The Garrett Family

Encouraged...to say the least.

2012-01-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

Gosh, I am so blessed. There has been a time in my life where I felt like I was kind of set apart from deep friendships for whatever reason. And maybe now I am coming to understand a little more why. I have a group of women who the Lord undoubtedly has been preparing my heart for. My small group has been such a blessing for me and I would say for them too. There is no 'hey, how are you? oh, im just fine!" banter. We are real. Open. Objective. Honest. Caring. Supportive. Loving. Humble....and the list can go on and on.
We had the opportunity to share and pray this morning and my, how transparent the Lord allowed us all to be regarding our personal lives but also about the difficultly our church is going through right now. Here is an excerpt from a letter the Session sent regarding the situation at hand and oh, how true! On questions from other people about the state of our church: "candidly tell them the truth. Tell them that it is messy. Tell them it is not fixed yet and tell them that we are hurting. Ask them to pray for us. Tell them we need it and then tell them this: if you were ever looking for a place where you could go to church with a messy marriage, kids who weren’t fixed and problems that hadn’t been neatly solved, then we have just the place for them; it is called Southwood. This is the perfect time to join us. We’re accepting new sinners daily. Jesus told us that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety- nine righteous men who have no need of repentance. That is true of churches, too! We have great need of repentance and a Savior who rejoices in a people who will do so! God is at work." I love it. We are a broken people...AMEN??!!!
So, I ask you to pray for reconciliation among friends, family, and the like. These are real people with real hurts and I pray that in the end the Lord will be glorified through this transition and that we allow God to do his job.

A little more info...

2012-01-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

We were in a some-what of a holding pattern with Jacksyn and the doctors because the oncologist wanted to wait 6 weeks to do another ultrasound. Well, her tumor has grown considerably so I called on Dec 29 to see if we could move the ultrasound up. Later that day they called and got us in on Friday, the 30th. She did great during the scan. The radiologist, Dr. Coleman, came in and said that he thinks it is a hemangioma but is not 100% sure because there are a few characteristics that don't match up exactly. A hemangioma is an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs. They can be found in the top layers of skin, deeper in the skin or both. Typically, they are red to reddish-purple and are raised with blood vessels on the skin and grow considerably with the child the first year. After the first year they begin to decrease and are usually gone by age 10. Thankfully, he said that her tumor is still confined to itself and had not spread but it had grown from 1.4 x 1.3 cm to 1.8 x 2.0 cm in just 17 days.
We were then referred to the pediatric surgeon. We had that appointment this past week on Thursday. Dr. Gilbert was great! My biggest concern was that he would look at the scans, glance at Jacksyn and write it off as a hemangioma with no further investigation. To my pleasant surprise that was not the case and I am so grateful for that. He did an exam on her, read the scans again in front of us so that he could explain a little more what they meant. Oh, how I wish I had some previous medical knowledge of these types of things. But, he definitely did a great job breaking down the medical verbage. What he did say is that it (the tumor) does not fit all the characteristics of a hemangioma so he is not comfortable with letting it go as one. His reasoning is because 1. it does not look like a hemangioma. Typically, they are discolored and hers is not. 2. It is firm. Again, typically they usually soft and are more pliable. Our first question was if he could go ahead and do a biopsy. Dr. Russo, the oncologist, had told me that the only way to know the make-up of the tumor was to do a biopsy and put it under the microscope. But, Dr. Gilbert, said that there is a huge risk in doing a biopsy because it could cause internal bleeding (if it is a hemangioma) because of all the blood vessels. The only way now to know is to do surgery and remove the whole thing. He does not want to do that right now because of her age. He says we have alot going for us because it is super rare for children her age to have cancer of any kind. He called it a "grace period." With that being said, he was going to have a meeting with the ped. oncologist and both radiologist to come up with a game plan and further schedule for testing and observation. They have decided to wait a little longer and do another ultrasound in 8 weeks to track the progression of the tumor.
I left the office feeling somewhat relieved. I'm sure your wondering how or why, but I did. It is purely from the peace that God has given me through this experience. I know that whatever happens He has given me this precious gift for a set number of days and just because I do not know how many I have... He does. I have been blessed as her mother and I will do my absolute best with any situation life throws at us. Obviously, this is not the most ideal scenario but we have faith that God can and will take care of her and be her ultimate healer.
As I break into song:
"Rejoice in the Lord always;
and again I say rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always,
and again I say rejoice.
REJOICE! REJOICE!
and again I say REJOICE!

REJOICE! REJOICE!

and again I say REJOICE!

"Rejoice in the Lord always;

and again I say rejoice."

AMEN!

3 months old already!!

Jackysn Ann...she's changing everyday!

2012-01-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

Sweet baby girl is changing more and more everyday. I know it is inevitable. But it doesn't make it any easier knowing that my little girl will not be little forever.
Here are a few things that she has been doing:
1. We graduated out of our newborn diapers and into #1's. It took a good month before we moved from the Premie diapers to Newborn and so quickly we are into 1's. Not a big deal to most but wow...it just goes to show how fast they grow. :-(
2. Little miss is in 0-3 month clothes now but only because of her long ole' legs! ;-) She is still so tiny but getting so big!!
3. She found her hands on Monday (Dec 26th)! So cute when she put her hand in her mouth on purpose for the first time. She just smiled! SO adorable!!
4. I can't believe it but that little angel is already trying to roll over. She can get all the way over to the one side but not quite over yet. I have a feeling it won't be too long though.
5. Unfortunately, Jacksyn is starting to rival her bug brother with her spitting. We have had 6 wardrobe changes today and its only 2pm. AHH!
6. Unfortunately, she has thrush again...boo! Also, she started Sunday night with a little bit of a runny nose and started to cough a little yesterday. I am keeping an eye on this as I don't want to have to go back to the hospital with RSV again (oh, how I pray!!)

An ark anybody??

2011-12-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

You've heard the old adage of "when it rains it pours!" Well, in that case I think its time to build an ark!!
As is our 'normal'... alot has gone on in the past few weeks. Here are some of the main points.
1. my mom - she is doing better praise the Lord. She has now been cleared for the kyphoplasty where bone cement is injected through a small hole in the skin into the fractured vertebra with the goal of relieving her pain. This has been scheduled for Dec. 27th. We are hoping that this is the immediate relief that she is looking for.
2. Sickness has gone viral in our house literally. Burke came home from school on Dec 5 not feeling great and has thus been out of school since then. Last Monday, after 2 weeks of the funk I decided to take him to the doctor to make sure he was cleared to have his 4th birthday party. His doctor gave him a thumbs up and said he was good to go. YEY...well, almost. On to number 3.
3. a. So, we took Jacksyn into the doctor as well on Monday. She started having a little runny nose on Sunday and I didn't want it to turn into anything serious so on to the doctor we went. Both were cleared with just colds so we didn't think much more about it. Burke's birthday came and went and she got worse. By Wednesday morning I knew I need to take her back in. We walked in and as soon as the nurse saw us she swabbed for RSV(respiratory syncytial virus - same thing Burke had when he was hospitalized) and low and behold it came back positive. Orders were written and within an hour we were sitting in our hospital room at Women & Children's.
b. On Saturday the 10th I was changing Jacksyn and noticed a little node under her left nipple. It didn't startle me but I thought..hmm, maybe I should just feel around everywhere and make sure there isn't anything else going on. Slowly but surely I felt around on her abdomen, legs, head, arms, and finally I flipped her over to her back. As I felt down toward her bottom sure enough there was a little lump. Not hard like the one on her chest but palpable. Of coarse this one threw me. I showed will and quickly began researching anything on lumps on infants. Shortly, I found that the one on her chest is quite common in breastfed babies and due to hormones. The other was a bit more difficult and I quit searching because everything I found was not reassuring. Obviously, this was another reason we went to the dr on that Monday. Patz couldn't determine what the lump on her back was so he scheduled for an ultrasound on Thursday morning. Since we were already there for RSV we kept the appointment. Jacksyn did great during. As the ultrasound tech was doing her thing I kept looking at her to see if she would give me anything...something, a look, a smile, a nod, but NOTHING. She finished and said she was going to talk to the radiologist. Dr. Montgomery, the Radiologist came in within minutes and did her own ultrasound. Finally, she spoke to me and said that it wasn't clear what the mass was that she wanted to do an MRI to get a better look. What she was sure about is that the mass isn't connected to the spinal cord which is really good news. She then scheduled the MRI for Friday morning. Thankfully, Jacksyn was progressing great with the RSV and was set for us to go home on Friday. The nurses came in early Friday morning (3am) to put in her IV incase they needed to sedate her for the MRI. 8 hours later, poor girl was so hungry by then, they came to get us for the scan. We went downstairs for the test and again, she did amazingly. She slept through the whole thing and so she didn't have to be sedated. YEY! We went back to our room and waited for 4 hours before finally getting a call from Dr. Patz saying that the radiologist finds the MRI to be inconclusive as well. WHAT? So, he said that the pediatric ONCOLOGIST (seriously folks...I about vomited), Dr. Russo, was coming to do an assessment and she had already taken a look at the scans. She was very nice but also felt like the results of both tests were difficult to collect valid information from so she wanted to refer me to the pediatric surgeons. Again, she did say that the mass is self contained and not connected to the vertebra. My head spinning, I asked a few questions and of coarse the main one was "could this be cancer?" She pleasantly told me that it would be very rare to find cancer in a baby this small but it is not out of the realm of possibility. That is why she wants us to see the surgeons and get there opinion on further action to take. I received a phone call from her yesterday saying that the surgeons looked at the scans and feel it is necessary to do another ultrasound in 6 weeks then probably a biopsy. They do not want to do anything right now until she completely heals from this RSV. She is doing very well but still sounds like an old man with emphysema when she coughs. Poor girl has already been through so much in her little 2 months of life.

So as I contemplate the "Why's" and of coarse come back with nothing, the nothing is quickly brought around to my desperate need for My Jesus. God is often referred to as 'the Great Physician." And while I want him to undoubtedly heal my precious daughter with any affliction that she might have I also know that he will provide a healing for my heart as I deal with all of this. I do not understand the "why" but I do know "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28. That is the promise I have in Him. I will "not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present {my} requests to God" Philippians 4:5-6.

I ask that, if you are reading this, that you too will send up a prayer for my little girl. And, in this season, remember what it is all about. It's not the gifts under the tree, or how many Christmas cards you receive, but its the gift of Jesus that God sent down to be born of Mary and Joseph. The gift of Life that we are to receive FREELY from Him. All we have to do is "ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened" Matthew 7:7-8

May we praise our Lord and Savior this holiday season and be thankful for everything He has given us.

Amen.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!

2011-12-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet little PeaPie who is 4!
I cannot believe that today you are 4 years old. I know this may sound cheesy, but it really does seem like just yesterday you were born and I was holding you in my arms. Now when I hold you your legs hang down past my knees.

These are things that you are doing right now and over this past year! You are amazing!!

First, the first thing I want to say to you is that you are just precious to me. I love you dearly and don't ever want you to forget that.

We now know that you favorite color is not black or purple but undoubtedly it is RED!! You want everything red including your new room. It was too funny when we finally moved in our new house you came and got me and told me that the painters made a 'stake' (your word for mistake!) and that they needed to come back and paint your room red. :-) We are going to paint something in your room red just not the whole thing! By the way, that is per daddy. I was gonna paint atleast 1 wall red but he wasn't having it. You will have to take that up with him one day!

You were the first person that new that mommy was going to have another baby and you were so excited. The whole pregnancy all you would say: "i want to bathe her, and change her poopy diapers, and feed her." You were already such a great big brother...the best a little girl could ever ask for!

A couple of weeks ago you were pretty sick and mommy had rubbed some vick's vapor rub on your chest in the middle of the night. I'm guessing it worked pretty well because the next morning I found you on the floor in the bathroom rubbing aquaphor from neck to naval and everywhere in between. It was adorable. You told me you were just trying to help...and baby you were helping. Helping make your skin stay smooth as a baby's bottom! :-)

You are such a caring and sweet boy. When mommy was so sick you would come up to me and rub my head and say "mommy, i'm so sorry. let me know if you need me!" So innately sweet.

I'm still not sure how you are growing at the rate that you are considering your food intake is kneel. Your diet consists of 'cici noodles' (ie. any kind of noodle with sauce) which includes mac and cheese, and just in the past 6 months you have become buddies with pb & j's. still no hotdogs or anything else for that matter but seriously, what kid doesn't like hotdogs!!! you love milk which is great. You have really come around to drinking these Naked fruit/veggy drinks which I am so happy about so atleast you get some sort of healthy something once a week or so. I hope your sister eats better than you do. If not I think I may pull all my hair out!

You love to sleep in Geka's race car bed. We even brought it when we had Zoe over and you wound up sleeping in it for the whole next week!

