Bullfrogs and Butterfly

4

2012-01-24T21:06:00.002-06:00

It seems like just yesterday that I was anticipating the arrival of my sweet baby boy when actually it was 4 years ago. It was a very eventful day to say the least but at 4:36 via c section a 7 pound 13 ounce baby boy stole my heart. It was closer to 6 or 7 befor I saw him and around 8 that I was able to hold him because I was put to sleep before my c section. I remember thinking if he and I both lived (it really wasn't that bad but at the time I thought it was) I would never ever take a day with him for granted. Now 4 years later I cherish every day, minute, second that I get to spend with him. He is the light of my life and I love him so much, now I just need to learn to stop time! ;)

4th birthday party

2012-01-21T21:09:00.011-06:00

I can't believe my little man will be 4 on Tuesday. Last night we had his 4th birthday party at an indoor swimming pool. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, except the fact that it was super hot in the pool area. My wonderful dad opted to keep Ansley so we would not have to bring her since she has been so sick. SO glad we made that decision.

HOWEVER by the end of the party Aiden started feeling bad and today he is sick. He has 103 temp and a major cough with A LOT of drainage. Today is the first time that I can remember in a long time that he literally cried "I want my mommyyyy." :(

He feels miserable and here is what he looks like today-Here he was last night:

Christmas

2012-01-21T20:51:00.006-06:00

I just realized I never did a Christmas post. So here are some pics!Ansley's thoughts on Christmas this year- get the camera out of my face!

Ansley's stash

Aiden's John Deere bike and other stash

Christmas at my parents

We had a busy yet good Christmas. It was a little hectic with Ansley being so small and me still trying to heal (at that time) from my c section.

2 months old (2 weeks late)

2012-01-10T10:33:00.006-06:00

Since having Ansley I've had no free time so I apologize for my lack of communication.

However it seems strange to be already doing a 2 month old post, considering she will be 3 months in 2 weeks. :)

Ansley is growing so fast.

Weight: 9.11 lbs

Heights: 22"

Shes just moved up to 0-3 month clothing and size 1 diapers. She eats every 3 hours and takes 4oz. She has the most beautiful smile ever and loves when I talk to her. She started day care at 8 weeks and seems to like it. She has spent the past week sick at home with bronchiolitis and ear infections, it has been miserable. Here is my sweet girl at 2 months old-

one month pic

2011-12-16T11:19:00.002-06:00

ONE WEEK

I forgot to upload the one month pic and it won't let me edit my post so here she is at one week and then one month (in the white gown).

picture overload

2011-12-16T10:24:00.010-06:00

It's very rare that I get a free moment to get on the laptop and actually upload pictures. Everything I do on the internet I do from my phone or ipad therefore in order to update on my blog I have to get on my laptop, which has none of my pictures. However this morning I decided to upload all my pictures from my phone to my computer so here are a TON of pictures:Look at my babies hair falling out, it makes me sooo sad! Below is her just 3 weeks ago.

A month goes by

2011-12-13T09:45:00.004-06:00

Wow I can't believe my little girl is a month old already! She is sleeping ok, she wakes every 3-4 hours to eat. She has dropped her late night feeding which gives us a good 3 hour stretch to sleep. The only bad things when she does wake to eat it can take her a good 1.5-2 hours to go back to sleep. As soon as she falls asleep and I lay her down, her little brown eyes pop right back open! She loves to be held and prefers it over anything else!

It has been very very hard adjusting to Brandon's work schedule with him working nights but we do manage with the help of our wonderful mothers!! I'm no sure that we would have made it through this first month without them, attest I wouldn't have!

Aiden is doing ok, definitely not good! He loves his baby sister sooo much but he misses that attention and he is acting out to get it! I am very thankful he goes to day care because there is no way I could handle both kids all day alone (I don't know how stay at home moms do it especially with more than 2-yikes)!

We still haven't gotten her out much, mainly because the doctor said not to, but this weekend she did make her debut at church. She was baby Jesus in our Christmas program, I of course was Mary. I'm so happy we had the opportunity to do this, it's definitely something I will never forget! Unfortunately we didn't get one single picture of us because most of our family did not come so I didn't have anyone to take pictures.

Ansley's Birth

2011-11-29T09:45:00.006-06:00

As I mentioned Ansley's birth, unlike Aiden's, went great with no problems. It was very very weird having a scheduled c section and being able to feel, hear, and even smell (yes there was some smells of the cleansing products they put on your skin) the procedure. To say there was no pain is a major lie, the pressure they apply- HURT! In one of the pics below you can see my face in the background, I was definitely between throwing up and passing out. I had a GREAT nurse anesthetist that held my hand and talked me through the entire process, she also kept the meds pumping! :) Everything after the actual surgery was great. I did have spinal headaches for about a week and, like with Aiden, I got the baby blues pretty bad. Now 2.5 weeks later we are good to go and enjoying live with our precious baby.

Seeing her for the first time

Ansley and Brandon

Aiden seeing her for the first time

Showing off his new boots that "Ansley got him"

Aiden's first time to hold Ansley

Family of 4

Going home

Thanksgiving 2011

Ansley photos finally

2011-11-27T19:04:00.003-06:00

Hope you enjoy the photo's of my sweet beautiful baby girl. Sorry I have not had more time to update, I hope you understand that I have been insanely busy. I finally got my laptop fixed so I should be able to update a little more. I would tell you Ansley's birth story but there is really not much to tell besides I had a scheduled c section and all went well. As for now I hope you enjoy these pictures.

Ansley

2011-11-18T09:34:00.003-06:00

Sorry it's taken me so long to update but sweet Ansley was born exactly one week ago. I'm updating from my iPad and have no pictures on here but soon I will get some uploaded. She and I are doing good.

ANSLEY RENEE COX

11/11/11

9:35am

6.2 lbs.

18 inches

39 week

2011-11-08T11:09:00.004-06:00

39 WEEK UPDATE

Weight: I gained 31lbs

Movements: Still moving like crazy

Sleep: What's that?? Obviously my body is preparing me for the lack of sleep I will have when she arrives because I literally wake up every hour.

Cravings: Not too many cravings anymore. She is still so high and I still have such bad heartburn that eating doesn't even sound good.

Best Moment Lately: I AM OFF WORK!!!!!

What I look forward to most: Most of you would think I would say just holding her but I look more forward to Aiden holding her. He talks about it non stop and I just can't wait to see his face when he sees her.

Update: I had to have an ultrasound last week because I am measuring small. This wole pregnancy I have felt smaller than I was with Aiden but I didn't think I actually was until the doctor measured my belly. I was measuring 36 weeks instead of 38.5 weeks. After an hour of waiting to have the ultrasound and in complete shock and fear we were very happy to learn she was ok and just a small petite little girl. She is weighing in at 6 lbs 4 oz so hopefully by Friday she should be about 7lbs. Please pray she is just a small baby and nothing else is wrong.

By the way- FRIDAY 11/11/11 at 9am is when my c-section is scheduled. To say I am nervous is an understatement. I'm completely rattled over the fact of going through the pain again but my doctor has given me comfort that this time will be ALOT easier.

We have prayed and prayed and prayed for this sweet child and are very thankful that God has been so gracious to bless us with another child but I honestly do not know how I feel about having her here in 3 days. I'm so ready to not be pregnant anymore but I am not ready to share my "Aiden" time. I can handle the pain again (not looking forward to it but will do fine I know), I can handle the 2,3,4,5am feedings, I can handle the crying and unknown, but what I fear most is depriving Aiden of anything. Please say a prayer for us this weekend and my next post will be of my sweet baby girl!

BTW: My dad is still trying to recover from this infected wound. He has now had 3 surgeries and will go for a post op follow up on Thursday. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pray for him to get a good report. I (we) really want my dad to be able to walk around this Christmas and not be confined to his chair. He is keeping good spirits and I love seeing his dedication to get well. He doesn't like me confined to a chair and relying on other people and instead of taking the poor poor pity party route my dad has showed, in true daddy like form, that he can get through this and never give up hope that he will get better (this started in March may I remind you).

pumpkin patch and other

2011-10-27T16:50:00.008-05:00

We have literally spent every waking minute possible with Aiden lately and soaking up all the time we have with just the 3 of us. Last weekend we visited a local farm play area that Aiden LOVES to go to each year. This week we took him to the local pumpkin patch to let him pick out he and Ansley a pumpkin. I am looking forward to Ansley's arrival but I just LOVE spending so much time with Aiden and giving him my undivided attention. Watching him pull that wagon just reminded him how quickly they grow up and how much more I need to cherish these times with him.

