okay so its been a month

I have really been slacking, but we just can't seem to get out of the sickness bug. AJ has been on breathing treatments for almost 3 weeks now, we have 1 more week to go where he has to take a steriod through the breathing machine twice a day. Sleep has become something we long for and can only day dream about!

Avery is getting so into the holiday season, he loves to sing jingle bells and frosty. And is just amazed by the lights. AJ is all over the place we are in full fledge crawling mode and just goes WHEREVER he sees fit. I have truly come to enjoy my boys I love sharing special moments with them.. moments only a mom can appreciate. I will post pictures soon.

so long

I know its been a minute since I've really written here, I am not trying to be not post its just been I've been so busy that it just falls off my list of to do things.

Avery is back in school this week, and has picture day today at school. He is also in full blown Christmas mode, and we aren't quite sure where he has gotten it, but if I have to sing Jingle Bells 1 more time today (which I know I will when I pick him up from school), I think I'm going to lose my head. Christmas is my most favorite holiday, #1 for the reason, and #2, because its just such a happy time of the year, I love the decorations, the lights, and the fellowship with family and friends. SO I am soo etactic that my oldest is enjoying the holidays as much as I am, I was just expecting him to start AFTER thanksgiving not before.


Now to my poor baby, AJ, he has a double ear infection and RSV, so every 4 hours we have to give him a neubulizer treatment, which he clearly does not like. Please keep him in your prayers that he gets better before we travel to St. Louis! We have 2 teeth!!! by the way, bless his poor heart he is cutting them both WHILE being sick! He is such a patient baby, I really need to learn that from him!

AJ is 7 months old today, I just can't believe it, 5 more months and he'll be a year OH MY!! He is also starting to get the crawling thing down. he will only got a few feet, but he is getting it, before we know it he'll be unstopable. Well back to work!

Love from our family to yours!

halloween

I will have a onetruemedia show up soon, but I wanted to share some pictures

29+1

At least that is how my best friend says it. I must give a big thanks, and hug to my husband and best friend Michele for pulling off a WONDERFUL surprise birthday party. I thought my dear friend was coming down to take me to dinner to celebrate my birthday... little did I know when we showed up, my hubby was there along with our closest and dearest friends. It was a wonderful night and a great surprise.


Check out the pictures here onetruemedia

so its been a minute

I had been soooo good at posting, but alas, I have been negligent lately. So much to say. The boys are doing great. Avery is just growing in his language skills by leaps and bounds. Last wednesday (17th) was my birthday and Adam was making dinner, Avery walked into the kitchen and said "what are you making daddy" Adam was just blown away. He also likes to refer to himself in 3rd person, so we will hear "Avery doesn't like that" or "Avery had pizza for lunch" (which he only gets on fridays but if you ask him he has it ever day. His newest is when he is mad, or doesn't want to do something he used to say back "No" in his little resistent voice... which he would also get in trouble for. Well the last few days he'll say (in the same resistent voice) "NO, Thank You" like since he said the thank you part it is okay... he's learning quickly that it doesn't work either.

AJ is just my sweet little boy. If you look at him he'll just SMILE back at you. A smile that just lights up his whole face. On the 13th we went to a dinner for Mariah's birthday. We got back and AJ threw up and was felling warm. We took his temp and it was 103.4 after a call to the doctor we got it under control (although it took over 48 hours for the fever to go away and stay away. But I remember he was so tired, and so still (which isn't him), and he was laying on my shoulder and in the midst of not feeling well i looked down at him, and he just smiled at me. Like a "its okay mommy" smile.

I was talkin to Adam last night, and said I just couldn't imagine my life without these boys. It is as if they have always been here... i guess in a way they have always been in my heart, as I prayed for the kids that I would have one day long before I ever had them... or even had met Adam.

Thank you Lord, for my wonderful family!

Busy

I just don't know how else to explain this time. Avery is doing excellent in school, although at times still complianing about his back, it has lessen some. AJ is now 6 months old (offically 1/2 a year old, I can't believe it.) He goes in for his 6 month appointment on friday, so we will be starting "baby food" (homemade) this weekend!

For the past 2-3 weeks I have been dealin with almost daily migraines. God is definetly showing me my strength as it is difficult at times, to manage, work, 2 kids, meals, baths, and just life with a constant pain in your head.

Adam and I are taking a WONDERFUL course at our church, which I will post more about at a later time.

Don't feel that I've forgotten about this blog.. just busy, will hope to post more this weekend along with pictures!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

Sweetheart, I hope that you have a wonderful birthday. You absolutely deserve it. It's amazing when birthdays come around how sentimental you get over the last year... what has happened, how your life has changed. I would think (and I'll speak for my husband here), that this past year has been wonderful... with the addition of AJ to our family how could it not be?

Ocean City

Adam the kids and I escaped to Ocean City, MD this weekend. We bought a timeshare there and this was our week.... due to poor planning on our part we were only about to go up for the weekend but it was such a relaxing time! I am going to post more later about the place, etc... but wanted to tell about this WONDERFUL place we got dinner from.

In OC this weekend we were hoping to find a spot to eat there that could be "ours" someplace we visited every year... well we found that at On the Bay Seafood. Rosemary and Rob have a HIT in their hands... it was THE BEST crab cakes I have ever had... and I've had many. I am not a fish person, but we got the fried flounder INSANE. It was so wonderful. Very refreshing to be able to eat some good seafood and not be broke walking out. Rob's answer to 1 lady when she asked what came with the all you can eat, and he said "crabs.. nothing else.. we aren't trying to fill you up on fillers.. this is a place for serious crab lovers...." and they were right. We can't wait to come back in 2008!!!

On the Bay Seafood
4204 Coastal Hwy
Ocean City, MD 21842

(410) 524-7070

Avery Update

We got the results back from Avery's MRI and they came back Normal... THANK GOD. The little "lump" they found on his back showed to just be some soft tissue and nothing to worry about. I spoke with the Doctor and we are back at square 1 at trying to figure out what could be causing him pain. The doctor wants us to wait 2 weeks and see if he is still complaining/waking/crying in his sleep etc... and if so then he said he may send us in for an ultrasound of his abdomen to rule out anything there causing any issues.

Thank you ALL for your prayers for Avery... we are glad that this showed nothing, and pray that his pain can go away on its own!

The A Team

been a bit

so things have been pretty crazy around our house. I've had a migraine since Sunday, so my time on the computer has been limited... Avery went and had his MRI yesterday, it was awful having to watch him be put under again... the procedure took about an hour, he threw up 4 times yesterday after the procedue but as of last night he was back to his old self.

Avery now knows how to come in our room in the night, and climb up in our bed without even waking us... this has become his routine since he keeps walking with his back pain... hopefully once we get some answers and get him better he will go back to sleeping through the night in his own bed.

AJ has now gone 2 weeks sleeping through the night... going to bed between 9-9:30 and waking between 5:30-6:30...

I will post results once I get them from Avery MRI.. sorry so short of an update!

Pictures from Centreville Days, the Reston Zoo... and just hanging with the boys

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Stole the show

Avery just lights up a room... not just to me, but to others around. Theresa and I took Avery up to Centreville Days, this past Saturday afternoon. Adam stayed home with AJ, as AJ was napping, and Adam wanted some veg time. As we were talking to C.days, there were some police man standing near his car... by the event. We had been talking with Avery, about how Police are good people, and we thank them for all they do for us, etc etc... so he say the car and asked to see it. I asked the officer if my son could look in the window... not only did he allow that, he talked with Avery, opened the car, let him sit in it, let us get pictures, then told us to have him get a picture near the seal. It was priceless.

SO we go to the fair, and the Centreville Fire department was there... one of the gentlemen gave Avery a hat (and one for his baby brother), and was talking to Avery, asked him how old he was, and other stuff... Avery asked him where the fire truck was, he said it was at the station but to tell him mommy to take him by there on his way home if he was a good boy.. which he promised to be.

