Confessions of a Southern Mama

Poot on your jacket.

2012-02-01T11:58:00.000-02:00

"When it is cold, I will put on my jacket it keeps me warm."

-Tradd Burton-

a puppy, pox and provisions

2012-01-23T23:01:00.002-02:00

1. I have no idea why the letter P is working it's way into all of my posts (see there it goes again)

2. Last Monday Lee came home with a puppy. This was not something we had planned or prepared for...in fact we haven't even so much as discussed getting another dog since our Max died. Losing him was more painful than we expected and I remember saying that I didn't care that we ever had another dog because it was just setting us up for loss. We still have our other schnauzer, Molly, who is one of Max's puppies. Lee and I got Molly as soon as she could leave her mama...I guess you could say she was our only "little girl!" Until now....

Introducing 'Mae'

3. Last Wednesday, Lee noticed a few bumps on Jackson's back....which led to a thorough inspection that only led to more bumps...we called the nurse, we "Web M.D.'ed" and decided that Jackson either had chicken pox or had gotten into poison ivy or oak. The chicken pox seemed unlikely due to the fact that he has been vaccinated and the "poisons" seemed unlikely because it's January. A quick trip to the doc the next day revealed that it was CHICKEN POX! Come to find out you can still get the pox after being vaccinated, but should have a much milder case, which he did. He was out of school Thursday and Friday.

4. During our lunch together Thursday, right out of the blue Jackson says to me,
"Mom, when I go to heaven I want to help God with the babies."
"What do you mean, buddy?" I questioned.
"I want to bring them from up there {points to sky} into peoples bellies."

I was speechless. Not only does this precious child already know that he's going to heaven, he already knows what job he wants to ask for.

5. Last week our new recipe to try came from the website Annie's Eats...It was delicious Chicken Gyros! I did not go to the trouble of making the tzatziki sauce because it looked pretty involved and we don't love it. Please TRY THIS and let me know when you do!!! I could not believe this chicken came from my kitchen it tasted that good!

pictures and a project

2012-01-19T01:32:00.002-02:00

Micah Leigh and her camera came to the rescue {again} when I found myself out of days to have picture made for Christmas! It also helps that she's my best friend and loves me....these pictures captured Christmas 2011 for me just perfectly.

While out Christmas shopping with my mom this year, I came across the neatest treat for winter...Hot Chocolate on a Stick! I immediately purchased the two boxes I found and when I brought them home, the boys loved them! However, at $5 for 3 sticks, that hot cocoa was a little high to become a staple around here! I started poking around and found several recipes online for making Hot Chocolate on a Stick at home. As with most crafty/baking ideas that I have, I immediately called Ashley, my future sis-in-law, and we made a date to create! We used this recipe... Hot Chocolate on a Stick...ENJOY!

Southern Baby: Month 5

2012-01-13T01:04:00.000-02:00

Dear Hampton,

My precious boy....you are 5 months old!

We are still just in awe of the fact that you are here and you are ours. The best word to describe you right now is HAPPY! You are the happiest baby on the block and we love to see you smile and hear you laugh! I took a video of you laughing on my phone and your brothers have probably watched it one hundred times. You light up when Daddy comes home from work, if I just leave the room and come back in, and when Tradd and Jackson get down on the floor to play with you.

You are healthy and are growing just perfectly.

You weigh 16 pounds 14 ounces and are 26 inches long.

Our doctor gave us the go ahead to start you on some rice cereal and baby food. We started with the cereal and you could not figure the spoon out. You are drinking it from a bottle instead. I am hoping {praying actually} that this will help you to sleep through the night. Your daddy and I have decided to try to make your baby food...we'll see how that goes!

You are still in a size 2 diaper and are wearing 6-9 months clothes.

Everyone still comments that you look like your brothers and your daddy, but I do think you look like some of my baby pictures, especially this month. I don't care who you look like, you are precious to me!

Hampton, you have found your LOUD voice and your feet! I had a hard time getting your picture this month because when I took your socks off, all you wanted to do was put your feet in your mouth! It's also become almost impossible for mommy to talk on the phone in the car because you squeal a loudly as you can.

My favorite part of the day is in the early morning when we are snuggling in my bed...you just talk and smile and play with my hair. Sometimes you will even put your little hands on my face and it's in that moment that I know you know that I am your mama and you are my baby.

Always,

Mama

Prehistoric Pinterest

2012-01-11T18:53:00.002-02:00

Before the days of Pinterest, I had to have a way to keep up with all the "inspiration" that I came across in magazines. I found this cute notebook at Target, loaded it up with some sheet protectors {or "paper condoms" as one of my girlfriends in Junior League called them after seeing my Holiday Market notebook. I may or may not have a slight obsession with sheet protectors} and started ripping! I am not a hoarder, so where some people keep volume upon volume of their Southern Living, I just can't do it. Plus the magazine is just not useful to me if I don't take our the parts that appeal to me. I look through each magazine a few times, leave it out for a month or so and then comb through it for recipes and house ideas.

One of my goals for 2012 is to try one new recipe that I have in my notebook each week! I started this week with Stacked Burrito Pie that I ripped from a magazine called Family Fun at a doctor's office. I don't typically rip things from other people's magazines because I find it annoying when I try to read an article and half of it's gone! However, this magazine was completely beat up and after lamenting over to tear or not to tear, I just did it. And boy, am I glad I did!! It was amazing and the boys ate it up! Jackson kept saying, "Mama! I love this stuff!"

Stacked Burrito Pie

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup water
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup salsa
8 ounces Cheddar or Monterey Jack, grated

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the oil. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and sauté another minute.
Increase the heat to medium, then add the ground beef, chili powder, and cumin. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and no longer pink, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add the salt, water, black beans, and corn, and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to continue boiling, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates, about 20 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Heat the oven to 350º. Using the rim of a 9-inch springform pan (see "Tools of the Trade" above) as a template, trim 3 of the tortillas to the size of the pan. Leave the fourth tortilla untrimmed. Note: You can also bake this dish in a 9-inch round cake pan and serve it like a lasagna.
Butter the bottom and the sides of the pan. Press the untrimmed tortilla evenly into the pan's bottom. Spread 2 tablespoons of the sour cream over the tortilla, followed by 1/4 cup of the salsa. Spoon and spread a quarter of the beef mixture over the salsa, then sprinkle a quarter of the grated cheese evenly over the top.
Place one of the trimmed tortillas on top of the cheese, then repeat the layering of the sour cream, salsa, beef, and cheese. Continue this way until the ingredients and tortillas are used up. You should end up with four layers, topped with the final sprinkling of cheese.
Bake the pie until heated through, about 30 minutes. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then remove the rim from the springform pan, if you used one. Slice the pie into wedges using a sharp knife. Serves 10.

Nutritional Information:: Per serving (10 servings per pie):
Calories 363
Total Fat 18 g (28% DV)
Saturated Fat 8 g (40% DV)
Cholesterol 48 mg (16% DV)
Sodium 766 mg (32% DV)
Total Carbohydrate 31 g (10% DV)
Fiber 4 g (17% DV)
Sugars 4 g
Protein 19 g (37% DV)
Calcium (21% DV)

ENJOY!

Correspondence with Santa

2012-01-10T00:17:00.001-02:00

The week before Christmas the boys wrote their very first letters to Santa...unassisted. If you are drinking something, please put it down now because you will most likely shoot it out of your nose when reading Tradd's letter....you have been warned.

"Dear Santa,

Can I have a new bike, and a new roller skate,

and a new Police costume, and a new jet ski,

and a new handcuffs.

Thank you,

Jackson"

"Dear Santa,

Can I have a new bike, and a new basketball,

and jet board, and new handcuffs.

Thank you,

Tradd"

We spent the rest of our break practicing how to write b's and d's....

and we got ready for the NOOW Year!

Happy Everything!

2012-01-09T01:25:00.001-02:00

Well I've managed to stay away for an entire month! Just like you, we were very busy over the holidays. Honestly, I think about blogging so often I just can't seem to make it to the computer. On the rare occasion that we are at home, AND Hampton is sleeping, I always find other house things that keep me busy until he's up again. That being said, I need to do a better job of keeping our memories in order here! So here are the highlights {and a few lowlights}...

The boys got out for Christmas mid-December, but not before they had a party at school. That same day, Jackson was asked to say the Pledge of Allegiance on the daily news. He volunteered to hold the flag while his classmate lead the Pledge. It was also pajama day! Lee and I watched from the library and could not have been prouder. I brought Hampton with me to their class party and they were so proud to show him off!

The next event of our Christmas break was not a great one...the Thursday before Christmas our friends, The O'Cains, came over for dinner. They have three kiddos just like us, two boys and a girl. All five big kids played so well together and then a scooter accident brought the party to a screeching halt. Tradd's head hit the pavement...and no, he was NOT wearing a helmet. Needless to say, the four adults jumped into action with ice and wash cloths. We all stood over him for a good 30 minutes to watch the bump. I am not exaggerating when I say it looked like half a tennis ball on his forehead. I even made the late night call to my neighbor, Heather, who ran right over to take a look. She'a a nurse and made me feel so much better! I later told her that if she ever needed late night monogramming then I'm her girl!

I had to work during the day Christmas Eve {still loving my job} but I made it home in time for us prepare our food for the next day, and make it to church together. Our church has a 4pm service especially for families and it was wonderful. It was Hampton's first time in the church nursery and I have to say, it felt weird for just the four of us to be sitting together. After church we went to my parents for our special Christmas Eve meal, shrimp and grits. We've eaten this meal as long as I can remember....and this year we added collards that my daddy grew in his garden! Taylor's Ashley had to work Christmas Day so we exchanged Christmas with her.