You still are addicted to carnation instant breakfast. Just yesterday I was feeding your sister and I hear, "mommy. mommy??!" then your little, well not so little but sweet well, not so sweet all the time, patter well not so much of a patter but an elephant stomp down the hall to tell me "mommy i tried to fix my milk like a big boy but i spilled it. can you help me?" Actually, you did very very well because the amount of milk was fairly minimal considering the possibility. Just goes to show what a big boy you are becoming.

You love your big-boy bed. I had forgotten how much you chewed on your crib when you were a baby until we had to use the rail as your foot board. Daddy used to call you a woodchuck and now I remember why!

Every night when we say our prayers we go through the whole list of family members and additional people that we think of and at the end I ask you "Burke, is there anything else you want to pray for and you always say, without fail, 'Jesus'". Love it!

You are really into Cars...still. It seems like you liked them last year but it went into overdrive this year. We took alot of your cars down to Nina's this summer and you lost a couple but the one you are the most concerned about it Sidewall Shine. You ask about him all the time and think he is there. I just hope that when we go that we find him...

You are super excited to go down and visit everyone in Spanish Fort. You've been asking when we ar going since early September. I told you it would be after Jacksyn gets here, after Halloween, after Thanksgiving, after your birthday, after Christmas, and after New Years. Well, I hope we can go soon sweet boy!

Whenever you see a motorcycle you say "that looks like granddaddy!"

One time this past summer you told me that you wanted to go visit granddaddy and I told you that he was in heaven. You said, "well, i'll just get in a spaceship and go visit him." Oh, how I wish it were that simple. I love your innocence.

By the end of the summer you were really starting to get the hang of holding your breath and swimming. By next summer you will be a full fledged fish! I cannot wait! ;-)

You are so sweet to baby Jacksyn. I think you think her name is Baby Jacksyn, too. It is so cute how much you adore her. You love to kiss her and grab her arm to wave at you. You always come up to me and ask me to tell her that you are there. You like to give her your toys and stuffed animals. I am so amazed by your tenderness with her. I am so blessed.

You are teaching me patience..or well, the Lord is but he is doing it through you. There are days when I feel like the only words that come out of my mouth are "no, stop, don't run, be quiet, etc." Defiance I know is part of your age so I'm trying to remember that but sheesh, its like it goes in one ear and right out the other ( I sound like my mother....AHHH!!)

Your daddy told me the other day regarding the running that that is just what boys do. You must get from point A to point B as quickly as possible as if you are going to miss out on something if you aren't there quickly. It's funny but not when J is sleeping because you sound like you weigh 500lbs!

We FINALLY conquered the poop. I mean, you pooping in the potty! I thought you would go to school still pooping in a pull-up. I'm sure that will be embarrassing for you one day but my goodness it was an act of congress and lots and lots of sugary items to bribe you into pooping on that potty. But, alas, you are now fully potty trained. Praise the LORD!!

I'm sure there are lots of other things I could write but they all boil down to one truth and that is I love you with my whole heart.

Happy 4th Birthday my love.

-mommy

Dec. 13, 2007

Dec. 13, 2008

Dec. 13, 2009

Dec. 13, 2010

Dec. 13, 2011

God love her...

2011-11-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

God love her...I just couldn't resist! Please don't call CPS!! :-)

These are a little sweeter...or atleast she's not screaming! ;)

And so the rain boots work!

2011-11-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

Burke got a pair of rain boots and has been itching so bad to 'use' them so off her went to get dressed. I walked in his room and this is what I found...all he was lacking he said was his rain jacket! :-) How adorable!! Btw, it wasn't cold...just rainy!

Aunt and Uncle meet Jacksyn

2011-11-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

Jimmy and Hope finally got to meet Jacksyn. I think they are smitten just as we are! It's gonna be so fun to have a little girl running around!

Fevers

2011-11-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't know Burke is still having those fever viruses. He is now getting them about every week or so (7-10 days). Sometimes, rarely, they are mixed with a stomach bug but rare. These are different days and just two of the days at that! Poor little man.

Thankful

2011-11-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

Wow...the things I am thankful for.
1. My family. My sweet husband of 5 years and our 2 beautiful children. My mom, sister, and ALL of my extended family on both sides (Gorams and Garretts)...way too many to list but you know who you are and I love you all!
2. My HOME! My beautiful home that God has been so gracious to allow us to have. I hope He has mighty plans for this place to be a blessing to everyone who breaks bread with us and we welcome whomever with open arms.
3. My friends. I have an amazing group of women that I just started meeting with this fall. I believe that God placed them in my life at just the right time and for just the right reason. They did me the honor yesterday of coming to pray for me and over our new house. We prayed for God's protection over all 4 of us and for my marriage to Will. We prayed that satan would be bound far from here and any evil spirits to flee. For this home to be a blessing to others and much as it is to my family. We prayed for the two little children who live here and for all of their friends who will walk down these halls that we could be an example to them. So many other wonderful prayers went up yesterday and all I can say is that I am honored to be apart of such a wonderful group of Godly women. Thank you Jesus!
4. Time. Quiet Time with the Lord carved out so that I can hear Him speak and know that he hears me.
5. Clarity. God has provided me with great glimpsed of clarity of the past few months and for that I am thankful. But I am also thankful that God has allowed me to heal through time. The old adage of time heals wounds...well, I believe that now.
6. Rain. Oh, the sound of rain on the roof and acorns popping every few seconds. How wonderful it is.
7. Pictures. I have not been very good at taking pictures lately but I will make a point to get better at it. It is so fun to go back and look at how we have all changed through the years...thanks to photography.
8. Light. Visible light. I love the sunlight to brighten a room. What a difference it can make, right? It's a great reminder of what God wants us to see. It says in Psalm 119:105 in the NIV "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. The Message translation says, "By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." We may see dust and cobwebs in our homes because of the way the light my hit but it also illuminates the dust and cobwebs in our own lives. This next year I want to be more aware of what God wants me to see rather than what I want to see.
9. Music. Singing...."Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus because he first loved me!' AMEN!
10. The Cross. Without it we would be nothing. With it we are His children. What more could I be thankful for?!
Happy Thankgiving!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was a little different with mom not being around. She was going to attempt to come but wasn't feeling too well. The food was great and company was just as good. Thankful for so much this year! Hope and Zoe came in and Burke was in heaven!!

It's been a little hectic

2011-11-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

Alright so gosh, where do I start. First of all let me say that is has been a little hectic in the Garrett world and I am sorry I have not posted to keep everyone updated. But, I will do the best I can. Here it goes.
Mom: She was moved to Healthsouth to a semi-private room the end of the week before last (I know that sounds terrible since I haven't posted since then...eeks!) Her medical team felt like she was good to go on over but to our chagrin. But, that is what was ordered so on she went. The next few days were a little hairy still trying to find the right cocktail of medicines to give her that wouldn't make her sick and loopy. We had a little issue with them keeping her room clean but that was handled and soon she was moved into a private room. She was discharged and is home now. Home health is coming in and will be the ones to check her foot and do maintenance but for the most part it is up to us to administer all the IV and oral medications. There are 14 medicines in all given at all times of the day. This could go on for as little as 8 weeks or more. Thankfully, I only live about 3 minutes away in the event that she needs me. But, thankfully too, Wade is there for the brunt of the time. She had gone to the doctor earlier today and when I went to visit and flush her tubes she had a surprise for Burke. Lala had gotten a RED cast! ;-) Too fun! She will keep this cast on for 3 weeks and then they will take it out, check progress, and put another one on. A long road ahead.
Burke has just gotten over another virus. Ugh!! I will be so glad when he grows out of these fever viruses...I tell ya!
Jacksyn....sweet as she can be. Love Love Love her!!
Our house!! We officially moved November 12th and spent our first night in our new home! We love it here! Definitely sad to say goodbye to Hastings but welcome with open arms our new home on Statton. We had some amazing people come to help us move and if it weren't for them we would probably still be trying to pack up that house. I'm still not sure where all this junk came from! Our garage is totally full and our house is too....moving is for the birds. Thankfully, I will NEVER EVER do it again!
We closed on our house this past week and what a relief it was to walk out of that office and know that we could now feel a little more settled and a little less stress of our shoulders. Thank goodness!

Happy 1 month Jacksyn Ann!

2011-11-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Growing, growing, growing! She loves her baths just like her big brother!!

We moved...moving!

2011-11-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Moving day is upon us (a little late posted, sorry...there's been alot going on!) Anyway, here are some pictures of our house in the mean time...I feel like the show hoarders. Where the hell did I have all of this stuff?!! It's rediculous. Praise the Lord for Liz coming to transport items over to the new house and for Liz H., Dave, and Olivia coming to help me pack. If it weren't for them none of this would have been finished by the time we closed.

Burke & Jacksyn

2011-11-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Burke absolutely adores his little sister. All he wants to do is to hold her, and bathe her, and change her, and feed her. He is the best big brother I could have ever asked for. Blessed, blessed, blessed!!

Newest info on momma

2011-11-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

Today's update (Sunday 2:30pm):

Momma's eco cardiogram results came back and everything there looks good.

She has been put on fluid restriction bc it will help with her sodium level. Basically because she is so thirsty due to her diabetes she drinks so much water that it depletes her potassium and sodium levels. It is kind of a no-win situation there but hopefully the endocrinologists will have a better idea of how to combat both of these issues. Her sugar level has never been better though! Praise GOD!!

Because her veins are not very good they have done a jugular line for all her medications and to take her blood. Nurses are going to talk to the doctor to see about doing a PIC line. They will do this on the inside of her arm so that they can take the other things out of her neck. She doesn't like those very much.

The newest information we got today is that the MRI done last night shows that her back is broken. The orthopedic surgeon (dr banks) is wanting to do a kyphoplasty to fix it. Kyphoplasty is where bone cement is injected through a small hole in the skin into the fractured vertebrae. The goal is to relieve her of the pain and stabilize the bone. The drawback right now is that it can take insurance up to 30 days to clear the procedure. They have already ordered a back brace to help her in the mean time.

They did a carotid dopler (ultrasound) of the carotid arteries and we are waiting on those results too. Along with everything else they drew more blood cultures today and we will get results probably tomorrow to see where we are on infection.

She has 2 endocrinologist (Dr. Johnson/ Dr. Cowart). The plan is for her to continue to see them after she is discharged from here. We are hoping that this is the turning point for her diabetes getting under control.

A sweet friend of mine sent this verse to me today and I wanted to share it with you all. It is from Romans 5:1-5. It says, "We have been justified through faith and have peace with God through Christ through whom we have access by faith into his grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that but we rejoice in our sufferings because we know that sufferings produce perseverance then character then hope and hope does not disappoint us because God has poured his love into our hearts by the holy spirit whom he has given us."

AMEN!!

That is it for now....I'll keep you guys posted.

Update on momma

2011-11-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

The confusion continued through the day yesterday. At one point momma told me that I need to get 4 pieces of chicken to take with me to Montreal. But, hopefully she will begin on the upswing soon. Still not sure what is causing this...could be the bacterial infection or a result of medications.

Results from the MRI on her stomach and liver were good. They did notice that she has an enlarged spleen but that is not a huge cause of concern right now although her liver enzymes are still high and she is showing signs of anemia. Also, doctors found on one of her scans that her L2 vertebrae has some irregular spacing. This could have been possible from fall but we are not sure. It also could have been the cause of her leg and back pain all this time and not the neuropathy. We will hear more about this after we get the results from the MRI they did on her back last night.

Right now the biggest concern is to treat the bacterial infection and then go from there.

Will keep you all posted.

It's coming along...

2011-11-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

The house is really starting to look like we could possibly move in soon. Still lots to do but we are getting really excited!

Asking for prayers for momma...

2011-11-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Friends-

I know I have been asking for a lot of prayers lately but I have another one I need your assistance with, please.

My mother fell and broke her ankle Wednesday night. The bone broke through and she bled quite a bit. But, because of her diabetes and severe nerve damage she didnt' know so she crawled back in bed for a couple of hours. Her husband found her in bed and called the ambulance. The doctors started anti-boitics as soon as they could to prevent her from getting infected. She is prone to infection bc of the diabetes so it having been an open wound for so long and not treated was a little disconcerting. The believe that because her sodium levels were so low (due to high blood sugars) is what caused her to fall. She has been falling quite frequently over the past few days. Doctors said the surgery went well but they have warned that a possible amputation could be in her future if they cannot keep infection out of the wound. Within the past 36 hours she has formed a bacterial infection in her blood. They are pumping her full of antibiotics but so far they haven't been able to get the infection under control. She has also formed a fever in the past 24 hours and possible pneumonia which they are giving her breathing treatments for. She underwent some tests last night and an ultrasound to look at her liver and stomach. Her liver enzymes are out of whack and we are not sure why.