So liked we were asked.. we stopped at the firestation on our way home. Not only did Avery get to see the fire truck, one of the guys turned on the lights, let him sit in the truck, and put on all of the gear to show him what they looked like when they went to fight a fire...

On top of all that fun day, Avery got to spend the night with his T.T.... so he was just has happy as could be!

Prayers for Avery - Update

I have never been more validated in my feelings about listening to my gut, and my boys than I was on Friday.

I took Avery into the doctor to see Dr. Javandi (Dr. G has Avery says his name). He examed Avery completely.. then had him stand on the table in his birthday suit to get a look at his back... he noticed a blue spot (very fant) and asked if I saw it too.. I did, it touched and felt around and thought it was a hematoma but under the skin, and was going to get another opion from another dr. In came Dr. Rosbach. Both of them examed Avery, felt the spot, moved the spot.

They said basically they believe it is a cluster of blood vessels (hemotoma) that has come up to the skin. Normally it won't affect anything unless it was affecting the bone/causing pain... if that was the case then surgery would be invovled to remove it. Then he said the T word, he said it would be called a tumor as any type of mass would but that it was begnin... because of the blood work done the week before it should all of his levels perfect so we didn't have to worry about the "C" word. A blessing from God.

So the next step, Avery is scheduled for a sedated MRI (gulp) on Sept 26th at 7am.

Prayers for Avery

The last couple of months Avery has been complaining of pain in his back. We took him to the Doctor in August and they did some blood work up (came back normal), and thought it was most likely an attention getting due to the changes in our family. While we could see their point, we have definetly made it clear that Avery has his time with each of us, and he has shown little signs of jealous (behind minor wanting to be held when we are holding the baby etc). Never the less, she said to give it a month and see if he is still complaining.

Well fast forward, 4 weeks and he is still complaining, he hasn't sleep through the night since the end of July (middle july), which is SOO not Avery because he normally sleeps through anything. He complains about his back hurting at night, crying in the middle of the night in his sleep saying it hurts, when you change his diaper and make him lay down he will say it hurts, so we took him back in, more blood work and urine check and it all came back negative.

His school called and said he has another nose bleed (number 5 or 6) since July. So I called the doctor back and instead of waiting and trying to pursuede the nurse to do something I have an appointment for him tomorrow at 3pm to see one of the Doctors. I pray that it is something as simple as a pinched nerve.. or something minor, but want to find out so that my little boy can stop being in pain and can once again have peacefull sleep.

It takes a village

As my kids get older, I am starting to learn the value in the statement "it takes a village to raise a child" We are blessed to have active family members being a part of our boys life, whether they are local, states away, or around the world. They still all play their unique role in helping to shape/mold our children. While Adam and I are very active parents in our children's life (which if you listen to the news is a rarity in society), we know that there are others outside of our lives who also have a great impact to make on our children, in helping to mold them into the best boys/young men they can be.

They have their TT, that they get to see everyday, and learn from, play with, and exploit... Avery loves to ask TT to "go see kitty" now he wants nothing to do with the kitty, but he knows its his way to get downstairs and play with her down there... he also loves to "spend the night with TT".

They have their "Maw-Gra" Avery's very own created word. He loves going to visit, I think partially because he knows he gets away with more...lol. He loves "presents" and talking on the phone with Maw-Gra and lately all he can talk about is wanting to fly and go see her (we stopped telling him because he he wants to go right then).

They has their Uncles: Steve and Chase, and his Aunts "Ria" and Monica "pronouced "ma-Onica" Avery LOVES to mess with his Aunt Ria, and always ask for "uncle chase" and act like he can't be bother with her... then he just laughs.

They has their cousins, Charles, Ty, Rachael.. as well as other cousins..

They have our close Friends the Caleb's and their son Cameron. Miss Michele.. who Avery just loves to play shy around, and then try to knock her over.. and that is just 2 of our close friends.

I could go on and own, about all of the people close to us, who have an influence in our child's life.

I was talking with a co-worker today at work, and we were talking about schools, and she was asking about the schools we looked at, and we both commented about how as parents we have to communicate with other parents if we want to be able to provide the best for our children... that is when it hit me. Of course if you want to be one of those "do it all myself" types your children will come out great, but there is soo much more in life, that we can't provide for our children, just the experiences, the life lessons that someone else maybe able to share with our kids.

We want our children to come into a room, and everybody want to hold, hug/give kisses to them.. we want them to be loved by others, and not just cling to us.

We are so glad that are boys are loved by sooo many people, and that so many have taken the time to invest in our kids. We are for ever indepted to you. While we know we make the strongest impression on our children as their parents, we also know that all of those closest to us also leave their mark in our kids lives and their hearts.

Bye Daddy

Well we thought the transition to the new school would last longer than a day but I guess we were wrong. I talked to Adam after he dropped Avery off at school, and I aked him how it went and he said "he told me bye" Adam said he took Avery into his class Avery went and sat at the table with the other kids, Adam asked for a kiss and Avery said "bye daddy." I guess we picked a good school. Last night, besides the mound of sand in his shoes from the playground, Avery I think was asleep the minute his head hit his pillow... it is wonderful to know that he is that tired from a full fun day.

Now to my other little ANGEL.. my MOBILE little ANGEL!!! Yes we have movement... EVERYWHERE... AJ is either rolling to get where he wants to go, or inch worm crawling. He was ALL over the family room last night. he'd roll until he hit the couch... inch his way in a new direction and start rolling the other way. It is soo cute to watch him grow, and to see him smile when we come home... or to watch how he watches his big brother. Have I said before how I love my boys?

And another one bites the dust

45-35.... need I say more!

First Day of School

So we began this weekend, (well actually ever since last wednesday), talking to Avery about going back to school. We have been talking about how fun it was going to be, the playground, all the other kids. I had his bags all packed last night, one of his "blankets" for nap time, and his RJ dog (boxer stuffed animal), While I know its not kindegarden, elementary... high school or college it is still a big deal when you are leaving 1 of your 2 more prized possessions in the hands of someone that isn't family. We are blessed to have Adam's mom watch the boys and we can go to work knowing they are safe and loved, and taken care off... but alast after Avery's 3 week "vacation" as we searched for a new school it was time that he got back into a "school" setting. Adam dropped him off this morning, that was quite hard for me, not being there when he was going to school for the first time, but I knew Daddy was there, and could handle it, and I didn't want to make it out to be bigger than it was.

Adam called me after he got dropped off and said that Avery had a muffin, when they got there... that he would run around and play, but then come back to Adam and say "lets go bye bye daddy" Adam said he cried when he left, but it wasn't that bad.

I just calle the school and they said that Avery was doing great. That they were having circle time, and he was sitting down in circle time having a good time. I can't wait to pick him up at school today, I may try to sneak out a few minutes early just to get my little boy.

Be carefull

We had a play group today at a local park, I've posted about this park before. We left AJ at home with TT, because it was just too hot out. The car temp was reading 95-97 outside. Plus it was nice to be able to take Avery on an outing with both of us, and have some good time with us. The road leading up to the park was quite hilly, and Avery enjoyed saing "woah" over every hill. As we were reaching the crest of a rather large hill Avery calls out "be carefull, be carefull daddy" We all just busted out in laughter. How funny it is, that in life you sometimes need a two your old to remind you to watch what you are doing (although it wasn't really needed), it does remind you that they are always watching!

just try one bite

So many times in life we get comfortable with the way things are and don't allow ourselves the opportunity to try something new. We close ourselves off to what is not the norm.

Just 1 bite is what we are teaching Avery. You don't have to like it, and you don't have to eat a lot of it, but you have to try 1 bite. We want him to be able to live "outside" the box, to not conform to just what we are used to, or to limit himself to what he likes, because if you don't try just 1 bite you don't know you might be missing out on something great.

So the next time you are asked to step outside of your box... remember just 1 bite.

