Life's Joys

Hello Blogging World

2011-08-04T23:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I haven't blogged in such a long time. It is always something that I think about, but never actually do. Perhaps this will get me back into the practice. I can't believe I didn't even post Tristin's 1 year pics/bday and now he's almost 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where have I been??? BAD MOM!

Well-other than starting my masters again, playing with my precious baby boy (who isn't really a baby anymore), or hanging out with my husband, you can usually find me napping/sleeping. This upcoming year is going to be tough, but I know I can handle it.

Well here is to starting to blog again- I will post a few pics of my little guy and then write about him more later....

Tristin at the zoo with his cousins

Tristin was playing with his daddy on the floor this afternoon-

Zoo pic with my love!

Beach picture...he is so cute!:)

If only I had time to zoom in on this picture..haha!! He is a mess!!

8 months old!

2010-07-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

8 MONTHS OLD!!

Wow-I can’t believe how much you’ve started to grow. Who said you could do this so fast? I can see changes in you that I didn’t think I’d see for another few months or let alone years. We have just a few more days of school left and then we are home for the summer. I have been looking forward to this day since I took you to daycare in January. I can’t wait to wake up and just get to play with you ALL day long! I want you to know just how much your father and I love you and care for you! You honestly make our day and we can’t wait to play with you when we get home.

Well here is what you’ve been up to…

-We have an actual crawler..good bye army crawls! Hello EVERYTHING!!

-You are everywhere! You really don’t sit still..and if we try to make you-you very kindly let us know that that isn’t going to happen.

-You still love to eat! We’ve given you hamburger meat and you really like it-however something tells me you’d like anything we give you.

-Mornings are a task when I try to eat breakfast. You love it when I share! You get sooo excited!

-You still love your juice!

-You have to be weighing 30 pounds…haha. No you are around 22.

-You wear 12-18 month clothes! The 12 month are starting to get a LITTLE tight. :)

- You are talking more and more! You say Momma! I love it!!

-You love your friends at daycare. I don’t know what we are going to do without them this summer!

-You are the happiest little boy I know!! You can make anyone stop and smile!

-You play with a ball ALL OF THE TIME! One doesn’t leave his site!

-You still love giving high fives!

-You’ve let go of your cup-its been replaced by a ball!

-You still aren’t sleeping through the night but we are working on it. You’ve started to cry yourself to sleep.

-Just a few more days and we will get the sleep pattern down hopefully..come on summer!

-You give me kisses everyday when I pick you up as you squeal and hug me sooo tight. It is sweet and the other moms love it!!

-You still LOVE bath time. And our small outside pool is your favorite!! What fun we are going to have!

-Thank you for growing and learning and keeping me on my toes. You are my heart and I love every moment I spend with you! Your father and I are so very very proud you are in our life.

Pictures

2010-05-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Drum Roll...

I've actually sat down and uploaded pictures from my camera to my computer. While doing so I organized all of my photos-aka pictures of Tristin by month so I can keep up with them once I get around to printing them out.

We have one week of school. Unlike my mom, and sister-in-law who were out LAST WEEK! :( I can do this though. We have half days and well....I can make it! I am really looking forward to Thursday. I get to move all of my boxes to the NEW SCHOOL!! I can't WAIT! Lets be honest though...I'm not really looking forward to moving ALL OF MY BOXES.

Before I post a few photos here is an update on our Lil Man. We have a crawler. A funny looking crawl, but a crawler. For the past week he has been somewhere between an actual normal crawl, and a hunting/army crawl. He does a lot more pulling -sorta like a worm. He goes and goes and goes though. He feel so accomplished once he's reached his destination. I'm wondering what the next few weeks will have in store for me-Defiantly a baby gate will be purchased. He can almost crawl to his table, or bed and pull himself up-He tries really hard, but doesn't have his knees under him to pull himself up. I usually step in, help him get to his knees and then he's off to standing. We are working on our balance. We seem to just want to walk or turn to come to me, but forget we must hang on. I'm looking to get him a riding toy-any suggestions?

Here are a few photos...

7 Months Old

2010-05-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so by the time this post is actually posted, Tristin will probably be 8 months old!! I've sat down numerous times and have tried to complete a post, but have failed every time.

My computer has had a small part to do with this delay. We are experiencing problems with my video card and or LCD screen. I have someone from Dell coming to my house to fix the problem. It's times like this I love warranty's.

So our little love bug is growing up sooo very fast. I can't stand it!! One day he was crying for me to help him sit up and the next he's pushing himself up to sit!! So lets see what we've accomplished..

-You absolutely love to eat! You love chicken nuggets and peaches!! However we still force oatmeal with mixed food down you and you act like its the best in the world.
-You still love your juice! I think you would drink a gallon a day if we'd let you.
-You actually like tummy time now!! You get on the floor and make 360's trying to get your toys!! It is really funny.
-You've started pushing up on your hands and knees but you just rock. You do this a lot and make this funny hummmm noise. I am guessing its because you don't know what to do with yourself.
- You still LOVE to hear yourself and sing so so LOUD!!
-You are in love with one of the little girls at daycare! You just smile at her, and try to go talk to her.
-You say a lot of G's and B's. But this morning I heard a Mm. I know you'll get it down eventually.
-You don't want anyone but me in the morning!! Maybe it's because I supply your food. No but really you are a mommy's boy right now. Don't get me wrong-you LOVE your daddy you think he is funny!! The other day he was digging in the ground with a shovel and every time he'd hit the ground you would laugh!!
-You love to play ball!
-You can wave hi and bye-when it pleases you.
-You can give high-fives!! Your dad loves this!
-Your favorite color is yellow or orange-weird but you love taking your yellow cup around with you wherever we go.
-You love to feed yourself. You love it when we give you finger foods.
-You will pull up on us while we are on the floor.
-You ROLL EVERYWHERE
-You roll back and forth when we put you to bed and you just talk to yourself. At times you cry-but we let you figure it all out. We have caught you with your leg stuck in the slats and you didn't like that at all!
-You give me kisses everyday when I pick you up as you squeal and hug me sooo tight. It is sweet and the other moms love it!!
-You still LOVE bath time. You like to splash water EVERYWHERE which tells me the pool is a must this year. Perhaps we will stick to our neighbors plastic pool until I get a small tan, and then we can go out and about.
-

We have a lot planned this summer-the zoo, visiting cousins, baseball games!! I can't wait to share pictures and enjoy my time off with you! Only a few more weeks!!

You are such a blessing and I love spending my time with you. You melt my heart (even when you wake up early) and I look at you with tears a lot and thank God for bringing you to me. I love you so so much! Thanks for being such a Happy Happy Boy!!

I'll post pictures soon-my computer will be fixed FRIDAY!! WHOOP!

Wedding Videographers

2010-04-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday. I can't tell you how thrilled I am that it is Friday. I wanted to try to contact my new principal today but after I found out she wasn't on campus I began looking on our schools website. I was ecstatic to find out many of the teachers I will be teaching with went to TEXAS A&M!! How exciting is that!! I truely miss that school and am thrilled about sharing my experiences with my collegues.

Well...I started looking on a few websites to find one in particular aggie that looked familar. Of course she was one of my good college friends girl friend. Troy and I had classes together everyday for 2 years. I knew of his girlfriend and met her a time or two,however we never hung out. The two have split their ways over the last 3 years and have found someone else. They are now both truely happy and I'm grateful for that. His ex whom I will be teaching with, had a wedding video on her website that I watched during my 6th period class (dont tell). I didn't get to listen to it, so when I got home today I wanted to get the full experience. This clip was amazing. I quickly clicked on the link after the short video to find a WONDERFUL videographer. Her work is amazing. I've spent over an hour watching her videos in aww. I've cried, I've laughed and reminised over her work. It is truely amazing. The funny thing is I DON'T KNOW ANY OF THESE PEOPLE!! I even made Kevin watch..haha!

If you get some time check out this link. http://vimeo.com/vanessamckellar
If you have lots of time look for the story of Erika and Phil. Watch the invitation one first and then the LONG but AMAZING video of their special day. What a blessing to have.

Daycare

2010-04-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Who knew daycare could cost so much, make me stress, or ask if I'd like to be put on a waiting list?

After accepting my new job-Kevin and I started to think of where we'd put Tristin. I want him to be in a place with loving teachers and kids he can grow with, all while being safe and home-like.

Who would have thought Kevin and I would disagree on this topic? Kevin" Why can't we just put him anywhere?" Me"I'm not going to put him in a daycare that Jo Blow goes to who gives him lice, or where his playground is the hwyway." (really a place Kevin was considering)

So I sent Kevin who took our neighbor on a daycare hunt.
First Stop Primrose....

The boys were greeted with a smile and energetic director eager to sell their program and daycare. The boys stayed 45 min. They saw every room and learned about the academic program they use. By the time they are in Kindergarten they are all reading on a 2nd grade reading level. This daycare is more of a school than play time. I loved everything Kevin had to tell me about it. After he visited this daycare he was sold and understood why we couldn't just put Tristin anywhere. I was excited and asked for the price. He gave me a smirk and softly uttered one thousand fifty dollars. DID YOU READ THAT???? $1,050!!!!! I nearly fell off of our kitchen stool.

I then asked about the next school they visited.
The Children’s Courtyard

This was the second stop. The stop the boys felt awkward at and glad to have a non energetic guide. They spent about 5 minutes at the daycare. They took a short walk to the infant room aka kennel (beds were stacked on top of each other). They were then asked how old THEIR son was.....HAHAHAHA!! They looked at one another and said...O NO!!! They did get the price and when he told me this one...I really did have to stand up...1,070!!! WHO PAYS THIS MUCH? Who can afford this?

I become really worried we weren't going to be able to afford daycare. Kevin and I are looking to save up this year to prepare for a new car payment in the future. It didn't seem like this was going to even be a thought.
Well, today I went to sign my papers at AISD. I asked about daycare at AISD schools and received a few numbers. AISD used to have daycare just for their employees. They have now opened it up for the community-but space is VERY limited. I was wary about putting him in a school that I hadn't checked out or that might not be as loving. I took the plunge and called the elementary that will be a mile down the road from me, that is also in a VERY VERY nice neighborhood. The director answered my phone call in a happy, bouncy, and energetic voice. I explained that I would be new to AISD and she replied with "we have one spot open in the infant room". I very quickly asked what I needed to do to take this spot. She very kindly said she'd put me down for the last vacancy if I'd come by within the next few days to officially reserve the spot.
I was nervous since I haven't seen the school, but have heard it’s wonderful. The director sounded wonderful and well-I feel on top of the world now. What is even better...it cost 680!!!!! I LOVE IT ALREADY!! HAHAHA!! He will be in a class of 6 boys and 1 girl. We will get to go visit it tomorrow afternoon, and sign him up. I'm so excited. YEA Kiker Elementary for having such a wonderful, welcoming, affordable daycare.

New Job

2010-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

So my prayers have been answered. I recieved the call last Thursday that I had a job. They were excited about becoming apart of their team. I'm thrilled to be apart of such a wonderful school.