Haircut

2011-10-27T15:46:00.004-05:00

BEFORE:

AFTER!!!!!!

He requested this!

37 weeks

2011-10-24T14:34:00.004-05:00

37 WEEKS UPDATE Total Weight Gain: same as 35 weeks which I never told but it's 30lbs..eeks!
Movements: At 37 weeks this girl still finds a way to move so much that it's miserable pain.
Sleep: I've gone from waking every 2 hours to waking about every hour to hour and half
Cravings: Anything, I'm really enjoying these last few weeks and the fact that soon I will not be eating this junk food again.
Best Moment Lately: I had a great shower at work last week and one more tomorrow. I've also enjoyed spending EVERY waking moment that I can with Aiden.
What I look forward to most: One more week of work! haha- how sad is that.
Update: I have still been having horrible contractions and now I have a weird pain in my upper legs. It feels like I've pulled a muscle but it never gets better. I've read it could be that she is sitting on a nerve.
Also, I must mention again Aiden is so ready for Ansley to be here. This has definitely been a patience practicing exercise for Aiden. On a funny note- I asked him last night if he wanted to watch a video of what they will do to mommy to get Ansley out. He of course was all about it until the blood and yuck and he immediately said "thats gross mommy turn that off".

35 weeks

2011-10-12T12:34:00.002-05:00

There will be no picture due to the fact that I have been told twice today that my face looks swollen! :)
Total Weight Gain: WAY too much, not the 50 lbs I gained with Aiden but more than I wanted to gain!
Movements: She is still just as active as she was at 25 weeks.
Sleep: What's that? No actually I have gotten some sleep I wake about every 2 hours.
Cravings: Sweet Tea it is and this week it's been Cheetos too.
Best Moment lately: I really enjoyed my shower and so happy her room is done. Knowing I only have a few weeks until she is here is GREAT!!
What I look forward to most: Feeling better! I'm ready for her to be here but also SOOO ready to be done with work for awhile. My work is the busiest around the holidays so it will be nice not to worry with that stress.
Update: I have been having lots of contractions and back pain. I didn't mention in my other post that on the ultrasound Ansley was laying transverse. I know its not a huge deal since I will be having a c section anyway but I still would prefer her be in the correct position to make the c section easier. Overall we are just SO ready for her to arrive!

Ansley's Room Tour

2011-10-05T15:06:00.005-05:00

I obviously had a lot of catching up to do, seeing as I made 3 post at one time! But here is what many people have been asking for- pictures of Ansley's room!

This is her room looking in from the door way! You see the right side of her room but the left is were the changing table is with BOXES of diapers stacked up!

Her bed!

decal above her bed

pillow on her bed

right wall of her room. Those are my baby shoes and booties.

her dresser with lamp, piggy bank from one of my best friends, wall sign from my mom, and

this is my wooden carousel that I had as a child.

The left wall area is still a work in progress!

Ansley Lately- 34 week post

2011-10-05T15:00:00.004-05:00

Instead of normal weekly update and picture of me, here is my sweet girl at 34 weeks:

She is 5.2 lbs and healthy! She is measuring right on schedule!

Baby Shower

2011-10-05T14:54:00.003-05:00

This weekend my best friends had a shower for Ansley! To say it was beautiful is a HUGE understatement! It was so nice and they definitely went above and beyond. They are all VERY artistic and creative. My friends home was beautiful and the decorations were so adorable! Ansley has the best "aunts".

The mantle with the cute pumpkins

3 of my best friends ever!

Aiden helping me open her gifts (this didn't last long at all).

A lot of the things she received!

Thank you to everyone came and made this time so special!

Life Lately

2011-09-26T12:57:00.003-05:00

So here's whats been going on my life:

My dad will have the first of a few surgeries at Vanderbilt this Wed.

My hubby started a new job last Monday.

We changed insurance which means starting a deductible all over for the remainder of the year. We had AWESOME insurance at my husbands old job and his new job will not cover me so I had to take insurance at my work which is barely insurance at all, in my opinion.

We changed banks, which means I had to have all our electronic deposit and withdrawals changed last week. PAIN!! Thanks to Regions for adding a stupid fee to checking accounts causing us to leave their sorry banking service (can't you tell I wanted to leave them anyway)! Thank goodness for Awesome local banks!

I only have 5 more weeks of work before maternity leave, which is a HUGE stress reliever.

I finished taking my Praxis so I can student teach next year.

My cousin and one of my best friends had their babies in the last few weeks- totally making me ready for my sweet girl to arrive.

I'm in between feeling miserable and VERY miserable!

I'm having a massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure Friday (thanks to my husband)!

Ansley's room is ALMOST complete, we only lack maybe 1 or 2 things. I will have pictures Monday.

I have my family and friends baby shower this week and am SO excited.

FINALLY- Aiden is SO SO SO ready for his sister to arrive. He has occasionally broken down into fits because he wants her here!

So there you go thats my life lately!!

32 weeks

2011-09-21T10:26:00.004-05:00

32 week update

Total Weight Gain: I go to the doctor in a few hours so I will know then. As you can tell from the pic she is really growing and sitting up HIGH!

Movements: All the time.

Sleep: I still wake every 2-3 hours, except lately I haven't slept good because I have another horrible cold.

Cravings: Sweet tea still. Also I have found myself addicted to Caramel Vanilla Frappucino at our local coffee shop.

Best Moment this week: Nothing because I have felt so rough.

What I look forward to most: Finally getting her room complete. Hopefully I can do that soon! :)

Here are 2 pics of my little man. One in his play Spiderman costume (he lost the mask and is wearing his ski mask). The other is after his hair cut on Sunday! Excuse the horrible mess in the living room!

Dad Update

2011-09-14T13:46:00.003-05:00

Some of you have asked about my dad and what happened at Vanderbilt. Unfortunately they will not do the surgery we had hoped on my dad, they just feel it's too invasive of a surgery for his health. The doctor wants my dad to get up and moving, build some energy back, get some of his health problems under control, and they are scheduled to come back next week to look at some other possible options.
As weird and strange as it seems, 1 week since his appointment and I have seen a total difference in my dad. For days, months, years I've prayed my parents would have the desire and willingness to focus on their health, eat better, and exercise. I know one week is only a short time but I've seen them try VERY hard to eat better. My dad has gotten up and moving a lot more and his attitude seems different. Before my dad got this infection he was very active, happy, and talkative. I beginning to see that side of my dad again and as a daddy's little girl... I LOVE IT!! Please continue to pray for him and his health.
Dad I know you will read this, soo... I'm praying for you and love you VERY MUCH. I know very soon you will be well, back to work, and back to "mowing your grass". I continue to pray that you will have the motivation to eat better and exercise. I know you are going to have a "granddaddys girl" very soon that needs you healthy! :)

30-31 weeks

2011-09-07T10:39:00.003-05:00

30 WEEK UPDATE Total Weight Gain: Not sure, go to the doctor Friday.

Movements: All the time, it's getting crazy that I think she is awake all day long.

Sleep: I wake up every 2-3 hours to go to the bathroom. :)

Cravings: Still sweet tea and don't crave sweets or ice cream at all which is so weird for me. However most everything I eat makes my stomach hurt or gives me indigestion.

Best Moment this Week: Brandon watching her move around. Getting her room cleaned up and clothes washed. Also unrelated to pregnancy, a great moment was spending lots and lots of time with my boys and FOOTBALL began.

What I look forward to most: Getting her bedding in, it should be here tomorrow.

Unrelated to pregnancy too:

Please pray for my dad, today he is going to Vanderbilt to see a surgeon (actually he should be meeting with him now) about closing an open wound. My dad got an infection in his leg in March, 6 months ago, and long story short it had to be opened up and now will not heal. My dad has had to remain pretty much off his leg the entire time. It's been extremely hard on him to sit all day long, don't get me wrong he seems to enjoy his TV and computer games, but I know he gets so tired of sitting. We miss him not being up and active with us. Please pray that the surgeon can do this surgery to close up this wound so he can begin healing.