Then we rushed home to wait on Santa and he certainly delivered!

Hampton slept through most of the festivities...

Just waking up! Love that sleep face...

H loved his bubble bee!

Tradd helping Hampton with his stocking

Later that day, we headed to Chester to celebrate with Lee's family. My boys looooove being with their cousins so they had a LARGE time. I forgot my camera so I don't have any pics of that night!!

The next part of our Christmas was spent with my family skiing in the mountains...we sledded, took long naps, drank hot chocolate, shopped a little, and Tradd and Jackson went to ski school!!! The class was all day {they even fed them lunch and snacks} and I was a little worried they would not last, but they did great and loved every minute of it.

Bryson and Taylor

My cousin Ally striking a pose

cousins

The many sweet faces of Hampton

Around the Burton House at Christmastime!

We arrived home just in time to ring in the new year! The Bolen's came over for steaks and fireworks...and by fireworks I mean Jeff actually brought over an arsenal. We could have shot fireworks until the fourth. The boys were awake to ring in the new year and I just loved kissing my boys at midnight!

So HAPPY EVERYTHING!

It. Has. Been. Crazy. andthenalittlemorecrazy

2011-12-09T02:11:00.001-02:00

Some of you only came to see this sweet face. I don't blame you.

So I just wrote a fabulous post and then hit the wrong button and totally lost it so here are the cliff notes. {What is it with me and technology? geez.} Well, it's been crazy for several wonderfully crazy reasons...

1. Computer died. Again. Geek Squad said "buy a new computer," but my Daddy came to the rescue and got it fixed for me. I love when daddy's do that.

2. I started a new part time job! It's at the hospital working with babies....this is terrible news for Lee for obvious reasons. I LOVE it.

3. We traveled to Lee's hometown to celebrate Thanksgiving...his grandfather had never seen Hampton. I snapped this picture of their hands while he was holding the baby. I die.

4. We traveled to the mountains to get our Christmas tree! We were actually there on Thanksgiving Day....we paraded and ate and napped and tree hunted and rode a horse. It was glorious.

5. Leon found us in the mountains...

5. We came home for me to spend the week volunteering the Junior League of Columbia's Holiday Market...our committee has worked for so long to make this year's market an overwhelming success! It's a looooong week, but in the end we are all giddy and ready for the next year. Or maybe that's the champagne...one never can tell.

6. So I'm "back on the line" as it were. See you soon.....

New York {Day 4}

2011-11-12T20:03:00.001-02:00

It's always hard for me to leave when I'm on vacation, I start to dread it the night before, looking at my suitcase wondering how in the world I am going to fold all that stuff back up to fit; thinking of the reentry into "the real world" and the laundry. One great thing about our New York trip was that our flight home didn't leave until around six so we essentially had another whole day. That made the whole "going home to be responsible" thing not so bad.

When planning the trip, I asked Lee what one big thing did he want to do while we were there. He said he wanted to visit the American Museum of Natural History. {I mean we had practically been watching Night at the Museum on repeat with the boys so I could see the draw.} We packed our bags and gave them to the concierge at the hotel to hold for the day and decided to take our time and walk. It was 36 blocks. Like almost 2 miles. And that wouldn't have been so bad except we were walking to a museum in which we were going to be walking around for more hours....Suffice to say that by the time we hit the Hall of Asian Peoples I wanted to curl into the fetal position and take a nap right there on the floor. The newer

exhibits were really amazing, but others were really outdated and boring.

After the museum ~~that never ended~~ that was wonderful, our plan was to have a late lunch in Central Park at The Boathouse. So, you guessed it, we walked across the park. At first, this also seemed like a good idea, but GOOD LORD that is a wide park! Ha! All my northern girls who are reading this right now are dying laughing...and yes, we did have a map, but two inches looks like nothing until you start.

Strawberry Fields

After lunch, we picked up our bags and headed back to the Airport {not on foot} and came home. What I love about New York besides the food, shopping, and shows...it that you truly could go once a year for the rest of forever and never do the same thing twice. Just writing this post makes me want to go back so badly...maybe next year!

New York {Day 3}

2011-11-11T19:42:00.001-02:00

If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you will remember that Lee and I took a trip to New York in October of last year. It's something about this time of year that always makes me want to drop everything and run straight for the big city! Today while talking to my friend Caroline {who's planning a trip to NYC}, we laughed because I blogged about Days 1 and 2 last year, but never Days 3 and 4. She said, "I knew you went longer than just two days!" Ha! So I hope these pics will help Caroline get even more excited about her trip, and maybe, just maybe, they will satisfy my urge to head north in her suitcase.

This picture wasn't taken on day 3 or 4, I just love it and it makes me smile.

We started Day 3 of our trip with a visit to the Empire State building. Neither one of us had ever visited the ESB before...we waited in line what seemed like fo-ever, then got in an elevator that took us to the top. We were probably up there 30 minutes or so. I'm not sure it's something we'd do again {I've been told that the Top of the Rock @ Rockefeller Center is better}.

However, the view is amazing and I'm glad we can say we've done it.

Statue of Liberty in the distance

Brooklyn Bridge

Guess who?

View of Central Park

We didn't get an early start this day and the ESB took so much time, that we decided to leisurely walk back to our hotel and see what we could see. We walked past the New York City Public Library and hung out in Bryant Park a while. During the winter months, Bryant Park is tranformed into a skating rink; while we were there they were just beginning to prep the rink.

Bryant Park

Lee and I walked EVERYWHERE on this trip. We didn't take the subway once, and only took a few cabs. I know NYC is all about fashion, but I was a dork and wore comfortable shoes! Once we got back in the general vicinity of our hotel {we stayed in the Westin} we grabbed a burger at this place called the Shake Shack. They are all over New York and have a good burger...
more like Five Guys than McDonald's kinda food.
We went back to our room to stuff our faces, and change clothes for Wicked! I have wanted to see this show since forever and it did not disappoint.
And just for extra info, the other show that is a MUST if you've never seen it is Jersey Boys. I saw it in Chicago and let me tell you...AMAZING. I think Lee would love this show...maybe next time.
{I even bought the CD...shhhhhh}

Flowers near our hotel...could not get over how beautiful all the street stands were!

In the theater, right before the usher told me to put the camera away

After Wicked, we took a cab to dinner and passed by Radio City Music Hall

This is Lee very politely putting on his seatbelt after we realized the cabby was going to drive erratically....ha!

My friend Christi suggested we eat at Blue Water Grill in Union Square so we made reservations earlier in the day. The food was wonderful, although a year later I can't remember what I ordered exactly! I do remember the martinis being just what I needed after a long day of sight seeing!

I will be posting Day 4 tomorrow or Sunday! And by the way, I am extremely technologically challenged . My computer officially bit the dust so I've borrowed my Dad's computer. Such a pain. Need to update you on Baby Hampton!

RIP Blackberry

2011-11-02T18:40:00.002-02:00

I am burying my Blackberry today. It's over two years old and tired. But before I let it go, I had to get the pictures off of it and in doing so ran across a few hilarious/embarrassing/sweet pics that I had to share...here is a sampling of the 696 pictures that were on my BB. This means that I am getting a new phone and will once again feel like an idiot and not be able to operate the call waiting feature.... for some reason that one always gets me with a new phone.

First pic I took with BB

My future SIL

First trip to dentist

J in his ridiculous Spiderman sunglasses

Clown Day

Carla with a straw up her nose

An interview done at preschool for Mother's Day

Relief poolside

Found them sleeping like this

Bryson with a butt-cut

Fripp Island

With TayTay at LaFogota

Micah and Me watching the Gamecocks

Steph and me on the way to Fripp

Lee singing Karaoke at Johnson Creek Marina with some lady dancing up on him

Our mark on JCM

Tradd didn't like the fireworks at the game

House going up

Shirts we bought to tell T and J we were having a baby!

Molly in the snow

Family portrait one of the boys drew on the wall while we lived at my parents

First USC Baseball game 2011

Boys

Snake hunters...in my parents backyard

Pic I took of my pregnant belly this summer
{I can't believe I just put this on here....}

Pic T sent me the night he and Ash got engaged

My geographic tongue...went away after I had H

Belly

First time holding brother

H's BIRTHday

First day

Coming home

Car beside me in traffic...they had a lot of "activities"

Crazy eyes

I could eat him

Happy 'Ween!

2011-11-01T13:00:00.000-02:00

We've been "Halloweening" for days and I have to say I'm glad it's behind us! Our first stop on the Halloween train was to our church's Pumpkin Patch. We met our friends The Bolen's {which has become a tradition} and the boys had a blast! Instead of trunk-or-treat, the church decided to put together care packages for children in Haiti. Our boys packed a bag for a baby {and mother} that included items like a toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb, a bar of soap, a blanket, etc. They also had traditional games set up, a hayride, and a petting zoo. Our boys dressed as football players and Hampton was the football. The Bolen Boys were a pilot and an airplane!

After church, we came back to our house to carve pumpkins and watch the Gamecocks play Tennessee. My brother was a good sport and carved a pumpkin with 4 very excited little boys. If you look closely at this picture you will see that the boys drew their own face on the pumpkin when Bryson stepped away from the marker for a minute! Ha!