Gorzychi (said.GOR-RISKY) Middle School opened its doors in 2009. They have a wonderful school, filled with wonderful teachers, and students.

I went and signed my papers today to make it official. It was a great feeling to feel wanted and excepted. I honestly can't wait to start my new journey. I just hope they let me (AKA Kevin) move my boxes over soon!

GO TIGERS!!!

6 Months

2010-04-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe 6 months have flown by! Tristin you are still such a blessing to your father and I. We love you very much. You hated your shots today-but got to stay home with Mommy!! I tried to help you forget about them.

At 6 months

~You have 2 teeth
~You are starting to push up with your arms and tuck in your knees-and you rock to a belly flop
~You can pull up on our fingers-the doctor was uber impressed that you were doing this, and made sure we put your bed on the lowest setting.(which we did tonight)
~You are squealing-LOUD
~You see your mommy and whine and reach out
~You LOVE your outdoor swing
~You can offically start eating yogurt (even though I've been giving you small bites here and there)
~You still LOVE food
~You are sleeping a little bit better-but your teeth hurt so thats been given you problems
~You are still on breathing treatments-but you sound MUCH better
~You are wearing 9-12 month clothes
~You like watching Mommy type on the computer and try to copy her...
~You LOVE to play!!

Here are a few Easter pictures.....

Easter

2010-04-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful holiday to celebrate! I'm so glad I got to spend it with family, and Tristin got to see his cousins. They are hilarious,and Trisin just loves watching them. We sang-Denver, Averi and Maddie ALL love Taylor Swift so she was the artist of choice to sing..."She wears short skirts I wear (teachers-Maddie) T-shirts she's cheer captin and,,," They can sing the ENTIRE song!! We laughed-Maddie is always quick to tell someone No or that its not right, while Averi is always mothering, and trying to get Maddie to see the right way-or the right in something-its tooo funny!!

The Easter Bunny made a stop by my moms house on Saturday and the kids enjoyed their hunt. Enjoy some photos...

We have Teeth

2010-04-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Wed. the 31st of March, we woke up to a pretty cheerful boy. The day before was rough and he was upset while at daycare. They called a little before noon on Wednesday asking if they could give him any orajel, and I agreed. I went on my lunch break to visit my lil guy, to find him tearful. He was so sad, but so very glad to see his mommy. I held him and rocked him-and nursed him to sleep. When I picked him up that afternoon I no longer had my precious gummed boy, but a lil boy who was growing up-with a tooth!! I was nervous about it, but its cute. Everything about him is cute-so why wouldn't this be?

This past Sat. as I was trying to show off our tooth spurt, we noticed the next tooth. :) How much fun food will soon be!!!

My Husband and Lil Man

2010-03-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

Aren't they both just so wonderful? I have to say I have a good looking family-two good looking boys!! :) These two guys are all a girl could ask for (until I get ready to try for a girl..haha). I have a lil boy who is wonderful (despite the fact that he's still congested and I took him in today to find out we need to being doing all sorts of treatments to get him better). But to top it off, I have a husband who is great! He gets me, and puts up with me, but most of all takes care of me. I am spoiled-he will tell you that. He helps me clean on his day off, he cooks for me 98% of the time (I cook the other 2%), he rubs my back, he helps me with Tristin, he doesn't mind helping with the laundry, he cleans up after himself (except for the clothes he takes off before workout or bed-he just lays them on the floor), and he loves me. How did I ever get so lucky to have two great guys? He's my rock, someone that allows me to get frustrated with, cry on, and talk to and at the end of the day still care and love me.

Lets face it-this year has been rough. A new job-having a wonderful addition-going through hormonal changes-not wanting to go back to work-Tristin ending up in the hospital-me finding out I don't have a job-not wanting to go back to work. (No I don't want any cheese with my whine) But really stress central!! Kevin hasn't given up on me yet-he still tells me everyday he cares and loves me. He's wonderful and I wouldn't trade him for the world. I just hope he knows how much he is appreciated. So honey-if you don't and you are reading this-hopefully you understand now.

Keep your blessing in mind, and surround yourself in love-life always gets better-and God can see the bigger picture-just follow his guidence.

Jobs

2010-03-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

So it is a fact that I'm looking for yet again a NEW JOB. Why does this seem to be a trend in my life lately?

Why is it that I feel so pressured to get a job? Why can't I be like 1/3 of our country and not work or the other 2/3's who don't pay taxes? Why do they get the chance to sit at home, watch tv on their big screens and eat bon bons while I go to work and wish I was at home with my baby? I realize we could live on Kevin's income-but that is just live. If we wanted to make it work we'd have to move-which I'm not up for. This puts us in a poor neighborhood and I want my kids to grow up in the best. I guess thats why I'm looking for a job.

I'd really like to work in a building like "The Office"....and also truely think I'm being filmed for a tv show. That would make life interesting. I have put in my resume to Hays and Austin county-but who knows since a million people apply to both daily.

I've also tossed up the idea of keeping babies at my house. I would have to take out the dinning room and change it into a "playroom" but it might be worth it. Perhaps I could keep 2 or 3 kids,along with Tristin and still be a sane adult. :)

What is it that I should do/be when I grow up? Any suggestions would help-or if anyone knows of a job in Austin, TX-let me know. I'm willing to learn-however I MUST have time with my lil boy :-)

5 months

2010-03-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

I figured before I wrote one for 6 months I better update everyone on our fifth month first.

We are yet still amazed at everything that you do. You make us smile everyday and have brought me closer than I ever thought to your father-whom I love and adore very much. (If only he'd let me stay home with you..haha).

This month....

..You are sitting up all by yourself and you LOVE it!!
..You still can't pull yourself up, but you try so very hard!!
..You now LOVE I mean LOVE taking baths. Now that you can play around and sit up in the water your good to go.
..You love your yellow duckys that swim with you in the water.
..You don't mind that I put lotion on you.
..You HATE I repeat HATE when I put clothes on you. You'd rather be free in your diaper.
..You have offically started teething-and you pull on your gums so hard. It hurts me.
..When you see mommy or daddy after being gone you love to give kisses. They are VERY WET, but you just love on us.
..You still aren't sleeping through the night. You wake up around 12 for about 3 min, and then around 3 or 4. This usally means your going to end up sleeping in our bed (which I don't mind) so we can get some sleep. I'm praying its the teeth.
..You roll over and twist and turn in your crib at night. Rolling over usually wakes you up!
..You've outgrown your bouncer.-TOOO Heavy
..You are wearing 9-12 month clothes.
..You are eating stage 2 foods-which you like SO much better. I haven't fed you anything you haven't liked. (you even liked squash although it made you constipated-and mommy is afriad to try it again)
..You LOVE your puffs. You go nuts when you notice the yellow container. It makes us laugh.
..You like it when mommy shares her yogurt with you. :)

I just know I'm going to wake up in a few days (it will seem) and you'll be walking!!! Hold up lil one!! Your daddy and I love you very much!

Its About Time!!

2010-03-23T04:58:00.000-07:00

I am so very sorry for just getting arouond to my blogging. I have been so worn out lately. When I get home I play with Tristin as much as I can and by the time we eat, clean up, and shower I'm OUT!

So we have a week and our little boy will be 6 months. We've gotten to share 5 months of bliss with this lil boy that I could have never expected. He is amazing and so wonderful to have. We just got back from Spring Break. We traveled to Arkansas with our neighbors Jesse and Adrienne. They are such a wonderful couple and I am so thankful they are so wonderful. Jesse bought an RV for his band rig-however he'd been dying to go camping. One night after dinner we sat around an joked at first about going somewhere-well that joke turned into an 8 hour trip to Arkansas. It was so much fun. It was however very different with a 5 month old. What a great way to travel-walking around, bathroom, food, tv, playtime for Tristin!! Tristin was actually wonderful through the long drive and while camping. He LOVED being outside and going on our hikes!! I have a feeling I'm going to be outside A LOT this summer, and using up bottles of sunscreen on our lil man (who is as fair as the snow). I'm trying to look on the brighter side of things- a tan for me. (Speaking of fair-wow my legs are ghostly!!) Anyways-we loved our travel time and our company.

When we got back my mom came to visit. Its always so wonderful when your family comes to visit. Especially my mom. She gets me-even when I don't get me-she does. We shopped around Austin-Ikea, The Domain-Target-Buy Buy Baby-Lowes, and then around San Marcos-Hobby Lobby-Bed Bath and Beyond-The Outlet. It was a blast. I spent more money that I should have, but o well. That is life I guess. I love our talks and memories we carry. I hope I can either share this bond with Trisin's wife, or have a daughter of my own one day. :)

Trisitn is sitting up now and ever so slightly trying to reach out for things beyond his arm-putting him on his knees at times. Then his week arms get tired and he looks like a seal hitting the floor. Of course he hollers and I pull him up. He absolutely LOVES to eat! We are now on stage 2 foods-allowing us to eat things like chicken, ham, turkey, chicken noodle. He can't wait when he sees his bowl. He is also VERY addicted to puffs (like a cheerio, but disolves much faster). If he ever so slightly catches a glimpse of his can-his legs start kicking and he starts this humming sound. Hahaha...its funny!

I'll post more about our little man soon. I want to attach some pictures before I head off to work. (Well it isn't letting me-it says failed everytime I try to upload. I will try again tonight)

Time

2010-02-15T18:55:00.001-08:00

I wish I had time...

I promise to post pictures soon!!

For now-I'm home alone with Tristin for the night, and have told myself I have to go to bed. If I don't, I'll be so tried in the morning. Please let this be the night my lil man sleeps through the night without a fuss!!

4 months

2010-02-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

Tristin has gotten so big!! He's started to do wonderful things, which make each day so much fun.

I will post the progression pics soon, but for now here are a few things about our Lil/Big Boy!

Weight..18 pounds 90 %
Length...26 inches 86 %
Head...?(don’t remember) 82 %

At least he is all big..haha
Tristin here are a few things about you....

-You've now been on cereal for about a month-and its getting harder for you to poo!
-You love your apple/prune juice
-You tried squash-but didn't really like it
-You LOVE your saucer, and can't wait to be put in it in the mornings while mommy eats breakfast.
-You LOVE to talk..everyone thinks you say HI to them, b/c when you see someone you say..hiiiiiii its cute and everyone laughs
-You love to blow bubbles and spit!!
-You slobber A LOT, and go through many clothes at daycare b/c of this
-You are o so close to sitting up by yourself. Today you played for 2 min. sitting by yourself, and then fell and cried a bit. Then you tried again, but kept falling back-and you'd grunt soo hard and pull yourself up...we were amazed.
-You still hate your tummy
-You LOVE to eat your hands, Sophie your giraffe, your rattle, well anything you can get your hands on.
-You don't care for your swing much
-You are having a hard time sleeping (after you were sick) and we are up several times a night still
-You LOVE TV
-You can stand up for a really long time
-You really started liking your jumper/no big jumps yet, but you swing
-Still don't care for baths, but LOVE taking showers with mommy
-You are now wearing 6-9 month clothes and close to 12 months
-You've just moved up to a size 4 diaper

-And your Pedi said we need to look into getting a bigger car seat for you! I thought you were supposed to stay in your carrier until you were 1!! Slow down BOY!

