail me and let me know how you're doing. I do MUCH better with support of friends. It's easier to succeed with the help and encouragement of those you love!

DECEMBER'S BIGGEST LOSER

Okay, we all know what happens this time of year. From Thanksgiving Day 'til 01/01/09, it never fails that we all pack on the pounds. What with all those sweet and savory goodies, it's a wonder I don't gain more!!! With that said, Nick and I have decided to do a Biggest Loser competition in our home. We are trying to avoid all the weight that we usually gain this time of year. Don't know what the prize is yet, but here are our rules:

1) Record initial weight beginning Monday, 12/01/08.
2) Weigh and record weight every Monday (I will post about our results each week.)
3) Stick to a healthy daily diet with one cheat meal each week.
4) Try to get in three 30-minute sessions of exercise each week.
5) The person with the biggest percentage of weight lost at the end of December WINS!

*The rules have two exceptions: work party and Christmas dinner. We will partake in the goodies in moderation for those two occasions.

I was telling Kim about this and she wanted to join in on the fun so I thought I'd open it up to all my blog buddies out there. Whether you do it publicly or privately, take a step to stay healthier this holiday season. Even just a smidge can go a long way!!!

I have been out of town for the past week and haven't gotten a chance to blog or visit anyone's blogs. Sorry for my absence. Anyhoo, we had the M&M kickoff recently and I had a blast. Thanks to Crystal for letting us host it at her home and thanks to everyone who came. I appreciate all the prayers for this program. I had so much fun and I hope it is a good work for the Lord.

After the gathering, Kim, Anna, Autumn and I went to see Twilight. As most have said, not as good as the book but enjoyable nonetheless. I have read all the books and can't wait to see what the next movie is like. I'm sure it will have a bigger budget now that they know the craze is spreading.

Thanksgiving holidays were great. We spent a week in the Smoky Mountains. We go to the same cabin every year where we sit by the fire and eat too much. FUN! We relaxed and the kids had a great time. Can't wait to do it again next year.

Look for an upcoming blog for December's Biggest Loser. Join in the fun!

Thanksgiving in the Mountains

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Baby Fat Blues

It's a record, 2 posts in a day. But I can't help it. I was sitting here thinking about the chocolate almond pie I just ate and got a big case of the baby fat blues. I realize that I am doing myself no good at all by continuing to eat like a hog, but I am about ready to make a change. I have GOT to start eating right, because right now that's all I can do. When you don't get home until 4:30 and you have two kids and a household to take care of AND you are breastfeeding, it's almost impossible to find an hour to exercise. I have promised myself that as soon as I wean the baby IT'S ON! I am going to start running again. But until then, all I can do is watch what I eat. Right now, all I'm watching is more food go into my mouth and the numbers on the scales creep higher and higher...

Diagnoses and drama...

Well, I finally went to the doctor and found out I have mycoplasma (walking pneumonia), which is highly contagious! GREAT! So I went ahead and made appts for the kids, knowing that's probably what they would have. Turns out Peyton just had an upper respiratory infection. Andrew, however, has mycoplamsa in his EAR! Yes, it can happen. Apparently it's more rare than a regular ear infection, but can happen nonetheless. Leave it to one of my kids to get something weird.

Now for the drama part...we leave St.V intending for at least Nick and Peyton to go to church. Get to Wal-Mart in G'dale at 5:00 to get the prescriptions filled. They say it will be an hour. No big deal, we will just go get dinner. One our and forty-five minutes later they tell me that they ran out of what Andrew needs. GRRRRRRR! It's 6:45 and we are looking for someone to fill the presciption. We were at Walgreen's until 7:20. Finally got home with two sick, crying babies at 7:45. Talk about frustrated.

I wanted to hit that woman at Wal-Mart. When I asked why no one called my cell to tell me, she said they aren't allowed to do that. She asked did I want them to order it. "It will be in next week!" Boy, I had to call on God right then to keep from smacking the stupid out of her. I said, "I have a 7-month-old with an ear infection in the car and I'm going out of town next week. No, I can't wait for you to order it!"

I am thankful that we are all safe and sound. I am feeling much better and looking forward to the T'giving dinner tonight and the mentor kick off tomorrow!!!

House of the sick Rouses...

Ugh, I hate being sick. Especially when you can't take a decongestant because you are breastfeeding. Me, Peyton and Andrew are all cruddy. No fever, just nasty cough and congestion. Hopefully it will improve in the next few days. I don't want to be sick for Thanksgiving.