During the game, my mama snuggled with Hampton. I wanted her to hear him laugh so we played patty cake until he did {or maybe we just annoyed him long enough}....later in the night he and my dad fell asleep on the couch. How precious is that picture of them?

We had our first fire on our back porch! If you have read this blog for a while, you know I have dreamed of this fire since we started building!! After everyone left and the boys were in the bed, Lee and I sat outside and enjoyed the fire....with Hampton of course. Funny the changes a year can bring. While dreaming of the fire, the fact that I would be holding a new baby in front of it never crossed my mind.

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16

Sunday, we headed to meet Lee's family for a trunk-or-treat at their church. This time we dressed Hampton as a bat because it was cold and I needed him to want to stay in the costume! This is the only picture that I snapped of our 3 boys!

And I had to share this picture to show you the boy's Halloween shirts! Last year my friend Tammi turned me on to these...we bought them online from a website called Personal Creations. They glow in the dark and we got two years wear out of them!

The other fun thing we did this year was start a "Boo" in our neighborhood. We only have 4 neighbors so we started the "booing" just two weeks before Halloween. "Booing" your neighbors involves leaving a treat on their front porch and then they repeat the treat with another neighbor! Each neighbor then hangs a sign on their front door showing that they have been "booed". I just searched online until I found the sign and directions that suited me...I used this one from Anders Ruff.

Happy Fall Y'all!

2011-10-31T01:00:00.002-02:00

Wow..it's been a looong time since I've blogged and that's due in part to the fact that my computer decided to choke AGAIN. Turns out one of the boys had pushed a series of keys in exactly the right order to send my monitor to "an external source." So just like always my bff's on the geek squad fixed me up! I am on a first name basis with 2 of the agents and I love them. For real.
Our little man turned 2 months old! And since his three month birthday is right around the corner, I will just show you the pics I took of him and do a full post on all his "goings on" in a week or so.

We have been busy, busy and I 'm going to try to catch up over the next few weeks...Our first fall adventures started at my brother's alma mater, Presbyterian College, for Homecoming. I headed to Clinton to meet my parents, brother, and their tailgating crew. The boys, large and small, had a great time!

The Sunday after PC Homecoming we got a wild hair and decided to ride to Sky Top Orchard in Hendersonville, NC for the day to pick apples. My parents headed to the mountains after the game Saturday so we called them Sunday morning to say, "Surprise! We're coming!" My mama was excited to say the least! Sky Top has changed a lot since my first visit as a brownie scout. We could not believe the people and all the stuff they had for sale.

Hampton's first real smile and first real belly laugh happened this month! Tradd and Jackson are really beginning to interact with him and try to make him laugh. They still call him "baby" or "baby brother" most of the time, which I think is just precious. They love to hold him, play on his activity mat with him, and kiss him! If only I could get them to change diapers....

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer..."

2011-10-04T00:40:00.001-02:00

Soooooooo tonight we watched Elf for the second time in two weeks...only this time was different. About 30 minutes into the movie, I get a text from my across the street neighbor that says,

"Are y'all watching Elf by chance?"

It took me a minute and then it hit me.

By the time I made it to the front porch I can see Heather, her husband, and their two little girls on their front porch. And before I can open the front door I am laughing hysterically.

You see, when we built our house, we had most rooms and our porches wired with speakers. SO we had been broadcasting ELF to the entire neighborhood. It was so loud they heard it from their back porch! Needless to say, we had a good belly laugh from our porches....and I turned the speakers off.

Guess it's true what they say, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"

TMI

2011-09-28T00:53:00.002-02:00

My baby tooted so loudly yesterday the dog barked.
While trimming Jackson's fingernails this week I noticed he had been biting them again...I asked, "Jackson, have you been biting your nails again?" To which he responded, "No, I've just been cutting them with my teeth." ok.
I just noticed on my settings page from blogger that people have found my blog by searching Google for "bare butt" and "singed arm hair." As long as it wasn't "singed butt hair", I guess I'm ok with that.
In related news, my blog has been viewed by someone in Poland and someone in the Ukraine...I wonder if they were the ones looking for the bare butts???
I went to the gym yesterday for the third time since the baby was born...it was not pretty...apparently pregnancy has affected my ability to hear a beat, move my arms and legs simultaneously and know my right from my left. I looked like a drunk chicken.

MY SHOW Modern Family is back on! My favorite quotes from last week's Dude Ranch episode...

Mitchell: “So, we haven’t told the family yet but we’ve decided to adopt a baby boy!”
Cam: “From America this time, you might say we’re buying domestic.”
Mitchell: “In private. You might say that in private.”

Phil: “I've been practicing like crazy all my cowboy skills. Shooting, roping, pancake eatin’.”

and from "When Good Kids Go Bad"...

Alex tells Haley to shut up: “Could you L a little less OL?”

Phil free-styles: “Girl you crazy. I’m mad fun to shop with. Trapped in between two whole wheat slices. Pastrami and Swiss are my only vices.”

Cactus Flower
via

Black and White Weekend

2011-09-25T12:53:00.002-02:00

hi.

2011-09-23T15:43:00.001-02:00

Well. hello there. let's use bullets, shall we?

I have NOT been doing a good job with this blogging thing. For some crazy reason, I envisioned that I'd have hours of free time when the boys started school and I only had Hampton at home. wrong. I didn't factor in that a lack of sleep and showering on a semi-daily basis would get in my way. As all mama's will tell you, the first few weeks with a newborn are foggy. I am beginning to feel the fog lift..
I am getting more sleep now because I finally bought the MOM'S ON CALL 0-3 Month Seminar. I first learned about Moms On Call through my friend Erin. After the first night, I called Erin to tell her IT WORKED! AND OH MY GOSH I FEEL LIKE I COULD RUN A MARATHON! I am sure she hung up laughing while doubting my sanity. It's amazing how enthusiastic a few straight hours of sleep will make you. And if you aren't reading Erin's blog Blue-Eyed Bride you are missing out.
This is my last week of "taking it easy". I had my 6 week appointment Tuesday and got the go ahead to jump back in at the gym and {mom, stop reading now} to jump back into "other things"....ewww. That's all I have to say about both of those things. Seriously though, I have to lose these last few 10-15 pounds and it's not gonna happen eating the wonderfulness that is a Triple-Double Oreo.
I worked for the first time this week since having the baby. It felt good to squeeze into my fat pants and use my brain for something other than "mommy stuff". It didn't feel good to leave my little man. My future-sister-in-law came to our house to keep him...she is a nurse {and a baby nurse at that} so I had absolutely no concerns with leaving him with her. Knowing her infant CPR is up-to-date and that she could put in an IV with household items if need be didn't hurt either.
This came in the mail yesterday. Does anyone else live for this trip to the mailbox once a month like me?

via

Funny story. When Lee got home, he picked my magazine up to flip through it and I literally flipped on him. PUT IT DOWN. I look at it first, mister.
And Facebook. Why do you keep changing? I don't care that much, but now everyone's post for the next week is gonna be about how much they hate you. I saw this on Pinterest and spit Coke through my nose.

I also got a new planner a few weeks ago. And if you are related to me, have spent any amount of time with me, or are breathing near me, I have told you about my new planner and may or may not have pressured you to buy one and be as cool as me. I am literally making plans JUST to have something to write down EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING. DAY. AND. NIGHT. {If you own said planner, you totally got that and are laughing out loud right now because you do the same thing} Case in point, on Monday, September 5th, I wrote "Home All Day." Really? I die. Now if you want to buy one too...go here and tell them Misty sent you. That will mean nothing to them, but everything to me. ha.

Look at these cute football players! This football season we had several away games to start the season so we just had family and friends over here to watch the games. When Lee and I were building, we dreamed about watching football on our back porch! We have loved it and can not wait to have a fire out there....and watch our own "little team" play in the backyard!

One last thing. If you just read all of these bullets and are still with me will you please comment on this post? One year ago, I convinced Lee that I needed a blog makeover because I had "so many readers" ha! I want to show him that tonight that people are actually reading this. For me? Please?

Southern Baby: One Month

2011-09-13T13:50:00.000-02:00

Dear Hampton,

You are ONE month old!

I find myself whispering in your ear, at least once a day, to slow down all this growing you're doing. You were 7 lb 5 oz at birth, 7 lb 12 oz at two weeks and when I took you by the doctor's office last Friday at 4 1/2 weeks, you weighed 9 lb 13 oz! Two pounds in two weeks...I could not believe it! I am breast feeding you and was worried that you might not be getting enough! ha! The nurse also measured your length and you've gone from 19 3/4 inches to 22 1/4. Again, I was shocked, but so thankful that you are a happy, GROWING boy.

Since the boys started school, we spend our days feeding, talking, sitting on the back porch, and cleaning up the house a little {not much mind you}. We have all had to adjust to having a baby in the house. My biggest adjustment has obviously been the lack of sleep! It's funny though, once I see your sweet face I am awake and ready to go. I am doing the nights all by myself because your daddy wakes up super early to get your brothers dressed and ready for kindergarten. He also packs their lunch everyday and takes them to school so you and I can sleep. The boys are having to learn to be patient when they need something "right now" and my hands are full with you. We have to remind them to keep the running and playing down to a dull roar when you are sleeping!

You are wearing a size 1 diaper and mostly 0-3 clothes. When we are around the house I keep you in a soft Kissy Kissy gown or onesie because we need to be ready for sleep at all times! I saved a lot of your brothers clothes, but they will only work if you are a BIG boy because you were born in different seasons. Looks like that's going to work out perfectly!