If you would please pray for the infection to get under control and we will go from there. She is completely incoherent and that is difficult to see. I will keep updates on my blog so please check there if you will. I just wanted to send out an initial email for you all to pray for her.

Update on the rest of the family:

1. Jacksyn is home and now healthy!! We went back on Tuesday of this past week after having been on phototherapy twice now to test her bilirubin again and it had come down 1pt...Praise God. We are continuing the sun therapy when we can...mostly just during feedings but we are trying. She is sleeping and eating well. She is such a delight and an answer to our prayers.

2. Burke has been healthy for a week now so we are thankful for that....again another answer to prayers. The walking pneumonia is gone! :-)

3. The house is wrapping up and will be finished (fingers crossed) on Wednesday of this next week and we will move next weekend (11th-13th). FINGERS CROSSED!!!

We have been so blessed by so many of our friends and family who have come alongside us during the time we were in the NICU and since then. Thank you for all that you do for our family. We couldn't do it without your support and prayers.

Thank you.

All I can say is...HARD

2011-10-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

The last 24 hours couldn't have been more hard for me. Jacksyn's eating schedule has gone from every 4 hours (which is what they had her on in the hospital and she seems to like) to now every 2 hours. That's right...feeding her every 2 hours which takes about an hour to do so really every other hour she is eating. Mix that with her HATING her new digs (ie:bili-light) and there is about 15 minutes of quiet before the next feeding. Thankfully I have my mom who has stayed the past 2 nights to help with Jacksyn and Will's mom to help with Burke.
There are times when all she does is scream and cry wanting out to be held. It is pitiful. I know that it is for good, don't get me wrong but it doesn't make it any easier. I know there are people out there with much much worse problems with their babies and I am greatful that mine is only the jaundice at the moment but it is still hard to see your little one scream and cry and you can't do much about it. As soon as she gets out of those lights I swear I'm gonna just hold her for days straight!
If you read this today please pray that her bilirubin count has decreased significantly (to 12-13) so that she can come off the lights by tomorrow.

Jacksyn's first doctor visit

2011-10-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Within 48 hours after leaving the NICU babies have to go in to see their pediatrician. Unfortunately, but fortunately, we were able to take Burke with us so that we could clear him of anything else that could be going on with those crazy temps and the cough. He is good, just coughy! Jacksyn, on the other hand, is jaundiced again. Jaundice refers to the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted as bile through the intestines. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up faster than a newborn's liver can break it down and pass it from the body. Dr. Clemm
ran the bilirubin test along with a PKU and her bili came back a 19. That is 5 points higher than it was the first time she went into phototherapy. Other than that she looked great at the doctor and is measuring really good. She now weighs 6lb 10 ounces and has grown a little she measuring now 20 1/4 inches.
Shortly after getting home I got a phone call from the nurse who is going to be coming to set up the bili light and to my great surprise it is Jennifer Jaeger. So thankful it is someone I know. She will come back ever 24 hours to prick Jacksyn and test her levels. As soon as she reaches the 12-13 mark she can come off of the phototherapy. Jennifer believes it will be atleast 48 hours. Also, thankfully, she does not have to wear those glasses he wore at the hospital because these lights don't come up over her ears. Back in Florida weather she goes! :-)
Today was also Burke's Trick-or-Treating day at school where he got to wear his costume. Unfortunately, because we went to the doctor, he missed it but he did get to wear his costume (UPS man) which was fun!
Here are some pictures from today.

We are HOME!!!

2011-10-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

It's been a long road but we are home now, Praise GOD!
After one more time in the heater Jacksyn was able to keep her temperature enough for the doctors to say she was good enough to come HOME!!! YEYEYEYEY!!!
But, of coarse, as expected, Burke went to bed Sunday night (night before we were to get Jacksyn) with a temp of 104! Par for the coarse I would say at this point, right?!
At any rate, Monday was d-day and thankfully we got to bring our sweet little baby girl home. Here are a few pictures from the hospital along with our first time in the door with Jacksyn.

Cindy and Jennifer were great in helping with Jacksyn!

The long corridor to the NICU

Our home away from home for 10 days

Neonatologists doing their rounds on Monday (hoping for a good report) The girl in the blue scrubs is Cindy...love her!

Entrance to the progressive side of the NICU

Jacksyn in to the right, her friend Ava is on the left. Ava gets to move to an open crib today! YEY for her!!

Sweet Jacksyn snoozing one last time before she gets to come home!

The last reading for her temp! YEY Jacksyn!!!

Dr. Davison doing his last check to make sure she is good to go home. He was in the delivery room for both Burke and Jacksyn's births. Such a great group of doctors!!!

Mommy and Jacksyn about to leave the NICU forever!!

Big brother Burke helping push Jacksyn down the hall...he was so sweet saying "I can't wait to have baby Jacksyn home!"

We are home!!!!

He was so happy to have his baby sister home! Btw, isn't that shirt adorable!

Big Brother Burke

Mom decorated the front yard for Jacksyn's arrival and the big balloons are from Liz...how fun all the pink!!

Letter to baby Jacksyn

2011-10-24T06:49:00.001-07:00

Oh, my love! You are so loved.There is a time in a mother's life when she has one child and sometimes wonders if she could ever love another as she did her first. The answer is yes. My heart has grown two-fold and I'm not sure I could love you anymore than I do now. These past 10 days have been probably the hardest in my life. Leaving you on Monday night was a huge testament to the verse in Proverbs 3:5 that says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." I do not, and probably will not ever know why you had to go through this but I do know that it is for good and that the Lord is mighty and great!
I am sitting here looking at you while you sleep peacefully in your open crib here in the NICU praying that you get to come home with me in just a little while. I cannot wait to get you home and be able to love on you all day! This has been such a crazy past few weeks, so get ready to join our craziness as a family! We are so ready to start our new life together with you in our new home. We are so ready! Well, as ready as can be I presume.
Even though my pregnancy was super challenging and the delivery a little stressful it was all worth it to see your beautiful, sweet, little face. Know that I love you so much and I cannot wait to watch you grow into the beautiful woman God created you to be.

And the grandparent list is completed...with the exception of daddy of coarse

2011-10-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

I started driving on Thursday and haven't slowed down much since. With having to be at the hospital every 4 hours to feed Jacksyn and getting Burke to school there was just no way to set-up rides for much longer. Greatful for my friends her were able to help, I absolutely hate asking for help. Its not that I'm prideful I just feel bad when other people feel bad when they can't help. Does that make sense? Anyway, I kind of over did it Thursday and Friday and started to pay for it. So I thought I would take Saturday off, with the exception of going to see Jacksyn and try to rest. Well, that was all thrown out the window when I looked up and saw Lyn pulling up! What an awesome-awesome surprise. I can't tell you how great it was to see her. It has been hard knowing that daddy is not here to see his grand-daughter but knowing Lyn could come helps with that. Of coarse two of the most important things to do were to show her the new house and go see Jacksyn.
Pops and Toni came back in town with Burke and so they got to see her again. The first time they met her they weren't allowed to hold her because of the phototherapy so this was a neat surprise for them. PawPaw and Lala got to come up too. This was a busy day for sweet Jacksyn!
The best part was that Burke got to hold his baby sister for the first time. You can see pure joy in his face...what a moment to cherish for the rest of my life.

Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed

2011-10-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been a little stressful for me. As you know, I got to come home on Monday. I laid low on Tuesday and Wednesday but on Thursday, due to some extenuating circumstances, my days got a little more hectic. Thankfully, Pops came back in town with Toni and got Burke for another night. I'm not sure what we would have done with them this week. Truly, family is what knits us together, right?!!
At any rate, Thursday afternoon I got to surprise Burke with another visit to see his baby sister. My surprise was that he was going to help give her her first bath! :-) He has been saying for months and months that he cannot wait to bathe her, change her, feed her, hold her, etc. so this was first chance to do that! I cannot tell you how incredibly adorable he was with her. As soon as he saw her he just kept saying 'she is so pretty!' He did a great job with the washcloths and washing her hair. He is going to be such a great big brother!!!
Well, after the bath her temperature was a little low but we knew that during baths they lose temp sometimes so it is not uncommon. The issue came in when 3 days later she still cannot hold her temp. Holding her temp is between 97.8-99. She was borderline often but also below that down to 97.3. We have been praying that her temp would hold at a steady temperature for the past few days. When she is able to hold her temp for atleast 24 hours then they will look at sending her home. If she cannot hold her temperature tonight after going under the warmer then she will have to go into an isolette until she can regulate on her own.
The nurses here have been amazing. All, with the exception of one that about made me punch her (hahaha, but not really!), have been so supportive and encouraging to Will and me. Having their support has been a huge. In particular Dee and Augusta, these sweet black ladies have really held my hand and loved on me this past week.
Here are some pictures from the past few days.

Grandparents meeting baby Jacksyn

2011-10-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

All the grandparents have been able to meet sweet Jacksyn with the exception of PawPaw and Nina. Hopefully, Lyn will be able to make it once Jacksyn is home from the NICU. Auntie Hopie and Uncle G will also come in the next few weeks to meet her.
Here are a few pictures of Geka, Lala, Pops and Toni. Also, throwing in there a few of daddy, mommy, and Burke with her too!

This is nurse Dee....we really like her!

Daddy feeding baby Jacksyn...makes you wanna cry doesn't it?!!

First family pic of all 4 of us!

A few more days...

2011-10-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

I walked in this morning to my nurse saying that Jacksyn passed her bili test last night! YEY!! This means she is able to come out from under the lights..which is great. She did not have an episode last night which is fantastic. All the neonatologist met this morning to discuss Jacksyn's case and determined that it would be in her best interest to definitely keep her another 5 days to monitor her. I am A OK with this. This will really only put her coming home 3 days after what would have been her original go home day had she been born on the 19th. So, as we speak baby girl will get to come home on Tuesday. Just pray with me that she doesn't have any more episodes but if so that they catch them quickly.