Growing by the minute...

Andrew had his 6-month checkup yesterday, even though he will be 7 months old next week. He weighs 16 pounds 13 ounces (50-75th percentile) and is 26.25 inches long (75-95th percentile). I cannot believe he is growing so quickly. DrW said he fully expects a mouth full of teeth the next time we come in. He took his four shots like a little trooper. As soon as I picked him up, he took a deep breath and was fine. He's such a big boy!

On a roll

Well, I guess Andrew has got it down pat (for now, at least.) He is consistently sleeping from about 9:00 until between 3:00 and 4:00. I still don't get in the bed until almost 11:00, but it's good knowing I won't be up an hour after that. Maybe if I can tweak my schedule I can get in bed an hour early...who knew it takes so long to get clothes ready and pack lunches??? Thanks to all who have been rooting me on!

On a down note, Andrew has thrush. Not fun for me or him. Calling the doctor today to see if they will phone something in. He has to get his 6-month shots Thursday and I really don't want to make 2 trips to St.V's this week. Keep your fingers crossed.

Woohoo!

Andrew slept until 5:10 this morning. When I put him down last night, he grinned up at me and never even cried. I dried Peyton's hair and by the time I was done, that sweet little man was fast asleep. I love my boy!

Sleep comes at a price...

I have gotten almost 6 hours of sleep the past two nights, but it came at a price. I decided that it was time to let my rotten son realize that he can go to sleep on his own. Night before last, I did his bedtime routine (nursing, cereal, bath time, lavender lotion) and lovingly put him in his crib with his aquarium on the "ocean waves" setting. He proceeded to scream his head off for about 30 minutes before he finally gave up and passed out. Because he never cries, it is SO hard to sit and listen to him cry. I had to go put Peyton in the tub so I wasn't able to hear him scream over the water running. Every few minutes I would go check on him, but he was fine...just showing us his Rouse temper!

Last night, same routine but he only cried about 5 minutes. Think he might be getting the hang of it? Let's not jump the gun. Say a little prayer that my smart cookie will figure it out sooner than later.

Trunk-or-Treat 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Pumpkin Troop

Each year, we do elaborate pumpkin carving...one pumpkin for each member of the family. So we had FOUR fat pumpkins to carve this year. Below are their glowing faces. The smiling one is Peyton's, the hoot owl is Andrew's, the stack-o-lantern's is mine, and the creepy flaming head is Nick's. It's an annual tradition we look forward to. It was so much fun this year!

Nick's Aunt

Very sadly, Nick's aunt passed away early this morning. The viewing is Sunday from 2:00-4:00 with the funeral immediately following. Please keep us in your prayers.

Prayer Request

Nick's aunt, Janet Scott, was hospitalized this week. She was put on a ventilator sometime in the middle of the night. The family is waiting to talk to the doctor this morning and will decide what to do from there. The outlook is not good; she is medically sedated and the doctors do not expect her to recover. She has battled with illness for many years now but is still young (50, I think.) Please keep them in your prayers.

Sounds about like Peyton...

So last night, Peyton was running around like a wild monkey. She had stripped down to her undies (yes, she's an exhibitionist) and was all over the living room like a spinning top. In the midst of the madness, I ask her, "Girl, what is the matter with you?" Her reply: "Momma, I'm just allergic to myself!"

WHERE DO THEY COME UP WITH THESE THINGS? I thought I was going to wet my pants laughing at her. It sounds about like something only Peyton could come up with...

Andrew's First Tooth

Don't get used to this smile, because it's about to change. Yes, that's right! Andrew has his first tooth. You can't see it from afar, but it's there. It's his lower, right-of-center tooth. I can't believe he's growing up so fast.

Boo at the Zoo Pictures

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Boo at the Zoo

This weekend, we went to "Boo at the Zoo" with Brad, Kim, Hailey and Blake. We all had so much fun. The boys were so good. And you know the girls had a blast! When Peyton saw Hailey she said, "Hey, Hailey can be the Wicked Witch and I can be Glenda the Good Witch." That's my Oz baby!

I think Peyton's favorite was trick-or-treating and the haunted carousel (or whatever they called it!) While Peyton was brave enough to go through the "Planet of the Apes" haunted house ONCE with her Daddy, she refused to go back through a second time with me, Kim and HP. She said, "No, Mama, those monkeys scared me!" It was hilarious. I think we all had a blast and got to show off our cute kids in their costumes. Will post pics as soon as possible!