You have already been out and about much more than Tradd and Jackson at this age. We've met a friend of mommy's for lunch, stopped by Target, attended your brother's soccer game, celebrated at a birthday party, and we've tried church twice! We've also gone out to eat a few times.

You are definitely going to be on-the-go with us, little man!

Before you were born everyone was anxiously waiting to see if you would look like your brothers. In our

3-D ultrasound we thought you did, but right now I think you look very different. Your Gigi says you look like me as a baby! Hard to believe that we name you after your daddy and you would end up looking like me. We are soaking up every single second with you...enjoying how you are changing everyday and not trying to rush a thing. We love you sweet boy!

Always,

Mama

final bump

2011-09-06T17:48:00.000-02:00

I was organizing some pictures on my computer and realized I had never shared a few of my last pregnancy pictures. I mentioned a long time ago that I did not have a lot of pictures of myself pregnant with the boys. At the time, I was thinking "I'm huge!", but now I regret not doing it because I can't remember what I looked like while I was pregnant with them. I did much better this time and already have treasured looking back and seeing Hampton in my belly. This picture was taken on August 5th...5 days before he was born. I was 38 weeks pregnant.

These next pictures where taken the Monday before Hamp was born. The night before I had Tradd and Jackson my family went out to eat at Blue Marlin together....I've always jokingly called it "The Last Supper", We wanted to keep the tradition, but since we had to be at the hospital soooo early that Wednesday morning, we decided to go a night earlier. This was our last family picture as a family of four!

And this is the whole crew! What a precious memory for me. After we ate, we all walked up the street for ice cream...while we walked I held my daddy's hand and we talked just the two of us.

The next pictures where taken the day before Hampton was born by my precious friend Micah. I had mentioned to her that I wanted her to take a few pictures of me and it just worked out that that day was best for us both {I guess that's one advantage to one of your best friends being a photographer!} . I am so thankful to have these pictures and they mean even more to me that she took them.

You can visit her website HERE.

They Feathered My Nest

2011-08-27T13:27:00.000-02:00

I am so excited to share this post today and I am linking to one of my favorite blogs

Kelly's Korner,

where today she is asking bloggers to share their baby showers!!

In late June, a few of my best, most precious friends hosted a baby shower for me and Hampton. In a non-traditional twist, we decided to have the shower at my new house because so many of our friends and family had yet to have a chance to come visit. The girls handled every detail, and with the theme they selected, "Feather Her Nest" , it all came together to be a sweet, sweet memory that I will never forget.

This is the invitation created by my friend Ashley {and her hubby}...isn't it just adorable?

I love that they pulled the header from

my blog into the invite!

{I cropped the invite to leave out my address and their names}

Let me tell you, these girls did not disappoint

when it came to the food!

Above, Southern Barbeque Sliders were

served in this beautiful wooden bowl from the island in my kitchen...

Bird's nest cupcakes and petit fours added

a little something sweet...

The girls...Ashley, me, Stephanie, and Carla

I met these girls as a freshman in high school {1991}...and in writing that, I am just realizing we have been friends for 20 years! We have experienced just about

everything together and I consider them my sisters.

My life has been blessed for knowing them and being loved by them.

Governor's Mansion Peach Tea Punch

Every food item and beverage were labeled with

these miniature nests filled with Jordan almonds

and handwritten labels.

The main food table with fresh veggies,

pimento cheese and crackers,

grapes and cheese tray, and

cream cheese with red pepper jelly.

The food table in my kitchen was strictly for sweets! Cupcakes, petit fours,

chocolate covered strawberries, and a lemon cake.

Heaven.

And check out that vintage bird cage!

Ashley put the flower arrangement for the table inside!

My favorite food at the shower were these deviled eggs!

Triple Pickle Deviled Eggs topped with pickled okra!

You KNOW I love okra...

Eating my 325th deviled egg...

Our friends and family have been so generous to us. Even though I did keep a lot of the boys clothes, there were many things like a car seat and monitor that we needed new. So many things have come out since I had the boys or we just didn't have room for "two" in our old house! It is fun to have things that are just for Hampton.

My girl cousins...Ally, Elizabeth, me, and Nicole

{We are only missing my cousin Lauren-Summers who couldn't make it}

Me and my Southern Mama

My nest certainly felt "feathered" and my heart grateful!

What we've been up to...

2011-08-25T23:35:00.000-02:00

We brought our baby home...

We started Kindergarten...

We've been kissing on these baby feet...

We wait on our baby to do funny stuff like this...

and open his eyes...

We celebrated our HALF birthday...

and then we watch our baby sleep.

Many more blogs to come...a lot to catch up on!

Hampton's BIRTHday

2011-08-18T18:47:00.000-02:00

Hampton Lee Burton

August 10th, 2011

8:09am

7 pounds 5 ounces

19 3/4 inches

Who DOES this?

2011-08-09T02:23:00.000-02:00

Apparently WE do...

and what exactly did we do you are asking?

Wellllllll, last week a bird flew smack into our front door. I'd like to think it's because the glass was so clean that the little fellow thought he could just come right in, but let's get real. Lee found this guy laying on his back on our front porch unable to use his left leg and wing. He picked him up took him to the grass and "George", as he affectionately was named, took two steps and did a nose dive. Literally...feathered hiney in the air, face buried in the grass. Obviously afraid that he would be eaten by the neighborhood cat, we found a box for him and brought him into the garage. Lee even fashioned him a bird bath, as it were, out of the bottom of a coke bottle. Everyday we fed George blueberries, cleaned his box, and Lee would take him in the yard to 'walk' and basically check his progress. Well, the antioxidants in the blueberries must have worked because on his 'walk' today, George flew away. We aren't sure he was ready, because he did not fly very far before landing, but when Lee went to pick him up and put him back in the box he was running from him on foot! So we let him go.

Project ONE: Nurse a bird back to life. CHECK

Wellllll, also last week, some of our sweet friends invited us over for dinner. In that they would not let us bring a thing, I wanted to stop at a roadside market right by our house to cut them some zinnias. {It's the neatest thing...fresh veggies and you can go into their garden and cut your own zinnias and sunflowers} Anyhooo, while we were settling up for the zinnias, we spotted a bushel basket of fresh okra. Lee asked how much, the man said $18 and like the good country boy he is...Lee said "We'll take 'em!"

Months ago, we talked about wanting to learn how to pickle okra because we both love it and so

do our boys. Little did I know, we'd be right in the thick of it one week prior to having a baby!

So we got a recipe from Lee's grandmother, headed out to pick up the supplies we needed, and gave it our best shot. We had such a great time doing this together...

Project TWO: Pickle 33 jars of okra. CHECK

This picture needs a caption...Lee singed his arm hair in the process!

And finally, a few weeks ago, I saw this on pinterest somewhere {please forgive me for not jotting down the link} and thought it was such a cute idea for Tradd and Jackson's teachers.

It's basically a craft box filled with whatever you'd like!

I included: hand sanitizer, a mini nail file, a Tide-To-Go stick, band-aids, push pins, cute magnets, pencil grippers, and Starburst! I made the label in about 10 minutes and finished it off with a cute ribbon. I always loved getting little surcees like this when I was in the classroom!

Project THREE: First day of School Surcee. CHECK!

Ready and Waiting...

2011-08-05T19:36:00.000-02:00

Hampton

Lee

Burton

Hello my sweet baby boy. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have looked at this ultrasound picture of you over the past six weeks. In your face I see your Daddy and your brothers...you are certainly going to be handsome. I am literally counting down the days until I can kiss your sweet cheeks and just smell that baby smell that you'll come with. We have tried purposefully to prepare Tradd and Jackson for what our life will be like when you finally come, but to tell you the truth I'm not really sure myself. What I do know for sure is that our hearts are so full and ready to love you.

From the moment I knew you were coming, I haven't stopped praying that you'll be healthy and happy...that you will love Jesus and come to know Him and love Him as your savior. I have prayed for your future spouse...hoping that she is being raised in a Godly family, and if not, that she will see Him in you. I have prayed that your brothers will be examples for you to follow and that you will share a friendship with them that will last a lifetime. And I pray that you will one day in your old age, maybe as a father yourself, look back and thank God that he gave you to us.

Hampton, you are what God thought

was missing in our family and we are ready and waiting.

We love you!!

Long Story Long...with bullets

2011-08-02T23:17:00.000-02:00

hello internet. it's been too long and here's why....

my computer had not been right for a while. it was running super slow and would shutdown whenever it felt like it because it would get sooo hot. i took it into the geek squad right after my last long post (july 7) and got it back this past sunday (july 31). i tried blogging from my ipad, but i don't have one of those fancy keyboards for mine yet...i actually wrote a lot to go with that 34 week update and then hit the wrong button on blogpress and all was lost. so i gave up and never tried that again.

another issue i was having with my computer was that it would not play the video that i have been filming for the past few years. suddenly this became important when i realized i had exactly 6 minutes of room left on the camera to film the impending birthday of our baby boy. enter said geek squad. while they were fixing the fan/processor/guts of my computer i mentioned the video "issuah" and they tried to help. when even they could not figure it out, they sent me home with a list of things i could try. and that was that.

i followed all the geeky instructions i was given and i did it! i have burned 20 dvd's in the past two days.

in the weeks in between all of that mess, we went to Fripp Island with my family. i didn't do as well as i thought i would at the beach. mainly because it was HOT. Like even the water wasn't cooling mama off. i wasn't sleep well and really just wanted my bed...BUT we had a great time with family and were extremely well fed!

i am ready to have this baby. i am not "over it". I always cringe when I hear a pregnant lady say that...the indigestion, back pain, up at night to potty is always looked back upon with some nostalgia that first night at home with a newborn. my mom and i were both ready to cry the morning after we brought the boys home...we joked that we hadn't "taken the tags off" yet and maybe they would take them back for a few days at least! ha!

annnnnd watching the 2,342 home videos that i have in the last two days has made me miss their "babyhood'...i have held them more in the past few weeks then i have in the past 6 months. i just grab them and hold them as long as they'll let me and tell them i love them.

i am not packed for the hospital, but everything is washed and ready to go in the bag...i have so much to blog about and hope to do a few more posts this week so stay in touch...

my mama took these pictures of us at the beach...this was 35 weeks...