Update on sweet baby Jacksyn and our life

2011-10-19T13:03:00.001-07:00

The last few weeks/ days have been rather crazy to say the least. Let me back-track and catch up you.
On Friday, the 7th, at 10:00pm we officially got a contract on our house! PRAISE THE LORD!!! I began praying on the 1st that the Lord would sell our house and have the other one finished within the same month, whatever month that was to be, but just the same month! And wa-la he answered again. That same day I had a little bleeding but called the doctor and they weren't concerned to neither was I. But, on Sunday I began to have a little headache along with some high blood pressure. We went and checked it Sunday night and it was 144/81 which is high for me. I called a nurse friend of mine, Carol, who brought over a blood pressure cuff for me to keep tabs on it over the next few hours. I had my 37 wk appointment the following morning. Because they could night find her heartbeat they decided to do an ultrasound. That is when they found the placenta previa. Liek I said before, it wasn't a huge issue because I was already scheduled a c-section but it was a clue as to why I had bled the week before. So, the inspection happened the following week and on Friday about 5:30 we got the call that the inspection had passed and we were good to schedule to close! Fast forward 45 minutes and that is when I started bleeding. Gosh, does the Lord have good timing. I tell you. Wow, to be able to have that off our shoulders regarding the house just hours prior to giving birth and going through that emotional rollercoaster. Thank you Jesus!!
Well, that catches us up to now I suppose...
Monday morning, October 17, I went down at 8am to see our sweet little angel. She seemed to have had a great night and was rather alert today. I had some sweet friends waiting for me when I got back to my room with chick-fil-a biscuits, yogurt, and some well needed prayers. I am so thankful for these women who have come alongside me and have prayed through my pregnancy for this sweet baby and are there walking with me through this too. God has been so good! As I was telling them, and as Will and I were just talking the night I had Jacksyn how gracious God has been and how he has granted us all of our (Will and I) prayers in the past few years, maybe not how we had wanted, but everything has been in His timing which is always perfect. And even praying that I would not have the same eclamptic issues as I had with Burke and while having had other serious problems that was not one of them and I can come away with this experience having remembered and been able to cherish it all..the good, the bad, and the ugly. God is so good! So, I went back down for her 12pm feeding and was met with the news that she had had a d-sat (a desaturation of her oxygen level in her blood) again. This happened once when she first got to the NICU but happened alongside her heartrate. This time it was just her O2 level. Because of this episode she re-started her 5 days in the NICU. This was really hard for me. I had just come off a really good emotional high with my friends having visited and prayed for me and then was hit with the reality that not only was I being discharged in a few hours but that I would not be leaving with my little girl for another 5 days. I am pretty sure that I have not cried this much since daddy passed away. The tears just would not stop coming. I had another good friend happen to call during this LONG episode and I answered. She too was able to relate and made me feel so comforted. Not by what she said as much as knowing that she understood. She really got it and knew how bad it hurt. Thank you for that Summer.
That evening though, I got myself together and had a new look on her time in the NICU. I know she is in such a great place and the nurses are looking after her so well and I just needed to embrace it. They are there for my reassurance not to be finger-pointers and rule enforcers. I got that...it took a couple of days but I get it now.
She started nursing Monday afternoon which was so sweet. She did not latch as well as Burke did starting off but he didn't have formula either so I did have to remind myself of that. That night, after the last feeding at 8pm, we packed my stuff out of room 528 and headed home. Such a bittersweet time. As a mother, to leave the hospital after such a traumatic time with your little one still there is almost impossible to put to words. But, again, I know she is in the best place for her right now. After a quick run through the Taco Bell drive-thru - home we went. It felt great to shower and get all good and clean and slip into my own bed. The first time to sleep in this bed and not be pregnant with heart burn = glorious!!! But I was so excited to get back to the NICU to see her Tuesday morning I could barely sleep!
She has pretty much mastered the art of nursing at his point with the exception my milk wasn't quite in yet. But I'm working on it! Tuesday was a challenging day just with me not being able to drive and wanting to be up there for the 8am,12pm,4pm, and 8pm 'care' times but we made it work. Leaving that night was hard just knowing I was going back home without my sweet baby girl but hopefully she'll be home soon.
Wednesday morning Will dropped me off at the hospital so that I could have a little quiet time before going in to see Jacksyn at 8. Boy, did I need it. The Lord knew exactly what I needed to hear and why. As I walked in to see her, the bili lights are on....she failed her test. I had prepared myself that she may be a little jaundice but I wasn't prepared to see her sweet little eyes behind a mask and all blue. So sad. But, I was fine...until I looked at her chart and saw that she had another d-sat at 1am this morning. I had a choice to make. I could either lose it like I did on Monday or I could be have a positive outlook and realize that she is in God's hands and He has put her in the NICU with those nurses and doctors for a reason. So I chose the latter. I had just read moments earlier out of a Bible study that I am doing this: in regards to spending time with God and the story of Mary and Martha, "the same principle holds true for us. Daily time with God and His word, sitting at His feet as it were, can become the lens through which we distinguish clearly the important form the incidental." Wow. This is exactly what He wanted to me hear before walking in those doors of the NICU and seeing my little girl all blu and then knowing she would be there for awhile longer. Thank you Jesus for revealing yourself to me this morning!!
What this means is that because she had another desaturation of her oxygen level in her blood (from 100 to 80) the doctors will discuss and determine what the next course of action will be for her. Praying that she pulls out of this quickly.
On another note, my first love, Burke got to come home today! He has been staying with Pops and Toni at the cabin for the past few days. Pops still had not seen Jackysn and Burke really hadn't either. He saw her for a few minutes a couple of days ago but because he was still on anti-biotics for his walking pneumonia he couldn't really get close to her. He was absolutely the sweetest boy when he saw her. He asked me, "mommy, is this MY baby?!" I mean, really, how stinkin' cute is that?!
Anyway, here are a few pictures with her under the bili lights. Kinda cute but still sad.
Enjoy.

His grace is sufficient for me

2011-10-17T02:26:00.000-07:00

My alarm went off this morning at 3:30am and I couldn't have been more excited than to wake up!! Why you ask? Because I get to get up and pump. Crazy huh? Well, its true! Soon I will be able to wake and nurse my sweet baby girl but for now this is what I am doing. Praise Jesus! As I lay here the Lord brought this song to me and I thought I would share. By the way, if you know me, you know that I think in song for some reason. I literally mean that all day long I have songs play in and out of my head. It may have been one word that came across my mind or someone could have said something then a song is brought to my attention and I begin to sing it or hum it if I don't know the words. You would think I was a musician but ha-ha I am not!! At any rate, Shane to Shane has a version that I just absolutely love if you want to hear theirs but if not the lyrics themselves are just as powerful.

His grace is sufficient....

Your Grace is sufficient for me
Your strentgth is made perfect when I am weak
All that I cling to I lay at your feet
Grace is sufficient for me

Your grace is sufficient for me
Your strength is made perfect when I am weak
And all that I cling to I lay at your feet
Your Grace is sufficient for me

Your grace is sufficient for me
Your strength is made perfect when I am weak
All that I cling to I lay at your feet
Grace is sufficient, Your grace is sufficient, Your grace is sufficient for me.

To see the Lord, the promised land
Where in all sins pearly gates look bland.
And what was once a pearl
now is sand
that blows away, that blows away in light of Him.

Your grace is sufficient for me.
Your strength is made perfect when I am weak.
All that I cling to I lay at your feet.
Your grace is sufficient,
Your grace is sufficient,
Your grace is sufficient for me.

Welcome Jacksyn Ann Garrett!

2011-10-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

I am in awe of this sweet baby girl that God has granted to Will and me for how ever long He sees fit. She is perfect as perfect can be and I couldn't be any more in love than I am today. I will fill you in on the story of Jacksyn's early arrival.
Two weeks ago I had a little bleeding but nothing significant to be worried about. Then last weekend I had a slight change of my blood pressure and began monitoring it through the week. On Monday, the 10th, I had my 37 week appointment. My blood pressure was a little elevated but not too bad. But they couldn't find the heartbeat (she is ALL over the place in my belly!) so Rushing wanted an ultrasound. During the ultrasound we found that I had placenta previa which means that her placenta has grown into my uterus and has covered my cervix. Basically, the only way to deliver is by Caesarian which we were doing anyway so there wasn't much concern. I continued to monitor my BP during the week and even as it fluctuated it stayed within an ok range to keep me from going back to the dr. On Thursday evening Will, Burke and I headed over to the new house to look at paint colors and lock up before heading to grab ToGo. As we walked onto the back porch I felt a gush of warmth. I knew that either my water had broken or I was bleeding....I was bleeding. We left and shortly after a shower we headed to the hospital. Literally within 1 hour of reaching the L&R waiting room I was being prepped for surgery. There was of coarse a few risks and they were: 1. the placenta, because it was imbedded in the uterus, could have possibly not have been able to be removed resulting in a hysterectomy. Not ideal but possible. 2. extreme bleeding due to the placenta being embedded and not knowing to what degree. So off to surgery I went to welcome our sweet baby girl!!
When Dr. Rushing got in he saw that Jacksyn was actually underneath her placenta instead of on top of it and she was transversely stuck under my ribs. So, he had to cut through the placenta to get to her. Once he cut her blood supply (the placenta) she began bleeding and had a difficult time getting her out from under my ribs. This is when she began losing blood. After lots of pushing and tugging he got her delivered and sent her to the NICU to be monitored because of her blood loss. He then finished with me and I then went to recovery for awhile. I was able to see her for a split second before going to my room but she needed to stay in NICU for observation. At 5 am we were able to go and see her and I was finally able to hold her. It seemed like an eternity that I didn't get to hold her and looking back it was only a few hours but for a mother its alot longer, believe me! After I held her for a little bit we went back up to our room and I tried to rest, Futile! But during this time Jacksyn had a breathing issue where her heartbeat dropped to 40 and her oxygen saturation level went from right around 98 down to 4. This was not good. So, this is when her supposed brief stint in the NICU turned into atleast a 5 day stay if nothing else occurs. At this point, we are so thankful to report that she has not had another episode like that one and is looking great. She got to eat yesterday for the first time and downed 15mL like a champ. Today we bumped it up to 30mL and you she would've taken more I think!
We want to thank everyone who has been praying for us during this time. There was a point yesterday when I felt really sad, disappointed and scared but the Lord spoke through a sweet friend and has taken that from me and turned it into gratitude. He brought this song mind and I thought I would share.
It is called In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Amen! Thank you Jesus.

Here are a few pictures from the delivery and NICU. My sweet friend Liz was going to take pictures for me but was still in the Dominican Republic when Jacksyn decided to maker her arrival and then another sweet friend Katie was going to step in but was tied up and couldn't get to the hospital quick enough so all that to say our pictures are few and far between! Enjoy...

Signing papers...getting ready to go meet Jacksyn!

Last family picture of the trio!!

Burke watching mommy and daddy down the hall to surgery

Jacksyn Ann Garrett

October 14, 2011

6 pounds 13 ounces 20 inches

8:50pm

First time I was able to see her in the NICU

6lbs 13 ounces 20 inches long

Seeing Jacksyn for the first time! What a sweet moment...I couldn't stop crying after hearing her cry. It was all so surreal!

Holding Jacksyn the first time!

Daddy and Jacksyn

Burke getting to see Jacksyn the first time in the NICU. He had to wear a mask because he has been sick but is better now but precautionary!

He couldn't hold her but we put her as close as we could. He is sooo happy she is finally here and so are we!

Meal-time!

Lyons Farm 2011

2011-10-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

I just knew that if we didn't go this weekend we wouldn't go (or atleast I wouldn't be able to walk!) so on to Lyons Farms we went. It turned out to be such a beautiful day. Unfortunately but not surprisingly Burke got sick after we left but atleast we had fun while we were there! Burke loves that place!! Can't wait to go back next year with Jacksyn Ann.

This ones for baby Jacksyn he says!!

One on left is this year...

One on right is 2010!

Look how much he has grown!!

Next year we will fill all 4 spots...crazy!!

It is starting to set in.

2011-10-04T20:52:00.001-07:00

No, I'm not crazy and haven't realized that the time would come when I would be counting down the days until baby girl gets here but today it hit me. It really hit me. I reached my 36 week mark yesterday and thought about how if she came as early as Burke did that would mean tomorrow. Tomorrow people! As to why it is almost 11pm and I have already been to bed and up because I can't sleep. I guess the anxiety part is about to begin.

34 weeks

2011-09-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 34 weeks. Just a few short weeks away before we welcome our little girl. I cannot wait to hold that precious baby in my arms and love on her. I can tell you that I am SO ready to not have heartburn/acid reflux and RLS anymore. I basically sleep sitting up...but it is all worth it!

Its starting to look a little more like a house!!

2011-09-15T05:08:00.000-07:00

The windows are in, the sheetrock (for the most part) is finished, hardwood floors are installed! It is starting to come together....we can't wait for this to all be done and living in our new home!! YEYEY!!! Next up is the trim, cabinets, countertops, and paint!

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-09-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Another year has come and gone and I again, feel the same age as I did the year before (about 20!) I started off the day with an amazing greeting from my two best boys. One, the oldest, carrying my fav donuts with candles in them and my baby singing "happy birthday to mommy"! It was golden...I only wish I could've had it on video. What a sweet sweet way to wake up!! Then on to the first meeting of my new Bible study group which I am stoked about. By the time 9:30 came around I had had my 3rd, yes 3rd, breakfast!! :-) AWESOME!!
I ended this glorious day with a home cooked meal compliments of my mother! I forgot to take a picture AGAIN of the food....ugh! It was sooooooo good....fried chicken, mashed potatoes with cheese sauce, cabbage, corn bread, okra, and I think one other thing but all I can say is WOW!!! so so yummy. we finished it off with a peanut butter chocolate ice cream cake. HEAVEN!!

Getting closer

2011-08-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

Our hardwoods were delivered! YEY! We still have aways to come but we will get there. It's gonna be so cool to see all of our ideas come to fruition in this house. It is sooo exciting!!!

Sprinkle @ Liz's & Will's work

2011-08-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

A few of my closest friends put on a baby shower here for me and sweet baby Jacksyn. I was blown away by the generosity of everyone and how much time and effort Liz, Kristie, and Becca put into my shower. I am so blessed to have such wonderful women in my life. Here are some pictures that Liz took for me since my camera died as soon as we got there...par for the course!

The sweet sweet people that Will works with also gave us a shower. How blessed we feel by so many people caring for us! Thank you Madison County!!!! Burke had a blast, too!

More on the new house

2011-08-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

A little more has gone on in the past week or so over at the new house. More walls are being built up and little things like that. It is sure coming along but fast enough I'm not so sure! We went and looked at countertops and carpet this past week. Had sheetrock delivered and started being put up. A few inspections were done and we ripped out a little brick around the fireplace. Windows should be in soon! :-)

Corey's Sprinkle

2011-08-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

Two bellies!!

I had the awesome opportunity to go visit my sweet-best friend Corey for her baby 'sprinkle' this past weekend. I have been looking forward to this for weeks now! It seems like everytime I get to see her its almost in passing. So quick and we are always both tired. The tired thing hadn't changed but we did get to spend some good time together. We are only 11 days apart but will probably deliver a little closer together than that. We have been so fortunate to be able to just switch out clothes since this time we are have the opposite as we had last time. Such a sweet treat to be going through this with each other again!Love you CB!

We were on our way to get pedicures...oh, thank goodness for pedicures!!

Sweet Ella in the background. Compliments of Scott! ;-)

The girls at Corey's Sprinkle. What a fun time....thanks Summer Simpson Photography for the pictures!

The angle is a little off but it still looks like I'm a giant! EEEKS!