Well that’s about it.....

Its been a while

2010-02-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

Finally a few moments to write...hang tight folks. I've got a few blogs to write

January 16th, we woke up to a very sad, cranky lil boy. He seemed to not feel very well-a cry we've never heard. I held him close and rocked him all day and prayed he would get better. I kept telling myself it was a cold. The week before Trisitn started to have a clogged nose, and it was nasty. (Something the booger mom loves, but nasty) Sunday rolled around and Tristin was still showing signs of sickness. He slept all day long. I believe I called my mom at least 4 times, worrying about him.

Monday morning, we called in to the pedi to check up on his status. We quickly found out it was RSV. We were notified that it was common, but we needed to watch for rapid breathing, and wheezing. I quickly called into the school to notify them of my situation. We took Tristin home with a double ear infection, and RSV. I just held him close. We were told to leave him out of daycare for the week, so Kevin and I quickly split up our week. I was going to take of Tuesday, and Wednesday leaving Thursday for Kevin to take off (since he's off on Fridays). Tristin and I hung out in bed all day long and cuddled.

Tuesday morning I woke up to a scream at 3:00. I looked him over and calmed him down. I didn't see anything noticeable or different, but as I started to lay down beside him I thought I'd take the time to count his breaths. 84-I quickly woke Kevin and told him, and asked him to count. 82. I got upset, and Kevin called our Pedi who told us to go ahead and take him to the ER. We drove in, and our lil guy stumped the nurses. He looked fine, no fever, but was breathing really fast. We started a series of breathing treatments and checks. We had x-rays-scary and horrible to watch. It looked like they were torturing him. Then back for more treatments. It was determined he was having a hard time breathing, and the doctors wanted a more specific doctor to look at him. Tristin was put on oxygen and we rode by ambulance to Dell.
We arrived to begin another series of treatments, and to camp out in the ER till 6 that evening. They decided around noon that they wanted to keep him over night to monitor, and to keep him on oxygen. Night number one-rough, but we were hopeful. Day two-started out ok, but he didn't want to eat at all. He was then introduced to the feeding tube. Not pretty! Day number 3,we were ready to GET OUT....and by 10 that morning, they came in to set us free. I am still tired from this week, and don't have the words to describe how scared, and nervous I was the entire time.

We took him in for a checkup that Friday, and were sent home with a breathing treatment and some prayers.

What a week...here are some photos

Our Trip to Dell.... ER at Dell/with Dad

Tired Lil boy...... Feeding Tube that I didn't like!

Tuesday

2010-01-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

Today is Tuesday..did you all realize that, because I swore it was Wednesday ALL DAY LONG!! I even went to my Wednesday duty station, and skipped out on my Tuesday. Where is my head. I know its consumed in school, and wishing the days would fly by so I can take my baby home and play with him. I catch myself wanting summer to be here sooo bad, and then getting caught up because I realize he'll be 8 months old and moving all over the place and my little baby wont be a baby anymore. That hurts, but I try to tell myself how fun it will be. I just never realized how much I'd love my baby boy. He's growing soo much with every day that passes. I tried to hold him in my arms today, and he really doesn't fit anymore-it made me sad. So my goal is to keep my head up and enjoy every moment I can with him. Today we played a lot, read books, and ate cereal-wow pictures to come he is a messy eater..haha.

Our mornings are so good together-we play and talk its such a great way to wake up-and if you know me you know I HATE the mornings-so this is great!!

I'll post pictures soon...duty calls-we have a little one who was out now awake...

Day 3

2010-01-06T11:28:00.001-08:00

Today was hardest of all. It started out with me being exhausted yesterday evening, but not going to bed until around 10:45. When I had just fallen into my slumber a peeping cry sounded through the monitor and I quickly got up, with Kevin to follow at 12:30. We got him fixed up (paci) and then headed back for bed. I was praying that was the last I'd here from him till 6ish. Well as luck had it, our little boy who had a hard day of naps the day before (going to a new place is hard work) woke up at 3:30ish, then at 4-which I just stayed in his room. Best idea I had was to put a twin in his room!! :) Well by 4:30 when he voiced again-just louder-I got him up to feed. Boy he was hungry!! Haha...I could barely keep my eyes open! We feed and changed our clothes-he laughed and smiled. It was a jolly time-until I got the boogie sucker...which he actually did pretty good on!! Once I got him settled I rocked him and watch his pretty blue eyes, that are turning greenish I think, fall asleep. I quickly started to cry. How was it that I could leave this little boy for someone else to "raise". How could I bother his sleep later to take him to a place he doesn't know? I got up from the rocker and put him in bed and snuggled close to him. His smell is heaven sent. I didn't want to get up...I wanted to lay with him all day!!

I quickly came back to reality and got up to get ready for work. We left the house, a bit late, but nevertheless we left. I got about five miles down the road and the tears started to fall..When I wiped away the salty water the glare of red and blue were brought to my attention. I was getting pulled over..how could this be today of all days. I just wanted to get to work to get my day over with so I could pick up my baby. I pulled into a subdivision and got my licences and registration out. The tears by now were falling. I rolled down my window to let the cold air draft in, and began to hysterically cry.
"Mam, good morning"-officer
"Good morning sir, I'm m m s s sorry"-me (crying trying to catch my breath to talk)
"Mam, its ok"
"I know, I'm just taking my baby to day daycare"
"Awe, first one?"
"Y, Yes sir" (first time Ive ever been nice to an officer by the way and even called him sir more than once)
"Well I have 3 little girls, you'll be ok, I know its hard"
"I kno know"
"You need to be strong for him though"
"JUST TEARS AND SNIFFS, I will"
"Well, just know its 55, not 65 out here in the country, and be safe for that little boy"
"Yes, sir, thank you"

First time I've ever cried in front of a cop, first time, Ive ever truly meant what I said to a cop, and the first time I've gotten a cop from even looking at my insurance or drivers license.

I got to school tear free from then on, and put on my mommy panties to take him inside his daycare. I placed him in a crib since he was asleep and walked out the door. I made it to the car before I allowed myself to cry again.

I arrived at school to greet my kids and welcome them back from Christmas. I truly love the teaching field-however I miss my baby.

I pray today he is geared up after school so I can see him/play with him tonight. We are going to try our best to get into bed by 9:00. Keep your fingers crossed.

Tristin's 1st Day at Daycare

2010-01-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been dreading this day since October 1st when I held my little boy in my hands. Right away I was in love and couldn't wait to teach this little boy about the world and all of its wonders. I've been blessed to enjoy 3 months with Tristin, and watch him grow daily. This is honestly the best thing in life! I've gotten to witness so many accomplishments already. Watching him smile, rub his eyes when he's tired, swing and just laugh with excitement, stand up in my lap, sit up, roll over, and the list goes on. I didn't know how happy he would make me.

This morning, I didn't want to wake up-I didn't want to take my little boy to daycare for someone else to watch, because I wanted to watch him. I wanted to be there after his nap, and talk to him after he feeds, and read books. I wanted to change his diaper and hear him fuss when he was tired and ready for a nap. I know that I need to go back to work, this is what I need to do so I can bring him up the way I'd like to, but it was so very hard taking that step and letting go this morning.

I went into his room (with tears) and woke him up. We feed and played, and talked. Then loaded up in the car and took off to work. The entire way I cried...I could have helped to fill up the rivers...We got to school and he woke up..(I was really hoping he'd stay asleep so I could feel as if I was sneaking away) I handed him to Miss Mary his main teacher, and went back to the car for a load. When I came back he was smiling and kicking around. So happy. That made my heart sing. I am sooo blessed to have him, and so happy to have such a happy boy. It was good to see him smile this morning after all. I went over his schedule like his teacher couldn't read, or this was her first baby to keep. I walked out with tears falling down my checks and just took one step at a time. I really wanted to go sweep him up and take him back home, but I let go. This is one of many to come, and I didn't realize how hard it would be. He's one special boy and I will now cherish every moment we have.

However if anyone ever wins the lottery and wants to share with me, I'd love to stay home and teach my baby.

I about ran into his room this afternoon to find him being rocked, and ready to eat. He was so happy to see me. He just smiled and grinned!! We came home ( after having a quick car nap) and played and played. He was so tired. He went to bed a little after nine, and I haven't heard a peep.

I pray my week gets easier,and he keeps up his joyfulness at daycare.

Tristin Rolling Over

2010-01-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

Tristin has been growing up very quick!! He got a saucer for Christmas, but really just the past 2 days has he started really liking it!! Now he'll squeal and bounce around!! He's also been sitting up by himself, but a hand has to be pretty near, because he'll get excited and push back with his legs!!! (This happened in the tub last week and it wasn't a fun sight...my cat like reflex caught him before he went kaboom)

He's taken a break in rolling over, but just today he rolled over 5 times. Hopefully it will stick,and he'll continue. Next stop really sitting up-I guess the bed needs to move down a few notches!! Then crawling..he likes to get his knees under him already...give me another month or two please!!

This was the last time we put him on his belly and he was tired of it..haha..it wasn't funny to him anymore. We did catch a funny/good one on our video camera, but this is close enough!!

New Years Eve!!

2010-01-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

Tristin spent New Years Eve with his older girl-friend-Kendall! They got to meet for the first time and loved their time. Kendall wasn't toooo sure about him at times, but she warmed up to him. If only he could play with her.....haha!! One day KJ, one day!! Here is a snap shot of the two!!

Kendall...

Tristin...one of the few that hes not trying to eat his hands..

The two bringing in the new year!!

Without hats!!! :) And yes they are 4 months apart and my child is larger..haha!!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was such an excitement and a joy with our new member!! Tristin made this season so much more meaningful and special!!

Tristin brought in the goods!! Wow...I guess he has people/family that like him..haha!! Next year we'll have to set out list and stick to them..its like we own our very own Toys R Us!! Hes just 3 months as well!! Ahhhh!! He's got great things to play with for the next few months!!

We began our Christmas journey at Kevin's parents. We stayed the weekend before Christmas-and made our rounds to show off how big Tristin was getting to the aunts and uncles. We have a few pics to show our fun times...

It was supper nice to have our first family Christmas to ourselves!! I made ham, green bean casserole, spaghetti squash, mashed potatoes, and rolls of course. It was good!! Tristin woke up just in time to eat as well!! It was a start to many of our new family traditions!! I can't wait to continue throughout the years!

Then we got up Christmas morning and drove to Hamilton-after opening Santa's gifts of course! We drove through great winds, and into snow in Hamilton!! It was such a pretty sight to see and worth the drive!! We spent our Christmas at my Pa and Granny's. It was so fun spending time with the family!! Tristin got A LOT of books-which was WONDERFUL!!! Then we had Christmas at moms the following day. He got a Sophie!! lots of extremely cute clothes!! (Thank you children's place ;) and a stand with toys....which he'll love one day, and Blocks-with his name ;) !!

