Tracey Is Trying Again (GOOD NEWS...we did it!)

It's Official...

2012-01-17T16:10:00.000-06:00

We've definitelyraised a Southern boy...

R.J.'s first time hunting and shooting a rifle (.223)was this past weekend.

He grazed (whatever that means) a doe.

My husband said that was not bad at all for his first time.

All I envisioned was Bambi's mom limping away back into the woods, and I must say it it made me sad.

As a momma, I am stillnot sure how I feel about all of this, but my son and my husband had a wonderful, fun time together and that's all that matters.

Funny thing is...my husband is not a "hunter".

Yes, he's been a few times in his life, and he can definitely shoot a gun, but as far as being a die hard, hunting gear, go every weekend kind of guy - - that he certainly is NOT.

So, I was a bit surprised when this past Friday night rolled around and he told me that a coworker friend of his had invited R.J. and him to go hunting for the weekend.

Hunting????

Me: "Um, okay honey, but your son doesn't even own a pair of boots, let alone any hunting clothes."

Hubby: "That's no big deal, just pack him some long johns, a heavy jacket, warm socks and clothes, and he'll be fine. By the way, we'll be spending the night at my co-worker's hunting ~~lodge~~ trailer(s)."

Truth be told, I was a nervous wreck until they both got backhome safe and sound (and very dirty and very tired).

Come to find out there was no running water in the hunting trailers either. Ewww!

On a different note, this weekend solidified that fact that Colton is FOR SURE atotal momma’s boy!

While Michael and R.J. were gone he was a complete dreamchild (because he had me all to himself).

BUT...

The minute Michael and R.J. camehome he reverted back to whiny, needy mode…LOL!!!

Seriously, that little stinkeris jealous of me diverting my attention to anyone, but him!

Hoping thisis just a clingy toddler stage sort of thing because trust me, it really wears me down sometimes.

Don't get me wrong, I love my boys (all three of them) andwouldn’t trade them for the world!

But, you know what???

I'm looking forward to the day when my hubby says, "Hon, I'm taking both the boys to do so-and so with me, and we're spending the night."

Mommy me time, here I come...SAH-WHEET!!!!

December Highlights and Christmas Delights

2011-12-28T15:46:00.001-06:00

It’s hard to believe that the month of December is almost through, Christmas Day has come and gone, and we’ll be ringing in a New Year this Saturday night.

It always seems that after Thanksgiving, the December days seem to fly by even quicker since they are filled with so many activities and the flurry of Holiday preparations and fun.

This year we especially enjoyed talking about the reason for the season with our youngest, Colton.

As we read to him (many times this month) the story book (see below) we have about the birth of our Saviour, it was so cute to watch Colton “perform” as he looked at the pictures on the different pages when we read to him. When he saw the bright star in the sky, he would flick his fingers for twinkle, twinkle, he’d “baa” for the lamb and “hee-haw” for the donkey, he’d wave to the wise men, and put his fingers to his lips and say, “Sshhhh” when he saw the baby Jesus sleeping in the manger.

It was just a joy to watch such precious interpretations from a toddler’s understanding.

The beginning of the month found us taking Colton to get his first haircut.

I must say, the distraction of the dum-dum lollipop worked like a charm and he never even flinched.

That same day we trekked on over to the mall for the official Santa photo.

Mommy had to get in the picture because Colton was having NONE of this Santa guy stuff!

As far as R.J. was concerned, there was nothing to it which is clearly evidenced by his, "After all, I've been doing this for 10 years now!" look on his face.

We then wandered over to the Build-a-Bear workshop, and let Colton use his birthday gift card to pick out a special “friend”.

He chose a cute German shepherd puppy that R.J. helped him name…"CAM" (given that we’re such huge Auburn fans, that name should not surprise any of you!)

The finished a.k.a. "love-stuffed" doggie

R.J’s school days prior to Christmas vacation were filled with some fun activities.

One of the days they got to make their very own gingerbread houses.

His came out amazingly well, dontcha’ think?

The proud architect!

Our house also is visited by an elf every year.

For those of you familiar with the Elf on the Shelf, you already know what I’m talking about.

His name is “Straighty” - - dubbed such by R.J. when he was 4 years old (R.J. that is, not the elf)!

Actually, I spoke about this special friend of R.J.’s in this blog post last year.

Straighty pulled off some very unique things this year.

After all, he’s a very clever elf!

Just take a look…

There was also a DVD that came out this year that really helped to bring the Elf on a Shelf story to life.

It’s only about 24 minutes long and it was just the perfect length for Colton to be able to sit and watch without being distracted and wanting to get up and do something else.

Before we knew it Christmas was here!

R.J. left his letter to Santa along with cookies and milk.

Amazingly, this year Santa’s cookies also happened to be Mommy’s favorite ones.

Imagine that?!!!

Christmas morning arrived…

Santa came, and Santa delivered!!!

R.J. got most everything he asked for and among his favorites were the 2012 Madden NFL game for his Wii, and a miniature Auburn Football helmet.

He also got a remote control airplane complete with a miniature camera attached (Air Hogs Hawkeye Blue Sky) that he had been wanting since the summer…more on this gift in just a bit.

Colton got a miniature arm chair with his name on it that he loves!!!

Combine that with his CD player and mini trampoline and trust me, this kid is one happy little camper!!

Okay, back to the airplane…

R.J. was dying to fly this thing, but on Christmas Day it rained…all day.

So the day after, we charged the airplane, put batteries in the remote control and off he went to take his plane to greater heights all the while videoing what R.J. said would be, “All sorts of neat stuff!”

Not even 5 minutes later, R.J. came back into the house crying hysterically with remote in hand and no plane.

When he calmed down we learned that yes, R.J. had taken his plane where no plane had gone before…and it promptly got stuck smack dab in the tallest (and I mean tall) and most limb ridden tree in our front yard!!!

No ladder, no branch trimmer, no nothing could reach this plane.

Well, maybe if we had a power company bucket truck…but, we didn’t!

I give my husband credit. For several hours he tried (and eventually my neighbor, and my neighbor’s father-in-law also joined in) to get that darn plane out of the tree by throwing baseballs and footballs Hercules style at it and at the limbs it was stuck in…to no avail.

Thus, this is what we have left of the video capturing airplane…

Remote control full of brand new batteries and a broken airplane wing!

The rest, well, it’s still stuck in the tree and I’m sure some species of bird is going to think he/she has found the mate of all mates…LOL!

Okay, remember up above when I said Santa came and Santa delivered?

Well, R.J. reminded me that Santa forgot to leave him a letter this year.

Every other year Santa had left a letter, but not this year.

Hrumpf?!

How do I explain that one???

I calmly and ever-so-motherly explained to him that Santa must have just accidentally forgot or misplaced it.

After all, Santa did have a whole lotta’ children to visit and deliver to on Christmas Eve.

My explanation seemed to suffice, but I couldn’t help but notice a wee bit of disappointment in R.J.’s face.

What to do????

Mommy put her thinking cap on and viola’ one Santa letter/memo to R.J. in an authentic looking envelope coming up!

This is what it says…

North Pole, Alaska

From The Desk of Santa Claus

MEM-HO-HO-HO-RANDUM

December 27th 2011

Subject: Forgotten Letter

Dear R.J.

After I got back to the North Pole, I looked in my mail pouch and realized that I had forgotten to leave you your letter from me. Yes, there it was in the bottom of my bag.

Oh, by the way, I apologize for the "Hot Chocolate" stains you see on this letter. One of the deer bumped my arm while typing this... Hmmm, I bet you know which deer it was too?!?

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I had been keeping a very close eye on you and of course Straighty was filling me in too.

I must say, you have been a very good boy this year. Oh, yes, there have been times when you have given your parents a hard time about this and that (you know, like brushing your teeth), but I must say, for the most part I have been very proud of you. Although, I do want to remind you to watch your manners about how you talk to Mommy and Daddy (and Mimi and Boppa) every now and then.

I really want to thank you for being such a good big brother to Colton. I know it isn’t easy to be patient with such a little one, but rest assured that your baby brother is learning from you, and the kind and caring way you are with him is the way I wish all girls and boys would be with their siblings.

I also want to let you know that it warms this big guy’s heart to hear the way you say your prayers every night. Never ever forget that the birth of Jesus is what is most important about CHRISTMAS. Oh, yes, presents are wonderful to get, but the most wonderful present to ALL of us is HIM.

In closing, please forgive me for forgetting to leave your letter (with all the houses and all the boys and girls I visit in one night, it was bound to happen).

And don’t forget, just because this Christmas is over you’d still…

Better watch out, You better not cry, Better not pout, I'm telling you why: I'm coming to town…again (in just 364 more days). And don’t you doubt that I’ll be…

Making a list, and checking it twice; Gonna find out who's naughty and nice.

As always,

Santa Claus

R.J. spent the night off with a friend last night which is perfect because I can slip this in the mailbox and when he comes home, I can ask him to check the mail and there the letter will be.

Mommy, er um, I mean…Santa redemption!!!

I hope!

I’ll let you all know how it goes.

In the meantime, please accept my heartfelt wishes to you and yours for a most blessed and Happy New Year!

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000-06:00

Baby Stats - 18 months

2011-12-19T15:02:00.002-06:00

Colton's 18 month check-up
Appointment on: 12/6/2011
[He was also very sick this day...viral bronchitis - YUCK!]

Age: 18 months and 2 weeks old (on date of blog entry)

Weight: 26 lbs. (50th percentile) - - He’s lost weight since his 15 month check-up

Length: 32 inches (50th percentile)

Head Circumference: 48 ½ cm {19.5 inches} (75th percentile)

Diaper: Size 5 –Pampers brand – Cruisers (during the day) and Pampers Extra Protection Size 5 (at bedtime)

Clothing: Still wearing sizes 18-months and 24-months/2-T depending on the brand/type of outfit.

Shoe: Size 5 …W-I-D-E!!!! He’s got the same chubby little foot that his big brother did when he was a toddler.

Liquids: Skim milk and juice. Speaking of juice...although it costs more, I’ve been buying Gerber’s Fruit Splashers. It contains less sugar than regular juice and it's already diluted.

Amount: Heck, I stopped keeping up with amount of liquid awhile back…some days it’s a lot and some days not so much.

Solid Food: All of a sudden, he’s turned into a picky eater. Things he used to eat and love, now he turns his nose up at. The one thing he absolutely will never turn down…graham crackers. After all, those are a part of each of the different food groups, aren't they?!! LOL!

Sleeping Habits: He’s sleeping through the night with an occasional wake up, but usually it’s because he’s lost his pacifier or he’s gotten himself into a position that has made him uncomfortable. A calm word, a pacifier pop-in, or a back pat most of the time is the ticket back to la-la land for him.

What He's Doing/How He's Progessing: Now that he’s walking, he can’t be stopped! Seriously, this kid can walk/run circles around a marathon expert! ! Once he’s down, he’s off! I used to cringe when I saw parents with leashes on their kids, but I am seriously about to check them out on Amazon.com - - LOL! His vocabulary has definitely expanded. One of my favorite words he says right now is “purple”. It’s not so much that he says the word, it’s how he says it that’s so darn cute! He also is into making animal sounds. He can “roar” like a lion. “Growl” like a bear. “Woof” like a doggie. “Nay”, like a horse. Blow fire and smoke like a dragon, etc. He still has an ear for music too. He has us cracking up when he starts bee-bopping to a song on the radio or a commercial on TV. He has no lack of rhythm that’s for sure. He’s able to clap and pump his hand right on beat. He’s still trying to show out with a bit of a temper and he likes to slap. At times, this is very frustrating for us (probably for him too), but we are muddling are way through it and trying to help him to understand that sometimes it just can’t be “Colton’s Way”. Let’s just say, at 18 months old, he already knows where the time out chair is and what it’s for!!! He's still a momma's boy BIG TIME!!! While at times I find this endearing, at other times not so much...like when I'm trying to do laundry or clean up the kitchen and I've got a toddler literally hanging onto my legs and I am forced to "drag" him around with me while he clings tightly to the pants material as I try to manuever around. It's pathetic and funny all at the same time. He’s gotten over his fear of the bathing in the big tub and now it’s his favorite evening past time. He loves to blow at the soap bubbles and play with the “cack-cacks” (little yellow rubber duckies). Honestly, even mommy is thankful for his bathtub time because there are days when she can only get Colton to eat his dinner if he’s sitting and playing in the tub…LOL! Hey, whatever works, right?!!

Happy Birthday, My Son!

2011-11-26T08:26:00.001-06:00

R.J., today you turn nine years old!

It's hard to believe that many years have already gone by.

From the moment I knew you existed, you captured my heart.

As you grew in my womb, that special bond between a mother and a son was formed and has never, ever changed.

Although you arrived earlier than we thought (Thanksgiving week too), our arms and hearts were ready to hold you.

R.J. - our first born son!

When I looked into your beautiful face for the first time, I promised God that I would try to be the very best parent I could be, even though I was slightly scared about how I was going to know what to do and that I would be able to raise you right.

November 26, 2002 ~ just hours old

One day when you are older and become a daddy, you will understand that there are no guarantees that your child/ren will turn out the way you want them to be...

But, you know what?

I got lucky right from the start!

You are such a good boy and a wonderful big brother.

You are handsome and very, very smart.

You like to draw and read, and you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE football...AUBURN football the most!

You like your Wii and Nintendo games almost, but not as much, as you like the outdoors.

You are witty and charming and you have a caring and giving heart.

You love the Lord and your kind spirit shows others you do too.

You're obedient and respectful, and you are careful not to intentionally hurt someone else's feelings.

However, if pushed, you can be as strong and tough as they come.

You aren't afraid to say, "I Love You!" to those you do.

As I continue to watch you grow, I marvel at the person you are...so very proud you are my son.

I cherish the pictures and memories I have of you now, and I look forward to more of both as I follow the bright future and full life that lies ahead of you.

I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I definitely must have done something right!

Happy 9th Birthday R.J. - - I love you with all my heart!

~Mommy

9 years old

8 years old

7 years old

6 years old

5 years old

4 years old

3 years old

2 years old

1 year old

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear R.J.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

Who Are You Calling Turkey?!

2011-11-18T15:08:00.004-06:00

Evidently, my child was chosen as the "head" model for the Turkey hats they were going to be making at daycare this week.

The teacher, Ms. Nancy, said that all she was trying to do was get a size estimate as far as how big/or small to make the paper headbands on the hats, but once she put it on Colton's head, he didn't want her to take it off.

As his mom, I found that description very interesting because at home whether it is a hat, pajamas, diaper, shoes, etc. he will fight you tooth and nail just to:

1. Get him to be still enough to put the item on, and

2. Once you do get the item on, he's usually trying to remove it.

Maybe I need to have Ms. Nancy move into our guest room???

Colton is obviously much more cooperative for her...LOL!

Okay, back to the hat.

It's still missing the multi-colored paper feathers and cute little orange accordion legs that will dangle from the sides, but nevertheless you get the "PICTURE"...LOL!

I've got to give a big shout-out thanks to Ms. Nancy and her camera phone for capturing candid shots of my babe.

After all, she knows this momma loves her some pictures!

Gobble, Gobble!

See below for wording on poster

All turkey birds are different
From sea to shining sea
And you'll never see another bird
Like this one to you from me.
Can you see what makes him different?
Do you need some helpful hints?
I made him from my very own
Thumb and fingerprints!
~Marsha A. Burks

GOD BLESS AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

A Hard Lesson "To-e" Learn!

2011-11-08T15:18:00.002-06:00

When I was pregnant with my second child, I cannot tell you how many times friends and family told me, "Be prepared Tracey, no two children are ever alike."

And every time I heard that I thought, "Eh, how different can two kids (same sex siblings for that matter) really be?"