Happiness comes in small packages!

As most of you know, I am a HUGE Nickolas Sparks fan. His new book, The Lucky One, just came out. He was at Brookwood Village yesterday (during work hours, of course) signing books. Lisa Reeves, a teacher here at Bagley, took off work to go to the book signing. I just happen to teach both of her children. SHE BROUGHT ME BACK A SIGNED BOOK! Woohoo. I was so excited! I already have a signed copy of another book. I was just beside myself to have this one. Thank you, Lisa. You made my day.

Reaching for my heart <3

As some of you know, I went to Kids' Market last night to shop for the kids' fall and winter wardrobes. I left right after school and didn't get home until almost midnight. Therefore, I didn't get to see the kids. This morning, Mom called me on my way to work to let me know Andrew was awake so I could stop back by the house and see him. Needless to say, I just HAD to go give him a hug. When I gave him back to Mom, he turned around, whimpered and REACHED FOR ME! That's the first time he's ever reached for someone with an all-out, both arms out, torso twisted, leaning over reach. He was reaching out for my arms to hold him, but he grabbed my heart instead!!!

New pictures

School just got more fun!

I am so excited! Lori Beth has started her observations and she is with me each Tuesday during 5th period. I am so pumped to have a good friend here with me. I know I will miss her when the observations are over. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the good company...might even put her to work!!!! :)

Flying solo...

Well, Nick started his part-time job this weekend. We need the money but IT STINKS! He worked Saturday 7AM to 8:30 PM and Sunday 7AM to 6:30PM. I take for granted the help he provides with our darling children! Getting ready for church was an interesting ordeal, especially considering that Andrew had kept me up the past few nights and I was a walking zombie.

We had a fun weekend, though. Friday night we went to Sumo for an early birthday celebration. Sushi, MMMMMMMM! Then Saturday Mom, Peyton, Andrew and I went to the Galleria. We were looking for new pants for me but found none (that's the problem with a big booty and short legs!!!) Then, of course, it was all football the rest of the evening. WAR EAGLE, even if the offensive play calling was horrible. Then church on Sunday.

Weekends fly by too quickly these days, just like the past year has! Thank you to all of my friends and family for putting up with me for another year. I hope to have many more to come!

Tater Tots vs. Bumblebees

Thankfully, the Bumblebees were much more on our level and didn't "sting" us. If we had been keeping score, Peyton's team would have won. Peyton still hasn't scored a goal, but at least she kicked the ball last night. She was so excited, too. Her coach took her aside and said something to her (not sure what) and after that, it was all good. Every time her teammate Griffin scored, she would yell, "Woohoo! Coach Felix, we did it again!" She had a blast! Hope to post some pictures this weekend.

First soccer game...

It was an ordeal to remember! Peyton's team, the blue team, the "Tater Tots" were playing the red "Flame". Okay, the names should tell you right away...the Tater Tots were about to be BURNED! Peyton's team is comprised of 6 players, 3 girls and 3 boys, none of whom have EVER played soccer before. The red team, also comprised of 6 players, has three boys who have played together before. NOT GOOD!

It was obvious after the first 5 minutes of play that the red team was on the ball and the blue team was chasing behind, trying to keep up. Still, Peyton kept in good spirits. She ran and kept up, but wasn't too sure about getting in the swarm of children to try and steal the ball. At halftime, she said, "I just can't get the ball away from that red team!" We told her to do her best and kick the ball when it came close and have fun. Nick gave her some tips on getting in the game, and she went back in to help her team.

Near the end of the game, it was obvious she was beginning to get frustrated. She would snap her fingers and say, "Awwwwww, man!" when the other team would score. (By the way, they don't keep score, but if they had it would have been about 13 to 2, red leading.) Peyton was yelling at us from the field, "I can't get the ball!" Still, she stayed on the field and ran her hardest.

Now for the tear-jerker...On the very last play of the game, I look out on the field to see Peyton running after the ball as fast as she can with a look of concentration and determination, but with tears rolling down her cheeks! It took all I had not to burst into tears myself. Here she was, trying as hard as she could, knowing she couldn't get the ball but refusing to give up. It broke my heart into a million pieces and made me so proud at the same time. While other kids had cried and given up because it was hot or they were tired or for one of a million other excuses kids always give, she wasn't giving up.