Then it was back home for some R and R and time with Tristin!! What a fun time...I'll leave ya with some pictures-They aren't in order-sorry!

Tristin, Daddy, and Uncle Mike on the tractor!!

Tristin and his new saucer-which he LOVES!! From Kevin's parents!

SNOW!!!

Christmas Eve night....our flying elf!!

Christmas at Nana's!

Kevin's santa hat was hurting his head!!

Tristin's Christmas outfit!!

Tristin and Big Daddy

Christmas eve at our house!!

2 MONTHS OLD

2009-12-09T16:38:00.001-08:00

Yipee...We've made it a whole 2 months and are doing great! Our little man has surpassed our expectations and continues to surprise us everyday with a new noise,or a new trick. He's learned to drool A LOT...which causes him to every now in then make a new noise in his mouth-they he really enjoys. As in our previous blog with a small update-we are now 14(+ I'm sure now after almost 2 weeks) which puts us in the 90% of weight and 24 inches long, which is the 75% in length. We are already squeezing into our 3-6 month clothes-where after a wash they are getting snug!! I really wanted to wait to put these blue jeans and shirt set on him until he was around 6 months-I thought how cute he'd look sitting up in them,well after a poo all over the body the other morning, I was just looking to grab anything and therefore grab this outfit, since it had long sleeves, well-it wont be a 6 month outfit thats for sure. His little tummy is almost hanging out...hehehe. I'm told its great he's gaining the weight, so I guess all is good for him. I really don't just sit and feed him all day-he's on a 3-4 hour schedule and a night longer!!

Speaking of night time...we've now been sleeping through the night for 2 weeks!! At about 10:00 at night our little guy begins rubbing his eyes and is ready to be put to bed....(our bed that is..I know I know what you will all say, HURRY GET HIM OUT OF YOUR BED WHILE YOU CAN, but he is so wonderful and we both love to snuggle close together. ) It is so easy as well, we just lay him down and he takes turns looking a mommy and daddy,and usually at first gets excited and tells us a story-I mean really talks-and then he takes his paci and he's off to sleep. We usually sleep till around 5:15ish, however today it was 6!! YIPEEE...I woke up in a panic, because Kevin wasn't at home anymore and usually we get to greet him before he leaves.

I'll leave you with a few pictures....

Tristin and Daddy-matching...it was cute!! They got to hang out all day together this day while I went to the ballet with my sisters and mom, and nieces and nephew.

Tummy time is getting better!! He really loves his mat and is getting closer to rolling over!! Today he made a 360 while scooting all around with his legs. He got up on his knees at one point, however his chest and head were on the ground-I got a little nervous..(hahaha)

Changing for bedtime...I took this while he was laughing at Kevin, while getting changed!!!

I recieved my christmas early

2009-12-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Not only do I have a wonderful little boy to be thankful for this year, Kevin,my loving husband let me get a camera I've been talking about since -well forever! I love taking pictures, I am bad at getting them developed, but I love taking them. After I got Tristin's pictures taken this year and realized how much they cost I thought to myself-I can do this. I'm not a pro at all, but I can take wonderful pictures as well-if I just had the right camera though! So after some pleading and saying what a treasure it will end up being, Kevin gave me the ok to purchase it!

Its a EOS Digital Rebal SLR. I'm so pumped about it and wanted to take pictures right away, but haven't found the prime opportunity to capture the best pose as of yet.

I've also been informed by Kevin's cousins of a great website for all of you moms who have little ones around. It is really for babies/under a year old. Its called babysteals.com. Every day at 10 they post a steal of a deal-I have found more girl things than boy, but its steal fun to look at everyday. It does however tempt you to purchase things you might not really need. I have enjoyed it, and wanted to pass it along!!:)

I will update on our little man soon-along with a few pictures, but just for information we had our 2 month check up on the 1st, and he weighed 14 pounds-(90%) and was 23.75 inches (75%)!! Our little boy is growing up supper fast!!

If Your Happy and You Know it....

2009-11-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

Playtime

2009-11-25T03:56:00.001-08:00

We've almost mastered a roll- we get so very close! He loves tummy time in the mornings and only if he's happy haha!

Just a picture of my cutie

2009-11-25T03:55:00.001-08:00

This was one morning last week while we were playing!

Aww rest

2009-11-25T03:51:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Kevin and I took Tristin on a shopping trip to Hobby Lobby and Target! Getting out of the house felt amazing to say the least!
We went into Hobby Lobby to buy outside Xmas lights!! The big bulbs for the front of our house! You know from previous blogs how excited I am about Christmas so this put me over the edge when Kevin said he'd put up lights!
So we went in and got the lights-now I also needed glass for some frames I had purchased earlier in the year which have been awaiting Tristins arrival and his pictures! We picked the glass up and then I recieved a call from my sister about making stockings this weekend and so I quickly began hunting down fabric and ornaments for our stockings!! What fun! Needless to say we march up to pay and my few small purchases came out to be an expensive trip!

Once we got out it was time for a feeding so we sat in the car and watched Tristin gulp until he was satisfied!

Next stop Target! We went in originally to return diapers and get new ones! You see since our little guy is growing so much we didn't need our last box of 2 s and I had two packaged of 3 s that were huggies- which I hate!! These do not work for us! Hillary didn't care for them and I thought at first I was biased but after talking with Jan, she hates them as well. Anyways at wal mart you can only exchange diapers for diapers which is perfectly fine by me- however target gave us the gift card- o how I love thee! Well we picked up a package of 3s since they can start at 16 pounds and I'm guessing Tristin is around 14-15 so he'll be in those before you know it!! We then got infant Tylenol bc we never bought any and some gripe water which I heard works great!! We also picked up a paci clip since he is starting to use his more and I hate searching for it!!

We then made a run to Jasons Deli my fav and then home to pick up/clean and enjoy our outside Xmas lights Kevin put up!! I love them! So merry and bright!

Tristin did well and stayed up a bit this evening and well let's just say for the record since this will prob never happen again- I fed him at 9:30 and a little more to calm him down at 10:30 and after going to bed he didn't wake up until 4:45!!! What happened??? Let me just say the sleep was amazing and it's 6 and I feel o so ready to go for the day!! Yipee

I'll end on that wonderful bit of information!!!

Pregnancy-anxious

2009-11-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

I just had the opportunity to sit down and read Lacey's blog over the wonderful joys pregnancy brings us-the gas(I had it major)-the extra hair-the awkwardness during your first few months, because you feel huge, but don't look it at all, and you do have a beer looking gut for a long time,-however you also feel everyone should be able to tell your expecting and comment-but if they do comment, you think you must look awful and really big since deep down you know you aren't that big yet. Wow..It brings about anxious minds, from the day you find out your expecting. You worry/are anxious for the first 3 or so months, hoping everything goes as planned, then once you cross that milestone you are anxious to know the sex, then once you find that out you reach the anxious stage of really showing, that moves quickly into wanting he/she out, and you left anxious and wondering what he/she will look like. Then when they arrive your anxious to get home and start your family, and very soon reality hits and your anxious to get sleep-the sleep you thought you weren't getting in the last weeks before their birth-o if I would have only known.

I love my little boy-I enjoy watching his milestones, but once again I'm left anxious because I can't wait for him to laugh, or roll over, or sit up, and crawl. I honestly can't wait to see him in his carhart overalls and cowboy boots, walking beside his dad as they "work" outside. I can't wait to see his face the day he discovers mud, or the day he looks at me from being away-and comes running to me. I am anxious to see his first school picture, what sport if any (he better in our family) choose to love. I'm anxious to hear stories of a day spent with his dad. I'm anxious to watch him grow-But most of all I'm anxious for it to not go so fast. I want to treasure it all.

I have to say-Lacey if your reading this-enjoy it. Be anxious-but don't let it get to you. I believe my mom now when she said it will happen when it happens-or to relax. Go out and have fun-even if you are tired,or have gas. Go to the movies-out to eat-not getting to do these is life changing-but worth it-but I do wish we'd been a little more adventurous!!

I know now when number 2 comes (it will be a while) that I'm going to try my best to enjoy it-I know I'll have new circumstances with a little boy to take care of at the same time-which I'm sure will still leave me anxious.

Christmas Decor

2009-11-23T20:03:00.001-08:00

What a joy it is to be able to decorate for Christmas. I absolutely love this time of year. I enjoy decorating, the scents, the food, the tree, the belief that there is a Santa Claus-which I can't wait to start with Tristin, and I will hurt who ever tells him he isn't real-the traditions, the time shared with family-everything.

Christmas always started early for my family. We always got to spend Thanksgiving with my Mamaw, my mom's mom, and her entire family would come and we'd have Christmas! It was a blast spending the week with my family. We spent time with everyone, each of my moms brothers and sisters were there and their kids-and their kids kids who were more my age!!We would eat lunch, sing songs, watch football, ride on my Uncle Terry's wheelchair, play dress up, and sing more songs. We were an eclectic group let me tell ya. Anyways-it was always fun coming back to school and writing on the topic of-what did you do over your thanksgiving break, b/c I got to write about having Christmas.

Christmas would soon arrive, and I can remember the joys of getting into our footed pjs-sleeping in the same room as my brother and sister anxious for what Christmas day had in store for us. We would watch Troy on the weather before bed, to see where Santa was-I swear my sister/brother/and I heard Santa on the roof one night ;). The joys of getting the Oreos out and milk-(I wonder if my parents really ate/drank our treat?)

The joys of waking up in the morning and seeing what had been left-I remember one Christmas morning I woke up supper early-it was the year I received my little tykes play house-and I played with my playhouse for an hour-then went back to bed, and woke up when my brother/sister woke up and acted soo surprised. I mean I was-I had wanted this doll house for so long-I remember playing nonstop with that set-I hope I can get Tristin good gifts like that.

Now-Kevin and I get to begin our journey and traditions with Christmas. I absolutely can't wait! I get all giddy inside when I think about it!

Here are some pictures of the house-which by the way took me all day-since Tristin needed feeding assistance from time to time :). Enjoy-

This tree is in our study-it has all of our (my)Hallmark ornaments on it. Each year mom would get us an ornament that was part of our collection and we add to it yearly. I collect puppy love :) Since 91 I believe. We haven't found a good one for Kevin yet-they don't fit his personality. I can't wait to start one for Tristin!
Our Living Room tree- The star hasn't made it to the top yet-b/c I can't reach it!!
Kitchen table decor
Can't see a whole lot, but some decor-
I love these stockings
Our dinning room-
Our newest stockings-Kevin, Me, Tristin, and Kooper(our dog)
Aww..my snow people!!!