So fun to be doing this together!!! YEY!!!

The boy and girl!

More demo on the house

2011-08-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

Demo has started in the kitchen and is moving along great (thanks to Will and Wade). For the most part we have decided to go forward with us contracting out the labor and managing the work ourselves. We had no idea how much it costs to have a construction manager and just felt like we could do it ourselves. What have we gotten ourselves in to?!!!!

during demo

after domo...part of this wall is coming out to make a bar top. It's gonna be GREAT!

Wood panelling GONE!!

This is probably when reality set in for me that there is no turning back! EEKS!!

Our picture window...well, kinda.

First day of Pre-school (3yr old) @ Mayfair

2011-08-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

Pictures weren't as good this time but he was stoked to get to school so I couldn't get him to sit still long enough to get a good one. I hope he loves it! :-)

Beach trip 2011 PT 1

2011-08-11T03:58:00.000-07:00

We embarked on a 5 day beach trip to Water Color with my mom, Wade, Karen, Pref, and Jimmy this past week. We have all been so excited to get away for a few days and try to allow the house stuff to take care of itself. While we were gone a friend of ours, The Coles, stayed in our house and took care of our puppies and the house! Thank goodness...it worked out for all of us! :-)

At any rate, the drive down went great! We stopped and got some boiled peanuts...yummy!!

Thankfully, the place where we stayed had a bike to ride. Burke loves riding his bike!!

Off they go!!

Attempting to boogie board...this didn't last long at all!

PawPaw and Burke playing with some new friends toys in one of the 5 pools we had to choose from! SO nice!

The twins Burke played with (they are 6yrs) and you can see he is holding his own! HEEHEE!

As he lets them up for air! :-)

LaLa helping Burke swim back and forth from the raft to the pool side. I can't believe he is swimming now!!

Geka and Burke playing around

Me and my little PeaPie...he's growing up so fast!

Kung-FU!!!

Baby bump is growing!! 28 weeks

The Garrett boys...

Big Garrett boys playing keep away from my sweet Little innocent Garrett boy!

building sand castles....

Lunch time with all the sand.

All tuckered out!

Beach Trip 2011 PT 2

2011-08-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

You have have thought I asked everyone to dress up in monkey costumes for some sweet family pictures. All the grumbling...sheesh! Anyway, some of them turned out some not so well. The sun had set but there was a storm moving in and a wedding party shooting on the beach so we only had one way to face and that meant lighting stunk!! But here they are anyway! :-)

Almost 28 weeks - 3rd Trimester

2011-08-03T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here we are at 27 weeks/ 3 days...finally(almost) in our 3rd trimester. My appointment with Dr. Rushing went fine. We are both looking right on schedule. Now, is when I wish it would slow down a bit. We have so much to do on the house. Can it ever get done before she gets here?! We leave for the beach here in a few days!

Construction has begun!

2011-07-27T03:49:00.000-07:00

Finally, construction on the new house has begun! We are definitely at stage 1 and will be for a little while I'm assuming. I am really trying not to get my hopes up too much but would LOVE for all of this to be done before baby gets here. We still haven't decided on a contractor yet and may just try to contract it out ourselves...we will see!
So, here are a few pictures of the beginning stages of renovation! YEY!!!

The wall to the right is the one that we had knocked down and moved back to open up the space between the two 'living room's'. We will eventually put a, what we are calling, picture window, to let the light from the front room into this one.

This is the after they have knocked the wall down and bracing it to move it back.

Wall has been move back and will start building the 'window' part of it soon! Look at all the light that will now come through...exciting!!!

It's way too late to be awake.

2011-07-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing night with a group of women that I have been so blessed to be chosen to be apart of. Its one of those times when you are so filled with the Holy Spirit you just aren't really sure what to say but "Amen!" This was one of those nights. I'm not sure if at this point the caffeine (I know I shouldn't have any but sometimes a woman just needs a little Mountain Dew, Forgive me Father for I have sinned!!!) has worn off and I'm still going on adrenaline or if the caffeine is gonna keep me up ALL night but regardless I am awake so thought I would blog. As I lay in bed a little bit ago going back and forth with God saying as I do when I can't seem to fall straight to sleep, "it's just you and me God, it's just you and me" over and over again I heard Him tell me to get up and make use of my time. I'm not sure if this is what He meant or not but this is where I came. We were asked tonight a couple of questions during our prayer time that made us go outside of ourselves and pray asking God what truth He wanted to reveal to us(me)/what we(me) are grateful for and what He is praying for me. We were told to pray and then just write. I haven't just written in a really long time. Shame on me, I know, but I haven't. I used to enjoy writing but then it got so forced that I just quit. But this is what I shared that the Lord spoke to me tonight: I am grateful for my health (and honestly be able to feel that way is an amazing feeling), my family, the Lords provision with finances since I am not working right now, all of the blessings too numerous to write, possible Bible study in the fall, women and friends that I do have, those I will have, my sweet family, and time with God. The lord spoke the following to me about Himself: "Peace, everlasting peace in knowing that I am your God. I chose you before you were born to be right where you are today. Continue to listen to me and I will enlighten your pathway with riches beyond measure. Lean on me - understanding will become be clearer. I am your stronghold, your fortress, your rock." Praise you Father for revealing yourself to me tonight. I want more of you.

24 weeks

2011-07-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Here we are at 24 weeks. My appointment went just fine and I am finally back to my starting weight (140) Praise GOD!!! My blood pressure was 90/60 and babies heart rate is 148. I can see the light! ;-)

Daddy's 2nd Anni, Mike/Bonita's Wedding, and 4th of July!

2011-07-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

As I said before daddy's anniversary kind of came and went with little 'todo' made about it. We went to my grandparents for dinner that night but no mention of daddy there. Then onto the weekend and again little mention of him if any really. It's just odd. That's all I gotta say about it.

Here are some pictures of our time in Spanish Fort.

You may kiss the bride!

Hope, Julie, and Zoe

Playing in the sprinklers with Savannah and Sawyer

Feeding the birds with Granddaddy Jack

He loves fishing!

This was supposed to be a slumber party but didn't quite end up that way...worth a try though!

Finally got to ride on his speed boat! He was so patient and waited for a whole week.

Kristi and I....just a couple of weeks apart!

Burke and Nina!!

William Jackson Goram, Jr.

2011-06-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of when daddy went to be with the Lord. I am so thankful that he is in a much better place than we are here on this planet we call Earth. Something strange happens around this time, I would say every year but its only been the past 2, I suppose. The day comes and goes with little to no mention of daddy amongst his family. Lyn and I of coarse talk about him but thats about it. I think my Aunt Suzie wants to but she's not sure what to say and my grandparents, heck, I'm not sure whats going in their brains. Sometimes I wonder if they even remember what today is. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think about him but especially on this day. I just wonder if this is how it is after just 2 years then what will it be like in 5, 10, 20 years. Will it be as if he was never here with them? I don't say it to be mean, I guess I just honestly don't understand. At any rate, this weekend is supposed to be a celebration of his life and that is what I am going to try to make it!!
I can't wait to one day see my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my heavenly Father but I also long for the day I can run into my daddy's arms and tell him how much he is missed.
Please take a moment, actually a long moment, if you have it and watch this video. It was the one put together by a friend of mine Joel Banta with Bilby Films for me. Enjoy!

Family Baby Shower in Spanish Fort

2011-06-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Suzie, Grandmother, Lyn and momma put together a fantabulous baby shower for me at my grandparents house. It was so nice to have so many people (all family) come out and join in the celebration of this new little girl to grace our world in a few short months.
I can't tell you what a great job they did and how wonderful it turned out! Thanks everybody!

A new post from Cabell Sweeney

2011-06-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

On the eve of daddy's 2yr anniversary Cabell again sweeps me away with her words of affirmation for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Every time I read an excerpt of her 'blog' it reminds me of the glorious riches God has in store for me and mountain He has helped me climb.
Not only is today the hardest day I have ever been through the night before daddy died but it will be a joyous day because it is the day that I have my first baby shower for my little girl. God is so good!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikesweeney

Our NEW house!!

2011-06-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

We closed on our new house today. Well, actually we didn't but half of us did. I am in Spanish Fort but still the same! We are so excited but really need our house to sell so that we can start renovations on this one! Here are some pictures of it (lots of renovations in our future!!)

Our house for is officially for sale!

2011-06-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! The last almost 7 years have flown by since I moved into this house. As I took pictures for the flyer/website I realized how many precious memories there are here. Although, I am sad to know someone will one day have their own memories here I know that the new ones we create in our new house will be just as sweet! A little choked up as we put the sign in the yard today but hopeful and expectant for our future. Bring on the buyers Lord please!!

HAHAHA!!

And the winner is...

2011-06-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

If you remember a little while ago Burke was chosen for the Strasberg model search here in Huntsville. We were finally able to take the picture for the pictures that will be in both of the stores as well as for the Strasberg website. Here a few from that shoot...thanks again Christy!

SweetPea

2011-06-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Not to rehash everything if you already know about this but we nearly lost SweetPea AGAIN. Long story short, she had been sick with a cold or something for about 6 months. We put her on a round of antibiotics around Christmas and she didn't get better but soon after I got sick and she was unfortunately kind of forgotten about. A few days ago I felt as though it were time to take her back to the dr. We decided to try one of Will's friends from college who is now a vet, Dr. Kevin Lowe. He kept her for the day and tried her on some medications, along with x-rays and such, believed that she was in congestive heart failure or she was ridden with cancer. Neither of which I wanted her to live with so I left her for the day for more tests. He called that afternoon for us to come get her. I sent Will and received a phone call around 6pm that I needed to come out that he believed she needed to be put down. I rushed out there, crying and sad, only to be met with Will and Kevin saying that he (being Kevin) wanted to do this exploratory/experimental surgery on her to see if it could be maybe this one last thing. So, we brought SweetPea home not knowing of this was going to be here last night at home with us or not. We took her back the following morning for the surgery and said our goodbye's not knowing if she would make it out of surgery. Sure enough, 4 hours later, it was what he thought. Somehow, her left lung lobe had flipped over and basically died and was emitting toxins into her body which was causing the sickness. He removed the lung and we got to see her again before leaving and saying another goodbye incase she didn't make it out of anesthesia. We left and went to pick up the tahoe (YEY!!) from the prison and received a phone call while on our way home from Dr. Lowe. He felt like SweetPea wasn't coming out of anesthesia very well and having some internal bleeding. He said he thought the humane thing to do was to go ahead while she is still sedated and put her down. I, again, said that I trusted his decision and would do what he felt best for her. He would go in one last time to check on her but that that was what he felt best. We came on home and told Burke that in fact, SweetPea had gone on to be with Granddaddy in Heaved along with Jesus and we would see her again someday. He didn't get it of coarse and that was ok we just felt like we didn't want to hide it from him. Shortly after we got home we took a walk with our new family of 4 which seemed odd but it was reality. That night after we put Burke down to sleep I came out and found a text on my phone from a number I didn't recognize. It was a text from Dr. Lowe (at 8:24pm) He wrote, "Amazing dog. Tougher than nails. Sweet as can be." The next text moments later was a picture of SweetPea standing in her cage with the words "She's defying all of my expectations." HOLY MOLY!!! I handed the phone to Will and he called Kevin just to make sure he hadn't sent that earlier on when she was really still alive but nope....she was really STILL alive! We called our wonderful next door neighbor, Josh, to come over while Will and I went to visit her. She stayed in the hospital there for the next couple of days with daily visits from us (which they are not close , btw but well well wroth the drive). All that to say we have our sweet sweet SweetPea home with us and we are forever indebted to Dr. Kevin Lowe and Flint River Animal Hospital!!

This is the picture Dr. Lowe sent that said she was defying odds! She IS an amazing dog!

This was the morning of her surgery when we weren't sure she would be coming back home to us.

What we thought would be our last family picture!! Thank goodness it wasn't! :-)

Burke's First Day at Mayfair (Summer Program)

2011-06-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Alot happened today but most importantly it was Burke's first day at Mayfair COC for pre-school. Here is a pick of Burke on his first day. Isn't he just the cutest thing you've ever seen?!

Today

2011-05-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today I have thought about getting back on and backposting for the past month and well for months prior but right now all can write about is today. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about my daddy. I haven't had a chance to tell everyone yet but we found out that we are having a little girl last night. While I am excited and nervous all in one tight ball I am also sad that I can't call my daddy and tell him that his little girl is having a little girl. I am so grateful that he was with me on my wedding day to give me away and there for the birth of my son but it is hard knowing that he won't be here for the birth of my little girl. With tears rolling down my face there is a hurt that I would have hoped would be healed by now. Maybe it will never be. I have dealt with alot of things in my life but the loss of my father has been especially difficult. I know that I will be OK. I know that with the strength the Lord has bestowed upon me I will at some point be able to look at these past almost 2 years and see growth and a maturation in my faith that would only have taken place had I had such an experience of pain and loss but boy, no one can prepare you for such a thing. Elation to a pure sob within such a short amount of time is exhausting. I miss him. Goodnight.