Go to School Please

So yesterday Adam and I took off work, to go "school shopping" for Avery. He has been home for 2 weeks, and while he loves spending time with TT, he needs more. So yesterday Adam, Avery and I went and visited 5 different schools (well actually 4, 1 was actually shut down.)

While all schools have good qualities, I think after touring the different schools, speaking with the teachers, and going off "gut feeling" Avery will be starting Sully Station Children's Center next monday. He cried, and I mean CRIED when we left the school yesterday. The kids in his new class were on the play ground and he just had so much fun out there playing with them. I hope and pray that we have an easy transistion and he adjusts quickly to his new school.

More Salad Please

So we've already established that Avery is not your average child when it comes to taste buds. This is the child that doesn't like ketchup on food, but will eat it with a spoon. Won't touch Mac n Cheese, Peanut Butter Sandwiches no way... Will pass up cake for an apple, (well sometimes)... but the other night just took the cake. We were eating dinner, a simple dinner, chicken, mac n cheese and salad. Avery wanted some salad (which he had eaten before), so we made him his own small bowl, and he had 1/2 a chicken breast. We put a small spoon of mac n cheese (we are trying to get him to try new things). He wouldn't touch the mac, not even to eat a chip... BUT he did ask for more salad please... who would have thunk it!

To watch Avery's language develop is such an amazement. He is growing more and more, and his sentences are becoming more complex with time. Having monday off, Adam got up with the boys and I got the treat to sleep an extra hour. As I was getting ready to come down stairs, I hear Avery say "Daddy, get it off of me" could this be my child? Sure enough Avery had went to give AJ a kiss and got slobbered! And was telling Adam to get the slobber off of him... needless to say we all got a good laugh from that one.

Baby Free Room

I can't believe my boys are growing up. Avery is in his toddler bed 100% now basically, while it sometimes takes him longer to go down he's doing it. Lately he wants a dog with him, so Laila has become his night time buddy, (because RJ is too neurotic to stay behind the baby gate). I'm sure Laila is wondering what she has done to get locked up with the wild child... but all is good. Tuesday night AJ transitioned to his "big boy bed" (ie the crib). I just couldn't take another sleepless night. Sunday night and Monday night, AJ would wake up every 2 hours in the little portable crib because he'd keep hitting the sides of the crib. So instead of transitioning Sept 1 which we had picked to be his date, he moved over on the 28th. It felt so odd after 4 1/2 months of having him right next to me (in his portable crib) he's down in the "boys room" They don't stay our babies for long.

I have the greatest pleasure to be mom to the 2 most sweetest boys in the world (okay, I'm a bit bias.) While Avery is my wild child, he has the most caring disposition I have EVER known in a 2 year old, yesterday I got the greatest joy in life to witness this. Theresa had a doctors appointment so I had come home early. I had made AJ a bottle and put it on the table and went back to the kitchen for a drink when I come back in, I see AJ in his exercauser, and Avery with the bottle trying to give it to his little brother. I quickly grabbed the camera to forever remember that moment. Later that evening after dinner, I had put the boy's kids church music dvd on so I could do the dishes and i take a peek in the family room, and AJ was in his bouncy seat and Avery was sitting on the floor next to him just bouncing his seat for him.... I wanted to cry. It was the pure love for his brother that at 2 he watches over and cares for him. I know we will have our fair share of jealous days in the future, or days where the boys can't stand each other, but I know deep down inside there is pure love between them. To see AJ just watch his big brother as he dances around the family room, or Avery trying to tickle AJ's feet. They interact like that because they love each other, not because someone has told them too. I love my boys.

We are mobile

This has been a crazy busy week and on top of it all, I've been dealing with allergy/sinus issues as the weather has taken a colder/rainy turn.

AJ has decided that he no longer wants to stay in 1 spot. I believe it was monday evening or tuesday evening, but I put him on his blanket on the floor for some floor time, and he immediately rolled to his belly (which he hates to be on, but still will roll there... but can't figure out how to get back to his back.) But this time, AJ was unsually content on his tummy, pulling up on his elbows/arms looking up at the world. then he starts to squish his legs up (poking his little butt in the air), and out goes his arm... he smiles as he realizes what he as done, and continues this motion, moving all over his blanket. He is at a snails pace... but you have to start somewhere.... now when you put him down he just start to do his little "snail crawl" all over... these precious moments, so innocent, so simple. Reminds me that life is about more than just work, money, and material things.

AJ's Dedication

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Business

Life has seemed quite busy lately. This past weekend was a wonderful weekend, and a very special weekend for the A-Team.

On Friday, we took dinner over to Mariah, Chase and baby Rachael. We had a wonderful time hanging out with them. Rachael is changing so much in just her short week of life. It amazes me how much they grow and change in the very beginning. It makes me very nostalgic thinking back to when the boys were born.

This weekend was AJ's baby dedication at McLean Bible Church. Saturday was busy getting ready for Sunday. Making sure the boys had their dress clothes together. Ordering Cakes, getting food etc for Sunday, cleaning the house... I did manage to get my hair done on Saturday... I love my new cut. The morning Avery and I went and ran errands together. I love spending 1 on 1 time with him running errands... we can be in the middle of the store and he'll just stop me an annouce he wants a "bear hug" how could you resist.

That afternoon Adam and I took AJ and went to the mall, as Avery stated at home that he wanted to stay home so he spent the afternoon playing with TT. That evening Adam went to play golf with Chase, and Theresa went to hang out with Mariah, Avery wanted to go to... so he went to spend time with his TT and his aunt, which I am sure he enjoyed.

AJ and I got to run some errands and spend time together. We went and got party decorations, and the last minute soda and chips etc. Then AJ and I just relaxed at the house we played on the floor together... laughed, rolled, and played with toys... I couldn't have had a better time... well if I had my 2 other boys there it would have been perfect!

Sunday was AJ's dedication. It was such a special time for us. Michele came down from B-more, it was wonderful to have my best friend there. The Caleb's came, and Mariah and Chase also came to the church to share in the day with us. Ashley and Ken met us at the house afterwards to help celebrate (she had to work Sat. night and only got off work Sunday at 8am). We had a wonderful afternoon just spending time with friends and family that was close with us. We couldn't have asked for a better way to spend AJ's dedication.

Sunday night, we all just crashed, I think just the constant running had caught up to the A-Team and we were all sound asleep by 10:30!!

The Family Castle

The Family Castle
by Nancy Rakovszky
Our castle stands atop the hills
And offers strength of spirit
Place your hand little one unto mine
And I shall lead you to it.

The family castle is now your home
The stones grow ever stronger
For the castle's built on love and hope
Alone you are no longer.

Behind these walls that rise up high
Lies a garden lush and green
It's offerings bountiful as the sea
And beauty yet unseen.

Drink the waters that beckon you near
They'll fill your heart with hope
Feast on the knowledge offered here
For that will help you cope.

Our fires will fill your soul with warmth
To cast off the chill outside
Yet stay not here within these walls
They were not built to hide.

Swing wide the gates so you can see
The world lie at your feet
For without what hides beyond
The castle's incomplete.

Mount our stallion strong and true
For he shall be your guide
His legs have carried those of us
Who've ventured far outside.

Fear not what you do not yet know
Lead on and find your star
Fill your pack with experience
That you shall gain afar.

The good times will outnumber bad
Though sometimes you shall fall
It's at that time that you should seek
The strength of the castle wall.

For no matter the path you choose to take
No matter the strength of tides
You need only look inside your heart
For that's where the castle resides.

family

You never realize how special, important family is to you until you have events that draw you all close. These past few weeks have been filled with family "events" first my brother and his family move to Italy, and then Adam's sister has a baby. It is just amazing how while you think you were a tight-knit family before... something like these things happen and it draws you even closer.

We went and visited Mariah and Baby Rachael at the hospital yesterday. While AJ is only 4 months, he is already out of that "infant/baby" phase.. that newbornness is gone. Rachael is soo precious, so innocent, so sweet.