Holidays

2009-11-08T07:34:00.001-08:00

We got to spend Halloween this year in Hamilton. I wanted to be able to capture some pictures with his cousins, who also got dressed up on Halloween night to travel from door to door yelling...Trick or Treat!! How fun...now with that being said growing up I HATED HATED HATED Halloween. The idea of getting dressed up and actually going to ask someone you really didn't know for something horrified me. So-I inevitably would stay inside the car and allow my brother and sister to trick or treat for me. One year I was made to dress up like a clown (which I despise-b/c my brother and sister used to put me in a closet at my grandparents house and throw this clown (that looked SOOOO scary and laughed sooo mean )in on me all while it was chuckling its evilness. Needless to say this Halloween I was made to dress like a clown I broke out into a rash and got SUPER sick and cried and cried and cried. So this year I planned to attempt to like Halloween for Tristin and thought with the help of my sisters that I could get through the holiday. I survived-even though a rode around in the car with Tristin and we stopped at 3 houses. The kids had already gone up and down a street when they came to pick me up-so no worries :). I forgot my camera that night, and haven't gotten them from my sister yet, but when I do will post with all the kidos!!! These are just for fun pics, even though Tristin didn't have much fun taking them..hehe.

He has a hat for every Holiday this year-so here is to hat number 1!!

He was the cutest football ever..haha!

Now on to more Holiday thoughts and questions....please chime in

I knew the Holiday traveling scenario would one day come up-and even though we've had things planned I knew once again-things would surface and complications arise. Where do you spend your holidays?

When is going from one family to another tooo much? I hate driving, and with an almost two-month old-I don't anticipate driving and packing around all of our stuff very exciting for this upcoming Thanksgiving. This past year Kevin's family decided to do something small-which is wonderful for his family-and my family for years has either spent time in Anson,having Christmas with my moms side of the family or in Hamilton with my dads side. This always intrigued Kevin-going to my house-b/c he could hunt with my brother-so knocking out two birds with one stone is always the route to go I think. So when do we say we are rotating thanksgivings, or just skipping a thanksgiving, because driving in a car for and hour and a half one way then three hours another is TOOOO much for me to pack and un pack and well I feel like a circus already.

The next topic Christmas....for the past 7 years we've continued to have Christmas on Christmas day with my brothers and sisters because we didn't think it was fair for Dillan to get his Christmas shanked since we were all grown up. Its worked out nice-but has always been hectic and left us super tired from all the driving..youll see below. When Kevin and I talked about having a family I stated how important it was for me to have xmas eve and xmas morning at OUR house with OUR kids. This time of the year was always so special to my family and I wanted to keep up the fun traditions. He agreed, since he defiantly knows how much I love this holiday.

Kevin's family does xmas a little different. Now his parents are open to any day of the week, while his grandparents have had dibs on xmas eve and xmas morning. Looking at his family I can see how this worked. They all live within a few miles of one another and if they wanted to have xmas morning at their house, or do something special for xmas eve, they could arrange both b/c they don't have a lot of driving involved, being 20 min. at the most. This unfortunately isn't going to work for us, since we've started our family-because we live hours from his. It will always work for his immediate family,but for those who are venturing away from the likes of LaGrange, too bad so sad.

This then brings me to this year-I totally understand Tristin isn't going to remember or know where we spent xmas eve or xmas day at-but when do you say enough is enough...Our days would run like this...Kevin's parents xmas eve day, Kevin's moms parents xmas eve,Kevin's dads parents xmas lunch-pack up a child who has been held way too much,and is cranky, drive three hours to spend xmas day evening with my dad, little brother and family, next afternoon mom's xmas, then xmas with my grandparents the following day.....YIKES!!! And we don't get to start our traditions this year, which yes I can get over, but I'm so excited and want to start them up already. So when do you plan your move away from holidays? When is dragging your family around turn into not being fun and being more of a showcase?

I thought for the sake of things we should just reserve his family for the weekend before any my family for the time/weekend after xmas-giving us xmas eve and morning to spend together. And starting it this year would solve a lot of stress!!!

One month Old

2009-11-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

Where has my time gone? I've been trying to sit down and blog for the past two weeks. It actually gives me time to unwind, however I haven't found this unwinding time readily available. When I do log on, I spend time reading my fellow bloggers blogs, and then run out of time to finish or start mine.

Motherhood is wonderful! I love my little boy a little more each and every day, and I didn't think that was possible. Even when he keeps me up like this morning. We did get to spend some quality time swaying back in forth which in the end was worth it.

Tristin is growing faster each day. He's been walking for the past two weeks..haha...with just a little help on my lap....and has said mommy-somehow it just sounded like ooohh though. I do know that is what he was trying to get across and we celebrated! I do enjoy his more alert sperts and wondering looks. He loves this sepia picture we have in our room above our bed-good purchase Kevin-he will stare it it non-stop!

I've added a few pictures here to show how big we've gotten, which seems to be rather large. I'm guessing we are around 12 pounds maybe a little more. We have outgrown our size 1 diapers, however daddy opened a new BIG box of them, so we are going to squeeze into as many as we can-and I suppose we can save the other half of the box, or gift them to someone else in need. :)

Enjoy....

Bath time-we like better in the sink than our tub...but we are getting tooooo big for the sink :(

Weird photo I know....but this was actually on his One month b-day party...haha!

Meeting Kaiden

2009-11-02T21:33:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to post really quick on meeting up with Kaiden!!!

Kaiden and Tristin are just 10 days apart (I believe) and they got to meet up this weekend. I'd wanted to get them in their Halloween outfits, but considering mine put his on for 2 sec. and I didn't even get a picture, and that we were driving around Hamilton with the cousins-who were sooooo cute-we didn't get a chance to stop by.

We did stop by on the way home and the boys had a photo opt. Here are a few pics!!

Rash

2009-11-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

Well..lets just say I've been trying to post about my lovely rash for the last week. Every time I log in, I can't pull up pictures to show,or I fall asleep, or my little precious boy needs loving. So I'm going to attempt some much needed blogging.

It all began a few weeks ago-I noticed something itch itch itching on my breast. I honestly didn't think much of it with all the changes and new things that pop up after having a child, and passed it off with my mothers suggestion as stretch marks. (I just knew it itched). I had a few dry spots on my legs (or so I thought) and attempted to keep lotion on them. Now with that being said, I usually only put lotion on after a shower/bath, and well lets face it, I had some days without a daily cleansing. :( Meaning-no lotion, so I'd scratch here and there.

I then went home to Hamilton last weekend to finally show my mom, sister, and sister-in-law my "stretch marks-on my breast" and they replied with their "i'm sorry"look but told me they'd clear up. I lowered my shirt, to see how far they came out and was satisfied to see I still had an ok cleavage line..haha...

Well the day progressed and I began to really itch...I then showed my mom my legs, and that was the deciding factor that I didn't have stretch marks, but a rash!! It was itching all over..my legs, my arms, my back! We trekked up to the local Hamilton ER, since it was Sunday-and after sitting for a little over an hour-decided to fix it with some over the counter meds, my OB said were ok and call it day. This didn't last long-Kevin and I got ready to leave and the tears ran down my face I itched soooo bad...WHY though?

We stayed the night with mom again to get up in the morning and swing by my OB-who didn't have a true cure-just meds-and a stumped look. I don't remember much this day-I slept a lot from the medication and car ride, and from staying up with Tristin.

Mom came that night to help out, a huge relief,and then I went back with her Wednesday to continue getting help! I went to the doctor in Hamilton on Thur. to try and get more answers, since I'd cancelled out all food changes, we'd re-washed clothes/sheets, and I couldn't think of anything else to cause a rash. Once again, we had no idea on the rash, or the cause, but we did bump up the meds. :)

Its getting a little better....it doesn't look so bad, but it still itches!! I pray it goes away by the end of next week-when the meds run out!! :)

My little boy is growing up sooo fast!!

2009-10-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Trisin was 4 weeks old!! It is so hard to believe that four weeks ago this joy was brought into our lives!! We've had our ups and downs, but overall its been such a wonderful experience. We spent our day at my Granny and Pa's house and took a small trip to the doctor (explained in a later post) but stayed in the car so he wouldn't catch anything.

Love you lots Tristin, you amaze me everyday! :)-Love mommy

Our First Outing

2009-10-17T21:17:00.001-07:00

Well let's just start out by saying- what an experience!!!

My loving mother came to my rescue last weekend-I needed her loving support and to see her face!! I had just gotten through two days without her but didn't think I could do more! So Saturday morning my mom surprised me and I felt a huge relief! It's not that she can do a lot with Tristin, but it's her knowledge and face that can get me through! Anyways- mom annouced that my aunt Lisa and cousin Bri were coming to Austin and we were going to meet them to go shopping! I was a little nervous to get Tristin out of the house, but excited to try and feel a little normal!
So we headed down the road to Khols to shop and to test out our new Target that just opened up!!! I had been awaiting Targets opening all summer!! I bundeled Tristin up and placed a blanket over his car seat so No One at all could breath on him! We walked around and shopped, I sat a lot more than walked since this was my first walking trip in a week, and pretty soon my precious angel was ready to eat!! We sat inside the handicap dressing room and he ate for about 20 min. I placed my sweet little boy back in his car seat and we headed for the checkout counter and then to Target!

Target was amazing-I needed to pick up some nursing pads-bc I go through them like they are going out of style- and I needed a new bra and knew bras at Target wouldn't cost me $45 like the one at babies r us!
I found a bra to try on, and while looking heard a little noise and peaked in the tent I had over Tristin to see he had spit up a little! I cleaned him up and proceded to find the pads I needed and then began looking for a gift for a friend! While searching I heard something like gagging and peaked in agian to see my son projectile vomit everywhere!! I hadn't seen so much spit up come out of a one week old baby!! I quickly started crying and we headed for a dressing room to change him and for me to re group! Mom assured me he was ok and it was prob. his car seat that choked him a little. I tried on the bra and then inserted in new pads bc I soiled through the ones I had on! My mom had walked out of the dressing room for a bit and my sweet boy began crying so I picked him up to comfort him! The next thing I know I feel drips on my stomach and look down to see two LARGE wet spots and these were dripping spots not just a little wet!!
I fell apart and began to weep! My mom comforted me as I put on my jacket and held my shirt in one hand and my son with the other!
Our plans of going out to eat ended quickly and I left Target alone with Tristin to go home! I quickly called Kevin to cry and let him know of my eventful evening!
I swore I was done getting out and about- and so far I've stuck to those words but do realize I will one day overcome my fears!

Trying out

2009-10-17T13:34:00.001-07:00

Trying to see if posting from my phone works :)

Our first photo shoot!!!

2009-10-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Let me start out by saying, I am blogging with a wonderful little boy who is laying on my chest, and a laptop on my thighs. Wow-What talents moms can learn. :)

This morning, we awoke to the joy of having a photo shoot with our little perfect angel. Kevin has gone back to work, and even though I told him about this appointment and really asked if he'd stay home that morning a week ago, he didn't "hear" me and was off to work at 5:30 this morning. So our appointment was at 10:00 and he needed to be fed and ready to role..now I knew I was going to be pressing some luck, since Tristin eats every 3 hours. He had eaten around 6:30 ish and then went back to sleep around 8:30, after giving him a bath and putting him in a simple outfit. I quickly took a shower-scared I wouldn't hear him if he needed me, and dried my hair (which I would turn off every 3 sec. it seemed to listen for the little guy). I threw some clothes on, a bit of makeup and went to gather the car seat, diaper bag, and most importantly Tristin. I was trying to make it to the studio by 9:40 to feed him, since it was time for a feeding.