16 weeks

2011-05-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today I am 16 weeks along and thankful for that! I have gained a little more weight (128) which is really good but still struggling...hard! I hope just a few more weeks then I will be good to go, right?! Here we are at 16 weeks. I managed to get a smile in. This is the first day I have put on "normal" clothes in weeks it seems like.

Last day at Covenant...boo!!

2011-05-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

We have absolutely LOVED Covenant Presbyterian Daycare. Burke's teachers Ms. Dottie and Ms. Jennifer are angels and they will be greatly missed. We will start in a few weeks at Mayfair Child Development Center. Our reason for changing has many layers to it. 1. They feed the kids lunch which if you know us you know what a struggle it is regarding food. We think that if he is offered the same things other kids are then he will be more apt to eat it. We hope! 2. They have a summer program...which when I was working was a must. It will be a huge blessing for me anyway with me so sick. 3. They offer a kindergarten. So, whether or not we keep him there (which I think we will) they offer it. All that aside, we will miss Covenant sooo much!

Mrs. Dottie and Burke!

Mrs. Jennifer

His sweet pre-school teachers!

Poopoo on the potty!!

2011-05-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

OK. This is HUGE people! Burke has basically been tee-tee potty trained since September. The poopy has taken a little while...a long while mind you. But today he went on the potty. For the last 9 months he has brought us a pull-up and said he had to go poopy, did his business, then off we went to change him. Starting today we have finally bribed him well enough that he went on the potty! Now, if he goes for the next 5 days in a row then he gets to go to the train store and pick out a train. That's horrible, bribing my son, I know but hey, we are desperate here! Give us a break!! This is a HUGE accomplishment! :-)
UPDATE ( 6.11.11) He made it to Friday and got his train! We have been good ever since. Praise Jesus for poo-poo in the potty! And sometimes he still needs some help from daddy and mommy! I had to steal this moment. Precious.

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to you Momma!! I am so proud to be a momma today! What a precious gift I tell ya.

Happy Birthday Momma!

2011-05-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today is my momma's birthday and it is my first outting to a restaurant - Outback(eeks!) Hope and Zoe came in town so that has been fun for Burke and us too. Other than having to step outside a few times the dinner went well! Happy Birthday Momma!!

16 weeks

2011-05-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

Baby girl is growing...I'm still under my starting weight but am gaining a little at a time. I am up to 130 now and hoping to stop being sick soon! I stopped being sick at 72 days maybe that will be the turning point for me this time...only about 2 more week, right?!!

Worst Tornadoes in recent history....

2011-05-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

The worst tornadoes in recent history hit the deep south on April 27, 2011. At least 337 people across six states died in the storms, with more than half — 246 people — in Alabama. My alma mater, The University of Alabama, accounts for at least 41 of those deaths. Over 300,000 of us in North Alabama lost power that day, if thats not all. We stayed here the night and left the next morning to go to the cabin in Fayetteville, TN. We weren't sure how long we would be there for but knew that with me being as sick as I have been we couldn't stay here. It was actually a nice change of scenery for me and I felt a little better while we were gone. The truck ride, (side note: the transmission on the Tahoe went out the day before Easter so we have been operating on 1 car and will be for no telling how long), was a little difficult but not too bad. Most people are trying to get out of town if possible. They are saying maybe a week without power...eeks! We emptied out our frig/freezer and took as much as we could to the cabin with us but alot was thrown out. Here are some pictures I DID NOT take. So sad.

This church is about 2 miles from our house!

this is an apartment complex in T-town

I lived on this street (15th St) for 2 years of my life while I went to school there. Devastating.

I wasn't sure what would be left of my rose bush so i grabbed a couple of pictures of is before the storms hit. This is the rose bush my granddaddy grew me off of the one from his mother (Grandmother Goram). Unfortunately, it only blooms 1x a year so this is what we get for the whole year...beautiful though I must say!

Some pictures from our time at the farm...

Like father like son!

and when his battery ran out...he decided to push! :-)

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Mom was nice enough to go get all the things to put in Burke's basket this year (Thanks momma!!) His basket turned out great and of coarse Burke the main thing he was interested in were those Cars! He is obsessed! After a tough morning I decided to stay back and let everyone else go to church. I didn't think I could get to church and up to Geka's both so I rested while everyone went to church. Man, showers are such a struggle these days. I can't wait to be able to stand in the shower again. The Home Depot bucket is a huge help! As you can see Burke has a totally different purpose for it than I do! :-)

Anyway, We made it to Geka's after church and had a great lunch there. Burke got to hunt MORE eggs (the ones we made this morning) and we enjoyed each others company. Jesus is RISEN!!!

Easter Egg Hunt at Botanical Gardens

2011-04-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

It took all of my energy to shower this morning but I wanted to take Burke Easter Egg Hunting at the gardens this year. It sounded like it would be alot of fun so momma went along with me to help. Burke had a great time and there were thousands of kids there and even more eggs! It was so fun seeing him run around picking up eggs and putting them in his basket. But, when he was done...he was DONE! So funny!

The anticipation of getting to go under that rope about killed him!

He saw how many eggs he had and that was that...

and the prize!!

Easter is upon us!

2011-04-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Burke gets to Easter Egg hunt at school today which he is really excited about! These are a couple of pictures I took before my friend Leah came to get him for school. She has been an absolute angel for me with taking and bringing Burke back and forth to school. The blessing amidst the storms I tell ya! He is such a HAM!!!

Hunting with the boys!

2011-04-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Will took a hunting trip this weekend with his buddies Hank and Andrew. Hank shot his first turkey!

Hand and Feet of Jesus

2011-04-15T09:18:00.001-07:00

Have you ever experienced the hands and feet of Jesus? Let me explain...or atleast try. Often, in my old job with YoungLife, when talking to kids we use personal illustrations to bring home a particular story in the Bible we want to portray. We do this so that they can see that the stories that are in the Bible, written so many years ago, are just as applicable today as they were back them. Well, I have fully experienced the hands and feet of Jesus these past couple of weeks expressed so eloquently in the story coming from Mark 2 with Jesus and the paralytic. Instead of me trying to paraphrase here is the excerpt of Mark 2:1-4 "A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on." In life we are given opportunities to do just that. To be the hands and feet of Jesus for someone who may not be able to do it for themselves. In this story, 4 friends came together and carried their friend, however far we don't know, got him on the roof of a house and then lowered him through a hole they dug to be laid at the feet of Jesus. Now that is what being a "friend" is all about, wouldn't you say. Being there to take the brunt of the load when that person can't. Being willing to go to whatever lengths to say, "I love you."
Now here is my personal application for this wonderful story.
God is teaching me so much through this time of sickness. He is teaching me to be humble. He is teaching me to be more trusting of Him and of others. He is teaching me patience, the Lord knows I need this. He is also teaching me to be teachable. Along with a host of other attributes I need work on. At any rate, I received an phone call from a friend of mine on the evening of April 1. She began asking me questions and simply I just couldn't contain myself anymore. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and expressed to her some of my deepest thoughts and concerns not only for myself but for my family. I laughed and I cried but mostly cried. I shared with her that my biggest concerns right now were for my boys to eat (because I can't eat food let alone cook or smell it) and for my sweet little boy to not feel neglected through this. She said not to worry she would email a couple of girls and see if maybe they could do meals a couple of times a week for like 2 weeks and she would take Burke to play whenever. I was so thankful for her words of encouragement and willingness to help out. That weekend wasn't such a good weekend one and it landed me back in the hospital on Monday (as stated in a previous post) for another round of fluids. Well, on Saturday I received an email that sent me to my knees with thanksgiving and prayer.

The email read:

"hey girl! the response to sign up for you was HUGE. I mean, people were emailing all on top of each other and signing up for the same days and some were a bit upset that they didn't even get a day! It seriously filled up in record time. I've done lots and lots of meal sign-ups for Meals Ministry stuff at Rivertree and for bible study and friends - and this was the biggest response yet!!! You have a lot of fans and people who have you on their hearts!!!! Anyway, here's the "final" sign up list. This is for the next 3 weeks. If you are still sick (which you will hopefully NOT be!!) we'll sign up again after that. We may need to anyway b/c lots of people were sad that they didn't get to sign up!!! Anyway, here's the list. I hope you've had a better day today!!!

HOUSE: We are coming over to clean your house if that is ok on Thursday, April 7, from 11-12 am. you can go back to your room and lay down and hide or whatever! If this day/time doesn't work, no big deal. We can change it really easily!
paula claunch
heather morris
katie cochran
liz wessel

MEALS: These people have your address and phone number. They know that meals are mainly for Burke and Will. I told them Will eats most anything and Burke eats regular toddler food or adult food that is mostly regular (i wasn't sure on this but i just guessed rather than bother you!) they should deliver the meals pre-cooked between 5 and 6 pm on their assigned day!

Monday, April 4: Becca Abercrombie
Wednesday, April 6: Lauren Taylor
Friday, April 8: Kristie Morley
Monday, April 11: Amy Hall
Wednesday, April 13: katie cochran
Friday, April 15: Kristina Whiteaker
Monday, April 18:Ryann Brown

Wednesday, April 20: paige kopecky
Friday, April 22: Heather Morris

BURKE: These people signed up to play with burke on the dates below in the mornings. i think most will play at the park. ryann brown has an extra carseat and she is SUPER careful. I have their email addresses and phone numbers in case you need to contact them! I can keep Burke any and all afternoons. I can also just keep him for like a month!!!

Wednesday, April 6 in the morning: Kristie Morley
Friday, April 8 in the morning: Ryann Brown
Wednesday, April 20 in the morning: Becca Abercrombie
Friday, April 22 in the morning: Heather Morris

Spend the night party anytime: Ryann Brown: He could spend the night with us on April 7th and then I could bring him back home before I pick up the girls from school. I’d need to have him back home by 11."

I can't begin to express to you how deeply this touched me. These women have been so giving of themselves when they are busy moms and wives too. I am humbled beyond words. They also put together a little care package for me that was waiting on me when I got home from the hospital with little cards, Bible verses, stationary, and toys for Burke along with many other sweet sweet things. So, what better way to end than just to say thank you to all of you who may read this post. You have touched me beyond what words can write and I hope you know my sincere gratitude when I say "Thank you!"
Now, friends, this is what it means to be the HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS! AMEN!

Strength

2011-04-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

I have had this intense feeling of sadness for and a new found respect regarding my daddy in all of this. I am not comparing my ordeal with daddy's in anyway because I know what he went through was so much worse. However, the un-relenting nauseated feeling and vomiting side I can relate with...and that alone is alot. There is something I have always known about my father but have come to fully embrace the sheer strength that he possessed. He was one of the strongest men I have ever known. He worked, and I mean worked hard, right up until his body just couldn't any longer. One thing I have that my daddy didn't was time. I know that this will pass but daddy didn't. He had to live day to day not knowing if the tumor would ever shrink and not knowing if he would ever have a meal that would agree with him. So for that I am thankful I am thankful that I know "...this too shall pass." 1 Cor 10:12

Burke won!

2011-04-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Our family photographer was asked to take pictures for Strasburg's model search. I have been wanting to do a 3 yr old setting for Burke so I thought why not enter him in the contest and get his pics made. So, we did and he WON!!!! So proud of my little boggie! :-)
We will not have a FULL session with Simplicity by Christy, our choice of outfits from Strasburg, and the GLORy of Burke's portrait hanging in the Strasburg stores here in Huntsville and he will be on the Strasberg website. SO EXCITING!!!

http://simplicitybychristy.blogspot.com/2011/04/we-have-winner-huntsville-childrens.html

Back to HH - 3rd Times a charm, right?!