The game ended and they all gave high-fives. Peyton ran to me with a look of confusion. I could see all the different emotions on her face. I grabbed her up and as soon as she looked into my eyes, she fell apart. Mid-bawl she says, "Mommy, I was just trying so hard to get that ball and I couldn't get it from that red team. I just couldn't get it!" After she had a good cry, she was fine. My mom started getting Peyton to kick the ball and all was well. She got a kick out of the fact that Gigi couldn't kick the ball as good as she could! We told her we were proud of her and Nick told her he'd get her a soccer ball so they could practice at home.

In the end, she seemed okay with everything. She said she had fun, and that's what's important. We play again Thursday night. It will be interesting to see what happens and if her opinion changes now that she knows what she's in for! I just pray that she gets out there and enjoys herself...we will save the competition for later!

Peyton's Soccer Schedule

Peyton's first soccer game is tonight! She plays at West Jefferson (behind the old high school.) Everyone is welcome to attend. I know she'd love to see some familiar faces!!!

***All games begin at 5:45!

9/23
9/25
9/30
10/2
10/9
10/16
10/21
10/23

5-months-old and holding!

I know that every day is precious and I love to watch my little ones grow, but I think we are going to hold here at 5-months-old. I can't believe he's grown so quickly! We gave him cereal for the first time Friday night. He liked it, but still wasn't too sure about it. He woke up 4 times that night...and here I thought cereal was supposed to help them sleep! Repeat on Saturday night... up 4 times. Then finally on Sunday night he figured it out! He was flapping his arms like baby bird wings and opening that mouth as if to say, "More, Mommy, MORE!" He would fuss between bites. It was so sweet! AND he was still asleep when I woke up at 5:30. I had to get him up because I was about to explode. He ate, and went back to sleep until 8:20. Maybe this is the beginning of a beautiful new schedule, one full of sleep for Mommy!

Uh oh!

Everybody say a prayer for me. I woke up this morning with a stuffy nose and incredibly bad pain in the right side of my chest. Also a low-grade fever. I think I might be getting a breast infection. After seeing what Kim's gone through, I sure hope that's NOT what it is...

Sad mommy

I knew this day would come, but I didn't expect it so soon. This morning when I left home, Andrew was still asleep. After I dropped Peyton off at school I called Mom to tell her something. Andrew was up and in his usual cheerful mood. I had a few minutes before I had to be at work, so I stopped back by the house to say good morning to him. He was so smiley and happy! He was sitting in his high chair watching mom was dishes. I played with him for a few minutes and then got ready to leave. As soon as I got out of his range of sight, he started crying for me. It broke my heart!!! Like I said, I knew this day would come, but I didn't expect it so soon!

Sweet sleep!!!

Andrew slept until almost 5:00 this morning! WOOHOO! I got 6 straight hours of sleep. I didn't know what to do with myself. After I got up to feed him, I was so excited that I couldn't go back to sleep. Go figure! I finally dozed back off about 20 minutes before the alarm sounded. Oh, well. It was worth it!

This crazy life!

Man, life is busy right now! I know it will be this way until after Christmas. Nick had orientation for his new part-time job the past two days, soccer practice Monday, church tonight, meetings after school tomorrow, gotta get Kids' Market stuff ready Friday...then Saturday morning is Kids' Market drop off, going to Academy to get Peyton's soccer stuff, then Christopher's birthday party. WHEW! And next week isn't any better.

I was nursing Andrew on the couch last night and looked down at him. He had fallen asleep in my lap. As I watched him, I realized that his legs now wrap around the side of my waist. He has grown so much. I asked Nick, "When did he get so big?" It's been a month since I came back to work and it seems that he has grown exponentially. I cannot believe he will be FIVE MONTHS OLD in 11 short days. Where is the time going???? I want it back. I want to gobble up every morsel of this first year and hold on to it forever.

To all the new mommies and mommies-to-be...treasure it and don't worry about what other people say. Who cares if you hold them too much? Who cares if they sleep in bed with you? There will always be time for you to help them grow up. For now, just enjoy all the love you can hold and let them be little.

My little ones...

Checking in...

I got a little sleep last night! Woohoo! Nick put Andrew to bed shortly after we got home, which was around 9:00. I didn't go to bed until 11:30, but Andrew slept until 3:45. It was nice to get a few hours sleep. When Nick's alarm went off at 2:30, I rolled over to see a sleeping Peyton in the bed with us. We both must have been knocked out because neither of us heard her come in the bed. Oh, well...as long as we all got sleep.