We loaded up around 9:40 and by now are crying because we were hungry and set off for downtown Buda. We found an awesome photographer in downtown Buda, that I was eager to use! By the time we made it downtown 5 miles, Tristin was asleep and content. We took a few pictures while he was sleeping, and then it was time for a quick bite! He did so good. I love all of the pictures she took and can't wait to see them all. Mary did however post two pictures on her blog (http://marystonephotography.com/blog/). I am now supper eager to see our actual poses with Kevin and other props. Its going to be REALLY hard to choose!!! He did so well-and we made it home to eat a bit more, and well, he's been napping all day!! Wish I could have fallen asleep with him today-but I didn't-we'll catch up tomorrow!!

Here are the two pictures on her blog!

It is about time!!

2009-10-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

So I'm not as good as Mary on updating my blog as I got home from the hospital, or really posting pictures asap(you go girl). I have my wonderful sister and mother for that. Thanks girls!!

What a wonderful 12 days we've spent with our little wonder! Tristin Hunter Ulrich has been the best blessing in our lives since..we'll for 9 months he's been a blessing, but an even bigger blessing since October 1st.

October 1st 2009, Tristin was born at 5:09 pm. (Our funny nurse guessed the right time... :) ) He was 7lbs 12 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. Pure perfection!!! I didn't know how happy one could feel the second we saw him. His dad was so proud, and a HUGE help during the entire labor!! I didn't have to give him one dirty look..haha!! He kept me grounded and focused!

I originally didn't want to hold my child right after he came out-but I couldn't wait for him to be plopped on my belly so I could see his beatiful face. I very quickly knew he was going to take after his dad. He had his eyes....and his Popo's (Kevin's dad) eyes. He was everything I could have ever dreamed of.

He had a bit of trouble with some fluid at frist, keeping the families waiting for a while,but no trouble at all eating!! He latched on ASAP, and began feeding-(thats another blog within itself....OUCH). Tristin was supper loved as soon as he was born.

His uncle Derek brought him his firsts bow, since bow season was opening the next day-a little young, but maybe in a few years he can go sit with dad, and his uncle, and cousin Denver.

We got to go home the next evening-I have to admit, I was a little nervous, but calmed because my mom was coming to help. We got through the week, with mom's help and her cooking-and now we are set for months with food..haha!! It was a blessing to have mom around to comfort and help out.

We'll enough about our happings, I'll post some pictures of our little man!!

Still waiting

2009-09-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start out by saying its Wednesday-hump day-middle of the week-weeks almost over!!!

Now then with that-today has been my motivator. If I could reach Wednesday-I knew I just had to focus on going to work Thursday and Friday of this week and then I'd be DONE!!! I know it seems silly to go ahead and take off when I don't have my bundle however, I'm tired and exhausted, in pain, and want to CRY ALL THE TIME!!!

If you would have asked me at the beginning of the month if I would be in this predicament I would have laughed and said...aww no he'll be here around the last week of September...

Well as we all know, September has come and gone!! I don't know why all expecting mothers think they will have their beautiful bundle of joy early-but most do, and end up getting lost in their own imagination.

My imagination has caused me many tears, that my wonderful husband has learned to comfort over and over. He knows when to hug, or bring me something to drink/eat. He's learned not to call me out when I come up with wild ideas to move this labor along. I guess I assumed when my pain set in, Trisitn would be ready to visit us out in the world. I know that in the end I'll take this pain for the meeting of our child-but at the moment I'd like to craw in a hole.

Our doctor appointment went as good as it could have gone. Tristin is doing well, and not wanting to come out! I of course cried, and my doctor said it would be over soon. We have our next appointment scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, Oct. 6th (a day after his due date), and if we haven't had him by then-we'll schedule a true due date! Keep your fingers and toes crossed that I have him prior.

Which brings me to another point...I was trying to please all-b/c Dillan wanted to skip out on some school (what uncle wouldn't..haha), but Fridays aren't good b/c of band....and this weekend my doctor is in town, but attending ACL-along with my cousins!!!! My doctor said he'd come right away, but I don't want to be the one to put a damper on ACL...people wait all year for this!! However I WANT HIM OUT ASAP!!!

Well I suppose that is enough rambling...I'm off to bed with a better attitude(it might not seem like it) and with newly painted toes...(my neighbor Addy who is a wonderful great great friend took me to get my toes painted up so I wouldn't have to focus on nasty toes in the hospital-it made my day!!) I hope you all have a great rest of the week...Talk to you soon!!

Will he ever come?

2009-09-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Boy...
Just when you think things are about to change...nothing!! I really didn't mind being pregnant. Overall I've learned to cope with things I needed to get over in my normal day to day life-(going to public restrooms, not worrying about dishes being left in the sink, because I'm to tired to wash them, not worrying about making the bed, or cleaning EVERYDAY) However now I wish it was OVER!! My feet really are swollen now, my back kills me with ever step I take, or sit I sit. My lower region feels like a heavy balloon, and at times can't move b/c of a sharp pain that shoots up me. I'm done...he's done!!! I've come to that conclusion. :)

Now if we can just convince Tristin its time to come, that would help me soooooo much! I deep down knew I had 40 weeks with my little boy, but its 39 and that is close enough. I tell him everyday its time, but he obviously doesn't listen to me now (what great teen-age years I have to come). Last weeks appointment was blah...I had a different doctor number 5 that I've seen, and didn't care for him much. My doctor is wonderful and tells me blunt and right out how things are-this doctor was like..."Well your still at a 2 and you are very thinned out". What is very thinned out? Last week I was 50% effaced, and this week I'm just very thinned out.....AHHHH!!!

My next appointment is Tuesday, back with my doctor-however I'm praying REALLY LOUD I don't make it to that appointment!! If I do, I think honestly I'm just going to cry!! I'm ready to leave school-everything is copied for next week, notes are made-I'm ready!!

My sister is coming to visit today and my mom tomorrow-how awesome would it be if I went into labor while they were here!!! Ive started researching into acupressure-and might see if my sister will help me achieve pushing on some of these pressure points later this afternoon.

Well..I hope to have pictures of our little guy here really soon...and I really am exciting, I just needed to vent to make myself feel a little better!!!

Hiccups/Doctor Check Up

2009-09-17T16:31:00.001-07:00

Have you ever sat back and thought about hiccups? I hate them! They hurt, and are very annoying. I fortunately haven't gotten them in a LONG time, but as I sat down a few seconds ago to relax I started feeling little ups and downs in my belly. I was also having a contraction and so I was trying to focus on what the feeling was. Well as I sat in tune with the belly I realized poor Trisitin had the hiccups. I wonder what that feels like for him? Does it hurt him like it hurts us? I don't want him to hurt yet. However if he doesn't come out quick I might hurt him...haha.

Kevin and I went to the doctor yesterday!! I'm not going to like these exams so I'm hoping either he comes soon, or I dilate more!!! OUCH!!! Everything looks great though! My doctor told me ways to get him here sooner, and you can bet that I'll be trying them ALL!!! Even if I'm in pain! I now have two more appointments scheduled. One next Tuesday and then one the following Tuesday!!! I know I can make it, but it drives me nuts not knowing when he's coming!!! We are ready now!! I tell him everyday, and Kevin tells him too. He's so cute when he talks to him....I know he'd kill me if he knew I was telling people this, but he tells him how much we love him, and how ready we are for him to come! I've made it through this week, and will focus on making it to my next appointment! We are going one week at a time! Well...I'm going to try to relax for the evening. I'll keep you updated as best I can!!

Its been a while

2009-09-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am already slacking off on my blog! Things have been hectic and crazy to say the least, but its almost time to have this baby!!!!

School has started-the smell of freshly sharpened pencils,and new crayons in the box has warn away and I'm left with smelly LOUD children all day. What a joy!!
(by the way while writing this my dog just threw-up I know that is weird to put,but it distracted me as Kevin ran him outside)
Now back to what I was saying-- Aww yes school-I'm already bogged down with loads of papers to grade, and emails to read from parents concerning their 'o so perfect kids'.

This past weekend was the Hamilton Dove Festival-YIPEE.....we made it home Friday night-after a close call of missing a doctors apt. b/c everyone was driving slow to view the wreck on the OPPOSITE SIDE OF 35!!!!!! REALLY PEOPLE......anyway we made it home to rain, and me being VERY tired. So instead of embarking on the homecoming game-I opted to stay home and rest,in my dads VERY VERY hot house. Saturday morning I awoke to the joys of a parade-watched and yelled at Dillan as he marched by-and sat in the heat. I ran into a lot of people I adore, and some I've nearly forgotten, but were really good to meet up with. Its a great time to catch up, and I'm looking forward to next year with Tristin, so I can mingle with my other friends instead of basking in the heat of the day and just wanting to go home. Now I do realize I'll want to hurry and take Tristin home at some point next year-I'm sure he'll be into EVERYTHING and ANYTHING-but that will be for next year.

Sunday we had a small surprise b-day part for Hillary-she is turning 30!!!! It was exciting !! She got to talk/see a few close friends that she hadn't talked to in a while. I got to swim-geez that is hard work by the way-and play b-ball with my dad and Dillan. Towards the end of the day I started feeling bad and went home and headed for the bed.

Monday-FREE OF SCHOOL...I visited my mom and Gina, and we said our goodbyes...I told them this would be it until the big day..and of course mom started crying...how sweet...I'm loved! Then Kevin and I went to pick up Averi and took her out to Granny/Pa's where we had a great lunch, and enjoyed each others company. I love them so much! Hillary, Dennis,and Maddie joined us, so the girls got to play for the afternoon, Hill andI got to talk, and the boys....well they took a 2 1/2 hour nap. All while I really wanted to since I didn't feel very good.

We left, and I laid down in the back seat of the truck-slept all the way home, just to load back up again and drive to Round Rock b/c I felt sooooo bad. We stayed in the hospital for 3 hours, and I was given fluids to feel better, and tested for the flu. Good news-I don't have the flu, and I feel much better(after sleeping all day Tuesday).

I just have a few more days to make it to 37 weeks-considered full term!!!! This means anytime I could pop this little guy(big guy) out. I visit the doctor on the 16th to talk about my measurements and our plan-inducing/waiting....I'm excited for this talk-it makes it more real. My Pa gives me until the 25th of this month....Geez that would be nice....I'm running out of room FAST!!! Kevin's shirts are starting not to fit!!

Well...hopefully I can keep up on the blog and not give such long updates....Maybe my mom will stay on me now that she has one!!

Where has the time gone?

2009-08-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have been super busy these past few weeks.-Can you believe it, I mean its not like I'm getting ready to have a kid or anything....haha

So I've started to slow down just a bit-and make list of things I would usually cover in one day-spread into multiple days. However Kevin has been a HUGE help with things I normally do around the house-heck he's always a HUGE help, but he's helping even more now!!!