2011-04-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that I am so so thankful to have both of our moms here. M-I-L (Karen, Geka, Momma 2) kept Burke for me on Friday night and to his nap on Saturday. Will went to the farm for opening weekend of Turkey season. Some of you might think, how dare he leave while I am here sick but please don't. He has been such an amazing father, mother, and husband this past month that it was a well deserved break for him. He needed some guy time and thankfully his buddy Hank was able to come over for the weekend. At any rate, my mom (Linda, Lala, Momma) came over Saturday through Sunday afternoon when Will got home. I didn't have such a great weekend so Will made me call the doctor Monday morning (April 4). Thankfully, he was off work today and able to take me in to see the doc. I showered and weighed myself and I am down to 126.5 this morning. Nothing that I wasn't expecting happened when we got to the office. Same 3 things (weight, BP, and urine -which of coarse showed I was dehydrated) and after another ultrasound to make sure baby was still doing good (which h/she is doing great!) off I went for more fluids at HH. The up-side to all of these doctor visits is that I get pictures of the new little one almost every week which is so cool to see how much they grow is such a short amount of time. The baby is measuring exactly 10wks and has little arm and legs and was moving all around during the ultrasound....even though I can't feel it yet.
My nurses this go round were awesome. The two that I can remember are Ashley, who I had had before and Heather, both were super sweet. So, from Monday to Wednesday I stayed hooked up to IV fluids trying to hydrate my body and get me back on my feet. I figured out that in the 48 hours I was hooked up to the IV I had 12 bags of fluids...I have no idea how much that is in volume that is but its alot!
Burke has been super sweet during all of this. I called to talk to him on Monday night and he said "mommy, where are you?" I told him that I was in the hospital. He said, "AGAIN! Mommy you tell me who is making you sick. Who is making you feel so bad?" It was as though he was saying, you tell me who is making you sick and I'm gonna kick their butt! :-) Poor little guy doesn't understand but it handling everything like a champ. I hope to be able to love on him again soon.

Learning about friendship, the real kind.

2011-03-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

So a little while back I wrote how I have felt I am in major 'need' of friends. Not surface level, 'how are you?' 'How is work?' kind but the 'Can I pick Burke up and take him to school for you?', 'How can I pray for you?' kind of friend. I guess what I am trying to say is that maybe I was looking for new friends that could fill that void instead of trying to nurture and cultivate the existing friendships that God has already brought me in to.
(Preface - if you know me well you probably know that I do not like asking for or receiving help. I love to help other people but find it to be a challenge to accept it from people other than family. I am learning otherwise these days though.)
Let me explain.
This past week I was humbled tremendously by someone that I would have considered before to be an acquaintance in terms that we have only really had 1 conversation in our knowing each other. But after hearing that I have been sick and seeing me for 2 seconds dropping Burke off at school she offered to walk Burke to his class so that I could get back home (imagine how bad I must of looked!!) I obliged and went on and drove back home. That morning I was re-admitted to HH for fluids where I would be for the next 3 days. Anyway, she offered to actually come and pick Burke up, take him to school and bring him back home this week. HUGE, right?!! What a blessing I tell you. Then she offered to bring dinner for my boys! When she came back, for the 3rd time that day, to drop off dinner she said that it really is so much better to give than to receive and while I do believe that I know what a huge blessing it is to be on the receiving end as well. So, friend, if you read this, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I hope to be able to bless you in some way soon.

Home

2011-03-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

My last nurse I had before I was discharged was an angel. Her name is Rosita and man was she just what I needed. She gave me lots of literature on my condition (Hyperemesis gravidarum) and helped me better understand what it is that I need to do to help myself through this process.
So home didn't happen quite as quickly as I had hoped but after another night of fluids Dr. Rushing or "King David" as I have heard him referred to recently thought I was good enough to go home. He doesn't on the other hand feel like the benefit outweighs the risk to send me home with a picc line. I have to trust him on this but I sure was hoping that I could keep those fluids going through me. At any rate, car rides are horrible. Just being in the car for the 5 minutes it takes to get me from the hospital to home was enough to send me to the bathroom to be sick. Unfortunately, I got some sort of stomach bug and have been dealing with that since Saturday. Well, on Monday I called to see if there was anything I needed to be doing differently than what I was doing since the fluids I was taking in were coming right back out. The nurse called in Phenergan suppositories and boy are those fun, I mean so not fun!. Suppository = no fun. Phenergan = no fun. Phenergan suppositories = loads of not fun. I was basically incapacitated for a 24 hour period then took myself off of them. I was a walking zombie. So back on the 8mg Zofran I went. I have dropped another couple of pounds and am now down to 127.5 (12.5 lost) so far. I had my first 24 hour vomit free day in 28 days this week and was thankful for that. Luckily, I have been able to keep down my liquids this week which is a huge blessing. Still getting sick with food but atleast I'm staying a little hydrated. Gotta praise the Lord for the small things, right?!!

I guess really it was inevitable.

2011-03-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

So it is Friday, March 25, 2011 and I am on my 2nd stint of receiving IV fluids at Huntsville Hospital. I went to work last Friday and made it the whole day somehow even though I felt horrible. Saturday rolled around and I went to work, after having, well you know, numerous times, and was then sent home by Eleanor who said basically I looked like crap. I stayed in bed Saturday and Sunday and then Monday rolled around. I again got up and ready for work. Called the doctor to see if I could get an apt and I could get in at 10:30. So, I went to put out the jewelry and off I went to the doctor. My blood pressure was good, baby's heart-rate is 151, but I have lost another 2 lbs (down to 133). Within 1 hour they had me admitted to HH to receive IV fluids and get hydrated. My nurse today was amazing - Ashley you are great!! After 6 hours they let me go and the cycle started again soon after I got home that evening. So for the next 2 days I continued more of the same and called yesterday(Thursday) to one refill my prescription of Zofran but also to give them an update on how I was doing, which is not good. The nurse called me back within minutes and wanted me down to the office to check my ketones, weight, and all that jazz. On I went and after checking the baby (HR was 163 today) and me (lost another 1lb and 1/2) they sent me over to L&D for another round of fluids. A blown blood vessel later I was hooked up and receiving those wonderful fluids that I just can't seem to keep down on my own. Last night, right smack dab at the end of American Idol :-), I was moved from a triage room (a stretcher made for a little person) to a real bed to hunker down for the night and try to get my body better. My nurse last night made a phone call for a banana bag...had never heard that before! :-) Sure enough, it arrived and was so yellow and banana-ish I totally understand now! Anyway, so far so good today. Although it took me almost 2 hours to get a menu and order I have been able to keep down my breakfast and we will see how lunch goes. I am hoping that sometime after lunch I will be able to go home.

Remembering daddy today.

2011-03-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today is daddy's birthday. Days don't go by I don't think about him and the past week hasn't gone by without remembering that his birthday was coming up. I love him so and he is deeply missed! Love you daddy! Video of daddy's life....enjoy! (Thanks again Joel Banta and Bilby Films for the video!!)

A little defeated.

2011-03-15T19:29:00.001-07:00

This is day 3, if you don't count the 45 minutes I went into work on Monday to help put out jewelry and the 30 minutes I was at speech therapy with Burke and the time it takes to drive and pick him up from school that I have been in my house sick as a dog. I have felt considerably well since finding out I am pregnant and have been praying diligently that I would remain that way but the inevitable has reared its ugly head and once again I am on the verge of praying to the porcelain god, or my sink, more hours of the day than not. Since my apt on Thursday I have lost 5 1/2 lbs. That is a cumulative loss of 7 pounds in the past 9 days. I hear often of women who don't even know they are pregnant until their 4th month or some, however it is even possible, not even aware until they are giving birth. For some reason my body does not agree with pregnancy and it is so very sad for me. I have wanted to be a mommy since I was a little girl. Hoping one day that I would have a house full of little people running around calling my name at the top of their longs and responding, "She changed her name!" like my momma used to say! But, unfortunately, that won't be the case. This will indeed be our last child, barring anything tragic happening and he/she is delivered happy and healthy. I continue to pray that the sickness will subside and I can indeed enjoy this pregnancy like I have dreamed of my whole life. I am on to bed...my momma has Burke for the night so that I can sleep in in the morning and hopefully get my legs under me. Thank goodness for mommas. G'night.

A little sign on spring!

2011-03-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

My tulips have bloomed!!! I am so happy...i feel rotten but atleast my tulips have bloomed!! YEYEY!!!

6 weeks!

2011-03-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

I mustered enough energy to put on some clothes today and take a couple of pictures. I am right at 6 weeks (tomorrow actually).

6wks with Burke

First and Second Ultrasounds

2011-03-10T17:53:00.001-08:00

We had our first ultrasound on Monday March 7th at 9am. Typical first appointment I assume with the peeing in a cup, standing on the scale and measuring blood pressure. A few questions here, an exam there, then on to the ultrasound room. As the nurse begins the ultrasound she peers her head back a little far as though she can't really figure out what she is seeing. My doctor, Dr. Rushing, soon comes to her aid and gets a better look. We can see the baby already which is pretty amazing considering I'm only about 5 weeks and 4 days but he cannot detect the heartbeat. So, I will go back on Thursday for another ultrasound and he is certain we will see it then.
Thursday is here, not without many days/nights of worrying about whether or not that little baby growing inside of me is doing just that...growing. Also, I have begun getting sick. Some days are better than others which is a huge stride from where I was when I was pregnant with Burke.... PRAISE GOD! I am on anti-nausea meds and the help take the edge off for the most part.
So, since Will couldn't take off work again this week to go my mom went to the doc with me this morning. Same 3 things happened, 1. pee in a cup 2. check weight (I've only lost 2 lbs since monday) 3. check blood pressure (116/80) then on to ultrasound.
Pretty quickly she was able to find the baby and check for heartbeat....and on it beat!!! She said it is still a little low but will quicken as he/she grows. The heart rate today is a whopping 109 beats per minute! Praise the Lord!
A few things we talked about with Dr. Rushing were delivery plan, approximate due date, chances of eclampsia occurring again and game-plan if I were to get sick like I was with Burke.
And here are those questions answered:
   1. delivery plan - because Burke was delivered via C-setion (due to the eclampsia) but was already a scheduled one because he was frank breech(folded up like a little taco with feet up by head and head under the rib cage) Dr. Rushing believes this is the best thing for me and baby. Too many complications could arise trying to do a VBAC and we are wanting to cut out as many possible 'complications' as we can!
   2. Approximate due date- So the due date on calendar shows Nov 3, 2011. Well, baby is showing growth rate to have a due date of October 31 (Happy Halloween!). But, because the baby will be delivered via C-section I will go in a week prior which puts us with a due date (barring anything crazy happening) around Oct 24, 2011.
   3. chances of eclampsia - this occurs in 1 out of every 2-3,000 pregnancies and he believes I have a 25% chance of having this again. The scary part is that I had no 'pre-eclampisa' signs with Burke so to go straight to the seizures and pain again is a little frightening. The only cure for eclampsia is to deliver the baby....which is why Burke was born at 36 1/2 weeks instead of 40.
   4. gameplan for being sick - really the biggest thing is to try and not get to that point. The goal is to stay hydrated, with food in my stomach and taking it easy. Like I said earlier I am already taking Zofran to curb the nausea and trying my hardest to eat little bits through the day. Dr. Rushing is willing to do a PICC line if needed but will assess and determine plan of action when or if the time comes. Hopefully and prayerfully it will not come to this!

So, that is it in a nutshell. Keep praying!

Ringling Bro & Barnum & Bailey Circus!

2011-03-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

I started not feeling so great the day I got home from NY really but am hoping that it will just be a little nausea not too much. The circus is in town and so we thought it would be fun to take Burke to his first circus. His favorite part were the motorcycles and the tigers! Those were my favorite too!

Trip to NYC for work

2011-03-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

I have been so excited about this trip for so long! We, being myself, Eleanor (the owner of Loring & Co, and a co-worker Heather) took off on a whirlwind 24 hours trip to NY to do the buying for the Fall Season of David Yurman. We left early on the 2nd and got in the city around lunch. Quickly settled into our luxurious room at The New York Palace then off for some shopping. At this point, I had only told Rick and Eleanor that I was pregnant just incase I started to get sick on this trip. I was so fearful of that but actually had a great time while I was there. Other than going to David Yurman's headquarters and doing that deal the best part of my trip was being able to see my long lost friend, well not really lost but long time no see friend, Denise. See, Denise and I met when I lived in NY when I was 17 and modeling. We both worked at a local restaurant called BBQ's and became instant best friends. We have only seen each other 1 time since I left in 1998 and that was for a few hours in 2001. We have kept in touch and I was soooooo thrilled to be able to see her for a little while while I was there. She now lives in NJ so she had to take the train into the city...boy, I totally forgot how long city blocks were! WHEW!!
Anyway, I had a blast and am so thankful I got to see Denise and of coarse work! :-)

The view coming into the city...

The Apple Store entrance...how cool is that?!!

THe view from our room overlooking St. Patrick's Cathedral. Breathtaking!!

Me and DEN!!!!!!

Again, in Times Square. It was SOOOOOO cold but well worth it!

A new addition!

2011-02-24T12:51:00.001-08:00

When I am far enough along I will post this...but for right now I'm keeping it to myself.