Mariah and I did a few laps around the halls yesterday when we were there.. It was so nice to just walk around with her, and chit chat... I definetly feel that our relationship as sister in laws, as grown and now can say that we are truly friends as well as family... I look forward to years of drawing closer in our relationship and sharing life between our families.

Baby Rachael is here

Well this weekend just turned out not as planned but WONDERFUL.

I received an email from my SIL on Friday saying she was having some odd pains (her due date was August 11th). So I knew right from there it wasn't going to be the "quiet" weekend.

Friday around 6:45 we got the call she was headed to the hospital. We got Avery to bed and got a neighbor to come sit with him, and Adam, Theresa, AJ and myself headed up to the hospital about 8:30. Mariah was having contractions about 2-6 minutes apart but was not "moving" at all... so a little before 11 they decided to send her home. SO we all went home to try and get some rest. When we got up on Saturday, Adam's mom told us Mariah went back to the hospital about 3:30 in the AM.. and she was dialating. I dropped Theresa off at the hospital around 6:45ish and I also went in for a minutes to visit before heading off to work.

That DARN ROOM 13

By 11:30 Mariah was calling me at work she was 6cm, and due to her blood count couldn't get an epi... she was confused on what to do. I left work, to meet her over there, and Adam and Avery were headed up as well. Thanks to our friends the "Caleb's" who watched AJ for us that day so we could focus on Mariah.

Here is where the long wait begins. What a WOMAN she is, so strong, so beautiful, she found a strength I could only dream of. It was determined that since she couldn't have an epi, that they would do a C-Section at 4pm, (couldn't do it earlier because she had crackers that morning to take meds. Well... at 4pm, they came back to do blood work to take her back but her levels were even lower so the Spinal was now out. They decided to get her some steroids to see if it would boost her levels.. after an hour wait... it didn't. So it was determined that she would be put under and a C-Section would be done to take the baby.

Mariah was taken back about 7:10 that night, and Rachael Raye (aka BGP, aka Gerdie) was born at 7:29. She is absolutely beautiful. A FULL head of hair, wide eyed... I don't think there was a dry eye when they annouced her arrival and when they brought her out. It had been such a long day for Mariah and Chase, (and the rest of us bystanderards). But what a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL reward. Adam took Avery home and picked up AJ after Rachael's arrival and I stayed with Theresa so she could see her daughter before heading home.

Sunday we went up to see the new family, and Mariah was doing WONDERFUL. After some sleep she was doing much better... but was still waiting for a real meal. We got to hold little Rachael, how sweet and innocent... we look forward to going over on Friday and getting to spend some family time with them... and enjoy our new neice!

Rough Day

My brother and his family leave today for Italy. We've known for over a year this was coming but it doesn't make it any easier. While we have never been the closet of siblings we have always been there for each other when in need. It saddens me in a way that now that we both of families we aren't going to be near each other to share in watching them grow.

Adam calls me crazy, but I feel bad for not getting closer to my brother and his family now that they are leaving. I wish I would have visited them more (they were in NC the last 2 years). I wish I would have called more, emailed more... Just tried to have them be a bigger part of my life. A regret I have for my past, but something I can change for my future.

It isn't until someone isn't touchable, reachable do you realize how much they really mean to you.

Where did the time go

It was a busy crazy weekend...

Friday Adam and I both escaped work early and met at Starbucks for a quick coffee date. It was quite wonderful.. just a nice quick time to catch up and spend some QT together. Friday evening we met up with some friends and went to Ned's to hear my friend Darron's band reflix live. We had a wonderful time... my voice that I had already started to lose Thursday/Friday was gone by Saturday. I don't recall the last time I had such a good time.

Rise and Shine Saturday... Adam went and played golf with Chase and I went to help Mariah get ready for BGP.... or Gertrude as I call her. Avery went and we spent the morning getting her room together... we put the crib together, (who says a woman can't do stuff like that) and got her room a bit more ready for her arrival any day now. We came home and we all went down for a quick nap (thanks to the late nap), then headed over the Caleb's to celebrate Caleb's birthday (which is this coming Tuesday). We had a nice time over there but called in an early evening and headed home.

After getting the boys to bed, Adam and I watched The Pursuit of Happyness... what a wonderful movie... depressing for the first 1 hr and 50 minutes, but the last 5 minutes made up for it..lol

Sunday, we got up early (like always), and Avery and I hit the road up to Joppa, MD to visit with Michele for a bit. It was a nice time visiting with her... she is doing WONDERFULLY for just being so fresh from surgery. It was amazing to see how loved she is and the outpouring of support she is getting. She is truly a wonderful person.

Avery and I got home and we both took an afternoon nap.... and then we just rested with the rest of the family for the rest of the day.

Sunday evening, AJ was laying on his floor gym and Avery came up and laid down next to him... and it was just priceless to see them play. AJ would reach out and touch Avery's face.. or hold his hand and Avery would just laugh... or lean in and kiss his little brother... I will post pictures that we took of it... but it was just absolutely priceless.

Prayers for Michele

My very best friend Michele went to the ER last night with stomach pains. It turns out her appendix had ruptured. She had it surgically removed last night. Please pray for a quick healing for Michele. Also the doctors noted her appendix didn't look right and so they have sent it to pathology. She will know the results in 2 tuesdays. Please pray for good results.

The A Team's prayers go out to Michele as she recovers.... you'll be flying off buildings in no time Michele.

little man

So Avery was at the Doctor today, and we were seeing a doctor that he has seen since he was 4 days old.. but he hasn't seen her in probably 9 months (no more ear infections) she say him at his 18 month well baby visit then at his 2 year visit she was out on maternity leave. So she walks in the room yesterday and she says "where's our baby gone to... this is a little boy" She took the words from my mouth. In the last few weeks it seems Avery has grown leaps and bounds. He is starting to just talk up a storm.. and full sentences.. you can almost carry a small conversation with him. I am 1 proud mama of my big boy!

Babies in Trees

yesterday I was with Avery at the Doctor and this picture was hanging on the wall.. Avery looks at the picture and says "look mommy, babies in trees" it just made me smile. Then he looked at the picture and says "no no babies in trees"

Priceless moments!

Shoo Fly Pie

Shoo-fly pie is a Pennsylvania Dutch treat. It's been made there by the Amish for years. It got it's name from the fact that, after being baked, it's often placed on the window sill to cool. Given that it contains lots of sugar and syrup, you have to shoo the flies away! That's the truth.

Movie Trivia Answer... so how did you do?!

Someone has to die in order that the rest of us should value life more."
- VIRGINIA WOOLF (Nicole Kidman) in The Hours (2003)

"I can't believe I gave my panties to a geek."
- SAMANTHA (Molly Ringwald) in Sixteen Candles (1984)

When I first saw you, I thought you were handsome. Then, of course, you spoke."
- CAROL CONNELLY (Helen Hunt) in As Good As It Gets (1997)

"And one day, not long from now, my looks will go. They will discover I can't act, and I will become some sad middle-aged woman who looks a bit like someone who was famous for a while."
- ANNA SCOTT (Julia Roberts) in Notting Hill (1999)

"I have nipples, Greg. Could you milk me?"
- JACK BYRNES (Robert DeNiro) in Meet the Parents (2000)

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
- VERBAL KINT (Kevin Spacey) in The Usual Suspects (1995)

"Jerry, d'you know the human head weighs eight pounds?
- RAY (Jonathan Lipnicki) in Jerry Maguire (1996)

"Fasten your seat belts - it's going to be a bumpy night."
- MARGO CHANNING (Bette Davis) in All About Eve (1950)

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner."
- JOHNNY CASTLE (Patrick Swayze) in Dirty Dancing (1987)

"As you wish."
- WESTLEY (Cary Elwes) in The Princess Bride (1987)

"Is this heaven?"
"No, it's Iowa."
- RAY KINSELLA (Kevin Costner) in Field of Dreams (1989)

I'll have what she's having."
- FEMALE DINER (Estelle Reiner) in When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

"You can't handle the truth!"
- COLONEL JESSUP (Jack Nicholson) in A Few Good Men (1992)

"There's no crying in baseball!"
- JIMMY DUGAN (Tom Hanks) in A League of Their Own (1992)

"And in the morning, I'm making waffles!"
- DONKEY (Eddie Murphy) in Shrek (2001)

A weekend in Amish Country

So Friday morning we loaded up the van (actually loaded it up Thursday night), and we headed up to PA for the weekend. We made it to Hershey around 11am in Friday, and was off for the chocolate tour. Avery loved the tour, but loved the chocolate he got at the end the best.