Southern Baby: 34 weeks

2011-07-08T23:08:00.001-02:00

- Posted from my iPad

With this Ring...

2011-07-06T00:56:00.000-02:00

On June 23rd, Lee and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary! We celebrated our actual anniversary around our kitchen table with the boys and later that weekend with a dinner, just the two of us. We talked about how far we've come and how far we still want to go. We laughed about what we thought we'd be doing on our 10 year anniversary when we got married...we thought we'd be lounging on some exotic beach sipping cocktails and we'd be so old. HA! Instead, we ate, debated going to the movies only to decide that our kid-less new home with our comfy couch sounded better so we rented a movie, stopped by Sonic and came home.
We have had some tremendous highs and tremendous lows, but looking back I know we both,without a doubt, would do it again. Wonder how old we'll feel when we celebrate the next 10? Oh, and I had to scan this picture in because my wedding pictures were on film.

The weekend before our anniversary my little brother, Taylor, asked his girlfriend of 3 1/2 years to marry him! AND SHE SAID YES! We could not be happier with his choice in a spouse...I love her, my parents love her, and the boys think she hung the moon! He has been planning this for months and luckily we are close so he let me in on the secret really early...at one point he was counting down the weeks! So precious...
Ashley is from Maryland and it was important to Taylor to ask her when they were visiting Maryland so that she could be near her family to celebrate. After asking her, Taylor came back home and we picked up Ashley at the airport later that week...

We love these two so much...

and are looking forward to celebrating them over the next months!!!

Southern Baby: 31 weeks

2011-06-18T12:54:00.000-02:00

How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Size of baby: 16 inches long, head to heel, and

weighs about 3 1/2 pounds

Maternity Clothes: It's this the cutest shirt I'm wearing!

My friend Nancy shared it with me and I wore it for the first time today... love it!

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Feeling him move ALL the time...

Sleep: Sleeping well...

but I need to go to bed earlier.

I know in a few weeks I am going to be kicking myself for not doing so.

What I miss: Sleeping on my back, bending over with ease, seeing my feet,

Cravings: Really none to speak of at the moment...

I have done ok with my weight gain so I'm gonna try not to loose it here at the end....

I have certainly "enjoyed" food during the pregnancy {just like last time}! Just need to be a little more mindful of eating those fruits and veggies!!

Name: The #1 question these days is, "Do you have a name picked out?"

and the answer is yes and no.

We have several that we like, we just need to make a FINAL decision! Stay tuned...

Nursery: The nursery is coming along. I am using the bedding we used for the boys so

I am just trying to incorporate a few new things to make it feel like a different room. Here is a little peek at a few of the fabrics I am considering!

Unexpected

2011-06-17T19:00:00.000-02:00

"Are we going to be friends forever?" Asked Piglet.

"Even longer", Pooh answered.

A.A. Milne

Before preschool ended, a few of my precious friends hosted a baby shower to celebrate our little boy on the way. We gathered while the kids were at school for a luncheon at this darling little cafe in Lexington called Cafe 403. Usually when we are together, we have kiddos underfoot and have conversation in spurts...so to sit together and share a fabulous lunch was such a treat! And to top it all off, we had CUPCAKES for dessert from Cupcake! My favorite!

I mentioned here how special these friends are to me, but I must say it again. So many times throughout life, I have gone into situations expecting to make friends...girl scout camp, going away to college, even starting my first job. But what makes these friendships so unique is that they were completely unexpected. We've laughed and cried, shared our successes and failures, but above all we've loved each other...even when we parent differently or if our children embarrass us with the occasional "flare up", as I like to call them!

I was given so many nice gifts at the shower...bottles, diapers, burp cloths, a few outfits, and this amazing diaper bag that I had been eyeing! I felt so special that day...I hope they know how very much I appreciated every detail and seeing every single face sitting around that table.

Southern Baby: 29 1/2 Weeks

2011-06-09T23:09:00.001-02:00

How Far Along: 29 1/2 Weeks...

I will be 30 weeks this Saturday and since this post is so late

in the week, I'm giving myself the half!!!

Size of baby: 15 inches long, head to heel, about the length of a loaf of bread and

weighs about a three pounds

Maternity Clothes: We've been in the water one way or another everyday this week so I've lived in maternity bathing suits! Not so bad...

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Feeling him move ALL the time...he is very active between 10 and 11 o'clock...it will be interesting to see if that's his really active time when he's here!

Sleep: Sleeping well...

haven't taken anything to help me sleep in 2 weeks!

What I miss: Bending over with ease, seeing my feet

Cravings: A new yogurt place just opened in town and we've been only twice,

but I'm pretty sure I could eat Pistachio yogurt after every meal.

I don't want to forget....I only have 9 weeks and one day left to be pregnant {that's hoping he stays put for the full 39 weeks}. It hit me the other day that this could very well be the last time in my life that I am pregnant. In the past, I've been guilty of wishing my life away...I know I did it with my first pregnancy and the first few years of the boys' lives. I guess it's because you don't know what's coming next and you are just so anxious to experience the next great thing or get past the part that's not so great.

You think the pregnancy will last forever. It doesn't.

You think nobody has EVER been as uncomfortable as you. They have.

You think your little one will never sleep through the night. They will.

You want them to sit up, eat table food, the list goes on and on....

This time, I have really tried to be conscious about slowing myself down enough just

to be present in every moment.

The boys and I are going to enjoy this summer together. We are going to swim and watch movies and make brownies {just out of the oven now}. We are going to love on each other and talk about August, but we WILL NOT wish away June and July. Because for once, I do know what's coming next and it will be here soon enough.

P.S. I finally added a few of my new reads to my blog roll, so when my faves update you'll know!

Weekend Brain Dump

2011-06-03T23:58:00.000-02:00

I tried blogging for the first time from my IPad...I got it for Christmas and I. LOVE. IT. BUT it wouldn't let me add pictures so back to the computer! If anyone can help me with that I'd love some advice!
We wrapped up t-ball last weekend and had the end-of-the-year party at a local pizza place. The boys were so excited to get their trophies! I didn't have my camera...I know, I know, mother of the year.
Last Saturday night Lee and I attended a beautiful wedding for the daughter of some dear friends. It was beautiful! I love going to weddings...love holding Lee's hand while the couple says their vows, love waiting for our first dance song to be played at the reception {it always is- Tony Bennett's "The Way You Look Tonight"}. I also love making an entire evening of such a wonderful affair, but by nine my feet where screamin' so we had to leave. I just learned that the bride has a blog...she is an absolute doll! You can follow her here. Lee took a picture of us with his phone and other than looking super shiny, I think it's cute...

The first week of summer looked just like summer should...we slept in {8:45 is now "sleeping in" for those of you without kiddos}, we went swimming with friends, and watched movies and ate popcorn!

We had a pretty big storm here and lost power at around 8:30 last night...we made it through the night {one big mama and two little boys in a Queen}, but it was NOT good sleep! Power finally came back on after lunch just as it was starting to get hot in here. I posted on Facebook that I would never have made it "back in the day" without power...I tried to just go to bed, but of course without power, my sound machine wouldn't work. I KNOW I will be wishing for a silent night in a few months.
Made these cookies again...somebody stop me.
I will be 29 weeks pregnant tomorrow...that means only 10 weeks to go! I will post a picture Sunday or Monday!

Love Letter {May 2011}

2011-05-25T22:45:00.003-02:00

Dear Tradd and Jackson,

Today was your last day of Preschool and to say it's bittersweet is an understatement. The entire week has been very emotional, not because I expected it to last forever, but because I literally blinked and it was over. When a baby is born everything is measured in "firsts"...first steps, first haircuts, first beach trips and just as miraculously as these milestones happen, they are gone. Suddenly these "firsts" become the things that fill the ordinary days. That same baby, unsure of his steps just months earlier, is running a thousands steps a day...that same soft baby hair we painstakingly saved in a little envelope just months earlier falls to the floor of "the haircut store" to be swept away with a stranger's...that same baby runs straight for the waves instead of running from them every time it touches his tiny toes. "Firsts" are ordinary happenings....until they start to become "lasts".

Jackson

You started Preschool at 18 months old at Holland Avenue Baptist Church. We started at HABC because Mama's best friends, Ms. Carla and Ms. Stephanie had children enrolled there and I knew nothing about the preschools in Lexington. It was really a time for you to play with other children your age {besides each other} and it gave me an opportunity to go to the gym and run a few errands. Your teachers, Ms. Melissa and Ms. Lisa, were wonderful and loved you very much.