Family Vacation

2011-09-07T10:12:00.003-05:00

Last weekend just Brandon, Aiden, and I took a family vacation. This was the first time we have ever gone anywhere without grandparents or other family with us. This will also be our last time just the 3 of us. Next vacation we will be a family of 4.

We let Aiden pick where to go since the vacation was "all about him". He picked the mountains so we headed to Pigeon Forge, TN. We pretty much let him pick the agenda for the week and he did a great job picking I must say. Of course he and daddy had to ride go-carts. I didn't get any putt putt pictures but we did putt putt everyday while there.
We went to a little gift shop that Aiden had some pics made at last year and we were surprised to see Aiden made the front display. He is the one in the Wanted pic.

He ate some fabulous cheeseburgers at Five Guys.

Much to our surprise, even our PICKY non eater ate his whole cheeseburger.

Traditional picture outside of the Apple Barn.

We also visited Wonderworks museum. This was my husbands choice- a bad one in my opinion. By the time we left he knew it was a bad decision too. We paid $50 and I couldn't do anything there and Aiden wasn't tall enough to do much of it either. He cried the entire time that Brandon climbed this wall because he wanted to do.

He did get to pretend to be an astronaut. But went right back to crying when he saw Brandon doing the ropes course above us. I don't have a picture because I was trying to entertain Aiden so he wouldn't make a scene.

We did get to lay on the Bed of Nails. Surprisingly he was very still and able to do it. I just had visions of him sitting up and the nails poking his tail. :)

Overall we enjoy Wonderworks but HIGHLY do not recommend it for younger kids.

The place we stayed was right on the river and the ducks came up to our room one day. We happened to have some bread and Aiden fed them, he loved it. Why did we have bread you may ask? Well just so happened the night before we left I got SICK SICK SICK. I thought I had food poisioning. Luckily my hubby took care of me, got me off the bathroom floor (gross I know sorry), and into bed. I slept it off and fine for the drive home! :)

Overall we had a GREAT time and regret that we have not done more vacations just us 3. We love having our family or friends with us but it was really nice just to go at our own schedule and spend as much time together as possible.

28 Weeks

2011-08-23T09:47:00.004-05:00

28 WEEK UPDATE Total Weight Gain: 17 lbs. YIKES!

Maternity Clothes: YES!

Movements: All the time. Sometimes she will position herself in VERY uncomfortable places and just sit there.

Sleep: Not too good. I usually go to sleep about 10pm (which is late for me) and wake about 1am. I can't go back to sleep until 4am. Then sleep from 4-7am. Usually I will lay in bed and think, however this weekend I got up and organized Ansley's room a bit (on the positive it didn't take away any time from my boys).

Cravings: Mexican!

Best Moment this Week: Passing my sugar test!!!

What I look forward to most: Her bedding should be here next week!

Update on Ansley: Her heart rate was 143bpm. She sits up very high like Aiden did, making the indigestion MISERABLE. Aiden LOVES to discipline her already. If she kicks hard or makes me uncomfortable, he is quick to come to my stomach and tell her to "stop hurting my mommy".

Last week

2011-08-15T15:25:00.005-05:00

Last week was a pretty exciting week. Aiden has been begging to go to the dentist. We got a new pediatric dentistry in our hometown and when Aiden saw all the animals on top of the building he just had to go even more. So I finally broke down and made him a dentist appt. Seriously if I could have gone here as a child I would have loved the dentist. Of course, Aiden LOVED it and did a great job being still and obeying the dentist and staff. Getting X-rays, he loved seeing pictures of his teeth.

Wearing his cool sunglasses while watching Cars on the TV in the ceiling.

Friday I turned the big 29. My husbands best friend got married Friday night so we didn't get to celebrate. Thursday night we enjoyed our favorite Sushi, Aiden actually ate sushi this time instead of rice or soup and he loves it.

My wonderful co workers who obviously know me well got me the goody basket below.

My boys got me a spa day with a facial, manicure, and pedicure (they already gave me a massage that I haven't cashed in yet). Brandon also got me the 2 charms below to go on my necklace (the diamond necklace is actually the first ever gift Brandon gave me when we started dating).

Saturday my family got together to celebrate mine and my sis in laws birthday. I got lots of other goodies and had a great time spending time with my family for my birthday. My mom made a delicious supper.

Finally please say a prayer for my sweet grandmother she is in the hospital and having a pace maker tomorrow. I just broke down crying last night because I'm so scared for her. After my mom she is the best woman I know, I hate to see her hurting and so weak.

27 Week Update

2011-08-15T15:11:00.005-05:00

27 weeks

(AKA beginning of the 3rd trimester)

Total Weight Gain: go to the doctor next week so we shall see.

Movements: All day long non stop. I am beginning to wonder if she sleeps ever!

Sleep: I get up about 4 times a night and toss and turn the remainder of it. Most nights I wake for about an hour or so.

Cravings: Anything with peanut butter (I craved Peanut Butter with Aiden too).

Best Moment this Week: My baby shower, I didn't take a single picture though except the one below. I did get lots of things. There is still many things we need and need to do before she arrives. Unfortunately her room is a disaster area still, so I can't even begin to look through the clothes we have already gotten and see what else we need. I am a little concerned that I have NO time to get her room together, I don't have a free weekend until Oct. It's crazy to me how much I have put off getting things together this time around, with Aiden his room and everything I needed was done by now. :)

25 Weeks

2011-08-03T11:50:00.002-05:00

25 week update

Total Weight Gain: 14 lbs. Yikes!

Maternity Clothes: Of course!

Gender: Girl, Ansley Renee Cox

Movements: Yes, this girl is a gymnast or boxer.

Sleep: Not very good unless I take tylenol pm before bed.

Cravings: Just about anything, but I've had a lot more food aversions than I have cravings.

Best Moment This Week: Brandon seeing her move yesterday. Everytime she gets to moving and I tell Brandon to look or feel, she stops. :)

What I look forward to most: My 1st shower this weekend with my church friends.

Baby update: According to the doctor today Ansley is "2 finger lengths" larger than she should be at this time. He should she should be about 3 fingers above my belly button and she is about 5. So maybe she will come early or just be big? I'll take either one as long as she is healthy. Her heartbeat was 140bpm today.

I have my glucose test in 3 weeks so that should be exciting. I've feeling a lot of sharp pains and unfortunately my feet have began to swell at the end of each day, which they didn't do with Aiden. I've noticed I'm a lot more moody this pregnancy and very easily illed.

Quality Time

2011-08-03T11:27:00.005-05:00

Lately B and I have been spending as much time with Aiden as possible. We both took off Friday and spent the day with him.

We went to the zoo Friday morning. Aiden wanted to see the elephants, sea lion show, and lions. We went straight to the elephants and sea lion show. He loved them both and of course I was too caught up on watching him that I didn't snap hardly any pictures. This year the zoo added another exhibit with a splash pad and Aiden was in heaven. I had to snap a few quick pictures. Oh fyi we don't just carry around swim trunks, someone gave us a warning to bring them.After the zoo we headed to the mall, my idea of course. But I promised Aiden we would do something a little fun at the mall and boy was he excited to do the Spider Jump.

After the mall we went to stay with my grandmother for the night and spend time with her before the family reunion on Sat. Aiden loves staying with her anytime possible so he talked all day about going to her house. When we got there she had her rollers in. She has worn these same rollers since I was a little girl and she put us all in them atleast once. So of course Aiden had to have his turn. :) Sat and Sun were just as much fun as Friday but of course no pictures. :)

2011-07-22T13:29:00.002-05:00

So our family loves Sushi. We have a great Japanese place in town that we visit often. Aiden has decided lately he wants to master the chopsticks. So we started with the kiddy chopsticks and he did quite well I believe. What do you think?
You can spare me the reasons on eating raw fish while pregnant, I know and I don't do it! :)

BLOG HELP PLEASEE

2011-07-19T15:07:00.004-05:00

Can any of you blog geniuses out there help me with what is up with the spacing and bold letters on my post?? I can't figure it out. I've tried everything. Also I would like to know how to make an individual listing for each of my family member on the far left hand bar, any help as to how??