AJ was just an excellent baby through the whole tour, he is now facing out in his little pack I carry him in, and he is just as happy as can be in it. AJ even got to taste a teeny tiny bit of chocolate, I mean come on... everybody should get to taste chocolate at chocolate world!

After the tour we continued on our journey to Amish country. We got to check into our hotel an hour early so we were able to get settled and give the boys a quick nap. We headed to Hershey Farm in Lancaster for their smorgasbord dinner... OH my goodness the food was WONDERFUL. Fried chicken, rolls, mac n cheese, shrimp, ham, turkey so good home cooking, YUMMI.

Saturday we headed out to Cherry and a 2 1/2 mile corn maze. At the start Adam and I thought "oh we'll be done in 30 minutes" after 1 HOUR we had to ask for the exit as the boys (and us) were pooped. We got to eat the most WONDERFUL corn there. It was roasted in 500 degrees for 27 minutes... Absolutely the best we've ever had.
Then it was home for naps, and off to the Strasburg train. We had a wonderful time... check out the link to our kodak pictures to see pictures of our trip.

Sunday we did a buggy ride through amish country and then in the afternoon got in the van and headed off on our own tour through the town. It was soo amazing just to see these horse and buggies driving on the same road as us...

I think the thing that made us realize we weren't at home any more was Saturday morning we were driving down the road and there was a a young man running barefoot on the road with a young child (also barefoot), and the young child was pulling a cart as they both ran down the street... you don't' see that in our local county very often!

We headed back home on Monday after a quick stop back at Hershey world to bring some chocolate home... We had a wonderful trip and some great quality time with the boys.

To see our photos click here

Bags are packed

Well almost.... we head out tomorrow on our 1st family (of 4 that is) mini vacation. We are packing up the kids and heading up to Hershey/Amish Country PA. I am definetly looking forward to getting away for a few days.... no work, no chores! Just looking to have some fun with Adam and the boys. We are going to go to Hershey world, and Hershey park... we are going to do a buggy ride through Amish Country, go to a hands on mueseum for Ave, and a bunch of other stuff... definetly looking forward to getting away... will post when we come back all about our trip!

We have feet, and imaginary Bumblebee's!

AJ has discovered his feet..... its really cute. He will grab his feet with his hands and just smile, and laugh... he'll roll from side to side holding his feet. I love my little chunky monkey.

Avery has gotten into a imaginary bee thing. If you listened to him we have bees all over our house. He told adam one day he had 1 in his diaper.. Adam had to take his diaper off, get the bee and free him outside...

The funniest though I went to pick him up at school the other day, and the teacher told me that he came to her saying he was stung by a bee.... well he had a misquito bite, but he had convinced the teachers it was a bee.... i just laughed. Such innocents... i never knew my heart could love them as much as it does.

Prayer for Baby Kaleb

I have been on a babyboard since being pregnant with AJ, one of the mom's on the board's baby is in the hospital... and your prayers are desperately needed for this little baby. Please read his story below, and send out a prayer for Kaleb... and forward this to all you know to pray also. THIS IS NOT AN URBAN LEGEND.... this is true. See below for links verifying this story is true.



On May 8th, Kristy went to pick her son (then 5 months old) up from an in home daycare, he didnt' seem right so she took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with bleeding on the brain due to shaken baby syndrome. (the childcare provider has been arrested). He has also been blinded by this, and has acquired bacterical mengitis (which can happen due to brain injuries.) He has been in and out of coma's and brain scans have showed that his brain tissue is dying, and his brain is shrinking. He is also suffering from numerous seizures. The released him from the hospital on July 16th, with a home nurse because he had started to stablize, only to be readmitted on July 22nd with the menegitis back. He may have to go back into surgery to have the shunt removed and put him back on antibiotics until the menegitis is gone then put the shunt back in... this is just a brief history for this little boy. To read more about it see the links below... but please please please.... pray for baby Kaleb!



You can go to Kristy's my space page to receive daily updates on Kaleb's status

http://www.myspace.com/kristyreynolds

http://www.myspace.com/helpkaleb

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/medical/kalebschwade.asp

Movie Trivia

Can you name the movie... will post the answers on thursday

1. "Someone has to die in order that the rest of us should value life more."

2. "I can't believe I gave my panties to a geek."

3. "When I first saw you, I thought you were handsome. Then, of course, you spoke."

4. "And one day, not long from now, my looks will go. They will discover I can't act, and I will become some sad middle-aged woman who looks a bit like someone who was famous for a while."

5. "I have nipples, Greg. Could you milk me?"

6. "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."

7. "Jerry, d'you know the human head weighs eight pounds?

8. "Fasten your seat belts - it's going to be a bumpy night."

9. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."

10. "As you wish."

11. "Is this heaven?"
"No, it's Iowa."

12. "I'll have what she's having."

13. "You can't handle the truth!"

14. "There's no crying in baseball!"

15. "And in the morning, I'm making waffles!" (This one is for my oldest son!)

Brain Teaser Answers

From the first teaser:

1. Fancy That
2. Head over heels in love
3. Take over the job
4. Green with Envy
5. He came out of nowhere
6. Hollywood squares
7. No stone left unturned
8. Excuse me
9. The hand is heavier than the foot
10. Period in history
11. Open and Shut Case
12. Crooked Lawyer

2nd teaser Answers:
1. More harm than Good
2. 1 foot in the grave
3. Scrambled Eggs
4. Mother in Law
5. I understand
6. sitting on top of the world
7. Pen is mightier than the sword

Sleep oh how I love thee

So every time I think that we are on a schedule and good to go... the boys love to through a curveball my way.

The weekend was really nice. Friday was my office picnic and we had such a blast. Avery was soaking wet from playing with water, water guns, water balloons you name it. Both boys feel asleep on our way home. Friday evening, Adam and I decided to have a LONG overdue date night. We met up with our friends Miguel and Tiffany and had a few drinks and listened to some music. I can't remember the last time we had stayed out that late. It was fun, but OH what a morning when the boys woke up at 5:30! Saturday,AM I went to out with Mariah, and Theresa... we went to Target, well I thought I was just going to hang out.. but $60 later..lol I can never walk into those stores without spending/getting something we didn't need... thanks Mariah!!! (lol/JK) Saturday afternoon we went to the pool with the Caleb's.. (Caleb, Erica, and Cam) and get this... AVERY swam on his own... I mean he was wearing his little life vest/jacket but he was swimming Adam and I were SOOO proud. He can go about 5/6 feet on his own... our little boy is growing up.

Saturday even we got the fight (winky vs. hopkins..) we were struggling to stay awake but we made it.. good fight, I was pull'n for hopkins, winky it seemed just kind of was wore out near the end.

Sunday we ran some errands got AJ an exercauser and just relaxed hit the grocery store. And new we start the work week all over again.. It's a short week though as we head out on Friday to PA for a long weekend vacation. We are headed up to amish country so hopefully we can get some relaxing time in this coming weekend.

Learning to Listen

back when we went through premarital class, they stressed the importance of learning how to properly agrue... they said it will happen in a marriage, it is how you do it that makes your marriage work or not work.

In learning areas I needed to improve my life I was lead to a book called "Fighting for your Marriage" basically the book teaches you to fight right, how to listen and discuss without causing tension and stress in your marriage. I also think it applies to friendships, especially the speaker listener technique found on page 63 in the book. This has been on my heart of late, maybe it will help someone else out there, besides me!