Well, let me tellya' folks...my two boys are as DIFF-er-ENT as different can be!!!!

With R.J. (my oldest) I could tell him "No" and he would accept it and move along.

Seriously, no questions asked.

No whining.

No crying.

No little hissy fit.

At his youngest of age he totally understood the sternness in my voice and figured out early on that when mommy said, "No", she meant it.

Till this day he is pretty much the same way.

Don’t get me wrong, he may try to barter his way out of a "No" sometimes, but for the most part he knows I'm serious when I say it.

Enter child number two...my youngest...my baby...my 17-month old toddler...C-O-L-T-O-N.

Oh, dear Lord, were my friends and family ever right!

I guess you could say that from the beginning Colton was different.

R.J. was a very colicky baby and Colton was as laid back as the day is long.

Good indicator of a laid back personality, right?

WRONG-O!

This sweet, smiley, blue-eyed child is wide open!

And now that he has found his ~~"walking"~~ running feet - - look out world!

Compound his uber energy with the fact that not only does he not like to hear the word, "No", when he does hear it, he either:

A. Continues to do what he's doing (ignoring the fact you ever said it);

B. Breaks out into a tears running down his face, can't catch his breath, ear piercing cry (as if you'd burned him with an iron);

C. Throws himself into a belly flop on the floor writhing and kicking like he's a fish that's been thrown onto the waterless surface of a boat, or

D. Temporarily stops what he's doing only to look at you with a sly little grin on his face and in less than a nano-second goes right back to doing whatever it is he's not supposed to be doing, touching, pulling at, destroying, playing with, sticking in his mouth, running away with, etc.

Honestly folks, this is going to be my child who when I tell him the sky is blue, he's going to INSIST that it's purple.

After all, he knows it's purple.

And you cannot tell him it's NOT purple!

He is stubborn with a capital "S" - - must take after his er, um, daddy…LOL!

You get the picture, right?!!!

Well, the other night there I was in our kitchen headed to the pantry to put a box of cereal away.

You know, just your average, run-of-the-mill, tidying up the kitchen activity.

EXCEPT, I forgot to tell you one other thing about Colton...

He is attached to me like a flea on a dog's back.

Everywhere I go (especially when I’m inside the house) he is either following me, hanging onto my pants legs while I am walking around, climbing on top of me if I am sitting or laying down, or raising his arms up to be carried if he's too tired of being my shadow.

Soooo, you can just forget about him staying in another room with his daddy and big brother if mommy is up and milling around in the kitchen.

Anyway, when I opened up the pantry door, as is typical, Colton is right behind me.

That is, until he stepped aside and spotted all of the colorful cans on the bottom shelf of the pantry that were also within arm's reach of his little toddler hands.

As he stretched out his arms to reach for one of the cans, ~~in my identical Michelle Duggar-ish calm and gentle voice~~ immediately I ~~said~~ screamed out like a mad Italian woman "NO, Colton!"

To which I was met with his quick glance of defiance just moments before he grabbed the family size can of Beef-a-roni (Sssh, don't tell my mom, but the kids like it) that promptly fell smack dab on his pajama legged, barefooted, big toe.

Within a mini-flash, he let out the most blood curdling crying scream.

And, when I looked down this is what I saw...

OUCH!

I felt so bad for him.

I mean after all, no mommy wants their child to be hurt and you gotta' know that this definitely hurt...BIG TIME!

When I finally got him to calm down, I gave him some Motrin for the pain and cradled him to sleep in my arms, all the while covering him with kisses.

While I was looking at him peacefully asleep, glad that he was going to be okay (albeit he may lose that toenail), I realized that this was a very hard lesson for him to learn.

But, moreover, I hope he realized that when mommy says, "No"...

She.

Means.

NO.

From Pumpkins To Potter And Sick In-Between

2011-11-03T14:41:00.002-05:00

Can I be honest? (like when am I not...LOL!)

I am just THAAAA-RILLLLED that October is O-V-E-R!

And, no, it's not because it means were inching closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It's because October held yucky, yucky sickness for my sweet boys.

Our youngest, Colton, came down with strep (for the bazillionith time) and had probably one of his worst respiratory 'bouts yet.

I was out with him for a week administering meds and doing nebulizer treatments...fun, fun, fun - - NOT!

Poor baby.

He did start feeling better after staying at home for all those days being cared for, so we piled up the kiddos and headed to the best Pumpkin Patch EV-AH!

It's called Dreamfield Farms and it's located here in Alabama.

We had an perfect autumn family day.

R.J. posing for the camera

We couldn't get Colton to sit still for this one

The "corn" box was a big hit!

Especially for Colton...

So was the "cow" train!

We've even got video to prove it!

R.J. thought the animals were cool, but he thought the fact that his new "transitioning" eyeglasses was even cooler since they turn into sunglasses when he's outside and there's sun glare.

All of my boys enjoyed the hayride (and Mom did too, but as usual I'm the one taking the pictures).

Picking the pumpkins was best of all!

Here are the finished products!

R.J. did a double-sided pumpkin...

Side 1

Side 2

And Colton did a wee little skeleton...

The "perfectness" of our fun-filled October day ended with the pumpkins and the Patch because just when we got the baby all well and back to daycare, my oldest, R.J., starts running a super high fever, throwing up, coughing and loses his appetite and energy.

Off to doctor with him - - TWICE.

Hello, Mononucleosis!

Good-bye school for a week.

Welcome to our house - UGH!

Seriously folks, I have never seen my son so pale and lethargic.

This mono stuff truly is no laughing matter.

Being sick is not fun.

Being a kid and being sick is even worse.

Being sick during trick-or-treating time is the worstest!

R.J. had been home for a week resting and taking his medicine, but we really weren't sure if he was going to feel up to going trick-or-treating, and if he didn't feel like it that was completely okay with us.

October 31st came around and he decided he wanted to give it a try.

For the past few years we've been meeting up with my friend and her two children. They live in a really good neighborhood to go door-to-door.

Harry Potter-ville, here we come!

R.J. as Harry Potter and my friend's daughter as Hermoine

Daddy was Dumbledore
(Michael's mask scared Colton so much that he had to take it off)

Mommy (yep, that's me) was Professor Minerva McGonagall

Colton was Hedwig the owl
(Okay, so I know Hedwig was white, but this is when he was a "baby" owl...LOL!)

My friend's son was the Transformer Optimus Prime
(Sure, sure, Transformers were NOT in Harry Potter, but Hogwart's School
taught wizards, and we all know that wizards can be ANYTHING they want!)

R.J. was quite the trick-or-treating trooper and tried to put on a happy face, but after about ten houses he was so exhausted that he and I turned around and headed back to the house while the others finished their rounds.

In contrast, Colton had enough energy for ALL of us and would have kept on going until midnight if we had let him...LOL!

So there you have it...like I said, from pumpkins to Potter and sick in-between.

So long October.

Delighted to meet you November.

Please be good to this family.

Thankyouverymuch!

Remembering...

2011-10-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

Today, October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day.

Prior to 2008 I ashamedly admit that October 15th was, well, just another day in the month.

Ironically, my wedding anniversary is in October (the 7th), but other than that, October only represented the celebration of my marriage and the fact that Halloween is enjoyed by many of us on the 31st.

Having my miscarriages (seeing two heartbeats and then seeing a still screen two different times) not only changed how I view the month of October, it changed me...forever.

Angel Baby #1
EDD: 4/1/09

Angel Baby #2
EDD 7/31/09

You see, I am not the mother of TWO children, my precious boys, I am the mother of FOUR children.

Two here on earth to love and cherish each and everyday (and I do) and two angel babies who (although not ever having been able to hold them in my arms) I also love and cherish.

There is honestly not a single day that goes by that I don't think about those angel babies and "what if"?

Their due dates are just as emblazoned in my mind and in my heart as the delivery dates of my sweet sons.

For some of you reading this who have not every experienced such a loss my sentiments might be hard to understand.

However, unfortunately, there is a secret fraternity of woman out there who know and understand exactly how I feel.

Worse yet, this secret fraternity has members that have sadly and courageously endured bringing a "sleeping" infant into this world or experienced losing a baby/ies after having them here on earth to hold and love.

In 2006, the U.S. House of Representatives (with the U.S. Senate concurring) passed a Resolution supporting the goals and ideals of having a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and declared October 15th of each year to be that day.

If you click here you can read a portion of the transcript when Congress passed this resolution...a resolution that held special meaning for so many of the members who felt compelled to address the House floor and speak from their hearts.

One member, Representative Gingrey from Georgia, spoke words that totally hit home for me:

Mr. Speaker, I think the importance of this resolution is to let people know that when couples have a miscarriage, it is a child. It might be for some people, well, it is just a miscarriage. They were only 6 weeks or they were only 9 weeks, and they did not even know whether it was a boy or girl. But in the minds of that couple in many instances it is their very first pregnancy, and they are already thinking about that little boy or the little girl and what the name is going to be and the clothes that they are going to pick out and the joys they are going to have sending that child to school and raising it and seeing it play sports and become an adult some day and contribute to our great society. We tend to forget that. And this was brought home to me pretty vividly recently when my daughter-in-law, pregnant with their first child, found out at 10 weeks that the baby did not have a heartbeat. And so that baby was lost. And she went on, of course, and miscarried. And that loss will be with them forever. And so I think it is just so important for us all to realize that when somebody, when you hear about somebody having a miscarriage, do not think, well, it was just a miscarriage, it is not like losing a child or an older child, which of course I do not know that anything compares to that. But this is a significant loss. And that is why this resolution today is so important.

So friends, if you are reading this, I simply ask that you take a brief moment today to say a prayer for all who share in the significance of this date.

For many, it's simply October 15, 2011, but for oh so many as well it's a day to...remember.

Thank you and God Bless!

Normal Limits

2011-10-12T13:27:00.001-05:00

We took Colton to the pediatric opthalmologist yesterday to get his eyes checked for amblyopia a.k.a. "lazy eye" that his baby doctor and I thought he possibly might have.

Knowing how squiggly wiggly this 16 month old can be when simply changing his diaper, I was wondering how he was going to do when we had to slightly restrain him at the doctor's office because I knew they were going to have to dilate his eyes for the examination.

I figured I would let Colton get used to the chair so he would feel "semi" comfortable (sure, Mom, sure) when we had to remain seated for the actual exam.

So I propped him up and there he sat proudly, taking it all in...

As I was taking pictures the doctor walked in and it startled him (and Mom) so I ~~artistically~~ clumsily got this shot of Colton in the chair (which I might say is a great example of what he was seeing things like after they put the drops in...LOL!)

Anyway, we got the drops in his eyes without any major fidgeting and the doctor did the full exam.

Diagnosis: Colton does have some asymmetry when both eyes are compared and he is slightly far sighted, but both are completely within NORMAL LIMITS for a child his age and there is no sign of amblyopia.

Great news!

And then, I dropped him off at daycare this morning to find this notice:

"We have confirmed cases of pink eye at the center."

Figures right?!!! LOL!

Amblyopia

2011-09-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

It's pronounced [am-blee-oh-pee-uh].

What is it?

Lazy eye.

Who has it?

Colton (we think).

It's noticeable in this recent picture of him from a few weeks ago...

Actually, Michael and I noticed what we thought was a slight bit of lazy eye back a few months ago.

Here it's even more noticeable than the other picture above...

So, we mentioned it to Colton's pediatrician who at the time said that it was very common in infants and she made a note to keep track of it on subsequent appointments to see if it was still discernable or if he seemed to be outgrowing it.

Well, after examining Colton at his last appointment the doctor felt like (just to be on the safe side) it would be best for Colton to get checked out by a pediatric ophthalmologist who specializes in the area of amblyopia.

I know she is recommending this because it's the right thing to do, but I have to admit it made me a little bit anxious hoping that it turns out to be nothing, but having typical mommy worry that..."Oh, my gosh, what if it IS something?!"

Over the weekend we got the packet from the ophthalmologist's office in the mail and Colton's appointment is scheduled for early October.

Of course, I will let you all know what we find out after meeting with the doctor.

In the meantime, I hope you all will please keep my sweet friend Ali's baby Fitz in your prayers.

Fitz will be undergoing surgery to correct his cleft lip next week.

I know that Ali, her husband John, and the rest of the family are nervous about having to give their sweet little boy up to a doctor's hands for surgery, but they are steadfast in their faith that Fitz is ultimately in the Lord's hands and it is the Almighty who will be guiding the surgeon as his hands work on their son.

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Baby Stats - 15 months

2011-09-08T15:42:00.005-05:00

Will someone please tell me why they do not have any child toys to play with once you are put back in the examining room?

Because after all, Mommy’s purse is just not going to suffice as a fun toy.

Okay, so maybe the clipboard thingy will?!

Nope, then how about the Family Circle magazine?!!

Maybe if I push it on the floor like a truck?!

Well, what if I scrunch it up and pretend it’s a ball?!

I give up!

Just get in here and give me those darn shots and let's be done with this already!

Colton's 15 month check-up

Appointment on: 9/6/2011

Age: 15 months and 3 days old (on date of blog entry)

Weight: 27 lbs. 2 oz. (75th percentile)

Length: 30 inches (10th – 25th percentile)

Head Circumference: 48 cm {19 inches} (75th percentile)

Diaper: Size 5 –Pampers brand – Cruisers (during the day) and Pampers Extra Protection Size 5 (at bedtime)

Clothing: Wearing sizes 18-months and 24-months/2-T depending on the brand/type of outfit. He still comfortably fits into size 12-month onesies, go figure?

Shoe: Size 4 ½ to 5 (based on mommy's guess-timation). Taking him to be professionally fitted for walking shoes this weekend.

Liquids: Skim milk for this babe. Whole milk made him throw up every single time he drank it. He will still only take milk from a bottle. He loves juice (diluted white grape, apple, pear) and he'll drink it from a sippy cup. Try putting the milk in a sippy cup and he refuses to drink it...go figure?! LOL!

Amount: He takes 24 oz. of milk per day and approx. 6 oz. of juice.

Solid Food: He's gotten much better dealing with texture. He definitely loves pasta - - and having a mommy who's Italian, that's pretty much a given! Ravioli, spaghetti-o's, beefaroni (I know, I know, it makes his Mimi [mommy's mom] cringe). He still loves pancakes and his new found favorite is french toast sticks. He likes plain ole' buttered toast even and he'll eat scrambled eggs and grits too. He's not too keen on meat yet, but we're still trying. He's a fruit kid...clementines, peaches, bananas - - Mmmmmm! He's more particular about his veggies. He likes green beans and peas, but isn't too thrilled with carrots or corn. Of course, he loves his fruit puff snacks and another favorite...pudding (especially if some of it drops on the highchair tray and he can finger paint "color" with it!)

Sleeping Habits: On a usual night, he goes down about 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. He was getting up in the middle of the night and taking a bottle, but we've cut that out totally. Now if he wakes up, we just pat him or comfort him back to sleep (i.e., pop the pacifier back in his mouth that inevitably has fallen out). He gets up around 6:30 a.m. on most weekdays and if I am really lucky, he will sleep until 8:00 a.m. on the weekend, but there is no guarantee, nor consistency in that. At daycare he's taking one 2 to 2 ½ hour nap per day and he is on a napper with attached blanket on the floor instead of in a crib. I was afraid he wasn't going to adjust to that too well, but the daycare staff said he's handled the transition just great.