Today, February 24, 2011, I found out I am pregnant with my second child! I am only 4 weeks/ 2 weeks pregnant. Today the baby is now called an embryo. If I am right, which I am, the due date is November 1 or 2 of this year 2011!! I know it is super early but it is the same time I found out I was pregnant with Burke. But guess what?? I haven't even told Will yet! He went to work this morning and soon after is when I took the HPT... 7:30am! And sure enough, it says I'm pregnant! I am more than ecstatic!! I took Burke to school and quickly drove over to Target to try and find a "Big Brother" shirt....to no avail! On to Costco (they have cute Big Sister ones but no boys), Toys-R-Us, Wal-mart, Nurturing Moment and last but not least All About Baby. Wasn't exactly the shirt I wanted but it will suffice. So, my plan is this: Will will be home around 445. I want to have Burke in his shirt that says "I am the BIG BROTHER!" and the video camera rolling when he gets home so that when Will reads it hopefully he will get it! :-) I want to tell the family by showing them the video of Will seeing Burke for the first time with this shirt on...cute idea, right?! Now, lets hope it works!

Knowing I am having another baby is somewhat surreal though. I have wanted another baby for sometime now but often wonder how in the world am I going to love another little person as much as I love Burke. He is my little angel and it almost seems wrong when I thin of splitting my time with someone else. On the other hand, I have so much love to give that I cannot wait to hold this little baby and love on him/her as much as I can.

I will be honest and say that I am a little nervous. You may know but may not but I was really sick with Burke. Like lost 20lbs sick in the first 4 months. I am trying to give all of that anxiety to the Lord though. I know that he will sustain me and give me everything I need to help this baby grow. We are studying Isiaah in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) this year. I just got through reading Isaiah 46. Isaiah 46:4 in particular stood out to me. It says, " Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Amen! I am in need of all the carrying and sustaining I can get. Now, I begin praying for health, strength, and sustenance through this pregnancy...maybe my last.

First letter to my new little one:

Your daddy and I have been praying for you for a long time. Today we can begin praying for you by knowing your are nestled tightly in my womb beginning to grow as God sees fit. As David wrote in Psalm 139:13, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." God has already written the number of hairs that will be on your head and what color your eyes will be. I begin today loving you more and more with each breath God gives me. I love you sweet child and I cannot wait to meet you.

With all my love.

-Mommy

Just because I can...

2011-02-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

A boy loves his muffins...a momma loves her boy. What more is there?!!

Poopoo'd on the potty!

2011-02-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

Poopoo on the potty = trip to CiCi's pizza, didn't you know that?! Burke finally went poopoo on the potty and off we went to his favorite restaurant - CiCi's. Although he wasn't feeling very good he mustered enough energy to eat some 'cici nooooodles' and dessert. We are so proud of him! Hopefully this will move toward being fully potty trained quickly (wink, wink!)

boys were ready to go! :-)

A little taste of spring maybe?

2011-02-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

It has been so cold but today seemed like we were getting a little taste of spring. Burke made this little pine-cone bird feeder at school so we hung it up in the front yard thinking the birds would flock to it. We waited and waited and when we had no takers and when all else fails there are always the leaves. We had a fun day outside, still a little cold, but spring is around the corner!

I think my tulips are going to make it! I will be soooo happy. I have never planted something and had it grow so keeping my fingers crossed it won't snow again and kill them!

Just checking email.

2011-02-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

I walked into the living room to find Burke on the floor with my computer out. I asked him what he was doing and he said "Just checking my email!!" What on earth have we gotten ourselves into!!

Amazing Grace

2011-02-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Probably, well no, besides hearing 'I love you' from my sweet angel, Burke, tonight goes down as a top 2 moment with him. Let me explain. Moments before my daddy passed away a man named Keith Johnson sang Amazing Grace to him as he lay waiting to join the Lord. As many times as I had repeated those words in church I never heard them until that day. We had Keith sing it at daddy's funeral as it would only be fitting for him to do so. Since that day, June 30th 2009, and with the exception of a dozen times or so, I have sang that song to Burke as I rock him to sleep. (Yes, I still do it and I am proud of it. As long as he will let me I will always rock him. Those of you who have every read the book Love You Forever know what I'm talking about!!) On to my story....so, tonight I turned off the light and said I love you my angel and he said "I love you too Mommy" then I started singing. Usually I go on to all verses but tonight I stuck with verse 1 and half way through he started humming along with me. By the time I finished and went to repeat he began singing. He sang every last word down to "Was blind but now I sleep!" So sweet!!! If your reading this you know that Burke has struggled a little with his speech so this not only made me smile because of that hurdle but knowing that my daddy is up in heaven looking down on his little Junebug being love on and cherished by his little girl. Wow...how blessed I am to be a mother. I thank God every day for choosing me as His vessel to raise this sweet child He has given me for this short period of time we have here on earth. sufficient

2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

To Nina's for Christmas in February!

2011-02-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

This is the last of our 5 Christmases this year and it just so happens to have taken us until February to do it! Poor Boogie! :-) We always have such a great time seeing the family in Spanish Fort. Wish we lived just a little closer.

This is what we made the grandparents and uncle/aunts for Christmas from Burke this year! I think they turned out pretty cute!

Here are some pictures of Will putting the art easel together without reading the instructions first. Can you tell Burke was getting a little bored?!

What???

2011-01-27T23:51:00.000-08:00

I came in to MY
bedroom tonight to find this! What is this you might ask? It is my sweet, adorable, handsome, and apparently extremely amused husband putting a divider down the middle of our bed to show that I don't stay on my side! The cross is usually our point of reference as to who is on what side (how we ever had Burke I will never know! :-) ) Anyhoo, I thought it was kinda funny so I took some pics. The nerve!!

And yes people, I still sleep with Ele who is over 35 years old. I swear she is clean!!

New favorite toy (it changes day to day!)

2011-01-20T23:47:00.000-08:00

Todays favorite toy is this fake aquarium thing that took 24 hours to set-up. His Lala brought it but was supposed to take it back to her house. It hasn't made its way there yet! What we won't do for our little ones! :-)

I'll back-post soon...promise

2011-01-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

So if you read my blog at all then you probably already know that I usually don't get to posting until months later and then have to 'back-post' for lots of occasions. Well, I am at that point again and promise to 'back-post' soon but didn't want to miss this opportunity to write now either. I sometimes get so overwhelmed with the amount of things that I want to post that I just usually say forget it and don't write what I'm thinking at the time.
So, all that being said...here is what I'm thinking, atleast for today.
I have been praying alot about wanting to have a "normal" life and what that looks like. Recently, God has given me insight that His idea of what normal is for my life may not be what i think my normal should look like. While, with some resistance, I already knew that, it has been a little harder to swallow the urge for change. And its not like I like change because the Lord knows I have been through enough of that in the past few years but its more I want a change toward being settled. It seems like I am never quite settled enough to be, well, settled I guess, for the lack of words. Don't get me wrong. I am in no way complaining or ungrateful about the blessings the Lord has poured upon me and my family. I am very thankful that He has restored me in so many ways over the past few years. I truly believe that had it not been for everything I have gone through I would not be the person He had made me to be today. But, all that aside, I am just in a funk.
I just had a conversation with a sweet and dear friend of mine. I am so blessed that the Lord put her in my life so many years ago when I was just a kid. She reminded me that God didn't just put Adam on the earth and say "its you and me kid" but he made Eve so that Adam wouldn't be alone. We are to live in community with one another. We weren't made to be by ourselves and live life in a state of solitude. While there is time for that obviously, at the core of who are are we are meant to live an abundant life. The Bible says that "The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10. An abundant life is what I am seeking. I am starting a new Bible study this semester with a group of women that have been meeting for about 3 years now. We are going through a study called "life". The title is an acronym for 'living in freedom everyday.' I am just looking through the notebook and read the first line, "Living in Freedom Everyday is designed to help you in your pursuit of holiness and freedom so that you can experience intimate friendship with God." I think that this Bible study for me this semester is going to be just that. Truly finding my personal intimate friendship with Him. I long for friendship on a such a deep level and know that once I fill that void with the Lord he will raise up the perfect friend to come and walk alongside me in my life here in Huntsville. As I continue to read on the same page (1st one!) wouldn't you know it that it asks us to read John 10:10, the verse GOd took me too a little earlier. God is so good and gracious and my prayer is that I learn to listen more fervently and desire a deeper more intimate relationship with my Creator. Thanks for listening/reading. I find that writing, that used to be such a big part of me, is such a life giver to my thoughts and feelings. I'm guessing this blog may just become as much a journal about me as it is an update place for my friends/ family. Hmm...something to think about.

More snow but with Will home now!

2011-01-12T23:35:00.000-08:00

So thankful that Will made it back ok. We were thinking at one point that he may have to stay another couple of days, boo-hoo for him, right?! if the airports weren't back up and running but luckily he was able to get home safe and sound. We went to Big Spring Park to try and sled. We need to invest in a sled for the next time it snows like this! Our homemade cardboard sled just didn't cut it but we have fun nonetheless!!

3rd largest snowfall in Alabama history!

2011-01-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

What an amazing sight! Snow began to fall about 830 last night and by this morning we were by all accounts for us southerners 'snowed in!!' While Will was out in Arizona soaking up the sun we were back here enjoying building snowmen with friend and the peace and quiet of noone being on the roads. Snow fall accumulated in different areas ranged from 5-10 inches. CRAZY!!

This was the yard at 10:30

by 12:30 everything was covered! I love how the lights are even buried under the snow!

I tell ya, making snowmen is not an easy task with one adult and a little person!

My daddy would kill me but WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!

2011-01-10T23:18:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it, well you can if you live on this planet, but the state of Alabama has brought home the BCS National Championship 2 years in a row?!!! Hot diggity dog! I did not get the opportunity to go to California last year when Alabama beat Texas 31-24 in the National Championship game under Nick Saban. So, this year I was ecstatic for Will to be able to go out with his brother Jimmy and some other of his fraternity brothers to the game in Glendale. It was a gut-wrencher of a game but Auburn came out victorious with a 22-19 win over the Oregon Ducks! I think the saying is Weagle Weagle War Dame Eagle!!!

Burke's first trip to see Dr. Beitel

2011-01-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Noone told me and I guess it wasn't in my motherhood manual that I was supposed to be flossing my sons teeth all this time. I mean isn't he going to lose them anyway?! Well, at any rate, if you can look past the outrageous hair, and take a look at this little boy laying there so nicely. He loved Dr. Beitel and his 'loopy' hygenist, Lisa. He is getting to be such a big boy. Im not sure what I'm gonna do!

Thankfully they had trains to play with while we waited. He was getting a little impatient!

Inspecting all of the drawers once we were called back :-)

Hygenist, Lisa, showing Burke what she would be using to clean his teeth. She did a great job making him feel comfortable!

He thought he was all that AND a bag of chips being able to wear sunglasses while she cleaned his teeth! Never fought it...not even once!

His toy he got after she finished. We often forget how the simplest things are what can be the most fun!

Dr. Beitel doing his look see! We'll see ya'll in 6 months!!

Believe it or not!

2011-01-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not those are my boys bite marks on that hamburger! Maybe he is going to get the hang of eating soon?!!

Christmas continued!

2010-12-31T23:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas seems to go on for a month in the Garrett household. What with Burke's birthday, actual Christmas, Will's birthday and families in other places it takes awhile to get everything in! So, here are a few pictures from more Christmas with Pops and New Year's Eve and time at LaLa & PaPa's house!
Burke has been playing non-stop with his train set and we finally had to convert our guestroom into Burke's own playroom! He is soooo spoiled but sooo loved! :-)

Guest room replaced with toys!

He LOVES his new train table from Santa! ;-)

Daddy is a block head...muhahahah!

his first big boy bike (i think its a little bit to big but we will see!)

Safety first!!

PaPa and Burke riding their bikes...he is in heaven!

Precious boy o' mine!

After dropping Burke off for the night Will and I headed up to the cabin to have dinner with Pops, Jimmy, and Toni. This is a pic of the Garrett boys trying to put together Burke's Christmas present! Too funny!!

Happy birthday Love

2010-12-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

It's Will's birthday and off to dinner we went with the fam. I won't tell you where we went but we didn't have such a great visit this time. Roaches everywhere but we stayed anyway. I mean what were we supposed to do with a 3 year old and having waiting already for 30 minutes....it would've taken us forever to get in somewhere else! Plus, it was Burke's first time at a cooktop restaurant! He loved it!
Anyhoo, here are a few pics from that night. Happy Birthday Willow!

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-26T23:10:00.000-08:00

Last year Burke wasn't quite old enough to help in the making of the cookies for Santa so we just used store bought ones! Bad parent, I know! But, this year it was the real deal. Well, atleast partially. It is considered home-made if it has to cook in the oven, right?!

So sweet he is...i swear!

Daddy & Burke making their monkey faces!

Of coarse, he had to eat Santa's cookies first to try them out!

This was him last year!

And this year!

Our mantle...I love Christmas time!

Santa's letter to Burke this year!

This is where I slept at night to make sure Burke didn't come out when Santa was there! Santa left a train table this year!!

One of the last pictures I got of our tree before the lights blew :-( Guess we'll need new ones next year!

Btw, this was my first time to attempt a tree topper and I think it turned out just alright I must say!