Below is a direct quote from the book about this technigue"



Rules for Both of you
1. The Speaker has the floor. Use a real object to designate the "floor" In seminars, we hand out pieces fo linoleum or carpet for couples to use as the floor. YOu can use anything, though: the TV remote control, a piece of paper, a paperback book anything at all. If you don't have the floor, your the Listener. As Speaker and Listener, you follow the rules for each role.

2. Share the floor. You share the floor over the course of conversation. One person has it to start and may say a number of things. At some point, you switch roles and continue as the floor changes hands.

3. No problem solving. When you use this technique, you are going to focus on having a good discussion, not tryint to come to a solution prematurely.

RULES FOR THE SPEAKER

1. Speak for yourself. DON'T TRY TO BE A MIND READER. Talk about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns, not your preceptions of the Listener's point of view or motives. Try to use "I" statements, and talk about your own point of view. "I think your a jerk" is not an "I" statement. "I was upset you forgot our date" is.

2. Don't go on and on. You've have plenty of opportunities to say all you need to say. To help the Listener listen actively, it will be very important to confine what you say to brief manageable statements. if you're in the habit of giving monologues, remember that having the floor protects you from interruptions, so you can afford to pauce and be sure that your partner understands you.

3. Stop and let the Listener paraphrase: After youve talked a short while, stop and allow the Listener to paraphrase what you just said. If the paraphrase wasn't quite accurate, you should polietly restate what was not heart the way it was intended to be heard. Your goal is to help the Listener hear and understand your point of view. This is not a test - help make sure that the Listener really hears you.

Rules for the Listener
1. Paraphrase what you hear. You must paraphase what the speaker is saying. Briefly report back what you heard the Speaker say, using your own words if you like, and make sure that you understand what was said. The key is to show your partner that you are listening by restatign what you heard. If the paraphrase is not quite right (which happens often), the Speaker should gently clarify the point being made. If you truly don't understand some phrase or exmaple, you mak ask the Speaker to clarify, but you may not ask quetsions on any other aspect of the issue unless you have the floor.

2. Focus on the Speakers message Don't rebut. In the Listener's role, you may not offer your opinion or thoughts. This is the hardest part of being a good listener. If you are upset by what your partner says, you need to edit out any response you may want to make and pay attention to what your parnter is saying. Wait until you get the floor to make your response. As the listener, your job is to speak only in the service of understanding your partner. Any words or gestures that would show your opinion are not allowed, including making faces!

Learning to be content

While I normally post on the happenings in the family (will post that later), I wanted to share some personal thoughts/feelings, I am learning that I need to share where I struggle so that I can be held accountable by those who love and care for me. I am learning that I cannot change alone and I need those around me to help.. to let go and let God be in control of my life.

God the last few months has been putting a burden on my heart that I could no longer ignore. Over the last few years I have/had grown to be quick to anger, easy to get frustrated, unhappy about what I didn't have, and just sadden because I wanted something different (yet I didn't know what it was that I wanted.) I just wanted more. If someone cut me off in traffic I'd honk the horn, if someone didn't move the minute the light turned I'd honk the horn or holler out to them.. I'd roll my eyes if someone said something I didn't agree with.. I'd look at the families who were in these huge houses that were perfectly cleaned, the perfect foods served on the table and wonder... why not me!?

Over the past few months a weight had been on my heart I was doing it all wrong. While I was so frustrated, so envious of others I had stopped being thankful for what I did have. I was not content with what God has blessed me with. So I started taking a HARD look at my life...

I get angry/upset to fast, I am quick to get defensive, and let stuff bother me... ... I'm learning to let go, learning to listen

I would be the first to put my 2 words into a fight... I am learning to be the 1st to end it a fight hopefully before it starts, to find peace on common ground

I was unhappy with the size of my house, my clothes, my furniture, my looks. I wanted bigger, better, fancier... I am learning to be thankful for a roof over my head, for my family, and that fact that we have such wonderful belongings...

I was angry that God took my dad away. That my dad isn't here to met his grand kids to be a part of their lives, that I didn't have a chance to say I'm sorry, I love you one last time to my dad... I am learning to mourn, to stop hiding my feelings and to allow myself to feel, to grieve and to cherish the memories.

I am not perfect... and there are days when it is easy to fall into old habits to want to say harsh things to someone, to honk the horn when it isn't needed... to be unhappy where God has me in life right now.... but I'm learning.

I am learning that God has me absolutely right where he wants me, and it isn't until HE is ready for me to move up in life.. or to expand in life that it will happen.... I am learning to be content in Christ right where he has me.

With a blink of the eye its monday again

I don't know where the time went, it was as if I was just at work yesterday and here I am back again. We had a wonderful weekend... and that is putting it lightly. Michele came down Friday night, and we had such a great time. It was one of those you don't really do a ton, but just relax and have fun and sometimes those are the best times. We played Adam in some Squablle Men vs. Women Scene it... and we had a blast! Who knew Adam was so updated on his magazines!

Saturday was the big day of our BBQ... to say we had a blast would be an understatement! We had a wonderful turn out. Adam had thought we'd have too much meat/food but we were left with just scraps! We had an awesome time socializing with our friends and getting some men vs women games going! Needless to say we had fun, and look forward to the next party we have at the house!

Sunday was a day of rest. Avery and I went to church, we had to attend a class for AJ's baby dedication next month. We are all set, they gave us a take home bible study to help prepare us for raising our kids in a Godly home, which Adam and I will do together. The rest of the day was a pretty lazy day. We just kind of hung out at the house picked up some, and just relaxed.... it was a wonderful way to end the weekend. And now we are back to monday!

New Brain Teasers

1. HARMgood


2. gr12"ave


3. ESGG


4. POLMOMICE


5. STAND
I


6. sitting
world

7. PENsword

Good luck and have a great weekend... will post answer to both next monday!

It's a PLOT

I swear my boys are plotting against me. Why is it, they will both go DAYS sleeping through the night, and then the last 2 nights, they both wake up around 4:30 within 10-15 minutes of each other. AJ woke up at 4:30 this morning, just smiling at me ready to go for the day (We had a 1 on 1 while he was eating so hopefully he knows that Mommy doesn't like getting up early.) While we were downstairs I hear Ave at his door "mommy" "mommy" why is it in the middle of the night you never(or rarely) hear "daddy" because Ave's too smart to know that Daddy will just sleep right through it! The Joy's of motherhood!

It's finally friday and this weekend is our big BBQ/Game night we have been planning for the last month. It should be a blast. My best friend Michele is coming down from MD tonight... it will be awesome just to have her come hang out with us... Then Saturday is BBQ day, we got the grill ready, the meats are all set to go. It should be a blast, will post monday with all the fun details! Definetly looking forward to some guy vs girls game... the ladies are going to KICK BUTT!!

Sunday we have the class for AJ's baby dedication at McLean, that should be fun.. we've been trying another church lately so it will be nice to go back and check out McLean again. Hopefully Avery will do good in his class there!

Will post more later

Brain Teaser

Something fun to pass the day... see how many you can figure out... then if you are brave enough put your answer in the comments field

Blessed...

There is no other word I could use to better describe my life. Over the past few days I came across a blog of a family in PA who had a daughter just a few months older than Avery who lost there daughter last week to rare from of leukemia... The mother a brave, strong Christian woman chronicled their journey through the disease.... a family who I have never met I have come to mourn with over the last few days. My prayers go out to this family and to all families everywhere who have loved ones young and old suffering from any awful disease. I go home at night and hug my boys and husband just a bit tighter thanking God for our health!