What He's Doing/How He's Progessing: Well, he took his first steps this past weekend. YIPPEEEE!!! He still isn't quite sure about the walking thing all the time yet, but he's definitely on his way. He is still an explorer...he explores everything!!! Cabinets, drawers, under tables, under chairs. You name it and he wants to explore it. In go the outlet protectors and closed are the bathroom doors with tempting toilet seat lids covers! He has just started to enjoy puzzles...the big wooden pieces taste really good too! We have also discovered that this kid has a great throwing arm...seriously. He can take a ball and throw it overhand like a pro! He also is very adept at manipulating the Leap Frog alphabet refrigerator magnet toy as well. But his favorite part of that toy is taking the alphabet magnets and strewing them all over the kitchen floor. He still enjoys looking at books and turning the pages when you read to him. Music makes him very, very happy and he's totally into Sesame Street. Just a glimpse of Elmo and he breaks out into a huge smile. His babbling has gotten much more "conversation-like" albeit with himself...LOL! He has also figured out how to say, "R.J." and he KNOWS that's his big brother's name for sure. This sweet faced little boy has also got a wee bit of a temper which we are having to cull. He's slowly, but surely figuring out what mommy, daddy and big brother will and will not tolerate as far as his behavior goes. Right now he is drawn more to mommy...her legs, her arms, just climbing on and being held by mommy in general. He's still a smiley britches. He's got the most addictive and adorable smile. Which is great because it shows off the 12 teeth he already has!!!!! He's still bathing in the big kitchen sink because the vastness of the bathtub frightens him, yet he loves a swimming pool...still cannot figure this one out - - LOL!

Vaccines He's Received To Date: Hepatatis B, DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b), IPV (Polio), Prevnar/PCV 13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate), RotaTeq (Rotavirus), Flu, Varivax (chiken pox), and MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella).

If you want to read about, contrast/compare Colton's 12 month stats, click here.

First Steps!

2011-09-05T19:10:00.001-05:00

This was an eventful weekend.

My Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past Saturday,

and

Look who started taking his first steps...FINALLY!

They say it's your birthday...actually, it's MY Birthday!

2011-08-30T09:24:00.002-05:00

Okay, my birthday (today) has been made...this is the e-mail message my hubby sent to me when I got to work. Thank you God for giving me a good man, father, husband, friend:

Thanks again (x 10) for all that you do for the 3 of us. It’s really not even possible to accurately put into words but you hold everything together and that’s invaluable.

Colton is...

2011-08-18T09:35:00.000-05:00

STILL not walking.

But, he's getting very close!

Stay tuned - because after all...

Do You Think...

2011-07-31T13:38:00.002-05:00

My child likes his stroller or what?!!

My sweet friend Jennifer captured these the other night when we were both attending the daycare/preschool's open house for my Colton and her Braxton.

R.J. was actually tipping the stroller back (much to the dismay and chiding of his momma) and when he would bring it back down KER-PLUNK, Colton would just shriek with laughter.

Amazing how so many potentially dangerous "tricks" (according to R.J.) bring so much joy to children...Gheesh!

Nevertheless, his sweet, giggly smile is priceless!

Note To Self...

2011-07-27T21:51:00.002-05:00

In the future do NOT let husband [military reservist] send a note with son/grandson for father-in-law/grandfather to give to barber at local air force base because husband was unable to take son himself.

Why?

Because barber did EXACTLY what husband [military reservist] instructed on the note (without father-in-law/grandfather interruption) and thus, this result for my son...

Thank goodness that:

(1) My son's hair grows extremely fast,

(2) The start of school is still three weeks away,

(3) School pictures are even further out than that, and

(4) He's an 8 year old boy who really doesn't care all that much yet about what his hair looks like.

P.S. Remember to make hair appointment at MY stylist for son's next haircut! ;0)

Who needs Sherlock Holmes?!!

2011-07-24T19:44:00.002-05:00

The evidence...

The culprit!

It's Been A Long Time In Coming, But...

2011-07-22T22:50:00.001-05:00

Colton FINALLY (praise the Lord) PICKED up (all on his own) and DRANK from (rather than fling it around in the air) his sippy cup today at daycare!!!

See...

I know, I know, I bet most of you are saying to yourselves, "Big deal, he's 13 months old. He should be drinking from a sippy cup already!"

Well, let me tell you, it is a big deal...for us.

You see, I have come to find out (and accept) that this little guy does things in his own time and in his own way.

Nope, no following in his big brother's ahead-of-schedule milestones.

Nuh, uh, not gonna do it...lol!

Of course, this has been a point of conversation (initiated by me of course) with his daycare caregivers/teachers and myself, so when Colton peformed this feat today Ms. Jessica was sweet enough to capture it on her cell phone.

Honestly, I think she was just as excited as I was about it!

Sippy cup today...walking tomorrow.

Well, we're not quite there yet either, but while he's on a roll, who knows?!

First Birthday Fun!

2011-07-20T14:05:00.001-05:00

Okay, so like most things recently, I am a little late (okay, okay, just translate that to WAY late) in posting A-GAIN...so sorry folks.

Well, like the title says...Colton had is first birthday party and ironically, June 5th fell on a weekend so we planned it for then.

How perfect?!

Awhile back I had read about another blogger, The Macs, who did a really cute first birthday party for her son centered around him turning one...in a flash (see here).

I really liked that idea when I saw it on her blog and I bookmarked it in the back of my mind so that I could do something like that for Colton's first...and I did.

Here was Colton's invite...

I decided to play up the word "flash" by emphasizing a film/movie theme and tied the party decorations to that idea...

When guests arrived I had them sign in as the "supporting cast"...

I really tried to stick to the movie/film theme in the decor and such...

As party food, in addition to the hot popcorn, we had hot dogs with fixin's and I did a BIG cake for everyone and a smash cake for Colton...

Party favors were glass jars filled with m and m's and popcorn boxes filled with a mini bag of microwave popcorn, plastic funny big nose and mustache eyeglasses, a director's clapboard picture frame key chain, and their very own Hollywood star (wand)...

As part of the decor, I printed pictures of Colton from one day old all the way to 11 months old so guests could see how much he had changed and grown (in a flash) during the past year...

Some of the most fun we had was having guests do funny frames. I hung two picture frames from a door jam and had silly photo props for them to use. Then, we had everyone ham it up for the camera...

And what's a party without games and activities?

We had scooter races...

A popcorn throw...

Picture "production"...

Water balloons...

Capture the flag...

And, of course, a pinata smash...

Then it was cake time...

Colton was not too keen on the idea of his very own smash cake...

He liked the presents though...

But, he liked his balloon the BEST of all!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Colton...

Happy Birthday to YOU!

If you want to see a slideshow of more pictures from the party, click here.

Baby Stats - 12 months

2011-06-27T15:52:00.012-05:00

Well, what would YOU do while waiting for the doctor to come in?!!

Colton's 1 year check-up

Appointment on: 6/7/2011

Age: 12 months and 22 days old (on date of blog entry)

Weight: 25 lbs. 14 oz. (75th – 90th percentile)

Length: 29 ½ inches (25th – 50th percentile)

Head Circumference: 47 ½ cm {18 ½ inches} (75th – 90th percentile)

Diaper: Size 4 –Pampers brand – Cruisers (during the day) and Pampers Extra Protection Size 4 (at bedtime)

Clothing: Wearing sizes 12-months and 18-months depending on the brand/type of outfit

Formula: NO MORE FORMULA - Whole milk it is! But, he WILL NOT drink it cold…it has to be warmed up. Same with juice…he loves it, but only if it’s warm, go figure?!

Amount: Introducing sippy cup, but he still thinks it’s a play toy…LOL! He's takes approx. four 8 oz. bottles a day with one of those being diluted juice (apple or white grape or pear)

Solid Food: He’s still not real big on texture so while we are introducing more solids, he is still eating Second Foods (#2). So far though, we do know he loves pancakes, biscuits, lima beans, English peas, graham crackers, fruit puffs, yogurt melts, and arrowroot cookies.

Sleeping Habits: Not much change here…He’s been sleeping through the night with an occasional wake up for a bit of bottle, but not very often. He is usually down for the night between 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. He gets anywhere from 10 to 12 hours at a stretch at night. He still takes an early morning nap (lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour), a much longer afternoon nap (2 ½ to 3 hours), an early evening cat nap (about 30 minutes), and then he goes to bed for the night. As far as the tummy sleeping…nope, not his favorite anymore. Now he likes to be on his side or flat on his back.

What He's Doing/How He’s Progressing: We are FINALLY crawling and I mean it! He’s like a little race car once those “fours” get going!! He does not like for you to be out of his sight for a minute and you can hear him tearing up the floor making a bee line toward you, especially if it’s mommy he’s after. He is starting to experience just a twinge of stranger fear. He is reaching to pull himself up, but has not figured out the leg placement yet to make him actually get upright. We are totally convinced he is a little ham! He loves to entertain himself and those around him. He has the cutest laugh too. It sounds like a dolphin…eh, eh, eh, eh, eh! He LOVES music (from a toy, on the radio, on the television, if you sing to him, etc…). Whenever he hears a tune, he thumps his feet on the ground and lifts his hands in the air or grasps them in front of himself and rocks back and forth to the beat/sound! He is absolutely thrilled to sit on the ground and look out the front door (which is completely see-through safety glass). He points to the trees and birds and bugs and just blabs away. He is also a tongue roller! Seriously, this kid can fold his tongue completely in half and twirl it around. Talent I tell you, pure talent! (*see below) He says, “da-da” and “buh, bye” and has just started to say "ma-ma" and a whole plethora of other words that only he knows, but we don’t…LOL! He is still quite the babble baby for sure! He also has an opening of drawers and cabinets fixation so safety latches are now in full force! He does not like the word “no” and if you say it to him, he will look at you with astonishment and give a little grunt and then sometimes he’ll even start to cry…I mean after all, how dare we hurt his feelings?! You can forget about handing him off to someone he doesn't know if you are not within his eyesight. He has discovered how to do the flaps in the lift-a-flap books and squeals with delight when you read those to him and do the flaps. His hair grows out of one cowlick swirling circle in the back of his head which is so cute…hard to tame, but cute nonetheless. He has a total of 8 teeth with two more breaking through on the bottom on each side (the cuspids). The pacifier is still something he gravitates to. It is hysterical to see him grab it and pop it in his mouth. He also likes to let it dangle out of the side of his mouth like Groucho Marx. He still gets giddy with excitement every time he sees his loved ones (especially his big brother). If you are holding him when he sees another special somebody, he pumps his legs up and down and up and down. We call those his “happy feet”. People ask us if he is as cheerful and as pleasant as everyone witnesses of him? The answer that question (and if I can be totally honest) is “YES!” He is absolutely one of the happiest babes in the world and he fills our days and nights with more joy than imaginable!

* Note, the tongue roll (click on picture for a closer view)...

Vaccines He’s Received To Date: Hepatitis B, DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b), IPV (Polio), Prevnar/PCV 13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate), RotaTeq (Rotavirus), Flu, Varivax (chicken pox), and MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)

If you want to read about, contrast/compare Colton's 9 month stats, click here.

Good News and Bad News

2011-06-19T01:45:00.008-05:00

I had some surprisingly good news on Thursday.

One of the gals I have come to “know” (although we’d never met in real life) from a trying to conceive site I joined over 4 years ago, texted me and said that she and her family were driving through Montgomery on their way to their new house in Florida.

I texted back and asked if they had time to stop by my workplace on their way and she said, “Yes, we’ll be there in about 20 minutes.”

I was so excited because she is part of a group (there’s about 9 of us gals in total including myself) that I have grown so very close to online and the thought of being able to finally see her was almost too good to be true.

I couldn’t wait to give her a hug...IN PERSON!

What’s ironic is that she also has two boys and her oldest is my oldest son’s age and her youngest son is named, yep, you guessed it...Colton (just like my youngest) and his birthday is only one day before my Colton’s, but a year earlier.

Add more irony…her husband is in the Air Force and mine is too, but reserves, while her husband is full-time.

So here you have it…Kristen and me…up close and personal!

And here’s us with her oldest son, Dakota (her sweet Colton was a bit shy and opted to stay in the car).

We enjoyed standing there in the street next to their car and their moving truck, just chatting up a storm, when my cell phone (which had been vibrating in my pocket), did so again for the third time in a row and I finally decided to answer it.

It was my hubby who had been trying to contact me because the daycare called and said that Colton was running a fever and a rash had sprung up on his chest and groin area.

Well, needless to say, my child emergency ended our long-awaited chat and I had to hug Kristen once again and say good-bye as they headed on their way to their new home and I headed on my way to the daycare to pick up my babe.

Thankfully, the pediatrician’s office was able to squeeze me in.

Fever, check.

Rash, check.

Red throat, check.

Cough, check.

Strep test...positive, check!

So, there you have it…the bad news…Colton has strep throat, poor little guy.

He crashed when we got home from the doctor's office that afternoon.

Ever since then we’ve been treating him with antibiotic, fever reducer and Pedialyte (because he’d been throwing up) and today (Saturday) he’s starting to act a bit more like himself although he had a very rough, non-sleeping night last night.

The rash although, has spread to his arms and legs and it looks and feels like pink chicken skin. Hopefully, this will clear up in the upcoming week especially since we have is one year photo shoot on Saturday.

Thankfully, it doesn’t seem as if it’s itching him at all so that’s a blessing.

Speaking of blessings…my friend Ali, the mommy of baby Fitz, who I told you about here.

Well, she texted me yesterday and said that Fitz was being released from the hospital and they were headed home!

Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they get adjusted to being home as a family and having Fitz in their care.

Thanks!

And a great big HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all the daddy’s, granddaddy's, stepdaddy's, and those who are like daddy's out there too!

Easter...In June!

2011-06-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm just a little late posting these [insert embarrassment here], but as promised here are Easter pics...

Easter Goodies For The Boys!

Colton Seems Very Happy With His Basket!

R.J. Does Too!

A Bunny And A Duckie? WOW!

And A Book And A Hammer? No Way!

Oh, Wait, My Brother Got A Book As Well!

And A Whole Bunch Of Other Stuff Too!

But, Hey, I Got ANOTHER Book!

And I'm Just A Bit "Hungry" For BIBLE Knowledge!

What? No More Stuff? Hrumph!

That's Okay, I'll Just Play With My Basket Then!

My Family At Church...Celebrating What Easter Is REALLY All About!

Feels Like A Year, Oh, Wait, It has Been!

2011-06-14T16:47:00.004-05:00

Well, like the title says...it feels like a year since I've been here and I sincerely apologize. I have really missed being able to post to my blog regularly, but I was kidding myself thinking I could do so once the legislative session got under way.

Honestly, there were weeks that I saw my office only once, maybe twice if I was lucky.

Although I love my job, thankfully, the 2011 Regular Session adjourned for good VERY late last Thursday night and I am hoping (and looking forward to) getting back into the swing of things here on my blog.

Back to that year thing...my sweet Colton turned the big O-N-E on the 5th of June! I absolutely cannot believe it!

Seriously, where in the world has the time gone?

I've always heard other moms say that when you have your second child things become more chaotic and the days seem to fly by even quicker than normal and boy, oh, boy is that ever true!

We had a HUGE birthday blow-out for my little man on his actual birthday and although the preparations wore this mommy out, it was well worth it! It was a great time and Colton was wonderful!

I hired someone to take pictures at the birthday party for me and I should have those back soon. I can't wait to see them and share them with you all.

And yes, yes, yes, I know I owe you all some Easter pics and I also have Colton's 12 month stats to do as well.

And I will deliver...promptly...tomorrow...LOL!

In the meantime, I want you to hop on over to my friend Ali's blog and check out her latest post.

She was due with her first child (a sweet baby boy named Fitz) at the end of this month, but she had him early (June 3rd).

Funny, her due date was a day before Colton's was last year (June 29th) and I had him early too (June 5th), which wound up being two days later than Fitz's birthday this year. Who woulda' thunk it?!

Anyway, Fitz is here (PRAISE GOD!), but he's been dealing with some issues due to a bilateral cleft lip an palate. He's not home yet, but he's been blowing the doctor's outta' the water with how well he's been doing with his feedings and overall health in general.