Tradd posing with his bookbag

First Day at Holland Avenue

The next year we decided to move you to Lexington Baptist in downtown Lexington...we loved Holland Avenue, but Mama was driving from Lexington to West Columbia and back again. I was spending an hour of time driving too and from so we just needed somewhere closer to home. I had one friend, Ashley Jackson, who was going to be enrolling her little one, Price at LBC. Your daddy was out of town the morning that I was suppose to be up at the crack of dawn to enroll you, so Ms. Ashley came by our house to get your forms and enrolled you when she enrolled Price. So many times I think about how thankful I am that she was kind enough to do that for us.

First Day of Two's

Last Day of Two's

From the Two's with Ms. Liz and Ms. Tara, to the Three's with Mrs. Dunlap and Mrs. Boyd and finally the four's with Ms. Linda and Ms. Brandi, you have been blessed with teachers who loved you. I know you would be different had you not gone to preschool. Sure, you would most certainly know your numbers and shapes and even the alphabet, but these Godly women helped mama and daddy teach you about sharing, friendship, and MOST importantly about Jesus. I do think "it takes a village to raise a child"...but I also believe it takes the "right" village. We found it.

First Day of Three's

Last Day of Three's

At your 3 year program

As with everything in life, the relationships that grow from experiences are often what you remember. I had no idea how much my own life would be changed by the families we would meet through preschool. As a young mother, I needed validation. I needed someone to listen to me about potty training and naptime and tell me I would make it. And just as God would have it, from these conversations grew friendships with women whom I now love. They have made me a better mama to you.

First Day of Four's

You are ready for Kindergarten. You have asked me a million times when it starts {soon enough}, if you can take your lunch {yes}, and if you can ride the bus {no, mama's not ready for that}...You are ready to move on. So the end of Preschool marks our first major "last" in your short little life.

Your teacher, Ms. Linda

Last Day of Four's

At Your Graduation from Preschool

My precious ones, your daddy and I have so many hopes for you both. We talk about what we think you might be when you grow up...we talk about letting you go a little at a time...and we are already praying for your spouses. We are anxious to see what God's best for your lives will look like....from the very front row. I love you.

Always,
Mama

Southern Baby: Week 27

2011-05-24T01:01:00.000-02:00

How Far Along: 27 Weeks

Size of baby: 14 1/2 inches long, head to heel, and weighs about a two pounds

Maternity Clothes: Took the boys swimming with friends today and I have decided that being pregnant in a bathing suit is the bomb...no worries that you just ate lunch and 2 cupcakes!

Stuff is bulging out everywhere so it doesn't matter!

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Feeling him move ALL the time...It is so hard to describe the feeling of a baby moving inside of you to someone who's never felt it, and I will miss this most about pregnancy. I love that it's "just between us."

Sleep: Sleeping well...

taking one Tylenol PM on the nights when I have a hard time falling

asleep and i don't feel foggy the next morning.

What I miss: Small-ish thighs

Cravings: Still lovin' regular Coke and just saw a commercial for a

DOUBLE STUFF OREO SONIC BLAST...

sweet mercy

I don't want to forget....I have been going through the clothes that I kept from the boys and they have been so precious with the teeny tiny stuff....saying "awwwwww this is so cute, mama...is our baby gonna be this tiny?" So sweet...I wish I could bottle their excitement and give it back to them in a few years when this one destroys one of their toys...ha!

I have to say that I have been proud of myself for posting so consistently with these weekly {or close too it} updates...but there is more to the story. My best girl, Micah, said she'd make me a GIaNT chocolate cake if I kept it up...so here's to the challenge! love you, M!

Me and Micah

Slacker

2011-05-23T00:13:00.000-02:00

I have been a total slacker lately...mainly because I am almost 7 months pregnant. That's all I got. So in an effort to bring you up to speed on our little life let's use bullets, shall we?

Tradd and Jackson and I had a hankering for some homemade chocolate chip cookies (read: their mama is almost 7 months pregnant and sometimes these things just come over her) After Kelly and Nina both mentioned them, it just had to be done. You can find the recipe here. Only change I would make is to add less salt...maybe 1/2 teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon.

Lee has been working so hard in our yard over the past 2 months. He (and some REALLY GREAT friends) laid the sod, and he has planted every shrub. He has saved us so much money and I am really proud of him...our yard is just beautiful. It makes me smile just to pull in the driveway.

The boys are wrapping up their second season of t-ball and it's been a really fun year. Lee was not planning on being a head coach this year, but a week before practices were to start we got a call requesting that he consider it because the t-ball league was 6 coaches short. He agreed (after quickly asking a few buddies to help him) and so team Gilligan's had a Head Shrimp. Both boys have really improved this year, but they still get distracted when a butterfly makes its way on to the field or if a friend from preschool is on the other team, but I digress.

I also have to tell you about E-mealz! My cousin told me about this months ago and after moving and getting settled, Lee and I decided to try it for our family. Basically, E-mealz is a service to help you plan dinner for a week. It can be customized for the grocery store at which you shop and even diet requirements (low carb, low fat, etc). The BEST news though is that I just won a free three month subscription on another blog! Yay me!!!

Speaking of other blogs...I always read a blog for a while before adding it to my blog roll. Here are a few new favorites that I will be adding tonight...i pick Pretty, Hostess {with the Mostess}, a' la mode , Clemsongirl and the Coach , Pregnant Chicken , The Sweet Adventures of SugarBelle , Honey We're Home....that should give you all some new reading for a while!

Southern Baby: 25 weeks

2011-05-11T19:17:00.000-02:00

How Far Along: 25 Weeks

Size of baby: 13 1/2 inches long, head to heel, and weighs about a pound and a half

Maternity Clothes: Wearing all maternity clothes now, but my workout gear looks weird...still wearing my normal shorts and they look ridiculous! ha!

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Feeling him move ALL the time...especially when I lay down at night to finally go to sleep. This this little one will be a night owl like his mama.

Sleep: Sleeping well all night long!

What I miss: Feeling like my body is mine...

Cravings: Regular Coke....especially really, really cold!

Trying to only have one every now and then...

I don't want to forget....found the boys in the crib today...said they were just trying it out.

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T01:12:00.000-02:00

That cold February day wasn't Mother's Day, but it's the day that I became a mother. That day is etched into my mind as the day I came into the fullness of what God intended for me to be.

A dream realized.

This was the first time I saw Tradd...

and Jackson....

This was today. Every Mother's Day we go on a picnic...today we talked about picnics past and what next year's picnic will be like. The boys giggled when we told them that their baby brother will probably be crawling around on the blanket. I try every chance I get to talk with them about how our lives will change with this new baby...I want them to know that things will different, but some things will never change.

I will always hold them when they ask me.

I will always tuck them in at night.

I will always stop and play with them.

I will always hold them in my lap.

I want them to know that love does not divide...it multiplies, so there will always be enough.

Happy Mother's Day!

4:43

2011-05-02T00:28:00.001-02:00

I need you to do something for me...yes, you. Some of you reading this are my family, some my best friends, some of you are in my small group at church, some are friends on Facebook, some of you I workout with, some of you are in Junior League with me and still some of you I've never met...but I need you all to do me a tremendous favor. Give me 5 minutes of your time.

First, let me tell you why. I don't believe in coincidence. I don't believe in luck. I think that when we have a "chance" meeting with someone, or when things "go our way" that God is tapping us on the shoulder to remind us that He is very real and at work in our lives. I know that both of these are shallow examples, but my point is when good things happen to us we give God credit. Athletes point to heaven when they make the winning touchdown, singers (sometimes) thank God when they win a Grammy, when we think our prayers are answered we say another prayer of thanks.

But what about when things don't just fall into place for us?

When we don't get the new job we want. When we can't get pregnant. When our parent dies to young. When friendships fall apart. Who's in charge of that?

The song that I am about to share with you has changed me. I heard it one day on the radio, but didn't quite catch all the lyrics. Then a few weeks later, another blogger mentioned it. I thought to myself "there's that song again," enjoyed the post and moved on. A week ago, I was talking to my cousin Elizabeth and in the course of our conversation this song came back to me. I immediately had to pull it up and read part of the lyrics to her over the phone. And then yesterday it happened again...I was all by myself riding down the road thinking and talking to myself. When I came to a stop light I realized the radio was off, so I clicked on the radio and this song was just starting...GOD was tapping me on the shoulder. I earnestly believe that He kept putting it in front of me so that I would stop long enough to not just listen to it but to hear it.

Today while HEARING it for the 1,000 time I thought of so many of you that I want to hear this song.... some of you are my family, some my best friends, some of you are in my small group at church, some are friends on Facebook, some of you I workout with, some of you are in Junior League with me and still some of you I've never met. Will you take 4 minutes and 43 seconds to hear this song?

We pray for blessings

We pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need

Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights

Are what it takes to know You’re near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear

And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near

We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love

As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

All the while, You hear each desperate plea

And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights

Are what it takes to know You’re near

And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win

We know the pain reminds this heart

That this is not, this is not our home,

It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

And what if a thousand sleepless nights

Are what it takes to know You’re near

What if my greatest disappointments

Or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy

And what if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

Are Your mercies in disguise

I'd love to hear what you think...won't you leave me a comment too?

Because HE Lives!

2011-04-25T00:54:00.000-02:00

Happy Easter!

For some reason this year Easter just clicked for me. I feel like for the first time in my life I really am beginning to grasp the concept of the sacrifice that my Savior made for me. Our sermon series during this Lenten season was titled "24 Hours" and focused on the final 24 hours that Jesus was on this Earth. Our pastors based their teaching on this book...

I think Romans 6: 6-11 sums up exactly where I am today as I celebrate the Resurrection...

^6-11Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin's every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That's what Jesus did.