Last night Avery and I ran to BJ's to get gas for the grill, and to get meat for our BIG BBQ we are having on Saturday. As Avery is getting older I have such a wonderful time taking him out on errands with me etc. He helps me put things into the cart, tells me all the things he wants. We laugh, we sing, we just make a good time of it. I know there will be one day where he will be too busy for me... where he won't want to go to the store... so I cherish those moments as I get them.
Adam went with Caleb to go help our friend Noah move to the place he just bought so I had the boys to myself (I love those times). After Avery went to bed, AJ and I just played... he has the most contagious smile He swung, we sat in his bumbo seat... he even allowed me to give him some tummy time and didn't complain (well at least not right away.)






One of my aunts is going through a rough time and she asked me to make her a poster with a saying on it, which I was more than happy to do for her. But as I sit and read and reread the words I know that they things I need to put into practice more in my life also so I thought I would share with others.












Please put these people in your prayers: My Aunt Bev as she battles cancer, My Aunt Evelyn pray that she has strength through rough times, and my brother Steve and his family as they are getting ready to move that they have safe travels and settle in nicely.

The Big 3-0

So in 3 months and 6 days I turn the big 3-0! I am starting to get the swelling of the throat as I say the number. I think back over the last ummm almost 30 years and I am quite proud (if I do say so) of the accomplishments I have. I've gone on 2 missions trips, worked with the church, done children's camps... I met a WONDERFUL man had a beautiful wedding. Gave birth to 2 of the most amazing children in the world. We own a beautiful house. I could go on...

There has almost been sadness in the last 30 years, we moved from St. Louis to VA, while at the time seemed awful has turned out wonderful! My parents moved back to St. Louis leaving us here in VA where we had begun our own lives/careers. Friends have come and gone in my life, due to distance or just a change in life's directions.My grandparents on both sides have all passed. My father just 6 months after my wedding succumbed to the disease that had taken hold of him. As I approach the 3-0 for me it has been a time of assessment on my life... where I have been, where I want to go. I pray that God has been pleased with me and the life I am living in him.

Hopefully if all goes well, I will be able to go back to where I came to celebrate my birthday (St. Louis that is). With the family who I don't get to see often due to distance but is never far from my heart.

To grow old.... Is to live life to the fullest and to capture the memories in the scrapbook in my head!

A New Blog Home

So I like this format better than the one we were using so I've decided to start our journey over here. Things have been going well with the family. Last night I went to jazzercise this is my 3rd week and I'm so excited that I've been sticking with it. And I've been soo proud of Adam he's been soo dedicated to running. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without his example and dedication.

The boys have been great. It constantly amazes me how smart Avery is (okay, I'm allowed to brag every now and then.) He is growing into such a great kid. He and I play preschool games on the computer we are learning the alphabet he loves to sing his ABC's. He's got his colors down and can count up to 10!

AJ loves to talk... you start talking to him and he'll just ohh and ahh with you till no end... I love coming home and seeing his little smiling face... AND I think we've hit a milestone for the last 4 or 5 days he's been going to bed at 10pm and not waking until 5:30-6:00am... I'm starting to feel human again!

We go to McLean this Sunday for his dedication class. AJ will be dedicated at church on August 19th. Rich Hurst will be doing the dedication... it is really special for us, because you see Rich (one of the Pastors at MBC), was the one to marry us, he also did Avery's dedication... so it just makes it that much more special for him to do AJ's too. It should be nice. My mom is going to try and come up for it, which would be nice because she was here for Avery's, but if she doesn't make it we understand as it is a long way to come.

Oh I forgot to mention that Laila got spayed last friday. I was so worried all day friday of course the boys were both sick our trip was cancelled and Laila was at the vet! She came through with flying colors though. She wants to run and play like nothing is wrong... and we are suppose to keep her "quiet" for 14 days.. YEAH RIGHT!

Hand me the Lysol

So we thought that on Thursday with Avery on the mend we were in the clear of the sick germs... No, and that is putting it lightly. Friday morning a little after 12 am, I hear little AJ coughing, I look over and see that he had spit up a bit... well it wasn't spit up, he had gotten sick. Poor little guy within the next 10-15 minutes he got sick 3 more times. A quick call to the after hours doctor and we were on our way to Fairfax Hospital.. to get our little guy checked out to make sure he didn't dehydrate.
We have learned the secret to getting seen quickly (although I don't want to test the theory ever again). We arrived at the hospital a little after 1am. I check us in while Adam parks the car. As we are speaking with the lady AJ proceeds to get sick again at the check in counter.. she quickly calls back.. "we have an 88 day old who is sick" next they you know we are walking back into the ped. ER area. We are seen by a nurse the minute we walk back and within 5 mintues the doctor is in to see us. It was wonderful to see how attentive they were to AJ, and besides being ill he just smiled, and laughed at the doctor. Our sweet boy.
After getting sick a few more times, and 2 missed attempts at trying to get an IV in him... Adam and I said no more needles.. we'll just wait and let his stomach settle... at about 3:45 am, AJ was being able to keep some pedialyte down so they sent us home with hydration orders to keep up the small doses of ped. every 20 minutes.
Saturday we spent in recovery mode. While Adam and I neither had the illness like the boys did, we both had the quisy stomach... and just over all feel'n yucky. I think a lot of our issue was the lack of sleep and stress over the boys being sick. By Sunday we were all 100%, and managed to go to the park and the pool for a bit. It was a nice quiet weekend, some good quality time spent together.... although the next time I'll take the quality time without the illness!

The 4th

The 4th was a wonderful, and awful day all at the same time.
The morning started off wonderful. We got up, and Ave helped me ice/decorate cupcakes we were taking to our friends the Caleb's house. I went to jazzercise (and boy do my bones feel it to today.) Then after Avery's nap, and making mac n cheese we headed over to the Caleb's to celebrate the 4th. There was a wonderful spread of food, but by 4pm Ave was not feeling well... SO we had to make a quick dash home. The rest of the evening we spent look'n after Ave who was not feeling good (stomach bug/or something he ate, we aren't sure). With Ave sleep'n on the floor in a blanket bed in front of the TV, AJ sleep'n in his bouncer Adam and I watched the DC fireworks on TV and the firework display out our window that some neighbor somewhere was set'n off.
As we headed to be around 10:30ish we knew that Avery was on the mend. We gave him some pedialyte and he quickly told me it was "sour" and then called it "yucky water" and politely told me "no" when I asked him if he wanted anymore.... We knew then that he was on the road to recovery. So while it was an aweful day with one of our baby's under the weather, it was a wonderful day in the fact that we were still all together. I hope everybody else had a wonderful 4th!

Bonding time with the Boys

so I would have had some new pictures to put up today, except that the internet wasn't working last night. I took the cutest pictures of the boys together after I got home from work yesterday. It utterly amazes me how much Avery loves AJ. You can see the love he has for his little brother by the way he holds his hand, or kisses his forward, or even just looks at him. I hope and pray that the love, bond that they have will last through the years.
Since having AJ, we have tried to make sure that Avery has his alone quality time with each of us, and with us both so he doesn't feel left out. Which means, I will take him to the store with me, even though I know it will make a 15 minute trip a 20-30 minute trip. I have come to love that little quality time Avery and I have, talking, singing as we go up the aisle.
Last night I had to run a few errands and decided to take AJ with me alone as I hadn't gotten that alone time with him lately. I loved every minute of it, as we strolled through the aisle of Michael's and Wal-Mart getting little things we needed for the house. AJ was in his little pack I wear/carry him in... and he'd just look up at me and smile. He had been quiet for a second and I looked down and he was asleep holding my shirt... I just stopped in the aisle and watching my sleeping child and just soaked in those precious moments. I know the proudest title I have ever, and will ever wear is the title of Mom.
As we go into the 4th tomorrow I look forward to celebrating this holiday with our new expanded family of 4. How precious these holidays are, and how lucky we are to be in the land of the free. I stop and think and pray for all of our men and women who stand up and fight for our freedom every day. I am allowed to feel safe at night because of those wonderful men and women...