We had a WONDERFUL shower in Hamilton a few weeks ago, and THANK YOU all that came and THANK YOU all for your love and gifts. We are soo blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

Here is a picture of our CUTE cake!!

All of the wonderful food we had!!! (If you look close you can see me in the reflection of the mirror..wow look at the side profile..)

This was a gift from my mom, from my Mamaw...it was clothes she used on her foster children.

In an emotional state-I couldn't read the sweet card Kevin's mom wrote us-so Hillary read aloud while tears came from my eyes...it was a box filled with Kevin's baby things-I loved it!!

The girls...Lacey, Kaley, Alyssa and Bella, Gina and Hillary...

I'm now trying to calm myslef this week while in new teacher training b/c we can't get into our rooms-since they are still constructing our school. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I need to get in..and I found out today that I might be switching halls (with the other 7th grade teachers) at the semester so they can finish construction. Then next yr. we are moving to the High school and the HS is moving into the MS. This should be a fun yr..aka..just don't unbox!!! However I want my boxes OUT of my garage!! I'd rather them be in my classroom.

Kevin and I also started birthing classes last thrusday-what fun!! No really we learned a lot on the first night! I can't believe as of the beginning of this week we have min. of 5 weeks left and max of 8!!! That is CRAZY!!! We are about to be real LIVE parents...

Well I'm off to get some items ready for school tomorrow-training is so very much fun(just keep telling yourself that cari)!!

Where do my weeks go?

2009-07-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

So I'm thinking the exhaustion is slowly coming back to me in my third trimester. I've been trying to stay real upbeat so that maybe I wouldn't notice it. This week is my last week off before school starts. I have to say I'm a little sad!! I did however get a ton accomplished, but I still have so much more I'd like to get done.

On Monday I met Mom and Dillan in Temple and drove with them to College Station so that Dillan could have a tour/look around Texas A&M-I so love that place. I get chills and a rush that comes over me when I just drive into that town. I have to say those years were amazing and I wouldn't change any of them (well maybe the first girl I moved in with-for those that remember snake girl). Anyways I really want Dillan to start thinking about schools and so I've researched a ton of stuff for him to get involved in, and what classes he needs to make sure he's in these last two years of high-school. He's not liking that I'm making him take Spanish 3-but I'm pretty sure he'll thank me later! So we took a tour-I even saw things I'd never seen, such as inside our academic building-Did you know that every state has a replica of the Liberty Bell and they are all in the state capitols except Texas. Ours is in the academic building at Texas A&M. Crazy huh! We had a great time and I can't wait to go back!

On Tuesday I attempted to finish scrapbooking on two books that entailed trips from 2 summers ago. I have to say I am down to just working on a FAMILY book for Kevin and I. I usually do books based on trips, however I'm going to start running them together. Not putting as many stickers etc. on each page to fill up an entire book. We shall see how this goes. I do realize I need to get on this ASAP b/c I'm about to not have ANY time! I've at least got the pictures cut and ready for action!!

Wednesday I organized again-yes I never noticed how our pantry didn't really make sense until yesterday. So it does now. I got rid of A LOT of things that were out of date..that's bad to think I had it, but with moves things get pushed to the back and for some reason newer ones get put in front and you don't see the out of date brownie box learking in the dark. I then re-organized my laundry room/craft room- however most of my boxes of crafts are in the study hidden in the desk-but it is officially clean!! And I finished painting a stool for Tristin, some boxes to store things in for him, and Jana's gift for Kaiden! I enjoy doing these things-but BOY am I tired! I so very wanted to actually CLEAN the house-but that will have to wait.

Thursday-I am up and about-I have a few things I need to get done this morning(clean the house and myself), and then Kooper and I are off to visit Taylor and Kendall for the afternoon. I haven't seen them in a few weeks and miss them both dearly! I have to get back b/c my family (boys) are coming in tonight. They are headed to the coast for a fishing trip with Kevin, while the girls are in Hamilton at Tristin's baby shower!! I am looking forward to seeing people I haven't seen in a LONG while!! We need to have more reasons to get together so we can just hang out!!

Well I've babbled on quite a bit. I hope you are all having a wonderful week!! I'm off to finish it and start a new week-with lovely GT training!! YIPEEEEEEEEEEE

2009-07-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Well,

It has been a while since I've blogged! I have to say I've missed it, but I've enjoyed an afternoon reading and getting an update from everyone else!

Last Monday July 13th, Kevin and I left early for Colorado. We had a big day planned, since Kevin was actually going to Colorado for work and I was just going to tag along. Monday was our only full day without classes, so we landed around 7:30 got in our awesome car-pics later-and drove to Manitou Springs for a trip up the cog railway to Pikes Peak.

Here we are ontop...it felt SOOOOOO FREAKING GOOD!! A storm was coming, so we took our pictures really quick then left for the gift shop and then for our trip back down the mountain.

After our trip up the mountain, we went to The Cave of Winds...it was neat, but nothing amazing...and they took our picture for us, however it didn't turn out so well...but Kevin has proudly displayed it on our fridge:).

We then headed for the Garden of the Gods...it was beautiful!! We had a lot of fun hiking around...yes I hiked...not as much as Kevin would have prob. liked...but he was a trooper, hanging in with me as I trekked ever so slowly along..haha

If we would have waited just a tad...or taken this before the sun, you could see Pikes Peak in the background.

Here is a nice belly shot..haha..Tristin's first big trip!!

We headed back to Denver after this stop and found our Hotel room, food, and went to crash. I was soooooooooooo very tired. But we had a lot of fun!

Thee next morning, I slept in, met Kevin for lunch,and then read out by the pool. When Kevin was finished..we headed to Red Rocks for an afternoon of small hiking and looking.

We went back to town for a bite, and then back to the hotel!!!

The next morning, I took Kevin to his class, and then left to go to the Molly Brown museum downtown. It was very interesting-and I enjoyed this time. I drove back to meet Kevin for lunch, and then sit by the pool and read. This afternoon, we drove to Estes Park. It was soooo nice!! We had a lot of fun here, and would love to go back. We don't have a pic from my digital from here..so sorry..

Happy Anniversary!!! 4 YEARS...The next morning we repeated our steps but I went to the Nature and Science museum. It was very interesting! I liked it a lot. When Kevin finished, we headed downtown to a park, and then to dinner on 16th Street..it was lots of fun....Here we are at one of the 200 parks in Denver....

The next morning....we woke up and followed our morning ritual once more, but at 11 Kevin was done with class. We took this time to make a few quick stops here and there, eat lunch..and then dive our cool car back to enterprise.

Public Restrooms

2009-07-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

So those of you who know me know of my fetish with using public restrooms. I would rather hold my pee for hours or hit the ditch before using a gas-station potty or fast food restroom.

This weekend was a big test of my previous wishes!! Kevin and I made the trip to Port O'Connor to visit the Family for the 4th. The 3 hour trip was painful, and I did have to give in to the idea of a gas station-many times.I realize now I CAN'T hold it...especially with someone kicking it..hehe It seemed as if I could have gone all day- b/c as soon as we got a few miles down the road from the first stop-I had to go again. I even tried not drinking as much, but that didn't work either.

At one particular time we stopped at Whataburger and I was about to pee my pants-ran in to wait...I could have died...but as soon as the lady walked out, I went in to the ONE "seater", shut the door and went to grab a paper towel to lock it (I DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING), and as I turned around to lock the door, it opened, and a lady just kept walking in...I stood their and looked at her,and finally after our 5 min (really 30 sec) stare down said, I haven't used the bathroom yet..(this is funny thinking back, however I was literally about to go at the time, and didn't find it amusing)..So she said...OOO.and walked her kid out of the bathroom and I quickly locked, and hovered..haha..

I know this isn't the most pleasant topic-but wow-what I'll do already for this little one.

He is supper duper active now-and moves around like you wouldn't believe. At times, I think he is dancing. Its soo very exciting when he moves frequently..it makes me laugh. I am now at my 3rd trimester, and have less than 3 months..YIPEEE!!

Well I'm off to bed for the evening..I have family-mom, aunt and cousin- coming tomorrow and I'm sooo excited! I'll post about them soon!! Have a good night!!

One project down, many more to go

2009-07-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

As I was watching HGTV a few weeks ago, I got a great idea from a show, where they made a collage of artwork through fun old items. As I sat back and thought, I wondered-where could I put something of this sort in our house, without having to rearrange to much and make Kevin mad by changing the look of yet another room.

As I pondered, I walked into Tristin's room, with yet a still black wall-which don't get me wrong I had found a few things to place up, but hadn't gotten around to it. Thats when it hit me...his name. Now Kevin isn't tooo big on putting Tristin's name up on a wall-he thinks it is kinda girly-but I told myself I could find a way for him to like it.

When I visited Kevin last week for lunch, Inoticed an old scrap peice of wood-and asked him if it was of any use. He said-it wasn't, that it came from a crate that was shipped to them, and he just took it apart-b/c Kevin doesn't waste anything!! He brought it home on Monday and cut it down to size, and on Tuesday I started to work. I got everything done, but hanging it on the wall-b/c Kevin was tooo tired to help, and I knew I'd get SUPER frustrated if I tried myslef. So up it went today. Here are a few pictures,and a few pictures of his room. We've got a little more to work on, but it is almost complete!

Weekend Apt, and Fun!

2009-06-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Kevin and I made the long and daunting trip to H-town. This trip usually never phases me however our start to the day lets say wasn't perfect.
We left Buda around 9 and headed for Round Rock for my monthly checkup-now my checkups have in the past taken about 15 min. and that's getting out of the car-checking in-visiting with the doc-and asking random questions-and back out again. Therefore Kevin and I didn't think twice about loading everything up for our trip along with Kooper, giving us 45 or so min on our trip so we wouldn't have to backtrack after the appointment.
We arrive at the doctors office around 9:30 and I stroll up-happy and content, because our plan is to get to go to Chick-Fila for breakfast. Yummm-its the only time Kevin will go with me b/c like McDonald's he hates all other meals they serve. Needless to say I check in, with a new lady whom I've never seen before, and she asks me to come tell her in five min. if they haven't called me back. At the time-I thought nothing of it-and parked myself in one of the uncomfortable chairs. I'm sitting quietly and looking around as 5 min. pass I hear her give a call in the back concerning my appointment. This goes on another time, while 4 other women have come and gone into the doctors office. Kevin has of course contacted me through text and is wondering where I am now at 10:00. I walk up and say something to the nice new lady who swearers the other girls have gone in to see other doctors-and I know they haven't b/c I've heard them all check in-and when you've been sitting for 30 min. you tend to ease drop on other conversations around you-including the names of the other patients, their date of birth, and their DOCTOR.
I quietly sit back down, and she calls a 4th time, and this time I hear her say Courtney has been here since 9:25 and blah blah...now she seems really confused at this point, and persistent that that is who I am- Well I'M NOT COURTNEY-so long story short-she never fully checked me in, and I finally saw my doctor at 10:30 an hour after I arrived-now to make matters worse, the check in dumb *ss had enough nerve to say at 10:10 when she called me up, Owell your apt wasn't until 10 anyway that's close enough...YA LADY...CLOSE when you arrive at 10 not 9:30!!