23 week update

2011-07-19T14:52:00.005-05:00

23 Weeks Total Weight Gain: not sure I want to know

Maternity Clothes: YES

Gender: still a girl I suppose

Movements: All the time. She kicks so hard it makes me sick sometimes. She is most active in the afternoon and at night.

Sleep: I wake up about 3-4 times a night.

Cravings: this past week it has been Chicken Rotel (which I ate last night and today for lunch)

Best Moment This Week: Getting her some new clothes.

As fun as it has been buying clothes for her, it has been equally as sad getting rid of Aiden's clothes. Until this weekend, I had not sold one single thing of Aiden's. I had NO idea I had this many clothes for him from newborn- 2T but my goodness its alot. This is a picture of Ansley's bedroom floor filled with Aiden's too small clothes. They are from one side of the room, to the other. The boxes are still what was unboxed.

If you know anyone needing boys clothes newborn-2T, send them my way. We can't finish Ansley's room until this floor is cleaned out!

July 4th weekend

2011-07-07T10:50:00.005-05:00

We had a great weekend. We have done the same thing the past 3 years. We spent Saturday at my moms with my family and cousins. Then Sunday and Monday in Brandons home town visiting friends and family.My mom had the waterslide at her house and it was so much fun for the kids.

Aiden learned to play a little ladder golf and was actually good!

We went swimming and Aiden was so proud of himself for "remembering" how to jump off the diving board. He loved it!

happy Birthday

2011-07-07T10:31:00.003-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL MOM!!!

Thanks for being the best mom, gram, and friend! LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF MY BEST FRIEND, BETH!!!

We have been best friends for 10 years now. Love you!!

*Beth is pregnant in the pic above which is why I added one from 5 years ago too!*

21 weeks

2011-07-06T13:44:00.004-05:00

21-22 weeks

I'm actually closer to 22 weeks than 21, sorry! *I have a horrible sinus infection so sorry about the horrible pic!*

Total Weight Gain: 10 lbs. YIKES!!!

Maternity Clothes: Yes mostly.

Gender: GIRL- I asked for another ultrasound and the doc said the tech felt confident so there wasn't any reason for me to have another. We may go to a local ultrasound clinic and just pay for an ultrasound so Aiden can see her too (good excuse huh?).

Movements: I've actually been able to see it this week. She went crazy during the fireworks this weekend!

Sleep: Not good at all, mainly because of this horrible sinus infection I have.

Cravings: Nothing specific, I will just eat anything.

Stretch Marks: It's becoming more evident that I do have new stretch marks.

Best Moment this week: Seeing her move.

I have really grown this week as you can tell. Today Aiden went to the doctor with me and was SO excited to hear Ansley's heartbeat. Her heartbeat is still in the 160's, it was 161 today. My belly is measuring exactly on schedule!

20 weeks

2011-06-29T15:27:00.003-05:00

20 WEEK UPDATE

Total Weight Gain: Not so sure but I'm sure it's not good! Everything has grown this week.

Maternity Clothes: YES!

Gender: It's a girl. I want another ultrasound just to confirm this though!

Movements: Yes, and I actually felt it with my hand yesterday!

Sleep: NOT GOOD! I've had lots of WEIRD dreams lately.

Cravings: They are different everyday. One thing I am really surprised I haven't craved consistently is ice cream. I wanted it everyday with Aiden- only once or twice this time.

Stretch Marks: I'm hoping it's my imagination but I do see them. I didn't notice them with Aiden because I didn't really gain until the last few months.

Belly Button: My belly button never stuck out with Aiden so unless that changes I'm taking this off the weekly post.

Best Moment: Feeling her kick my hand and getting her first outfit I bought/ordered in the mail.

disappointment

2011-06-27T10:13:00.002-05:00

Cars 2 was a disappointment for us all. Unfortunately to me it was not near as good as Cars. If Aiden had watched it would have been way over his head. However 20 minutes into the movie he was so ready to go he couldn't stand it. An hour into the movie he was switching seats, ready to go to Chick Fil A, taking his shoes off, talking loud, begging to play games on my phone, having to go potty (100 times it felt like), sleepy, and anything else you can think a 3 year old would say to have a change of scenery. He is just like his momma and sitting still is not our thing. Lesson learned!

Cars

2011-06-24T09:09:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty pumped that we are taken Aiden to see Cars 2 tonight. This will be his first time to go to the movie theater. Let's just hope he can sit through a 2 hour movie since he can't sit for 5 minutes anywhere.

19 weeks

2011-06-20T09:54:00.007-05:00

19 Week Update

Nothing, except Best Moment, has changed this week from 18 weeks so no need to post all the categories.

Best Moment: Shopping for girls clothes (I haven't bought much, I promise), picking out her bedding (I'm having someone make part of it and I'm making the rest- I LOVE IT), getting her crib together, hearing Aiden talk about his sister he loves so much, and of course feeling her moveMy boys putting her crib together. We have A LOT to clean out of this room before it's any where close to ready. It's now the home of my maternity clothes (which is 5 huge tubes thanks to all my sweet friends and family that let me borrow clothes), garage sale items, eliptical machine, the remainder of Aiden's clothes, and other junk! :)

Best Friends Wedding

2011-06-13T16:51:00.003-05:00

This weekend my best friend since birth (literally) got married. We grew up at church together, elementary, middle, and high school trips together, sorority sisters, and college roommates. We have been apart of each others life's forever.The beautiful bride and me Her flowers were beautiful!

All the girls.

The bridesmaids

(minus her sister, the matron of honor, who has a newborn and was very busy)

We are all very close friends!

Me and Halah

Beautiful lemonade and water table for the guest

18 week update

2011-06-13T16:34:00.004-05:00

18 WEEK UPDATE

Total Weight Gain: 5 lbs

Maternity Clothes: I've realized a lot more lately that most all the shirt I wear are regular and pants are maternity.

Gender: IT'S A GIRL!! Ansley Renee' is her name.

Movements: YES FINALLY!!!

Sleep: Better but still not good!

Cravings: Different every day but still sweet tea!

Stretch Marks/Belly Button: same

Best Moment: Seeing that sweet girl on the ultrasound, finally feeling her move, and Aiden's exciting desire to tell everyone he knows that he is having a sister!

IT'S A.......

2011-06-12T11:03:00.007-05:00

Here are some pictures of my home before the party. Sorry the first one is so dark.
I didn't want guest to have to wear a color even though some did anyway. So I just had them wear these clips.

TEAM BLUE

TEAM PINK

I can't believe I captured my mom's excitement so well!! As you can tell she wants another grand-daughter!

IT'S A GIRL!!!As you can tell from this picture, Aiden was excited- much to my surprise!

Excited/Nervous wrapped into one!

2011-06-09T13:50:00.002-05:00

I'm so exciting and nervous. In 10 minutes, I will be leaving work and heading to the doctor (posting was my way of passing that time). I will post pictures of the party tonight. When I couldn't sleep last night I thought about my blog and how the name of my blog will be changing if we have a girl. So my blog name could possibility change to Bullfrogs and Butterflies, instead of Butterfly. Which by the way in case you ever wondered the name came because Bullfrogs and Butterflies was one of my most favorite songs as a child, I remember dancing around singing that song, if you haven't heard it- look it up! :)

Boy or Girl??

2011-06-03T14:36:00.002-05:00

Because everything with this baby was so hush hush at the beginning due to the high risk we didn't really get to do anything exciting for an annoucement. I told my husband from the very beginning if everything is ok I want to do a gender reveal party. I have seen so many people do them and I love any reason to have a party so next Thursday thats exactly what we will do. We decided to make the announcement to our families all together. Stay tuned next week for more party decor pictures. I only went "a little" overboard!! :)

16-17 week update

2011-06-02T11:52:00.004-05:00

16, well almost 17, weeks with Baby 2 16 weeks with Aiden

Please excuse the huge arm in my picture. I hope my arms not really that big, that stance did me no justice! :)

Total Weight Gain: Again I have no idea, I dont weigh myself

Gender: Find out in one week (pray baby cooperates)

Movements: still don't think I have felt anything (very nervous)

Sleep: NOT GOOD still, but Tylenol PM has helped.