Sleep deprivation STINKS!

My wee one has to sleep eventually! I mean, really...what's the deal? I think I'm going to have to start giving him cereal next week because I am seriously sleep deprived. (I say that every week, by the way. Just ask Kim!) I know that doctors say cereal won't help them sleep, that they will sleep through the night when they are ready. But it might be worth a shot at this point. I hate complaining because Andrew is such a fantastic baby. He almost never cries and he's smiley 90% of the time. He just doesn't particularly like to sleep. I guess I have to put it into perspective and realize that it won't last forever. I think I'd rather him be happy when he's awake. Peyton cried all the time but slept all night. I think I can deal with no sleep better than a screaming baby.

We went out to dinner with Ronnie, Cindy, Anna, and Autumn last night. Cindy got a new bed for her birthday and it's gorgeous. When we went back to their house to see the bed, I got to see baby pictures of Kyle and it's remarkable how much he and Andrew favor. The shapes of their heads, eyes, and nose are pretty much spot on. It's crazy! Peyton had the best time playing with A&A. I don't know who had more fun, Peyton or the big girls!

Reasons to smile

As if I didn't have enough reasons to smile, God continues to bless me. Pumping is going GREAT! I continue to have enough milk to freeze...I have about 50 ounces in the deep freeze now! WOOHOO! (I apologize to those of you who didn't expect graphic information. I'm so happy, I can't stop myself!)

The long weekend was very enjoyable. We had a great time Friday night at our Barnabas meeting...I think Peyton and Andrew would have moved in! Then Saturday Nick and I were both pleased as our teams won their season openers. WAR EAGLE!

I spent Sunday night after church with Kim and Heather laughing over too many things to count, including the fact that I can't eat buffalo chicken right now. EVIL! You should have seen me drooling over Heather's plate.

And, to start the week off right, I found out Michael Buble is coming back to B'ham in concert. Nick and I LOVE his music. We went to the concert the last time he was in town and had a blast. Nick is getting me tickets for my birthday, which is the 29th of this month. Yes, I'm getting older than dirt and twice as dusty.

I hope all my friends had as great of a weekend as I did.

So far, so CRAZY!

And I thought my first day back was going to be tough because I would be sad. Who knew the following was in store for me...

First, the oil light on my car came on while I was driving to meet my carpool buddy. Now, mind you, we were already traveling in her father's Jeep because her car had been running hot and my transmission can't make it to B'ham right now. Anyhoo, we get to B'ham and mom calls telling me Andrew screamed all morning and wouldn't take his bottle. Apparently the stress got to me because when I pumped, I couldn't get any milk to come out. Well, "any" is an exaggeration. I got a little, just not as much as normal. THEN we come out of the workshop to find that the Jeep has a flat tire. I start changing the tire while we await assistance from one of our male co-workers and I bite my tongue. YES, the left side of my tongue has a little flap hanging off. Fun, 'eh?

All I can say at this point is that I'm glad I have a car to drive...I'm glad the flat tire was in the parking lot instead of a blowout going down the road...I'm glad I have two healthy babies, even if one of them screamed all morning. Depsite the drama, God is good!!!

Emotional week ahead!

Okay, gals. I'm calling in the troops! You all need to be praying for me this week for the following reasons: 1) I have to go back to work, which means leaving my baby boy at home. I am thankful that I don't have to put him in daycare, but it still doesn't mean I'm happy to leave. 2) I am going back to work, which means here comes the stress of getting ready for the new year. 3) My baby girl turns 4-years-old. I remember her when she was Andrew's age, which seems like only 5 minutes ago. Please pray that I won't cry everyday and go insane!!!!

Capturing memories

Peyton and Andrew had their pictures made today. I can't wait for all of you to see them! It hurts my feelings...it doesn't seem like I should have a 3-month-old and a 4-year-old. Time flies too quickly when you are counting the days of your precious little ones!

Check the sky...pigs must be flying!

Okay, so I never thought I would ever jump on the blog-wagon. I've given every excuse under the sun, but I just can't avoid it any longer. It may be measley and utterly boring, but I have a blog! I welcome any assistance because I am truly technologically impaired when it comes to blogs. (Maybe not for long...Kim has pledged her assistance!)