Just wait until you see him...he's just the most beautiful and precious babe! And my friend Ali, well, she's had the most positive and upbeat outlook about the whole birth, delivery and everything she and her hubby, John, have dealt with since sweet little Fitz got here. I always knew she'd be an awesome Mom (she's an awesome friend and person too) and by golly, she's proving it for sure. Fitz is a luckly little fellow...he's definitely surronded by a whole lotta' love!

If you could, please keep Fitz, Ali, John and the rest of the family in your prayers. I know it would mean alot to me and I definitely know it would mean even more to them.

And while we're on the subject of prayers, my other awesome friend, Lorrie, is in need of them too. You can read her story here.

After years and years of trying, which has included volumes of medications, several IUI's and IVF's, and a devastating miscarriage 2 years ago...she is ready to embark upon what we hope is her journey to motherhood with donor embryos.

She's ever so close to her FET (frozen embryo transfer) scheduled for June 23rd.

I am asking for some extra special prayers for Lorrie and her husband Tom as they prepare for the big day. If ever there was someone in this world who deserves to be a mommy, it is her.

Thanks my bloggy friends! You are the best and I know you will hold these ladies close to your heart in thought and prayer.

In the meantime, please drop in and say hello...I've missed you all!

Much Love!!!

~Tracey

Just Wanted You All To Know

2011-05-05T00:24:00.006-05:00

Hello...do ya' miss me?!

Well, let me just say that I TOTALLY miss you all and blogging too.

Just wanted to drop in real quick to let you all know that I have NOT given up on my blog.

My work right now has me beyond busy!!

In my 17 years of doing Governmental Relations work, I cannot remember a legislative session that has been so chaotic, so mind-testing, and so unbelievably heavy with workload.

Don't get me wrong...I am a hard worker and I thrive on being challenged, but combine all of what I've mentioned above with workdays that sometimes turn into nights way past midnight, a long drive home, and two kids that I sometimes only get to see when they awake in the morning or when I check on them asleep in their beds at night, and you can only imagine how stressful it has been/can be.

And my husband?

He's totally great and definitely helps me by picking up my slack. I couldn't do this job without him.

Having said all that, please bear with me and the lack of posting.

I'll get my groove back soon.

Next week the Legislature takes a 2-week break...YIPPEEE!!

Promise to share some Easter pics for sure.

In the meantime, thanks for understanding and thanks for sticking with me.

Much Love to you all!

NOT Where You Want To Spend Your Saturday Night

2011-04-05T17:24:00.023-05:00

In the Emergency Room that is.

In fact, if possible, avoid it at all costs.

But if you can’t, I hope you get in and out quicker than we did with Colton this past Saturday.

BACKGROUND INFO:

Colton was uncharacteristically fussy and did not sleep well on Thursday night, but he wasn’t exhibiting any signs of fever or illness so I just chalked it off to perhaps another tooth getting ready to break through.

As usual, I dropped him off at daycare Friday morning without incident.

Shortly after lunch, I got a call from the daycare letting me know that Colton felt hot and he was running a bit of a fever (a little over 99 degrees).

They faxed me the permission slip to give him Motrin and I signed it and faxed it back. I asked them if I needed to come and get him, but they said that other than feeling a bit hot he was acting fine.

Nevertheless, being a mommy, I decided to slip out early and go get my babe.

When I got there he was warm, but not hot, and in fact he smiled a great big smile when he saw me.

At home I gave him a tepid bath and some more fever medicine.

From experience with R.J., I knew how to administer the alternating Tylenol/Motrin, Tylenol/Motrin routine to get his fever under control (or so I thought).

Friday night was a nightmare…NO SLEEP for Colton and NO SLEEP for mommy.

Once again, the fussiness kicked in and there was no consoling him…not the pacifier, not the bottle, not holding him, not rocking him…NOTHING.

After hours of trying to get him to calm down (and at my wits end) I put him in the bed with me (I know, I know…bad mommy) and I watched him as he FINALLY fell asleep.

By this time it was after 6 a.m. and I never did fall asleep…I just watched him for 2 ½ hours until he woke up.

After waking, he took a tiny bit (and I mean a tiny bit) of bottle and I checked his temp.

It was up, meds were once again administered like I had been doing around the clock since the early evening the night before and so it went for most of the day until about 4:30 p.m. when I checked his temperature and the thermo scan read 102.9 and was glowing red (seriously, it was).

What was happening is that the Tylenol/Motrin would get his fever to come down some, but once it wore off, his temp would shoot right back up again.

Given the fact that he just had ear tubes put in a week ago, I started to worry that maybe there was some sort of secondary infection going on and that’s why his temperature was so high. Then, the coughing kicked in…big time.

Yep, something was definitely going on and it was past time for us to get him to a doctor.

Since the pediatrician’s office was closed (being that it was a weekend), our next option was a local Prime Med (a.k.a. doc in a box).

Guess what?

Doc in the box closes early on the weekends…go figure?!

So off to the local Emergency Room we went.

Thankfully, R.J. was already off spending the night with my Mom & Dad so we didn’t have to worry about entertaining an 8 year old AND an infant as we waited in an E.R.

Good thing.

I looked, it was 7:24 p.m. when we pulled into the hospital parking lot.

When we got inside I noticed that the lobby didn’t look too bad. There were about three people/families ahead of us and so I thought, “Hmmmm, we may be able to get in and out relatively quick?!”

Silly Tracey, those thoughts are for kids!

What we couldn’t see was how packed the place was in the back…where the actual examination rooms were.

And so, we waited…

and waited…

and waited some more.

We waited while a family of five (smelling like old, musty cigarette smoke) walked in.

The daddy, looked like Vanilla Ice back in his

“Ice, Ice, Baby”days.

There he was - - droopy pants, baseball cap on sideways, tattooed arms you know, the whole nine yards and I watch as he proceeded to lead his clan over to the seats that were caddy corner to us.

Of course he headed our way, I mean why would he want to choose the row of chairs across the room from us when he was able to be within inches of our noses so we could breathe in that lovely smell of (I had three cigarettes in the car with the windows closed on my way over here) smoke?!

Once he sat down, we noticed that he was holding the right side of his face and kept mumbling something to his blonde headed, similarly tattooed, toe ringed, flip-flopped wife.

Honestly, he sounded like Marlon Brando in The Godfather.

But hey, obviously she was able to understand him clearly because this is what we heard her say to him.

“HELL, no, they ain’t gonna give you a pain pill perscription…you know you cain’t have none of that. They’re probly gonna give you a coupla needles in your face to numb it up and then we’ll haveta find a DAMN dentist to carry you to on Monday.”

So here we are sitting next to a pain pill popper man with lockjaw!

On a positive note though. The three young children that were with this couple were precious, very well-behaved and seemed genuinely concerned about the well-being of their daddy.

I did however, seriously worry about the future of their lungs being that they were surrounded by all that second hand smoke.

Okay, next in, a lady sporting half fuzzy, half where-fuzz-used-to-be leopard slippers, wearing denim jeggings (with ABSOLUTELY NO RIGHT to be wearing such) who shuffled on up to the computer check-in screen (which by the way, we had clear view of…so much for HIPPA and privacy, huh?) and proceeded to type in as REASON FOR VISIT: “I brokeyed my toes.”

Evidently lady, your toes aren’t that brokeyed because you were able to pour yourself into those jeggings, slip on your funky slippers and drive yourself over here to the E.R.

Could this night get any more interesting????!!!!

And, just as I am thinking this, the E.R. rent-a-cop swoops past us and gets a nurse to bring a wheelchair to the entrance of the lobby.

We hear a lot of commotion and the next thing we know, they are wheeling this guy in with a neck brace on and his legs all crumply looking.

They push him straight on through to the back and as he is whizzed by, the alcohol smell is so strong that if you lit a match near him he’d go up in flames.

Not following too far behind him are two women, one perhaps is this guy’s mother, the other his girlfriend/wife, and a guy who was without a doubt his drinking buddy.

Once they hit the double doors to the back, the rent-a-cop informs them they are not allowed to go back there yet, only drunken wheelchair man can.

As we are sitting there, we find out that drunken wheelchair man drove into a ditch.

At this point, we can only assume that the car was left in the ditch and drunken wheelchair man’s posse’ drove him to the E.R. to get checked out.

After about 20 minutes, we see wheelchair man WITHOUT the wheelchair and neck brace, come through the double doors and wobble through the lobby headed towards the front entrance.

All the while, his posse’ is looking at him totally dumbfounded not really knowing what to do until drunken wheelchair man snaps, “C’mon, we ain’t staying here…they’re gittin’ ready to call the po-lice on me. F*%# that! Y’all coming with me or not?”

With that, the posse' and drunken wheelchair man exit through the sliding glass entrance doors into the dark of night.

After which, we are told that drunken wheelchair man got BEHIND THE WHEEL of the car and drove off.

Upon learning that, I said a silent prayer and asked the Lord to especially protect others on the road hoping that no one came in contact with drunken wheelchair man who was now commandeering yet another vehicle.

When I asked the staff why he was allowed to leave, they said they didn't have the right to keep him there.

WHAT?!!!

[INSERT HERE: I could go on and on and on about what I think of this, but it would take up another whole blog post!]

Anyway, then, in comes Mrs. Veda Sheppard (again, so much for privacy) who is suffering from severe abdominal pain.

Because she is unable to stand upright, they place her in a wheelchair that is stopped right next to my husband who is holding Colton on his lap.

For the next few minutes, we get to hear various sounds of grunting pain as I ease Colton off of Michael’s lap and put him on mine further away from the Veda Sheppard Stomach Symphony in D Minor.

Mind you now, all the while, Colton is as sweet and calm as could be, just looking around and taking it all in.

Thankfully, due to his age he was oblivious to the absurdity of it all.

WHAT?

Was that my child’s name you just called??

Yes!

Thank the Lord!

We explain to the nurse what has been transpiring with Colton for the past 24 to 48 hours and we are told that we did right by bringing him in and they would do a few tests to see what was causing the persistent high fever and by now, a very croupy sounding cough.

Remember now, we have a 9 month old (soon-to-be 10 month old) infant who was running fever and not feeling well.

We had already been sitting in the lobby waiting area for over 3 ½ hours.

Surely, they could speed the process up.

W-R-O-N-G!

After Colton's ears are checked, his finger pricked for a CBC (complete blood count), a nasal swipe and throat swab to check for flu and strep, we waited...

and waited...

and waited some more.

For what seemed like an eternity, there Michael and I were peering out the small window on the examination room door looking for signs of a doctor or nurse headed our way with some information.

I told my husband that I felt like we were prisoners in a jail cell glancing through steel bars as everyone else walked past.

Just as Colton fell asleep on the table (at this point from pure exhaustion), in strolled an x-ray tech with a portable machine to get a chest x-ray.

After another 3 ½ hours (yes, you read that right), the doctor comes in and tells us that Colton’s ears look fine, the strep and flu test came back negative, but his white blood cell count was a little elevated and looking at the x-ray, it is determined that he has some slight pneumonia in his right lung.

He orders an injection of Rocephin and Zithromax oral antibiotic for us to give at home for 6 days.

Back to the Rocephin injection…have you ever seen or had a Rocephin injection???

Speaking of which, in walks the nurse with the longest needle I have ever seen and I ask him, “Is that the shot you are going to give my baby?”

He apologizes and says, “Yes, M’am and I won’t lie to you, it’s got to go into his leg muscle and it’s going to hurt, but I did add some lidocaine to help ease the burn of the

medicine a bit.”

Gee, thanks for explaining that nurse, but excuse me while I leave my baby with my husband for the shot administration.

I’m going to ease out the door temporarily because just the thought of that needle being injected into my son makes me gag and I feel like I’m going to throw up.

S-C-R-E-A-M!!!! (Colton's, not mine)

That’s when I dash back into the room and scoop my baby up to calm him down…which I might add did not happen quickly.

We are told we have to wait at least 20 minutes to see if the baby has a reaction to the shot.

Twenty-minutes?

Heck, what’s another 20 minutes when we’ve already been here long enough to welcome in Sunday.

Guess who had a reaction to the shot?

Poor little man…his thigh turned red, raised and hot within a matter of minutes.

A 5 mL dose of Benadryl and 20 more minutes and we are F-I-N-A-L-L-Y discharged with prescription in hand.

We pull out of the parking lot and onto the main drag headed to the only 24-hour pharmacy that conveniently is located right around the corner from the hospital.

Guess what?

The entire side of the street that the pharmacy is located on is blacked out and there are 4 police cars with flashing lights in the intersection.

We head home knowing we’ll just have to get the prescription filled later that day.

As we pull the car into our driveway, the clock reads 2:24 a.m.

We have been at the Emergency Room for 7 hours!!!

Colton is asleep and by the grace of God does not wake up when we place him in the crib.

My poor hubby (who at this point wishes he too could crawl up asleep in that crib) had to report to his reserve unit for military drill by 7:00 a.m.

Needless to say, neither he, nor I got much sleep.

Michael tells me he will drop off the prescription at the drug store on his way to the military base that morning.

When I call Walgreen's later that morning to find out if Colton’s prescription is ready to be picked up, the pharmacist tells me to hold on while she checks.

She goes onto say that the computers were running slow because there was a three-car accident that happened at about midnight the night before that took out a power pole.

O-M-G!

My mind flashes back to drunken wheelchair man from the emergency room and I just swallow hard and questioningly say to her, “I hope that no one was seriously injured or killed?”

She says she doesn’t know, but she hopes the same too.

“Yes, Colton’s prescription is ready.”

“Thank-you,” I reply.

As I hung up the phone, I concluded that long waits in emergency rooms we can deal with, painful needles we can deal with, fevers we can deal with, occasional sickness we can deal with…not being alive and together as a family because of some tragic event…THAT I don’t ever want to have to deal with.

By the way, after a full day at home on Sunday, a day off from daycare spent with Mimi and Boppa (my mom and dad) taking care of and cuddling him, and 3 days of oral antibiotics...Colton is feeling much, much better!

And he should...after all, he turns 10 months old today!!

And Then There Were Tubes...

2011-03-26T09:08:00.021-05:00

Well, we finally gave in...Colton's last or should I say Colton's NEVER ENDING ear infection(s) finally pushed us to the edge and we jumped off - - right into the office of an ENT (Ear Nose & Throat) doctor.

And I'm so glad we took the leap.

Since Thanksgiving we have had doctor's visit after doctor's visit dealing with and trying to combat ear infections and the nasty cold symptoms that come with them.

And, if I had to take a non-doctor's educated guess, we've been dealing with the SAME recurrent ear infection(s) since that time and NO ANTIBIOTIC ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH has been bully enough to knock it out.

Now, let me just say that we are no stranger to ear infections. My oldest got them and in fact, what child in daycare doesn't get one (or more)?

BUT...

Just get out your wet noodles and slap me silly...eight ear infections in less than 5 months?!

That ain't normal my friends!!!

And I must add that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our pediatrician, but somehow this time around with baby #2, I just did not feel comfortable with the conservative, "It happens all the time in children under age 2 and as he gets older and builds up more immunity these ear infections should no longer be a problem. Let's try a different antibiotic this time."

Ah, no.

How many more antibiotics were we gonna try? We did Amoxicillin, we did Suprax, we did Septra, we did _______________________ (fill in the blank).

Seriously, fill it in, I am sure we tried that too...lol!

So, after convincing my hubby that we really needed to get another opinion - - as in..."Michael, we need to get our baby to an ear, nose and throat guy A-SAP!" - - there we were in our local ENT's office about 2 weeks ago.

Guess what?

It did not take long (about a milli-second really) to determine that Colton was INDEED a prime candidate for ear tubes...just like Mommy thought :-)

And yes, yes, yes, I know that ear tubes are not always the answer, but seriously folks, we had to give this babe some relief.