Cravings: Sweet Tea, I am not someone that drinks my calories so this is a big deal for me.

Stretch Mark/Belly Button: same

Best Moment this week/weeks: Getting Aiden moved into his new room so the baby can have Aiden's room (which is closer to ours).

15 weeks

2011-05-25T11:20:00.001-05:00

15 week highlights

Total Weight Gain/Loss: no idea, I don't weigh, but I'm 100% sure I've gained

(this will probably come off the weekly post because I hate the whole weight issue anyway)
Maternity Clothes: Yes, I love them!

Gender: Find out in 2 weeks

(praying the baby cooperates)

Movements: I don't think so which kind of worries me.

Sleep: NOT GOOD AT ALL!

Cravings: Salty potato chips and skittles (not together though)

Stretch Marks and Belly Button: Same as 13 weeks

Best moment this week: Aiden saying, "I can't wait to play with my "brother" and show him how to read. I'm not going to be jealous of my brother, I'm going to love him so much."

Aiden is so excited to be a BIG brother. It consumes 3/4 of our conversation at home. He has expressed his DEEP, DEEP desire to have a baby brother. I asked if he would be disappointed with a sister and he said no we can trade her for Bennett (Bennett is my baby nephew).

13 week highlights

2011-05-10T12:46:00.000-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 13 weeks

Total Weight Gain or Loss: 0 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Some

Gender: find out on June 9

Movements: Not very sure. I've had a few feelings that I thought were movement but not too sure.

Sleep: NOT GOOD AT ALL!

Cravings: Anything at all. I've really wanted Spaghetti a lot.

Stretch Marks: Nothing new.

Belly Button: In

What I miss: Sleeping comfy

Best moment this week: Hearing the heartbeat (it was 164) and knowing the baby is still a wiggle worm.

Beach

2011-05-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

We had a BLAST at the beach.

***Please excuse the quality of all these pics they are all Iphone pics.***

Aiden enjoyed every minute of vacation and cried when we had to leave. Next year we would love to stay a lot longer- 7 days just isn't long enough at all. Suprisingly, Aiden was not scared of the water one bit (last year he was very hesitant of the waves) and loved being in it the whole time. The weather was great (except a little windy) and it didn't ran at all.

I tried to get as many family photos as possible but Aiden was not having all the pictures.

The waves were a little rough the first fews days so we brought the boat to the pool.

Aiden LOVES riding go carts, so we road MANY times.

They had just opened the large track and he LOVED it. It's hard to see but he has a huge smile on his face.

emotional day

2011-04-29T13:22:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited that our family leaves tonight for Florida but it brings back A LOT of emotions. As I was getting ready for work today I thought about this time last year when I was getting ready to leave for FL. I was going through my first miscarriage.
But it also reminds me that God is SO good and always has a plan. This years trip will be filled with much more happy thoughts that in 6 more months I'll be holding my sweet baby in my arms.

Pregnancy update 1

2011-04-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

I wanted to do a pregnancy update at 12 weeks but since I will be in FL, I figured I would give you our pregnancy story and then a 13 week update.

As most of you know we have had a rough year, having 2 miscarriages. We started seeing our fertility doctor and I gave the results here. I have been taking my medicines since our last appointment.

I found out March 5, I was pregnant. I immediately started going for blood test to make sure my levels were rising like they are supposed to, which they are. We then saw the fertility doc at 7 weeks and 8 weeks to make sure the baby was growing. Everything was great and he released me to my regular OB doc here. The heartbeat at 7 weeks was 140 something and 8 weeks was 170 something.

We went to see my reg OB doc on Thursday. The nurse wanted to get the dopplar heartbeat on my belly but no heartbeat. The water works began and we had to have our 3rd ultrasound. We went to the ultrasound room and there was that baby moving around like crazy. She told us the baby was moving too much to get a heartbeat but she was able to pick it up, 184 bpm.

Which brings me to today.... everything is going well and I go back to the doctor when we get back from FL.

We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers.

Week 7Week 8 Week 10 (ignore the date at the top, 36w6d, they didn't put in my info they were just trying to get a heartbeat)

Shorts

2011-04-25T09:38:00.000-05:00

I promised a pic of Aiden's shorts and silly me, I forgot. He wore them yesterday and I realized while getting in bed last night, I never took a pic. So here is the best pic my dad took (maybe you remember me saying I never am the one behind the camera because it takes time away from whatever I am doing).

OH and I even had a shirt made. Since you can't see it, here it is.

Kids Shorts Tutorial

2011-04-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

Ok so I promised a few weeks ago to show you my new project. SORRY! I'm so delayed. In 2 short weeks I will be through with school and off to the beach. When I return from the beach I plan on spending a lot of time learning more about sewing but until then I will let you see my newest shorts I made for Aiden. I have really gotten into a bloggers blog and love learning new things from her over at MADE, she did this tutorial a few weeks ago during her Boys week. I used her pattern exactly as she had it except I cut the legs a little shorter to make Shorts! I did realize after making this first pair that if you are going to make shorts you need to edit the pattern a little and make the legs a little wider up top. Luckily Aiden has bird legs like his daddy and this wasn't a problem for us. My pictures turned for some reason but you can get the idea. I'm not going to include the instructions because you can get them from Danas tutorial. I don't want to copy her.

The pattern ready to be cut

Cut patterns Upside down pic sorry. Legs cut and ready to sew.

Legs shown

Upside down waistband complete

Shorts with the leg cuff ready to sew and they will be complete. My next post will include the pair completed and my little man posing in them. I really hope to get better at this blog thing and learn how to better post. I have another pair of shorts I am making now. I've had shirts made to go with them so I will post that soon too!

5 and 30 years old

2011-03-23T14:05:00.000-05:00

My sweet nephew is 5 years old this year. I can not believe he is already 5. I remember the day I meet him (almost 2 months after he was born). I was so in love with him and still am. I'm so thankful his birth mother made the decision to give him and his brother to my family. What a major blessing they have been to our lives.

At 6 months old

Now

Also my big Bro is turning 30! Happy Birthday, I love you both so much!

Project

2011-03-23T10:33:00.000-05:00

My first project is almost complete and I will have my tutorial up after the weekend!

Spring

2011-03-23T10:26:00.001-05:00

Besides football season (fall), spring is my favorite. So I have updated my blog accordingly!

Parenting

2011-03-18T13:16:00.000-05:00

*Disclaimer* If you don't want to know my opinion on parenting or understand sarcasm then you may want to close this page now.

SO last night as I was lying in bed, it came to my mind that people love to tell others how to parent. People love to criticize the way others parent their children or point out they would never do that with their child. Example: Your child will never cry in a restuarant, I mean what kind of parent would let their child cry in front of others. All children should breastfeed, if you don't your children will not be healthy. Your child will never tell you no, what kind of child learns such a word? Your child will never eat sweets or drink cokes, that so dangerous to let a child it things harmful to their body.
Ok I could go on and on but I'll get to the point of this post:

While I was lying in bed looking at my sweet boy laying beside me (because YES- we co sleep), I thought I can't believe how many people criticize parents for this. I love that I can hold my sweet boy all night long and wake up to his sweet smile in the morning. I've heard its dangerous and I may roll over and hurt him, believe me he will never let you roll on him without telling you. I've heard it takes away special bonding time between Brandon and I, well Brandon has undiagnosed narcolepsy and falls asleep just thinking about a bed or recliner. Don't get me wrong I fully believe that co sleeping is not the best route to go with a child, Aiden slept in his bed his first year of life, but for us it works and I love it.

Next yes my child drinks cokes, eat cookies, french fries, cake, pizza, and other yummy foods. Please PLEASE don't tell me your opinion on my child eating or drinking what I let him eat/drink. It works for me and when it doesn't anymore I will change it.

My child will cry in public, sorry it's just going to happen. My child will look like we dressed him in the dark sometimes because he loves to dress himself and I let him. My child does and will continue to tell me no and back talk me and he does and will continue to suffer the consequences of it. My child rides his bike without a helmet sometimes. My child pushes, hits, bites, and whines sometimes. My child is the cutest sweetest little boy in the world in my eyes and I love him so much because he is mine.
I may not be the best parent, I make many mistakes, I lose my temper, and I yell sometimes. But I have learned over the past 3 years that everyone parents different because every child is different. What is most important is I love my child unconditionally like my fathers love for me and I will continue to be the best parent to Aiden I can be, rather you agree or not.