So I walk outside to my almost heat stricken husband and dog-we grab lunch and head to Hamilton. I have to say we visited with all. We got to visit with my Grandparents, and Aunt-Watch Denver play baseball..he was sooo freakin cute and I cried....play with Averi our little precious cheerleader and Maddie-who also came to watch and is absolutely adorable when she sings the ItsyBitsy Spider song. Kevin got to play golf with Derek and Dillan-and I got to visit with the Gina, Hillary, and Mom-and then with Dad. Sat. night Dad cooked us all dinner and we stayed up laughing at the kids, watching Dillan and Gina clober one another, and had a Wonderful time. I love weekends like that. Full of laughter and Love. I miss everyone of them already!!

Fun with Kooper

2009-06-24T18:21:00.001-07:00

My wonderful handsome husband and Kooper. He was really tired from playing fetch!

When he runs..its usually sideways..hehe!!

The best we could do, because he did NOT want to sit next to me!! But more behind or on top of me!

Here are a few extra pictures that we took with Kooper....I thought I'd share..

Prego pics a little over 25 weeks....

2009-06-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

So to those I've promised to show pictures...here ya go!!

We go to the doctor on Friday, but I'm not sure what will take place. I'm sure it will be one of the in and out appointments where my doctor asks if everything is alright, and I respond by, well if swelling feet, growing breast, and a growing belly are alright then yes! :) And I'm off to be on my merry way! We shall see...I'd really like to know when our next sonogram is!! :) I'd like to show him off..haha! However from what I'm told..he is 13 1/2 inches long and weighs over a pound and a half!! YEAH for HIM!! Haha!!

These are my sorta swollen toes..not as bad as the other day, but still a little larger than normal..my pinkie toes are usually not that round and close to my other toes..haha.

On another note...

Today was rough for me. I got up this morning-with yes Kooper barking, however I didn't respond to him because we aren't going to get started with that-and got ready to go and visit Alyssa and Bella. She is sooooooooooo cute by the way-and happy as a lark. I learned today cheerios are a great distraction tool, and great to eat!! I can't wait to visit with them more! :)

Now before I got off this morning I went to town through some back roads to look at some trees Kevin noticed this morning that were for sale-got the number and called on my way to town. When I got to town I went to the small post office and as I was trying to get out-my key broke off in my ignition. Now this is NOT a fun task no matter who you are, let alone pregnant and sitting in the heat. I quickly called Kevin and yelled at him because he couldn't help-(I am sorry) and he did understand my frustration-I was stuck trying to use my handy dandy all in one tool to turn my car off. Now then to go into detail-I couldn't turn my car on and I couldn't turn it completely off. While I'm trying to play inspector gadget, Kevin's first called our neighbor to come get me to get another set of keys and also called the Honda shop, who said "well we will have to come tow her and then take the ignition apart to get the key out". I wasn't about to pay for that bill so I maneuvered until I got the key OUT!!!! I was soo proud of myself. Now I knew I needed to run home and get the spare, but before that-I made my trip into the post office-dripping and I'm not exaggerating-but dripping with sweat. The lady behind me leaned over to her husband, and said "poor girl" while I waited for the post office lady to get off the phone. I really wanted to break down and cry.

Now needles to say-I made it home to grab a new key and then was off for my visit with Alyssa and Bella. After talking the afternoon away-I left joyous and was on to my next adventure- Ordering tickets for Wicked.....

This was another task that being pregnant didn't help. I drove up to the Frank Erwin Center, parked my car and walked over to the box office and yelled to the lady inside that I needed 7 tickets for the 16th of August. She proceeded to look, as I stood out in the heat next to a large bus that let out its air every 2 minutes (I can still here the shooooo) that was hot-and 5 minutes later she presented me a seating chart with all 7 seats by themselves scattered about the place. I told her that I appreciated her taking her time (VERY SLOWLY) but that I would check with my family and get back with them for perhaps another night. We ended up choosing a week night-which happened to be cheaper-and so we are set and ready to go.

Wow-what a day!!

Monday

2009-06-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the lovely sound of Kooper barking outside...now he knows that usually no one is home-and their wasn't any sign of human activity b/c I was of course asleep-so WHY was he being sooo persistent? I went ahead and let him come inside-and of course he is now sleeping on his bed after chewing on his new toy and Kevin's underware(gross) haha-he was just dragging those around actually...

Well the weekend went ok-Academy was a shorter trip than I thought-but I'm sure we've missed something well have to go back and look for. Especially since Kevin has informed me that we are going down to the coast for the 4th of July. It usually is pleasant, considering I'm NOT a big fisherwomen-and I can enjoy the boat ride and tan all day. However this trip- I have a human growing within me, I can't get on any boats b/c of impact from the sea, and well tanning I get REALLY REALLY Hot and swollen. However I'm trekking on down with the family. This should be fun. I was also informed Kevin just might need some more fishing supplies-and I informed him that his dad owns a fishing shop all located within his tackle box and that he should be fine...if not-I'll have to prepare myself for another trip to Academy.

Well I believe I am going to go grab a bite to eat-and gather myself for the rest of the day-I think I might be going to get a pedicure with my neighbor-if not-I'm off to visit Alyssa whom I've said for the past 4 months I was going to go visit..That will happen this week. Well I'm off and I hope you all have a pleasant Monday!

Travis comes to visit..

2009-06-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a relaxing day...I kept my phone off and laid in bed or on the couch for the majority of the day. I did get up to take Kooper (our dog..pic below) for a mile jog. Its nice to have a jogging partner since Kevin doesn't like it. So I love Kooper for that! When we got back in, I laid around a little longer and finally got up to shower and become presentable for our company..even though its just Kevin's brother.

Travis finally arrived around 5ish and we hung around the house..got to watch some more golf which was boring of course...and then we headed out the door to spend some of his Cabelas gift card money. What is it with men and Cabelas? They could really shop in that store for days...go round and round and look at the fake deer heads that resemble ones that have been shot, and talk about the glory days of when they saw this, or tried to call up that. They of course can always find something that I personally feel could have been found on eBay or craigslist for a heck of alot cheaper, but they spend the big money for it b/c it came from Cabelas. For Keivn's next bday I think I'll just drop him off...no money really needed..but drop him off and let him circle and window shop..haha.

Anyways..he arrived and we stayed in Cabelas for almost 3 hours...I can't even stay at the mall that long and go in every store...and we just stayed in one. Afterwards we headed to Chills for a wonderful meal...paid by Travis...that was delicious going in, but Tristin isn't liking it now. I'm guessing you can imagine the outcome. This is a big bummer, b/c I really just want to sleep..but he is moving all around, so that isn't possible right now, and my stomach hurts.

Tomorrow we are off to purchase fathers day gifts. This time we will circle in Academy...which is like the Walmart of Cabelas..This store appeals to me a little more, however I'll want to look at clothes that I can't buy b/c I can't wear them....or shoes that I don't need AT ALL. This should be fun!! To those that don't know me..shopping isn't my favorite thing to do. Its ok if I'm on a mission-when I really need something...but when you go just to look...I get bored..and those are the days nothing ever looks good when I try it on.

After our purchases we will head to La Grange for some family action and Father's day lunch on Sunday at the in laws. I believe next weekend we'll head to H-town to have some family time with my dad-and watch Denver(my nephew) play some baseball. It should be fun!

I'm going to try and post a few pictures. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend-and take some time to thank God for your dads, and to thank him for everything around you. I know I really thank him for this little man he's chosen for me to have.

Baby changes

2009-06-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention all the changes that I've been going through....this morning-other than the usual where my belly jolts out from a few kicks...I've gotten to experience the lovely first signs of MILK.....what a joy this is.

I didn't think it would be here this soon..and pads...who wants to put extra storage in their bras, when they are having a hard time fitting in the first place. My mom just bought me 2 new bras, and I hope they fit with the extra padding now....O BOY!!!

Why doesn't this say this in my book...or why don't I get an email that says..CARI beware of lactation today...you will need backup!!

I sware...I'M WRITING A BOOK....thats what to expect when the what to expect book doesn't tell you.......

WOW MARY!!

2009-06-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

So after sitting down this morning and reading Mary Anderle's blog I realized I did indeed have one, and that I hadn't posted on it in a REALLY LONG time. I love reading how others are doing, and well decided I needed to start up again..(my 2nd post that is haha).

Wow where do I start?

Kevin and I have moved to Buda, Texas and have made our little nest a home. We love our new house, and neighbors!! We couldn't be more blessed...o wait. We are...God has blessed us with a little boy due Oct. 5th. I pray he comes as healthy as ever a week before hand..haha. I'm having space issues!!

I didn't know how excited yet scared this life change was going to make me. I can't wait for him to be here, and yet I have 16 or so more weeks to go. In 3 weeks I'll have made it to my 3rd trimester which is the milestone I'm shooting for. From that one, Iwill create another.

I will try and post some new pictures of Tristin's room, and maybe a belly shot. I get asked all the time..but I'm a little unsure about that whole deal!!

I've got a days work ahead of me, grocery shopping, passport pictures, and well a shower to start with. Haha...summers are great!!

HERE I AM

2008-03-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

What a day!!! Well, I've been thinking about creating a blog page and after reading so many of my friends and families pages, I asked myself, if I'd be that interesting, or if I would have the time to keep it up. Of course both of my answerer's were no, but if any of you know me, NO isn't in my vocabulary. So here I am-

Today was a cold wet day here at CCMS. My students were eager to come to class to find out they couldn't tell me anything about their TAKS test they just took. We took a chill-out day and just read all period. I love reading, and I love to read to the kids. Especially when they say...don't stop reading...keep going. What joy it brings me.

I've currently embarked on the task of going back to school for my Masters in Administration. It has so far been fun, but I'm starting to see all the work I'm going to have to do and what little time I have to do it in. I am learning quite a lot about School Law and what it entails. It is pretty interesting.

I had a wonderful weekend this past week. My sister and brother-in-law, Maddie, and my mom all came to visit. It was Hillary's 10 year reunion from winning State in B-ball!!! Yeah girls!! Kevin and I got to keep Maddie on Saturday night and she was just a joy. Although she woke up at 3:30 and wanted to play, she brought lots of smiles and laughs to Kevin and I. She was a little confused as to who we were and where she was, but once she put it together she gave us both the biggest smile and then waved at us. HOW CUTE IS THAT?

Dillan and Dad stopped by for a little while. Dillan brought his guitar hero and played Kevin in a battle. I guess they had fun. I know I enjoyed their company. We live so far from my family, and it always makes me really happy when they come to visit. I miss them everyday, and wish I could see them more. They are all such wonderful people and joys in my life.

That's one of the main reasons I started this blog. I hope to keep in contact with my sister...that is when she gets a page, as well as my wonderful sister-in-law Gina. I cry every time I read her page. I love looking at pictures of Denver and Averi. They make me smile and I'm so proud she has their funny pictures on her page. I teach them well..haha!! Well..I will try to update weekly, but no promises!