Hopefully, the tubes will do the trick, but just like most things, I guess only time will tell.

Anyway, we left the ENT's office with a surgery date of April 8 (which was 3 weeks from the date of our initial visit) along with a proviso that if it looked like Colton would not be able to hold out that long, I could call and see if the surgery nurse could slip us in earlier.

We did Colton's surgery yesterday, March 25th, so you can figure out what wound up happening (wink).

And the day went like this...

Mommy and Colton Heading into the Surgery Center at

O'dark Thirty in the Morning!

Yep, we're both still sleepy...can't you tell?!

Fox News Must've Been Showing Something Really Captivating on the Waiting Area Television

Talk About Mirror Image?!

Nurse Mattie Checking Vitals and Colton Helping Her Out

(see him holding onto the stethoscope?! LOL!)

It's Official...He's a Patient

Colton Investigating His New Jammie Accessory

Vitals, check. I.D. Bracelet, check. Pacifier, check.

So What's Next?

You Gotta' Sweet Smile Nurse Lady, but Let Me Double Check

Your Badge Before You Take Me Away To Some Cold Surgery Room

Sure Recovery Nurse Dude, You're Smiling...

After All, It Wasn't Your Ears They Fiddled With!

Need to tell you all...Brandon (the recovery nurse dude) told Michael and I that he had never seen a baby as young as Colton come out of anesthesia without crying or screaming or flailing. He said that Colton did not shed a tear or make a sound...just woke up with a little grin and grabbed his finger. [Insert Here - proud parents and a heart melt too!]

Safely Back in the Arms of Mommy!

After 10 Hours With No Food - - This Bottle Tastes GREAT!

Let's Go Home...I'm Done With All This Surgery Stuff!

After A Few Hours Nap, Food, a Diaper and Clothing Change...

Look Who's Feeling So Much Better!

So my blogger friends, there you have it. Never would I have thought that the word "tubes" would hold so much significance for me and for my son...for two TOTALLY different reasons of course (LOL!)

Baby Stats - 9 Months

2011-03-15T16:17:00.014-05:00

Pictures Taken At Doctor's Office

Colton's 9-Month Well Baby Check-Up
(03/08/2011)

Age: 9 months and 10 days old (on date of blog entry)

Weight: 22 lbs. 14 oz. (75th - 90th percentile)

Length: 29 inches (75th percentile)

Head Circumference: 46cm {18 inches} (50th - 75th percentile)

Diaper: Size 4 –Pampers brand - Cruisers

Clothing: Wearing sizes 9-months and 12-months depending on the brand/type of outfit

Formula: Similac Isomil Soy (powder)

Amount: He's taking 8 oz. bottles and gets anywhere from a total of 24 to 28 ounces of formula per day. We are still using Dr. Brown's bottles w/size 2 nipples

Solid Food: He is eating Second Foods (#2). He takes approx. 8 to 12 ounces of solid baby food per day. Each container is 3.5 to 4 ounces.

Sleeping Habits: He’s been sleeping through the night with an occasional wake up for a bit of bottle, but not very often. He is usually down for the night between 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. He gets anywhere from 10 to 12 hours at a stretch at night. He still takes an early morning nap (lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour), a much longer afternoon nap (2 ½ to 3 hours), an early evening cat nap (about 30 minutes), and then he goes to bed for the night. And yes, he’s still a tummy sleeper although sometimes he sleeps on his side (a position he “rolls” into, not one mommy puts him in).

What He's Doing/How He’s Progressing: He is still totally full of personality! He is always smiling and blabbing away. Right now his favorite chant is, "BA-BA-BA-BA-BA!" He laughs a whole lot too! He also has the absolute cutest little giggle. Very rarely (and I really mean that) does he ever cry. He rolls over from back to front and front to back. He sits unassisted and likes to sway back and forth while doing so especially if you hum a tune to him. He is trying to crawl. Right now he sort of scoots backwards and will even do a full 360 degree circle scooting around on his chest and forearms. He definitely has the arm and chest placement right, he just hasn’t figured out how to coordinate that with being up on his knees too. I predict that he’ll be doing a full blown crawl within the next few weeks for sure though. He is totally adept at picking things up with both hands and passing items back and forth between the two. If I had to guess, he’s definitely going to be a righty, but who knows? My oldest son is a lefty so I guess only time will tell. His favorite “toys” are two of mommy’s rubber kitchen scraper/spatulas (go figure?!!!) He moves his one hand in a “bye-bye” motion, but he doesn’t realize that’s what he’s doing…LOL! He likes for us (especially his big brother) to play peek-a-boo with him. It makes him giggle every single time. He enjoys books being read to him. He loves to see himself in a mirror...almost as much as he L-O-V-E-S to see his big brother. Whenever R.J. walks into the room, it's like Colton's world becomes complete. He responds to R.J. as only a little brother can - - with total admiration, love, and awe. It's precious to witness. He only gives Mommy kisses by opening up his mouth and planting it on my face…slobber and all. He still loves bath time and has enjoyed being in the big tub (see this post for more about that). His hair has really filled in and he even has curls in the back by his neck. He has a total of seven teeth…4 on top (that he cut all at one time…ugh!) and 3 on the bottom. He has tried (and likes) cheerios and Gerber Strawberry Apple Fruit Puffs. It’s really cute to see him pick them up with his finger and thumb and put them in his mouth. He gets giddy with excitement every time you put him in his jumper that hangs from a door jam. He likes to “jump” so much that even when he’s not in it, he will do the jumping motion while you are holding him up with his feet on the ground. He has had no problem adjusting to daycare and loves his teachers. Some mornings he is so engrossed with watching the children and teachers around him that he doesn’t even notice when I leave. Oh, and he STILL loves his pacifier!!

Vaccines He’s Received To Date: Hepatitis B, DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b), IPV (Polio), Prevnar/PCV 13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate), RotaTeq (Rotavirus), and Flu

If you want to read about, contrast/compare Colton's 6 month stats, click here.

Rub-A-Dub-Dub...Bub-In-A-Tub

2011-03-04T11:00:00.005-06:00

Okay, so after buckets of water splashage going EVERYWHERE and my little man trying to bite the ceramic sink edge, I finally broke down and moved Colton from the convenience of bathtime in the kitchen sink to the regular bath tub.

I wasn't too sure if he was going to be overwhelmed by the big space of the bath tub or if he was going to like the water flotation support he was going to be wearing, but he took to both things like a rock star.

Let me just add that my hubby thinks that the flotation support looks like his son is wearing a flower tu-tu and for that reason he was not too thrilled about it, but once he saw how much fun Colton was having in the tub he got over it.

By the way, the "thing" Colton is wearing is called the Papillion Baby Bath Ring. It was designed by a pediatrician in this butterfly shape (not a tu-tu...lol!) to help prevent the baby from tipping over and it totally works!

Oh, and one more thing...R.J. made me promise to tell my blogger friends that he will NOT be taking baths with his baby brother on a regular basis and that he only did it this ONE TIME because I made him.

Of course I did...I AM the mom after all...LOL!

Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho, Back To The Doc We Go!

2011-02-23T09:53:00.013-06:00

No lie, Colton has been back and forth to the doctor's office about a bizillion times since late November/early December.

We have been battling ear infection after ear infection, breathing issues, and various degrees of cold sickness ever since he started daycare.

Don't get me wrong, I am not dissing daycare.

In fact, the daycare Colton attends is wonderful and the people are great.

It's just that...well, you know, it's daycare.

Need I say more?

Nopedidn'tthinkso!

Anyway, last Friday, guess where we were?

Yep, you betcha!

The good ole' doctor's office.

Seriously, I think that with one more doctor's visit my medical expense flexible spending account coordinator is going to send me a taunting e-mail.

"Yoo hoo, Tracey...you just thought you had deducted enough for the year?!

Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!"

But hey, that's nothing compared to what my sweet little boy is thinking...

Am I back here again?!

And just what is it with all this paper?

There's just sooooo much of it!

HELP! It's trying to gobble me up!

I'll show you Mr. Paper...You are absolutely no match when it comes to my mighty mini ripping hands!

Hmmm, I wonder if I can try out my Origami skills with this stuff?

What? You think I'm too young to know Origami?

Well, c'mon now Mom.

Whaddya' think I was going to do while waiting on the doctor, just sit here?!

So What Does Mommy Know?!

2011-02-20T11:12:00.006-06:00

Well, forget me trying to figure out my baby.

I just posted, like literally in the immediate post before this one, that Colton was only cutting bottom teeth and not top teeth.

Let me also add that for the past 5 days, he's been feverish with a nasty cough, runny poops, an icky facial rash and just outright not being himself.

Being that his bottom tooth had broken through, I was just thinking that his cold and perpetual ear infection had not gone away (more about that in another post to come) and that's why he was continuing to have these symptoms.

Well, guess what? Boy, was I wrong (not about the cold and ear infection), but this...

Excuse the blurry picture (have you ever tried to get an 8 month old to stay still while trying to capture an inside of his mouth shot?!!!)

So there it was in all its breaking through the red gum glory...a TOP tooth.

But wait, there's more, much more.

Upon further inspection, I noticed that the other three, yes, you read that correctly, THREE more of Colton's top teeth are on the verge of breaking through as well.

Honestly, I about died when I saw those other white tips along his top gum line getting really close to busting free.

No wonder he's been outta' sorts?!

Poor little guy.

So what does mommy know about baby?

Evidently not much unless its staring me right in the face...LOL!

And Then There Were 3

2011-02-16T09:19:00.004-06:00

Teeth that is!

Yep, saw this little pearly white peaking through my little one's gums last night.

And true to Colton form, he is not following suit with ANYTHING along the same lines as his big brother did...not even tooth debuts!

Top teeth?

Nah, who needs em'?!

Not "Focusing" In On Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T09:49:00.006-06:00

Not because of the lack of relevance, but rather the lack of not having my digital camera handy.

I know, I know, blame it on Mommy scatter brain!

I took my camera to work yesterday to download some pictures onto the computer and guess where I left it?

Not wanting to completely miss this Valentine photo op or worse yet, miss a Colton's "first" milestone...

Out came my cell phone.

And yes, from the quality of the pictures you can certainly tell that (1) I was in a rush, and (2) I do not have a funky smart phone with all the bells & whistles including a mega pixel camera.

But hey, it is what it is and what it is IS that I did not let Valentine's Day go completely by with out capturing it in some media form (no matter how blurry)...LOL!

Oh, if only I could capture moments in pictures like Kelle Hampton does on her blog.

Seriously, she is an awesome (and I might add, very hip) mommy, blogger, and photographer.

Me likey her, me likey her alot!!!

Okay, back to my phone photography 101 shots.

At least my subjects are completely A-DOR-A-BLE!!!!

With A Smile Like That, Of Course My Heart Flutters!

Gotta' Capture What The Shirt Says

My Sweet R.J.

He's The Very Best Kind of Valentine Gift A Mommy Could Have

And He Knows How To Make Me Laugh Too!

He's My Brother

2011-02-14T15:50:00.012-06:00

With genetics being as it is, it’s usually not a hard stretch to look at biological siblings in a family and realize, “Yes, they are definitely brothers/sisters!”

Mothers, even ones with identical offspring, are innately keen enough to be able to detect a difference (however slight) that might exist in each child and thus usually cannot be fooled when put to a, “Which child is that?” test.

Fathers innate ability to identify, well sometimes that’s another story...LOL!

Enter my husband...in a moment.

Let me explain.

The other day when I was bathing Colton in our kitchen sink (where else?!), and I had a case of déjà vu.

As I was looking at Colton, our 8 month old, enjoying his sink time, I could have sworn I was looking at our now 8 year old son, R.J.

That got me to thinking and later that evening, I started to scour the computer for pictures I knew I had of R.J. bathing in the sink when he was a baby.

I found some.

And just for kicks I sent the following to Michael at work the other day via his work e-mail...

In the reply he said, “Those pictures of Colton were really cute, but why did you send me so many?”

To which I replied, “Yes, the pictures of Colton are really cute and so are the ones of R.J. too!”

Michael's next reply, “WOW! I seriously thought those were all of Colton. I cannot believe how much they look alike!

Even my mother-in-law said (when I sent her the pictures), "It’s like you and Michael had twins 7½ years apart!”

Of course, the two boys are different looking, but I must admit if you are glancing fast, they really do look like the same child.

Although Colton is a bit more "baby fluffy" than R.J. was at the time.

But, let’s be honest, there’s no doubt they are biologically related - - that’s for sure!

As for sink baths, R.J. always enjoyed relaxing and being in the water and never, ever wanted to get out.

Come to think of it, he’s still that way about bath time until this day!

Colton on the other hand, definitely seems to be more fascinated with the whole stream of water thing and could care less about the relaxing aspect of being in the water.

Hey, ya' wanna' know Mommy’s favorite part of sink baths?

Drying baby off with his froggy towel...

And getting him all "jammied" up and ready for bed.

Whoa, wait a sec!

Back up Mommy...

But not before he catches a little bit of play time on mommy and daddy's bed that is!

What I've Learned

2011-02-04T15:09:00.007-06:00

From parenting my 8 year old son, I have learned (seriously darling hubby, I really have learned) that my children's collection of play things does not need to resemble ~~three~~ six complete toy aisles at Toys-R-Us.

And, if you could just take a look into our play room (which at the moment is solely filled with R.J.’s toys) you would know EX-ACT-LY what I am talking about.

Okay, I must admit that I certainly did not take back or refuse any of the toys that Colton got at the baby shower or the few things Santa brought him this Christmas, but I most definitely have NOT added to his toy stash with every trip I make to Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc.

Can’t say the same with regard to my oldest son, but Hey, chalk that up to guilt purchases.

You see, my husband was on active military duty from the time R.J. was 18 months old until he turned 5½ and I guess I was trying to compensate for Michael not being here on a daily basis by filling that void for R.J. with “stuff”.

All kinds of stuff...electronic doo-dad stuff, soft plushy stuff, multi-piece put together stuff, DVD stuff, coloring stuff, reading stuff, game stuff, etc.

You get the picture, right?!

Anyway, fast forward to son number #2 and well, as you can see below…why buy toys when a child can happily entertain himself for 30 minutes simply by gnawing on a plastic measuring cup?!

I mean c’mon, is there really as much joy (and runny snot and drool) with a Toy Story flashing light thingy?

I think not!

Oh, and there’s one more something I need to mention (if you haven't already figured it out)...guess who is sitting up all by his sweet little self now?!!!

Atta' boy!

Come to think of it...that's a really big accomplishment.

Hmmmm, mommy thinks it may possibly even deserve some sort of toy reward?

Nah, just kidding!!

I've got an entire Tupperware cabinet that's his for the taking...lids and all!

Monday, Monday

2011-01-31T09:57:00.007-06:00

While big brother was still fast asleep in bed, little brother was wide-eyed and bushy tailed ready to meet the new day.

And, seriously, how could I dread Monday morning when I had this precious face peering over at me as I was primping?!

Exersaucers...the very best apparatus for bathroom play while mommy is getting ready for work.

Comparing Is Freaking Me Out!

2011-01-25T11:04:00.013-06:00

R.J. Colton

I know, I know, EVERYONE with more than one child has told me that each child is different, but I cannot stop comparing milestones between my first son, R.J. and my second son, Colton.

Heck, I even compare Colton to other babies his age and I'm driving myself nuts!

Colton is 7 months and he's just now (almost completely) sitting unassisted...I mean, I can let go of him and he balances for awhile, but then BOOM he topples to the side (which he loves of course and laughs every time he does so), but he's tipping over nonetheless.

Shoot, by this time, R.J. was already pulling up on stuff to stand and by 10 months he was walking!

Colton isn't really into completely rolling over either (although this past weekend he did roll from his back to his tummy more than once). Usually, he rolls to one side and the other and grabs stuff, but as far as the complete deal consistently...nope.