As I reread this I realized it does sound harsh and like its directed to someone. But the other day I overheard a lady in line at a store talk about another child crying and that if that was her child she would yank him up and out of here. I politely said "You don't have children do you?"

Life as I know it

2011-03-14T10:33:00.001-05:00

Since I never told you- Beauty and the Beast was great. Aiden didn't do too hot remaining still through the 3 hour show. But he did enjoy it.

Life as I know it is CRAZY! We have been insanely busy and in about 7 weeks when I am completely done with school it should calm down.

Soon (probably a few weeks) I will post with a new hobby I am taking on and hopefully you will enjoy my tutorial! :)

night out

2011-03-04T15:05:00.000-06:00

Aiden is so excited because tonight my mom got us (plus my 2 oldest nephews) tickets to see a local school in our area perform the play Beauty and the Beast. I have to say I'm really excited too!

Future President??

2011-02-18T09:33:00.001-06:00

My little patriotic man:

February 14

2011-02-15T10:55:00.000-06:00

What Valentines Day means to me??

NOT MUCH!!

I've never thought much of Valentines Day. It's a silly holiday in my opinion but of course I do celebrate it. Only because I love my boys and I want to show them that on the day dedicated to telling people you love them. Brandon did pretty good this year on his gift giving:He had these beautiful roses sent to my work! And also got these for me!

He helped contribute to my Pandora bracelet too!

good reading

2011-02-10T10:18:00.000-06:00

If anyone is looking for a good book to read I have just the suggestion:

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo- Amazon has it for just $9.08. I've even made the search easier- click here and you can get your copy. It's about a little boys trip to heaven and back! I promise it will be the best 10.00 you have spent! I read it all in one day, I did cry the entire book because it is so amazing!

I'll leave you on this note: One day when my time is over on this earth I CAN NOT wait to see the face of my 2 babies as they welcome me with open arms into heaven.

Specialist Update

2011-02-03T12:46:00.000-06:00

Tuesday we got the results from our specialist appointment. My genetic test (the only non curable problem) came back negative, the test to determine changes in my body since having Aiden came back negative, and all my blood work test came by negative except one test. The doc told use he's had patients that have had problems in all areas, Yikes! The one blood test I was postive for is called- A 1298C Homozygous genetic mutation..... UMM yea ok! In short I have 2 mutated genes which I inherited this from my mom AND dad that do not allow my folic acid, B12, B6 to circulate. Basically the baby will not get folic acid and will not survive and if they do about 70% will have birth defects. SOOO Aiden......basically a miracle!! Luckily this can be treated very easy, I started taking a prescribed vitamin yesterday! I also had low progesterone levels so I will take medicine for that too. Overall everything went well and we feel like we finally have answers.

Birthday Party

2011-01-24T15:10:00.000-06:00

3rd birthday party

You may remember me saying that I dont usually take pictures because it takes me away from the action... so these pictures are all taken by my dad! Some of Aiden's friends and family enjoying some pizza I didn't get pictures of the hats that I made (yes I do have some artistic abilities) so here is a some of the girls hats on some of our guest!
Finally a Talking Woody Lots of Big Green Tractor stuff!! A BIG BOY bike!

SO QUICK

2011-01-21T13:49:00.000-06:00

How is it possible that my baby has already gone from this: to this:

to this:

and now this:

What a quick 3 years it has been! I would not trade them for anything!

At the beginning of age 3 Aiden has mastered:

Colors

Shapes

Letters

left/right

directions

dressing himself

most time concepts

has an AMAZING memory

ALL his sounds even /r/, /l/, and /th/

(this may only be appreciated by my speech friends)

Birthday party pictures coming soon!!!

Big Green Tractor

2011-01-17T10:05:00.001-06:00

Aiden is really into John Deere tractors lately and loves Jason Aldeans song Big Green Tractor. He knows most all the words and loves watching the video on my phone. When we asked what he wanted for his birthday he has told me "a John Deere cup"..... strange kid. OK to the point of these post....

My best friend Beth's husband sells John Deere's for an equipment company here so for Aiden's birthday they gave him a WONDERFUL present of a "play day on the equipment". So after waiting all week Aiden woke Saturday SO excited to go to "Ashleys work and ride the tractors." Here's a preview:

Riding the Bulldozer

"Big Ol Skidder"

So PRECIOUS!!

Off all the large equipment he wanted to ride the fork lift so bad!

Playing on the trackhoe

If you look close you can see Brandon in the trackhoe, he was very jealous of Aiden getting to play on the equipment!

Thank you Beth and Ashley for a wonderful day!

Birthday preview....

2011-01-12T20:25:00.000-06:00

I had no idea what to expect when I asked Aiden what kind of party he wanted this year- would it be Toy Story, Elmo, Cars, Mickey, Thomas the Train....

But after asking him multiple times he gave me the same answer everytime...

MICKEY MOUSE!

So as you can tell from the invite- Mickey Mouse it is!

(the invite looks disturded but it was the best editing I could do to get a visual picture-Sorry)

background

2011-01-06T10:51:00.000-06:00

I have a new blog background you may notice since my lil man will be 3 in just a little over 2 weeks! WOW a 3 year old!

Back to the swing

2011-01-03T15:37:00.000-06:00

I am back to work and back to our normal routine so I finally have a chance to upload Christmas pics. I LOVE every minute I get to spend with my little man so I didn't want to take time away from him to blog! SORRY!! We had a great Christmas and New Year. We didnt get too many pics and we didn't get any of just the 3 of us!

My philosophy is- if I'm taking pictures I missing out on something so I let others take the pictures and give them to me. Sorry I know thats not good for blogging but its the truth! All he asked for to everyone was a Gator and puzzles,
So he got his Gator

and puzzles!

AND....

a sleeping bag that he LOVES!

Riding in the snow Christmas morning!

Christmas at Brandons parents

PLAY DOH!!!

dream come true

2010-12-17T13:13:00.000-06:00

I can now check another thing off my bucket list....

attending a GARTH BROOKS concert!

In case you don't know he is my favorite singer ever. When his box set came out in 2005 I was one of the first to get it! :)

No doubt, it was

THE BEST concert EVER!!!
and his wife, Trisha Yearwood!!

2010-12-10T10:57:00.000-06:00

So yesterday I had my surgery and it went well. I'm feeling fine and getting excited about the weekend.
This weekend is our churchs Christmas musical. We go to a rather large church, so it was an honor this year for us to be asked if Aiden could be Jesus at the age of 2 (when the wisemen arrived). Aiden has done very well at play practice and we are so excited to see how he will do Sat and Sun night.

results

2010-12-02T15:38:00.000-06:00

Well after my last post lots changed. LONGGG story short:
Someone cancelled and we were actually able to get in and see the specialist yesterday. We went through all the test yesterday. They found something wrong yesterday that I will have to have surgery next week to correct. It could possibly be the cause of the miscarriages but we won't know for sure until all the other test come back. So I will be put to sleep and have surgery Thursday to hopefully fix this problem (I wouldnt go into detail- some things are better left private). We are thankful that in one day and in one test we were able to see that there is something wrong and we didn't waste our time seeing a specialist. We are thankful this problem is fixable and we continue to pray that if there are other issues that they too can be resolved.

test results

2010-11-24T16:19:00.000-06:00

TEST RESULTS AND WHERE TO GO FROM HERE:
So we got the results of the genetic test yesterday and everything came back ok, which I expected considering I have had Aiden. I don't suppose it would be anything genetically wrong since I have carried to term. We have blood test next week to see if my levels are normal or off. I personally hope they are off so that we can get an answer. The doctor acted like there was nothing wrong and said "you should wait a month and try again and see how it goes". I was VERY VERY disappointed since I love my doctor that he was so nonchalant about it. We decided to go ahead and make an appointment the fertility doctor. The phone assitant said today "he is the best recurrent miscarriage doctor in West TN". So I feel very confident he will find the source to the recurrent miscarriage problem. Being that he is the best around we can't get in until Jan. If the blood work comes back and my levels are not normal then that will hopefully be our answer to the problem and with medication it can easily be fixed.