After church we tried to get a family picture on our front porch. It involved a tripod and three grumpy boys who wanted to come inside and change clothes! I had to include both of these pictures because the first one just literally makes me laugh out loud....Where's Tradd? I was running to get in the picture and apparently smothered him in trying to make it. He was saying, "Y'all! I can't see!" HA! And boy do I look preggo here...wowsers!

I was happy with the second one!

I also want to say that giving up Facebook for lent was just what I needed...it really helped me put into perspective the amount of time I was wasting. Honestly, when I'm home and on the internet I am mostly reading other people's blogs or writing on my own. What I learned is that when I am away from home and having to wait somewhere (i.e. to pick up boys, in stopped traffic, for my gym class to start) I would reach for my phone to check out FB...so I put a small book in my car called "To Live Is Christ" by Beth Moore and I would reach for that instead. I will be back on Facebook, but will be keeping myself in check.

Southern Baby: 22 weeks

2011-04-20T00:27:00.000-02:00

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Size of baby: 11 inches long, head to heel, and weighs about a pound

Maternity Clothes: Wearing all maternity clothes now...tried on bathing suits this week.

Not a pretty sight. ewww. I need a tan!

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Feeling him move ALL the time! During my very first ultrasound, my doctor said this baby was a mover and a shaker...seems he was right!

Sleep: Sleeping well all night long!

What I miss: ENERGY!

Cravings: Sonic Oreo Blast

I don't want to forget....Jackson asked me what the baby was going to call me. I explained that he won't be able to "call" me because he won't be able to talk...he'll just cry. He thought for a second and said, "But we can still call you 'Mama' right?"

Southern Baby

2011-04-12T00:28:00.000-02:00

Good grief, we're having another baby boy!

I found this picture in the move and kept it close to use for the "announcement" post if it was a boy...

I mean look at that face...makes me smile every time I look at it.

Our precious baby boy is perfect. Measures exactly as he should and is weighing 14 ounces! He was laying with his face down so we could not get a good look at his face, I am hoping we'll at least have one more ultrasound to get another look at him. We took the boys with us, so the ultrasound tech immediately started looking for "parts" and as soon as she went across his tiny bottom we all saw boy parts! Excited to have another cuddly, crazy, soft, dirt-covered little boy to add to our family!

Southern EvErYtHiNg!

2011-04-06T00:29:00.000-02:00

Southern Home

WE FINALLY MOVED!!! Sorry for no post lately, it's been a busy, exhausting, thrilling two weeks! We started the process weekend before last and the unpacking continues...We absolutely could not have done this without my parents. They have helped us both weekends Saturday and Sunday. We've joked that they were so willing to help to have their space back, and while I know that must be partly true, we miss them and they miss us. I will always look back on our time at their house as a blessing. The pictures below show what the house looks like the day before we moved in...and of course, when I downloaded them I realized I didn't take pics from the street or upstairs. It looks so different now with our furniture and "stuff". I will take pictures later this week of all the places I missed!

Southern Boys

Friday is really the only day of the week we don't have to be up and out of the house for school or church or t-ball. Last Friday morning, the boys and I woke up to NO alarm clock and made waffles for the first time in our new kitchen! Such a sweet, yet sticky memory!

Southern Baby: 20 weeks

Half way there and this is our week! We will get to see our sweet baby for the first time since January and I can not wait...My constant prayer has been for a healthy, happy baby who is a great sleeper so at least we will get to check on the healthy part!

How Far Along: 20 Weeks

Size of baby: 6 1/2 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs about 10 1/2 ounces

Maternity Clothes: Maternity clothes are unpacked in the new closet and I definitely need them now...I owe my great friends Micah, Christi, and Jessica a huge thank you for sharing their maternity clothes with me! I am gonna look so cute this summer!

Gender: Thursday is our BIG DAY!! Like I have said before, I keep thinking girl because EVERYBODY is saying girl, but it would not surprise me one bit for this to be another precious little boy! I am so thankful that we've been given chance to love another BABY, boy or girl!

Movement: I am feeling the baby move all the time! Lee felt it three times back to back last night and it was so exciting! Looking forward to when the boys can feel it

Sleep: Sleeping like a rock! Could be the move, but I'm lovin' it!

What I miss: Energy!

Cravings: Sonic Hot Fudge Sunday..

If you remember, I wanted McDonald's,

but Lee offered to go to Sonic and that's all she wrote....

Southern Baby: 18 weeks

2011-03-23T21:41:00.000-02:00

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 18 Weeks

Size of baby: 5 1/2 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs about 6 ounces

Maternity Clothes: Still trying to hang on to my regular clothes until we move!! The shirts are a must... but all others are organized and ready to be unpacked in my new closet.

Gender: Ultrasound has been set for the first week of April!

Movement: I am feeling the baby move all the time! Lee thinks he felt it last night...the look on his sweet face when he felt it was priceless.

Sleep: I am back to waking up for a potty break by 3:30 or 4:00 and unable to go back to sleep. I think it's just the stress of all that we have going on right now and that it will stop when we move and get settled.

What I miss: ENERGY! I usually hit a wall about 3:30 or 4 (what is it with that time?)

Cravings: McDonald's Hot Fudge Sunday...I am going to get one tonight!!!

I don't want to forget...the boys went back to the doctor with me yesterday and when we got home, Tradd drew this picture. Can you tell who's who? Melted me.

Brain Dump

2011-03-18T01:36:00.000-02:00

I am blogging because I promised myself I would try to blog at least 3 times a week and so far well...so far I've never done it so I thought mid-March sounded like a good time to start
Honestly, I am blogging because I can't find the remote. There. I said it. I am literally too lazy to get off my arse to find it.
What the heck are we gonna do about these gas prices? I stopped to fill up yesterday (my car still had a quarter tank) because I thought it would be cheaper. SEVENTY DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-FIVE CENT LATER I drove away. For 75% of a full tank of gas! Do you know how many throw pillow that would buy for my busted old couch we are going to have to use at the new house until gas prices come down and we can buy a new one? ugh.
I think this baby is a girl today. Mainly because my face has decided to go through puberty again and as the old wives tale goes "Girls steal their mother's beauty"...not that I considered myself a "beauty" before, but really? If I would cut bangs and throw on a Guess t-shirt, I'd be straight 8th grade. I have yet to have anyone tell me I was "glowing"...
I've started taking yoga more regularly at the gym. I am rarely "all in". I try my best to "release the outside world and focus on right now" but my mind is still running. I have the warrior breathing down and surprise myself at my flexibilty. I did, however, tweak my upper left thigh last week in the "pigeon." It hurt so good until about two hours after class and then it just hurt. I am avoiding all poses that are named after birds. The "bald eagle" would be completely out of the question at this point...and I can only imagine how one would contort to get into it.
I would be lying if I said I didn't miss Facebook sometimes. Am I missing any big announcments? Is anyone pregnant? Engaged? Stuck behind a train in traffic and pissy? (Dan that was for you.)
We just spend a gazillion dollars on electronics for the house today. We probably should have spent the money on matching mopeds since gas is SO FREAKING HIGH. Oh, I mentioned that already?
I haven't taken recent pictures of the house to post. I will try to remember tomorrow!
Below is a picture of my backsplash taken with my phone (that's why it tooks like it's in 3-D)....it was laid today. Wait. It wasn't technically "laid" so would you say "hung"...See? These are the things I think about while in triangle pose.

This weekend we Lee and some buddies are laying the sod at the house. This could get interesting so I will have my camera for that!

Southern Baby: 17 weeks

2011-03-15T23:48:00.000-02:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 17 Weeks

Size of baby: 5 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in about 5 ounces...about the size of a loaded baked potato...according to parentsconnect.com "Your baby's weight will increase approximately six times over the next four weeks." Isn't that staggering!

Maternity Clothes: Wore my first pair of maternity shorts on a hot day last week...boy is that gonna be a sight this summer! They were so comfortable! This is just a strange time for the wardrobe (for everyone) but especially being pregnant. I have lots of summer maternity clothes given to me by some of my fabulous friends, but it's not quite warm enough for those and I don't need full blown maternity jeans and pants. AHHHH! So mainly I just try to stay in workout stuff.

Gender: Ultrasound has been set for the first week of April! People ask me if I have a feeling and this week I would say maybe I've been thinking girl....

Movement: Felt our sweet baby for the first time late last week. I can feel fluttters at night when I finally lay down and am still.

Sleep: This time change has killed me! I can't go to sleep at night and want to sleep late!!

What I miss: Exercising really hard. I am still trying to do something active EVERY day and still taking weight training classes at my awesome gym, but I reach exhaustion much faster now. I figure something is better than nothing!

Cravings: Water with fresh lemon! Only side effect: more trips to the potty :(

I don't want to forget...took the boys out to dinner tonight by myself because Lee was at a meeting...I will miss our time just me and them. I know that sounds crazy, but they are so precious right now and I am trying to give them every ounce of my attention these next few months.

Givin' it up for HIS love

2011-03-10T02:43:00.000-02:00

For those of you who ate out for supper tonight and were perplexed by the "dirt" on the forehead of the guy one booth over, or if you ran into someone in the grocery store with a black mark on their head this post is for you! Today is Ash Wednesday and after a few interesting conversations today, I thought it would be nice to share what this particular day means to me.

Tonight at church, our santuary was filled with middle school students currently in the confirmation class. In his message tonight, I felt like our pastor did a good job of stepping them (and me) through the details of this particular observance. So here's my recap...