I don't know if this has to do with the fact that he's always been a tummy sleeper (no flamers please) or that he just doesn't think that trick is all that fantastic?!

My pediatrician was not even the least bit concerned when I mentioned the rolling over thing to her at his 6 month appointment (his weight is good, height is good, hearing/eyesight/verbal good, head control good, using hands is good, etc.) so what am I worried about?

I read all over the place about other babes born in June 2010 doing all sorts of stuff and honestly, it freaks me out that Colton seems (to me) behind on some things.

Okay, he was born almost 4 weeks early, but would that even make a difference?

Then again, on other things he's been ahead of my first born.

Colton got two teeth by 5 months, started solids (and has continued) at 4 1/2 to 5 months, raised himself/propped himself up on arms/hands at 3 months, has had no problems sleeping through the night, etc.

I don't want to seem as if I am trying to "rush" my sweet little boy into growing up too fast, and after all, this is my last baby, but when is he going to get with the program with some of these things? LOL!

Seriously, my paranoia over all this last week had me in tears and my husband told me I was worrying for nothing.

Even our doctor is not the least bit concerned with things, so why am I?

Look...

2011-01-18T13:46:00.007-06:00

At who's feeling much, much better!

Even though I'm a second time mommy...with each new child, so too brings new challenges to face.

Thank you all so much for the prayers, well-wishes and words of encouragement concerning Colton's recent illness.

We made it!

Oh, and by the way...I am now an expert body stabilizing, nebulizer breathing mask holder and [insert: to the tune of "Oh, My Darlin' Clementine] "la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la" singer!

Hey, whatever works, right?! LOL!

Ringing In The New Year With A Bug!

2011-01-07T15:10:00.010-06:00

Yes, you read that correctly.

Instead of ringing in the New Year with a BANG, we rang it in with a bug...of the illness variety.

As I mentioned in my Christmas post, both of my boys were sick before and during the Holidays.

Thankfully, R.J., our 8 year old, was able to kick strep throat and his sinus infection rather quickly, but poor little Colton got sick and then he got sicker, and even now (three weeks later) he is STILL battling to feel better.

In fact, my poor little man has had a bulb syringe stuck up his nose and sucked out so many times that hopefully we have killed any desire he might entertain once he gets a little bit older of wanting to insert any sort of foreign object up his nose.

Add to that our hopes that Colton will continue to have the same wonderful patience he exhibited for us during the 5 ½ hours on New Year’s Eve (day) that we were waiting with him at Pri-Med (a doc-in-the-box place) because of high fever, SEVERE congestion, an ear ache that a first round of antibiotic evidently did not clear up, and a cough we could not contain.

A cough that had gotten so bad, it kept our baby up for all but about 25 minutes the previous night.

You could just look at his face that day and see how worn out he was.

Fast forward a few days later (this past Tuesday to be exact) and we’re back at the doctor’s office (although this time to his actual pediatrician).

According to the doctor, Colton's left ear was still a bit inflamed and after listening to his “gunky sounding” chest with her stethoscope she determined that yes, he was having a really hard time breathing and his little lungs were definitely having to work overtime because it.

Upon hearing that I went to an immediate scary flashback in my mind of Colton being born early (late pre-term) and having to spend his first 24 hours in the NICU because of his "squishy lungs" something referred to in the medical community as "Wimpy White Boy Syndrome" (and no, I did not make that up).

Anyway, what I naively thought would be short re-check by that doctor and a “quick fix” to make my baby feel better turned into me leaving with a nebulizer/breathing machine, medicine for it (Albuterol), an oral steroid (prednisolone), instructions to continue the nose sucking, give him over-the-counter Mucinex DM for his cough, and a word of caution that if Colton didn’t get markedly better after a week of doing the breathing treatments every 4 hours around the clock (unless he’s sleeping)… we might be looking at some hospital time [insert me welling up with tears at this point].

Not wanting the latter to become a reality, I quickly got myself together and listened intently while the nurse showed me how to use the breathing machine.

Nurse: “Insert tubing here, pour medicine vial in there, screw mask on here, plug unit into wall over there, and hold it against Colton’s face so that his nose and mouth are covered.”

Me: “Well, that doesn’t seem so hard.”

Nurse: “You’ll know the treatment is through when you hear the machine start to make a “sputtering” noise indicating that the medicine is almost gone.”

Me: “Okay.”

Nurse: “I’ll be back to check on the both of you in five minutes.”

Me [screaming silently in my head]: “WAIT, you mean I have to do it to him now, without you in here to help?!”

Me [what actually comes out of my mouth]: “Sounds good.”

Yeh, right?!

Trust me, never in my life has five minutes seemed so much of an eternity than when I’ve been forced to put my sweet little child into a bear hug and hold a plastic mask against his face while a strange steam is being emitted into his airway.

The joys of parenthood, right?!

So here we are on day 3 of the breathing treatments and if you could hear my 7-month old’s pitiful and intense crying when I put the mask to his face, you’d think I am either (a) torturing him or (b) fixated with turning him into a miniature Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs.

Of course, just like any caring parent, I will do whatever it takes to make my son feel better and thankfully, he’s so little that he won’t even remember me doing this to him [I hope].

In the meantime, forget early Valentine decorations, my dining room table will continue to be adorned as follows…

Oh, and if you don’t mind, could you please say an extra prayer for my little guy and that he will get to feeling better soon.

Thanks so much!

Christmas Recap

2010-12-30T14:15:00.021-06:00

Where do I start???

Okay, how 'bout at the beginning...

What is December without a school Christmas program, right???

Each child in R.J.’s 2nd grade class was assigned a letter of the alphabet and a Christmas word that corresponded to that letter.

Ironically, R.J. got the letter “R” and the word REINDEER.

The children were then told to decorate a piece of poster board depicting whatever letter/word they were given and they also had to recite a short little rhyming ditty about it as well.

“R” is for reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh, to your house, to my house, they know the way…

And you know they had to do some Christmas caroling too!

Aside from school Christmas programs, many of you with smaller/younger children are probably aware there is a Christmas craze that has been around for awhile called the Elf on the Shelf.

The Elf on the Shelf story was inspired by one family's tradition and over the years the idea has caught on and many homes (including ours) have let it become a family tradition as well.

In our house, beginning on the eve of November 30th, we secretly perch this little elf around our home during the weeks before Christmas.

As the story goes, the elf (who is officially named by your child/ren) magically returns to the North Pole every night to report your child/ren's good (or bad) behavior to Santa and by morning, he's in a new place to offer a daily hide-and-seek ritual for kids and adults alike.

We got our elf back in 2007 when my oldest son was 5 years old.

R.J. named him "STRAIGHTY" because the elf (which was packaged in with the book) was (to my son) really long and "straight" looking.

Ever since then, Straighty has been visiting our home during Christmas time and we have had so much fun "searching" for the elf every morning with R.J.

Thankfully, neither Michael, nor myself has ever forgotten to move Straighty to a new perching place and so the belief in the elf has remained intact over the years.

Likewise, so has the belief that if you (your child/ren) ever touch the elf, his/her magic disappears and he/she won’t return again.

Come to think of it...thanks to Straighty, I believe it’s the ONLY time that R.J. has ever adhered to the words, “Don’t touch!” LOL!

As the story details, Straighty heads back to the North Pole for good on Christmas Eve and I must say I am already missing the daily "hunt" for the little guy!

Here's Straighty Perched On Top

Of Our Advent Calendar One Morning

When it comes to decorating the house for the Holidays (and although I love to see how it all looks once everything is up and in its place) I must admit that I absolutely dread the putting it all up and taking it all down part.

Here are a few pictures of some of this year's Christmas decor…

Our Main Tree

The Mantel

R.J.’s Tree

The Baby’s Tree

(I know, I know, the ornaments are a bit sparse on his tree, but Hey, he' s only been here for a little over 6 months and that didn't give me a whole lotta' time to add to his Christmas tree ornament collection yet - -LOL!)

One of the things Michael and I have always enjoyed the most about this time of year is reading various Christmas books to R.J.

We have plenty to pick from and every Christmas we put them in a big bin on the living room floor and let R.J. choose what he wants to read and/or wants us to read to him.

This year, I came into our living room one afternoon to see that the “Reading of the Christmas Books” torch had been passed on…

I have to confess, walking into this scene was absolutely heartwarming as I witnessed R.J. reading to his baby brother, Colton.

Of course, no Christmas is complete without the annual trek to the mall to visit Santa Claus.

This year we piled up the kiddos and headed off the visit the Big Guy at Eastdale Mall.

R.J. had his Santa letter in hand and couldn’t wait to put it in the “official” Santa mailbox that is set up right next to where we get the Christmas photo taken.

This is what R.J. wrote to Santa this year…

Dear Santa,

You probably think I’m going to ask what to get me, but I’m going to tell you about me first. I have brown hair and I live in __________, Alabama. I am 8 years old. I am 4 feet 9 inches tall. I am in the 2nd grade. I bet I know what you are thinking? I have never been held back a grade. Finally, the greatest part, I get to tell you about toys! First, I want an X-BOX. Second, some Nintendo games. Third, some Wii games. Fourth, some Transformer toys. Fifth, a big Nerf gun. Sixth, all the Jurassic Park movies. Seventh, all the Star Wars movies. Eighth, a bunch of AUBURN stuff. Ninth, a lot of Goosebumps books, and Tenth, a real puppy.

Thank you! Love, R.J.

I can attest that Santa brought him everything on his list but the X-BOX (like he really needed another electronic gizmo…LOL!) and the real puppy.

Seeing his baby brother crawling on all "fours" in a few months is just going to have to suffice for awhile. LOL!

The best part of our visit to the mall was watching Colton as he discovered who the guy with the long white beard was sitting in that great BIG chair.

Who the, what the . . . is that?!"

Hey, This Guy Isn’t So Bad After All!

You Know What? I Like The Man In The Red Suit, I Really, Really Do!

The 2010 Official Santa Photo

Aside from photos and school programs, Christmas 2010 also brought with it some sickness too. The week of Christmas R.J. was diagnosed with strep throat and a bad sinus infection and the baby got his first ear infection and the flu (welcome to daycare). UGH!!!

Since the kids weren’t feeling so hot, Christmas Eve was very casual and laid back.

My Mom and Dad (a.k.a. Mimi and Boppa) came over and we ate sandwiches, pigged out on some yummy desserts and watched “A Christmas Story” for what is probably like the 900th time since it first came out in 1983…LOL!

Watching Ralphie’s escapades as he convinces the world that a Red Rider BB gun is THE perfect Christmas gift still makes me laugh like it’s the first time I’ve ever seen the movie. Get to the part where they wind up having to eat Christmas dinner in the Chinese restaurant and get serenaded by waiters singing Deck the Halls with Boughs of Hawry, Far, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, 'Tis the Season to be Jawry...and it makes my stomach hurt from laughing so hard!

Even now, just thinking about that part in the movie makes me want to chuckle out loud!

Here Is Santa’s Little Helper Elf on Christmas Eve

Wearing Santa’s “Official Seal” Stamped Where All Could See!

If you have been reading my blog, you know that we are a big fan of the AUBURN TIGERS (college) football team and R.J. is no exception.

If you recall, in his Santa letter he stated he wanted AUBURN stuff, but to us at home he specifically said he wanted "Cam Newton" stuff.

Why?

Well, because R.J. really, really likes/liked watching Cam Newton play football, he won the Heisman Trophy this year, and even better, because (thanks to Cam Newton and other outstanding Auburn football players) they beat the University of Alabama in the Iron Bowl (on R.J.'s birthday no less), and they won the 2010 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Now, the Auburn Tigers (#1 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) ranked team) are on their way to Glendale, Arizona to play against the #2 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) ranked Oregon Ducks in the BCS National Championship game on January 10, 2011, which is the finale of the 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)/Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football season.

If Auburn wins, they will get to claim the title of NCAA National Champions.

Okay, now say all of that 10 times really fast…LOL!!!

AN-Y-WAY…

Let me just say that Santa delivered…BIG TIME!!!

Not only did R.J. get a #2 team jersey (Cam Newton’s number), he also got an Auburn football signed by Cam Newton himself!!!

Yep, this proud 8-year old is now in possession of a football personally signed (To: R.J. Meyer) by the 2010 Heisman Trophy Winner and he couldn’t be happier!!!

And, because we are trying to raise our children up right and properly thank others for gifts they receive.

Here’s a copy of the thank-you letter R.J. sent to Mr. Newton…

So although Christmas morning was cold and dreary outside, it was certainly bright and cheery inside (especially for one very special Auburn fan)!

Aside from the Auburn stuff...

Look What Else Santa Brought!

Gifts-a-Plenty!

In the picture above, the note from Santa says...

Dear R.J.,

Your mom left me the snowman cookie you wanted me to have tonight. It was by far the best one I had in Alabama! I saved you a bite because as you know, I like to share and you are such a good and very nice boy. Merry Christmas to you and Colton too!

Love, Santa

Gotta' Love the Snowman Drool!

Wait Santa, How Do I Make This Thing Go?!

And always, always remember...

The Family That Wears ….

Matching Christmas Pajamas Together…

Stays Together…

Runny Nose and All!

So my friends, that about sums it up.

2010 has been a year in which I have been truly and humbly blessed, and I am so thankful to God for all that He has bestowed upon me and my family.

Moreover, I am so glad and honored that for a better part of this past year, you chose to share my miracle pregnancy journey with me.

As we are about to enter another year and another chapter in our lives, please allow me to share with you the following New Year’s wishes for 2011.

I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generosity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...

HAPPY NEW YEAR and GOD BLESS!

~Tracey

Baby Stats - 6 Months

2010-12-07T15:00:00.019-06:00

Taken Today At Doctor's Office

6-Month Well Baby Check-Up

Age: 6 months and 2 days old (on date of blog entry)

Weight: 19 lbs. 2 oz. (75th percentile)

Length: 26¾ inches (75th percentile)

Head Circumference: 44 cm (50th percentile)

Diaper: Size 3 –Pampers brand

Clothing: Wearing size 6-month comfortably, but about to graduate to some roomier 9-month sizes

Formula: After the Similac recall on powdered baby formula [we were using Sensitive Isomil Soy), we switched to the Enfamil brand of soy formula. Colton did not seem to mind the switch, but mommy did…the Enfamil ProSobee smelled DIS-GUST-ING!!! Seriously, it did…think old, moldy shoes (get what I mean?!!). Anyway, we did the Enfamil for as long a mommy could stand it and until Similac got their act together and “okayed” the powdered formula again. When I prepare the Similac powdered formula, it has a faint pineappley smell (much, much better than old, moldy shoes) remember now...I said when I am preparing it… after it’s been ingested and spit out…well, that’s a whole ‘nother story…LOL!

Amount: He drinks approximately (4) 7 oz. bottles a day (for a total of 28 ounces of formula). We are still using Dr. Brown's bottles and we still put a dropperful of Mylicon drops in each bottle.

Solid Food: We tried solid food (rice cereal) at about 4 ½ months old. In fact, I chronicled his first experience with it here. Colton was not so hip on cereal, so we waited a few weeks and then tried veggies. Here’s what he thought about those. Anyway, from then on, we progressed veggie by veggie and then fruit by fruit. Outcome??? He likes the “yellow” veggies i.e., sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash (favorites are in that order although truth be told; he could totally do without the squash). He absolutely grosses out over peas and green beans. With regard to fruits, in order of favorites…apples, bananas, pears, and he will tolerate prunes if mixed with apples or pears. Forget about peaches…those are a nasty no-no to him. As far as veggies and fruits go, I have been adding about 2 (baby-sized spoonfuls) of powdered infant oatmeal to them. I find that he will not spit any of it out when I add that to the food and it also prevents less spit up afterward too. He is currently eating First Foods (#1) and he takes a fruit w/oatmeal in the morning and a veggie w/oatmeal in the evening. Together it’s a total of 5 ounces of baby food per day. Each container is 2.5 oz. Doctor said at his appointment today that we can start introducing Second Foods (#2) and even try super, duper mashed up table foods (with no salt).