Non Stop

This weekend was non-stop... but it was awesome. Saturday AM Adam went go to play golf with a friend, and I got some quality time with my boys. Avery and I went to the grocery store will T.T. watched AJ. Then when Avery napped AJ and I made a peach cobbler (yummi), I had such a wonderful morning playing with the boys. That afternoon when Adam got back from golf, T.T. watched AJ and Adam and I took Avery to CLEMYJONTRI PARK . (See below to find out more about the park... or use the link to go to the website about the park. I would have to say this is probably the best park we have ever taken Avery too... shoot, probably the best park I've ever been too..
We came home Saturday night, and had the Calebs and Noah over for homemade pizza and peach cobbler... and some practice rounds of catch phrase to get ready for Game night on the 14th!
Sunday, Erica and I went for Massages.... which were absolutely wonderful. I woke up Sunday morning and every inch of my body ached... it was like my body just knew that it was getting a massage that day. After that, we met up with Chase, Mariah, and Charles at the Reston Zoo for an afternoon of fun. I think we all had a blast, I will post pictures soon of our day. The boys got to feed lambs, and goats, geese (which mommy was afraid of), an osterich, and Bubbles (will live Bubbles to your imagination right now... will post pictures shortly. ) Avery our no fear child was in the wagon right calling "here bubbles, come here bubbles" while mommy and Aunt Mariah were saying "no bubbles, you can stay away" It was just a WONDERFUL time. It will be so neat come next year when all 4 kids will be old enough to go to events like this... We look forward to many years of watching all of our kids growing up together, and close as cousins.
After the zoo, we stopped and picked up some fire works, Daddy set a few off last night, Avery liked them all, although he was a bit scared of the ones that made noise. Then it was time to get the kids ready for bed, and for mom and dad to have a few minutes, to relax before starting the next week... at least we have wednesday off.
This next weekend we are headed to Massanutten, the weekend after that is our Game NIGHT/BBQ with friends, which we are sooo looking forward to. A weekend of rest follows that and then we are off to Lancaster, PA for our small vacation!! This summer is just flying buy. It is hard to believe that little AJ will be 3 months next week... it seems like it was just yesterday that I was still pregnant, and feeling him kick in side me, and how here is here and growing like a little weed...
I love my boys (all 3 of them), I couldn't ask for a better family... God has truly truly blessed me.



This park is absolutely amazing. It is 2 acres and has all sorts of equipment for the kids to play on. The park is the dream of our benefactor Mrs. Adele Lebowitz, who envisioned this playground and park and generously donated this 18-acre property.
The name CLEMYJONTRI is derived from the donor’s four children: Carolyn (CL), Emily (EMY), John (Jon), and Petrina (Tri). It is a playground where every child is welcome

Oh sleep how I love thee

It is a rare moment when the mom of a newborn is blessed with sleep! Such was that last night. Last night I gave AJ his bottle about 9:45ish... he gobbled it up, so I swaddled him all snug.. and he was sound asleep by 10:15ish. So off to bed we went. Little man didn't wake up until 5:30 this morning... I thought I was in heaven. And it wasn't until 6ish that we heard "mommy" "daddy" as our other little doe eyed boy had woke up and was ready for the day. Alas... it is 3:30 and its time for me to go home, so today's post will be nice and short!

Oh my aching bones!

So Adam has been so wonderful about exercising... he goes out running a couple times of week with a friend... so I thought to myself its time for me to get in shape. I mean what better way for us to teach our children the importance of exercise/ fitness and eating healthy than if we live it ourselves.
SO...... off I went to Jazzercise. I was able to recruit my friend Ashley (who recruited her mom), and there we stood in this room with about 15 other women looking like we were the most uncoordinated people in the world. When they kicked left, we kicked right. I think I laughed my way through the whole first song. I hadn't realized how uncoordinated I was. By the time I got a "routine" down the song was done and it was on to the next "routine"
As class ended one of the ladies told us to take 2 aleve and a glass of wine, well I took some tylenol, finished my water and got the baby to bed and myself in bed at about 11:30. AJ decided at about 3:30 that he would be houdini and escape his blanket and found that sucking on his fingers as loud as he could was fun (that was aparent by huge smile on his face as he enjoyed his fingers). I took him down for a bottle and as I stood to get out of bed, I think every bone in my body cried out in pain! Oh what was I thinking.
Of course the 3 of us are already trying to figure out when we are going to attend again, hopefully my body will soon be more forgiving as I go more often.
Mommy Brag time:
As for the boys... Avery just amazes his daddy and me every day, with what he is learning. He knows his colors (red, blue, orange, green, yellow, purple)... he knows his shapes Circle, Triangle (working on square), he knows his name, and his brothers name... and get this, he will now tell you where he lives (will tell you his street name). He gets soo excited when we play our little learning games with him... as we all cheer and there are high 5's all around when he gets a right answer.AJ, is growing up so fast... he is getting soo good at holding up his head, and he's now found his fingers and things they are the most wonderful thing to suck on. It's soo funny because he will get fustrated if he can't get them in his mouth. He likes the pacifier, but it always keeps popping out (he stops sucking), and that makes him mad. I got him this little outfit last week that says "its my way or the highway" and this little 2 1/2 month old things that is sooo true!
Alright... I'm done bragging for the moment, I need to go and get some work done!

My Boys

I love my boys... there are no doubt the most precious things in my life. I picked Avery up from school yesterday, the highlight of my day... they were out on the playground and when he saw me... he just comes running into my arms and gives me the biggest hug his 2 year old arms can give... sometimes I wish time stood still during those moments.
They are having splash day at school today, so Avery and I went to the grocery store after I got him to get some new swim diapers and other batteries for AJ's swing. Avery is my big helper in the store... he likes to take whatever we get and put it into the back of the cart, and then hand me everything to ring up.
We got home at the sametime that Adam did... and Avery was shocked to see his daddy there to get him.
My littlest angel was sitting with TT eating when we got home... whenever I see AJ I just want to gobble him up. You can kiss on his little cheeks and he'll just SMILE! So happy and so content. I was loving life later as Avery was in bed, and AJ just fell asleep on my shoulder... is life really any better than this.
AJ is having his baby dedication on August 19th. Rich Hurst will be doing the dedication... which is actually very meaningfull for us. You see Rich is who married Adam and Me, almost 4 years ago, then 2 years ago he was the one who did Avery's baby dedication... and now he will do AJ's... we are so very excited.

Summer fun

so wouldn't you know it... AJ slept until 5:30 this morning (this was going to bed around 11/11:30 ish).... BUT it would be just my luck that Avery woke up at 4:00am, (AJ's normal wake/feed time)... I think the boys are plotting against me to make sure I don't sleep through the night!
This weekend was wonderful. It was so relaxing, not having a full "to do list". We had some quality family time, so time hanging out with friends, and so relaxing time. It was so nice on Sunday afternoon, I had just got finished cleaning, and Adam came up with the baby to our room, and we were just chilling on the bed watching TV, and Avery woke up from his nap and joined us.... it was just such a fun time, the 4 of us, just sitting on the bed watching TV... Priceless moments I have engraved in my memory.
We are soo looking forward to getting away with the boys in July. We are going the last weekend in July up to Lancaster, just the 4 of us. It should be a blast and it will be our first official vacation as a family of 4. We are soo thrilled and Adam and I are already plotting out activites to do with the boys while we are up in amish country.
2007-06-25 14:06:32 GMTComments: 1 Permanent Link

We are all doing very well. The boys are outstanding. Avery is 2 and goes to Chesterbrook Academy. He LOVES going to school and pulls Adam out the door everyday to get there.
AJ he is out little pork chop. He is mommy's little cuddle bug. He is soo happy, and is just as content as can be when he gets to hang out on your shoulder! He is doing very well at holding us head up, and if he is in his bouncy seat and sees you going to pick him up, he will lean his shoulders forward like he wants to sit up.
It's so hard to believe our boys are growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was pregnant with Avery... and he we are with 2 wonderful blessings!
Come back to see how the boys are growing and the different milestones they hit!