"Later"

2010-11-22T13:14:00.000-06:00

Do you remember this post? In there I said "More on that later." WELL so sorry that "later" has been over a month. But like I said the doctor said he had some of the things he needed to run test as to why I have had recurrent miscarriages. Tomorrow we go back to the doctor and are praying we will get some answers. I don't know that we will for sure (when I called last week the test were still pending) but I know we will discuss why this might be happening and where to go from here. We have looked into a fertility doctor and if we don't get any results from our local doctor we will go that route. So I don't know how long this process will take but I will keep everyone updated as it goes along.

Vacation

2010-11-17T14:16:00.000-06:00

We went on a much needed vacation to Gatlingburg this past week, wanna see? This picture is out of sequence but I couldn't fix it, sorry! Sweet Boy!

CHEEEEEESE
We actually got lots of pictures with just Aiden and me.

Nonna and Aiden

AppleBarn

Christmas Place

Pancake Pantry

Aquarium

Another CHEEEEESE moment

Still ChEEEEsing

Disclaimer: All of Aiden's shirts are made by Just Say Sew and my mom made his pants (in an attempt to teach me to make them).

fall preview

2010-10-20T15:44:00.000-05:00

My sweet nephews ran their 1st race this weekend! Be prepared for a picture coming soon of me, my brothers, and all the kids racing.

GUILTY!!!

My wonderful mom!

MY how time flies- look at this big boy!

Josie Update

2010-10-20T15:18:00.000-05:00

Josies surgery went well. She is in the PICU and the next hours are critical to how she will respond to the surgery. PLease continue to pray for them. Beth sent me a picture of Josie and I will spare you the tears. BUT there will be pics to come soon when the tubes are removed.

surgeries

2010-10-15T14:29:00.000-05:00

Josie's surgery has been postponed again until next Wed.

I had my surgery this morning, everything went fine. The doctor feels he was able to retrieve some things we will need to begin looking into why this is happening. More on that later.
Surgery today was a little different from last time. I physically feel ok, not as good as last time. Emotionally I'm not so good. This morning when I checked in- I cried. I laid in my pre-op room and cried, got meds to calm down, cried again, someone would come in and comfort me so I'd calm down, they left- I cried... you get the picture. On rare occasions throughout the day I've just cried. Pretty much all I seem to do is cry.

2010-10-13T19:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks for ya'll your prayers and kind words during this time. Unfortunately the baby had not grown and we will again have another D and C. Please just keep our family in your prayers.

patience

2010-10-12T15:32:00.000-05:00

Patience is something I lack, but this week it has been HORRIBLE!!

1st- Josie's surgery has been postponed until Thursday morning. I will keep you updated!
2nd- We go to the doctor tomorrow for our ultrasound. Waiting 2 weeks to know if everything is ok with this pregnancy is INSANE. Patience is just now something I have this week!

Josie's surgery

2010-10-07T11:31:00.000-05:00

So I haven't had the chance to update and let you know my best friend, Beth's, little girl Josie, which you can remember from my post here and a few post before that one, has a scheduled surgery date.

She will have open heart surgery next Wed. the 13th at 8:00am. If you have a chance to read Beth's blog you will see all the details. Please start praying now for Josie, Beth, Ashley, and the doctors.

If this gives you an idea of how much Aiden loves her. He cried last night because he couldn't go to Beth's at 8pm and see Josie. I told him he could look at her on my phone so he held it and walked around talking to Josie.

one good thing about the country

2010-10-05T09:51:00.000-05:00

haircut needed

2010-09-29T11:28:00.000-05:00

Aiden always wants to fix his own hair- so I let him! Thats when I realized he needs a haircut!

Notice the green cup in the background it's full of water for dipping his comb into.

update

2010-09-28T14:43:00.000-05:00

I went to the doctor yesterday and for once in a long time we got a good report. It wasn't the results I was hoping for but the doctor said "today is a good day, this is a good report."

I will catch you up now that my nerves have calmed. You may remember last time when I went to get my ultrasound at 8 weeks, the sac was measuring 5 weeks and some days and we knew the baby hadn't developed. The doctor kept saying we need to see a fetal pole, we want to see a fetal pole.... So that word stands out in my head and if you don't know what it is then you can see here. Most of you know nothing ever changed and the sac never grew past 5 weeks and never progressed.

Anyway this time I was 6 and 1/2 weeks and started to have some problems we went in and had an ultrasound and there was a sac and yolk sac (which I did have last time too) but nothing inside and I was measuring 5 weeks 4 days. So timing was off somewhat. Of course I went into panic mode, the doctor said come back next week and we will be looking for, you guessed it, a fetal pole. Having the ultrasound yesterday nothing looked any different than last week to me and the water works began. The ultrasound tech calmed me and said look honey see that fluttering, thats good, thats something. I saw what she was talking about and so I asked will you measure the sac and see if it's grown. She put in the measurements and said it's measuring 6 weeks and 4 days. EXACTLY a week bigger than last week. The doctor told us, "well today was good we saw the fetal pole. Thats what the fluttering was- the fetal pole. He clearly said we are not out of the woods but this is progression (a word I want to hear).

So now we go back in 2 weeks to see if things progress like they should. SO PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!!

Disney on Ice

2010-09-27T09:11:00.000-05:00

My batteries on my camera started to die as soon as we got to the show so we don't have too many pictures but heres a glimpse of "Mickey Mouse Skating at Disney on Ice" as Aiden says. Birthday Celebration

Woody and Buzz

Goofy dressed up as Santa Clause is all he has talked about

Christmas Celebration

Snow

Finale
This was his face the entire time! He loved it!

My little Mickey

prayers again

2010-09-21T12:55:00.000-05:00

Please dear friends I need your prayers. My family is going through a really hard time again. It's the same situation that we went through before you can see here.

I never made that announcement because I wanted to make sure things were ok but since they aren't I'm telling you now and I'm asking for prayers. Things are somewhat different this time but I just don't feel like going into detail, we just ask that you pray pray pray! Too say it hurts 10 times worse this time is an understatement- we just pray that God grants my family a miracle when I go to the doctor on Monday.

i'm horrible at posting

2010-09-15T11:35:00.000-05:00

Looking back over my post I think I've failed to mention-

AIDEN IS POTTY TRAINED!!

(actually has been for awhile now, I'm just horrible at posting)

You want to know what else he's doing:

EVERYTHING

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T10:29:00.000-05:00

Countdown:

2010-08-23T11:43:00.001-05:00

Countdown:

4 months we will be staying up awaiting the arrival of Santa Clause
5 months my little man will be 3

These 2 things have been the topic of conversation around our house for the past week. Aiden has told me many times "can Santa bring me..." I sure feel sorry for Santa this year his list is super long from Aiden, but more importantly I feel sorry for Aiden he will be dissappointed in Santas fulfillment of the gift list. :)

Aiden also informed me Friday "after Christmas will be my birthday in January. and after that the Easter bunny will come and bring me more presents." WHAT?? You are 2 son you shouldn't remember me telling you that 3 months ago.

So if I have learned nothing this past week I sure know now that my son LOVES gifts and we definitely are going to have to work on the true meaning of these holidays besides gifts.

puzzle master

2010-08-17T13:16:00.000-05:00

These Melissa and Doug 24 or 48 piece puzzles are the best (or so I thought).

To say Aiden is obsessed with puzzles is an understatement.
So the story goes:

I got him a Bob the Builder movie at Target Saturday and he told me "I don't want it mommy, take it back and get me a puzzle." Well yesterday after school I asked him again Aiden are you sure you don't want your new movie. His reply "no mommy take it back and get me a Diego, Bob the Builder, and Dora puzzle". Thats not asking too much now is it? So you know because Aiden gets nothing he wants I must certainly would never go to Target return his movie and get 2 puzzles. :) However when I handed him the Dora and Diego puzzles (no bob the builder) he said "those are baby puzzles, I want those ones" So this is what he got:

a 24 piece and 48 piece Cars and Winnie the Pooh puzzle with no wooden board.

I wish I had a picture of him doing these puzzles. He mastered them with no problem.