Sleeping Habits: The only thing that has changed as far as his sleeping habits is that he now goes down for the night earlier (around 7:30/8:00 p.m.). He does still tend to wake anywhere between 3:30/4:30 a.m. to take a bottle though. Right now, he’s getting a bottle at that time and then he goes back to sleep for another 2 to 2½ hours. Needless to say, I am definitely going to be working on getting him to skip that really early morning feed and encouraging him to sleep straight through instead. He still takes an early morning nap (lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour), a much longer afternoon nap (2 to 3 1/2 hours), an early evening cat nap (about 30 to 45 minutes), and then he goes to bed for the night.

What He's Doing/How He’s Progressing: He LOVES attention and does not like it when you are out of his sight. He blows raspberries (and especially likes to do this when he is being feed solid food). He “talks” up a storm and loves to do this little happy “scream” noise. He really likes it when you mimic the noises he makes back at him. He giggles when you tickle him. He turns in the direction of who’s talking to him and when you ask him, “Where’s Dada, Mamma, Bubba?”(our silly name for brother), he will look to that person and recognizes each. He grabs and passes hand-sized play things (like rattles and such) back and forth to each hand, and of course then aims them all right for his mouth! He’s able grab onto and “pop” his pacifier in and out of his mouth. He’s a tummy sleeper. He’s able to do a mini “push up” with his head, chest and forearms. He loves his crib and crib gadgets (i.e., mobile and lighted musical crib toy). His head/neck is very sturdy when he is sitting up/being held upright. He’s almost able to sit up unassisted (right now he still falls forward when you let go). He has rolled from back-to-tummy and tummy-to-back (one time each), but he hasn’t done so again. He grabs at his feet when laying on his back and rocks to one side or the other. He reaches for and pulls toward him the items he wants to get. He LOVES being in his exersaucer. He smiles ALL THE TIME! He doesn’t yet mind being held by a stranger (well, you know what I mean…someone who is a stranger to him, not a real stranger). He tends to favor his right hand. He loves to be naked, on his back, kicking and moving his arms and legs. He doesn’t mind getting a bath and squeals in delight when putting lotion on him. His stools are much more solid and (stinky) and not as frequent (Gheesh, is he ever gonna love me for this sentence later on in life...LOL!). He likes to hold and rub his “softie” blanket against his head when he’s tired or taking a bottle. His hair is starting to fill-in more. He has two (bottom) teeth. Oh, and he officially starts daycare next Monday.

Vaccines He’s Received To Date: Hepatitis B, DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b), IPV (Polio), Prevnar/PCV 13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate), RotaTeq (Rotavirus), and Flu

All I Want For Christmas...

2010-12-06T16:11:00.003-06:00

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Is My Two Front Teeth!

Well, my sweet Colton turned 6 months old this past Sunday and got tooth #2 to mark the day!

Hold on baby boy...you are growing up way too fast!!!!

Heart Melter

2010-12-03T09:18:00.007-06:00

R.J. (my oldest child) had a school break during the week of Thanksgiving.

Evidently, prior to the break his teacher asked the students to write a letter about what they were thankful for.

As is usual before a break, I'm sure the teacher was busy trying to get things done before sending the children off for a "school-free" week, and she forgot to send some paperwork home.

Just wanted to share what came home in my son's work folder yesterday...

"Dear Mom and Dad, I am thankful for you. You give me a lot of stuff. You spend a lot of time with me. You are very, very, very considerate about me. Even though we have Colton you still do a lot of things with me. You never stop helping me. I am glad I have parents that take me on a lot of trips. I hope you write back. You are the best parents a kid could ever have. Love, R.J."

My dearest first-born...you are the best child a parent could ever have!

Your son will hold your hand for a little while,

but will hold your heart for a lifetime!

Thanksgiving Milestones

2010-11-30T13:39:00.026-06:00

Hello all!

I hope that everyone had a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving.

This year was especially poignant and memorable because I have sooooo very much to be thankful for!

Last Thanksgiving, I was electric scootering my way around Disney World in an effort to be extra cautious and careful about protecting my then 9 week old fetus.

Fast forward one year later and that precious life I was carrying around and protecting in Disney World is now here with us in person to love and adore.

Together, with his older brother, they are both filling our lives with more joy and happiness than I could ever describe.

My family is finally complete and for that I am truly and humbly thankful.

This year, we decided to head to my mother-in-law’s house for the Thanksgiving holiday.

She lives in Tennessee and it is about a 5 ½ hour trip from our house to hers.

Unfortunately, we don’t get up there as much as we should/would like to, so we were all looking forward to the visit.

We headed out at about 8:30 p.m. last Tuesday night and drove straight through.

We were a little leery about being on the road late into the night, but when we weighed that versus trying to entertain an almost 6-month old who had to be restrained in a car seat the entire time...sharing the highway with 18-wheelers in the dark of night actually seemed like the better thing to do.

Guess what?

Our gamble paid off!

MILESTONE #1 – The drive went off without a hitch! Colton slept the entire way there and even R.J. dozed off half-way through the trip, which was very upsetting to him because as he said, “He only got to watch 1 DVD before he fell asleep!” LOL!

Let me back track just a bit...

For about a week prior to our trip, Colton developed a really stuffy and congested nose and even ran a bit of a fever for a day or two.

Combine that with the fact that he was just a wee bit irritable at times and this second time around mommy should have known that something was up.

Know what?

It was!

MILESTONE #2 – Colton cut his FIRST tooth at Grandma Ruth’s!

Okay, now let me share some history about our first-born son...

In 2002, R.J. was born via emergency c-section on November 26th the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I vividly remember Michael and I sitting in the hospital room eating turkey and dressing brought to us from home…not exactly how we thought we were going to be spending the Thanksgiving holiday that year (R.J. was actually due Dec. 15th), but it was a memorable one nonetheless.

In fact, my mom saved the wishbone from the turkey, tied a blue ribbon around it and marked it with R.J.’s date and time of birth…we still have it and every year since then it hangs on R.J.’s Christmas tree as a very special “ornament”.

This year...

R.J.’s birthday fell on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Even though we celebrated it with a big party the weekend prior with his classmates and friends, I didn’t want the actual day to go by without doing a little something special for him at Grandma Ruth’s house.

I wanted to officially celebrate him turning 8 years old, so I decided to have his very own birthday cake prepared in Tennessee rather than traveling all those miles with a cake from home.

Bad idea.

Some background info...

For those of you who don’t know anything about living in the south…it’s all about college football.

Being that we live in Alabama, it’s all about the SEC (South Eastern Conference).

Well really, it's more about the University of Alabama and Auburn University football teams.

It’s a really BIG rivalry…you are either for one or the other.

You show your school/football spirit by wearing either crimson and white or orange and blue.

In fact, these two schools have such influence over the way of life here that at birth you have to declare what football team your baby is going to be pulling for…LOL!

Long story short…we are HUGE Auburn football fans, and YES, we brainwashed our oldest son very early on.

During the Fall, most every home game Saturday, you can find R.J. and Michael in Auburn, AL at Jordan Hare football stadium routing on the Tigers.

I’d be there too, but (A) I am the Mom, and (B) we have a newborn, and (C) if I’m going to buy season tickets for a family of four, then by golly all four of us are going to be of the age where we can sit through an entire football game.

Back to this Thanksgiving...

Okay, so I decided that when we got to Tennessee, I would sneak out to the grocery store and have a small birthday cake decorated with my son’s favorite football team's logo on it.

It's the same logo that here in Alabama adorns EVERYTHING from food to clothing to cars, etc.

Well, I quickly found out that my brilliant idea was about to be deflated.

On Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we all ventured out to the GIGANTIC store conglomerate that begins with a WAL and ends with a MART.

I instructed Michael and Grandma Ruth to take R.J. and the baby to another part of the store to divert R.J. away from the bakery department.

With a big smile on my face and birthday cake decoration sheet in hand, I walked up to the counter and in a very chipper voice told the girl that I was interested in getting a birthday cake done for my son that we would pick up on Friday.

I then handed her the sheet of paper with the Auburn logo on it and the wording I wanted the cake to say...

After I handed the paper across the counter, a ditsy hair-netted girl (with a not so chipper voice)says to me, “We can’t do that, it’s against state law.”

Excuse me???

Against state law???

WHAT???

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “Yes, M’am it’s a logo and it’s trademarked and we cannot put anything with a trademark on a cake, it’s state law.”

She says this to me as I am standing there looking at the dozens of Disney-charactered, Dora the Explorer, Shrek, Batman, Spiderman and Superman logo, etc. adorned cakes and treats (which I may add are equally “trademarked” I'm sure).

Me: “You’ve got to be kidding me. All I want is an orange and blue letter “A” and a letter “U” on a birthday cake for an 8 year old that is going to be eaten privately in a home.”

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “It doesn't matter.”

insert [okay, I graduated from law school...there is a thing called trademark infringement, but...]

Me: “This is crazy! It's not like we are trying to mass market Auburn birthday cakes for sale on the street corner in Tennessee.”

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “I’m sorry M’am, I can’t do it. I could go to jail if I did.” (she says this to me as she proceeds to disappear into the baking room off to the side of the counter, which I was thinking she did in an effort to run for cover because she probably figured out that I was ready to pummel a few hundred of the mini [WAL-MART is famous for] cupcakes at her!!!)

After this alien exchange of words, I ~~walk~~ stomp on over to my husband, mother-in-law and my two sons absolutely fuming (seriously, I think that actual smoke and flames were shooting off my head), because (A) ditsy hair-netted girl's response is RIDICULOUS, (B) I am a Type A personality and when I set my mind on certain things going a certain way, I get all thrown off course if my plans get foiled, and (C) my birthday cake request does not violate state law...do you hear me ditsy hair-netted girl?!!!! It's my son's 8th birthday and all I want is two freakin' letters from the alphabet on a cake for goodness sake!

Needless to say, in my frustration and without thinking I blurt out what all has just happened at the bakery counter (in front of R.J.) - - great Tracey, you just killed your own surprise for your son.

UGH!

Michael who is now equally perturbed with what just transpired (and who I might add is an attorney licensed in four states…including Tennessee) decides he is going to head over to the bakery counter and give this request a whirl.

As my mother-in-law, myself and the two boys stand back in another section of the store, we can look over toward the bakery counter and see a heated discussion taking place between my husband, the ditsy hair-netted girl, and a man who we later found out was the bakery’s assistant manager.

Michael to ditsy hair-netted girl: “Please cite me what state law this birthday cake request violates.”

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “Tennessee state law.”

insert [DUH!!!!]

Michael: “So you are telling me that you can't put these letters on a cake because it violates some state law? There is absolutely no Tennessee law this request violates. I want to speak to a manager.”

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “The phone in the bakery is not working right now so I can’t call him.”

Michael: “Where can I find him?” (coincidentally, the bakery manager happens to walk up as Michael is asking that question)

Bakery Manager: “Is there a problem, sir?”

Michael: (explaining the situation to him) asks again, “What state law does our birthday cake request violate?”

Bakery Manager: “Well, it’s not actually a state law, it’s WAL-MART policy. We don’t reproduce anything that is trademarked.” (he says while standing in front of the same dozens of Disney-charactered, Dora the Explorer, Shrek, Batman, Spiderman and Superman logo, etc. adorned cakes and treats)

Michael: “So you are telling me that the WAL-MART stores in Alabama are violating company store policy when they put an Auburn University “A” and a “U” or a University of Alabama “A” on a cake or some other treat?”

Bakery Manager: “Yes, sir.” (as he too starts to ~~walk~~ slither away probably also looking for cover because after all Michael is a tall guy, who can throw and the produce section - with some heavy looking fruit - is just within arm's reach of him)

After we witness the exchange between Michael, ditsy hair-netted girl and the manager, an equally as frustrated and fuming Michael approaches us.

As he comes closer, my mother-in-law says, “Why don’t we try Kroger’s?”

God love her! [ it's a southern expression ;0) ]

Did Kroger’s make the cake?

MILESTONE #3 – YES!! They did.

One other thing...

I forgot to mention that November 26, 2010 - R.J.’s 8th birthday - (but you know that by now don't you?) also happened to be the day of the Iron Bowl which is the annual season-ending football game considered to be one of the best and most hard-fought rivalries in all of sports between the University of Alabama and Auburn University.

The winner of the Iron Bowl gets bragging rights until the following year’s game.

Who won?

MILESTONE #4 – AUBURN!!

In the biggest comeback win in the school’s history!

The WINNING Touchdown!

AUBURN 28 ~ ALABAMA 27

And, what did R.J. have to say about it all?

MILESTONE #5 – “Auburn winning the Iron Bowl on my 8th birthday is the best present I ever got!”

And, my sweet child…you and your little brother are the best presents I ever got!

THANK YOU Lord for blessing me this family so abundantly!

The Best Swing EV-AH!

2010-11-10T10:29:00.017-06:00

My sweet, precious son #1 could not stand to be put in a swing.

Seriously!

He would see it and put his feet straight out in front of him as if he was putting on the brakes.

His body language was definitely saying, "No way Mommy! I am NOT getting in that thing!"

So what did I do??

I got rid of the swing.

Fast forward almost 8 years later to my sweet, precious son #2, who I might add (just like EVERYONE said) is nothing like my first other than bearing an uncanny and almost identical resemblance to dear son #1 at times.

And, guess who loves his swing???

YOU BETCHA' I LOVE THIS THING!
I mean, just look at how relaxed and sleepy-eyed it makes me?!

Yep, it's the best swing EV-AH!!!

Graco Sweetpeace Soother Swing

Thanks Graco!!!!

You Da Best!

Political Hurricane Hits...BIG TIME!

2010-11-03T16:01:00.003-05:00

For those of you who have clicked on my profile, you know that I am a Legislative Liaison (translate: lobbyist).

No, no, no, trust me (and yes, you can) I am not one of those high powered, highly paid consultants you hear about. Heck, just check out my tax returns and you'll see what I mean...LOL!

Quite simply, I am a public servant who, as my occupation, does governmental relations work on behalf of the state agency for which I am employed.

As you can imagine, I have been knee deep in election stuff since yesterday and as it turned out, it was a very late night for me watching and keeping up with election returns for our state.

Thank goodness at this stage/age, Colton is well into dream land for at least 7 hours when we put him down for bed at night or I definitely would have been dragging even more than I already am.

Needless to say it has been a busy, busy day here at the office - - the day after the general election.

Long story short...Alabama (as well as the nation) faced a once-in-a-generation political hurricane...and it hit big time if you were on the Democratic ticket.

As you know, the mood of the electorate around our country has been one of anger, change and frustration for quite some time now.

We are experiencing perhaps the worst economy since the Great Depression. We are faced with having to deal with a national health care plan that most people don’t want and don’t understand. And, we have been dealing with many incumbents who have been around for far too long, with far too much baggage.

Voters voiced their disdain for those who are currently in charge and for those who have been in charge for way too long.

The message that was being sent (very loud and clear) was that a win in this election cycle was going to be almost insurmountable for any Democratic statewide, legislative or congressional candidate.

Of course, the mood was intensified (here in this state especially) due to the rising unpopularity of President Obama, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and the United States Congress in general.

So what happened???

Our entire state (in fact ALL statewide offices, but for one) went to Republicans.

As far as the legislature goes, well Alabama has not seen Republican control of the House and Senate for 136 years...until yesterday.

Lots and lots of upsets.

In my opinion, some are good, some are bad.