What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent, the 40 days before Easter.

What is Lent?
The period time (40 days before Easter) during which Christians prepare their hearts for Easter. It's a time of prayer, a time of rememberance, a time of moderation. To me, a time to spend time thinking about the sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us on the cross.

Why all this talk about giving something up?
It took me a long time to truly grasp this aspect of Lent...until today. One of my former pastors, who is a friend on Facebook, posted a link from this website with a blog title "40 Ideas for Lent"...two questions on this list had a profound affect on me...

Is there a habit or sin in my life that repeatedly gets in the way of loving God with my whole heart or loving my neighbor as myself? How do I address that habit over the next 40 days?

How does giving it up draw me closer to God and prepare me for Easter?

To me giving something up for lent is a way of freeing yourself from a perceived "need" or "want" that distracts you from giving your time and energy to God. To me it had to be something I would do everyday that would remind me EVERYTIME of the sacrificce that Jesus made for me.

The ironic thing about this is that I totally confessed to my small group last Sunday that I see my greatest weakness as a Christian is spending time in prayer.  I fall short EVERY. DAY. I leave it for the end of the day and often fall asleep praying. I struggle to find time during the day to spend focused, quiet time in prayer. Well, that's a cop out.  I do have time. I just spend it doing other things like keeping up with Facebook, or surfing the internet reading articles and blogs or shopping ...Or I watch televison, or I talk on the phone in the car....the list goes on and on.

On the way to church tonight, Lee and I were talking about what we were going to give up for Lent. I jokingly said Lee should give up alcohol...of course, with me begin pregnant I found this particulary funny. Without skipping a beat, he said, "Ok. I'll give up alcohol if you give up Facebook. Take down your page and take it off your phone." WOW. Obviously, my best friend in the whole world sees me being distracted.  He helped me find a habit that repeatedly gets in the way of me loving God with my whole heart. So. I thought about it during church. I came back to that list of questions and thought some more.

So long Facebook.

Why the mark on the forhead with ashes?
The mark shows others that "I belong to Jesus"...it's a symbol of mourning, a sign of our repentance, a humbling of ourselves before the cross. To me, it reminds me that death is not the end for me.

Why do all this?
Psalm 139 says it all for me...He knows everything there is to know about me. I need to spend sometime getting to know Him better.
Psalm 139
1 You have searched me, LORD,

and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

you, LORD, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

Southern Baby: 16 weeks

2011-03-09T00:28:00.000-02:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: 4 1/2 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in about 3 1/2 ounces...about the size of an avocado

Maternity Clothes: Wearing a few maternity shirts because my regular ones feel too short. I have bought a pair of jeans and black pants a size bigger, but have to wear a Bella Band to keep them up (for now! ha)

Gender: Ultrasound has been set for the first week of April!

Movement: After a long day, when I lay really still and flat on my back in bed I can feel the baby kind of balling up on my left side.

Sleep: Have had WEIRD dreams every night this week! Still no "boy" or "girl" dreams, but my SIL had one! It was a girl and we named her Sasha Ann...ummmmm, no.

Cravings: Nothing now...I ate my way through the first trimester so I am satisfied and trying to slow my roll!

I don't want to forget...Jackson asked me what color our baby was going to be...was it gonna look like us?

This picture was taken late this afternoon after a loooong day. Took boys to school, met Heath to drive to Gilbert to pick out stone for our fireplace hearthstone, Home Depot, picked boys up, back to house to deliver stuff I bought at HD, stayed at house to watch my tub being installed and talk to our friend Matt from Avista, and then home for baths, supper and bedtime! This is one tired MAMA!

Southern Baby: 15 weeks

2011-03-01T02:10:00.001-02:00

Soooo as it turns out, taking a picture of yourself is not the easiest thing to do. As you can see I was really focused on the belly and forgot to smile! Ha! From here on out, I am asking for help with the photography...this is something that I did not do with the boys and it makes me so sad now. A blogger that I have read fo-ever Kelly, at Kelly's Korner, is pregnant with her second child and each week she posts a picture of herself and gives highlights. I really look forward to seeing her cute picture each week so I'm gonna try it! Not promising I will make it every week, but I will sure try.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 15 Weeks

Size of baby: 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in about

2 1/2 ounces...about the size of an apple

Maternity Clothes: Wearing a few maternity shirts because my regular ones feel too short. I have bought a pair of jeans and black pants a size bigger, but have to wear a Bella Band to keep them up (for now! ha)

Gender: Hoping to find out at our Ultrasound in about 5 weeks!

Movement: I got nothin'....

Sleep: Sleeping MUCH better now...those first few weeks were brutal! I was not sleeping well at all! Now, I am much better~

What I miss: Exercising really hard. I am still trying to do something active EVERY day and still taking weight training classes at my awesome gym, but I reach exhaustion much faster now. I figure something is better than nothing!

Cravings: Nothing now...I ate my way through the first trimester so I am satisfied and trying to slow my roll!

I don't want to forget...that Tradd and Jackson have started kissing my stomach to "kiss the baby"! Really took me by surprise the first time, but I think it's so precious.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!

2011-02-23T12:35:00.000-02:00

Dear Tradd and Jackson,
      1,825 days. That number sounds so large!   Your Aunt Jan told me a long time ago that with children, the days are long, but the years short. I have never felt that to be more true than today....on your fifth birthday. In some ways, I feel like you have been with us forever...but it's the small things that remind me of just how fast those days have passed.

Holding your hands and feeling them lace in between my fingers...half the size of mine now. Remembering when those little hands were chubby and barely filled my palm.

Buying you new shoes last week...size 11! Your feet looked like boats to me when we tried them on, but sure enough your toes were at the end. Remembering your first pair of shoes, those white, stride rite walking shoes.
Snuggling with you when you sneak into our bed in the early morning when it's still dark outside. Realizing that when our heads share a pillow your feet almost reach to my knees. Remembering you curled up on my chest your very first day.

Our conversations when you try your best to understand this world. Just yesterday our conversation on the way to school went something like this...
Jackson: Mama, Max is in heaven right?
Me: Yes, buddy he's in heaven.
Tradd: And that's where God lives?
Me: Yep, God and Jesus and Nana and Max and Pops...
Tradd:  Has he always lived there?
Me: Yes, he's lived there forever and ever.
Tradd:  So he's never going to move?
Me: I don't think so buddy..?...?...

You challenge me everyday...EVERY. DAY.

Knowing that our family will be changing with this new baby makes me look at you with new eyes.  I am hanging on to every day that we have together and trying my best to soak you up.... a friend told me the other day that after we have the baby and you come to see us in the hospital, that you will look so big to me...never bigger. As excited as I am for that moment, it does make me sad a little bit. It's been "us" for so long. 1,825 days to be exact....

Last night while he was tucking you in, I overheard your Daddy telling you about the day you were born. Both of you squealing with laugher when he was acting silly made me hope you will always love to hear that story as much a we do.
We love you precious ones!  Happy, Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mama

Southern Home

2011-02-17T01:38:00.000-02:00

A Baby Changes Everything

2011-02-14T02:31:00.000-02:00

So I've been waiting to write about this until the time was just right...and tonight the time is right.

Here is a glimpse of our newest blessing...

I know it might not look like much now, but if you look hard enough you can see little feet on the left side!

I am 13 weeks pregnant with an August 19th due date!!!!

I have had the chance to share this story with some of you, but need to document it for my family so here it goes....

In the fall, Tradd and Jackson began telling people that we were having a baby...a baby sister to be exact. Sunday school teachers, preschool teachers, grandparents, strangers, didn't really matter to them as long as you'd listen...they even named "her" Kacy. So you can only imagine my surprise on December 7th at my yearly WELL visit with my OB when I was told that this spoken prayer for a sister, made by two precious four year olds, had been answered. When I think about the coincidence that surrounds that very appointment, I can't help but smile at the way God works.  My original appointment was for early November, but my doctor had to reschedule so December 7th is was.
At the appointment, I politely answered all of the nurse's questions and she asked if we were considering more children. I explained that we were building a house and well, not at the perfect spot to have a baby, but IF we did it would be within the year. Big stress on the "IF".  My doctor (who delivered our boys and I love) came in and says, "So we're doing it again!" After I had a good laugh, I told him not to get ahead of himself...we talked about the house, our current living arrangements, etc. and moved on to the exam.

Not to give TMI, but during my exam he was mashing on my stomach and it hurt when he pressed on my right side...told me it was probably a cyst, nothing to worry about.  The first thing I learned that day is that when you pee into the little cup, they do not automatically run a pregnancy test...sooooo when he left the room, as I dressed, he asked his nurse to run a test.  When he came back in, he laid the test down and calmly said, "Well, Misty, you are actually pregnant today!" I nearly fell out of the chair. Not only was I shocked, but Lee was OUT OF THE COUNTRY. As in, I could not even talk to him for almost 48 hours!
I left that appointment white-knuckling my steering wheel, in complete shock and smiling from ear to ear. I can only imagine what I looked like!   Of course, my next thought....telling Lee.  Wasn't sure what he would say or how he would react.  I told him the next night as soon as he got in the door and put his bag down from his trip...he said, "What? We're having a baby?" And when his tears came, I knew everything was ok...he was just as happy as me.

We waited a few week to tell the boys...they didn't act surprised....I guess they were sure their prayer would be answered. The picture below was taken the day that I found out, December 7th, at their school Christmas program. When I look at this picture I will always remember the way I felt that night....holding a secret so big, one that would change all of us...well, a baby does change everything.