I had him pick all the "straight edge" pieces out first. His response was "no mommy you have to get the corner ones first". Wow sorry I had no idea my 2 year old was such a puzzle expert.

I promise to get a pic tonight of Aiden doing these puzzles.

I also guess I better put a bug in Santas ear to return the (4) 48 piece wooden board puzzles he got Aiden.

backyard water play

2010-08-13T09:32:00.000-05:00

Redneck water slide!

my life and I

2010-08-04T13:54:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been almost one month since my last post but me and my life.. wait no..my life and I have been so busy that I haven't had time to sit down write and upload pics.

This month....I have completed another class at school, accepted a promotion at work, trained someone for my position, maintained a well organized home (hahahaha what a joke), gotten Aiden into his big boy bed and sleeping alone, gotten addicted to Zumba, taught Aiden to swim, and much more. So really when do I have time to update?? :) Maybe soon I will get a good update on here until then hope you are having a great summer.

July 4th weekend

2010-07-07T12:45:00.001-05:00

We had a fabulous weekend with family and friends. Fri-Sun we spent with our families, no pics though. Sunday night we watched the fireworks with friends and Monday Aiden was able to experience the Tennessee River for the 1st time. Aiden and Cade watching Cades daddy ski.give them a few years and they will really be driving this thing Aiden was a little scared to tube.

He even attempted to jump off.

But once he got going , he was all smiles.

Wait a minute.... is he asleep???

hahahaha he was OUT....

Aiden and Will showing their American pride.

They were both amazed by the fireworks.

Happy Birthday!

2010-07-07T12:28:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL MOTHER!!!

I love you so much mom.

*this pic is old but I can't find a newer one*

small preview

2010-07-06T12:46:00.001-05:00

This is a preview of our weekend more to come soon....

Welch's website

2010-06-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

Sarah has made a welbsite for Welch, so please follow along and continue to pray for Welch.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/welchhopkins

welch update

2010-06-21T19:44:00.000-05:00

Some of my friends and family have asked about Welch and how he is doing below is an update from his girlfriend today. I requested to her to get a caringbridge page so maybe soon she will. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY. As you can tell from this info below he is very critical:

I’ll start at the top.
Welch’s head injury: Last week, Welch’s nurses would do a neurologic assessment every hour. Welch was able to follow command (wiggle toes or thumbs up/down). He wasn’t able to talk at this time because he was intubated. Toward the end of last week, Welch’s doctors felt the need to put Welch in a deeper sedation because Welch was becoming less sensitive to the original, short-acting sedative (propofol) and was becoming more and more agitated. As a result, his blood’s oxygen saturation would drop some although he was supported by the vent 100%. The doctors also placed Welch on a neuromuscular blocking agent (aka. paralytic called Nimbex) to prevent Welch from fighting with the vent, having the hiccups, or exerting himself in anyway.
Welch’s lung injury: Welch had a huge contusion on his right lung from the initial impact, probably from the airbag. Also, Welch had a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in his lung) about a week and a half ago. The blood clot likely originated in his broken leg as a result of the initial leg trauma. The embolism, about the size of a man’s thumb, lodged in a pulmonary artery that supplied blood to his lower lobe of his left lung. Welch was placed on heparin to thin his blood so that no new clots form. As far as the existing clots go, his body will slowly dissolve them in time. I’ve referred to Welch having “episodes”. What happens during these episodes is Welch’s oxygen saturation (the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in his blood) drops despite being supported by the ventilator 100%, his blood pressure [BP] tanks to 70s/30s, and he bradys down to a heart rate [HR] of ~30 bpm. At this point, the ventilator is not able to support Welch’s oxygen demands. Welch’s body (BP and HR) slow down as a result of the decrease in O2 supply. As you might imagine, this is a life threatening situation. When this situation presents itself, Welch’s team takes Welch off of the ventilator and manually bags him. They are forcefully pushing air into his lungs, more so than the vent. This approach has been successful thus far but not a guarantee (he still needs tons of prayers). What they think is occurring is one of two things or perhaps both. The first possibility involves the original blood clot in his lung is breaking down. As a result, the pieces that are breaking off are lodging in other viable parts of his lung, reducing the amount of substrate available for oxygen transfer from his lungs to his blood. Since his lungs are already in such bad shape, he can’t afford to sacrifice any viable lung space and therefore, his O2 sats drop. The second possibility is that small clots that were formed (likely in his broken leg) prior to the heparin are being dislodged and making their way to Welch’s lungs. Welch does have a IVC filter (inferior vena cava filter) that acts as a little basket to catch large clots that are traveling from his legs en route to the lungs. Smaller clots are still allowed to pass through the IVC filter or break off from the larger ones trapped by the filter. When these episodes started occurring, the doctors wrote orders preventing anyone from moving or turning Welch. Any little disturbance, can set a clot in motion. In the same regard, these episodes can happen without any physical disturbance or warning. We can’t predict when they will happen, for how long he is at risk for an episode, how large these clots will be or how difficult it will be to get his O2 sats back up. Since Welch can’t be transported, he isn’t able to have a CT scan, which might be able to provide a few answers. So, it is just a “wait and see” situation. Welch has also had a series of infections (blood, urine, respiratory) and was on several antibiotics. The infections seemed to clear up but currently, Welch’s white blood cell count (cells involved in the immune response) is elevated and continues to rise. The doctors aren’t exactly sure what is causing his immune response because they haven’t been successful in culturing any bacteria from samples from Welch. Welch’s kidneys are in acute renal failure and so he was placed on continuous renal replacement therapy. There is no clear prognosis of his kidney function at this point. Once again, we wait and see. Welch has a broken femur and is currently in traction. It will eventually be resolved with surgery once he is stable enough.

2010-06-21T09:58:00.000-05:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY, I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

A little girl needs her daddy

to love her with manly charm,

To soothe her when shes hurt

and keep her safe from harm.

A girl needs her daddy,

to show her a man who's good,

to help her make right choices,

as only a father could.

A women needs her father

just to be aware

He'll always be there for her

to sustain her and to care.

You've been all these things, Dad.

I hope you can see,

How much I treasure you,

and you mean EVERYTHING to me.

- Joanna Fuchs

PRAYER

2010-06-18T12:16:00.000-05:00

I know I ask for this A LOT but today I'm begging.... PLEASE PLEASE pray for my friend, Welch Hopkins. Welch and I were pretty much inseperable my freshman year of college and he was my first formal date. He is a wonderful guy with a wonderful family. Unfortunately last week Welch was in a horrible car accident. He is in ICU and has progressively gotten a lot worse over the past 2 weeks. Welch is not doing well at all and he needs lots of prayers. He is being supported 100% by a ventilator. Pray for strength and healing. Pray for his family (mom, dad, older brother, and twin brother) and his girlfriend.

Tractor Pool....

2010-06-14T09:36:00.001-05:00

This weekend we had a nice relaxing weekend. I must say though the English language really threw Aiden for a loop this weekend. We played in the "pool" all day Saturday with my niece and nephew and then we napped to get ready for the tractor "pull" Saturday night. While getting dressed, Aiden asked me why he wasn't going to wear his swimming trunks to the "tractor pool". We then spent a good 10 minutes explaining to Aiden "pool" vs. "pull". Despite the quick English lesson it was a great day! As you can tell from my previous post Sunday was just as fun- getting to meet Josie.Aiden loved this "Big Green Tractor" and/or "John Deere" Big Bird TruckAiden loved covering his own ears.He also loved cheering when they did good. He heard the announcer say "good job jake" and the rest of the time when we clapped he yelled "good job jake"

Daddy, Pop, and Aiden looking at all the tractors before the start

They love each other so much!

Maybe a little too much! :)

Sorry the pics are in reverse order!

Meeting Josie

2010-06-14T09:15:00.000-05:00

We finally got to meet this precious baby girl this weekend. Aiden was so in love with her. He talked about how pretty she is all night. He asked Beth and Ashley if they would put her seat in the car so he could take her home. She is one of the prettiest little girls in the world (maybe I'm a little biased)! Love you sweet Josie!

HOME SWEET HOME part 2

2010-06-09T12:35:00.000-05:00

1st car ride,

JOSIE'S GOING HOME!!!

Continue to pray for them over the next few days as they get adjusted to life at home.