Let me just say that although I tend to vote Republican, my "all-around-the-ticket" voting habits would prove to be confusing to many if not most people…LOL!

No matter what, I have ALWAYS voted for the person (not the party) I align with/agree with/like the most. Sometimes that’s a Republican and sometimes that’s a Democrat.

Having said that, neither Republicans, nor Democrats for that matter have all the answers or solutions just because at any given time they are in charge and/or are "popular" for one election cycle compared to another.

Now more than ever I feel certain that people (myself included) will hold ALL of their elected officials accountable for the things they do/don't do and I think it's high time we forget about titles and party lines and fix the crap that is hurting us all as a nation as well as here in my state.

I guess only time will tell what the implications of yesterday’s results are and in the meantime I'll have the next 4 years to deal with this new batch of legislators and find out.

The elections are over...now there's work to be done. Let's see what happens.

And as for me?

Well, let's just say that I've got a bunch of brand new names to learn before I stomp on over to our state Capitol come this next legislative session...LOL!

God Bless Us All!

Brotherly Love...

2010-11-02T16:15:00.002-05:00

Happy Fall Y'all!

2010-11-01T11:05:00.006-05:00

For those of you who know me, you KNOW that I usually go all out in most everything I do…heck, you should just see R.J.’s birthday goodie bags…LOL!

So why would Halloween be any exception?!

And, besides, I have a hubby who is a really good sport too!

See what I mean…

May The Force Be With You!

Luke Skywalker

And, Yoda (of course!)

Luke and Yoda

Darth, er, um, I mean Daddy and Yoda

Princess Leia and Yoda (even Yoda had a mommy, right?!)

Ready for Trick-or-Treating
(I think Skywalker saw a ghost…lol!)

Who Needs a Light Saber When You’ve Got a Pacie?!

And, the Family Behind the Masks (R.J. with a new haircut too!)

We had a really great weekend trick-or-treating with some dear friends of ours on Saturday night and then at our church’s Fall Festival Sunday evening.

I must say, fall is one of my favorite times of the year (even though it has been in the high 80s here in Dixie) Ugh! However, this week promises some cooler weather (low 60s) and I can’t wait.

One of the things I totally miss about living up north (New Jersey is where I grew up) is having very distinct four seasons. Here in Alabama it seems as though we go from hot to hotter…LOL!

Nevertheless, whether it’s 80 degrees or 50 degrees, this family is always ready to have some fall fun!

What's Up Doc?

2010-10-28T10:02:00.007-05:00

“Well, I’m not really sure who that Doc person is, but my Mimi rocks!”

It is obvious that Colton liked his first taste of carrots MUCH better than he did the bland ole’ rice cereal we tried about a week ago!

My mom* (Mimi to my boys) ventured into the “trying vegetables” arena with Colton this week.

First up was carrots, and so far they are a hit!

Here we go…

This doesn’t taste like the other stuff

Hey, this ISN’T the other stuff!

Lovin’ It!

However, we did notice that after 2 days of eating carrots Colton was a little constipated, so yesterday my Mom added some baby oatmeal to them and…

Not only did the oatmeal help with the “poops”, but it also made for much less spit up/no spit up afterwards…and for you mommies out there, you KNOW how hard it is to totally clean anything that winds up with carrot spit up on it.

Way to go Mimi!

Stay tuned…next up, Squash.

*I am so very blessed that (just like they did when R.J. was a baby) my mom and dad (a.k.a. Mimi and Boppa) have offered to keep and watch Colton until he starts daycare this January.

Thank you Lord for giving me the wonderful and loving parents that I have.

Leaky Diapers...no more!

2010-10-25T12:39:00.007-05:00

Sung to the tune of Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping)

Leaky Diapers, Leaky Diapers

On my son, on my son

I pay a lot of money

To keep my baby comfy

And dry from pee, and dry from pee

Okay, so I am not sure if any of you are having this problem, but if you are, there IS a solution.

WARNING: This solution may seem very odd/non-practical to some of you.

First of all, let me just say that my almost 5 month-old is a tummy sleeper. No flamers please, my son refuses to stay asleep on his back and since this mommy likes to get some sleep too, tummy sleep it is for this babe o' mine.

Anyway, until recently, I did not have a problem with Colton's diapers leaking in front when he slept, but now that he has learned to scrunch up his little butt and stick it in the air when he sleeps, he sometimes winds up making a gap where the diaper band is and thus we have awakened to a soaked baby and a soaked crib mattress sheet on many a morning.

Try overnight diapers you say.

But guess what?

They don’t make strictly overnight diapers in a Size 2 and the next size up (Size 3) diapers are huge on him.

Currently, I am using Pampers Baby Dry* diapers and they really do live up to their claim about extra absorbency (especially for nighttime), but that still did not solve the baby butt in the air diaper band gap that Colton seemed to be so adept in creating every night.

And with baby boys, we know what their directional aim is...up!

What to do?

Well, be creative of course.

Here’s what I did and it works like a charm…no more leaky nighttime (or nap) diapers.

What you will need:

Whatever brand/size regular diaper you choose. For demonstration, I am using Baby Dry Diapers, Size 2

Whatever brand sanitary pad (without wings) you choose. For demonstration, I am using Kotex Regular Maxi pads

First, open up the diaper with the securing tabs on top

Next, open up the maxi pad

Then, remove the paper that is covering the sticky strip on the maxi pad. Take the pad and “stick it” to the front portion of the diaper so that the edges of the diaper and the maxi pad line up

After doing so, when you flip the diaper “back to normal” the maxi pad should not be visible above the top edge of the diaper

Finally, put diaper on baby as usual and viola’ leak proof and ready for nap or nighty-night

Like I said, this may seem like a very odd/non-practical solution to some of you, but I have been doing this now for about a week with Colton and we are not having anymore frontal leaky mishaps at night (or at nap time).

If you have a little girl and are running into the same leakage/not absorbent enough problem at nighttime (or naps), just place the maxi pad inside the diaper vertically rather than horizontally as shown in this demonstration...should work like a charm.

If any of you feel like trying this “solution” out, please let me know how it goes for you and your little one. If it works for you too, then by all means, pass along the good news.

In the meantime, Happy Diapering!

Oh, and I bet you are still humming the tune to Frere Jacques in your head, aren’t you?! LOL!

P.S. They do have a disposable diaper inserts, but at $7.50 (plus shipping) for 25 pads, your average sanitary pad is much less expensive and you can buy twice as many for what they want for one package of inserts.

*These are different than the Pampers with Dry Max

First Timers

2010-10-19T13:48:00.004-05:00

This past week/weekend I captured some firsts for both of my boys.

R.J. went to the eye doctor and we discovered he needed glasses. Actually, we knew that eventually he would need glasses since poor eyesight runs on my husband’s side of the family, but we just didn’t think the need was going to show up so soon.

Nevertheless, we took R.J. to the optical shop and let him pick out his own frames. Of course, he absolutely loved the ones that looked like Harry Potter glasses.

So, without much further adieu, I give you ~~Harry~~ er, um, I mean, R.J. Potter!

I think he looks adorable in them, but then again, I’m his mom, so he’d look adorable to me even if he has green hair and big ears…lol!

At first he was acting sort of leery about wanting to wear them at school because he was afraid that his classmates would tease him. So, to help ease his apprehensiveness, I ordered him some books off Amazon.com that dealt specifically with kids having to wear glasses.

These are the three books I found…

The books were great because each one of them dealt with a different aspect of a child having to get/wearing glasses.

R.J.’s favorite book was, Why Do I Have To Wear Glasses? It was about a young boy named Freddy who was struggling to see things clearly and he finds out that although glasses help solve this problem, they also make him uncomfortable at school. His classmates don’t want to let him play football with them anymore because he has to wear glasses. However, a surprise visit from the hometown hero, Touchdown Joe, puts everything into perspective when he shows up to talk to the school wearing…you guessed it – GLASSES!

Needless to say, all you have to do is mention football and my son is absolutely, totally Gung-ho!

Mention football AND having to wear glasses at school and it’s a done deal!

COLTON had a first too!

When we took him for his 4 month check up earlier this month, the doctor said we could start to introduce/play around with trying some cereal. We tried giving it to R.J. at 5 months, but he absolutely was not interested at all. Anyway, given the fact that so far (just like everyone told me), my second child is nothing like my first I thought, "What the heck, let's give it a try!

I Know Those Are My Mommy’s Fingers, But What’s That Other Thing?

Here We Go…

I Think I Might Be Liking This!

No, Seriously…This Could Be A Whole Lotta' Fun!

Then Again, I’m Not Really Sure What I Think?

On Second Thought, Maybe It’s Not So Bad After All!

Hrumph?

Are You Looking At Me?

I See You…

Look Mommy, Almost Gone!

Really, There’s More???

So What’s Wrong With A Little Rice Drool?

Bleck!

Forget This Stuff!

Mommy, I’m Not Kidding…Forget This Stuff!

How Do I Get This Off My Tongue?

What? You Want Me To Smile?
But, I’m Still Dealing With This Weird Taste In My Mouth!

Yes, Yes, Yes, Of Course I Love You Mommy!

Here, Gimmee That Thing!

Maybe It Will Taste Better If I Do It?

Open Mouth, Insert Spoon.
Message To Hand: I Said, INSERT Spoon!

Know What? I Like The Way My Fingers Taste Much Better!

All Done Mommy, I’m Stickin’ With The Hand!

I hope you enjoyed these pictures as much as I enjoyed watching my son and his reactions.

The jury is still out on whether or not I’ll be giving him anymore cereal this month. Formula still seems to be satisfying him and he’s sleeping at least 6 ½ to 7 hours each night, so I might just hold off on solids for a few more weeks.

Don’t worry, I can assure you there will be many more pictures to come of this little boy and his “firsts”.

Hope You Didn't Forget About Me?

2010-10-07T09:34:00.011-05:00

Hello, Hello, Hello!

I know it's been awhile since I last posted, but I trust you understand and didn't forget about me.

Life with a new baby in the house has been a whirlwind! In one way we are starting all over again and in another way, it feels like old hat.

Either way, we are absolutely enjoying every single minute we have with this precious miracle baby.

God has truly blessed me with two wonderful and beautiful boys to love.

Just take a look:

Quick update...

I was able to stay home with Colton for 12 weeks. Yes, 12 weeks! My Aunt from New Jersey stayed with us for the first 6 weeks and she was a HUGE help and such great company too.

During the first week of September, I returned back to work full-time and I am so thankful that my Mom & Dad offered to take care of Colton through the end of December. They did this when my oldest son was a baby too and once again, it has been a God send. They are loving the one-on-one time they get to spend with their grandson, and I am loving the fact that he will be older when he starts daycare in January. Nothing (and I mean nothing) warms a heart more than seeing your child's face light up and smile when he sees his Mimi and Boppa in the morning!

He growing more and more every single day, and time is surely flying by!

Here's a rundown on his current stats and other tidbits:

Current Age: 4 months old

Weight: 14 lbs 15 oz
Length: 24 inches

Diaper: Size 2 - Pampers fit him the best
Clothing: Wearing 3-6 month and 6-month

Formula: He started out on Similac Alimentum (but he was spitting up waaaaaay too much). Then the laid back and non-fussy baby I blogged about right after he was born turned into colic baby...EEEK! Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with acid reflux and given Zantac 2x a day...it did the trick, and thus our laid back and non-fussy baby returned...YIPPEEE!!! He was switched to Similac Isomil Advance Soy, but guess who's cabinet was full of the most recent recalled formula?!! Grrrr!!!! So now he is on Enfamil ProSobee Lipil and he hasn't skipped a beat.

Amount: He takes 6 oz. every 4 hours. We use Dr. Brown's bottles and put a dropperful of Mylicon drops in each bottle.

Sleeping Habits: He takes an early morning nap (lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an an hour), then he takes a much longer afternoon nap (2 to 3 1/2 hours), he takes an early evening cat nap (about 30 to 45 minutes), and then he goes to bed for the night (usually between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.) and he sleeps until about 5:00 a.m.

What He's Doing: He sleeps in his crib, smiles, giggles, grabs and holds onto things, coos & babbles, he only cries when he is extremely tired or hungry, he puts weight on his feet when held to standing position, his head and neck are getting stronger and not so wobbly, he recognizes familiar voices and faces, especially mommy and daddy, he looks in a mirror and smiles at himself, he especially loves it when his big brother talks to him, he can sit with help/back support, he takes a pacifier and he soothes himself with his thumb (when he can find it and get it where he wants it to go...lol!), when placed on his tummy, he can lift his head up and support himself (for a short time) on his staightened arms, and he is starting to make drool bubbles.

Well, that's about all I can think of right now. I promise I'll be back soon.

In the meantime, God Bless!

**The beautiful pictures of my boys were taken by this wonderful photographer: Suzanne Williams

Introducing...

2010-06-18T19:14:00.005-05:00

Our precious miracle son!

God has blessed this 43 year old mom with a wonderful, laid back, non fussy baby...thank the Lord!

Of course, I am still adjusting to the newness of being a mom to a newborn again (after seven years, it's amazing how you forget how hard it is/was...LOL!)

My high blood pressure pregnancy issues sent me back to the hospital a week ago, but everything seems to be leveling out.

As I sit here looking at my baby and the rest of my beautiful family around me, I am reminded of the beginning of this 3 year "road trip" and long highway (with the Lord as my GPS) that has brought me to this wonderful trying to conceive journey's end.

Now, onto the next destination as a family of four...ALL ABOARD!

The Baby Is Here!

2010-06-10T17:04:00.005-05:00

Well, the baby (actually my last minute pregnancy induced hypertension) forced his arrival (by c-section) about two weeks earlier than the planned c-section and four weeks earlier than my due date.

We had little Colton Lee on Saturday, June 5th at 6:41 a.m. He weighed 5lbs. 15 oz. and is 18 inches long.

Due to him not being "term" when he was born, he had some breathing and jaundice issues that required a brief stay in the NICU while I was in the hospital, but we are home now and getting adjusted to this wonderful new addition to our family. God has blessed us beyond any expectation!

Leave it to unexpected pregnancy symptoms to throw this total Type A mom into a frenzy...LOL!

All worth it though!

36 Week Belly Shot

2010-06-02T09:57:00.010-05:00

Well my friends, here you go...my 36 week belly shot!

Can you say, "Look, there's a whale ashore?!!" (LOL!)

If you look to the left of this blog, you'll see my belly progression beginning at 12 weeks and continuing every 6 weeks thereafter until now.

It's amazing to see the difference as time has gone on.

What's even more amazing it that in just about 2 weeks, I will be holding the precious miracle babe that has been making this belly grow!

Even though I am at the "can't get comfortable" stage of my pregnancy, I am thankful to the Lord for bringing me to this point and I know HE will be with me every single step of the way from here on out as well.

And, oh, what a journey this has been thus far.

I am so glad that you all have been sharing it with me.

Have a great day!

God Bless!

EDIT: What I did not know at the time I posted this entry is that my sweet son would in fact be born 3 days later. After going in for a routine "weekly" check-up, I was diagnosed with classic preeclampsia symptoms. My blood pressure readings were 140/98 and 148/103 and it was also discovered that I had protein in my urine. The doctor said, "Tracey, the only way to alleviate these symptoms is to admit and deliver." So, what was I going to do, argue with the man??? LOL!

21 Days To Go!

2010-05-28T14:13:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it?!!!

I almost can't.

21 days to go (that's when my c-section is scheduled...June 18th).

Yep, in just 3 more weeks, I will be holding my precious son!

YAHOO!!!

I had my biophysical profile test done today and everything checked out great!

I am now down to once a week appointments too.

It's so amazing what a difference a year can make.

Last year at this time we were wondering if we would ever be given the chance to have a biological child again and look at where we are today...praise God!

I will keep you all posted as to how these next few weeks go.

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!